Checkpoints September 1998

How about these:

●

●

●

●

● Because the team knows that the better you can be, the better we'll all be.

And you're in control of your own success.

the first step toward a rewarding future.

AIR ACADEMY NATIONAL BANKThe “Home Bank” of the .Air Force,

FEATURES

● $5,000 CREDIT LINE (SUBJECT TO CREDIT HISTORY VERIFICATION)

● TRAVEL INSURANCE

PROVIDED AT NO EXTRA COST

●

Now, take advantage of this Great Bene fi t!

Air Academy National Bank’s MasterCard issued exclusively for Members of the Association of Graduates.

Association of Graduates | United States Air Force Academy USAP Academy, CO 8084®

THE AOQ MASTERCARD IS OFFERED THROUGH AIR ACADEMY NATIONAL BANK BECAUSE AOQ MEMBERS DESERVE THE VERY BEST SERVICE WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR CREDIT NEEDS. AT AANB YOU’LL BE DEALING WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND CAN TRUST TO HAVE YOUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. ADDITIONALLY, YOUR USE OF THE CARD BENEFITS THE AOG DIRECTLY THROUGH THE PAYMENT OF ROYALTY AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Metaphor III: With Wings Like Eagles

Metaphor II: AMighty Fortress

Metaphor I: The First Labor of

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To Serve Until 1July 1999

EJMontgomery Jr., ‘59 AWBiancur, ‘60

LBFreeman, ‘61

‘62

To Serve Until 1July 2001

‘59 RW Yates, ‘60

MAAnderson, ‘61 11 Kelly Jr.,‘65

VCAndrews, ‘66

AEBlumherg Jr., ‘68

JGBurke, ‘70

RLJones, ‘71

DLHargrove, ‘85

BJZawikowski, ‘89

JRCluff, ‘91

MBCasey, ‘96

ABOUT OUR COVER

Our sincere thanks to Andi Kesners, former AOG employee, for his great photograph of the fireworks during the San Diego State night football game last September. Andi’s photos have graced numerous Checkpoints magazines during his tenure with the AOG.

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in Feb¬ ruary, May, August and November by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN; 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, Email: aog@aog-usafa.org) It is provided as part of amembership 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 Acad¬ emy Dr., 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 Gradu¬ ates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Summer 1998.

Former Military and Military Pilots Needed!

Greenleaf Systems is currently recmiting pilots to fly the T-3 Afor the enhanced flight saeening program at the United States Air Force Academy. Applicants should fax, mail, or e-mail their resume to the address shown below.

Greenleaf Systems specializes in the placement of military officers in rewarding executive civilian posi¬ tions. If you are aretiring, or aretired military of¬ ficer, and you are looking for achange, please feel fi'ee to submit your resume in the strictest confidence

to:

2420

Greenleaf Systems

Drive, Colorado Springs,

80919; Voice: (719) 339-8576; Fax (719) 262-0347 greenleaf_systems@yahoo. com.

THE AOG BOARDROOM

Brig. Gen. (Ret) David H. Roe, ‘62, Board Chair

Dear Fellow Graduates,

It is June in America and cool and wet in Central Iowa, the U.S. heart¬ land, where Iam now living as Icome to the end of my first year as Board Chair of the AOG. Iam reflecting on the past, the particular forces of history and people in my life who shaped me and the decision pro¬ cesses which brought me to where Iam. Randy Cubero, ’61, has just retired as Dean of Faculty, leaving his successor, Brig. Gen. Dave Wagie, ’72, to work with Tad Oelstrom, ’65, Superintendent, and Steve Lorenz, ’73, Commandant, to bring the Academy to even higher levels of ex¬ cellence. Our Air Force Academy is in good hands. Your AOG is vibrant and doing good things for you and for the Academy; but rather than talk about the AOG at this time, Iask that all of us reflect on the past and particularly the people who shaped us.

David Roe, ‘62

Ipersonally remember anumber of people, particularly Air Force Academy officers, who helped me form the philosophies and beliefs that have guided my decisions in life and led me to accept my current challenge as president of asmall, Midwestern liberal arts college dedi¬ cated to the “whole person” concept -sound familiar?

In my case, as in yours, there are several people who come to mind as having aparticularly formative influence (setting aside the many upperclassmen who trained each of us and remain our friends and role models to this day). The officers Iremember most are Brig. Gen. Rob¬ ert McDermott, Dean; Brig. Gen. William Seawell, Commandant; Col. Victor Ferrari, Vice Commandant; Lt. Mai Wakin, Philosophy Dept.; Capt. Edgar Puryear, Political Science Dept.; Capt. Phil Erdle, Mechan¬ ics Dept.; Capt. Robert Carter, AOC; and Mr. Arne Arnesen, soccer coach. There were, of course, many others. Iam sure you have asimi¬ lar list.

With Randy’s retirement fresh in my mind, Iparticularly recall Gen¬ eral McDermott, or “McD” as Ilater knew him when Iworked at USAA. Join me for amoment in reflecting on what he started in his roie as Dean of Faculty for the Academy’s first 10 classes.

What prompted me to think about General McDermott’s role, and ours, in Academy history (in addition to General Cubero’s retirement) was an announcement that the Harvard Business School had selected

The Association of Graduates U.S. Air Force Academy

VISION

Air Force Academy graduates bonded by acommon heritage and an enduring commitment to integrity, excellence and ser¬ vice to country

MISSION

To provide leadership and service to the graduate commu¬ nity, support for the Academy mission, and preservation of institutional heritage and traditions.

McDermott as aDistinguished Alumnus of that highly respected insti¬ tution. McDermott received his MBA there in 1950. Among other things, Harvard selected him for his vision and willingness to innovate. In the early 1980s, he put together the building blocks to create asuccessful “financial supermarket” at USAA, as Toni Mack wrote in Forbes in July 1988. His success at "one stop” financial services networks presaged the most recent efforts, such as by Citicorp and Travelers’ Group, Inc., to provide afull range of financial services. McDermott’s innovations at USAA in service, data processing, education training, and the work environment placed USAA in the top ranks of American business in financial strength, sales and service.

He did the same for us as the U.S. Air Force Academy. Reflect on how much of what he did affected all of us. Originally, we were to be in a

(Continued on page 8)

Standing Nominating Committee to Identify AOG Board Candidates

The recently-revised bylaws of the Association of Graduates (AOG) contain new provisions for the manner in which candidates for elected director positions are identified, evaluated and nominated.

Of primary interest in the new procedures is the establishment of astanding, vis-a-vis an ad hoc, nominating committee of the board. This committee will have the responsibility for identifying, research¬ ing, interviewing, evaluating and recommending to the board can¬ didates for future board membership.

In essence, the nominating committee will maintain acontinuing list of potential nominees from which it may select candidates to meet the board’s requirements for service over aparticular term of office. Individual candidates will be constantly evaluated regarding their qualifications, ability and desire to serve.

This and future issues of Checkpoints will carry the names of mem¬ bers of the nominating committee and information on how each can be reached. Interested AOG members may contact one of the committee members to indicate their desire to serve as adirector.

An indication of interest, however, will not necessarily result in placement on the list of qualified candidates. The needs of the asso¬ ciation will take precedence at all times.

Directors Nominating Committee

(Contact one of the following to show interest in becoming a candidate for the AOG Board Directors.)

MaJGen (Ret) Larry D. Fortner, Chair

19 Woodbridge Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80906-4401

Home: (719) 579-8620

Of fi ce; (719) 574-0050

Col (Ret) Andrew W. Biancur

4174 ECumorah Dr.

Salt Lake City, UT 84124

Home: (801) 278-4866

LtCol (Ret) Richard M. Coppock

3116 Academy Dr. USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Home: (719) 590-9452

Work: (719) 472-0300

Gen (Ret) Ronald WYates

525 Silhouette Way Monument, CO 80132

Home: (719) 481-9169

Office: (719) 481-9174

VIEW FROM THE HILL

Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, ‘65, Superintendent

Well, the first of August marks completion of afull cycle for me as the Superintendent. The one constant has been how impressive and tal¬ ented cadets are -they are motivated, smart and wonderful ambassa¬ dors. 1have had the opportunity to participate in every aspect of USAFA’s training, education, military and athletic programs. The uni¬ versal characteristic of each program is the quality of our people and organizations supporting each activity -all are interested in helping us develop cadets into the best 2nd Lieutenants possible.

It has been all that Paul Stein promised: enjoyable, challenging, and tremendously fast-paced. So, Iwill use this article to recap afew things and then offer some thoughts on what next year may bring.

k.

grams that you might find interesting. As an institution, we have made great strides in preparing both the USAFA staff and the cadet leader¬ ship for their positions. It is paying big dividends. First, aquick look at the ACES Program. ACES stands for Academy Character Enrichment Seminars and is run by the Center for Character Development. It is a one-day seminar offered to Academy personnel to clarify our expecta¬ tions for their role in character development efforts at the Air Force Academy. Generally attendees come from the ranks of those most closely associated with our cadets, but cadet leaders from the vring and guests from outside the Academy do participate in ACES. The focus is to challenge all personnel to consider ways to further enrich the char¬ acter development programs. Attendees are exposed to issues, con¬ cepts, and experiences designed to convey the importance of charac¬ ter development and the role of Academy personnel in that process. Participants engage in dialogue throughout the day and focus prima¬ rily on ethics and mentorship skills. Iwould like you all to know that the seminars are currently funded through the generous donations of our Association of Graduates. We appreciate this support and assure you that this program has enriched all of those who have attended. We have come along way from the days of being assigned as acadet to acadet leadership position and enthusiastically jumping into the execution without much of aplan or any training. Currently, there are three Cadet Leadership Planning Periods (CLPP) spaced throughout the year to provide the upcoming cadet leadership staff the skills and

Lt. Gen. Ihd J. Oelstrom, ‘65

1must begin with the graduation of the Class of '98 on 27 May. All of you surely remember the bad weather associated with most gradua¬ tion weeks. Well, every day of this graduation week was spectacular. As aclass of Red Tags, they did great! Of the 910 commissioned gradu¬ ates, 68% went into operations-related career fields, 6% into logistics, 11% acquisition, 12% support and 3% nonline. This distribution is rep¬ resentative of the previous two years. We pushed hard to get as many as possible into pilot training to take advantage of agrowing number of pilot training slots -and we were very successful. With the help of agreat Chief of Staff (‘65er 1believe), we had ahealthy number of waivers granted for Undergraduate Flying Training (27, twith acouple more in the balance), pushing even higher the percentage pursuing careers in the flying business. More than 520 will enter UPT. Our hats are off to these newest members of the long, blue line. They have bright futures ahead and we wish them all the best!

The Commandant has agreat article in this issue which gives you an update on the status of the Cadet Wing from his area. So, 1won't steal any of his thunder. 1would like to mention acouple of exciting pro-

(Boardroom: From page 7)

lock-step curriculum, including repeating courses we had already passed elsewhere, leading to aBS in Aeronautical Science. McDermott’s curriculum innovations which gave us academic areas of concentra¬ tion, majors and eventually even cooperative master’s degrees, set us all off on different paths. We were able to excel in areas of our interest, grow individually more than we thought possible, and make better con¬ tributions to the Air Force and to our country. This, in turn, increased our confidence and enhanced our personal and professional lives.

Sylvanus Thayer, the third Superintendent at West Point, earned the title "Father of the Military Academy” for changing the Academy’s cur¬ riculum to adjust to the 19th Century. The title came after reflection by graduates and historians about what his contributions really meant. In McDermott’s case, his innovations brought the Academy’s curriculum into the 20th Century. Similar changes at sister academies underscore the significance of what McDermott brought to us all. Some have al¬ ready called him the "Father of the Air Force Academy” for his Thayer-

Remembering Fallen Graduates

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. TadJ. Oelstrom, ’65, and Associa¬ tion of Graduates secretary Jim Brown, ’59, pay honors to all deceased Academy graduates during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Organi¬ zational Awards Parade this past Memorial Day.

like contributions to the Academy. Maybe it is too early for history to make afinal judgment, but the thought remains nevertheless. Cer¬ tainly he was the father of the system of academic innovation that shaped the Academy environment all of us were privileged to experi¬ ence. The service academies have never been about such things as buildings, statues and athletic teams, but rather about aspirit and pride that pervades all of us on our road to becoming professional officers. Perhaps that is McDermott’s most important contribution and the real reason for acknowledging what he did for all of us. He gave us an aca¬ demic foundation for our personal and professional lives plus oppor¬ tunities and incentives for choice in our intellectual development, which complemented our physical and spiritual development as leaders. Accordingly, 1encourage aU graduates to write McD and the others who helped us become who we are. Say thank you for what they did to shape us and the Air Force Academy. Similarly, Iask all of us to give our support (prayers, letters, financial contributions, etc.) to the Academy’s current leadership team so that they can do and be for today’s cadets what the McDermotts and others did and were for us.

information to help them successfully plan for their upcoming leader¬ ship tenure. The Fall CLPP occurs during August, the Spring CLPP in December and the BCT CLPP in the Spring. This dedicated time uses small group work and activity-based learning to execute the program. The objectives of the program are for cadets to develop aCadet Wing tactical plan by developing policies and procedures to support their initiatives. They form^ly brief their plan to the Commandant’s staff and then work with their active duty counterpart to plan and prepare for their upcoming leadership positions.

As many of you know, the Commandant’s “right hand man,” Colonel Hedy Pinkerton was selected as the Director of Admissions when Ed Leonard retired in May. Colonel John Bonaparte is the new Deputy Commandant. He comes to us from Bolling AFB and brings agreat background to contribute to the Academy.

On the Dean’s side, Randy Cubero retired in June. It really happened! It was an emotional time not only because of his remarkable career, but because of all he did for your Academy over the nearly three de¬ cades he spent here. It was agreat send-off, highlighted by key partici¬ pation horn both the Class of ’61 and the football team members of leather helmet fame. We truly appreciate all that Randy and Jan did for USAFA -we will miss them.

Brigadier General Dave Wagie is now in the chair. Again, we believe we are very fortunate to have someone with astrong operational back¬ ground and long association with the Academy. Dave’s more than 15 years directly associated with AFA has included teaching in Aero/Astro, on the Commandant’s staff. Director of our Center for Character De¬ velopment, and most recently. Vice Dean -an impressive background indeed. Dave and Sue have so much to offer. The Academy is truly fortunate.

No doubt the biggest news from our Athletic Department is the an¬ nouncement of our intent to leave the Western Athletic Conference ef¬ fective 1July 1999. The Falcons plan to be part of anew conference, along with VV^oming, Colorado State, Brigham Young, Utah, UNLV; New Mexico and San Diego State. The catalyst for this new alliance was a move by the WAC athletic directors to realign the 16-team league into two permanent divisions. Air Force was placed in the West Division while Colorado State and Wyoming were placed in the East Division. Under that plan, the Falcons would play Wyoming and CSU each only tvnce every 16 years in football (home and away). After many discus¬ sions over the past two years, it became obvious there was not an align¬ ment that would satisfy the members. The divisional alignment may have been the catalyst, but there were many other serious concerns. Principal problems cited by the eight schools were alack of any natu¬ ral affinity among the 16-member teams, abreakdown of traditional rivalries, the huge geographic spread and commensurate travel ex¬ penses. At risk was an erosion of fan support. Finally, aserious decline in per-member revenues and amajor increase in expenses were affect¬ ing all schools and threatening the viability of even the strongest ath¬ letic programs in the conference.

With this decision, we, along with our seven fellow universities, are turning to the future. Together we will build aviable, respected, and exciting new conference, and together we will ensure our kickoff sea¬ son will be aresounding success. Ibelieve the new conference has great long-term potential for increasing enjoyment for our fans, meeting eco¬ nomic realities, and enhancing competitive opportunities for the ca¬ det-athletes. However, the short term promises to be very challenging as we work through the administrative and legal procedures. Several things need to be done before the fall of 1999. For instance, each of the eight members needs to formally notify the WAC by September that they are leaving the conference. This will be followed by the group ap¬ plying to the NCAA for conference certification, choosing aconference name, hiring an interim commissioner and setting up aconference staff to prepare for the 1999-2000 athletic season. The eight presidents are confident that ayear from now all necessary measures will be in place for asmooth transition from the WAC to the new conference.

The 1998 Falcon Sports Camp Program just finished up with over 3,700 participants in 11 sports over athree-week time span. This was the second largest number participating in USAFA’s history. We know there will be some great applicants from this group acouple years down the road.

There have been anumber of staff changes and additions to the Ath¬ letic Department. The new Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator is Ms. Marti Gasser (formerly the women’s bas¬ ketball coach). She will supervise NCAA compliance at the Academy

and will be responsible for the operation of anumber of sports pro¬ grams. Marti’s replacement on the court is Ms. Sue Darling, who comes to us from the American Basketball League’s Seattle Reign. Mr. Jack Braley, Strength Coach and someone who nearly every intercollegiate athlete knew, retired after 34 years of service to the Academy. The women’s tennis team also has anew coach, Ms. Kim Gidley, who comes from the University of Idaho. We are very excited about the new possi¬ bilities that come with these new personnel. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to the upcoming season!

Our Preparatory School continues to provide the Academy with a number of motivated and academically-prepared cadets. Colonel Hal Meyer has been instrumental in building processes to identify missing academic skills and to correct deficiencies. Hal will retire this fall and definitely leave the Preparatory School in better-than-ever shape. We will miss him and we wish him the best of luck! Colonel Tommy Dillard, Jr. will take command of the Prep School on 24 July. He comes to us from Ramstein Air Base where he was the Deputy Director of Security Forces for USAFE.

Our newest members of the cadet wing (1,215) arrived at USAFA on Tuesday, 30 June, to the all-familiar “greeters” we remember well! As many of you know, we start the alumni connection early -all new ar¬ rivals start their inprocessing right at Doolittle Hall. Their inprocessing was aUSAFA team effort that was very smooth and efficient -my thanks to all who worked to make that such asuccess. The Commandant and his staff put together avery moving and motivational swearing-in cer¬ emony that took place in the early morning of 1July in front of the Class Wall. Thus far, they are showing alot of spirit and heart. They have completed first Beast and headed out to Jack’s Valley on 20 July.

It has been agreat year and I’m looking forward to another one! The Class of ’99 has stepped up to the plate and is doing an impressive job leading the Cadet Wing in its first major activity for the summer -BCT. We look forward to even better things from ‘99 as the year goes on. The Cadet Wing returns on August 6and we will be off and running for the academic year.

As to what might change in the wing for this next year -it won’t be major. The Commandant set in motion anumber of initiatives last year and we want to let them take root. The Global Engagement sum¬ mer program for 3rd Classmen was awonderful success. We will be putting afull-court press on to get this funded at alevel to expose the entire 3rd Class to this rewarding field exercise. The push for increased accountability will continue. Tangent to the accountability issue is the concept of mutual support, which we feel is an area to stress for the coming year. Too many times we see cadets fail to take care of each other before asituation deteriorates into adisciplinary problem or an unsafe environment. The great parallels we have in the aviation busi¬ ness wiU be used to drive this point home. Another not-so-new area we will be focusing on is breaking down both the perception and real¬ ity of atwo-class system in the Cadet Wing. We would like more defini¬ tion between each year as one progresses through the Academy. Each year should bring increased privileges, status and responsibilities -and at each level, leadership by example should be the word of the day.

Enough for this time. We look forward to seeing many of you at the reunions this year. Please stay involved with our Academy and let us know your thoughts. We value them and they make adifference.

Cadre members subtly ensure abasic can recite the basic responses allowed upon arrival. (Photo courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Build your Colorado Springs Dream Home!

2.5-acre treed lots

Pikes Peak/Academy Views!

Mike Jensen (usafa ‘84)

Available only to grads, cadets, and their immediate family.

Any available name can be used.

Easy for non-grads to remember so it’s easy to give out. Forward to existing address or use separately. Spam filtered and unpublished.

Business web sites available: www.talon.com/businessname.

Optional listing in Talon.Com personal/business directories. And, yes, we have t-shirts.

For more information or to get your address: visit: www.taion.com /email: services@talon.com write: Talon.Com, 2963 Laramie Rd., Riverside, CA 92506 Associates (800) GO-AFA-GO Jens@us-afa.com

Hhttp://www.us-afa.com/relocate

Raytheon, the defense industry leader in flying training and improving human performance, nas aneed for outstanding former mi itary officers and pilots -men and women of character who understand the United States Air Force core values and are committed to them -to perform flight and academic instruction (cockpit and ground school) to tne Enhanced Flight Screening Program (EFSP) at both Hondo Municipal Airport, Hondo TX and the United States Air Force Academy, CO.

Instructor Pilots

The EFSP facilitates aselection process through which the USAF identifies students who possess the potential to success¬ fully complete USAF Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Trainin (SUPT) and Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) an^ motivates them toward aflying career in the Air Force.

The contract flight instruction operation will start at the US Air Force Academy in February 1999 and at Hondo, TX in October 1999.

Instructor Pilot qualifications include:

●Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating in fixed wing, single engine, land aircraft.

●Current FAA class II physical certificate.

●Requirement to meet standardization requirements as described in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).

●Medical standards and physical examination requirements for Flying Duty outlined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.

MasterC:ir(i

Talon.com® Is owned and operated by DF Studios, Inc. Talon.com and DF Studios, Inc. are not affiliated with the USAF Academy, Association of Graduates or any governmental agency. But it is run by grads.

Instructor Pilot experience requirements include:

●Active U.S. military rated pilot in U.S. military aircraft within the previous four years, or within the previous six years if candidate has accumulated at least 11 years of military operational flying duty.

●Minimum of 800 hours of total flying time in fixed-wing, powered aircraft, and have aminimum of 250 hours of instructor time in fixed-wing powered aircraft.

The instructors must possess superb flying/instructional skills and be top notch role models and airmanship mentors.

If you are aproven air leader, meet the above qualification and experience requirements and are interested in being part of the team who will provide the US Air Force with highly qualified and motivated students to accomplish the mission for the 21st Century Air Force, please submit your resume to: Raytheon Systems Company, Attn: Amy Knight, PO Box 619490, DFW Airport, TX 75261-9490; FAX (972) 753-7105.

U.S. citizenship required. Applicants selected will be subjected to asecurity investigation if necessary, and must meet eligibili¬ ty requirements for access to classified information and work on federal programs.

First Red Tag Class Honored at '98 Dining-In

By C.E. “Chuck” Cheeseman, ‘62

On March 19, 1998, aunique gathering was held, one involving two Academy classes widely separated in years and who recognized acom¬ mon bond. The then-current first class, the Red Tags of 1998, hosted members of the original Red Tag Bastards of 1962 as their guests of honor at a‘98 Dining-ln at Mitchell Hall. Maj. Gen. (Ret) George Harrison, '62, was the featured speaker and his subject was Class Spirit. Alot of line fellowship was had both at the dining-in and, later, at Hap’s Place in Arnold Hall. The ‘62 RTB’s and the Class of‘98 will remember always this historic rendezvous of the first and the 10th Redtag classes to graduate from USAFA.

It has been generally recognized that the Class of ‘98 takes its “redtagness” very seriously and has developed akeen class spirit which sets it apart. The 1962 RTB’s had learned of this ‘98 spirit from the current Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. Steve Lorenz, during the ‘62 reunion at the Academy last fall. The ‘62 RTB’s recognized some similarities to their own class history and decided to pass on to this group of future officers some of what the ‘62 RTB’s had learned about spirit and class unity.

Planning for the effort covered several months and was largely done by Cadet Brett Comer, the ‘98 cadet in charge of the event, and Col. (Ret) Dick Mass, the ‘62 class president. ‘62 alumni Chuck Cheeseman and Jack Jamba pitched in where needed and George Harrison spent the time to prepare an excellent talk.

Acknowledging the ‘62 RTB guests commenced with the reading of “A Welcome, from the Class of 1998,” which was also printed in the evening program: “Tonight, the original red tag bastards -the Class of 1962unite with the 40th class to come through the Academy -the Class of 1998. Their common link? The identifying red class color. The Class of 1962 was the first class through the Academy parading around in red and the Class of 1998 will be the last class in this century to graduate with the color red. This common link has dravm the two classes together to share stories, eat dinner, and learn (or review) the appropriate attire for the Air Force of fi cer.* The Class of 1998 would like to welcome the Class of 1962 and thank those members who were able to attend.”

Also read from the Evening Program was, “The Class of 1962”: “The 457 new cadets of the Class of 1962 entered the Academy on June 27, 1958. We were the fourth cadet class admitted to the Academy and the first to don the red name tags. After basic cadet training at Lowry AFB in Denver, we marched to the Cadet Area from the North Gate to be¬ come the first class to spend all four academic years at the new perma¬ nent site.

“We forged close bonds as one of the last classes to spend doolie Christmas on our ovra at the Academy. The “Red Tag Bastards” appel¬ lation was earned on our doolie-year ZI cadet field trip, where our in¬ dependent spirit erupted often, particularly during our Edwards AFB visit. We RTB’s all wore the red tag from that point onward as abadge of unity. The expressions of individuality and spirit continued -we soon after relocated the X-4 to the terrazzo and set other examples for later

classes to follow. Our class became aclose-knit, unconventional group -and we made sure everyone knew it.

“After graduation, Vietnam was the Red Tag Bastards’ war to fight as junior officers and we did it with valor and honor. In our Air Force then later civilian careers, RTB’s have distinguished themselves in many ways. But just as important to us are the enduring friendships and bonds we established with each other nearly 40 years ago.

“The 1962 RTB’s are proud to join with the Class of 1998, thelOth Red Tag class, to contribute to your traditions. We wish you success and lasting class spirit throughout your careers.”

Maj. Gen. (Ret) George Harrison then spoke to the assembly on the subject of Class Spirit. His talk was at several points humorous, at oth¬ ers totally serious. George recounted some of the ‘62 RTB experiences that formed our class identity and led to our class spirit. He illustrated our continuing bonds in many ways during the talk; the most impres¬ sive of these, one which held the rapt attention of the 1998 class, was his recitation of the name of each ‘62 classmate who has died since graduation, along with the nature of his passing. The main purpose for the ‘62 RTB’s attendance at the event, that of passing on to the Class of 1998 some of the elements of our class spirit, was outstandingly well served by George’s remarks.

The RTB’s in attendance included (in alphabetical order): Brig. Gen. (Ret) Bob Baxter, Chuck Cheeseman, Tim Gilmartin and Nancy, Col. (Ret) Larry Gooch, Maj. Gen. (Ret) George Harrison, Bob Hopkins and Mary, Nils Ohman, Jim Qualey, A1 Sigman, John Staples, and Gen. (Ret) Henry Viccellio. (* The “appropriate attire” comment by the ’98 author refers to the cadet fashion show which occupied amajor part of the evening.)

Adding

Star Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Ed Eberhart, ’68, and Nancy Jayne, pin major general rank insignia on Maj. Gen. (USAFR) Randy Jayne, ’66, at aMay 18 ceremony in the Pentagon.

COMMANDANT’S CORNER

Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, 73, Commandant of Cadets and 34th Training Wing Commander

The Status of the Cadet V\dng

I’ve just participated in my second graduation ceremony as the Com¬ mandant of Cadets. It is an appropriate time for areport to the gradu¬ ate community on the status of the cadet wing and on programs that we are pushing to enhance the cadet experience and to better prepare our graduates for acareer of service and leadership in the United States Air Force.

Brig. Gen. Ixirenz, '73

Every Commandant arrives at the Academy with apersonal vision of what the institution should do for the cadets and for the USAF. This vision is based on personal experience in acommissioning program and acareer of experience in the operational environment of the Air Force. For agraduate of USAFA, the perceptual framework is strongly shaped by one’s personal cadet experience. The initial vision is also quickly influenced by the reality of the current environment that the Commandant encounters when he reports to the Academy. This ar¬ ticle shares some perceptions on the cadets and the Academy program and will discuss several key initiatives that are currently working.

As apoint of reference, we’d like to assure the graduate community that the Academy continues to attract highly qualified, strongly moti¬ vated cadets. We are constantly amazed hy their skills, enthusiasm, and leadership abilities and believe that the future of the USAF will be in good hands as the current cadets grow into leadership positions on active duty. Of course, our task is to ensure that their experience at USAFA enhances their native skills and properly prepares them for the challenges that we will face in the next century.

Before discussing specific aspects of the current situation and our new initiatives, Iwould like to share several “truths” that Ihave ob¬ served:

Overall the Academy is by far better than when Iwas last here in 1973. It had better be -25 years have elapsed.

The Honor Code and the Air Force core values of “In¬ tegrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,” are as true today as they were when this great institution was founded.

Every commandant arrives at the Academy Mi of good intentions and many paradigms about how it was when he was acadet.

Since few cadets have ever had an original thought since the Class of‘59, there is nothing that has not been tried before. Every commandant ends up making decisions to fix an aberrant behavior that has usually been caused by unforeseen consequences of awell-intentioned pre¬ vious decision. Therefore all commandants end up re¬ inventing the wheel, and that wheel goes round and round. All commandants really want is for cadets to show up at the right place at the right time in the right uniform with the right attitude.

The cadets of today are no better or worse than any other generation -just different because they have different

experiences. To put this in perspective, the average age of the Class of 2002 when the U. S. bombed Baghdad was nine years old, and eight years old when the Berlin Wall came down. To these cadets the Cold War and the Vietnam War are things you read about in history books, along with the American Civil War.

●The cadets of today have many more choices in their lives than we “old-timers” ever had. IWo hundred chan¬ nels on TV -not three or four. Ten different types of Coca-Cola, not just one that you needed abottle opener to open. They are issued aPentium computer instead of aslide rule. By the way, their favorite TV shows are “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” and “South Park.” Their favorite meal is chicken strips, and just like every other teen¬ ager in the world they never get enough sleep and are always hungry. However, 1have come to the conclu¬ sion that there are no bad cadets, just cadets who some¬ times make bad decisions. Just as it has always been.

●Just as in your day, it is still in every cadet’s job descrip¬ tion to question everything, to try to get out of every inspection, to tell everyone how tough it is at USAFA, and to complain/brag that the fourth-class cadets had an easier doolie year than they did.

● The cadets of Generation Xdo appear to have shorter attention spans, and it is more challenging to keep their attention for long periods of time. So, Iuse sound bitetype messages like: “Life is tough, especially if you are stupid,” “Mess up, ‘fess up,” and “Real life -real an¬ swers!”

●Finally, we must also remember that we have to com¬ mission these bright, young Americans so they have the knowledge, experience and motivation to succeed in the 2P‘ century, not the 20"* century -because the world is far, far different now.

As many of us experience upon returning to USAFA years after gradu¬ ation, changes in cadet behavior immediately attack our personal para¬ digms. Ihad to decide which issues 1thought were most important for cadets’ continuing development. These are some of the areas that I decided to take on:

Wing Spirit During the fall of 1996 many watched our Fighting Fal¬ cons football team have a6-5 football season as we lost to both the Army and Navy for the first time in years. The morale of the Wing rose or feu according to our win-loss record. The team was frustrated, and the overall Cadet Wing really felt unconnected to the football team. When we played Army at Army, Inoticed how the Corps of Cadets was so emotionally fired up that they directly contributed to their 24-7 vic¬ tory over us. So, we decided to benchmark how Army captured all that “spirit,” knowing that spirit is aforce multiplier in athletics and in com¬ bat! In the spring of 1997 we appointed acadet “Chief ofWing Spirit” to wing staff, and during the fall he lives with the captain of the football team next to the Cadet Wing Commander and his staff (in the spring he lives with the captain of the basketball team). We came up with astra¬ tegic vision for the entire season and every game. We coordinated with the Drum and Bugle Corps, cheerleaders, and the cadet sound system club. We then made the entire wing stand up whenever the football team was on the field (which had not been done in many years). Today, 25 percent of the Wing is made up of intercollegiate athletes, and there has been aperceived gulf between them and the rest of the wing. So, taking arule from “Twelve O’clock High,” we mandated that no intercollegiate athlete may room with another intercollegiate ath¬ lete. This met with much resistance at first but is now paying dividends in building not just the intercollegiate sports teams but a“wing team spirit” that reinforces the sound bite, “We win as awing, we lose as a wing.” At first there was much skepticism, but as the 1997 season pro¬ gressed both the football team and the wing team saw that the force multiplier of “spirit” was having an effect. We carried this spirit ma-

chine into all intercollegiate sports. In August 1997 every cadet squad¬ ron was paired with one of the 27 intercollegiate sports. Each team captain and fall and spring squadron commander had to develop astra¬ tegic vision on how the cadet squadron was going to support their “team.” This has paid big dividends. An example was when CS-24 took 50 cadets to the USAFA-CSU cross-country meet in Fort Collins. This was the largest number of cadets to ever cheer at an away cross-coun¬ try meet. The spirit machine is making areal difference in building the “wing team,” and the 1998-99 season looks to he even better.

Duty Day Concept: Iwill never forget watching my first Monday morn¬ ing wing reveille formation as Commandant. The fourth and third classes formed up to salute the flag and then marched to breakfast In Mitchell Hall. Some second- and first-class cadets showed up, saluted the flag, and then left ranks and walked over to Mitch’s independendy of the third and fourth classes who marched in formation to eat family style. The first- and second-class cadets who went to Mitch’s went through ahuffet line. The rest of the first- and second-class cadets (about 20-30 percent) were stfll in bed sleeping until 0800-0900. You see, it was voluntary. Being normal teenagers they liked to sleep late, get up at the last moment (as all cadets have throughout the ages), and head to class, leaving their rooms in disarray. Iasked afourth classman what he thought of this “formation,” and he said, “I can hardly wait until Iam an upperclassman so Iwill not have to march to breakfast and can sleep in.” This late start of the day affected everything. Rooms looked bad, cadets (as we were apt to do) watched TV or socialized (be¬ cause they weren’t tired) until late in the evening, and then started smdying. Taps was not being enforced -over the years we had evolved to keeping academic labs open in Fairchild Hall 24 hours aday. In my short tenure as commandant and being the father of three teenagers, Ihave learned another “truth”: “Nothing good happens after midnight.” So, for the first six months of 1997, we (the Director of Athletics, the Dean and I) worked to develop anew schedule of calls (actually areinvention of the wheel). Starting on Aug. 2, 1997, the duty day began at 0600, with 20 minutes for personal hygiene and 20 minutes for cleaning rooms, fol¬ lowed by the entire wing forming up and marching to breakfast at Mitch’s and eating as elements family style -including the intercollegiate ath¬ letes -to continue the journey of building the wing team, with classes starting at 0730. At first there was an uproar, but it has subsided, and since they are already up they now schedule their classes in the early morning and hopefully go to bed at night much earlier. We also have shut down the all-night labs and are enforcing taps.

SAMIs: When Idid my first Saturday morning inspection (SAMI), sev¬ eral things were apparent: first, SAMIs were only scheduled twice ase¬ mester; second, there were many different standards among the 40 squadrons; and, third, there was adifferent standard between the fourth class and the three upper classes. When you schedule only two SAMIs asemester, many unforeseen consequences occur. First, some upperclass cadets might only make their beds once in the beginning of each semester. And, if those upper-class cadets did not move at semester break, they only had to make their beds once ayear. This led to acuri¬ ous way of making that one-time SAMI bed. The cadet would make his or her bed by tightening the blanket down so tight with the use of safety pins or sock garters, that the blankets would have about “2,000 PSI" pressure on them -which in turn caused cadets to never -repeat, never sleep in their beds. Ialso noticed before each of the two SAMIs that there would be atrail of cadets both before and after the SAMIs, taking

excess and illegal items to their cars and back to their rooms afterward. Their drawers also had evolved to the fine art of saving time. In “olden times” we were each taught how to fold our underwear acertain way, and to make the drawer look sharp we were allowed to wrap aset of our underwear around apiece of cardboard and place this set on top of the stack of underwear. In fact, Istill fold mine at home the same way after 29 years (not using the cardboard). (At reunions Ihave found some grads who have taught their spouses to fold their underwear the same way.) Well, today’s cadets had raised the art of “using” their drawers to ahigher plane. The cadets place one set of each type of sock and one jock (if you are aman) and one bra (if you are awoman) in the drawer. They also place four pieces of cutout cardboard wrapped in white cloth (represent¬ ing two T-shirts and two sets of underwear). That’s all -no actual under¬ wear, just pieces of cardboard. They keep their actual underwear in two laundry bags -one for clean and another for dirty -and that is how they live for the entire four years as acadet. Our SAMI had evolved from an actual inspection where personal hygiene and attention to detail were being checked (such as clean sheets and clothes) to ahaze for the ca¬ dets. We were teaching them form over substance!

Once again in August 1997 when the wing came back we instituted some new policies (another reinvention of the wheel). We set up astra¬ tegic military calendar whereby the cadets would know what was ex¬ pected of them for the entire year. They could plan their lives around it. Basically, every other weekend would be theirs, and the alternate weekend would be reserved for military training, i.e., SAMIs, parades, IRIs, etc. We now have on average two SAMIs amonth, and we “en¬ courage” them to use their beds. All pieces of cardboard have been thrown out, and laundry bags with clean clothes emptied. There is now, once again, one room standard for all 40 squadrons, including the fourth class and upper classes (a little leadership by example). Tie this with the new schedule of calls duty day concept and AMI daily inspec¬ tions and the wing is on the journey of bringing back reasonable mili¬ tary cleanliness in the dorms.

Many of these initiatives are part of what Irefer to as "good lessons for life.” _We are trying to get the cadets to develop positive habits that they will carry with them onto active duty. In addition to this concept, we are working on programs to enhance the preparation of our cadets for the realities of today’s USAF. In particular we are pushing the con¬ cept of an expeditionary Air Force involving today’s joint and total force concepts and the development of skills and knowledge that will en¬ hance our graduates’ effectiveness in this new environment. We are also instilling astronger warrior spirit through these activities.

Military Doctrine, Operations, and Strategy (MDOS) Major: This aca¬ demic year we instituted anew academic major. The Military Doc¬ trine, Operations, and Strategy (MDOS) major offers cadets the oppor¬ tunity to build on the foundation provided by the USAFA core curricu¬ lum and add breadth and depth to their study of the profession of arms. The MDOS major will examine warfighting and the modern military profession from the perspective of its evolving doctrine, interdiscipli¬ nary environment, and rapidly changing technology. Building on the USAFA core that introduces historical, political, technical, and theo¬ retical foundations of today’s military, this major adds depth and inte¬ gration specifically tailored to issues of military planning and employ¬ ment at the strategic and operational levels of warfare that graduates are likely to encounter in their military careers. The major encourages cadets, through advanced study and research, to explore new dimen¬ sions of operations and strategy while remaining grounded in the les¬ sons of theory and experience. The MDOS major is truly interdiscipli¬ nary- it includes courses from across the Academy faculty departments and offers achoice of six different areas of emphasis: 1) Science, Tech¬ nology, and Warfare; 2) Foreign Language; 3) Military Leadership; 4) Character Development; 5) War Studies; and 6) Military Strategy.

Exercises: During the past academic year, we conducted two “real world” exercise scenarios to introduce cadets to deployment concepts. During OPERATION REALITY CHECK, we put aportion of the Cadet Wing on alert and then notified aportion of them that they had been selected for adeployment. All cadets on alert had to prepare for a mobility event, and those selected were actually processed through a mobility line at Peterson AFB and then flovm to Kelly AFB, where they set up atent city and performed acommunity service project. In OP¬ ERATION RANGE THUNDER, we deployed 300 cadets “down range” at Ft. Carson. The cadets lived in the field and received realistic Army training on team leadership and basic infantry skills. The exercise cul(Continued on page 15.)

Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Stephen Lorenz leads the Class of 2002 march-out to begin BCT. (Photo by Larry Hulst)

BudgetisproudtobeaffiliatedwithAOG-USAFA.Welookforward

rates,time-savingservices,andabeliefthatcustomersatisfactionis

To

10% off standard daily rates and 10% off standard weekly and weekend rates for economy through luxury cars, and 10% off any truck rental, mention BCD# T507400 when making reservations throughyourtravelconsultantortheBudgetAssociationDeskat 800455-2848.

■S!

ThisoffGrisavailablealparticipatingBudgetlocationsandissubjecttovehicleavailability.Reluelingservices,taxes. LossDamageWaiver,surchargesandoptionalitemsateextra.ThisoffermaynotbecombinedwithCorpRafe,governmentor tour/wholesalerates,orwithanyotherdiscountsorpromotionaloffers.Thevehiclemustbereturnedtooriginalrentinglocation, exceptwhereotherwisepermitted,localrentalandagerequirementsapply.Locationsthatrenttodriversunder25mayimposean agesurcharge.Blackoutdatesmayapply.

©1997BirdgelRentaCarCrrrpomtion.Aglobalsyslarrttrfcorporateandkcenseeownerfkreatioos.

(Cadet Wing Media also produces the Graduation and BCT videos, the Dodo and the BCTyearbook.)

Doolittle Hall Hosts Incoming Doolies, Family and Friends

June 30“* proved to be abusy day for Doolittle Hall, the Association of Graduates staff, and Academy personnel working in-processing as some 1,240 members of the Class of 2002 began their four-year Academy ex¬ perience. All the basic cadets, along with more than 2,500 family mem¬ bers and friends, streamed through Doolittle Hall throughout the day for phase one of in-processing. This was the third year the AOG build¬ ing was the focal point for the new doolies. The AOG staff was joined by members of the Rampart Chapter of the AOG, the Colorado Parents Club, and staffs from admissions, the athletic department, cadet pay, the chaplain’s office and other Academy agencies in welcoming the visi¬ tors.

The AOG sponsored free long-distance telephone calls for all basic cadets, the Marriott Hotel donated thousands of cookies for the event and the Academy’s Equestrian Center provided hay bales for the folks to sit on while eating lunch provided by the AOG. After the doolies were signed in and completed other in-processing at Doolittle Hall, they were bused to the “Bring Me Men” battle ramp area where they began the rest of their in-processing. There, the reiity of where they were sunk in as they were greeted by upperclassmen.

Included in the new class are 220 minority members, 198 women, and seven international cadets, one each from Croatia, Korea, Macedonia (first time to send acandidate), Pakistan, Singapore, Thai-

(Commandant’s Comer: from page 13.)

minated in an air base defense scenario. Participants in both of these operations praised the realism of the experience and the value that they perceived for their future role as officers. These deployment exercises provided the foundation for anew summer program. Global Engage¬ ment Summer Program (GESP), that started during the Summer of 1998 training period.

Global Engagement: As USAF doctrine moves to one of the Air Expe¬ ditionary Force (AEF), it’s incumbent upon us to prepare our new lieu¬ tenants to work, lead and fight in aforward depioyed operation -most likely at abare-base. GESP is anew training program that brings the reality of what our future officers will face upon their graduation in the next century. (The Air Base Defense and SERE summer programs were similar products of expanding Vietnam involvement in the 1960s.) Our test program involved 160 cadets who received academic predeployment training and hands-on training -to include formal Air Force certification in Defensive Anti-terrorism, first aid buddy-care, and chemical warfare training. The cadets were then alerted and mobi¬

Doolies load onto the bus to get their “free ride" to the base of the “Bring Me Men" ramp where they wiii meet “reai" cadets who are anxiousiy awaiting them.

land and Turkey. Of the cadets, in are pilot qualifi ed. Overall, the Academy received 46,541 requests for applications. Of those, 10,036 men and women applied for admission. The selection process then went to the nomination stage where 7,607 students met the require¬ ments necessary to compete for an appointment.

Of those, 2,106 (349 women) met all the qualifications needed to en¬ ter the Academy. Overail, the Academy offered 1,628 appointments for the Class of2002. In-processing, aone-day event which includes medi¬ cal processing, haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, and squadron assignments, marks the start of 38 days of basic cadet training and is designed to prepare the basic cadets for entry into the Wing.

During the first 19 days, most Basic Cadet Training (BCT) is conducted within the cadet area. July 20, all cadets marched to Jack’s Valley for 15 days of field training, which involved physical conditioning, athletic and spiritual activities. Aparade at Stillman Parade Field on Aug. 8 marked the completion of BCT and the formal acceptance of the Class of 2002 into the Cadet Wing.

ATTENTION ALL FORMER MEMBERS OF THE USAFA CADET HONOR GUARD

The team is trying to create adatabase of pertinent information on every person who has ever been apart of the Cadet Honor Guard. Specifically, they are looking for name, rank, home/work phone, address, parent address, e-mail, and station. Please send your in¬ formation, any other teammate’s information, or simply the names of the teammates you remember to 2nd Lt. Jesse S. Jahn, 970 Pa¬ cific Hills Point #101, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, or e-mail him at j.ahnjs.PA@usafa.afmil or jahnjs@netscape.net.

lized to our bare-base site located near the Civil Engineering Field Train¬ ing Lab in Jack’s Valley. They were required to build and operate tbeir bare-base from scratch, to include atent city, field kitchen, base de¬ fense (to include M-16s and other weapons), civil engineering opera¬ tions, flight operations and command and control.

The paradigm shift of this program was using active. Guard, and Re¬ serve duty officers and NCOs as our cadre of trainers vice upper-class cadets. These 50-plus professionals from all over the total Air Force and career fields not only gave our cadets first class training, but this training cadre was specifically selected based on their “been there, done that" experience. Our third class cadets were tremendously impressed with the experience and professionalism these officers and NCOs brought to our training. For these cadets, it was their first experience to real-world situations, contingencies and joint operations.

The syllabus for GESP was designed to specifically complement the existing academic and military training programs at the Academy and to reinforce the professional development process for our cadets.

(Continued on page 95.)

Basic cadets received one-on-one attention from cadre members. (Photo courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Daniel Flynn, ’91, Earns Jabara Award

Capt. Daniel E. Flynn, Class of 1991, has been named the winner of the 1998 Jabara Award for Airmanship for sustained superior perfor¬ mance as aleader and pilot whose quick thinking and extraordinary professionalism have forced positive results from several life-threat¬ ening situations. He has been involved in serious aircraft emergen¬ cies, been shot at in Bosnia, led ano-notice, real-world rescue mission and performed flawlessly on countless JCS-directed and Joint Com¬ bined Exchange Training exercises in the Pacific Theater.

Captain Flynn’s accomplishments began during a16“' Special Op¬ erations Wing Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) where he flew six missions as an MC-130 aircraft commander. During one of these missions, he was rerouted while airborne, accomplishing arefueling in “hostile” territory, receiving an “outstanding” rating for the flight. Within 10 days of reporting at Kadena AB, he volunteered for ashort-notice contingency exercise in which he flew over 6,300 miles in two days logging over 22 hours of flight time and flying the first-ever refueling of MH-47 helicopters by 17* Special Operations Squadron crews.

Later, as akey participant in a353'“ Special Operations Group (SOG) ORI in conjunction with the JCS-directed exercise FOAL EAGLE, he airdropped 60 South Korean special forces troops and received arat¬ ing of “excellent.” Captain Flynn volunteered to take his crew to Italy over Christmas to relieve the 67* Special Operations Squadron at JOINT ENDEAVOR. He logged the first combat time for the 17* Special Op¬ erations Squadron since the end of the Vietnam conflict and was fired upon by 20mm AAA on his approach to Sarajevo, taking evasive action and completing his mission.

When the mission commander and support staff were delayed for JCS-directed exercise TANDEM THRUST in Australia, Captain Flynn stepped in to assume mission commander duties for four aircraft and 156 personnel while stUl performing his duties as squadron planner and working 24-hour shifts. Later, while flying atraining mission in Korea, his aircraft was hit by aflock of mallard ducks severely damag¬ ing the aircraft. His immediate actions prevented the loss of his air¬ craft.

When civil war erupted in Cambodia, Captain Flynn was handpicked as the aircraft commander on his group’s lead aircraft which deployed to Thailand. He then planned his unit’s first deployment to Alaska in two years from scratch, working all bed-down and logistics issues, plan¬ ning all sorties, and reworking the deployment when atyphoon forced evacuation two days prior to scheduled departure. He was then sent to Squadron Officers School where he graduated first in his flight and was later chosen as the 353'“ SOG Pilot of the Year for 1997.

While deployed to Korea for atraining exercise, on completion of a 13-hour mission. Captain Flynn heard about arescue operation for a downed F-16. He immediately offered assistance, received acrew day extension and had his aircraft refueled and prepared for flight. Flying to the scene, his aircraft relieved an AC-130H which was acting as on¬ scene commander. His crew found afuel spill in the water and di¬ rected helicopters and South Korean naval vessels to the area, and also provided air refueling for the helicopters.

Captain Flynn’s professionalism, leadership skills, and aviation ex¬ pertise make him imminently deserving of the Colonel James Jabara Award, which will be presented to him by Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, ’65, at the Jabara Award Parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 3at Stillman Field during Homecoming 1998.

The other distinguished nominees for the 1998 Jabara Award were:

Lt Col Elden J. Kocourek, ’79, nominated by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Airborne Early Warning Force, E-3A Component, Geilenkirchen Air Base Germany, for his exceptional leadership and brilliant airmanship skills while serving as the Chief of Component Standardization and Evaluations of Flying Squadron Three.

Maj Steve D. Hughes, ’86, nominated by U.S. Air Forces in Europe for his superior performance as an F-15E Strike Eagle instructor pilot (IP) and flight commander while assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and the 494th Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force, Lakenheath, England, from 1Jan 1996 to 1Jan 1998.

Maj David N. Larson, ’86, nominated by Air Force Materiel Command for his outstanding leadership, airmanship, and management as the project pilot for the development flight test of the newest F-15C Op¬ erational Flight Program, the F-15 Suite 3, the F-15C APG-63(v)l ra-

dar, and the T-38 Avionics Upgrade program. He also served as the project pilot for the new Coast Guard RU-38 surveillance aircraft.

Maj Michael A. Reichert, ’84, nominated hy Air Education and Training Command for his outstanding leadership and airmanship, operation¬ ally and as an instructor pilot, at the F- 15C formal training unit at TydaU AFB, Florida. Maj Reichert’s superior performance and phenomenal instructor pilot skills unquestionably increased the comhat readiness and overall effectiveness of the Combat Air Forces.

Capt Anthony H. Green, ’89, nominated by Air Mobility Command for his exceptional leadership, superior technical expertise, and finelyhoned aviation skills which were instrumental in preventing acritical KC-135 airborne emergency during amission in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH. While on aheavy weight, critical take-off, the aircraft pitched up violently. Due Capt Green’s quick thinking and he¬ roic actions, he saved the lives of his eight crewmmembers and pre¬ vented the loss of the aircraft by aborting the take-off.

Capt David WHicks, ’89, nominated by Pacific Air Forces for his su¬ perior leadership and management role in the A-lO’s most compre¬ hensive avionics upgrade which enables the A-10 to enter the 21st cen¬ tury as the most capable close air support aircraft in the world. Based on Capt Hick’s tireless efforts, airmanship skills, and tactical knowledge, he effectively improved the A-lO’s capabilities, safety, and maximized pilot efficiency, as well as provided training to other A-10 pilots on these improvements.

Capt Patrick M. Keenan, ’89, nominated by Air Combat Command for his heroic actions in successfully recovering his EC-130H aircraft after an extremely rare two-engine shutdovm. Capt Keenan’s excep¬ tional leadership, in depth knowledge of aircraft systems, bravery, and strict attention to detail saved the lives of his 17-person crew and the certain loss of the aircraft.

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

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

Serving on this year’s selection committee were. XP -Col. Thomas G. Rackley, ’71 (Chairman); AOG -Col. (Ret) Charles A. Denham, ‘67; AHCol. Laurence A. Fariss ‘75; 34 TRW -Lt. Col.Douglas N. Barlow, ‘78; DF -Lt.Col. Ronald RFurstenau, ‘78; and 10 ABW -Col. Steven J. DeHaven

‘71. 1

The Hong Kong Connection

Christine Gacharna sent in this photo taken May 16 on Hong Kong Island. The two USAFA graduates, Capt. Jeanne Wilkins, ’94; and Christine’s husband, Capt. Carlos Gacharna, ’92, are both stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and came across the familiar patch in asidestreet vendor’s hat shop.

Robert Blount, Jr., ‘81, is Named Black Engineer of the Year

At the 1998 Black Engineer of the Year Awards held in Baltimore, Md. earlier this year, Robert “Bobby” Blount, Jr. won the prestigious Com¬ munity Service Award for his community work in San Antonio, Texas. Blount is an engineer working as agroup leader at the MITRE Corporation’s site in San Antonio, where he is responsible for the Air Force Electronic Systems Center Cryptologic Systems Group. Among other things, the group provide’s security for the F-22 fighter avionics system.

Bobby Blount, ‘81

But Blount also works off the job in tbe public interest, contributing his engineering and leadership skills to the community around him in away few can match. Take, for instance, the Texas Region Race Car Event that was held in May. Nearly 200 elementary and middle school boys and girls in San Antonio, Houston and Austin competed for top honors in their hand-made solar-powered vehicles. These third-toeighth grade children, primarily Blacks and Hispanics, were participat¬ ing in what for many was their first major science and engineering project. The Texas race was Blount’s creation; he designed it to intro¬ duce science to students in an exciting, hands-on way.

Blount has been equally active in promoting sports activity. When his

seven-year-old son joined alocal soccer team, he jumped in as the coach, then became the fund-raising chair and eventually soccer vice president for the Alamo City Youth Soccer Organization, which involves more than 2,000 kids. And when he’s not doing that, he coaches aboy’s basketball team. In addition, for one day aweek, Blount makes his time available to mentor fourth-graders at Lackland City Elementary School in the “Success for All Reading" Program geared to at-risk youth.

Bount is also vice president for grants for San Antonio’s Northside Education Foundation where he helps to select and administer hun¬ dreds of grants and scholarships to teacher programs throughout San Antonio’s Northside Independent School District. City-wide, he is a member of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Board of Direc¬ tors, and director of MITER’s Adopt-a-School program, which provides mentors for at-risk students and has provided new computers and World Wide Web technology to the schools.

To Blount, an involvement Is an obligation. Having received bis en¬ gineering degree in 1981 from the Air Force Academy, he master’s de¬ gree in 1984 from St. Mary’s University, and alaw degree in 1992 from George Mason University, he believes in sharing what he has earned. “Since I’ve been given opportunities to succeed, Ithink Ihave are¬ sponsibility to try and give as many opportunities to others as Ican,” he said.

Blount has also been instrumental in getting other MITRE staff to be more active in the community. In his words, “We have avery strong team structure which really adds to the variety of activities that Isup¬ port.” Between work and community involvement, Blount has still found time for ahobby. He’s aweight lifter. And as one might expect, he’s excelled at this as well, placing fourth in last year's National Powerlifting Championships.

First Academy Grad, HeatherWilson, *82, Elected to Congress

Heather Wilson, USAFA ’82, was elected to Congress representing Albuquerque, N.M. on June 23, 1998 in aspecial election to replace the late Congressman Steve Schiff. Wilson is the first graduate of the Air Force Academy to serve in Congress and the first woman veteran in the history of the United States to serve in the House of Represen¬ tatives. She is also the first Republican woman elected from the State of New Mexico and only the second woman elected to Congress from the Land of Enchantment.

Congresswoman Wilson, ‘82

Wilson grew up in aflying family. Her grandfather flew in World War Iand was an aviation pioneer in New England in the ‘20s and '30s. Her father built experimental airplanes and was apilot for Northeast Airlines before his untimely death in acar accident in 1967.

"I was ajunior in high school when the Air Force Academy opened its doors to women, and 1decided to apply,” Wilson said. “I was just 17 years old the day Ileft for the Academy, the age my father was when he enlisted in the Air Force and the age my grandfather was when he signed up for the Royal Flying Corps.

“My time at the Academy continues to influence me to this day,” Wilson said. “The discipline, the work ethic, the pursuit of knowl¬ edge and the code of honor Ilearned whUe there provided the tools I needed for asuccessful life. The Academy was the beginning of alife 1could not have imagined for myself.”

Wilson’s cadet career included being vice wing commander and commander of Basic Cadet Training in Jack’s Valley for the Class of 1985. After graduation she was awarded aRhodes Scholarship and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from Oxford University in England.

Wilson was assigned at Headquarters 3rd Air Force, RAF Mildenhall as anegotiator and political advisor for the U.S. Air Force in Britain through 1987 and finished up her Air Force career at the United States Mission to NATO in Belgium. After leaving the Air Force, Wilson be¬ came Director for European Defense Policy and Arms Control on the National Security Council staff at the White House.

Heather formed Keystone International Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1991 to work with senior executives in large American de-

Navigators and Observers Honored at the Academy

By Albert W. Brodecki, Jr. (XPA)

On June 12, the Navigators and Observers Association placed a memorial plaque in the Academy Cemetery. This plaque honored all navigators and observers, past, present and future, who serve in the United States military forces. Lt. Col. Pete Karnoski, USAF (Ret), president of the Navigators and Observers Association, presented the plaque at a10 a.m. ceremony in the cemetery.

Col. Richard Dovming, lO* Air Base Wing commander, was the acceptance officer for the Academy. Colonel Downing, USAFA Class of 1970 and the senior navigator on the Academy, stated “this plaque is long overdue.” Lt. Col. Debbie Gray, USAFA Class of 1980, of the superintendent’s staff, said “It’s always nice to have groups like this share their stories with us. Ienjoyed talking with them, knowing that they are an important part of our heritage.”

fense and scientific corporations with business development and pro¬ gram planning work in the United States and Russia.

Wilson was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Chil¬ dren, Youth and Families Department in 1994. While with the Depart¬ ment she spearheaded successful initiatives that addressed juvenile crime, abuse and neglect, child care and education. Heather led efforts within New Mexico to revise state laws so that more violent juveniles are treated as adults, and she implemented acomprehensive reform and expansion of the state’s juvenile corrections system.

As amember of Congress, Heather will be working on federal legisla¬ tion to tackle the problem of juvenile crime and drug use and improv¬ ing education.

Her first vote in Congress was to reform the IRS and she is supporting legislation to eliminate the marriage penalty, which costs married people an average of $1,400 per year.

Wilson’s district is centered in Albuquerque and includes Bernalillo and Torrance counties as well as parts of Santa Fe, Sandoval and Valencia counties. Included in the district is Kirdand Air Force Base and the De¬ partment of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories.

Wilson is married to Jay Hone, an attorney in Albuquerque. Jay taught law at the Air Force Academy in 1981-82 and serves as the Judge Advo¬ cate General for the New Mexico Air Guard. They have three children, Scott, Joshua and Caitlin Hone.

Wilson confirmed that at the UNM vs. Air Force game, she will still be cheering for the Falcons. Otherwise, it’s “Go Lobos!”

1975 Graduate Running for the U.S. Senate in California

By Raul E. Cisneros ’86

Matt Fong, ’75, California’s state treasurer since 1995, won the Re¬ publican U.S. Senate nomination on June 2’''* by aconvincing 130,000 votes. He will challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer in the November 3"* general election. Matt will focus his campaign on strengthening the nation’s defense, improving California’s educational system, and completely overhauling the IRS as we know it.

Matt Fong, ‘75

Upon graduation. Matt worked in the data processing field and, after leaving active duty, started asmall business, earned amaster’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University and alaw de¬ gree from Southwestern University School of Law. Matt entered poli¬ tics in 1990 running for state controller. In 1991, he was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson to the State Board of Equalization. In 1994, he was elected State Treasurer and became California’s chief fi nancial of fi cer. The Fong family has avery distinguished record of public service for his mother, March Fong Eu, was California’s secretary of state for 20 years.

As state treasurer. Matt has improved California’s bond rating, reduced the bureaucracy, and dramatically increased student loan programs, permitting more lower-income students to go to college. Matt is alieu¬ tenant colonel in the Reserves and alicensed pilot. Matt also serves as aliaison officer counseling Air Force Academy candidates. He and his wife, Paula, have two children, Matthew II and Jade, and live in the Los Angeles area.

By Tim Davidson, ‘68

The trek back to the hailowed haiis of USAFA was accomplished in typical ’68 fashion -aminute or two devoted to reorienting ourselves to the altitude and the rest of the time spent visiting, laughing, and “remembering when” with lifelong friends. To quote Billy Crystal imi¬ tating Fernando Lamas, it was "Simply MAHVELLLOUS!!!”

Sharing some special moments with lifelong friends: From left seated are Marcia and Jim Reese, and Steve and Connie Staley. Standing are Tim, Alicia, and Lisa Davidson, and Bob Daley.

With any effort of this magnitude, it takes sheer determination, per¬ severance, asupportive family, and unending patience to pull it off.

To our reunion chairman, Bob Denny, and our Colorado-based reunion committee, the Class of ’68 is greatly indebted. The class is also “in debt” to Bill Sasz, fellow classmate and owner of Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub. With the time spent and tabs paid by the class during our four-day stay. Bill should be well on his way to financing next year’s rent! As the photos suggest, agood time was had by all.

Standing Room Only: From left are Mike and Then Moffitt, andBrenda and Tony Robertson.

Caughlin did agreat job as bus commander and group coordinator for ‘68's road trip to Denver to see the Colorado Rockies stage adramatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory in the S* inning over the Arizona Dia¬ mondbacks.

The next day, the “typical” weather for Colorado in June left our group with amisty rain and fog to deal with as we headed for more adventure and competitive enterprises. For the whitewater rafters, the trip south was just what the doctor ordered. The skies cleared and the water was refreshing as our gang went rolling on the river. For the "scenic walk¬ ers,” there was not much relief from the moisture as the vistas in the Garden of the Gods broke open and then became obscured while our merry band went through our paces along the interior walking trails. (Based on some rather odiferous clues, it should be noted that the ana¬ lysts among us determined these same trails had been used for horse¬ back riding earlier in the day.)

Amidst the greeting exchange as classmates congregated wondering who would be next to arrive in the lobby via the Antler’s elevators, we also managed to get in afew scheduled activities. On 3June, Don

For the afternoon golf tournament, the heavens opened, lightning bolts began crashing all around, and the temperature began falling like arock. No one in the group made it past the 6* hole. As recounted by Jeanne Veteto, “my hand was shaking so much from the cold that Icould not put the ball on the tee.” Jeanne was particularly disappointed, be¬ cause she had been practicing for six months prior to the event to im¬ prove her score from our 25* reunion. Better luck next millennium, Jeanne!

Unlike the ill-fated golf tournament, Marty Cole’s handball tourna¬ ment came off without ahitch. You could tell the participants of the

Jack Quinn’s owner posing with some familiar lads and lassies: From left are the Burgamys, BennyVeteto, Maria and Clark Gerhardt, and Bill Sasz.

# %8

’68’s Scenic Walkers: From left kneeling are Carl and Debbie Janssen and Tim Davidson. First row standing: Rusty McBride, Gail Bednarz, Cinda and Roger Sorensen, Alicia Davidson, Priscilla and John Free¬ man, and Lisa Davidson. Second row standing: Brinda and Jim Th¬ ompson, and JoAnn Parrish. Pinnacle person: Jeff Parrish.

Meanwhile, at another table, from left are Joe Roberts, John Sullivan, Dan Bucchioni, and Lynn and J. Ferron.

3rd Squadron -the last two years: From left kneeling are Jim Reese and Steve Staley. Standing: BUI Maywhort, Chuck Yoos, Pat McBride, Tim Davidson, and Clark Gerhardt. contest by the black tee shirts that Marty had crafted and had all of them wear at our barbecue on Saturday.

On Friday, 5June, exactly 30 years to the day from our graduation, we had our memorial service led by Manny Bettencourt and Chuck Yoos as adriving snow shower descended on spectators outside the chapel. The service was followed by aclass photo, and then Manny did the hon¬ ors for arenewal of wedding vows for 44 couples.

IDo-Again. Manny Bettencourt officiates renewal ofweddingvows for Dave and Alex Prevost.

That evening, we had afantastic banquet at the Antlers, which fea¬ tured good food, avery long toast to the Air Force by Ed Leonard, a retrospective on the last 30 years presented by Ed Eberhart, and some outstanding music provided by adance band formed from the original Air Eorce Academy Band. Bob Lushbaugh was designated "Dance King” for the night and represented us well with his deftness of foot and rhythm. It was also atime for squadron photos.

On Saturday we wrapped it up with more outdoor activities and a great barbecue. As the sun set behind those beautiful mountains on

“Until we meet again, amigos, happy trails. ” our last day, I’ll leave it up to Tony Eden to wish you all afond farewell until next time -which could be as soon as acruise in the year 2000. [For any classes interested, see ‘68’s fall column for more info on this great idea from Benny Veteto. If you can’t wait to find out, call Benny at (501) 760-1585.]

Feedback Being Gathered on Performance of Academy Graduates

By Col. Thomas G. Rackley, ‘71 HQ USAFA, Director, Plans and Programs

At the direction of the Academy Superintendent, USAFA’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment has launched afollow-up to its 1995 graduate performance survey. In late June of 98, surveys were sent to the supervisors of 850 graduates of the Classes of'94, ‘95, and ‘96. Five hundred of those supervisors were asked to both accomplish abrief survey and forward identical surveys to the graduates they su¬ pervise and apeer of each graduate. The surveys asked for 1-5 (very poor to very good) ratings of how well the graduate was performing in 10 critical areas: integrity/ethics, commitment/dedication, honesty, dependability/trustworthiness, positive attitude/enthusiasm, respon¬ sibility for their actions, respect (earned and given), loyalty initiative/ motivation, and willingness to learn/humility. Scaled behavioral ex¬ amples ranging from poor to good were provided for each characteris¬ tic. Nearly 50% of those surveys have already been completed and re¬ turned to USAFA.

In addition, 350 surveys were sent directly to graduates of the same classes asking for feedback on adozen of USAFAs most critical mili¬ tary, academic, athletic, and character outcomes to include: the ability to frame and resolve ill-de fined problems, intellectual curiosity, writ¬ ing skills, breadth of integrated knowledge, decisiveness, service ori¬ entation, commitment to conditioning and physical fitness, leadership, and some questions specifically for USAFA Prep School Graduates. Mailed two weeks later than the other instrument, there’s been nearly a25% response rate on these surveys.

Feedback from first-line supervisors of academy graduates, peers of graduates, and the graduates themselves will provide the Academy with critical and timely indicators of how well USAFA graduates are perform¬ ing within their first few years of commissioned service. Such astruc¬ tured effectiveness assessment will allow the Academy to not only see how it’s doing but also better focus improvement efforts.

If you did not receive asurvey but would like to provide feedback as a member of the Class of ‘94, ‘95, or ‘96 or provide feedback on amem¬ ber of these classes that you supervise, asurvey can be sent to you by contacting Lt. Col. Lee Leber, at HQ USAFA/XPR, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 300, USAF Academy CO 80840-5002 or call DSN 333-6892 (FAX 3333263).

7* Squadron -the first two years: From left are Tim Davidson, Marty Cole, Jim Reese, Roger Sorensen, John Rominger, Dave Kozak, GaryVasek, and Joe Michel.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN A

Bill Fanning called Tuxedo, New York his home. There he graduated from Tuxedo High School, as valedictorian, and started college at RPI. Fortunately for the Air Force, he changed course and entered the U.S. Air Force Academy, as amember of the Class of 1963, known as the Golden Boys.

Upon graduation. Bill went to flight school near Lubbock, Texas. His first major operational assignment was as pilot of the Lockheed C-130, atactical airlift assault transport. He became an instructor pilot and logged thousands of hours in this aircraft, much of it in Vietnam. He fl ew 459 combat sorties from Feb 66 to Feb 67 and was awarded anum¬ ber of decorations to include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf clusters, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation.

Later Bill graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology with a Master of Science degree in systems engineering. He was assigned to the Air Force Communications Satellite project office at Hanscom Field, Massachusetts. Not long thereafter, Bill, at age 36, was dealt asevere blow; he nearly died from amassive heart attack. Despite the set back, Bill persevered; he fought Air Force conclusions that his career be medically terminated and won. He took his unique skills to the Head¬ quarters North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs where he served until retirement in 1983 as aMajor.

Bill then joined Ford Aerospace, later Loral, and continued his work as aspace systems engineer until his second retirement in 1996. At that time he and his wife, Barbara, focused on their dream to live in the Colorado high country. They ultimately purchased 35 acres of the Three Streams Ranch where Bill died doing what he wanted to do in aplace he wanted to be. (Jim Thyng,’63, andPhii Tate, ’63)

DonaidR. Simmons, ’63

Donald R. Simmons died of complications resulting from cancer on April 9, 1998 in Torrance, Calif. Don had fought cancer with great strength and determination since diagnosed in early 1984. He is sur¬ vived by his son Steven of Mckinleyville, Calif

Don was born on Sept. 18,1941 to Leo and Alice Simmons in Moun¬ tain Grove, Mo. He grew up afarm boy and after graduation from Mt. Grove High in 1959 he went straight into the Air Force Academy. While abit of ahell-raiser as acadet, Don proved himself to be adetermined, loyal and hardworking officer.

Don became acivil engineer and did tours at HamUton, Andrews, Los Angeles Air Force Station, and Kadena in Okinawa. The personal highlight to his career was aterm for NASA in the early 1970s where he was strongly involved in the early shuttle program. After retirement from the Air Force, he continued to work for them as aconsulting en¬ gineer at the Los Angeles station.

Don was dedicated to his work and literally worked to the day he died, never complaining or asking for special treatment. He enjoyed golfing and big game fishing, which he also did all the way to the end.

