Checkpoints September 2002

Good as jola

The Class of2002 Graduates

up front

4 BOARDROOM TALK

6 MEMBERS OF THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY SQUASH CLUB THANK THE AOG

50 BLACKJACK ’68 HONORS FORMER AOC

MAJOR JOHN “JACK” ESPENSHIED

8 SUPERINTENDENT’S NOTES

40 LONG BLUE LINE

80 MAKING A DIFFERENCE (Development)

85 WALDO

86 FYI (Services)

88 CHAPTER NEWS

92 MERCHANDISE

98 SPORTS

104 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

108 CLASS NEWS

features

12 “BRIGHT STARS”

Four years ofstudy, sweat, training and perserverance culminated May 29 with the graduation of 929 members ofthe Class of2002.

The 94th FlyingTraining Squadron receives new gliders.

26

Brig. Gen. Stephen Goldfein, ’78, speaks to the Class of 2003 about the meaning of the class ring.

President Bush names Gen. Ed Eberhart, ’68.

Captains Bryce and Ryan Silver, make historic

in No

The Air Force Falcons football team heads into their 46th season.

2nd

Anthony Carter;

waves to the crowd at the 2002 graduation ceremony. from the past Photo By Ken Wright

Association of Graduates

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Receptionist (719)472-0300 Fax (719) 333-4194

DSN 333-4513 E-mail aog@aog-usafa.org

Answering Machine (719) 333-2073 Website http://www.aog-usafa.org

Executive President/CEO: Col. (Ret.) James A. Shaw, ’67

Offices

Executive Assistant: Pat Buland

Vice President of Finance: Larry Smith, ’71

Accountant: Joyce Love

Secretary: Leah Burrows

Receptionist: Michelle Cowan

Development Vice President: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gary S. Howe, ’69

Administrative Assistant: Rita Baker

Annual & Class Giving: Chery Flores, Director

Elizabeth Winn, Assistant Director

Sabre Society: Becky Hureau, Administrator

Regina Graves, Assistant Administrator

Corporate Giving: Gary S. Howe, ’69

Planned Giving: Gary S. Howe, ’69

Data Entry: Sandy Luckhurst, Supervisor

Dawn Wallick, Gift Administrator

John Rice, Biographical Updates

Barbara Meyers, Address Updates

Chris Barry, Matching Gifts

Pavers: Elizabeth Winn

Memorial Funds: Elizabeth Winn

Campaign

Vice President, Comprehensive Campaign: Sean Pieri

Administrative Assistant: Rita Baker

Campaign Coordinator: Col. (Ret.) Brian Binn, ’72

Major Giving: Russ Laney, ’76, Brian Binn, ’72

Matching Gifts: Sandra Luckhurst

Research: Laura Mastriano

Information Services

External Communications

Services

Vice President: Col. (Ret.) Chuck Denham, ’67

Computer Systems: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jack Mueller, ’70

Programmer/Analyst: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rich Trentman, ’81

Database Coordinator: Don McCarthy

Vice President: Col. (Ret.) Dick Rauschkolb, ’70

Director of Marketing & Media: Bob McAllister

Media Designer: Sarah Wright

Multimedia Specialist: Ken Wright

Website: Ken Wright

Checkpoints and Register of Graduates:

Assistant Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Dick Rauschkolb/Bob McAllister

Chapter News: Marty Marcolongo, ’88 Class News: Tom Kroboth/Ken Wright

Vice President: Col. (Ret.) Rich Downing, ’70

Business Rescource Directory (SABRD): WayneTaylor

Bio Updates: John Rice

Chapters/Societies: Marty Marcolongo, ’88

Lani Wing/Donna Porter

Lani Wing

Steve Knight

Membership: Don McCarthy Label/List

Chuck Denham

Merchandise

off the shelf

101 AIR FORCE TRACK COACH NOMINATED TO COACH ON OLYMPIC STAFF

102 AIR FORCE GOLF COACH, GENE MIRANDA, RETIRES AFTER 25 YEARS

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 ofCHECKPOINTS 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 ofthe authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, SUMMER 2002.

AOG

BOARDCHAIR

Dear Members,

I’m sure you share my pride that our Academy develops and produces “leaders of character for the nation”. With events of the past few months by some leaders in the business community, we have seen graphic proof of what happens when honesty and ethical behavior give way to greed and personal gain. And the loss of trust, confidence and credibility will take a long time to rebuild. It should be a powerful lesson for each of us and a strong re-affirmation ofthe Academy’s focus on integrity and character development.

June and July continued to be busy times for the AOG. Following graduation for the Class of 2002, it was soon time to welcome the Class of 2006. On 27 June, as has been the case for the past six years, in-processing was held at Doolittle Hall for the over 1200 appointees and a considerable number of parents/friends. As a side-benefit to in-processing, the opportunity to explain the benefits ofAOG membership resulted in over 500 appointees signingup for the Life Membership at Graduation (LMAG) program, and over 300 parents joining the AOG. Congratulations and welcome aboard to our new members!

Another well-received benefit for members of the incoming class prior to in-processing was our Bed and Breakfast program, with 307 appointees taking part. Kudos to Donna Porter for organizing and coordinating the Bed and Breakfast effort, a great way to show appointees and parents/friends that we really care about them.

The appointees and parents/friends were able to view the newly completed Phase 1 of our Heritage Trail outside of Doolittle Hall, which has pedestals recognizing the first two recipients of our Distinguished Graduate Award (General Ron Fogleman, ’63 and Mr Harry Pearce, ’64) and is beautifully landscaped to highlight the trail and its features. If you haven’t visited the Heritage Trail, I encourage you to stop-by and see for yourself what your AOG is doing to preserve and display our Academy heritage.

Over 190 Sabre Society members gathered at the Academy for two days in mid-July for a “hands-on” look at Basic Cadet Training

(a day in Jacks Valley with the cadre and the Class of 2006), followed the next day by updates from the Superintendent and senior staff. They were also treated to social gatherings hosted by the Dallagers and the Gilberts. Note: Another Sabre Society gathering is planned on 20 September in Oakland, Cal. in conjunction with the Air Force-Cal-Berkeley game, and in New York City on Friday, 8 November, prior to the Air Force—Army game on Saturday.

Finally, in the interest of rumor control, allow me to explain what you may have heard regarding a “capital campaign”. Yes, the AOG, with concurrence and support from Headquarters, USAF and the Academy, is exploring the feasibility ofconducting a major fundraising effort. This effort would be conducted in coordination with the other fundraising organizations that support the Academy (Falcon Foundation, Academy Foundation, Athletic Association, ARDI, and Friends of the Library). Why such a campaign? The Academy has identified a considerable number of needs that are beyond the core level support provided by public (government) funds. These needs can only be met through private funds and provide the level ofexcellence in facilities, programs, and endowments that we want to see at our Academy. West Point and Annapolis have had success in similar fundraising efforts, which gives us a degree of confidence, but we are still in the early stages of planning. You will get much more information on the “Comprehensive Campaign” in the coming months. If the planning goes as envisioned, we would conduct the campaign in conjunction with the Academy’s 50th Anniversary events.

As fall approaches, I hope to see you at a football game. Go Falcons!! B

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The DoDo

In Roger Dean’s letter to the editor in the Winter issue of Checkpoints he doubted that Nino Baldachi dated back to the ’67-’68 era. I have saved an undated issue of Dodo from the ’61-’62 year in which Cadet 2nd Class Nino Baldachi wrote a column entitled “Gloom Games.” One game called “Cram Closet With Doolies” was portrayed on the cover with a photo of 7th Sqd doolies jammed in a closet, 17 of them (including me) according to Nino. In the same issue is a photo of Nino as a smiling baby. This is proof positive that Nino predated Dean at USAFA. I offer that issue plus the April, May and June ’65 issues to the AOG collection. They are a joy to read again after so many years.

Larry Stone, Class of1965

Air Force Academy Squash Club

The members of the Air Force Academy Squash Club and I want to thank you and the donors to the AOG for funding the Squash Club’s trip to the United States Naval Academy. Thanks to the AOG’s generosity, we had a fabulous weekend of interservice competition.

During this trip I saw my cadets develop important officership traits: physical stamina, competitive spirit, and logistical savvy (negotiating complex room, board, and transportation arrangements).

When the AOG supports clubs like the Squash Club, it shows its commitment to develop officership in ways that don’t always fit the traditional methods provided by military, academic, and intercollegiate institutions. Were it not for your support, our club’s existence would be doubtful, and I thank you heartily for making this an important, memorable experience for my cadets.

DonaldM. Zimmerman, PhD, Lt. Col., USAF Squash Club Head Coach

Engineering 410

I am the Project Manager for one ofseveral Engineering 410 classes offered at the Academy. My class recently completed (with varied success!) a Mobile Rocket Launcher. I, along with my classmates, can truly say it is one ofthe few “grouporiented” classes at the Academy that has taught valuable lessons about trust, working as a team, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Thank you for your contribution to the Engineering classes. Without it, the hands-on learning experience we were privileged to have would be impossible.

Cl CAndrea Lauer

On behalfofthis spring’s M4A section ofEngineering 410, thank you so much for your generous donation to this program! Our project was a twin-seated tricycle for middle school students who needed an instructor to assist them while riding, and it turned out very well. The funds you helped provide were instrumental in bringing our ideas for this trike to fruition. And most importantly, the students love it. Thank you.

Cl C Nicki Marino

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Class of 2002

The Lance P Sijan Class of2002 heading to the four winds and the Class of2006 chanting “up in the morning, all day” are signals that its time for my second “annual report!” All of us are really proud of the Sijan class, and I know Lance would be also if he were with us today. Secretary Rumsfeld reminded our top graduate, 2nd Lt. Charles M. Trickey, and all of his classmates that “while you entered the Academy in a time of peace, you leave it in a time ofwar.” Ifyou’ve visited USAFA recently, you know how magnificently our cadets, staff, and faculty have responded!

I’m confident that the Sijan Class is ready to face the many challenges that lie ahead. Of the 929 graduates, 58% ofthe new lieutenants are entering specialized undergraduate pilot training (SUPT), 11% will go into scientific

and engineering career fields, 10% will go into support functions, 6% will go into acquisitions, 5% will go into operations-related career fields, 4% will go into logistics, 4% will go into other areas (e.g., medical, dental, OSI, etc.), and 2% will enter either the navigator or air battle management career fields. They’re going to do great things for the USAF!

Ofcourse, I’m fired up as I ponder the future these new lieutenants are heading into. But before taking a closer look at their accomplishments and other highlights ofthis past year, let me take a moment to re-affirm something I

2002

said last summer. I view being Superintendent as a great privilege, and continue to be amazed at the talent and character I see in the professionals I workwith daily in the front office, the Academy in general, the Association of Graduates, and the Colorado Springs community. I’ve been especially blessed to serve alongside my Vice, Col. Brian Binn, ’72, and I wish him Godspeed as he launches into retirement. Col. Steve Eddy, ’76, has picked up where Brian left off, and is well underway. Now, let’s take a look at the academic front.

National Recognition

USAFA continues to garner national recognition for its academic programs, and the cadets continue to earn prestigious scholarships. Here’s a handful of Class of 2002 accomplishments. A total of 57 graduates are heading off to graduate school (including medical school)—about 6% of the class. One graduate won a Marshall Scholarship, one of only 40 given out in the United States. The sixth Marshall recipient in USAFA history, he’ll be studying at Cranfield College in Great Britain for two years. We also boast a Truman Scholarship winner this year; this graduate will receive $30,000 for graduate study. He is the ninth USAFA recipient in the last eight years. Five Class of2002 graduates will attend the prestigious John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and seven grads were awarded Draper Fellowships to study at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology. The Rand Graduate School selected another outstanding grad for the SuperintendentsRandPhD Scholarship, allowing for study at the world’s leading policy analysis program for three years!

Our cadets continue to shine in group competitions too. The 2001-2002 Forensics Team finished 1st in the nation (tied with Berkeley) based on cumulative wins! Also, the Model Arab League team shared top honors for the “Outstanding Delegation” with two other

universities at the Rocky Mountain Model Arab League competition. They competed within a field of 19 schools. And, our Ethics Bowl Team took 5th place at the 8th Annual Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl tournament, ahead of 31 other schools!

Admissions

The admissions picture looks great for the Class of 2006. Competition for a space in the Class of 2006 was probably the toughest in the history of USAFA. We had 16,508 applicants (highest since the Class of 1992) for only 1,209 spaces (the Class of 1992 enrolled 1,481). At this point in time, it is difficult to say how much of this increase can be attributed to the events of 9/11. Women make up about 19% of the Class of 2006. Similar to the Class of 2005, approximately 18% are minorities. The applicant pool remains rock solid—in fact, 6,955 more students requested applications this year. We’ve had no problem attracting the qualified candidates needed to fill each class: the Class of 2006 entered with an average high school GPA of3.9, SAT scores of640 verbal and 670 math, and ACT scores of 28 English and 29 math. With approximately 1,000 individuals AF-wide awaiting pilot training class dates, we reduced our target from 60% to 55% for potential pilot qualified (PPQ) members in this years class. We actually enrolled 60% PPQ. In raw numbers, that means more than 500 Class of2006 graduates should go on to fill Air Force cockpits.

The implementation of our Pre-Junior program in the fall of1995 has providedincreasing numbers of cadets to the Air Force Academy. Through Pre-Junior, we both seek out and respond to inquiries from students who are not yet age-eligible to apply for admission, adding them to our database ofprospects. Then, each February, we automatically send an application to those who have reached the second semester of their junior year in high school. For the Class of2006, this meant an initial mail out of

more than 28,000 applications. Roughly 400 members ofthe Class of2006 were initially in the Pre-Junior Program. In addition, in 2001 we added a joint, on-line application option with AFROTC. We are currently receiving nearly 100 applications a week via this method. In recognition of a constantly changing marketplace, we continue to seek ways to spread the Academy message and increase our pool ofqualified candidates. Any help you can provide here is greatly appreciated! And the future also looks bright. For coming classes, the Academy expects an increase in applicants due to an increasing number of high school graduates and a growing spirit of patriotism among high school students.

Character Development

Lets switch gears for a moment and bring you up to date on character development. Our Character Education effort is currently characterized by a four-year, across-the-curriculum building block effort. Education begins in BCT with an introduction to the Honor Code and System, and continues for the

CHECKP01NTS, SUMMER 2 0 02

remainder of a cadet’s career. Doolies attend the Eagle Academy Character Enrichment Seminar (ACES)-a program that uses a variety of popular character-oriented films to teach leadership and personal evaluation skills. This afternoon seminar allows cadets to discuss realworld issues with active duty junior officers and senior non-commissioned officers as these members reflect on personal experiences that mirror many of the leadership issues brought out by the films. In the third-class year, cadets attend a Respect and Responsibility (coined “R&R”) Workshop. Three degrees attend a five-hour on-site designed to take them out oftheir daily environment and help them discover valuable information about themselves and others. R&R consists of a graduated series ofactivities, involving both physical and emotional risk, designed around human relations and diversity issues. The goals ofthis program are to foster trust, respect, communication and appreciation for diversity in the command environment. During the second-class year, cadets will attend a Cadet Leadership Development Seminar (CLDS). Although still in the design phase, the CLDS will build upon the previous years’ programs with an emphasis on leadership with integrity. The program grew out of the very successful Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar (CLES). CLES targeted cadet commanders (first-classmen) with additional leadership training focused on their special role at the Academy. CLES was highly successful for these cadets, but was limited to less than 100 cadets each year. CLDS will expand the program to all second-classmen, expanding the coverage and giving the enhanced leadership tools to them before they are in the crucial leadership positions during their final year. The Character Education continuum is topped off with Capstone ACES for all first-classmen. This day-long seminar provides cadets the opportunity to reflect on the growth of their own moral character

and how their cadet experiences relate to the ethical demands of active duty service. They are exposed to issues, concepts and experiences designed to convey the importance ofethics and character required upon taking the Oath of Office. Throughout all four years, cadets “breathe the air ofethics” across the curriculum. They receive lessons on honor, human relations, diversity, and respect; these ongoing lessons are taught by their squadron honor officers, Squadron Professional Ethics Advisors, AOCs, guest lecturers, mentors, former POWs, etc.

Honor Code

In a related vein, the Honor Code process at the Academy has recently incorporated a number of changes based on the CSAF Honor Commission Review led by General Cams, ’59 and other predominandy graduate-led panels. Honor Code policy is set by the Honor Review Committee (HRC), chaired by the Commandant with cadet and staff representation. At the May 2002 meeting, the Cadet Wingvoted to add another cadet voting member to the Wing Honor Board and to have a non-voting officer mentor at the board.

This changes the current Wing Honor Board membership from seven cadets and one voting officer to eight cadets and one non-voting officer mentor. Violation decisions will still require six out of eight members to vote in favor of violation beyond a reasonable doubt for act and intent. In an effort to improve honor case timeliness, the SecAF directed the implementation of a 90-day case completion timeline. No more than 90 days are allowed from the time an honor allegation is noted and entered into the cadet honor system until the Superintendent sanctions the cadet. Ifthe time exceeds 90 days, SAF/MR will be notified. Timeline goals will provide a vehicle for monitoring various phases ofthe Honor Code process and facilitate timely completion. Additionally, the SecAF has delegated to the Superintendent the final action authority for honor disenrollments for all classes. Previously, the Superintendent was the final action authority for third- and fourth-class cadets; now his authority extends to first- and second-class cadets. This delegation also includes the collateral consequences for active duty service or recoupment (with some exceptions detailed in the SecAF memo). This delegation ofauthority to the Superinten

dent should have a major impact on the more timely resolution ofhonor cases.

Any discussion ofthe Honor Code and our Character Programs must include a debt of gratitude to the AOG and the many friends of the Academy. Their consistent support and continued interest in our program as it has evolved over the years is priceless. The financial support and personal participation in seminars by our graduates is a major factor in the success of our benchmark programs. They have personally internalized and repeatedly demonstrated the “Team USAFA” concept as they have joined us in our ever-increasing focus on the Honor Code. Honor is—and always will be-our first mission. Our emphasis on character development continues to grow and will always be the central focal point in cadet training. While we are proud of what we are doing in the arena, we will continue to work to improve our programs to ensure we are producingexceptional leaders ofunequaled character for our nation.

Athletics

Turning now to athletics, the events of9/11 brought many changes to the way the athletic department did business. For the first time in Academyhistory, several scheduled events were either canceled or postponed due to world events; but that didn’t deter the Academy’s cadet-athletes, coaches and staff from exciting athletic seasons. Adding to the excitement was a visit from ESPN College GameDay for the Army game and the Falcons winning their 15th Commander-in-Chiefs trophy. The men’s cross country team earned its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships, the women’s gymnastics team earned its second USA Gymnastics National Collegiate Championship team title in two years, and the boxing team earned its 16th national title in 22 years. Severalsports boastedall-MountainWest Conference (MWC) honors and academic all-MWC honors, including cross country,

football, womens soccer, volleyball, womens basketball, swimming and diving, baseball, mens tennis, and track and field. Other allconference honors went to the water polo, men’s soccer, womens gymnastics, hockey, and lacrosse. The womens cross country team was named to the NCAA All-Academic Team. You can read more about numerous individual honors at www.airforcesports.com. Overall, the Falcons won 48 percent of their contests. We also broke ground for our new $31 million athletic facility, to be completed in Spring 2003—a big plus for womens and men’s athletics!

Academy Team

The Academy’s world class support team, the 10th Air Base Wing (ABW), had a great year under the leadership of Col. Brad Ward focusing on their top priorities: force protection, people, and maintaining a showcase AF installation. As a result of 9/11, the Academy has undergone changes never seen before, to include implementation of a Cadet Area Protection Perimeter. This project will provide a more secure perimeter for the protection ofthe Cadet Wing within the Cadet Area. In Fiscal Year 2003, we’ll accomplish the first phase of a military construction program to make more permanent force protection enhancements to the cadet area. The people in the ABW continue to provide top-notch support for the cadets and employees of the Academy, even with the implementation of two major A-76 studies in civil engineering (contracted out) and logistics (remains government). Finally, the Academy is developing a concept to construct a mission planning center to support Air Force and USAFA conferences. The mission planning center will attract more AF conferences to theAcademy, and further promote AF-wide ownership of the Academy. In summary, the ABW has had an outstanding year keeping the Academy a premier AF installation.

There’s been a lot of interest lately on how

USAFA is improving our interaction with the Air Reserve Component (ARC). Our goal is simple: better prepare our cadets for the “real” AF where the ARC is an equal partner in the daily execution of the AF mission. We began with a multi-pronged approach and have already made measurable, reportable progress. One of our first actions was to standup an ARC Support Office in Harmon Hall manned by two experienced ARC Colonels, one each from the AFRC and ANG (one is a USAFA graduate). Concurrendy, to help offset the current AF pilot shortage, we began adding ARC members (primarilypilots) to the Faculty, 34th Training Wing and Prep School staffs. We employed a process where we “recalled ARC personnel to Extended Active Duty” (EAD) in tours ranging from two to four years. As ofthis writing, we have seven Reserve and two Guard officers serving at the Academy. The feedback has been very positive. Based in part on our early successes, but also because we know that it’s the right approach, we are seeking additional nominations from the ANG and AFRC forAOCs, DF andTRW staffmembers. We’re also exploring the expansion of our ARC integration strategy, to include Cadet and Prep School summer programs employing both fulltime and short-term assignments. More to follow in the coming months, but we’re pleased with the results to date.

Let’s bring it all together now! The list of developments and accomplishments is long and varied, but it’s reallyonly the tip ofthe iceberg. Each item I’ve highlighted merely points us back to our reason for existing—to make our AF better and build leaders of character for our AF and nation. You’ll recall that at this year’s Founders’ Day Celebration, our AOG presented its first two Distinguished Graduate Awards to exemplary leaders—General Ron Fogleman, ’63, and Mr. Harry Pearce, ’64. Both superbly represent the “Long Blue Line” of graduates who are making significant contributions to our nation in all sectors ofsociety.

Founders’ Day also marked the opening of the Heritage Trail outside Doolittle Hall. This trail, the brainchild of Ron Yates, ’60, will recognize the many accomplishments of our graduates. You need to come see it! The next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and check out the beginnings ofwhat promises to be an important part of our heritage.

In closing, let me again say “THANKS” for your continued encouragement and candid feedback this past year. I look forward to seeing and hearing from many ofyou this next year—THANKS in advance for your continued partnership! Go Falcons! S

STORY BY JOHN VAN WINKLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEN WRIGHT

Sijan class of 2002

Four years of study, sweat, training and perseverance culminated May 29 with the graduation of 929 members of the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2002. “The Class of 2002 is the first Air Force Academy class since the Vietnam era to graduate during war.”

“Four years ago when you arrived here, the Cold War was over and the Soviet Union was long gone,” said Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, this year’s graduation speaker. “It seemed as though everyone wanted to be free... to be able to vote, to enjoy free markets with choices for all. One expert even opined that we had reached the end of history, that freedom had triumphed and vanquished all enemies.

“But while you entered the Academy in a time of peace, you leave it in a time of war,” said Rumsfeld.

“That new era dawned on Sept. 11,” he said.

“Our nation changed forever that day,” said Rumsfeld. “The terrorists killed thousands of our fellow citizens, of all races, religions and nationalities. And if the terrorists are able to acquire weapons of mass destruction-as they are trying hard to do—they will seek to kill tens of thousands more... unless we stop them. It’s now clear that not everyone in the world wants what we want: freedom, liberty, peace and justice. To assume otherwise would put our country and our way of life at grave risk.”

“Prevention and pre-emption are the best, and in most cases, the only defense against terrorists, said the secretary.”

“Our task is to find and destroy the enemy before they attack us,” said Rumsfeld. “And it’s a big world. We must be able to project power over great distances. And we need rapidly deployable, fully integrated joint forces capable of reaching distant theaters-not in months, but in weeks or days.”

One example he cited was the beginning of operations in, over and around Afghanistan. “Within a month we launched a deadly counterattack against the enemy, in

that land-locked country some 6,000 miles away,” he said. “Our bombers and fighters flew over the icy mountains ofAfghanistan, and sent smart bombs within feet of their targets.” Taking the war to the doorstep ofAmerica’s enemies was carried out in part by some of the Academy’s more than 34,000 graduates.

Waiting to add to their ranks are the latest Academy graduates, who have just completed a grueling four-year program ofprogressive privileges and responsibilities within a living leadership laboratory centered on academics, athletics, character development and military training-all the while living by the equally-demanding honor code that prohibits lying, cheating, stealing or tolerating such behavior from their fellow cadets.

“Your experiences here helped you develop a broad and strong foundation for the role that you are undertaking,” said Lt. Gen. John Dallager, ’69, Academy superintendent. “It will serve you well in meeting the challenges before you, which are many and substantial. The core values we live by here will underpin both your personal and your professional success throughout the remainder ofyour lives,” he said. “You’ve demonstrated to us, to each other and this nation, that you’re ready for the responsibilities that lie ahead. You will be the leaders of our 21st century air and space force.”

The 900-plus newly commissioned second lieutenants are heading for training in their chosen career fields, including 545 to pilot training, 53 to communications and information, 21 to intelligence operations, 18 to navigator training and 3 into air battle management. Another 23 graduates will serve as Air Force scientists, and 53 will become developmental engineers, crafting the weapon systems of tomorrow with the Air Force Research

BEHIND THE SCENES

Laboratory and other military research and development organizations.

Another 59 graduates have earned admission and scholarships to graduate school at colleges in the United States and Great Britain, including MIT, Rice, Georgia Tech, the University of Washington, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Nine of those grads are bound for medical school, two to law school and one to dental school.

The two-time Secretary of Defense charged each and every graduate to make a difference.

“You enter your commissioned service with fresh perspectives. Use them. Question why. Be bold. We need men and women in the military who aren’t burdened by a zerodefect mentality,” said Rumsfeld. “When you see a process or a procedure that seems bureaucratic, that stifles your ability to do more with less, or keeps the troops from doing their jobs, ask why. Dare to propose innovative approaches.”

“With your talents, and with your discipline, you could be pursuing opportunities in many walks oflife,” said Rumsfeld. “But to your credit, and to your benefit, you have chosen to defend our country. What cause could be more noble than that?”

“No one forced you to join the military,” he said. “You’re not drafted or conscripted. You followed the call to serve, because you knew that life is meant to have purpose. Each ofyou made your decision to serve years before Sept. 11, when none could possibly know the true meaning of that decision.”

“As you leave the Academy today, many now recognize and admire the choice. It is a calling that has high meaning and purpose,” Rumsfeld said. “And in the end, that is how to measure a life well lived.”

CZECH RIDES

Ifyou thought the Academy’s Soaring Program was as good as it could get, it’s high time to take another look. The 94th FlyingTraining Squadron has taken to the sky in their new Czech-made gliders that promise to make the already spectacularly successful flying program, even better.

If you’re not quite sure the Cold War has ended, a trip to the Academy flight line might just provide all the proof you need to change your mind.

It’s probably a bit difficult for those who lived through the Cold War era to imagine cadets at the U. S. Air Force Academy soaring above the Front Range in aircraft designed and built in the Czech Republic-or what first comes to mind as Czechoslovakia. Difficult or not, it is the truth. In fact, not only might the plane you see overhead be from a former Warsaw Pact country, but the pilot could very well be Bulgarian, Lithuanian, or even Romanian! Yes sir. The Cold War is over.

The aircraft, imported by Blanik America, Inc., landed at the Academy a few years after the 94th Flying Training Squadron decided their current fleet was limiting their training capabilities and costing more to maintain than that of more modern glider fleets.

As you might imagine, replacing the old fleet was no small task. The man who served as the catalyst for the change was Lt. Col. Joe Pacheco, ’83, who commanded the 94th in 1999. Pacheco set in motion a plan that would say “goodbye” to the well-liked TG-3, TG-4, and TG-9 models, and “Ahoj” (hello) to Blanik’s cutting edge TG-10B, TG-10C, andTG-lODs.

The bottom line for Pacheco was that the old fleet was more costly to maintain, not as safe to fly, and less capable than the aircraft today’s glider manufacturers are producing.

After nearly three years, and with a lot of help from the Air Staff, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, and the Soaring Program Office, everyone’s efforts paid off when a contract for 21 new gliders was awarded to Blanik America by the Source Selection Committee.

One of the first steps the 94th is taking now that 11 gliders have arrived, is getting an initial cadre of Instructor Pilots like Capt. Mike Smith, ’92, in the cockpit and up in the air. “We initially gave one of each model aircraft to Edwards (AFB) so that they could test it, learn the spin characteristics and make sure the aircraft are capable ofall our requirements.

TG-10

Facing Page:Capt. Mike Smith, ’92, an Instructor Pilot for the 94th FTS, will now train Cadet Instructor Pilots how to fly TG-10s. Historically, Cadets handle 95% of the training at the Academy airfield.

Above: Although the gliders that now swoop around the Academy sky are a lighter shade of yellow, you won’t hear any complaints about the design that allows for larger pilots and enhanced flying capabilities.

Now were familiarizing ourselves with the Blaniks so that we can in turn give familiarization transition type training to the Cadet Instructor Pilots,” said Smith. That training is a key part of the fleet replacement, as cadets typically handle 95% of the instruction on the airfield.

These new gliders don’t just look cool, they act cool. With Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology to help the pilots’ situational awareness, and more affective controls, the TG-lOs have transported the 94th into the 21st century. You might say the transition has been like trading in your old, albeit reliable, Ford Escort for this year’s Chevy Impala. You’re still not going to blow

the doors off your neighbor’s Corvette, but you can now confidently drive to 7-11 without your survival vest and AAA card.

One ofthe clear advantages of the TG-lOs is that they allow for pilots that weigh up to 240-pounds to take advantage ofthe 94th’s Soar for All Program-making the program open to even more cadets who want to slip “the surly bonds of earth.”

Another advantage ofthe new fleet is that the aircraft all belong to the same “family.” Because the aircraft are so similar in design, the 94th hopes that even though students may not have a lot of airmanship experience when entering the course, once they have qualified to solo one model, all they will need to be qualified in the other models are a few familiarization rides.

All of this points to an even greater number of cadets having the opportunity to solo during their time at the Academy. “Our overall goal is to get as many cadets as possible to solo. However, soloing a cadet out is not our end goal,” said Smith. “Our end goal is to allow them to experience aviation and to see what flying is like. Maybe that will make them want to continue a career either as a pilot or elsewhere in the aviation community within the Air Force.”

The 94th plans for the aircraft transition to be complete by the end of September. Once the new fleet is operational, more cadets will have the opportunity to take soaring courses in aerobatics and cross-country flight than ever before. That’s sure to please the 94th’s Cross Country Soaring Team. The team, which recently took a respectable 3rd place in a national competition against some of the world’s most experienced glider pilots, believes the Blanik’s increased capabilities in maneuverability will help them place even higher in future aerobatic competitions.

Although you’ll still see the old TG-3 and TG-9s flying over the Academy for a little while longer, plans are now being developed to move the beloved old models to Civil Air Patrol units or museums around the country.

Who knows, maybe those distinctive yellow birds, in which so many young pilots once swept through the clouds, might have a few more memories to make before all is said and done. Ifnot, one thing is for sure: Their mission was unquestionably accomplished. S

Top and Bottom: With the arrival of the Blanik TG-10s, the world’s busiest day VFR airfield just got even busier.

By Maureen Welch

Academy Spirit

More than 40 Boy Scouts from the local Pikes Peak Council participated in the Academy’s first Scouting Aviation Day at the 94th Flying Training Squadron.

“Aviation Day was designed to allow the Scouts, ages 13 to 17 years, to complete all the requirements for the aviation merit badge and give them the opportunity to see the Academy’s airfield operations,” said Cadet Third Class Nathaniel Hahn, cadet program sponsor.

About 13 cadet volunteers organized the event, which allowed Scouts to meet their badge requirements and interact with cadets and officers involved in the Academy’s aviation programs. Scouts interviewed civilian and military pilots, visited an aircraft maintenance shop, worked on model airplanes, learned about the forces that act on an airplane in flight and saw T-41, Cessna 150 andTG-7 aircraft.

Scouts also competed for the best paper airplane construction and design, distance of flight, accuracy of landing on a simulated aircraft carrier and used a flight simulator program to participate in a combat mission against a computer opponent.

“Through the wonders and discovery process that the Boy Scout merit badge program produces, many Scouts will develop a lifelong hobby and in many cases make a career choice that is a direct result of an initial spark being lit,” said Ian Probert, scout program director.

Scouting is a common denominator for many current and future military officers. Eleven percent of the Academy’s Class of2005 achieved Eagle Scout or Gold Award honors, which was similar to the four previous classes’ 12 percent.

The Academy has a long relationship with scouting. On base there are five chartered units, Explorer Post 81, Cub Scout Packs 80 and 81, and Boy Scout Troops 78 and 79. “Our goal for this program is to maintain that tradition for many years to come,” said Hahn. 9

The Academy has a long relationship with scouting. “Our goal for this program is to maintain that tradition for many years to come.”

Eberhart, ’68 Seen as Ideal for New Command

By John Diedrich, The Colorado Springs Gazette

The event was a change ofcommand ceremony, full of pomp, pressed uniforms and precision marching —typical duty for Gen. Ed Eberhart, the nation’s top space officer. With a chest full ofribbons and badges, Eberhart walked ramrod straight with other generals to review the troops, eyes held in a stare as he snapped offcrisp salutes.

Eberhart then settled in to listen to the Air Force’s top leaders speak. When it was his turn, the four-star general strode up the podium, the only one without notes, and began what seemed more like a chat than a speech to the hundreds ofairmen, dignitaries and guests. He walked away to a thunderous standing ovation.

For those who know the general, this story is typical of Eberhart, the man tapped by President Bush to head the Pentagon’s new homeland defense command, Northern Command, which is slated to be in Colorado Springs.

At one minute, Eberhart is the spit-shined general with a nearly photographic memory for the dizzying details of military space operations. The next he is the soft-spoken guy who urges the people who work for him to go home sick and stay out of the office on weekends. They describe an officer who showed glimpses

of greatness even as an Academy cadet. They say he’s a dedicated family man, a boss who listens to and earns fierce loyalty from those who work for him, a tough competitor who loves golf, tennis, racquetball and running.

“Some leaders you may not like a lot, but you respect them because they are in charge. They have stars on their shoulder and you do what they say,” said Lindsey Parris, who graduated a year behind Eberhart, served under him and has been close friends with him for years. “Ed, on the other hand, is the kind of guy you want to carry off the field at the end of the day.”

