Checkpoints December 1997

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ABOUT OUR COVER

The new Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Michael E. Ryan, ’65, at left, shows the Air Force Bible to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Henry H. “Hugh” Shelton. General Ryan had just signed the bible after being sworn in as the Air Force’s 16th chief of staff. All former chiefs have also signed the book. For more on the new chief, see the story on page 12.

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: 719-3334194.) 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, Fall 1997.

AOG Annual Corporate Report Presented

By Dick Coppock, ’61 President and Chief Executive Officer

GENERAL—Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 ended 30 June 1997, and what a busy year it’s been. Highlighting the year was the annual election of directors to represent members of the Association of Graduates (AOG). Twelve directors were elected to fill expiring terms of their predecessors. Four of those were reelected and eight are now serving their first term on the board. Dave H. Roe, ’62, was subsequently selected to serve as board chair and Larry D. Fortner, ’59, became board vice chair; James W. Brown, ’59, secretary; and Jerry L. Smith, ’62, treasurer.

Bylaws changes approved in November 1997 will downsize future boards to 13-14 directors, with a permanent nominating committee established to identify, interview and select candidates on a continuing basis for placement on a list from which election nominees will be chosen. Associate members will also have voting rights in future elections.

The association selected one honorary member, Gregory S. Kolligian, during the year. The Colorado Springs Marriott was added to the list of corporate members, which now total 24.

ion classes,

and

desiring to be a part of the

upgrades and attendant commemorations which have made the alumni house the first-class facility it is. Paver purchases have continued to increase, and the area around Pegasus has been upgraded to provide for lower maintenance, safety and a more attractive centerpiece for the pavers’ setting.

Computer and printer equipment continue to be replaced and upgraded to meet increasing information demands and provide the necessary support for development efforts and Academy and AOG services/support activities.

FINANCES—Comparison of the FY 96 and FY 97 audits by Osborne, Parsons & Rosacker, LLP shows an increase of some $1.4 million in net assets and reduction in debt associated with construction of Doolittle Hall from $1.16 million to $919 thousand. Investments increased some $2.4 million. Net of depreciation, the value at cost of property, plant and equipment was $4.8 million. The association completed purchase of all furniture acquired in the Doolittle Hall buildout under a lease/purchase option. Life membership assets increased $988 thousand during FY 97.

MEMBERSHIP—The Class of 1997 added 507 to the membership roles. Of these, 500 (63 percent of the graduating class) were life members. An additional 329 graduates and associates became life members during the year. The association on 30 June 1997 had 24 corporate, 14 honorary and 1,100 associate members.

STAFF PERSONNEL—Permanent staff numbered 19 and part-time employees three on 30 June 1997. This represented an increase of two employees over FY 96.

PUBLICATIONS—The association published Spirit and Flight in late 1996. This beautiful book, a photographic salute to the Academy, features over 150 color photographs of the Academy by acclaimed photographer, Elizabeth Gill Lui. Sales have topped 1,700 but copies of this must-have addition to personal libraries are still available. With the purchase of Pagemaker, editor Tom Kroboth and Vikki Rhoden began preparation of the 1997 Register of Graduates, the first to be accomplished utilizing desktop publishing.

MERCHANDISING—Another sought-after Christmas ornament found its way to market in 1996, and the continuing series has built an avid group of collectors among members. Additional software items, shirts and jackets were added to the product line, and sales among reunion groups and parents showed a marked increase.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND—The popular Academy calendar proved a key incentive to supporters of the annual fund. Some $175 thousand came from over 5,200 donors, an increase of

(Continued on page 7.)

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AOG Annual Audit Report

An annual audit of the Association of Graduates was conducted by certified public accountants for the association’s fiscal year 1997 (1 July 1996-30 June 1997). The following information is intended to provide financial highlights. A complete audited report may be obtained from or viewed at the association offices at 3116 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475.

(Corporate Report: From page 5.)

$28 thousand over the previous year. This generosity permitted funding, in whole or part, six of the top 11 programs/projects on the Academy’s gift needs list.

AOG BUILDING FUND—Cash contributions totalled $556 thousand by the end of the fiscal year, and the loan from AOG Life Membership Funds was reduced $241 thousand to $919 thousand. Cadet parents continued their impressive support, and we are particularly grateful for their generosity.

RESTRICTED/ENDOWMENT

FUNDS—The Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar (CLES) Endowment became fully endowed at the $400 thousand level thanks to the generous Sabre Society contribution of $81 thousand. Semiannual seminars are now being funded solely from the earnings of the CLES Endowment.

The association sought and received a very generous grant of $900,000 from the McDonnell Douglas Foundation to make a 90-minute documentary film on American aircrew prisoners of war. The film, the brainchild of the Class of 1965, will be produced for showing on public television and will be offered for the use of all the armed services for training and its motivational value.

A new endowment, the Laura Ashley Piper Endowment Fund, was created to provide an award in her memory to a graduating cadet from Cadet Squadron 40.

SABRE SOCIETY—The membership society grew to nearly 200 members by year end. Pledged to support Academy needs with annual contributions of $1,000 per year, members responded generously to the challenge. The society, which now numbers 14 life members ($50,000 one-time gift) in its midst, completed funding of the CLES Endowment in FY 97 and also totally supported ($113,081) the top three programs/projects on the Academy’s gift needs list.

SERVICES—Some 17,000 members and a host of other constituents benefitted from association services. Open houses, graduating class receptions, Class of 2001 inprocessing, five reunions, and an everincreasing number of Academy, association and private Doolittle Hall functions occupied the working hours of every staff member. A home page came on line with numerous class links, and those seeking employment opportunities found their way to yet another Service Academy Career Conference in Washington, D.C.

Finally, taking care of its own, the association awarded Graduate Dependent Scholarships to eight deserving youths in amounts totalling $7,000. Over 70 applicants, the highest number ever, vied for the grants from the Graduate Dependent Scholarship Endowment Fund.

THE AOG BOARDROOM

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

I am writing this report prior to the next meeting of the board on Nov. 14, 1997. Therefore, there is little in the way of a report on full board activities except to observe that: our functional organization is largely set, we are continuing the initiatives and programs of the preceding board, and our various committees are gearing up to meet their mandated responsibilities. In my next report to you, I will attempt to provide an executive summary of each committee’s assigned responsibilities, progress to date, and outstanding issues or concerns.

Dave Roe, ’62

In the meantime, there are two very important and related concerns which the AOG staff, board and I share. These have to do with the level and quality of communications among the graduate community and the relatively low level of graduate membership in the AOG (approximately 50 percent).

Our primary vehicles for communication are this magazine, “Checkpoints,” and the annual Register of Graduates. We are upgrading our electronic mail capabilities and have invited chapter and society leaders to meet with the board this November to discuss various issues of mutual concern, including improving communications. The question, however, remains: Are there additional or better ways for us to sponsor meaningful dialogue among our members, and between our members and the Academy? I solicit your ideas.

Next, I ask each of you to review the membership percentage of your classmates as shown in your class newsletter in the last section of this issue of “Checkpoints.” With the possible exceptions of the Classes of ’59, ’60, ’61, ’63, ’93 and ’94, it is my opinion that all of the classes should have higher membership percentages

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, support for the Academy mission, and preservation of institutional heritage and traditions.

in the AOG. Obviously, something somewhere is awry, particularly in the 20 years of classes from 1972 to 1992. The question is—what? Is it the AOG and the services we do or do not provide? Is it the Academy? Is it the Air Force or the U.S. military in general?

I do know our AOG has spent a lot of money trying to reach nonmembers, yet these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. As we go forward and before we spend more money to try to reach these individuals, I am asking for your help. I ask that each of us identify and talk with one or two classmates who are not members (your Register will identify who the nonmembers are) to ascertain why they have not joined or why they dropped off the rolls and what, if anything, it would take to encourage them to join with us in support of each other and our school. Please convey what you learn from this effort to Jock Schwank via postcard or e-mail. I will report to you what we learn, and what we intend to do about it.

As a reference for you, I offer the following brief description of what the Association of Graduates does for graduates, members and the Academy:

AOG SUPPORT TO GRADUATES

Historical record keeping

Graduate memorialization

Chapter support

Civilian employment opportunities programs focusing on networks of graduates

Locator Services

Class reunion arrangements

Homecoming activities

Management of class funds

Scholarships for graduate dependents

Graduate education scholarships

Jabara Airmanship Award and banquet Humanitarian Fund

Cadet sabers: rentals and sales

USAFA golf course reservations for those not otherwise eligible

AOG MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Four issues of Checkpoints annually with class notes, news of USAFA, alumni affairs and articles of interest Register of Graduates published each November which has names, addresses and biographical data on all graduates

Service Academies Business Resource Directory Joint academies’ publication Lists graduate members’ civilian positions Useful for networking and obtaining services

Discounts and rebates on airline travel

Discounts on rental cars and motels

Eligibility for exceptional credit card and line-of-credit programs

Discounts at USAFA Visitor’s Center

Use of Doolittle Hall for receptions, meetings, parties and ceremonies

Wide array of unique gifts for sale, including cadet-issue clothing

AOG SUPPORT TO THE ACADEMY

Wing-Wide Programs

Class ring procurement and support

New Falcon mascot

Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminars

Soaring programs (five sailplanes)

Alcohol awareness program

BCT training awards

1984 Graduate Receives Cheney Award at Ceremony

(Submitted by Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs, Hurlburt Field, Fla.)

Maj. Marshall B. “Brad” Webb, ’84, received the 1996 Cheney Award for an extraordinary act of valor and humanitarian regard in an Aug. 7, 1997 ceremony at the Pentagon. Major Webb earned the award for his actions during the rescue and recovery operations following Commerce Secretary Ron Brown’s CT-43 crash and for his efforts to rescue Americans from Liberia’s bloody civil war. In a 72-hour period in April 1996, Webb flew recovery missions and was the mission commander in Dubrovnik, Croatia, then deployed to Africa and flew the first helicopter mission into the American Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia.

Maj. Brad Webb, ’84, accepts the Cheney Award from Lt. Gen. David L. Vesely, Air Force assistant vice chief ofstaff.

Webb and his crew flew 12 sorties, totaling 50 hours flight time, in and around Monrovia. All of the flights received hostile fire ranging from small arms to rocket-propelled grenades. He was credited with evacuating 350 people and inserted the initial security team composed of Navy SEALs and Army special forces into the embattled embassy compound.

Lt. Gen. David L. Vesely, the assistant vice chief of staff of the Air Force, presented the award to Webb in a ceremony attended by top Pentagon officers, representatives from the Riggs National Bank (the trust administrator for the Cheney Award) and 15 members of his family.

Webb, who has flown combat missions in Bosnia and Desert Storm, and until recently was stationed with the 352d Special

(The AOG Boardroom: From page 9.)

Drunk Driving Hotline

History of Women in the AF display

Honor representative recognition

Humanitarian aid to needy families

Lawrence Paul Pavilion upgrade

Religious retreats

Sijan book

Squadron improvement projects

Cadet gym scoreboard

Special Olympics

Cadet Emergency Fund

Academic Support

American Society of Civil Engineers, cadets

Academic Assembly

Cadet Wing Forum

Engineering 410 projects

How-to-study programs

Military History Symposium

Departmental Speaker Program

Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, said it was an honor to win the award, but stressed it couldn’t have happened without help.

“It’s unfortunate the award is given to just one person,” Webb said. “A lot of people made these missions happen. Without the dedicated efforts of the maintenance and logistics men and women of the 352d Special Operations Group our helicopters don’t get deployed. Without the rest of my crew we don’t get off the ground.”

The operations which earned Webb the award exemplified two extremes. “The Dubrovnik mission was tragic,” said Webb. “On the other hand, it’s extremely rewarding to do an operation like the one in Africa. We could see the faces of the people we brought out—the relief, hope and appreciation for being saved from a bad situation was written on their faces.”

The Cheney Award is named for 1st Lt. William H. Cheney, who died in an air collision over Italy in 1918. Set up by Cheney’s mother and sister in 1927, the award annually recognizes an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest performed in connection with an aircraft, by an Air Force member.

Webb is married to the former Dawna Bailey of Tomball, Texas. They have two children, Marshall, five; and Sarah, four, and are currently stationed at Maxwell, AFB, Montgomery, Ala.

Attention: Classes of 1992-1995

Greetings! In our continuous quest to improve honor education, the Honor Education Office is requesting stories from recent graduates that illustrate the importance of personal integrity in active-duty life. The stories should illustrate why our code is vital based upon your real-world experiences from having been a cadet to working in the operational Air Force. Reflect on your time since graduation and write from the perspective of “I wish I’d heard something like this while I was a cadet.” Please send your contributions to:

Capt. Steve Davis (Morgan Files)

Honor and Honor Education Division

34 TRW/CWCH 2360 Vandenberg Dr., Suite 3C18, USAFA CO 80840 or e-mail to < davisss.34cwc@usafa.af.mil >

We want to use these stories in our honor education program to make the Honor Code more meaningful to the cadets and future officers we will someday serve with.

Questions, contact Captain Davis at (719) 333-4275, DSN 333-4275 or e-mail.

Clubs and Sports

Cycling

English Channel swim

Fencing

Lacrosse

Pistol

Racquetball

Rugby

Skiing

Team Handball

Triathalon National Championship

Extracurricular Activities

Bluebards

Chorale

Competition Flying Team

Drum and Bugle Corps

Parachuting program

Ski Club

Wings of Blue Show Choir

’65 Graduate Welcomed as New Air Force Chief of Staff

By Staff Sgt. Mike Dorsey Air Force News Service

WASHINGTON—The Air Force’s new chief of staff was officially introduced during an Oct. 10 ceremony where he reflected on following in his father’s footsteps, the heritage of the Air Force and his expectations for the Air Force of the next millennium.

“If my father were here today he’d be very proud,” Gen. Michael E. Ryan said at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., “not just for our family, but for our great Air Force family to which he dedicated a lifetime of service.” Ryan’s father, Gen. John D. Ryan, served as Air Force chief of staff from 1969 to 1973.

The Air Force’s new chiefofstaff, Gen. Michael E. Ryan, and wife, Jane, at their welcoming ceremony in early October.

The new chief of staff, a graduate of the Academy Class of 1965, was officially sworn into office during a private ceremony Oct. 6, and spoke with pride and enthusiasm about the prospect of leading the Air Force into the 21st century and its role as a partner in the nation’s joint military team. He emphasized that as the Air Force celebrates its 50th anniversary as a separate service, that “separate does not mean alone or apart.”

Ryan believes today’s Air Force is much different than the one his father led, and he acknowledged the vision of past leaders who cultivated a force that is smaller, but more coherent and capable. He pointed out that for the Air Force to meet future challenges, it must be well trained, well equipped and seamlessly organized.

Ryan spoke of the Air Force’s strategic vision, Global Engagement, and the need to now “turn vision into reality.” He believes one way to do that is the advancement of the air expeditionary force concept that will change the way the Air Force thinks, organizes, deploys, supports and employs forces.

Emphasizing how active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian elements perform together as one force, he noted that men and women are the cornerstone of Air Force success. “The Air Force is also a family,” Ryan said, “and those families that succeed in the face of great challenges do so because of the great trust that develops.” Ryan added that trust must be maintained because the Air Force is charged with helping to protect the nation and entrusted with the lives of her sons and daughters to accomplish this.

The chief of staff said that for that reason, the Air Force must continue to hold its members to a high level of personal accoun-

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.

A photo of the Air Force bible with signatures of Air Force chiefs ofstaffafter being signed by Gen. Michael E. Ryan. Note his father’s signature at the top of the right-hand page. tability, support its commanders in the field and ensure its personnel have a quality of life commensurate with the nation they are sworn to defend. He reminded those in attendance that “peopie are the strength of our past and foundation of our future.”

“Jane and I are proud to represent them,” he said, “and are committed to this one team, this one force, this one family—our great Air Force.”

Then-Secretary of the Air Force Sheila E. Widnall praised Ryan as she outlined some of the challenges he will face. Citing the general’s vast experience, including his tenure as commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, she said the new chief of staff will steer the Air Force family in the right direction.

“This is not a change in direction but a reaffirmation of momentum,” she said. “He is an outstanding leader who has earned the confidence of our president.”

Ryan is the Air Force’s 16th chief of staff. He served previously as the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and commander of Allied Air Forces Central Europe. Ryan takes the place of Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, as the senior military leader in the Air Force and becomes the service’s representative on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

C1C Michael E. Ryan

He has commanded at the squadron, wing, numbered air force and major command levels, and flew 149 combat missions in Southeast Asia, including 100 missions over North Vietnam. He also served in staff assignments at the major command level, Air Force headquarters and the Joint Staff. As commander of the 16th Air Force and Allied Air Forces Southern Europe in Italy, he directed the NATO air combat operations in Bosnia Herzegovina which directly contributed to the Dayton Peace Accords.

Ryan claims San Antonio, Texas as his hometown. He and his wife, Jane, have four children: Michael, Mary Kathleen, Sean and Colleen.

LETTERS TO THE AOG

Looking for Stories, Pranks from Early USAFA Years

Dear Editor:

I am writing to elicit some help from my fellow graduates. I am starting my 12th novel, a multigenerational saga about the USAFA, taking place from 1955 to 1999. My previous books, mostly written with “Star Wars” and “X-Files” author Kevin J. Anderson, have done well—“Ignition” is being produced as a movie by Universal’s Joseph (Courage Under Fire) Singer, and “Ill Wind” will soon be out as an ABC miniseries, among others. The point is that I have a good track record, and I plan to put more effort into this USAFA book than any of my previous ones...and that is why I need your help.

I desperately need both historical information and anecdotes—in the form of stories, pranks, or just tidbits of cadet life—from the Lowry years up to about 1973, when I entered the Academy. I want to make this historical saga as realistic as possible, so information about major events, places, procedures and just about anything else that brings back memories (good and bad) would be greatly appreciated. (For the younger grads, if there is anything that they feel has radically changed since the old “brown shoe” days, then that would be useful as well.)

I can’t guarantee that I’ll use the material people send. In fact, because of the volume of anticipated mail, I won’t be able to acknowledge receipt, or return the material (ever wonder why books like Reader’s Digest have that little caveat in their submission requirements?); but if I do use someone’s material, I’ll include their name in the acknowledgement section of the book. (And of course, I can’t use incriminating or slanderous material, or even original story ideas, since as a professional writer I don’t want to get sued.)

So what’s in this for the grad who sends me material? Well, we’re all proud of our Academy, and if there is something about their cadet experience that is so special that they would like others to know about it, then here’s their chance. I’ve done the historical research, but to breathe life into a book, it needs a good smack (sorry) of reality—and that realistic touch can either come from the graduate community as a whole, or solely from my own memories and research. The book is going to be written, no matter what response I get—this is just a chance for the grads to put in their two cents worth and contribute to this project. So anyone wanting to submit material,

please e-mail me at dougbeason@aol.com or mail it to my home address: 3760 Angus Way, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Again, I won’t be able to acknowledge receipt (or return) any material, but I assure you it will become part of the creative process, whether I use it in the book or not. Thanks for your help.

Doug Beason, ’77

Cadet Sends AOG

Kudos from Poland

BG James P. Ulm (Ret) Association of Graduates General Ulm;

I would like to thank you for keeping me informed about USAFA activities through the AOG magazine. As a lifetime AOG member, I must admit that I am glad I have joined your organization during my studies at AFA. The AOG publications keep me updated on many changes within the Air Force and USAFA, but most importantly, they allow me to follow up on my friends’ military careers.

There is no doubt that the AOG is very helpful and indispensable.

Very Respectfully, Lt. P.A. Blazeusz, ’96, Polish Army

Grad Asks Support for Boxing Program

Dear Alumni,

Last spring I had the pleasure of watching some of the Air Force Academy’s premier athletes during the National Collegiate Boxing Championships at the U.S. Naval Academy. As expected, Navy came in first with a very strong team for the second year in a row. USAFA placed second with a very credible showing and winning four individual National Championship titles. It was a terrific night with numerous close bouts, an enthusiastic crowd, excellent judging, and superior sportsmanship. What really got my attention, however, was the small showing of USAFA grads.

Just how small was the USAFA contingent? Suffice it to say that it was smaller than the group supporting the University of Nevada! Surely, in the National Capital Region, we can give more support than that to a team that has won 12 National Championships in the last 17 years.

Boxing is no longer a mandatory course for physical education. For some, that is probably welcome news, but I suspect boxing had a lasting impact on many of us. For example, I recently worked at the Pentagon

with a grad who shall remain anonymous (Mark Baker, ’82). He told me about his boxing experience with a not-too-fondly related story of receiving a broken nose. The funny thing is that he kept telling me the story repeatedly over the two years I worked with him! I think it’s safe to say that the program had—and still has—a lot of lessons for the cadets that they can take forward to their Air Force careers.

Those of you who graduated in 1975 or earlier probably have not seen the dramatic change that occurred to the boxing program after Coach Eddie Weichers was hired in 1976. Many can remember unsupervised “sparring” sessions that resulted in injuries to the cadets and an incoherent and inconsistent training process. Coach Weichers not only prioritized safety in USAFA boxing, he also used his skills and experience to develop and mentor some excellent boxers.

Coach Weichers elaborated that “the goal of combatives is to put cadets in a pressure situation to teach them how to deal with stress, pressure, fear and anxiety. It’s OK to be afraid, but how one deals with fear will determine success or failure in all aspects of life. AFA is in the business of creating ‘winners and warriors’; people who can handle the pressure of combat and make sound decisions. Character and selfesteem are qualities that are built and enhanced in a combative environment.”

My wife, Vonice, and I also had the chance to attend the 1996 Nationals in Reno. Since she had only seen professional boxing on television, I was a bit apprehensive about her reaction to the sport. She was—and is—very impressed by the way Coach Weichers handles the tream. His boxers fight skillfully, they are superbly conditioned, and they never fail to box aggressively and with determination. More importantly, they handle themselves with dignity, teamwork is paramount, and their sportsmanship is a true credit to themselves, Coach Weichers, and the Air Force Academy. Win, lose, or draw, every opponent receives a smile, a hug, and a USAFA hat. It is also interesting to watch Coach Weichers and his staff working the corners for boxers that receive little support from their own colleges. It is simply an overt example of the class that Coach Weichers brings to this sport, and to Air Force Academy athletics.

It would be great to have a better showing of USAFA grads at the next National Championships. USAFA Athletic Director Col. Randy Spetman, ’76, is a strong supporter of USAFA boxing (and was a two(Continued on next page.)

CHAPTER NEWS |§

Alamo Area Chapter

Grads in the San Antonio and Central Texas area are having one of their busiest years ever. This chapter is going strong and looking for new and innovative ways to make the AOG chapter another real benefit for the USAFA graduate. By the time you read this, our local web page should have moved to our own registered domain at www.alamoaog.org. Check us out during your next web-browsing attempt and you should find a rundown on our latest activities as well as information about the chapter, our Business and Networking Group (BANG) and a selection of graduate resumes for those chapter members looking for new careers in the area.

The chapter had another successful, if somewhat smaller, gathering for our annual summer picnic at Canyon Lake this past June. Forrest James, ’88, our vice president, performed almost flawlessly on the grill. He swears that he will not forget the lettuce and tomatoes for the hamburgers if we give him one more chance next year. Admiral Les Hobgood, ’60, made sure that all the adventurous sailors in the crowd got a chance to see the lake and go for a dip from one of the Randolph Recreation Area’s finest houseboats. It was a fun family afternoon and we are hoping to spark more interest in this event for our young grads with families in the future.

As we wrapped up the picnic activities, we got into full swing in setting up our trip to the Falcons vs. Owls game at Rice Stadium in early September. The chapter took some 125 Falcon fans to the game by bus or private auto and, of course, it was our inspirational cheering that led to the total domination by Air Force even though Rice was favored. Yours truly felt like our Rice hosts deserved the “whooping” after their athletic department event planners failed to provide anywhere near the “tailgate” opportunities that they had promised. Oh well, next time we provide our own. Thanks to Les Hobgood for once (Letters: From previous page.)

time Wing Open champion!). However, budget cuts have hurt boxing as they have hurt other sports. Perhaps the AOG could afford to advertise the Wing Open, the Western Regionals, and the National Championships next year. A strong show of support would also help our cadets and give Colonel Spetman added incentive as he works to advocate this sport. One thing is certain: Coach Weichers and the boxing team deserve a salute for a job well done!

John Reed, ’77

again stepping in to fill a void for a project officer on this event. We hope to make these trips a regular affair if the Falcons are traveling to Texas to meet their “new” WAC opponents. This one was a blast.

Our next activity is our annual TriService Golf Tournament on Oct. 25 and we hope to report a second consecutive win by USAFA grads in your next Checkpoints.

By the time you read this issue, we will be actively recruiting officers and members for next year. We sure hope that all of the grads in the San Antonio and Central Texas area will consider joining us for one or more of our activities during the year. The great thing about this chapter is the range of activities—all the way from almost-monthly “get-togethers” of our BANG to our more formal Founders Day dinner in the spring. We think you will find something that suits your fancy. If you have questions or just want to chat about the AOG, give me a call or drop me an e-mail. (Harry Icke, ’66, chapter president—(830) 981-8505— e-mail: hicke@concentric.net)

Arizona Chapter

Some of our Arizona Chapter events this year included our July 4th party. Ron, ’71, and Barb Marusiak invited the Arizona Chapter to their 4th of July party for dessert, drinks, and fireworks. A big round of applause to Ron and Barb Marusiak for a fun-filled night. In October the Naval Academy Alumni Association, Arizona Chapter, challenged the AFA AOG to watch the Air Force-Navy football game and to watch the Navy grads groan.

On Nov. 15, to continue the tradition started by Ron and Barb Marusiak; Jim, ’74, and Chris Sienicki hosted the annual party for the Arizona Chapter in Phoenix (just north of Camelback).

We sold raffle tickets to win a trip for two (in conjunction with the West Point Arizona Chapter) to attend the Air ForceArmy game at the AFA over the weekend of Nov. 7-9, to watch Air Force kick some donkey! The drawing was on Oct. 15th.

We are planning on volunteering our time some Saturday morning at St. Vincent de Paul feeding the homeless. If anyone is interested, please call Ron and Barb Marusiak (602) 949-5957 or Jim Sienicki (602) 382-6351. We need a better response.

Mark your calendar for Jan. 25, 1998—John, ’81, and Debbie Mahoney have taken Roy, ’72, Hendrickson off the hook by graciously agreeing to host the annual Super Bowl party. Party time is a half hour before kickoff through the end of the game. Pot luck. Libations and beverages

provided by the Mahoneys. See address below. Call the Mahoneys if you need directions.

If you have recently moved to Arizona or have not received our mailings, please contact Jim Sienicki (602) 382-6351, sienicj@swlaw.com at Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. to be added to the mailing list. If you have not paid your yearly chapter dues ($20/year) for 1997, please send your check to John Mahoney, 545 East Campina Drive, Litchfield Park, Ariz. 85340-4226, (602) 935-0203, e-mail: 72032.304@compuserve. com. In addition, please e-mail or send your e-mail address to John Mahoney who is compiling e-mail addresses, as well as your current address and telephone number so we can better serve you and cut down on some of our mailing expenses. (Jim Sienicki, Arizona Chapter president)

Hampton Roads Chapter

The newly-formed Hampton Roads Chapter held its first meeting at the Langley AFB Officer’s Club pool on Sept. 11 to sign up members and begin chapter activities. Thanks go to Stephanie Halcrow, ’95, for setting up the meeting. We had a good turnout and lively discussions on “who did what to whom” and the next meeting will be even better when we get the word out to everyone in the area that we are here! So, if you are reading this in Hampton Roads, call (757) 838-3037, or write me at 1055 W Mercury Blvd., Ste. 312, Hampton, Va. 23666. Jimmie Jay, ’59, and his wife, Judy, got the prize for traveling the farthest to get to the meeting.

Our acting board of directors includes Robin Kozelka, ’59, also acting president; Brett Dula, ’64; Barry Creighton, ’69; Van Davis, ’77; Ken Rozelsky, ’84, also acting vice president; Marcus Quint, ’86; Patty Rinaldi, ’88; Rene Leon, ’91, also acting secretary; Stephanie Halcrow, ’95, also acting treasurer; and Lisa Cherry, ’96, also acting programs committee leader. When we really get organized, we’ll hold elections to officially fill these positions.

Chapter members planned to attend the Air Force-Navy game in Annapolis on Oct. 11 and we filled up the chartered bus for the trip. Thanks to the Capital Chapter, Lisa Cherry was able to get tickets and arrange for us to participate in their tailgate party.

Gen. Dick Hawley, ’64, Air Combat Command commander at Langley AFB, will be the guest speaker at our first luncheon tentatively scheduled for Feb. 4, 1998. We will advertise time and place when they firm up. We look forward to serving the USAFA graduates, parents, and candidates

in the Hampton Roads area. (Robin Kozelka, ’59)

North Texas Chapter

Now that we are at the end of September and still waiting for our 100 degree days to start cooling off, we’re enjoying Air Force football again and ready for several North Texas Association activities. We had a contingent of North Texas grads head south to Houston on Sept. 6th to witness Air Force steam over Rice! A big thanks to H. Ownby, ’69, for all his coordination efforts.

We sent out over one thousand postcard invitations to North Texas grads to enjoy our Texas-size annual Fall BBQ at Jerry, ’63, and Ellen Ahmann’s home and corral on Sept. 20th. The food, beverages, and watching AF vs. CSU on the big screen were all great; thank you Jerry and Ellen for once again being such great hosts!

Oct. 1st was our first gathering of the Service Academy Business Networking and Career Enhancement Conference at the Dallas-Ft. Worth Hilton. The purpose was to provide a local means for career Air Force, Army, and Navy grads to network their business or provide career enhancement opportunities. We plan to complement this with monthly Air Force, Army, and Navy business breakfasts.

We looked forward to gathering with Navy alumni at “Friday’s” at The Ballpark in Arlington on Oct. 11th to have lunch and watch Air Force put on a clinic for Navy football. We’ve scheduled a similar gathering with Army alumni at the “Stadium Cafe” in Addison on Nov. 8th. Sure hope this will be Air Force’s year for a return to glory with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

The fifth annual Service Academy Golf Classic was at the Trophy Club again this year on Oct. 19-21. Many thanks to Jerry and Ellen Ahmann for hosting all the committee metings and heading up this year’s tournament. Jerry runs a committee of Air Force, Army, Navy and Merchant Marine grads who assist all year in organizing this three-day event. Our hats off to the following Air Force committee members for helping to raise $20,000 for each of the past several years for the four academy athletic funds: MG Ed Rafalko, ’45, USMA (former USAFA Athletic Director); Jerry and Ellen Ahmann, A1 Richardson, ’66; Lance Ammon, ’70; Dave Brigman, ’71; Ron Hale, ’71; Rob Wayne, ’74; Duke Ramey, ’74; Joy Reemtsma (Bill, ’63—tournament founder), and Jeff Wilson, ’80. Sincere thanks also to all the Air Force grads who participated or helped sponsor the tournament; the athletic funds of the academies benefit because of you.

On Nov. 15th, Air Force, Army, and Navy alumni gathered at the Jesuit High School football field for our Annual Alumni Flag Football games. Thanks go to Tom Stites, ’72, for organizing the Air Force team and keeping us in contention to beat

both Army and Navy; we’ve been close to winning all of our games the last two years. Our thanks to Bill Brandt, ’77, for doing the initial legwork to get us on-line with a web page; we’re not quite there yet, though, but hope to be up and running by the end of the year. We plan to have a link to the USAFA web page. If you have any ideas for the web page, please pass them on to Bill.

Here’s wishing all of you a very enjoyable and happy Holiday Season! (Jeff Wilson, '80, president, North Texas Association of AFA Grads)

How To Request Academy Staff as Speakers

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

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

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

Northwest Florida Chapter

The faithful followers of Falcon football gathered to watch the shutout of Colorado State at a local sports bar. The wrist scars had healed enough from last year’s collapse, but, the battle cry was “no lead too large—no time too small.” The San Diego State passing attack will prove the fortunes for the rest of the season and elaborate plans for a Navy get-together are in motion. A lot of folks in the chapter are also attending their respective class reunions.

The chapter again participated in an update from Capitol Hill for our local congressman, Joe Scarborough, a second-term Republican with strong defense leanings through Eglin, Hurlburt and NAS Pensacola. Nine local organizations such as AFA, Old Crows, AOG, etc., combine forces to sponsor major events for key personnel with wide appeal.

A special luncheon was conducted on

Sept. 18 to honor the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. The guest speaker was the new AF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) leader, Maj. Gen. Charlie Holland, Class of 1968. He recently returned from Camp Smith as commander, Special Operations, Pacific, and highlighted the numerous activities over the past few years where the use of special operations equipment and personnel are used as the first presence in a theater or country.

Eglin AFB was the site of a final Air Force salute extravaganza over the period Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, 1997. Events started with the annual American Defense Preparedness Association (ADPA) symposium on Oct. 29 followed by a firepower demostration, Eglin Open House with the Thunderbirds, AFA Scholarship golf tournament and a Bob Hope Benefit Special with the legendary entertainer. The nine organizations previously mentioned for the Congressional dinner were also active in assisting the planning and execution of these multiple events. (R.E. Blake, ’59)

Puget Sound Chapter

Greetings from the Pacific Northwest. The grads of the Puget Sound area have been planning out another year of activities. We started the summer off with a blast. In June a group of about 20 grads, spouses, and friends got together, enjoyed some food, drank some beer, and decided it was time to shake things up. So we had a change-of-command ceremony, reconfirmed our goals, and started planning the events for the ’97/’98 calendar. Art Kerr, ’61, courageously accepted the role of president relieving Richard Beldon, ’69, of his duties. Our thanks to Richard for all the hard work and guidance he has provided over the years. It was great having him lead the chapter.

In August we got together at Randy Gresham’s, ’67, house to enjoy a performance by the Blue Angels as they flew over Lake Washington. About 25 grads and friends watched the performance during our annual Sea Fair event. It was a glorious day in Seattle and a good time was celebrated by all.

In November the chapter sponsored the annual Joint Service Academy Dining Out at the College Club in Seattle. USAFA grads and friends joined grads of Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Kings Point for an evening of good cheer. Congressman Rick White of Washington’s First Congressional District was scheduled to speak. In early winter we’ll be holding the chapter’s “Dark Ages Party.” This is our yearly “winter” get-together that is traditionally held in the spring. Someday, we’ll get the schedule right.

The chapter’s membership drive is still active. If you’re interested in joining us please contact Art Kerr at 425-836-0506 or Joe Cavazzini, ’82, at 425-742-7630. (Joe Cavazzini)

Huge “Spirit of ’76 ” Mural

The “Spirit of ’76” mural is becoming a reality! In fact, by the time you read this article, an incredible mural painted by Mike and Donna Esch, measuring a total of 320 feet long by 40 feet tall, will be completed and hung along the west wall of the indoor track in Clune Arena. The mural is bordered by the Academy Honor Code and Core Values, and depicts life as a cadet over the four years.

The incredible Colorado landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop to the cadet activities in the foreground, showcasing the mountains against which cadets measure themselves daily. But the mural also serves to remind cadets to look beyond themselves and their daily activities, to look to their futures in the Air Force and to prepare themselves for the wonders of space.

For graduates, the mural evokes a multitude of memories, from basic training and athletic achievement, to classroom rigors and the elation of graduation. Visitors to the Academy will be struck by the pace of life represented within the mural. This amazing painting provides insights into the rigor and diversity of the training cadets endure.

For many, this will be their First, and perhaps only, glimpse into the four year marathon of cadet life. The tremendous size of the mural reminds all of the magnitude of the Academy’s influence upon the lives of cadets and graduates.

Thanks to the generous donations from the Class of ’76, the Athletic Department is proud to display this original and striking piece of art. Col. Randy Spetman wishes to thank each member

Depicts Cadet Life, Values

of ’76 for supporting this project. The “Spirit of ’76’’ remains a vibrant force at the Academy, inspiring cadets, graduates, and visitors alike through this powerful testimony to the cadet experience.

The huge “Spirit of ’76” mural on the west wall of the indoor track in Clune Arena dwarfs key coordinators of the project. From left are Col. Randy Spetman, ’76, Academy athletic director; Class of 1976 president

Join and Support Your Local AOG Chapter/Society

Do you want to know what is happening with graduates in your area? Are you interested in establishing ties with the local graduate community and with the Academy? In addition to social activities, many chapters/societies provide mentor services, jobsearch information, and business networking. Take advantage of the opportunities that exist. Contact your local chapter/society for information on meetings and activities.

CHAPTER presidents

(Alpha Order by Chapter Name)

As of Nov. 1, 1997.

Col (Ret) Harold Icke, ’66

Alamo Area Chapter

San Antonio

101 Kendall Ridge Boerne, TX 78015

Mr James J. Sienicki, ’74

Arizona Chapter Phoenix, AZ

Snell & Wilmer

One Arizona Center Phoenix, AZ 85004-0001

Mr Chuck Winter, ’72

Atlanta Chapter

Atlanta, GA

355 Wheatridge Drive

Roswell, GA 30075-1387

BGen Tome Walters, ’70

Capital Chapter

Washington, DC

P.O. Box 46761

Washington, DC 20050

Mr Jim Lyons, ‘68

Great Lakes Chapter

Erie, PA

Con Search

911 Poplar St

Erie, PA 16502-1253

Maj (Ret) Richard Buschmann, ’72

Greater Chicago Chapter

Chicago, IL

2159 Riverlea Circle

Naperville, IL 60565-2489

Mr Michael J. Galbreath, ’64

Greater New York Chapter

New York City, NY

18 Woodside Drive

Greenwich, CT 06830-6730

Col Robin M. Kozelka, ’59

Hampton Roads Chapter

Langley, VA 4 Bessies Landing Drive

Poquoson, VA 23662-1004

Dr Dean Bristow, ’60

Medical Chapter

Worldwide

301-3 Warton Lane

Fayetteville, NC 28314

Mr Maurice Ecung, ’68

Mohawk Chapter

Rome, NY

208 W Pine St

Rome, NY 13440

Col Brian Kessler, ’70

New England Chapter

Hanscom AFB, MA

8 Andrews Circle

Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2602

LtCol (Ret) Gary L. Nordyke, ’68

New Mexico Chapter

Albuquerque, NM 6009 Los Hermanos Court NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111-1154

Mr Jeffrey M. Wilson, ’80

North Texas Chapter

Dallas-Ft Worth, TX

P O Box 866791

Plano, TX 75086

Mr Chuck Reed, ’70

Northern California Chapter San Francisco, CA

Reed, Elliott, Creech & Roth

99 Almaden Blvd, 8th Floor

San Jose, CA 95113

Mr Paolo Pappalardo, ’79

Northern Indiana Chapter

Carmel, IN

1110 Harvest Court

Carmel, IN 46032

Col (Ret) Robert Blake, ’59

Northwest Florida Chapter

Shalimar, FL 6 Pebble Beach Dr.

Shalimar, FL 32579-1624

Mr Ken Wentzel, ’64

Orange County Chapter

Los Angeles, CA 1428 Keel Drive

Corona Del Mar, CA 92625-1239

Mr Henry Johnson IV, ’79

Oregon Chapter

Portland, OR 14966 SE Lone Oak Lane

Portland, OR 97267-1720

Col (Ret) Arthur Kerr, ’61

Puget Sound Chapter Seattle, WA 22133 NE 26th Place

Redmond, WA 98053

LtCol (Ret) Bernard J. Amels, ’66

Rampart Chapter

Colorado Springs, CO 1045 Allegheny Dr.

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Mr Michael E. Quinton, ’62

San Diego County Chapter

San Diego, CA

501 W Broadway, Suite 710

San Diego, CA 92101

Mr Robert G. Mansfield, ’77

San Jacinto Chapter Houston, TX

5607 Spring Lodge Drive

Kingwood, TX 77345-1467

BGen (USAFR) Ed Mechenbier, ’64

Southwest Ohio Chapter

Dayton/Wright Patterson AFB, OH 3342 O’Hara Drive

Beavercreek, OH 45434-7301

Mr David O’Brien, ’64

Space Coast Chapter

Patrick AFB, FL 4095 Turtle Mound Road Melbourne, FL 32934-8502

Col (Ret) Andrew W. Biancur, ’60

Utah Chapter

Salt Lake City, UT 4174 E. Cumorah Drive

Salt Lake City, UT 84124

SOCIETY CONTACTS

Lindsey S. Pardun, ’79

Air Force Academy Society of Colorado

Denver, CO 1031 West 15th Avenue

Broomfield, CO 80020

Maj (USAFR) Glenn D. Seitchek, ’83 Air Force Academy Society of North Carolina

Raleigh, NC

1211-307 Westview Lane

Raleigh, NC 27605-3216

Col (Ret) James R. East, ’67

Air Force Academy Society of Washington, D.C. P.O. Box 6451 Springfield, VA 22150

Enrique Saa; AOG president and CEO Dick Coppock, ’61; and artist Mike Esch.

SECAF Sheila Widnall Announces Departure

WASHINGTON (Air Force News Service)—After four years piloting the service toward success in the 21st century, the secretary of the Air Force announced in early September that she was leaving her post effective Oct. 31.

Sheila E. Widnall, announcing her decision to resign as the Air Force’s top civilian leader, said she will return and resume duties in the senior administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Widnall was the associate provost of MIT and a member of the faculty for more than 28 years before becoming secretary of the Air Force Aug. 6, 1993.

During her four years as secretary, the Air Force has had many achievements, challenges and changes. Her hands-on leadership style is credited with articulating the Air Force’s core values and core competencies. She also commissioned the 50-year technology outlook known as New World Vistas and guided the planning effort, Global Engagement.

Also at the end of her term, Widnall and the rest of the Air Force have seen success in the once-troubled C-17 airlifter program, and the first flight of the F-22 air dominance fighter.

Besides co-chairing the Department of Defense Task Force on Sexual Harassment, she has championed Air Force leadership in space, including modernization of space launch through development of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle and missile warning through the Space-Based Infrared System.

The Air Force is also in the first stages of developing an airborne laser system. “It has been an honor for me to serve with the professional men and women—both military and civilian—in the United States Air Force,” Widnall said. “What has impressed me the most is the exceptional caliber of the people serving in today’s military.

“America can be proud knowing the Air Force is wellpositioned to enter the 21st century.” The secretary added, “I take particular pride in the fact that I was able to serve as the first

Graduates Selected for Lieutenant Colonel Regular Air Force (Line Officers)

Randy

Gary L. Plumb

Michael C. Ryan

Maurice E. Salcedo

Thomas J. Schluckebier

Class of 1983

Christopher C. Bogdan

Norman J. Brozenick Jr.

William J. Changose

Bruce R. Dewitt

Terry M. Featherston

Robert C. Nolan II

James N. Post III

Jeffrey Yuen

Craig A. Hughes

David C. Johnson

Jeffrey G. Lofgren

David E. Petersen

Robert N. Polumbo

John F. Thompson

Class of 1985

Steven J. DePalmer

Ian R. Dickinson

Yulin G. Whitehead

woman service secretary. It has always been my intention to see the Air Force through its 50th anniversary and then return to academia.

“I am excited about returning to MIT and will look back on my tenure as secretary with great pride and a strong sense of satisfaction.” (The Academy Spirit.)

Moving On Up

Recently-resigned former Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall “gets a lift” from members of the Academy’s Cadet Wing during the Falcons’ Aug. 30th football game against the Idaho Vandals. The cadets passed Widnall and Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom to the top of the stadium. Widnall was visiting the Academy to attend a parade honoring Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, then Air Force chief of staff, Parents’ Weekend activities andpresentations made during the football game. The Secretary also hiked Pikes Peak with Academy members Sunday. (Photo by Senior Airman Brad Milliman courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

History Mentor

Women Airforce Service Pilots member Betty Jo Reed describes the new WASP statue on the Academy Honor Court to Cassie, daughter of Master Sgt. Bonnie and Robert Houston, following its dedication Sept. 4. (Photo by Senior Airman Brad Milliman courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Arizona Senator Receives T.D. White Defense Award

By Airman 1st Class Richard Komurek Academy Spirit

Arizona Sen. John McCain received the 36th Thomas D. White National Defense Award during a parade ceremony on Oct. 18 at the Stillman Parade Field. The T.D. White Defense Award was established March 1,1962 by officials at the Academy and is given annually to an American citizen who has contributed significantly to the national defense and security of the United States.

There are no restrictions on who may receive the award and it is typically given to a person in the fields of science, technology, leadership, management, national or international affairs. It is normally not awarded to active-duty military members.

McCain, the son and grandson of admirals, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958 and served 23 years as a naval officer. An A-4 Skyhawk pilot during the Vietnam War, McCain was shot down over Hanoi in 1967 and remained a prisoner of war f or more than five years. While in captivity he suffered many inju: s. After returning from Vietnam, he was awarded several milk ry decorations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The senator gave a speech (see following text) expressing his gratitude for the award, recalling his Naval Academy midshipman days and his Vietnam War experiences. He also discussed the lessons of patriotism, the concept of honor and his concerns regarding the public’s distrust of politicians.

Former recipients of the T.D. White Award include Bob Hope, Sens. Barry Goldwater and Sam Nunn and Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

“I’m very honored to receive this prestigious award and be in the company of such distinguished individuals,’’ said the Vietnam veteran. McCain, who served two terms as a U.S. representative, is currently serving his second term as an Arizona senator and is the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. He also serves on numerous senate committees and was the National Security Advisor to the 1996 Dole/Kemp presidential campaign.

McCain takes a key interest in current issues regarding America’s national defense. “The biggest issue regarding America’s defense today is the transition from the Cold War to the post-Cold War,” McCain said. “We went from a dangerous but predictable situation to an unpredictable one with many challenges.”

McCain, who was recently named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People in America,” by Time magazine, was a top contender to be Bob Dole’s running mate in 1996 and is expected to make a bid for the presidency in the future. The senator however, is not committing himself to being president just yet. “I won’t

decide on a presidential bid until after the 1998 elections,” he said. The text of Senator McCain’s speech follows:

Thank you. This is quite an unexpected honor for a Naval Academy midshipman who graduated fifth from the bottom in the Class of ’58. All those years ago, when I was a midshipman, I indulged in the normal daydreams of a young man about what kind of honors awaited me in later life. However, I assure you that never in my wildest flights of youthful fancy did I imagine that someday I would be honored to give the commencement address at a service academy, as I was several years ago at Annapolis, or that I would be the recipient of this prestigious award from the Air Force Academy. But an old man learns what a young man seldom appreciates: that life is rich with irony and unexpected twists of fate, and is all the more fascinating for them.

I might add that, as thrilled as I am by this award, my gratitude would have been all the greater had your football team done me the favor of losing to the Naval Academy this season. Alas, it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, I am as humbled by this award as were those good midshipmen whom you so cruelly defeated last Saturday.

As you all know, I still make my living at public expense. No longer a naval aviator, I now answer to the title, “Senator.” That word is less a form of address these days than it is an epithet. But I entered politics with some of the same expectations that I had when I was commissioned an ensign. First among them was my belief that serving my country was an honor, indeed, the most honorable life an American could lead.

I believe that still. Regrettably, many Americans do not. Many Americans hold us in contempt and admonish their children to avoid the temptation of a political career. While I may make light of the public’s distrust for us, in truth, it disturbs me greatly. I think that we have incurred the public’s distrust because we have forgotten the lessons of patriotism which were, once upon time, taught to every American. Those lessons are not so common as they once were. But they are still taught in a few places. They are still taught here. And the most important of the

Showing Them How It’s Done

Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, ’73, commandant of cadets, demonstrates his bed-making proficiency to cadets. A group of cadets had discussed with the general how long it takes to make a bed for a morning inspection. The cadets explained, to make a bed properly, it takes almost two hours. Lorenz said it had been 25 years since he had made a bedfor an inspection and he c->uld do it in less than 30 minutes. The cadets called him on his statement and asked him to come down to Cadet Squadron 11 and show them. The general made a bed in 15 minutes and 11 seconds, while a first andfourth class cadet teamed up to make the bed in seven minutes and one second. (Photo by Walt Scott courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Sen. John McCain accepts the T.D. Trophy from Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Richard Komurek courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

lessons, the one which the Academy works hard to impart to everyone who enters here, is that to love your country means you must risk your own self-interest.

Politicians will start to repair their public image when we show the peopie that we are not afraid to take risks for our country. We must not value the privileges of power so highly that we use that power unfairly, and subordinate the country’s interests to our own comfort. I was taught that long ago, by better men than me.

I am the son and grandson of admirals. My grandfather was an aviator; my father a submariner. They were my first heroes, and their respect for me has been the most lasting ambition of my life. The lessons I learned from them about honor were reaffirmed by the traditions of our service academies, and by my subsequent experiences as a naval officer.

The most enduring truth I learned was that honor was not synonymous with public acclaim. Virtue is not determined in moments of public attention to our behavior. Courage, devotion, humility, compassion—all the noble qualities of humanity—are not practiced in pursuit of public approval. They are means to much nobler ends. And they are ends in themselves, “Character,” said a 19th Century evangelist, “is what you are in the dark.”

I have always found that the most difficult choices between honor and dishonor occur when no one is watching; when only you know if you have done right or wrong. For a politician, that presents a dilemma, for we like to have our virtue affirmed in the public spotlight. But no matter how clever you are in crafting a public image of integrity, if that image is false, the truth will eventually emerge and usually sooner than later.

What few accomplishments I have achieved as a politician, I did by convincing my colleagues that I was acting for a higher purpose than selfinterest or, more accurately, that self-interest and principle are not necessarily conflicting objects of politics. As I said, I had learned that lesson before I started in politics. I learned it from my family, from the Navy, and I learned it in war. But I do not believe war or even military service are the only means to honor. God grants us all the privilege of having our character tested and our honor affirmed. The tests come frequently. We all fail some, but, hopefully not most of them. They come as often in peace as in war; as often in private as in public.

But for me, many of those tests came in Vietnam; the only war I fought in, and the place where I learned much of what I know about honor. I do not cherish a romantic remembrance of war. All wars are awful. When nations seek to resolve their difference by force of arms a million tragedies ensue. Nothing, not the valor with which it is fought nor the nobility of the cause it serves can glorify war. Whatever is won in war, it is loss that the veteran remembers most keenly.

In his poem, “The Old Men Admiring Themselves in the Water,” the great Irish poet, Yeats, wrote this verse:

“I hear the old, old men say

All that’s beautiful drifts away

Like the waters.”

Though I am, thankfully, not yet stuck with the appellation “old, old man,” I grow closer to that rank than my much enjoyed and terribly misspent youth. And I take Yeats’ point. Like most people, when I reflect back on the adventures, joys and beauty of youth, I feel a longing for what is lost and cannot be restored. But though the happy pursuits and casual beauty of the young people prove ephemeral, something better can endure, and endure until our last moment on earth. And that is the honor we earn and the love we give when we sacrifice with others for something greater than self-interest.

We cannot choose the moments. They arrive unbidden by us. We can choose to let the moments pass, and avoid the difficulties they entail. But the loss we would incur by that choice is much dearer than the tribute we once paid to vanity and pleasure.