He will be dearly missed by those who knew him. “Dad, you finally got your wings. Isalute you sir.” (Steven S. Simmons, son)

Wiiiiam R. Engebretson, ’65

William Engebretson died of aheart attack on July 25,1991 at his home in Saugus, Calif. Engo was 48 years old. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and daughter Paige, who was four at the time of his unexpected death.

Bill came to the Air Force Academy from St. Paul, Minn. As acadet, he gritted his teeth and endured the core curriculum's many mathemat¬ ics and engineering courses. His real interests, however, lay elsewhere. Engo’s natural feel for people, organizations, and their interactions led him to political science.

After graduation. Bill headed to pilot training. Like so many of his classmates, he graduated with wings and abackseat F-4 assignment. Following radar school at Davis-Monthan, BUI went to Eglin for ashort transition course into the airplane and assignment to his first fighter squadron. During his year or so at Eglin he was involved in the Igloo White sensor program and served his time in the backseat.

The demands of the fighting in Southeast Asia, however, did not leave Bill stuck in the backseat as long as some. Apipeline assignment to the war soon followed and, after front seat transition training, he arrived at Danang in mid-1968 where he flew acombat tour with the 366“’ Tacti¬ cal Fighter Wing. Following ayear at Danang, BUI went to Yokota and, when the F-4 wing there left Japan, he was sent to Kadena along with the rest of Yokota’s F-4C Wild Weasel squadron.

By this time in his career, Engo had developed astrong commitment to the idea that the “real Air Force” resided in flying fighters in aline squadron. WhUe many of us had the same conviction when we were lieutenants and captains. Bill, perhaps more than most, continued to pursue adeep-felt commitment to the fighter business throughout his Air Force career. From Kadena he went to MacDUl as areplacement training unit (RTU) instructor pilot. After MacDUl he spent some years working on afollow-on to the AN-MSQ 77 radar bombing system which had been used in Southeast Asia to permit fighters to attack preselected targets in bad weather.

Following his stint in weapons development at Eglin, Bill requalified in the F-4, received refresher Weasel training at Nellis, and headed for Clark in the Philippines. There he met Gloria, the love of his life, and they were married in 1981. They were subsequently assigned to Ramstein, where Bill worked in USAFE Headquarters. After Ramstein, Bill went to Fort Polk for an air liaison assignment with the Army. After retiring from the Air Force in 1986, BUI joined Litton in Van Nuys, Calif. His daughter Paige was born ayear later, turning the long-time fighter pilot into adoting father overnight.

It is impossible to sum up alife, particularly of aclassmate who died so unexpectedly and so young. When we were stationed together at Yokota and Kadena, Engo became Uncle BUI to my two young daugh-

Donald R. Simmons, ’63

William R. Engebretson, ’65

Wiiiiam ]. Fanning, ‘63

Arnold WTan, '67

ters, who are now grown. And Iwill not forget the wit and insight with which he was always able to dissect the foibles of higher authority and higher headquarters, especially when we were cadets and young fighter pilots. My fondest memories of Bill, however, are much later, after we had both retired. They are of the enormous delight and joy he had in watching his own daughter. He sadly did not live to see her grow up. Engo is still missed by none more than the wife and daughter he left behind. (BarryD. Watts, ’65)

Arnold WTan, ’67

On April 30, 1998, Arnold Wesley Tan completed his journey on this earth in Glendale, Ariz. Under abrUliant Arizona sun, and with full mili¬ tary honors, his loving wife, Lona, his daughters Amy and Katie and their husbands, and his son leremy bid Arnie afinal farewell. Also in attendance were Arnie’s mother, Sally, his brother Lee Loy, his grand¬ son Trenton, and many, many of his friends. Arnie is also survived by his sister, Leonetta.

Arnie was born in Hilo, on the big island of Hawaii, in September of 1945. As ayoung boy he would grab his bicycle and pedal as fast as he could to the local airfield whenever he heard an airplane approaching. Thus began apassion for the love of flying and aseeding of the roots of devotion to his country that would weave their way through his life¬ time.

As the first native from the big island of Hawaii to be appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Arnie arrived in June of 1963 and began apur¬ suit of his passion with his typical devotion and sincerity. Whether he was running (some would say attacking) the obstacle course to show a newly-arrived “Doolie” how it was reaffy supposed to be done, or guid¬ ing the beautiful Academy falcons to perform to his desire as aUSAFA falconer, Arnie began to touch many people with his typical intense desire to help others achieve their potential. As aperfectionist, he re¬ fused to accept mediocrity from himself or those who were important to him. This desire and Arnie’s unsel fi sh attitude were characteristics that set Arnie apart. Even though Arnie considered himself among the "height challenged” people of the world, those of us who knew him recognized that the shadow he cast was much larger than his stature. He truly touched the hearts and minds of many with whom he came in contact.

Achieving atop spot in his pilot training class earned Arnie aslot to Minot to fly the F-106. After upgrading in the F-4, he went to Southeast Asia for atour at Ubon and then returned again to the F-106 at Tyndall AFB. Recognized for his exceptional flying skills and an ability to pass those abilities on to other (lighter pilots, he was named as one of the initial cadre of pilots who would fly, and teach others to fly, the F-15 at Luke AFB where he was assigned to the “Deadly Jester” (461TFTS). He interrupted his F-15 career with aHQ TAG staff tour at Langley. Return¬ ing to Luke to once again fly the Eagle, he served as operations officer, and later as squadron commander of the 405 TTS. Throughout his ca¬ reer, Arnie influenced other people to be better than they thought they could be, and after 20 years, Arnie retired and entered the world of com¬ mercial aviation. After flying for America West Airlines for four and a half years, Arnie changed to Southwest Airlines, where he had recently upgraded to captain, and where he flew until the time of his death. Duty, honor and country were more than just words to Arnie. They were commitments which he embodied in his iife. Duty to his country

Thomas R. Kendall, ‘69

earned him many honors and the respect and admiration of his peers. Among his many decorations were the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meri¬ torious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Medal. Arnie tirelessly, quietly, and unselfishly poured himself into his responsibilities. Duty to family, as ahusband, father, grandfather, son, and sibling were as important to Arnie as his passion for his country. Arnie and Lona were married after graduation and pilot training in 1968 following acourtship that only the Academy could foster, and together they buUt their family and shared their love. His heritage and cultural roots were very meaningful to him and in his own reflective way he never forgot who he was.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have been touched by Arnie shall not soon forget him, but we will miss him dearly. We rejoice in knowing that we were privileged to have shared some time on this earth with him. Arnie made adifference and would have agreed with the quote from Robert Frost included in the front of the 1967 Polaris, “Two roads diverged in awood, and I-1 took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” We know that he is in abetter piace, and pray that he may rest in peace. (Bob Rietdorf, ’70)

Thomas R. Kendall, ‘69

Thomas Rexford Kendall died on May 10, 1998, from amassive heart attack. It needed to be massive because it took from us amassive man, with amassive heart, who uniquely touched the lives of those of us who were fortunate enough to have knovm and loved him. Not unexpect¬ edly, Tom passed away while involved with helping someone he loved, his sister Laura. Tom was visiting Laura in Sacramento, Calif., and died while mowing her lawn. Aneighbor saw Tom collapse and, although medical personnel were there within minutes, Tom could not be revived. In amoment -literally aheartbeat -someone who was larger than life was snatched away from it.

Tom was born October 5, 1945. The second of five children, Tom at¬ tended high school at Alhambra High. After his father’s untimely death, Tom led his mother, brother and sisters on aworld tour while still in his teens. Tom returned to Alhambra and reaped the honors that were his due. He continued to excel in football, and he was selected as the first team linebacker for the All-Southern California team. His senior year, Tom was also team captain, student body president, and president of his senior class -foreshadowings of things to come.

Although courted by several Division Ischools with offers of “big time” football, Tom, answering acall that he heard but perhaps did not under¬ stand, came to USAFA’s prep school in 1964. Tom earned an appoint¬ ment to the Academy and entered with the Class of 1969 in June, 1965. Through those endless days of in-processing and dragging bags of equip¬ ment around the cadet area, his classmates caught aglimpse of this tall, chiseled-out-of-granite young man who they would eventually elect to lead them. My first glimpse of Tom came when Ididn’t think Icould walk another step, having been in-processed almost to death. There he stood, at one of the cross hallways in “Hun” squadron, with one laundry bag bursting at the seams perched on his shoulder, one under an arm, and two, belonging to abeleaguered classmate, being dragged behind him. Both literally and figuratively he seemed to block out the sun. Through¬ out basic training Tom’s spirit, determination, and fierce competitive¬ ness were amodel to the rest of us, and sometimes it appeared

that we were sucked along in his wake. It was during this first summer, following his T-33 orientation ride that Tom knew his future would al¬ ways be entwined with flight.

BCT melted away into academics, the football season, and CS-24. Before long, Tom’s leadership qualities were recognized by his class¬ mates and upperclassmen alike. Tom became an honor representa¬ tive and helped galvanize his fellow “doolies” into aformidable group who withstood every rigor that CS-24 could throw at them. Then fol¬ lowed our first "Dark Ages”, hell week, recognition, the “ZI”, air base defense, survival, all coming at us like the proverbial sip of water from afire hose. Throughout it all, Tom Kendall remained aconstant -jaw locked, eyes forward, in front, leading the way.

Tom “shuffled” from 24th to 7th Squadron, and left his mark there, too. Forsaking varsity football, Tom helped lead “Seagrams 7” to two consecutive No. 1standings in USAFA intramurals. Always on the Commandant’s List, Tom eventually got the best of the dean, too, fin¬ ishing on the Superintendent’s List and serving as 7th Squadron com¬ mander. Tom, like the rest of us, yearned for 4June ’69 and ashot at the “RAF”. Through ablur came 100th night, uniform fittings and, fi¬ nally, graduation. While Tom was commissioned with the rest of us, several of us still remember hearing that infamous message over the security flight loudspeakers on the afternoon of 4June, “Cadet First Class Kendall, please report to the commandant’s office ...” After a slightly late graduation, and one last tussle with Robin Olds, Tom put USAFA in his rearview mirror and pointed the modified ‘Vette south for pilot training.

After UPT, Tom served in Southeast Asia, first as copilot, and then as the aircraft commander, in C-123s. Tom logged nearly 600 combat hours but may have been remembered for one remarkable aircraft ferry trip that almost qualified for its own “short tour.” Back to jets, Tom came home to fly the T-38, first at Laredo, then Reese, serving as an IR wing Stan eval officer, and aremote detachment commander.

Although he loved the cockpit, Tom could not dodge “career broad¬ ening” forever. He had amemorable tour in Korea, as aide to the com¬ mander of U.S. Forces Korea, GeneralVessey. Tom served through some harrowing times on that peninsula, including the infamous "tree-chopping” incident that threatened to make an unsteady truce very hot. After Korea, Tom returned to the cockpit, flying F-4s at Nellis, where he served as aflight commander, executive officer, and as adetach-

Remains in Tomb of Unknowns

Those of Michael Blassie, 70

The remains of P' Lt. Michael J. Blassie, Class of 1970, buried in the Tomb of the Unknovms in Arlington Cemetery for 14 years, were disin¬ terred from the tomb and proven to be those of Blassie through DNA testing which was unavailable when he was enshrined there in 1984. He was buried with full military honors in the oldest section of the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo. on July 11.

Defense Secretary William Cohen and House Minority Leader Rich¬ ard Gephardt were among the hundreds of people who attended the ceremony which was presided over by one of Blassie’s sisters, Pat, a captain in the Air Force Reserve. Before the casket was lowered into the ground, his mother, Jean, silently removed ared, white, and blue cloth cover from her son’s two-foot-high, white marble gravestone and poured out six ounces of dirt collected from Arlington National Cem¬ etery on May 14, the day his remains were disinterred from the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Blassie, 24, was shot down May 11, 1972, at the controls of his A-37 Dragonfly during abombing run over An Loc, in Vietnam. His remains were recovered later that year and taken to the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii where officials said they were “believed to be” those of Blassie. But the evidence was too slim and that designation was removed in 1979.

Blassie was then listed as “killed in action, no body recovered.” In 1984, on Memorial Day, the remains were buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington. For the past year, Pat Blassie crusaded for the disinterment, convinced that the remains entombed without aname were those of her brother.

The remains were brought back to St. Louis, and amemorial service was held at St. Thomas the Aposde Catholic Church, where he was re¬ membered as acourageous young man who fought for peace.

Paul E. Bickie, 70

ment commander during “Red Flag.” Then Tom returned to Williams, once more as an IR but this time in the F-5, where he also served as chief of Flight Test. Tom ended his Air Force career on the Joint Staff, where he served as congressional liaison until his retirement in 1988.

Predictably, Tom returned to flying in 1988 on Presidential Airlines out of Washington, D.C., and eventually was aflight engineer, first of¬ ficer, or captain for Pan American, Ryan Air, and Southwest. While fly¬ ing for Pan Am, Tom accepted abasing in Berlin, undoubtedly helping accelerate the complete liberation of that formerly divided city! At the time of his death, had amassed over 5,000 hours in flying time, with most of it as pilot in command.

Tom’s accomplishments were great, but they were overshadowed by something about him that made him special to everyone who knew him. Tom was not perfect, but who could stand perfection? Certainly not Tom. Like the rest of us, he knew his imperfections could not dim those things that remained absolutely constant through his life -loy¬ alty to his friends, love for his family, and service to his country.

Tom is survived by his sisters, Bonnie Britton of San Carlos, Calif., Laura Kendall of Sacramento, and Patricia Kendall of San Diego. Tom’s brother Richard lives in Colorado Springs. Tom’s ashes were scattered near aplace that he loved, but the best part of Tom remains enshrined in our memo¬ ries, and what he was, and what he meant to us, will remain locked within us until our final days are counted. When you think of Tom, whether alone, with loved ones, or at areunion of classmates, lift abeer to him and his memory. Tom would like that. (Glenn Schlabs, ’69)

PaulE. Bickie, '70

Paul E. Bickie died in April 1998, in Euless, Texas, after abrief illness. Memorial Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, in Ves¬ tal, N.Y. He is survived by one daughter and her husband, Elizabeth and Carlo SUvestri; one son, Morgan Bickie; his mother, Helen E. Bickie; one brother, Fr. John Bickie, OFM Conv; and one sister and her hus¬ band, Mary Elizabeth and Eric Hughs.

Paul was born on September 7,1948, to Robert S. Bickie and Helen E. Bickie in Bethlehem, Pa. He moved with family to Appalachian, N.Y. As ayouth, Paul took great pride in the variation of his interest. He was a die-hard Yankee fan. He started as apitcher in Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion, and high school baseball, participating in the semi¬ finals for state tournaments. He was amusician drum sergeant for the Vestal band, and he arranged music for the drummers. He played in the Grenadier Drum and Bugle Corps. Both were winners of national tournaments. In addition, even before his Air Force days, Paul devel¬ oped as aleader. He etirned an award as Eagle Scout, and served in a fraternity devoted to community service. As ascholar, he became an exchange student during high school and studied at the University of Peruga in Italy. He was elected aNational Honor Society Member. Un¬ known to most of us was his interest in poetry, published in periodi¬ cals.

He entered the Air Force Academy in 1966. He maintained his inter¬ ests in sports, and as his Doolie roommate, Ican attest to the fanati¬ cism of his devotion to the Yankees and his admiration of drum music. He challenged the rigors of the Air Force Academy academics, while he enjoyed the prospects and training that led to his future contributions and success in the Air Force.

He had an interesting and successful Air Force career. He was amain-

Thomas J. Schmitt, ‘74

tenance officer, whose work was vital to national security. He served as an EC-121 pilot whose radar surveillance missions contributed to the defense of the continental United States. As aT-43 pilot, he flew missions helping to train hundreds of Air Force navigators. He worked as alogis¬ tics officer who planned in-flight refueling of bombers, aircraft and fighter aircraft in support of military missions worldwide. After separation from the Air Force, he was employed by American Airlines as chief instmctor pilot, and was alieutenant colonel in the Air Force Active Reserve.

He was extraordinarily proud of his years at the Academy and his years in the Air Force, and very proud of those who he called friends. He was always supportive of his associates and the Air Force. His engaging smile and his knack for spinning ayarn allowed him to transmit his love of the Air Force to others. Ihave yet to meet another Air Force Academy graduate who remembers as much detail from the Air Force Academy and its culture as Paul remembered. He was especially dedicated to his family, with avery special place for his sister and brother, and steadfast commitment to his children.

Paul was our friend, and we miss him. {James Jacobson, ’70]

Thomas J. Schmitt, ‘74

Lt. Col. (USAFR) Thomas J. Schmitt, “TJ” died tragically on Dec. 22, 1997, in the crash of an experimental light aircraft near his home in Wellington, Fla. Born June 27, 1952, in Belleville 111., he is survived by his father, Dallas Schmitt, of Belleville, 111., and his daughter Courtney Spellmen of Fayetteville, N.C. At the time of his death, Tom was em¬ ployed by American Airlines flying the MD-11 out of Miami and assigned to Headquarters, Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, 111. as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA).

Tom excelled in everything he did during his life. He was a championship tennis player in high school in southern Illinois and com¬ peted against tennis great Jimmy Connors. His love for flying started early on, flying light aircraft while in high school. It was only natural that he accepted his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue his dream and love for aviation. Tom graduated from the USAFA in 1974 and immediately proceeded to pilot training. Following graduation from

Academy, Military Lose Key Figure

The Honorable Barry M. Goldwater, former Arizona senator, 1964 Re¬ publican candidate for president, retired Air Force Reserve major general and chairman emeritus of the Academy Board ofVisitors died May 29.

“The legacy left by Senator Goldwater to our nation during adistin¬ guished public service career that spanned 68 years cannot be over¬ stated,” said Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom. “His contributions to the people of the United States as amilitary officer, elected official and trusted adviser at the highest levels of government are without equal.”

Akey figure in national security issues throughout the last half of the 20'*' century, Goldwater was astrong supporter of the Academy. Many of the programs and facilities here can be traced directly to his com¬ mitment for this institution. The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center is one example of his many influences here.

“I join the entire Air Force in expressing our sorrow to his family,” Oelstrom said. “We mourn the loss of agreat leader and fellow airman...he was atrue American ‘original’ who will not be surpassed or replaced in our time.” (The Academy Spirit]

ChristopherK. CoSland, ‘85

UPT, he was assigned to Pope AFB flying the C-130. From there he flew the C-130 at Rhein-Main, Davis-Monthan, and Chicago O’Hare. The highlight of Tom’s career came when he was selected to serve as aUSAF exchange officer with the German Air Force; awonderful opportunity for this person of German-American heritage.

Tom lived life to the fullest, everyday. He loved being with people and enriched the lives of those he knew. Everyone who knew "TJ” had a special story, one that brought many laughs of the good times he shared with all. Tom was aman of passionate interests, most notable in recent years as he was restoring his Cessna “Cub” aircraft to its 1950’s condi¬ tion and service livery. He was ahunter and collector of rifles and pis¬ tols. He was abiker who was known to take a“road-trip” or two. He loved to brew his own beer; you might have thought he was last of the great German beer meisters.

“TJ”, super friend. Officer, and Gentleman. You lived every day with apassion. You left us far too soon and will be missed. Proud to have served with, and more important, proud to have knovm you. Godspeed until we meet again. (Col. [Ret] Ron Fuccillo)

Christopher K. CofHand, ‘85

Christopher Keith Coffland of Parker, Colo, died March 8, 1998 when his single-seat RV-3 crashed in Elbert County, Colo. Funeral ser¬ vices were held March 13'*' at the USAFA Cadet Catholic Chapel, with Interment at aChicago-area cemetery alongside his sister Debbie, July 25*. Chris is survived by his loving wife, Julie, daughter Charlotte Katherine born April 17,1998, parents Richard and Patricia, and broth¬ ers Scott, Jeff and Kent, all of Chicago, 111.

Chris was born on Jan 7, 1963 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. An Air Force brat, Chris moved about, finally graduating high school in 1981 at LaGrange, 111. Always active as akid, high school was no differ¬ ent for Chris. He played the trumpet in band, and was a“star” athlete in both baseball and football. Upon joining the Class of 1985, Chris continued his involvement playing two years of football and four as a starting pitcher for the varsity baseball team. Although always busy with academics and athietics, Chris’ true fortitude was tested when he agreed to room with askinny New Yorker with an attitude in May 1983. For the next three-and-a-half years, Chris and Iwere inseparable. He taught me how to smile when Iwanted to frown, how to laugh when Iwanted to cry, and most importantly, how to love when Iwanted to hate. For anyone, especially me, he was the brother Inever had but always wanted, with aknack of teaching me lessons when Ileast expected it.

Despite the handicap of me as his roommate, Chris graduated in 1985 and attended UPT at Vance AFB. Upon completion of UPT, Chris remained at Vance as aT-38 IR followed by an assignment to Ellsworth AFB, where he fell head over heels for Ms. Julie Crawford, apetite, pretty young actress from the Black Hills. Following Ellsworth, Chris returned to USAFA for his third time, (once as akid, cadet and now officer) as a soaring IR In 1994, Chris and Julie arrived in Woodland, Calif for U-2s prior to separating from active duty in Nov. 1996. He and Julie settled in Parker with Chris flying 737s for United out of Denver.

Chris was aproud person... loving husband, son, brother and friend... deeply religious... willing to give of his time without asking for anything in return... apassion for flying that carried him to endless peace. He celebrated life to its fullest, and touched all those he came in contact with. Christopher Keith Cof fl and -We know you are always

Kevin Joseph Stone, ’90 watching; we’ll never forget nor ever say goodbye, just until we meet again.

Amemorial fund has been established in the memory of Christopher Coffland for the education of his daughter at; United Airlines Employee Credit Union (UAL ECU) account #0080003547,7401 Martin Luther King Blvd., Denver, Colo. 80207. (Maurice Grosso, ’85)

Kevin Joseph Stone, ’90

On March 7, 1998, Capt. Kevin Stone, afriend, fighter pilot, and Air Force officer died from injuries received during asnowmobiling acci¬ dent, which occurred the day prior. Kevin was stationed at Eielson AFB, Alaska with the 355* Fighter Squadron, flying the A-10 “Warthog."

Kevin was aman who loved life, his family and friends, and being a fighter pilot. His enthusiasm and infectious laugh made him the kind of person people enjoyed being around. He relished in telling agood joke, but he was also agreat listener when it came to the needs of oth¬ ers. He welcomed the opportunity to encourage people with awide smile and a“high five.’’ Kevin never failed to maintain his role as the life of the party, whether it was at the club on Friday nights, with “Jack and ginger” in hand, or during along night at ablackjack table. Life was something Kevin ultimately lived to the fullest. It was certainly a joy and ablessing to be apart of his life.

Kevin delighted in talking about his family back home in New Jersey. He routinely kept his folks awake with late night phone calls to fill them in on the preceding week’s events, and try and stump his dad, Kevin Sr., or be stumped, with some off-the-wall sports trivia question. His mom, Maureen (lovingly known as “Moe” by Kevin and his friends), had an obvious impact on Kevin’s character, which was demonstrated by the way he cared for and was genuinely concerned for others. Kevin was proud of his parents, his brother Sean, and sister Deirdre. Their names and the tales of grovnng up with his family filled his conversation.

Prior to coming to Alaska, Kevin had been first assigned as an instruc¬ tor pilot at Vance AFB, Okla. Obviously, during his extended time at Vance, Kevin had amajor influence on many future Air Force pilots and, of course, it prepared him well for what he ultimately wanted to be -an Air Force fighter pilot. When Kevin arrived at Eielson, he quickly became an integral part of the squadron. He spent lots of time in the safe studying A-10 tactics. He asked smart questions. He contributed greatly with any assigned additional duties. His determination had paid off because he had just been designated for upgrade to flight lead. He was excited about the A-10, about the 355*, and about life in Alaska.

That life included numerous close friends. We in the 355* were lucky enough to be among those friends, in addition to other local residents. Kevin wanted to do everything Alaska had to offer, and he wanted to be with as many people as possible when he did it. The door to his home in the North Pole was always open. Whether fishing, camping, or snowmobiling, Kevin loved it all. In fact, he was with 18 squadron mates, their wives and other friends when the accident happened. They were on aplanned four-hour snowmobile excursion into the Alaskan wilderness...right where Kevin wanted to be.

Kevin’s life had recently been touched by aparticularly special per¬ son, Miss Jacquie Hockin. Like Kevin’s mother, Jacquie is also anurse. Kevin had even told his brother during arecent trip home, “She reminds me of Mom.” Jacquie had become the person with whom Kevin wanted to share his life. They had already begun to plan their life and anew family together. They were aperfect match.

On the morning of Kevin’s accident, he was avery happy man. It was abeautiful sunny, winter day in Alaska’s interior. He was doing what he enjoyed, and his future held wonderful promises. Kevin’s profes¬ sional goals were within reach; he was with countless friends and the new love of his life. Kevin died doing what he treasured most -enjoy¬ ing life and doing it with people he loved and who loved him back.

So much good came from Kevin, even in death. Witnessing how frag¬ ile life can be, our squadron has become amuch tighter group of people. More importantly, because of the generosity of Kevin’s par¬ ents, numerous people across the U.S. have benefited through the donation of Kevin’s organs and tissues.

Kevin was an important part of the 355* Fighter Squadron and is sorely missed each and every day. He will always be apart of us. Since Kevin’s death, anew permanent A-10 static display has been erected near the entrance to Eielson AFB for all to see. In our hearts, it will always serve as afitting tribute to Captain Kevin Stone -fighter pilot, our squadron mate, our friend. (Submitted by the members of the 355^ Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska)

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following gradu¬ ates and cadet:

Lt. Col. (Ret) Gary ECrew, Class of 1960, who died of complica¬ tions from heart surgery in Denver. Colo, on July 28,1998.

Roger Likens, Class of 1961, who died in 1980 of unknown causes. Everett B. McCrary Class of 1961, who died of cancer in Dallas, Texas on July 12,1998.

Thomas S. Rhodes, Class of 1962, who died of aheart attack in Colorado Springs, Colo, on June 21,1998.

Maj. (Ret) Lynwood H. Luebke, Class of 1965, who died of can¬ cer in Enon, Ohio in January, 1998,

Carl. L. Womack, Class of 1966, who died of unknown causes in Arkansas on Aug. 5,1998.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Byron E. Beal, Class of 1973, who died of cancer in Clifton, Va. on Aug. 7,1998

Maj. (Ret) Russell D. Glover. Class of 1978, who died of aheart attack in Oklahoma City, Okla. on June 6,1998.

Robert V. Ravina, Class of 1983, who died in ahit-and-run acci¬ dent in Easthampton, Mass, on April 10.1998.

Capt. Edward L, Moody, Jr., Class of 1991, who died in Bethesda, Md. due to complications during leukemia treatment on April 19, 1998.

1®> Lt. Alan M. Hook, Class of 1996, who was killed in abicycling accident in the Swiss Alps on June 22,1998.

C3C Patrick W. Ashdown, Class of2000, who died in ahiking ac¬ cident at the Academy on April 25,1998.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these gradu¬ ates and cadet.

AOG Friend and Supporter, Bill Madsen, Dies at 85

Mr. William D. Madsen, aretired Public Affairs specialist from the Academy, died on June 23, 1998 at alocal care center in Colorado Springs. During his tenure at the Academy and for numerous years thereafter, Mr. Madsen provided stories and photographs for Check¬ points magazine to include numerous cover photos during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Madsen is the author of numerous photofeature articles and an au¬ dio-visual presentation called "Who Shot the Red Baron: Development of Tactical Air Power in WWI” which he presented at numerous civic meetings and in local schools. He served as president of the Colorado Aviation Society, Silver Wings Fraternity, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

The recipient of numerous awards, among others Madsen earned the CAP Senior Member of the Year award, CAP Brewer Memorial Aero¬ space Award, Crown Circle Award of the National Congress on Aero¬ space Education, and was honored by the Association of Graduates upon his retirement from the Academy.

Madsen was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 1982 and was also listed in the 1986 edition of Men of Achievement. He is survived by ason, William D. (Dan), Jr.; adaughter Karen, and abrother, George W. Madsen.

Former Dean Gen. McDermott Earns Harvard University Award

Retired Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott, Academy dean of the Faculty for the first 10 graduating classes and USAA Chairman Emeritus, was presented the Harvard Business School’s Alumni Achievement Award in ceremonies on May 30 in Cambridge, Mass. McDermott received an MBA from the university in 1950.

Brig. Gen. (Ret) Robert F. McDermott

The award recognizes McDermott’s accomplishments in the mili-

AOG Thanked for Donation To Engineering 410 Project

TO: Association of Graduates

Dear Sir,

Iwould like to thank you for the money you provided our Engi¬ neering 410 project. Capt. Magee’s, M3A section, also knovm as “Slides for Life,” was able to serve the community through the pro¬ duction of aquality wheelchair slide for aboy in need, thanks to your generous donation. Shane Toth, a10-year-old quadriplegic boy from Alamosa, can now enjoy the thrill of speeding down aslide with little fear of getting hurt. Before this slide was constructed, his parents were faced with the dilemma of either incurring aback in¬ jury by carrying aheavy, growing boy up aslide or depriving him of happiness by denying him the slide. Their lives have been made easier through the innovative idea of awheelchair slide, all made possible through the charity of the association’s members.

Again, Iwould like to extend thanks on behalf of Slides for Life and the Toth family, for without your help none of this would have been possible.

Sincerely,

Katherine A. Roy, PA Officer, Engr 410, M3A

Lucretia L. Lewis, Project Manager, Engr 410, M3A

Capt. Pamela D. Magee, Instructor, DFAS, USAFA

tary, academia, business, and as acivic leader. “I am particularly pleased that this award, like my West Point Award, recognizes my accomplish¬ ments in both education and business,” said McDermott, who received the Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point, another alma mater, in 1993. “1 know Icould not have been asuccess in either career without the benefits Ireceived from education at these two institutions,” he added.

Born in 1920 in Boston, McDermott received abachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy in 1943 and amaster’s of business adminis¬ tration from Harvard in 1950. He served in the U.S. Air Force as acom¬ mand pilot, staff officer and professional educator, retiring in 1968 with the rank of brigadier general.

In 1959, at age 39, McDermott became the youngest person in the armed forces to attain the rank of general. As the first permanent aca¬ demic dean at the Academy for the first 10 graduating classes, he set a precedent at the institution by expanding and enriching the curricu¬ lum to suit cadets’ specific interests, innovations which were adopted by other military academies.

McDermott retired from the military in 1968 to join USAA as chief executive officer. He proceeded to set the company on the fast track, investing heavUy in technology and employee training. During his ten¬ ure, which lasted until 1993, the company’s assets grew from $200 mil¬ lion to $31 billion.

As acivic entrepreneur, McDermott accelerated economic develop¬ ment in San Antonio, founding the Economic Development Founda¬ tion and helping to establish the Texas Research Park, which has be¬ come abiotechnology center. He also served as chairman of the San Antonio Greater Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Spurs basketball franchise.

In addition to the Harvard and West Point awards, McDermott was named by Fortune magazine as alaureate In Junior Achievement’s Na¬ tional Business Hall of Fame. In addition, he was inducted into the American National Business Hall of Fame, and the International Insur¬ ance Society, Inc. initiated him into the Insurance Hall of Fame. In 1989, the Academy created the Robert EMcDermott Chair for Academic Ex¬ cellence.

As an upperclass cadre member marches anew flight of basic cadets to breakfast, two basic cadets provide interim covers for themselves after forgetting their caps. (Photo by Capt. Laurel Scherer, courtesy the Acad¬ emy Spirit.)

CHAPTER NEWS @

Alamo Area Chapter

Just ashort update for the Alamo Area Chap¬ ter this summer. It’s turning out to be ahot one in Texas as we set new temperature records daily

“Status,” saying that we should not confuse the two. Success is an internal measure of the way we live involving family, service, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. Status, on the other

hand,involvesrankandpositioninthemilitary as this is being written. Agood sized group of grads managed to beat the heat tfus past week¬ end as we celebrated the start of summer with

and is mostly amatter of being noticed and being lucky. Those attending not only heard a great speech from Gen Hawley, but also had a chance to talk about shared experiences at the

our annual “Day at the Lake” summer picnic at Canyon Lake. It was agreat time for the whole Academy.JimmieJay,’59,ledusIntheAirForce family thanks again to the efforts of Forrest Song to end the event. James, ’88, in setting up the picnic and “Admi¬ ral” Les Hobgood, ‘60, for driving the party boat all day long. Forrest even remembered the let¬ tuce and tomatoes this year and promises to try for pickles and onions next year.

Capt. Rene Leon, ‘91, put together our first newsletter which was mailed out in April to 450 graduates in the Hampton Roads area which includes Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg and other neigh¬ boring towns in Virginia.

contact Robin Kozelka ’59 or Barry Creighton ’69 at (757) 838-3037 for information on the Chapter. (Robin Kozelka ’59)

Northern California Chapter

El Nino loses out to rugged graduates and their families. June 7th, our members and guests who were not frightened by threatening weather enjoyed agreat day on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay. Local Civil War groups re¬ enacted land and sea battles for our enjoyment. Once again, the Union soldiers prevailed. De¬ spite much cannon fire, no ships went down.

Several of our folks are working on putting to¬ gether our trip to the TCU game in September and we’ll be getting more information out as the particulars become available. If you get this Checkpoints before the TCU game and haven’t gotten the word, check out our web page at www.alamoaog.org for the latest scoop on this as well as all of our other activities. You should place, Robin Kozelka ’59 and Maj Chet Nowak ’81 plus Kathleen Nowak and Bob Wilson took second place, and Gen Dick Hawley ’64 led his

The next Chapter event we held was agolf tournament on 12 Jun 98 with 48 players par¬ ticipating. Some of them were actually golfers and all of them had agreat time. LTC Joe Marchino ’76 and Maj Ken Rozelsky ’84 teamed with Phil Sakowitz and Bob Cetola for third fi nd information there as well on our Tri-Service Golf Tournament coming up in the fall.

If you don’t have access to the web and want team of Dick Slye ’64, Jim Pierce ’64, and information on the chapter or our activities soon-to-be Cadet Basic Matt Sakowitz to vicplease feel free to give me acall at (830) 9818505 or e-mail hicke@concentric.net. As Iam

tory. Matt is adefinite USAFA golf team candi¬ date! Jim Pierce also won closest to the pin. He on the road quite abit, you may also want to obviously needs to spend more time in the oftry Forrest James at (210) 498-1235 or e-mail at Forrest.James@usaa.com. (Harry Icke, ’66, chapter president]

Hampton Roads Chapter

flee. Maj Pete Bartos ’83 and Brandi and Maj Rob Vanderberry ’85 and Brenda got the prize for high score and not being able to add! Rob also won long drive. Go figure! Thanks go to Ken Rozelsky, Bev Kozelka, and Karen Stoff, ’91 for helping make the tournament successful.

For those who have not taken the ferry to An¬ gel Island, the island is abeautiful former mili¬ tary and immigration-processing center. The island has great bike and hiking trails and nu¬ merous forts to explore. All attendees to our annual picnic rode their bikes around the island and were treated to many picture-perfect scenes of the San Francisco Bay area. We com¬ mend Dan Dougherty, ’71, for making the en¬ tire trip blind. Because of recent eye surgery, Dan’s eyes had been stitched shut temporarily. He valiantly stayed with us throughout the day’s activities. We also toured the chapel, immigra¬ tion station and former hospital.

The next event will be in the October ’98

The Hampton Roads Chapter held alun¬ cheon at Langley AFB on Feb. 12 with Gen. Richard EHawley, ’64, the commander of Air timeframe with aluncheon and guest speaker Combat Command, as the speaker. He spoke from the Academy. We plan to hold elections to an audience of 72 graduates about his ca- for the Board of Directors during the lunch to reer and his experiences at the academy. He AH vacancies caused by PCS and retirements, stressed the difference between “Success” and We still need members and workers, so please

With great food, beautiful scenery and fun for all ages, Angel Island Is the place to be next sum¬ mer. Don’t miss our fall event, our annual din¬ ner at Mt. Home Inn on Mt. Tamalpais. We also want to thank and congratulate Matt Fong, ’75, who was our speaker at arecent dinner. Matt is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. For more information on the chapter or to get on our mailing list contact Chuck Reed at Reed, Elliott, Creech and Roth, 99 Almaden Blvd., Eighth Floor, San Jose, Calif. 95113 (Telephone: 408-993-1335, Fax: (408) 993-1335, E-mail Chuckreed@aol.com), Dennis Park (925-5168763) or Mark Sievers (707-428-5500). (Dennis Park, ’78)

The better-looking graduates in the Northern California group visit¬ ing Angel Island include, from left, Don Egeland, ’63; Greg Boyington, ’60; Dennis Park, ’78; Dave Whitman, ’62; and “Blind Man" Dan Dougherty, ’71.

Members of the Hampton Roads AOG Chapter attending their lun¬ cheon, from left are Jimmie Jay, ‘59; John Davey, ‘59; Gen. Dick Hawley, ‘64; and Robin Kozelka, ‘59.

Sixth

It’s time to make your reservations for THE SIXTH ANNUAL SERVICE ACADEMY GOLF CLASSIC. This popular tournament will take place on October 18-19,1998 at Trophy Club Country Club located close to the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Trophy Club features two golf courses designed by Ben Hogan and Arthur HiUs.

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

Graduates and friends of the Academies sponsor this tournament at no cost to the Academies. Our unique format will provide you with the opportunity to support the USAFA golf program while participating in a two-day, 36-hole golf tournament.

Players receive 36 holes of golf (18 vidth acadet joining your foursome), cart and range balls, competition for valuable prizes, abreakfast, brunch, lunch and banquet dinner, beverages, and more for your entry fee of $295. Rooms are available for out-of-town golfers at the nearby Marriott Solana for $80 per night.

The tournament is organized by Dallas-Fort Worth area volunteers. The Service Academy Golf Classic is a 501(3)(c) organization, so aportion of your entry fee or your entire donation is tax deductible.

We invite you to browse our web site at sagc.org for additional details, call or fax Jerry Ahmann at (817) 416-0346 or write to us at Service Academy Golf Classic, EO. Box 1056, Grapevine, Texas 76099-1056.

Join the ranks of the AOG, USAA Federal Savings Bank, and the Elk Corporation as an official sponsor.

Make your commitment today!

North Texas Chapter

Summer is here in Texas, and so far we can’t say the usual "Texas is so flat, you can see Ama¬ rillo” line since the Mexico smoke has invaded and still sits here as Iwrite. But alittle haze has not kept our North Texas Chapter idle. Our springtime has been abusy one, and we want to encourage all grads in the area to check out the goings-on and get involved. The Hotline phone number is (972) 681-1087.

On April 4'’’, the chapter held its annual Founder’s Day Ball at the American Airlines Training Center in Ft. Worth. H. Ownby, ’69, organized the wonderful affair, and we had 70 graduates and their spouses attend. Classes from ’59, Jack Hundemer, to the LCWB Class of ’79, Greg Sveska, and myself, were represented. As our entertainment, Lt. Col. (Ret.) James E. "Bull" Durham flew in as our guest to perform for the group. We hope that all in the area vnll plan to attend next year’s event. Join us!

On May 3"*, Dave Brigman, ’71, organized our chapter’s annual Tri-Service Golf Tournament which he held at the challenging Bridlewood Golf Club in Flower Mound. Once again our graduates proved that the Blue and the Silver courses back “home” were good for some type oftraining. The team of Dave Brigman, ’71; Cass Casada, ’71; Dave “Sandbag” Stonehouse, ’73; and Jeff “Tin Cup” Wilson, '80, took the honors with a12-under-par 60 score. Four airline pi¬ lots who must have way too much free time! Good job guys. Bob Pickrell, ’85 (airline guy too), won the longest drive comp, while Cass

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 com¬ munity and with the Academy? In addition to social activities, many chapters/societies pro¬ vide mentor services, job-search information, and business networtog. Contact your local chapter/society for information on meetings and activities. See "Graduates” on theAOG web page for acomplete listing: vww.aog-usafa.oig.

Casada and Rick Cree, ’66, won the two closest to the pin comps.

We are taking the summer off to recuperate, but will be active in the fall and winter. Our an¬ nual Texas BBQ vnll be held at Jerry Ahmann’s, '63, house on Sept 12*. Look for amailing or listen to the Hotline. Join us! The Falcons play CSU on Thursday, Sept 17“' on ESPN -we're or¬ ganizing awatching party somewhere. Stay tuned. Then on Sept. 26“', the Falcons visit the TCU Horned Frogs in Ft. Worth. Tickets, tailgate, etc. are in the works as you read. AH we need is for you to show some interest and come root for the team. If we ask for ahead count, decide early and tell us. Maybe Coach DeBerry will wear the cowboy hat we presented to him this past March at the Tri-Service Academy Lun¬ cheon held here in Dallas.

Get involved and join us. We don’t sit around telling Waldo Dumbsquat stories. We are active!

Call (972) 618-1087 for the current news. (John “J.R." Dallas, ’79, 1998 North Texas Chapter president)

Puget Sound Chapter

Greetings from the great Northwest. The chapter has pulled together this year to spon¬ sor some great activities. In March, our chap¬ ter president. Art Kerr, ’61, hosted our annual “Dark Ages Party” at his house for about 50 grads, spouses, and friends. The chapter’s board of directors’ planning skOls are finally paying off because for the first time in the chapter's history we actually held the party during the traditional months of the “Dark Ages”. Miracles will never cease! Brig. Gen. (Ret) Terryl Schwalier, ’69, attended the party and honored us with his candid comments from his experi¬ ences with the Khobar Towers incident in

Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His discussion was very informative and shed light on many of the events which we had heard about in the news. The chapter would like to thank Terry for talk¬ ing time to discuss the issues with us.

The chapter has been busy planning upcom¬ ing events and hopes participation from local and visiting grads will continue to grow. The next event on our calendar is our summer party in August. In the fall we’ll be taking part in our annual Joint Services Academy Dinner. Make sure you stop in if you’re in the area!

The Chapter’s membership drive is still active. If you’re interested in joining us please contact Art Kerr, ’61, at (425) 836-0560; or Joe Cavazzini, ’82, at (425) 742-7630. (Joe Cavazzini, ’82)

Local AOG Chapters and Societies exist across the country including the following locations:

AZ

Arizona Chapter

Orange County Chapter

San Diego County Chapter

Northern California Chapter

Rampart Chapter

AF Academy Society of CO

AF Academy Society of DC

Capital Chapter

Space Coast Chapter

Northwest Florida Chapter

Atlanta Chapter

Greater Chicago Chapter

Indiana Chapter

New England Chapter

AF Academy Society of NC

New Mexico Chapter

Greater New York Chapter

Mohawk Chapter

Southwest Ohio Chapter

Oregon Chapter

Great Lakes Chapter

North Texas Chapter

San Jacinto Chapter

Alamo Area Chapter

Utah Chapter

Hampton Roads Chapter

Puget Sound Chapter

For the most current contact information for these organizations, please go to the AOG’s website at www.aog-usafa.org. click on “Graduates” on the left side of the page, then click on “Chapters and Societies.”

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Col. James A. Shaw, Jr. (USAF, Ret.), ‘67, AOG Vice President, Development 2S?59iCi

Why the AOG Does Fund-Raising ?

Every year about this time, the subject of AOG fund-raising seems to surface. Why does the AOG raise funds? What are the funds used for?

Many people support the fund-raising effort while many do not. Some are quite vocal in their opposition which is often aresult of alack of answers to the preceding questions. Here are some reasons why fund¬ raising is necessary.

The Association of Graduates is aprivate, nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organi¬ zation with three basic missions: support the graduate community; sup¬ port the needs of cadets; support the needs of the Academy.

The AOG raises funds to support graduates. The AOG maintains records and adatabase on all graduates with addresses, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses. The AOG keeps graduates connected by publishing this information annually in the Register of Graduates. The AOG keeps graduates informed on the state of the Academy and activities of graduates by publishing aquarterly magazine. Checkpoints.

The AOG provides chapter and class reunion support as well as ring replacement, career transition and other associated services. The AOG makes Doolittle Hall available to members and graduates and provides funeral support to families of deceased graduates. All these activities are funded primarily by membership dues and hence the need to en¬ courage, sustain, and grow memberships.

The AOG raises funds to support the needs of cadets. Today, just like any other university, the needs and desires of the school exceed the capacity of the primary funding source. Simply put, the Air Force is no longer paying ALL the bills. Basic costs are funded including instruc¬ tors, classrooms, books, and room and board. Every university works to provide the "extras” through private sources. What are the extras? Needs range from simple enhancements to daily life to major projects which will continue to keep the Academy in aworld-class status. Re¬ member all the cadet activities you had when you were acadet? The Academy busses took us on ski trips. Air Force Reserve and ANG crews scheduled training flights to take clubs and teams on trips, and the en¬ tire Wing would go to Chicago for the Army or Navy game. Those days are gone. Cadet activities need private support today. Academic chairs need to be funded to acquire top flight visiting professors. World class

On February 7, 1998, the Association of Graduates Board of Direc¬ tors was pleased to award Honorary Membership to Rear Admiral John E. Kirkpatrick. Honorary memberships are awarded only to those in¬ dividuals who “have rendered outstanding and conspicuous service to the Air Force and/or the Academy” and are limited to 20 living per¬

guest lecture series and nationally recognized academic symposiums enhance the cadet experience and require private support. Each year the Academy prepares its Gift Needs List outlining and prioritizing cur¬ rent desires and requirements. For Academic Year (AY) 98/99, the Acad¬ emy needs over $1 million for current operations, $37 million for capi¬ tal projects, and $28 million for endovwnents to fund certain needs in perpetuity.

The AOG raises funds to support the needs of the Academy. Over the last few years, the AOG has given over $2,000,000 which the Acad¬ emy has used to buy sailplanes, aCessna 150 for the flying team, para¬ chute equipment, and to fund cadet leadership programs, engineering projects, academic seminars, cadet clubs, and squadron improvement projects. The Sabre Society (our top end donor society for those will¬ ing to contribute $1,000 or more ayear) has raised more than $1,000,000 in three years and has given $400,000 to permanently endow the Com¬ manders Leadership Enrichment Seminars. The Sabre Society funded the top three priorities in the AY 97/98 Academy Gift Needs List. The society currently has 273 members and continues to grow rapidly.

The AOG raises funds to provide services to the Academy and the Cadet Wing. The AOG makes Doolittle Hall available for inprocessing to provide an inviting, pleasant introduction to the Academy for ca¬ dets and their families. Doolittle Hall was built and is maintained solely by private funds. The AOG provides free telephone calls on Inprocessing Day and Parents’ Weekend to keep cadets connected with their fami¬ lies who are unable to be with them. Doolittle Hall is available to ca¬ dets for official functions throughout the year. The AOG hosts arecep¬ tion for graduating cadets and at least one squadron uses Doolittle Hall for its commissioning ceremony on Graduation Day. Three years ago the AOG assumed responsibility for design and procurement of class rings. Our efforts have produced along term contract which makes rings 20% less expensive, provides asubstantial donation from the com¬ pany to the class for their ring dance, and gives cadets afree synthetic stone, insurance against loss, and other significant benefits. The AOG has also supported activities such as Parents’ Weekend, the Women In Motion activities which honored the 20 years of women at USAFA, and [Continued on next page.)

sons. Requiring nomination by aboard member and aunanimous vote of the board, honorary membership is awarded for the lifetime of the individual and confers all the benefits and publications of tbe associa¬ tion. Admiral Kirkpatrick’s selection makes him one of 14 current hon¬ orary members, joining such well-knovm honorees as Brig Gen (Ret) Robert F. McDermott. Senator Barry Goldwater was formerly an hon¬ orary member. The award was made to Admiral Kirkpatrick on May 1, 1998 at the Falcon Foundation Board meeting at Doolittle Hall.

A1931 Naval Academy graduate. Admiral Kirkpatrick has served the nation in peace and war. After World War II, he formed the Kirkpatrick Oil Company and from his success established trust funds for each of the service academies. Earnings from the trust have enabled the Air Force Academy to fund projects which might not otherwise have been possible. His gift to Carlton House, the residence of Academy Superin¬ tendents, helped restore anational landmark and retain an important part of the Academy’s heritage, and his support for the Falcon Founda¬ tion has provided scholarships to numerous deserving young people. In addition to service academies. Tinker AFB has benefltted from the Oklahoma City Community Fund which he founded and which will continue in perpetuity. The planetarium and Air and Space Museum which he founded in Oklahoma City have promoted interest in aviation and space exploration and inspired thousands of children and adults. The Air Force and the Air Force Academy alike have benefltted from his outstanding and conspicuous service and the Association of Graduates is proud to confer Honorary Membership to Rear Admiral John E. Kirkpatrick.

AOG President and CEO Richard M. Coppock, ‘61, alright, presents the AOG Honorary Membership piaque to Rear Admiral (Ret) John E. Kirkpatrick at the ceremony in May.

TRW, Inc. Makes Gift to the AOG and the Cadet Wing

On April 9,1998, TRW presented areplica of The Thompson Trophy to the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates to be permanently dis¬ played in Doolittle Hall as areminder of the glorious history of aviation. Beginning in 1928, the National Air Races brought together the world’s leading civilian aviators and aircraft to compete in closed course pylon racing. The most prestigious event was the Thompson Trophy Race, spon¬ sored by Thompson Products of Cleveland, Ohio. The National Air Races were suspended from 1940-1945 during World War II, resumed in 1946, and continued through 1949. However, the air races live on through col¬ orful stories, photographs and through their enduring namesake: The Thompson Trophy. The Races were promoted by Charlie Thompson, President of Thompson Products and included famous pilots such as limmy Doolittle and Roscoe Turner. Aircraft included Gee-Bee Racers, Weddell-Williams, and, after WWII, military fighters. In 1958, Thompson Products merged with Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation to form TRW

To support the men and women who will lead the Air Force of the future, TRW also made adonation of $25,000 to help sponsor the annual 1998 Outstanding Squadron Banquet The Outstanding Squadron Trophy rec¬ ognizes excellence in aU phases of cadet life and is awarded based on an extremely comprehensive evaluation of academic achievement, athletic accomplishment, and military leadership and character. Academic achieve¬ ment is measured by grade point average (GPA) and quality points. Ath¬ letic performance is rated by intercollegiate participation and achievement, intramural standings, physical fitness test and ACT scores, and physical education course GPAs. Military leadership is evaluated by:

a. Military performance average (MPA), number of cadets on the Superintendent’s List, performance of the fourth class cadets, and squadron success in inspections, drill and ceremonies, professional knowledge, and discipline,

b. Number of cadets who are soaring instructor pilots, on competi¬ tion teams, and in advanced parachute training; and the number of cadets who have completed flight training, soloed in gliders or with the Aero club, and been awarded parachute wings,

c. Military Arts and Sciences GPA, Aviation GPA, participation in avia¬ tion courses, and the number of cadet aviation instructors,

d. Meal accountability, dormitory state of repair, dormitory security, and safety (including moving and parking violations),

e. Character.

The Outstanding Squadron Trophy for 1998 was awarded to The 5th Cadet Squadron.

The Thompson Trophy represents aviation’s history and the Cadet Wing represents the future of aviation and the United States Air Force.

(Fund-Raising: From previous page.)

the National Collegiate Rugby Championships held at the Academy last year. These, and many other, services and support are possible only through private funding.

The AOG raises funds in avariety ofways. Memberships dues, as noted above, fund most of the support for graduates and we have an active membership campaign each year. The loan is not yet paid off on Doolittle HaU, and its upkeep is not yet sufficiently endowed so the AOG continues to annually solicit funds for the Building Campaign. The annual AFA Fund campaign raises money to support Academy needs. We are also actively seeking new members for the Sabre Society. The AFA fund cam¬ paign is conducted primarily by direct mail to all graduates, some gradu¬ ate parents, and parents of cadets in the upper three classes and includes afull color calendar to thank people for their support. The Building Fund drive is conducted by telethon to parents of 4th class cadets and selected graduates. While many colleges use (and often pay) their students to make telephone calls, the Academy cannot do so. Limited AOG man¬ power precludes in-house calling and, therefore, we use the services of a commercial firm. The AOG is very concerned about the image the callers project and the information they disseminate. Callers go through an intensive training program and are closely monitored by the company and AOG staff members.

The AOG plays acrucial role in keeping the Academy experience world-class. The need for fund-raising is afact of life and the AOG challenge Is to inspire support by stating the case and asking for your help. We encourage anyone who has questions about our fund-raising efforts to contact the AOG directly. We would love to talk with you.

The Thompson Trophy was presented to the AOG on April 9, 1998 on the StaffTower in Mitchell Hall by Dr. JoeMason, Vice President and General Manager ofTRW’s Strategic Systems Division. Accepting the trophy for the AOG is MG (Ret) Larry Fortner (‘59) Vice Chair of the AOG Board. The Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy gratefully ac¬ knowledge these generous gifts and thank TRW for honoring the past while supporting the future.

New Sabre Society Members Since February 1, 1998

The Sabre Society was established by the Association of Graduates in 1995 as aselect group of long-term benefactors who have aclear and tangible interest in supporting the Academy financially and through their personal influence. The society is dedicated toward forming ana¬ tional network of influential community leaders who act as informed advocates of Academy causes.

The society provides avisible and 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 a year to support Academy needs. If you are interested, contact Jim Shaw or Kathy McCann at the AOG, e-mail Development@aog-usafa.org.

New members in the society since February 1, 1998, are:

Dr &Mrs Grover CBlair

Mr &Mrs Jose RBravo 78

Mr &Mrs Richard PCatalano

Mr &Mrs Gary VChris

Col (Ret) &Mrs Michael AClarke ‘60

Mr &Mrs Dale Eisenhofer

Col &Mrs Brian Finnan

Mr &Mrs Ronald Flood

Mr& Mrs Roherto MGarza

Mr &Mrs Robert MGil fi llan

Dr &Mrs Herman LGilster

Mr &Mrs Aart JGosma

Mr &Mrs William EGreen ‘68

Mr &Mrs Jerry Heimlicher

Mr &Mrs Paul Helms

Mr &Mrs Douglas HHemmingsen

Mr &Mrs Leland SHinton Jr

Mr &Mrs Stuart MHixon ‘83

Mr &Mrs Frank GHunter

Mr &Mrs Douglas FJohn

Mr &Mrs John CKnapp

Mr &Mrs Douglas RKrueger

Mr &Mrs Ho SLee

Maj &Mrs Jeffrey DLowe

Dr &Mrs Richard PMcClintock

Mr &Mrs Vincent JMerlo Jr

Mr &Mrs Matthew JMesser

Mr &Mrs Larry Morris

Mr &Mrs Darrell Nicklin

Mr &Mrs Anthony PParrille

Dr Gus Charles Petras

Mr Lester Querry

Col (Ret) &Mrs Michael! Quinlan‘61

LtCol(Ret) &Mrs Edmund Rossnagel

‘64

Ms Sandra MSayre

Ms Seal Seykora &Mr Bob Burrell

Mr &Mrs Larry LSlade

Mr &Mrs John LStarrett

LtCol (Ret) Gerard RSullivan ‘68

LtCol (Ret) &Mrs Jon RTurner ‘75

Col (Ret) &Mrs Rodney AWells ‘64

Mr &Mrs Neal Youngpeter

Ms Lydia Zapata

RESERVEYOURPLACEINHISTORY

A

Margaret

&Thomas Bancroft

In Memory of Captain WASmith‘67

In Honor of John Quincy Adams ‘99

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

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

Please send acerti fi cate of noti fi cation to: Iwould like to support the Pegasus Paver Project.

NAME:

STREET:.

NAME:

STREET:

CITY: STATE:. ZIP:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:, Circle one: Home Work PRESENTED BY:

PHONE:

IAM: □ GRAD:

In each block below, fill in the character (l^er, number, space or &) to be engraved on your paver(s). There are 13 blanks per line and three lines per paver. (For longer family names, please call or write.) Leave aspace between names, and before and afto- "A”. engraver limitations and standardization procedures. Lines will be centered on the paver. Put information for additional pavers on aseparate sheet of paper

changes may be required to conform to

Technology Overtakes '‘Old Goaf' Editor and theAOG

Things we thought we’d never live to see!!! Tom Kroboth, editor of Checkpoints, sitting at acomputer. Up until recently, placing “Tom Kroboth” and “computer" in the same sentence was an oxymoron. It was something that simply would not, could not happen. Pigs would fly and lights would be put in Wrigley Field before Tom got dragged into the modern age. Well, lights did go on at Wrigley Field and Tom has become aguy of the ‘90s. This picture is proof of amazing growth both for Tom and the AOG.

Kro at the Keyboard.

For 18 years, Tom has been “Director of Publications". Flis tide im¬ plies that he supervises alarge, highly skilled and dedicated staff which produces Checkpoints and the Register of Graduates. The implication is partly correct...the staff is, indeed, highly skilled and dedicated. How¬ ever, up until recendy, the staff consisted solely of Tom Kroboth who used only atypewriter, blue pencil, exacto knife, and paste pot (green eyeshade was optional) to work his magic. Four times each year for 18 years, Tom has produced, all by himself, an outstanding 80 page maga¬ zine complete with color photos and graphics.

Tom’s technological sophistication expanded to using afax machine and photocopier but it pretty much stalled there for years, largely be¬ cause the AOG did not have sufficient budget to make Tom apublisher of the ‘90s. But within the last year, that’s all changed. The AOG ac¬ quired acolor printer, scanner, and adesktop publishing system which pretty much just gathered dust because Tom is an old dog and this was anew trick. Enter Vikki Rhoden (Bill ‘77) who came on board as Tom’s part-time assistant. Awizard at desktop publishing, Vikki brought Tom

into the modern age, actually teaching him to use this new technology. We’re stiU not sure if Tom actually likes acomputer or is faking it. Look at the smile on his face. Does that look genuine? But we do know that the great work that Tom has been doing all these years has been made faster, easier, and better with the help ofVikki and improved technol¬ ogy-

The AOG is working hard to upgrade technology in all areas, and in the last few months we have acquired new fund raising software, cre¬ ated awebsite, and acquired acomputerized optical storage system. These computer upgrades are the brain child of Chuck Denham, ‘67, our resident MIS director and computer guru, and Jack MueUer, ‘70, in Development. As we grow ever larger, the demands for computer as¬ sisted services grow. More plans are underway to further increase our capabilities so that we can provide even greater service and support to our members and graduates, but it’s astruggle. Computers are amazing but they don’t come cheap. The AOG’s ability to provide service and support to graduates and members is directly related to the support that graduates give to the AOG. Encourage your classmates to join and support the Association of Graduates so that, together, we can make a difference for graduates and the Academy

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 on the owner’s hand within aweek or two (as soon as we can verify a shipping address). If aring needs to be replaced or serviced, we can link you to the ring company representative who handles your class. So, if you need to report aring lost or found, or need to know who to call for ring repairs/replacement, please call or contact either:

JIM SHAW ‘67 or JACK MUELLER ‘70 at (719) 472-0300, DSN 333-2067, e-mail to classring@aog-usafa.org

3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

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 world wide. Bom from the belief that the Alunmi Associations and Associations of Graduates exist not only to serve their academies but their membership, this directory creates abusiness leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain ser¬ vices an efficient way to find afellow graduate. :(c***************

IIPlease send me copies, at $35.00 each, of the 1998 SABRD.

NAME

PAYMENT METHOD:

□Check Enclosed (Payable to “AOG”)

□Charge to my □Visa or □Mastercard

ADDRESS □

CITY, ST, ZIP

AOG or SSAN

CLASS YEAR

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.

AFA Fund Donors July 1,1997 to June 30, 1998

GIFT SYMBOLS

Sponsor -$100 to $499

Patron -$500 to $999

Leader -$1,000 to $2,499

Fellow-$2,500 to $4,999

Benefactor -$5,000 or more (Editor’s note: Individual donor listings include only those contributions of$l 00 or more.)

FELLOWS

Mr &Mrs David OMeyn

LEADERS

Mr &Mrs Errol QBond Sr

Mr James CLipham Jr ‘65

Ronald RQuinton MD ‘72

Mr William ESchweinle Jr ‘63

Mr &Mrs Patrick BStanley

Mr Anthony MWoodrich ‘88

PATRONS

Dr &Mrs John LAlmeida Jr

Mr Thomas CArata ‘80

Lt Col AKirk Bodary USAFR ‘77

Mrs Joyce LBox

Mr &Mrs Scott DBrockway ‘85

Col (Ret) James MCarson USAFR ‘66

Lt CoJ (Ret) &Mrs Richard Coppock ‘61

Mr &Mrs William MDains

Lt Col (Ret) Robert CEstus ‘66

Lt Col (Ret) Terry AHammond ‘69

Mr Antonio Hernandez

Mr &Mrs Stuart MHixon ‘83

Mr Christopher Hope ‘69

Col HMartin Jayne ‘72

Lt Gen (Ret) &Mrs Jay WKelley ‘64

Mr John HLesher Jr ‘71

Maj (Ret) Mark ALeuthold‘79

Mr Charles LLynch ‘68

Mr &Mrs Abraham KMaJathu

Maj Robert SMarks USAFR ‘72

Mr Pete Martinez Jr ‘77

Lt Col (Ret) Craig APuz ‘76

Mr &Mrs Jose NRodriguez-Trejo

Mr Paul Rossetti ‘70

Mr &Mrs Scott Russell

Maj Gen (Ret) John SSamuel

Lt Col Michael AStanley ‘77

Maj Gen (Ret) Harold WTodd ‘59

Lt Col (Ret) Richard ETracey ‘59

Mr &Mrs KGene Zerkel

SPONSORS

Mr &Mrs William HAbbott

Mr &Mrs Mazen MAbboushi

Mr Edward TAbramek Jr ‘68

Mr &Mrs Gary Adamson

Maj Richard WAldrich ‘81

Mr Ted Alexander

Lt Col (Ret) &Mrs Leonard BAmick

Mr &Mrs Arnold AAndersen

Capt &Mrs Brian AAnderson ‘91

Mr Mark Anderson

Maj Edward LAntoine Jr ‘82

Mr &Mrs Daniel MArritt

Mr Alfred AAscol

Mr Logan HBabin Jr ‘62

Dr &Mrs LCBaird

Lt Col (Ret) Michael BBallinger ‘70

Lt Col (Ret) David LBauer ‘69

Mr &Mrs Philip RBauer

Mrs Robert CBaxter

Mr &Mrs Robert MBeck

Mr &Mrs Richard HBeddow Jr

Michael JBeezley MD ‘69

Col (Ret) Paul ABelmont ‘64

Ms Debra Bender

Maj (Ret) George OBerls ‘66

Mr &Mrs Joseph FBert

Col (Ret) Andrew WBiancur ‘60

Mr &Mrs Neal RBierbaum ‘74

Lt Paul RBirch ‘96

Mr &Mrs Michael Bissonette

Col Thomas JBlack 111 ‘69

Mr &Mrs Knute RBleyer

Col John ABlind‘71

Maj David LBlisk USAFR ‘78

Mr Ernest WBolen

Mr George RBonds ‘65

MrJohnWBondsJr‘65

Robert &Susan Bonn ‘81

Maj Theodore WBoward USAFR ‘81

Lt Col Richard KBowers Ir USAFR 75

Mr &Mrs Terry Bowers

Lt Col Blair LBozek 74

Lt Col (Ret) &Mrs John RBozek

USAFR

Mr Roger PBradley 76

Mr &Mrs John HBright

Mr &Mrs Don Brocklesby

Lt Col (Ret) Don LBrooks ‘59

Mr &Mrs Warren Bruckmeier

Mr Thomas ABrumlik ‘72

Dr &Mrs Arthur LBrundage

Mr &Mrs George WBurch ‘59

Maj Richard WBuschmann USAFR ‘72

Maj Gen &Mrs Stewart RByrne

Col (Ret) Douglas BCairns ‘61

Sgt &Mrs Martin VCameron

Mr &Mrs Martin FCampbell

Mr &Mrs Medford JCampbell

Mr Thomas FCarolan

Lt Michael BCasey ‘96

Mr Ronald Cassano ‘71

Mr &Mrs Willards Caudill

Mr &Mrs John Chariton

Maj (Ret) Donald TChase ‘59

Mr Boyd WChristensen ‘74

Mr &Mrs Sam Chung

Lt Gen (Ret) Albert PClark

Mr &Mrs HFletcher Clark

Mr &Mrs Thomas GClark

Lt Col (Ret) Donald JClement ‘74

Lt Col (Ret) Ray Martin Cole Jr ‘68

Mr William TColeman ‘71

Dr Curtis Cook ‘59

Col Gary ACorbett ANG ‘70

Maj Kimberly JCorcoran ‘82

Mr Charles JCorley ‘68

Maj Joseph ACorsetti ‘70

Dr &Mrs David RCourtney

Mr &Mrs John MCoyJe

Maj (Ret) Charles SCravrford Jr ‘67

Mr Bradley ECreed ‘78

Lt Col (Ret) Bruce ECrimin ‘71

Col (Ret) Augustine BCristiani

Mr &Mrs Jack ACrockford

Maj Gen &Mrs Edward MCrowley

Mr &Mrs Fred WCunningham

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas LCunningham

Lt Col Patrick RDaly ‘78

Col (Ret) Thomas EDavidson ‘68

Ms Deborah Edwards Davis ‘88

Mr William RDavis ‘76

Mr &Mrs Richard 1Dean

Mr William Dee ‘63

Mr &Mrs WiUiam Delahanty

Mr &Mrs John CDeLuca Jr

Capt Jeffrey SDennis Jr ‘90

Mr &Mrs David Deppensmith

Lt Col (Ret) Paul MDeSisto ‘75

Col (Ret) Robert TDessert ‘70

Mrs Barbara ADettmer

Mr &Mrs William PDickey ‘64

Mr &Mrs Ronald LDietrich

Mr &Mrs Ralph Diller

Capt Donald RDillman ANG ‘78

Mr Paul VDimmick Jr

Col (Ret) John CDinsmore ‘62

CoJ (Ret) &Mrs Larry RDipoma

Lt Col &Mrs Raymond DDothard

Mr David Dougan ‘63

Lois WDow MD

Mr Ronald Downs

Ms Ann GDoyle

Mr Terrance MDrabant ‘65

Dr Luckey MDunn ‘76

Col WUliam JDunn MD USAFR ‘76

Mr &Mrs Steve Dyer

Richard Dysart MD ‘71

Col Charles LEarly Jr USAFR ‘69

Dr David KEbelkeMD ‘77

Mr &Mrs Daniel MEdmonds

Mr Patrick LEdsell ‘70

Mr &Mrs Bruce HEf fl and

Mr &Mrs David Ellerbrook

Dr Mark GEllis ‘77

Lt Col Daryl LEmerson ANG ‘72

Mr &Mrs Kent BEngland

Mr &Mrs Thomas JEnis

Mr James AErickson ‘69

Lt Coi (Ret) Thomas FEvans ‘67

Mr &Mrs Royce WFarmer

Lt Col John SFarnham ‘75

Mr &Mrs MichaeJ JFekete

Mr LStephen Fikar ‘78

Mr Louis FFikar

Drs Thomas &Candis Finan

Mr &Mrs Charles DFisher

Mr Ronald RFlake ‘65

(Continued on next page.)

‘67

Mr Robert GCutlip ‘71

-C

Past, Present and Future

Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Ed Eberhart, ’68, greets future AFA grads at the Class of1968reunion barbeque/picnic at Doolittle Hall in early June. From left are two members of the Class of ’01, C3C Robert A. Edison (CS-23), CSC Melanie AEcung (CS-38), and apotential member of the Class of '03, Allison M. Ecung. The future Air Force generals are the nephewand daughters of Maurice Ecung,’68. Theywere “thrilled" to meet the vice chief of staff. (Photo courtesy of Maurice Ecung. j

Academy Hosts Library Exhibit

Former Superintendent Lt Gen. Brad Hosmer, ’59 was the guest speaker at the Academy’s Library Exhibit in April. In the photo taken at the ex¬ hibit, from left are Ed Montgomery, ’59; Brig. Gen. (Ret) Jesse Gadin, former head of the English Department; General Hosmer; and current Superintendent Lt Gen Tad Oelstrom.

Your Donations to the AOG Provide Support for the Top Priorities In ATJ. Four Pillars of Excellence at the Academy!

Funding Provided in Calendar Year 1998 to date

PillM

Military Training

Character Development

Military Training

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence

Character Development

Program

Cadet Leadership Programs

Character Enrichment Seminars

Cadet International Programs

Student Services Program

Distinguished Guest Speaker Program

National Character and Leadership Symposium

Engineering Program

Academy Assembly

Military History Symposium

Motion Measurement System

Cadet Squadron Improvement Program

Honor Recognition and Conferences

Cadet

Multimedia System for

Falcon Heritage Forum

Additional donations from the AOG and AOG-managed endowments for programs such as the Cadet Emergency Fund, Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminars, miscellaneous cadet awards, soccer equipment, other academic and military programs and postgraduate scholarships totaled $63,202.

This calendar year alone, your generosity has resulted in atotal of $449,554 donated to support Academy needs. Thank you! Your donations are critical in maintaining the “extra margin of excellence” at your Air Force Academy.