Eberhart arrived at the Academy in 1964 with impressive eredentials. He belonged to the National Honor Society, was captain of the football team and lettered in wrestling at McCluer High School in Florissant, Mo., just outside St. Louis.

The record of success continued at the Academy, which graduated its first class six years before Eberhart arrived.

“Ed was bound for glory. He was just going to be one of the leaders and didn’t disappoint,” classmate Neal Starkey said. Starkey and Eberhart were on the football team together. Eberhart played for a couple ofyears before an injury forced him out. D>

UP CLOSE

While at the Academy, Eberhart was polishing his military and leadership skills. He landed on the commandant of cadets’ list every semester. In his freshmen year, Eberhart was voted vice president of his class. In his senior year, he became wing commander, the highest military cadet position. His classmates weren’t surprised.

“He was just a guy who took care of business,” classmate Bill Eckert said. “He wasn’t one who grabbed for things.”

After graduation, Eberhart went to pilot training and then became a forward air controller in South Vietnam, one of the most dangerous missions for pilots. He flew 0-2s, a dual-engine, high-winged plane used to spot targets for fighter jets and bombers. The 0-2 pilots marked enemy targets with phosphorous rockets. Their only defense was the rockets, a rifle and pistol, which did little against ground fire.

After 10 months, Eberhart returned stateside and began a march through varied assignments. He was aT-38 flight instructor, a resource manager, an F-4E flight commander and instructor, a budget officer at the Pentagon, top aide to the general in charge of the Air Force in Europe and finally executive officer to the Air Force chief ofstaff - the service’s top uniformed officer.

“He is one of those guys (that) when he got promoted, I thought, ‘Good for the Air Force.’ When guys like him do well, it speaks well of the institution,” classmate Carl Janssen said.

In July 1987, Eberhart became vice commander and then commander of 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C. Steve Creech, who was mayor of Sumter when Eberhart arrived, saw an officer who was dedicated to his troops and led by example. When much of the base deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1990, Eberhart led the formation over in an F-16. But as the air-war plans were being finalized, Eberhart was summoned back to the Pentagon.

“He said it was the toughest thing he had ever done in his life, to prepare troops for war and have to leave them,” said Creech, who is friends with Eberhart and plays golfwith him at least once a year. Whenever Creech is with Eberhart, he is amazed at the general’s ability to remember everyone’s name, 12 years after he left Sumter.

“He can walk into the grill at Shaw Air Force Base tomorrow, and he will know the name of the woman at the grill, and she will know what he wants for breakfast,” he said.

After several more assignments at the Pentagon and commanding forces in Japan, Eberhart was named vice chief of staff of the Air Force. When the chief of staff retired early, Eberhart filled in. He quickly became a popular boss.

Parris remembers talking to the staffworking for Eberhart at the

time. They hadn’t worked Sundays and few Saturdays for months, highly unusual in that office.

“Ed does not expect you to sacrifice your whole life unless, of course, it is a time ofwar,” Parris said. “He sets priorities better than anyone I have ever seen.”

In February 2000, Eberhart arrived in Colorado Springs to become commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command. Running the three commands at once always has been a challenge. It has been an especially tough tenure for Eberhart.

The Space Commission, a Pentagon-appointed group, produced a report criticizing how military space operations were being run and suggesting changes which Eberhart implemented: put a single general in charge ofAir Force Space Command and move the space and missile center under it, find ways to improve space training and get commanders throughout the military to use space better. Space Command also took on cyber warfare in late 1999 and 2000, a mission considered one of the United States’ most important new strategic tools.

Space Command, which launches military satellites, also had several rockets explode and experienced other malfunctions. A study, directed by Eberhart, led to changes that seem to have ended the problems.

When the Sept. 11 attacks occurred, Eberhart was at the center of the crisis response as one ofthe president’s advisers. He directed NORAD fighters to patrol the skies, which he continues to do.

Last year, Eberhart, 55, was in the running to become chairman of the joint chiefs, the military’s top officer. He didn’t get the job, but as the idea of a Northern Command arose, Eberhart’s name quickly jumped to the top of the list. Insiders say Eberhart’s was the only name sent to the White House for consideration.

Eberhart will be orchestrating a command that for the first time will be responsible for protecting the air, land and sea of the United States. He will have to finesse relationships among the four service branches. He also must negotiate the inevitable politics of running a command that will be under great scrutiny.

Starkey, who remembers standing next to Eberhart nearly 40 years ago as freshmen cadets being berated by upperclassmen, is confident Eberhart is the man for the job.

“Ed is the right guy to put into a situation that hasn’t been fully thought out,” Starkey said. “Here is an 80 percent solution. Well, that other 20 percent can be a bear. You need a guy who has been there and done that and had all kinds of command experience, and God knows he’s had that.” 9

By Jed Babbin

Air Force

Photography by Ken Wright

UsA p

)ne Parent’s ' .fK.. h -

These

days it’s pretty easy to be depressed. There’s a war on, and the bad guys are some ofthe worst we’ve ever had to face. Political correctness has run amok, as the Ninth Circuit Nitwits proved last week when they tried to outlaw the Pledge of Allegiance because it contains the words, “one Nation, under God.” The stock market is in a downward spiral unequaled since the Great Depression. Most of us who planned to retire early aren’t planning on it any longer. France is still populated by the French, people still take Hillary and Peter Jennings seriously, and Palestinians are now dressing babies as suicide bombers to pose for family pictures. Life stinks. Or does it? Before you get in the waiting line for your shrink’s office or reach for the Prozac, let me tell you that all is well at Air Force, USA.

This article is reprinted with thepermission of Americanprowler.org.

The opinions expressed are solely those ofthe author and not the Association ofGraduates.

Mr. Babbin is a former Undersecretary ofDefense, and often serves as a consultant to Fox News.

Air Force, USA is a place located near Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the deer and the antelope play. It’s about 5,000 acres of mountainous beauty known as the U.S. Air Force Academy. When #4 son said he was interested in the Air Force Academy, I was delighted and the wife was skeptical. As the college selection process went along, the captain in charge of recruiting for the soccer team told the young man that if he wanted to go to the Academy it would happen. This time, son began to get excited but wife was even more skeptical. My wife can be forgiven her skepticism, having been a lawyer for the last twenty or so years, and only rarely encountering anyone who you could trust to take out the trash. I told her that if the captain said it, you could take it to the bank. I don’t think she was convinced until last Thursday morning when the young man-and the other 1,200 members of the class of2006— reported in to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. “In-processing,” as it’s called, was the beginning of a two-day process that erased any trace of depression I have had since 9-11.

It began with the incoming freshman lining up outside Doolittle Hall. They were told to be there between 0700 and 1100. They began arriving right at 0700, and most were there by 0930.

As befits an Air Force function, it was very well managed. In the hot Colorado sun, basic cadets and parents were given bottles of water and told to drink up. The people from Voicestream, the cell phone company, were on hand giving the new cadets one free call from slick little phones while they stood in line. “The last call before the tumbrils cart you off” was a great touch, and a stress-reliever for a lot of the newbies. Attaboy, Voicestream. D>

Walking up and down were members of the Association of Graduates. Now civilians, the former captains, colonels, and retired generals answered all kinds of questions. Walking quietly among the crowd was Lt. Gen. J. R. Dallagher, the superintendent. His team was doing its job well, and the boss looked pleased.

Inside Doolittle Hall, parents were consoled and informed by a roving band offaculty-a profusion ofcaptains, majors, and colonels—who had pretty much every answer at their fingertips. Everyone got their parents’ handbook, and those who wanted to asked questions of the dean ofacademics, other faculty and even the campus newspaper representatives. Some of the Basic Cadets, from the Air Force prep school, had inked messages on their T-shirts such as “Train This!” or “Be nice to me. My girl friend is a Squid.”

(“Squids”

are those benighted rivals at the Naval Academy.) The prep guys knew they were going to catch hell, but were already in the spirit ofthings. Then the preps and the others started to notice the upper classmen who will be taking them through the next six weeks. The upper classmen noticed them too, and grinned at the ones identified for an extra dose ofpushups.

Goodbyes were said, and the newbies went up to the second floor to begin their career encounter with government paperwork. At that point, they dropped out of contact with the outside world for the next six weeks.

After that the fun started. The newbies came down from the second floor and walked through a quiet line of upperclassmen to buses waiting to shuttle them to the barber shop and the dorms. One lad, who had longish hair teased straight up with blond highlights, passed while I was waiting for my son to come out. Words are inadequate to describe the shock and glee on the face of one upperclassman who saw blondie walk by. He looked up to heaven as if to pray, “Please, God. Let him be on my bus.”

Friday morning, precisely at 0830, the incoming class was assembled on the part ofthe parade area that’s below the chapel. A general who will be overseeing much ofthe cadets’ training stood at a podium. Behind him, the honor code was inscribed in huge letters on the wall: “We will not lie, steal or cheat, or tolerate among us those who do.” He told the cadets that this must be their creed. He said that they were the most highlyqualified group admitted to the Academy. Because ofthat, they will be expected to perform better than anyone ever has. Theirs is the proud burden, he said, of protecting our nation. And, he told them, there is no higher calling.

The officer’s oath was administered. The cadets swore to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegiance to it. I can’t say that the cadets even knew of the Ninth Circuit decision on the Pledge, but the last phrase of their oath, “so help me God,” was shouted out far more loudly than the rest of the oath. The band played “OffWe Go into the Wild Blue Yonder,” and then the cadets walked off, headed out to learn how to shoulder their proud burdens.

When you look at the incoming cadets you do not-thank Heaven-see a mirror image of America. You see young adults who are academically and athletically some ofthe very best we have. There are no dullards, no overweight whiny waddlers. Two years from now, they will be the upperclassmen awaiting the newbies. Four years from now they will be young officers going to pilot school and to assignments all over the world. Twenty years from now, they will be the old hands, the keepers of the flame. Which is just as it should be.

Leave depression to the liberals. Feel confident in your country and its future. I have seen the future, and it looks pretty damned good to me. At least in the small segment of our great nation I call Air Force, USA. S

SOMBERLY J^ E prayed and rvemembered

Cadet Wagner remembered for “outgoing nature, 20 megawatt smile.”

May 7th was a day of grief, sorrow and prayer for Cadet Squadron 31, the Academy and the family of Cadet 4th Class Kyle Thomas Wagner.

ByJohn Van Winkle Academy Spirit

The pews started filling up early with cadets, heads bowed in prayer and grief. Dry eyes were a rare commodity and stifled sobs echoed through the pews.

The loss of a colleague is an eventuality in the profession of arms, but the sudden and still-unknown nature of Wagner’s demise made the experience especially painful, as each mourner sat remembering their friend and fellow classmate, and silently questioning “why?”

“This is a loss. This is a tremendous loss. No words can express the loss we feel today,” said Chaplain (Capt.) R. Martin Fitzgerald, during the memorial service.

“There are many questions at a time like this,” said the chaplain. “How God can allow such a thing, why did it happen? Faith sometimes asks that we live with questions and not answers.”

Wagner collapsed in his dormitory room Saturday morning, May 4th. Despite the immediate on-scene attention of paramedics and emergency medical staff at the Academy Hospital, he was declared dead at approximately 10:15 a.m. An Air Force officer in Wisconsin notified Wagner’s parents of their son’s death, at about 5:30 p.m. that day, said Kyle’s father, Dennis Wagner.

“No one every plans on attending their children’s funeral, but they’ve made it about as easy as it can be under such difficult circumstances,” said the father. “We thank the academy, the cadets, all of our friends and family for their help in this time.”

Academy officials have also kept the family thoroughly informed on each development in the investigation into the cadet’s death, said the father.

“TheAcademyhas given us extraordinary access andhelp in letting us know how the investigation into his death is going, and they’ve helped us at every turn, as we’ve come here to pick up Kyle and take him home back to Wisconsin. They’ve given us every consideration.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office has determined that Wagner died of “natural causes.”

“One of the investigating officers told us that we might just have to face the possibility that Kyle’s work on earth was done, and God just called him home,” said Mr. Wagner.

Kyle’s friends, classmates and family chose to remember Wagner for what he achieved in his 19 years on earth by sharing their stories of Kyle.

The service’s presiding chaplain, Father Fitzgerald remembered a Catholic Cadet Choir member who regularly attended Mass, and was willing to help others and serve in any way he could.

“I was moving down to my new offices around Cadet Squadron 31, just right before I left town this weekend to visit my family in Pennsylvania,” said Fitzgerald. “He saw me moving into my new office and he said ‘is there anyway I can help?’ That saw not just a one-time occurrence. That was really the heart and soul ofthis young man, to serve.”

Or they remembered his friendly and outgoing nature.

“Several personality traits were immediately apparent when you met Kyle,” his father told mourners on Tuesday. “He had a 20 megawatt smile that was always ready. He used that smile to make friends with grace and ease.”

Kyle’s father was also able to help comfort the gathered mourners, with stories of Kyle’s life that generated laughter in the crowd, including the one about the life lessons Kyle’s mother Lynn engrained in her son.

“Lynn taught him many valuable life lessons: Eat your vegetables. Honor your father and mother. Don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t steal, pick up your clothes and most importantly, never talk to strangers.”

“That’s the one he never got right,” his father continued, and raised knowing chuckles among the assembled mourners. “Kyle would talk to anyone, at anytime, at anyplace. He could be found chatting with strangers in airports, movie theater lines, concert halls, outdoor festivals, restaurants, gas stations-anyplace you’re supposed to watch out for number one, he was making friends and learning their life stories. Age, race, income levels, gender or station in life, was no barrier to Kyle. They were all his friends.”

Over and over, mourners recalled Wagner’s outgoing nature, and how he’d take time to help someone or bring a smile to the faces of others.

“My wife and I were always amazed at his enthusiasm, positive attitude and ever-present smile,” said Neil Talbott ofthe Academy Public Affairs Directorate. Talbott and his wife were his sponsor family here, inviting him into their home and giving Kyle that priceless break from the rigors of freshman life at the Academy. And he never forgot their gift.

“Approximately two weeks ago, as I was driving past the athletic fields, I noticed Kyle running on the side ofthe road with some ofhis fellow cadets. He recognized me as I drove by and smiled and waved,” said Talbott. “That is my last memory ofKyle when he was alive and I will treasure it. He was a marvelous young man, full of energy and love for the Air Force Academy. He wanted to be at the Academy and it showed in his up-beat manner and ability to adapt to any challenge thrown his way. Kyle Wagner will be deeply missed.”

He was also remembered by five of his fellow fourthclassmen from CS 31, who spoke of the cadet who spoke of their experiences with Kyle at the Academy.

For fellow Cadet 4th Class Whitt Melton, it was the fellow basic trainee who was suffering from pneumonia.

“Kyle was a great friend during this time,” said Whitt. “Anytime I had to fall out or go to the doctor he was right there with me smiling as big as ever.

“One night it rained, and my sleeping bag got wet,” said Whitt. “Well, I laid around in it all day, but that afternoon Kyle came in after a run and you could tell he was dead tired. We got to talking and he found out my sleeping bag had gotten wet the night before. He then told me to take his sleeping bag and he would take mine.

“I tried to refuse but before I could he had taken mine and replaced it with his. He then used that sleeping bag until it dried completely when he then returned it with a huge smile.”

And even sleeping in chilly Jacks Valley in a rain-soaked sleeping bag didn’t diminish Kyle’s drive or spirits. He was happy to be at the Academy, his father said, and he let them know it.

“Kyle wrote us from BCT, and this is a direct quote, “this is fun,”’ recalled Kyle’s father. “As Recognition approached, Kyle said “bring it on.” When Recognition was done, Kyle said that it was one of the greatest moments of his life. ‘If I had the choice of coming home,’ he said, ‘or doing Recognition again, I’d do Recognition. It was fun.

But the loss is still a shock to those who knew him personally, or knew of him.

“No one can tell us why Kyle had to go. We’re all anxious to know. He had unlimited potential and he looked forward to all the good things his life would be filled with and who he could share it with,” said his father.

“The only positive thing I can think of this is a warning: treasure your family, your friends, and your life, because tomorrow is promised to no one. Make each day count for something good.” H

AOG Ring Program Shines Bright

Story and Photos by Ken Wright

There are many icons ofthe Academy that conjure up memories of shared experiences amongst graduates; Cathedral Rock, Falcon Stadium, the Bring Me Men Ramp, the Cadet Chapel. But none more so than the class ring most wear for the rest oftheir lives after receiving it.

Fifty years from now the hand may be more wrinkled, and the ring may bare a few scars ofits own, but the essence ofthe ring will not change one bit from the evening it was first slipped on. The ring is a constant and eternal symbol ofthe growth and hardships that every graduate experiences during their four years at the Air Force Academy.

One ofthose shared experiences is the ceremony in which Second Class cadets receive their rings; the Ring Dining-Out. The event is a milestone that all cadets look forward to, and one ofthe few instances that an individual class is recognized by the Academy senior staff.

But before the ring is placed in a champagne flute-before the ring is slipped on a finger, a lot ofwork goes into making all of it possible.

As with any project that attempts to garner the consensus of a thousand people, some simple decisions aren’t always quite so simple. To ease the process ofdecision-making, a nearly 18month process begins in the Third Class year when a committee ofeight to twelve cadets are chosen to represent the class. This ring committee bears a huge responsibility in making sure that when all is said and done, the rings are delivered on time and on target.

However, a few years ago the Association ofGraduates felt they could enter the process to relieve some ofthe weight from the shoulders ofthe ring committees, as well as the unlucky Air Officers Commanding who until that point were placing their payroll signatures on the $1 million contracts. “We wanted to get more involved with the cadets,” says Col. (Ret.) Jim Shaw, ’67, AOG President and CEO.

“Our charter by law is to serve cadets and graduates, and to preserve the tradition of this institution.” So with that in mind, the AOG went to the Academy leadership in 1997 with a proposal that would fulfill all three commitments. “We are preserving the heritage and tradition by educating the cadets on how to create their class rings and crests. We are providing a direct service to the cadet by negotiating the contract, and for graduates we provide a ‘Lost and Found’ service,” said Shaw.

As of 1997, the AOG signed a five-year contract with Jostens that provides not only for the ring manufacturer to create rings as the cadets desire, but also the attention to detail that ensures every cadet will receive the ring and service they deserve.

After the committee solicits ring design ideas from the class, Jostens sends their top artist, Mr. Jim Lindberg, to the Academy to discuss the design oftheir class crest with the committee. This is the stage when the committee integrates the elements ofheritage and tradition into the process.

To do so, every class must include six specific elements that represent the Academy and their class; an eagle, a Polaris, a saber, the class sequence (Roman numerals), the class motto, and their class year. While the rendering of the elements changes from year to year, the standardization creates a tangible link between past and future classes.

The artist and committee members try their best to narrow the decisions down to a few ideas that Lindberg then illustrates on the spot. This service not only narrows the ideas, but also the chances ofunhappy cadets after the rings are received.

After the artist returns to the factory, the tweaking of ideas continues as computers are used to create three pen and ink renditions ofthe ring. The renditions are sent to the committee who then begins the competition phase ofthe process.

In the competition phase, cadets vote for the version they prefer most. Once a winner is selected, Jostens creates a prototype ofthe ring, and in a generous show of support for the program, flies the committee to Minnesota in their corporate jet for a factory visit and the final approval ofthe ring design.

“They really want to make things right,” says Marty Marcolongo, ’88. Marcolongo should know. Not only is he an Academy graduate, he oversees the AOG Class Ring Program. When he graduated in 1988, classes didn’t have a lot ofbargaining power.

“For me, the ring symbolizes the cadet experience. Specifically the good that is remembered. It mutes the negative voices and cynicism. It embodies the four years of pain and difficulty and shared challenges. It says, I did it. Against the odds I made it, and I’m proud of it,” said the former intelligence officer. With advocates like Marcolongo, cadets will continue to reap the benefits of a program that puts them first.

Once the committee decides on any final changes, Jostens then ereates a wax mold while the cadets tour the facility. With a little luck, the final design is then approved and the production phase begins.

Although most companies might breathe a sigh ofreliefand move on to counting the money, Jostens has instead shown generosity by donating as much as $12,500 toward the Ring Dining-In, as well as purchasing the class crest for the Class Wall. The gift helps make one ofthe most special evenings for a cadet, one ofthe classiest as well.

Today cadets save 20% over what some earlier classes paid. With an average ring cost of $1,150, those savings are significant. Additionally, Jostens provides a computerized ordering process and a lifetime warranty for the ring and stone. This type of service was unheard ofprior to the current AOG contract.

To some, the money spent on this piece ofjewelry may seem extravagant. But ask a grad if it was worth it, and they’ll probably tell you they’re not wearing a piece ofjewelry, they’re wearing their heritage-a link to their class, the classes before them, and the classes after them. Here’s a toast... 9

^UUcaptures.the meai

By Brigadier General Stephen Goldfein, ’78 Deputy Director for Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessments

“This speech was given in the context ofattempting tofocus the risingfirsties on what our Air Force is all about-fighting and winning wars. The storypresented was offered to help make thepoint about the meanmg ofthe class ring. The story is all true, but many specific details are cut out in the interest oftime and the story clearlyfocuses on USAFA graduateperformance. As the 1st FW/CCI was equallyproud to serve with the whole wing—whether USAFA grads or not. It’s important to me that anyone who might read this knows that / was veryproudofeveryone in the story and that Ijust chose to emphasize one group to make thepoints I wanted to make.

General and Mrs Dallager, General and Mrs Gilbert, guests and friends, and most important—class of 2003-1 am incredibly honored to be here with you tonight. Thank you very much for inviting me to be a small part of your very important evening. D>

Twenty-five years ago I stood where you are and I can rememher everything about the evening. I can remember how all my classmates looked, and where we were seated. I remember my AOC was Major Ray Hamilton and at the time I thought he had sort of a strange look on his face-which a few years later I figured out was the look you get when you’re just feeling very proud of those around you. We were all in our mess dress, which in those days had black trousers and a white jacket for summer time and underneath we all had on our class color red suspenders. The style of the day was to wear our hair as long as we could possibly get away with—with sideburns to the bottom of our ears and hair parted down the middle. In fact, as I recall my classmate and your commandant, General Taco Gilbert had his hair parted down the middle also. Even after all these years I note that General Gilbert still wears his hair as long as he can get it and he still has it parted down the middle-the part is just a bit wider now.

haven’t heard yet, about what happened in the 1 st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB in Virginia.

On that morning I had just completed a year and a half as commander of the 1 st Fighter Wing. We were 5000 people whose job it was to make sure that 80 F-15 air superiority fighters were ready to fight. We had the capability to kill 640 targets on one pass and we still had about 75,000 rounds of 20 mm in our guns in case any stragglers showed up. On a typical day we would fly 50 or 60 training missions at Langley and the morning missions were getting in the air as I was on my way to my first appointment. The bad news was I was going to the dentist. The good news was it was the appointment after the root canal so I knew it would be short and it wouldn’t hurt.

“It is my hope that starting today, and everyday thatyou have the privilege ofwearing the ring ofthe United States Air Force Academy class of2003, thatyou'llslip it on, it willfeel just right andyou’ll remember your class, your Academy, and your Air Force. Brig. Gen. Stephen Goldfein, ’78.

But of course the thing I remember most about the evening was putting my class ring on for the first time. I recall holding it in my hand, inspecting the stone and making sure the inscription was correct on the inside and then finally slipping it on. Most important, I vividly recall that it fit perfectly and it felt right-I just felt good about having it on.

For the next 25 years I’ve slipped that ring on almost every day and each time I got that same good feeling. I never put much thought as to why but I knew it was right and I liked how it made me feel. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I really figured out what my ring meant to me and I’d like to share that with you by way of telling a story. It’s a September 11 th story you

As I walked into the clinic the TV in the lobby was on and some folks were standing watching it and I could see a tower burning. I asked what had happened and someone replied that it had just come on and they didn’t know. I recall wondering what might have caused something like that and I went on back to the dentist’s office and climbed into the chair.

About 15 minutes into the appointment someone walked in and said that the second tower was now burning and it appeared as ifairplanes may have crashed into them. The dentist and I made eye contact and he said “You need to go don’t you” and I nodded and his hands started flying. Within about 5 minutes he sat back, handed me my radio and said good luck.

Just about then the radio came alive and my vice wing commander called me and said he was forming the battlestaffand asked how soon I would be back. I told him 5 minutes and also said to land all the training missions and jack up the threatcon level.

When I arrived at the command post many of the staff had arrived and were going to work. I asked for an initial senior staff review and we figured out quickly that we had no idea what had

happened, but we knew it was bad, and we had not yet received any direction from higher headquarters. The operations group commander said he was forming the mission planning cell and figuring out pilot availability. The logistics group commander said he was moving live ordnance to the line and asked for guidance on weapons load. I told him to get whichever air-to-air missiles could be made live the fastest, make a list ofmission capablejets and start loading. Our normal combat load is eight missiles plus a full gun-we agreed to just get two missiles per jet and let me know when the first four fighters were close to being ready. He asked about fuel tanks and I said load them ifthey won’t delay launch. The medical group hospital commander said he’d start packing up our deployable emergency response team and equipment and get some flatbeds and buses together. A young officer who was the senior security forces person on staffsuggested we start locking down the base. And so it went-people just started moving without any direction and no clear mission.

After a few minutes of thinking and checking issues I found myself at the table with just my vice wing commander and I said I can’t stand not being out there but I need to stay. He grabbed his radio and said he’d be our eyes on the ramp and left.

The operations officer of the 27th Fighter Squadron leaned in and said-boss, I’m going to go brief a four-ship and I said press and he left. People were working the phones and for the next 30

minutes or so information kept flowing in. We received a flash message to up the threatcon all the way to Delta and had a short gathering to make some decisions on our objectives. Our intel folks got plugged in and started talking about additional airliners and said that the Air National Guard alert birds were airborne. We glanced at CNN every couple minutes and then my vice commander called in and said you will not believe what is happening out here. He said all the buildings had emptied out and people were all on the flightline helping. He said the young maintenance officer lieutenants had gathered people together and were hand walking our 3000 pound capacity fuel tanks to the jets instead ofwaiting for the loaders. The first missiles had arrived on the ramp and were being uploaded and another young officer had, on his own, ordered every fuel truck we had to be filled up and proceed to the flightline. I told him to keep me posted and about then the mission director—the operations support squadron commander-said he had the planning cell wrapping up with flight plans to New York and Washington and they were heading for the ramp to join with the first four pilots we had found.

It was about then that the phone in front of me rang. I recognized the voice immediately as the commander ofAir Combat Command and he said-Goldy, how long before you can get airborne? I presumed that it was implied that this meant armed fighters and I replied within an hour. He then asked me what I needed. I replied: air refueling tanker support, mission orders, and rules of engagement. He said he’d get back to me and hung up.

My vice called in and said the pilots were stepping to the jets and the mission director told me he had spoken to FAA and they said they were turning all the airspace over America over to the military and we could go where we needed to go. We got some updates on closing the base defensive perimeter down and then the ACC commander called back and he said: Tankers scrambled out ofthe northeast and would be over Washington DC to meet us, launch as soon as possible and go to Washington DC, keep anything that is flying outside of23 miles of the city and ifnecessary deadly force was authorized.

As you might imagine, those were very powerful words to hear and it took a few seconds to register and then pass them along. Shortly after we got a call that the first four had engines started and I was asked how many we should generate. I replied just keep generating for now and let’s start thinking about 24 hour operations.

Not too long after that my vice called and I could hear the roar ofafterburners in the background and he said all four were airborne and northbound. By then we had settled into a battle rhythm of sorts and I turned my attention to strategic planning.

As we continued on into the day I lost track oftime but knew that our four-ship was intercepting and turning aircraft away, that

they had met up with a tanker and could stay on station indefinitely, and of course by then we all knew what had happened. Sometime that day my secretary dropped gave me a wad ofphone messages which I almost set aside but when I glanced at them I had to give my only smile ofthat day—I’ll tell you a bit more about them in a moment. By the end ofthe day we had shifted to a 24- hour operation and had about 20 jets armed with full loads and were beginning to get a schedule for caps over Washington DC, New York City and in support ofescorting Air Force One from NORAD. This began for us a 24/7 operation for over two months covering Camp David and Washington DC before we were finally relieved by another unit. I was privileged to fly many ofthose missions myselfand I still feel immense pride when I think oflooking down at Camp David while my president was there and knowing we were protecting him.

So, what does the story have to do with your ring? I believe there are three important things about your ring and the reasons are in the story.

Remember the wad of phone messages? Well they said things like “John and Kevin checked in and they’re ok,” or “I know you have work to do and I’m behind you” or “I’m angry and this can’t stand—God bless America.”

Ladies and gentlemen, those messages were from my Academy classmates. On that day the network came alive and within not too many hours it seemed as ifmy entire squadron had made supporting contact in one way or another with each other. The way I see it, there are only 800 people in the whole world who have the class of 1978 on their ring. They are my classmates. Next to my family, they are most important to me. The people you are sitting with tonight are the people you will admire and respect more than anyone in the world. They are people you will fight for and as the years go by you will come to recognize that you share something that few can have—to be part ofthe class of2003. First, ladies and gentlemen, never forget that your ring is about your class.

On that day in the 1 st Fighter Wing I was wearing my class ring. The vice commander was wearing his-class of 1972-just yesterday I had the honor ofpresiding over his retirement after 30 years of service. The operations group commander had his on —class of 1980. The mission director, three of the first four pilots airborne, the young cop who handled force protection, the maintenance officers who led their troops-all with their class ring. It was Academy graduates who had the responsibility to lead and act and we did. Someday I guarantee you’ll be in an airport waiting on your flight and the elderly lady sitting next to you will tap your arm gently and inquire about your ring. You’ll reply that it’s the USAF Academy and she’ll jab her husband in

the side and tell him and the two of them will look at you with pride and admiration. You are one oftheir graduates. They sent you here. They’ve never been here but they instinctively know a lot about you. They know you serve and they know who you are and what you stand for. They don’t know what you do but they have high expectations for how you will do it. Ifanother graduate sees you they will come over and just ask “What class?” You won’t need to exchange much information. You’ll both know what the other is made ofand you’ll know that if ever placed in a tough position you’ll act with integrity, courage, and commitment. You’ll know that each other can be counted on. It’s about a tradition and we each owe all others that wear the ring our allegiance and our performance to a standard that only we can understand. And so second, never forget your ring is about your institution the United States Air Force Academy. When you wear it, you carry all the Academy’s history and standards with you.

Third, and finally, your ring is about the United States Air Force. Not just any force. The most powerful force that has ever existed. The most lethal force on earth. To our enemies I have a simple warning. Don’t make us come over there. Because, ifyou do, we will come with lightning speed, we will bring overwhelming force, and we will find you, track you, target you, and kick your ass.

Ladies and gentlemen—it is my hope that starting today, and everyday that you have the privilege ofwearing the ring of the United States Air Force Academy class of 2003, that you’ll slip it on, it will feel just right and you’ll remember your class, your Academy, and your Air Force. H

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Mr. William W. Maywhort, ’68, Board Vice Chair

Mr. John T. Moore, ’78, Treasurer

Col. (Ret.) Martin T. Daack, ’66, Secretary

Col. (Ret.) Victor C. Andrews, ’66

Mr. Bill Boisture Jr., ’67

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Larry D. Fortner, ’59

Mr. Charles P. Garcia, ’83

Col. (Ret.) Frederick D. Gregory, ’64

Mr. Edward E. Legasey, ’67

Mrs. Jody A. Merritt, ’89

Capt. Amber D. O’Grady, ’96

Lt. Col. (Ret.) David J. Palenchar, ’70

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Alan V. Rogers, ’64

Col. (Ret.) James A. Shaw, ’67

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James P. Ulm, ’61

Gen. (Ret.) Ronald W. Yates, ’60

Brothers Make Historic Flight in No Fly Zone

W the Air Force family, fighter pilots are like brothers. They work together, play together and stick up for one another at the first I w sign of hostility—especially when deployed in support of operations like Northern Watch, where their wingmen are the only .JL. JL JLfamily they have. But, that’s nothing new for Captains Bryce and Ryan Silver. With only four minutes separating their births, they’ve literally been doing it all their lives.

They’ve spent most of their lives doing the exact same things. In school, they took the same classes and competed in the same sports. When it came time for college, both turned down ROTC scholarships to Iowa State University to attend the Air Force Academy. Bryce graduated from the Academy in 1996 and Ryan in 1997 because Ryan attended the Academy’s prep school. t>

After graduation, each got a pilot slot and their first choice of jets-the F-15E Strike Eagle. Continuing their string of luck, the brothers were then stationed together at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, after completing pilot training.

Now, as part of Operation Northern Watch, the twins got to share another experience—a combat mission enforcing the no-fly zone over Northern Iraq.

“We felt like it was truly a once in a lifetime experience,” Ryan said. “Just getting to fly in the same formation was an outstanding opportunity, but given that it was during a combat sortie made it even better.”

Ryan replaced Bryce at Operation Southern Watch last year, but the brothers didn’t get an opportunity to fly together. In fact, this was the first mission they have ever flown together.

Ryan and the 492nd Fighter Squadron arrived at Incirlik to replace Bryce and the 494th Fighter Squadron. A few days overlapped and allowed Bryce to show his little brother the ropes.

“I told him to bring sunscreen and an open mind,” Bryce said. “I also passed on my personal lessons learned from flying combat missions here. I know how he thinks and can give him information in a manner we both can easily comprehend.” That bond also helped them during their mission over Iraq.

“We’ve been extremely close over the years, so there is a certain degree to which we can predict what the other one is thinking and going to do next,” Ryan said.

The twins have experienced cases ofmistaken identity. One day, while at a coordination meeting for the next day’s mission, Ryan was asked numerous questions about a previous mission Bryce had flown.

“After a slightly awkward silence, Ryan revealed that he was my twin,” Bryce said. “That’s just one ofthe dozen people we’ve already confused. One gentleman from the airborne warning and control squadron claimed we were part of an Air Force cloning project.”

The twins said they decided to join the Air Force during their sophomore year in high school because of an older brother who had enlisted.