I knew many men whose moments arrived in Vietnam, and who in their answer set a standard of honor that few could surpass. And I will always be grateful to my Creator, that I was allowed to stand witness to such love and honor. Every veteran remembers those friends whose sacrifice was eternal. Most veterans have at one time or another been called a hero, and it is at that moment we feel most keenly the memory of friends who did not come home to the country we loved so dearly. I cannot help but wince when heroism is ascribed to me. For I once saw men pay a much higher price for that honor than was asked of me.

I am grateful to have come home alive. I prayed daily for deliverance from war. No one of my acquaintance ever chose death over homecoming. But I knew some men who chose death over dishonor. The memory of them, of what they bore for their country helps me see the virtue in my own humility, and to find honor in that humility.

Many years have passed since I learned that lesson. But I have not let the privileges of my present life obscure the memory of what I saw a long time ago, in another walk of life. And in recent years when occasions arrived to choose between honor and something appealing but ephemeral,

the choice was made easier by the memory of those who once made much more difficult choices, and accepted the hard consequences.

Last November, I had occasion to recall an example of courage and honor that struck in me a deep chord of remembrance that no matter how much we invest in advancing careers, professional success or failure is ultimately insignificant to our self-respect, and our peace of mind.

I had been asked to make brief remarks at a small, moving ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The occasion was the dedication of a memorial to the Marines who fought in the last combat action of our war in Indochina—the rescue of the crew of the Mayaguez, the American ship that had been seized by the Khmer Rouge.,

I don’t know how many of you remember the rescue and the losses we suffered in its execution. Among the casualties was one Marine fire team which was mistakenly left behind, almost certainly alive, the details of whose fate we may never know, but who probably continued to fight for days, even weeks, before all trace of them disappeared.

That tragic, closing episode in our long engagement in Vietnam is not ranked in the first order of American battles. It was a quick, confused engagement which did not go according to plan. Except for its brevity, the Mayaguez rescue could have served as a fitting metaphor for the whole of our war in Southeast Asia.

Like the war, the Mayaguez incident is recalled, when it is recalled at all, more for its mistakes than for the lessons of duty and honor exemplified in the conduct of the men who fought it. That is unfortunate. For in that encounter, as in the war that preceded it, Americans fought for love and honor, and their service should be remembered in this country as an affirmation of human virtue and a priceless element of our national self-respect.

When the time came for them to answer their country’s call and fight on a field they did not know, they came. And on that small island they served well the country that sent them there. In the fog of a hard battle gone wrong, they held high a lantern of courage and faith that illuminated the way home with honor. Where they rest is unknown, but their honor is eternal, and lives in our country for so long as she remains worthy of the sacrifice of such brave men. They were family and friends to some; heroes to us all—who lived, fought and died for the love and honor of a free peopie.

“All that’s beautiful drifts away,” except love and honor. And that, my friends, makes all the difference, all the difference in the world.

Thank you.

1977’s 20th Rocks

Reunion Draws Close to 400 Class Members

By John J. Michels, Jr., ’77

On three crystal-clear Colorado days, close to 400 members of the Class of 1977 celebrated old ties and new looks in recognition of the class’s 20th anniversary. The weather, the cadets, and even the Falcon football team cooperated to bring off a stunninglysuccessful weekend under the careful preparation and tutelage of the 20-year reunion committee. My thanks and the thanks of all who participated go out to Bill Rhoden, committee chair, and his energetic staff of John Buckley, Dan Hinken, Frenchy Fernand, Jim Fucillo, Jay Joiner, Dave McKenney, Roy Nici and Horst Roehler for a successful and well-managed event.

The nucleus of the festivities was the Marriott Hotel, which was literally engulfed in a swirl of activity beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Within the hotel it was impossible to walk more than 10 feet in any direction without stopping to talk to someone “last seen long ago.’’ I watched the years literally fall away as friends and squadron-mates who had not seen each other since the day we threw our hats in the air talked over the events in their lives as if they lived across the street from each other.

Rhodie and his cohorts designed an entertaining and memorable series of activities for the returnees. Each day began with a continental breakfast that challenged the mnemonic capacity of everyone as we tried to recognize familiar faces who had just staggered out of bed. On Thursday, the first formal day of activities, the gamblers in the group jumped in a bus and headed out for a day of “gaming” in now-liberated Cripple Creek. The real risk-takers, however, were to be found stumbling through the Garden of the Gods on a walking tour that should have been pleasant and cool. True to Colorado style, the temperature climbed into the upper 80s and those of us who came dressed expecting chilly fall weather found ourselves trying to take off as much clothing as possible without complete embarrassment. Those who didn’t get enough punishment on the Garden of the Gods tour spent the afternoon climbing the side of North Cheyenne Canyon on a steep mountain trail that led to an

overlook of Seven Falls. Your humble narrator struggled through both “treks” and as I panted heavily up and down the slopes, unbidden memories of BCT and oxygen starvation entered my head. Stopping only to throw rocks at the wildlife, I walked back down the canyon, regretting the fact that I had packed only one tube of Ben-Gay for the entire week. Someone commented that it was a good thing our wives were along, because otherwise he would have flashed back to unfortunate memories of other times and treks under much-less pleasant conditions.

The hikers returned to the hotel at approximately the same time the gamblers sauntered in from their air-conditioned mountain sojourn. The roar that engulfed the hotel each night during the no-host social reminded everybody of Mitchell Hall as 672 grads and their spouses all tried to talk at the same time. Combined with the dryness in the air, the nonstop talking also served to render everyone almost completely hoarse by the end of the third day.

The Friday program was designed to bring back memories. The cadet area was open and those grads who couldn’t or wouldn’t get a slot for the golf tournament walked their families around the “campus,” pointing out places of particular infamy. Most of us marveled at the renovations going on in Vandenberg and Sijan, and at the “new look” for the cadet rooms. In the afternoon, the class received a series of briefings from the superintendent, commandant, vice dean, and athletic director that were frank and informative. I think we all emerged from the confines of Arnold Hall hopeful about the Academy’s future and confident that the current administration is aware of the many challenges facing the institution both from within and without.

For me and many others the most moving event of the reunion was the graduate/cadet memorial ceremony late Friday afternoon. It has been a difficult six months at the Academy, with half a dozen cadet fatalities. Following the reading of the names, punctuated by the calls of “absent, ma’am” from individual sponsors, Taps and the missing-man formation completed the ceremony. In final tribute, the Academy band played the third verse of the Air Force song, while the graduate classes spontaneously sang the words.

The program listed the next event as “Banquet and Dance.” It was half-right. We did have a banquet, although I really can’t remember very much about the food, given the fact that I was trying to carry on 15 conversations at one time with people at the surrounding five tables. For some reason, the music man never did show up to spin his records. Not put off by the lack of an adequate sound system, flashing lights, CD player, or talent for singing, Bill Brandt and Dave Reiner decided to clear the room by singing old TV theme songs. After Dave’s ear-shattering rendition of the theme to the “Flintstones” someone mercifully pulled the microphone cord and effectively ended the “hearing damage” portion of the evening. Actually, everyone there was lucky, Sonia was trying to get me to go up and sing “Green Acres” with her after Dave was finished.

Weather for the parade on Saturday morning was again perfect. We all stepped out front and stood at a passing semblance of attention while 40 squadrons marched in front of us. Having stood with our knees locked and staring at the designated “white shirt” in front of us, several of the group decided after the parade that it would be enjoyable to join the “fun run” through Jack’s Valley. I passed on the opportunity— the words “fun” and “run” have never appeared together in any sentence that I have uttered. The participants later returned looking like they had just run the combat assault course, which, in a way, they had. The running trail had apparently been blazed by members of the cadet Extreme Sports Team but was later abandoned because it was too difficult. Nontheless, ’77’s representatives completed it with no fatalities.

(Continued on next page.)

Jabara Airmanship Award Recognition

Winners and Jabara family members gathered during Homecoming 1997 at the Jabara Recognition Dinner at Doolittle Hall. From left are Maj. Eddie Waters, ’85, 1995 Jabara A ward winner; Col. Marc Felman, ’76, 1988 winner; Lt. Col. Dave Scott, ’78, the current 1997 winner; Lt. Col. (USAR) James Jabara, son ofCol. James Jabara, for whom the award is named; C4C Nicholas Jabara, son ofLt. Col. Jabara; Lt. Col. Bob Donnelly, ’77, 1996 winner; and Col. Jim Sills, ’74, 1994 winner. The award is namedfor Col. James Jabara, America’sfirstjet ace and second leading ace in the Korean War, and honors a USAF Academy graduate whose contributions directly related to an aerospace vehicle or component sets him or her apartfrom their contemporaries.

Cadets Attend Women in Military Memorial Dedication

By C1C Caroline Bong and C1C Mona Alexander

The U.S. Air Force Academy received strong representation at the recent dedication of the Women in the Military Service For America Memorial in Washington, D.C. held from the 16th to the 19th of October. Ten female cadets and one officer attended the event on behalf of the Academy. The officer-in-charge, Maj. Suzanne Smith, said, “The trip went very well—the cadets presented themselves with professionalism and poise throughout the weekend, and represented the Academy very well.”

Cadets participated in an Air Force luncheon on Friday during which C1C Lindsay Kaun and C1C Jaime Melton sat at the head table with Gen. Michael Ryan, Dr. Sheila Widnall, Maj. Gen. Susan Pamerleau, and Col. Lorraine Potter. Other cadets were honored to sit amongst 1,300 women who served in WW I and WW II, as well as women who are currently serving. The luncheon recognized the struggles that some of the first women had to face to gain the right to serve in the military for our country and the fight for the equality that women experience today.

Maj. Gen. Susan L. Pamerleau with the 10Academy cadets who attended the Women in the Military Service For America Memorial Air Force Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Washington, D.C.

Saturday’s big event centered around the actual dedication of the memorial. The President of Women in Military Service For America Memorial, Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret), kicked off the ceremony with a welcome speech. The most memorable speaker was Frieda Mae Greene Hardin. She entered the U.S. Navy in September 1918 and was the first woman in the military. She was discharged in August 1920 as a Yeoman First Class. At 101 years of age, she inspired the audience with her pride in the military and her “Go for it!” attitude. C1C Joycelyn Powe said, “Despite her age, she exhibited the spirit and drive that all military members (women and men) should have. She is an example of patriotism and dedication.” Vice President A1 Gore gave the dedication address and participated in the ribboncutting cerermony. During the dedication, C1C Mona Alexander flew in a C-141 flyby. The all-female crew consisted of a WW II WASP, two active-duty pilots, and C1C Alexander representing the past, present, and future of women aviators in the military. Dawn Seymour, (1977 Reunion: From previous page.)

Then it was off to a three-hour tailgate party followed by what was expected to be a very difficult football game at Falcon Stadium. Many of us had familiar feelings of dread as San Diego State tied the game on the next to last play in regulation time, but the Falcons of 1997 pulled through. No doubt spurred on to vietory by Mouse Neumeister’s chilling rendition of “What’s the Matter with the Team?”, Air Force won the game in overtime on a 80-yard interception return, providing a thrilling and fitting end to the day’s festivities.

The next day we began the trip home, now completely hoarse, with sunburns and thoroughly confused circadian rhythms. The next reunion will be our 25th in the year 2002. I can hardly wait.

WW II WASP, flew both the B-26 and the B-17 from 1943 to 1945.

The highlight of the weekend’s festivities came Saturday night with the Candlelight March and Service of Remembrance when nearly 30,000 women marched with candles from the Lincoln Memorial to the site of the Women in the Military Service For America Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. C1C Wendy Volkland said, “The march united women from all military services, young and old, in a common purpose, to recognize the contributions that women have made and will make to the service of the United States of America.” A remembrance of women who have died in service to their country coneluded the evening.

This trip gave the cadets a greater appreciation of what some of these WASPs and WACs and other women in the military have done. C1C Lindsay Kaun said, “They were pioneers, which took guts, especially at that time in history. They had a strong desire to make changes. It is them that we have to thank for our freedom to be part of a ‘male-dominated’ military and succeed in it.” C1C Wendy Volkland said, “For nearly two centuries, military service women have been an almost invisible group, often encountering barriers to greater opportunity and recognition in their efforts to serve our country.”

The cadets making the memorable trip were C1C Mona Alexander, C1C Wendy Volkland, C1C Lindsay Kaun, C1C Jaime Melton and C1C Joycelyn Powe. Also, C1C Carrie Biehn, C1C Lisa Johnson, C2C Mary Merkle, C2C Liz Adams, and C3C Nora Nelson.

(Editor’s note: The purpose of the Women in Military Service For America Memorial includes recognizing all women who have served in the armedforces—past, present andfuture and to make their contributions a visiblepart of our history. Requestsfor information and donations can be sent to: The Women's Memorial, Dept. 560, Washington, D.C. 20042-0560. Colorado, which has more than 24,000 women veterans, is also collecting funds for the memorial. Colorado checks should be made payable to the Women’s Memorial Fund and sent to Mr. Richard Ceresko, Division of Veteran’s Affairs, 789 Sherman St., 4260, Denver, Colo. 80203.)

Graduates Selected for Major Regular Air Force (Line Officers)

Below-the-Zone Selectees

Class of 1987

Lori M. Bass

James P. Cashin

Steven E. Clapp

Mark E. Cline

Lavanson C. Coffey III

Bradford J. Shwedo

Joseph S. Speckhart

Thomas R. Stanley

David R. Stilwell

Robert J. Wallace

Phillip W. Guy Class of 1988

Gary W. Henderson

Charles K. Hyde

John H. Kafer

Terrence W. Maki Jr.

Scott G. Maw

Bruce H. McClintock

Jeffrey R. McDaniels

Marshall T. Morrison

Brian P. O’Rear

Dawson S. Oslund

Preston M. Pious

Henry W. Polczer

Kenneth R. Rizer

Donald L. Shaffer

Thomas J. Sharpy

Patrick W. Christopherson

Michael E. Gantt

Amanda W. Gladney

Steven B. Harrison

Ricky J. Locastro

Edward L. McKinzie

Martha E. McSally

Evan M. Miller

Christopher A. Pike

Michael T. Plehn

Michael D. Rothstein

Kevin B. Schneider

Cameron W. Torrens

Jacqueline D. Van Ovost

Emily A. Whittaker

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN J|I» in

Robert H. Fay, Jr. died on March 14, 1997 in Las Vegas, Nev. following a long illness. He was laid to rest at the Air Force Academy cemetery on March 19, 1997. He was 60 years old.

Bob was born in Quincy, Mass, on Jan. 31, 1937. His father, Robert Fay, Sr., was president of the Quincy Savings Bank. He graduated from Quincy High School in 1954, and then attended Thayer Academy in nearby Braintree for a year of college preparation. He was selected in 1955 for admission to the first class at the Air Force Academy, one of eight selected from the state of Massachusetts. While at the Academy he was a member of the varsity swimming team, and coached intramural athletics. He was pictured in Life magazine in 1959 in an article about the first class.

Following graduation from the Air Force Academy he was assigned to primary pilot training at Graham AFB in Marianna, Fla. Bob was proud of his first training report in 1960 that read, “Lt. Fay is a neat appearing individual. His military bearing is above average. He generally displays sound judgement but occasionally has a slight tendency to allow his personal feelings temper his decisions.” Bob joked many years later that no truer description of him appeared in any subsequent evaluation, and after retiring he displayed the report in his study.

He received his wings at Greeneville, AFB, Miss, in 1960 after flying the T-33. That year he married Judy Tower, also from Quincy, Mass. He was then assigned to a B-47 squadron in Lincoin, Neb. in 1961. In 1965 he was a distinguished graduate of the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Ala. Following SOS, he was assigned as a general’s aide at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, La. During this assignment he flew the T-37.

In 1967 he transferred to the Tactical Air Command and flew the F-4 Phantom at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fla. In 1968 he transferred to Misawa Air Force Base in Japan and continued to fly the F-4. In 1971 he served a tour of duty in Vietnam where he flew 110 combat missions in the F-4. After serving in Vietnam, Bob was assigned to the Pentagon for four years. During this tour of duty he flew the T-39. His last Pentagon assignment was planning ACEVAL/AIMVAL, a joint Air Force and Navy test program. He served as deputy director of the test program which tested the combat capabilities of the newly-acquired F-14 and F-15 fighters.

In 1979 he retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal. He accumulated 3,500 flight hours in five different aircraft. Following his retirement, Bob started Information Management, Inc. an operations management consulting firm. In this capacity, he organized and directed numerous defense-related projects for the federal

government and civilian projects for the city of Las Vegas. At his peak the firm employed approximately 30 personnel.

During this period, Bob suffered the indignity of having his oldest son, Bob, commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1984. Further exacerbating the situation was his youngest son, Steve, becoming commissioned in the Navy as a graduate of the USNA Class of 1986. Bob served as an aircraft maintenance officer, and Steve in nuclear submarines. However, he took great pride in the dominance of the Air Force in the annual football game against Navy, a streak which only recently ended.

After his second retirement in 1990, Bob was active in many projects benefiting the community of Las Vegas. He helped plan and organize a parade and entertainment celebration for the many Gulf War veterans stationed in Las Vegas. The festivities ineluded a parade and entertainment celebration at the Las Vegas stadium. He also served as operations director of Stop All Stalkers, a nonprofit group that assisted stalking victims. He was personally involved in helping 3,000 victims over a five-year period before illness caused him to reduce his role in the organization.

Bob was survived by his mother Helen Churchill of Concord, N.H.; sisters Edye McGlone of Boston, Mass, and Charlou Benedict of Del Mar, Calif.; his first wife, Judy Hamilton of Chatham, Mass.; his sons Robert Fay III of Readville, Mass, and Stephen Fay of Indianapolis, Ind.; his grandchildren Kelsey Fay and Miranda Fay; and his friend Joyce Brown of Las Vegas, Nev. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His many contributions to the Air Force, the community of Las Vegas, and his family are his legacy. Of all his accomplishments he was most proud of graduating with the first class of the United States Air Force Academy. (Stephen T. Fay)

Dale E. Baxter, ’67

Dale E. Baxter, Class of 1967, died on Sept. 3, 1993 of a heart attack in Plains, Mont. He had suffered a brain tumor, requiring radical surgery in 1989 but returned to work. The heart attack occurred while he was away on business.

Baxter was co-owner of Turbo Burn Waterstoves, and his time in the Air Force and his year flying the F-105 in Southeast Asia were always his favorite times. He is survived by his wife, Larissa, at their Spokane, Wash, home; two sons, Timothy and Frank, both of Spokane; and two sisters, Barbara Colley of Mesa, Ariz., and Jeanne Blackketter of Phoenix, Ariz.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Inland Brain Injury Services, West 1035 10th, Spokane, Wash.

Robert H. Fay, Jr., ’59

Dale E. Baxter, ’67

Joseph C. Francino, ’83

Joseph C. “Chris” Francino, Class of 1983, died on May 30, 1997 in an auto accident in Memphis, Tenn. He was born Sept. 28, 1961 in Evanston, Ill.

After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering, he went on to a year of pilot training at Williams, AFB, Ariz. He was assigned to fly the C-130 Hercules out of Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas.

After separating from the Air Force in 1990 he was employed by Northwest Airlines. Chris leaves behind his mother and father, Suzanne and Terry Francino of Sacramento, Calif.; sister Yvette Podlogar of Highland Ranch, Colo.; brother Neal A. Francino of Sacramento, Calif.; and six nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Center for Animal Protection and Education in care of: Francino Family, 160 Westcott Way, Sacramento, Calif. 91307.

Amy Lynn Svoboda, ’89

Capt. Amy Lynn Svoboda was born in Berwyn, Ill. on Sept. 11, 1967, to James and Sharon Svoboda. As a member of the National Honor Society, Amy graduated sixth in her class from Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill. in 1985, receiving numerous honors including the Presidential Academic Fitness Award, the Glen Ellyn Rotary Club’s Significant Achievement Award for Student Leadership, and the Glenbard District 87 Ray Livingston Human Relations Award. She was the only senior to receive the American Legion Award for Honor, Leadership, Scholarship and Service.

Amy received her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in 1985. She was a member of the 25th and 38th Squadrons, respectively. She was very active during her years at the Academy, serving on the women’s varsity volleyball team all four years. She was co-captain and most valuable player her senior year. Amy distinguished herself as an exemplary cadet majoring in human factors engineering and Spanish.

She graduated on May 31, 1989, and in October was assigned to the 35th Flying Training Squadron, Reese AFB, Texas, completing UPT and becoming an instructor pilot at Reese for the T-37 from April 1991 to Jan. 1996.

During her time at Reese, Amy excelled at all endeavors, attaining critical positions as flight scheduler, safety officer, international flight commander, and Operations Group (OG) executive officer. As a pilot, she was named flight commander at the 64th OSS and the 64th OG.

From Jan. 1996 to April 1996, she was a student in Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) at Columbus AFB, Miss. In April 1996, she was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. where she was a flying training unit student with the 358th Fighter Squadron. In August 1996, she began her mission qualification training in the A-10 aircraft with the 354th Fighter Squadron.

Amy was killed on May 27, 1997, when her A-10 attack jet went down during a training run over the Barry M. Goldwater Air

Force Range near Gila Bend, Ariz. She was one of only six women flying the A-10, and 14 women overall flying fighters for the Air Force. She is the first female fighter pilot in the Air Force to die in a crash.

At the time of her death, she was pursuing her master’s degree in aeronautical science. Amy was a beautiful, talfnted, caring, and courageous young woman who was proud to serve her country.

Amy loved a beautiful sunrise, and she loved a beautiful sunset. In between those two, she loved life, and she lived it to the fullest. She had a zest for living that was unsurpassed. Her many, many friendships were loyal and true. She loved her family with a deep devotion. She loved flying and had finally reached her dream. She loved her God, and we know that He has given her her second set of wings.

Amy is still flying—leading a squadron of God’s angels on missions much more important than any she did on Earth.

She is survived by her parents, James and Sharon; her brother Mark, her sister Karen, her grandmother Estelle, and three loving cats. After a service at the Academy Chapel on June 21, 1997, Amy was buried in the Academy Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Capt. Amy Lynn Svoboda Memorial Fund in care of the Liberty Bank and Trust, 63714 Saddlebrooke Blvd., Tucson, Ariz. 85739, Acct. #6075000486. (Submitted by Loving Family and Friends)

Gregory M. Cindrich, ’91

On Sept. 26, 1997, Capt. Gregory M. Cindrich was declared dead after a 13-day, multinational search-and-rescue effort in response to the mid-air collision of his C-141 and a German Air Force TU-154 off the coast of Africa. No remains of the nine U.S. crewmembers aboard the C-141 from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J. have been recovered. The C-141 had delivered Army personnel and mine-clearing equipment to Namibia and was on its return leg to Ascension Island for refueling enroute to CONUS when it disappeared.

Greg’s boyhood dream was the same as it was for many of us—to go to the Academy and become a pilot. He was so committed to the dream that he turned down several academic and athletic scholarships before receiving his appointment. As a cadet, Greg spent several semesters on the Dean’s List and occupied leadership positions on the CS-17 staff. He was wellknown “on the fields of friendly strife” as a talented athlete and serious competitor, leading several intramural teams to wing championships and bringing the Malanaphy Trophy to CS-17.

Greg graduated from Stalag 17 in May 1991 with a B.S. in history and a UPT assignment to Reese AFB, Texas. Upon graduation from UPT in 1992, Greg was “banked” and went to work at Andrews AFB in the 89th Mission Support Squadron. During his tour, Greg earned several wing honors and finished his MBA while awaiting his cockpit. On April 16, 1994, Greg and Monica were wed and in September 1995, with their son

Joseph C. Francino, ’83

Amy Lynn Svoboda, ’89

Gregory M. Cindrich, ’91

Todd Alan Kraska, ’94

Christopher, joined the 15th Airlift Squadron at Charleston AFB, N.C. at which time Greg began traveling the world as a C-141 copilot. Despite the challenges of frequent family separations, Greg became a top-notch pilot and was especially proud of several humanitarian missions. Among them was the medical evacuation of several Khobar Towers bombing victims and the medical evacuation of an Air Korea crash survivor from Guam to a burn center. In May 1997, he made his way to the 13th Airlift Squadron at McGuire AFB.

Greg was proud to be an Academy graduate and proud to serve his country, but more than anything, he was proud of and committed to his family. His upbringing and his faith gave him values and hope and molded him into a person worth emulating. I believe people were drawn to Greg because he was rock solid in all respects and could be counted on in any circumstance. Immensely popular no matter where life took him, he earned respect by giving respect. Greg will be remembered for never speaking badly of anyone and for being blessed with a knack for making others laugh when they needed it most. He shared these qualities freely and lovingly with his family.

His wife, Monica, says that Greg’s only regret was that he couldn’t find enough time to really keep up with all of his friends—but it didn’t stop him from reminiscing about his friends and expressing his sincere affection for all of them to his family.

As one who has been deeply affected by the person Greg Cindrich was on this Earth, I humbly thank the Lord on behalf of many for the opportunity to have known him. Greg is survived by his wife, Monica; his three-year-old son, Christopher; his father and mother, George and Mary Ann; and his siblings, Christina, Jim, Darrell, and Nicole.

In honor of Greg’s intense love for his son, a trust fund for Christopher’s college education has been established. Contributions can be made by sending a check payable to the “Christopher Cindrich College Trust Fund” to Capt. Eric Siegrist, 2865 Buchanan Street South, Apt. A2, Arlington, Va. 22206. Additionally, the many people who knew and loved Greg want to make sure Christopher knows of his father’s deeds...of the way Greg lived honorably and courageously. A “Memories” book is being compiled for his son. Please recount your favorite memory of Greg in a personal letter to Christopher and mail it to the Arlington address above. (Capt. Eric Siegrist, ’91)

Todd Alan Kraska,

’94

First Lieutenant Todd Alan Kraska, 24, died in the crash of a single-engine civilian biplane on Aug. 17, 1997, near Van Nuys, Calif, when the aircraft he was piloting went down shortly after takeoff.

Todd was born in San Diego, Calif, on Dec. 21, 1972. He grew up in Irving, Texas where he attended MacArthur High. During his four years there, he was a member of the gymnastics team and science club. Outside of school, he spent his time fixing sports cars and airplanes. His love for flight sparked early as he soloed at

the age of 16, receiving his private pilot’s license less than a year later.

In 1990, he graduated from MacArthur High School fourth in his class out of nearly 400.

In June of that year he entered the Air Force Academy. He excelled during basic training, receiving a rare perfect military rating. After acceptance into the cadet wing, he competed on the Academy gymnastics team and went on to complete the demanding freshman year on the Superintendent’s List (with military and academic distinction). As a sophomore, he enrolled in the Academy Soaring Program and was eventually selected to be an instructor pilot. His involvement with soaring sprang from his burning desire to become an Air Force fighter pilot. As a result, by graduation he accumulated over 150 hours in gliders.

Unfortunately, his dream to' fly for the Air Force never materialized due to a small refractive error in one of his eyes. However, he did not let this setback dampen his spirits about the Academy or the Air Force. He continued to work hard and excel at the Academy. As a member of the Class of 1994, he finished as a distinguished graduate, receiving his B.S. in engineering sciences. After graduation, he was able to scuba dive The Great Barrier Reef of Australia and the Florida Keys.

His first assignment took him to upstate New York, where he accepted a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in imagery from the Rochester Institute of Technology. While there, he pursued skydiving, completing 20 free-falls and receiving membership to the U.S. Parachute Association (to go along with his memberships in both the Experimental Aircraft Association and International Aerobatic Club).

Upon completion of his advanced degree in remote sensing and digital image processing in March 1996, Todd was reassigned to the Defense Dissemination Office at Los Angeles AFB, which later became the NIMA. Excelling at work as with everything he did, Todd was responsible for systems worth over $2 billion and he was chosen to lead NIMA’s first all-service imagery and quality conference. In addition, Todd continued to pursue flying for the Air Force, as he was nearly selected to Test Pilot School of 1997 and was expected to be selected in 1998.

Away from work, Todd added surfing to his list of hobbies, and he continued to enhance his flying skills by working toward his commercial and instrument ratings in addition to competing in aerobatic tournaments. All total, Todd flew a combined 500 hours.

Todd’s zest for life was difficult to duplicate; he was a person who never settled for mediocrity. Many of us are amazed at how one person could possibly accomplish so much in such a short time. Capt. Josh Hartman, ’93, and 1st Lt. Jim Capizzi, ’94)

(Editor’s note: Todd’s family has set up a scholarship in his name with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program. The program works to involveyoungpeople in aviation andprovides a meaningfulflight experienceforyoungpeople between the ages of eight and 17. Contributions in Todd Kraska’s name may be sent to: EEA Aviation Center, P.O. Box 3065, Oshkosh, Wis. 54903. Phone 1-800-236-1025.)

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

Dennis A. Miller, Class of 1967, who died on Sept. 19, 1992 of unknown causes in Sacramento, Calif.

John J. Watkins, Jr., Class of 1968, who died on May 29, 1996 in a private aircraft crash in Malvern, Ark.

Kosta G. Asselanis, Class of 1976, who died on July 23, 1997 in a light aircraft accident in Rosemount, Minn.

Captain James R. Peddycord, Class of 1989, who died on June 4, 1997 in a civilian aircraft crash in Asheboro, N.C.

Captain Jason S. Ramsey, Class of 1992, who died on Sept. 26, 1997 in the crash of a C-141 aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean off the Namibian coast.

AOG, Editor Apologize for Misspelling David Baas 9 Name

(Editor’s note: This article appeared on pages 23 and 24 of the last issue of Checkpoints magazine and, unfortunately, we misspelled David Baas’ last name in all references The editor and the Association ofGraduates sincerely apologize to David’sfamily andfriendsfor this regrettable error.)

Cadet Second Class David Paul Baas 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. Baas

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 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 Baas, 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)

T-3 Aircraft Training Crash Claims

First Class Cadet

Cadet First Class Pace Weber died tragically during a T-3 training flight at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo, on June 25, 1997.

Pace was born on Aug. 26, 1976 and was raised in Miami, Fla. He attended Palmer Trinity High School where he graduated with honors in 1994. He served as the student body president, the National Honor Society president, was a senior prefect, and served on the honor council. Pace also excelled in sports. He played varsity football and lacrosse for three years, was co-captain of both teams, and was named to the Florida All State Lacrosse team two years in a row.

A lifelong dream for Pace was to go to the United States Air Force Academy and to become a pilot. Those dreams were realized when Pace was appointed to the Academy by Senator Connie Mack in 1994. Although Pace was not recruited by the Academy for lacrosse he achieved the almost-unheard-of by making the team as a freshman walk-on. That was Pace’s second dream becoming a reality; to be good enough to play college lacrosse. Pace loved lacrosse, his coaches and his teammates more than anything else. He was well respected on the field, not only for his athletic ability and strength as a player, but also for his even temper, and his incredible sense of teamwork and fair play. Pace is the only cadet ever to have a play named after him: the Eagle Pace. As the lacrosse coach Capt. Larry Leary had said, “Pace would just as soon run through you as around you.’’ Pace’s jersey, number 2, will be retired this year in his honor.

C2C Pace Weber

During Pace’s career at the Academy he excelled in many areas. He made the Dean’s Honor List five out of six semesters, and the Commandant’s List twice. Pace was also very proud of the fact that he earned the Superintendent’s Honor Pin both semesters of his junior year. The pin signifies excellence in all three areas of scholastics, sports and military performance. Pace ended his junior year as having the highest grade point average in his class.

Pace was well known for his good nature, fairness, humor and wonderful smile. Because of his outstanding qualities and the respect he earned from other cadets and officers, Pace was chosen for the highly prestigious position of first sergeant in the beginning of his junior year. Pace performed his duties as the topranking junior in his squadron very well. He was always looking out for his people and was known to take an interest and spend extra time helping and encouraging any cadet who was having problems or a hard time with afly aspect of the rigorous Academy

life. Many cadets have said that they would not have gotten through some difficult times without his help and encouragement. Also during his junior year, Pace became involved in the Academy’s honor system as squadron honor noncommissioned officer. He had also been chosen to become honor officer for the squadron in the upcoming senior year. The position was a natural for Pace because of his extraordinary sense of justice, integrity, and honesty, but also because he was so well respected by his peers.

In Pace’s free time he volunteered to the Big Brother/Big Sister Organization in Colorado Springs. He was often seen taking his “little brother” to many sporting events at the Academy.

We will all miss Pace’s love and friendship. He was truly a special young man who inspired and touched the lives of everyone around him. Pace was bright, articulate, funny and no one who knew him well will ever forget that wonderful crooked smile of his.

Pace is survived by his mother, Terry; his father, Henry; and his brother Brook. He also left behind his beloved grandmother Marjorie Janssen, his special aunt Lizberth Hand, an uncle Dennis Weber, his special friend 2nd Lt. Marie Peterson, along with many, many friends from Miami and the Academy.

Donations in his name may be made to the Big Brother/Big Sister Organization, 207 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903.

Pace, you’ll be in our hearts forever, no one will ever take your place. Fair winds...Salute. (A friend)

C3C Shannon Biela Dies of Pulmonary Embolism

Shannon Paul Biela loved the Academy and dreamed of attending. He received a Falcon Scholarship to Marion Military Institute and a chance for the Academy. He finished a year at Marion when his dream came true with an appointment in the summer of 1996. He belonged to the Class of 2000. Somehow that seemed more appropriate, after all he was born at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fla. on June 14th, Flag Day. He was destined for the military.

Shannon died suddenly and very unexpectedly on Aug. 7, 1997. He was just entering his room after finishing saber drill practice. His friends were with him and although the medical personnel arrived quickly they were not able to revive him. He died of a blood clot in the lungs. Shannon left a part of himself at the Academy in each of the lives he touched. Especially with his teammates on the saber drill team, his roommates, his closest friends, and the tough Twenty Trolls.

One of Shannon’s favorite quotes was “Whatever you do, do with all of your might, for things done in halves, are never done right.” It’s one thing to like a saying and another to live it. Shannon would never have settled for less and in a short 20 years impacted more lives than many could hope to in 80. Even in high school, he took the lead in organizing events and bringing people together. He was active in Academic Challenge, Youth to Youth, and officiating sports for the Franklinville Youth Athletic Association.

He will be missed by many, perhaps most deeply by his mother, Diana, and his father, David. Also left behind are his younger brothers: Nicholaus, Jonathan, Christopher, and his little sister, Kristen.

Shannon, what I’d like to take a moment to say is: “I remember the day you were born; the excitement, the joy, the celebration. The good news stretched across the telephone line as far as the smiles stretched across our faces. You were the first: the first son, the first grandchild, the first nephew. It was a position that suited you well and one that you fulfilled beyond our grandest expectations. You were a born leader and had a unique way of convincing people to follow you; maybe because you wouldn’t ask others to do something that you wouldn’t. Of course your adventurous nature didn’t stop you from much; it just added to your charm. And if words couldn’t convince, there was always your emanating smile. That smirk that could land you in hot water one second and save your butt the next. That was truly one of your greatest gifts. But what you’ll be remembered for most is what you gave, yourself. You’d make the connection and reach beyond boundries, regardless of age, position, or color. The pain we feel in your leaving us is only exceeded in how deeply you touched us. We love you!”

For God has lifted you up on angel’s wings, although it is sorrow that our heart now sings, for someday in heaven reunited we’ll rejoice, with joy and laughter if we heed His voice, together in eternity we’ll dance and play, and understand the reason you couldn’t stay. Like the brightest star that shines at night, you lived your life in God’s Holy Light.

(Eva Lauber, Shannon’s aunt)

Altitude-caused Heart Attack Claims C3C Stephanie Pollard

In the early morning of July 21st, my second day of ground training for AM-490 parachuting class, I learned that the girl I had planned to spend the rest of my life with had passed away the day before. No matter how hard her family, friends, and myself prayed that it wasn’t true, the reality was that she had left us.

Stephanie L. Pollard was born on March 27, 1978, in El Paso, Texas, to John and Barbara Pollard. She was the first of the family and shortly after was accompanied by two twin sisters, Lori and Erin. From the very start, it was apparent that Stephanie was a wonderful gift. She showed everyone who was blessed to know her what a smart, talented, and selfless little girl she was. It was easy to see the closeness in the Pollard family. The three sisters were the female equivalent of the three musketeers, and their household was a warm, love-filled environment that everyone enjoyed being around. Stephanie showed an understanding of the Lord and His love at a very early age, and this influence remained supremely strong throughout her life. Those who knew her felt this wonderful influence whenever around her.

I was lucky to be a good friend and have Stephanie as a high school sweetheart. We both attended J.M. Hanks High School in (Continued on next page.)

C3C Shannon Biela

C3C Stephanie Pollard

Academy BurialPolicies/Procedures Outlined

The Association of Graduates receives queries from time to time concerning burial policy at the Academy as it affects graduates, cadets and others. The point of contact for official advice on this subject is the Mortuary Affairs Office at the Academy. USAFA Instruction 34-501 spells out the requirements in detail. This article will attempt to condense the regulation and outline answers to some of the most-frequently-asked questions. Please note this is not an official policy statement.

The Mortuary Affairs Office is available to answer any questions regarding funeral arrangements in relation to preparation of a last will and testament. Any funeral conducted on the Air Force Academy grounds will be arranged by the Mortuary Affairs Office. Examples of services provided are arranging chapel service; opening and closing of grave; burial vault, bronze marker; full military honors for those eligible; arranging for a reception following funeral service; and lodging accommodations, if available. For further information, contact Janet Edwards at (719) 333-3323.

Eligibility for interment of remains in the Academy Cemetery encompass numerous categories. All authorized military personnel must have been discharged under honorable conditions.

Graduates of the Air Force Academy, their spouses, unremarried widow or widower, and dependent unmarried children under age 23 are generally eligible. Dependents over 23 may be eligible under certain conditions. Any subsequent service of the graduate in the Uniformed Services of the United States must have been under honorable conditions and no graduate will be denied interment without the approval of the superintendent. Persons eligible, who die prior to the death of the graduate, may be interred only if the graduate sponsor signs an agreement indicating an intention to be interred in the cemetery upon his or her death.

Among other eligibility categories for Academy Cemetery

(C3C Pollard: From previous page.)

El Paso, where she was one of the top athletes in both swimming and track, serving as swim team captain her senior year. She did all this while juggling a full academic load of honors courses and graduated 11th out of 565 students. Stephanie was so outstanding that she was offered full Air Force and Marine scholarships; she chose to accept her appointment to the Air Force Academy in the Class of 2000.

Stephanie was a proud member of Eagle 8, had an outstanding record as a fourth class cadet both militarily and academically, and earned the highest decoration for a cadet in military, academics and athletics, the Superintendent’s Pin. Even though she was small, she showed her classmates that she was determined to do everything the males did and more. She graduated from the AM-490 parachuting program this summer and had dreams of joining the Wings of Blue. Her summer was coming to a close with Combat Survival Training, and even though she was a little apprehensive about heading out into the wilderness, as all cadets are beforehand, she was determined to push through it in her usual dynamic fashion. Unfortunately, Stephanie met one obstacle she could not overcome. She passed away on July 21st from acute pulmonary edema. One of her classmates who was with her that day said she never gave up and must have known that it was time, because she smiled just before she left this world.

Everyone who was blessed to be close to her was strengthened in their own beliefs by the firmness of her own convictions about death and the Lord’s promises for life after death. We who love her know now that she is happy where she is and take comfort in knowing that we will join her in time. Stephanie would not want her friends and loved ones to grieve. I am confident that, even now, she encourages us to press on with hope just as she would. Memorial contributions may be sent to: West Texas and Southern New Mexico USAFA Parents Association, care of Jim or Sheila Lotspeich, 3609 Comstock, El Paso, Texas 79904. (C3C Brett Shackelford, ’00)

burial are cadets, Air Force personnel assigned to the Academy between July 11, 1955 and Sept. 10, 1957; and Air Force crosscommissioned officer graduates of West Point or Annapolis who have retired with at least 20 years of uniformed service. Former superintendents, vice superintendents, commandants, deans, chiefs of staff, appointed directors of Admissions, directors of Athletics, permanent professors, tenured faculty officers, sequential-tour staff officers, (formerly continuous-tour staff officers), preparatory school commanders, and Air Base Wing commanders are also eligible, as are senior enlisted advisors. Also eligible are Academy Board of Visitors members with prior distinguished military service.

Air Force military personnel assigned to the Academy or to tenant units at the Academy at the time of death are also eligible. This does not include non-Academy personnel who are assigned on PCS orders to the Academy Patient Squadron Section of the Academy Hospital. All active and retired Air Force generals and lieutenant generals are also eligible.

For those eligible, grave reservations will not be assigned before an actual interment requirement. When the need arises, written or oral application should be made by the next of kin to Mortuary Affairs, 10th Services/SVMM, 5136 Eagle Drive, Suite P106, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-2618. Only one gravesite will be used for the interment of persons involved in the spouse or parent-child relationship. However, when an infant child is interred in the child section, the sponsor is still entitled to a site in the adult section.

The decision on whether to inter an individual in the children’s or adult section will be based on whether the casket selected fits the gravesite and vault in the children’s section. Also, the family may decide if they want the individual interred in the children’s section or in a family plot in the adult section. The memorial section of the cemetery is restricted to memorial markers for generally all eligible individuals whose remains are nonrecoverable, not identified, cremated and scattered, buried at sea, or donated to medical science.

Funerals are normally scheduled Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Funerals are not normally held on legal holidays or weekends due to logistical requirements. All funeral flyovers will be conducted in accordance with Academy Instruction 11-209, Command Coordination and Control of Aerial Events. The normal flight path for funeral flyovers is south to north.

Beating the Odds

Colorado Springs Channel 11 KKTV reporter Chandrea Miller interviewed Cadet First Class Brian Bauman Aug. 4 upon his return to the Academy. Bauman, who was diagnosed with a maximum life expectancy offive years in Oct. 1995 due to leukemia, has since undergone a successful bone-marrow transplant and doctors say there is now no sign of leukemia. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ken Carter courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

AOG and Academy Host Third Annual Sabre Society Recognition Weekend

More than 140 Sabre Society members returned to USAFA in September for an extended weekend of fun, activities and update briefings. The purpose of the recognition weekend was to thank members for their generosity and to establish a dialog with the Academy leadership.

Festivities started with a reception at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday evening. A full day Friday included breakfast at Doolittie Hall, a golf tournament, tours, briefings and a gala dinner at Doolittle Hall. Saturday started with the Superintendent’s Brunch at the Officer’s Club and the football game against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The superintendent hosted the society in

his box at half time and then hosted a post-game party for the society at the Carlton House.

Important to the success of the weekend and the success of the Sabre Society were the briefings about the Academy, its programs, its future, and its needs which were presented by Academy staff. The Consolidated Education and Training Facility (CETF) was the site for briefings by Lt. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, superintendent; Brig. Gen. Steven Lorenz, commandant; Brig. Gen. Ruben Cubero, dean of the Faculty; and Col. Mark Hyatt, director of the Center for Character Development.

Society members had the opportunity to view the noon-meal formation and have lunch in Mitchell Hall on the main floor with the cadets. In the afternoon, members went to the Field House where they were briefed by Col. Randy Spetman, athletic director, and watched the women’s Division I volleyball team defeat the women of the University of Tulsa. They also had an opportunity to observe physical education classes.

The Friday evening dinner at Doolittle Hall included a “spirit check” by the USAFA Cheerleaders, a performance by the Saber Drill Team, and entertainment by the Cadet Show Choir. The theme of the evening was “Athletics in Action” and the tables were decorated with equipment from various sports teams and clubs. A number of trophies were displayed on the side table which was highlighted by an ice sculpture of the Sabre Society crest. Fisher DeBerry took time away from preparing for the upcoming football game to make a special visit and give his analysis of the team’s chances against UNLV. The superintendent, the commandant, the dean, the athletic director and their spouses

Sabre Society Members

(As of Oct. 21, 1997)

Abramson, Mr & Mrs Richard, ‘68

Ahmann, Mr & Mrs Gerald L, ‘63

Alexander, LtCol (Ret) & Mrs Jon R, '95 Parent

Anderson, LtGen (Ret) & Mrs Marcus ‘61

Andrews, Col & Mrs Victor C, ‘66

Arnett, Dr & Mrs Robert M, 76

Bailey, Col & Mrs Gregory P, ‘67 (Margie McGregor)

Bassett, Mr & Mrs Kimbrough S, ATO

Baxter, BGen (Ret) & Mrs Robert H '62

Beachkofski, Mr Jon R, ‘98 Parent

Beckel, LtGen(Ret) & Mrs Robert D, ‘59

Bergin, Mr & Mrs George ‘99 Parent

Biancur, Col (Ret) Andrew W, '60

Bixby, Mr & Mrs Robert, ‘99 Parent

Bloodworth, Mr & Mrs Darryl M, '64

Blumberg, Col & Mrs Alvin USAFR ‘68

Borkow, Dr & Mrs Joel E 2000 Parent

Boyer, Mr & Mrs Joseph A 2000 Parent

Brown, LtCol (Ret) & Mrs James W III, '59

Brown, Mr & Mrs Lee C Friend

Burch, Mr & Mrs George W, ‘59

Burgess, Mr & Mrs James 2000 Parent

Burke, Col(Ret) & Mrs Joseph 70

Burke, Mr & Mrs Stephen F ‘99 Parent

Burkhart, Col & Mrs John S Friend

Burshnick, LtGen(Ret) & Mrs Anthony J ‘60

Burton, Mr & Mrs Bruce 2000 Parent

Casada, Mr Laurence L, 71

Caskey, Dr & Mrs William M, 75

Charters, Mr & Mrs John, 2000 Parent

Chipman, Mr & Mrs Michael A, '69 Benefactor

Christy, Col (Ret) & Mrs Michael T, '63 Life

Clovis, Col & Mrs Samuel H Jr, 71

Cooke, Dr James H Jr, 2000 Parent

Cowan, Mr & Mrs Frank ‘99 Parent

Creech, Rev & Mrs James W ‘99 Parent

Cusick, Mr & Mrs John J, 70

Daack, Col (Ret) & Mrs Martin T, '66

Daly, Mr & Mrs Joel ‘90

Darakjy, Mr & Mrs David, '97 Parent

Denaro, Mr & Mrs Robert P, 71

Denend, Col (Ret) & Mrs Leslie G, '63

Denham, Col(Ret) & Mrs Charles A ‘67

Dickey, Mr & Mrs William P ‘64

Dorey, LtCol (Ret) Lee R, '59

Dorwart, Dr & Mrs Robert H, 71

Erdle, BGen(Ret) & Mrs Philip J. Friend

Ferron, Mr & Mrs John, '68

Finneran, Mr & Mrs Gerard B, '59 Life

Fitzgerald, LtCol (Ret) & Mrs Michael A, '68

Flanagan, BrigGen USAFR (Ret) & Mrs John F Jr, '62

Fleming, Mr & Mrs James H, ‘64

Fortner, Maj Gen(Ret) Larry ‘59

Galbreath, Mr & Mrs Michael J, '64

Gallagher, Mr & Mrs Timothy N, ‘63

Geaney, Mr & Mrs Joseph P Jr, 2000 Parent

Giurlani, Lorraine, 2000 Parent

Glaza, LtCol (Ret) James F, '60

Glenn, Mr & Mrs Phillip ‘64

Goetze, MGen (Ret) a& Mrs Richard B, '59

Gregory Mr & Mrs David ‘99 Parent

Grindle, Mr & Mrs Robert V, ‘98 Parent

Hall, BrigGen(Ret) & Mrs Joel T, 2000 Parent

Hancock, Kenneth C MD 74 Life

Harimoto, Dr & Mrs Deane Y, 74

Harkness, Mr & Mrs Thomas R, ‘68

Harkreader, Mr & Mrs Tommy ‘99 Parent

Heckler, Maj & Mrs R T, ‘84

Hennings, Mr & Mrs Chad, ‘88 Benefactor

Hewitt, Mr & Mrs John A, ‘65

Hillberg, Col(Ret) & Mrs Owen E. ‘99 Parent

Hodgkinson, Mr & Mrs Randall 2000 Parent

Holaday, Mr & Mrs A Bart ‘65

Hosmer, LtGen(Ret) & Mrs Brad ‘59

Humke, Mr & Mrs Frederick O III 70

Hurley, Mr & Mrs Paul J, ‘68

Ingram, Dr & Mrs James C, ‘64

Jackson, Mr & Mrs F Scott, '67

James, Mr & Mrs Max ‘64

Jarvi, Mr & Mrs Kenneth T ‘69 Patron

Jensen, Mr Michael D ‘84

Johnson, Gen (Ret) & Mrs H T, '59

Johnson, Col & Mrs Robert E Jr, '68

Jones, Mr & Mrs Daryl ‘77

Jones, LtCol & Mrs Rodney L USAFR 71

Jordan, Dr Henry S ‘67

Karl, Mr & Mrs Paul, '99 Parent

Kaylor, LtCol’s Kenneth & Karen 78 & ‘80

Kelley, LtGen(Ret) & Mrs Jay ‘64

Kelly, Col (Ret) & Mrs John J Jr, '65

Kessler, Mr Kenneth, E, 84

Koehler, Dr Douglas A 2000 Parent

Kolligian, Mr & Mrs Greg S, Friend, Life

Krauth, Dr & Mrs Lee E, 72

Kruczynski, LtCol (Ret) & Mrs Leonard R, '65

Lambert, Dr & Mrs H Michael, 70

Lamport, Mr Michael B '99 Parent

Land, Mr & Mrs Michael ‘99 Parent

Lane, Mr & Mrs Daniel C. ‘2000 Parent

Larsen, Col (Ret) & Mrs Robert A, '65

Lee, Mr Stan, Friend

Leeper, Dr & Mrs Ramon J 2000 Parent

Legasey, Mr & Mrs Edward E, '67 Life

Leonard, Col & Mrs Ed ‘68

Loh, Gen(Ret) & Mrs John Michael ‘60

LoPresti, Col (Ret) & Mrs Peter, '64

Lowe, Col (Ret) & Mrs Robert A 71

Manning, Cols(Ret) Donald & Elizabeth 2000 Parent

Marsh, Lt Cot (Ret) & Mrs Cary, ‘69

Martin, Mr & Mrs John W ‘69 Patron

Maxwell, Dr & Mrs James A Jr, '98 Parent

Maywhort, Mr & Mrs William W, '68

Mazet, Dr Robert III, '63

McArtor, Mr & Mrs T Allan, '64

McBride, Mr & Mrs Patrick J, '68

McCaffrey, Maj & Mrs Peter ‘83

McCants, Col (Ret) & Mrs Walter O, '68

McCleary, Mr James E, '67

McComsey, Mr & Mrs James T, '64 Patron

McDonnell, LtCol (Ret) John F, Friend

(Continued on next page.)

The Wings of Blue delighted the crowd when they parachuted onto the front lawn of the Carlton House.

were all in attendance for this extraordinary evening.

The football game on Saturday was exciting with the Falcons prevailing 25 to 24. The post-game party at General and Mrs. Olestrom’s quarters gave the Sabre Society members another opportunity to visit informally with the senior staff. The highlight of the post-game party occurred when the Wings of Blue made the first-ever parachute jump onto the lawn of the Carlton House.