(AFA Fund Donors; From previous page.)

Mr &Mrs Douglas Fleming

Dr &Mrs James AFleming

Mr &Mrs Vernon EFloyd

Mrs Hugh GFly Jr

Lt Col (Ret) Gordon RFlygare ‘60

Mr Charles CFlynn ‘73

Col (Ret) Paul FFoley‘61

Maj Donald AFord USAFR ‘81

Maj John TForeman USAFR ‘73

Maj David WFrancis ‘80

Lt Col (Ret) &Mrs ESFraser Jr

Maj (Ret) RSFraser ‘73

Anonymous ‘75

Col David LFundarek ‘74

Maj (Ret) Paul SGardes ‘72

Col (Ret) Guy SGardner ‘69

Maj (Ret) &Mrs MBGarlow

Lt Col Walter EGarrard Jr USAFR ‘69

Mr Gregory JGempler ‘73

Mr Thomas EGibbs Jr ‘65

Maj Stephen MGignilliat USAFR ‘80

Mr &Mrs Thomas LGilbert

Mr &Mrs Richard DGoddard

Richard BGosen MD ‘76

Mr Charles SGounaud ‘84

Mr &Mrs Samuel Grafstrom

Col (Ret) Richard LGrandjean MD

‘69

Lt Col (Ret) Timothy) Graves ‘65

Col (Ret) Willie WGray Jr ‘62

Mr Larry LGrayson ‘70

Mr &Mrs Gary EGraziano

Mr &Mrs Robert OGreene

Capt Stephen VGuenard ANG ‘70

Mr George AGutierrez ‘76

Mr &Mrs Joseph Hagarty

Lt Col (Ret) Raymond FHaile ‘74

Lt Col &Mrs Thomas AHall

Mr &Mrs Raymond Hamel

Lt Col (Ret) David Scott Hamilton ‘74

Mr &Mrs Thomas PHamilton

Maj (Ret) RPete Hammerton ‘63

Mr Thomas WHancock ‘76

Col (Ret) Vernon Handel ‘64

Lt Col (Ret) Charles Handley ‘64

SMSgt &Mrs Wmiarn EHardie

Mr &Mrs Robert 0Hardy

Mr &Mrs John HHartmann

Dr &Mrs David PHartson

Maj (Ret) Donald JHaskell ‘78

Gen Richard EHawley ‘64

Lt Col Christopher RHeadlee ‘79

Lt Col Thomas SHeck ‘77

Lt Col (Ret) JohnWHeide ‘63

Lt Col Walter NHeidmous ‘76

Mr Steven DHeinz ‘76

Capt Bryan AHerrick ‘91

Mr &Mrs John AHewitt Jr ‘65

Mr &Mrs Charles AHiggins

Lt Col Robert CHilb USAFR ‘70

Mr Paul DHinton ‘61

Maj James Hird ‘85

Col Robert GHolt USAR ‘70

Maj (Ret) Raymond RHonaker ‘69

Maj Arpad EHorvath USAFR ‘78

Col (Ret) Robert JHovde ‘64

Lt Col (Ret) Gary SHowe ‘69

Lt Col (Ret) Henry LHowe ‘61

Lt Col (Ret) Jacob MHuffman 111 ‘71

Maj Linda Kay Huggler ‘83

Lt Col (Ret) David EHughes ‘69

Mr &Mrs Dennis Huhmann

Mr &Mrs Miles Hutchinson

Mr Jim Hyatt

Col (Ret) &Mrs Francis Jacobs

Mrs Helen 1Jacox

Mr &Mrs Louis CJames

Mr &Mrs Gilbert Jennings Jr

Mr &Mrs Andrew SJohnson

Mr Arthur HJohnson Jr ‘63

Mr &Mrs Britt TJohnson

Maj (Ret) David WJohnson USAFR ‘75

Mr &Mrs Michael Johnston

Mr Raymond AJones '70

Mr Stanley EJones ‘75

Mr &Mrs Walter AJustice

MrCharlesAKaake‘59

Mr Brian GKaley ‘60

Mr &Mrs Gerald Kay

Maj (Ret) James HKeaton ‘74

Lt Col (Ret) Harold GKeck Jr ‘62

Mr David MKeeley ‘66

Mr Carl Keen

Lt Col George AKehias ‘73

Mr Karl FKellerman 111 ‘61

Mr James RKennedy '80

Mr John Kerestes

Maj Donald MKingsley III, USAFR ‘64

Mr &Mrs Henry MKipp

Thomas LKnabel MD ‘75

Capt Heather RKnight ‘89

Mr Dean FKocian ‘68

Mrs Renee MKoeller ‘83

Col (Ret) John JKohout III ‘61

Mr &Mrs Charles Koran

Dr Helen Krause

Maj Thomas Krise ‘83

Gregory MKronberg MD ‘69

Mrs Gail Kruzel ‘67

Mr Dallas CKunkle

Lt Col (Ret) John RLadd ‘71

Mr Robert LaFleur

Ms Betty ALane

Mr JMichael Langley ‘68

Dr &Mrs David Laurentz

Mr &Mrs Donald HLePrell

Lt Col (Ret) Dennis ALeuthauser ‘70

Mr &Mrs Frederick DLeutner

Mr Carl CLindenlaub Jr ‘82

Mr &Mrs Joseph FLinskens

Col (Ret) Donald BLivingston USAFR

‘59

Lt Col (Ret) Robert KLivingston

USAFR ‘71

John SLockett MD ‘70

Mr &Mrs James PLong

Mr &Mrs Paul GLotakis

Mr Robert ELowe ‘59

Mr Keith Luchtel ‘64

Col (Ret) Darryl VLundgren‘70

Mr Edward JLynch ‘59

Mr Stephen HMacDonald ‘83

Maj (Ret) Paul DMacDowell ‘65

Mr &Mrs Aleksander Mankowski

Mr &Mrs Richard Marion

David NMarkellos MD ‘71

Mr &Mrs Frank Martin

Mr &Mrs John WMartin Jr ‘69

Col (Ret) Michael EMartin MD ‘69

Mr Timothy HMason ‘69

Mr &Mrs Henry Massett

Capt Thomas HMattison ‘90

Lt Col (Ret) Frank DMayberry ‘60

Dominic LMazza MD ‘73

Col (Ret) &Mrs Kenneth EMcAJear

‘65

Mr Robert DMcBeth ‘63

Mr Dennis TMcCarthy ‘69

Col Michael WMcCoy‘74

Col (Ret) Kevin LMcElvain ‘66

Drs John &Joy McElwee

Mr Thomas RMcGrain ‘69

Col Fred TMcGregor Jr ‘70

Mr Anthony LMellos ‘64

Mr &Mrs Lon FMerkley

Mr &Mrs James EMeyer

Col (Ret) Mark PMeyer‘72

Capt Charles EMichalec ‘88

Mr Jeffrey AMielke ‘80

Ms Helen FMiller

Mr William LMino ‘71

Mr &Mrs John FMitchell

Lt Col John HMol‘77

(Continued on next page.)

(AFA Fund Donors: From previous page.)

Capt Troy PMolendyke ‘90

Col George MMonroe ‘70

Lt Col (Ret) David PMoore USAFR ‘68

Col (Ret) Ronald LMorey ‘66

Lt Col (Ret) &Mrs David WMorgan

Mr &Mrs William TMorrissey

Lt Col (Ret) Robert KMorrow Jr ‘74

Mr &Mrs Aden Mortensen

Maj (Ret) Michael WMuck‘74

Mr Michael LMurphy ‘72

Mr Terance PMurphy ‘69

Lt Col David TNakayama ‘76

Lt Col (Ret) James TMangle ‘66

Col (Ret) Joseph MNarsavage Jr ‘66

Dr Douglas NNaversen ‘70

Dr Brian Nelson ‘69

Mrs Cheryl NNessen

Lt Col James ANeumeister ‘77

Mr &Mrs Albert LNeveu

Mr Michael ENewton ‘71

Mrs Robert JNicosia

Dr George CNield IV ‘72

Mr David JNielsen ‘69

Mr &Mrs Wilbur CNielsen

Lt Col Jack BNorman USAFR ‘70

Mr Douglas RNorton ‘70

Lt Col Michael JNowak ‘79

Mrs Christine Ochs

Mr &Mrs Stephen TOhotnicky

Col (Ret) &Mrs Arthur SOlson

Mr Michael JOtt ‘85

James LOugh MD ‘65

Maj Joseph EOverbeck ‘82

Mr &Mrs David JOwens

Lt Col (Ret) Harry GPaddon III ‘62

Mr Robert Pastiak ‘73

Mr Stewart WPatterson ‘76

Mr &Mrs Robert MPavlich

Dr &Mrs Donald EPaynter

Mr James RPeoples

Col (Ret) David MPhillips ‘68

Dr &Mrs Thomas Phillips

SMSgt (Ret) &Mrs William Plies

Mr John HPomeroy ‘70

Capt Joseph TPopovich ‘88

Mr &Mrs Frank Postulka

Dr &Mrs Robert NPowell

Lt Col (Ret) Clinton RPrice ‘67

Lt Col (Ret) WiUiam EPurcell USAFR ‘71

Mr &Mrs Fred SQueddeng

Mr &Mrs James Quinn

Col Jeffery AQuirk ‘70

Mr Evan JQuiros ‘66

Capt (Ret) David JRadcliffe ‘70

Maj James MRatti ‘82

Maj Michael KReagan ‘81

Lt Col JMichael Reames USAFR ‘76

Ms Denise PWRedmond

Mr &Mrs William Reece

Maj Darren JReed ‘85

Lt Col John WReho USAFR ‘71

Lt Col Mark FReidinger ‘80

Ms Barb Reilman

Col Dennis JRensel ‘73

Mr Thomas MRentenbach ‘62

Maj Christopher CReymann ANG ‘82

Mr &Mrs Joseph LRillos

Mr &Mrs Miguel ARivera

Mr &Mrs Raymond BRoach

Mr &Mrs Richard Roach

Mr Ron Robinson

Lt Col (Ret) Howard ERobson ‘70

Mr &Mrs Roberto Rosa-Miranda

Col (Ret) Edwin LRosane ‘59

Lt Col (Ret) Randolph WRoyce ‘70

Mr &Mrs Donald ARupanovic

Mr Wayne DRydberg

Lt Col (Ret) Marc LSabin ‘65

Maj Michael SSackley USAFR ‘76

Dr Joseph CSaitta‘71

Lt Col (Ret) William TSakahara ‘64

Dr George WSanders

Maj Robert MSands ‘76

Mr William JSansouci

Lt Col (Ret) Charles MSarff‘66

Mr Thomas ESavageau

Mr Colin CScheldt ‘74

Mr Alfred WSchenk

Mr Bruce GSchinelli ‘82

Lt Col (Ret) Glenn HSchlabs ‘69

Mrs Cathy Schmidt

Dr &Mrs Paul CSchmidt

Col (Ret) Jeffrey ESchofield ‘67

Maj (Ret) Mark DSchubert ‘77

Mr George CSchultz ‘71

Mr John ESchumlck ‘71

Lt Col (Ret) CGlen Shaffer Jr ‘63

Mr &Mrs Lloyd GShannon

Mr Thomas WSheahan ‘78

Col (Ret) Harvey WC Shelton '65

Mr &Mrs Clarence WSheward ‘64

Lt Col (Ret) Dennis JShields USAFR

‘71

Mr REric Shilakis '81

Mr Richard JShimko ‘82

Mr Donald JShinafelt ‘65

Maj Gen Michael CShort ‘65

Capt Jeffrey ASiegel ‘85

Mr William HSimpson ‘63

Lt Col (Ret) Roger ASindle ‘68

Ms Margaret PSkillern

Lt Col &Mrs Herbert DSmiley

Mr Chester HSmith

Mr &Mrs David ASmith

Mr &Mrs Gerald ESmith

Col Lee TSmith ‘66

Mr &Mrs Stephen LSmith

Mr &Mrs Joseph Smutko

Mr &Mrs Walter ASonnenberg

Ms Bonita Lora Soong ‘86

Lt Col Marius GSorenson '70

Mr Albert St Clair

Mr Blair YStephenson ‘69

Maj Jill LSterling MD ‘82

Lt Col Lorren Stiles Jr USAFR ‘71

WScott Stine MD ‘73

Mr &Mrs Larry DStoner

Mrs Evajane Storm

Lt Col (Ret) Terry LStorm ‘61

Col Robert AStratton ‘73

Lt Andrew JStretcher ‘95

Capt David AStudebaker ANG ‘81

Lt Michael CSuermann ‘94

Capt Catherine Patton Sullivan ‘86

Lt Col (Ret) Gerard RSullivan ‘68

Maj (Ret) John RLSullivan ‘68

Col Ron Sullivan ‘69

Lt Col (Ret) Donald ASutton ‘68

Ms Holly Emrick Svetz ‘80

Capt David JSwanke ‘92

Mrs WC Sweeney Jr

Mr &Mrs Gregory Taylor

Capt Timothy STaylor ‘88

Lt Col Walter WTaylor Jr ‘79

Dr Hollis AThomas Jr MD ‘63

William CThompson III MD '69

Mr William LThompson ‘73

Dennis LThrasher MD ‘70

Lt Col (Ret) Michael BThrower ‘68

Mr Charles DTice ‘62

Mr &Mrs Elvin 1Tinkham

Mr &Mrs Bruce LTipton

Mr &Mrs Carl JTodaro

Mr &Mrs Jerry Tollman

Maj Douglas Dale Trogstad USAFR ‘79

Mr &Mrs Charles MTurner

Mr &Mrs Eric TUnks

Capt Victor JValdez ‘87

Lt Col (Ret) Jeffrey HValentine ‘65

Maj (Ret) Bradley VanSant '62

Mrs Judy VanVarick

Maj Everett WVaughn ‘63

Mr Michael WVerzola ‘72

Mr &Mrs Fred AVick

Col (Ret) Walter LVisinsky Jr ‘67

Mr David Voorhees

Col (Ret) Brian EWages ‘65

Col DavidAWagie'72

Lt Col (Ret) Donald LWalker ‘73

Lt Col Stephen HWallingford ‘74

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas HWalsh Jr ‘64

Maj Jonathan WWampler ANG ‘85

Mr Robert KWaterman ‘65

Lt Col (Ret) &Mrs WFWaters

Maj Michael RWatson MD ‘80

Lt Col (Ret) &Mrs Jimmie Wax

Mr &Mrs Frank EWebb

Lt Col Lewis SWelland ‘70

Mr Ronald LWeilert‘71

Dr &Mrs Mark AWeiner

Mr &Mrs Richard E

Weinschenker

Mrs Margaret MWendt

Maj David CWest ‘82

Mr &Mrs James LWest Jr

Capt Kevin GWestburg ‘92

Lt Col (Ret) James FWheeler ‘64

Maj Larry DWhite ‘80

Mr &Mrs Charles TWhitehead

Mrs Elizabeth HWUderman

Col (Ret) James EWilhelm ‘61

Richard &Rebecca Willey

BGen (Ret) William TWilliams IV

‘61

Lt Col Guy JWills III ‘79

Mr &Mrs Ross JWilson

Lt Col Sam HWilson USAFR ‘71

Mr Charles CWinter‘72

Dr &Mrs Donald JWittich Jr

Mr Lawrence AWolf ‘80

Lt Col &Mrs Terry Wolf

Lt Col Marshall LWong ‘78

Mr William BWood‘68

Mr Frank RWorrall‘81

Mr &Mrs Gary TWright

Lt Col (Ret) Frederick BWynn '59

Mr &Mrs Richard PW^n

Mr &Mrs Neil RYarian

Mr Mark AZablotny ‘71

BGen (Ret) &Mrs Felix J Zaniewski

Maj John DZazworsky Jr ‘83

Mr &Mrs Joseph EZeis

MrKarlFZickrick‘72

Anonymous ‘86

Jeremy Gordon receives congratulations and ahandshake from Air Force Chief of Staff Michael Ryan. Gordon graduated as the top gradu¬ ate in overall merit for the Class of 1998. (Photo by Airman 1" Class Richard Komurek .)

The Class of2002 makes its way back from the second half of basic cadet training in Jack'sValley after several weeks in theSeid. (Photo by I>arryHulst.)

Providiiig the Aur Force with 'safe, rehable llight mi and aircraft maintenance for 20 years.

USAFA Graduate Wins National Award

Major Linda R. Urmtia-Varhall, ’84, was awarded the Maj. Gen. Jack E. Thomas Award as the Air Force Intelligence Professional of the Year by the National Military Intelligence Association at its annual banquet in Washington D.C., on June 5*. The award, presented annually to the top intelligence professional on the U. S. Air Force, cites Major UrrutiaVarhall for her contributions to the intelligence community over the past year.

The citation notes that Major Urrutia-Varhall “demonstrated super¬ lative leadership in creating aproactive intelligence structure in the Pacific Theater. Her innovations revolutionized theater support to Joint Task Forces in the Paci fi c as well as to combined force theater nations such as Australia. With her primary^ focus on the battlefield and to the warfighters, she increased the flow of vital intelligence products by 33 percent for American warfighters and made major inroads into enhanc¬ ing combined forces cooperation. As the sole point of contact for com¬ mand support during crises, her advice to the commander and United Sates Pacific Command, director of Intelligence, was invaluable dur¬ ing the highest operations tempo in the command’s history. Major Urrutia-Varhall has signi fi cantly improved the operations-intelligence interface while enhancing not only American fighting potential in the Pacific but U.S.-Australian cooperation as well. The dedication and out¬ standing performance of Major Urrutia-Varhall reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Ar Force and embody all the ideals asso¬ ciated with the Maj. Gen. Jack E. Thomas Award for intelligence profes¬ sionalism.’’

General Thomas was recently cited for his 50 years of contributions to the intelligence community. The General personally made the pre-

Membership Dues Increase Announced

The Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates voted to increase membership dues as follows effective 1July 1998: Annual Membership: from $40 to $45 per year.

Joint Annual Membership: from $45 to $50 per year. Lifetime Membership: an increase of $50 in base price.

sentation at abanquet at the Fort Meyers Officers Club.

Major Urrutia-Varhall is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Urrutia of Pueblo, Colo., and the wife of Lt. Col. (USAF, Ret) GregVarhall, USAFA, ’68. She had formerly served as an executive support officer for three previous secretaries of Defense before moving to the Joint Intelli¬ gence Center, Pacific, in 1995.

Defense Technical Information Center Schedules Annual Training Meeting

The Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) is holding its 25th Annual Users Meeting and training conference Nov. 2-5 at the DoubleTree Hotel National Arport, 300 Amy Navy Drive, in Alington, Va. The agenda is packed full of exciting and relevant topics, as well as an exhibit room with vendors from every aspect of Informa¬ tion Technology (IT).

“Maintaining the Information Edge” is the theme of the confer¬ ence and the sessions are geared to this topic. DTIC ’98 will address the information sources and changing technologies that impact those who are in Defense Research and Acquisition. Keynote speakers in¬ clude Lt. Gen. David J. Kelly, director of the Defense Information Sys¬ tems Agency; Mr. Carol Cini, associate director of the U.S. Govern¬ ment Printing Office; and Mr. Richard Luce, director of the Los Aamos Research Library. Mr. Louis Purnell, the luncheon speaker, will be relating his exploits during World War II as aTuskegee Arman.

The conference offers four days of varied training sessions that enable DTIC users to collaborate on tbe latest IT topics. Presenta¬ tions will address the most current issues effecting the research, de¬ velopment and acquisition communities. Not only will these speak¬ ers acquaint participants with the latest policy and operational de¬ velopments, but they will also provide practical details on valuable and diverse domestic and foreign information resources, security is¬ sues, the World Wide Web, virtual libraries, video streaming and the storage and dissemination of electronic documents.

For more information on the conference, contact Julia Foscue at (703) 767-8236 or e-mail jfoscue@dtc.mil. The DTIC homepage is at http://www.dtic.mil.

The Secret Life of Waldo EDumbsquat

With his shoulder scraping the wall of the squadron, C/4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat marched to the Squadron Assembly Room. Clad in issue pa¬ jamas, bathrobe, and slippers, the doolie sported thirteen chins as he passed each upperclass al¬ cove. He successfully passed the CQ desk with¬ out picking up laundry detail. Fortunately, for Waldo, the CQ was unlocking the trunkroom. Once beyond the pay phones, the freshman ended his journey in the sanctuary of the SAR. The TV area appeared packed to capacity to Waldo. He couldn’t really see the tube from his vantage point behind the thirdclassmen. The only empty seat was on the sofa next to the Squadron Training Of fi cer.

Waldo idly spun the goalie handle on the empty foosball table as he contemplated his next move. Perhaps some ping pong. The siren song of the soda machine greeted the freshman’s ears as acan ratded to the bottom of the dispenser chute. However, he didn’t have coke privileges yet. Waldo stifled ahuge sigh.

“What’s happenin’, Dumbsquat?”

Waldo spun around to face his classmate, Buffy “the bagpipe player” McDee. He liked the Scottish exchange cadet. Maybe it was the accent.

“Hi, Buffy. I’m just hanging out. 1needed abreak from studying.”

“Aye, laddie. It’s awee pause 1be needin’ too.”

“Looks like most of the squadron is here. Ican barely see the TV screen from the back.”

“It’ll be academic probation for the lot of them!” laughed the girl in her soft lilting way. “What could be so interestin’?”

Waldo shrugged. “I think it’s Xena."

Former Cheerleader Takes

Fitness to New Heights

Elite fitness and bodybuilding might not be the first things most people associate with cheerleaders, but forTanji Johnson, ’97, aformer member of the Academy cheerleading squad, they’re away of life. She took first place in the fitness round and fourth overall at the National Physique Committee Colorado State Bodybuilding and Fitness com¬ petition in July.

The fitness competition included two physique rounds and one fit¬ ness round. Apanel of judges scored muscle tone and physical appear¬ ance during the physique rounds. The fi tness round included atwominute routine in which the women were judged in gymnastics, flex¬ ibility, power moves and strength. Johnson’s fitness routine included a carefully choreographed set of moves set to music, but she had help in perfecting the routine. Arianne Babcock, an assistant cheerleading coach with abackground in cheerleading and gymnastics, had dedi¬ cated time to help Johnson prepare over the last two months.

“Finally arole model for we lassies!”

“Warren said you’re from London.”

More laughter.

“London is in Great Britain, Waldo. You better pay attention in Wo rid Geography!”

“Then where are you from?” asked Waldo, blushing.

“Brigadoon.”

“Hey, you guys, did you hear the news?” asked C/4C Warren Heels excitedly as he entered the SAR.

"News?” chorused the other two doolies.

“Yeah, 1overheard two comp sci majors talking about some problem called 'Y2K.' Apparently, all the Academy computers will go bonkers in the year 2000.”

“Wow! What’s going to happen?”

“Well, the computers will think the date is 1900. So, supply is going to issue brown shoes, pointed parkas, and corvettes.”

"It could be worse,” noted Waldo.

“Oh it is! We’ll have to repeat our Fourthclass year! With slide rules!”

Buffy and Waldo looked in horror at each other. Something had to be done. Waldo disappeared behind the soda machine and whispered the magic word “Highlander.” Instandy he transformed into Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, aman who had never surfed the internet.

“Attention in the TV room. Attention in the TV room. All upperclass¬ men will return to their rooms and work on the ‘Y2K’ problem. All thirdclassmen will declare acomp sci major. That is all.”

As the cadets scurried from the area, Waldo resumed his pitiful shape. He and his friends sat in the vacant seats in front of the television.

“This is great!” noted Warren. “1 must be in the front row!”

“Aye!” con fi rmed Buffy.

Waldo could only sigh.

Xenay/as arerun.

Johnson, assigned to the minority enrollment office this year, has been preparing for women’s fitness competitions in between recruiting stints. By placing in the top five, she earned the opportunity to compete at the NPC National Fitness competition in Atlanta, Ga. in November. To prepare for nationals, she planned to compete in the Texas State Championships in August and the Natural Colorado competition in early November. If she places first or second at the nationtd competi¬ tion, Johnson will earn her pro card which will allow her to compete professionally, lohnson was scheduled to leave the Academy in August to become an aircraft maintenance officer at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., fol¬ lowing technical training at Sheppard AFB, Texas. (The Academy Spirit)

800-443-9266

719-333-2910

719-333-3970

719-333-2106

719-333-4096/4097

Tanji Johnson does one-handed pushups during her fitness routine at the Colorado State Bodybuilding and Fitness competition.

Third Bed &Breakfast Program for Appointees Successful

For the third year, local graduate families and friends of USAFA of¬ fered Bed &Breakfast to unaccompanied appointees arriving to start their Doolie year. Some 220 appointees in the Class of 2002 were given awarm welcome, afriendly place to stay, good food, and sage advice by more than 170 families.

The Rrst basic cadets to show up at Doolittle Hall on the morning of June 30 pose outside the “welcome tent" in front of the building. In shorts is Jose Zambrano of Teaneck, N.J. and in Levis is Nathan Bump of Chouchilla, Calif (Photo courtesy Jim Shaw.)

The program was originally conceived by the Rampart Chapter in 1996 as an alternative to spending the last night before BCT alone in ahotel room in astrange town. The rite of going off to coUege or the military, and in this case both, can be daunting, especially for parents (as those of you who have sent your kids off to college or the military can attest), and we all know what coming to "Beast” is like. Facing the biggest tran¬ sition of their lives, many appointees (and even more parents) prefer

MAJOR EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

4-7 Parents Weekend

5Wake Forest at USAFA, (1100 Kickoff), AOG Tailgate

6

17 Colorado State at USAFA (1800 Kickoff)

26 USAFA at TCU

OCTOBER

30 Sept -4Oct

2-3

3New

7-11

28

29 Oct -1 Nov -Class of‘65 Mini-Reunion (Embassy Suites)

31

21

to have some friendly human contact on that last evening. Local gradu¬ ates and other USAFA staff and friends of the Academy have risen to the challenge and opened their homes. Tad, ‘65, and Sandy Oelstrom took in she appointees themselves. Volunteers pick up the cadets, give them aplace to stay, an evening meal, breakfast, and deliver them to Doolittle Hall the next day for inprocessing. The most important thing is offering the warmth and support of someone who’s been there, done that, and got the USAFA T-shirt. The Appointee Bed &Breakfast is one more way that alumni and friends are helping USAFA provide "the ex¬ tra margin of excellence.’’

Extra special thanks to Jennifer Bowman (Dave, ‘72) and John Fal, ‘66. Jennifer has organized the B&B program from her desk at the AOG ae¬ rie in Doolittle Hall, matching the appointees with local families, coor¬ dinating the problems, and managing the arrival of these new cadets. John Fal became active in the Rampart Chapter this year and organized the chapter volunteers to greet airplanes at the Colorado Springs Air¬ port and welcome arriving appointees at Doolittle Hall. Many thanks to Jennifer, John, and the more than 170 local families and volunteers who made this program work.

ALL CLASSES ARE INVITED TO HOMECOMING 1998

Make your plans now to attend Homecoming 1998, Oct. 2-4, 1998. Another record crowd of alumni is expected to return to the Academy for the celebration to be held in conjunction with the USAFA vs New Mexico football game.

Homecoming registration forms were mailed to members of the 20- and 10-year reunion classes in July. Other alumni are heartily encouraged to join these two major reunion classes in the annual return to campus sponsored by the Academy and the Association of Graduates (AOG). Hiose from classes o&er than ‘78 and ‘88 must contact the AOG office to request registration forms. Forms will not be printed in Checkpoints. All attendees must register through the AOG. The deadline for registration is Sept. 18,1998. Those attempting to register after this date might well find most, if not all, events sold out. Send requests for registration forms to:

Association of Graduates (Homecoming)

3116 Academy Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-4475 (719) 472-0300 /DSN: 333-2067 or e-mail: services@aog-usafa.org

ALL CLASS EVENTS

Friday 2Oct. ‘98

0800-1800 All-Class Registration 0900-1130 Open House

Doolittle Hall

Cadet Area

Mitchell Hall

Lunch with Cadets (pre¬ registered grads and spouses only/300max)

1100-1330 Buffet Lunch

1230-1300 Open House

1330-1500 USAFA Brie fi ngs

1430-1600 Next-of-Kin Coffee

1600-1630 Memorial Ceremony

1700-1800 '78 &‘88 Class Photos

Saturday 3Oct. ‘98

0800-1130 All Class Registration

Doolittle Hall

Cadet Area

Fairchild Hall F-1

Arnold Hall

Class Wall

Cadet Chapel

Doolittle Hall

Doolittle Hall Parade Ground AOG AANB

Credit Card Holders

Air Academy National Bank (AANB) has announced that effec¬ tive July 31, 1998 they have cancelled the Scorecard bonus point program on their AOG credit card. You should have already received two notices, one with your June statement and one with your July statement. Points may be redeemed through September 30, 1998. Questions should be addressed directly to AANB.

0900

0930-1130 All-Class Tailgate Cadet Wing Jabara Award Parade USAFA vs. New Mexico

Sunday 4Oct. ‘98

Falcon Stadium

1200 Cadet Chapel

Catholic &Protestant Services

1998-99 Graduate Dependent Scholarship V\toners Announced

By Edwin J. Montgomery, Jr., ‘59 GDS Committee Chairman

The Graduate Dependent Scholarship (CDS) Fund was established in 1987 and, since that time, has awarded scholarships to over 70 de¬ serving children of graduate members, helping these scholars to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in awide variety of disciplines from colleges and universities throughout the country. Each year the quality of applicants is impressively high, and this year was no excep¬ tion. The GDS Committee faced its usual difficult task of trying to as¬ sess the many outstanding records in academics, athletics, jobs, pub¬ lic service efforts and extracurricular activities. The eleven students named below, however, are consensus nominees and clearly merit the Board’s recognition.

Brenna M. Peterson ($1,200). Miss Peterson is afreshman at Stanford University, and is carrying a3.5 GPA in biochemistry while also serving as apathology research intern in the Stanford Medical School’s Weissman Laboratory. She sings with aChristian acappella group and is active in her dormitory student government. As aFleming Scholar this past summer, she interned in immunology with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. In high school at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics she had a4.0 GPA and earned aperfect 1600 score in her SAT exams and abetter-than-perfect score of 143 in ber ACT exams. She was in the school’s madrigal, show and concert choirs that all placed first in national competition, and was amember

Graduate Dependent Scholarship Criteria Outlined

Graduate Dependent Scholarships are being offered for the upcom¬ ing 1999 -2000 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-second¬ ary education for the children of AOG graduate members.

To be eligible to apply:

A. The applicant must be the child of either agraduate life mem¬ ber of the AOG or agraduate who has maintained annual mem¬ bership for at least the five consecutive years immediately pre¬ ceding the submission of the application package. AOG mem¬ bership requirements for applicants who are children of de¬ ceased graduates will be evaluated on an individual basis by the selection committee.

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

C. The applicant must agree to enroll as afull-time student, as defined by the institution, at acollege 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 aminimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a4.0 scale for the six most-recent semesters as afull-time stu¬ dent.

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 atotal 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 ascholarship in agiven year, are encouraged to reapply for scholarships in subsequent years. These applicants compete with all new applicants for subsequent-year scholarship monies

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

Send requests for applications 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, CO 80840-4475 or call (719) 472-0300. E-mail: services@aogusafa.org.

of the Student Council and the school’s youth service organization. (Quentin L. Peterson, ’73)

Jessica L. Reay ($1,200): Miss Reay is ajunior at Texas Christian Uni¬ versity where she is carrying a3.96 GPA in Habilitation of the Deaf and audiology. She has been both secretary and treasurer of TCU’s ROTC Angel Flight, and is amember of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders student advisory board, TCU’s Student Ambas¬ sadors, the Texas State Student Educators Association and the National Student Speech Hearing Language Association. She works as an office assistant in TCU’s Biology Department. In high school in Albuquer¬ que, NM, she had a4.0 GPA and was first in her class, was aflutist in the New Mexico State High School Band, was active in Habitat for Human¬ ity and, as aGirl Scout, organized aBrownie troop for hearing-impaired girls. (Roderick D. Reay, ’75)

Amanda M. Vinson ($1,200): Miss Vinson is ahigh school senior at Oak Park, CA, where she is completing her secondary education with a 4.0 GPA and is fi rst in her class. She earned ascore of 1490 in her SAT exams, and has been awriter for the school newspaper and an editor for the yearbook. She is aclass representative in the student govern¬ ment, was captain of her youth soccer league team, and is active in her church youth fellowship. As an equestrienne she is the current Grand National Champion in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor category for ages 16-17, is the Reserve Grand National Champion in the Hunter Pleasure Youth and Western Pleasure Youth categories, and was third in the World Championship Hunter Pleasure category for ages 14-17. She is also president of her equestrian youth service club and has done community service in alocal homeless shelter. (William T. Vinson, '65)

Nicole S. Finch ($ 1,000): Miss Finch is ajunior at The American Uni¬ versity in Washington, DC, where she is carrying a3.96 GPA in adouble degree program: International Studies, with aconcentration on Rus¬ sian language and Eastern Europe affairs, and Language and Foreign Studies, with aconcentration on Spanish language and Latin Ameri¬ can affairs. Part of her preparation for the two degrees has been ase¬ mester of studies in Moscow and will include asimilar semester in Guadalajara. In high school at Kennesaw, GA, she had a4.0 GPA and was third in her class. In addition to her studies she sings with aprofes¬ sional church choir in Washington, performs with auniversity improvisational comedy troupe and is amember of the National Defense Industrial Association. She has also been president of the American University Russian Club and astudent intern with the Voice of America in both Washington and Moscow. (Samuel RFinch III, ’64)

Kristin E. Nielsen ($1,000): Miss Nielsen is asenior at Air Academy High School in Colorado where she is completing her secondary edu¬ cation in the top 1% of her class with aGPA of 4.0. Aletter winner in cross-country and track, she has participated in forensics, chorus and theater science/technology and mathematics competitions, president of her National Honor Society chapter and her Science Olympiad team, vice-president of her Girl Scout troop, tvUce captain of her “Matchwits" competition team, and founder and editor of her school newspaper. She is aWestinghouse Science Talent Search semi-finalist and this year won the Girl Scout Gold Award. She is acamp counselor, aChildren’s Museum volunteer and is active in Youth in Community Service and the school environmental club. (PauID. Nielsen, ’72)

Karen M. Feigh ($700): Miss Feigh is afreshman at Georgia Tech Uni¬ versity, where she is carrying a4.0 GPA in aerospace engineering and is amember of the President’s Scholar Freshman Advisory Board, the Stu¬ dent Foundation-Investments Committee and the student athletic spirit group “SWARM”. She is on the student newspaper staff and was active in putting on Tech’s first annual women’s leadership conference. In high school in Poquoson, VA, she had a4.0 GPA and was second in her class. She was president of her senior class, amember of her school’s volley¬ ball, cross-country and softball teams, and aMember of Distinction in the National Forensics League. Active in her church, scouting and in volunteer work, she traveled In Japan as aSony Student Project Award winner, and has been accepted to attend “Sakharov’s Readings”, an an¬ nual scientific conference in St. Petersburg. (Keith A. Feigh, ’76)

Tara C. Hogan ($700): Miss Hogan is apostgraduate student in veteri¬ nary medicine at Colorado State University where she is carrying aGPA of 3.6. She is avolunteer in the critical care center for the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and is aclass representative and (Continued on next page.)

ATTENTION IN THE AREA

By Col. Jock C.H. Schwank (USAF, Ret), ‘60

Register Deadline Aired

Amajor AOG service is one of providing up-to-date information on graduates through the annual Register of Graduates. The most recent book will be mailed to members of record in November, 1998. The biographical information form printed near the center of each maga¬ zine should be used on an ongoing basis to update graduate data. Since the individual graduate is the critical source of Register infor¬ mation, 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 have been received by 1August 1998.

Visitors Center Offers AOG Discount

The AOG is pleased to announce amembership benefit. Through the cooperation of the Academy Athletic Association (AFAAA), all AOG members are eligible to receive adiscount 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 dis¬ count. 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 bene fi t to all our members.

(GDS Winners: From previous page.)

Girl Scout mentor coordinator for the Students for Human/Animal Re¬ lationship Education (SHARE). Asumma cum laude graduate of Northern Arizona University in Zoology with a3.90 GPA, she was Trea¬ surer of her Circle KInternational service club chapter, an award win¬ ning writer, and amember of the university choir and women’s cho¬ rale, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies, and the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society. At Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, Arizona, she graduated with a3.78 GPA and took part in numerous language, drama, church and community service activities. (James RHogan, ’71)

Julie L. Christensen ($500): Miss Christensen is asenior at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, where she is completing her secondary education with aGPA of 4.0 and is fi rst in her class. She earned ascore of 1450 in her SAT exams, has participated on her school track and vol¬ leyball teams and as amanager of the basketball team, and is an ac¬ complished flutist in the school band and afrequent actor or musician in school theater productions. In addition to carrying ajob with Burgerville throughout the summer and school year, she is extremely active in community service as amath tutor, aretreat leader, and a member of the Christian Service Program and “Los Embajadores”, a summer service trip to Mexico. (John L. Christensen, ’73)

Kathleen A. Pirog ($500): Miss Pirog is ahigh school senior at NicevUle, FL, where she is completing her secondary education with a4.0 GPA and is seventh in her class. She earned ascore of 1490 on her SAT ex¬ ams and abetter-than-perfect score of 143 in her ACT exams. She has participated in both indoor and outdoor track, is amember of both the marching and symphonic bands, is vice-president of the Math Club and poetry editor of the Literary Guild. She was aState Forum delegate for the Junior Classical League and acharter member of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. This past summer, she was ahigh school research apprentice working on mobile target computer mod¬ els at EglinAFB’s Wright Laboratory. (PauIE. Pirog, ’77)

Nathan T. Stooke (P‘ Alternate): Mr. Stooke is asenior at Southern Illinois University, and is carrying a3.95 GPA in computer science. He is captain of the swim team, and all-Missouri Valley Conference selectee, and amember of the United States national swim team. He is amem¬ ber of the SIU NCAA Certi fi cation Board and the SIU Alumni Associa¬ tion Externship, runs his own computer software business, and was a motivational speaker at the Carbondale Civic Youth Center Forum. Faced with overcoming dyslexia himself, he as been active as atutor for other students with learning disabilities. (Willard N. Stooke, Jr., ’71)

Karen L. Glade (2"“* Alternate): Miss Glade is ahigh school senior in Orange Park, FL, where she is completing her secondary education with

Inappropriate Use of Register Addresses

The AOG has noticed asignificant increase in the use of graduate ad¬ dresses listed in the Register for business and political purposes not sanctioned by your AOG. This is directly in violation of AOG policy as well as an infringement of copyright laws as spelled out on the first page of the 1997Register.

The AOG requests that members notify the vice president, Services, immediately of any non-AOG-sanctioned solicitation they receive where their mailing address was apparently obtained from the Regis¬ ter. The AOG will contact the mailer to ascertain how they obtained your address. The names of those who inappropriately used the Regisferwill be published in future editions of Checkpoints.

Class Ring Information

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

lostens

c/o Seal Seykora

4890 S. Kitterege St. Aurora, CO 80015 (303) 699-9199

Balfour Company

c/o Jess Crane

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, 1998

Classes of 1959, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975, 1994

3502 S. Marion St. Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 789-0623 (Evenings: (303) 757-0557)

Herff Jones

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

Claseso fl 985,1987,1988, 1993, 1995

a4.0 GPA and is second in her class. She earned ascore of 1500 on her SAT exams, is captain of the soccer team and an all-conference and allFirst Coast selectee, is amember of the school band, and won first place in the school’s Science, Mathematics &Engineering Day competition Additionally, she is active in her church as an acolyte, choir member andVacation Bible School teacher, and has taken part in mission trips to Mexico and Washington DC. (Bernard WGiade, Jr, ’71)

Although the total of this year’s awards increased significantly from last year, the amount available to disburse each year is, of course, constrained by the size of the GDS Fund. Because of the importance of higher educa¬ tion to both the students involved and to the public at large, we would encourage members to consider earmarking aportion of their annual support to the AOG for the GDS fund. The larger the fund, the more mon¬ ies can be awarded to alarger number of deserving students.

One important aspect of the scholarships is that they are based on merit and personal accomplishment, and thus present an opportunity for children of families of any economic background -to include those whose means, though modest, are stUl too large to compete for schol¬ arships based solely on need.

The fact that the awards are based on performance should also be a matter of pride to the students who are this year’s selectees. They were judged to be the best of an extremely fine group of young men and women, any of whom we as parents would be glad to welcome into our families. Our congratulations to the winners, and to our fellow gradu¬ ates who have obviously done such acreditable job in raising them.

Membership Dues Increase Aimoxmced

The Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates voted to increase membership dues as follows effective 1July 1998: Annual Membership: from $40 to $45 per year. Joint Annual Membership: from $45 to $50 per year. Lifetime Membership: an increase of $50 in base price.

SACC c^y

What is the SACC?

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported hy the Alumni Associations from the US Naval Academy and US Coast Guard Academy and Associations of Graduates from the US Military Academy and the US Air Force Academy. The eight previous conferences were attended by 200 different companies and 4000 alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

The Spring 1999 SACC will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. You may obtain a room at the Ritz by calling 800-241-3333 or 703-415-5000 for reservations and asking for the SACC rate.

Who will be the candidates?

The candidates are all alumni of the service academies. These individuals have learned the lessons of leadership, integrity and time management during their undergradu¬ ate years. These skills have been honed and tested dur¬ ing active duty military service in afast-paced operational environment. The highest sense of personal honor and commitment to getting the job done are common traits among our alumni.

Alumni of the service academies are atrue representa¬ tion of our multi-cultural society and span the experience levels from entry to senior executive.

Alumni of the service academies have astrong background in technical course material as well as demonstrated lead¬ ership and management skills. Over 50% have postgradu¬ ate degrees.

Service Academy Career Conference April 22-24, 1999

What is the SACC schedule?

The tentative schedule for the SACC is as follows:

Thursday April 22, 1999

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

Friday April 23, 1999

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

● 10:00 am to 1:00 pm -Open Session I

●' 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm-Recruiter Break

● 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm -Open Session II

Saturday April 24, 1999

● Interviews as scheduled by company recruiters

What is the company registration fee?

The company registration fee is $1500/ 1st table with ad¬ ditional tables being obtained for $1000/2nd table, $750/ 3rd table, $500/4th table. This fee entitles acompany ac¬ cess to the best candidates in corporate America: open sessions to meet with candidates; opportunities for on¬ site interviews. For each table reserved, acompany re¬ ceives hard copies of all resumes submitted and an elec¬ tronic version of the resumes with search software.

Please Note: This fee does not cover the cost of your room at the hotel. You must make sepa¬ rate room reservations by calling 800-241-3333 or 703-415-5000 and asliig for the SACC rate.

SACC Company Registration Form

Service Academy Career Conference

SACC %

What is the SACC?

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Alumni Associations from the US Naval Academy and US Coast Guard Academy and Associations of Graduates from the US Military Academy and the US Air Force Academy. The eight previous conferences were attended by 200 different companies and 4000 alumni. Where will the SACC be held?

The Spring 1999 SACC will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. You may obtain a room at the Ritz by calling 800-241-3333 or 703-415-5000 for reservations and asking for the SACC rate. You may also choose from other hotels available in the area, or think about renewing relationships with classmates in the area.

How to register for the SACC:

1. Insure your AOG membership is current since this ser¬ vice is offered to association members only.

2. Complete the Electronic Resume AND Attribute Pro¬ gram Disk obtained through the AOG for $25 (see order form in Checkpoints or call (719) 472-0300. Return the completed disk to the AOG (3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy CO 80840-4475) but keep acopy. Disks must absolutely be returned NET March 19, 1999 in order to be provided to recruiters at this conference,

a. If you submitted an alectronic version of your re¬ sume to the Joint Academies Resume Service database after October 1,1998, it will be included in the SACC Elec¬ tronic Resume Database,

b. Disks recieved after March 19, 1999, although not provided to recruiters at this SACC, will be entered into the Joint Academies Resume Service database for distri¬ bution to subsequent potential employers,

c. Recruiters at previous SACC’s found the electronic database extremely helpful. Be sure your resume is ac¬ curate and complete.

April 22-24, 1999

3. Send the following to the SACC office (address below) no later than March 19,1999.

a. Completed registration form,

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

c. Two hard copies of your resume (strictly limited to one page/one side). This resume should be the version that sells you the best, not necessarily the one generated using the Electronic Resume Service Program.

4. About ten days prior to the conference, you will received acon fi rmation notice with ade fi nitive schedule.

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

Thursday April 22, 1999

●Interview Prep Seminar at 7:00 pm

Friday April 23, 1999

●Registration opens at 9:00 am and continues through¬ out the day

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

Saturday April 24, 1999

●Recruiters may schedule individual interviews.

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

If you have any questions on this AOG membership ser¬ vice, please contact Wayne Taylor or Col (Ret) Jock Schwank at 719-472-0300 or DSN 333-4513 or E-mail: services@aog-usafa.org.

SACC CANDIDATE REGISTRATION FORM

Association of Graduates Available Member Bene fi ts/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: aog@aog-usafa.org.

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 Acad¬ emy National Bank. (800) 365-5980

LINE OF CREDIT—

unsecured line of credit are available from MBNA America. To apply call 1-800-527-362 land ask for priority code JGY2. You will receive adecision in as litde as 15 minutes.

SCHOLARSHIPS—

● apreparatory school scholarship via the Falcon Foundation,

●post secondary scholarships to graduates' chil¬ dren.

LOCATOR SERVICE—

need to find afellow graduate? We help!

SABER RENTAD-

sets of six for the military wedding.

TRAVEL SERVICE—

Year-round full-service travel program for vaca-

tion, business, special Academy events and re¬ unions. Call ABetter Way Travel Service at 1(800) 347-9002 and mention your AOG affiliation.

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 Pontiacs and GMC trucks and receive all applicable factory re¬ bates. Drop-shipping available. Contact the Com¬ mercial Sales Division, Ferguson Pontiac-GMC u-uck (719) 596-5005/ (800) 782-0826/ fax (719) 596-7569

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNTS—

special 10% discount rate from Budget: (800) 4552848 (AOG ID T507 400). 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#C00041511).

●15% savings atWoodfin Suites- (800) 237-8811

Rules Outlined for Graduate

Golf Course Use

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

Active-Duty and Retired Graduates may schedule their own tee times by calling (719) 333-3456, 72 hours in advance. These are the same res¬ ervation rules applicable to all active-duty personnel not stationed at the Academy and retirees. Green fees are $16. Reciprocal privileges are in effect for active-duty graduates who have annual memberships at other Air Force courses. Golf cart fees are $16.

Nonretired, Nonactive-Duty Graduate AOG members: The AOG is allocated eight tee times per month. Nonretired graduate AOG mem¬ bers who are no longer on active duty may play at these special times. Tee times begin after 1000 hours. Graduates wishing to use these tee times must make reservation through Steve Knight at the AOG. He will contact the golf course to schedule your desired date and time. After confirmation of the tee time, he will notify you of the date and time. We emphasize that these graduates must go through the AOG office for res¬ ervations (719) 472-0300.

Graduates may schedule only one tee time per month to insure all graduates have an opportunity to use one of the eight tee times. If by the 25th of each month the eight tee times have not been reserved, a graduate who played earlier in the month may schedule asecond tee time. Green fees for nonretired, nonactive-duty graduates are $40 and golf cart fees are $16.

Reunions and Homecoming: Atournament will be scheduled by the Academy and the AOG to accommodate graduates at aset fee for aU players. The fee will be independent of military status or golf course membership.

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

Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO. 80840-4475

●an approximate 20% saving at the Embassy Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs. Call (719) 5999100 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 Associa¬ tion 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, No¬ vember, December. Call (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 check-in.

● save 50% at the Sumner Suites of Colorado Springs when traveling January through April and November/December. Call (719) 265-9385 and ask for the AOG Special Rate (not valid for groups, spe¬ cial events or with any other promotion). Discount based on regular rate and is subject to availablility. AOG membership card required upon check-in.

Corporate Members

Association of Graduates, USAFA

Air Academy Federal Credit Union

Air Academy National Bank

Air Force Association

Ampex Corporation

Betac Corporation

The Boeing Company

Budget Rent aCar 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

Jostens, Inc.

The MITRE Corporation

Motorola, Inc. Government Electronics Group

Northwestern Preparatory School

PRC, Inc.

Rockwell International

Sumner Suites of Colorado Springs

TRW, Inc., Electronic &Defense Sector

United Parcel Service

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 CO 80840-4475. Phone (719) 472-0300. E-mail services@aog-usafa.org.

Join Forces \A^th Us At Procter &Gamble

Considering acareer change? Join one of the world's foremost consumer products ’ companies! At least one of our products is used in 97% of all U.S. households.

International business is expanding ■ ■■ v rapidly and global sales were greater HP than $35 billion last year.

Opportunity. Many Air Force | Academy graduates are experiencing challenging and rewarding careers at Procter &Gamble in Manufacturing, Brand Management, Sales, Purchases, Research and Development, Finance, Hjj|||| Engineering and Management Informa¬ tion Systems.

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

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

Pay &Benefits. Salaries and benefits, including profit sharing, rank among the best in the U.S. We are seeking highly motivated leaders with arecord of achievement in academics, extracurricular activities and military assignments.

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

Steve Wittman, USAFA '77, The Procter &Gamble Co. P.O. Box 599, Cincinnati, OH 45201-0599

If you prefer, fax acover letter and resume to (513) 983-4967 or send e-mail to wittman.se@pg.com.

Name:

Class:.

Graduate Biographical Update Form

Date;

SSAN: AOG

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

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

Mailing Address;

City:

Duty assignment or Civilian Title; Company &Location:

Work Address:

City;.

Home Phone: (.

HomeFAX:( i

Home e-mail (WILL be printed in the Registeh/.

Work e-mail

Effective Date:.

Zip Code: Country: State:

State:

Work Phone: (.

Work FAX: (_

Zip Code:

Effective Date: Country;

DSN: I

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

Marital Name Change:

If Spouse is aGraduate please provide the following; Spouse's Grad Class.

Spouse’s Graduation Name:

Preferred Name for mailing labels:

AOG#:

The AOG receives promotion, aeronauticai rating, PME, and sponsored civiiian education updates from the USAF Personnei Center for Active Duty USAF graduates oniy; USAFR, Guard, and other service graduates MUST pro¬ vide us this information personaliy. USAF Active Duty Graduates shouid provide it, in case the official data sources are in error. (Please provide documentation to correct errors.)

Rank: Date of Rank;

PME:

ALL Graduates; Award(s):

Civilian Degree:

Aero Rating:

Date of Rating:

Residence/Seminar/Correspondence; Dates:.

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

Doolie Squadron;

Source of Nomination:

Major: Year: Institution: Graduation Squadron

Congressional:

Varsity Letter Earned: Year(s):

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

Sport(s): NO:

FOR THOSE GRADUATE MEMBERS IN CIVILIAN BUSINESS; Would you like to receive aBusiness Resource Directory update form in order to be listed in the next edition and to help graduates in acivilian career transition by providing them information about your industry through the AOG job opportunity program? YES:

OTHER REMARKS &COMMENTS:

Signature:

Rev: DTP 08/98

Mail to: Association of Graduates (Bio Info) 3116 Academy Dr. USAF Academy CO 80840-4475 or e-mail to aog@aog-usafa.org

AOG GIFT ORDER FORM

Complete and send to:

ASSOCIAnON OF GRADUATES

3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy CO 80840-4475

(719) 472-0300 FAX: (719) 333-4194

SEE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

.CHECK ENCLOSED DAYTIME PHONE { ), TOTAL DUE

CREDIT CARD( VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY)

SIGNATURE:.

/ EXPIRATION / CARD# / / Month Year

AOG GIFT CATALOG Prices current as of 1July 1998. Price, style and color are SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS:

LIST each item on the "ORDER BLANK” -fill in Item #, Quantity, Item Description, Size (as appropriate), and Total Price. If ordering class decals, please specify CLASS YEAR. Special order items require extra time and additional information on the order form above.

NONMEMBERS please add 20% of Merchandise Total.

COLORADO SALES TAX: We are required to collect Colorado Sales Tax for items sold at Doolittle Hall or mailed to aColorado address as follows:

Doolitde Hall &El Paso County -4%

Colorado Springs -6.1%

Elsewhere within Colorado -3%

SHIPPING &HANDLING: For mail orders, please add $5.00 or 10% (whichever is greater). IF ordering ONLY decals -shipping and handling cost $.75.

PAYMENT can be made by CHECK (made out to "AOG”) or CREDIT CARD (VISA or MASTERCARD ONLY). If paying by credit card please print clearly your credit card number and expiration date (month/year) and sign in spaces provided.

NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER, AND CLASS YEAR (for graduates) should be printed clearly in the spaces provided.

CUT OUT ORDER FORM and mail to address at the top of the page.

COMMENTS OR SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

GLASSWARE AOG crest etched on clear glass.

Old Fashion Glasses:

Item «7241

Item #7243

Item #7245

High Ball: Item #7250

Stemware:

Item #7230

Item «7220

73/4 oz.

10 1/4 oz.

12 1/4 oz.

10 1/2 oz.

$4.00 ea/$14.00setof4

$4.00 ea7$14.00setof4

$4.00 ea./$14.00 set of 4

$4.00eaV$14.00setof4

12 oz. Brandy Snifter

73/4 oz. Wine Glass

10 oz. Goblet

$5.00ea7$18.00setof4

$5.00ea7$18.00setof4

White Ceramic Coffee Mug, 12 oz.

Insulated Water Bottle

Insulated Sports Cup, 20 oz. Car Cup

SABERS

and PLAQUES

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

Item «4000

Item #6000

Item #6001

Cadet Saber with Scabbard $185.00

Etched Falcon on White Marble (14' x16') $75.00

$145.00

USAFACADEMY

-* ● ’ISI 'f-

"t

COASTERS

Item #7095 Pegasus Coasters -Terra Cotta and Blue. Water $25.00 absorbent nonscratch bottoms. Set of 4.

LICENSE PLATE FRAMES

'USAF ACADEMY' on the bottom and either 'FALCONS' or 'ALUMNI' on the top.

Buy one for $4.50 or two for $8.00 (the same or mixed).

Item #5002 'FALCONS' License Plate Frame

Item #5003 'ALUMNI' License Plate Frame

PERSONALIZED PEN AND PRESENTATION CASE

Light Maple or Rosewood. Name on pen. Case engraved with your choice of two cresU, "AOG", "USAFA", or "CLASS" and up to three lines of personalizing. Please allow 2weeks for engraving.

Pen and Case Item #7075

In Individual gift boxes. All are solid brass with 24kt gold finish except the ‘98 oriument which also contaiits silver toned fi nish. Sizes approximate. Limited to stock on hand. (■ 93 and ‘96 are sold out)

Item #7164 1998 Polaris w/Crossed Sabers ornament

Item #7163 1997 Prop &Wings ornament (3" x3")

Item #7162 1995 Pegasus ornament (3" x3")

$19.95 $24.95 $24.95 $24.95 AOG GIFT CATALOG Prices current as of 1July 199*. Prices, styles and colors are subject to change without notice. 48

USAFA SCARF

100% Silk with USAFA

Crest and Falcon design.

Item »1603 DARK BLUE $29.50 USAFA NECKTIE

80% Silk tie with USAFA and Prop 4Wings design.

Item# 1600 BLUE $23.00

Item# 1601 GARNET $23.00

JEWELRY

litem #7032 Prop 4Wings. Silvercolor Prop and gold-color Wings $10.00

Item #7030 AOQ Charm. Sterling Silver.

$26.00

Item #7034 Sterling Silver Prop and Wings Necklace. $24.50

Item #7031 AOQ Tie Tack. Sterling Silver (Not Shown). $26.00

Item #7033 AOQ Lapel Pin. Sterling Silver (Not Shown). $26.00

SWEATERS. SHIRTS. HATS. AND JACKETS

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

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

Item #1620 AOG Crew Neck Sweat Top: Jersey top pebble bottom navy blue sweater; 100% pre-shrunk cotton, sizes run one size smaiier than normal lit; AOG crest embroidered on ieft breast.

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

Item #1630 AOG V-Neck Sweater: 85% cotton/15% polyester; oversized to compensate for shrinkage. Color: natural oatmeal (light beige) with navy striped trim, AOG crest embroidered on left breast.

$46.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG) $49.00 (XXL)

Item #1640 AOG Golf Shirt: 100% combed cotton. Color: Blue or White AOG crest embroidered on left breast.

$38.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG) $40.00 (XXL)

Item#

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

Item#

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

Item# Item#

1541 Suede Leather Jacket: Navy Blue/Tan w/embroidered AOG crest $120.00 (SML, MED. LRG. XLG) $125.00 (XXL)

1700 AFA Hat w/Class Year: Navy Blue w/embroidered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year. Adjustable leather strap for size. $16.00

CADET ISSUE CLOTHING (Available to AOG Members ONLY)

Item#

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

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

Sweat Top

Sweat Pants

Complete Set

$35.00 (XXL) $37.00

$22.50 (XXL) $24.50

Item #1300 USAFA T-Shirt: 100% cotton (will shrink). White with blue Ringer Collar &Sleeves; 'USAFA' silkscreened on left breast.

$8.00 (SML. MED, LRG. XLG) $9.00 (XXL)

Item #1400 Running Suit Blue/Gray Nylon with reflective strips (sizes run small). (SML, MED, LRG, XLG. XXL)

Running Suit Jacket

Running Suit Pants

Complete Suit

$55.00 (XXL) $58.00 $47.00 $25.00 $67.00

BOOKS AND VIDEOS (not shown) ‘Paperback

Item #3020 -Into the Mouth of the Cat $4.00*

The Story of Lance Sijan, '65

Item #3040-The Iskra Incident $19.95

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Item #3050 -Vietnam: Above the Treetops $24.95

Autographed by Grad Author John Flanagan, ’62

Item #3060 -Red Lightning, Black Thunder $21.95

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Buder, '63

Item #3000-Separated by War $24.95

Autographed by Grad Author Ed Herlik, ’80

Item#3000-Raidon QuaddaG $21.95

Autographed by Grad Author Bob Venkus, ’63

Item #3120 -Modernism at Mid Century $50.00

History of the architecture at USAFA

Item# 3130- CourageandAirWarfare $22.00 *

Autographed by Grad Author Mark WeUs, ’75

Item#3140-TheRavens $25.00

The men who fl ew the secret war in Laos

Autographed by Author Christopher Robbins

Item#3150- The Secret Lifeof Waldo F. Dumbsquat $10.00*

Autographed by Grad Author Don Hall, ’76

Item #3170 -ACertain Brotherhood $10.00*

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Item #7080-Video: JVi/d Blue [/ $10.00

Produced by KUSA -TV Denver; cadet daily life

SPIRIT AND FUGHT Aphotographic salute to the USAF Academy. Over 150 color photos. Book Sponsored by the AOG.

Item #3160 by Elizabeth Gill Lui $60.00

CLASS NOTEBOOKS IWo-tone gray suede cover, Jr. legal size (6” x9"), with class crest embossed on front with class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available for the following classes. $10.00

AOG ACCESSORIES AND ADDITQNAL ITEMS (not pictured)

DECALS Colorful crest on awindow decal (self adhesive to inside of glass). Available for all years except ’92. Specify class year.

Item #43xx Class Decals $1.00

Item #7072 AOG Membership Decal $1.00

HONOR MED AT .1 .TON a2Vz" diameter brass medallion with the Honor Code on one side and Prop &Wings on the other.

Item #7120 Honor Medallion $15.00

Item #7121 Honor Medallion with Stand $35.00

BLAZER PATCHES Pin-back patch embroidered with

appropriate crest.

Item #1800 AOG Blazer Patch $23.00

Item #1801AFA Blazer Patch $23.00

MZS

HAIN Blue keychain with silver AOG crest.

Item #7070 $2.00

SWEATERS Crew Neck Sweater “FALCONS” Blue and White

80% Orlon/20% Wool -SML, MED, LRG, XLG (sorry no XXL)

Item #1560 $25.00

Child Sizes: SML, MED, LRG

Item #1570 $15.00

V-Neck Sweater “AIR FORCE” Blue andWhite 80% Orlon/20% Wool SML, MED, LRG, XLG (sorry no XXL)

Item #1580 $25.00

NOTECARDS

Item #7073 Doolitte Hall Notecards (6” x4.5”)

Setof 10 w/envelopes. $5.00

AOG UMRBFT.TA Alternating blue and white panels with blue AOG crest.

Item #7074 $20.00

FINE ART PRINTS

Item#2010 “Here’s aToast...” by Keitb Ferris $60.00

Item #2020 “Gyrfaicon" by Frace $75.00

Item #2030 “Thunderbtd" by Rick Broome $50.00

Item #2040 “Footfalls” Artist Proofs $190.00

THE SERVICE ACADEMIES RESUME DATABASE

As abenefit of membership, your AOG offers aresume service. We have joined forces with the alumni associations of the Military Academy, the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy to jointly provide alumni electronic resumes from the four academies to prospective employers.

The resume program disk is adata entry program designed to assist you in formatting, editing, viewing, profes¬ sionally typesetting and printing your resume in aspecific format. The program carries you step-by-step through entering resume data to editing resume dates, titles and text. System requirements are aPC with 386 or higher Intel or compatihle microprocessor, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later, 4MB of RAM, 1MB of free hard disk space, mouse or other Windows compatible pointing device, a3.5” floppy drive and amonitor (color is recommended; 640 X480 minimum resolution required).

To be apart of the Service Academies Resume Database, send $25 (check or money order) to the AOG. Aresume disk will be sent to you with instructions for completion. Return acopy of your completed resume disk to the AOG for inclusion in the database. Credit card orders (Visa or Mastercard only) can be called to (719) 472-0300.

IIwould like to enter my resume in the database and have enclosed acheck or money order for $25.

Your Name.

Return the completed form and your check to:

Association of Graduates

Address: J. J

3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Phone Number: C

HIRE AN ACADEMY GRADUATE

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

If you wish to obtain adisk set complete with instruction manual, please complete the order form and return it along with acheck for $150.00 to the AOG (cost to recruiting firms is $350.00). Aquarterly subscription rate for the disk package is available upon request. PLEASE NOTE; System requirements are aPC with 486 or higher Intel or compatible microprocessor, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later, 4MB of RAM, 16MB of free hard disk space, mouse or other V\findows compatible pointing device, a3.5” floppy drive and amonitor (color is recommended; 640 x 480 minimum resolution required).

Iwould like to receive the database of Service Academies Alumni and have enclosed acheck or money order for $150.00 ($350.00 for recruiting firms)

Your Name.

Return the completed form and your check to:

Address: Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Phone Number: (. )

isMsOt:

Whether you are an individual graduate investigating acareer change or an employer seeking asuperior performer, thisAOG service for graduate membersmayweilprovideyouthebestapproach.SendinthecompietedformorcontacttheAOGVicePresident,Services,Col(Ret)JockSchwankor Mr Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300, or e-mail seivices@>aog-usafa.org for further information.

APHOTOGRAPHIC SALUTE TO THE USAF ACADEMY

Over 150 Color Photographs by Acclaimed Photographer

ELIZABETH GILL LUI

“You have combined agreat pictorial look at the Acad¬ emy with aprofound view of its mission, its beautiful sur¬ roundings with its recent history, and the hopes and as¬ pirations of the cadets with the whole Air Force -veiy suc¬ cessfully!" (Thomas S. Moorman)

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

COLORADO PURCHASES: See below for applicable tax information

TOTAL DUE

NAME:

STREET:

CITY:

“Ihope your work will be amotivational reminder to all who see it ofthe great aspects of the Academy and of its place among the truly beautiful institutions of na¬ tional significance.” (Donald J. Barrett)

□Check Enclosed (payable to AOG)

Charge to my □VISA or □Mastercard

CREDIT CARD NUMBER

Daytime Telephone Expiration Signature COLORADO SALES TAX: Colorado Sales Tax is required for sales at Doolittle Hall or mailed to aColorado address as follows:

DOOLITTLE HALL and EL PASO County -4%

Ferguson Pontiac-GMC Offers AOG Special Vehicle Program

The Association of Graduates is proud to announce asubstantial price reduction agreement with Ferguson Pontiac-GMC Truck of Colo¬ rado Springs. Ferguson Pontiac-GMC has been astrong supporter of your AOG and of the Academy for anumber of years. They were instrumental in the AOG receiving adonated GMC 4x4 Sierra pick¬ up truck and they are also long-time active participants in the AFAAA sponsorship program.

As part of their continuing association with the Academy, they are offering adiscount pricing program which allows you to purchase or lease avehicle at aprice which rivals those currently being offered to cadets. The vehicle price is aremarkable two percent over dealer invoice and you still receive any factory rebates. This benefit pro¬ gram is available to all AOG members and their families and it pro¬ vides aroyalty to your Association.

To take advantage of this great program, call Ferguson Commer¬ cial Sales Division at (719) 596-5005/(800) 782-0826 and order the vehicle of your choice (with acouple of restrictions) for pick-up in Colorado Springs or at any Pontiac or GMC dealer nationwide. You’ll have friendly sales people to work with and no-hassle pricing, mak¬ ing this apleasurable buying experience.

Check out this exceptional deal the next time you are in the market for anew car. Drop by the showroom or call the dealership directly to further explore the details on this excellent AOG benefit. Be sure

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.

to mention your AOG affiliation as the AOG receives a$100 royalty on each purchase or lease.

Bring back memories of the great deals available to you when you bought your cadet car. Give Ferguson Pontiac-GMC Truck acall.

REUNION CONTACTS

'63 (35th) 7-11 Oct 1998

Col (Ret) Jimmie Butler

7635 Delmonico Dr. Colorado Springs CO 80919

Ph: (719) 528-5978 (H)

E-mail: TimmieHR@aol.com

Hotel: Marriott

‘65 (Mini-Reunion) 29 Oct- 1

Nov. 1998

Jim Spinier

655 Big Valley Dr. Colorado Springs CO 80919

E-mail: spittler@highland commercial.com

Hotel: Embassy Suites

‘73 (25th) 28 Oct-1 Nov 1998

Col Sam Grier

4184 Douglass Way USAF Academy, CO 80840

Ph: (719) 333-3590 (W)

E-mail: sgrier@cs.usafa.af.mil

Hotel: Marriott

‘78 (20th) 30 Sept-4 Oct 1998

Ken Prusak

18895Wingtip Rd

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

E-mail: l fl vUAL@aol.com

LtCol Tim Taylor

3125 San Luis Dr.

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Ph: (719) 473-0501 (H)

E-mail: Talon01@juno.com

Hotel: Marriott

‘88 (10th) 30 Sept-4 Oct 1998

Capt Dan Uribe

4520 Granby Circle

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Ph: (719) 532-0962 (H) (719) 333-3820 (W)

DSN 333-3820

E-mail: URIBED, DFF@usafa.af.mil

Capt George “Buster” Stamper

4505F WJuniper Dr. USAF Academy CO 80840

Ph (719) 472-6693 (H) (719) 333-3622 (W)

DSN: 333-3622

E-mail: STAMPERGL.DFH @usafa.af.mil

Hotel: Sheraton

Wagie, ’72, Takes Reins as Eighth Dean of Faculty

By Tech. Sgt. Ken Carter Academy Spirit Staff

Colonel David A. Wagie, 72, was promoted to brigadier general and took over as the Academy’s Dean of Faculty on July 1. As dean he leads more than 865 military and civilian faculty and staff, and oversees the design, operation and instruction of more than 500 undergraduate courses to 4,000 cadets in 19 academic departments. He is the eighth dean of the faculty to serve since the Academy was established in 1955 and the third Academy graduate to serve as dean.

Brig. Gen. David A. Wagie, ‘72, receives help pinning on his star from his wife Sue. Wagie was named Dean of the Faculty and promoted to brigadier general on July 1. SuperintendentTadOelstrom, '65, offers his congratula¬ tions at left. (Photo by David Savage.)

Wagie applauds the accomplishments of retiring Dean of Faculty Brig. Gen. Ruben A. Cubero and says working as vice dean of the faculty for two years has helped pave the way for the future. “General Cubero has extraordinary vision, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills,” Wagie said. “He has charted anumber of focus areas for the faculty over the last seven years and for the near future: Curriculum review and assess-

Life Membership Options Explained

The AOG offers alife membership plan for graduates and associ¬ ate members. This plan features rates based on the member’s age and the following payment plan:

ment, integrating technology into the curriculum, enhancing interna¬ tionalization of the Academy, creating an environment for cadet success and developing character.”

Challenges facing all Air Force agencies in today's environment -bud¬ get shortfalls, manpower issues, outsourcing initiatives, high ops tempo, for example, will be ongoing concerns for the new Dean.

"These are very real issues that affect how we fill our personnel slots, and how we do our mission,” Wagie said. "While we continue General Cubero’s initiatives to find ways to help our cadets succeed in our challenging pro¬ gram, and emphasize character development,” Wagie said, “1 believe the future will require we look at three main areas." Those areas are 1. External issues -how do we connect our faculty and staff to an Air Force and interna¬ tional environment that is rapidly changing? How do we ensure we continue to keep our curriculum updated in the face of these changes? 2. Downsizing issues -How do we prepare for the ever-increasing pressure on persormel, budget and facilities? 3. Technology issues -How do we best use computers and advanced technology to enhance education? Can we use it to help offset pressures on persormel and equipment? What level can we afford?

