Checkpoints June 1999

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ABOUT OUR COVER

We again graciously thank the AcademySpirit staff and 2nd Lt. Maureen Metzger for her cover photograph of a trio ofClass of 2002 Doolies “trashing” the dorm room of C1C Joel Nelson, wing honor chairman; and C1C Rob Slanger, wing executive officer, during Hundredth Night “festivities”. A related story

photo appear on page 12.

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in February, 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 a membership package of which the magazine subscription annually accounts for $10. Single copies of CHECKPOINTS for members $2.50. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air ForceAcademy, CO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to CHECKPOINTS, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy 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 Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, May 1999.

THE AOG BOARDROOM

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

Dear Fellow Graduate:

As I write this letter for Checkpoints, I am very conscious that this is my last report to the AOG membership as Board Chair. This awareness has both prompted the themes I hope to address and served to shape their content. The themes I want to share briefly with you are our organizational good fortune in having such a marvelous staff to support us, the ongoing structural and leadership evolution of the AOG, and the role of fund-raising in our future.

David Roe, ‘62

The AOG’s marvelous staff: Those ofus who have returned to the Academy for Homecoming or class reunions or to attend a function in Doolitde Hall, as well as those of us who have called the AOG for assistance with information, networking, sabers for weddings, merchandise, or to arrange a funeral, know first-hand that as an association, we are blessed. This staff, ably led by our president and CEO Dick Coppock, and by his “lieutenants,” vice president Jock Schwank and vice president Jim Shaw, day in and day out gives association members, other graduates, and theAcademysuperb, caring service. It has been myprivilege to work with them individually during my last four years on the board. I thank them for making myjob and the jobs ofmy fellow board members easy. More importantly, I thank them for serving our membership so selflessly and representing the AOG so well. I urge each of you to find time in the coming months to say thanks to these professionals, and especially to Dick Coppock, who is retiring this summer after 16 years of service as our president.

Structural and Leadership Changes: As most of you are aware, recent changes to our bylaws have mandated a time of transition in our governing board structure to more closely align its structure and functioning to that more commonly seen in corporate America. Similar changes in not-for-profit board structure are being seen across the U.S. In our case, this transition is complicated by the forthcoming retirement of our president.

These complications notwithstanding, I am very excited about the future of the AOG for two reasons. First, I am being succeeded by Mark Anderson, ’61, who is currently serving as the board’s first-ever chairelect. By virtue of his superb Air Force career and experience in the

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

AirForceAcademygraduates bonded bya common heritage and an enduringcommitment to integrity, excellence and service to country.

MISSION

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

corporate and not-for-profit world beyond the Air Force, Mark is supremely qualified to guide our board into the 21 st century. I also have great confidence in the quality and dedication of those board members who are continuing to serve, and am impressed by the excellent individuals we have just elected to the board.

Second I am confident that the executive search currently underway will bring to the association presidency a very gifted, talented and dedicated leader who will steer a course at the beginning of the new millennium leading to continuously improved service to the graduate community and to the Air Force Academy.

In regard to the search, I would like to thank Heidrick and Struggles for providing the professional expertise of the world’s premier executive search partnership, on a pro bono basis to the AOG. This in-kind gift to the AOG was secured by the efforts of Mike Christy, ’63, managing partner of Heidrick & Struggles.

Role of Fund-raising: A number of you have complained to me that all you ever seem to get from the AOG are requests for money. I apologize to those of you who feel that way. From the perspective of those of us on the board or staff of the AOG, we see all of the effort going forth to serve our membership and the Academy, yet we continually receive requests from our members and the Academy to do more. As one who has studied the whole situation closely, I know that graduate members ofthe AOG are collectively and individually getting more for their dues dollars than any other similar organization with which I am familiar. In my new role as a college president of a private liberal arts college, I see first-hand every day the difference that endowment funds generated from gifts make. Accordingly, I want to help our Academy leadership in every way I can in their quest to provide our cadets and future Air Force leaders with the margin of excellence they need to take a good program funded by American taxpayers and make it great.

In short, I see no way for the AOG to accomplish its missions of service to the Academy and the graduate community in the absence of fund-raising efforts. At the same time, I hear those of you who are questioning the pervasiveness of our asking for continued support. Hopefully, our new chair and president will find a better formula for balancing our provision of quality services with our need for greater funding. I know the new board will welcome your recommendations in this regard.

Parting Thoughts: As I reflect on my recent service as Chair and member of the board of the AOG, I am delighted to see how far we have come as an association since the late 1960s and early 1970s when I last served as president and board member. In those days, we had no staff or building, provided limited services to our graduates, and had limited funding. We now have a beautiful building that serves as home to graduates returning for Academy visits, a talented and professional staff, greater resources to do more for the Academy and its cadets, and a growing membership that increasingly appreciates and utilizes the variety of services that the AOG provides. The Association of Graduates is truly a vibrant and strong organization serving an important mission.

I thank the many AOG members and Academy graduates who have provided financial support to the Academy and the association, and provided friendship and moral support to its staff, the board and to me personally. I am honored and grateful to have had the opportunity once again to serve the AOG, its members and the Academy. I look forward to the exciting new chapter the AOG will write in the 21 st century.

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

COMMANDANT’S CORNER

Reflections

On a brisk and beautiful March 13th I ran to the Rock with 1,800 cadets from the Classes of 1999 and 2002. The sky was a dazzling blue as it can only be in Colorado, a striking contrast to the hundreds of red and gold baseball caps bouncing up and down as the cadets made their way to Cathedral Rock. I had participated in the last two Recognition Week activities and was always inspired by the coming of age of our Fourth Class cadets and the budding leadership of our First Class, now almost commissioned officers. Returning to the Class Wall this time, listening to retreat echo across the terrazzo, and saluting our great flag with 4,000 cadets, made me reflect on my three years as Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Brig. Gen. Lorenz, 73

In my last article, I wrote that there is a cycle at the Academy. The wheel goes round and round and very rarely does anyone begin something that has not been thought of before. The cycle has two fundamental driving forces. First, all Academy cadets are teenagers or very recently so. Like their civilian peers, many continually push to find the limits oftheir freedom and, to be blunt, try to get away with as much as possible. Second, every Commandant wants to perform his duties to the best of his ability, which means running the cadet military experience according to the regulations and guidance ofAir Force senior leaders and the expectations of American society. The dialectic between these forces changes policies and sometimes traditions. Often, the reasons for such changes are not passed on causing successive Commandant’s to “reinvent the wheel.” I would like to avoid this by passing on the circumstances and reasons behind the policies.

When I arrived, the Academy leadership observed some deficiencies and agreed to a strategic plan to move the Cadet Wing forward. This was a team effort and the success we have had was due to the combined efforts and great support of the Superintendent, the Dean, the Director ofAthletics, as well as all the members of the staff and faculty.

Our foremost goal was to increase the Academy’s “warrior spirit.” We were concerned that some cadets didn’t really connect with their squadrons, the varsity athletic teams, and the Academy as a whole. This was reflected in their attitude, appearance, and attendance and participation at military and athletic events. To make things better, we implemented a schedule of calls that got the cadets up at 0600, made them clean their rooms, and encouraged the “Firsties” to lead by example. We also gave them a year-long schedule that specified Blue and Silver weekends so the cadets could take more direct control of their lives. The Blue weekends belonged to them. The Silver weekends belonged to the Academy where we greatly enhanced military training. The cadets didn’t like all of this at first, and some still do not. However, most have slowly learned the benefits of being a part of a world-class military unit with good order and discipline.

In short, we have enhanced the “warrior spirit.” I saw evidence ofthis at the Recognition Week activities. The Class of 1999 requested we change the schedule to include a concentrated 24-hour period oftraining, like the U.S. Marine Corps’ “crucible.” It worked great! Injuries were down and esprit was up. We saw it also in the great support given

Academy athletic teams. As many of you watched on national TV the cadet “spirit machine” was in full force this fall. The wing directly contributed to our 12-1 football season where our “Fighting Falcons” were ranked #10 in the nation! Coach DeBerry thought so much of the support the team received, he dedicated the WAC Championship football to the wing from the staff tower at a noon meal. The wing went wild!

Another goal of our strategic plan was to make the upper classes actually lead and be responsible for those they command. The cadets have always said they wanted to run the wing, but that often meant doling out privileges, not enforcing standards. To change this we have re-emphasized the Cadet Leadership Planning Period (CLPP), a threeweek summer program where the cadet leadership, including athletic team captains, receives practical leadership instruction and guidance and then create their plan to lead the wing. CLPP culminates with a formal presentation of this plan to the Superintendent and other senior Academy leaders. We demand that cadet leaders take responsibility and we encourage them to make the tough decisions. High, fair, and consistent standards that are enforced, not just by officers, but also by the cadets have made a big difference. Now when cadets ask me why there is such a high standard in an area, I tell them to ask their cadet commanders. They are the ones who set the standards!

We also observed that the upper class needed to improve their professional habits. One of our initiatives was to begin First Class social training, including guest speakers, a formal dinner, etiquette instruction, and demonstrations on proper civilian dress for professional occasions. These may sound trivial, but believe me they were needed.

Our strategic plan also addressed the operational Air Force. We wanted to upgrade our basic Air Force military training and to implement deployment scenarios. Global Engagement is the result, a new Third Class cadet program starting this summer with the Class of2002. This 10-day program will teach cadets how our 21st Century Air Force deploys all over the world. Officer and enlisted Total Force mentors from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and active Air Force, will show cadets how to plan a deployment, build a bare base in Jack’s Valley, and sustain the base for operations. The exercise will conclude with an Operational Readiness Inspection. This exciting, motivational, hands-on program will ingrain in cadets a true respect for our 21st Century Total Force concept. This will also be nurtured by two officers we have hired to teach in our Education Group, one from the Air National Guard and the other from the Air Force Reserve.

For our officers, we just received permission from the Air Staff to institute a two-year test program for an AOC Master’s Program. Our AOCs have been doing a great job leading the current “Generation X” cadets; however, AOCs can use more tools in their leadership kit. The AOC Master’s Program is designed to do just that. In conjunction with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, several new AOCs will spend one year getting an AFIT master’s degree in leadership development and counseling followed by two years service as an AOC. This will help AOCs better prepare cadets to become leaders in the 21st Century. West Point

(Continued on page 9.)

Doolittle Hall Available For ManySpecial Occasions

Doolittle Hall is now available at very reasonable rates for special functions. To date the AOG has hosted a variety of events: department meetings, retirements, wedding receptions, workshops, cocktail parties, luncheons and formal and informal dinners. Doolittle Hall can accommodate as many as 300 at a sit-down dinner and more than 500 for a cocktail party.

Available facilities include conference rooms, the library lounge with bar, and outdoor patio area, weather permitting. AOG members receive preferential rates. For more specific information on your special-function needs, please call Jean Bickford at the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

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

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Keeping Traditions Alive - The Cadet Wing in Spring 1999”

By C/Col Matthew J. French Spring Cadet Wing Commander

Spring at the Academy, along with ushering out the Dark Ages, is bringing several new and exciting challenges. The Class of 1999 continues its dual role: to lead the wing and prepare for active duty. With the new semester comes new leadership. Forty firsties assumed command as squadron commanders for the second halfofthe school year; each having the opportunity to hone leadership skills developed over the past three years. The Hundredth Night dining-in on the 20th ofFebruary was truly a night to remember. FormerVietnam POW Brig. Gen. Robbie Risner was the guest speaker, and a toast was made to the class at the end of the night with Goldschlager (in honor of our Golden Class!).

The class is currently in the process of deciding our futures for the next few years. The pilot shortage in the Air Force has blessed the Academy with over 500 pilot slots; this means all pilot-qualified (and some waiverable) cadets can plan on going to pilot training after graduation. And while graduation on June 2nd is on the mind of every firstie, everyone is trying to stay focused on leading the wing towards excellence.

C/Col Matthew J. French

The second semester of any year brings two exciting times for the second class cadets. Recently they received their signature loans of $19,000 at 1.9 percent interest. At the end of the semester, the members of the Class of2000 will receive their class rings at the annual Ring

(Commandant: From page 7.)

implemented a similar program in 1988 and Annapolis started one in 1997. Our counterparts rave about the success of their respective programs and stated this initiative has paid immeasurable dividends.

To pay the manpower bill for the AOC Master’s Program and to increase the size of each cadet squadron, next fall we will downsize the Cadet Wing from 40 to 36 squadrons. This frees up eight officers for the master’s program. More importantly, it helps solve several problems created when Congress reduced Academy appointments from 4,417 to 4,000 in 1995. At that time, West Point and Annapolis opted for fewer, same-size units and cut the number ofcompanies to 36. Last year, West Point downsized the Corps again to 32 companies in order to provide manpower slots for their Character Development Center. Because we chose to retain 40 smaller squadrons we have had difficulty maintaining optimum diversity and fielding the required number ofintramural athletic teams in each unit. In addition, some squadron parade marching contingents have been cut to flight-size units. Reducing to 36 squadrons will get the squadrons back to the numbers they were for most ofthe history ofthe Academy, 105-115 people. Nonetheless, this will be an emotional event for the cadets and the graduates of Cadet Squadrons 37, 38, 39 and 40. We understand that, but believe the benefits offset the costs.

As you can tell, I believe the health of the wing has improved and is continuing to get better. However, some things we wanted to accomplish have yet to be implemented fully. One of these is replacing the “rubber ducks” with M-14 rifles. This plan is still on the books but requires funding to make it a reality. The Introductory Flight Training (IFT) Program, which gives SUPT (Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training)-bound cadets 40 hours of flight training, successfully kicked off this spring but is still evolving into a mature program to meet the needs of the Air Force.

Dance ceremony - the AOG has done a wonderful job over the past few years of assuring that each class receives quality rings and service.

Under the training of the Class of 2001, the Class of 2002 was eagerly preparing for Recognition in March. (It has been rumored that the F16 on the Terrazzo was painted completely red for a day to honor their “Red Tag” class!) Recognition this year brings a change to those years past. Nightoperations as part of a 24-hour dayofoperations are planned to increase the challenge that the fourthclassmen must endure in order to receive their Prop and Wings.

Along with the traditional milestones this semester, there will be five parades. The first is the Pioneers in Aviation Parade on April 10, followed by the O’Malley/Coltrin Awards Parade on May 1, the T. D. White Parade on May 12, the Organizational Awards Parade on May 31, and culminating with the Graduation Parade on the 1 st of June. If you’re in the area around these times, the Cadet Wing would love to have you back to see why we are the best.

The military training continues with four Saturday a.m. inspections, and two Saturday in-ranks inspections. Currently, wing-wide military training is scheduled for Silver weekends, which are generally every other weekend; with Blue weekends, or free weekends, in between. This new system of Blue and Silver weekends has proven to be very effective in maintaining militarydiscipline while increasing morale amongst the Cadet Wing.

The Cadet Wing athletic and club programs have given cadets the opportunity to excel. All of our teams have been performing well in the competition arena from bringing home the Oahu Bowl Championship to winning the National Collegiate Parachuting Championships. The Wing Open Boxing Tournament/Fund Raiser is always a high point of the spring semester and this year was no exception. The Open was viewed live nationwide on the Military Channel on the 26th of February, and the CadetWing alone raised over $7,000 (a new record) for two very worthwhile charities.

These events, along with many other opportunities, will reward the hard work and dedication of the Cadet Wing as we continuously strive towards our mission of developing into the best Air Force officers for the future. We appreciate any support and visits that we can get from the classes that have preceded us. The Spring of 1999 is proving to be a challenging, productive, and memorable semester for all members of the Cadet Wing.

As Commandants come and go, there should be consistency in the military policies of the Academy. Consistency makes life easier and more predictable for the cadets. With this in mind, I will leave my suecessor two documents. The first is a continuity book to explain the circumstances and reasons behind certain policies. The second is a book outlining Academy traditions and how they evolved over time. These will give future Commandants a frame of reference so they will not have to “reinvent the wheel” on their watch. You see the Academy is not really 44 years old, it is only one year old 44 times. When you boil it all down, what all Commandants want is for cadets to be at the rightplace, at the right time, in the right uniform, with the right attitude, and always to do the right thing. Is that too much to ask?

In closing, I can not describe how proud and privileged I am to have served as the Air Force Academy’s 19th Commandant. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to help America’s best and brightest young people grow into dedicated United States Air Force officers, ready and willing to defend this nation well into the 21st Century.

Commandant Seeks Input

For USAFA Traditions Book

The Commandant ofCadets, Maj. Gen. (Select) Stephen R. Lorenz, is developing a USAFA Traditions book for publication. Currently, a list of traditions is being compiled and there will be a need for descriptions, origins, pictures, and corroboration of the traditions. Examples include: 1st Sgt/first snow; run to the rock; smoker’s nights; Ring Dance; etc. More information on what is required can be found at (www.usafa.af.mil/wing/34edg/traditions). All traditions and supporting material can be emailed to walkerlj.34edg.usafa@usafa.af.mil. More information will follow on how to obtain a copy once published.

The Original “Return With Honor"

By Ed Mechenbier, ’64

With the end of the war in Vietnam in 1973, the nation closed one of most divisive eras in our history. Regardless ofwhere personal politics put people in terms of their attitude toward the American involvement in Southeast Asia, everyone was united by the RETURN WITH HONOR of the POWs. Tony Orlando’s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the.Old Oak Tree” was sung with the Vietnam era POWs in mind. The POW/MIA flag became a permanent fixture at many federal and commercial sites. The stories of the POWs reflected an ordeal the United States had never believed her men in uniform would ever endure. Everett Alvarez was captured in August 1964, just two months and one day after I and my Blue Tag Class of ’64 raised our right hands in an oath and a salute to well and faithfully discharge the duties of a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In the next few years 10 of us in that class and 22 other USAFA graduates would start our own TDYs in Ho Chi Minh’s Hanoi Hilton.

Philippines Feb. 20. Captain Mechenbier, a 1964 graduate, was one ofourfirstPOWs to befreed. Afterhisremarks, the 1,000 children surged aroundhim and otherPOWs and tried to getautographs, give them gifts and just simply touch them. (U.S.

But, believe it or not, we’re the lucky ones. We’re the guys who in 1973 were part of the great healing process that brought America together again. At the same time it wrote a final sad epitaph for the families who for years sought a happy ending to the report of a missing in action husband, father, brother, son, or dad. The stories could have ended there and each of us could have just lived our lives as though, as the saying went then, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” But the Class of 1965, obviously well trained by their more sage ’64 mentors, had the idea the legacy of this experience ought not be left to the chance some historywriterwould someday, somehow synthesize this experience into something ofliving value. So they started a fund as a class project and asked the Academygrads who had “served the nation under most difficult circumstances” to submit to a taping session which would then be transcribed into an oral history of each man’s experience.

WellDone, and now they are available for review in the AOG’s Doolitde

Academies Launch Joint Resume Database System

As a benefit ofmembership, your AOG offers a FREE resume registration service. We have joined forces with the alumni associations ofthe Military Academy, the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy to jointly provide online access to resumes of service academy graduates to prospective employers.

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Ifyou have questions about this service for members, please contact WayneTaylor at (719) 472-0300, DSN 333-2067, ore-mail at career@aogusafa.org.

Hall and in the Academy Cadet Library in bound volumes. Later, five ofthese aforementioned, well-trained, respectful members ofthe Class of ’65 thought they ought to do something more with the, if memory serves me, $65K remaining of the original fund. After a military-style solicitation and source-selection process (okay, so we actually made a decision in about three days) we selected the Oscar Award-winning American Film Foundation to make a film, which at the time was envisioned only for use at the service academies to teach cadets the value of the qualities instilled during four years.

The $65K and a large check, $900K to be exact, from the Boeing McDonnell Foundation, resulted in the production of RETURN WITH HONOR which grew to have meaning for a much broader audience. That title has appeared many times since in movies and books, but this application is unique. It’s truly our story, told by us. There is no unseen, but recognized narrator’s voice telling you what the picture obviously shows. There are no “talking head” experts saying “What the captain really meant.” The Association of Graduates President Dick Coppock, Class of 1961 (he knew Orville and Wilbur personally), steered us through the legal wickets, the touchy issues and the business straits. The result is a great, feature length movie graphically telling the story of how 500-plus Americans served as Prisoners ofWar in Vietnam and did RETURN WITH HONOR.

Remember what I said near the start of this article about being lucky to have been a POW? The real story here is not about those of us who returned home. It is about those who never had that privilege, and, more significantly, it’s about all of us. It’s about those characteristics, those strengths, those values, beliefs and attributes we till share as products of a society. Don’t watch this film and say, “Boy, I could never do that!” Watch this film and know we weren’t hand picked for some great personal strength or quality that allowed us to uniquely serve with honor. No, this is a film about you and all of us who are privileged to live in this great land. This is a story about what makes the American service man or woman perform to the highest standards. This is about the guts and courage and fortitude and camaraderie you are developing at USAFA.

RETURN WITH HONOR has been acclaimed at film festivals all over the United States this spring and starting in June will be in general release to theaters. Look for it and make it a point to spend an hour and a half seeing a great film. To the Class of '65 and the AOG, many thanks for helping tell the story. To Terry Sanders and Freida Mock at theAmerican Film Foundation, thanks for letting us tell our story our way. To the Boeing-McDonnell Foundation, thanks for providing the essential ingredient to have this film made, and thanks to MBNA Bank, whose recent $600K contribution will make general distribution possible. And finally, thanks to all of you who stood by us during our years in jail, who demanded an accounting for the POWs, and shared the joy of our Homecoming in 1973. Go see the movie; you’ll be glad you did!

About the Author

Brig. Gen. (USAFR) Edward J. Mechenbier,’64, currently serves as mobilization assistant to the commander, Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-PattersonAFB, Ohio. He was the aircraft commander of an F-4C on a strike mission over North Vietnam on June 14, 1967, when his aircraft caught on fire. Both he and his pilot, systems operator, then 1 st Lt. Kevin J. McManus, also a member ofthe Class of ’64, successfullyejected and were captured by the enemy. Mechenbier remained a prisoner of war until he was released to U.S. military control on Feb. 18, 1973 at Hanoi, North Vietnam.

Above is a filephoto from theMarch 9,1973 Falcon News ofthe story’s author. The caption read: “SPECIAL SPEAKER - Banners, shouts and cheers surrounded Capt. EdwardJ. Mechenbieras he spoke to members ofthefifth and sixth grade classes atLilyHillElementarySchool at Clark AB,

Air Force Photo by TSgt. James L. Baker)”

Class of 2000 Selects Doolittle as

By Airman 1st Class Marijon Clarke AcademySpirit Staff

As it enters the next millennium, the Academy plans to kick-start it with the brand new Exemplar Program designed to provide cadets with a role model that graduating classes can identify with. The thrust of the Exemplar Program is to appoint a leader of the past, a person regarded as worthy of imitation, to represent each class and serve as a foundation for tomorrow’s heroes, according to Capt. Christopher Beoddy, project officer.

Lt. Gen. TadJ. Oelstrom,Academysuperintendent, talkes to Cadet2nd Class Sam Rice, Class of2000president, about the unveiling ofthe ExemplarProgram. (Photo byStaffSgt. James Rush courtesytheAcademy Spirit.)

“When our class was presented with a chance to choose the first class exemplar,” said Cadet 2nd Class Sam Rice, Class of 2000 president, “we needed someone who represented the same shared goals ofexcellence.

First Academy Class Exemplar

Ofthe many names that came to mind, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle came out on top.”

Once the program is implemented, the goal is for each class to identify their exemplar at recognition. With that, the class gives a brief introduction of the exemplar and what that person means to the class. Each class then dedicates an enclosed case with memorabilia, such as a uniform, books and models that represents the significance the exemplar has to the class. The display will be in a Hall of Examplars (location not yet known).

The Doolittle Exemplar display was unveiled in late February at the Class of 2000’s dinner and fashion show. The exhibit is on temporary display in the library until a site is chosen for a new Hall of Exemplars. “Being a part of this new program is helping the entire class know how it feels to leave a legacy,” said Rice. “We’re the first to start the tradition, and it’s a great feeling.”

In a letter to the Class of 2000, Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, Academy superintendent, emphasized the potential impact the Exemplar Program could have. Selecting the right leader will make a lasting impression on how the class sees itself.

“I strongly encourage each member of the Air Force Academy Cadet Wing to take this responsibility seriously. I don’t think my class came together as a whole until the past 15 years, planning reunions and other projects,” Oelstrom said. “The Class of 2000 has a leg up on that - and this is one piece of what we think we can do to help them on the road to class pride and class identity.”

On the selection of General Doolittle as the Class of 2000 exemplar, the superintendent wrote in the AcademySpirit, “No other program at the Air Force Academy has the potential to have a greater impact on class distinction and tradition than the exemplar program. Selecting the right examplar will make a powerful, and lasting, statement about how the class sees itself and the class as a whole.

“With the selection of General Jimmy H. Doolittle as their exemplar, the Class of 2000 has again set a high standard to match for follow on classes. Truly a national and aviation hero, he’s been an inspiration for generations of aviators and officers. I commend the Class of 2000, salute your choice and challenge all members ofthe class to emulate their exemplar!” (The AcademySpirit)

Hundredth Night Tradition Permits Fourth Degrees Revenge For Now!

By 2nd Lt. Maureen Metzger AcademySpirit Staff

From the moment they enter the Academy, fourthclassmen, or "smacks” as they are more fondly referred to, have their lives controlled by upperclassmen. On the night of Feb. 20, that all changed - at least for a night.

That night, firstclassmen celebrated the annual tradition ofHundredth Night - 100 days until graduation. The celebration began with a formal dining-in held at Mitchell Hall. Retired Brig. Gen. Robinson Risner, America’s 20th jet ace and a 7 V2 year POW duringVietnam, was the guest speaker at the ceremony where cadets ate, drank toasts and dedicated their class painting. The artwork, “Golden Rules”, was created by Rick Broome, a local artist who paints a class portrait every year.

One tradition started this year was the official class toast. “This was the first time a cadet class has ever had an official alcoholic drink with shot glasses that have their class crest on it,” said Cadet First Class Nicole Fuller, cadet in charge of Hundredth Night. The class started the tradition with Goldschlager, chosen mostly for the flecks of gold (their class color) that float in the bottle.

When the dining-in ended, the night hadjustbegun. As firsties headed off to continue their party off base, fourthclassmen got busy. Carts of dirt, sand, trash, cereal boxes, etc., made their way through the dorms to transform ordinary rooms into “works of art”.

“Hundredth Night is perhaps the only time that four degrees are at liberty to take advantage of the upperclassmen,” said Cadet First Class Amy Nesbitt, Cadet Squadron 35. And, they took full advantage of it.

In the space of a few hours, dorm rooms became beaches, gardens, jungles, airports and even a re-creation of the superintendent’s office with all of his possessions. And, that’s if an upperclassmen is well-liked by the four degrees. If not, it can get a lot worse.

Revenge for the fourthclassmen may have been sweet. But, they then

Fourdegrees turn CadetsFirstClassEdelmiroRivera'sand ChrisBackus’ room into a doweringgarden. (Photo by2nd Lt. Maureen Metzger courtesy the AcademySpirit.)

faced the firsties’ wrath which was administered during Recognitiononly 12 days away.

(Academy Spirit editor’s note: The Spirit staff thanks the cadets in Squadron 20 fordiscovering a new use for ourpaper. It did a greatjob of soaking up the vegetable oil placed strategically throughout the hallway.)

AOG Life Member, FormerFemaleATO, Makes History

Terry Gabreski, an AOG associate life member and one of the initial female Air Training Officers when women were first admitted to the Academy, recently became the first woman to follow in her father’s footsteps as a U.S. Air Force brigadier general. The pinning-on ceremony took place in early March.

“This is a very humbling experience, and there are two primary reasons I stand here today,” Gabreski said at the promotion ceremony. “First, as proof of the magnificent opportunities the Air Force offers and the outstandingpeoplewho took the time and effort to understand howwonderful an Air Force career can be. Second, the support of my loving and patient familymy dad always said the hard things are worth doing.”

Brig. Gen. Gabreskireceivesherbrigadiergeneral stars from Brig. Gen. John Jumper, at left, and her husband, Don Gabreski. The promotion made her the first women to followin herfather’s footsteps as a U.S. Air Force brigadiergeneral.

Even before the historic ceremony in which her father, retiredAir Force Brig. Gen. Lon Walter, helped her pin on her new rank, Gabreski was

already familiar with firsts. She had started her Air Force career in 1974 as one of the first women in avionics maintenance, getting as close to combat flying as women could in the early 1970s. And she had been selected as a role model and member of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s first female upper class when the school opened its doors to women inl976.

Today, Gabreski helps to keep the Air Force flying as director of logistics for Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, at Ramstein AB, Germany, directing the efforts of more than 12,000 people throughout Europe and parts ofAsia, including hot spots in Bosnia and Iraq.

According to Gabreski, the Air Force holds great career possibilities for women. “The Air Force is going to train you and give you opportunities to be a leader... find out what your strong points are and make them better,” she said. “You will be rewarded, or not, based on your own capabilities and based on the kind of decisions you make on a day-to-day basis. I can’t imagine not having served.”

Before beginning herAir Force career, Gabreski graduated from Louisiana State University in December 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in history. Gabreski’s father, a native of New Iberia, La., is a former pilot and 31st Tactical Fighter Wing commander who fought in the Korean War and Vietnam conflict before retiring in 1979. He and her mother, Doris Walter, herself an Air Force veteran, now live in Austin, Texas. And the family’s Air Force connections don’t stop there - Gabreski’s fatherin-law, Col. Francis Gabreski, has the distinction ofbeing the Air Force’s highest scoring living ace with 28 aerial victories during World War II and 6.5 in the Korean War.

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.

BUILDING FUND DONORS

The AOG Board of Directors acknowledges with sincere appreciation the following contributors who pledged $1,000 or more to the AOG Building Fund during the period from April 1, 1998 through March 31, 1999. We encourage others to join these dedicated graduates and friends in this most important project. Pledges received after March 31 will be listed in a future edition of Checkpoints.

Dr and Mrs Osama Al-Masri

Mr and Mrs Robert Arjonilla

Mr and Mrs William Armstrong

Mr and Mrs Douglas Arnold

Mr and Mrs Davis Arthur

Dr and Mrs Phillip Barner

Ms Patsy Barreau

Mr and Mrs Tim C. Bauer

Mr and Mrs John P Beavers

Mr and Mrs Philip W. Beckett, Jr

Mr and Mrs Richard W Bell

Mr Russell A. Belt

Mr and Mrs Paul Benedetti

Mr and Mrs Uffe Bennedsen

Mr and Mrs Kirk Bennett

Mr and Mrs R J. Bergquist

Mr and Mrs Douglas J. Berndsen, Sr

Mr and Mrs Donald Berthot

Mr and Mrs Roger Beusch

Mr and Mrs Ken Blair

Mr and Mrs John J. Borrell

Mr and Mrs Howard Boxmeyer

Mr and Mrs Stanley Boyer

Mr and Mrs Joseph Bradesca, Jr

Mr and Mrs Harley O. Britton

Mr and Mrs James E Brogan

Dr and Mrs Michael Brophy

Mr and Mrs Louis J. Brothers

Mr and Mrs Donald C. Bruce

Mr and Mrs William Buegel

Mr and Mrs David Bump

Mr and Mrs Patrick F. Burns

Mr and Mrs John R. Bush

Mr and Mrs Skip Byrem

Mr and Mrs Carlos M. Caceres

Maj and Mrs James H. Campbell

Mr and Mrs Peter Caponio

Dr Dennis J. Carlo

Mr Kenneth Carr

SMSgt and Mrs Angel B. Cercenia, Jr

Mr and Mrs Cesar Ceville

Lt Col and Mrs Steven R. Charles

Mr John Cicero

Mr and Mrs James Clamp

Mr Robert A. Clifford, Sr

Mr and Mrs Kenneth T. Conlee

Mr and Mrs Daniel R Cook

Mr and Mrs Parker L. Cook

Mr and Mrs David Cortney

Mr and Mrs Roy Couchman

Mr Craig S. Couturier

Mr and Mrs Frank Cowart

Mr and Mrs Thomas D. Crittenden

Mr and Mrs Glenn D. Cunningham

Mr Stephen Datzman

Col and Mrs Edward B. De Iulio

MrVictor T. Deal

Mr and Mrs Gary C. Decker

Mr and Mrs Gregory Deis

Mr and Mrs Charles R. Delongchamp, Jr

Mr and Mrs James E Denninghoff

Ms Carmelita L. Dithmer

Mr and Mrs Carter Downer

Mr and Mrs Dennis M. Dunagan

Mr and Mrs Gerry Dunbar

Mr and Mrs Dale Echard

Mr and Mrs Larry T. El-Amin

Mr and Mrs Larry Ficklin

Mr Jon Fisher

Mr and Mrs Mac R. Fisher

Mr and Mrs Rick Florschuetz

Mr Mark S. Flusche

Mr and Mrs Robert C. Foley

Col and Mrs Derrick R. Franck ‘70, USAFR

Mr and Mrs David Fridley

Mr and Mrs Douglas N. Fritts

Mr and Mrs Michael D. Gagnon

Mr and Mrs Michael F. Gard

Ms Mary M. Gardenier

Mr and Mrs Randall Garner

Mr and Mrs Thomas Gee

Mr and Mrs John C. George

Mr and Mrs Eugene Gorton

Mr & Mrs Fred Granberry

Mr and Mrs Charles Greeson

Mr and Mrs Bernie Guzik

Mr and Mrs Henry Hall

Lt Col (Ret) and Mrs Marc R. Hallada ‘75

Mr and Mrs Rodney Halonen

Mr and Mrs Bob Hamilton

Dr and Mrs John S. Hamman, Jr.

Mr and Mrs Gregory Harrold

Mr and Mrs Robert Harvey

Mr and Mrs Wallace E. Hasbrouck

Ms Cheryl Haynes

Mr and Mrs Gary A. Heinitz

Mr and Mrs RobertV Helgerson

Mr and Mrs George V Hermann

Mr Douglas B. Hetrick

Mr and Mrs Loren L. Hicks

Mr and Mrs Robert Hill

Dr and Mrs Charles Howlett

Mr and Mrs Terence B. Igoe

Mr and Mrs Edwin E. Jackson

Mr and Mrs Samuel G. Jackson

Mr and Mrs Mike Jankovich

Mr and Mrs Rex J. Johnson

Mr and Mrs Stephen H. Johnston

Mr and Mrs Young Kang

Mr and Mrs Donny King

Mr and Mrs Vaughn Kinney

Col and Mrs Jim Kippert

Mr and Mrs David Kitko

Ms Joy Knox-Stegall

Mr and Mrs Donald R. Kopecky

Mr and Mrs Charles E Kubik

Mr and Mrs Carl J. Kwasigroch

Dr and Mrs Joseph E LaBarbera

Mr and Mrs Michael Lantrip

Mr and Mrs Jim Lee

Mr and Mrs Larry Lenahan

Mr and Mrs Donald Libby

Mr Gerald Lippert

Mr and Mrs Daniel Little

Lt Col and Mrs Warren Lopez

Mr and Mrs David Loucks

Mr Wing Louie

Mr and Mrs Richard A. Lyon

Ms Joy Mack

Mr and Mrs Harvey J. Mahan

Mr and Mrs Calvin Massie

Mr and Mrs Peter Mastro

Mr and Mrs Ronald H. Matthews

Mr and Mrs Larry McCoy

Mr and Mrs Charles E. McDougall

Mr and Mrs John McGuire

Mr Joseph McKowan

Mr and Mrs James McLaughlin

Mr and Mrs James C. McLay

Mr and Mrs A1 Miller

Mrs Barbara J. Miller

Mr and Mrs William C. Miller

Mr and Mrs Michael S. Montgomery

Mr and Mrs Tay Moore

The Estate ofThomas S Moorman

Ms Renee J. Morris-Saunders

Development andAlumni Programs Office SupportsAcademyandAOG

And you thought the AOG did great things for USAFA all by itself! Wrong! In fact, our job would be nearly impossible without the USAFA Development and Alumni Programs Office (XPA). A division of Plans and Programs (XP), the office provides services to graduates, donors, and parents and ensures that proper recognition is given for all gifts. It runs the memorial programs for USAFA and compiles the Academy’s annual “Gift Needs List.” These broad categories don’t begin to cover all the things that division chief Nancy Burns and her seven-person staff get involved with.

Capt. Ed Cardenas (‘89), chief ofAlumni Programs, organizes all the support for reunions. Parades, eating in Mitchell Hall, memorial services, dormitory tours and open houses and a myriad of other activities are all coordinated by Ed. He monitors the Cadet Squadron Improvement Program and has been chief architect of the newly-estabfished Air Force Academy Service Award. He also coordinates AOG activities in connection with cadet inprocessing.

Teri Glavan (husband, Jack,‘73), chief of Gifts and Memorials, is responsible for the Gift Needs List and manages the Academy Memorial Board and, together with Diane Standforth, ensures good stewardship of all monetary donations. What does that mean? It means that they ensure that the money is spent for the intended purpose and that appropriate recognition and thanks are given to the donor.

Barbara Gutierrez is a parent’s best friend. As chief of the Parents’ Clubs Branch, Barbara is the best friend ofthousands ofparents through her support ofparents’ clubs. Publishing a monthlynewsletter, arranging for guest speakers, visiting clubs, organizing the annual Club Presidents’ Meeting and answering virtually any and every question that a parent can dream up...all this Barb does beautifully.

Steve Hartzog, chief of Gifts Properties, catalogs graduate memorabilia and also processes gift offers and provides proper stewardship, but for tangible gifts. Steve is responsible for cataloging, storing, displaying, and maintaining literally thousands of gifts that the Academy has received from aircraft to paintings to statues to gifts of all types and description.

(Building Fund Donors: From previouspage.)

Mr and Mrs Ed Munoz

Mr and Mrs Terry Murphy

Mr and Mrs Thomas E Murray

LGen and Mrs John T. Myers

Dr and Mrs Richard Nelson

Mr and Mrs Robert Nichols

Mr and Mrs Paul Nistler

Mr Joseph A. Noble

Mr and Mrs Kraig E. Noble

Mr and Mrs Mark Noble

Mr and Mrs Jaime Olivares

Mr and Mrs Lynn Olman

Mr and Mrs Neil J. Orleans

Ms Maryanne Ostroski

Mr and Mrs David Overton

Dr Steve R. Parker

Mr and Mrs Claude D. Payne

Mr and Mrs Samuel F. Payne, Sr

Mr and Mrs James Peebles

Mr and Mrs John Perich

Ms Marian H. Phillips

Mr and Mrs Joseph E. Pierce

Mrs Karen Pogue

Mr and Mrs Leslie M. Post

Col Royce M. Powell, Jr

Lt Col and Mrs Ed F. Purcell

Mr and Mrs Gerald L. Quinlan

Mr and Mrs Doug Raney

Lt Col and Mrs Robert E. Ransom

Mr and Mrs Neil K. Rasmussen

Mr and Mrs Larry Richardson

Mr and Mrs Jaime A. Rivera

Mr and Mrs Martin W. Robertson

Mr and Mrs Sergio Robles

Mr Claudio Rodriguez

Mr and Mrs Juan Rodriguez

Wanda Martin, chief of Cadet Awards Branch, oversees the Cadet Awards Council and processes all cash gift offers to first be sure that the Academy can accept the gift. The numerous awards that are given during graduation ceremonies are all Wanda’s responsibility and she works with sponsors and award recipients throughout the year.

Sandy Michalenko, Administration, holds the office together.

Nancy and her staff serve as the liaison between the Academy and all organizations which support the Academy, including the AOG. Development work is often called “Friend Raising” and Nancy and her staff do a superb job. In future issues of Checkpoints, we’ll go into more detail about just how Nancy, Ed, Teri, Diane, Barbara, Steve, Wanda, and Sandy go about their job.

More Information Provided On AOG Humanitarian Fund

By Mark Anderson, ’61

The previous issue of Checkpoints indicated that a new Humanitarian Fund for Terminally-ill Members had been approved by the AOG Board of Directors. This fund has been established to provide financial assistance to eligible members who need help with the financial challenges of a terminal illness such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, cancer and heart disease.

The previous article indicated that further details on who to contact, how to make a request, and how to contribute to the fund would be included in future issues of Checkpoints and in letters to local AOG chapters, class officers, and other interested groups/individuals. Since then, a letter has been sent to chapters, class presidents and class scribes with detailed information. However, to ensure the word is getting out, here are the pertinent points:

- Who to contact: See the names at the end of this article. - How to make a request: Send a written request with pertinent information on the nature ofthe illness, assistance needed, and who the AOG can contact for further details to The Humanitarian Fund, Association ofGraduates, 3116 Academy Drive, USAFA, Colo. 808404475, Attn: Jock Schwank.

- How to contribute: Make your tax-deductible contribution to The AOG Humanitarian Fund at the address above.

It is hoped that this effort to serve our graduates (taking care of our own) will be well received (and well supported). We’ll keep you posted on progress. Your Humanitarian Fund committee members are:

Larry Freeman: 16422 LedgeWay, San Antonio, TX 78232, (H) 210494-4827, (O) 210-494-7803, Fax 210-494-0133, lbfinc@sprintmail.com, fsw@juno.com.

Vic Andrews: 8215 Broughton Court, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, (H) 719-592-1546, (O) 719-533-8107, Fax 719-533-8447, victor.andrews@usaa.com.

Mark Anderson: 8852 Rolling Acres Trail, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015, (H) 830-981-8341, Fax 830-981-8341, marcus@texas.net.

Mr and Mrs Donald L. Roehrkasse

Dr and Mrs Peter A. Rosario

Mr and Mrs Robert W. Rosebrough

Mr and Mrs Joseph Roznovsky

Mr and Mrs Rob Rueber

Mr and Mrs Roger G. Rulong

Mr and Mrs Lawrence Sawyer

Mr and Mrs James Seay

Mr and Mrs Jacob Segal

Mr and Mrs Neil A. Shultz

Mr and Mrs George Small

Mr and Mrs Britt Smith

Ms Un-Cha Snider

Mr and Mrs Buck Southall

Mr and Mrs Scott Steinfort

Mr and Mrs Alfred O. Steldt

Mr and Mrs Barry Stout

Mr and Mrs Roy Stuart

Mrs Barbara Sullivan

Mr and Mrs C. J. Sullivan

Ms Jane Syme

Mr and Mrs Paul Tews

Mr and Mrs Steven A. Thorstenson

Mr and Mrs Bruce A. Trollman

Mr and Mrs Mike van Maarth

Col Anthony A. Vanagas

Lt Col and Mrs Edward Y. Walker, III

Mr and Mrs Thomas Walsh

Mr and Mrs Michael Weathers

Mr David L. Weedman

Mr and Mrs David G. Weller

Mr and Mrs Robert V Wickes

Mr and Mrs John Wilkinson

Ms Carline M. Wilson

Mr and Mrs RobertWooster

Mr and Mrs Keith Young

Mr and Mrs Michael K. Young

Col (Ret) Karl Zeller and Ms Jill Rickards

The crew oftheAcademy’sDevelopmentandAlumniPrograms Office includes division chiefNancy Burns in the front row second from left, and her staff, from left, Wanda Martin, Steve Hartzog, Nancy, Sandy Michalenko, Teri Glavan, Diane Standforth, Barbara Gutierrez, and Ed Cardenas.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY

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 tax-deductible donation of $250, a paver with your name or another name you designate will be placed in this prime location for all to see. Funds received will be used to support the Association of Graduates, cadet activities, graduate programs and Academy needs. The $250 donation can be made in a lump sum or over one year (monthly, quarterly, etc. in equal payments). Pegasus Plaza pavers make excellent gifts for events such as birthdays, graduation, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, retirement, Christmas, or other special events. You can also honor or provide a memorial for a friend or relative through this program. A certificate will be sent, upon request, for such gifts.

I would like to support the Pegasus Paver Project.

AOG Account Number:

Name:

Street:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Home/Work

I AM

□ Grad/Yr □ Parent □ Grandparent □ Friend of USAFA

Please send a certificate suitable for framing to:

Name:

Street:

City: State: Zip:

Presented By:

In each block below, fill in the character (letter, number, space or punctuation) 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 a space between names, and before and after Minor changes may be required to conform to engraver limitations and standardization procedures. Lines will be centered on the paver. Put information for additional pavers on a separate sheet of paper.

Margaret & Thomas Bancroft

In Memory of Captain W A Smith ‘60

3 aver #1

3 aver #2

NUMBER OF PAVERS: at $250.00 each, for a total of $.

FREQUENCY (circle one): One-Time ONLY Monthly Quarterly Semi-annually (To be paid over a maximum of one year.)

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Check enclosed (Payable to AOG) Paid in full Initial installment

Credit Card MasterCard Visa

Mail completed form to:

Association of Graduates 3116 Academy Dr. USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

I authorize the Association of Graduates to charge my credit card Expiration Number

Signature:

Date:

My company will match my gift. Enclosed is my company’s form with my portion completed.

Founders Day Dinner Marks 45th Year of Developing Leaders

On Saturday night, April 10, some 110 Air Force Academy graduates and their spouses/guests gathered at Doolittle Hall to celebrate the founding of our alma mater. It turned out to be a great evening ofwarm camaraderie, sparkling conversation, terrific food, and a nostalgic look at one of our most treasured traditions, Recognition, by Commandant Brig. Gen. Steve Lorenz, 73. Music was provided by the Air Force Band of the Rockies Blue Steel.

The event, hosted by the local Rampart Chapter of the Association of Graduates, in conjunction with the association and Academy Plans and Programs, drew a larger crowd than last year and should continue to grow. A pleasant addition this year was 10 “second generation” cadets. Since tradition is what we are trying to establish, they are an important link to both the past and the future.

TheFounders DayDinnerguestspeaker, CommandantBrig. Gen. (major general select) Steve Lorenz, ‘73, regaled the audience with a slide showof‘‘Recognition Then and Now." ‘‘Then" includedpictures ofC4C Lorenz in a showerformation.

Doolittle Hall was resplendent with a display of USAFA life past and present, while slides of USAFA activities played on the big screen during the reception. The highlight of the evening was General Lorenz’

New Sabre Society Members Listed

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

The society provides a visible and prestigious means of honoring and recognizing the Academy’s leading supporters. Memberships are available to graduates, parents or friends oftheAcademy as Members ($1,000 annually), Patrons ($2,500 annually), Benefactors ($5,000 annually), or Life Members ($50,000). Ifyou are interested, contact Jim Shaw or Kathy McCann at the AOG, e-mail Development@aog-usafa.org.

New members in the society from January 26, 1999 - April 1, 1999.

Mr & Mrs Paul Benedetti

Mr & Mrs Jess W Crane

BGen(Ret) & Mrs Thomas

O Fleming, '69

Mr & Mrs Phillip A Glenn, ’64

Mr & Mrs J Pat Gregory

LGen(Ret) & Mrs Bradley C Hosmer, ’59

Mr & Mrs Jackson L Hudson, ’64

Mr & Mrs Max F James, ’64

Mr Michael D Jensen, ’84

Mr Mark A Johnson, ’65, & Ms Judith M Wright

Mr & Mrs John H Martinson, 70

Mr & Mrs Peter Mastro

Mr & Mrs Ronald M McCollum, ’63

BGen (USAFR), ‘64, & Mrs Edward J Mechenbier

Maj & Mrs Mark S. Novak, ’84

Capt Jody A Price, ’89

LtCol & Mrs William E Rhoden Jr, 77

Col(Ret) & Mrs William E Richardson, 70

Mr & Mrs Michael R Ross, ’81

LtGen(Ret) & MrsWinfieldW Scott Jr

Scott & Kay Steinfort

Mr & Mrs Kenneth J

Vargas-Charlesworth, 73

Col Karl Zeller & Ms Jill Rickards

presentation on Recognition; what it was and what it is, how it has changed and how it has remained the same.

The dinner celebrating Founder’s Day marked the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Academy.

(Editor’s note: The following chronology ofAcademy events was prepared byCapt. Ed Cardenas ofthe Directorate ofPlans and Programs.)

The Academy celebrated Founder’s Day in April by taking time to refleet on its past, present and future.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law on April 1, 1954 a bill authorizing the Air Force its own Academy. By July 1955, the Academy was ready to admit its first cadets at its temporarylocation at Lowry AFB, Denver. During the first three years ofits existence, the Academy’s permanent site, located in Colorado Springs, was being developed on 18,000 acres.

Construction ofmajor facilities was completed in the summer of 1958 and the cadet wing moved to its permanent site in August of the same year. Graduation began with the Class of ’59 which sent 207 new lieutenants into the Air Force ranks that June.

The next few years saw enrollment grow to the authorized strength of 2,500, and in the late 1960s the cadet wing population shot up to a maximum strength of 4,400. The end of the Cold War in the early 1990s brought this number down to 4,000 where it remains today.

The Academy’s flying program, operated in the early years from nearby Peterson AFB, moved to its own flying field in 1968, a change that made a large difference in the efficiency of the flying program. Strong flying training, parachuting, and soaring programs form a crurial part of the Academy education.

The first graduating class received a general bachelor of science degree. The Class of 1966 was the first in which every graduate had an academic major. Now, the Academy offers more than 30 majors.

The Intercollegiate Athletic Program has grown over the years and is now comprised of 27 sports, 17 for men and 10 for women. Almost 25 percent ofthe cadet wing participates in intercollegiate sports. In 1996, all intercollegiate sports moved to NCAA Division I, the highest level of competition.

Women were first admitted to all military academies in 1976 and now comprise more than 17 percent of the cadets here. They are challenged by the same demands and given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

The Academy has graduated more than 31,000 cadets. Of that numher, 159 are foreign graduates and 300 cross-commissioned into other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Academy graduates currently comprise 20 percent of the total active-duty officer corps. The Academy has produced more than 30 astronauts and 260 general officers to inelude two Chiefs of Staff of the Air Force and three Superintendents of the Academy. The Academy has also produced better than 16,000 pilots. Academy graduates have earned in excess of 680 major scholarships for graduate studies.

In its 45 years of existence, the Academy has indeed provided the nation with outstanding officers, many of whom have gone on to leadership positions in the country’s militay and civilian community.

Bernie Amels (at left), ‘66, Rampart Chapterpresident; past Rampart Chapterpresident Pete Todd, ‘59; and Wendy Todd enjoyed the entire evening. BernieandPetehave workedhard over theyears togetFounders’ Daygoing.

NewAOC Master's Program

Focuses on Leadership,

Insight

By 2nd Lt. Maureen Metzger Directorate of Public Affairs

The Academy will test an Air Officers Commanding master’s program beginning in June. The initial 12-month program offers eight AOCs the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in counseling and human services through a combined effort with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and the Air Force Institute of Technology.

“The goal of the program is to educate and prepare future AOCs for their especially complex role in developing and inspiring cadets as future Air Force leaders,” said Brig. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commandant of cadets.

The AOCs are the active-duty, first-line supervisors of each cadet squadron. Each directly leads and develops more than 100 cadets. The master’s program is designed to give them an understanding of why military academies came to exist and how they do their job. It also provides exposure to effective leadership principles, mentorship from senior officers and civilian leadership experts, and supervised interaction with a cadet squadron through hands-on application of theory, according to Lorenz.

Courses focus on providing leadership skills and insight into a college-age population. The one-year, three-semester program provides 48 semester hours in courses such as educational psychology, human growth and development, conflict resolution, and issues, ethics and trends in professional counseling.

The United States MilitaryAcademy at West Point initiated a similar program in 1993 with Long Island University. “It’s one of the most fundamental changes at West Point in the last 20 years,” said Army Lt. Col. Scott Snook, director of the tactical officer education program.

The motivation behind the program was recognition of the important role of the tactical officer as the primary leader/developer of cadets, according to Snook. The year-long program has been well received by West Point TACs. “The response is that it’s not only prepared them well to be TAC officers, but this unique educational experience has been great preparation as field grade officers when they return to the Army,” said Snook.

After AOCs complete the one-year program, they serve a follow-on two-year assignment commanding a cadet squadron, according to Col. Fred Williams, director of personnel. The program will have a trial period. After than, the Academy will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine whether the program is accomplishing its goals.

“We ask so much from our AOC’s - that they be commanders, trainers, counselors, disciplinarians and role models,” said Lorenz. “This is a way we can give them the skills they will need in their futures with the Academy and the Air Force. It’s an investment in the future that will pay dividends in the 21 st century.” (The AcademySpirit)

AOG Accepts Gift of Artist’s Proof

In March theAOG accepted a framed artist’s proofofan original watercolor, Aurora - Gyrfalcon,"donatedbythe artistofthe original,Jacquie Gallo. Theproof, hanging on the wall in thephoto, has become part of the AOG’s permanent art collection in Doolittle Hall. From left in the photo are Jon Gallo, ‘59; wifeJacquie, andDick Coppock, president and CEO oftheAOG.

ESTATE PLANNING

Your Will

The “Right Things” Can Be Done Wrong!

Horror stories abound concerning very successful, fabulously wealthy, famous people who failed to properly plan their estates. Their business acumen was excellent but they failed to plan for their deaths. In some cases they did the “right” things in the “wrong” way.

For example, one wealthy entrepreneur died childless intending that his fortune would protect his widow and then pass to selected charities. He did the “rightthings” byleaving aWill which appointed executors and made charitable bequests. He had set up charitable foundations and charitable remainder trusts. However, seven years after his death, the estate still was not settled and its size had shrunk from $200 million to $60 million. What went wrong?

First, the Will appointed several private individuals, including his wife, as executors. The individuals each had vested interests in the estate and could not agree. Several were ultimately charged with enriching themselves and squandering the funds. Choose executors carefully and anticipate conflict. It is usually best to choose a corporate fiduciary who is honest and disinterested. The fees charged by such a trust department are not inexpensive but are far less than the costs incurred from poor management.

Second, theWill was not found until several months after his death because it was in a box of papers in his basement. A Will which cannot be found is the same as having no Will at all. Make sure your attorney, accountant, and/or other family members knowwhere the Will is located and how to gain access to it.

Third, there was no inventory of assets. Putting your affairs in order means you must let the executors know what you own and where the property is located.

Fourth, the individual had established a charitable foundation, multiple charitable remainder trusts, multiple real estate holding companies, and theWill included bequests to more than four dozen separate charities. This collection of entities was far more complex than was necessary to accomplish his purposes and actually invited expensive, time consuming litigation. Work with financial and legal experts to makeyour estateplan as simple as possible. But didn’t “professionals” create this collection of trusts and foundations? Yes, but they acted only on the information they were given. Ifyou tell a trust department to establish a trust, they will do it. However, to create an estate plan, you must give a variety ofprofessionals the completepicture ofwhat is in your estate and whatyou want to accomplish. Only then can the disasters described above be avoided.

The Association of Graduates has prepared a brochure on estate planning which is free for the asking. Please contact Gary Howe (‘69) at (719) 472-0300 or e-mail to howegs.aog@usafa.af.mil.

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, ofcourse, depends on the graduates 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 a week or two (as soon as we can verify a shipping address). If a ring needs to be replaced or serviced, we can link you to the ring company representative who handles your class. So, if you need to report a ring lost or found, or need to know who to call for ring repairs/replacement, please call or 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

Character Development Symposium Draws Nation’s Best

By Lt. Col. Michael J. “Mick” Fekula

The Center for Character Development hosted the 6th National Character and Leadership Symposium at the Air Force Academy from 3 to 5 March 1999. This year’s forum invited 33 speakers of national prominence including corporate CEOs, special operations service teams, heroes, a professional athlete, military chaplains, and scholars. The symposium offered 48 speaker sessions and three panel discussions addressing topics of integrity, courage, character, leadership, ethics, faith, virtue, values, professionalism, technology, and adventure. The topics revolved around the symposium’s central theme ofIntegrityFirst: Courage, Competence, and Commitment.

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, Dr. Christina Hoff Sommers, andretiredformerDean Brig. Gen. Ruben Cubero, talk before the doctor’s lecture. (Photo by Senior Airman Andy Bellamy courtesy the AcademySpirit.)

The program also featured six keynote speakers including The Honorable Dr. John J. Hamre, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Brig. Gen. (Ret) Malham M. Wakin, Professor Emeritus, USAF Academy; Dr. Christina HoffSommers of The American Enterprise Institute and author of Who Stole Feminism?; Dr. Robert Kane, UniversityofTexas at Austin; Dr. Story Musgrave, NASA astronaut; and Lt. Col. Steven A. Simon, USAF, Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council.

The infusion of national authorities gave cadets, Academy staff, and invited guests the opportunity to interact with a broad range of character development experts. The speakers offered either their researched perspectives or practical experiences which place them on the cutting edge of character education in the United States. Three panel discussions on topics of character and leadership, commitment, and competence highlighted the combined expertise of these national authorities.

During the symposium the cadet wing hosted 55 undergraduate students from institutions around the nation including Boise State University, Central Oregon College, Chesapeake College, The Citadel, Colorado State University, the Focus on the Family Institute, the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Moravian College, the Naval Academy, Notre Dame University, the College of the Ozarks, Penn State University, the University ofRichmond, RutgersUniversity, St. Louis University, Stetson University, the UniversityofTexas atAustin, Utah State University,Washington College, and West Point.

These students interacted with over 70 of our own USAFA cadets in a day-long student consortium lead by Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, the Hoiland H. Coors Chair in Character Development. The consortium ineluded student presentations and discussions ofthe character and leadership themes presented during the symposium speaker sessions.

Other highlights of the meeting included a Senior Leadership Roundtable Luncheon during which Academy senior leaders such as Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oelstrom, Commandant Brig. Gen. Lorenz, Vice Dean Col. Mueller, and Director of Athletics Col. Spetman ex

changed character development and leadership ideas with 11 of the symposium’s expert speakers. Book signing sessions gave attendees the opportunity to meet eight of the speakers who authored significant books in their field. Guests were also afforded the chance to experience the Academy’s Adventure-based Learning Course and take tours of the Academy.