Sabre Society Members

(From previous page.)

McKay, Mr & Mrs Paul E, 71

McKiernan, Dr & Mrs Thomas L, 71

McNutt, Capts Ross & Stacy ‘87 & ‘88

Michalowski, Mr & Mrs John ‘99 Parent

Miller, Col (Ret) Max, ‘59

Miller, Mr & Mrs Thomas 2000 Parent

Moller, Mrs Dorothy Donnelley, Friend Patron

Montgomery, Col (Ret) & Mrs Edwin J Jr, ‘59

Mook, Mr & Mrs Gilbert D ‘67

Moore, Mr & Mrs John, 78

Morris, Mr Thomas H, '64

Murphy, LtCol(Ret) & Mrs Daniel J 70

Murphy, Mr & Mrs Neal 2000 Parent

Muse, Mr & Mrs John R, 73

Myers, Mr & Mrs Eric J, 70

Nesbitt, Mr Patrick M, ‘67 Life

Novak, Maj Mark, '84

O'Gorman, Mr & Mrs Joe, Friend

Okasinski, Mr & Mrs Robert ‘2000 Parent

Olmsted, Mr & Mrs Fred S, Sr ‘64 Parent

Olmsted, Mr & Mrs Fred S, Jr ‘64

Paddack, Dr & Mrs Michael R 70

Pappas, Mr & Mrs Jim 2000 Parent

Pearce, Mr & Mrs Harry J, ‘64, Life

Percy, Col(Ret) & Mrs James R, '69

Peterson, Dr & Mrs David A, 72

Phillips, Mr David J. ‘59

The Sabre Society was established in 1995 as a select group of long-term benefactors who have a clear and tangible interest in supporting the Academy financially and through their personal influence. The society is dedicated toward forming a national network of influential community leaders who act as informed advocates of Academy causes. The society provides a visible and (Continued on next page.)

Powell, Mr & Mrs Marc, ‘85, Life

Price, Mr & Mrs Alan R, '68

Price, Capt Jody ‘89 & Mr Allan

Pupich, Mr & Mrs George S ‘60

Quinn, Mr & Mrs Robert K, ‘99 Parent

Reisdorf, Mr & Mrs Edward, ‘63

Renschen, BGen ANG & Mrs James, ‘64

Riolo, Mr & Mrs Andrew M, 72

Ritchie, B Gen & Mrs R Stephen USAFR ‘64

Robinson, Mr & Mrs Lawrence ‘64 Life

Rodgers, Mr & Mrs Charles S, '59

Roe, BGen David H Roe, '62 Life

Sarda, Mr & Mrs Peter J ‘67

Schaum, Col (Ret) & Mrs Craig O, ‘59

Shepperd, MGen & Mrs Donald W, ‘62

Shirley, BGen (Ret) Graham E, '66

Showers, Mr & Mrs Edward D, 2000 Parent

Simon, LtCols Steve & Paula, 77

Smalley, Dennis E 70

Smith, Mr & Mrs Jerry L, '62

Smith, Mr & Mrs R Bram 70

Sowers, Mr Richard M 77

Stebbins, B Gen & Mrs Charles F, ‘61

Steenbergen, Mr & Mrs Harold W, '98 Parent

Straw, Mr & Mrs William E ‘67

Strom, Col(Ret) & Mrs Brock ‘59

Stugart, Mr & Mrs Mark, '67

Szwarc, Mr & Mrs Walter J, 2000 Parent

Taravella, Mr & Mrs Christopher A, 73

Thomas, Mr & Mrs Robert J, '67 Life

Thompson, LtCol(Ret) & Mrs Thomas W. 70

Thomson, Col (Ret) & Mrs Stuart W, '68

Tillman, Mr & Mrs Steven W 72

Toney, LtCol (Ret) & Mrs William M ‘59

Tuck, Mr & Mrs Alan ‘64

Twardowski, Msgt & Mrs Stephen 2000 Parent

Ulm, BGen (Ret) & Mrs James P, '61

Voneida, LtCol (Ret) & Mrs John ‘99 Parent

Wagner, Mr & Mrs David J, ‘69

Wallace, Mr & Mrs James R, ‘64

Wecker, Mr & Mrs William E, '63 Life

Weinstein, Mr & Mrs Michael, 77

West, Mr & Mrs James E, ‘59

Whalen, Mr Wayne & Ms Paula Wolff ‘61 Life

Wheelock, LtCol (Ret) Johnny B, MD, 74 Life and Dr Margee Brennan

White, Col(Ret) & Mrs Jim ‘67

Williamson, Mr & Mrs Hugh H III, '64

Withycombe, Mr & Mrs F Keith, '66 Life

Wolfe, Mr & Mrs Steven D, '98 Parent

Wolniewicz, Dr & Mrs Richard, '64

Wurster, Col(Ret) Clifford L 2000 Parent

Yates, Gen(Ret) & Mrs Ronald W ‘60

Yost, Mr & Mrs Robert D, ‘69

Zawikowski, Mr & Mrs Bryan ‘89

Zionic, Mr & Mrs Gerald A, ‘64

Sally Kelly, John Kelly, ’65, Zoe Kolligian, and Gerry McCaffrey enjoyed the antics of “The Bird” at the Friday evening dinner at Doolittle Hall.

USAFA—The Next Generation. Dr. Bob Arnett, ’76, and his son Michael enjoyed the noon meal at Mitch’s.

Vic Andrews, ’66, Susan Andrews, Denise Burkhart, John Burkhart, and John Cusick, ’70, were pumped by the cheerleaders for the UNL V game.

Jim Glaza, ’60, Jeannette Howes, Paul McKay, ’71, and Cass Casada, ’71, get ready to take to the links in the Sabre Society Golf Classic.

AOG Members May Propose Projects for AFA Fund

By Jim Shaw, ’67 Vice President, Development

Your Association of Graduates (AOG) annually solicits donations to the Academy through the Air Force Academy (AFA) Fund. The primary purpose of this fund is to raise money which provides “an extra margin of excellence” to the cadet experience. Most of the projects supported by the fund have been recommended by either the superintendent through the Academy Gift Needs List or members of the association’s board of directors. However, the AOG Board of Directors will also consider proposals recommended by AOG members which would benefit the AOG membership, cadets and/or the Academy.

All member-initiated proposals must be received by the AOG vice president for Development not later than March 31. Competition for the limited funds available is very intense. If you are interested in making a proposal for the board’s consideration, pleasefollow the guidelines andformat at the end of this article.

This year’s fund drive included a 1998 calendar with photographs of the Academy provided by cadet photographers. The calendar was included in the initial solicitation. In the past, the fund has been used to support a wide range of cadet activities to include purchasing a Cessna 150 aircraft for competition flying, purchasing three ASK-21 sailplanes, and supporting cadet leadership programs. The fund was also used to create and support the Humanitarian Fund and the Graduate Dependent Scholarship Endowment, to fund Engineering 410 projects which aid handicapped individuals in the local area, and to support various cadet clubs and squadron projects.

Other fund projects include continuing support of various academic conferences and symposia, purchase of the Lance P. Sijan biography for new cadets, and support of many other academic, military and extracurricular projects.

In considering a proposal, the board uses a set of guidelines and criteria which are summarized below, not necessarily in order of priority:

Fund money will be used for Academy and cadet support, programs for Academy graduates, appropriate projects that build linkages between cadets and graduates, and to enhance the attraction and retention of AOG members.

Fund money devoted to the Cadet Wing and/or the Academy will be used to help provide the “extra margin of ex-

(Sabre Society: From previous page.)

prestigious means of honoring and recognizing the Academy’s leading supporters. Membership is open to graduates, parents or friends of the Academy willing to donate $1,000 per year to support Academy needs. If you are interested, contact Jim Shaw or Kathy McCann at the AOG.

Max Miller, ’59, enjoyed lunch in Mitch’s with his son Jonathan, ’99.

cellence.” This term means any item which adds to the quality of education, training, and morale of cadets or the level of prestige for the Academy.

Funding for graduate programs will be directed to projects which provide for professional growth and development, promote a greater sense of community among graduates, produce direct graduate benefits, create or expand local/chapter programs and associations, and foster improved ties with the Academy and the AOG. Graduate-oriented programs will be given a high funding priority.

Funding emphasis may be given to equipment and facilities acquisition which bear a lasting value to the Academy and/or graduate community.

In most cases, the fund will be used in such a manner as to provide the broadest benefit to graduates and cadets.

The board will consider favorably the extent, method, and ease of recognition to be given to the AOG and fund donors.

There will be no quantitative limit on any project funded.

There will be no limit to the number of projects which can be funded in a given cycle.

Fund monies may be set aside for future specified or unspecified purposes. Multi-year programming for single or continuous projects is allowable.

The total cost of fund administration will be borne by the fund.

Funds will be apportioned solely on the merits of the proposals presented to and as determined by the board.

Information for AFA Fund Proposals

Please be as brief as possible with each response.

1. Title. Descriptive title of the project.

2. Funding Requirement. List dollar amount. Indicate impact of nonfunding of requested program.

3. Point of Contact. Name, office symbol, phone number and address of person who may be contacted for additional information on project proposal.

4. Description. Narrative description of the proposed project and desired timing of project funding. Include opinion of overall benefits to be realized by cadets/graduates. Include your opinion of the lasting value and effect of proposal to the Academy, the Cadet Wing, and/or the graduate community.

5. Specifications. Describe components of the program and/or facilities and equipment included in your proposal.

6. Current Status. New initiative, enhancement of existing programs, continuation of existing programs, etc. Has there been a previous source of funding, and if so, what is current status of that funding? Is federal funding likely?

7. Other Costs. Are there recurring costs and/or maintenance costs involved in the proposed project that the AOG will be expected to fund? Does the proposal contain a multi-year funding schedule?

8. Recognition. How will AOG and AFA Fund donors be recognized if funding is granted?

9. Sponsor. Department or individual presenting project for consideration.

10. Other Donors. Are you aware of or have you contacted other funding sources for your proposal? If so, what is the status of those investigations?

11. Other comments. Include other comments you deem appropriate. Include information regarding the effect of denial of funding or partial funding on your proposal.

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

hops early the next morning, as did most of us ’87ers. The tailgates were fun and much more relaxing than 10 years ago. And some classmates had smaller get-togethers with close friends or squadrons after the game.

If you didn’t catch it, the game was phenomenal—what a win. The “Maki” Moments were great to watch too! What a great way to end the best reunion I’ve been to and I’ve been to a few (not as many as Doug Wells, ’85—he’s going on four now!).

I’d like to close with a bit of nostalgia. Ten years ago, as we threw our hats in the air the then-Malia Bell planted a big ole kiss on her fiance, Kurt Spranger. That moment made the front pages of the Colorado Springs Gazette, The Denver Post, and The Air Force Times (I may have forgotten one). Ten years later, here they are at right.

It’s difficult to summarize the great four days we had in beautiful Colorado and the great conversations I had with everyone. To those who couldn't make it, you can be assured you were asked about and missed. To those who were there, let’s hope we all stay in touch better the next 10 years and best of luck in the fortunes and trials that life lays out for you. If you have any reunion photos you’d like to share, please send them for the next Checkpoints. ’87, WINGS FROM HEAVEN! S.

’67 Graduate Shares Award for Space Communication System

Ray Leopold, ’67, was one of three Motorola engineers honored at the Aviation Week and Space Technology 40th Technology Laureate Awards presentation at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. He and engineers Bary Bertiger and Ken Peterson were awarded a Laureate Trophy for “an idea that has enabled an entirely new space industry to take off.”

designed for global hand-held telephone communications. Leopold led IRIDIUM’s architectural team and traveled the world presenting papers and addresses, influencing regulators and promoting investment in the system. The first IRIDIUM satellites were launched into orbit in early 1997.

Now the vice president and chief technical officer of Motorola’s Satellite Communications Group, Leopold said of the award presentation: “It was really ‘pinch me’ time.” He said seeing the Smithsonian’s artifacts from the dawn of the space age reminded him of the stanza of the poem on the “Bring Me Men” ramp: “Bring me men to match my mountains; Bring me men to match my plains,—Men with empires in their purpose, And new eras in their brains.”

“I must have been 18 years old the first time I read that poem, and the last line always stayed with me,” he said. Leopold was also inducted into the Aviation Week and Space Technology Hall of Fame, is a Motorola Science Advisory Board associate and was named a distinguished innovator in 1993. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and has served as an Engineering Board accreditor. He holds 19 U.S. patents and has patents issued or pending in 55 countries.

As of Nov. 8, 39 IRIDIUM satellites had been launched from Vandenberg AFB, Calif, and Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. The first launch from China was set for early December and all satellites were to be launched before the first half of 1998. The IRIDIUM system is scheduled to be operational (i.e. commercial activation) in the fourth quarter of 1998.

Leopold, Bertiger and Peterson are the inventors of the satellite-based IRIDIUM System (the realization of global, wireless, personal communications), a satellite constellation

Doolittle Hall A vailable 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.

1987 Class Gift Presented

The Class of 1987 unveiled their class gift during their 10th Reunion in September. The bust of General James “Jimmy” Doolittle sits to the left of Doolittle Hall’s main entrance. From left are AOG vice chair Larry Fortner, with Capt. Jon Fair and Capt. David Bachler of the ’87 reunion committee.

Ray Leopold, second from left, talks with other graduate Motorola employees. From left are Dave Krueger, ’82; Ray, Bob Smith, ’73; and John Hatelid, ’70.

Class of 1967and Guests Enjoy 30th Reunion

By Larry Wilson, ’67

How was our 30th Reunion? The short story is that it was one helluva good time. Those of you who attended may wish to read no further, content with your impressions and memories of the affair. For those of you who want another impression (mine)—here is “one guy’s view” from the 10,000’ perspective, with embellishments from a few helpful others. But before I go any further—a standing ovation to George Van Wagenen and his reunion committee crew who put it all together. I did not realize that only the 10th and 20th reunion of each class is “sponsored” and that this was entirely organized and implemented by our committee. And special thanks to Pat Nesbitt and the Embassy Suites for serving as reunion headquarters and putting up with so many of us for so many activities.

The macro view, somewhat by activity and day follows:

Some folks rolled into Colorado Springs on Wednesday, and the reunion crew was well organized to register all; to distribute registration packets, tickets, classy class pins and shot glasses; and to sell golf shirts, hats, and other Golden Boy memorabilia. All this was liberally interspersed with whoops and shouts of greetings, as this was the first point where many saw old roommates, squadron-mates, classmates, teammates, spouses, and perhaps former girlfriends. The room was filled with much laughter, handshakes and bearhugs of old friends, some of whom had not seen one another since June Week 1967. There were no other scheduled activities, and this type activity carried on into the night.

Thursday was the primary arrival and registration day, with folks rolling in pretty much continuously to warm and friendly registration and greetings. The daytime optional activity was a trip to Cripple Creek, no longer the semi-ghost town of our era, now reborn as a gambling Mecca. Most folks instead slept in,

then wandered on their own, to old haunts and sites of memories, and the old and new attractions—Broadmoor, Manitou Springs, Cheyenne Canyon, Gold Camp Road, and the headquarters of Focus on the Family. That evening was the first of the full-class activities, with “heavy hors d’oevres” (read: lots of good grazing food), with enough lubrication for the tales to flow freely. For those who had been around for more than a few hours, the conversations went to the level beyond greetings, and topics broadened a bit, and spouses were getting the hang of who was who and what the conversations were. Most folks congregated in their old squadron groups but there was free ebb and flow between beverages, food, band/dance floor, and quieter side rooms. Uniike times past, the band quit about 2230, and most folks turned in shortly after.

Friday was “the big day...” It started with a) golf tournament (won easily by the team of Ron “Chi Chi” Bradley, Ted “Tiger” Legasey, Jim “the Shark” White and Jim “Ace” McCleary) or b) walking tour of Cheyenne Canyon, or c) sleeping in, with the common pathway coming at the open house prior to lunch. Many toured their old “homes,” to see the dorm rooms now carpeted, new closet doors that open out rather than slide; females as occupants (not sneaked-in visitors), and some of the corner gang latrines reserved for females; velour cadet bathrobes rather than the scratchy wool ones that we had; and cadet rooms locked when unoccupied.

High-powered discourse abounds—from left are Hank Arnold, Dan Roper and Ray Leopold.

Then came lunch, and a first: on a trial basis, the superintendent and commandant had agreed to allow our class to form up at the rear of our old squadrons, or—if in uniform—in formation, and to march to lunch. This did not have much initial appeal to some, but there were approximately five per the 24 original squadrons who formed up, sucked it up, and marched. There was a clear display of courage as Gary Reid, hit hard by MS, proudly carried the CS-24 guidon. Surprisingly enough, our marching proved to be a hit with the Sup and Comm, who later said that they would support future reunion groups marching with their old squadrons. While forming up and marching, another change in the old place was very clear: instead of the deeper male voices giving commands, higher pitched voices were common, as there are a good number of females in cadet command positions.

Aspects of lunch itself were quite familiar—“family style” dining, seating by cadet class with the doolies at the end passing food, etc. One conspicuous absence: the Form 0-96 is (again) gone. I think it has been in and out of use, and since the summer is out. But “fast-neat-average-friendly-good-good” is a phrase that is well known to the upperclassmen. Another noticeable change: a dearth of waiters. It seems that downsizing has hit the waiter force, and there are some 100 fewer waiters than in our time. So what you start with at your table at mealtime is what you get. And the waiters are unionized now, with all that implies.

Lunch is now one of the two times daily where the wing forms up, up from only once daily (lunch only, not breakfast) not too

Hoyt Hager, always ready for a shower formation.

One of the many squadron regroupings; this was the original CS-17 boys of summer.

long ago...The evening meal is no longer marched to. Most of this information came out at lunch, where the cadets were (or acted) interested in how things used to be. And yes, the dools at our table were allowed to sit at ease, while others in view had their chins run in. But the mealtime was oriented more to eating than to “spouting knowledge” or other mealtime activities of yore.

Are we having fun or what? Nothing seems to have changed among, from left, Ed Cunningham, Mike Moore, Dick Miller and Brian Donovan (andfriends).

After lunch there was another open-house period. Our escort led us into several cadet rooms, some occupied and some not. We saw the infamous “rubber duckies”—the fake M-16s that are now the “rifles” carried by the wing. And we were shown that now the rooms are more homey, in very tangible ways: instead of having the top pair of socks, skivvies, T-shirts, etc. in the drawers folded and pinned for inspection, they are now simply in the drawer, for use. Also, the beds are now expected to be slept in, not pinned down and made to bounce coins off of. Instead, they look like—beds, with quilted covers on them, which makes them look presentable, and to cover up their lack of square corners. The Comm’s explanation was that no one lives like that in real life; why should cadets—even doolies—have to do so? What did it teach them (us)?

That revelation led to the briefings set up by the AOG. The superintendent, commandant, dean of the Faculty and director of Athletics representatives, and installation staff chaplain all gave briefings about the state of USAFA and the Wing of Cadets. As was stated time and again—things are “different” now, and the cadets are also “diferent.” They have grown up in a time between wars, and Vietnam is as removed from them as the Civil War. The entire social fabric of the United States has changed, and so have the cadets of each entering class. They are not “better” or “worse”—but they are “different”—and the USAFA staff has grappled with those difference, with the pendulum of action and reaction swinging far and wide. One of the means of dealing with the differences has been the institution of a formal program—the Center for Character Development—to ensure that standards of ethics, honor and integrity are instilled, and met. As one might imagine, there were any number of questions and comments regarding character, and the honor code. The speakers fielded the questions openly. But my impression was that most left the session with the feeling that USAFA and the cadets are... “different.”

Then to the chapel, and the Memorial Service, written by Paul Henry, and led by Chuck Heffron and Rev. Tom Harp. The music, by the Cadet Chorale and staff organist was beautiful, as was the chapel itself. The roll call hit home, with 50 of our number now gone. The service was enriched by the presence of family members of our departed classmates. The hour was pregnant with memories and tears, as we honored absent friends and fallen comrades. The reunion photo followed, in the chapel.

That evening the Big Class Dinner was held —good food and more camaraderie, as squadrons reassembled with spouses to continue the tales. A high point—and a tribute to CS-15—was the presence of Melissa James, the daughter of Sam James, and her

mother. They greatly appreciated the thoughtfulness and the squadron, and Melissa got a better sense of her father and his tooshort life. As the evening wore on, many groups ebbed and flowed, often around cameras, as the group of former OSI agents, prep school, Millard Academy, track team and others got together for team pictures, the band started up, playing great and loud music from the ’67 era. The dance floor was littered with bodies and somewhat rhythmic movements. As the evening progressed, Tom Cunningham and Bruce McFadzean were on stage, helping the band with the loud choruses of “We gotta get out of this place.” Eventually and inevitably, Jerry Cockrell and Flick Guerinna ended up on the floor in a rousing gator twosome. Again—mercifully—the music ended about 2230, and the groups dispersed.

In all their radiant glory CS-15 together again.

Saturday—game day—started with barbecue at the AOG’s Doolittle Hall. It couldn’t have been nicer weather weather, or tastier food, or better organization. The game could have been a bit better-played—but the team’s current philosophy—“just win”—shined through: it wasn’t pretty, but it was a victory. And it was a great day in the sun (read: sunburn for many), in the stadium, sitting and not standing. The game ended the “official” reunion activities. Many squadrons and/or other groups congregated in the hotels or homes of area residents to continue the reminiscing. I think all left that evening re-connected with old friends, and with commitment to do better at keeping in touch.

And Sunday—we all went away.

USAFA CLASS RING Lost & Found Service

If you have lost your class ring or found someone else’s, who are you going to call? The AOG has long been the focal point for trying to match lost rings with their owners. We have several sources for maintaining up-to-date addresses and phone numbers on graduates (the primary source, of course, depends on the graduate keeping the AOG informed of changes). When a ring is returned to the AOG we can usually have it back in the owner’s hand within a week or two (as soon as we can verify a shipping address). If a ring needs to be replaced or serviced, we can link you up to the ring company representative who handles your class. So, if you need to report a ring lost or found, or need to know who to call for ring repairs/replacement, please call or write either JIM SHAW ‘67 or JACK MUELLER 70 at: (719) 472-0300, DSN 333-2067 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

A OG Sponsors Veteran’s Day Essay Contest

The Association of Graduates, in response to a request from Maj. Kathryn Moene, AOC of 2nd Squadron, sponsored a cadet essay contest in support of the Academy’s Veteran’s Day observance. The topic for the essay was “Why Veteran’s Day is an important holiday.’’ The contest provided cadets with a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of the sacrifices of our veterans and allowed them to pay tribute to veterans.

The AOG used monies from the AOG-managed Graduate Memorial Fund to fund awards of $150, $100 and $50 for the first, second and third place essays. This year’s winners were: C1C S. Russ Jones, first place; C1C John Fer (son of John Fer, 62), second place; and C1C Gretchen Rhoads, third Place. These three award-winning essays will be published in Checkpoints as space permits.

1997 Veteran’s Day Essay, First Place

By C1C S. Russ Jones

Remember...

Remember that frigid day at Valley Forge. I could scarcely move my musket. The cold enveloped my entire body. As the grapeshot ripped through my chest, I felt a sudden sensation of warmth.

Remember the winds of the Great Plains. How majestic were the fields, stained in crimson from my bosom.

Remember Little Round Top of Gettysburg. It was there that I stood my ground against overwhelming numbers and helped mend a nation torn apart by civil war. It was there I looked my brother in the eye and squeezed the trigger. It is there I am buried among hundreds of others.

Remember the sands of Iwo Jima. I felt the bullets pierce my flesh as I ran for cover. The salty water pierced my wounds and filled my lungs as I fell unconscious, unable to call out for you.

Remember the jungles of Vietnam. I fought brave so I could return to you with honor. You met my scars with anger as you spat in my face.

Remember the sands of Kuwait. The heat scorched my body as it lay in pieces under the sky I had defended.

Remember...

Do they remember? I was the boy next door, the kid down the street. You went to high school with me. I was short, tall, thin, overweight. I was the farmer, the mechanic, the honor student, the high school dropout.

I left my wife, my husband, my son, my daughter, and my country. I fought without knowing why. I saw myself die, and I wasn’t even old enough to vote. I gave up my life because I believed a great nation called the United States of America should be independent. I gave up my life to keep the nation united. I gave up my life to protect the freedoms and ideals of democracy. I gave up my life so that you may have yours.

Remember...

I don’t ask for much in return. I don’t want riches or recognition. What I seek is to preserve the rights and virtues on which this great nation of ours was founded. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The virtues include honor, duty, and sacrifice.

Looking down from the heavens, I now ask that you in turn honor me

Change of Command

Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, ’65, salutes then-Air Force Chiefof Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, as Oelstrom took over the reins of superintendent of the Academy on Aug. 1. Retiring former superintendent Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66, stands at the rear.

with a day of remembrance. Remember those who have come before you who have given up so much to shape America and the world into what it is today. From the Vietnam Memorial in this nation’s capital to the mountains of Korea half a world away.

Remember...

We owe it to our veterans to remember the sacrifices made, the freedoms they protected, and the world they shaped. We must let them and their families know that these sacrifices were not in vain. We must learn to appreciate what we have and where we came from if we wish to progress in the future. As Capt. Scott O’Grady, USAF, remarked after being rescued in Bosnia, “Now we Americans understand freedom. We have earned it; we have lived for it; and we have died for it. This nation and its people are freedom’s models in a searching world.”

Remember...

Academy’s “Father of Management” Retires After 31 Years

By 2nd Lt. Brad Holtmeier

Brigadier General James R. Woody, the first permanent professor of the Department of Management on the Academy faculty, retired on Sept. 30 after 31 years of distinguished service.

The general started his career as a graduate of the Class of 1966. He then earned his wings at Laredo AFB, Texas and went on to fly 100 combat missions in Vietnam as a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot. “Combat was very fulfilling because it was something I had spent a lot of time training for and I could finally use this training,” said Woody.

Dean of Faculty Brig. Gen. Randy Cubero, ’61, hands Mrs. Woody the stars of Brig. Gen. James R. Woody’s, ’66, retired rank.

He returned to the Academy in 1973 as an instructor in the Department of Economics, Geography, and Management. In 1982, he received Senate approval and became the permanent professor of the Department of Management. His leadership in founding the new department earned him the nickname “father of management education.”

“Woody brought the management program together, and has pointed us clearly into the future,” said Col. Charles J, Yoos II, a colleague of Woody since the 1970s.

During his tenure here, Woody also served as the vice commandant and the vice dean. “The Academy recognized and had confidence in his exceptional abilities to appoint him to major leadership positions in the dean’s and commandant’s offices,” said Yoos.

Woody said he enjoyed working the most with the cadets and the outstanding instructors in the department who all had outstanding credentials. “The impact you have here is immeasurable since you influence the people who will influence the future,” he said.

The general said he was honored to chair the Honor Commission in 1984 that intensely studied the honor code and made changes to the system. Honor and integrity are important to

(Continued on next page.)

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat

By Don Hall, ’76

C/4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat stirred from his nap on top of his desk. He didn’t want to sleep in his bed—the blanket was tight and ready for inspection. He slept on the desk because it was more comfortable than the laundry bin. Another noise disturbed him. The doolie peered out from under half-closed eyelids to see his roommate, Warren heels, rifling through the clothes closet.

“What’s going on?” Waldo quizzed sleepily.

“I’m trying to find my mess dress. It has to be in here somewhere!”

“I don’t like the mess dress uniform,” noted Waldo as he sat up on the desk.

“Why is that?”

“It’s just so formal.”

“Hope I can find the cuff links...” mused Warren.

“Why do you need your mess dress, Warren?”

“Tonight is the Christmas Dance, remember?”

(Woody retirement: From previous page.)

Woody, who firmly believes that integrity is essential on the battlefield.

General Woody is married to the former Patricia Libersky of St. Angsar, Iowa, and they have two children, Renae and Mark. The general and his spouse will remain in Colorado Springs, where he will work at a local ministry.

COMPUTER CORNER

1997 Register: This year’s volume was mailed in midNovember to all members of record; if you haven’t received your copy, please let us know. Since our data base transition from the USAFA mainframe computer to our Doolittie Hall network last year, it seems that each Register is new and different. The diligent efforts of Tom Kroboth and Vikki Rhoden to learn and use the AOG Desktop Publishing System led to this year’s issue: layout entirely inhouse and including some biographical updates received as late as October! Note that the Register includes home e-mail addresses for the first time. Any comments? Please direct positive (or negative) comments to Col. Jock Schwank, not to the editor, nor to other staff members.

Checkpoints e-mail address: Submissions for our magazine may now be sent via e-mail in the body of the message or as attachments to: CHECKPOINTS.AOG@ usafa.af.mil. The mailbox is accessible at the Desktop Publishing System computer, and we can load files directly into the layout for Checkpoints. The editor prefers that attachments be sent in MSWord (Office ’97 for Windows 95) or ASCII text formats. Other word processors and formats may be used, but the text of the message must specify the format and word processor and version used.

AOG Web Page: Our WebMaster is finishing his degree, and we are going to have to move the AOG Web pages to another server. We’ll attempt to make the relocation as painless as possible, but please bear with us as we move.

Biographical Updates: A “point-and-click” link to an electronic biographical update form is now available from the AOG Web pages, thanks to Capt. Wesley A. Fryer, ’92. The staff has become accustomed to receiving these electronic forms, and we’d welcome your more frequent updates, since they now become so easy to submit.

The freshman scratched his head and frowned.

“No, I don’t recall such a thing.”

“Don’t be shy, Waldo! Start getting ready.”

“I can’t go to the dance,” whined Waldo, “this is Xena night. I can’t miss the warrior princess.”

“I could understand if it was Buffy...” Warren now searched his dresser for a bow tie. “Come with me and I promise you’ll have a great time.”

“What kind of music will there be?”

Warren beamed. “The Falconaires are going to do a big band tribute to The Smashing Pumpkins.

“Tempting...but I still can’t go.”

“Why not?”

“Warren, you know I have a steady girl back home.”

“But I’ve already set you up with my girlfriend’s best friend!”

“I can’t dance unless it’s with a mop...”

Warren played his last trump card.

“Your date is blonde and has her own car.”

Waldo blinked twice.

“Where’s my cummerbund?”

AOG Officers and Board of Directors

Taken during the July meeting of the AOG Board of Directors, the current board and AOG officers include, from left in the front row: Rodney L. Jones, ’71; Gail C. Allen, ’82; Michael B. Casey, ’96; and Richard M. Coppock, ’61, AOG president and CEO. Second row: Martin T. Daack, ’66; Jody A. Price, ’89; John J. Kelley, Jr., ’65; and Stacy S. McNutt, ’88. Third row: Larry D. Fortner, ’59, board vice chair; Danielle L. Hargrove, ’85; James W. Brown, ’59, board secretary; and Jerry L. Smith, ’62, board treasurer. Fourth row: Victor C. Andrews, ’66; Larry B. Freeman, ’61; Ronald W. Yates, ’60; and James R. Cluff, ’91. Fifth row: Frederick S. Olmsted, Jr., ’64; James W. Spencer, ’75; Marcus A. Anderson, ’61; and Andrew W. Biancur, ’60. Sixth row: Alvin E. Blumberg, Jr., ’68; Kevin G. Westburg, ’92; Bryan J. Zawikowski, ’89; and Edwin J. Montgomery, ’59. Missing from the photo are Board Chair David H. Roe, ’62; and Joseph G. Burke, ’70.

Graduate Dependent Scholarship Winners Accept Awards

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.

(Continued on next page.)

Brig. Gen. (Ret) David H. Roe, ’62, chairman of the AOG Board of Directors, presents a $1,500 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Award to Brenna M. Peterson while proud father, Col. Quentin L. Peterson, ’73, looks on.

Col. (Ret) Robin M. Kozelka, ’59, president of the Hampton Roads AOG Chapter, presents a $1,250 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Award to Karen M. Feigh. Karen is the daughter of Lt. Col. Keith A. Feigh, ’76.

Col. (Ret) Andrew W. Biancur, ’60, a member of the AOG Board ofDirectors, presents a $500 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Award to William B. Rothwell, while proud parents, Lt. Col., ’73, and Mrs. William J. Rothwell, Jr., at right, look on.

Trisha R. White, shown with herfather, Lt. Col. (Ret) Michael B. White, ’65, won a Graduate Dependent Scholarshipfor $500.

Chuck Winter, ’72, president of the Atlanta AOG Chapter, presents a $1,250 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Award to Nicole S. Finch, while proud parents Lt. Col. (Ret) Samuel P., ’64, and Andrea Finch, look on.

Michael J. Galbreath, ’64, president of the Greater New York AOG Chapter, presents a $1,000 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Award to Bradley L. Whitman, while proud parents Col. (Ret), ’60, and Mrs. Edwin L. Whitman, look on.

Col. (Ret) Edwin J. Montgomery, ’59, a member of the AOG Board ofDirectors, presents a $500 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Award to Ryan A. Caltagirone. Ryan is the son of Lt. Col. (Ret) Andrew Caltagirone, ’72.

SACC in Washington DC

April 23-25, 1998

Make plans now for the Spring Service Academies Career Conference of 1998. The host hotel in Washington will be the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Pentagon City in Arlington VA. For hotel reservations call 800-241-3333 or 703-415-5000. To prepare for the SACC, order the Service Academy Attribute and Resume software (order form on page 47). Look for further details in the next Checkpoints or call Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300.

Service Academies Business Resource Directory

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

RESUME SERVICE/SABRD ORDER FORM

□ Please send me copies, at $35.00 each, of the 1997 SABRD (while supplies last)

□ Please send me copies, at $35.00 each, of the 1998 SABRD (to be mailed in late spring 1998)

D Please send me the Resume Disk at $25.00

NAME ADDRESS

CITY,ST,ZIP

AOG OR SSN

CLASS YEAR

□ Check Enclosed (Payable to "AOG")

□ Charge to my □ Visa or □ MasterCard

Expiration Date (Month/Year) □□□□

Home Phone: ( )

Signature:

MAIL TO: AOG, 3116 Academy Dr, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. Telephone orders by Visa or MasterCard at (719) 472-0300 or fax to (719) 333-4194.

(Scholarships: From previous page.)

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 hew 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.

Wallis. W. Wilkinson, shown with herfather, David E. Wilkinson, ’72, won a Graduate Dependent Scholarship for $500.

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

Sleep Inns, Hotels, Resorts-(800) 4-CHOICE. (Ask for the travelers discount for AFA AOG members, ID #000041511).

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.

U. S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

Receptionist

Executive Offices

President/CEO: LTC (Ret) Richard Coppock

Executive Assistant: Pat Buland

Secretary: Maureen Homyak

Receptionist: Jennifer Bowman

Accountant: Joyce Love

Career Opportunities

Company Contact: Wayne Taylor

Resume Service: Wayne Taylor

SACC: Wayne Taylor

Class Rings: Jim Shaw, Jack Mueller

Death Notification

Notices: Pat Buland

Obituaries: TomKroboth

Development

Vice President: Col (Ret) James A. Shaw

AFA Fund: Tauni Omdorff

Building Fund: Jack Mueller, Kathy McCann

Class Gifts: Jack Mueller

Corporate Giving: Jim Shaw

Major Giving: Jim Shaw, Gary Howe

Matching Gifts: Jack Mueller

Paver Project: Tauni Omdorff

Planned Giving: Jim Shaw, Gary Howe

Sabre Society: Jim Shaw, Kathy McCann

Doolittle Hall Special Functions

Reservations (parties, etc): Jean Bickford

Information Services

Administrator: Col (Ret) Chuck Denham

Specialist: Vikki Rhoden

Publications

Editor: Thomas Kroboth

Checkpoints and Register ofGraduates:

Advertising: Wayne Taylor

Chapter News: TomKroboth

Class News: TomKroboth

NOTAM

Editors: Jennifer Bowman, Maureen Homyak

Service Academy Business Resource Directory

Sales: Wayne Taylor, Jean Bickford

Updates: Wayne Taylor, Lani Wing

Services

Vice President: Col (Ret) Jock CH Schwank

Address Updates: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Associate/Cadet Memberships: Don McCarthy

Bio Updates: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Chapters/Societies: Wayne Taylor

Class Reunions: Jock Schwank

Grad. Dependent Scholarships: Jock Schwank

Graduate Membership: Steve Knight

Graduate Records: Steve Knight

Label/List Requests: Jock Schwank

Merchandise Sales: Michele Cowan

Rental Car Cards: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Services (continued)

Saber Rental: Steve Knight

Special Case GolfReservations: Steve Knight

ACADEMY PHONE NUMBERS

Admissions

(719)333-3070

Admission Applications (800) 443-9266

Athletic Ticket Office (800) 666-8723

Base Locator - Academy Military (719) 333-4262

Billeting (VOQ)

Cadet Awards

Cadet Command Post

Diploma Repair/Replacement

Falcon Foundation

GolfCourse

Liaison Officers

Mortuary Affairs/Burial

Prep School Duty Officer

Transcripts

USAFA Operator Assistance

USAFA Parents' Clubs Contact

Visitor Center

Yearbooks/Cadet Media

(719) 333-4910

(719) 333-3833

(719) 333-2910

(719) 333-2229

(719) 333-4096

(719) 333-3456

(719) 333-2846

(719) 333-3323

(719) 333-2501

(719) 333-3970

(719)333-1818

(719) 333-3832

(800) 955-4438

(719) 333-4644

as

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Graduate Biographical Update Form

Name: Date:

Class: 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: Zip Code: Countrv:

Duty assignment or Civilian Position:

Company & Location:

Work Address:

Effective Date:

City: State: Zip Code: Countrv:

Home Phone: ( )

Home FAX: ( )

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

Work e-mail

Work Phone: [_ ) - DSN:

Work FAX: (_ ....) :

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 AOG#:

Spouse’s Graduation Name:

Preferred Name for mailing labels:

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

Ran^ 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: other: Home of Record State: Enter State ie. Presidential, Prep School, etc. While at USAFA

Varsity Letter Earned: Year(s): 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

ATTENTION IN THE AREA

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

Register Deadline Aired

A major AOG service is one of providing up-to-date information on graduates through the annual Register of Graduates. The most recent book was mailed to members of record in November, 1997. The biographical information form printed near the center of each magazine should be used on an ongoing basis to update graduate data. Since the individual graduate is the critical source of Register information, it is vital that you keep the AOG informed of address changes, promotions, new jobs, etc. Information updates to be included in the 1998 Register must be received by 1 July 1998.

Visitors Center Offers AOG Discount

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

Inappropriate Use of Register Addresses

The AOG has noticed a significant increase in the use of graduate addresses listed in the Register for business and political purposes not sanetioned by your AOG. This is directly in violation ofAOG policy as well as an infringement of Copyright laws as spelled out on the first page of the 1997 Register.

The AOG requests that members notify the vice president, Services, immediately of any non-AOG-sanctioned solicitation they receive where

AOG MAJOR EVENTS

their mailing address was apparently obtained from the Register. The AOG will contact the mailer to ascertain how they obtained your address. The names of those who inappropriately used the Register will be published in future editions of Checkpoints.

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

Class Ring Information

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

Jostens

c/o Seal Seykora

4890 S. Kitteredge St. Aurora, Colo. 80015 (303) 699-9199

Balfour Company

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

Classes of 1959, 1961, 1964, 1965

c/o Jess Crane 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975, 1994

3502 S. Marion St.

Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 789-0623 (Evenings: 303-757-0557)

Herff Jones

Classes of 1985, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1995 226 Publis Street, Providence, RI 02905 (401) 331-1240

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.

FALCON SPORTS

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

CINC’s Trophy Comes “Home”, Falcons to bwling

After beating Navy on the middies’ home turf 10-7 on Oct. 11 and blanking Army 24-0 at Falcon Stadium on Nov. 8, the football Falcons returned the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Air Force Academy for the 11th time after a one-year absence when Army won the trophy last year. The Falcon’s 14-3 final vietory over a strong Wyoming team made the Air Force team 10-2 overall and 6-2 in the WAC, with a good potential for a bowlgame bid.

The Falcon’s final game against Wyoming was a chilly (13 degrees) thriller played in a near-zero wind-chill Falcon Stadium. With the score 7-3 in favor of the Falcons, the Wyoming Cowboys began a march toward the end zone. With 23 seconds left in the game, on a third-and-nine play, the Wyoming quarterback threw a pass close to the end zone which was picked off by senior Frank Staine-Pyne and returned 93 yards (the longest interception return in AFA history) for the touchdown, insuring the 14-3 WAC win.

In the Army game, Air Force outgained the Black Knights 365 to 152. It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter when Army finally moved into Air Force territory. Quallario Brown led the balanced rushing attack with 50 yards, Spanky Gilliam tallied 44 and Jamal Singleton gathered 43. Air Force didn’t turn the ball over for the second consecutive game.

As a group this season, the Falcon defense has been excellent against the run, stingy against the pass and they’ve allowed just 149 points—12.4 a game, numbers which rank the best of any AFA defense since the Academy joined the Western Athletic Conference in 1980.

The Falcon’s box score for the season follows:

Nov. 15 USAFA 14 - Wyoming 3

Nov. 8 USAFA 24 - Army 0

Nov. 1 USAFA 34 - Hawaii 27

Oct. 25 San Jose State 25 - USAFA 22

Oct. 18 Fresno State 20 - USAFA 17

Oct. 11 USAFA 10 - Navy 7

Oct. 4 USAFA 17 - Citadel 3

Sept. 27 USAFA 24 - San Diego State 18

Sept. 20 USAFA 24 - Colorado State 0

Oh, What a Night!

Wide receiver (No. 6) Matt Farmer is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown during the Falcon’s Sept. 20th 24-0 victory over Colorado State University at Fort Collins. The Rams had not been shut out at home since 1973. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Richard Komurek courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Sept. 13 USAFA 25 - Nevada-Las Vegas 24

Sept. 6 USAFA 41 - Rice 14

Aug. 30 USAFA 14 - Idaho 10

Men’s Basketball Returns All Five Starters

Let’s get started already!

The Air Force men’s basketball team can’t wait to throw the ball up this season. Not since the Raymond Dudley and Jeff Bowling era of the late ’80s has there been so much anticipation for a year to begin.

Air Force returns all five starters and seven of the top eight scorers from last year’s squad that finished 7-19 overall and 2-14 in the Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division. The Falcons closed the year by winning two of the last five games, including a 21-point victory over Pacific Division champion Fresno State. AFA’s other WAC win came against second-place Hawaii.

Seniors Jarmica Reese and Mike Freeman are the leaders. Voted team co-captains by their teammates, the duo has become one of the best in AFA history. Reese has led the team in scoring the last two seasons with averages of 14.8 and 17.2, respectively. His sophomore scoring average of 14.8 ranks as the sixth best for a sophomore in AFA history.

Last season, Reese became the first player since Randy Gricius in 1979 to lead the team in scoring, rebounding (5.9) and assists (3.2) in a season. Reese was also one of only 64 players nationwide selected to participate in the USA Basketball tryouts. He is the first AFA player since Raymond Dudley in 1990 to be selected to play in the tryouts.

Freeman has established himself as one of the most productive big men in AFA history. The Littleton, Colo., native grabbed a team-best 7.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore which ranks third all-time for a sophomore in AFA history. Last year, he finished second on the team in scoring (14.6), rebounding (5.9) and assists (2.1). He notched three double-doubles last year and has nine for his career.

Either Reese or Freeman led the team in scoring in 25 of 26 games. Reese led the team in 15 games while Freeman shouldered the load 10 times. Both enter the season as legitimate allconference candidates. (Schedule on next page.) 1998 FOOTBALL

(As of Nov. 5, 1997)

Tailgate

Oct. 10 Navy USAFA & AOG Interservice

Tailgate

Oct. 24 USAFA At Tulsa

Oct. 31 SMU USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Nov. 7 USAFA At Army

Nov. 14 USAFA At Wyoming

Women’s Basketball Begins Second Division I Year

Even after a full year playing at the Division I level, the Falcons still can’t be sure how the 1997-98 season will turn out. Sure, the competition will be just as tough, and the team will need to stand tall against bigger, stronger opponents—that goes without saying. But, the Falcons have a year of experience behind them, and return nearly the entire squad that battled to a 4-22 record in their inaugural Division I year. What will the outcome of the season be? Only time will tell.

“We’re tackling another strong schedule,” said head coach Marti Gasser, who is just 11 wins away from 300 career victories. “We’ll have a chance to pick up some wins in the preseason before beginning conference play, and that will give this team more confidence,”

Four starters return, including potential star Elycia Hall, who paced the team with 8.1 points per game as a sophomore. Hall, who was also second on the team with a 5.1 rebounding average, is a versatile player on the court who can rebound, shoot the three and score under the basket. She began developing early last season after seeing only limited playing time as a freshman.

1997-98 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

(Times are local at game site.)

Dec. 9 7:00 pm DENVER USAFA

1997-98 MEN’S BASKETBALL

Dec. 19-20 TBA Texas-San Antonio Tourney San Antonio, TX (UC-Irvine, UT-Pan American, UTSA)

Jan. 1 7:00 pm Colorado State Ft. Collins, CO

Jan. 3 3:00 pm Wyoming Laramie, WY

Jan. 10 2:00 pm UNLV USAFA

Jan. 15 7:00 pm NEW MEXICO USAFA

Jan. 17 2:00 pm UTEP USAFA

Jan. 22 7:00 pm Utah Salt Lake City, UT

Jan. 24 3:00 pm BYU Provo, UT

Jan. 29 7:00 pm WYOMING USAFA

Jan. 31 2:00 pm COLORADO STATE USAFA

Feb. 4 7:00 pm UNLV Las Vegas, NV

Feb. 7 2:00 pm SAN DIEGO STATE USAFA

Feb. 12 6:00 pm UTEP El Paso, TX

Feb. 14 7:00 pm New Mexico Albuquerque, NM

Feb. 19 7:00 pm BYU USAFA

Feb. 21 2:00 pm UTAH USAFA

Feb. 26 7:00 pm San Diego State San Diego, CA

Mar. 2-7 TBA WAC Championships Las Vegas, NV

New Hockey Coach Taking Team Back to the Basics

The walls of the Cadet Ice Arena cannot hold the excitement felt by the 1997-98 Air Force hockey team.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Frank Serratore, the Falcons have received a large dose of enthusiasm. It should not take long for Serratore’s excitement for the game and anticipation for this season to burrow itself inside each and every Falcon. His full-speed approach should carry on for years to come as his first Air Force team has just four seniors on the 31-man roster. In fact, 21 of the 31 Falcons are freshmen or sophomores.

“Our philosophy will be the hockey version of Vince Lombardi football,” Serratore said. “We are going to get back to the basics and strive to be the hardest-working, most-disciplined team in the country. Our goal will be to combine basic execution with a relentless work ethic in order to earn a reputation as a team that nobody looks forward to playing.”

Serratore’s job will not be an easy one. He takes over a program that has won 12 games in the past two seasons. The Falcons have not enjoyed a winning season in seven years. Serratore and his staff will look toward the leadership of tri-captains senior John Haberlach, and juniors Dan Davies and Justin Kieffer.

“Before we can win, we must first become a difficult team to play against,” Serratore said. “Our players must believe in themselves, each other and what can be achieved when everyone works together. It is imperative that our team adopt a mind-set of ‘It’s amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets credit!”’

1997-98 ICE HOCKEY

Junior Elycia Hall

USAFA Triumphs Again at Fifth Academy Golf Classic

By Jerry Ahmann, ’63

What a tournament! For the first time ever, the weather cooperated. The alumni and friends competed under balmy clear skies for two days. By the time it began to rain on the cadet’s and midshipmen’s final round, the alumni were back at work. And, as coach Gene Miranda pointed out in his victory acceptance speech, “Maybe we are supposed to compete in trying conditions. Wars are not postponed for weather either.”

Honorary Academy Golf Classic co-chairman Dallas Cowboy, Chad Hennings, ’88, and Gen. (Ret) Ed Rafalko (USMA ’45), who served as Air Force Academy athletic directorfrom 1963 to 1967.

Not only did the USAFA golf team compete, led by Matt Peterson’s tournament record three-under-par 71-72-70, 213 total, they won by a rather convincing 20 strokes over second-place Navy. The grad’s scores reflected the wonderful weather they enjoyed. USAFA ’80 grad Pat Youngs scored a three-under “best ball” 69 to edge USAFA ’80 grad Rick Sargent’s 70 for low gross for the tournament. Pat won a set of graphite woods and irons donated by Nitro Golf.

On day one, the team from USAA Federal Savings Bank made up of Jack Swonson ’62, Dave Sharman, Butch Dye, and Perry Stevens, teamed with cadet Geoff Mann ’98 to win first place and win USAFA golf bags with a “scramble” low score of 52. Dan Crump ’99, teamed with Lance Ammon ’70, Fred Zickrick ’72, John Eisenhart ’73, and Jeff Wilson ’80 to score a 53.6 for second place and took home USAFA jackets. Ed Rafalko, USMA ’45, who also served as USAFA athletic director from 1963-1967 teamed with golf team officer representative Col. Gunther Mueller, Col. Larry Fariss ’75, USAFA Golf Course pro Andrew Feldman, and

cadet Joe Petrosky to take third place with a 54.8 and win USAFA warm-ups.

Our thanks to coach Miranda and to the Athletic Department for providing these wonderful prizes. Additionally, Jack Swonson won a Cobblestobe gift certificate by landing “Closest to the Pin.” Other USAFA graduates who supported the tournament through their participation were Bob Keighery ’62; Chris ’91, Jamie ’66, and John ’81 Gough;

Thanks to Our Generous Fifth Academy Golf Classic Sponsors

SPONSORS

Title Sponsor—$7,500

The Elk Corporation

Ryder Cup Sponsors—$4,000-plus

Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems

USAA Federal Savings Bank

Nitro Golf

Tour Sponsors—$2,000-plus

Anheuser-Busch

Buick Motor Division/James Wood Motors, Inc.

DONORS

Cobblestone Golf

The Club at Trophy Club

Iron Horse Golf Course

USAFA Athletic Department

USNA Athletic Department

USMA Athletic Department

USMMA Athletic Department

The Golf Course at Texas Star

Oakmont Country Club

Harrah’s Shreveport

Ben E. Keith Company

William Simpson USAFA ’63

Dallas Athletic Club-Dennis Ewing

Marriott Solana

Taylor Made Golf Company

Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems

Coca-Cola Bottling of North Texas

James A. Gibbs

Robert L. Hensz

Edgar D. Kenna

Craig V. Miller, USAF (Ret)

James L. Ough, M.D.

North Texas Rehabilitation Clinic

Woodhaven Country Club

TEE SPONSORS

Jerry and Ellen Ahmann

American Airlines Pilots-USAFA

Association of Graduates-USMA Association of Graduates-USAFA

Ben E. Keith Company

George C. and Barbara Jean Benson-USMA ’45

Clare Rose of Nassau, Inc.

COMERICA Bank

Dana Distributors, Inc.

Katcef Brothers, Inc.

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems

Lucas Associates, Inc.

