Checkpoints December 2001 by USAFA Association of Graduates

FALL 2001

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contents fall 2001 up front 9

BOARDROOM TALK

THE UNTHINKABLE

past

FLASHBACK- Dodo Has

columns

letters from the

Colorful Past

FROM THE AOG PRESIDENT

COMMANDANT'S

INSIGHTS/ WING COMMANDER

ANNUAL REPORT

CHAPTER NEWS

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

SPORTS

CLASS NEWS

NOTE

features spotlight

ACTS OF COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP Lt. Gen. Paul Carlton ’69 knew his primary mission was to find and care for casualties in the Pentagon on Sept. 11th.

book review

THE LAST BATTLE BY RALPH WETTERHAHN The Last Batttle reads like a novel, but the plot of this thriller was

profile

written in American blood on a fierce battlefield.

CHARLES GARCIA IN FOCUS Mr. Garcia is recognized as one of the top entrepreneurs in the country.

cover

story

HEROES

OUR FALLEN ON COMRADES

Our cover story pays tribute to two of our graduates who lost their lives on September 11th, Charles Jones ’74, and

Leroy Homer ’87. up close

CHECKPOINTS TALKS WITH JOHN MARTIN '69

John Martin has become the first person to give $1 million to

perspective

the AOG to support the needs of the Academy.

MAJ. VICTOR APODACA

61 RETURNS HOME

FROM VIETNAM ONTHECOVER

Victor Apodaca’s remains came home to rest at the Academy.

HEROES

Volume 30, number 3

CHECKPOINTS fall 2001

contents cont.

off the shelf 19

Doolie Quotes

Gen. (Ret) Johnson '59 reflects about September 11th

Gen. (Ret) Ryan '65 retires

Doolie Life

Letter to the Editor

Class of 2002 chooses Rickenbacker

Out of the Dust

B. Gen. Welsh says goodbye

2005 receives Contrails

Truman Honors for the Academy

Bill Hybl is the newest AOG Honorary Member

CORPORATE OFFICERS Board Chair Marcus A. Anderson, ’61

Board

Vice Chair

William W.

Maywhort, ’68

President & CEO

James A.

Shaw, ’67

Secretary Martin T. Daack, ’66

Treasurer

John T. Moore, ’78 STAFF President & CEO

James A. Shaw, ’67 Vice President, Development

Gary S. Howe, ’69 Vice President,

Information Services Charles A. Denham, ’67 Vice President,

External Communications Richard S. Rauschkolb, ’70 Vice President, Services

Richard H. Downing, ’70 Director of Marketing & Media

Bob McAllister

Director, Constituent Services

Wayne Taylor BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sports

Designated Director James A. Shaw, ’67

Falcons get ready for hoops

Women's Volleyball experiences New York tragedy

A salute to Coach Eddie Weichers

To Serve Until 25 June 2003 M.A. Anderson, ’61

J. P. Ulm, ’61

Rogers, ’64 W. W. Maywhort, ’68

A. V.

D. J. Palenchar, ’70 J. T. Moore, ’78 J. A. Merritt, ’89

To Serve Until 30 June 2005 L. D. Fortner, ’59 R.W. Yates, ’60 F. D.

Gregory, ’64

V. C. Andrews, ’66 W. W. Boisture Jr., ’67 E. E.

Legasey, ’67

C. P. Garcia, ’83 A. D. O’Grady, ’96

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June,

September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: 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 Force Academy, 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, FALL 2001.

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PERSPECTIVE

FROM THE

AOG

PRESIDENT

Service

he events of 11 Sept have changed all of our lives—

perhaps forever. This issue of Checkpoints attempts to capture how this tragic day impacted our graduates and cadets. Two of our graduates lost their lives. Charles Jones ’74 was a passenger on AA Flight 11 that crashed into the World Trade Center and Leroy Homer ’87 was the first officer on UA Flight 93 that went down in Pennsylvania. Their pictures

adorn our cover as a small gesture to recognize their sacrifice and service to our country. I know all graduates and friends of the

Academy join me in extending our deepest sympathy to their families, friends, and loved ones. LtGen PK. Carlton ’69 probably doesn’t consider himself a

hero for his actions in the Pentagon on 11 Sept, but others do. The Class of’61 had its Reunion Plans disrupted, but probably had a more

memorable Reunion than they had thought possible. Read

the touching story of their classmate Victor Apodaca’s return to USAFA. One of our graduates, Charles Garcia ’83, has been on

several newscasts, including CNN’s CROSSFIRE, sharing his terrorism expertise with the country. Be sure to read the letter from

Doug Kohler, the parent of one of our graduates. Our cadets were affected in many different ways. C1C Mark

Jacobson took time to write down his thoughts about the meaning of 11 Sept. Other cadets gave us quotes to use and this semester’s

dynamic Wing Commander, Rob Hamilton, talks about the changes he sees in the wing. This tragedy has driven home to the cadets the seriousness of their chosen profession. The Commandant praises the class of2002 for its leadership of the wing. Our athletic teams continue to superbly represent the Academy. The women’s volleyball team was in New York City on 11 Sept. See their efforts to give blood for the day’s victims. Check out the picture of Ben Leestma, the Captain of our golf team; note the flag on his golf bag. Our football players have an emblem on their uniforms that shows a flag rising out of the Pentagon. Many of our athletic teams have had to perform in near empty gyms due to the intense security surrounding the cadet area and the base. Times have changed. As our country embarks on this battle against terrorism and those who sponsor it, I am encouraged by this new generation of young people who will bear the brunt of this war. While our parents were the “Greatest Generation” and many of us endured the hardships of Vietnam, I am confident our sons and daughters

have the “right stuff” to win this war. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they enter this new era. BY JIM SHAW, ’67 COL(RET)

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 7

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PERSPECTIVE

Dear Members, n case

you didn’t notice, I

Graduate Award

changed the salutation from “Dear

ing awardees will be honored during Founders’ Day

have Associate Members and Corpo-

activities in early April of next year. But, as a re-

rate Members who receive the

graduates

magazine, but are

minder, now is the time to submit nomination pack-

and we value them too, as readers

ages for the 2002 award cycle (See page 81 for

of the magazine and as part of our association.

details)■

The tragic events of 11 September were made even more

Your AOG continues to grow in membership, activities and staff. Recent additions to the staff

tragic with the loss of two Academy

graduates. Charles Edward Jones, Class of ’74, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11; and

include a controller, a constituent liaison person, a

graphics designer, a data base programmer and a senior service center specialist. The objective, as always, is to provide the best possible service to our members and the Academy. As I write this, I’m about to depart for the Washington, D.C. area for the Sabre Society dinner on Friday, 5 October, followed on Saturday by the Air

LeRoy Wilton Homer, Jr., Class of’87, was First Officer on United Airlines Flight 93. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of these two individuals, as well as to all those who were

General Ron Fogleman (’63)

and Mr. Harry Pearce (’64). These highly deserv-

Graduates” to “Dear Members”. The reason: we

not

affected by the terrorist attacks. th

My class (’61) had scheduled our 40 Reunion from 13-16 September. Unfortunately, due to the events of 11 September, those who planned to travel by air were unable to attend, but those of us who

Navy football game. Almost 200 members and prospective memForce

did make it enjoyed a subdued, yet meaningful

reunion, capped-off not by a football game on Saturday, but a memorable graveside service for Vic Apodaca, our classmate whose remains were recendy returned from Southeast Asia after 34 years. Parents’ Weekend in early September was again a very busy time for the AOG staff. Doolittle Hall

served as an information center throughout the

weekend, and the AOG had both a tailgate before

—

bers are signed-up for the Sabre Society dinner, being held at the ArmyNavy Club. My point: membership in the Sabre Society not only benefits the Cadets and the Academy, but also provides a great opportunity for periodic get-togethers with those of like interests (See page 14 for details on joining this worthwhile

the Oklahoma game and an Open House the next day. We thank the participating parents for their interest and support, and hope they return again

support group).

next year.

I’m confident you’ll agree that the last issue of Checkpoints set a new standard for quality, content

and I wish each of you much happiness for the

You’ll be receiving this magazine about the time our

thoughts turn to Bowl games (hopefully we’re

contender) and to the Holiday Season. Ginger

Holidays and lots of success in the New Year. 5

and appearance. Kudos to Dick Rauschkolb, ’70 and his staff for a great effort. The last issue also

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Marcus Anderson ’61

highlighted the first recipients of our Distinguished

Board Chair

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 9

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LETTER

THE

EDITOR

the

unthinkable “The unthinkable has happened and it is time to show our resolve.

”

“Our hearts go out to those who have suffered and lost loved ones. “God Bless America.

”

9/11/01 It is 6 p.m. Chicago time and I have been witness to the cowardly

attack on our country. The unthinkable has happened and it is time to

show our resolve. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered and lost

loved ones. Our prayers and support go out to all of those sons

and daughters that will be asked to make a decisive

response to this knife attack at the heart of our democracy.

Todd (’00) is on full alert at Travis and has been there all

day. This patriotism is showing strong and shining bright. Since all that I can do is donate blood and give financial

help, I will do both. God Bless America,

Doug Koehler, Father of Todd ’00

•

They go beyond the call of duty.

They act wisely under pressure. They risk their life, their fortune, or their reputation.

They serve as a calling to our higher selves.

OUR

FALLEN

COMRADE S

of September 11, 2001

C H E C K P O I N T S

FA L L

2 0 0 1.

Heroes Leroy Wilton Homer '87

Charles Edward Jones '74 Colonel (RET) was

killed aboard American Flight #11 which

was

killed aboard United Flight #93 which

crashed into the World Trade Center.

crashed into rural Pennsylvania.

Their stories must be told a

tribute

BY BILL PAILE '74

BY MA RC RANGER 97

huck and I were

he story of LeRoy

classmates, but I

Wilton Homer Jr. must

got

to know him

better when we both were to the Manned

assigned Spaceflight Engineer program in the early ’80s. We trained together to be Space Shuttle Payload Specialists. Chuck would have flown on the Shuttle if the loss of the Shuttle Challenger hadn’t set our program

be passed on. LeRoy was

the co-pilot and first officer

on UA

Flight 93. He was living his childhood dream of flying. Brother Homer was a 1987 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy where leaders are groomed. A husband, a father, a brother, and a son who as a child would

could. He also was quick to share his knowledge of the space

plead with his parents on trips to the airport to stay awhile so he could watch the planes take off and land. As a teenager his dream grew so strong that he partnered up with a friend to clean medical buildings just to earn money for flying lessons. In pursuit of his dream he attended the Academy

business, which I found helpful. Losing the chance to go

and soon after became a Desert Storm veteran who flew missions in a

into space was a great disappointment, of course, but he

C-141 Starlifter during the successful Gulf War campaign.

back so much.

Chuck was a good officer and knew his discipline well. He took his AF responsibilities very seriously and worked

hard, but without fanfare. He simply did his job the best he

In 1995 he achieved his ultimate goal of flying commercial

handled it with grace. In trying to do his best at whatever the task, Chuck

airliners when he joined United Airlines to fly 757 s and 767 s. He

could be quite competitive, but in a positive way. I saw this in

also remained active in the Air Force Reserves as a liaison officer who

him during one phase of our training at the Navy Dive

worked with inner city high school students interested in attending

School. We were taking a PT test, similar to the one given at

the Air Force Academy.

the Academy. Without either of us saying a word, we began

challenging each other in each event pushups, sit-ups, run, —

etc.

I could see in his eyes a determination to not be beaten,

and this made me more determined, too. It was good for both

of us, because it motivated us to do our best. But Chuck wasn’t all seriousness. He had a ready

laugh, and enjoyed joking around, but not at other people’s expense. He added much to the camaraderie of our group.

Chuck served the Air Force and his country well, and he was a good friend to those around him. We grieve his loss

LeRoy was a defender of this country who learned how to fly before he learned how to drive. He had a “gentle and non-violent nature” yet died a violent death. We must make sure his story is told to

young people who need to hear of his journey. No one really knows what happened on that flight. But I do

know this, unless LeRoy Homer was dead or incapacitated before the plane went down, he without a doubt was a leader in the insurrection against the terrorists. The lessons from his background

and training would not have allowed him to sit idle.

LeRoy’s legacy deserves recognition. He paid his dues. His life

and will miss him.

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 13

AOG Annual

Heroes

Giving

and spirit is in the essence of the flag that most Americans have

Have You Joined the

recently become proud to bear. His life should also be a constant reminder to all of us of the importance of pursuing our dreams instead of settling and becoming a slave to them. For that reason, I will not let LeRoy’s contribution silently fade away. Brother Homer your service, your struggle, and your death were not in vain. You found freedom and joy in flight and now you’ve flown on to the Kingdom. I’ll see you at the crossroads, but in the

SABRE SOCIETY? The Sabre Society was estab-

lished in late 1994 to honor

people who were committed to

leading the way for a better Academy. Today the Society has more than 730 graduates,

meantime your memory lives on in me.

Here’s a toast... Marc Ranger ’97

parents and friends of the

“I refuse to die without having had the courage to do what I

Academy on its rolls.

wanted to do.’'9

An unrestricted gift of $1,000

annually qualifies you for membership and the gift may be given in monthly, quarterly or single annual installments. Contact the AOG today to become a member.

Enjoy the

camaraderie of committed

■

’

irv

people helping to make the future of the Academy stronger. The Association of Graduates

of the United States

Air Force Academy 3116

Academy Drive

USAFA, CO 80840-4475 M t.

McKinley

WornHHHr l

■

■ Some View!

But look where you have to

appreciate it

e-mail:

Kathy.McCann@usafa.af.mil Becky.Hureau@usafa.af.mil

in 14 days, from June 18 to

July 1, while batding the bitter cold Arctic conditions.

JCaj. Jason

1X71 Dulaney, ’85,

JL V -^-recently trekked

ment of a dream

to the top of Mt.

nine years,” Dulaney said.

McKinley—all 20,320 ft. of it—during a mountain

“The whole time I was doing

climbing trip in Alaska.

opportunity...” “Any successful

Dulaney and 11 teammates

ascended North

Americas tallest mountain

I’ve had for

it, I felt blessed to have the

endeavor has as its prerequisite solid training.”

CHECKPOINTS, 14

(719) 472-0300

“Climbing Mt. McKinley was the fulfill-

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Air in

Force

early

General

Surgeon

rescue,

’6 9

aided

efforts

treatment

cts of

d e r s h

by Amy Butler

hen the Air Force’s surgeon general, Lt.

After the attack, rumors spread about an Air Force three-star

Gen. Paul Carlton, first learned that the

general who displayed courage and leadership under pressure and

Pentagon had been hit by a presumably

mobilized people to help in the rescue and medical treatment

hijacked aircraft and was on fire, he knew his primary mission was to find and care for casualties.

Carlton, the chief medical adviser to the Air Force’s chief of staff, reported immediately to a “casualty collection an area set

point,”

aside in emer-

gency plans for medical

workers to triage patients. But 10 minutes after the

efforts. Carlton, who was scarred by

burning jet fuel during rescue attempts, is likely that man, although he is clearly uncomfortable with the attention. Throughout his interview, he emphasized that his actions were small compared to the collective efforts of numerous Pentagon employees. Carlton swiftly assembled a team to go into the Pentagon and find the injured. He and others entered the building from the entrance for corridors three and four. Smoke was billowing courtyard

Boeing 757 slammed into

out of the

the Pentagon, no patients

he was. His account, and the accounts of others who were

to the

being brought buildings central courtyard were

save victims

from the Pentagon fire, are mostly based on

sensory reactions

for medical attention.

—

trying to

sketchy

strange approach for military officials who are

trained to be precise and highly attentive to detail.

Carlton said he soon realized

While he can’t be sure exactly where he was, Carlton said he

he and his team were useless

thinks he found his way to the alley between the

until some patients were

rings

brought from the jet-fueled fire raging in the building. “I am a trauma surgeon, and I was

thinking, ‘Gee, I am

probably the senior trauma surgeon here probably the only surgeon here,”’ Carlton said in a Sept. 14 interview. “So, —

I have got to really focus on what

building, and the general said he could barely see where

my job is. And, so that is

why we got organized very quickly.”

“As we went down

—

I assume

—

corridor four, someone came

by in the smoke and said, ‘We have found someone in the alley,”’ Carlton recounted. “We came into the alleyway and there was fire on the left. The building was burning and

glass was popping and

falling into the alleyway, but someone had area to

CHECKPOINTS,

Pentagon’s B and C

find a man calling for help in rescuing victims of the attack.

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just gotten through the

my left with an axe.”

2 0 0 1 15

Pentagon officials told reporters Sept. 15 the aircraft

impacted the Pentagon between corridors four and five and came to rest in

the C ring, but did not breach the exterior

wall into the alley between the C and B rings. The man with the axe, Master Sgt. Paul Lirette, had located victims and was clearing debris from the room where

“I think-from my experience in the

room—the fire was winning at that

point...Anybody that was locomoting had locomoted.”

they were trapped, Carlton said. Soon, however, Lirette was overcome

“That exposed something of an individual. We asked him

by smoke and had to retreat to the alleyway for

cleaner air. Carlton said he gathered the mens T-shirts, soaked

[the man lifting the surface] for a little bit more. He gave it a little

them in the puddles of water from the buildings sprinkler

bit more and we could see the individual,” Carlton recounted.

system, and each of the five-member team used them to

“He had obviously been stunned, because he just looked at us.”

breathe as well as possible while crouched near the ground.

The victim didn’t immediately react, the general said, and

“It was a particularly unpleasant smoke. It burned your eyes

Carlton placed one of the dampened T-shirts over his nose and

and it made you wheeze immediately,” Carlton said.

mouth to aid his breathing. The cold cloth may have been

“It was truly Dante’s inferno,” he added.

enough to prod the man into moving out of the flaming room,

Once Carlton took Lirette s position at the opening of

Carlton said. “Between the three of us, we somehow got this man

the room carved out by the axe, he saw the victim, pinned

to realize it was now or never, and he rolled over toward us and

booked out the door.”

Whatever had pinned the man down was likely the very

thing that saved him from falling debris, he added. The general said he later discovered the man suffered some tissue damage in his neck and cuts and bruises, but doctors were most concerned about smoke and

jet fuel inhalation. The man was

identified Sept. 20 by Navy spokesman Ensign Mike Billings as a

civilian employee of the Naval Operations Command Center. The victim was released from the hospital last week and is recovering at

home from his injuries. After the Navy civilian escaped the room, Carlton and the others attempted to search for other survivors in the area. The fire,

however, engulfed the victim’s position no more than 30 seconds from when he escaped, Carlton said, and the men realized they were

underneath what the general said must have been a table or

losing the battle. “I think

—

from my experience in the room

—

the fire was

beam. Fire, fueled by puddling jet fuel, was consuming the

winning at that point,” Carlton said. “Anybody that was

far part of the room and inching toward the team and the

locomoting had locomoted.”

victim, the general said.

“A rescue effort in the face of a fire is a fairly exciting affair

“The fire was in the room, and a layer of debris... The

—

and difficult. Building collapse scenarios typically give you three

flame was, perhaps, 10 feet away. Somebody passed me a fire

times as many dead as wounded, as opposed to a regular high-

extinguisher, I squirted it, and nothing happened. It was a water-based system and apparently it was fuel fire,” Carlton

explosive device, where you have three to five times as many wounded as dead,” the general said. “And, so we understood that

said. “That won’t put out a fuel fire.”

and so we didn’t really expect a whole lot, especially after I had

Another man had lodged himself under the obstacle

been exposed to that fire.”

pinning the man down and was using his legs to lift it

A man standing outside the burning room shouted that they must

off, Carlton said.

evacuate, and Carlton said he and the others retreated down the

CHECKPOINTS, 16

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"I consider him to be a hero''

corridor and into the courtyard to treat the small number of

injured people there.

ere

Officials later discovered that the man who guided

is an excerpt from a first-hand

account

Carlton and his group out of the room was Cmdr. Craig

by a chaplain on TDY to

the Pentagon on that day, in the

Powell, a Navy Seal. The area in which the victim was found was a secure zone

encased in a metal cage, officials discovered.

wake of the attack, amidst the acrid smoke and

Powell, who was described by Air Force spokeswoman Col. the cries of the injured and confusion:

Patricia Boyle as a tall man, was actually bracing himself

against the metal caging that was beginning to collapse.

It was in the triage area that I saw a man who I

Powell stabilized it long enough for the others to escape and

consider a hero. He is the Surgeon General of the Air

then ran from the scene to safety. Carlton said that as they were evacuating, he heard a

Force, Lt. Gen. Carlton. He was wearing a blue

loud noise that he thought was the fire, but Boyle said

mesh vest with silver reflective stripes. His blue

officials later deduced it was the building collapsing. Tom Fontana, communications director for the

uniform shirt was covered with the blood of victims. I

Pentagon renovation program, said the rigid, steel frame-

later heard that he had been in the blast area trying to

work built into the renovated portion of the building

(wedge 1) actually held long enough for many injured to

fight the flames and pulling people free in the smoke

escape, while the older portion, without those reinforce-

and darkness. He took over in the triage area like he

ments, was less stable.

Once back in the courtyard, Carlton and others triaged

was a

about 15 patients and were again evacuated outside the

field general in battle. He displayed outstanding

leadership and professional competence. The thought

building near the river entrance. There, the team sent the patients to local hospitals by any means possible.

crossed my mind, even as we were tending wounded,

“We just simply flagged down the cars,” the general said.

that I would follow that man into battle.

“Every car that had a backseat, we just put a patient in.” &

SECURITY

■

On High Alert irman Paul Waldrep, 10

Security Forces Squadron augmentee, salutes a driver while on duty at the

Academy’s south gate. Waldrep, along with other augmentees selected from th

throughout the base, assists 10 SFS with force protection measures implemented here. Augmentees helped carry out new security initiatives during the Falcons versus Wyoming game.

CHECKPOINTS,

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2 0 0 1 17

Wing Commander

f v

J7 n the morning of September 11,2001, the world /

meaning of

every hallway of both Vandenberg

knew and had grown accustomed to at the

and Sijan Flail. The fourth classmen

United States Air Force Academy changed forever.

could be heard greeting the upper

■.

...

T T

C1C Robert Hamilton

Now, over one month later, we finally have time to reflect and

three classes with phrases like,

ponder the full magnitude of what happened that fateful

We Stand” and “God Bless America.” The Saturday morning after

morning. In a matter of minutes, the Cadet Wing felt true

the attacks, the entire Air Force Cadet Wing gathered around the

feelings it had never experienced. True confusion as to what was

terrazzo for a “Sunrise

taking place ran rampant throughout the dorms and Fairchild

the garrison flag and the sounds of the Cadet Wing singing, “I am

hall. Many cadets were in class, many just waking up, and many

proud to be an American.”

were

glued to televisions unable to speak. Make no mistake

U mted

vigil” that was finished with the raising of

This year, all of us in the Air Force Cadet Wing, have

about it, from 11 September forward the Cadet Wing realized

rededicated and united ourselves to leaving no doubt that we

just how serious their commitment will be, especially the Class of

create the world’s finest officer.

2002 who will join this fight full force in less than seven months.

have no other choice; we must create the world’s finest officer.

The graduates of the Air Force Academy would have been

incredibly proud of the quick reactions taken by this Cadet

After 11 September we now

Our entire nation is counting on it. We will never forget this attack, we will never forget the

Wing with the guidance of the 34 Training Wing to ensure the

way this awesome nation rallied around one another and rose

cadet area was secure and fully protected. No one complained,

above the tragedy of so many lost, and we will never, never

questioned why, there was a job to do and at that time,

forget that we are Americans, fighting for freedom, responsible for our actions and dedicated to the principles which

no one

and from now on it could mean life or death.

Much like the rest ofthe nation, we rediscovered our symbols offreedom. American flags were and still are hung proudly in CHECKPOINTS, 18

make our country free. We will trust in our God and in the

United States of America. &

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BEHIND

THE

SCENES

he members of the class of2005 were

admitted from every state in the nation, American Samoa, and the territories of Guam

and Puerto Rico. The class of2005 also has

six international students from the following countries:

Honduras, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and two cadets from Turkey.

Here’s what they have to say “Coming to the Air Force Academy all began with one long cross-country road trip, a road trip that began in Savannah, Georgia. Winding through states, I saw terrain

changes, different time zones, and varying climates. Not aware

of it then, now I realize my trip foreshadowed my, like

every other Fourth degrees’, transformation into a cadet.

Suddenly, a huge mountain range appeared in our path, separating us from our parents, defining the sharp line of

reality of our newfound life. Yes, that infamous first bus ride from Doolittle Hall to the Cadet Area still brings vivid

Descending from the initial barrier between civilian and military life, the terrain remained bumpy; we still memories.

had much learning to accomplish. I know that I have

changed. My views were expanded so quickly and so greatly, I cannot believe I thought my home was the center of the world. My views on teamwork, on trust, on maximum effort

.Wmm

all the time—all critical to an effective military—have been

totally reconstructed. The striking contrast between maturity is so definite, a line could be drawn and a picture of before

and after could be shown. I guarantee no one would believe that they are the same person.” Cadet 4th Class Christopher David Lowe, Cadet Squadron

17, Savannah, Ga.

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2 0 0 1 19

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

“The best thing about the Academy is that you are working with the best of the best. one is on

the same playing field

Every-

the major leagues

and this makes it easy to get along with every-

body. I also like the location

away from the city

began to understand that no amount of pain or exhaustion mattered so

long as I did my duty for someone else. I came here to get a high

quality education and a very rare experience, instead I have learned what service before self actually boils down to. Consequently, the part oflife I now treasure the most, without exception, is people. I now

(I am a country man, so I love the tranquility and

truly feel devoted to America and those I love so much as to die for

peace that comes about during the noon meal

her cause and for the well being of her countrymen.”

formations-absolutely quiet!)

Cadet 4th Class Matthew E. Clayton, Cadet Squadron 34, St.

I can’t seem to think of any other place to live at the moment. That doesn’t mean that I think of this

Charles, Miss.

place as

home and love the Academy like I love my home. What it means is that I don’t picture myself anywhere else.

My opinion of the military has changed and my

“Saying that I’ve changed is incorrect; saying that I’ve grown more suits my Academy experience. The Academy has taken me from a lazy high school student to someone who now sees the

respect for the military has changed.’’

bigger picture when it comes to life. I was reared an Air Force brat

Cadet 4th Class Travis R Wuttke, Cadet Squadron 22,

and thought I knew what military lifestyle is all about, and for the

Eden Prairie, Minn., who says that ironing his clothes

most part, I did.

correctly is the most difficult thing he’s done so far here.

completely altered my views. I feel closer to my God, to my

However, actually being in the military has

family, and to my country. Despite the fact that the Academy, at “The part I like best at the Academy is the sense of

pride you get when you reach all ofthe important

times, does not always feel good, it has made me a better person.” Cadet 4th Class B.J. Remkes, Cadet Squadron 10

milestones in your cadet career. When I had my shoulder boards pinned on, it made the thousands of pushups,

“What I like most about the Academy is what we represent.

up-downs and everything else we did all worth it. And I

When someone looks at an Academy cadet or graduate, they can

know that everything I do now is all dedicated to getting

be sure that person possesses a level of character and integrity that

recognized and getting those Prop and Wings. The

is rarely found elsewhere in today’s society.

pride that you feel during those times is tremendous. It get better each time.”

must

I would like to believe that my lighthearted personality has

remained unchanged since I arrived here. To supplement my

Cadet 4th Class Shaun A. Miller, Cadet Squadron

character, however, I have gained discipline, an attention to detail,

20, Manalapan, N.J.

strong feelings of teamwork, and an ability to deal with stress.”

Cadet 4th Class K. Michael Fleming, Cadet Squadron 14, “The thing I like best about the Academy is the sense

Philadelphia, Pa.

of camaraderie and tradition present here,

whether I’m running on the terrazzo or sitting in class

“The most difficult thing I have done so far was one of the many

I can’t help but think of all those who came before me

rifle runs during Jack’s Valley when I was exhausted and thought I

and who I will one day join and fight beside while

could not run another step. I dropped out of the run and started

great country and our way of life.”

walking on the side of the road to let my classmates pass but they

protecting

our

Cadet 4th Class Aaron Dean Lynch, Cadet Squadron

slowed down and wouldn’t let me drop out. I was angry at them for

20, Arvada, Colo.

letting me slow them down but I was angrier at myself for slowing them down. I do not know if it was my anger or my classmates

“The most blatant change for me was my attitude

support, but somewhere I found the strength to finish the run up the

towards people. I had always been fairly professional ani

last hill. I would not want to repeat that mn, but neither will I ever

had a sincere concern for those surrounding me.

forget that first time I truly felt the teamwork we had developed instead of simply the sense of duty to each other instilled by our cadre. Cadet 4th Class Rosemarie Wilde, Cadet Squadron 28, Atlanta, Ga. &

However, throughout Basic Cadet Training we began to

comprehend the sacrifice and commitment required to

”

maintain unity as a team. Through this endeavor, I

CHECKPOINTS, 20

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PERSPECTIVE

anight c

n\ TAD rATANI

bleeding America is crying out to its military tonight. Our Armed Forces will not disappoint...when National Defense passes to my generation, we will be ready."

BY C1C Mark Jacobsen

eptember 11, 2001. 2145 hours. A long and dreadful day winds to a close. The nation is still reeling from shock. For the first time today, I have five minutes to sit down and reflect on what has transpired in America. As I sit here at my desk, I’m listening to the distant rumbling of F-I6s from Buckley ANG flying combat air patrol missions; guardian angels high overhead, the murmur of their engines an

Ours is coming. Newt Gingrich called today a Pearl Harbor for

the 21 century. Indeed. In one hour, the world changed forever. A war is brewing against the United States, and it won’t be fought by st

soldiers on foreign battlefields. It will be a war waged against American

civilians on American soil. Last month Congress voted to cut F-22 production—again.

Many Americans build big expensive houses off the end of Air Force

assurance

runways, and complain about the noise until we have

Eagle

Some people still say we’re baby-killers.

of security. My father writes to say he watched a F-15 intercept a stray Cessna. Probably just someone out for a

harmless cruise, but this is the United States Air Force, and they mean business. No one will harm another American on their watch. They run him off.

stop flying.

They won’t say those things now. Another F-16 just flew past, guarding a country that’s afraid to to bed tonight. They’ve been flying all day. They’ll fly all night. go

School’s not

In the smoldering wreckage of the Pentagon, our military leaders are

cancelled; if we cancel, we’ve let them win. I have two tests. We’re on ThreatCon Delta, our highest alert level. Cadets are volunteer-

gathered in war rooms planning strategy. At the Air Force Academy, cadets are studying. Listening. Watching so that, when it’s our turn, we will give our nation’s enemies something to fear. We live in a country that has only marginal respect for its Armed

We do our part here at the Academy today.

ing free periods to stand guard duty or check military IDs at building entrances. The base is locked down. No one comes on, no cadets leave. We don’t mind; we’re too busy finding ways to help our

comrades and defend our Academy. It makes me proud. We’re future officers in the United States

Air Force, and we want to do our part for our country.

But

something’s missing; we’re future officers. I keep listening to those F-I6s rumbling somewhere up in the blue. Our commandant

makes a speech at 1900. He says, “I know you’re all itching for a

fight, but this isn’t your war. It’s our war. Yours is coming.”

Forces. Now that country has called upon them for protection and justice. But before that call rang out, before most Americans even knew what had happened this morning, our aircraft were already off the ground. We have always been here: quiet, patient, vigilant. A bleeding America is crying out to its military tonight. Our Armed Forces will not disappoint. And when my turn comes, when national defense passes to my generation, we will be ready. I can promise you that. ^

CHECKPOINTS,

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Star Tribune,

Minneapolis, MN.

f all the small, individual

Colorado Springs, Colo., during the 40 th

in Minnesota. Late on Sept. 12, he

consequences of the

reunion of his cadet class at the

called his brother in Colorado and said

terrorist attack on

academy. Robert’s journey with his

the funeral scheduled for Friday

father’s remains brought him from

morning would have to be postponed.

America,

one of the most

poignant happened Sept. 11-15 in

Hawaii to Minneapolis early on Sept.

Minneapolis when Robert Apodaca

11, for a connecting flight to Colorado

over the past three

at 11 a.m. It never left. For nearly two

quite an emotional roller coaster,”

days, Apodaca waited.

Robert said. “Even as late as the 1980s,

forced to delay the funeral for

was

his father, Air Force Maj. Victor

Apodaca Jr., ’61 The family already had waited 34 years.

Robert was three years old when his father’s F-4C Phantom jet went

“For me, dealing with this issue

decades, it’s been

“I had a lot of time to be with my

there were intelligence reports that

father,” he said. “I had a long conversa-

indicated my father might be alive.

tion with him.”

Then it was, ‘Sorry, it didn’t turn out.’

He was desperate to find a way

“Your hopes get way up there,

down in North Vietnam on June 8,1967.

home. He might be able to fly out on

Remains turned over to U.S. authorities

Thursday, Sept.

13, he was told, but

week, all those emotions came back.

by the government of Vietnam were

there would be no cargo or mail—no

Even though he died 34 years ago, it

identified in 1999 by forensic scientists

boxed remains of servicemen killed

was like I

using DNA analysis, and the remains

decades ago in Vietnam—on those

were

presented last week to Robert

Apodaca in Hawaii. Victor Apodaca Jr. was to be buried

Sept. 14 at the Air Force Academy in

just lost my father.”

Then, at 3 a.m. on Sept. 13, Robert got a call in his hotel room

first flights. He called the Air Force Academy

from an officer with the Minnesota

to explain the situation, mentioning the

Air National Guard. “Be on the flight

presence of the Air National Guard unit

line at 7 a.m.,” the officer said. “Your

CHECKPOINTS, 22

then come flying back down. Last

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2 0 0 1

dad is going home.” Members of the 109

“We held the funeral on Saturday th

Airlift

morning,” Robert Apodaca said. “It

bers who escorted his father home.

“What a way to bring him home!”

Squadron volunteered to fly

was a beautiful

Apodaca and his father’s remains to

family members and people who

honor guard. I cannot express how

Colorado on a C-130 as a training

didn’t even know my father stood in a

grateful I am that people cared enough

mission. Since all U.S. airspace was

flag-speckled cemetery to pay

to honor him that way.”

restricted, they had negotiated into

tribute.” An honor guard fired a

the night with the Federal Aviation

salute. A bugler played taps. The 10 th

Administration, the Federal Emer-

Cadet Squadron—his father’s

gency Management Agency and

squadron—wore dress-blue uniforms

their own chain of command.

with white gloves, and an F-4 jet—

“Throughout the flight, everyone

day. Friends and

kept telling

head. Later, when he had returned to

was to be a

part of this, to have the

his home in Florida, Robert Apodaca

opportunity to bring a lost soldier

received a letter from one of the pilots

home,” Apodaca said. “One of the

who flew the C-130. “He told me that

pilots told me that we were the only

up in the air besides the AWACs

and the F-16s, just like Air Force One the other day.” When they reached Peterson Air

like his father’s jet—banked over-

me how much an honor it

ones

he said. “In a military aircraft, with an

loadmaster in his squadron had

worn my father’s MIA bracelet for six

years,” he said. “Small world.” Apodaca said he wants to thank “the wonderful people in Minne-

Force Base in Colorado, the C-130

sota,” from the people at the

did a fly-by before landing. A

airport’s Armed Forces Service

military honor guard took Victor

Center who made him comfortable

Apodaca’s remains off the aircraft.

while he waited to the Guard mem

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HEKE’S TO THE HUMAN SPIRIT HEKE’S TO THE COURAGE

LET FREEDOM FUNG Editors note: We asked General Johnson ’59 for a photo to use in

highlighting his recent appointment as Assistant of the Navy for Installations and Environment.

Following is his reply

Dear Checkpoints, Staff,

The last AOG Magazine was much enlarged and y done. Keep up the good work.

This picture you requested was taken 30 minutes prior to the Airliner hitting the Pentagon. I had been in the Navy Annex on

other business, and the Marines made this picture. As we

departed to return to the Pentagon, my military assistant told me

about the World Trade Center disaster. I was in my office

for five minutes before the Pentagon disaster occurred.

Warmest wishes to all of you.

Sincerly,

/7T!jJ^

H.T. Johnson ’59, Gen(RET) Assistant Secretary of the Navy INSTALLATIONS and ENVIRONMENT

CHECKPOINTS, 24

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Air Force Chief of Staff

Qeri. Mike 'Ryan ’65 "The Air Force has always been my family / grew

up here and I will miss all the people..."

Reflects on Air Force, People, & Memories by Staff Sgt. A. J. Bosker fter almost 60 years growing

They have been the foundation of the

plishing my missions, but in Bosnia, I

up and working around

Air Force and its success.”

was

responsible for ordering young

flightlines, Gen. Michael E.

Ryan has been an advocate for better

people into harm’s way. I worried more

Ryan, Air Force chief of staff, bade

quality of life and increased benefits for the

about them than I ever did (about)

farewell to active duty at his retirement

Air Force’s men and women. “We have

myself before going on a mission. If

Sept. 6 in a ceremony at Andrews Air

and continue to work on quality-of-life

something happened to them, I was the

Force Base, Md.

initiatives, such as increasing the pay scale,

one

who sent them there.

reducing out-of-pocket housing expenses,

“It was a year and a half of great

His father, retired Gen. John D. Ryan,

improving and expanding medical care

frustration; however, by using air power,

Army Air Corps pilot who

and benefits, and revamping the retire-

we were

Ryan grew up in the Air Force.

was an

able to stop the atrocities being

went on to become the Air Force’s

ment

system,” he said. “Our reenlistment

committed and bring all three factions to

seventh chief of staff.

rates,

especially among first-term airmen,

the table to work out a peaceful settle-

He has had a unique opportunity to see

the Air Force develop into a premiere

aerospace force.

are

up, which is a good sign that some of

ment to a terrible war.”

these things have taken hold and people

Despite many successes in his career,

able to see that the Air Force is a good

Ryan will be glad to leave behind the one

are

“The Air Force has changed

way of life and can be a fulfilling profes-

thing about the job that he has always

markedly both in the quality of

sion. This turnaround is crucial because

disliked the most

equipment and training,” he said. “Both

having the greatest machines doesn’t

Air Force people getting hurt. “Every one

are so

much better than when I was a

matter if you don’t have

great people

—

phone calls about

of those calls affects you, and you worry

young lieutenant. The accident rates

behind them. Therefore retaining our

when the phone rings. I will not miss

back then were huge. They have

best and brightest is our number one

hearing about the tragedies that happen

decreased substantially over the years,

priority and biggest challenge.”

to my Air Force

and last year we were able to record our safest flying year yet.”

Ryan said he is grateful for the

people in the Air Force, they’ve always

responded to any and all of the

family.”

Reflecting on his career, Ryan’s

“The Air Force has always been my

fondest memories are working with

family, I grew up here and I will miss all

people on a day-to-day basis in an

the people

operational environment. “I will never

plan to retire,” he said.

forget the allied operation in Bosnia,” he

—

the hardest thing I face as I

As for his immediate plans following

said. “For me, it was more intense than

retirement, General Ryan said he might

done an incredible job. I just can’t thank

my time as a pilot in Vietnam. In

decide to sleep in one day and then get

them enough for their commitment.

Vietnam, I was responsible for accom-

his dog and go hunting.

challenges

we ever

gave them and have

CHECKPOINTS,

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2 0 0 1 25

PERSPECTIVE

1 Kj 01nmandant’s note "While we continue to face the chal-

lenges of dealing with international terrorism, we have not lost sight of our mission... Brig. Gen. S. Taco Gilbert '78 s

I look out of my office

window each morning and see

the morning sun creep

down the face of the Ram-

(twice per week in the evening) and to one

training weekend per month. This

change had several motivations. First, it designed to free up time for cadets to

was

CCQ duty, assumed guard posts at entry control points in the cadet area (which still continue), and shouldered heavy restrictions their freedoms—all with only one complaint. They wish they could play an active role and contribute to the fight. Their leadership and professionalism has been far and above anything I could have ever expected. The spirit and enthusiasm of the cadet wing is inspiring. on

part Range, I am struck by the overwhelming beauty of the Acad-

pursue areas of individual excellence in the afternoons and weekends. Second, it

emy. As the Wing comes to life and ca-

ensured that all cadets were available dur-

dets slowly emerge from the dorms and

ing military training periods, to include

begin to trek to class, I am struck by the overwhelming potential that resides

intercollegiate athletes and cadets who par-

within the cadet wing. The recent ter-

very well-intentioned, there have been

While we continue to face the chal-

rorist attacks against our nation have

some

growing pains. A major shortfall of the new schedule of calls was that there wasn’t enough

lenges of dealing with the new face of international terrorism, we have not lost sight of our mission. We are dedicated to produc-

only doubled my confidence in the future of our Air Force.

The current cadet wing attacked this

academic and training year with rare vigor. Summer training programs were an overwhelming success. The Class of 2005,

ticipate in mission-related clubs. While

time left for cadets to train cadets. If we

ing the finest officers and leaders in the

leadership laboratory for

world. Our efforts continue. In that vein,

are to run a true

all four classes, we need contact time, if

continue to pursue several initiatives

you will, for cadet interaction and team building. The Class of 2002 came for-

within the 34th Training Wing.

emerged from BCT in record numbers with great motivation to charge into the

ward with proposals to fix the issue, and

fort to bring Introductory Flight Training

redirecting some of the personal

back to the Academy. We feel that such a

academic year. The first class cadets also

time into squadron discretionary time.

emerged from summer military training programs with pride in their accomplish-

Similarly, the cadet wing is attacking other

program will allow us to smooth flow graduates into SUPT (and fill holes that occur on

ments and enthusiasm for their last year.

and training plans.

They also developed a comprehensive plan to execute a four-class training pro-

By all accounts of those who have

commercial operations. We will be able to

been here over the years (and for those of

place our cadets in an SUPT environment, complete with standup emergency proce-

our

new

fourth class, entered and

gram to leave their mark on this institution and on the three classes which they

we are

issues with the use of “excellence time”

who like to keep score), the Class of

First, we are continuing with our ef-

short notice). Furthermore, we think we can do it cheaper and better than current

2002 may be the best class in a decade.

dures, with a runway supervisory unit, and

Events of recent weeks have only echoed

with military review of their training

To be sure, we put a lot on their from the very beginning of this year. plate

their potential. Since the tragic events of

progress. There have been some concerns about noise from local residents who built

To begin with, we gave cadets a new

ton, DC, I have watched the cadet

are

charged to lead.

11 September in New York and Washing-

wing

their homes on the border of the Academy reservation off the south end of our run-

schedule of calls which eliminated mili-

surge

tary training during the M-5 period and moved it to Military Call to Quarters

rity and force protection. The wing im-

way.

mediately re-instituted multiple 24-hour

can to

to meet the task of increased secu-

CHECKPOINTS, 26

FALL

2 0 0 1

However, we have done all that we accommodate their concerns, to in-

replaces 10th Air Base Wing per-

elude altering some departures and mandat-

standards and expectations for the Academy.

tor

ing noise restrictions of potential aircraft. I

We are doing it right.

sonnel, some will migrate back to

The last news bit I will cover is the Cams

Mitchell Hall and will fill vacancies,

the Flonor Code. General (Ret.)

but this help has been slow in com-

Michael Cams, former VCSAF, did a review

ing. Though success has been limited to date, we are continuing to explore to available every option improve our to the cadet support wing.

think we have a good plan and we are look-

ing

to release a

request for proposal soon.

Similarly, glider replacement project is currently on track. This 4.5 million dollar project will replace the entire sailplane and motor glider fleet and increase the opportunity for all cadets, from the biggest to the smallest (without the current weight restrictions), to soar and hopefully solo during their cadet career. our

Report

of the honor code. team

During that study, his

interviewed close to 180 cadets and

graduates, approximately 30 of whom had been on honor probation. His team made a

I’m excited to be the Comman-

number of recommendations. We have a

dant of Cadets and I look forward to

group studying those recommendations now to harvest the low-hanging fruit to make our

We have had a fair share of bad news

honor code even better. This small group

meeting the challenges ahead. I’ll leave you with a sample of the attitude our first class has as they enter their final

stories come out on the Academy over the

will push the more difficult issues over to

year at USAFA....

past few months. First, we are settling the last of the disciplinary actions following the

another broader group of cadet and officers

“We are the United States Air

for further study. In the report are a number

Force Cadet Wing. This year we re-

drug debacle of last winter and spring. The cadet wing remains a reflection of society, and Rest we will occasionally have a problem. those who we will find assured, eventually

of anecdotal stories that, if taken out of the

commit and unite ourselves to the

larger report, could be viewed

honor, tradition, and sacrifice of those who, inspired in spirit, came

context of the as

inflammatory. However, rest assured our

wing. Though the numbers were very small,

Mitchell Hall. Several months ago, Mitchell

the story was very big for a while. Similarly,

Hall emerged from a very tiresome A-76

admirably before us. We take pride in our Academy and revere the privilege it presents us to serve our nation. We willfully accept the challenge and demand the passion and

received notoriety when an e-mail went

wing by mistake, detailing

study. The TRW won this competition with the private sector, but emerged a shadow of

stacles and break all barriers. We are

sensitive information on some cadets. We

its former self, as our authorized manpower

the United States Air Force Cadet

have instituted procedures to keep that from

took roughly a 33 percent cut. The process

Wing; we will leave no doubt that

happening again. We have also taken action

was so

against those cadets who forwarded that e-

cent of the

remaining force left for other em-

I am honored to be back at the

mail to others outside of the wing. As with

ployment.

Four percent local unemploy-

Academy and honored to serve with

the drugs, the numbers involved were far less

ment in the Colorado

than one percent of the entire cadet wing,

ited our labor pool of qualified applicants.

cannot conform to Air Force standards.

have not and will not tolerate drug use in the

out to the cadet

honor code is in very good shape and we will

keep working We

are

to make it better.

struggling in one area—

long and ugly that a further 25 per-

Springs

area

has lim-

desire essential to overcome all ob-

we create

the world’s finest officers.”

the finest young men and women in America. I am convinced that we are

but the story was big news. I could justifi-

So the facility is operating at about half of

creating the world’s finest officers and

ably call it tabloid journalism, but I won’t.

the strength it had previously. We are work-

leaders to continue the Long Blue Line

Instead, I will say that as long as small prob-

of service to our nation, and I will keep

be doing something right. The escalation of

ing with AFPC to get local hiring authority to address the issues, but it is tough right now. We will get some help from a losing A-

the story reflects that society still has great

76 action in the logistics area. As a contrac-

lems at the Academy are big news, we must

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

you posted on our progress as we

charge forward. 5

2 0 0 1 27

BOOK

RALPH

REVIEW

WETTERHAHN

the LAST tz a nr nr t

d A 1

1 JLi J_j

the LAST

BATTLE BY RALPH WETTERHAHN ’63

phosphorous that dried out and burst into flame after the ramp of a downed HH-53 was pulled from the water; his jungle THE

MAYAGUEZ

and END

THE

INCIDENT

the

encounter with Cambodian

troops; and his finding that much

of the battle could still be traced through overgrown emplace-

VIETNAM

WAR

ments, discarded shell

casings, and trees marked forever during

14 hours of desperate fighting.

And, Ralph’s fluency in the Thai

language had helped him discover the last battle’s most troubling aspect-a sad secret known only to very few for these 20 years. While US Air Force helicopters

returned under heavy fire to rescue the illfated American force from the darkened

beach, three of those 18 Americans were

inadvertently left behind. Even in the

ith great anticipa-

mid-1990s, Ralph was convinced that

tion, I finally had

these three US Marines were critical in

the opportunity

holding the right flank and keeping the

to read

Cambodians off the beach.

Ralph

Now, The Last Battle provides the

Wetterhahns, The

Last Battle. The book is all I hoped it would be, and more. The Last

long-overdue full accounting of events. We get the whole story

Battle reads like a novel, but the plot of this thriller was written in

from the moment Cambodian gunboats are spotted bearing

American blood on a fierce battlefield and in a lonely killing field in

down on the S.S. Mayaguez through the deaths of L/Cpl

Cambodia. He has unearthed a story that had remained buried in

Joseph Nelson Hargrove, PFC Gary Hall, and Pvt. Danny C.

unmarked graves for more than twenty years.

Marshall at the hands of their Cambodian captors. Ralph

Five years ago, Ralph shared an account of his strange return to Southeast Asia.

He told of being bumped from a flight to Hanoi

Wetterhahns extensive journalistic research into previously Top Secret accounts of National Security Council Meetings

other than ex-President George Bush. Instead, Ralph had

integrates the story of high-level decision-making in with the

visited KohTang Island, the site of Americas last horrific battle of

tales of valor on the beaches of Koh Tang. Through his several

none

trips to Cambodia and his personal interviews with

the Vietnam War. He had a wild tale of a few days with the Joint

returns

Task Force for Full Accounting (JTF-FA) searching to recover

American and Cambodian veterans of the battle, he has

remains of 18 Americans lost on the island in May 1975. I

extended all previous tellings of the Mayaguez Incident. The

remember his discussions of searches on the beach and in the water;

Last Battle is a well-integrated and highly comprehensive

typhoon that swamped search boats of the JTF-FA; white CHECKPOINTS, 28

account.

FALL

Reading of the valiant attempts to put Marines on the

2 0 0 1

BOOK

REVIEW

beaches of Koh Tang, one can’t help wondering how any

just because real-time tactical information can rise to the halls

of these brave Americans survived the murderous fire.

of power in Washington, D.C., our national leaders shouldn’t

Most of the USAF helicopters that were shot down or

usurp tactical decision-making from those in the field who

that flew again and again into the withering fire included

know such things as daylight comes before official sunrise.

graduate of the USAFA classes of 1971 and 1972 among the pilots and copilots. As a highly decorated vet-

at least one

eran

of two combat tours in US

Air Force and US Navy fighter

aircraft, Ralph is the man to bring the entire story together. His ap-

Ralph gained the confidence of Em Son, the grizzled one-legged Cambodian veteran who commanded Khmer Rouge forces on Koh Tang in May 1975. Through discussions with Em

Book Review written by

Son, Ralph learned of the final resting

Jimmie H. Butler ’63, Col, USAF, Ret

places of the three and of a fourth

Author of A Certain Brotherhood, Red

American, whose body couldn’t be

proach is unlike that of so many

Lightning-Black Thunder, The Iskra

recovered during the evacuation. The

journalists who brought a strong

Incident

many original photos provided in The

anti-American bias into their ac-

Last Battle are fascinating. It is fitting

of the Vietnam War.

that the final photo taken in January

counts

American Vietnam Vets deserved better. Ralph gives this fac-

2001 shows the flag-draped casket thought to include

tual, well documented, account built upon his well-earned

remains of L / Cpl Ashton Loney, that fourth American. If not

membership in the brotherhood of brave men and women

for Ralph’s dedication to the memory and honor of these four

who served their country under adverse circumstances. He

men, their final

has persisted over all these years partly because those in that

by the JTF-FA.

resting places would yet remain undiscovered

brotherhood feel a responsibility to those who did not return.

Those of us who are veterans of that difficult war

As a veteran, he knows what it is like to be at the tip of

sharp salute to Ralph Wetterhahn for that accomplishment. Well done! ^ owe a

the spear instead of being comfortably settled within the

beltway. The Last Battle makes a powerful argument that

□ SEE YOU ON THE FIELD

ir Force Academy’s Wings of Blue team

member John Nichols jumps from an

airplane to deliver the Prisoner ofWar/

Missing in Action Flag just before the start of the Oklahoma vs. Air Force football game here Sept. 1.

Oklahoma edged Air Force

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 29

Air Force

Academy to the core,

and still lovin’ it! By Jeff Mustard

focus

in "

mi\ | II iff ,

G ARCIA

the success that I have achieved rests squarely on the lasting friendships I made at the Academy, combined with the training, discipline, and code of ethics..." ’83

vocative writer. Garcia’s success can be traced to a

launched Sterling Financial Investment Group,

few fundamental principles. “Follow your passion

investment bank that at the time employed

in life, act with honor, and treat people with re-

only three people working out of a cleaned out

spect.” Garcia says without equivocation that “the

Charles

1997,

Patrick

Garcia

broom closet of Bear Stearns Corporation.

“Our

office was so small,” says Garcia, “we had to be care-

success

that I have achieved rests squarely on the

400 people working out of 56 offices in 10 countries

lasting friendships I made at the Academy, combined with the training, discipline, and code of ethics we learned to lived by.” According to Garcia, the Air Force Academy is “designed to breed leaders, to identify the bright and the bold, and to teach men and women to live by their word.”

around the world. Garcia runs what the University

It is his field experience in counter terrorism

of Florida has named “the fastest growing privately

and his writings on guerilla warfare that have re-

held company in the State of Florida.”

cently thrust him into the national spotlight. Af-

ful what we ate.” wants, as there’s

Today, Garcia can eat what he

plenty of room in his executive of-

fice that contains a large teak conference table and double French doors from where he commands over

Recognized as one of the top entrepreneurs in

ter

the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center

the country, Garcia has been profiled in numerous

September 11

newspaper and magazine articles as well as the sub-

CNN, FOX, NBC, CBS, Telemundo, Univision

ject of many television features. The media have frequently characterized him as “A Jack of All Trades”

and “Cristina”

for his success across many fields as a highly deco-

bio-terrorism threat and what America can do about

rated military officer, community leader, philanthro-

it.

pist, attorney, former White House Fellow and pro

CROSSFIRE.

CHECKPOINTS,

—

language television He

FALL

Garcia was sought after by

the #1 talk show on Spanish—

provide insights into the

recently appeared on CNN’s show His advice and creative solutions

2 0 0 1

provided innovative commentary both to the

that he urged Garcia to apply for the presti-

of the Academy, there is one other promi-

media as well as the American people.

gious White House Fellowship which would

nent

give Garcia an opportunity to work for the

is evident in Garcias firm.

The former cadet still rises at 5 a.m., but

display of military genetic coding that Above Garcia’s

office door resides a huge sign carved from

longer reads under the covers with a flashlight at “lights out,” a habit that led to the

President of the United States.

grueling

wood letters that spells out his business phi-

freshman cadet further ruining his eyesight and

seven-month selection process, Garcia earned

losophy—“Don’t Bring Me Problems, Bring

his chances of being a fighter pilot, but that

In 1988, after

position

as one

undergoing

of 14 White House Fellows

Me Solutions.”

Garcia learned that con-

influenced his decision to become an intelli-

—

and he

cept first hand working for General Galvin.

gence officer, or in his own words, “to do that

currently serves on its alumni Board of Direc-

Garcia’s dynamic achievements have

cool James Bond stuff.” A free-fall parachut-

tors.

Once in the White House, Garcia’s ra-

captured the attention of many including

ist, Recondo graduate, and former captain of

zor

sharp analysis of geopolitical events led to

Florida Governorjeb Bush who injuly2001

his squadrons boxing and soccer teams, dur-

work on a wide range of special projects for

appointed him to a newly formed entity, the

ing his senior year at the Academy he served as

the Reagan and Bush administrations. Garcia

Florida Board of Education, a seven mem-

one

of the youngest ever selected

—

Deputy Wing Commander and also the

helped former secretary of Education and

ber board, the first of its kind in the nation,

Chairman of the Cadet Honor Committee.

“Drug Czar” William Bennett draft the nation’s

and one in which he is the only Hispanic.

His measured words, indistinguishable Ameri-

first National Drug Control Strategy, a com-

For his contributions to the Hispanic com-

dialect, blond hair and green-eyes defy his

prehensive blueprint to fight the spread of

munity, Hispanic Business magazine named

drugs in the United States.

Garcia one of the “100 most influential His-

can

Latin American roots and had everything to

Despite what appeared to be a promising

panics in the United States” and recently,

government career, Garcia chose instead to go

Univision, the nations’ largest television

to Columbia Law School.

He became the first

network, selected him for their series

press his observations in writing that truly cata-

person in his class to publish an article in the

“Orgullo Hispano” which spotlights His-

pulted his military career. A series of articles

prestigious Columbia Law Review. The article

panics who have made “an exceptional im-

he published about Fidel Castro’s communist

won

several legal awards, and his scholarship

pact on the culture and life of American so-

do with his Air Force assignment as an intelligence officer to war-torn Central America.

Ultimately, it was Garcias ability to ex-

regime brought him to the attention of Gen-

was

cited extensively by the Florida Supreme

ciety.” The thirty-second profile airs every

eral John Galvin, a former NATO Supreme

Court in a unanimous decision that helped

day for the next three years to a worldwide

Allied Commander who at the time was the

change the way police conduct searches in the

audience of more than 120 million viewers.

Commander of the U.S. Southern Command.

homes of Florida citizens.

Describing his relationship with Garcia, Gen-

school success and an offer to clerk for a pres-

word from the White House that President

eral Galvin said that, “he developed a rela-

tigious federal judge, Garcia decided to pull

George Bush nominated him to serve on

tionship of mutual trust and confidence be-

the ripcord on his legal career and instead chose

the newly created White House Initiative

tween a senior and

to wander the

junior military officer that

On October 12 th Garcia received

Despite his law

unknown terrain of business.

Educational Excellence for Hispanic

Americans. So, what’s left for this forty-

unsurpassed anywhere else in the mili-

Once again, according to Garcia, it was

At General Galvin’s direction Garcia

his USAFA training and military experiences

lengthy analysis of Cuba’s support of

that helped shape the direction that he and his

graduate to accomplish? Stay tuned, it

terrorists that was declassified and published

newly formed company would take, so much

seems

was

tary.”

wrote a

as a

May 1987

cover

story by U.S. News and

year-old entrepreneur and Academy he’s just getting started.

in fact, that Garcia uses the Academy fal-

with talons spread wide, as part of his

(Editor’s note: Charles Garcia was

company’s logo.

The firm’s motto: “We soar

recently elected to serve on the AO G

pressed with him was the magazine’s pub-

above the rest.”

As if this is not an indelible

Board ofDirectors)

lisher, real estate tycoon Mort Zuckerman,

stamp of Garcia’s subconscious indoctrination

World Report titled, “Drugs, Terror and Politics: The

Deadly New Alliance.”

So im-

con,

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 31

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

Its an infinite number of days until commissioning, free time during the week is an unfounded rumor, and the white marble

strips are your path to the world.

knowing what to expect, while others,

Having older siblings who’ve graduated from the Academy

like C4C Joseph Adams of Squadron 36, have an inside

helps, he admits—but there’s a vast difference between hearing about Academy life and experiencing life as a cadet. The most

ome come in not

track by knowing some of the rigors, demands and

expectations placed on each doolies shoulders. And he takes it one

day

at a time.

typical details and then studies German with one of his roommates.

visible difference is the white marble...

Adams starts Monday morning with the

He faces calculus questions that take a wall of

White marble is included in the design of the Terrazzo and a

few other cadet areas. Where there’s concrete, there’s a grid pattern

of white marble bordering those areas. Until Recognition in late

chalkboards to solve, the intricacies of German pronunciations,

March, doolies can only march or run on the white marble to get

and the lasting effects of Genghis Khan’s Mongol empire of the

where they’re going. It takes Adams around five minutes to make it to

13th and 14th centuries—and that’s just the academic portion of his day, not counting homework and studying.

Introduction to German. At the start of Calculus 141, everyone bolts out of their

Adams comes in with something of an advantage, as his

family has had a cadet at the Academy every year since 1991. His

seat and stands at attention.

brother A1 graduated in 1993, followed by Liz, who graduated in

“the section is ready for instruction,” and the lesson begins.

1999, and Catherine, who graduated in May. “I got a few

Today is a recitation of the homework assignments, as they’ve

hints.. .and one of the things mentioned is ‘do your homework

got a quiz tomorrow.

ahead of time, instead of on weekends,”’ said Adams.

CHECKPOINTS, 32

The class’ section leader reports

Leaving calculus, Adams joins the blue-suited human tide FALL

2 0 0 1

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

heading to the Terrazzo. After a quick run to the dorm to get his

And even if you know the answer, you must be the first to indicate

service cap, he’s in the noon formation with the rest of CS 36.

so, and deliver the correct answer

sitting at attention.

Soon, the squadrons begin entering Mitchell Hail for lunch. The

Adams gets his first real break of the day with sixth period,

they reach the doors, but the doolies have

but only after a long march down the edge of the hallway to his

squadrons disperse

once

to march at attention and do

facing movements along the facility’s walls to get to their respective tables. Once at the table, they stand

dorm room. He doesn’t have a class scheduled, although

at attention while Adams and his classmate C4C

really study time for Adams.

Armstrong must

pour the beverages for each of their table’s upperclassmen and

intramurals will soon eat up this time. For now, sixth period is

But seventh period brings a surprise.

Capt. Mark Witzel

remember what beverage each upperclassman desires at which

fills in for the regular instructor, and as the clock hits 3:30 p.m.,

meal, including whether or not they want ice.

he announces to the class “You’ve got two minutes to be

Exiting the facility, doolies take their restrictions in stride,

literally. They jog along the white marble, and must offer greetings

upperclassmen and any other non-doolies that they

prepped for the quiz.” Normally, history class lectures are among the top two sleep-

inducing courses in colleges throughout North America, right up

pass. This particular week’s greeting has something to do with

there with macroeconomics, but not with Witzel at the helm. He

the Oklahoma football game, and is delivered with pride,

brought his A-game to class with him, mixing humor, history, and

volume and conviction.

facts to answer the unasked question of why cadets should

For Adams, fifth period is his military training period and it’s

remember Genghis Khan.

knowledge bowl time. Every week, the fourthclassmen have to memorize a lengthy list of military facts and trivia, and are tested

white-marble run back to the squadron, to begin Excellence Time.