“He really talked up the Air Force to us, so I think we both decided to join at about the same time,” Ryan said. “As far as flying goes, I think Bryce was first with that idea, but I decided I wanted to do the same thing a few days later.” 58

Charles P. Garcia/83

New Member ofthe White House Initiative on Educational Excellence

n February 2002, in a White House ceremony Charles P. Garcia,’83 was sworn in as a member of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. This prestigious 19 member commission created by President Bush includes three Cabinet Secretaries and many highly regarded Hispanics, such as revered teacher Jaime Escalante whose life was profiled in the award winning movie “Stand and Deliver.” Together they will advise President Bush on how to close the achievement gap for Hispanic children. Also in February, Mr. Garcia was confirmed by the Florida Senate to serve a four-year term on the Florida Board of Education, a newly formed entity and the first of its kind in the nation charged with the responsibility of executing revolutionary changes to Florida’s K-12 educational system. Mr. Garcia is the only Hispanic of the seven-member board, which is responsible for approving a $20 billion budget.

During Garcias confirmation hearing, Florida State Senator and gubernatorial candidate, DarylJones, ’77, asked Charles his first question. He said, “Mr. Garcia I have one question: Fast, Neat, Average...?” Garcia, without hesitation, responded, Friendly, Good, Good!” Jones promptly turned to the committee chairman and recommended confirmation. After a short question and answer period, Charles Garcia was unanimously confirmed. B

SC nWch ATTENTION

1,219 basic cadets of the Class of2006 arrived here June 27 to begin their Academy careers.

In-processing began early that morning at Doolittle Hall, the Association of Graduates building, with a welcome to the Academy by AOG president and CEO, Jim Shaw. The 1967 Academy graduate and retired colonel first congratulated the basics for getting the Academy appointment, and let them know that they are the cream of the crop of Americas youth. The average high school grade-point average is 3.90 and the average SAT score is 1,310 for the Class of 2006.

2Q06 in MOTION

By Academy Spirit

What followed was a series of tearful family goodbyes for some, although many other goodbyes had already been said in homes across the nation, like the Harr household in Dover, Delaware.

“Well, at 6 a.m. this morning I gave my son, Rich, the biggest hug of his life and watched as he left for the airport with his father,” said Deborah Harr, about saying goodbye to her son on June 26.

“I cried after he left in sadness as a key phase of my life ends: life with Rich home full-time.

“But I found my heart bursting with pride at his accomplishments and thankful at the options he has in his future.”

After some initial processing at the AOG building, the basics boarded buses for the ride over to the Bring Me Men ramp. But each bus ride went from a merry joyride to a rigid military environment within seconds, as basics were told to sit at attention on the front third oftheir seat. They then received their first personal introduction to the expectations ofAcademy life, from a cadet cadre member. D>

Photo by Ken Wright

BEHIND THE SCENES

Upon arrival at the ramp, they got their first breather, as a staff chaplain spoke to each busload of basics. But once the chaplain left, the volume tripled and the pace increased three-fold, as basics were rushed off the bus, chewed out and placed in the first formation of their military lives.

“We will tell you when to eat, we will tell you when to sleep, we will tell you when to think of mama and home.

In-processing, a one-day event which includes medical processing, haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, and squadron and dormitory room assignments, marks the start of 41 days of Basic Cadet Training, and is designed to prepare the basic cadets for entry into the Cadet Wing.

The first 18 days of Basic Cadet Training are affectionately known as “First Beast,” and conducted within the cadet area. It starts with in-processing and includes aerodynamic haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, immunizations and other medical processing, and squadron and dormitory assignments. Included in this is one of the cornerstones of the Academy experience, a firm introduction to the seven basic responses, which all basics must utilize in any response they give during training and later during most of their fourth class year. The wiser basics had already memorized these prior to arriving, and the others learned these via repetition by the end of their first day.

On July 15, all cadets march to Jacks Valley, on the Academy grounds, for 17 days of field training. This also begins the second phase of Basic Cadet Training, or Second Beast, which involves physical conditioning, athletic and spiritual activities.

Included in the new class are 216 minority members, 225 women, and 11 international students. There are 714 in the new class who are pilot qualified.

Overall, the Academy received 50,386 requests for applications. Of those, 16,496 men and women applied for admission. There were 1,819 men and 390 women who fully met all the qualifications needed to enter the Academy. Overall, the Academy offered 1,512 appointments for the Class of 2006.

The 11 new international cadets entering with the Class of 2006 come from Bulgaria, Cameroon, Ecuador, Korea, Lithuania, Oman, Romania, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Following in-processing, the Class of2006 was sworn in June 28, at 8:30 a.m. on the Terrazzo near the Honor Wall.

An acceptance parade at the Stillman Parade Field on Aug. 6 marked the completion of BCT and the formal acceptance of the Class of 2006 into the Cadet Wing. Ri

Photo by Ken Wright

C HECK P OIN T S, S U M M E

Now Then

Story and Photos by Ken Wright

In a world of constant change it’s sometimes difficult to decide whether we had it right the first time, or if perhaps something “new and improved” can truly live up to the hype.

Ifyou spend any time talking with Air Force Academy graduates, it won’t take too long before the discussion turns toward the subject of“now -vs- then.” For the most part, many seem to feel things were better before, and change is something to be met with skepticism.

On the other hand, some changes that occur at the Academy not only make it a better place, but also merge “the good ole days” with modern technology, as well as cultural changes.

For Duane Boyle, the Academy’s campus architect for the past two decades, such was the challenge ofwatching over the renovation of perhaps the most well-known icon ofthe Academy-the Cadet Chapel.

Boyle, who grew up outside the south gate, holds the buildings of the Academy very near to his heart. In fact, it was the unique buildings of the Academy that sparked his interest in architecture as a young man.

So four years ago when it finally came time to oversee the first major renovation for the aging Chapel, he knew there was only one way to do such an important job—the way the founders would do it.

Until then, not a lot of money had gone into the repair and refurbishment ofthe Academy’s primary house ofworship. Most buildings have a life cycle of 25-30 years before a reinvestment is necessary, so after nearly forty Colorado winters and millions of visitors, the Chapel was clearly in need of some TLC.

The ongoing renovation Boyle watches over includes the replacement ofthe entrance steps, heating system, lighting fixtures, audio system, and windows. Workers are also removing a speaker bar that was placed along the north window wall in the 1970s.

The Chapel is not just a special place for cadets and people stationed at the Academy, it has also been added to the prestigious list of buildings eligible to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, in 2004 the entire Academy will be officially placed on the Register.

With such an honor comes the responsibility of not only maintaining the Academy’s buildings, but when doing so to preserve them in the way that the founders envisioned.

“The Air Force has put a lot ofeffort toward making sure we are not compromising the cohesiveness of a national landmark,” says Boyle.

To make sure the Chapel renovations are accomplished within the established guidelines, Boyle consults the one person who

Duane Boyle, Academy Campus Architect

knows better than anyone else how to revitalize the original concept—Walter Netsch.

Netsch, who at age 34 was given the monumental project of overseeing the design and construction of the Academy, is more than happy to advise Boyle on renovations. “Duane has been wonderful in keeping me in touch with the Chapel renovations,” said Netsch. “Whether it is the steps, or the lighting system that receives attention, he seeks me out to find out what I had in mind. The Chapel is a special place. We endured a lot of criticism during the original planning, but it was worth while to do it properly.”

Netsch and Boyle have also collaborated on plans to modernize the Chapel. When we planned the Chapel, we thought mainly in terms ofProtestant and Catholic needs,” said Netsch. “But it wasn’t long after the completion that we were asked to accommodate the needs of Vietnamese cadets who needed to worship in a Buddhist sanctuary.” Netsch felt it was important to fulfill such requests, and did so happily.

Today, the Chapel contains the Protestant and Catholic chapels, a Jewish synagogue, and two “all-faiths” rooms where people of any faith may worship.

Thousands of feet, large and small, make their way up the Chapel’s Rockville Beige Granite steps nearly every day.

The original Chapel construction cost $3.5 million in 1962, not including the furnishings that were later donated by individuals, organizations and Air Force chapels around the world. The 17 aluminum spires that soar 150-feet into the sky make the Chapel one ofthe most recognizable buildings in our country. Contrary to some early graduates’ belief that the number ofspires represented

the 12 Apostles and the five Chiefs ofStaff, the number was actually determined by design and budgetary constraints.

So how does one renovate such a “custom-made” building? The Academy contracts with a variety of artisans and construetion companies that have proven themselves as leaders in their professions. “We need people who will give us the kind of quality we’re looking for, as well as offer flexibility throughout the project,” said Boyle.

With much of the renovation already completed, Boyle estimates the project will be finished within the next three years as funding becomes available.

Testimony to the awesome beauty of the Chapel interior is that even amongst the dust and noise created by the ongoing work, the breathtaking sight mutes the distractions and leaves the visitor with a great appreciation for Netsch’s vision and creation of this national treasure. H

WALTER NETSCH and the AIR FORCE ACADEMY

by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradley C. Hosmer,’59

In the fall of 1991,1 had just recently been assigned as Superintendent ofthe Air Force Academy. I had not been on duty there since graduating 32 years earlier, so it seemed to me appropriate to do a lot oflistening and learning before making any firm judgments.

One ofthe most interesting and valuable conversations ofthat period occurred with Mr. Walter Netsch. Mr. Netsch is known and respected in architectural circles, and his reputation took offwith the original design ofthe Air Force Academy. In 1954 he was a rising star in the architectural firm ofSkidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM),when SOM decided to compete to provide the design for the Air Force Academy. The proposed Academy would be the largest single integrated architectural design in the United States ofits day. SOM assigned Mr. Netsch the task ofdesigning their proposal.

When the Air Force’s request for design proposals went out, only the site had been selected-a broad area north of Colorado Springs. Nothing else had been determined.

As he recounts the period, Mr. Netsch, with no military background or experience whatever, though a great deal about the role of architecture in the function of a military academy. His thinking must have resonated with the selection committee advising the Secretary of the Air Force, because the SOM-Netsch

design survived to win over a field of a dozen top firms—including Frank Lloyd Wright’s.

Mr. Netsch recounted these events as the two of us stood on the Superintendent’s balcony on a bright Fall day, he on my right, overlooking the Honor Court and beyond that, the huge, open spread of the Terrazzo.

Those who know the view will understand how moving it was for a new Superintendent to stand there looking at that incredible sweep ofsculpted nature, and listen to the man who was responsible for both the design and the construction tell how it happened. I offered some limp comment, like “It’s obvious your baby grew up healthy.”

Mr. Netsch kindly ignored my inanity and responded with “Of course you understand the concept...”

“Concept?” said I, astutely.

“Well yes,” he continued. “My concept was that, for a military academy, it was important that the organization but not the individual stand out. That’s the reason for all the wide-open space. The individual by himself is insignificant. Only the organized group of men makes an impact.”

This stopped me cold. Netsch had just enunciated a profound, fundamental principle that my own service had yet to appreciate fully. It seemed a perfect concept around which to design an Air Force Academy. I said as much.

“Ah, but there is more,” he said, turning to me so that as I looked at him the Academy Chapel was over his right shoulder. He put his hands together, fingertips interlaced to mimic the Chapel, and continued “above that great, open plain, where the individual disappears and only the mass of men as a military unit has significance, the central prominent feature is the spiritual, the ethical.”

I heard little that day, or that month or year, ofcomparable importance. With such an advantage in the very place we live, we can’t help but succeed if we carry forward the concepts Walter Netsch built into the very structure ofthe Academy. 9

The sight of young men and women developing into America’s future leaders will always remain a part of the Air Force Academy. But some things do change. Your Association of Graduates is trying harder than ever to provide more, and improved services for you.

Our web site, http://www.aog-usafa.org, has a brand new look, and is just waiting for you to put it to good use. At your fingertips you will find useful tools and services such as:

for Each Dollar Raised!

That’s what it costs the AOG to raise funds. This figure comes from the 2001 audit report by dividing total fund raising costs by total direct public support. Raising money costs money, but the AOG works hard to keep this cost as low as possible.

Whether you’ve visited our site regularly in the past, or never before, we hope you take time to see how we’re changing. If you like what you see, or even if you don’t, please let us know. Our goal is to provide you with the excellent and personal service you’ve come to expect from us over the years.

NE'W" ENDOWMENT honors Gen. Lawson

By Lt. Col. Thomas W. Krise, ’83, Director, Air Force Humanities Institute, USAFA

“Communication skills are critical to good leadership at all levels.” That’s the philosophy behind the newly established General Richard L. Lawson Endowment for Excellence in Communication. Given By the members of the National Mining Association to honor their founding president, the Lawson Endowment funds both the award to the Outstanding Cadet in Communication and the postgraduate Lawson Scholarship.

General Richard L. Lawson grew up in Fairfield, Iowa, and started his military career by enlisting in the Iowa Army National Guard. He rose to the rank ofSergeant Major before being commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force in 1951. Capping a distinguished military career by rising to the rank of full General, he is unique for having served at the highest ranks ofboth the enlisted force and the officer corps.

General Lawson’s Air Force career included service as commander of bombardment wings and 8th Air Force, as Military Representative to NATO, Chiefof Staff at SHAPE, and as Military Assistant to the President during the last year of President Nixon’s term and the first year of President Ford’s. He concluded his military career by serving as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. European Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. As DCINC, General Lawson managed the day-to-day operations of U.S. forces in Europe during a tense period of the Cold War and acted as a roving ambassador for NATO all over Europe and Asia. He also represented NATO and the U.S. in dozens ofAfrican countries, becoming the first 4-star officer to make an official visit to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1986, General Lawson began a second career as an association executive representing the coal industry in Washington, DC. In 1995, General Lawson led an effort to combine 14 separate associations representing all aspects of the mining industry in America into the National Mining Association. The NMA now represents 325 corporations before Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, the judiciary and the media. Serving as founding President until his second retirement in 2001, General Lawson frequently testified before Congressional committees and was instrumental in the drafting of mining-related legislation. He was also often consulted by foreign governments and corporations, ranging from the German Chancellor to the Indian Prime Minister to the Russian coal industry.

Since 2001, General Lawson has embarked on a third career as a con

sultant on military and mining affairs in Washington, DC. He travels widely and writes and speaks often in public settings, demonstrating the full range of communication skills, which makes the Lawson Endowment for Excellence in Communication a particularly apt way for the National Mining Association and the Academy’s Association of Graduates to honor General Lawson’s myriad contributions to the country as an officer, a citizen, and a gentleman.

The Lawson Endowment is managed by the Association of Graduates and the selection for the award for the Outstanding Cadet in Communication and the postgraduate Lawson Scholarship is administered by the Air Force Humanities Institute at the Academy. The awards are open to any cadet majoring in any discipline. The winner ofthe Lawson Scholarship may use it to pursue a master’s degree in any subject (needs of the Air Force permitting). The excellence in communication skills can be demonstrated by any possible means: from public speaking to creative writing to video production. Cadets can be nominated by any Academy staff or faculty member—or they can nominate themselves. Nominees are asked to submit a dossier of materials to support their application for the award and the scholarship. Finalists are invited to interview before a selection committee of faculty members.

The first winner of the award for the Outstanding Cadet in Communication was Elizabeth Benn, Class of 2001. Elizabeth was an actress and director with the Blue Bards cadet drama troupe and she was a top English major in her class. She went on to complete a master’s degree in English using the Air Force’s Graduate Scholarship Program at Pennsylvania State University and is now a Public Affairs Officer at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

The first winner ofthe Lawson Scholarship was Chad Richards, Class of 2002. An Operations Research major, a nationally-ranked debater, and Cadet-in-Charge of the Academy’s Forensics Team, Chad is using the scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He’ll go on to Undergraduate Pilot Training following his year in graduate school.

The Lawson Endowment for Excellence in Communication represents a synergy among the AOG, a distinguished senior officer, the corporate world, and the mission of the Air Force and its Academy. It highlights and rewards achievement in a field that is indispensable to the success of leaders: communication. Q

Basics conquer

he basics completed the first portion of Basic Cadet Training I 13 July, affectionately know as “First Beast,” and marched out to Jacks Valley for the second part ofBasic Cadet TrainI ing on 15 July. The basics lived and trained in the Jacks Valley tent city for the duration ofthe second half of Basic Cadet Training through July 31.

But not all made it to Second Beast. This year, the Class of 2006 started out with 1,210 basics. That number dropped to 1,171 by Field Day, as 39 basics had dropped out by then for a variety of reasons, ranging from medical grounds to a decision that the military lifestyle simply wasn’t for them.

First Beast concentrated on military decorum, customs and courtesies, and more, said Cadet 1st Class Jason Sanders, 1st BCT commander. “We also focus on marching and formations, and all this training goes into the academic year. We set the standard for the basics and the cadre alike and we take what we learn here in Basic Cadet Training into the academic year and run with it from there.”

In running First Beast, Sanders had more than 1,600

people working for him, including 440 training cadre cadets. “Their daily week is probably around 80 hours per week, so it is a demanding program,” Sanders said ofhis training cadre. “But we teach cadet lifestyles. They see our lifestyles and our rooms, and how we wear our uniform. The basics need to have access to their cadre pretty much the full day, so that’s what we ask of our cadre.”

“My biggest surprise is the challenge of mentoring my peers and counseling them on different issues they have, and along that is being the one who has to discipline them as well. That’s been my biggest challenge,” he said. “And my cadre’s impressed me.”

Also impressive were the efforts of the basics during Field Day, when the nine basic cadet training squadrons faced off against each other during a number of athletic events, including the runon, men’s and women’s tug-of-war, guerilla relay, steeple chase, air strike, log relay, distance run, spring relay and push ball.

The push ball event—where basics wrestle, push and volley an 8-foot inflated ball-became especially memorable this year when Guts and Hellcats squadrons squared off. The two squadrons turned the game into a version ofGreco-Roman wrestling, as the ball rarely left the ground. But something had to give and it was the ball this year, which became a casualty as it ruptured during the end ofthe 20-minute bout. Demons Squadron took best overall from this year’s Field Day event.

The Field Day events also drew an audience, which included a number ofthe basics’ parents. The parents didn’t get any one-on-one contact with their sons and daughters until Doolie Day Out on 21 July, so aside from a few cherished letters this was one ofthe parents’ few

Story & photos by John Van Winkle Academy Spirit

chances to catch a glimpse oftheir children during the training. There was also a chance for parents and loved ones to view some ofthe First Beast activities from strategic vantage points, such as the wall around the Cadet Chapel and behind Arnold Hall. One who’s used these points is Col. Juan E. Ramirez, a 1979 Academy graduate and director ofcommand & control systems at Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center. His son, Juan Diego Ramirez, is following in his father’s footsteps as a member ofthe Class of2006.

“We’ve gotten three letters and my wife saw him at the chapel twice and I’ve seen him once at the chapel in the distance, and we also yelled across the street to him at the Arnold Hall wall,” said the colonel.

And his mother can already see the change in their son.

“I can really see the difference already, the way he walks, trying to be the best,” said Ching Ramirez. “With our oldest one, we missed all this, because at that time we were in Virginia and Panama. We couldn’t be here for her. So this is the first time [we get] to see what’s going on. I know he’s going to be doing good.”

Part of the junior Juan’s success can be attributed to hearing stories ofAcademy life as he was growing up.

“I had told him a lot about it and also his older sister went-she graduated in ’99, and my brother graduated from here also. So he had heard all the stories as he was growing up,” said the colonel. “So by the time he got to the point where he was trying to decide what college to go to, he really didn’t need to ask because he knew all about the Academy and this is the only place he really wanted to go to.”

Second Beast ended July 31, when the Class of 2006 marched back from Jacks Valley to the Terrazzo, led by training cadre members and Academy leaders. S

THE LONG

It

seems like every day somewhere in the world an Academy grad is recognized in the news for an outstanding achievment or for making our country better than it was just yesterday. Here are a few from the “Long Blue Line” who showed up on our radar screen this past quarter.

Samelson, 73, Named to New Position

Kirk Samelson, ’73, was recently named one of two judges to rule upon applications for water rights and disputes over water rights for the Arkansas River drainage in Colorado.

The job is in addition to Samelson’s normal responsibilities as a district judge for civil, criminal, and domestic cases.

Shupe, 76, Named to Philadelphia Army/Navy Host Committee

Denny Shupe, ’76, has been selected to join the Philadelphia Army/Navy Host Committee. The purpose of the committee, comprised of influential business and political leaders in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is to keep Philadelphia as the home of the Army/Navy football game.

Shupe also serves as President of the United Service Organization (USO) of Philadelphia, a non-profit organization that serves the support needs of tens of thousands of military personnel and their families.

Rogers, ’01, Awarded NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship

Second Lieutenant Shane Rogers, ‘01, received a $5,000 post-graduate scholarship from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, according to Col. Randy Spetman, USAFA Director ofAthletics.

Rogers graduated in May 2001 with a 3.70 grade point average in physics.

During his final season as a Falcon, Rogers captured the Mountain West Conference 3,000-meter steeplechase title (8: 59.44) for the second consecutive year.

He was named the team’s Most Valuable Athlete at the end of the season, and holds the second fastest time in school history in the steeplechase (8:46.73). (USAFA/PA)

Hughes, ’85, Trades Wings for Stethoscope

Maj. Scott Hughes, ’85, a test pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., enters medical school in New Hampshire this fall with the ultimate goal of becoming a flight surgeon—a dream he has had since he was 15 years old.

Hughes, a 13-year Air Force officer, said making the decision to change his entire career focus was not an easy one, but he felt it was something he had to do.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my flying experience, but the medical field has always intrigued me,” said Hughes.

To attend school, Hughes will separate from the Air Force. He will serve as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve

while he goes to school under an Armed Forces Health Profession scholarship. Once he successfully completes his medical training in 2006, Hughes plans to re-enter the Air Force as a flight surgeon.

“I know some people may think I’m crazy, but this is something I just have to do,” said Hughes. “The next few years at medical school is going to be challenging, but after waiting 13 years, I am really excited and know it will all be worth it.” (AFPN)

Wetekam,’73, Earns Top Management Award

Maj. Gen. Donald J. Wetekam, ’73, commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, has earned the Air Force’s 2001 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award for his achievements while assigned as director

BLUE LINE

of maintenance and logistics at Air Combat Command headquarters at Langley AFB, Va.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements by a top-level Air Force manager in the ranks ofbrigadier through lieutenant general or civilian equivalents.

“I’m a little embarrassed to receive this type of personal recognition,” Wetekam said. “I was fortunate to have a terrific staffwhile at Air Combat Command. The accomplishments listed on the award nomination were things that the staff accomplished. If there is any award to be handed out, it should go to that entire team.”

Vanas, ’93, Authors First Book

D.J. “Eagle Bear” Vanas, ’93, recently had a dream come true as his first book, “The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery

& Achievement,” was purchased by pubfishing company, Andrews McMeel.

McMeel plans to print 10,000 copies and release it this fall. “It was totally unexpected, says Vanas, the son of an Odawa American Indian father and owner of Native Discovery, Inc., a personal development and leadership program.

Vanas is also a motivational speaker. The focus of the book, like his workshops, is on using traditional American Indian warrior concepts and wisdom in high-performance principles in work and life. (CS Gazette)

Przybyslawski, 76, Heads Probe

Brig. Gen. Anthony F. Przybyslawski, ’76, will head the investigation into what led an AC-130 gunship to open fire July 1 on

several settlements in central Afghanistan.

Afghan authorities claimed more than 45 people were killed in the attack. 1 he Pentagon has said the gunship was targeted by anti-aircraft artillery before it returned fire.

Przybyslawski is a heavy-bomber pilot and led B-2 Spirit and BIB Lancer wings before becoming Air Combat Command’s Assistant Director ofOperations in April. (AF Times)

Eberhart, ’68, Selected to Head Northern Command

General Ed Eberhart, ’68, was confirmed by the Senate in late June to be the first commander of the newly created Northern Command. The command will be directly responsible for homeland security and will be based in Colorado Springs. General Eberhart is currently the commander of US SPACE Command.

Deaile, ’88, Wins Top Pilot Award

Maj. Melvin Deaile, ’88, has been awarded the Air Force Exceptional Pilot Award, given by the Order of the Daedalians.

One of the B-2 pilot’s achievements that led to the award was serving as a mission commander for a 44-hour combat sortie; the longest in history.

“It was a real honor to receive the award,” Deaile said. “Especially to be the one selected out of the entire pool of candidates, not only from the 509th Bomb Wing, but from across the Air Force.” S

By C1C Todd Garner CadetWing Commander

On 29 May 2002, two distinct and significant events occurred. First, the United States Air Force Academy strengthened the Long Blue Line by graduating nearly 1000 first-rate officers into the United States Air Force. Second, the Class of 2003, avidly known as the Richard Bong Class, proudly slipped on our rings and assumed the role ofthe Cadet Officers at the Academy. Upon becoming the cadet leaders of USAFA, the Class of 2003 has been given the opportunity to lead our Wing in final preparation for those of us who are to soon receive their well-earned second lieutenant bars.

This year, the Wing will start its second year of fulfilling the cadet created mission:

We are the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing. A Wing united and committed to carry on the honor, tradition, and sacrifice of those who, inspired in spirit, came admirably before us. We take pride in our Academy and revere the privilege it presents us to serve our nation. We willfully accept the challenges ahead and demand the passion and desire essential to overcome all obstacles and break all barriers. We are the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing and there is no doubt that we create the world’s finest officer.

The Class of2002 did a brilliant job ofstrengthening the Academy

Bright Future

“We are charged and excited to be theAcademy’s Firsties and we will brilliantly represent theAcademy and all those who love it.”

and ensuring that we truly did create the world’s finest officer. It is now my class’ turn, the Class of2003, embodying the passion and drive to take charge of the Wing and ensure that the Long Blue Line becomes stronger than ever. I have been given the honor of leading the Cadet Wing for the Fall semester of 2002, a duty that I do not take lightly. Along with the rest ofthe Class of2003,1 have watched three previous classes better the Academy in their final year as cadets. With the reins in our hands, we are now determined to leave our mark. This year the cadet leadership is narrowing its scope and focusing on a few key issues with the intent of truly making a difference. Pride in the institution, military heritage, and the development of officers with character are issues that have taken a front burner for the upcoming semester. I can assure all that the Bong Class is not one to let the ball roll away from us. We are charged and excited to be the Academy’s Firsties and we will brilliantly represent the Academy and all those who love it.

I am proud to be able to say that the rising classes are also looking extremely strong this year. The Class of 2004 has assumed the role of the Cadet Senior NCOs and, as such, they are getting ready to truly devote themselves to our country and to the Academy with the commitment ceremony takingplace the first day ofthe academic year. I can guarantee that there could not be a better class backing and supporting the Class of 2003. They are extremely capable, motivated, and willing to take challenges head on. The cadets in the Class 2004 have provided an incredible standard from which all should seek inspiration from as well as the ambition necessary to achieve any task.

The Class of 2005 just finished their Doolie year and its members have matured an amazing amount since their first introduction to the Academyjust over one year ago. It is now their turn to be called upon to teach, and motivate, and counsel the incoming Class of2006, one ofthe most important responsibilities present at the Academy. There is not a doubt in my mind that they will rise to the challenge and ensure

that the Class of2006 walks away from their four degree year stronger, quicker, and more capable ofhandling any situation.

The Academy is once again undergoing drastic changes this year. The daily schedule ofcalls is again being restructured. The Academy is moving back to a Wing-wide mandatory breakfast to strengthen the bond created between all cadets. We are moving back to a military training period both during the day and after school, and increasing the focus on the character ofcadets. Lastly, the command positions and organization for two of the four groups are being restructured to try and allow for a more realistic approach in accordance with the operational Air Force. These changes, along with a new Training Group Commander, can only help the Academy in the never-ending quest for perfection. The Wing, and specifically my Class, has embraced these changes and we are exhilarated to have the opportunity to set the example and leave the mold for future classes.

I am also proud to report that the spirit ofthe Academy continues to be a source ofpride at USAFA. That spirit is reflected in the pride we feel

when we look at our class rings. It is reflected in the pride we feel when we cheer our football team on to victory as they face one ofthe toughest seasons in recent history and bring home yet another Commander-inChiefs trophy. It is reflected in the pride we feel in our national chainpion womens rugby team and in the boxing team, which has once again returned with several individual national champions as well as the team championship. And that spirit is reflected in the pride we feel as we walk through the Academy grounds, knowing that we are all soon to be commissioned into the officer corps of the United States Air Force.

Now is the time. Here is the place. The course is set for success. There could not be a better Wing with more drive, talent, and determination ready to step into the academic year and lead the Academy to success. This is our year; this is our Academy; and there is not a single Firstie among us who is willing to let our institution slip even the slightest amount. Our future is secure and filled with light. There is no doubt that we will create the world’sfinest officers! ®

Class size: 929

Graduating twins: two sets

Grads in families with more than one child graduating: 1 four-children, 2 three-children, 41 two-children (other than twins)

Graduates who are second-generation grads: 28

Total graduates since 1959, including 2001 grads: 35,025; 32,246 males, 2,779 females

Graduates who have attained the rank of general: 335, of which 165 are still on active duty.

Service commitment: Grads from the Class of 2002 who enter pilot training incur an active duty service commitment of 10 years after earning their wings; navigators incur a six-year service commitment after successful completion of training and graduates not attendingflyingtraining incur a five-year active duty service commitment.

ACCEPTANCE

TO GET INTO

Only four universities are harder to get into than the U.S. Air Force Academy, according to the Princeton Review’s.Annual College Rankings.

Princeton Review’s annual rankings rated the academy as the fifth most difficult university to gain admission to, ahead of Yale, Columbia and each of the other service academies.

Information for the review is compiled from 65,000 surveys ofrandomly chosen students at 331 American colleges and universities, and is the largest on-going poll of student opinions of their colleges. The students anonymously ranked their schools in 62 categories, including academics, admissions, top party schools, top non-party schools, fraternity and sorority activity, best dorms, best professors, best run college, most religious students and most politically active students, and best library.

“It’s not at every college that you can learn how to fight and fly, all on top ofacademics,” according to one cadet who participated in the review.

But that’s the academy in a nutshell, according to the Princeton Review.

Cadets also enjoy leadership training that is “second to none,” academics “comparable to the Ivy League with more hands-on experience, and a challenging physical program,” according to another survey participant. t>

The top 10 toughest schools to get into, according to this year’s Princeton Review results, start with Cooper Union, and are followed in order by Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, the Air Force Academy, West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, Columbia, Yale and Amherst College.

“We seek young men and women who have the qualities and genuine motivation to succeed in a very challenging environment and whose primary goal is to serve our nation as an Air Force officer,” said Col. William D. Carpenter, ’73, director ofadmissions.

Applicants accepted into the Class of 2005 had a high school grade point average of 3.80, an average verbal SAT score of 620 and an average math SAT score of650. Fifty-seven percent offreshmen ranked in the top 10 percent oftheir high school class and 98 percent ranked in the top 50 percent of their high school class. Applicants are also evaluated for leadership potential, extracurricular activities, and physical aptitude and medical fitness for military service.

The Academy’s admissions office received more than 9,000 applications for the Class of2005, and more than 16,000 for the 1,200 positions in the Class of2006. This increase is caused in part to a dual application process recendyadopted with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, allowingpeople to apply for both ROTC and Academy admission with one application form. Hi

United States

Air Force Academy Class of 2006 Statistics

Miscellaneous Facts

T- 60 Siblings

■T 57 Second generation cadets

714 students are pilot qualified

T The average high school grade-point average is 3.90average SAT score is 1310

T- The Academy received 50,386 requests for applications.

*4- Of those, 16,496 men and women applied.

>4 Of those, 2,209 (1,819 men, 390 women) met all ofthe qualifications.

■T The Academy offered 1,512 appointments.

*4- The average class size over the past five years has been 1,250 cadets

4- The average dropout rate of the past five graduating classes has been 25.9 percent

Class Size

>4- 1,209 (including 11 international cadets)

Bulgaria (2) Oman

Cameroon Romania

Ecuador Singapore

Korea Taiwan

Lithuania Thailand

Demographics

4- 224 Females (18.5 percent)

*4- 985 Males (81.5 percent)

214 Minorities (17.7 percent)

64 African-Americans (5.3 percent)

70 Hispanics (5.6 percent)

64 Asian/Pacific Islanders (5.3 percent)

16 Native Americans (1.3 percent)

4- In-processing marks the beginning of41 days of basic cadet training. During the first 18 days, most BCT training is conducted within the cadet area. On July 15, all cadets march to Jack’s Valley, on the Academy grounds, for 17 days offield training, which involves physical conditioning, athletic and spiritual activities.

4- An acceptance parade at the Stillman Parade Field on Aug. 6 marks the completion of BCT and the formal acceptance of the Class of 2006 into the Cadet Wing.

(Note: Current as ofJuly 1, 2002)

By 2nd Lt. Ed Ekpoudom 376th Air ExpeditionaryWing Public Affairs Kyrgyzstan

991 Grad Flies Spanish Air Force C-130

After talking for a few minutes with a C-130 Hercules pilot assigned to the Spanish detachment at a forward-deployed location in Kyrgyzstan, any casual observer would be extremely impressed with how well he speaks English. Although he wears a Spanish air force flight suit and speaks fluent Spanish with his fellow detachment members, Maj. Robert Dotson, ’91, was born and raised in the United States.

The 10-year veteran is an exchange pilot with the Spanish detachment of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing. The detachment flies C-130 cargo missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“It’s a little awkward sometimes, more for other people than for me,” said Dotson. “There have been times where I’ve talked to people for more than five minutes and then they’ll comment on my accent or ask where I’m from.”

He wears a multinational uniform to show his ties to both countries.

“I want to show that I’m integrated into the Spanish air force for a few years, but at the same time I want to distinguish myself as an American with the Air Force rank insignia.”

Dotson said he is fortunate to have been selected for the exchange program.

“I got lucky,” he said. “I was in the right place at the right time. I checked my e-mail one day and saw that there was a shortage ofvolunteers for several exchange positions. Spain happened to be one of them. That immediately caught my eye because I have had a little bit of a relationship with the Spanish culture over the

past 15 years. Before I left for the Air Force Academy, my parents sponsored an exchange student from Spain. He really endeared himself to the family, and he literally became part ofthe family.”

After graduating from the Academy, he had a chance to visit southern Spain and spent time with the exchange students family. The thought ofgoing back to Spain was really appealing, Dotson said.

Although Dotson now speaks Spanish fluently, it was not always the case.

“I did a year ofSpanish in high school and about one semester at the Academy,” Dotson said. “I was sent to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., before going on the exchange. I had a very basic foundation in Spanish, but needed to go to DLL”

Once in Spain, Dotson had to put his language training to use while still learning his new job.

“I’m an instructor pilot, and that’s the way the job was advertised,” he said. “I spent the first six months in Spain getting accustomed to the language and getting used to the technical terminology. Once I felt comfortable, I did a check ride, then became an aircraft commander and soon began flying instructor missions.”