“Attendance at this year’s symposium exceeded all expectations,” said Colonel Mark Hyatt, Director ofthe Center for Character Development. “We had approximately 350 people attending sessions during each hour and that’s a 40 percent increase over last year.” Colonel Hyatt further said that, “The symposium has grown to include many more cadets, civilian students, and guests from around the country. In addition to the 55 students, we had about 30 professionals attend from as far away as California, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.”

The ability of the Center for Character Development to conduct the 1999 National Character and Leadership Symposium was due in significant part to the generous gift funding provided through the Association of Graduates.

Ways to Give to The AOG and The Air Force Academy

Method Cash

*Gift of appreciated assets or other property

^Bequests (by Will or trust)

*Gift of life insurance

Benefits to Donor

*Full income tax deduction.

Immediate impact to AOG/USAFA.

*Full income tax deduction.

Capital Gains tax savings. Immediate impact to AOG/USAFA.

*Maximum flexibility. Full use of assets during lifetime. Estate tax savings.

^Ability to make larger gift with smaller annual (or one-time) cash outlay. Income tax deduction for current value and/or cost of premiums.

*Gift of personal residence *Donor retains use for life. Partial inor farm come or tax deduction. Estate tax saving.

*Gift with life income for *Lifetime income. Income, capital gain, donor and/or spouse. estate tax savings.

^Bequest of IRA or qualified *Income and estate tax savings. Assets retirement plan asset may be taxed at rates as high as 85% at death if passed to beneficiaries.

*Gift of income with assets immediate impact for AOG/USAFA. to heirs. Estate tax savings. Increased inheritance for heirs.

For more information and a free booklet on charitable giving and estate planning, contact the Development Office at the AOG, (719) 472-0300 or e-mail: Gary Howe at howegs.aog@usafa.af.mil.

Cadet Wing Commander Matt French presents a falcon sculpture to DeputySecretaryofDefense Dr. JohnJ. Hamre afterhiskeynote address in Arnold Hall.

Class of2002 Earns Prop and Wings DuringRecognition

About 1,000 fourthclassmen improved their status in the Cadet Wing in mid March after three intense days ofphysical and mental challenges known as Recognition.

Cadets had to do squat walks between some recognition activities in the CadetFieldhouse. (PhotobyStaffSgt. Roel Utley, TheAcademySpirit.)

Every year, fourthclassmen culminate the most intense part of their fourth class year during the Recognition training weekend. Each cadet endures scores ofphysical and mental tests designed to strengthen their sense of teamwork, self-image, and perseverance. Their goal is to receive their “prop and wings” - the coveted aeronautical symbol used by the original Army Air Corps - which now symbolizes successful completion of the fourth class year.

This year’s events were held indoors in the Cadet Field House, the Cadet Gym, and the dormitories due to snow. According to Col. Daniel W. Jordan III, 34th Training Group commander, the cadet wing performed admirably despite the challenges of the inclement conditions. Throughout the weekend, there were fewer accidents and injuries than any previous Recognition on record.

Jordan lauded the wing and emphasized how their performance ex-

Donations NeededNow for Class RingDisplay

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

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

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

More than half of the classes are already represented. Donations are still being sought. Besides the heritage and tradition that you will help establish, your donation can serve to honor or memorialize a graduate as part ofthe donor listing. Ofcourse, any donation is also fully tax deductible. Ifyou or someone you know are interested in donating a ring, please contact Jim Shaw or Jack Mueller at (719) 472-0300.

emplified the quality of leaders the Academy is producing. “In my 22 years in the service, I have seen a lot of operational plans gone awry because of weather or other factors. You, however, have executed an extensive weather backup plan flawlessly - certainly characteristic of a disciplined military force.”

Fortunately, the weather cleared up just in time for the infamous “Run to the Rock.” In this event, the fourth class cadets are led to Cathedral Rock by the first class cadets of their squadron. Their return is highlighted at the evening retreat formation, when their class year is symbolically reported to the CadetWing commander for the first time. The ‘prop and wing” and “Run to the Rock” are designed to welcome the Class of2002 into the long blue line ofAir Force professionals who identify with the trials and challenges of Recognition.

Congratulations on a job well done! (The AcademySpirit)

305th Bomb Group (H) Makes Gift to Honor Past Achievements

The 305th Bombardment Group (H) Memorial Association has chosen to honor the achievements of their past while participating in the future of the Air Force and the nation. In 1986, the 305th began its involvement with the Academy and the Association of Graduates when it established an endowment fund.

Administered by the AOG, the fund will be used to “support the ereation or enhancement of education programs at USAFA...(and) for activities which enhance the leadership abilities of Academy graduates, or USAFA faculty and staff members, enlisted or officers.” Since 1986, the 305th has encouraged its members to support the endowment. The 305th recently made a $10,000 contribution, bringing the total in the fund to $44,000.

An endowment uses only the interest from the fund to support programs, leaving the principle intact, and growing, to provide financial support in perpetuity. Thus far, all interest has been used to grow the fund. A specific use for the 305th endowment will be determined once the fund has reached an appropriate size.

The 305th has also committed to a “planned gift” to the endowment. ManyWorld War II veterans groups are planning to dissolve their organizations due to declining membership. The 305th, facing this dilemma, amended its bylaws to make the endowment fund the beneficiary of all remaining assets from their treasury when the 305th dissolves. At least two members ofthe association have also made planned gifts to the endowment fund as part of their estate plan.

The 305th Bombardment Group (H) Memorial Association has left a lasting legacy and the Air Force Academy and the AOG are grateful for their support.

The Secret Life ofWaldo F. Dumbsquat

v By Don Hall, ‘76

Waldo F. Dumbsquat stood at the end of the table. All the doolies in Mitchell Hall were at attention, gaze on their plates. The noon meal was about to begin.

“Hey, dumb smack, how many days until your class graduates?” asked the thirdclassman next to Waldo.

“Sir, may I make a statement?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Sir, my name is pronounced Dumbsquat."

“Whatever! Just answer the question, squat.”

Close enough, Waldo thought to himself.

“Sir, there are an infinite number of days until my class graduates!”

“That’s right!”

The cadet on the Staff Tower interrupted the upperclassman.

“Wing atten-hut! Stand at ease for announcements.”

The freshmen cringed. The dreaded announcements always cut into eating time at the meal. Waldo had already lost 10 pounds this week.

“There will be a meeting at the East Doors for all cadets interested in a trip to theWest Doors. TheWing CadetWrestling Death Match will be Friday night in the Field House. The Allied Arts performance of Brigadoon has been canceled due to a sudden disappearance ofthe set and props. By order ofthe wing commander, Fourthclass internet privileges will be awarded based upon the next phase test. All cadets who

Polaris Yearbook Captures Regional Honors Fifth Straight Year

For the sixth time in the last eight years and the fifth year in a row, the United States Air Force Academyyearbook, The Polaris (1998), was judged to be the best overall yearbook in the 14-state reagion that makes up the RockyMountain Collegiate MediaAssociation (RMCMA).

The First Place/Best In Yearbook honor for the 1998 PolarisYearbook was announced in March in Albuquerque, N.M. at the 75th annual RMCMA conference. In addition to this top RMCMA yearbook honor, the 1998 Polaris and its staffearned nine RMCMA awards in individual categories.

The other 1998 RMCMA yearbook awards for the Polaris staff ineluded: C1C Brian Brandow, first place in “Color Photo” category; C2C B. J. Lingle, first place in “Feature Photo” category; 2nd Lt. Greg Pleinis, first place in “Theme” category; 2nd Lt. Beth Ferrill, first place in “Layout” category; Polaris staff, first place in “Use of Color” category; C3C Erik Holzherr, second place in “Black and White Photo” category; C1C Celeste Rodriguez, second place in “Copy” category; 2nd Lt. Greg Pleinis, second place in “Cover” category; and C2C Eric Bixby, third place in “Special Effects Photo” category.

Along with the RMCMA regional awards, 1998 Polaris staff members earned five Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Gold Circle Awards in national yearbook competition.

The Gold Circle Awards went to: C2C B. J. Lingle, first place in “Feature Photo” category; C1C Brian Brandow, second place in “Feature

wish to get little to no money for their expensive textbooks may sell them back next week. All guidon bearers please post. The Philosophy 330 classes will debate the existence of comp time in F-l tonight at 1900 hours. This evening’s Seinfeld is the one about nothing at all.

Yada, yada, yada...”

Waldo’s roommate, Warren Heels, took a knee due to lack of food. The drone of announcements continued. Waldo knew he must act quickly in order to keep this story short. He turned to the thirdclassman.

“Sir, may I make a low pass and return to altitude?”

“Permission granted.”

Ducking down beside the stricken doolie, Waldo whispered the magic words, “Bedcheck Charlie.” Instantly, he transformed into Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man who thought Y2K was a ski brand. With giant steps, the officer brushed past Billy Mitchell’s picture and made his way to the StaffTower microphone. He flashed the firstie “two” (carry on) and stepped to the microphone.

“Now listen up and listen good. Take seats!”

A cheer echoed throughout the great room. The colonel rushed back to his table and mutated into puny freshman form. Taking his seat, Waldo began happily passing out pans of food.

“Dumbsquat!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Why don’t you and your classmates show some spirit and start the Air Force Song.” ordered the thirdclassman.

Waldo groaned.

Photo” category; 2nd Lt. Greg Pleinis, first place in “Cover Design” category; C3C Jennifer DiCarlo, third place in “AcademicWriting” category; and 2nd Lt. Beth Ferrill, honorable mention in the “Mini-Magazine” category.

The adviser for the United States Air Force Academy PolarisYearbook is Becky Joyce, Cadet Wing Media.

Cadets get up close and personal with the indoor track floor during Recognition. (Photo by Larry Hulst, TheAcademySpirit.)

CHAPTER NEWS

ALAMO CHAPTER

The January business meeting introduced the slate ofofficers that met no opposition. The railroading job was complete with Forrest James being elected president, Pete Hugdahlvice president, SpenceAllen treasurer (to take over as soon as the box of envelopes with Les Hobgood’s E O. Box is depleted), and Ed Shirley as the BANG chairman. Upcoming events include the Founder’s Day dinner on April 2, the June picnic and the Inter-Service Golf Tournament at Lackland on Oct. 9, which has been won by the local Air Force grads for the last three years. We will continue the sports bar events when the Falcons are on the big tube. Local contacts: Forrest James at (210) 498-8526, Pete Hugdaftl at (210) 498-1235, and Les Hobgood at (210) 207-3471.

ARIZONA CHAPTER

We are currendy planning our remaining 1999 events after our 1999 Super Bowl party. Ideas inelude an Arizona Diamondbacks game, hiking in the cool pines in the summer, a dinner party, and a combined event with Army or Navy to watch and cheer this year’s AFA football team to victory! Ifyou have anysuggestions for 1999 events, please contact Jim Sienicki. Our goal is to have threefour events in 1999. We need to hear what our members would enjoy. We also look forward to seeing you at these events, since comaraderie is what makes them fun for everyone!

Ifyou have recentiy moved to Arizona or have not received our mailings, please also contact Jim Sienicki, '74, at (602) 382-6351, sienicj@swlaw.com at Snell & Wilmer L.L.R to be added to the mailinglist. Ifyou have not paid your yearly chapter dues ($20/year) for 1999, please send your check to John Mahoney, 545 East Campina Drive, Litchfield Park, Ariz. 85340-4226, (602) 935-0203, e-mail: 72032.304@compuserve.com. In addition, please e-mail or send your e-mail address to John Mahoney who is compiling e-mail addresses, as well as your current address and telephone number, so we can better serve you and cut down on some of our mailing expenses. (Jim Sienicki, 74, Arizona Chapterpresident)

CAPITAL CHAPTER

The Capital Chapter of the Association of Graduates (CCAOG) is in the Washington D.C. metro area and has close to 300 members. We have a great location, being close to the Pentagon, and have quarterly luncheons with AF leaders and VIPs. Recent speakers include the CSAF, Gen Ryan; the VCSAF, Gen Eberhart; and the president of the Air Force Association. We have a March luncheon scheduled with Congresswoman Heather Wilson, '82. These are wonderful opportunities, generally in relatively intimate settings, to hear and speakwith the Air Force’s leaders.

We have a springand fall golftournament as well, usually held at Andrews AFB, Md. These events usually bring out the CSAF and numerous grads from the metro area. As far as other activities go, the biggest event of the year is the football game with either Army (road trip to Hudson High) or Navy, depending on which is played in our area. We have a big year this year, since the AF-Navy game is to be played at the Redskins’ Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Stadium inWashington D.C. (instead ofAnnapolis) Oct. 9. The Navygamewillbe played at JKC in 2001 and 2003 as well. Another wonderful opportunity for AF grads to descend on the nation’scapitaland enjoyAFtrouncingNavy. There should be a big CCAOG tailgate party associated with this event, to be sure. Make plans now. Details about upcoming CCAOG events, POCs, and general information about the chapter can be found on theweb athttp://www.erols.com/ccaog/ fhews.html. Ifyou live in the area, join as a memher. Ifyou’revisiting the metro area, check out the web page and join us for our special events. We’d love to see you.

HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER

The Hampton Roads Chapter hosted a professional luncheon at Langley AFB on Feb. 26 with Col. Mark Hyatt, '74, director of the Academy’s Center for Character Development, as the guest speaker.

OH

OR

PA

TX

UT

WA

WORLDWIDE

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 ofthe page, then click on “Chapters and Societies.”

Networking in New York City

On the second Tuesday of each month, there is a networking gathering in New York City at the Wings Club, adjacent to Grand Central Station. Each ofthe service academies is represented with an average turnout of about 75. It’s a lot of fun and can be rewarding. So if you are interested in networking or just want to have a cocktail with your comrades when your are in town, please stop by.

SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

5:30 - 7:30 EM.

WINGS CLUB

52 VANDERBILT AVE.

(West Side of Grand Central Station) NEWYORK CITY

SomeHampton Roadsprofessionalluncheon attendees: Fromleft are guest speaker Col. Mark Hyatt, ‘74, Col. Joe Marchino, ‘76, Col. Perry Lamy, ‘75

By way of background, the center was created in 1993 at the Academy to emphasize Character Development as one of the pillars (along with Academics, MilitaryTraining and Athletics), supporting the core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Colonel Hyatt works for the commandant and has Curriculum and Research, Character and Ethics, Honor, and Human Relations in his organization.

The audience of grads, parents, and friends of theAcademyheard an insightful and informative briefingby Colonel Hyatt that ended with the following quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower. “May we pursue what’s right - without self-righteousness. May we know unity - without conformity. May we grow in strength - without pride ofself.” Mark answered questions until we ran out oftime and then stayed another hour to talk individuallywith parents. He did a greatjob and we thank him!

We also conducted some chapter business and Maj. Ken Rozelsky, ’84, discussed the golf tournament to be held June 24. Call 764-3165 for details. Ken was responsible for getting Colonel Hyatt as our guest speaker. Good show, Ken.

Col. TerryYoung, 75, who also helped with the luncheon details, reported on the upcoming AFNavy game. He is working with our counterparts inWashington, D.C. to bus up to the tailgate party on Oct. 9 and watch the game at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium. Ifyou want to join us, call Terry at DSN 574-7995 or (757) 764-7995, e-mail terry.young@langley.com.

We ended our luncheon with Col. (Ret) Jimmie Jay, ‘59, leading us in the Air Force Song.

In other news, our secretary, Capt. Rene Leon, ‘91, is going PCS to Alaska in June. He did a great job as a charter member of our chapter and we wish him well. (Robin Kozelka, ‘59)

NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER

The last North Texas Chapter News episode flashed “To Be Continued” after announcing the upcoming tri-service flag football game on Nov 21 st Well, the trophy’s back in the USAEA showcase. Coach Tom Stites, ‘72, led our swift, ferocious squad past Navy (including ex-Heisman dude Roger Staubauch), then over the USMA grads, including their Saints draftee. I’m told USAEA also won the annual after-party held at Stites’ place!

October 17-20,1998, the 6th Annual Reemtsma ServiceAcademyGolfClassic was held at theTrophy Club Golf Course. Named for founder Bill Reemstma, ‘63, this is an NCAA-sanctioned tournament among USAFA, USNA, USMA, and Merchant Marine Academy golf teams. Proceeds go to each school’s athletic departments. This year, each school received $5,000. Kudos to Jerry Ahmann, '63, tournament chair, and his crew: Jeff Wilson, ’80; Ellen Ahmann; Dave Brigman, 71; Lance Ammon, 70; Rob Wayne, 74; and A1 Richardson, ’66, for a superb job all around!

In Jan. 99, we held our annual dining-in. Always a fun time (though tame compared to dinings-in of old), H. Ownby pulled off a coup that made the event even more special. He invited Coach Reggie Minton and the USAFA Hoopers - in town for games with SMU andTCU - to join us for dinner (so we really had to behave ourselves). Coach Minton delivered a great talk on the round-ball program and it’s future

“after WAC.” All team members and coaches were given “North Texas Grads Support AFA Basketball” caps to commemorate the event. During the business meeting conducted before dinner, a new slate of chapter officers was elected, includingyours truly as prez, Bill Brandt ,77, vice prez; H. Ownby, ’69; secretary/treasurer, and directors Eric Sakae, ’88; Dave Stonehouse, 73; Doug Batchelor, ‘68; and John Visser, 77. J. R. Dallas, 79, was applauded for his tremendous leadership of the chapter during 1998.

How to Request Academy Staff as Speakers

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

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

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

It was most cool having a good representation of grads and parents out supporting the basketball team during its two games that week. It also served as good practice to get ready for Coach Sue Darling’s Falcon Women’s Basketball Team, which came to town Feb. 19-21 for games also against SMU/TCU. We got together with the team for dinner and camaraderie in Ft.Worth on Friday night, and did the ole “ra ra ree” at their games on Thursday and Saturdaynights. By my lights, the ladies had a good time with us, and really appreciated our being there to support them at the games. This has been a great year for chapter support of teams coming into the area. Really too bad this is the last season for the WAC. But, some of the teams may still be coming into the area in the future. Coach Darling informed us the ladies’ team would return to the area next Thanksgiving week for a tournament at UNT. Stay tuned for details.

At this writing, near-term coming events inelude a visit by the Falcon Baseball Team April 16-18, our Founders’ Day Celebration (pronounced: PARTY!) scheduled for April 23rd and the Spring Golf Tourney (local tri-service affair) on April 25th Hopefully you got word of these events from the local newsletter, direct invitations for Founders’ Day, or the chapter web site at www.flash.net/~lbrpobox/ntafaag. Of course, additional events will happen throughout the year.

Whether you can make one, all, or none ofthe events, the chapter still needs your support through a $20/year membership, which can be sent to NTAFAAG, P O. Box 866791, Plano, Texas 75086. We’d love to have the other 60 percent of grads in the area be proud, card-carrying members (we don’t really do cards, but if it will encourage you to join, let us know. We’ll gin one up just for you). ‘Til next time. (Frank Moore ’68, chapterpresident)

PUGET SOUND CHAPTER

Greetings Falcon football fans! The Northwest Chapter has been busy making plans for the upcoming Air Force vs. University ofWashington football game scheduled for Sept. 18 in Seattle. We’re hoping to sponsor a pre-game dinner on Friday evening and we are actively pursuing a guest speaker to “fire up the fans”. We’re also looking into reserving a block of seats so we can blow those Husky fans away as we cheer the Falcons on to victory. This should be the premier event of the year so be sure to come join us watch the team destroy the Huskies.

Well its hard to believe but we finally held a Dark Ages Party during the “DarkAges”. Usually, through astute planning, the annual bash is held in April but this year we got it right and held it in February. About 40 grads, spouses, and friends gathered at Richard Belden’s, ’69, house to enjoy the barbecue of steak and salmon spectacularly prepared by chefs Brian DeLuca, ’67 and Joe Cavazzini, ’82. Its no wonder that when you put two Italians together the meat turns out to be a culinary treat. The party was outstanding and provided an opportunity for many of us to exchange stories and reminisce about “the brown shoe days”. Brian mentioned chapter members are leaving their mark on the 21 st Century F-22 teams at Boeing. The list includes retired and Reservist alumni, with operational experience from Southeast Asia through Desert Storm. He says check out: http:// www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/f22.

The chapter’s future activities include our spring party in May, summer picnic, fall golf tournament, Air Force vs. University of Washington football game in September, and finally the annual Joint Service Academy Dinner. Don’t forget to check out our web site at http:// www.talon.com/pugetsound/. 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) 742-7360. (Joe Cavazzini)

Support Your Local AOG Chapter/Society

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

See “Graduates” on the AOG web page for a complete listing: www.aogusafa.org.

AOG Announces New MBNA Credit Card Partnership

The Association of Graduates (AOG) is pleased to announce a new affinity credit card partnership with MBNA America Bank, N.A. For many years, the AOG had a mutually-rewarding affinity credit card relationship with Air Academy National Bank (AANB), which, in agreement with the AOG, has recently transitioned its credit card program to MBNA.

The AOG USAFA Platinum Plus card, issued through MBNA, offers a low introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for balance transfers and cash advance checks. Retail purchases, in addition to cash transactions taken after the introductory period, carry a fixed APR of 12.99 percent.

The AOG credit card displays our coat of arms and demonstrates the continued support ofgraduates and friends ofthe AOG. The AOG Platinum Plus card has many features and benefits that reflect the AOG’s high standards for service and value to our members - such as personalized 24-hour customer service, credit line increase requests within 15 minutes, fraud protection, and a year-end summary of charges.

The AOG receives a contribution from MBNA each time the AOG credit card is used to make a transaction. This additional funding enables the AOG to improve its ability to advance graduate and Academy programs.

MBNA has recently demonstrated its commitment to the AOG and our mission by providing a grant to our prisoner of war (POW) documentary, “ReturnWith Honor” - a film recently shown with wide audience enthusiasm at the Sundance Film Festival. The grant provides support for the film’s marketing and distribution to audiences who may be unaware ofthe leadership, courage and sacrifice demonstrated by American POWs.

AllAOG members can benefit from our new partnership with MBNA. Cardholders of the AANB program will shortly receive notice from MBNA about their new AOG credit card. In the interim, AANB will con-

tinue to service the accounts ofcurrent cardholders throughout a seamless transition period.

To request your AOG credit card, call 1-800-523-7666 and mention priority code “J8CJ”.

Cadet Candidate David Padilla, right, has a lengthy discussion with Tom Tooleyduring a visit to the VeteransAffairs Medical Centerin DenverFeh. 11. Close to 80Academycadets, prep school students and staff visited the hospital to thank veterans for their service during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. Highlights ofthe trip included a performance by the Cadet Show Choir and a visit by two of the cadet falconers and mascots. (Photo by StaffSgt. Mikal Canfield courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

“You have combined a greatpictorial look at the Academywith a profound viewofitsmission, its beautiful surroundings with its recent history, and the hopes and aspirations ofthe cadets with the wholeAirForceverysuecessfully!”(Thomas S. Moorman)

Please send me copies at $66.00 each. ($60.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling) COLORADO PURCHASES: See belowfor applicable tax information

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“Ihope your work will be a motivational reminder to all who see itofthegreataspects oftheAcademyand of its place among the truly beautiful institutions ofnationalsignificance.”(Donald J. Barrett)

Individuals RecognizedforWork on CharacterDevelopmentIssues

The Malham M. Wakin Character Award was presented to the Academy’s former dean of the faculty and to a group from the Chemistry Department as part of the 6th Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium that ended March 5.

The award was presented to retired Brig. Gen. Ruben Cubero and the team of Lt. Col. Larry Strawser, Capts. Patrick Castle, ’93, and Kabrena Goeringer, and Dr. Barry Hicks.

Cubero was recognized because he was instrumental in establishing the Academy’s core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. The chemistry team was recognized for developing the department’s ethics demonstration manual incorporating character development into the Academy’s largest core course.

The award honors retired Brig. Gen. Malham M. Wakin who served as instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, distinguished professor and ultimately as head of the Philosophy and Fine Arts Department from 1959-1995. The award offers the Academy a formal means of recognizing significant acts that are consistent with the Academy’s definition of character and the Air Force Core Values.

In addition to the award ceremony, the symposium attracted more

Standing Nominating Committee to Identify AOG Board Candidates

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

Of primary interest in the procedures is the establishment of a standing, vis-a-vis an ad hoc, nominating committee of the board. This committee will have the responsibility for identifying, researching, interviewing, evaluating and recommending to the board candidates for future board membership.

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

This and future issues of Checkpointswill carry the names of members 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 a director.

An indication of interest, however, will not necessarily result in placement on the list ofqualified candidates. The needs ofthe association 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

Office: (719) 574-0050

Col (Ret) Andrew W. Biancur

4174 E Cumorah 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 W. Yates

525 Silhouette Way Monument, CO 80132

Home: (719) 481-9169

Office: (719) 481-9174

than 30 speakers who brought their experience and expertise to bear upon character and leadership issues for today’s leader in the warrior profession.

The symposium was intended to stimulate dialogue and ideas regarding the nurturing of a social climate that fosters attitudes and practices promoting integrity, service and excellence in all we do. (The Academy Spirit)

Senator Kerrey Talks, Visits with Cadets

United States Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska was the featured speaker for the Academy’s Truman Lecture Series in February inArnold Hall. In his lecture titled “A New American Patriotism,” he gave cadets his views on leadership, integrity and patriotism.

“It isn’t polls or public opinion of the moment that count,” he said. “It is right and wrong and leadership - men with fortitude, honesty and belief in the right that makes epochs in the history of the world.” Kerrey also related stories of his personal struggle with patriotism and the events that strengthen his belief in America.

Kerrey, a highly-decorated Vietnam veteran who earned the Medal ofHonor, was elected to the Senate in 1988 and serves as the vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and as a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee.

The Truman Lecture Series is a distinguished speaker series named after the 33rd President of the United States. Each year a distinguished speaker, who best reflects Harry S. Truman’s values of decisiveness and determination, is selected to address the Cadet Wing under the broad topic of “Professional Military Leadership.”

Kerrey wrapped up his talk by thanking the men and women who make daily sacrifices in the service to their country. “I wish the heroism displayed by the United States Air Force was routine throughout American society,” he said. “I wish your heroism, your ethic of service, your dedication to honor were so commonplace it seemed unnecessary to comment on it. We could use a few more routine heroes like you.” (Compiled byAcademy Spirit Staff.)

Native American Science Bowl Draws 200 Participants

Airman 1 st Class Marijon Clarke

AcademySpirit staff

The Academy hosted the 8th Annual Native American Science Bowl for the first time Feb 19-20. More than 200 students representing 40 tribal nations from across the country competed in one of the largest academic gatherings of Native-American high school students in the country.

“From the Academy’s perspective, we were really excited to have the students compete here,” said Capt. D.J. Vanas, chief of Minority Admissions and project officer for the event. “It is the most ambitious project we’ve ever had at the Academy concerning Native American students and recruiting them to the Academy. We had over 200 of the best and brightest Native American students that already have an interest in math and science in our own back yard.”

Students from nine states visited the Academy and viewed its programs. “That’s something we’ve had a problem with,” saidVanas, “com

Life Membership Options Explained

The AOG offers a life membership plan for graduates and associate members. This plan features rates based on the member’s age and the following payment plan:

peting with Stanford, Harvard, Rice and top schools like that - we are competitive in every way. Unfortunately, a lot don’t know that we exist and what we have to offer, the benefits the Academy has going. This competition was a big eye-opener for a lot ofstudents and the teachers who attended as well.”

In addition to the strenuous competition, the students were able to have a little fun. The Red Tail Hawk, a drum group from the local community, performed honoring songs, and Col. Cary Fisher, head of the Department of Engineering Mechanics, did engineering demonstrations at a banquet held in the students’ honor Thursday night.

The highlight of the visit for the students was Saturday night when the entire group went to the Academy home basketball game. There, they met Cadet 2nd Class Lawrence Yazzi, Falcon basketball player, a Native American. Yazzi, a native ofthe Navaho reservation in Tuba City, Ariz., scored 12 points against Texas Christian University, bringing the final score to 81-78. “The students were going wild cheering for him,” said Vanas, “because in their eyes, he represents them.” Yazzi signed autographs for the students after the game. Later that evening, Yazzi and his brother, Lamoni, Cadet 4th Class, spent time talking to the students.

The winner for the 1999 Regional competition was Sault Ste. Marie High School of Michigan which was competing for the first year. They went on a fully-funded trip to Washington D.C. in May to take part in the national competition. The national winner goes to Australia to compete in the international competition.

AOGAnnounces NewFree Resume Registration Service

The Association of Graduates has recently signed a contract for a new Internet-based resume registration service. The previous resume-ondisk program has been discontinued effective April 1, 1999. The new online service is a joint venture among the Associations ofGraduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. MilitaryAcademy, the Alumni Associations of the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and The Destiny Group of San Diego, Calif. The Destiny Group has created the exclusive Joint Sendee Academy Resume Database Systern (JSARDS) to house those resumes.

Inclusion in JSARDS is limited to graduate members of the associations. As opposed to the previous program, there is no charge to the candidate to include his/her information in this system and the infermation is normally visible and available to prospective employers within a few hour instead of the previous several weeks.

The AOG urges any graduate member who is considering a career change to place their resume in JSARDS. To initiate the registration process, visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “opportunities” in the left side bar and follow the links through to the proper site.

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The monthly payment plan is allowed only if the AOG is authorized to charge on a monthly 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 married 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; Association of Graduates; 3116 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840-4475. Membership forms are available from the AOG or on-line at www.aog-usafa.org.

Using patent-pendingtechnology, hiring managers can both see and hear a prospective employee via the Internet while reviewing their resume. Included with each resume is a fully documented file of the individual’s skills and desires. Fees for company access to JSARDS are generallybased on the size ofthe company, the length ofthe contracted access period, and whether or not the company is a current participant in the Service Academy Career Conference (SACC). To find out more about this service, please visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “opportunities” in the left side bar and follow the links to the Corporate Demo.

A Planned Gift to the

United States Air Force Academy leaves a lasting legacy for the future!

To learn more about the techniques and benefits of estate planning, contact Gary Howe, ‘69, at (719) 472-0300 or howegs. aog@usafa.af.mil.

From left, Richard Kinsey, Zachary Cole, Jason Knapp and Charles Lawrence represented the Choctaw, Cherokee and Creek tribes during the 8th Annual Native American Science Bowl. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Marijon Clarke courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Senate Passes “Large" Compensation, Benefits Package

By Senior Master Sgt. Jim Katzaman Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON - Amid great fanfare, an overwhelming majority of the Senate in Februarypassed a large compensation and benefits package for the U.S. military. Senate Bill 4, otherwise known as the “Soldiers’, Sailors’, Airmen’s and Marines’ Bill ofRights Act of 1999,” includes a fiscal 2000 pay raise of 4.8 percent, .4 percent more than that proposed in the president’sbudget. It would also return all the armed forces to a retirement plan offering 50 percent of basic pay after 20 years’ service.

Almost lost among the hoopla for these and other provisions is the question of how much SB 4 actually delivers. The answer, at this point, is it’s too soon to tell. All, some or none of what many in the military consider as generous proposals might be law by this time next year.

SB 4 is merely the first step of the annual legislative process between Congress and the president that could continue for months. The House of Representatives might start action on its own bill for military compensation in April. Differences in the Senate and House versions then go to a conference committee for resolution. Only after both houses of Congress pass the bill that emerges from the conference will the measure go to the president to sign - or veto - which would send the legislation back to Congress.

While some senators have voiced theirhope that Congress would have a completed bill to the president by Memorial Day, one only needs to recall the fall of 1998 when Congress rushed through last-minute appropriation bills for the president’s signature. “Our compensation programs must support the expeditionary aerospace force and attract and train quality, high-tech people.” said Maj. Justo Rivera, chief ofpay and allowance policy for the Air Force.

Rivera and others in the services’ compensation shops are studying the president’s and senate’s proposals and so far, according to Rivera, “The president’s proposal balances our No. 1 priority, people, and other budget priorities such as readiness and modernization. We see the president’s budget as the foundation to improve the quality of life of our airmen and their families. We welcome any enhancements as long as Congress provides additional appropriations.”

Uppermost in the major’s mind is that the proposed 4.8 pay raise might be too much of a good thing, especially ifpart ofit has to be paid out oftightoperations and maintenance accounts. This comes at a time when all the services have raised alarms on readiness issues while inffastructure, such as buildings and runways, await overdue repairs.

Yet, SB 4 does not designate money for the added .4 percent of the pay raise, which troubles leaders such as Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force EricW. Benken. During his testimony March 10 before the House Subcommittee on MilitaryConstruction, the discussion focused on pay and benefits, what the chief has called “one of the most talked about topics” when he meets with airmen in the field.

Benken and other Air Force leaders acknowledge they have to delicately balance overall needs of the service against highly-vocal demands from airmen who see themselves paying a high price to serve and sacrifice for their country. Said one senior noncommissioned officer in an e-mail from a deployed location in Southwest Asia. “The majority of our military families require both parents to work...just to make ends meet.”

With factors like that in mind, Benken added that while pay and ben

efits are important issues, modernization and readiness also play a huge role in mission readiness and quality oflife. “Our airmen not only need competitive pay and benefits,” he said, “they also need safe and affordable housing, and the predictability and stability offered by the upcoming expeditionary aerospace force. They need spare parts, training and a host of other things that affect quality of life as well. All of these are part of the overall defense budget consideration.”

Benken and the rest of the force will have an anxious few months as they await resolution of fiscal 2000 military appropriations. The fact is the Senate, House and president will work out their differences and agree on a bill. The unknowns are when that will happen and what shape the law will take.

Meanwhile, Rivera said, “These are exciting times in the compensation arena. There’s an air of optimism as a result of our leadership’s and congressional commitment to airmen.” (The AcademySpirit)

Hire an Academy Graduate

Many of you are in positions to make or influence hiring decisions for your company. YourAssociation ofGraduates, along with the alumni organizations from Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, offers companies online access to the Joint Service Academy Resume Database System (JSARDS). This is an excellent source for those companies seekinghighly- qualified, well-educated and motivated employees. This database is hosted and administered byThe Destiny Group.

Using patent-pending technology, hiring managers can both see and hear a prospective employee via the Internet while reviewing their resume along with a fully documented file ofthe individual’s skills and desires.

Fees for access to JSARDS generally are based on the size of the company, the length ofthe contracted access period, and whether or not the company is a current participant at the Service Academy Career Conference (SACC). To find out more about this service, please visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “opportunities” in the left side bar, and follow the links to the Corporate Demo.

AOG Completes Agreement with Las Vegas Hotel

The Association of Graduates is pleased to announce that it has completed a discount agreement with the Hawthorn Suites Hotel in Las Vegas. All suites in this nongaming hotel include two rooms plus a full kitchen, in-room coffee, two televisions, and a complimentary full buffet breakfast. As you might expect from a graduate-owned hotel (Pat Nesbitt, ‘67), it is very family-friendly and even welcomes your pets. An additional advantage to the Hawthorn Suites is its location. Situated adjacent to the San Remo, it is only steps to the MGM Grand, New York New York, Excalibur, Luxor and Tropicana.

To save 25 percent at the Hawthorn Suites during June, July and August, call (702) 739-7000 and ask for the AOGVIP rate. The discount is based on rack rates and is subject to availability, so call in your reservations early. You must present your AOG membership card upon check-in.

SACC in Dallas-Ft Worth

October 18-21, 1999

Make plans now for the second 1999 ServiceAcademies CareerConference (SACC). The host hotel will be the Hyatt Regency Hotel at DFW Airport. For hotel reservations call 800-233-1234 or 972-453-1234.

To prepare for the SACC, ensure your resume is in the Joint Service Academy Resume Database System (JSARDS). To start the process, visit our website at www.aog-usafa.organd click on the hotlink. For more information about the SACC or JSARDS, call Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-2067.

FALCON SPORTS

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

Wing Open Raises More Than $16,000 for Charity

There were no surprises in the Wing Open Boxing Championships Feb. 26 in Clune Arena as all but one defending champions successfully defended their titles. A near-capacity crowd of 4,938 watched defending national champions Mike Benza in the 139-pound weight class and Mark Sletten in the 185-pound weight class win their bouts and earn a trip to Regional competition to be held at the University of California at Berkeley March 13-14. Benza won by a decision against Gerado Sanchez while Sletten stopped Chris Drungell in the second round.

The Outstanding Boxer Award went to ErwinVargas in the 147-pound weight class. Vargas, a runner-up in last year’sWing Open, won by decision againstVaughn Brazil in a hard-fought battle.

In other action, Brooke Carter stopped Worachat Sattayalekah in the 112-pound fight, defending champion Joe Rivera stopped Aubrey Semrau in the 119-pound class, Justin Mokrovich won by decision against Eric Bow in the 125-pound class, Paul Gabriel stopped Jordan Bettio in the 132-pound class, Mike Pontius won by decision against Tre Irick in the 156-pound class, Lincoln McLeod defeated defending champ Zensaku Munn at 165, defending champion Chris Lance won by decision over Aaron St. Clair at 175, Mark Porlella won by decision over Dustin Brown at 195, and Lee Poage won the heavyweight bout over Zach Hall.

1999 Football Schedule

Sept. 4

(As of April 30, 1999) Villanova at USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Sept. 18 USAFA at U. ofWashington

Sept. 25 Wyoming at USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Oct. 2 USAFA at San Diego State U.

Oct. 9 USAFA at Navy

Oct. 16 Utah at USAFA, Homecoming & AOG Tailgate

Oct. 30 USAFA at BYU

Nov. 6 Army at USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Nov. 13 UNLV at USAFA

Nov. 18 USAFA at CSU

Nov. 27 USAFA at New Mexico

Call 1 800-666USAF for Football Ticket Information

This year marked the first time the event was aired nationwide on the Military Channel. Viewers were also able to mail in contributions. In addition to being the road to regionals, the Wing Open is the Cadet Wing’s charity fundraiser, collecting money for various charities selected by cadets. This year, two three-year-old boys undergoing chemotherapy treatment benefited from the event.

The beneficiaries ofthe $16,000-plus donations are Dillon George and Anthony Gesick. George has a rare form of leukemia and Gesick has a tumor on his optic nerve.

Selected in NFL Draft

Bryce Fisher (#78) was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 1999 National Football League draft in April. The defensive lineman was chosen in theseventh round, the248th playerselected overall. He is the sixth Falcon drafted to playprofessional football. Fishergraduates this June.

Doolittle Hall Open for Tailgate 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 five home games. The following weekends involve tailgates 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. 4: Parents Weekend (vsVillanova)

Sept. 25: ‘69 Reunion (vs Wyoming)

Oct. 16: Homecoming, ‘79 & ‘89 Reunions (vs Utah)

Nov. 6: ‘64 & ‘74 Reunions/Interservice (vs Army)

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

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

Zack Munn, at right, and Lincoln McLeod battle it out in the 165pound bout ofthe WingOpen in February. This match was considered the best ofthenightbyMaj. RandyGibb, assistant boxingcoach. (Photo by Charlie Elms courtesy the AcademySpirit.)

TWins Give Falcon Tennis a TWist

By Airman 1st Class Marijon Clarke AcademySpirit StaffWriter

Playing doubles tennis requires a strong sense of knowing what your partner is thinking at all times. A pair of rookies on the men’s tennis team has reached that point, however the bond could be due to genetics as much as practice.

Chris and GregZielinski, fourthclassmenhere, have an uncanny knack for playing together that has resulted in a great deal of success. Their secret? Not only are they brothers, but the two are identical twins who share the same love for tennis.

“Being able to do something very hard is too rewarding,” says Chris. “It’s the best feeling when I hit a good clean shot across the court.”

The twin brothers were the number one ranked doubles team under the age of 18 for the mid-Atlantic last year, and according to the coach, that is very evident. “Their best asset right now, and for the team, is that they’ve got so manyyears ofpractice playingtogether,” said Gugat. "They have a strong knowledge of doubles-play and they are so coordinated and quick on the court.”

But aside from the physically challenging aspect of tenths, the two agree that there’s more to playing tennis than winning titles and awards for yourself. “There’s a great group ofpeople playing here,” added Greg. “In high school you play more for yourself, but in college it’s a much bigger team effort. That’s the part I like!”

As the Falcons’ starting doubles third position, the two are one ofthe Academy’s top doubles’ teams. The twins first picked up the racket at the age of nine, and for the most part have been playing continuously since. “We’ve played a little soccer, some football and basketball before,” said Chris. “But we like this the most,” said Greg.

Here from Ocean City, Md., the two were the state doubles champions in their sophomore year. In their junior year, Chris and a female partner were the mixed doubles state champion, while Greg was the singles state champion. In their senior year, just before being recruited to the Academy by the men’s tennis coach, Richard Gugat, the twins put a little twist in their game. Gregplayed mixed doubles with the same female who played with Chris, and the two captured the state doubles championship. That year Chris took the state singles championship.

WAC Player of the Week

C3C Ryan Carville was named the WAC Player ofthe Week on March 22 as he led the Falcons to four wins in six games against NebraskaOmaha and San Diego State. Carville hit. 733 against San Diego State and.666 vs. Nebraska-Omaha. Carville was also named the MVP ofthe ServiceAcademies Classic in Milington, Tenn. on Feb. 28 as he led the Falcons to the tournament championship. Carvillehit.615 with sixRBIs, sixruns scored and a home run as theFalcons defeatedArmy, Navy, West Virginia and Connecticut. Carville continued his phenomenal season as he posted a 25-game hitting streak, the third-longest in school history. During the streak, Carville hit .469 and led the Falcons to a 13-12 record during the stretch. The left-handed hitting first baseman from Plaquemine, La., led the WACin battingaverage and doubles andranks in the top five in the WACin six offensive ca tegories.

Seventh ServiceAcademyGolfClassic Slatedfor October

Where? The Trophy Club Country Club in Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas.

• When? October 24-25, 1999.

What? A two-day tournament for friends and graduates of USAFA, USMA, USNA, and USMMA including Sunday play with cadets and midshipmen. Be a part of the onlyNCAA-sanctioned tournament that provides head-to-head competition between the four service academies. The tournament features 36 holes ofgolfincluding carts, food, beverages, and awards banquet, good company, and the opportunity to support the USAFA golf team.

How much? $300 per player.

Get more involved bybecoming a sponsor. You can get more information, request a brochure, or sign up for the tournament by visiting our Web site at www.sagc.org. Not on the Web? Phone or Fax requests to (817) 416-0346, or mail donations and entry fees to SAGC, RO. Box 1056, Grapevine, Texas 76099-1056.

At left, Chris Zielinski returns the ball during doubles practice. Also picturedishis brother Greg. The twinspractice an average ofl 1 /2hours a day, six days a week.(Photo by Larry Hulst courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Falcon Winter Athletes Record Fine Season

Wrestling

After starting out 1-6 in duals, Air Force recovered to turn in a solid final month of the season. Over the last five weeks the Falcons went 41-1 in duals while also finishing second in the All-Academy Tournament and fourth in the Western Athletic Conference Championships.

Three Falcons, Luke Bindreiff, Shawn Finnicum and Scott Frohardt, earned automatic bids to the NCAA Championships by winning WAC titles in their weight divisions.

Finnicum and Frohardt were eliminated from the NCAA Championships after losing their first two matches. After losing his opening contest at 174 pounds, Bindreiff rebounded with two wins in the consolation bracket before bowing out in the consolation quarterfinals. Bindreiff finished with the team’s best dual mark at 11-2 while going 29-13 overall.

Swimming and Diving

Competing under first-year head coach Rob Clayton, the Air Force men’s swimming and diving team continued its rise in theWesternAthletic Conference during the 1998-99 season. After going 11-2 in duals during the regular season, Air Force finished fifth at the WAC Championships.

Air Force continued its trend of improvement with its showing at the WAC competition, from a ninth-place finish in 1997 to sixth place in 1998 to fifth place this year. Seven Academy records were established at the WAC Championships, including Matt Ihlenfeld’s record-setting efforts in the 100-meter breaststroke (55.60) and 200-meter breaststroke (2:00:88).

The Air Force women’s swimming and diving team experienced a rebuilding season in 1998-99, finishing with a 6-9 dual record and placing in last place at the Western Athletic Conference Championships.

(Photo by Peter H. Bick)

Despite experiencing the Academy’s first losing season since 1987, head coach K.C. Converse has legitimate reasons to be optimistic about the future. The primary cause of this optimism is the continued development ofAir Force underclassmen. Look no further than the squad’s season top-times lists to realize the dominance of the Falcon fourthclassmen and thirdclassmen.

Underclassmen registered 27 ofAir Force’s 41 best efforts in 14 individual events. Underclassmen with top-three times for the season were Meredith Beavers, Robin Cadow, Christine Cleaver, Rachel Haff, Karley Kroschel, Danielle Miller, Alexis Ross, Mary Edith Smith, Candance Staubitz, Monique Van’t Wout and Rene Zimmerman.

Fencing

Heidi Triggs concluded her Falcon career, advancing to the NCAA Championships for the second time. Triggs put in a solid showing at the NCAA meet, finishing 19th in the epee competition. In her previous trip to the NCAA Championships as a freshman, Triggs finished 23rd in the epee. Triggs was the soleAir Force representative at the NCAA Championships. The Falcons finished 24th in the final team standings with eight points.

Hockey

Air Force hockey concluded its season with a 15-19-2 record. The team’s winning percentage of .444 is the best since the 1994-95 team posted a .469. The team also equaled last season’s win total of 15. Afterwinning 12 combined games in 1995-96 season, the Falcons have

now won 30 games in the last two seasons. The last time the hockey team won 30 games in two consecutive seasons was 11 years ago.

With one of the youngest teams in the nation, the Falcons got stronger toward the end of the season. Air Force swept a two-game series from lS^-ranked Niagara Jan. 22-23 at the Cadet Ice Arena.

The highlight of the Falcons’ schedule came in late February when the team earned a win and a tie with Army. The Falcons won the first game, 4-3 and then skated Army to a 3-3 tie in the second game. The Falcons won the season series for the second straight year as AFA also defeatedArmy, 2-1, at the Minnesota-DuluthTournament in earlyJanuary. Air Force has taken control ofthe rivalry against Army. The Falcons are 5-0-1 in the last six games against the Black Knights. The six-game unbeaten streak is the longest by either team in the series.

Justin Kieffer, ‘99

Marc Kielkucki completed an outstanding season in his first year as the team’s starting goalie. Kielkucki broke the school records for shutouts in a season (5), shutouts in a career (5) and goals-against average in season (3.331). Justin Kieffer finished his outstanding career as one ofthe most prolific scorers in school history. Kieffer ranks 12th in career points and 13th in career goals. He is the first player in 13 years to crack the top 14 in career scoring. (The AcademySpirit)

Letter to AcademySpirit Lauds Academies’ Respect, Sportsmanship

During my weekend trip to the Air Force Academy to assist with the WKDT broadcast of the Army-Air Force hockey game, I was struck by the sportsmanship that distinguishes athletic contests between the service academies. This was truly evident during the (Feb. 28) game, as the following examples reveal:

1. The [firstclassmen] from both teams were introduced just prior to the opening faceoff. They introduced the Armyplayers first since they were the visiting team, then followed it by introducing the Air Force [firstclassmen]. The crowd showed their appreciation for the players from both sides.

2. After the game, a representative from the Blueline Club (Air Force Hockeyboosters) presentedArmyHockey Coach (Rob) Riley with a check for the Paul Haggerty Memorial Fund. The check was for more than $500. Haggerty was a 29-year-old assistant coach who passed away last spring.

3. In spite of playing to a hard-fought (and very rough) 3-3 tie, the players from both teams formed a circle together at the end of the game, hit their sticks on the ice, then raised them in the air. It was a fitting salute to one another and to the fans who supported the teams.

I think professional and college athletes alike could learn from the example both sides set. There is something more important than winning at all costs. It’s called sportsmanship, and it was alive and well in Clune Arena on Feb. 28.

Respectfully,

Capt. David Astin West Point Public Affairs Office

Connie Cann posted the Air Force’s top times in four different events this season: 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 100-meter butterfly.

ExpeditionaryAerospace Force Vision Moves Closer to Reality

By Maj. Gen. Donald G. Cook

Director of ExpeditionaryAerospace Force Implementation

Operation Northern Watch. Southern Watch. Deliberate Forge. Joint Forge. Able Sentry. Desert Fox, Desert Thunder. Joint Guard. The American public may briefly hear these military operations’ code names on television, but most won’t understand the Air Force’s significant role in each major endeavor, let alone the impact on our lives.

But to Air Force people, these commitments, and a laundry list ofmany others, are pretty well known. They’ve either personally “been there and done that,” or know of a friend or co-worker who has done the same. In fact, they may even be getting themselves ready to deploy to some locale they probably couldn’t even locate on a globe.

No one could have accuratelypredicted the new world order. Our Cold War “victory” carries with it an underestimated globalleadership role. The rest of the world looks to us foremost to take action when things go bad anywhere else in the world. As a result, our national military strategy calls for us to provide relevant aerospace forces to undertake these global engagement operations.

“Relevant” means what we bring to the fight. A quick review of the Air Force’s core competencies - global attack, air and space superiority, precision engagement, rapidglobalmobility, information superiority and agile combat support - provides the answer. We deliver the forces to achieve desired effects.

These diverse capabilities are what thewarfighting commanders in chief rely on to do the job in their area of responsibility We deliver the unique capabilities, via tailored forces, that help deter aggression, shape the international environment while helping our sister services and provide the desired response to their requirements.

As Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Ryan has said before, our Air Force is not the same service in which our parents may have served. In fact, it’s not the same service for those who came on board during the mid-1980s build-up.We’re two-thirds smaller than a decade ago, with less overseas bases and infrastructure, yet four times as committed to events around the world, some of which have become steady-state or ongoing, operations such as those in Southwest Asia. The international security environment has radically changed and we need to adapt with it.

That is what will make us more relevant - able to make a difference. To do that, we must become more expeditionary. We must transition from a standingreadyforce, based largelyat home inthe continental United States, to one with the ability to deploy quickly.

More than eight years after our decisive role in Operation Desert Storm, aerospace power’s relevance is coming of age. Read the major newspapers and watch the hourly news broadcasts if you want to validate the difference airpower is making in the world. This is not intended to make the other service’s roles less significant, but rather, to illustrate how the national command authorityleverages Air Force strengths. That will only grow in importance as technology advancements and diverse mission requirements require our expertise.

Despite some “gloom and doom” headlines, concerns over operator and technician shortages and dipped readiness indicators, Air Force people are serving the nation in a dynamic period in history. Our economy is booming, we’re essentially at peace, life is good.

Yet, some 14,000 Air Force professionals are forward deployed right now (March 1999) in support ofsome militaryoperation. For some bluesuiters, being deployed upward ofone-third ofthe year can take its toll on family life, a reality Air Force senior leaders fully realize and are taking action to remedy. Our expeditionary aerospace force vision (EAF) promises to improve our readiness and modernization and relieve some of our tempo concerns as the concept matures. But the fixwon’t be Jan. 1,2000. Revolutionarychanges take a little longer to take a more permanent hold.

The EAF concept is our investment strategy over the coming years for how we’re going to provide relevant aerospace forces for the 21 st Century. Changing the Air Force’s organizational structure, operations and culture is no easytask.With less than 10 months until the EAF enters into force, its organization and structure is firming up because ofthe hard workofeach major command’s EAF planners and the Air Staff directorate tasked with implementing the concept. We’re not at the 100-percent solution just yet, but we’re making steady progress.

From March 8-12 we “pre-flighted” the EAF concept with a transition workshop exercisewith more than 220 participants - mostlyfrom the wing level - designed to work through anticipated challenges when aerospace expeditionary forces rotate in and out oftheir deployment cycle.

Air Force people will increasingly learn more about the AEFs as concepts ofoperations, command relationships and other issues under coordination take hold. Later this spring, we will have a firm idea ofthe alignment ofAEF-affiliatedwings and unit alignments under each thatwill provide the force packageleadership element, aircraft, people and equipment.

While ongoingglobal-engagementoperations continue to lead the newscasts and make the headlines, we’re undertaking this major redesign of the Air Force. We need to adapt to the new and uncertain global security environment.We need to provide relevant aerospace forces when they are needed. Integration of the total force, including the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, into the aerospace expeditionary forces, promises to make us lighter, leaner and more lethal to meet the challenges of the 21 st Century.

Equally important, as the EAF concept matures, the lives of Air Force members should become more stable and predictable in meeting the deploymentrequirements offuture operations. The challenge is great, so too the reward. (The AcademySpirit.)

Academy, Air Force’s Best Honored by U.S. Military Sports Association

By John Stanchfield AcademySpiritContributingWriter

An estimated crowd of more than 300 dignitaries and sports enthusiasts gathered at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. in early March to honor the Military Male and Female Athletes of the Year ineluding the Academy’s own Capt. Heidi McKenna, in an impressive ceremony conducted by the U.S. Military Sports Association (USMSA).

McKenna, who was named the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year, joined athletes from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard for a weekend offestivities honoring the “Pride ofthe Nation.” She was selected for her outstanding performances throughout 1998 as a triathlete and marathoner.

The captain, who is director of the reconditioning program and a physical fitness instructor, was chosen for the Air Force Triathlon Team for two consecutive years and was the firstAir Force finisher in the 1998 Armed Forces Triathlon and was third overall. She also was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces team which represented the United States at the 1998 CISM Triathlon in Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Belgium, where she finished 18th overall and helped the U.S. team to a third-place finish.

McKenna placed first in the second annual Air Force Marathon held atWright-Patterson AFB. It was her second straight competition in the historic Air Force event and she helped lead the Academy Co-ed team to victory both years.

McKenna and her husband, Pat (USAFA, ‘87), enjoyed the weekend as guests of the USMSA which included a special White House tour, tours of the capitol, and the awards banquet. (The AcademySpirit)

A crew chiefhelps an F-15Cpilotstrap in before a mission from CeriaAir Base, Italyin support ofthe NATO-directed Operation Allied Force. Both members are assigned to the 493rdExpeditionaryFighterSquadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Greg Suhay)

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

The Association of Graduates (AOG) of the US Air Force Academy is a nonprofit, self-supporting corporation 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 benefits 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

+AOG

graduatemembership benefit

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

3116 ACADEMY DRIVE USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

AOG MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

★ Four issues of Checkpoints annually with class notes, news of USAFA, alumni affairs and articles of interest

★ Register ofGraduatespublished each November which lists names, addresses and biographical data on all graduates

★ ServiceAcademies Business ResourceDirectory

Joint academies publication which lists graduate 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

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN «mrnrffW

Joseph M. Killeen, ‘69

On Oct. 5,1998 we lost a grand gentleman and classmate, Joseph M. Killeen. Joe succumbed after a short, but valiant battle against cancer in Alexandria, Va.

Joe was from Lowell, Mass., a fact that none of us will easily forget because of what we considered his strong New England accent. One of our best laughs from those years was when he informed us that his familythought he had developed a “western accent”. He was always a leader and not just because ofhis imposing stature, but because ofhis inner strength and integrity. The dean posed no particular problem for Joe either. As a result, he was a Superintendent’s List regular. And a Distinguished Graduate in Astronautics and Engineering Sciences. And selected for the Purdue cooperative master’s program in aero and astro (oh, by the way, he excelled there too!).

However, one goal eluded Joe - acceptance into pilot training. But magically near graduation, he and two other classmates received a waiver to their color blindness. And, as luck would have it, because he was out of the normal cycle, he was forced to go to Willy instead of some of the other garden spots possible. But part way through T-41 training, the doctors caught up with him again and grounded him for the embolism in his hand. So he deftly changed course to pursue the space side of his aerospace education.

But he grew restless and decided to separate from the Air Force, and he was off to Georgetown University for a law degree. That act largely defined the rest of his life: marrying Sherri, becoming a law firm partner, and raising his kids in Alexandria. With his law partner and friend, Lawton Rogers, they established Rogers & Killeen as a successful firm specializing in patent and unfair trade practices litigation (and thank goodness took advantage ofthat brilliant technical mind and training).

Joe’s life centered around his practice and his family. He was very devoted to his kids Michael and Kerry. He spent many hours with them: hunting, playing basketball, skiing, fishing and coaching. He was also a staunch supporter of his children’s school, the Browne Academy in Alexandria, serving in various capacities: Founder’s Day chairperson, Capital Campaign chair and basketball coach. And he also found time to totally relax: his law partner taught him the finer arts ofgoose hunting and sailing (think there was some confusion on his partner’s part about which academy Joe graduated from).

Joe was a real friend to all those he touched in his personal and professional life. He is terribly missed. Survivors include his wife, Sherri Berthrong ofAlexandria, two children, Michael and Kerry; his father, Joseph A. Killeen of Woburn, Mass.; two sisters, Ruthanne Berger of Centreville, Va., and Patricia McDonnell of Chelmsford, Mass.; and a brother, Paul Killeen of Needham, Mass. (Bart Tucker, ‘69)

James R. Shirley, ‘70

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

Lt. Col. (Ret) James R. Shirley died Nov. 11, 1998, at age 51 of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and three daughters, Sara, Laura, and Jessica; his parents, Col. (Ret) and Mrs. Clarence Shirley; brother Gary, and sisters Janis and Joyce.

James R. Shirley, ‘70

Jim grew up in an Air Force family. We call ourselves “brats”, but somehowthat picturejust doesn’t fit the most generous, loving, humble, trustworthy man I have ever met. After high school, he attended Georgia Tech for one year. Through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, Jim became a Christian. His love ofGod and commitment to serve Christ became the center focus ofthe rest ofhis life. “To live is Christ" was the wayhe actually tried to playit out in everythinghe did. In his church, his home, and on the job, Jim Shirley was authentic.

During his cadet life, he found some excitement on the basketball courts, the golf course and running the roads of USAFA. He kept this commitment to sports throughout his life, playing intramural basketball around the Air Force, and running marathons in Germany, Japan, and California. It was the Baptist Student Union, the Navigators, and the local church that kept Jim growing in his faith. He kept his ties to these three Christian groups as he continued to serve God wherever he and his family were stationed.