Northrop Grumman Commercial Aircraft Division

North Texas Association of AFA Graduates

Norwest Banks

Raytheon E-Systems

The Bill Reemtsma Family

Sea-Land Service, Inc.

SoftSpikes, Inc.

Standard Sales Company

Texas AGA, Inc.

U.S. Military Academy, Class of ’45

U.S. Military Academy, Class of ’64

USNA Alumni Association

West Point Society of North Texas

Waterford Capital, Nick Stafford USMA ’69

WORLDCOM

The Air Force Academy Cadet Golf Team which won the Fifth Academy Golf Classic trophy with golf coach Gene Miranda at left.

Tom English ’79; John Scholtz

The USAA Federal Savings Bank team won first place on day one with a “scramble” low score of52. From left are Butch Dye, Perry Stevens, GeoffMann (USAFA Golf Team), Jack Swonson (USAA Federal Savings Bank sponsor), and Dave Sharman.

’80;

We, the committee of The Service Academy Golf Classic, are proud to announce once again that we were able to bring the cadets and midshipmen of USAFA, USMA, USNA, and USMMA to the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex to compete in an NCAA-sanctioned tournament at no cost to the academies. Additionally, we were once again able to donate $5,000 to each of the athletic departments. Coach Miranda announced that he has been saving his annual donation and has been given the okay this year to purchase a van for transporting the USAFA Golf Team to various tournaments. Those of you who have contributed to this tournament through the years can feel justifiably proud when you see this van.

Visosky, and Geoff Mann not only for once again winning The Bill Reemtsma Memorial Trophy, but also for renewing my faith in the quality of officers and gentlemen being produced by the USAFA.

Academy Alumni Lacrosse Team to Compete in Vail

By Charles A. “Cat” Stevens, ’74

Calling all former Academy lacrosse players who are nearing or are over the age of 40. A critical mass of Falcon lacrosse alumni are banding together to compete in the Supermasters (40-plus) Division at the annual Vail Shootout next summer. The Supermasters tourney offers a great chance to get together with a bunch of other fellas who just can’t quite seem to get the game of lacrosse out of their blood and to compete in the midst of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Each team plays three games over the course of three days (this year’s dates were 29 June-1 July—also roughly the dates of next summer’s event).

Play is open to guys who will reach at least the age of 40 during 1998 with one exception—each team can use up to three folks who are “only” 35-39. Regarding off-field activities, this event is truly family-oriented with many of the players bringing their wives and children. With most play being in the morning, afternoons are free for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, sightseeing, or shopping (good selling point, this one).

To date, the following alumni have at least expressed an interest in joining the squad: Russ Murray, 67; Terry Brady, ’69; Harry Calcutt and Scott Wheeler ’72; Cat Stevens, Ed Mcllhenny, Don Kerley, and Rich Petitt ’74; Mitch Brown, Mason Goodhand, and Mike McDonald ’78; Gordy Ross and Joe Grisham ’79; Mike Jacobi, Chet Nowak, Bob Steigerwald and Ev Wallace ’81.

Many thanks are in order. If I omit someone, as I an sure I will, I apologize and ask for your understanding. A special thanks once again to our title sponsor, The Elk Corporation, for their continuing financial support. Thanks to USAA Federal Savings Bank (Jack Swonson ’62) and to Lockheed Martin (Bob Keighery ’62) for their support as Ryder Cup sponsors. (We can use help from other classes too please.) Thanks also to our many Tour and Tee sponsors. Thanks to featured speaker Vice Admiral Brent Bennitt for his informative talk on America’s and the academies’ past and future in U.S. and world politics. Thanks to Dave Brigman ’71, A1 Richardson ’66, Lance Ammon ’70, Jeff Wilson ’80, Ron Hale ’71, Rob Wayne ’74, Duke Ramey ’74, and my wife, Ellen, for their dedication and hard work all year.

Thanks to the USAFA Association of Graduates for their financial and commercial assistance and for their encouragement as well. Thanks and congratulations to the tradition-rich Gough family for holding a family reunion at our tournament every year. And finally, thanks to the USAFA Golf Team of Matt Peterson, Jason Jensen, Joseph Petrosky, Dan Crump, Jeff Scohy, Danny

MCI Cancels AOG Program

The AOG was notified in June 1997 by MCI that the AOG-MCI affinity program will be canceled. This cancellation was 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.

We are shooting for at least 25 team members which should allow us to cope with the various aches and pains that three days of fun and frolic on the lacrosse field will produce, yet still be able to put forth the competitive effort with which Air Force lacrosse has long been associated. And, while this team will wear the proud colors of the AFA Alumni, we’re willing to share this opportunity with any “friends” of AFA lacrosse who would like to strap on the pads with us.

For more information, contact Cat Stevens at the following: 2550-G Paragon Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918; Phone: (719) 266-9090 (h), (719) 637-6212 (w); E-mail: cstevens@ grci.com.

Oh yeah. The defending champions of this division are the Navy Alumni—“The Old Goats”! Need any more incentive?

Honorary Class of ’98 Member

Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, then-Air Force chief ofstaff, was named an honorary member of the Academy’s Class of 1998 the day prior to his retirement. Here, wearing the red T-shirt presented to him by the class, he passes out Air Force chief of staff medallions to next year’s graduating class.

Duke Ramey ’74; Rob Wayne ’74; Dan Shine ’74; Jim Struble ’74; Paul Dean ’61; Bill Toney ’59; Rick Cree ’66; Ken Hallmark ’64; Arp Horvath ’78; Dave Brigman ’71; Paul McKay ’71; Sean Riley ’71; Flip Keck ’69; A1 Richardson ’66; and former USAFA athletic director Ken Schweitzer.

Andy Brigman, Dave Brigman, ’71; and Jerry Ahmann, ’63, at the podium, enjoying the Fifth Academy Golf Classic Awards Banquet.

CLASS NEWS

Pete Todd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

Home: (719) 531-5874

FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

Percent members: 80

WI/L

Happy holidays to one and all! (I’m not sure exactly which holidays you’re celebrating at the moment, but this issue ought to drop somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so take your pick.)

The E-mail Fairy left lots of newsy notes for Your Faithful Scribe during the summer. The most recent news was from Tom HOUSE, bringing us up to date on his adventures over the last several years. Tom retired as a full colonel in England in 1988 and he and Chris stayed for a bit in their home outside London. Later, they sold it and moved to Switzerland for awhile. Tom says every day in Europe was an adventure, but they had to move back home to be nearer to Chris’s elderly mother. Since 1990, they’ve been dividing their time between their home in Carmel and their cabin in Mammoth. Once a year, Tom dashes off to Georgia where he manages the family peanut and pine farm. They stay busy in California raising Bernese Mountain Dogs, hiking, canoeing, swimming and skiing. Sounds to me like he could use some company.

Wayne and Karen PITTMAN are still working as the leading unpaid stewards of all things aeronautical. A full accounting of their many activities at home and abroad would consume the whole column, but here’s a short summary of their projects: working on a book for the RAF Benevolent Fund; flying to England to serve as volunteers for the Royal International Air Tattoo, the world’s largest air show (as distinct from the trade shows at Paris, Farnborough, etc.); editing the quarterly newsletter of the B-52 Association; and establishing and co-chairing a voluntary advisory council at the Air Force Museum at Wright-Pat along with their “normal” jobs of conducting tours and manning the information desk. During his copious spare time, Wayne serves as president of the Council on America’s Military Past (CAMP), trying to preserve some of our heritage and history before it all evaporates into the post-Cold War euphoria. Karen performs her “extracurricular activities” as a member of the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) Guild, chair of the DAI store volunteers, and board member of the Friends of the Library at Wright State University. Wayne blames this self-inflicted overload on a deficiency of the Academy training: it never taught him to say, “NO.”

In other aviation news, I have it on good authority that Don LIVINGSTON and Ed MONTGOMERY were the crew of a United Air Lines aircraft carrying actual passengers between Chicago and Dusseldorf last summer. Appropriate NOTAMS were published and there is no sign that any of the passengers suffered ill effects from the experience. Ed also informed me outside the USAFA Community Center barbershop, where he had just enjoyed a recreational haircut, that he had flown his last United “sortie” on Sept. 19. He was turning 60 the next day and, according to FAA regulations, was now officially senile, spastic, a walking flightsafety hazard, and unfit to captain a commercial aircraft. You really hate to see a guy go downhill so fast.

By the way, I know all of you subscribe to the American Horticultural Society’s American Gardener magazine, so keep an eye out for an article featuring Jim and Sheila REED’s Chinese garden in an upcoming issue. Jim reports he spent a month in China and Hong Kong during the summer. He participated in the first-ever China Rally, a new car-rally event being run in China. He then traveled to Hong Kong for the changeover ceremonies on July 1. As a long-time resident, he would have been eligible for permanent residence if he could come up with the $35,000 per month rental for a 1,000 square-foot apartment! Jim notes that one impact of the changeover and the extraordinary economy is a significant number of Hong Kong residents planning to move across the border—INTO China. His assessment is that Hong Kong’s future is secure. The residents recognize the UK contributions, but there wasn’t any great love for the Brits. The Chinese are natural adapters and the people of Hong Kong will find an accommodation with their new masters.

Skip SMOTHERMON wrote from Oklahoma to advise that he’s still teaching physics and all kinds of math (thanks to the USAFA education)

and that Mary Catherine plans to run for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional seat in ’98. He’s looking for a good fund raiser/campaign manager to take some of the load off them.

From North Carolina comes news that Tom and Karen STACK married off a daughter in July and are thinking of leaving Greensboro and buying a house in the Historic District in Wilmington. Karen wants to live in a place that will attract kids for something other than duty visits. Tom immediately suggested a ski-in/ski-out location, but so far warm weather and the Inland Waterway hold a commanding lead.

A bit to the north, Bill TELFORD writes that he and Anne hosted one of their periodic gatherings of the D.C.-area ’59ers at their Virginia lakeside retreat in August. The weekend of swimming, boating and eating was newsworthy enough to be mentioned in the local newspaper. We still make headlines wherever we go! Bill noted wryly a phenomenon I’ve observed in recent years: whereas in the days of yore the subjects of conversation included flying, assignments, getting ahead, etc., these days we discuss operations, doctors and health care.

From the buckle of the Corn Belt, Dusty TRAIL reports that he has retired from farming in Nebraska and has moved into town. He now has three part-time jobs: chairman of the Red Willow County Board of Commissioners, corporate pilot (flying a Cessna 414 for the Kugler Corporation), and executive director of the local Industrial Development Corporation. Stop in and see the Cornish if you’re passing through McCook.

Finally, here in the Rockies, CV and Sandy MILLER made a touchand-go in the Springs in August, which provided the excuse for a nonotice gathering of available ’59er Front Rangers at the USAFA Officers

“Walking the Planks“ at the Telfords’. From left are Mike andMarian Reardon, Wayne and Bonnie Jefferson, Jimmie and Judy Jay, Fred and Brenda Wynn, Joe and Karen Morgan, and Bill and Anne Telford.

A Rocky Mountain Welcome to the Millers. From left are Bob and Roxann Browning, Brock Strom, CV Miller, Dan and Yvette Garber, Sandy Miller, Jim and Rose Brown, Max Miller, Trix Scott, Pete and Wendy Todd, and Scott Miller.

Club. In addition to the usual suspects, Jerry GARBER’s son, Captain Dan (USAFA ’92), his bride Yvette, and Max MILLER’S son, C2C Scott Miller, joined in the welcome.

Wendy and I wish you and yours a happy holiday season and all the best of health, happiness and success in the new year.

Thoughtfor the quarter: The problem with success is that, by the time you’re rich enough to sleep late, you’re so old you always wake up early.

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

11181 West 17th Ave.

Building Two, Unit 208 Lakewood, CO 80215-2759 (303) 238-4973, FAX: 237-0772

Percent members: 77

“I was laying prostrate trying to read the Spring ’97 Checkpoints when I read about all the prostate checks. What we should do is prostrate this prostate problem.” That message on my machine was from Dr. William A. GILLIS, Ed.D.—who quite obviously has a lot of free time on his hands, and musta had a double dose of ‘‘froot-loops” that morning—referent to the misspelling of PROSTATE (RC: but, truth will out, and it couldn’t have been my fault, Bill. Remember, I was and here I do not wish to brag—in the top 98 percent of our class! Would a guy with that kind of akidemeck record mess-up on a constant, or a bowel?). Dr. Bill later wrote about his three-week trip with wife, Kath, and their three grandkids to Hartford, Groton, Winthrop (MA), “Baa Haabuh” Maine, Cape Cod, New London, Boston; and, thence how deftly he replaced a roof and put on a new dock at his Florida home, followed by a new roof and landscaping at his Arizona residence.

Lew PRICE suggests an extract from the berries of San Palmetto trees—a scrubby palm from the West Indies—for reducing by HALF the effects of prostate cancer, and has remedies for other maladies. Lew, now living in Garden Valley, CA, writes: “THERE IS SOMETHING I SHOULD BE FAMOUS FOR. Sherrie and I research ancient cultures and religious practices, and I write books from material not found in libraries; consequently, we have books ranging from volumes used to translate ancient Hebrew to engineering texts. Since 1974, I have researched ethnic flutes from all over the world and developed the physics and math of woodwinds to the point where I wrote a computer program for designing flutes so they can be tailored to the handsize of the player by key and type of tuning desired. My work is original and has been in many countries all over the world—the farthest being to the president of the Australian Didjeridu Association in Tasmania (Scribe: I swear I’m not making any of this up!) This work is not very lucrative, but is afirst in the science of musical instrument design.” Lew’s published a dozen books on how to make flutes an integral part of your life; so, call him TODAY at (916) 333-9470, since supplies are limited. Lew is also an honorary Kyoshi—6th Dan Master of the 6th Level BlackBelt of a possible eight in Bushido, which is the Code of the Samurai, as listed in the 26th Edition of Maruqis’ Who’s Who in the West. Lew Paxton PRICE is therefore this quarter’s recipient of our prestigious What I Am Famous For Award!

George and Jerry de la Cruz with a Tiger.

George Emerson ELSEA (Model Engineering Club 3,2) sent a photo of his DeHavilland DH-82A “Tiger Moth” which was designed after the 1920s Gypsy Moth as a primary trainer for the Royal Air Force. That plane in the photo was manufactured in 1941 and served as a trainer for the RAF until sold after WWII. “Mike LOVE and I plus two others at RAF Lakenheath bought it in 1963 (that August I took it on leave and was weathered-in near Inverness, during which time I first met Evey and her family).” George’s wife, Evey, won’t fly with him anymore, since her

LAST flight in the Tiger was over the Grand Canyon in 1969—noticeable turbulence, and “I elected to continue on to a conventional airport rather than land immediately. Not a Popular Decision!” The ELSEAs went to Scotland in May and “attended the Highland Games at Moy. Managed four fishing expeditions with brothers-in-law stalking trout in various Highland Lochs, but did not significantly alter the balance of nature.” George also mentioned his children—daughter Merran and husband, John, produce InterNet home-page support programs in Seattle, while son Roy and wife, Shannon, teach in Lampasa, TX—and closed by commenting on “Your (my) typically respectful and reverent columns.”

Nice letter from Ted STUMM (Gun Club 3): I enjoy teaching political science and public administration at the U. of North Florida. Still find time for fishing. Dona is taking life easy, although she talks about resuming her horticulture occupation now and then, but hasn’t done so other than making me the engineering hydraulics worker for her yard work—I dig holes and carry the hose. We do have room for guests, so if anyone in our class is in the neighborhood, we would be glad to see them. See you at the 40th Reunion.” Received another letter from Ted close to deadline: “Just a short note to update you on how I spent my Labor Day weekend. It seems I had a bit of heart trouble, spent the holiday weekend in the hospital and celebrated the day after Labor Day by having quadruple bypass surgery. While this is not exactly what I had planned, it seems that it has all worked out well and a lot better than some of the alternatives. I’ve now been home from the hospital for a bit over a week and am recovering fine—but more slowly than I would like. Anyway, in 4-5 weeks I should be back teaching (may be longer if the fall fishing is good) and doing other normal things.”

Dean BRISTOW is commander of the 43rd Medical Group at Pope AFB and our last classmate on active duty. Stationed in the Carolinas amongst a googol of rednecks, Dean writes: “Picture taken 15 April 97. At that time, wing commander of the 43rd Wing and five of Pope’s six group commanders were AFA grads. The wing was the 23rd (former Flying Tigers of which Pappy BOYINGTON’s pappy belonged to in 1941), and we became the 43rd Airlift Wing under MAC with C-130s and the A-lOs became the 23rd Fighter Group. I’m having fun trying to keep the old wrecks—older colonels—flyable.”.

Col. Wilkes (’77), Matinee Idol Dean, B/G Dordal (’71), Col. Lee (’74), Col. Ettenson (’74), Col. Lauten (’73), not shown: Col. Ferraro (’74).

Potpourri. Techno-geek and wunderkind EDP wonk Richard Robert SCHEHR now leads the digerati of computer intellectuals by teaching classes on advanced-abacus in Aurora (CO), for “Those Who Hate Computers!” (really a hush-hush project, with Dick saying he’d have to KILL me if I asked any more questions)...Dave REED returned in June after five months sailing around New Zealand...In September, Gordy FLYGARE and his dad attended the 107th Tac Recon Squadron Reunion in San Diego for his 91-year-old father’s WWII unit. Gordo’s “busy getting Rockwell/North American and now McDonnell/Douglas straightened out and integrated into the Boeing family.’’...George Elliott LUCK was named Washington Pilot Association’s Pilot ofthe Yearfor 1996 (see Boeing’s News of July 25, 1997)...The picture below was taken during the marriage of Duchess Katrinka and Marquis Wiskers on Saturday, the twelfth of July at Jock and Hope SCHWANK’s house. Lotsa elves, leprechauns, and ouphes were in attendance. Did you know that Hope is sister to Neal REAVELY? Do you care?...Frank and Eve MAYBERRY have been traced from Colorado to California to Guam, Perth, Sydney, then somewhere called Goodnough in Australia’s backland, on to Bali and back to Darwin, and then to the outback. Stay tuned...late breaking news and addition to our last column concerning George PUPICH: “There is a Japanese branch to the PUPICH clan. ‘Yokohama PUPICH’ had 25 missions as a Kamikaze pilot in WW-II (twice). He recently tried to arrange a squadron reunion and found out that he was the ONLY one

Andi, Chris, Jim, Wayne, and the Jock who survived the war.” (Unconfirmed source received via satellite transmission somewhere near Boise, ID.)

Karen and I recently had an enjoyable dinner with BGen Denis WALSH and wife, Liz. Denis is still so skinny he only has one side, and probably fewer grams of fat on his body than the entire plate of Alfredo Fettuccine I was consuming in one of Denver’s finest eateries, maybe even less then THE LALIME! Our brigadier had just completed his six-year project building an RV-6A and allowed me to ride Co-Pilot/Shotgun with him on a flight over Colorado’s eastern plains on a balmy afternoon in late September. (Hangared at front Range Airport east of Denver, one of his favorite cross-country flights is for a visit with his 94-year-old mother in Springfield, MO.) D.L.’s nifty ship climbs at 2,225 FPM, has a ceiling of almost 25-thousand, weighs 1,088 empty, 23-foot wingspan, and tops out at 208 mph. (The photo of D.L. was enhanced by advanced digitalcryogenics and LASER technology.) On the drive back to Denver following the flight, Denis reminisced and confided his secret for being THE WIZARD at shining shoes as a “doolie” in 1956 for Sixth Squadron: VODKA! (I guess if he didn’t like the shine, he’d just drink the shoes.)

Note the photo in which I, Earl SAUNDERS, and Earl’s grandson, 13-year-old Matthew Karmondy appear. It celebrates the completion of Matt’s first flight in a small airplane which I was honored to provide at Earl’s request. Matt is the son of Earl and Lillie’s daughter Catheryn and Tom KARMONDY (USAFA ’82). Earl advises that Matt is lining up for USAFA ’07.

There was a Dinner Partyfor Lowry Pioneers on Sept. 26, 1997 at the USAFA O-Club for officers/cadets/civilians who served at Lowry AFB II from 1955-58. Comm-staff and AOCs in attendance: Barton, Braswell, Cassiday, Crawford, Gabriel, Tallman, Warren, (Mrs.) Yancey, and members of the Harmon and Briggs families; ATOs were Bassett, Biersack, Cole, Emmons, Freyer, Gilster, Greaves, Hall, Hess, O’Hare, Smith, Snook, Thoburn; and, 21 AFA staff members (faculty, training, library, athletics, and engineers). Including spouses, over 140 were at this event, and our classmates who attended were BIANCUR, BOYINGTON, BRUSH, CLER, JOLLY, OUELLETTE, PUPICH, WADDLE, WALSH, WARACK, and YATES. 41 years ago—excuse me while I just lie down for a small “Senior Moment.” Bye, and have a Great Christmas.

Edward A. Zompa

121 Scenic Drive

Madison, AL 35758

Vvfty fj1*} (205) 971-8973

E-mail: Vtailed@aol.com

Percent members: 82

It’s September. As of 9/15/97 the Falcons have won their first three games.

Gene DAVIS is the president of the Florida Space Coast International Visitors Council hosting DVs selected by U.S. embassies. While in D.C. with visitors, he socialized with the STACKHOUSEs (says Bill looks good) and also met with Ron MUELLER. Gene is also co-editor of the

From left, Earl Saunders, his grandson Matthew Karmondy, and the scribe celebrate Matt’s firstflight in a small aircraft.

Earl and Lillie SAUNDERS, Hector and Joan NEGRONI and Gayle and I spent Labor Day weekend at the Negroni condo at Perdido Key, FL. Clear skies, calm waters, beautiful beaches, and plenty of seafood made for a great time. Earl was as loose as a silk blouse soaked in drycleaning fluid.

From Corky COCHRANE comes word of a get-together of the Pudget Sound Gray Tags in July at Lake Whatcom near Bellingham, WA hosted by Corky and wife, Pat. Attending were Gene and Annette HOPP, Art and Holly KERR with daughters Celia (12) and KC (8), Ole and Betsy KOMARNITSKY, and Jack and Linda TAYLOR. Dave and Christine HMIEL might have been there had they not moved to Oregon. Dave MCMONIGAL was attending to estate matters subsequent to his father’s death in June or would have been there too. Whatcom? When that came through the e-mail, I thought it was another error message. The photo shows the five attending male specimens who, I must admit, all look very well although the top of Art’s forehead seems to be in retreat. Maybe he’s in a race with Jack.

The news from Fairchild Hall is that brother CUBERO will retire June 15, 1998. I got that right from the man himself and we are all invited. Randy says CSAF will convene a selection group in Oct/Nov ’97 to select the next Dean. Randy (i.e. Jan) says they are remaining in Colorado Springs. More about USAFA In a later paragraph.

From Nelson O’REAR comes word that several Gray Tags, including Pete LANE, attended the wedding of John KOHOUT’s son Rick in August. He also reported that Larry KARNOWSKI and Jim WILHELM were doing the motorcycle cross-country thing again.

We all suffer a little over Ron FOGLEMAN’s early retirement, and we all look a little better, I think, because he drew a line in the sand and maintained his dignity, integrity, and commitment to his oath. Tom

Left: RV-6A. Right: Denis.

Brevard County Republican newsletter, did a piece on Kelly Flinn, and also provided written counsel to Senator Lott.

Pudget Sound Gray Tags from left include Gene Hopp, Jack Taylor, Corky Cochrane, Ole Komarnitsky and Art Kerr.

ELLER reported that Ron was at USAFA for the Supt’s change of command on August 1 and got “a long period of applause from the crowd.” Tom also reported that Ron was very gracious and thanked our class for our leadership and the example we set as cadets. As a second classman, I was Ron’s element leader. He was my wing commander later when I was base commander at MacDill. Ron was also a flight commander (F-4E) under George BUCHNER when George was a squadron commander at Udorn.

Ron’s retirement was scheduled for the parade ground on Aug. 28, but TSTMS rained forth. Since the cadets were soaked, they were dismissed, and that thwarted the foul weather plan for Arnold Hall. The actual retirement took place in Doolittle Hall (the AOG facility) with some scrambling to deconfigure the setup of a previously-scheduled event. This all came from Dick COPPOCK with whom I visited briefly on Sept. 8.

Also on Sept. 8, Gayle and I were at USAFA with another couple from Huntsville (flying friends). Notwithstanding a last-minute request on my part, Randy Cubero took us to lunch in Mitchell Hall. We met a couple of the football players, a nose guard and an outside tackle (they were huge), who addressed the wing and thanked them for their support. They told us, hang onto your hat, that this year’s offensive line averages 275 pounds and that there are a couple of guys on the squad just shy of 300 pounds!

One of,the best things I’ve seen in years is the excellent rapport between Randy and the commandant, B/G Steve LORENZ (USAFA ’73). It was encouraging to hear these two talking common goals.

On a less encouraging note, I observed that much of the USAFA physical infrastructure is deteriorating in an unattractive way. Examples are cracked and unrepaired concrete slabs, filling missing between marble slabs on the Terrazzo, and the metal letters making up the names of the people after whom the buildings are named are running with rust on the walls of the buildings. The VOQ was not the best I’ve stayed in and needs work too. I think USAFA is funded at about 96 percent of budgeted needs compared to much lower levels throughout the Air Force. Nonetheless, none of us should miss an opportunity to advocate and lobby for USAF and USAFA funding. Next time you are there, take a look. USAFA is a national resource and deserves to look the best it can.

An interesting piece of trivia from Randy is that there is a dialogue between USAFA and the Citadel and VMI. It seems that we have some expertise on women in the military academy setting and they seek our counsel. A factor essential to success seems to be achieving a critical mass of women so there is a social support system available and not a condition where a small number of women may experience too much isolation. Who would have thunk it 36 years ago?

I mentioned Brice JONES’ Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards sponsoring the 12th Annual World Croquet Championships in Windsor, CA earlier this year in my last column. This is a charity event with numerous of our classmates attending. Charlie STEBBINS sent in this photo of some Gray Tags who were there. According to Charlie, the group is responding to a particularly tense croquet shot! From left standing are Sam HARDAGE, Brice JONES, Lee BUTLER, John BOESCH, Mike QUINLAN, Bob BRICKEY and Joe HENDRIX. Kneeling are Marc ANDERSON, Charlie STEBBINS, Tom ELLER and Hector NEGRONI.

This is already too long past Art KERR’s attention span so I’ll close by saying that Michelle’s and Three Thieves are as good as ever. Send me your e-mail address if you would like to be included on the Gray Tag Net (GTN).

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

John W. ‘‘Jack” Jamba r

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Home: (407) 777-5520

Office: (407) 861-3519

E-mail: jwjamba@aol.com i

Percent members: 70 w

Hi Redtags. Only six weeks until reunion time. Looking forward to another fun time with you guys and your mates. The e-mail system is still clicking. Getting lots of updates by that method. If you want to be on the e-mail net, send me your e-mail address and I’ll add it to the list.

Got an e-mail from Jerry CORNETET, to wit. He hadn’t written in 35 years. He gave me a ‘‘No excuse, sir.” His family had enjoyed keeping up with the exploits of such old 2nd Squadron mates as HARRISON and SHEPPERD. He left USAF in 1972 and joined CTS Corp, a maker of electronic components. Presently responsible for all their Ford Motor Co. business. They enjoy living in a wooded lake area north of Ann Arbor, MI. Val works part time as an X-ray technician and does water coloring. Jerry is active in the music program at church. They were sorry to hear about Morris SMITH’S death as they had many great times together in the Cadet Chorale. Daughter Adrienne is teaching school in Colorado Springs and Val’s family is there also. They go back to the Springs often. Son Steve is with GE in Seattle and son David is with McGraw Medical in Irvine, CA. They won’t be able to make the reunion but pass along a ‘Hi!’ to everyone. Thanks for the news, Jerry. Please don’t wait another 35 years to drop a line. We all like to hear how the other classmates are doing.

Got an e-mail from Bob HOPKINS assuring me that the reunion plans are going well. And for some reason or other he wanted USAFA to win the football game that night. Great hearing from you. I’ll keep in better touch from now on.

E-mail from George HARRISON. He gave me his new address and phone numbers in Atlanta. The new job at Georgia Tech is going well. He’s also doing some flight instructing on weekends at the Tech flying club. He says, ‘‘You should have told me how good it is out here in the civilian world—I might have done it sooner.” Thanks George. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

From Dave HOLT: He’s still teaching algebra and geometry in high school and expects to do so for 10 more years. Having moved through six high schools, he finally found one with good management. Linda is an assistant principal at a nearby high school. The kids are in the 3rd, 5th and 7th grades so they will not make the reunion. (Hey Dave, they’re old enough to take care of themselves for a few days.) Maybe the family will be at Disney World at Thanksgiving. If so, I can see you then.

Got an e-mail from Bill HAUGEN with a query about dental coverage plans for retirees who don’t receive coverage in their retirement plans. He remembered the AOG looking into this a few years ago but nothing happened. I put this on the Redtag Net and got a reply from Bunky REEVES. He joined the National Officers Assoc and picked up a CIGNA plan for about $90 a quarter for the family plan. The Pentagon Credit Union also has a plan you can join. As a side note, I read an article in the retiree newsletter, The Afterburner, that the AF has to implement a retiree dental plan by October 1st. However, AF said it will be late by several months

Bill and Sue Haugen andfamily at the wedding ofdaughter Cindy and Elad Levy, back row, center.

because of congressional concerns about the method of charging premiums. Pete ROBINSON said that TROA has one or is working on one right now. Anyone have more info? Bill sent me a picture of his daughter Cindy’s wedding.

Got a request from Vikki Rhoden (Bill ’77) who works part-time at the AOG. The AOG is putting together a book on class crests. They need all the info you might have on class crests. What do the symbols, words and colors mean? If you have the program from our Ring Dance, the info is in it. She can be reached at AOG fax: 719-333-4194 or e-mail VLRHODEN@JUNO.COM.

John FLANAGAN was at USAFA in August for a change-ofcommand ceremony and some business. John was impressed with FOGLEMAN’s words at the ceremony. The History Dept selected John’s book for use in History 202. He played the Silver Course at USAFA; plenty of sidehill lies. (Translated that means he already has excuses for November.) He played with Mai Wakin who considered our class one of his favorites. Personally, I considered Mai one of my favorite instructors. John also sent along the enclosed photo. Thanks, John.

Got a call from Hal KECK, from Goldsboro, NC. The real estate business is doing fine. Hal helped his father-in-law find an old buddy from 55 years ago. They got on the Internet and found him in short order. So Hal used Yahoo to find James Drake, a former Redtag who works for P&G. I told Hal to invite him to the 35th.

Heard from Willie GRAY. He picked up his reunion tickets in June. He also talked to Larry GOOCH, who said he was expecting his first grandchild in Sept, courtesy of daughter Winnie. Larry is still with Analex in Cleveland. Willie is still with Lockheed Martin in Houston, even though he lives down the street from me in Satellite Beach, We’ve got to get together for a dinner and movie soon.

Got a long item from George THOMPSON, from Pskov, Russia. He was back in the states during the summer. He visited family as much as possible. He joined up with Warren ROBBINS in Seattle and was flying with him. They were on short final to Los Alamos, NM Airport, elevation 7,200 ft, when they got caught by a downdraft. With little remaining power they landed 100 feet short and 50 feet low, right into the trees on the upslope of the canyon. “NOT ideal BUT keep the wings level, the airplane in control and the wheels pointed down and I am here to testify that the cockpit is structurally sound and you can walk away. We did.” Rob had a busted left elbow and George had some lacerations and bruises. The FAA and Cessna sent investigators. All indications point to “just one of those things.” George has a busy schedule and will not make the 35th. We’ll think of you, fella.

Gail PECK sent a note from Hawaii. He was on vacation on the Kona Coast of the big island of Hawaii. Daughter Kayte was getting married a few days later, so the Pecks were relaxing for a few days. Gail later gave me the initial info on Warren and George’s plane accident. Also, he says he and Tom YOUNG have been e-mailing a lot lately.

And speaking of Tom YOUNG, I escorted Tom and Debbie and their niece to a shuttle launch at KSC. Great launch of STS-84 on July 1st. If any of you are planning to be in the area during a launch, let me know and I’ll try to get a launch pass.

Colin RICHARDSON has passed the one-year mark since surgery and he had another successful scan. No trace of cancer. Attaway to go.

Got several newsletters from Sam DEHNE. He’s been sending his newsletter to the bigwigs in the Air Force to inform them of an incident at the Reno Airport. He’s still crusading against incompetence in government circles in Reno. Keep it up.

Heard from Tom RAUSCH, A1 SIGMAN, and Owen HAWKINS. I

guess that’s it for now. By the time you read this, the 35th reunion will be history. I’m sure we all had a great time. Have a great holiday season. Keep the e-mails, holiday newsletters and phone calls coming. Go Redtags!

Norman I. Lee III ^

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: 75

First a report on my trip to C-Springs to attend the festivites surrounding Ron FOGLEMAN’s retirement. A parade, awards ceremony and reception was scheduled for Friday, Aug. 29. Since the Secretary of the Air Force sent me an invitation, I responded as expected by following orders and showing up. What a great honor and I thank Ron and Miss Jane for including me. First on the docket was meet at Doolittle Hall and take buses to the parade ground, now called Stillman Field. Unfortunately, the usual afternoon thunderstorm showed up just as the reviewing party was taking the field. When the rain and lightning got out of hand, the parade was called off and everyone reverted to Plan B: Cadets to the dorm and the reviewing party, invited guests and “a large number of flag officers” took buses to Doolittle Hall for the reception preceded by a very nice awards ceremony. The lightning and thunder was discussed at length by all members of the class present with the following two conclusions: It wasn’t really time for Ron to retire and the gods were telling us as much or, what a great way to go having your final parade at the Academy canceled.

The AOG did a super job with the reception. One thing was obvious—the entire Air Force general officer corps seemed to be in attendance. Makes you wonder who was watching the store? More than one ex-chief of staff was in attendance—I recognized Russ Dougherty and “Brush” Dugan. Additionally, I think I saw at least four ex USAFA Superintendents: Generals Tallman, Clark, Scott and HOSMER plus the current Super, Tad OELSTROM, ’65. Tad used to be a half-miler on the track team which was always one lap too many for me. Enough name dropping. Ron and Miss Jane stayed around after the reception for a long time swapping stories and just enjoying the moment. When asked about what was on his mind for the immediate future, Ron responded he and Miss Jane have been building a house in Durango, CO over the past three years and they planned to spend the near future completing their new home. Ron then said he was interested in investment opportunities in the southern Colorado area. One particular investment of interest is the Porta Potty franchise in Durango. Lots of money in those things.

The ’63 turnout included the Colorado contingent plus a few from out of town. We talked and laughed all day long. Other than swapping stories about Ron and our personal status, the major subject of conversation was the 35th reunion next October. All had made an input to Jack MCTASNEY for the History. If you haven’t, Jack says to send your 200-500 word biographies and a current picture any size to Jack McTasney, 7132 Borrego Way, Carmichael, CA 95608, phone (916) 962-1746 as soon as possible. He’ll do his best to get your’s into the Class History along with the over 300 who met the deadline of November 1, 1997. What’s in so far is awesome, and we are seeking advertisers to bring the cost per copy down. Like the See Bees, his motto is, “The Difficult we do immediately. The Impossible takes a bit longer!”

Graduation party at USAFA: John Flanagan, Carolyn and Jon Staples, Mari Jo Flanagan, and Mari Jo’s son, Nathan Scopac, ’97.

Joining the Chief at his retirement at Doolittle Hall are, from left, Skip Lee, Dee Henderson, Kip Kippenhan, ChiefRon Fogleman, Jim Hauser, and Lloyd Kelly.

Now back to the chief’s retirement. Classmates joining Ron on his big day included Bill and Nancy BALL, Jimmie BUTLER, Joe COX, Bill FANNING, Fred FROSTIC, Jim and Jo GASTON, Jim HAUSER, Bob and Charlie Ann HAYES, John and Gay HELINSKI, DeVere HENDERSON, Lloyd Kelly, Corwin and Josette KIPPENHAN, Skip LEE, Owen and Kathy LENTZ, David and Carol NUSS, Phil TATE, Ev and Susan VAUGHN and Carolee VERDIER. I have included a candid snapshot—no posing—of most of the Golden Types receiving a briefing of what is expected of us during the parade. I cannot imagine what Jimmie was thinking but his tongue is highly evident. Thank goodness the rain came and we didn’t embarrass ourselves.

While in the Springs, I took the opportunity to case Reunion HQ. The trip gave me a chance to reconnoiter the Marriott—looks like a good place to have a reunion. Linda was pushing me to get reservations for the October weekend. I told her the hotel won’t take reservations over a year in advance and to be patient until the AOG lets us know the real dates, etc. From what I can gather, you can plan on the weekend of Oct. 10 and 11 with events beginning Wednesday the 7th.

Jimmie BUTLER put out a plea for a lost classmate. Jimmie said he still owes John DOUGHERTY a tape he paid for while at the 30th reunion. However, the AOG hasn’t had a current address on him for the last year, so if anyone knows how we can get hold of John, please let me know. Jimmie also adds he has heard from over 40 classmates in the month since he sent out the last class letter. He received donations for 30-year reunion tapes and a few guys gave him their e-mail addresses. I too have received at least 27 new e-mail addresses and have been compiling an updated list to send out on the Internet. Been looking for a rainy Saturday afternoon to put it all together.

Speaking of the Internet, the Academy Home Page on the World Wide Web has a lot of interesting features. The AOG Home page can be found in the tenant unit sections. The AOG page has a Register update form for you to use while on the line. The USAFA Home Page address:: www.usafa.af.mil.

One e-mail input was from Dave DAVOREN. Dave was testing his bio being sent to Jack. Send me information and I’ll put it in this column. Some highlights follow: Right after pilot training Dave served flying tours in B-52s at Minot AFB, March Field and Utapao; O-ls in 1969 with the Korean White Horse Division, Red Devil Regiment, Third Battalion; and T-37s at Vance. Armed with a master’s in electrical engineering, he spent time in the acquisitions business at Hanscom AFB—two tours. He was also a site commander at Balakisher, Turkey and has some pretty good war stories. The second tour at Hanscom included running test operations for E-4Bs and EC-135s and SPO jobs with MILSATCOM, E-4B and AWACS, wrapping up his USAFA career working passive electronic sensor measures and delivering AWACS and tankers to the Royal Saudi Air Force. Today he is a VP with Abacus Technology and runs the business built serving local Boston commercial customers and USAF clients at Hanscom, Wright-Patterson, Robins, Tinker, Scott, and Saudi Arabia (big time stuff in Saudi says Dave). Thanks for the data.

Other electronic contacts: Ray FULLER added he is the department manager of Combat Simulation and Systems Evaluation at the former McDonnell Douglas Helicopters (ex-Hughes) in Mesa, AZ. Peter VAN ALLEN claimed dealing with the folks at Boeing just wore him down—we were too tough. Peter has moved from GE Aircraft Engines to the academic climes of the GE Corporate Research and Development Center in Schenectady, NY. Joe COATES found an ex-classmate: E.A. Martin, “Butch” of Albany, OR (telephone: 541-928-6902). Wife is Debi. Butch was in CS-10 until resigning his junior year. Former roommates were Frank BLACK and Del FANNING. Butch is now with United

Airlines and a captain on the 747-400. He would like to hear from ’63ers and get info on the 35th reunion.

John VOGELSANG told me the e-mail address he sent is for his Cambridge Capital Group office in Scottsdale, AZ. John added he and Sharon live in Mesa, having moved there about a year ago. He goes on to say he wishes he could mix some of our Northwest weather with some of the weather in the Valley of the Sun. It was 110 degrees in the shade and the hottest part of the summer hadn’t even started yet. John is heading the “Western Region” office of a venture capital company he started up with a partner in Atlanta a couple years ago, Sharon owns and operates an art gallery, the John Martin Gallery, on Main Street in Scottsdale, representing over 35 southwest Native American artists. John reported John PHILLIPS stopped in a few weeks ago when he was laying over on one of his flights (Delta) and they spent a great evening together.

The AOG sent me a list of address changes, too many to mention here. One change that does need mentioning: Sam WESTBROOK now resides, since May, on Bainbridge Island, WA. One of the really nice places around here.

To close I want to say I was able to take a look at the Class Cups in their new beautiful display case in Doolittle Hall. Very impressive! That’s it for now. Thanks to all for the inputs—keep’m coming.

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

E-MAIL: Jack HUDSON sent a “catching up” e-mail saying that he is finally on-line. He has moved his “permanent” residence to St. George Island, FL, but his Georgia address is still good for mail. It happens that Apalachicola, FL, is next to St. George, and is also the home town of Darryl BLOODWORTH, who is known by “Milan” in NW Florida. Jack continues the story:: “Had breakfast with Milan last week at the Riverside Cafe in Apalachicola; Sitting there watching the shrimp boats cruise down the river make me wish I could hit the lottery and quit the rat race. Milan is a founding partner in a successful law firm in Orlando, but visits the ole home town several times a year to fish and relax. I’m practicing being retired by fishing every chance I get, then flying international routes for Delta; latest trip was to Rio de Janeiro. I have five more years before age 60 retirement, if the good Lord is willing.”

Jack flies the 767ER to South America three trips (five days each) per month. The rest of the time is for fishing (Tough life!). He says that Phil GLENN is the chief line check airman on Delta’s MD-11. Phil is moving off the beach near Ft. Walton to a more protected location inland. Last year his condo on Santa Rosa Island was filled up with sand and water when Opal blew through.

Matt FEIERTAG sent some e-mail humor.(?) Did you hear the one about the two guys who walked into a bar? You would think one of them would have seen it! (Keep trying, Matt. Some of them are actually funny, and the price is right!) Matt also answered a “Mayday” I sent out over the Internet to a few classmates. He says that he now has his new house fixed up and is ready to entertain any Bluetags who happen through Carson City, NV. He says he hasn’t got the garage cleaned out enough to fit his car in, because he has been spending too much time on his Harley and having FUN! He went to a rally in Laughlin, NV in April, and a big one in Reno in September. He is thinking about doing the obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca (Sturgis, SD) next summer. Meanwhile, his “Beefalo” son is scheduled to graduate from CU in ’98 and his daughter is scheduled to graduate from the U. of Vermont at the same time. (I remember what my father told me years ago. “Life begins when the last kid graduates...and the dog dies!”) Matt is still a liaison officer for USAFA and says it does help one’s outlook on the future of our country to see these sharp men and women to contrast all of the negative things we are fed by the media.

Joe GRIFFITH writes via chugachelectric.com (Alaska) that after 33 years, he has communicated with the scribe. He promises to TRY to do better over the next 33 years. Talkative, as usual.

Brett DULA shared the following “Okay, you fourthclassmen: Here’s how much harder we had it in the old days!” that he had sent to his son, Mason, at the Zoo.

a. In my day, we didn’t have hand-held calculators. We had to do addition on our fingers. To subtract, we had to have some fingers amputated.

b. In our day, we didn’t have water. We had to smash together our own hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

c. In the Old Days, we weren’t issued shoes, so we went barefoot. In the winter we had to wrap our feet with barbed wire to get traction on the Terrazzo.

Brett says that after Lee DOWNER retired as ACC Director of Operations, Lee and Barbara moved up the road in Williamsburg. Lee told Brett that he was consulting all over the country, but every time Brett visits the tourist Mecca of Williamsburg, he gets glimpses of Lee in a Colonial-style three-cornered hat driving a horse-drawn wagon down the street to entertain visitors! (Is looking at the back end of horses anything like being Director of Operations?)

Thad WOLFE e-mails that he is staying busy with International Youth Institute, Inc. IYI is a training product and services company that provides training to those who work with troubled or at-risk kids. They train staff who work with adjudicated youth, and run the entire training program for a national client that manages facilities for at-risk youth. They are also developing training services and products for adults involved with foster care, mentoring, alternative schools and similar settings. Jim

SEEVERS (Class of ’68) is the vice president for Operations, and Fred GREGORY is on the Board of Advisors.

Thad said that he and Jill get to see Steve and Virginia CROKER frequently—they get to dinner occasionally and they see the Crokers at a local fitness center. (For the ex-wrestlers, a “fitness center” is a gym that smells good.) One of the Croker children, Genevieve, worked for IYI this summer and did a wonderful job. Everyone on our staff thought she was terrific. (I thought ALL ’64 kids were terrific!) Thad also saw Gordon SMITH and his wife and Tom EGGERS at a local AFA chapter dinner (Gabriel Chapter). He reports they were all looking happy and fit. (They probably go to a “fitness center,” too.)

NEWSPAPER: There I was, half way through the second day of a twoday conference in Dayton, OH, when I spied a copy of the WrightPatterson AFB newspaper, the Skywrighter. “Just what I need to keep myself awake,” I thought, forgetting all of the time base newspapers put me to sleep. There, on page three, was a picture of the naming ceremony for the Air Force’s newest bomber— the Spirit ofOhio. On the podium in front of the aircraft were pictured eight very distinguished people listening to Sen. John Glenn speak. In the first chair, relaxed, leaned back, leg crossed, was no other than our own wrestler par-excellence, Bret DULA, Air Combat Command vice commander. Isn’t it nice to know people that show up in the big pictures in the newspaper?

Also in the news: Paul KAMINSKI resigned from his position as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology. As someone who is working in the defense field (“at the trough”), I assure you that we heard Paul’s name almost every day. It was always respectful (and sometimes it was even nice). It isn’t easy to be in charge when budgets and personnel are falling like rocks. It’s even harder to get the bureaucracy (military and industry) to change the course of their efforts.

CHANGE-OF-ADDRESS: The AOG is slowly getting computerized, meaning that they haven’t sent me any change-of-address cards for a long while. They have been putting the information into a computer. They finally sent me a printout of everyone who moved since the first of the year. Those who have moved since June are: Tom MORRIS is in Lakewood, CO. Joe REDDEN is in Denver, CO, and Bob THOMAS is in Colorado Springs. Nels RUNNING retired in Newport, OR. Bruce SMITH retired in Montgomery, AL. Wally WOLNIEWICZ moved up the road to Longmont, CO. (That’s where my father was born.) Finally, Paul FRASER is in Mexico City. Twenty-nine people have moved since the first of the year. I have mentioned some of them earlier. If I didn’t mention you (Like, what is Fred OLMSTED doing in Brookline, MA?), drop me a line. (I accept e-mail, snail-mail and phone calls.)

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 ALL and What a Year for the Class of ’65!

Jo and I just returned late last night from a meeting in San Francisco. First time back there for me since the ZI field trip and, with apologies to John BLAHA, I’m trying to get back to earth. Quite apart from several days of tasting our way up the valley from Napa to Calistoga, the cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, getting tangled up with the secret service in the lobby of the Fairmont as Big Bubba attended a DNC function and Peking Duck at Tommy Toy’s, the real highlights of the trip were our visits with Ronald Rocco Joseph AICALE and his son Vinny and with Warren and Ann LANGLEY.

Imagine in your minds eye, the clearest blue sky, warm sunshine, an outdoor cafe at Ghirardelli Square, with a panorama of San Francisco Bay and time to visit with one of the many fun guys from “those days

gone by”. Ron is the president of a Bay Area avionics company; he is sharp and fit and told us a story about being at an aviation manufacturer’s exhibition in an Asian city that was once on his target list. I imagine that many of you in our class have had similar experiences. The real treat for this pediatrician, though, was when we were talking about Rocco coaching son (age 13) Vinny’s CYO basketball team. Vinny says, “You know, my dad’s a great coach and we won the championship.” Father and son—tear in my eye. Thanks Roc and Vinny for driving over from Orinda and spending time with us.

The following day, yesterday, we had lunch just before leaving California, at Warren and Ann LANGLEY’s home. It’s impossible for me not to gush about this, but it’s just that Jo and I have never before had lunch in the rooftop garden of a home in the Russian Hill district of San Francisco with the most astonishing view of the bay and city beneath us. Warren, president of the Pacific Stock Exchange, brought me up to date on the POW documentary—much raw material has been collected and one former POW felt the retelling was quite therapeutic. One can imagine how hard the editing process will be, but the whole material is to be archived for later researchers—probably some of you. Warren, justifiably proud, has two daughters in their twenties doing great work in health and child advocacy. Thank you Ann, a lovely English lady, and Warren for your gracious hospitality.

Of the e-mail I have received (and Thanks so much to all of you), most contain far better writing than I can produce. Examples:

FROM THE HEART DEPT: “June 26 is a very special date for all of us in the Class of ’65, but it is even more significant for me now. On 26 June 1997—36 years to the day after we entered—Ginny and I watched our son, Chris, enter with the Class of 2001...It was a proud and poignant moment as we watched him join the first class of the new millennium. Having met my wife after graduating, Ginny had never completely understood when I told her I had left a part of my heart in Colorado. But when we left that weekend, she told me that now she too had left part of her heart in Colorado.” Ken MCALEAR. Check this address: (KenAFA65@AOL.com). Thanks, Ken.

POP YOUR CHEST UP DEPT: “The Golden Tattoo was held out at Las Vegas as part of Air Force Fifty. Everyone was there in our Air Force and a lot of others, about a hundred “Air Chiefs”. I saw Stevie HENDERSON, Joe’s wife, and she is doing well and volunteering a lot as she adjusts to Joe not being alive. I saw Tom OWENS, my former roomie...he is busy in Washington, DC...working for Boeing McDonnell...making sure the Air Force leadership knows “what industry can do for them”. Seeing the people was the best in Las Vegas but, the Golden Tattoo Air Show was amazing. First takeoff was at 0900, last landing after 1700, continuous action. The acrobatic demonstration by the military air team from Chile was awesome, more spins, hammerheads, and falling maneuvers than I had in all of pilot training. Five military demonstration teams flew and all were marvelous: Chile, Brazil, Canada, Japan, U.S. Most all of the World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Gulf War aircraft were there flying or on display on the flightline...The legacy was golden...the future must be boundless as I keep seeing a parade of ’65er offspring graduating from the Academy to the Air Force and Mike RYAN taking over the leadership of the Air Force. Pray they all do well, these are dangerous times—lest we forget. And, they are times of great hope as we move beyond the bounds of Mother Earth”. John VICKERY. 9/5/97

Jim Turinetti’s family: From left are Joel’s wife, Robin; Linda’s mom, Linda, me, Linda’s dad, and Jim’s wife, Monique. Kneeling are Joel and Jim.

TURINETTIs MARCHING ON: Jim is “still happy at SAIC and has been elected to the City Council of Fairborn, OH so I have stayed busy.”

Son, Jim, 27, Lt USA Signal Corps in Germany. Son, Joel, 23, Lt USAF, Nuc Eng, Kirtland. “I got a great Father’s Day gift, both boys called to say that their wives are expecting in late January. These will be our first grandchildren and we are very excited about the prospect of spoiling both of them at the same time.” Jim TURINETTI 7/6/97. Congratulations on all counts, Jim.