He has a favorable impression ofhow the Spanish Air Force does business.

“(The Spanish Air Force doesn’t) move crews from base to base and from plane to plane like we do,” he said. “They’ve got guys that have been flying the plane for more than 10 years. They amass a corporate knowledge of the plane that is very useful.”

While serving as an exchange pilot in Spain has been a great experience for Dotson and his family, world events have changed the course ofhis assignment in Spain. “I was in Spain on Sept. 11,” he said. “Once I got over the initial shock and saw the initial American military response, all I could think of was that I have trained all my career to do this kind of mission and now I have to sit in Spain and watch my buddies support the response to Sept. 11. I actually felt a little guilty. It came as a very nice surprise when I found out Spain would supply troops and planes to support Operation Enduring Freedom. I requested to come to Kyrgyzstan and help the Spanish integrate into this coalition air base.”

Dotson said there are benefits and challenges to taking part in the exchange program.

“Sometimes people think the exchange program is a two-year vacation,” he said. “Yes, it does have its benefits. It’s an opportunity for a family to live in a foreign country and learn a foreign language, and that is phenomenal; however, it has been quite a feat to fully integrate into another culture. It’s taken effort, a continual effort.”

Incredible Weekend

The Sabre Society Recognition Weekend held July 18-20 was a fantastic success! Almost 200 members toured Academy facilities and got first-hand information from the Superintendent and senior Academy staff. The highlight ofthe weekend was the Friday tour ofJacks Valley to watch the Classes of2003 and 2004 put the Class of2006 through their paces. Attendees got to see the Basics up close and had the opportunity to join them for lunch. Everyone was extremely impressed with the rigor ofthe training and the quality ofall the cadets. Saturday included a tour of

airfield operations to watch upperclass cadets as they went through jump training and the soaring program in the new gliders. After lunch at the Press Box, Sabre Society members heard from the Superintendent, the Athletic Director, the Dean ofFaculty and football coach, Fisher DeBerry.

The weekend included a variety ofsocial events as well. Golf was available on Thursday morning. Lt. Gen and Mrs. JD Dallager, ’69, hosted a Jamaican Picnic on Friday night at the Carlton House and attendees enjoyed music by Dr. Joe Galema, Music Director for Cadet Chapel Activities. The Wings of Blue joined the party by arriving on the front lawn and the Cadet Falconers had our favorite mascots on hand for viewing. Brig. Gen. and Mrs. Taco Gilbert, ’78, offered their residence, the Otis House, for a Saturday evening reception. Many, many thanks to the Dallagers, the Gilberts and the entire Academy staff for their gracious hospitality. The weekend was both fun and informative and a terrific opportunity to talk one-on-one with the Academy staff and to meet other Sabre Society members. Sabre Society members responded enthusiastically and everyone was excited to see how their contributions are playing an important role in the Academy’s success. The USAF Academy and the Association of Graduates extend their sincere appreciation to all Sabre Society members for their financial contributions that support the extra margin ofexcellence which continues to extend the “Long Blue Line.”SI

are getting a taste of the promised air, with orientation flights as part of Operation Pegasus. The cadet familiarization flight program is supported by various Air Force flying units, and is designed to give cadets a meaningful exposure to operational aspects of the Air Force through orientation flights and increased interaction with the rated community.

“The goal of Pegasus is to expose cadets to the operational Air Force so that they can begin to draw parallels between the concepts they are taught in the academic environment to what life will be like after graduation,” said Col. Brian Bishop, 34th Operations Group commander. “We let the cadets interact directly with the Air Force members who are accomplishing the Air Force mission everyday. Additionally, we like the cadets to experience a flight in a front line Air Force aircraft. We generally target the third class cadets in an effort to motivate and show them that a commitment to the defense of our great country is worth the effort.”

The program is coordinated by rhe 34th Operations Group, with support from other aspects of the 34th Training Wing and active duty flying units throughout the continential United States.

“Operation Pegasus was one of the best programs I have done. Going through the third class year it is easy to lose focus on why you are here. Op Pegasus helped me find my inspiration again,” said Cadet 3rd Glass Ryan Walker, Cadet Squadron 2. “Pegasus increased my desire to be done here and get to undergraduate pilot training.”

Flights are conducted from nearby Peterson Air Force Base. So far, flights have included aircraft used in undergraduate pilot training, namely T-l Jayhawks from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and T-6 Texans

STORY BY JOHN VAN WINKLE Academy Spirit

Operation Pegasusprovides cadets firsthandexperience with the operational side ofthe Air Force.

from Randolph AFB, Texas. F-16 Fighting Falcons from Luke AFB, Ariz. also took cadets up for orientation flights.

“I got a lot out of this program. I have flown a little on my own, but nothing like this. This is the first aerobatic aircraft I have been in, and it was awesome,” said Cadet 2nd Class Maxwell Hunter of CS-35, who flew in a T-6 Texan trainer. “This program helped me decide about going to pilot training. I am for sure going to work my hardest to get in now. I am also going to work hard to get a base with the T-6 because it was an awesome plane.”

But one ofthe hidden benefits ofthe orientation flights is not the actual flying time itself, but the contact with the instructor pilots.

“The one-on-one time with the IPs was extremely valuable,” said Cadet 2nd Class Pat Ryan of CS-28. “Hearing about their experiences and taking their advice will help me out in the future whether I become a pilot or not.”

The chance to go on to pilot training and a military flying career is one ofthe larger draws at the Academy, where more than 500 pilot training slots await pilot-qualified cadets in each ofthe current classes. In raw numbers, the Class of2003 has 548 pilot training slots allocated; while the Class of2004 has 533; and the Class of2005 has 524 pilot slots. Still, the allocation ofpilot training slots is selective, as is the process for choosing which cadets go on orientation flights.

“Typically, the Squadron Air Officers Commanding will rankorder the cadets in their squadron so that the selection of cadets who participate happens from within the [34th] Training Group,” said Bishop. “We in the Operations Group simply provide the coordination mechanism for the assets that support Operation Pegasus. It is a highly successful and motivating program, not only for the cadets, but also for the Air Force members who fly them.” S3

1 Dental School Bound

2002 Grad earns Health Professions Scholarship

^ 1 Lt. Amy Schultz has received the Health Professions ILL Scholarship and will be attending the University of Pennsylvania School ofDental Medicine. She is the only cadet to receive the scholarship to attend dental school in the graduating class of2002. While at USAFA, Amyparticipated in girls lacrosse, intramural soccer, the marathon club and was recruited for Division I Basketball. Amy’s military positions included: Executive Officer, Element NCO, and the organizer of the 2002 commissioning ceremony. Amyvolunteered with BigBrothers/Big Sisters, she was a peer tutor in chemistry and biology classes, she ran in the Race for the Cure and was a First Responder. Amy’s academic excellence is evident by her appearance on the Dean’s list for several semesters. She won the Top Gun Award for Outstanding 1st Class Cadet in 2nd Group. S3

story &photos by

John Van Winkle

Second Lt. Ben Miller, junior varsity offensive line coach for the Ar Force Academy Falcons football team, reported to the Cleveland Browns training camp July 22. Miller, a two-year starter at left tackle for the Air Force Academy, was signed as an undrafted free agent April 26 by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns then converted the 6’ 3”, 250 lb collegiate left tackle to H-back.

“The H-back position is a hybrid between a fullback and tight end,’’ said Miller. Since the Browns have no bonafide fullbacks on their roster, their H-back experiment oflast season will continue this year, supplemented by formations that use two tight ends. For Miller, who was a tight end in high school, the position change means getting the ball back in his hands for the first time in four years.

This year’s graduation parade held special meaning for me. I was more excited than I had been at my own graduation parade in 1968 or that of my daughter’s in 2001. On this occasion, my classmate, squadronmate and good friend, Bob Daley, and I had the privilege of escorting 11 members of the family of Major John “Jack” Espenshied. Major “E”, as he was affectionately known, was our AOC from 1966 -1968.

Shortly after our graduation, Major “E” left the Academy for F-4 training with a follow on assignment to Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam. On 21 Oct 1969, while flying as an observer with a Forward Air Controller in an 0-2A, he was reported MIA. His status was changed to KIA in 1979. His remains were repatriated in 1988 and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in June 1989. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished

HONORS FORMER AOC

1 By Maurice Ecung, ’68 “

Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. He was survived by his wife Jody and his four children—Cindy, Debbie, Randy and Stephen. Jack Espenshied served as an inspiration to the 22 members of the 1968 graduating class from Blackjack Squadron. Thanks to his leadership by example and sincere motivation, a special bond developed among our classmates in CS21 that still exists today. That bond has manifested itself in numerous gatherings around the country over the years. At our last meeting, we all agreed that the key element that keeps us together to this day is the spirit of “camaraderie” instilled by “our” AOC Major Jack Espenshied. We fondly remembered our squadron BBQs at his quarters and recalled the private counseling and motivation sessions many of us experienced.

Major John “Jack” Espenshied

A decision was made to pass on to new generations of cadets this same spirit of camaraderie and we created the “Espenshied Award”. The award will be presented annually in recognition of the graduating cadet from 21 st Squadron, who did the most to promote the spirit of camaraderie, loyalty, and a feeling of spirited goodwill among friends. Selection is made by members of the graduating class. The award, which has a permanent home in Blackjack Squadron, is a beautiful portrait of Major E with a biographical sketch and his picture on a ceramic oval. The plaque includes the squadron patch and a space for 40 names of future winners. The annual winner also receives a handsome engraved plaque.

Bob Daley had the honor of presenting this award for the first time. He struck an emotional nerve with the assembled family members and guests, when he told how Major and Mrs. Espenshied had all but adopted him. He had lost both parents while a cadet. This was at a time when cadets did not have formal sponsors. The Espenshieds became his surrogate parents and his “anchor” during turbulent times. At this point, Bob called

Major Espenshieds widow Jody Espenshied and his children in attendance, Cindy, Randy and Stephen to the stage. With that, they announced the winner of the first annual Espenshied Award-CIC Jacob R. Bergmann, ’02.

The award reads, “This award is dedicated to the memory of Major John “Jack” Espenshied, Blackjack AOC from 1966 through 1968. Major Espenshied paid the ultimate price in service to the United States during the Vietnam War. His memory lives on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends, those he touched while the Blackjack AOC, and through this award.”

Sponsored by the Blackjack Class of 1968: Richard Abramson, Dave Barrs, Doug Batchelor, Jack Bowen, Bill Brockett, Mike Burgamy, Jim Cochran, Bob Daley, Pete Davis, Maurice Ecung, Larry Evanoff, Buzz Glade, Tom Harkness, Charlie Holland, Frank Martin, Ken MC Elreath, Jim Neu, MacWain Phillips, Scott Pilkington, Gene Rose, Mike Thomas, Jim West and Mrs. Jody Espenshied. H

Class of ’89 Keeps ‘em Flying

Through a generous gift of $25,000, the Class of 1989 has helped the 34th Flying Training Wing keep its aircraft in top shape. The gift was used to refurbish theT-4l pictured here, with Chief ofAircraft Maintenance, R. “Barney” Rummel, and Maj. Mike Kazlausky, ’91, USAFA

Flying Team E-Flight Commander. The two are holding a plaque that recognizes the Class of’89 for their generosity. It will later be placed in the cockpit.

USAFA Graduates Win Olmsted Scholarships

By Gary Howe, Lt. Col., USAF, (Ret.), 69

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation has selected Major Bart Sykes, USAFA ’91, and Captain Scott Wallace, USAFA, ’93 as two of 18 members of its Class of 2003. Major Sykes, an F-16 pilot, will receive language training from the Foreign Service Institute and will then study at Vilnius University in Lithuania. Captain Wallace, an Air Force engineer, earned his master’s degree from MIT in 1995 and will attend language instruction at the Defense Language Institute and then attend Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland.

Congratulations on superb performance and an outstanding opportunity. In recent issues of Checkpoints the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation has been recognized for its gifts to the AOG and the Academy to support foreign travel, cultural immersion and language training for cadets. The Olmsted Foundation has also provided generous support for many years for the Academy Assembly and the National Military History Symposium.

However, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Larry R. Marsh, President of the Foundation, wants all Academy graduates to know about the Foundation’s primary mission and purpose—The Olmsted Scholar Program. This program is open to all Air Force line officers. Olmsted scholars receive up to a year of language instruction. (Note: Instruction may be in an entirely new language for the scholar). Scholars then enroll for two years as full-time university students in a foreign country and study in a language other than English while interacting with the residents of the countries in which they are living. They and their families are expected to live on the economy, travel widely, and be connected with American military installations and embassies only for necessary administrative purposes. Officers must have at least three years and no more than eleven years of continuous active service upon selection as an Olmsted scholar by the Foundation’s Board of Directors (usually in early April each year).

The Army, Navy, and Air Force allow the Foundation to select five officers annually from each service, while the Marine Corps allows three. The recently named Class of2003 numbers 18 Scholars who were chosen from 25 nominations presented to the Foundation. Since I960, the Foundation has supported more than 360 scholars from all services. The list ofAir Force Academy Olmsted Scholars is long and includes the current Commandant ofCadets, Brigadier General Taco Gilbert, who studied at Fudan University, Shanghai, China from 1983-1985. t>

“The Olmsted Scholar Program is open to all Air Force line officers.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundations Scholar Program was established by Major General George Olmsted in 1959 and the first Scholars were selected in I960. General Olmsted graduated with honors from West Point in 1922 where he was Cadet First Captain (the equivalent of our Cadet Wing Commander).

His older brother, Jerauld, graduated from the Naval Academy, also in 1922, where he was the Midshipmen Brigade Commander. Jerauld died ofpolio a year after graduation. As a result, after his initial term of service, General Olmsted left active duty, entered the Army Reserve and returned to Des Moines, Iowa to be with his family. There he founded a corporate enterprise that included factories in Africa, banking throughout the world, and insurance companies and manufacturing firms across the United States. He was recalled to active duty during World War II and was eventually sent to China where he organized a network of factories and supply routes in caves along Chinas rivers.

It was apparent to General Olmsted from this experience that American military officers were lacking in foreign language skills and had little appreciation or sensitivity for foreign cultures. In 1959, General Olmsted approached the Department of Defense with his idea for a scholarship program that would address this need and, thus, the Olmsted Scholar Program was established. Through the 44 Olmsted Classes selected since I960, the enduring vision of General Olmsted remains: “the greatest leaders must be educated broadly.”

Ifyou meet the 3-11 year continuous active service criteria and have an interest in traveling and studying abroad, the Olmsted Foundation encourages you to apply for this prestigious Scholarship. For detailed selection criteria and additional information, check out the Foundations web site at www.olmstedfoundation.org which has a link to the Air Force Personnel Office at Randolph that manages the application process. IS

Brothers Continue in Grandfather's Footsteps

Prop and Wing is passed on through three generations

Story & photos by Jennifer Brugman, Academy Spirit

Three generations of a military family, like the military itself, have their traditions. For the Gensics, tradition involves sending three of their five sons to the Academy.

Ben, ’01, a 2nd Lieutenant working at the Athletic Department, is thinner and a bit taller than his little brother, Paul. They and their older brother, Jacob, ’00, came to the Academy for academics, service and pole vaulting. Their youngest brother is still in high school while the brother born between Ben and Paul is the ‘black sheep.’ He’s going to college in Indiana and plays basketball.

The tradition of the Prop and Wings began with Jacob. When he went through recognition, his parents came to Colorado from Indiana and pinned on his grandfather’s prop and wings pin from World War II. Jacob presented the prop and wings to Ben and this year Ben presented them to Paul.

“None of us knew about it beforehand,” Ben said.

“I had no idea,” said Paul. “It was pretty special. He surprised me and presented it and explained a little bit ofthe history.”

Their grandfather on their mother’s side was a cryptographer in 1943. “He passed away when we were little,” said Paul. “He kept a journal throughout the war, even on D-Day, he knew something big was hap-

pening beforehand. ‘I shouldn’t even be writing this,’ [he wrote.]”

Their grandfather was on a troupe ofcargo ships going over to Africa when two ofthe three ofwere sunk. The ship he was on made it.

“We’re a pretty patriotic family,” Ben said. “My mom took charge of his box of stuff from the war.” The box contained their grandfather’s letters to his mother, his service record, a German helmet and a Luger.

“What that whole generation did for the country, [I’m just proud]-just pride is all I can think of,” said Ben about what his grandfather’s contribution to the country means to him. IS

2nd Lt. Ben Gensic presents the Prop and Wings pin that has been in his family for three generations to his younger brother.

The Prop and Wings pin that has been passed on from World War II.

Since 1975, the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame has honored men and women who have made outstanding contributions to free enterprise and society. On May 23rd, the National Business Hall of Fame added the 2002 Laureates to a list of 200 past Laureates in a permanent exhibit at the Museum of Service and Industry in Chicago.

Former Academy Dean ofFaculty, Brig.Gen. Robert F. McDermott, USAF Ret., is a past Laureate who attended the Black Tie Dinner and Ceremony at the Broadmoor Hotel. “McD”, as he has been known since his cadet days at West Point, served as Dean for the first ten graduating classes ofthe Air Force Academy. Following his military retirement in 1968, he became CEO ofUSAA until he retired as Chairman Emeritus in 1993.

As a leader in society, his outstanding contributions earned him the accolade “Father ofModern Military Education” from Harvard Professor Samuel P. Huntington, a national scholar ofthe military profession, well known for his book “The Soldier and the State” and his current best-seller, “The Clash ofWorld Civilizations.” Huntington’s accolade to “McD” paid tribute to his academic leadership and curriculum innovations at the Air Force Academy that were later adopted and recognized by the other service academies.

Leadership and innovation became trademarks in “McD’s” contributions to free enterprise. Over 25 years he managed the growth of assets 150 times with only 5.5 times growth in employees through innovations in training, edu

cation, and information technology on a cultural base of service to customers and fellow employees in accordance with the golden rule. These innovations led to USAA’s recognition, in Forbes Magazine in 1988, as the first successful financial service supermarket in America and by reported recognition in Fortune and other publications as the best insurance company and the best bank in America. In 1993, a book by Levering and Moscowitz rated USAA as the best company to work for in America. At the end of 1993, General McDermott was inducted as a Laureate in the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. S

Jeff

Jeff Whitfield is joining 30 previous Academy graduates as a winner of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship program in international educational exchange, was proposed to the U.S. Congress in 1945 by then freshman Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. In the aftermath ofWorld War II, Senator Fulbright viewed the proposed program as a much-needed vehicle for promoting “mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries of the world.” His vision was approved by Congress and the program signed into law by President Truman in 1946.

In addition to the Fulbright, Whitfield was named one of 70 Rotary World Peace Scholars. He was selected from 1,500 applicants worldwide to study peace and conflict resolution at the masters degree level. The program was created to develop future leaders skilled in peace studies. While war, famine, poverty and disease are rampant worldwide, this program is designed to give scholars the knowledge and tools to combat these obstacles.

Whitfield plans to combine the two scholarships and study for two years at the University ofBradford, West Yorkshire, England. We askedJeff to reflect on his Academy experience and how it may have impacted his selection for these two programs.

In His Own Words

My time at the Academy changed my perspective of the world. Home for me is a small town named Haltom City, just outside Fort Worth, Texas. But when I arrived for BCT in 1992,1 quickly discovered that I was working with and competing against

Whitfield, Joins the Long Blue Line of Fulbright Winners

some of the most well-rounded young people from across the country (and world including our foreign exchange students!)

By graduation, experience had taught me that nearly any goal might be achieved if you put enough time and energy toward that goal. Juggling the rigors of an Academy experience - academic, military, athletic, upperclass creativity, etc. - and recognizing that you can excel in such a stressful environment was a dramatic window to a world full ofopportunities.

As I applied for these international scholarships, after the administration ofArizona State University advised me that I might be

’96

a solid candidate to represent their university system while I was on the ROTC staff at the school, I set about the detailed process of ereating a convincing application. Academically, my time, classes, and professors at the Academy developed questions in my mind about economic development and its relationship to global conflict management that were pivotal to my academic proposals in both scholarship programs for which I was selected. When I reached the finalist stages in several ofthese competitions - the Fulbright, Gates Cambridge, and World Peace - I found that skills I d developed at the Academy and on Active Duty, which made me more comfortable being questioned under stressful conditions (are you thinking SERE?), allowed me to handle some tough interviews. At one point I was deflecting some biting questions about global involvement ofAmerican military forces by a panel ofeight people including the DeputyAmbassador from the UK to the US, an apparently anti-militaryprofessor from Harvard, the President of one ofCambridge’s colleges, and the Vice-President ofPrinceton. Of course I was feeling the stress, but I felt comfortable knowing that I’d been through far worse and survived unscathed.

I expect that the next two years as a student will present many more opportunities to explore the strengths acquired from time at the Academy while working to thrive in a challenging academic environment and build a life in the United Kingdom. It is this confidence in one’s ability to excel in new, stressful, or unusual circumstances that stands out to me as one ofthe greatest gifts given to those who experience the Academy. It is this gift which has carried, and will continue to carry, Academy graduates to positions ofleadership and responsibility nationally and internationally. S

Air Force

Academy graduates have come from around the state, across the country and throughout the world. But never had a newly commissioned second lieutenant come from the Hopi Indian reservation in remote north eastern Arizona. Until Wednesday (29 May).

Michael Tenakhongva became the first Hopi to graduate from any ofthe three major U.S. military academies.

More than 30 relatives, tribal members and supporters flocked to Falcon Field to watch him graduate. Others waited eagerly for the news on the reservation where Tenakhongva has become a celebrity.

“Even at the high school, they’re talking about him, that he’s the first Hopi High grad to come here,” his beaming father, Clark, said after the ceremony.

“It’s great,”Tenakhongvasaid. “Hopefully more ofmy tribe will be more interested, maybe iftheyhear about my story.”

Nearly one-third ofAmerican Indians don’t finish high school. Fewer go to college, and almost none gets the opportunity to shake Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s handwhile accepting their bachelor’s ofscience degree. ButTenakhongva knew by the fourth grade he wanted to fly for theAir Force. And teachers encouraged him to do so. Despitefinishing third in his class, he did not get a congressional recommendation needed to enter the academy. So he went to the academy prep school, where he struggledthrough a year’s work with fellow cadets like Warren Lopez, who graduated beside him Wednesday.

First Hopi earns

“He’s one ofthose guys who will do anything to helpyou,” Lopez said after givingTenakhongva a bear hug. “I learned the pride that NativeAmericans have. That’s some serious pride.”

The next four years were not easy, but Tenakhongva made it with the support ofhis family and a pair ofHopi tribal members living in Colorado Springs.

When Tenakhongva traveled home, he was the toast of a banquet ofpiki bread and mutton stew, traditional Hopi food. More than 800 people attended.

“One ofthe things that happens when you’ve had a smaller percentage ofAmerican Indians be successful is that models are very important,” said Jim West, president ofFutures for Children, an organization that encourages Native American education. “I think Michael takes his place now as a role model.” t>

gold bars

By Ed Sealover Colorado Springs Gazette

the T IncredibleJ ourney of 2d. Lt. Michael Tenakhongya

Tenakhongva is taking that seriously. Before beginning his dream of soaring through the air, he will spend a year working in the academy’s minority recruitment office.

Then it’s off to navigator training.

As Tenakhongva moves toward his dream, so do his younger siblings. One brother will graduate from the University ofArizona in December, and a sister begins at Dartmouth in the fall.

ClarkTenakhongva, who served 10 years in the Army and completed his associate’s degree, encouraged his kids to do better than him. Their accomplishments, he said, help dispel the stereotypes about American Indians. As the Thunderbird jets roared overhead after graduation-jets Second Lt. Tenakhongva would love to fly one day - he basked in what his family, friends and inner drive helped him to achieve.

“It’s a wonderful feeling after four long years,” he said, glancing skyward. “I just want to provide inspiration.” !9

cademy Researchers 1 V SWEEPAWARDS

ByJennifer Brugman Academy Spirit

Cadets took the first three places at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Region V student conference at St. Louis University in April.

“We swept the awards for undergraduates,” said Dr. Tom Yechout, Aeronautical Engineering professor. “The sad thing is that the cadets are all lieutenants [now] and they’re out of here.”

Of the six universities that took part in the conference there were 19 paper presentations. The Academy made nine of those presentations.

The top spot went to 2nd Lt. Richard Lyons for his paper, “Small Satellite Thermal Modeling and Design at USAFA: FalconSat-2 Applications.”

Lyons built a computer program to determine the temperatures of the different satellite components while in orbit. “... to make sure different parts

don’t get too hot or cold in space,” said Dr. Scott Dahlke, Assistant Professor ofAstronautical Engineering.

Lyons’ computer model turned out to be accurate when results matched those of the test chamber. Lyons will obtain his masters degree at MIT before going on to Undergraduate Pilot Training. “An Investigation of Separation Bubble Size and Location on Turbine Blades at Low Reynolds Numbers Using Thermal Tufting,” by 2nd Lt. Nathan Loucks took second place. The paper was about wind flow characteristics over turbine blades, according to Yechout. Third place went to 2nd Lt. Steve Schnoebelen lor the paper “X-38 Component Build-Up and Directional Stability Analysis.” The paper was on lateral and directional instability of the X-38 crew return vehicle for the International Space Station.

Last year, Cadets 1st Class now 2nd Lts Tracy Nettleblad and Cheryl Johnston evaluated the rudder configuration of the NASA X-38 Crew Return Vehicle and won nationals for AIAA.

Lyons will compete at the AIAA National competition in Reno, Nev. in January. “We do some high-impact research here,” Yechout said. “It’s supporting national objectives which makes it high quality.”

The cadets don’t just read from the paper they wrote, they do a formal presentation. “It’s very prestigious to compete regionally and nationally and do well,” Yechout said. “I’m pretty sure this is the only time the Academy has swept all three places in the region.” 82

School Reunion Ready to Kick Off on 31 October

by Bob Muldrow, ’67, Prep School Class of ’63

Planning is in full swing for the forty-year Prep School all-class reunion. We anticipate a large turnout, so please get your reservations in early. Reservation details can be found at www.usafagraduates.org. This short article wraps up a two part series on your Prep School—I hope you found it entertaining and a catalyst for hundreds ofother war stories that are sure to emerge at the various events planned for this unique reunion. For editorial purity, I showed this article to Colonel Black (the Prep School’s first and longest serving commander), and he noted two minor errors that I had made. General Stone, the Superintendent, asked him to take the helm of the Prep School, not General Strong. And more importantly, we have had two Prep School-graduate Commandants. Sorry Lieutenant General John Hopper. Now for a little history. In the earliest days, all civilian candidates had to go through an abbreviated five-week basic training course at Lackland AFB before they reported to the Prep School. Later this transition from being a civilian to becoming a member of a military establishment was replaced by a Basic MilitaryTraining program specifically targeted to accommodate the needs ofthe Prep School. The new military training program was modeled to more closely resemble

the discipline Prep graduates would encounter at the Cadet Wing.

Just as in the brown shoe days, Prep Schoolers are divided into flights, where they remain throughout their entire ten-month program. Their weekday schedules begin at reveille. Preppers are still expected to clean their rooms for inspection and to march to breakfast at the Airman’s Dining Hall, and that dining facility remains one of the very best in the Air Force. Lunch formations and marching remain graded activities.

The heart and soul ofthe Prep School is academic preparation. Today only about 25% of the entering class is academically qualified to enter the Academy. However, about 90% ofthe graduates enter the next class at the Academy, so it is relatively obvious that the Prep School does a pretty remarkable job. How does the Prep School help their graduates achieve such phenomenal academic growth year in and year out? The secret has been that the academic preparation is not aimed at teaching these candidates how to take the SATs. It is geared toward improving their overall academic foundation. As a result, although not all Prep Schoolers elect to attend the Academy, they leave the Prep School better prepared for whatever future endeavors they wish to pursue. In the early years, the academic course load concentrated strictly on mathematics and English. Quizzes were a constant part of the academic regime. Over the years, chemistry, physics, scientific thought, and other academic subjects have been added and deleted from the curriculum, but daily testing remains a constant.

Every day Preppers undergo some form ofphysical education and body development. Physical training, although aimed at improving physical aptitude scores at the Academy, is beneficial to a young person’s physical development in any environment. Prep Schoolers, ifthey are not on one ofthe varsity teams, actively participate in one ofthe many intramural sport programs. Occasionally there is a student who has a particular athletic talent. For example, we may have a gifted female golfer, but there are not enough other female golfers to form a varsity team. The Prep School makes every attempt to allow that individual an opportunity to participate in quality competitions whenever possible. Student-athletes only comprise about a third ofthe class. Nevertheless, just as at the Academy, the Preppers take a great deal ofpride in their varsity athletic teams. Especially thrilling are the annual football games against the Academy’s freshman and JV squads.

In the early years, military training was largely executed by senior NCOs. I can truthfully say that our NCOs were as professional a group as one could ever assemble. Colonel Black did a wonderful job putting together a team really dedicated to making the Prep School the success that it has become. We all owe him a

debt ofgratitude for getting us started in the right direction.

So, how has the student body evolved? The entering numbers have been adjusted up and down, but they remain today around 225. The biggest recent change came in 1995 with the advent of the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD) program. As a result of this program, the number of regular airmen entering the Prep School has increased almost fourfold.

Finally, would it be possible in any conversation among old grads not to knock how hard it was in the old days, compared to now? So, how have things changed at the Prep School? How about no more KP in the Dining Hall, no more cleaning latrines in the dorms, no more spit shining shoes? What does spit shining shoes mean anyway? Just kidding.

As I concluded in the last article, we are jusdyproud ofthe Prep School and the over-5,000 graduates who have matriculated through the program, and we owe a debt ofgratitude to those who help our candidates along the way. And I would be remiss ifI did not add one last reminder. This years reunion is for “all” of our Prep School graduates—not just those who went on to the Academy. I hope you will accompany us in watching our Falcons beat the Rams this fall. 9

BENMARTIN 2002

CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC A SUCCESS!!

The annual Ben Martin golf tournament was a great success and a fun-filled two days for participants and guests alike. Among the 140 players were military active duty and retired dignitaries, invited celebrities from professional sports, including our celebrity host, Chad Hennings, ’88, many corporate partners and friends ofAir Force athletics.

The tournament kicked offwith a Pairing Party at the and remarks by the Athletic Director, Randy Spetman, ’76, stadium press box on Thursday night, June 27th. In addi- Coach Ben Martin, and Mike Quinlan, ’61, our USAA host tion to receiving a fine meal, guests were able to mingle for the evening. The highlight ofthe evening was the huge and to meet their teammates for the following day’s tour- birthday cake and melodious chanting of “Happy Birthday” nament. Friday, tournament day, saw the start ofplay with by the assembled chorus to honor Ben’s 81st birthday, sunny skies, but after about three hours of play, thunder- Everyone thought this was the best Ben Martin tournastorms chased players from the course. ment ever and a precursor of things to come as we look to

Not to worry.. .festivities resumed at the USAA building the future as the fund raising event grows in magnitude where players and guests were treated to a social hour and and prestige. For info on next year’s tournament check out a gourmet dinner, followed by an auction ofdonated items the Athletic Department website at www.airforce.com. 9

Coach DeBerry and Lt. Gen. Dallager share the award of the Commander-inChiefs Trophy at the White House with Falcon supporters (L to R) Al Rogers, ’64, Fred Gregory, ’64, Harry Pearce, ’64, and RandyJayne, ’64.

By Jennifer Brugman Academy Spirit

Pjioto

By Ben Bloker

riffin Jones says the Friday he spent being a Cadet for a Day, was the best day of his life. Jones is 12 years old and was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma more than a year ago.

“When he came home, the first thing he said to his brother was: ‘I am so going to the Academy,’” said Jerianne Jones, Griffins mother. “Right now, that’s his dream.”

Griffin’s “Cadet for a Day” began with a tour of the sailplanes. Then he toured the flying operations center and got to see the Wings of Blue.

“We took him out to the pit where they land,” said 2nd Lt. Cat Adams, 94th Flying Training Squadron scheduler. “They landed 10 to 20 feet away from him which was awesome.”

Griffin also was able to fly in a Cessna with the aero club.

“When Owen (Griffin’s father) and Griffin got down, Griffin’s mother said that was the first time since he was diagnosed that she’s seen those kind of smiles,” Adams said. “They’ve kind of forgotten to have fun.”

“He had a wonderful time,” Jerianne said. “Without a doubt it was the Cessna ride, he really enjoyed that—and the parachute jump—he enjoyed every bit of it.”

After the plane ride, Griffin met his sponsor squadron, learned to fly a T-37 on a simulator and went to a short prayer service in the Cadet Chapel.

“He was very observant,” said Capt. Jon Veazey, air space and flyover manager.

“The type that takes everything in. He’s gone through so much because of his treatment, and we hoped to take his mind off that and just enjoy himself.”

That afternoon Griffin played video games at the arcade in Arnold Hall and watched some sabre drill members practice.

“One of the amazing things is that it’s enjoyable for the whole family, not just Griffin,” Veazey said. “When the Cadet for a Day comes to the Academy, we coordinate for a time when their illness isn’t very active. They look healthy, but you can’t see the

really unhappy times the family has put up with for years. They come here and it’s just a huge ray of sunlight into an otherwise dark period. It’s nice to be able to give them back, at least for a day or two, the joy of being a kid.”

Griffin has one more year left of chemotherapy. The treatment is going very well, according to his mother. The tumor in his lymph gland disappeared after one month of chemo and has not returned.

The Faces of Summer at USAFA

FIRE ROAD

DONALD ANDERSON

English ProfessorWins Top Literary Honor

Lon:

USAFA English ProfesLilli w sor Donald Anderson has received the John Simmons Short Fiction Award for his shortstory collection Fire Road. This national recognition, juried by the famed Iowa Writers’ Workshop, is one of the most prestigious awards for literary fiction in America. Begun in 1969, the award recognizes the best new voices in short fiction. Each year, two winners are selected from a field of hundreds. The winners are then published by the University of Iowa Press. “The winners are original, cutting edge, upcoming writers,” says Megan Scott, marketing director for the Press.

Some people raise their eyebrows when they hear that Donald Anderson teaches creative writing at the Air Force Academy. “For some reason,” says Anderson, “folks think the Air Force Academy and creative writing an incongruous pairing. It seems to me, though, that the Academy is one of the more important places to teach any sort of creativity. Imagination and creativity are vital characteristics of enlightened and effective leadership.”