C3C Randy Webb enters the room and puts the doolies at

Excellence Time is a new program at the Academy; cadets are given

on it.

ease, then he begins running the knowledge bowl. Typical

knowledge bowl questions are Air Force facts, ranks, badges and terms, ranging from easy (identifying a parachutist’s jump badge) to killer

(naming the ninth word of a quote printed in Contrails).

With a heavy dose of history under his belt, Adams makes his

time to “excel” at a particular practice of their choice.

After dinner, 7-11 p.m., it’s time for Academic Call to

Quarters; that’s four hours of study time. “But even that four hours flies, because you have so much homework, you never think

you’re going to get it all done,” said Adams. And with the next day, a doolie will have to

update the squadron bulletin board, which tracks the dates of important upcoming events (as of

Aug. 27)—the days until Parents’ Weekend: 4. Air Force sinks Navy: 40. Air Force beats Army:

68.

Days until Thanksgiving break: 85. Days

until commissioning for first degrees: 275. For second degrees: 639. For third degrees: 1,010. And for the days left until commissioning for

doolies, there’s just an infinity sign. S

www.aog-usafa.org

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 33

meet JOHN

MARTIN BY CARY HOWE '69

ohn Martin, Class of 1969, has become

the first person to give $ 1 million to the AOG to support the needs of the Academy. John decided to do something sig-

appointment so he enrolled at Marion Military Institute, a junior college in Alabama. An honor military school his father had attended, Marion had two appointments to the Air Force Academy and John was determined to get one.

nificant for the Academy after attending

He excelled at Marion, but gained admission to USAFA

the installation ceremony for his classmate JD

with the Class of 1969 by senatorial appointment. At

Dallager as Superintendent.” The pride I felt then in JD s career and the accomplishments as well as in the achievements of all grads made me realize it was time to give back, time to do something to help insure that the level of excellence at the Academy stays high. We had come from being the tail of the dog as Doolies in 1965 to running the show through JD.” John wanted to do something that would be important to the Academy

USAFA, he spent a lot of time, he says, staying out of trouble, had average grades and athletic ability but above average

military skills because of Marion. “The good news was that I had already learned how to march, shine my shoes, and make my bed and I sat there and said ‘Thank God for that’!” A member of 24 th and 26 th squadrons, John graduated #2 in the class militarily and #119 overall and served as

Cadet Wing Commander. “I still rank that as one of the

and would make him feel like he had accom-

plished something with the gift. John agreed to provide seed funding to prepare for the launch of a future major comprehensive fundraising campaign to support the Academy. In addition to this gift, John also became a Life Member of both the Sabre Society and the Blue-Silver Club and has pledged up to an additional $ 100,000 to be used as a chal-

lenge match for new Sabre Society members. As the son of a career Air Force officer, John

learned about service to ones country and about

flying from his dad and he wanted to do both. “I always wanted to fly.” He tried for the Academy right out of high school but failed to get an

CHECKPOINTS, 34

FALL

2 0 0 1

could not find any other compa-

proudest accomplishments of my life, after graduating from this place

make a great airport manager”. He also told them that he would work for

which was no easy task.”

nothing for six months if they would

nies that would partner with him. These obstacles made him more

pay him what he was worth after that.

determined than ever. He held

John left the Academy fully in-

tending to be the Chief of Staff of the Air Force one day. He went to pilot training at Reese AFB, finishing third in his class. He got one of three fighters offered to his class an F-101 to Tyndall AFB, Fla. “That was an interesting twist offate .and was probably one of the reasons I ended up departing the Air Force, not having gotten to Vietnam and ending up in ADC. Without Vietnam experience, John thought it

“They didn’t hire me at zero but it was

damn close.” The board’s gamble

firm by remembering what he

learned at the Academy.

“

I did

paid off and John virtually rebuilt the

things here that I never thought I

Casper airport.

could do. Quitting or giving up just wasn’t an option.” John held fast through the tough

In 1982, one of the airport board

—

times and then, when the field began

to look

promising, companies that had previously spurned him began makingoffers. Now John turned many down and was able to bring in capital

”

and partners on favorable terms. “The

his 1 Oth reunion because he was em-

Academy taught me to work through tough times and failure and to persevere. This gamble ultimately paid off and the Jonah Field became the largest natural gas field in Wyoming. In

barrassed about separating. “As proud

2000, McMurry Oil and its partners

I was of the things I had done, I

sold the field and its pipeline to Alberta

struggled with some guilt over sepa-

Energy in Canada for $785 million. WTiy has John given this gift?

would be very difficult to advance to the general officer ranks. But John

”

loved the Air Force and leaving it was a

tough decision. John didn’t attend

rating from the Air Force. I’ve gotten over

that now but it was tough then.”

“The four years I spent here, there’s

In 1974, John got into the oil

question they really shaped my ”

business as an oil field engineer in

members asked John to join him in

life. The Academy instilled in John

Wyoming with no experience and no engineering degree. At the Academy, “I started out as an engineering major and for some reason switched to

founding McMurry Oil, a small oil exploration company in Casper. “Neil McMurry provided the money and I provided the body and the desire to make something work and we started from zero.” By 1992, they had built the company up to six employees. In

“a belief that you can do anything

international affairs half way through.” At Tyndall, he got a master’s degree in systems manage-

enough.”

From the Academy he

learned “an expectation to be honest and ethical and

straightforward

in your business dealings. The traits

of honesty and integrity that the

qualify him as

1992, with natural gas prices at their

Academy taught and reinforced

engineer. “They hired me on the

lowest level, John decided that the time

here are great traits to carry forth into

ment that still didn’t an

you want to if you want it badly

strength of the Academy core pro-

was

buy gas wells and leases. He

the real world.” John says many op-

grams.” After three years, the com-

found a gas field that three major com-

portunities have come to his com-

pany wanted to move him out of

panies had drilled and then abandoned. “We absolutely believed that it should

pany because “we have a good ster-

and

There was a job

be productive and we bet everything

business.. .we’re a preferred partner

Wyoming

changed

careers.

resigned

opening for airport manager in Casper and John didn’t know anything about running airports except

right

had and persisted.”

ling

reputation

this

How did he

because they know when they come

manage to go after jobs for which he had no training and succeed? “The

will. I hope this gift helps preserve

how to land on the runway but the

Academy taught me that I could do a

the traditions and values at the Acad-

airport board didn’t know that.

“I

lot better and a lot more than I ever

emy that all grads treasure.” K

relied on my time as a once-a-month

thought I could and I still believe that.” John needed to be tough and resilient. After purchasing the wells, he

operations officer in the command post at Tyndall. I told those guys I’d

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1

to us

that if we say we’ll do it, we

Visit us on the web at

www.aog-usafa.org

editor

t is a familiar

Academy refrain, “The older we are, the better we were.”

As I read the graduate discourse from proceeding issues, I cannot help

but remember this humorous yet all too poignant phrase. It surfaces

annually as graduates return to Colorado to enjoy their time-tested friendships and deep connection to this Academy. What may begin as

light-hearted observation of the facts subtly shifts into harsh criticism of the institution, its cadets and staff. Whether it is the question “Why are cadets allowed on theTerrazzo in civilian clothes after hours,” or the statement “we ALWAYS marched to breakfast,” the perceived message is this; the quality of the young men and women who are at the Air Force Academy has declined signifi-

candy over the years. It is with this implied statement that I wholly disagree. I enjoyed (then) Cadet Tim Spaudling’s response in the Winter 2000 issue

and can now think of none better. He said, things here have changed, and if the Academy is to remain a thriving and successful commissioning source,

things always will. I agree. In truth it appears we have lost (or never found) our sense of identity as graduates, somehow muddling it with our

former role as cadets. Here and now I believe we graduates have three primary responsibili-

ties. First, we must support our Academy with our presence, our position, our

timely advice and, yes, even our financial resources. Second, we

should guard her reputation and her exclusivity if for no other reason than to protect the great value of our own accomplishment. And most

importantly, we must direct our lives in such a manner as to set the

highest of standards and most fitting example for those who follow. I am firmly convinced that these have been and will continue to be

the commendable intentions of all graduates who enter into this discussion. I

submit to you that for the sake of this great institution we continue to keep mind of these responsibilities as we continue to age gracefully as “grads.” 32

Capt Mark Hille ’97

Capt. Rickenbacker earned the Medal of Honor, the class held an Exemplar Dinner in his honor. In the days preceding the dinner, the Cadet Exemplar Program sponsored the visits of three grandchildren of Capt. Rickenbacker, Brian, r Marcie and James Rickenbacker, as special

guests of the Class of 2004.

All events,

including a complete Academy tour, were lanned and executed by cadets in the class. Thus, the Rickenbackers were

introduced to the spirit of the class that now bears their name. The class

■■

■ ■

embraced them as honorary members of its own US AfA family. 2004 truly

became the Rickenbacker Class.

During the Exemplar Dinner, as with the other events, only cadets from the proud Class of 2004 were involved in the evenings proceedings—the singing of the National Anthem, the offering of the Invocation, the official presentation of the Class Patch, and the outstanding Honor

Guard and Sabre Drill performances. After the meal, Guest Speaker Brian Rickenbacker gave an

inspirational address regarding his grandfathers ideals and their relevance to the class’ future as Air Force officers in this new war on terrorism. Mr.

Rickenbacker challenged the Class of2004 to

always uphold the principles of patriotism, honor

Patrio Honor and 1

Strength Class of2004 Honors

Rickenbacker as Exemplar

and strength, which are the Class Core Values, as well as cherished virtues of Capt. Rickenbacker. At the climax of the dinner, cadets from the 2004

Exemplar Committee unveiled the Rickenbacker Display Case, which will be prominently displayed in the Hall of Exemplars until the class graduates. In effect, the occasion not only honored the exemplar, but also honored the class itself. The Rickenbacker Class Exemplar Dinner created an atmosphere of mutual respect and

By C3C Kelly Nettleb lad

historical reverence for all attendees from the senior

and C3C Kelly Ebels

staff to cadets and honored guests. It was a night for

all to pause, reflect, and remember—to remember

arlier this year, the Class of2004 selected

the lessons of our USAF heritage through striking

Americas Ace of Aces, Captain “Eddie”

figures like Capt. Rickenbacker; to remember the values and the heart which bind us together as

Rickenbacker, as its Class Exemplar. Class

President Tyrone Hill calls Capt. Rickenbacker the

brothers and sisters in arms; to remember the reason have pledged our young lives to the service of

“embodiment of Air Force esprit de corps and the

American Dream.” On 25 September 2001, in

this great nation; and to remember that such service

commemoration of the same day in 1918 when CHECKPOINTS,

should forever command honor and respect. TSi FALL

2 0 0 1 37

UT OF THE DUST 1

Class of 2005 Emerges from Jacks Valley Dusty, Triumphant

by John Van Winkle

knowledge test, and a physical fitness

uckets of sweat, screams of en-

couragement and clouds of dust

test that includes

marked the end of the stay in

jumps and sit-ups.

pushups, pull-ups, long

basics’ sprawling campsite in Jacks Valley.

They spent Wednesday evening and

Thursday morning disassembling the

Jacks Valley for the Class of 2005. The

But it was the competition for the tide

campsite, and marched back to the

sweat, screams and dust came as cadets

of Big Bad Basic that generated the most

Terazzo Thursday.

competed in the annual team competi-

noise, as almost 1,200 basics gathered in the

have thinned somewhat over the dura-

tion of Sweepstakes and individual com-

90-degree heat to cheer on their squadrons

tion of First Beast and Second Beast. Ex-

petitions for the titles of Iron Basic and

combatants. Big Bad Basic is a single-elimi-

actly 1,279 basic cadets started First Beast

Big Bad Basic.

nation tournament. It consists of a one-on-

and 1,225 remained to start Second

sparring with pugil sticks, with the ob-

Beast. On Thursday, 1,198 basic cadets

But their numbers

Flying Tigers took first place in Sweepstakes, which included a tug of

jective to bring the single red end of ones

war, low crawl, relay race, three-legged

pugil stick into contact with the opponent’s

By Thursday evening, the basics

and other team-oriented events.

helmeted head, within a dirt-and-sawdust

had a roof over their heads that wasn’t

Executioners took a close second place,

circle, before all the assembled basic cadets.

tent canvas

followed by a tie for third between Guts

John Taibi of Interceptors won the men’s

Mitchell Hall.

and Hellcat squadrons.

competition, while Dominique Boiven cap-

dally became Doolies after their accep-

tured the women’s titile.

tance

race,

Basic cadet Joshua Trice won the cov-

one

eted title of Iron Basic. Iron Basic consists of three back-to-back tests: a 1.5 mile run,

was

and dined once again in The basic cadets offi-

parade, on 7 August. The Class of

Once the cheering and celebrating

2005 started classes with the rest of the

done, it was time to march back to the

Academy cadets on August 9. SI

CHECKPOINTS, 38

marched out of Jacks Valley.

FALL

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PERSPECTIVE

President/CEO

Anfiuaf(Report Col (Ret) Jim Shaw '67

General Your Association of Graduates continued to grow and ex-

in June. I’d like to especially thank them all for their dedicated

During the past

service. Our board members are volunteers and personally bear

fiscal year, 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001, we made corporate

the time and the costs associated with service. Other board mem-

decisions that will forever change the scope, involvement and

bers, including those elected this year are listed in the front of

reach of your AOG. Our goals include an increasing ability to

this edition of Checkpoints. They all deserve special kudos for

pand

our

provide

capabilities

support to

unprecedented

rates.

graduates, the Academy and its cadets; to tell

their outstanding efforts.

the story of our graduates, the legacy of the “Long Blue Line”, the

outstanding young people who continue to enter the Academy, and the kudos that the institution receives regularly. After my

Facilities Doolittle Hall remains the premier location for

second full year, I still think this is the best job in the world. I

meetings and social functions at the Academy. Ma-

work with outstanding graduates, concerned and committed par-

jor events annually include In-Processing for the new

outstanding young people and a dedicated AOG staff. The

basic cadets, Parents Weekend activities, class re-

Academy staff and especially the senior staff are unbelievable!

unions, first class receptions, graduation commis-

Jean

Their teamwork, insight, leadership and willingness to work with

sioning ceremonies, Graduation Week Open House,

Bickford

the AOG to make USAFA better are extraordinary. Led by Lt.

Jabara Banquet, Founders Day dinner, and many more activities

Gen. J. D. Dallager ’69, our Superintendent; B. Gen. Dave Wagie

at all levels.

’72, the Dean; B. Gen. Mark Welsh ’76, the Commandant (re-

Doolittle Hall scheduled and directed 216 official or private func-

placed this fall by Taco Gilbert ’78); and Col. Randy Spetman

tions, many lasting several days.

ents,

’76, the Athletic Director, our Academy has taken on an excitement and zest for excellence that is infectious.

Your AOG Board

continues to provide outstanding strategic guidance and an in-

Jacobs, our part timer, continue to provide superb care

and upgrades to our building. It is a demand-

ing job—grass cutting and snow removal to highly technical construction projects and maintenance.

included Bill Maywhort ’68, Vice Chair; John Moore ’78, Trea-

Their work keeps the building in great shape all the

and Marty Daack ’66, the designated Secretary.

Dave Pfeil, our Building Manager, and Jake

’61, continued as our Board Chair. Other board officers

surer;

This year, Jean Bickford, our Services Coordinator for

sight that guides the association well. Lt. Gen. (Ret) Mark Anderson

IlillcfcVJliS

time!

Jacobs They’ve been busy again with major building upgrades.

Blumberg ’68, Joe Burke, ’70, Rod Jones ’71, Danielle Hargrove

We have replaced our heating/cooling system to avoid problems

’85, Bryan Zawikowski ’89, and Mike Casey ’96 left the board

with aging valves and provide more efficient operation. We’ve

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 39

PERSPECTIVE

lines. We have created new all-weather storage and built new

Membership

internal storage capability. Our big construction project for this

On 30 June, 516 graduates from the Class of 2001 were

the addition of a new parking lot to hold over 125

added to the Life Membership rolls of the AOG. This Life Mem-

vehicles. This increased our parking capacity by 150% and was

bership commitment represented 59 percent of the entire gradu-

finished well ahead of schedule.

ating class. An additional 6 members of the class became Annual

was

year

64, Betty Gonko

Members upon graduation. At the end of the Fiscal Year, the AOG

(his very capable administrative assistant) and the generosity

had 14,102 Life Members, 5,032 Annual Members, 31 Corpo-

of General Motors, the AOG now owns two additional ve-

rate

hides with a total value of over $60,000.

Thanks to the efforts of

Harry Pearce

Members, plus 16 Honorary Members. This year we lost a dear

In January, we

friend and honorary member, Greg Kolligian. We added Coach

and a Chevrolet Silverado

Fisher DeBerry, Lt Gen (Ret) Bub Clark and Mr Bill Hybl. Addi-

truck. Both were sorely needed to support our transporta-

tionally, 554 appointees from the Class of 2005 joined the Life

tion, maintenance and plowing needs and are ably main-

Membership at Graduation program and 310 oftheir families joined

tained by Dave and Jake.

as Associate

took delivery of a GMC Safari

The biggest was

news

van

Members before or during In-Processing.

for the AOG regarding Doolittle Hall

the mortgage burning party that we held in August, 2000.

Staff

Due to your generosity, we were able to pay off the loan on

The association numbered 27 full-time and

Doolittle Hall earlier than planned. The remaining pledges on

three part-time employees at the end of FY01. Be-

the books to support the building effort are still critical to pay

sides Jim Shaw ’67 as President/CEO, other senior

for our upgrades, remodeling projects and to build the mainte-

staff members included Rich Downing ’70, VP

nance

endowment for the building. We are planning on your

continued support.

Services; Gary Howe ’69, VP Development; Dick Pat Rauschkolb ’70, VP External Communications;

Buland

Chuck Denham ’67, VP Information Services; Joyce Love, Ac-

Finances

countant; and Pat Buland, Executive Assistant.

The FY01 audit by Osborne, Parsons and

External Communications

Rosaker, LLP showed continued growth and sound financial management.

I trust you enjoyed the rollout of the new for-

Our Accountant, Joyce

Love, does a phenomenal job. She’s our “one stop financial department” and does it all. Total AOG assets

grew from $23,659,794

$25,491,160,

mat for

Checkpoints last issue. The evolutionary

J oyce

process has taken over a year. We have received a

Love

host of positive comments regarding our “new look”.

the building debt was zeroed out, and the Life Membership

Many of you have told us that this was the best

Dick

Fund balance rose from $7,300,004 to $8,220,341. Bank of

issue you had seen. I have also received a few com-

Rauschkolb

America continues to manage our investment accounts and Air

plaints—people have told me that now that we

Academy National Bank maintains our cash accounts.

have such a great magazine—they have to read it! Dick Rauschkolb

The AOG continues to manage 145 separate agency, restricted and endowment funds with assets

’70, our Vice President for External Communications is commit-

over

ted to telling the Academy story in the magazine

$7,960,527. This has grown from 67 funds with assets of

and with other media. He is doing a good job of

$4,712,330 in just a year! The funds support a wide variety of

blending stories about grads, cadets, and Acad-

academy and cadet activities ranging from lectures, symposia and

emy programs while telling you about the great

totaling

cadet awards to postgraduate scholarships, extracurricular and re-

Bob

support and service the AOG is providing to the

union activities and humanitarian efforts.

McAllister

Academy and its constituents. Bob McAllister,

our Director

of Marketing and Media, has done a superb job

This function provides a very important service to the

Academy and our graduates, but also requires a much higher

using his graphic design skills to make these stories come alive.

workload due to the detailed accounting that Joyce Love

Long-time Checkpoints editor, Tom Kroboth, continues to as-

must

sist us in laying out the magazine.

accomplish. CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

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PERSPECTIVE

Our new Register format instituted last year

emy story. The Academy is a national treasure—the country needs

has been well received. I should give you a heads-

to know that and it is our

up that we are contemplating additional changes

value and importance of this institution and its graduates. We

down the road. First and foremost, we will go to

certainly solicit your assistance in telling this story—let Dick or me

clear text, avoiding the abbreviations you’ve had to

Tom

wade through in the past.

Kroboth

In the future, we plan

to include current information about

graduates in the printed

job to make sure they understand the

know if you have a story that needs to be told.

Sendees

As many of you know, Jock Schwank ’60, re-

biographical information. This move will provide you with the

tired as Vice President, Services in February 2001.

information, save printing costs and

Jock served the AOG well and faithfully for many

most current and accurate move us

further into the information age.

years and left a real mark on the organization. He

Our External Communications office continues to oversee

continues service to the Academy through his work

the production and contracts for the publication of Checkpoints

with the Friends of the Library. Jock was replaced

and appointee CDs. This year the Class of ’65 presented the

by Rich Downing ’70, who had formerly served as

Class of’05 their Contrails at the Acceptance Parade in August.

the Air Base Wing Commander at the Academy. As you know,

This is fast becoming a tradition that will link the heritage of an

the Association of Graduates provides a range of services for all our

older class with that of a younger generation of cadets. Parents

constituencies and Rich’s task is to review them all to make sure we

and new cadets continue to give us positive feedback on our

are

appointee CD. This product answers many of their questions

providing you with the support you need and want. Celeste Storie, who recently joined the AOG team, is in charge of mer-

and serves as a visual supplement to the materials the Admissions

chandise sales and the reception area as you enter the

Office provides appointees. An added benefit to this program is

building. She has a wide variety of items available.

that it has resulted in increased membership from the entering

Our most popular merchandise continues to be ca-

class and their parents as they appreciate early on the valuable role

det issue clothing items and our Collector’s Edition

of the Association. If you would like a copy, just send us an email

Christmas ornaments. We have been online for mer-

and we will get one to you as long as they last.

chandise ordering for the entire year thanks to the

This year External Comm tackled a new project—the fund-

efforts of Wayne Taylor. Merchandise orders for FY2001 totaled

ing, publication, and dissemination of the Academy’s Parent

$166,000. About 19 percent ($29,000) of that total came

Handbook. When the Academy asked us to take on this task, we

through the merchandise link on our website.

felt it was the right thing to do as it provided a great service to

Reunion planning and execution continue to occupy a ma-

of our major groups of supporters—our cadets’ parents.

jor portion of the workload for the Services staff.

Our pledge was to get a complimentary copy of the Handbook

In the Fall of2000, the AOG supported class re-

into every parent’s hands. We believe we have come pretty close

unions for the Classes of’90, ’80, ’75, ’70, ’65,

achieving this objective, and during this year’s Parent Week-

and ’60, including one weekend with three classes

one

end we received numerous kudos for the publication, and saw an increase in

parent membership.

We have also taken advantage of the talent in the External

Comm shop to produce flyers and brochures for our Development

Office. We believe that a quality product highlighting AOG

Donna

involved. We continue to provide significantly

Porter

support than the associations of the other

service academies, but feel this is a service that is important to our reunion us

classes. Lani Wing and Donna Porter (who joined

this year) do a phenomenal job planning, coordinating and

support for cadet programs is critical when we ask our members

executing the reunions. If you want to know how good they

for donations. The new kiosk that they designed gives the AOG

are, ask someone from ’61 who had their reunion

very professional look when we’re representing you at events

starting the

day after the World Trade Center tragedy.

around the academy and the country.

The association continued to offer $10,000 in scholarships

In the next year, I expect Dick and his people to take on new

challenges and continue with their mission of telling the AcadCHECKPOINTS,

dependents of graduate members of the AOG. This year, 10

highly qualified young people received assistance, raising the total FALL

2 0 0 1 41

PERSPECTIVE

to over

100 since the Graduate Dependent Scholarship pro-

crosses over

from Services to be our Webmaster. He

gram began. Much of this funding comes from your gener-

works hard to make our website useful and informa-

Special thanks to Jim

tive. A special thanks goes out again to Jeff Gallino,

Ulm ’61, Rich Downing ’70, and Lani Wing for their work

’90, who graciously provides our web site hosting at

ous

donations to the Annual Fund.

in this area.

Chuck

charge to the AOG. Our electronic biographical

Denham

data update form, hosted and maintained by Wes

and run two Service Academy Career Conferences

’67

Fryer, ’92, continues to be a popular way for gradu-

(SACCs) for transitioning members. SACC contin-

ates to communicate

During FY2001, Wayne Taylor helped set up

ues to

In April, our IS staff accomplished one of the

be a joint effort by the alumni associations of

USAFA, USMA, USNA, Coast Guard, Merchant

changes to us.

most

painless transfers to a new database that I have

Wayne Marine and the newly added Royal Military ColTaylor

ever seen.

lege ofCanada. Conferences were held in

Seattle and Washington DC, and continue to be a popular way for

iMIS as the software of choice.

transitioning members make contact with prospective employers.

Don supervised the conversion from our old system

Last year, EDS donated over $300,000

upgrade

our

computer systems and recommended

Chuck, Jack and Mueller V0

The Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD),

and got us up and running quickly, with minimal difficulty. We

publication containing contact information volun-

have also upgraded all our desktop workstations, added new

tarily submitted by graduate members who are employed in civilian positions, continued to be an im-

Additionally, we upgraded all our projection capabilities

portant part of our job opportunity program. This

within Doolittle Hall and have added a portable projector to

year we added more electronic services to the existing

take on the road. Jack Mueller did most of the conversion and

JSARDS (Joint Service Academy Resume Database

his efforts have resulted in quality systems for our customers to

System—which allows graduates to post resumes

use.

online). Wayne Taylor worked with the other acad-

will travel” doctrine, we are always willing to speak to organiza-

emies to add JSAJE (Joint Service Academy Jobs Elec-

tions about the Academy, its cadets, the AOG and the legacy of

tronically—an internet placement service) and

the “Long Blue Line”.

Rice

Since we now work under the “have projector and laptop—

(an electronic version of the hard copy

Chuck and his group are also responsible for our telecommu-

SABRD described earlier). Even us old dogs can learn

nications capabilities. For those who have not been able to get

ISABRD

John

laptops and installed a new server and router.

tricks and we hope these new services will be helpful.

through to us recently, you probably know that, through Chuck’s

Our Services staff members are also responsible

efforts, we have added a voice mail capability. We still want you to

for membership programs and biographical data up-

talk to a real person and will continue to keep Michele Cowan and

dates. Steve Knight and John Rice, with the help of

Leah Burrows available to answer your calls. The system improves

Don McCarthy, manage these programs and up-

your ability to leave us messages and contact us after hours or

new

date graduate records. This year we added 1,090

Don

life members, 300 annual members and 654 cadets

McCarthy

participating in the Life Membership at Graduation program.

while we are away from our desks.

Development

Additionally, the quality of our database remains high, an espe-

Our Development staff was tremendously

dally significant accomplishment considering we add almost 2,500

successful in raising advocates and funds for the

records each year and handle thousands of record changes.

Academy, our cadets and the AOG. Thanks to all of

new

you for your continued generosity during this fiscal

Information services

year. We couldn’t do it without your tremendous

Cary

FY2001 continued to keep all our information services staff

Howe ’69

support.

Gary Howe ’69 and his staff, which in-

Chuck Denham ’67, Jack Mueller ’70, and Don

eludes Kathy McCann, Becky Hureau, Chery Flores, Michael

McCarthy continue to refine our capabilities and keep an ever

Brown, Dawn Wallick, Sandy Luckhurst and Jack Mueller, con-

expanding network on line and working well. Wayne Taylor

tinue to do the work of much larger organizations and are ex-

very busy.

CHECKPOINTS, 42

FALL

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PERSPECTIVE

tremely effective in their efforts. Total donations from $2.9 million in FY 2000 to $ 4.3 million

The “Bed and Breakfast” program which houses incoming

in FY2001. These figures include funds from our

academy appointees the night before in-processing continues to

annual calendar and pin campaign, Sabre Society

grow in size and popularity. This year, Donna Porter, our staff

donations, grants, endowments and restricted do-

coordinator, housed 386 cadets, up from 340 last year. Thanks

nations to support specific programs or projects.

to the

rose

Kathy McCann

Other Activities

The Sabre Society, our top-end donors to the annual fund, grew to 730 by June 30

th .

This was an increase of

Rampart Chapter of the AOG for their help and to all the

grads and friends of USAFA who opened their homes to our new arrivals.

In-processing is a major event each year and starts at

226 members. Annual members ($1,000 annually)

Doolittle Hall. We welcome the new appointees and give the

totaled 670, Patrons ($2,300 annually) 23, Bene-

parents an opportunity to meet AOG and Academy staff mem-

factors ($5,000 annually) 8 and Life Members (one

bers, graduates, cadets, and other parents. It’s a great way to

time $50,000) 29. Our biannual recognition week-

end was held in July shortly after the

all who drop off sons and daughter. We also provided a

Becky

reassure

Hureau

complimentary meal to over 400 family members after their “ba-

arrival of our new Superintendent, Lt. Gen. J. D.

sics” headed up to the base of the ramp.

Dallager and his wife Jane (J. D. and Jane im-

This year, the Board of Directors, in coordination with

mediately became society members). The high-

the Academy staff, established the Distinguished Graduate

Dawn

light was a day spent in Jacks Valley viewing

Award. We solicited nominations and selected Ron Fogleman,

Wallick

basic cadet training and joining the basics for

’63, and Harry Pearce, ’64

as our

first Distinguished Gradu-

lunch. A regional dinner was held at the Union League Club

ates.

in New York City (with the help of John Flanagan, ’62) prior

April 2002. Special thanks to General Ron Yates, ’60, for his

Of course, AF won and

leadership in this project and to Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, for

the Army game at West Point.

captured the Commander-in-Chief Trophy once again!

Soci-

ety members are truly the backbone of our efforts to support

They will be honored during a Founders Day Banquet in

doing most of the staffing. We also sponsored Founders Day 2001 in April and were

honored to have General Mike Ryan, ’65, Air Force Chief of

the Academy. Thank you very much!

Staff, as our guest speaker. The dinner drew over 240 attendees

The Pegasus Paver Project continued to receive excellent support from individuals and classes wish-

which met maximum seating capabilities in Doolittle Hall!

ing to honor or memorialize cadets, parents, relatives, classmates and others.

appreciation we

Brown

mission areas. As a maturing organization, representing 43 gradu-

Giving efforts. A Polaris donor can commit to sup-

ated classes and four here at USAFA, we are always looking for

port the Academy and the AOG through a bequest

better ways to serve you and our Academy, as well as telling the

planned gift. This is a very important way to help

phenomenal story of our “Long Blue Line”. We look forward to

hoping Polaris donors will grow as

your ideas, suggestions and continued support. Thank you for all

out and we are

Chery

We continue to grow and strap on new challenges in all our

honor a special person. Additionally,

have laid the groundwork to expand our Planned

Flores

Summary

It’s a great way to express

fast as our Sabre Society has grown. At the end of this fiscal year, your AOG Board

you have done and all you will do as we move into one ofthe most

challenging times in our history. God Bless America! Si

and the Academy senior staff committed to a major effort which will raise the bar significantly. We will be looking at a

major campaign similar to those of West Point and Annapolis to

provide important long-term support for the Academy. We

are

working hard at spinning up for this effort and we will tell

you much more about it over the next few years.

Thank you again for your generosity. It allows us to continu-

ally improve our ability to support grads, cadets and the Academy. CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 43

“

thank God for the

opportunity to stand where heroes once stood, for the

chance to be part of some

thing greater than myself...”

thunderous chorus of crickets accompa-

A they

were

nied the mournful tones of taps. It was not your

typical Friday night at the

Academy. Cadet Squadron 4 was told

running to the cemetery at 10 p.m., Aug.

24 for a training exercise. When they arrived, their

training officer told them the story of a deceased member of their squadron. ClC Nathaniel Cole spoke through the darkness to

approximately 100 cadets. He told them about

Col. Frank T. Birk, ’68, one of the most decorated Air Force pilots in history. Birk did two tours in Vietnam,

n t e n

sj~^ PRIDC by Jennifer Brugman

mostly over Laos. He was awarded two Silver Stars, two

Distinguished Flying Crosses, 27 Air Medals, and

the King of Laos awarded him the Laotian equivalent of the American Medal of Honor. Birk’s airplane was hit 65 times during combat -more than 20 times in one mission

alone.

Upon returning to the United States, Birk was a test

pilot for the Air Force until he retired in 1993.

He flew more than 65 aircraft in his 25-year career,

including the B-l, B-2, and F-l 11. He was the chief developer of our stealth aircraft. The test flight facility at Edwards AFB is named after him. test

Birk worked as a

pilot for Rockwell International after retirement.

In July 1993, while working for Rockwell, his plane

malfunctioned and he had to eject; he died from related injuries. More than 800 people attended his

funeral at USAFA. When Cole finished speaking about Birk’s honor

and sacrifice, and the honor and sacrifice of all those buried at the Academy, the Cadet Honor Guard CHECKPOINTS, 44

FALL

2 0 0 1

U P

played taps and fired a 21-gun salute into

men

and women buried in the cemetery.

the still night. Only a few flashlights

“Intense pride is the only way to describe

accompanied the tapping of boots on

what I felt that evening,” said C1C Keith

concrete, as the cadets walked from the

Young. “I thank God for the opportu-

gravesite to a waiting bus. Hardly a

nity to stand where heroes once stood, for

word was murmured.

the chance to be a part of something

The squadron recently set a motto

greater than myself. That’s what our

of their beliefs, which they call a seal.

cemetery is, the burial place of heroes.

The seal is designed to provide a

Now it’s my turn to carry the torch and I

linchpin for the squadron in the years to

will make them proud.”

come.

“The whole point was to unite us

In Cole’s mind, the ceremony

together,” Cole said of the evening. “We

accomplished the mission. “I couldn’t

the Fighting Fourth, grounded in

believe the response,” Cole said. “There

are

excellence, united in brotherhood and

was

proud of our roots. We cherish a heritage

definitely left a lasting impression in

forged in sacrifice and draw strength

minds. I think it may have killed two

from our unity. We are the Fighting

birds with one stone,” he said. “It was a

Fourth: united, proud, strong.”

military training exercise. It was a huge

The ceremony reminded cadets of

hardly a dry eye in the place... It

character builder.”

how small the sacrifices they make each

No one said a word on the bus ride

Co, Frank T Birk>’ 68 ‘

day are compared to the sacrifices of the

back, according to Cole. Si

AIR FORCE BEATS ARMY FALCONS RETAIN BRAGGING RIGHTS

ir Force Falcons refuse to give up

Commander in Chief s trophy by

.beating Army 34-24 on Nov. 3rd at

Falcon Stadium. Air Force has dominated

archrivals Army and Navy winning the trophy

outright 15 times. This seasons Air Force football games were broadcast live on Sports Radio AM 930 The Fan in Denver.

“This is a great opportunity for the Acad-

emy,” said Air Force Director ofAthletics Col. Randy Spetman. “Our fans now have a recognized home in Denver for our broadcasts. The Fan is a great partner for Academy athletics.”

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 45

flashback

DODO HAS A COLORFUL HISTORY Nino Baldachi Remembered

BY HECTOR NEGRONI, ’61

iile I find DODO

assigning the Deputy Commandant (the

tasteless at times, we

legendary Col. “Bent Wing” Ben

can’t deny that DODO is

Cassiday) as the OIC of DODO. I was a

part of USAFA folklore. It is unfortu-

“writer” for the DODO from 1957 to

nate that most cadets and

1961. In 1961, after publishing four

graduates

have no idea of the genesis of the

issues, the DODO was disbanded. I

DODO magazine. Let me help shed

understand that it was reborn again in

light on that mystery...

1962 under Pat Wynne (’63, KLA in

some

The DODO, as you can well

imagine,

was

SEA 1974). The rest of the story is lost

born from the genetic cadet

to me, but when I returned to the

desire to flaunt authority in a humorous

Academy as a member of the faculty

but irreverent manner. It started in 1957

(Foreign Language Department, 1967-

and its initial “Chairman” (editor) was

1971), the DODO was in full swing

John Reeves (’59—today an engineer for

under the OIC of my classmate Bobbie

SCA in Albuquerque, N.M.). Distin-

Grace. As a matter of fact, I wrote a

guished members of the board were Brad

couple of articles, which I still have,

Hosmer (’59, Rhodes Scholar, retired

under the pen name “Spanish Flyer.” I

Lt.Gen. and former USAFA Supt.); Dick

would be glad to provide copies.

Lee (Class of 1959, somewhere in

Some of the early gems that we

Wisconsin); and George Burch (’59, who

came

lives somewhere in Massachusettes).

that football is more important than God

Other members of’59 who were

because we wore white gloves to the

associated with the DODO include Jim

games but not to church. I came up with

Reed and Mike Murphy.

one

By the time I arrived to

of the best descriptions of the new

Chapel by saying that I did not know

USAFA in 1957, the DODO was a

whether to pray in it, at it, or for it.

fixture of cadet life but the “powers that be” attempted some form of control by

up with include an article indicating

By the way, I was Head Cheerleader in 1959, I960, and 1961.

CHECKPOINTS, 46

FALL

2 0 0 1

THE

flashback

Black Knights”) had been Air Defense

military department, due to his

and gained me a special

Command’s finest since June 1973.

proclivity to accrue demerits, Nino

interview with the Commandant. The

There it was—Nino was a

first one was: “Too off color to print in

pilot. (I knew he would go far!) And

this family magazine.” The second cheer

there he was—in Iceland. But let us go

My two favorite cheers were only

performed

once

infamous Red Tags)... I shall never forget the

back in time... Nino entered the

famous yell that Nino slipped under

aerospace panorama with the arrival of

my door one night. Although we only

had an undefeated season in 1959

the first cadets at the Air Force Academy

tried it once, it was a hit with the

was an

attempt

to bolster the morale of

the wing in 1960. As you may recall, we

washed back to the class of 1962 (the

(with less than 900 cadets in the wing).

in 1955. When I arrived at USAFA in

Cadet Wing because it lifted spirits

In 1960, the season was not so good

1957 (as a member of the third

following a series of losses under

and we began blaming everyone,

graduating class), Nino was everywhere,

previously successful Coach Ben

including the Rev. Coach Ben Martin (who, by the way, is a GREAT person).

but was very hard to locate. The closest I

Martin. The yell, again: “Give ‘em hell

came to

seeing Nino at the Academy

Big Ben give ‘em hell...

when he was listed as a member of

After that, I lost track of Nino

Here was the cheer: “Give ‘em hell Big

was

Ben, Give ‘em hell...Give ‘em hell Big

my Thermodynamics class in the spring

until his letter to the editor in July

Ben, Give ‘em hell (a long pause and

of 1960. Our instructor for that very

1975. I tried to track him down, but

then).... Oh Hell, give ‘em Ben!” Both

difficult class was the then-Maj. Donald

letters went unanswered and every time

of these cheers were featured in DODO.

S. Lopez (who is today a Deputy

I called his squadron he was either

Director of the Air and Space Museum).

DNIF (with bronchitis) or else flying

We were shocked when Don Lopez

over

The legacy of DODO is just as

precious as that of Nino Baldachi. Here is my recollection of

the frigid waters around Iceland.

presented to us a paper written by

From his squadron mates in Iceland, I

Nino Baldachi, the legendary cadet:

Nino, explaining the intricacies of the

learned that Nino was an outstanding

Many of the graduates of the United

esoteric principles of “entropy” and

pilot who was always scheduled for the

States Air Force Academy remember

“enthalpy” (If you don’t know what

toughest missions and in his quiet,

Nino Baldachi as a mythical cadet. I was

they are, look them up in the dictio-

competent and unassuming manner,

of those “doubting Thomases” until

nary... I still don’t know what they are

completed them flawlessly. I am sure

I read, in the July 1975 issue of the AIR

and I fault Don Lopez for that!). Nino

someone out

became an instant class hero, but his

Baldachi saga. 32

one

FORCE MAGAZINE, a letter from 1

there can add to the Nino

Lt. Nino Baldachi, 57 FIS, FPO NY,

stay with our class was short lived. As a

Visit us on the web at

complaining that his squadron (“The

result of his many brushes with the

www.aog-usafa.org

CHECKPOINTS,

FALL

2 0 0 1 47

Need to replace a Polaris

yearbook? Cadet Wing Media can help you! We have copies of the following years still available for sale:

1956,1958, 1959, 1960, 1963, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 Cadet Wing Media

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 Checkpoints will 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 of qualified candidates. The needs of the association will take precedence at all times.

Directors Nominating Committee

PO Box 6066

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

USAFA, CO 80841-6066 719/333-4644

Mr William W. Maywhort, ‘68, Chair

email: Rocio.Hunt@usafa.af.mil

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

6851 E. Powers Ave.

Home: (303) 773-6307

Cadet Wing Media also produces the graduation and BCT

videos, the Dodo and the BCTyearbook

Office: (303) 290-1620 ‘

Maj Gen (Ret) Alan V Rogers, 64

‘

Col (Ret) James A. Shaw, Jr., 67

4600 North 32nd Road

3116 Academy Dr.

Arlington, VA 22207

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Home: (703) 237-7375

Home: (719) 488-2185

Work: (703) 227-6719

Work: (719) 472-0300

Mrs Jody A. Merritt, ‘89

MASTER’S DEGREE

5751 Condor Court

MILITARY STUDIES

Home: (408) 269-6400

Accredited Distance Learning

AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY ♦

Air Warfare

♦

Land Warfare

♦

Naval Warfare

♦

Unconventional Warfare

♦

Intelligence Defense Management

♦ ♦

Tuition Assistance

Civil War Studies

GI BILL

San Jose, CA 95118

Office: (408) 744-2104

AOG Offers USAFA Class Ring Lost and Found Service If you have lost your class ring or found someone else’s, who are you

going to call? The AOG has long been the focal point for trying to match lost rings with their owners. We have several sources for maintaining up-to-date addresses and phone numbers on graduates (the primary source, of course, depends on the graduate keeping the AOG informed of changes). When a ring is returned to the AOG we can usually have it back on the owner’s hand within 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: DONNA PORTER at (719) 472-0300, DSN 333-2067,

www.amunet.edu For Our $10.00 Video

and Admissions Pack-

age 703-330-5398

e-mail to classring@aog-usafa.org, 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Chapters, Gone But Not

Forgotten, and More! www.aog-usafa.org

Hire an Academy Graduate Many of you are in positions to make or influence hiring decisions for your company. Your Association of Graduates, along with the alumni organizations from Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant

Marines, offers companies online access to the foint Service Academy Resume Database System (JSARDS). This is an excellent source for those companies seeking highly-qualified, well-educated and motivated employees. This database is hosted and administered by The Destiny Group. Hiring managers can both see and hear a

prospective employee via the Internet while reviewing their resume along with a fully documented file of the individual’s skills and desires. Fees for access to JSARDS vary based on the length of the contracted access period, and the number of seat licenses needed. To find out more about this service, please visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “Graduate Job Programs” in the left side bar, and follow the links to the Corporate Demo under JSARDS.

»-gT UNITED STATES

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Revues by 39 u.s.c asset

ear postal service,* 1. Publication .tile

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30 Sept 01 16. Annua* Subscription Price

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Air Torce

Academy CO 80840-4475

<Ei Paso County)

Compete Ma!.-3 Address of Hoadquanes or General Business Oft» ol Publisher ,A'of Pwttr)

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CHECKPOINTS

Sept timber

Mag£*-fofe arid Matters ot Circu.atign

During Preceding \2 Months

December a

UTAH at USAFA

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18,900

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Parents Weekend President

October 16-20

‘67 Reunion (Embassy Suites) Notre Dame at USAFA

16-20

‘72 Reunion (Antlers) Notre Dame at USAFA

bud Cl», Annosmtloa of

Graduate, USAFA

30 Sept

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PS Forr5S56 r Oclc O^r 1904

Ways to Give to The AOG

November TBD

AOG Board Meeting

14-15

SACC Dallas

and The Air Force Academy Method

Benefits to Donor

“Cash

Graduates Selected for Major Regular Air Force (Line Officers) Class

Considered

Selected

1983

1984

1985

1986

“Full income tax deduction. Imme-

diate impact to AOG/USAFA.

“Gift of appreciated assets or other

property

to AOG/USAFA.

“Bequests (by will or trust) “Gift of life insurance

outlay. Income tax deduction for current value and/or cost of premiums.

1989

*Gift with life income for donor and/or spouse.

450

415

1992 1993

TOTALS

510

420

Support Your Academy! Donate Now to the AOG Annual Fund.

during lifetime. Estate tax savings. “Ability to make larger gift with

smaller annual (or one-time) cash

1988

1991

“Maximum flexibility. Full use of assets

1987

1990

*Full income tax deduction. Capital gains tax savings. Immediate impact

“Gift of personal residence or farm

*Donor retains use for life. Partial income tax deduction. Estate tax

saving.

“Lifetime income. Income, capital

gain, estate tax savings. *Bequest of IRA or qualified “Income and estate tax savings. Asretirement plan asset sets may be taxed at rates as high as 85% at death if passed to beneficiaries. “Gift of income with assets “Immediate impact for AOG/ to heirs. USAFA. 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 Gary.Howe@usafa.af.mil. 49

CHAPTER NEWS ALAMO CHAPTER The Alamo Chapter cooled off this summer with a successful trip to nearby Canyon Lake for an afternoon barbecue. As fall approaches, we

have several events on the calendar.

The

set up! The only detail we have to fix for next year’s event is to make sure that some grads actually win the 1 place trophy. st

Our fall activities climaxed with our annual State of the Wing Dinner hosted by the Hanscom AFB O-Club.

Colonel Chaffee called in a favor

sixth of October was our Service Academy golf

with his old pal and new Commandant, Brig.

tournament, and on the 27th, we tried to win In our fortunes on the horses at Ratama Park.

Gen. S. Taco Gilbert, to be our guest speaker.

rectly over John’s house to head out over the lake. Quite the full body buzz! The chapter is looking forward to another great Falcon football season. Though the year got off to a rough start against Oklahoma, we know things will turn around for the boys in blue. This year we sponsored the annual Joint Services Academy Dinner at the Museum of Flight in Seattle on Nov. 8. It was a great event

to get together and support the Falcons.

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER Hello from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the surrounding New England area.

While NEAOG activities haven’t been published in quite some time, we have been, as Bostonians

AFB and MIT AFB as well as our Summer PCS

accessions. Welcome all, and a bit of advice...

get your winter clothes ready! The following Friday, Sept. 7, we had another

get together... to swing an overdeveloped metal rod at a dimpled ball, tell some outlandish stories, and smoke some particularly excuse to

large and noxious cigars. That’s right, we hosted the annual NEAOG Golf Tournament at the Bradford Country Club.

Over the years, our

tournament has become quite successful and

mainstay in the New England-area Air Force golf tournament circuit. Mike Kelley, ‘70, served as the master of ceremonies and with the help of Trevor Haak, ’95; Greg Doran, ’79; and Ms Pauline French, an honorary NEAOG member, a

the tourney went off without a hitch, with great

Cheers, from left: Jeff“Spanky”Hermanson, ’95

that many local area alums attended. Don’t for-

and G. Wiley Burch, ’59, at the State of the Wing

get to check out our web site at http:// www.talon.com/pugetsound/. If you’re interested in joining us please contact Brian DeLuca

dinner. General Gilbert ended up making his first appearance to our AOG chapter and discussed the condition and current affairs of our alma mater.

This casual affair brought together 90

folks from the NEAOG and Parents’ Club com-

munity and was made even more special by a pop-in visit from two of our newest members,

Sandy.

the Director for National Security Programs, Executive Programs, at Harvard’s JFK School.

Oregon and Eastern Washington, as well as

the Puget Sound locals, so come on out and join us.

(Joe Cavazzini, ’82)

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

CHAPTER On Saturday, Sept. 29, the San Diego County

Chapter of the AOG hosted approximately 300 graduates and guests at a tailgate party and pep rally before the Air Force—San Diego State University football game. With perfect San Diego weather, a fantastic time was had by all. Superintendent Lt. Gen. Dallager, Jane Dallager, AOG President/CEO Jim Shaw, and Cindy Shaw met and greeted the local graduates and their spouses, dates and guests. Old friendships were renewed, new friends were found and this group of sociable

The Three Amigos, from left: Bud Vazquez, ’79; S. Taco Gilbert, ’78; and Dave Chaffee, ’77.

graduates did what graduates do best—ate, drank and talked

until it was time for the game. The early going in the game gave the Air Force —

The night, while joyous and engaging, ended on

fans a few anxious moments, but doubts were

All present sang the third verse

quickly put away as the Falcons took command. With 21 points in the second quarter, the out-

a somber note.

of the Air Force song in memory of Col. (Ret) Chuck Jones, ‘74, a longtime figure with the Hanscom and NEAOG communities, who died

come was never in doubt after that.

American Flight 175, and LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr, ‘87, First Officer of United Flight 93.

fornia/Southern Nevada/Arizona area, this

For more information on the NEAOG and our

upcoming activities, please contact Rob Mishev,

tunity for class mini-reunions, to renew old friendships, to meet other graduates in the

For all of the graduates in the Southern Calievent is a major happening.

This is an oppor-

‘99, at robert.mishev@hanscom.af.mil or (781)

Southern California/Southern Nevada/Arizona

271-3826. Until next issue, we’ll just watch the

area

leaves turn color until the snow starts coming.

CEO of the AOG.

(Rob Mishev, ‘99)

PUGET SOUND CHAPTER

The standing joke of the day revolved

start the chapter celebrated another outstand-

around the fact that two of our POCs, Trevor and

ing Sea Fair Party at John and Eva Banbury’s, ‘69, house in early August. About 30 grads,

’82, at 425-

742-7630. We have members from as far away

General Oelstrom recently took over as

Well, summer has left us but before the rains

Greg, could not play in the golf tournament they

at 206-527-2218 or Joe Cavazzini,

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Tad Oelstrom, ‘65, and his wife,

participation from the New England commu-

nity.

which has the US Navy well represented with ships in port for tours, unlimited hydro races on Lake Washington, and the Blue Angels overhead for their big show over the lake. We had a great view of the show off John’s west-facing —

football season and organizing several locations

points for so long, here’s a quick status on our organization and membership. First and foremost, NEAOG membership is absolutely FREE. Bottom line, if you are a grad and live in the New England area, you are a full-fledged. Our president, Col. David R. Chaffee, ‘77, refuses to let any grad pay membership dues (although hefty donations are always welcome and shamelessly accepted!). We kicked the fall season off in style by journeying to historic Fanueil Hall in downtown Boston at Chris Evans’, ‘88, bar, The Tap, to cheer on the Falcons as they played Oklahoma. While our cheering didn’t quite lead the Falcons to vietory, we ended up having a great time filled with fellowship, and got to meet and greet many newcomers to the area and chapter. Special thanks to Chris for reserving his bar for us; to G. Wiley Burch, ’59; Denny Justin, ‘71, and an unknown grad (a Delta pilot who joined us after walking the Freedom Trail), for providing good food and drink to all. We got a chance to see some brand new faces, including the ‘Olers that reported in to Happy Hanscom AFB and those beginning graduate school at Harvard

incides with the finale of Seattle’s Sea Fair Week —

deck but the real climax for our group was when the Angels four-ship streaked low and di-

addition, the chapter is getting excited about

say, wicked busy. Since we have been on sabbatical from Check-

spouses, and friends joined together for an afternoon of camaraderie and fun. The party co-

and to meet the Superintendent and the

Whenever the Air Force football team plays in San Diego, there will be a tailgate party/pep

rally in area H-3 of the San Diego Qualcomm Stadium parking lot starting two hours before the game.

If you would like to be added to the email no-

(Continued on next page.)

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. 15% savings at Woodfin Suites- (800) 237•

CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE: your quarterly link to friends, classmates and the Academy.

SABER RENTAL:

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post secondary scholarships to graduates’

children. •

need to find a fellow graduate? We help!

(Chapters: From previous page.) tification list for pregame events in San Diego,

please send an email message to quinton@ quintonpetix.com with “Add to list” in the title and your ZIP code in the body of the message. (Michael Quinton, ‘62, San Diego County Chapter President)

SPACE CHAPTER Although the Chapter was fairly quiet over the of2001, the beginning of the academic year created new opportunities for members to support space-related activities at the Academy. The events of Sept. 11 brought into even sharper summer

focus the need for our nation to use all our instruments of strategic advantage as we confront new

security challenges and tasks. This means

that the Space Chapter reemphasizes our commitment to helping USAFA and the Air Force be fully successful in achieving their respective missions. We continue to take steps to make cadets aware

of the functions and potential of space operations and systems to support national security. Work-

ingwith elements ofthe Dean’s and Commandant of Cadets’ offices, we have helped craft programs to educate, enlighten, and inspire cadets of all classes. In particular, our relationship with the

•

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Astronautics Department, under the new leader-

boot from Navy (who cheated, again in 2001).

ship of Lt. Col. Tom Yoder, remains strong. One area of focus has been to provide technical advice for the Falconsat II project. Of course, the

We meet on the third Friday of each month at

need for space awareness isn’t limited to the Astro

Department; other academic departments now have a strong space-orientation. Future Chapter news reports will highlight the specifics of some of these important activities. We also continue to sponsor a variety of projects to increase cadet and perhaps public awareness of the importance of space to national security and the role of USAFA graduates in strengthening our nation’s space activities. Finally, our program to offer our counsel to

ested in starting a chapter in your area. For

complete listing of AOG Chapters, see

‘Graduates” on the AOG web page at www

.aog-usafa.org.

events will

posted on our web site at

www.usafa-nc.com.

(PeteBechtel ‘74 & Glenn Seitchek ‘83)

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 letter to HQ USAFA/XPAA, USAF Acad-

emy, Colo. 80840-5241, at least six months in advance, with the following informa-

strong start. Several of our members now serve as mentors to cadets, and provide a valuable re-

tion: What, when, where? Who on the

check out our web site at usafaspace .tripod

Academy staff would you like to have speak at your function? Also provide the names of two other speakers you would

you’d like to learn more about our ac-

like to have if your first or second choice is

source for their cadet and officer career

planning.

Since the Chapter meets in cyberspace, please .com if

tivities, or email Stan Rosen ’69 at srosen6

not available.

@aol.com. As Chapter members continue to

To aid speaker preparation, we will also

share interesting perspectives and data about

need to know the audience, along with any

Air Force space activities, you may want to join

particular interest of the group in any aspect of the Academy, and recommended speaker’s attire for the event. Please in-

this growing group.

NORTH CAROLINA

Contact him if you are inter-

Newton’s Southwest Grill in Cary. Details on all

space-related jobs or careers has gotten off to a

Questions and information about Chapters

usafa.af.mil.

Our monthly luncheon program continues to be a favorite time to get together and tell lies.

individual cadets who want to learn more about

AFA SOCIETY OF

by the AOG’s Constituent Liaison, Marty Marcolongo, at martin.marcolongo@

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elude who will be in the audience (i.e., alspouses, parents’ clubs, LOs, etc.) and what the occasion is for the event.

urns,

The AFA Society of North Carolina is alive and well. In September, we met to watch AFA play Oklahoma.

In October, we’ve scheduled our

third annual fly-in at the Sanford (NC) airport. This upcoming spring, we’re planning a mem-

bership dinner and our annual golf outing where we’ll try to reclaim the bronzed combat

A point of contact for the event (i.e.,

address, home and work phone numbers) is needed to make the appropriname,

ate arrangements. You can call XPA at (719)

333-3832, DSN 333-3832, for initial inquiry but must back up your call with a letter re-

questing the speaker.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

mrrwmW

VictorH. Bouquet, Jr. ‘61

William R. Ouellette, ‘60 In Remembrance ofWilliam R. Ouellette

Air Force, as a regular and a Guardsman. The Air Force was an impor-

Bill’s last message to all, written days before he died:

tant part of the Bill we remember.

As my earthlyjourney ends, I am moved to offer these precious few

words ofsincere thanks foryour friendship, love and support through out my life’s years.

God truly blessed me with coundess opportuni

ties to experience life's greatest adventures together with each ofyou who inspired me to live my life to its fullest. Iam especially grateful for your outpouring of affection, prayer and assistance that you

unhesitantly gave to Marilyn, my family and me during our most challenges this past year. Your efforts gave us the strength and courage to face adversity with unceasing optimism and trust in God’s will and mercy. Now, with the closing of my life’s story, I’m hopeful that your memories and reflections of our times together will serve as stepping stones to a refreshed spirit in life and a renewed beliefin our Heavenly Father. Throughout the remainder of your lives, may

recent

you continue to foster the very essence of the times that we shared. God bless my country, my family and each ofyou until we meet to-

getherin the splendor ofHis eternal presence. With all my love,. Could anyone doubt that this passage is beautifully indicative of who Bill Ouellette really was!

At the end of his life, Bill, in his special way, reaching out to all who knew him. This was his last “thank you” for all the friendship, good times, support, affection and happiness that he shared with so many of us during his remarkable life. Bill Ouellette, one of those rare men of deep and true character, beset with a persistent and eventually overpowering disease, portrayed himself, once again, as the prime gentleman we knew and loved. Indeed, the passage is quintessential Bill, captured in his extension of thanks to all. That Sunday evening of July 22 nd was a time for family and friends to visit Bill one last time and try to console each other. The visiting hours was

ended, but the crowd was such that the hours extended themselves, until all had exchanged thoughts with the family. Eventually the crowd

It was an honor to be at his full

military funeral and sit with classmates Dick Ames and Don Stevens. Bill loved the outdoors and the active life. He was an avid fly fisherman and a fine skier who also undertook snowboarding in recent years. He could be found on the winter slopes of Maine with his son Gary, gracefully hot-dogging with the best of them. We remember Bill as a moral and religious man. He had determination and conviction. He headed a close family. He was intelligent and loyal. He had infinite curiosity, and Bill, with that instant, infectious grin, never shied away from the good practical joke or spontaneous levity. No question he would raise a glass on high and toast comradeship and fun. He would expect us to do the same and remember him with the fondness he expressed for us in his last message. Such was the beauty of our friend and classmate, Bill Ouellette. Finally, let him rest in the soil of his home state, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. The sharp staccato of rifle fire over the funeral gathering and the folded flag in the hands of his wife, Marilyn, are indeed stark memories of his passage. Yet they will soon be replaced by the warm and pleasant memories when we reflect on the magnanimous spirit that was our special classmate-Bill Ouellette. (Sincerely, Brian G. Kaley, friend and classmate.) VictorH. Bouquet, Jr. ‘61 Victor Bouquet passed away Monday evening, Sept. 17, 2001, following a yearlong battle with cancer. He died peacefully, with the aid of hospice, in the comfort of his home in Santa Maria, Calif, with his family by his side. Vic was raised in the small town of Lake City, Minn, where he was a high school academic and football standout. He was appointed as a member of the USAFA Class of ‘60 and remained with that class until a

dwindled to just Bill’s immediate family, who gave strength to one an-

tragic gymnastics accident during doolie physical education left him with a broken neck. With the grace of God and heroic determination,

other, in their last moments with him. The family included Marilyn J. Ouellette, his wife of over 40 years and

after one year, Vic recovered from paralysis and was welcomed back by the 7th Squadron and the Class of ‘61 during the spring of their doolie

mother of their three children.

year. As a cadet, Vic was on the Dean’s List whenever we turned around. He was also known for his extremely optimistic poker playing and his skill at bridge. His roommates, especially this one, will remember the

Their daughter Shelby Green and hus-

band, Ken, of Worcester, Mass., son Major Brian Ouellette and wife, Stacy, of McGuire AFB, N.J. and son Gary Ouellette of Brunswick, Maine all there with Marilyn. There are six wonderful grandchildren: Meagan, Kaitlyn, Cameron and Erin Ouellette and Casey and Colin Green. Bill also had three surviving brothers, Dorice, Louis and Maurice; and one sister, Ann Jack. His sister Lucille McDuff predeceased him. Following graduation from the Academy, Bill gained his wings in 1961 and flew KC 135s at Loring AFB, Maine. He also attended graduate school prior to teaching language at the Academy. Bill also worked in the Pentagon for a while. After leaving active duty in 1972, Bill became a doctor of optometry, graduating in 1975 from the Massachusetts College of Optometry. He established the successful Brunswick Eye Care Associates, working there until retiring in 1998. were

Bill had spent 15 years in the Maine Air National Guard after his active duty.

nights he’d be searching for a fourth for bridge while we were cramming for the next day’s exams in EE and Aero. He still aced the exams. Vic met Diane, who lived in Denver, during his first doolie year, and Vic was smitten forever. Somehow Diane knew he’d return from Minnesota after an amazing recovery.

They were married three days after graduation with six of us holding the sabres over the bride and groom. Their children, Vickie, Mike, Matt and their spouses with the nine grandchildren, planned and celebrated their 40 th wedding anniversary this past June.

Upon graduation, Vic was not selected for pilot training due to his past neck injury. He went to North Carolina State University and earned an MS in Nuclear

Engineering followed by his first assignment in space

He was active until 1972 and a member of the Guard until

systems development and operations at Space Systems Division, Los

1987, when he retired, as Commander of the Maine Air National Guard,

Angeles AFS. He never gave up his desire to fly, and after three years of making a pest of himself at the Air Force Surgeon General’s office, he

in the rank of brigadier general. All can be proud of his devotion to the

Ferde Paul "Rusty”Arbeit, ‘67

GeorgeH. Branch III, ‘64 got the waiver to attend pilot training. Again, he was tops in academics

You provide a strong, secure link to the things I value and need:

and pretty good with the stick of the T-38 also. In 1966, he checked out

My children

as an aircraft commander in the C-130 and

spent 18 months at CCK Air

Base, Taiwan, flying almost daily missions into South Vietnam. He was

My emotions

My spirituality

You tell me things I need to hear

there for the support of the besieged Khe Sanh where he picked up more than a few hits to his durable C-130.