Jim Shirley loved to fly. His Air Force career was a testimony to the expertise and excitement he found while “slipping the surly bonds of earth.” After graduation, Jim went to Craig AFB, Selma, Ala. for UPT. During that year, he earned not only his pilot wings but began his married life with Suzanne, the perfect soul mate and wife. His first assignment was to MatherAFB, Calif, inT-43s. During his fouryears he earned the privilege of becoming an instructor pilot and got the first of three daughters, Sara.

He then went back to Georgia Tech to get a master’s degree in systems engineering. He and Suzanne also were blessed to have Laura join the family. With this new degree, the tall, gentle, energetic Jim spent his first oftwo tours to Los Angeles Air Station working future space system programs (76-79, ‘80-‘83). Between those deskjobs was an exciting tour to Yokota AB, Japan, where Jim was back in the cockpit of a C-130. The third beautiful daughter, Jessica, joined the Shirleys while they were in Japan.

From L.A. to Zwiebrucken AB, Germany, flying the C-23 Sherpa; then, to Ramstein AB, flying the T-43, now disguised as a DV taxi. Jim flew Chancellor Helmet Kohl in and out of Berlin several times during this assignment.

Jim retired from the Air Force in 1990. All that T-43 flying helped open the door for his second career as a Southwest Airline pilot of 737s. The Shirley family spent four years in Birmingham, Ala. and four years in Alpharetta, Ga. Wherever the Shirley family lived, they were what the Lord Jesus called“light" and “salt” to everyone around them. Theyhelped dispel the darkness and light the way to the Father’s house; and they preserved the best things in life, and made even the difficult things easier to swallow.

“To die is gain”. All ofJim’s life was lived with the expectation that one day he would live forever with his Blessed Savior. For all of us who knew him, his “going home” was much too soon. How do we know if we did it right? Look at the family he left. A beautiful, Spirit-filled wife, and three daughters who “act just like their mom and dad.”

“Thank you, Jim, for making this world more fun, and filled with the love ofthe Christ you so marvelously served.” (Charlie Baldwin, 69)

John F. Sviba, '78

John Sviba passed away suddenly on Jan. 23,1999. He is survived by his wife, Susan Sviba; his sons Cody and Colton; his mother, Emily Sviba, and his brother Tom Sviba. A memorial service was held on Jan. 28 at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alpharetta, Ga. During a briefservice with full honors, John was interred at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on January 30. Donations to a fund set up on behalf of John’s sons can be made to The Cody and Colton ContributionAccount, Account number 3264374689, Nations Bank, 3651 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, Ga. 30024.

John was a member ofCS 30 when he graduated from USAFA in 1978. Upon graduation John hopped into his well-polished red 1977 Corvette and headed off to Columbus AFB, Miss, where he entered UPT. John did verywell in pilot training; he finished first in his class and was rewarded with an F-4 Phantom. He then went on to complete fighterlead-in training at Holloman AFB, N.M. and RTU at Homestead AFB, Fla. John continued his exemplary performance while flying the F-4 in Korea and at MoodyAFB, Ga. At MoodyAFB, he became a Stan Eval Officer for the 347 TFW. After leaving Moody AFB in 1984, John realized a lifelong dream offlying with an aggressor squadron. John really enjoyed his time at Nellis AFB, Nev. He was at the hub of the USAF fighter community and he loved it.

The house he had in Las Vegas became a meeting place for all his friends coming through for the many exercises flowing through Nellis. Of course, we all saw a lot of John when he was traveling around the country with his fellow Gomers. John’s Air Force career continued to accelerate like his favorite weapon, the AIM 9. He was promoted three years below the zone to major while at Nellis. Unfortunately for the Air Force, John elected to resign his commission. However, the Air Force’s loss was a gain for Delta Air Lines.

John was hired by Delta Air Lines in April 1986. His career progression was typical of an airline pilot. He started offflying as a flight engineer on the B-727, progressed to B-727 copilot, L1011 co-pilot, and his last flying assignment, captain on the B-727. As in the Air Force, John excelled at Delta. He was line check captain on the B-727, responsible for instructing and training new captains and copilots. Delta was good to John in other ways. John met his wife, Susie, while working and they were married in 1989. His two sons, Cody (7) and Colton (5), are already talking of following their father’s footsteps to USAFA. Let’s keep an eye out for Cody Sviba, Class of 14!

All of us who knew John are shocked at his death just short of his 43rd birthday. What makes it hard is that John affected many of our lives with his good deeds. Whether it was a term paper at the Academy, a lieutenant’s squadron project in the Air Force, or help with a job interview, John was there to help. John was good at getting his stuffdone so he could help you get your stuffdone. He was so helpful. He would help people to move that he barely knew. Now that’s a friend.

We will all miss John’s smile and his easygoing manner. But most of all we’ll miss John because he was the best son, husband, father, and friend that anyone could ask for. (Thomas W Sheahan, 78)

David William Fite, ‘80

Major Dave Fite had been with the 141 st ARW Washington Air National Guard, Fairchild AFB, Wash, since Oct. 1991. HisTDYs took him all over the world, every month, often weeks at a time. He was on a 12dayTDY at Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, for NATO training. January 13, 1999 was the last day of the trip. After the last refueling had

David William Fite, ‘80

been completed, on final approach with the wheels almost on the ground, Dave indicated they were going around. The KC-135E crashed just outside the perimeter of the airbase. All were killed including copilot Capt. Ken Thiele (USAFA Class of ’89), navigator Maj. Matt Laiho andTSgt. RichVisitainer, boom operator. Fairchild AFB and the entire community ofSpokane mourned for these four excellent airmen. They were honored with a Memorial Service at the Spokane Opera House attended by a full house and aired live on TV in Spokane, Seattle, Oregon and Idaho. The support from Fairchild AFB and the community was terrific, for indeed, these were terrific men.

Dave’s love for flyingbegan at the youngest ofages. A childhood friend of his and fellow USAFA Class of‘80 graduate, Trey Stackman, tells stories ofDave that only the most passionate ofairmen would understand. Dave would take every opportunity possible to visit the airport and watch in wonderment the miracles offlight. During his early teen years, Dave and Trey actually rode their bicycles 25 miles from Bellevue to sit near the end of the runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to wave farewell to the departingflights. Dave’s curiosity offlying extended beyond simple fascination - he truly craved total understanding of flight. It probably ran in the family as his father served inWorldWar II flying B- 17s and later became a Boeing engineer. Even as a young man, Dave sought to perfect all of his interests. He was a competitive skier, golfer, football player and Eagle Scout. He loved challenge and adventure - his Boy Scout trips took him on alpine hikes in the Cascades as well as a 500-mile bike trip around the Olympic Peninsula ofWashington. As a friend, there were none more special or loyal. Dave set the standard simply and quietlybyexample. His desire to be the best could only take him to one place - the Academy.

At the Academy, he was admired, respected, and befriended by all who knew him. He was selfless and always put others’ needs first. He often spent many ofhis nights helping classmates with academics. He felt their success would be his success. He loved to ski the Rockies and enjoyed both their beauty and challenge - in fact, he loved life’s beauty and challenge. Graduating from the Academy was such a joy for Dave, as it signified the completion of a lifelong goal and the beginning ofthe ultimate adventure of flying. While at Reese AFB, Dave’s dedication and work ethic served him well. He was awarded his Air Force wings and went on to fly KC- 135s at Minot AFB. It wasn’t long before he had the admiration and friendship ofthose in the flying community worldwide.

Dave served as one of the most experienced instructor/flight examiner pilots with the 116th Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild AFB. His knowledge and experience was exceptional. His input and opinion was valued by the squadron and was incorporated in real-life situations. He was a “go-to guy” within the squadron. He was also great to have along on TDY. He could take you on a tour in Europe complete with World War II lessons. Museums and galleries were favorite stops. His crews rememberlate night card games, cribbage and scrabble. He won with a smile that made you want to playagain. And ifyou had a chance to golfwith him, you have great memories. Dave had a hole-in-one on TDY in Turkey with rental clubs and an X-out ball.

The pursuit to be the best had Dave always studying - always with his nose in the books. He would watch the University ofWashington TV Channel and the physics lectures from MIT. He audited a University of Washington statistics class just to be of help to his sister who was taking the class. He was driven to have a comprehensive under-

Kenneth F. Thiele, ’89

standing ofwhatever subject. He studied the details, wanting to know them perfectly. This was how he approached flying, golf, astronomy, music... with a quiet zest to be great.

The love ofhis life was his wife, Kay. They met in 1991 ballroom dancing. It was a romance of a lifetime, a rich tapestry of energy and love. They married in 1996 - but it had been like a honeymoon from that first rumba. There were no words left unsaid: happy to be with each other, enjoyinglife, music, golf, dancing, Shakespeare, opera, chess and baseball. He was a great husband. He returned from flying and came home to Kay and his family. He loved being home with his family - his parents, brother, sisters and their families all still live in the Bellevue, Wash. area. There are no words to describe how deeply his family feels his loss.

Dave had strength of character and generosity of spirit that just jumped out. He was the kind of person who made those around him want to be better people. He had a sort of internal excellence and integrity that you couldn’t help but notice; something that had been learned throughout his life... learned throughliving, making mistakes, reflecting and evolving. He was able to inspire those around him to be better, to walk a little taller and to live more thoughtful lives just in his quiet way, with the smile and the look in his eye. He will live on, not just in our memories, but in how we live our lives. (TreyStackman, ’80, KayFite) (A memorial has been created in Dave’s name for the Pegasus Paver Project in front of Doolittle Hall with the following inscription:

MAJ DAVE FITE CLASS OF 1980

141 st WAANG KC-135E PILOT

JAN 13 1999 GERMANY

More information on this memorial is contained in the 1980 Class News of this issue and specific inquiries can be made to the Association of Graduates by contacting Gary Howe 719-472-0300.)

Kenneth F. Thiele, ’89

Capt. Kenneth F. Thiele was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., grew up in Grand Junction, Colo., was stationed at Fairchild AFB, Wash., and died Jan. 13,1999 in Germanywhile serving his country doing what he loved - flying.

Ken graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May 1989 with a BS degree in history. He served in the USAF from May 31,1989 to Sept. 6,1998 and joined theWashington Air National Guard on Sept. 7, 1998 as a KC-135 air refueling tanker pilot. His military decorations include the Aerial Achievement Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.

With a smile and a laugh that we will never forget, Ken had an energetic love for life that was obvious to everyone the moment he entered the room. He was never too busy to sit down with you and discuss anything on your mind as if it were the most important thing in the world. Ken was a great listener (and an even better talker!). He always made you feel like a close friend regardless if he knew you for 15 years or 15 minutes.

Whether it was flying, sports, debating issues of the day, or just rooting for his beloved Denver Broncos and Air Force Falcons, Ken gave 110 percent in everything he did. Nobody can forget Ken playing football or basketball with guts twice his size. He may have been in their shadows physically, but Ken dwarfed everybody on the field or court with his endless energy and enthusiasm.

Ken was a wonderful husband to his wife, Michelle. His love and devotion to her were remarkable. He supported her decision to finish her

degree even though it meant many months ofseparation and isolation while she was away at school. During his long military tours abroad, Ken always greatly missed his beautiful bride.

Ken was loved and cherished by his parents, Ronald and Judith, and his in-laws, Dennis and Jeannie Sharon. They were always impressed by his accomplishments and dedication to his family.

Like his father, Ken was a great aviator. It is impossible to count the number oftimes in the past few days that we have heard about his flying skills and instructional abilities. He was one of the best pilots around, but even more importantly, Ken taught others to be their best. His dedication to teaching, knowledge of the rules and regulations, and flying techniques were second to none. He left many with greater wisdom.

Survivors include his wife, the former Michelle Sharon of Colorado Springs and a graduate of Cheyenne Mountain High, and unborn son; his parents, Ronald and Judith Thiele, of Mesa, Ariz.; and his brother Eric Thiele of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Finally and most importantly, Ken Thiele was a Christian and a good person in every aspect oflife. Ken stood up for what was right, no matter how difficult the task. He was good example, a mentor, and someone you could depend on. Even though he is no longer with us, he set a standard for life we can all strive to attain. Ken is in a better place, where he will be watching over his beloved Michelle, his new son, and all of his friends and family. We all loved Ken very much and he will be dearly missed. (Family and friends)

At press time we had learned ofthe deaths ofthe following graduates:

Dr. Clifton C. Lovell, Class of 1960, who died of heart failure on April 2,1999 at Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Jeffrey D. Baker, Class of 1964, who died of cancer on March 22, 1999 at Cambria, Calif.

Jeffery Beresford-Wood, Class of 1965, who died of cancer on Jan. 16.1999 at Rathdrum, Idaho.

Cyd L. Maattala, Class of 1971, who died on March 9, 1999 of a heart attack at Grand Forks, N.D.

Robert J. Veenstra, Class of 1972, who died on Feb. 16,1999 of a brain hemorrhage in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Capt. (USA) Darren H. Van Zee, Class of 1993, who died on Feb. 11.1999 in a motorcycle accident at SierraVista, Ariz.

Our sincere condolences to the families and friends ofthese graduates.

OBITUARY POLICY OUTLINED

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

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

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

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

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

Graduate MIAs MissingSince 1973 Buried atAcademy

By John Deidrich Reporter for The Gazette

(Editor’s note: The following story is a compilation of three articles which appeared in the Colorado Springs Gazette newspaper written by John Diedrich covering the events surrounding the funeral of Capts. Samuel L. James, ’67, and Douglas K. Martin, ’69, which occurred at the Academy on April 18, 1999. We thank the Gazette for theirpermission to publish the article.)

When Capt. Todd Waldvogel,’92, encountered trying moments as an Air Force Academy cadet, he looked to his wrist for strength. There he wore a bracelet emblazoned with the name of Capt. Doug Martin, an academy graduate who has been missing since being shot down over Cambodia on April 18,1973. “It gave me someone to think about, someone who had endured real trials and tribulations,” saidWaldvogel, who started wearing the bracelet as a freshman in 1988.

Martin and Capt. Sam James finally came home Sunday, April 18th when their remains were buried at the Academy. Waldvogel, an academy instructor, presented Martin’s widow, Karen, with the tarnished bracelet. He said a few words, hugged her and then hurried away as tears filled his eyes.

Karen put the bracelet on her own wrist.

It was one of many emotional moments for the Martin and James families as the remains were buried 26 years to the day after the two were shot down. The men, who had the same birthday and graduated from the Academy two years apart, were buried in the same casket, under the same headstone. The families wanted the remains to stay together, as they were at the crash site for so many years.

More than 300 people - former classmates to area veterans who didn’t know the men - came to pay respects. It was only the second time MIA remains have been returned for burial at the Academy.

Martin, a 26-year-old pilot at the time, and James, 28, a navigator, were shot down while flying on a F-4 on a scouting mission in northeast Cambodia. Martin and James dropped below haze looking for a target and weren’t heard from again. Barry Crane,’67, James’ roommate at the Academy, made a brief effort to find them, but it was too dangerous.

A military search team recovered their remains - bone fragments, teeth and James’ dog tags - in early 1998. Their identities were confirmed late last year. “At the (class) reunions, we prayed and we wished they would be found,” Crane said. Col. Michael Goode, '69, Martin’s Academy roommate, recalled how his friend became a top Air Force pilot, thanks to his determination. Goode was crushed the day he learned Martin was missing. “Part of me went down with him that day.”

At the Academy gravesite, the flag-draped coffin sat before the families as two F-4 jets from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. roared overhead. A rifle salute and a rendition of “Taps” followed. The families were then presented with tightly folded flags.

James’ widow, Jennifer “Lynn” Pederson, and daughter, Melissa, said they were happy to finally have closure. “I do feel pride and I feel some sadness about the lost dreams I started out with many years ago,” Pederson said.

Karen Martin said the burial was therapeutic for her and exceeded anything she expected. “I always imagined (Doug’s funeral) would be on a dreary day on some hill somewhere. I would be standing there with Doug’s mom and a few other family. And that would be it,” Karen said. “I am so thankful for everyone who made this day what it was.”

The academy last welcomed home the remains of a graduate missing in action in 1996 when navigator Maj. Robert C. Davis, ’60, and his pilot Lt. Col. James W. Widdis, were laid to rest on Nov. 27, of that year. Davis and Widdis were flying an A-26 Intruder that crashed in Laos on March 23, 1969 after taking heavy ground fire. Their remains were recovered in 1994 and 1995 byjoint U.S.-Laotian search teams. The men were flying an armed reconnaissance mission over the Ho Chi Minh Trail when they were shot down trying to protect a wingman.

On the day of the crash of Martin and James, Doug and Sam were flying as scouts inside Cambodia. The war against Vietnam had offidaily ended, but the bombing missions continued. The pair was flying in fast and low, marking targets with smoke-producing chemicals. Villagers recently told Air Force investigators the F-4 was shot down by enemy forces, crashing into very dense jungle. It was one of the final planes lost during the Vietnam conflict.

In the following days, other pilots flew over the wreckage looking for survivors and marking the crash location. The men were deemed missing in action. For years, Cambodian officials wouldn’t allow American search teams to look for remains. A recent warming of relations has led to some recoveries, but numerous sites remain to be searched more completely.

In early 1998, an Air Force team looked for Sam and Doug near the city of Boung Long in northeast Cambodia. Searchers found pieces of their F-4, along with teeth, a few bones and Sam’s dog tags. Dental records later confirmed it was Doug and Sam.

The confirmation, however, is being disputed by the sister and parents of James, who say they do not believe the remains belong to him. According to Larry Greer, spokesman for the Pentagon’s POW/MIA office, subsequent tests showed the teeth matched the men’s military dental records. Scientists inside and outside the military confirmed the results. A panel of officers reviewed all the evidence and concluded the remains belonged to James and Martin.

James’ sister and parents found something different: None ofthe four dentists they hired said the recovered teeth were an exact match to James’ records. The family also questioned the new-looking appearance of James’ dog tags, and they said a CIA agent reported hearing a radio transmission from James shortly after he crashed. The military said it doesn’t have any information about that transmission.

Greer said the families of recovered MIAs sometimes raise objections. He noted they had the chance to give input during the research process. James’ daughter, who had legal authority over his remains, accepted the evidence.

Academy Burial Policies/ Procedures Outlined

The Association ofGraduates receives queries from time to time concerning burial policy at the Academy as it affects graduates, cadets and others. The point of contact for official advice on this subject is the MortuaryAffairs Office at theAcademy (http://www.USAFA.af.mil/svk/ mortuary/htm.). USAFAInstruction 34-501 spells out the requirements in detail. This article will attempt to condense the regulation and outline answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions. Please note this is not an official policy statement.

The Mortuary Affairs Office is available to answer any questions regarding funeral arrangements in relation to preparation of a last will (Continued on next to lastpage.)

A casket with the remains ofAir Force Capts. Doug Martin and Sam James is carried out ofthe Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel after a funeral for the two fliers. (Photo byjayjanner, The Gazette.)

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SACC

What is the SACC?

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supportedbytheAssociations ofGraduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U. S. MilitaryAcademy, and Alumni Associations from the U. S. Naval Academy and U. S. Coast Guard Academy. The nine previous conferences were attended by over 350 different companies and 5,000 alumni.

Where will the SACCbe held?

The second 1999 SACCwill be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel-DFW Airport in Dallas-Ft Worth Texas. You may obtain a room at the Hyatt for the SACC rate. Call (800) 233-1234 or (972) 453-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels available in the area, or think about renewing relationships with classmates in the area.

How to register for the SACC.

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

2. Ensure your resume is included in the Joint Service Academies Resume Database System (JSARDS). To enter your resume, visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “opportunities” and follow the instructions.

3. Ifyou previously submitted your resume to the Joint ServiceAcademies Resume Database Service, please use the password you received to update and verify the information in the system. Recruiters at previous SACCs found having electronic access to resumes extremely helpful. Be sure your resume is accurate and complete.

4. To participate in the October ’99 SACC, send the following to the SACC office no later than Sept 10,1999:

a. Completed registration form

b. A $20 registration fee, payable to SACC

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

Service Academy Career Conference

October 18-21,1999

5. Approximately 10 days before the conference, you will receive a confirmation notice with a definitive schedule.

6. The tentative schedule for the SACCis as follows:

Monday, October 18,1999

“"Interview Prep Seminar at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, October 19,1999

“"First day of Conference (First 250 to Register)

“"Evening: Interview Prep Seminar at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 20,1999

“"Second day ofConference (RemainingRegistrants)

Thursday, October 21,1999

“"Recruiters may schedule individual interviews

“"Registration opens at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day on TUesday andWednesday

“"Tuesday and Wednesday both feature two open sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. In the ballroom, wander from table to table meeting face to face with recruiters from a wide variety of companies.

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

Ifyou have anyquestions on thisAOG membership service, please contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

SACC

What is the SACC?

The SACCis the Service Academy Career Conference supportedby theAssociations ofGraduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy and the Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The nine previous conferences were attended by over 350 different companies and 5,000 alumni.

Where will the SACCbe held?

The second 1999 SACCwill be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel-DFW Airport in Dallas-Ft Worth Texas. You may obtain a room at the Hyatt for the SACC rate. Call (800) 233-1234 or (972) 453-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACCrate.

Who will be the candidates?

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

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

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

Service Academy Career Conference October 18-21,1999

What is the SACC schedule?

The tentative schedule for the SACCis as follows:

Monday, October 18,1999

12 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Recruiter check-in and receipt of conference materials

Tuesday, October 19, 1999 (First 250 Registrants)

7:30 a.m.: Set-up of displays in Ballroom

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Open Session I

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Recruiter Break

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Open Session II

Wednesday, October 20, 1999 (Remaining Registrants) Repeat ofTuesday schedule

Thursday, October 21,1999

Interviews as scheduled by company recruiters

What is the company registration fee?

The company registration fee is $2,000 for the first table, $3,000 for two tables, and $3,750 for three tables. This fee entitles a company access to the best candidates in corporate America, open sessions to meet with candidates, and opportunities for interviews. For each table reserved, a company receives hard copies of all resumes submitted and online access to resumes.

PLEASE NOTE: This fee does not cover the cost of your room at the hotel. You must make separate room reservations by calling (800) 233-1234 or (972) 453-1234 and asking for the SACC rate.

Air Force Academy Athletic Association.

* * *

Chapel Brochures & Choir Tapes and CD's are now availablefrom the AFAAA Gift Shops & Catalog

“Worship His Majesty” by The Protestant Cadet Choir Cassette Tape $14.95 CD $15.95

“In Our Music Boil Is Glorified” by The Catholic Choir Cassette Tape $14.95 CD $15.95

“A Tribute To Freedom” by The Cadet Chorale. Cassette $14.95

Chapel Brochure Booklet $5.00

Commander In Chiefs Trophy Replica Limited Edition Trophy is Silver plated. Base made of marble composite. Base: 6 1/2 diameter

Height: 10” Weight: 10 lbs.

Certificate ofAuthenticityand registration included. (Score plates are removeable so they can be updatedyearly.) $299.95

Name:

Graduate Biographical Update Form

Date:

Class: AOG ID#:

SSAN: (From the Register or Checkpoints mailing label)

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

Mailing Address:

Effective Date:

City; State: Zip Code: Country:

Duty assignment or Civilian Title:

Company & Location:

Work Address:

City:

Home Phone: ( )

Home FAX: ( )

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

Work e-mail

Effective Date:

State: Zip Code: Country:

Work Phone: ( )

Work FAX: ( )

DSN:

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

Marital Name Change:

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

Spouse’s Graduation Name:

Preferred Name for mailing labels:

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

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

PME: Residence/Seminar/Correspondence; Dates:

ALL Graduates: Award(s):

Civilian Degree: Major: Year: Institution:

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

Doolie Squadron: Graduation Squadron

Source of Nomination: Congressional: other:

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

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

OTHER REMARKS & COMMENTS:

Signature:

Rev: DTP 02/99

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

Complete

USAF Academy CO 80840-4475

SEE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

Old

High

Stemware: Item

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

COASTERS

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

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 crests, "AOG", "USAFA", or "CLASS" and up to three lines of personalizing. Please allow 2 weeks for engraving.

Pen and Case Item # 7075 $20.00

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

In individual gift boxes. All are solid brass with 24kt gold finish except the' 98 ornament which also contains silver toned finish. Sizes approximate. Limited to stock on hand. (‘ 93 and' 96 are sold out)

Item #7164 1998 Polaris w/Crossed Sabers ornament $19.95

Item #7163 1997 Prop A Wings ornament (3" x 3") $24.95

Item #7162 1995 Pegasus ornament (3" x 3") $24.95

Item #7161 1994 Falcon ornament (2.5" x 2") $24.95

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 & Wings design.

Item # 1600 BLUE $23.00

Item # 1601 GARNET $23.00

JEWELRY

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

Item # 7030 AOG Charm. Sterling

Silver. $26.00

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

Item # 7031 AOG Tie Tack. Sterling

Silver (Not Shown). $26.00

Item # 7033 AOG 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 left 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 smaller than normal fit; AOG crest embroidered on left 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/Cotton shell, nylon liner, w/embroidered AOG crest. $42.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL)

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

Item # 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

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

CADET ISSUE CLOTHING (Available to AOG Members ONLY)

Item #1100

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

Sweat Top $35.00 (XXL) $37.00

Sweatpants $22.50 (XXL) $24.50

Complete Set $55.00 (XXL) $58.00

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 $47.00

Running Suit Pants $25.00

Complete Suit $67.00

BOOKS AND VIDEOS (not shown) ^Paperback

Item # 3020 - Into the Mouth ofthe 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 Butler, ’63

Item # 3080 - Separated by War $24.95

Autographed by Grad Author Ed Herlik, ’80

Item # 3090 - Raid on Quaddafi $21.95

Autographed by Grad Author Bob Venkus, ’63

Item # 3120 - Modernism at Mid Century $50.00 History of the architecture at USAFA

Item # 3130 - Courage andAir Warfare $22.00

Autographed by Grad Author MarkWells, '75

Item #3150- The Secret Life of Waldo E Dumhsquat $10.00*

Autographed by Grad Author Don Hall, ’76

Item # 3170 - A Certain Brotherhood $10.00*

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Item # 7080 -Video: Wild Blue U $10.00

Produced by KUSA - TV Denver; cadet daily life

SPIRIT AND FLIGHT A photographic salute to the USAF Academy. Over 150 color photos. Book Sponsored by the AOG.

Item # 3160 by Elizabeth Gill Lui $60.00

CLASS NOTEBOOKS Two-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

Item# 7110

Item # 7117

7113

AOG ACCESSORIES AND ADDITONAL ITEMS (not pictured)

DECALS Colorful crest on a window 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 MEDALLION A 2 V2 diameter brass medallion with the Honor Code on one side and Prop & Wings on the other.

Item # 7120 Honor Medallion $15.00

Item # 7121 Honor Medallion with Stand $35.00

BLAZER PATCHES .Pin-back patch embroidered with appropriate crest.

Item # 1800 AOG Blazer Patch $23.00

Item # 1801 AFA Blazer Patch $23.00

KEYCHAIN 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 and White 80% Orlon/20% Wool

SML, MED, XLG (sorry no LRG or XXL)

Item # 1580 $25.00

NOTECARDS

Item # 7073 Doolitte Hall Notecards (6” x 4.5”)

Set of 10 w/envelopes. $5.00

FINE ART PRINTS

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

Item # 2020 Gyrfalcon” by Frace $75.00

Item # 2030 Thunderbird” by Rick Broome $50.00

Item # 2040 “Footfalls" Artist Proofs $190.00

U. S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

Executive Offices:

President/CEO: ETC (Ret) Richard Coppock

Executive Assistant: Pat Buland

Secretary: Maureen Hornyak

Receptionist: Jennifer Bowman

Accountant: Joyce Love

Career Opportunities:

Company Contact: Wayne Taylor

Resume Service: Wayne Taylor

SACC Wayne Taylor

Class Rings: Jim Shaw, Jack Mueller

Death Notification:

Notices: Pat Buland

Obituaries: Tom Kroboth

Development:

Vice President: Col (Ret) James A. Shaw

AFA Fund: Tauni Orndorff

Building Fund: Jack Mueller, Kathy McCann

Class Gifts: Jack Mueller

Corporate Giving: Jim Shaw

Major Giving: Jim Shaw, Gary Flowe

Matching Gifts: Jack Mueller

Paver Project: Tauni Orndorff

Planned Giving: Jim Shaw, Gary Flowe

Sabre Society: Jim Shaw, Kathy McCann

Doolittle Hall Special Functions:

Reservations (parties, etc): Jean Bickford

Information Services:

Administrator: Col (Ret) Chuck Denham

Specialist: Vikki Rhoden

Publications:

Editor: Thomas Kroboth

Checkpoints and Register ofGraduates:

Advertising: Wayne Taylor

Chapter News: Tom Kroboth

Class News: Tom Kroboth

NOTAM:

Editors: Jennifer Bowman, Maureen Hornyak

ServiceAcademyBusinessResourceDirectory

Sales: Wayne Taylor, Jean Bickford

Updates: Wayne Taylor, LaniWing

Services:

Vice President: Col (Ret) Jock CH Schwank

Address Updates: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Associate/Cadet Memberships: Don McCarthy

Bio Updates: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Chapters/Societies: Wayne Taylor

Class Reunions: Jock Schwank

Grad. Dependent Scholarships: LaniWing

Graduate Membership: Steve Knight

Graduate Records: Steve Knight

Label/List Requests: Jock Schwank

Merchandise Sales: Michele Cowan

Rental Car Cards: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

ASSOCIATION OF

3116 ACADEMY DR

USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

ServiceAcademiesBusiness ResourceDirectory(SABRD)

The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members of the service academies alumni associations who wish to have their civilian positions listed in the publication. Indexed by geographical area, industry, company name, graduate last name and class year, the directory contains entries ofapproximately 12,000 graduates in business across the country and worldwide. Born from the belief that the Associations of Graduates and Alumni Associations exist not only to serve their academies but their membership, this directory creates an excellent business leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain services an efficient way to find a fellow graduate.

SABRD ORDER FORM

OPlease send copies, at $35.00 each, of the 1999 SABRD (Book)

OPlease send copies, at $35.00 each, of the 1999 SABRD on a READ ONLY CD-ROM* PAYMENT METHOD:

Please use this address in the AOG Database: \^} Check Enclosed (Payable to “AOG”)

NAME

Charge to my Visa or MasterCard

ADDRESS- -

CITY,ST,ZIP Card Exp Date (Month/Year) / AOGORSSAN

CLASS YEAR

Home Phone: ( )

Signature:

MAIL TO: AOG, 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. Telephone orders byVisa or MasterCard at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-2067 or fax to (719) 333-4194.

*Please be advised the CD-ROM has security features and is READ ONLY. It cannot be used to create lists and/or to manipulate the data.

ANNOUNCING THE 1998 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Mail:

AOG Ornament

3116 Academy Drive USAFA CO 80840-4475

Fax to:

(719) 333-4194

Credit Card orders to:

(719) 472-0300

The major elements of the 1998 ornament include a silver replica of the Polaris superimposed over crossed silver sabers. Polaris, the guiding light or true course, is symbolic of the steadfast virtues that guide the lives and decisions of cadets and graduates. The sabers, associated with positions ofleadership and symbolic ofthe special committment to a disciplined military way of life, are raised and crossed in a silent salute to those values ingrained in all cadets. Both the Polaris and the sabers are traditionally associated with the cadet wing and are featured on the class rings of each graduate.

Prop and Wings (’97)

Symbolic of the origins of the US Air Force in theArmyAir Corps, the Prop andWings are worn on the cadet uniform and have been a part ofthe tradition of the cadet wing since the first class entered in 1955.

The Pegasus Statue (’95)

This marble replica of the mythical winged horse is outside of the Association of Graduates building, Doolittle Hall. It was presented to the Air Force Academy as a gift of the Italian government and was dedicated in 1959. The original stands in Florence, Italy.

The Academy Falcon (’94)

Chosen in 1955 by the first class (Class of ’59) as the official mascot of the Cadet Wing, the falcon’s speed, powerful flight, temperament, and courage make it a fitting and proud symbol for the Air Force Academy.

Enclosed is my check or money order made payable to: AOG

charge my credit card: Visa or MasterCard ONLY

The Air Force

Academy Tamp

A classic brass and marble table lamp, featuring a richly detailed re-creation of the Official Academy Coat-of-Arms in gold on a black parchment shade. Hand polished and hand assembled with the finest brass and marble.

You may also have your lamp personalized with an engraved brass plate affixed to the marble base. Similar lamps retail for twice our original issue price of $159.00.

Of course, you must be completely satisfied with the quality of your lamp or you may return it within fifteen days for exchange or refund. The Air Force Academy Lamp is certain to be a useful and treasured possession for many years to come.

Issue price: $159.00 each, plus $8.00 for shipping and handling. Include $20.00 for personalization.

To order by American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover, please call toll free 1-800-346-2884.

Calls are accepted weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (eastern time). To order by mail, write to: Sirrica, Ltd., 39 South St., New Bedford, MA 02740, and include a check or money order made payable to Sirrica, Ltd. Credit card orders may also be sent by mail. Please include full account number and expiration date on the attached form.

Association of Graduates Available Member Benefits/Services

AOG offices are open Monday through Friday, 0730-1630 Mountain Time. For all offices, telephone: (719) 472-0300 (DSN: 333-2067/2073). E-mail aog@aog-usafa.org.

CHECKPOINTSMAGAZINE:

your quarterlylink to friends, classmates and the Academy.

REGISTER OF GRADUATES:

annual presentation ofbiographical information on all Academygraduates.

CHAPTERS:

support for some 29 chapters throughout the world.

LINE OF CREDIT:

unsecured line of credit is available from MBNA America. To apply call 1-888-500-6266 and ask for priority code J2ON-FI-603-2G. You will receive a decision in as little as 15 minutes.

AOG CREDIT CARD:

favorable terms and credit limits from MBNA America. To apply call 1-800-523-7666 and refer to source code J8CJ.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

a preparatory school scholarship via the Falcon Foundation.

•post secondaryscholarships to graduates’ children.

LOCATOR SERVICE:

need to find a fellow graduate?We help!

SABER RENTAL:

sets of six for the militarywedding.

TRAVEL SERVICE:

Year-round full-service travel program for vacation, business, special Academy events and re-

unions. Call A BetterWayTravel Service at 1 (800) 347-9002 and mention your AOG affiliation.

REUNION/HOMECOMINGS:

coordination and planningby 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 rebates. Drop-shipping available. Contact the Commercial Sales Division, Ferguson Pontiac-GMC Truck (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-providedBudget 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 forAFAAOG members, ID#C00041511).

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

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

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 a Car Corporation

Colorado Springs Marriott

Continental Electronics (Division ofVarian 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

Van Gilder Insurance

Walsworth Publishing of Colorado

Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Defense & Electronic Center

Corporate memberships are being offered for $2,000 for the life ofthe corporation. With the exception ofvoting and holding office, corporate members enjoy all privileges of regular members. For more information write to Col. (Ret) Jock Schwank, vice president, Services, Association ofGraduates, 3116Academy Dr., U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840-4475. Phone (719) 472-0300. E-mail services@aog-usafa.org.

AOG membership card on check-in.

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

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

save 50% at the Sumner Suites ofColorado Spings when travelingJanuarythroughApril and November/December. Call (719) 265-9385 andaskforthe

AOG Special Rate (not valid for groups, special events or with any other promotion). Discount based on regular rate and is subject to availability. AOG membership card required upon check-in.

save 25% at the LasVegas Hawthorn Suites during June, July and August. This is a nongaming hotel just steps from many major casinos. Call (702) 739-7000 and ask for the AOGVIP rate. Discount based on rack rates and subject to availability. Must present AOG membership card upon check-in.

Rules Outlined for Graduate GolfCourse Use

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

Military members, active duty and retired, including Guard and Reserve, (i.e. any graduate with a military ID) may schedule their own tee times by calling (719) 333-3456, 72 hours in advance. These are the same reservation rules applicable to all active-duty personnel not stationed at the Academy and retirees. Green fees are $18.00. Reciprocal privileges are in effect for active-dutygraduates who have annual memberships at other Air Force courses. Golf cart fees are $18.

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

Graduates may schedule only one tee time per month to insure all eligible graduates have an opportunity to use one ofthe eight tee times. Ifby the 25th ofeach month the eight tee times have not been reserved, a graduate who played earlier in the month may schedule a second tee time. Green fees for nonretired, nonactive-duty graduates are $50 and golf cart fees are $18.

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

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

Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive

ATTENTION IN THE AREA

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

RegisterDeadline Aired

A major AOG service is one of providing up-to-date information on graduates through the annual Register ofGraduates. The most recent book was mailed to members of record in November, 1998. The biographical information form printed near the center of each magazine should be used on an ongoing basis to update graduate data. Since the individual graduate is the critical source of Register information, it is vital that you keep the AOG informed of address changes, promotions, new jobs, etc. In December 1998, all graduates with a mailing address known by the AOG were mailed their current biographical information in the AOG database. If you did not receive this mailing, please notify the AOG immediately. Information updates to be included in the expanded 1999 Register must be received by 1 July 1999.

Visitors Center Offers AOG Discount

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

1999 AOG MAJOR EVENTS SCHEDULE

Tailgate

11 Chapter Presidents Meeting

12 AOG Board Meeting

Inappropriate Use of Register Addresses

The AOG has noticed a significant increase in the use of graduate addresses listed in the Register for business and political purposes not sanctioned by your AOG. This is directly in violation ofAOG policy as well as an infringement of copyright laws as spelled out on the first page ofthe 1998 Register.

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

Class Ring Information

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

Jostens

148 East Broadway Owatonna, MN 55060 (800) 852-9353

myersm@jostens.com

Balfour Company

c/o Jess Crane

3502 S. Marion St. Englewood, CO 80110

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

(303) 789-0623 (Evenings: (303) 757-0557)

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

1999 REUNION CONTACTS

(As of 25 January 1999)

‘59 (40th) 15-20 June 1999

Lt Col Jim Brown

19349 Knotty Pine Way Monument CO 80132-9438

Ph: (719) 481-9115 (H)

E-mail: Jim_Brown_59

@compuserve.com (H)

Hotel: Marriott 1-800-962-6982 or 1-719-260-1800

‘64 (35th) 3-7 November 1999

Col Jerry Butler

19980 Capella Drive Monument CO 80132

Ph: (719) 481-8804 (H) (719) 668-7608 (W)

E-mail: jbutler@csu.org

Hotel: Antlers Doubletree 1-800222-8733 or 1-719-473-5600

‘69 (30th) 22-25 September 1999

Lt Col (Ret) Art Schwall 2465 Clayton Court Colorado Springs CO 80919

Ph: (719) 592-0849 (H)

E-mail: 70470.2724

@compuserve.com (H)

Hotel: Marriott 1-800-962-6982 or 1-719-260-1800

‘74 (25th) 3-7 November 1999

Lt Col Ted Roth

6364 Galway Drive

Colorado Springs CO 80918

Ph: (719) 590-7383 (H)

E-mail: theoroth

@compuserve.com (H)

Hotel: Marriott 1-800-962-6982 or 1-719-260-1800

‘79 (20th) 13-17 October 1999

Lt Col Mark Reid

7725 Churchwood Circle Colorado Springs CO 80918

Ph: (719) 333-7474 (W) (719) 266-1536 (H)

E-mail: REIDMD.DFCS@usafa.af.mil

Hotel: Marriott 1-800-962-6982 or 1-719-260-1800

‘89 (10th) 13-17 October 1999

Capt StephenWhiting

6130 Moccasin Pass Court

Colorado Springs CO 80919

Ph: (719) 266-0673 (H)

E-mail: swhiting@aol.com (H)

Hotel: Embassy Suites 1-800EMBASSY or 1-719-599-9100

CLASS NEWS

Pete Todd

1250 BigValley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

Home: (719) 531-5874

FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

Percent members: 82

Time to dig back into the mailbag and pass on the rest of the news from the Christmas bounty. Let’s start with some aviation stuff. Chuck FERRARI sent a trip report on his fourth trip to China, during which he got to visit Chengon Airfield, the home of the Flying Tigers. Chuck indicated its kind of a “ghost town”; not much left except some deserted barracks, old rusting basketball hoops and a sense of history. Not a single P-40 in sight.

tary services are managed, Hollywood and media stereotypes notwithstanding. In addition to the joy of conquering corporate challenges, HT and Linda are enjoying the Washington area and all its diversions, along with occasional grandbaby inspections in Laguna Beach.

The memorial to the Over-the-HumpFlight.

He also visited the Hump Flyers Memorial. It’s impressive at a distance, but up close it’s apparent that the Chinese don’t look after remote memorials with the same care as the Great Wall.

In December, Wayne and Karen PITTMAN were still exulting over the SeptemberWWI Fly-In at the Air Force Museum where they devote so much oftheir volunteer time and energy. Nineteen vintage aircraft flew in for the event and Karen managed to hitch a ride in a Nieuport 12. It’s an official biennial affair, so all you early-aviation buffs should mark your calendars for 2000.

HT JOHNSON misses the vitality and clarity of purpose of the Air Force, but is going great guns in the corporate world. Before he moved to his present job with EG&G, he did a short stint at the National Credit Union Association where he committed a remarkable act of autodownsizing by putting his own job on the chopping block during the strategic planning process!

In his first “for profit” managementjob, he’s discovered that stock price is king and such a world sometimes teaches alien behavior. He’s also encountered numerous heavy hitters in the corporate world who recognize how well the mili-

Some guys

international layovers

has decided to walk around the world. He has set a goal of covering a distance equivalent to circumnavigating the globe which, according to his 747 INS, is 24,884 statute miles. It’s not that big a deal, though; he has already run or hiked 24,200 miles according to his meticulous records! Mike plans to finish the course sometime in the year 2000 with the help of two knee braces, hiking sticks and anti-inflammatory drugs. His most recent milestone was to finish hiking the entire MacLehose Trail in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It’s a very rugged, hilly 100 KM course and it took him a couple of years to complete it in stages.

Norris OLSON has developed a stock answer for people who ask him what he’s doing now that he’s retired. His response: “I have a wife and a TV set and they both work!” He wasn’t worried about flooding up there in North Dakota last winter, but the spring runoff fromWashington might cause some problems.

Tom STACK, on the other hand, got called out of semi-retired status last year to run Lucent’s bid for the upgrade of a piece of the European military telephone system. He spent a fair amount of time traveling in Germany in the fall and found the bases, the people and the environment eerily changed from the days when he and I were knocking around USAFE and 4 ATAF. Even the Ramstein club was dead on a Friday night.

Skip SMOTHERMON passed on the sad news that Mary Catherine fell just short in her bid to be the first ‘59er spouse to serve in Congress. The dream lives on in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, he reported that a highlight of the autumn was attending a Kham Due reunion. Kham Due is not a new oriental poultry dish, but rather the name of a small 1960s Special Forces Camp in Vietnam near the Laotian border.

It seems that one fateful day the camp was in the process of being overrun and Skip was flying overhead directing airstrikes to facilitate the Special Forces evacuation. Alas, a golden BB smote Skip’s aerospace vehicle, forcing him to crash land into the camp and become the guest of said Special Forces grunts.

Over 30 years later he became aware of a Kham Due Club, learned they were having a reunion in Branson, MO, and once again dropped in on his hosts (under much more peaceful conditions). He met many of the men who had been such a big part of this one-day of his life and a good time was had by all.

One piece of local (and more recent) news is that in March, Jon and Jacquie GALLO donated to the AOG a framed artist’s proof of the original watercolor by Jacquie, Aurora-Gyrfalcon. The original is owned byJim CHAPMAN, whose wife, Karen, commissioned it as a 62nd birthday present for him. The picture donated byJacquie will become part ofthe AOG’s permanent collection in Doolittle Hall. You’ll be able to see Jacquie’s superb work of art during the reunion.

Speaking of which, Wendy and I hope to see you here in June. Under Jim BROWN’s able leadership, the Reunion Committee has put together a great program, blending plenty of fun activities with lots of free time for mixing, mingling and conversation. This should be our best reunion yet. Y’all come!

Thought for the quarter: Rememberwhen we used to dream ofthe day we’d be earning the amount of money we’re struggling on now?

ChuckFerrari in front ofthe Flying TigerBarracks at Chengon Airfield.

Karen Pittman waves from the front cockpit ofa Nieuport 12.

on

hike down to the hotel bar. Mike BENDER

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

11181 West 17th Ave.

Building Two, Unit 208

Lakewood, CO 80215-2759

(303) 238-4973, FAX: 237-7625

E-mail: rosie@genie.idt.net

Percent members: 80

iffJon MCCLURE’s wife Jean died in January of massive heart failure. Charles David GEORGI’s death of Dec. 8. 1998 was reported in the February 1999 issue under “Gone But Not Forgotten.”

Pete KING wrote and enclosed a copy of the Daedalus Flyer, which listed a certain Eloward F. Bronson. Jr., as dying 27 Feb 98.1 called Howie BRONSON in Big Bear City, CA and asked him the BigQuestion: “Howie, are you dead?" Howie’s response was adamant: “No, any reports of my death have been grossly exaggerated!” Oops. (Remember - Howie’s a III, and it was his 81-year-old father who died.) He and Judy left the next day for Aspen, CO, where they were going to ski for a week with a group of the 1959 Cotton Bowl warriors.

We can all remember that Cotton Bowl - having had to march for our tickets, as usual - when we tied TCU 0-0. Members of the team from ’59, ’60, and ’61 who attended this mini-reunion were Brock STROM, Dave PHILIPS & Phyllis Kern, Randy & Jan CUBERO, Howie & Judy BRONSON, George & Diana PUPICH, Mike & Susan QUINLAN, Ed & Sharon ROSANE, John & Pili GULLEDGE, Bill & Kris MCLAIN, Larry & Carol THOMSON, Gene & JaneVOSIKA, and Ron & Connie YATES.

School helping the teachers set up classroom media projects for students which is a California Partnership Academy. Our program’s specialty is in New Media, which is using high-end media computers so that when they graduate they are reasonably trained to get jobs in the entertainment industry. Graduation rate for our students is 20% higher than for the rest of the school. Been working with ‘59ers Larry THOMSON, Bob JENNINGS, and Bob CHEPOLIS, as well as Vic YOAKUM. I’m now waiting to see if I’ll be hired on as the Digital High School Grant Program Manager.” Bill and Vic get to the golf course about every other week, and he recommends getting a hip replacement now, for anyone who needs one. “I even had the opportunity to tell Jack Nicklaus to get his hip replaced at the Senior Open last year; he could have been playing in this year’s Masters if he’d had it done last October.” Bill’s coming to our 40th Reunion - Why Not? He attended the 1998 Zersen Family Reunion at AuntViola’s house for their Zersen/ Busse reunion, which had 2,400 in attendance, and was on national news. Bill’s son Britt graduated from Western Washington U. last year, avid surfer and son Aaron gets his business degree from Humboldt State this year, and his son Todd has his higher sea rating and works for the Washington State ferry system.

This quarter’s WHAT I AM MOST FAMOUS FOR AWARD goes to, uhhh, Bill GILLIS (Cheerleader 2,1): “Although famous for many things, I am perhaps most famous for having personally met those numerous celebrities who visited my parents’ home inWinthrop, MA. My father was feature editor for the Boston Globe, and he knew lotsa importantpeople, many ofwhom used to visit us. Babe Ruth was at our house in 1939, Joe Louis dined with us after beating some Brit, and I personally met Ted Williams at our home when I was 10 years old. And, one of my relatives - we called him Ainsworth (R: I swear I didn’t make that up) - actually swam the entire beach off the nearby coast of Logan Airport’s shores (six miles), and he was a Medal of Honor winner in WWII. My Grandpa Murray once took me to a practice session of the Boston Pops Symphony back in 1950 where Arthur Fiedler allowed me to conduct a rendering ofthe 1812 Overture, although I actuallyonly got up to about the year 1630 or so. And, ifthat ain’t enough fame, I was at a meeting with President Kennedy in 1962 and personally invited to pilot his Air Force One -1 did not accept his offer, since I wanted to become the world’s greatest fighter pilot, which I wuz!” (R: There’s a LOT more, but Bill is simply too modest to mention all of them.)

While not wishing to parse too fine a point on this small chestnut from Charles Stewart DIVER, consider his missive: "Enclosed is a pic of two geek (crossedout) Greekfreshmen at the place we live atjust south ofCanada. (R: That’s SedroWoolley, WA which I am almost sure that Chuck made-up!) The reason I’m wearing a hat is - NO HAIR! Bill HALES still has a very nice head of hair!” (R: Bill is originally from Steubenville, OH and shares that great greasy hair-heritage with Steubenville native Dean Martin.)

At the top are Yates, Rosane, Pupich, Bronson, Philips, Cubero, Gulledge, Strom, McLain, andVosika. Atbottom are Ron and Connie Yates, GeorgeandDiana Pupich, and Howie andJudyBronson.

Tony BURSHNICK says that “The AF Science & Technology Board met recently in Woods Hole, MA with four of ’60’s finest - Norm HALLER, ME, Ron YATES, and Mike CLARKE - insuring that the Air Force got its’ money’s worth. You’ll note that they are all smiling, since Mike just gave us cigars which he received at a discount (substantial) from the White House, where his wife, Nancy, is employed.” (R to Tony: Do you KNOW where those cigars might have been? Did she also buy a blue dress? Tell Nancy to get out - NOW!)

Chico, Zeppo, Groucho, and Harpo (sans cigars)

We have onlythree in our class who willADMIT to having more than two Chrisdan names - George Joseph Charles FRIES, Jock Charles Henry SCHWANK, and my Dance Committee buddy, William Frederick Hugo ZERSEN, who gave me an update on his life: “I got married last September to Danielle, who was born and raised in France (R: by the time you read this, Bill and Danielle should have returned from France visiting her parents, who live on the Riviera near Cannes. How non-gauche\) For the past two years I’ve been working at Hollywood High

KGBAgents? ConcoctingSome CommiePlot?

Our old sage Howie (Indiana Jones) WHITFIELD reports that “I was down (under) in Melbourne in late February ’99 at an international airshow. I contacted Jim KERR and we had dinner together. The Dolphin has been in Australia about 10 years, alongwith his two sons (he also has two daughters), selling lawnmowers and associated equipment. After I retired from the Marine Corps in 1985 at El Toro, I spent a year for Rockwell in Anaheim, then Linda and I moved east when I joined Sikorsky, first in advanced design, then into marketing, and after four years I moved west to San Diego to run their West Coast office. When Sikorsky closed that operation, we came back to Madison, CT where we built a house near the water. I’m now working on International Programs, specifically, a competition in Australia for an armed reconnaissance helicopter.” Howie and Linda have two married daughters - Dawn and Lynn- one and two daughters, respectively. Dawn’s husband works for Boeing in Seattle, and Lynn’s a schoolteacher and her husband’s a Presbyterian minister and they live in Spokane. Howie adds: “Iplan on being at the 40th Reunion!”

MiniSkiTX - Don’t those things ever end? Class President for Life, Andi Biancur, once againtaking time offfrom his normal avocation offomenting unrest, hosted this alleged skiing event near Salt Lake City starting 27 February - this is that annual event where theyall gettogether and displaytheir downhill prowess with all the expertise of Olympian class one-legged tap dancers. Attending were Jerry DE LA CRUZ, Les HOBGOOD, A1 & Gale JOHNSON (R: A1 was taking a probationary week off from his Fairfax, VA Countyjail, where he is enjoying incarceration for stealing hubcaps), Greg BOYINGTON (chief ski instructor), Charlie and Weesee HOLMAN - who performed magnificently her kitchen hellbroth - whilst Andi and others under severe lubricants tele-contacted various unsuspecting

“usual suspects” to determine whythey weren’t there! AL JOHNSON (neverheard of him) of the Ski & Lawn Mower Repair School, unveiled his wamblyTrophy Cup to be awarded to that hapless skierwho demonstrates their most “Marginally Minimum Performance.” Note to Andi: Put a warning label on your future invites.

The Maximum at the MiniSki David Lewis (Slats) WIEST, originally from Lynchburg, VA but now living in Silver City, NM moved to New Mexico when his wife, Laura, was already working for the U.S. Forest Service. “I started working for the Forest Service in March 1988 doing trail maintenance in the Wilderness, packing in with mules and using crosscut saws. When funds for trail work ran out, I applied for a position in the supervisor’s office as a cartography aide. Since my academic record and degree qualified me as a civil engineer, I’ve been one since 1991. Sort of defined my position as engineering systems manager -1 took care of all PC engineering technology. Meanwhile, Laura was and still is a computer specialist in the Gila National Forest computer shop; although we work for different bosses, we’re only 30 yards apart. GPS is part of our technology, and I am the forest GPS coordinator, as well as other acronyms; keeping busy is not hard to do. Both of us plan to retire in March ofeither 2001 or 2003.” Dave and Laura have no children, recently spent some time on Lake Powell in a houseboat. Dave playsjust enough banjo to bother those four cats which Laura rescued from a local animal shelter, and they’re currently remodeling their 1971 vintage house which is only two miles from the Continental Divide. “This area down here’s known as Billy the Kid country. There are some old-timers who can still remember (‘member) him when they were four to six years old.” Ihope to come to our 40th Reunion.”

This reminder from a lovely lady who’s married to a prominent classmate:

The Class of ’60 will have their 40th reunion in Y2K

Let’s all share some good times, and escape life’s fray.

It’s time to renewfriendships, be together, celebrate.

Time marches on - who knows TOMORROW’S FATE?

Call a classmate or two; encourage them to be there, Golf, game with Navy, dinners, laughs, for all to share. This reunion could be the most momentous, fun for all, Be at USAFA in 2000 - remember: it’ll be in the Fall!

Potpourri. Our oldest living classmates are Jim PEEL (3 Jul 34); Jack HARDISON (3 Sep 34); Phil MEINHARDT (3 Nov 34); George LUCK (5 Nov 34); Steve BISHOP (9 Feb 35)... Comment made by one classmate (General Officer, so what should HE know?) after the AFA-Rice game last Fall: “Why can’t theyjust pick on somebody their own SAT (score) size?”.. .Frank & Eve MAYBERRY are back - once again - in Australia...George PUPICH (who is still recuperating from his recent goatgland transplant) cancelled his Second Annual Serbian Christmas Party for the first consecutive year.. .we’ve located Jerry GIRARD at 24306 East Parkside Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677...and Bill CURRIER at 384 Downwind Leg, Gilbert, SC 29054...anyone got a “read” on Bob BAKER or George HINES or Dick MROSLA or Ernie WHALEY? Frenchy (nickname: William Reno) OUELLETTE and wife, Marilyn, (no nickname) drove their pickup truck all the way from Maine through to Salida (CO) for some trout fishing, and to visit their son at Hill AFB...results of the Nickname Contest, and their winners will be announced in the NEXT issue.

TTFN from the Rose.

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear ll 1 /

5021 Mignonette Court

Annandale, VA 22003-4050

Home: (703) 425-3870

E-mail: NORear@erols.com

Percent members: 82

wiAs I write this Checkpoints input, it is the first day ofspring. Good to have warmer weather again. For those ofyou wanting to know this information in a more timely manner, I again suggest accessing the Internet. Our online GrayTag Network (GTN) now has 95 members. It’s a great way to get timely information of our regional gettogethers, such as the ski trip in February, the O’CONNOR’s annual Springfling at the beach, 29 April-2 May, or the Red Neck Riviera Reunion later. Gene HOPP also used it effectively to help a Texas friend’s grandson, who wanted to go to USAFA.

John and Sheila MAY have done a great job developing our own Class Web Site (http://www.usafa61.org). John says that Dick COPPOCK was particularly helpful by providing images of the Class and Academy Crests. Bob HERIZA is also

developing a Class History, so if you have items you think are relevant, I’m sure that he would appreciate receiving them. In addition to a listing of GTN e-mail addresses which can be accessed byclicking on the name, the site contains a linked discussion group and a link to many Air Force-related sites through the Air Force Office of History’s site. John has also included some pictures that he has received and has said that he can easily include pictures and individual biographies (twopage maximum) that you send him or me. Family members or widows may be interested in providing such information on deceased graduates. Also, we would welcome them to our GTN since they are certainly part of our family. Thanks again Sheila and John for your great contributions.

A couple of our classmates, particularly Hector NEGRONI, took great exception to USA Today's prediction that the Falcons would lose their football Oahu Bowl game and related their displeasure to Kevin Ryan, the reporter. In the exchanges, Mr. Ryan proved to be a good sport about it all and provided this joke, which seemed appropriate (particularly after Air Force also won their Bowl game): Q: What do Ohio State and Saddam Hussein have in common? A: They both underestimated the United States Air Force. (You may recall that Liberty Bowl victory. Add Washington to that list who underestimated AF!)

Hector also pointed out a Wall StreetJournal article that described the impending sale ofBrice JONES’ Sonoma Cutrer to Brown-Forman (best known for its Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey) for a tidy sum. It was also reported that Brice will “maintain management control ofthe company as well as a sizeable equitystake.” Brice said later that he can now buy the Corvette he’s been wanting. Congratulations, Brice! It’s always good to see that the American formula for success - hard work combined with the requisite knowledge and skills - still works.

Henry HOWE reports that he was very thankful to have gotten out of Algiers before a round of bombings. In his words: It is a “different” experience to be under a form ofhouse arrest while being inAlgeria. Each day as we were driven to the Algerian Air Force Headquarters, we had three armed guards plus the driver. The three had AK-47s. We could not leave our hotel after we were dropped off. I don’t remember that much securitydriving around downtownDaNang a fewyears back! Bring back memories?

While recently trying to obtain a Polaris yearbook for a classmate, we discovered that CadetWing Media carries copies of old yearbooks for sale, but, unfortunately, ‘61’s have been sold out for a long time. If anyone has one they are willing to part with, please let me know. I’ll let you know ifthis plea bears results to try to help those wanting one.