Speaking of creative imagination, one reviewer called Anderson’s Fire Road “a fascination—the perfect marriage of imagination and language.” “This collection is provocative,” Susan Power goes on to say, “gorgeously crafted, a delectable feast for the mind and the heart.”

Professor Anderson first taught at USAFA in 1979 as an Air Force captain. He returned ten years later as a lieutenant colonel and has been teaching as a civilian professor since 1994, when he was hired as Writer-in-Residence. Since 1989, he has served also as editor of War, Literature & the Arts, USAFA’s international journal of the humanities. He is editor of two other books, Aftermath: An Anthology ofPost-Vietnam Fiction and Andre Dubus: Tributes. H

AIRFORCE GOES TO

By John Van Winkle Academy Spirit

The Falconfootball team stands with President George Bush at the White House after receiving the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on May 17, 2002. Coach Fisher DeBerry (to the left ofLt. Gen. John Dallager) and the Falcons brought the trophy homefor thefifth consecutiveyear.

The White House

Rose Garden turned blue May 17, as the Air Force Academy Fighting Falcons football team, Academy leaders and DC-area bluesuiters were on hand to see the Falcons receive the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

The trophy is awarded annually to the military academy whose football team bests its service academy rivals in collegiate football. It is intended to be a traveling trophy and it is just that, said Lt. Gen. John Dallager, Academy superintendent. “Every year, it travels from the White House back to the Air Force Academy,”

he told staffers in his commander’s call. The trophy has taken up residence at the Air Force Academy for the past five years.

Each year, the winning team sends its coaches and seniors to Washington D.C., to meet their commander-in-chief and accept the trophy at the White House.

“The interesting thing about this group of seniors is they have never lost to Army or Navy. But upon graduation, they’re going to be on the same team-and that’s important for them to remember,” said President George W. Bush. “And it seems like Coach (Fisher) DeBerry is the charter member of the White House frequent visitor club.”

The Air Force Academy hasn’t lost a football game to Army or Navy since 1996.

“Winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is the top priority of the Air Force Academy’s football program every year,” said the Academy head football coach Fisher DeBerry. “The service Academy games are just like Auburn-Alabama, Oklahoma-

Nebraska, you don’t know the intensity and the competitiveness until you participate in one of those games. We think the trophy is not only important to the Academy, but certainly to all the men and women who proudly wear the blue suit of the United States Air Force.”

Another part of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is presenting the president with a personalized team jersey and hat, which was given to Bush by seniors Ben Miller and Zach Johnson.

“I know you have a lot of these, but you need a few more,” said Zach Johnson, senior nose guard, as he gave the president an Air Force Falcons football jersey and earned a hearty round of applause from the mostly Air Force audience.

The trip to the Washington D.C., also allowed the players to visit national historic sites as a team.

“We have a number of kids-probably eight or ten on this tour—who have never been to the nation’s capitol,” said DeBerry. “So we not only look at it as a day of celebration, but we also look at it as a couple of days of education.”

One of the team members who had been to the nation’s capitol before was Johnson, but he was only 8 at the time, he said.

“This city is amazing,” said Johnson, who will coach at the Preparatory School for a year as a graduate assistant, before heading to pilot training. “We’ve seen all these amazing things I’ve always wanted to see—the Vietnam Memorial, going into the Pentagon-Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most powerful places I’ve ever been. That’s stuff I’ve always wanted to see and it’s such an honor to come out here as part of the team.” The team also toured the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Capitol Hill, and met members of Congress and other Academy supporters.

“Football at the Academy is very very important, because we are training the future leadership of our Air Force,” said DeBerry, “and I know of no better place in the world for leadership training and how to make decisions than under the fire and stress and rigors of playing Division I football.”

One who’s putting those lessons to use today agrees.

“Seeing the other side now, that’s something that we get to do and don’t just talk about,” said Ryan Fleming, starting wide receiver on last fall’s team. Fleming graduated in December after suffering a badly broken leg and extensive rehabilitation earlier in his cadet career, and is now a contracting officer at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

“Everything that you learn in football, all the pressures you go through, you’re able to handle anything that you meet out there,” said Fleming. “And also it’s great having those interservice games, because afterward, you become part of the big team, part of the team that’s more important-part of the team that protects America.”

Those same seniors who accepted their Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy will soon put the leadership skills learned at the Academy and the collegiate gridiron to work. They are among the more than 900 firsties who recently graduated from the Academy.

“During last May’s visit, I said of Coach DeBerry, he is not just recruiting to win football games, he is recruiting to win our nation’s war, if we have one,” said the president.

“That was May. And on September 11th, war came to our country. And I want to thank you, Coach, for recruiting those who will help us win our nation’s wars.” B

FLASHBACK

Brig. Gen. Louis T. Seith, Commandant, Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Moorman, Superintendent, and Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, Dean of Faculty team up for the first Army vs Air Force football game at Falcon Stadium in 1967. The Falcons lost the nationally televised game 107. The loss left Air Force with a 1-1-1 record against Army. We currently lead the rivalry with a 23-12-1 record.

’80 Grad Assumes Training Group Command

Colonel Laurie Sue Slavec, a 1980 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, assumed command of the 34th Training Group on 23 May. Slavec will be the 29th Training Group Commander since the Academy’s inception.

As the 34th Training Group commander and first female Academy graduate to hold the position, her responsibilities include the day-to-day training, management and support of over 4,400 cadets and staff. The 34th Training Group is tasked to provide cadets with a training environment where they can apply leadership theories through hands-on operation ofthe Cadet Wing.

Colonel Slavec was born in Denver, Colorado. She earned a bachelor ofscience degree in Behavioral Science from the Academy in 1980 as a member ofthe first co-ed class. She earned a master ofscience degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University, Montgomery, Ala., and a master ofscience degree in Strategic Studies from Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. She has served in communications-information officer positions at various levels throughout the Air Force and the joint environment. She commanded Detachment 1, Space Communications Division, Kapaun Air Station Germany and the 1st Communications Squadron, 1st FighterWing, Langley Air Force Base. Additionally, Colonel Slavec served in several careerbroadeningjobs to include recruiting, Squadron Officers School faculty, and at the Air Force Personnel Center as the Air Forces chief functional manager for the Communications-Information officer career field.

Slavec comes from Korea where she served as Chief, Knowledge Operations and Initiatives Division, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, United States Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command, Yong San Army Garrison, South Korea.

Colonel Slavec assumed command from Colonel Marty Coffman, ’77. Coffman had been the 34th Training Group Commander since May, 2000. S

Cadets Garner Outstanding Honors

Top Graduate

Cadet 1st Class Charles M. Trickey received the Outstanding Cadet in Order ofGraduation Award for the Class of 2002. Presented by the Order ofDaedalians in memory ofFt. Generals Millard F. and Hubert R. Harmon, the award recognizes the cadet attaining the highest rank in order ofgraduation.

Top Academic Performance

Cadet 1st Class Paul J. Calhoun was named Top Academic Performer for the Class of 2002. Sponsored by the American Legion in honor of retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, the award honors the cadet achieving the highest academic standing.

Top Military Performance

Cadet 1st Class Anthony L. Romeo was selected to receive the Top Military Performance Award. Award sponsors are the family and friends of Gen. Walter C. SweeneyJr., a World War II commander ofthe Army Task Force Group in the Battle ofMidway and commander ofTactical Air Command from 1961 to 1965. *photo not available

OWE

by RON BLISS, ’64

It was 9:30 in the morning at Takh Li Royal Thai Air Force Base, which lay in the central rice plain ofThailand. In these tropics, the sun did not merely rise in the East-it burst forth in silence and then bludgeoned all who were under it. Men, women, water buffalo, cobras, and huge rice beetles that the Thai women found scampering along the floor in the squadron operations room early in the morning all hid from the sun. The only exceptions were the buffalo that had to work the rice paddies; the rice beetles that the Thai women caught before dawn, subsequently biting their heads offand sucking the fermented rice from within them; and the pilots clad in their olive drab flight suits, jungle flight boots, and Australian bush hats. The hats were technically illegal headgear. Seventh Air Force headquartered in Saigon had a standing order against wearing them. The F-105 Thunderchiefpilots flying from Takh Li and its sister base Korat couldn’t have cared less about the ban on the bush hats. They called them their “Go to Hell” hats.

It was August of 1966, and during that burning summer the f-105 pilots had been dealt a dead man’s hand, and each ofthem knew it. The F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bomber was affectionately called the “Thud” because that was the sound it made hitting the ground, and most of them were thudding as often as hailstones in a summer storm. The pilots all hoped to complete a hundred missions “up north,” as North Vietnam was called. In fact, every pilot logged his “counters” with an ink mark on his “Go to Hell” hat. A Thud pilot’s yearlong tour shrank by one month for every 20 missions flown up north. Only the missions over North Vietnam counted. Those over South Vietnam or Laos had no effect on a pilot’s length of tour. A hundred missions, of course, meant a seven-month tour. Flying those one hundred “counters” in the summer of 1966 was becoming increasingly difficult. Thud pilots at Takh

Bliss, a lawyer, is Vice President of Intellectual Property for Fulbright@Jaworski LLP in Houston, Texas. His wartime experiences are among those featured in the Tom Hanks documentary Return with Honor.

Return with Honor was ereated by the AOG with support from the Class of 1965 and the Boeing Corporation.

For a DVD or VHS tape of this highly acclaimed film, please contact the AOG.

“Thud pilots at Takh Li in 1966 had a too percent chance of being shot down and a 50 percent chance ofbeing rescued.”

Ron Bliss

they were being shot down at an alarming rate. Faint-hearted pilots were not at Takh Li. Faint-hearted pilots would not fly the Thud.

Having showered in the wooden building centrally located between several elevated, screened-in hooches where we slept, we ate a late-morning breakfast in the nearby air-conditioned officer’s club. Nick and I were somberly finishing our breakfast when another of our Air Force Academy classmates walked by and barked, “That’s right. Always start a good E & E (escape and evasion) on a full stomach.” Macabre humor frequently broke the ice.

We silently walked to the squadron van some 50 yards away that would drive us to the squadron building on the flight line. As we alit, a returning flight of Thuds was on initial-the approach over the runway at 1,500 feet where each of four Thuds broke away at five-second intervals to do a 360-degree decelerating pattern over the field to land. There were only three. One had not made it back.

As I entered the building I heard the Colonel—a full colonel who was the number-two ranking man on base-say to me, “Well, Lt. Bliss, you’re my wingman today.” Only myThai laundress would know how agitated I was! Flying with the Colonel was like being tethered to Mr. Magoo while jaywalking a busy New York City street. Everyone around Magoo is hit, cars careen over the sidewalks to avoid disaster, and Magoo remains totally unaware ofall the mayhem surrounding him. So it would be with the Colonel. He would lead us and be oblivious and return unscathed. Some people are just like that. “Let’s brief,” he said.

The target was just north of the capital city of Hanoi. We would air refuel over the Gulf ofTonkin, fly west just past Kep Ha (a notorious airbase teeming with enemy MiG aircraft), and then turn south toward Hanoi. The target was only 12 miles north of the city. Our egress would require us to retrace our flight path, refuel again in air, and return home. The briefing was terse, complete, and delivered in a serious monotone.

The subsequent general briefing occurred at West Intelligence, a hundred yards away from the squadron building. All the late-morning strike flights attended this brief. Grizzled veterans, new arrivals, and non-rated intelligence officers attended. Coffee was the morning staple as were prominent cigars. Most were lit. A few pilots merely gummed theirs into a pulp. It helped the nerves. Weather conditions, enemy gun emplacements, surfaceto-air (SAM) locations, and MiG activity were covered repeatedly.

We broke and returned to the squadron equipment room. This was serious business. We first donned our G-suits, followed by our survival vests, floatation gear, parachutes, and then finally placed our helmets in our bags. Every man loaded his pistol and checked his extra clips without uttering a sound.

The van took us to the flight line where each of us climbed down to the tarmac in front ofhis Thud. What an awesome sight this craft was! It was wicked, too. Its long, slender fuselage sported a prominent Pitot tube at the nose and a variable nozzle exhaust aft. A Vulcan Gatling gun that fired 6,000 rounds per minute-a hundred rounds per second-was hidden within the left side of its nose. One man, one engine, one gun. It was magnificent.

The crew chief saluted and carried my gear up the ladder. After a careful walk-around inspection, I climbed up the ladder, slid into the seat, strapped myselfin, and put my tiger face helmet on. I started the plane with a noisy explosion of a black powder cartridge in the J-75 engine. The sound signaled

the real thing-I was going up north in my Thud. The Thai sentries smiled and gave me a big thumbs-up as I taxied into the arming area. Airmen, bare and bronze from the waist up, carefully checked our arming pins, and held them up for us to verify they were indeed offthe ordnance. The padre blessed each Thud and its pilot. It was all surreal.

At the head of the line at the end of the runway, Lead lit the afterburner and hit his water injection for additional thrust. We all followed with thirty-second spacing. Each Thud shook, lurched, and then lumbered down the runway. That day it worked for the four of us.

Joining into a loose flight of four some 20 miles toward Cambodia, I checked my photograph of the target once again. How was my fuel? No caution lights were lit. The beautiful blue ocean contrasted with the green of the rice paddies and jungle we had just left. A Navy carrier was launching and recovering its aircraft below. There was our KC-135 tanker. We methodically approached it. When the Colonel finished refueling, I slowly slid to just below the tail of the tanker and inched forward toward the flying boom that would soon deliver precious JP 4 fuel. Inches away from it, the boomer in the tanker stuck me, and the refueling began. Five minutes later I was off. The entire refueling, including the second top offfor maximum fuel, lasted about 23 minutes.

The boomer waived the boom at us as the tanker turned south toward home, toward safety. Before me lay all of North Vietnam. My vector box, which detected the enemy radar that was already tracking me, was lit up and squawking like a cheap jukebox.

“Green ‘em up Banshee!” ordered the Colonel. I selected my various buttons for my bomb load and pushed each one in. They turned green. I was armed. “Push ‘em up Banshee!”

“Here we go,” I muttered into my oxygen mask. Pushing the throttle forward, I then turned off my air-conditioning lever. The precaution was standard for Thud pilots for if I were hit in the engine, the fire from the burst would instantly be blown directly into my cockpit in a matter ofseconds, and I would resemble a scorched pheasant. We spread out for spacing and flew over the coast as the antiaircraft artillery (AAA) opened up on us. The Colonel and I were at 13,000 feet. Nick, flying the wing of Don, was low at about 7,000. The Vietnamese were shooting at Nick and Don with everything they could muster.

“Break left, Three, and move it around!” I shouted into my mike.

“Damn it, my Doppler ground speed is broken, Two. Give me my ground speed intervals,” moaned the Colonel.

“Roger, Lead,” I automatically responded. “Move it around down there, Three and Four!” I cautioned. Then I peeked at my rear-view mirror and witnessed a mile-long rosary of black 85mm puffs that were bursting just behind me. Taking a bite out of my seat, I jerked the stick for more flight response than the bird could give me and immediately fell about 5,000 feet. I

had broken the near-perfect radar tracking solution of the AAA and had escaped the gunners’ wrath. Unfortunately I was directly over Kep Ha Air Base, and the MiGs were taxiing out for takeoff.

“Speed, Two. Gimme my ground speed for Christ’s sake!”

“Four eighty, Lead” I shouted in return.

“Roger, we’re turnin’ south to the target,” remarked the Colonel who led us.

With two of us high in the tropical afternoon sun and Three and Four still rather low, we turned toward the target and ominously toward the capital ofNorth Vietnam.

“Push ‘em up, Banshee,” ordered Lead. We were all at military power (or 100 percent power), but not yet in afterburner. Speed mattered. The less time we were in this precarious situation the better I felt. Up went my throttle again.

“Five forty, Lead,” I dutifully reported.

“Awright, awright, pipe down. I’m lookin’ for the target!”

The words slashed through me like a saber. What in the hell did he want? Did he want me to spout offhis airspeed or not?

“Lead, SAM launch at four o’clock!” barked Three from down below.

I had never seen a SAM before. I looked to my right and saw the missile, still attached to its booster, lifting off its launching rail. A huge orange fireball and roiling dust were clearly visible some 20 miles away. The launch was coming from a mountain ridge universally known as Thud Ridge. So many Thuds had been shot down by this radar that it had been dubbed Thud Ridge. What a dubious honor. A few seconds later the booster separated from the missile and its warhead. I was mesmerized by what resembled a black telephone pole ripping through space at more than Mach two, my head slowly turning ever more toward six o’clock. My eyes were locked onto the SAM as intensely as the SAM’s radar was locked onto me.

Boom! A huge explosion buffeted my Thud. Fire and shrapnel flew everywhere behind me. The SAM had missed, but it snapped me out of my reverie. I suddenly realized that I was not John Wayne, this was not a Hollywood film, and I was not guaranteed to live an hour and fifty minutes to the end of the movie! The situation was very serious, and the point had been made with smoke, fire, and exploding steel.

“Lead, SAM at four low. Same launch pad,” bellowed Don from his low number Three spot.

“Speed, Two.”

“Jesus, was the Colonel serious?” my mind bellowed. “Five eighty, Lead,” was the best comeback I could muster.

Whoom! The second SAM blew up off my right rear a hundred yards or so away. Hanoi was getting bigger in my

windscreen. Where was the target? God, what’s going on here?

“SAMs three and four off the pad at five o’clock, Lead! was reliable Don’s warning. Man, this guy had it all together. He could see everything.

“Lead, SAM at seven!” cried Don. This missile was from the other side. I would have never seen it, because I was still looking at the two incoming SAMs from Thud Ridge. I jinked up and the SAM went under me and exploded some distance away. We were like a bunch of rabbits watching tennis balls whizzing past us while sitting on the net!

Boom! Boom! The two SAMs from Thud Ridge I had forgotten about blew up just short of me. While jinking up and into the SAM from the left side, I had inadvertently avoided the two on my right.

“SAM at seven again, Lead! Down! Down!” Don shrieked. If the Colonel had an advisory to dive, then so did I. The tone of Don’s voice at Three was so panicked that I did the unthinkable. Instead of rolling the Thud over onto its back and pulling hard toward the ground, I knew I didn’t have time. I merely pushed the stick forward. Unmentionable items flew off the floor of my cockpit. The negative Gs were so strong the blood pooled into my head. I first saw all red, which was followed by a near blackout.

“Lead, ready pull up now!”

Instantly I pulled the stick back into my lap, felt about six Gs, and recovered from the near blackout, passing through a wave of red and back into nearly normal vision. I had pulled the blood out of my head and back into my body. The missile, a huge, long black freight train, then passed directly in front of me as I grunted from feeling the pressure of six times my body weight. It exploded immediately behind Lead. Because of Don’s warning, I had evaded certain death.

I had seen enough. Both missile sites were clearly visible from all the dust clouds still swirling from the SAM launches. I could almost read the street signs in Hanoi. “Lead, this is Two, I have the SAM site at 7:30.”

Silence. Mr. Magoo was unbelievable.

“Lead, I have the SAM site!” I shouted over the noise of my roaring engine and collateral radio calls from other strikes in the area.

“Lead, Two has the SAM site. Do you copy?” Chimed in Nick as Four.

I still recall the Colonel’s exact words over the radio. “Damn, after all that I can’t find the target. Okay, let’s roll in and get the SAM site.”

The missile brigade was now quiet. The AAA was kicking up again. We were all alive and very excited. I lit my afterburner and felt the kick of an instantaneous 10,000 additional pounds of

thrust. As I popped up to 10,000 feet to make my dive bomb run, Nick had the first drop. He laid five 1,000 pound bombs directly on the radar van sitting at the hub of the launchers at the end of six spokes.

“Nice hit, Four,” I warbled. “Nice hit.”

“Who’s hit?” Who’s hit?” came a radio call from somewhere. It wasn’t even from our own flight.

I rolled in and dropped my four cluster bomb units (CBUs), which were shaped like standard bombs, but which split in half three seconds after they had left the bomb rack, releasing a cascade ofsoft-ball-sized bomblets, each wrapped in doubleaught-type shot. I never saw them hit, but I had dropped them many times before and I knew the result. Flashes about a football field wide and three football fields long peppered the ground. Anyone who had survived Nick’s bombs now had hell to pay from my CBUs.

Three and then Lead dropped. It was strike procedure for Lead to pop up and dive bomb followed by Two, Three, and then Four. We were all out ofsequence—Four, Two, Three, then Lead struck the target-but we dropped our goodies.

We dashed for the Gulf, found our tanker again, and refueled. When I turned my air-conditioning back on, I came to life. Then, as the adrenaline wore off, I became cool, as did my sweaty flight suit. The danger had passed, and I drank a bottle of water. I fought sleep all the way to Thailand. Four of us landed four and one-half hours after we took off. Only Nick had a small hit, probably from being so low and near ground fire. Tired, but grateful to be alive, we unloaded our gear in the equipment shack. No one said much. We entered the debriefing room at Wing Intelligence and went through the ritual.

The Intel major never said a word. He counted four of us, smiled, and put four cardboard cups on the table in front of us. He put one ice cube in each cup and then filled each one with Old Methuselah whiskey. We sat. We drank slowly. The major was the best psychologist I had ever seen. He read the hearts of men better than an auctioneer read hand signals. When he sensed we were ready, he slowly walked into the room and asked, “Ready, gentlemen?”

Nick received a Silver Star for his bull’s-eye with the five one granders. I received a Distinguished Flying Cross for whatever my CBUs did, or maybe it was for calling our Lead’s ground speed-who really knows? I do not recall what the Colonel or Don received. Don should have been awarded the Air Force Cross for saving my life and the Colonel’s. I owe my life to him.

I was shot down by Thud Ridge some two weeks later, captured, and held prisoner for six and one-halfyears. Don was

shot down and killed shortly after I was captured. I hope I can find his widow and children some day. I would like to tell them that her husband and their father gave me my life just before he lost his.

Nick flew his hundred missions and finished his career as a brigadier general. Fine man-good friend.

I don’t know what became of the Colonel.

And the target? It was just a bomb crater housing a dozen 55gallon fuel drums. 9

Gymnasts win second straight national title

Air Force womens gymnastics assistant coach Holly Saunders is USA Gymnastics Collegiate Assistant Coach ofthe Year and Kimberly Broughton holds the Senior Womens Athlete Award after the USAG Collegiate National Championships in Springfield, Mass., April 11.

The Falcons capped off the post-season winning their second consecutive USAG National Collegiate Championship team title with a championship-record 194.150 points. Air Force also claimed the individual all-around champions—Jennifer Dougherty and Broughton who tied for first scoring 38.875. Dougherty is this year’s vault champion. Dougherty and Allison Todd topped everyone in the balance beam. Todd finished second on floor exercise, followed by Bethany Stott at third, Dougherty at fifth and Broughton who finished sixth. Broughton also finished fourth on vault. Stott took third all-around with a score of 38.725 and Todd finished fifth with a 38.575.

The Falcons finished the regular season 8-8 and began their post-season with a second-place finish at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships hosted by Air Force, followed by a fifth-place finish at the NCAA North Central Region Championships in Denver, Colo. (CourtesyAthletic Media Relations) S

THE SABRE SOCIETY

The Sabre Society began in 1995 and was estabfished to recognize the most significant donors to the Annual Fund. Membership is open to any graduate, parent or friend of the Academy who is willing to make an annual unrestricted gift of at least $1,000 to the Annual Fund.

The Society has grown to more than 860 members. The Sabre Society has become the single most important source of unrestricted private funds for the Academy.

Many programs and activities that keep the Academy in the top tier of American institutions would not be possible without private support. During the 2000/2001 Academic Year, the AOG provided more than $800,000 from private donations to support numerous important activities, services and programs for today’s cadets from the USAFA Gift Opportunities List which exceeds $2.8 million annually.

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 20, 2002

SABRE SOCIETY RECEPTION SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

We will host a heavy hors d’oeuvres reception on Friday night before the Air Force/Cal-Berkeley football game. The reception will be held September 20 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Oakland Marriott City Center.

November 8, 2002

REGIONAL DINNER IN NY CITY

The Association of Graduates will host a dinner at New York City’s Union League Club (thanks to John, ’62 and Mary Jo Flanagan) in conjunction with the Air Force/Army football game.

For more information about either event or for information on joining the Sabre Society, please contact Becky Hureau or Regina Graves at (719) 472-0300.

THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

1^1 Nomination Instructions DG

The Distinguished Graduate Award is intended to recognize those exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions 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 us all and elevated the 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 ofAmericas leaders.

Anyone may submit a nomination package. The package should not exceed three pages. The first page is a concise information sheet on the candidate and should contain a short narrative or bullets addressing the following headings, if applicable:

- Professional Accomplishments

- Education History

- Professional Organizations

- Professional Career Summary to include job titles and location

- Honors, Awards, Public Recognition

- Community Service

- Additional 3 References (include address and phone number)

The remaining page/s should be a strong written justification.

Submit the Nomination Package by 30 April 03

Mail to: Ms. Leah Burrows

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

Vice President for External Communications.

Phone: 719-472-0300

Email: dick.rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Distinguished GraduateAward Calendar ofEvents

Sept 2002 - April 2003

Publicize award

Request nominations

Deadline for nominations 30 April

May-July 2003

Selection Committee reviews nominations

August 2003

Selection Committee recommends award recipient to Chairman of the Board and USAFA Superintendent

Recipient notified and agrees to accept award at the USAF Academy

April 2004

DGA presentation ceremony at USAFA in conjunction with Founders’ Day

Additional Information may be found on the AOG web site at www.aog-usafa.org

"Bob

Donald A. Lamontagne, Lieutenant General, USAF, Commander, Air University

"A skillful blending of leadership lessons and techniques gleaned from successful careers in both the military and commercial worlds. A quick read that will stick to your ribs."

Sam W. Westbrook, III Brigadier General, USAF (Retired)

"...A must read for emerging leaders both military and corporate.Through statements of experienced and successful leaders personally contacted by Bob, he was convincingly able to portray important aspects of leadership fulfilled in a series of situations..."

Robert F. McDermott, Brigadier General, USAF (Retired) Chairman Emeritus, USAA

LIFT

by Sam W. Westbrook, III Brigadier General, USAF (Ret.),

“If you want to know what is over the next hill and how to be ready for it, then LIFT is for you.”

here was Bob Vosburgh’s well-crafted primer on taking military leadership lessons into the business world-L/ET-when I needed it? When I decided to retire in 1991,1 felt I was doing it for all the right reasons. I had thoroughly enjoyed my twenty-eight years in the Air Force, but my appetite for trying other pastures had been whetted by my experiences on the USAA board. Desert Shield/Desert Storm had proven that the Air Force was in capable hands, and the fall ofthe Berlin Wall signaled that a smaller Air Force was in the offing. Some of us dinosaurs were going to have to go. The stage was set. All I had to do was raise my hand. And yet....

And yet I’m sure I wasn’t the first person looking at what would be a new world after twenty plus years of uniformed service who wondered how the lessons and techniques that had led to suecess on the inside would work on the outside. Bob Vosburgh has written a book that can assure and assist those making a transition into the commercial realm. It can be equally effective for those in the business world who want to strengthen their leadership skills and energize their work force using time-tested techniques.

You will find me quoted in the book, along with a number of noted military and business leaders. My observations are the result ofhindsight, ofhaving been through the process and having been asked by Bob to think about what I learned as a result. Bob was smart enough to realize that he could put together a book that people could

use to help them get ahead ofthe process, to gain an insight into what lay ahead and how to prepare for it. Ifyou want to know what is over the next hill and how to be ready for it, then LIFTis for you.

One aspect of the book that I particularly enjoy is Bob’s candor about his own career’s ups and downs. I was in his chain-of-command when he made one of his more notorious bad decisions (read the book to learn which one). Fie took his lumps and soldiered on. Later, when a family situation dictated a career change, he made the right decision and charted his new course. Bob Vosburgh has been there, done that, and has all the T-shirts. Today he is a CEO who finds time to keep his flying skills sharp in his own L-39 jet trainer, a good indication that walking this talk enhances ones chance for success.

The 3M company asked Bob ifhe would do a presentation to one oftheir meetings on leadership, and the enthusiastic response to his thoughts and remarks led to more invitations and the idea ofdoing a book. The techniques described in LIFT are easy to understand. The anecdotes and stories underwrite the theory and bring it to life. Self, Team, and Atmosphere should become part ofevery leader’s mantra. In a bad paraphrase ofWilliam Faulkner, ifyou learn how to apply these techniques you will not only survive, you will prevail.

LIFT is not being sold in bookstores. Order a copy at www.9gs.org. H

EXT

T[he 900-plus members of the Academy’s Class of 2002 graduated May 29, and were commissioned second lieutenants. About six percent of those are bound for Harvard, MIT, Rice, Cranfield College in Great Britain, and other graduate programs.

Fifty-seven members of the class of 2002 are headed for graduate, law, medical or dental school.

Since 1959, Academy graduates have been recognized for their academic excellence, and have earned numerous scholarships from some of the most prestigious graduate programs in the world. To date, more than 2,100 graduates have been awarded the opportunity to complete an advanced academic degree as their first Air Force assignment, according to the Academy’s Graduate Studies Office.

Among graduates who are heading off to graduate school are:

>k Second Lieutenant Charles Trickey is the recipient of a Marshall Scholarship, giving him the opportunity to study at Cranfield College in Great Britain for two years. Trickey was one of only 40 students in the United States to be awarded a Marshall Scholarship and he is also the sixth Academy cadet to have earned this honor.

Second Lieutenant Matthew Roberts won a Truman Scholarship—a scholarship that was actually awarded last year to Roberts, providing $30,000 for graduate study. Academy cadets have won nine Truman Scholarships in the last eight years. Also, the Rand Graduate School selected Roberts for the Superintendent’s Rand PhD Scholarship. Roberts will study at the world’s leading policy analysis program for three years to complete a PhD.

T Five Class of2002 graduates are going to study at the prestigiousJohn F. Kennedy School ofGovernment at Harvard University. They are second lieutenants Scott Bailey, David Blair, Jonathan Mensing, Jeremy Page and Bethany Stott. t>

Photo by Ken Wright

>k Seven grads were awarded Draper Fellowships and are slated to study at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology. They are second lieutenants Krissa Arn, Paul Calhoun, Luke Hohreiter, Chris Jeffreys, Corbin Koepke, Richard Lyon and Luke Sauter.

>k Second Lieutenants Chris Bartley and Brian Stiles have been awarded Draper Fellowships to study at Rice University and the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

*Second Lieutenant Richard Lyon was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship, but he has decided to complete his graduate studies at MIT with a Lincoln Fellowship.

*Brian Gornick was awarded a National Collegiate Athletic Association $ 5,000 scholarship for hockey.

The University ofWashington awarded four Academy graduates scholarships to study Aeronautical and/or Astronautical Engineering for 18 months. The Joint Institute for Advancement of Flight Sciences and the Program Research and Education in Space Technology (PREST) scholarships are funded by NASA and George Washington University.

Three lieutenants were offered joint institute scholarships. They are Matthew Rabe, Kevin Bradley and Lucas Kippert.

>k Two new lieutenants were offered PREST scholarships. They are Erik Benedetti and Joseph Browning. Their PREST scholarships will be deferred for two years.

>k Lanourra Gillmaster and Ryan Kaldahl will complete advanced degrees at the University of Maryland.

Four graduates were awarded Air Force Academy-endowed scholarships. The Gerhart Scholarship was awarded to Michael Culhane, allowing him to study in France for two years.

>k The Nutter Scholarship was awarded to Jereme Estes for a oneyear program at the University of Pittsburgh.

The winner of the Lawson Scholarship, Chad Richards, and the winner of the Wolfe Scholarship, Jason Monaco, will both study at the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey, Ca. Richards will study Operations Research while Monaco will study National Security Affairs.

In addition to the 28 National Competitive Scholarships awarded, eight new lieutenants will attend either the Air Force Institute ofTechnology degree programs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base or the Naval Post-Graduate School for advanced degrees, and ten will complete advanced degrees at civilian universities under the Air Force Academy-sponsored Graduate School Program.

Additionally, 10 graduates will go on scholarship to medical training, nine to medical school and one to dental school. S

returns to teach class

Story by John Van Winkle, Academy Spirit USAF photos by Dan Garcia

The Secretary ofthe Air Force visited the Academy May 7 to teach a class, and to speak with Academy cadets, staffand faculty.

“Last time I was here, I said Ed come and teach a class, and I did that this morning,” said Dr. James Roche, secretary of the Air Force. “And I survived the genius of the cadets, which I was most worried about, since they have so much on their brains and mine are getting more and more addled as time goes on.”

Dr. Roche taught a 90-minute class of 65 cadets from the Wing Flonor Committee and the engineering, management and philosophy majors.

“But I picked a subject that was so esoteric that I figured I had to know more than they did. And it worked,” said the secretary, who holds a doctorate in business administration from Elarvard.

That esoteric topic was a case study on the Advanced Seal Delivery Vehicle acquisition program run by the Navy during the 1990s. The study covered many historical issues behind the need for the vehicle, issues ofprogram management, a lesson in inter-service rivalries and communication problems, and ethical issues, said the impromptu class organizer, Lt. Col. Tom Yoder ofthe Department ofAstronautics.

Flaving one-on-one time with cadets is also something the secretary is asking other Air Force leaders to invest time in. “Were also asking our four-star colleagues to make sure they come out and deal with a class or two. Not necessarily having the whole [cadet] wing together, just teach a class or be involved with a class,” he said, because he “wants the bond between the leadership

and future of the Air Force to continue to grow.”

But the class was just one part of the Dr. Roche’s second visit to the Academy since becoming secretary of the Air Force. First, he met extensively with Academy leadership, discussing topics which included his recent delegation of dismissal authority in most cases to the Academy superintendent, and graduation scholarships for graduating firstclassmen.

“We have established a very good relationship between the headquarters in Washington and the Academy, and it’s really terrific,” Roche said. “General Jumper and I both take this responsibility very seriously.”

“And we wanted to sort of change what we thought was an attitude that the Academy was owned by its alumni and rather make it where the Academy is owned by every member of the Air Force,” he said. “And therefore, you’ll see more of us, you may not want to see more of us, but you’ll see more of us, we’ll be more involved, we will get into the business of the Academy, so we can be part and parcel of it, and continue on its path of being the premiere air and space educational institution in the world.”

Later that day, the secretary spoke at length to Academy members during a town hall meeting, about the state ofthe Air Force with its extended commitments at home and abroad. The secretary also fielded a number ofhard-hitting questions from the audience on a number oftopics. But the question that created the most buzz was one about the secretary’s stressing ofthe importance of a liberal education, while at one ofthe nation’s leading scientific and engineering universities.