—

You talk to me with words and touch You express your needs so I can help you

He received two Distinguished

You Paint reality and call up my emotions

Flying Crosses, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the thanks of many U.S. ground troops for that operation. His next assignment was at Hickam AFB where he flew the C-130 to catch the parachutes with Corona film packages, which were ejected from our reconnaissance satellites. I was told that he is the only pilot in the squadron’s history who never missed catching an operational film package. I also thank Vic and Diane for hosting my wife when she arrived a day early to meet me in Honolulu for mid-tour R&R from Vietnam. Subsequently, Vic attended Air Command and Staff College, earned an MBA from Auburn University, and completed the program at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His final Air Force flying assignment was at Andrews AFB flying the government VIPs. After 4,500 flying hours, Vic’s career went back to satellite development, launch, and tracking. He retired from the Air Force in 1983 after completing two assignments at Vandenberg AFB as Commander of the th Vandenberg Satellite Tracking Station, and as Commander of the 6595 and missiles. he launched satellite boosters Test where Aerospace Group,

On August 20, Ferde Paul “Rusty” Arbeit, Class of 1967, passed away after a brave battle with stomach cancer. He is greatly missed by his

After retirement and until his terminal illness, Vic was a bulwark of

wife of 27 years, Joan, and his two daughters, Kathryn and Amy. His

You tell me you love me and I believe it with all my heart You teach me that it's all right to be vulnerable

but you are not afraid

—

you have fear,

you have weakness,

but you are not weak

Youshowme that life is not defined by destinations, but by the journey made up of the day-to-day events --you never give up By having children, you have given life to the world By having my children, you have given meaning to mine that will last beyond my worldly experiences And I promise to take this relationship that I cherish to eternity with you We miss them both.

(Terri L. Newton) Ferde Paul "Rusty” Arbeit, ‘67

activism on the Central Coast. He managed a satellite processing facil-

kindness, sense of humor, and thoughtfulness touched the lives of all

ity at Vandenberg AFB for Astrotech Space Operations, Inc., and he served on the California Space and Technology Alliance as both chair-

who knew him, in the Air Force and beyond.

Rusty was born on July 27, 1945 in Oklahoma City. He became fas-

member. In his spare time, he was active with the St.

cinated with planes and flight from an early age, encouraged in part

Louis de Monfort Church, the Rotary Club, the Elks Club, as president

by his father’s employment at American Airlines. As a teenager in Los Angeles, he would ride his bicycle 10 miles to the local airfield to work as a line boy in exchange for flying lessons after school and on weekends. He actually received his pilot’s license before his driver’s

man and board

of the local Air Force Association Chapter, the Young Eagles, as director

of United Way, and as an active member of AOPA. He was elected as chairman of the Santa Maria Public Airport Board, and he was a found-

ing director of the Santa Barbara County Work Force Investment Board and Allan Hancock College. As you can see, Vic was an involved citizen. Vic’s passion, after Diane, was flying his beloved Mooney. It was his main source of transportation and he never lost his love for flying. He sold the Mooney four months before his death. He knew he wouldn’t fly again and he wanted it to have a good home; but as his children said, ‘Dad doesn’t need the airplane now because angels have their own wings”. Vic was buried at the Santa Maria Cemetery with military honors, eight USAFA grads with sabres (as a classmate, I also carried a sabre to represent a missing man), and 300 relatives and friends in attendance. He is remembered by the many he touched during a life of service. (Bill Foster ‘61)

license.

Needless to say, his was thrilled by his acceptance into

USAFA. The Air Force Academy presented many challenges for Rusty, not a few of which were academic. Unfortunately, by graduation he had studied so hard to stay out of trouble with the dean that his eyesight had

fallen outside of the limits for UPT, so he went off to navigator training.

Upon completion of his training, he got the chance to navigate the A-26, a

good match as he had long been intrigued by World War II military

aircraft. In 1968, he was stationed at Nahkon Phanom, where he formed a

lifelong friendship with his USAFA classmate, Art Fisher. Rusty’s lively

wit and Art’s light-hearted nature served them well in Southeast Asia.

Lieutenant Colonel George H. Branch III, born in Lansing, Mich., passed away Jan. 25, 2001, peacefully at his daughter's home from cancer, with his family by his side. He joins his wife of 35 years, who passed in January 2000, also from cancer. He spent his life serving his family

By 1970, Rusty had transitioned to the F-4 at Holloman AFB. From 1972 to 1973, he returned to Thailand with a TDY assignment at Takli. He distinguished his career with over 275 combat missions. I was a young schoolteacher in Illinois when I met Rusty on a blind date in 1973. We got married a year later, and settled into a good life in St. Louis where he worked with McDonnell Douglas accepting F-4s.

and his country and will forever be missed in our hearts. It has almost

The next years took him to AFIT, Kirtland AFB, and a remote tour of

been eight months since the death of my father and add a year to that

Turkey, and brought us two wonderful daughters. Following the remote, he had a busy four years of 12-hour days spent in the cockpit and as a safety officer at Seymour Johnson AFB.

George H. Branch III, ‘64

for my mother and still it is hard to keep the tears at bay. To sit down and once again open up the flood doors to those emotions of sadness and loss is very difficult at best.

At Davis Monthan AFB, he decided to retire after 20 years of service

I guess what I would like to do is first is thank all of the personnel who

in 1987. He then put his logistics, safety, and people skills to work as

sent love and support during our time of need and grief. There were so

the Air Space Manager for Davis Monthan. He made a huge positive

many letters, cards and phone calls, I was at first overwhelmed.The second would be to share the poem my father wrote to my mother for her

impact on community relations, worked for safer skies for both military and general aviation, and coordinated many successful air shows. Despite health problems, he worked right up until his diagnosis with cancer in May, at which time he sought a medical retirement. The fare-

55th birthday. You are the bridge to my world

Joseph C. Hedrick, ‘68 well party given for him by his coworkers of the 355

Charles E. Jones, ‘74 th

Squadron was a

wonderful tribute to Rusty’s talents.

Rusty always took great pleasure and relaxation from his hobbies, especially flying and the restoration of classic cars. During his illness, he supervised the final reassembly of his last automotive love, a 1965 Ford Galaxie, at a “garage party” attended by a group of friends, including Weston Jones, Class of 1985. Weston became a source of great support for Rusty as his illness progressed, visiting often to discuss what was going on at work, their shared hobbies, and matters of Faith. Rusty’s battle with stomach cancer was very courageous. As his doctors had attributed his symptoms to long-term complications from diabetes, his diagnosis came late in the game. Still, ever the warrior, he fought back with chemotherapy until hospice care became the best option. He moved towards eternal life in relative comfort and peace, with few regrets. He was an extraordinary husband and father who always put his family first, regardless of what else he was trying to balance in his life. Rusty, you know how much you are missed (Joan Arbeit).

For many years, Joe held many offices in one of the Sacramento area

Rotary clubs, and was an active member of the community, assisting in many projects to help the community. th These activities were not enough, Joe also managed to acquire a 5 in Black Belt in an honor Black Belt and a Judo Jujitsu, given degree only to the most competent. Thankfully, Joe never had to use this skill to injure anyone. Rather, Joe’s life was marked by his compassion and love for others his family, his many friends, even strangers. He was frequently able to share his faith with others and be a source of encouragement. At his funeral many people testified to his generosity and unselfishness. His patriotism and love of country were contagious, as though his Academy graduation were but yesterday. Earlier this year when informed that his illness would likely be fatal, Joe faced this challenge with dignity, courage, and faith. His family and —

friends were taken by the fact that even until the last, Joe’s sense of humor and warmth for others never waned.

Joe Hedrick was confident of

his destiny; understandably proud of his loving family, and assured that

he had left indelible signs of a Christian life lived to the fullest.

Joseph C. Hedrick, ‘68 Joe “Magic” Hedrick, a graduate of the Class of 1968 lived an enviable and remarkable life that was shortened by a tragic blood disease he

experienced earlier this year (myelo dysplasia). Joe used his many gifts during his life to entertain, to enrich, and to spiritually strengthen others from all walks of life. Following his graduation, Joe served five tours in Southeast Asia flying over 150 missions as a B-52D Radar Navigator crewmember. He learned the art of magic from books given to him by other crewmembers, and would read the books on long bombing flights. His flight suit pockets were usually stuffed with sponge balls, silk scarves, etc. Without formal training, he was able to later become a fine magician. With his gift of magic, Joe entertained audiences in schools, hospitals, children’s homes, churches, corporate groups, and many others over the course of his life. From time to time he even earned good fees (a “paid gig”) for his act. His daughter Joanna even after being sawed in half several times or made to float atop a broom, was still cheerfully willing to be his stage assistant. Joe’s magic had a message, sometimes religious, sometimes motivational, but always humorous and entertaining. He added magic to his presentations when he was a national touring motivational speaker. He lightened his real estate dealings with a bit of money magic, and he enticed his students with a promise to show them a trick or two if they paid attention in class. From his successful magic act, Joe acquired the nickname “Magic,” a name proudly displayed on his real estate business card (Joe was a successful broker).

He was a member of the Inter-

national Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. In 1997, he won first place in the Sacramento magic club’s standup competition. Joe met his wife, Carol, during NBT at Mather AFB.

They were mar-

ried 31 years and raised two children, Joanna, a student, and Kahlil, a musician like his father. After returning from Southeast Asia to March

His

assumptions were correct in every respect. The void he left in death has been filled by fond memories of his sense of humor, laughter, love of family, loyalty to friends, and praise for God. Joe Hedrick’s Three Fundamental Principles for Happiness: 1. The grass is not greener on the other side

you must fertilize what

you have. 2. Don’t worry about things you can’t control. All you can do is all you can do. 3. You alone are responsible for your own happiness.

(Talmadge Jones, Sacramento Superior Court Judge) Charles E. Jones, ‘74 The insidious attack on this nation of September 11,2001 claimed as one of its first victims Chuck Jones, who was aboard the first plane hijacked and flown into the north tower of New York City’s World Trade Center. Chuck was traveling to California from Boston on business, a

route he took several times a month.

Chuck was a quiet, low-key super-achiever. Born in Indiana and raised in Wichita, Kansas he graduated in the class of 1974 with a degree in aeronautics and astronautics. While on active duty he completed two

master’s degrees, one in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT, the other in business from California State University. He enjoyed an ex-

ceptionally distinguished Air Force career, concentrated in our space systems and intelligence programs. In his 24 years with the Air Force he served with the Space and Missile Systems Organization, the National Reconnaissance Office, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Secretary of the Air Force Special Projects, and the Electronic Systems Center. While working as a program director at Hanscom Air Force Base from 1994 to 1998, he received the National Military Intelligence Association’s award in 1996 for distinguished service to the U.S. intelligence community, and the association’s organizational award for professional excellence. He retired from the Air Force in 1998 as a colonel.

AFB, his next assignment was back to Mather AFB as a UNT Instructor.

In early 1999 he joined BAE Systems in Nashua, NH as a program man-

He exited the Air Force in 1976 and began a 25-year real estate career.

ager for information and electronic warfare systems. Chuck was one of an elite group of only 30 Air Force men and women

Although he was an Air Force Academy graduate, Joe spent the greater part of his spare time not in the air, but at the helm of a sailboat. He owned a Catalina 22 for more than 20 years and for the last seven years moved up to an O’day 37 that was berthed in San Francisco Bay. Every

Friday was T.G.I.F. -L.G.S. Thank God It’s Friday-Let’s Go Sailing! Joe became a Christian early in life, and used his gift of music to play the banjo (again self-taught) and sing with his many Christian friends. 54

competitively selected to transition our national satellite programs from expendable launch vehicles to the Space Shuttle and to be trained as Payload Specialists who would fly aboard these missions. Astronaut training was rigorous, enjoyable, and at times dangerous a once-ina-lifetime adventure. We flew with the Air Force Test Pilot School, qualified at the Navy’s Second Class Diving School where SEALs are trained, -

David B. Gladman, ‘81

LeroyW. Homer,Jr, ‘87

EdwardMWooten III, ‘9.

flew on NASA’s modified KC-135 “Vomit Comet” zero-G aircraft, donned

Surviving in addition to his mother are four brothers and three sis-

spacesuits to train in water immersion tanks, were instructed in Shuttle systems and habitability at Johnson Space Center, took bio-feedback training to combat space sickness at NASA Ames Research Center, and qualified in a variety of 1-G and zero-G simulators. We were just big kids allowed to “play” and getting paid to do it. The scuba training, a requisite for space suit and underwater neutral buoyancy work, resulted in a life’s passion for Chuck. He became a dive instructor holding 27 dive certifications and amassed nearly 700 dives in waters all over the world truly remarkable feats. He also obtained a private pilot’s license. And Chuck almost made it into outer space. He was qualified to fly on the Space Shuttle and was scheduled to fly a mission until the 1986 Challenger accident indefinitely postponed launches and ultimately

ters: Sharon L. Gladman and her husband, John Redmond, of Estes Park,

cancelled his mission.

merous aunts, uncles and cousins.

His father, Walter, preceded him in death on July 5, 2000. A memorial service was held Sunday, June 10, 2001, at 3 p.m. in Brownsville Christian Church, near Deersville, Ohio, before an overflow crowd with Pastor David Koch

officiating.

In keeping with David’s wishes his body was cremated. A descendent

Chuck was the consummate outdoorsman and environmentalist. He had an incredible patience that was apparent in all of his hobbies. He was an

Colo.; Rebecca Faye Gladman of North Canton, Ohio; Nancy A. Carpenter and her husband, Douglas J. Carpenter of Dover, Ohio; John P. ‘Jack” Gladman of Anchorage, Alaska; Daniel B. Gladman of Dennison, Ohio; Matthew J. Gladman of Tippecanoe; Mark R. Gladman, Dover; two nephews and three nieces, Ryan A., Marcia S., and Laura A. Koch, Douglas J. and Katherina R. Carpenter, all of Dover; in addition to nu-

avid hunter, spending endless hours raising and training his

of pioneer stock, his remains were interred at Patterson Union Cemetery in Deersville where his father, grandfather, great-grandfather,

great-great-

grandfather and great-great-great-grandfather were laid to rest.

bird dog apdy named “Havoc”. He studied the ocean with an insatiable

Memorial contributions may be made to the David B. Gladman Schol-

interest in marine biology and ecology. He was an accomplished and

arship Fund, 28445 Long Street, Tippecanoe, Ohio, 44699. (Matthew

prize-winning underwater photographer an avocation requiring the utmost skill and infinite patience. He was an amateur entomologist, a hobby that began as a sixth-grade science project, who often issued collection vials to friends who were headed to a golf course. He had a love for adventure and new vistas both on and off the planet. Chuck was a gifted, intelligent, compassionate, gentle and courageous man with a wry and witty sense of humor. He could play or be the target of a practical joke with equal ease. He had a ready smile and a charming personality. He went above and beyond, giving encouragement to everyone and always making it his priority to reward people. He was a

Gladman)

hero kind of guy. Someone you would trust with your life. He would

have readily given his life for his country and, in the end, he did. Chuck Jones was truly an officer, gentleman, patriot, and good friend to so many. Taken from us prematurely by so senseless an act, this is

America’s loss. (Keith Wright, with contributions from DarylJoseph, 71; and Claude Messamore). DavidB. Gladman, ‘81

Lieutenant Colonel David Blaine Gladman, an Air Force Reserve officer and C-130 aircraft pilot with the 911 th Airlift Wing, Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station was found dead June 5,2001, in Stark County, Ohio. He had been formerly assigned with the 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown Air Force Reserve Station, Ohio. He was born Nov. 1, 1957, in Dover, Ohio and was the eldest son of Thelma Faye Ryan Gladman of Tippecanoe, Ohio and the late Walter

Blaine Gladman. He was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Lakeland High School in Freeport, Ohio in 1976. He attended the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo, graduating in 1981. He was a memher ofBrownsville Christian Church and Stillwater Valley VFW Post 6815. A career military man, he served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force on active duty and as a member of the Air Force Reserve Command, including overseas duty during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. His decorations include Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Defense Forces

Expeditionary

Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and numerous other awards for service and special achievement.Among the accomplishments listed for his Meritorious Service Medal was as project officer of BIG DROP II at Pope

AFB, involving 60 C-130s and 20 C-141s. This event was the largest aerial drop mission since World War II.

LeroyW. Homer,Jr., ‘87 LeRoy Homer will be remembered lovingly by his family and friends. He was truly an exceptional individual and his life embodied the virtues of courage, determination, generosity, compassion and kindness to family, friends and strangers alike. He possessed a quiet humility, yet had a genuine passion for life, and lived it to its fullest. His many loves included flying (he was certified to fly on his 16th birthday), skiing, traveling, photography, music, and first and foremost, his family. LeRoy was born in Plainview, N.Y. on Aug. 27, 1965 to LeRoy and Ilse Homer, and raised in Deer Park and Hauppauge, N.Y. He graduated with Honors from St. John the Baptist High School, West Islip, N.Y. He gradu-

ated from the Air Force Academy with the Class of 1987, 31st Squadron. LeRoy served his country as a pilot in the Air Force, flying the C-141 Starlifter. He was a veteran of Desert Storm. Following eight years of active duty, he remained active as a major in the Air Force Reserves, serving most recently as an Academy Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy. He was employed by United Airlines as a First Officer based at John F. Kennedy Airport in N.Y. LeRoy married Melodie Thorpe on May 24, 1998 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. From that union, their daughter Laurel was born Oct. 25, 2000. He attended Mt. Holly SDA Church in Mt. Holly, N.J. He was a member of the Air Force Association and the Organization of Black Airline Pilots. LeRoy is survived by his wife, Melodie, daughter Laurel, mother Ilse, brother Thomas Freimark Sr., sisters Marilyn Johnson, Germaine Wilson, Theresa Cooke-Poche Ramirez, Cheryl Homer-Wilson, Monique

Homer, Christine (Kiki) Homer and Michelle Homer, as well as his mother and father-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

(Juan Leoncio, ‘87) EdwardM. Wooten III, ‘95

In a world desperately in need of positive role models

deserving of our time and attention

here is one

Capt. Edward M. Wooten III. Ed Wooten, age 28, died on June 13, 2001, after a valiant fight against cancer. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, on July 2, 1972, to Edward and -

Sung Yon Wooten. Ed attended Judson Elementary School in Shreveport, La. and graduated from Minot High School in 1990. He went on to attend the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, and later graduated from USAFA in 1995.

Running through the tunnels, taking “hero shots” in front of the F-4, kicking a soccer ball or throwing the football in the hallways, running away from drunk cowboys who chased us up to the south gate (thanks these are all treasured memories. Jimmy for the use of your car!) Mitch loved being at the Academy. From excelling in academics, to scoring perfect 500s on the PFT, and working in leadership positions, Academy life inspired him to shine. It doesn’t surprise me how he passed on, fulfilling his dream, serving his country, and dying with honor. On July 6, 2001, Mitch died flying a training mission in an Fth 16CJ with the 77 FS out of Shaw AFB. Mitch was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. To those who knew him best, there was an underlying quality that made him different—Loyalty. Mitch formed close bonds of friendship which he took seriously, and he always remained a huge part of his friends’ —

Mitchell A. Bulmann, ‘96 He served as a Weapons Systems Officer for the B-1B Lancer and de-

ployed to Operation Desert Fox. Among the numerous awards he received, the most exceptional was perhaps the Meritorious Service Medal, an honor not often received by one so young, for his excellent and outstanding military service. His exemplary professionalism made him a highly respected and sought-after individual for important missions and squadron functions. It was common knowledge that if you wanted someand done right thing done you called on Ed. In fact, his squadron th commander, Lt. Col. Eldon Woodie of the 9 Bomb Squadron (Dyess AFB), practically adopted Ed and made him his executive officer. Ed had a tremendous passion for life. He enjoyed physical fitness, including weight lifting and running (ran two marathons), as well as riding his coveted Harley Davidson on the weekends. Ed always strove to make a positive impact on his surroundings and was quite active in community activities. Moreover, his greatest joy was being with family —

—

lives. To know Mitch as Friend was to know you were not alone and could always count on him. He lived in such a way that more than one

(Continued on next page.)

Major General Roxby, Academy Supporter, dies at 70

and friends. God was the epicenter of his life... his constant foundation. He attended bible study and Sunday school on a regular basis. What I espe-

dally loved about Ed was that he never preached ethics or morality he lived it. He led by example and always treated others fairly. Ed did not put on facades what you saw was entirely authentic. He ministered to others and me simply by the way he conducted his life. Ed was such a good-hearted, compassionate and loyal man. You could confide in him your most heartfelt feelings and emotions. His humility was uncanny, as he would frequently dismiss or belitde his many accomplishments while uplifting those of others. Furthermore, he was a consummate comedian who could bring out a smile on even the -

sternest of faces.

On Oct. 21, 2000, he married the love of his life, Angela Nicolini.

recall vividly how his eyes would instandy “light up” whenever she was

mentioned in conversation.

She, along with his parents and sister, brought so much joy and fulfillment to Ed... especially in his last days. Despite excruciating pain and discomfort from his chemotherapy treatments, he never complained and always downplayed his illness.

Maj. Gen. Roxby Major General (USAFR Ret) William C. Roxby, of Flourtown, Pa. passed away on Sept. 21 after a brief illness. He was 70. General Roxby supported the Academy and its cadets in a number of areas over the years. As the Liaison Officer Commander for Eastern Pennsylvania, he built one of the best Academy and ROTC recruiting programs in the country. He was renowned for selecting the right type of youngsters to attend the Academy he had a remarkable graduation rate for the ca—

dets he sent here. In 1977, he was named the Outstanding Liaison Officer Commander

for the Northeast Region.

His commitment and dedication to attract-

ing quality students for the Academy and AFROTC were rewarded by the Air Force selecting him to be the Mobilization Assistant to the Com-

He never wanted anyone to worry. Even as Ed laid on his deathbed, he

mander of AFROTC at Maxwell AFB in Alabama and later the Mobiliza-

displayed an unbelievable courage to live, as well as an intense desire Ed truly touched my life and made an impact that will never go away.

tion Assistant to the Air Force Academy Superintendent. In the latter position, General Roxby was a driving force in modernizing the Academy admissions process. He also had a significant impact on each of

I loved him like a brother and my memories of him will always ride

the USAFA mission elements. After his retirement from the Reserves,

close to my heart. I strive each day to be more like him.

General Roxby continued to advise young people on the value of an Academy education and an Air Force career. Maj. Gen. William Roxby was also a long term Trustee of the Falcon Foundation and was personally involved each year in distributing Falcon Foundation Scholarships to cadet candidates attending Valley Forge Military Academy, in Wayne, Pa. Brig. Gen. Ruben Cubero, Falcon Foundation President, said “Bill Roxby always made a personal commitment to visit Valley Forge each year to assist the President in his presentation of the Falcon Foundation scholarships and to take the time to meet with the cadet candidates and their families. He always wore his uniform on this occasion as a badge of pride in his Air Force service. He befriended everyone during this brief encounter and for many that friendship biossomed into an enduring and warm personal bond for years to come. He loved people and did everything in his power to help others whenever he could. We are all deeply saddened at his unexpected passing and our hearts go out to his family in their time of grief.” The Association of Graduates also called on Bill Roxby for advice on a wide array of projects from developing publications to fundraising. His years of experience in higher education made him an invaluable resource. His friendship and many contributions to the Academy and the Association will be sorely missed. (Dick Rauschkolb, ’70)

to console loved-ones.

Men and women like Edward Wooten come only once in a lifetime. To me, he exemplified everything a true friend, warrior, son, husband, citizen, Christian, and man should be. He lived his life according to unwa-

vering principle, and radiated intense rays of love. I, like so many others, feel so blessed to simply have known Ed. He will be truly missed... but never forgotten. “What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) Memorial contributions in Capt. Ed Wooten’s memory may be made to the Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive,

80840-4475.

USAFA, Colo.

{Capt. Sean Gradney, ‘95) Mitchell A. Bulmann, ‘96

Mitch Bulmann, Class of 1996, died July 6, 2001. Mitch would want to be remembered as one of the boys

he was

—

but Mitch was special.

—

and that

Looking back, there are many things

that remind me of Mitch. Van Halen and Corvettes. Mac and cheese. Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins.

Soccer

Sissy drinks (yes, we continue to laugh at his fondness for mixed drinks and the night he ordered up a Raspberry Beer)! and weight lifting.

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES is the proud sponsor of

SPIRIT AND FLIGHT A PHOTOGRAPHIC SALUTE TO THE USAF ACADEMY Over 150 Color Photographs by Acclaimed Photographer

ELIZABETH GILL LUI You have combined a great pictorial look at the Acad-

emywith a profound view ofits mission, its beautiful surroundings with its recent history, and the hopes and aspirations of the cadets with the whole Air Force very successfully!” (Thomas S. Moorman) -

Please send me

copies at $46.00 each. ($40.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling) COLORADO PURCHASES: See below for applicable

information. TOTAL DUE NAME:

“Ihope your work will be a motivational reminder to all who see it ofthe great aspects ofthe Academy and of its place among the truly beautiful institutions ofna-

tional significance.” (Donald J. Barrett)

□

Check Enclosed (payable to AOG)

Charge to my □ VISA or □

Mastercard

CREDIT CARD NUMBER

□□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ Expiration □□□□ Daytime Telephone Signature

STREET:

COLORADO SALES TAX: Colorado Sales Tax is required for sales at Doolittle Hall or mailed to a Colorado address as follows:

CITY:

DOOLITTLE HALL AND el paso county

STATE:

COLORADO SPRINGS

ZIP:

6.1%

ELSEWHERE WITHIN COLORADO

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES, 3116 ACADEMY DRIVE, USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

PHONE: (719) 472-0300 DSN: 333-2067 FAX:(719) 333-4194, E-MAIL: aog@aog-usafa.org (Mitchell Bulmann: Continued from previous page.) of us called him “Best Friend,

”

an honorable title that is not

Scott Turner remembers the day Mitch stood as his Best Man:

ognize and enjoy them to the fullest because they will never happen

again —

...

this is one of them.” This statement was how Mitch lived his

never

Helps Terminally Ill Grads

Before

my bride walked down the isle, Mitch put his hands on my shoulders and said, “There are only a few precious moments in life. You must rec-

life

AOG Humanitarian Fund

easily earned.

missing the value of the moment and understanding that

life and all our experiences were precious and limited. Mitch was also

By Mark Anderson, ’61

The AOG Board of Directors has established a Humanitarian Fund for Terminally-ill Members 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. Here are the pertinent points:

Best Man for Greg Sidor, whose memories of Mitch are equally as strong. -

The circle of friends known as the Hammerheads will always remem-

her Mitch. RC, Scottie, Cochise, and Kevski—we now carry the torch of our fallen brother. He was a classmate who sought to live a life of integrity, succeeding

How to make a request: Send a written request with pertinent infor-

mation on the nature of the illness, assistance needed, and who the AOG can contact for further details

to The Humanitarian Fund, Association

of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, USAFA, Colo. 80840-4475. How to contribute: Make your tax-deductible contribution to The AOG Humanitarian Fund at the address above. -

in that noble endeavor in the midst of personal setbacks and chal-

lenges.

He would never stop striving to be better, no matter the ob-

stacle. To me, he was a brother who stood by through the thick and thin. It brings warmth to remember his smile, his determination, and

his optimistic attitude. He was full of life. I was blessed to have been his roommate; we were all blessed to have him a part of our lives. God

Speed my friend; Here’s a toast... (Robert L. Grant, ‘97) At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following

graduates: Col. (Ret) Frederick E. Gerken, Jr., Class of 1962, who died on

Feb. 26, 2001 of cancer in Fairfax, Va. Lt. Col. (USAFR, Ret) Robert LaFreniere, Class of 1972, who died on

We hope 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 Ledge Way, 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.

Sept. 11, 2001 of a heart attack in The Woodlands, Texas.

Lt. Col. (MedRet) lohn P. lackson, Class of 1974, who died on

Sept. 20, 2001 of cancer in Albershausen, Germany. Maj. lohn A. Buratowski, Class of 1986, who died on May 30, 2001 of a heart attack in San Antonio, Texas.

2nd Lt. Matthew J. Patrick, Class of 1999, who died on Aug. 27, 2001 in an auto accident in San Antonio, Texas.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

graduates.

ATTENTION IN THE AREA By Col. Rich Downing (USAF, Ret), ‘70 AOG Vice President, Services Class Ring Information

AOG Website is Redesigned

The AOG website at

Graduates who need to replace, repair or resize their Academy class

www.aog-usafa.org recently had a “facelift.” The

rings should go directly to the manufacturer. They have the expertise and equipment to repair or replace your ring. Contact them for cost estimates (which vary significantly) or any other questions. The manu-

opening page has changed and the wide range of topics and information on the site has increased. For information on development activities, job programs, and more, this is the only web address you need. And for those times you need other sources, we have convenient links to USAFA,

facturers and contact information:

Athletics, the other service academies, and the local newspaper.

lostens

Classes of 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979,

148 East Broadway

Owatonna, MN 55060 (800) 852-9353

A major AOG service is one of providing up-to-date information on

graduates through the annual Register of Graduates. The 2001 edition will be mailed to members of record in November. The biographical information form printed near the center of each magazine should be used on an ongoing basis to update graduate data. Since the individual graduate is the critical source of Register information, it is vital that you keep the AOG informed of address changes, promotions, new jobs, etc. Information updates to be included in the 2002 Register must have been received by 1 August 2002.

1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

myersm@jostens.com Balfour Company

Classes of 1959, 1961, 1964,

c/o Jess Crane

1965, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975,

3502 S. Marion St.

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

1994

>7-0557) Classes of 1985, 1987, 1988,

Herff Jones

Inappropriate Use of Register Addresses

226 Public Street

We are continually concerned about the misuse of graduate addresses

1993, 1995

Providence,RI 02905 (401)331-1240

listed in the Register for business and political purposes not sanctioned by

ArtCarved

your AOG. This is direcdy in violation of AOG policy as well as an infringement of copyright laws as spelled out on the first page of the 2001 Register. The AOG requests that members notify the Vice President, Informa-

7211 Circle S Road

Class of 2000

Austin, TX 78745 (1-800-531-5131)

Visitors Center Offers AOG Discount

tion Services, immediately of any non-AOG-sanctioned solicitation they

The AOG is pleased to announce a membership benefit. Through the

receive where their mailing address was apparently obtained from the

cooperation of the Academy Athletic Association (AFAAA), all AOG members are eligible to receive a discount on over-the-counter sales at the Academy Visitors Center Gift Shop (which is operated by AFAAA). You only need to show the cashier your AOG membership card to receive your 10 percent discount. This discount was previously extended only to active duty and retired military customers. The discount does not apply to mail orders.

Graduate-to-Graduate AOG-mail System In Place The AOG has an e-mail forwarding system that graduates can use to communicate with other graduates. There is no need to know the e-

Doolittle Hall Available

mail address of a graduate to send AOG-mail. The system was pre-loaded

For Many Special Occasions

with the home e-mail addresses from the AOG database. Graduates may

add, change, or delete their e-mail address from AOG-mail. AOG-mail

Doolittle Hall is available for special functions. To date the AOG has

is accessible through the ‘AOG-mail/Class Pages” Link on the AOG Web

hosted a variety of events: department meetings, retirements, wedding

Sending e-mail through AOG-mail is straightforward, but only one class may be searched at a time, and that search may be further limited by graduation squadron or name. Main Page.

receptions, workshops, cocktail parties, luncheons and formal and informal dinners. Doolittle Hall can accommodate as many as 300 at a sit-down dinner

There is no automated link between the AOG’s Doolittle Hall data-

and more than 500 for a cocktail party.

base, which holds both home and work e-mail addresses, and the AOGmail database, which holds only one e-mail address; a change to one database will not update the other.

Available facilities include conference rooms, the library lounge with

bar, and outdoor patio area, weather permitting. AOG members receive

Each graduate must update the

preferential rates. For information and rates on your specific requirements, please call Jean Bickford at the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

AOG-mail system and then alert the AOG to change the Doolittle Hall

database, and vice versa.

Hiring Companies Wanted Service Academy Career Conference (SACC)

Washington, D.C., April 25 26, 2002 Seattle, Washington, August 22-23, 2002 -

Is your company hiring? Are you looking for well-educated, well-trained, and motivated workers? If so, graduates of the service academies provide the ideal candidate pool. For access to these candidates, participate in one or more of the upcoming Service Academy Career Conferences (SACC). SACCs are scheduled for Washington, D.C. (at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Pentagon City in Arlington, Va.) April 25 26, 2002, and Seattle, Wash, (at the Westin Seattle) August 22-23, 2002. You will find service academy graduates are a cost-effective source of new employees with exceptional -

life and work experiences. For more information about the Service Academy Career Conferences, call Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or visit our web site at www.aog-usafa.org.

Service Academy

SACC

Career Conference

What is the SACC*

April 25-26, 2002 Washington, D.C.

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference sup-

ported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The previous conferences were attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni.

4. To participate in the next SACC, send the following to

the SACC office no later than April 10, 2002: a.

Completed registration form

b. A $25 registration fee, payable to SACC c. Two hard

copies of your resume (one page/one side)

Where will the SACC be held? The next SACC will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pen-

5. The schedule for the SACC is:

tagon City in Arlington, Va. You may obtain a room for the SACC rate, if available. Call (703) 415-5000 for reser-

Thursday, April 25, 2002 *

vations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other

hotels available in the area, or think about renewing re-

Interview Prep Seminar at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 26, 2002 Registration opens at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day.

lationships with classmates in the area.

How to register for the SACO.

1. Ensure your AOG membership is current as this ser-

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

vice is offered to members only.

meeting face to face with recruiters from a wide variety of companies.

2. Ensure your resume is included in the Joint Service Academies Resume Database System (JSARDS). To en-

Saturday, April 27, 2002

ter your resume, visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org,

Recruiters may schedule individual interviews.

click on “graduate job programs” and follow the instructions.

When attending the SACC, bring several copies of your resume

to leave with recruiters as they review resumes

3. If you previously submitted your resume to the Joint Service Academies Resume Database System, please use

at a later date.

the password you received to update and verify the in-

the conference offers a unique chance to explore new ca-

formation in the system. Recruiters at previous SACCs

reer

collected at the conference and may contact candidates

Although employment is not guaranteed,

found having electronic access to resumes extremely

opportunities.If you have any questions on this AOG membership service, please contact Wayne Taylor at (719)

helpful. Be sure your resume is accurate and complete.

472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

SACC Candidate Registration Form (Washington, D.C.) NAME (for nametag, no ranks):

USAFA CLASS:

ADDRESS : PHONE

(Work):

(Home):

(E-mail):

RESUME CATEGORY: (from web site at www.aog-usafa.org/SACC_Registration.htm)

Will you attend the free Interview Prep Seminar?

Please include:

EHRegistration Form

EH Yes

EH Fee $35

EH No EH Resumes (two hard copies)

Mail to: SACC, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-5068 59

The Secret Life ofWaldo F. Dumbsquat By Don Hall, 76

“I wish we had girlfriends,” Waldo sighed.

The Smack Bar was hopping as the freshman class enjoyed a Saturday night in Arnold Hall.

‘No you don’t!”

“I don’t?”

covered every table. You could hear a pin drop in

‘No. Not until after graduation. Those poor guys,” Regs nodded in the direction of their classmates, “will soon be buying miniature class

the bowling alley as cadets rolled away the evening.

rings and making Chapel reservations!”

Pitchers of “three/two beer” and cardboard pizzas

Bumper pool and foosball games in the upperclass

lounge issued forth laughter that echoed down the

“Incredible!” If the Academy wanted you to date, it would have issued you a girl-

hall, past the main doors, and into the theater lobby. The NCOIC sat idly at his command post desk as he hoped for a lovely girl to stop and ask

friend, Waldo.”

directions.

Black Sabbath albums!”

Doolies waited in line for pay phones and pianos. C/4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat sat in the Smack Bar with his friend, Regs Buch.

“What are we suppose to do?” “I recommend taking cold showers, shining shoes, and listening to

‘Well, now that you’ve managed to depress me, it’s time to see a movie.” “But, Waldo, the movie doesn’t start for an hour,” noted Regs. Sensing a need for action, Waldo retreated to the latrine and mumbled

“Why do we drink this stuff?” asked Waldo as he slurped down some sudsy liquid.

the magic words: public display of affection. Instantly, the doolie trans-

‘It doesn’t exactly stick to your ribs,” mused his friend.. He munched

who was born below the zone. He strode purposely to the command

“Remember Waldo, you don’t buy beer ...you

post, swept the surprised secondclassman aside, and grabbed the in-

casually on his pizza. rent it.”

formed into the mighty officer, Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man

tercom microphone.

‘Well, it must be an acquired taste!” “This pizza tastes terrible, too.” ‘Yeah, but it has three toppings!” Suddenly, the two doolies, slack-jawed, stared at the door.

‘Attention in the area, attention in the area. The movie will start in

five minutes. Colonel Dumbsquat out!” His work done, the officer disappeared into the coat alcove. Waldo’s Two ca-

dets escorted angelic visions into the room.

puny freshman form emerged and returned to his table. ‘Hey, Waldo. Great luck! The movie is starting in five minutes.”

“Look, girls!” exclaimed Waldo, pointing.

“What’s it called?”

‘Get hold of yourself, man!” urged his roommate as he pulled down

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest’.’

you’ve seen females before.” ‘Not up close! Where did they come from?” “Where all girls come from,” commented Regs knowledgeably, “LOHI.” ‘Wow, I thought that was just an urban legend!” “The truth is sometimes stranger than fiction,” whispered Regs.

‘Great,” replied Waldo. “Sounds like a comedy!”

on Waldo’s arm. “Pretend

Life Membership Options Explained

Corporate Members Association of Graduates, USAFA Air Academy Federal Credit Union

The AOG offers a life membership plan for graduates and associate

Air Academy National Bank

members. This plan features rates based on the member’s age and the

Air Force Association

following payment plans: Lump Age at

Two

Last

Sum

Semiannual

Birthday

Payment

Payments

*l-year monthly Payment

Under 30

$650.00 $625.00 $615.00 $595.00 $570.00 $535.00 $480.00 $400.00 $380.00 $350.00 $310.00 $270.00 $230.00

$335.00 $330.00 $325.00 $315.00 $305.00 $285.00 $255.00 $215.00 $200.00 $180.00 $160.00 $140.00 $120.00

$56.00 $54.00 $53.00 $51.00 $49.00 $46.00 $41.00 $34.00 $33.00 $31.00 $27.00 $24.00 $20.00

30 or older

35 or older 40 or older 45 or older 50 or older 55 or older 60 or older 65 or older

70 or older 75 or older

80 or older 85 or older *

*2-year monthly Payment $29.00 $28.00 $27.00 $26.00 $25.00 $24.00 $21.00 $18.00 $17.00 $16.00 $15.00 $13.00 $11.00

Ampex Corporation Betac Corporation The Boeing Company Budget Rent a Car Corporation Van Gilder Insurance Corp. Continental Electronics

(Division of Varian Associates, Inc.) Electronic Data Systems Corporation Embassy Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs General Dynamics Corporation General Motors Corporation

Jostens, Inc. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics The MITRE Corporation

Motorola, Inc. Government Electronics Group Northwestern Preparatory School

PRC, Inc.

Raytheon

The monthly payment plan is allowed only if the AOG is autho-

rized to charge on a monthly basis to your credit card or through

Rockwell International

TRW, Inc., Electronic & Defense Sector

the coupon payment plan where the AOG is not required to accom-

United Parcel Service

plish 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) Rich Downing, 70, 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.

United Services Automobile Association

Visit the AOG Web Site

Merchandise, Gone But

Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org 60

United Technologies Corporation USAF Academy Athletic Association

Walsworth Publishing of Colorado Westinghouse Electric Corporation Defense & Electronic Center

Wyndham Colorado Springs Hotel Corporate memberships are being offered for the life of the corporation. With the exception of voting and holding office, corporate members enjoy all privileges of regular members. For more information write to Col. (Ret) Rich Downing, vice president, Services, Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Dr., U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840-4475. Phone (719) 472-0300. E-mail

services@aog-usafa.org.

GARDEN OF THE GODS TRAVEL A BETTER WAY TRAVEL SERVICE

**ojoV>'

1 800 347-9002 -

Owners

Bob and Colleen Denny

USAFA 68

REDUCED AIRFARES Class Reunions & Homecoming

Parent's Weekend *

*# a

Incoming Cadet Class

|sk us about arranging car and hotel reservations

Cruises —The Ultimate Vacation

Family Reunions USAFA Sporting Events Tours —Every Corner of the Globe

Weekend Getaways Let us plan your next vacation!

"Tell us you're in the AOG" www.GardenoftheGodsTravel.vacation.com email:travel@ rmi.net 4105 Centennial Blvd. • Colorado Springs, CO 80907 • (719) 599-9500 8:00am

5:30pm Monday through Friday

•

9:00am

1:00pm Saturday (Mtn.Time)

Titter''*'*

Graduate Biographical Update Form Date:

Name at Graduation:

AOG ID #

Class:

SSAN:

(From the Register or Checkpoints mailing label) Please make the following Changes/Additions to my records in the AOG Database:

Preferred Name for mailing labels: Effective Date:

Mailing Address: Zip Code:

State:

City:

Country:

Duty assignment or Civilian Title:

Unit/Company & Location: Effective Date:

Work Address:

State:

City: Home Phone:

Zip Code: _Work Phone:

Work FAX:

Home FAX: (

Country: DSN:

( Web URL:

Home e-mail: Work e-mail:

Marital Status: Single/Divorced/Married: If Married: Spouse’s Marital or Legal Name

name:

Change: (provide documentation)

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

AOG ID #

Spouse’s Graduation Name: 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.) Date of Rank:

Rank:

PME:

Residence/Seminar/Correspondence; Dates:

All Graduates:

Civilian

Date of Rating:

Aero Rating:

Award(s):

Degree:

Year:

Major:

Institution:

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

Doolie Squadron:

Graduation Squadron:

Source of Nomination: Congressional:

Other: Enter State

Varsity Letter Earned: Year (s):

i.e. Presidential,

Home of Record State: Prep School, etc.

While at USAFA

Sport (s):

Squadron/Group/Wing Command/Honor Positions: Other Relatives Attend

(ed) (ing) USAFA: Name (s), Class and Relationship

Remarks:

Signature:

Date:

Mail to: Association of Graduates (Bio Info), 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy CO E-mail to: aog@aog-usafa.org, or update via: www.aog-usafa.org 62

80840-4475, Rev: dtp os/oo

AOG GIFT ORDER FORM Complete and send to: ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES 3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy CO 80840-4475

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

www.aog-usafa.org

SEE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW Item#

Item Description

Quantity

Size

Total Price (Please

use

correct

member/nonmember

price.)

Rosewood/Light Maple Pen Set

Item #0505

(Circle One) Crest #1

Line #1

Crest #2

Line #2 Line #3

Total

Class year/AOG#:

Name:

Street:

CO Sales Tax State:

City: Check enclosed.

(see instructions below)

Zip:

Daytime Phone: (

Shipping & Handling

)

Credit card (VISA or MasterCard only) Print

(see instructions below)

name on credit card:

Total Due (subject to verification of membership)

Signature: Card #

Expiration:

AOG GIFT CATALOG. Prices current as of Oct. 1 2001. Price, style and color are SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ,

Prices differ for members and nonmembers on many items. Sales of some items are restricted to graduates and/or AOG members.

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: List each item on the “Order Blank”

fill in item #, quantity, item description, size and total price (using the appropriate member or nonmember price). Special order items require extra time and additional information on the order form above. When ordering class-specific items, include the applicable class year. COLORADO SALES TAX: We are required to collect Colorado sales tax for items sold at Doolittle Hall or mailed to a Colorado address as follows: Doolittle Hall and El Paso County 4%. Colorado Springs 6.1%. Elsewhere in Colorado 3%. SHIPPING AND HANDLING: For mail orders, please add $10 or 10% (whichever is greater). If ordering only decals, S&H cost is $.75. PAYMENT can be made by check (made out to “AOG”) or credit card. If paying by credit card, please clearly print your credit card number, expiration date (month and year) and the name as shown on the card, then sign in the space provided. NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER, and CLASS YEAR (for graduates) /AOG# should be clearly printed in the spaces provided. -

CUT OUT OR COPY ORDER FORM and mail to the address/fax to the phone number at the top of the page.

COMMENTS or SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

MOST ITEMS LIST TWO PRICES

THE FIRST FOR MEMBERS OF THE AOG, AND A SECOND, HIGHER PRICE FOR NONMEMBERS.

GLASSWARE: AOG Crest etched on clear glass. Sold individually or in sets of four. Old Fashion Glasses: Item #0703

Member/Nonmember

Sets of Four

$4.00/$5.00 $4.00/$5.00 $4.50/$5.50

$14.00/$18.00 $14.00/$18.00 $16.00/$20.00

$4.00/$5.00

$14.00/$18.00

7 3/4oz.

Item #0704 10 1/4oz. Item #0705 12 1/4oz. Hi ghball:

Item #0706

10 1/2oz.

Stemware:

Item #0702

12 oz. Brandy Snifter

Item #0701

7 3/4 oz. Wine Glass $5.00/$6.00

Item #0707

10 oz. Goblet

Item #0700

12 oz. Pilsner Glass

$5.00/$6.00 $5.00/$6.00 $5.00/$6.00

$18.00/$22.00 $18.00/$22.00 $18.00/$22.00 $18.00/$22.00

Mugs: Item #0415 White Ceramic Mug, 12 oz.

$6.00/$7.00 $5.00/$6.00 $5.00/$6.00

Item #0416 Insulated Water Bottle Item #0417 Car Cup

SABERS and PLAQUES: The Cadet Saber is sold to GRADUATE AOG MEMBERS ONLY. The AOG does not sell the mounting case

call

for information where to get the mounting case.

Member/Nonmember Item #4000 Cadet Saber with Scabbard Item #0407 Etched Falcon on White Marble

Item #0408 Wooden Chapel

$185.00/NA $70.00 / $85.00 $17.00/$20.00

COASTERS: Item #0530

Pegasus Coasters

Terra Cotta and Blue. Water

Absorbent, nonscratch bottoms. Set of four.

$25.00/$29.00

Item #0531 Leather Coasters in a tin display case. Set of six. Three

with AOG crest and three with USAFA crest.

$15.00/$18.00

LICENSE PLATE FRAMES: Item #0402 “FALCONS” frame Item #0403 “ALUMNI” frame

Mix/Match set of frames above (please specify)

$4.50/$4.50 $4.50/$4.50 $ 8 00 /$ 8.00 .

PERSONALIZED PEN AND PRESENTATION CASE:

Light Maple or Rosewood. Name on pen. Case engraved with your choice of two of the following three crests, “AOG”, “USAFA”, or “CLASS” and up to three lines of personalizing. Please allow 5 weeks for engraving and shipping. Specify crests and personalizing on order form. Item #0505 Pen and Case

$24.00/$24.00

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS:

Item #0605 2000 USAFA Chapel (3” x 3.5”) Item #0604

1999 USAFA Crests (Double sided, 3”x 3”)

Item #0603

1998 Polaris w/Crossed Sabers (3” x 3”)

Item #0602 1997 Prop & Wings (3” x 3”) Item #0601 1995 Pegasus (3” x 3”) Item #0600 1994 Falcon (2.5” x 2”)

$19.00/$23.00 $23.00/$27.50 $23.00/$27.50 $23.00/$27.50 $23.00/$27.50 $23.00/$27.50

AOG GIFT CATALOG: 1 May 2001. Prices, styles and colors are subject to change without notice. Contact the AOG at (719) 472-0300 for current prices or visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org which will have current “member” prices.

MOST ITEMS LIST TWO PRICES

THE FIRST FOR MEMBERS OF THE AOG, AND A SECOND, HIGHER PRICE FOR NONMEMBERS.

USAFA SCARF: 100% silk with USAFA crest and falcon

design. Dark blue. Item: #0302

$26.00/$29.50

USAFA NECKTIE: 80% silk tie with USAFA and Prop &

Wings design.

$21.00/$23.00

Item #0300 Blue Item #0301 Garnet (Red)

TEWELRY:

Sterling silver Prop & Wings

Item #0433

Necklace

$24.50/$28.50

Item #0436 Polaris tie tack/lapel pin

inl4Kt yellow or white gold

With small diamond Without diamond Item #0434

$69.00/$83.00 $42.00/$51.00

Prop & Wings charm in

14kt yellow gold With small diamond Without diamond

SWEATERS AND SHIRTS:

$95.00/$110.00 $71.00/$85.00

extra charge on some larger sizes.

Item #0180 AOG Rugby Shirt: 100% cotton (10% shrinkage, sizes run true)

Gray and navy blue with AOG crest embroidered on left breast. $47.00/$55.00 $50.00/$58.00

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL, XXXL) Item #0200 Crewneck Sweater: sweater.

Jersey top, pebble bottom dark blue

100% pre-shrunk cotton. Sizes run one size smaller than

normal fit. AOG crest embroidered on left breast.

$48.00/$57.00 $51.00/$60.00

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL)

Item #0210 AOG V-neck Sweat Top: 85% cotton/15% polyester.

Oversized to compensate for shrinkage. Natural oatmeal (light beige) with Navy striped trim. AOG crest embroidered on left breast pocket.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG)

$46.00/$55.00

Item #0280 AOG Golf Shirt: 100% combed cotton. Colors: glacier

blue, dark blue, or white. AOG crest embroidered on left breast. $38.00/$45.00 (SM, MED, LRG, XLG) $40.00/$48.00 (XXL)

TACKETS:

extra charge on some larger sizes.

Item #0100 Polar Jacket: Fleece-lined blue nylon shell with

embroidered AOG crest.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) $73.00/$87.50

$70.00/$84.00 (3X) $75.00/$90.00

Item #0110 Suede Leather Jacket: Navy blue/tan with

embroidered AOG crest.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL, 3X)

$120.00/$144.00 $125.00/$150.00

Item #0140 Blue Microfiber Windbreaker with embroidered AOG crest on left breast.

CADET ISSUE CLOTHING: (available to AOG members only)

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) $73.00/$87.50

$70.00/$84.00 (3X) $75.00/$90.00

Item #0001 Sweatsuit: 92% cotton/8% polyester.

Oversized to accommodate shrinkage.

Light gray with dark gray

reflective strips and USAFA. Sweat Top

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) $35.00/NA $37.00/NA Sweat Pants (SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) Member price $22.50/NA S24.50/NA (SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) Complete Set Member price $55.00/NA $58.00/NA Item #0030 USAFA T-Shirt: 100% cotton (will shrink). White with Member Price

blue ringer collar and sleeves. “USAFA” silkscreened on left breast. Member price Item #0050 run

(XXL) $9.00/NA

Running Suit: Dark blue with reflective strips. Sizes

large. Jacket Pants

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) $8.00/NA

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL) $80.00/NA $48.00/NA

BOOKS AND VIDEOS: (* = Paperback) Books/videos are the same price for members and nonmembers except where two prices are given.

Item #0340

Into the Mouth of the Cat*

$4.00

The story of Lance Sijan, ‘65 Item #0341

The Rescue of BAT 21

$27.95

Autographed by Grad author Darrel Whitcomb, Item #0342

‘

The Iskra Incident

$19.95

Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, ‘63 Item #0344 Red Lightning, Black Thunder Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butier, ‘63 Item #0345 Separated by War Autographed by Grad author Ed Herlik, ‘80 Item #0347 Modernism at Mid Century History of the architecture of USAFA Item #0348 Courage and Air Warfare* Autographed by Grad author Mark Wells, ‘75 -

Item #0349

Courage and Air Warfare Autographed by Grad author Mark Wells, ‘75 Item #0350 The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat* Autographed by Grad author Don Hall, ‘76 -

Item #0352

A Certain Brotherhood*

$49.50 $10.00 $10.00

Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, ‘63 $21.95

Item #0354

Honor Bound

$38.95

Autographed by one of the authors $24.95 $50.00 $22.00

Item #0510

Video: Return With Honor

$19.00/$24.00

Documentary of the experiences of POWs in Vietnam Item #0351 $40.00 Spirit and Flight A photographic salute to the USAF Academy. Over 150 color photographs. Sponsored by the AOG. By Elizabeth Gill Lui. -

CLASS NOTEBOOKS: TWo-tone gray suede cover, junior legal size (6" x 9"), with class crest embossed on front with class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available in limited quantities for the following classes. $10.00/$10.00 Item #5392: ‘92 Notebook Item #5393:‘93 Notebook

Item #5394: ‘94 Notebook Item #5395:‘95 Notebook

Item #5397: ‘97 Notebook

Item #5398:‘98 Notebook

Item #5399: ‘99 Notebook

Item #5200:‘00 Notebook

Item #5201:‘01 Notebook

AOG ACCESSORIES AND OTHER ITEMS

DECALS: Class crests on a window decal (self-adhesive to inside of

glass) for all years except ‘92. Specify class year.

SWEATERS: Blue and white, 80% Orlon/20% wool crew neck.

“Falcons”

$1.00/$1.00

Item #43XX: Class Decals

Item #0150

Item #0502: AOG Membership Decal

NOTECARDS:

HONOR MEDAT.T JON: A 2 1/2” diameter brass medallion with the

Item #0503:

$12.00/$15.00 $31.00/$35.00

Item #0541: Honor Medallion with stand

BT AZER PATCHES: Pin-back patch embroidered with appropriate crest.

Item #0313: AOG Blazer Patch

$19.00/$23.00 $19.00/$23.00 $19.00/$23.00 $19.00/$23.00

Item #0314: AFA Blazer Patch Item #0800: Class of ‘59 Blazer Patch

Item #0810: Class of ‘60 Blazer Patch

KEYCHAINS: Blue keychain with silver AOG crest. Item #0500

Item #0506:

$4.00/$4.00 $.50/$.50 $20.00/$23.00

UMBRELLA: Item #0504

$5.00/$5.00

Falcon Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

$15.00/$15.00

Item #0507: Phoenix Notecards Set of 10 with envelopes

$15.00/$15.00

TEWELRY:

Item #0430: Sterling Silver AOG Charm Item #0431: Sterling Silver AOG Tie Tack

HATS: Item #0310: AFA hat w/class year.

$24.00/$29.00 $24.00/$29.00 $9.00/$l 1.00

Navy blue w/embroi-

dered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year.

SQUADRON PINS: _Pins match patches currently used by squadrons. MAGNETS: Item#0501

Doolittle Hall Notecards (6” x 4.5”)

Item #0432: Prop & Wings. Silver and gold colored

$2.00/$2.00

Item #0070: Please specify squadron

SM, MED, LRG, XLG (sorry no XXL) $21.00/$25.00

Set of 10 with envelopes

Honor Code on one side and Prop & Wings on the other.

Item #0540: Honor Medallion

Adjustable leather strap for size.

$18.00/$21.00

Item #0311: AOG hat. Navy blue with brown bill.

Adjustable strap for fit.

$15.00/$18.00

FINE ART PRINTS Item #0320: “Here’s a Toast...” By Keith Ferris Item #0321: “Gyrfalcon” by Frace Item #0322: “Thunderbird” by Rick Broome

$60.00/$60.00 $75.00/$75.00 $50.00/$50.00

Item #0323: “Footfalls” Artist Proofs

$150.00/$150.00 $85.00/$85.00

Item #0324: “Aurora” by Gallo

'Footfalls"

‘Here’s a Toast"

“Thunderbirds”

‘Gyrfalcon" “Aurora" AOG GIFT CATALOG: 1 May 2001. Prices, styles and colors are subject to change without notice. Contact the AOG at (719) 472-0300 for current prices or visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org which will have current “member” prices.

U. S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

(719) 472-0300

Receptionist DSN

333-4513

Answering Machine E-mail

(719) 333-2073

aog@aog-usafa.org

Fax WWW

(719) 333-4194

http://www.aog-usafa.org

President/CEO: Col. (Ret) James A. Shaw, ‘67

Programmer/Analyst: RickTrentman, ‘81 Database Coordinator: Don McCarthy

Executive Assistant: Pat Buland

External Communications:

SACC: Wayne Taylor

Secretary: Leah Burrows Receptionist: Michelle Cowan Controller: Mike Cavanaugh Accountant: Joyce Love Class Rings: Donna Porter

Vice President: Col. (Ret) Dick Rauschkolb, ‘70

Web Site:

Executive Offices:

Resume Service (JSARDS): Wayne Taylor

Saber Rental: Celeste Storie

Director of Marketing & Media: Bob McAllister

Media Designer: Sarah Wright

Admissions

(719) 333-3070 (800) 443-9266 Alumni Affairs (719) 333-3832 Athletic Ticket Office (800) 666-8723 Base Locator Academy Military (719) 333-4262 (719) 333-4910 Billeting (VOQ) Cadet Awards (719) 333-3833 Cadet Command Post (719) 333-2910

Checkpoints and Register of Graduates:

Admission Applications

Assistant Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Dick Rauschkolb/Bob McAllister Chapter News: Tom Kroboth/Sarah Wright Class News: Tom Kroboth/Sarah Wright

Death Notification: Notices: Pat Buland

Obituaries: Tom Kroboth

Wayne Taylor

ACADEMY PHONE NUMBERS

Development:

Services:

Vice President: Lt. Col. (Ret) Gary S. Howe, ‘69

Vice President: Col. (Ret) Rich Downing, ‘70

AOG Annual Fund: Michael Brown

Associate Memberships: John Rice

Building Fund: Michael Brown Class Giving: Chery Flores Corporate Giving: Gary Howe Gift Processing: Sandra Luckhurst/Dawn Wallick Major Giving: Gary Howe Matching Gifts: Sandra Luckhurst Memorial/Endowment Funds: Chery Flores Paver Project: Michael Brown Planned Giving: Gary Howe Sabre Society: Becky Hureau, Kathy McCann

Business Resource Directory (SABRD): Wayne Taylor

Label/List Requests: Chuck Denham

Information Services:

Merchandise Sales: Celeste Storie

Vice President: Col. (Ret) Chuck Denham, ‘67

Rental Car Cards: Steve Knight, John Rice

Computer Systems: Jack Mueller, ‘70

Reservations (Doolittle Hall): Jean Bickford

Diploma Repair/Replacement(719) 333-3972

Bio Updates: Steve Knight, John Rice

Cadet Memberships: Don McCarthy

Chapters/Societies: Marty Marcolongo, ‘88 Class Reunions: Lani Wing/Donna Porter

Grad. Dependent Scholarships: Lani Wing Golf Reservations: John Rice

Falcon Foundation

(719) 333-4096 (719) 333-3456 (719) 333-2846 (719) 333-3323 (719) 333-2501 (719) 333-3970 Transcripts USAFA Operator Assistance (719) 333-1110 USAFA Parents’ Clubs Contact(719) 333-3832 Golf Course Liaison Officers Mortuary Affairs/Burial Prep School Duty Officer

Visitor Center

Graduate Membership: Steve Knight

(800) 955-4438 (719) 333-4644

Yearbooks/Cadet Media

Graduate Records: Steve Knight

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES 3116 ACADEMY DR USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475 As of September 2001

Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD) The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members of the service academies alumni associations who wish to have their civilian positions listed in the publication. Indexed by geographical area, industry, company name, graduate last name and class year, the directory contains entries of approximately 18,000 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

copies, at $45 (plus $8.95 S&H, $53.95 total each) of the 2001 SABRD.

Please send

Note: SABRD data is also available online (iSABRD). For information on

subscribing to iSABRD log onto www.aog-usafa.org/graduatejobprograms. Please use this address in the AOG Database:

PAYMENT METHOD:

NAME

□

ADDRESS

Check Enclosed (Payable to “AOG”)

Charge to mv

CITY, ST, ZIP

CLASS YEAR

Card Exp Date (Month/Year

AOG or SSAN HOME PHONE (_

Visa or

)

MasterCard / /

Name on card:

Signature: Mail To: AOG, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Telephone orders by

Visa or MasterCard at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-2067 or fax to (719) 333-4194.

All Graduates and Friends Air Force Academy Athletics Annual Ben Martin/Letterwinners

Celebrity Golf Tournament June 27-28, 2002 Chad

(First come, first served)

Hennings, ’88

Three-time Super Bowl Champion Consensus All-American

Air Force Academy

Eisenhower Blue and Silver Golf

Hall of Fame

Courses

Foursomes with celebrities from the

NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and the entertainment industry

Brock Strom, ’59 AFA’s First Football All-American

Thursday, June 27 Reception at 6 p.m. (Embassy Suites)

GTE Academic All-American Hall of Fame

Friday, June 28 Golf at 8 a.m. (Shotgun Start) Eisenhower Blue and Silver Courses

Cocktails at 6 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m. (USAA Building)

Corporate sponsorship available (Tax ID #98-03578) All proceeds to benefit Air Force Academy athletics For questions or details, please contact Pete McCaffrey or Chad Hennings at 719-333-9449

Chris Gizzi, ’98

Gregg Popovich, '70

Alonzo

Green Bay Packers

Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Col. Michelle Johnson, '81 Rhodes Scholar GTE Academic All-American Hall of Fame

Babers, '83

Steve Russ, ’95 Two-time Super Bowl Champion

(Cut along dashed line) I will be unable to attend this year, but I would like to

Name

support Air Force Athletics with a tax deductible charitable

Address State

City Daytime Phone Company Golf Handicap Partner Choice

Zip

Total (Golf & Donation) enclosed: $ Method of payment (circle one): CHECK VISA

(2) (3) (4 )

□

Acct. #:

Golf Shoe Size

SEND TO:

Golf Shirt Size GolfTournament entry fees: 18 holes ($300)

□

36 holes ($375) □

contribution of

DISC

□

CHARGE AMEX

□

Exp: USAFA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

ATTN: AFIX

2169 Field House Drive, Suite 111 USAF Academy, CO 80840

Graduate Dependent Scholarships

Academic Year 2002-2003

The Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates (AOG) is pleased to offer Graduate Dependent Scholarships for the 2002-2003

academic years. Graduate Dependent Scholarships are annual awards. Recipients are selected by the Board of Directors Selection Committee. Scholarships are intended to directly support post-secondary education for the children of graduate members of the AOG. The individual scholarship amounts can vary between $500 and $2,000. The total amount for scholarships is determined annually by the Board of Directors.