Although Howie BODENHAMER couldn’t attend this year’s Utah Ski weekend, he offered a list ofhelpful conditioning exercises to those who planned to attend. Don’t know if they found them useful; however, ‘61 skiers had another successful get-together in Ogden, Utah, 18-21 February thanks to hosts Stu and Marni BOYD, Bob and Margaret DINGLE, Bob BRICKEY, and George and Kathy MCNULTY. Outof-town folks included Sam BARRAZONE, John BOESCH, George BUCHNER, Dick DAVIS, Joe HENDRICKS, Bob HERIZA, Brice JONES, Karl KELLERMAN, Burke Mucho (our West Point classmate), Jimmy POOLE, Tom SUTTON, Charlie THOMAS, NealWESTBROOK and his younger, handsomer brother, Al. The group used the Ogden Marriott as base camp, and they treated them well. Most skiing was at Snow Basin. Bob HERIZA and Charlie THOMAS sent reports of the activities. Sounded like everyone had a great time; however, Bob DINGLE was on crutches at the end of the first day. Besides the skiing, the evening get-togethers - including sipping Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay in hot tubs and telling war stories to relax after a tough day on the slopes - highlighted the activities. After attending several of these, Charlie THOMAS said that he highly recommends the event. Besides being fun, it emphasizes the close ties in ’61.

Bits and Pieces: Randy CUBERO is reportedly now the athletic director at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Bill and Theda FOSTER coordinated a New Year’s Eve get-together with Karl KELLERMAN, John and Joan KOHOUT, Nelson and Teri O’REAR, Jim ROGERS and Linda Cain, Ron and Kathy MULLER (NOT a typo), and Pat and Meverette BUCKLEY. Lowell JONES and Bill STACKHOUSE also got about 10 ofus together for lunch in March. KarlWHITAKER even came from New Jersey by train. He said that was less hectic, and besides, he liked their bloody Marys. Gene HOPP reported in early March that at last count they had over 90 days with rain. We’re building arks, the H*ll with saving the forest. Greetings from Seattle.

Hanson SCOTT talked with Jim and MaryJaneAHMANN, who were getting ready to sell their home and go on a mission someplace in Eastern Europe, Russia, etc. (one of the “-stans”). Lee and Joanie MCCLESKEY said that they had a fantastic week between 20 and 24 Jan, when three new grandchildren were born, bringing the total to seven granddaughters from theirthree sons andtheirwives. Their daughter is a junior at Texas A&M. George MCNULTY retired from Delta last August and has been trying to catch up on projects that have been put offfor the last 10 years. Once theyhave been completed, he thinks that he can start to enjoy retired life. Pat GREGORY his wife, Lynn, and Jeanne and Jim ULM attended theWest Regionals of the NCAA basketball games on 11 and 13 March. They went to dinner between sessions on the 11 th and toasted the Class of ’61. Henry HOWE said that ifany of our class or others would like to join them on an 11-day tour to Israel, 29 Nov to 9 Dec, please give them a call (254-412-0866) or e-mail them for more details. Full package, including RT air from Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) is $1,996 (double occupancy).

Bill AYLSWORTH missed our last big class reunion in October ’96 because ofhis parents’ deaths then. He and Lil are in Miami where he is now practicing law,

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD

OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

following the demise ofEastern Airlines and his retirement from the USAFR. Both of their children live nearby, so they plan to be there for a while.

Pat BUCKLEY reports that his sleuthing found his old roomie, Richard H. (Dick) DUKE. Dick was at our 25th but then moved and Pat lost him again. So, Pat found him using the Internet to search telephone pages and following up with a telephone call. Pat said that Dick’s judgment has not improved with age: When he asked Dick if he would like to be included in rosters and events and expose himself to his classmates again, he readily agreed.

Bill GRIFFIS can now be referred to as the Duke ofURL - as a result ofhis recent appointment as President & CEO ofMuZicDepot, Inc., an online music and entertainment companylocated in North Palm Beach, FL (and atwww.muzicdepot.com to order music CDs and video tapes). Pretty soon theywill be offering custom CDs and digital distribution options. Bill and Linda are happy to be remaining in southern Florida, where they have been for the past four years. Linda is marketing director for a small financial planning firm in Tequesta, FL. Oldest son, John (USMA ’88, Harvard MBA ’97, and a former Green Beret captain), is a strategy consultant in San Mateo, CA with his wife, Jennifer, and new son David. Middle son Rob is also a management consultant located in MillValley, CA.Youngest son Markworks for a web-based companyin nearbyDelrayBeach, FL and lives inWest Palm Beach.

Ed ZOMPA reports that he has discovered the perfect place. Roses, camellias, a deck on the edge of a small lake, a great omelet with grits, bacon, blueberry muffins, coffee, and orange juice, and a beautiful, charming, and hospitable hostess named Susan to go along with all of that. It’s in Montgomery, AL where Susan POOLE lives, and lets Jimmy live there too so he can raise his 55 different roses and 11 different camellias. Jimmy had invited him to breakfast with them while Ed was in Montgomery on business. Ed highly recommends it!

In response to my request for children/children-in-law who are in or have been in the military, the tally so far is that 13 of us have 18 in that category. The majority are/were in the Air Force (10 USAFA), with three in the Army (2 USMA) and two in the Navy. If you would like to add to this list, let me know, and I will include updated results in future articles. Somehow, I think there are quite a few more. Lynda NEEL noted that her daughter is a third-generation Air Force family since Lynda’s father was also in the Air Force, and Henry HOWE noted the irony that he had been technical director ofthe program that will replace navigators - his daughter is a navigator - in KC-135s.

Thanks for all your inputs. Keep that information coming so I can share it with everyone else!

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Home: (407) 777-5520

Office: (407) 861-3519

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Percent members: 73 lWr

Hi Redtags! Hope things are fine for everyone. I sent a plea to the Redtags on the net asking them for input or I would use the last 100 e-mails from Colin RICHARDSON, Carl BOLSTER, Sam DEHNE, Tom YOUNG and Randy SCHAMBERGER. I only got a few responses. I guess our classmates didn’t think I would inflict such grievous harm on the class. Here’s what Walt HERTER sent to me on that subject.

“Here is something you may want to use for your next Checkpoints Column. I felt compelled to send this to you in hopes that you don’t have to use the last 100 e-mails from Colin, Sam, Carl, Tom, and Randy. Actually, I enjoy all the chatter on the RTB network. It puts a smile on my face at the end ofthe day. But I don’t need to see it again in Checkpoints.

“Anyway, my son Larry is assigned to the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson which has been in the Persian Gulf since mid-December. The ship is scheduled to be there until earlyApril. Larry flys S-3 aircraft. He is a Navy lieutenant now. The Vinson has been involved in the activities in the southern no-fly zone in Iraq that we have been reading about since December. Unfortunately, “no-fly” seems to be a misnomer, as it sounds rather congested there at times with Navy, Air Force, the Brits and even Iraqi aircraft all no-flying in southern Iraq.

“Larry says that over the Christmas holidays he received hundreds ofletters and e-mails expressing encouragement and support, including many from RTBs. He sends his thanks and appreciation, which I wish to pass on to those who sent messages. I will be meeting the ship at Pearl Harbor in late April on its way back from the Gulf. Some dads (and some moms in the new politically-correct Navy) will join the crew and sail with them from Pearl to San Diego. I am looking forward to being with him and experiencing life on a naval ship of war at sea for a few days. Nothing to do but eat and sleep, Larry says. Two-hour meals just to pass the time.” Thanks for the mail, Walt. Best of everything to your son.

Also got an update from Gail PECK. To wit: “No major inputs from the desert west except to say that we continue to be OK. Saw PK ROBINSON and Rita fairly recently and they were doing great. PK is running the Armed Forces Bank at Nellis and other bases in the Southwest. Lost the bubble on PERLOTTO and haven’t seen DEBERRYin a while. I’m teaching at theWeapons School and enjoyingbeing a captain again. That’s it from theVegas RTB crowd as far as I know.

“Personally, Peg is getting good checkups and we are hopeful that her problems are behind us. Oldest daughter Kayte is now the publisher for two major national sports magazines (Snowhoarderand Skateboarder), second daughter Jenn is running for student body prez at UNLV and youngest, Liz, is making a strong finish in high school (as student bodyVP) and getting ready to follow sis at UNLV Older boys are also doing OK. Dog Marine partner landed our airplane gear up, so I’ll be delayed, nominally, on making the no-notice hospitality checks promised in the Christmas letter.

“For those of you RTBs that are FighterWeapons School graduates, there is go

ing to be a 50th reunion in LasVegas over the weekend of20 Jun and the days that precede. All grads are invited. Check the Nellis home page and then search under units and WS windows to find details. If that fails, e-mail me at home, gtwestern@aol.com and I will put Cindy McKinney, FWS librarian and project person, in touch. Be prepared to accept that it is now theWeapons School and no longer “just” the Fighter Weapons School. That means Space, Intel, Command and Control (GCI, RJ, CC, etc), HH-60 Search and Rescue (GUILMARTIN, I talk about you all the time - bet they would love to meet you), and the bombers in addition to the fighters and attack crowd. Festivities include a memorial monument dedication on the 17th for fallen WS grads - three RTBs come to mind (OLSON, DRYDEN, AND FOX) - there probably are more.” Thanks for the news, Gail. Looking forward to seeing you in the skies over Florida.

And now an e-mail from Bob LIGHTSEY. “Mywife and I had LannyLANCASTER, his lovelywife, Barbara, and Scott FISHER over to dinner at our house recently. It was good to see them both after a substantial length of time without seeing either. Both Lanny and Scott are doing well. Lanny continues a long- time consulting career with a growing wine importing career. He is bringing in wine from France and resells it to restaurants, so we are talking about substantial quantities here. I gather his biggest problem is meeting the demand. As best I gather it, the consulting business pays the bills which enable Lanny and Barbara to travel to France to investigate the finer points of the product. It sounds as though this is going to develop into a prettygood (andpleasant) business for Lanny. He brought five or six bottles of excellent wine (as best I recall the evening) to dinner and we all enjoyed sampling them.

“Scott is doingconsultingwith a companythat primarily does work for the State Department. Scott, as you may recall, has experience and education in African affairs, and I gather his most recent work has been in bridging the gap between policy makers and those charged with making it happen - in this case the U.S. Military. I think he has been working with the Army in developing plans that involve their activities in Africa. I may be a little light on Scott’s activities, because he was across the room from me, and the wine fans were discussing the wine with great gusto as the evening wore on. Take care.” Thanks Bob. I haven’t had word on Lanny in a while and Scott has been silent for even longer.

I got a picture and short note from Don SHEPPERD. “Enclosed is a picture of Rose and me and Tom and Mary Beth KEANEY at Tom and Mary Beth’s ‘surprise’ 35th wedding anniversary party hosted at their Falls Church, VA home by their children. Friends and family flew in from all over the world and the kids really pulled off a surprise. It was a heartwarming event withwonderful speeches about Tom and Mary Beth as parents and friends. Rose and Mary Beth were sorority sisters at DU (Delta Gamma) and it has taken them all these years to live down the shame of dating cadets.”

Don and Rose ShepperdandMaryBeth and Tom KeaneyatMaryBeth and Tom’s 35th weddinganniversary.

I also got an e-mail from Walt WICKLEIN. “I finally got connected to the Red Tag site after several unsuccessful attempts. I have enjoyed reading the e-mail from our classmates. I am now living in Maryland where I own a wholesale nursery specializing in water gardens and aquatic plants. I have two sons, Erik and Matt, who are also involved in the business. They and their wives have given us three wonderful grandsons. What a deal. If we could only have grandchildren without having first been parents it would be a perfect world. My wife and I have been married for 34 years (she has been most patient). If anyone gets to the Baltimore area please contact me so we can get together.”

Got an e-mail from Clint SEARL after he joined the Redtag Net. He’s living an idyllic retired life with his wife on a farm outside of the Philadelphia area. I lost the e-mail and that’s all I remember. So much for steel-trap memories. Now where was I?

John FLANAGAN went to the Aloha Bowl to see USAFA play. He came back enthused aboutwriting a story about our trip to the Cotton Bowl during our Doolie Christmas period. That sparked manye-mails ofexcellent recollections; and some of not-too-accurate memories. Don SHEPPERD had a collection ofmemorabilia that his parents put together. Colin RICHARDSON used his search engine to find many old newspaper clippings of the game. And we all heard some good war stories.

That’s it for now. Please keep the letters and emails coming. Go Redtags!

Norman I. Lee III

17532 N.E. 38th Court

Redmond, WA 98052

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

E-mail:54wrs@msn.com

Work e-mail: norman.i.lee@boeing.com

Fax: (425) 237-5775

Percent members: 76

wAt the reunion Linda was told about a book I would enjoy reading - she doesn’t remember who told her. The book is called The Perfect Storm. Of course Linda is always looking for a book to give me at Christmas and a copy of the book was under the tree. I read it during our holiday break from the office and found the story to be very informative and entertaining. As I am working on this version of the Class News Linda and I are sitting very comfortably by a fire at an inn on the west coast ofVancouver Island in Tofino, British Columbia. A windstorm is raging outside our windows with at least 30-foot waves breaking over the rocks right under us. Watching the storm reminds me a lot ofthe book. The power ofthe waves is awesome. We also went out in the storm on a whale-watching expedition to see migrating GrayWhales. Waves at eyeball level are just plain frightening. Needless to say, we did not go outside the protected waters - that was bad enough! Those of you who flew Air Rescue will find a little of your story in this book. So pick it up and enjoy the read.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind one and all to get their pledge for the Class Gift into the AOG and John BORLING. I did get a report on the lithograph from Rick Broome (aviation artist) who said he saw the lithograph hanging in Arnold Hall and thought it was impressive.

To keep our fond memories ofthe October gathering up front, I have included a couple more photos for your enjoyment.

who parted company with the class in mid-1961, now heads the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Utah (Ed. Note: glad to see someone succeeded with Mech Eng). Bob R. expressed his disappointment with missing our 35th, but promised to do his best to make the 40th! Bob V added, you will all be amazed by his full head offrosty, white hair - even makes ButchVERDIER look young! Bob says hello to all of his Golden Boy friends.

Speaking of Butch, I got the following e-mail note from him reporting that Wes WHITE married Nita Ruelas on Feb. 6th in Arlington, Texas. Butch and Carolee attended the wedding and Butch reports a wonderful time was had by all. As Butch put it, “we love to watch the Lord in action as he obviously was in bringing these two neat persons into each other’s life." Turns out Linda and I were in Irving, TX just the week after the nuptials making a quick visit to our infant granddaughter, Samantha, who is another example of the wondrous works that affect us everyday.

Received a quick e-mail note from Ray FULLER telling me he received an invitation from the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame to attend a dinner and induction ceremony for General Ronald R. FOGLEMAN on 17 April. Go Ron!

Changes in Locations for Class of 1963 since the first ofthe year include George BYRON to Antioch, CA, John HALLIGAN from Weed, CA to Lexington, KY, Karl HEYMEYER from Sandy, UT to Las Vegas, NV and Marvin ROSCOE to Lyons, NE. We did not have present addresses for George or Marvin. Welcome back to the known from the unknown.

That’s it for this time. The feedback level over the past few months has been nearly zero. Looks like everyone is still dwelling on the great time we had back last October. Let’s not go too far in this mode! This column truly depends on your input; this is your column. It only gets better when you contribute so keep those cards and letters and e-mail notes coming. Take care.

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801

H (AL): (256) 532-3923 H (TX): (254) 759-0688

O (TX): (254) 867-7092 Fax: (254) 867-4137 therjhs@aol.com or bhovde@sofia.waco.usra.edu

Percent Members: 73

Reunion: I only get to remind you one more time before the 35th reunion in November. This may be the last time anyone can brag about what they were doing in the Air Force. From now on everyone will be in industry.

AOG: Norm WELLS (’63) talked me into rejoining the North Texas AOG group. I drove up to Dallas and went with him to the dinner in February. There weren’t any other ’64 guys there, but I saw quite a few people I knew, and the Air Force basketball team came to dinner with us. It is good to see that theWing still has reallygood young people. Anyway, I spent the weekend with Norm and Gaynell, having a great time.

Letter: Yes. That’s right. Rod WELLS sent me an actual letter - along with the 17th Squadron newsletter he puts out periodically. Calling everyone for news gave him a chance to remind them about the reunion. Meanwhile, the old 17th has been busy.

Tuffy WHITMAN has hung up his wings for American Airlines. He retired last year, then took his family up to a family lake cottage in Minnesota.. .having a great time with his three kids, especially his one-year old. Bill WHITE still does his computer thing near Stanford...says things haven’t changed much other than that he and his brother are trying to get their company off the ground. They have a PC crisis line that helps you get out of computer glitches (Where were you when Bill Gates was trying to drive me crazy today?).

Congrats to newlywed KellyWILSON, who recently tied the knot. Kelly has been flying for Airborne Express since ’90.. .says all his wedding guests were snowed out by a blizzard, but it didn’t hurt his honeymooning at all. The 17th country squire, Doug CATCHINGS, not only surveys his acreage, he also sells some from time to time for REMAX out in South Carolina. He has a group ofkids, at least one in the Air Force.. .another going to the Citadel, of all places.

Jim FRANCE continues to enjoy Las Vegas.. .been there now about 15 years, still managingTest and Eval programs for militaryclients.. .justchanged bosses to TRW His son flies F-15s and he has a daughter in law school in Portland. Nick ARSHINKOFF still serves his country as a civil servant at Scott AFB.. .now working on a thing called Lead Command for AF Communications Agency. He has moved but still lives in O’Fallon, IL, and knows the “pleasure” ofhaving a child in college.

Don HALL alleges he is retiring this year from IBM.. .he has been doing materials planning for them since ’82. He also has six grandkids to keep his retirement busy. Carter WHATLEY still teaches at Texas A&M at Corpus Christi...in Poli Sci. Must have a lot to talk about considering what’s happening in Washington these days.

a short article

the Spring

“Board

Humanitarian Fund.” Larry sent a letter out to class and chapter contacts on the subject of the Humanitarian Fund. Purpose of the fund is to assist the terminally-ill members ofthe AOG. Part ofthe letter included a copy ofthe general operating procedures and points of contact. In addition to Larry, other contacts are Mark Anderson (’61) and Vic Andrews (’66). Tax-deductible contributions can be made direct to the AOG by identifying the funds go to the “AOG Humanitarian Fund.”

BobVENKUS writes he and Bob ROEMER held an impromptu reunion inWashington DC on March 10th It had been almost 38 years since the two old roommates broke bread together - but, according to “The Venk”, the conversation resumed as if one or the other had just returned from a brief pit stop. Dr. Roemer,

Mike HOLCOMB has returned to the U.S. of A. and manages a manufacturing mill for Kimberly Clark up in the Seattle area.. .he had been in France about five years showing them how things should be done. (Could you get them to soften up their toiletpaper, Mike?) Watch out PerryMason, our own Bob THOMAS has turned in his two stars and headed to CU Law School. He’s a full-time student in Boulder and weekend husband in C-Springs.. .does a little clerking in Denver on the side to hone his skills. Can anyone combine lawyer and general officer jokes?

JimWIDGER is an engineer, working in Mesa, AZ. Ifyou need medical attention any time soon, you might thank Wayne SPELIUS for his contributions to

Larry B. Freeman (’61) asked me to point out

from

1999 issue of Checkpoints entitled

of Directors Approves

medicine.. .he has his own computer business in Salt Lake that supports the medical practice. (Why is it that I get the feeling that making medicine more efficient isn’t going to lower my bills any?)

Tony MELLOS says he’s feeling like a 25-year-old - anybody got one handy?Tony sold his company, but is staying on as the VP for sales. Ifyou ever wondered what being a TV studio engineer would be like ask Fred MCCLINTOCK.. .he’s teaching folks how to do it at DuPage Community College near Chicago...next stop Hollywood.. .OK, Burbank.

HalWATSON is in charge ofU.S. ops for the company that makes the jetbridges for airports.. .landed a big contract for SFO. (So we'll be able to get offthe plane, but will we be able to find out how to get to the rental cars?) Ever wondered who makes the assembly instructions for stufflike Weber grills.. .in foreign languages? John JACOBS hasjust the publishing company to fit your needs.. .what’s “tab A in slot B” in Swahili?

Jack BAKER says he flew with his wife, Kathy, to KeyWest.. .went in his plane (a civilian version of an 0-2). Must be a good way to keep up his flying skills, since he said he has cut back somewhat on his flying for Delta...says he should make the reunion and visit his son, a CU Boulder student, at the same time. George BRANCH says not much has changed in his job as a strategic planning manager for Lockheed-Martin.. .his wife, Pam, also works for L-M in human relations. He said that he never thought he’d find himself in Russia, but lately he has.

One of American Airlines’ newer captains is Pete CALDARELLI, now flying 727s.. .he commutes to Miami from Ft. Walton Beach, then flies mostly around the Caribbean and into SouthAmerica.. .still finds time for golfand his three grandchildren. A1 ROGERS is still a Beltway Bandit working now for a big InfoTech company...says he plans to attend the reunion. His son is a senior atWilliam & Mary, daughter recently married...wife, Linda, is finishing her Ph.D. soon in counseling.

Of course, Rod told what everyone was doing except George SMITH, who he couldn’t find, and himself...but I guess he’s all right, since he put the newsletter together and even managed to get me a copy.

E-mail: Tom TILL e-mailed from England, where he has been working at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, on projects in Ukraine and Uzbekistan. He said, “Recently I accepted an offer to serve as executive director of the Amtrak Reform Council, a commission established by the United States Congress to monitor the performance of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak - the USA’s nationalized passenger railroad), and, if necessary, to prepare recommendations forthe restructuringofrail passenger service in the United States. I will report to a commission of 11 members chosen by the President and the leadership of the Congress. I am very pleased to have this opportunity.”

A1 LARSON said he got tired ofwaiting for me to make good on my threat to buy an RV and tour the countryvisiting classmates, so he finally sent me an e-mail. A1 is in his eighth year of running his own 1.3 person company (after 13 years at Bell Labs). You will have to talk to A1 or go to his web site at www.cashinonchaos.com/ hans to learn more about using chaos theory to invest in stocks and commodities. (I may be a bit dense, but my investing has been chaotic for years, and Sandy says it doesn’t work!) Anyway, on the Web, A1 is known as Hans Hannula. He and Ann live on the north side of Denver. Their kids (!) Mark and Amy are grown, married, and busy with careers in EE. Amy is working on her Ph.D. and Mark has started his own Internet company.

Bill SIEG set up a ’64 luncheon in D.C. in March. He used his ’64 D.C. e-mail list, which includes a couple of us who have moved away. Joe GRIFFITH replied that D.C. was just a little bit far to go for lunch (fromAlaska!). Anyway, Bill picked the first day in three years that Washington had a major snowstorm. The big lunch turned out to be two Bills - Bill SIEG and Bill DOUGLASS, the only other person to brave the storm. Paul BELMONT promised to be there, but probablyhas some excuse about a snowdrift.

Ron GROWDEN reports from Maryland, “Recentiy, Dr. Jim RAVER, one of us ’64 types who had the sense to get a real job, became the SeniorVP for Medical Affairs with the Western Maryland Health System, located in Cumberland, MD. (As such, he is now my boss, since I’ve been administering outpatient clinics and recruiting physicians for the same WMHS over the past sixyears.) I spoke with him this morning. He’s still into big trucks (see our Polaris), and he and Sue are considering a run to Colorado come November, as are Marilyn and I. (‘Course, he’ll have plenty of time to make the trip, since I now do most ofhis work for him!)”

BAD NEWS: Keith (Lucky) LUCHTEL sent the news that Jeff BAKER lost his fight against lung cancer. He was forced to step down as president of Luther College in March. He and Shirleymoved back to theirhome in California (1298 Pineridge Road, Cambria, CA 93428) where he died three days later. There is a tribute to Jeff on the Luther College web page at http://www.luther.edu. Shirley, Christine, Christopher and Craig, our sympathy and prayers are with you.

BETTER NEWS: Jon PRENEZ sent news that he has been acting as the 19th Squadron scribe. Ron BLISS recently told him that he was on the backside of surgery and chemo for a malignant melanoma and is recovering well. Ron, we’re sorry for what you’ve been through and hope and pray for the best. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the reunion. As Ron told Jon, “Ours will always be a special gathering of unique men.” See you at the reunion.

Rick Zurbrugg

Box 22615

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

(803) 698-5321

FAX: (803) 698-5403

E-mail: 75630,2347@compuserve.com

Percent members: 68

Hello Best Alive ’65.

Still thinking about what a terrific reunion we had just a few months ago and, since a picture is worth a thousand words (maybe in my case two thousandwords) here are a couple more of that outstanding gathering.

Ifyou had to miss Fall ‘98, start planning now for the Fall of 2000. It will be our 35th and the 45th anniversary of the Air Force Academy. The AOG doesn’t have a date yet - waiting on the football schedule. JeffSILLIMAN continues the planning for an optional prayer breakfast for the reunion. Ifyou have an idea for a theme or speaker, please contact Jeff at JGSILLIMAN@Sylvania.ser.org. This could certainly be an important spiritual and personal growth experience for many of us as we approach “real” retirement - of course, my accountant tells me I’ll need to work to the very last day. Bruce GROSSETTA checked in. He and Gail are working on Bob SVOB and Jim SELSER for the 2000 reunion. All four of them were in the same high school class and Bruce and GaU want to get Bob and Jim to their first USAFA reunion. Ifyou know of a semi or real “lost soul”, please let me know, so we can try to find him and make sure he gets a proper invitation.

Jeffrey Beresford-Wood died Jan 16, 1999 of prostatic carcinoma at his home in Idaho. Ifyou have remembrances ofJeffrey, please send a note to his wife, Lisa, at Twin Lakes Village, North Circle Road, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

A trip to Sedona in January gave us the opportunity to finally catch up again with that semi-”lost soul’, my good buddy from 21st Sqdn, Tony SALETTA. After graduation, Tony married a lovely nurse, Anne, who he met at K. I. Sawyer. Later he got a degree in architecture from Harvard and an MBA from Vanderbilt. He retired from theAir Force with 28 years active and Reserve service and, a fewhealth challenges notwithstanding, continues to run an active architectural practice from his home in Phoenix. Tony and Anne have a bright and really cute daughter, Jessamyn, who sent me an elegant computer-crafted card. We dredged up some memories ofDuffy’s Tavern in Denver on St Paddy’s Daychug-a-luggin’ green beer with some Loretto Heights girls way above our social class and then nearlydriving over the edge ofVail Pass inTony’s Mustang later that night on our way to ski somewhere. Did they have DUI laws then? Ah, the stuff of memories is so sweet.

From left are Tad O., Bruce Cirossetta, Phyllis Judd, John Judd, Marydel Kemp, andBill Kemp. (Photo byscribe.)

The contingentfrom CS - 3: From left are EdJordan, MarcSabin, Myron Donald, JohnJustice, Carl Lyday, and Lee Rausch. (Photo courtesyEdJordan - thanks Ed!)

From left are TonySaletta, daughterJessamyn, andscribe. (PhotoJBZ.)

As reported in the last column - what a treat to have Dave and Marilyn CONNAUGHTON visit Hilton Head over NewYears. Dave promised to give us another of his legendary DODO renderings, so for your exclusive amusement, we proudly present his latest offering:

Ryan Denny

1635 MaryTodd Lane

O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

Percent members: 72

Greetings, Redtags! The address you see above is, indeed, my new residence. I have taken more pictures of this house, from the time it was just a gleam in the builder’s eye, through its first few boards, to the time that the walls could stand on their own, to a full grown house, than I have of all my three children in all of their years. This may be because the house has taken longer to grow than my children, or it could be that I’m getting a little senile, like that old aunt ofyours who used to take pictures at every family event, but never got the film developed. When did those wild oats turn into prunes and All Bran?

I ran into Bill HUDSPETH at the Scott AFB commissary the other day. He and Judy have spent most of the last few years, since retiring from the USAF, on the road as ambassadors at large for the Officers Christian Fellowship. They have a 23-foot motor home, which serves as a modern day connestoga while they travel all over the country, setting up and leadingreligious retreats and youth fellowship conferences. Judy swam in three of the Great Lakes in one day and Bill tried to chase down a black bear with a .22 and his camera, as they traveled from Lajolla, CA to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Fort Walton Beach and back to Denver. They have taken up temporary residence in Nashville, IL near Scott AFB, while they tend to Bill’s aging parents. After our chance meeting in the commissary, Bill sent me a note that suggested that next time we should get together where there was “less food and more ambiance”.

Mason BOTTS is working for Raytheon in the Washington DC area and sent me a Raytheon coin and a cryptic note through a mutual friend who was attending the same convention one lost weekend. Mason says that Dick BETHUREM is also working for Raytheon as their VP for Air Force programs in the Washington DC office.

There was a recent article in one ofthe training trade publications about a new Defense Department program to develop a strategy for distance learning for all the military services. The DOD official charged with developing that strategy is none other than our own Mike PARMENTIER. Mike has been working at OSD for several years as an SES and is the director of Readiness and Training for OSD/ FM&P I guess those years at USAFA, when he tried to keep as much distance between himself and learning as he could, have contributed to his expertise in that field.

ArneWEINMAN sent a belated Christmas letter that set a new standard for that generic newsletter that we all send out. It had glossy paper, color pictures of the Weinmans in different locales around the world, and a variety offonts. It gave me a bad case of“graphics envy”. (Arne does admit that his daughter Kristin is a computer graphics designer for Pip Printing.) In addition to his travels to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Arne managed to organize the Daedalian National Convention in Spokane, build a few floats for the Spokane Lilac Festival, and keep his home-building business going. He probably still runs 10 miles a day, too.

Dale ELLIOTT runs his own import/distribution company in Denver. He has some great beers on his distribution list - we sampled a few cases at the 30th Reunion. Dale thinks that I should send post cards (or e-mails) to randomly selected

classmates and demand a reply to keep the information flowing. It’s not a bad idea, but I’m not sure what I could use for leverage to back up my demands. I could start up that rumor about a sex-change operation again, but that would only work the first 8-10 times.

Jim SIMPSON (wasn’t he the one who asked about “wockets and wamjets” in a military training class?) is working for the Air Force Association and has been setting up the annual Outstanding Squadron Banquet for this year’s June Week (only it’s in May). Jim claims to still have training wheels on his golf cart and is not sure that the “carry-over” sports that we learned were meant to have a 30-year hibernation period.

We haven’t had any good pictures in a while, so drag out that old 35 mm or your new Sony Digital camera and take some shots anytime two or more ofyou gather together this summer. If not, I’ll start running those baby pictures of my new house. Until next time...Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111

Home: (505) 291-8949

Work: (505) 846-2510/DSN: 246-2404

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Percent members: 65

Greetings and salutations from currently-snow-coveredAlbuquerque... the only time this la Nina winter has so blessed us. It is expected to last only a few more hours. So much for my ski season. Ah well - there are compensatory factors... Halleluia! There was input from several ofyou this period - so I’ll get right to it.

Beau CROSBYfired off a note about some relatively recent CS-13 activities: “Thirteenth had a get-together for the TCU game last fall. Marilyn and Clint PRICE (who flies for AAL) and Helen and Thom Evans (AAL too) hosted a truly awesome party before, during and after the game. Milo (Fred - The Rocket Scientist) (REALLY) MILANOVICH the Magnificent was ably assisted by .Pat DOWLING... at the night party. Thirteenth has been doing these for several years and they and we seem to keep getting better. We play Navy at Annapolis this year, and a few of us CS-13 folks are planning another mini reunion here in Washington.”

They also “got back in contact with some of our lost sheep. We found Gary ‘Mules’ MUELLER (Delta AL I think) in Kemah, TX. And Dave IMLER who is a Herr Doktor Professor at Fontbonne Univ in St Louis, MO. Dave was my second one afternoon when I met Kenneth E WICKS... At the time, fall 1963, after a particularly poor performance with my ‘Knowledge’ or something, C1CWicks, CS 13, invited me down to the gym. ‘Mister Crosbywould you like to meet me at the gym tomorrow?’ ‘YES SIR!’ I stood about five or six inches taller than Mr. Wicks, and even at my doolie weight I think I had a pound or three on him. Best of all, I was fast, real fast; and had done OK in the ring according to the Jebbies (Jesuits at Gonzaga Prep) in high school in Spokane. Plus I had six to eight inches of reach on this “little firstie.” (Mr. Wicks looked about five eight or nine and was about 120 pounds or so.) I was going to avenge my entire class and enjoy myselfhugely in the ring the next afternoon.

"The afternoon arrived. Mouth guard, head protector, big gloves, and my second got into one ofthe boxing rings. I truly was one of the dumbest squats everit took me getting into the ring with Wicks to learn the basic military maximknow your enemy. (And a certain amount ofrespect for him or her may keep you healthy.) We touched gloves, stepped back; and I waded in. Funny, I had never noticed the little cages over the lights on the ceiling before. Three times we touched gloves, and three times I wound up on my back. He finally said ‘Ok Mr. CrosbyThis is over.’ (Notice, he didn’t say ‘This fight’s over’, just ‘This is over.’) After it was over, I heard, or thought I did, and it salved my wounded pride along with several other sore spots; that he was aWing Open Boxing champion. He didn’t ‘recognize’ me then; but for the rest of doolie year there was a little crinkle of a smile at the corners ofhis eyes, and I stoodjust a little bit taller, when he’d get up on his tiptoes in my face.” I wonder if that sort of thing still goes on, in these kinder, gentler, politically-correct, gender-neutral days at the Zoo?

From Lex PAGE, formerly ofPortland and now of Seattle: “I have returned to the practice oflaw and still split my time between Pordand and Seattle. I have ‘discovered’ the train as a very civilized mode of transportation and, in fact, am writing this (letter) while having a glass of wine aboard the “Cascades”, the Spanish-built Talgo train running between Seattle and Portland.” Lex has traveled a bit recently

-Paris, and then he “.. .made it to the KentuckyDerby and Oaks. I don’t care how many times you have seen it on TV there’s something about being there, walking the dirt, drinking the Mint Juleps (barf!) and singing ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. And speaking of sports institutions, I was again fortunate enough to attend the Masters in Augusta, GA which, to a sports nut, is somewhat akin to walking on hallowed ground.” About his kids: “...Both are well and doing fine in their respective educational pursuits. Chris (now 29) finally decided to get serious about what previously had been a longtime hobby and enrolled in the Seattle Culinary Institute to become a chef. The program is almost two years long and requires him to attend classes five nights a week afterworking his usual day shifts at American Airlines.While I admit to some initial misgivings (as if that made any difference), his enthusiasm and outstanding academic and practical skills performance has made a believer out of me. Now we all know who to invite to our next big party. Elizabeth Ashley (now 23) is in her final year at the University of Oregon and will go through commencement this June.. .She will finish byspending a term overseas, picking up her foreign language requirements in between trips all over Europe... She is looking forward to being done and securing a well-paying, fun job, but she’s not looking forward to it nearly as much as I am!”

Lex and I have had running e-mail communication regarding our OSI agent days in RVN. We agree that we got together a time or two in Nha Trang to play,

drown our sorrows, etc. From that point, his memories of the events differ somewhat from mine. Thus he is obviously deluded and/or repressing. And well he should: his behavior was that of a drunken lecherous fool. That’s my clear recollection. And I’m sticking to it.

A brief note from Jack FRY: “I’ve just returned from the Air Force Association Symposium at Orlando and was pleasantly surprised to see the Class of ’67 well represented. Present at the show were MGen. Gene LUPIA (see below), Buddy SAMS - Gulfstream VP Buz CARPENTER - Raytheonmanager ISR Programs, Tom TWOMEY - Raytheon director AF programs, Dave “Scud” YATES - Yates & Sons Consulting, PaulTACKABURY-VP Northrup Grumman, and Jack FRY - Lockheed Martin, manager C4ISR programs. Not bad representation...” by some stillhigh achievers. That note preceded the announcement of Gene’s retirement, effective 1 Sep 99.

Dig out the previous Checkpointsissue and re-read the story ofthe Iowa football game. Mike LANGSTON called after he saw it - it had awakened memories of his seeing the game. It was the first time he had come to know anything about the USAFA. He recalls he sat on a dirt berm and watched the cadets march in, and the falcon fly away at halftime... His brother (and Alex Karras) played for Iowa, which went on to win the Rose Bowl after their tie with AFA. His brother’s comment after the game: Iowa was “damn lucky to catch up and tie...” That day the cadets made a profound first impression on Mike - he decided then he wanted to go to AFA. And the rest of that story is history. Mike is currently semi-retired in Scottsdale, AZ, not very busy, “...successfullyworking primarily on his handicap (from 12 to 6 in past year).”

How many ofyou CS-10 guys were set up on blind dates at Wright-Pat on the ZI field trip by a friend ofRoger CARLETON’s? How many ofyou marriedyour dates? Who won the P-Pool? This all comes up because by strange coincidence my wife and I recently met she who arranged the chicks - Judy McClernon and her USAF husband. Somehow Roger and the great matchmaking event came up. She knew Roger when he was just a lad, and claims to have movies -1 will try to dig up more ofthat dirt. AboutWPAFB - the details, according to Roger: “Her dad was the onestar base commander at WPAFB during our ZI field trip. Judy and a group of ladies were at a party at my parent’s house as my dad was still on active duty... Judy helped round up a large contingent of available ladies. CS-10 classmates joined us at the house where a good time was had by all. Except for Flick GUERRINA and Jack FLYNN who were confined to qtrs after the beer drinking incident at Hamilton Field.”

Hot info/good news. This information from Gary FEDEL in Denver: “Opened the paper on St. Patrick’s Day to discover that Gerry RAFFERTY was just named a district court judgeby the governor ofColorado. Great news and fantastic timing! It’s a long ways from Chicago to USAFA ’67 to a judgeship - congratulations Raff!”

Over these past months I received a few notes with comments and impressions regarding“Saving Private Ryan,” and other, very different impressions ofthe great Clinton-Lewinsky-Starr-impeachment-expose debacle. Summary comments: from Private Ryan - “And that is the request of all the young men who have died in all the wars - from Normandy to the Chosin Reservoir to Da Nang to the Gulf. Earn this... And about Clinton, etc: “To me the biggest issue is that the American people don’t seem to care. Bill Bennett has it right; it really is the “Death of Outrage”.

About retirement - mine, that is. It was done in USAF style, with customary gala sendoff, highlighted by attendees from each of my assignments stretching back to Ent AFB in ’67, my best med school and training buddies, and current friends and neighbors. And after all the speeches and decorations and presentos and pomp and circumstance and such, the last “official” action was a fascinating counterpoint: my final outprocessing was done by some littleA1C personnel-type, who concluded by saying “Ohyou get this.” Then she handed me an official USAF retiree lapel pin. And it was over.

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

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WELCOME ’99! As the 41 st class to graduate from the hallowed halls of USAFA you have the distinction of being the last class to graduate in the second millennium. With appropriate honors bestowed, the 10th graduating class bids you welcome to the ranks of the Long Blue Line. Best wishes, fly right, and don’t run over us old retired guys on your way to the commissary!

HELLO ‘68! Spring has almost sprung, except for the nearly foot of snow we experienced in the D.C. area a few days ago. In Baltimore, Channel 13’s weatherman had a sign above his national map that read “Lynch The Groundhog.” Obviously, Channel 13’s weatherman would have a tough time coping in Colorado.

NUMBERED AIR FORCE COMMANDER DEPT: Congrats to our very own Maj Gen Steve POLK, who just assumed command of 19th Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, at Randolph Air Force Base, TX. Prior to this most recent assignment, Steve was the director, Air and Space Operations, Hq PACAF, at Hickam AFB, HI. A note of thanks goes to Bob PAULI, who passed along this information for the class column.

’68Y2KCRUISE DEPT: As you will recall from the winter column, BennyVETETO suggested we explore taking a cruise together as a class in the Year 2000. Here are some of the particulars:

Tentative Sail Date: 27 May 2000; Tentative End Date: 3 June 2000

Port: Miami

Ship: Triumph, Carnival Cruise Lines

Destination: Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix)

Cost: Approximately $750-$800 per person for inside rooms; $850-$900 per person for ocean view. If we are able to make reservations for 50 or more rooms, the cost per person may come down. Discounted airfares are also possible as part of a package deal.

Ifyou are interested in cruising with the class in 2000, please contact Benny as soon as possible and provide him with the names of all who will be travelling, your address, your phone, and your e-mail. Benny’s e-mail is bjlake@hsnp.com His address is: 774 Springwood Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913. His phone is: (501) 760-1585. I realize this is about a year away, but the earlier you can make a commitment, the better the deal we can get. Earlybookings are less expensive. Numbers count! Anyone who is interested in going and is able to give Benny a hand (or an oar) with organization and contacting classmates would be much appreciated.

“Seasons Greetings!” From left are Dave, Anne, David, andLiza Hunn.

YO HO HO DEPT: Courtesy of Bill WOOD, Dave and Anne HUNN checked in over the holidays from their getaway in Honolulu. One might say that Dave has been out of the loop for awhile -almost 20 years to be exact. With work assignments over the years to Okinawa, Hawaii, and Saudi Arabia, Dave and Anne finally decided to return to the States and are pitching their tent in Colorado for the time being. Dave’s last position with Aramco in Saudi lasted for five and a half years, duringwhich timeAnne worked at the Aramco Elementary School. InMarch ’98, he and Anne linked up with their son David and daughter-in-law Liza in Johannesburg and spent four days on safari near KrugerNational Park in the northeastern corner of South Africa. In addition to seeing animals in the wild that we only see in the zoo, theyvisited CapeTown and Sun City in SouthAfrica andVictoria Falls in Zimbabwe. During their most recent stay in Hawaii, Anne was able to work a few times on the TV series “Fantasy Island.” They don’t know what 1999 will bring, but are sure it will be an interesting year for both of them.

“Wanna PlayA FewHoles ForMoney?” From left are DickEwers andFred Gross.

As intimated in the caption ofthis photo, ifyou see these two coming, hide your wallets! The photo comes courtesy of Fred GROSS in his Christmas card. Both he and Dick EWERS were unable to make our 30th but wanted to be with us in spirit by playing a round of golf in Florida before Dick headed out to California for his NASA test pilot stint. A good time was had by all, but no score cards were submitted to let me know who got the better ofwhom during the match.

I also heard from one of my ex-roomies, Jim PARKER, who retired from the FBI on 1 May 98 in Madison, WI. Jim and Janice decided that they should stay put for a while, at least until daughters Anne (21), and Jen (19) graduate from the University of Wisconsin. To keep mind and bodygoing, Jim has been doing some substitute teaching, officiating at high school sports events, and working part-time for the U.S. Marshals Service. Janice returned to school and received her nursing degree and now works at the U ofWI Hospital in an oncology and bone marrow transplant unit.

‘68 SPOTLIGHT

The ’68 Spotlight for the Spring issue falls on Bruce GERRITY. He was reluctant to be featured, given his “uncomplicated” life, until I assured him the Spotlight is not just for success stories! Bruce maywell be one of our last true bachelors (obviously in no rush), but truly believes there is still hope. He is well-traveled and occasionally resides in a townhouse he has owned in Arlington, VA for the past 20 years. After pilot training at Willey, Bruce proceeded to Vietnam in the C-7 Caribou.

He moved on to C-141s, did odd jobs there like hauling nukes, and brought the panda bears back from China in 72. After an ASTRA tour in AF Programs, MAC Special Operations, an exec, job, and a couple of master’s degrees, Bruce returned to the D.C. area as chiefofAir Force One Support for Presidents Carter and Reagan. He returned to C-141s in South Carolina, more special operations, and squadron command during operations in Grenada.

“R &R atManlyBeach, Sydney, Australia, Apr ’98. From left are Bruce Gerrity, his dad Don, andhis brotherBrian - USAFA '83.

After attending the NATO School in Rome (tough duty!), Bruce went to European Command in Stuttgart, Germany as chief of Combating Terrorism. There, he helpedplanthe Libyanraid, Embassy/Olympic support, and a fewspook events. He moved to the AF/Joint Special Operations Command in 1989 and was the Air Boss for the Panama Invasion, safely managing 300 aircraft overhead, including first combat use of F-l 17s. He then was off to Desert Storm. For the third time (once is too much, he swears!), he returned to roost in the Pentagon as director, Combating Terrorism for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and was instrumental in helping to resolve numerous interagency crises and brokering special deals. He helped author a book tided “Terror 2000,” which has yet to be published

given CIA and State politics

but helped to pave the way for the $7 billion in the latest DoD budget to fight terrorism.

Bruce retired as a colonel in 1994, took a year offto learn golf, and then became a consultant for Security America, Inc. in Charleston, WV In 1998, he spent an adventurous year with a Chinese/Japanese consortium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia integrating a sophisticated security system and procedures for their huge new $4 billion airport. While awaiting tasks that may come from British Air proposals in Japan and Sydney, he remains engaged in some Department ofEnergy and FBI work and a series ofbank surveys and seminars. Socially, Bruce recently returned from KeyWest with his young lady friend, a French economist and moonlighting bartender, who is employed by the World Bank.

When asked what theAcademy meant to him, Bruce responded, “I’mveryproud ofwhere and how we were educated and what solid values we have learned to rely on. Each time I attend a reunion or AFA Society function, I’m truly impressed with the qualityofcolleagues, theirtalents andwillingness to assist. We’re all pretty conservative and people-oriented, and there’s lots to do! As a class, I’m in awe of “Ebbers” and Tony, and the Charlies and Bobbys and others who have done so well, in and out ofthe Air Force! I’ve tried to do my part to support and encourage family and kids I know to live well.”

When asked about life lessons to pass along, Bruce indicated “these ‘50s are a time of true reflection;” he has lost both parents since he retired, but got to spend some quality time with them, “ft was sad to put the family home on the market.” He stays busyhelping out a bunch offamily, kids and friends as needed. He said, “money and gains in the stock market are real good, in spite of our sorry leadership!” He suggests we all trim down, smile and last a while; he’s too busyworking on the next adventure to be attending funerals these days! Bruce would rather work some, do golf, and relax at his North Carolina beach house. Thanks for your outlook, Bruce!

IT’S AWRAP DEPT: In closing, please indulge a proud father with recent news of my daughter, Melissa (now Cunningham, Class of ’96), being named Communications Officer of the Year (1998) by Air Mobility Command. Yeah! Until next column, mind the flak, keep 'em flying, and keep those cards, letters, and photos (including reunion shots) coming in.

Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris

6037 Ricketts Walk

Alexandria, VA 22312

Home: (703) 914-5608

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

liliTfSWpom

Percent members: 63 Wm

June she is here. It was 30 years ago now that we threw our hats in the air, took long-deserved leaves in exotic places, and headed off to our first assignments in the real Air Force. Get primed for the 30th, guys, as it’s a mere three months off. For those of you who have not yet made your reservations, the primary lodging will be at the C-Springs Marriott. Telephone number is 719-260-1800.

Know first that some of our fellow greytags are still flying higher in the Blue. Wally MOORHEAD, who is the commander ofthe SpaceWarfare Center, has been nominated for his second star. PK CARLTON, currently commander, 59th Medical Wing, AEATC, and lead agent, DOD Health Services Region 6 at Lackland, will

be heading to D.C. as the commander of the AF Medical Operations Agency at Bolling AFB. As reported in the last issue, Tommy LOVE will retire 4 Jun. (He tells me again he hopes to take Mike MARTIN’S lead and head somewhere up into California Wine Country!) and Jerry BALL will call it a career on 1 April (and is still unsure ofhis post-retirement plans). (Jerry sent along a picture ofJP BOYER and Juan CURET-MENDEZ and himself on Third Lieutenant at Barksdale in the summer of‘67. IfI can figure out how to make the bit-map into a usable photo for the AOG, I’ll spirit it your way next time.)

Class congratulations to these stalwarts who have served so admirably and will continue to accomplish great works in and out of the Air Force.

Apologies due to Greg KANE for mislabeling his picture with his son’s name (Matt), in the last newsletter. Those ofyou who were in D.C in the early to mid70s may remember “Matt Kane’s,” the most authentic Irish pub you could find outside Ireland, and the onlyplace in town then that you could find a proper draw of Guinness. If you came through town then and called me, then odds are we went there, especially on Wednesday nights when the Washington Scottish Bagpipers played for an hour starting at 11:30 p.m. At any rate, Greg, though the mistake is mine, please know “part” of the story behind the mix-up!

Gobi DESSERT is still enjoying the Pacific Northwest (though he envies the Pillsbury Doughboy’s tan and asked a young boy if it ever stopped raining out there, to which the boy replied, “How should I know. I’m only six!”), and in his capacity at Boeing has chatted with Foot INGERSOLL, who is rapidly ramping up to accept the first C-17s at McChord. Don has also talked with Denny SHORTRIDGE, the COO of a medical center in Mobile, AL. Wildcat PHILLIPS is working for the Penn State International School, something like a chief of Protocol. Gobi chuckles when he thinks of his old roomie massaging someone’s ego! The ‘Cat casts a long shadow.

Had a long chat with Charlie WEINART, VP Operations for Threshold Unlimited of Fort Worth, TX, who is into a variety of activities: working on music for the reunion (Cadets on Parade), discussing non-destructive inspection techniques for airplanes on Armed Forces radio, and using his Mitsubishi camera to track seagulls dive bombing the Channel Island foxes (small, gorgeous predators) who raid their nests for eggs - on National Geographic Explorer (March 10). Good to know that there are still some hard scientists among us out there amidst the throngs that are soggy scientists and focus on topics like “The Utility of Greek and Roman Mythology in Modern Warfare."

TJ DOHERTY ran into Larry LOUDEN at the TWATraining Center. Larry is an F/ O on the DC-9 and works in the training center as an instructor (e-mail is LZOOMIE@aol.com).Wild Bill HANEYsplits his time between San Marcos, TXand Woodland Park, CO as his business interests and family locations are strung out along the 1,000 miles or so between the two. He spent NewYear’s Day with Ber and Mary REITER, who have just moved to C-Springs. Bill and I were wondering how we might lure classmates who started with us but didn’t finish for whatever reason back to the 30th (Jack Howell, Rusty Blanchard, Don Hilley, Rich Taylor, Craig Bazinni, Jack Saine, and Doug Moers, for example, come to mind). Help spread the word they are welcome.

JohnWARNER has surfaced after returning from England, in Santa Barbara, CA, where he is president of World Minerals, a global mining companyand the world’s leader in diatomaceous earth and perlite. Between John and Chris CURTIS (in Falstaff, AZ), we have serious mining expertise in the class. Perhaps a geology field trip to the flatiron during the 30th!

Chip AMBROSE is TDYing up a storm, having recentlyupgraded twice: to captain on the 737 and to Ping Eye 2 clubs from a homemade set. He and Caroll are preparing to move to the Atlanta area, probably Peachtree City, and have been busyretiling bathrooms, repairing their spa, and makingready to put the home in California on the market.

Identifythat Classmate Department. Those ofyou familiarwith Robert B. Parker’s detective series featuring the gun-toting, Shakespeare-quoting, gourmet-cooking, ex-prize fighting private eye Spenser may see a bit of wannabee-ism in the attached photo. The lone jogger in the snowstorm is doing his best Spenser emulation along Ocean Drive in Providence this winter. Identify him and reward yourself with an immediate brewski. (Hint: he deals in fish and chips, and supports staunchly the coalition to Save Fenway Park. Answer below.)

Down Nashville way,

A sobering note and cause for pause and reflection. Gary HOWE writes that

wingin’ and singin’ A1MCCREE, owner of Speeches, Seminars & Songs, was named the Tennessee Society of Association Executives Outstanding Associate Member of the year for 1998. A1 was the first professional speaker to win this award. Boffo performance, Al.

Doug MARTIN’S remains have been found and identified. The memorial service was to have taken place at the Academy on 18 April at 3:30 p.m. Doug is survived by his widow, Karen. Another reminder to count your blessings and remember the valiantness of so many like Doug who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we continue to enjoy. As one of our classmates mused, do you wonder whether our departed classmates are perhaps standing a pace behind us, smiling at us, whispering encouragement and help? Godspeed, Doug.

Now, ifyou are uncertain about attending the 30th, and need a little incentive, I hope that reading my account following the 20th will prompt you to rethink your priorities. The AOG has indulged my request to exceed the newsletter page limit on this one occasion.

“Greetings, 69ers. The Reunion has rushed by us, like a draft of hot air wisping under a door. But memories of our extraordinary gathering will be with us for a long time, as it exceeded by great measure its advance billing....

“They came from the far West, the deep South, up East and the Southwest, pod’ner, and from Germany and Japan, and even New Jersey. Also from Charleston, even as Hurricane Hugo, ripping through the Carolinas, was ravaging their hometown. They arrived as lawyers, Air Force officers, airline pilots, doctors, airline pilots, corporate executives, and airline pilots. The turnout was a big oneover 50 percent at last count. And they were treated to what has to be among the finest Reunions any group has ever had anytime, anywhere. Those of you who were there know just how good it was; for those of you who could not make it, here’s one person’s recap.

“The Zoo had changed a lot, or not at all, as one wished to view it. The cadet rooms are the sizes and shapes you remember, and blanket color still indicates one’s class - by the way, the current greytags are today’s doolies. Somehow, that seemed fitting. But the rooms are adorned with pin-ups, Zenith 248s (the CRTs of which double as TV screens), and classy modular furniture; some even had rugs and telephones with answering machines. Notably absent were rifles, their use now limited to the tour pad. The cadet store was an eye-opener; still situated by the barber shop, but larger and more extensive than any of us remembered, it featured among a vast array of other offerings every contraceptive known to man or woman and SirWalter Raleigh “Packed in a Pouch” men’s briefs. Whatever happened to the old reliable, straight-leggedcamouflaged men’s briefs, anyway? They most certainly did not go the way of the Diggers and Fillers, who were very much in evidence, just like in our day. Sadly, the Fillers won the battle at the air gardens, which now looks like a checkerboard arboretum, a far cry from the sparklingfountains and pools or frozen sheets of ice we knew.

“Mitch’s serves up the same fine victuals, and 5,000 calories per day are probably possible still, at least for those cadets who elect to attend the optional meals. Didn’t see a single strawberry Bavarian dessert secreted away in a sock, at least among the cadets (Tom KECK, on the other hand...), and none of the doolies understood what “gazing machine” meant (then again, what did learning to move our eyes at a rate of 120 per minute between ketchup and steak sauce bottles actually do for us?) But, next time you board a Delta jet, send a note to the captain that begins “Fast Neat Average”; if it comes back to you with a “Friendly Good Good,” you can rest extra easy during the trip. Yes, this venerable rating scheme is as you recall it, still in vogue after all these years.

“Don’t go betting on what your squadron patches look like, however, because you may recognize little or nothing of what you remembered as a timeless statement of class, good taste, and squadron continuity across the years. Most of the changes seem to reflect the splash and dash ofStarWars and MiamiVice. Many of today’s new patches are to yesteryear’s as the jerseys of baseball’s Astros and Athletics are to those of the Yankees and Red Sox (or, as Army uniforms with all their patches, badges and assorted colorful insignia are to AF uniforms).

“But where it really matters, things are for the most part as you remember them. Cadets are still concerned about the relevance of the prescribed coursework to their future careers, especially the extent to which hours are consumed by core courses. The honor code is discussed (and debated) as extensively and penetratingly. All are curious about the “real” Air Force. And the cadets are a handsome, classy group, each one sharp as a tack - justlike you remember it.

“Several questions about the Reunion remain unresolved. Which symbol of our class has had the greatest staying power through the years - the class crest or the Exit ‘69 sign (so lovingly brought to us on that fine June day by Roy COPPINGER, Mike BEASLEY, JimmyABBOTT, and several others from the 18th Squadron)? Is it true that fewer people found their way to the ‘69 Tailgate Party than found their way into the elevator at the Embassy Suites for the one special ride? Was it more efficient to renew old friendships by hanging out in the atrium of the Embassy Suites, complete with parrot and fish, or by strolling through the Falcon Stadium parking lot, looking for the tailgate party? Dick SWANSON took the second course of action and says he was able to see every single ‘69er who attended the reunion, most of the ‘79ers (they with the vacant chevron on their rings), plus Ed Meese, Nino Baldachi, Cassius Clay, Joe Namath and Elvis. And, exactly what were Dave MUMME, Don RAKESTRAW, and Bob BELL doing in a hot tub in Monument with two gorgeous women? We know Dave was chaperoning, and we know this is exactly the way we all spent the vast majority of weeknights during our USAFA era, but still...

“Finally, the Reunion produced several very special “moments,” moments to remember for the ages, to mull over with a snifter ofbrandy in front of the fireplace in your mountain condo 20 years hence. Two were especially notable: first, the missing man flight formation’s appearing with split-second precision from the

south as the reports from the rifle volleys in memory of graduates echoed with quiet dignity around the quadrangle; and second, the concluding segment of the excellent Class of ‘69 videotape’s flashing the names of our classmates who had passed on to the life hereafter, a sequence which silenced almost instantly the din of tipsy reveling to the “hear-a-pin-drop” level.

“But there were also the 31st Street Exit’s evening-concluding rendition of “We Gotta’ Get Outta’ This Place,” and reprise - after much exhorting - of“Gloria”; Stik TURNER’S leading the class in a vintage replay of “Slash 'em with a Beak”; and, of course, the Moon Over the Embassy Suites, (At last count, over 130 ‘69ers have been placed in that elevator for that particular ride, even though accurate counts and elevator capacity limit the number to six. Well, maybe seven or eight.)

“In short, everything about the Reunion felt right. Gen. Moorman. The reasonable lodging and rental car rates. The souvenirs. The food and drink. The football team’s treating us to a big win on a gorgeous day. Arrrrrriba Falcones! The alumni rugby team’s victory. The Exit. The fitting tributes to our fallen classmates. The extraordinaryvideotape. The wives! The camaraderie. The camaraderie. The camaraderie.