“I’m blessed by having a Bachelor of Science degree in English Literature,” Roche said. “I believe I’m liberally educated and technically trained. And I think it works out very, very well.”

“I’ll make a very blunt point to you. I’m distraught over the lack ofability to write on behalfof our officers,” said Roche. “Look, they’re not just from here. They can’t write. They write Air Force algebra. It’s a sort ofthing that I’ve had to say on several occasions, who do you want me to give this to?’ Now is it because we rush our action officers? Is it because we have

Top Left: Dr. Roche, left, speaks with cadets and Brig. Gen. David Wagie, Dean of Faculty, far right, while on the Terrazzo.

Bottom Right: Dr. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force, speaks with cadets and faculty members.

a chop-line that’s bizarre? Is it because ofall ofthe above? Is it because by the time the question gets down, you’ve had so many middle people in it that they don’t know what the hell the question really is, so how can they answer it? So theygive you the closest thing that they think you might be asking about.

But when it comes down to a simple and clear respect for an audience, and respect for someone you’re going to try and communicate with, we’re terrible! We don’t write well.”

But writing isn’t the only useful skill fostered by humanities and liberal arts courses, he added. “Ifwe don’t have officers who have an understanding ofmilitary history, we probably will make some ofthe same stupid mistakes others have,” Roche said, as he gave the example ofthe namesake ofFort Lesley McNair in the District ofColumbia— named after an Army general who was killed by aerial friendly fire.

“There’s lots of history that we should be aware of, and not follow it.”

So the humanities are very important. But if we can have technically competent officers who are liberally educated, we’ll have

YcAACA MB

DUTY

the best ofall worlds. And the Academy is the first place he’ll look for those future leaders.

“Your role, increasingly, is to provide us with some of our very best leaders. And I make the same plea I made last time: the more technically competent they are, the better offwe’re going to be. We cannot follow the Navy which increasingly is losing its technical edge by not having enough technically educated officers. We have to have a huge cadre ofofficers who are comfortable with technology.

“That doesn’t mean everyone has to be a double-E [electrical engineer] major. It means the core program has to be taken very seriously so that the person who wants to be a philosophy major can still sit with somebody who’s talking about an L-band radar and have a meaningful conversation.

“So all that you do, whether you’re faculty or you’re supporting the school, your mission is important if not more important than ever. So my compliments to you. I’ll be back. I’ll be chiding you. I’ll be demanding better. The difference is I’m fully convinced that you’ll meet every demand.” SS

Congratulations to the United States Military Academy at West Point for 200 years ofproducing leaders for our country.West Point has been providing leadership for the nation since 16 March 1802 when it was founded.The Air Force Academy Association of Graduates salutes the Long Gray Line ofgraduates who have made significant contributions to our nations successes in war and peace.

’87 Grads Win Prestigious White House Fellowship

By Dick Rauschkolb, ’70

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce McClintock, ’87 is presently finishing up a year as a White House Fellow in Washington, DC. His classmate, Lieutenant Colonel Balan Ayyar, will be starting the White House Fellow program in September. Ayyar was the 4th Airlift Squadron Commander at McChord AFB in Washington at the time ofhis selection.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established the White House Fellows program in 1964 “to give the Fellows first hand experience with the workings ofthe Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” The purpose ofthe program is to help public service leaders make an even more significant difference by exposing them to the highest levels ofgovernment operations.

Between 11 and 19 Fellows are selected to serve one year as full-time paid assistants to members ofthe Cabinet and Senior White House staff. The program includes off-the-record meetings with leaders from the public and private sectors and domestic and international policy

study trips. Fellowship with similarly motivated and talented individuals from different backrounds provides Fellows with differing perspecfives on policies and ideas. Secretary ofState, Colin Powell, and former CNN President, Tom Johnson, are former White House Fellows.

McClintock and Ayyar join eleven Academy graduates who have been selected for this highly competitive and prestigious program. Previous Fellows have risen to the highest ranks of the Air Force and government while others have become entrepreneurs and now own their own companies. McClintock and Ayyar attribute their selection to the superb work and reputation of previous Academy graduates who were Fellows.

McClintock worked in the Department ofLabor for the past year. He was instrumental in providing FY03 budget recommendations that supported the President’s commitment to national defense, the war against terrorism, and recovery from the events of 11 Sept. He provided personal advice to the Deputy Secretary, D. Cameron Findlay and drafted speeches for him. In response to 9/11, McClintock designed and implemented an accountability program that became the model for 17,000 Department ofLabor employees. He also served as the Deputy Secretary’s representative on Continuity ofOperations and Continuity of Government issues. He was also the Executive Director ofthe Labor Department’s Guard and Reserve Task Force where he recommended increased compliance assistance and outreach, and proposed a proactive legislative response.

McClintock said, “The White House Fellows experience has reinforced the importance of devotion to helping others. I have looked into the eyes of many people from President Bush to Secretary of Labor Chao and the sense of satisfaction that comes from serving others is just as obvious whether the cause is the protection of freedom and democracy or fighting for the less privileged in third world countries. I’ve learned the value ofserving others from observing Supreme Court Justices, Senators, Watergate journalists, and White House Chiefs of Staff.”

Overcoming challenges and being successful characterize Bruce McClintock’s life. He was attracted to the Air Force Academy because his military father taught him to believe in service to the country. He earned a degree in astronautical engineering and graduated with honors from the Academy in 1987. He said, “I feel very lucky that the Academy reinforced the ideal ofpublic service so early in my life.” After graduation, he attended Euro-Nato JointJet Pilot Training and went on to be an A-10 pilot at RAF Woodbridge. At the USAF Weapons School, he was the top graduate from the A-10 division. In 1995, he was the #1 graduate at the USAF Test Pilot School. He earned a masters degree in aerospace engineering at the University ofFlorida. He then went on to be the top graduate at Air Command and StaffCollege in 1999. After ACSC, McClintock attended the Air Force’s highly selective graduate school ofair strategy—The School ofAdvanced Airpower Studies. While there he wrote a thesis on the history ofmili-

McClintock worked closely with Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao, during his White House Fellowship.

tary transformations and implications for space power. He then served the nation in the Air Forces embryonic Space Operations School in Colorado Springs. There he enjoyed the freedom ofdevising innovative space concepts and the opportunity to present those concepts to senior officers and civilians around the world.

Despite his many successes in the Air Force, he has been actively involved in community activities which revolve around his wife, Tammy, and his three girls. Church, science, and sports—triathlon, skiing, taekwondo, and mountain climbing-take up what little free time he has. He also teaches and mentors older youth. He considers his role as a mentor and teacher of our nation’s youth to be his most significant contribution to his community. While stationed in Colorado Springs, he sponsored cadets and was a guest lecturer at the Academy—motivating tomorrows leaders to conquer the same mountains he has climbed. McClintock said, “I approach every mentoring opportunity as a chance to shape our nation’s future.”

McClintock wants people to understand that “the White House Fellows program is not about any one participant—it is about how individuals can work to serve our nation. It teaches people to think more about giving back—to their nation, their service, their community, and their family. I am privileged to be a White House Fellow but I sense the significant responsibility I have to help others to understand their call to serve.”

Lieutenant Colonel McClintock and his family think it is time for him to get back to the operational side of the Air Force. His next assignment is to Osan AFB in the Republic of Korea where he will be flying A-10s.

Ifyou are interested in applying for a White House Fellowship or learning more about this program, go to www.whitehouse.gov/fcllows. B

2002

Th^tr Force Academy Fund

AOG Annual Fund Sports New Name and New Logo

The Air Force Academy Fund (formerly named the AOG Annual Fund), which has provided primarily unrestricted funding for the Academy and AOG for more than 10 years, is sporting a new logo. While changes have been made in its appearance, the Air Force Academy Fund still provides the vehicle for alumni, parents and friends to make an immediate impact upon the Academy, cadets and the AOG through their tax-deductible contributions.

2003 Campaign

The 2003 Air Force Academy Fund began its new year on 1 July, coinciding with the Academy’s academic year and the AOG’s fiscal year. The 2003 Annual Fund Campaign will kick offin mid-August. Our goal for the year is to raise $2 million by 30 June 2003.

Why do we conduct fund raising?

To provide vital enhancements to Academy programs and activities that make the cadet experience the best in the nation; to better serve graduates; and to preserve institutional heritage.

How do we conduct fund raising?

In-person, bytelephone and by mail. The best way to solicit your support is to sit down faceto-face and explain the needs and vision and personally ask for your support. When possible, this is the method ofchoice, but with 35,000 graduates and many more parents and friends across the nation, it is impossible to use this method for every individual.

The next most personal approach is to talk to a donor by telephone using students, alumni or staff to make the calls. The AOG is preeluded, by law, from using cadets to make these

calls because they are federal employees. The next best thing would be to use graduates, but we do not have a calling facility or the staff to organize and direct this very complex undertaking. Therefore, we have hired IDC, Inc. in Henderson, Nevada to conduct a “tele-mail” campaign on our behalf. IDC is one ofthe top firms in the country and we have been using their services for more than 10 years. This is “tele-mail,” not “telemarketing,” which means you will receive a letter telling you about the Academy and the campaign and asking for your support. The letter mentions that you will receive a call and asks you to accept it. Our callers do want to gain your financial support but they also wish to tell you about the Academy and hear your opinions and thoughts. We ask that you accept the call.

We cannot call all graduates, alumni, parents and friends each year. Therefore, we also use direct mail appeals. We send four mailings annually, each one is designed to provide information about the Academy that we hope you will find enjoyable. We do hope, ofcourse, that you will lend your financial support but, in any event, we want you to read the letters to learn more about the Academy and stay connected.

How often will I receive appeals?

You may receive a call from an AOG representafive during the next few months or direct mail solicitations in August, October, January and April asking for your help in reaching the goal.

Building leaders ofcharacter for the nation is what the Academy is all about. The Academy is a federally funded school whose quality has been, and continues to be, significantly enhanced, strengthened and improved through the generous private support ofalumni, parents and friends. You may direct your questions about the Air Force Academy Fund to: Chery Flores, Director ofAnnual & Class Giving, chery.flores@usafa.af.mil or Elizabeth Winn, Assistant Director ofAnnual & Class

Giving, liz.winn@usafa.af.mil or by calling (719) 472-0300.

New Staff Members Join Annual Giving Team

On July 8, we added two new members to the Annual GivingTeam. Elizabeth Winn, Assistant Director ofAnnual & Class Giving, and Regina Graves, Sabre Society Assistant Administrator, return the team to its full complement offour after the departures ofMichael Brown and Kathy McCann. Michael headed our annual giving programs for two years. He and his wife, Venetia, recently relocated to Washington, DC. Kathy McCann leaves us after 32 years ofservice to the AOG and graduate community to pursue new career interests. We wish Michael and Kathy great success in their new endeavors.

Class Giving Program

Three new class giving projects launch in conjunction with the reunion season this fall. The Classes of’62, ’82 and ’92 have set very ambitious goals and will be using IDC to call their classmates. These campaigns will kick off in September and October and members ofthese classes can expect to receive a phone call from a representative oftheir class.

Additionally, two classes will celebrate the success ofcompleted class giving projects when they present gifts to the AOG during their reunions. The Classes of’67 and ’72 will present their unrestricted gifts in support ofthe AOG mission (serving graduates, supporting cadets and the Academy and preserving institutional traditions and heritage) and dedicate their class paver projects in front ofDoolittle Hall, which will be placed in recognition of their gifts. Congratulations to the Classes of ’67 and ’72 for reaching their goals and helping to fund the “extra margin ofexcellence” through their generous support!

Matching Gifts

Its an easy way to increase your giving level so that the AOG can give more to the Academy.

Did you know that these companies are among more than one thousand that match their employee’s contributions to charitable organizations?

American Express Arco Foundation Boeing Brinks • Ciba Specialty Chemicals • Compaq • Cytec

Industries • Delta Air Lines • General Motors # IBM Johnson & Johnson KPMG Foundation • Kelloggs Corporation Lockheed Martin « Owens Corning • Proctor & Gamble • Raytheon Texas

Instruments 9 TRW Foundation UPS US West USAA

Does your employer have a matching gift program?

Contact your Human Resources or Personnel department to determine whether you can increase your level of giving through a matching gift. Many companies include retirees’ gifts in these programs. Pick up a matching gift form, complete your portion and send it to the AOG with your gift every time you make a contribution.

POLARIS

The North Star, the guiding light, a light that lives on long after the star is gone!

Your light can live on long after you are gone by making a gift to the Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy through your estate, A bequest in your will, a life insurance policy that you no longer need, a charitable remainder trust or other types oftrusts can make a substantial difference to the future of the Academy and the officers it produces. Estate gifts can substantially reduce taxes and will be used according to your wishes. People who establish estate gifts will be recognized Polaris Donors!

Polaris will recognize everyone who has included a gift to the AOG and the Academy in their estate plans. All you need to do to be recognized is to notify the AOG s Development Office thatyou have established the gift. No documentation is required and no specific gift amount need be specified. Donors who do provide documentation of an irrevocable estate gift will be recognized accordingly.

The needs of the Academy are increasing each year and the Academy’s future success will depend on private support. Help provide that support by leaving a legacy. Light the way for the future. Be a Polaris Donor! For further information, contact Gary Howe by email Gary.Howe@usafa.af.mil or call him at (719) 472-0300.

My Stocks are Failing Asset Allocation Thoughts *

By Eric Holt, Class of’91

Risk is a funny thing. Back in 1999 and in the early part of 2000, many investors thought they were “aggressive” and most felt comfortable with some volatility in their portfolios (as long as the trend was upward). Even people with conservative tendencies got caught up in the bull market hysteria and bought stocks or funds tailored to those who believed earnings potential was more important than a proven record of earnings growth. However, the worst stock market since 1974 has forced people to re-examine their risk tolerance and come to grips with their true propensity for risk. Should everyone own stocks? Even in a rough market? While everyone must answer that question themselves, I’ve included some things to consider below.

O Patience. You have to stay in the stock market-study after study has shown that it is very difficult to “time” the market by moving in and out on a regular basis. A true timing strategy entails very high transaction fees and the data suggests these costs typically outweigh the gains. Furthermore, according to Ned Davis Research, ifyou missed the 10 best days in the stock market (as measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index) from 9/30/90 to 9/30/00, your annualized annual return dropped from 19.4% per year to 14.7%. Ignoring fees and taxes, if you had invested $10,000 at the beginning of the period, it would have cost you approximately $25,000 in gains at the end of the period. Since there were well over 2,500 trading days over that timeframe, you needed a very robust model to insure you predicted those ten

best days and made sure you were fully invested the night before. To me, the message is clear, patient investors who stayed in the market are rewarded and in the 90’s, the rewards were plentiful. If you’re getting impatient, perhaps your stock allocation is too high.

ime. When will you need the money? The longer your time horizon, the more you could afford to have in stocks. Going back as far as there is data, stocks have outperformed bonds but the “cost” of this extra return is higher risk. Typically investment risk is measured by volatility and stocks are much more volatile than bonds. The tables below give a historical perspective.

1871-1996 from

from Random Walk by Burton Malkiel

Since 1950, there has been no period where you held stocks for 10 years and lost money.

Historically, the longer you hold stocks, the less volatility there is in the returns. 'i

While it’s difficult to say what the next year or two will bring in the stock market, the past tells us stocks do provide superior returns and longer holding periods reduce variability in the returns. Investors have to accept the fact that they can lose money in stocks, but the probability of this happening decreases with more time in the market. Generally, any funds you need in the next five years should not be in stocks.

©Diversification Diversifying our investments is NOT a return enhancement technique; we diversify to reduce risk in our portfolios. There are many theories on asset allocation and many different ideas on how much investors should have in stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash. One ofthe simplest adages I have heard is:

Percentage Bond Allocation [100 - (Your Age)]

While I think this presents very conservative guidelines, it does reinforce the point that most investors should have some portion of their portfolio invested in bonds and the older we get, the more we should have. When choosing among asset classes, lower correlation provides better diversification-assets moving in sync are great when both are moving up but not so good when they are moving down. I believe many investors put most oftheir eggs in the “tech basket” in the 90s and have been feeling the effects ofthat ever since. Over time, ifyou seek to reduce volatility, it has been prudent to have different investment styles (growth and value), asset classes (stocks bonds, and real estate), and sectors (health care, small stocks etc.) in

your portfolio. While it would be nice to identify which style/class/ sector was going to provide the best returns in a given year and put all of our money in that vehicle, that is practically impossible.

©Military Retirees.

When I was teaching for the USAFA Department ofManagement, two of my colleagues (Dr. William Jennings and Capt. Steve Fraser) came up with a very intriguing theory on asset allocation as it relates to retired military members. Conventional wisdom has it that as people get older, they should be reducing risk and instead focusing on investments like bonds that generate a stable income flow. Essentially, Dr. Jennings and Capt. Fraser argued that a military pension behaved like an semi-inflation-protected/treasury-backed bond; thus, retired military members couldafford to take more risk in their portfolios via a higher stock allocation than would be typically expected for a retired individual. No matter what happens in the stock market, the military pension and social security (for now) will show up in the checking account on the 1st and 15th of every month. Thus, if the income portion oftheir portfolios is “safe” and their current needs are being met, retirees can instead focus their portfolios on growth and inflation protection (stocks have provided the best vehicles for both). While I absolutely agree with their recommendations, it is important to consider the retiree’s dependents in the allocation decision-unless SBP was purchased, the value ofthe pension/bond goes to zero when the retiree passes away. So, while military retirees can afford to take more risk than other people their age, they should NOT invest all of their retirement funds in the stock market.

While the above is meant to give you some food for thought, there is no historical data I can give you which will affect your ability to sleep at night. All we know about the stock market is what history has taught us and there is no guarantee that the same things will happen as we go forward. No one can change your risk tolerance and don’t let anyone try. Ifyou’re lying in bed wondering when this market will turn, GET OUT! Your focus should be on how much you have right now and where you’re headed from here; until we figure out how to turn back the clock, it does you no good to worry about how much you had at any point in time. I really worry about people who are taking on more risk to try and get back to even—the stock market over the last two years has punished people trying that approach. I encourage everyone to focus their energy on the portfolio they have today and structure their portfolios for the long term.

COMING NEXT ISSUE: Things to consider when buying a mutual fund

For more information, please contact eric@wealthadvisory.com oryourfinancial advisor. The illustrations above are not a guarantee and readers should contact theirfinancial advisor before taking any investment actions. 81

FUNDRAISING CODE OF ETHICS

“Integrityfirst; service 6efore self; excellence in allwe do. ))

These are the core vales of the United States Air Force Academy.. .and integrity is first. The AOG is committed to providing excellent service to all graduates, parents and friends of the Academy and we are committed to integrity first.

This AOG Donor Bill ofRights was adapted from the Donor Bill ofRights developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association ofFundraising Professionals (AFP).

AOG DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality oflife. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of our constituencies, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the Association of Graduates (AOG) and the United States Air Force Academy, the AOG declares that all donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of the AOG mission, of the way the AOG and the Academy intend to use donated resources, and of their capacity to use donations effectively for the intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the AOG governing board, and to expect the board and the Academy to exercise prudent judgment in their stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the most recent AOG financial statements.

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing the AOG will be professional in nature.

VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the AOG or hired solicitors.

IX. To have the opportunity for their donations to be made anonymously and to have their names to be deleted from recognition or mailing lists.

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

If you have any questions concerning the fundraising activities of the Association of Graduates, please contact anyone in the Development Department but especially Gary Howe, Vice President for Development. He can be reached at (719) 472-0300 or at gary.howe@usafa.af.mil.

The Secret Life of T/faldO F.

Ifyou can’tget them to salute when they shouldsalute and wear the clothesyou tellthem to wear, how areyou going to get them to diefor their country. ’’—Patton’s Quote Contrails 1972-1973

“I wonder ifyou do a lot of sock rolling in the Real Air Force?”

Waldo’s musing was not lost on his roommate, Warren Heels. The two doolies were pulling an allnighter to prepare for the SAMI.

“Of course, if it wasn’t important, the Commandant wouldn’t make us do it!” responded Warren. “Now.. .are the socks in the drawer suppose to smile or frown?”

“You know, I never can remember either.”

Waldo held up tee shirt wrapped tightly around a piece of cardboard.

“I have underwear I’ve never worn...

“I don’t think you have the drawers of your dresser pulled out the correct distance. Better consult the regs.”

The freshman pulled the big blue binder down from the shelf and thumbed through the fascinating prose.

“No wonder I keep getting written up-I’ve been using metric instead of inches.”

“Don’t forget to stamp your name in all your clothing.”

“And no dirty clothes in the dirty clothes bin.”

“Don’t hide any clean clothes in there either.”

“Well, I have to hide my trou with the frayed pockets somewhere!”

“Use the overhead locker.”

by Don Hag 76

“Okay.”

“The towel and wash cloth must be displayed properly.”

“I’ll clean the mirrors.”

“Don’t get any water in the sink!”

“No trash in the wastebasket.”

“When do we get the buffer?”

“As soon as the buffer rodeo is over.”

“I still have to polish my boots and shoes and I’m out of cotton balls and shoe polish!”

“You can borrow my candy bar. You also better hide your parade shoes.”

“I’ll put them inside my overshoes.”

“The collar on my bed is good and tight. Looks like I’ll be sleeping on the desk tonight.”

“No sleep tonight. Our detail still has to clean the SAR.”

“I hate working in pajamas, bathrobe, and slippers.”

“Well, it beats USAFA tee shirt, fatigue pants, tennis shoes, and a baseball cap.”

“Did you dust the window sill?”

“No, that’s usually Regs’ job.”

Waldo glanced at the bunk bed.

“Where is Regs tonight? How did he skate out of this inspection?”

“He’s gone on another choir trip.”

“I didn’t know he could sing.”

“He can’t. He’s the equipment manager.”

“But he’s missing this USAFA experience.”

“Don’t worry, there’s always another good deal for doolies around the corner.”

Graduates Selected for Colonel

Below the Zone Selectees

Class of 1981

Thomas Arko

Charles W. Johnson

Michael A. Keltz

Class of 1982

Matthew N. Erichsen

George D. Kramlinger

Thomas J. Schluckebier

Keith W. Zuegel

Class of 1983

Robert J. Beletic

Norman J. Brozenick Jr.

William J. Changose

James K. McLaughlin

Eric A. Pohland

m # # m

Class of 1984

Samuel D. Cox

Scott W. Jansson

Brian A. Simpson

Class of 1985

Cary C. Chun

Steven J. DePalmer

Ian R. Dickinson

Mean B. McElhannon

Andrew M. Mueller

Yulin G. Whitehead

Class of 1986

James S. Browne

Steven L. Kwast

Services

Rich Downing, Col., USAF (Ret.), ’70 Vice President, Services

Inprocessing

Another exciting time at the AOG as the journey began here at Doolittle Hall for our newest class ofcadets. Hearing the words “Class of2006” can really make you feel old, however it also makes you proud and brings a tear to your eye as you see the same wide-eyed innocence and total enthusiasm that we felt during our turn in the barrel. This class brings an average GPA of3.9 and SAT of 1310. The Class of2006 also starts with 50% ofthe class participating in the Lifetime Membership at Graduation (LMAG) program. Both parents and the appointees are recognizing early how the AOG supports them and provides needed benefits to cadets and the Academy. Today nearly 60% ofthe cadet wing is included in the LMAG program. This issues FYI section is highlighted by additional notes about Inprocessing, updates to cadet time and retirement, merchandise and membership price changes and a new benefit for spouses.

Retirement Update

Academy years can count: As mentioned in the last issue ofCheckpoints, your Academy time does NOT count toward your military retirement; however it can be credited towards Civil Service retirement. You are required to make a deposit to the Retirement Account based on your earnings while at the Academy which varies from class to class. Jud Barnes, ’67, told me it cost him about $210 to gain nearly four years ofcivilian government retirement credit. Not a bad trade-off. Also, effective 1 Oct. 00, the dual compensation reduction in retired military pay was eliminated. You can draw full military retirement while working in Civil Service. I’ve also been told that there can be some application to Social Security calculations for Academy time and enlisted time incurred prior to the Academy. I’ll research this and include what I find in the next issue.

Virginia Residents

License plate project needs help: After nearly 6 months oftaking applications for a distinctive Virginia vehicle license plate, we are only halfway to the required 350 plates needed to initiate this program. Failure to meet quota soon will require us to abandon this AOG initiative. Army and Navy plates are proudly displayed by their grads in Virginia; don’t miss out on this opportunity to show affiliation to your Academy. This opportunity exists for both new and current vehicle registrations. For more information contact Marty at martin.marcolongo@usafa.af.mil.

Membership Fees and Policy

Sign up now to save: Ifyou have ever considered becoming a lifetime member—now is the time. Starting 1 Jan., AOG life membership fees will increase to $700 regardless ofage. Signing up now can save you between $50 and $320 depending on your age. Annual membership will also increase from $45 to $50 per year. Additionally, the Joint membership category has been eliminated. Grad married to grad must each pay full membership fees ifthey want the benefits and privileges ofmembership. While the household would still get Checkpoints and the Register, only the member will get access to member restricted programs and reduction for Reunion registration. To sign up or for questions, contact don.mccarthy@usafa.af.mil.

Wedding Reservations

Sign up early to use Doolittle Hall: Requests will be accepted at any time prior to the desired date; however the reception will not be confirmed more than one year in advance for Grad members. If more than one request is received for the same date, requests will be ordered by lottery to determine precedence. Member requests received within one year ofdesired date will be accepted and confirmed on a first come, first served basis. Requests for Grad nonmembers will also be taken at any time, but will not be confirmed more than ten months in advance. Ifthe date is still available ten months prior to the desired date, priority for reservations will follow the same lottery system as described for Grad members requests.

2002

Pack Your Bags

Joint Travel begins: Want to go on a trip or cruise with folks you know? In conjunction with the other service Academies, we have formed a travel program to take you to Italy, China, Alaska and France in 2003. All trips include Alumni Association host and special Academy events. See next page for details.

Inprocessing Support

The AOG continues to find support to improve the inprocessing experience for appointees and parents. It started outside in the waiting line where First Command supplied and manned two water stations while VoiceStream and Car Toys teamed up to provide each appointee with a cell phone call to say good-bye to family or friends. USAA provided individual phone cards for appointees and funded sandwiches, sodas and chips for everyone. The Wyndham Hotel donated cookies and the NCO Association spent the day prior making sandwiches and then handed out the food that day. The Visitors Center setup their merchandise trailer. Thanks to all of these Academy sponsors!!

Bed and Breakfast

Not like the “Old Days”: Remember that late night before you came to the Academy, frightened, alone and in a strange hotel room? For the 6th year the AOG has placed appointees in homes oflocal grads and Academy personnel to provide a friendly and warm place to spend that last evening. This year almost 200

hosts took in 325 appointees. Ifyou are interested in supporting this program next year contact donna.porter@usafa.af.mil.

Added Member Benefit

Extend benefits to surviving spouses: How can my spouse keep AOG benefits after I am gone? It is now easy and inexpensive ifyou are an AOG Life Member. An extra $100 added to current life membership fees will secure spouses entitlement to benefits (programs, fees and publications) after the members death. Ifyou are already a Life Member, you can add this option at any time. Contact don.mccarthy@usafa.af.mil or watch for a mailing with information to sign up. Spouses ofLifetime Members are often disappointed

to learn that membership benefits are not transferred, but you can now keep them connected to your AOG family. Note: Voting is not a benefit ofmembership (it is a privilege) and would not be transferred to widow(er)s under this program.

Merchandise Pricing Changes

No longer non-member prices: To simplify the pricing ofAOG merchandise and to continue to provide value in membership, we have eliminated member/non-member pricing in favor of a single price, but will restrict some merchandise to members only. Items that the AOG obtains from the Cadet Supply, (USAFAT-shirts and running suits) will now only be available to AOG members while

sabers continue to be restricted to Graduate members only. All other merchandise is available to non-members at no increase in price. Members continue to get reductions for reunion registration fees and access to certain member-only programs including the Career Transition opportunities (SACC, JSAJE, JSARDS, etc.). Log on to the web for current prices, specials and some class crested items or call Celeste to place orders at 719-472-0300.

Chapter Support

Lending a hand: The local Rampart Chapter of the AOG continues to play a key role in the Bed and Breakfast Program and as meeters and greeters at both the airport and Doolittle Hall during inprocessing. Thanks!!

Explore the world with other service academy alumni.

Travel with those who know what it is to serve and share new experiences together. Join our new program and enjoy the benefits of group travel with us; complete pre-departure service and a program that combines a great and unique itinerary with great staff and service every step of the way.

Mandarin China (April 25- May 12, 2003) An amazing nineteen dayjourney into the heart ofChina, featuring a five dayYangtze River cruise through the incomparable Three Gorges, plus extensive visits to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and more. See the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Temple ofHeaven, Terra Cotta Warriors and all the relics and treasures ofChinas rich History. The dam is completed and will open in June 2003- this is the last chance to see China before its face is changed forever. 19 days/$5195 including air from west coast/Gohagan & Company

Alumni College in Provence (2 weeks to choose from June 16- 24, 2003 AND June 23- July 1, 2003) Unpack once and explore the beauty of France and its history, culture and food. A week in Aix-en-Provence, with day trips to many surrounding areas. See Cassis, Arles, and Avignon, with its Palace of the Popes, plus many of the surrounding villages with their chateaux, vineyards and Roman ruins. 9 days ($2495 including air from NY)/ Alumni Holidays

Alumni College in Sorrento (2 weeks to choose from October 21-29 AND October 29- November 5, 2003) See the best part of Italy after the heat and crowds of summer are gone. Stay in Sorrento at the Ambassiatore Hotel, with its stunning cliffviews, and then venture out to Naples, Amalfi, the Isle ofCapri and Pompeii to see the ruins. Travel the fabled Amalfi Coast with its charming seaside villages including Positano and more. 9 days/($2495 include, air (NY)/Alumni Holidays

Alaska’s Inside Passage (July 26-August 2, 2003) The Yorktown Clipper brings small ship elegance to an area you’ve always wanted to see up close. Visit Tracy Arm, Sawyer Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka, Petersburg, Misty Fjords and Ketchikan. With two options; the cruise portion to explore by sea, or add the Denali pre-cruise extension to see Alaska by both sea and land. 8 days/from $2460 plus air/Clipper Cruises.

***Please note prices and dates are tentative, please see brochure for final information

Chapter News

Outlook

Alamo Chapter (TX)

The Sept. Friday Night Fling (FNF) will be at Retama Park watching the horses run. We will be kicking off the Oct. FNF at the Blue Star Brewery before enjoying First Friday Art Night downtown. Also, our chapter is looking to make a strong showing at this year’s TriAcademy Golf Tournament. Academy grads gather every fall at the Ft. Sam Houston golf course to battle it out on the links. Les Hobgood, ’61, is making the arrangements for the Air Force’s foursomes for the tournament on Saturday, 12 Oct.

The 12th man is alive and well in South Texas! Our graduates have plans to get together for at least two televised Academy football games. Larry Romo, ’78, is hosting an event for the Notre Dame game and grads are invited to the Auger Inn at Randolph AFB for the CSU game. Go Falcons!

The chapter has a busy schedule so please check our website for the latest details! www. texascomputerhelp.com/aog.htm

Arizona Chapter (AZ)

The UNLV football game is in Las Vegas on 16 Nov. If there is enough interest we will have a tailgate in Las Vegas with the local grads. Please let Tim Furst, ’78, know if you are interested at 480-705-3845 or tfurst@sprintmail.com.

Also, the Super Bowl party will be hosted by Jack, ’68, and Kitty Frost. The party will begin an hour before kickoff to enjoy all the pre-game hype and plenty of time for pregame eating and drinking rituals. The address is 9412 N. Longfeather in Fountain Hills 480-816-6172.

Baltimore Chapter (MD)

Our chapter is just beginning to form. If you live in the Maryland area and are interested in joining us for fellowship, contact Jeff Kubik, ’93, at 410-519-4904, jkubik@cablespeed. com for more information. There are many opportunities for folks to join in the planning and organization, and there are chapter officer positions available for enthusiastic members. The first planning meeting will be held in late Aug. Our first event will be the Air Force vs. Army football game in Nov. Check out www.usafagraduates.org for information.

Capital Chapter (VA, DC, MD)

After hosting a last-year’s post-game tailgate for over 800 people at the Air Force—Navy game in Wash., D.C. at FedEx Field, the chapter is anxious to begin preparations for this year’s Army game at West Point on 9 Nov. As in past years, the chapter will charter a commercial bus for alumni to make the short journey up 1-95. Upon arriving in New York, alumni will stay in a hotel the night before the game and then travel to West Point to rendezvous with the New York Chapter and USAFA Parents’ Association prior to kickoff. More information will become available as we approach football season.

Mid-Atlantic Chapter (PA, NJ, DE)

Our chapter will have a golf outing on 24 Aug. at Beckett Golf Course in Swedesboro, NJ. The next chapter Administrative Meeting will be held on 14 Sep. in conjunction with the Willow Grove NAS Airshow. Check out www.usafagraduates.org for information.

Montgomery Chapter (AL)

In the near future, we will have a meeting to put a plan together for fall activities, as well as posture the chapter to hold its first elections in Sep. We are currently accepting applications for membership, so we encourage anyone who would like to become a member ofthe chapter to contact us at www.usafagraduates.org.

North Texas Association (TX)

For those not members of our Association and living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, please join us in membership. We plan a day at Ranger Stadium late this summer, and a fall BBQ to watch Falcon Football. Go Air Force!

Northern California Chapter (CA)

Our chapter will get together again with an AOG Barbeque and Sports Day on 7 Sep. at the Moraga Country Club. This event will be a day of golf, tennis, hiking, swimming and conversation for the entire family hosred by club member, Jim Fleming, ’64. On 21 Sep., everyone is looking forward to an Air Force pre-game party and USAFA vs. UC Berkeley football game in Berkeley. We are also planning a potluck and get together for the USNA game as well as the West Point game. If you are new to the Northern California Area or would like more information, please contact Susan Healy Feland, ’93, at 650-851-5368.

Omaha Chapter (NE)

Our chapter is planning its initial planning meeting in the Omaha area during the weekend of Sep 21-22. If you are interested in joining/helping, please check out our web page at www.usafagraduates.org.