Scholarship award winners, as well as those applicants not selected to receive a scholarship in a given year, are encouraged to reapply for

Selection Process

Eligibility child or legally adopted child of a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, however, they need not be

■ The applicant must be a natural

■ Starts with

financially dependent upon the graduate or his/her surviving spouse. ■ Graduate must be a paid-in-full AOG Life Member or must have

NOTE: Applicants who have previously submitted application

maintained annual membership for at least five consecutive years

immediately preceding the submission. The selection committee will evaluate membership requirements for applicants who are children of deceased graduates on an individual basis. ■

Applicant

must

packages, regardless of whether or not they are awarded a scholarship, must re-submit all required information. ■ A selection committee will convene to evaluate and prioritize all

eligible applicants. The scholarship winners will be determined based on demon strated merit; however, financial need of applicants may be considered.

verify intent to enroll as a full-time student, as defined by the

institution, at a nationally or regionally accredited college/university. Student may be enrolled in any program of study or field. The award is paid directly to award winners only upon verification of acceptance into an

■

Scholarship winners, alternates and non-selected applicants will be notified before the end of May.

■

Appropriate publicity of scholarship selectees will appear in Checkpoints and winners may be asked to provide a recent photo of themselves or of the check pesentation.

accredited institution. ■ An

receipt of application package with all required supporting

documentation (see application form). The deadline for receiving completed application packages at the AOG is 1 March.

individual will NOT be awarded more than four scholarships.

Send requests for application forms and direct questions on the scholarship program to: GDS Program, AOG, 3116 Academy Dr, US Air Force Academy, CO 80840-4475, call (719) 472-0300 or e-mail gds@aog-usafa.org.

U£e OQssociafion of Sracfuaies 2001

Jfolicfay Ornament

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weight room. The big question for our coaching staff this year, how much are we going to improve mentally? Q. What are your expectations for this season? A. To see more improvement than we made last year. How many wins do I expect, I can’t answer that in year two. I also can’t answer how much our mental game

will improve. I know we are better shooters, better

dribblers and more competitive, but those are things I

during an individual workout. I can’t see what player is demanding from himself or what expecta-

can see a

tions he has of himself in crucial situations. Can he

make the big plays that need to be made? There were nine games we could have won last year if we expected to make the

plays we needed to. Maybe next year I’ll

have an idea of how many wins we should expect.

Q. Will Air Force fans see anything different on the court this season?

A. The big difference will be our new players. I’ll be

surprised if you don’t see three new players contributing significantly. You are going to see improved confidence from the players, more knowledge about how we play and how to win. In essence, everybody was a freshman last year with our new system and they had to figure out what I expected from them. Q. Has your coaching philosophy changed at all after last season? A. Not really. Our guys know I’m very

demanding. If anything changes, it might be that I’ll be more demanding. I know the players put in the time necessary in the off-season, and how important it was to them. All our players

Ready for

basically in their second year, but they know they have improved and they need to demand they improve more than last year. I hope they don’t are

BY JERRY CROSS

ir Force men’s basketball coach

accept that their improvement in the off-season is good enough. We have to

keep working hard to improve. Hopefully, I won’t have to demand as much from them because they will

Joe Scott is in his

second season

with the Falcons this year.

demand it from themselves.

Q. Who are some of the top returning players we

He came to the Academy from Princeton, where he was an

should watch for this season?

assistant coach for eight seasons. Scott, who led the Falcons to an

A. Team captain Lamoni Yazzie is our leader this

8-21 record last year, the most Division I wins since the 1989-

season.

90 season, recently answered some questions about the upcom-

He really improved last year and worked hard in the off-season. He is as good a shooter as we have on

ing season and the Air Force basketball program.

the team. He is a tough competitor, the type of player I love to coach. Tom Bellairs is becoming a very good

basketball player, not just a rebounder. We don’t want

Q. How are the Falcons preparing for the 2001 -02 season? A. By the end of last season we were playing very well. That

him to be just a rebounder, but a better basketball

continued into our postseason workouts and this preseason. All

player. He finished fifth in the conference in rebound-

players worked on their fundamentals and got a lot stronger. That is a big part of our improvement for this season. Also, we have been working on the mental part of the game. The best

ing last year and we expect more of the same from him year, Joel Gerlach and Robert Todd. Gerlach was

way to prepare for the mental game is to go in the gym and

named the conference freshman of the year by the

our

CHECKPOINTS,

this year. We had two excellent freshmen forwards last

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sports

Feature media last season, and Todd might have won it if he did not run

be the cream of the crop. Our team and San Diego State have

into some trouble. We believe we could have one of the better

everybody back, while the other three (BYU, UNLV and Colorado State) lost everybody. Five teams have everyone back, three teams lost everyone. One thing I do know is that we will play better in the league this year. Q. You often speak of your team using the word “program”. What does “program” mean to you? A. This program includes everybody who cares and gives their heart and soul to Air Force Basketball. It includes the players, coaches, managers, secretaries and trainers. When I say players, I don’t mean just the current players, but all the former players. We are striving to develop a sense of togetherness. There has to be some history and tradition here and we want to bring it all together. We may be forging our own tradition, but I want the former players to be a part of this. It is essential that our current players know who they were. I know that when my players graduate, they will still be a of this and continue to foster a feeling of something part program than this little greater just group right here. Anybody in the past

forward tandems in the league, but the problem is they are only six weeks into their sophomore year. We need to find out how

much better they are this year than last year, and what they expect of themselves. Junior Vernard Jenkins also comes back as our point

guard. He played a ton of minutes last year, but we should have much more depth this year so he’ll get a rest,

which will help him and the team.

Q. You seem impressed with this years recruiting class. Who should fans expect to see on the court this season? A. Again, I will be

surprised if we don’t have at least three freshmen

connected to this program, I want them to be a part of it now. The basketball program also extends to the local business

significantly contribute. Our top newcomer is Tim

community and all our fans. We would love to create the same

Keller, a 6’3” guard who

following that the football team

is a very good shooter and

has here. One part of creating a

a very

good basketball

“program” is getting the job done the court. Another important

player. He went to the Prep School (USAFA) last season and

helped the team win 23 games. I think winning 23 games says a

part is getting all those people I

lot about the prep school kids we have this year. They do expect to

mentioned earlier involved.

win and make the plays, and hopefully that will rub off on all

Hopefully we can do that with our

our a

players. We also have a 6’ guard, Dan Stock, who also played

the prep school last year, and we hope that two true freshmen

centers, David Peterson and Jarrett Hess, will

new

“Friends of Air Force Basket-

ball” booster group. You don’t just come to a

help us in the

school and instantly have a

paint. Both are good players, it will be a question of which one is

new

going to come along faster. Who can handle the strength and the speed of Division I basketball better? They are good enough players to do it, but it will depend on how quick they become comfortable in this setting. Q. With only the second all-Division I schedule in program

program. You need to start,

build, develop and then maintain that program. These

steps are vital for a program to survive year in and year out,

history, how do you feel about this years slate? A. We have a very good schedule this year. We open at the

and a “Friends” group is

Guardians Classic, a big tournament sponsored by the NABC

Q. What is the mission ofthe

essential to maintenance.

(National Association of Basketball Coaches). The tournament is

“Friends ofAir Force Basket-

held at four sites, Missouri, Alabama, Iowa and Memphis, with the

ball”?

four winners meeting the following week at Kemper Arena in

A. The mission is to get our

Kansas City. We will also play at the Fresno State holiday

former players, fans and local

tournament. Fresno State has

recently been in the Top 25 with

community involved and

Jerry Tarkanian as the coach. Those tournaments are two big

interested in our program. It is also

opportunities for our players to play in Mountain West Confer-

ence

type settings. One thing we need to improve on this year is

playing big games on the road. Then we have the league games. Of the nine more games we could have won last year, three of them were league games. We need to improve enough this year to win those

way to keep those who care about

the program updated on what’s

happening with Air Force Basketball. We need to let them know they are important and show them how they can be supportive of the current players so that we are able to compete on the same level as

games.

Utah, UNLV and San Diego State. We are trying to create the

Q. What do you expect from the Mountain West Conference this

level of excellence we need to beat the teams in our conference. All

season?

good “programs” have some sort of support group to help you attain your goals. Si

A. I think the league will be very balanced this year. I see Wyo-

ming, New Mexico and Utah bunched at the top. They seem to CHECKPOINTS,

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SCORECARD

On September 11th, 2001 America experienced a great

tragedy. Using hijacked airliners, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Many innocent lives were lost. This tragedy has indeed affected many lives, including the lives of 13 Air Force cadets members of the volleyball team who were in New York for a match against the United States Military Academy. Our group of 20 staff and players traveled to New York on Monday, Sept. 10, the day preceding the horrific events. We were in our hotel when the terror began to unfold. We watched in horror as a plane crashed into the second tower of the World Trade Center, a manmade landmark we had driven past less than 12 hours prior. Our players were in shock. Tears were shed, and the players —

scrambled to call parents and loved ones to

let them know we were all safe.

Abby Martinson was concerned about her father, who was flying into Boston’s Logan Airport, the airport where two of the planes were

hijacked. We tried to regroup and evaluate our situation. Our match, scheduled for that night against

Army, was far from our minds, as our

thoughts and prayers turned to

those who were victimized by the senseless acts of terror. As the head coach, I tried to display a calm demeanor, although I was shaken. I have never

felt so helpless. We certainly take our freedom for granted, and we received a wakeup call

that morning. We got on the phone immediately with our athletic director, Col. Randy

Spetman, to receive orders. When it was clear that athletics were no longer our mission, Maj. Scott Morton became the person in charge. It was a solid example of why we send officer representatives with every traveling athletic team. I admire and respect the way he took charge,

pulling the team together and helping them understand their true mission. We spent the day in front of the television, then spent some time discussing our and emotions. I was really proud of the team’s courage and patriotism. They didn’t ask feelings the question, “What have I gotten myself into in joining the military?” Instead, they were ready to put on their military uniforms and go and defend our nation and defend our freedom. They had accepted their mission, that the Air Force Academy isn’t just an education and it isn’t just college athletics. It is about training to be officers in the military officers and leaders of the country who will lead and guide troops in times of war. Major Morton allowed the girls to recognize who our leaders were in this country. Each player picked a leader to pray for and we prayed that our leaders would receive guidance. We prayed for the victims and their families. We prayed that we would understand our -

CHECKPOINTS,

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SCORECARD

purpose for being there. We prayed that we might be instruments in God’s hands. As a team, we decided the best way to help was to give

blood. Because so many of the nation’s citizens also desired to help, we were

turned away from the makeshift blood bank.

Although we did not touch one volleyball on the trip, we touched each other’s hearts. This was a trip for bonding. We spent a lot of time together. We talked a lot about current events, about life-

changing events. They were able to express themselves and their feeling and emotions. They were selfless; they never spent time complaining about being stuck in a hotel or about not being able to play. Rather, they spent time thinking about the victims and praying for the families of the victims. The Air Force sent a special flight for our team and eight

additional cadets, who were at West Point for leadership training. Naval reservists out of Atlanta volunteered to assist us, wanting to help in anyway they could. We flew out of McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.,

which was the same airport that the president was flying into just a short time later. We will never forget our trip to New York. It was a historical moment and we

part of it. We will sit down with our grandchildren in the future and tell them of our first-hand experience of the Attack on America as they study the same events in

were a

( r 1

■

history courses. We will tell them of how it changed our lives and how it allowed us to put things in perspective. Foremost, the event made us ponder our purpose here on Earth. We need to keep things in perspective. As important as volleyball is to me and although I was disappointed that we weren’t able to compete, it pales in comparison to the value of human lives, to the value of this great nation and to the value of our freedom. We know that through adversity we become stronger. Everything that we went through will make us stronger as a team and as a coaching staff. We won’t be able to go anywhere without remembering in horror the events that transpired that dreadful day. It will be burned into our memory forever. The next time we walk into the gym, it will serve to distract us for a little while from reality and the hardships oflife. BY PENNY LUCAS-WHITE

Golf team wins Falcon Invitational and Service Academy Classic

Oct. 8, ClC Ben Leestma notched a record-

tying total of 207 (70-66-71) to win the individual championship and successfully defend his title at the Falcon Invitational golf

tournament. His score, which ties a tournament

record,

helped the Falcons win the tournament s co-championship, tying with New Mexico with a three-round total of 867. Leestma won the championship with a nine-under-par score, a new Air Force record for lowest total in a 54-hole tournament. “It was a

tough tournament, a real gut

wrencher,” Leestma said. Leestma entered the final round

leading the field by two strokes, but a slow start put him twoover

par after four holes. Leestma recovered from the slow play the rest of the round. He sank a crucial

start with solid

putt on the 10th hole to give him momentum that carried him through the back nine. “It feels great to win my home tournament for the second

straight year,” Leestma said. “It

CHECKPOINTS,

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SCORECARD

felt especially good to have to work so hard for the victory.” All five Falcons finished the tournament in the top 30, as the team carded a 298-281-288 (867). Brandon Daum finished tied for 10th with 218 (72-68-78). Daum is one of three Falcons who have qualified to play in the US Amateur. He joins John Disosway ’70 and Danny Visosky ’00. Daum was one of 312 golfers from across the country to qualify to compete for the final 64 slots at the US Amateur in Atlanta in August. Almost 10,000 golfers competed for one of the 312 slots this year. After the first qualifying round, Brandon’s 69 put him in 14 th place, but a poor second round knocked him out of the final match play competition. In late breaking news, Ben Leestma also led the Academy to its eighth straight victory over Army, Navy, and

Merchant Marine Academies in the ninth annual Service

Academy Golf Classic on 14-15 Oct. Leestma was the medalist (72-71-72) for the fourth straight year. The Air Force victory was an upset over nationally ranked Army and Navy. The following week, Leestma won his third straight tournament at Louisiana Tech in Monroe, La. Competing against golfers from 16 other schools; he won by six strokes (66-70-73). The 66 was one stroke off the course record at Calvert Crossing where the slope is 144 and par is 72. Hockey Team looks to improve on last year's mark n

looking for motivation for the 2001-02 season, the Falcons need not look

further than last season’s near misses. Last season’s 16-17-4 record was a

disappointment for several reasons. A season ofwhat-could-have-beens left the Falcons just short of all three of the team’s goals. The goals of finishing in the top three in the league, attaining a winning record and continuing the dominance over Army are still intact for the upcoming season. The letdown of not achieving the goals along with the winning attitude and

hard-work ethic instilled by fifth-year head coach Frank Serratore will provide the

inspiration for the upcoming season. Serratore’s veteran hockey team spent the off-season thinking about the ones that got away. The Falcons played in a school-record overtime eight games last season and posted a dismal 1-34 record. Ten of the team’s 19 conference games were

either tied or decided by one goal. The Falcons played in 13 one-goal games with a 6-7 record. “Last season was a

disappointment only because I thought we had the ability to be better,” Serratore said. “My first year we had a team that was capable of winning 8 or 10 games and we won 15 -a great accomplishment. Last season, I felt like we were capable of winning 20 games and we won 16— disappointing despite the fact that the schedule was five times tougher than my first year. Obviously, the bar has been raised.” Team captain Brian Rodgers, a hard-working, blue-collar winger, will lead a group of six seniors and eight juniors. “This is the largest group of upperclassmen we have had since I’ve been here,” Serratore said. “These two classes must come together as a group, share the leadership, and move CHECKPOINTS,

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SCORECARD forward toward achieving team goals.”

Along with Rodgers, the Falcons return three players who were selected to the allconference team. C1C center Brian Gornick was a first-team all-CHA selection while C2C

Andy Berg was a second-team choice. Defenseman Joe Locallo was named to the CHA allrookie team. The goaltending position is the biggest question mark for the Falcons in 200102. With the loss of 2001 CFLA Player of the Year Marc Kielkucki, the position is wide open. Kielkucki played nearly every minute last season and broke the school record for goals-against average, saves percentage and shutouts.

With 22 returning lettermen, including the largest senior class in many years, the Falcons will

certainly have the experience and leadership to build on some of last seasons positive notes. The team claimed six CHA individual honors and earned the programs first-ever victories at Bemidji State and Niagara. “I am very excited and very apprehensive at the same time,” said Serratore. “A lot ofwhat transpires this season will be a direct result of our upperclass leadership.” gy DAVE TOLLER A Salute to Coach Eddie Weichers

oach Eddie Weichers, the only boxing coach/coordinator ever at the United States Air Force Academy, will be celebrating the

anniversary of his 25th Wing Open Boxing Championship 1-3 Mar 2002 at the Air Force Academy. The headquarters for the

event will be the beautiful

Wyndham Hotel—5580 Tech Center Dr.,

Colorado Springs, CO 80919. The Wyndham’s great room rate is $65 per

night. The agenda will be festive, with the Wing Open Saturday afternoon 2 March 2002 followed by a dinner banquet at the Wyndham.

Coach Weichers began his coaching career at the United States Air Force Academy in 1976 after spending two years as an assistant boxing coach at his alma mater, West Chester University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His legendary career has produced 198 All-American boxers and 79 individual National Champions. In his first year of intercollegiate competition in 1980 his Fighting Falcons became the first team in Academy history to garner a National Collegiate Championship. Since that first year his teams have added 14 additional National Championships and finished runner-up seven times. In twenty-two years never has a Falcon boxing team finished lower than second in the nation, an astounding accomplishment.

Zoomies Return to National Picture

he men’s rugby team took a big step toward their return to national dominance

last spring by making it to the

Elite Eight of US Collegiate rugby. Over

170 cadets participated, 117 of them in the

freshman and sophomore classes. Five teams

competed regularly, ending with a combined record of 42-10. A successful spring break tour to Chicago layed the platform for the club as they qualified for the Western and National Tournaments. Wins over Texas A&M and San Diego State highlighted the Zoomies playoff run, before a tough loss to eventual

national champion California ended the season. A

big thanks goes out to those who support the men’s rugby club. The combined efforts of a committed coaching staff and renewed alumni support are paying off. If you’re interested in contributing to the AFA Men’s Rugby Annual Fund, donations may be sent to Gary Howe at the AOG, account number 01-100-0227702. CHECKPOINTS,

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They have a ton of talent or they wouldn't be here. They are capable of anything. All they need is a little bit of education, perspective and experience."

"the gratification from overcoming challenges, the glory of accomplishments, and the harboring of honor all

contribute to a sense of pride that permeates the walls

of the United States Air Force Academy.

Brig. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who served as commandant of cadets and commander of the 34 th Training Wing for over two years,

has a lasting memory of pride—a pride

that will stay with him when he leaves the

Academy. “It may be walking down at the airfield and seeing parachutes, gliders, and

powered airplanes all in the air at the same time. Or it could be watching first and

second class cadets teach a new basic cadet how to do something while at basic

training. Then seeing how proud the basic is when they’re done, and how proud the

first or two degree is, too,” he said. Welsh transitioned from the

Academy to his new assignment as the director of Plans and Programs for Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces

Europe at Ramstein, Germany following a change of command ceremony on August 3. Brig. Gen. S. “Taco” Gilbert III is the new

commandant of cadets and commander of 34 th TRW Welsh had a great experience with both the cadet

wing and faculty during his tenure at USAFA. “The talent of

CHECKPOINTS,

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J the cadet wing is pretty astounding—they can do anything if

they set their mind to it. The day after Welsh arrived, during

SABRE SOCIETY

the summer of 1999, four cadet squadrons were eliminated.

HOSTS

“Within the graduate community, understandably, there is a very significant impact. If you were a graduate in [squadrons]

REGIONAL DINNER

37 through 40, you’re going to feel like your squadron has been The Sabre Society held its regional dinner at

taken away from you. Efforts are being made, however, to

the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA

preserve the memory of these squadrons by retrieving murals

and plaques unique to the eliminated squadrons.”

ety member Paul McKay. Over 185 people turned

The return of Introductory Flight Training was another issue that raised concern at the Academy. The decision to

bring back powered flight training here by summer 2002

was

announced July 24. “The reason we want to bring the

training back to the Academy is because it’s what we do; it’s our

mission here. The flight schools in the local area do a great

job of teaching people to fly airplanes and preparing them for a

5 October 2001. This was our best event yet,

made possible by Country Club and Sabre Sociout to

enjoy pre-Navy Game festivities. Superin-

tendent Lt Gen JD Dallager talked about the Acad-

emy today and the impact the events of September 11, 2001 have had on the Academy. Athletic Director Colonel

Randy Spetman regaled the

group with fact and fiction about the Air Force Navy teams and rivalry.

private pilot’s license. However, our goals are not just to make

New

them a private pilot, but to prepare them to be a better

military pilot,” he said.

Sabre Society Members

Recent drug cases involving cadets have drawn

MGen & Jerrold P Allen ‘66

negative attention to the Academy. “The new generation of

Lt Col & Mrs Jack L Briggs II ‘86

recreational drugs has unfortunately taken root,” he said.

Mr & Mrs James Gorman

Welsh believes past drug infractions by cadets have

Maj & Mrs Stephen A Himber MGen (Ret) & Mrs Eugene A Lupia ‘67 Mr & Mrs David O Meyn

actually caused some positive effects. “It’s always helpful to any organization to remind yourself it can happen here. So what we

Mr & Mrs John H Miltner ‘59

have done is redoubled our efforts at education and emphasis

Col (Ret) & Mrs Richard S Rauschkolb ‘70

early in their cadet career.

Col (Ret) & Mrs Michael R Turner ‘73

“In the big scheme of things, I think every now and then something like this is going to happen. You deal with it

BGen & Mrs David A Wagie ‘72 Col & Mrs Gary Howe ‘69

—

honestly and directly, right up front, and make sure that

everyone understands it is not acceptable then get on with it.

One of the really positive things that have come out of it was that we found that the way we actually identified drug

Upcoming Events

problems worked,” he said. Some drug users were identified

July 18-20, 2002

through the Academy’s urinalysis program, while others were identified through members of the cadet wing coming forth. In closing, the General said, “The cadets have a ton

of talent or they wouldn’t be here. They are capable of

anything. All they need is a little bit of education, perspective and experience.” 5

the Class of 2006 in action in Jack’s Valley. Tour the flying training operations and hear from the

Superintendent, Commandant and Dean. Superintendent’s reception, dinner at Doolittle Hall and golf opportunities are all part of the spectacular weekend.

Editors Note: The Association ofGraduates would like to thank BGen and Mrs Welsh for their

Sabre Society Recognition Weekend. Come see

Bring the Sabre Society

outstanding

support of the Association and its goals.

CHECKPOINTS,

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BEHIND

THE

SCENES

The class of 1965 is the second class in the "long Blue Line" to link itself to cadets by enhancing USAFA heritage through a continu-

ing tradition established last year by the Class of 1964. In partnership with the Association of Graduates (AOG) and the Academy, the Contrails

Project enlists each graduate class to raise funds for Contrails for the

incoming class that will graduate in conjunction with its 40

anniver-

Additionally, the Class of 1965 has raised funds for another new

sary.

heritage tradition

The

Exemplar Program. This program clearly and

N T E

visibly connects cadets with great military leaders

of the past who serve as role models throughout their Academy careers. The Class of 1965 raised more than $50,000 to

NOTH

support these programs which provide a meaningful way for graduates to

hand down information, beliefs and customs that express the essence of

what it means to be an

Academy graduate and an BY CHERY FLORES

officer in the US Air Force. This common heritage, built by graduates and continued by cadets,

inspires young men and women to

complete their

Academy careers and serve our nation with pride and distinction.

By reading the front pages of Contrails, incoming cadets learn about the significant accomplishments, history and heritage of the sponsoring class. The cover

of Contrails is silver, the shared

class color for both the Class of 1965 and 2005.

Additionally, the Class of

1965 will be invited to mentor and

CHECKPOINTS, 78

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interact with the class throughout the next four years.

During the Acceptance Parade after Basic Cadet Training (BCT), members of the Class of 1965 presented the books to the Class of 2005. A group of local ’65 grads (and one who traveled from Utah) were honored to present Contrails to the class on 7 August 2001 at Stillman Parade

Field. Lt. Gen. (Ret) Tad Oelstrom, former Superintendent and ’65 class

gift project chairman, congratulated the Class of2005 for completing BCT and encouraged them to “take advantage of this national treasure

USAFA” and to pursue their dreams to the fullest. His remarks are

printed on the following page. Class members Barry Blackman, Bill Bowers, Don Brown, Scott

Duncan, Bob Giffen, Frank McCann, Tad Oelstrom, Reuel Rolston, Gary Silence and Jim Spittler presented Contrails on behalf of the Class of 1965 and then formed a flight to accept

salutes as the wing passed in review. It was a meaningful morning for both

classes as they celebrated their common

heritage.

The Exemplar Program was

established in fall 1999 with the Class of 2000 being the first to select an

Exemplar. In addition to being called the Class of 2000, they are known as the Doolittle Class, named after

General James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle. Since then, each class has selected their Exemplar

2001 is the Mitchell

Class, named after General William

“Billy” Mitchell; 2002 is the Sijan Class, named after Captain Lance P.

Sijan; 2003 is the Bong Class, named after Major Richard I. Bong; 2004 is the Rickenbacker Class, named after Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker; and 2005 is now tasked with finding their own Exemplar. Fairchild Hall is home to display cases creatively depicting each Exemplar’s contributions to our

military and nation. The AOG and Academy are committed to carrying on important and

meaningful traditions that enhance the cadet experience. With financial support from the Class of 1965 and future support from other graduate

classes, these programs have been well established. The AOG, Academy and Class of 2005 extend thanks to the Class of 1965 for its enthusiastic

support of these important legacy projects.

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

FORMER SUPERINTENDENT SPEAKS TO CLASS OF 2005 oday, at your acceptance parade, a token

number of graduates from the Class of '65 stand before you.

Based on having endured much the same, 40 years

ago, we offer deep-felt congratulations to you for

climbing this hill at usafa with such flare and excitement—in spite of the cadre's determination to make it

nearly impossible. The wonderful feeling of camaraderie and accom-

plishment you now have is only the beginning of what will surely build over time.

Momentarily, we will present your Contrails, a rather insignificant book in size and scope, but one that forever will bond you to your class, this place, and this

journey.

As a present to you from the Class of '65,

these Contrails are only the material connection between the Craytags of ‘65 and the Graytags of '05. we will be bonded in spirit for the

duration and pledge our support as mentors and cheerleaders during the four-year journey you have so successfully begun. Your job is to take advantage of all that this national treasure—USAFA—has to offer, and

master it. Not to be like '65, (we had our day in uniform) but to pursue dreams and open doors that only time will reveal. Thanks for strapping on the challenge—the rewards are a lifetime of satisfaction,

welcome to the Cadet Wing and God speed. K

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Tad Oelstrom ’65

BIG BIRD PASSES THE TEST

he Falcons’ mascot

gets hands-on treat-

ment from cadets at the

Air Force vs Wyoming

game at Falcon Stadium

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he Distinguished Graduate Award eng Nomination Instructions

he Distinguished Graduate Award is intended to recognize those exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contri-

butions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique honor bestowed by

the Academy and the AOG recognizing graduates whose accomplishments have inspired

reputation and the standing of the US Air Force Academy. Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.This is our opportunity to recognize graduates who can serve as an inspiration to future generations of America’s leaders. us all and elevated the

Anyone may submit a nomination package. The pack-

Distinguished Graduate Award

age should not exceed three pages. The first page is a concise information sheet on the candidate and should con-

Calendar of Events

tain a short narrative or bullets addressing the following

Sept 01

headings, if applicable:

Publicize award

Professional Accomplishments * *

April 2002

Request nominations

Education History

Deadline for nominations 30 April

Professional Organizations Professional Career Summary to include job titles and

May 2002

location

Selection Committee reviews nominations

Honors, Awards, Public Recognition

Community Service '

June 2002

Additional 3 References (include address and phone

Selection Committee recommends

number)

award recipient to Chairman ofthe

The remaining page/s should be a strong

Board and USAFA Superintendent

written justification.

Recipient notified and agrees to accept award at the USAF Academy

Submit the Nomination Package by 30 April 02

Mail to: Ms Leah Burrows

April 2003 DGA presentation ceremony at USAFA in conjunction with Founders’ Day

Association of Graduates 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy CO 80840-4475 or

Email as a word attachment to:

Leah.Burrows@usafa.af.mil Questions: Contact Colonel (Ret) Dick Rauschkolb ’70 AOG

Additional Information may be found on

Vice President for External Communications. Ph 719-472-0300

the AOG web site at www.aog-usafa.org

email: dick.rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

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New Cadet

Computers By SSgt James A. Rush urchasing a personal computer

after a three-year study. Faculty

cadets have ever been required to

has been a requirement for

members began testing laptops in 1998

purchase. However, it tops all previously

incoming cadets since 1985

and, in 1999, a sampling of cadets

purchased desktop models in speed tests

(class of’89). August 14, 2001

studying chemistry and physics used

and has only 2 GB less hard drive space

marked the first time cadets were

them. Notable results included

than last year’s PC.

issued laptop models. A highly

increased use in classrooms and greater

mobile study environment, classroom

productivity since work could be taken

use, and student

home or on trips. A survey of faculty

accident repair costs are lowest among

members showed those connected with

competing brands, according to

science and engineering fields generally

purchasing officials. The company will ship parts overnight to speed repairs.

P reasons

preference are some

for the switch.

“I think we’re lucky because these are more

mobile... we can use them

more,” said C4C Elva Castelzo, CS-24. The decision to go mobile was made

favor laptop use.

Maintenance issues are addressed by

four-year warranty. In addition, Dell’s

The laptop, at approximately

Laptop-toting cadets have

$2,500, is the most expensive computer

padded backpacks to protect their computers, which weigh 6.1 pounds

apiece. Cable locks are included with each laptop. Officials are discussing ways to secure laptops while cadets

dine in Mitchell Hall. “This is a good quality machine

from a reputable company,” said Larry

Bryant ‘75, Director of Academic

Computing here. There are learning benefits also,

according to Bryant. With laptops, students can leave their rooms to study somewhere else, such as at their sponsor’s house or on athletic trips. “Besides being

able to use laptops in the classroom, they have a great academic value outside the Second Lt. Kevin Crofton keeps Cadet 4th Class Elva Castelazo and the rest of Cadet Squadron 24

classroom for being able to improve their

moving along a production line where new laptop computers were handed out

study habits,” he said.

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

THE ACADEMY

Truman Honor

Institution for

2001

By Jennifer Brugman

he Academy was named a Truman Scholarship

but also supporting them through the process in a way that

Honor Institution for 2001.

[cadets] learn and grow, regardless of the outcome.”

“Being recognized

as a

Truman Honor Institution is

The Truman scholarship is awarded for academics,

reserved for only four or five universities and colleges in

leadership qualities, and an agent of change at the institution

the country each year,” said Dr. Kenneth Lavin, Director

they attend. When a person receives the scholarship, they go

of Graduate Studies Programs. “It does honor to the

to a

institution for recognizing the abilities and excellence of

effective agents of beneficial change, according to Lavin. Lt.

the students.” Approximately 30 colleges have been

Col. Skip Shackelford has been in charge of the Academy’s

named Honor Institutions in the history of the scholar-

application packages for the Truman Scholarship. Every

ship program. The executive secretary of the Truman

college and institution in the country can nominate up to

Scholarship Foundation presented a plaque to the

four candidates each year. Out of these nominations, 200

Academy in August.

people are interviewed to receive the scholarship. Then the

“We look at the institutions participation in the program

how they approach it on campus,” said Mary

leadership lab for one week and are taught how to be

Truman Institution selects 70-80 fellows to be awarded a

$30,000 grant. Since the Academy first began participating

Tolar, Truman Scholarship Foundation Deputy Executive

in the program in 1994, nine cadets have received the

Secretary. “Institutions that are committed to the

Truman Scholarship.

program, in terms of not only putting forth candidates,

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Bill Hybl AOG s Newest

Honorary Member By Jessica Eberhart

Eisenhower Golf Course, Falcon Stadium, Farish Memorial Recreation Area, and the Visitors Center.

The foundation annually contributes $25,000 in

scholarships for five outstanding cadets to attend a six-week program at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

The foundation sponsors two additional awards: the Organizational Excellence Award for the cadet squadron with the most cadets on the or over 20

years, Bill Hybl has been a strong

supporter of the Academy. He has been instrumen-

Superintendent’s List; and the Outstand-

ing American Award, which is presented to the Academy’s commencement

speaker at graduation.

Bill Hybl also led the United States Olympic Commit-

tal in providing financial and community support to USAFA.

during four Olympic games while serving as its President

Through leadership of both the Air Force Academy Founda-

tee

tion and El Pomar Foundation, Mr. Hybl has helped ensure

from 1991-92 and 1996-2000. In addition, he was twice

the Academy retains its “extra margin of excellence.”

appointed by President George Bush and confirmed by the

For these reasons and more, Bill Hybl is the newest Hon-

Senate to serve on the United States Advisory Commission on

orary Member in the Academy’s Association of Graduates.

Public Diplomacy. He was re-appointed by President Clinton.

He believes the Academy plays a vital role in attracting and

Mr. Hybl served as an officer in the United States Army

preparing the next generation of leaders for our nation. one

and, for the past 15 years, he has been Colorado’s Civilian

El Pomar Foundation, located in Colorado Springs, is

Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He is currently Vice Chair-

of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the

man

of the Board of USAA.

Rocky Mountain West. Under Bill Hybl’s leadership, El Pomar

In August, President George W Bush nominated him to

Foundation contributed more than $1.75 million to the Air

represent the U.S. in the General Assembly of the United

Force Academy and was primarily responsible for the con-

Nations. “Hopefully, I’ll be a positive force moving forward

struction of the Academy’s Visitors Center.

in what we’re doing in the world,” he said.

Since 1981, Mr. Hybl has served as president of the Air

His superior leadership, service to the nation and more than

Force Academy Foundation, which was established in 1954.

two decades of support for USAFA and its cadets are evidence

The foundation generates support for capital projects at the

why Bill Hybl is now an Honorary Member of the United States

Academy and it was instrumental in raising funds for the

Air Force Academy Association of Graduates.

CHECKPOINTS, 84

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‘We one

will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us any-

situation by my instructor. I admitted to cheating.”

who does.” These words provide the foundation upon

Griffin served six months of probation. Even though he

which each cadet builds a personal model of

received a zero for the test, he still earned a C

ethics and a minimum standard of integrity.

plus in the class.

It is the minimum standard because cadets

“As I look back now, it was a very dumb mistake.

expected to go beyond the four “nots” of the Honor Code. They must do the right thing, even under pressure. Upholding the principles of honesty,

I had to deal with the entire honor system because I

are

panicked,” Griffin said. During his probation, Griffin had to keep a portfolio with six different tabs. Each tab marked a different task. For example, he had to write journal entries about honor and integrity every 2 to 3 days and he completed an honor project that lasted the length of the probation period. “Honor probation was basically like adding another class to my schedule. Like everything at the Academy, it becomes a routine, but at times it can be

respect and fairness requires fortitude, courage and discipline. Cadets must report themselves for any code violation. Furthermore, cadets must advise any

other cadet they believe to have violated the code and encourage that cadet to turn

himself or herself in or report the situation if not resolved. The standard is high

1st

Angela Arredondo

and sometimes not upheld. Sometimes the code is broken.

very difficult because you have to make sure that you continue to perform in all other areas (academics,

military, physically),’’the secondclassman said. Despite being on honor probation, Griffin was named Wing

However, for many cadets an honor violation is not an end but rather a beginning.

Doolie for the fall of 2000. Fourthclassmen earn this title for

Breaking the honor code provided Cadet 2nd Class

outstanding performance in areas such as knowledge tests, uni-

Alton Griffin a chance to make a difference and follow a

form wear, decorum and peer evaluations. This milestone marked

new

path

the beginning of Griffin’s flourishing cadet career. He is currently

to success.

“I admitted to cheating on a Chemistry 141 graded review.

I took the course during the fall semester of

the First Cadet Group honor non-commissioned officer, a presti-

gious job in the cadet wing.

2000,” Griffin said. “When I took the test I simply pan-

“I chose to become an honor representative because I felt I

icked because I didn’t know the material that was on the

needed to share my experiences with others,” Griffin said. “Be-

I looked on the cadet’s test next to me on two or

cause I have been through the system I am able to sympathize with some of the feelings that people go through when they start

test.

three of the workouts and I was questioned about the

the honor process. I hope that I am able to teach others how to avoid my mistake and other potential mistakes and deal with honor and integrity in general.” As a group honor NCO, Griffin is responsible to and assists the group honor chairman. Griffin becomes

chairman next year. As the NCO, he tracks the

progress of ongoing investigations in the group and

gives updates to the group chairman and cadet wing honor NCO. He helps the cadet honor committee in

implementing special honor-related programs at the group level and acts as a contact for squadron honor representatives. Additionally, he notifies cadets of Wing Honor Board duty and acts as sergeant at arms and/or cadet recorder for the board as required. Griffin feels his honor probation experience not only helps him succeed in the cadet wing but also in life. “I feel that there are a number of positives about

the honor system. The one that I think I benefited the most from was the fact that it teaches you to think about your actions,” the secondclassman said.

“I learned to look at the bigger picture from now on.

I put a major strike on my record for a fairly

insignificant event.” &

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fter a string of misfortunes, 2nd Lt. Kristina Furr

finally caught a break Friday, July 13. Furr was commissioned on that date

two years

after she graduated from the Academy. She came to

the Academy in 1994 and was scheduled to graduate in 1998. In September 1993, Furr injured her shoulder in a car

accident. She spent the next eight months in rehabilitation and was placed on medical turnback status. Furr returned to

the Academy in May of 1996 and joined the Class of 1999. While waiting for the decision on her commission status, Furr took part in the same programs as other cadets, including

the Philmont Rangers. As a ranger, Furr helped Boy Scouts learn camping and backpacking skills in New Mexico. She

CHECKPOINTS, 86

FALL

2 0 0 1

“I think i appreciate my commissioning, my time at the Academy and my job more than a lot of people because it was taken away.”

was

bit by a brown recluse spider while working with the

program. The bite, which eventually swelled to the size

of a

softball, covered most of the back of her leg. Furr was flown back to the Academy on a Friday care.

to receive medical

Furr said her past

misfortune gave her a

unique perspective on her commission.

However, she was not seen by a doctor until the

“I think I appreciate

following Monday. The doctor then misdiagnosed her as

my commissioning, my

having Lyme Disease.

time at the Academy and

“I spent an initial two weeks in the hospital,” Furr

my job more than a lot of

said. “Various complications arose from the bite, to

people because it was

include liver and kidney damage. I spent the remainder of

taken away,” she said.

my senior year in and out of various hospitals and clinics

“There was a saying we

joked about, ‘If it doesn’t

resolve these issues.” Two weeks before graduation, Air Force officials told

her that she was not medically qualified for a commission.

kill you it makes you

stronger.’ That was pretty true in my case.” “I’m probably the first cadet to have my spouse swear me

She graduated in 1999 with Military Distinction.

Graduating without the commission couldn’t satisfy her desire for a military career. “My family visited the Academy on a summer

in,” she said. She met her husband during her second class year.

“My husband and my dad pinned on my shoulder

boards. It was amazing.”

vacation,” Furr said. “I wanted to go to school [here] from

The Monday after her commissioning, Furr began

that day on. I wanted to be an Air Force officer. I just

working as a Logistics Planner in the 305th Air Mobility

wanted to serve.”

Wing, Readiness Flight at McGuire, AFB, N.J.

Furr appealed the decision because being a civilian was not what she wanted out of life.

“It was very frustrating

watching my classmates and friends doing what I wanted to do for such a long time,” she said. “I spent two years being a spouse -1 hated that -1 hated being called a dependent.”

“I was worried that I wasn’t putting on my uniform

right,” she said. “My husband told me, ‘You look alright.’ I’m excited to be back in the Air Force.” ^

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BEHIND

THE

SCENES

The Academy

Celebrates

of New Athletic

Building

ceremony, Aug. 14 in the parking lot

between the Cadet Gym and Field House,

made this dream become a reality. The new building is

State of the art. Unmatched.

contained in the Military Construction Program in fiscal year 2001. The $30.3 million facility has

Cutting-edge. You choose. But one thing is unmistakable, the

161,000 total square feet, including 109,000 square feet of new construction and 51,000 square feet of renovation. The new facility will connect the Cadet

athletic facilities at the Air Force Academy are receiving

he Air Force Academy’s groundbreaking

Gymnasium to the Cadet Field House. Student-athletes’ schedules at the Academy are

institutionally driven, unlike that of most civilian

much-needed facelift.

schools where student-athletes have much more free time. Student-athletes at the Academy are allotted

from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily for athletic pursuits. That time must be used for practice, for transit to and from the dormitory area and the Cadet Gymnasium or

Field House, medical taping and treatment and

conditioning in the weight room. In addition, competition at the NCAA Division I level has become a

year-round proposition for all athletes whether they 2 0 0 1

cadets or their counterparts at civilian institutions.

There is also space for a media center, hospitality area and

Understanding that the Academy enrollment of 4,000

athletic education area. The athletic training facilities will go

consists of roughly 25 percent student-athletes, the existing

from 5,880 square feet to 16,175 square feet. The weight

athletic facilities are taxed.

rooms

are

The same is true for the existing medical treatment and

will be expanded from 12,875 square feet to 36,840.

With football moving to the new facility, the locker room in

weight room facilities. In addition to

the Cadet Field House that housed the

the student-athletes, the Academy

team will be converted into locker room

also uses these facilities for its massive

intramural sports program. The

3,000 cadets who are not intercolle-

giate athletes participate in intramural activities, putting about 1,200 to

1,500 cadets into the athletic

"We want to give our student-athletes every opportunity to

Academy’s varsity athletes. “Were at

at the Division I

done,” said Col. Randy Spetman ’76, Athletic Director at the

Academy. “We want to give our

successfully compete at the

Division I level. I think this facility

square feet to 2,155.

The men’s and womens basketball programs will also share 1,500 square feet of room.

level. I think this

The athletic facilities at the Academy

will now be on course with such national

facility will do that."

powers as Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan,

Wisconsin, Ohio State, Kansas State and UNLV. “We’re very excited about the new

student-athletes every opportunity to

for both basketball programs and ice

ball team’s facility will go from 1,170

successfully compete

point where something needs to be

will also increase the square footage of use

hockey. For example, the women’s basket-

facilities at the same time as the

facilities for visiting teams of both sexes. It

Col Randy Spetman 76 Director of Athletics

facility,” Spetman said. “Once people see it they will realize how serious we are about

taking care of our student-athletes.”

will do that.” Title IX of the Equality

The first level of the building is for

in Education Act (1972) and the

NCAA bylaws requires a commit-

equipment storage and issue, football

gender equity in athletics.

lockers and the medical and training

ment to

While adequate space has always been provided, this new

facilities. The second level consists of a two-story weight

facility gives the Academy the opportunity to give women

room, coaches offices, a

reception area and an athletic

equal space to fully support gender equity and comply with

education and display area. This area will give guests and

the provisions ofTitle IX.

visitors the opportunity to see the history of Academy

The facility will house new sports medicine and weight

training facilities, as well as new locker rooms, team meeting

intercollegiate athletics and past greats, along with the intramural programs. A spacious outdoor plaza area with

facilities, an academic study lounge and equipment and

room

storage issue facility. In addition, the athletic administration

fourth level will be for athletic administration.

for displays will take up the third level while the

and football programs will have offices in the building.

CHECKPOINTS,

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2 0 0 1 89

CREAM f or

the

raduate

n ependent Scholarships

CROP

warded

JVjf egan E. Ream (Lt Col (Ret) Thomas J Ream ’73) Miss Ream is sophomore a

at Arizona State

University, majoring in History.

She continues to be active in several

on-campus activities while maintaining a 3.9+ GPA. “Realistically, I enjoy school so much that I will attend either law or graduate school...study family or international

law.. .obtaining a JD and a Ph.D., depending on how long I can afford to stay in school.” She received a $1,300 scholarship.

I^sl atherine L. Bendick (Col (Ret) Gordon L Bendick 73 ) ’

Miss Bendick is a senior at Santa

Fe High School in Edmond, Oklahoma where she has maintained a 4.0 GPA for four years and is

ranked first in a class of 336. Her extracurricular activities include leadership positions in Student

Council, S.A.D.D., school paper, class officers in three of the her four years, and committee

chairperson for the state convention of the Oklahoma Association of Student Councils. In addition she works part time as a salesperson at Hobby Lobby. She plans to study journalism at the University of Oklahoma. “As I read the biographies of the recipients of 2000, I am awestruck. Do I have a 1400+ Sat? Not quite...Was I a National Merit Finalist? Nope. Would I like to be in class with every single one.. .Absolutely! And would I be competitive? I’d push them to their limits... and myself in the process.” Katherine received a $900 scholarship.

A dam E. Eames (Maj (Ret) Robert A Eames ’73)

Mr. Eames is a freshman at

MIT. Adam attended George Mason University during his senior year in high school.

“At this point, I have fulfilled nearly all my core requirements and begun pursuing a

major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.. .Ultimately, I hope to graduate from MIT with experience to solve problems in an engineering or managerial

setting.” Adam received a $500 scholarship.

A my E. Olin (Lt Col (Ret) Gary S Olin 64) work at the UCLA Medical School.

Miss Olin is in her first year of postgraduate

Amy graduated from the University of California San

Diego with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently in training for the Los Angeles marathon and volunteers at the Salvation Army Clinic, which provides free health care to the homeless.

“My main educational goal is to learn as much as I can about practicing medicine and taking care of all people in a compassionate, empathic; and diligent manner.” Amy was awarded a $750 scholarship.

CHECKPOINTS,

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2 0 0 1

M ichelle L. Precourt (Col Charles J Precourt 77) ’

Miss Precourt is completing her sophomore year at Rice University, majoring in Sociology and Health Policy Studies. She is a member of the Marching Owl Band, Rice Symphonic Band, and Golden Key National Honor Society. Michelle received the Rice University Womens Resource Center IMPACT Award and is the outstanding member of the College Assistance Peer Program. “Although I continue to look forward to medical school after graduation, and still enjoy my science classes, I have rediscovered the fascination of discovery through sociology.” Michelle was presented a $900 scholarship.

K athleen A. Pirog (Col Paul E Pirog 77 ) ’

Miss Pirog is a junior at the University of Illinois,

majoring in Bioengineering. Kathleen has maintained a 4.0 GPA while being quite active in campus extracurricular activities.

She was an Australian exchange student at Curtin University, Perth,

Western Australia this last year.

“Despite my internships and many classes in physics, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, biomedical technology, and physiology, I am still thrown by application questions asking about my career and research interests...I am very confident that I will one day find a home for my talents...” She was the recipient of a $750 scholarship.

A ndrew I. Sellers (Col (Ret) Alfred O Sellers ’72)

Mr. Sellers is a senior at Palmer High

School in Colorado Springs, CO. He ranks eighth in a class of 391 with SAT scores of 730 Verbal and 800 Math. Andrew has been recognized each semester for highest honors with a 4.78 GPA in the International Baccalaureate Program. He is also an Eagle Scout and one of five 2000 Summit Award winners for excellence in achievement and community service in the Pikes Peak Council of

Boy Scouts of America. He is also a three-sport letterman in wrestling, track and cross-country. “My educational goals are to complete engineering degrees at the both the undergraduate and graduate levels.” Andrew was the recipient of a $1,300 scholarship and will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy after high school.

U tephanie L. Oakes (Lt Col (Ret) MichaelR Oakes 77) Miss Oakes is a senior at Hampton Roads Academy in Hampton Roads, VA where she achieved a 4.0 GPA for four years. Her SAT scores are

700 Verbal and 660 Math. She is active in many extracurricular activities and is Vice

President of the Student Council, President of S.A.D.D., and was selected as the outstanding member of her junior class.

Additionally, Stephanie is an accomplished dancer and actress, having

attended the Eastern Virginia School of Performing Arts where she has performed and served as a teacher of classical ballet. “The field of dance medicine holds great interest for me, and I may pursue a profession in this discipline.”

Stephanie was awarded a $900 scholarship and will attend

The College of William & Mary following high school.

i~ 1 aylev A, Booth (Mr. Robert WBooth 74) ’

Miss Booth will graduate from Rampart High

School in Colorado Springs this spring. She is second in a class of 307 and has SAT scores of 800

Hayley was active in school varsity sports and extracurricular activities. “I feel I am ready to take on the challenges of college and vet school, and if at first I fall on my face,

Verbal and 710 Math.

I know dirt and failure taste bad, but they won’t kill or keep a person from making it in the end.”

She was presented a $500 scholarship and will attend Colorado College after high school.

Haley

will also be the recipient of the Buschmann Scholarship which is part of the the Graduate

Dependent Scholarship Program.

ennifer S. Sparks (Mr. Jeffrey Sparks ’81 ) Miss Sparks is now a sophomore at Mary Baldwin College in the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG). This program provides a unique opportunity for highly gifted young women to complete their college degree as much as four years th early. Jennifer entered PEG in August of 1999 after completing her 10 grade year at Germantown High School in Tennessee. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA while being very active in several extracurricular activities to include the varsity volleyball team, class treasurer, Alpha Lambda Delta secretary, and a member of the PEG Mentor and Leadership Team. Jennifer was awarded a $1,300 scholarship.

CHECKPOINTS,

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2 0 0 1

CLASS NEWS Pete Todd 1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

I fyO 1} upj/ljrp/

\nl M

Home: (719) 531-5874

FAX: (719) 531-6697

ilptplr

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com Percent members: 84

In July of last year, HT JOHNSON led a two-week-plus tour into Vietnam. His account of the

trip is a compelling story, which he has agreed to

share with the Class. In order to observe the Checkpoints space constraints while preserving the full flavor of his account, I will present the travelogue in “serial format” with very little editing. Herewith, the first portion of his “trip report” ‘Our adventure began with a long night’s flight from Washington to Hong Kong via Dallas and San Francisco. We left Dulles at 5:40 in the evening

and arrived in Hong Kong at 5:40 in the morning, covering 12 time zones (or halfway around the world) and losing a day as we crossed the International Date Line. Anyway, it is 24 hours from Dulles to Hong Kong! ‘We had a good visit in Hong Kong a vibrant, growing city then on to Hai Phong. As we drove from Hai Phong to Hanoi, we were surprised to see so many rice fields. It looked like the Mekong Delta. The farmer families were very industrious and hard working. ‘Our first stop in Hanoi was a visit to the Ho Chin Minh Mausoleum. It is an impressive display of the people’s respect for Ho Chi Minh. Later, we visited the Army Museum. There were many displays of captured U.S. equipment, downed aircraft, personal effects, and Vietnamese Army equipment. They had a fascinating table with a pictorial narration of the —

—

battle at Dien Bien Phu. There are many parallels in the battles in South Vietnam. In the hour that we were in the museum, we were not able to see everything. We did find an interesting “sand table” showing the attack on Saigon. Unfortunately, we could not get the same pictorial narration as we saw for Dien Bien Phu. “The visit to the Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) was most memorable. Even after having seen many pictures and describing it in a lecture, we were quite moved actually to walk through the area. Most of the “Block wide” prison has been destroyed and replaced by a new, elegant building. Only the entry gate, administrative, and “New Guy” areas remain. The horrible cells, leg irons, and torture areas are stark reminders of the treatment that our POWs received. Other than a small room with positive memorabilia from our POWs and a plaque falsely describing the ‘good treatment’ received by the POWs, the guide talked only about how the Hoa Lo Prison was used by the French and the Vietnamese for Vietnamese prisoners.

Some ofthe more elegan t architecture, including the Hanoi Opera House (1) and the new Hanoi Hilton (r).

“I was surprised by the poor condition of the Hanoi buildings, streets, and shops, and by the obviously low living standards. There are few cars; the most prevalent mode of transportation is the motorbike. Traffic is horrendous! ‘We visited Halong Bay between Hai Phong and China, a most picturesque area with many small islands. I climbed deep into one limestone island cave. The formations are part of the karst-covered mountains that begin in China and extend through Laos. There are coal mines some 20 km north. We understand that these are the only coal mines in Vietnam. It was an interesting and growing commercial transfer point and tourist area. “As we approached Danang, it was easy to recognize Monkey Mountain with its three radomes. We understand that the radars are still oper-

ating. Danang is a vibrant seaport and town. For many years after 1975, Danang (because they would have been taken and used to escape). Danang is listed as the fourth largest city (Saigon, Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Danang). We suspect that Danang is larger than Hai Phong and really the third largest. Hanoi will not allow this yet! ‘Our ride to Hue was extremely picturesque, fairly long, and over a poorly maintained road. The beauty of Hai Van Pass (4,022 feet) was diminished by the ‘hawkers’ at the rest stop. The pass looked down on a beautiful valley and beach area of the South China Sea. A leper colony is in the valley. Tu Doc Tomb south of Hue is well maintained and showed the beauty and grandeur of the Vietnamese Imperial Court. ‘Hue has changed much since I lasted visited in 1967; it is more peaceful now. Many of the monuments are being restored. Hue is fairly crowded with tourists. We were told that the largest numbers come from France. Many of our guests saw and visited with a US MIA Team that is having good success in finding remains. Our visit to the Hue Citadel was disappointing. The Throne Room of the King in the Imperial City was well restored, but the other areas had only foundations. Perhaps someday this area will be restored to its former grandeur. “TheThien Mu Pagoda on the outskirts of Hue was very interesting. We no boats were allowed in

could see the life of the Buddhist Monks very well. The famous Buddhist uprising began here. Nine Monks decided to make the ultimate sacrifice to bring attention to their opposition to President Ngo Dinh Diem and the South Vietnam Government. As the senior among the nine Buddhist Monks, Thich Quang Due drove his Austin car to Saigon, doused himself with gasoline, and set himself on fire. His June 1963 self-immolation captured the attention of the South Vietnamese Government, the US, and the world. Perhaps the comments by Madame Nhu, President Diem’s notorious sister-in-law, shocked the world even more. She happily referred to the self-immolations as a ‘barbecue party’ and proclaimed ‘Let them burn and we shall clap our hands!’ “As we left Hue, we stopped at the Khai Dinh Tomb, which was built in the 1930s. It appeared untouched by fighting and is very beautiful and well maintained. Some of the sculptures used old bowls, bottles, and other

contemporary items to tell an impressive story. The only surviving portion of the original “Hanoi Hilton.” ‘We were impressed by a water puppet show. The puppeteers stood in water behind a screen and moved the puppets with precision and grace.

The accompanying band had a variety of string instruments. The most

impressive was a ‘Dan Bau.’ It had one string that was connected to a horn, which had a long vertical stem with a curve at the top. The player would pluck the string at various areas and move her hand up and down the stem to provide beautiful horn-like music. We saw it several times in Hanoi and Hue. 92

‘Our visit in Danang and Hoi An gave us an up-close look at the Vietlife, markets, culture, and artisanship. We were able to see the Champa past as well as the beautiful marble sculptures being made near Marble Mountain. We visited a resort hotel on China Beach (just south of

namese

the area of China Beach used for “in-country” R&Rs). ‘On our way back to our ship, we tried to see Danang Air Base, which is currently the commercial airport. We were able to coax the driver into driving along a road and stopping near the terminal. We walked down a road and were able to see much of the old field before the police whistled us back from the ‘restricted area.’ We had not ‘seen’ the restricted area sign

until we retreated, so we did not feel bad. The old hangers are largely rusted. ‘During our visit to Qui Nhon, we saw some impressive ruins of the old Champa culture. They built very large structures on top of hilltop in the 13th Century timeframe without using cement to hold them together. The temples have weathered well over the years. Now, Vietnam and UNESCO have a major effort to preserve and rebuild the temples. It is a very intricate process. Buddhism is still very popular in the Qui Nhon area. We visited a beautiful and very active Long Khanh Buddhist Pagoda. Qui Nhon is an extremely active seaport. I suspect that the life in Qui Nhon is much like most of Vietnam. They do not see many tourists. The guide told us that many people thought that we were Russian. In Hoi An, we visited a carving, embroidery, silkworm growing shop all rolled into

through the streets and met back at the Hoi An Hotel, glad not to be accosted by the seemingly ever-present vendors. The weather continued to be extremely hot....” (To be continued) Thought for the quarter. The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. one. We strolled

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

gfj§f

11181 West 17th Ave. (208)

which resulted in the Wing busing to Iowa where we tied the nation’s

number one team 13-13, and tying TCU in the Cotton Bowl. From our class were legendary greats Johnnie KUENZEL, Howie BRONSON, George PUPICH, Dolphin KERR, Chris WARACK, Deke JOHNSON, Charlie WATERMAN and Jabbo MCCAIN. We salute you stouthearted men. AF Colonel. Vietnam pilot. Basketball star. Winner, AFAAA Award to the Cadet Contributing the Most to Intercollegiate Athletics. Donald Lee WOLFSWINKEL now has another accolade: Mr. Mom!“Since I retired in 1989, we’ve been living in Charleston, SC. My wife, Ronnie, works in health care, so I became the househusband! Ronnie and I recently celebrated our 25 th anniversary; her oldest son lives in Summerville, SC he’s father to the grand twins shown in the picture and her other son lives in Fremont, CA. I have a daughter, Wendy, who lives in Colorado Springs (also had a son who was killed in a motorcycle accident near Canon City in 1976 when he was 12). In the last few years we’ve traveled twice to Europe —

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just flying over, renting a car, then going where we want. Also gone on cruise, and spent a week this spring in San Jose del Cabo. th Living 30 steps off the 10 hole, I play my share of golf, also some tennis, and use our 20’ deck boat for tubing and crabbing.”

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an Alaskan

Lakewood, CO 80215-2759 (303) 238-4973, FAX: 237-7625

e-Fax: (509) 463-4700

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com Percent members: 88

Dr. William Reno OUELLETTE, D.O., 64, died July 18,2001, at the Maine Medical Center following a long battle with kidney cancer. He retired in 1987 from the Maine ANG as Brig. Gen. He is survived by: wife, Marilyn; children Brian, Gary, and Shelby; and six grandchildren. Burial was at

the Veteran’s Cemetery in Augusta, ME. We’ll Miss You, Frenchy. Kenneth John ALNWICK (Choir 4) has been assisting former AF Under Secretary Dr. John McLucas write his autobiography. Ken’s on the board of the AF Historical Foundation, which is sponsoring a book on AF technology from the Tonkin Gulf thru the Persian Gulf War, and “der Wick” became a member of the editorial board. Ken WERRELL spent two years on that board and developed the preliminary text, and after some cogent comments by Mr. ALNWICK on WERRELL’s manuscript struck a responsive chord in Dr. McLucas, he was asked to help bring the book to fruition and submit it to the Smithsonian for publishing. Busy man, this Ken he also coaches lacrosse at his wife’s high school in Falls Church, VA, consults on gaming for the Department of the Navy, and serves as a sales rep for FlightExplorer.com (they convert FAA flight data into web-based

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info that displays the status of airborne aircraft filing a FAA clearance, th and whose “tracking” of the flights involved in the September 11 crashes at the WTC and Pentagon were on TV. For a firsthand perspective on the

damage to NYC, by the wmcarnegie@yahoo.com).

way,

get Bill CARNEGIE’s views

The Wolfswinkels holding grand twins Lucas and Alex. Retired ANG BGen Edward John HAERTER is still in Chicago, and believes “Mr. Answer Guy” was wrong twice: “I was a C130 navigator at Sewart AFB waiting to go to pilot training, and went TDY to SE Asia on New Year’s Eve, 1960. Stayed three months at Clark, flying into Saigon, Danang, Qui Nhon, Laos and Cambodia. Actually got shot at on these flights, but couldn’t tell anybody.” (R: Does this mean he beats out BIANCUR and SWEIGART for first in our class to see combat in Vietnam? Ruling, Andi?) Ed retired as TWA Captain ten years ago, and has since

been on the County Zoning Board. He and Nancy have two children— Mathew is 27 and a Firefighter-Paramedic in Kenosha (WI); got a degree from Mt. Senerio College. Chris is 40 and a former F-15 jockey flying for Delta, graduated in ‘83 from AFA (photo at their cottage in Wisconsin).

The SCHWANKs’ live-in elves Lady Honey-Do and husband Wisp of the Willows—were married two years ago (with me so far? If not, go back and read Checkpoints, Dec ’99). They had baby elves. Two “Melon-Collie Babies” dubbed Casaba and Cantaloupe at their naming ceremony 14 July. Scores of curious attended, including Dick & Sally SEXTON, Bruce & Caryl MOSIER, Andi BLANCUR & Carole Kramer, Jim WADDLE, George & Diana PUPICH, Barb & Wayne KENDALL, Jim & Jenny GLAZA, Rosie & Karen CLER. (What’s next? An Elfin political party? Elf for President?) —

In front are Nancy and granddaughter Natalie, Ed holdinggrandson Nicholas. Back: daughter-in-law Andrea, Matthew, Chris and wife, Margaret.