“Special thanks - to many - for coming and going extra miles and miles to outperform even themselves and demonstrate that some things - the best things - don’t change after all. A truly virtuoso performance (“copacetic” for those who prefer an adjective in wide use at USAFA in the late ‘60s) that helped cop “Party of the Year” honors for our 20th anniversary celebration (Mike KLINDT’s writhing version of the Gator was merely icing on the cake)... Thanks. It was perfect, just perfect.”

The 30th will be better. So, y’all come now. If at all possible. Y’ hear!

The jogger is none other than RoyWestbrook COPPINGER. Cheers ’til Septemher. 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

Lots of info this issue, so will dive right in.

Major General Tim and Sue KINNAN sent a picture of their daughter Jennifer’s wedding, complete with all of the AFA grads within a five-mile radius. From left are CaptRandyRipley, ’88; BG (sel) MarkWelsh, ’76; LtJGTonyEvangelista (USN), AFA ’96, engaged to Tim and Sue’s younger daughter, Emily, and offering no explanation as to why he would rather float on a boat than fly in the sky; our own Maj Gen Tim KINNAN; Capt (Major sel) Christopher Plamp, ’88, alias the groom; Jennifer, alias the very beautiful bride; Lee Kelley, ’68, Sue Kinnan’s brother; and finally, Lt Gen Joe Redden, ’64; who rounds out this assortment ofgrads not wanting to miss a photo opportunity. Tim is now the commander of the USAF Doctrine Center at Maxwell. Previously at the AirWar College, he clandestinely padded the staff with ’70 grads Dave VOGELGESANG (professor), Dale SMITH (department chair), and Bill PORTER (faculty). Tim was trying to get one more ’70 grad so he could field an all ’70 basketball intramural team. Brian SPITZER invited Tim to speak to Brian’s ROTC detachment at Duke University. During their visit, Brian proposed the idea of a mass ’70 retirement ceremony at the AFA, since there are several of our classmates staying until the 30-year mark. Tim thinks we may have more grads than any class to date making it to 30 years and that some classmates who were not even planning on retiring will join in so as not to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Why not have the retirement ceremony at our 30th reunion?

"Can you find the Float the Boatman?”

Speaking of Navy, how about scheduling our 30th reunion for the same time that AFA sinks Navy? The 30th reunion committee, headed by Curt EMERY, and boasting Jim SMITH, Rick HUMKE, Mike LYONS, Jim BRECHWALD, Mark EWIG, Mike POMPHREY, Rich DOWNING, LarryBUSH, HarryARNOLD, LarryVAUGHN, MikeTORREANO, Dave PAI.F.NCHAR, JackTRIMBLE, Pete FOX, Dennis SMALLEY, and Roger HILL as committee workhorses, guarantees a great 30th. Target game date is Oct 7, 2000 (AFA vs Navy at the AFA), with festivities Oct 4 (Wed) through Oct 8 (Sun). Our committee is waiting for the final OK from the powers that be

and final confirmation of the football schedule. With Jack MUELLER and Dick RAUSCHKOLB now working at theAOG and also volunteering for the reunion committee, the reunion coordination should be a “slam dunk,” or at least an easy lay up. We may even invite some of our ’70 “Swabbbbbbies” to join us in the festivities. As far as hotel location, we have talked about having it at the Broadmoor, Antlers Doubletree, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Marriott, and Motel 6, 7, and 8. Jack MUELLER asked that anyone with ideas or comments about the Navy game and the hotel location e-mail him at muellerjd.aog@usafa.af.mil or call him at the AOG office (719-472-0300). If anyone could help establish a reunion web page (preferably at little or no cost), contact Jack.

Here’s the line-up on subcommittees: Mike TORREANO heads the corporate sponsorship committee, which seeks corporations interesting in sponsoring certain reunion events to promote their company’s product, enhance the quality of the events and/or lower the overall cost of the reunion. Ifyou or your company have an interest in corporate sponsorship, please contact Mike or Jack. LarryBUSH: food committee; Jim SMITH: memorabilia committee (a tough assignment, since most of us don’t remember what we had for breakfast); Mark EWIG: entertainment committee; Rich DOWNING: class gift committee; and Dick RAUSCHKOLB: golfouting. Ifyou want to be involved in the reunion planning, or with any committee in particular, contact Curt EMERY, Jack MUELLER, the subcommittee chairs, or even your old class scribe. Let’s all keep an open mind for this great event and submit any coherent ideas as soon as possible.

Had a great visit with BG Jay BARRY (USAFR) at a recent Sabre Society weekend at the AFA. Rick HUMKE was instrumental in me joining and my head feels much better now that he has stopped pounding on it. Jay hopes to see more ’70 grads join the Sabre Society, and challenges his active-duty counterpart general officers to lead the way to make ’70 the class that has the largest number of Sabre Society members. Jay and I both feel that since a large number ofgrads are in flying positions, it would be a “piece of cake" to attend the meetings no matter where they lived. These guys could also take non-flying ’70 members as “live cargo” to the meetings. Please contact the AOG or review Checkpoints for more information about this great organization. Throughout the weekend, Jay provided me with thought-provoking Air Force Reserve info. Jay and his AFA grad son enjoyed the recent Checkpoints ribbing I gave them in the spirit it was intended, and we are glad to use this medium as an opportunity to say a special thanks to all of the members ofthe Reserves. Jay stated how important it is to have the support ofthe Reserves and the Guard units to our mission. Jay believes of the approximately 100 general officer positions in the AFRC MA world, about 14 are filled by grads. Jay sent me a great publication of“Facts and Figures 1998” by theAF Reserve Command. Although space doesn’t grant me the room to print all ofthe data, suffice it to say that the active-duty force has drastically been reduced in numbers since 1966 and without the support of the Reserves and Guard, the AF could not function. The Reserves and the Guard are an integral part of our Air Force and need all of the support we can give them. Thanks, Jay, for the great info!

BobWELBAUM is still at the typewriter and recently co-authored aTomart publication, “Value Guide to Animation Art”. In addition, he still helps publish the Disney magazine. You would think that someone this creative could send some nifty photos.

Dave and Patty PERON’s note expressed true amazement that Dave’s mom can still remember Ken ELASSEN stopping by Dave’s home as a cadet. Dave says that for some reason his mom only remembers how nice Ken was, but Dave distincdy remembers that his mom’s grocery bill tripled during Ken’s stay.

As promised, the ’70 group shot from Rich and Nanci DOWNING’s post football game party:

"Chippendale’shas nothing on ’70 studmuffins.

Mike and Nancy BROWN sent a letter and a greatpicture ofthem and their soonto-be 5th grade daughter, Brittany. Unfortunately, because of print quality, the picture cannot be reproduced for the magazine; please send me the original. Brittany is quite an athlete, excelling in soccer, volleyball, and swimming, while finding time to play the piano. Nancy and Mike are both actively involved with Brittany’s school, and Mike flies the MD-80. The extended Brown clan includes Bridget, a soon-to-be teacher, and current Montessori school intern; Micaiah, a student; and Marina, completing her last year of high school in Magadan, Russia and then on to the University ofWisconsin. You guys need a separate daytimer to keep track of the clan. Thanks for the info.

Joe BOYLES answered the call of duty to the class scribe and sent me info that I can milk for several columns. Joe retired in 1997 from Eglin as an 0-6 and moved to a rural Florida community between Tallahassee and Jacksonville. Joe and wife,

Linda, decided to become gentleman/woman farmers on their 40 acres. After much labor and bouncing (Joe fell of the roof and in his words “I bounced rreeeaaall well for a 50 year old”) completed the Trinity Farm equestrian operation. Joe also manages a family-owned tree farm close by, and just so that he won’t get too much sleep, he does some management consultingwork in his community. Joe invites any ’70 grad to visit, but if I were you, I’d be prepared to work for your room and board since he’s building a second barn and who knows what else. Joe was thankful for a closure for the family ofMike BLASSIE. Joe was flying F-4s out of DaNang when he not only got the news about Mike but also about Steve GRAVROCK. He recalls that both Steve and Mike were in the same squadron out ofBien Hoa. Joe pauses every time he visits TheWall and when he sees the names of our classmates like Bud HARGROVE, Mike TUROSE, Gilbert (Rocky) ROVITO, Art HARDY, John HASELTON, and Dick CHRISTY, he remembers that some of our classmates have paid the ultimate price. Thanks, Joe, for reminding us what we are all about

John DEFILIPPO sends a picture from a familyskiing trip to Colorado. John, his wife, Marylyn, and three children couldn’t have been happier; something about the mediocre slopes in their hometown of Houston, TX. Their oldest son is a physics major and varsity basketball player at the Univ of the South aka Sewanee in Tennessee; their youngest son is a high school junior and avid skier; and their daughter studies engineering at Notre Dame. John works with Cisco System and says he loves the changes of the Internet technology. John says that Harry STRITTMATTER and wife, Susie, live in Austin, TX where Harry is an ROTC advisor at the Univ ofTexas. And get this: they actually love Austin. John, you need to take them on a ski trip to Colorado. They have two sons who live in Houston, one an A&M graduate, and the other attending the Univ of Houston. John says that Rich LOTZ, wife Gail, and daughter Christi live in Denver where Rich is a lawyer. You would think Rick could get me a picture ofthe clan since he could almost roll it down the highway to my house. Thanks for the info, John.

“TheDefilippofamilybefore altitudesickness setin.”

Thanks for keeping your old scribe informed. Remember to follow-up your email with pictures. At this point in time, it is still best to just mail me the pictures. I realize this extra step takes a little more effort, but it’s worth it. Have a great year!

Paul D. Knott

5655 Lantana Drive ifi Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Home:(719) 570-9162

Work (719) 594-0100

E-mail: XPDZ85A@prodigy.com

Percent members: 52

wA quick note; the day the column went in I got a letter about the Humanitarian Fund for terminally-ill grads. Ifyou are interested in learning more, let me know and I’ll forward you the information.

Here’s a thought for you to ponder: remember your first flight in an Air Force aircraft? (My first Phantom ride was in New Mexico in 1968, where German F-4s still fly.) Think back 31 years from 1968. What kind of airplanes did the Army Air Corps have in 1937? Now look at the flight lines today. Did any ofyou do 3d Lt. at SAC or MAC bases? Think about flying in a C-130, C-141, KC-135, or a B-52. Could have done it then; still can do it now.

A mild surprise: since the Fall issue went out a little bit late, I had expected that I would have had all sorts of mail by now. Dave SMITH dropped an electronic note, and for his sins is now added to the almost daily stream ofjoke mail from KUBIDA and CERONI.

“In the last 28 years I have never written to anyone who was preparing the Class of ’71 entryinto Checkpoints. Iam Dave Smith butprobablybetterrememberedatAFA asWoodySmith from 26th Squadron the first two years and Dirty30 the last two. I am here in San Diego working for SempraEnergy, the new name for the merged companies, Southern California Gas Company and San Diego Gas & Electric Company. I have been working for SoCalGas for 16 years. I gave up my desire to be an engineer, went to law school and have been litigatingforthe last 23.1 am responsible for all the litigation that the company engages in. I have joined the Orange County Chapter of the AOG so get together on occasion with some former graduates. If there is anythingI can do to help get more graduates to send info to you let me know. Theweather is great here. Those Navy guys know how to locate bases.”

“Do Ioutrankyou now, Dad?” C/LTC (Ret) Rodand C/COLMattJones.

I got an actual printed letter from Rod JONES to let me know what the photo was about. The one without the uniform is Rod, ofcourse. The young man next to him with enough silver on the shoulder boards to start a revolution in a third world country is son Matt, who was the fall semester wing commander. Scott, Rod’s firstborn, is at Aviano in Protocol. His youngest, Steve, took on BCT 30 years to the day after we marched under “Bring Me Men,” but the aftereffects of surgery on his legs were too much, and he was medically discharged. Rod has a singular distinction in that he and his sons wore the blue simultaneously - at least for a day. Then Rod retired from the Reserves. Tom CALLEN’s son Sonny is also in 2nd. Matt and Sonny were roommates in BCT and for a year after that.

The Southwest posse includes (besides Rod) Mike LACKEY, check pilot Dave PATTON, hiring honcho Sonny CHILDERS, director of Maintenance Steve SMITHERMAN, Charlie BROWN, BudgeWILSON, RandySMITH, Jim HOGAN, and Phil HUNT.

Rod mentioned running into Russ HUFFER, who is CEO/President ofApogee in Minneapolis. Rod, thanks for all of the news. Hope to see you during JuneWeek.

The Rampart Chapter ofthe AOG had their annual membershipmeeting in January and I actually saw such class luminaries as Andy CERONI, Steve DEFIAVEN, and Darryl SINGLETON. By the time you get the column, Daryl will be starting a new career with Progressive Insurance. Cass CASADA was there, too, but I missed my chance to chat. Mea culpa!

Tom CURRY slowed down just enough to let his pacemaker setde in, then went back to his basic supersonic lifestyle. Tom’s heart didn’t bother him when he was doing things like running, but when he slept, the signals kind of went away, so now he has more computing capacity in his chest than the B-5500 we endured. After three tries (the rumor is that the doctor threatened to weld the leads if he had to go in again), Tom is back at work.

Bob MANNING wrote that Dick REYNOLDS has been nominated for his second star. Dick is presently at Edwards, in charge of the Flight Test Center. He and Joani have been in the Mojave since July of 1998. According to my somewhat imprecise calculations, there are now 5 BGs and 2 MGs in the class.

A sad note; I heard that Cyd MATTALA passed away in March from a heart attack. Ifyou want to send a note to Shelly, get hold of me and I’ll let you have her address.

Andy gets his mail from all over, but a classic came from the San Diego area: One letter from an irate citizen complaining about a Marine Corps training exercise, and the CO’s reply. Ifyou are interested, write, call or e-mail me. In exchange for information, I’ll pass on “The Rest of the Story.” (R Harvey) And as Mr. Harvey would say, “Good Day!”

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@cwix.com or Galaxy95@aol.com

Percent members: 49

Hi guys! It seems like we just get one edition put out and the time comes for another deadline to prepare the next issue. By the time you receive this one, it will be the JuneWeek time ofyear again, and our thoughts will already be of summer - hopefully a peaceful one for anyone still activelyengaged in the defense of our nation. The others can rest easy in enjoyment of the season knowing that many classmates are at the helm in various levels ofthe system. And so, here goes the latest information fresh from the e-mail files and even the “snail-mail” hasket.

The first thing that I need to do is to acknowledge that Ed BISHOP in fact wrote a very nice letter full of great updated information about a year ago. However, due to the computer shortcomings ofyours truly, his letter languished in “cyberlimbo” on my computer until just last night when I rediscovered it. Thus, whatever I might pull out of his fine missive will probably be relatively old news now. But I did want to make mention ofthat fact and personallyapologize to Ed for the error. His letter and any messages from all the rest of you are gladly received. Henceforth I will strive not to lose them in cyber-space before the next column comes out!

Ed is continuing to work with the AF as an environmental engineer/industrial hygiene consultant which takes him to myriad locations where he has run into classmates who have done well in their military careers, having their faces on walls ofvarious foyers and office areas throughout the world. In one instance, Ed found Mark SCHMIDT (Lisa) at Mt. Home AFB, ID where he joined them for dinner after a short visit to Mark’s office to reminisce over great times. (Mark is one of our new Maj Gen-selects and was most recently the 24th Wing commander at USSOUTHCOM.)

The next visit Ed reports on is to Peterson AFB, CO and the offices of Brig Gen Paul NIELSEN (Dotty), the director ofPlans for NORAD. Paul and Ed shared some personal reminiscences with only a touch of nostalgia and talked briefly about such things as how the “new” generation seems to see the AF as a job rather than a commitment. Paul related that Brig Gen Mike DRENNAN (Bobbie) is commander of the 21 st Space Wing, Brig Gen Bill LOONEY (Marilyn) commands the Space Warfare Center, and Brig Gen Dave WAGIE (Susan) is the current Dean of the Faculty at USAFA. Thus we in ‘72 are well represented in the C-Springs area by classmate general officers. (Bill LOONEY is another of our recent Maj Gen-selects.)

As to personal matters, Ed traveled to Grand Island, NE and proudly saw his son graduate from the Nebraska Police Academy to embark on a career in law enforcement. Ed continues to mix work (computer database and management information systems design alongwith industrial hygiene/occupational health consuiting) with pleasure as his career allows widespread travel opportunities and the chance to link up with old friends all over the world. (As he says, Shelley’s bag is “always” packed.)

Thanks again to Ed BISHOP for the fine letter. (I probably can’t use the accompanying e-mail photo - they don’t scan well into the publisher’s program. It ineluded Ken ENGEBRETSON picturedwith Brig GenTom O’RIORDAN, Pat GARVEY, Jim SMAIL and Ed at a ceremony for Ken’s retirement. They all look very good for old guys....)

My next letter accompanied a copy of the Winter 1998 Checkpoints magazine sent by DanVICIAN (Carolyn) and writingjust a bit “tongue-in cheek” about several things he noted in the magazine and had highlighted. I will try to encapsulate Dan’s comments for your reading pleasure (?) although the complete letter would actually be more fun to read - the full text may appear in a future edition when news is slack and there is plenty of space!

Dan raises several questions in his letter to which he appears to seek answers. The very first one questions the manner in which candidates are voted onto the AOG Board, and falls under the category he calls “Is this really a democracy?” The next is in response to all the great advertising interspersed throughout the magazine. Dan asks, “Do grad’s really buy this stuff?” One can order a 1998 Christmas Ornament although the magazine arrived after the holiday....

A particularly interesting observation describes Dan’s shock at seeing the “Pegasus Statue” ornament, the description of which includes the “new” fact that Pegasus at USAFA is actually only a replica of the true original standing in Florence, Italy. What about the doolie answer to the inevitable question posed during the 1 st Beast Evening Meal Formation - Where does Pegasus stand? Of course, “Sir, the Pegasus statue stands on the north side ofArnold Hall.” (More to follow regarding the Honor Code implications of this whole matter....)

Continuing on with Dan’s next query - “do teenage girls get this magazine, too?” Or again, “why are all the models in the Cadet Issue Clothing ads teenage girls?” Don Hall, ’76, is thanked for his continuing contribution as the author ofWaldo Dumbsquat. Dan merely asks if Don was ghostwriting for the Dodo from junior high school, as we know thatWaldo started out while we were still at USAFA. Several other items are noted in this critical review of our fine association publication, but without giving it all away, I hope you sort of get the thrust of his commentary.

Then Dan tells why this “whimsicalness” even came to him - he is seven hours into a 12-hour trans-Pacific flight with Northwest Airlines, and really is just trying to stay sharp while in the designated crew break seat... that’s the truth, Mr. FAA. He relates that he has just completed 25 years (active and Reserve) in C-141s at McGuire AFB, NJ and is currently an IMA to the J3 at SOUTHCOM HQ in Miami. Dan and Lyn adopted a little Russian girl, Vladia in October 1997 and heartily recommend the agency they went through in Pittsburgh. In summary - life is good, and any ‘72er passing through Miami needs to give them a call for fishing or golf or whatever. And Dan, I will seek the information on our class ring (see page 16) oftheWinter 98 Checkpoints) to include in a future issue. Thankyou for the great letter.

Mike VERZOLA dropped an e-mail my way with a nice tech school picture of daughter Kristin who is a crew chief on F-15s at ElmendorfAFB, AK. Enjoying her assignment, Kristin is planning to get to college after her four-year tour is up. Mike is still with Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati and reports catching up on old times with 36th squadron roomie Mark MCCARTHY (Cheryl) who is still a captain with Delta. Thanks for keeping in touch, Mike.

A recently spotted photo in the Washington Times showed Denver attorneyT.J. MANCUSO testifying before a congressional subcommittee which, according to T.J., was trying to figure out exaedyhowthe governmentworks in the United States.

Other sightings. T.J. also reported that on the last leg of a return flight from a business trip to Rome, he shared a few cold ones on the plane with Doug HILL (Robin). Doug is in charge of the Airbus program at United Airlines and reports

that Gary BLANK and T.J.’s former Bulldog roommate Bob BANKS are both recent United hires in the cockpit. Doug and Robin live in Evergreen, CO as does Andy CALTAGIRONE, who is also a pilot flying something for American. Another UAL pilot in Colorado is Ross WILHITE, whose daughter was a high school classmate ofT.J.’s daughter.

Greg STODDARD and his distaffside (Robyn) decided to leave Denver and move to the home of all great Continental pilots and flight attendants - Pennsylvania.

(Because it’s closer to Newark, that’s why.) Greg invites the world to sit out by the lake, drink a few beers, loaf around, and generally act like an airline pilot does all the time but for about eight hours a month. T.J., ever literate, reports that Robyn sent him an e-mail, “But I lost it somewhere in my computer.”

Boat drinks. Last winter, T.J. was forced to spend time on the island ofAntigua, working with the government there on a proposal to fund their new parliament building through a public sale of debt securities in the U.S. T.J. has promised to get the project done, at a great personal sacrifice, no matter how many times he maybe forced to travel to the Caribbean (stressing that winter months are a much better time to get into the market).

Knowing his limits, T.J. occasionally will actually refer work to good lawyers, and suggested Dave KERBER to a client in need of labor law assistance. And, apparentiy the client has yet to sue anybody for malpractice, so T.J. and Dave are both quite happy.

Strange Calls. About two years ago, T.J. got a voice mail from law school classmate Rich PENNINGTON, saying he was retiring from the JAG and thinking about practicing in Denver. Thing was, he left no return number, or return address, and never called back. (He doesn’t call; he doesn’t write.)

Four-play. Four times. That’s how often T.J. has run into Jeff NORTON at Washington’s DullesAirport, givingboth ofthem an opportunityto complain about their so-called lives.

T.J. also reports that wife, Roberta, and three kids are fine. Two daughters in college (one in Colorado, one in Arizona) and a son in grade school make Jack a dull boy. With respect to their last trip to the U ofA: “This is not how I remember parent’s weekend 30 years ago."

The last message getting in just under the wire for this deadline was from perennial contributor, Brig Gen Barry BARKSDALE. He just returned from the AETC Commanders Conference at RandolphAFB, TXwhere hejoined up with five classmates. Brig Gen GaryWINTERBERGER (Carolyn) isAETC/XP and Col Bob DOERR (Leigh) is the OSI for HQ AETC. Brig Gen Buck BUCHANAN (Sharon) is wing commander at Tyndall AFB, FL and Brig Gen Pete SUTTON (Diane) commands the USAF RecruitingCommand there at Randolph. Barry is still wing commander at Lackland AFB, TX but could be moving byJuly.

He also heard from Jim DONLEY (Tracey) now in real estate in Las Vegas, NV but looking at the airlines, too. Barry’s e-mail is my source for mentioning the other Maj Gen-select of our class - Mike DUNN (Pam). Mike was last reported to be in Hawaii at HQ PACAF in Plans & Programs. (And Mike, I know that all this good fortune had nothing to do with the fact that you and I were in 19th squadron during 4C and 3C years...) Final information from Barry Barksdale is that Felix DUPRE (Lin) and Tom FISCUS (Carolyn) are new selects on the Brig Gen list as well. Congratulations to all of our upward-moving classmates. It is and has been a pleasure to see how everyone is making a difference in their contributions to our nation’s service, whether by higher rank or not.

If I had to say so right now, I would guess that Barry (Barksdale) has been the one who has kept the letters and e-mails coming this way most regularly, making it easier for me to gather more into this news column for the rest of you. My sincerest thanks go out to you, Barry. I will take to heart your remark (hopefully tongue-slighdy-in-cheek?) about the length of the class input to Checkpointsthis one was much better....

As I wrap up for this time, there is just one sad note to report and that is the death of our classmate, Bob VEENSTRA (Cory) on 16 Feb 99 in Ann Arbor, MI. I wouldjust like to note here that as we lose another member ofthe class, it is a sign to us that time is truly marching on and we may want to just take a moment to ponder the meaning of it all in the grand scheme of things. Our condolences go out to Cory in her personal loss. Fortitudo Per Aspera.

Dan O’ Hollaren

19803 Derby St

West Linn OR 97068

Home: (503) 657-0299

Work: (503) 667-8554

E-mail: danoh2@msn.com

Percent members: 42

GOOOOOOOD MORNING, Seventy-three! The stickhas been shaken and I have the airplane.. .er, column. Tom BAILEY has completed what was a superb run of seven-plus years, and we thank you! Take a well-deserved break in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Tom! This being my “Green Bean” column, please bear with me as I spool up on the latest and greatest from our class. I have been accumulating e-mail addresses since volunteering for this lofty position, and that is proving to be the best source of updates. So, let’s get on with it.

I want to begin by echoing the sentiments ofTom in the last issue applauding the effort done on our 25-year reunion. What a bash! If I had one criticism, it was that there was no down time...Sam GRIER and the rest of the crew putting this together did an outstanding job of keeping the party going non-stop. Geesh, as one of the “Old Men” of our class, I had to change pacemaker batteries twice during the four days! That must explain my poor showing on the links during the golf tourney. (Are you listening Mark BALDWIN?)

Congratulations are in order for our classmates who have reached the astral zone! Steve LORENZ (yep, the one that told his classmates at the reunion, “I know what you’re thinking...How did Steve Lorenz ever get to be commandant?”) has

been nominated for his second star, as has Norty SCHWARTZ, currentlyAF director of strategic planning, chief of staff for plans & programs, the Pentagon. Entering the stratosphere as brigadier general nominees are Bill JABOUR, program director, B-2 SPO, Wright-Patterson AFB; Frank KLOTZ, defense attache designate, Moscow, in Arlington, VA; and Don WURSTER, commander of the Special Ops Wing at Hurlburt Field, FL. Way to go, guys! Oh.. .and don’t forget us little people who helped you get to where you are today.

Members ofRebeleven at the 25th Reunion include John Zwiebel, Mike Roberts, Max Richardson, Ed Hawkins, Ernie Maravilla, AJRanft, and Dan O’Hollaren.

Okay, let’s start out with updates from Rebeleven. John ZWIEBEL is engineering software with Cisco Systems in San Jose, but commuting from Santa Clara on the coast. Rough life, Zwieb! It was good to see you hadn’t lostyour incredible sense of rhythm and style on the dance floor at the reunion. Ernie MARAVILLA is also testing/engineering software, hiding out in the Arizona hills of Sierra Vista with his bride, Kathy. Steve CRISTIANI andVicki are in Clifton VA. Steve is doing that computer gig with SSDS. AJ RANFT, a charter member ofRebeleven, is just returning from an extended consultant tour in Saudi with BDM as a ‘training consultant’. All you retired fighter jocks pay attention: there is a market out there for your skills! AJ and new bride, Bobbie, are getting setfled in between Austin and San Antonio. Rich BAKER finally surfaced at the reunion after being a lost wingman for too long. Rich is living in Denver and is an obviously successful real estate mogul. Ed HAWKINS (and wife, Grace) is in the Springs now, as the chief of Intelligence for Space Command.

Got a Christmas Card from Bill DIFFLEY (actually Pam sent it) in March.. .better late than never, but blame it on those hidden gremlins in cyberspace.. .He’s going domestic as president of the PTA in Great Falls, VA when he’s not narrating tours of the Great Smoky mountains from FL350 on USAir. Ned KINTZING is in Pleasanton CA and doing the airline pilot thing as well. Jim YANIGLOS and wife, Marlene, are outside Denver in Westminster CO. Pat ROONEY and Joyce are still in San Antonio and keep sending their kids to be Aggies. Bruce BENNETT and Nancy e-mailed me from Colombia (the one in South America) and are experiencing life as Air Force reps in Bogota. Bruce says they’re “living large and enjoying life”...may extend to 2002 as air attache.

It was also great to see two of our classmates at the reunion who opted to finish their higher education at other institutions: Mike ROBERTS, a Colorado resident who is president of Millennium Sensor Corporation in Brighton, and Max RICHARDSON, a CPA living outside Dallas, TX. Finally, Jim SCULLYand Carol have relocated to Whidbey Island, WA from where Jim has been commuting to fly for Southwest. Unfortunately, the news recently is not all positive. Carol wrote me to request that Jim’s fellow classmates send some prayers their way. Jim was recently diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer had spread to the neck lymph nodes, and he underwent a radical neck surgery in March. The doctors have been unable to find the primary tumor. He will start radiation plus chemotherapy in three weeks. Jim’s spirit is high and his humor is still going strong. He is looking forward to getting back to flying with Southwest Airlines after treatment. They would love to hear from any fellow cancer survivors of this disease and/or classmates. They can be reached by sending email to scully@whidbey.net

Both Jim and Carol thank you in advance for your prayers.

I got a lot of news via Chip (Edwin) FRAZIER and the electronic airwaves.Wayne HOLUM and Susan are wrapping up a distinguished career in Korea. All they have to do is get through a PACAF ORI in April. (Wait a minute.. .what happened to the days when those were a secret?) They’re headed for Las Vegas to work with SDS International as an instructor at fighter town, a.k.a. Nellis AFB. Sounds like this routine will be more ‘family friendly’ for Wayne. He pledges to make the 30-year get-together. He saw Bob SUMMERS passingthrough from theALC at Sacramento.

Steve DALRYMPLE, with wife, Kim, is extending at Scott AFB as commander of DITCO.. .Ifhe can avoid the inevitable D.C. beltway shuffle. Ed PREBLE, our Class of ’73 website guru, is hanging out in New Mexico. He wrote that Kevin NEHRING is in Prescott, AZ and encourages contact with his brethren from Frat Five. Better hurry before the temperature gets into triple digits.

Tom forwarded an e-mail from Todd LAVIGNE. Todd and his bride, Diana, are in Germany for his third tour and her sixth as systems support contractors with Wang Global. They’re romping around Europe supporting the DoD schools: Diana teaches the staffs how to use a mouse and Todd repairs them. Their contract is up in September and they’re still not sure what’s next. I have that problem all the time, too, Todd. Let’s see, do I want to work in Cabo San Lucas this year, or should I just spend another boring 12 months as a golfpro in Palm Springs? He is encouraging any classmates hitchhiking through the Rhein Valley and short of cash to give them a ringy-dingy...room to let.

Some brief snippets from the reunion. Spoke with Kirk LILLY for awhile. He’s doing the left seat thing for Southwest and hails from HoustonTX. MARK BALDWIN is still heading up his own manufacturing company in Iowa as well as beingdeeply involved in the community. He obviously has perfected the art of delegation, because nobody can hit a golf ball the way he does by playing only on the weekend. John ROSSER was also with us at the small particle dynamics laboratory, mired in mediocrity along with me. When John wasn’t making deals on his cell phone in between putts, he was telling us about life as a real estate broker in Key Biscayne, FL. Monnie GORE, my soul mate on 3rd Lieutenant in Soesterberg a long time ago, stopped by briefly with his kids on Sunday. The guy has not aged a bit! He has retired and is now CINC Facilities for the Allied Signal operation in the Springs. You can find him wandering the sidewalks of Manitou Springs when not “facilitating”.

All right, here comes the change-of-address parade as forwarded from the hallowed halls ofAOG Central. Robert ALLEN is beached in Aiea, HI. William BECK is in Melbourne Beach, FL. John CARR is in Beavercreek, OH. Mike CHALIFOUX is in Dedham, MA. Cary CLOVICKO has come full circle to Colo Sprgs. Eugene CARROLL is at APO 96367. John COTTON is in Parker, CO. Forrest DAHMER is in Atlanta, GA. Charlie FELTON is in Southern Pines, NC. Dennis GEESAMAN is bedding down in La Grange, TX. Lloyd HAMMOND is now in MissionViejo, CA. Mike HENEHAN is in Fort Worth, TX. Herbert HUBER is in Lufkin, TX. Pat JORDAN is now in Atlanta, GA. Joe KAHOE is hanging out in Panama City, FL. Greg KRAFFT is at RobinsAFB, GA. Earle LAUDERDALE is now at APO 96546. Craig MACPHERSON is in Exeter, NH. Paul MAZUROWSKI is in Atlanta, GA. Bill MILLER has moved to Fenton, MO. Gerald O’CONNER is at FPO AE 09499. Steve PALADINI is in Port Matilda, PA. ChuckQUINNELL is just up the road in Castle Rock, CO. Steve SAVELL is inVirginia Beach, VA. Bruce SLAWTER is locked up in the American Embassy in Moscow, APO AE 09721. Jim SOLIGAN is at MacDill AFB, FL. Glenn STRAIN is in Columbia, SC. Les VANHEESWYK is in Poquoson, VA. RobertVOIGT is now in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. Ken VOLKMAN is in Centerville, OH. Mike WETZEL is in Aiken, SC. And MARKWITKOWSKI is in Little Rock, AR.

As I prepared for penningthis first epistle as our Class Scribe, I was overwhelmed at the achievements of our classmates, both in breadth as well as depth. Either something that our mentors taught us at the Zoo sunk in, or you really can fool all of the people all ofthe time! Looking back through the Polaris, it is truly astounding that this collection of kids from across the country have blossomed...and are reallymaking a difference. The torch has been passed to our generation and we’re doing pretty darn well, me thinks. Well, I don’t want to give away all of the class secrets at once. This should at least whet your appetite for my next Pulitzer performance. Thanks for the privilege. AMF.

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

Phone: (281) 482-6860/Fax: (281) 244-7252

Office: (281) 244-7712

E-mail: joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

Percent members: 42

Ilf

Greetings to classmates and column readers! I hope that you’re having an exceptionally great day today! Most of the mail comes via the Internet this time.

JJ ROMANO finds it’s hard to keep up with youngsters! One malady is he notes that he doesn’t seem to have the energy he used to have. Keeping up with a nineyear-old at our age can be tough. At least soccer season is over so he’s not coaching, just doing the Webelos leader thing. And a number of us can relate to the hours invested and muscles worsted in guiding our young ones to adulthood!

Eric HOLK was so happy he actuallyrecognized a few names in a couple of previous articles he decided to write in, too! That’s the spirit! Eric’s simply a struggling first officerwith JapanAirlines in a DC-10. His current goal is to oudast the DC-10 at JAL - they are on the path to phasing out their DC-10 fleet. “Hopefully, JAL will see the value ofmy piloting skills and retain me in the 747 before the 10 goes away.” It’s hard to realize even today that some of us are old enough to have sons and daughters in college (and beyond!). Eric’s and Kathy’s older daughter is a freshman in Rochester NY and their younger is in high school. Between long distance colleges and long distance fathers, e-mail is our family lifeline and has proven a boon. Us out-of-pocket dads can relate to Eric’s moan of “still can’t do much to fix the water leak when I’m in Bangkok, but at least I know about it within a few horns and can commiserate.” Then there’s the home maintenance guywho says “Ijust spent eight hours trying to unblock a sewage line from the washer and commode to the city line.” Bangkok sounds like a goodplace to be! Eric’s parting shot was he feels that it doesn’t seem that long ago that he and I were roommates in Grand Forks, ND. “Ah, the good ole days! Seattle isn’t nearly as cold andyou don’t have to shovel rain, so I’m rather happier here than there!”

Do any of you remember Roger Sheppard? From Seagram 7 in the fourthclass year? Roger left early in July 1972 to lead another life. He’d like to bring his wife and daughter to see the place (and be remotivated?) this homecoming. Roger has been in the TV news for most of the past 20 years in places like KDKA-TV and WOWK-TV in Huntington, WV Roger is now in Parkersburg, WVworking toward general manager. His secret to success? “Chain of command, leading by example not edict, knowing how to step on a subordinate’s toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - all of these are concepts that came from my Academy days and which I carry forward to today.” Come on readers. Don’t shudder. Surely each of us have carried some of this forward, too?

Chris and Kathy KELLY are in transition again. They’ve traveled from RAF Mildenhall through Altus, OK where Chris was wing commander at both places. Chris thought it was lots of fun and being out in the field with young people and airplanes at this late stage of our careers is a real kick. Unfortunately, he should be out of that and now serving as deputy director of Plans and Policy at USCINCPAC. Chris reports ofhaving seen a few classmates: Howie CHANDLER was the wingking out at Luke until about nine months ago when theAF moved him offto Europe for a

joint tour at EUCOM HQ. Kelvin COPPOK was the wing commander at Goodfellow and recently moved to the USSPACECOM staff and also got himself promoted to brigadiergeneral. Rich and LindaMENTEMEYER are at Randolph where Rich commands the 12 FTW. Dan and Sheri GOODRICH are at Laughfin AFB where Dan commands the wing. At Altus, we’ve had a number ofclassmates come through as group commanders. When Chris arrived there in June of ’97 Jack LEONARD was the support group commander. Jack moved on to the IL staff at the Pentagon and Charlie BRYANT replaced him. It was a real thrill to stand on the stage with two classmates during the change of command (see picture last issue). During his remarks Charlie said the last time he stood at attention with two ofhis classmates all three ofthem were in trouble. Earlier this week the group also did a change of command for our logistics group as Jim KELLYtook over after being at SheppardAFB for a couple ofyears in the support business. Chris enjoyed having Jim and Charlie at Altus, and they’re doing fine.

From the frozen north, and the city Jeffery Dammer made famous, Milwaukee, comes a note from Mouse (Bob) NEWMAN. Bob is in new product development for GE Medical Systems - making MR imaging systems for operating rooms. Stuff so the folks at the surgical hobby shop can adjust parts ofyour insides without digging quite so big a hole. As we all move into the higher mileage category, the research seems to take on a little more personal importance! It isn’t quite like driving a Phantom, but it pays well, is inside work, no heavy lifting. Keep doing that body research, Bob. I’ve had some ofthat look-into stuffdone on me and it’s nice to know that small things work better!

Also big news is a transfer of career to medicine, Ted CARTER! Ted moved into Atlanta 15 years ago! He separated in ‘80, and worked for Eastern for eight years, went to Delta, and lost his medical in ’94. Since that time, he worked toward earning the skills to work on people problems. Ted wrote that “The thing is, med school is not geared to the 46-year-old, rather, the 25-year-old. It’s hard to keep up the pace. Anyway, I made it.” Ted begins his residency in internal medicine at Georgia Baptist this summer.

Brig Gen (Dr) Joe KELLEY sent in a letter from Wright Pat, Ohio. See him in the AFMC magazine Leading Edge Feb 99. Some of the info is from their Christmas letter. (Hint. Hint.) Joe andjoy are proud oftheirtwo youngsters. Not exactlyyoungsters. Son Tim is at Calvin Collegeworking on computer science. And as a 20-yearold, Tim still plays with a band that occasionally leads in praise music at the church coffeehouse. Daughter Jessica, the former high school varsity basketball player, is now a freshman at Taylor. The home is now an empty nest. I know there are several families learning that new experience this year! It should be a compassionate corner during the Homecoming gathering this fall! Joe is real busy with resolving the headaches with TRICARE. This is no small task! Joe has met Steve REZNIK, who now should be working as deputy acquisition at AFMC. Steve has been assignedby his boss to work with Joe. Isn’t that grand! At one oftheir meetings, BarryWILSON showed up, working on a special DoD task force to determine what our acquisition work force needs to know! It’s great to know that we have classmates working the system to improve the service to our folks.

Other short notes have come in such as an “Aloha” from Bill CASEMENT. Bill is flying with American Eagle in Dallas-FortWorth. His crash pad is near the airportifyou come to Dallas, call him. Bill andTerry’s oldest daughterwork at aVet hospital in northwest Houston. She’s an Aggie grad as of December! A note, too, comes in from Dan FELIX e-mailed in from the Talon magazine he works with. Dan lives near March AFB in Riverside, CA.

On a short snow vacation to Colorado Springs I saw LarryVLIET as he came running down the sidewalk to the visitor’s center. Larry came huffing to say hi while I was talking with Ted ROTH on the upcominghomecoming. These two went off to plan our events. There’s good things to happen! Oh, you’d recognize both classmates - even with a few gray strands. In the Chapel Hills mall I saw another individual striking a far-off gaze - evidently looking for a child as I was - he was our quarterback Rich EIAYNIE. Rich still lives in the Springs, too, is doing well with his consultantbusiness. He did tell me who he startedworkingwiththat same day, and dagnab it if I didn’t forget to write it down and so forgot! Ah well, it gives you a chance to really ask him when you come in the fall!

I visited for about 30 minutes with Col Mark HYATT in Fairchild Hall. Mark is working very hard toward establishing a training program for honor and ethics for the professional, the Center for Character Development. He holds Academy Character Enrichment Seminars (ACES) throughout the year. Mark is looking for sponsors with investment dollars as well as any of you classmate leaders who want to participate. Give him a call! His office overlooks the terrazzo in the library section of Fairchild, 4th floor. 719-333-2987. DSN is 333! Mark had spoken with Hal QUANBECK, who is still in Hawaii!

As for those from Dirty Dozen, I’ve seen Hank MASON from ‘72 in Robins AFB, GA. Colonel Mason is in the Special Operations Forces System Program Office. He wrote an article in the base newspaper in Sept 98 titled “Dependability: Do What You Say You’re Going To Do.” In it he reflected on an old “Spenser For Hire” program. In this particular episode a friend of Hawk’s asked Hawk why he worked for Spenser. Hawk’s answer: “The man do what he say he do.” Well, Commander Cisco (DS9) does that, too. It may be easy to write it in the script or see on TV We’ve each witnessed dependabilityin our careers and know howimportant it is for us to see it in our bosses, and of course, since some of us are bosses, to be that dependable for our own staffs.

See you around campus for those coming to the Homecoming over Army weekend this fall, 6 Nov 99. Or see you around the world. May each ofyou and yours live long and prosper.

Class of 1974 - 25th Reunion Army at USAFA

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: 36

ANOTHER TEST OF DEDICATION. Today I’m thinking it would be a good idea to rotate the Class Scribe assignment seasonally to someone who’s in a “it’s-justtoo-miserable-to-go-outside” situation. Which means I’d take the Summer (June) and Fall (September) columns and leave Winter and this one (penned in March) to one ofyou presumably living further north. But that’s just wishful thinking (on your part?) and, being a sage veteran, I’ll do the cadet-lything - turning this into a challenge (for brevity and conciseness) rather than go on whining about the fact that it’s beautiful out, and I turned down the chance to play golf, and I’ve really been busy at work, and oops.

TIME TO “BUCK(LEYJ IT UP”. Actually I got pretty inspired to write this after Debby, Tiffany and I had dinner with Mike and Diane BUCKLEY earlier this week. Clearly another case of, with classmates (friends) it doesn’t matter how long you go between visits, the closeness and joy in the relationship instandy returns. They were down fromAnchorage (where it had beenjust-too-miserable-to-go-outside!) for a one-week visit to various parts ofArizona. Mike’s still flying with Alaska Airlines while Diane is actively researching genealogy for their families.

Great time with Mike and Diane was actually the third (but hopefully not the last) in a series of visits with fellow Nooky-Niners (I didn’t call it “Viking Nine” then and I’m not about to start). Phil PEARCE came over about a month ago for dinner as he was in Phoenix on business. This isn’t unusual as he’s currentlydoing consulting for a pharmaceutical company out here, helping them expand/modernize their (major!) mail-order pharmacyoperation. He, Chris, and the kids still live in North Carolina. And the week after we saw Phil, Kent TRAYLOR “overnighted” at Casa de Hackett on his way back to Beale AFB from a conference in San Antonio. Not a lot new with them except that he and Carole were on the brink of buying a horse for Meagan (it’s always nice to talk with other indulgent parents). So, for the rest ofyou folks from CS-09 and/or ’75, let’s take this up as a challenge - (as long as the weather stays nice in Arizona) let’s have more personally delivered inputs for the article.

Have to also give credit to Steve PITOTTI who sent me a (digital) photo to go with his last-quarter e-mail. The picture is certainly interesting as it shows four of our classmates at a favorite Crud hangout near Holloman; Andy DICHTER, 49FW vice commander; Eric HOGANSON, 46 Test Group commander; Steve PITOTTI, 46 Test Wing vice commander; and Kevin SMITH, 49 Ops Group commander. In Steve’s words, “Here’s the best part - we all have “commander” in our tides, we’re all flying fighters (F-117s, AT-38s, and F-15s) and we all live on the “beach” (although I’m the only one with water next to it). Steve noted that the Air Force is still fun and that Eglin AFB is “a blast - good flying and working with Kevin BURNS (46 Ops Group/CC)”.

IT’S NOT MYWORK - I’M NOT TAKING “CREDIT” FOR IT! Once again it appears the only rationale choice is to give y’all the unfiltered and unamplified version ofwhat has been sent to me electronically. Sure it turns me into a no-valueadded middleman force-fitting today’s technology in yesterday’s forum; but hey, you get what you pay for and ifyou were really disturbed by it you’d be surfing our Class Home Page instead of flipping through the pages of Checkpoints. In chronological order:

From Bill MURRAY in mid January - “...looking at a new job in late February that might make me go to work! Falcons looked great this year, but unfortunately our hop to Hawaii didn’t work out for the Bowl game. They had a tremendous season! (A lot like I remember ours!)” O.K., so Bill’s a bit delusional about the past.

From Rod KALMAN in mid February - “...living in Las Vegas after retiring 1 Jan 96 at Nellis AFB and am now flying for FedEx. I have a son who is a three degree at the Zoo and another son who is a junior in high school who wants to go there too (go figure). My 19-year-old daughter has decided to take a different path, thank goodness. Still married to Vicki (23 years) and we’re both enjoying retired life.” Got e-mail and digital picture from Buck ROGERS in mid March. “Photo is from Mardi Gras party at Max DELLA PIA’s of‘75ers in attendance: myself (19 CS), Max (18 CS), and Jim MARSHALL (18 CS). Great time - great food - needed more altitude here in San Antonio!"

Chuck, Leah and Roxanne Holland FLASHBACKS. You’ll recall from last column that I reluctantly left out a couple of photos due to space constraints. So here they are! I’ll leave it to you to reread the “story behind the picture” on these two fine families in that last article.

From John SCHERER also in mid March - .just saw Col Brad SHIELDS at the NCO Academy assumption of leadership ceremony at McGuire AFB on 16 March 99. Brad is commander of the College of Enlisted PME at Maxwellsays he loves the job.” And, came an (first time correspondence with scribe!) e-mail from Phil MARTIN - "... have to respond to proud claim by Tom MAHONEY that he may have youngest child. Today that may be true but in just a month or so, my Squadron bud from Redeye 25, Mike MAGEE and wife, Holly, will have their first.. By the way, they live outside Tucson; he flies for American Airlines out of L.A.... doing great. I am still active, assigned to San Antonio ALC as a propulsion guru. My wife, Sophia, runs a tight hacienda here in San Antone and stays busy with the work/family combination. Our son Matt (freshman at Northern Colorado) has decided against USAFA attendance now that he has found secret to happiness lies in “real college life”. Our daughters are a bit younger (10 and 12) and make life interesting for a no nonsense guy like myself.”

AS THE PIG SAYS AT THE END OF THE CARTOON. That seems to be everything there is folks. Keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and visits coming. Go check out the Home Page while you wait for the next article. And remember once again that it’s probably later than you think!

Ernie Woollard

216 E. Goettler St. ^ 1

Scott AFB, IL 62225-1710

Home: (618) 744-1044

DSN: 576-1931

E-mail: evw76@aol.com

Class Website: tSnQpf

http://www.AFAcademy.com/76 wm

Percent members: 41

Greetings 76’ers!

The spring has just flown by here at Scott and we’re certainly glad that the summer months have finally arrived. I get at least 25 more yards on my “T” shots now and even though my handicap is staying in the double digits, the game continues to improve. I’ve got my eye on that Taylor Made Bubble II; Father’s Day is just around the corner. The Woollard family is doing well readying ourselves for the August trip to Mizzou. Our oldest daughter Sarah will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia; the fall semester begins in late August. She decided to accept the “full ride” Naval ROTC scholarship, unfortunately, theAir Force couldn’t match the Navy’s offer (does this mean that I’m fired). Oh well, we just keep taking it one step at a time.

The "three amigos,” Cliff SIMMONS, Kevin MARTIN, and myself, are still going strong, even though our thoughts keep turning to those second careers on a more regularbasis. Bill CAROLAN has finallyjoined the TACC staff as a Reservist; we see him pop in the door about once a month, sometimes on the back side of a Boeing business trip. Bill, Jackie, and family are doing fine in Southern California. Bill VTSNOVSKY dropped me an e-mail about a month ago just to check in; I don’t think I’ve seen Bill since the good old days at Willy. Next time Bill, send a bit of info for the quarterly update.

Mike FRICANO, just across the street with the 375th, keeps me informed on the whereabouts of our “fast movers.” General-select Kevin CHILTON is the new 45th Space Wing commander at Patrick while General-select Kelvin COPPOCK is replacing Kevin at Peterson. Meanwhile, Harrison FREER is enroute back to the Pentagon, certainly a break from the hectic pace in Germany. Steve HEINZ and family have relinquished the 60-plus-hour workweek for a new life serving the ministry in Harvest Fields, PA. Steve, Kay, and family are still exceptionally busy, but at the same time thrilled with the new direction their lives have taken. Bill “The Un-Lucky” DUNN has relocated within Florida, a private airstrip is now his doorstep. The Dunn family traveled extensively last year, Lake Tahoe and Alaska were just two of the destinations. Bill continues to fly privately and his vitreoretinal practice continues to flourish. Remember Bill, there are only 24 hours in a day, regardless of level of activity. As for the rest of the Scott gang, Terry WILLIAMS just enjoys his new role keeping our comm capabilities up to par, Bob VAUGHN is “coasting” with the good life at OSA, Matt MARTORANO is keeping the airspace above the base safe as the OG, while Greg BRICKER has finalized all ofhis retirement requirements as he finishes final outprocessing. Our bestwishes to Greg and Mary!

Well that’s all the news from the wild and wonderful Midwest. Let’s keep it safe out there; Pam and I hope that everyone has a tremendous summer. If you’re in the area, please give us a call or come on by (there’s no need to be afraid of our “attack” Lab). Also, please feel free to reference our class web site, and by the way, I have a new e-mail address at home: evw76@aol.com. Take Care... ERNIE

John J “Lou” Michels, Jr.

5107 Juglan Court Centreville, VA 22020

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

Fax: (703) 712-5050

E-Mail: jjmichel@mwbb.com

Percent members: 40

wONWATCH: I am taking advantage of a torrential downpour that has cancelled my son’s two soccer games this afternoon to write our latest news bulletin. Once again, I have waited to the last minute and this time I am glad I did. Three days earlier, the 0-6 list came out, along with a flurry of messages from many ofyou.

POPPIN’ COLONELS: Bless guys like Joe NIEMEYER (Louise) for his detailing the class’s colonel selection group. I went through the listing once and missed about six people that Joe picked up. Here’s the list: Dean ALLRED (Karol); Alex ARNISTA (Gaylene); “Barney” BALLINGER (Gay); Slam BELLAMY (Lorraine); Jim

BROOKS (Sammie); Jim CHAMBERLIN; Bob CIOLA; A1 COFFMAN (Lee); Ed CONNOLLY; Ricky COSBY; Dave CRAFTON (Karen); John DAY (Stephanie); Kurt DITTMER; George DORAN (Kathy); A1 EVANS (Debbie); Gerry EVANS; Greg FLIERL (Beth); Bill FLOYD (Samantha); Herb FORET (Terri); John FOUSER (Lynda); Mario GARZA (Beverly); Chuck GILL (Judy); Greg GROSS (Elizabeth); Mike HAINSEY (Brenda); Charlie HALE (Kathleen); Dave HARRIS (Martha); John HERD (Mindy); Bill HERZOG; Tim HOPPER (MaryAnn); Ron KENNEDY (Karen); Jim LAMB (Sue); Dave LAWTON (Susan); Tim MALONE (Lee); Ken MENZIE (Cindy); Ray MICHAEL (Ray and I lined up next to each other in every single alphabetical ordering during our doolie year); Bryon MILLS (Mary Ellen); Rich MURRAY (Peggy); Joe and Louise their own selves; Jeff OLINGER (Nancy); Steve PETERSEN (Margaret); Eric REFFETT (Lori); Jim RENNIE (Debra); Mike ROGERS (Simone); John ROLL (Kimberly); Bob SARNOSKI (Janet); Jim SEAT (Debra); Mike SELVA (Karen); Larry SHAFER (Cassie); RoySYKES; Mike STANLEY (Sandy);AndyTAWNEY (Joan); Randy VIEIRA (Jane); A1 VOGEL (Nancy); Art WACHDORF (Lorrae); John WATKINS; and DaveWRIGHT (Lynn). You have read the exploits ofmany ofthese folks recounted in these very pages. For some others, this is the first time I have had occasion to mention their name in 20 years. My sincerest congratulations and the congratulations to the rest of the class to all ofyou and all of those who are wearing or will pin on colonel’s eagles now. Which leads me to:

BEACH PARTY, PART I: Jay and Susan FAWCETT hosted a get-together at their place down in lovely Mary Ester during one of my trips to the Special Ops School at Hurlburt. As part ofmy never-endingeffort to confuse active-dutytypes, I teach Russian history and culture and an assessment of the current political scene, all in two and a half hours. Popularly known as “Russian History, Culture and an Assessment ofthe Current Political Scene in 2 Vz Hours”, the program leads offthe week. Jay and Rick NEWTON (Kathy) set this litde fiesta up on relatively short notice. A measure oftheir success is reflected in the enclosed picture, taken shortiy afterJay ran off to the airport and abandoned Susan to the hostess job.

In attendance, Jay (only for a short period) and Susan, Rick and Kathy, Mark and Patti LINDSLEY, Mark and Kathy SHACKELFORD, Rick and Joanne PERRAULT, and Scott and Mary Pat SAMPSON. In the photo, Susan is pointing to a picture of Jay just so that nobody identifies her with any of the other men in this motley collection. I had a thoroughly wonderful evening with all of these good people. I took enoughphotos during the evening to sustain my column for the next year, so don’t be surprised if they keep showing up. Jay and Rick N. work for SAIC on the beach, Rick P is the ABW CC at Eglin, and Scott is at the test group. Mark and Patti are now headed to Georgia where he will hook-up with Mouse NEUMEISTER (Martha). Together (Mark as wing commander and Mouse the ops group commander) they will be running the JSTARS unit at Robbins.

Sonia and I had dinner with Steve and Ingrid SCHWALBE in February. Ingrid put together a wonderful five-course dinner which we all thoroughly enjoyed. I had a wonderful eveningwith both ofthem. Steve is at DIA in preparation to head to Amman in the attache business.

YOUASKED FORPROOF, ETC.: HeavyWITTMAN (Betsy) fired off a book about life at Proctor & Gamble. Steve successfully manages sales strategy and planning for P&G’s Fabric and Home Care business unit, but what is even more remarkable is that he and Betsy claim to have all their hair and eight children. Steve sends along this photo as proof, but I think he probablyjust corralled some kids standing on the sidewalk outside the photo studio for this.

Nonetheless, a veryhandsome family. Steve notes that Lee MONSON (Julie) isVP of sales for Boeing’s business jet division out of Seattle, Howie DONAHOE (Debbie) is with U.S. Airways in Pittsburgh, John CHRIST (Louise) is flying for TWA Express out ofSt. Louis followingretirement, Dave and Christine EPPLEY are in Dallaswhere Daveflies forAmerican (andhavingjust sent theirfirst offto college), Pete and Sharon VORHOLT are in Louisville flying for UPS and BobVENDLEY (Nancy) is in Charlotte with U.S. Airways. Heavy’s smiling visage appears regularly in Checkpoints as an inducement to go to work for P & G. I can’t think oftoo many people I would rather work for than Steve, under any circumstances.

INTERESTING JOBS DEPARTMENT: I told Mark SHACKELFORD that I envied his job at Eglin, where he basically mns the weapons center and gets to watch everything blow up. Doug BEASON (Cindy) is also playing with fire, literally. Doug is the deputy director for the Directed EnergyDepartment at Kirdand, working under the aegis of the AF Research Lab. Doug dryly notes in his e-mail that he has all the laser, high-power microwave, and other, “more exotic”, weapons research for the services down in Albuquerque. I would love to knowwhat is more exotic than what he has described, but he then went on to note that although things like phasers and photontorpedoes have been around in the movies for awhile, they are now starting to become a reality. Do the people at Roswell know about this, Doug? When he is not charging particle beams, Doug is working on a new book about USAFA and occasionally running into Dave DIMIDUKwho is also down at the lab. All the best Doug and thanks for the news.

Joe BAUMGARTNER (Patricia) dropped me a quick note from SanAntonio where he reports thattheyjustreturned from a NewMexico ski trip. Doug saw FelixGARCIA and reported that he is still doing well for Delta. Also from deep in the heart of Texas, JeffTOMLIN (Jong Sun) reported in from Randolph where he is in logistics at 19th A.E He reports seeing Van PERRY, who is the chief of dermatology at Wilford Hall.

Mark CASTELLANI (Susan) said “hi” from Denver where he is flying for United on the Airbus. Mark is living next door to Tom SPRATT (Leslie), another United driver. Mark reports that Dan MCNEIL (Donna) just retired from the Buckley T-43 Guard unit and is out in Littleton. Mark also bumps into Chip LAMB (Trish) and Bruce PENNINGTON (Monica), both American pilot types out of Dallas and Miami, respectively. Mark noted that he has been making up for all the time out of Colorado over the last winter bygoingskiing 16 times this season. Talk about tempting fate! I get to the top ofthe hill and all ofthose physics equations start coming back to me; you know, the ones involving mass and acceleration. Thanks for all the news, Mark.