Piedmont Chapter (NC)

The Piedmont Chapter has been created! The chapter includes members from the seven county area surrounding Charlotte, NC, and the upstate counties ofS. Carolina. Our initial group offive began meeting last year for lunch and quickly recruited over 21 members. The chapter currently meets for lunch on the first Tuesday of each month. Upcoming chapter activities will include hosting future cadets from the area in a question and answer session. We invite any USAFA graduates living in or near Charlotte to contact Trip Ashe, ’86, at jbashe@vnet.net.

Puget Sound Chapter (WA)

In Aug., our annual Sea Fair party will be held at John Banbury’s, ’69, and later in the fall the annual Joint Services Academy Dinner will be hosted by one of our fellow service academy alumnus groups. Look out for mailers in the near future. Don’t forget to check out our web site at home.attbi.com/-ketone64/PSAOG_ Website.htm. If you’re interested in joining us please contact Brian DeLuca at 206-527-2218 or Joe Cavazzini at 425-742-7630.

Southwest Ohio Chapter (OH)

With the coming football season, we invite more grads and friends to join us in the Wings Lounge in the Officers Club for satellite feeds of Falcon football. We are in the initial stages ofplanning a State of the Wing dinner with a senior AFA staff speaker.

Three Rivers Chapter (PA)

Our new chapter will have its next meeting on 19 Sep. at 6:00pm at Gaetano’s Restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA.

Chapter Goals

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1. Celebrate Academy Heritage

2. Keep abreast of Air Force and USAFA topics

3. Keep the local community abreast of USAFA topics

4. Provide graduates networking opportunities

5. Interact with other service academy graduates

6. Give back to the community

7. Support the needs and objectives of the Academy

8. Assist Liaison Officers and recruit qualified candidates

9. Assist Parents’ Clubs/Cadets

GOAL 1

Celebrate Academy Heritage

Capital Chapter (VA, DC, MD) - There has been a concerted effort with the Virginia DMV to create a USAFA license plate for alumni living in Virginia. Those alumni interested in a USAFA license plate should contact Marty Marcolongo at martin.marcol ongo@usafa.af.mil to submit an application.

GOAL 2

Keep abreast of Air Force and USAFA topics

Space Chapter -The Chapter website, usafaspace.tripod.com, now has a message board/forum where members are posting information about USAF space activities. The interactive nature ofthe site makes it a great place to keep up to date and exchange views.

Montgomery Chapter (AL) - Our chapter had a very successful dinner with the Comm, of Cadets, BGen. S. Taco Gilbert, ’78, 24 Apr. We had over 50 graduates and guests in attendance, and were treated to a superb “Academy Update.” We even had one appointee who hadn’t yet accepted, and persuaded him to head to the Zoo this summer.

Northwest Florida Chapter (FL) - The USAFA Dean, BGen. Dave Wagie, ’75, and several academy faculty members made visits to Eglin and Hurlburt to get feedback from base leaders and grads on how well prepared the individuals are from the course of study. In addition to the active duty members, the General gave a briefing to the chapter and fielded the ever present concerns with the Honor Code and recent negative publicity about the Academy. An important Change ofCommand occurred in the AF Special Operations Command at Hurlburt

with Col. Frank Kisner, ’80 taking charge of the largest Special Ops Wing-the 16th Special Operations Wing-in the USAF from a recent BGen. selectee, Col. Lyle Koenig, ’78.

Piedmont Chapter (NC) - We celebrated the founding of our chapter on 6 Jun., at a local restaurant and were fortunate to have as a speaker Col. Mark Hyatt, ’74, of USAFA’s Center for Character Development. Col. Hyatt provided our Chapter with an update regarding the state of USAFA discussing overall statistics regarding the Cadet Wing and the direction of USAFA.

Capital Chapter (VA, DC, MD) - The chapter sponsored a luncheon with LGen. Charles Wald, the DCS of Air and Space Operations. The General briefed the attendees on his experience as the Air Component Commander for Operation Enduring Freedom. Over 45 members and guests attended.

GOAL 3

Keep the local community abreast of USAFA topics

Space Chapter - President Stan Rosen, ’69, has been asked to join the Board of Advisors of the National Space Science and Technology Institute in the Springs, to help them maintain contact with the Space Chapter, the AOG, and the Academy. As mentioned in prior reports, they are developing plans for an infrared observatory on Pikes Peak and a Space Journey Exploration Center in Colorado Springs.

Capital Chapter (VA, DC, MD) - The Capital Chapter, in conjunction with the Pentagon USAFA Liaison Office, sponsored the Academy football team in its annual trip to DC. President Bush presented the seniors with the Commander-In-Chief’s trophy in the Rose Garden. During their tenure, this group of seniors never lost to Army or Navy. Members of the chapter transported the trophy for the team during their stay to accommodate the White House visit and a luncheon in their honor with members ofCongress on Capitol Hill.

GOAL 4

Provide graduates networking opportunities

Alamo Chapter (TX) - BANG! The San Antonio Business And Networking Group is up and running! This group’s luncheons are currently held the fourth Wed of every month. Graduates from all three service academies have participated and it is a worthwhile event for anyone. Speakers are often invited and it gives grads the opportunity to network, interact socially, and meet new people. Thanks to Mike Nishimuta, ’73, for all the hard work he has put into this group!

Puget Sound Chapter (WA) - The chapter continues to participate in Joint Service Academy Alumni Breakfasts. It’s a great

opportunity to network, hear an outstanding speaker, and find out what other grads are doing in the business world. Ifyou’re interested in attending future functions, contact Larry Graham, ’87 at 206-381-3304.

Space Chapter - Our chapter has a networking chat room on the website at usafaspace.tripod,com/.

GOAL 5

Interact with other service academy graduates

Alamo Chapter (TX) - The Alamo Chapter Board of Directors, led by president MGen. Sandy Sandstrom, ’71, is making plans and taking names. Two of our youngest grads, Asa Christensen and Kristy Hayes, both, ’01 were Picnic CINC’s for our annual DayAt The Lake held at the Randolph AFB Recreation Area at Canyon Lake. Many new faces joined us for the three B’s, BBQ, beverages and boating. The first Saturday in June proved to be a beautiful day at the lake. In July, we spent our first Friday Night Fling (FNF) of the summer watching the local professional baseball team, the San Antonio Missions.

Arizona Chapter (AZ) - Our chapter wants to thank Ron, ’71, and Barb Marusiak for hosting the chapter’s annual July 4th festivities. This annual event is always a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. Thanks to everyone who made this a fun and memorable event.

Capital Chapter (VA, DC, MD) - The Chapter hosted a Golf Tournament on 24 Apr. at Andrews AFB, MD. Over 70 alumni and guests attended the outing. The event was an overwhelming success with the Class of 1966 being the best represented with 11 members on hand. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Ryan, ’65, was a special guest. There are plans in the works to host another golfing event at Andrews in the fall.

Mid-Atlantic Chapter (PA, NJ, DE) - President Ray Harris, ’80, hosted a successful Family Picnic in July at his home in Downingtown, PA.

Northern California Chapter (CA) - The Northern California Chapter kicked off the year with participation in an all-services golf tournament, a Friday night happy hour in Palo Alto, and a picnic at the Moffett Field Airshow in July.

North Texas Association (TX) - On 23 Jun. we fielded a championship softball team to compete against the Army and Navy teams in the Annual Tri-Service Softball Tournament. So confident of victory, the “Sky Blue” contingent graciously offered players to the other teams to ensure they were fully manned. The day ended with the Air Force a comfortable victor. The weather was great, the company fantastic, and the results aligned with this year’s CINC Trophy recipient. C>

Air Force wins again! Our Air Force golf team of Dave Stonehouse, ’73, Jason Gooch ’95, Larry Engleson, ’76, and Dave Bauer, ’69, came away with the spoils ofvictory. The team posted an eleven under which was two strokes better than the next team (which happened to be Air Force in origin). It was a fun day, with great camaraderie, and it bodes well for the much anticipated Fall Tournament.

Puget Sound Chapter (WA) - We dusted off our chardonnay and cabernet glasses with another great wine tour of Washington vineyards in June. Once again our chapter president Brian DeLuca, ’67, and resident wine connoisseur Stan Clarke, ’72, organized a tour of the Yakima Valley wine country. Stan hosted a lucky group of chapter members, spouses, and friends for a personal “insiders” tour ofthe wine country of Central Washington. Stan is well known and respected in the industry as a journalist and winemaker. Cheers everyone!

Twin Cities Chapter (MN) - This chapter is off and running with 50 members. They represented USAFA well in the Joint Service Academy Golfday on 19 Jul.

GOAL 6

Give back to the community

Alamo Chapter (TX) - Our chapter is actively involved with community service.

New Chapters

Reachfor Tomorrow is an ongoing mentoring program reaching out to area youth through positive role models. Mike Nishimuta, ’73, has more information on our website at www.texascomputerhelp.com/ aog.htm. They are always in need and looking for more volunteers for this rewarding program! Kay Grosinske, ’82, is coordinating with Habitat for Humanity to schedule a project for September (tentatively the 21 st).

Southwest Ohio Chapter (OH) - This Chapter held their Second Annual USAFA Grads and Friends Golf Tournament on 16 Aug. at the Wright-Patterson AFB Prairie Trace Golf Course. Under the Chairmanship of LGen. Charlie Coolidge, ’68, AFMC/CV, proceeds were distributed to support the junior officer program at WPAFB.

GOAL 7

Support the needs and objectives of the Academy

Space Chapter - This chapter recently received feedback from USAFA faculty that information posted on the chapter web site is going to be used to support the Space Operations major.

GOAL 8

Assist Liaison Officers and recruit qualified candidates

Alamo Chapter (TX) - Chapter members are marking their calendars for the air show to be held on 3 Nov. at Lackland AFB. This gala event will complete a week long San Antonio salute to the military. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform at the show and the chapter is hoping to assist local liaison officers and recruiters.

GOAL 9

Assist parents' clubs/cadets

Alamo (TX) - During San Antonio’s Fiesta celebration, over a dozen local graduates gathered to support the Academy’s Drum and Bugle Corp., who were in town to perform of the Fiesta events. The cadets performed at the German hall, Mannecher Halle and later, enjoyed authentic German food and drink while they interacted with grads.

Space Chapter - This chapter is strengthening their contacts with the cadet leaders of the USAFA chapter of the National Space Society, to support their needs and interests.

Chapter Presidents

Alabama Montgomery Chapter - Steven L. Martinez, ’92; N. Central Alabama Chapter - RustyYerkes, ’96

Arizona Arizona Chapter - James Sienicki, ’74

Arkansas Little Rock Chapter - Dennis Thomas, ’70

California Northern California Chapter - BGen. (Ret.) James Martin ‘63; Orange Country Chapter - Ken Wentzel, ’64; San Diego County ChapterMichael Quinton, ’62

Colorado Rampart Chapter - A1 Blumburg, ’68

Florida Northwest Florida Chapter - Col. (Ret.) Robert Blake, ’59; Space Coast Chapter - David O’Brien, ’64; Tampa Chapter - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon, ’77

Illinois Chicago Chapter - Richard Kuk, ’93

Kansas Mid Continent Chapter - Raymond Kozak, ’83

Maryland Baltimore Chapter - JeffKubik, ’93

Massachusetts New England Chapter - Col. David Chaffee, ’77

Michigan Motor City Chapter - DuffSmiley, ’70

Minnesota Twin Cities Chapter - Steve Gorowsky, ’95 Missouri St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter - Shea Long, ’88

New Mexico New Mexico Chapter - Lt. Col. (Ret.) GaryNordyke, ’68

NewYork Greater New York Chapter - Michael Galbreath, ’64

North CarolinaAFA Society ofNorth Carolina - Lt. Col. Glenn Seitchek, ’83; Piedmont Chapter - Jesse Ashe, ’86

North Dakota Minot Chapter - Paul Monaghan, ’99

Ohio Cincinnati Chapter Todd Wilkowski, ’89

Southwest Ohio Chapter MGen. Ed Mechenbier, ’64

NEW CHAPTERS

IN 2002

The AOG is moving fast to start new chapters. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to “get connected.” Ifyou can help get a chapter started, please contact us at chapters@aogusafa.org.

Pennsylvania Mid-Atlantic Chapter - Ray Harris, ’70; Three Rivers Chapter - John Foreman, ’73

South Carolina Swamp Fox Chapter - Col. (Ret.)

Richard Hayes, ’73

SpaceSpace Chapter - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stan Rosen, ’69

Tennessee Mid South Chapter - Bradley Ball, ’92; Middle Tennessee Chapter - Stewart Anderson, ’92

Texas Alamo Chapter - MGen. James E. Sandstrom, ’71; North Texas Chapter - Bob Pavelko, ’68; San Jacinto Chapter - Robert Mansfield, ’77

VirginiaHampton Roads Chapter - Col. (Ret.) Robin M Kozelka, ’59

Washington Puget Sound Chapter - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian DeLuca, ’67

Washington DCAFA Society ofWash. DC - Col. (Ret.) Gordy Kage, ’71; Capital Chapter - MGen. Mike Gould, ’76

Service Academy

m

Career Conference

NOVEMBER 14-15, 2002

DALLAS, TEXAS

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 14, 2002

Friday,

pm

What is SACC?

The SACCis the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. MilitaryAcademy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast GuardAcademy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds ofcompanies and thousands of alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

The next &4CCwill be held at the Hyatt Regency DFW, inside Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, TX. You may obtain a room for the SACC rate, if available. Call (972) 453-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels available in the area or stay with classmates or family.

Registration Fee

The SACC Candidate registration fee is $35 and may be paid by check or credit card. Please mail the attached registration with form ofpayment and two copies ofyour resume— resumes must be one page/one sided and on plain copy paper. Please mail your registration, or email to: sacc@usna.com.

Please do not fax-we need a nice, clean copy ofyour resume. Registration deadline November 1, 2002.

SACC Hotel Information

Saturday, November 16, 2002

Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC.

If you have any questions, please contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

NAME (for name tag, no ranks):

ADDRESS:

The Hyatt Regency DFW Inside DFW Airport Dallas, TX 75261-9014

972-453-1234

Washington DC April 24-25, 2003

SACC Candidate Registration Form (Dallas, TX.)

USAFA CLASS:

PHONE (Home): (Work): (E-mail):

RESUME CATEGORY: (from web site at www.aog-usafa.org/SACC_Registration.htm)

Will you attend the free Interview Prep Seminar? Yes No

Please include: Registration Form Fee $35 Resumes (two hard copies)

Mail to: SACC 247

Cadet Running Suits

Cadet issue item. Available in two styles. S - XXL (Sizes run large) Available to members only.

Dark blue with reflective strips

Jackets $80.00

Pants $48.00

Light blue with reflective strips

Jackets $ 47.00

Pants $25.00

Sets $67.00

Crew Sweatshirts

Crewneck sweatshirt. Features “Air Force” applique with “Academy” embroidered beneath. Available in Blue or Gray.

S-XL $29.00

Hooded Zip Sweats

Hooded sweatshirt with pockets. Full length zipper. Features “Air Force” applique with "Academy” embroidered beneath. Available in Blue or Gray.

S-XL $33.00

Cadet Sweat Suits. T-Shirts & Shorts

Cadet issue items. Oversized to accommodate shrinkage. Available to members only.

Tops (S-XXL) $37.00

Pants (S-XXL) $24.50

Set (S-XXL) $58.00

T-Shirt (S-XXL) $10.00

Shorts (S-XXL) $15.00

Blankets

Stadium blanket. “Air Force Academy” and the Academy crest screened on.

Available in blue or gray.

54” x 84” $21.00

Glassware

Ceramic Mug, Coasters

12

Pegasus coasters Terra Cotta and blue. Water absorbent.

Set of four $25.00

Leather coasters in tin case.

Three with AOG

Set

and three with USAFA

Saber

License Plate Frames

Three styles from which to choose.

FALCONS - Blue lettering on a white background

ALUMNI - Blue lettering on a white background

PARENT - Blue lettering on a white background

Each frame $ 6.00

Any two frames... $ 10.00

Plaques

Marble plaque

Etched falcon on white marble $70.00

Wooden chapel plaque $ 17.00

Walnut plaque Laser engraved of the cadet area. Can be purchased with or without a plate suitable for engraving. $ 110.00

Books and Videos

Into the Mouth of the Cat* The story of Lance Sijan, ’65

The Rescue of BAT 21 Autographed by Grad, author Darrel Whitcomb, ’69

The Iskra Incident Autographed by Grad, author Jimmie Butler, '63

Red Lightning, Black Thunder Autographed by Grad, author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Separated by War Autographed by Grad, author Ed Herlik, '80

Modernism at Mid Century History of the architecture of USAFA

Courage and Air Warfare* Autographed by Grad, author Mark Wells, ’75

Courage and Air Warfare Autographed by Grad author Mark Wells, ’75

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat* Autographed by Grad author Don Hall, ’76

A Certain Brotherhood* Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Honor Bound Autographed by one of the authors

Return With Honor (Video) Documentary of the experiences of POWs in Vietnam (DVD)

Spirit and Flight A photographic salute to the USAF Academy. Over 150 color photographs. Sponsored by the AOG. By Elizabeth Gill Lui

(* Paperback)

Class Notebooks

Two-tone gray suede cover, junior legal size (6” x 9”), with class crest embossed on front and class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available for the following classes only.

’91

$ 4.00

...Item #0341 $ 27.95

...Item #0342 $19.95

...Item #0344 $21.95

...Item #0345 $24.95

...Item #0347 $50.00

...Item #0348 $22.00

...Item #0349 $49.50

...Item #0350 $10.00

...Item #0352 $10.00

...Item #0354 $38.95

...Item #0510 $19.00

...Item #0515 $24.00

...Item #0351 $40.00

AOG Accessories & Other Items

DECALS

Class crests on a window decal (self-adhesive to inside of glass) for all years through ’03. Specify class year.

HONOR MEDALLION

A 2 1/2” diameter brass medallion with the Honor Code on one side and Prop & Wings on the other. Honor Medallion

$12.00

BLAZER PATCHES

Pin-back patch embroidered with appropriate crest. AOG

KEYCHAINS

Blue keychain with silver AOG crest..

SQUADRON PINS

Pins match patches currently used by squadrons (Please specify squadron)

MAGNETS

UMBRELLA

Alternating blue & white panels, AOG crest on white panels.

SWEATERS

Blue and white, 80% 0rlon/20% wool crew neck. “Falcons”

SM-XLG

NOTECARDS

Doolittle Hall Notecards (6” x 4.5”)

Set of 10 with envelopes

Falcon Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

Phoenix Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

JEWELRY

Sterling Silver AOG Charm

Sterling Silver AOG Tie Tack

Prop & Wings

Silver and gold colored

HATS

#0070 $ 4.00

Item #0501 $ 3.00

AOG or USAFA. Blue, silver, gold or red.

Class Crested Merchandise

Item #0150 $21.00

...Item #0503 $ 5.00

...Item #0506 $15.00

...Item #0506 $15.00

...Item #0430 $24.00

Item #0431 $24.00

...Item #0432 $ 9.00

AFA hat w/class year. Navy blue w/embroidered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year.

Adjustable leather strap for size

AOG hat. Navy blue with brown bill.

Adjustable strap for fit

Item #0310 $18.00

Item #0311 $16.00

The AOG has obtained excess merchandise from the Visitors Center that remained from recent graduating classes and reunions.

Items are in limited quantities, sizes and colors and availability varies from class to class and includes: sweatshirts, clipperjackets, T-shirts, buttons, etc.

This merchandise is only available for the following classes:

’68 ’69 ’73 ’74 ’78 ’79 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ‘01

The AOG also has Class decals for all classes; AFA hats with class year embroidered (except '66, '69, ’71, ’76, ’80, and ’81); and embossed notebooks (for ’66, ’91-’95, ’97-’01, '03 only)

Partial listing of available class crested items can be found on AOG web page under “merchandise/special sale items.” You can also email Celeste at merchandise@aog-usafa.org or call (719) 472-0300, ext. 521.

AOG

Holiday Ornaments

The 2002 Holiday Ornament is now available. This year’s offering has a glider soaring through the clouds in front of majestic snow-capped mountains topped by Polaris. The inscription on the glider reads “AFA 02” to denote the year of issue.

1999 and newer ornaments-$23.00 each plus S&H

1998 and older ornaments-$20.00 each plus S&H

Greatfor collecting or giving

97

Don’t miss this opportunity to add to your collection. Call the AOG at 719-472-0300.

The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members ofthe Service Academy Alumni Associations who wish to have their civilian positions listed in the publication. Indexed by geographical area, industry, company name, graduate last name and class year, the directory contains entries ofapproximately 18,000 graduates in business across the country and worldwide. Born from the belief that the Associations ofGraduates 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.

Please send copies of the 2002 SABRD at $40.00 each (plus $8.95 shipping and handling, $48.95 total ea.)

Please use this address in the AOG Database:

Your United States Air Force Academy Gift Ring

Your newgiftring is exclusive and unmistakable. Designedespeciallyfor those women who providesupportfor the Academy and its cadets - mothers, wives ofalumni and others - the ringeasily and quickly identifies the wearer as a friendof USAFA. We trust that this ring, and the mensgiftring still in production, willbecome a touchstone of commonground Wearing the USAFAgiftring is a way to carry the value andprideof the

White Gold

Each Ring is custom made-to-order and personalized in elegant script (see inset for example).

Available in your choice of 14K or 18K yellow or w hite gold. Each ring is customized w ith your choice of graduation year. Precision sculptured detail achieved through “lost-wax” casting. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Jostens also backs each ring with a lifetime warranty for resizing, refinishing and cleaning.

Phone toll-free: 1 - 800 - 852-9353

The Contenders

Story and photo by Tech. Sgt. Ken Wright (AFNEWS)

Out-sized, out-numbered and sometimes out-skilled. That seems to be the story ofthe Air Force Academy Falcons football team each year. It faces a perennial uphill battle against NCAA Division I teams that boast rosters bulging with NFL prospects who promise to make every match a fight to the bloody end.

But for the past two decades game after game, season after season the “Blue and Silver” have stepped onto the gridiron and done what they do best: Out-fight, out-wit and out-score most of their opponents. And they do it as a team.

Taking this crop ofself-confident young men and molding them into a team is the responsibility of a coaching staffheaded by Fisher DeBerry, the academy’s winningest coach with 141 victories. With 40 years of coaching football under his cap 18 as the Falcons’ head coach DeBerry finds a way nearly every year to take players who are, on average, smaller and less talented than their counterparts and develop them into a cohesive team. A team that not only competes in a conference with the likes of Utah’s Brigham Young University, but on occasion delivers NCAA-grade “smack-downs” to their overgrown opponents.

DeBerry feels his team possesses certain intangibles that make all the difference when facing teams that, on paper, are more likely to win. “We want to be a team. Not groups of great players here and there, without real consistency,” DeBerry said. “We’re a disciplined, organized and close team.” Many times those traits can offset what the team lacks in size or skill against its opponents, said the recent South Carolina Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

A sign of this is reflected in the Falcons’ 2001 motto, “Champions through Brotherhood.” Although 2001 wasn’t the championship season the Falcons had hoped for, the team managed to finish with a respectable

6-6 overall record. That included all-important victories over Army and Navy that kept the commander-inchief’s trophy at home in Colorado Springs, Colo.

With the possible exception ofthe players, no one was less pleased by the break-even season than DeBerry and his coaches. However, the returning players and staff are determined to make 2002 a more impressive season. “Not liking the way the season went last year, not being in a bowl game, [the players] have really worked hard in the off-season,” DeBerry said. “Some people may feel last year was a pretty good season, but we don’t look at it that way.” The coach said unless the Falcons are contending for the conference championship, winning the commander-in-chief’s trophy and going to a bowl game every year, “we’re not satisfied.”

As the Falcons head into their 46th season, they face the daunting task of taking on some serious bruisers. But they take on these teams by focusing on the task at hand. “Our preparation for an Oklahoma [game] isn’t a lot different than that for a Wyoming [game],” DeBerry said. “We try to approach our season as a one-game season. In that, every game is the most important game we’ll play.”

Other than the spectacular view from Falcon Stadium, one of the things that makes watching Air Force football so exciting is the Falcons have a chance of beating virtually any opponent they face. Sure, the Vegas odds may be overwhelmingly against them whooping up on a powerhouse like Notre Dame, but fans have seen them beat those odds again and again. In fact, the Falcons have compiled a long list of accomplishments that reflect just who they are as a team and what they can achieve. They’ve been to three post-season bowl games in the past five years. They’ve also had 14 All-Americans in the last 18 seasons, 13 NCAA postgraduate scholarship winners, seven NFL draft picks and 13 commander- in-chief’s trophy titles. The list of achievements goes on and chronicles a long history of teams that played courageously against opponents of greater physical strength.

Returning to the team this year are 10 starters from last year’s team. Senior halfback/kick returner Leotis Palmer who can scoot like a scalded dog when given an opening—earned three “lunch pail” awards during spring practices. The award is given to the hardest worker at each of the team’s 15 practices.

Palmer’s speed, combined with the running offellow halfback Anthony Butler and fullback Dan Shaffer, could create a Falcon rushing game that spells trouble for any defense that doesn’t keep the lanes tightly closed.

Ifthere’s a gaping hole in the Falcon game, it’s the apparent inability to kick a field goal. Kickers combined for a painful-to-witness 0-5 effort duringApril’s BlueSilver scrimmage. Ifby the start ofthe season the pigskin doesn’t begin to vector between the goal posts, the twopoint conversion is sure to become an Air Force favorite.

At quarterback the Falcons will be led by junior Chance Harridge a disciplined, mature player who works hard, and, according to DeBerry, has leadership skills “as good as any quarterback we’ve ever had.” Those skills will be tested Aug. 31 when the Falcons launch their season against the Northwestern University Wildcats at home.

The Falcon defense will have a little further to go this year to prepare for the season. With an entirely new front, there’s somewhat of a learning curve to overcome before the Falcons clash with Northwestern, DeBerry said. However, with the return ofsophomore inside linebacker Anthony Schlegel—who last year averaged nine tackles per game, including a game-saving smash that hammered the final nail into Utah’s coffin with two seconds left in the 2001 season things don’t look all bad on defense.

With Schlegel and the addition of standout freshman linebacker Trevor Hightower, it’s safe to say that opposing runners who choose to cross the line of scrimmage do so at their own peril. Those who watch Falcon football can decide for themselves who the stars are and who might be Air Force’s eighth NFL draft pick. But if they ask DeBerry where the most potential is, they might want to find a comfortable chair. His reply won’t be a quick one.

“Mayo and Crowley create depth for us. Overstreet has a good chance to be as good a player as any who has come out of here,” DeBerry said. “Duncan is strong. Mark Marsh has a tremendous competitiveness about him. [We have] good young linebackers

Schlegel, Hightower, Rezinski, Smith and Hodge. Chance is a good leader and can run.”

DeBerry knows every name. As he rattles off names, it’s easy to see in his gaze with each name he’s visualizing a play the person impressed him with. “We have agood foundation, and if the foundation puts the team first, we have a chance for a great season,” he said.

That’s his gameplan. And that’s a good thing. Since taking charge of the team in 1984, his way has been a winning way. With a 141-78-1 record and a strategy that has kept the commander-in-chief’s trophy at the academy for so long it now claims Colorado as its legal state ofresidence—it’s hard to argue with him. Rl

Air Force Golfer a Finalist for Byron Nelson Award

The Golf

Coaches Association ofAmerica (GCAA) named Academygolfer Ben Leestma, ’02 one offive finalists for the inaugural Byron Nelson Award award.

Leestma is a two-time academic all-conference honoree and was named to the all-league team this year after posting a 72.8 stroke average over 36 rounds ofplay. He was selected to play as an individual at the 2002 NCAA West Regional in Albuquerque, N.M., where he finished tied for 82nd.

The award is for a senior men’s college golfer who displays excellence on the golf course, in the classroom and in the community. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be named to the Cleveland GolfAll-America Scholar Team by the GCAA, be a senior at a four-year degree-granting institution and graduate in the semester he receives the award. A nominee’s proficiency in collegiate golf competitions, his success in the classroom and his character are all weighed equally by the selection committee. S

Most Valuable Athletes

2d Lt. Brian C. Gornick, *02

Most ValuableAthleteAward

(Male):

2Lt. Brian c. Gornick, hockey/baseball, has a 3.92 grade-point average as an operations research major. He was named the College Hockey America Student-Athlete ofthe Year and was the preseason selection for CHA Player ofthe Year. Gornick earned an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and was also named to the Verizon Academic All-District VII team. He is on the national ballot for Verizon Academic All-American honors. Gornick scored 11 points in an injury-shortened hockey season of 19 games as a senior. He finished his career ranked 33rd on the Air Force career scoring list with 103 points. Gornick earned seven letters at the Academy, four in hockey and three in baseball. He led the baseball team in home runs in conference games as a sophomore. He missed the 2001 (junior) baseball season after having double shoulder surgery due to various hockey injuries, and saw limited action this year. Gornick was equally impressive in the Wing. He was the group commander, responsible for more than 1,000 cadets during his senior season. He also served as the Academic NCO in his squadron. B

C1C Sarah Law, ’03

Most ValuableAthleteAward (Female): cic Sarah M. Law, swimming, capped her brilliant career by winning the oneand three-meter diving titles at the 2002 Mountain West Conference Swimming and Diving Championships. Law, who was also named the Diver ofthe Year, is a repeat winner in the one-meter. The four-time conference diving champion was also awarded with the conference’s senior recognition award for excellence in and out ofthe pool. H

SCORECARD

Lindeman Nominated To Coach On Olympic Staff

head track coach Ralph Lindeman has been nominated by USA Track and Field to serve on the coaching staff for the USA men’s team at the 2004 Olympics to be held in Athens, Greece. The nomination is subject to United State Olympic Committee approval.

Lindeman, who is beginning his 14th season as the Falcons coach, will coach the athletes competing in the long and triple jump, the pole vault and the high jump and decathlon.

Lindeman previously served as the head coach of the USA men’s track team for the Pan Am Games in 1999 in Winnipeg, Canada and the World University games in 2001 in Bejing, China.

“I believe my nomination is just a reflection of the level ofexcellence that we have here at the Air Force Academy,” said Lindeman. “Of course I am excited about the nomination and look forward to working with the entire staff to make the USA team the best it can be.”

George Williams was nominated by USA Track and Field to serve as the head coach. Once approved by the USOC, Williams, and the Team USA staffwill guide the World’s #1 Track & Field Team at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. In Olympic competition, Team USA has won 297 gold medals and 688 medals overall. S

Old Timers Weekend A Success

by Bill Maggio, ’71

The baseball

team alumni weekend was a huge success thanks to the gracious hospitality of the varsity team and Coach Reed Peters. In addition to watching the varsity team beat San Diego State University three games, 28 alumni from the classes of ‘64 thru ’01 enjoyed golf at Pine Creek Golf Course, a casual social at Gregg Harris’, ’88, home on Friday and an oldtimers game following the varsity game on Saturday.

That evening, the varsity players and coaches at their end of season banquet held at the Cactus Rose Restaurant hosted the alumni.

Former head coach, Joe Robison, threw out the first pitch after a brief introduction of the grads before the noon varsity game and was the keynote speaker at the banquet. Mike Kazlausky, ’94,

each won a home run derby. It was amazing how many balls still fly out of Falcon Field. Many thanks to Deke Winters, ’80, for organizing the affair along with help from Larry Farris,

and

the coaching staff at USAFA for their support and encouragement. The alumni had a great time playing against each other as well as swapping old stories. This annual event hopes to grow even more as word is spread among all of our former Falcon batsmen. For more information contact Deke Winters deaconwinters@msn.com. H

and Vern Mullis, ’94, with 5 taters

’75,

to

Miranda Retires After 25 Years

by Tim Mimick, The Gazette

After 25 years

-split into two stints-as the Air Force golfcoach, Gene Miranda retired this summer. In his place will be one ofhis best former players, George Koury, who was promoted in May after three years as Miranda’s assistant.

“I couldn’t stand the guilt anymore, so I had to retire,” Miranda said. “I had the best job in the Air Force long enough and I felt I should let someone else have the fun.”

The salute to Miranda by Air Force administrators, co-workers, family and former players began Friday, May 10th at Eisenhower Golf Course.

“I’ll find out the secrets they’ve been hiding from me all these years,” Miranda said.

Miranda arrived at Air Force as a 28-year-old in 1968 in charge ofthe junior varsity golf team. In 1971, he was promoted to golfcoach. As a tenured associate professor, he became the chiefofthe Physical Education Instruction Division. Besides golf, he also taught boxing, wrestling and self-defense courses. Among his credits are an instructional golfvideo and manual for players and teachers.

While serving in the Air Force, he was able to show why he won a golfletter as a San Francisco State freshman and became a three-time letterman at San Jose

State. He qualified for the Air Force world championships and inter-service championships.

“Now, I play like a senior coach,” he said.

During 1979-82, Air Force won 79-of-80 dual matches. His 1982 team went 25-0. He guided the 1972-83 teams to a 180-5 record in dual meets, which rarely are scheduled now due to NCAA restrictions.

When he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1983, he left as the Air Force coach for a job at Gleneagle Golf Course. Five years later, he returned to the Academy.

By 1990, he was coaching Koury. Koury’s game improved rapidly. He became-and still is-a scratch golfer. By his 1993 graduation, Koury was team captain, MYP and a Colorado Springs tournament champion.

After graduation, his six years of service took him to San Antonio and Japan. Koury returned to the Academy in 1999 as the assistant varsity coach and head coach of the junior varsity.

Miranda will serve as a volunteer coach for a while to ease the transition. Miranda also recently began helping another old friend by becoming the Woodmoor Pines Country Club director of golf and general manager.

As a Golf Coaches Association ofAmerica Hall of Fame inductee in 1998, Miranda was lauded for his tireless work. He just wanted to enhance his players’ chances of success. More importantly, he wanted them to represent Air Force appropriately.

“I always told my players a quote about how to behave,” Miranda said.

“The quote is, ‘People remember how you behave long after they forgot what you shot.’”

“We have other college players come up to my guys and say, ‘You guys are the best team we’ve played. You guys are gentlemen, you know how to act on a golf course, you don’t disrupt other players when you’re not playing your best.’ They carry that with them. They have class.” S

Northwestern Preparatory School |p

Located in Southern California

• Post High School Service Academy Preparation Exclusively

• Appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy and other U.S. Service Academies have been received by over 90 percent of our students.

• SAT / ACT Enhancement

• CFT Improvement

“When I learned I would not receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy, I was devastated. Butin retrospect, mypreparation at Northwestern Preparatory School allowed me to do that much better after I was accepted a year later. There is no doubt in my mind that NWP deserves a substantial amount ofcreditfor myperformance at theAcademy!”