DUNCANs KNOW NUTS: Scott, a former class scribe, writes: “We retired again in June, this time from UC—six years at Los Alamos. Three classmates in town there: Kent WATERMAN, Dick BENSON, Greg CANAVAN. CANAVAN became my media hero in dealing with national/international press when he made the following statement in response to questions on the safety and security of the nuclear stockpile: “At the heart, it’s all black magic!” Kent is running businesses, building things and trying to deal with his three-degree daughter, who finds USAFA a “fun” experience. (Note: Bill COLE, renown gymnast, was at USAFA this summer with son Chris at hockey camp and met Kent’s gymnast cadet and described her as “very impressive!”) Dick BENSON is some big shot on loan from the lab to the New Mexico state government. (Way to go, Whale.) At the change-of-command ceremony when our classmate LtGen Tad OELSTROM took over, I sat with Carl LYDAY...leading the University of Denver’s Research Institute. Tack HAMBY (was there)...hasn’t changed a bit. Frank MCCANN and I play something which seems like golf while our wives, Donna and Maureen, are either deeply involved in daughter talk or redecorating schemes...There goes the careful financial planning...leading the development of a small company trying to grow is a challenge. I would have thought that in my third career I would have more time for golf and skiing. Not so! Anytime anybody is in the Springs, give us a shot. We’d love to hear your version of history”. Thanks, Scott.

TACK MAN: Tack and Pat HAMBY “live in Burke, VA just outside D.C...have three boys all out on their own and doing well...two granddaughters and a third (as yet unclassified) on the way...we were fortunate enough to attend both Tad’s departure from Mildenhall as well as his takeover of USAFA. I don’t think a better officer could have been selected. He is the embodiment of the things that the zoo stands for and has the common sense necessary to make it work.” (Note: There are FIVE HAMBYs listed in the Register of Graduates.) Well spoken Tack (the first)!

LATE EIGHT: Steve TALLEY writes: “While I sometimes seem surrounded by fellow zoomies, don’t see classmates often. I’ve been actively engaged in avionics upgrades with Northrup Grumman aircraft systems in Pico Rivera, CA. After January 1 it will probably be Lockheed Martin something something.” Thanks Steve for touching base. I have e-mail and phone numbers for Steve.

LAST SHOT: There are times like 1997 when I am so damn proud to be a member of USAFA Class of ’65, for all of our general officers, leaders in aviation, academics, research, business, the professionals and for all the rest of us, who aren’t quite yet to the top of our mountain—great guys all. What a class! Let me know if you want to find a classmate you haven’t heard from in years. Be well, do good work, and stay in touch. Cheers. Rick.

Ryan Denny 1210 Applewhite Road

O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180

^jpaSpi

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com frgjp#

Percent members: 73 **

Greetings Redtags! Once again, this counts as my annual Christmas card to all of you. Not only do you have to read all the dull news about me; but now you owe me a reply, filled with all the interesting events that have been happening to you in the past year. Seriously, I really do need to hear from you guys. This newsletter is only as good as the input, and the input has been mighty thin this past year. E-mail is easy—just do it!

Not much has changed at my level in the Aerospace Giant formerly known as McDonnell Douglas.The Boeing merger (nonhostile takeover) has had some impact at the higher levels of the company, but us folks in the trenches have yet to be hit by the “flow down”. Some of the lifetime members of the company are concerned because they haven’t been through a merger like this before. I just tell them about my experiences as a member of the USAF C-130 community. We were merged, absorbed, divested, and digested so many times that we thought Velcro was invented just so we could keep up with the patch changes. Some good things (and some bad things) come from every merger. You just have to find the good

things and take advantage of them. The bad things you avoid, ignore, or try to inflict on someone else. I’m not sure that I comforted them very much, but it gave me a chance to tell some “There I was...” stories, which made me feel good. Boeing has a great company-wide e-mail system and a directory that will help me track down some of you ’66ers who work for this half of the aerospace industry.

I ran into Ed SHIRLEY a few weeks ago in San Antonio. Ed is president and CEO of his own consulting firm, and does a little work on the side for a few of the really big consulting firms. San Antonio is his home and headquarters, but he has an office in Washington, DC just so he can remind himself how great it is to live in San Antonio.

Paul BRADLEY, our traveling statesman, is now at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. This is probably the plushest assignment he has had, working for the State Department. He is used to living in places like Chad or the Sudan. Bill HAMM is living in Austin, but is working in San Antonio for Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) on the T-l A program. (I think this means he is now working for me.) He was working for another aircrew training company in Del Rio, but decided to cut down his commute by about three hours and came to work for us. We were glad to get him.

That’s all the news that I have been able to dig up on you guys in the last few months. You really need to send me some updates or I’ll have to go back to my old tricks and start making up stories about you. Send me a Christmas card or an e-mail. Until next time...Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

Abuquerque, NM 87111

Home: (505) 291-8949

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

E-mail: lwilsn628@aol.com

Percent members: 65

Greetings from Albuquerque. This newsletter will be a little unusual and sparse: it is being written in late September, with our reunion just about a week away. But the AOG needs our input from the class news now, and has separate space reserved for reunion information. So this column will include only the few odds and ends I have left over from a few communiques over the past months, with the more current reunion stuff in the other section. Please do flip through and look for that too.

From Roger CARLETON in July: after the school year he and family were reunited when he traveled to Montana to bring them to St Louis and their new home. What a great trip it must have been...He described “three days and 1,400 miles later we pulled up to the house—one wife, two daughters, one dog, six guinea pigs plus a fully-loaded U-Haul trailer...” They had lived on base for a long time—this was their first time in a brand new house. He is learning the wonderful lessons of suburbia, where the job jar cuts down on golf time...

Mike and Debbie THOMPSON moved in August from Colorado Springs to Puget Sound, which Mike describes as being “...even more beautiful than Colorado!” You may recall that their daughter Donielle was a world-class gymnast. She retired at the ripe old age of 14 due to injuries. She had a terrific career before hanging it up: won the ’95 National Championships on balance beam, was til (behind Olympian Dominique Dawes) on the uneven bars, won a gold at Pan American Games in Argentina, and a bronze at the World Championships in Japan. Now, for something to keep herself occupied, she has transitioned into a new sport: diving. She was third in state competition, and plans also to take up tennis. Mike and Debbie now have a house on salt water, with their very own oyster beds. Mike goes kayaking between ER shifts—and has a picture of himself kayaking between two huge orcas, about nine tons and 30 feet each.

In follow up to the last edition, Ray LEOPOLD sent in a bit more info to clarify and expand on his recent award. The ceremony itself was held at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, where Ray was entered into their Hall of Fame. His work continues, in an international vein—he described putting seven more Iridium satellites into orbit, launched on a Russian Proton rocket. In addition, a number of dummy satellites were launched on a Chinese launch vehicle named the “Long March 2C,” with plans to send real satellites up in December. That makes a total of 29 launched since May, with five more on the way. I think Ray can safely claim having sent into space the largest constellation of anyone in USAFA history. I suspect his claim will stand for quite a while.

A sign of the times: young Bill HALL became a grandfather this past summer. The lucky child (a boy) is already the subject of great family arguments as to whether he will attend USAFA or Penn State. Bill is lobbying hard for USAFA, of course, because Nittany Lions don’t fly...

Not too much more to plug in here—except for an apology to any of you who may have sent me information and/or pictures which did not

make it into the column. I thought that I had written into the column all that I received, but apparently have missed at least once. If you send me something that seems to have been lost—please don’t cut me off from your information. Curse and revile me if you wish, but keep those cards and letters coming in and I will try to be better organized. The success of this column depends on your input—keep it coming.

Hope I saw you at the reunion—if not, be sure you read the other article about reunion stuff. Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving and Holidays to all!

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094

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

E-mail: timd@erols.com

Percent Members: 66

mi

HELLO ’68! At this writing, football fever is in the air. After all the ripping with beaks and slashing with claws, our Falcons have been bringing on the meat wagon against all opponents. They are currently 4-0 and ranked among the nation’s top 25. To keep the momentum going in the greater Washington, DC area, nearly 100 ’68 grads, family, and friends have purchased tickets to cheer our team to victory over Navy on October 11th. Pictures of frenetic Falcon fans and filet of goat to follow in next column.

30th REUNION CENTRAL DEPT: Hear Yea! Hear yea! The Class of 1968 30th Reunion Committee cordially invites all fellow classmates to get up off their half-century posteriors and make reservations for the Antlers Hotel for 4-7 June 1998. The local phone number for the Antlers is (719) 473-5600. The class rate is $119 per room, per night.

Bob DENNY has “volunteered” to be our esteemed chairman and may be reached at (719) 488-0483 (Home), 599-9900 (Work), or E-mail: travel@rmi.net. The committee chairmen are Ed LEONARD for InHouse Activities (all things done on Academy grounds such as spending a night in the dorm, using athletic facilities, etc.); A1 BLUMBERG for OutHouse Activities (all things done out-of-doors or off campus such as horse-back riding, hay ride, hiking, dinner at Bill SASZ’ new Irish Pub, etc.); Neal STARKEY for Class Gift; Vince RUSINAK for Memorabilia; Chuck JONES for Mailings; and Craig BAER for setting up a ’68 Home Page on the Internet. The scribe duty for reunion planning has fallen on Manny BETTENCOURT’S shoulders.

Our Colorado WAGs are doing a fantastic job organizing a memorable reunion. It’s now up to the rest of us to make it a great success by attending and enjoying the camaraderie that makes our class so special. If you have suggestions for group activities, you will need to contact The Reunion Committee ASAP before the agenda is chiseled in stone. For instance, some suggestions received include going to a Colorado Rockies baseball game, having the world’s largest pool party at the USAFA gymnasium pool, and renewing wedding vows with our wives at the Academy Chapel (the latter was submitted by Pat MCBRIDE). Please join us!

new Vice Chief with supporting cast of ’68ers. From

are Bob Johnston,

E-MAIL DEPT: A bunch of you are discovering this inexpensive and nearly painless way to keep in touch. As a result, I have been receiving more frequent correspondence from many of the computer-literate classmates and spouses. One of my most frequent writers is Tina (not Garry) DUDLEY. Tina and Garry’s big news is their change in status from just parents to parents and grandparents. Their first granddaughter is named Taylor Marie Frey. She was born on August 16th, weighed in at 5 lb. 12 oz., and was 19" long. Tina said everything went fine, but she was exhausted from over use of her “smiling muscles.”

Mike BARIBEAU also found the web to be a place to renew relationships and sent me an update on his whereabouts. Mike took an early out in 1973 and worked in computer programming and management until his retirement from the commercial sector in 1995. He now lives on 30 acres in Kentucky, putters about in the yard, and enjoys getting out and around the country on his motorcycle or with trailer in tow. He and wife, Jean, are very active in their church and do a lot of work with the Emmaus group—especially the Chrysalis (teenagers) portion of it. Mike stays in touch with Cougar 7 buddy, D.J. KOZAC and wife, Vera, and Glenn GILLETTE.

And as if the electrons of my computer could stand any more shock, even Rocky GAINES sent a letter to me for the first time in 15 years. He believed if there were to be an election for the “Procrastinators’ Club,” then he would be elected president. (Scribe Note: Rocky, Don’t worry. As they say in the “SciFi” movies...“You are not alone.”) Rocky retired in 1992 and moved to Evergreen, CO. He is a partner with Organizational Dynamics, Inc., which is a management consulting company headquartered in the Boston area. He and Lynn enjoy life in Colorado, when he is not away on business. He said he is looking forward to the reunion and is offering his services to the reunion committee. Bob DENNY, you have another volunteer.

Joel GORDES and Pat MCBRIDE have also been shorting the circuits to keep the electronic mailbox more interesting. Thanks, guys!

The occasion was inspiring for all in attendance and borne out in the smiles shown in the photo of Ed and Karen with their parents on the occasion of Ed’s promotion to general. We had a good contingent of our gang there to wish our new Vice Chief well. General FOGLEMAN presided over the ceremony and promised Karen he would not embarass her by recounting Ed’s famous Bitburg incident concerning “polluted shoes” and then proceeded to tell it anyway, much to the crowd’s delight.

Ed and Karen Eberhart’s parents celebrate the pinning on of Ed’s fourth star.

The

left

Rick Patterson, John Longenecker, Dick Fast, Ed Eberhart, Dick Ewers, Scribe, Monty LaMont, Stu Thompson, Dave Prevost, Tom O’Beirne, and Glenn Zauber.

’68ers at AFA’s 50th in Las Vegas. From left: Dean Kocian, Pat Russell, and Mike Moss.

Pat RUSSELL sent in a note and photo of a ’68 mini-reunion with Dean KOCIAN and Mike MOSS at the Las Vegas Convention Center last April. Dean works on helmet-mounted systems at the Human Resources Lab at Wright-Patterson AFB and Mike is still wearing Air Force blue. Pat is working on a $1.7 billion expansion program for the Southern Nevada Water Authority to keep pace with a populace of about 1.2

million and growing at 6,500 per month. He said after being out of uniform for eight years it was fun to poke around the convention booths to keep up on what’s happenin’.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: While on one of my consulting jobs last year, I ran into Danny James, who told me of the death of John WATKINS. I called the AOG when I returned from the trip, but his death could not be verified at the time. In a recent letter from the AOG, it was announced that John was killed in a private airplane crash in Malverne, AR on 29 May 1996. If any of the class would like to write to John’s widow, LaDonna, her address is P.O. Box 1092, Mount Ida, AR 71957. For all of us who were John’s friends, we offer our thoughts, prayers, and sincere condolences to LaDonna and other members of John’s family.

’68 SPOTLIGHT

The ’68 SPOTLIGHT for fall 1997 shines on Brent COLLINS. Following graduation, Brent served in a number of space and missile positions from developmental engineer to being in charge of ICBM trajectory analysis programs at Strategic Air Command. Subsequent senior assignments further enhanced his expertise in space operations. These ineluded system program director, Air Force Strategic Defense Programs, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB; and deputy director, Space Programs, in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition in the Pentagon. Brent received his master of science degree from MIT in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, attended Air War College, and completed the Program Management Course at Defense Systems Management College.

After a distinguished service career, Brent retired as a colonel in 1996. With exceptional credentials in space systems and applications, he was selected to become a member of the Senior Executive Service and named as The Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space. In this capacity, Brent is responsible for the acquisition of major space-based surveillance and communications programs, space launch programs, and ICBM programs.

When asked what the Academy meant to him, Fred said “Looking back, I imagine there are three principal legacies I have carried from the Academy...The first, and foremost, is the lasting relationships with my classmates. Second, I really learned about the concept of professionalism at the Academy. Third, attending the Academy was an accomplishment that taught me the meaning of success. I’ve looked back at times and said, if I could complete the Academy, then I can beat the current challenge.”

Regarding life lessons to pass along, Brent was philosophical in his remarks. He said, “I’ve learned you can run a marathon one year and get way out of shape quickly after. Hard work has some rewards. There are a lot of ways to write F MA. We all grow older, whether we plan ahead or not.”

Congratulations on your success Brent and best wishes for more of the same in the future.

IN CLOSING: Lisa and I are thankful for a year that saw our daughter Melissa marry a handsome C-5 pilot, Fred CUNNINGHAM, from the Class of ’94, and sons Scott and Josh make the dean’s list at their respective colleges. Alicia, at eight, is already a skilled ballerina and soccer star. What more could anyone ask? So, until next time, mind the flak, keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters., and photos coming in. And at this special time of year with the magic and promise of the holiday season upon us, we ask that God bless us, everyone.

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

Lindsey Parris

5926 Colfax Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22311

Home: (703) 998-0488

Percent Members: 61

Pumkins and frost and pigskins and baseball playoffs. How sweet are things at this time of year. USAFA’s overtime victory over San Diego State last night makes newsletter writing even more enjoyable. Surely, the likes of BOESCHE, BAUMGARDNER, SCHWALL, KANE, DEAUSTIN, DENAULT, KIRKPATRICK, MAHER and BRADY were in attendance and roaring approval.

Brother BRADY was through D.C. in August and we worked some time together for tennis and subsequent elbow-tipping at a local brewpub. Terry is still with United, playing a lot of tennis, and he and Karen are realizing a long-felt wish in acquiring a 2-BR in Steamboat Springs. The skiing is sensational (what a surprise!), and he invites all ’69ers to drop by when the time is right.

Jeff POSNER has begun working for Chuck VOLLMER’s company, VII, Inc (see the previous Checkpoints for updates on both). Jeff and Anne, living for the time being in Melbourne, FL, will be relocating in the next months to a location out west, somewhere within driving distance of Riverside. He passes along some information on a couple of ’69ers. Bill KENNEDY lives in Indianapolis, IN, and is systems engineer and program manager at Allison for the T800 engine, which will power the Army’s new helicopter, the Comanche. Tom BOONE is vice president at the Parsons Company’s Infrastructure and Technology Group in Pasadena, CA. Tom, who has spent some 17 years abroad helping Parsons build airports and other major infrastructure projects, is happy to be back in the USA.

Two of the ’69’s brigadiers, Burr REITER and Tip OSTERTHALER, have retired recently from jobs in the Pentagon. Burr, formerly program executive officer for C3, was as of this writing leaning towards staying in the D.C. area, employer/employment TBD. Tip, who retired from the Joint Staff, is now working NATO issues for SAIC in Tyson’s Corner. Class congratulations to Burr and Tip for their distinguished careers.

Tim COURINGTON, also in the D.C. area, has changed companies, moving from Aries to TRW, where he’s doing national missile defense and procurement-related things.

Gary HOE’s newsy e-mail reports that he had a wonderful year designing buildings for Sandia Labs as a member of their Facilities Engineering shop. He has put in the power for the TeraFlop computer (a Sandia/Intel cooperative effort to make a machine capable of over a trillion floatingpoint operations a second; it has—get this—several thousand PentiumPro processors running in parallel), automated 14 gates, gutted and refurbished an old glass lab into a spook shop, and wired up a Habitat for Humanity house. Additionally, he will be leading modifications to the annual-core research reactor (in the center of which items of military interest can be placed and subjected to an astonishing radiation flux; a spinoff benefit, and now the primary focus, will be an isotope called Moly-99 which is purified and sold to pharmaceutical houses to support some $1 billion annually in medical procedures). In Gary’s spare time, he visited Doug and Dottie SCHOTT in their Tennessee pad, and Gary confirms previously-reported news that Dottie had in fact transformed Doug, his house, and his lifestyle in dramatic ways.

Kit and Becky BUSCHING just returned from a vacation in the Lake District of merry England. They miss Vermont but are settling into Albuquerque nicely, renting a place in Tijeras while figuring out where they are going to build their permanent digs.

Steve KIRBY has left Novell and is now the first dedicated Oracle Commercial rep in San Diego. Steve is selling data base and business applications both directly and in conjunction with Oracle’s many commercial partners, and is responsible for annual revenues in the hundreds of millions of dollars. In a word, he is thrilled.

Rudy HALLENBECK, formerly with Harris Corporation, is now a vice president for Computer Science Innovations, Incorporated, and living in Melbourne, FL. Charlie WEINERT continues to travel internationally a great deal; his company, Thresholds Unlimited, Inc., is headquartered in Findley Lake, NY, and deals primarily with infrared equipment.

Les DYER celebrated my 50th by completing a marathon at WrightPatterson in 4:22, and subsequently stanching the pain with strong doses of Captain Morgan and Coca-Cola. Thanks to Les for making me feel really aged. And to Darrell WHITCOMB, who sent along the accompanying photo of himself, H. OWNBY and John DALLAGHER (at the AF’s 50th birthday celebration in Las Vegas), “Chuckling about how old

Brent Collins—The Air Force’s Program Executive Officer for Space

Ownby, Dallagher and Whitcomb

our other classmates look.” Yes, but how many Captain Morgans had they had?

I had lunch with Terry and Di SCHWALIER before they headed west, and they are doing fine, despite the circumstances. Over the past months, many of you have written, called or e-mailed asking about Terry; it is clear that the class stands solidly with him and with the Air Force’s own detailed investigation into the events at Khobar Towers. Rather than try to capture Terry’s thoughts in my words, I asked him to pen you a note in his own words, to pass along in brief his conclusions and “bottom of the heart thanks” to those who contacted him:

“First, and most importantly, America can be very proud of its Air Force men and women in the field. Watching them perform in a vey difficult environment for a year—to include the response to a devastating terrorist attack—gives an overwhelming sense of what’s right about our blue uniformed servants...but that we, unfortunately, do a poor job of marketing their capability and dedication.

“Second, and sadly, some of our nation’s leaders, our departing Chief (CSAF, General Ron Fogleman) being a notable exception, proved themselves throughout the tragedy’s aftermath to be more concerned with working politics than finding the truth. You’ve heard the hoopla...but the facts remain:

“1. There was no threat of impending attack. The general threat information we collected and received was turned into force protection measures—vetted through our multi-national, multi-service threat working group.

“2. In the 3-4 minutes we had to respond, we chased joggers away and cleared about half of the building’s occupants from their rooms.

“3. The only reason there was 3-4 minutes warning (at 2130 at night) was because we had placed roof-top lookouts at key positions throughout the compound as one of over 130 new force protection measures. We were the only compound in theater who had taken this precaution.

“4. Even with another 130 new force protection precautions (to include the SECDEF’s touted expanded perimeter, mylar, enhanced alarm and evacuation system), Khobar Towers was determined (as a result of the size of the bomb used on 25 June 1996) to be indefensible. Simply put, allied forces moved out.

“Third, the aftermath of this tragedy was a vivid teacher of human nature. Continuing to stand “in the arena” for over 13 months after the bombing taught me much about core values...and friendship. Two important—and appropriate—examples here: One, our retiring Chief lives the core values he gave us. He’s a role model who, unfortunately, not all our senior leadership follows. And two, the largest group of supporters throughout those 13 months came from the Class of 1969. Those 30-yearold bonds of friendship are powerful. I was a little surprised at just how much so.

“Thanks, Gray Tags. Refreshed by your calls and contacts, and armed with the conviction that our constitutional democracy is stronger than those who try to keep it going, Di and I move on to another adventure...and by God’s grace, stronger and wiser than before.

“Esse non videre, Terry.”

Terry’s e-mail address is Saberl314@aol.com for those who wish to drop him a line or seek out additional details. The class salutes you, Terry, first for your stellar career, and even more notably for standing tall when the going got about as tough as it can get.

Cheers to you all. See you next quarter.

Tony Marietta

1070 Knollwood Circle 'f 41

Monument, CO 80132

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

Work: (719) 593-8888

E-mail: usafa70@aol.com

Percent members: 59 *

Greetings from the home of the nation’s 25th-ranked football team! (As of this writing, anyway.)

I had an absolutely great time at a Colorado Rockies game with Cook VILLARREAL. He knows all of the Rockies players, their batting averages, what type of pitch they like to hit and what they normally eat for dinner. As many of you know, the name on his birth certificate is Xavier Guadalupe Villarreal, but we all called him “Cookie.” Now that he is a respected older citizen, he opts for the more formal and distinguished derivation, “Cook.” Incidentally, I also briefly saw Cook’s wife, Christine, met one of his four children, and talked about the other three. He is a very fortunate man to have such a great family.

Ron Gaudet, a former member of 9th Squadron (’70) who left after his freshman year, wants me to pass e-mail messages to several of his exroommates: Chris LINGAMELTER, Ralph SAUNDERS, Richard BEAN, and Dorsey BATTLES. Since I don’t do windows or e-mail messages, I will pass the information on in this medium. Ron lives in Houston, TX and can be contacted at an e-mail address that, for national security reasons, only I have but will disclose for a large fee. So let me know if you want to contact this guy, and while you’re at it, send me information about what you are doing together with pictures of yourself and any neighbors in the area. Since the advent of e-mail, I have become picture-challenged. So send those pictures.

Mark Waskow, son of Doc WASKOW, came up to me at the AF vs. Idaho football game and asked, “You’re a ’70 grad, aren’t you?” I knew I was famous, but this recognition was amazing. Then I realized I was wearing my red ’70 reunion ball cap. As I recall (so don’t rely on this for accuracy), Mark is on track for nav school and is working at the AFA until his slot opens up. He, like myself, can’t believe his dad has two stars, though I’m not sure what he means by that. Anyway, Doc, you have a great son!

At the same game, we joined a tailgate with Mike PADDACK and wife, Barbara; Dennis (Denny) SMALLEY and wife, Rene; and Rick HUMKE and wife, Carol. Mike PADDACK confiscated a picture of Denny SMALLEY (alias “Pepaw”) with his grandson, Dillon Leon. Taken in San Antonio, where it is so hot that you wear bathing suits year round, Denny is trying to discretely eat a snack in front of his grandson.

“I am your grandson for gosh sakes. Give me a bite.

Dana ARBAUGH, an AFA liaison officer, sent a great newspaper article about his graduating cadets, to include Kim REED, daughter of Chuck REED. The British government selected Kim to receive a two-year Marshall Scholarship for graduate study in England. Dana has kept me well informed about Kim over the last year and as I previously reported, Kim graduated 11th out of 787 and was also wing commander. What I didn’t know was that she achieved, as did Chuck, the maximum score on the physical fitness test. See, Kim, all those pushups your dad made you do at 5 a.m. paid off. Congratulations to Kim, Chuck and wife, Paula! The article mentions that Dana ARBAUGH is retiring and that he believes this year’s graduation is the perfect way to end his 27 years as an Air Force officer, saying, “It’s the nice way to have me fade away.” Somehow, I don’t think Dana will be fading away.

Carl YAKABOWSKAS sent 30-40 pages of e-mail. You guys have got to get a life! Actually, there was a great article about fatherhood and I

must admit some funny “Bumper sticker snickers” such as, “Give me ambiguity or give me something else,” and my personal favorite, “I don’t suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.” Dare I say thanks, Carl?

Vikki Rhoden (husband, Bill ”77), who works part-time with the AOG, is working on a book which lists all of the class crests. She desperately needs to receive information about our class crest and why it was used, which should generate some interesting responses. If any of you saved your ring-dance program, it should include information about our crest. I know—some of you don’t even know where your class ring is, let alone where to find the ring dance program, but try to remember. Thanks!

The last time I talked with Ken WHITE he had just purchased a boat. I asked if he water skied, and his reply was, “No, I really only want to use the boat for fishing and bob-fishing at that. I don’t want to do anything too strenuous.” Watch out for the waves, Ken.

Received another e-mail from the cadet who is trying to locate Clifford KING. Please contact me if you have any information. Thanks.

Got an e-mail from someone looking for Alan HUNTER. The person thought he was the class of ’70 or ’71. However, after exhausting research in the Register index, it looks like he is a ’72 grad. If anyone has any additional info that isn’t in the Register, please let me know.

Received an e-mail from Bob CHAMBERS, one of the two CHAMBERS in our class, and they are not twins. This Bob CHAMBERS graduated from 8th Squadron with Ed RASHID, John SOLTIS, and Don FORBES. Bob has been with the Elk Corporation as their human resources manager at Ennis, TX (outside Dallas) for the last nine years. Both of his sons graduated from CU in Boulder. Son Matt is a married CPA in Denver. Recent graduate Ryan is touring the country looking for a replacement for the CU Buffalo, graduated summa cum laude in finance/marketing and would love to work in that field. Bob says “He is embarking on the road to marital bliss, again,” and has been experiencing the fun of grandparenthood with his fiance’s 15-month-old granddaughter. Bob reminds ’70 grads in the DFW area that the local AOG chapter is very active and he hopes to see you there.

Mike HUBER’s e-mail mentioned that the now Mr. Dick RAUSCHKOLB is retired and lives on the fairway of the Gleneagle Golf Course in Colorado Springs. Dick confirmed that he is the newly-hired manager of the Colorado Springs Cornerstone Financial Group, a firm which loans money to the general public and actually gives it to ’70 grads. Give Dick a call to confirm this. Good luck, Dick and Marilyn.

Roger (Pete) PETERSON sent a follow-up e-mail. In the last column, he and Darrel MASSEY had returned from hunting gators and water moccasins in Charleston, and were planning a trip to Honduras. Well, they actually went to Roatan, an island off the coast, stayed in a hotel run by a Cuban American, rented a car from a British firm, and scuba dived with a U.S./German outfit. Not a lot of local participation in the economy. What type of summer fun did they have? To quote Roger, “One road, lots of garbage, and no services. Otherwise Honduras is great.”

Vic Martin (’69) wants to know why Rick Humke always gets to carry the gun and the cool Buitwinkle backpack.

Rick HUMKE just returned from a two-week moose-hunting expedition in Alaska. Currently incoherent, he promises to fill me in on the details when he gets some sleep. However, I did learn that bears chased them, they had to shoot one of the horses, and that he is taking a sabbatical from hunting for at least six months. Sounds like a great time. After listening to Rick, and Roger and Darrel, I believe it’s time that we had another contest. Follow the format of those “My Summer Vacation” school papers you wrote every year, except this one is subtitled “Memories from Hell.” Send text and pictures (don’t forget to be in them). We’ll see who had the most fun. Prize? I don’t know. We’ll see

who we can hit up for it. Maybe RAUSCHKOLB, since he’s got his hands on cash now.

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

Paul D. Knott

5655 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915 (719) 570-9162

E-mail: XPDZ85A@prodigy.com

Percent members: 52

As I start this column, the Springs is adding to a good wet year, the Falcons are thinking about a rebuilding year, my daughter is wondering what will be left of her college room in Ft. Collins, and it’s pretty warm. What does it all mean? Why, happy holidays, of course!

This will be ancient history when you read it, but you may vaguely remember that there was a contest which was going to pit the fastest 100-meter runner against the fastest 220-meter runner to determine the “World’s Fastest Human.’’When the photos of the happy winner were published, you may have thought that a member of the support team looked vaguely familiar. (If you went to reunion, he’d look very familiar.) Well, the one person who may have done as much as anyone to make sure that the winner won was our classmate, Mike LEAHY. Mike is a chiropractor in the Springs now, and, according to an article in the Gazette, not only is becoming well-known for his work in sports medicine (active release techniques) but has a non surgical treatment for carpaltunnel syndrome available, with a reported 96 percent cure rate. As I’ve reported before, Mike is a triathlete and competes in Iron Man races in his spare time. Way to go, Mike!

Mark WITMAN sent a nice note and photo to let me know that he got married in June—of this year. He also has a new job, with United Airlines, as the 727 fleet support engineer. If you happen to be passing through SFO, you might look him up. “Every now and then I happen across a familiar face from ancient history (Reggie BANKS, Jeff DOTUR and Chuck DAVIS come to mind). I’ve seen Mike FLANAGAN (Yvonne) and John THOMPSON (Melinda) fairly regularly on yearly visits to Evergreen, CO, and I had some periodic contact with Ted SCHOFIELD, who is with American Airlines and living in Highland, CA. One other with whom I’ve kept in touch is Rick CROSS (Janet): he’s vice commandant at ACSC.” Thanks for the update, Mark.

Mark and the Witman Family

It’s not often that I see the Air Force Times, but I happened to pick up an issue that had the July retirements in it. Familiar names include: Dale AUTRY, Schuyler FOERSTER, Mike DOWNEY, Daryl JOSEPH, Mark LEWENOWSKI, Bob LOWE, Dolan MCKELVY, Ed NOLTE, and Dave SCHUTT. This may be the largest group of ’71 grads listed outside of this column in many years. If any of you have photos of the solemn occasions, send them on and your class will see it here. Hope you all have been networking like crazy (or living like captains).

The AOG sent the scribes a list of address changes since 1 January, then subtly discouraged us from using said list to pad the column. If you moved, drop me a note to explain why, especially if it means you got a better or more satisfying job or house—or even if it didn’t.

Recently Rich RUSHENBERG was in town to help Ft. Carson set up leased housing for its troops off-post. He’s an appraiser fpr the Army Corps of Engineers, based in Omaha, and he gets out to here or Denver to evaluate the money spent on things like the housing here or at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Aurora, onto which CU Medical School will move its campus as part of the closure process for Fitz. He and his wife,

Chris, bought a fixer-upper in Omaha and have done a lot with it. Rich has the photos to prove just how good their efforts are.

Speaking of Omaha, I got an e-mail from Ed NOLTE, which through the magic of “cut-and-paste” I will now quote verbatim: “I bet you never expected to hear from me! I have been reading your column for several years now and have meant to send you an e-mail but never have. I would like to thank you for writing the column; it is good to see the names of old friends—Mike LACKEY, Jim HOGAN— and see what they are doing so many years after graduation. I received my Checkpoints yesterday and promised myself that I was going to join the list of friendly and familiar names that you mention in your column and reply to you this month, so here it is. Keep up the good work Paul, I think we all take pleasure in what you are doing for us. I am now retired effective 1 July 97 (26 years) and live in the Omaha, NE area. I was the chief, Programs and Requirements Division at U.S. Strategic Command when I retired. Linda and I, after having been introduced by you and Andrea over 26 years ago, are still happily married. We have one son, Mark, who is a student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After retirement, I went to work for Hughes Information Technology Systems, a business unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation and Hughes Aircraft Company—soon to be Raytheon. I am the chief scientist engineer for Hughes and work C4I systems integration and program management issues. Also here at Offutt are Col Lynn (Willy) WILLADSEN, Col Ryan PARADIS, and Col Jon STEVENS (retired and working computer systems for ConAgra Inc). Col Schuyler (Sky) FOERSTER retired in May and is now living in Pittsburgh, PA. He works for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and is working future planning issues for them. He is the president of Pittsburgh’s (Joint) Vision 2010 for future international and business development. We had an “Ed and Sky Memorial Golf Tournament and retirement Soiree” when we both retired within two weeks of one another—STRATCOM will never be the same. I have some pictures if you’d like them.” “Not lost, just quiet” is Ed’s motto. By the way Ed, I would like the photos.

As I finish the column, we’re looking at our first real fall weather, the Falcons and Broncos are 4-0, the Rockies are pushing for post-season, and ’71 is still a pretty darn good class—even if they need a little nudge once in a while to make contact. One copy of your Christmas letter to me and thousands of folks world-wide are automatically added to your mailing list—for free! Later.

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

Greetings to all whether you were able to come out to the Academy for the 25th or not! Those who were able to make it hopefully found it to be a great experience. (I am writing this in late September trying to make a column deadline and in anticipation of the reunion results being as good after the fact as promised in advance.) Only received a couple of letters and an e-mail this go-around, so it will be a short column once again. Maybe you guys can send additional news items for the next issue after returning from the reunion if you were able to attend.

AFA1972

^ Hill L .tjfiJ.J.i 0^ ^

The first letter comes from Doug “Mush” BROWER (Cheryl) with two enclosed letters and accompanying photos. The note that came with the photos is from Drew RIOLO (Elizabeth) and is describing the license plate(s) and their rationale. Drew’s and his wife’s cars have the Blue for AFA and the Gold for his law school, (USC). It is an obvious display of alumni spirit for sure. Seems that Doug and Cheryl were driving around Charlotte, NC last Christmas when they noticed the AFA 1972 plate on a car and honked at the driver who turned out to be Drew’s wife. Coincidentally, Doug says that Cheryl’s brother-in-law is another US Air/Piedmont the same as Drew. Just goes to show what a small world it is after all, right? BTW, Drew—Doug also reports that Roger NASH (Tricia) is with Delta, based in Orlando.

The second letter sent to Doug which he forwarded to me was one coming from the parents of our classmate Dan SIEBERS. The letter explains that Dan had been a doctor for just three yearts when on the way to the Clinton (MO) Hospital emergency ward back in January, 1991, he was in a car accident in Warsaw, MO from which he was airlifted to the University Hospital in Columbia. The accident left him in a coma until just before Easter. Dan is presently still in a rehabilitation center although his insurance company is now fighting that. Dan’s parents claim that he has no memories from his past and that he obviously will not be able to attend the reunion celebration. A truly sad situation to say the least!

The last letter came from Bruce HOSEA (Jan) with photographic evidence that he and Charlie BROWN (Janet) are up to something that looks tiring if not totally exhausting...The bikes in the picture give it away. They are on the third day of a trek across the state of Iowa, and have stopped off for a visit to Charlie’s mother in Creston, IA prior to a 72-mile ride to Des Moines. This was part of the 25th annual Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI 25). Bruce says Charlie has been on four previous rides, while Bruce was doing his second 500-mile trek across the state. Bruce runs an environmental shop for Special Ops at Kirtland while Charlie is a staff officer at Beale, both with retirement plans in the not too distant future. Charlie’ son Jeff is a freshman college student, and daughter Stacy is an energetic 15-year-old cheerleader. The banking industry is where Charlie’s wife, Jan, keeps tabs on the constant changes in the marketplace. The other Jan (Bruce’s wife), is currently development director for UNM law school, and taught grad school in a Minnesota master’s program while “the boys” were out rolling along the countryside. Thanks for the letter, Bruce!

E-mail was the source of the last message received in time for this column. Dave PRAHLER (Mary) reports that he is planning to be at the reunion along with Mary, taking some time away from the booming family business as it continues to expand. They are up to 13 facilities with almost $200 million in sales per year and 550 employees. Dave recently moved from Human Resources into Information Systems while Mary handles all of the health services. Son Chris is a junior in the School of Business at University of Wisconsin at Madison. Daughter Adrienne, having already completed the BS in EE from MIT, is working toward finishing her MS, again at MIT by next year.

So class, that does it for this newsletter and the last column before your 25th year gathering. Hope more news will follow after all the festivities, ready to be reported in the next (after this) issue of Checkpoints. Fortitudo Per Aspera.

Thomas D. Bailey, M.D.

1807 Arbor Way Drive

Shelby, NC 28150-6166

Home: (704) 482-3110 1-800-776-1054

E-mail: Rdbtwn@aol.com ■mf

Percent Members: 41

Another late night in North Carolina but things are quiet now so writing this is a lot easier. It’s been a busy summer this year and a lot of

fun. Flew the Mooney to both Oshkosh and California. Enjoyed the EAA fly-in in Oshkosh and hiking in the Sierras. I’m looking forward to a quiet fall hopefully, though it seldom is quiet around our place! I’ve got news on several classmates so let’s get to it.

Timothy W. (Tim) COOPER is living in Apopka, FL, with spouse, Wasana, and children James (20) (marching chief at Florida State) and Sue (13). He recently retired after 24 years. The last several years were spent working with the assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs. He currently is practicing in infectious disease in the Orlando area. He was board certified last fall in tropical medicine and traveler’s health by the American Society of Tropical Medicine.

Charles C. (Charlie) CLATTERBAUGH and spouse, Sharon, live in McClean, VA. He retired on 30 Jun 97 from his job as chief of the Information Systems Division and commander of the Information Systems Support Group at U.S. Atlantic Command in Norfolk. He had a real memorable retirement which included a retirement ceremony on the 6th of June and included his dad who wore his uniform as he did when Charlie was commissioned (dad retired from the Air Force and is now 80 years old). Charlie now works as chief information officer for CVTA, Inc. Sharon is working as the executive assistant to the president of the Committee for Economic Development in D.C. They have two children: Charles C. Jr (19) and Heather (18). He reports keeping in touch with Steve DALYRIMPLE, currently commander of the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization at Scott AFB, and with Tom MAYBERRY who is working at the Pentagon.

Charlie Clatterbaugh and Sharon at his retirement ceremony where he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal.

While reading my August 11 issue of Aviation Leak I saw a story which mentioned “personnel guru” Brig. Gen. John REGNI. It seems the Air Force is losing lots of pilots to the airlines. Maybe it’s time to let all those guys with glasses into flying? As someone who’s studied eyes for many years now I see little to no sense in denying the opportunity to many motivated candidates who’s only fault is an easily-correctible refractive error (especially as we develop the technology to correct these errors).

Ben CATLIN is busy with a growing business. He is opening a new office in the MCI tower in downtown Denver. He has current projects all over the country and manages three companies. He recently took a month offwith his family (spouse, Gail, and sons Ben Jr, 16 and John 6) in Sun Valley, ID. Ben reports that Frank BRIENZO has just returned from his stint as a VP for KIA Instruments in Japan and that George RAMPULLA is having a good time flying for UPS.

Robert L. COOPER is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Spokane, WA where he lives with wife, Paula, and children Andy (18), Haley (16) and Cassy (13).

Bryan R. (Smoke) CLARK is a Delta pilot who enjoys golf and baseball-card collecting in Peachtree City, GA with spouse, Patricia, and his gang of four kids; Jessica (18), Jennifer (16), Brianna (8) and Michael (5). He reports that he and other members of 19th Squadron are staying in pretty good touch with each other and have had three squadron class reunions in 1981, ’86 and ’91. He’d like to know if anyone knows the whereabouts of Vic SINGLETON.

Gennaro (Gene) CUOMO married Kenna in June of ’92 and they have three kids; Karen (21), Samuel (3) and Kenneth (1). He retired 1 Jun 97 and is a project engineer with the Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA. John CARR, Gwen, and David (19), Rachel (17) and Michael (13) live in Beavercreek, OH. John retired in 1995 and works at Management Consulting and Research (MCR) and is actively involved in church activities while Gwen breeds Shelties and Pomeranians. He says there’s always plenty of puppies around his place.

Dan COTTRELL resides in Falls Church, VA with wife, Ann, and

daughter Michelle (14). He’s a senior economist (I don’t know if I like that word “Senior” associated with a classmate!) at MITRE Corporation in Reston, VA. He’s busy working on a M.S. in systems engineering from Virginia Tech and plans to continue his studies in C3 and intelligence. Michelle is active in school activities and is on the swim team. I don’t know if Dan realizes what a hotbed of zoomies his area represents?

I next heard from the upstate New York area which is lucky enough to have Philip C. (Phil) De BRUIN and gang living there. Isn’t that one of those places that gets lots of snow? He and MaryAnn and kids Daniel (11) and Mae (9) have been pretty busy. Phil retired in August ’95 and promptly went back to school for two years to qualify for a master’s program in physical therapy at SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse. He plans to graduate in June 2000. He’s also impressed that some of his current classmates hadn’t been born yet when he graduated from the zoo. The De Bruins are also active in the local USS Swim Club where the kids compete and Phil officiates and MaryAnn times. They are also busy at church where she is a board member and he is treasurer.

My final bit of news comes from Edward M. (Mick) DAVIS. These guys avoid snow by living in Jacksonville, FL. Mick, Andrea, Clark (13) and Scott (10) have lots to keep them busy there. Mick is a lecturer at the University of North Florida where he teaches biology, anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. They pursue hobbies including bicycling, swimming, Scouts and snow skiing (in Florida?). Interests inelude investing and church and Mitch is a deacon at his church, Cub Scout packmaster and treasurer of their local property owner’s association.

Many of you know that I’ve tried to take a lot of stress out of the newsgathering for this article by proactively sending out questionnaires to our class. That’s why you may have noticed the preponderence of names early in the alphabet. Of 82 sent this last time I got back 10 replies for a response rate overall of about 12 percent. If you remove the 18 I had returned due to bad addresses (usually forwarding orders expired) the reply rate improves to almost 16 percent. The AOG has now offered to keep us up to date on address changes they receive so hopefully the return-tosender rate will decrease. When you get a questionnaire please spend a few minutes to reply. If you’ve got one already in your “to do” stack feel free to fill it out and send it back anytime. It will probably get in the following Checkpoints since I keep an active file of news for each edition. Thanks for your help!

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

Phone: (713) 244-8089

Fax: (713) 244-8958

E-mail: jbrezovi@ems.jsc.nasa.gov

Percent members: 41

Good Cheer to All!

wI hope all is going well with you! I feel great, I have some mail to pass on. Several of you have found the e-mail address and one letter came the snail route, too. You know, I get the feelings I had at mail call during BCT when there’s something from a ’74er to pass on. Ever find yourself comparing feelings to those we got during those formative years?

One note is from Dave GALVIN, who writes this: “After 24-plus years in aviation and after enjoying ‘every damn second’ of it from the Civil Air Patrol in high school, to USAFA, to active USAF-55th weather recon, to U.S. Govt-Federal Service-National Weather Service, and most of all American Airlines as staff aviation meteorologist (with a special citation from the CEO Crandall for ‘outstanding contributions during Desert Shield/Desert Storm’), (I have) retired to upstate to fish and play golf.” Dave added that during the week, he is taking law courses at a university in Pittsburgh, PA and hopes he enjoys his second career in law as much as he enjoyed the first career. Dave closes with surely wishing “all of ’74 forever more” well and salutations.” and with: Old Meteorologists never die, they just fly away with the wind!

E-mail also came in from Geary HOROWITZ. Gary is still chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and program director of the OB/GYN residency at Travis AFB, CA. He will be retiring this coming spring and plans to go to the University of Missouri to essentially do the same thing there [for bigger bucks]. Gary wrote that he is looking forward to getting back into the real world again. For those looking for Gary KIRSTEATTER, Gary saw a guy downtown in the post office several months ago that he for sure thought was Gary Kirsteatter. Nothing was said, but when he got home, Gary H. told his wife, Kari, about it saying, “Man, this could have been his twin.” They looked the name up in the phone book, but there was no listing. A week later, Gary H. saw Maureen Kirsteatter’s (the other Gary’s wife) name on a lab report. As the story

goes, both Garys (Garies?) had said something to their appropriate wife, checked the phone book and discovered that both had unlisted numbers! Anyway, Gary K. works at 15th Air Force on the other side of the base. The Horowitz family consists of Kari, from 10 days after graduation, and Alexander, 15, and starting to drive; and Rachel, 11. The whole family seems to be looking forward to the retirement check and living in a college town. At Travis, he writes, there are enough other zoomies around here that we are always in good company; however, “when I hear that someone is a ’92 grad I get more white hair just thinking about it.” (Does anyone else? Check the mirror.)

This came e-mail also. Man is this stuff great—when it works!

Chuck LATHAM sent in greetings from Fayetteville, NC where he just retired from active duty as an 0-5 navigator flying C-130s at Pope AFB. Chuck and Kathy have purchased 30 acres of horse farm for retirement. The planned activity is for Kathy to be boarding horses while Chuck’ll be playing some golf in Pinehurst, the golf capital of the world. (This pause for your own thoughts!) Chuck summarized his life in these words “My Air Force career was great. I was born and raised in North Carolina. Went off to USAFA, saw the Far East, lived in California, Arkansas, and Ohio. Came back to North Carolina for the final chapter in the Air Force career. Been full circle.” Thanks for writing in, Chuck. Let’s hear more when you can!

From Mike KUSKIE via the snail mail. Mike finally decided to hang up the “blue suit” after 23 years. His last duty was the chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio for the past seven years. Mike and Bev, with son Brett, and daughter Allison, have relocated to Colorado Springs where Mike will practice pediatrics with the Penrose-St Francis Medical Group on Academy Blvd. He added that they are glad to have a break from Texas summertime heat!

From walking the halls, I get to pass on from Don MCMONAGLE. Don is now the manager for space shuttle launch integration at Kennedy Space Center. He will be back here at Johnson Space Center at least six times a year and probably more. So he’ll be able to see friends on two coasts!

That’s it for the mail calls. I have found out that Bill CASEMENT is still in Hawaii. Frank BALLINGER seems to have retired in Alexandria, VA. Have you seen Dave HEGLAND there? Sam BIONDO is in the same state, but at Centerville. Rick BOYD is said to be near Yorktown. It seems a number of us are becoming Virginians! (Wednesday nights, the first 1.5 hour cowboy show starring James Drury. Ah, what memories of those yesteryears!) In closing, Darlene and I offer congratulations and well wishes to those who have moved onto new careers! I hope that you gather more pleasing memories to look back on as you live long and prosper.

Jeff Hackett

1866 W. Aspen Ave.

Gilbert, AZ 85233

Home: (602) 813-9605

Office: (602) 891-2734

E-mail: jeffrey. 1 .hackett@BOEING.COM

Percent members: 38

IIuhJv

SINCE IT’S STILL 100 DEGREES HERE WE’LL CHALK THIS WHOLE THING UP TO THE SUMMERTIME BLUES! Yep, last day of September and it’s still in triple digits here—has apparently killed the postman outright, struck down the telephone lines, and severely reduced the throughput on the e-mail data lines. I’ll have to admit it’s not done much for my motivation either so we’ll make this quick!

BEFORE HE WENT OFF TO NRA MEETING, POSTMAN DID GET ONE LETTER DELIVERED. Roxanne (Chuck) HOLLAND sent greetings from Alabama and filled us in. They were looking forward to winding down after a hectic year of school with daughter Leah and their foreign exchange student (from Prague). Many trips here and there around the U.S. and getting into the teenage driving thing too. Roxanne’s working as human resources director at a company there in Montgomery. At the time she wrote Chuck was devoting most of his non-AWC instructor efforts to co-authoring a movie script (as in Hollywood) based on the life of Frank Luke. We’ll be looking for the Hollands at next year’s Oscars!

WORKING ON AN IDEA TO PUT MYSELF OUT OF A JOB. Was thinking about my status as a limited-value-added middle-man as I looked over the e-mails I got and wondered if we couldn’t develop a ISO NineThousand-Something Standard for Class Article inputs and just let y’all post/paste up the column for yourselves. By the way, you’re reminded that you can beat the publishing deadline by seeing the material the day it’s submitted at the Class of ’75 Homepage (courtesy of Pagemaster Jim CARLSON). Call, write, or zap me at address above to get page address

(note my new e-mail address).

Best line of the quarter comes from Bill DALSON who says that the schooling he’s going through is “all Greek” to him...he’s at State Department Foreign Service Institute in preparation to become air attache to Greece. He, Cleo and two sons will leave next summer for a three-year tour. Bill says that our class is doing well at cornering the market on cushy attache jobs in pleasant locations; Dave MCDANIEL (Libby) is preparing to go to Rome, A1 PIOTTER is studying Spanish in preparation for a tour to Chile, and rumor was that Woody WOODWARD was on tap to go to Oslo later next year. Reb Eleven reunion was in planning stages when Bill wrote; a number of guys in the area—Steve WOJCICKI was on academic fellowship in the D.C area, Mike ROZNOVSKY was getting ready to retire (headed for Delta AirLines), Brian BOUFFARD lives in nearby Washington, VA and flies for United, and A1 PECK had just moved to town with new bride for a tour at Air Staff. Hope someone took pictures!

Got a short note from faithful correspondent Dennis BROOKS—still enjoying life on the golf course outside the North Gate. He did pass on word that Greg SHERIDAN has retired and has taken job as operations officer for the Aviation Camp at the Aerospace Center in Huntsville, AL although he and Renee live in Fayetteville, TN. Another short e-mail came in from Ralph PAUL—he’s a 737 captain with United out of Chicago but I’ll assume that’s not home since he also noted that he’s enjoying himself immensely as (USAFA/ROTC) admissions liaison officer director for Central Florida.

SHAME—IT’S A WONDERFUL THING. Bryon BEDNAR’s opening line was, “when I saw Mike MCCLENDON sent you a note, I realized that I had run out of excuses.” (Now who amongst you will say, “Hey if Bryon Bednar’s writing to Jeff—where does that leave me!?”) In his “civilian” life Bryon is deputy base civil engineer at Peterson AFB. As fellow IMA Reservist he works in J4 for NORAD/USSPACECOM. He and Nancy have lived in Colorado Springs for 15 years and have three sons.