Wagie stresses the importance of today’s cadets understanding the big picture and how the objectives here weave into the overall Air Force master plan.

"As agraduate, 1want to be able to communicate to cadets why we have the academic program we have, and how it applies to the Air Force as awhole,” he said. “In this regard, Iwill ask for cadet questions and concerns, so we can better answer these questions. It is not up to the cadets to define our curriculum -we are the experts at that. It is how¬ ever, our responsibility to ensure we tell cadets how important this education is, and how it dovetails with their military and athletic train¬ ing to prepare them for the Air Force.” Adjustment to an ever-changing Air Force is more Wagie’s goal than areas, “needing improvement.”

“In terms of improvement, Ineed to take adifferent view,” he said, "I believe we have an outstanding faculty that delivers asuperb level of academic instruction and prepares cadets well for their career in the Air Force. Ibelieve we do not need to ‘improve’ so much as we need to continually adjust to the rapidly changing Air Force to ensure that our officer preparation is as relevant and effective as possible.

Wagie is married to the former Susan Kuczenski. They have three chil¬ dren, Angel, Megan and Tiffany. (The Academy Spirit)

Col. Hedy Pinkerton Named New Admissions Director

The former 34“' Training Wing’s vice commander and vice comman¬ dant of cadets is breaking new ground. On June 1, Colonel Hedy C. Pinkerton became the Academy’s ninth director of admissions, the first time awoman has been named to the admissions post. Pinkerson re¬ placed Col. Edward L. Leonard who retired. Pinkerton, who entered the Air Force in 1971, has commanded an Air Force services squadron, three support groups and an Academy cadet training squadron. She has also served in avariety of services capacities and staff positions.

*The monthly payment plan is allowed only if the AOG is autho¬ rized to charge on amonthly basis to your AOG credit card or through the coupon payment plan where the AOG is not required to accomplish monthly billing.

Information on graduate joint life membership (graduate mar¬ ried to graduate) and credit card and coupon payment options can be obtained from the AOG by e-mail at membership@aog-usafa.org or by writing Col. (Ret) Jock Schwank; Vice President, Services; As¬ sociation of Graduates; U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840-4475. Membership forms are available from the AOG or on-line at www.aog-usafa.org.

Col. Hedy C. Pinkerton

The colonel is responsible for all Academy admissions programs, which include selections, enrollment, marketing and media. Pinkerton is married to retired Air Force Col. James Pinkerton Jr. They have two sons, Michael and Jason, and adaughter. Holly. (The Acad¬ emy Spirit)

Dean Randy Cubero, ‘61, Retires After 37 Years

By 1“' Lt. Develyn J. Watson Academy Spirit Staff

After serving the Academy as ateacher, department head and dean of the faculty, Brig. Gen. Ruben “Randy” A. Cubero, ’61 ended his 37year Air Force career on June 10 during aretirement ceremony held at the Academy Class Wall.

For more than 20 years, Cubero has overseen the education of thou¬ sands of cadets and has tried to better prepare them for the world they would face. “When you are educating someone, trying to craft and mold their minds and instill values, that is pretty heavy stuff,” Cubero said. “To see cadets respond positively is something Iam going to miss." As the dean of the faculty for the past seven years, the 1961 Academy gradu¬ ate points to some substantM achievements during his tenure here.

At his retirement ceremony, he spoke about the initiation of the char¬ acter development center, the adoption of the Academy core value by the entire Air Force and introduction of civilian professors to the staff. “I have been fortunate to work with amagnificent faculty and staff, both military and civilian, officer and enlisted,” Cubero said. “I am proud of the quality of work we produce for the Academy, Air Force and our nation."

More than an educator, the general spent the first years of his career flying the OV-10 during the Vietnam War as aforward air controller in support of military operations in Southeast Asia. During his time here, the general was aflight instructor and continued to fly even after be¬ coming the dean. “If Ican fly, then Iam OK,” he said. “It’s those years that Idid not fly, Ifound particularly difficult in the Air Force.”

While flying transport planes was an exciting venture, Cubero looked for achange In 1970. He took two more years of college and became aSpanish teacher at the Academy and taught for three years at the School of the Ameri¬ cas in Panama. He returned to the Academy as head of the foreign language department, earned adoctorate and, in 1991, became dean.

"When Ibecame ateacher here, the current dean had quotes and sayings placed strategically where faculty could read them and reflect on their meaning,” Cubero said. “My favorite was: ‘When acountry draws abroad line of demarcation between its warriors and its intel¬ lectuals, it runs the very grave risk of having its fighting done by fools and its thinking done by cowards.’ Our country can afford neither and so it falls on the Academy to educate our officer candidates for our profession of arms.”

As dean, Cubero has also sought to broaden cadets’ world view through exchange programs and tougher language requirements. “Our officers need to have abroader awareness and deeper understanding of the cultures and people who will be fighting alongside them as al¬ lies. There can be no doubt that for military solutions to world prob¬ lems, the United States can no longer go it alone.”

The general said the Academy’s international program enhances in¬ ternational cadets’ development by providing them with suitable, nur¬ turing roommates and sponsors. “For the future, we need to continue

strengthening out relationship with these cadets, especially after they graduate.”

Cubero will continue to have an in fl uence on cadets as an active alum¬ nus here and may work part time for alocal college. He and his wife, Jan, plan to stay in the Colorado Springs area. “It’s been agreat, great job for me and my family and I’ve had awonderful 37-year career. It’s certainly fitting that Iend it where it began.” (The Academy Spirit)

Graduates Selected for Major Regular Air Force (Line Officers)

Below-the-Zone Selectees

Class of 1988

Robert R. Davis

Matthew E. Evans

Thomas L. Gibson

Gary J. Gottschall

EUwood RHinman IV

Kirk EJohnson

William K. Lewis

Scott C. Long

Shaun Q. Morris

Parker W. Northrop III

Christopher E. Plamp

Christopher E. Prusak

Robert A. Renner

Richard W. Tatem

Shaun B. Turner

Steven A. Vlasak

Timothy A. Woods

Qass of 1989

Kevin J. Anderson

John D. Bird II

Ronald D. Buckley

Stephanie A. Gass

Peter E. Gersten

James B. Hecker

David A. Hlatky

Michael J. Hornitschek

John T. Hruby

Shawn J. Jansen

Scott A. Kindsvater

Charles L. Moore Jr.

Mary F. O’Brien

Jody A. Price

William A. Reese

Jennifer L. Rooke

Arlene L. Salmon

John S. Shapland

Ryan J. Smith

Jon T. Thomas

Andrew J. Toth

Stephen N. Whiting

Jeffrey J. Wiegand

Brig. Gen. Ruben A. Cubero, Dean of the Faculty, renders asalute during his retirement ceremony. (Photo by S.S. Hampton, Jr.)

Final Flight

Brig. Gen. Ruben A. Cubero, retiring after serving as the Academy’s Dean of the Faculty for seven years, exits aT-41 following his traditional last flight at the Academy. Fie was accompanied by Col. David A. Wagietbe new Dean of the Faculty. (Photo by S.S. Hampton Sr.)

FALCON SPORTS

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

Air Force to Leave Western Athletic Conference

By Dave Kellogg Sports Information Director

Air Force has announced its intent to leave the Western Athletic Con¬ ference effective July 1, 1999. The Falcons plan to form anew confer¬ ence along with Wyoming, Colorado State, Brigham Young, Utah, UNLV New Mexico and San Diego State.

The impetus for this new alliance came when the WAC athletic direc¬ tors approved aproposal in May to realign the 16-team league into two permanent divisions. Air Force was placed in the West Division while Colorado State and Wyoming were placed in the East Division. Under the plan, the Falcons would play Wyoming and CSU each only twice every 16 years in football (home and away).

Air Force Athletic Director Colonel Randy Spetman was angry with his peers over the proposal, which clearly was passed without full de¬ liberation of its impact on all member institutions. Afterwards, Spetman was quoted as saying that he “drew aline in the sand when they came to their conclusions. I’m not on an island because I’ve got Colorado State and Wyoming working with me. Our rowboat’s not full, but 1think we can solicit some support.”

The support was quick to come. Aweek later, Air Force Superinten¬ dent Lt. General Tad Oelstrom met in Denver with university presi¬ dents from Wyoming, Colorado State, Utah and Brigham Young. The five schools agreed to unite and invite New Mexico, UNLV and San Di¬ ego State to join their ranks.

The proposed divisional plan may have been the final straw. How¬ ever, the 16-team league that was formed two years ago created avari¬ ety of problems. Principal problems cited by the eight schools are lack of any natural affinity among the 16-member teams, abreakdown of traditional rivalries, the huge geographic spread and its attendant travel

Academy Hires New Women's Basketball Coach

By Laura Fawcett Sports Information

The Air Force Academy has named Sue Darling, former assistant coach for the American Basketball League’s Seattle Reign, as its new women’s head basketball coach. Darling replaces Marti Gasser, who resigned at the end of February and is now the athletic department’s senior woman administrator.

“Sue will be an excellent addition to our staff and agreat benefit to the women’s basketball program,” said Academy athletic director Col. Randy Spetman. “Her coaching experience covers the spectrum from high

expenses. Also cited are afeared erosion of fan support and the inability of the present conference to achieve greater national recognition and television exposure. Finally, aserious decline in per-member revenue and amajor increase in expenses that affect all schools and threatens the viability of even the strongest members’ athletic programs gave good cause for the break-up.

“Every decision 1make as asuperintendent -whether it’s in academic, military training or athletics -must serve the interests of the young men and women for whom the Academy exists,” Oelstrom said follow¬ ing the announcement to leave the WAC. “I am confident that our deci¬ sion to leave the WAC is the best course for those cadets."

“We chose this course with great reluctance and understood the risk,” he said. “Nevertheless, after much discussion we concluded that the WAC’s dif fi culties couldn’t be solved under its current structure. Now we, along with our seven fellow universities, are turning to the future. Together we will buUd aviable, respected, and exciting new conference, and together we will ensure our kickoff season is aresounding success,” said Oelstrom. The Academy administration believes the new confer¬ ence has great long-term potential for increasing athletic revenue gen¬ eration and enhancing competitive opportunities for the cadet-athletes; however, the short-term promises to be challenging and expensive.

Several things need to be done before the fall of 1999. The eight mem¬ bers need to formally notify the WAC by September that they are leav¬ ing the conference. They also need to apply to the NCAA for confer¬ ence certification, choose aconference name, hire an interim commis¬ sioner and set up aconference staff to start preparing for the 19992000 athletic season.

The eight presidents were confident that all would be in place ayear from now to make for asmooth transition from the WAC to the new league.

school to the professional ranks and her qualifications will help the program take another step forward in Division 1.”

Darling spent the 1996-97 season as an assistant coach with the Se¬ attle Reign of the ABL. Her responsibilities included scouting, evaluat¬ ing and drafting players, while also scouting opponents and preparing game plans. Before the Reign, she worked three seasons as an assistant coach at Arizona State, where her duties included coordination of the recruiting program.

While at ASU, she also served as the USA Basketball fl oor coach for the Olympic Sports Festival tryouts. From 1991-1993, Darling was the assistant coach at Dartmouth, where she recruited two all-league se¬ lections and the 1994 Ivy League Rookie of the Year.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from the Uni¬ versity of Arizona in 1983. While at Arizona, she was afour-year bas(Continued on next page.)

Wing Open Boxing Champions for Early Classes Sought

The Academy has published abrochure on its annual Cadet Wing Open boxing championships in which it lists winners of the open beginning in 1958. While classes from 1976 to the present are very accurate and classes from 1965 through 1975 seem to have accu¬ rate records, the opens from 1958 through 1964 have gaps in win¬ ner information. In fact, the years 1959 and 1961 have no informa¬ tion on winners at all. Anyone having information on winners of the championships from 1958 through 1964, or information on any other classes, please contact boxing coach Ed Weichers, Jr. Office phone: (719) 333-2766. Gym: (719) 333-6394. DSN: 333-2766. Email: weichersei.ah(gusafa.af.mil. The address is HQ USAFA/ AHPM, 2169 Field House Drive/Suite 111, USAF Academy, Colo. 80840-9500.

Courtesyphoto Coach Sue Darling

Football Team

Prepared for Tough 1998 Schedule

Last year’s football season was definitely amemorable one for the Falcons. The list of accomplishments was long and distinguished: Commander-in-ChiefTrophy champions, second most wins in aregular sea¬ son with 10, school record-tying six home wins, best start at 7-0 since the 1985 team than went 10-0 and finished 12-1, head coach Fisher DeBerry’s lOO^careerwinys. Rice, asecond-team All-VVmerican in Chris Gizzi, aschool record 11 blocked kicks and apost-season bowl game are just afew. (Football schedule on page 59.)

The good news this season is that the Falcons will be very similar to last year’s group. The bad news is that this year’s team, like last year’s returns the fewest starters in its division. In fact, the 1997 edition of the Falcons returned the fewest in the entire WAC while only San Diego State’s eight returning starters is fewer than AFA’s nine this season. “We’re used to that,” DeBerry said. “Typically our football team is made up of juniors and seniors because we don’t have aredshirt, so every year we’re going to experience alarge graduation class.”

Cl CTim Curry tackles an opponent.

Offensively, the team returns several key skill positions. Quarterback Blane Morgan enters his second year coming off a10-2 campaign last year as the starter. Morgan’s numbers were not near those of his brother. Beau, who quarterbacked AFA the previous two and one-half years, but when he wasn’t in the game the offense showed it. The most important number that the younger Morgan tossed up was the wins. He needs just six as the starter this season to match the total his brother amassed as astarter.

Morgan will have plenty of options when not keeping it himself. CIC Spanky Gilliam returns as fullback where he led the Falcons in rushing last year with 741 yards and six touchdowns. He became the first full¬ back to lead the team since Jason Jones in 1990. Senior halfback Jemal Singleton also returns. Adominant blocker, Singleton rushed for 429 yards. He’s also adangerous return man and solid receiver out of the backfleld. Senior receiver Dylan Newman and C2C Matt Farmer each return. The pair forms one of the best duos the Falcons have had in the option era. Farmer led the team with 23 catches for 380 yards while (New Coach: From previous page.)

ketball letter-winner, serving as team captain and earning the most valu¬ able player award as asenior.

After graduation, she assisted with the basketball program at Pima Community College (Tucson, Ariz.) for three years, followed hy atwoyear stint as head coach at Salpointe Catholic High School, also in Tuc¬ son. She returned to Pima as head coach for one season before becom¬ ing the graduate assistant coach at St. John’s (N.Y.) in 1986. She earned her master’s degree in business administration from St. John’s in 1988. Darling also spent two seasons as head coach at Amphi¬ theater High School (Tucson) from 1988-1990.

Darling began her duties June 1. (The Academy Spirit)

Newman added 22 catches for 331 yards. They average over 15 yards every time they make acatch.

One of the Falcons’ biggest concerns will be the offensive line, which lost four of five starters. Thankfully, the team’s best lineman remrns to anchor this year’s group. CIC Frank Mindrup, a6-5, 290-pounder from Parker, Colo., enters the year as an All-American candidate. Last year, he led the Falcons in knockdown blocks with aschool record 302 while earning firstteam all-WAC honors. "Frank can become as good an offensive lineman as there is in our conference if he can stay healthy. For aguy with this size, he has great mobility and he’s also very strong,” DeBerry said.

Another major question is how do you replace seven starters from last year’s defense? It won’t be easy as tbe group lost its entire linebacking corps including Gizzi, who signed last spring with the Denver Broncos as afree agent. The 1997 defense was one of the finest in school and WAC history. The group finished third nationally in scoring defense behind only national champion Michigan and Ohio State. The 12.4 points the team allowed is the fi fth best ever in the WAC.

ClCs Tim Curry and Jason Sanderson return to bolster tbe secondary. Curry exploded on the scene last year and led the Falcons with five interceptions. He was also afinalist for the special teams player of the year award and enters 1998 as aserious All-American candidate. Sanderson is the team’s top returning tackier. He recorded 90 tackles a year ago. The Falcons have apair of bookends at defensive tackle to build around. CIC Bryce Fisher, AFA’s most outstanding player in the 1997 Las Vegas Bowl, and C2C Shawn Thomas may give the team the best pair of tackles in the conference.

“The thing that impressed me most coming out of spring practice is that our defense is going to be better than anticipated,” DeBerry said. “They have built agood concept and have agreat work ethic. The most important statistic is scoring defense and Ithink we’ll be competitive there again. I’m very encouraged about the defense considering what we lost from last year.”

The Falcons’ kicking game will again be solid. Curry and Charlie Jackson spearhead the kick blocking corps while Jason Kirkland returns as one of the top punters in the WAC. “I think we ll have one of the best punting games in the nation,” DeBerry said. "Our special teams take so much pride in everything they do and will help us win some games again this year.” The place kicking duties appear to be aconcern. The Falcons return CIC Alex Wright, who hit 12 of 22 field goals last year. After afast start, Wright struggled dovm the stretch and had an inconsistent spring. Four other kickers enter the fall pushing the senior.

The Falcons’ schedule is again difficult. The squad opens Sept. 5on Parent’s Weekend with Wake Forest, who expect to have their best team in the last decade. The team also hosts Colorado State on Sept. 17 on ESPN’s national Thursday night game. AFA’s road games will also be challenging. Besides trips to UNLV TCU and Tulsa, AFA closes out the road schedule at Army and Wyoming in back-to-back games in Novem¬ ber. The team concludes the season Nov. 21 at home against rival Rice, making the November schedule one of the most difficult in recent years.

DOOUTTLE HALL

legate and Other Football Game Activities

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

Sept 5: Parents Weekend (vs Wake Forest) 1100 MT Kickoff

Oct 3: Homecoming, '78 &‘88 Reunions (vs New Mexico)

Oct 10: ‘63 Reunion/Interservice (vs Navy)

Oct 31: ‘65 and‘73 Reunion (vs SMU)

If you would like more information on participating in the tail¬ gates please give the AOG acall.

The building (including the library/lounge) will also be open from two hours before kickoff until two hours after the end of the games on Sept 17 (vs CSU) and Nov 21 (vs Rice). We welcome everyone to come visit us during the football season and enjoy the various amenities of Doolittle Hall.

0' € 5 I.

Academy’s Head Athletic Trainer of 43 Years Resigns

By Dave Kellogg Sports Information Office

lim Conboy, bead athletic trainer at the Academy for the past 43 years, has resigned his position. He ivill stay active in the athletic department as trainer emeritus serving as an advisor to the athletic medical staff.

“Jim Conboy is an Academy institution. He is the only head athletic trainer the Academy has ever known,” said Athletic Director Col. Randy Spetman. “He has touched countless cadet lives, including mine when Iplayed football here. Iam pleased that he has agreed to stay on the staff as amedical advisor. All of us can continue to bene fi t from his vast medical experience.”

Conboy, 73, became head trainer in luly of 1955. He has worked all but two varsity football games during his career -467 total. Even more impressive is he’s missed only four varsity football practices during his career. He has also worked most of all of the Falcons’ 1,077 men’s bas¬ ketball games. Conboy and his staff of assistants provide medical aid to the athletes in the 27 intercollegiate sports as well as the Academy’s intramural program.

Head football coach Fisher DeBerry characterized Conboy as a“liv¬ ing legend.” “Jim is the connecting link with so many of our former teams and players. Jim’s synonymous with everything that has to do with the Falcons,” DeBerry said.

He attended the University of Northern Colorado where he lettered in baseball and was good enough to play AAA baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. His athletic career gave way to World War II. After the war he continued his education at Denver University where he lettered in both baseball and basketball before graduating in 1948.

Conboy began his medical career in 1949 when he earned his regis¬ tered physical therapist degree from the University of Colorado School of Physical Therapy. Following graduation, Conboy was the chief physi-

cal therapist at Livermore Veterans Hospital in Livermore, Calif., from 1949-1951. He then served as chief of physical therapy at American Lakes Veterans Hospital in Tacoma, Wash., before coming to the Academy in 1955.

Conboy is amember of the Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame. He is apast district director of the national Athletic Trainers’ Association. He is also amember of the American College of Sports Medicine and the Ameri¬ can Physical Therapy Association. (The Academy Spirit)

Young Women's Soccer Team Aims at Championship

Some people may think that Academy women's soccer coach Marty Buckley is abit disillusioned when he says that the youngest team in school history could contend for the division championship. Amore in-depth look at the 1998 Falcons proves that his goals are valid.

The Falcons return nine of 11 starters and 17 of 25 letter winners from last season. The Falcons have just one senior, but one of the strongest sophomore classes in school history. Include maybe even abetter re¬ cruiting class this season and the recipe for an exciting season begins to form.

“We certainly have ayoung team, but we have an excellent mix of rookies and veterans,” Buckley said. “We have astrong sophomore class, agreat recruiting class and several experienced key upperclassmen.”

Last season, the Falcons proved they were for real and belonged in Division 1. After athree-game losing streak to start the season, the Fal¬ cons bounced back in unbelievable fashion. Air Force dumped cross¬ town rival and 2P'-ranked Colorado College, 3-2 at the Academy. The win was the first ever over the Tigers and the Falcons’ first win over a ranked Division 1team.

Center Mid fi elder, Jennie Schoeck, ‘01

The Falcons then won the Pordand State Tournament vnth wins over Oregon and Pordand State. After another three-game losing streak, the Falcons defeated Navy but lost to Army at the first annual Service Acad¬ emies Tournament in St. Louis Mo. The team came home to open the Western Athletic Conference schedule with convincing wins over New Mexico and Texas-El Paso. After adisappointing tie with Tuisa, the Fal¬ cons were in second place in the WAC Mountain Division and needed just one win in the final three games to reach the WAC Tournament for the second straight year.

However, the team’s third three-game losing streak of the season left (Continued on next page.)

Jim Conboy

Second Lt. Chris Gizzi presents President BUI Clinton with an Academy footbaU jersey while Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. TadJ. Oelstrom and Academy football coach Fisher DeBerry look on. The Falcon footbaU team was presented the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy May 21 at the White House.

Soaring Squadron Reaches New Heights With Competitions, Performances

By Capt. Ken Gates, ‘87 94th Flying Training Squadron

The 94th Flying Training Squadron (94 FTS) is taking full advantage of another great soaring season. TWo overwhelmingly successful train¬ ing camps were conducted this spring. The Aerobatics Camp occurred over Spring Break in Coolidge, Ariz. Four officers and 10 cadets com¬ pleted training to become Aerobatic Demonstration Pilots. The offic¬ ers took the training astep further, getting qualified as Aerobatic In¬ structors. The smooth air and clear Arizona skies were perfect for spins, loops, hammerheads, Cuban Eights, and the rest of the maneuvers the Schleicher ASK-21 is capable of.

The aerobatic program was reborn in 1995 largely due to the efforts of Maj. Tom Wynn, the squadron’s operations officer and a1985 Acad¬ emy graduate. Cracks in the aircraft gelcoat resulted in ahasty deci¬ sion to prohibit all high Gmaneuvers. Major Wynn coordinated exten¬ sively with the German manufacturer to come up with aprecise test program to bring glider aerobatics back to the Academy. This spring, the aerobatic camp doubled from five to ten cadets, bringing the joy to as many Class of 1999 cadets as possible.

The Class of 1998 Aerobatic Team displayed their skills extensively at competitions, airshows, and demonstrations. The Aerospace America Airshow in Oklahoma City is ayearly highlight where the pilots are treated like kings. The annual Aspen Leaf Aero Challenge in Sterling, Colo., is apowered aircraft aerobatic competition where the glider aero offers awelcome break between roaring engines. CIC Frank Arnold won the Sportsman’s Glider Category there this year, with CIC Dave Halasi-Kun placing aclose second.

Three members of the Class of 1999 Aerobatic Team competed this summer in the National Glider Aerobatic Championships in Fon du Lac, Wis. The cadets learned atremendous amount at their first com¬ petition, and took second, third, and fourth place in the Sportsman’s Class.

Two ASK-2 Is perform aerobatics as part of the soaring demonstra¬ tion at every home football game, asignificant contribution to the pag¬ eantry of those events. The pinnacle event for the ’98 aerobatic cadets was the soaring demonstration prior to the Graduation Parade on 26 May. Performing for an appreciative crowd of family and friends, two

1998 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

(As of 1August 1998)

Sept. 5

Sept. 12

Sept.l7

Sept. 26

Oct. 3

Oct. 10

Oct. 24

Oct. 31

Nov. 7

Nov. 14

Nov. 21

Wake Forest at USAFA &AOG Thilgate (1100 MT Kickoff) USAFA at UNLV

Colorado State at USAFA (1800 MT Kickoff)

USAFA at TCU

New Mexico at USAFA, Homecoming &AOG Thilgate Navy at USAFA &AOG Tailgate USAFA at Tulsa

SMU at USAFA &AOG Tailgate

USAFA at Army USAFA at Wyoming Rice at USAFA

Call 1-800-666-USAF for Football Ticket Information

(Women’s Soccer; From previous page.)

the Falcons home with abitter taste in their mouths. The team’s youth was shown late in the season as six freshman started the fi nal three games of the year. The Falcons also played without C4C Jeannie Schoeck who injured her knee against Wyoming.

"We had agood season in 1997, but we were so close to having agreat season,’’ Buckley said. “We were hurt by several injuries last season, everyone was on the same page, but we couldn’t manage one more win.’’

The outstanding recruiting class of 1997 has another year of experi¬ ence and should be even better. Agreat recruiting class will add speed and strength while several upperclassmen will provide the leadership and experience.

The Falcons again face achallenging schedule with non-conference foes like UC-Irvine (top 20 last season) and Montana (league champi¬ ons last year). The Falcons also face service academy rivals Army and Navy again at the Service Academies Tournament on Oct. 2-3. The Fal¬ cons also have arematch with nationally ranked Colorado College.

gliders flew aerobatic routines followed by high-speed passes and pa¬ rade field landings. This demo had been weather canceled every May since 1994, and this year alow ceiling threatened to cancel the demo again. About 15 minutes before scheduled takeoff the skies cleared and the silent majesty of the aero demos took place to honor the Class of ’98.

Flying the ASK-21 and the Schweizer 1-26 in the cross-country mode, the cadets won their third consecutive Collegiate Soaring Association National Championship in 1997. This is atruly exciting program that gets far less attention than aerobatics at the Academy, but much more at the national level. The crowd pleasing presence of aerobatics make it the more visible of the 94 FTS advanced programs. Cross-country soaring is not aspectator sport. It is an intensely challenging test of airmanship, judgment, and skill. Extensive ground and fl ight training concentrates on how to read the afternoon sky, catch athermal and center it for the strongest lift, and safely land in afarmer’s field if that lift is lost. This year the Cross-Country Camp was conducted in Litdefield, Texas, at the incredibly hospitable Caprock Soaring Club in mid-May. Soaring conditions were outstanding, enabling cadets to take the 1-26, an old fashioned single seat low performance glider, to 18,000 feet and over 50 mile courses. For afirst try at cross-country flight, these were impressive accomplishments. Apredetermined task was set for each mission, and asuccessful return to the home field was cer¬ tainly not guaranteed. Quite often, acadet called for atow home from the ground at adistant airfield. Acouple of times, acadet did safely put down in afarmer’s field, validating the off-field landing training program and giving his confidence in landing ahuge boost. Ablow to the thermalling confidence, but we can work on that.

Last season’s cross-country highlight was participation at the World Soaring Championships in St Auban, France. ClCs Brian Burke, Holly Cooper, and Tom Paynter, along with Capt Ken Gates, (1987 Grad), went over with the US National Team to serve as ground crew. Selection to the team takes two years of national success, and the six pilots com¬ peting for the US were true champions. It was aterrific but grueling four week experience. This event is the Olympics of the soaring world, and although there was disappointment that none of the US pilots took first and the team did not win the championship, the team’s sixth place finish among 25 competing countries was asignificant step forward from the thirteenth place finish earned at the 1995 Worlds. For the Air Force and cadet support, the Soaring Society of America awarded the Academy an Exceptional Service Award at the Society’s 1998 Conven¬ tion in Portland, OR.

The 94 FTS competed at the 1997 1-26 National Championships and the Region 10 Championships, gaining invaluable experience. Al¬ though there were no high place finishes, that experience paid off at the Rocky Mountain Soaring Championships where an Academy ASK21 took first place in the Sports Class. In 1998, the squadron has com¬ peted in the Region 9and Region 10 Championships.

The primary mission at the 94 FTS remains giving all sophomore ca¬ dets the chance to fly and experience the Air Force operational envi¬ ronment. This summer some 600 cadets from USAFA and ROTC will leave the program tremendously motivated. Advanced Programs in the 94 FTS-flying the ASK-21s, the l-26s, and the Stemme S-10 selflaunched sailplanes-are an integral part of the squadron’s mission. Motivating cadet instructors toward furthering their skills, maintain¬ ing astrong presence in the civilian soaring community, and conduct¬ ing amajor public relations/recruiting push are the primary goals the program succeeds at. This program would never have left the ground without the AOG gifts of the ASK-21 Saber aircraft. These are truly gifts that make adifference year after year.

Metal Miniature Cadet Chapel Sought

Iam interested in purchasing ametal miniature of the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado Springs. They were manufactured in Japan during the 1960’s and Ithink sold at the Gift Shop. Please Contact Alan Rauch at (713) 467-7953 or FAX; (713) 624-7161.

Reach For Tomorrow Program Benehts Disadvantaged Youths

By Peter Underwood, ‘73

In 1997, Reach For Tomorrow (RFT) managed a$1.4 million program for less than $35,000 with no paid staff. We have been asked to bring our organization and leadership model to many communities. But we need your help. First, we need your expertise as leaders in your com¬ munities to network with other business and political leaders. Second, we need your companies to support RFT (and thus USAFA) through their employees, products and services, and grants. Third, we need you to get personally involved with RFT as mentors for our students when we target students in your community. Why?

Reach for Tomorrow’s program Director Lt. Ken Barber (USNA), leads students and adult chaperons aboard an Illinois ANGKC-135 for aweek at the Academy.

In the 1980s, Academy Admissions projected to its liaison officer force that the first half of the 1990s would be adifficult one in terms of attracting the same numbers of high school seniors. First, there would be 25 percent less graduating seniors from which to draw, as the baby boom would be over. Second, the need for pilots would be less as wings reduced in num¬ ber and we took advantage of the “peace dividend”. With fewer UPT slots, USAFA would lose its namral attraction for young men and women. The 17,700 applicants to USAFA in 1988 decreased to about 8,500 in 1993 and this number has remained fairly constant through 1998. Do any of you recall earlier editions of Checkpoints this decade when Admissions was asking its graduates for names of potential candidates? Other academies have nearly 40 percent more applicants than USAFA to this day.

Traditionally the academy shows interest in those students in the top echelons based on testing, grades, and athletic/community service lead¬ ership in their junior and senior years. Recent DoD studies have indicated that through age 12 to 13 ahigh percentage of students would consider a career in the military. By age 17 to 18 this number drops to less than five percent. If they had an initial positive experience at acritical age, rein¬ forced by mentoring, it is possible that these statistics could be reversed. (This summer RFT is working closely with the Pentagon to determine ex¬ actly what effect such aprogram does have on our test group. We are using testing models developed for the DoD and for ACT.)

In 1991, Istarted contacting Admissions with aplan to combat decreas¬ ing numbers of applicants by aggressively marketing USAFA in local areas. After being told that the Academy had no funds and limited people for additional projects, Ihad to create aprogram that utilized resources from the real source of power and capital in our country -Corporate America. If business would buy into aplan that would recognized them in the com¬ munity, benefit the youth, and finally USAFA, we would have a“win-win” plan that could work throughout the nation. Amarketing plan that helped the Academy, the kids, and the nation.

RFT wanted to target rising high school students who represented the largest pool of potential future candidates -those in the middle of the bell curve. If they could he brought at no expense to live with cadets at USAFA, then we would begin the “seed planting” with students who had aclean slate before they began their 9“' grade classes. The messengers would be Academy cadets who come from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Not to sell the academy per se hut to sell the concepts of character, values, ethics, and excellence in all we do.

Whether or not these specific students attend an academy is not the measure of success. If these students return to their high school classes and talk about the academy based on their first-hand knowiedge, their

cadet roommates, the academic facilities, flight training, and the type of people who live the core values, then many more students will con¬ sider USAFA. By targeting “at risk” youth, the local and national media have ready-made stories during August, ahistorically slow news month. Thus anyone who views anews program will see what USAFA has to offer. All this for virtually no cost to the USAF or the student. And the program is asuccess based on student test results, improvements in grades, and feedback from parents.

Each student is tested before and after each summer program with the ACT Student Attitude Measurement evaluation. Our groups have shovm aremarkable double-digit increase in their attitude towards edu¬ cation, their ability to master information, and their desire to excel in school. ACT has agreed to issue astatement reflecting the significant impact of RFT. One may dismiss RFT as “merely asocial program” un¬ til one recalls that the DoD has been aleader in “social engineering” in American society throughout our history -integration of sexes and races, equality of jobs and pay, and advancement.

What Can You Do? Since 1993, RFT has taken 759 students from both Washington, D.C. and Chicago to USAFA, USNA, USMMA, and USMA using acombination of military airlift and commercial airlines. In 1997, RFT was named as an officially approved program by the Secretary of Defense. And the director of Defense Research and Engineering has approved RFT under their math, science, and engineering education improvement program. These designations have opened additional “toys” for our youth in all services. We use every available resource to motivate students to excel in school, so RFT is “joint” by design.

This format allows Academy graduates who are on active duty or working in an area targeted by RFT to become reacquainted with US¬ AFA directly. This has been the case in the Washington, D.C. metro area, as graduates have come together to serve as team leaders and mentors for area youth attending academy programs. Rather than writing aper¬ sonal check to support USAFA, grads can get involved in aprogram that directly benefits USAFA, their community, and business.

Chicago ReachforTomorrow students strap into troop seats as they leave O'Hare Airport for the Academy in August 1997.

We come to USAFA in August just after fall classes begin (Aug. 11 to 15). Ninety Chicago students will live with acadet roommate, attend classes in science and engineering subj ects they have never had, fly planes at the Academy airfield with the Aero Club, visit Cheyenne Mountain AFB and local Reserve units, train at the United Flight Training Center in Denver, use the Confidence and Leadership Reaction Course in Jacks Valley, and learn what it takes to attend acollege like USAFA. Asimilar format is being used at the other academies with the same objectives. RFT is aprogram designed by graduates as an innovative marketing plan to expose the Academy to abroad audience by creating positive media events and by word of mouth from the participants. The Army and Navy have kept themselves relevant in society for over 200 years, and it is es¬ sential that the USAF remain relevant hy mirroring the societal changes projected in the first quarter of the 21“ Century. Through programs like RFT this can be done at minimal cost using existing resources that ben¬ efit our youth, the USAR and our nation.

We have developed a“telementoring” program, which places aface on technology. Through organizations like the GSA, we can take used

computers and put one in every RFT student’s home. Internet service providers will support access as long as the students continue working with the program. Our aduits in acommunity complain about geogra¬ phy and time barriers to mentor youth, and yet everyone has time to send someone an e-mail. This opens RFT mentoring to active-duty per¬ sonnel who may PCS from the area -they can still remain in contact for long periods of time. Our current mentors have agreed to make at least one contact per semester using aphone or in person, but through technology we can increase the frequency and impact.

However, it is essential that we work together by thinking “out of the box” and look for solutions that do not have established pro forma and checklists. Technology changes our lives daily, so must programs that deal with societal issues. RFT has developed three sides of the “box” with its organizational and leadership structure but the final side, like the flight envelope, is ever expanding. As it should.

(About the author: Peter Underwood is a1973 graduate from USAFA, apilot with American Airlines, and a17-year liaison officer from Northern Virginia. He can be contacted at 703-818-1425; e-mail: reachFT@aol.com. Visit the RFT web site at www.gardy-mcgrath.com/ reach.)

West Point Class Of‘41 Dedicates Paver Memorial

On June 11, 1941, West Point graduated its 140th class and commis¬ sioned 424 new second lieutenants who were quickly sent to war against Germany, lapan, and Italy. Eager to serve and eager to become pilots, 91 lieutenants received their wings in the Army Air Corps and 33 were subsequently killed in action or in combat training aircraft accidents.

Amember of the group attending the dedication of the U.S. Military Academy Class ofl 941 memorial paver project points to afamiliar name on one of the pavers in front of Doolittle Hall.

On August 12,1998, the United States Military Academy (West Point) Class of 1941 dedicated amemorial paver project at Doolitfle Hall to these fallen airmen classmates. In remarks prepared for the dedica¬ tion ceremony, Lt. Gen. (Ret) John Norton, USA, and First Captain of the Class of 1941, wrote “The United States Military Academy Class of 1941 is gratefui for the opportunity to establish aperpetual memorial at the Air Force Academy to honor our Air Corps classmates who gal¬ lantly gave their lives in answering the call to duty during World War II...No other combat branch of our class paid ahigher price for the de¬ fense of freedom.

”Col. (Ret) Burton C. Andrus Ir., USMA ‘41 and aColorado Springs resident (whose son Curt is USAFA ‘69), organized the memorial be¬ cause the “airmen” of the Class of 1941 feel astrong connection to the Air Force Academy. These Army airmen fought and died to defend lib¬ erty, developed the tactics and technology of airpower, and created and built the United States Air Force.

The Paver Project preserves the memory of the men who died and forever links their courage and dedication with the future of the Air Force by contributing to the development of its leaders. Among those who attended the dedication were; Brig. Gen. (Ret) John ABrooks,

USMA‘41; Brig. Gen. (Ret) William EGernert, USMA‘42; Colonei Andrus, USMA‘41; Col. (Ret) K.O. Desert, USMA‘41; Chaplain Col. (Ret) Robert L. Browning, USAFA‘59; and Mr. Burton C. (Curt) Andrus III, USAFA'69.

Although other WWII veterans organizations are memorialized at the Academy, the USMA ‘41 Airmen Project is the first to memorialize spe¬ cific individuals within these organizations who died defending the na¬ tion. By placing amemorial at Doolittle Hall, the USMA Class of ‘41 Airmen hope to encourage other groups to develop similar projects for by doing so, they forever link the memory and history of their fallen classmates with the Air Force leadership of the future.

The 33 granite pavers are prominently located around the base of Pe¬ gasus in front of Doolittle Hall. Each paver is inscribed with “USMA ‘41 ”, the name of the individual, his aircraft and the highest decoration he received. Paver projects provide funds which the Association of Gradu¬ ates can use to support the Academy and its cadets and graduates. So far this year, the AOG has donated nearly $500,000 to meet Academy needs, including cadet clubs and activities and academic, athletic, militar>' train¬ ing, and character development programs.

Donations Needed Now for Class Ring Display

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

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

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

The display case is completed, and we are now accepting ring do¬ nations. Besides the heritage and tradition that you will help estab¬ lish, your donation can serve to honor or memorialize agraduate as part of the donor listing. Of course, any donation is also fully tax de¬ ductible. If you or someone you know are interested in donating a ring, please contact Jim Shaw or Jack Mueller at (719) 472-0300.

Second BCT cadre closely watch ninth-grade Reach for Tomorrow students during their abbreviated Leadership Reaction Course.

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

The Association of Graduates (AOG) of the US Air Force Academy is anonprofit, self-supporting corpo¬ ration located in Doolittle Hall on the Academy grounds. The association was established to serve and support the Academy, graduates, and cadets. Examples of current programs, services and membership bene fi ts are:

AOG SUPPORT TO GRADUATES

Historical record keeping

Graduate memorialization

Chapter support

Civilian employment opportunities program focusing on networks of graduates + Locator Services

Class reunion and homecoming activities

Management of class funds

Graduate education scholarships

Jabara Airmanship Award

Humanitarian Fund

USAFA golf course reservations for those not otherwise eligible +

Cadet sabres: rentals and sales +

Scholarships for graduate dependents

Class ring heritage

War Memorial

★

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

3116 ACADEMY DRIVE

USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

Academy lecture series

Air Force Academy Assembly

Military History Symposium

Department speaker program

How-to-study program

Academy Press

Brick and mortar projects

Class ring procurement

Women in Air Force display

Cadet emergency fund

Falcon Mascot: Aurora

Special Olympics

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 lists names, addresses and biographical data on all graduates

Service Academies Business Resource Directory

Joint academies publication which lists gradu¬ ate members’ civilian positions. Useful for networking and obtaining services.

Discounts on airline travel

Discounts on rental cars and motels

Eligibility for exceptional credit card and line of credit programs

Discount 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

(719) 472-0300

FAX: (719) 333-4194

E-mail: aog@aog-usafa.org

Web: www.aog-usafa.org

Cadet clubs and teams

Sailplanes for cadet soaring program

Aircraft for cadet flying team

Survival Training displays

Cadet squadron improvement projects

Mitchell Hall furnishings

Cadet excellence awards

Honor Committee awards

Cadet Commanders Leadership Enrichment Seminars

Cadet activities: Blue Bards, Chorale, Drum and Bugle Corps and Wings of Blue

+AOG graduate membership beneSt

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: 83

It’s always interesting to me to reflect on how much happens and how many lives are changed in the interval between the composition and delivery of these columns. As you read this edition of the ‘59er Follies, you’ll be getting ready for another football season and the onset of fall weather. Another class (2002!) will have completed BCT and maybe the stock market will have recovered from its vertigo. Grandbabies will be born and, God willing, all of you and your families will continue to age healthfully and gracefully.

Speaking of grandbabies, N.O. OLSON dropped me anote in early spring to an¬ nounce the arrival of their fourth, aprospective member of the Class of 2021. Their son Marc (USAFA '83) and daughter-in-law Gretchen are the proud parents of future Cadet Cade Marcus Olson. The lad weighed in at 9lb. 11 oz. so he’s got a head start at securing the starting left tackle position. Norris says he’s still working on rebuilding from last year’s North Dakota floods.

At about the same time, Jim O’NEIL wrote to pass the word that Don MILLER had suffered afairly serious spinal injury while engaged in some age-denial ac¬ tivities on aUtah ski slope. At last report, Don had come through surgerj' with flying colors and was on the mend. Jim also mentioned in passing that he, him¬ self, had successful cataract surgery on both eyes this year. An Air Force doctor once told me, “There is no malady loiown to man that surgery can’t make worse,” so these guys are really brave!

Dick GOETZE joined the ‘59er cyber net with the news that the family contin¬ ues to flourish in Connecticut, although he still has too much mental and physical energy to accept full retirement. He’s developing and teaching afew courses for American Military University and is on the board of the Aerospace Education Foun¬ dation. For fun and modest pro fi t, he does some multi-engine and instrument flight instruction at alocal FBO.

Ilearned via Herm Gilster that HT and Linda JOHNSON are on the move again. He has another multi-hatted job with acompany called EG&G Inc, serving as their corporate vice president, president of the EG&G Technical Services, and leader of the EG&G Corporate Washington Office. They moved into their new home in McLean, VA, in early June, but it sounds like he’ll be on the road alot overseeing a wide array of responsibilities all over the world. He reports that the welcome mat is out.

Pat MUSMAKER advised me via snail-mail that he’s retired from his long teach¬ ing career in Corpus Christi effective with the end of the last school year. He shared some interesting (some might say “chilling”) insights into the state of our youth as seen through the eyes of ahigh school teacher. His immediate goal in life is to learn how to hit that little white ball correctly so that he’ll be able to break 100 at the reunion next year. His longer-term goal is to avoid having Marlene make the common complaint about retired spouses: Too much husband and not enough money.

“Armed Forces Report of Transfer or Discharge”) from our cadet days can get one by calling Cadet Records (719) 333 -3970. Jim says that having this documentation of active duty service as acadet will improve your benefits when applying for Social Security.

One final tidbit of information: You’ll recall that our class accepted the leader¬ ship in the campaign to get the Academy and the Air Force to acknowledge for¬ mally and officially the role of General Flarmon as the “Father of the Air Force Academy." With the help of the USAFA Library and some exhaustive research by Col. (Ret) Barrett Taylor, who worked very closely with General Harmon during the years leading up to our entry, acompelling case was assembled. Unfortu¬ nately, aprevious administration declined to venture into what might have been acontroversial area. However, the new Supe, Tad Oelstrom, has expressed awill¬ ingness to examine the matter and, if persuaded that the case is solid, to take it to the AF leadership. We’ll try to revive the research and make that case.

Well, boys and girls, that’s all 1had in the mailbag this time. Keep in touch and Ihope you’ve had an enjoyable and relaxing summer. Go Falcons!

Thought for the quarter. Don’t get mad at people who are smarter than you; it’s not their fault.

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

At the Academy’s flrst ’98 football practice -held April Fool’s Day (R: Iswear I didn’t make that up) -Coach DeBerry said: “We might not be as talented as some of our teams in the past.” (Isn’t that scary?) However, Spanky (and Our Gang) is back, and as you read this anew season is upon us. Academy football, with eternal hope for victory over Army and Navy, watching the old pigskin sail towards the end zone (hopefully theirs), the crunch of flesh against flesh, smelling the odors of barbecue and alcohol waft from Jim GLAZA's tailgates (Jim’s idea of abalanced diet is holding adouble martini in both hands), while Jendure the nightly sounds of Karen practicing over-and-over-again that pom-pom routine which she’ll use after being dropped into Falcon Stadium from aT-3A (hopefully, with the use of a parachute). And knowing that our team will be small but compensate with lack of speed. Recall with me now those thundering cleat-beats of our legendary 1960 football greats (Polaris, p.204): Dan’l JOHNSON, PUPICH, BRONSON, KERR, WARACK, KUENZEL, WATERMAN, MCCAIN, and ZERSEN. Stalwarts all! As Hec¬ tor NEGRONI would say: Arriba, Falcones!

Four classmates were in the Springs the first week of June for ajoint meeting of the Air Force Science and Technology Board and the Board on Army Science and Technology (all part of the National Academy of Sciences), which was ameeting on “space”. Sciencenik Mike A. CLARK is assistant director of Military Science and Technology on the NAS staff, Mike LOH and Tony BURSHNICK are board mem¬ bers, and Norm HALLER attended as consultant to NAS. (Mike and Norm are also working on another NAS study for the Air Force concerning hypersonic technol¬ ogy for missiles). R: pardon me while Igo get my Eshbach.

The Colorado contingent is being pretty successful with our monthly get-to¬ gether schedule. The only photographic evidence of this phenomenon is the ac¬ companying photo documenting the St. Patrick’s Day fest held at the USAFA Of¬ ficers’ Club (which Imissed due to poor judgment in scheduling abusiness trip that week). Ihad better luck at the June outing, amini-reunion at the Flying W Ranch, attended by about 31 classmates, spouses, friends, kids and grandchil¬ dren,

Jim BROWN and Bob BROWNING have unearthed apotentially valuable piece of information that I’d like to relay to those of you who didn’t already get the word via the '59er net. Anyone who needs areplacement DD-214 (the all-important

Tanned from aholiday in Maui, Ron and Connie YATES seized this opportunity to give aparty for these “movers and shakers" at their beautiful home anchored into the Colorado mountainside just east of Monument CO (that’s asuburb of Palmer Lake). Their manse has an incredible view facing SSW by Swith great looksee of the Old School. Besides Mike A. CLARK, Tony BURSHNICK, Norm and Liz HALLER, and the YATESes, attending were the SCHWANKs, KENDALLs, CLERs, WARACKs, PORTERS, PUPICHes, Jim GLAZA and friend Jeannette. Following a repast of cold collie sweetbreads, pickled parakeet, cockatiel kabob, and toasted tortoise tails -four basic animal food groups -we repaired to the living room. Ron -who keeps his weight dovm by eating only on even years -had to be forcibly restrained from entertaining us with his nightly javelin-throwing ritual, following which the real entertainment started: music from the Sonsa Scotland Marching Bagpipe Band, and tricks by their talented sled-schnauzer (“roll over, fetch”). Al¬ though our parties now include almost no tobacco and less alcohol than blasts of yesteryear, Idid perceive hand-to-hand passing of Prozac (sanity), Clomid (viril¬ ity), Propelia (hair loss), Meridia (slimming-down), Gingko Bilabo (memory), and was subsequently informed that “ultrarapid opiate detoxification” was performed on two of every three attendees later that evening. When all the men started smil¬ ing, sweating profusely, taking turns dancing with Ron’s dog, and gently caressing Connie’s taller and more shapely plants, Irealized that our cocktails had been spiked with Viagra, which is not exactly your “pursuit denial munition.” Ron nar¬ rowly averted afull-blovm YATES-Gate by bullhorning this warning to the neigh¬ boring wives: “Full Red Alert! Do not go outside your homes! Keep your doors LOCKED!” Karen and Ispent the night at the YATES’ home, and knew our wel¬ come was over when S.S. guards and their Rhodesian Ridebackers tossed us from our beds and rousted us through the front door, the moat’s drawbridge lifted, and red lights indicated that the Claymore mines had been activated. (But -and don't tell Ron this -we got even. Having previously “cased the joint," we stole all their silverware!) PS. -1 made some of this up.

St. Patrick's Day in the Rockies: Clockwise around the table are True Scott, Ed and Lucia Montgomery, Brock and date Strom, Bob and Roxann Browning, Larry Fortner and Connie Solomon, and Max Miller.

“Where did we get such men?”

“I’m the only pilot in our class to fly an F-104 across the Atlantic nonstop from France to Tennessee.” That claim from Chris WARACK, who wins this quarter's What Iam Famous For Award: “During the summer of 1962, anumber of military units in Europe began re-deploying to CONUS. One was aTennessee Air Nation^ Guard F-104 unit from Knoxville based at Phalsbourg Air Base, France. Needing skilled pilots to accomplish the hazardous mission of flying these aircraft entirely over water, Ivolunteered as an AFA-trained warrior. After weighing the many risks, we decided to go north over England and Ireland, close enough to Iceland for return to the Continent if necessary, then to Newfoundland and across the north¬ eastern states and on to Knoxville. Not known for endurance or range, it was nec¬ essary to conduct modifications to the F-104 in order to fit the mission profile. With flight plan filed, 1began this historic attempt at securing my place in the annals of aviation history. After what seemed like days, and with only the occa¬ sional clanking sound of my St. Christopher’s medal pounding against the cockpit to ward off my slumber, Ifound myself on GCA final coming into McGee-Tyson, having completed the mission nonstop. The excitement of those on the ground was much like that of the crowd which greeted Lindbergh when he landed at Orly Field. As soon as we were in the chocks and the engine shut dovm, the ground¬ handling personnel climbed into my C-124 to roll out the F-104 that we MATS guys had flovm from France to Tennessee nonstop!”

Bruce and Caryl MOSIER’s daughter Valerie married Rick Reeder in Kansas City recently (both are MBAs from SMU). Bruce retired from TWA as captain and made his last flight on Sept. 4,1998 -accompanied by Caryl and his three daugh¬ ters -following which they partied with aplay and dinner in Manhattan on the S* (Bruce’s 60* birthday).

In back are Caryn, Bruce and Caryl. In front, Debra and bride, Valeri.

This from Jim ALEXANDER down in Sumter SC (state motto: “Mint Juleps Iz Us!”): “I resigned as President &CEO of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Com¬ merce in June, since working with volunteers for almost nine years has caused my fun-meter to become permanently-pegged. Ireally don’t plan on retiring; faced with cleaning out agarage and attic, Ihave to find ajob. Wife, Martha, also re¬ signed as ateacher at Sumter High School the end of this school year after teach¬ ing remedial reading and basic English for 13 years. Ibelieve her fun-meter was also pegged. She hopes to find work outside the classroom, but may just keep the road open to Simpsonville, SC visiting our two fantastic grandchildren. Our old¬ est son, Andy, is in an environmental engineering business in Greenville, and our youngest son, Doug, is an “Air Personality” with his own television show out of Myrtle Beach that tells tourists what is happening. Looking forward to the 2000 reunion!”

Great to get Jerry Lewis CASKEY’s update: “Debbie and Ihad dinner with Tony and Karen BURSHNICK and George and Evey ELSEA April 11'“ in Austin, TX. Did serious investigation into the flagrant display of flesh on the part of one wing com¬ mander (Antoine) displayed in the last column. According to Karen, there are many photos taken at abetter angle of the Can of Twan. Tony confirmed that he got

hired away from Japan in the nick of time, thereby escaping the wrath of one higher-echelon commander who was seriously deficient in sense of humor. George and Evey just had their first grand-curtain-climber by son Roy and wife, Shannon, who were celebrating the christening in Lampasas, XX. George is look¬ ing into moving this way from Burke, VA. Debbie and 1moved into anew home on the golf course June 12“': 108 Keith Foster Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130, (830) 606-2366.1 have been phasing out of the real estate management business, since Ifeel the strong urge to play more golf. We have spare bedrooms open to any of our classmates."

Potpourri. Our classmates attending Dean Randy CUBERO’s (’61) retirement events 9and 10 June were George and Diana PUPICH, Greg BOYINGTON and friend June, Deke JOHNSON, Jim and Linda GLAZA, Connie YATES, Jock SCHWANK, Chris WARACK, Wayne and Barb KENDALL (George and Deke did the "roast”)...

Surgically separated at birth.

Can you identify the men in this photo? Send your answers to: ME. 1“ Prize: free subscription to Checkpoints, 2"“ Prize: two subscriptions., .Sid NEWCOMB’S new address: 3707 Roseberry Drive, LaPorte,TX77571, (281) 470-098l...Trivia-60; the youngest in our class are Fred WALKER -4May 39; Charlie SANDS -4Dec 38; Ron YATES -3Oct 38. Jack SHIRA’s next, Ithink.. .Dean BRISTOW PCSed from Pope to Alaska in June.. .Now that Pakistan has anuclear arsenal, why shouldn’t the Class of 1960 have an atomic bomb? Maybe asmall one, in case the Class of ’59 attacks us? Your thoughts? Chris and Pat WARACK were representatives to the Republi¬ can State Assembly of Colorado at the end of May.. .in an article which appeared in the Newport News (VA) Daily Press on 19 May 98 (and sent in by alert columnreader George FRIES), Mike LOH was featured: “FAA Too Lax on Safety, LOH says.” .. .Sad Note: Bill HALES’ wife, Joan, passed away in June.

Ibate to imprison an immortal sentiment in mere words; but, GOODBYE FROM THE ROSE.

Edward A. Zompa

121 Scenic Drive Madison, AL 35758 (205) 971-8973

E-Mail: Vtailed@aol.com

Percent members: 84

BITS AND PIECES. Many words; no pictures. Paul DEAN will retire from USAIRWAYS on Oct. 12. Thousands of American and Delta passengers say they will return to USAIRWAYS. The National Space Club president is illustrious Gray Tag Bill FOSTER! Honorary board members range from Newt to Buzz Aldrin. Brother FAIRLAMB has acquired aCessna 182; Randy CUBERO and George PUPICH have bought aCessna 172 together; and Jane Garvey is contemplating resignation. On May 31, abunch of American Bonanza Society (ABS) people vis¬ ited USAFA and were guided by Terry STORM (more friends for USAFA). Jimmy POOLE, may want to hear from you if you are interested in the October Gray Tag Redneck Rendezvous at Orange Beach, Alabama Oct. 2-4.

In April, Lowell JONES had surgery to fuse the bones in his left foot to the ankle bones (five screws and glue) to bring his foot back to anormal position. If every¬ thing heals properly, the next step is the same operation on the right foot. There is agood possibility that he can golf again. (Question: Can he use his left leg/foot as aputter and carry an extra shaft in his bag?)

EVENTS. Spring Fling at Caswell Beach, NC May 1-3. Attendees were: PB and Mer O’CONNOR (most gracious hosts), John KOHOUT, Karl KELLERMAN, Charlie and Sarah STEBBINS, Jerry and Sue LEFTON, Bill and Rhoda STACKHOUSE, Steve HO and Lynn FUNKHAUSER, Bob and Winnie WAGNER, Jim and Linda ROGERS, Nelson O'REAR, Mike RAWLINS and Virginia Davis, Karl and Diane WHITAKER, Hector and Joan NEGRONI, and Gayle and I, ZOMPA.

Friday featured cocktails, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and agreat buffet of triggerfish, pork medallions, and all the trimmings warmly and very tastefully presented at the O’CONNOR residence. Reminiscences and lies abounded, but everyone stayed fully clothed and there were no arrests that entire evening.

Saturday featured golf for the real liars, aplastic burn in Wilmington for the shoppers (squired by Hector), and fishing for the guts of iron and amateur liar contingent. KOHOUT, STEBBINS, KELLERMAN, WAGNER, HO, and ZOMPA braved horrendous seas (5-7 feet, we were in the only boat that went out) to catch about 200 pounds of king mackerel, Spanish mackerel (not related to Hector), bonito, and bluefish. Only later did we learn that aboat had sunk the day before in high seas near our fishing location.

Saturday night was again hosted at the O’Connor home. Bill STACKHOUSE deepfried two turkeys, one embalmed with Cajun spices. Dessert was three flavors of homemade ice cream and assorted homemade pies. Contact Bill if you can use five gallons of peanut oil, used only once. The attendees began dispersing Sunday morning. Look for this event next year and try to get there!

As in the past 13 years, Brice JONES’ Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards presented the 13th Annual World Croquet Championship May 29-31 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Polly Hass Foundation, and Magic Moments (a Birmingham, AL based charity similar to Make-A-Wish Foundation). This year, the 1,400 people attend¬ ing the event raised over $750,000 for charity.

Friday p.m. saw the player’s dinner, venison and wine, held in the caverns of Brice’s winery. Saturday included semi-final matches, the final match, acourtside luncheon of prawns, lobster, etc. and more wines. After acharity auction, there were rare wines and Point Reyes oysters. On Sunday, Brice invited classmates and friends for acruise on San Francisco Bay aboard abeautiful sailing vessel. The ship stopped at Angel Island where all enjoyed asuperb grilled salmon dinner.

Attending were: Mark and Ginger ANDERSON, Richard and Marty ARNOLD, John and Lydia BOESCH, Bob and Janice BRICKEY, George BUCHNER (accompa¬ nied by different ladies at different times), Pat and Meverette BUCKLEY, Lee and Dorene BUTLER (plus daughter Lisa and husband, Mike, and grandson; and Brett with his wife, “Little Lee”), Randy and Jan CUBERO, Sam and Vivian HARD AGE, Joe HENDRICKS and daughter, Jim and Peggy HINKLE, Brice JONES and Susan Porth, Karl KELLERMAN and his daughter Aime, Frank and Patsy KISZELY, Hector and Joan NFGRONI (plus son Hector Emilio and girlfriend Kimberly), Jimmy and Susan POOLE, Mike QUINLAN, Jim and Linda ROGERS, Tom and Mimi SHLLING, and Chaz and Sarah STEBBINS (plus son Jamie and wife Julie), Randy CUBERO’s retirement was an event to behold. An impressive recogni¬ tion dinner on Tuesday night, apoignant ceremony late Wednesday morning, and afun-filled Toast and Roast (Troast) after the ceremony.

The Gray Tags were out in strength. I’ll enumerate, but apologize if Imissed anyone or misspelled aname. Not everyone was there for all events, this is just the list of total attendees: John DATES, RE and Pat SMITH, John and Sheila MAY, John KOHOUT, Charley THOMAS, Wayne and Erna HARING, TWC and Judy WIL¬ SON, Mark ANDERSON, Rich MAYO, Sam HARDAGE, Mike and Susan QUINLAN, Pat and Mev BUCKLEY, Earl and Lillie SAUNDERS, George BUCKNER, Dean and Jo JONES, Charley and Linda NEEL, Pete and Patty LANE, Bob and Jan BRICKEY, Terry and Carleen STORM, Tom and Ann ELLER, Jimmy POOLE, Brice JONES and Susan Porth, Jim and Peggy HINKLE, Doc and Marty ARNOLD, Dick and Trel COPPOCK, Tom SUTTON, Tom CONLEY, Worth MCCUE, and yours truly. Oh, Jan and Randy CUBERO were there too! That’s 30 Gray Tags plus Randy.

The dinner filled the club to capacity. The meal was elegant with an entree of salmon and beef tenderloin, but was served in opposition to Randy’s request for the traditional Puerto Rican beans and rice (which might have been awhole lot cheaper!). Many nice gifts were presented to Randy and Jan; and, at Randy’s re¬ quest, were immediately appraised by Randy’s friend Raoul from Raoul’s Pistol and Pawn in Manitou Springs.

Though Randy was the centerpiece of the event, much praise and honor was appropriately bestowed upon Jan. Who knows what evils might have befallen this nation had not Jan been there these 37 years. When confronted with Jan’s contri¬ butions to the CUBERO partnership, the only response that Randy could muster was that, as her reward, he had kept her in ecstasy for 37 years. No joke got more laughter from Jan the entire two days. Randy also captured imaginations with his observation that Grandparents and Grandchildren are united by acommon en¬ emy.

The world was made aware many times at dinner and throughout the two days that Randy needs alot of work on the putting portion of his golf game. Shakespeare was right, all the good that Randy did will be interred with his bones; and the world will remember that he can’t putt to save his butt.

The retirement ceremony was stirring on abeautiful and comfortable Wednes¬ day morning at the Class Wall on the east side of the chapel at terrazzo level. Four squadrons of faculty guys were assembled in formation flanking the band. They reported in sequence that 1, 9, 6, and 1persons were absent, appropriately hon¬ oring Randy’s class membership.

Randy had enough impact on the faculty that he could get them all assembled at one place at one time. An additional seven years as Dean might have been required to teach them to march -something about knowing left from right, and Idon’t know if the problem was theirs or Randy’s.

As the troops were formed, Jan was delivered by car to aposition of honor down in front of the rest of us. There was aslight delay in the arrival of Randy and the Superintendent, Lt Gen Oelstrom, The Superintendent, the director of Person¬ nel, and retirement counselor were still trying to convince Randy to select the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for Jan. Randy also needed additional time to fix his hair. For years he’s been on Rogaine as apreventative because he suffers Stebbinsophobia. The night before, he had mixed some Viagra with the Rogaine and it had turned him into Don King.

Many nice words were said about Randy at the ceremony, including the words in the citation for his DSM. And don’t you know that Randy had Raoul there for a

quick look at the DSM, Randy reminisced about his time at USAFA, in the Air Force, and as Dean. Imust say that the integrity, dignity, and humility displayed by our classmate reflected quite honorably on us all. There were tears in my eyes throughout most of this historic and nostalgic event, and Iknow Iwas not the only Gray Tag enjoying this good feeling.

Randy was often cited for his role in developing core values for USAFA: Integ¬ rity, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do. Much emphasis was deserv¬ edly placed on the adoption of these values by the Air Force at the urging of Secre¬ tary Widnall. As the team player we always knew him to be, he was also credited with blending the Commandant, Dean, and Athletic Director into one team pur¬ suing acommon goal inspired by the core values.

Then came the Troast at the stadium press box. Afine buffet lunch featuring pasta and other Italian delights, probably symbolic of adeep-seated Cubero fan¬ tasy. The focal point of this encounter was for Randy’s football teammates to have a go at him, along with some other folks. Critics of his intellect and personality were MC’d by brother BRICKEY and included Brad HOSMER, Brad’s father (who read a serious poem he had written for the occasion), one of Jan’s brothers, Brice JONES, Rich MAYO, Dave PHILLIPS, and the Serbian connection of George PUPICH and DK JOHNSON. Perhaps the nicest comment about Randy was made by Bob BRICKEY who noted that heandhisjan had frequently hosted the CUBEROs in the Brickey household, but had never been invited to the CUBERO home.

Anew page is up in the book of 1961. As Pete LANE described it, the events surrounding Randy’s retirement could be viewed as areport card on our class. I wholeheartedly agree, and view it as an event of great pride for all of us.

For Jan Cubero: increase your commissary budget. For 37 years, Randy’s day¬ time consumption of toilet tissue has been furnished by federal funds! And that makes this agood place to end this column.

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4Judy Court Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Home: (407) 777-5520

Office: (407) 861-3519

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Percent members: 72

Hi Redtags! It is hot, dry and stifling in Florida in June. Already had some record high heat days. Idread to think what July and August will be like. Speaking about heat, here’s the latest hot news from Bob LIGHTSEY. After he got his doctorate about ayear or so ago, he was made the chairman of the Systems Engineering Dept at Defense Systems Management College. Both of his kids are back in col¬ lege but not at Bob’s expense. They’re paying their own way. His daughter left a computer graphics job to get adegree in biology so she can teach at the elemen¬ tary and high school level. His son is getting aPhD in English, presumably to teach. It looks like the Lightseys have all become teachers. Great! We always need good teachers. You will do very well. Thanks for the news. Bob.

Got asummary of the Class of 1998’s Dining-In, which was attended by several classmates. Chuck CHEESEMAN writes, “On March 19, 1998, anew Academy tradition was begun, one involving two Academy classes widely separated in years that recognized acommon bond. The current first classmen, the Redtags of 1998, were visited on 19 March by the original Redtags of 1962 who were their guests of honor at the '98 Dining-ln at Mitchell Hall. Maj Gen George HARRISON spoke to the assembled group and his subject was Class Spirit. Alot of fine fellowship was had at the meal and, later, at Hap’s Place in Arnold Hall. The ’62 RTBs and the Class of ‘98 will remember always this historic rendezvous of the first and tenth Redtag classes to graduate from USAFA.

It is generally recognized that the Class of '98 takes its Redtagness very seri¬ ously and has developed akeen class spirit that sets it apart. The ‘62 RTBs learned of this ’98 spirit from the current Commandant of Cadets, Brig Gen Steve LORENZ (’73), during the Class of‘62’s 35* Reunion last November at USAFA. The ‘62 RTBs recognized some similarities to their own class history and decided to pass on to this group of future officers some of what the ’62 RTBs had learned about spirit and class unity. Those in attendance were: Bob BAXTER, Chuck CHEESEMAN, Tim and Nancy GILMARTIN, Larry GOOCH, George HARRISON, Bob and Mary HOPKINS, Nils OHMAN, Jim QUALEY, A1 SIGMAN, Jon STAPLES, Butch ’VICCELLIO, and Mike WILLIAMS. Dick KLASS did the lion’s share of the arrang¬ ing but managed to get grounded in Wichita by the 18-19 March snowstorm and missed the event.” Thanks for the update Chuck.

Reminder; Penny and Jim MACK still have mugs and glass steins that they would love to sell to some Redtag who needs afew.

Sam DEHNE is running for mayor of Reno again. He tried to organize aceleb¬ rity fight against Mills Lane (he was the referee that stopped the lyson-Holyfield fight) to raise money for his campaign. But the Nevada Boxing Commission stopped it. So Sam is continuing his battle against the current regime of which Sam doesn’t think highly. (Did you see how Iended the sentence properly, not ending it with apreposition. But it sounds better when it’s wrong. Oh well!)

Ihave an early e-mail from Troy TOMLIN that resulted from all the jabbering on the Redtag Net about how we got our RTB name. Someone mentioned that we weren’t too far away from being typical college students. To which Troy answered: “Another thought regarding our unique experience. Idon’t know why some of you think our lives were all that much different from the typical college student. I came from alittle town in Texas and had never been in an airplane before Igot to the Academy. Within 10 months Ihad: 1. Logged at least 7,500 miles in the air. 2. Sung in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC with the Protestant Choir. 3. Carefully patted an atomic bomb on its smooth flank. 4. Crawled up inside an Atlas rocket. 5. Sat in on aSAC briefing with guys who would be flying at least to the Fail Safe Line, and ready to fly through it if necessary, later that day. 6. Flown at Mach 2.02 over George AFB in an F-104 Starfighter with the ‘Fuel Low’ light

More Memories Grom the 1962 35th Reunion

flashing frantically ever since we arrived at the 40,000 ft level about 10 seconds after lifting off, 7, Intercepted and, electronically at least, 'splashed' aB-29 off the Golden Gate Bridge in an F-102 Delta Dagger out of Hamilton AFB,. .TVpical col¬ lege freshman stuff. Could have done all that if I’d gone to the North Texas Baptist Bihie Coilege.. .Thanks for the memories and regards to ali.”

Thanks for the thought-provoking images of yesteryear, Troy. Once again, Iwill cut the column short to make room for more reunion pictures. Keep the cards and e-mail coming. And don’t forget about our Home Page at http:// .Visit it to see what’s there and to put your e-mail on the list.

Cheers. GoRedtags!

Norman I. Lee III

17532 N.E. 38th Court

Redmond, WA 98052

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

E-mail: swan01@aol.comWork e-mail: norman.i.lee@boeing.com

Fax: (425) 237-5775

Percent members: 76

1regret we have to start this article off by telling you of the passing of one of our Classmates, Don SIMMONS. You may see anote written by Dave NUSS in the June issue of Checkpoints still Iwant to pass on what Ihave received about the funeral.