Bobby CLEGG (Sheri) and Bob DONNELLY (Diana) have both been sitting at the Command Rescue Shop at Langley for the last two years. Bobby reports that Frank WALLACE (Jackie) and Skip BALANCIERE are both pushingjets with Fed-Ex while Jim McREYNOLDS (Dottie) is also locked up in Langley. Rob GASTON (Barbara) is headed out ofWyoming and back to Maxwell in the ROTC business. At least you’ll get to see some green again, Rob. Dan DUNN (Sherry) is in the D.C. area working for GRC and consulting at the Pentagon. Dan notes that his son, Matt, is at the University ofthe Arts in Philly and majoring in animation and film production, and selling work to the Cartoon Network. Given that Pentagon situations often reminded me ofHuckleberryHound, I wonder ifMatt could find a customer there? Kevin GARRISON (Margie) retired last October and works in defense contracting to try to clear up Y2K problems at DOD. And, Curt and Terri TAYLOR left the D.C. area when Terri finished her AFIT stint at Maryland. She is cltief of nursing education at Randolph while Curt is working at the InfoWarfare Center at Kelly. As my Russian friends say, “all according to plan”; Terri was supposed to get a follow-on in the D.C. area and Curt was planning to go to work for some beltway bandit.

Duff MUIR (Mary), fresh from defaming his fellow pilots at United, reported that he had a couple of interesting flights to Hong Kong and New Delhi while occasionally bumping into the likes of Scott SCHOFIELD (Bev) and Dave McKENNY up in Denver. Scott is the commander of the C-21 Reserve unit at Peterson while Dave flies 747s for United. Thanks for the Rocky Mountain heads-up, Duff. Ina BEDKE wrote that she and Curt are settled in atVance where Curt is heading-up the training wing. Finally, Paul PIROG dropped me a message from his SJA job at WrightPatterson. He and Mary are settled in and Paul sees a few people around the hallways. His message scared the living daylights out of me in the one regardmy email window cut off the last word on one line where Paul talked about people he knew who had been selected for jurors on upcoming courts-martial. What I read was that Franz DeWILLIS “was selected as a court-martial”. I quickly pulled the entire message down to read that he had been selected as a juror and not as the guest of honor. I guess congratulations are in order, Franz.

OFFWATCH: Time to close this out. Many thanks to those ofyou who wrote and again my congrats to all ofthe colonels and colonel-selects. Be seeing you.

Greg “Kais” Kaiser

595 Lake Shore Drive 1

Columbus, MS 39701

Home: (601) 329-4533

Work: (601) 434-2781 or DSN 742-2781

E-mail: kais@crawdat.com .m

Percent members: 39

Sayhello to the newguy... Hello @#$%A&*!, Sit down!...and write for the GREAT class of ’78. Oh great ones, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to my replacement as our next scribe. OK, hold down thenoise, the applause, and thegood riddance cat calls from the back.

T. J. “Bahaska” Whitehair 1205 Southview Drive O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 632-1423

E-mail: Bahaska@intertek.net

He was not bribed, blackmailed, coerced, or even drugged by anyone to take

over this job. As a matter of fact, I spent a lot of money at the reunion last fall buying drinks for some poor unsuspecting soul... kind oflike K-Bob did me a few years back... all, to no avail. However, T.J. jumped at the invitation when I put “out the call” last fall in the article. I’ve enjoyed my time as the scribe, but as often times is the case, it’s time for “new blood” and a change.

T.J., aka Bahaska (and, he’ll have to tell you that story), was in CS-25 back in our leaner, meaner, more handsome days. Back then, he was also known as Longhair. I’m not sure why because all cadet hairs were within regs... right? Anyhow, “Bahaska, you da man!”

Am I having a mid-life crisis or what... Actually, I blame Rob and Paula REHWALDT for my next bit of news. After seeing and talking to them at the reunion, I, the very conservative, country boy, easy-going, Gregory L. Kaiser, have decided to buy a motorcycle! Couldn’t have one when I was growing up (not that I ever did... grow up that is), couldn’t have one as a cadet (at least that anyone knew about), was discouraged from having one going through pilottraining or as a new, precious AF resource after pilot training (can’t have our pilots killing themselves now can we), and didn’t much think about it after a long period of time. However, Rob and Paula reawakened my yearning to get a motorcycle. I’ve tried about everything else on the face of this earth... why not a motorcycle? So, I’m the owner of a new Honda Shadow Spirit. Rob, it’s not a Harley, but it looks an awful lot like one, costs a lot less, and I’ll bet it’ll walk away from your “hog” hands down! Now, I just have to learn to ride the damn thing!

Yes, there are still 78 people out there alive and well. .David NORRIS and Scott “Ferg” FERGUSON are working for Microsoftand have been for several years. Dave said Ferghad recendyretired (Dave, is that like retired retired?) and was now spending time with the family and playing squash. Hey, either of you guys know that fella, Bill Gates? He wouldn’t need a good pilot would he? I guess Ferg is best known as “the father ofVisual Basic,” and his last product was Photodraw. Probably explains how he retired at a little over 40. Ferg, perhaps you need a pilot? Dave’s an architect for Microsoft Electronics - Handheld PC, Palm-Size PC, and Auto PC, and he’s been with the company nearly 15 years. OK, one of you two guys has to own an airplane! Ferg’s retired, and Dave has a Lamborghini! Actually, both are paragliding fanatics (advanced) and paraglide in such places as the Swiss Alps and Mexico. Maybe I’ll do that next after the motorcycle? JimARNOLD is still lookin’ for work. He e-mailed me, “Kais, lookin’ for work... interested in the scribe job, if it will feed a family of four.” I e-mailed back, “Jim, you’ll all starve to death.” Hang in there, Jim, and keep “heatin’ those bushes.”

Amy KEOHANE (most definitely the better half of our classmate, Tom) sent a note, and take my breath away, PICTURES from the reunion! My breath quickly returned once I looked at the pictures and gasped at the likes of the characters captured on film!

The Original “Bam Stormin’ 23” Banner

Some ofthe ’78 Barn Stormin’23Misfits! Standing: Sam Therrien, Dave “Roach” Roetzel, Ken “Koke"Baier, Tom “TVK”Keohane, Don “Rupert”Laumann, Mike “Cat” Cadin, and Chuck “Stool”Brininstool. Kneeling: Steve “Kato”Hepfer, Jim “Harpo” Grupp, Tom “Czach”Czachor, and Gary“Hooges”Hughes.

The onlything that worried me, and should have worried the rest ofthe population in the Academy and Colorado Springs area, were the people who weren’t in thepicture, like Sal “Wop” GRANDE, Ben “Henry” TROEMEL, and Kevin KREGEL. Those guys unaccounted for used to spell trouble with a capital “T!” Just kidding... that’s Sal in the top photo sittin’ on his very stealthy HumVee. Also, Amy said she could say nothing but good about Ben. He was their houseguest for the seven weeks he was going through DC-9 training with Northwest. She said he only threw up on the carpet once. Ben, that’s much better than the once or twice a week that you used to do here at Columbus. Someday, he’ll get over that “delayed airsickness” that seems to follow imbibing several “medicinal” beverages. Kevin wasn’t at the reunion because he’s preparing for his next mission into space Sept ’99. Golly Kevin, don’t those NASA guys ever let you take a break and have a little fun with us earthly people?

Over... and definitely not out... Talked on the phone briefly with K-Bob and Sig NELSON. K-Bob and the herd will be in sunny New Mexico by the time you read this. He’s going to fly them stealthyplanes called F-117’s. He said he had talked to Steve “Goldy” GOLDFEIN and that Goldy was headed to the Washington DC area to be an aide or exec to the Air Force Chiefof Staff, General Ryan. K-Bob also said he was going to send me some more gouge on a bunch ofother folks; however, I’m pretty sure HRH (aka Miss Elbe) probably has the K-Bob busy packing boxes or keeping the K-Herd busywhile she prepares them for theirjourneywestward. Sig called, and of course, we solved all the world’s problems. He’s still flying forAmerican and doing “the Guard thing.” He even enrolled in AirWar College. Now that’s some serious Guard stuff! Careful Sig, you get too smart and the Guard will kick you out!

OK, I’ve got to close this article and get to work. It’s been a real pleasure doing the scribe duty for the past couple ofyears. Thanks for all your inputs and please support “Bahaska” as well as you’ve supported me.

Don’t know what I’ll do when “I grow up.” Whether it’s the airlines, corporate flying, civilian instruction, military sim instruction, or crop dusting... you can bet on one thing, I’ll be happy and have a smile on my face should you see me in the days ahead... even if, I bust my ass on that motorcycle! KAIS.

John R. Dallas, Jr.

11048 Candlelight Ln

Dallas, TX 75229-3953

Home: (708) 352-0360

E-mail: JDallas@arsm.af.mil

Percent members: 42

snap

frI’m once again in Sao Paulo, Brazil on an AAL layover, and time has come to get this newsletter finished. Thanks for all who e-mailed/wrote/called/spoke to me with news - you’ve made this duty easy once again. It’s probablyJune as you read this, but keep in mind that it is March as I write. I have quite a few classmates to update you on and a few words about the 20th reunion, so sit back, read, and enjoy. Can you believe that 24 years ago on a bright, sunny 6 Jun 75,1,464 young men got offbuses at the Bring Me Men ramp and started their AF journey ? What memory do you have of that day? I was from Little Rock, Arkansas. Had only been to five states my entire life. Had only been in an airplane once. I got offthe bus having never seen a mountain. I’m looking around for what must have been one head turn, when suddenly two goons are in my face yelling some unintelligible nonsense at me aboutwho knows what. Welcome to theAF, Mr Dallas. What do you remember most ? USAFA hasn’t seen another class quite like ours - the Class of 1979.

Let’s get down to business. As I read Air Force Magazine, Air Force Times, Code One Magazine, and any other publication dealing with the A.F./ANG/Reserves, I’m always looking for a familiar name or face. As has happened once again, I found an article on our very own Mike BRILL (Hill AFB Res) who in Aug 98 became the first pilot to amass more than 4,000 hrs in the F-16. That’s a lot of sorties. Mike is the Ops O of the 466FS @ Hill. Congrats, Mike. In the Sep issue of AFA Mag, I saw a photo of Col Mike BOOEN (credited as director of Airborne Laser Sys Program at Kirtkland) briefing a U.S. Congressman on the program. He looked like he knewwhat he was talking about! For those like me who have been working on AirWar College by correspondence, lay blame on our very own Harry COLLINS for the material you’ve had to wade thru. Harry has been the NonResident Studies D.O. for awhile, but is to PCS to KC-135S at Offutt this summer. He says that life is good in Alabama with his 18-year-old off to college next fall. He hopes to make the 20th since he missed #10 with a TDY. On the AWC best seller reading list, Steve LEPPER authored a testable AWC lesson. Steve is a militaryjudge for the Eastern Circuit ofthe AF Trial Judiciary at BollingAFB. He travels a lot but hopes to get to Colorado for the reunion.

I visited with John DUHAMEL last summer at Eielson when I was there for Cope Thunder. Dewey was the deputy LG, and he has recently retired. The cold got to him and Kathy as they decided to stay and homestead in North Pole, AK! On 19 Jan, I talked with him - weather was -32° F there; +75° F at DFW. Says the invite is open to all who want to visit.

I ran into KorkyVON KESSEL in Dec on an AAL flight from COS to DFW. Korky is Gen Oelstrom’s (AFA superintendent) exec. They were off on some boondoggle with their golf clubs I think. Mike MURAKAMI is the AMC Readiness Inspection Branch chief at Scott AFB. He’s in charge of SORTs and readiness assessment. Don SCHERBINSKE is at Travis where he’s the deputy group CC. Passes on that he retires soon, taking terminal leave on 9 May, moving to Monument, CO onto two acres facing Pike’s Peak. Ed LEMELIN is flying corporate for Frito Lay Corp out ofAddison Airport in far north Dallas. He is still sickeningly in great shape. I asked his secret, but he wouldn’t tell. Around the AAL campus, I see Rich NEEDS (S80 CA), Kelly CAGLIA (S80 CA), Ed CHILDERS (7671 F/O), Greg SVESKA (S80 CA), and Dave KIMMEL (S80 F/O) the most often. By this printing, Greg and wife,

Brenda, should have their #1 child at home (due in April). Congrats. Life will change once again.

Let me get to some of the Christmas cards and letters I received so I can pass along newsworthy items. Thanks to all who have put me on their list. Of all that I received, the one from Mike ENGLEBRECHT (DAL 7671 F/O) had to be the most original. Mike sent a “fill in the blank” letter describing his 1998 year in review. The reader had to add the adjectives, verbs, and nouns where appropriate. Hilarious. Thanks, Mike. Tru EYRE (DAL MD88 F/O and F-16s CO ANG) wrote espousing the greatness of the Broncos. It saddens my heart to think that the NFL has sunk so low! Now I have to hear about them again anotheryear. It sounds as ifhe and Debi are into Harleys. Ken IMPELLIZZERI is still into boats and traveling. He’s now a 727 CA w/ Delta. Walt WRIGHT wrote from beautiful Cannon AFB where in June 98, he and Ingrid celebrated their 19th anniversary, and he became the 524FS CC. Twenty-seven jets and 320 men and women, plus families. Walt says that dealing with these Generation Xers is a chore!

The Wright Family

Jammer MOORE still flies 727s for UPS, lives in Louisville, and it appears he and Pattie are kicking tails on the tennis courts. Jammer’s also pulling side duty at XORFC in D.C. - Combat Force Reqs. Chuck FRANCESCHI and the clan are still in Denver where he works for Ciber Corp. He writes that the choir he sings with will perform for the Pope at theVatican in Dec 99. I am envious! He and Laura took a cruise recently, and they met the parents of Steve MATHEWS (AAL 727 CA). Small world. Steve and girlfriend Caroline still homestead in a high rise on the beach in Hollywood, FL. I visited with them a few months back, and they are doing great. No weddingplans in sight. Randy MEYER gives up his 27th Ops Support Sqdn CC job this June at Cannon and is off to the Pentagon next. He now has one less landing than take-off - he ejected from an F-16D on 4 Dec 98 but is okay. Thank goodness. John SUSALLA (NWA 757 F/O) writes that all is well in Detroit. He and Kathy took a ski trip last March with Mike GLENN (NWA DC-9 CA), but are planning on some hot fim for the next vacation. They both survived the NWA strikegood job. Mike still calls San Antonio home, but bought a place in Minneapolis where he’s based.

Last summer I flew to Phoenix and had lunch with my old roommate Steve WHEELESS. Steve is lawyering for a big firm there, and wife, Vicki, and two kids love the desert life. He still looks fit, and after all these years he finally bought me lunch! Randy FULLHART is the Ops Group CC at RAF Mildenhall flying KC-135s. With all the places the U.S. is involved, Randy is one busy commander. Jan-Marc JOUAS is the Ops Group CC at Spangdahlem AB, GE flying F- 16s. Hopes to make the reunion, but too early to tell. MarkTURBERVILLE finally shows up on planet Earth as he e-mails me from cold, distant Alaska. Mark is 11AF Chief of Safety at Elmendorf, and he and Patricia love it. As he wrote, “Alaska is a cool place.” Pretty astute, Mark. Bald eagles in the neighborhood, moose on base, andyear-old Caitlin at home. Mark, my ticket has been bought! I’m on my way. Bill JACKSON writes from Dallas where he’s working for Acclivus Corp, a consulting company for Fortune 500 folks. His current contract is w/ EDS, Ericsson, and GTE. He travels a lot and hopes to get to COS in Oct. Walt DAVIDSON relocated to New Hampshire awhile back where he works for the MIT Lincoln Library doing “air defense related work.” That’s a non-profit research outfit, and he flies Gulfstream IIs that carry sensors for evaluation.

Pat GERDEMANN sent a great update on his CS-05 mates. Living in Albuquerque, he flies UH-1N and HH-60 choppers as an IE He and Lynn’s oldestjust gradu-

ated high school and has enlisted in the New Mexico ANG, hoping to get picked to fly F- 16s with the Taco Guard. He’s off to Univ ofNew Mexico while the ANG pays part of his tuition. He passes on that: Dave FALLON (DAL 727 CA) lives in COS. Dan HOIDA is also at Kirtland where he works in the AF Operational Test and Eval Center (AFOTEC). Ken WAVERING is at Scott AFB working for the Transportation Command. Pat says he believes that Ken “rides in the caboose of a train to make sure the wheels don’t fall offany ofthe boxcars.” DonVANCE is also at Scott and is Ken’s boss. Pat says that that makes Don the train’s engineer. Greg BRUNDIDGE is at Langley and works in communications for ACC. J.T. CALVIN is at the Pentagon doing who knows what. Mark STEARNES will soon take over as Ops Group CC at McGuire while flying KC-lOs and C-141s. Andy KRASKA is at Pete Field with Space Commandworking for the IG. Mark CERISE is also at Pete Field as he writes and develops software. Pat says that Mark is one of those Y2K bug fighters. Ernie HUDSPETH (AAL) flies out of DFW. Jim FLICKINGER (UAL) lives in Indianapolis. Joe FALZONE is an Ops O (Training Support Sqdn) flying HH-60G choppers at Kirtland. Wayne PEPIN is a Sqdn CC at Pope AFB flying A- 10s. Greg GOMEZ is at the Johnson Space Center in Houston as an AF liaison type. He’s the proud dad of a two-year-old girl. Fred VAN WICKLIN is at Barksdale AFB. Pat relays that Fred and wife, Ginny, now have a newborn girl born in Feb 99. Warren SNOWworks at the White House Comm Agency, as he travels w/ the Pres. What comm and with whom does he set up comm with could be an interesting question to ask! Retirement is planned this summer. Pat, thanks for taking the time to write and good job tracking down the whereabouts of all of CS-05! I hope the son gets that UPT slot.

Other e-mail updates: Wes MILLER writes that he’s with UPS flying 727s as an F/ O. He relays that Steve FRANKLIN flies DC-8s as a captain with UPS and that John O’NEIL is a UPS management pilot. Rick BERKEBILE wrote that he’s chiefofCommand Security for USSTRACOM at Oflutt. Arrived in Jun 98 fromTinker and bought a place in Papillion, NE. Sounds like retirement at 21 years is the plan. John CARPENTER retired inAug 97 and now works as a contracts manager for an aerospace company. He’s also doing consulting work on a DO Energy project that will fuse nuclear waste and glass together. Wow! He and wife, Holly, will redo their vows at the AFA Chapel during the reunion. Mike LEGGETT and I have conversed long distance as Mike is presendy in Saudi at EskanVillage as the JTF-SWA Dir of Combat Ops for OSW. (Hopefully he’s back by now.) He helped plan Operation Desert Fox. Says that joint ops is incredible - had 30 AF, Navy,Army, and Brits working for him. Neil SCHOON wrote that he retires on 30 Jun (taking family to Germany to celebrate) from AF Space Command where he has been chief ofthe requirements support branch in the Space Control Mission Team. He’s busy getting his resume updated and is ready to become a military contractor. Wife, Dawn, and two sons are proud of dad and his career. It seems that Neil had major back surgery in Sep 97, so his softball and skiing career is done, but there is still golf!Theywant to stay in COS as they are active in the cadet sponsorship program. Thanks for writing, Neil and Dawn. I appreciate the updates. Congratulations, good luck, and see you in Oct!!

Late Input. Bob EDMONDS became only the second active-duty puke to command an ANG Wing. He is now the 131FW/CC at St. Louis, MO for the MOANG. Contrats! Does this make Bob our firstWing King? John GOLDEN is a neonatologist at Tacoma General Hospital. He had spent the last three years in Landstuhl, Germanyalongwith Craighton CHIN. Greg SMITHjust retired at the 20-yearpoint

his last stop was the Pentagon.

Reunion Info. Hopefully by now I’m not telling you anything new. You should have been contacted already. Mark REID (AFA Computer Science Dept) (reidmd.dfcs@usafa.af.mil) has volunteered to chair the reunion committee, and his committee has been working hard since late ‘98. Mark says though that there is still plenty of room for volunteers Real briefly: Thurs, 13 Oct thru Sun, 17 Oct are the dates. Activities each day are planned. AFA vs Utah that Saturday at Falcon Stadium. The Marriott Hotel is our “base” for the weekend. See you there!

That’s all I have. I hope you have enjoyed catching up on some of our ‘79 classmates. Thanks to all who have kept in touch and that replied to my desperation email request. You are why LCWB is the Greatest! Next up is Brian Koechel: 3714 241 st Court SE, Issaquah WA 98029, (425) 557-1025 or Bkoechel@aol.com. John “J.R.” Dallas.

Don Myers R O. Box 8998 -

Kodiak, AK 99615

Work: (907) 487-5591

DSN: 317-487-5591

Home: (907) 486-1098

E-mail: DonKathMyers@worldnet.att.net

Percent members: 42

Before I begin, as those of you who are with me on e-mail already know, Dave FITE died in a KC-135 crash near the Netherlands on 13 Jan. I have Kay’s address if you would like to contact her (it isn’t in the Register). Trey STACKMAN wrote that a memorial (Pegasus Paver Project) is being established in Dave’s honor in conjunction with the AOG. The Pegasus statue is in front of Doolitde Hall and solid granite pavers memorializing individuals are placed concentrically around the statue. Two pavers have been chosen to read “Maj Dave Fite, Class of 1980, 141 st WA ANG, KC-135 pilot, Jan 13 1999 Germany. The cost of the memorial is $500. All donations are tax deductible. The AOG will return to donors a receipt for your 1999 tax records and Kay Fite and family will be given a list of the names of donors, but not the amount of each donation. July 30 is the deadline to have the pavers ordered and installed by the October Homecoming Memorial Ceremony. Donations should be mailed to Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475, for the David Fite memorial. Feel free to contact Gary Howe at 719-472-0300 with any questions.

Very Old News (this means Christmas leftovers). Awhile back, Jim (Shelley+5)

EASLER found out he was going to be a father again when Shelley had a serious fall on her inline skates. After the birth of Rachael, all is almost back to normal, except for Jim’s job with Raytheon moving from Dallas to Tucson. Their perspective seems healthy as they “give thanks for His many blessings (sometimes disguised as surprises).” George (Nadine+2) MADSON is still with the E-4 (B747) command & control squadron at Offutt. He’s done more than bore circles in the sky as he’s been able to take Madeline Albright and SECDEF Cohen overseas, ineluding Moscow where he toured Red Square and the Kremlin. “This spring will mark 20 years in the AF for George. He plans to spend another couple years in the military and then ‘retire’ and let Nadine support the family.”

The Madson familyaround the hearth■

As I updated you not long ago on the Chuck (Net+4) MILLIGANs, I won’t repeat myself. However, their annual missive talked of “Rounding out the family circle, we now have five ferrets (Kaboodle, Starr, Tillie, Bonnie, and Clyde) and still have Snowball and Max, our American Eskimo dogs. Add to that the two turtles that we got in Korea, two tanks of fish (55 gallons+), and the two lizards and one checkered garter snake that Harry caught, and you can see that it’s quite lively in the Milligan household!”

The Milligan clan (just the human segment).

Sue KOHUT earned an Intel Career Assignment Program position at the Joint Command & ControlWarfare Centerin SanAntonio and has completed bothACOT and ACSC as a civilian. Her son David is smokin’ second grade. Sue’s MS caught up to her a bit this year and has affected her right side - but not enough to stop her from riding bikes with her son “when it’s cool, and to swim (no skiing yet like I’d hoped, but maybe someday).” Carrie (BANWELL) (Brian ’79+2) KOECHEL continued legitimate bragging rights on the two young track stars in their house. Carrie is still with Scitor near Seattle.

More Visual Effects (pictures). Mo VACCARO finally got around to sending a picture of her 0-6 pinning, complete with her children. She included a snapshot of23 ’80 grads at/near the Pentagon. It was too small to show up here (but I’ll save it for the 20th reunion).

Mo with Joshua, Laura and Zachary on "Eagle Day".

Diane JUHAS tells us she “separated from the AF in ’92 (took the incentive) and moved to Albuquerque to work for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico as the quality consultant (TQM). I’ve since transitioned into organizational development and human resources. I love New Mexico and the green chili is addicting.” She lives in the foothills and enjoys all the outdoor stuff. Being on the board of directors for the city’s QualityNetwork, she was able to get Sue HELMS to speak at their anniversary breakfast. Speaking of Sue, I had only an electronic picture of her at a Russian winter survival school, but now have a hard copy to print here. You can see what SERE might look like not too far from Moscow.

OurSuekeeping the makeshifthomefires burning.

E-mail updates: Mark (Meschell+3) MILOCIA lives near McChord AFB. He worked for the Tacoma Goodwill Industries after the AF, got involved in local politics, was a water and sewer commissioner, and recently won an election as State Rep. His excuse for missing the reunion in ’90 was that he’d “just separated and was unemployed and looking for work.” I hope overemployment won’t stop you this time, Mark! Terri MEYER (Bob RANCK ’82), a lifelong intel officer, “came to D.C. from being an AOC; wonderful experience and the cadets are great,” but she didn’t have as high marks for what went on outside of the cadets. In D.C., she moved around a couple ofjobs and “ended up on the Joint Staff as protocol for the Chairman ofthe Joint Chiefs of Staff. Don’t have any experience in protocol but it seems to take hard work and common sense, so it’s working out fine. Just finished being the project officer for the Russian Chief of the General Staffvery odd experience for a career intel officer to take the Russian general into Cheyenne Mountain for briefings by CINCSPACE!”

Like many of us, Arnie FLORES is looking forward to the 2000 reunion and has been keeping up with you through these articles over the years. He’s “still on acfive duty as a logistician (specifically, aircraft maintenance) and had previous assignments at Laughlin, Dover, Rhein-Main, Pope, Fort Dix, and now I’m here at Andrews as the 89 AGS/CC.” Sounds like good assignments from this vantage point.

Students. Dave GRUBER hails us from AWC. “The school’s ‘good deals’ are the international trips. The entire class will deploy to the four corners ofthe world for two weeks. I got one ofthe better trips. We’re heading to Bangkokfirst, then northern Thailand. We’ll travel to Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and then over to Singapore. The ‘bad deal’ from the school is beginning to weigh on everyone. We have to write a 20-30 page thesis in order to graduate. The dumb paper is keeping many of us, but not all, from the golf course.” What you won’t do for love of country. Anyway, Dave will head back to Hickam to command the comm sq. He notes Fred CHENEY will command the OSS at Wheeler after school and since “our sons are in the same grade, the same school, and the same Scout troop we know that both boys are looking forward to the move.” Lorrie (MORSE+3) and Ted KRESGE are likely PCSing to another F-15 base as Ted’s finishing AWC. Lorrie left the AF in ’92, to a higher calling, “after the birth of our first daughter, Diana, and am a proud stay-at-home mom.”

If summer brings you feelings of romance, then Italy must punctuate those thoughts. And Rich HARRIS is enjoying NATO Defense College in Rome after being the OSS commander at lovely Prince Sultan Air Base. In Saudi, Rich did a bang-up job and was personally decorated by SECDEF for his work in DESERT FOX as well as earning more official kudos for flying F-16s into Iraq. He’s been flying “the ‘Viper’ [what happened to ‘Fighting Falcon’?] for 17 years now... over 2,900 hours in the jet.” Let’s see, that’s 2,231 sorties ofthe 1.3-hour variety-from my perspective, that’s a lot of time in the air without a chance to eat a box lunch, Rich! Jeff SHIVNEN, at ICAF at Ft. McNair, DC, writes, "The school is great, the hours even better, but I’m too old for this homework thing.” He was previously an F-15 SQ/CC ofthe 2FS at Tyndall. He’s attending with Mike CARDENAS and noted John DOBBINS, Craig PRICE, and Allison (HILSMAN) (Rob ’78+3) HICKEY, ANG are across the street at NWC. Speaking of Allison, she wrote that she is “the one ‘allowed’ Air Guard Body here at the NWC. Couldn’t figure out how to fly the KC10 to parts unknown and still have my kids and husband recognize me after long deployments. Rob is an airline guy (American) and in the MDANG as the logistics group commander. We relocated to northernVirginia when I was offered a job at the Guard Bureau.”

Tidbits. After a one-year vacation to Osan in ’97, Jim KINZER was allowed to return to the Poly Sci department at the Zoo. “They let me come back to my old job (and even my old office) after the remote. I also fly the Mighty TG-7 Terrazzo Falcon.” Dan BLOEMER has been working as a computer network administrator for a contractor at Eglin, where his wife was stationed, for the last seven years

while furloughed at US Airways (and you thought the airline life was all joy). He’s now back in the cockpit and flying out of Baltimore. While at Eglin he went back to school, “Unfortunately, they don’t pay you any more to fly airplanes ifyou have an MBA.”

The “Big 4-0.” Some did it in a large way. Peggy (WALKER) and Chris CUELLAR met four other couples in Cancun for the turning-of-the-four-decade-clock bash. The order of the photo, by couple, is: Bob (Teri) SAJEVIC, Chris and Peggy, Keith and Kathy (JOHNSON) ODEGARD, Fred and Kathy (UTLEY) KORNAHRENS, and Dave and Deb (WILCOCK) ZIEBART.

Agreat-lookingbunch of“old-timers."

Reach Out XV. Nothing on the last batch, although this deadline is before you get your magazine. This quarter’s names of hardly-heard-from folks: Steven W. NACHTWEY, John E. MUSKO, Craig F. MURRAY, Mathew D. MULHERN, Joseph MOTZ, Dionisio MORALES. Standing by for updates.

Enjoy your summer. Be safe. And God bless. 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

HPP7

Congratulations to the two ‘81ers who appeared on the latest BTZ list - Scott COALE and Jay SANTEE. Jayorganized a lunch meeting for classmates in the D.C. area. RowdyYATES took a break from his job on the Joint Staff and stoppedby, as did Nancy (RHOADES) INNSPRUCKER. Nancy has finished her first of two years as the National Reconnaissance Office Chair, teaching graduate courses at the Joint Military Intelligence College at Bolling AFB. Lauri CROSS is on the Joint Staff. X STREETER is working as a liaison officer from SAF/AQ to public affairs. X is on his way to a remote at Camp Red Cloud this summer. Fred STEWART, who is out of the AF and working for a defense contractor that supports intel collection activities, also joined the group. Lansen CONLEY is on the Chief’s Staff Group. Since Freddie and Lance were in the same doolie squadron as Jay was, CS-15 won the “most in attendance” award. DerkWYBENGA also showed up. Derkgotouta few years back, worked as a contractor, then moved back into the government as a civil servant. Alberto PEREZ-VERGARA was also there. Alberto left active duty in ‘86 and entered the Coast Guard - he’s now working at CG Headquarters in acquisition.

Got an e-mail from Bruce STARK, who is the lead F-22 PEM in SAF/AQ. He and his wife, Diane, who has a greatjob as a sales rep with Gatorade, have been in D.C. for a year and a half. Bruce recently had lunch with TomTOMARAS, who was TDY from Dyess AFB, where Tom’s a B-1B pilot. Terry SZANTO, currently at ICAF, is going to a joint political/military job at SHAPE in Belgium. Tom MASIELLO is going back to Eglin, where Tom is going to be the Test Squadron CC flying the F16. If everything goes as planned - and when does that ever happen? Greg BISCONE will stay in theWashington area after NationalWar College and work on the J-8 Staff. Michelle JOHNSON and her husband, John, have a joint spouse assignment to Altus. John will be in a simulator training detachment at Altus to avoid “chain of command” problems since Michelle will be taking over the Ops Group next Spring. Marvin FISHER is back in D.C. after three years as the CE CC at Aviano. Marvin says that Eric GARVIN is back in the D.C. area, too, and Eric and his family are doing well. Marvin will be heading to PACAF/CE Staff after finishing ICAF. After having little opportunity to playgolfin Italy, Marvin’s looking forward to plenty of golf, beach and sunshine in Hawaii. Chet NOWAK saw Johnny ADKISSON in Klamath Falls OR. Johnny now flies F-15’s for the Air Guard after many hours and years of flying the F-16 on active duty and in the ANG. He is the 173FW Ops Group CC.

Dave VANDERBURGH is living in Alaska, finishing up a tour at the 3rd Medical Group, ElmendorfAFB as chiefofRadiology. He and his wife, Rhonda, have seven children. A block party he had at his house this past summer had a surprise guest - DannyWYMAN, who was there visiting one of Dave’s neighbors. Danny is the Squadron CC of Flight Medicine in Okinawa, and is BTZ for 0-6. While TDY to Misawa this past January, Dave thought he’d try out some racquetball and play anyone who was hanging around. Turns out the guywho showed up was TJ HASTY. (Dave didn’t tell me who won.) TJ is in Misawa as a JAG officer, on his way to a mainland job. Sean MURPHY is off to Washington, DC in June. He’s going to the AF Medical Operations Agency at Bolling, where he’ll be the pediatric consultant to the surgeon general. Bill SNEEDERhas one more quarter to go at Johns Hopkins University, then it’s off to Brooks in June for two years to complete the Aerospace Medicine Residency.

Rob YOHO left Spangdahlem last September, where he’d been the 52d Aerospace Medicine Squadron CC for the previous three years. He PCSd to Brooks, where he is now the chief, Flight Medicine Branch at the Aeromedical Consultation Service. Since he evaluates aircrew that typically have significant disqualifying medical problems, he’s really glad not to have run into any classmates there. Rob and his wife recently had dinner with Rob’s longtime (they not only were roommates for three years, they kept the same room!) Academy roommate Tod ANDERSON and his family (Martha and kids). Tod is at Altus. Rob also saw Dave TAYLOR over at Randolph, where Dave’s a T-38 IP. Mike REIDY sent the sad news that he lost his wife to Lou Gehrig’s disease just a few years ago. Mike went from being a B-52 instructor electronic warfare officer at Castle AFB to being an ALO. Wanting to be in the thick of any action that might happen, he volunteered for the 82nd Airborne. It was only after getting orders to Fort Bragg to be an ALO with an airborne infantrybrigade in the 82nd Division that he remembered how much he’d hated his five jumps as a cadet at Ft Benning. Poor timing on his part, huh? He did two years as a brigade ALO, did a tour in Bosnia and when he got back, became an ALO to the 18th Airborne Corps, also at Ft Bragg. He’s made 75 jumps and been to Kuwait three times. Terry LUST is finishing up an ALO tour with the same unit Mike was in when he got there four years ago.

Mike KUKIJLSKI is flying A-10s at Pope. Mike ROSS is a first vice president and portfolio manager with Salomon Smith Barney. He’s seen lots of his CS-29 buddies in the last eight months. Mike BRUSEULAS (Bru) took an early retirement option last year and is now working as a network engineer in Northern Virginia.

Timmy MCCLAIN is a pilot for World Airways, also living in suburban D.C. Mike managed to track down Neal BAUMGARTNER, who is finishing up his AF days working out of Brooks. He has a Ph.D. in something like physical stress studies where he works with all branches ofthe services. Blane (Doc) HOOK flying in a C130 unit at Kadena and just announced the birth of children numbers four and five...twins. Russ DEFUSCO is here at USAFA, teaching in the biology department. Russ is among the leading world experts in bird strikes, an expertise in demand worldwide. Zane SHANKLIN is in Alaska and a civil engineer.

Rick ALDRICH just moved from Japan where he was the deputy staff JA at Kadena. While there, he got to visit the Japanese Supreme Court, where he and a friend were treated royally, and also got a chance to climb Mount Fuji. He’s now in Houston pursuing a computer law LL.M. under an AF JAG program, then he’ll be heading to D.C. to work as the deputy staff JA for HQ AFOSI, where he’ll help providelegal advice on pursuing informationwarriors, information terrorists and cybercriminals.

Steve BRUNHAVER is assuming command of the 6th Airlift Squadron at McGuire, where he’s been the DO for the last six months. Here’s a photo of Steve and his family.

The Branhaver Family

Steve had a beer a while back with Rick MARTIN at Altus, where Rick was the CC for the 57th Airlift Squadron. Rick’s moved on to Harvard on a fellowship for SSS. John BRUNDERMAN is the 437 OSS CC at Charleston. John RHEINHEIMER is working with Tim WALLENDER at DirecTV in El Segundo, CA. Tim has set up a small company to do project management/scheduling. Tim and John, who are both certified financial planners, also have their own financial planning businesses. George CRAIG is a full timer in the Washington State Air National Guard. He’s the Det CC of the 116th Air Support Ops Sq at Camp Murray. Mike ARENSMEYER is in the Idaho Air Guard.

Since the last time I saw him, about 10 years ago, Jim SHAFFER has been through Kirtland, done a second tour at Hurlburt, and is now at NAS Patuxent River, where he’s the test director for the V-22. The V-22 is the tiltrotor, hovers like a helicopter and converts to an airplane at around C-130 speed. Jim’s been there a little over a year and mentioned that Mike BEARD is there, too. Mike’s in the V-22 Program Office and on the way to be the AF Det CC at the V-22 joint schoolhouse at MCAS New River, NC. Jim’s only side comment is that we all made the right choice 20+ years ago...the Navy is...different. Keith KECK was kind enough to send the postAWC assignments for ‘81ers down in Montgomery. Karen (BONIEWICZ) TORRES is going to become the 375 AirliftWing Ops Group CC at Scott, and Ray TORRES is going to be the TRANSCOM/J-3 there. Bill MCCLURE will be in the Satcom Integration Office at DISA in Washington D.C., Juan MORENO will be in RC-135s at Offutt, and Keith is going to KC-135s at MacDill.

Kevin LIGHT and his wife, Patrice, are building a new home at the north edge of the Black Forest. Kevin flew F- 16s active duty and again in the Colorado Air Guard and is flying for Delta. Sounds as if the Class of ’81 is running things at Moody -

Steve (Pounder) RUEHL has been CC of the 70 FS, which is part ofthe 347th Wing, since last August. He and his wife, Mary, who retired from active duty a couple of years ago, have been at Moody since Oct 97, following a remote by Steve to Osan. Steve e-mailed me enough information about the 347th I could probably pass a PME exam. I even know the wing’s motto, which will no doubt win me big prize money in a trivia game someday! Mike BUCK is Chief ofWing Plans. Mike’s been at Moody for about a year, after a one-year remote to Osan. Ops Officer in the 68 FS, flying F-16CGs, that are LANTIRN equipped and primary LGB bomb droppers, is Andy MORGAN. Also flying the F-16CG are Lennie COLEMAN, CC of the 69 FS and Rick SPRADLIN, who is an asst ops officer. Paul FULTON left his job as the 75 FS ops officer in early March ofthis year, when he PCSd to Nellis, where he is the A-10 Division CC at the Weapons School. Chuck SCHNEIDER moved up from 23 FG/XP to be the ops officer ofthe 75th. Finally, JoeWOOD, who is already an 0-6, is moving to Pope to be the 23 Fighter Group CC. Steve recendy heard from Randy PETERSON, who is the commander of the OSS at Hill, and Kurt NEUBAUER, who is an ops officer of one of the fighter squadrons at Hill.

A request - when you change your e-mail addresses, please info me. Thanks.

Jim Ratti

5301 Palo Verde Dr. Edwards, CA 93523-2405

Home: (661) 258-8280/DSN: 527-7782

rattijm@mindspring.com

http://www.usafa82.org

Percent members: 36

Hello again!

The deadline’s here again, and I’m on the road once more, this time doing a Pacific Rim tour which includesAlaska, Korea, Japan, Guam, and Hawaii. I learned of the deadline after I’d already left home, so most of my normal resources for writing the column are still back there. So if I miss including any news you might have sent me via snail mail, you’ll understand, and you’ll read about it in the next column! And as I read back over theWinter article, I realized I should never try to do math in public. Ifyou knowwhat I’m talking about, accept my congratulations on your astute powers of observation. If you’re clueless, never mind - it wasn’t important anyway!

The colonel’s list just came out, and I recognized Barb FAULKENBERRY, Bob OTTO, and Zan VAUTRINOT as Redtags who’ve been picked up below the zone. Congratulations! Speaking of early bloomers, I had the pleasure of being the bus driver for Dave FADOK as he accompanied Gen Shelton (CJCS) on a trip to London, Brussels, Warsaw and Tuzla in March. Dave is one of the Pentagon’s resident experts on Belgium and NATO issues, and was along as one of Gen Shelton’s action officers. Dave was on last year’s colonel’s list and should be pinned on by the time you read this.

Darleen (AVERY) SOBOTA sent an e-mail from Dayton where she and her ’80 VMI grad husband Mark have settled for the time being. Mark is the brother of David (USAFA ’82) and Richard SOBOTA (USAFA ’83), and is working at HQAFMC/ AQ. Darleen is no longer on active or Reserve duty, but manages to stay quite busy volunteering at her boys’ (2nd and 3rd graders) school, teaching computers and reading. She’s also a Cub Scout den leader, a sports chauffeur, a volunteer with a local jail ministry, as well as a regular at her church’s weekly bible study. So much for the myth of separating and taking it easy!

Dave “Haggy” HAGGINBOTHOM updated me on his whereabouts. He’s now at Sheppard AFB with the 89th Flying Training Squadron. Dave had arguably the smallest, if not most personal 0-5 pin-on ceremony of any of us, performing the deed at 0001 hours, 1 Jan 99 in his room at the Quality Inn in Knoxville TN during his family’s return from Christmas leave in Pennsylvania. He said he wasn’t sure which excited his daughters more, pinning on the new rank, or getting to stay up past midnight. In either case, Haggy says the silver leaves are a nice complement to his silver hair, which is coincidentally falling like leaves. I know the feeling all too well, Dave... Haggy’s also in search of anyone who might have “dirtypurples” for AWC by correspondence. If you know of any, or of a web page where they might be available, please contact Dave at 89ftssecl@sheppard.af.mil.

Ken SCHREIBER dropped a note wondering if anyone had an e-mail address for Pete CANTWELL. If you know how to get in touch with Pete, give Ken a holler at kschreiber@cleary-gull.com.

Marianne CAFIERO YOUNG sent an update to tell me she’s now at Hickam, working on the USCINCPAC/J6 Staff. She says her husband Brian (’81) and children Nathaniel 14, Rachel 12, and Madeline all love it in Hawaii. Marianne attended the pin-on ceremony for Mike CZARNIAK and Greg DAVIS in December. Both are with PACOM too.

Eddie MCALLISTER sent a nice newsy note from his post at the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA) J3, where he’s the director of the Airlift Coordination Cell. He was over there on a 90-dayrotation, but should be back at his “dayjob” in SAF/AQ at the Pentagon as you read this. He’s responsible for all the AETC airplane acquisition and upgrade programs, such as the JPATS/T-6, T-38C avionics upgrade, and the T-1 and T-3. Eddie was part of the IG team that investigated the T-3, along with Eddie “Chunks” CABRERA, who was working in AF/TE (Pentagon again) at the time. Chunks has since graduated to F-16s in Korea.

While in SWA, Eddie Mac ran into a few of our classmates. Gene MORABITO was Force Protection chiefofoperations. RickBURGESS rotated down from USAFE in his F-16 and worked in the Guidance Apportionment and Targeting shop planning the air war and writing air tasking orders. Ever the athlete, Rick was the star of the J3 softball team. Phil HAMANN was at A1 KARJ (Prince Sultan Air Base) as the commander of the 363 Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. I got to eat breakfast with Phil the morning after my crew and I made an emergency divert into PSAB with the CSAF and the CMSAF on board. We’d had a total hydraulic failure on our way from Riyadh to Mildenhall, and the long runway, excellent weather, and plen-

tiful maintenance at PSAB made a potentially eventful landing almost routine. Phil was up flying a proficiencysortie that night, and wisely decided to land ahead of us before we closed the runway. It was fun seeing Phil for the first time since 2 Jun 82, catching up and reminiscing. Eddie Mac also ran into Jim “JB” BROWN and Phil MAHON. Both deploy frequendy to the sandbox from HQ CENTAF at Shaw as tensions rise and fall.

Jan GRONERT sent an e-mail change of address indicating she’s at Mildenhall, but she didn’t say what her job is there.

And finally, Jim “Elwood” PILLAR checked in from Kadena where he’s the ADO ofthe 12th FS. Jim hadjust returned from Turkeywhere he and a few other Redtags had been giving Saddam his latest portion ofgrief. James “Boston” BALDWIN and Will HAAS worked with Jim on the Combined ForcesAir Component commander’s staff. PaulACKERMAN, also an ADO, showed up with his Lakenheath F-15 squadron near the end ofJim’s tour.

So here ends another installment of “What’s Newwith ‘82”. I hope all ofyou are safe and happy, looking forward to those summer vacations or summer moves. Keep the updates coming! Ratman.

Jon Duresky

739 Carol Ann Drive

O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-0412

E-mail: JeffDure@AOL.Com

Percent members: 39

Hey Classmates!

I scratched my head trying to get those creative juices flowing so I could write this article. Now I need to brush 10 gray hairs off my keyboard and my hairline receded some more. Here we are, wallowing in our very late 30s, or early 40s for you real oldsters; we’re becoming our parents, and we need to “warm up” before pulling the starting rope on the lawnmower so we don’t pull a muscle! I have no clue how that relates to the class news, but I just wanted to throw a few cheery thoughts your way on this fine day in May!

Enough of my rhyming. I tried to write a poem in a Christmas letter one year and got skewered in my reviews. So without the fanfare, here are the comings and goings of a few of our brethren.

Houseguests of the Year Award goes to John and Monica ZAZWORSKY. They were unopposed, however. No other classmates came calling. John, Monica, two kids and a dog stopped in on their way to Altus for C-17 training. Great visit. No one spilled beer, diapers, or dog droppings. Their final destination - Charleston AFB. LtCol Zaz should be in charge by now, for you return-to-fly types wanting a job. Mail resume and money early!

Proud Papa Award goes to Dave LEIBBRAND, with clarification. After inheriting a family by way of marriage, he and Sindy kept practicing, and now have a babe oftheir own. Young Sam is not wearing his hockey skates in this picture, but Dave assures me that day is coming. USAFA 2021, varsity hockey; it doesn’t get any better!

The Leibbrands (Keenan, Sindy, Sam, Dave and Whitney) displaying the feet of the USAFA 2021 hockey team captain.

Prognostication Award: to Jerry VARNER. Predicted the Broncos to win another Super Bowl. Big hairy deal. Can I still stay at your house when I come to Colorado Springs, Jerry? Or maybe we’ll drop in on Eli and spill red wine on his white carpet? Say “Two’s in” if that’s a go!

We all can’t get awards, and the Checkpoints editor always says my columns are too long, so time to just list a little: Robert GREGOR, still in Kentucky with UPS; Ray BLUST still in WestVirginia with American. Both report life is good “down in the holler.” Please send both of them shoes.

A few folks makingAndrews AFB home: BillyWALKER, soon to be Sq/CC ofthe 1st Helicopter Squadron (he may not know it yet, but Jerry Varner said it was so, and with his track record with the Broncos, who will tell him he’s wrong?). Jim ROBINSON is back for another tour in the VC-137 and flying the Vice President (as in the #2 guy, not the “President of Vice”). Mark MANNEY and Chris LIGGETT

are also flying the DVs. Dan BRUNSKOLE is an Andrews part-timer. He goes there to fly a “good deal” trip as AMC/DOV whenever Nancy, his wife, and his job out here at Scott AFB let him get away. Dan and Nancy are enjoyingraising their three kids, and the diaper stage is nearly a memory. (Sell your Huggies stock now.) Dan reports that his former office chum, Dan WEEKES, has unchained himself from the desk at AMC/DOV at Scott AFB and is back in the C-141 at McGuire.

While we’re talking Scott, I ran into GeoffWELLS the other day. As we later telephonically interacted, he says he’s working in XR saving the MobilityWorld. Ably assisted byHans PETRY. Hans has an identity crisis. His RegisterofGraduates info still has him as a UPT stud at Columbus AFB. Now with a wife, Carla, and three kids, I know he can’t still be in Mississippi. And these guys run the Mobility Planning shop?

Lots of other classmates are here at Scott. Kim BENTLER is a Reservist, in the TACC. We even had adjacent desks for a while, which led to a few “remember when” stories during those few seconds when the phone wasn’t ringing. Mavis (THORPE) and Vince COMPAGNO are also in the TACC. Vince is a Delta 767 FO and part-time AF; Mavis has a real job as a contingency planner. Two kids and a live-in nanny make their house complete. Ben BEESON and Bubba MCILWAIN both recendy escaped the TACC jungle. Ben is a staffer at Hickam (I hope you get sunburned and sand in uncomfortable places) and Bubba went back to the mighty C-130 Hercules. Both are happy as clams at an oyster bake. Susan (LUEKEN) SCWEISS departed the fix, too. She left for Peterson AFB in the Springs. Jerry and I will take her along when we go inaugurate Eli’s carpet.

Bill CHANGOSE and Rich BURKE also call the heartland home. I see both of them at church. Bill is alreadywearing LtCol. He should be dropping the most in that collection basket. I also hear that Randy MCCANNE is at Scott, although I haven’t seen him. He works in the world of computers, but I also hear he has four kids, so that is his real job.

I have more awards to give out! The first annual Makes me TiredjustWatching Award, to Chris MOULTON, unanimously. I dropped by the gym and saw this blur ofsinew, bone, and muscle running stairs. It was Chris! I jokinglysaid, “Have you done 100 yet?” He replied, “That set makes 122.” I kid you not. I turned and left the premises, went home, and popped in my new “Body of Blubber” video, drank a diet Coke, and ate some Ben and Jerry’s.

When not humiliating we mortals, Chris writes speeches for generals, and throws a decent party. Actually, his wife, Bi, does that. He just takes the credit.

The “I Spent All of My Doctor’s Specialty Pay on a House and Can’t Afford a Comb” Award recipient is the future astronaut Eli POWELL. Pictured here on the staircase of a mansion they’re building in Monument, CO are the color-coordinated Powell’s. Eli is a team doctor for Academy sports teams. He’s your new ticket connection for USAFA. If Eli ever gives up doctoring, he should go into writing. His account of his PCS/move/house made me laugh so hard I nearly pulled a gut muscle. Now I even have to “warm up” to read my mail.

Eli, Judy, Elisha and Sara Powell

The I’m Smarter ThanYou Award goes to Brad GUTIERREZ. Soon to be Doctor Brad, he is. He’s somewhere in California getting an AF-sponsored Ph.D.. That’ll probably commit him to another 10 years, so let’s re-evaluate those smarts.

I want an award, too, and since I’m the author, who’s to stop me? I give myself the I’m Getting Out of Dodge Award. Scott AFB cannot hold me anymore. The siren song ofthe beautiful beaches ofAbilene, Texas and DyessAFB was too strong, so it’s back to the C-130. I’ll be halfway through requal by the time you read this, and living in Texas bythe summer’s end. That’sjust in case anyone out therewanted to make a run at Zazworsky’s “Houseguest” award. You are welcome to do so, but need to make the trip to west Texas to see me. We’ll eat some Bar-B-Que, go to the rodeo, and watch the tumbleweeds blow by. I’m excited, though. Any day in the air beats the stuffing out of any day behind a desk. You don’t really appreciate your toys until they are taken away.

Now to announce the coveted Helping OutA Classmate Award. This year’s winner is Pat FROST. He’s my sponsor at Dyess! (He’s starting his second tour there because he liked it so much the first time.) Not only did he get me new flight suits, gloves, boots, patches, scarves, headset, Dash one, etc., but he mailed all that to me, and it didn’t come C.O.D. I owe him about 20 bucks. I’m looking forward to thanking him in person, bringing Jerry and Eli along, and spilling white wine on his red carpet. I have to get mission ready again, you know.

As I close on this year’s Bohica Awards Night, I realized that I almost left someone out. How could I forget Chip “McGwire” KOZAK? Chip warms a chair and an occasional cockpit as a Reservist at McConnell AFB in Wichita, KS. Not only did he call me twice, just to chat, but offered great advice in a letter. Chip knew that I have been out of the cockpit for a while, and he sent this sage comment: “Re-

member, pull back and the houses get smaller.” Ever the IR Chip is the hand’sdown winner ofthe “Mr. Obvious” Award. Keep the advice flowing, Chip. I might have forgotten more about flying than I thought.

And there you have it! Keep those cards and letters coming so I can chronicle your rise up the ladder of success - AF, civilian, or both, for you true strivers. In the meantime, send stuff to Ray BLUST at 149 South Park St.,Wheeling, VW260035924. E-mail: 104055.444@compuserve.com He’ll forward it to the next scribe. It’s been nice chattingwith y’all; next time it’ll be in myTexas drawl! (IfY2K doesn’t “glitch us back to the stone age!”)

Make backup computer files; checksix; aim for “# oftakeoffs # oflandings;”and check the gear in the green before landing. Your bud, Jon Duresky.

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

1-800-GO-AFA-GO /(719) 481-4646

E-mail: jens@usafa.com

Home page:www.us-afa.com/84

Percent members: 31

ipfwIt is a wonderful day surrounding Camp USAFA. For those ofyou who have not had the opportunity to come back to Colorado Springs very often - it is a great place to visit and a lot has changed. Besides it just being better on this side ofthe fence, the Academy has been goingthrough a bunch of improvements, especially in the Athletic Department. If you are ever here, even if it is for a short TDY, or layover, please give me a call at 338-3570 (local).

I do not know ifthese computers are supposed to make it easier for us to stay in touch; then why is it the amount ofinformation seems to be going down. (Maybe my memory!) For those ofyou who have helped to stay in touch, THANKYOU! I really enjoyworking for you in this capacity and running into you in airports, etc. In fact, I just ran into Jim KELLY at Dallas-Ft. Worth. He has been with American for about eightyears now. Still wears a blue uniform quite well. In fact most ofthe American flight crew are on the slim side, but I haven’t heard nor seen Jay CHARMELLA since he has been married and word has it he has a lovely home on a golf course in the Dallas area. A big thank you to Brett MAYHEWwho continues to put in and update the e-mail addresses. I am sure it takes a lot of his time, and I can’t tell you how much his help has meant to me - because I would never get past the “H” in HTML. For those of you who are tired of changing your e-mail addresses due to various prices provided by ISPs, I would like to recommend using an e-mail-forwarding device like YAHOO, or Juno. I use MilMafl.com, and it has worked verywell with no “spamming” and some good filters to avoid the junk mails. Ifyou have any questions about getting something like that set up, do not hesitate to call, write, e-mail, fax or send a smoke signal in my direction, and I will get back to you.

PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: By the time you read this, the football season will be just around the corner. There will be some great away games, such as the University ofWashington, Navy, New Mexico, CSU, San Diego State, and BYU. After the great season last year, I hope it has renewed some interest in attending the games, especially when they are in your area! Bob THOMAS has already agreed to help with the Navy game, and I know we will have an AFA tailgate there. If you know of other events which will be happening in your area, please let me know. I would like to have a bulletin board set up to our class page so we can keep up with each other in that regard, as well as use it for our own personal networking, etc. Now that it is in print - we will have to make it happen!

SUMMER IS A TIME FOR MOVING! Jeff and Brenda FOLLANSBEE have gotten an assignment to Germany this summer. They will be in Stuttgart, and I know their boys Clark and Blake will have a great time over there. Jeff is already salivating over the thought of having “so viel bier zu trinken.” Brenda is already working on her German - it is soooo cute with a Texas drawl! Good luck to you guys! Just got a note from Carol PUGH, who just completed her United interview and is awaiting the results. Good luck! Victor HAYNES was seen by me at DIA; no, he did not call while he was in town, but I caught him. He is flying 777s with United out of Miami, and just built a “big house” down there. His wife, Denise, and children Taylor and Victor are having a great time down there. Got a note from Doi HECKLER, who has some wonderful restaurants in Houston, named Nit Noi Thai. Although I have yet to make it down there, Jim KALIAMOS says the food is fantastic. Doi has, however, turned down the job as chef at Mitches, so no change there for a while. I tracked down Joe HERRON who is filling all the squares in his joint staff duty at USACOM-JWFC Ft. Monroe, VA. He is TDY a bunch to the Middle East. (Nowadays who isn’t!) He and Leslie have two boys, Craig and Cody. He did have time to tell me that John WEIGAND got married last summer, and was able to attend. Duff and Kara (HAYES) MCELLIGOTT were there as well as Steve NAFTZGER. Joe also works with Jim HOWARD who is down the hall as the JEMP III PM. Mark GILLOTT, not yet recovered from his “Oscar snub” for his role in the Truman Show, left ACSC for Osan. Besides flying Vipers, he is trying to hook up with Jackie Chan in a new film, the autobiography of Waldo Dumbsquat! Which brings me to - have you seen the new site of the DoDo at edodo.com, I just looked at it and it definitely brings back some memories. A word of cautionit is “free speech” at its finest, and completely uncensored. Do you remember the lady at Arnold Hall who said, “cursing is the crutch ofthe linguistic cripple”? Well she would flip over the DoDo.

MORE UPDATES: Bob THOMAS, mentioned earlier, got an assignment to Dover, flying C-5s; he seemed rather happy to be leaving the Pentagon. Rich CALL, and his wife, Ana, are expecting their third child this August. He flies for UPS. Bob PERRY separated the AF on 1 March and works with Raytheon; wife, Lori, received orders from AFIT to get her English Ph.D. with a follow-on to USAFA. Anybody

have a date for Matt JOHNSON? Word has it he is rolling in the money, living in Europe, keeping the “Euro” afloat. Mike BRENNAN is at USACOM and sent me a great update on the following: Mark CHANCE: seen at Langleyworking on the F22 procurement program at HQ ACC. Mike BENEVENTO: the hopeless Oriole fan, who does keep me well informed with Falcon Football e-mail, is living inVermont. Steve SADLER: living out here in Colorado working for a technology company. John PETERSON: John and Karen are out in Arizona, and John still does his reserve duty at L.A. AFB.

Photo of the new millenium! I did not send the early version of this newsletter to Doug APPLEGATE, the proud father, shown here, in fear of death by boogabooga. Since he is still rather large, and located here in Colorado Springs, my fears are well founded. Doug and his wife, Cindy, were blessed with the birth of daughter, Paige, on Jan 2,1999. The exact date I had predicted! I knew theywould not need the tax write-off. In fact, my son Noah lovinglyrefers to his Godfather as “my rich Uncle Doug.” When Doug is not pummeling me in the weight room, or flying for Delta, he will be seen jet-setting around Europe and Canada this summer with Cindy and Paige.