Got a long, informative e-mail from Duane LODRIDGE. Probably biggest news is that by the time you read this he’ll be married to a fighter pilot! No it’s not “that” progressive Air Force; it’s the new -world DoD that allowed Julie to transfer from USAFR job flying ’141s to an A-10 job with the Maryland ANG. Duane is in D.C. ANG (0-6, director of Operations) where he flies F-16s. His “real” job is flying 737s for U.S. Airways out of Baltimore (Julie flies for Northwest). All this flying around gives Duane the chance to see lots of people! Like Tom MCCLAIN who is at the Pentagon; OIC of National Guard Inspector General Inquiries/Complaints Division; he lives in Virginia with wife and family. Tom mentioned that Mark MASTERS was also at Pentagon but Duane said he heard that Mark will retire in the fall and start on with United. John CZABARANEK is with USAFR C-141 unit at Andrews AFB (possibly in line to be next CC) and is also with U.S. Airways in Baltimore. Bob MARR has retired and flies Learjets for Phoenix Air in Michigan. Duane caught up with Bill LYLERLY and Mike LISCHAK at a bar in Annapolis recently; Bill’s still a “big wig” in the Health Department’s Infectious Disease efforts and Mike was getting ready to finish National War College. Duane typically gets to see Bud CALLOWAY whenever he gets down to Fort Lauderdale; Bud has his own business down there (Northstar Aviation) remarketing jets and commuter aircraft. Without giving any details other than to say a rendezvous was in the planning stages, Duane noted that John CHARLTON and Colt MEFFORD are both now in the D.C. area.

LAST GUY OUT-TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. Bill MURRAY has just arrived at McClellan AFB and plans to be there when they close the doors (approximately 2001). In the interim he’s plenty busy with fulfilling duties as division chief for Space & C 3 I Management and, as if that wasn’t enough they’ve “temporarily” added on management of another division until they can find someone to permanently fill the spot (yeah, right!). Bill provides these insights on other classmates at McClellan/Sacramento Air Logistics Center: Sam RYALS is the program manager for F-117 and John SCHERER is the support group commander. Corrie KUNDERT (retired in 1995) and wife, Dottie, are also in Sacramento where he is in his last year of residency before becoming a pharmacist.

ANOTHER “FIRSTIE.” Rich WILSON decided that he’d break the

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

ice with this Class Article thing. Rich retired last year alter spending more than enough time at the Pentagon (especially tough duty after being an RC-135 squadron commander at Offutt). Rich is now with Delta out of Orlando after a brief stint with Vanguard Airlines; Mike DENNIS and Wayne WILLIS are also doing the Delta thing in Orlando (although Wayne has retained his residence in Albuquerque).

ON THE BUBBLE. Have not made a firm decision on this yet but am asking that anyone interested in permanently taking on ’75 Scribe duties give me a call or drop a line. Although Tiffany’s off at college (Northern Arizona University) I’m still finding that demands for my time exceed the “maintain sanity” level. If I make a decision to “sign off” I’d like to at least have some ideas about who’s there to take up the torch. ...and isn’t this another case of it being later than I think?

Ernie Woollard

Box 25534

Scott AFB, IL 62225-0534

E-mail: woollaev@hqamc.safb.af.mil

Percent members: 43

Hello From the Cornfields of Illinois and Happy Holidays for 1997 to all!

The frost has definitely settled on the pumpkin here, unlike in California, and the extra blankets have found new storage locations all over the town house. We’ve settled into a new routine, and for the most part have adapted well to the more relaxed Midwestern lifestyle. Life in the TACC is fast-paced as ever though, but as a deputy director of Operations, or “Super Duty Officer,” you work your tail off during your shift, and because of the nature of the business, most always leave your work behind when you head for home. Pam and the girls have certainly enjoyed that aspect of my new job; but as for the shiftwork, I don’t think anybody ever gets used to those midnight rendezvous. There are many good things to be said for having your “weekend” over a Tuesday-Thursday, and it certainly is easier finding a “T” time in the middle of the week.

Scott is a beautiful base and the facilities are tops; I guess that goes with the territory of having an assignment at headquarters; but on the flipside, the men and women here work extremely hard around the clock to ensure our transportation and airlift systems remain tops in the world. So far, I’m keeping my head above water; and I must be doing at least a “fast, neat, average, friendly, good, good” job, for General NcNabb has yet to have me “drive around to give him some chins.”

Of course, coming to headquarters means running into a few of your classmates, or at least one would think that. Here, it has been no exception to that rule; and early on it was, “I know that face from somewhere, if only I could remember from where and what name to attach to it.”

Cliff SIMMONS and Mark MEYERS are close by in TACC and Gregg BRICKER and Duncan SHIELDS are also out here wandering the AMC hallowed halls. Gerry HATT is also nearby continually working to upgrade our C2 systems. While in Colorado Springs last summer, I learned of Mick and Tamara ERDLE’s new addition, and was happy to hear that they were adjusting just fine in the Land of the Midnight Sun (or Moon as you’re reading this edition).

Mike WORDEN has finally, yes finally, been given a job that requires some paperwork—or at least I hope it does as he has transitioned to the Pentagon. Monty LEE has written me a nice letter from Tennessee; we’re, or I should say he (I’m still computer illiterate), are looking into starting a home page for the class. He already has broken some ground; his e-mail

address is: http://www.netten.net/-montylee/USAFA76. He’s in the process of contacting Enrique SAA for more information. I hope that all the FedEx boys down there are doing well.

Just before leaving California, I received an update from Kim WEBER. They now have a ranch, still near Yosemite, and he commutes to San Francisco in his own Cessna 182 on those occasions when he’s flying the “friendly skies” for United. For planning that perfect vacation to Yosemite or the High Sierra contact Kim at: kimmer@yosemite.net.

I received 10 pages of address-change information from the AOG. It certainly is too lengthy to publish in its entirety; but if you’re looking for someone in particular, please give me a call or contact the AOG directly. New locations just this quarter include: Rick BARFIELD to Valrico, FL; Jim BOMA to Lakewood, CO; Scott BRITTEN to Robins AFB, GA; Charlie BROWN to Gig Harbor, WA; Brad BUCHANAN to Alexandria, VA; Dave CLARY to Clovis, NM; Marc FELMAN to USAFA, CO; Marc FRITH to Jacksonville, FL; Danny MOORE to Colorado Springs, CO; Steve NICKEL to Tucson, AZ; Dale OSTROWSKI to Lake Villa, IL; Robert PREISSINGER to Elbert, CO; Jim ROONEY to Jacksonville, AR; Tom SEFICK to Conover, NC; Marc SOUTIERE to Roseville, CA; and Marc WHALEN to Virginia Beach, VA.

With the holidays still approaching, or just recently passed, depending upon the arrival of Checkpoints to your doorstep, I know there must be some good and interesting stories and photos that you would just love to share with the rest of us. Now that I can be reached via e-mail, and no longer require the “Pony Express” for my daily mail deliveries, I’m sure that my TACC in-box and post office box will be overflowing with information about recent happenings in and around your worlds. Let’s not be bashful, especially you commanders and key executives out there who experience new and different things every day. Just drop me a line or give me call—please.

Well, that’s it for the chit-chat this time. I truly hope that every one has a wonderful holiday and that the package you asked Santa for arrives under your tree Christmas morning. For those of you still fortunate enough to “slip the surlies” periodically either at work or play, let’s continue to be especially careful up there. I know from reviewing the daily flying schedule that the C-130s I was flying at Pope in 1977 are circling over those same drop zones at Ft. Bragg. Just like you and I, those ’63 and ’64 models aren’t getting any younger—so please take an extra second or two with those preflights. Best wishes to all, and to all a good night. 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

By now we all should have recovered from the reunion and its aftermath. Those of you who went should have your film developed, and those who didn’t should have received copies of the pictures. I hope everything went well, the only thing I know for sure is that we are all looking forward to the football game, now that we got a chance to do some damage in the WAC this year. This column will be a little short because: (1) I didn’t get very much mail this time around since everybody was completing their summer moves; and (2) the big news in this issue will be the 20-year reunion which you can read about somewhere else.

QUICKHITTERS: A number of you have taken advantage of John VISSER’s homepage e-mail link to drop me a line. Unfortunately, all you are doing is dropping me one line. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy having people send a single sentence saying “hello,” but in order for this column to be a going concern I need a little bit more information. For the personality-impaired, how about some information about yourself. For those of you who actually have friends in the class, I could use a little more information about what they are doing as well. ‘Nuff said.

Mike HAINSEY (Brenda) sent me an e-mail note from Columbus (is that base still open?) saying that he, Greg ROBINSON (Mary), Lorin LONG (Merry Kay), Gary GREEN (Ruth) and Hamp HEARD (Virginia) are pushing jets around the friendly southern skies. Mike’s comment “we are having a ball and flying airplanes.” Mark CASTELLANI (Susan) retired this summer and has started with United. He has run into Dave MCKENNEY (Annamarie), Scott SCHOFIELD (Beverly), Dana FAST, Dave STEPHAN (Cindy) and Frenchy FERNAND (Karen) all doing the United thing. Hope I see some of you guys on my way out to the Springs. Thanks Mark.

Gene BOEDIGHEIMER (Terri) faxed me from C-Springs where he is working for MCI as an analyst. Bodie is hosting the Chicken Hawk crew

Kim and Laurie Ann Weber prepare for a mission in the High Sierra.

for the reunion, more details later. Mark LINDSLEY (Patti) is not, say again, not, remaining in Germany. I simply can’t keep up with these colonel assignments anymore—Mark is now at Hurlburt commanding a communications group and happy to be back stateside. Congrats Mark, glad the job came through faster than I could report it in advance.

Curt BEDKE (Ina) has been switched from the Asia desk at the Joint Chiefs to working for a Marine general dealing with a whole lot of stuff. How else to describe someone whose job title is (I am not making this up) “Assistant Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs for Global and Multilateral Issues in Western Hemisphere.” I think Curt has actually been elected President of the United States. Ina reported that Curt CICHOWSKI (Laura) has started at a Defense Fellowship at Brookings for a year. Pat MCVAY (Cyndee) is now safely wrapped up at Offutt where he is working as a senior controller. Sounds like a great job—12hour shifts seven days a week, with no overtime and no union. Sorry Pat, I thought pinning on 0-6 was a promotion. Hope to see you and the guys soon on my next trip out to the midwest.

Dave SCHMITZ (Holly) dropped me a quick line reminding me of his presence at the pre-reunion reunion at my house. Dave is an instructor at the Defense Systems Management College. He and Holly have three kids, a girl and two boys. Dave noted that he and the family visited with Jack KEARNEY at Jack’s place in Massachusetts this summer; Dave said Jack will be skipping the reunion to play in a national golf tournament instead. Another sign that we are all getting older, etc. Ron ALFORD (Janan) e-mailed me to say that he’s managing the SBIRS mission software for Lockheed and is now living up in Boulder. Ron notes that Rob SHAW (Kathy) is living in Littleton and working for a small contractor as a SETA and that Steve BUERKLE is flying for American up in Washington.

CLOSEOUT: Told you this would be a short one. I hope to have plenty of pictures and lots of scandals to report next time around. I look forward to hearing and seeing my faithful writers in the flesh. Be seeing you.

Greg “Kais” Kaiser Ltf 1 *Y/r 7420B Salem Drive J ft Y/ 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: 37 w

SHORT & SWEET...having just typed that, many things come to mind but I’ll let your devious minds fill in all the possible blanks. After the last article, I’ve had quite a few respond to the call for help with the big 20th reunion next year, and I’m going to pitch it again in this article BLUNTLY...Dave DALLAGO is the man in charge and he can’t do it all himself. Please, especially if you’re living in the COS (that’s Colorado Springs for the nonrated folks) area give Dave a shout and offer up your body, energy and talent, or when all else fails, chip in COLD HARD CASH! Seriously, Dave can be contacted at: 2411 E. Aztec, Gallup, NM 87301, WP: (505) 722-6638 or HP: (505) 722-9360. And, for those who didn’t catch the last article or looked at the pictures without reading the text: Our 20-year reunion is: 30 Sept (Wed) through 4 Oct (Sun) 1998 and the Colorado Springs Marriott is where the “early birds will be roosting.”

TWENTY YEARS AND A DAY...Many of us, myself included, are contemplating or have applied for retirement. Hard to believe we tossed our hats in Falcon Stadium nearly 20 years ago...a moment of silence as I wipe the tear welling up in my eye. Now, having said that, and planning ahead, Jim ARNOLD dropped me a note with some very applicable advise. “NEVER waive your final separation or retirement physical!” Jim retired from active duty in 1996 as a judge advocate (I think for us fighter pilots that means he was a lawyer) and is currently an associate counsel with the Board of Veteran Appeals in Wasdhington, DC. In his short time in that capacity, he’s seen and worked with veterans who probably didn’t heed the advice above. Protect what benefits we have left by observing and playing by the rules set down. His bottom line: It’s much more difficult after the fact. And, speaking of after the fact...in response to Wayne CRENWELGE’s question about the GI Bill for ’78 grads...Retired Lt Col Richard M. COPPOCK (’61), AOG president and chief executive officer, sent me a letter with the following news...“The Vietnam-era GI Bill expired for everyone on 31 December 1989. PL101-366 restored eligibility for 1977-78 grads who incurred educational expenses before the expiration date. Applications for refunds, however, were only accepted through 31 December 1991. All members of the classes of 1977 and 1978 who (the AOG) had good mailing addresses were notified of passage of the law by mid-October 1990.” So, hopefully, that will clear up any uncertainty out there about ’78 and the GI Bill.

OH YEAH, I SAID SHORT...Ernie ST. GELAIS e-mailed me to let me know about a perpetual ’78 tailgate party that occurs during all Air Force Fighting Falcon home football games. He and Dave MAHER are

the proud sponsors of this ongoing tradition. This year they expect the likes of Greg HOLLISTER, Larry JAMES, and Jeff KOURI as regular members. Now, by the time this gets to press and in your hot little hands, it’ll be of little use for this year, however, there’s always next year, and do you suppose there’s a place in the Guiness Book of World Records for “the world’s largest, GREATEST tailgate party? If not, it still sounds like a damn good excuse for all of us to make it the biggest ever tailgate party for our homecoming weekend! And for those living in the COS area or happen to be in town for a game, Ernie and Dave say, “Join us!” (stgelais@colorado.meitech.com or dmaher52@aol.com).

Let’s see...shuffle, shuffle, shuffle... John “Slick” PARROTT responded to “the car trick.” Although not in his possession, and actually not even in existence anymore, John had his ’77 Toyota Celica up until about a year ago. It had over 200,000 miles, had traveled from COS to Mississippi to Florida to AK (that’s Alaska for the state-abbreviation impaired) to New Mexico to Kansas, and then to its resting place in Arizona. Seems as though Slick saw “a younger, more attractive, faster running model” and decided to part with his “tried, true, and tested friend” for a mere pittance of $750...to a relative no less! A month after the sale, the “tried, true, and tested friend” was totaled, as in demolished. Good news though, no one seriously injured in the accident; we only lost a “tried, true, and trusted friend.” Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle...Brad DUNTON sent me a note with a photo (like those pictures...fills up article space, and me pilot, like pictures, duh). He’s been flying with Northwest for 12 years now and is in the process of upgrading to A320 captain. He lives just outside the north gate at the Academy in Gleneagle. However, until recently, he had never flown in an all-USAFA cockpit. Pictured below in a DC-10 cockpit are Brad SHUNEMANN (’72), Brad, and Tom BAUMGARDNER (’69).

“And it took twelve years for this to happen?”

Whiz, Whiz, R7»z...and no, this is not those bathroom sounds you’re all so familiar with...it’s the electrons flowing through the telephone lines into my computer and converted to E-MAIL! Oh darn, only one left, and it’s from Miss Ellie (the beautiful, vivacious, and very loving mother of “a herd” and the wife of none other than the senile, K-Bob). She related, after berating me once again for the truths I speak and write concerning her husband, the following: CONGRATS to our very own Dave SCOTT, the 1997 Jabara Award Winner. Also, her new book and movie that my feeble mind couldn’t remember while writing my last masterpiece is called, “Shop, Save, and Share.” The film is playing in every Family Support Center around the world and the book is in the process of being published. Basically, Miss Ellie is sharing with other military wives how she’s managed to save over $8,000 on her annual food bill. Additionally, Miss Ellie donated over a thousand dollars of groceries to families in need. On both counts, she’s able to do things by smart shopping, saving with wise coupon knowledge and use, and sharing a bank of coupons with others. For more information, you can e-mail her at kayherd@juno.com. Good goin’, girl! She actually e-mailed much more, but decency laws prevent me from sharing anything else. I’m out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas...Buggin’ out North, KAIS.

Bud Vazquez

121 Offutt Road

Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

DSN: 478-5107

E-mail: vazquezb@hanscom.af.mil

Percent members: 35

I made it! Over the D.C. fence after four years, I’ve moved up to Hanscom AFB, MA just outside Boston. Hanscom is the home of

AWACS, Joint STARS, Mission Planning Systems, and a host of radio, computer, and “I’ll have to kill you” programs. Good to be back and oh, how I don’t miss those jaded Pentagon halls and the whimsical 25 miles on 1-95! Thank you, Lord!

What a great “rookie” article by Brian “Howard” KOECHEL (Carrie). Don’t mind that he mixed up our class batting order: which is really KOECHEL, VAZQUEZ, DALLAS, DONATELLI. My winter article is due in September, which only adds to the confusion. It’s OK Bri, great job, and I still love ya’ (don’t ask, don’t tell)! We may even benefit by having two ’79 pieces if I can’t turn off Dan REPASKI, who’s livin’ the airline good life in my stompin’ grounds, Long Island, NY.

On a serious note, I’m not sure what to be more worried about—help me please. Is it the fact that Bill MURPHY (Deanna) has a hundred or so Peacekeeper warheads under his command at Frankie’s Rocket Ranch (F.E. Warren) or Mark “Horse” NEICE (Les) flying the frippin’ airborne laser at Kirtland! Informal poll results next issue! Thankfully, Mike BOOEN is the ABL SPO director out at Kirtland to keep Mark outta’ trouble!

Tom GRIFFITH (Liz) has done it again! He spends five years in school, spends a year drafting speeches for the CSAF in the 5-side, and then escapes again to school—this time National War College! This is St. Thomas of the Holy 2.9 GPA we’re talking about! Must be remedial work. Look for Griff’s doctoral thesis on Gen. George Kenney to be published this year—no, it’s not a picture book. Across the street from National, we can all bet that the ICAF B-ball team beats Tom’s NWC classmates. That’s because Randy GRICIUS (Vicki) is at ICAF. So is Phil KELLERHALS. Griff tells me that Jeff GORDON is in J-3 in the Pentagon.

Bob EDMONDS (Ann) remains in the D.C. area, landing and unlanding a “cush” job in J-3. What I mean is the guy Bob was replacing decided to extend—enjoy the POAC while you can, Bob! I heard from Scott GRUMWALD (Debbie) who is the chief of Safety for the C-17 wing at Charleston AFB. Scott sounds great—so far as one can sound on e-mail—and is keeping a chipper Christian perspective about TDYs and long hours. Scott reports that Rick BALDWIN is slated to take the DO slot at Altus AFB.

Things are fine here at “Happy Hanscom,” but decidely cooler than in D.C. When not giving relatives the Concord and Lexington tours, I occasionally run into Miles TRUMBLE (Robbin), and Chris WORSOWICZ. In response to my e-mail about Niners Chris stays in touch with, I received a cryptic “if this is about joining (the AOG), I’m a nonvolunteer!” Geez, Chris, calm down will ya’! Mark CERISE works for the Space Systems Group in C-Springs that reports to ESC, and Ken MATTERN (Pam) is the deputy JA. Ken dodged a bullet of sorts when a front-loader carrying a 10-ton boulder lost its way, and ripped the roof off of his parked Taurus! Fortunately, the Taurus was the only thing hurt! He also ran the AF Marathon at WPAFB in a respectable 3:30. Not bad for a guy who as a bachelor lived in a rental known as “Stupid House!” Ken kindly reported that fellow JAG-mates Colonel Steve LEPPER, who is at National War College, and Mike GILBERT, who is at Air War College, are doing well. Greg DORAN (the artist formerly known as COLVIN) still wanders around here, but now as a slimy contractor. Under the “Look Who You Meet When You Don’t Have Your Handgun” Category, I ran into Brian “Mr Gusto” KELLY (Cindy) in a close encounter of the pleasant kind. Brian has done very well, having gotten out a few years ago to become, now, the VP for Trident Data Systems, a company out of San Antonio. Not surprisingly, “Snooks” was looking to set up an office in hometown Boston! Drop him an e-mail at “Brian Kelly@tds.com.”

Got a big surprise call from Not-Known-To-Call Jim SIMS (Emily), who is the base comptroller at Eglin. Jim’s on his way to be the comptroller in B-2 land—Whiteman AFB—effective 1 Oct. Jim will leave behind other Niners at Eglin—Ted MUNDELEIN in the Munitions Lab, and Rich WALLEY at the JDAM SPO.

In the “A little ahead of my headlights” category—it’s not too early to start saving that flight pay for the 20th reunion. If you were at the 10th, and had half as much fun as me, I’m sure you’re already planning on it. If you weren’t, trust me—you won’t want to miss it. I hate to say it, but there are only so many more opportunities to get together in our lives! Last time we set some kind of record by having more than 50 percent of our class there. Let’s do it again. Be there—aloha! Godspeed until then!

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

Your Support Helps Develop Leaders With Vision For Tomorrow.

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

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS! I think we’re in for an “E” ticket ride on the wave of technology. First, Steve DAWIDOWICZ (“currently working as a multimedia specialist”) has given us our own Home Page (http://members.aol.com/home80/main.htm). Be sure to check it out. Thanks, Steve! Second, as I’m going through your inputs for this article, I note this is the first time all were via e-mail. Finally, I had the chance to jumpseat on an Airbus 320 and discovered computerized aircraft these days seem to be more “managed” than flown. (My poor Herky Bird still has to wait for input from me to get up a head of steam.) This next decade is going to be pretty exciting, folks!

THE CHALLENGE. In the next five, double-spaced pages, I have to condense all the great stuff you’ve given me—and I can’t use teeny type. I’m up to it—and I want to thank all of you for taking the time to tell us how/what you’re doing. Without delay (and with only a little rhyme or reason):

OVERSEAS: Derek (Barb “age classified” plus three) HESS is the DO in F-15s at Kadena. “I have spent all but 29 months of my career flying, which I think is great!” They’ve been assigned to the Netherlands, Saudi, and Japan, and are planning a trip to Australia this fall. “That will have put our kids on just about every continent in the world (and if anyone knows why we should go to Antarctica, we might consider making it all of them!)”

Larry (Lorraine plus two) WHITE hailed us from Ops Plans at HQ EUCOM (Stuttgart) to say: “Since my wife and kids packed themselves off to the in-laws for a couple of weeks, I finally read the last three years of Checkpoints and resolved to finally write you.” Larry’s background includes the F-4G (Wild Weasel) and EW staff work. He’s there with Tim BRENNAN (Ops Support) and Ed SCHMIDT (Doctrine). He adds how he juggles the kids’ things around a mixed German/American schedule and that “work here is backing off to about 60 hours a week—hearing Congress say we need to cut the joint staffs by 10 percent so helps morale.”

Down Under: Jerry (Melanie plus two) SIROTE still flies for QANTAS and lets us know the winters there are between 50 and low 60s—but the family still goes to Alabama for six weeks “every northern summer to get our American fix!” Greg AUGST is at the American Consulate. Jerry adds he received an invitation from John PRAY to attend John’s celebration at getting a McChord C-141 sqdn (John says he sees Shelby BALL, chief of Wing Safety, and Chris GOLOB, a Reserve driver) and that Walt CARLSON is with FedEx out of the Philippines (commutes from Utah). Tom (Ann plus three) WILLIAMS is back after a furlough to the States. They are still with the Navigators ministry, working specifically with Asian students in Australia.

CONUS: Bob YOUNG reported in from a combined exercise he was on as a Reservist. “Got to do CSAR with Navy E-2 as AMC and USAF F-16s the first day, Army Apaches the second and A-10s the third. Lots of fun. We were working on interoperability. Harpo (HARPER) was there. I saw Matt NEUENSWANDER for a little while. It’s hard to believe we’re old enough to be in charge.”

At Randolph: Tom ANDERSON is CC at the nav training sqdn; Dean SCULLY slid over from Brooks as Randolph’s aerospace physiologist; Karen (LUSK) (Ken) KAYLOR is working training issues at AETC; Dave BRITTON’s flying the needle (T-38); and Greg HARSTAD and Russ HODGKINS passed through to requal on Tweets (Columbus) and T-38s (Vance) respectively.

Mary DALEY now has the Log Sqdn at the Zoo. It’s her third job in three years; “Don’t know what that says, but...” She’s got company as Debra (DUBBE) GRAY is there as the Supt’s speech writer.

Scott PAPP, on his way to a ROTC assignment at Wilkes-Barre, PA, “just left Gunter-by-the-sea, AL, where I was buying computers for the government.” He says, “Don’t get a ROTC assignment if you want to feel young, as the cadets continuously remind you how old you really are.” Scott regularly saw Glenn TAYLOR, program manager for the huge Global Combat Support System, and Doug HAGER, ops researcher at HQ AFROTC. Craig SEEBER moved into the same small town (Wetumpka) to start AWC. While getting a haircut there, Scott saw a guy in a USAFA sweatsuit—it was none other than Craig CARTER, pastor of Mulder United Methodist Church.

Tom “Mitch” MITCHELL (a.k.a. Brew Dude) let us know he still flies out of DFW for AA “going on 10 years now! My latest hobby is beer

brewing. Been playing with that for about three years and have had pretty good success! I call my little operation ‘Blue Zoo Brewing Company,’ although in accordance with federal law, I don’t actually sell the stuff.” It was Mitch who first put the bug in my ear to see about a class home page.

Dara (SNYDER) (Ken plus three) CUMMINS calls the Ft. Worth area home. Dara is working part-time as a petroleum engineer and Ken is a Christian minister working as a family counselor, conference speaker, and teacher with Lifetime Guarantee Ministries.

Dale (Susan plus one) SHIRASAGO is a military advisor at the State Dept. His pin-on date came while he was in Baghdad for 99 days as chief missile inspector for UNSCOM, along with reps from the UK, Russia, Canada, South Korea, Romania, and the U.S. Needless to say, there was not much fanfare. ‘‘I don’t think Saddam would have appreciated it too much.”

Look! Up in the sky! The short list of pilot and/or mission specialists came out and Joe LANNI, C.D. MOORE, Steve RAINEY, Paul G. SMITH, and Robert WILSON were on it. Good luck on the last cut, gents!

Marty MEYER works at the Pentagon in ‘‘Advanced Concept Technology Demos (the UAVs, for instance). I flew the F-l 11 for 11 years (four models total—EF-111 in the Gulf War). I’ve been married for 10 years now; we have a seven-year-old daughter, a mortgage, and a cat.”

Tom EHRHARD is “still at Johns Hopkins University, starting my third and last year of trial by academic fire—I have a year to finish my dissertation, which is basically a 300-page paper. All-nighters just won’t work, which leaves me in a quandry as to how I will approach it.” Obviously, Tom was an excellent example of the typical cadet.

VRRROOOM! Dave FRANCIS saw Bret LUEDKE’s picture in AF Mag as a civvy test pilot on the F-22. Also with the F-22 are Steve RAINEY, the AF test pilot; Janet (LIBBY) WOLFENBARGER was project officer for the acquisition program. I guess this means the success of the jet is greatly due to the efforts of some of our classmates.

Frank “Spanky” OTT, DO at Eglin’s FWS, sent a blast that sounded like fighter talk. Seems he’s there with: John POSNER (DO), Steve “Sped” MILLER (CC), Vinny DEFRANZO (DO); plus Steve “Muddy” WATERS is at Laughlin as Ops in the T-l, Dave FRANCIS is Ops in A-10s at Pope, Ali FROLICH and Matt NEUENSWANDER are at Moody as fighter DOs. Matt adds Jim POWELL and Larry DEPATIS are in Moody wing staff jobs.

Our AF roots. TJ JOHNSON, airshow coordinator at ACC, had a chance of a lifetime recently: He hitched a ride on a C-47 to the Elmira, NY National Warplane Museum Airshow and was in the P-51 that flew formation with the demo F-l6 at the show—you can find the picture in Air Classics magazine. The next day, off in the B-17 Fuddy Duddy with Col Morgan (pilot of Memphis Belle) and SSgt Embree, recon photographer aboard a B-17 that landed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

YOUR TURN. As fast as life is moving, it’s time to think about what’s just ahead: our 20th reunion. Yep, it’s time to start the planning stage. We need folks, preferably in the Springs area, to volunteer to honcho it and liase with the AOG. Let me know. (That’s the nice pitch. It will get stronger as the days wear on).

Stay in touch. Don.

Carolyn J. Madden

6963 Gayle Lyn Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-2524

Home and FAX: (719) 536-0827

E-mail: CJMadden@compuserve.com

Percent members: 37 rffijif

Where does the time go? Thanks to all of you who answered your phones this afternoon, and, after laughing at me for leaving the writing of this column to the last minute, gave me the latest on yourselves and some of our classmates. Some of you admit to much-changed appearances, but your voices haven’t changed a bit in all of this time. Also, thanks to everyone who sent e-mail—it is greatly appreciated and makes putting this quarterly column together much easier than it would be otherwise.

Let’s get some business out of the way first. A request came via e-mail from Vikki Rhoden, a part-timer at the AOG, who is working on a book about all of the class crests. The AOG has found very little information on why the symbols used in each crest were chosen. If you saved your ring dance program, they think the information they’re after might be in there. If you know anything that would help the AOG, you can fax them at (719) 333-4194, Attn: Vikki Rhoden, or e-mail her at <vlrhoden@ juno.com >

Got some e-mail forwarded from Joe (Merrie CRAIG-WOOD) WOOD. Joe finished up his squadron command at RAF Lakenheath, and

he and Merrie are in Monterey, CA at the Defense Language Institute to learn French for French Defense College next summer. He writes that both F-l5 squadron operations officers at RAF Lakenheath, UK, are ’81ers. Mike SPENCER is in the 494 FS and Warren/Chip/“Wardog” HENDERSON is in the 492 FS, and both are reportedly doing a great job. Miles CROWELL is at USAFE Safety while Chuck ROBINSON and Don MOBLEY are at Third Air Force. Ben HENSLEY wrapped up his OSS command at Tyndall this year and should be in senior service school by the time this gets printed. Mark Bucknam is in London pursuing his Ph.D. at Kings College, writing about the strategy of the air campaign in Bosnia. He interviewed Joe about that campaign, and Joe professes to have learned more from Mark than the other way around.

“Doctor” (as in Ph.D. in history) Dik DASO sent greetings from the Pentagon where he is currently in a “Class of ’81 carpool.” He’s working Air Force Strategy, Concepts and Doctrine. Also making the daily drive is Steve MOES, former hockey star turned CE wizard, and Derek “Bo” DICKEY, who is working South American International Affairs. Dik didn’t mention it, but another source tells me that he’s about to begin a one-year fellowship at the Air and Space Museum.

An anonymous source sent me the following on other ’81ers at the Pentagon. Mark O’HAIR is PCSing from the SAF-Acquisition Reconnaissance Systems Division, where he has been the PEM for the Advanced Sensors Program, to Eglin, where he is slated to work in the Unmanned Air Vehicle Lab. His replacement is another classmate, Dyke WEATHERINGTON. Dyke is PCSing in from Wright-Pat, where he’s spent the last few years as Mark’s counterpart in the Program Office. And Ken BRAY is the U-2 PEM. John FARRIS is in AQXR, which, according to my source, “takes money from those programs that can’t spend it fast enough and gives it to those who claim they can.” Sounds like a fun job to me. Vance GILSTRAP left SAF/AQ to be the AQ rep to the Army for acquisition, where he gets to “think like the Army.” Hmmm. A change is as good as a holiday? Also living in the D.C. area is Dennis WARD, who took the early retirement to assume a position with a new Senate subcommittee working security issues.

Scott (Annette) DINAPOLI just left the Office of Defense Cooperation Turkey as an operations and logistics officer, where he got to fly and run a C-12 program. He and Annette and their children Liz (12) and Devin (5) are now at Andrews AFB, where he is assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing and will fly Gulfstreams (C-20s). He mentioned that Marty WAUGH is also at Andrews, where he’s the recently-selected C-21 Detachment commander. Wanda (BABB) GARRITY had also been in Ankara, and is now at Andrews where she is the 89th Supply Squadron commander.

Dennis (Sandra) BRAUN finished his stint as an AOC and is now a 727 FE for United. He and his wife live here with two German shepherds. Rumor has it they just bought a 2.5 acre lot where they plan to build a house, but when I called to verify, Dennis and Sandra were in Tampa visiting her folks. Called another local, Steve BAKER, who was at work (on a Sunday!) and got to talk to his wife, Donna. She tells me they’ve been here since May, with Steve back teaching in the Management Department after completing his Ph.D. in ops research at Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey. They keep in touch with Diego (Julie) FRIETAS, who is a doctor stationed in Japan.

John (Leah) CASEY has been at Peterson AFB for about a year now, where he’s the ops officer for the 84th Airlift Flight, flying the C-21. He says John GOUGH is flying for Southwest in the Dallas-Ft Worth area, Bill BARTH is chief of ObGyn at Wilford Hall, and Sean MURPHY has moved from Keesler to Fairchild, where he’s a pediatrician. Jesse (Susan) GOSSNER, recently back from earning his Ph.D. in control theory at Oxford, is teaching astro and flying the Twin Otter. Gary YALE is also in the Astro Department. And Jesse’s brother Jeff (Sherry) GOSSNER is flying for Delta out of Atlanta.

Mike (Corinne) KUKULSKI was hard at work on his RV-4 home-built airplane project when I caught up with him. He started the project in 1989, has PCSd twice with it, and promised me a photo when it’s done—should be gorgeous. He’s stationed at AFOTEC in Albuquerque, where he is a test manager for the F-l5 radar upgrade, but hopes to get back to the cockpit next spring. He saw Geoff PHILLIPS who works in Sunnyvale for Lockheed not too long ago. Then I had Jeff STAMBAUGH’s wife, Jeree, drag him inside from mowing the lawn in the 100-degree Arizona heat to update me on his career. He started with the disclaimer that it was his lifetime goal never to be mentioned in this column—sorry, Jeff. No slack here. He’s an F-16 IP at Luke, and he and Jeree have a son, Ben, who is 18 months old. Dave (Heather) WATT is currently at Cannon flying the F-16 after going through ACSC. And Craig (Kathy) HEISE is at Davis-Monthan at A-10 RTU, enroute to Spangdahlem, while Andy MORGAN is on his way to an F-16 tour at Spangdahlem as chief of Safety.

Roseanna (GARCIA) PEDERZANI was dozing off over her Air War College study materials when I telephoned her. She and her husband,

Keith PEDERZANI, fly C-130s for the Rhode Island ANG. Rose is on the HQ staff representing the 143rd Ops Group, and Keith is an MD-80 first officer with American Airlines, flying out of Boston. Lt Col Larry (Liz) GALLOGLY has four children and is the ops officer for the RIANG.

Keith, Roseanna, Cassandra, Thomas and Raquel Pederzani

From the “You can run, but you can’t hide file,” I tracked down A1 CLOUD in Toledo, OH, where he and his wife, Stephanie, live with their two boys Cameron and Jordan. A1 is a department manager for a fiberglass manufacturer, and they’ve been in Toledo for the past three years. When he left the AF in ’94 he was at Hurlburt in exercise plans and programs flying with the 20 TASS. It was great to catch up, but talking to him reminded me of the many of our classmates who haven’t been mentioned in this column lately, if ever. I’d like to change that—so if you haven’t seen your name, drop me a line, call, or just send a picture with a Post-It note! I’ll take anything!

A final thought—the primary zone Lt Col list will be published in four days—best of luck and congratulations to the selectees.

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: 36

Well, this has been another “news rich” quarter. We have a very computer-literate class, judging from the sheer quantity of information I’ve received via e-mail! So I guess I’d better quit the idle chit chat and get on with it, eh? (I spent some time in Canada in July—it rubbed off...).

By the time you read this, the results of the LtCol board will have been released (my deadline was just days short of the official release date). I’m sure congratulations are in order for a significant number of our classmates. Congratulations are also in order for a few others, as I’ve received news of the retirement (yes, retirement) of some members of our class! Mike BERRY wrote a long e-mail (see the webpage, “Raw Data, Fall ’97” subsection under “Updates”) detailing his agonizing decision to retire. As with many others in various professions, he ultimately decided to continue as a civilian in a technical field rather than make the shift to upper management. Unfortunately, in our Air Force, just as a pilot can’t be a pilot forever, neither can an engineer remain “just” an engineer, no matter how eminently qualified. I learned of a few other retirements indirectly. They include Charlie BECKWITH, Russ COLLINS, Chris RUSSICK, and Steve TOLLE. Congratulations to all of you, and may you find rewarding post-Air Force careers as well.

I heard from Pete LIVINGSTON, who wrote a short note to tell me that he’s at HQ/AMC/TE (Scott AFB) working as the operational test manager for the C-17. Dolores (SMITH) BUBIER, newly licensed on the info superhighway, made the ’82 Website one of her first side trips. She’s serving in the Reserves as a KC-135R nav at McConnell (931st ARG). She says that Peggy (SHERMAN) BALL is there too (349th Air Refueling Sq), along with Lt Col Cathy (COLEBROOK) CLOTHIER, who is the commander of the 344th Air Refueling Sq.

Steve PLUNTZE took up the gauntlet I threw down in the last column and responded to my plea for more info on his current job. He finished

up a Ph.D. in aero and as he says, is “widening his butt” behind a desk in the Aero Dept at USAFA. He’s also an attached soaring IP, and says we wouldn’t recognize the place. As you know if you’ve seen Checkpoints lately, there’s a really nice addition behind Fairchild Hall. Steve also told me there are three paved runways at the airfield now, and that the terrazzo construction is finally complete. He says the fountains in the Air Gardens look great. Jim DUBELA, a self-proclaimed prodigal son brought back to camp by the computer age, said that since the statute of limitations on his past debts has finally run out, he’d give us an update. He’d been flying C-141s since UPT, and separated in the fall of ’91. He’s now a 727 first officer with American, domiciled in Miami. He and his wife, Jeanette, have four kids: Gregory, Julie, Luke and Patrick.

Tom GRISSOM sent an e-mail to say that he and his wife, Joyce (ROTHLEDER), have been at Wilford Hall for 10 of the last 11 years! Man, I’ve waited for a long time for service at the clinic, but that’s got to be a record! Oh, wait. Reading further, I see that they’re doctors there...Anyway, Joyce is a staff neurologist, specializing in the treatment of movement disorders. Tom says her hobbies include aerobic kick boxing (yikes!) and collecting children. Her fine specimens include Rachel, Ian, Rebecca, with one (and possibly two) more due in late December or early January. Tom told me they’re soliciting cute twin names, so send your entries! I’m kind of partial to Pete and Repeat and Denise and Denephew myself. Mike GORDON is an OB there and will probably be around for the delivery. Tom just left the anesthesiology department at Wilford and moved to Brooks, to the School of Aerospace Medicine. He’s the course director for a new course to train folks to be part of Critical Care Transport Teams (CCATTs). Donna (GLANCEY)

SCHUTZIUS’ husband Marv will be joining Tom to help develop the course. Finally, Tom reported a rumor that Steve TOPPER, an orthopedic surgeon at USAFA, helped the AF relieve its surplus of orthopods by making the leap to the Reserves. And, I can’t help but pass along Tom’s e-mail address: gaspassr@ix.netcom.com. No comment.

Bob WELLER wrote, first with bad news, then with better news. Bottom line is he survived a layoff scare at Hughes Training in Dallas, where he’s been employed the last couple years. Just the same, his head’s still on a swivel, so take a look at his resume (link is on the website, both in the “Raw Data” for this column as well as in the e-mail listing) and see if you know of anything that fits.

Sue “Tzu” (JOHNSON) ROSE is happily settled back at the Blue Womb, striking fear into the hearts of cadets as the deputy group commander for 1st Group. Rich RUIZ and his wife, Liz (DURHAM), are doing fine in the D.C. area, where Rich just moved to Ft Meade. He’s in a joint billet with TRANSCOM, as the J-6 for the Defense Courier Service. Liz is on the Joint Staff doing MILSTAR. Mike SOBY’s e-mail confirms that he is competing with the Grissoms for the homesteading award. He has been in D.C. since 1986! He separated in 1992 after tours with the Defense Communications Agency and NSA, and took an engineering job with a small firm called MRJ. Mike sends word that Cynthia (SHELTON) MACK did indeed finish the 300-mile AIDS ride, and that Lt Col Tim COLLINS is back (again!) in Washington, attending the National War College at Ft McNair. Abel BARRIENTES (767 pilot, Delta; C-5 pilot, AFRES) e-mailed to say that Lt Col Joe BRENNAN is the chief of the ENT clinic at Travis, and that Chris BRECHIN is now living in Rennes, France. I was at the Pentagon in August and I stopped by Gen Shalli’s office to visit with Lt Col Zan VAUTRINOT, executive asst to the CJCS. Here’s some of what she told me. Ramona (LYDEN) BARNES, Liz DURHAMRUIZ, and El (BROWN) WANNER all work in the J-6 shop at the Pentagon. Bob RANCK (who’s married to Terri MEYER, ’80) is flying for the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews, and is Madeline Albright’s chauffeur anytime she’s over 100’. Jeff BEENE is at Checkmate, and Paul THOMPSON is in SAF/IA (International Affairs) along with Lee ANDERSEN and Butch HOWARD. Kris (INGRAM) CLIFTON is with DISA. I called Paul THOMPSON and learned that he’s been at the Pentagon for a little over three years and hopes to fly the F-15 somewhere. Paul says that Mike STUART (a big, knuckle-dragging’ huge, fat-belly, thick-forehead kinda’ guy—Paul’s words, honest!) is working in SAF/ AQP (acquisition), and that Jo DHILLON got a degree from Harvard Law and is working with the AF/JAG at Crystal City. Paul also told me that Sandy (MALONEY) KEETER is married to an ex-Navy pilot, has three little girls, and is living in Florida. Randy O’CONNOR is up in SAF/OSX (whatever that is...), and that Brad DODD should have gotten an F-15E to Elmendorf once he finished at Army CGSC. Another F-15E guy is Nick SANDWICK (USAFE Stan/Eval at Ramstein). Paul wondered out loud whatever happened to JJ (Jonnie JOHNSON) and Joe ROMANKO. The Register is pretty silent on JJ (resigned in ’90), but it lists Joe as a 757/767 pilot for American. Jeff BEENE is liking it in Checkmate, and told me that Scott SCHLAPKOHL is working at XOCD as the USAF link to the new doctrine center at Maxwell. Steve JARVIS is in “XOR, somewhere”; Brendan CLARE is in the SOCOM

Commander’s group; and Steve ATKINS went to TRANSCOM.

Jill (RIDER) SHAW wrote to say she’s a planning officer for AAFES, and Andy ANDERSON and family are settled in Athens. Says he’ll roll out the carpet to visitors. Marc and Judy (MARTINI) ABSHIRE (and four little girls!) are in Naples, where he’s chief of the Commander’s Staff Group at AIRSOUTH. Marc says Duck FRITZ has been at AIRSOUTH for a couple years. Rocky DURHAM zapped me to say he’s married with two kids, and has been piloting ever since UPT ’cept for the last two years. He’d been in F-4s (Es and Gs, including the Gulf War) and will soon give up a two-year desk job to return to an F-15C cockpit.

Glenn JAMES is at Edwards with me, and is acting director for the Phillips Lab Det here (a.k.a. the “rocket site”). He was selected by the USAF to go forward to meet the NASA astronaut board this time around, and is anxiously awaiting the results. And with that, I’m out of news and out of space! Life in the desert is still good, and we are rapidly gearing up for the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the sound barrier. Chuck Yeager will re-enact the event, this time in an F-15. Should be a littie easier for him this time! My best wishes to all of you, and keep those e-mails coming! Having facts straight from you helps cut down on those pesky libel suits! Surf Safe. RATMAN.

Dave Wright

4204A W. Muledeer Drive

USAFA, CO 80840-1137

Home: (719) 472-1244

Work: (719) 333-4608/DSN: 333-4608

E-mail: wrightdl.34TRG@usafa.af.mil

Percent members: 37

You know what they say “timing is everything” and the timing for this article is certainly less than optimal. I have just received the summer issue written by Stu POPE where he told you where to send your inputs for the fall magazine and yet the time is already here for me to write the article.

Things here at USAFA are pretty much the same as always; in other words constantly changing. Some of the big changes for the cadets this year are no running suits to the evening meal buffet, mandatory morning formation (0640) for the entire wing, and Thursday night spirit dinners (previously known as smokers night) for the entire wing. The cadets like to ask me how things were back in the stone ages otherwise known as 1983 and I tell them that there are no new ideas only new people implementing old ideas. My family and I are still thrilled to be here, in spite of the windy days, and are really enjoying Colorado.

Valley, PA. Mike went on to say that he got out in 1988 but is still part of the big blue team as a member of 270th Engineering Installation Squadron, Willow Grove Naval Air Reserve Station as an ANG weekend warrior. Mike is a program manager for a small company, Base Ten Systems, which designs and manufactures weapons control systems, maintenance data recorders and other electronic hardware for the defense industry. Mike says that Cecil GRANT is working for a small, privatelyheld company (Smiley Inc.) that’s in the convenience store and restaurant business in the Southwest. Cecil lives in Georgia with his wife and five children. I don’t think there is any question as to what Cecil does in his spare time! Also, Larry COCCIA, who was working for Space Command here in Colorado Springs during the past six years, has been caught having too much fun and sentenced to an assignment at the Pentagon. Larry is married to his high-school sweetheart and they have one son, Adam, who is 13 years old and loves hockey. Lastly from Mike, he ran into Mark “hungry like the Wolf” TORRES in DFW airport; Mark is flying for American and married with three children. Who would have thought? Mike it seems that someone who has a job working for a defense contractor would make enough to buy clothes for his family? Thanks for the info Mike!

For those of you who didn’t already know, Carl ROSENGRANT and Kevin ZEEK are both AOCs here at camp USAFA. Carl is in his second year and Kevin his first. I saw Ray FURTMAN, Billy WALKER, and Alan ARATA this past June at an event that if I had not seen it with my own two eyes I might not have believed, Doug HILL’s wedding. Doug, like most of us, found someone who is way too good for him but for whatever reason agreed to marry him? Doug has been here at USAFA for five years as the assistant soccer coach but will be returning to the flying world this October in the C-141 at McChord AFB. I know that there are many of you who find it difficult to believe Doug HILL is truly married but it is true! Ray and his wife, Michelle, are living in Phoenix where he works for Southwest Airlines. Billy is the Sq/CC of the helicopter unit at F.E. Warren AFB and Alan is currently working on his Ph.D. in exercise physiology at the University of Oregon in Eugene.

I did receive a letter from Mike KIEROD who is living in Huntinton

The Kierod family: Michael Jr, Mike, Madison, and Karen. Kevin CARRENO provided me with an update of the Tampa crowd antics: Lou CAPORICCI is headed to Norfolk, VA for a three-month joint PME school. Lou has been looking at follow-on assignments in England for next summer. He was in Mombasa, Kenya this summer where he contracted a particularly nasty case of malaria and saw his life flash before him. Ken “Mr Special Ops” TINGMAN is still at MacDill and doing well. According to Kevin, Bill HORN also is still a big shot at MacDill and a man about town living the bachelor life. Kevin heard that Russ SMITH is still at Hurlburt, he has like 12 kids and lives in a shoe. Actually it’s more like four kids with a fifth on the way. Russ is a big shot in the intel field. Kevin and his wife, LeAnn, still live in the Tampa area and his two children, Jordan and Lyndsay, manage to keep him off the streets and out of trouble, most of the time. Kevin works as a lawyer for Rueben James and still manages to wear the blue suit by performing as a USAFA liaison officer in the Tampa area.

I received a call from Dave DUFFEY who was the ops officer for the security police squadron at F.E. Warren AFB. Dave has his Ph.D. in Russian so finds himself traveling the former Soviet Union for the AF on a

Dave, Tina, Courtney and Caroline Wright

’83 take-a-knee crew at Doug Hill’s wedding. From left are Billy Walker, Alan Arata, Doug Hill, Ray Furtman, and Dave Wright.

routine basis. Ran into Leslie (FORSBERG) WASHER in the parking lot of Falcon Stadium immediately following the AF victory over Idaho. Leslie, her husband, Chris (’82), and their handsome little boy were up from Hill AFB, UT for the opening game. Leslie said that Rickard SMITH and his family currently live in Germany. I also saw Phil DISMUKES just prior to the UNLV game. Phil is working for Southwest Airlines and was here with his Guard unit from Kirtland AFB to do the F-16 flyby for the UNLV game. Phil said that Quinn NEWHALL, who now lives in Coppell, TX is the VP for CiCi’s Pizza Corporation. CiCi’s is the perfect cadet restaurant, all you can eat pizza for $1.99. Quinn is married with two children, Haley and Bryson. Robert GREGOR, his wife, Ralinda (’82), and their beautiful little girl Rachael were also in town for the UNLV game. He used the excuse of a liaison officer meeting but I think the game had more to do with his presence. Robert works for UPS and lives in Louisville, KY. Robert managed to provide the following scoop on some other ’83ers who work at UPS. Hugh FUNK is flying DC-8s for UPS and HC-130s for the Reserve unit at Patrick AFB, FL. Hugh and his wife, Penny, have two boys. Jim WHITACRE is flying 727s at UPS and also resides in Louisville. Dave GOLDFEIN is rumored to have recently arrived in Aviano, Italy as an ops officer for one of the flying units there. Dave and his family are said to really like their new assignment.

“The Thorn Family” at Mac’s retirement ceremony.

Another unbelievable event I had the chance to witness was the retirement ceremony for Mac THORN. Mac and his family decided to take the 15-year retirement option and have since moved on to civilian life in Austin, TX. He said something about looking for a job that won’t get in the way of his tee-time schedule.

Ray BLUST writes that Tim STRAWTHER and his wife, Darla, have recently moved to Ramstein AB, Germany. Ray also wanted me to mention the idea of creating a class web page. Neither Ray nor myself know enough about computers to accomplish this task so if you think it’s a good idea and you are capable of helping accomplish a web page, contact Ray. If you have not had your name in Checkpoints for some time or maybe not at all send your info to Ray at 149 S. Park Street, Wheeling, WV 26003-5924. If you have info on someone else send it also, Remember the truth is optional when describing the antics of friends! If you have already sent inputs to me in hopes of making this article I will see to it that they get to Ray. Until next time...

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

1-800-GO-AFA-GO/(719) 229-4646

E-mail: jens@us-afa.com

Home page: www.us-afa.com/84

Percent members: 30

GO FALCONS! At the time of this writing, the football Falcons are 6-0 and going for their 7th win against Navy. Let’s hope they are successful. I didn’t get any pictures for this issue, and although my son Noah is a very cute two years old (takes after mom!) you’ll have to come out to the Springs to see him.