Fuller David ATKINSON (Lacrosse Club 4,3,2,1) writes: “I’ve been retired for 10 years, and experiencing no traumatic withdrawals. Judy and I live in Punta Gorda, FL and have a boat out the back door, with a short run to the harbor and the Gulf. Play a fair amount of golf. Tough life golf and boating! Our daughter Debra got a teaching degree from National Lewis University. She and her husband live near Atlanta with their two boys, 5 and 4. Our son David got an E.E. degree from Vanderbilt and an MBA from Washington U. in St. Louis; he lives in Crystal Lake, IL, and is marketing manager of filtration devices. David has four children, boys 18 and 16, girls 7 and 8 (the 16-year-old wants to go to the Academy).” MiniSki 2002. Andi BIANCUR and the skiers in our class will meet in Salt Lake City for the 12 th consecutive year. They’ll have to share slopes —

Guys-In-Waiting Lord Rosie Au Pair, Brother Andrew of the Briny Lake, Sir Jimmy Duck ofthe Lower Pond and Sir Jock Charles Henry ofHopesville Manor (Casaba and Cantaloupe in the foreground). Our 1958 AFA Football Team was inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 9, 2001. We all remember that great an undefeated season, pep rally on a Thursday night after Taps year —

good words about Earl and inspiring words for us all. (For those of

with several Olympians, since Utah’s hosting the Winter Games 8-24 February and the Para-Olympics 7-16 March. Actual start date is either 25 February or 1 March, so call Andi at (801) 278-4866 or email:

causyou unfamiliar with “Pardo’s Push,” Earl’s F-4 had been damaged ing rapidly leaking fuel during an air strike in North Vietnam, and its

awb@networld.com. Howie WHITFIELD is now executive director of the Naval Helicopter Association. Heady stuff. At their 2001 Symposium in San Diego this summer, they held a Naval Wing Ding, and according to Howie: “It was a lot

engines soon quit from fuel starvation. Bob Pardo placed his F-4 behind and below Earl’s, placed Earl’s aircraft’s lowered tailhook against his own canopy, and pushed Earl’s aircraft, reducing their rate of descent and sueceeding in delaying bailout until they reached a much safer bailout area.

of fun, but they could sure use some RosAl talent.” Friendly Fire. Goose GULBRANSEN sent me a letter with these semiworthless gems for pondering (I held it under water a full five minutes, until I was sure it wouldn’t explode): “Most class crests have a four digit date —1959,1960, etc. From ‘65 to ‘86, two digits, except for ‘72, which has no date. 2000’s all digits.” Talk about Zeitgeist... Dick and Donna DOYLE’s October vacation included Hong Kong, Singapore and idyllic Maui. Why not Shangri-La? Xanadu? Jim and Martha ALEXANDER moved to Seneca, SC. In June they spent a weekend with General Ed EBERHART (‘68) at Space Command (friends since their days at Shaw). Trivia-‘60 question from Mr. Answer Guy: Who are the only two classmates who th Reunion is 15-19 June 2005 at the ran for the U.S. Congress? Our 45 Radisson in Colorado Springs. Merry Christmas from the Rose.

The crews of both aircraft had to bailout because Pardo’s aircraft also depleted its fuel in this process, and all were subsequently rescued. Obviously, this is a very abbreviated version of a well-known, heroic act during the Vietnam War.) We were all deeply moved by the presentation and are very grateful to Lucy for sharing one of her treasures with us. Stu BOYD and Bob BRICKEY said that they will not have their usual skiing outing this year because of the Olympics there in February: however, each said that they have room in their houses for any of us who want to stay with them while attending the Olympics. Unfortunately, you will need to get you own tickets. Bob BRICKEY also said that Judy MOORBERG has been working with

some

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the city of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Monte MOORBERG’s high school class both Judy and Monte attended high school there. (Brice JONES and Bob have also been involved.) The town intends to name its airport the Monte Larue Moorberg airport in a dedication ceremony next May st rd during their high school class reunion, the 21 through the 23 We would like to support the ceremony with as many of us as can make it. Also, they may need some additional funds to help pay for a bronze bust or plaque of Monte. Bob will get more details to you. In other news, Erik—you may remember him as Cedric BECKJORD —

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear 50582 Stonington Drive

Granger, IN 46530-8243

JmV

Home: (219) 273-2597

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E-mail: ENOandTJO@worldnet.att.net Class Web Site: http://www.usafa61.org/ Percent members: 88

I prepared much of this input before our 40 th Reunion and have in-

eluded what I could afterwards. We (Tom ELLER’s excellent idea) are attempting to get most of the material and talks presented and put them on our Class Web Site so that those unable to get to our reunion will be able to share. Although most of you planned to be there, circumstances intervened for most who planned to fly. I am truly sorry that many of you were unable to attend since our reunion seemed especially pertinent in such a challenging time for our nation. The terrorist attacks on the WTC and the Pentagon resulted in a greatly reduced turnout, as well as cancellation of many planned events at our 40 th Tom ELLER told me that 115 (of the 185 possible) graduates had planned to attend, and that 229 reservations had been made for dinner .

Friday evening. (About 72 graduates made it, and approximately 130 attended the dinner.) Some, who had planned to be there but had to cancel, wanted to reschedule the reunion. Unfortunately, that is not a simple matter. Our Reunion Coordinating Committee had to reserve the block of hotel rooms a year in advance. After considering the possibilities, they proceeded. Vic APODACA’s remains being escorted by his son Robert from Hawaii to the Academy on Northwest Airlines via Minneapolis were delayed in Minneapolis until the Minnesota ANG assisted. (Robert has agreed to provide a write-up of that trip, which we will place on our Class Web Site. I think you will find it a moving story.) Therefore, we attended graveside services in honor of Vic on Saturday, instead of on Friday. We also honored him and our other fallen classmates during our planned memorial service and subsequent paver ceremony on Friday. Those activities and briefings by the senior Academy staff were the only functions we were able to attend on the Academy grounds due to the heightened security. While our gatherings were somewhat subdued, we —

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still relished the company of classmates, many of whom we had not seen in years, including Hayden LOCKHART. He said he located to Corpus

Christi, Texas, because he loves to fish. John GOODLEY recalled Hayden’s love for fishing when they were at Williams AFB on Operation Third Lieutenant, when Hayden fished well into the night. That Wednesday evening, following our registration and subsequent gathering, Teri and I had the privilege of dining with eight others, includ-

ing Victor Apodaca III and his wife, Cindy. They moved to Colorado Springs about a month ago, with their 11-year-old son (Victor IV) and their 16-year-old daughter (Julia). It was truly delightful to talk with them. Thursday, we were also able to talk with Vic’s older son, Robert. Vic would be very proud. During a special presentation after Friday’s dinner, our class received the painting “Pardo’s Push” from Lucy AMAN. (It will hang in the ‘61 section of Doolittle Hall for all to see.) Making her gift especially poignant is the fact that both Earl AMAN and Bob Pardo had signed it, with an inscription for Earl and Lucy’s younger son, Phillip, who later died in a light aircraft accident. Since Lucy was not present, Randy CUBERO provided some touching background. He then introduced Bob Pardo, who not only discussed the events surrounding the “push,” but also added 94

has reconnected with our group. He resides in California and, among other things, participates in some filming activities there. Lee BUTLER has been included in the book Architects ofPeace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images by Michael Collopy. Lee was given three pages, in which he explained his views on nuclear weapons. Some other luminaries included are Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Mother Teresa, Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, and (you get the idea). Quite an honor. Lou HABLAS responded to my plea for inputs from those who had not contributed and writes that in November of 1979, after a lifetime in one religion, he converted to the Baptist faith and became part of an independent, fundamental, bible-believing Baptist church. This led to Lou’s lessened interest in his career and heightened interest in his fellow man, culminating in his medical retirement in 1983. He then moved to Danville, Illinois, where he found a good church and treatment in the VA Medical Center. During his outpatient status and continuing care, Lou rented an apartment and about six months later decided to stay in Danville for the foreseeable future, so he bought a small condo. In 1990 he met and married Marge, who unfortunately, after only a few years of marriage was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite the doctor’s best efforts, Marge died in 1996. Almost immediately after her death, Lou became ill again and had to be hospitalized for a couple of months. During his hospitalization, Kate, who had been a good friend of Marge and Lou, visited him regularly. Once Lou got out of the hospital, he and Kate began to date. In June of 1997, they were married, and life is good again. In mid-July, Brice JONES said that after putting up with him for two years, three months, four days and twelve hours, his new stockholder (Brown-Forman, a.k.a. Jack Daniels) had at last joined him in the ranks of the unemployed. They installed their own guy as president, whose last job was grape buyer for Fetzer five years ago. Brice stayed around the office, off and on (just like he always did) until he went on vacation on 3 August to the Cape, after which he relocated to a new office a few miles away at his new Pinot Noir vineyard venture: “appleaday.org.” He expects his email address will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future, and they will probably allow him a voice mailbox there for a while. The Pinot is a new start-up with a few of his key management guys from Sonoma Cutrer and a couple of inactives. Red wine in Oh Nine. Mike RAWLINS and Virginia “Ginny” decided to build a new home in Williamsburg in “Ford’s Colony,” a very nice development. They moved into their new home in mid-April and are enjoying the lifestyle and quality of their location. About a month after settling in, Jim ROGERS and

Linda Cain spent a couple of days and nights with them. Although Mike flying and didn’t get a chance to visit with them, Ginny entertained them well. Linda was in town for a conference and Jim joined her for some local golf and a visit. In July, Jerry and Sue LEFTON visited them for several days of golf and shopping. Reportedly, Jerry still hits the

was out of town

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

ball straight and accurately, which is disgusting compared to the thrashing of some of us! Mike says that they are open for any visitors who want to come to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country, etc. He is still flying a Falcon 10 out of Easton, Maryland for a little fun and profit, even though it normally involves a four-hour each-way commute about once a week for two or three days of flying. Mike wants to keep flying for another five years or so, as long as his health permits. They have also been busy traveling: Hawaii, Mexico, and Hilton Head last year; Mexico, Colorado Springs, and Hilton Head this year. They are planning an extended trip to Spain, France, and England next fall, as well as several other places between now and then. They now have five grandchildren with another on the way. Their new address should appear in the next Register, but just in case you want to make reservations before then, it is: 104 Glasgow, Williamsburg, VA 23188-9172; telephone number 757-

They like visitors. Paul STEPHEN said that he could not attend our reunion since he was in the midst of harvesting. Yes, he’s back farming. Paul tells me that most farmers need government assistance and that a better food distribution system is all that's needed to help those who lack food, since plenty is being produced. Hopefully, we’ll see him at the next reunion. 258-5027.

Bud UTENDORF reported that about 25 graduates met at Shoeless Joe’s Sports Bar and Grill in Des Plaines, Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2001, to form a Chicago Chapter of the AOG. Richard KUK, ’93, began this effort about a month or so ago. Richard contacted 123 of the more than 200 graduates in the Chicago area. Bud had the dubious distinction of being “the oldest living graduate” at the get-together (Art Shumate ’59, eat your heart out). Wayne WHALEN had RSVPd that he was not able to make this meeting but was definitely interested in the effort to form the AOG Chapter in Chicago. There are no ’59ers on the roster, and Ed HEARTER is the only ’60 graduate. They watched the Air Force/Oklahoma game, and at half time Richard talked about the plans that have been made with about three other “helpers”. The next activity will more than likely be a dinner so that the conversation isn’t competing with television announcers. A graduate will run a web site for the Chicago Chapter, and everyone is encouraged to put forth their own ideas as to just how the organization should evolve as to funding, a board of directors, and things of that nature. Tom WILSON wrote that he and Judy just returned from a combination ground and sea cruise to Alaska, which they highly recommend. If anyone wants suggestions on scheduling the trip, Tom said to give them a call. They report that Alaska is awesome—even for those who live in any mountainous area. Tom said that his business is decent and still enjoyable, so he plans to keep at it for a while longer. Ed ZOMPA’s back locked up on June 22, so he hobbled about until July 31 and had a lamenectomy and spinal fusion performed on August 1, his first day on Medicare. (He said that the billing has already been screwed up.) His back now contains four screws, two rods, and two small mesh cylinders between L4 and L5. Ed refers to himself as the bionic/composite man. He planned to be at the reunion, moving slowly, but the week’s events prevented his appearance. If this article arrives in your Checkpoints at the normal time, Happy Thanksgiving (or whatever holiday is just ahead). The holiday season will be upon us then, and we should be considering our New Year’s resolutions. At the top of your list, how about, “Correspond with our Class Scribe when he needs inputs”? Thanks to all who have shared. We also want to hear from the rest of you. Each of you is important to us all. Let’s all start our plans to attend our next reunion. How about Grand Island, Nebraska, in May as a warm-up?

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

Hi Redtags! Well, I’m in my normal last minute crunch to get this column finished

tonight. The events of last week in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania have certainly been shocking and mind-boggling. (But I can’t use that as an excuse. It’s just my natural propensity to put off any-

thing possible until tomorrow.) I was sent home from Kennedy Space Center for one and a half days and sat glued to the TV The devastation was

terrible, but the heroism, support and camaraderie were tremendous

to see. Really made my old heart feel good about my fellow Americans.

The support from people all over the world was uplifting, too. (I’m get-

ting teary putting my thoughts on the page. Lots of pent-up emotions.) Got an email from Bill HAUGEN. He said that after 12 years with Boeing in the Philadelphia area, Sue and he returned to Washington, D.C. in August. He designed Sue’s dream house and is building it. (Where are you

going to live, Bill? Hope Sue appreciates your sacrifice and lets you visit.) Seriously... great news. Good luck on the new house. Keep me posted. Got an email from George THOMPSON. He returned to the U.S. in June and is the new headmaster at the Patterson School in North Carolina. He loves being back and is enjoying it very much. He misses Russia a bit. Hey, George: how about recalling some memorable events of your life in Russia for my column? Something that not many people would know or realize. Now I have an update from Gail and Peg PECK. I sent an email on the Redtag Net with a picture of an F-4 flying low over an airfield, below and between the roofs of hangars. The pilot was grounded after that. Here’s what Gail’s response was. “That’s a great pix and story, Jack, but that ain’t low. But it would take both (you insert the word) and a willingness to give up flying jets forever to do it over an airfield and between the hangars. Not a smart act, but an impressive pix. I suspect Bevo and others will remember when we used to fly F-4s down Death Valley indicating well below sea level on the altimeter. Less than half the length of the jet AGL Above Ground Level. Maybe we’re the reason you can’t fly low over National Parks anymore... Oh well! A chance for a Peck update to all. Health is holding A-OK at this point for Ms. Peg. On their 9 July cover, Business Week featured the drug that is saving her. The miracle has been spawned at the U of Texas Medical -

Center, aka MD Anderson, in Houston. People facing cancer should take their cases there. They accept Champus/TriCare. Moving to a new house in Dec or Jan as the airport is bulldozing this one as an expansion project.”

(The pending demolition of Peck’s house was brought to you in a previous Redtag column. We scooped the world and beat all other quarterly magazines to press with that unfolding human-interest story.) Construction of the new house was scheduled to begin in July. “Gail is still teaching at the Weapons School at Nellis and enjoying it very much. His Dad at nearly 86 is still hanging in there. All kids and grandkids are doing fine.” Thanks for the update. We are all glad to hear that Peg is doing well. Got an email from Judy WOOD. She misses Daryl very much. She has moved to Citrus Heights, CA. I have her address, email and phone numher for anyone wishing to correspond with her. She’ll be at the 40 th reunion next year. Drop her a line. I know she will appreciate any contact. If the mini-reunion in Dallas-Ft Worth comes off as planned, please send me pictures of the gathering. In my last column, I said that I would use some of Kirk VAUGHAN’s last letter because I couldn’t fit it all in. Kirk is a professor of business com-

munications at the College of Commerce and Economics in Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.

‘Oman is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. The coun-

try covers a relatively large amount of real estate, but almost two thirds of it is uninhabitable desert. The university is located just west of the Muscat area. Muscat itself is quite modern, with several fancy hotels and

commercial centers (the local phrase for mall). This fall I had a total of 70 students, mostly in technical writing. The students all wear the national dress: the men in white ankle-length garments called dish-dashas, and the women in black ankle-length dresses called abiyas. The women wear black scarves and the men wear white pillbox-type hats, with ornamental patterns embroidered on them, called kummas. But I have a feeling that if the national dress weren’t required, the students would be in tshirts and jeans in a heartbeat. “Although the official Oman position is to support the Palestinian effort, the government does not encourage extremist organizations, so the climate here is reasonably friendly towards Westerners. When the Palestinian riots first started last October, there were a few campus demonstrations, but they were orderly and well controlled. The demonstrations were meant more as symbolic support than as evidence of student anger. Because the Sultan shares the oil wealth with the citizens, there is not a lot of poverty evident.” Thanks again for those words, Kirk. They help us understand another country in a part of the world where we lack knowledge. May your employment there remain tranquil. Got an email from A1 and Gerri SIGMAN. “I, like most RTBs, have been a bit remiss in communicating with you. Gerri and I have five grandchildren, ages 3-7. They are a real treat. Two are here and three are in ChiI am still in residential real estate with RE/MAX Masters, working cago. in Denver and the southern suburbs. The only other Redtag I have seen lately is Bob SCAUZILLO. I helped Bob and Suzanne sell their home in Monument. They are currently living on the south side of Denver but plan to move to Seattle soon. Gerri and I had an incredible experience this past weekend. Our neighbor for the past year has been Ray Bourque, of the Colorado Avalanche. As you probably know, the Avalanche defeated the New Jersey (know anyone from there?) Devils in Game 7 to win the Stanley Cup. At about 3 a.m. after the win, Ray came driving up the street blowing his horn and we all came out to see what was going on. In the middle of the street was the Stanley Cup. We had a great time for the next two hours got to hoist the cup and have pictures (one attached) taken with Ray and the Cup. Wow! What a treat! Hope all is well.” Thanks, Al, for the story and picture. -

The photo shows Ray Bourque with Gerri and A1 on each side of him and the Stanley Cup on the ground in front of them.

And lastly some words about Sam DEHNE’s battle with City Hall and the Airport Commission in Reno, NV. It is apparent that Sam perturbed the city and Airport Commission officials. Sam lodged a comment in a public forum that there had been a suspicious meeting of two Reno officials in Dallas and a subsequent move to reverse a decision that benefited the mayor, who was one of the officials. After the Airport Commission dismissed the complaint by Sam, they then found him guilty of violating two Nevada statutes and fined him $5,000. He appealed the decision and the magistrate that heard the case said that she will rule against the commission’s actions. It was basically a violation of free speech. So Sam has the ACLU on his side, too. That’s the way to fight them, Sam. Besides attending every Airport Commission, Reno City Council, Washoe County Commission and Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitor Authority meeting in the past five years, Sam finds time to visit hospitals and other institutions to give 15 performances per month singing his favorite tunes. Keep it going, Sam. I guess that’s it for now. Keep the letters coming. The next issue will probably have a deadline on or about 20 December. Please send your

Christmas newsletters before 15 December so that I can get them into the column. Remember that when you receive this issue, you only have about 2-3 weeks until my next deadline. Have a Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year. Go Redtags!

17532 N.E. 38th Court

E-mail:54wrs@msn.com Work e-mail: norman.i.lee@boeing.com Fax: (425) 237-5775

Percent members: 78

Hearty congratulations from all of us go to Ron FOGLEMAN for being selected for the 2001 AOG Distinguished Graduate Award! The Check points cover and the subsequent article were a sight to see. We are a proud bunch of Yellow Tags! The AOG sent a letter from the Athletic Department requesting our support for the “Walk of Honor” to be a part of the new home for the Academy Athletic Department. The new building will include a 4,500 square foot “Athletic Hall of Education,” dedicated to former intercollegiate var-

sity letter winners who went on to accomplish great things during and after their Air Force career. The athletic media archives from the early years are not very complete. The Athletic Department is requesting a list of names and addresses of varsity letter winners from our class who made valuable contributions to the Air Force and/or a professional career after their military career for possible inclusion into this exhibit. A brief description of their accomplishments is also requested. If you can support this endeavor, write to Mr. Dave Kellogg, Hall of Fame Curator, 2169 Field House Drive, Bldg 2170, Room M205D, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 804009500. E-mail: David.Kellogg@usafa.af.mil and telephone 719-333-9022. In late June a mini-reunion was held in San Antonio. Based on all the reports I received, a terrific time was had by all when the local chapter of

the Class of ’63 gathered at Mick & Yutta ROTH’S for some fun, fellowship, drinks, and great eats. The occasion for the event was the visit by some of our classmates to San Antonio for the Rotary Convention held there. In addition to classmates, a couple of Mick’s neighbors, Col. Vic Ferrari and Tom MCNISH (‘64) and his wife also attended. Tom FRYER says Tom McNish was a POW for seven years and played a major role in the “Return with Honor” film. Tom and Tom were survival partners when going through Jungle Survival at Clark AFB in 1966. Small world. Three 96

In the front row are Gil Merkle, Larry McLaughlin, Andy Ward and Jerry Thies. Second Row: Norm Pfeifer, Jim Olson, Vic Ferrari, Jim Weaver and J.J. Kennedy. Back Row: Tom Fryer, Wayne Lefors, Mickey Roth and Skinner

Simpson.

Norm SCHULZE sent a note earlier this summer announcing that four

of our classmates were to play the great golf courses of the Monterey Peninsula. Those involved in this sinister plan to have fun on the golf course were John HALUSKA, Mike CHRISTY, Bill MITCHELL (their host who lives in the Carmel area) and Norm. The plan, hatched over a period of a year, included tee times at Pebble Beach, Spy Glass, Poppy Hills, and Cypress Point. Bill was appointed social chairman. This‘63 foursome was determined to have some fun. Norm reported on the results of their outing now nicknamed the Warm Bud First Annual. That’s another story by it—

self, says Norm. He also added that the foursome did some drinking and

dialing and talked to classmates Mike GIBBONS and Preston DAVIS. I will never forget when Dick FERENCY and I played Pebble Beach back in 1990. We had so much fun we didn’t care where the ball went.

Norman I. Lee III

Redmond, WA 98052 W: (425)237-6004 H:(425)882-0968

classmates were from out-of-state. Wayne LEFORS flew in from California and Larry MCLAUGHLIN (Colorado) and Tom Fryer (Kansas) were there for the Rotary convention. Many thanks to Jerry THIES, who was gracious enough to send some pictures taken at the party.

John HOCKEMEIER has joined the ranks of the unemployed—voluntarily he says. John retired from the work force on 30 April and so far, he claims, it’s been wonderful. He also added that he is eligible for Social Security in July and will receive his first check in September. Guess that is the next milestone (after 60) we all get to face. Here’s hoping there will be some money left in the Social Security Trust Fund. Marge, John’s wife, is still working part time as a RN (nurse, not bombardier) and according to John, “...keeping me in the style of life to which I've become accustomed. I think she just wants to get away from me once in awhile. We’ll be hitting the road soon in our RV—heading for Disney World on our first big postemployment trip. That’s my news. Hope to see you at the 40th. Hock. More on Ralph: several emails were flying around reminding us to tune into CSPAN and watch our classmate Ralph WETTERHAHN be interviewed about his recently published book about the Mayaguez Incident. The show was scheduled for both July 21 or 22 nd Doug POWER sent me, among others, Sen. John McCain’s comments on Ralph’s book. McCain found the book to be a “...gripping account of the battle for Koh Tang, and the unwitting abandonment of three American marines on her shores, redeems the glory of all who fought to free the captured crew of the Mayaguez and resolves the fate of the men left behind.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the interview out here on the ”

—

West Coast. Did anyone see the interview?

Will RUDD checked in, claiming to be one of those Yellow Tags who have failed to keep us updated on their status. You are forgiven! Will re-

ports he spent a long time in fighter aviation, working fighter strategy and tactics. At retirement, he was stationed at Homestead AFB, FL and worked to help recover infrastructure after Hurricane Andrew. Today Will says he is semi-retired, in that he has a business partnership in search of business opportunities and has discovered golf. For those wanting to contact Will, his e-mail address is willrudd@msn.com. Jerry WESTERBECK sent a really newsy e-mail saying “Last week I was doing a project review at Sandia National Lab in Albuquerque and had a chance to chat awhile with Chuck DONAHUE. I stopped into the store managed by his wife (Ann) to buy some jewelry and she got Chuck on the phone. He sounded great and was about to retire from Southwest Airlines. Then on my United flight from Albuquerque to Denver, none other than classmate Tim GALLAGHER was the pilot who announced this was his last flight. He was all smiles as he greeted departing passen-

gers. Jim JOHNSTON, too, is planning his last flight with Continental from L.A. to Houston... in December, I think. Jim and Sandy are moving to Hawaii in January. I guess all the ‘63 airline pilots who came to USAFA

straight out of high school are hitting 60 this year. Older guys like me who had to have a year or two at another university are past 60. Which reminds me, one of my old roommates, Bob PARRA, and his family are on home leave from Bangladesh. My wife and I, along with the Johnstons, had a nice visit with Bob and Germaine in McLean, VA. I certainly enjoyed WETTERHAHN’S book and caught his interview in Long Beach at the bookstore. He looks the same." Back on August 13 th Joyce and Bud GILLIGAN were able to stop in Kirkland, WA to have lunch with Linda and me. They were travelling from Vancouver BC, where they had just completed an Alaska cruise and were ,

enroute to visit their daughter in Portland, OR.

Bud is back working in the Pentagon and it took me almost a week after the 11 September event to get up the courage to call Bud. Turns out his office was on the opposite side of the Pentagon and, besides that, he was on business at Warner Robins, GA. He had to drive home from Warner Robins in his Plymouth Neon rental car. Took him 14 hours. I received some interesting information about Bob REX from his brother Don. The information comes from material that Don has accumulated over time from the Air Force and private sources. Bob was lost in March 1969 while flying cover to locate three ground patrol team members who were under fire and cornered in a field of burning elephant grass. In the case of Bob’s death, there was some confusion as to the location of the crash site. Bob’s plane crashed on 9 March 1969. A similar 02A crashed in the same general vicinity but in March of 1971. What I find while reading the report from Don to be most heartening is the effort that is being made to locate those missing in action and return them to us. Also, the really intriguing part of the effort is that many of the event witnesses are alive today and were interviewed. What Don sent is a compilation of reports taken mainly from Joint Field Activity (JFA) reports. Each JFA is part of the larger command, Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) with headquarters in Honolulu. It is impossible to include the whole report, but if you are interested you can either contact Don at dmrex@qwest.net or you can contact me and I will forward what Don sent us. Joe CABUK emailed about getting together for lunch or dinner and possibly a plant tour. He was planning on spending a day in Seattle enroute from Monroe, LA. Joe was flying a Citation, picking up passengers in Dallas and refueling in Albuquerque. He got here but very late (early in the morning) so nothing was accomplished. Maybe next time. Grant BORINZIN came by and spent an hour one morning to talk about The Boeing Company. We had a great conversation. Of course the recent announcement for up to 30,000 layoffs doesn’t say much good about the company. Address and status changes: Larry EASTMAN sent in a job title change. He is senior vice president, Great Circle Networks Inc. Spence ALLEN changed his job title to CFO Goldtouch Technologies, Inc and his address to Laguna Niguel, CA. Carlton WEST changed his job title to Partner, West

& West Attorneys. Frank Black reports in with a new address in Gainsville,

GA. The following e-mail changes were received: Ron McCollum can be

found at ronmacl@mindspring.com, Jim Gaston at wordone@ wordlinc.com. and Frank KARASIENSKI says he now has email for the first time. He can be contacted at karasienski@hotmail.com One final item for those of you who remember the Dodo magazine. You might be interested in looking up the electronic version and the follow-

ing URL: http://www.edodo.com/default.shtml. I have to say I am writing this article just two weeks after the events of 11 September. There are too many thoughts going through my mind over this unbelievable occurrence and I am still having difficulty just focusing on other things. I know this article is not the place to discuss the events of that day but I cannot let it go by without expressing Linda's and my dismay, disgust and deepest sympathies to all those left behind. Bob Hovde 206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801 H: (256) 532-3923 0: (256) 895-2807/ Fax: (256) 895-9222 H: rjslhovde@telocity.com

0: bhovde@space.hsv.usra.edu Percent Members: 74

Remember September: It’s been only a week since the terrorist scum crashed the aircraft into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Almost everyone has a family member or friend who was either in one of the buildings or nearby. Many escaped with harrowing tales of disaster and heroism. Many did not make it out. Bill DICKEY’s brother was in the WTC on the 105 th floor and is among the missing. At this point, I have not heard of any other direct losses to our classmates’ families. Hopefully,

there were none. Bill, you and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Snail Mail: Rod WELLS wrote about another chance meeting of classmates: "Get this... I’m at my daughter’s graduation ceremony at The Wharton School of Business at U Penn. I’m on my way to the men’s room during the boring part of the speeches and who should I run into but Todd JAGERSON, a man whom few have seen over the years. We compare notes, and lo and behold his son is also receiving an MBA from Wharton in the same class as my daughter! And just to prove all of this I am enclosing shots of me and Todd as well as his son Ty, and my daughter Allison. It was great catching up on our lives and we spent some time lifting our glasses at the Wharton reception as you can see. ‘Just to catch you up, too, on both of us...I’m still a United Airlines cap-

tain, now flying 767s out of Chicago... at least till the FAA tells me I’m too old, which won’t be too long. Todd has been working with the International Red Cross in Tbilisi, Georgia (as in Georgia, Russia). He’s now work-

ing for them in New York City.”

Rod and Allison, Todd and Ty Matt FIERTAG

Two MBAs and proud dads.

(Historian): Matt was trying out the email list he is putting together as part of our historians’ (Matt, Usto SCHULZ, and Bill DICKEY) efforts to get ‘64 organized. He received several interesting replies and has put them together in the following paragraphs. -

Mitch COBEAGA: Bumaga is resurfacing. About six months ago, I made a decision to leave my firm of 26 years and start a small

operation with a substantial reduction in stress. We opened the doors three months ago. [He is also taking care of his health (heart, etc.), so there is a good chance th we will get to see him at the 40 ! Matt] You guys met my twins at the reunion. Paul is now a 2nd Classman and the First Sgt in his squadron. He is ready to go today (much as we were during the Cuban missile crisis). Michelle is a junior at the Univ. of Arizona, maintaining a 3.7 in math and astronomy, and will graduate in the advertised four years (amazing). She is also working on a NASA grant this semester, and hopes to be on the space station by 2012. She jumped out of an airplane last spring and really pissed her brother (and mother) off. I am so fortunate to have the two of them in my old age. -

Bruce SMITH: Matt: Congrats. You found me. This email will stay good though addresses are changing as Suzanne and I are in process of moving from New Orleans to San Antonio. Will send new address when we sell old and find new. Thanks for the efforts keeping us all linked together. Jim GRAHAM: Matt—you got me directly. Email address is correct. It is my personal (home) address, and that seems best for our purposes here (and yours). Thanks for the efforts you are making to keep track of everyone, and if I can help otherwise, let me know. Will be heading back to London for another two months work on 4 Aug (having been there from Jan 2 through Jul 5!). Still working for EDS. All the best... Jim. Hal WATSON: Thanks for making the effort to put all of this together. I have enjoyed reading the responses. However, when I tried to “reply all,” AOL rejected the bulk mail as being “unsolicited bulk mail.” I complained to customer service, had to change my password, etc. Yet, they still won’t let me send to over 200 people. Anyway, B.J. and I still live in Weatherford, TX (25 miles west of Fort Worth). We are enjoying fun work. I am doing some business development and consulting in general aviation and flying several different aircraft, to include a Fouga Magister. B.J. is working in a great interior decorating store with lots of neat “cowboy-type” decor. Our two boys are married and one has a 2 V2 -year-old daughter. Both are

here in Texas, about a three-hour drive in different directions. Ace RAWLINS lives only a couple of miles away. We can bed down a bunch of people if anyone is headed our direction. Doug JENKINS: Hi, Matt. Lois and I are still in Littleton. I’m working for

Lockheed Martin on the Titan IV launch vehicle. I think I have a year or two left before they "retire” me. Our son Doug III is a C-17 pilot stationed at McChord and doing very well. As you may recall, our younger son Dan fell while rock climbing in Eldorado Canyon in 1997 and went to be with the Lord. He was a cadet at the academy and had actually attended some of the reunion festivities we had in 1994. For that reason, we weren’t quite ready to come to the reunion in ’99, but will try to make the next one. Thanks for all you’re doing. Doug. 97

Ken HELMIG: Hey Matt. Got your message loud and clear. We’re retired and are traveling the whole entire U.S. of A. in our 5th wheel have been for a couple of years. We are bona fide unemployed, homeless transients. Never enjoyed life more. We make one big loop per year around the country. My folks still occupy this temporal plane and are in Pennsylvania. Some of Carole’s family is West Coast (SoCal) and between us we have eight grandkids and associated parent units in Boise and Coeur d’Alene. Lots of other friends and acquaintances in between. That’s why we’re mobile. We aren’t always able to be online, but we manage. Right now we’re at Glacier Park, Montana and will be going east via U.S. 2 tomorrow. Anyway, great hearing from you check out our website if you get a chance. PROS ARETHN George SMITH: Matt, just to let you know I received a copy of your message via Paul & Peggy BELMONT. The email address you have for me is still good. Great to hear from you. Now getting old(er), still work at Ft Monroe, two teenagers Maria (14) and John (16). Hope to finally retire from civil service in five years when kids are in school. My wife is deceased (10 years) but the kids are great. Think about AFA often (have VA

marks about what ’64 started. We did have some money left, so I told 'em to buy a paver for each classmate that had died to date. At the time that was 59. Those pavers have been placed on the west side of Pegasus at Doolittle Hall and are grouped together. We should plan a small memorial at our next class reunion at this site. In the meantime I believe we have had two more classmates pass on but who do not have pavers so far as I know. This needs to be addressed by the class incident for the next reunion. I will ensure DJ is aware... That’s my two cents from the Front Range on a beautiful Colorado August evening. Cheers, Jay. Cheers to you, too, Jay and cheers to everyone. I hope by the time this

License plate AFA 64). Hope all is well with you and your family, and all

is published that we’ve started some real action against the terrorists

our classmates. Dr.

around the world. It’s hard to just sit and watch the television.

—

George G. Smith (HQ TRADOC, Manpower & Equip-

profession, having served as a director on the Orange County Bar Associationfrom 1978 to 1981, and as its president from 1982-83, on the Florida Bar Board of Governors from 1986-88, and in numerous other positions and on other committees. Bloodworth has the highest available peer rating from judges and other attorneys, and is a partner in the prestigious Orlando law firm Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth. Class Gift: Jay KELLEY provided the following update on the last of our class gift: The Contrails thing went over very well. Still hearing good re-

ment Operations Division).

Ron DULLEN: Matt, you got me. I am with Boeing Rotorcraft (helicopters) in Philadelphia managing about 20 systems engineers working the

Rick Zurbrugg

V-22 and CH-47 Programs.

Box 22615

Sam FINCH: The address you have is good. I’m also at sam.p.finch@

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

lmco.com. Working on the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining

(843) 689-5321

Program. Sam Marty BUSHNELL: Hi Matt. Your connection is fine here. I’m working for a company that supports the AF’s Utah Test and Training Range. Utah is a great place to live. Hope to see you at a reunion soon. Marty Bushnell Don KINGSLEY: Received your message (obviously). Our company in Northern Virginia, Autometric, was bought out by Boeing in Seal Beach last year. My wife and I took the opportunity to semi-retire to Punta Gorda, FL (North of Ft. Meyers) from Vienna, VA. She retired from the CIA and declared “that is it!” I haven’t been able to completely wean myself and only work on my golf and tennis games. Thus, I work part time for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems on one of their Senior Review Boards as well as support them on proposal efforts. If you are in this area give us a call. If you have a boat, you are welcome to park it in our backyard. Don Kingsley Tom MANSFIELD: Sorry it took so long to respond, but had surgery on my ankle (still in a cast and rehabbing) and not on the computer much. I retired from Continental Airlines on Jun 15. Actually finished flying on Sept 16, 2000 (that 60-year-old thing) and went back as a flight engineer until Jun 15. Was hoping the FAA would change the age 60 rule but it didn’t look good, so retired. I was a B-777 FO when I gave up the window seat in Sept. As part of Continental’s retirement program, they gave me five first class passes to take people on my last trip. My last trip was to Germany. I stopped flying there and spent about five days touring the Rhine river valley. I had been stationed there from 1974 to 1977 and had some German friends in the Rhine area (a couple of them wine makers). Took my wife, parents (age 86 and 83), and one of my sons and daughterin-law and had a great time. The highlight: one evening one of my wine

FAX: (843) 689-5403

maker friends closed his restaurant and winestube and had a party for us. Had a lot of great wine and saw some German friends I had not seen

for 20+ years. Tom Mansfield Matt: Finally, a little addition of my own: Bill DICKEY lost his brother in the WTC horror. For those who don’t know, Rip THOMAS died in June, of complications from a motorcycle accident. A bunch of us attended a very nice memorial service at USAFA. I was in Colorado visiting my son who is a chemical engineer in Denver for Foster-Wheeler Environmental Corp. My daughter just moved back to Nevada to finish her degree after seven years in New England, three and a half at U of Vermont. I have quit lawyering after 30 years (I spent my time in Hell and they can’t make me do it any longer). I am looking for something outside law (but not illegal), hopefully aviation related, or possibly back in Colorado. Matt Other Mail: I received the following announcement from Florida. Darryl M. BLOODWORTH, an Orlando attorney, a 1964 graduate of the US Air Force Academy, and former Air Force instructor pilot at Moody AFB, became president of The Florida Bar Foundation on July 1st. Bloodworth will serve a one-year term. He was appointed to the Foundation board in 1993, and has served as a director, treasurer, secretary, president-elect, and now president. Bloodworth has a long history of service to the legal

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT

WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

E-mail: ezurb@mindspring.com Percent members: 74

Hey ’65, Best Alive ! You guys are terrific. The input is incredible. The multi-page multi-picture column I submitted last time caused cataplexy at Doolittle Hall and

the trolls at AOG submitted it to liposuction. My customer service pledge to you as scribe is that I will do my best to keep track of all the messages and get them in the column ASAP; however, as you know, it is just impossible to get decent service these days. The folks at AOG actually do a phenomenal job and I hope that you enjoyed Flash WILEY’s remembrance of Lance SIJAN in the last issue of Checkpoints. Tony MRAS’ dear wife, Mary, passed on Sept 18th. I am sure that Tony would appreciate hearing from classmates. From Mark SABIN in June: “All well here. Our older son Shanan just graduated from Claremont McKenna College (CMC) in California and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt U.S. Army, Transportation Corps. He is on duty as a gold bar recruiter this summer at CMC and reports to Ft Eustis, VA in the fall for training and his first assignment. During the pinning ceremony at commissioning, he knelt down so we could reach his shoulders. In the spirit of purple-suited joint ops, our younger son just completed his first year at USAFA in the Class of 2004 and is now a 3rd classman. He did very well

during this first year—made both Dean’s and Commandant’s lists. He was in 18th sq last year and will be in 3rd this coming year. My wife, Helen, continues to teach at El Camino College in California as well as being a dept head and teacher for Connected University, an on-line educational institution. I am now the deputy program manager for the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite program at Boeing Satellite Systems (formerly Hughes). This is a major new Military Satcom program which we were awarded in January, following three years of intense competition." Congratulations, Mark, many well deserved blessings on your family and thanks. “

Rod RODMAN June 2001: Judi and I got back to our Vermont home in mid-May from our winter in Orlando...We did have a visit with Bill and Marge NIELSEN while we were in Orlando. Bill’s mother lives in a place called Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) over by Patrick AFB. Actually, it is a quite nice gated community with golf and all the other amenities, primarily for former military officers. Some of us might want to take a look at it for a future living situation. They advertise in the TROA magazine. For the summer, I plan on putting in a new bathroom in our place here. Also, along with a high school classmate, I am spearheading planning for our 40th Troy (NY) High School reunion in September. Boy, does that make me feel ancient. I am working on doing some training and coaching in public speaking and presentation skills and have recently tried my hand at setting up a web site: rodman-communications.com” Thanks Rod and the web site is nifty. Who else out there has a web site? Old roomie Bill COLE from June 2001: “I am sadly counting down the last nine months of my airline flying career as I face mandatory retirement at age 60 (13 March 02). Those idiots at the FAA still think that a person is no longer safe enough to fly for a scheduled airline, but is somehow ok to fly corporate jets, or instruct students in all sorts of aircraft, or fly in various other capacities; so I will probably work a year or two in our

training center as a simulator instructor... just to stay off the streets! Chris just completed his second year of high school, so I need to delay retire-

ment just a bit. For fun, I have been taking a 10-hour aerobatics course in a

super-decathlon, and will probably follow that with five hours in a Pitts.

After 22 years of airline flying, being upside down and pulling up to 4 Gs took some getting used to, but it is now fun! Chris and I will make our annual trip USAFA, and the MAYSUYAMA home for wayward persons of questionable repute (and their dependents) and Chris will enjoy another football camp on the fields of friendly strife. Garey is the best host on the Front Range or on any range, for that matter we do have a good time with the Hawaiian Colonel. I look forward to your news from the other ’65ers. I am celebrating the occasion by sipping a very light Scotch after having worked out with my son Chris. Forgive me for including a family photo, but I am just another proud dad trying to keep his son on the right path; so far, so good! You guys are the best, and I am proud of you, too. Your —

sentimental old friend, B. C.” Bill, you are still the fittest guy in the room!

Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269 Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180 E-mail: ryanden@aol.com Percent members: 76

Greetings Redtags! This will be short because it’s being written just a few weeks before our 35 th Reunion. I know that the reason that I haven’t heard from many of you recently is that you are saving up all that great news for the reunion, so the next article will be about 50 pages long right? Hugh GOMMEL called to tell me about this weekend bash he had in Grosse Point MI. He said that he had a great party with Ken BOONE, Tip GALER, and Ed BIELO. In addition to all that ftm, he got married! (Maybe that was why they were all wearing tuxedos for the party.) Hugh is flying for Northwest and he says that his new bride, Sandra, is a Psycho Therapist. This means that she gets to fly for free and he gets free therapy. I think Hugh said that he is currently living in Grosse Point and flying out of Detroit, but is planning on retiring in Henderson, NY Ed has his own manufacturers representative company in Tulsa, and Tip is flying for United. Kenny is living in Eureka CA and is working for an engineering —

company.

Bill Cole and son Chris Steve AMDOR: Bart HOLADAY asked me to send a picture of the attendees at the 2001 Class of ‘65 Old Jock Reunion held in Key West, FL, hosted

by Tim and Jane MURPHY. From left are Lynn and Bart HOLADAY, Joe and Gail O’GORMAN, Irene and Wendell HARKLEROAD, Pat and Howard BURKART, Dick CZARNOTA, Jane and Tim MURPHY, Ellen Czarnota, Donna AMDOR, Margo and Larry TOLLSTAM, Randy and John CONLEY.

Ed Bielo, Hugh Gommel, Tip Galer, and Kenny Boone all dressed up and nowhere to go.

Rich SINER: “On my birthday this April 01, my resourceful, loving wife, th In addition to neighKathy, held a surprise birthday party... my 60 bors and friends, she was able to bring out a few ’65 classmates from .

the Fairfax, VA area to include Doug WEIDNER (7 ), Don NEIREITER, and Bob HAFFA (both from friendly 1st). I was really SURPRISED and had a great time celebrating that evening as they pulled a little “his is your life” routine to add to the fun and games. Doug WEIDNER has

Randy JAYNE sent an email and another great picture of a bunch of ‘66ers. The occasion was the second annual 7 th Squadron Golf Outing. Larry LUNDHOLM was the host and managed to get 10 classmates to travel all the way to Stillwater, OK to pretend to play golf. Randy retired from the Air National Guard as a major general last year, but is still working for an executive “head-hunting” firm, tracking down potential CEOs for some major companies. In addition to the eight folks shown in the picture below, Randy claims that there were two more classmates who Bill EUBANK and Bob BROST. Randy says made the trek to Stillwater that one was taking the picture (a likely story) and the other was on a —

beer run (a more likely story).

settled into a beautiful home in the area and is focusing on “Knowledge Management” in his current position with Northrop Grumman who recently bought Litton-PRC. Don NEIREITER retired from the USAF and is retired again from Lockheed Martin, but not finished working as he continues to support a small company, Stellar Solutions. Bob HAFFA

has been with Northrop Grumman since retirement from the USAF and is now the Director, Northrop Analysis Center. He replaced Barry WATTS who has gone on to be part of the Bush team working for SECDEF Donald Rumsfeld as the director of Program Analysis and Evaluation. (PA&E). After retirement from the USAF, I spent eight years with Titan Corp and, after six years with Cubic Defense Systems, am now their director of Washington Operations. Both companies have HQS in San not a bad place for company meetings. For those of us Diego, CA still kicking, it is great to reflect on the good old days. But, more importantly as we enter the golden years, let’s enjoy them as often and as best we can!” Right on Rich, and thanks. —

Visit the AOG Web Site

Merchandise,

Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

Larry Lundolm, Don Steward, Randy Jayne, Bill Heitman, Jim Simpson, Bob Gravelle, Jim Boney, and Lou Turpin at the 7th Squadron Golf Outing. OK, folks. This counts as my Christmas card to all of you, so send me those computer-generated family updates and I’ll have a whole year’s worth of news to use. Even though the reunion is a few weeks away, I’ll tell you now that it was great seeing all you old folks and the next article will have all the details that I can remember. (It might be shorter than this one!) Until then... Happy Landings! 99

tions to the Air Force and/or a professional career after their military ca~v—

Larry Wilson 13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

^gWMLgliW

Albuquerque, NM 87111 Home: (505) 291-8949

Work: (505) 816-2092/DSN: 246-2404 E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com Percent members: 67

reer for

possible inclusion into this exhibit. I would also need a brief description of their accomplishments.” I will send Mr. Kellogg a list of our letter winners; those who wish to contact him directly can do so: c/o Hall of Fame Curator, 2169 Field House Drive, Bldg 2170, Room M205D, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80400-9500; or email to: David.Kellogg@ usafa.af.mil. our hard working 35th reunion Get ready to PARTY! Can you believe committee is well on the way to setting up another memorable gather—

ing. Frank CHUBA was “anointed” (?) as the reunion committee chairman, and he and his committee are well on their way. Here is some info to load into your long range schedules:

Reunion date: 16-20 Oct 2002 Game: Notre Dame Reunion HQ: “Where else but The Embassy Suites?”

The goals for the reunion: 1. To maximize the enjoyment and benefit of our unique relationship to each other as a class. 2. To plan and execute our 35th reunion efficiently and flawlessly.

Your scribe at a recent USAFA visit.

Compliments ofJim Shaw.

football, Indian weather, the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta locally, etc. There are a few inputs, from some of our guys. And as I compose this, there are the profoundly sad tragedies of New York, D.C. and Pennsylva-

Greetings all

—

It is autumn, with all that entails

—

summer

nia

—

interspersed with the magnificent, heroic efforts of passengers,

firemen, rescue workers, clergy and others. Perhaps by the time this is printed and distributed, all will somehow have been made right. But I doubt it. More about that after the class inputs. From Roger CARLETON, responding to my latest query about the status of his long projected move to the Springs: “May be one more year...” with that projected move somewhat hinged to the stock market. He is"... working on getting a transfer to Boeing Space and Comm (in CoS) but that is going slow...” As always, we spoke of fishing and he hoped to get away to Montana to chase the wily trout in its lair. I later learned that he made it briefly to the Big Sky country and caught a few. His summer was punctuated by taking daughter Kindall to A&M to begin her life as an Aggie. An input from one of ours who went another path prior to graduation: Skip Torresson came in with us and was in CS-20 until his departure in Jan of 65, when the dean took him down. He is interested in catching up with any of his old associates. He can be reached at 227 Foxcroft Road, Broomall, PA 19008; phone 610-353-0843; e-mail skipper333@ earthlink.net. One of our number took the courageous and patriotic step and tossed his hat in the ring, as a Republican candidate for the Northwest Florida Congressional Seat which was vacated unexpectedly: Cisco FRANCISCO took a brief but ultimately unsuccessful run, but eventually came in second and did not quite force a runoff. His campaign information gave his background, career, goals and priorities. Impressive. Very. I’d vote for him. And if I understand his intentions the good voters of Florida will have another opportunity in the future. Here’s a new project: Dave KELLOGG, Assistant Athletic Director at the Academy, is the Curator for an Athletic Hall of Fame/ Education. Ground was broken in August for a new, state-of-the-art 109,686-square-foot-building, located between the Cadet Gymnasium and Field House, which will serve as the new home for the Athletic Director and staff and will also provide space for a new intercollegiate weight room, locker rooms and office space for coaches and staff. Kellogg’s description: “...a magnificent 4,500 —

square foot ‘Athletic Hall of Education.’ The theme for this exhibit area, located on the main floor, is how Air Force Academy athletics impacts future leaders in the Air Force and beyond. It will provide a tangible and visible reminder to all who visit of the significant impact of athletics on Air Force leaders and those who have left to serve in other capacities. The ‘Walk of Honor’ on the second floor looks down into the main exhibit area. It is here that the Athletic Department will honor its national champions, AllAmericans and All-Conference athletes. The Athletic Hall of Education will honor former intercollegiate varsity letter winners who went on to accomplish great things during and after their Air Force career.” I hope to contact these individuals to ask for Further from Kellogg: their assistance in providing photographs taken during their days as a cadet-athlete for possible display in this exhibit. Unfortunately, the athletic media archives from the early years are not very complete. I need your assistance to obtain materials that would be suitable for display in this main exhibit area. I am requesting a list of names and addresses of “

varsity letter winners from your class who have made valuable contribu 100

3. To beat Notre Dame. The subcommittees and the their heads are: Vice Chairman/Treasurer, Ralph FEMRITE; Merchandise, George VANWAGENEN; Class Gift, Jack FRY; PR / Field Marketing, Paul HENRY; Menu Planning / Hotel Liaison, Gary SCHEIMER; Memorial Ceremony, Gerry CORWIN; Golf Tournament, Tom GREISSER; and Non-academy Activities, Bob MULDROW. Updates can be located on our class web site (www.aog-usafa.org/1967) and/or through Victoria LENNE at digidezl@home.com. There is no doubt in my mind that a good time will be had by all. MARK YOUR CAL-

ENDARS. NOW.

Also—when you go to our web site to check the reunion info you may also see info there about a survey, care of Buz CARPENTER. He has identified an opportunity for our class to provide a gift to the Academy, and seeks input. Please check the web site and let Buz know your thoughts. Travel news: Chuck BEATTIE sent a note that his son “...made it across the U.S. (Olympia-Alexandria) on his bike with two friends 40 days, —

3,700 miles, 2,000 mosquito bites.” Most important

—

I am not making

he reported his son’s learning a Great Truth: “... the people of North Dakota were the best of all. They met an ex-governor, ex-senator, this up

—

and ex-ambassador (all in one) there after they headed for shelter in his barn. He bought them all pizza while they waited out the deluge. Another time they happened into a town celebration where the local sheriff was having a wild game/beer party for the welders who had just finished rebuilding the jailhouse. They were asked to join in (except for the beer) and had a great time. Real Midwest hospitality...” There it is folks, an unsolicited testimonial and the unfettered truth about North Dakota. I cannot submit this without comments about 11 Sep 01, another day that will live in infamy. With the news of the tragedy, I imagine that many contacted friends, family, classmates and colleagues in the combat zones, to be reassured of their safety. John McCRILLIS contacted the ‘67 folks he

knew were in D.C. and the Pentagon area. Bill SAVAGE, Bob PASTUSEK and John CARNEY all responded that they and their families are fine. No

word from anyone of classmate casualties. The terrorist attack, the assault on our homeland evoked memories in me, and I am certain in us all, of another ugly foreign war where many of us served, and where some of our number remain. Our time to be the war fighters, the warriors, has passed. Whatever military action is taken in response to this assault, it will likely be taken by our sons and daughters

—

or our

grandchildren.

I am so profoundly sad.

I cannot but call

upon the final article from the American Fighting Man’s Code of Conduct, as we learned it so many years ago: “I will trust in my God, and in

the United States of America.” God bless America.

Tim Davidson

in77M^

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094 (703) 255-5313/Work: (301) 299-1610 Fax: (703) 255-5377 E-mail: timd@erols.com Percent members: 68

itll\aT fl a/^w W&HfisP

ill

HELLO ’68! At this writing our prayers are with our President, the brave fight to terrorists around the world,

men and women who will carry the

and those first responders who gave their lives to save the hapless vietims of our national tragedy.

Special prayers go to classmates Charlie

HOLLAND, commander of our Special Operations Forces; Ed EBERHART, commander of our Space Forces; Tony ROBERTSON, commander of our Mobility Forces; and Bill BEGERT, commander of our Pacific Air Forces, who will all be making critical decisions affecting the outcome of our military actions in response to the attack on America. Please put this

article down for a few minutes and take some time to ask for God’s bless-

BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS DEPT: Tina DUDLEY wrote that she and

ings on these people and to steel our nation for the days ahead. Thank

Gary left their abode in Indiana and headed for the purple mountains’ majesty of the great state of Colorado. They now live in Denver where Tina has established headquarters for her TMD & Associates Consulting/ Training business. To reach Tina and Gary, their contact information is as follows: E-mail: TDudley.TMD@worldnet.att.net; home ad-

you. Amen. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER DEPT: Due to a snafu at my end of the line, the photos below did not make it into our last class column. Please join

again in congratulating Bill and Jody BEGERT on Bill’s promotion to general. me

dress: 4500 South Monaco St. #1116; Denver, CO 80237; Phone: (303) 694-6890.

Hope you two enjoy your new digs!

Gracious Hosts and Their Guests. From left are Dick Mosbach, Karen Eberhart, Beth MOSBACH, EdEberhart (CINC U.S. Space Command), and

Jim Terry.

And Then There Were Four. Featured in this AF Photo Lab shot are Bill and Jody Begert, Chief of Staff Mike Ryan (‘65), Tom O’Beirne, and Bob

Johnston. In the same vein, Jim THOMPSON’S spotlight photo was also missing in

action. Please see Jim and Brinda at play in the PRC below.

COLORADO PRACTICE REUNION DEPT: My good friend and USAFAdaughter Melissa’s sponsor, Jody SMITH, sent me a bunch of photos from our Colorado contingent’s practice reunion last June. Jody indicated that about 33 of our gang were present at Ed EBERHART’s place and a great time was had by all. Unfortunately, the large group photo could not be downloaded at my end, but Jody was able to get a few candid shots that Some of those who attended were: Hartsel BECKETT, A1 BLUMBERG, Bill BOWMAN, Rod BROWN, Don COUGHLIN, Dick COVEY, Ed EBERHART, Charlie HOLLAND, Carl JANSSEN, Barney MILLS, Dick MOSBACH, Roger MOSLEY, Bob SALLEE, Jody SMITH, Blair STEWART, Jim TERRY, and Gary VASEK. Rhip WORRELL and Doug WILSON were are shown below.

out-of-town for the event. Thanks for your efforts to keep your Class Scribe (Melissa sends Suzie and you her best regards.)

in the loop, Jody.

Jim and Brinda Thompson by the shore of the Yangtze River. TWO IF BY SEA DEPT: Based on the ship logs of the Denali Rose on 26 July 01, the Wandering Webbs, aka, Jack and Susan/Fred, arrived in Camden, Maine, after motor-sailing up and down the various bays for which Maine is most famous. They got some fantastic digital photos of lighthouses and the rocky coast. Their August ports of call included Eggamoggin Reach and Bar Harbor. (Scribe Note: For Bob DALEY and Bob MAGUIRE that is pronounced “Bah Hah Bah.”) Jack said if anyone wants to know where they are, you can get their location from the Internet at: http:// winlink.findu.com/kg4bym. This should open to a map with the last position report that they sent by ham radio. Their call sign is kg4bym. NOT A “FREE MAN” DEPT: John and Priscilla FREEMAN’S daughter’s fiance is no longer a free man and John’s daughter is no longer a Freeman. The reason for his current status is captured in the photo below, following John and Priscilla’s daughter’s wedding last August in Dallas, TX. The gala event included some time for socializing and picture taking with a few

Bob and Diane MAGUIRE, Steve and Judi MCPHAIL, and Steve and Linda PAIGE. Steve PAIGE and John were at pilot training tofamiliar faces

—

gether, Steve and Judi MCPHAIL have been John’s neighbors in Dallas since 1979, and the MAGUIREs have been in Dallas for some 10 years or so. Steve and Linda flew in from Ocala, FL, where Steve has his own orthodontic practice.

Congrats to John and Priscilla and to the newlyweds!

An Ascot, An Astronaut, and An Eater of Serpents. From left are Kappy

and Blair Stewart, Charlie Holland (CINC U.S. Special Operations Command and Commander of our Nation’s “Snake-Eaters"), Nancy Holland, and Dick Covey. REFLECTIONS: This has been a tough couple of weeks since the events of our national emergency on calendar date 9/11 or Nine-One-One. My daughter and son-in-law were in the Pentagon when the airliner slammed into the building. The knowledge that they have already served in combat zones in the Balkans and Southwest Asia, only to be put at an even greater risk to their personal safety and security while serving on an internship at the Pentagon, has a gut-wrenching irony to it. Along with so many of you who are following these events closely, I ask you to be visible symbols of support for our country and our military servicemembers from the environs of your respective communities. It’s time

for all of us to show our true colors! THAT’S A WRAP DEPT: Please keep those cards, letters, emails, and photos coming in. Since all of you will be receiving this column sometime around December, please accept best wishes for a wonderful and blessed holiday season. Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris 616 King’s Cloister Circle

MMM)

Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com Percent members: 67

Ngpaalf JSri UtSSE

My dear brothers, The Freeman Wedding in Dallas. From left are Bob and Diane Maguire, Linda and Steve Paige, Priscilla and John Freeman, and Judi and Steve McPhail.

This newsletter had been one of the few ready to go early. The events of 911, however, make the tone and timbre of that which I wrote then

inappropriate, it seems, for that which confronts us now, when we are 101

nursing our wounded, reaching out to our loved ones, beginning the healing process, and steeling for the fierce, earnest and probably-protracted battle that lies ahead. Words, adjectives, seem woefully inadequate at times like these. This one is so complicated: tracing shadowy perpetrators who don’t have a center of gravity, but disappear wraith-like across and within borders; balancing the public’s interests and rights against individuals’ liberties and privacy; seeking justice without becoming as reprehensible as the perpetrators themselves; working with allies whose leaders’ base of support is precarious; taking action in regions already roiling with religious extremists and irredentist passions, nuclear weapons included as an extra menace; maintaining an even-handed foreign policy in and perspective on events in the Middle East and Central Asia in the face of enormous political pressures at home; the list could go on. The world has changed. All of us, it would seem, dangle precariously on the bridge above the gorge of the San Luis Rey River, about which Thornton Wilder wrote his

Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel 75 years ago. One slip, one bit of fate, and any of us could have been on the E-corridor at the Pentagon at the wrong time. I read a piece recently titled “America: Nation or Idea.” Hopefully, this vile assault on us and, on all humanity, will galvanize all the balkanizing forces within our country, and we can put aside differences and makes us a Nation, not an Idea. and focus on that which unites us So far, that has been the case in spades. All that said, I know most of us would love to re-up, strap on some ordinance, and help kick some you-know-what. Better us than our sons and daughters, who have their lives ahead. In that regard, it is reassuring to know we have so many solid ‘69ers still on active duty and in the Reserves to help steady the helm for our nation at this difficult time: Clay —

BAILEY, Charlie BALDWIN, PK CARLTON, Tom CASE, Craig COLLINS, John DALLAGER, Bugs FORSYTHE, John HOPPER, Tom KECK, Ron MARCOTTE, CJ WAX and Wally MOORHEAD. On that fateful Tuesday, none exemplified what we all stood and stand for better than PK. (See story on page 15.) PK, we are all proud to know you, and proud you are our classmate. Now, on to other news. Dan THOMAS has volunteered his considerable

expertise as a strategy mastermind and facilitator to help. To demonstrate he is as-always rough, tough and hard to bluff, he is shown in the attached picture flying his T-34 over the Golden Gate Bridge. Also ready to roll will be young “Jono” MUMME (son of beaming parents Dave and Susan), who

graduated from UPT in June and got his first choice

—

an F-15C.

shot of vodka to the accompaniment of Russian folk songs following the flight. Previously, Tom met the head of the Russian Air Force and the commander of strategic forces. Foot INGERSOLL comments that one can’t think of Americans flying Russian bombers, though he (his own self) was qualified previously in dancing while squatting and beating himself with birch boughs while sitting naked in the snow. What, oh what, will Brother KECK do for an encore? Doug and Robbie FITZPATRICK broke ground on their new house this summer, complete with pecan grove, fishpond, and horse barn. They hope to move in before Christmas. As of Doug’s writing, he is giving some gliders. Go, Doug. Do it! Meanwhile, Robbie thought to flying again left Exxon and is now teaching English in person atTomball College (north of Houston) and via the Net at Colorado Community College (in Aurora). Also down Houston way is Bob TROY, still a mover and shaker with the Academy Graduates’ Network there (along with Tom SOLOMON), and on his third career as an IT consultant, mostly working nasty turnaround situations. He has kept his foot in the Oil Patch as well. —

Recently surfacing with addresses after being counted among the sometimes-missing for a while are Danny SPEARS and Jimmy ABBOTT, who live respectively in Milledgeville, GA, and McClellanville, SC. Terry HAMMOND, meanwhile, is at MRI Research in Satellite Beach, FL. Paul GALLI writes from Spokane, wife Shirley’s hometown, where he is the director of Training for a company that designs and manufactures technology used by the global aluminum casting industry. Congrats to Paul and Shirley on celebrating 29 years of marital bliss on July 22. Son David, 18, looks forward to a computer education, a move to Seattle, and discussions with Mr. Gates. Paul hears from Tom MOSELY, living in Seattle and flying 777s for United. Back in March, Ron MARCOTTE was the featured speaker at a fund-raising kick-off luncheon for the Fairchild Heritage Museum Society. The society is trying to move the museum off Fairchild proper to adjacent land, and operate it independently of AF funding. Ron underscored the importance of military museums in keeping our society mindful of the sacrifices that have been required to keep our nation free and strong. A more poignant message, especially given recent events.