Doug and Paige Applegate

I saw Sean PAVLICH at DFW. He flies for American and has a wonderful family with three kids, living in Parker, CO. He also flies F- 16s in the Buckleyguard. Luke SIMCIK has been found! Luke teaches at a college in California, and travels the world. Jeff BURUM lives in the Springs and is a CPA and financial planner. Got a message from Roger BOWER who got out in Aug of ‘96 while stationed at USSTRATCOM in Omaha working officer assignments for J6. He was picked up by a contractor, Sterling Software there, and worked eight months on porting the Air Force’s Satellite Data Handling System to a UNIX platform, before he found a job in Colorado Springs with MCI. He is working as a tester for their telemarketing warehouse system. He and his wife, Robin, built a house in the once-small town of Falcon on an acre. Scott STECKEL and his wife, Sheila, have been living in Columbus, Ohio since leaving active USAF in Sept of 1992. “Sheila works for Bank One in the HR arena while I own a Pest Control company local to central Ohio. Currently no children, but we hope to soon, our current parenting is a lively Shetland puppy named Chelsea.”

AT THF. BI JZZF.R: I have started to send out this article electronicallyright after I get it written, so everyone can have an advanced copy of my work, and also to stimulate some extra ideas and discussion. It was great to get a bunch of extra responses right at the time when I needed to get the article in. THANKYOU! Our Navy Reservist (they drew the short straw) Richard BRADSHAW after 2 1/2 weeks aboard the USS Mount Whitney as an intelligence officer for JTFEX-99, without question knows he made the right decision to go active duty AF!

Mark MAVITY got us a great update: He is finishing the combined USAF Residency in Aerospace and Preventive Medicine at Brooks this summer. After three long years ofacademic medicine, he will be going back to the ops world on a oneyear remote to Kunsan, as the chief of Aerospace Medicine for the Wolfpack. Worked a rotation with American Airlines Medical Department this past winter and ran into some folks while traveling with the company. Dillon (McFly) MCFARLAND is flying 727s to feed the family while he stays sane flying Vipers with the Utah Reserves at Hill. Talked with Rob (Mumbles) POLUMBO while I was going through Miami. He’s enjoying the experiences of being a new dad and flying full time with the Viper Reserves at Homestead. Charlie (Hoss) HEATH is flyingAT-38s with the 435 FTS at Randolph. Ran into Jack (Kanga) ROOSA and Delise McFARLANE on the kids’ soccer fields in SanAntonio. Kanga runs theAETCweapons shop at Randolph and Delise works with the Reserves at Kellywhen not chasing her young ones. Garrett (Turbo) THOMPSON was at Randolph flying white jets. Ralph (Data) PHILLIPS was in town doing the T-38 PIT course. He separated from Cannon and is now a Reserve T-38 IP at Vance, and a financial consultant. Occasionally also runs into Bill BENINATI and Kevin LANG, two ofthe exceptionally large-brained doctors working across town at Wilford Hall. Joe WISEMAN also hangs out in that neck ofthe woods, impersonating a plastic surgeon. Thanks Mark.

Rich MILLIKEN just learned he will take command of the C-21 unit at WrightPatterson, 47 ALF. He was the operations officer for the unit. His family includes wife, Elizabeth, and my girls Lauren, Lindsey, and Shannon. Elizabeth works on the civil service side of the house for the AF Research Lab as a program manager. Rich talked with Jeff JACOBSON (38 Sq) who got out of the AF last spring and is flying KC-135S for the Chicago, soon to be at Scott AFB, Guard. Kevan WONG is back in the States after three years in “the wet” England, and is settled in as the chief ofAnesthesia at hot, sunny, and dry Las Vegas (sounds much happier).

Robin (BOYD) SPELLS is currently an independent contractor in the IS field currently under assignment with Edison Mission Energy. Has two wonderful children, a son age eight (Xavier) and a daughter seven (Porscha). Has been married for eight years (going on nine) to husband, Greg. She has recentlybeen in contact with Grady and Carol ELLIOT and keeps in contact with Joe CALDERON who is recruiting her to be the first civilian ALO in the Inland Empire in Southern California. It seems that Marcel SMITH will be coming back to Moreno Valley, CA soon and the three of us, Joe, Marcel and I, will be back together again. They graduated together, went to Prep School together, went to the Academy together, and nowwill be ALOs together. How’s that for going full circle? Thanks Robin! In addition, of course, no update would be complete without me paying hornage to Tom and PollyWILSON, who always have an open door, and free mealwhen I am in Dallas. They have three beautiful girls: Haley, Marah andTatum. That is all I have to say at this time. I know I have forgotten something, or somebody - but that is what next issue is for. Until then, hook yourselfinto our home page and get re-involved with your friends from the class of ’84! Jens

PS. To help me, and make life easier on both ofus, look into getting a permanent email address!! Of course I know there may be a couple ofyou trying to avoid me. Have a great day!

Quintel Williams

2585 Deliverance Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918-1333

Home: (719) 599-7782

DSN: 692-6163

E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com

Percent members: 32

Hi everyone!

wLet me start offby thanking everyone who sent me news for this class article. I really appreciate your input because without it, this would be a reallyboring column. Also, you’re keeping things neat and orderly between our class and the Checkpoints staff. However, occasionally (as in this case), a column is sent direedy to the AOG from another writer. Both the editor and I request that anyone in our class with news on themselves or other classmates should send the information to me at the address listed above - not directly to the AOG.

Mark RANDOLPH sent a Christmas card but it came after the last article’s deadline. So please join me now in congratulating the RANDOLPH family. Mark and Melba had a son, Melia, just before the holidays. He’s added a lot ofjoy to their lives and made Marissa into a proud big sister.

Matt BRIDGERS also sent a Christmas card that came after the last article’s deadline. Congratulations are in order for him and his wife since they should have their anniversary around this time. Matt and Paula live in Denver, CO where Matt works for MCI,

David (Dave) S. NISSEN sent the following e-mail: “Maria (SHELLABARGER), our two daughters (10 and 6), and I stayed near LangleyVA when I left the AF last year. Maria left the AF through the VSI/SSB in ‘92. Now she works inside sales at a PellaWindow store and also as a Red Cross case worker. One of our reasons for staying in this area is her heavy involvement in Girl Scouts with her troop and supporting our daughters’ Girl Scout activities.

“Consistent with my usual luck, I missed early retirement by three months and could not wiggle any extension, waiver, anything to make it happen. It’s probably for the better anyway. I took the lump-sum severance pay and bought a commercial cleaning franchise. In eight months, I’m up to 20 employees and nine clients. Working too hard and enjoying it. Only slow down enough to attend every one ofmy daughters’ soccer games and school events. Sure beats being gone too much of the time on deployments. If I had the retirement check, I probably would have settled for being (in) a government contractor job.

“I got an e-mail from Joe McBREARTY too. He’s flying for FedEx in Memphis/ AF Reserves at Columbus AFB. I also got an e-mail from Chevalier (Chevy) P CLEAVES. He’s a major on active duty, serving as a flight commander, at McConnell AFB. Dave.”

I (scribe) also got an e-mail from RayHARRIS: “I somehowaccidentallystumbled onto the USAFAWeb Site and thence theAOGWeb Site and looked up the “scribes”. And I found your name and e-mail address. I thought I’d give this a try. Howzit goin’ for you? I am having the time of my life! I have the best job... computer programming. At least it’s the best to me. You wouldn’t happen to have... or know where there is... a global list of all the e-mail addresses for the class of ’85 would you?

“I seem to be a confirmed bachelor. I guess that would be a long story. I’m content, but a bunch of folks I hang out with keep trying to tell me that I need to get hitched. And it seems that the ones telling me that are all women. I suspect a conspiracy. (I referred him to the AOG Register ofGraduates to help find some classmates e-mail addresses.) Yup, I do have it, but it just seems that e-mail addresses are scant. At the 10th reunion, folks gave me business cards, and a couple weeks later I sent out a “general” e-mail just to say “hi” but I got “undeliverable” messages back on all ofthem. Strange. Oh well. I’ll try to digthrough the Register and find the ones I was wanting, and maybe yack at you again for the rest (ifyou have them)

‘A friend of mine is moving out to Denver the beginning ofApril to take a new

job as a programmer. She’s gonna love it. I love Colorado, and so does she. They know how to deal with snow there. In Missouri, we have massive pileups ifthere’s even a dusting of snow. It’s kind of silly. Hey... take care! I’ll yack at you again soon! Ray.”

Additionally, Craig HALL sent an e-mail: “How have you been? I saw your name listed as our class’s scribe so I thought I’d send you a quick update about me and a few other grad classmates. I’m currently at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX serving as operations officer in the 364th Training Squadron. Basically I’m in charge of all training for Comptroller, Telecommunications, Aircraft Electrical & Environmental Systems and Hydraulic Systems apprentice courses. This whole technical training business is quite an eye-opener and it’s really been a great assignment. I am still married to the same wonderful woman (Jeannette) since 31 May 85 and our son is 10 years old. I’ll be leaving this summer for ACSC so I’ll stay in touch from Maxwell.

“Kenny WELDON is currently at the Pentagon as a CE staff officer but will be PCSing here to Sheppard. Kenny and Carrie have been married for almost as long as us and they have two kids; a set oftwins who are just adorable. I think they are nine years old now. We got together in Maryland a few years ago after not seeing each other for seven-eight years and it was great to get caught up.

“We heard from Chris and Robbie DAVIS last month and they are doing great. Both got out in early ‘90s and have been regular old civilians since then. They recendy moved to Austin, TX where Chris is designingbuildings (don’t know company name) and Robbie is working for Dell Computers in the Laptop Division. They have four children (daughter, a pair of twins, and a son) and they are all doing great. That’s about it from here. Have a great day. Craig.”

Wanda WRIGHT sent an e-mail too: “hi quintel, sorry for all the little letters, i am typing left handed and it is hard to capitalize, i am right handed, i happen to be using my left hand because I am feeding my six-week-old daughter, i have been extremelybusy this past year. I graduated from the university of arizona in may (98) with a second masters, i studied public administration, i started air command and staff college in august and will be complete in aug ‘99. right now i am a communications officer at the 162nd fighterwing in tucson, az. i am a fulltime guardsman (AGR). I really enjoy working there. I have a son tyler who is three and of course the newest addition to the family is Jordyn. I haven’t kept in touch with anyone except Denise (SENN) GILLIAN, she and her husband, Steve, (‘84 grad) are in tampa, fl. she is stationed at macdill and he flies for united, they are being transferred to D.C. this summer. I have tried to keep in touch with philecia HARRIS and danielle HARGROVE but time flies and I hear from them only at Christmas. I heard from Susan BESSILIEU. she has moved back to south Carolina were she is from, she is either going to medical school or getting a masters in nursing. She is currentlyworking in ER at a hospital in Columbia, sc. well that is all for now, take care. Wanda.”

Here’s an announcement fortheAOG’s RampartChapter (Colorado Springs area). They’re still looking for class representatives to help spread the word (byphone or e-mail) on what’s going on with the local chapter of the AOG. Let me know if you’re interested. I’ll pass your info along to the right people

It’s been real. It’s been fun. Please keep the news rolling in. Until next time. God bless.

(Editor’s note: We also received an inputdirectlyfrom Shelly(Ginder) Grady Per Quintel’srequestabove,please sendyourclass information directly to him.)

Where, oh where has Jackie gone? Oh where, oh where can she be? I’ve heard tell that Jackie CHARSAGUA is hiding out in Omaha, but where is my Christmas card? She leaves her post as class scribe and quits writing entirely! Just kidding. This woman still sends my children birthday cards besides being the busy major and mommy. Del and Beth CHRISTMAN are still in Deutschland, where Del flies the AWACS for NATO. He gets to stay home a whole lot more in this job, which is a blessing to Beth and their three children. Bill and Carol CASTILLO are also still in Europe and if memory serves me correctly, they recently PCSd from Ramstein to a base in England. Their son Chad must be about three now. Seems like once folks get to Europe, they never want to come home! I just heard from Bob and Linda CUMMINGS. They got their Christmas letter to me before Easter! They were still in Japan for their last year packing in their last bit of touring the Orient with their son David. Their son is fluent in Japanese, Bob is fluent in Chinese, Linda is fluent in music and they expect the AF to send them to Greenland to use their highly valuable skills there.

Dan and Sara (HELLWIG) ELLERT-BECK have separated from the military at their last base,Wright-Pat, and are now enjoying the beauty of the Midwest where Dan works as an environmental engineer in Dubuque, IA. They were also blessed with a son this fall, so now Sara is a very busy mother oftwo little ones. Speaking of blessings, August and Carla HEIN, based out ofAviano, Italy, have had their third. A.J. has two little sisters now. August and Carla have been too busyparenting to do much touring, but did manage to make it to Germany for a friendly visit and plan on a tour of Israel in the spring. August also got an extension so he can get some time in as a flight surgeon.

Tish (DIERLAM) and Dan Norman have moved to Happy Valley, a place that sounds too good to be true when they have time to enjoy it! Dan got a job flying for Horizon Air out of the Northwest and Tish works as a production supervisor for a company in Portland. Their two children, two jobs and two Reserve positions at Tinker keep them busy, busy. I sawTish’s buddy Ruthann (LEUKEN) Thompson at Scott right before we left. They have PCSd from D.C. to Utah, a welcome change. They have two little ones, Margaret and Johnny.

Mike and Brenda PIIRTO are still in Stafford, VA where Mike, the sole ’85 Marine works at Quantico. We got a briefe-mail from Kevin andWendy (LINK) ROUTHIER. They are PCSing from Japan to Scott AFB this spring. They have five now, and Wendy home-schools them. What a challenge!

Mik and Kelley RITS are still in Australia. Rod and Susan SAMPSON sent us a delightful photo of their two boys. When did you sneak that last one in there? Susan stays home with the boys now since Rod is moving up in the world. Rod is also president of their local synagogue. Steve and Heidi SUTHERLAND sent us a

picture of their newly-completed abode in Colorado Springs. Looks like it’s big enough to host the next class reunion. Are you game, Steve?

The Sutherlands in front oftheirnewhome.

John and Kim MARSELLUS win the most stunning family photo award. That will go along with John’s other prestigious awards, outstanding fighter guy of the year (or was it decade?) plus major below the zone! They and their four beautiful children are in Winnepeg, Canada for another year and a half.

any “federally-implied consent” when it comes to mail boxes. I am mailing my package this afternoon to CS-32! Eat up Road Runners! Oh and by the way-all of you Magpies from CS-28 down the hall will just have to wait until Mike DAVIS finds his apron and sends you guys some Princess Slices or their equivalent.

With that said I do have a travel report to file: I was on myway to Edwards AFB a few months back when I stopped into Nellis AFB for a night of taxpayer-sponsored gambling. I was looking for some free stuff and since the Air Force BluesedanmobilewithnoradioorAC wasn’t supposed to go “downtown” we elected to go to over the Thunderbird Squadron and see what wasn’t nailed down. Well knock me over with a feather, but who should I run into but our very own Dennis MALFER - this is old news - and Rob GIVENS - new news. I didn’t know Rob was also flying with the T-Birds! Ran into all of them as they were getting ready to depart on a trip. I guess Dennis is the new guy because they were making him carry all the luggage. Most of the guys on the team where Academy Grads two "86ers, two ‘87ers, one ‘82er and one ‘83er. They all had one striking feature in common - Chiseled chins. I mean you could crack ice with them. Anyway, my chin and I are probably destined to fly bombers for the rest of my career, but it was a hoot to see two classmates in blue Spandexflight suits carrying the luggage for the 83 ‘Grad - nothing has really changed.

Also traveled to Guam to Fly the Mighty B-2 back from a round-the-world crosscountry. While there I ran into John RUSS; he was aVark guy and is now working for a year or so “remote” to Guam at the 613 Air Ops Center as a CAS planner. He said Guam is great place to pull a stafftour. Everyday in a bag and it is a 15-month tour that you get remote and staff credit for. Also, it is a nice resort ifyou get sent remote you can bring the family along as well.

Got to go to Korea for a planning conference and ran into few classmates pulling remote tours and some other Academygrads in various stages ofrotation. All names escape me at this point; the reason whyis connected to the fact that I learned a valuable lesson about overseas travel: The booze is FREE! It doesn’t matter where you sit!

Now on to other news: Please check the Class of ‘86 web page for a large listing of address changes. I didn’t want to print them here due to the size of the file. I was somewhat surprised by the number of addresses that did not appear to be located near any military installations. Although this is a good sign for my ultimate goal of becoming the Commandant of Cadets, it leaves me with too few classmates to boss around when I becomeVice ChiefofStaffofthe Air Force working for Angie (LANGLEY) FAULISE.

Also, while viewing my 1998 Register of Graduates I noticed a few anomalies. Mark POKORNY is still at Williams AFB in the 82nd Student Squadron. His email address is GKPoke@aol.com I am going to e-mail him an update form and see what happens. You should all feel free to do so as well. Tune in here in two issues for further developments.

Anyone else interested in updating their graduate biography for inclusion into the Register ofGraduates need only go to: http://www.aog-usafa.org/index.htm to fill out the online form. Got a Letter from Larry B. FREEMAN concerning the new AOG Humanitarian Fund. The fund is discussed in detail in the Spring Checkpoints issue. Please consider a gift to this fund to provide financial support to terminally-ill graduates. To do so mail your gift to: AOG Humanitarian Fund, AOG, 3116 Academy Drive USAFA CO 80840-4475.

The Marsellus Family

I know Ken and Louise TINGMAN are from the dreaded Class of ’83, but I just wanted to publicly congratulate that ol’ bachelor on the birth of Hannah Ruth. Never thought I’d see the day. She’ll be a comfort in your old age. And last ofall, we GRADYs are doingwonderfullywell up inAlaska. Rod is loving his job as DO ofthe weather hub for this part of the world. If you’re passing through, stop in. We love company. Have a happy millenium!

Gary Burg

1740 11th St. Langley AFB, VA 23665-1730 (757) 865-4681

DSN: 574-9010

E-mail: Beaker90FS@aol.com

Percent members: 31

Hello 86! The COLELLAS are on the move this summer. We are heading to Hot and Humid Maxwell AFB Alabama - Roll Tide Roll! For a year ofACSC (and then probably right back to the cockpit!). I am looking forward to a little down time, a little time to get back to my fighting weight - still sore over my Wing Open split decision with Randy GIBB - or was it a split lip in freshman boxing. Either way, I have always said that my Academy experience looks better and better with distance - kind of like Gary BURG. With that said I have little worthy news to report, but will pass along a few tidbits I have been saving in the vault.

First off, however, I must inform all ofyou of a program I am instituting to help Air Force Academy cadets who suffer from postal/sweet tooth syndrome. As I type this I am intoxicated by the aroma of freshly-baked chocolate cookies my wife, Katy, is baking downstairs. As you all know, when we were cadets there was an ugly incident where some of our classmates were not living up to the Wing Honor Code and were stealing care packages out ofthe mail room. Well, history is repeating itself as you read this very letter - over 15 cadets were recently arrested for mail theft - a federal offense! Why did this happen? It is because these guys miss home and freshly-baked cookies. Here is my plan - all I ask is that each of you reading this bake two dozen cookies and send them to your former squadron - CS-whatever, in care of the AOC. Let these kids know we feel their pain. We started this uglytradition and it is up to us to find a cure for it. No cadet should be reduced to stealing cookies from another cadet’s mailbox. I don’t think there is

Ron VERNON emailed me to let me know that Richard CLARK CS-07 recently tied the knot. He is sending a picture and I will forward it for the Fall issue.

J L Briggs wrote with an address update: e-mail: jlmarg@yahoo.com He is now stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina flying the F- 15E. He and his family: Margaret, Anne 6, and Julia 2) are on the way to Naples, Italy to work at AFSOUTH in the Stan/Eval (TACEVAL) office in March ‘99

Next update will be done by Gary BURG. I will be moving, but will plan for the Fall update! Send updates to Gary via e-mail to: Beaker90SF@aol.com or snail mail 1740 11th St. Langley AFB, VA 23665-1730.

I am looking for good web sites or other medium containinggood poop forACSC. Please forward any and all to me at rcolella@iLand.net. That Is All.

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti mmm

304 North Road

raijf □ IjlpOjjr/ Garden City NY 11530 (516) 745-6059

KEifejjl

E-mail: giletti@aol.com ajpjgpy/

Percent members: 37 ▼

Hello again! Well, another class has graduated.. .the last class ofthe 1900s. Also, I’m sure that many ofyou are packing up and moving on to another assignment, which means it must be summer! We will be heading to Alabama in July (MontgomeryAFB) for a fun-filledyear atACSC. Our new address will be 2432Wentworth Drive, Montgomery, AL 36106. But please don’t mail (e-mails are fine whenever) anything until mid-July; we are trying to avoid the tropical heat of Alabama as best we can and will be enjoying the beaches ofLong Island to our fullest. We are looking forward to re-connecting with many classmates and friends who are already there or who’ll be coming in forACSC. Hopefully, this will mean my articles will be full of information for you all!

BJ and Ali SHWEDO are currently at Maxwell (BJ’s attendingACSC). BJ has been selected to continue on an additional year in the School of Advanced Airpower Studies (SAAS) - a real distinction for BJ! But better than that, theyjust expanded their family in January. William McCahill “Mack” Shwedo was born 13 Jan 99, and topped the scales at close to 10 pounds - quite a bigboy forAli! Myhusband, Greg (‘86), drank several Guinness’s with Pat MCKENNA, Chris CULLEN (‘94), and Doug WELLS (’85) on a recent TDY to USAFA. Pat and his wife are doingwell; he’s working in the Athletic Department and is contemplating life after the Air Force.

I heard from Teri ALESCH, who’s out at Scott AFB, on two classmates who have PCSd from Scott: Bucky LINN and Chuck STEEVES. Bucky moved to Travis AFB to fly C-5s and Chuck left to fly KC-lOs.

I also got a great update from Patti (MICHALCIK) STUART. Patti and I went to Personnel School at Keesler AFB together after graduation. That’s actually the last time I was in the South. Patti was stationed at Willy after Personnel School and then Bitburg before she separated in ’92. She and her husband, Jack, have two girls, Ashley (7) and Holly (4). They were stationed at Holloman AFB while Jack flew the F-117; but he has decided to separate and will begin flying with United this summer. Patti had many updates on herTarantula-mates. Nicole BERRYflies for UPS, lives in Oregon, and married Ryan Miller (who came to the reunion with her) in November of 1998. Craig BARTON flies for UPS also, and he and his wife, Donna, live in Louisville, KY. Shawn and Karen BRYAN live in Spring Lake, NC with their kids Caleb and Alison. Shawn flies C-130s at Fort Bragg. Nate CUNNINGHAM, Carla and Trey live in Danville, IL where Nate teaches school and coaches football. Cholene (Chuck) ESPINOSA flies for United and does consulting work, which will bring her to NYC this spring/summer. Dan HAWKINS will soon be going to Korea. Guy HOCKER is doing consulting work in Massachusetts. Brian JOHNSON, Meganne, and their girls Devan and Hailey are at ShawAFB. Phil LUTS and his family live in San Diego and he flies for United. Mark and Stacy LYONS are in Enid, OK with their two kids Jaclynn and "Mac.” Tim MATSON is teaching at USAFA and he and his wife, Lori, live in the Springs. Tim MUKODA got out and he and his wife, Tracy, are both working in the Richmond, VA area. Tracy is a certified industrial hygienist and works at the Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College. Tim is the staff industrial hygienist for Virginia Power. The TOPLIKARs (Chuck, Lorie, Jessalyn, Chaz, and Carston) are at Eglin. Tom TRAN is stationed in Europe somewhere. And lastly, Steve WILLIS, his wife, Betina, and children Alex and Andrea are still in England. Steve is flying the F-15E.

Hopefully, this information is current. If it’s not, please let me know and I’ll update your status for everyone. Also, the AOG gives us scribes a copy of their current information on your addresses (which is only as good as what you give them) so if you want to track anyone down just ask and I’ll try to help out! I’ve even recently reunited Marty TATUM with his graduation parade hat! Long story, but apparentlythe kid who caught his hat has been toting it around all these years and his mom wanted to see ifthe rightful owner wanted it as a keepsake. The hat had survived several moves throughout the U.S. and Europe! Marty said that would be great so the hat was shipped off to him - happy ending.

That’s all I’ve got this time. I know you all run into classmates every now and then so pleasejust drop me a quick line whenever you’re glued to the computer. I love getting pictures, too - they make great fillers. Have a great summer! Until the fall - 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: 40

Hi 88!

wtwwV/

Greetings from warm and sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico! Just hanging out on reserve at American Eagle’sjunior base. Yes, I’m content to report that I’ve joined the exodus of ‘88ers no longer toiling under questionable conditions for questionable reasons. Without going into too many details, let’s just say that when I joined I was looking for a dynamic, “let’s make it better” environment -1 never found it in my little corner of the Air Force.

Unfortunately, my current locale has me a bit removed from my Checkpoints file. As this is only temporary, please continue to send things to my California address, as listed above, until I post a better address. The best solution, however, is to send me e-mail as that always finds me. For those two ofyou who wrote or e-mailed (NOTE: contrary to popular belief, all of you are authorized to write!), please forgive as your material won’t show until the next issue. The good news is that my trusty PalmPilot has saved me, again. I used it to take copious notes during the reunion a few months ago and I’ve used those notes to generate the column this time around. The only catch is that PalmPilots don’t always copy your handwriting exactly so some of the material may well be wrong, but that’s good in a way - people will write to correct me!

In alphabetical order, we’ll start with Matt BEALS. He’s one ofACC’s F-15 demonstration pilots, based out of Langley, I believe. Terry BOWMAN received his Ph.D. in Maryland, and is married with two children. By the time you read this Terry will have probably returned to the Pentagon where he’s going to be working with, or on, the Secretary of the AF staff. Tom CORCORAN is with the 615th AMOS in California; his number is (916) 756 2988. Jeff CYR is a United 727 first officer, based out of Denver. Formerly, Jeff was KC-135 instructor pilot at Plattsburgh. Dan and Jane DENNIS brought their family to the reunion. Dan’s a SouthwestAirlines first officer, currentlyliving in Minnesota. Bill DICKEYjumped ship (so to speak) andjoined theArmyin 1990; I believe he’s involved in theArmy’s aviation program. Todd DIERLAM, formerly of KC-135 fame at Mildenhall, is now probably done with his C-17 training at Altus and has parked his family in Charleston. MaryAnne DOLAN, formerly ofVandenburg, is now at Malmstrom AFB, with her two children, John-Paul and Eddie. Lorelei FABER updated me, but my abbreviations were a bit too cryptic so I hope this is right. She’s flying helicopters with the Alaska (or is that Arkansas?) Air National Guard, and she’s working with the FAA (helicopter issues) in Fort Worth, TX. She was also in Airman Magazine and used to fly the UH-1 at Langley and Edwards, followed by UH-60s at Kadena. Rob and Karina FABIAN had a really short drive to get the reunion since Rob’s at Space Command at Peterson. Prior to Peterson they’ve had assignments to FE Warren, Misawa, and El Dorado Air Force Station. They

have three children; their newest is Alexander. Give ’em a ring at (719) 647-1516, or an e-mail at rfabian@rmi.net. As I noted in the last issue, Ralph and Suzi, GALETTI have a new baby, Max Russell, bringing their “kid count” up to two. Ralph is out now and using his incredible brain to design brilliant electronic devices in NewMexico. He can be found at 5800 NuggetAvenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.

I was fortunate to find a seat with Tony and Susan GIANGIULIO during one of the dinners. They’re living in Navarre, FL, where Susan works at the CBS affiliate. They met while Tony was at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey learning Italian for his impending assignment as an exchange C-130 navigator with the Italian Air Force. Fortunately for Tony, he managed to convince Susan to visit him several times during his two years in Italy and they were married on 16 May 98.

Tony’s now in the AC-130 at Hurlburt.

Oops, another cryptic note, but it looks like Cindy [HANEY] BRYANT is married (Doug?) and flying with American. Their daughter Shannon is two. John and Biliana [OWENS] HARDY were married in '92 and are at Scott AFB where John is (or was?) flight surgeon. They can be reached at (618) 234-0844.

Ronda HEILIG works with the FBI in LasVegas doing“stuff” that is probablyjust like TV! Her work number is (702) 366 -7180. Eric and Judy JENKINS have two kids. Eric got out in May of ’98 and is flying with American and living inWashington DC, I believe. Rich and Tracey [JONES] FRAMPTON had quite the fun time at the reunion. (I thinkTracey has memorized every line ofAustin Powers!) Tracey is a major with an F-15 Guard unit and is doing something with maintenance there. Jeff LANNING is a professor at Wright-Patterson in Ohio. His assignments have been rather varied with tours at Edwards, Kirtland, and a stop for an industrial engineering Ph.D. at Arizona State. He’s married as well: Anita. Paul LOBUE is flying KC-135’s with the NJ Guard out of McGuire; his home number is (757) 8508606.

John MacDONALD was fortunate to be selected for an Education with Industry slot and spent 10 months at Hanscom and Cape Canaveral and is currently in acquisition program management. He’s married (Traci) with two kids. Andy MARCKESANO is currently flying the right seat of a Boeing 727 with United. After graduating from pilot training at Vance, Andy spent time in the B-52 at Carswell and Castle, followed by the B-1 from ’94 to ’97. He’s married (Laura) with two kids. Joe MAZUR is with the National Reconnaissance Office inVirginia; tryhim at (703) 808-6613 for work, or (703) 858-1383 for home. I also met with John and Mary Anne McDONOUGH for a few minutes. After graduation John was FAIPed back to Columbus, followed by a C-130 to Yokota. He has three kids (possibly four by now; send those pictures!) and he’s been at Randolph as a T-37 instructor for IP’s since June of ’96. His number is DSN 487-3789. Linda [MEYER] PACE is doing interestingwork forAMC at McGuire. Her work number is DSN 944-5091; E-Mail: linda.meyer@mcguire.af.mil

Chuck MICHALEC was chief of Deployed Forces at Shaw and, not surprisingly, spent several months away. His work number is DSN 965-3224. Mike MILLER is now with Aerojet and can be reached at (916) 355-5406 for work, or (916) 7273542 for his home number in Sacramento. He’s married with one son. Kevin MISSAR is also at National Reconnaissance Office, married (Beth) with two kids. Russ REIMER is with an AWACS Reserve unit, along with Mike TONEY, Matt CONRAD and Benny LONGACRE. He’s married (Julie) with two kids. Patty RINALDI is at Langley, married (Richard Sypher) and has two (possibly three?) children. Her son Justin is four. Alan RUTTENBERG is with United. Peter SCHULZ is with Delta; try him at (609) 324-0060.

Dennis and Cindy THORNTON are in Wichita (McConnell?); Home: (316) 6846286. Kari THYNE couldn’t get enough education at the Academy so she’s doing some additional work at Ohio State. She can be reached at (614) 575-0554. Cam and Linda [TELKAMP] TORRENS are both in school for the Air Force. Their home number is (334) 361-6342. Mike Walker is with Northwest Airlines and has estabfished a financial management firm (Continental Capital Partners) as well. Try him at home (703) 845-5958. Elizabeth [GANZE] WETJEN is at Langley: DSN 5748730/31. Eric WIDIGER is at Nellis; try DSN 682-0190. John YORK is also an ACC F-15 demonstration pilot. He based out of Eglin, single, and certainly enjoys his job. He was FAIPed at Williams, then got an F-15, which was followed by his current job.

Just a few hours before I sent this in I received e-mails from both Chris KUBICK and Joe TEGTMEYER. We’ll start with Chris: “Just wanted to check in and let you know what’s going on. I’m moving from HQ Air IntelligenceAgency at Kelly to the Pentagon. I’ll be going to J2T, the targeting shop for the Joint Staff, going to do some real targeting work. We’ll be moving probably in the mid-July timeframe. By the way, I ran into Michelle (PAPA) CLAYS while I was at the Pentagon. She’s at the Air Staff doing the Intel thing. Not much more news. I’m sure I’ll run into more grads as I hit the Pentagon. I’ll keep you posted. Keep in touch. Ciao!”

Joe TEGTMEYER’s e-mails normally have lots of pictures of him and his crew touring around Europe, but he’s certainly earning his TDY pay now. “Just a quick note to let you know that although things are now very busy for us over here (no doubt you’ve seen the TV coverage on the NATO operations in the Balkans), I am fine, as is everyone else. It is quite a contrast from the first 33 days I was here when nothing was going on. Now it is a beehive of activity. I guess this operation is an all-or-nothing affair, at least from my perspective. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that we are all fine here and I will continue to send updates as I get the time. Keep the e-mail coming.”

Lastly, the irreverent web site I passed for the Dodo has been changed, but as I write this it’s still working. The new one is: www.edodo.com. Also, ifyou want email addresses of any of our classmates, I have quite a few and will pass them on if you e-mail me. Oh, and it wouldn’t be me writing if I didn’t close with a reminder: don’t forget to write your scribe!

Update your bio form on the web!

www.aog-usafa.org

Paul W. Tibbets,

IV

1410 Rockford Dive

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (660) 429-1198 /DSN: 975-3215

E-mail: patibb@iland.net

Class Website: http://www.usafa.net/1989/index.htm

Percent members: 40

Hello ‘89ers. Well, January was a rough month. My roommate from the Zoo and pilot training, Ken THIELE, was killed in a KC-135 crash near Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany. Ken had recendy transitioned from active duty to theWashington Air National Guard, remaining at Fairchild Air Force Base. You can read more about Ken in the Gone But Not Forgotten section of this issue of Checkpoints. Many of you knew Ken at the Academy, and some ofyou had the pleasure of working and flying with him in the years since. Ken was a great friend, a wonderful husband, and an outstanding pilot and Air Force officer. His funeral at the Air Force Academy was in part a tribute to Ken, with many friends from years past and present attending to show their respects and sorrow for such a great loss. Ken died doing what he loved - flying. Although his family, friends, and son (due 20 July) will miss him terribly, Ken is with the Lord now in a better place watching over all of us. We love you, Ken.

A trust fund has been set up for Ken’s unborn child. To let you know what has been done, the money will first be set up in a tax-exempt money market fund. Once the child is born and has a social-security number, Michelle (Ken’s wife) will then be able to open an educational IRA. She will then be able to transfer up to $500 a year from the MM fund into the IRA. As long as Michelle keeps the MM fund open, you or anyone can deposit money into the fund. How long it stays open, or whether the money is switched to a different fund site, will be totally in Michelle’s control. The tax-exempt fund was set up to lessen her work each year, even though it will return a lesser amount in interest. Here are the instructions for anyone who would like to make a contribution to Ken and Michelle’s baby for a college education: Make the check payable to “Tax Exempt Money Market Fund.”

Write the account number (46901213390) on the bottom of the check. Mail it to: USAA Investment Management Company, Attn: Shareholder Account Services, 9800 Fredericksberg Road, San Antonio, TX 78284-9863.

I only received one letter this go-around. Dann CARLSON sent an update from Wichita Falls, TX, where he is a T-38 instructor pilot. Dan, his wife, Sherilyn, and their children Kailey, Chandler, Kyler, and Carissa recendy moved to Texas from a tour in England. They are glad to be back in the US, and are enjoying their “new” 70-year-old home. Thanks for writing guys!

I received a birth announcement from Christy KAYSER-COOK and Gary Cook.

Class of 1989 - 10 Year Reunion Homecoming

Utah atUSAFA 13 -17 October 1999

Greg CLARK dropped me an e-mail and passed along that he is flying forAmerican Airlines and the Utah Guard (part time), been married for nine years, and has two sons. He enjoys flying, snowboarding, and hanging out with his family. Good to hear from you!

The reunion is approaching quickly! If you haven’t received several mailings from us, please call the AOG and update your address. Also, check out our class web site at the address at the beginning of the article. I know you are all looking forward to the reunion, so if you can think of any other classmates who may not have gotten the word, give 'em a call!

That’s it for this issue. Keep Ken’s wife Michelle, his unborn son, parents, and other family and friends in your prayers. Our business is dangerous, but we are all fighting for a greater cause - freedom. Take care and God bless.

James R. Sanchez

1112 West 16th St.

Merced, CA 95340 f (209) 988-8400

E-Mail: sanchez@null.net

Homepage: www.usafa90.com

Percent members: 34

wGREETINGS CLASS OF 1990! Joe is TDY again, that’s why I’m writing this. Joe wrote: “Currently I’m deployed to Kadena AB, Japan, and do not have access to any ofmy letters and updates from those ofthe Most Glorious Class.” No one can say “Most Glorious” like Daddy Rich! I’m not as good at writing these as Joe, so I’ll just quote people who sent e-mail or signed the ‘90 page.

JeffWHITE (1/2/99): I’ve been out since May ’95 - not one day over the minimum. Married (Cindy 1991). Daughter (Shelby 1995). Son (Noah 1996). We live in Southern Washington.

Tim MACGREGOR (1/4/99): T-I IP/Wing Exec; My wife, Laura Lee, and I have two children, Paul (May ’97) and Hannah Grace (Dec ’98). I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, becoming a Christian following UPT in 1991. He’s made me a completely new man - God’s been very good to us!

Chuck COUGHLIN (1/6/99): I’m an AC here in my hometown, but a bunch of our buddies are here as well... Tankers are great for your social life... Nothing like the winters here in Florida... When you’re here! I saw SCHMOYER in Saudi, and with me were Evan BREEDLOVE (well, caught him in Mildenhall), Dodd MCCOLLUM... Wow our ranks are growing thin... Refueled Pat MCNELLIS in his ’15... Steve ALDRIAN is here at MacDill, as well as the rest of us... Steve flies the CENTCOM commander around... 2.5 years out ofMalmstrom, we’re either stayin’ or gettin’, if you know what I mean...

Dave BRIEN (1/10/99): I’m now at KadenaAB, Japan, a flight commander in the 961st AACS. It’s good to be back in the AWACS Ops world. Other Mighty’90ers here - Rob CONCEPCION, Duane THOMPSON, Dave HASSE, Jim GLOSS, Pete MILHONIC, and I’m sure others that I haven’t run into yet.

Marty and Sue (BIZZELLE) SCHLACTER (1/10/99): Out here at Holloman... land of tumbleweeds. Sue’s the Wing/CC Exec, and I’m the flight commander of the Mission Systems Flight out at the Comm Sq. Looking to PCS to HQ PACAF this coming fall. For all you “Cellar Rats,” Capt Andy MANN just PCSd out here to Holloman a few months ago. He’s flying the F-117A.

Mark LEONARD (1/10/99): I’m currendystationed at Edwards AFB, CA. I’ve been commissioned one day longer than I’ve been married to my bride, Kimberly. We have two sons - Joshua (3) and Luke (3 mo.). I’m currendy assigned to the Test Pilot School going through as a flight test engineer. There are no ’90 grads in my class, but I look forward to catching up with some classmates when the new (junior) class starts this Monday. Folks include Dan DAETZ, Mike SHEPHERD, and Kelly (KRATOCHVYL) Greene. Well, take care and God bless!

John ULM (1/14/99): I am writing to you from Vandenberg AFB in California. I am an AETC fool and am training folks on AF Space Command stuff. Things in the ULM house are great...we have a litde baby girl named Isabella who is about to turn one in Feb. I decided to get out of the AF and will be separating in June. Probably head back to Texas... don’t know what I am going to do but I keep telling Jenny (wife) that I am going to drop 15 pounds, tone up and do a little exotic dancing. I figured that, even though I have a receding hairline, there are plenty of women that would like to see me get my freak on and most of my profits will be tax-free. Seriously, I don’t know what I will do... I am looking at a program managementjob or pharmaceutical sales. Let you knowwhat happens. I keep in touch withTonyTERRERI and he is a doctor inTurkeyhaving a great time. Mario MATHIS is at Lackland doing the cop thing. He has his own secretary so he must be some type of big wig.

Julie KRUSE (1/15/99): After assignments like Florida,Alaska, and Geilenkirchen AB, Germany I figured it just couldn’t get any better for me in the AF so now I’m braving the outside world. I’m living in Denver and working for USWest Communications. I love it here! I decided to do some time with the Reserves as well so I’m flying with the 970th AWACS out of Oklahoma City. The Reserves do it right! 2000 ought to be interesting.

Lynn (GEORGE) Davis (1/16/99): I am happily married to an ’88 Citadel Grad. We have two boys, Philip (4) and Matthew (1). We live in Washington state where

Sherilyn, Kailey, Chandler, Dann, Kyler, and Carissa

Their daughter, Emily Anna Cook, was born 19 Jan, weighing an impressive 8 pounds/3 ounces. Congratulations guys!

Christy and Emily

my husband (Andy) is working full time in the Washington ANG. We have a beautiful view ofMt. Rainier from our home. I got out ofthe AF after the birth of my first child, and have been a full-time mommy ever since. This proves to be the toughest, yet most rewarding job I’ve ever held! I’m looking forward to the reunion in 2000.

Alan THURBER (1/17/99): Pope AFB, C-130 Pilot. Hoping to get out as soon as possible!

Leif JOHNSON (1/17/99): Banked flight test engineer. F-15C pilot, Spangdahlem AB. Training squids at Pensacola in T-34s. Next assignment: Turning on the no smoking/fasten seat belt sign.

John WHISENANT (1/19/99): I’m stationed at L.A. AFB and live in Hermosa Beach (four houses south of the fun AFA graduation parties of the past). I work as an acquisition officer for SBIRS High (Space Based Infrared Satellites). I spend about one third ofmy time in Colorado working in Denver, C-Springs and Boulder. Really enjoy my job and the lifestyle here in L.A.

Bill PARCELS (1/23/99): April and I are doing well. I’m flying the tweet at Sheppard. 195 days until terminal. 255 days until I cut the cord. Beyond that I can only dream! But so far the dreams have been beautiful!

Marc ROBINSON (1/24/99): Currently at Bolling AFB getting my master’s at the Joint Military Intelligence College (same as Les). Recently PCSed from Pope AFB, where I was the IN. Probably bound for Korea in the Fall. Quick rundown on where I have been, if you are interested: Carswell AFB ‘till 1992, Peterson/ Falcon AFB ‘till 1995, USAF Weapons School (Nellis) in ’95, Pope ‘till 1998, JMIC (Bolling) till ’99.

Bryan “Oz” OSSOLINSKI (1/26/99): Currently I am assigned to Osan AB as a signals intelligence officer. I arrived here in Nov98. Mywife, Lori (married 1991), and children (Kristen, 6, and Lauren, 5) are living in San Antonio, TX. My next planned move after the remote is to the San Antonio area (Randolph, Kelly or Lackland AFB). Our other assignments were at Wheeler AAF, HI; Bolling AFB, Wash DC; and Kelly AFB, TX. Besides the forced family times apart (TDYs, remote, etc.), AF life is treating us well. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with the rest of Mighty 90!

Kirk MCDONALD (2/16/99): I spoke to Curt WAGNER at Dover AFB, DE a couple weeks ago. He just finished IP school for the C-5 and will be at Dover for another two years or so doing the SOLLII thing. Curt’s wife, Susan, is pregnant with their first (a boy) and expecting sometime this summer. I also ran into Paul PETERSEN while we were both passing through Sigonella, Italy. He had just suecessfully completed his OME in the C-5. Also, my DOS is 4 Sept and I’m looking for a job...

Greg WHITE (2/17/99): I separate from active duty tomorrow - I’ll be a fulltime ANG intel guy at the Viper unit at Buckley ANGB in Denver.

Ron DREWKE (2/23/99): HI ALL! Just got out ofAWACS and joined the civilian world in AUG 98. Working at an engineering firm (ARINC) just outside ofTinker AFB, OK. Yes to all of the questions -1 have been in the same house since 1991.1 am in the Reserves as an IMA so I am still in uniform once in a while. Feel free to get in touch... Oh yea, one wife and two kids (girls)! See Ya!

Shawn PEDERSON (2/26/99): F-15E-IP, finishing up almost four years at Lakenheath... busy with ONW now... finally letting us put the hurt on Saddam!! Recently married the love of my life, Adrienne Glenwright, and have promised her a real wedding back in the CONUS at the ZOO in Sept, as real as that can be! We are out of here for Elmendorf in May. Drop us a note, or come to the wilderness for some real hunting and fishing.

Jessica (BLANCHETTE) WOELBLING (3/1/99): I’m doing the personnel thing for the AF Weather Agency at Offutt, and my husband, Jeff, is five weeks away from being a mister as he separates from the AF. We had our beautiful daughter (our first) on 7 Dec 98, and no we did not name her Pearl in honor of Pearl Harbor day! Her name is Ashlynn, and she is the light of her parents’ life.

Mike PERRON (3/2/99): Here’s an update on a few grads who got out four years ago. I’m living in Boston and working forWorkgroup Technology. Geno RANALDI and Bob HANLON also live in Boston, the other side of town, and they work for Parametric Technology. Luke MCCONVILLE lives just outside of the city and works for First USA. We are all still single but Luke could fall any day. He won’t like reading that!

Dan FANDREI (3/3/99): Just a quick update -1 seven-day-opted on 1 March. My DOS is 1 July 99. I’m looking for a Guard/Reserve and airline job. It’s going to be hard from Kadena especially without a job lined up. I loved being an MC130H Combat Talon II evaluator, but it’s just time to go.

Todd MCDONALD (3/7/99): After being in parts unknown with some other grads for the last four years, am now doing the software engineering program at AFIT. Will graduate in Mar ’00. Wife, Angela, and a daughter (Allie, almost 2) and son (Tucker, 7 months).

Jay UPDF.GRAFF (3/9/99): Bill HARKINS is here at McGuire with me, Steve

RAU, Karl FETH and Pat HAYES and Mark JOHNSON. We’re all flying KC-lOs.

Scott LAVIGNE and Kevin HIGGANBOTHAN are on the C-141 side of the house. My apologies to any ’90ers that I missed.

Mark WEBER (3/10/99): Steve SENN and Sophie (DEFREITAS) SENN are on their way to Travis AFB, CA (with their new baby girl Arran). They should be in place next week. He flies C-5s and she is working intel.

Jeff GALLINO (3/15/99): I have decided to give up the wonderful world of IT consulting and have taken a position with a software development company called Global Enterprise Solutions, Inc. as their director of Software Development. The coolest part about this job (other than the bag ofmoney) is that it is a full-time telecommute job... meaning I work in jeans (that is on dress-up days) and don’t have to drive to work. I highly recommend this kind ofjob to anyone who has traveled for a living. I’ve actually spent more than one consecutive month with my wife now (something we have NEVER done in 7.5 years of marriage).

Stacy HARUGUCHI (3/15/99): Harold SANDERS (CS-16) got married on Saturday, March 13, at MacDill AFB, FL. The lucky lady is Judy Chao ofVancouver, British Columbia. Classmates there to witness the event included Gary FOSTER and Stacy HARUGUCHI. Of note, members ofHarold’s T-38 squadron flew in for the wedding and brought Harold’s jet in for the event. Also, Gary (CS-13) and Colleen FOSTER are expecting their first child in May of this year. Practicing since their June wedding in 1990, Gary finally got it right sometime last summer/fall.

Curtis STAUFFER (3/16/99): Brian REEMER’s flying MC-130s at Mildenhall. I’m at Charleston flying C-17s along with Jim FINNEY, Ted GRADY, Jim FAIN, and several other ’90ers. We have four beautiful kids now! (two girls and two boys) almost a volleyball team. Catch you later.

John Bemhart and baby Hannah

Jeff COMPTON (3/17/99): CS-33 Ratz! Here at Offutt (when not TDY) for the last three years flying RC-135s. My wife, Kristi, and three kids (Ryan, 8; Erin, 6; Sean, 5) are all well. If anyone is ever stuck in Nebraska, give us a call.

Kurt SHULER (3/17/99): My wife, Fausta, and I are living in San Jose. Our nav class (mostly Mighty ’90!) will be happy to know we tied the knot two years after we left Mather AFB. We have no children. I’m a manager at Intel’s research and manufacturingfacility out here. Mytransition to the civilian world went smoother than expected. I separated in ’96 after doing the EWO thing in spec ops MC-130s at Hurlburt. My military career highlight was flying combat missions in Bosnia trying to rescue two French dudes who got shot down. I really chaffed at being a nav in a pilot’s Air Force (remember the “pilot shortage” vs. “navigator distribution problem” message from some REMF at HQ USAF?) so I punched and went to the MIT Sloan School of Management for my MBA. Had a great time while detaxing from the Air Force. However, I still feel the need to serve and am working as an admissions liaison officer in SiliconValley. Leaving the Air Force has been great for my wife’s career as a forensic accountant/investigator. She gave up a lot to be married to me (and the Air Force). Niv CAVIAR graduated two years ago from Harvard Business School. We hooked up in Boston quite a few times. He is still in Boston working at Andersen Consulting as a management consultant. Taewon KIM (CS-25) is at the Pentagon. He’s been working on strategic war gaming, as an exec, and as a White House social aide! It figures someone with his fine taste and manners would be exec-ing and pouring rum and cokes for the prez. Anyway, he really loves the D.C. area and Fausta and I really appreciate his friendship and hospitality when we visit, which is often.

Mike CALTA (3/17/99): I’ve had a great three years in the 320th Special Tactics Squadron at Kadena and now I’m PCSing to Roosevelt Roads Naval Base, Puerto Rico to work at SOCSOUTH. I’m looking forward to Puerto Rico. My wife, Larcy, and our three kids (Amber, 12; Summer, 2; and Mikey, 6 mos.) are all doing fine.

Lee ARMSTRONG (3/18/99): I’m writing from Yaounde, Cameroon, where I’m doing a site survey for an upcoming exercise. It’s a different world! I’ll be PCSing from Ramstein to Mildenhall in June, doing OSI stuff for 3rd AF. I saw Barbara EAST at Ramstein, she’s PCSing to the Pentagon Air Staff. I also saw Paul COMEAU. He’s at Ramstein in USAFE/Intel.

Ladd

Dave BRIEN (3/20/99): We’re taking good care of Joe RICHARDSON, Jeff LIPSKY, etc., here at Kadena as they’re TDY from Robins. Ask him who cooks the best steak in the world...

That’s all for now: don’t forget to check the Mighty Ninety Web Page at WWW.USAFA90.COM and sign in to receive weekly class updates. Dave KING is our reunion rep, and I’ll be posting reunion info as we get it.

Wilson on hardship duty.

Carson Tavenner mmw

1816 Tacoma Road

Puyallup WA 98371 (253) 435-0235

E-mail: tavenner@hotmail.com

Percent members: 39

Hello, friends! First, please accept my apologies to all those who tried during the winter months to read the Class News at www.usafa91.com I had really not been keeping up with the site at all! I hope to remedy my foolish ways very soon, starting with getting this Checkpoints input written and in the mail! I received an e-mail from the AOG showing that 170 of you updated your address just this Jan and Feb! Makes keeping up on current info all the more important, in my mind. Hey, while I’m thinking about it, and before I get lost in the column, I have two general questions I’d like people to e-mail me on: when we finally start getting promoted to major, do you think we should post that info on the web site? I won’t put it in this column for the sake of room. Also, has anyone been thinking about our reunion? Okay, that’s it. Please let me know your thoughts!

Still on the subject of squads and quads, I just now received an e-mail from Brian ANDERSON telling me that CS-37, 38, 39 and 40 will be/were deactivated on 2 Jun 99! Residual downsizing? Ifyou want to know more, look in this issue of Checkpoints. I assume they have articles on that development.

Things are happening everywhere out there. Back at the end ofDecember, after sending in the previous column, I got to read Laura (GREY) FOGLESONG’s Christmas letter. There was a lot in it, including talk about running marathons. I’ve been working myself up to only five miles at a stretch (after years of not running at all) and the 10-20+ distances Laura’s been putting in sound like eternity to me! Probably many ofyou are out running marathons along with her! More power to ya; I’ll stay home and eat ice cream, thank you very much!

On the international scope, Dan CURRY has moved himself and his family out to Shannon, Ireland! After moving from San Antonio to San Francisco to start work at RayChem, the company turned him right around and sent him overseas to work. (He accepted a position as purchasing manager for Raychem’s plant out there.) Gee, makes the military seem pretty stable! He assures us he’ll “have that Irish brogue down in no time at all, at all.” Ifany ofyou plan on being in that area, I know Dan and his family would like to know, and have a visit from you!

Thinking of visiting friends in foreign lands, Dale FRENCH and I are planning on having lunch together next week in Pordand, OR. Dale and his wife, Katie, took some time off after he left the AF to drive around the Great Northwest with their Four-runner, mountain bikes, and camping gear. They had a blast! Now he’s setding into a nice job as a financial planner.

Several weeks ago I was skipping class and just hanging out at the McChord BX when I ran into Kelly UCHIMURA. He’s doing well and flying dangerously. Kelly’s been at McChord so long they’re thinking about making him the base historian! So, he’s off in search of another flying assignment. We exchanged a number of names, but wouldn’t you know it, I didn’t have any paper on me at the time, and my memory has been fading ever since that.. .that.. .well, whatever it was.

More and more exciting things happen to our classmates all the time. Mark HOEHN (as far as we know) is the first ‘91er to fly the F-117 (though Angie WALLACE has gone through the academics for Test Engineering). Mark and his family “stopped in on Jeff HENTZ and his family, Heather and Samantha (1), at Little Rockwhere he’s an IP in the C-130. I heard thatTony BAUERNFIEND traded in his special ops ‘130s for an F-15 somewhere, but I not sure. Max MOROSKO and family are moving from Eglin to Tyndall to be an instructor in the Eagle. Mark HOELSCHER and his wife, Kim, are still in Aviano flying F-16s. Toland PETRAITIS and family are back in the C-5 at Travis. Hopefully, I’ll run into more of you when I hit the airshow circuit this summer. Until then take care.” So, what is the airshow schedule, Mark? Give us a list and maybe we can web publish it.

Congratulations also go to RichWOOD, who told us, “After almost eight years of marriage, my wife, Lisa, and I are finally having our first child (due in May). We are intentionallykeeping the gender a surprise. In June, I will be graduating from Seton Hall University School of Law. After taking the bar exam in July, I will be working at a large Manhattan law firm called Davis, Polk & Wardwell. Life is good ...” Indeed!

Quick flash: Ben KAM says his old roommate, Tim NIX (a Green Beret), is enjoying the mud and field living in Bosnia. And thinking ofsnake-eaters, how many of you remember Scott Danforth? Though he didn’t graduate with us, he’s been in touch with folks, and sent us a nice letter. He’s deciding whether to go on to law school or go back in and play with JSOC for a four-year tour. For the sake of room here, you can find it (and many others!) on the Feb 99 Class News page.

First, let’s show you a picture of the Bill Grace Memorial Volleyball Court. Mrs. Grace writes, “Bill’s court is in [a] Vandenberg quad, and is actually a properly engineered, up-to-specs court in a spot where cadets had tried to create their own. So we know it’s in the right place. Second Group (Bill was a War Eagle) is in charge of maintaining the equipment.” She also suggested a great idea: if any of you live in a place with high quality beach sand, and you find yourselfvisiting the Academy in the future, please bring a handful or two and add it to Bill’s court. I definitely think we should have a couple of games here during our reunion.

The only BIG story I got this quarter was of Susan RANK’S operations down to Antarctica! She was very kind to offer the following words between beers. “I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on the Deep Freeze mission, [21 Jan until mid-Feb]. Christchurch [New Zealand] is beautiful...very clean and the people are so nice! [she was waiting to fly first mission] Lots of cool stuff to do and see, so waiting to fly is not boring! There are no other zoomies here (at least that I know of) and as usual, I’m the only woman. Well, gotta run to make that tee time!” ...later on... “All I can say is ‘Wow! Pretty cool!’ Actually, the temperature wasn’t as ‘cool’ as I expected. It was only -5C the first trip and right at 0C the second time. It’s pretty awesome though to land on an ice runway that has no other markings besides flags every 1000 feet down the sides. Didn’t see any penguins though. The weather was so-so on the first trip, but was clear and sunny the second time. Antarctica is gorgeous. Lots of mountains and the ice is very blue where it meets the sea. Actually, I’m having a tough time using the word ‘ice’ so much. You see, we play this little game the whole time we’re here: any time you say the word ‘ice,’ you owe everyone who heard you a drink. Doesn’t sound too tough, but it sneaks up quite easily! (ice cream, ice cubes, ice chest, icing, icicle...you get it) Plus, it’s so much easier to say ‘the ice’ than ‘Antarctica.’” Sounds awesome, Susan!

Brian Johnson is “now flying F-15Cs at Elmendorf. The only other ‘91ers here that I know of (I’m sure there are others) are Jeff BENDER who left to fly ‘38s at Sheppard and Mike WINKLER who also flies the 15C. Other info that you may not have: Dave and Chris (HARVEY) are at MacDill - Dave is a ‘135 IP and Chris is the chief of the MPF. Mark BERES is at Mildenhall flying MH-53s.” Babies! We have four more to: Lois and Mark TRUE (Calvin, 10 Sep 98), Brian and Juli JOHNSON (Victoria, Oct 98), Brad and Kim TEBRUGGE (Feb 99), and Jay and Lisa OSURMAN (Brittany, 18 Feb 99).

The list of address changes from the AOG I mentioned at the beginning of the column included a number ofMr. and Mrs. tides, many ofwhich I certainly hadn’t heard of. We are growing increasingly civilian, but that shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone! A partial list: Leslie (BEAVERS) BRENNAN, Sean BLACK, Derek FLETCHER, Roy GOZUM, Brian HANDSHOE, Cindy FLORIO, Brent JOHNSON, Brian KLUTE, Donald KOSTECK3 Jr, Stacey NELSON, Brendon O’DOWD, Esme (OSHITA) DAETZ,William POINTER, Julianna (R1CKERT) MARIEN, JeffreySLEVIN, and Toby ZYROLL. Hope none of these are wrong!