UPDATE TIME! Bruce LENNARD took over as the chief circuit trial counsel for the USAF Judiciary’s Pacific Circuit. That makes him the senior Air Force prosecutor in the Pacific. Time sure does fly! He did a stint last year as legal advisor to the director of the Combined Air Operations Center in Vicenza for air ops over Bosnia. His wife, Christine, and he have a beautiful boy named Hank who will play fullback for the Falcons in 2004 and a new 2 Vi-month-old boy named David who is also doing great.

Luke HAGLER checks in and we thank him for his inputs! He’s working for Delta in Dallas, and has a five-year-old boy. Dean SOLLMANN is working for Airborne Express out of Ohio. Has two girls and two boys. Doi HECKLER works and lives in Houston. Just completed law school. Has one girl and one boy. Bill “Bruno” MILLONIG just moved to Elmendorf AK after seven-plus years at Seymour-Johnson. Still flying F-15Es as an ADO in the 90th. Is looking forward to life after North Carolina up there in the land of big mountains, bit motors (PW-229s) and big fish. Wife, Susan, son Matt (10), and daughter Andrea (7). Happily employed and “still in”.

Jack and Michelle FORSYTHE update us. They (Michelle, Kaitlin-2.5 yrs, Rob-.5 yrs), graduated from ACSC and reported to the Pentagon. He currently works in SAF/AQL, Special Programs and does some “pretty interesting stuff.” Still trying to figure out the mish-mash of politics and money that makes “the building” hum. They’ll probably be there for two-three years, then hopefully back to an F-16 cockpit. We do have our share of fighter pilots don’t we. Chris ERICKSON did not go to school in Washington, DC and for now is still in New Mexico. (Chris still hasn’t learned to get out of his shell.)

Paul KELLNER writes from Sarajevo: “It’s the night before ‘the most complex and expensive elections ever’. I am hoping all those Army types keep a firm lid on things. Sarajevo is really a beautiful area, if you don’t mind land mines and bombed-out buildings. The surrounding landscape is stunningly beautiful (and unfortunately perfect for your favorite heavy artillery piece). Everywhere I’ve been you can see bullet holes and artillery impacts, and an occasional ‘Sarajevo Rose’—a fatal impact. Life is returning, but there is a long way to go. There will be a U-2 concert here soon. I guess that’s an attempt at a return to normalcy. IFOR/SFOR has really done a wonderful job keeping a fragile peace. I just have a hard time believing it will continue after we leave. Maybe people here will decide they are truly tired of war. I guess time will tell.”

Jim HARTLE is at ACSC with other ’84 people: Anita Latin (EIGNER), Greg JOHNSON, Steve ROTHSTEIN, Mark GILLOT, Chris SHORT and others. Kyle SKALISKY wrote his e-mail looking out of his window at the beach at Fort Walton Beach while on detachment with the Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron from the Navy. They brought their F-18s down for some training with the Eglin F-15s. Things have been going well as he has been informed that he has orders to SAF/AQLL at the Pentagon (it’s the Secretary of the Air Force’s Office for Acquisition of Advanced Technology—in other words the place where the F-117 and other things were acquired). On another positive note, his wife (Chris) and he are having their third child (a boy) at the end of this month or in early October. Their two girls are four and two.

Fred TATE wrote that after graduation he went to comm school at Keesler. From there he spent two years at Hellenkion AB in Athens, Greece. That was followed by three and a half years at Yokota AB in Japan. He got out after that assignment, and moved to Seattle. Along the way, he got married (Katherine) and had two sons (Nelson, age three and Nathaniel, age one). These days he’s working for AirTouch Cellular as the regional operations manager for the Northwest. Mark MAVITY gave us some San Antonio updates, mostly docs. Joe WISEMAN is on the teaching staff as the facial plastics ENT doc for the Wilford Hall/Brooks Army program. (Joe if you need some practice—call Chris ERICKSON! Sorry Suzi.) Kevin LANG is over at Wilford Hall as a gastroenterologist (GI). Bill BENINATI is back at Wilford Hall in critical care medicine and is taking over the Critical Care Action Team for the delivery of advanced, intensive care enroute aboard air evacs. On the ops side, Charlie HEATH came off the MPC staff and moved over to the flightline and is going through his AT-38 (smurf) IPUG. Mark MAVITY is at Brooks AFB doing Aerospace Medicine Residency for the next two years. Jeff KUBIAK writes they are expecting their third child any day now (due 24 Sep) (they already have an eight-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl).

Roger DEEMER puts in a plug for his program: NOG-HEADS—Night Vision Goggle users: The latest version of NVG is about to enter production. We’re scheduled to award the contract option on 16 Jan 98. This NVG has increased FOV (27 percent more viewing area than current goggles) and reduced weight (current NVGs weigh 30 percent more). It will only cost five to 10 perfcent more than current NVGs (F4949). For fast fliers we also developed an autoseparation feature to reduce risk of injury during ejection. These are excellent NVGs. If you haven’t heard anything about this program ping your requirements people at HQ or contact Roger DEEMER, at DSN 240-4881, e-mail roger.deemer@hermes. brooks.af.mil. (Or you can check out the NVG infomercial at 0230 on Thursday nights.)

A1 EWING (wife Bev) got his dream job working at General Electric on jet engines. He is in a very elite program where he is referred to as a “Six Sigma Black Belt”, oooohhhh. Actually he is doing real well, loves life and Albuquerque. Paul “Pickle” MCGILLICUDDY (wife MaryJo) just started ACSC in-residence. He was the USAFE/DO’s exec. Boy he loved

that job. He worked so hard he was still able to win the Ramstein AFB Golf Championship. He hopes to get a fighter after school and is probably not staying up night worrying about becoming a DG. Jay CHARAMELLA (wife Haley) is a full-fleged copilot with American with a really high line number. He is loving married life, and just spent the last six months having a palace built on a golf course north of Dallas. For a scratch golfer this is pretty much Jay’s dream.

Mike KUJEC (wife Carrine) is an F-16 maintenance squadron commander at Eielson AFB, AK, and just had a baby son, Mace, last week. Momma and son are doing fine and Mike loves Alaska, loves his job except for deploying and may never come back to the lower 48. Bobby J. LEWIS (wife Jeanny) is a contractor working with the CIA living in Herndon, VA. He is a true beltway bandit who is the CIA’s leading expert on Afghanistan or Pakistan or something or otherastan. He is doing great, and believe it or not loves Washington, DC. (There is always one!)

Mike GOLDFEIN and wife, Carol, just had a baby girl and are still in Italy and everyone is doing great. Jeff FOLLANSBEE and wife, Brenda, also just had their second baby boy. Brenda and the boys are doing great, Jeff is still working hard in the Springs. Bob PERRY (wife Lori) is working at Hanscom, and his wife just came out on the major’s list, so we’re wondering if the United States taxpayer will get another honest days work out of him. He is checking the AFPC web page every day for the 15-year retirement announcement for our year group.

Ted MCINTIRE just moved to Washington, DC from Spain. Tommy HUGGINS (#8 All-American) is a copilot for American loving life in Dallas with Jay and Tommy WILSON, and about half our classmates.

Dan DRAEGER is a test squadron commander (586TS) at Holloman AB.

Alan BRIDGES writes he is a couple of flights away from being an “AETC Schoolhouse” instructor pilot in the MH-53J Pave Low helicopter there at Kirtland AFB, NM. They moved from USAFA in late May to their house in Albuquerque. Maureen is settling in, making new friends and getting reacquainted with old ones. Rose (6) has started school, and Phillip (4) and Kimberly (3) are enjoying preschool a few days a week. They’re loving the area, and looking forward to their stay there.

Rich and Ana CALL also moved to Albuquerque over the summer. Things are going well for them at UPS and are looking forward to getting a new contract signed and on to a stable life for a while. Not much else going on with them, but always interested in hearing from old friends. Drew SCHAEFER was medically retired back in 1987, and that seems like a life-time ago. He is still in Melbourne, FL working for Northrop Grumman, soon to be Lockheed Martin working on the Joint STARS project. He says work is nothing exciting, but the aircraft is great and it keeps him off the streets. They designed and built a new home two years ago with more than enough room for what was their three-person family. “Build it and they will come” was our motto so his beautiful wife, Amy, and he are proud to announce the birth of their twins on 8/29. Christopher Andrew was 7 lbs, 4 oz and Kaley Marie was 6 lbs, 5 oz. With their eldest son, Matthew (12), they think they are finally done. All of the waiting was worth it, the babies are beautiful, happy (when not hungry or have a “full” diaper) and healthy. In December, he should be completing a master’s program and finally complete his second year on the board of directors for their homeowners association ((president this year). I wonder if he is out “measuring” the lawns of his neighbors.

THANKS! I want to thank everyone for getting info to me, especially Chris ERICKSON “Major Intensity” for all his support. I hope by the time this reaches you, you are set in North Carolina! For those of you who sent e-mails and were not listed, I will get them next issue. Keep sending them and we will put them in the class home page, which has gone through some major renovation thanks to Brett MAYHEW. Thanks, Brett. I am off to the Navy game and will take some pictures for the next issue. Remember to send your e-mails or call with your addresses to 1-800-GO-AFA-GO (1-800 462-3246). Take care. Jens.

Quintel Williams

2585 Deliverance Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918-1333

Home: (719) 599-7782

DSN: 692-6163

E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com

Percent members: 33

ipfHi everyone! I was really disappointed to get the Summer 1997 edition of Checkpoints and see that we didn’t have any news in our class news section. I vaguely remembered a plea for a new class scribe an issue or so ago but assumed someone else would do it. Obviously I was wrong. Last week I talked to Danny TOPP about the situation and he agreed it was a shame that we didn’t have any class news. He encouraged me to write our class’ news and pledged to back me up as an alternate. He was successful. That’s why you’re not staring at another blank space.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to say thanks to Jackie CHARSAGUA for her 12 years of dedicated service to our class by writing and/or coordinating our class news for Checkpoints. Jackie did a great job and everyone should tell her so. Jackie is staying very busy these days at the Army’s Command and General Staff College in Kansas.

Congratulations to all who’ve finished Intermediate Service School inresidence, by seminar or by correspondence. I know it was real and it was fun but it wasn’t real fun. Good luck to the rest who are still taking it or have yet to go in-residence or even sign up for it by seminar or correspondence. Don’t forget to check all of the squares folks!

Quintel (scribe) and Renee Williams

Renee and I have been back in Colorado Springs for about a year now. She’s working as an environmental engineer for the city government again. I’m working at Peterson AFB at Headquarters Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) as a requirements officer. The Colorado winter with all of its cold and snow took a toll on us. It was big change from the Florida weather we’d gotten used to. We got six inches of snow the first weekend we were here. So we decided to take a couple of weeks off and go back to the southeast for a vacation in July. We spent time with our families (Renee’s in Melbourne, FL and mine in Chattanooga, TN). While we were in Florida, we went to Walt Disney’s MGM Studios and had a blast there, especially on the Hollywood Tower of Terror. I even went scuba diving with some old friends and a few giant sea turtles off shore from West Palm Beach.

I’m not your only classmate in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Although I haven’t personally seen everyone, I can tell you about the folks I’ve seen and the ones I’ve heard about. Let’s start with the peopie I see at work because we have several classmates at AFSPC: Pat STONEHAM works in the requirements directorate with me; Allen BLACK, Dan HROVAT and Dan (LEONARD) LEWANDOWSKI work in the operations directorate; Toi (CORNS) SCRENCI works in the communications directorate; and Laureli (MAZIK) MOYLE works in the logistics directorate. Jeff HAYMOND is working AFSPC too. Scott and his wife Sara (SALLEE) HENDERSON are also at USSPACECOM too. Steve works Theater Missile Warning issues. Gary RAFFERTY is at “Pete” too but works GPS issues at the AFOTEC detachment.

Pictured is Dan (LEONARD) LEWANDOWSKI and his beautiful new bride, Dena. They got married in Florida on April 26, 1997 and honey-

mooned in Aruba. Congratulations! Dan told me Robert KAUCIC, Jr (the top academic graduate in our class) continues to excel. Robert graduated from Oxford University in the United Kingdom with a Ph.D. in August. Dr. KAUCIC, his wife, Susan, and their new son, Robert the third, will spend about the next four months in the U.S. as he goes through some C-130 training enroute to an assignment in Germany. Great job Robert!

I saw Cary CHUN at Buckley ANG Base in Denver recently. He lives in Colorado Springs, as well, but he works at Cheyenne Mountain. I also saw Lynn STEER at the Colorado Springs airport recently. I don’t remember if I was coming or going but I recall Lynn looked good in her uniform. She was coming home from a long day of flying the friendly skies for United Airlines.

Danny TOPP and his wife, Grace, have been in Colorado Springs for about a year too. He and Ross DUDLEY both work at the Space Warfare Center at Falcon AFB. (Thanks again for backing me up as an alternative scribe.)

Some of our classmates didn’t get enough of the Academy while we were there so they went back: A.J. and Theresa SCOTT, Richard KLODNICKI and Sherri (SIMS) GALANTE are AOCs; John JORDAN (Prep School) and Carlos MATEOS are coaches, and Robert GONZALES teaches. Ed TANNER was there until recently as an AOC too but last summer he transferred to West Point as an exchange AOC. Ed, congratulations (again) on your selection for the program. I know you’ll represent us “zoomies” very well!

We have other classmates in Colorado too. I saw Gene BROWN (’86) a couple of weeks ago when I was in the commandant’s office. (I was just in the neighborhood picking up free Air Force Academy football T-shirts for Renee and me being season ticket holders.) He helped me locate an old roomie, Matthew (a.k.a. Matt) BRIDGERS, who lives in Denver and works for Hughes now. Matt also got married about a year ago but I don’t have a picture of him and his new bride. In addition, I saw Miguel CARTER’S former cadet sponsors at the Academy versus UNLV football game. (How ’bout them Falcons 4-0 at press time!) They said Miguel lives in Denver now.

Moving on to other parts of the country, Charles (a.k.a. Ched) JONES is at Wright-Patterson AFB working at Headquarters National Air Intelligence Center. It was nice to see my old roommate while I was TDY there a while back. We had lunch together one day. We also went out for a Chinese dinner one night with his family (mother Jones, wife Marsha, and the kids: Travis, Alicia and Preston). We had a very nice time.

While TDY in San Antonio recently, I called George WEATHERSBY’s mother to find out where he was since he’d disappeared somewhere in Korea for the last 12 months or so. She said he’s working somewhere in the Pentagon now. Kurt HELD is working at OSD in the Pentagon. Kurt and his wife, Diane, have two ankle-biters, Tristan and Calum.

Thank goodness, I’m not the only one doing a lot of traveling. You know how misery loves company. Anyway, I saw Dan JORDAN, who’s working at the Pentagon, while he was TDY here a few months ago. He and Jodi are doing fine and enjoying the Washington, DC area.

Keith LAMBERT is working at Kirtland AFB teaching pilots how to fly special operations style. He and Faye are enjoying the southwest with their kids Keitha and Marcus. We had a near miss on getting together while I was TDY out there but we’ll link up soon. Danny TOPP told me Ivan THORSOS is in Albuquerque, NM too.

I saw Steve VISEL today and got the following news. Steve and Cyndie VISEL are at Dahlgren, VA learning to speak squid. Steve is the Space Warfare Center liaison to Naval Space Command. The Navy folks keep threatening to send him to sea, but they haven’t managed to drag him to the beach yet. Jeff SIEGEL is at the Spectrum Center in San Antonio. And George HUPP is now a border patrol agent based in Harlingen, TX with his infinitely patient wife, Karin. George is also an Air Guard medical technician with the Texas Air National Guard.

Scott HENDERSON gave me the following scoop today. A miniUSAFA brewing enclave has developed in conservative Boulder, CO. The principles are Dan O’CONNOR, Dick DOORE and Geoff SEWELL. Dan works the finances while Dick and Geoff brew the beer. Scott VOSKOVITCH is hobnobbing with the big-wigs at Headquarters Air Combat Command after a relaxing tour at Randolph AFB teaching T-38 instructor pilots. After four years of filling his already huge skull with knowledge from the University of Helsinki and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Wade THOMPSON has re-entered the real world. He’ll be flying A-lOs in Germany starting in December. Chuck CHAPMAN is a regular at the C-130 Reserve squadron at Peterson when he’s not training or flying for United. Hadd JONES is busy keeping the world supplied as a logistics planner at McGuire AFB. Tom BRUNO has finally settled into life as a parent. He’s supporting his wife, Elsa (SALAZAR, ’87), who is teaching at USAFA. Renard BERGSTROM is making armloads of money managing his dad’s car dealerships. He even

flies to work in his own airplane occasionally. Marty KENDRICK is busy running range operations at Eglin AFB. Tough job!

Well, I hope all of you AOG members enjoyed reading some class news in this edition of Checkpoints. Share the news with other clasmates who aren’t AOG members and encourage them to join. Remember that Checkpoints is only one of the benefits of belonging to the AOG. Also, don’t forget to keep your address current with the AOG whether or not you’re an AOG member. For members it helps the AOG save on postage when they mail out these magazines. For nonmembers, it helps the members know where you are so we can check up on you when we’re in your area.

Finally, this is not a one-time submission but the first of many articles. I’m committed to writing and/or coordinating our class news for Checkpoints for a while. How long is a while? I really don’t know, but at least for a couple of years. So please start sending me some information for our class news, unless you want to hear more about Renee and me than I think you’d really care to. In addition to the traditional methods of communication (e.g., letters and telephone calls), I’ve set up a special screen name on my America On-line account just for you to e-mail class news inputs: USAFA1985@aol.com. So use whatever means is most convenient for you. I look forward to hearing from you. God bless...

Bob Colella

1304 Cheatham Court Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (816) 747-7964

DSN: 975-3248

E-mail: rcolella@lland.net

Percent members: 33

Hello everyone and a special thanks to the big Beaker for passing the reigns of class scribe over to me for the next year while he pulls a year of remote to Korea. Hopefully the year will pass quickly for both Gary and his family. As for me, I am excited to get a chance to run with the ball and report all the news that’s fit to print about the Class of ’86. First off, congratulations to all our classmates who are now major-selects and 1SS nominees. There are too many to mention, thank God, and we all have our blessing to count. I just finished ACSC by seminar, and I have one piece of advice to pass along to all of you just getting started—IT’S ONLY A LOT OF READING, IF YOU ACTUALLY DO IT. Busy here at Whiteman AFB, we just got done with our “Airshow” season. I got to fly into the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-in at Oshkosh in a T-38 to support the B-2 fly-by. The only way to describe it is to liken it to landing at Wheeler Field in Hawaii during the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor. No kidding: A. B-17 flying above us on final, a Japanese Zero chasing him, 150-odd Cessnas, Beechcrafts, and ultra-lights, a guy with a parachute and a big fan attached to his back, and of course the Fuji Blimp. On final, instead of avoiding a mid-air, my mind wanders to the correct 60-16 order of priority due to maneuverability. (Meanwhile they are all fighting to get under each other for first rights to the runway.)

Enough about me. I got to catch up on all my Road Runner buddies thanks to Cindy ZIMMERLEE’s Roadrunner Roadkill Review that she puts out every so often. I’ll fill in the gaps on a few folks with tidbits on some of our classmates. Ward and Kristi TAYLOR are at Randolph AFB, TX flying AT-38s, Good luck to both of them as she heads off to U-Penn to work an a MBA. Lonely nights for Ward, hanging by the Alamo. File this one under “NHL Debuts in Hell”. George BUMILLER is now at the Academy as an AOC. I really think he is overqualified for the job, especially when it comes to dealing with disciplinary problems—too much first-hand experience, but I’m sure he is doing a great job and that he’s a great example for his troops telling them how things really are. Good luck George! The last bachelor, Jim GOOD, got hitched a year ago to wife, Jean, and already has his child—Alexis. Last I heard he was looking to get around this time frame and is looking up classmate Steve “Popeye” STEADMAN, who is living in West Palm Beach with wife, Sarah, where he does double duty for Delta and the C-17 Guard unit at Charleston. Rough life. Also flying with stews—Dave BRYANT is flying the airways as a flight engineer, hey pass the peanuts, for American Airlines. They love to fly and it shows (that’ll be an upgrade to First Class for the plug). Dave is married to Cindy (HANNEY ’87). Congrats on their first-born baby girl, Shannon Elizabeth. Ran into Cindy’s sister Beth who was an ’86er. She is married to ’86er Mike MARTEL and they are both now up in Minot AFB.

Plug for ’86 Homepage—it is great and it is about us. Each squadron has the capacity for a home page so jump in and go to it if you know how.

At the B-2 3-1 conference at Nellis, I ran into Pam BERGESON (REDDICK). She is married to Tom BERGESON, ’85, and they are both stationed at Nellis, though Tom is away at ACSC, they have two children four and one. Pam was shelling out new major’s dollars for drinks at the

club that evening (she also got a school slot—congrats) and mentioned a few other folks making the rounds at Nellis. Lee BARTLETT is there and is willing to host anyone who comes to town. She mentioned Dennis MALFER and Bridgit MALFER (BURTON), both ’86ers are returning soon to Nellis as Dennis takes to the air AS YOUR AIR FORCE AMBASSADORS

IN BLUE—THE AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS!

Apparently this is something Dennis has wanted to do since Doolie year and he is looking forward to hanging around in a very tight-fitting flight suit and lots of hair gel (no change). Word is that he is going to fly, but they don’t trust him in formation (he spent too much time in a former life as a Weasel trying to get SDAMs to shoot at him so it’s understandable) so he is going to be Thunderbird Solo! Yea Ha, and they say there aren’t any more fun jobs left in the Air Force. Johnny VICKERS, fellow Barbarian, is a personal trainer to the stars somewhere in Florida where he is writing a book on fitness while studying to become a real physical therapist. I used to fly with Johnny in the B-52, and he was the only skinny radar navigator I ever knew in the BUFF. Most radar navigators showed up with a bucket of chicken and a bag of Cheetos (hey I’m not knocking it), but all Johnny ever ate was baby food out of the little jars—but hey, chicks dig him.

Before the evening was over Pam and I had an opportunity to chat about classmates who are gone, but not forgotten. We drank a toast to them—they never got a chance to compete for major, but I’m sure they’ve all attained a much higher rank by now and they should always be in our thoughts.

Turns out it wasn’t just pilots writing the promotion board and asking to be passed over, I ran into Scott LADNER at Nellis and he mentioned he wrote the board as well, he is a B-l instructor radar navigator (O or D—he can go either way). His plans are to accept a full-time job in the B-l Guard in Georgia and a promotion would not have helped him in that vein, so don’t believe everything you read.

The best cold pilot to ever sit to my left, Ricky RODGERS, just showed up at Whiteman to start B-2 training. He and his wife, Kim, with son Evan are living in Warrensburg, MO and just found out that Kim is pregnant with twins! Good luck Ricky. That’s makes three little ones. (A loadmaster and a hot and a cold pilot!)

Speaking of babies, Mrs. Colella is also expecting. She is due in late April/early May. That gives me time to figure out this Tri-Care mess. (Questions that didn’t get asked “General Hawley could you explain to me how my medical benefits are now better with an additional layer of management?)

Next to write was Sean HAGGERTY (Sq 10). He passes on the following, “I’m out of Newport Beach, CA for the first time in years doing some Lotus Notes/Domino consulting in Connecticut/New York for IBM. I didn’t make the reunion last year (bummed) because it seems life gets in the way of living too often.

I also heard from Angel GONAZLEZ. He writes, “I’m just writing to say hello. After the reunion last year, I completed my instructor pilot upgrade in the C-141 at McChord, and then was promptly ordered to Quito, Ecuador for 90 days. I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas down there, but I flew my wife, Mary, down for a week over Christmas. We had a great time on vacation in Ecuador! Since then, I’ve been catching up on my flying and looking for another job after being a flight commander in the 4 AS for about nine months. I’m trying to be an assistant operations officer in the squadron, else I will get a wing job for sure.

K. LEAR wrote with a quick blurb from Little Rock. He starts with “Us Lears are doing fine—Susan, our son Trev, nearly four, and daughter Reagan, one year old: healthy, happy kids...sometimes it occurs to me just how blessed I am, and it frankly scares the crap out of me (because there’s nowhere to go but down!). Anyway, I’m completing 2Vi years as an instructor in the C-130 Weapons School this summer—in the July class (our third since stand-up), we’re doing our first “fully integrated” class with USAF Weapons School at Nellis. Ummm—promises to be interesting. I’ll leave the school in late August to play chief of Tactics in the airlift ops group here through next summer (and an ORI) to finish my gate...after that, well, surprise me. Fair number of ’86 grads here. Don KUDYM came over from Ramstein in the last year and Mike COMSTOCK is back from the Italian AF C-130 exchange. Both are IPs in one of the two FTU squadrons. Gene TAYLOR is an IN in the other FTU squadron, and he flies with IP Wassy NEWTON (who’s on his way to school [Leavenworth, methinks it was] this summer). Summer and Ken BARTCZAK are also here...he’s an IP in one of the line operational squadrons, and she’s doing the information management thing (I think I see her photo up pretty often as the “Blankety-Blank of the Quarter/ Year”...she seems to have running dibs on those awards). I think there are others here, but I’ve really lived in a hole the past few years and I’m clueless in more ways than one.”

Carl MARTIN wrote to catch us all up on his life. He wrote “I got out of the Air Force last year in June 96. My last assignment was as a program

support manager in the 30th Range Squadron at Vandenberg AFB. I ran into a few ’86ers there, primarily Dave SUTTON and was honored to attend his major’s board party. I am now working for TRW as the operations manager for Early Orbit Testing for Defense Support Program satellites which we build. I am truly enjoying life here in Southern California. I’ve even started to play beach volleyball, at 5'6", unfortunately, I eat a lot of sand. But the beach atmosphere and scenery is well worth it. I will probably be here at TRW for awhile and will probably transfer to another program in a year or two.”

Next up was a blast from my UPT past for me, my table mate with the OGRE—Andy (Spanky) CARLSON wrote to say hello. “I’m currently hanging out at NSA working Nuclear Command and Control stuff. I get to see a couple other ’86ers pretty regularly, Mr. Rich CHRISTIE (for the last few months) decided to increase his salary by going to work for a contractor at the agency, and Andre HORTON is doing programming something or other. I’ve got another year or so, then I’d like to get back to a unit to DO something again. I just spent three weeks in Russia counting missiles (scribe note—I hope there weren’t more than 20) and learning to appreciate shock absorbers. I can give you an excellent example of why they are still struggling with capitalism. I got a (very nice) haircut at a local barbershop which ran me

10,000 rubles (about $1.72), so I tipped the girl another 5,000 rubles, which didn’t seem too exorbitant. The American guy next to me tried the same thing, and his barber refused it, stating (through the interpreter) ‘It’s too much.’ Wish I could get away with tipping 86 cents here. I’m about an inch away from responding to those magazine ads for Russian mail-order brides.”

Well thanks for writing Spanky. Boy it’s just the old days with old Zeke cutting my hair down in Sijan Hall—of course I never insulted him with an 86-cent tip, I just never tipped him at all, which explains four years of bad hair days.

One more to mention and then I am going to get off the press. Jerry TOMS is here at Whiteman. He just arrived from Columbus where he was a T-38 IP. Here at Whiteman Jerry is our life support officer which gives him big shoes to fill. The Air Force funded life support for a squadron of B-2s and kind of forgot about funding the T-38s and the other 30 pilots who only fly the T-38 and not the B-2. He gets to go out in the woods and teach combat survival and get bit by chiggers fairly often. He also gets first crack at all the neat life-support toys like hand-held GPS and pyrotechnic devices.

Please send pictures or just e-mail and I will get it in here. It is only fun if everyone participates. We all have e-mail, and we all have time to write at least a short line so lets hear from some of you out there.

Plug for AOG membership. As you can see our membership is at about 30 percent. If you are reading this and aren’t a member of the AOG, ask yourself why? If you can watch Falcon foootball on ESPN and not run to your Red Trunk and pull out the old A-Jacket, GLGs, bathrobe, or cowbell, then something inside of you has died. 30 percent sounds like the percent of our class who put out till they dropped during Hell Week and wound up in the hospital. 30 percent sounds like the number of times I got to sleep more than six hours in a night during my internment. 30 percent is not a positive number (can I get the Math Deparetment to back me up on this), okay it is technically positive, but it is not representative of the SPIRIT of our class and it is embarrassing to look at every issue of Checkpoints. I’m not looking for Sabre Society volunteers, I’m looking for about $40 a year. Sure it’s money you could spend on your kid’s education, but hey what about the place on the hill? The Zoo? The place you couldn’t wait to leave? Never thought you’d leave? YOU LEFT 11 YEARS AGO—GET THERAPY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK.

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti

304 North Road Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 745-6059

E-mail: giletti@un.org

Percent members: 37

Happy Holidays ’87! By the time this hits the press it will be close to 1998 and I hope I will be able to ring in the New Year at Times Square (I’m actually writing this in September). Well, my fears of no correspondence without e-mail during our move came frightfully true. I have only received a few letters, but they all sent pictures—some, I’m afraid, aren’t publishable but I plan on sharing them at the reunion! Be sure to check out our ’87 Reunion article too in this Checkpoints on how the weekend unfolded.

I got a great picture of Maj (sel) Balan AYYAR in front of a Russian SU-30 at the Aero India Aerospace Exposition, Air Force Station Yelahanka. His uniform is looking pretty good—no funky combos. Col Jim LUNTZLE (’74) sent the picture and says that Balan has had a great

Balan Ayyar at Indian Air Force Station Yelahanka. experience in India. One of Balan’s uncles flew transports at Yelahanka for many years and two of his cousins are on active duty with the IAF. Bal has made a lasting impact on USAF-IAF relations and has laid the foundation for our exchange program. By the way, they’re looking for Balan’s replacement for Jun ’98. Col Luntzle can be reached at 91-11-6113033.6889033 ext. 2692 (office phone) or 91-11-687-0035/2028 (fax).

Bill DEMASO also sent a note. He wasn’t able to make the reunion, but wanted to pass on some incriminating pictures of Ross WOODLEY. Actually, I’m sure there are a great number of us who have looked that way at one time or another—what fond memories of USAFA! Bill didn’t say what he was up to (besides no good), but he’s overseas, I’m sure it’s somewhere exciting.

Brian STEWART (CS-24) e-mailed from Niceville, FL. We were fourdegrees together in CS-26. He got married after graduation to Bonnie and they have two children, Paul (5) and Laurel (2). They’ve made Florida their home after being stationed at Eglin AFB. Brian got out of the AF after five years. Just this past year he, along with several friends, started a company, SimWright. They do 3D Visual Simulation, mostly for DoD.

I heard from another fellow CS-26 four-degree squad-mate, Dave STILWELL (CS-28). He’s been pretty busy the past few years. Dave had been an instructor in the History Department at the Academy from June 92 to Dec 93, then moved on to Kunsan for a year. He and his family are now in Misawa with another two years to go. As with so many of you pilots, Dave has spent half of the past two years TDY, although his TDYs sound pretty interesting—Guam, Australia, Korea, Gifu, Japan; Okinawa, Singapore, Salt Lake City, Nyutabaru, Japan; Thailand, Dhahran, Bahrain, Fallon, Nevada; and Fairbanks, Alaska. Dave enclosed a picture of three of our below-the-zone major-selects: himself, Ken RIZER and Mark CLINE (CS-03).

They were all in the 13 FS Panthers, but since then have gone on their separate ways. Mark “Calvin” Cline’s back at the F-16 Weapons

School—went over 2,000 hours in the Viper last October. And Ken “Easy” Rizer is studying Swedish before going to Stockholm on his Olmsted Scholarship—what an opportunity. At least you can get chicken in Sweden! You can’t in Norway, long story, but if Kurt or Julie SCHAKE are reading this they’ll get a laugh! God knows I’ve got space to fill here. I could fill a Checkpoints just about life on Long Island—something odd or exciting happens every day! That’s not what your precious AOG funds underwrite however, so...please write!

Saving the best for last, I’d like to congratulate all you BPZ majorselects from ’87—you’ve done us Droud. Until springtime—S.

Mark Peters

1218 Red Oak Court

Vacaville, CA 95687-7601

Home: (707) 452-0900

Work: DSN 837-7230 or (707) 424-7230

E-mail: pylt@msn.com

Percent members: 37

Hi 88!

Wow, I think I’ve set a record for Checkpoints mail! Almost too much to cover, some of which I had to slice and dice (sorry!) so that the editor won’t shoot me. Keep in mind I’m going in reverse chronological order here so the most recent material comes first. Also, if you want to make an input, please use e-mail if at all possible. Usually my deadline is within a few days from when the issue hits your mailbox. I frequently get snail mail which arrives just a day or two after I’ve sent off my input—that means your inputs won’t show up for six months, or longer.

Lee ROSEN’s e-mail arrived a few hours ago. “I saw in the recent issue that Sean PARRY was trying to find my e-mail address. Would you please forward this to him? (rosen@zianet.com). (I hope you don’t mind if I forward it to everyone.) My wife, Dorothea, and two-year-old daughter Emma are enjoying our third year at Las Cruces, NM. Dorothea’s a nurse in a dermatologist’s office and I’m the DO at the Air Force Communications Support Facility at White Sands Missile Range. It’s a great job and I get to interact with a few of our classmates, namely Bob COLLINS in Denver and Steve NESSMILLER in D.C. I’ve also run across Mike MASON and Dale MIMS in D.C.—everyone is starting to look forward to our 10-year reunion next year—yikes! I was back at the zoo in August running the Pikes Peak Marathon. The more things change, the more...” Lee’s address and phone numbers are 754 City View Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88011, (505) 522-1330, DSN 448-1218.

Jim LEJEAL’s (CS-01) e-mail arrived just a few days ago. “I wanted to update you for the next Checkpoints and also ask if you have an address/phone number/e-mail for Jeff HUNT, our class president. (Anyone got it? All I’ve got is the material in the Register which is old. Last I remember he was an SP overseas.)

“I’ve been out of the AF since ’93. I was stationed in L.A. working systems acquisition and got the call from the business world. I ended working for two small companies prior to joining and becoming part owner of a company called LINK-VTC. LINK-VTC was founded by Joel DALY (’90) and Paul BERBERIAN (’89). Another USAFA grad became an owner of the company at the same time I did—Art ZEILE (’86). We moved LINK-VTC from Southern California to Boulder, CO in October ’94 and sold the company to Frontier Communication (NYSE: FRO) in Nov of ’95. Our employment contracts with Frontier expired in March of this year. Joel and Art took the last six months off to improve their golf game. Paul and I want to make millions so we founded another start-up called “VStream” here in Boulder (URL: www.vstream.com). So far we have $1.5M from venture capital and 10 employees. We’ve been interviewing Tim GRONDIN for an operations position— it’s a high probability we’ll make him an offer. Personally, I’m married to my beautiful wife, Karen, for seven years now. We have three sons: Matthew and Ryan (both 5 Vi), and Evan (8 months). We live in Lafayette, CO just outside of Boulder.

“I may have some news regarding me being designated as the official Web-master for the Class of ’88 home page. I spoke with Colonel Schwank at the AOG this morning and I will find out later if I have the job. Of course, it I’m selected I’ll let you know and work with you to post your “scribe” updates like other USAFA class pages are doing.” I spoke with Jim this morning—by the time this shows up in print the web page will probably be up and running! Try a web search under USAFA < and > 1988, or a similar combination. If anyone wants to contact Jim, his particulars follow: 5777 Central Avenue, Suite 120, Boulder, CO 80301, (303) 544-2802, e-mail: jim@vstream.com.

Chris KUBICK (Kubes) checked in on the 16th of September: “Just wanted to drop you a line from sunny (very sunny!) San Antonio. A quick update, since I haven’t been very good at keeping up...Sharon and I have two girls, Nicole (4) and Christina (1). Both Texans, if you can believe

From left are Ken Rizer, Dave Stilwell, and Mark Cline.

that, from two different assignments. I’m in Intel now, a targeteer to be specific. I’m in the Plans Division at HQ Air Intelligence Agency at what will not be Kelly AFB very much longer. I’m on my way to Vincenza, Italy for four months next month to help do the Bosnia thing. Anyone running through that part of the world over the holidays is invited to my Christmas party at my Italian villa (or wherever I’ll be staying). I’ve run into a few ’88 folks here. Erik GRAVES is in the DO shop, as is Janine GRAHAM. Sean PARRY is working in the command section. That’s about all here.”

On the 15th of Sept I was surprised by a note from the former Andi THOMPSON (CS-29): ‘‘Don’t faint, but I actually read your articles in Checkpoints and decided tonight was the night I was going to add my two cents! I ended up with my high-school sweetheart and not the guy I was engaged to at school. We have three beautiful girls, Ashley and Allison, twin four-year-olds and Ellen, a 2 Vi-month-old. I have homesteaded at Offutt AFB, NE, where I was flying the EC-135. My husband is in the RC-135. I just got out on the 6th of Sept, and have been hired by Delta Airlines! I imagine you are hearing about a lot of our classmates bailing out this year. When it’s time, it’s time! We are getting ready to PCS where Bill will be an instructor at the Weapons School so if anybody is coming through Vegas, look us up! We have a pool and a great big guest room. Now about some of the ’88ers I know about. Gretchen LARSEN is back in the states stationed in Virginia Beach, Cindy STEPHENS is also back in the states somewhere in Virginia. Jodi (VERNLUND) BUDENAERS is flying for UPS and lives in Kentucky. Mary SEILER is at Tinker flying in the Reserves. Mark WINSCHEL left Offutt as an ACE IP and went to Edwards, no telling what he’s doing now! DC Bill is getting out. Last I heard he was in Warner Robins, GA. I ran into Doc HOLLIDAY at a College World Series party two years ago. He was going to get married and at the time was stationed in Germany. Joe ABRIGO married a very good friend of mine and is stationed here at Offutt as well, they are expecting a baby in Feb ’98. Dave LAVALLEY is stationed here in the RC-135.”

In April I got a note from Mark CLANTON. “I’m over here in Incirlik as the chief of the Combined Air Operations Center for Operation Northern Watch. Got here around the middle of March for a 120-day rotation. I’ve got one year left at Hickam before I head off to Space and Missile School at Vandenberg.” Mark included a picture of Matt MANGAN receiving the Purple Heart and AF Achievement Medals for wounds he sustained in the Khobar Towers bombing and for his actions afterward. Unfortunately, the picture won’t reproduce well.

Two that will, however, are shown below. Mike and Denise TERNEUS sent the photo of Rich WILLIAMS, Maureen BAILLIE and Mike on Rich’s moving day. Rich moved from Scott...to my garage. Actually, just his “stuff” is in my garage while he finds a place to live now that he’s with the KC-10 Reserves here at Travis.

The second photo is of Joe TEGTMEYER’s house in Grand Forks. I mentioned his flood experience last issue, but here’s the picture. It’s a split level house, as you can tell by the bottom window, and yes, water did fill up the bottom half. Now it’s better than new, and Joe has probably learned enough to become a general contractor.

Chris MCCANN wins the “most persistent sender” award since he had to forward the following for about a month before it showed up earlier this summer. “Just read the news of ’88 in the spring issue of Checkpoints. Sounds like everyone has the same e-mail woes! Here are a few tidbits you might be able to use. First of all, a thousand pardons to the

Joe Tegtmeyer’s new swimming pool!

class for the particularly bad shot of me in Airman magazine. I know, I know, nice hat, and don’t you test pilots have to get haircuts? Also heard that I was in an “Air Force Now” TV news clip, so I hope I did us a bit more justice. I was working with an HBO film crew for a week while they shot part of “From Earth to the Moon” at Edwards. It was a great reprieve from the daily grind, even if I did miss half a day of shooting to take a checkride in the C-17. I just got back from a month-long TDY and leave adventure and ran into quite a few classmates along the way. Currently, I’m a test pilot flying the C-17 and the C-141 here at Edwards. Recently saw Dawn DUNLOP as she did her five-flight evaluations prior to actually showing up for Test Pilot School (TPS). Dawn was enjoying her first tour in the Eagle at Lakenheath but opted to give TPS a shot. Look for her and Jackie VAN OVOST (in my squadron at Edwards and my boss) to be the first all-female, all-’88 space-shuttle crew in a few years. Ed CONANT was on the TPS list, too, and should be passing through here in the coming months. Saw Tom MCNAMARA’S name on the alternate TPS list (keep trying, Tom!). Glenn GRAHAM finished his sentence at Navy TPS and should be arriving here shortly so we can retrain him in the Air Force flight-test mentality. Sorry, Glenn, but it looks like you’ll be my deputy for the 50th anniversary airshow in October. As I passed through Charleston AFB, SC twice in the last month I caught up with a lot of the fellas there. OP MORGAN was preparing for his outprocessing brief and his new career with the airlines. He told me Mike DIMENTO (now married) and Keith SCHUSTER both got hired by the airlines and were either out or getting out soon. Charlie BESTARD sent me an e-mail and said he is officially out of the AF and in training with Delta. His wife, Shelley, and their two girls are enjoying the summer in Enid, OK, while Charlie trains. He also passed on that Kreg PALKO, his wife, Elizabeth, and their two kids are doing super down in San Antonio while Kreg flies the T-43A. Every day seems to bring news of another ’88er heading for the greener pastures of the “friendly skies.” Neil RUTBERG, Ken TURPEN, my UPT roommate Max TIPTON and Marc HAYNES are all flying for United or will be soon. Derick LARSON is flying T-3s at USAFA and just had an interview (what’s the word, Big D?). The impression I get is that everyone who can get out is doing so. Anyone dispute that claim? (I doubt it.)

“I came across a few other folks during my east coast sojurn. While taking an acquisition fundamentals course at Ft. Lee, VA, Eric PAYNE (’87) and I wandered around D.C. for a weekend. We stayed two nights at Dave and Beth DANTZSCHER’s house near Mt. Vernon, VA. Dave is in the 89th at Andrews flying the VIPs around. I just missed him as he took a 90-day TDY to Vincenza, Italy to do some ground duty for NATO. Fortunately, Beth and their beautiful baby Hannah were headed to Italy to join Dave for the rest of the summer. That same weekend Eric and I met up with James MEHTA (’92) for some dinner in Old Town Alexandria.

“I’m in the process of trying to locate all the Swingin’ Snakes of Willie UPT Class 89-14. Tim SEWELL, and his wife, Kari, are in Norway while Tim flies the F-16 as an exchange officer. Jeff MEYER and his family just returned from an exchange tour in Australia and is in training at Altus for a KC-135 crossflow assignment to McConnell. Jeff let on that Doug CHOWNING is at Little Rock in the C-130 and Bill TONEY is flying the Here at Mildenhall. Matt and Julie HAYES are still at McGuire and enjoying themselves quite a bit. As I mentioned before, Max and Julie TIPTON, now proud parents, are headed for the friendly skies and a Guard job flying tankers. If any of the other Snakes read this, get in touch with me at mccannc%so@mhs.elan.af.mil or 72164.2531@compuserve.com.

I was sorry to hear about the loss of Amy SVOBODA (’89). We were at SOS together at the end of ’94. When I first heard the news that a female

A-10 pilot had crashed at Davis-Monthan I hoped that it wasn’t Martha MCSALLY. When the pilot’s name was finally released, I was glad it wasn’t a classmate but nonetheless saddened that it was someone I knew. I’m sure I speak for our class in sending condolences to Amy’s family. Fly safe, ’88, only a year before we all get together again.

“On the lighter side, the baby boom continues. Caught up with my old roommate Bob SULLIVAN in Charleston. Sully is through his second year of med school and he and his wife, Elizabeth, will be parents in a few short months. Med school is challenging, and Sully was about to go through boards when I saw him. He still jerks his head skyward every time he hears a jet overhead, so don’t be surprised to see him become the first pilot-physician out of ’88. Sully mentioned Travis AFB as a probable location for his residency. Speaking of physicians in ’88, I got word this weekend that Heather VIESSELMAN and her long-time beau Rex are engaged. No word on the date yet, but I’ll keep you posted. Also here at Edwards is Brent “Boo Boo” BAYSINGER. Boo Boo’s flying the B-l and the T-38. He and Kim recently had a beautiful baby girl.

“Down at TPS the professional scheduler/T-38 shop was an ’88 monopoly until recently. Paul MEYER, Ron TINKHAM and Mark WINSCHEL were running the show, but Paul took a Palace Chase assignment (flying T-38s for TPS at his leisure) and a job with, again, the airlines. Ron and Mark had to call in some backups, and so ends the brief but glorious reign. Jeff YEVCAK arrived in my squadron a few months ago and is flying the T-39. Mike FLECK came down from Travis to help us out in a C-5 test program and has since gone to Beale to fly the U-2. Fleckster is still a Corvette fanatic but his wife only lets him keep two at a time.

“That’s all I have at the moment. I’ll forward more bits and pieces as I get them. Fly safe.” Chris can be found at the 418 Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA 93551, DSN 527-6868, ext. 5086.

On the 14th of March Tom CORCORAN sent an e-mail: I’m not sure what kind of info you usually use so I’ll give you the shotgun effect. Flew T-38s as a FAIP after UPT until 1993. In May 1993 showed up at Travis as a C-5 pilot and have been here since. Now an IP and still flying although assigned to the 615 AMOS. Married to Amanda (formerly Inskip) of Bedford, England, in 1991. She is a college English teacher now in Sacramento. One child—Brice—he was born in May 1994. Other updates: Cleve TURK—United Airlines—lives in Santa Fe, NM. Chris LOWE—married to Jane (?)—she’s an Air Force nurse and they are stationed at Kadena AB, Japan. He has separated and is almost done with his MBA. Keep in touch.”

Chris mentioned Mike FLECK above. As an aside, just before Mike left Travis he told me his son Scott was delivered by Tony PROPST way back in March of ’96.

Lastly, way back in February I received a note from Chris HAUTH who was in the process of moving to Fairchild. He’d been an exchange officer in Japan for a while. And I am now 100 percent out of room—’til next time!

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

1410 Rockford Drive

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (816) 429-1198

DSN: 975-3215

E-mail: patibb@iland.net

Percent members: 39

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Welcome back to the ’89 info line. Life is good in Knob Knoster (you notice how I mention that town in every article—weird, huh?). I finally completed the B-2 Initial Qualification Course and am now a real, live B-2 pilot. Don’t believe everything you read or hear in the news—the B-2 can fly through rain and not fall apart (I know, I did it). Scott VILTER (’88), who is stationed here with me and also just completed training, and I are now back in the 393rd Bomb Squadron. Now if I can get that master’s done...

Dave OLTORIK dropped me a note through cyberspace recently. He is an instructor pilot in the KC-10 at McGuire AFB, NJ, where he also works in the command post. He got married about two years ago to a great girl named Suzanna Ramirez. Dave met her through her brother, John RAMIREZ (’88), who was in his squadron. Dave and Suzanna have a beautiful, sometimes well-behaved seven-month-old son named Christopher. Morgan KYLE, who came to KC-lOs after being FAIPed in both the T-38 and T-l, is in Dave’s squadron and also works in the command post. Andy RAMA and Ken ROSENQUEST are flying KC-lOs at McGuire, both having left FAIP assignments. John CLARK and Mark SLIMKO are there also, both having previously flown C-21s. Mark and his wife, Dana, have a little two-year-old daughter. Ken ORR, Scott MADISON, and J.J.MAZZA are all part of the gang. Scott and J.J.,

who have been flying KC-lOs since pilot training, are schoolhouse instructors.

Dave received a call from Greg BASHKOFF, who is at Robins AFB, GA flying KC-135s. Greg transitioned to KC-135s after years of flying RC-135s. He and his wife, Beth, have a two-and-a-half-year-old son named Alex, and are doing well. Mark DAMIANO is out in Hawaii in the Intel field, and Brett HANNA (now a civilian) just graduated from law school. John HEAPS and his family are back at Tinker AFB, OK, in the E-3 after spending some time in the AWACS unit at Elmendorf. Greg also passed along that Joe HOLLMAN is flying C-130s in Japan.

A year or so ago Dave was flying the KC-10 doing a fighter drag to Saudi, and was crew resting in Moron, Spain. In the middle of the night, his old roommate, Paul DELMONTE, busted into his room and assaulted him in bed. Dave said it was good to catch up with Paul, as they had kind of lost touch over the years. Paul had just PCSed from Spangdahlem AB, Germany to Shaw AFB, SC and is still flying the F-16. He and his wife, Kimberly, were doing well.

Dave has kept in touch with Heather (SCHOFIELD) POSEY. After spending several years in the C-130 at Pope, Heather got a C-21 assignment last year to Andrews AFB. She is married to John Posey, who is a USAir pilot, and they have an eight-month-old son named Cole. Heather keeps in touch with Edie CANBY, who is an AF physician stationed with her husband at Wilford Hall in San Antonio. Troy ZIEGLER (now a civilian) received his master’s from MIT last year and lives in the Pittsburgh area. John DELAP is married to a lovely girl named Lisa, and they have a baby girl. John is flying C-141s at Charleston AFB. Thanks for writing, Dave!

Our next letter comes from Steve KELLER, who recently PCSed to Osan as the 7th Air Force chief of Resources for Civil Engineering. He hasn’t seen any ’89ers there yet, but actually saw somebody from the Class of ’96! Steve says he was on the job for all of one week when he was thrown into 12-hour night shifts for Exercise Ulchi-Focus Lens (whatever that name means!). Thanks for writing, Steve!

Our last letter comes from Dave BANKO, who is doing well and keeping busy in civilian life. Dave works for Pentamation Enterprises, Inc., which provides software for school districts, state, and local government offices to handle financial accounting, student scheduling, report cards, etc. He recently picked up three new projects at work, including testing software for the year 2000 compliance, managing their largest customer account (the entire state of Arkansas), and becoming the Standards office of one. His wife, Renay, is approaching the four-month point with baby #4, due Jan 26th. The other three kids, Kristie, Augustina, and Phil, are growing up quickly. The family station wagon just crossed 220,000 miles and is still running strong! Dave said he sent a letter to Chevrolet, and they sent him a 200,000 mile club T-shirt. Cash would have been nice, but a gift is a gift. Thanks for writing, Dave.

I recently received phone calls from my two roommates at the zoo, Ken THIELE and Scott MADISON. Ken is stationed at Fairchild AFB where he is a KC-135 instructor pilot. He and his wife, Michelle, are keeping busy and doing well. Michelle was apart from Ken for a year to complete her internship in medical technology, but they are now reunited. Ken is still TDY a great deal, but will be home for Christmas this year! Scott, as mentioned earlier, is a KC-10 instructor pilot at McGuire AFB. He and his wife, Melinda, are busy, but enjoying life in the northeast. Melinda is a kindergarten school teacher, and Scott tells me some of the kids she teaches are teaching her the ins and outs of computers!

I will sign off for now. Keep smiling out there, and let me see your computer skills (a subtle reminder to WRITE!). Take care and God bless.