Dick COPPOCK (’61) called Jimmie BUTLER to say Don had been suffering from cancer and passed away on Thursday, 9April 1998. Amemorial service was held at 10:30, Tuesday, 14April 1998 at the Protestant Cadet Chapel with burial follow¬ ing at the USAFA cemetery. Don is survived by his son Steve Simmons of 1260 Haven Lane, #2, McKinleyville, CA 95519. Jimmie said Don had been assigned to the Air Force Space Division at Los Angeles Air Force Station when he was there in the mid-‘80s. In addition to Don’s son and other family members, the Class of 1963 was represented at the funeral by: Bill BALL, Jimmie BUTLER, Drue and Betty DEBERRY, Jim GASTON, Bob HAYES, John HELINSKI, David NUSS, and Ev and Susie VAUGHN. The chaplain spoke of Donald’s quiet dedication and how he stayed at work almost up until time to enter the hospital the final time. Jimmie added the entourage went to the cemetery under cloudy skies. With light aircraft from the Academy’s airstrip passing occasionally overhead, the sun came out for afew moments during the sounding of Taps. Snow fell later in the day, but the graveside ceremony was conducted in reasonabiy good weather vrith appropri¬ ate military honors. General Randy CUBERO (’61) attended and presented the American flag to Donald’s son. Jimmie also reports Don’s gravesite is just afew sites south of Bart BROOKS’ grave.

“Small World’’ stuff: Linda and 1recently returned from adelightful seven-day cruise of the Southeastern Alaska, British Columbia Inland Passage on asmall 100-passenger ship. One of the couples we met on the ship. Perry and Carol Baggett were from Tuscaloosa, AL. It was not long after we began comparing where, when and what we discovered acommon bond: Ray HAMILTON. How’s

Mike Williams, Jack Swanson, Grant Lannon and JudyMcMillam strike apleas¬ ant pose at the 35th.

Bob Lightseyat the 35th reunion describes howto hold onto abeer.

Dick Hoffert, Kathyrn and Steve Mettler and Helen Kilpatrick enjoy the 35th re¬ union while Dave Vthitman has asolitary laugh behind them.

Bo Daugherty and Carolyn and Dave Pederson share some fun stories at the 35th reunion.

Tim Gilmartin, 35th reunion chairman, gives his final blessing to the crowd; and we went away cured.

“Deke" Dinsmore was not singing at this point at the 35th Reunion.

The 35“* reunion is getting closer! By the time you read this, reunion weekend will be only days away -maybe even closer. Ihope everyone did abetter job getting their memorabilia requests in before June 15“’. Isent the letter on the 14“'. Jimmie says he has heard from two or three classmates who have conflicts during reunion weekend, or are in faraway places like Saudi Arabia, Europe, etc. How¬ ever, the responses received since February are nearly unanimous with enthusi¬ astic declarations of planning to be here in October.

Jimmie reports the class e-mail list is up over 150 and climbing. Use of e-mail has been areal plus in getting all the latest info out to many many classmates. Based on inputs received from computer-literate classmates, Jimmie also put out acall for “Any Closet Webmasters Out There?” He got aresponse from Bill AYERS, One of the businesses Bill owns and operates is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) called “The Digital Citizen” (digizen). Bill asked “Would it be helpful to you if Iset you up with a10-Meg web site where you could post schedules, news, XXX pic¬ tures” (note: the way many of you all write 10 Megs won’t come close to meeting our requirements). Having aplace to electronically post schedules, information, trade ideas and other updates is one terrific idea. Iam beginning to see apoten¬ tial end to the value of this Class News article as the e-mail list grows and web sites become reality. Won’t need me to pass on the doings.

Now, on to Class News: Les DENEND sent along an e-mail note vrith the follow¬ ing update: “I had intended to compose something polished, but that, it appears, is not going to happen. So let me proceed. Iwill try to be brief. The most imme¬ diate news is that Ihave entered semi-retirement as of May 1. Ihad been the CEO of Network General, aSilicon Valley network software company, for about four years when we (the board) agreed to merge the company with McAfee Associ¬ ates, the anti-virus company, to form Network Associates. Since technically Net¬ work General was acquired, Ibecame the president rather than CEO of the new company. After about asbc-month transition, Ileft more or less as planned. I remain on the board, and it has all been very friendly. Also, Judy and Iare the proud grandparents of Michael, 2.5 years, and Jessie, 5months. We have been lucky both of our kids are close. Our daughter Kim and her husband (and the grandchildren) are in San Francisco. Our son Chris and his wife are even closer in Menlo Park. Ialso serve on the USAA board, which has created aschedule con¬ flict with our reunion. AUSAA board meeting and the annual members meeting are scheduled for that same weekend. Unfortunately the USAA events will take place in San Diego. Ihave thought about this alot but believe Imust be at the member meeting. The meeting happens only once ayear as you know, and the members who show up expect to see the board members. So Iwill not be at our reunion in Colorado Springs to say hi in person,” Thanks for the note Les. We will miss your presence.

Another Classmate who will not be able to make the reunion was Ted SCHROEDER who has been working in Saudi Arabia since 1993. He and Pat be¬ lieve they’ll be settling in Las Vegas in 1999. Really, we are getting very few inputs (two or three) of folks unable to make it to Colorado Springs in October.

Jim KUHN also sent in quick bio which 1really enjoyed reading and you may enjoy as well: “First assignment was Pilot Training at Webb AFB (now afeder^ prison) followed by T-38 IP duty at Williams AFB (now part of the University of Arizona) and Sheppard AFB (still Air Force!). Married Chan (born in LubbockTX as Charlie Ann), in 1965 at the Williams AFB chapel. Lee LILLY was and still is best man. While finishing up at Sheppard, completed all course work for amaster’s in public administration at the University of Oklahoma and resigned commis¬ sion in September of 1969. Spent ayear in Arizona at Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management for Spanish language training and graduate courses (another degree!) [Ed note: my son David Lee is also aThunderbird grad with Chinese language training) and completed OU degree at the same time. Tried to start an international marketing business and failed. Joined Lockheed Aircraft International in downtovm Los Angeles, Dec. 1970 -two weeks later Rolls Royce went bankrupt threatening the L-1011 and Lockheed as acompany and my job as aproject director. Late 1971,1 joined the new Bausch &Lomb So fl ens Division and rose quickly to district manager. After astint of selling copying machines in New Orleans and acouple of years with RLI Insurance Company in Peoria IL, finishing as national sales manager, Ijoined Omega Optical Company as asales rep. After traveling Illinois for almost four years. Omega moved me to Dallas in 1978 as president of anew contact lens insurance company, which operated for three years. Ileft Omega to start my own computer consulting company in 1981.

Those who own their own businesses can relate to the phrase "lean and prosper¬ ous" times. In January 1994,1 signed on as aproject manager with BancTec Sys¬ tems, Inc. with large image-hased remittance processing systems. Commuting to Toronto weekly for almost two years, living in San Antonio with USAA for six months, and other places like Fargo, ND in January (nothing like it!) has been my way of life. Summer of 1997, Ileft BancTec am now director of consulting for BlackHawk Information Systems, Inc., in San Ramon, CA. Spouse, Chan, has worked for American Airlines for 15 years. Son Matthew has lived and worked in Europe, and now speaks fluent Spanish and French, and very good German at his job handling globd accounts at SeaLand. Daughter Pilar graduated from North¬ western University June 1997 in music and is seeking her fame and fortune in radio, television, film, with music, music production, acting, standup comedy, voiceovers, etc. Unlike many others, our kids are not married and we are not yet grandparents. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 35th."

Update from the prairie. After being located by Bud GILLIGAN, Jerry ADINOLFI responded to being identified as alost soul found and sent the following update:

“I am alife member of the AOG and faithfully sent change-of-address cards when we moved (lots recently -that could be the problem). Iwas the curate at St. Matthew’s Episcopal In Columbus, OFI for about two years {‘96-‘97) and then was called to this parish in Coffeyville, KS as its 31st rector-St. Paul’s, founded in 1879. Marsha (our 35th is coming up on June 8th) is aKansan, having been born and raised in Manhattan (K-State country). She opted for CWC which is where Imet her and the rest is history. We got here on Jan 1, 1998 and really love It. Parish ministry is more work than Iever imagined, but ultimately rewarding. The pay is, oh well.. .but the retirement bene fi ts are “out of this world." Ihave to learn how to prioritize better and pray harder...and listen better. Burnout Is acommon afflic¬ tion among priests. We are eagerly looking forward to the 35th, our first-ever re¬ union. We were in Seminary during the 30th and couldn’t get away from Alexan¬ dria, VA then. Our kids are in Kansas City, KS and Dayton, OH and we now have three grandkids (10, 7, and 3). Looking forward to seeing you all in the Springs. I’m sorry to have read about Don SIMMONS in the latest Checkpoints. Ireally liked him; we started out together. Peace.”

Ihope you all enjoy reading these classmate updates using their own words. I sure do. Here’s another from Geff MCCARTHY: “I sent abio -all fi ction -for the reunion. Ijust retired last July 1st. (MC officers can stay till 62.) Tired of moving, and already had commanded three hospitals. Now Julie and Itravel to see kids in Eire, CA; friends in UK, etc., andl workasDoc-in-a-Box(trulybad medicine). I’m also trying to foist myself off on the unsuspecting public as "AvMedSafe” consultancy. So far the IRS considers me alaudable hobby, I’d guess. Gave my method of treating pilots with flying phobia to the Daedalians here last week. Surprisingly few slept through it. Looldng forward to the reunion; the 30th was a blast. PS; I’m in the Keith Ferris painting of F-16s over the Academy done for our 20th. It’s me pulling up as the missing man. Thanks for your work on the news. Geff McCarthy, USAF Pilot-Physician, 24th Sq., and last real (non-flag) officer from ’63 on active duty!”

The gathering of classmates at the funeral for Don SIMMONS generated some discussion over the subject of aclass flag or guidon for ceremonial use. Bill BALL suggested we develop aclass flag/guidon to fly at funerals and other gatherings. Butch VERDIER has one we use at mini-reunions to help classmates locate us. However, we’re thinking of something more formal and of regular flag quality with the class crest in the middle and whatever words would be appropriate. We felt something like that would be particularly appropriate to fly at the cemetery to signify that the class is present and taking care of its own. Bill isn’t on e-mail, but we’re open to comments about what would be appropriate on the flag/guidon. The request for e-mail got acouple of responses. One from Johnnie FIALL: “I like the symbolism and simplicity. The letters could be arched above and below the class crest. You’ve got my vote! See you in October.” Another from John BELLOTTE:

“A suggestion for the class flag for funerals: 'May he reach out his hand and touch the face of God.’ to paraphrase the last phrase of High Flight’. JohnB”. At the same gathering, John HELINSKI suggested the local classmates offer to take alarger role with family members who accompany aclassmate for burial at USAFA. This was done in Bill REEMTSMA’s case in 1995. Since the AOG will notify us of pend¬ ing services here for classmates, we should be able to get in touch with the chaplain’s office and render additional assistance as may be appropriate.

Speaking of the chaplain, Jimmie reported anice chat with the presiding chap¬ lain after the ceremony. She had recently arrived at the Academy from Patrick AFB, FL. She is very pleased with her job but mentioned that it was reassuring to see us old timers from the Class of 1963. Ithink it was encouraging for her to be able to see that cadets can grow up to be adults who really do contribute to the Air Force and society. We did explain to her that we had started out under somewhat different circumstances, and that’s part of why we were the best class ever to gradu¬ ate from USAFA,

In another vein, John ROUSH equaled John NEHRING’s Murphy’s Rules of Com¬ bat. Here are afew items from alist called Truths in Aviation -more basic stuff:

●If you’re ever faced with aforced landing at night, turn on the landing lights to see the landing area. If you don’t like what you see, turn 'em off.

●Never let an airplane take you somewhere your brain didn’t get to five minutes earlier.

■Fly it until the last piece stops moving,

■Any pilot who does not at least privately consider himself the best in the busi¬ ness is in the wrong business.

Linda and Skip at Glacier Bay that for asmall world.

●It’s best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.

■A“good” landing is one which you can walk away from. Agreat landing is one which lets you use the airplane another time.

■Things which do you no good in aviation:

-Altitude above you.

-Runway behind you.

-Fuel in the truck.

-The airspeed you don’t have.

-Fuel is life.

Sorry Icouldn’t put the entire list here but you get the idea.

Others heard from planning to be there in October: Steve SAVONEN, Sam WESTBROOK who has been working as aconsultant to asmall company that runs workshops for the Departments of Energy and Commerce aimed at helping inventors get ideas to market, and Bill GREEN who proposes the award to the Cadet Squadron with the highest representation be named the “Ollie” in memory of Carl OLIVER. Bill has some stories -all true -about Ollle that can’t be told here but maybe we could encourage him to get up on the stage and tell afew. There are many Ollie stories. Last minute input! John NEHRING sent the following picture of himself and Bill GREEN. Of course. Bill is steering the boat.

Got anews release from Bob MCBETH whose company. Associated Industrial Supply, Inc. (AIS), aleading distributor of industrial supplies and equipment in the Southeast, has purchased the assets of Macon Mine &Mill in Macon, GA. That makes 12 locations for Bob’s company.

To close, Jimmie BUTLER expressed thanks to everyone for ail the enthusiastic ,letters of support for the work of the local reunion committee and for all the up¬ dates of squadron and e-mail information. Iwant to add my thanks as well and especially to Jimmie and the committee. See you there!

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801

Home: (256) 532-3923

Office: (254) 867-7092 Fax: (254) 867-4137 therjhs@aol.com or bhovde@waco.usra.edu

Percent Members: 73

One More Time: Last article, Itold you that Sandy and 1were rebuilding and moving into anew (old) house in Old Town Huntsville. We did, and then 1got a new job in Waco, Texas. 1am now in the world of long-distance commuters. 1plan to get home two weekends per month -not aparticularly good deal, but at least it’s not ayearlong remote. Jam now working for the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) on aproject called SOFIA -Stratospheric Observatory for In¬ frared Astronomy. We are putting alarge telescope (2.5 meters diameter) into the back of aB747SP aircraft so that we can fly it at altitudes up to 45,000 feet to do infrared astronomy (for NASA). Our main partners in the project are Raytheon (Waco) and United Airlines. Alarge group of universities will provide the astrono¬ mers to do the science work.

Since Sandy is staying in Huntsville, you can still contact me through that ad¬ dress, Iwon’t even give you my apartment address, because some of my friends have already complained that they ran out of blocks in the “H” part of their ad¬ dress books. Always write the Hovdes’ address in pencil.

E-Mail: E-mail seems to be the communication mode ofchoice these days. Dan BUSSE made up for not corresponding for awhile by sending afull report of hap¬ penings in the Busse clan. He reports that things have been busy for him at Raytheon since he began his new career in international air traffic control. “I am really enjoying the work, with the travel, the challenge of international business, and tbe opportunity to move away from the defense business after so many years. Most of my efforts during the last year and ahalf have been in India and southern Asia. Although last year Iwas away from home abit more than 1prefer -about every other four-week period -the work was interesting and took me to some very exotic places! Currenfly the visits are still about as frequent but abit shorter. We have acontract to update the ATC systems at both Delhi and Bombay interna¬ tional airports. There may be other opportunities there, but Iam looking forward to moving on to some other countries in that part of the world this year. China, Russia, Central and Southern Asia, Africa, etc. are some of the most promising areas of air travel growth over the next 10 years (or at least the most in need of modern technology).

“The biggest event in the Busse family was the arrival of our first grandchild (Evan, named after my father) last October. His parents, Dan (our oldest) and

Laura, live up in Burlington, VT, Dan is now completing his second year of med school at the Uof Vermont. He has completed most of the class work and is now spending most of his time in the hospital as an intern. Laura is taking the year off from her elementary school teaching joh at one of the Burlington suburbs. It has been areal change in their lifestyle -but they are certainly enjoying parenthood. Nancy and Ihad no trouble adjusting to grand-parenthood, but are open to any suggestions from you experienced folks. It is good having them only three hours away.

“Christopher has been in the Philippines for the past 27 months on aPeace Corps assignment. He just finished last week and has been hired by the Peace Corps to help train the new class for the next three months. He was posted to an island (Tablas) about 150 miles southof Manila-working on projects to develop drinking water and sanitation facilities on several small islands in the vicinity. Nancy and Ivisited him at his site last year. He lived in abamboo hut on abeautiful coconut tree-lined white sand beach -just as one would imagine on asmall tropical island. It was areal adventure, difficult at times Iimagine and very lonesome in the beginning, but by the end he said it was hard to leave. He became rather fluent in the local dialect of the Philippine language and was very well liked by the locals. Ialso had afew chances to see him when Iwas in Manila on business. Although he has enjoyed the travel and adventure Ithink he is looking forward to getting back to the USA this fall -It will be his fi rst time back since he left in ’96.

“In July Nancy and Iare going to meet him in Beijing, tour China abit, and then take the train to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (1 have business there). Nancy and he will then take the Trans Siberian RR across Russia to Moscow and home through Eu¬ rope. Other than that all is about the same here in Massachusetts -mild winter and spring starting to turn warm. Red Sox off to agood start, but that will soon change,”

Bob CLARK sent anote from Saudi Arabia, where he is working on the Peace Shield program. He is doing well and is hoping that their status changes to have APO status again so that it is easier to communicate back home. He is getting the Checkpoints again, even though it takes along time via regular mail.

Jo W^ne RJTCHIE wrote on behalf of Steve: “I hope you'll forgive this coming from avery proud wife, but Jfelt some of his friends would be Interested. (You don’t have to apologize for being aproud wife. We re all proud of Steve, but he doesn’t go out of his way to advertise all of the things he does.) '97 was agreat year for Steve. It was the 25th anniversary of his becoming the only Air Force (and only USAFA) pilot ace of the SEA conflict and it marked his return to flying the F-4 for the first time in 24 years (during the Golden Air Tattoo at Nellis for the AF 50th anniversary). In November, the Colorado Aviation Historical Society inducted Steve into their Hall of Fame. It was agreat honor and avery moving ceremony. This wall be Steve’s last year in the Reserves and his last year flying for the Air Force. The last three years have been spent flying T-38s at air shows to aid in his position as MA to the commander. Recruiting Service. Between the air shows and his speaking for the Air Force, he did 209 days of duty in ‘97.”

Gary GANONG copied me on an e-mail to Matt FEIERTAG <devil96taz@aol.com>, who, as you all remember, volunteered to put together a’64 e-mail list. Gary says that he works at Logicon RDA in Albuquerque with Denny BOESEN and John ERKKILA. They all came to RDA after retiring from the Air Force in ’84. Denny and John are involved in laser projects, while Gary has been supporting counter prolif¬ eration programs.

Gary reports that he and Susan celebrated their 34*'' wedding anniversary in June. Their daughter, Christina (CC ’92) is married to Drew Walton (USAFA ’93). Drew works for HP In Roseville, CA, and Gary expected to be agrandfather in July. Their son Jeff (DU ’95) and his wife, Niki, live in Portland, OR, where Jeff works for Intel.

Sad News: Kelly WILSON writes that his wife, Frances Burke Wilson, passed away on March 27* due to asevere asthma attack. Fran was at the last reunion with Kelly, and he reports that she enjoyed meeting many classmates for the first time. Kelly continues to live in Ohio, where he’s “hauling packages” for Airborne Express.

Letters: Igot one of those things typed on paper -from Keith LUCHTEL -but, then, he’s alawyer (actually the letterhead says, “Attorneys and Counselors at Law.” Keith didn’t say which one he was.) Keith recently had the opportunity to visit our classmate, Jeff BAKER, president of Luther College and nude soccer impresario as per anews clipping Keith enclosed. (The news clipping, “Naked soccer lives on at Luther despite attempts to stop tradition,” from the May 22"'' Des Moines Register, tells how the college organized a2a.m. pancake breakfast on the library lawn, where the game had been played in previous years. About 400 students and staff were in the middle of breakfast when alarge group disrobed and started playing soccer. Jeff was quoted as saying, “We do not want to tolerate it, but we are not turning the college into apolice state,” (You mean, colleges don’t have to be a police state?) The dean of students said something about how hard it was to get IDs from students who don’t have any clothes on.] Keith says he had an enjoyable visit with Jeff and Shirley, and that with his high sense of civic duty, volunteered to referee the soccer match.

In other travels, Keith says he was in Washington, D.C., the weekend before Fred GREGORY’S annual party. He has missed the party by aweek several times, but this time, did get to see three of his old roommates and his replacements (i.e., their wives). He reports that the GROWDENs, Jim GRAHAMs, and MANEKOFKSKYs are all flourishing and that he had agreat weekend.

Keith represents EDS in Iowa and got acall ayear or so ago asking him to intro¬ duce “an engineer type” around state government. After establishing aschedule, he learned the “engineer type” was none other than one James L. GRAHAM. Jim

was in and out of Iowa several times last year, and they managed to mix ahealthy amount of pleasure with their business.

Another classmate, Tom HERBST, lives in northwestern Iowa, near Keith’s an¬ cestral home. The Iowa '64 contingent is growing [At 100 percent growth every 34 years, it still might be awhile before we call it acrowd!] Anyway, Keith promises to correspond at least twice during the next 34 years if Iever settle dovm so he knows where to send the letter.

Other Mail: Ialso received an announcement from the commander. Air Com¬ bat Command (Dick HAWLEY) that Lieutenant General Brett DULA was advanced to the retired list as of 1Aug. The enclosed card says that Brett and Terri live in Austin, TX. That’s only 90 miles from Waco. Central Texas is getting crowded with ’64 types!

Reunion: Yes, it is only ayear away -35 years since looking at the Academy in the rearview mirror. Jerry BUTLER and Bob BEVERLY started the planning off with ameeting of the Colorado classmates in May. They will be letting the rest of us know of the plans, problems, decisions, etc., by the next issue. If you have any ideas to contribute, please get in contact tvith them. (Jerry: 719-481-8804. Bob: 719-481-2357.)

Web Stuff: If any of you are interested in what is happening in the Air Force, but don’t take the Airforce Times, there is away to get the news e-mailed to you every day. Go to the web site, http://wvmaf.milinews or send e-mail with the follow¬ ing command in the text (without quotes) “SUBSCRIBE AFNS” to LISTSERV@AFPRODUCTS.EASE.LSOFT.COM. They will e-mail you the daily news articles they send to base newspapers, etc., about what is going on around the world.

Ihear they still fly airplanes -but they have to take turns. Keep those e-malls coming. We also accept photos, cards, letters, faxes and phone calls. One of these days, Imight Just really retire and start visiting each of you in turn, if Ihaven’t heard from you lately

Rick Zurbrugg

Box 22615

Hilton Head Isand, SC 29925

(803) 698-5321

FAX: (803) 698-5403

E-mail: 75630,2347@compuserve.com

Percent members: 70

The party is on! Mini reunion October 29*, 1998 -thanks to Jim SPITTLER and friends for getting the event launched. In case you missed it, Jim’s mailing de¬ tailed: Thursday night sign-in with food and drink, Friday lunch with the Wing, golf, and achance to see Return with Honor.

The distinguished arts critic, Bart HOLADAY, saw the film at it’s premier at the Academy in May and told me that it was filled with emotion for those cadets, graduates and former POW’s who saw it. Bart felt it was good, if not better, than the film that earned the producer an Academy Award, and there may beachance for the film to get ageneral distribution to theaters. What an extraordinary and meaningful accomplishment for all those classmates involved in putting this project together for our class, the AOG, the Academy, and for all those who made the sacrifice the film portrays. We owe them our gratitude. How great would it be if we had ahumongous turnout for this event?

On Saturday, the party continues with atailgate at Doolittle Hall, then whisked, without hassle by bus, to the gridiron to witness the thrashing of SMU. The post¬ game celebration will be at the SUPT’s home of course, our very ovm Tad and Sandy OELSTROM. It’ll be aweekend to remember and we’re not getting any younger -Don’t miss this party!

WHO’D THUNK IT? What are the odds of two classmates from the same squad¬ ron becoming grandfathers for the first time in the same tovm on the same day? June 10*, 1998 Earl and Marcia MONROE’S daughter Michelle delivered Ashley Morgan and our son Karl (’95) became the happy daddy of Karl Parker. Earle and Marcia and Jo and Icelebrated the next day. Earle and Marcia live in quiet, south¬ ern splendor in Millbrook, just 12 minutes north of Montgomery, on a40-acre working farm complete with apecan grove, abass pond, cattle, geese, and asquad¬ ron of friendly dogs and cats. They teach and Earle coaches several sports at Edgewood Academy and they continue their host and sponsor activities at the International Of fi cer School and have friends all over the world. Earle and Marcia seem to me to have solved part of life’s riddle and have created apiece of earthly paradise, and Earle’s peach brandy (Aug ’89) is simply ambrosia. Thank you Earle and Marcia for your most gracious hospitality.

Checking up on Brian WAGES, he is working as senior analyst for SDS Interna¬ tional (a “beltway buddy”). His company teams on projects with another that employs Tack HAMBY. Brian’s daughter, agraduate of Brown, is ascholar of the Chinese and his son is in Dallas designing games for SEGA to be played by thou¬ sands over the Internet. Brian has contact with Barry WATTS (Northrop-Grumman) and Bob HAFFA who teaches at Georgetown. Thanks Brian.

Rang up John W. BONDS, Jr., workaholic Atlanta attorney according to his wife Mary who answered the phone on aSunday afternoon. She referred me to, where else, his law office. One of lohn’s law partners is aUSMA ’66. They are working on acase involving schools and their expert vritness is Professor Eric HANUSHEK, who according to John, has controversial opinions on school economics -“money doesn’t matter”. Anyway, Eric lives in the oldest home in Rochester. Isaw one of his papers on health care economics in the NEJM afewyears back -brilliant. John related that brother, George BONDS, after years as the executive director of the Tennessee Association of Attorney General, has becomeaDAhimsel fi n Nashville and has two grandchildren. Thanks lohn.

Caught up with Doug McGRATH who lives alittie south of Atlanta and had just returned from aweek in Ireland with wife and daughter to celebrate her college graduation. Doug has just made captain with United after 7Vz years (before that 19 years with ill-fated Eastern). He is Chicago-based in the 727. Doug thought

that our loyal friend and big-time athletic booster, Joe O’GORMAN, was no longer with United but was either retired or CEO of Reno Air. Thanks Doug.

Looked up my former roomie, Joe KOLEK, who, as always, had me laughing to tears. After retiring in ’93, Joe took his part-time Corvette rehab business fuli-time, but the “the big bucks weren’t there like they used to be”. Then there was aHarley Davidson period until he had an epiphany cruising down the main drag of Daytona Beach at 3a.m. with agang of other bikers, “The babes just weren’t there anymore”. Joe works now as "a highly paid, indispensable, civilian consultant” and “I’m riding this horse as long as it’s running”. Joe’s youngest daughter, Kelly married an Acad¬ emy grad and made Joe the happy grandfather of two. Thanks again Joe.

Sad news: Joe did pass along that our classmate from 21" Squadron, Lynn LUEBKE, died from cancer just acouple of months ago in Ohio. In mid May, Chuck RYERSON forwarded amessage from RatNet that Bill MALERBA was convalesc¬ ing at home from about of neurosurgery on April H*. Italked with Bill afew days ago and he sounded great in spite of tough outpatient therapy. He and his wife, Terry, would very much appreciate hearing from classmates by e-mail: SKYKING332@anl.cnm nr bv note: 430 W. Hwy. 6, Los Lunas NM 87031.

E-Mail: Bob ZEPECKI checked in. Relocated to gated retirement community just north of Hot Springs and has adream veterinary practice taking care of the pets of retired service academy graduates, “who dote on their pet, grandchildren, and children in that order”. Dr. Zepecki has this correct! Bob extends an open invitation to visit for the golf and fishing. Bob went to Ron MURRAY’S wedding and happily reports that Ron has been saved to the Lord and is doing great in the energy retrofit business in Norman, OK. Bob asked about my e-mail address list. No excuse, SIR. Ihave less than athird of the class so far, but making progress.

EZ Productions, Inc. proudly presents, in his own words, George McKINNEY: "Of all the country boys who never thought I’d be using the information super¬ highway, Tm it! Increased government regulation (and a50-year-old back) put me out of the commercial red snapper fishing business about 1990. Now Igo out 1015 times ayear in asmall boat and catch my limit of five for the dinner table and freezer. Quite acontrast to the times of reeling up hundreds of pounds in one day... new wife (who wasn’t born when we walked up the ramp the first time).. .She has me pretty well trained. Isit at our house in the middle of the woods and do my consulting work until mid afternoon...[then ]Itake care of the laundry, dusting and yard work. When Tambri heads home from her job developing computerbased training program for asmall defense contractor, she calls and Iget her toddy ready Idrag her along when Igo deer hunting. Irelax under atree until the sound of her .270 interrupts my nap and Igo hoist her buck on the ATV and head for camp. Three last year including a180-pound six-point. Tom MESCHKO joined our lodge and occasionally takes aday off from being Test &Evaluation guru for Lockheed Martin. Tom took his fi rst deer vrith abow and arrow last season. Won¬ der if Mike RYAN has seen the sign in the Washington National which reads “Wel¬ come to your nation’s capital -work-free drug place”? Thanks George.

Make your reservation for October ZR* now. That’s adirect written order. No excuses will be tolerated. Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. Cheers! Rick.

Ryan Denny

201 West Highway 50 O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

Percent members: 72

Greetings, Redtags! My new address above is the result of an innocent com¬ ment Imade eight years ago when Iwas PCSing from Yokota to Scott AFB. We were in arush to find ahouse; so, when we bought one, Isaid, “If you don’t like this house, we can always sell it and build another one.” Well, eight years later she remembered. We sold the house too soon (underpriced), and are living in asmall rental house until we a) agree on ahouse plan, b) find abuilder, and c) win the lottery. Oh well, just another couple of moves.

The recendy-retired Jerry ALLEN wrote to say that he is living in Colorado Springs and has been attempting to get caught up on his skiing. Iguess that square has been filled, because he is now looking for work (or at least “income”). Jerry says that he has seen several of our classmates at the local AOG functions, and that Bernie AMELS is doing an outstanding job leading the chapter, with plenty of help from Vic ANDREWS, Larry BAGLEY, and Wayne (Parrot on the shoulder) SKORA. At arecent luncheon, he got to sit next to the C. Springs city manager, Jim MULLEN. It sounds like the Redtags are running the area.

Bill DUNNE tracked me down through the Boeing e-mail system and sent ashort note. He is working for Boeing in the Seattle area and is in charge of aunit called “Special Programs”. Bill says that it is adisparate (or was it desperate?) group of programs that are related only by their differences. Iknow that there are several other ‘66ers working for Boeing, Ijust haven’t been able to find them yet -but I will.

Our class Washington DC news source, Gary PALMER, e-mailed that he just fin¬ ished playing in the AOG Capital Chapter golf outing with three foursomes of Redtags. The first group, Gary, Jamie GOUGH, John GROZIER, and Jim SIMPSON had the low gross score. The second group, Randy JAYNE, Jim HAMERNICK, John MAYBEG, and Dick MCCONN had the low class gross. (What is low class gross and why would anyone brag about it?) The third group was composed of Bob HOH, Walt SCHRECKER, Connie TEETZ, and Dave FALES. They had the low net. It sounds like some pretty good golf for abunch of amateurs. Actually, John GROZIER is not exactly an amateur -he works for Washington Golf at Tysons. Gary also talked to afew other classmates who showed up for the party but couldn’t make the golf match. He talked to Steve CONVER, Hal WEED, Mike CONNORS, Mike GAFFNEY, and Jim ROBERTS. Thanks for the D.C. update, Gary!

Hey, guess who’s running for Congress? Gary VAN VALIN is one of two Demo¬ cratic candidates for the U.S. Congress from New Mexico’s First District in the Albuquerque area. His brochure says alot of good things about him, and his letter says that he needs campaign money to defeat all the other Academy grads who are running for the same seat. Ican’t use this article for politics, but we could use afew more military types in Congress, and Gary would be agreat addition to the D.C. crowd.

In alate-breaking e-mail from Harry ICKE, he says that Gary got 25% of the vote in the primary election. Iguess that means we have to wait for two more years to have aRedtag in Congress. Harry ran into Bill RANKIN at an AOG Alamo Area Chapter picnic at Canyon Lake near San Antonio and picked up alittle news for us. In addition to running for Congress, Gary owns Keystone Consulting in Albu¬ querque. Bill works for Gary as an information systems consultant on some con¬ tracts in the Las Vegas area. Stan BOYD is also working for Gary as his operations director. Harry claims to be the last (and oldest) of our classmates to be hired by an airline. He just finished checking out in the B-757 (a great Boeing product) in May and will be flying for American Trans Airbasedoutof Chicago Midway. Thanks for the update, Harry.

Bill WALLACE e-mailed and says that he is interested in putting together an email roster of ‘66 grads. Just send me your e-mail address and 1will pass it on to Bill. Between the two of us, we will send the list back out to whoever (‘66 grad) sends us their address. Even if you don’t want to get on this list, send me some news. Until next time.. .Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 PinehurstAve.NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111

Home: (505) 291-8949

Work: (505) 846-2510/DSN: 246-2404

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Percent members: 65

It is summertime, and Ihope your living is easy. My time still seems to be filled with chores, work, and various equally fun commitments... Maybe the pace will slow later on when the heat builds. Actually, Iknow it will slow abit for me. More about that later.

Obviously the vacation cycle has hit the Class of 67 big time as very few of you seem to have had time to drop your hard working scribe aline. So if this article is abit scanty -that’s the reason.

Idid bump into GREG BAILEY in the St Louis airport this spring -1 was on my way to some meeting; he was travelling with his 12-year-old daughter Megan, heading to D.C, following aweekend ski trip to Cooper, CO, former home of the 10* Mountain Div, near Leadville. As we waited for our plane, we chatted abit -it turns out that he and Ihad “near misses” (figuratively speaking) in Europe in his latter AF days, when he was at Ramstein and Iat Bitburg. Greg is now retired from the USAF, living in Gleneagle (out the north gate from USAFA -where we used to change into civvies when we were supposed to be in uniform during cadet days). Greg and Megan were on their way to see his wife, Margie, who is aLt Col in the AF Reserves; alogistician who is an expert on war gaming -which since the Gulf War seems to be an AF growth industry. Her summer and months to follow will be busy as she was selected to attend AWC at Maxwell AFB this summer. Greg and Margie have four sons in their blended family; all are currently in or graduates of USAFA or the prep school. Megan thus far says “no thanks."

Here’s an item to turn back the clocks abit: Greg and Iwere dance reps (re¬ member those?) together once upon atime. Isuspect the Cadet Wing has transitioned to something abit more contemporary.

From Roger CARLETON -he had heard from Mike O’GRADY, Dave YATES, and EC. BURNETT via e-mail. Mike is in Saudi Arabia and has been for afew years. Dave was in Saudi working for General Electric. He was departing soon to return to Florida where he hoped to settle down and perhaps work part time for G.E. EC. spends most of his time in northern Virginia working for SDS Int’l. Wife, Sherri, still holds down the house in C-Springs so EC. spends alot of time on airplanes. Faul SELLERS is still alive and well in northern Virginia. He works for IDA. He’s got one daughter out of college, one half way through and one soon to enter. From Roger -“No wonder we all work so hard."

Other pieces of ’67 news Roger knew related to new locations. Mike FRANCISCO and his wife were living in Ehoenix but have returned to Florida near Eglin AFB. Cisco is still doing lots of consulting with many companies and agencies. Bruce FREEMAN and his wife, Marci, moved to North Carolina from northern Virginia. Bruce still works for UNISYS.

In desperation Isent out an e-mail “help” message to afew AFA contacts. Sum¬ mertime seems to have affected the electrons too, as there were few responses. The lone responder specified disclaimers about his info, which follows: “On (my) frequent layovers to DC, Ioccasionally see Smoky GREENE and Chuck BEATTIE. Smoky is doing great as aconsultant on military stuff and Chuck is anew captain for US Airways Shuttle. His and Eaula’s son Mark just got accepted to the USC Film College (or something like that). It’s avery unique school and only ahandful of kids get accepted each year.”

And anote on another DUNCAN following in Lloyd’s tradition of athletic excel¬ lence: his daughter Robyn (Class of 2000) was named MVE of the USAFA Volley¬ ball Team this year.

Unrelated to any of that, here is aphoto from this spring, when the WILSON family had agreat reunion with Abler and Eatti HAYNES, now living in Virginia. I think Igave the details in previous Checkpoints. Anyhow -the photo appears at the top of the next column,

Back to the reference in the opening paragraph about slowing down abit: like a number of you, Isoon will have aknee repaired, after years of abuse and one final insult. So Iget to spend the 4* of July plus days before and after hobbling around

Our Men in D.C.: Abler Haynes and Larry Wilson on their way out to paint D.C. red. Just like old times. Except this time both were nodding off by2200... on "convalescent leave.” That should be aload of fun. My wife and kids are cer¬ tainly looking forward to it...

Well -the best of summer to each of you. Keep in touch. In fact, keep in much fceffertouch. Very con Dos.

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094 (703) 255-5313/Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

Percent members: 65

HELLO ‘68! And then there were 24! According to areliable source (Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Ed EBERHART), those still earning Air Force paychecks (active duty. Guard, and Reserve) are dwindling down to aprecious few. Thirty years later, we’re still great, but definitely out of uniform. No demerits this time gang. This change to “civvies” is well deserved!

’68ER TAKES OVER AMC: Of the 24 remaining, avery special congratulations goes out to Tony ROBERTSON, who leaves Travis AFB and command of 15* Air Force to become the new commander of Air Mobility Command. This move for Tony and Brenda includes making room for afourth star on Tony’s shoulders. And, in case we haven’t made it perfectly clear. General Robertson, your class¬ mates are very proud of you!

CALLING IT ACAREER DEPT: Added to the list of newly-retired guys from ’68 are EK. WALDRON, Bill DRENNAN, John CHAPMAN, Carl STEILING, Hartsel BECKETT, Ed LEONARD, and A1BLUMBERG. See the collection of photos below as arepresentative sampling of‘68er farewells to the Air Force.

Ken BOWERS explained that his retirement in 1997 was expedited when he found himself making comments such as:

-All the airplanes Iflew on active duty are now in amuseum.

-Most of the bases Iwas assigned to have been closed.

-They don’t do things like we used to.

-We never did things that way.

-We were never that young!

To help him make the transition, Ken received some able assistance from Brig Gen Mike MOFFITT, who came out of retirement in Atlanta to officiate at Ken’s retirement ceremony at Hanscom. Ken indicated that he and wife, Kakai, were looking forward to aless harried schedule.

Ed EBERHART did agreat job ushering ‘68’s diplomat, John LONGENECKER, out of the Air Force. In avery moving ceremony that featured some great slides of the early years, Ed recounted some memorable anecdotes of John’s 10 consecu¬ tive years in foreign lands -to include his experiences in South Africa when apart¬ heid ended and Nelson Mandeila assumed power. John’s efforts on the front lines of the Air Force’s global reach were truly inspiring.

Serving as the USAF’s premiere survival training overseer for the past several years, John CHAPMAN gave astirring speech discussing love for God, family, ca¬ reer, and the great people he met while in the service of his country. His retire-

Ken Bowers retires from the Air Force Reserve with aiittle heip from his friends.

From left are Mike Moffitt, Don Sutton, Ken, and Scott Bohner.

Longenecker’s

theVice Chief.

ment official was Air Force Chief of Staff General Mike Ryan from the Class of 1965. (Yes, Maude, he was one of those Firsties who used to find fault with our stellar military bearing when we were Doolies.) General Ryan delighted the group by ouflining John’s career, and making prominent mention in his opening remarks about John’s class. To quote the Chief, “68 is agreat class!” We agreed! The cer¬ emony was also marked by some moving moments when John’s daughters ad¬ dressed the audience with the wonderful in fl uence their dad has had on their lives. There was not adry eye in the house! John and Judy are headed to Orlando to begin “Chapman Career, Chapter 2.”

cerely appreciate it if you would please remember to send same to your humble Scribe for use in future columns. To help my aging eyes and failing memory, please include the names of those people pictured in the photos that you send. Afew photos that Iwould really appreciate receiving ASAP are ones of Bob LUSHBAUGH dancing in the middle of the banquet hall, Ed LEONARD giving his infamous toast to the Air Force, and the picture taken of the Doolie football team (again, with names included).

( 68 SPOTLIGHT

The '68 Spotlight for the Summer '98 column shines on Dick EWERS. Among many of Dick's accomplishments as acadet, to include being named squadron commander of 20“’ Squadron, he is also remembered as being the only member of our class to enter the Marine Corps and our class’ only representative to the television show “The Dating Game.’’

Dick served for 21 years as afighter pilot and rose to the rank of lieutenant colo¬ nel. His principal means of conveyance during this period was in some variant of the F-4 -including combat at DaNang, “two years exchange duty with the Navy flying off carriers, two years exchange duty with USAFE flying F-4Es in Germany, and ayear flying RF-4s, also off of carriers.” In 1980, he attended the Naval Test Pilot School and had the opportunity to be involved in the testing of the F/A-18. He later assumed command of an F-4S squadron and rejoined the test commu¬ nity in 1988 to work on the F/A-18D program before retiring in 1989,

Westinghouse placed him right back in the cockpit, where Dick spend the next eight-plus years flying civilian aircraft and testing radar and Forward Looking In¬ frared (FLIR) systems. With nearly 30 years of flight experience behind him, NASA Dryden at Edwards AFB offered Dick an opportunity to be atest pilot for NASA. With more than 13 tjpes of aircraft and ajob requirement to fly at least five, he jumped at the offer and said it was a“pilot’s dream come true.”

LATE CHANGE-OF-COMMAND PHOTO DEPT: As with many items that don’t make it into the column on amore timely basis, the following photo to preserve another ’68 historical event was held in abeyance to cover aprior former event that occurred longer ago than this photo was at the time it was taken. (Maude, is that sentence even in English?!) Anyway, our old ’68 Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Mafia (Carl MCPHERSON, former AFSOC chief of staff; Fred GROSS, former AFSOC assistant LG; and Scribe, former AFSOG assistant XP) got back together again to help Charlie HOLLAND assume the reins at AFSOC in 1997. While the event was magnificent, and the viewing public can now see how much older the oft-unpictured Fred GROSS appears, the delay in the presenting of this photo in no way diminishes the pride we feel in Charlie’s accomplishment. Con¬ gratulations, albeit late, to Charlie and Nancy.

Dick Ewers accepts coveted position with NASA From left are Corie, Dick, Sharon, and Gary Ewers.

Dick is “still married to the same Denver University coed, Sharon, who he met during his first class year while she was on ablind date with his roommate.” They have ason Gary who is acaptain and apilot in the Marine Corps -making three generations of Marine Corps pilots in the family. Their daughter’s name is Corie, who is arecent graduate of CU in Boulder and now works at Telluride, CO.

When asked what the Academy meant to him, Dick responded, “The Academy was the catalyst that transformed me from an 18-year-old to aprofessional officer ready to tackle life’s challenges. 1emerged adifferent person than the one who walked through the door four years before. Imatured both physically and men¬ tally and acquired the person^ confidence to handle any situation Imight con¬ front.”

Regarding life’s lessons, he remarked, “the Academy helped me to understand the true worth (and meaning) of:

"Integrity -The importance of personal integrity, of doing things because it is the right thing to do and not because someone is watching over you cannot be overstated.

"Dedication -Aiming for afar-off goal or striving merely to get through one more day, both required acertain level of personal dedication and perseverance. Ilearned early on if it is worth achieving, it is worth the required effort.

"Patience -“Hurry up and wait” seemed to be astandard military motto many times, Ilearned very early at the Academy the value of patience and how to “wait” productively. Many times over the years, this learned patience has kept me from beating my head against the wall trying to change things Ihad no control over.

Thanks for your insights, Dick, and may your pilot’s dreams at NASA come true. In the meantime, for the rest of you, mind the flak, keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, and photos coming in. Ciao for now, Tim.

Lindsey Parris

6037 Ricketts Walk

Alexandria, VA 22312

Home: (703) 914-5608

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

Percent members: 62

Summer has arrived with an El Nino-influenced vengeance. Along with the climatic aberrations comes some more sad Class News. On the heels of Rick seltzer’s succumbing to leukemia last March (see the last Checkpoints, espe¬ cially A1 LELAND’s excellent obituary), many of us have been shocked again with the news of our class president Tom KENDALL’S fatal heart attack on May 10, in Sacramento, The Kendall family held aprivate memorial ceremony on May 14 and requested that flowers not be sent. His next of kin is sister Laura Kendall, at 7642 Tierra Glen Way, Sacramento, 95828.

John

big day with

From left are the Scribe, John, EdEberhart, Bob Johnston, MarkTorreano, and Bob Durham.

“John Chapman and family bid adieu and promise they will survive. From left are Jamie, Cindy, Judy, John, and Connie.

'68 Reunion at Charlie Holland's change of command. From left are Carl McPherson, Fred Gross, Charlie Holland, Scribe, and wife, Nancy. SPEAKING OF REUNIONS DEPT: For those who missed our 30“', we send our condolences. You missed agreat time with some wonderful friends, who also happen to be our classmates. For greater coverage of this event, please see the special section in space kindly provided by our Checkpoints editor, in the front portion of the magazine. Iknow that many of you took photos and would sin-

It was hard for any '69er not to know Tom, and to know him was to like him, as the many e-mails containing your own reminiscences and “Kendallisms” of distant past and more recent times suggest. Paraphrasing CS Lewis’ observation when he lost his late-life true love to cancer, the “sadness now is part of the happiness then." The “then” with Tom evokes his low-key, easy-going sense of humor, his full-throttle ap¬ proach to life (and linebacking!), and the grand, inclusive rumble of his laugh. He will be missed deeply by us all. Most of the Greytag line still have along way to go in this lifetime, but there is an indisputably non-zero measure of pure luck in life. So smell those roses, guys. Smell ‘em. And start planning to attend the 30th Reunion!

Steve Edelman has agreed to serve as acting president until elections can be held.

Other news. In “the hits keep on coming" department, the Falcon ‘69 baby boomlet may have fired one of its last shots, as Jeff and Karen TRENTON announced the arrival of Lilian Marie Trenton on Saturday, 20 June. Congratulations to Jeff and Karen on their new potential zoomie for the Class of 2020.

Not only is Darrel WHITCOMB’S book moving along (some 2,000 sales so far and several terrific reviews), but so is he. Jerry BALL, the class “in” to Reservist senior officer moves and division chief of the Personnel Programs Division in the Per¬ sonnel Directorate at AMC at Scott AFB, passes along that Darrel has been named the mobilization assistant to the commander, Headquarters AF Doctrine Center at Maxwell, effective 1April, Congratulations to Darrel. Jerry also passes along that John HOPPER, he currently of the Joint Staff, is inbound to AMC as the direc¬ tor of Operations.

1\vo recent retirements, both in June, are noteworthy. First, Tommy Lee “Tom” ALLEN is retiring from his prestigious position as commander of the Air Force Studies and Analysis Agency. Tom has aclass distinction of spending close to the least amount of time as acadet as any who graduated vrith us—he signed in five hours late (I know, because Iwas with him!), and as aDG, was one of the first to walk off the stage with diploma and commission. From MIT and F-15s to equa¬ tions galore, Tom has excelled at it all, and will continue to do so in his civilian career. Indeed, much the same can be said for the Wildcat! Yes, Bob PHILLIPS stepped out of AF blue into mufti at Dover on 12 June. The ‘Cat has been com¬ mander of the ROTC unit at Penn State University, after serving previously as Foot INGERSOLL’s vice commander at Travis. He invited everyone for unlimited din¬ ing and drinking at the Dover 0-Club and Ifor one hated to miss it. With his time in prep-school and long career, Wildcat spent more time in uniform than any but some of our general-officer classmates still on active duty. Class congratulations and thanks to Tom and Bob on their long and distinguished careers of valuable service to our nation.

While some move to second careers, Guy GARDNER is moving to athird. Step¬ ping down in the fall from his position as the FAA’s associate administrator for Regulation and Certification, Guy will become amotivational speaker focusing on middle and high school kids. Keep ‘em flying, Guy.

Meanwhile, on the Excel front. Chuck JACKSON has joined forces with senior Excel executive Mike ROSE. The two have been in contact with anumber of our classmates, including Dave ASTLE, who resides in the D.C. area and flies big planes for the commercial sector, and Chip WOOD on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, who as Iwrite this is downstairs here working away diligently, no doubt setting a new world’s record in minesweeper. He sends greetings to you all.

Received anice, newsy note from Gene FOSTER. He resides in Las Cruces, NM and has been with Airborne Express for 15 years. Gene says he has two mundane but recurring memories of the Zoo that crop up with frequency—playing penny ante poker and some joke about Jamaica Irelated to him up in the second squad¬ ron area one summer. Gulp -1 don’t believe it for asecond. No way it could have been penny ante anything, let alone poker. Gene has lunched acouple times with Bob HART, who moved recently to the area and is working at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, and the two remember old times and stories from 24th squadron’s X-files.

Tom MIKOLAJCIK and wife. Carmen, are enjoying their new home in Charles¬ ton, and traveling agood bit to boot. They spent some time recently in Frankfurt celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and seeing places missed somehow during Desert Storm/Shield. In July, they head to Denver for Carmen’s Loretta Heights (now Regis) reunion. Anyone outthere ever hear ofLorettaHeights? At any rate, their German food and beer meters are pegged for the time being, but they would love to entertain ‘69ers passing through the Charleston area.

Doug SCHOTT has recently joined the entrepreneurial ranks, leaving his job managing the Department of Energy’s National Transportation Tracking and Com¬ munications System to found anew consulting venture called Contingency As¬ sessment Services. Doug helps commercial companies prepare for sociological (e.g„ violence in the workpiace), technological (e.g.. Year 2000 computer problem), or natural (tornadoes, floods, etc.) disasters that can disrupt operations severeiy if not threaten the survival of acompany. Essentially, Doug will be helping CEOs and company execs create acrisis management organization to direct actions re¬ quired during the time-sensitive stages of immediate response to an emergency situation in order to mitigate its effects, Doug and Dottie still reside in Oak Ridge, TN and Dottie’s new enterprise, the Appalachian Candle Company (which makes sand-cast candies) rivals Doug’s for boldness in face of the discipline of the free market. Good luck to both.

John NADOLSKI sent anice note recently, with the good news that he is now a 737 captain (maybe he can wangle aRON in D.C. or in other cities with concentra¬ tions of‘69ers buddies now!), and enjoying life in the Windy City. Is it true, by the way, John, that Michael Jordan was the first man to set foot on Mars...and that he was fouled on the play? John has established the Sarah E. Nadolski Memorial Schol¬ arship at Notre Dame University for young women interested in aeronautical en¬ gineering. This was Sarah’s dream, and John is comforted to know he can help young women with similar interests. Contact him at 71322.365@compuserve.com for further details.

John often sees Terry LUMME, who owns an aerial photography business in

Denver, and John RILEY, now the support squadron commander at Westover AFB’s Reserve operation, but whose first love is scuba diving, as his recent return from ashark dive in the Caribbean suggests, Peter Benchley beware! The three of them are trying to locate their old roomie, Denny MAYS, last known to be doctor¬ ing in Alaska. Any sightings?

Bill MARVEL flew from San Pedro, CA to Bandon, OR to join Terry SCHWALIER in looking up aformer school teacher of theirs, one Mrs. Millard, who ran their prep school until 1981. This remarkable lady, now 89 years young, continues to support USAFA’s Falcon Foundation with anumber of annual scholarships as well as make substantial donations to the Academy’s “honors” program. Wonderful, behind the scenes dedication that makes so much possible for so many. We can’t thank the Mrs. Millards of the world adequately for all they do.

Out west also is Don “Gobi” DESSERT, now atest engineer at Boeing in their AWACS flight test group. His wife, Jo Ellen, is also aBoeing-ite, and she and Don are enjoying the biking, skiing, hiking and golfing so readily available in the great Northwest. Foot INGERSOLL, also at Boeing, is the on-site rep/manager at McChord for the C-17 beddown, and lives in the house he’s owned so long in Tacoma. Tom HAKEMAN (can you guess who his employer is?) is in Seattle as well, and is very active in the local AOG Chapter, and his wife. Candy, is the secre¬ tary/treasurer. Regards also to Bill TUTTLE, who has also settled in the area.

Tom and Karen FLEMING are enjoying life in Hawaii, more so now that they have moved into their 45-year-old new home only 100 yards from agorgeous beach. Tom is busy consulting, and in his free time debating whether to enter either the upcoming Iron Man competition or the Raid Gaulois (with ateam of ‘69ers), or to stick merely with extreme-wave (30-foot and higher) surfing. Tom and Karen have a“grey” welcome mat out at 61 Kaikea Place in Kailua, HI, Along way from the rainy nights in Georgia, Tom!

Iran into none other than Bob CRITTENDEN in Houston’s Hobby Airport in May. Critter is thriving as president of Project Control, aSan Antonio company that manages major construction projects nationwide. You’ll be delighted to know he is no longer cross-dressing (RIR Janis Joplin), but still croons atune or two here and there, and is perhaps the only guy in the class who neither requires the screen-flashed words at aKaraoke bar nor would look ridiculous trying.

Start thinking about the 30th. It is next year, with dates TBD. ‘68 just finished its 30th, and held it in June tather than in the fall. Gary HOWE, who now works at the AOG, has chatted with some others in the C-Springs area to begin the search for someone to chair the reunion (the same crew has strapped on the past three reunions, as you know). Ideas and volunteers accepted. Another excellent initiative is trying to locate all ‘69ers in time for the event. Gary is working 14th Squadron, and Gary HOE is doing the same for 10th. How about volunteers from the rest of the squadrons to do the same? You have my e-mail address, and Gary’s is HoweGSAOG.USAFA@usafa.af.mil. Thoughts, innovative ideas, and time are all welcome.

Must wrap this up. As the autumnal equinox and La Nina approach, best wishes to you all. Go Falcons. USAFA Pregame. Esse Non Videri. Cheers. Lindsey.

Tony Marietta

1070 Knollwood Circle

Monument, CO 80132

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

Work: (719) 593-8888

E-mail: usafa70@aol.com

Percent members: 60

Don’t forget that our 30th reunion will be here sooner than you think, and sev¬ eral grads are beginning the informal plans. Where will it be held, you ask? The leading contender, by overwhelming consensus of grads polled (100%), is: the Broadmoor. Ijust have two words concerning that decision: Super Idea!

Tom REEL, who enthusiastically continues his career in music, sent anice note. Tom plays bass in the Virginia Symphony, which has performed in Carnegie Hall. Tom wants all of you grads to take some time out and enjoy your local orchestras and art groups. As Tom’s promo says, “Supporting the arts means supporting the artists.” The photo shows Tom, friends and family at Tom’s 50th birthday awak¬ ening. Tom's Dad is to his right, 91 and still going strong. Note the mascot litho¬ graph in the background. Nice to see Tom keeping up the AFA spirit. Iestimate that the partygoer is holding the birthday card approximately three feet from Tom’s far-sighted eyes. Tom mentioned that Wade PATON will be serving as the ’70 rep for the AOG chapter in the Capital area. Tom wrote alimerick for our class, which he promises to read at our 30th, and which your class scribe feels obligated not to print in this issue. Congratulations on your birthday!

Dropsy BATTLES writes that he is in Atlanta working with Automations, market¬ ing automobiles (I assume nationwide, thus the name). Dropsy states that he has abeautiful wife, Barbara, wonderful daughter Crystal and achallenging nephew named Deanery, which rounds out his family. He did not elaborate on his defini¬ tion of “challenging." Dropsy provided his address and phone numbers and looks forward to hearing from any of his old friends. Just contact me for the address info. I’ll give it to you if you provide photos for this column. Thanks for the update Dropsy; send pictures!

Jay BARRY’S e-mail contained much news. Jay, wife Chris, daughter Megan, plus any relatives within a10-mile radius all had agreat time at son Matt’s AFA gradu¬ ation. Matt heads to beautiful downtown Laughlin for pilot training. Dick RAUSCHKOLB and Jack NORMAN (Continental B-737 captain out of Newark) were also at the stadium. Of course neither one of them sent me any pictures of any¬ thing, but at least Jay has promised me some photos. Jay flies the B-767ER out of Kennedy for Delta (21 years). He enjoys about 8-10 days amonth Reserve duty as the mobilization assistant to the AETC DO at Randolph. And well he should, see¬ ing as he was promoted to brigadier general this year. Congratulations -send pic¬ tures. If RAUSCHKOLB and NORMAN are in them, just white them out. Jay’s old¬ est son, Mike, aDuke AFROTC grad, attends Harvard Business school. Jay’s nephew Shawn (son of brother Craig, ’72, who was killed in an accident while on active duty with the New Jersey Guard), wUi graduate from the AFA next year. Jay’s brother Bruce (’74) is aContinental DC-10 captain based in Newark. Jay mentioned that Jim HINDERHOFER is aDC-10 captain with Fed Ex and that Jim REEL is aMD-88 Delta line check captain based in NYC and living in New Hampshire. Hard to be¬ lieve, but just as 1was finishing this section, Ireceived apicture of Jay BARRY and his son. Matt, during the recent AFA graduation. Thanks, Jay, for follovring up!

"Hey dad, does an active duty iieutenant outrank aReserve generai?"

Rich DOWNING’S e-mail provided interesting stats, apparendy retrieved from the mainframe computer after hours. According to Rich, approximately 57 of the ’70 crew are still on active duty and roughly 67 serve in the active Guard/Reserves, His exact count of the general officers is more specific; more than one and less than two hands full. Bottom-line analysis: the remaining 650 that still have hair no longer must comply with haircut standards. Rich mentioned that either he or Pete FOX (I doubt that Pete knows this) are going to have an open house for ’70 during the football season. Be sure to take pictures that can be printed in this family magazine.

John MARTINSON checked in to let me know that he attended John CUSICK’s 50th birthday party and roast. John C’s four daughters especiaUy enjoyed the roast¬ ing portion. John M. says that John C. has temporarily retired and is enjoying personal development activities, which certainly provided me aclear picture. John MARTINSON is amanaging partner of Edison Venture Fund, which is responsible for guiding investments in 50 private technology businesses in the mid-Atlantic region. He is also chairman of the New Jersey Technology Council and was re¬ cendy selected as president of the National Venture Capital Association, whose members have financed and guided many of America’s breakthrough companies. Sounds like the ideal person to serve on the 30th reunion funding committee. John and his wife, Margaret, enjoy the challenges of raising three teenagers. Again, no elaboration. John says that when Margaret read dinosaur stories to their chil¬ dren when they were younger, she became so interested in that field that she now studies paleontology and participates in fossil digs. As our eight-year-old daugh¬ ter would say, “Cool.”

BIU and Donna PORTER’S e-mail will help keep the information highway clear of debris. He offered acorrection to the Winter 1997-98 Checkpoints info about Maj. General Tim KINNAN. Tim is the commandant of the Air War College at Maxwell AFB. The commander of Air University Lt. General Joe Redden (’64), also has appointed Tim KINNAN as the vice commander of Air University. Bill and Brian SMITH are both on the faculty at the Air War College. Tim, give your class¬ mates some extra leave. Yet another clari fi cation from Bill about Brian SPITZER. Brian is aPAS at Duke, which means professor of aerospace studies. Bill says that thecommanderofan AFROTC detachment has both the titles of commander and PAS. Bill also mentioned that he thought Rick BEREIT is at Gunter. Thanks Bill and Donna for all of the info. Check with Tim regarding afew days off for ail your efforts.

Roger HILL (according to wife, Sharon) has finally, after years of urging, cleaned out his desk and miraculously found the pictures Ihave been asking for since last year. Unfortunately, they appear to have been taken from aspy satellite. The only thing Iknow for sure is that we’re all smiling and sucking in our stomachs. It is technologically impossible to determine the gender of the people in the picture, let alone identify them. We will have to do this through agroup effort at the ’70 get-together at Pete FOX’s or Rich DOWNING’s. See you there!

"Can you name these 70 Stud Muffins?"

Saw Dave ANTOON recendy at the AFA, and Iwould bet that he could still run the obstacle course in record time. He was picking up his son who had attended the AFA hockey sports camp. Every summer the AFA offers sports camps for 17 or so sports, and Ihighly recommend them for your children who enjoy athletics. Dave is aretired colonel flying with United and lives with wife, Linda, in Ohio. They have four great children, three sons who are active in sports, and a14-yearold daughter who dances with the Dayton Ballet Company. Dave promised me pictures and more info on his family.

Drew BECKLEY’s e-mail reports that he left active duty in 1978 and currently lives in Austin with his wife, Carol, Drew says that Steve MINNEMAN introduced them and even loaned him a“stealth car” for their first date. Drew manages the Texas Medicaid program, asubsidiary of EDS, Carol teaches elementary school in Austin, and their children, Robyn and Drew Jr., attend James Madison Univer¬ sity. While in Houston, Drew bumped into George CATO, aretired JAG, and now an attorney with the Texas Department of Health. Turns out they live only acouple of miles apart. Drew mentioned that he roomed with Pete FOX in graduate school and was glad to see him at the AFA. Drew has seen Greg POPOVICH afew times and says Greg was doing great. Drew commented on how my own picture in Checkpoints has remained virtually unchanged for close to 15 years. Hey, It’s a good picture!

Got an e-mail from Bruce MCRAE, who retired from the USAF Reserves in 1997. Bruce had been the commander of the 313AS C-141 flying squadron at McChord AFB, WA. He had some info about Mike BLASSIE, but by the time you read this column, we should aU have amore recent update. Bruce would like to see an ar¬ ticle in the main section of Checkpoints. Anyone wanting to participate in this endeavor may want to contact Bruce.

Bill MANNING has entirely too much time on his hands and probably could use some stress in his life. He forwarded ahumongous nine-page e-mail of essen¬ tially the words “hi people” written in different configurations. It was intended to relieve stress.

George Schultz (’71) responded to Pat Beaulieu’s request to help find aThomas R. Corey. George mentioned that ’71 had aThomas R. Coury in their class. Hope this helps. Thanks, George.

1am sorry to report that Paul BICKLE suffered aheart attack and passed away on March 15, 1998. If you would like to send anote to his mother, Mrs. Helen Bickle, her address is 31 Brookside Ave., Apalachin, NY 13732. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family.

As always, thanks for all the info. Keep the cards, letters, e-mail, and pictures coming.

● Paul D. Knott

5655 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Home:(719) 570-9162

Work (719) 594-0100

E-mail: XPDZ85A@prodigy.com

Percent members: 51

This is the time of the year when somebody had better be planning ataiigate or two that classmates can plan on crashing -that is, attending, when the Falcons come to town. The big news so far is the eminent breakup of the Western Athletic Conference, caused by the plan of splitting the WAC into two divisions. Wyoming and CSU would have been on one side, and we would have been on the other. This should be an interesting year, to put things mildly.

My son Sean has orders to the last overseas base we were at -Spangdahlem AB, Germany. He’U be working on aircraft environmental systems with the 53rd Fighter Squadron. (Wonder if they have pictures of such distinguished folk as Russ LO¬ GAN or John STUBBLEFIELD on the walls.) He’s looking forward to returning “home” again. Maybe Mom and Dad might even get to visit.

Since quoting your e-mails worked so well in the last issue, I’m going to try this trick asecond time. The first note comes from Rus STILES; Icouldn’t improve on his words. “I really enjoyed your class update in the last issue of Checkpoints. It arrived the day after Memorial Day -and touched an emotional nerve. Each year on that date, IrecaU vividly the memories of our classmates who gave their lives in the service of our country. Iwas at NKP from Sep 72 to May '74 and knew all the people you mention in the article. Iwould also like to acknowiedge my good friend

Mark PETERSON who was an OV-10 driver at NKP and was shot down the day before the last official day of the Vietnam ‘War’. Iwas flying an H-53 from NKP to Udorn at the time and heard the airborne command post trying to contact “Nail 89” (Mark’s call sign). Mark was near the DMZ at the time and way outside the range of my aircraft but Ioften wonder what Imight have done if Ihad been by myself and not had aload of troops at the time. It was atraumatic experience to actually hear the event. Iwas in the 21 SOS during that time-TomVRANISH and George STOKES were other 71 grads in the squadron in the 72-73 time period.” I have been with Sikorsky Aircraft as atest pilot since ’82 and am the chief program pilot for the RAH-66 Comanche. It is the new scout/attack helicopter being de¬ veloped for the Army. After aslow start, we have accomplished alot and have recently gone ‘public’ with the aircraft. You may see alittle more about it in the news than in the past. It incorporates all the high tech stuff you’d expect from a new military machine: fly-by-wire, stealth, all glass cockpit, head-up display, and lots of power and maneuverability.

“I live in south Florida and absolutely love it here. The weather is always great and the fishing is superb. Iam an Academy liaison officer and my boss is Ken MORRIS (a ‘71 grad). Ken just made 0-6 in the AF Reserve -we should all be proud of him, because it is very rare for an ALO to get promoted to 0-6. Iplan to retire from the Reserve program this fall.

“I am including apicture of me in the Comanche cockpit. Not much hair left on top, but as Robin Olds said on that fateful day he was introduced to the Wing (remember the fake mustaches?) -‘I cultivate under my nose that which grows wild on my...(you know the rest).”

Bob RYALS dropped anote in my electronic "in-basket” recently: “Just ashort update on my current status. I’ve been in Colorado Springs for about 18 months now. Took over as vice commander of the Space Warfare Center at Falcon AFB this January -what agreat job. This is after most of my career as afighter pilotwho'd athunk it? Been pretty busy working for MG(s) Wally MOORHEAD, '69. Found time to study for and pass the Colorado bar, was sworn in aweek ago. Oh, also have another child on the way, due in November. Ihave afour-year-old and 17-month-old. May qualify as oldest father in class with youngest children.” OK, class, any challengers?

If you haven’t heard, the Airmanship program is going to be majorly privatized, and the issue had touched anerve. Keith BARRETT put in his two cents’ worth. “I always felt that what kept me in the AFA and motivated was seeing the officers in their natural habitat. The airfield was the place to be for that. Iloved the para¬ chute program and getting my private’s in the T-41 program. From what I’ve seen, the higher-ups want the AFA to be more like auniversity so that when they close it, or sell it to MIT, the public and grads won’t think much of it.” Nice to see that Keith has learned diplomacy in his years out.

The last e-mail is from Bob BRODEL, who is one of adwindling group of you still on active duty. “As with John KOCH, this is probably the first note Ihave sent to the designated class contact for Checkpoints over the years. The ‘e’ now makes that asimple task. So here is the latest on the Brodels. We are alive and well on our second tour in the Tidewater area of Virginia. Iam at Ft. Monroe in the Joint Warfighting Center holding down the Doctrine Division chief’s position. Great job, great folks working for me, and agreat location. Viflioever thought afighter pilot would be excited about doctrine. The Brodels will not leave Virginia again, at least not for along while; time to set down some roots. Only son Chad is in his second year at MIT, looks like it just might stick. Lots of work but he is holding his own. My wife, Diane (‘Sam’), is working at the Virginia Air and Space Museum as amuseum educator and doing bridal consulting for Tiffanys. Believe she will drop the bridal stuff as summer approaches as she enjoys working at the museum with the kids and the subject matter. What aconcept: an English, Russian studies ma¬ jor turned science teacher. My job at the JWFC is intended to go through June of '99, which is the line in the sand to finally hang up my spurs and start working for aliving.

Life is good, few burdens and all are minor, (except college $$s). If anyone finds themselves in the Tidewater area of Virginia and needs abeer, look us up!”

Thanks to those of you who drop anote or two in the hopper. Andy CERONI sends me jokes on almost adaily basis.

I’m sure nobody who knows him will be surprised to see H. Keith get the last word in for this column: “The mission of the Air Force as Iremember it is to ‘Fly and Fight;' but today, patrol, deliver food, be nice; that’s more politically correct.”

Bob Bell 13 Paci fi c Ave

Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax; 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@mci2000.com or Galaxy95@aol.com

Percent members: 47

Here it is already June and we’re getting the Fall edition set up for Checkpoints. I have got afew more e-mail messages from you all, but could still use more if you enjoy the news that they bring. So with that said, let's get to it.

First to arrive by U.S. Mail was ashort note from Dan LOHMEYER (Jen) with news regarding his being named the executive director of the Miami Valley Cen¬ ter for Information Technologies (MVCIT).

He takes on the challenge of pursuing afour-part plan that will include educa¬ tion and training, recruitment, networking and business development as well as research ultimately to enhance the operation of the information technology field in that area. Dan was formerly the director of technology integration at Franciscan Medical Center.

Next Igot abrief e-mail from Catherine Lee, wife of Alan Scott LEE. In it, she reports that following retirement from active duty, they moved to Lumberton, TX where they shortly thereafter lost the house to aflood. Now recovered, they own a sales and marketing business that operates on the Internet while Scott also teaches chemistry and physics at asmall private school there. Along with that, they also market one other product line (off-line, not on the Internet)...cheesecake dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts. Thanks to Catherine for the information, and yes, maybe Scott will even get the urge to type afew lines himself one of these days.