Charlie WEINART has had great success with his infrared work on the Charlie wore his ’69 baseball cap as the rapt admirals and civilians took in the footage of mines, views inside enemy ships, etc. Darrel WHITCOMB, still Delta Captain by day, has completed his second novel by night, a thriller with roots in the SE Asia conflict, and an th eye-opening, fact-finding trip by one of the protagonists to a USAFA 20 class reunion. Good luck to Darrel on finding a publisher for his latest. Still living out his sterling youthful sporting career is Les DYER, who MANTA unmanned Underwater Vehicle.

coached his entry in the Peachtree City Recreation Department’s baseball league to the tournament championship. Selective Les chose only five players under the age of 40 for his roster. Meanwhile, wife, Connie, was named one of Atlanta’s 100 best realtors. Sometimes, Les flies for Delta. Steve KIRBY sent along the attached picture of ‘69ers attending Gerry and Nancy BOESCHE’s daughter’s (Nicole) wedding. Most of them attended Gerry’s and Nancy’s wedding, seems like only yesterday.

Dan Thomas and his T-34 at the Golden Gate Bridge. Tom KECK’s forays on two Russian bombers, the Russian TU-22MZ

Backfire and the TU-95 Bear were reported on Russian television, and caught Tom’s three-star climb into the cockpit (on the Backfire) and ritual

Steve Kirby, Flip Keck, Gerry Boesche, John Buckner, Craig Upton, and Tom Baumgardner at Nicole Boesche’s wedding.

John BUCKNER reports that Ann has a digital camera, which John has banned into perpetuity from his golf outings. Better not see that camera near most of our

golf outings, save for hero shots before.

You will see some of the same suspects in the next picture, sent along

by Roy COPPINGER, taken after the Oklahoma game in early September. Think what it might have looked like had we won. Jeff MEECE is finalizing plans for a proposed cruise, based on class inputs to the letter he sent all of us. He is looking at a seven-day Alaskan Cruise on Holland America Cruise Lines, beginning in Anchorage th

Tom Keck with his Russian counterpart, Gen-Lt Oparin, in the Tu-95 Bear

cockpit. 102

(Seward) on June 23, 2002 and will end in Vancouver, BC on June 30 with stops in College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan. For those who want more, Jeff can arrange for several different pre- and post-cruise land packages in Alaska or the Vancover area.

Post Oklahoma: the usual suspects plus Art Schwall, Roy Coppinger, and Glen Kane. A1 HUNT had a busy summer preparing to perform all the physically demanding events on his son’s summer camp agenda. After sea-kayaking at night, swimming, hiking, camping, and biking, Al is still upright! As a consequence of reading Checkpoints, Al heard recently from Chris

JOHNSON, who lives near Al in Montecito, CA and flies for Delta. Due to space limitations, the AOG is now limiting each Class further on

I’ll queue up news tidbits and photos best possible. Get your cards and letters in early to ensure you get a good seat. All best wishes to you all. Stay in touch. And stay close. Lindsey

verbiage and photos.

Seventy Men Root the Falcons to Yet AnotherVictory Over the Mids. From left in the back row are Doug Norton, RichDowning, Larry Bush, andDenny

Smalley. Front Row: Rich Harrington and Darryl Lundgren.

Dick Rauschkolb

Rose Anne SWANSON and Terry and Sharon DESSERT for a few days in

14640 River Oaks Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80921

July. He also said he and Wild Bill BENEDICT gave Chuck and Barb WEIR a no-notice hospitality inspection in Mesa, AZ a few months ago. Seems the Weirs passed with flying colors they had plenty of Ripple on hand!

Home: (719)487-0887

—

Work: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067 E-mail: Dick.Rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil Percent members: 69

Bill and Connie BENEDICT were also in town to see C3C Connor Benedict over Parents Weekend, but I was on the links when Bill called. They stayed with Bruce and Susan HARMON in Castle Rock. I also saw Doug and Susan CARLSON at the AOG tailgate and I heard Carroll HUNEYCUTT

It is 18 Sept, one week since our lives were changed forever. We lost our innocence last Tuesday. I hope by the time you read this in November that the country is still as committed as it is today to waging and winning the battle against terrorism. Just as Vietnam was our generation’s war, so is this new conflict the war for our sons and daughters and their genera-

was here to see his son Tim.

tion. The patriotism I have seen in the Cadet Wing and the heroism of those New York firefighters and policemen make me feel good about the

an email from one

country and its future. As I write this, we have played only two football games. Oklahoma drubbed us pretty good, but we were still in the game until the fourth quarter when we made some critical turnovers that resulted in some easy Sooner scores. We rebounded the next week for a shutout win against Tennessee Tech. By the time you get this, the real Falcons should have lam still going with an 8-4 or 7-5 season. Just got this picture stood up a 24-18 Falcon victory. in from the Navy game Henry MITCHELL hosted a great party at his home last Saturday. Bemakes me wonder if he lieve me when I say it was a real classy affair really is one of our classmates. Marilyn and I had a great time with Jack and Margie MUELLER, Bruce and Susan HARMON, and Mitch and his charming girlfriend Liz. Former scribe Tony MARIETTA kept the 70 repu—

—

‘

Bob JULSONNET called me last week to see about playing some golf with him and Rick LESCH. Unfortunately, the Academy is closed tighter than a drum at the present time. We will have to take a rain check, men. It takes an act of congress to get on base

—

even with an ID card.

Just got

Hugger PETEET informing me that he and Allison have

a new email address.

They are living at Pawleys Island in South Carolina.

Once he finishes remodeling his home he has invited all of his classmates out for some golf and fishing! Jim BARRALL is making the same offer as soon as his house is finished.

He said it is on the water and, “of course,”

a course.

Dwain STEPHENS checked in with a nice comment about the last issue of Checkpoints. Appreciate it Dwain and Emily! Dave PERRON also sent some nice words about the mag, but failed to let me know what is going on in his life! We saw Cookie and Chris VILLAREAL at the press box before the Tennessee Tech game. In the course of catching up on old times, Cookie uttered something about becoming a grandparent in the near future—I I said YIKES and posted. I guess some of you folks are grandparents but we can’t be that old! Just check out suppose my day will come too —

—

this picture—we are some wild and crazy guys

—

not grandparents!

tation intact by showing up unconscionably late, inappropriately dressed, and sans wife, Val. She was home babysitting. The ‘70 men took a vote

and the next time the Marietta clan has a decision to make on who goes to the party—Val should plan on attending.

For the last five football seasons we have had the pleasure of sitting behind Gino and Nancy QUIST in Falcon Stadium. We have hugged and cried watching the Falcons’ fortunes rise and fall on the gridiron. I regret because we have had some great times not mentioning this before together. My apologies to two great friends! Speaking of super friends, it was our pleasure to host Jay BARRY for dinner a few months ago. We had a great time Jay was doing great work as the AETC IMA while holding I am sure his life is even down a full-time pilot position with Delta busier now. Next time bring Chris, Jay. Saw Marty MARTIN briefly at the USAFA O’Club and former CS-15 Squadron mate Doug NORTON and charming wife, Susan, stopped by Doolittle Hall to say hello. It was good to see them! Dr Mike PADDOCK from Ft Collins should have an advertisement someplace in this issue. Parents Weekend and the Oklahoma game brought John and Linda he was playDISOSWAY to town. I saw John briefly at the golf course —

—

ing the tips and I was up at the gentlemen’s white tees. More importhey take tantly, I got to meet one of his beautiful daughters. WOW after their Mom! John mentioned that he and Linda hosted Dusty and —

A Motley Crew—From left are Roger Hill, Rich Downing, RickHumke, Dick Rauschkolb, Tony Marietta, and TommyThompson.

Some guy from ‘87 dropped me an email to tell me that one Dana DEMAND recently became the commander of the 105 th Airlift Wing (Air Na-

tional Guard) at Stewart AFB, NY. The young captain from ‘87 described the Dana I remember—great guy with a few ethical problems on the golf course. The captain did say that this promotion would keep Dana from sneaking out of his office early to hit the links and it also set back his timetable for joining the PGA Senior Tour. Given recent events, I am sure that timetable has been revised again! Dana has graciously agreed to host 103

big party for all of the ‘70 men and their significant others who attend

next year’s Army-Air Force game at West Point. Sounds like a plan!

Mike and Melissa HUBER are gearing up to move to Geneva, SwitzerProctor land. Mike got an offer he couldn’t refuse from his company —

will mark the first time the Phantom and Gamble. Sounds exciting has left the country. While the Hubers are going overseas, I heard from Ruth’s mother that Dave and Ruth RADCLIFF are returning to the states after several years working for Exxon in Malaysia. Rick BEREIT is still working at Maxwell, finishing up a contract with Lockheed-Martin. Wife, Barb, and daughters Kathleen and Rebekah are in Flagstaff, AZ awaiting Rick’s move to join them. Barb is feeding stray college students and developing a mentoring ministry for the college crowd. Dana ARBAUGH called to tell me he and Linda had a great cruise to Alaska. Evidently, USAA offers a big discount on Holland American Cruise Lines. I know the AOG is planning to offer cruises in the near future. Poor lack MUELLER he had an accident back in April where he shattered his foot and ankle. He is still using crutches. He and Margie have —

tion of four propellers. WWII veterans are dying at a rate of over 100 a day so it was good to see new generations stepping up to care for these irreplaceable war birds. Jerry and his bride, Sharon, won’t be at Reunion, since Sharon is facing major surgery in late October. All the best to you guys! A bright note for the class was Richard REYNOLDS’ recent promotion to Lt General as he assumed command of the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH in June. He noted that this is his third tour at Wright-Pat, “the birthplace, home and future of aerospace.”Thanks to Mark SUCHER, who sent a quick note to let me know of Dick’s promotion, and the folks at ASC, who sent the photo shown here..

—

had a rough go hopefully by the time you get this he is ready to run a few marathons with Rich DOWNING, who recently ran the race to the top of Pikes Peak. —

As usual, lots of emails came my way. Randy LEAVITT, however, sent a real letter, which arrived in an actual envelope! “I just got the most recent edition of Checkpoints. I thought I’d run off a letter that might be of interest to classmates. Several of our class members were stationed together in

SE Asia in the early ‘70s with the 23rd TASS as Forward Air Controllers. Last

fall, a reunion of FACs was held at Hurlburt Field in Florida. Some 600 attended. An association was formed, and our classmate Randy HEATHERINGTON was elected president. Jon WROBLEWSKI was elected vice president. By the way, Dick GRAY and Mark PETERSON, killed in action in SE Asia, were also part of this squadron. So was Pat MCCULLOUGH. Pat and his family are in San Antonio. After retiring, Pat took on the re-

Jack Mueller on the very bumpy road to recovery. Saw Bob MCKINNEY at the dedication to the new athletic facility they

sponsibility of environmental cleanup around Kelly AFB during its recent closing. This was a media-worthy activity in San Antonio. ‘Ed MCGANN and his family and David TROTTER and his family are also in San Antonio. Ed’s son and my daughter graduated in the same

are

building west of the Fieldhouse. We told a few war stories and shared good memories of Prep School days. Both of us ask that you all keep Ken HASSAN, Kdee and Chelsea in your prayers. Ken continues to

class from San Antonio Christian School. David’s son is in the same class

some

wage a difficult and determined battle with cancer. CLASS FUND: Gregg POPOVICH called the other day and gave a nice gift to our Class Fund. Deeply appreciate the support Gregg and Erin!

minister of an active Christian church in the north part of San Antonio.

my son Mark at the same school. Ed has been working in manage-

ment in the manufacturing field since his retirement. David is associate

My wife, Gail, and I also work in Christian ministry. We’re helping start a new Christian church in South San Antonio.

Pop was returning from Turkey when the planes hit the Trade Center—

“I know there are other classmates who were part of the 23rd TASS. Gary

he was laid up in London for five days. He is predicting the Spurs will once again challenge for the top spot in the NBA. I ‘m predicting they will beat those pesky Lakers this year. A Closing Thought: I am sure most of you wish you could suit up again and take part in this war against terrorism Bob CAREY sent me an email saying he was ready to go. While we don’t have too many classmates still wearing the blue suit, those that are still in the service are senior leaders in the Air Force. I also know that many of you have sons and daughters who are serving. Let’s hope and pray that the good Lord lets our children come home safe and gives our classmates the wisdom and courage to conduct this campaign right. Marilyn and I wish you all a wonderful and peaceful Holiday Season. God Bless America!

POINTER and Mark SIEVERS both come to mind. Perhaps a call can go

—

Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Home:(719) 570-9162 Work (719) 594-0100 E-mail: pknott@acninc.net Percent members: 57

Ar/'sfW’ T

As I write this column, we are a nation at war

—

with whom is not clear

By the time you see this, we may have found the masterminds and brought them to justice. Bob MANNING and Ron RAND were in the Pentagon the day of the attack; both are fine. Many of you have friends or family who worked at either the Pentagon or the Wo rid Trade Center. Some of you may know crew or passengers on the four hijacked airliners. All of now.

us understand the ways of war, but I will bet that none of us understand

the ways of terror.

Jerry SHOCKEY was in town recently.

He is with the Confederate Air

Force that flew a B-24 and a B-29 from Denver to the Springs for a week. I had the privilege of flying in one of only two flyable B-24s left in the world. We get used to being in jets nowadays, so the sound of a piston engine cranking, catching and revving was refreshing, as was the vibra

104

out to see if other classmates associated with that squadron could check

in. Dave POWELL was at the same base but in a different squadron. Dave was killed in an F-lll

crash later. “I also wanted to encourage classmates to consider being lifetime members of the AOG if they aren’t already. At our age, the financial options to

do that are pretty reasonable. ‘My wife, Gail, and I and our kids Becky (19) and Mark (17) love having visitors. If anyone is in town, please look us up. Our address is 2119 Daniel Boone Dr., close to the Ingram Mall. Our phone is (210) 520-3153. Our email is rjleave@swbell.net.”

Terry WEIMER is living the role of a househusband in Europe. “We’re currently living in a small village east of Brussels, Belgium, called Leefdaal. Mostly a Flemish community. Very nice people. Melinda is currently assigned to the U.S. Mission to NATO. We are supposed to be here three years, but as a colonel she is always up for grabs. Hope to hear from you all at my new email.” Harry BRYSON: “I’ll be flying from Huntsville, AL to Denver and driving down from there. I don’t know if John RAGAN will be coming or not. He wants to, but just joined Lowe’s as a high mucky-muck in their headquarters near Charlotte, NC. Nephew Weston Kissel is starting his 3rd class year. Thanks much and looking forward to seeing old friends!” Janet (Greg) ROCCO: “Greg stays busy flying in the right seat of the F100 for American and I stay busier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Grandchild #3 is due Sept. 18th.” Wayne BROTHERS: “I’m still in Fort Collins. Departed corporate life a few years ago to try my hand at a start-up company. Nice change of pace if it doesn’t kill me! Hope to see you at the reunion.” One of the busier people in the class is Gordy KAGE. These are several notes, combined in one grand missive: “Congratulations to Bob MANNING for being elected to the Board of Directors for the Air Force Academy Society of Washington last week. There are a number of the USAFA Class of’71 in and out of the area who have passed notes by email. Sometimes we try to get together for lunch in the local area. I enjoyed getting and the bill baltogether Friday for lunch. Twelve of us showed up anced! Lots of talk about kids in college, multiple jobs, and general amaze—

ment at the old people sitting around the table! For those of us who haven’t made the transition to civilian life yet, the discussions on hiring, work, and resumes was illuminating. A recap of who’s doing what goes like so: Mike KONVALINKA is a research fellow with LMI but is also finishing up in the Reserves, serving in SAF/AQ. Mike DOWNIE retired in 1997 and is

consulting as a senior engineer with Coleman Research Corporation. “Rich FISHER is with the Forest Service/Colorado State in Ft Collins, but was in town on his final Reserve tour in AF weather. Rod BOATRIGHT is moving to San Antonio in June and looking for work there. Bob PETERMAN retired last year and is working for AF/XO as a contractor. Ken MILLS retired in 1997 and is a senior associate with Booze Allen Hamilton. Tony PEASE is with Robbins-Gioia and running an Internet company on the side. Jim HOOPER is COO of one of the local consulting firms that does $60M in business each year. Charlie SYLLING retired in 1995 and is a senior consulting engineer for SAIC. Rusty SCHAEFER retired in 1989

(thanks to prior service) and is with Synergy Corporation. Ted MCFARLAND, SAF/IA, had a conflicting seminar on China. Tann PINNEY, who has his own consulting work, had to cancel at the last minute. ‘Mike DZIEDZIC was TDY from NDU and couldn’t make it; Forrest WALLER at SAIC had a farewell for a coworker; Paul HAMILTON at Booze Allen Hamilton couldn’t break free; Jerry O’SULLIVAN couldn’t get in from West Virginia; and John GRUESER is a captain at United and had Reserve duty at AMC headquarters so he couldn’t make it. Would you like to be included on future mailings? If so, let me know your office and home edresses and I will add you to the list.” Bob MANNING had a couple of nice notes, also combined here: “About my role at SAIC, I am out at Tysons’ Corner but I support Air Force XP, FM and CIO on “reachback” support right now. I am still in the process of applying for my old job as a civil servant, so I am working for them on an hourly basis as a “Senior Management Consultant” until the issue is reif that should solved. There is a good chance that I won’t get the job —

happen then I would go full-time with SAIC and start working my way up their food chain. Either way, I won’t know the answer until August. (Scribe note: as noted above, Bob did get his job back.) “I am disappointed John GRUESER never called or tried to set up a dinner since he had mentioned it in June. I guess the SLOC keeps them pretty busy networking. I ran into our classmate Jack OEHME at a meeting this week. We didn’t know each other from before so it took a little bit to make contact. He is with a company working in SAF/AQQ in Rosslyn, close to the Pentagon. Bob PETERMAN is also with my company and was instrumental in my getting contacted and hired by them.” Lance MILLER’S missive: “Ralph and Mary GETCHELL stopped by for a visit with Brenda and me (and their family) on their way back to Boise (Mary’s home). Bill Coleman (another Comp Sci. guy) won an entrepreneurial award recently.” Russ Logan’s son was married on the ninth of June this year. Was the date homage to Mom and Dad? Melody answered: “Our wedding was on the 12th of June, so we celebrated our 30th anniversary on the drive back from Michigan where Lloyd and Aisha were married. Her mom and dad had chosen the June 9th date because of the availability of the wedding

Force becomes the first to operate the 767 Tanker/Transport with its or-

der of four and options for two more. Tom’s role in all this is managing the international business development of the 767 tanker. He says it’s “a switch from normal procurement” since someone other than the USAF will be buying them from Boeing.

Tom would welcome comments or

questions on the issue from any old tanker pilots or young commercial 767 guys at <KC767guy@msn.com>. Thanks, Tom, for the update. The next message came from Ken (Joanne) STOEHRMANN writing from his position at the Defense Security Service (DSS). He spent nine years on active duty (two tours in F-11 Is, Air Staff, and political science faculty at USAFA) before joining the Reserves in 1981 and working in the civilian sector for the next 18 years, while drilling with AF Intelligence. Then in 1999 Ken voluntarily returned to active duty working for Lt Gen Chuck Cunningham, (USAF Ret), then-director of DSS. The general was Ken’s CS32 AOC during doolie year. (Small world.) Current projects include helping out with the big, BIG security clearance backlog at DSS, where they try to dig out from a pile that has approached 450,000 cases. He intends to stay on active duty at DSS until his planned retirement next year. Son Chris is a recent graduate of Bridgewater College in Virginia, where he earned a BS in Business. He is now working for Galyans, an upscale sporting goods company. Daughter Amy is in her senior year at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Ken’s wife, Joanne, has decided to make a mid-course correction to part of her life. Having already taught elementary school for 27 years, and basically being burned out, she got two job offers, and is now pursuing a new career as a flight attendant for US Airways. (Her other offer came from American, but she made what may become the more challenging choice in terms of future company longevity.) Ken reports that she loves the job immensely, comparing some of the more trying passengers with the kindergartners she used to teach. Good luck Joanne in your new venture! Ken sat on two promotion boards recently and had a chance on one of

them to reminisce with BGEN Paul (Dotty) NIELSEN as they had a great

two-week stint at Randolph. Later, Ken had the chance to congratulate Paul on making his second star. Additionally, he talked with Ed (Judy) LAFOUNTAINE (his former CS-32 roommate) who had also made his second star on the same board. (Ed’s present job as commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College may already have been superceded by a new assignment by the time you read this.) And finally, as Ken was dropping Joanne off at National Airport one day, he ran into Clyde HENDERSON, who after retiring a few years ago is now flying for one of the commuter carriers. Ken, many thanks for the info and class news! Jim (Bev) LIVINGSTON of Pine, CO sent a nice note [with accompanying photo] highlighting ‘72ers in action at the annual Vail Lacrosse tournament. A great time was had by all, and hanging out was the order of the day when they weren’t on the fields of friendly (?) strife. At least no

got hurt! The guys from ‘72 included Jim, Gary (Lynn) KITO coming all the way from his new home in New Mexico, and Harry (Terry) CALCUTT flying in from his retirement home in Dayton, OH. Jim again one

extends an invitation to all classmates for this chance to enjoy some great lacrosse and class camaraderie. Appreciate the note, Jim.

planner. Totally coincidental as dates go.” Ron HALE: “Now that I’m finally retired from the AF Reserves, I have nothing to do on Sundays. Ha! Actually, my wife thinks I’m doing bills. Smile!” I think that I’ve saved the best email for last, from Jonne (Ed) SVEUM: “Ed is the Santa Claus at the Mall of Georgia which is the largest mall in Georgia. I think it’s a unique career change for a zoomie.” That’s about it for now. Hope that when we come together in Novem-

her, we’ll have more to celebrate...GBA

Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: rabell767@aol.com Percent members: 50

*** I got an email from the current AFA Assistant Fencing Coach recently. He

Hello again, ’72 classmates. In this time of increased stress and tension for our nation, life still must go on so I’ll attempt to summarize the infermation I have received from you since last we published. Acknowledging that along with thousands of our countrymen, many of us lost friends or family in the devastating events of 11 Sep 01, we should leave discussion of that tragedy for other forums.

The first email to be received since the last issue of Checkpoints was from Tom (Kendra) CRAWFORD in which he reports an address change from the flat plains of Kansas to the rolling hills of St. Louis, MO. Tom retired about four years ago and started work at Boeing on a concept to replace the “venerable” KC-135 and 707 tanker fleet with one based on the Boeing 767. In fact his message reflects the fact that the Italian Air

is undertaking a project to create a “heritage wall” that will have pictures

of all former AFA Fencing teams. Our class is missing from the collection, and his request is to get hold of photos of anyone who was on a fencing team during their years at the Academy. He seeks team photos in particular, but he would probably use any at all, and then all materials would be sent back to the owner. You can contact me with any questions, or Capt Zach Becker <Zachariah.Becker@usafa.af.mil> at the Academy. An email coming from Ed (Laurie) RANSFORD reported a bit of family news. He writes from the Panhandle of Florida where he’s done some dodging of tropical storms, but not too much in the way of alumni socializing. His son Rob entered the Air Force last year, and is now studying at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. He will be an Intelligence 105

Linguist with his specialty being in the language of “Hongul” (Korean), no doubt preparing for some serious duty in the current world. Ed and Laurie are rightfully proud that Rob has “seen the light” and joined up. My final email came from MGEN Lee (Mariel) RODGERS writing of some new and promising vision technology as well as attaching a photo of himself and MGEN Bob (Mary) DIERKER. Bob was there at Wilford Hall Medical Center having the AF-approved PRK surgical procedure done on

his eyes. He followed the lead of the center commander (Lee) who

wanting to be a walking advertisement of the procedure, had his surgery done last April. (If the photo were present with this column, it would show the guys smiling in front of the “excimer laser”.) Wilford Hall is cranking up to do up to 2000 eyes per year on active duty troops to allow warfighters to be able to do their jobs without the need to put artificial lenses in front of their face. This clears up a myriad of problems seen with mask inserts, weather effects on glasses, the inconvenience of contact lenses and so on. One class of 2000 graduate currently in UPT has already had the vision correction! Lee does say, however, that even with all its plusses, this procedure cannot do a lot for the changes that occur with maturity (otherwise called aging). So we still get to wear the cheaters, readers and bifocals, right? By the way, Lee and Bob themselves are currently 20/20, and future computer advances may even allow people to get further improvements to 20/08. ‘Dike” was visiting from HQ/SHAPE where he is responsible for Air Operations. He currently lives in “temporary” quarters built over 40 years ago when the current HQ was set up. On the positive side though, he and Mary do enjoy the security and gardeners who support the CINC. Lee has been at the “Air Force Medical Service flagship” for over a year, calling it an outstanding organization providing world-class service to all its beneficiaries (end of commercial). Lee notes that any grads who are doctors need to know that this is not the Wilford Hall you grew up with. Although still providing world-class education and training, they are now the first ones called for contingency operations—WHMC folks are somewhere around the world 24/7/365 and even as you read this, teams are already out in support of the new war! Thank you Lee for an informative update -1 only wish I was able to utilize your PRK services! As often happens, the final segment of this column notes the loss of a fellow classmate, in this case, Robert (Andy) LAFRENIERE, whose passing resulted from a heart attack suffered on 11 Sep 01. As always, we offer sincere condolences to his wife, Barbara, and all of Andy’s family and friends. Andy stood among us all those many years ago as well as throughout the intervening time. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten by all who knew him. Well, Class of ‘72, with all that is happening around the world, probably no one can predict what will be the state of things in the months to come. I hope all of you and yours have a safe and peaceful Holiday Season, and as you finish reading this newsletter, just drop me an email with your own addition to the next edition. God Bless America.

from a former Academy history professor, Lt Col Tony Kern. His message

simple: We must have the steadfast resolve to stay the course. Citing Clausewitz, the first leg of the triad supporting any war is the will of the

was

people. Let’s all commit to this endeavor! In order to not fully shirk my duties as your scribe, I will pass on what little notes I received this past quarter. Rick KARVOSKY wrote from beautiful Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia (I spent a year there in one two-week stint!). Leaving the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay, he has taken the position of site manager for a contract providing engineering services to the USAF there. Rick mused over the irony that after numerous failed attempts to get to Saudi Arabia while on active duty, he finally lands there as a retiree. In Rick’s own words, he “got tired of all the and decided to head back to his “roots” USAF Engineering.” His blood pressure’s down, he’s making “tons of money” and having a great time. He says he has even landed a job as a cultural tour bus driver running people into Riyadh for Arabian Big Macs! Tim LONG dropped me a quick update on grads and horses. He is still at UPS hauling fast freight in Boeing 757s & 767s from the right seat. He has done so well that they have made him a simulator instructor, where one of his studs, a ‘76 grad, relayed the news that Ken VOLKMAN is now with UPS as a FE on the 747. Tim hasn’t verified this fact with an actual sighting, yet. However, he does run into George RAMPULLA on occasion when George isn’t herding his A300 around. Tim and his bride, Cindi, have taken up the equestrian mode of travel since lighting in Bluegrass Country (aka Louisville). They took the plunge and purchased a horse named, of all things, The Midshipman, which they promptly nicknamed “Doolie”. Fourteen-year old daughter Nicole hasn’t quite gotten the equestrian fever yet, nor has she succumbed to dad’s subtle suggestions about attending a great military institution nestled against the Rampart Range of the Rockies. Tim sent a photo of their new prized possession (the horse is the one with the really pointy ears!). Thanks, Tim! _

_...

—

Tim and Cindi Long with "Doolie”. Ran into Joe KAHOE while he was in Portland. As the IG Team Chief

here for our fighter wing’s UCI, he was in town to ensure our paperwork matched 1) what we said we were doing and 2) what we were supposed to be doing. They must have chartered an airplane to get the crowd he

Dan O’ Hollaren 19803 Derby St West Linn, OR 97068 Home: (503) 657-0299

brought with him out here, not to mention all of those sets of golf clubs. I’m not certain, but rumor has it he also cut three strokes off his golf handi-

Work: (503) 667-8554 E-mail: danoh73@home.com

cap while out here. But you didn’t hear it from me! Also got a note from Bill RITTER passing on one of the countless Internet responses to the

Percent members: 44

Although it is the Holiday Season gatherings, for gift giving, for family

—

a time for

celebration, for joyous

as I write this to you it is

Septem-

her 12 th 2001. The nation and the world have been tipped upside down ,

through events planned over years and executed within minutes. Each of us, whether we wear the uniform now, or did in the past, cannot help but be deeply impacted by the results as well as the ramifications. I feel compelled to dedicate the column to this subject. As I am sure we all felt on Sept 11 th I was stunned to numbness from the enormity of the situation. My thoughts transcended many facets of my being. The human side of me felt the pain and anguish of so many helpless people trapped either in an airliner-turned-missile or a toppling skyscraper. The engineer side of me began analyzing how could we have changed the design, the systems, or the structure of the Boeing airplanes to thwart such an evil act. And the fighter pilot side of me wanted to throw patience aside and immediately retaliate! Even as the horrific images unfolded before us all on countless television screens throughout the world, the full measure of impact this would have was beginning to come into focus. The social, cultural, and financial repercussions have been enormous. I am afraid we have not seen the end of these, but only the beginning. As an active officer ,

within the Air National Guard, I have been summoned to serve, and do so proudly. I welcome the opportunity and the privilege to ensure the freedoms for which we have fought so long will be preserved and defended. Many of you may have read the essay circulating throughout the Internet 106

Sept 11 tragedy. No other news from Bill. The Academy Athletic Department is breaking ground on a new addition to the current athletic facilities and needs our help. (No, they got all of the old jock straps from on top of the lockers!) The plan is to include an “Athletic Hall of Education” designed to honor and recognize those varsity letter winners who went on to accomplish great things (just graduating doesn’t count) during and after their Air Force career. Specifically, they would like photos, awards, or any other memorabilia that reflects your cadet days as an athlete. If you believe you fit into this category, drop me a note and I will pass it on. Now’s not the time for modesty, guys. This is your chance to be eternally immortalized for your efforts on the “Fields of Friendly Strife” and beyond. Let’s show the Academy what the Class of ‘73 has accomplished! Well, my cup is empty. As the days, weeks and months pass from this truly momentous time, let us not forget our call to arms and the tradition that preceded and will follow our days in the cockpit, the missile silo, the engineering laboratory, or wherever our career has lead us. We have much to be thankful for; now is the time to remember that. As winter closes in,

I sense a chill in the air... AMF & Check Six!

Visit the AOG Web Site

Merchandise, Gone But

Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

microwave for a minute and eat it.’ Justiz started the Space Store in 1997 1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

as a hobby to help her learn the Internet and to get over her fear of computers. She’d do her radio show during the day and go home and pack

Friendswood, TX 77546

orders at night. The store has grown from nine products to more than

Phone: (281) 482-6860 Office: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8909 E-mail: jbrezl@prodigy.net or

tronaut mission patches, space toys and more.” ( Houston Chronicle)

Joe Brezovic

500. Products include flight suits for adults and kids, space food, real as-

Way

to go Charlie!

Tom GREEN has made a tour of the Southwest from Reno this past sum-

joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

mer! Along the way, he stopped at USAFA the last time being in 1978. Tom wrote that the campus certainly impressed the kids. [1978? No won-

Percent members: 45

—

Hello classmates, each of us across the globe are wishing and praying for your good health.

Regarding the September 11 depressing day... Many of you have followed the news coverage on TV heard personal accounts on phone calls, read emails, read letters. The event has touched many of us, and will continue to touch many more of us as our country reconciles the heart-

aches, hurts, and our security. I have come to know of one 74 fatality as of the date of this memo, September 21. The following is an edited excerpt. “Charles Edward “Chuck” JONES, a retired U.S. Air Force officer who was trained as an astronaut, was among the 92 victims of American Airlines Flight 11. Jones was chosen in 1982 for the military’s Manned Spaceflight Engineers program, and was assigned to fly in August 1987 to assist the deployment of two payloads. His flight however, was cancelled after the Challenger accident in January 1986. After leaving the MSE program in January 1987, Chuck was stationed at Bolling AFB and then as

Systems Program Director for Intelligence and Information Systems, at Hanscom AFB. According to the Boston Herald, Chuck boarded American Airlines Flight 11 on 'a routine business trip to Los Angeles.’” Apause for thoughts of Chuck and his family... One of our classmates survived the attack on the Pentagon: Blair BOZEK was working in the section of the Pentagon that was hit. He told me that his office walls were blown down, and he helped his GS-14 boss get out through the smoke and fire. His office was in the C-ring, and two offices th away seven people were killed in a DIA vault. Blair got out via the 4 corridor exit then went along the outside of the E-ring, checking for vietims inside the blown-out windows. He and the helipad fireman helped pull out three women who were trapped in one office. Blair was kneeling on the windowsill while he pushed debris out of the way so the women could get close enough to the window to grab his hand. Since smoke was billowing out of the window, Blair had to duck down to breathe fresh air. When they finally cleared out, Blair was put on an oxygen bottle for one and a half hours to clear his lungs. Later, Blair helped with the medical triage at the Pentagon. He saw one of the women he had saved who had a badly burned arm, and he got medical attention for her. Since Blair had lost all his keys in the office, he had to get a ride home that evening and have a locksmith let him in his house. He’s got a new office now in another section of the Pentagon. On a lighter note... this is about the Christmas time of year, so this is my annual request to be put on your Christmas card list. Over the years, this has been the best source of news and pictures. There have been a

few exceptions that classmate reunions have had a historian available for pictures and news. A kind spouse had sent in an update or change of address too. Thanks for covering the news, spouses! Another source has been business cards, although I readily admit I haven’t had any since the 25 th reunion in 1999. ‘Twas just yesterday. Note the email on the header. If you see the next column, the Class of 1975 seems to be trying to go electronic! Personally, I haven’t evolved that far. I still let my youngsters program the TV and now the computer! Do any of you have trouble getting "puter” time during normal hours? Surely it reminds you of late night work on Benny Burroughs over in Fairchild. I’ve a few pieces of information. One has to do with pieces of food! Actually, it’s a food chain of Space Food! Who woulda thought this idea would take off? And it’s a natural thing to take. The following article is a near reprint of a Lockheed-Martin article: “Yes, say folks at the Space Store. They have created a line of hydrated, vacuum-packed ‘comfort foods’ that includes meatloaf, chicken fajitas, beef stew, chicken noodle soup,

der why he was surprised at the growth, and traffic. I was there again this

past September. I’d say take a navigator to watch out for your six, and your left, and your right, as you go up and down Academy Blvd. Anyone remember when civilization came all the way out to the McDonalds at Union?] From the mail, it seems Tom has moved to Reno. He continues: ‘Reno has been an all-around pleasure for the family, with great schools,

traffic, plenty of activities, excellent shopping and the advantage of close proximity to Lake Tahoe for summer fun and winter skiing. We just zero

a 30-minute door-to-door bought our annual ski passes to Mt. Rose drive from our house.” [Sounds like a place to visit! I know there are a few of you with traveling rigs!] Their daughter Sarah is a senior at the univershe’s sity and has aspirations of publishing her first children’s book now on her second. Check out her web site at http://CoreyGreen.com Tom and Denise have two sons and one other daughter (boy-girl-girlboy) to keep the family involved with soccer, baseball and softball. And here’s an update of 27 years... well, maybe a bit more recent than —

—

that! MarkSHEPROW. Mark has been at Continental Airlines since 1987. “The only other 74 grads I know of are Frank SHANLEY, Scott MURPHY, and Sam BIONDO, and we all got to Continental the same way, merging into it in 1987 via New York Airlines, where we had all been hired in 1981.

Shanley and I essentially had spent out entire active and Reserve careers at McGuire AFB flying C-141s. He retired about four years ago. I stayed, and recently transferred to a liaison job with FEMA in NYC. Unfortunately, we’ve been very busy since last Tuesday, 11 Sep.” May those of you who have retired, or are retired and on your second or third career, and those continuing to work to provide for family and yourselves, be blessed with safety and good health, and be provided with wealth at least to cover the necessities. In short: Live long and prosper.

■tesem-

Jeff Hackett 2610 E. Stottler Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296 Home: (480) 558-8703

E-mail: jhackett75@home.com Percent members: 50

IF IT WEREN’T FOR MY CONSCIOUS.

Those who wondered whether

I would show any contrition after my summer column faux pas, here it is

I’m executing my scribe responsibilities a mere five days before my

daughter’s wedding! Actually, I’m counting on some therapeutic value in sitting here “corresponding” with friends and I also figured this would be a great place to solicit donations. Yes, Tiffany will have pulled off the adult life “trifecta” in a 60-day period, having graduated from ASU in August and now getting married and moving out of her mom’s house in September.

minestrone soup, peach yogurt, bread pudding, cherry-blueberry cobbier and potato soup. The foods can be purchased at www.thespacestore ‘

making a full meal of space fare quite pricey. It’s the whole novelty of it,’ said Dayna Steele Justiz, a former Houston radio disc jockey and president of the Space Store. ‘We are hopefully going to figure out .com.

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ways to bring the price down, and maybe this will appeal to campers. It’s a little pricey now, and the appeal is mainly for the novelty of eating what the astronauts eat. But it’s not a novelty for the astronauts. It’s their bread

Kent Traylor and Wayne Willis provided support for the father of the bride.

and butter, no pun intended.’ The store doesn’t provide the actual food NASA sends into space with its astronauts, it uses recipes that NASA provided and it’s packaged to the same specifications. It has a five-year shelf life, and it’s very good, and you can cut it up and eat it,’ said Justiz, whose

Those of you that have survived this father-of-the-bride deal probably know what I’m talking about when I say it’s a real mix-master of emo-

husband, Charlie JUSTIZ, is a former NASA test pilot. ‘You can take it out of the packaging and put it on a plate and eat it, or you can pop it into the

Unfortunately I am compelled to remain in the more serious vein as I advise that Jeff and Taryn GRAVES’ son, Theron, was battling effects of a

‘

tions, a whirlwind of activity, and rock-solid proof that it’s later than you think (OK, we got that out of the way early this time)!

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brain tumor at the time of this writing. Obviously quite unexpected for a 15-year-old apparently-healthy kid who is now “scared, disoriented, un-

steady, and has a problem with his short-term memory.” Surgeons were only able to remove part of the tumor and everyone was waiting on pathology test results to know the next step. Thoughts Jim CARLSON included when he passed along this news says it all: “Life doles out its somber hardships in seemingly random fashion among us; and if those of us who happen to be in a more fortunate position at that particular time in our lives can take a few minutes to say ‘I’m here if you need me’ to the one hitting the stronger headwind, then we uplift each other. As time passes and we each get older and wiser and hit other headwinds along the way, I hope we draw even tighter as a class. I’m afraid we’ll be getting more notes like this from each other in the future. But we’ll endure and give each other the comfort and encouragement that helped us get through the Academy.” And as proof-positive that that spirit exists, 1) I saw a wonderful message of hope from Joe and Cathy MARKSTEINER to the Graves family recounting Liz Marksteiner’s progress in her battle with Stage 3 non-Hodgkins lymphoma (diagnosed in Aug 2000 at the age of 15 also). And 2) Carol THOMPSON wrote to say that Bill continues his battle with prostate and colon cancer; “chemo scheduled to end in Nov, blood work looks good right now... looking forward to another 26 years of marriage.” Hope we’ll all follow Jim’s advice and continue to lift all three of these families up with our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes. YOU’RE WAY AHEAD OF ME. Given my serious disadvantage (I write in September, you read in December) I will refrain from reflections on the events of 11 September and our nation’s response other than to say that our classmates at the Pentagon, Mike MARRO, Gil BRAUN, Dean COX, A1BREADY, Kent TRAYLOR, Chip DIEHL, and Hugh GORDON (plus others I’m forgetting) were not injured in the attack there. Hugh sent me an interesting/harrowing extensive account that I’m hoping will be published elsewhere in this magazine (either way, look for it at our class web site also). As I write this I know Kent’s now deputy director for USAF Crisis Response Center and that Bob MARR, Duane LODRIDGE’s, and Bob KNAUFF’s Guard Units there in the Northeast were heavily involved in the initial air defense posture we established. I feel safe in predicting that there will have been many more contributions from our classmates by the time you read this. May God continue to keep our Nation, her citizens, and her defenders in His hands. The only ‘75er-related “casualty” of the whole episode at this time would appear to be Rich and Mary CHANICK’s (darn-near-world-famous) annual Halloween party here in Phoenix -1 got a note from them today saying that they have decided to cancel this year’s gathering and will be donating budgeted funds to the

ongoing relief/recovery efforts back East. WORLD TENSIONS n-1. Don’t know if the picture will take you back to the big headlines from earlier this year when Chinese F-8 pilot learned about Law of Greater Mass in collision with U.S. Navy P-3. Our classmate Kevin LANZIT has been in the Chinese Embassy for some time and had occasion to be on site for the aircraft disassembly/packing for return trip to U.S.

Kevin Lanzit inspects P-3 prop.

EXIT TO YOUR RIGHT PLEASE. The exodus from active duty continues! In addition to the names I included in last column I’ve seen references to the following retirements: Jim HEALD is now NASA’s director of

Not sure where from or exactly when John SCHERER retired but he proudly announced he was moving to Wisconsin. On the flip side of that informational coin, I see that Jim BURLING will be retiring as chief of Assignments and Readiness for AFSPC in January but no idea where he’ll be going. Jim HARTNEY, Rudy ROTH and Greg BERLAN have retired to points unknown. Although they weren’t actually “over the side” at the time, Mike ANDERSON reports seeing these classmates at June session of the Executive Transition Assistance Program at Bolling AFB Steve —

PITOTTI, Walt BURNS, Bill KUREY, and John BALL. And it’s not just the full-time guys... Bruce MITCHELL was set to wrap up his weekend warrior career (USAFR) this fall; expects to stay busy with his civilian career at Lockheed-Martin and watching the family grow up (last kid out of high school this month and first daughter’s wedding was in July).

STILL MANNING THE WATCH. Of course it just seems like everyone has hit the road; in fact, there are those who are still serving. Like Tom BARBERA who is Med Group CC at Osan—happily vested in the operational mission of the AF after all these years. He “enjoys a happy marriage to a wonderful, tolerant woman; has a young family (kids 3,6 & 8) and enjoy a surprisingly safe/secure 1960’s hometown lifestyle in our Little America.” Tom is thinking he’ll stay for at least one more assignment and is anxiously waiting to see what the AFPC and Colonels Group wheel of fortune brings next summer. Tom and family recently utilized the “surprisingly reliable” daily C-17 flights from McChord through Elemendorf and Yokota to Osan to do a little sea kayaking in Prince Williams Sound in Alaska. Tom encourages us to take advantage of the “Space A” thing to see these great destinations and/ or to visit them at “the end of the line” at Osan. If it wasn’t noted elsewhere in this issue, let me be the first to pass along the news that Bentley RAYBURN is now commandant of Air War College and vice commander of Air University. Mike ANDERSON wrote as he returned from a trip to South America with a group of Congressmen. While there he saw Chuck and Roxanne HOLLAND in Bolivia... they just love the job and are applying to extend tour to three years. Unfortunately, Mike and his party’s visit to the Chilean Embassy occurred while A1 PIOTTER was out of town, but he heard second-hand that he’s also enjoying life south of the equator! And then in Buenos Aires, he saw Jaun KAMBOURIAN’s wife, Kim they both work in the U.S. Embassy there. OTHER JOB CHANGES/MOVES. Saw a very interesting note from Chuck -

WOODS, who was getting ready to go to Machau, China as CEO of Jet Asia, a corporate charter. Chuck had been director of marketing and sales for folks that do Northwest Airlines Training. Rick McALISTER has relocated from San Diego to Seattle (“where there are real trees” but they hedge their bet against overcast skies by keeping a place in San Diego). Rick is counsel with Gray, Cary, Ware & Freidenrich and his wife is a partner with Gray Cary. And a name I know I haven’t mentioned in some time John CZABARANEK is a US Airways Captain based at BWI. John made 0-6 in the Reserves and will surrender his job as 756AS/CC for spot as deputy director of the National Air Traffic Services Cell at Dulles Airport. If this doesn’t qualify as a “job change” what does? Tom UDALL informs that, ‘William Philip Udall made his appearance at 0550, 1 August, at 8 lbs, 7 oz and 21 V2 inches.” Two things to say to that, Tom: “Congratulations!” and “Have yourself committed!” YOUR PARTY PERMIT HAS BEEN REVOKED. Dave WALLACE reported on the D.C. area “75 Beach Fete” that took place in July at Cape Henlopen. Although there were only four classmates there (Wallaces, Traylors, Marros and Lyerlies) a good time was had by all; Dave even talked about a late summer redux. All I can say is somebody better take a camera and send the Scribe a picture! And just to show you that I practice what I preach, I’ll punish you with another picture of me! This one was taken at the USAFA home opener vs. Oklahoma, who looked every bit the part of returning National Champs! h Actually a great game until the 4t Quarter and I’m forever in Phil PEARCE’s debt for making it possible for me to go -1 had been at Kirtland -

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Spaceport Engineering and Technology at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), works in the same organization as Bruce HEVEY. Brian DUFFY left the astronaut business after 16 years, but remains in the space field having taken a job with Lockheed-Martin at KSC. John LADIEU retired from the Pentagon this summer and was headed back to the Newport News, VA area. Jim EKEN is back in Colorado Springs, having gotten a very special farewell from everyone at 341 st Space Wing. Mark RISI was still trying to decide what kind of job he wanted to get and if he was going to grow up in any case he and his wife plan on staying in Alaska. Gil BRAUN retired -

in July but obviously stayed on at the Pentagon as a civilian (see above), I

hear he wore his amazingly well preserved, Doolie-issued USAFA T-shirt at his retirement ceremony. Also need to update you on the fact that Daniel Patrick Braun was born on 27 Jun 01, weighing in at 9 lbs 5 oz. Gill

says, “He is healthy. I’m not so sure about mom and dad right now, but once we get a little sleep, we might know more.” 108

JeffHackett and Phil Pearce part ofthe record crowd at Falcon Stadium. -

AFB for the two weeks before Labor Day on my USAFR Annual Tour when

Phil called, said he had an extra ticket, and was willing to adjust his flight

plan to come through Albuquerque to pick me up. AMAZING COINCIDENCES. Saw an email from Russ TRINTER on the occasion of his running into Jan COOPER in Gillette, WY (can’t decide if that makes it more amazing definitely not on the “beaten path;” or less amazing my guess is that when you’re in Gillette, it’s not a very big deal to see everybody else that’s in Gillette at that time). The quick updates on both: Russ got out of AF to in June ’80, spent one year on family farm in Ohio, joined civilian work world in Human Resources in ’81 in Pennsylvania and stayed there for 17 years, moved back out West in ’99 to Gillette, WY still in Human Resources. Jan (Russ’s comments in parenthesis) ac-

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five duty for 10 years, flew with the Arizona National Guard for 15 years, retired and thought he could keep his feet on the ground (wrong), tried a restaurant (bad decision), wanted a small town and remembered Fort Collins as a nice small place (not any more it’s not), drove up the road to Cheyenne and went to work for United Express for a short time but now flies “Wyoming One” (flies state officials wherever they need to go). Saw a separate note directly from Jan that validated much of the above and noted that Dale (they’ve been married 26 years) is part-time nurse for a dermatologist and that their daughter Beth (the “princess”) is still in Tucson. NOTE TO THOSE THAT ENJOYED ‘STICKING IT TO THE COMPETIHON”. Actually I realize that we’re all excessively competitive but, in this case, I’m talking about the Fencing Team. Current USAF Fencing coach is creating a “heritage wall” for the Falcon Fencers and would like to have some pictures (preferably showing the entire team) from our era. Contact Captain Zach Becker via the Athletic Department if you can help. YOU’VE ALREADY HEARD IT AND I’M OUT OF SPACE! But please write /call! Ernie Woollard

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mmj)i

216 E. Goettler St.

Scott AFB, IL 62225-1710

hsLsJImk

Home: (618) 744-1044 / Work: (618) 256-7948

E-mail: evw76@aol.com Work e-mail: Ernest.Woollard@scott.af.mil Class Website:http: / /www.AFAcademy.com/76 Percent members: 48

On September 11, 2001, the course of our lives was changed forever...

whether still in uniform serving on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the Air National Guard... or providing support as a retiree or civilian member of the society... I know we stand together, the Spirit of ‘76, to do again what our country may ask us to do. Lord, guard and guide our men and women who fly, bless them as they go forward in the line of duty... and God Bless America!

Fly safe; regards to all... ERNIE

5107 Juglan Court

Centreville, VA 22020 H: (703)802-6611 W: (703) 712-5350 Fax: (703) 712-5050

flying MD-88s. Mike RUGGIERO (Lisa) is now checked out as a Line Check Captain on the 727. For us non-airline types, the Line Check people are flying IPs who go out with the new guys with paying passengers on board for initial takeoffs and landings. As Stan noted, “When Mike sucks all the air out of the cockpit, you know it is time to flare.” Quaker OAKES (Lori) is also in MD-88s, as is Tom DETTMER, out of Dallas. Here are the other folks that Stan identified: John CHRIST (Louise), 737 FO out of Adanta; Gil OPP (Jane) 757/67 FO in Adanta; Kevin O’SHAUGHNESSY (Marianne), 737 IP out of Adanta; Rich ZATORSKI, 737 FO out of Atlanta, by way of Orlando; Keith WILLIAMS (Karen), 727 Captain out of Atlanta; Bob ZAEHRINGER (Eileen) flies for Delta out of New York; and Bill ZINK is a 737 IP for Delta. In the course of his union activities (I can’t believe I actually know people who are union officials), Stan runs into Karl SCHRICKER (Karen), who is with American out of Dallas as well as John CHRIST. Stan sees Mike and Bonnie WEINSTEIN about once a quarter in Albu-

querque—Stan comments on Mike’s recent picture in Checkpoints, noting “Do you think we could ever get him to smile?" I don’t know about Mike, but yours truly is definitely trying to smile more after Stan’s last comments concerning my unsmiling visage. Thanks again for writing most of the column, Stan.

Fellow '76ers...

John J “Lou” Michels, Jr.

Rich and Stan On one of his first flights with Delta, Stan flew with Felix GARCIA (Tracey)

I got a telephone call (nice to know some of you guys can still recognize numbers on a keypad) from Bob MASSEY (Andrea), who is flying for Northwest and living in Tucson. Bob is flying the DC-9 after retiring last year from Davis-Monthan as the ops officer for the 42nd ACCS. Bob’s oldest son graduated from Arizona and is a master’s candidate there now. His daughter is still in college, and just to keep things interesting, he has a 12year-old. Sounds like you were maintaining good separation, guy. Bob noted that TJ KING (Sally) is also flying for Northwest out of Arizona and that Bobby WILKES (Kathy) has left the Wing Commander’s job at DavisMonthan to go to Maxwell, where he took over as the head of CADRE. Mark CASTELLANI (Susan) dropped me a note from Denver, where he

Ken DAVIS (Julie). Ken is flying the A320 for Northwest out of the Twin Cities. Mark’s son has just finished (gasp!) Naval Academy Prep School and noted that everything there was “Beat Army,” as if Air Force didn’t exist. No surprises there, Mark. The Squids are simply focusing on ran into

w-SmIW fwj

E-Mail: jjmichel@mwbb.com Percent members: 42

I was driving across the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge on my way into the District of Columbia at about 9:40 a.m. I saw a flash and movement off to

the achievable, rather than the impossible. PR HELM (Cameron), who I think is a first-time correspondent, wrote to give a quick update on his post-USAF life. He retired in 1998 from command of the 7th SOS over in England, got hired by American Eagle as a pilot figuring to get picked up by one of the major airlines shortly. In the interim, Lockheed made him an offer to do flight testing on the C-

130J and he has been in Atlanta ever since teaching RAF, RAAF and Ital-

my right and when I looked I saw an orange ball of fire rising into the sky supported by a towering black column of smoke. My first thought was that someone had crashed at National Airport, but then I realized this

ians how to fly the new Here. As PR notes, “I guess I’m really a merce-

was far too close.

Stream of Consciousness. Former CS-33 denizens sent me an extended email chain of comments from various people, which I will do my best to reprint here. Horst ROEHLER (Mary) has left Colorado Springs (too crowded) and moved out to 35 acres in Elbert, right next to Kelly Air Park. Horst notes that his youngest daughter just got married. Don McCUNE is living in Memphis, flying for Northwest and noted that his oldest just graduated from high school. Lee BAUER (Bernadette) is now pulling a one-year TDY to Sofia (that’s Bulgaria, not some woman) to run engagement issues with a soon-to-be NATO nation. Don BRUBAKER (Char) is living up here in Virginia, leading a contractor team to do analysis with the National Security Space Architect. He has identical twin boys (three years old) and a three-month-old girl and notes that he is going for the Methusalah award for the oldest dad. We might have a few that can beat you, Don, and I suspect announcing it this way will cause a bunch more to try. Monty MONTGOMERY is flying for Northwest out of St. Louis. Jim DART (Susan) is teaching math in a suburb of San Antonio and Tim HOPPER (Mary Ann) is the Deputy CC of the AF Warfare Center at Nellis.

Then I made the connection with New York and what I That’s where I was. Although there was a lot of general information out in the D.C. area that day, news on individuals took a long time to trickle out of the Pentagon. It wasn’t until much later that evening that I knew that none of the dozen or so of our classmates that were in the building were casualties of this monstrous act. I will remain hopeful that by the time you read this we will have moved directly to exact an appropriate price for the attacks on the United States. And now for something completely different: Stan HILL (Cindy), as reported in the last column, wrote me a treatise on the airline pilot world. Recent events have only reinforced my belief that the life of a commercial pilot is not nearly as uneventful as Stan and his coworkers sometimes indicate. I only got part of the way through Stan’s tome last time so I will pick it up from there and we will start with a picture. I mentioned last time that Rich HOUCK (Terri) and Stan flew together on the 727 and here is the photo to prove that even sim instructors make it into the cockpit sometimes. saw at our office before I left.

nary, but going to Pisa for 30 days to fly with the Italians won’t be too bad.” Thanks for the update, PR.

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Thanks a million for the update, Ratz. SHOOTING STARS: Mark SHACKELFORD fired me a very short email with the following picture of the 0-7 selectees attending the Senior Leaders Orientation Course in D.C. (these guys never call me

anymore).

2. Former commander of the 91 st AR Squadron, 22 nd Operations Group, and 436 th Airlift Wing. 3. Olmstead Scholar in Shanghai, PRC (Is that right, comrade?) 4. Harvard grad. 5. All the tickets were punched from SOS, to ACSC, to NWC 6. And my favorite, the Special Assistant to the Assistant of the Chairman, JCS (Whatever the hell that is?)

7. Run of the mill medals such as Air Medals, MSM, doda, doda!

8. More college degrees than you can shake a stick at! 9. Able to schmooze with the best of them, as well as leap buildings

with a single bound, more powerful than a locomotive, etc. Presents: So, what do we get the COMM that has everything? Some thoughts follow: 1. A top fuel-modified golf cart (AKA BG Vandenberg, Jr, 1 Each, Issue, AF) for chasing down those spirited cadets (i.e., he’s not getting any -

SLOC Prisoners

Right to left the group is Mark, Bill LORD (Cynthia), Kirk CICHOWSKI (Laura), Doug MARLOWE (Barbara) (Doug is an SES), Irv HALTER (Judy), Dave EDGINGTON (Siobhan) and Dave SCOTT (Leslie). Mark notes that Jeff REMINGTON (Marla) was also in the group but got diverted to a “more important task” just before someone took the picture. Perhaps dinner. Mark also notes “Sorry, no dirt to pass along with the photo. We were all on our best behavior.” If so, that’s a first for that many generals, at least in my experience. First of all: congratulations, gentlemen. Second, get to work. We need you. I know that Dave EDGINGTON is the CC at Seymour with the F15Es. He reported on Mark LINDSLEY (Patti), and I have traded phone calls with Mark from his new position at the Pentagon. As I understand it, Mark is responsible for most of the overhead recon assets for the AF. Dr. Lynn SCOTT (Cynthia) and Jay FAWCETT (Susan) had dinner with me one night in Alexandria talking over old times. Lynn now works for RAND on officer retention issues and Jay continues to work for SAIC, doing a variety of things that I am not sure I can talk about. And finally, Tom TOOLE is back in town, teaching at ICAF. END GAME: AJ GIPSON (Medina) sent me an extended greeting containing lots of info. AJ has retired from the AF and is ostensibly working for the Department of Energy, but right now is doing investigations for the House Appropriations Committee. AJ notes that he is having a “blast” and this assignment obviously explains some of the budget numbers that have been coming out of D.C. lately. AJ reports that Mike RYAN (Olga) —

no relation to the Chief

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was in D.C. from

Chicago, looking to relocate.

Bernie PETERS (Jeanne) is headed to Kadena as the Vice CC. T. PARKER

is flying for United over their Asia routes out of Sacramento. Frank WAIT.ACE is now in management at FedEx and Zach BAILEY is living in Georgia. AJ also reports that Bobby CLEGG is working at the Joint Warfare Center at Virginia Beach and Jim McREYNOLDS (Dottie) now works for Verizon, also in the Hampton Roads area. On a very interesting political note, AJ reports that Daryl JONES (Myoushi) has tossed his hat in the ring for Governor of Florida. Given that he is pulling 70% of the total vote in his district, I would not bet against Daryl in any election. CJ JONES just retired and is headed to Denver as a High School ROTC instructor. Ricky COSBY is out of Offutt and down at Maxwell. The occasion for all of this newsgathering by AJ was Craig ADAMS’ retirement at the end of July, where AJ saw all of these people. AJ notes that Craig, Mike CROSS and Darrell all have sons in the freshman class at the Zoo. Many thanks for the update, AJ, and keep those House guys straight. CLOSEOUT: For those of you still on active duty, you have our thoughts, prayers and best wishes for good hunting. As for the rest of us, let’s support the guys who are hanging it out there... Be seeing you.

younger, you know). 2. A detailed map of the tunnels, with guide included, for capturing

those wayward Cool 2% of cadets that always cause trouble. 3. One war-torn F-4 deposited promptly, every morning, into his parking space. 4. A pair of fluorescent RED SUSPENDERS to bond with the next red

class. 5. Unbreakable fire alarms, so those cadets that are late for lights out cannot possibly have a friend set off the alarms in order for them to get back without being late. 6. A gazillion Form 10s (essential for every COMM). 7. An “All Rights” inspection conducted by his wife/girlfriend/significant other.

8. Cadets that miss every morning formation, just to go to church. 9. A giant 78 on the flat iron at every graduation.

10. And FINALLY, STEREO PRIVILEGES. Bad Rumor: No, the ice palace will not be turned into a giant, kingsized TACO BELL. And in Passing: Wouldn’t it be great to have the 25 th year reunion (in 2003) with our classmate commandant on the staff tower as we eat a meal at Mitch’s with the latest, greatest cadets. And, lo and behold, he approaches the staff tower microphone for “Take Seats,” unbuttons and removes his blouse, and there for all to see is, a PAIR OF RED SUSPENDERS. Just a thought from an old, bold, cadet. Age of Men: And so, with the appointment of our Commandant, the Age of Men has not passed into oblivion, but is held in high esteem. For, I see a star for our classmate, S. Taco Gilbert commandante extraordinair. God Bless and God’s Speed. Over and out... Bahaska sends. -

Brian Koechel 12819 102nd Ave. NE

Kirkland, WA 98034 (425) 821-8895

-MjjprSr

E-mail: Bkoechel@aol.com Percent members: 41

What a sobering time to write, the end of September 2001. Our class has dealt with tragedies before, and even a complete paradigm shift from USSR to “the Russians are our friends,” but how do you deal with CAPs over New York and D.C.? Even words are affected “martyr” seemed to —

something that was done TO YOU, not something you do to yourself and others. Wow. Seems like the War College scenarios have finally been read and acted upon by the bad guys. God Bless all who have been impacted directly, and indirectly and that is a very long list. As I write, mean

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T. J. “Bahaska” Whitehair 1205 Southview Drive

O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 632-1423 E-mail: Bahaska@intertek.net Percent members: 40

the blows have not yet fallen on those who would kill thousands of innocents. As I heard one commentator say, “Good hunting,” and God bless you and the USA. I do hope this finds you getting back to normal, at least with an 11 September asterisk. I have had the honor and pleasure to work with, and

for, several classmates these days. In running the Global Air Traffic Ops System Program Office (SPO) up here at Hanscom, we deal with fixed and mobile Air Traffic Control radars, GPS, and navaids by the dozen. My main customer is Kip SPURIO (Maj ret now GS-15), at the Air Force even

SLOW: Well, it’s been pretty slow around the old homestead this summer (translation NO NEWS FROM YOU GUYS), but it’s about to pick up. Just when you thought it was safe to torture the Commandant, as ‘78ers did so well throughout the years, a new wrinkle appears. Yes, it’s Taco Man. New Commandant: Just in case you haven’t heard, ‘78er S. Taco GILBERT has taken over the Commandant’s position at the blue zoo, effecfive Aug. 3, 2001. So, I’ve just got to do a feature on him... Commandant Statistics (For All You Strivers): 1. Command pilot with some 2,500 hours in T-38B (Talon), FB-111A (Aardvark), and KC-135R/T/RT (Attack Tankers or Recce Attack Tankers). -

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Flight Standards Agency at Andrews AFB, and he’s a former CS-09 BCT tentmate! Kip now heads up the Directorate of Requirements, with whom I interface almost daily.