Joseph C. Richardson

11764 McCarty Loup \

Bellevue, NE 68123

Home: (402) 292-9373

DSN: 271-6010

E-mail: RICHARDSON@OFFUTT.AF.MIL

Percent members: 35

GREETINGS MOST GLORIOUS AND WONDERFUL CLASS.

I trust that this greeting will find everyone in the best of health in all areas of their lives. Things in Omaha are proceeding nicely. By the time you all read this, my son will be eight years old and my daughter will be 18 months old. By all accounts, life is great! Me and my good friend David JONES (DJ) are still loving life here in the beautiful midwest, also known as the heartland of America. We have no plans to leave anytime soon, so you all know where to reach us. Now on to the news...

I received a memo announcing that Edward G. STARK has joined Dain Bosworth as an investment executive in its Minneapolis office. He recently completed an extensive training program at Dain Bosworth and is now

a certified registered investment executive. Sounds impressive to me. Congratulations Ed and much continued success in the future.

I got a much-welcomed note from Mark BURMAN late last July. It sounds like Mark has spent a lot of time in Saudi lately (from mid July thru early September). He flies the KC-135 out of McConnell in Wichita, KS. Those of you who went to SOS during the Dec 96 time-frame undoubtedly saw Mark there as well. Mark reports that his health is great following his chest surgery in Nov 95. He and his wife, Lauren, are enjoying Kansas and their adorable two-year-old son Drew. Much thanks for such an awesome update Mark. I would love to print a photo of your lovely family. If you get a chance, please drop one in the mail. Take care and God bless you all.

This last bit of info comes with mixed emotions. Sadness, because it’s my last person to write about, and happiness because it’s such great news.

Joe and Michelle SHAHID announce the birth of the most awesome and glorious Gabriel Joseph Shahid, born on June 29, 1997. Landing time was 10:39 p.m., gross weight was 6 bs, 0 oz, and wing span was 19 in. Their dogs (Shinji, Kichi, and Bianca) will have to get used to their first fur-less sibling, but I’m sure it will be all good. In fact, witnesses report that the new addition pulled a smooth move by bringing yummy milk bones for his new buddies.

Well gang, sad to say, but that’s all I have. As always, it’s a pleasure keeping you all informed on everything and everybody. I will include my military e-mail address in my address block in an effort to solicit more input. I look forward to hearing from you all, and until then, PEACE, LOVE AND 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

GOOD news! Since finishing the last issue’s column, I have visited, spoken with, and heard from 25 of you! And all told, there are over 50 grad names in this issue’s column. Isn’t that great? (However, I still haven’t seen any of you on TV! C’mon, now!) I attribute most of the results to the growing e-mail list—so if you’re out there reading this and you have an e-mail account but you haven’t e-mailed me to “get on the list”, please do so! There’s news out there that doesn’t make it to this column due to space limitations.

BAD news. More losses for the Class of 1991, as well as many other classes, I fear. The rash of aircraft accidents back in mid-September took Greg CINDRICH from us, as well as Brian SMITH, the husband of Maria SMITH (RUTKOWSKI). Many of you will remember Greg; he was a crew member on the C-141 that collided with a German aircraft off the coast of Africa. Brian, a ’91 USNA grad, had lived with us at USAFA during the fall semester of ’89. Brian was killed in an F-18 crash off the North Carolina coast.

Fond memories: Greg Cindrich toasts 100 days with Brian O’Rourk and Eric Siegrist.

I was touched to hear from Rick GRIFFIN that he and his wife named their third baby (13 Aug) William Michael, in honor of Bill GRACE. I think that’s wonderful, and a fitting tribute to the sort of fraternity we should all share. The last of the bad news is regarding Mike COSSA. He had to undergo brain surgery to remove a tumor; 90 percent was removed, but the remaining is being treated with chemotherapy. At the time of writing, I have not been in touch with his parents to see how he is doing. I would encourage anyone and everyone to send greetings and prayers their way.

Surprising news from Kenya! John WAINAINA Is back in touch; he wrote me a few months ago! I got to meet his wife, Wendy, while on vacation out that way just before their son Mark was born; Mark is now three years old, and John’s instructing job (in the Kenyan AF) is unfortunately not getting any better. The Kenyan AF experienced some trouble on account of its junior officers some years ago, and the repercussions are still being felt—especially for someone who has been in the U.S. for four years, away from the clan society. John says he wants to return to the U.S. someday, and for his own sake I hope he makes it. However, John had the great fortune of also getting to see Mark POWERS a while back; Mark’s a C-130 pilot, and flew to Kenya in conjunction with a U.S. Special Forces/Kenyan combined exercise.

A few Bold Golders managed to gather at The Original Mexican Restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk (12 July). Gathered were Chris HOWARD (no longer flying helos in Japan, now working as an intel officer in Jnt Spec Ops Cmd), Pete FRY (he and his wife, Laura, are now in Phoenix as Pete attends F-16 RTU), Bill PERIS (yanking and banking, oops! don’t use that word! F-15Cs at Tyndall), Chris CRAIGE (he and Rob ERICSON are Masters-0’-the-F-15E at Tyndall), Earl “I-don’t-know-what-to-think-of-this-base-closure” SCOTT and myself. Just as we were thinking of taking a picture for this column, Mark SKIBINSKI managed to drag his red-eyed self in at the last moment (he’s now at Seymour-Johnson flying the F-15)! News, rumors and laughs flowed fast and thick, and we all managed to have a great time, sometimes at good oP Col Daack’s expense. But I think the two best stories were Chris HOWARD’S adrenaline-pumping ejection from a T-37 while at Laughlin (that would’ve been well over a year ago by now) and Ski’s heart-leaping, midnight dance with a falling humvee in Korea! If we ever get a web page going, we could have a section devoted to the exaggerated retelling of these and other amazing stories. As exciting as these stories are (and they’re told with plenty of arm-waving!), I think “gee, that could’ve been ANOTHER classmate lost in an accident.” I’ve mentioned too many already. What’s the old saying? “Let’s be careful out there!” I’d like to change it a little to say “Let’s be vigilant out there.” We used to be vigilant against aggressors; it seems more and more often we have to be vigilant against our environment.

Michelle SHAHID (DUBOIS) wrote a nice letter. She gave birth to a boy, Gabriel, on 29 June! She and husband, Joe (’90), are stationed at Kadena. Michelle told us about Ed STACK (wife Jen) living out my way at Randolph (I almost got to see Ed at the get-together) and Lourdes FALLACE, just about to PCS from Elmendorf (happening in January?)—make sure to find out where she ends up, Michelle!

Just a few days ago I saw Pete BERG; he’s working in one of the training groups at Lackland. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to talk about life, but he was as smilin’ a guy as ever. Francisco JONES (at MeChord) put pen to paper and sent word of his being first pilot on the C-141 since April, and he’s probably gone through AC school by now. He recently climbed Mt. Fuji and visited Tel Aviv, Skopje and Zagreb. Francisco dropped name after name: while in Yokota, he ran into Jon WATSON flying C-130s there and while in Tachikawa, ran into Blair HORTON (KC-10). Back at McChord, Francisco is joined by Peter KING, Chad MARIEN (more on him in the next paragraph), Ray ROBINSON (with new baby), Tim GREMINGER, Jason CRANDALL and Brian HENLEY (with new baby)—all up there flying C-141s. Dennis GARRETT (wife Barb and two kids) is now a KC-135 instructor, finished advanced instruments school at Randolph, and lives in Grand Forks. Mike JOHNSON (Married Gillie from the UK, has a daughter Olivia) left the

From left are Carson Tavenner, Chris Craige, Mark Skibinski, Chris Howard, Bill Peris, Pete Fry and Earl Scott. “Hey, who put the tall guys in front?”

KC-135 world and is now flying T-3s back at USAFA. Dana ALLEN is working jet propulsion issues at Wright-Pat and Stu MATTHEWS (wife Amy) left Hanscom for the lush forests of Kirtland where he’s now working a black program. Finally, Francisco included pictures of he and Tom JAHN enjoying London and Incirlik.

Now comes the real flood: e-mail. For the sake of room, I will keep this pretty telegraphic. This way, I was able to include it all. Derek NIELSEN (’92) tells me Tom KRUPP got out of the AF and is staying in Denver, working for Anderson Consulting. Another ’91 civilian is Dave DAMRATH; he gave a bunch of info, too: He finished an MBA thesis project and got out of the AF in September and is now pysched to be working for Procter & Gamble as one of their Wal-Mart account managers! He found a house on a big lake just outside Fayetteville with plenty of room for boating, dogs, fishing...and guests! Hey, hey. He says Brian “Willi” WILLIAMS just left Eglin for med school at the University of South Florida. Dave knew of many grads at Hurlburt: Tom KASYCH is flying MC-130s with the 9th SOS (Special Ops tankers; night vision flying at its finest), Eric VAN BALEN is flying gunships with the 4th SOS (he is in Italy a lot; still loves the beach and nightlife), Greg SCRIBNER is at the Intel squadron (always hanging around the squadrons and gym), and Mike DESYLVA is flying gunships in the 16th SOS (same old Mike, great, great guy, nicest person on earth). Dave said Mike HIGHT got out, and is also living in Denver with wife, Deanna, and working for Hughes Aircraft. Both Mike and Dave had wdrds for us “from the other side”. Dave had advice on getting out. “...one of the best tools and resources is the Service Academy Career Conference...Headhunters are OK but I wouldn’t recommend them for somebody who is independent-thinking and self-motivating. Chris BAIR happens to be a recruiter/head hunter for Orion Consulting...and still a great guy.” Mike reflected on his experiences thus far, seeing “...a definite lack of work ethic in the civilian sector. Professionalism and integrity are NOT widespread and it’s tough when you are more willing/capable to complete a project than your boss is! My wife and I BOTH miss the camaraderie and general sense of belonging that we had in the military and I plan to eventually go back on active duty. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I got out...otherwise I would still be wondering ‘what if...’. To those who are thinking of getting out, DO IT, and decide for yourselves whether you like it or not. I found out that I prefer the military life.”

Billy BARNES had a triumphant stint at SOS and wrote all about how much he loved the short course! While there (last spring), he ran into a few classmates: Kurt BULLER (DG and top grad), Brian HAND, Jeff LONG, Tom MOHR, Todd LEVINE and Bret HEEREMA. Turning south—way south—we find Jay OSURMAN in Quito, Ecuador as a C-130 maintenance exchange officer working directly with the Ecuadorian Air Force. He and Lisa will be there at least two years, having just left DLI in Monterey, CA. Also in the Monterey area was Tom PEASLEY, whose daughter Miranda was born 22 July. Tom is just about to graduate from Naval Postgraduate School, and says it’s been great. Also there is Joe LAVILLE, and Kristine BURNETT just graduated and is doing her language training at DLL

I mentioned Shannon CURRY in last issue’s column. Further update on him: he doesn’t know when he’s leaving, and by now Joshua (their first child) is two months old. He likes Korea, but doesn’t like being away from his family (also doesn’t appreciate McDonalds’ kimchee). Other Bold Golders he’s been in contact with include: Wayne COOPER, a KC-135 aircraft commander at McConnell; Kristi HALL (SWAIN)

(recently moved to Eagle River, AK); Theresa (HATTEMER), a maintenance officer at Tinker (husband Andy) now with a one-year-old daughter; Ryan FARMER (still at Langley. I recently spent time with him, see next issue). On a trip to Hong Kong last Memorial Day, Shannon ran into Kathy (KENNEDY), working at Yokota and loving it. Then on Labor Day he was in Japan and ran into John VAUGHN and Chad MARIEN at the AMC terminal at Yokota. They are both in C-141s out of McChord. Finally, news on Tim NIX. He, like Shannon, crosscommissioned to the Army but went infantry instead. One of Shannon’s sergeants in Korea had been stationed with Tim at Fort Campbell; he said Tim had been picked up for Special Forces, reporting to the 10th Special Forces Group! Hooah!

I’m going to start a new tradition for the end of this column: a graduation quotation from our yearbook. Can you guess who wrote them? No points for recognizing your own! Figured I’d start off with one of my favorites, for its wisdom, wit, and thoughtfulness—but I’m not giving out clues! “I came to this place with dreams and left with realities. After five years, it is high time to go. The dormant Honda will finally spring to life again! I’ve learned there are no great men; just great moments to which ordinary men are called. Perserverance, courage and insight paved that long road, enabling me to do what was right because it was the right thing to do. Thanks Mom and Dad, Kris and Eric.”

Until we meet again—TAV.

James S. Mehta

400 N. Stafford St., #2621

Arlington, VA 22203-1852

Home: (703) 525-5495

Work: (703) 907-1317/DSN: 283-1317

E-mail: jsmehta@erols.com

Percent Members: 34

Happy Holidays 1992! For those of you reading this while the snow falls, you have my condolences. Those who know me well know that I would rather be on the warm, sunny beach during the holidays. Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all—the four seasons and the White Christmas thing—but I don’t buy it. Well, enough of that. I hope everyone is happy and healthy and enjoying life.

My first letter is from Dan GARBER who is at Patrick AFB “doing that national security stuff with AFTAC.” In Aug, Dan and his wife were in the Springs for Mike DODSON’s wedding at “the Chapel.” Married the former Miss Suzanne Owen and took her with him to Moody AFB where he is flying F-16s. Dan was just one of Mike’s many CS-28 classmates who made the trek back to the Zoo. Rich FLAKE was the best man. Rich is at Randolph AFB going through FAIP training enroute to Laughlin AFB. Steve MOYES was there with full family in tote—wife and two kids—from UH-60 upgrade at Kirtland AFB, where they will be until his follow-on assignment at Kadena AB. Doug BLACKLEDGE was a saber bearer along with Dan. He and his wife are at Moody AFB where Doug also flies UH-60s. The final Blackbirds, accompanied by their wives, were Byeong SEO and Fred BRAVO. Byeong is at Buckley ANG working Space Ops and studying for a law degree, and Fred is at NAS Corpus Christi training for a C-130 follow-on.

Dan also has been keeping up with some other True Blue grads not at the wedding. Chuck HENDERSON is finishing T-l training at Columbus AFB. He and his wife are expecting their first child in Nov. Jim MUELLER is also flying UH-60s at Moody. Fred TAYLOR moved to Washington, DC this summer to start the AF Internship Program. (I’ll

Francisco and Tom (both on the left) eating in Picadilly Circus with their crew chiefs. So who paid?

At Meadow Muffins, from left are Byeong Seo, Mike Dodson (groom), Rich Flake, Dan Garber, and Fred Bravo.

get back to this later.) And last, Ken NOTARI is at Luke AFB flying F-16s. I think Dan summed it up right in his letter: “You know, James, discussion at the wedding revolved around that after being out five and a half years, all of our career paths have certainly become divergent; yet, we realized that they all converge to one point—the Zoo. It is truly the foundation of our friendships and our careers.”

I also heard from Sean LONDRIGAN this summer while at home in Santa Barbara for my sister’s wedding. The scoop is that my mother was taking a tour of Vandenberg AFB with some students and Sean was showing a static display of an UH-1. After talking, they discovered me as a common link. Sean is at Vandenberg AFB with five other Rotorheads. We did not hook up that weekend, but Sean did send me a picture of the gang from ’92.

From left are Ed Lengel, Pete Doty, Trey Meeks, Sean Londrigan, Manny Fiterre, and Chuck Elder.

I moved to a new apartment this month (note the new address!). My new roommate is Maj Neal Rappaport. Some of you may remember him from the Econ Department at the Zoo. We had some help moving in from some grads and others. Neal told me that Dave TUPAJ is married and flying F-16s in Italy, probably Aviano AB. Dave KUMASHIRO, Steve MACCLEOD (’91), and Greg MUELLER (’91) helped, among others. Dave and Steve are in the AF Internship Program here in D.C. (along with Fred TAYLOR and many other grads). The Summer ’97 Checkpoints had an article that listed all the grads in the program, mostly from ’91 and ’92.

Sorry, but that was all the mail I received this time. My old roommate, Lyle “Head” SHIDLA, who always gets mentioned even though he’s no longer my roommate, has PCSed to Hanscom AFB. He stopped by D.C. this summer on his way cross-country, picked me up, and we headed to Massachusetts. We went to Cape Cod for the 4th of July weekend where I was in a wedding for my best friend from high school. We had a great time exploring Cape Cod. He e-mailed me and told me that Lyn MOREHEAD had recently PCSed to Hanscom AFB as well. He is getting settled in and is traveling around the East Coast a bit.

Another Edwards AFB desert dweller, Mike ROKAW, e-mailed me from the Springs where he is stationed at Falcon AFB. Mike is working on an MBA there and is looking forward to another season ski pass this winter. Mike has seen Donfta (DELANGO) and Andy BATES who are living in Boulder, CO and have a new addition to the family—Nicholas Andrew—quite a bit. Other Blackjack news...Pat DABROWSKI got married in September in Maine. Pat is an IP at Laughlin AFB. John BOSTWICK got married on the 4th of July in Montana. Many of the Blackjacks were there to celebrate the occasion. Dave RADEMACHER is flying transports at McChord AFB; Gary JENKINS is at Vandenberg as an instructor, Tom DRAPE got married and is teaching at the Zoo; and Wayne GOODRICH “has changed from his rowdy Academy days and is going to missionary school.” Mike can be so eloquent at times.

Craig “Kegger” WENZ is up at McGuire AFB and is promising to come to D.C. again some weekend. He and a bunch of squadron-mates from McGuire rented a beach house this summer and spent weekends getting sunburned, drunk, and chasing women. Nah, doubt any of that happened... He mentioned something about Dave NERY getting married. I know he gave me more details, but I can’t remember them now. Dave, send them to me yourself!

A colleague of mine at DIA was TDY to Korea and he ran into Jeff STAMP. They started talking and figured out they both knew me. Jeff needed some AOG info, so I e-mailed him. He is keeping busy with the many exercises in Korea, as many of you are no doubt familiar with. Jeff will be getting married after he PCSes from Korea.

Rob ATKINS called me a few weeks ago. He and his wife have both separated from the Air Force and are living in Bloomfield, NY, outside Rochester. They have opened up their own printing business. If you are up in the area, stop by and make some copies. Speaking of others who got out, Dave MCAULEY is here in D.C. and separated this summer. He is now one of those DoD civilians and is working hard to finish his law degree.

Well, last, but not least...Don and Kathleen UNWIN have successfully PCSed to Elmendorf AFB, AK. They say it’s beautiful there—but they haven’t lived through a frigid winter yet. They bought a house and are settling in. Don says that there are quite a few grads up there, from all different years. I guess I should wait until after winter to visit.

I guess that brings us to the end of another Checkpoints column. I hope you all enjoy reading this and finding out what everyone is up to. 1992 has a class web page that can be reached from the AOG and USAFA sites (I think). Check it out and drop me a note. Mark SCHALLER is the man responsible for setting that up for us. So, until next time...Beat Army AND Navy! James.

Michael D. Sundsted A J\

1430-C Galaxy Ave.

Scott AFB, IL 62225 (618) 744-9604/DSN: 576-5518 vggf

E-mail: Sundstem@wing.safb.af.mil

Percent members: 86 w

Caio, to the greatest class to ever transcend the walls of our Colorado Springs alma mater. I hope the summer and fall have treated you well. I have had the extreme pleasure to work in Vicenza, Italy for three months this summer. It was incredible! Let’s just say that this is probably one of the Air Force’s best TDYs. At any rate, if you want me to embellish for an extended period of time on my life this summer, please give me a call. Otherwise, we’ll stick to our task at hand...this great article.

As mentioned in the last article, Barry COGGINS has set up our own class web page. Also, (for your perusal) the Association of Graduates is testing several different ideas on their web page. I encourage you to tap into both sources of excellent information! For more information, please contact the AOG or myself.

Before we jump into our AOG arena, I would like to request information for a member of our class. If anyone in our class has a willingness to part with one of their class of 1993 prints (i.e., The Old and New Air Force, by S.W. Ferguson), please contact me personally at my home number. Now on to our updates...

Lee WINGFIELD checks in from Kadena AB with his wife, Cally. Lee is with the 909th ARS and is loving every minute of it. Both were married in the Cadet Chapel in February. Lee update us on Jeff RUSSELL who is completing his master’s at AFIT and Alex MEZYNSKI who flies the B-l at Dyess.

Another first-time writer checks in from Eielson AFB. Scott WEBER and family are enjoying the wonderful life of the northern tundra. Scott, Missy, and their two boys (Justin and Josh) are bearing the cold weather, but manage to find time for many great recreational activities such as snowmobiling, skiing, hunting, and looking for Big Foot. There is always a fresh supply of moose, halibut, caribou, salmon, grouse, and duck. Scott is a maintenance officer for the 18th FS. Scott, like some of our classmates, strives to capture a pilot slot soon. Best of luck to you and your family. It’s great hearing from you!

On my 90-day TDY (some may call it a vacation), I ran into some of my squadron members as well as graduates from other classes. My roommate Phil TUCKER flew his C-21 to Vicenza where we ate much pasta and enjoyed many liters. Phil and his wife, Amy, are looking forward to getting to Travis AFB where Phil will fly the mighty KC-10. Stephen MCILNAY also managed to allow me to grace his humble beach abode on the Adriatic Sea. Absolutely incredible views and many things to do. Stephen is obviously busy with things at Aviano, but will welcome the increase in workload once he attends UPT beginning in March of ’98. Other graduates that I ran into (please forgive me if I don’t mention you!) are: Deb CRICKLIN, Brent UNGER, Todd HUDGINS (’94), Mary RAINALDI (’89), Ken KOPKO (’86), LtCol “Go Dawgs” MCLERAN (Don’t know!) and Colonel GOODRICH (Don’t ask!).

Dave PEELING announces that he is taking the plunge into the “other world” rather soon. He will be heading to UMass-Amherst for a fullyfunded research assistant position. Continuing his education will be the primary goal, but living up to this school’s party reputation (ZooMass) will be a close second. I guess we can call it, Dave Peeling in...“The Zoo, Part II.” Dave offers any weary-eyed traveler an opportunity to experience his hospitality by giving him a call when you are in the local area.

Dave informs us that Amy SHIRLEY has just completed four years in

Germany and England and will be going to Intel school in San Angelo, TX. Bill WILLIAMS is enjoying the ROTC life...that is, making college students enjoy his memory of what it’s like to go through a real BCT! Bill has the largest ROTC detachment in the country and holds the title of “The Youngest Commandant” as well. I can see it now...“Cadet, who is the youngest ROTC commandant in AF history?...Sir, the answer is Captain Bill WILLIAMS, Class of 1993!”

Mo BARRET has departed from Panama, and now writes from Travis AFB where she is enjoying the great California life. Mo detoured through Altus AFB, but still had plenty of time to update us on the following...

Andy MAAS has received orders for a C-130 to Pope AFB to arrive around March of ’98. Rachel LINNIHAN is down at Pope as well searching for a way to make it up to AFIT. John MORALES is out at Vandenberg AFB with his wife. At Travis, Mo ran into Jimmy SPARROW flying C-5s and loving it. Congrats on your “AC-ship”. Jarrett PURDUE is now a civil engineering instructor at USAFA. Yippee! Punish those cadets like our instructors punished us—put them to sleep by working on some 3-board, 45-minute problem! Thanks for the great update Mo!

Joe SMIT (yes, Joe—I remember who you are!) reports from Texas Tech! Although Joe has been working with missiles at Minot AFB, he is now pursuing a prosperous career as a doctor. If you tackle medical school like you destroyed everyone in the boxing ring, you’ll graduate with honors. While studying, Joe has still found time to update us on many of our classmates.

Andy SMITH and Jerry SEIGEL both attended missile school with Joe. Andy is still at F.E. Warren AFB, while Jerry has moved on to navigation school with John KRYSTINIAK. Dave BREWER also showed up at Minot, but now allegedly attends school somewhere in the south (charm school, we think?!—just kidding!). Albert GUERRERO, Jim BERSCHEIT, and Phil FRANKLIN are all missile officers.

Joe enlightens us on Frank LEGGIO who is playing cops and cops at Ramstein. Joel DUNHAM, who was logistics at Minot for a while, is now over at Ramstein. While I was TDY to Italy, I flew on a Greek C-130 to Sarajevo. On this flight, I ran into the aforementioned. Joel is enjoying everything at Ramstein and will be married to a member of the Class of ’92! Congrats and best wishes on your future.

Other updates from Joe—Kieran DENEHAN, Chris FRANKLIN, and Chris LARSON are at Minot doing amazing things with B-52s. Dave DEGRAFF is now the AF poster boy for Team Handball! Todd DYKSTRA is at Fairchild going up and down in the altitude chamber while Kari VAD is enjoying her navigator-ship. Jade and Erin BEAM are at Tinker where Jade runs AWACS and she runs the hospital. Back to Jerry SEIGEL—Jerry will be married to a nurse, ahem, named Nancy real soon. You’ve come a long way my friend! I knew you in prep school! Thanks for the updates Joe, you are the man!

Congratulations to all our fellow classmates who have been selected for UPT. I know it’s a touchy subject with many of us, but all I have to say is IT’S ABOUT TIME! Lee SPECHLER reports in from Sheppard AFB where he passed his first checkride with flying colors. Lee, no matter how many downgrades you get, you won’t be able to come close to MILLSY and me!

Chris SWANSON let me know that he is really enjoying civilian life! He was married to Gina at the Cadet Chapel. Gina is a 2nd Lt and both are currently in Laramie, WY awaiting Gina’s assignment as an instructor to USAFA! Speaking of instructors at USAFA, it seems as though our class has the inside track. As if we thought we had too much of our illustrious Academy, many have treked back to the homeland to instruct the up and coming Air Force officers.

Michelle KAZMIER has an office across the hall from Marty BOWE in DFEM. She works in astro with the small satellite program and the ski team. Matt YOCUM joined the same department in November. Pam (WISE) MAGEE is there teaching astro. She married a guy from the North of the Border AF (Canadian). Pat CASTLE is in the Chemistry Department and Dave WALICK is the man in philosophy. Hey Wally—what I know, is that I know nothing! Denise CHAMBERS is in the Athletic Department running fencing.

Cindy HUSTEDDE is at Wright-Pat, but will be moving to do engineering stuff in Germany. Mike PHAN and Kristin (AHLBERG) KOLARIK are both in Colorado Springs. Tuong BUI, Mike RICE, Lance TEEL, Scott WALLACE, and Dave KEENER are at Kirtland. You are cool Michelle, thanks for the info!

Once again, I thank you for all the great input to our magazine. If you think about writing me when you read our article, you probably should. Utilize the great tools we have to keep in touch and remember, “We are all PROUD TO BE!” Caio, Mike.

Trevor

4121

SEND US YOUR NEW ADDRESS NOW!

E-mail: smicm@okstate.edu

Percent members: 75

Happy Fall, ’94! (I know, by the time you read this it’ll be Christmas, but it’s September now!) Since letters and phone calls have been few and far between, this will be a pretty short column—I guess you’re all waiting to send newsy holiday letters, right? I hope so, otherwise I’ll start filling the column with incriminating USAFA pictures and stories. (I have the photos from our Ring Dance slide show—and almost everyone in the class was in it.) In other words, WRITE! Actually I’ve made it easy on everyone—I finally have an e-mail address, so now you can even send me a “morale e-mail” from your office.

I got two phone calls after the last issue was published—one from James THOMPSON, who is in Arizona for F-16 RTU and will be getting married in November to a young woman from Enid. Char MELLICK (’93) was my other caller—she wanted to get some updates on some of the folks listed in our last column and announce her upcoming wedding. Char is finishing her second master’s program through AFIT and working a joint assignment to Kirtland where she, her fiance, and her son Jordan hope to adopt another child. Best of luck to both of you in your marriages and assignments!

Scanning our class home page on the web gave me bits and pieces of what others have been up to. Again, if you haven’t checked it out yet, please do—Chuck BAIRD (Patrick AFB, AFOTEC Log Eval) is doing a fantastic job with the website; he’s even recently added an ongoing countdown until our promotions next June! I don’t have the address with me right now, but it’s really easy to accesss through the AOG website. Happy surfing! Dan COZZI wrote from Grand Forks, where his job as a copilot was taking him to Saudi this fall. He would have gone sooner, but was busy with post-flood clean up. Dan also reported that Mike PELGER (Offutt) and his wife recently had a son, Cole Brandon...Mark O’REILLY (C-130 Special Ops Mx, Kirtland) got engaged in April to Eileen Meehan, a ROTC graduate from Rutgers. They’ll be married 16 May in Verona, NJ and are looking for saber bearers. If you’re stationed nearby or will be in the area, please contact Mark at Kirtland or through the website.

If you’re heading to Germany, Mike SUERMAN (F-15C, Spangdahlem) said he has plenty of room for visitors...Wright-Pat is as busy as ever: Chris and Tracie VEAZEY posted great pictures of their son Max...Travis and Sheril BURDINE (he’s now the exec for the B-1B SPO) offered weary travelers a place to stay...Chris DUHON is PCSing out to Chicago to be a ROTC/USAFA appointment officer...and Dave and Amy CLAIRE are PCSing in to work at the F-16 SPO.

Brett ANDERSON wrote from UTHSC, San Antonio, where he and Dave PADILLA are classmates at med school, two years behind Chad HIVNOR. Brett is trying to find Bernard (BJ) LUCIANI, who was in our class until he went stop-out. If you know where he is, please let me know so I can pass it on to Brett, or look him up on the home page...Brannon KERR wrote from Seymour-Johnson, where he, Matt JOHNSON, and Chris EVANS just finished F-15E training.

Jeff LAROCK e-mailed from Offutt, where he is serving with the Elite Guard Section of U.S. Stratcom—Jeff was trying to catch up with the CS-30 folks, so if you’re a former Knight, check out his message...Brian LEWIS was excited about his short-notice UPT assignment to Columbus...and Rich and Angeline LUBEY checked in from Cannon (F-16s) where they should have just (Sept) given their daughter Julia a baby brother or sister. I only took the most current information from the site, but several people have written in—have you?

Here at Vance, Trevor and his classmates are just about to wrap up T-37s, whereas Mary HARTMAN (F-16), Mark BJORGEN (T-38 IP, Laughlin AFB) and Rob ALFORD (F-15) recently graduated. I’d like to first give my apologies to Paul MESSERLI (I somehow missed mentioning him as a member of Class 98-10) and a big welcome to Joel and Elizabeth (BARTON) MEYERS and Chuck CARVER. Joel and Chuck just started UPT and Liz is working in the ops group along with Nicole ROBERSON (’95), our next door neighbor.

Truthfully, there are tons of people here from other classes (and probably several ’94 folks that I’ve missed), but I know I’ll leave about half of them out if I try to list them—I hope you understand...Ed CASTANEDA is about to finish his tour as an instructor pilot, but he and I were really excited to see an old friend around base. SSgt Tom Pfeffer (formerly “Airman P”—the man who, along with Chief Meadows, took care of us down in wing staff) and his wife are here at Vance and expect-

ing their third child soon. And actually, speaking of people who took care of wing staff, SSgt John Holt received his commission last year through OTS and was going through USMT when we left Vandenberg—what a small world!

I’m sorry to always save the sad news for last, but I don’t know how I would ever finish the column if I started with a tragedy. On Aug. 17, Todd KRASKA was killed in a private plane crash near Van Nuys, CA. Todd was a freshman with me in CS-12 and an upperclassman in CS-08; he was a soaring IP and an accomplished pilot, and he loved to fly. I can still picture him in basic training when we first put on our blues for Doolie Dining Out—with his shaved head, tan, and big, bright eyes. We joked that Todd was a perfect poster child for Air Force recruiting! Todd will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. If you would like to send a note to his parents, their address is: Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kraska, 14298 Cypress Island Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Andrea E. Rolfe

719 South Berthe It16 Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 874-9379

E-mail: AERolfe@aol.com

Percent members: 66

Happy Holidays to you! I have lots of new updates:

Maggs MORRIS wrote from Yokota, Japan where she is an intel officer there. Other ’95 grads at Yokota include Scot EVERS (C-9), Steve MELLOT (C-21), and Joel HIGLEY (UH-1). Rumor has it that Sam VAN ZANTEN is there as well—Maggs has yet to see him there...seems like Sam is still stealth even as a lieutenant...Maggs has spent lots of time TDY to Korea and Alaska and back to the states. In Elmendorf she ran into Craig CORNICHUCK, and a ton of ’94 and ’93 guys—in L.A. she stayed with Rolf LUNDMARK and Brice WILLIAMS (Rolf, incidentally, makes it into this column every quarter it seems—looks like if you want to spend time with him you need to schedule it into his social calendar...) Maggs has a year left and then she’s hoping to get a year curtailment to go to Osan for another year remote—good luck with that...

Bob LOCKWOOD wrote with a long letter and some pictures of his

wedding this past April (see photos). Bob and Amy were married April 5th in Atlanta. Noel BOUCHARD was the best man, and Aaron HARTZLER and James FRICKEL were groomsmen. Dave ABRAHAMSON, Jen COLLINS, Chris RECKER, Jeff MEYERS, and Tim BUCK were saber bearers. Bob and Amy are TDY at Kirtland enroute to Langley to fly UH-ls along with Aaron HARTZLER. At Kirtland Bob ran into Chris HALL, Chad MORGAN (’96), and Drew GOODRICH who is now serving a re-enacted commitment as an E-4. Bob had some updated helo assignments to share: Tim BUCK got an H-60 to Kadena; Mike MIRANDA got a UH-1 to Minot; Brett MACHOVINA (’94) got a UH-1 to F.E. Warren along with Lee ROSKOP, Manny FITERRE (’92) and Marshall GROVES got UH-ls to Vandenberg; Mike LYONS got a UH-1 to Fairchild; and Jerry TURNER will be flying H-60s in Keflavik.

Saber-bearers at the Lockwood wedding included Dave Abrahamson, Jennifer Rollins, Tim Buck, Chris Recker and JeffMeyers. Aaron Hartzler was a groomsman.

Bob also mentioned that Jason BAKER’S helicopter accident was covered in the Army Flight Fax (safety magazine) if you are interested in reading it. Jason was posthumously awarded both his wings and the rank of first lieutenant with the rest of our class.

Sam JOHNSON wrote from F.E. Warren where he and his wife, Melissa, are expecting their first child in December—congrats! He has run into Rob BARNETT who is a SP there but is moving with his wife to Aviano, Italy, Dave TOMLINSON (command post), and Chrissy FITZGERALD (CE). Scott and Julie GRUNDAHL are also flying Hueys, and there are many ’95 missileers: Craig BEDARD (they put HIM in charge of missiles? Just joking Craig!), Dan BOURQUE, Todd MASER, Joe CONTI, Osi ANIAKUDO, and Sam himself are all in the 400th Missile Squadron. They are all missile crew members now in the Peacekeeper Missile (imagine that our classmates are completely responsible for 100 nuclear warheads—crazy thought!). Collin CONNOR, Rocky NORTHON, Jamie LEIGHTON, Jerome WHITE, and Charlie JONES are also there in charge of Minuteman ICBMs. Sam reports that Rocky is still crazy as ever—that doesn’t surprise anyone I’m sure...Bryan DYER, Sam’s old roommate, is an electrical engineer at Falcon and works on the Milstar satellite. Bryan was part of Guardian Challenge, which is AFSPC’s major yearly competition—which means he must be doing something right! Lastly, Sam’s parents ran into Steve ENGLAND who is a B-l pilot at Ellsworth AFB, SD.

James FRCKEL wrote from Luke where he wanted to pass along the F-16 grads’ assignments—Aaron LADE and Dan GABLE are going to Kunsan, Steve BRODERICK (’92) is going to Osan, Rob KINERSON is headed to Eielson, James THOMPSON (’94) to Hill, Andy LYONS to Aviano, Doug ROTHERHOFER to Moody, Derrick MILLER and James are going to Misawa, Steve BOATWRIGHT to Cannon, Bill BETTS to Shaw, and Scott ARBOGAST and Adam MEYERS to Spangdahlem...More news from F-16 land: Donnie KANG wrote to tell me Mike THOMPSON, Mike THODE, Brad GLENN and Nate GRABER are finishing the F-16 program as we speak, Jon TINSLEY and Chris CLAUS are already in Spang and Osan, respectively, and Jamie MCHENRY is in the class ahead of Kanger, doing well. In Don’s class are Drew RYDLAND (married), John WILCOX (married), Chris AUSTIN (married), John SCHULTZ (married), and Chuck COSNOWSKI (married). Get the picture? So Don and Dave SUNDLOV hang out a lot and say that it is a great time to be young, single and good-looking in Phoenix. Look for Don and Dave on ESPN watching Falcon football in the stands—you’ll be able to spot them because they are the drunk ones...

Lastly, Cordis FOSTER wrote from our nation’s capitol where he is enjoying family life with his wife, Denise, and daughter Haley. They are ex-

BCT1990—DEMONS, A-Flight, Element A-2. Todd Kraska is standing at far left.

Bob and Amy Lockwood

pecting another child in March and they just bought a home this past July. Cordis is the Readiness Flight commander at the 11 CES at Bolling. Denise is working three jobs just to support Cordis and his lieutenant salary—in fact if anyone wants a satellite dish without buying anything Cordis and Denise are the people to talk to! (301) 753-6145 (Free advertising Cordis—you’re welcome)...Cordis also wrote about Jeff Bob MEYERS and Bryan OSWALT who are flying C-21s out of Langley, Paul WOJTOWICZ who is flying C-5s out of Travis, and Chris GROSJEAN flying C-130s out of Dover. Kerrin DENHAM is at Wright-Pat, working personnel in the intelligence field, and Mark MCCRANEY just got married to Danielle on Sept 6. He is a CE officer at Columbus. Dave MCCALEB and his wife, Dorey, are at Charleston AFB, where he works as a finance officer. Thanks for the letter Cordis—and good luck with your new baby!

Mike FLYNN called from New York where he is working as a civilian doing consulting and making probably 10 times as much as us—he may be coming back into the Air Force though, since his commission was once again offered to him. We’ll look for Mike to be joining us soon if he decides to give up all that money!

Lastly, I spoke with Ruth (RUMFELDT) GERMAN and Mandy KRANTZ via e-mail and got letters from both of them with news about our classmates—unfortunately my roommate trashed my hard drive and I lost everything! From what I remember though, Ruth is now going to medical school in Oklahoma and is awaiting her husband, George, to join her soon. Ruth wrote that Nikki GUMINA got Company Grade Officer of the Quarter—or maybe year? Either way it seemed unreal so I remembered it (just kidding Nikki!). Ruth also wrote that Audrey ALLCORN is getting married soon, down at Patrick. Mandy KRANTZ is stationed out in San Francisco and has been playing drums in a band out there—so check her out if you get in that area!

Keep writing via e-mail and letters—send pictures and I’ll put them in! Next deadline is Dec 20. Have a super holiday season and a great 1998! Take Care, Andrea.

Melissa S. Cunningham mmrnm

1308 Hembre Court

Suisun City, CA 94585

Phone: (707) 422-7975

DSN: 837-2088

Percent members: 57

Seasons Greetings 96! Hope everyone had an exciting and fulfilling year! I know I was especially busy with my own wedding. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped us celebrate. Hopefully, by the next article we’ll actually have at least proofs back from the big day. Best of luck to all of those who are currently planning weddings, it’s a lot of hard work.

I got a letter from Steve HAHN. He’s in southern California in an infantry battalion. He’s the rifle platoon commander of the “Devil Dogs” and he’ll be deploying to the Pacific from January to August. Hawaii, Singapore, Jordan, Eritrea, Bali, and Australia are some of the places Steve will visit.

Chad TILBURY’S sponsors sent a short note from their visit to Boston to see Chad. Chad is currently in graduate school at Northeastern working on a master’s degree in computer science engineering. He is working for Draper Labs and will graduate in the spring of ’98. Afterward, Chad will go into the OSI and hopefully squeeze a short vacation to Costa Rica during breaks in school. Ted CONKLIN just completed his master’s

degree from MIT, and will go into a follow-on assignment in the Boston area. Tony GIUSTINO is also working on his master’s degree at MIT and will graduate in the spring of ’98. After finishing graduate school, he hopes to attend UPT in Pensacola, FL.

Chris FINNIGSMIER checked in with lots of news. First, he and Erin BERRY were married in November. Erin just moved to Alamogordo, NM to be stationed with Chris. Keith JONES and Hayley PARKER were in attendance of Erin’s and Chris’s wedding in Illinois. Keith and his wife, Claudia, are stationed at Edwards AFB, CA. Hayley is stationed at Moody AFB, GA as a maintenance officer, and currently she’s busy working on her master’s degree.

Finny saw Chris BACON at Holloman AFB, NM where he was doing some training. Chris BACON is flying T-38s. Finny also stopped in Columbus, MS while he was at training at Keesler AFB, MS. He visited Dave MEIER and his wife, Emily. Dave is finishing up UPT now and is looking forward to C-130 training in Texas. Kim TAYLOR and Brad MORRISON just finished up communications training at Keesler AFB, MS. Kim is stationed in Washington, DC. Finny also saw Jack FLOYD before he left for Tyndall AFB, FL. He also bumped into Jason HINDS who just finished missile training and is now stationed at F.E. Warren AFB, WY.

I got a long letter from Justin SANDERS and also got a chance to talk to him on the phone the other night. He’s at Vance AFB, OK flying T-38s. He’ll be finishing up UPT in February of ’98. Brandon PARKER, Curt BURNEY, John SAPP, and Eric MORAES are in his T-38 class. He also has updates on lots of folks in our class.

After five years, the Air Force finally split Mike CONLEY and Justin SANDERS up. Now Mike is at Ft Rucker, AL going through helicopter training. Tracy HEALY is his flying partner. Kevin KOZUCH, Kirsten MURRAY, and Kim CHALAIRE are also there. Clay BARTELS, Mike MCDERMOTT, Matt BROOKS, Dax CORNEULIUS, Ryan LINK, Wayne CHITMON, Tommy OBROCHTA, Bob BRYANT, Shawn ANGER, and Kerre ELLIS are flying T-38s. Brad HALL, Chris RATIGAN, Chris LANIER, Garret GULISH, John O’NEIL, Chris VAN HOOF, and Jason ALLEN are in T-ls at Vance AFB, OK. Kurt KREMSER, Mike YI, Chris MITCHELL, Chris DOUGHERTY, Chris SIMS, Brad DOWNS, Mike FELLONA, and Joe HOWARD are at Corpus Christi flying T-44s with a C-130 follow-on.

A class graduated from Vance AFB, OK recently. Here are their names and follow-on assignments: Chris BRIDGES and Devin TRAYNOR are going to Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC to fly the F-15E. Dan BRINGS got an A-10 and will be assigned to a base shortly. Eric DELWICHE will be flying the T-l as an IP at Vance AFB. Alan HORSENS is coming to sunny California to fly the KC-10 at Travis AFB, CA. David LEE got a T-38, and William SKEETERS will be flying the T-37 at Vance. Chris NEMETH and Joseph PESTANA are going to Luke AFB, AZ to fly F-16s. Matt RIPPEN is headed to Columbus AFB, MS flying T-38s. Finally, Matt VAN WAGNER got a C-21 to Maxwell AFB, AL.

I ran into Dawn WAGNER during a training exercise in Korea. We were both stuck working the night shift, so we had a chance to catch up. She is still working in CE at Guam, but she won’t be there much longer. After finishing up this remote, she’ll head to a three-year tour at Hickam AFB, HI. Rough life. I also heard that Eric BIEBIGHAUSER was in Korea for the exercise too, although I didn’t get a chance to see him. Now he’s working in an intel shop back at Eglin AFB, FL.

A bunch of grads made it back for Tim MORRIS’S wedding in Tulsa. Tim is an infantryman and will attend Ranger school some time after the wedding. The gang got together before the wedding at Justin SANDER’S house and got a quick picture in front of “the Bird”. If you’re ever in

Chad Tilbury, Ted Conklin, and Tony Giustino are pictured in Cambridge, MA where they are working on their master’s degrees.

Justin Sanders and Mike Conley in Chicago over Labor Day for Lincoin Hill’s (’95) wedding.

Joe Howard, Bradon Parker, Justin Sanders, Ryan Hurt, Mike “Cookie” Fellona, Mike Conley, Tony Principi, Mike McDermott, Dave Abba (’95), and Pete Arrobio (USNA ’96) at Justin’s house before Tim Morris’s wedding.

Tulsa, OK, you have to stop by the Sander’s home and check out the falcon carving.

In September, Kerre ELLIS threw a big party for Andi VINYARD and Robin ORTH who were TDY in San Antonio, TX. ’96ers that joined in the revelry were: RJ HILLIARD, Alan DUCKWORTH, Bryan HUFFMAN, Scott LORENZ, Melissa BAUMANN, Sean RASSAS, Matt LINNELL, Matt WENTHE, Curtis ST. AMAND, Karamo HAYWARD, and many more. Much beer and tropical punch were had by all.

Here are some updates on folks I’ve heard through the DSN grapevine: Blair LINVILLE is working in contracting at Mildenhall, England. Brian BURR is a CE officer at Holloman AFB, NM. Brent “BK” KELLY finished up his master’s degree at Wright-Pat AFB, OH and will go to L.A. Air Station, CA to work in OSI. John CORNETT is a finance contrading officer at Wright-Pat AFB, OH. Lisa CHERRY is stationed at Langley AFB, VA and is rooming with Melissa BRYANT (WAINWRIGHT). Melissa BAUMANN got a C-141 to McChord AFB, WA. Lori EDINGER got an RC-135 to Offutt AFB, NE. Eli MARTINEZ ran into Todd COOK (McConnell AFB, KS) and Brad GARCIA (McChord AFB, WA) at a maintenance training program at McGuire AFB, NJ.

Rumors and Whatnots (The Good Stuff): Brad HERDRICK got engaged and the wedding is in the summer of 1998. Kim TAYLOR is marrying a West Point grad. All the beautiful women of Enterprise, AL are digging Mike CONLEY, because he’s the only guy around Ft Rucker that actually has hair on his head. Dave BRAZGEL may be looking for a ring for Stacy Georgilas. Corban SPRAKER and Kirsten MURRAY planned to tie the knot in Estes Park, CO over Thanksgiving according to Yanick. Sources have told me that Sean RASASS and Meg MARTIN are an item again. And probably the most noteworthy, Andi VINYARD got Company Grade Officer of the Quarter for her squadron.

Again, best wishes for the Christmas Holidays. Have fun making resolutions and enjoying leave. Please keep the letters coming! Send a quick note during the holidays or give me a call at work. I’m always looking for great pictures to put into the article, too. And remember in six more months we pin on First! (Show me the $.) Later, Harley.

Mel Maxwell, Jr.

15050 N. 59th Ave. #213 Glendale, AZ 85306 (602) 588-4540

E-mail: Melvin.Maxwell@Luke.AF.Mil

Percent members: 65

IsB

What’s going on everybody? Hope everyone’s leave was fun and the Air Force is treating you well. I’ve been baking in Phoenix for the past two months and have just come down to San Antonio for tech school. Rob GIBBS, Rebecca AINSLIE, and Justin WELLEN are all in my class and I ran into Jeff PHILLIPS and Richie MARSH (’96). I’ve received some letters and made a few phone calls and found out a lot of people are having a better time than me.

Devin BLOSS called me the other day and told me about the hardships associated with living in Los Angeles. He’s working (if you can call it work) contracting at L.A. AFB. He lives out in Hermosa Beach and is having a great time. On leave he tromped through Europe with Jason BUCK. Jay has already begun pilot training.

While I was milking America OnLine for their free 50 hours of service, I talked to my old roommate Brad HOLTMEIER and squad dawg Wendy PALATINUS. They are at the Academy on casual status waiting to go to

UPT. Holt went home to the Jersey shore for a few weeks with his girlfriend but hasn’t done too much else since graduation. Wendy went to Europe this summer too. She said she got me a postcard but never had a chance to mail it—sure Wendy. Last I heard from her, she was getting ready to go to a Weird A1 concert.

I talked to DeAndre DEVANE a couple times this summer. He is now out at the Pentagon spinning his wheels until he can go to tech school. When I talked to him last he didn’t really have much to do at work but he’s found a way to stay busy. Last I heard, he was trying to become a certified personal trainer. You know that measly lieutenant pay isn’t enough for DeAndre—he got a part-time job right after graduation.

Randall “Cheese” JOHNSTON called me a while ago. He’d been flying around the country to attend a few weddings. He has a new girlfriend (what else is new) and is now going through Marine Corps Officer School.

I was at the Academy during what used to be First Period summer for us. I stayed with Marcus NICHOLS and D.J. LEARY. Marcus and D.J. are working in the Athletic Department but were there for Sports Camp before they went on leave. I also saw Pat SUERMANN working out there and he sent me a letter a few weeks ago telling me about his quite eventful summer. There isn’t enough space to say everything he’s been doing but I’ll put in as much as possible.

In June, Pat attended the weddings of Jay SMITH, Matt BERG, and Rish MILIANI to Byron BRIGHT. After Sports Camp, Pat went up to Gordon, NE to be a saber bearer for Jason EISENREICH’s wedding. Also in attendance were Ryan AERNI, Christian BASBALLE, Roland ARMOUR, and Jeff PAYNE. By the way, Ryan and Jeff are married too.

After the wedding, Pat went home to Cincinnati for a couple of days before heading up to Rob LUZADER’s beach house in Corolla, NC. There he hooked up with Matt ANDERSON, Rick GOODMAN, Tim SEHNEM, and Chris SENSENEY. Eventually, Ernie CARCAMO and Eric HASSINGER joined the party on the Carolina beach.

After Rob’s house, Pat went down to Charleston to take a look at the house he’ll be living in with Todd GIGGY. The house is right down the street from Rob LUZADER and Brian GILPATRICK. Some other ’97ers down there in Charleston are Dana TATE, Jason REPAK and Michelle (GADUS) and Dave PRYOR on casual. The recently-married Justin WELLEN is also down in Charleston but is there for the long haul along with Pat.

Labor Day weekend I went up to the Academy and stayed with my old roommate Brad HOLTMEIER. One night we got together with Ben SMITH, Mark WOLFE, Derek SAWSER, and Dave LYONS and a few other people and caused trouble as usual.

From left are Derek, Mark, Mel, Dave, Ben, and Brad, up to no good. While up there I ran into a number of ’97ers at the football game. First person I ran into was Chris KAY and his fiance. Then I saw Clay ROBINSON and Mark HORTON. Chuck LANEY and James FINLAYSON both looked like they’ve been living in the weight room and Willie WASHINGTON is as slim as ever. I also ran into Steph JARDINE, Kim REED, Samantha GLINSKI, and Nikki HARRIS who all seem to be doing well. Nikki wrote me last June after I had already written the first article. She is doing casual at the counseling center at the Academy until she heads to UPT at Columbus AFB in December.

One final note: Pete SANDNESS dropped me a line but I forgot to ipelude it in the last Checkpoints article. He took a fly-in trip up to Northern Ontario in search of the big one for his wall. No word on whether he was able to come up with his trophy.

Well, that’s about all the news I have for this round. Thanks to everyone who wrote or called and I hope to hear from you again soon. If anyone else has any news they’d like the rest of us to know, drop me a line and send me a picture and I’ll do the rest. Take care, Mel.

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