Ross WILHITE (Kathy) claims to have rediscovered his lost youth in the form of over-40 baseball. He hadn’t played since prep school and joined agroup with his older (by 21 years) cousin about three years ago. Now he has gone to an over-50 league (grandfathered some 48-year-olds) that allowed him to keep playing with his cousin and their team is now 3-0. Having agreat time with it, Ross recom¬ mends it for anyone looking for something else to fill their schedule and totally enjoy themselves, too. Last year’s reunion is still mentioned as having been agood time. Ross wonders and Ido, too, why we can’t get more classmates (and now even former classmates) to attend. These things really are alot of fun, especially seeing how everyone has either changed or not. Hopefully we can foster more interest in all class members as well as any former members who may still be in touch to be there next time. Kathy and Ross recendy made alittle trip to France for vacation doing the usual sightseeing thing in Paris, then to the south of France for aleisurely boat cruise on the Canal du Midi. Sounds great, guys and good to hear from you again!

The next e-mail came from BGen Mike DUNN (Pam) via the tropical 50th state and Hickam where Mike has been the PACAF/XP since Aug ‘97. Col Bob MANKE (Ginny) was the deputy PACAF/XP until his recent retirement at which Mike offi¬ ciated, attended by Bob’s wife, Ginny, and three sons: Will, David and Eric. Bob plans to return to Sioux Falls, SD for re-entry into school and transition to the business world while Ginny plans to work in physical therapy. By the time you read this, Mike will have also attended to the retirement of another of our class¬ mates back at the Pentagon. Jim SMAIL (Diane) was assigned to the office of SAF/ AQL and now plans to locate in the Langley area also going back to school. Diane continues to work in the nursing field there.

Other ‘72ers who Mike is currently assigned with in the Hickam area include Cols Tom FISCUS (Linda), the PACAF/JA; Ski WAGASKY (Linda), the PACAF/DS; John VAALER (Barbara), deputy PACAF/LG; Dan REAY, PACAF/SGA; and Dave HINDEIANG (Tyann) also PACAF/SGA. Mike is right about one thing for sure -it seems unusual to have so many of our class serving together. All the best to you guys out there, and Mike, thank you for the update! See you in 2002.

Another recent retiree sent along an e-mail to report the details of his lifestyle change. RichVANDAME (Paula) are doing fine showing Tennessee walking horses in western Pennsylvania. After flying Cobras for the Pennsylvania Army Guard, his 11-year medical waiver for acataract problem Anally had to end when he had the surgery for an implant lens. After the grounding, he got the “20-year letter” and made the fateful decision to give himself more “free” time rather than run around wearing camouflage paint for summer training. Rich and Paula are also grandparents with aparamedic son who has aone-year-old daughter, so they have already found out where some of that free time goes... Enjoy the well-deserved break. Rich. We'll see you folks soon.... Maybe it could be aPA-DE-MD-VA-NYNJ regional gathering of ‘72ers?

Great news from classmate Marty JA'YNE includes the fact that Dave WAGIE (Suzie) has been selected as the new Dean of the Faculty upon the retirement of Randy CUBERO, Class of '61. Who would have thought in June 1968 as we began that “summer of enlightenment” that one of us in that group of 1,250 would even¬ tually become one of the movers and shakers at the Academy? As apermanent professor, normally the commander of the 34“' Education Group, Dave in recent years headed the Center for Character Development and more recently was the Vice Dean. Once he has Senate confirmation, Dave will pin on BGen. Apparently there was some amount of adult beverage available at the club upon announce¬ ment of Dave’s selection so that both Marty and Jerry MARTIN (Suzi) felt “obli¬ gated” to represent '72 well in taking care of it.

Speaking of Jerry, he is retiring this fall to become department head at aNe¬ braska school -more details in alater column on that subject. Bill LOONEY (Marilyn) moves out from the East Coast to take command of the Space Batfle Lab at Schriever AFB (formerly Falcon AFB). Mike DRENNAN (Bobbie) takes com¬ mand of the 21“ Space Wing at Peterson AFB. As Marty says, sounds like acritical mass of‘72 BGs!

Marty expects to be completing another academic year teaching law for com-

manders, traveling with the basketball team as an officer representative and even doing his regular job as the staff judge advocate. His projected retirement will be in summer of ’99. Thanks to you, too, Marty for that batch of news.

Well guys, that completes the report for this go-around. The efforts of all the correspondents are greatly appreciated since it is impossible to make this stuff up. Please continue to write and even initiate your first attempt if need be. By the way, Imoved too quickly in changing over my e-mail address, so please note the addition of my old one at <galaxy95@aol.com> as abackup. Hope that there haven't been too many glitches with the svritch. Try again, though, if there have been. Take care all, and let’s keep in touch! Fortitudo Per Aspera.

Thomas D. Bailey, M.D.

1807 Arbor Way Drive

Sbelby NC 28150-6166

Home: (704) 482-3110

1-800-776-1054

E-mail: Rdbtwn@aol.com

Percent members: 41

This will be the last Checkpomfsyou’ll get before our 25“* reunion. Sam GRIER is our reunion committee chairman and asked that Iput aplug in for it here. No problem... Ihope everybody comes!

We had agreat time at the 20“' and Ican hardly believe that five years have gone by so quickly. 1guarantee agood time if you make it. If you don’t have agood time you’ll have my permission to skip the next one! Any of you pilot types on the East Coast interested in flying out with me in the Mooney? That means eight hours of remember when interrupted by only one fuel stop! Drop me anote if you’re up for it!

As of March, the reunion committee members included Dave HARMON, Den¬ nis HAUGH, John STEFONIK, Bill GILLIN, Eric ANDERMANN, B.J. STANTON, Ken HENRY, Cary CLOVICKO, Steve LORENZ, Erik ANDERSON and Bob SUMMERS.

Sam is currendy Head of the Computer Science Department. He also reports that Dave BROWN will be retiring from his job as USAFA Hospital general sur¬ geon this summer. He and wife, Karen, will have decided by this time whether to stay in Colorado Springs or go back to Texas to practice. Guess you’ll have to go to the reunion to fi nd out what his decision w'as!

Rick KARVOSKY faxed back one of my questionnaires from nearby Cary, NC. He works as strategic programs manager for Strategic Resource Solutions (SRS) in the corporate office in Cary. He is responsible for energy service opportunities on federal installations outside of North and South Carolina.

SRS is owned by Carolina Power and Light and Rick was brought in to help cre¬ ate the company in March of ’97. Now that it’s up and running he is looking out West. If you want to know what job he took, you’ll have to come to the reunion! Rick’s oldest daughter, Jennie, Is married and has a2-1/2 year old. He enjoys being agrandfather! His other daughter, Kristen, started college this past year.

Dan HANDLIN and wife, Nance, along with kids Jennifer (19) and Michelle (13) live in Orono, MN. Dan is aNWA DC-9 captain and aUSAFR IMA assigned to the TACC, Scott AFB, and plans to retire this year. Dan also attended Mike DENDlNGER’s wedding in March of ’98.

Col Richard HAYES Is in Dayton as director. Subsystems Product Group, and manages acquisitions of EW, avionics, support equipment and model/simula¬ tions for Aeronautical Systems Center at WPAFB! He sounds busy! But, I’ll bet be makes it to the reunion. He lives there with spouse, Connie, and children Megan (15) and Scott (7). Rich is also on the board of directors of the Association of Old Crows. Maybe he can explain that one at the reunion! Rich’s news of other grads includes Col Phil FAYE heading Requirements at the JSF Program Office, Col Phil YAVORSKY is head weatherman for AFMC at WPAFB, and LtCol (Ret) Sherm NELSON is supporting his captain wife at AFTAC, FL. Rich also adds that his kids aren’t in jail!

Dean H. HAYLETT and Patty live in Orlando where he works as aconsultant. DeAnna (20) is in the Class of ’99 and Marshall (18) is going to be in the Class of ’02. William J. JABOUR, spouse Major Virginia labour, and son Matthew (3) are at Wright-Pat where he is the B-2 system program director. Sid GUTIERREZ, wife Marianne, and children Jenny, David and Katie are in Albuquerque where he is currently manager of the Physical Sciences Department at Sandia National Labo¬ ratories. He is also president of the Board of Regents of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, vice chairman of the Governor’s Space Center Com¬ mission, member of the Board of Directors of the Texas-New Mexico Power Com¬ pany and Goodvrill Industries of New Mexico. Sid is not taking his retired astro¬ naut status lightly, is he? He says they’re having fun!

Monnie GORE, spouse Jennifer, and children Hannah (17, selected for Colo¬ rado All-State Chorus), Cody (14, lettered for varsity baseball and wresding teams as afreshman) and Audrey (9) all call Manitou Springs home. Monnie keeps busy with running, lifting weights, skiing and coaching baseball and wrestling. He didn’t say if he has any time left over for work! David T. HANSON, wife Nancy, and chil¬ dren Patricia (13) and Richard (8) have called Honolulu home for the last three years where he is chief of Inspections, PACAF/IG. He reports that A. J. BRIDING, Wing CC at Yokota, just had ababy girl (I’ll bet his wife helped)! Also John PATCHIN retired this summer and is ahospital administrator in Salt Lake City.

Steve HARMAN e-mailed me from San Antonio where he lives with wife, Elvalena, and is system program director, Human Systems Program Of fi ce at

CLASS OF 1973 25-YEAR REUNION

28 October -1November 1998

USAFA versus SMU

Brooks AFB. His daughter Melinda (23) graduated from Ohio State in ’96 and teaches geography at McCollum High School in San Antonio. His son Nathan (16) is ahigh school junior and plays basketball. Steve has about 600 folks working under him developing life support, chem/bio gear development and sustainment, aeromedicai evac systems, training systems, the uniform program, and medical information systems. Sounds pretty busy but he still has time to get in some hunt¬ ing and golf where he’s "getting my money’s worth on green fees maximizing my swings per dollar”. He talks often with Jay JABOUR (see above), and reports that Bob MUNSON is the pilot physician assigned to their SPO and "is doing greatreally making an impact on getting emphasis on new anti-g technologies, as well as making sure everyone knows it’s ok to enjoy work -he definitely is apositive force!” Steve also works with Richard HAYES at Wright-Pat quite abit.

Wayne HOLUM is currendy chief of Operational Requirements at HQ PACAE He just got his next assignment as vice commander of the 51” Fighter Wing, Osan AB, Korea. This will be an accompanied tour with his wife, Susan, and son Chris (8). They have five other children all college age or older; two are married and they have three grandsons. Wow! I’ve got six too, though none are married and no grandchildren! Should we have acontest to see who in our class has the most kids and grandkids? Maybe we can do that at the reunion? Wayne also reported the following classmates at Hickam: Dave HANSON (that makes two reports that he’s there so they must be accurate!), Ed HAWKINS who is PACAE CC’s exec, and Nortie SCHWARTZ, who is SOCPAC commander at Camp Smith. He also sees Bruce “Orville" WRIGHT who is 35* FW/CC at Misawa AB, Japan; and A.J. BRIDING who is 374AW/ CC at Yokota, Japan, when they are at Hickam for CC conferences. Wayne also had dinner with Bob SUMMERS, AFSPC/DDO; and LesVANHEESWYK, ACC/ DRR, at Pete Eield in January. They also had amini 2“'’ Sq reunion that included Ned SHELGREN (’71) who is AFSOC/ADO. Other CS-02 classmates he’s talked to recently include Steve DALRYMPLE, who is commanding aDISA unit at Scott; and Randy SAGE, who is flying for Delta and still living in the D.C. area. Wayne also ran into Tom SAUNDERS at ameeting in Fort Worth; Tom is stationed at Hurlbert and is AFSOC/DOSS, in charge of Special Ops. Thanks for all the good info Wayne!

Dennis GEESAMAN answered one of my questionnaires from Austin. Dennis, his wife, Kathryn, and four children Angelique (28), Kathleen (27), Robert (21) and Peter (18) seem to hang out there where he is afirst officer for Southwest Airlines flying out of Houston and he also enjoys jogging, golf and reading. He relays that fellow CS-18 members Eric VOGEL and Kirk LILLY also fly for SWA out of Houston and they all went to the AFA vs Rice game in Houston.

William M. “Bill” HARRIS wrote from Laguna Niguel, CA, where he lives with wife, Paula, and children Nikki (19), Morgan (10), Dray (7) and Sawyer (4) and is managing director ofWestpark Realty Advisors. He reports his weekends are filled with soccer and softball and, at least for now, they “have no other life!”.

Ed PREBLE forwarded news from Robert J. GLITZ who with faithful sidekick and wife, Wanda, and children Caitlin (8), Amberly (8), and Natalie (4 mos in April) will be moving to Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex to take the position as the Reserve forces advisor to the exec director of the USAF Std Systems Group effective July 1, 1998. Ken BONN e-mailed me from his new laptop while commuting to Cincin¬ nati. He is currently flying MD-88’s for Delta. Ken’s son Brad (19) is afreshman at Cedarville College in Ohio and daughter Stacey (14) is an S* Grader. Ken and Laurie also see alot of Chris and Sandy BLACK who live three miles Irom them. They plan to be sharing ahorse for their daughters as soon as they get the barn built. He saw Dave OCHMANEK and wife. Barb, and family about ayear ago in D.C. where Dave works for athink tank and is still an ardent baseball fan. John ROSSER, wife Ginny, and daughters visited them from Florida last summer. John was running for aschool board seat at the time but Iguess we’ll have to go to the reunion to see how he did! Ron HOSKINS is acaptain with American and he and wife, Susan, are based out of Raleigh here in Andy Griffith land.

Mike KAUFMAN faxed me from Midland, TX where he lives with wife, Lela. They have three children: John (21), asenior at Texas A&M; Beth (18), afreshman at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene; and Mark (16) ahigh school junior. Mike is acertified financial planner and Lela is an RN.

Mike’s interests include being aSunday School teacher, president of the Lee HS Choir Boosters, treasurer of the same organization, president-elect of the Rotary Club, and precinct chairman of the Midland County Republican Party and golf!

Finally, Iheard from Joe MITCHELL, aclassmate in 36“' with me. He’s currently a727 FE for United and trying to decide what to upgrade to. His daughter re¬ cently got married and he also has ason who is a2"'* Lt at Luke. They’re living in Knoxville now. Well, I’m about typed out now. Word processor’s make it easier but it does get tiring, especially when 1had to spend most of the evening trying to get the printer to work right! Again, let’s try to have agood turnout for the 25“' Re¬ union scheduled for Oct 28“* to Nov 2. I’m missing agood meeting in New Or¬ leans but Ithink this will beat Beignets hands down! One last quick point before I close, I’m starting to feel as though Imay be hogging the pleasures of being class scribe alittle too long, it will soon be seven years 1believe since 1took over from Rick KARVOSKY acouple years before the 20*. Anyone think they might be inter¬ ested in the job? Let me loiow if you are.

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

Salutations to all! This comes to you from aheat index of 120. By the time you’re reading this, hopefully it’s cooled off and the water situation has leveled off. That should cover both ends of the spectrum: lower In the areas that have

been waterlogged, and higher in those drought areas, and on the fires that plagued Mexico, Florida and your neighborhood! Oh, may the winter provide you the cool¬ ness and the snow you’re hoping to have. Since most of us enjoyed the snow, though not as much as lake BORAH, that season is soon upon us. Since this is the end of the summer, most moves should he finalized, so would you take the oppor¬ tunity and let me know where you’re at? The staff at AOG has said they’d mail out updates to me, but that was last summer and I’m sure that some of you have moved at least once! Ican honesdy say that I’ve not forwarded your address to any bill collectors. Classmates, yes, and Idoubt that there is an outstanding bill between us family members. Jake, sorry about the TEAC reel-to-reel freezing up on you after you bought it from me -it was working when Isold it to you!

Ispoke with Dave DALEY in Washington DC for awhile back in May. Dave is currently working with ANSER and reports that he’s enjoying working for the com¬ pany that supports government contracts. Idon’t think Dave gets 30 days ayear, and I’ve not heard of adress code, but there’s muted blessings! One is travel. He andTai-Lee have enjoyed one trip to Pensacola. Another joy of being in the nation’s capital area is the chance to meet other classmates. Steve STERNE is in the Penta¬ gon AF/XO. Good health. Good fun. Dave also led me to correspondence vrith JJ ROMANO. II and Cynthia are still in San Antonio. Cynthia “finished up her sec¬ ond year of her return to full-time employment as amiddle school teacher. She had succumbed to the propaganda [no, really?] that if you were employed out¬ side of the house, you were asecond-class citizen. Well, now she decided that being afull-time mom and homemaker is alot more fun and rewarding to her and she plans only to be asubstitute teacher. She mentioned something about life is too short to have to spend it working all the time, when she can just have me work all the time. (?)” As for work, you may have seen the spot on CBS evening news about JJ’s AFCERT, computer defense. We’ve had everyone from DepSec Hamre, acting SecAF Peters and the like here to observe their computer defense systems. JJ is busily trying to protect his resources from being garnered by other agencies wanting to get into the program! ...and those agencies would localize the attention instead of providing global protection. Ah, what foes we face in just trying to do our duty! JJ does have some fun, although exasperating, as asoccer coach. The team finished the season dead in last place so there is no place to go but up. As for leadership, Iknow he’s not the only scout leader out there! I’ve found that there is no secret to making those young troops line up and follow orders! Ithink the easiest time any of us had doing that was working with the cadet basics! As for getting things done around the house, JJ too has confessed that his time is truly now divided into work, time with the family, and sleep. It is interesting the amount of things that Ijust can’t get to at home due to lack of time -"gee, just like work,’’ If anyone does get to San Antonio for avisit with JJ and Cynthia, there are two other theme parks (besides Lackland, Randolph).

Andy GALIK sent in aletter. It turns out that Andy lives in the north side of Houston, in the Woodlands, for anyone familiar with the town, Andy has been working as apetroleum engineer for Exxon for the last 17 years. For the past two years he's been rotating overseas. He’s worked in Sakhalin, Russia last year and this year he’s working in Kuwait. Andy writes that he’s providing technical assis¬ tance to the Kuwait Oil Company in helping them drill adeep difficult well in central Kuwait. “The hotel Ilive at in Kuwait is near the airport and Isee C-5A aircraft there every day. Iused to be anavigator on these when Iwas on active duty. Ican’t make out the tail numbers but I’m sure some of the planes Iflew 20 years ago are still flying. Iguess I’m pretty lucky because Ilike what Ido most of the time. Ireally enjoy my days off! While working in Kuwait, its common to work 16-hour days and after three weeks of that my 46-year-old body has had it and it needs time off to rejuvenate. Ienjoy the international travel and not having to commute into Houston everyday.” Don't let Andy con you, folks! Traffic here is as bad as anywhere else. It is said here that the 1-45 and Houston road system is dubbed the 401 -K because they’ve been working on this system for ages, and the stories go that some have retired and the sons are carrying on!

Chris LANZIT sent an e-mail from Hong Kong. Chris works for Hughes Space and Communications, asatellite manufacturing part of Hughes, as amarketing rep and country manager. Chris started with Hughes in 1995 after retiring out of CINCPAC. The first 10 months was in El Segundo (that’s Los Angeles) for orienta¬ tion, then off to Hong Kong. His regional responsibilities include visits to Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Beijing. Squash and bike riding pro¬ vide some off-duty pleasures. Chris has three sons and two daughters living in different part of the U.S. [I imagine it’s astrain to be off CONUS and away from family] Chris did write “Thank goodness for the American Consulate” which is there. He’s able to keep up with some of the military friends and visit an occa¬ sional U.S. warship. So, any of you traveling through Hong Kong, look LANZIT up! Write me if you wish his e-mail address.

That’s all the news that has been found, received, cajoled, and bought. Ihope that you find amoment to be thankful for what you do have and express appre¬ ciation to your significant others. May each of 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.l.hackett@BOEING.COM

Percent members: 38

IDON’T THINK SO! Made apassing attempt to convince my daughter that writing this article for me might qualify as some kind of extra credit assignment for her English 101 class. Alas, I’m thinking we over-taught the “use good judge¬ ment” and “don’t let people take advantage of you” lessons. But, even though the editor’s deadline has once again fallen into some kind of cosmic alignment with a

fevered pace of WA-HOOs at Boeing, y’all have been good/bad (point of view is everything) and provided minimal input. Bottom line: this isn’t likely to be much more entertaining than that little gold Contrails book we were thumbing through about 27 years ago.

FINAL SCORE: AOL -7, USES -0. Another quarter of purely electronic inputs (I’m going to recommend that the Smithsonian come pick up my mailbox, spider and all, and put it in the “Unused Relics of Yesteryear” section). Herewith the “cut &paste” highlights:

Bill LYERLY is still "slaying bureaucratic dragons in Washington DC “and chas¬ ing “emerging infectious diseases” /“complex humanitarian emergencies” all over Africa. As if that isn’t enough, he’s also traveling the CONUS as an adjunct faculty member and USAID representative at the U.S. Army’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (“visa and shots not required to go to Fort Bragg -but language training would be helpful”), at the Armed Forces Staff College, and at several other DOD-type academic institutions. When in North Carolina, Bill has visited Col Mike LISCHAK who has been serving as the 4th Medical Group com¬ mander (Seymour Johnson AFB). Mike will be PCSing this summer to become the Medical Group commander at Luke AFB, AZ (a local phone call from the Scribe). Bill notes that Mike has completed four master’s degrees, in addition to his M.D. degree and wondered if this is a‘75er record for graduate degrees?

Other odds and ends that Bill had to share: heard second-hand that John SAXMAN will be leaving the Joint Staff’s J-5 (Global and Multilateral Issues Divi¬ sion) and go fly for the airlines. Bill has “taught” (Bill’s emphasis) several ‘75ers at Armed Forces Staff College’s Senior Seminars, the most recent being Jim FELLOWS, who is the USTRANSCOM liaison officer to the USEUCOM in Stuttgart, Germany, Also ran into the, now, Mr. A1 COLLEY at the State Department where A1 recently retired while assigned to the State Department’s Political-Military Affairs Bureau (Office of International Security and Peacekeeping), A1 is now serving as asenior technical advisor on the SECSTATE’s Counter Terrorism Staff as acontractor vrith the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. By now Ted HILBUN will have PCSed from his job as executive officer for the USAFA superintendent to adeputy operations group commander job at Randolph AFB. Dave HICKMAN is the presi¬ dent and CEO of General Business Services of Tampa Bay, Inc, (Dave’s vrife, Marie, is the special projects reporter and TV Anchor at WTOG Tampa Bay.)

On the home front, Bill’s daughter just finished her freshman year at Clemson University where she is studying international business (decided that she wanted acareer in the international arena like her dad, but didn’t want to be “poor” like her dad -didn’t want to work for the government or military). She also is the president of the Clemson University’s Women’s Lacrosse Team.

TWENTY-THREE YEARS LATER -THE REAL AIR FORCE. Dick DYE wrote to say that the job he’s had for the past two years, Lockheed-Martin’s project man¬ ager for MILSTAR software and database Maintenance Team at Peterson AFB, is a more operational job than he ever had in the AF. (“Four years at USAFA where they told us this isn’t the real AF, one year at UCLA right after graduation, three years at Hill AFB where Iwas the only blue suiter in 750 civilians, then back to the zoo to teach for 2.5 years where they already told me it wasn’t the real AE”) So that he gets appropriate credit I’ll quote Dick’s assertion that, “I’ve been married to the same wonderful woman, Denise, since two days after graduation.” Denise has her own bookkeeping business supporting several small businesses around Colo¬ rado Springs. Their son, Chris, is in college at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

BACK IN GOOD HEALTH WITH GOOD NEWS TO SHARE. Bill MURRAY wrote to say he was feeling fine now and was the first of several folks to let me know that our classmate Matt (Kip) FONG won the Republican primary in this year’s race for California’s U.S. Senate seat! He’ll face Barbara Boxer in the November general election. Check out his campaign web site for some additional insights (http:// www.fong98.org).

On an only slighdy less conspicuous note. Bill lets us know that Corrie KUNDERT is now abona fide Ph.D. in pharmacy from the University of Pacific in California. And from the still-on-active-duty side, John SCHERER is vice commander of the Air Mobility Warfare Center in Ft Dix, NJ; Sam RYALS is at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, where he is F-117 system program director; and Mike HEIL has moved on (from position as AFMC/IG) to new assignment as commander of Arnold AFB. Bill ran into Frank GARLAND in early June. Frank lives and “works” at agolf course in Sacramento; he’s also aLt Col in the Reserves. Bill also had ashort visit with Jerry WALLACE early in the summer while Bill was on aflight to Dayton. Jerry, a747 captain for NW, was on his way to work in Minneapolis (he resides just east of Sacramento). Jerry advised that Mark STICKNEY is also an A-320 captain with NW, and that Walt PEKARSKY is in the Sacramento area, still plays amean game of golf, and is in the pharmaceutical business.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. There you have it! Another column in the (elec¬ tronic mail) bag. Let’s crank up the input for next time -go “crazy” -maybe even send apicture or make avisit /phone call. Can you believe next column will be the first in the 14th year of me writing this... it’s way later than you think!

Ernie Woollard

216 E. GoettlerSt.

Scott AFB, IL 62225

Home: (618) 744-1044

DSN: 576-1931/7948

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

Percent members: 40

Here’s to the Long Hot Summer ‘76ers, The corn is waist high and the first harvest of wheat has already been com¬ pleted; no, not from my backyard, but from the rich surrounding Illinois farm¬ land. As you can see from my address change, we’ve finally relocated on the base with our last shipment of household goods slated to arrive later this month. By

the time this edition arrives at your home, we should have all of the boxes put away with the same applicable items put away in storage once again. Wow, over 14 months to complete aPCS move! Maybe someone up there is trying to tell us something. Pam thinks its kind of funny though to be living in an 0-6 house with¬ out an 0-6 line number. At any rate, regardless of what happens from here on out, we’ll still have at least one more PCS move.

Bob HINGER has been here with us in the TACC for the past three weeks “test¬ ing” out anew orientation course for operations group commanders. He caught us at avery good time, able to see the TACC with our “game faces” on, working at afeverish pace to safely re-deploy forces from Southwest Asia. When Bob wasn’t taking copious notes, he and Iwere able to sneak out for around of golf. Needless to say, both our games need abit of polish. When Bob finishes his after-action report, he’ll be on the move from McGuire to Langley and anew position in the joint doctrine center.

Steve NICKEL sent me an e-mail from Arizona. He finally hung up his A-10 spurs last October and Is flying the friendly skies out of Anchorage on United DC10s. He’ll be looking for alateral move to either Los Angeles or San Francisco as his family plans to stay in Arizona. 1know Reita and the girls are pleased with the new career opportunity.

1also received more news from Joe MARCHING (my most reliable Intel source to date). Seems Carl REBARCHAK is quite achef -he won the chili cook-off at the AF V. Army game last fall. When he’s not cooking though, he’s hard at work for the ACC/DO. Mike BUTLER is in the ACC/IG office while Conway TWIDDYcontinues to baffle us all providing all those good inputs for the ACC/DR. Mike GEGG just assumed command of ACC’s Training Support Squadron. Yes, we’ve quite acol¬ lection of '76ers doing time in the Tidewater Area. Joe also sent word of Jim HUNT, who just relinquished command of the 9th Operations Group at Beale, Chuck OLTMAN, the new 388th OG at Hill, and Tony PRZYBYSLAWSKl, the soon to be new 28th Bomb Wing Commander at Ellsworth. You guys better be nice to me, I’m the one who schedules your rides to and from the sandbox.

Joe also has completed some “metrics” as aresult of the 0-6 list results. Accord¬ ing to his research, approximately 125 of us have been promoted to the lofty rank, with an overall percentage of just about 13%. Now Idon’t feel so bad; however, in reality, Pam and 1are not so sure whether the promotion would have been good or bad based on the available 0-6 jobs today. We rather like our “station” in life here at Scott. Anyway, it’s always good to hear from you Joe, and know that you, Becky, and family are doing fine.

About aweek ago, 1was finally in the right place at the right time -night TACC contingency director. At 2a.m., 1got acall from Mic ERDLE, deployed F-15 com¬ mander at Kwang Ju, Korea. He was looking for aride home to Elmendorf. The 3rd Wing had been deployed for over two months. We got Mic his airlift, but not in time for his family reunion. Sorry Tamara, we did our best. On adifferent issue, Paul SOWADA sent me some information that had subsequently vanished from my e-mail. He’s doing fine -Paul, please retransmit for the next issue and include that great photo.

Enrique SAA is doing well and is working with our webmeister, Monty LEE. Monty is putting together our class web page and needs all of our e-mail addresses as they become available. You can contact Enrique at: <CONDORSAA@aol.com> and Monty at: <montylee@usa.net>.

Well, that’s this summer’s update in anutshell. The Woollards of the (Mid) West are staying cool and still frantically juggling the schedules of two crazy parents and three teenage girls. Best to all -keep the e-mail and photos flowing. Ernie.

John J“Lou” Michels, Jr.

5107 Juglan Court

CentreviUe, VA 22020

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

Fax: (703) 712-5050

E-Mail: jjmichel@mwbb.com

Percent members: 39

For those of you sweating it out this summer, greetings from the hot air capital of the western hemisphere. Ihad adirect opportunity to experience some of that hot air recently. Lynn SCOTT (Cynthia) and Ispent most of aday watching Daryl JONES (Miyoushi) play 20 questions with the Senate Armed Services Committee over his nomination. You all know the story by now, but Ihope you will forgive aslight piece of editorializing. As aReserve judge advocate and practicing attorney, Iwas offended by aprocedure that not only allowed but encouraged personal attacks from individuals who had alegal obligation to document and deal with these prob¬ lems when they occurred. There was avast gap between what was alleged at the various hearings and what was recorded in Daryl’s records, in some cases by the very same officers who were testifying. The Air Force system of performance evalu¬ ations and quality force actions was established to prevent precisely this kind of personal character assissination. Instead, the SASC ended up with aseries of an¬ ecdotal accusations that no one could refute past saying the events didn’t happen. Ithought Daryl handled the situation as well as anyone could expect.

AND NOW, THE NEWS: Once again Ihad the enormous satisfaction of watch¬ ing e-mail “pour” into the “zoomie box” in my system. Don and Char BRUBAKER are now the proud parents of twin boys born at the end of May. There were afew scary moments and the guys were in intensive care for about aweek, but Don gave me an electronic “thumbs up” at the beginning of June. As aparent of a preemie who spent over two months in an intensive care unit, Ican say well done and get everybody home soon.

Scott HARROD (Nita) says he saw Pete VORHOLT (Sharon) who is flying out of Louisville, KY for UPS. Scott ran into him on ajob-hunting trip. One of my regu¬ lar correspondents, Ina BEDKE, dropped me ashort note to say that Kurt got shipped off to Harvard for two weeks at an American/Russian military forum. I

suppose the group was dividing up the world again. Barney BAJ .LINGER (Gay) has gone from his job at the 55th Wing in Omaha to aposition on the J-5 at the Joint Staff. Romie CLODFEUER (Donna) has just returned from what 1am sure was afascinating and very educational trip with his NWC class to Germany and Poland. 1keep looking at these annual boondoggles the NDU faculty take on and wonder why there is not aline 10 miles long outside the gates of Fort McNair to apply for aposition. Curt CICHOWSKl (Laura) has assumed command of the Studies and Analysis Agency here in D.C.

Tom JONES dropped me aquick note from Huntsville where he Is working on the laboratory his shuttle crew will take up to whatever is in orbit in place of the space station in the Fall of 1999. More on Tom’s adventures later. Our other astronaut, Charlie PRECOURT (Lynne), piloted the shuttle on its last mission to Mir in May. Charlie brought home avariety of Russian souvenirs, including one very happy U.S. astro¬ naut. Irv HALTER (Judy) is leaving his ops group commander slot at Langley to go to the Pentagon for atour in purgatory. As part of the “fun” of being acommander, and as if he did not have enough other things to worry about, Irv also sat on the CSAF OfScerAssignmentSystemrevlewpanekalongwithRIckPERRAUT (Joann). Irvnoted that the panel did some radical surgery to the system in an effort to give more respon¬ sibility to Air Force commanders to determine what is best for an officer’s assignment process. Isuspect that Irv’s departure from flying F-15s to the Pentagon may have been afactor in trying to figure out if anything was wrong with the current program. Good luck with the new job, Irv, and give me acall when you get achance.

Joe SELF was working for Sprint, “minding his own business”, when he was recruited to go to work for Progressive Insurance in information technology. Joe is moving to Cleveland this summer (Florida to Cleveland; it must have been quite an offer) and is looking to sell off three or four cases of suntan lotion. At least the city still has abase¬ ball team. Joe FERRARRA (Molly) has finally locked In an assignment in Northern Virginia after telling me about it for the last two years. He will be working at the Smdies and Analysis Agency somewhere around here and Iam hoping to see him soon. Ken PAGE (Joni) is headed back to D.C. to the Pentagon handling the SOF Mobility and Trainer Division for the SAE Looking forward to seeing you back here too, Ken.

It seems like everyone is moving back to Northern Virginia. Jeff DETROYE (Diane) is retiring from NASA and going to work for Stellar Solutions, asmall systems engi¬ neering company focusing on space. Ithink Iam going to have to have another ‘77 get-together sometime real quick before the group gets too large to handle. Not going to this area is A1 BECKER (Rita). A1 is leaving the PAS job at Indiana to be an IP in the Jayhawk. Congrats on getting back into the cockpit Al, and have agood time in San Antonio. Dennis BELLAMY (Lulu) updated me about his upcoming assignment to Colorado Springs. Dennis is going to be with the NORAD IG team and will still be flying F-15s for aliving. Not abad way to be an inspector. Siam reported that Jeff REMINGTON (Marla) is finishing National War College and headed for the Pentagon. No doubt apayback for traveling with Romie. Thanks for the personal update. Slam.

Bob SOUCY (Beth) is staying in special operations at Ft. Bragg but will be work¬ ing in the joint side of the house. Beth got adegree in pharmaceutical science and is beginning her researching internship while Bob's daughter Barbara has begun her application to the Academy. Best of luck at Bragg, Bob.

MISSED APPROACHES: Imanaged to mlsconnect with Jeff PERKINS (Leslie), Steve CAREY (Charlotte), MarkUNDSLEY (Patti), and Jay FAWCETT (Susan). On mylast ttip to Hurlburt, Idid manage to talk to Rick NEWTON (Cathy) during apresentation Imade to the Special Ops School on the law of war. Iwas teaching ablock to Rick’s Revolution¬ ary Warfare Course. My thesis -revolutionaries don’t know the law and rarely consult counsel before attacking.

OTHER UPDATES: Steve SCHWALBE (Ingrid) has finished the Naval War CoUege and is headed back to DIA for the third time. He will be working as aspecial assistant on the Middle East for the first half of his tour and then begins Arabic training for the last year and ahalf. Steve is ultimately headed for afollow-on as the attache in Amman at the end of his tour here. As always, Steve has his career planned out, down to his follow-on to Jordan as the PAS at Arizona. Given the time and effort you put in, Iam pretty sure it will work out, Steve. In the meantime, Iwould start getting your system used to dates.

Terry FENNESSY (Tina) dropped me ashort line from Memphis where he is handling labor matters for Federal Express. 1am assuming everything got worked out since Ikeep getting Federal Express packages delivered to my office. Hope to see you on your next trip to D.C., Terry. Mark

is headed off to Denver to become an Airbus first officer for United. This will be alittle bit different from commuting to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, as Mark was doing for all of last year. Grady BOOCH (Jan) continues to travel around the

PHOTO OP: Rick SOWERS send me this photo of Tom JONES with the unlikely heading: “Chicks dig astronauts/here’s the proof.” Tom is making apersonal ap¬ pearance in front of akindergarten class; Rick’s daughter is in the first row. There is just something about aguy in ablue flight suit.

CASTELLANI (Susan)

world in his work for Rational. He swings through here occasionally as part of his membership in agroup studying how to adapt commercial software for the DOD. Iam hoping to hookup with him sometime in the fall on his next trip. Paul PIROG (Mary) is headed off to take the SJA position at Wright-Patterson. Congrats on excaping muggy Montgomery at long last, Paul.

John VISSER has now updated our class web site address to lvnvw.usafa.net/ 19771. He also fired off this shot of himself with Scott and Nita HARROD during a recent San Antonio visit. Again, my thanks to John on behalf of the class on his work in maintaining the web site and the picture.

CLOSE OUT: That is it from command central. Drop me aline with your news.

Greg “Kais” Kaiser

595 Lake Shore Drive Columbus, MS 39701

Home: (601) 329-4533

Work: (601) 434-2786 or DSN 742-2786

E-mail: kais@crawdat.com

Percent members: 39

Graded Review... one question: Can you name the country possessing the fol¬ lowing military force? It has 709,000 regular service soldiers, 293,000 Reservists, eight standing army divisions, 20 air force and naval air wings with 2,000 combat aircraft, 232 strategic bombers, 13 ballistic missile submarines with 3,114 nuclear warheads on 232 missiles, 500 ICBMs with 1,950 warheads, four aircraft carriers; 121 surface combat ships and submarines, plus all the support bases, shipyards, and logistical assets to sustain such amilitary? If you’ve been paying attention, and if you’ve “done your reading,” this should be an easy test. Answer and cri¬ tique at the end of the article.

Technology is awonderful thing... when it works... and even then, it has its limitations. Computers and the Internet have brought awhole new dimension to our lives. However, Irecently discovered just how dependent we’ve become to this growing monster. Shortly after moving in to our new house in April, my Internet provider (crawdat) lost his server. Crawdat explained in apoorly written letter that the phone company “blew the server up,” and we’d be without service for over amonth while they procured anew server with better, faster service. Yeah, right... and we’re still supposed to pay our 20 bucks amonth! “Sure, it’ll be worth the wait,” they said. But, while being busy with the house, Ican say Ireally didn’t miss the service much because neither my laptop nor desktop has much capabil¬ ity in the unpacking boxes or hanging stuff on the wall department. But after Idid get back on-line, Isensed that anumber of you had tried my e-mail address or chat room without any luck. Well, I’m back on-line; the service is better; the chat room is occupied each Wednesday at 1900 CDT /Thursday 0000 Z.

Ineed your info, so don’t ^ve up if you tried my e-mail and it didn’t work! Now, “what about the limitations part?” you ask. Afew of you have sent photos attached to your e-mail notes and letters. However, Vikki and Kro (the Check¬ points folks) tell me the quality is not good enough to reproduce in the magazine article. So, for those pictures you would like to see in the article, please send me the hard copy photo (i.e. that glossy or semi-gloss picture you get from the onehour developer) for inclusion with the article. Iknow... sort of defeats the purpose of e-mail. Like Isaid, technology has its limitations.

Locally, and I’m sure at many other locations throughout the /\ir Force, there are afew less ’78 grads on active duty due to that 20-year point we just passed. Here at Columbus, Mike “Moose” and Stephanie EVERS, and Neil “Bone” and Brigid KRAUSE hung it up on 1June. Ihad the privilege of flying with Moose on his “fini flight” just before he retired. He ied afour ship of AT-38 “smurf” jets to the range for “manly manual bombing;” you know, “30s, 20s, and 10s.” Before the ride, we had visions of taking all the money bet on the six bombs he was to drop; however, Iwas alittle rusty in my role as “WSO,” and Moose; well, let’s just say, “I’m glad he didn’t drop bombs for aliving in his operational life!” Also, just before Moose’s fini. Tanker SNYDER (14 OG/CC) put up a“'78 is Great” four ship in the T-38 “white” jets. Let’s see, there was Tanker, Moose, Neil, Mark HEFFERLY, Bert CONROY, Kip WARTON, Rick DAVIDAGE, and my stand-in. Iwas TDY to Brooks AFB in San Antonio doing some of that physiology stuff like sampling margaritas on the River Walk. My stand-in was atoken '79 grad, Jim “Jose”’ JIMENEZ. Only fitting Iguess.

CLASS OF 1978 20-YEAR REUNION Homecoming 1998

30 September -4October 1998

since Jose’ is the 50 FTS commander and kind enough to let me fly his jets on a regular basis. Idid have aphoto ot the event but it went MIA in the mail system.

Mail... of any sort! Ted TRUEX (Linda) didn't let my Internet provider failure discourage him. He sent me his letter via good ole U.S. Mail after attempting my e-mail without success. Ted responded to the cadet car challenge. Gary HUGHES, you may have been “outdone.” Ted still has his '77 Toyota Celica Liftback with over 300,000 miles on it; although, that’s estimated mileage since the odometer cable broke seven years ago. The impressive part though... he’s still got the “USAF Academy 78” parldng sticker on the rear bumper! He even sent me aphoto of the rear of the car to prove it. Iwon't use that one in the article because it won’t repro¬ duce well; however, Ted and his three boys, Nathan (3), Andrew (6), and William (9), seem to be taking good care of one of our “good ole friends.”

Acontenderand four winners...Nathan, Andrew, William, andTed.

Ted is still working (if that’s what you call an airline job) for Delta and flying C17s at Charleston for the Reserve. Both Bob GRAY and Joe REHEISER rode in his “cadet car” while at Charleston before they went to Air War Coliege and National War College, respectively. Neither will admit to this if asked though. Nice guys! He also wrote that Keye SABOL is the ops group commander at Charleston and is not allowed to accept rides in older cars... doesn’t present the proper 0-6 Air Force image. Besides, he's got one of those Park Avenue staff cars.

The two e-mails Idid receive before the demise of crawdat were from Mark WERTHMANN (Mary Lou) and Andrea FRYT (no, Mitch didn’t have “one of those operations”). Andrea is the better half of the Fryt family, and informed me “Mitch’s arms aren’t broken, he isn’t flying three times aday (he claims just once), and he’s not buying ahouse or anything like that.” He’s deployed to Saudi as the com¬ mander of the 390* “Wild Boars” flying F- 15s and just recently passed the 3,000hour mark in the Eagle. She and their three children, Lora, Marc, and William, are “holding down the fort” at Mountain Home while dad is deployed. Apparently, the kids don’t mind the deployment. They’ve accepted it as apart of their military life; however, they wish that dad could get deployed to adifferent location than Bahrain (this is the second time). There are only so many “trinkets and treasures” to be had from the Middle East. Mitch, how ‘bout Osan for ayear? They’ve got some great deals in Songtan City! Andrea did attach some really neat photos of Mitch in his squadron flagship as part of amulti-ship fly-by. However, like 1said...

Mark WERTHMANN still has his “cadet car.” He and Mary Lou just got back from the Netherlands and drove “his competitor” 3,100 miles across the United States to the Pentagon. It’s a1968 Mercury! Mark, what on earth possessed you in 1977 to buy a1968 Mercury? Aren’t cars like that illegal to drive on the roads to¬ day? He mentioned that he had it painted earlier this year. Was there still metal left to have paint stick to? JUST KIDDING. He also mentioned that he was an Aardvark driver in his previous life, like Iwas aRhino driver in mine. However, he wasn’t concerned about his beloved F-111 being prepped for drone duty. He claimed the DoD didn’t have enough money to prep even one! No argument here.

THE CHALLENGE...Within one week of your receiving this magazine, Iwant anyone with e-mail capability to respond to me at kais@crawdat.cnm. Iwant so much mail that my computer smokes! And, if you don’t have e-mail, put some¬ thing in the good ole U.S. Mail. You can even call my home phone and leave an obscene message. Let me caution you. My wife, Kim, could interrupt your mes¬ sage, and then you’ll have to talk to her for hours. Seriously folks, let me know you’re out there... even if it’s just anote saying, “Kais, you suck!” MarkWerthmann asked me to remind you as Ihave acouple of other times; from the time you get the “Checkpoints,” Ihave about two weeks maximum to gather your inputs for the next issue and get it to the editors. Hence, the reason for the challenge!

GRADED REVIEW ANSWER AND CRITIQLIE: If you guessed the Soviet Union, China, or any of the other possible powers out there, don’t feel bad. It was sort of atrick question like we used to see occasionally at USAFA. This country doesn’t exist anymore. It represents the change in American military force structure since the 1992 elections. Food for thought... Tm signing off and look forward to the deluge following this issue. KAIS.

RS. Don’t forget the chat room on Wed/Thur, 1900 CDT /0000 Z. Just log on to: crawdat.com/cd/kais/kais.htm.

Brian Koechel

3714 241st Court S.E, Issaquah, WA 98029-6592

(425) 557-1025

E-mail: Bkoechel@aol.com

Percent members: 36

Hello again -1 can hardly believe that ayear has already flown by! So 1don’t somehow goof this up like Idid last time. Bud VAZQUEZ writes the next article. By

the time you read this, he’ll be putting the finishing touches on his fall submittal, so get to him quick. Otherwise send your news to Mike DONATELLl for the winter issue. Their respective addresses are: Bud at 121 Offutt Road, Hanscom AFB, MA, 01731, e-mail: vazquezb@hanscom.af.mil; and Mike at 1149 S. Stone Ave., LaGrange, IL 60525 (still e-mail challenged!).

First off. Congratulations to our new 0-6s: Bruce BINGLE, Dan CVELBAR, Steve HOOG, Jeff JACKSON, Stephen MUELLER (BTZ), Greg ROMAN, and Bud VAZQUEZ. Way to go!

Did anybody see the "Caption Contest” in the 27 April 98 Air Force Timesi Seems that Dave RHODES’ aircraft (and maybe Dave, as well) made the picture. If that was you Dave, we knew that eventually you would “fall into” something good! Nice feat; or is it feet? This e-mail thing is great tor getting info. Isincerely appreciate all the input provided -it truly makes keeping everyone informed that much easier. Dave ORTIZ (Evelia) are in Kansas and doing great. They have three kids: Dave (15), Veronica (14), and Mike (11). They are all smart and athletic. Dave is the AF Advisor (flying the “Bone”) to the 184th Bomb Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. Steve DEAUX (Becky) is doing the same thing flying A-1 Os as the AF Advisor to the 104th FW' at Barnes ANGB, in Westfield, MA. Becky’s teaching art at acharter school in Springfield. Their only child, Tim, graduated from Westfield High on 5 Jun., and is looking to go to college in Florida. Does Steve have the ‘79er record for the oldest kid?

Steve passed upon awealth of data on other ‘79ers as well. Scott REYNOLDS (Deb) lives near St. Louis (Ballwin, MO) and has two sons, Justin (4th grade) and Joshua (1st grade). Scotty works for Boeing (formerly McD) as an engineer and travels to Finland peddling F-18s. He’s also aLt. Col. in the Reserves at Whiteman (hung up his A-10 spurs last year due to his constant travel and now works in the command post and is about to be given the CE Sq.). Brad SCHMIDT (Annie) has two kids, Jennifer-16, and Steven-14, and lives in C-Spgs. Brad flies for NW pilot¬ ing the 757 or 767s. Frank DEFALCO is living on Long Island and in the construc¬ tion biz. John O’NEIL finally (?) married Jackie and now flies for UPS out of Louis¬ ville, KY. Mark BEUCHTER is at Wright Pat with his son Aaron. Steve ran into Kevin KERTZ at Sembach afew years back. Kevin was scheduled to fly Jollys in Alaska. Steve concluded with this jewel about Bobby HENRY that Imust quote to do proper justice. The setup is how our 20th will be sad without anumber of our fallen classmates; “Istill remember cutting up with Bobby Don, sliding down the icy street at Beep’s apartment at one of our parties -Bobby with abeer in one hand and acigarette in the other with that great grin on his face...” For those of you who knew Lightweight, that was his essence.

This note came in from Bob SWAIN (Liz), who’s the 706 FS CC at New Orleans, LA. He ran into Wayne PEPIN at Langley AFB with the Senior Leadership Mx Con¬ ference. He and John BINGAMAN (Tami) are the Sq CC’s at Pope. Jim MUSCATELL (Dana) is aSq CC at Warner Robins, Bob keeps threatening to visit Seattle (the beer is cold just waiting for your dry throat my friend!).

Aspecial thanks to Ken BARKER (Debi) who put out the alert message for Check¬ points fodder vrith all the AWC dudes. Ken is heading for Wright-Patterson to work the C17 SPO, Mike GILBERT (Linda), four kids, and one golden retriever will be going to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, where he’ll be the wing staff judge advocate. Mike NOWAK (Charlotte) is waiting to start AWC in August. Terry TULLIA is writing doctrine at CADRE at Maxwell and Dave JOWERS (Mary) is inbound to start school in the fall.

Brian “T.” KELLY (Susan) is headed to the Pentagon working at XPXC on the Air Staff -afuture concepts office. Brian let me know that Steve KING (Annamary) just won the class leadership award at AWC -nice going Steve. Steve NEWBOLD (Bine) writes that he, his wife and two boys are PCSing to Sheppard where he’ll take command of one of the maintenance training squadrons.

It was nice to hear from John JOGERST (Margie). He, too, completed squadron command training in ‘97, penance at Air War College ‘97-‘98, and his next staff job is in Tampa at U.S. Special Operations Command. John tells us that Steve WEART (Barbara) is going back to Hurlburt to command the 15 Special Operations. George DUDA (Sandy) was proud to be aDG (done graduated) from AWC and is heading to Riyadh Saudi Arabia for aone-year remote tour in JTE-SWA J3. Sandy and kids will remain in local Montgomery area. George happened to see Tom FOERTSCH at aretirement ceremony recently...he’s still flying for Delta out of Cincinnati. In addition to the aforementioned, Sam SEAGER, Burt FIELD, and Dann MCDONALD just finished AWC as well.

Dave KING (Anita) is finishing up his tour at the Pentagon and is on the way to Camp Smith, HI. Bud VAZQUEZ has changed jobs at ESC, Hanscom AFB. His new job tackles all AF Mission Planning, (known as AFMSS, “af-miss”) and makes him the second most hated man in America, after Bill Gates, but #1 in many USAF squadron ops areas! Also at Hanscom is Ken MATTERN, the deputy JA. Ken ran the Boston Marathon in 3:25 -nice going Ken! Miles TRUMBLE, Bill CONROY, and Chris WORSOWICZ are bumming around there as well. If they are doing any¬ thing useful or productive. Bud didn’t mention it. John PICKITT (Karen) has been promoted to Captain of the 757 with Delta. Pete BUNCE is flying 130s and A-10s as the XO at DM. George MORGAN is the director of DataBase Systems for Digital Software Corporation in C-Springs, Iknow John DALLAS mentioned this in the last article, but Pat DAVIS is becoming rather famous with his first novel. The Gen¬ eral. Check out the book’s back cover and you’ll see Pat, looking rather “roguish” in his jeans and black leather jacket -another guy Ican hate -he still has all his hair! Pete BAUM (Rebecca) has checked out as F/O on the 767ER. Jon FAGOT (Cindy) did likewise. Jon is living in Lincoln, NE, but flying out of Adanta. Bill SAWYER also checked out in the 767 and lives and flies out of Atlanta. Jeff FRANKLIN’S wife, Gerry, dropped anice note. Jeff has returned from amost suc¬ cessful command of the 92ARS in Bahrain and is now the chief of Officer Assign¬ ments at Randolph. Now you active duty guys remember, never upset the finance guy, nor the personnel dude. Hey Jeff, take it easy on those ‘78 and ‘79 bogues who may have “done you wrong” at the Academy and over the years! Paybacks are hell. Bmce REMBER (Sarah) now commands the OSS at Egiin AFB. Thanks for the help Gerry.

Beth BARRON (Joe’s wife) writes that Joe will soon be the 71st Deputy Ops Group commander at Vance AFB. Their daughter Jessica just graduated from high school (another contender for oldest kid?) and will be attending Southwest Texas State this fall. They also have two boys, Luke (16) and Aaron (14), who are involved in band and computers, respectively.

Ireceived agreat letter from Bill BOYD (Claire) in late May. Bill, as were many of us, was shocked at the death of Peter ZARATE -sort of makes us all, again, ponder our own mortality just alittle bit. Bill is doing great, living just outside Napa. He’s been flying with United for 10 years and is acaptain in the 300. He’s still doing the C-5 Reserve bit and hasn’t figured out what causes babies yet, as he is the proud papa of Liam, his one-year-old son. Does anyone out there have achild younger? For you active-duty guys thinking of hooking up with the airlines. Bill offers his help with United. Oh, and Ialmost forgot his passion -winemaking, over 400 gallons of Merlot each year. If you get close to 1733 Rockville Road, Suisun, CA 94585-1473, he could use some help in the consuming department.

Bill, Claire, Lisa and Liam Boyd

Jim REGAN (Tanya), while doing some minor whining about getting older, man¬ aged to update on few folk. Rex KEESE (wife, Gabe, and Delta 767 Inti pilot) and Jim went to Vegas last October for Dale BURTON’S change of command ceremony and to (can you believe this) “party”. Dale is now squadron commander of the “aggressors”. Regan says “Dale is just asuperior aviator -definitely one of the good guys making it”. No argument here. Also, according to Jim, the battle (in a fun way of course) with the “fairer” side of the Class of‘80 continues! There are a handful of us with first-hand knowledge. Hang in there stud!

It’s interesting the people who pop up once one starts “scribing.” Igot the neat¬ est note from Paul EMMERT (Gloria). It turns out we’re almost neighbors. Paul has settled (during the summer) in Kirkland. His 12 years with Alaska have treated him well, as he and his bride of five years, with their new sbc-month-old (0400 hours, 12/31) daughter, Kayla Rachel, winter in Tucson. (Sorry about that Bill, Paul’s got you beat on the youngest.) He’s acaptain flying the 737 next gen. Paul has stayed closetojeff DUNAWAY (Paula) who recently PCS’d to McChord around the beginning of the year, to hopefiilly wrap up his USAF days here in Seattle.

Now for the finale-we need apoint person to “volunteer” for Reunion Duty. Pete HAYS, Dale JONES, are you up for it? Please let Mike VAN HOOMISSEN know. Almost the finale. Ididn’t mention that over the past year or so I’ve become af¬ flicted with this nuisance disease -CRS? Afew of you may also have it, but didn’t know it. “Can’t Remember Stuff” (there’s another “S” word that fits better). Any¬ way, Idid receive something on Mario BUDA (Jan), but I’ll be darned if Ican re¬ member it. My apologies and whoever sent me that note, please retransmit, we’ll get it in next time. Hope your summer was wonderful. Take Care -B.

Don Myers RO. Box 8998

Kodiak, AK 99615

Work: (907) 487-5472

DSN: 317-487-5472

E-mail: dmyers@glinx.com

Percent members: 40

Rumors. Yes, it’s true. Kathy and Iare back in The Land of the Midnight Sun, home of the sideways rain and the second largest island in the U.S. (after Hawaii); where there are seven miles of paved road, and where you either fish or work for the Coast Guard: Kodiak, Alaska! (OK, Ialso fish.)

Testing... Testing.. .One, TWo Three. Mark MITCHELL hails us from Edwards AFB where Mark notes ’80 “has alittle momentum going on here.” Mark, Keith OTSUKA, CD MOORE, and Fred AUSTIN own squadrons and Pete MICALE keeps everyone in line as the SP commander. Steve RAINEY is CD’s OpsO. Seems Steve was the first AF type to fly the new F-22 Raptor: “It handles like adream. It’s the best flying aircraft Ihave flown, and it sets anew standard of excellence in fighter aviation." Bob WILSON rounded out the ’80 list there by adding “Fuzzy" ZELLER and Paul SMITH. Bob thinks he’s broken an ’80 record; he’s been there since Jan 90 and is currently flying F-16s and is the chief of Test Safety for the Flight Test Center (I don’t know how to abbreviate that).

Updates and Blurbs. Whenever someone sends me their e-mail address, Iask for an update. Marty MEYER flew for 13 years and was at each E-111 base, includ¬ ing the Gulf for Desert Storm, where he also did planning for the EF-111. He’s

now at the Pentagon in Advanced Technology. He married an English gal, Sharon, and they have an eight-year-old daughter. “Pinned on Lt Col as the standard ‘on time’ kind of guy. Fine by me -1 have the distinction of being the academic ‘me¬ dium’ of our class (450/899).” Karen (O’HAIR) FOX is “about to give up command of the 12'*' Aerospace Med Sqn here at Randolph to become the ‘enemy.’ In July, I am going to Kirtland to become an inspector on the Health Services IG.” William M.”Spike” (Shirley+2) JONES gave me the abbreviated 20-year update: Vance, Randolph, Langley, Sheppard, Ft. Stewart, Eglin, HQ USAFE, now back to Vance in T-38s. He also added that he married Shirley two weeks after graduation. When you can fit 20 years into two sentences, life must be ablur. Ann MOORE switched from AF ATC to the FAA awhile back, but still wears the blue suit on weekends. She recendy moved from int'l ATC to future systems -kind of athink tank. Iasked about the Y2K problem and Ann says the FAA is doing agood job so far. She lives "in D.C., only acouple of miles from where Iwork, go to church, school, volunteer, etc.” She’s also braver than Iam. John CHRISTOPHER says, “Lawyer life is pretty good Isuppose. In afunny kind ofway it is like flying an F-15 (what Iused to do). I’m high up in the air (17“' floor) looking out awindow, and Isit in achair all day staring at acomputer screen while yakking on aphone talking about ‘the enemy’ I’m feeling kind of old. My oldest daughter starts high school this fall, Ihave ason in middle school and ason and daughter in elementary school. With all their activities my wife and Ifeel like bus drivers.” Steve STREIFFERT sent apicture of some great looking folks who attended HQ PACAF’s Squadron Commanders’ Course. “Just goes to show if you stick around long enough ...” Steve’s off to 18 Comms Sqn, Kadena; Bill BECKER to 14FS, Misawa; Chris REASNER to 11 Comms Sqn, Bolling; Derek HESS to 44FS, Kadena; Bob HENDRICKS to 607 Combat Ops Sqn, Osan; and JR SMITH to 35FS, Kunsan,

In charge: Steve, Biii, Chris, Derek, Bob and JR.

Anne (MARTIN) (Chuck) FLETCHER should have broken ground by now on a dream house along the Intercoastal Waterway. “We had to forego plans for aplane and aboat in order to build the house.” She’s still an “unpaid author” and Chuck is working as acertified financial planner. Jack BARKER zipped us aunique story on life’s many changes: USAFA-sponsored Ph.D., passed over at the Zoo for LTC, wasn’t allowed to retire early because of the school commitment, appealed board’s decision, picked up on the supplemental board, rules were relaxed for early re¬ tirement, chose to say adios, moved to Miami after UAL welcomed him aboard. “Enjoying early retirement. Great career, time to move on.” Maureen “Mo” (TRITLE) VACCARO is leaving ICAF back to the Pentagon for another four years of active Reserve duty. She and fellow AFRES Sue (TIMMONS) BUSLER managed another promotion -and I’m trying to figure out how Ican do that while spending acouple of weeks, as Mo did with ICAE in Vienna, Paris, and London.

The Final Frontier. Pat (Eileen Collins-tl) YOUNGS continues to keep as low a profile as his golf handicap as he flies for Delta. The only way Iknow they had a child was by reading about Eileen. Seems Pat made the ultimate sacrifice (for a pilot/husband) by staying at home tvith their child during Eileen’s last shuttle launch. No golf, no flying, no adult conversation -it must have been rough! In¬ deed, the final frontier: parenthood.

Susan HELMS took abreak from her language lessons and e-mailed us (while watching aRussian-dubbed video of Titanic) from Star City (the equivalent of Johnson Space Center). She’s going through training on both SOYUZ and the Rus¬ sian part of the new Int’l Space Station, “which looks ALOT like Mir!” Seems it's pretty exciting to observe the dramatic transitions from communism. Iasked about Moscow and her living quarters -and the food, of course. Susan says Mos¬ cow is abeautiful and rich city. Her duplex home is new and comfortable, and food is no problem. Current plans are for her to launch 2Dec 99 for her six-month stay on the station. She added one last remark for the class: Seems Dan ADAMS is now married. Susan calls it “the end of an era.” Dan’s bride, Ellen, likely just called it her Big Day.

Don’ Forget. Iwant to continue to plug the reunion. Tom MABRY (also at TRM19@aol.com) thanks all of you who have contacted him to help. As soon as the fall football schedule for 2000 is firmed, he should be able to give us some definite planning guidance. In the meantime, he’s director of the Student Ser¬ vices Division; providing services for “the Rhodes candidates to the kids barely hanging on, academically.” Since theT-43s are gone, he’s home almost every night. What anovel idea. “I’m confident we still send some pretty fine folks out the door every year. It’s funny how we still struggle with many ofthesameissuesthat were ‘hot’ when we were here. Some things never change.”

Hot Heat, Little Planes, Etc. Matt NEUENSWANDER recently returned from “sunny Shaik ISA Bahrain. While there for acouple of months, had agreat time (okay, had atime) with John POSNER, Vinnie DIFRONZO, and ‘Speed’ MILLER.” Speed commands the 60FS and John and Vinnie were his OpsOs. John’s now at Hurlburt with his own squadron (Blue Flag). While passing through Prince Sultan Air Base, Matt spotted Dirk "Orca” JORDAN and “Tree" ERLINGER, F-15 Sqn CC and Ops at Elmendorf. Phil “Ruhldog” (Lina-rl) RUHLMAN owns the 63FS (F-

16s) at Luke and wanted us to know athree-year-old son "is more work than a whole class of 2"“* Lts!’’ He noted the great weather there prompts him to get out and fly as much as possible. Also, "Saw John CHERNIGA on way from Iceland (accompanied remote) to Paraguay (accompanied VERY remote).” John is going to be the chief of the Air Force Section in the Office of Defense Cooperation. Phil bumped into Clark BURTCH, OpsO at 2FS (F- 15s) at Tyndall. “We flew against his students last month and he decided to deploy out to Luke with his Eagles to fight against us. Beats working for aliving." Larry (Cindie-rl) DePATlS corrected his email address with me and managed to add “the 10- second version of my current life. 1fly Vipers here at Moody with afew other classmates.” His current aim is to avoid aremote to Korea -but he thinks They have his name.

Big Plane Country. Mark LAIUPPA briefs "Not much happening at POB. Said good¬ bye to Mike WARD acouple of months ago as he headed back to USAFA. As for me, I’m just glad to be out of aheadquarters job and back to flying the line!” Karen WILHELM let us knowUavis is still alive and well -and has good ’80 representation. She’s commanding the yiS* Air Mob Sqn. “We’re the folks who go out TDYand set up air mobility operations where none exist (or sometimes augment folks at fixed bases). It’s agreat mission ~and agreat learning experience for acareer maintainer like me since 1have aerial port, command post, base ops, loadmasters, boom operators, pi¬ lots, and navigators working for me as well as aircraft maintenance folks.” The ftm will end shortly as she heads to NWC. Other ’80 commanders (or soon to be) on the base that Karen ran into alot were: Mike CARDENAS, Keith TTIASTER, and Diane (MOYER) BYRNE, Keith and Kathy (JOHNSON) ODEGARD are/were there as well (Karen heard mmblings of aPCS to Scott during the summer). Anyway, “Keith is an expert orthopedic surgeon (fixed up one of my guys good as new), Kathy flies for American, and they both work at raising their kids.”

Got afour-page email from Peggy (DENNIS) CARNAHAN regarding one Frank KISNER and crew. It was an article discussing the Mackay Trophy he and his MC130H crew were awarded for the rescue of 56 people from the destruction and civil war in the Republic of the Congo last year. Suffice to say, it was quite the mission from England, including 21 hours and three in-flight refuelings of an overgrossed Here. And when 56 folks came out to the plane, instead of the planned 40, well, they weren’t going to leave anyone behind. One lady, who had never liked the military, said, “We were wrong about you. You aren't just abunch of John Wayne cowboy-type reckless individuals. You risked your lives to take care of us, and Ilove you for it.” Kind of warms your little heart, eh?

Outnumbered at MCI. Dan SMITH says he’s “been out of the AF for almost nine years and have worked at MCI the entire time. Ilead an organization that project manages the implementation of global data networks for large multinational com¬ panies -something flying ‘135s prepared me for. I’ve got six academy grads on my staff, but they are all Navy and West Point grads.” Dan gladly will respond to email and is anxious to get aUSAFA grad junior officer on the team.

Honk! In order to keep my free membership to the AF Academy Society ofWashington, DC going, Imust mention that it’s agreat way to network with many other grads in the Beltway area. They also do good things in the local communities as well as have excellent presentations on companies or exciting opportunities on a regular basis. Keylor ENG and Holly (EMRICK) SVETZ are very active officers in the organization and can answer any questions -even sign you up!

Beep: VEAP—Cheap? Scott (Jan-r2) CARROTHERS wanted me to pass along a litde something to those of you signed into the VEAP program. He found out the hard way that the benefits are only good for 10 years after separation. There are no provisions for extensions. If you have money left, it’s still yours, but you have to ask for it. If you don't know if you have money in the account, call the VA and ask.

REACH OUT Xn. By the way, if you want to avoid being seen here, update your bio form in Checkpoints, or get into the AOG home page (easy link through the USAFA home page), and update electronically. From last time, Steve RAINEY, as already noted above, is at Edwards with the F-22 program.

“Flip” (Debbie) FILIPPI wanted to make sure we knew his ear was to the ground: “1 meet Bob [REEVES] alot on my travels to the ‘Left Coast’—my job takes me to Seal Beach, CA, south of L.A. and home of Boeing North American (Formerly Rockwell NA.) -1'm presently the chief of contracts for the B-1 program at WrightPat, so Iget out there alot these days. (But 1digress). Bob has been out of the AF for awhile now and has been asoftware engineer for Northrop (B-2), McDonnell Douglas (C-17), and is presendy on contract with JPL. Bob’s doing great, living in Long Beach. He's still single, and bought anew home -it’s ahandy-man special with aprice tag that’d choke most of us active-duty toads.” Flip will likely be read¬ ing this from the Pentagon where he’ll be working for the general in charge of fighter and bomber acquisition. He’ll finally get to live with his vrife. “Hmmm, living with my wife -what aconcept, eh?” Debbie is the asst chief of staff for C4 at HQUSMC (“a fairly high DOD civilian muckity-muck, so I’m rapidly learning how to be a‘Marine Corps spouse’ -1 go around saying ‘Semper fi-in-law’ alot. Every now and then we end up at the Marine Corps commandant’s house for afunction and Ican’t help but tease him about the importance of Air Power.”

Thanks for the detective work. Here’s the next group that the Register hasn't heard anything from for many moons. Let me know what you find: Martin R. PETTIT, MarkD. PETERSON, Eric M. PELL, Scott EPEATROSS, Timothy). PAYTON, Terence M. PACZOLT. You folks are the best! 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

Chris CAMPBELL, who is up to his ears studying for Ph.D. orals, took time out to send this Charles Dickens quote, from David Copperfield: “Trifles make the sum

of life.” With that as my theme, here we go -and while some of this may be abit dated, as they say on television, “It’s New to You!”

Gerardo CAMPBELL, Mike NOEL and Erwin YUEN all work for Scitor Corpora¬ tion in California. Gerardo is asystem performance analyst, working to enhance the performance of four IBM mainframes that are used to support satellite opera¬ tions at Onizuka Air Station. He sent, via e-mail, abirth announcement for Erwin and Selina’s newest addition to their family -agorgeous daughter Haley Nicole. Congratulations go out to Bill SNEEDER, recently accepted to the Residency Aero¬ space Medicine Class of 2001. He starts this summer with amaster of public health at Johns Hopkins University, then it’s on to Brooks AFB for the next two years. He hopes to be done in time to attend our 20-year reunion. Actually, lots of you’ve mentioned that you’re looking forward to that event. Start making plans to be here.

Paul BUNT is a757/767 captain at UPS, who commutes from Miami to work out of Louisville, KY. He married another New Yorker, Abbe. Paul, Abbe and Paul’s daughter were all slaving away, preparing for their move out of their condo into their first house. Paul keeps in touch with Steve HENDERSON, who is flying for United out of Denver and is married with two daughters. George SCISS is chief of Stan/Eval at Vance, and has done some computer projects for Air Training Com¬ mand. Ray (Wally) WALIZER is an assistant ops officer at Holloman. Sean BISHOP is back in Colorado Springs, and flying to Europe out of JEK (where do you guys get these commutes?)

Sean MURPHY spoke with Jeff ANDERSON, who is in Folsom, CA, where he’s an anesthesiologist. Jeff’s wife. Crystal, is an orthodontist, and they have two daughters and two thriving practices. Tony HINEN and his wife, Lou Anne, moved to Altus about two and ahalf years ago with their two boys, ages five and three. He spent the first year there as the ops officer of the 55* Air Refueling Sq and has been the commander since July 1996. Phil SWANSON is the ops officer of the 54* Air Refueling Sq. Phil and his wife Lori have two boys and two girls, and went to Altus from the Pentagon.

Rick MARTIN and his wife Barb (CHAPMAN) MARTIN have three girls and a boy, and have been at Altus for two and ahalf years. Barb is afull-time mom. She and Rick went to Altus from CENTCOM, and Rick first served as the ops officer and is now the commander of the 57* Airlift Sq. Wanda (BABB) GARRITY, along with her husband, Tom, and son Bryn, is on her way to PACOM at Camp Smith, HI. She’s finishing up two years as the Supply Sq commander at Andrews AFB with achange of command at the end of June.

Bob and Silvi (KIISK) STEIGERWALD and their two sons are settled in in Fort Collins. Silvi says the idea of owning ahome that they will actually live in for more than afew years is so novel and exciting, they celebrated by painting the walls colors other than off-white! Ah, the joys of being acivilian... In addition to play¬ ing soccer year-round, their boys, Robbie (4* grade) and Richie (2'”* grade) are both Cub Scouts, and Bob is aCubmaster, which Silvi chalks up to an addiction to wearing auniform. Bob is Hewlett-Packard’s IT Manager for manufacturing in Fort Collins, and Silvi has what sounds like the better deal -she travels all over the world telling people about HP’s software products. She went to Europe three times in the last six months of 1997, and she and Bob managed atwo-week vacation in Estonia last summer.