Things started off really well...

However, moments later when I popped our first cost and schedule overrun on Kip, he inexplicably lost that loving feeling... but the second picture, after the first cost & schedule slip, was pulled as evidence. Well, at least Kip’s new boss, Col Scott GRUNWALD (Debbie) hasn’t lost that loving feeling. I caught Scott and Debbie in the act the act of of picking what color the new doing that all-important bonding commander’s wallpaper will be (I am not kidding, either). I think the final pick was “Dark Ages Grey” or something like that. Congrats to Scott —

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on his new command.

One of my “users” is former tennis partner Greg BRUNDIDGE who is at Oklahoma City ALC and proud “owner” of ACC’s 3 rd herd. For the airlines

contingent, that’s a Combat Communications Group

about as good as

it gets in Comm.

The owner is a great patriot and recognized the Airman and Officer of the Year for 2000 on the field before the game and Bob even threw out the first pitch! Bubba claims that it was indeed a called strike. You’d think it would be for a guy selected to run the AF’s Senate operation in D.C. betcha he’s busy these days! Mike “Trash” ASHLEY, the newest “cub reporter” on the AOG beat, has done a great job keeping me pumped up on news. He was in contact with Guy WILLS, who bumped into Roy CLELAND full colonel, one each. Still looks the same, sayeth Guy full head of hair only now it’s all silver. He just finished up a year as a Strat Senior Controller, and is -

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Now if this isn’t a scary picture, I am not sure what is... Greg and me, in front of "Buford” the 3 rd ’s mascot! Mike FOX (Linda) sent a note that he is an MD-11 FO for FedEx and sent a great intel report. Unfortunately, I did not save the great picture of him and Gary ROEDER (Jackie) in their MD-11 somewhere over the Pacific sorry! Mike relates that our most senior FedExer pilot is HJ PETTERSON and our most junior pilot is Grant BRUCKMEIER. Others include Walt PATE, Brad HARDEN, Pete LENZ, James MUMBY, Larry HOFFMAN, Mitch DAVITTE, Scott JENSEN, Mike WEILAND, Keith DAVIS, Robert BROWN, Leo LUNDY, Steve LOONEY, John LUND, Michael FREY and Harry WHITING. Col. Billy MURPHY pinned on recently, and has moved north from the C2 Center and now resides in AF/XO. Bill relates that Steve KING is still holding down the fort at Langley. Here’s a great picture of Bill and my former “Knee-High El” Chemistry partner! -

now

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going to be the boss of the CINC’s Commander’s Action Group...

ouch, a tough job! Previously he was in Osan as the Support Group Commander for two years. Sounds like he is doing well. I’m sorry about the abbreviated report; I am overdue, and the editors will have my head gotta’ run! I need to think about the invocation I give tonight when the new USAFA Comm visits 78 grad Taco Gilbert. Thanks for all the emails and photos! In the not too distant future keep an eye out—we should be hearing about our first general officers this winter... woo doggie... Godspeed and good flying! -

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Don Myers 401 Chambray Hill

Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247

(770) 631-1429 E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com Class Home Page: http://usafa80.tripod.com Percent members: 58

As I write this to you, it’s been just a handful of days since our nation’s freedom and way of life were assaulted. I had a break in my training in Seattle and Kathy joined me the day before the attack. We first heard about it on the radio and I initially thought it was a fictional broadcast like War of the Worlds. This was not to be. I felt so helpless; to view the initial activities on the East Coast through the eyes of the many network cameras and commentators

Monday, 1 October, saw a pin-on for Chris KING (Caroline) here at Hanscom. Chris runs the AF Mission Planning System program and all PFPS and JMPS. I had a real twilight zone experidaughter played on my son’s little league team 26 here’s a picture of Chris and Caroline years go fast! Speaking of fast with a 99 grad at his promotion! The ‘99 grad had chosen to help Chris its attendant parts

ence when Chris’s

across

the street...

who sometimes, unfortunately, were not reporting “just the facts.” Perhaps the most eerie scene was when I put Kathy on the first flight allowed to Atlanta after the attack, the redeye flight on Thursday night. The SEATAC airport was empty and subdued; the look on most people’s faces was almost devoid of emotion, with some showing just a hint of uncertainty. But already, just a little more than a week later, I observe resilience and resolve taking over. And I thank God for our current leadership. Mini-reunions. I suppose anytime I bump into one of you I can call it —

a reunion. I had a handful of such events this quarter: I saw Brad DUTY board one of the flights I was crewing in Atlanta and had a nice chat with him as he deplaned in the Springs. He’s at the Pentagon and had a con-

ference to attend. One of our Mech instructors met Brad at the airport, but I didn’t remember him. (And I don’t remember much of my Mech,

either!) Tom (Ann + 3) WILLIAMS (see photo on next page), who lives in Auburn, AL and works with the Navigator Ministry on the campus,

dropped in for the night with some friends they knew from their stint in They had been camping all over this area. We had a nice visit before we all turned-in early all but the Williams family had to catch a plane the next morning. My bride (of 20 years) and I also had dinner with Jerry (Wendy + 4) CORBETT and Dave (Marla + 2) JONES. Yep, we made the trek north, through the traffic of Atlanta, and had a nice time with all the adults and children present. Jerry and his oldest son provided the fresh Alaskan halibut for the main course from their recent trip to The Last Frontier state.

Australia.

—

Here’s a picture of Bob EDMONDS, Ann and family and one of the owners of the St. on 2 June.

Louis Cardinals on 131FW Day at the Cards vs. Reds game

After dinner we got to see some of the hidden talent in our class when

Jerry and Dave broke into an impromptu duet (originally sung by James Ill

the subject of the attached photograph. Just got PCS orders to Maxwell AFB RNLT Dec 15, where I’ll be serving on the faculty of the School of

Advanced Airpower Studies.” Thanks, Tom. These are most trying times. I don’t need to tell you how nice it is to

hold the ones you love next to you and to stay in touch with those who mean a lot to you. For me, many of those folks are YOU. I appreciate your efforts to update your classmates and ask that you continue to do so. Let me know how you’re doing and what’s going on in the unclassified portions of your lives. I’ll be here for you next time. Until then, God bless you, especially if you’re at the pointy end of this next war. Don

Dennis Ward

tew

8300 Greentree Manor Lane

Fairfax Station, VA 22039-3214

(703)690-2741 E-mail: warddennis@earthlink.net Percent members: 49

Tom Wiliams’ clan

Taylor and Linda Rhondstat). It actually sounded like they’d been rehearsing for quite a while. The background is that Jerry was in the Chorale at the Zoo and needed someone to join him in practice. He didn’t have a lot of choices during the week, except for his roomo, Dave. Oh, the love for singing must have rubbed-off on the Corbett’s oldest daughter, Whitney, as she is the high school lead soprano in the state of Georgia. Impact-makers. I was asked to pass along a request. Seems they’re putting a new building between the gym and the field house at the Zoo. Part of the space will be dedicated to an “Athletic Hall of Education.” To this

end, the curator (David.Kellogg@usafa.af.mil) would appreciate the names of “varsity letter winners who went on to accomplish great things during and after their Air Force career.” He’s also looking for material for displays.

Updates From/About.

Little bits of useful (?) information that flowed

my way since last time include: Chuck PHILLIPS, having retired from the AF last spring, is flying for AA out of Chicago in the Super-80 (a big DC-

9). He lives near Scott AFB. Like many of us recent-retirees now with the airlines, I’m not sure how secure these jobs will be in the near-term future. Peggy (DENNIS) CARNAHAN flew with Jim CRUMP recently. She said, “He’s a captain in the MD-80 for AA, married for about a year (first time), lives near Salt Lake City. He’s taken to shaving his head, since most of his hair is gone (plus he’s added a few pounds)

—

took me a few min-

utes to decide it really was him. He didn’t recognize me until I started

telling him all sorts of things about himself. We had a fun trip he’s still a good guy.” She added that Tom SPICER, also retired and not too far from the bottom at UAL, is working in their flight test area. Diane JUHAS is still surprised by some aspects of life in the Northeast: “You can drive it’s bizarre!” She also through five states in two hours in New England added some more airline employees to the list: Lew BUNCH is with FedEx —

—

and Jim KINZER is with Southwest and lives in Phoenix.

Now, as much as you know I like any news of my classmates, I’m kind of

thinking you folks know other classmates besides those involved in the airlines. How about letting me have some savory info on them/you, too like this from Mike “Boris” SYIEK at Andover Consulting Group: “Here’s one for the books: My wife, Bronwyn, and I are having our first [child]. New experience for a guy in his forties.” OK, there was one email that had some really good (fish) meat in it. Tom EHRHARD sends us greetings. “Finished the Ph.D. in International Relations at Johns Hopkins University, wrote a 750-page dissertation titled —

The weird little curse of Checkpoints is the three-month-lag between a class news column’s writing and its publication. This is normally a trivial inconvenience but it vexes me now, as I write this in the nation’s capital in a September unlike any we’ve seen before. The concrete fortress on the Potomac that we’ve learned to love and hate sits grievously wounded and still hasn’t given up all its loyal victims. Although the airport is closed, the sound of jet engines is constant, as fighters some, perhaps, piloted by our classmates maintain vigilance overhead, unseen but not unheard. Further north up the interstate, the devastation is vaster and the sadness, though it couldn’t be greater, touches many more. And everywhere there is uncertainty about the path before us, about what sort of sacrifices must be made, who will have to make them, when and how justice will be done. I would not hazard a guess, in this extraordinary September when I write this, what the December when you read this will bring, so let me just offer the hope that it finds you and your loved ones happy and well. -

Also in my future but your past is our reunion, but it’s not yet too late festivity, fellowship, or, if applicable, debauchery, which we’ll share in our jam-packed next issue. Also send pictures which if they’re real I’ll return, and if they’re virtual should be at least 260 dpi resolution. But don’t delay. Material Guy. Got a great note from Darren MCKNIGHT, who’s Senior VP of Titan Systems’ Applied Technology Group here in the Washington area. He and Allison have two daughters Olivia (9), and Grace (5). Darren’s brother Mike is musical director, keyboardist, and a slew of other things for Madonna, and treated Darren to the Material Girl’s recent show in Chicago. Jack BERKEBILE came along for the festivities and Darren reports they were propositioned relentlessly and without great subtlety by a bevy of beautiful young concertgoers (or, to use Darren’s technical description, “groupies”), whose amorous designs undoubtedly were the natural reaction to a couple of 81 studs and had nothing to do with getting their hands on our guys’ backstage passes. Fortunately, our men were made of sterner stuff and managed to resist; they rounded out the evening partying with the band back at the Ritz Carlton you know, the typical sort of evening we’ve all grown so tired of over the years. to email me your own tales of

‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the United States Armed Services: A Com-

parative Study of Weapon System Innovation.” I guess that makes me the Oracle on UAVs! My typing muscles are like Popeye’s forearms. Went to the Air Staff and served as Chief of the “Skunk Works” (Strategy, Concepts, and Doctrine Division, XOXS) and then moved to the Chiefs Quadrennial Defense Review staff working for Major General Dave Deptula of Desert Storm fame. JO TUBBS and I worked in the same office he now moved over to National War College. In my substantial leisure time (?), I have discovered the smallmouth bass rivers of Northern Virginia, —

Darren McKnight (right) with brother Mike. Not pictured is Madonna.

The aforementioned Jack BERKEBILE is flying for American when he’s running sub-three-hour marathons; wife, Dottie, flies for Delta. Darren keeps up with other ‘81ers from Fightin’ Fourth, including Eric GARVIN, who’s just started ICAF after finishing a tour in the F-22 PM office. Darren has recently attended 0-6 pin-on ceremonies here in the area for both Marvin FISHER and Sean MURPHY. Other ‘81ers from CS04 here in NOVA include Tim HAWES at the NRO (shhhh...) and Bill MCCLURE. Darren, by the way, is doing a lot of varied technology work to support national security programs and invites anyone with a security clearance and a technology background to call him. Rich Eventually, they all come home. Our very own Webmaster TRENTMAN retired in July and moved to Littleton to search for a job in the Denver area. He found one in an unlikely place, right back at Aluminum U as a database programmer and analyst for the AOG. Rich has

not

—

Tom bringing home the bacon... err, the fish! 112

been the sole source of expertise, labor, and financing for our class website, www.usafa81.com; we greatly appreciate his efforts and know the AOG will benefit from them as well. And now a word from our sponsors: The Academy athletic department is building a new facility between the cadet gym and field house that will house, among other things, an “Athletic Hall of Education,” the theme of which is how Academy athletics impact future leaders in the Air Force and beyond. The Hall will honor former intercollegiate varsity letter winners who went on to accomplish great things during and after their Air Force careers.

creating a “heritage wall” with pictures of all former AFA fencing teams. He needs pictures of some of the older classes from our era, and will copy

and return anything you submit. Contact him at Zachariah.Becker @usafa.af.mil or (719) 333-3525. You can read more details about both of these projects in the “special interest” section of the class website.

The athletic department is looking for help identifying

such individuals; if you know of classmates who fit the bill, please bring them to the attention of Mr. Dave Kellogg, 2169 Field House Drive, Room M205D, USAFA, CO 80840, 719-333-9022. Big Time. Heard from Joe WOOD, who is back in the nation’s capital, this time working in the Office of the Vice President (of the United States). Contrary to claims made by your scribe in a recent column, Joe and Merrie CRAIG-WOOD have two daughters, not some other complex configuration of offspring I erroneously reported. Sources report that Larry CHING is retired and is in training with Cathay Pacific, after which he’ll be a 747-400 first officer based in Anchorage. Also, Len RAABE is in Del Rio, TX, got married last year, and is another

‘81er with a new baby

congratulations!

Bob BRITT retired out of Randolph this summer and signed on with Delta as a 727 second officer, flying out of Cincinnati. Bob wisely kept a house in Dayton he bought while assigned to Wright-Pat and is living there with wife, Alice, and high schoolers Laura and Andrew. The latter, Bob says, is single-handedly reviving the “natural” hairstyle that graces so many of our high school graduation pictures (let’s stop this foolishness before it goes any farther!). Oldest daughter Emily is a sophomore on a healthy scholarship at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Bob reports on numerous ‘81ers who were at Randolph with him: Steve ALLTOP completed his command and headed to the Springs and Space Command; Terry “Flo” FOLEY went to FedEx; Dik DASO, as previewed here previously, has become a curator at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum; and Kurt ANDERS was waiting for assignment notification before deciding whether to retire in sunny San Antone. Bob also ran into Xavier STREETER not long ago; X was at the nav school at Randolph. That’s the news for now, boys and girls don’t forget your scribe when mailing those Christmas newsletters and send me some of those double prints from the reunion. Let’s hope the holidays and the new year bring -

great blessings.

Jim Ratti 6329 Pheasant Valley Road

Dayton, OH 45424-7100 Home: (937) 236-9306/DSN: 785-9660X281

rattijm@mindspring.com http://usafa82.org Percent members: 38

The Rorick family from left: Bonnye, Melissa, Daniel, Tim, and David.

I’ll start out this time with the snail mail. Tim RORICK dropped a note and enclosed this picture of his family on their way to see the California redwoods this summer. Tim’s a 767 first officer with Delta based on Dallas. He also flies C-130s for the Texas Guard, traveling to exotic locales such as Brazil, Oman and Germany. He should retire from the Guard in less than a year. Tim sends word that Bob WATERS is a 777 first officer for American and also flies in Tim’s Guard unit. Dennis GRIMES is an F-100 captain for American, and Phil REDDING took the 15-year retirement 1997 and is a civil servant at Gunter. Mike Ryan (our classmate not the ex-Chief of Staff...) sent a coin order from his garden spot job in Germany, letting me know that he, wife Gloria (MONTOYA), and the kids will soon be on their way to Paris. Mike was accepted for senior service school (and other gastronomical delights) at E’cole Militaire, replacing Chris HAAVE. Mike also sent a wonderful newsletter chock full of family-related news which I put on the web site. On to the emails! Dave “A2Z” ABRAMOWITZ fired off a quick note to update his email address reflecting his new job with Southern Command in Miami. Dave GRILLEY surfed by the web site, saw he wasn’t listed on the email page there, and felt guilty enough to send me an update. He’s currently at Eglin working in the UAV Battlelab. Ross DUEBER and his —

family (wife, Sandee, and two children) are living near me in Tipp City OH, working for Copeland, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric. He joined Emerson after retiring in 1997. Fred DARLING sent a short note to say that he and his wife, Linda, moved to Waco, TX this past June. Steve WERNER let me know that he and his wife had dinner with Godfred ‘Demo” DEMANDANTE and his wife, Kerry, in July. Demo’s in Stuttgart on the EUCOM staff, and Steve’s assigned to the newly formed JTF-CNO (Joint Task Force for Computer Network Ops) as the J39. His group is working on the emerging mission area of computer network attack operations. He says he enjoys the challenge of working with “lots of moving

parts and no manual”. Ray TUREK helped me by sending an update to Steve TOLDY’s email address. Ray says his oldest daughter, Rachel (who was just a tiny squirt last time I saw her), was the valedictorian of her high school class and is off to college now. Ray’s wife, Joan, is teaching

Hello Redtags! Hey, guess what? It’s time to start working on plans for (drum roll, please) our 20-year reunion! Jim DEMAREST (our class president, in case you forgot...) and I traded emails on that subject in September, and neither of us can recall where all that time went. Probably has something to do with our advancing years. At any rate, he’s taken the stick and is looking for people willing to help with the planning of this momentous event. If you can help in any way, large or small, please contact him by phone at (941) 434-4908 (work) or (941) 514-4464 (home). You can send e-mail to jtd@quarles.com. You’ll also want to check in frequently at our class web site (usafa82.org), as I plan on creating a special section there dedicated to

Mexico where he’s the Latin American Business Development Director for Jabil Circuit Inc., an electronics manufacturing company. Matt and his family (wife, Michelle, and three sons) have been in Mexico since 1998. Jan ROSKO also ordered coins and updated me on her job as the Air Base Squadron Commander at RAF Fairford. She loves the Cotswolds and

passing on reunion info. On the personal side, Jim tells me he’s a boardcertified business litigation attorney in Naples, FL. He and his wife, Karysia,

unit at Molesworth/Alconbury.

have two kids (Gabriela, 4, and Chad, 1) and love southwest Florida.

Speaking of the reunion, here’s something you won’t want to show up without. Surf on over to usafa82.org/coins and check out the class coin I had made up. It looks great, and having one just might save you the cost of a round of drinks at the reunion! I’m donating all profits to the AOG, so consider buying one as both cheap insurance and a donation to a worthy cause. And, one last public service announcement. Dave Kellogg is the assistant athletic director at USAFA, and he’s putting together an “Athletic Hall of Education” for the new athletic department building under construetion at the Academy. He is looking for info (name, address, short description of accomplishments) on varsity letter winners who’ve made significant contributions in their USAF or professional careers. Please pass any recommendations you may have to him at david.kellogg @usafa .af .mil, or phone (719) 333-9022. Along similar lines, Capt Zach Becker is

full time and Ray runs the Treaty Office at Barksdale. Matt “Teo” FULTON sent me a coin order from his digs in Chihuahua,

occasionally gets to see Carl ZIMMERMAN, who commands her sister Bill EADES sent an update from

McConnell where he’s been with the Kansas Guard for about 6 Vz years flying the B-l. He’s the Chief of Safety and the Wing IG there and really enjoys life with the Guard. He and his wife are expecting their seventh child, so he says boredom is seldom a factor in his life! He told me that ‘Father of the Bride 2” is his favorite movie... Go figure. Romance novelist Sue GRANT has a new newsletter that you can sign up for by visiting her web site (www.susangrant.com). And, we can add Phil BOSSERT (Commander, 821 st Air Mobility Squadron at McGuire) to our growing list of published authors! He wrote to tell me that his first novel “Core Values” has been published. It’s about the Zoo, Desert Storm, and character. You can read more about it at our class web site, and you can order it at

www.publishamerica.com. Phil also let me know that John BRIDGE is teaching Mech at West Point and will retire next year. Tom PFEIFFER flies Eagles at Eglin when he’s not busy working for the Wing King there. Jeff WATSON flies for Delta and is in the Reserves at 113

Scott, and Ben HUFF is rumored to be a missile squadron CC at F.E. WarMitch MILLER works for a defense contractor near Scott and is also Dave FADOK is the Wing CC at Robins, and Dan HARGROVE just relinquished command of his VIP airlift squadron at Andrews to attend senior service school. JJ JOHNSON flies 747-400s for United, and ren.

a Reservist.

Mike SIPOS has an airline job but also flies KC-lOs with the Reserves at McGuire. Well, that’s about all the news, and good thing too, ‘cause I’m at my word and space limit! Keep the news rolling in, and surf by the web site from time to time. There’s lots of great stuff there, and as reunion info comes in, I’ll be sure to post that too. And don’t forget to order your coins!

Be safe... Ratman

Dave Ruffley 15774 Candle Creek Drive

the first of what we hope will be many class tailgates. This one featured a

classic “Go Air Force! Eat OU! Theme headlined by an all-Red menu (ineluding a very interesting, bright red egg casserole!). The STIZZAs have pledged to fly that big ‘83 banner at every possible home game in lot 5, so if you’re in the area, rally ‘round that flag! A record-setting third photo (a record for my columns, anyway) arrived from my SERE trek partner Glenn ALLTON. Single dad of twin eightyear-old daughters, Glenn is an Alaska Airlines captain living the good life in sunny southern California. He’s pictured here with Steve ANDRESS on a flight to Vancouver. Glenn related that he’s run into Wayne BROWN (‘82), also an Alaska Airlines pilot and his wife, our own T.J. PAQUELET, who also seems very happy in the Pacific Northwest.

tmmm

Monument, CO 80132 Work: (719) 333-3197 E-mail: DLRWY@msn.com Percent members: 39

Greetings 83! As Bob Hope would say, “Thanks for the memories!” No, I’m not dying or going anywhere, but for this first time in the years I’ve been a Scribe,

I’ve actually received LOTS of input from classmates on their activities. So

instead of making things up this time, I can get right down to business. Jon DURESKY’s last column talked about the midlife crisis club so many of our classmates seem to be joining, and I received a few letters and pics of other victims of the big 40. Heading the list was a note from Vince and Mavis (THORPE) COMPAGNO in Columbus. Vince, posing in the photo on his 40th birthday, got a new Corvette, blue exterior with gray interior (now Vince that was supposed to be blue and silver, you know) adorned with the with the most coveted license plate from the State of Mississippi. Gathered round with Vince and Mavis were Tamra RANK, T1 Squadron Commander, her husband, John Bocquet, Tony SMITH, T-37 Ops Officer and his wife, Jean (TIBBITS, ‘89).

That’s it for photos but not for news. Ron GRAVES has put together a snazzy page to keep his fellow Wolfpack 5 classmates in touch, complete with the squadron patch and a great graphic of our class crest. He relates that Amy (HERMES) SMELLIE is in Little Rock, AR and is flying C-130s for the ANG from Michigan. Tracy COLBURN is a commander of the 1st

Helicopter Squadron at Andrews AFB, Maryland. John JERAKIS is sitting sideways in a 727 for Delta and is currently at Wichita Falls as a reservist. Craig PROPST is in Dallas working for i2 Technologies and reports that he just got married. Marty BRODZIK was living in Monument, CO as of last year and was changing jobs when we last talked. John FAREESE was at Barksdale in the B-52 as of last year. Dave SPECHT started his own business and is currently on the West Coast in CA. Tom KRISE is working in the English Department at USAFA. Bill SPACY is the OSS commander at Dyess AFB. Sam GEDDIE lives across 1-25 from USAFA somewhere in or near the Black Forest and is flying for American. Greg MEIDT is living in Minnesota and working for Orion Consulting. And that’s another record for this column, for most classmate updates

Other ‘83ers stationed at Columbus but camera shy include Phil KOPPA, T-37 Squadron Commander, and Steve CILEA, who was a T-1 Ops Officer

but just left to fly the T-6A at Randolph. Another ‘83er who just passed through Columbus recently was Sue ROSS, who just finished National War College, pinned on 0-6, and is on her way to Fairchild to be the new OG. Vince noted that the ‘Vette was not the only new toy at his house. Mavis, for her 40th, insisted on buying a ski boat. After defying death in the local pattern, she defies it again going slalom down the TennesseeTombigbee River. Setting a new standard for the big midlife blowout, Vince and Mavis also took an Alaskan cruise for Vince’s birthday, and planned a fall trip for Mavis’ birthday to Maui. For all those who want to keep up with the Campagno’s, Vince warned: “It’s a good thing we only turn 40 once, because we’re going broke celebrating!” Speaking of celebrations, get a look at the ‘83 tailgate at the AF-Oklahoma season opener in September. John STIZZA and his wife, Carole, along with Brad and Sharon (BRAUND) GANN and Brian BISHOP hosted

from a single squadron. Closer to home here at USAFA, Keith BERGERON contacted me as he was prepping for a boondoggle, er, I mean an engineering conference in Paris in November. Keith teaches math here at the zoo, and passed on tidbits about a number of classmates as well. Keith got to see Eli POWELL, USAFA orthopedic surgeon extraordinaire, on a follow-up to some shoulder surgery, and related that Eli seems to be enjoying himself— keeping busy with the cadet athletic team injuries. Keith worked with Tom KRISE on the Dean’s Tiger Team initiative to reduce the core. Yes, they’re the ones to blame for the latest change in tradition. Keith also passed along that Francis CHUN is doing well in DFP (the Physics Department, for those of you who no longer speak USAFA). Holly FRANZ is in the Biology Department, as is Rick CARRIER. A1 RHODES was also in Biology until

recently. Keith contacted me, by the way, because I’ve moved out of the History

Department here to the Office of International Programs. Yes, I am hop-

ing the PCA will enable me to put in my last few years here in the friendly confines. So if you're making the pilgrimage back to the zoo, look me up. In the meantime, thanks for all the inputs. Keep it up, and send more. My email is DLRWY@msn.com (NOT at CompuServe as Checkpoin ts keeps listing it every year). Ray BLUST (104055.444@compuserve.com) writes the winter column and Jon DURESKY (DureskyJB@aol.com) in the spring, with Stu “Manchu” POPE turning in the summer material. Get the stuff to any one of us, and we’ll forward it to the right scribe. (See, being on the same BCT flight did teach us something!) Best to Be!

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

114

Mike Jensen 12035 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908

(719) 338-3570 E-mail: jens@omnisky.net Home page: www.usafa.net/1984 Percent members: 31

\|8|'pjsMl?

One of the best things about writing our class article is the delay from the time it is written to the time you receive it in your mailbox. Last issue, I was so excited about the Falcons taking on the National Champion Oklahoma Sooners (the game was much better than the final score indicated), and just a few days later, huge changes occurred. So often is the case when time passes. Wasn’t it just yesterday when we walked across the platform at Falcon

Stadium, shaking President Reagan’s hand, and vowing to “protect and defend the constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic?” The words have become even more real now. The threats have changed, as have the methods, but the constant is still the same the U.S. military. —

Although a large portion of our class has left active duty and serves in different ways, we still have many in, and I salute you and give you thanks. For those of us on the outside, we are like the crowd on that graduation day in 1984, watching with heartfelt appreciation those who serve and protect. And in that role, when this gets delivered to you around Christmas, I know that many things will have changed, and can only hope we have grown even a stronger country than before. With all that has gone on, I did not get very many updates, so this artide will be just my gab. Next time (with your help) I will do better. And in conclusion: I look forward to seeing you in the future. If you are ever in the area, please feel free to give me a call. And please if you are reading this, send in an update, fill out your graduation bio for the AOG, and support those who are supporting you. God bless you and yours this holiday season! Jens

Quintel Williams 6410 Katherine Ann Lane

Springfield, VA 22150 E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com Percent members: 38

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well. While TDY to Germany, Dirk ran into Jeff “Rocky” JOHNSON, his old roommate at Mather. Rocky is assigned to EUCOM in Stuttgart along with Ron “Crusher” BABSKI. I also heard from Keith DAWKNS last March. He ran into George WEATHERSBY at the Pentagon. Believe it or not, he said he’d NEVER been there before. Keith said he had a similar encounter with Mike BLACK at the Springfield mall, Bradley “BJ” JONES at an Air Force-Army football game (at West Point) in ’94 or ’95, and with Darrell RICFLARDSON in an open square. He said Darrell is married and living in D.C. Also in March, I received e-mail from Jim MIRABELLA. Jim is the director of Institutional Research at Florida Community College in Jacksonville. He has a Ph.D. and is a professor of Statistics at Jacksonville University, Webster University and Nova Southeastern University. Jim and Karen are celebrating their 10th anniversary and have lived in Jacksonville, FL for the past six years. Jim said, “It’s fun being in a Navy town during the Air Force—Navy games, especially since we always win.” Keith LAMBERT reported that he and Faye were happy for Renee and me having a baby especially since they knew how much we had endured. ‘Guess perseverance pays off and practice makes perfect! Naturally it helps having the blessing of our Lord to bring it all together. Glad to hear everyone is doing fine.” Keith was selected for a squadron DO (Ops Officer position) so they’re headed back to England and the 67th Special Ops Sq later this year. Ron (Woody back then) McGLAUGHLIN wrote. He still lives in Rapid City, SD where he was stationed for six years at Ellsworth. He has been out of the AF for over 10 years and works for Aventis pharmaceutical company. He and Marilee have been married 14 years and have a daughter, Hannah (9), and two sons, Luke (5) and Paul (3). Ron hears from Larry NICKLAS and Ben BELLIS once a year at Christmas. Lars was his roommate in 23rd Squadron. He and Ben go way back to the Prep school. The next section contains some info that I couldn’t use in previous Checkpoints due to size limits on articles. Size limits change from time to time. Currently the word count is 1,200 maximum. —

Last fall, I saw Joe VENEZIANO on the shuttle bus from the Pentagon to Rosslyn, VA. He’s assigned to SAF/AQQ in Rosslyn, where he’s the Program Element Monitor for the T-38 & Joint Pilot Training aircraft. He and his wife, Karen, have a little girl named Sophia who’s four years old and they were expecting a second child. In Nov 2000, Renee and I had dinner with Gary BINDER and his wife,

Jeanne (and a few other folks), at the USPA & IRA (now called First Com-

mand) dinner/seminar in Springfield, VA. The Binders have been married for about eight years (no kids yet) and live in Lorton, VA. They both work at Fort Belvoir. Gary works at the Defense Logistics Agency. Jeanne, a lieutenant commander in the Navy, works at the Defense Contract

Management Agency. Thanks again to Ray HARRIS for doing a great job as our class web He even donated the space for (and maintenance of) our web site on his private company’s server: http://www.softwrsolutions.com/ master.

Thank God September 11, 2001 is over! Many of the guilty parties died in their plane crashes and others were arrested subsequently, yet many remain on the run. So be careful out there. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone directly affected by this tragedy. I was at work at the Pentagon during the attack but was not hurt. Fortunately, none of our classmates (active duty Air Force or otherwise) got hurt. However, many active duty Army and Navy and DoD civilians were casualties. Unfortunately, we lost two USAFA graduates in the WTC attack. On the brighter side of things, I hope you are having a great holiday season and that Old Man Winter is being kind this year. Hopefully, our Falcons are having a good season and looking for a bowl game. Congratulations to Scott HENDERSON, Dan LEWANDOWSKI, and Dave THOMPSON for their selection as candidates for command of space operations squadrons. There are 31 squadrons that they and 62 other candidates will be considered to fill Sq CC positions. Jackie CHARSAGUA PCSd from Offutt to Vandenberg on 1 Sep 01 to become the 30th Space Wing IG and provided information on a few classmates. Mike CRAMER went from USSTRATCOM/J2 exec to commander of the 20th Info Ops Sq at Offutt. Tim RAY is at Barksdale and was selected as a Sq CC candidate. Mike FOSTER made 0-5 and PCSd to the 97 ARS Fairchild. Mike married Angie on 2 Jun 85 and they have two kids. Elliot (Tad) FAIR is a B-1B Pilot and PCSd from Offutt to Ellsworth. Tad and Kammy have been married for three years and have four kids. I ran into Tom CURRIE while he was TDY to the Pentagon in January 2001. Tom flies V-22 Osprey’s as a test pilot at Edwards. He was in town for an Accident Investigation Board. I heard from Dirk HUTCHINSON last February. He is assigned to Combined Air Ops Center No. 7 in Larissa, Greece for a year of self-reflection and Ouzo drinking. The CAOC is one of the 10 new such units created within NATO and it’s a start-up organization. If you have to do a remote, Dirk says Larissa is the place to do it because the beaches are only 30 minutes away and the sites are wonderful. He said there is a lot to do in Greece and Larissa is far enough away from Athens that you don’t have to deal the rat race. He also passed on that Tom “Chum” GOFFUS is there as

usafa85. Check out the web site and drop Ray a line to thank him for his efforts. We’ve got a great web site that’s really user friendly. Also thanks goes to George WEATHERSBY who helped me with this artide. George passed along that Mike RITS works a couple of blocks away from the Pentagon in Crystal City and Mike SANDQUIST is stationed at Randolph. George said he saw Dale BENNETT give a television interview standing by his F-15 in the aftermath of the 11 Sept 01 terrorist attacks. A special thanks goes to Renee Williams for her love and support that has been instrumental to my ability to serve our class and our nation over the last ten years.

She is a great wife and mother. We took a family

photo that I’d like to share with you all.

The Williams Family I encourage all of you to spend both quality and quantity time with

your families. Sincerely... Q 115

Pam BERGESON called from Checkmate to see if I needed anything. I told her I needed some filler for my Checkpoints article, and as usually she came through in spades. “Here’s the scoop on the CS-22 Tarantulas. In the photo of Todd and Karen WESTHAUSER, Ivan THOMPSON, Andy HART and Roger THRASHER, Todd’s wife Karen was pregnant in the picture but has since delivered a little boy. My two are in there somewhere, along with four of Ivan’s five, two from Andy and Cindy (‘87), and three from Roger andVal. Tom (‘85 Grey) and I are at Langley. He’s the commander of an

Bob Colella 324 Strickland Circle

Montgomery, AL 36115 (334) 396-6776 E-mail: rcolella@member.afa.org Percent members: 36

Dear Fellow Classmates, on June 28 th 1982 we all dedicated ourselves to a set of

principles that exist to keep our country free. Those principles, which are often not on the front page of our daily lives, are suddenly held at risk.

I have yet to sort out the number of those close to all of us who

perished in the attacks on our nation, but I am aware that it will take decidedly longer to call the roll of those who have departed in the memorial services that follow. To those classmates who have lost a loved one, are engaged in fighting the war on our freedoms, as well as their families who are carrying on in their absence, our prayers are with you. With that said, I would like to pass along the following news of our classth

I have been pretty busy since the 11 of September. I was just getting used to my routine at the Pentagon, but am nowTDY UFN. This mates.

is disjointed and not as clean as I would like, but I am way past the deadline and hope that this actually makes the issue.

Bob MANSFIELD (BobandJuli@earthlink) wrote to include words with the picture that appeared in our last issue of Mike OTIS (not LOGRANDE)

top of the world. Here are those words: I’d like to pass on some great alpine enthusiasts in our class (there has to be at least one or two). Classmate Mike OTIS reached the top of Mount Everest on May 19, on

news for the

and I have included a photo of his oxygen-starved face on the summit. He was sponsored by Honeywell, his employer, and made the summit

with four others (one climber and three sherpas). I can also pass on some other, less aerobic, news about some classmates here at United Airlines. I teach in the Training Center near the old

Stapleton airport (and who can forget running for a flight out of Colorado back in the ‘80s?). Some folks I have run into going through training are: Mike LOGRANDE, 727 engineer to Chicago, lives in New Jersey; Dwight ROBERTSON, I think he’s on the 737-300, lives in Vegas or Phoenix now (sorry DR, Contrails did my memory in, back in ’82); Dennis MALFER, lives in Albuquerque with Bridget MALFER (also ’86); Todd WAIT, flies 777, lives in Washington, DC; Hank JERONOMUS, flies the 737 in Chicago, I think he still lives in Enid, OK, learning the Airbus; Matt SHEPARDSON, flies the Airbus in Denver, lives real close to the womb in Monument, CO; and Dave CALDWELL, gives checkrides at the training center, lives in Denver. I’m sure there are others I’m forgetting, but I’ll try to write you again with more info.

I also attended Nils LARSON’S wedding in Virginia recently. He is living in Maryland (I think) and is some commander at the Navy Test Pilot School.

I’ve been at United over five years and have been teaching about two years. I will go back to “the line” probably next year, but love Colorado so we won’t move from Denver. My wife Juli (DAHNKE) MANSFIELD (also ’86) and I are Academy Liaison Officers. That’s a pretty good job, as far as

operational F-15 squadron and I juggle many hats, including working for you [yeah, baby] at Checkmate part-time, full-time mom duties to a third grader and a kindergartner, CC’s wife duties, Girl Scouts, etc., etc. ‘Roger andVal are in D.C. He’s a program manager at DARPO andVal is a nurse. Andy and Cindy just left D.C. for Edwards, where he is a program manager and Cindy works part-time as a Reservist. Todd and Karen left D.C. about a year ago; he is now a B-l squadron commander. Ivan is now on tour with ‘Tops in Blue’ (anything to get out of the Pentagon for 10 months!). Andy caught the show in L.A. said it was awesome and that Ivan is not only the tour director, but sings and dances too. I personally can’t imagine Ivan dancing, but he has always had an awesome voice. I’m sure his version of ‘God Bless the USA’ is bringing tears to the eyes of Air Force men and women all over Europe this week. “I checked in with some of our airline pilots after last week’s horrific attack. Barb flies for American. She, husband Mike, and son live in India-

napolis. Joe JOSE, Greg MCANDREWS, and Lonnie WARREN are also with the airlines. Elsewhere in the Air Force, Mike and Missy WARD are back at Eglin in Florida. Kevin and Donna BROOKS are at Hurlburt; he’s a special ops helo pilot, so I’m guessing he will be busy fighting this war. Ben and Cynthia LARSON are in Europe, at SHAPE I think. Steve and Debbie KUENNEN were at USAFA, but I think Steve is nowin a PhD program in Texas.

‘Dave and Kathy INGERSON are in Maryland; he’s a Gulfstream pilot at Andrews flying VIPs. They are expecting their fifth child very soon. Sadly, this time last year, their fourth child, Caleb, passed away after a long struggle with a heart defect. Andy HART, Roger THRASHER, several other ‘86ers, and myself were present at the Andrews AFB memorial service for Caleb. Ivan wrote and sang a beautiful tribute to Caleb’s fight for life called “Little Fighter Man”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel. ‘Fred “Bits” and Lori BACON just left ACSC for Hawaii. He is an AWACS controller when not pulling a “hardship” staff tour in Hawaii. John and Julie DEWINE were at ACSC, but not sure where they are now. He’s a RED HORSE guy, but is probably on a staff somewhere right now. Dave COURCHENE is still in the AF, but not sure where. When I last heard from Mike ABBOTT he was at Grand Forks, ND, but haven’t heard from him in years, either. “Laurel HUNT, husband Terry, and kids live near Wright-Pat in Dayton, OH. She’s a civilian, but still maintains her Reserve status. Art ESTAVILLO is out, working in Phoenix last I heard. And last but certainly not least, John “JO” VICKERS recently finished a master’s degree in physical therapy down in Miami, FL and is probably cruising the bars [Scribe Note: Un-

known type] of South Beach these days. That is all for now. At my current TDY location I am joined by “Jazz” ARMSTRONG and John MILLER more to follow. God Bless all of you and God Bless America... Bob Colella -

Reserve jobs go, and we’ve been doing it since ’94. Juli is raising our three

kids Janelle (8), Keith (6) and Scott (1) very well, and has decided that is her primary occupation right now. Next I heard from Ed G YONG (cptyong@juno.com). We were recently visiting USAFA (July 2001) to help lift up my Dad’s spirits on recovering from a stroke. My dad always liked the USAFA area but hasn’t been there since 28 May 86. Also, my daughter Christina enjoyed practicing walking on the marble strips. Basic training was happening and my kids got a kick out of the trainees. Did speak recently with Doug ADAMSON (CS38). He is working with organizing restaurant franchises. Seems to be doing well. Get regular emails from Mike HOUSTON (CS-38) and Mike seems to be doing OK. Mike flies air ambulances. They both live in Texas.

Pam Bergeson, Todd and Karen Westhauser, Ivan Thompson, Andy Hart, Roger Thrasher, and assorted rug rats.

Sharon Giletti 1116 Kaumoku St.

wmm

Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 394-6397 E-mail: Sharongiletti@aol.com Percent members: 34

From left are Amanda Yong, Ed Yong, Julee Yong, Steven Yong, and Chris-

tina Yong.

116

▼

Hello my friends. It brings me great sadness to write that our classmate, Leroy HOMER, was killed 11 September. He was flying as the First

Officer on United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania as a result of the unbelievable terrorism that struck our country. He is survived by his wife, Melodie, and a young daughter. Leroy, his crewmates, and the brave passengers on that fateful flight will forever be remembered as heroes. We should be so proud to have him as our own. If you’d like to get in touch with Melodie, please email me. In light of this news and the current situation facing our country, I feel it would be best to save any further class updates for a more appropriate time. However, I do have one request. I would like to be able to create an ‘87 email list and I am also in the process of creating a web page. In the future, with this information, it will be much easier to keep us all in touch and be able to reach out and support each other when needed. If you could just take a minute of your time and send me a short note so I can assemble as many addresses as possible it will be greatly appreci-

ated. I look forward to hearing from you all and I pray that the following days ahead will find you all safe wherever your duties take you.

‘88ers congregating at Wayne’s Cochran’s abode. two children, Kevin and Elizabeth. Monte and Camille SCHAEFER came

Mark Peters 835 East Lamar Blvd., #151

Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 937-9696/Fax: (801) 327-0953 E-mail: pylt@home.com Percent members: 36

Greetings‘88. As I write this our country slowly recovers from the atrocities of Sep-

tember 11 th

I wish I were actually back in the Air Force to help do something powerful and effective in response. By the time you read this, I hope we’ve made progress on that front. I spoke with my old CS-39 roommate John KOSS recently. He’s married (Mary) with three kids (Samantha, Alexander and Christopher) and is currently on a military leave of absence from American Airlines; he’s flying the B-l with the ANG out of McConnell AFB, KS. After pilot training he flew the F-15 (Holloman, NM), and later transitioned to B-l at Ellsworth, then Dyess AFB, TX, and finally, McConnell where he finished his active duty career in 1998 as a Formal Training Unit instructor on “The Bone.” He immediately joined the Air National Guard flying the B-l, and was later hired by American. He’s enjoyed his AA travel benefits visiting six different cities and three countries in the past year [never once having to sit freezing on a web seat against the fuselage with no window, I might add]. With recent events, however, they’ve had to cancel some trips. (As I write this, I’m sure he’s deployed.) John brought me up to speed on some other ‘88ers as well: Quint MIKLOS is in South Dakota flying the B-l (still in; took the bonus). Keith BRAHMS is flying for Delta and living in Navarre, FL, (near Pensacola). Todd AARON lives in Colorado Springs and is flying for United, as is Don JARVIS. Don lives in Wichita, however. Craig GOODRICH flies for FedEx and is in the B-l Guard with John at McConnell. Craig’s got quite the double .

commute as he lives in South Dakota.

down from Cleveland, where Monte is a lawyer with Lincoln Electric just outside of Cleveland. I was lucky to be a part of their youngest child’s baptism a few weeks ago. They now have two little ones, Cooper and Cailin. Tim and Kathy TAYLOR had recently returned from Ramstein AB, Germany and got to the lake from Little Rock and North Carolina, respectively. Tim has just finished C-130 requal and will be an assistant ops officer in one of the squadrons at Pope. They are the proud parents of Ben and Caroline, who are going to have to adjust to living in the United States. John TURNAGE was with us as well. His wife, Dee (REIGHN), was missed by all as she had to stay home to watch their two children, Adelaide and Jack. Dee seems to really enjoy being a mom, and she has two of the best-behaved children I have ever been around. John actually caught about a two-pound fish. I have no idea how that happened. John is an MD88 copilot based out of Atlanta with Delta. OP MORGAN also came alone as his wife, Karen, had to watch the children at the last moment.

They have two boys named Brennan and Hank who appear to be much more athletic than their father ever was. OP is a 767 copilot based out of Atlanta with Delta. Doc and Cindy HOLLIDAY were also supposed to join us, but Doc was called out for a TDY to Greenland and could not make it. Doc is now assigned to Peterson AFB and is the very proud Papa of one Greta Holliday. We all watched the tough moments of the Oklahoma game. None of us were able to remember ever losing a game like that. Still, we were all proud of the cadets’ effort. It was certainly great to see all of the graduates again.

Chris RAPPA (CS-40) lives in

Denver and flies for United.

While grounded in Burbank in mid-September, 1 stumbled across Pete “Uman” UCHMANOWICZ at a Southwest Airlines function they hosted

for stranded crewmembers. He’s got a long list of fellow ‘88ers flying at SWA: George VILLALOBOS, Bob PREDELLA, Cammy BUTTERFIELD, and it was a rather late night!) John SCHAEFFER. (I hope I’m right on these I just received a short email from Forest JAMES: “I got the word yesterrd Of all day that I have been activated and will report for duty on Oct 3 the places I could have been sent, this is a great place to be: the Air Intel—

Laura Beth Jones and Wayne Cochran's wedding.

ligence Agency (AIA) headquarters in San Antonio (Lackland AFB). I was selected to serve on the ALA commander’s staff as his liaison with the

National Air Intelligence Center (the unit at Wright-Patterson AFB where

They are in the process of getting a fulltime active-duty officer to fill that position, and I will serve in that position until they do... they could not give me an estimate on how long that might be. So, basically, ASAP this USAFR IMA will be MIA in a SCIF at HQ I am assigned as a Reservist).

As for me, I am in the training department at Delta, teaching 727 engineers for a short time

longer. I will begin training on the 767 in January. I can’t remember if I sent you an update about my wedding or not. I

blessed to be married to Laura Beth Jones on the 28 th of October 2000. Most of those listed above were in attendance for our special day.

was

After a significant lull, I managed to cajole an old KC-10 squadron mate, Wayne COCHRAN, into scribing a few lines for me: “It was recently my pleasure to host a number of ‘88 graduates and their spouses at my lake house in Wedowee, AL. Despite the fact that it rained all of Labor Day weekend, we all seemed to enjoy the time together given the number of

My life certainly changed for the better the day that I met Laura. I hope all of you folks can be as happy. Two days ago the World Trade Center was bombed. My prayers go out to all those still in the military for what may be coming, but also for those working for the airlines as I imagine their lives will be changing significantly as well. To all, fly safe.” Lastly, please forgive me if I already shared this info, but I just found it

years it has been for some of us. Activities included fishing, with some catching, endless card games and a little bit of water skiing when the weather broke for a few hours. Don and Mary Beth JARVIS joined us from Wichita, KS. Don currently is a 737 pilot with United based out of Chicago. Mary Beth, despite being a Notre Dame graduate, is a very talented lady and is the director of Business Communications with Koch Industries in Wichita. They now have

and may have forgotten to include it earlier. About a year ago (as in August, 2000), I ran into Eric JENKINS over at the AA Flight Academy. He spent about five years at McChord in the C-141 and eventually found himself at American. He’s on the 767/757 out ofWashington DC and he’s been married (Judy) about nine years now. Thanks to all who wrote, and especially to Wayne for the pictures. Do please tell me what’s been going on in your life—write, call, or email soon!

AIA until TBD. Sierra Hotel!

117

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 102 Chennault Ave.

MijybiwMm

Barksdale AFB, LA 71110 Home: (318) 746-3853 / DSN: 781-4528 E-mail: patibb@earthlink.net Home page: http://www.usafa89.com

laijaff liSp

Percent members: 41

Classmates, I am writing our update on the heels of the 11 Sept terrorist attacks on the United States. Freedom isn’t free... this has never hit closer to home for our generation than this past week. I hope you are re-evaluatwhat really does matter faith, faming what is important in your life ily, and friends. Nothing is more important than relationships. I know I have said this before, but take time out of your busy schedule to drop an email or letter, or make a phone call, to a family member or friend you —

—

haven’t spoken to in a while. Take advantage of the time we have together, enjoy life, and appreciate the freedom we enjoy in this great Nation! General Keck and I just returned from an outstanding trip to Russia. Gen Keck’s bomber long-range aviation counterpart, General-Lieutenant Mikhail Oparin, not only introduced us to the Russian Air Force, but the Russian people and culture as well. During our visit from 20-25 August, we toured three bomber bases and their surrounding communities, concluding with Moscow and Red Square. In Moscow we met with the commanderin-chief of the Russian Air Forces, Gen Anatoly Kornukov. This was a great opportunity to develop a better understanding of the Russian Air Force, exchange ideas and share concerns. We were treated first-class throughout our stay by some of the nicest and friendliest people you could ever meet. My impressions: beautiful country, rich history, and proud people.

Manager, sends good news on the progress of our 10-year reunion class gift. As you recall, we raised $26,000, of which $20,000 was marked as an “operational” gift to refurbish two Cadet Flying Team T-41s. The aircraft have been moved to Peterson AFB, where they have been stripped as part of the project’s first phase. Follow-on work includes repainting the aircraft and an overhaul of the interior. In recognition of your kindness and generosity, and the support of the AOG, the Academy will recognize the Class of‘89 with a small plaque on the instrument panel and a propeller spinner decal containing the class and AOG crests. Thanks again to everyone who took part in this project. You have helped provide a quality product that will well represent the cadets in competitions for years to come. Final note: Mr. Dave Kellogg, USAFA Assistant Athletic Director, sent out an announcement recently on the 14 August groundbreaking of a new 109,686 square foot Athletic Department building. The facility will include an “Athletic Hall of Education,” depicting how Air Force Academy athletics impact future leaders in the Air Force and beyond. Mr. Kellogg is “requesting a list of names and addresses of varsity letter winners from our class who have made valuable contributions to the Air Force

and/or a professional career after their military career for possible inclusion into this exhibit.” If you can help, please contact Mr. Dave Kellogg at (719) 333-9022, or David.Kellogg@usafa.af.mil. Let’s make sure our Class of‘89 star athletes are recognized! Best wishes to you and your families. Take care and God bless.

James Sanchez 8301 Emerald Circle

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

tHifpfsWM

Home: (817) 946-1802

E-Mail:

james.sanchez@usafa90.com

mSm

WEB: USAFA90.COM

Percent members: 43

I’m writing this one week after the World Trade Center attack. All of our prayers go out to the families of the victims, and to those who are leaving home to do their duty. Tim KANE is running for Congress! www.timekane.com/2002.

Mike MCNERNEY: “Just an update on my move. Am now stationed back at Hurlburt field FL, trying to stay in the cockpit as

long as they let me be line-dog. Patti and I had our first child, a son back in Nov of ’99. His name’s Ian, and thank God he got his Mom’s looks. Hope to stick it out here for several more years with the fighting 20!” ‘Pete FORD here. I’ve moved from the 85th Operational Test Squadron th at Eglin to the 44 Fighter Squadron at Kadena Japan. Arrived on island at the end of February and promptly departed for Nellis and am now at ONW for a 90-day-stint. Jen and I have a wonderful little girl named Anna. Stroke TRACY is in the 67th. He just hit the big one in Vegas... to the tune of a couple of million bones I think. Mike SHOWER recently passed through and had dinner at the hacienda one night. Got here in Turkey and ran into Jay AANRUD the first day.” Theo WILSON: “After receiving one additional year in Germany (thanks to Brian NAVOTNY), my wife and I made the decision to go for the long haul. That’s right, I did the yo-yo thang and will now remain in the military for as long as it will have me.” Brian ELLIOTT: “My wife, Jennifer, finally made me a father last Sunday. Kenna Jean Elliott was born at the Luke AFB hospital at 1529L, 24 Jun 2001. Perfectly healthy, perfectly happy (all three of us). Congrats to Bill TRACY on the big payoff. It’s about time someone I know took some coin from The Man in Vegas.” Lisa (KIRK) May: “I am starting my third year of the Doctor of Public Health program emphasizing in Environmental Health and Health Services Administration. Two of our classmates, Greg LANGAS and Henry a

Paul Tibbets sitting in the cockpit of the Russian TU-22M3 Backfire bomber. General Keck, the first American to fly in a Backfire, completed

nearly an hour-long flight during our visit to Ryazan Air Base, Russia. Christy KAYSER-COOK says hello from sunny Kansas. She is keeping busy as ADO in the OSS at McConnell AFB. Christy and husband Gary are enjoying chasing their 2 Vz year-old daughter Emily around the house, and expecting their second child December 5th. Congratulations! Like many of us, she is using all her “spare” time to complete ACSC. Christy frequently runs into classmates Shawn BEVANS and Randy REED. Thanks for writing! Kurt RINKE dropped a short note to say he is in Northwest Florida working for JE Sverdrup supporting Special Ops Flight Test. He also spends a few days a month in Lewiston at NSC. Kurt’s kids are growing up fast... Lauren is 11 (going on 17!), Nick is 9, and Hayley June “Bug” is 7. Appreciate the update! Our class president, Don SIMPSON, is now living in Boulder, CO working for Level 3 Communications in Information Technology. He and Kirsten love Colorado, and their son Jacob just started kindergarten. Good to hear from you Don!

Class Gift Project update: Chery Flores, the AOG Development Program

WOODS, are here at USUHS in the MD program, so it is great to see and visit with them. My husband, Rick, is at Incirlik as the clinic Deputy Com-

A Cadet Flying Team T-41 undergoes a major “face lift” thanks to your donations. 118

mander supporting ONW for four months. Finally, have to tell you that my best friend, Susan (TEMME) YIALAMAS is expecting her first baby.” Beth (CHARLES) EIDAL: “Curt and I are on our way to Hawaii, PACAF/ FMF. We are leaving the end of August, and if any of you want to buy a house in beautiful Troy, IL please let us know..” Dave BRIEN: “I am now in Iceland with my family for two years. We arrived 7 July and are looking forward to our time here with the 932 Air Control Squadron.” Alan THURBER: “I am now living in Portland, OR, working as an ART with the Air Force Reserves, 303rd rescue squadron, flying HC-130s out of Portland International Airport. My wife, Kala, and I now have three kids, Jaydra (5), Reed (3), and Brienne (3 months).” Guy BARNI: “I’m moving to Houston. I’m separating from the Air Force and begin flying for Northwest airlines (for now) on August 13th. I’ll also be ramping up my business as Texas deregulates its electricity market

this fall. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited!” James LAW: “I’ve arrived in Hawaii... New job doing public affairs at HQ PACAF at Hickam is fun. Can’t wait for the USAFA/Hawaii game this fall.” Scott SUMMERLIN: “I’m leaving the big city, Seattle, and moving to the pleasant little community of Meridian, ID. I graduated in June from the UW Business School.”

Paul LAMBERTSON:“Got promoted, got school candidacy, got a phone call from my commander telling me I’m moving so now I’m off to McChord. Great location and I get to continue flying the C-17.” Mark DEVINE: “My family and I have moved to Frisco TX, near Dallas where I fly for American. Congratulations to all the new Majors, newhires, and new parents!” —

Nat WARD: “No longer active duty; joined the Reserves at Andrews flying the C141. Also flying for United Airlines and trying to stay outta trouble there.” Steve KISER: “The Air Force is letting me pursue a PhD in policy studies at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA. It’s awesome living in Marina del Rey, about a 10-minute walk from Venice beach. I’m sure the AF will have me stationed in Thule or Kunsan for the rest of my career to pay this back!” Amy (CHOLISTER) Schwalber: “Blake MATRAY (CS-40) is in my Guard unit but more imporup here in Alaska (168 ARW) flying Tankers with me tandy, he has entered the Iditarod for Mar 2002! You can get to his web page after visiting the official Iditarod site at www.Iditarod.com. He really could —

—

use some

sponsorship help (you can sponsor a dog for a small amount).”

Lee ARMSTRONG: “Update from DMAFB: Dave DELMONICO is the Wing Exec here.

Bryan BATT is moving to Adanta from Pope to accept C-130Js.

Brian HASTINGS has an assignment to Eielson next year flying A-10s, will

requal at DM in Jan 02. Brad RICE is dying 737s for Continental out of HousMy wife and I are fostering a 12-year-old boy named Brandon. We’re succeeding only with God’s help. He’s a good kid but has a lot to overcome.” Carl BRENNER: “Toni DESONIA Brenner (’89) and I just had a second son, Gideon. Gideon’s older brother, Justin, loves his preschool. I’m in my last year in an AFIT-sponsored program at Georgetown University.” Keith MCCLELLAND: “I am now out of the Air Force and dying for FedEx. Also, I’m in the Alabama Guard dying Vipers in Montgomery. I’ve got a one-year-old son. Life is good!” Andre BRIERE: “My wife, Catherine, son Andre III (4 yrs), and daughter Reagan (1 yr) are having a blast here at Camp USAFA. I’m AOC for the CS-22 Raptors.” Misawa update: “Charles LEE is Chief of Intel Flight at the OSS. Jay LENNON is Chief of Current Ops Flight for OSS (recently had first son). Shawn MCGRATH is a Flight Commander in the 14 FS (two kids now). Phil HARDIN is Commander of the 610 Air Control Flight. Andrew DEMBOSKY is Chief of Stan/Eval for the Ops Group (just got remarried).” Jon COOPER: “I just got back from the Air Force/OU football game. Way to go Mighty ’90 for the pre-game festivities: our classmate Jeff ton.

EICHMAN blew the crowd away with his KC-10."

Akshai “Abu” GANDHI: “We are both in the process of separating from active duty and moving to Columbia, SC. I’ll be dying F-16s with the 157 FSoftheSC-ANGatMcEntireANGS. Also at McEntire are Nick ‘Stalker’ GENTILE and Mike ‘Slots’ LIGHTNER.”

Mark WEBER: “I’m busy as hell working on the HQ AMC staff (C-5 Main-

tenance) at Scott AFB.

the reunion, tune in next time, same bat time, same bat channel! Or, maybe we’ll have posted pictures and MPEGs on the web site by now. With a week to go before the festivities begin, I can and want to take this opportunity with the current column to thank some very special groups of people once again for all their assistance with the reunion: First, those who helped out in big ways to get the reunion planning not only underway, but acted on and put together, even unto the last minute! Art ROMERO has been my civilian counterpart from the very beginning, when Chris HOWARD his old roommate asked (told?) him in the fall of‘00 to get busy with our reunion planning. Art and I immediately found each other and it was, shall we say, a match made in heaven (sorry, Gina, I didn’t mean it that way!). Art, you’ve been the best! Then there’s Tony MITCHELL, the man on my right arm, doing the heavy grinding work I would toss into his Aero Dept cage every once in awhile. Both Art and Tony also have wonderful wives, Gina and Siri, respectively, who went out of their way on more than one occasion to host our meetings with food and a warm home. Also in that list are Tim and Dee BERGMANN who hosted us when we were taking those neat photos of the class merchandise you saw on the web. Tim has also been with us from the very beginning of the planning, helping out with many administrative tasks. If you were at the tailgate and enjoyed it, you should thank Carlene PERRY for her hard, hard work getting that together. When I think of the tailgate, I think of food, and when I think of food, I think of all the great work Matt EAGER did for us all in working with the Sheraton as our main contact. Matt put together the menu decisions, had many conversations with our hostess on the phone, and then in the end, due to world events did not get to spend time with us at those very same events! Matt, your dedication was outstanding! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. But wait! There’s still more helpers around here, such as Colleen (McCRARY) LESTER who is still at work with the reunion merchandise. You can imagine how much Colleen went through and is still going through to get that stuff into the right hands in a polite and timely fashion. Finally, and not for any particular reason, I had Brian BANKS from the very start, working with the other people providing support and helpful ideas, as well as Rob KRAUS who was the “Man of the Coin” in a wonderful way. Rob jumped right into the fray as soon as he arrived way to go, Rob! I’d also like to thank the wonderful people at the AOG who worked with us in working with our all to a great extent, particularly Donna Porter, who was going through her first reunion-working exmajestic class reunion perience at the AOG! So, to Donna Porter we off our hats in gratitude and recognition of a job well done! Incidentally, you might find it interesting to know that Donna is the wife of Col Bill Porter (Ret), who was one of our First nd Group AOCs, and my boss for a short time when I was a 2 Lt here at USAFA still on medical hold in ‘92. Col Porter is now working for The Company Formerly Known As USPA & IRA, and is my representative. So, you might say that through my first year here, back at the Academy, the Porter family and I sort of switched service positions from when we were cadets! One of life’s interesting little twists on the stories we are all a part of... Here are some excerpts from three of your buds earlier (much earlier) this year. JT ANDERSON: Janet and I and our two daughters (Sarah and Hannah) are in Austin, TX now. I am working as an engineer for National -

—

Our biggest plan over the summer is to take our girls to swimming lessons high but achievable goals right?) If anyone is in Austin please drop us a line we’d love to hear from you. Chris HOWARD: I am starting at Harvard Business School this fall on a company-sponsored program to complete my MBA. (Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) Joseph RUBLER: Just came off active duty May 6th and started with the Reserves on May 7th. Got conditionally hired by American Airlines. Just have to go to the physical on July 11th. If all goes well, I start training in Sept. Unfortunately that means I won’t be able to attend the reunion. Everything else is going well. Hope everyone’s doing well. Some info on other grads: Craig WENZ (‘92) just started terminal leave today (July 6th) and will start with the Reserves on the 30th. Colin KEEN is working for Instruments.