OK, Word’s telling me this is over 1,500. Gotta stop. Seeya! TAV

Ted

James S. Mehta < liiiin

47-050 C Laenani Dr.

Kaneohe HI 96744-4740

DSN: (315) 448-6569

(808) 239-4240

E-mail: jamesmehta@usafa.com

Percent members: 35

Aloha, Class of 1992! I feel good about this column tonight. I have received some inputs over the Internet and even one in the old-fashioned mail. And, to top it all off, I don’t have to send this in tomorrow! The Air Force keeps us very busy and with so many people moving around, its tough to stay in touch.. .1 have been doing okay, but I need to do better. Recendy, Don and Kathleen UNWIN and Matt and Vickie RAFTER came out to Hawaii for a well-deserved vacation. They spent some time here in Oahu before heading out to an oceanfront condo in Maui. My girlfriend Michelle and I had fun showing them around and going to several nice restaurants for dinner. We even hiked the Hauula Loop, here on the windward side of the island. That’s where Michelle took this picture for us.

Don, Kathleen, me, Vicki, and Matt on the Hauula Loop Trail.

Layne KASPER sent me a letter that followed me to Hawaii after first visiting my old apartment inVirginia. Layne had three “great assignments” - Texas A&M University, LangleyAFB, and LaughlinAFB - before deciding to leave the AF for more comfortable civilian clothes. He then moved to Fort Worth, TX and “married Jessica, the love ofhis life.” He’s self-employed there as a business broker, facilitating the buying and selling of mid-sized manufacturing companies. Hmmm...that’s sounds a lot scarier than a secure AF job... but, I guess Layne never gets deployed! Layne said that he just became a member of the AOG and has been keeping in touch with several classmates. He occasionally has the opportunity to see some of them when they have flight simulator training in Fort Worth. Recendy, he has seen Christiane (PINDAT) MARTIN, Tony BAMSEY, and Steve CARSON. Steve, who was a “star closer” for the Falcons baseball team, is a helicopter IP at Kirtland AFB, NM. He and his wife, Barb, are keeping busy with their newborn son Jack. Layne had some good info to report on John DOOLITTLE who cross-commissioned into the Navy. John recendy finished SEAL Tactical Training and is now taking advanced training with his first SEAL platoon in Littie Creek, VA. They were expecting to deploy to Europe in March. Troy SIMON, who used to be on the receiving end ofSteve CARSON’S fastball as the Falcon’s catcher, is living the civilian life in Bryan, OH where he is involved in hospital administration. He, along with his wife, Denise, and daughter Alanna, are fixing up and remodeling their house. Layne’s letter was very impressive - it was written on his company’s letterhead announcing“Kasper & Associates.” It’s good to see that ’92 is becoming suecessful contributors outside theAF. Thanks for the greatletter, Layne - write again.

Well, it appears that my Christmas letter actually reached a few of my old SOS flightmates. I got a hilarious e-mail, well, actually two, from Chris FREY. No one will ever guess what he is doing up at Clarkson University in upstate NewYork. He made me promise not to tell anyone for fear ofbeingharassed by some old chums. Let’s just say he does have some free time to take master’s courses.. .you figure out the rest. Or, ask Chris yourself. (I hope I haven’t broken Chris’ plea.) Actually, Chris sounds like he’s enjoying not having to deploy or ever hear about “MOPP 4” again. He is having a blast snowmobiling, skiing, and playing hockey in the winter, and kayaking and biking in the summer. Not to mention the trips to Canada, eh?

I got another e-mail from a SOS slacker - John GUERRERI. John and Cami are at McChord AFB inWashington. They settled into a home in Tacoma and invite anyone (well, it was actuallyjust to the SOS gang - but I’m sure theywon’t mind all ’92 folks dropping by) in the Seattle/Tacoma area to stop by. He didn’t give me too much detail, but said he comes through Hickam quite a bit. So, hopefullywe’ll get together sometime soon and I’ll interrogate him fully!

Let’s see, also from the cyberspace...I got an e-mail from Matt BECKLEY. He’s flying F-16s with the 22 nd Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem with Lea ALFORD. They are the only ’92 guys in the squadron, but have a bunch of other Zoomie 22 FS SpangViper drivers - Matt MULLIGAN (’89), Rick ROSALES, Kevin SUTTON, and Steve HORTON (’93), Cary CULBERTSON, Steve PIEPER, and Mike MALONE (’94), Adam MEYERS and John WILCOX (’95). Matt has been having fun living in Deutschland and making extensive wine-tasting trips through the Alps. A group of them got together over the holidays and watched a videotape of the Mighty Falcons “dismantie” Washington at the Oahu Bowl. Matt graduated UPT with Jim MEGER and they’re both in Germanytogether. Jim is flying A- 10s and soon to be headed to Columbus to fly the AT-38. Another UPT classmate, John WILSON, is

finishing up Viper training at Luke. While at Incirlik AB, Matt hooked up with some fellow 33 Ratz smacks - Rod RICARD (E-3, Tinker) and John DeYARMON (KC-135, McConnell) supporting the Northern No-Fly Zone “thing."

John MILTNER just extended his 15-month assignment in Turkey for another year. He’s the wing treaty compliance officer at Incirlik AB, and has been exploring the remnants of ancient civilizations and trying his hand at Turkish. His job involves all of the administrative requirements, and planning and training wing personnel to deal with international inspections for arms control treaties. He frequendygets to take TDYs to Europe and has some ambitious plans for a European vacation this summer. John sounds like he’s finally got the perfectjob for himself!

A new contributor to the cofumn is Sam CHESTNUT. He and his wife, Annisa, have been at Kadena AB for over a year and are loving it. Sam is flying KC- 135s in his spare time when he and Annisa aren’t out vacationing somewhere. He classified himself and Annisa as DINKs, and in the year they’ve been in Japan have traveled extensively - Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Sapporo, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Nagano Olympics. And, they have ambitions of visiting Singapore, China, New Zealand, and the SydneyOlympics before they PCS. He will be heading to SOS in May (probably be there when this comes out) but invites everyone to come visit him in Japan before they PCS in Jan 2001. Other Kadena grads - Andy FREEBORN and Lynn GAWELL (’91) are at Altus after a tour in Kadena. And, Tom JOSLYN was last thought to be heading to Grand Forks from Kadena. As for others Sam’s been keeping in touch with... “Shanon YATES is doing well at Offutt. Saw him out at Diego Garcia flying RC-135s with Mike O’CONNOR. Grady ARKIN (T-37s), Veronica, and litde Owen are sweating it out at Del Rio as are Joe and Michelle KANYOK. Rick MOORE is finishing up at Scott headed for a C-5 to Dover. Flip FIELDS is an IP at Offutt; TDY all the time. Tony BAMSEY is getting married, coming back to the States soon from Germany. Greg SOUKUP is wing intel guru at Misawa, TDY to PSAB for four months, coming back in March, I think. Sam JONES is a flight doc at Eglin. Bill BREWER, Shannon, and Aaron are out in the civilian world, in Milwaukee, WI. Mike and Liann FELICE are at Fairchild, working an assignment. Jon TAMBLYN (93), Amy, and Rebecca are also in the 93rd ARS at Fairchild. I saw Jim DITTUS at IP school this past fall at Altus—still at the Forks.” Thanks Sam, I look forward to more letters in the future!

Some people are finding me through the unofficial Class of 1992 web page. Marc SCHALTER (webmaster) has been keeping it up-to-date and recendyposted most ofmy past Checkpoints’articles. I will have all ofthem to him soon, so take a look! RayALVES posted an e-mail he sent to me. Ray is at Aviano AB—the land ofvino and pasta! He “managed to scratch out” an F-16 after UPT at Reese and has been at Aviano for two years with his C-Springs bride, Denise. Denise and Ray got married during UPT and they now have two boys, Trey (3 years old) and Bryce (a newborn!). When they first got to Aviano there were a lot of‘92ers, but now only Dave TUPAJ is keeping them company. Ray says Denise is amazed when he tells her that “no matter where we end up or visit, there will always be someone who I know.” And, that just might be the best benefit of the Air Force!

I had to harass my old roomie, Don UNWIN after he visited me. I told him to send me an e-mailwith some Checkpoints data. So, as usual, he produced. Kermit HARNESS just PCSed to Elmendorf from Pope AFB to fly the C-130 with Don. Woody HAYNES is rumored to also be heading that way. Jeff Whitey” WHITEMAN has returned from his year remote in Korea flying the C-12, and is once again flying the KC-10 at Travis. During a month-long TDY to Japan, Don saw Todd CRAIGIE and Jeff ORR. Todd has recendy cross-trained in the F-16, and I think I heard he is now married. But, I don’t have any details! (hint, hint) JeffisPCSingto the FighterWeapons School at Nellis. Andy CRUM recendyreported in.. .he’s been TDY quite a bit, and is heading to the schoolhouse in Alabama (SOS).

Some old 22nd Sq. Tarantulas: Dave “Kumo” KUMASHIRO is finishing up in D.C. and will be soon heading out to Travis to get back into the cockpit ofthe C-5. He’s been havingfun, but is looking forward to flyingagain. He promises to come visit me here in Hawaii when he heads West. Steve WOLF is finishing up at Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA and will be bound for grad school in Berlin with his wife, Kay, this summer. And, I already wrote about John MILTNER, Don UNWIN, and Todd CRAIGIE.

I hope to hear from those of you visiting or stopping in Hawaii. I’m always up for dinner or a barbecue at my beach shack on Kaneohe Bay. So, I look forward to many visits soon! True Blue ’92 - James.

Michael D. Sundsted

441 Kelham Court

Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 (609) 787-0988

DSN: 440-3057

Email: bravecwboy@aol.com

4 - k

Percent members: 86 WW

Hello everyone! I hope this letter finds everyone in great spirits as the summer fun is right around the corner! Unfortunately, I am the bearer of sad news. One of our own has passed away. DarrenVAN ZEE passed away in February due to injuries from a motorcycle accident. If anyone would like to write Rebecca VAN ZEE please either give me a call or e-mail me. Please take a moment to remember our fallen comrade...Here’s a Toast, to the host. All five of the members of our class who have passed away since we entered the Academy have been the result of an accident in either an automobile or motorcycle. Please everyone be careful! On to our news...

First, I have to thank you for all the accolades that we receive for writing this article. We even get kudos from other classes on how we get so much involvement! You guys are great - YOU are the one’s who make this article great bygiving me great stuff to write. Pat yourself on the back! Also, if you are having trouble locating your AOG Checkpoints magazine in the mail - call me or see the AOG web site linked to the USAFA web site. Speaking of e-mail - mine has been mis-

printed in the last article - please see the one above it should match the following - Bravecwbov@aol.com

Our first caller is currentiy enjoying life with his new bride, Monique. Ladies and gents give a big round ofapplause to Eric BUHR. It’s great to have you on our show! “Thanks Mike, I have so much to update so we’ll talk later. I am now at Schriever (Falcon) AFB, CO. I couldn’t stay away from the Springs and couldn’t wait to show my wife our stomping grounds - Remember the beer tree! When I was a child I loved driving around those huge Tonka trucks in the sand. I have the opportunity to drive big truck now, but they have a trailer with a cool missile on the back. I get to go all over the world. Enough about me Mike, I have seen so many others in our class! So much fun for a space operations major, so litde time.

Just off of my two-month tour in Germany, I ran into Phil HENDRIX and Kristin UCHIMURA. The former was returning from his trip to Bosnia and the latter returned from her tour in Hungary. Phil and his new bride, Jennifer, are enjoying their assignment in Wiesbaden, GE. They were married at our Cadet Chapel in April in 1998.

“Also having fun with me at Schriever AFB and having fun flying satellites is Jason KIMBEL and Rich RUPANOVIC. Rich married Gina Pesapane this January in NewJersey. I used to work for her father at L.A. AFB (Col John Pesapane). I have to say that I am responsible for that wedding as my cupid’s arrow pierced both their hearts. TIME OUT ERIC! Okay enough of the lovey-dovey stuff. Okay, sorry Mike. I did see one more individual after my tour over in Germany. I was able to meet up with Susan HEALY’s house in Colorado Springs. She just bought a beautifill home in Old Colorado City. She is instructing our future leaders and is still one of the most positive thinkers on the planet.” Hey, Eric thanks for the great news and congratulations to all! It’s time to move on to the next caller!

Hello sir, you are next on the air for our 1993 quarterly update! “Oh, hello, this is Chris CHAPLIN. First-time callerherejustlovinglife in Oklahoma. I am on the move, but am awaiting my assignment night at UPT. I have had enough time though to watch a couple of our own who have kept with their dreams of flying in the AE Arthur CARLSON and Kirt FIESBECK are doingwell and coming up on their assignment night. Best wishes. Darren BOOTH got an F-16 and Kelly MCJOYNT will be flying an F-15E. I’ve seen many others who are currently in Tweets, but that’s for another call next month. Oh, before I forget, Jimmy SPARROW is now aT-1 IP here atVance in the 32nd FTS. Oh man, sorryMike, but I am going to have to go study for my next checkride. It’s been great talking to everyone, bye!”

I have to interject before we go to our next caller. I ran into Brent MESQUIT before Christmas and I know he was recently wed. I would like to congratulate him on his great fortune and apologize for not returning his e-mail. Does anyone know how to check an AOL account from G.I. mail? I also want to congratulate Char (MELICK) MCREADIE and her wedding. I can’t wait to hear about the wedding and all of our classmates who attended. (Hint) Wait a minute - the phone’s ringing again.

“Sonny, it’s Jason MILLS (Millsy). Sorry I missed you when you came out to Seattle. I was up in Elmendorf and TACC made us stay up here to back up other tankers. We ended up launching due to the other tankers having a hydraulic problem. I am going to take some leave and try to get in touch with Stephan MCILNAY getting ready for the low-flying, slow-moving Dirty C-130 in Corpus Christi and Mike BORYS who is graduating from navigator’s school in San Antonio. I have to go to Puerto Rico for a week to support a week exercise with the Navy. I have to go pack a bathing suit and find my hurricane glasses. Take care everyone - I’ll catch up to you when I’m in Saudi!”

“Hello? Mike is that you. I can’tbelieve it. It’s Steve LASK0WSK3 and I’m on my car phone driving to work. I can’t tell you where I am though. Heygreat radio show! Just thought I would call and tell you that although I’m one ofthe 14 percent nonmembers ofthe AOGI enjoy the quarterly article. Just wanted to let everyone know that I am now out in the real world and rely on my wife’s copy of Checkpoints to keep abreast of our classmates! I am now working for the FBI and have just started new agent training for 16 weeks. That’s why I can’t tell you where I am right now. I should find out where I am going relatively soon and I’ll get back with you...”

I can’t believe the success of this radio show! The phones are ringing off the hook. Next caller! “Yes, this is Osan Operator #15 and I have a DSN morale call from Captain Brendan HARRIS. Mike, I am listening to your show right now - it’s on AFRTS radio here in Korea! Just wanted to pass along some great news!” I already know Brendan. You are getting married, right? “How did you know?” I had a pretty good idea and I don’t think I have ever seen someone swoon over one person as much as you have. Your are in love man. I think the whole class knew it before you. My time in Korea is almost up and I will be going to Hill AFB for my follow-on assignment. I have to go back to the desert in October. At least this time I get to stay in dorms and not in a tent!”

Hello, you are on the air! “Mike, it’s me Terry HOEFT only now my last name is SHEPPARD! Just wanted to let you know that I have three “Proud to be ‘93ers” in my AFIP 98 class. I went through with Paul HIBBARD and George IRVIN. Paul’s wife, Julie (KING), has gotten out and is pursuing graduate school. I have found time in my busy schedule to run a couple of marathons this year. I saw Glen CHRISTIANSON at the U.S. Army 10-mile run in October and also ran in the Marine Corps Marathon with Kristi EILER. She’s at L.A. AFB loving life looking for movie stars and trying to be in a big movie like Jason COUISINE. At the Pentagon I have seen several of our classmates like Craig RIZZO and Joe DELCAMPO. I think that’s about it Mike.” That’s great - take care Terry

I have time for one last caller. “Hi Mike, it’s Larry CARD. I haven’t talked with you since UPT. My wife keeps bugging me to send updates to you! Christy and I were married in Feb 98 and are expecting our first baby in August. I attended Weapons School at Nellis AFB and ran into Brian BURNS [Beans, call me - Sonny], Craig HOLLIS (F-16s at Cannon), PeteWILKIE (F-16s at Moody), BryanWOLFORD [What’s up Wolfy!], Mark SHEA (SP at Nellis), Eric CHAPITAL (WSO in F-15Es at SeymourJohnson). I am currentiy at Popeworking as a squadron weapons officer for the 74FS. Ron STEUWE is also in my squadron and recently had a new addition to his family in February. Mike WILLIAMS is also acting as the fighter group

executive officer. Mike MEYER just showed up as my new wingman. AndraVAN POPPEL is in the other A-10 squadron. John BRINER and CharlieWAHL are living life at Davis Monthan AFB. Whew -1 can’t believe I said all that in one breath!” That’s awesome Larry! Sayhello to your wife for me. I’m glad she got you to write. Well ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Military Forces Network and the Association ofGraduates, I would like to thank our sponsors for an excellent radio show. Thanks for all of the phone calls and I look forward to receiving your emails. On behalf of our class - DarrenVAN ZEE - God bless you my friend!

C. C. Smith

4121 S. Van Buren #641

Enid, OK 73703-8596

Home: (580) 233-5445

E-mail: bowheaad94@hotmail.com

Home page: http://www.usafa.net/1994/index.htm

Percent members: 75

Hi all! First, let me apologize for the missing article last issue... not that it’s any excuse, but things have been sort of topsy-turvy for us lately. Things are up-inthe-air with our assignments, so, although I’m praying like crazy that we’ll be stationed together, please address everything to me (C.C.) so things get forwarded correctly. So I don’t waste space explaining everything, I’ll just thank you for understanding and dive right into the news...

Dave PLEASANCE checked in from life in the Army and sent some great photos, including this one ofhim at an altitude of 7,965’ atop Mount Daniel - the highest point in King county, WA. He just finished the InfantryCaptain's Career Course at Ft. Benning, GA and Special Forces Assignment and Selection at Ft Bragg, NC. After “doing some time” at Ft Leavenworth (just a TDY; I don’t think he’s in any trouble!), he’ll be at Ft Bragg for the Special Forces Officer’s Qualification Course until the spring of2000. I’ve scanned in his other photos and sent them to Chuck BAIRD for inclusion in the class home page.

We also got a great letter from TinaWESTFALL who will be married to her beau ofthree years, Capt. JeffBlackman by the time this column is published. Tina has been working as an administrative contracting officer (ACO) at Northrop Grumman in Hawthorne, CA since May of '97, but took a six-month “break” to serve as an ACO in Bosnia not long after she got there. Despite the demands of her job and upcoming wedding, Tina was able to finish her MBA and even start her own business! She’s a professionalorganizerwith a sole proprietorship named Together Individuals Now Achieve (TINA) Organizing. She goes into homes and small businesses to help people organize theirclosets, cupboards, garages, memorabilia, files, and more... come on over, Tina. I’ve got lots ofwork foryou! Tina has run into some other ’94 folks recently, including Joe SANTUCCI (Offutt, KC-135s), Lisa HARRINGTON (L.A. AFB, MILSATCOM), and Matt SUFNAR (enjoying civilian life in the L.A. area). Lance and Carrie BAXTER (Scott) see Holly and Gary GOOSEN often and wrote in to share a great picture of Lance with sons Chance and Spencer and Gary with his new little one, Josiah.

Dave Pleasance on Mount Daniel in Washington State.

Garyand Josiah Goosen. Lance, Chance and SpencerBaxter.

Of course, I can always count on an annual update from Kelly HEALY, who is loving civilian life as a law school student at the University of San Diego. She’s kept in touch with Adelle BELISLE, who loves medical school at the University of Vermont. Interestingly, Adelle’s twin sister, Amy, just finished med school herself and is joining the AF too! SO, ifyou see a Doctor Belisle around that looks just like Adelle, be sure to make her feel right at home. Anthony MITCHELL (emergency medicine, New Orleans) and Dave STEINHEISER (Wilford Hall) just finished med school as well. Sarah (O’DANIEL) FORTUNA is still in med school in South Carolina, but found the time to have a babydespite her demanding schedule. Speaking of babies, Amy (CARNES) and John CHILDS just had a new baby girl, as did Jim and Mary PatWINNER, while Jodi (DeMARTELARE) and Mike RAMIREZ welcorned a little boy to the world. Stu EBERHART stuck around Hawaii long enough for Kelly and her sister Susan (’93) to visit, but recently moved to L.A., leaving Patty RODRIGUEZ-REY and Eric GRUSZECKI to enjoy the tropics. Others folks Kelly hears from include Bill ALLEN (deployed with Marine Corps), Deb HOUIM (teaching physics at USAFA), Carrie BISCHEL (recently married to a West Point grad), A1 BOWER (out of AF, attending law school at University of Illinois), Titi SOO (Warner Robins), and Jerry LOEFLLER (still in England, playing rugby).

We were really sorry to have missed J.J. LOPEZ’s October wedding to Chris Alley, but got a great picture of the USAFA folks at the festivities. From left are Angie WALLACE (‘91), Deb (NAWROCKI) LUKER, Amy DiGIOVANNI, Ronald Cantrell JONES (’93), J.J. and ChrisALLEY, Sally (HIRST) McCULLERS (’88), Leigh (MEROLA) ROBINSON (’91), and Diane (PROVOST) ZAMOT (’87). We had hoped to see the newlyweds at Rick and Jennie SHEFFE’s wedding in December, but were unable to make it. I’ll try to get a pic from Rick and Jennie before they leave Vance for Rick’s C-5 to Travis. And maybe Rob LOPEZ (just graduated UPT, heading to IFF then A-10 RTU) will save me a photo from his April wedding to Kathleen.

The Lopez Wedding Party

I mentioned above that Deb LUKER was at J.J.’s wedding, but didn’t tell you her exciting news. Deb got to see me when she was TDY from Brooks to Tinker with Ernie HERNANDEZ a few weeks ago! No really, the real news is that she was just accepted into the JAG program and will be going to law school full time in the fall! Congrats, Suzie!

Jane (DECKER) and JeffGIBSON are enjoying life at Malmstrom, especiallywith the addition of litde Sarah to their family. They sent a great photo of their happy family (look at how BIG Regan Marie is already!).

great and available to all of you considering gemstone purchases in the near future. Because of his direct contacts in Europe, he says he can sell certified diamonds at halfthe cost of anyone else. Check out our class home page to see how to get in touch with him or call me for his e-mail address. Despite staying busy with his business, Bill stays really involved in his church teaching Bible School along with Jeff BRAUN.

Lara Nicole (JAESSING) DILLARD e-mailed me at SOS to say how much she and Bryan enjoybeing at Vance. He’s busy with UPT while she loves being a full-time mom to little Michael. Theykeep in touchwith tons offolks like Brady and Suzanne (’95) JOHNSON (Hurlburt), James and Lauren BIERLYA (F-l 17s, Holloman), Jason and Resa COMBS (B-l, Ellsworth); and Calley and Carol POARCH (UPT, Columbus). At Vance, they get to run into tons of ’94 folks, including Doug EDWARDS, Tara NOLAN, Norm SUMMERS, and Andy HOLMBURG.

In addition to the e-mails and letters that came in, check out the folks who have made recent updates to their info on the home page: Jeff LINGENS (air freight OIC, Ramstein), Lara Nicole (JAESSING) DILLARD, Leland “Bo" BOHANNON (C21, Randolph), Jason VITAS (T-37 IR Columbus), Deonna NEAL (USAF Honor Guard, Bolling), Jack EAST, USMC (ops officer, Portland), Paul (Joe) CLOWERS (civilian financial consultantfor KPMG), Mark SHIDELER (doctor,Andrews, newly engaged!], TinaWESTFALL, Stephen SMITH (UPT, Laughlin), Jeremy and Snapper REBMANN (OSI special agent, Hurlburt), John BREUKER (F-15C IR Elmendorf), Rod MELZER (Finance, Wright-Pat), Jennifer PATRICK (student, Joint Military Intelligence College, Bolling), Brett ANDERSON (med student, UTHSC, San Antonio), Mike GRUNWALD (intel, Mt. Home), Chris and Aimee STOFFEL (civilian flightinstructor, Eau Claire,WI), and Chris andJeraDALTON (cost chief, L.A., proud parents of twin boys Caden and McKennan!).

I’m going to wrap it up for now, ‘cause I’m late (as usual!) getting this to the AOG. SOS was like a mini-USAFA reunion, so I’ll try to include some info from the folks who I saw there in the next column (I’m waiting to get my class book from SOS so I don’t leave anyone out!). I hopeyou’re all doingwell and having a wonderful last year of the millennium! Our initial USAFA commitments will be up by the time this column is printed, so best of luck to those of you going your separate ways. Please keep in touch and don’t forget your Air Force family! Take Care and God Bless! C.C. & Trevor

Becky Mason

884 Brookwood Drive #202

Oklahoma City, OK 73139

Home phone: 405-691-6997

Home e-mail: bmas0801@aol.com

Work e-mail: Rebecca.Mason@tinker.af.mil

Percent members: 67

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Hello everyone! By the time you receive this, we will have put on captain, so congratulations! This has been a verybusycouple ofmonths since the last article. As I write, we are heavily involved in the Serbian conflict, and many of our classmates and fellow graduates are doing their duty to help stop the atrocities taking place in that country. We are thankful to everyone who supported it, both directly and indirectly. Here in Oklahoma, things are great! A little news: Oz MEDLEYjust PCSed here from Wright-Patterson and is now in the best job in the Air Forceaircraft maintenance (I’m a little biased). I also saw John SPITZER for a couple of minutes when he was here at my office for a tour ofthe depot. He is in the maintenance squadron at Sheppard AFB, and said it was a lot different than Eglin! I bet!

I’ve been fortunate to hear from quite a fewpeople as to their goings-on. Dwight JUNIO (95) and his fiancee, Becky (also in the AF), came back to Oklahoma from Osan, Korea, to arrange things for their wedding that will take place sometime this fall. I was able to have dinner with them while they were here, and they told me they are coming up on their time at Osan, and will be heading to Germany after their wedding. Dwight is staying very busy with his job in civil engineering. Evidendy, Rob and Donna PETTY (‘93) are stationed there, and are expecting another child sometime soon. Dwight also told me that Kevin WADE (‘94) is currently at Ramstein, and will be getting married to a woman from Oklahoma. Dwightwasable to seebothAndyLEONGand Renae (BARTOLONE) HILTONwhen they were in Korea for a command and control exercise.

Jason GOOCH contacted me out of the blue, and caught me up on some of the happenings at Eglin. He will be leaving there in August for a “semi-civilian” posidon in an undisclosed location. He mentioned something about needing some help figuring out what to wear everyday to work! He sent information about Sherry ARUDA stationed at McConnell in Kansas, who will be marrying Doug Levan, a Texan (that’s the only information he sent on him!), in Jan 2000. Also, Chad GREEN and his wife, Suzanne, just had their first baby, a boy named Jack, at the end of February. Phong NGUYEN moved to Nellis and is working at the 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron and will be getting married in November. I’m feeling like a dying breed here!

The Gibson Family

Channel MILES sent in a quick e-mail from Seattle, where he and Dave WITKOWSKI are enduring the constant rain. He’s kept in touch with Chris and Jera DALTON (LA.), Bridget (HUGHES) NERY (I have her e-mail now, ifanyone is trying to reach her), and Hawaii-dwellers Patty RODRIGUEZ-REY and KayAQUINO.

German SCHROTH e-mailed from Pem, where he was recentlypromoted to captain in the PeruvianAF and enjoysflyingA-37s. He’s reallyhoping to flythe new MiG29s next, but might end up spending another year in theA-37s as an IE He sent a big invite to anyone traveling through Pem and I’ve also got his e-mail ifyou need it. Bill ENGBERG wrote in to tell us that his diamond importation business is going

I heard from Dana DALLAS who is atWright-Patterson in medical logistics after a tour at Kelly in SanAntonio. She mentioned Mark PIPER is in Kunsan and flying F-16s and enjoying life. Andrea ROLFE wrote from Saudi, where she is located with her unit from Mountain Home. She said she had seen Aaron DRAKE, Celiann GONZALES, Johnny HARRISON, John CHRIST, Jon SHULTZ, JeffJOHNSON, Brett BLAKE, BJ LOPEZ, and lots ofother people in passing. She also sent me an e-mail but my computer dumped it. I remember it mentioned Paul PEREZ is in theArmy in Georgia and that he and his wife just had another baby - a boy I think. She also sent me a letter from Pete MICHAELSON, and this picture of Pete, his son Brandon Elias, and Dave SALISBURY (en-route from Korea to Cannon AFB). Pete is in

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SO THEYWILL GET THEIR OWN CHECKPOINTS'.

his second year of medical school at USUHS in Maryland, and writes he and his wife, Susan, are doing great

Pete Michaelson, babyBrandon, and Dave Salisburyin Maryland.

I also heard from Bill BARRINGTON who sent this picture ofhimselfstanding in Red Square near St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. He was there as a technology safeguard monitor, and enjoyed it tremendously. He moved to Cheyenne, WY, with his wife Cathy (‘97), and is now the OIC of the missile maintenance section. He said he and his wife are skiing a lot, and enjoyingbeing in the mountains - a lot different from Florida! He’ll be at Vandenberg AFB in May for Guardian Challenge so keep your eyes peeled for him! He also went to Liz MAY and Dave MEGGITT’s (‘94) wedding on November 7th in the Springs. There were a lot of grads there including Nick MARTIN (now at Buckley airfield), Rolf LUNDMARK (enroute to Thule, Greenland), and Eric GODELFER. He also mentioned there was an article in the January 18th AirForce Times about Cheryl LAMOUREUXmaking military history as the first woman to fly on a B-52 combat mission during Operation Desert Fox.

Spangdahlem. Dave RAMIREZ was to join their squadron sometime in March. He also says there are quite a few other zoomies there at Spang, a couple ofwhom are Jason SMITH and Scott ARBOGAST, who are both F-16 pilots. Matt is currendy TDY to San Vito, Italy, a hardship tour (!), where he is the chief of Security Forces. Matt wanted to pass on the great news of his engagement to a beautiful Midwestern girl, Jill Brissenden (are there any other types of Midwestern girls?). They met on a sail to the Virgin Islands with Mandy KRANTZ, Dave BRACKNEY, and Brian BARTEE after graduation. Theywill be married on July 17th at the Academy. Best of luck to you both!

I also heard from Hall SEBREN (‘96) and he says he and his wife, Megan, are expecting their first child in September. He is also at Spangdahlem in maintenance. April (DREW) and Mike BENSON sent their greetings from Shaw. Michael is the Command Post operations officer and April is LogisticsTrainingflight commander there. They are also building their house and it should be done any day now, so I’m sure they are both staying busy.

Some last things: I received a memo stating that the Academy cadet squadrons will be “downsized” to 35 from 40. Evidently the last four squadrons will go black. So for those of you who were in 37, 38, 39, or 40, you are now a part of history. Finally, I received an updated listing of all of our classmates’ addresses the other day from the AOG. Ifyou are trying to find someone, please contact me and I can send you his or her updated address. That’s it for this edition! Stay safe out there, and write or call when you can! Until next time... From the heartland, Becky. J

Melissa S. Cunningham

1308 Hembre Court

Suisun City, CA 94585

Phone: (707) 422-7975

DSN: 837-2088

E-mail: melissa.cunningham@travis.af.mil

or msc 96@hotmail.com

Percent members: 58

Greetings from Sunny California! I’ve got one more month to enjoy the Bay Area before migrating south to Del Rio, TX for our next assignment. I was wondering how the new assignment system would work, and I guess it’s like anything else - whatever the Air Force needs at the time. But I’m not too bitter because this will be the first time that Fred and I are at the same base and actually get to see each other. This last assignment we were both on mobility status and lucked out if we saw each other once a quarter. So Laughlin AFB will have some merits, like being home every night. Does it sound like I’m rationalizing?

I’m back now from my rotation from Stuttgart, Germany. While there, I had a chance to get together with Mark and Jen CHAGARIS. Mark is flying C-21s at Kelley Airfield, Stuttgart, in support of about everything that is going on in this theater. He and Jen met while he was still at the Camp Happy. Chris THOLEN introduced them. They started out as pen pals, and one thing lead to another. They were married on 22 March 97 and then moved to Del Rio, TX where Mark attended pilot training. He graduated UPT in April 98, and they proceeded to Dallas, TX and Biloxi, MS for C-21 training prior to his assignment to Stuttgart.

Bill Barrington in Moscow.

I also heard from Grete (SLITER) YANKE, who is at Vandenberg as a physical therapist. She said she and Patrick (‘94) are doing well, and think California is heaven! Also from California (Edwards), but on his way elsewhere, Travis ELKINS sent me a picture and short letter about his wedding to Brandy Chism on Halloween 1998. Belated congratulations are in order!

Travis and Brandy Elkins

I got a note from Amanda (STEFFEY, ‘95) and Chris FINERTY (‘92) to let me knowtheywill be moving to Kadena, Japan (they’re alreadythere bynow!). Amanda sounded excited about the move - good luck to both of you! Matt LOWE also wrote to tell me about his exciting deployment to Taszar, Hungary, where he is the chief of Security Forces. He is normally stationed with Matt WADD at

Mark and Jen Chagaris

They are thoroughly enjoying their European vacation, I mean assignment, so far. They took a belated honeymoon to Rome, Italy and did the works. They saw the Vatican, the Forum, and basically any place you could walk on foot. They’ve also been to Poland, the Czech Republic, and to Strassbourg, France. Jen has been teaching part-time in between trips. Mark has been on the leading edge of most of the activity in the European theater. Last month he flew Ambassador Christopher Hill to Belgrade for the Kosovo peace talks. He’s also been to Albania, Pristina, Kosovo, Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Zagreb in support of NATO stabilization forces. He’s been to Macedonia, Incirlik, Helsinki, the Canary Islands, Sicily, Rome, and Niami in Niger. Next week, he is leaving for a 10-day trip to Africa in support of an embassy scrub. He’ll be enjoying this Europe vacation for another two years, and then he’s off to a strategic airlift follow-on. Life couldn’t be sweeter!

Here comes the familiar laundry list of people, their locations, and aircraft: Scott McCLARN F-16, Ryan PORTERFIELD F-16, Joel LaFLUERE F-15E, Brent WEEZNER B-52, Nate OWENDOFF C-21 to Offut, Steve CARR UH-1 to Yokota, Matt TIMAN F-16, Ray CHEHY C-9 to Ramstein, Paul HEIGHTMEIR F-15E, Jerry ARMAGOST EC-130 to Davis Monthan, Scott LORENZE T-37 to Laughlin, Joe HOWARD MC-130 Kadena, Joe COPASSO C-130 Litde Rock, Nick ANTONOPOLIS

C-130 to Pope, DarcyLIDAYpicked up for UPT, Mark HERRERA C-21, DerrikTHOMAS C-9, Steve WARNERS missiles to Minot, Tim FERENCHECK F-15E, Matt

WEAVER KC-135, Ellis GARNER EC-130 to Davis Monthan, Ryan HALL RC-135 nav, Jim HART F-15E, John MANGAN Blackhawks to Iceland, Jim ROY BIB nav, Chris KLINE E-3 to Tinker, Dan BEGIN T-l IR Jake CAMBELL C-9 to Scott, Jeff

SCHINER T-38 Laughlin, Anthony CAPARELLO C-21 to Langley, Chuck METZGAR T-37 Vance, Jason GOODWIN KC-135 to Warner Robbins, Jim HARRIS C-21 to Wright-Pat, David STOCK F-15E, Jenn BIVENS KC-135 to Grand Forks, MattYATES C-23 to Panama, Scott HOWE F-15 toYokota, Branden PARKER B-52, Brian CAHILL KC-135 to Mountain Home, Matt RUSSELL A-10, Derrick KECK KC-135, Ester

OBERT F-16, Mike FELLONA C-130 to Ramstein, Scott SMITH and Reid

RASMUSSEN flying A-lOs at DM (Scott is headed to Spangdahlem), Mike

DROWLEY is going to fly Hogs in Korea, Chris BACON is also in Korea flying F- 16s, Dax “Yukon” CORNELIUS is at F-16 RTU and then to Aviano, John SAPP and Dave ABBA ’95 F-15 at Langley, Clay BARTELS F-15E at Elmendorf, Drew ALLEN F-15, Brian RIZZOLI C-2 Is to Wright-Pat, Mike McDERMOTT and Brad HALL are at Columbus as Tweet IPs Chris MITCHELL, Brad DOWNS, Chris DOUGHERTY, Pat RYAN - all flying Herks at Yokota, Jake Rosser C-5, and Brian Zullo E-3 to Kadena.

From left are Andi Vinyard, Kurt Kremser, MattMennel, and Kip Kiefer at the Fiesta Bowl cheering the Vol’s on to a National Championship.

I got this picture from Andi VINYARD. She took a trip to L.A. to visit with Tom and Jenn CABALLERO (SPINDLE) for a pre-Fiesta Bowl party. She had a chance to visit Charlie PACHELLO, Matt MENNEL, Kurt KREMSER (flying Herks at Pope) and Rick BOLANDER (‘95). Then she, Matt, Kurt, and Kip KIEFER went to Tempe, AZ to cheer the Vol’s on to a national championship.

I just received a great letter from Justin SANDERS. He and his beautiful wife, Carrie, are stationed at Vance where Justin is an IP Carrie is busy working as an RN commuting three days a week to Tulsa. Justin is enjoying his job for the most part, “flying with students is a joy, butyou never knowwhat they are going to do to try to kill you.” Before he moved to a new Tweet squadron, he was hanging out with the likes of Mark HICKMAN (’95), Bob BRYANT, Chuck METZGAR, Will SKEETERS, Brian CRISMORE, and Jim STUMBO (’95). Also atVance are Jim MANSARD (’97), Julie THODE (’97), Shannon CARY (’97), Joe CATURO (’95,) DanVEAL (’94), and Chris MADDOX (’95).

almost decided to turn back, but decided to press on because the chances of getting another day off were slim to nill. It’s a good thing we kept going, because as I got out to buy tickets, I realized that I was in line behind Jenn and Tom CABALLERO. We took the tour ofthe castle together, and I had a great chance to catch up with both of them. Jenn was sent to Zurich, Switzerland for a contract she was working on (read into that boondoggle) and decided to take a few extra days of leave at the end of the trip. Tom flew out to meet her to take a mini-vacation. They visited Garmisch with some friends and were on their way north when I ran into them. Jenn and Tom are moving to Boston this summer for their new assignment. It’s funny, for the last three years, Jenn and I have lived five hours away and never managed to visit, but we end up traveling halfway around the world to see each other.

The Sanders’ Wedding

Here is one ofthe favorite pictures from Justin and Carrie’s wedding. From left in the first row are Mark HICKMAN (’95), Carrie SANDERS, Justin SANDERS, Brent KELLY, T.D. EURESTE, and Dax CORNELIUS. Second row: Matt CALHOUN, Line HILL (’95), Mike FELLONA, Drew GRIFFIN, and Tim MORRIS. Third row: Scott SMITH, Ken SHIPLEY, Mike McDERMOTT, Blair LINVILLE, and Eric MORAES. Fourth row: DrewALLEN (’97), Kurt KREMSER, Mike CONLEY, and John CORNETT. Fifth row: Brandon PARKER.

I was able to get a day off from work during my rotation and decided to head down to Neuschwanstein Castle for the day. It was snowing pretty hard, and we

Well, that about wraps up this column. I’m sure in the next article, I’ll have some great pictures from Laurie and Reid’s wedding. I just got some pictures from Shawn ANGER’swedding Take care and e-mail me whenyou get a chance. Harley.

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

wWhat’s going on everyone? Just picked up orders to Kadena AB in Okinawa in July so I’m leaving Luke a little quicker than expected. I’m seeing a lot of ‘97ers comingthrough Luke now so I’m a little sad to leave so soon. Ran into Ben HOLLO at the gym and watched the Broncos win #2 at Joel DEBOER’s house.

On her way to Luke is Beth BENSON who should be arriving in the June-July timeframe. She has already completed her master’s in material sciences and is currently at Goodfellow finishing up intel school.

Nicki FIARRIS recentlyjoined me here in Phoenix except she’s a few miles down the road at the AF Research Lab at Williams AFB. She's hardly had time to get settled as she has spent some of her time at acquisitions school in San Antonio. Speaking of San Antonio, John LITECKY hit me up with an e-mail from Randolph AFB where he was going through nav training after the primary course in Pensacola. John will be headed to Offutt and RC-135s. John also dropped the names of some other guys going through the nav ropes to include Donnie STARLING (KC-135, McConnell), Jesse CARLSON (KC-135, Grand Forks), Ben BOYD (AC-130, Hurlburt), Bill BOOTH (C-130, Pope), Jon KEEN (KC-135, Mildenhall), Keith NELSON (C-141, McGuire), Matt MIDDLETON (KC-135, Grand Forks), Nate SCOPAC (MC-130, Hurlburt) and Chris SEDLACEK (C-130, Ramstein).

Matt DOMSALLA sent me a picture from his wedding back in July of ‘98 (see photo next page) to Deborah Hackleman in Houston. Kyle BENWITZ served as a groomsman and Matt BRUHN (’96), Jeremy LLOYD, Colby KUHNS, Jon APPELT, Silas FICEK, and Jeff CAIN served as saber bearers. Becky AINSLIE broke away from her duties as a transportation officer at Mountain Home AFB to make it to the wedding. Leann SIENKO and Ryan MIHATA made the trek from med school in San Antonio. Jeanne BEDLEK came over from Goodfellow where she had been going through intel school. She has since moved on to do intel in Hawaii - tough assignment! Lucas FLANAGAN and Ryan McCREIGHT came over from Laughlin. Lucas has since moved on to helos at Ft Rucker and Ryan is a T-1 IP in Laughlin. Angie JOHNSON (GRAY) was also in attendence. Angie is at Sheppard doing publie affairs and her hubby, Luke, graduated from ENJJPT and should be making his way to Luke for ‘16s. After their wedding, Matt and Deborah headed on a cruise through the Eastern Caribbean with stops including the Dutch West Indies, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO YOUR AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS PROVIDE CADET WING AND GRADUATE PROJECTS FOR WHICH FEDERAL FUNDS ARE UNAVAILABLE.

From left are Tom Caballero, Melissa Cunningham and Jennifer Caballero (Spindle).

The DomsallaWeddingContingent:from leftin thefront roware Leanne,Jeanne, Matt, Deborah, Angie, Deb Mack (Matt’s sponsor) and son Bill. In the second row are Colby, Jeremy, Lucas, and Jeff. Third row: Matt, Ryan Mihata, Silas, and Kyle. Fourth row: Jon and Ryan McCreight

Matt, Max BREMER, Brian PAYNE, and Chris WELCH are nearing the end of their tour at Harvard’s Kennedy School. Max and Chris are slated to head on to Columbus for UPT as is Matt at Laughlin. No word as ofyet for Brian.

Sarah WILLIAMS dropped me a line from Dyess AFB in Texas where she is a maintenance officer on C- 130s. She had just returned from a 45- day deployment to Ramstein AB in Germany where she helped launch the C-130s on daily missions to Bosnia, England, Italy, France, and other European destinations. She is also halfwaythrough her master of science in organizational human research development (that’s a mouthful) at Abilene Christian University. Thanks for the note Sarah. Oh, and big ups to her German Shepherd Shiloh who was cool enough to hook up his paw prints on my Christmas card.

Matt FETZER hollered at me back in January when he was about to complete T37s at Laughlin. Apparently we got our wires crossed a few months back when I wrote he had gotten married. He is actually only engaged and will be tying the knot officially in September. Apparently, people have been asking him why they had not received invitations to the wedding. Oops. My bad. Matt passed on word about some classmates and their planes. Mike SOVITSKY will be flying C-9s in Germany, Dave and Michelle (GADUS) PRYOR will stay at Laughlin flying the T-38 andT-37, respectively. Dave EPPERSON and Mark GARCEAU got F-16s and Dave RAYMAN is headed to Davis Monthan for A-10s.

One of my old Recondo buddies, Frank CASANOVA, is a space physicist/satellite alert officer at Patrick AFB in Florida. He completed his master’s at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta last September. He was there along with David JOHNSON, Heath HOLTZ, and Byron BRIGHT. David has moved on to UPT in Del Rio and Heath headed to Kirtland in Albuquerque doing aerospace research. Frank thought Byron was at Eglin testing missiles but wasn’t positive. Frank’s old roommate and smackyear Reaper, JodySCROGGINS, is at Barksdale for B-52 training.

Speaking ofRecondo buddies, last issue I told you ofPat SUERMANN’s wedding to Megan Kouns. Well, Maj Richard Flood, USAR Ret, sent in a newspaper clipping of the happy couple. I’m gonna submit the photo but I’m not sure if it will make the issue because the resolution may not be good enough to get from the newspaper to the magazine. In case it doesn’t, trust me Pat definitely married up ifyou knowwhat I mean. (Nothingbut love Pat, nothing but love!) I stole from the article that Chris LEBRUN and Ernie CARCAMO served as ushers for the wedding. Following the wedding, the couple headed to Montego Bay, Jamaica for the honeymoon.

Pat and his lovely wife Megan.

Speaking oftraveling, I headed to the east coast this past March for a little vacation. Wouldn’t you just know that as I tried to have a nice peaceful vacation, I found myself in Panama City Beach, FL in the middle of spring break. I tell you,

sometimes my timing stinks. Anyway, I kicked it old school with Jason PUCKETT and Clay KOSCHNICK (‘98). Despite, the springbreakers, we had an amazingtime.

Two ofthe three of us came out with new tattoos; I’ll let you guess who.

Well, by the time you read this we’ll probably have discarded those beloved butter bars for the silver variety. In the next article, I’ll have a report on the much anticipated 97-95 promotion party in Hermosa Beach in L.A. The next time you hear from me, it will be from a small island in the middle of the Pacific. Sam GLINSKI will be helping put together the next article since I’ll be in the process of getting set up in Japan. You can e-mail your inputs to her at samanthaglinski@vahoo.com If you have photos to send just get with her for a good address to send them to. Until then, take care.

Karin L. Klein

841 Fairchild Ave., Suite 103

Barksdale AFB, LA 71110

Home: (318) 549-0330

Work: (318) 456-1015/DSN: 781-1015

E-mail: (W) Karin.Klein@barksdale.af.mil

(H) Klein_Karin@hotmail.com

Percent members: 61

Hi everyone!

Well, I am writing this issue’s article from the U.S Support Group in Haiti. By the time this article is published I will have just returned from a 90-day deployment as the only Public Affairs officer in Haiti. It is a joint assignment, but there are only 19 Air Force personnel here. I am the only 21T on the joint staff and also the only female. So, it has been interesting. I am calling it my Air Force appreciation tour, as working with the Army and the Marine Corps is definitely “different”. I thought I had finallyescaped marching and morning formations, but no luck. We have morning formation at 0530 three times a week followed by group PT. Oh, and we work six days a week. I feel more like a cadet now than when I was one!

Since the last article I have received a lot of information about what ‘98ers are doing. But, I haven’t received any pictures. So, for the next article please send some photos.

A source who wishes to remain anonymous wrote with information about classmates in the logistics plans career field. He wrote: “Seven of us went into logistics plans, with a nice vacation (tech school) at Lackland AFB, TX. Then all of us left for overseas assignments - USAFE and PACAF. Plans is the best-kept secret in the Air Force, with all the deployments and TDYs. We coordinate with all the other logistics functions and have a highvisibility, as most of us report to the wing commander. This is a brand new career field for 2LTs and ‘98 was the first class to be able to go right into plans. The seven ‘98ers in the field are Josh FRANK and Tate HAGLAND at RAF Mildenhall, Steve BEREIT at RAF Lakenheath, Adam SCHNICKER at Spangdahlem, Dan HARLOW and Gina JENNINGS at Kadena, and Nate HARRIS at Ramstein. The unnamed source also informed me that Josh PETERSON is still on casual at Nellis, Paul TAMASHIRO is working finance at Ramstein, and Kevin DIVERS, along with wife and BABY! are at RAF Lakenheath awaiting pilot training.

I also got an e-mail from Jenna TUKEY, who wrote the following: I’m stationed at L.A. AFB along with classmates Luke GARGASZ, Colin CLINGAN and Joe LAGUNA, who are all acquisitions officers. Brian (Bubba) WILSON works in the ftnance office, and Tracy VILLANO works in personnel. As for me, I’m an analyst for the Directorate of Developmental Planning. I work with future space systems modifications. It’s a pretty neat job. I just got engaged to Jack FLYNT in Septemher and we’re going to be married May 29th of this year. He is atVance in UPT. My sister Rachael TUKEY is enjoying pilot training at Laughlin AFB.

There are a lot of‘98ers at the various UPT bases, and I know quite a few ofthem have track selected already, but I haven’t received any information about who is flying what. So, I made a nuisance of myself and called each base to find out who had taken which aircraft. I didn’t manage to get much information and no one returned the calls. So, I still don’t know much. I did get to talk to Matt EDWARDS at Laughlin and that reminded me to tell everyone that the USAFA-started band “Union Grind”, composed of Greg MARTIN, Matt EDWARDS and Josh BROWN, has released their first CD. It has already caught the attention of two web magazines and has gotten some “awesome compliments”. The CD can be bought by logging on to the official Union Grind Website at http://www.bigfoot.com/ -uniongrind The only other info I got from Del Rio is that Angel SANTIAGO selected C-130s and Heather MEYER decided to take T-ls. I know a ton of ‘98ers have already track selected at Laughlin and the other bases, but I don’t have any other information. However, when I called Vance, I talked to Chris ULISH and he told me a little about his class 00-04. Doug BOUTON, Chad MARCHESSEAULT, Karsten ANDERSEN and Troy MCGRATH are all part of that class and they are all still in T-37 training. For all those in UPT right now, please be in touch and let me know how you are doing and what you are flying!

Here is some other miscellaneous information from my roommate Kerrie who has been living in field conditions for an exercise for the past three weeks. Beth CRIMMEL got engaged on Valentines Day to Rob MACROS and is planning a wedding the same time next year. She is still studying at Harvard. Wade ADAIR is also engaged, with a weddingplanned forAugust. Kerrie GRIBUSKI and Matt DUNKER got engaged at DisneyWorld in February and are also planning an August ‘98 wedding. Felicia BELL drove into Shreveport recendy, and Pat FOX flew in on a crosscountry. Joy BOSTON also drove through on her way back to Altus from Keesler. She just finished the Air Traffic Control School. TaraVICE - our third roommatejust returned from her services tech school at Wright-Patterson AFB. Tobin RUFF just finished comm officerschool, and Dave LEWIS, who is in Pensacola, got kicked

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out of UPT for a while so his hurt knee can heal and he can recover from mono! Trey HALL and John BORIA are living in a slum - their words, not mine -and going through UPT at Vance. Kerrie also saw Abby NEWCOMB and SaraVICTOREEN in the Dallas Airport. They were on their way back from Mardi Gras where they saw Jaime PETERSEN. Craig FITZPATRICK is busy doing maintenance at Travis AFB and is one of three flight commanders. Chris PETERS just returned from comm, school and is happy to report he has his PQ back. He hopes to be one ofvery few people with both wings and a comm, badge on their chest. Candice MCBRAYER is getting ready to PCS to Holloman AFB after her minority enrollment position is done. Byron ARMSTRONG - another ‘98er in Louisiana, is expecting BABY #2 in October! Jay MEIER just returned from hostage negotiation school, and Cory BROWN is loving life in Boston as an acquisitions officer. Last but not least, Jaime HERNANDEZ is rumored to be dating a “Navy Lady” who lives across the hall in his apartment building!

Back to e-mails. Mari SCHOERING wrote that she, Christel CHAVEZ, Brandon EVANS, and Matt ERPELDING are flying together at an FBO in the Springs. They are the last ’98 IFT class. Mari finally leaves for Columbus April 5. She was supposed to start in January, but shattered her right ankle in a bad parachuting accident and her date got pushed back to facilitate recovery. Brandon starts UPT in May and Christel will go to Vance in June. Matt will go to Columbus when he finishes IFT.

Melissa SMITH also wrote with the following information: I’m at the University ofIllinois working on my MS and leave inAug. for Intel school. OverThanksgiving I saw a bunch of people at RickWILSON’s wedding. He is in UPT at Vance now. I also saw Nikki VIGIL who is finishing up space/missiles school at Vandenburg, Matt BROWN who is gambling heavily at Nellis awaiting UPT, Raimone ROBERT who is stationed at Randolph, and Ron SCHOCHENMAIER who is in UPT at Columbus. I also saw Calvin B. POWELL and Ben ZETTLE. Dan LEE and Brent BALDWIN were also there. Dan got married NewYear’s eve and Brent got married at the Academy in Feb. At Brent’s wedding I also ran into Justin HILL who is now at Randolph. In other news, Scott ROBIN is working on his master’s at Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and doing well. Tom PAYNTER is having a good time at med school in Iowa, Rob LAVINE is school at Texas A&M, Jason ALDERMAN is at intel school and Jamie RHONE is at Randolph. In addition to a lot ofweddinggoing on, there will soon be a few more babies for ‘98ers. Jenny DAINES (ASKINS) wrote that she and her husband are expecting their first child this fall. She is currently at Offutt AFB, NE and is working as a section commander in a comm squadron. She said she tries to keep in touch with most of the “Rebels” from CS-11, and wrote the following: “Travis NORTON and Abby NEWCOMB were both at my wedding, and John FER showed up too, but I

(Academy Burial Policies: Continued from page 36.)

and testament. Any funeral conducted on the Air Force Academy grounds will be arranged by the Mortuary Affairs Office. Examples of services provided are arranging chapel service; opening and closing of grave; burial vault, bronze marker, full military honors for those eligible; arranging for a reception following the funeral service; and lodging accommodations (if available). For further information contact Janet Edwards at (719) 333-3323 or by e-mail at EdwardsJA.sv@usafa.af.mil.

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

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

Among other eligibility categories for Academy Cemetery burial are cadets, Air Force personnel assigned to the Academy between July

Doolittle Hall Available For ManySpecial Occasions

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

never actually saw him. In October I saw Steve POTTS and Frank AGUILAR at Keesler. I was there for the personnel officer course and both Steve and Frank were there for comm. Several other people were also there: ManySCOTT, Marshall MCMULLEN, Shawn BRISCOE, and Erika TANNER (COTTRELL). The TANNERs, Erika and Rich, are both at Columbus AFB. She’s a comm officer and he is in UPT. Marshall is at Dover working in the MPF and Shawn is a section commander at Whiteman AFB. My husband and I took a weekend trip to St. Louis and I ran into Geoff MANN at a gas station driving across Missouri. He was headed out to Vandenburg. I’ve recently received e-mails from Matt BRADFORD, Chad STERR, and BJ ARRIT. Matt is working for NASA and loving it! BJ is also working for NASA and taking some pretty heavy classes, working on his master’s degree. Chad is in San Antonio going to SP school. Sharon ROCHA is at Nellis and recently sent me an announcement of her engagement to Brian Christ (’99). They are supposed to get married inVegas next summer. Speaking ofweddings, Austin SORENSEN called me a few weeks ago to tell me that he and fiance Amy are planning on getting married later this year.”

The only other baby on the way that I know about is to Steve FERNANDEZ and his wife. Tim SCHUMACHER wrote with that info and said we should look for a litde ‘Nandez running around by September. Tim also mentioned that he is going to be one of the last ‘98ers left at the Academy, as he doesn’t leave until August 20th

Tom JOST wrote to say he is currently stationed at Brooks in San Antonio and is doing laser safety research at the Air Force Research Lab. He saw Rob MATLOCK this past Christmas at Ian TATE’s (’97) wedding.

The last e-mail I got for this issue was from Zach GUZA who let me knowthat he recently got engaged to his girlfriend ofthe past nine! years and they are planning a 19 June wedding. He is still in UPT at Laughlin and will track select before this article is published. He is hoping for helicopters. Other ‘98ers in his UPT class are Dan LEUNG, Mark OREK, Ryan WIERZBANOWSKI, Matt EDWARDS, Casey MILLER, James WOOSLEY, Erin MUNSON, Treena EMERSON, Chuck WHITEHEAD, Lauren ECKERT, Keith LITZLER and “a bunch of others”. By the next artide there should be an update about what these people track selected.

I guess that is all my information for this article. Keep the information coming! I did get another e-mail from Bob SCHREINER, but it is on my computer at Barksdale and I couldn’t get to them from Haiti. Sorry Bob, but I will use your info in the next article.

Call or write soon with as much information as you know. If I run out of true stories for the next article, I think I will start making them up! My work number is DSN 781-1015 and my e-mail is karin.klein@barksdale.af.mil I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to hearing all your stories. Oh, and the offer still stands - ifyou want to write an article, just let me know! Karin

11, 1955 and Sept. 10, 1957; and Air Force cross-commissioned officer graduates of West Point or Annapolis who have retired with at least 20 years of uniformed service. Former superintendents, vice superintendents, commandants, deans, chiefs of staff, appointed directors ofAdmissions, directors ofAthletics, permanent professors, tenured faculty officers, sequential-tour staff officers, (formerly continuous-tour staffofficers), preparatory school commanders, and Air Base Wing commanders are also eligible, as are senior enlisted advisors. Also eligible are Academy Board of Visitors members with prior distinguished military service, Air Force Cross recipients, and all Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of branch of service.

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

For those eligible, grave reservations will not be assigned before an actual interment requirement. When the need arises, written or oral application should be made by the next of kin to Mortuary Affairs, 10th Services/SVMM, 5135 Eagle Drive, Suite P106, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-2618. Only one gravesite will be used for the interment of persons involved in the spouse or parent-child relationship. However, when an infant child is interred in the child section, the sponsor is still entitled to a site in the adult section.

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

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

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