Jeff GROUX is apilot for Delta, and lives in San Antonio with his wife, Kim, and daughters Lauren (12) and Danielle (11), and dog Cloud who weighs over 100 pounds. Their Christmas newsletter that landed on my desk sounded like atrav¬ elogue -Oahu, New Orleans, Virginia, Iowa, Tallahassee, Las Vegas, etc. There was also amention of aspecial double-cooking method for aThanksgiving turkey, patented by Jeff, wbich requires your grill to flame out while the cook is napping. The letter included lotsofphotosofthe family looking tanned, healthy and happy. Tom (Sharon) MALOOF lives in Georgia but as aDelta pilot is spending alot of his time in South America, where the airline has recently begun offering service. He’s also in law school, which he plans to finish at the end of this year, at which time he’ll have to decide between practicing patent law, aviation, or some other spe¬ cialty. His son Michael just started kindergarten, and his daughter, Emily, is four.

John CASEY, who since March of 1997 has been flying the C-21A Learjet as the operations officer for the 84* Airlift Flight at Peterson AFB, assumed command of the unit on January 22”“*. John, his wife, Leah, and their four children, Joshua (16), Jonathan (12), Sarah (5), and Laura (2) are enjoying life here in Colorado Springs. With the kids in scouts, football, baseball and dance lessons, Leah, who tried to tell me she’s “not working”, finally admitted she stays busy as afull-time mom. Here’s arecent shot of the CASEYs at Cave of the Winds:

would be. He's flying “all over the place”, mostly on domestic flights, but he also gets an occasional trip to Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Scott’s wife, Anne, is still trying to work an assignment back east before she retires in another couple of years. After much begging, Scott provided me with this photo of him, Anne, and their sons Zak and Trevor.

Mike KELTZ has left the Washington area for the C-130 world of Little Rock. Joe WOOD and his wife, Merrie CRAIG-WOOD, are on their way to French Defense College this summer. Got astory about how Jim SCHWINDT pinned on Lt Col on the beach at Guam. They were finishing up the successful B-2 deployment, and the guys held avery informal (but official) ceremony at one of the beach “facili¬ ties” (read: bar) during aslow period. Let’s hope the bar tab wasn’t too horren¬ dous!

Lots of you promised to come through before the next issue is due with the latest on classmates -so do it, please. It’s great to hear from everyone. Now go do something exciting, and e-mail, snail mail, fax (719-533-1767), or phone it to me, so Ihave something to write about. And send apicture!

Jim Ratti

5301 Palo Verde Dr. Edwards, CA 93523-2405

Home: (805) 258-8280/DSN: 527-7782 rattijm@mindspring.com

http://www.usafa82.org

Percent members: 35

TDY it seems, is away of life. I’m writing this at FL330, enroute on yet another trip across the pond. Tough work, but someone has to do it. But, thanks to the marvels of e-mail, computers, and comfy aircraft, it’s like Inever left home! Darn the luck. Sometimes it was kinda nice in the old days. “Gee, I’ll be out of town. Too bad Iwon’t be able to work on that 'til Iget back!”’ Anyway, enough grousing. On with the news!

Glen DOWNEY sent ashort note to say that he’s gainfully employed by Raytheon as the staff contract manager for the “$150M AN/PSC-5 SPITFIRE EMUTTerminal.” Sounds impressive -1 just wish Iknew what the heck it was! In any case, he’s in Ft Wayne, IN, but his family was still in Oklahoma City, waiting for school to end before uprooting the kids. Ihope everyone’s settled into the new home by now.

Sue "Tzu” ROSE got abunch of good press back in March when she was selected as the winner of the Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Award for Achievement, given by the National Aviation Club. First presented in 1997, the award recognizes women who have made meritorious flights, significant achievements, or other enduring contributions to aviation. Last year’s winner was astronaut Shannon Lucid, so Sue is in good company. “Tzu” (think “Sun”) was nominated thanks to her accomplishments as an Air Force pilot, and for her humanitarian efforts (she founded acharitable air ambulance service in California). Judges also consid¬ ered her contributions to airpower theory and education (she was on the faculty atACSC), and her commitment to encouraging America’s youth to enter aviation careers. Congratulations, Sue!

Jay VIERNES sent his first-ever contribution to say that he just finished his first year of residency in dermatology at Wilford Hall. Don’t travel there just to see him though, as he’s now at Hickam, serving as the “SGH”, or chief of Medical Services at the base clinic. Jay’s wife, Bonnie, was due to have their second child in May (they already have one girl, Laura), and Mike GORDON was their OB doc. Itried to look Mike up in May when Iwas at Lackland for an NCO Academy graduation, but Imissed him.

In the quick updates department, Steve SMITH dropped avery short note to say he’s now in the Minneapolis area. No word on what he’s doing there. Blake PE/UISON offered up atour of the “best golf equipment manufacturing operation in tbe world. Since his e-mail address was blakep@callawaygolfco.com. I’d guess he works for Callaway! Ray and Joan TUREK are on the road again, this time to Barksdale.

The winner of the vanity domain name contest is Julie (Joyce Charity HUGHES) RYAN, hands down. Her e-mail address is julieryan@julieryan.com. Kinda hard to top that one. Says it makes it easy to remember. Can’t argue. Julie is still work-

Scott BUTCHER finds flying for Continental even better than he’d hoped it

ing for KPMG Peat Marwick in the D.C. area. Also with KPMG Peat Marwick is Julia "Don’t Call Me Julie” (SCHEFFEUN) GRAVES, who works out of Dallas. She’s amanagement consultant, doing software implementation and re-engineering, and she’s interested in getting resumes from any of you with an MBA and software experience (jgraves@kpmg.coml. She’s working three days aweek, which gives her plenty of time vrith her two boys, and for volunteer work at school and church. JJusband, Dave, is closing in on his master’s, and is still with American Airlines. Julia said that Nancy ROBINSON also lives in Dallas, flying tor Delta. Finally, Julia’s learned that Theresa BEDNAREK is doing comm stuff at SHAPE headquarters in Belgium.

Chaplain (Capt) Rives DUNCAN sent an e-gram from Hickam, where he’s aProt¬ estant chaplain with the IS* Air Base Wing. Rives had about adecade out of the blue suit, but came back in after becoming aminister. He said that Pete CANTWELL lives just ablock away. By the way, Iloved Rives’ e-mail address (AFLifer@juno.com). Iguess that means he’ll wear the suit abit longer to make up for that 10-year hiatus!

Jim DUBELA updated his e-mail address and told me that he and his wife, Jeanette, now have four children: Gregory, Julie, Luke and Patrick. In an all-out bid to win the “Longest Commute” award, Jim got ajob as a727 first officer with American out of Miami, but he and his family live near Jupiter! Wow, that’s awesome. Oh wait. Ihate when that happens. Jupiter is acity in Florida. Never mind...

Mike ALLEN chimed in from West Palm Beach where he and wife Gail (COO¬ PER) have settled into the tennis/golf/rollerblading/jetskiing/biking lifestyle very well. Isee though that they have three kids (7, 5, and 3), so Iwonder just how much of the above they really do\ Mike’s a737 captain for Delta (Orlando), and Gail is the commander of the DCMC (Defense Contract Management Command) facility at the Pratt &Whimey plant in West Palm. The Allens got together with Sandy (MALONEY) KEETER, her husband (a lawyer for the state), and their three kids in April. Sandy’s aUSAFA liaison officer, part-time college prof, and afull¬ time mom. Speaking of full-time moms, Mike saw Scott SHIER on CNN awhile back, recounting the ordeal of having and caring for quintuplets. The ’82 website has alink to Scott’s site which has all the details, but suffice to say, fertility drugs work! The CNN story was on “selective abortion” and Scott come down firmly against it. Faith and Christian values prevailed and saw them all through.

Mike "Mad Dog” MAHER sent his first-ever Checkpoints update to fill him the holes in his career for us. Iwas beginning to wonder, ‘cause the Register still shows him as aUPT student. Ijust figured he was aslow learner, so it’s agood thing he wrote. See how rumors get started? Anyway, Mike did hang around UPT for awhile, but as aFAIP at Laughlin. He got married during that tour (currently no kids, one dog), then went to Randolph to instruct the instructors. After astint at AETC HQ (grounded for two years while successfully battling Hodgkin’s Disease), he went to Travis to fly the C-5. DESERT STORM was on the menu ("Nice war," he says. “Too bad we didn’t finish it.”), and he survived aScud attack on the ramp at Riyadh. Then it was off to USAFE to fly the C-20, be aUSAFE staff officer, and the ADO at Ramstein. While there, he had the dubious honor of helping to investigate the T43 crash that killed Ron Brown and all others aboard. All that notoriety won him an assignment to the Pentagon, where he’s currently the program element moni¬ tor (PEM) for the ViP Special Air Mission (SAM) and Ops Support Aircraft (OSA) Fleet. Hey Mad Dog-I need anew jet. Can Icome talk to you?

Dake VAHOVICH just relinquished his berth as the deputy commander of Det 1, 86 OG at Chievres. What was funny was his boss’ announcement of the change, which read, “As before, all matters which can easily be solved should be brought to my attention. All others should be referred to the deputy commander.”

John AMRINE wrote from England where he’s the commander of the 5* Space Surveillance Sq at RAF Feltwell (near Mildenhall). Remember instructors at the Zoo telling us daydreaming cadets that we’d never get agood job staring off into space? Guess that shoots that theory! John also told me that A1 ZELENAK is a Comm Sq/CC at Lakenheath, Iheard from our very own boy Colonel, Tim COLLINS. Tim was frocked to 0-6 as of 1June and is off to Seoul to be the exec to the D-CINC at Youngsan. Ray PHILLIPS and Dave FADOK also came out on the 0-6 list, but Ithink Dave beat ‘em to pin-on. Congratulations to all three of you! Now we can all say "we knew 'em when...!’’

Bryan BRANBY wrote on the 16* anniversary of our hat-tossing day to tell me that he’s now aflight crew training instructor for US Airways in Pittsburgh. He's also aHere pilot with the PA ANG. Jud KNAPLUND sent an update from Austin where he’s director of engineering for asmall flight sim company. He’s still big into soaring, and was married last Valentine’s day, picking up aready-made fam¬ ily in the process (six total!).

Chris BROYHILL chimed in from Luke, where he’s the Ops Ofor the 62"'* Fighter Sq. Chris sends word that Mike FRANCE is there too, as the Current Ops flight commander in the Ops Support Sq, supervising some 100-plus folks. Also, Chris said Dave GRILLEY just married abeautiful southern belle named Elizabeth.

And Dean MILLS finally got around to sending out his Christmas e-mail in June! He and Deena are back from Australia where he was attending their ACSC equivalent. They’re in Virginia Beach now, and Dean is working on the J4 staff at Norfolk. Of course, their four kids are rediscovering America, replete with lightning bugs, mold, moss, and Little League. Deena says Dean is aquiet and reserved Little League spectator, and nevershouts instructions to the kids dur¬ ing agame. ..(NOT).

Well that’s all the news of the “fit to print” variety this time around. Thanks

to all of you for writing, and thanks for your patience with the slow web up¬ dates. Good luck to all of you (us) waiting out the primary Lt Col board results!

Fly/be Safe, RATMAN

Stu Pope 520 Ramona Ave. Sierra Madre, CA 91204

stuart_pope@greywest.com

Percent members: 37

You see them shambling aimlessly in the street, like some hapless SERE patrol who forgot to assign apace counter. Clad in mustard-colored robes and tattered blue Pumas, they are the lost tribe, the Bohicans. And as you catch your reflection in the shards of glass scattered at your feet, you realize you are one of them.

How's that for an opening paragraph? Yeah, you could say class news is getting scarce around these parts. In fact, if Jon DURESJCY hadn't come through for me again at the last minute, that strange intro is all you would’ve gotten this time. So Iguess I’ll just snap on my groovy yellow ascot (still got yours?), drape this scratchy old yellow wool blanket across my shoulders, and reorganize Major Duresky's ar¬ cane input. Here goes:

Ihope Dave and Sue ROSS kept their copies of The Russians, that behemoth of a paperback we were issued as young Cold Warriors, because Jon reports that Dave and Sue are adopting aRussian baby. Yes, this is the Peace Dividend we’ve all been hearing about. Dave flew all the way to Mother Russia to pick up the newest Ross, and by the time you read this, all should be residing happily together near Scott AFB.

Jon says he really enjoyed reading the riveting account of Academy and Air Force life. Proud To Be, and recommends it to anyone who needs agood laugh. He even plans to write a“prequel,” Best To Be, the true story of his own traumatic yet strangely rewarding experience as asmack in Starship 19.

By the way, Jon got it slightly skewed regarding my current scene in his latest Checkpoints article. My fault for being typically cryptic. I’m actually acopywriter at an advertising agency in LA and write ads for several different accounts. Need¬ less to say, it’s aradical departure from the Ar Force, though oddly enough, Idid do some outdoor boards for U.S. West recently that went up in Colorado Springs, right outside the south gate of our aluminum mater. Speaking of which, check out this key chain 1bought during abusiness trip to Colorado. Weird or what? Is it a USAFA reference? Imean, like, what’s going on here, man?

Actual key chain purchased in Colorado!

On the airline front, Mike MADRID is aDC-10 first officer out of San Diego. He’s got two kids (one’s already ateen -yikes!). Paco SINGLETON is still living in Vegas, and is a767 FO out of L.A. Grant LANE’s with United. So is Aonzo BABERS, flying out of D.C. Silk WASHINGTON is at the United Training Center in Denver, and from these scrawled notes I’m trying to decipher it looks like Behe CRONIN is also at atraining center in Denver, possibly linked to American Arlines. Ron GRAVES is flying for United out of Denver. He and Tonia have two young'uns, Eric (6, aRon clone) and Kathryn (5).

Eric STRULL reports he’s living near Dallas and is working for alabels manufac¬ turer. So if you’ve been mislabeled, look him up. Eric and Margo have two chil¬ dren, “6” and "3.” (I’m pretty sure those are their ages, not their names.) Fellow Texan Dave KLAUDT, his wife, Carol, and their three kids were spotted by Eric at a North Texas Bar-B-Q last year. The Haudter is now an attorney with aDallas law firm. Ialways knew he’d go far when Isaw him working on his SOS by correspon¬ dence when we were 2nd lieutenants.

Robert ENGLEHART has been on aremote to Osan while wife, Edith, and kids Kristin (11), Aylssa (9), and Hershey the chocolate Labrador stayed in San Anto¬ nio. Where would you rather be? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. Robert will probably be home in time for this Summer Checkpoints, though, mer¬ rily slipping the surly bonds over Randolph AFB.

::OLORADO

After leaving Travis AFB, Mike PADILLA is now in Memphis, flying for FedEx. Scanned onto his letter is aphoto of Mike on amotorcycle. Ithought he looked alarmingly youthful until Irealized it’s his 31/2-year-old son, also named Mike. I know they let kids do things really young down in Tennessee and everything, but three-year-olds on choppers? What next, man?

Last time Isaw Kevin McMILLIN, he. Rod RICHELIEU, Colin MOFFAT and I were trying to capsize apontoon boat on Lake Amistad, Texas. Now Kevin's gone all respectable on us, as you can see from the photo below. He’s flying for FedEx and he and Carol have three kids. His oldest, Josh, has already taken drivers ed. Daughter Kelli is going into eighth grade, and Maureen, the youngest, knows Taco Bell when she sees it. That’s because of advertising, by the way.

The McMillin Bunch

Drew WACKER stopped by L.A. afew months back with more outrageous sto¬ ries and afistful of cubanos. The Stain is flying for United out of Hong Kong. No word from the Bartosian. Mark HAGEMAN is still living the life of aDickensian barrister in London. Iimagine him with mutton chops and apipe.

Got together with Colin and Sophie MOFFAT in San Francisco this past April for Terrastock II, athree-day music fest and gathering of the tribes organized by old friends of mine from the U.K. We grooved to the tunes of the Bevis Frond and even ran into Jello Biafra! Wild, huh? And, like, what on earth is the Stu-Man rambling on about now, you ask.

Kevin CARRENO e-mailed me recently with news of Lou CAPORICCI, who’s on his way to England to fly helicopters. Speaking of e-mail, my address is stuart_pope@greywest.com. So send me some class news or, better yet, lurid gos¬ sip.

Okay, that’s enough. Send your cards, letters, and unwanted junk mail to Dave WRIGHT, 4204 A. West Muledeer Drive, USAFA, CO 80840-1137. Dave isn’t aging incidentally. He looks exactly the same today as he looked the first time Isaw him in 1979. It’s not natural. I’m convinced it’s some sort of Dorian Gray thing. Ask him about it when you write to him.

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

1-800-GO-AFA-GO /(719) 481-4646

E-mail: jens@us-afa.com

Home page:www.us-afa.com/84

Percent members: 30

Iam thankful for all of the great responses to my plea for updates! Great Job! I couldn’t finish this article without seeing the Truman Show starring Mark “Mul¬ let” GILLOTT and some “wanna-be actor” named Jim Carrey. Leave it to an ’84 grad to "spill the beans!”

Now to your updates! Phil OGLESBY checked in, he is currently at the Air Force Wargaming Institute at Maxwell AFB, AL. He is married (Peggy) and reports run¬ ning into Dave DUNTEMAN last year while he was in ACSC. Bob THOMAS was up in Ft Leavenworth, KS attending CGSC. He heard Mark MILLER was up there too. Not one to be shy, Herman "Big Gun” BAKER reported (as ordered). He has been busy with International Paper (trying to keep the stock UP! Last reported 44 V2). Herman still does Reserve duty at U.S. Atlantic Comm in aLt Col slot so next year (very hopefully) he will make LC. He also is aUSAFA LO. Albert FELIU also checked in to get on the e-mail roster. He ran into John "JD” HARPER in his small town.

Brad KENWISHER is aDCIO fi rst of fi cer with United Airlines. Kara STOKESBERRY MANNING is living in Alabama, with her husband, Barry (majorArmy). They have been married 12 years going on 13 and are becoming experts in moving as this is their 10th home (if they are buying, Icould make acareer out of relocating them). They have two children, Ryan (11) and Kaitlin (9). Both kids love sports and will be attending Space Camp this summer. She works part time at Bell Helicopter Textron. She heard from Karen BURTON, who is still swimming at an amazing level as well as coaching, etc. She also saw Maureen MOSLOW-BENWAY in Virginia who works at Booz Allen with Cynthia SHELTON MACK (‘82). Maureen is doing great and is still afitness maniac although her teenage son really keeps her running... Her husband. Bob, is doing well and still IntheAEShealso tiked to Karla DOREMUS-TRANFIELD who has three kids and works part-time. Her hus-

band works for Allied Signal. They both are both out of AF and doing nicely.

Heard from Robin WRIGHT. She is working for Ford and was in Koln, Germany, but may be beading back to Detroit this summer. Bob TAYLOR also checked in to help us with our home pages. Chris DINENNA just got back from two months in the Saudi desert, now stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC and is still flying the Strike Eagle. The next fighter pilot to check in is Kyle “Skytch” SKALISKY, who was in (C-Springs) on 13-14 May to give abriefing to the CAF Commander’s Confer¬ ence. His wife, Chris, and he now have three rugrats: Cara (4), Selena (2), and Storrie (7 mos). Relieved to finally have aboy, he is expecting a“Victory party in his near future.

Overseas news: Matt JOHNSON is still in London, working on raising equity for deals in Central/Eastern Europe. Doug WHITE is PCSing to RAF Lakenheath as the squadron maintenance officer for the 494th FS (F-15Es) in early Aug‘98. John REIDY checked in with some news: He saw Jerry ROSE who is in Osan with his family for atwo-year stint. He is working in the 607th Combat Plans Squadron at 7th Air Force. Jeff LOFGREN has been here on aone-year remote flying F- 16s; he will be heading to Aviano this fall. John found aJob at Ramstein in the Stan/Eval office and will be heading there in August and is excited about Germany after two years in Korea. John and his wife, Mary, have two girls.

On the home front: Bob PERRY left the Academy in '96 and has been at Hanscom ever since working National Missile Defense. His wife, Lori, pinned on major 1 May and is working in the Intel Shop. Terry FEEHAN just got back from AETC’s squadron commander school. He took command of the 338 Training Squadron in July. The squadron teaches several electronics courses at Keesler and has a detachment at Ft Gordon (near Augusta GA) .Brad WEBB finished ACSC and went to Ft Bragg. Fred “Val” VALENTINE is going to Dyess from ACSC to command a contracting sq. Bryan HOLMES checked in to get on the roster. Jeff SPEELMAN also checked in to help with the site! Craig HUGHES is off to Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL for F-15C retraining, after which he’ll go to RAF Lakenheath. Alec ROBINSON and wife, Lori, have two daughters who, fortunately, look like mom! Mark MOUW is still at SJAFB (Seymour-Johnson). Brian RICARTE is currently serving his ALO sentence at Ft Polk, LA. He has been here just over ayear, after flying F-4Es in Korea and the Philippines, and the F-15E Strike Eagle in Alaska.

TUrbo check: It was great to hear from Garrett “Turbo” THOMPSON who is at Randolph flying T-38s after the last six years overseas (Kunsan/Spangdahlem-F16s). He met his wife in Europe (yes, he finally got married), aUSAF Officer sta¬ tioned in Turkey. She, Melissa Hagen (a major in July), is stationed at Brooks (AFCEE). Their big news, she’s pregnant -their bigger news, after 18 weeks (and noticing she was getting alittle big faster than the pictures) the sonogram revealed twins. He has heard from Kara HAYES, Duff MCELLIGOTT in Dallas at Byron Nelson in May, Pete HARGROVE and Danielle Hatchet who live in San Antonio TX, Alex BAPTY at staff in AETC, Roger CLARK in Missouri (married with aone-year-old daughter), and Steve RUSIN flying CF-18 with the Canucks (wife, Dana, and two boys -future hockey stars of USAFA).

Pickle MCGILLICUDDY visited at ACSC on across-country. He is on his way to the Kun, and will be searching for all the golf courses in the East. Jeff HUFF (ag¬ gressors at Nellis) may be looking at the airlines, Jim GENSHEIMER is enjoying the lifestyle/family in Fort Worth. Dave HAGEN is acivilian-big city official in San Antonio. Greg BAUER is flying for American living in Park City and is getting mar¬ ried to aflight attendant. Doug WREATH was brought back on active duty in Au¬ gust (definitely amatter of national security) and volunteered for a“stat tour” job in SAF/LLH -it’s the legislative liaison office, and he works in with the small group in the House of Representatives. His better half, Jennifer (GRAHAM) WREATH ’86, is graduating from ACSC and moving into aPentagon job. Mark NOVAK is Gen¬ eral Lorenz’s exec (commandant-USAFA) for afew months. He will be “changing services” in October and has an Air National Guard flying job waiting with the Nebraska ANG. Lorrie (HAYWARD) NOVAK is also in the unit. She is now flying the 757/767 based out of Chicago. See photo from Mark and Lorrie’s wedding!

Maik and Lorrie Novak’s wedding. Some things get better with age!

Tom KOLKMEIER checked in to update his e-mail. Dave PARISH is flying 727 copilot for Delta out of DIAV. He just got married in October '97. Brad WEBB is headed off for Ft Bragg, Joint Special Operations Command, next week. Fred “Val” VALENTINE is taking command of acontracting squadron at Dyess. Myron FREE¬ MAN is currently stationed at Bolling AFB DC, home of the 11th Wing, “The Chief’s Own”. His unit reports directly to the chief of staff of the AF. As the Top Cop he lives on the base with his wife, Stephanie, and he has two children, Jesse (13) and Jessica (8). Jeff BURUM’s last day in uniform is 14 Aug, then he goes full time with Prudential Preferred Financial Services and his tax practice, in Colo Springs. Shawn KELLY is running ahigh-tech business in Michigan. He has two girls, five and seven. W. C. LEE left Cambridge and Harvard for the Mexican border in McAllen, TX Marty ELLINGSWORTH has been out since ’91 living in Southern California, making agood living in the health care and insurance services indus-

try. Married for 10 years with two daughters. Chris and Suzi ERICKSON have been very busy with work at MCI and they are really enjoying North Carolina, the new house and neighborhood. Their girls are growing like weeds. Kate is 51/2 and will start kindergarten and Madeline is 21/2 and starts preschool. The former “MA¬ JOR INTENSITY,” Chris built five raised beds for veggies this year and has relaxed with his lovely wife at Phantom of the Opera. Suzi let us know: Alan EWING is currently living in Albuquerque, NM with wife, Bev, and one son, Mitch (seven). He works for GE. Chip WEBB is currently living in Virginia with wife, Pia, also an AF officer. Had been stationed at the Pentagon but separated from the AF looking forward to getting hired with the airlines.

Alan BRIDGES wrote to let us know he is currently aSikorsky MH-53J evaluator pilot at Kirtland AFB, in Albuquerque, NM. He will be moving to Montgomery, AL, for ACSC. Tim BROWN and Ken ARTEAGA are two other rotorheads headed that way, Jim SIMON is still at the Academy teaching history. He has heard Karen COX is out at Vandenberg, CA, as the DO for the Huey unit there. He saw Derek ABEL come through Kirtland acouple of months ago after leaving the psych dept at the Zoo -he was in nav requal for MC-130P Shadow (helo tankers) at Eglin AFB. Pat TOLAN left the Law dept to come to Kirtland this summer to work in the legal office here -1 can’t remember the exact position.

It was good to hear from Ed DONA, who is married (Elda) and has two children, Alexander (she) and Reanna (four). As far his occupation goes, he is currendy a corporate finance manager with Orbital Sciences Corp., on agovernment exchange program. Normally, he is with the Ar Force Audit Agency as an audit manager (bean counter and CPA). Mike KUCEJ is stationed at Eielson in Alaska as squad¬ ron maintenance officer in the 18 FS. Arrived from Holloman Sep ‘96. Wife, Karine, and two kids, Mackenzie (daughter -4) and Mace (son -10 months), two dogs, Hanna and Helga.

Kent AYCOCK checked in to report Mark BLUMENTHAL is flying for UPS. Jeff JANSEN works as alitigation/trial attorney in Houston, TX. Steve GILLEN checked in right before the deadline to let us know that his wife, Denise (’85), is expecting their first child, agirl, within afew days. They promise to send us an update, but the birth will not be live on the Internet. Will send you an update, ThUgates coming: By the time you receive this, we should be ready to take on Las Vegas on Sept 12*. Also trying to get atailgate set up at TCU on September 26*. Thanks again for your inputs, please use the e-mail roster located on our page tokeepintouchwith eacli other. Please let me know if Ican do anything for you. By the way, where’s DJ! Keep in touch -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: 30

Hi everyone! First of all, Ihope that everyone’s gotten off to agreat start in ’98. Next I’d like to apologize to our classmates whose names Ididn’t automatically recognize (or look up) who were on the same schools list 1mentioned in the last article. I’d like to make amends by doing amore thorough job this time around. Dan (LEONARD) LEWANDOWSKI scrubbed the intermediate service school (ISS) residence program selectee list for us. According to Dan, the following ‘85ers wiU be joining him at Ar Command and Staff College next summer: Louis CASALE, Pete CASTOR, Chuck CATOE, Gordon HENDRICKSON, Blake MAHAN, Lamar PARKER, John ROBINSON, Glenn ROUSSEAU, Ron SANDERS, Paul SKOWRONEK and Mike ULISSE. Additionally, Dan says Jeff HARRIGIAN and Dave SUMRELL will join Keith lAMBERT at the Amy’s ISS. (Thanks Dan and congratulations everyone!)

Charles Edward, a.k.a. “Ched,” JONES e-mailed some related news. “Aas, the Charles Jones in the article (in the last Checkpoints about ISS residence program selectees) was not me. Ithink it was someone Qknows, though. Wasn’t there a Charles D. Jones in Blackjack 21 when you were afreshman? Iseem to recall receiving pieces of his mail by mistake when we entered our academic squad¬ rons ...oh so long ago! Yet it sometimes feels like only yesterday. (Actually, there was aCharles D. Jones in Magpies 28 our freshman/doolie year according to our ’82 Polaris. However, Idon’t think he graduated with us because he’s not listed in our ’85 Polaris.) Ivolunteered for ajob.,. (and) did get picked up for adeputy for operations job at 412 TW/EWW at Edwards AFB. I’ll be developing integrated models of threat integrated air defense systems and testing them against Blue systems in simuiations and ‘open air’ tests. Edwards is in the middle of nowhere, but Marsha has an aunt and cousin living in L.A. and Col Johnson’s sister and her children live in and around L.A. (Pasadena) too. So we plan to make the best of it.” (Thanks Ched and congratulations on your new assignment!)

Well, Ifinally caught up with Steven Keith LAMBERT. It was atreat. He was TDY out here (Peterson AFB, CO) to get his altitude chamber re-certification train¬ ing. He said, “Chief of STAN/EVAL can’t go around not being current!” Ayway, we got to have lunch at the China Pearl Restaurant (outside Pete’s main gate). The food was good, as usual, but the service was slooooow. Well, it was sort of “rush hour.” Ayway, Keith looked good. He (and Faye) had been going to the gym lately and it showed. Keep it up! It’s not too hard to lose momentum. For example, the first week of the new year our gym at Pete was overly crowded in the morning. Some of the guys in my office and Ihad been working out regularly so we decided to take aguess at how long the overcrowding would last. We guessed about one, two and three months, respectively. We all were wrong though. It actually only took about two weeks before the regular crowd got some elbowroom back! (Thanks again Keith.)

Icaught up with Miguel CARTER recently as well. Miguel had finally checked in with his former cadet sponsors, Juan and Sally Garcia. The Garcias graciously

passed on my number to Miguel and promptly invited me over during Mitel’s visit too. Of course Sally insisted we stay for dinner, unfortunately Renee’ missed out though. (She wasn’t feeling her best.) The Garcia’s are famous for their TexRican cuisine and they treated us to some Puerto Rican style beans and rice, roast pork and cooked plantains (Tostalitos?). It was great! Miguel and 1both ate too much but it was soooo good. I’m still trying to do extra workouts at the gym to get my waistline back. Anyway, Miguel lives in Denver now and works in the Resi¬ dential Consumer Sales Department at MCI in Denver. He married Jaqueline in 1996. He and laqueline have an eight-month-old daughter, Cynthia Michelle, and another child on the way. (Congratulations!)

Renee’ and 1recently celebrated our seventh anniversary by taking atrip to San Diego, CA over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend. I’ll spare you by not including apicture of us this time; however, you guys need to send me pic¬ tures with your news sometimes! Anyway, neither one of us had ever been to San Diego before, so we went to check it out. We stayed on the beach in the Navy Inn at North Island Naval Air Station (Coronado Island). It was really nice and reason¬ ably priced. We went to the world- famous San Diego Zoo, saw the koala, giant (actually kind of small) panda and polar bears, and other exotic animals. We also visited the original Sea World and some museums, including the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum and Scripps Institute of Oceanography (University of Cali¬ fornia, San Diego). Iwent scuba diving too. Imade three dives: Ruby Ewreck, NOSC Fingers and NRAD Reef, and had ablast. We both had agreat time. If you haven’t been there, Irecommend you consider it when planning your next vaca¬ tion.

Robert Earl GILMORE sends the following news... Iam doing fine. Blessed and married to Carmelita. We are in our 13* year. We have two boys, Robert, Jr. and Fred Andrew, III. The boys are 11 and 9on 23 Feb., respectively. Iam adata ana¬ lyst at Olsten Health Services. Ihave been adata analyst for going on eight years now. It was aperfect match for my math background. We live in Blue Springs, MO. We have been here going on eight years. Love being acivilian but miss the tighter camaraderie one experiences in the military. Ray HARRIS is here also. 1 haven’t talked to him since Ileft DST Systems, Inc. last April. It was very surpris¬ ing to run into him. He greeted me with “fast, neat, average, friendly, good, good." Iwasn’t sure it was him at first until he came back with his greeting. It was really nice to meet agrad here in the Kansas City area. (Thanks for the scoop Robert and congratulations on your IS* anniversary!)

Irecently met Steve COOKE’s wife, Patty, and their daughter, Allie. They’re both darling. Steve’s apretty lucky guy! He knows it too. He said he’s “blessed with a great family.” (Congratulations on your 12* wedding anniversary!)

Jonathan FRENCH sends the following news ... This is Jon French (Frenchy), just anote to say that I’m alive and well in Los Angeles, CA. My wife, Tracy, and I have three beautiful children: Nick 7, Presley 5, and Chance, 8months (Chance is named after Chance LOtiETTE, my roomy at school). I’m in the Springs often and whUe there usually stop to see Doug WELLS, A.J. (SCOTT) and John JORDAN (PCSed to D.C. last year). Ihave been in LA. for about eight years working for Lockheed Martin. Itook ayear away from LA last year to work at Patrick AFB for 11 months. Iwork on the range communications development contract (RCDC) in building 110. Ijust heard from Frank GALLAGHER and Jim MECKOLL, both are at Nellis AFB. Jim is flying F-15s in the weapons school and Frank is an instructor at the Space Weapons School. Also Chance LOVETTE is at Eglin flying F-15s. Congrats on your anniversary. My wife, Tracy, and Iwill celebrate 10 years next month. (Thanks Jon and congratulations on your 10* anniversary!)

Kurt HELD sends the following news... Jeff SIEGEL and Iboth took early retire¬ ment. I’ll retire on 1Aug and Jeff on 1Sep. 1think we are the first in our class to retire, excluding medical retirements. Jeff, George HUPR Steve VISEL, and Iare all meeting in Las Vegas this weekend for Max Retch ‘98, Prior enlisted/Preppy get together. Jeff and Iwill see If we can lose our first retirement checks. Hope all Is well for you and yours. Diane and Iare expecting number three in May. Iplan to go to the vet and get tutored after that. (Thanks Kurt and congratulations on num¬ ber three and the retirement.)

Danny TOPP sends the following news ... (Danny and Grace’s baby was still born.) The folks at the hospital really helped the situation both before and after the baby died. They called achaplain and he came right over to visit Grace and me in the hospital room. That helped the both of us alot. Legally...medically, the baby was only afetus not aperson at 16 weeks gestation. Grace and Idisagreed. We named our little boy Jarod Nelson Topp. Grace is doing well and came home from the hospital today. We are talking about trying again but will take some time to recover. (We’re really sorry for your loss and remember you in our prayers.)

Well, that’s all for now. Remember to send me your news and pictures so Ican get them in the next issue.

God bless ...

Bob Colella

1304 Cheatham Court

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (816) 747-7964

DSN: 975-3248

E-mail: rcolella@iLand.net

Percent members: 32

I’ve got those post NORI blues -wing was rated excellent (knock me over with a feather), but we could have done better and will next time for sure, ATTENTION IN THE AREA: You can read this and other scribe musings “insert shameless plug for Kevin YEOMANS” on the Class of‘86 homepage at http://members.aol.com/ usafa86/pr05.htm. Speaking of having no shame, our first note is from Pete WIL¬ SON. But first alitde history (dim the lights). When we were firsties, just yester¬ day, there was aCadet Wing Bulletin, (you know the clipboard right next to the Cadet X/Arman Y/Captain Z) and Iswear the only time Iever read it in four years

was on this one occasion. (I was iooking for ajuicy cadet Xietter and grabbed the wrong ciipboard.) There was an ad to sign up to go see “Bomb Comp 85.’’ ias¬ sumed it was the dropping of bombs in acompetitive format. Littie did Iknow that this event wouid be my first of aitogether too many experiences with the B52/Barksdaie AFB/SAC (RiP). Turns out this was THE Bomb Comp Symposium (Greek for iots of beer). and that is where Ifirst met and bonded with Pete Wiison. (No one eise read the buiietin so we got to go! My one and oniy good deai besides having Rob SLOAN -who never writes -as my roommate for two years.)

So.. .Pete writes, after Ihunted him down iike the dog he is: "My Dearest Friend Bob, You caught me right in the middie of aPCS to Honduras. Iam here remote for one year, at the ioveiy Soto Cano Air Base. Iam working as the deputy director of Operations, J-3, in Army speak. Big change from flying airpianes, which Ihad been doing for the iast 11 years. Not abad piace, just wish Icouid have avoided it. Iam scheduled (his words not mine -wonder what she thinks about her current time siot?) to get married to my sweetheart of the iast seven years in Charieston, SCon25Aprii, 1998. (Anotheriategift!) Aftermyyearhere,IwaspromisedaC-17 to Charieston AFB, it is even on my orders. (Someone in the ciass of '85 reading this at MPC just feii out of his chair.) So here Iam for ayear, working with the Army, which makes one appreciate the choices made when young. Thanks for hunting me down (iike the dog Iam). Pete, former bomb comp companion.” Our next ietter comes aii the way from Georgia! Isn’t that Peachy? SkiZANIEWSKI writes “I ran into Tony AMADEO here at Robins iast week, icame over from the Joint STARS side to be atwo-wheeier’s exec and saw him at his haie and fareweii. He’s on his way from Robins to the Pentazoo to do more F-15 FMS work. (Still not married -hey how do you tell if afighter pilot is in the same room as you? He will tell you.) its Zoo east here at Robins. Mike (Dewey) EDWARDS is flying Joint STARS until he gets out. He’s doing great, has super wife and just had their second kid. John MILLER just recendy moved to the Pentagon from JSTARS. He’s a1JSTARS and AWACS backender (hey this is afamily newsletter mister!) and loving life at the puzzle palace. We had the opportunity to do the Paris Airshow and some follow-on testing with other NATO ground stations this summer. As always. Big John (Grand Jon in Francais) is ablast to be around. Also ran into Mike THERIANOS (Moose) from my zoo squadron at Kadena AB. He is doing aremote at Osan and will be back to the states this summer (hey Gary, look this guy up for card night). He told me all about the reunion. Sounds like Imissed quite the bash (you did), but moving to Georgia with anewborn took priority. As for me, Ijust started as an aide-de-camp (all this French, I’m having doolie flashbacks) after doing the Joint STARS thing at Melbourne, FL and then starting up the first operational unit at Robins. Igot married just over four years ago, had our first 2018 USAFA grad 19 months ago and have a2020er on the way. V/R Ski CS-19, fellow red tag bastard.” In my year at this post 1have determined that there is no one out there who has ugly kids or rotten wives. Well, at least none of them write. Got anote from Todd MOODY who notes in his letter that he should have written along time ago. Hmmmm, that sound like athought you might be having right now! So what are you waiting for? Got ugly kids? Arotten vrife? Well, pick up apen or better yet -email me! “I have been meaning to do this for along time, but never got around to it. (See, Iwasn’t just making it up!) Got my Checkpoints in the mail today so Ide¬ cided to do it while it was still on my mind. (What aGREAT idea!) 1was one of the few that actually moved squadrons from 3rd to 9th. Iam currently working at Altus as aKC-135 IP in the 55th ARS. There are several other ‘86ers here, George FULLER, (Ahem, that is George PFuller Wfellow RoadRunner, who by the way was true to his word when he told us all that he was going to marry the girl he took to the ring dance. That wouldn’t be so powerful astatement if he had had adatehe didn’t until right before the dance, and lo and behold, he did marry Brenda and they have aGeorge RFuller the Vand some others, but he doesn’t write much or talk much for that matter except for his occasional prophecies. Don’t know if the kids are ugly or Brenda’s disposition, Iguess we just have to hope for the best...) Mark TRUDEAU, and Scott CURTIS. Mark is an instructor nav in the KC-135 and George is an IP in the KC-135 and they are both working in the 54 ARS as part of the CFIC cadre. Scott is an IP in the C-141. Iwas passed over and am waiting for the other shoe to drop and working on finding aGuard/Reserve job, along with an airline job. There hasn’t been abetter time to get out and get an airline job. Per¬ haps it is ablessing in disguise, time will tell. Iam married to awonderful gal from Iowa named Kristi (see, there it is again) and we have two kids, Katie age four (almost five) and Nicholas age two. It’s been atough year for us, we got flooded out in Grand Forks and lost alot of stuff in our basement, including all my Acad¬ emy yearbooks. (We can only pray that his volume of ESHBACH survived!) I’ve seen Evan THOMAS. He was flying the F-16 for the North Dakota ANG down in Fargo, Iread about him in Air Force Times as having been selected to test pilot school and saw that he was at Hector field. We did manage to get together before he PCSed. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Natalie, and they have two boys. (We don’t hear from them here at the news desk, draw your own conclu¬ sions. Mrs. Colella says you can dress ugly children in nice clothes and nobody will notice...) He actually got offered atest pilot school slot from the U.K. as well as the USAF one, and took the one to Britain (traitor -hope he chokes on acrum¬ pet). Last 1heard he was at Edwards testing stuff (imagine that). Warm Regards, Todd Moody.”

This just in: Scott CAMPBELL, CS-24, currently: C-5 evaluator pilot, wing exec, Dover AFB, DE will be attending ACSC, Aug ’98. By the way, you are doing agreat job with the Checkpoints article every quarter. (Thank you, thank you very much.) This just flew in as well! We are taking e-mail hits from all over; it is acommuni¬ cation extravaganza! Don’t miss out next quarter! “Guess who? Greetings from Sacramento. Ihope you are doing well. Ithink we may have been in aclass to¬ gether (I bet he copied my notes) and 1do know who you are. (I think he is stalk¬ ing me.) Tm sending you the information below to see if you would like to include it in the Class News section of Checkpoints. (Hello, it’s either this or get out the Register of Graduates and make abunch of stuff up just like the last three updates -sorry Angie.) 1was in 17th Squadron and was an allied graduate (from Panama)

in our graduating class. (Who is this guy?) Iam acivil servant for the state of California. Earlier this year, Istarted helping out the California state treasurer and 1975 graduate Matt FONG in his election campaign. Matt is running for the U.S. Senate as aRepublican and will challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer in November. Iwas avolunteer In the campaign and my job was to keep the Hispanic media in California informed about Matt and his campaign. This is the first time 1have ever done anything like this and it was atremendous experience. At times Ifelt like 1was flying by the seat of my pants, but 1was able to get Matt exposure in the Spanish language media. The main thing that 1wanted to tell you was that Matt has appointed me assistant state treasurer and executive director of the California School Finance Authority. 1will be running savings pro¬ grams designed for school kids. Regards, Raul.” (Anybody know this guy? 1don’t think he is married or has kids.)

BABY BOOM! Babies everywhere! Little Falcons! “Little Princess born May 7, 1998 at 4:09 a.m. (Good time to finish up aScribe note or aMech report or witness abirth) Name; Rebekah Simone Armstrong. A.K.A. Baby Face Armstrong. Jackie is doing extremely well and Gregory is the proudest big brother you could find on this earth! He takes great pride in holding her and making sure she is okay at any time. He is the perfect big brother! God Bless you all, Fred, Jackie, Gregory, and Rebekah.”

This in from Steve SILVER. Steve was agood friend of mine at the Zoo, but he never writes so Ithreatened to expose him if he didn’t and this is what he had to say. “I’m not living in San Francisco because 1am ahomosexual. (As you can tell I had to use harsh tactics to get him to write.) Boy was Isurprised to hear from you. (He owes me money.) It brought back those nightmares of Engineering 110, and me pretending to know what was going on, and just copying all of your homework...boy were those the days. (WHAT! another phony friendship forged over my class notes -you can see why none of you are getting my ACSC notes! Not that 1have any, Ijust took all the tests cold. 1do have adiploma though.) Not much going on in San Francisco. 1just got out of the Air National Guard here In the Bay. 1was flying HH-60s. Kind of asvritch from the active-duty U-2s, but then again strange things happen when an airline furlough is on the horizon. The fur¬ lough never happened, so 1guessed wrong (like so many GRs Tm sure), I’m stUl at United. Ijust started flying 777s, so it should be anice change of pace. Best wishes to all. Steve Silver.”

We’ll that’s about all for now. Keep those letters coming, really, even if you don’t have awonderful wife or beautiful children! 1will be available for next quarter’s duty in the event that Beak is still on Hiatus after ayear of remote! That is alot of making up to do! Welcome Home Beaker! Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars! Bob “Cactus” Colella

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti

304 North Road Garden City NY 11530 (516) 745-6059

E-mail: giletti@aol.com

Percent members: 37

Hi again! It’s hard to believe that another class has entered the ranks of gradu¬ ates and will be submitting their adventures to Checkpoints. Personally, 1love reading all of the other classes’ inputs. The things people do and the places they go are so interesting. We made atrip to West Point, NY (to take the dog to the vet, if you can believe it!) and it’s amazing how similar cadets look no matter the loca¬ tion or era. West Point cadets also instinctively race to your car when you roll the window down to ask for directions! It was fun touring around. The last time I was there (a football game), 1didn’t take the time to check the place out -it wasn’t exactly apriority at the time! The place really does look like aprison compared to USAFA, although the architecture and history are impressive, Ihave to admit though that Ihad an incredible urge the entire time to yell “AIR FORCE” at the top of my lungs! So as to not embarrass my kids, Irefrained. Anyway, Ileft there feeling pretty proud of my time in the AF and damn happy Iwent to USAFA and not West Point, or Annapolis for that matter!

On with the news! Iheard from Clive CHI in April. He’s beenout of theAF since October 1994 and is living in Los Angeles. Since his separation, he has started up his own business called Sonic Sports, Inc.! At Sonic, they design, manufacture and market in-line skating accessories. They sell across the U.S. and in about 20 foreign countries. One of their products was included in adesign collection in the Museum of Modern Art here in NYC; they also have been awarded aU.S. patent and have acouple others pending. Sounds like afun and challenging job! Clive’s also in the USAFR working for the Defense Logistics Agency, plays competitive roller hockey, and even finds time for volunteer work -quite afull plate.

Frank AMSLER says hi. He’s currently out of the AF and makes Houston, TX his home with his wife, Paula (an AF nurse), and two kids, Danny (4) and Mary Beth (8 months). Frank began his AF career at Williams, but messed up his eustachian tube and had to be grounded. Tm sure this was not apleasant experience, but that’s how he met Paula! Soon after, he PCSd to Wright-Patterson (working in acquisition), got out in 1992 and then earned his MBA from the University of Texas in 1994. He works for Merrill Lynch In an area called “high-net-worth private client services” doing financial structuring -for aclientele with amuch higher income level than any of us will ever have to worry about, Tm sure!

Frank passed on some Info from afew other classmates as well. Tom and Bonnie (HAAGENSON) STEINBRUNNER are in Bitburg, Germany. Tom is working at Bitburg Hospital and pined on major in May -congrats. Bonnie is working in the Reserves at Spangdahlem AB and is busy at home with Erich (5), Niklas (1) and a third son that has surely been born by the time this article gets out. Also at Spangdahlem are Chuck TOPLIKAR and Steve “Flint” OLMOS. Chuck is an F-15 pilot and he and his wife, Lori, have two children (Chas and Jessilyn). Steve works

in the IG office and has two daughters. Tim GOLDEN and his wife, Kathy, are in Boston. Tim is getting aPh.D. in occupational psychology and Kathy works in the investment arena. Murf CLARK is at the Academy with Ace SHRUM, Curtis JOHANSON and Steve LEGRAND, Murf is teaching English, as is Steve, while the T-3 is still grounded. He’s really an IE Lucky for him he finished his master’s de¬ gree in English Lit at Notre Dame in 1995! Murf is married and he and his wife, Andrea, have two children, Erin (6) and John (4). Ace is CS-14's AOC -poor kids. And Curtis is teaching in the Econ and Geography Department.

1got aquick note from Scott “Dutch” MURRAY who is happily leaving his re¬ mote assignment in Korea to join his family for aPCS to Spangdahlem (obviously the place to be in this article!). He'll be the intelligence flight commander for the 52“« Fighter Wing.

Lee “Ice” ICENHOUR is still at Ramstein and has some more updates for us. He says in his letter, “Dale REYNOLDS and his family (Yolanda, twins Darren and Phillip) are doing atwo-year stint in Korea and are hoping for afollow-on to Hurlbert Field, FL. Dale sent an e-mail to say that Yollie is expecting again -aboy! Patrick VETTER and wife, Michele, have left Lajes and should be settling into their new assignment at the Pentagon. Hans LAUDERBACH is flying the SACEUR’s C-9 out of Belgium. Isee Hans more at Andrews than in Europe. Steve DORIAN and his wife are enjoying the D.C. area. Steve flies the C-20B and Hmodels (Gulfstream III and rVs) and is worldng Wing Safety. They know agreat Greek restaurant in Alexandria and are great hosts to us TDY sluggos, Mike and Amy BETTNER are doing great with their new family in the Springs. They have two wonderful chil¬ dren just recently adopted from Russia. Mike is an expert home brew master and is great vrith the grill! Dave KRAL left the Medevac C-9s here at Ramstein and should be in the C-17 at Charleston. Zach BERGAZIN and Iare in the 76 AS at Ramstein. Zack is ADO flying the C-21. Ifly the C-20 and serve as alowly flight commander. Kevin ROGERS is working Stan/Eval at Davis-Monthan, AZ. While traveling Space-A through Dover, my wife and Iran across Mike LOWRY who is headed to Altus this summer to be aschoolhouse FRED instructor. He said Chris RENNER is at the little base in Los Angeles and is excited about being amajor. The biggest surprise of the trip was seeing Lou DEFIDELTO. He flies with the Dover Reserves now after leaving the F-15 world. He also flies the 757 and 767 for United and is loving life. Sarah ZABEL is down in Stuttgart, Germany working for the DCINCEUR and though she travels alot with her job, she does have to suffer through my landings.”

Thanks abunch to everyone who wrote in -1 love getting e-mail! Congratula¬ tions to all our new majors out there! The list was to be released acouple of days after Isubmitted this. Ihope you had agreat summer and I’d love to get some snapshots for Checkpoints. Later -S.

Mark Peters

1218 Red Oak Court

Vacaville, CA 95687-7601

Home: (707) 452-0900

Work: DSN 837-7250 or (707) 424-7250

E-mail: pylt@msn.com or pylt@hotmail.com

Percent members: 38

I \Bl / C'i)

Hi 88! Iget to give some space back to the editor this time around. Low on inputs -is everyone busy looking for jobs on the outside? Also, an incorrect email address in the previous columns may have something to do with it. If you didn’t have any luck getting through on your previous e-mails, please try the two listed above. Idid receive two e-mails in April that I’ll cut and paste here. Jim SISLER sent aphoto vrith his as well.

“I’m an instructor pilot in the F-15E at Seymour. I've got two kids now, Kathryn (5) and Austin (3). My wife, Joyce, keeps busy running ahome travel agency in between taking care of the kids while I’m TDY. Besides the guys listed above, also at Seymour are Carl BUTTS, Jim BESSEL, Scott DRINKARD, Mike LARAMEE, Sean SOUTHWORTH, Ed VANGHEEM, and Nick RADOVCICH (’87). John PAYNE keeps in touch from McConnell where he has two women on his hands and can’t figure out which one to get ‘hitched’ to. Paul ESPERANTE (Started in ’88) is down in Del Rio. Dan URIBE, his wife, Sylvia, and kids are out in C. Springs. Tm sure there are some that I’ve missed -sorry! Hope to see everybody there for the ’88 reunion!”

Also writing in April were the ROSENs with the following on their latest move. “Just aquick note to let you all know we’re hitting the road, off to anew assign¬ ment! This week (16 Apr) we’re loadin' up the camper and headed east for Lee’s new assignment at the Pentagon. I’ll be on the ‘Joint Staff’ (J35) working National Space Support to Operations (I’ll explain it to ya later!). We bought ahouse in Centreville, VA (commute from hell on Route 66) that y' all (practicing to become a Southerner) are always welcome in. Dorth and Emma are looking forward to ex¬ ploring the East Coast and having afun summer. We’ll be off the e-mail for awhile starting 15 Apr as we’re going thru acomputer upgrade/move so we’ll have to communicate the old fashioned way for awhile. Here’s what you need to do that: 13710 Northbourne Dr., Centreville, VA 20120, (703) 968-8388.”

Ijust came back from my second deployment at Diego Garcia, part of the beau¬ tiful British Indian Ocean Territory. If you’ve got to deploy, it’s not abad place to be. It’s much nicer than any of our Middle East options. Our return leg ended up being ashort 70-hour Pacific Ocean tour with stops in Japan, Thailand, Guam and Hawaii. With all those legs it almost felt as if Iwas on aC-141 crew!

While Iwas in Diego Garcia Imet vrith Mark WOITAS who’s flying the B-52 at Barksdale. He’s married (Bridget!) and has three girls. Mark went to UPT at Vance, then spent four years at Minot in the B-52. After Minot, he spent three years at a great assignment in Hondo, TX with the T-3 (the pre-UPT checkout program). He then re-qualled at Barksdale, arriving there last year. Mike BARNETT is also at Barksdale in the Buff. He was previously at K.I. Sawyer, then AETC. Mike DELUCIA was also at Hondo, and has also gone to Barksdale for the B-52. Joe ABEL is still at Hondo.

Ijust talked to Scott SMITH for some additional column info. Scott went to Co¬ lumbus for UPT, got FAIPED (“It wasn’t that bad.”), and then went to Eglin as an engineer for two and half years. He then got aC-5 to Travis, He’s hoping to leave Travis in January to fly T-37s at Randolph for pilot instructor training. Kip TURAIN, also at Travis in the KC-IO, reports that he’ll be easy to spot at the reunion since he’ll be wearing the special ’88 sweats. He’s passed some additional info on '88ers: David ARGYLE and Bill BROOMHEAD are flying with American Airlines as 727 flight engineers. David is based in New York while Bill is out of Cincinnati. Bill’s also recently married. Rafael MARRERO is out of the AF, now working for Clorox and living in Sacramento.

Lastly, I’ll give you some info on my brother David’s latest move. After agreat tour at Tinker as the chief of the Financial Management Section, B'** Combat Com¬ munications Group, David will be PCSed to Langley by the time this shows up in print. He’ll be abudget analyst at HQ ACC. As for me, things are “flexible” right now. I’ll share abit more in alater column. In the meanwhile, please send me some e-mail and Ihope to see you at the reunion on October 1st!

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 1410 Rockford Dive Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (660) 429-1198

DSN: 975-3215

E-mail: patibb@iland.net

Percent members: 39

r1Greetings ‘89ers! Ihope everyone had agreat summer. Iwas just browsing the web (how can you spend several hours on the web and think it was just afew minutes?), and thought Iwould update you on the ’89 web page. “T” TUNG’s Class of ’89 Home Page (our official class web site) is now linked through USAFA Net, an unofficial web guide to USAFA maintained by Chuck BAIRD (’94). The address is http://www.usafa.net. To view our class page, go to graduates, then to 1989. We should have the link established through the AOG soon, and their ad¬ dress is http://www.aog-usafa.org. Rondall RICE is still running our Gone But Not Forgotten page, and his address is http://members.aol.com/RondallRR/ usafa89.html/. Hopefully by the time this is published we vrill have the Gone But Not Forgotten page linked through the Class of’89 Home page. Please check out these pages and provide feedback to the authors. “T” and Rondali have spent a great deal of time creating these sites for us -thanks for your hard work guys!

“I’ve had this picture for awhile, so Ithought I’d send it and update you on afew 1988ers. First of ali, the picture is from the summer of ’97 desert tour tor the 336 FS Rockets. From left are Darin COLARUSSO, Jim SISLER (me), Brian HUNTLEY, and Stacey KNUTZEN. We survived the 120-degree heat, no gas, and chicken knuckles with rice for dinner each night. While there, Isaw Pete UCHMANOWICZ during an exercise. Dover BELL was also therewith his MC-130 unit.

CLASS OF 1988 10-YEAR REUNION

Homecoming 1998

30 September -4October 1998

USAFA versus New Mexico

We are starting to form the committees for our 10-year reunion. Our class presi¬ dent, Don SIMPSON, and Stephen WHITING vrill be co-chairmen for our reunion. Don is out of the Air Force, working for IBM in Denver and Stephen works at FalconAFBinColorado Springs. We are still looking for voiunteers to help, so anyone interested please contact me and Ivrill pass along the information. Don and Stephen would like to have all the committees formed soon, which should allow me to publish the list of contacts in the November issue of Checkpoints.

Tony SOMMER dropped me aline from Minneapolis, where he is amarketing manager at General Mills (you know, Wheaties, Cheerios, Betty Crocker, etc.). Tony left the Air Force two years ago, having been stationed with AWACS at Tinker. He joined the Reserves as apart-timer last year, signing on with the AWACS reserve squadron at Tinker. He and his wife, Robin, had their first baby, Elizabeth Megan, earlier this year. Tony keeps in regular contact vrith Jeff KAMNIKAR, Mitch NITTA, Craig MICHAELIS, and Don SIMPSON. Kam was stationed at NORAD, but left in July for Korea. Mitch works for Citicorp in Dallas as asoftware developer. Craig is amaintenance supervisor for James River Paper in Green Bay. Thanks for writing, Tony!

Iheard from Lee ACKER in April. He separated from the Air Force in ’93, and spent the last five years in Germany and Bermuda. He now lives in Silver Springs, MD working as afinancial advisor for Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc. Lee recently joined the AOG and is now "catching up’’ with the class, and is looking forward to the reunion next year. Thanks for the note, Lee. Look forward to seeing you in '99! Also in April Iheard from Eric CASLER, who recently PCSdfromRobinsAFB, GA to Altus AFB to work as aKC-135 CCTS instructor. He and his wife, Christa, are getting settled on their 25-acre mini-farm, where they are learning about llamas vrith the help of the three they own. They are also looking into getting acouple of trail horses to ride around, since they live out in the "boonies’’! Thanks for writ¬ ing, Eric.

In May, Rob MANTZ and one of my old doolie roommates, Dan WHISENANT (Whiz), wrote to say hello. Rob is at Wright-Pat, where he said so far his entire career has been in labs and school. In September Rob will tie the knot. Whiz is finishing his third year at San Diego State University, and is off to L.A. to be asys¬ tems acquisition officer. He is actually a’90 grad, but started with ’89 (where a large part of his heart is!). Thanks for the notes guys!

Stella SMITH wrote to say she is at Kunsan AB as amaintenance officer in the 35“> FS. Dave THOLE is also in the 35* FS flying F- 16s, and Dave HLATKY is flying F-16s in the 80* FS. Joe MILNER is at Kunsan AB in the security forces squadron, where he replaced another '89er, Jim SEWARD. While at Cope Thunder Stella ran into Mike SMITH, who is apilot stationed there at Eielson AFB. Angela THORNHILL separated from the Air Force and is an attorney at aprestigious law firm in Bir¬ mingham, AL. She is also amember of the Reserve unit at Maxwell AFB. Thanks for writing Stella.

Lastly, Iheard from Jeff and Laura RICH. Jeff sent me an e-mail with afull page of addresses! I’ve never seen that many addresses -isn’t e-mail awonderful thing! He was just hired by UPS as aDC-8 flight engineer, and he and Laura will be mov¬ ing to Louisville, KY after their house sells.

Ireally appreciate those of you who took the time to write. As you know, firing off an e-mail takes very little time, but your classmates really benefit. Iwould like to see more pictures in the column -1 could start printing shots from doolie year! Grab acamera and take some pictures, or grab apicture you already have, and send it to me. If apicture is worth athousand words, Ican go over the column page limit with only one shot! Take care and God bless.

Box with 1989 News: Capt. Rick Peddycord was killed in an airplane crash on 5 June 97 in Randolph County, NC. His family is in the process of gathering letters from individuals about Rick to prepare amemento book for his son, Benjamin. Should you have some personal insight about Rick and want to contribute to this effort, please forward aletter to: Master Benjamin A. Peddycord, 1936 Candlewood Drive, Navarre, FL 32566.

Joseph C. Richardson

535A 6th St. Circle Robins AFB, GA 31098

Home: (912) 923-7602

Work: (912) 327-3297

E-mail: jrichal212@aol.com

Percent members: 35

Greetings Most Wonderful and Glorious Class, Itrust that these greetings find you all in the best of health and happiness. Things here in Warner Robins, GA are going well. The family and Iare reily enjoying the warm weather and pretty sunshine. It’s especially nice when my wife and Itake our nice midnight walks and it’s still 80 degrees out! Hope life is treating you all well wherever you are, and speaking of you all, let’s get on to what’s going on in your neck of the woods...

Words have reached me from Ted WILSON. He is doing the Ramstein thing and e-mailed me apicture of him receiving the Company Grade Officer of the Year for the OSS over there. Congratulations Ted! Yet another member of the most glori¬ ous class showing that once again we are all that, everything, and some more! He’s heading up Operation AIR FORCE for Ramstein this year, so Ted, when you get the skinny on what’s going on in Academy life, hit me up again with an update for all the glorious people out there. Great hearing from you my friend. Zac and Nancy BELCHER checked in from Cincinnati, OH. Zac has been out of the AF for ayear now and is apurchasing manager for Procter &Gamble. He says he loves the company and his job. He says that adjusting to the outside has been fantastic. This picture of the BELCHERs was taken at Cocoa Beach. Here we have his Zac and his wife, Nancy, son Jacob, and daughter Abigail.

He says that he sees quite abit of Jeff and Emily JOURNEY. Jeff works for GeneraJ Electric there in Cincinnati. Also, Chris BLUE recendy started working for Lucent Technologies in Dallas, which happens to be where his wife. Sue, is from. Brad NORRIS will be PCSing to Virginia at the end of the year and is looking for¬ ward to completing his master’s before leaving Los Angeles. Zac also has spoken to Rod PEOPLES and reports that he, wife U-ish, daughter Kami, and son Derek are all doing great in Wyoming. Zac also reports asighting of MarkTHONNINGS working his way recently through Wright-Patterson as well. Thanks for the most glorious update Zac!

Dave KING sends areport from the Management Department at the Academy. He and his wife, Simera, and son Zachary are back there living in Briargate, and have been since Dec 97. He reports that Mike THIRTLE got out of the Air Force and is graduating from RAND Graduate School with aPh.D. in policy analysis and is going to work for Price Waterhouse. Additionally, Mike and his wife, Denise, just had (18 May) their first child, Natalie Brooke. Congratulations you guys. Matt SANTONI is back at the Academy working as an Econ instructor and should have gotten married by now to Allison, who he met while at AETC in San Antonio. Steve FRASER is also back at camp USAFA and will be teaching in the Management Department as well. He and his wife, Darcy, are expecting their first child even now as we speak. Thanks for the update Dave!

James LAW fired off some news from the Gainesville, FL area. He actually wrote me from the pool where he is soaking up the sun in the midst of getting his master’s in mass communication. He was due at Mt. Home AFB in June to be the chief of Public Affairs for the Air Expeditionary Wing there. He reports going to the Jeff DENNIS wedding in abeautiful outdoor ceremony in Santa Maria, CA. Boy, Jeff, would we love to have afew pictures of that (hint hint). Other than that, things seem to be going well for my ole pal James. Imiss you bro, and hopefully it won’t be too long before our paths cross again and we can reminisce about old times!

The ever-faithful James SANCHEZ piped info in concerning that great usafa90.com web page. Check it out if you haven’t already..it is fantastic! He has posted all of the Checkpoints articles he has on the web site going all the way back to 1996 on the ’90 news page. As of my latest update, there are also 257 e-mail addresses listed, and 84 bases/companies, as well as several memorial links. Thanks for all the hard work and effort James. We of the most glorious class cer¬ tainly do appreciate it.

Louis DEFELICE checked in from avery interesting place. He and wife, Laura, are in Evanston going to business school at the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He will be working at ENRON Capital and Trade in Houston for his summer internship and will finish up Kellogg in Jun of ’99. He and his wife have three kids, Joey-5, Nicholas-3, and Ellie-1. Lou says that if anyone is thinking about going to business school to give him acall. He is working on adatabase of alumni at other business schools from all the academies and where they are going in in¬ dustry. He says that if anyone is ever passing through Chicago to please look him up. Lou gives an update on Steve BRANDT, who is down at Tyndall and got picked up as alternate for test pilot school. In addition to he and his wife, Lisa, having two kids (Steven-5 and Rachel-3) they are also expecting athird soon. Dan WHISENANT, aka Wiz, has turned up the heat on us all. He is at San Diego State University and was just selected as AFROTC Education Officer of the Year -top EO out of 144 nationwide. Go Wiz! Anne(PARKER) DUKE is the newest executive officer for the finest demonstration team in the world, the USAF Thunderbirds out at Nellis (another Bulldawg done good). Sam SVITENKO is an instructor pilot flying C-5s out at Travis and his wife, Laurie (MAHER ’91), is at law school and running her own computer business (word is out that she can get you some great prices on some things). Lou also reports running into Donnie HANKS over the Christmas holidays in Colorado Springs, and Kevin PAULSON last February. Kevin is out of the Air Force (still in the Guard) up in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Anna, have alittle boy Johnnie (3) and alittle girl Eleni (5). Thanks for the update Louis, Look forward to chatting again with you soon!

Paul and Katie (CALLAHAN ’88) WELCH cybered me from MacDill AFB, FL. They were married in May of 1993 and report no kids yet. Paul is acomm engineer and Katie’s asoftware engineer. They were previously stationed at Tinker AFB, OK and seem to keep themselves busy in high ops tempo/tdy rates units. Paul just took command on 22 Apr of one of the joint squadrons and is looking forward to the fun and challenges that will bring to him. Well if anybody has what it takes Paul, it certainly is you. Thanks for the update friend!

Steve JAMES, better known as the last graduate of the Class of ’90, checked in with us. He’s been married for nearly eight years to the former Nicci Cox of Colo¬ rado Springs. They have atwo-year-old daughter, Madeleine, and Nicci is due with their second daughter on July 28th. Steve was stationed at Tyndall AFB, FL for over four years and then spent two years at Randolph on the AETC HQ staff. He is, by trade, amaintenance officer with experience on fighter aircraft. He ar¬ rived at Wright-Pat last May to begin his master’s in acquisition logistics. He is slated to graduate in September and begin work at the F-22 SPO. Boy, what astory Steve, Truly you are living ablessed life and our thoughts and prayers continue with you and your family!

Igot apostcard from Joe, Michelle, and Gabriel SHAHID. They are currently in Altus, OK, so look them up if you’re passing through. Jon C. SEXTON checked in from Shreveport, LA. He is currently aB-52 instructor pilot at Barksdale where he and his wife, Sara (SPOSATO ’91), are expecting their first child. He says that he recendy returned from the beautiful island of Diego Garcia into amini class re¬ union with classmates from both B-52 and KC-10 squadrons. With him in Diego from B-52s were Alex COS, Dan MANUEL, James SHUMAKER, Russ HART, Shan¬ non KRUSE, Steve ARBETMAN, and William SIMPSON, Also, Grant CHRISTIANSON, Mark JOHNSON, and Jacquelyn MARTY were there from the KC10 community. Thanks for the update Jon. There were afew names there that I haven’t heard in, oho, about eight years or so.

Winding down here, Kevin ROOTS e-mailed me from the D.C. area where he and Raymond DUDLEY are both civilians making it in the info tech world. Ray is

reportedly happily married and the proud papa of afuture shooting guard! Kevin got his MBA from Georgetown and is currently working in aconsulting/network integration practice. Great hearing from you Kevin, Tell Raymond Isaid hello and that I’m holding down the fort here in Warner Robins for him in his absence.

Lastly, but certainly not least, my old preppie friend Brian JAMES checked in with ole “sugar lips” He married Trinette and they have two kids, Brylen (3) and Jordyn (2). Brian has had quite the Air Force tour so far. He graduated from pilot training in’92 and went onto fly F-15sonlytobe medically disqualified for scarred lungs. Since then, he’s done the Intel thing at NAIC-WPAFB, AFIT EN master’s degree, and now in Albuquerque NM at AFOTEC doing operational testing. He says that if anybody blows through Kirtland AFB, to stop by the new base housing on the east side and give him avisit. Great hearing from you bro. It’s just like you to take life’s lemons and make lemonade -just adding alittle bit of your sugar (smiie)!

Well gang, as you can see, Igot agreat response from you all. Especially the email crew. Keep the letters coming and Ijust love keeping you all posted on what’s going on with the most magnificent class. Until next time, remember that to find fulfillment in life -don’t coexist vrith it -embrace it! Catch you guys on the rebound...PEACE 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

Greetings, friends! Iwrite to you tonight with great joy, knowing that writing this column will be arelatively simple effort since the web page has already had two months worth of material written and edited! But on the other hand, that info is so extensive, it would take up probably four pages in Checkpoints (no. I’m not kidding, either!) and the editor can’t alford to waste that much advertising space on the Class of‘91. So my joy is hindered, knowing Imust.., must... cut some information out. Oh, how it pains me! Not to mention that it could take all night deciding what to keep!

My joy is further hindered because something Imust not cut out is news of another death. For those who have not heard, Ed MOODY passed away 19 April. He was at Bethesda getting leukemia treatment and ran into complications which ultimately took his life. As for me, Ilast saw Ed not even eight weeks earlier at SOS. We shared acouple of laughs and stories about counter-drug work in Panama while standing in the commissary parking lot. Iwas shocked to hear the news. Ed left behind afiancd and his family, and was buried with honors in Arlington cem¬ etery. His death, as with all that have come before, is areal loss for our class.