Samantha and I are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl, Sidney, born on 12 Aug 01... 6lbs 12oz. It is the most incredible thing... Everyone is happy and healthy! When do we get to pin on Major? More info: Chuck NESEMEIER is also on staff as the C-17 Maintenance Officer...” The AOG only gives me enough room for highlights here go to our web page for all the updates and email addresses (and to get on the 90 Newsletter Mailing List). —

Carson Tavenner 4414C Bighorn Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840

(719) 472-5942 E-mail: carson.tavenner@usafa.af.mil Percent members: 44

American. That’s all for now. See ya around.

Yep! See you around, 1991! Next time: reunion funnies you’ll be sad you missed. But maybe we’ll have posted pictures and MPEGs on the web site by now anyway. Check it out! Tav

Hey, everybody! Congratulations to all those in our class who have now received the enviable title of Major Select! Yes, even our class has been

James S. Mehta

given the opportunity to shed the mantle of junior leadership and join the ranks of greatness. As I sit here on my computer frantically smashing out a few lines to communicate to y’all, I realize that by the time you read this, I will hopefully have my feet up on my couch at home with a hot cup of cocoa and a peppermint stick, enjoying the new-found relaxation of a man with no more reunion planning on his back! The reunion is next week unfortunately I cannot wait until after that time to get this column in. Okay, so we’re suffering from bad timing. To hear all about

Carmel, CA 93921-5363

Box 5363

(831) 622-0752 E-mail: jamesmehta@usafa.com Percent members: 36

A time to reflect. Well, as I have been saying in my columns for the past year or so, we really need to look out for one another and take the time to 119

spend with family and friends. There is no better time than now. On September 11, we witnessed terrible events that have impacted all of our lives and marked themselves indelibly in our minds and hearts. For those active duty, Reserves, Air Guard—we know we have of us in uniform a mission to accomplish. For those of us who have moved on other things, we still have “missions” as citizens to keep the country strong and united... a startling reminder to remember what is most important. On behalf of the Class of 1992,1 want to express sincere sympathies to those who lost family and friends to these attacks. All in the Family. Mike ROKAW told me he and Angela celebrated their first anniversary on the beautiful island of Maui. They are enjoying L.A. and Mike is trying his hand at surfing. He continues to train for marathons and completed the L.A. Marathon in March in 3 hours and 50 minutes. Quite a time! But, perhaps the most interesting and fun news is that he and Angela joined Jason (‘93) and Jessica KIMBEL and Jessica and Angela’s mother to be on Family Feud. Since the two sisters married two grads, it is quite a “family” as you can imagine. Mike and Jason both wore their uniforms and told the host they were both “rocket scientists.” I guess Aero degrees and working at the Space and Missile Systems Center qualifies them. I’m sure you can imagine the endless stream of jokes that succeeded that disclosure. Anyway, it was Angela and Jessica who answered the critical questions leading them to the win the $20,000 prize! I guess we have to admit that at least Mike and Jason were smart enough to marry intelligent women. I hope to see a videotape of the show when I visit Mike and Angela in L.A. As for Mike and Jessica, they have more good news as they announced the arrival of their second baby on July 26. Congratulations! —

flybys during the reunion. He volunteered to work with the USAFA flyby POC for us. If you think you can get an aircraft out there to do a flyby, please contact him at Scott.Nowlin@usafa.af.mil. I think it’s a great idea; let’s see what we can do. Also, I mentioned that we do not have a date for the reunion, but plan for it to be on a weekend of a home football game. Dave ALBRECHT is also at USAFA and is now the Director of Budget. He and his wife, Amy, and their five-year-old son PCSed from Vandenberg this summer. He is looking forward to the reunion and said he will be willing to help out since he is already there. So if you know Dave, give him a call. He visited with Matt YETISHEFISKY at Nellis on his way from Vandenberg to USAFA. Matt will be at Nellis for another year. At Vandenberg, Dave was

stationed with Trey MEEKS who was flying helos and is now at Ft. Rucker as an instructor. Trey and his wife, Dawn, just had a baby girl. Finally, he recendy ran into Kevin RAINEY who is headed to Mildenhall. The last e-mail is from my old roommate from Edwards AFB, Lyle SHIDLA. Lyle has been working in Boston for a software company for a few years and recendy started a new position there. He has been quite busy getting situated in his new position. He has also been staying busy with the Reserves, soccer, jogging, and the social life in Boston. Old Tarantulas. I talked to Steve WOLF who recently got back to the states from Germany. He completed the Olmstead Scholarship program

and his program at the Free University of Berlin, Germany. He and Kaye Europe while they were there and now they are stationed at Kaneohe MCBH in Hawaii. Steve is the commander for the Headquarters Company there. They are happy to be back in the U.S. and especially in Hawaii and are expecting a new addition to the family some-

were able to travel all over

time next year. Dave KUMASHIRO was alerted immediately after the terrorist incidents and flew one of the first missions to support the rescue and recovery operations in New York. Dave and his C-5 crew transported FEMA teams and equipment to Stewart Airfield outside of New York City before re-

turning to Travis. Final words. Everyone I have talked to recently is still stunned by the events of last week. We all know that we now have a new and important mission and that some things have changed forever. So, again, I say, be safe and look out for one another. I want to see you all at the reunion next year. God bless America! James

Michael D. Sundsted

fSi

'!Op!

4530 East Castle Drive

McGuire AFB, NJ 08641

(609) 724-0866 DSN: 650-6852

‘Family Feud.” Mike Rokaw and Jason Kimbel, June 2001. From sea to shining sea. I guess no one can stay in Hawaii forever. Dave DURBIN, who roamed the halls of the PACAF Headquarters’ build-

ing at Hickam and the PACOM building at Camp Smith, had to leave paradise and PCS to the Gulf Coast of Florida to MacDill AFB. Sounds rough. I guess Dave’s tan didn’t even have a chance to fade... He’s still working joint issues as he was in Hawaii. If any of you are down there, look Dave up, since he hasn’t seen any ‘92ers around. Thinking about our reunion. Scotty NOWLIN sent me email from USAFA where he is an Aero instructor. I’ll let Scotty tell you the rest: “I’m teaching here at the Zoo in the Aero Department just finished the summer’s 2nd -

period, slamming 37 cadets through Aero315 in 2.5 weeks, and now I’m off to Jack’s Valley to be a 2nd BCT Associate AOC. Life is good! We’re setded into base housing right here, up in the trees... Joelyn (TAYLOR, CS-39) is BUSY at home each day with Faith, now three, and Christy, now 10 months. We see Jim (CS-25) and Gretchen (BERRY, CS-24) LEE often they also have two little gals, Cecilia and Emilee, ages 4 and 1. Jim is out of the AF, working for Lockheed on satellite stuff. Gretchen got out after five years, just like Joelyn, and has similar daily challenges at home with their girls. he just Other classmates here include Jeff STAMP and his wife, Alecia arrived for a three-year stint teaching history. Ron PIERI is here teaching CE and working his tail off managing the renovation of portions of the 6th —

—

floor of Fairchild Hall. Jason WOLF is here in Aero with me, until summer ’02 then he’s off to C- 17s. There are lots of other grads here, too, from ’92 and classes just before and after. We’ve seen a bunch of classmates swing through for various briefings and presentations to/for the cadets. For example, Clint HINOTE is flying spooky jets down in New Mexico, and Dan MARTICELLO is a spooky flight test engineer at Palmdale, CA. Brandon LOKEN (CS25 Roomie!) is aT-37 IP at Columbus, and soon will become —

—

a Reserve IP and an airline

pilot.” Scotty had another important reason for writing. He was already thinking about our reunion next year (as all of you should) and was dreaming about the Thunderbirds doing a show, since we missed out on May 27, 1992. Unfortunately, after some good investigative work it does not seem possible. Not to be defeated, Scotty proposed plan #2. His idea is to get True Blue pilots from all the MWS to do a series of 120

E-mail: Bravecwboy@aol.com Class Website: www.highflight.com Percent members: 87

Best wishes to you this fall! I am writing this while sitting on alert in the aftermath of the tragedies in New York City and at the Pentagon. I am sure most of you were affected, in some fashion, by everything that occurred last week. I pray that all of you will stay as safe as possible. Our class’ prayers and thoughts go out to all. I thank God for the heroic efforts of the New York City Fire Department, Police Department and rescue workers as well as those at the Pentagon who helped with the rescue and recovery efforts. I am sure many members of our class will be significantly busier in the coming months. I thank Liesl RADERER for looking sharp on the Today Show with Katie Couric and Matt Lauer. Excellent work! A note on our class web site: we are currently working to put a link from the AOG home page. Thanks for all the efforts of those who are assisting this matter Jeff KUBIK. On to the class news... Our first graduate is actually from 1992! Dave KUMASHIRO sent me a letter after last issue updating me on a few our classmates. Dan OOSTERHOUS, Zach ZEINER, Jason COUSINE are all flying the mighty C-5 out at Travis AFB. Dan is an instructor pilot and Chief of C-5 Current Operations (Planning) in the Operation Support Squadron. Dan and wife, Allison, have three wonderful children Emma, Anna, and Andrew. Zach is recently engaged and is almost complete with C-5 Instructor Pilot upgrade. Jason hasn’t had any new movie roles recently, due in large part to his recent 90-day TDY in Bogota, Columbia. Finally, Shawn WELSH is a KC-10 Instructor Pilot and Chief of KC-10 Current Operations at Travis. -

Thanks for the update from ‘92! Dan OVERLAND checks in via email. The ring I mentioned that was for sale on eBay a couple of issues ago as well as on the web site may very well have been his! He is currently trying to track it down. Dan and wife, Stephanie, enjoy spending time with their three children Rachael, Michael, and Stephen. Dan’s track of success started after he exited the AF after five well-served years. Dan took a job with Gateway Computer Company and then moved to a start-up Internet Company. After the company was bought out he settled in Louisville, KY with another more es-

tablished computer software company.

Dan updates us on Craig RIZZO, Steve CHAMBAL, Joel RYAN, Tracy

Craig has gotten out of the AF and has recently been married. Congratulations! Steve has also married and has a wonderful child. He is currently a PhD teaching at AFIT. Joel and Tracy are married and at Langley, VA with four boys, the youngest of which is about seven months. Cory is out and in Houston, TX (Dan thinks). Thanks for the great update! Char (MELICK) MCREADIE changed her address from New Mexico to Herndon, VA. She is now working with HQ/USAF and the Advanced Technology Innovation Center. Scott "Woody” WOOD checks in letting us know that after four years in TAKALA and Cory VICKERS.

the AF he received his JD and MBA from Notre Dame. He is now an attorney at Bingham Dana LLP in Hartford, CT. He specializes in financial restructuring and Chapter 11 (corporate bankruptcy). You may have a couple of airline clients soon! Excellent work! Got a quick note from Hank BUCK and family. They had traveled through Switzerland, Italy, Austria and South Germany for their summer vacation. His son Pierce is almost a year and gets more fun every day. Our regards to you, Natalie and Pierce!

www.highflight.com you will see messages from Jeff KUBIK, Steve FRANK, Eric BUHR (how’s it going Eric?), the Snake, and much, much more. Most of the activity regards tailgate parties for the AF versus Navy game and the AF versus BYU game. Can’t wait to experience/hear about the stories at both games!! I have had the great pleasure of several ‘93ers being located at McGuire. Ken EDGE is the C-141B CCTS flight commander, Steve ODUM works in the OSS, Matt KENWORTHY just joined us and is currently going through re-qualification in the C-141B, Frank FLIETAS just left for C-5 school, and Lance ORR is the most intelligent person in 21 AF! I know there are others that transit the base from time to time. Lance and I live right down the street from each other. During any given afternoon you can see us at the local playground with our sons (his, Liam and mine, Collin). Lance and his Frau, Manu, have finally adjusted to the New Jersey way of life. This summer we had my son’s birthday party in Dallas, TX and I just st

wanted to mention that Kristin SUCICH and children drove all the way

from San Antonio to attend. Hey Joe, just wanted to make sure I didn’t get in trouble! Thanks again for making this a great article. I hope to hear from more of you next time, just to make sure our entire class is still okay. I noticed that we pulled ahead of every other graduating class and have a total of 88% membership! You guys are awesome. Can’t wait to see you in less than two years! Be safe Mike. -

C. C. Masotti 7608 Southern Oak Drive

Springfield, VA 22153 Home: (703) 644-4332 Work: (703) 697-1383 or DSN 227-1383 Fax: (703) 695-8884 or DSN 225-8884 E-mail: bowhead94@hotmail.com Percent members: 76 The Buck Family on Vacation in Europe.

Larry and Christy TRITTSCHUH had a beautiful bouncing baby boy on 31 July 2001. His name is Alexander John. Congratulations to the newest Trittski!

let me sound the trumpets!! A first has happened in our Oh my gosh class yet again. The first AOC yes, Air Officer Commanding, from our class is Capt. Kevin VIRTS. Kevin’s goal is to be the first AOC to march tours! I think you still owe them from before graduation, Kevin! He insists that just because he is here doesn’t necessarily mean that he will volunteer to be the POC for our reunion in two years. Sounds like a volunteer to me doesn’t it fellow classmates? Kevin’s main goal as AOC is to —

ensure

that the Academy brings back squadrons 37 through 40.

Keep

those cadets straight Kevin! Some great news from my UPT roommate! Remember in the last episode of Checkpoints I said that Jason MILLS may have some great news well he does! He and his girlfriend Julainne will be getting married next March! Julainne-I have some stories to tell you about Jason. Millsy-my

IHpyjjpjiw cpwssy

By the time you read this, the terrorist attacks will be a few months past, but no less vivid than now, one week after the tragedies in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. We offer our condolences and prayers to everyone involved, and the next few months will bring stories of people we all care about who have been personally affected by these events. As it stands, a few of our classmates immediately offered aid and support. Joe KUNKEL, at the Pentagon for the AF Intern Program, has been acfive in running the volunteer network, providing relief for rescue workers.

Jim FABIO, a Combat Camera Reservist, has been documenting the tragedy in New York; his pictures were quickly used on the AF homepage. Thank you for your quick and selfless efforts—God bless America!

“Ladies and gendemen, please turn your attention high above... it’s the 2002-2003 Thunderbirds... brought to you by the Class of ‘94: Chris

CALLAGHAN, the Right Wing pilot, and Dave STEINHISER, telling him to

that Andra VAN POPPEL is now Andra KNIER She wed Scott KNIEP (‘92) in Vegas over Labor Day Weekend. I bet Scott’s excited about being a

Congrats to Chris and Dave who will be representing our AF around the world as Thunderbirds 3 and 9! Nellis will never be the same... Greg WOOD is chasing Fighter Weapons School students in the skies and young women on the strip. Greg is an Aggressor at FWS and probably ran across Brian TOTH, who recently graduated: “The class students from the Zoo (in the F-16) were Darren GRAY, going to Kunsan then Spang... Joe KENDALL back to Kunsan then Luke... and Mike SCHNABEL at Eglin.” Brian headed back to Eielson where John LILLER and Matt VILLELLA are flying A-10s and Chris MCDANIEL and Eric VOLD are flying F-16s. He ran across Corey AMUNDSON, Kent HARBAUGH and Brian VAN MATRE during his tenure in Sin City. Thanks for the info, Brian! Jeff KUETER and his wife, Crystal, are at the Academy; Jeff is a family practice doc at the main base hospital. They are expecting in January and as long as the kid looks like Crystal, we should be fine. Erika SCHENEVAR is also at the Academy coaching swimming she contemplated doing the butterfly back from her last assignment at Lakenheath

member of the best class to ever graduate from USAFA. Heck, we are so

to prepare, but settled for a transatlantic cruise instead

man

congratulations on popping the big question!

Jeff RIED checks in via email. Jeff has moved around a bunch since

graduation. He recently separated from the Air Force and joined a dotcom type company. Since he actually liked to eat he joined the corporate world as the B2B Program Manager for GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati OH. He and his wife, Shawna, have two kids, Austin 6, and Kylee 5. They are adjusting to civilian life well and are exploring the Cincinnati area when not playing with B-2 models. While he was wearing blue, Jeff went from Malmstrom AFB to Kadena AB to Orlando (EWI Lockheed Martin) and then to Rome, NY (AFRL IF). Glad to hear that you are doing so well! Just got a quick email from Chris CHAPLIN (aka Chapbones). He says

awesome that other classes

give us updates! Also, Barry COGGINS is getting ready to move out to Korea. He’s due there in October. He’ll be joining Dave JOHNSON who’s going from Davis Monthan in November, and Rob Brogan who is there now. Joe IMWALLE works at Crystal City in D.C. and has routine business at the Pentagon. I finally got in touch with him late Tuesday (of the attack) and learned that he was OK. Later he learned that two of his friends were on that plane and one was in the building. Dave KEENER is out of the Air Force now. He’s become a contractor and works for Raytheon in Falls Church, VA (near D.C.). Haven’t heard from him, but I’m sure he’s fine. Jason KIMBEL sent me an update as well as a picture. The unfortunate

thing is I can’t find either! I am so sorry, but from what I can remember he is doing great! Jason, please resend your information and picture and I’ll include it in the next article. Our web site is doing much better. Once we get it linked to the AOG page I am sure we’ll have a lot more activity. If you log on to

turn his head and cough.”

...

We heard from Dane NIELSEN, at Travis flying KClOs: “There are a mil-

lion other grads at Travis, but like some clown at an Academy Awards acceptance speech, I just don’t have time here to mention everyone.” Thanks, Dane. He did manage to mention his roommate Zach ZEINER, albeit with a heavy heart. Zach left Dane for another woman, Heidi Exton, and they are getting married in October. Apparently, Dane will still be able to see Zach on weekends and major non-religious holidays. Dane’s also been in touch with Joe SANTUCCI, who is flying the U2. MarkTORREANO missed the headlines by a minute. Mark’s a USN P3 pilot; he was flying the mission relieved by the crew forced to land in China. But for scheduling, Mark could have been our interface with the Chinese. Mark writes from Whidbey Island, WA and is heading to Maryland shortly he says Jack ANTEDOMENICO is on standby at Eglin and Chris DUHON is a happy civilian in Chicago. Mark spends a lot of time with Ollie LEEDS and West STARK the next picture shows the three of them in Okinawa “at Ollie’s PHAT pad.” Great photo, Mark! -

121

Anyone need an asteroid destroyed?

plenty of new updates on the class web page GO CHECK IT OUT! like the movie Chuck wrote the following: “I work offshore on oil rigs Armageddon. Instead of wearing my blue uniform, blue hat and boots, I now wear a blue uniform, blue hat and boots. Big change.” He gets to attend survival and firefighting schools and the following picture shows him looking decidedly dirty... are

Stalagboys: MarkTorreano, West Stark, and Ollie Leeds.

Jake BURGWALD emailed us from Colorado

he’s in the AF reserves at Peterson. He’s enjoying civilian life: better pay and no unaccompanied remotes! He’s been in touch with Charlie BOLTON, at Scott, and Rob GLANNONI at McGuire. We badgered Mike TRAW for some info he, Tara, and the girls are great he let us know that Mike RITZMAN is on his Ritz starts with Paine Webber in December. Ritz heard way to Ohio from Mark SCHMIDT, whose wife is a nurse at Andrews and was involved with the recovery effort at the Pentagon. Ritz noted that Marty O’GRADY was on his way to the Pentagon when the tragedy occurred, but fortunately hadn’t arrived yet. Trey CHASTAIN sent the following picture in from his July wedding. Jeff KUETER was his best man, and Jim SIKRA and Chris EDEN were groomsmen. In Trey’s words: “Saber bearers: Matt KEIPER, Ray CIRASA, Mike RITZMAN,John NEMECEK (‘95), Brady JOHNSON, and JasonTONE (‘95). Todd FOSTER sang our first dance ‘I cross My Heart,' by George -

Thanks to CC for letting us write the column. We’re getting married in May and hope to see many of you here in San Diego! Godspeed to everyone involved in the fight against terrorism our thoughts are with you! -

Matt BROGDON and Maria DONOVAN

—=

Don Kang

PSC 3, Box 3874 APO AP 96266

(031) 661-4430 BudaF 16@yahoo.com Percent members: 70

Strait. Grand appearances by the KUSSEROW family, Mark SCHMIDT, John GIFFT, Adrian CROWLEY (via video), Rex BALLINGER (‘95), andTom HEMROCK (‘95).” Sounds like a great party Trey

we’re sorry we missed

it! Trey and Marcie are now at Pope AFB. Hi everybody!

My first hack at this Checkpoints thing, so I’ll be shooting from all angles make sure I hit a little bit everywhere. Start emailing (budafl6@yahoo.com) so I can beef up the article. Guess I’ll start with me... flying F-16s here at Osan, AB, Republic of Korea. I’ve been flying Vipers for four years now. Been married (Cristina) for a couple years or to

so and I still have a year left here on the ROK.

Korea seems to be a great blue magnet for ‘95ers. With me flying Vipers

in the 36 th Fighter Squadron are Mike “Mach” MAY (married, Melissa), Mike “Bolt” BARTEN (Kindra), Jim “Latex” COLLINS (LaDawn), Ron ‘Gunz” BERZINS, Ryan “FNG” SPARKMAN, Matt “Tooma” LILJENSTOLPE

Trey Chastain's wedding. ..before the police line-ups! We’ve stayed in touch with Kevin and Wendy BARNES. KB writes the following: “Wendy is still on AD as an MSC but is separating ASAP next summer. Hannah is five months and looks like her mother, thank God.” Amen to that, Kevin. KB is in his second year of a JD/MBA program at William and Mary. Before they left Alaska last year, they spent a lot of time with Todd, Cody and little Garrett SMITH. Todd is a senior director at the RAOC we can all sleep easier knowing Todd is protecting our skies. Mike and Jen SUERMANN are also in Alaska. Mike managed to get an assignment with the Marines flying the F-18 and they leave for South Carolina soon. Mike the AF will expect you to read and do basic math after this assignment. Stay Hooked on Phonics! Kevin mentioned that John GIFFT finished law school and is working for the Department of Commerce (cool!). JG attended Wayne YOUNG’s wedding in Vegas with numerous ‘94 guys,

Don and Cristina Kang

—

Send in a picture, guys! Georgina (CHRISTOPHER) JOHNS is a full-time mom. Her husband, Doug ‘95, is a V-8 Splash

including Jeff JOHNSON.

rep for Campbell’s Soup. Do we have him to thank for those ads, George? Kevin’s old roommate, Steve PIEPER, and his wife, Krista, are back from Europe for Weapons School and are heading to Shaw after that. Jim SAMUEL is a full-time Air National Guard pilot flying the F-15 in St.

Congratulations to Jim on fulfilling a lifelong dream (flying, not carpentry). Jim, Claire says hello, but is too tired Louis and building a house. to write...

Mike BAUTISTA emailed from Altus. He and wife Jenny (‘95), daughter Allison (a 1 st grader, so Mike now has someone to relate to) and son Jamie

doing great. Our class champ when it comes to great info, Chuck BAIRD, says there

are

122

(married with two kids), Chris “Fatty” JONES (Jennifer), Steve “Cash” BOATRIGHT (Sarah), and Bill “Wilbur” BETTS (married with one kid and another on the way). We’ve got an A-10 squadron here too, and while

flying by them at slow speeds, I noticed Scott “Soup” CAMPBELL, Andy Tatts” STONE, and Brian MURPHY. Also here at Osan are Ty LITTLE (flying C-12s) and Brian BALDWIN (working an ALO tour before heading off to fly Eagles again at Elmendorf). A bunch more flying Vipers down south at Kunsan AB, including: Frank BRYANT, Mike “Metal” HENKLEMAN (Nicole), John “Meat” TINSLEY, Nate HANSON, Andy “Woody” LYONS (Kim), and Dylan BAUMGARTNER. Chris “Stork” HUMMEL (Suzy) recently left the ROK and is headed to Eielson for three more years of F- 16s. Suzy makes the best damn peach cobbler in the entire world. Paul “Fido” FEICHTINGER left Osan about a year ago and is flying Vipers out at Hill. Brad “Lips” SEGER just left Osan recently too, now teaching UPT at Sheppard AFB, TX. Brad’s got a tough little son who looks just like him (but 1 / 10 th his size). Other ‘95ers I’ve in the Pacific are Brian SCHAFER (flying Eagles at Kadena), Jason ‘Hollywood” SMITH, Rusty “Just Another Grunt” HICKS (flying F/A-18’s for the Marine Corps), and Chris “DBAL” AUSTIN (ALO at Camp Red seen

Cloud). Chris is on his way to Aviano to continue flying Vipers and Jason Smith is married and worldng as an ALO now on Oahu (after flying Vipers

but in this program there’s a lot less drama than—let’ say—aWhite House or Congressional Internship. This rotation, I have been fortunate enough

in Germany).

to land in the Programs and Legislation Division of SAF/LL. It really has been an incredible experience. Our class still has another year of eligibility left for AFIP, so check it out if you get the chance. It falls under the “good

Back stateside, Scott ARBOGAST and Brad “Juice” GLENN are instructors at the Viper baby schoolhouse at Luke AFB, AZ. Dave “Swede” SUNDLOV (Larissa) is wrapping up a tour flying F-16s at Cannon AFB,

along with Brad “Baja” MITCHELTREE (Jennifer). Jamie MCHENRY is working for the Navy, teaching UPT/UNT at Pensacola, FL. Tim BUCK is flying helos at Kirkland AFB in New Mexico. Tim’s married and has two kids. Good work! Last I heard, Jeremy DURTSCHI is married and was teaching at the Mud Hen RTU at Seymour Johnson, and my old UPT roommate Drew MORRISON was flying Mud Hens out at Mountain Home. Chris EDERLE, Eric DAS, Jim

STUMBO, and Wil MAHER are also flying Mud Hens, location unknown at press time (email me, you pukes!). Last I heard, Nick “Roid” GUTTMAN and Dave ABBA were flying Eagles at Langley. Mike THODE was flying Vipers at

Aviano and I think Jon SCHEER was flying Hogs at Pope. Alex “Tuna” ANTUNEZ and Zach HESS are married (not to each other) and “in the Army

now.” Tuna

save a bottle of El Presidente for me!

deals” category, and surprisingly, there are a few left. I just got an interesting letter from Robert Grant, formerly known as Robert CALTRIDER. It’s a little confusing, so hang with me. Rob started out in our class in Squadron 7. He was a ‘96er for 3 Vz years before he was given a medical turnback. He ended up graduating out of 32 with the class of ‘97. Before he came back to finish up his senior year, he changed his name back to his birth name; hence, Robert Grant. A week before his graduation, he was informed that he would be allowed to graduate, but would not get a commission. Three years later, he successfully appealed the medical discharge, and was commissioned in May 2000. He is now an Air Battle Manager at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany aboard the AWACs. He is married to Angie from Castle Rock, CO. He says he knows it’s an odd story, but it’s been even odder living it. Welcome back Rob! If any of you guys run into folks from Squadron 7, please pass along this info. Next, we have some photos from the SOS “Survivor” classic. I know it looks like we’re having fun in these pictures (propaganda photos), but I’ll and let you form your own opinions about the new and improved SOS that’s all I’m going to say about that. —

Brad Shaffer, Jim Collins, Mike Barten, and Nick Guttman At the center of the universe, Nellis AFB, NV, Chad “Motor” FEUCHT is wrapping up F-16 Fighter Weapons School (Instructor Course) and will out to Osan to be our weapons officer. Metal Henkleman (F-16) and Soup Campbell (A-10) have already completed FWIC and are out here in Korea as weapons officers now. All of you dudes going to Fighter Weapbe sure to email me and let me know so I can give you the ons School come

proper accolades. OUTSTANDING! On the flip side of the universe, Paul PEREZ is working maintenance/ logistics at Travis AFB. Pablo is married with children and loving the San Francisco area (who doesn’t?). AlexSANSONE is teaching aero at the Academy and enjoying clean living back at our old stomping grounds. Clarence DUNAGAN finished a grueling medical school program at Loyola and is now in the trenches living real life ER as a surgical intern in North Carolina. Good on you, Clarence. Last I heard, Louis TORRES was at Whiteman AFB, happily married and working maintenance on B-2s. To all: I don’t get a lot of interface outside of the flying world, so please keep the emails coming. Help me keep this article from being a who’s who of dudes I’ve met while flying DACT.

Little over six years now since we left the zoo. I’ve noticed a ton of people getting out would like to hear from you guys, too. Let us know if the grass is really greener on the other side ($$$). Other than some new wrinkles, a few extra inches around the belly, and fatter wallets seems like most of us haven’t changed a whole lot. Help me prove my point by emailing me pictures, too (JPEG or TIF high resolution). In closing, let me say that I find it astounding (and heartwarming) that so many of us former snot-nosed punks are now leading the air campaigns in our nation’s wars. Who would have thunk it? Can’t even count the number of ‘95ers I’ve seen and met on the front lines: dropping bombs, shooting missiles, and getting shot at... amazing. Low crawling back from the Roadrunner at Jack’s Valley really seems like a million miles away now. One last note we’ve lost some good friends in the last few years. They will be sorely missed. Well, that’s enough let me hear from you soon... HARRUMPH! -

In front of the Richie Center, Tommy C with his harem: Colleen Lehne-

Johnson, Melissa Baumann, Jennifer (Spindle) Caballero, Kerre (Ellis) Scarborough, Melissa Cunningham, and in front, the Man, Tom Caballero. Colleen LEHNE-JOHNSON is now a recruiter in Los Angeles. She and Danta are doing great! Danta is now in the Reserves and spending the majority of his free time as a youth pastor working with the teens in his area. Melissa BAUMANN is an intern this fall working with the Joint Staff. Jen CABALLERO is stationed in Boston working with JSTARs. Kerre just

finished up IFF and is en route to Luke AFB to begin F-16 training. Tom CABALLERO is stationed with Jen at Hanscom and is completing his master’s degree in international affairs. The ‘96ers got together while we were at Maxwell for SOS. It was a great time to catch up over the last five years. Of course this means we were skipping out on our individual flights, so naturally, we were all then

summarily voted off the island upon our return.

Melissa S. Cunningham 9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181 (703) 319-4048/(703) 200-6155 E-mail: Melissacunningham@pentagon.af.mil or fmcunningham@) aoI.com Percent members: 61

Holiday Greetings from our Nation’s Capitol! Fred and I are enjoying our Things are really fast-paced in D.C.,

year so far in the AF Intern Program.

Class of ‘96 Mini Reunion in Alabama: In the back row are Chris Simms,

Andy Meehan, Chris Shepard, AJ Mims, Curtis Madley, Melissa Baumann, Kerre and Damon Scarborough (‘91), and Mike Uffelman. Middle row: Melissa Cunningham, Jenny Caballero, and Ann-Marie Halterman-OMalley. Front row: Colleen Lehne-Johnson, Dave OMalley, and Todd Cook. 123

I just got an email from Kelly (GARGAC) ALDRICH. She was married in

]un 98 to Joe Aldrich (VMI ‘93), who she met at Edwards AFB. They moved to Kirtland AFB in Aug 00 where Kelly is working in the Airborne Laser

System Program Office. I just received some awesome pictures from her wedding, so I’ll run them and more details in the next article. Other news: Gail BUTLER is now married to Rich MADER ’97. They live in Dover where Rich is a C-5 pilot. Gail separated from the AF this year after the birth of their first child, John Michael, in April. Kevin MCGOWAN is a newlywed. He married his sweetheart Nicole in August 2000. He is also a C-5 pilot, and is stationed at Travis.

That was fun. I got to go on a deployment to the Mediterranean; got to go play in Albania and Kosovo when all that stuff was going on. It was pretty cool; got to see some “action” (and got some chest candy). Then I went to Small Craft Company for a little over a year. It’s the only boat unit in the Marine Corps. We did riverine operations. Pretty fun. Went to South America for some training so I did six weeks in Argentina and Paraguay.

Now, I’ve become an office [weenie]. Pretty much set in here and send emails, talk on the phone, and write orders, plans, etc. It sucks.” Cheese

seriously considering getting out in May but recent events may change his plans... the possibility of getting in the fight is very appetizing.

was

Jason SCHATTL ran into Melissa BAUMANN on the Metro last week.

Cheese passed on that Jimmy FULLER and his wife, Heather, have two

He gave her the latest on his whereabouts. He is now out of the military and is in the civilian sector working for a company called Trax. He was in

little girls. Jimmy is flying C- 17s at Charleston, as is Matt ANDERSON, who I bumped into at the Kadena Air Mobility Command Center. Matt was

D.C. to complete his polygraph for a portion of the NRO hiring process. He separated last winter and was married in March to Andrea. He’s doing great! He said that he’s able to do what he loves, and the fact that they are

paying him handsomely to do so, is icing on the cake.

Lori and Reid RASMUSSEN started T-37 and T-38 PIT, respectfully at

Randolph in September. Upon completion, they will finally be stationed together (for the first time since casual status) at Columbus AFB.

Kurt Kremser and Blair Kaiser on display in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL. In the true spirit of the U.S. OPEN, this picture is from the famous Blair

Kaiser files. Here we have Kurt KREMSER and Blair KAISER in their now

patented “70s Tennis Bar Outfit.” They’ve won over $400 (as of this issue) in this getup in bar contests in Chicago and Whistler, B.C. Kurt is “John McEnroe on Rogaine” and Blair is “Bjorn Borg." Their ensemble includes (but is not limited too) wigs, matching Adidas headbands/wristbands, size 30 (skin tight) tennis shorts, tube socks, K-Swiss sneakers. They never forget to carry their “wooden” rackets and tennis balls into all the bars. Blair says “No pride lots of fun!" Kurt’s pick-up line to the ladies is the

roaming around the Pacific

—

he and his aircraft commander were calling

back to Tanker Airlift Control Center explaining that a piece of their plane fell off over mainland Japan. Matt seemed to be in pretty good spirits but the aircraft commander didn’t looked like he was having much fun. I received a news release from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). It seems that one of our own, Shane BANKS, is now Dr. BANKS. Shane was one of 239 students who received their D.O. de-

greeonjun3,2001 from PCOM. The news release says “PCOM has trained osteopathic physician-doctors who practice a ‘whole person’ approach to medicine, treating people, not just symptoms.” Sounds like a place an Academy grad would go, huh? Congratulations, Shane. Speaking of doctors, did I tell you folks about Steve HOSPODAR? Steve graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and now is doing a oneyear internship at Wilford Hall in General Surgery along with Ernie BRAXTON and Steve MATURO. Steve Maturo wants to do flight surgery for a couple years and then possibly become an otolaryngologist (look it up). Steve (Hospodar) will be applying to Orthopedics next year. More importantly, Steve is now a happily married man. He and his wife, Liz, were hitched back on April 28 and went to Panama City Beach for their honeymoon. Matt DOMSALLA and Geoff BILLINGSLEY were groomsmen. Steve got to meet Matt’s son Wesley on his wedding day. Geoff is a FAIP at Columbus and his wife, Merilee, is finishing up her nursing degree. Liz is an intern at the University of Texas Health Science Center should finish her residency in three years. (Quick side note, like Steve, Chuck LANEY took the same Virginia to San Antonio route and is now at Randolph enjoying the South Texas heat.) Got an email from Carol FAISON (PALMER). Carol is a section commander at Nellis AFB in Nevada. Carol and her husband, Lamonte, are both in the ministry and she has plans to separate in March to dedicate

her full time as wife, minister, and business partner.

clincher, “If I said you were hot, would you backhand me?” You’ve gotta love these guys! That’s all for now, keep sending your pictures, letters, and e-mails to me! You guys are awesome! Cheers. Mel.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr. PSC #80, Box 17707 APO AP 96367-7707 Work: melvin.maxwell@kadena.af.mil Home: mel maxwell97@hotmail.com DSN: 315-634-1067 Commercial: 011-81-6117-33-5646 Percent members: 67

sSil

Here it is about two weeks after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the world seems to be a different place today than it was a

few weeks ago. There were about 10 people over at my place partying in anticipation of the couple days we’d be out of work due to a typhoon hitting Okinawa. Needless to say, that party ended rather abruptly when I was called into work about an hour after the attack. Now heightened Force Protection and long lines to get on base is the norm and many of us are deploying out in preparation for what may lay ahead. Shortly after the attack, I received an email from Marc RANGER who is out at Los Angeles AFB. Marc passed on the story of LeRoy Wilton HOMER Jr (‘87’). LeRoy was a Desert Storm veteran flying the C-141 and was copilot and first officer of hijacked United flight 93 which crashed in rural Pennsylvania. Assuredly, he was a leader in the insurrection that foiled the terrorists’ plans. I’ve yet to hear this grad’s name mentioned among all the media coverage. Marc is helping to keep his spirit alive. Believe me, transitioning from a dramatic subject like the World Trade Center attack to the normal class updates is not easy. However, if there ever was someone up to the task it’d be Randall “Cheese” JOHNSTON. Cheese is of course in the beloved Marine Corps. Here is how he described his time in the Corps thus far: “I spent a year and a half in an infantry battalion and had a good time. 124

Carol and Lamonte Rob GRANT wrote me an email and told me a pretty cool story. Rob was originally a ‘96er for three and half years but was given a medical turn back and finished up his senior year as ‘97 in CS-32. Well, a day before graduation, he was told he would be able to graduate but would not be commissioned. After three years, he successfully appealed the medical discharge and was commissioned in May 2000. He entered the Air Battle Manager career field. He and his wife, Angie (from Castle Rock), are now at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany. Last piece of news, if he isn’t there already, Mark CLIFFORD and his wife were set to leave Yokota in November and go back to the Academy where Mark will become an assistant boxing coach. That’s all I’ve got for this go-round. You all be safe out there.Mel

Visit the AOG Web Site

Merchandise,

Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

krrm&i)

Karin (Klein) McWhorter 118 Summerglen Ridge

Tinker AFB, Jesse PETERSON is a Combat Weather Officer stationed at Pope/Ft Bragg, Steve BEHMER is halfway through with his remote to Osan, flying A-10s. Grant LEWIS is flying F-15Cs at Mountain Home, Phil MALLORY is flying 15Cs at Langley and his wife is expecting another baby,

Newport News, VA 23602 Home: (757) 249-3211 / DSN: 574-7989

Work: Karin.McWhorter@Langley.af.mil Home: kleinmcwhorter@aol.com Percent members: 61 Hello again from Virginia, and Happy Holidays! Hopefully by the time this is published I will be in the middle of a move that will finally station me with my husband. Not sure where that is as I am writing the article, but look for a new address and email for submissions. Well, I have de-

Jerret TURNER is PCSing from Hanscom to Miami, where he will be work-

ing plans and programs for SouthCom. Steve BEHMER is half way through with his remote to Osan, flying A10s, Grant LEWIS is flying F-15Cs at Mountain Home, Phil MALLORY is flying 15Cs at Langley and his wife is expecting another baby. Jerret TURNER is PCSing from Hanscom to Miami where he will be working plans and programs for SouthCom.

cided that these updates come in waves... Last time, I had to write a short novel in order to include all the information, and this time there were only a few updates. So, keep the info coming and I look forward to getting a lot of updates for the next article. The first update I received is from Shelby ORTIZ, who married Matt Basler last April. They met at pilot training at Laughlin AFB. He is a Reservist and flys A-10s at Whiteman. Grads at the wedding were Angel

SANTIAGO, Phil BROWN, Sue WHALEN, Meghan DOHERTY (SCOTT), Rachel TUKEY, Matt BROWN, Cenia VARGAS, Jessica GRAHAM and Charlie ZITZMANN. Shelby is currently stationed at McConnell AFB, KS and left for Saudi last July

—

she should be home by now!

At top from left are Adam Hardage (‘97) Dan Deyoung, Will Wade, Kevin Currie, Seth Miller, and Eddie “Muddy" Waters (‘85). Bottom: J. Greg Martin, Rob Zeese, Marc Lewis and wife, Susan, Jesse—At Marc and Susan’s

wedding reception. Next up is a note from Tim MUKASA-MUGOYE, who recently married Alana at a small wedding ceremony with their immediate family and a few other relatives. They were married at Caesar’s Palace and honey-

mooned on a seven-day cruise through the Bahamas. They are planning on having a big ceremony for all the friends and family who couldn’t be

there to come and celebrate in the near future, not longer than two years from now. More big news from TQ. He and his wife have both changed their last name to SENKUNGU. Here is a quick explanation from Tim: Tn Uganda, the Baganda (the name of the people in the Buganda Kingdom) have a different naming system than in this country. My mother

Shelby Basler (Ortiz) and her new husband, Matt, at their wedding last April.

gave me my first name Timothy. The paternal grandmother usually chooses a child’s last name from a list of ancestral names. My grandmother chose Senkungu. However, when we immigrated to this coun-

try, we conformed to American nomenclature and I took my father’s last name Mukasa-Magoye, which was his last name (Mukasa) and my

grandfather’s name (Magoye) hyphenated. To make my name how it should be, whenever the court paperwork goes through (likely beginning of Nov), my name will legally be changed to Timothy SENKUNGU (Pronunciation: SE ‘se (like in CEnsor) NKU n-’klu (like in coNClude) n-’g (like in eNGrave) with the accent on the first syllable, all to-

NGU

gether senkoongoo). I won’t have a middle name. And Alana will take my last name and be known as Alana Grillier Senkungu.”

From left are Shelby Basler (Ortiz), Sue Whalen, Cenia Vargan, Meghan

Scott (Dougherty) and Rachel Tukey at Shelby‘s bachelorette party!

The next update I got was from Marc LEWIS who got married May 26 th to Susan in

Savannah, GA. The wedding turned into the most recent

USAFA/PTWOB rendezvous. He said the weekend of the wedding was

incredible and it was great to see everyone again. Marc is currently working acquisitions at Hanscom and is PCSing to Wright Patterson to get his master’s at AFIT. He has a follow-on to the AF Cost Analysis Agency out of the Pentagon, where his boss will be none other than our favorite Commandant, MG “G-Lo” Lorenz! Here is a quick run down of what everyone is doing: Adam HARDAGE (‘97) is working as an executive officer at Hurlburt Field and currently applying for cross-commission/transfer into Army Special Forces. Dan DEYOUNG is flying C-21s out of Ramstein. Will WADE is flying C-5s out of Travis, Kevin CURRIE is in F-15E RTU at Seymour Johnson, Seth MILLER is on the OSI headquarters staff, out of

Andrews, PCSing to Ramstein later this summer. J. Greg MARTIN just finished yearlong tour with the Tops in Blue, PCSing to Ramstein as a comm officer late this summer.

Rob ZEESE is an AWACS navigator out of

Tim and Alana Senkungu at their wedding ceremony at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Alana is class of ‘99. TQ is in his second year as an MBA student at USC with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Information Technology. Kyle BURTNETT started his MBA at USC this fall and Colin CLINGAN started his MBA at UCLA. Jarmica REESE has been married a year to the former Trudy Cheney. He is pursuing a Certification in Financial Planning. Steve PIPIES married Candice MCBRAYER. He’s at Ellsworth, she’s at Kunsan and they're going to meet at Barksdale. 125

I also got a short note from Nate HARTLEY who is currently as a financial analyst for Credit Suisse First Boston, an investment bank in New York City. He says Wall Street is pretty interesting, but the hours aren’t so great (90-100 hours a week). And, he doesn’t get off days either. When he sent the email, he had worked for 62 straight days.

Lucky for him, the compensation ($$) is commensurate with the workload. He works in a sector that typically moves in the opposite direction of the stock market, so they’re really busy! Angel SANTIAGO also sent a short email to thank everyone for all the calls to make sure he was OK in early September His family in D.C. is fine and he is supposed to head to Oman in November, but thinks his orders might change in light of the current situation with terrorism. Erik BILSTROM also sent email from Little Rock, AR. He just returned from Red Flag, 01-04, where he encountered a number of old friends and classmates and wanted to pass it along. He and Greg YOUNG flew Hercs during the exercise and Josh LARSEN was flying C-17s. The heavies fared pretty well, even though they were both shot down at least once. He said he couldn’t speak for Josh, but both he and Greg were able to stymie SAMs regularly. Matt BROWN was there flying B-ls and seemed to be enjoying it. As for the fighter types, they are numerous so here goes. Todd SPRISTER was there from Seymour Johnson in support of the WIC class. Sean HOLAHAN and Chris OLSEN were there from Hill flying ‘16s and doing a bang-up job at it. Charlie WOLFSANDLE and Trena EMERSON were also flying ‘16s, though from Cannon. Ryan HODGES and Mike JACOBSON were there from Langley flying Eagles. Lastly, Joy BOSTON, who is still up at Eielson wrote to say that she ran into Eric WINTERBOTTON, who was passing through on his way back to Misawa AB, Japan. He and some other guys were picking up F-16s from Shaw AFB, SC and flying them back to Japan. He’s only been there four —

months, but says he likes it. Well, that is it for the updates. As for me, I got to meet Calvin POWELL’s wife, Lori, at their squadron bar... it was nice to see them. I also ran into Carlos ALVARADO in base ops at Langley. He was flying a transient AC130U and is currently stationed at Hurlbert. R.E. BENDER is in his squadron, and the following grads are also at Hurlbert: Ryan BOHNER is flying AC-130H, Robin SCHAFFER is upgrading in the C-130, Zoltan KASZAS is flying the MC-130 and Chrystal CHAVEZ is also fllying the MC-130. That’s it for this time. I hope you all have a blessed Holiday season and a wonderful new year.—Karin

James W. Busch 220B Polaris St.

Sheppard AFB, TX 76311 (940) 851-7994 E-mail: jbusch99@msn.com Percent members: 65

Howdy Shiners! (Traditional Texas greeting) I write this edition again from Sheppard AFB, between studying for my dollar ride in the T-38.

band, Russ BASTIAN (USAFA’00) is in my UPT class and they live down the street from us on base.

Joe also saw Jeff VAIL while TDY to Langley. Jeff is working with the

480 th Intel group and is building a boat in his living room. Brent MANBECK

got married back in May and Jim TAGGERT was hitched in June in COS. he’s been down to Sonny CALLEN got C-5s and is at Altus right now Sheppard for a few assignment nights. Thanks for all the news, Joe! —

Corry NADDY received his master’s from Purdue late last year and wrote with a lengthy update from his UPT class. Recently graduated Class 0112 included notable shiners JasonTREW (F-15C), Bill FREE (T-37 Bomber follow-on), Todd MOENSTER (B-l), Mike BARRON (T-38 Fighter followon), and Corry (T-37 Fighter follow-on). T-l 99ers include Justin KIEFFER (C-130), Connie CANN andWadeHOLEN (both going to KC-10s at Travis). Jason SANDERSON is also in Training down at Corpus for the C-130. Tim CURRY is in Class 01-13 and will be receiving his assignment on July 12th. Mike THOMAS and Hans LARSEN are at Columbus they just started flying the mighty Tweet in early June, and with their newly attained rank of 1st Lt they’ve been designated the Senior Ranking Officers for their classes. So much responsibility with this new bar! James LACEY is currently in training at Altus in the C-5, following which he’ll be heading out to Dover AFB to finally get to spend some real time with his wife, Caroline. Scott WEYERMULLER is working hard out at Hill AFB. He’s had the laser surgery done and is seeing great—now he’s just fighting with the Air Force to get into pilot training. Andres CASTRO is working in Dallas, TX for a banking/investing firm called The Associates (sounds a little like a mobster/gangworid film title). He’s been working there for a little under two years now. Adam MANKOWSKI got his master’s from UT-Austin last year and is now working up at Wright-Pat probably involved in some crazy black-ops Electrical Engineering research program. Adam was also just married in May ’01. Nick EVANS had a nice update on his Laughlin AFB class as well. Out of T-ls, both Eric BUCHEIT and Ryan ORFE finished well and got C-17s to Charleston. Scott BOWSHOT got a C-5 to Travis and worked a joint spouse assignment with his wife, Shauna (Wartner) who was stationed in San Antonio for the year. Kurt ALICKSON got a KC-10, Darcy THORSTENSON got an RC-135. Josh JENSEN just got married up in Colorado and will be flying KC-135s. Out ofT-38s, Paul BROWN got an A-10 and already knows his assignment. He’ll have a one-year remote tour to Osan and then go up to Alaska. He is also engaged now to a girl from San Antonio that he’s known since early on in UPT. Nick got an F-16 and is now at Luke for RTU. Matt RENBARGER, Greg BARASCH, Jeremy LUKOWSKI, Mike EDMONDSON, and Ryan SWAYZE will be in his class. Also at Luke, Ian TOOGOOD just finished up and is bound for Shaw, Steve FRODSHAM will be heading to Spangdhalem, and Terry BLAKEMORE is finishing in December and heading for Hill AFB. John JOCHUM is just starting UPT at LAUGHLIN following completion of his master’s program at MIT. In the wake of the World Trade Center Tragedy, it is with great heaviness in my heart that I report the loss of another one of our own. Matt ATRICK, graduate of CS-12, died 27 August 2001 in an automobile accident in San Antonio. He left a wife, Sarah. Anyone wishing to send her a note can contact me for her address information. Here’s a toast... -

Before I get too far into this article I want to send a big thanks out to Travis WALTERS for authoring the last quarterly update. Travis and I were

recently joined by Jeff MOFFIT here at Sheppard as the remaining ‘99ers who have yet to earn their wings. We’re actually seeing 2001 kids showing up here now scary! I received an email from Craig SWIERZBIN saying that there are still TONS of ‘99ers up at Vance AFB. Besides him, Beau MILLER, Aaron —

REDFERN, Dan KAERCHER, Joel PAULS, Travis HIGBEE, Tom GUSTIN, Tim MILLER, Marc JOHNSON, and Matt THIEL have all been called into service as Tweet FAIPs. On the '38 side there’s Blaine DUNGAN and “probably some more in the pipeline.” And last but not least is Chris GARBER, FAIP over in the T-l squadron. The most recent student pilot addition to Vance is Raja CHARI, who recently finished grad school at MIT. Craig also wrote with news of two recent

weddings: Marc JOHNSON’S on 30 June

and Val LEMAIRE’s on 14 July. Also in Val’s wedding: Katie BURKE, Dan AU, and Andy BOSTON. Joe WHITEHEAD, fresh from his first assignment at Osan, wrote to say he is now at Nellis working Intel support to Red Flag. He recently was engaged and is planning a wedding in Colorado Springs next June. Also from the Intel career field is Ed SLIGAR, who was married at the beginning of the summer in Hawaii. Ed still has one year left in his Korean homeland. Jim STUBER is also in Ed’s squadron and has also extended for a year. Tom MOON just left Osan in June and is now at Mildenhall, England. Stephanie MM1RS works in the same flight at Nellis with Joe and Christel GILBERT giving Intel support to Weapons School. Joe also ran into Ryan SPACE who was at Nellis for the Capstone demonstration from space acquisitions in L.A. Also, Mary LONG and Vince PROFFIT were both recently through Nellis. Mary works Intel at Langley and Vinnie at Ellsworth. Rumor has it Vinnie will soon be a dad! Congratulations! Speaking of babies, Val BASTIAN (NIELSEN) just had her first. Her hus 126

Jason “JW” Simmons 110 Mara Court

Prattville, AL 36066 E-mail: Simmons@usafa.com Percent members: 60

YnS1|y ^ppap'

I hope everyone’s summer provided great memories and that the autumn ahead will have just as many pleasant moments.

Many of our class-

mates have selected their follow-on training from UPT, others are into

their second year of graduate studies, and still others are finally getting to training programs. In the months of August through November, I have

been down in Biloxi, MS at Keesler AFB for Comm Training (BCOT). Also at BCOT from “Two Grand,” are Jen HANEY, Lamont MORROW, Grant SCHROEDER, Tony JONES, Charlie JACKSON, Dare RAPANOTTI, Dan SHINOHARA, and I even ran into Tracy BEVERLY, who is down for Air Traffic Control Training. Grant and I are in the same class, so we have been partying it up at the casinos. There have been a bunch of parties on the weekend, and we all end up making it to the same one, so I’ll try to

get a group picture for the next issue. Dan wanted me to pass on the news

of his marriage.

He married Fritzie-Hazel Zablan at

Camp

Pendleton, CA on 5 May 01. They went to the same high school in Guam, but never thought they’d end up together. Now they have another excuse to drink Margaritas on Cinco de Mayo! After BCOT, Dan will go to Bolling AFB, Grant is headed for Yokota ABS, Japan and I’ll be headed back to

lovely Montgomery, AL. Mike DORRELL was at Fairchild AFB, WA for casual status and had his

you feel is special—please email me and attach a scanned in version of it. Best of luck to you in the upcoming months.

Holly Adams Box 416

Franklin, TN 37065 (615) 794-7491 E-mail: Fire_It_Up_40@hotmail.com Percent members: 62

Dan and Fritzie-Hazel Shinohara at Camp Pendleton, CA in May2001. UPT start date change from 05 Jul 01 to 05 April 01, he said he got a nice TDY to Hawaii before he left. At the time of publishing he was at Laughlin AFB,

TX and about 2 weeks away from track selection, but had been put on the

injured list. He too tied the knot; the big day was 14 Aug 01 and his wife’s name is Connie. They were married in Del Rio, but plan on having a big wedding next year at the Academy Chapel. Also in marriage news, Jose Castaneda and his fiancee, Nayeli, have plans to wed on the 6th of October. Jake GENSIC was married on 18 August to Abbie Borror; they spent their honeymoon in San Francisco. Jake is working at Wright-Patterson AFB in the HQ FM office and has started working on his MBA at Wright-State. Aaron LAPP broke his leg three weeks ago so he, too, has put UPT on hold for a while... 12 weeks, to be specific. Aaron was seven weeks from graduation and stated it was going to be hard watching guys get their jets from the sidelines, but he is having a ball with cripple vacation time. Doug ALFAR, Josh HARTMAN, and Judd ROBINS made it through their first year at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and are officially 2nd year medical students. All three spent a week brushing up their field combat and medical skills on a FTX at Quantico Marine Corps Base. Doug spent the summer assisting on a humanitarian mission and exploring in Kenya; Judd participated in the Top Knife II introductory flight surgeon program at Luke AFB; and Will participated in medical research in Bethesda, MD. Justin BRIGHT took a break from grad school at the University ofWashington to visit Ben MATTHEWS and Dave NOEGEL, who are both stationed at Aviano AB, Italy for another year. The occurrence of Oktoberfest at the same time as the visit was not a coincidence.

From the Columbus UPT class of 02-05, A1 LOWE, Ernie MAYFIELD,

and JR SMITH are currently in T-38s, with Chesley DYCUS and Pete RABER inT-ls, Brian FINNERTY is at Ft. Rucker flying Helos and Chris WEATON is at Corpus Christi NAS living it up, flying T-44s. Class 02-06 at Columbus AFB had a great track select drop for USAFA people. Members of the class that got 38s include: Andy STOCKMAN, Pete SCHNOBRICH, and Tom STILL. Those that got T-Is include: Margaret EDMONDS, Brian LANE, Brett

LENT, Jason MORAES, Pat RAYNER, Amity TIPTON, and Harry KENNER. Both remaining members, Dustin THOMPSON and Josh IMME both got T-44s and are heading to Texas, as reported by Brian LANE. All the Academy boys are tearing it up in Mississippi like only single 2Lts can. Dave MERRITT is at Vance AFB and has just hit the flight line after completing TBS at Quantico, VA and API at Pensacola, FL. PJ SEIPEL is work-

ing as an aviation supply officer at 3rd Marine Air Wing, Yuma, AZ. They both made it to the Parent’s Weekend football game to visit with friends and ran into Donovan SWABY (at a tailgate) and Eli BREMMER. A1 MILLER and Jordan BETTIO are at Corpus Christi for T-44s. They are getting a place on the water of North Padre Island. Jordan told me about how rough it is going to be living on the island. He also said, “Navy training is also very laid back in contrast to the AF.” He has ran into Josh

RITZMANN, Ian GAMEL, Buck HODGEKINSON, and Jay GEANEY at Corpus. Bryan Sory (who left after our second year) also just started navy

training down there as an Ensign. Steve LEPRELL had the Vance AFB Class 02-06 report. He, Dave FRANCIS,

and Mike BLAIR were selected for T-38s. Brooke PAGE and Mike SCHROER are going to T-ls. Frank TARAVELLA is headed down to fly T-44s at Corpus. Steve said that, overall, everyone from our class got their first choices. When I sent out the email this time I had a lot of returned e-mail. Some

have said they don’t want their address listed on the www, but they want to be able to get the message I send out and want some other classmates to

have access to their address. So, if you fall in the above category send me an email and I’ll keep your email private or only available on request. Also, we would like to have some more pictures, so in the next month or so, if you take any good ones of a group of grads together—or anything else that

Hello, freaks and geeks! Fire It Up! We have two firsts for our class, foolios: Derek ROOT was the first Oler to solo in the Tweet, so give him some nice lovin’ if you see him or talk to him. Also, for an update on Aubrey SEMRAU, he’s doing really well and lookin’ good again (Hot, Hot, Hot, not Cold! Hot, Hot, Hot!) Aight, so I heard from about NO ONE regarding how and who and what folks are doing, so give me a ring or just send a few measly lines on email. Punks. There is an overabundance of undertasked and ID-checking 01 ers hanging around USAFA, so that covers about half of our class. Now for some others... Stacy (BOGGS) and Todd ALLISON are at Keesler for some tech school Stacy in Manpower and Todd in Comm before heading over to Germany for their first big daddy assignments as hitched folk. Xavier RIVERA is a cop at Keesler and loving the hell outta that. Melissa (HORVATH) Olendorf is stationed at Charleston, but she made a small jaunt to Keesler for some kinda-tech-schoolish-training for Finance, then she’s heading back to the drama palace (aka her office). She caught a Braves game one weekend and cruised Hotlanta with Camille CHIGI, who came up from Gunter. (Yeah, yeah, hard to tear yourself away from the Gunter Golf Tourney and Base Luaus...sheesh) Camille’s tech school is -

coming up though, so no mo worthless-Gunter-LTs-Anonymous YEAH!!! I think that’s it for Keesler people. Matt JOHNSTON is living in Charleston with his charming lady. John ISSACO and Bart ROBINSON are rumored to be arriving at Charleston AFB soon! Jenna SHARP is at Columbus partying and getting stoked for UPT. Recently, Erin VAN OOSTEN and Jackie DEGROOD flew out for a long weekend and some nights on the town! Jackie got to see her 00 beau who is mid-UPT at Columbus, too. Jason HARRIS will soon be moving to Columbus and starting UPT, too. Alex PRICE is at FE Warren, climbing telephone poles and aggressing on his airmen basically his dream job! He’s doing really well in his job and his woman rocks, so he’s happy! Amy (HULTIN) and Wes GLISSON are building a house up at FE Warren, and work is good for them, too. Amy sends a shout-out to the Ladybirds! Erin VAN OOSTEN and I bought a hamster named BUSTER (buster rhymes) he rocks. He stuffs all of his bedding in his mouth (or it might be his food, we can’t tell) and runs around with absolutely enormous -

cheeks he rocks. Kendra (MARKS) and Pat LOWE just got a great on-base house Pat is doing IFT in San Antonio and Kendra is at Del Rio, but they are happy despite the sweltering heat! Taylor YANG and Dustin BRISSON are rooming for UPT inTejas, too -1 hear Yanger’s got the perma-grin going every weekend after the long weeks of studying! Dusty BORNapples is at Ellsworth (I just heard that from someone, so I don’t even know what -

you’re doing, muncher). All I have to say to Kevin MANDRIK is “Combat Mav, Combat Weather.” All you need is nitrous and a blower. Anyways...

Cody STIVERSON is gettin into the nitty gritty of UPT at Laughlin. He’s living with the gorgeous and exquisite Christy, and he has huge pecs. Janene DRUMMER is in North Carolina doing Gold Bar somewhere around Chapel Hill and living up a nice first assignment! Zach HICKMAN is in Hawaii going to Grad School, getting leid, all that good stuff. The fellers in Florida are doing well at Eglin, too Brent GREER, Givey KOCHANOWSKI, Teague BODLEY, Brent BAK, Lee SANDUSKY, and Chris HUMPHREY have some tough 9 to 1 jobs (2 hours at the gym plus lunch) boozing with fighter guys, getting rides, and the such (so there I was... -

inverted...). I heard Mike BERRUTI is in Florida somewhere, too. Timm BONNES and Iven VLAN love AFROTC at USAFA and all that it brings to their otherwise-boring lives. Mike DUNN and Jim SCHIESS (Faith HITCHCOCK makes cameo appearances) are rooming together and keeping up with #28, #8, and #l’s race for the big enchilada. When the green flag drops, the bull stops, people. Go #40. Now a few updates to last issue: Justin LONGMIRE hasn’t tied the knot yet, but they had the date set for December 01 (Fire It Up). Sorry about

that, Longshanks! Tom MCCALEB would also like to clear for the record that he was the ONLY one still willing to go through with the four corners of the US scheme. Tim, Zach, and Luke, you are weak. Well, I guess that’s it, losers. Maybe you’ll send me more info next time, eh?? Coming in next issue: the elusive SILVER tiger! Just do your full duty and never let your troops see that you don’t. SMELL! Fire It Up, YLLOH. 127

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