Don’t worry, from here on the column’s news gets better. I’ve tried to write it using information I’ve heard on people who are rarely mentioned/seen/tracked down, since several classmates have been sending me pretty regular updates via e-mail. If you didn’t know already, Iam posting monthly reports on our web page (www.usafa91.com) where you can go to find every little thing said to me about anyone anywhere, no matter how bad the source or rumor may be! To be honest, most of the information in those monthly reports is self-reported, so Ifigure it's at least one step up from the rumor mill. Again, since some names seem to keep popping up in the column over and over. I’ll try to devote most of this space here to covering the “rare finds”.

Starting off with my latest delivery. Bill WOSILIUS sends news from Wright-Pat, including some names that Isure haven’t heard in along time, if ever. Bill has been there for several years, first with AFIT and now finishing up ajob in the F-22 SPO. Bill is separating from the AF in Aug, but we’ll get back to him alittle later. Bill and Haley DONOHO went to AFIT together, but now Haley’s moved on to a Logistics Plans job at AMC HQ at Scott AFB, along with Russ MAJOR. Russ finally got his litde boy (after two girls...he was rolling the dice!); his son’s initials are TD and his room is painted like afootball stadium. Is Russ living his dreams through his son, or what? Mark CHERRY was at AFIT when Bill arrived in '96; he was doing apost-AFIT assignment in engineering of some form or another and has since moved on to McClellan. Mark and his new wife, Jen, got hitched 13 Jun at USAFA. Roy GOZUM is also at Wright-Pat, finishing up his AF service working in the C-17 SPO; no word on Roy’s future employer. As Bill and Roy have searched for jobs, Chris BAIR has apparendy been apillar of knowledge, having medically separated two years ago and working for Orion International Consulting. If it wasn’t for Chris, Bill’s version of customer relations would have been “Would you care to SuperSize that?” Moving on ... Jason CAMPBELL was flying C-130s up at Elmendorf when Bill left in ‘96; he moved on to Hill AFB. Is he afunctional check flight pilot for C130s? The last card Bill got from him had aphoto of aCessna bug-smasher rolled over on it’s topside on adry river bed that he was apparendy apassenger in. He swears he wasn’t flying it at the time ... Dale FRENCH (started with us but fin¬ ished with ‘92) of USAFA basketball fame was one of Bill’s groomsmen and is still in Alaska, but not for long. He’s been into weird intel stuff. Dale, like many of us, has decided to separate from the AF, although he hasn’t decided what he’s going to do when he grows up. He and his wife, Katie, are planning to tour the wild wild west in the next six months before deciding where to go to work. 1was adoolie

with Dale, and thissounds like him all right! Hey, Dale, if you’re reading this, Adam Henderson got in contact with me, and asked about you! E-mail me, please! Still more news from Bill: Mike BRAUCHER, another of Bill’s groomsmen and roommate during maintenance school, is finishing AFIT and will be cross-train¬ ing into supply for atour at McConnell. Mike’s theory is “Kansas will give me an excuse to get on an airplane to go see people and go to new places.” Bill attended Rick WILLIAMSON’S wedding out in New Jersey back in the fall. Rick is aC-141 pilot transitioning to the C-17 dovm at Charleston SC. His new wife, Suzie, is a saint as she can put up with him when he’s home (which isn’t very often due to the '141 worldwide duty). Bill finally ran out of updates, but 1told you we’d get back to him for abit here at the end. Bill is married (Laurel) and has alittle girl (Hunter). When he separates, he’ll be working for Kurt Salmon Associates. No permanent home for about three years, as KSA will be moving the family around the world to different projects in the retail logistics business. Bill will be scanning the web page for classmates at the locations he’s visiting, so remember to lock your doors at night!

OK, let’s see here, who else... oh, yeah, we heard from Angie WALLACE. She's in the sunny desert of Edwards AFB! Here’s aquick history: she was stationed at Eglin for almost four years as an aero engineer doing F-15/F-16 flight testing of electronic warfare and weapons. It was agreat job and agreat location to boot! Then she went through Test Pilot School in ‘95 and graduated as aflight test engi¬ neer. Over the course of the first year alone, she flew 25 different aircraft (from the Goodyear blimp to the P-51 to the B-1) and got about 120 total hours of flying time! Not too bad for ageeky engineer! She stayed at Edwards, did two years F-16 avionics testing and flew back seat F- 16Bs and Ds. Earlier this year she was moved to the F-117 squadron, doing more flight tests (unfortunately, no two-seaters there!) This lifestyle must not be taxing enough for her, because now she wants to be ateacher! Whew! Go, Angie!

She reported on ‘91ers at Edwards (virtually all of whom 1haven’t heard from in agood while!). Bob KRAUS graduated Test Pilot School on 13 June 98 and going to be aC-130J test pilot, Vanessa (REBELLO) SIEWERT is in the junior class at TPS as aflight test engineer, Todd LEVINE is in the junior class at TPS as aflight test navi¬ gator (both graduate Dec), Frank PATRINOSTRO is aKC-135 pilot for the Speck¬ led Trout (VIP transport), Heath GRAVES is an SP there, Glenn MAYES is ahuman factors engineer in the F-16 flight test squadron, Ingalisa LUNDY is aKC-135 navi¬ gator for the ARIA tankers, providing airborne telemetry for cruise missiles and rockets, and then there’s Deb (STEPHEN) and Jeff LAMPE: Deb’s been agreat mom and Jeff’s aKC-135 pilot in Inga's squadron.

Connected to Angie is Chuck BEK (Turkish exchange), who’s F-16s were tested by Angie! Chuck’s own words: “Right after graduation Istarted UPT in Turkey and started F-16s in about two years after graduating the Academy. And Ihave been flying since. Iam flying F-16s in Merzifon, Turkey, asmall city on the northern part of Turkey along the Black Sea region. 1got married in 1995 and have akid on the way in about four months. Things are just fine for me in Turkey”. Atvright!

Here’s another “long lost”, Shari (FOX) SILVERMAN: “Over the past several years, Ihave kept in touch with acouple of Academy grads but not awhole lot. 1lost touch with most of you folks when Idropped out of the USAF world and entered my graduate program through atri-service program sponsored by the Army. I survived and am now alicensed physical therapist at Spangdahlem AB. 1have slowly been traveling the world, first at Osan AB, ROK last year, and now in Eu¬ rope, The most recent news is that 1am married (24 Apr) to awonderful man, Capt Shawn Silverman... aPAVELOWhelicopterpilotstationedatRAFMildenhall so next year we will be doing the joint spouse thing.”

From another old doolie pal of mine, William “Astro”GLASCOE, “I’m on aquest to establish the world’s first Space Force, namely the USSF (more than providing pictures of anything to anyone anywhere at anytime -I’m talking about FIRE¬ POWER/Electromagnetic Power, lethal, precise, and omnipresent). I’m rewriting United States Code Title 10 now. Wish me luck.”

Now for the hardest part of this job: Close it up, Tavenner! How about Ijust give you alist of the grads who are out (or have said they’re getting out) of the AF? Then you’ll know to get in touch with them before they’re MIA (Making Incredible Amounts). In rough order of announcement: Lisa BUKATA, Cherie (KELLNER) LAVANTURE, Jim LYNCH, Paul GRIMM, and Todd KINROSS (did Isay Isaw him at SOS in the last column?). Later, TAV

James S. Mehta

900 N. Stafford St. #2621

Arlington, VA 22203

Home: (703) 525-5495

Work: (703) 907-1317

DSN: 283-1317

Percent members: 35

Hello once again 1992! Hope you found the column easily.. .it keeps moving closer to the front of the magazine for some reason. Sometimes, I’m amazed how many columns are behind ours. It has been avery busy time since Ilast wrote. By the time you read this, Iwill be in Hawaii. And, Ican’t get there soon enough. I know I’ve only done the PCS thing three times, but Ithought it was supposed to get easier not harder. Right? Anyway, keep the e-mail coming and when Iget settled down in Hawaii, Iwill be expecting you to stop and visit.

Tonight, my first order of business is to make some corrections. Ihope some more of you have taken the chance to check out our class home page. Marc SCHALLER is keeping it up and running and has very politely given me some guid¬ ance. First, Marc is not at MIT like Ifirst reported, but rather at Temple University in Philadelphia. Idid gqt the part right about the graduate degree in physici therapy, though. Second, he made it much simpler to get to his home page. That address in the last column was looong.. .so try this: www.usafa.net/1992. Ithink that will be easier. Marc has doneagreat job working on ourpage. Marcandlare

working on getting the Checkpoints coiumn on the weh page. So iook for that in the future.

Josh and Kristin KUTRIEB sent me atew e-maiis announcing the birth and progress oftheirsonjared Tayior. Jared was born on Aprii 4,1998 at Cape Canaveral Hospitai. The deiivery was aiittJe tough, but both mom and son are doing great. Now there are two iittie Kutriebs -Jared and Hayden. Josh says that so far Hayden has been fond of his newiitde brother. Congratuiations Josh, Kristin, and Hayden! Hope to hear from you again and it was great seeing Josh at SOS!

As Icontinue. I’m going to be alittle unorthodox. I’m in the middle of my PCS and it’s crunch time. Igot afew e-maiis, but no maii from the maiiman. I’m going to give the rest of those who e-maiied me temporary Ciass Scribe status and iet them come to you direct (with some editoriai iiberties on my part and inserting the mysterious aii-capitaJ iast names). Pretend you are checking your e-maii...

CLICK! From Pete DOTY: “I was cieaning some stuff as Iprepare for another PCS when icame across aCheckpoints. Ithought Iwouid fire off an e-maii to give you info for iater issues. I’m currently at Kirtland, but only for the next couple of weeks. Ijust finished the MH-53 course and am headed down to Hurlburt. My classmate here was another '92er, Jason STANLEY. He’s headed to Osan and he and his wife, Emilia, just had ababy boy, Harrison. Also here is fellow Academy classmates Lee ANDERSON (headed to Hurlburt), Chris CONNOR (Hurlburt), and Mike GRUB (no assignment yet). Ed LENGEL and Mick HARPER recently fin¬ ished the ’60 course and will both be in Iceland. Ed e-mailed me yesterday and said Steve AMMONS is there and is his flight commander. Sean LONDRIGAN is in the ’60 course right now and will be going to Hurlburt with the 55th SOS until it closes. Let’s see...who else? Clark PLEASANTS is TDYhere. He’s going through the IP upgrade for the ’53 and is stationed at Hurlburt. John KIM is also down there. I heard Paul MULLIS will be joining us all down there this fall as he completes his tour at Osan. Igot anote from Kevin WILSON. He apparently is now back at Lauglilin as aT-38 IE Rudy CDEBACA is here at Kirtland as the wing exec. My old roommate, Rob BYRON, is down is San Antonio. They even have him in charge. That’s kind of scary. Mike LINGOR and AJ MILLER are both at Scott at AMC HQ. They’re doing that tour and then they’ll transition from tankers to transports. Tm sure I’ve forgotten some folks I’ve seen, but I’d better get back to cleaning out for the move. Hope all is ok with you. Pete.”

CLICK! “Hi James, my name is Rich FARNSWORTH. I’m a’92 grad from Dirty Dozen. I’m currently at good old USAFA working as the airspace manager. Ijust finished the graduation ceremony. The weather was much better on the sbt-year anniversary of ours. Iprimarily do flyovers at the academy and have been able to work with afew classmates. Ihappened to pick up acopy of Checkpoints and was happy to see the article you wrote, especially the Internet info. This was my first visit to the web site, and Ifound some good info. Iwanted to pass my info on. I am an air traffic control officer, and am on my second after training (first at Fairchild, ’94-‘97). I’ve been here at the zoo since April of ‘97, and was married right before IPCSed. Idid the SOS haze last July-August, but was fortunate enough to only have to do the four-week course (no flick). More ‘92 grads are showing up here. Jon BAUGHMAN, Ben and Jen SAMUELS, Kevin KNOX, Chip POWELL, and that’s just in the Operations Group. Jlook forward to following up on things hap¬ pening in the class, and plan to make asentimental trip to the BOR on 30 Jun. Well, the rest of USAFA is at home now so I’ll go. Hope to hear from you soon. Rich”

CL/Ck7 Steve ANDERSON: “James, Howdy! Just gotthe latest ChecJcpoinfscomplete with home page addresses, etc. Very nice! [James’ comment: Take Steve’s advice and check it out -see new address above.] Igot your e-mail from the AOG home page, also very nice. This makes it alot easier to send you info. Just to let you know what I’m doing now... Icross-trained into intelligence about ayear ago and have been at Langley AFB since then. Brandy followed me out from Goodfellow AFB in lovely San Angelo, TX and we were married 9May 98. That’s it in anutshell really. I’m kind of excited to be taking over anew branch in my squad¬ ron soon. I’ll have about 150 airmen under me, so it’ll be pretty interesting... Well hey, good luck with tbe PCS. Keep in touch. Steve ANDERSON.”

CLICK! Last, but not least, Ibring you Craig “Kegger” WENZ: “James, Good to hear from you. It sounds like you are as busy as Ihave been. Ijust returned from Germany for the weekend. Ispent some time with Tony BAMSEY. He is flying C21s over there at Ramstein. He is doing well. At the end of the year he will be moving on to the KC-10. 1saw Jake BUSS at Altus. He is an aircraft commander now in the KC-135, stationed down at MacDili. At the same time Isaw Brad “Buster” ROLLER. He is flying E-3s out at Tinker. His wife is due any day now with their first baby. Poker (Mark SLOCUM) is settled in up at Mountain Home flying F15Es. HeistherewithKeithGIBSON, Dave NERY, and now Jon LETSINGER. Jon just finished F-15 training at Tyndall and he and his wife are now there in Idaho. Ken NOTARI is at B-52 training at Barksdale. Mike JASON and his tribe of kids are at Dyess flying B-ls. Dave GERHARDT is now at PIT and will fly T-37s at Vance. I saw Bill SPAGNA at Vance. He is flying T- Is there and his wife, Jody, is due with their first child any day. Jeff MARKS, Tom RICE, and Iare still up here enjoying our summer beach house down at the Jersey shore. Melissa (JONES) ROSS is still up here as well. Clarence JOHNSON and his wife just had ababy girl. He is flying A10s down at Pope. Thad KIENINGER is at Kadena flying MH-60s and has asecond child now. That is all Ican think of right now. Later, Kegger.”

Thanks for the e-mails guys. Hope you all didn’t mind me including them di¬ rectly. You guys helped me out greatly. Igot acall on Friday afternoon from Mike ROKAW who is at the base formerly known as Falcon AFB. He said it was very important that Iincluded an update on Dick FULTON. Dick is acomptroller at

McGuire AFB and took the plunge getting married to Judy after his wild days in Los Angeles. They now have their first child and Dick is very much the proud father. Mike said has been busy with work and going to grad school at night. I should see him as Itravel cross-country for my PCS.

That’s all the time we have this column. Ilook forward to hearing from all of you soon. If there is something you want to see in the column, drop me anote. Tell me about all the exciting and interesting thing you are all doing out there. Don’t hesitate to write just because I’m moving; the web page should always have my most current address. So until next time... Semper Excelsior 34* Class... and come visit me in Hawaii. Ialways have room for visitors! Aloha, James.

Michael D. Sundsted

729 Denham Arch

Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 546-8415

E-mail: brave_cowboy@juno.com

Percent members: 85

Well, well, well. Ihave to say that Iam very impressed with the Class of 1993. I appreciate all the great updates, news, and e-mails that you have provided since the last issue! You make it easy for me to serve you! Iam now at McGuire AFB flying the C-141B. Most of you know about my new e-mail address, but for those of you who do not, it is listed above along with an interim address until Iget settled in acasa of my own. The letters are long and distinguished, so let’s get ready to rumble.

Leading off for us tonight is the talented George CLARK. He writes from Joint UPT in Pensacola with his wife, Denise, and daughter Victoria Joy, Congratula¬ tions are in order! On 25 June, George will be partying, Imean flying in Corpus Christy (hmmm, summer, Corpus, beach, bars). Yup, George is roughing it in Texas. He passes along that Darin BOOTH, Kelly MCJOYNT, and Bryan DUNN are also living it up in the Lone Star State.

Ryan NICHOLS is batting in the number two spot and loving life at Cannon AFB. The 552nd Fighter Squadron has sent him on several all- expense-paid va¬ cations to the desert. He and Rob TOFIL maintain residence in this busding south¬ west town. Along with Ryan and Rob, Bron STUART spends his time avoiding TDYs. What’s up next for Ryan, you ask? He expects ayear vacation in Korea flying the wonderful Viper.

Who’s up third? No, who’s on first. Idon’t know is on third. No, Isaid who is up third. Oh, that would be Barry COGGINS. Barry updates from our wondrous, state-of-the-art, and proactive source of class knowledge web site. Gerard LAMBE is moving straight into the left seat of the B-1. Elizabeth (STARK) CHAMBERLAIN is now working for the Reserves at Barksdale AFB and her husband, ly CHAM¬ BERLAIN, has gotten awaiver from his fairy godmother to fly in the left seat of the B-52! Congratulations guys! Gabe MACIAS arrived on station awhile hack and Mike YOUNG is loving the A-10. Mike says firing "the gun” is like Mark McGuire’s bat hitting ahanging curve ball (okay, okay, Iam trying to stick with the baseball theme here!). Ron “Seven Chins for” NGUYEN has gotten married to a beautiful woman named AJphie, and they both are enjoying their daughter’s healthy set of lungs. Roh BROGAN finished UPT and took an A-10.

Marc HOLLOWAY is now aMr. and regrets the poor performance of the Flyers this season. He is excited about the Phillies. (Not really. I’m sticking with the theme though!) Also, Paul “hit the cover off the ball” and his wife, Tanya, and he have anew child. Doug and Jenn TORUELEMKE are still in Dyess AFB awaiting an assignment, or the next crossflow board. Every time Barry calls, he is in some country that can’t be found on the map and will be back in acouple of days (prob¬ ably watching abaseball game -see above reference to theme). And last, but not least, Dave WRIGHT has throttled back from his F-15 days to enjoy the Cessna T37 Tweet!

Batting in the number four clean-up spot is Maria (THOMAS) ANTHONY. Her average is way up there from what Ican remember in fine arts. She is suffering the heat at Seymour Johnson AFB. She and her husband, Chris, have two chil¬ dren, but they have four legs and eat dog food. She is enjoying her stint as an intel officer. She recently had achance to visit her husband at SOS (don’t worry. I’m okay) and ran into Leonard KOSINSBU, Don CLOUD, and Susan HEALY. She also heard from Ferris Buhler’s (Hey, batter, batter, batter, swing batter!) brother’s aunt’s cousin’s uncle that Amy SHIRLEY enjoyed weaponry school at Goodfellow AFB. Thanks for the homerun-type inputs!

Are you getting bored with the summer baseball theme, yet? Good, because next up from the minor leagues is Larry RILEY. Did Isay minors? Oh Imeant to say that Larry has finished up his master’s as well as intel school, and is now at that Mecca of our very own president, Arkansas (Litde Rock AFB, that is). Larry, however, contends that he is afree agent to the Air Force come October and is more than likely going to choose his option to join the civilian team. Larry has bumped into afew of our classmates: Steve “Hey Everybody” HODGE, Paul “Don’t call me Lou” GEHRING, Landry CARR, Chris NISCO, Paul TRUJILLO, Sean JUDGE, and John KRYSTENIAK.

Iran into John at Pope AFB Base Operations! He’s having fun in the C-130. Tyler SHEDD has chosen his free agency option as well. Pat HUDSON just arrived at a ROTC detachment in Alabama. Derek RICHARDSON just took over as asquad¬ ron section commander (a coacb, if you will). Larry attended SOS last fall and saw Cliff HICKS, Tanya NELSON (Hi Tanya!), Christie EILER, Paul JACQUET, Kevin BOOKOUT, and Virgil SIMPSON. Mark COZAD is at Aviano. Bill RIGGLE is (oh, this is atough assignment) at Hickam. Marty ASTAZIO is in the OSI, or ballpark security if you are still with my theme. Thanks for the great letter. It’s going to be tough to fill Larry’s shoes!

Batting fifth is Chris CHAPLIN who started UPT at Vance during June. He joins his former roommate from USAFA, Dave JOHNSON. Dave is in the T-38. Chris

ran into Walt REISS (for Atlanta fans that's close enough to Walt Weiss) who is now inT-ls and Kirt FIESBECKhas started T-37s. Although Chris enjoyed his time at Hanscom, he is definitely looking forward to aBuffalo Burger and aShiner Bock.

Dave Pope enlightens us in the sixth spot with the many classmates he has seen since he has been at Altus AFB while upgrading to KC-135 aircraft commander. Randy and Kelly TORIS are enjoying L.A. Frank LEGGIO also took the free agency option and is now working for Kurt Salmon and Associates in Detroit. Kem KIMBROUGH will graduate from Emory University Law School in Atlanta. Alain POISSON is still enjoying the weapons director position at Tinker. Lee WINGFIELD Is enjoying sushi and soba at Kadena. Bryce MIDDLETON had asmooth transi¬ tion from C-21S to KC-135s to Mildenhall. Darren BRITTAIN enjoyed Altus with the rest of us for training as well as Troy BORN, Bruce YBARRA, Aaron RAREY, Andy SELLBERG, Dan ENGBERSON, Duffy HALL, and Chris WOLFE.

Lucky number seven is Kristin UCHIMIRA with Dag GRANTHAM on deck. She will be In Kaposvar, Hungary for the summer and fall. She has run into Tom STEPHENS who is in the CCT pipeline and just recently completed the scuba por¬ tion of training. Bryan and Michelle COMBS are now In Great Falls, MT. (At least there is no speed limit during the day!) Casey HACKATHORN still resides with Rob HARRIS in San Antonio. Rob DAM is still fl ying out of Andrews. Matt BENIVEGNA is at Mountain Home, ID. Kevin LOUCKS is in Turkey and arriving soon are Brad and Tammy BIRD with their new son, Justin, Ican’t believe you didn’t tell me! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sweet. Jeff STALEY and girlfriend will visit Kevin in Turkey. Luke AHMANN is making atransition to the Reserves in Vermont to fly the F-16. Tim and Eve HENS with daughters Erin and Billie, are out of the AF and have moved to Buffalo. Thanks for the info Uch!

Dag GRANTFIAM recently was married to his beautiful wife, Alicia. He ensures married life is incredible (I agree!), Leif and Nicoie ECKHOLM, J.D. and Rita HOLT, J.J. and Meg WIELAND, John BRINER, Charlie WAHL, and Adrian and Jennifer CLARK were all at his wedding. Leif is flying KC-lOs at McGuire. J.D. is at Vandenberg and J.J. is at Wright-Patterson. John and Charlie are flying A-lOs at Davis-Monthan. Adrian is now an F-15E WSO after completing navigator school in Pensacola. It appears as though Dag and his bunch of merrymen (and women) got into some trouble with the country club where the reception was held. Six of them went skinny-dipping, three got placed in the penalty box for keeping every¬ one in the hotel awake trying to make Dag drink more, and four of the aforemen¬ tioned six received lashings for pilfering bathrobes. Sounds like anight at Toby’s, eh Dag?

Our last batter tonight is Shelley STRONG in Utah. Well, maybe not the last one. It’s just that Ihave so many to pick from. She is working at MPF there and ran into many at SOS. (I’m okay, Ipromise!) Andrea MILLER is an analyst in DP at Langley. Patrice (JACKSON) MOORE, Kevin VIRTS, Aaron TALIAFERRO, Karen LOPEZ, Bill JEFFRIES, Teri (HOEFT) SHEPPARD, Emille BRYANT, and Jay CLARK all lived down the hail. Must have been arather large hall? Mary LESTER will be departing our beloved force before she is sent to Saudi again. Chris BAILEY (another free agent) is out and bartending at the Grand Ole Oprey for Minnie Pearl and Buck Owens.

Iknow there are many inputs, so if yours was not here, it should be in the fall. You guys are awesome! Thanks again and enjoy the World Series. Mike.

C. C. and Trevor Smith

4121 S. Van Buren #641

Enid, OK 73703-8596

Home; (580) 233-5445

E-Mail: smicm@okstate.edu

Home page: http://wtvw.usafa.net/1994/index.htm

Percent members: 75

Hi everyone! As usual, I’m running behind on this column, so if Ileave stuff out, please forgive me... The due date happened to fall amidst promotion, Trevor’s UPT graduation, two out-of-state weddings, and Trevor’s only break (2 wks) from now until next March... Needless to say, we’ve been alitde busy!

We had abig promotion ceremony and luau here at Vance (Promotion Commo¬ tion ’98 -Everybody gets leid!) that drew lots of USAFA participation and the par¬ ticipation of one reluctant hog. Vance folks involved in the festivities included Korey AMUNDSON; Jack &Marcy ANTEDOMENICO; Matt BROOKS (’96); Eric & Kori (TERRILL ’97) DELWICHE (’96); Oliver ERICKSON; Chad GOLDIZEN (’96); Troy HENDERSON; Joe, Becky, &baby Emily HOPKINS (’96); Darrell &Kris HUBBARD; Chris KORNMESSER; Stan, Karen &son Blake LAWRIE; David LEE (’96); Rob LOPEZ; Paul MESSERLI; Joel, Elizabeth (BARTON) &baby Joshua Luke MEYERS; Mike PRUCE; Mike RIDER; Rick SHEFFE; C.C. &Trevor SMITH; Steve TODD; Allison TRINKLEIN (’96); Danny VEAL; Steve WATSON; and Jason WORLEY (’96). Not everyone was available for the photo, but you can see most of the gang in the luau picture. (If you can make out the charred figure on the table, you’ll see that the pig finally acquiesced!)

After Promotion Commotion, it was time to get ready for 98-10’s UPT gradua¬ tion on June 12*. Some of the Air Force’s newest pilots from USAFA include Ed ALCOCER (’93, RC-135); Korey AMUNDSON (F-16); Mike CRANSTON (C-5); Paul FEICHTINGER (’95, F-16); Chad GOLDIZEN (’96, T-37 IP); Darrell HUBBARD (A10); Joe HOPKINS (’96, KC-135); Paul MESSERLI (E-3); Walt REISS (KC-135); Mike RIDER (F-16); Trevor SMITH (A-10); and Paul SONGY (’95, A-10). Jerry LOEFFLER even flew in from England for the celebration and Rick SHEFFE celebrated by proposing to Miss Jennie Derix from Florida. The two plan to wed in Florida around Christmastime. Speaking of weddings, one of the highlights of our summer was attending Deb (NAWROCKI) and Joel LUKER’s wedding over 4* of July weekend. We got to catch up on lots of grads, but since we haven’t gotten the pictures back yet. I’ll save the details for my next column.

Once again, "snail mail” doesn’t seem to be your favorite way to communicate since you have e-mail, but Idid receive afew letters from you. Carol (Koym) POARCH wrote to say that Galley hadjustbeenacceptedtoUPTat Columbus and Kathy CLEVELAND sent agreat picture of Wayne and Charity FLOYD, who mar¬ ried last November. She also reported that Kurt and Kristina WENDT had abahy boy in February.

Wayne and Charity Floyd

Finally, Michael CHARLTON sent an update about our recent USUHS (Uni¬ formed Services University of the Health Sciences) graduates. Ahearty congrats to Brian DELMONACO (emergency med, Wright-Pat), Steve WARD (general sur¬ gery, Wilford Hall, then emergency med), Rachel Call (general surgery, Keesler), Max Lee (emergency med, Wright-Pat), Jeff KEUTER (family practice, Eglin), Michael CHARLTON (general surgery, Wilford Hall, then orthopedic surgery), and Mark SHIDELER (family practice, Andrews).

Congra ts to some of the Air Force's newest doctors!

We also got some newsy e-mails from you, including two inspired by the “CQ” photo in the last column... Both MarkTORREANO (Jacksonville) and Jim SAMUEL (Scott) were inspired to write when they saw themselves in the last Checkpoints. Mark has been in the Navy since October ’96 and is foilowing in Van LOVETTE’s footsteps to fly the P-3. Mark and his wife are hoping for Hawaii or Rota, Spain, but don’t care as long as there’s room for their growing family. They have two children already and another on the way in late December! Jim, too, found an alternative way to get his wings... He’s leaving his comm engineering job to fly Eagles for the Missouri National Guard. Despite enjoying his career field and the joint and multi-national programs to which he was exposed, Jim’s pretty psyched about this latest opportunity. Well, Isaw Chris DUHON (Chicago area Air Force liaison) at Deb and Joel’s wedding and have now heard from both Mark and Jim, but not aword from Dave STEINHEISER (the fourth person in the photo). Where are you, Dave?

Other e-maiis came from Dave KIRBY (Scott), Deonna NEAL (Bolling), Ryan CRAYCRAFT (Luke), and J.J. TRAHAN (L.A.). Dave started with an update on the folks there at Scott, including Gary &Holly GOOSEN (expecting first child in Aug), Mike &Toni KRAM (just had second child), Mike TISON, Kay AQUINO (was just visited by Navy Lt, Amy DiGIOVANNI), Lance &Carrie BAXTER, John MOORE,

Dane NIELSON, and more. Dave himself is happily married to the former Lori McGee and is kept busy with their two dogs, Skippy and Sissy. When he left USAFA, Dave went to nav training and got aC-130 to Yokota. Soon afterwards, how¬ ever, his dream of going to UPT was realized and he went to Columbus before moving on to the C-9. His follow-on will be in aC-17, C-5, or C-141.

Deonna wrote from D.C. where she is finishing her second year with the Air Force Honor Guard. She supervises over 100 enlisted troops and works daily at Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon (for joint service ceremonies), or the White House (for state dinners and foreign head of state arrivals). She also got to brief President Clinton during the AF 50th anniversary ceremonies in September and served as commander of troops for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Keep your eye on the Discovery Channel for aglimpse of Deonna in action as the drill team commander in an upcoming Discovery Channel spe¬ cial. For all her efforts, Deonna was named CGO of the Year for the 11th Wingand fellow classmate Dan HEUCK (Security Forces) was nominated as well! De¬ spite her successes, Deonna is considering getting out of the AF next year and going to seminary to study for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. She doesn’t know yet whether or not she’ll return to the AF Chaplaincy, but if you know her like Ido, you know she’ll do great no matter where life leads her! In the interim, she is looking to fill some vacancies in the honor guard, so let her know if you’re interested. Deonna also filled me in on other grads in the area, including Tim KOPANIA (married Sandra ACOSTA '95 on May 16*); Keri SCHREIBER (married Britt SINGLETON ’95 onfuly4*); Brian (trans) and Patrice (MANEELY-bio-environmental engineering) SIRAVO; Dennis BOND (med student, Andrews); and Mark WOOD (Pentagon, but heading to AFIT).

Ryan checked in from F-16 RTU where he is training with Craig “Kegger” ALLEN and Mary HARTMAN. He’s also seen Dan BUNTS and Augie MARQUARDT on their way back from Korea to Eielson and Hill, respectively and keeps in touch with Connor BLACKWOOD (Euro-Nato, Sheppard-we just ran into him ourselves afew weeks ago). Finally, Ryan just got aletter from his freshman roommate Ger¬ man SCHROTH who is flying A-37s down in Peru. Ihave his e-mail address if anyone wants it. Finally, IJ. Trahan wrote to confirm earlier reports of lack EAST’S life in Hawaii... Our favorite Marine (well, at least one of our favorites!) just PCSed to Portland, OR to be aMarine recruiter. J.J., on the other hand, is getting out of the Air Force this fall and he and Charlotte will be moving to Atlanta.

Lots of folks signed onto the ’94 page this quarter, so check it out if you’d like to read the latest on the following: Lance &Carrie BAXTER (HQ AMC Protocol, Scott), Rob BREISCH (SOF program mgr. Hill), lohn BREUKER (F-15C, Elmendorf), Mark BROWNELL (contracts mgr, Hanscom), Roberto (Berto) and Angela CALDERON (wing senior evaluator, Malmstrom), loe GLOWERS (exec, Robins), John COMMINS (A-10, Osan -thanks for the info, John!), Bill DOBBS (nav, Pensacola), lason FALLIS (C-130, Dyess), Scott GALAYDICK (instructor officer code controller. Grand Forks), Matt and Sara (BEYER ’91) GAMBLIN (Mx Fit CC, Travis), Eric GRUSZECKI (Hickam), and Chris FOLLIN (Mx, Camp Red Cloud, S. Korea).

Also, Sloan HENDERSON (Eglin, Stealth Test &Analysis), Michelle (McVETY) HUTCHERSON (contracting, Minot), Rich LaDUE (law student, Texas Tech), Jerry LOEFFLER (AMCC duty officer, MUdenhall), Jennifer (ALLEN) LONEY (chief. Op¬ tics, McClellan), Chris MARKS (Wright-Pat), Jay MARQUE (emergency med resi¬ dent, Lackland), Steve McILVAINE (KC-10, Travis), Joel and Elizabeth MEYERS (J: UPT; Liz: exercise evaluations chief, Vance), Mitch MIGLIORI (F-16, Moody), Joe &Angela MICHALEK (pilot, Andrews), Thomas MOORE (Mt Home, Intel), Brian MUSSELMAN (Mx, Andersen), Mark O’REILLY (QA Fit CC, Davis Monthan), Rob PERAGINE (sortie generation fit CC, Kirtland), and Chris PILLOW (AWACS prgm mgr, Hanscom).

Also, Jim SAMUEL (comm engr, Scott), Erich SCHLEGEL (Finance, Ramstein), David SHOEMAKER (instmctor. Air Surveillance, Tinker), Joe and Bridget (BARTON ’95) THILL (F-15 Right test engr, Nellis), Mike and Tara (DUBILO) TRAW (prgm mgmt, Hanscom), Chris VEAZEY (electronics engr. Tinker), Paul WAGNER (Sup¬ ply, Camp Lejeune, NC), Clint WARNER (UPT, Laughlin), Dave WILLIAMS (DASR test director, Hanscom), leannie WILKINS (chief. Combat Plans, Yokota), and Amber (WIMBERLY) &Robert (’93) YOUNG (PA, McConnell).

Oh yeah, we also saw Greg MILLER (F-15 demo team!) give avery impressive performance at our Air Show in May,,. although he wore his hat in the O'Club the night before! Everything here is terrific -1 graduate in December and should be going to SOS in Jan and Feb. Trevor finishes his A-10 RTU March 2"^ and it looks like we’re either going to Germany or Korea together from there... We’ll keep you posted. Take Care and God Bless -C.C. &Trevor.

Becky Mason

884 Brookwood Drive #202

Moore, OK 73139

E-mail: fl utebeck@mci2000.com

Percent members: 67

m'-j

Hello everyone! How about that pay raise? As you can see from the address above, I’ve moved! My PCS to Tinker was complete July 31“- I’m now in the KC135 section at the depot. So if any of you come through, or are in the Oklahoma City area, be sure to look me up! At any rate, people from our class are really on the move! Jim HUSCROFT and his wife, Teggin, are getting ready to move from McConnell to Kirtland AFB, NM in October. Janelle JONES moved from McConnell to Edwards and was rooming with Regina REINHART (Eglin) while she was there TDY. Rumor has it Regina is getting ready to PCS to LA. Also, Mike (‘94) and Jenny (MAYER ‘95) BAUTISTA’S daughter Allison will be celebrating her 3* birthday this summer.

Andrea ROLFE and her F-16 squadron from Mountain Home returned safely from the sandbox. Harvard MBA-man Alan ADAMS wrote from Del Rio where he

is finishing up UPT to say he got aKC-135 to Altus for training with afollow-on to Robins. He was pretty excited and also said he was in touch with John BREMER, Ryan SPARKMAN, Bob VIETAS (Tweets-UPT), Cathy KENNEALLY (in contracting, moving to L.A.), and Ben BOTH and his wife (T-38 IP) at Laughlin. Brendan O’BRIEN ('94,IWeets),Marc BLOMME (Tweets) and John PANTLEO (KC-135) were there as well. He said Dave SUNDLOV just left for Kunsan in F- 16s, Jason LUHN is awaiting aUPT slot as amaintenance officer (keep that job instead -it’s more fun!), Dave TOMLINSON is at Nellis in OSI, Toby LOFTIN is at Randolph, and Nate VOGEL is cruising around Laughlin in his convertible mustang (T-37 IP). Bob CARLSON gets to meet exciting people and kill them as anav on the special ops C-130S, and Sam MANN should have just graduated from UPT. A1 wanted me to include the disclaimer that he just wrote it as he heard it! A1 and Bob are planning atrip around the U.S. -be on the lookout for two guys in pilot suits trying to swindle stuff!

Maggie MORRIS dropped us aline on her way to Osan to the 25FS from Japan. She evidently enjoyed the Olympics in Kobe by partying with some of the athletes -wow! Grads going places! Jeff MCGUIRK wrote after he accessed the ‘95 site (www.geocities.com/Pentagon/1973/index.html) to say he was loving life work¬ ing with civilians in the AF Research Lab in Eglin AFB FL. He mentioned Mark FOLEY received aUPT slot and that Mark was looking forward to it. Acouple other grads received them on the last board and Iwish 1could remember them all!

Italked to Michele JOHNSON on the phone and she’s actively involved at Eglin with work in acquisitions in amissile office, studying to be alaw guru, and volun¬ teering as amentor in her community- awesome! She also wrote with all kinds of great info: Rob CULPEPPER and his wife are there in finance, Joe DIFIDI is at the 33d Wing, and Linell BARTHOLIC (‘96) is there as well and is now married to Greg LETENDRE (’96, May98-congratulations!). Trauna JAMES (CLEMONS, married to Taurus JAMES ‘94) is in acquisitions at Wright-Patterson. Rockey THURSTON and his wife are at Eglin, as well as Steve SANDERS, and Brett MCCANN and his wife, Suzanne. Keisha EVANGELISTA (LAFAYETTE) is close by at Tyndall as acon¬ tracting officer, Yumi RAMIREZ (‘96) at Hurlburt in finance, and Larry BAKER is stationed at Maxwell AFB, AL, and waiting on the latest results from the last UPT board. Finally, Andre MITCHELL is working as aliaison officer at Maxwell as well. Thanks for the info, Michele!

Paul JONES wrote from Whiteman AFB, MO to say hello. He said he’s the only original ‘95er left! Seth FRANK and his wife, Gina, moved to Germany (SFS), and Luis TORRES and his wife, Sally, were in the middle of PCSing to Wright-Patterson. Mark HANSON wrote from Texas to ask how things were -he’s taking time out to relax, NAVY LTJG (!) George RIVERA wrote to say hello and to tell me he had crossed over to the dark side to fly. Last time Iheard he was about half done with flight school. He wrote that Bonnie COX is flying C-130s at Little Rock, and Jim ALEXANDER is in Kadena, Japan. Jim is looking for some people to party with so heads up! Scotty MCNEIL and Matt KAUFMAN are “loving” life 60 feet under with the missiles (not sure what base they’re at) and Tony DECARLO is absolutely loving life flying F- 15s at Langley. He bought aboat with his TDY money- party at Tony’s! Elizabeth TEMPLETON was spotted heading to Montana to teach AFROTC -what agreat life!

Ihear from Wade WEGNER in Lakenheath, England, often with cool jokes, neato information about assignments, and the DODO web site: http:// www.thegeek.com/edodo/. Iwas amazed -even the Dodo has gone high tech! I noticed on an e-mail from him that Ted BREUKER is in the 48SFS in Lakenheath as well. April (DREW) BENSON wrote from San Antonio to say hello and to let me know that she and Mike were doing great and love their jobs, Dwight JUNIO wrote from Mountain Home but he’s heading to Osan, Korea (actually by this time, he’s there!). He said Jon SCHEER is there (A-lOs), Kevin WADE (‘94), and some other people he's looking forward to seeing again. He’s talking marriage! Good luck, Dwight!

Susan and Halsey BURKS wrote from Charleston to tell me the weather is hot and humid, and the beach is great. Susan said Dave HARDEN, as well as Colleen LEHNE (‘96) are also there. Halsey is evidently the man -he’ll be heading to UPT with the Navy in Milton, FL. Good luck Halsey! Brian BARTEE and his wife, Anna, are at Offutt NE, after their wedding in Austin, TX. Joe “Boo” GLOWERS (‘94) dropped me aline from Robins to say hello -he’s exiting the AF at the end of this summer.

Bill BARRINGTON is leaving sunny Florida for Warren AFB, WY to the 90* Main¬ tenance Squadron. He'll finally be able to be with his wife, Cathy (BLAKE ‘97). Justin FLETCHER (Elmendorf flying F-15s) got married over Easter weekend at USAFA. Other grads at the wedding were Josh HETSKO (Japan, F-16s), Chris CLARK (‘96), Rob TECHNER, and Nick GUTTMAN (both at Langley). Bill was pre^ excited after he returned from a10-day TDY to Russia to verify compliance with some international missile agreements (it sounds big to me!). Andy LEONG and his wife, Amy, wrote to let me know of the birth of their Kimberly Jo Anne on 28 Dec, He is in Florida as well. HeandJeffKRONEWITTERhitthePromisekeepers rally in Tampa and I’m sure they had agreat time! He mentioned that Jeff WATSON was there with them but was getting ready to head to USAFA to teach Chemistry, Don KANG wrote from Cannon, NM where he is in the 522d. He mentioned Steve BOATRIGHT, Brad GLENN, Lou ALDEN, Mike BARTON, Rob BRADEEN, and Jim COLLINS are all there too. Man -what acrowd! Craig BEDARD said hello from F.E.Warren in missiles. Jamie MOSS wrote from Luke AFB finishing F-16 training, and said he and his wife, Kimberly, will be heading to Shaw. Brice SIMPSON (Misawa), Jason EVENSON (Kunsan then Hill), Todd FRY (Kunsan then Spangdalem), Josh HETSKO (Osan), Karl KOCH (Osan), Mark PIPER (Kunsan then Mountain Home), Carmine PUNZIANO (Aviano), and Sean WELSH (Moody) were there in his class. Peter FRY (‘91, Kunsan then Shaw), and Lea ALFORD (’92, Spangdalem) were also there. They all graduated April 3* and were whisked away to their respective assignments.

Mark SOTALLARO wrote from Brooks with ahuge update! He works with Jay

JOHNSON C94), Brad BOYER {‘93), Ed MCCORMICK ('93), Candace SHARP (‘97), and Brent COBB (‘96). Other gradson base are RickDWYER (‘96), JerryGALLEGOS, Ali WARD C93), and Kurt ZOBRIST (‘94). He also mentioned Jason BAILEY (Pope, nav), Ronnie HALL (Alaska, nav), and Tommy ULMER (getting married to Liz BISCUP ‘96 in September). Kerre Ellis (‘96) graduated from UIH in Del Rio and it was such afun night, he couldn’t remember who was there, but Chris RECKER (B52s, Barksdale) and Sam MANN stood out as people he remembered seeing. Thanks for the update Sot!

Tammy and Patrick POHLE wrote from Wright-Pat. She PSC’d to Moody midJune and Patrick will report to Florida State in August for his master’s. Chris THOMPSON married in December and they will be at Columbus flyingT-Is. Den¬ nis RAND and Brian SMITH are at W-P as well as Robin WASYLIK (‘94, newly mar¬ ried). Nicole (JAESING 94) and Brian DILLARD (94) are at F.E. Warren. James FRICKEL and his wife are at Misawa flyingF-16s, and Brittany STUART is at Aviano AB in intelligence. Liz MAY wrote to say she was getting married to Dave MEGGETT (‘94) and they are both at Falcon. Kerrin DENHAM is still at W-P but has been deployed aJot to the sandbox. Sarah WILLIAMS {‘97) is at Dyess in maintenance and loves it. So as you can see, we're abusy group! Just wanted to Jet you know that I’ll be writing the Checkpoints articles for the rest of this year so please send me your information! Andrea ROLFE, Amanda (STEFFEY) EINNERTY and Jwill be taking turns over the years. It was great to hear from everyone! Ihope Ire¬ membered to include everything! Take care, keep in touch, and be safe out there!

KTP.

Melissa S. Cunningham

1308 Hembre Court

Suisun City, CA 94585

Phone: (707) 422-7975

DSN: 837-2088

E-mail: melissa.cunningham@travis.af.mil

Percent members: 58

Its been three months now of first lieutenant’s pay and Ilove it! Iwas definitely very happy to trade in my gold bars for silver, even if it means that we don’t have any excuses to be “clue bags” anymore. (It was anice caveat while it lasted.)

Idid have aunique pinning-on ceremony shared with seven other of our class¬ mates. Instead of the normal ceremony you’d have at work, we all pinned on at Teri ALLEN’s (WILLIAMS ‘98) wedding reception. Most of us had missed any for¬ mal planned event when we came dovm early Friday for Teri’s rehearsal and bachelorette party. After Teri and Pat had shared their first dance, she surprised us by having all the ‘96ers come forward and receive our silver bars.

The pinning-on ceremony, from ieft, Erin Pyie, Teri Alien (Wiiiiams), Brian Baude, Mary Canceiiara (Plasterer), Jon Plasterer, Melissa Davidson (Cunningham), and AmberMason.

Teri and Pat had abeautiful wedding. The reception was definitely ascream filled with dancing and surprises. Teri sang “My Guy” to Pat acapella with the rest of the ladies as backup. Her husband wouldn't be outdone, so he returned the ges¬ ture with his groomsman singing “You Lost that Lovin’ Feeling.” Ihave never wit¬ nessed such an elaborate production, nor have ever had so much fun. The party¬ ing continued well ito the early morningas Erin P'YLE and Jon PLASTERER carted off the four remaininig kegs for their condo room.

Amber MASON flew in from Boston, MA to perform areading during the cer¬ emony. Brian BAUDE, Jon PLASTERER, Erin PYLE and, Kelly CHASE were saber bearers. Mary CANCELLARA (PLASTERER) flew in from McGuire AFB, NJ to have her monthly visit with Jon, her new husband, and to attend the wedding. Jon is at Luke AFB training in F-16s. Erin PYLE is in communications at Hickam AFB, HI (real rough) but was leaving for Bosnia to participate in JOINT GUARD.

.Another wedding picture comes to us from Paul and Mandy BIRCH. They were married in Indiana last January after finishing up grad school at MIT. Now they are on their way to Eglin AFB, FL. Mandy will be working there as an engineer, and Paul is headed to nav school in Pensacola. You may catch aglimpse of them at the upcoming AF Marathon this September.

News from one of our renown classmates, Piotr BLAZEUSZ. We always knew that Peter would become famous (or infamous if you happened to be in his pla¬ toon) in his native Poland, but I’m sure we never expected it to be so soon. It seems that Peter was hand-selected by his government to speak at the ceremony officially inviting Poland to join NATO. On July 8,1997, Peter was told to report to

From left at the Birch wedding are Ciaudine Tjhio '97, Diana White, Matt Bruhn, Roif Landmark ‘95, Matt Burba, Mandy Myers (Birch) and Paui Birch, Kevin Kozuch, Mike Manion, Jack Fischer, and Vince Cyran.

Warsaw to “somehow aid” with President Clinton’s arrival as part of the NATO ceremony. He wasn’t exactly sure what they had in mind, but he was expecting to just catch aglimpse of President Clinton at the airport.

Imagine his surprise when he was told that he would be the keynote speaker for the ceremony, addressing 20,000 people including Presidents Clinton and Kwaniewski (Poland) and ahost of international television crews. In his speech, Peter spoke about his positive experiences at the Academy and all of the friends that he made during his four years at Camp USAFA. He even told some funnier stories about his Reaper buddies, especially his roommate Goob (Shea BRANNAN), After the speech, Peter visited with President Clinton and gave him the inside scoop of all of his escapades with Shea down in Rogers, AR. The entire experience was adream come true for Pete. The Polish media Jumped on the story and they posted Peter’s picture everywhere for his NATO speech. One paper ever wrote a special interest story talking about Peter’s activities while at the Academy includ¬ ing pictures from SERE and jump. The media kept the whole story in perspective by titling the article: “His Wife Deserves aMedal.”

In June 97, Peter made areturn trip to the United States visiting the Illinois Na¬ tional Guard. He was able to spend about five days in Springfield and Chicago. The purpose of his trip was to study the cooperation between the National Guard and other agencies in the event of disaster. He didn’t spend all of his time on duty.

Piotr Blazeusz gives the acceptance speech at the ceremony for the induction of Poland into NATO.

Zeus and his Airborne troops aboard an AN-26 before an equipment jump.

so on the off hours he visited Michael Jordan’s restaurant and amemorial for Presi¬ dent Lincoln. He gave Lincoln’s nose the traditional rub to wish good luck for all of the Reapers and his classmates.

To continue the glad tidings, Piotr and Mariola have had their first child, Aleksandra Olivia. She was born on 12 Dec 97. She weighed 3.95 kg and was 55 cm long (I guess Piotr has already forgotten that we still use the English measure¬ ment system over here). Iguess this is just the start of the small “team” he’s always bragged about. He told me that he was going to invest in aschool bus “The Blazeusz Bus” to cart around his 15 children. Best of luck to Peter and Mariola, especially Mariola because she’s going to need it!

Karrina COLEMAN wrote in to announce the drops of anew batch of C-130 pilots. The group is currently at Little Rock AFB, AR attending four months of training. Michael YI is going to Davis Monthan. Kurt KREMSER and Jeffrey SCHMIDT, who recently married, are off to Pope AFB. David JESURUN is going to Dyess, Ellis GARNER to Moody AFB, and Bradley DOWNS to Yokota AB. Karrina COLEMAN is going to stay at Little Rock AFB. Matthew ESTREM (Elmendorf AFB) and Trevor BENITONE '95 (Hurlburt) were both on the Commodore’s List.

In the months ahead, Iknow we’ll have many more weddings including Jenn spindle’s to Tom CALLABRO, and Kerre ELLIS’s in Jasper, TX. Please keep me posted! Ihaven’t gotten any really good “dirt” letters lately. Either you guys are slacking, or everyone has turned into straight-laced first lieutenants. The latter I would hardly believe. So get on the ball and send me some news and some good picmres! Take Care, Melissa.

Melvin T. Maxwell, Jr.

14466 N. 58th Lane

Glendale, AZ 85306

Home: (602) 588-9397

DSN: 896-6576

E-mail: melvin.maxwell@luke.af.mil

Percent members: 66

What’s up everybody? Well, my pleas for e-mails and phone calls in the last issue were answered and I’ve got alot to tell.

Ray ESCORPIZO hit me up with an e-mail back in May and filled me in on his past year. Over his 60 days, Ray went to Rob LEE’s wedding in New Jersey where he ran into Rusty EVERS, Dan LAMAR, and Gary and Kim(STAMETS) GUALKE, Melissa MCCOY, and Joel DEBOER. Ray went to Europe with Joel(T-38s at Co¬ lumbus), DJ BLAKEMORE(UPT at Columbus), Matt VANN (UPT Pensacola), and Lloyd SUNVOLDfUNT Pensacola). While waiting in Dover he saw Aaron PULTZ(UPT Sheppard) and Aaron PEPKOWITZ. In Paris, he came across Sean MIRUSlComm at Tinker) who was traveling with Darren BLUME and Jason YEATTS. On abeach in Nice, France, Ray saw Kristin STOVALL, Michelle CARNS, and 29s smack Squad Comm Todd HUDGINS (’94) who flies C-2I out of Ramstein. He also saw Christoph VASQUEZ who was on his way to the Netherlands. As Ray’s world tour came to an end, he happened upon Rich CARTER (UPT Del Rio) and Ron HENDERSON in Boston. They eventually found their way to the Sam Adams brewery for free beers.

Ray is arange control officer, sort of aspace air traffic controller, at Cape Canaveral. Chad RHYTHER, Chris TODD, Brett PALMER, and Jack COIL are all at Falcon. Carrie CARROW does hospital admin at Vandenburg. Cathy (BLAKE)BARRINGTON is at EE. Warren along with Darrel MYERS. StacyWALSER is in North Dakota and Yira MUSE and Joe FARLEY are on their way to Malmstrom. Aurelia DILLIARD wrote me from Intel school at Goodfellow. She was on her way to Ramstein where she’ll be for the next three years. Tough luck girl! Dennis HOWELL and Mark PETERS (Yokota, Japan) also graduated recently, Maury COX called me from Chicago while he was visiting family. Maury has spent most of the past year at Ft Benning. He has just completed Ranger school and is on his way to join the 101st in Nashville, TN, Gregg KRAUS dropped aline talking about life as aNavy Seal, Gregg is assigned to SEAL Team 4and was in Panama at the time this was written. On his way to jump school he stopped in Pensacola where he saw Spirit MELLER (Maintenance) and Enrique OTI (teach¬ ing at AF Special Ops School). Gregg and Maiya ANDERSON will be married next summer. Maiya recenfiy finished grad school at Oregon State and Gregg and Maiya will be spending some of this summer in Ireland. Icould tell Gregg was salivating as he described life as aSEAL. Gregg also passed on news about Andy JETT who will be flying C-130s and Matt DURKIN who is doing the engi¬ neering thing at Wright-Pat.

Imade it up to our beloved alma mater for graduation in May to commission a few ‘98ers. Istayed with Chuck LANEY and Marc RANGER. Thanks again fellas for giving me avenue for my domino clinic! Marc will be leaving soon to set up shop in L.A. While up there Igot to see Carol PALMER, Tanji JOHNSON, Montoya SMITH, James FINLAYSON, Toni REID(’96), and Andre MITCHELL(’96). Oh, and Imoved my car so Tom BROWN’S family could plug in their Winnebago. David PAGE was dong commissioning acouple ‘98ers also.

Nereyda SERVILLA wrote me from Holloman AFB where she is aphysiologist. She is an instructor at the centrifuge where every new fighter pilot goes to before they head on to Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals. Anybody going to A- 10s, F-15Cs,F-15Es,orF-16scan expect to see her. She also gets to play in the backseat of aT-38. Not surprisingly, she loves her job. Tara SHAMHART works Public Affairs and Sean KEAVENY works with the weather guys out there at Holloman also.

Italked to Vic PERIERA who is in Alabama in helicopter training along with Ben CONDE, Matt HORNE, Mark HUDNALL, Joe ALKIRE, and Lucas FLANAGAN. Vic may be at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque by the time this article finds its way to you.

Former Bulldawgs Devin BLOSS and Brad HOLTMEIER have been reunited in

Los Angeles and called me one Friday afternoon. They wanted me to tell you they were “Lady killas” -translation: neither one of them can get adate. Holt has only been on the job about amonth and was already getting ready for aTDY to Max¬ well. You California boys have it tough.

Heard from afew smack-year Reapers recently. Jason PUCKETT is back at Max¬ well doing comm. He told me Mike SHREIVER, Chris KRETSINGER, and Keith ENSOR are all in pilot training. He thinks Shrieve got fighters and Tyler Thomp¬ son (smack in 31, then left for ROTC) got heavies. Louella (LOVELY) and Noel LIPANA (’96) dropped me aline from Great Falls, along way from the big city of LA Bryan STONE busted an e-mail on me from ENJJPT at Sheppard and Samantha GLINSKI called me from Del Rio. Sam dropped ahuge amount of info on me so here it goes:

Our fearless leaders. Matt QUATRARA and Kim REED, are both doing well. Matt is leaving Laughlin for Barksdale entering the OSI career field. Kim is finishing her first year and first master’s degree in England, and is now engaged to Scott CAMPBELL (’95).

Abby WHITE was named Company Grade Officer of the Quarter at Spangdahlem. Shira RAVITZ is the international military student officer at Vance and is really enjoying her job. Gavin DEPEW is trying to get into CCT. Scott RIDER is an SP at EE. Warren along with GinaTARAVELLA. Matt SIMMONS, Greg BERBER, and James STAHL all finished grad school and are entering pilot training this fall, Beth BENSON also finished grad school at the University of Illinois. Chris GIZZI is now the newest Denver Bronco for all of you who hadn’t heard.

Shannon FABER is spending amonth this summer in Australia as part of her medical school commitment -tough assignment. Dan SCHULTEIS is now in the Reserves starting his first year in medical school at the University of Wisconsin. He was the executive officer in the support squadron at Eglin prior to resigning his commission. He’ll be back in afew years, hopefully as aflight surgeon. Sam saw Jackie PERCY and Sierra (GOULD) SUHAJDAin the beginning of June. They actually drove from San Antonio to visit Del Rio. Usually people leave Laughlin on the weekends. They came down to see Matt ZAMISKA, A1 KENNEDY, and afew other grads. They’re both at Brooks for their medical training. Sierra is abioenvironmental engineer, and Jackie finished her first year at med school.

Here is anew list of the many ‘97ers giving up bachelor status. Shannon GOFF is engaged to Chris SULLIVAN (’96). Mike BROADEN finished ATC school at Altus and is also engaged. Tara SHAMHART is engaged to a‘99er. Lewis HARPER fin¬ ished missile school and is at Vandenburg. He also got engaged afew months ago. Brett BUSH is engaged and living at Barksdale. Valerie WEBBER and Jessie LONG are engaged too.

Jerod RICK and Leslie HOLLAND got married in Columbia, SC last December. Back in April Jerod was in T-38s, not sure where he is now. Dana TATE married Jason REPAK this past winter, and they are both at Laughlin. She works CE, and Jason is finishing '37s. Angie GRAY married Luke JOHNSON on the Fourth of July. (Luke, how is that big dome of yours doing?) Brian PENDERGAST got married this summer, and is currently amember of the U.S. National Water Polo Team. Stacy KREUZIGER finished Intel school and married Alex HADDAD (’96) in November. She PCSed to Langley this past June. Maureen AHERN married Matt STOVER on Valentine’s day, and they are expecting their first child at the end of December. Trevor “Chappy” KILDARE got married in May to awoman he met in Pensacola; her name is Angie. He broke his leg this fall in UPT and is finally back into the swing of things. Shawn SERFASS took abreak from pilot training to get married at the Academy on June 13th with Mike SOVITSKY handling best man duties. Rob MIXER is married and also has alittle baby. Shane BANKS married Julie CWIKLA on July 25th. Erik PAXTON got married this past year, and is stationed at McConnell. Matt DOMSALLA got married on July 11th to his high school sweetheart, Deborah. Well, that’s all for this go round. Thanks to all who wrote or called over the past few months. It’s been great to hear from you. Gregg KRAUS said he was tired of seeing pictures of me in Checkpoints, so send me some. Everybody take care of yourselves...Mel.

Karin L. Klein

1180 Garlock Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Klein-ds@worldnet.att.net

Percent members: 59

Hi All,

Ihope everyone is really enjoying their time off at home, in Europe, on ahoney¬ moon, or whatever they are doing. 1have really been struggling with what to put in this first article because no one has sent me anything to say. So, Icame up with acouple ideas: (1) tell about the people who got married after graduation and the people who are getting married soon, (2) talk about those poor souls who haven’t started leave yet because of Sports Camp, or (3) put acouple of BCT pictures in and reminisce about the past four years. And, since none of those will take much space Ithought Iwould just touch on each one.

Iwent to the chapel to see if they would give me alist of those people who got married after graduation, but they wouldn’t do it because of privacy laws. So, Iam sure Iwill leave quite afew out. But, drop me aquick note Iwill put them in the next one. Sending pictures would be nice too. OK, what the chapel did tell me was that only 12 couples were married in the chapel the week after graduation. Some years have had as many as 80 weddings, so this was areally low number. The first wedding of “June Week” was on Graduation Day, when Shane JENSEN and Caroline BONG were married. On Friday, Cami GAGE married Dave STOCK ('96) and Char¬ ley PARENT married Melissa CABOT. Also getting married in the chapel that week were Byron ARMSTRONG, Steve FERNANDEZ, and Josh ANDERSEN. Oh, and I can’t leave out Jordan GRANT and Holly COOPER who also tied the knot. Dan

FEHL and Jen BROOKS were married soon after graduation as was Misty HANCOCK whose husband cross-commissioned from the Navy to the Air Force. Iknow that Corey BROUSSARD, Jamie RHONE, Megan SCOTT and Mike DOUGHERTY, as well as Brian EGBERT all had weddings, but Idon’t know any of the details. Many couples opted not to use the chapel for their weddings, and either went home for the ceremony or retreated somewhere else. Shannon KAVANAUGH and Mike PEELER were married up in the mountains, and Janelle GROVER, who married Jeff PERCY (‘97), went home for her wedding, as did Kari TOWNSEND. Jamie MELTON and Keith ANDERSEN were married in Alabama, and Jeff PARR was married here in Colorado. Doug HOWE and Cilia PETEREK were getting married in July. Iknow that Danny SMITH, Josh ARMEY, Scott BREECE, Jason WILLIAMS, Jason FULLER, Frank FARRELLY, Jeff JACKSON and Chris KUREK were all getting married sometime soon as well. Ithink this is ev¬ eryone that Ican think of, but again, it would be great to have some pictures for the next article as well as more details.

The Sports Camp people were alot more helpful than the chapel about releas¬ ing names, and gave me acomplete list of everyone working right now. About 60 of our classmates opted to work for three weeks follotving graduation and take their leave later. Tim SCHUMACHER, Sarah EMORY, Jamie PETERSEN, Sarah VICTOREEN, and June CRUSE are all living together and working the dorms at the camp. Iam not quite sure how Tim ended up living with all these girls, and knowing what it is like to live with four other girls, Idon’t know if that makes him lucky or not. Jason FOSTER, Brad TURNER, Brett SCHUMER, Chris MACAULAY, Shane VESELY, John LINDELL, and Jason SCHMIDT also have ahouse and are all working dorms/lacrosse together. Tara VICE was in town not too long ago, and the lacrosse group along with Beth CRIMMEL and Rob MAKROS all met at On the Border after work. Jake SHERER and Lance ROSA-MIRANDA also have ahouse and are working the camp. Igot my first motorcycle ride courtesy of Rozy and I also went to see Jake race his dirt bike. It is only them right now, but during the school year Scoop LATIMER and Juan CASTRO move in too. Iran into Lauren ECKERT and Mike KALLAI at Blockbuster the other night, and Isaw Janelle ZICARELLI at the Community Center getting her medical records ready to send to her grad school. Ialso talked to Frank COOPER, Brian WEILAND and Matt EARPELDING at the field house, and Jeff ISGETT talked both me and Amy PETRINA into helping him with the saber arch for awedding this weekend. That isn’t even

(Commandant’s Comer; From page 15)

Initial responses have been highly positive about the experience, and we anticipate that GESP will become agraduation requirement for all cadets in the near term.

Rifles: Another major effort we have undertaken during the past two years is trying to acquire anew ceremonial Cadet Wing rifle. Although more expensive and difficult logistically than we first anticipated, this project is definitely important and one that we intend to pursue to completion. As we briefed to CORONA here in the Fall of ‘97, our in¬ tent is to replace the present mbber M-16s (the cadets call them “Rub¬ ber Duckies”) with partially demilled but real M-14s. (We had looked into bringing back the M-1 or bringing on the M-16, but they are both not feasibie.) The mbber M- 16s serve their purpose in rough field train¬ ing conditions like on the bayonet assault course. Yet, to foster pride and respect of weapons and learn simple accountability habit patterns like the fact that weapons are not toys, we need areal drill and cer¬ emonial ri fl e. During our recent OPERATION RANGE THUNDER at Fort Carson, two firsties “misplaced” their real M-16s. The Army was not impressed. Therefore, acquiring M-14s is the right thing to do to instill the warrior spirit in our cadets and better familiarize them with fundamental aspects of the profession of arms. To supply the lower three classes with atotal of3,360 rifles will cost approximately $400,000 -which includes supply depot charges, rendering the rifles inoper¬ able, storage, and repair. At this point, we have received afavorable reaction from CORONA and have obtained authorization to acquire, partially demil, and store M-14s at the Academy. We are now simply waiting for Operation and Maintenance funding or agift donation through the AOG. Iam confident we can make the new cadet rifle pro¬ gram areality to help us produce better-prepared and more motivated leaders of our future Air Force.

AOC Preparation: In another initiative aimed at enhancing the de¬ velopment of cadets, we have designed and presented to CORONA a proposal to establish amaster’s degree program for new AOCs, similar

close to everyone who is working the camp, but Iam learning that 1really don’t know as many people as Ithought Idid. Iguess Iwill have to work on that. Well, these first two things have taken up alot more space than Ithought they would, but Ithink it would be fun to take aquick look at the last four years. Here are some highlights, if you can call them that, that Iremember from the past four years: ;

We inprocessed on the 26th of June, 1994 at Doolittle Hall, where, to the horror of our parents, they began to yell right away. Most of the next couple of weeks are a blur to me, but Iclearly remember morning mns on the terrazzo in boots, chanting “Only the Strong in ‘98’’, listening to Never Say Die by Bon Jovi over and over, taking the honor oath, and being really scared of both Paul BIRCH ('96) and Bret CILLESSEN (‘96). And, who could forget the T-43 ride (and the lunch that came with it), the helicopter ride. Doolie day out, and the Chaplains picnic. 1really don’t remember much more than that.

BCT didn’t really make our class different or unique in any way, but there are some things that did. ‘98 was the last class to have mandatory boxing classes for the guys, and the first class in avery long time to not get the full SERE training. In fact, Ithink our time in the woods counts for just about nothing. Also, over half the people who got pilot slots will go to pilot training without ever flying atrainer at the Academy. But, perhaps the most memorable thing about ‘98 is the spirit mission that broke Polaris, and the crazy “spirit" of the class.

Again, Ihope everyone is having agreat break and relaxing as much as pos¬ sible. If you get achance please send aquick letter with some pictures, or write me aquick e-mail and let me know what you are doing. Also, if you would like to write an article please let me know. Ithink the best way to get lots of different people and places mentioned is to get some variety of writers. Oh, and if you just really don’t want to write, just give me acall and let me know your news over the phone. Anyone who knows me will tell you Ilove to talk on the phone! Iguess that’s it. Keep me updated and have aterrific summer -Karin.

to the AFIT preparatory program for new academic instructors. We rec¬ ognize that the AOCs are the key individuals in the developmental pro¬ cess. They serve as commanders and professional role models, help the cadets develop their leadership skills, provide advice and guidance, and facilitate the integration of the entire Academy experience by each cadet. The job is incredibly demanding, and we hire good officers who do the job extremely well. Nonetheless, we believe we can help the AOCs do an even better job in their critical contribution to cadet devel¬ opment. All of our AOCs have strong operational records and are ex¬ ceptional officers; however, very few have experience supervising young adults and working with human and leadership development issues. Therefore, we have created aconcept for an AFIT sponsored master’s degree in counseling and leadership development that will be earned during the first year of an assignment to the Academy (West Point and Annapolis already have aprogram like this). The individuals who com¬ plete this degree would then spend two years applying the knowledge in their daily work with cadets as AOCs. The degree has been tailored for this specific purpose by ateam composed of representatives from three agencies: the Commandant of Cadets, the Dean of the Faculty, and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, which will be awarding the degree. This exciting new program will enable operational captains and majors to earn amaster’s in one year and wifi enhance the preparation of the AOCs for duty at the academy and for the rest of their careers. We are working to get this program approved by the Air Staff.

The initiatives I’ve just described are but asampling of the many ac¬ tivities underway at this time. They represent our desire to build better professional habits in our cadets and to give them experiences that better reflect the operational environment in which they will serve. In summary, we still get great raw material and are working hard to im¬ prove our training and education experience so that our graduates will be well prepared to do asuper job of leading the United States Air Force through the first portion of the 21st century.

ATTENTION!

Active Duty, Retired &Veterans of the Armed Forces

There is aFirst Class club/hotel with low rates in the heart of downtown San Francisco!

Enjoy the very best in America’s favorite city: The Marines’ Memorial Club.

Our elegant rooms are from $75 and luxurious suites from $125. You’ll experience fine dining in our Skyroom Restaurant and Lounge. Our facilities also include Banquet and Meeting Rooms, Theatre, Health Club and pool.

Best of all, we’re only ablock away from Union Square, cable cars, theatre and great shopping!

Membership in this unique organization is available for only $60 per year to former and retired members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Services. Special Active Duty membership rates available.

If you plan to buy or sell ahome, the USAAMoversAdvantage®programcanhelp.It's auniquerealestateserviceofferingstart-to-finish assistancetohelpguideyouthroughtheprocess. You'llgetselectlocalrealestateagents,free informationonneighborhoodsandschools,and step-by-stepassistancefromaknowledgeable move coordinator -and, in most states, you'll evenreceiveacashbonusafterclosing.

Because the service is offered nationwide, you can usetheprogramwhetheryou'rebuyingahomein thesamecityoranotherstate. Give us acall to find out more about MoversAdvantage,theuniqueprogramthathas helpedthousandsofUSAAcustomersbuyand selltheirhomes.Easyandconvenientmortgage financingisalsoavailable.Askfordetails.

MoversAdvantageisofferedthroughUSAARelocationServices,Inc.,osubsidiaryofUSAAFederalSavingsBank.Theabilitytopayacashbonus isprohibitedbylawinsomestates.MEMBERNATIONALASSOCIATIONOFREALTORS®.USAAFederalSovingsBankisanEqualHousingLender.