Cadet First Class Charles Trickey

2002 Outstanding Cadet in Order of Graduation Award Winner

For more information, contact Suzanne Durbeck, Executive Director.

1-800-367-8839 / www.northwestemprep.com / E-mail: prepnwp@aol.com

Ralph Peter Hammerton, ’63

“He had fought for our country, but more importantly he fought to live as normally as he could in spite ofthe medical condition ofhis body.

Fewknewofhis struggles to do daily tasks that we so often take for granted. Yet for as long as he could, he continued to participate in an abundant life.” (From the eulogy deliveredbyJeremy]. Hammerton.)

Complications from diabetes claimed the life of Major (Retired) Ralph R “Pete” Hammerton on March 18,2002. A man ofunquestionable integrity, compassion and strength, Pete was a man dearly loved by his friends and eternally remembered by his family.

Having spent his youth in Royal Oak, Mich., and a year at the University of Michigan, Pete was appointed to the Academy in 1959.

Carryingwith him the ideals and lessons ofthe Academy, he was graduated in 1963 and went on to graduate school at Georgetown University where he earned a Master’s Degree in International Relations. Pete then began pilottraining, earning his wings and flying the F-100. Pete served a tour inVietnam and was later stationed at Lakenheath AFB, UK. Medically grounded in 1968, Pete was transferred to Langley AFB to serve several staff intelligence positions for HQ/TAC. As his medical condition continued to deteriorate, he was medically retired from the Air Force in 1979.

Hughes Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. was the next stop for Pete; there he spent time as a project engineer and production leader for the Maverick missile. A request to assist in the startup of a new manufacturing facility brought him to LaGrange, Ga. and eventually a return trip to Tucson, where he finally retired in 1997. During this period, Pete served on numerous community boards, giving tirelessly of himself to organizations such as the United Way, Boy Scouts, and Foster Parents. In addition, he spent much time as a Liaison Officer fostering interest in the Academy.

Retirement brought him full circle, back to the world of aircraft and flying. Pete found himselfimmersed in sailplanes with the Tucson Soaring Club and also sharing his knowledge and love offlying, serving as a docent for the Pima Air Museum and a tour guide at the AMARC facility, Davis-Monthan AFB.

Flying was Pete’s first love, but he was completely devoted to his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons JP (Kathy) and Jeremy, and his grandchildren, Katie and Jack (born on April 30). He was once quoted as saying that his sons were his favorite hobby, and that expression oflove and devotion carried on to his grandchildren in later years. After becoming a grandfather in May 2000, he could not fill his home with enough pictures of his Katie, and he always rejoiced in all of her young accomplishments.

Pete Hammerton was a father in the best sense of the word. Growing up, we don’t remember a ball game he didn’t attend, an event he didn’t help with, or a family commitment he missed. He challenged our intellects, tested our honor and stirred our pride. Through his marriage, he showed us how to be a good husband, and through his time with us, a devoted father. He will be forever loved and always missed. (In memory ofourfather, James P. Hammerton andJeremyJ. Hammerton.)

Hugh Carter Whatley, ’64

Hugh Carter Whatley passed away in his sleep early on the morning of Jan. 10, 2002, after a nearly five-year battle with ALS. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Family from

the Washington D.C. area, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as friends from his Academy days and Air Force and civilian careers attended the ceremony.

Carter grew up in Glendale, Ariz. where his parents imbued him with a love ofnature. Alongwith his older brotherJohnny, he assembled a small zoo in their backyard. By the time the two boys reached high school they had collected a flock of prizewinningracingpigeons, a familyof squirrels, a collection ofsnakes and other desert creatures and had even raised a pair ofbabyalligators to adolescence in their own bathtub. It’s no surprise then that in later life he became a dedicated bird watcher - a fitting hobby for a man who would spend his early career flying.

Carter also had a keen interest in public policy - from his international affairs studies at the Academy to his second career as a university professor. He came of age Hugh Watley durin8 the Cold War and 1116 Piv otal events of this long struggle served as mileposts ofhis career. His career began in the cockpit of an F4. By age 24 he was flying combat missions overVietnam. He served two additional combat tours in Southeast Asia before that conflict ended.

In 1980, Carter accepted one of the most memorable challenges of his career by becoming the commander of the American Element at the Berlin Air Safety Center (BASC). The years in Berlin were a special time for him and his family. His job required him to negotiate daily with his colleagues in the British, French, and Soviet militaries to ensure the safety of flights in and out ofWest Berlin. It provided fascinating opportunities to witness the effects ofthe ColdWar first hand - from the wall that divided the city to the Polish aircraft high-jacked to West Berlin in a desperate bid for freedom.

Following the assignment in Berlin, Carter’s career also took him to HQ Electronic Security Command and the 6960th Electronic Security Wing at KellyAFB, Texas; the 65th Air Division at SembachAB, Germany; and the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Ala. In 1991, he retired from the Air Force after 27 years of service.

Carter turned his interest in public affairs and his love of learning into a second career. At age 52 he earned his Doctorate from the University of Alabama. He and Jo returned to her native Texas, where Carter became a professor of political science and public administration at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. It was a perfect fit for him. The work and the relationships he developed with the faculty and students were truly rewarding. Having passed this interest down to his children, he led great discussions about current events during their visits and arranged for them to discuss their own international work as occasional guest lecturers to his classes. Corpus Christi was also an ideal place for Carter to pursue his bird watching, and he quickly became a fixture on area bird counts.

Though Carter was dedicated to his work, he was equally dedicated to his family. He met his wife, Jo, while in pilot training in Texas. They married in 1967 and raised two children together - Jennifer and Chris. Carter gave his children more than an interest in public policy, he gave them an example of a life well lived. He was a man of intelligence, integrity, common sense, and a mischievously dry sense of humor. He was also a quiet man who led not so much by his words as by his actions. In remembering Carter, Jo aptly described him as the “strong, calm center that we all revolved around.” (Submitted by Jennifer Whatley, his daughter.)

Ralph Hammerton

John “Jay" R. Terry, ’67

JayTerry passed away on the 24th ofJanuary after an illness. Never a man for pomp and circumstance, his wife and kids scattered his ashes per his wishes on the family farm where he planned to retire in Missouri. Jay is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lee; daughters Leah and Naomi, sons Travis and Dallas, and stepsons Russ and Erik Buckwalter.

J.D., as he was known to his classmates, while a veteran ofthe tour pad and the Dean’s “other” List, never came up short as a friend. He compiled the Cadet Wing’s most complete rock and roll collection, and his parents hosted an endless string of cadets’ girlfriends at their Colorado Springs home. After graduation, his eyes dictated Nav School, and he was subsequently assigned to Southeast Asia in 1968.

Flying the A-26 Invader with the 609th SOS at Nakon Phanom AB, Jay distinguished himself in combat, earning the Silver Star, two DFCs and 10 Air Medals. Panama was next, flying C-123s forthe 24th SOWat HowardAFB. Given the chance to go to UPT in ’72, he aced the course and got an F-4 assignment with the 9th TFS Iron Knights at Holloman AFB, N.M. After several Crested Cap deployments to Germany, and the wing’s wine and dive toss scandals, Jay moved back across the pond to Osan AB, Korea, for a year with the Flying Fiends of the 36th TFS.

On his return to the States in ’77, Jay transitioned to the A-10 Warthog at Myrtle Beach, S.C. I showed up at the Beach as a brand new First Lieutenant in June of 1979. I bumbled into the 355th TFS lounge during the Thunderbirds reception after their SunFun Weekend show, my brown bars having turned silver the day before. Out of the chaos came Jay Terry, my new Flight Commander. He immediately took me under his wing, introduced me to the family and squadron, fed me dinner, and started me out right. For the next two years, I was Jay’s “wingie”, and he taught me to be a fighter pilot.

Our paths parted for a few years, as Jay took his family to Ft. Lewis, Wash, in 1981, where he was an Air Liaison Officer for the Army’s 9th Infantry Division High Technology Test Bed. He used his air expertise to help turn the conceptual light division into the reality of the 7th, 9th, and 10th Infantry Divisions. After two years of driving dune buggies, ATVs, and the like at Yakima, it was back to the A-10 at England AFB, La. There, we met up again when I returned from Korea in 1985. Jay and Lee’s home served as the central receivingpoint for my 12 boxes of new stereo gear, ordered from the BX, and they put my wife and me up for several days until we found temporary housing downtown. We were now in different squadrons, but we soon moved in just a block away in base housing. We caught up on old times, and had many new ones, until his retirement in ’87.

Jay was always a people person, and had done some counseling in the local communities over the previous 10 years, so he began work on a Ph.D. in Education Psychology. He received his doctorate from the University of Missouri in 1992, specializing in abused kids and battered women, and established a private practice in Columbia. We exchanged the occasional card and email, but didn’t see each other for years.

In the summer of 2000,1 was on a long layover in St. Louis, looking at the hotel’s facilities. My jaw dropped when the elevator door opened, revealingJay, Lee and one of the boys, in town for one night before leaving on vacation. They had bypassed three previous elevators, waiting for the one with the outside view. Must have been Fate. Thirteen years vaporized, as we immediately adjourned to the lobby lounge for a drink and talked like we’d never been apart. We miss you Jay. (Ted Linhof’77)

John Micalizzi, 79

John was born November 7,1957 in Brooklyn, NewYork to Juisto and Palma Micalizzi. They lived in Lake Hopatcong, N.J. where John graduated as Valedictorian from Jefferson Township High School in 1975.

John entered the United States Air Force Academy that summer as a member of the class of 1979. He graduated from the Academy as a distinguished graduate, and was the outstanding graduate in the Behavioral Sciences department. He and his wife, Kathy, were married on graduation day, May 30, 1979.

Following graduation he attended the University of Illinois, earning a Masters ofArts degree in Experimental Psychology in 1980. He was subsequentlyassigned to the Ballistic Missile Office at NortonAir Force Base, Calif, from 1981 to 1984 as a Human Factors DesignEngineer in the Peacekeeper Missile SystemProject Office. From there he returned to the Academy as a Professor in the Behavioral Science and Leadership Department from 1984 to 1986.

John was selected for a follow-on Doctor of Philosophy program in Industrial Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Following successful completion of his PhD, John returned to the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department in 1990, where he served as a tenured Associate Professor until 1993.

In 1993 John took a sabbatical assignment to Headquarters Air Force Space Command where he served as the Deputy Director for Quality Improvement. After his tour at Air Force Space Command, John returned to the Academy as the Deputy Department Head for Plans and Resources for the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department until his retirement in 2000.

After his retirement from the Air Force, John continued to seek education as a student in the Master of Arts program in the Principal Licensure Program at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. His high school sweetheart and wife of 23 years, the former Kathy Needham, and their three children survive John. Douglas, 21, is a senior chemistry student at Villanova University; Colleen, 18, is a recent honors graduate of Palmer High School headed to the University of Colorado this fall; and Julie, 10, an accomplished musician, attends King Elementary School in Colorado Springs.

Everyone that knew John misses him. He leaves a legacy of excellence as a professor at the Academy, touching cadets professionally in everyway. (Col. Jim Shumate, ’79)

Kenneth W. Bailey, ’85

Kenneth William Bailey, age 38, who was sometimes called “Chief”, “Bailage” or “Cruzer” died on March 12, 2002 of cancer. Ken was married to the former Keiko Hagio and had a two-year-old son named Kevin. He was born in Japan but grew up in Hawaii and considered the San Francisco Bay area his home for the past five years. His Air Force career began with the Class of ’85, and after an active duty tour he joined the Hawaii Air National Guard. Ken was part of a small team of former active-duty Air Force men and women that started the 204th Airlift Squadron and was instrumental in creating the squadron’s training program. This newly-formed C-130 unit was not onlyprivileged to gain

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site.

www.aog-usafa.org

Jay Terry

John Micalizzi

his experience as an instructor pilot but also had gained from his wit and friendship. After obtaining the rank of Major, Ken left the Guard to begin the next phase of his aviation career by flying for United Airlines. It can be said that he completed full circle in his military career when he joined the Reserve unit in California as an Academy recruiter.

On March 6, 2000 Ken entered the hospital for what seemed to be a routine appendectomy. Where his appendix should have been was a large cancerous mass. He was cancer free for about six months after his initial treatment and surgery, but April 2001 was the turning point in his life. The cancer had metastasized and now appeared on his liver and kidney. With only a 10 percent chance of recovery, Ken continued the fight and planned for the best.

One of Ken’s favorite pastimes was his enjoyment in calling and talking to friends. He kept the most up-todate address book ofeveryone he met throughouthis life. It was like a smalltown phone book. Ken enjoyed flying and playing golf, but he enjoyed talking with friends the most. While Ken Bailey the cancer ended his flying career, his favorite pastime was at arms reach; his address book; a phone; his many friends on the other end.

Many knew Ken as someone who was carefree with a great sense of humor. His old friends always said the same things about their experiences with him, only different by the time and place. Ken met and kept in touch with a lot of people, but the ones dearest to him, during the last sixth months ofhis life, he met through Christian fellowship. Ken Bailey was baptized on Sept. 24, 2001 and he thanks Eddie, RJ, Rocky, Paul, Sam and Mike for their friendship and spiritual fellowship. Ken writes in his testimonial that the cancer gave him time to reevaluate his life and accept the Lord, something he neglected ever since his Sunday school days as a youth. Ken stated that if his life were taken quickly he would have never had a chance to accept the Lord.

Many of Ken’s friends have his testimonial, a short story of his life. It’s extremely powerful, especially for those who knew him for a long time. Ken told a friend from the Academy that if he beat the cancer he would become a missionary. That was truly what he considered, “planning for the best.” Many want to remember him as someone who was carefree and enjoyed doing as little as possible. Many will remember him as a good man, who was always caring and willing to give. Even when his suffering was at its worst, Ken wrote his testimonial and wanted to “share it with all who cared to listen.”

The foreword from Ken’s testimonial opens with “When Soldiers Come Home.” He graciously writes, “When you enter into the light of Jesus Christ, you will remain by His side as a soldier. Until He brings you back from the light, He’ll never let you go too far, ’cause tomorrow you will see just what it means, when soldiers come home.” Ken was buried at the National Cemetery ofthe Pacific, Punchbowl Hawaii on May 10,2002. (Bill Kissenberger, Jr.)

James A. Duricy, '89

On April 30, 2002, Maj. James A. Duricy died when the F-15C Eagle he was piloting during a weapons-testing mission went down in the Gulf of Mexico. A fascination with flight and boundless talent got him behind the stick of the Eagle he flew that day. He was a test pilot at Eglin AFB, and we can take comfort knowing Jim was rocketing through the heavens doing what he loved.

I first met Jim as my roommate at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His long list of talents and natural drive to succeed were an inspiration. He was a singer in the Academy Choir, played the piano with finesse,

trounced me on the tennis court, and could study like a madman. He was always on the Dean’s or Superintendent’s list, and graduated at the top ofhis major with a degree in Astronautical Engineering. In spite of his desire to immediately head off to pilot training after graduation, he was awarded, and accepted an offer to continue his studies for another two years at GeorgeWashington University. He earned a Master of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering and then rushed off to pilot training at Williams AFB. He graduated in 1992 and was assigned to Vance AFB, Oklahoma as a T-37 instructor pilot. Of all the places Jim went in the Air Force, he told me on the phone one time thatVance was his best assignment. Dumbstruck, I asked him how in the world that could be true. He said, simply, that Vance is where he met his wife, Elaine.

Jim was born Feb. 9, 1967 in Euclid, Ohio. His parents, Arthur and Irene Duricy, brought him up well. It says a lot about his character that he was never too “cool” as a young cadet to talk with great admiration about his Mom and Dad. Jim was the kind of guy that makes a parent proud, not because of what it gets him, but because ofhis desire to emulate their example and values. Jim once confided that his great hope was to someday raise children of his own as well as his parents brought him up. He got his chance in 1993 when Elaine said “Yes” to marriage. They tied the knot in Oklahoma and later had two daughters, Erin and Kate. To Jim, his daughters were the pride, joy, and most important part of his life. He was a devoted father, making good on his personal promise to raise his children the way he’d been raised in a household devoted to family and love.

After completing F-15 pilot training at Tyndall AFB, Fla., in 1997, Jim and Elaine packed up their Jeep Cherokee and hit the road for Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Jim’s assignment as a flight commander in Alaska played a role in his selection, in 1999, to USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif. He graduated as an Experimental Test Pilot in December 2000. Jim and his family moved to Eglin AFB, Fla. to the 46th Test Wing. There, Major James A. Duricy conducted flight tests of air-to-air missiles until his untimely death in April.

Words can’t say how much he’ll be missed, or adequately describe the Jim Duricy I knew. If I had to pickjust five to paint the picture, I’d choose loyalty, fairness, success, determination, and family. Jim inspired those who met him in life. If I were a writer, I’d look for some way to memorably express this, but my poor words are not sufficient.

As Jim inspired us in life, let his memory continue to push us further, faster, and higher. (Iven Rosheim, CS-07, ’89)

Robert I. Lopez, '94

On June 27, 2002, we lost a great friend, husband, fighter pilot and warrior. Captain Robert Ivan “Nova” Lopez died from injuries received when the A-10 he was piloting crashed during a NATO Tactical Leadership Programme sortie near Luneville, France. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Centerville, Ohio; his parents, Robert Zepeda and Myrna de Lopez ofVulverde, Texas; his sisters, Major Myrna Nyden of USAFA and Shannon Lopez of San Antonio, Texas; his parents-in-law, Francis and Helen Keane of Centerville, Ohio; his sister-in-law, Carole Funke, and her husband, Col. Bryan Funke, ’81, of Columbus AFB, Miss.; and his brothers-in-law, Patrick and Massae Keane of West Melbourne, Fla., and Vincent Keane of SpringValley, Ohio.

Rob was born in Nacomoe, Honduras on Nov. 16, 1969 as the second of three children. While very young, his parents moved to Texas,

first Houston, then to San Antonio. Rob graduated from Boerne High School and later from the Air Force Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. His first assignment was to FalconAir Force Base, Colo, where he was the Base Utilities Engineer and Readiness Flight Commander. He was next assigned to RandolphAFB, Texas where he met his future wife, Kathleen Anne Keane. While serving as the Randolph Base Construction Manager, Rob was accepted for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

Rob attended pilot training at Vance AFB, Okla. and proposed to his bride during Track Selection Night. Upon graduation from pilot training, Rob attended introduction to fighter fundamentals at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He and Kathleen were married on April 24, 1999 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio. The newlyweds then proceeded to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. for his initial A-10 qualification course.

Rob and Kathleen arrived at SpangdahlemAir Base, Germany in February 2000 where Rob was assigned to the Panthers of the 81 st Fighter Squadron. He was initially Rob Lopez assigned to the STAN/EVAL shop and later appointed as the squadron Life Support Officer for the 81 st After upgrading to flight lead and winning the 52nd Fighter Wing Life Support Officer of the Year Award for 2001, he was named as the C-Flight Commander and selected to attend NATO’s Tactical Leadership Programme. His decorations included the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the AerialAchievement Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Rob’s family and friends bid him a final farewell during memorial ser-

Cadet 4th Class Kyle T. Wagner Dies in Dormitory Room

Kyle ThomasWagner, Class of2005, the oldest son ofDennis J. Mehring and LynnWagner Mehring was born on Jan. 16th 1983 in Sheboygan, Wis. Kyle was raised inWisconsin until his familymoved to South Ogden, Utah, in 1997. The family moved back to Wisconsin in 1999 after Kyle’s dad changed jobs so the family could return to their home state. Kyle died at the Academy on May 4th 2002, from natural causes.

Kyle was in his dormitory room with some of his classmates waiting to take part in a parade. They were watching a movie on his computer, a recently earned privilege, when Kyle collapsed. In spite of the efforts of fellow cadets in Squadron 31, cadet EMTs, and Air Force medical specialists, Kyle was pronounced dead shortly after 10 a.m.

Kyle’s sudden and unexpected death has forced his family and friends to contemplate the quality of his short life. Kyle’s wake service in Wisconsin drew more than 800 relatives, friends, and former teachers. His Spanish teacher and family friends from Utah drove nine hours to attend Kyle’s May 7th memorial service at the Academy Chapel. The Cadet student body lined the Terrazzo at 11 p.m. that same evening for a taps vigil. Kyle’s was a life well lived.

Kyle had several personality traits that were immediately apparent.

vices held at Spangdahlem Air Base, the Air Force Academy and St Mary’s in Dayton. “Nova”, as Rob was known to his fellow fighter pilots, was a big man with an even bigger smile. He had an infectious sense of humor and brought laughter to all around him. Rob continuously achieved excellence in all he did and gave his life doing what he loved most-flying“hogs” and defending our great nation. I was deeply moved by the heartfelt remembrances of his many friends and colleagues and am truly honored to have served with such a great man as my brotherin-law. Rob you will always be missed and never forgotten! (Col. Bryan Funke, USAFA ’81)

At press time we had learned ofthe deaths ofthe followinggraduates and cadets:

Col. (Ret) Charles H. MacNevin, Class of 1962, who died on July 4, 1990 of cancer in Fullerton, Calif.

Mr. Carl R. Cook, Class of 1978, who died on March 3, 2002 of lymphoma in Urbana, Ill.

1st Lt. George W. Hernandez, Class of2000, who died on June 22, 2002 ofinjuries suffered in an auto accident in Mexico which also claimed the lives of 1st Lts. Scott T. McEwan and John W. Raber, also of the Class of 2000.

1st Lt. Scott T. McEwan, Class of2000, who died on June 22 in the same auto accident as 1st Lts. George Hernandez and John Raber, also of the Class of 2000.

1st Lt. John W. Raber, Class of 2000, who died on June 22 in the same auto accident as 1st Lts. George Hernandez and Scott McEwan, also of the Class of 2000.

C1C Nathaniel T. Hewitt, Class of 2003, who died on June 17 of injuries sustained in an auto accident near Grand Junction, Colo.

C3C Steven B. Olegario, Class of 2005, who died on July 14, of injuries suffered in an auto accident near Castle Rock, Colo, on June 18.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends ofthese graduates.

He was outgoing, faith-filled, charitable to a fault, a natural leader, and a spirited competitor. Just saying he was outgoing understates his gift. Kyle could always be found talking to strangers in airports, grocery stores, movie ticket lines, at gas stations, sporting events, and in cities that were strange or familiar; all places where society tells us we should be looking out for ourselves. Age, race, gender, income level or station in life was no barrier to Kyle. His campaign to make friends was aided by a 20-megawatt smile that was always ready. One of Kyle’s squadron mates has a photo of him smiling while doing four man push-ups.

Kyle was blessed with a competitive, athletic spirit. Even though Kyle changed schools before his junior year of high school, he became cocaptain ofthe varsity basketball team by his senior year. Members ofhis cadet squadron spoke movingly at his memorial service about how Kyle never gave up, and inspired them to overcome physical fatigue and emotional obstacles during basic and first year cadet training. Kyle was involved in intramural basketball, rugby, and team handball while at the Academy. One cadet mentioned that he gave up more (handball) goals to Kyle than any other player, and that he would never forget the intimidating sight of Kyle running at him with the ball in his hand.

Several of Kyle’s Academy instructors spoke to his parents about Kyle’s maturity, love of family, and “his ability to see the big picture.” All of them agreed that he was wise beyond his years. The chaplain at hisAcademymemorial Mass spoke abouthis strongfaith andwillingness to serve. Kyle was a regular at Catholic services and sang in the choir. He carried a small cross, a rough nail (reminders of the crucified Christ), and a religious medallion his mom gave him in his pocket wherever he went.

Kyle was a gift of love and inspiration to his parents, Lynn and Dennis, his brother and best friend Kurt, his grandparents Bud and Elsie Wagner and Patricia Mehring, and to all his survivingfamily and friends across the country. He was buried with full military honors on May 11th 2002, at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Kyle Thomas Wagner is now on duty in the heavenly halls. (Submitted by Kyle’s parents.)

Glass NEWS

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

By the time most of you are reading this, the leaves will be starting to fall, the fires in the Rockies will be extinguished and the anxiety over the inferno will be only a dim memory (one of the few blessings of advancing age). At the moment, though, it’s more than a little unsettling to see the towering smoke plume arching over “Mt. Herman” and to read about a fierydragon that’s only 40% contained, one ridge line awayfrom Monument, Colorado Springs and other front range communities. Several of our classmates (BROWNs, BROWNINGS, COOKs, MONTGOMERYs) were directly in its path and some were alerted for possible evacuation. Sporty spring!

Meanwhile, your news-challenged Scribe is scratching for enough stuff to produce a respectable column. I’m in the information doldrums between Christmas letters and summer-vacation reports. Locally, amid all the fire worries, Brock and Claire STROM married off their daughter in late June with Bob Browning officiating. Ed Montgomery is back among the genteel unemployed after having his second airline-related job shot out from under him by the tanking economy. I see him and Lucia frequently at the Academy community center gym looking very trim and fit. The FairWendy is almost back to 100% of her former energy level and all tests continue to indicate she’s still cancer-free.

Clark LOVRIEN was in town in late June and spent some time with us and with several other local classmates. Now fully retired, he and Reba have sold their home and spend most of their time traveling the country in their 40-foot RY The nomad lifestyle seems to agree with him.

Fortunately I wasn’t totally without mail this quarter. Dave GROARK wrote to tell me about the great River Rat reunion this year and to forward the accompanying photos of some familiar trained, professional killers.

RL

the steely-eyed glare that so terrorized enemy aviators they put a price on his head.

Bill GOLD also dropped a note telling me about a month-long vacation he and Robbie took to New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii in February. Theyenjoyed the tour a great deal and highly recommended a visit “down under” to one and all.

Digging even deeper into the archives, our former classmate (and my old debate partner), Lou Tidwell, contacted me last year and stopped by with his wife for a visit during a trip to Colorado. He went to law school after leaving the Academy and recently retired after a career as a judge in Florida.

Lou Tidwell, EdMontgomeryand Pete

catching up on 40-plusyears ofhistory.

That’s the lot, guys. The mailbag is empty. I look forward to reading the accounts of your summer activities to share with the class. Go Falcons!

Thoughtfor the Quarter: Zymurgv’s First Law of Evolving Systems Dvnamics : Once you open a can of worms, the only way to put them back into the can, is to use a larger can.

AJ. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

11181 West 17th Ave. (208)

Lakewood, CO 80215-2759

H: (303) 238-4973 e-Fax: (509) 463-4700

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

Our classmates. They’ve earned a living, raised families, fought a war and circled the globe. Survived these many years. Some retired, many now simplyhelp others. Volontairement: Part Deux.

“I’ve been working as a volunteer in the New Bern, NC Police Depart-

Pete Todd

Jim Rhodes, RL Penn, Al Bache (ATO), Dave Groark and GregBoyington taking a breakfrom other pressing duties at the River Rat Reunion.

Penn practicing

Todd

ment. I run their Pawn Shop Tracking Program, collecting copies ofpawn tickets from the local shops, and entering them into the computer systerns. We have found three stolen guns by checking against the national system. And, we’ve solved a number of cases,” says neo-crime stopper Ron PATCHETT. Meanwhile in Seattle, Jim O’ROURKE makes hefty donations to Habitat for Humanity, while wife, Bev, volunteers for FISH distributing food to the needy.

Jim and Mary WADDLE make doing good deeds look apple-pie easy. Mary makes costumes for all the plays at their United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, is on the Board for the Sacred Concert Series, and they both sing in the choir. Trying to prove Stanley Milgram’s “Six Degrees of Separation” theory— that a chain of six people links anyone on the planet they’ve spent the last six years building a church in Russia. After 25 trips, they’ve now completed the First United Methodist Church in Yekaterinburg, 1000 miles east of Moscow. This is the first ever built in Russia for a congregation meeting in a building formerly a Communist Party Propaganda Center (talk about retrofit!).

Duck, Mary, and Church

Good-guy do-gooder Chuck DIVER mentors 15-year-old Tyler, born blind with five fingers but no thumbs and some brain damage. Chuck picks Tyler up at his dad’s business one afternoon a week; they go to McDonald’s for burgers/fries, then the airport, driving range, home to fly Chuck’s MS Flight Simulator, ending with cookies and ice cream. Chuck’s also putting on a new church roof 40 miles north, cutting trees at their own church, and “assisting the family of a terminally ill dear friend traveling to their medical appointments.”

are Church Deacons and drive for the American Cancer Society, and Karen volunteered with the Paralympics this March 2002.

Gordy and Ann FLYGARE’s central volunteer activity is helping Gordy’s 95-year-old father a critical caregiving role, of which he says: “It’s not exactly like driving nails for Habitat for Humanity,” while the upside is “having all the Father-Son time together thatWWII/Korea/Vietnam stole from us years ago.”

Tyler and Friend

Tony BURSHNICK serves pro bono on the AF Science and Technology Board, which works for the NationalAcademy ofScience (Access to Space, hypersonic flight, Reserve forces, substitutes for land mines, etc.); Advisory Board of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, and made speeches to groups in New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Texas; and, spends countless hours keeping the DC-’60 group scrubbed behind the ears. Tom BURKE’s president of St. Bernadette’s Elementary School PTA, league director ofthe SpringfieldYouth Club girls’ soccer league and commissioner of their boys’ traveling soccer teams, and on the board at the National Capital Soccer League. Joe HIGGINS preps itinerant workers for their U.S. Citizenship Exams, chairs his Parish Church Council, and escorts 3rd /4*/ 5th graders thru Jefferson’s Monticello (and is now gearing-up for the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark expedition).

Bruce EDWARDS was driver for the athletes at the SLC 2002 Olympics, and wife, Karen, was on their Food Services Team; Bruce’s also an assistant Scoutmaster in New Jersey and Utah for his son’s Boy Scout troop. Karen’s Troop Leader for their daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Bruce performs numerous public speaking engagements with civic organizations. Both

LTCOL (Ret.) Flygare and LTCOL (Ret.) Flygare

George COLLIER volunteers with the James S. McDonnell USO “making recruits happy on their way to basic, and provides an area where vets and their families can relax/rest. I help our church with an Outreach Program for foreign students atWashington University in St. Louis.” Gary VAN SINGEL’s given 12 gallons ofblood the last 39 years; wife, Marilyn, is active with Lifeline, monitoring older people living alone, and volunteers for Love In the Name of Christ (LOVE INC) which provides food, clothing and furniture to those who’ve lost worldly goods in tragedies.

Paul VALLERIE is Vice Commander of the Meridian American Legion Post, publishes their monthly newsletter, heads the Legion Membership Committee, is on the Color Guard Team, is Area B Commander for the Idaho State American Legion Information Coordination Team, selects students for Boys State, belongs to the Meridian Merchants Association and Chamber of Commerce. He and wife, Kay, are on the Lutheran Church’s Council and sing in the choir. Val volunteers at the police department working on area crime prevention, gives talks to schools on “Americanism and What That Means.”

Nuclear engineer and attorney Harry SWAINSTON’s extensive and ongoing pro bono publico efforts involve fighting the Feds’ use of southern Nevada’sYucca Mountains for the disposal ofspent fuel and nuclear waste

a China Syndrome Doomsday Scenario. A very concerned Harryspends countless hours each month lobbying the DOE to keep these fissile materials from prematurelyendingintelligent life on the Blue Marble. Former School Teacher Roger LENT volunteers two days a week at Spokane High School tutoring chemistry, guest lectures, and helps new teachers with classroom assistance. Paul SULLIVAN is president of Lions Club and on its CommunityPersonnel Board and Finance Committee, Red Cross Platelet Pheresis donor, and a barbershop Chapter Member singing to nursing homes and hospitals. Brian KALEY has been a volunteer Discussion Group Leader for the Naples Council on World Affairs, a branch of the National Foreign Policy Association.

Dennis O’KEEFE’s on the board ofSeattle Mental Health, Building Committee forWashington Cathedral and works with the county bureaucracy on zoning approvals; years ago, Dennis established the Health Resource Center and initiated the non-profit Washington Seminary.

Gordy SAVAGE volunteered as Red Cross instructor last November, and is a veteran of the Rubber Chicken Circuit he’s made gratis presentations for the American Cancer Society to Optimists, Rotary, Sertoma, Kiwanis. With the American Cancer Society 15 years, Carol BIEHLE is now chairperson of their North Valley (CA) Region, while Ken drives cancer patients to treatment and donates blood platelets (more precious than whole blood) every month.

Jock SCHWANK worked tirelessly as do-gooder at our AOG for many years well beyond the call of (his paid) duty and retired Feb 2001. Jock’s now on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the AFA Library, and is asking for biographies of our classmates’ cadet years and later careers for library archives. (This juxtaposes George LESTER’s request for bios: e-mail JCHSchwank@aol.com).

Dick and Midge HILLMAN moved to Cambria, CA, seven miles south of San Simeon’s Hearst Castle: “Midge tutors 4th and 5th grade children at a local church, and volunteers at the youth center. We belong to Cambria Anonymous Neighbors (CAN), deliver hospital supplies (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.) to needyneighbors, and I drive elderly and disabled people to/from medical appointments. We participated in a CAN project to en-

sure all house numbers in the community were large enough to aid emergency vehicles for 911 calls; we’re also involved with SWAP Small Wilderness Area Protection to preserve local wilderness areas.”

As wise guy Falconissimus Secundus said: "The Giving’s The Thing.” December: Walter SWEENEY’s story of very gentle noblesse oblige.

Earl N. “Nelson" O’Rear

50582 Stonington Drive

Granger, IN 46530-8243

H: (574) 273-2597

E-mail: ENOandTJO@worldnet.att.net

Class Web Site: http://www.usafa61.org/

As I write this, USAFA has recently graduated the Class of ’02. Rather hard to believe how many classes have graduated since ’61. Even more difficult to believe is that the grandson of one of our own is in the next class (’06). See Earl SAUNDERS’ input below.

Doug CAIRNS said that Dee continues to teach 6th graders. He can’t get her to retire. Doug says his contribution to the future of our country is to support Dee in her ministry to the kids and to help his own grandkids grow into the superb citizens they should become. (We can all say “Amen” to that.) They look forward to the GrayTag Red Neck Riviera gathering at Gulf Shores in October. There is room for more.

Richard (Dick) FAIRLAMB says that business had been very slow until mid-May when someone opened the flood gates! He doesn’t think he’ll stop working anytime soon though because it’s too much fun. They attended his younger brother’s retirement ceremony—more than 25 years as a sergeant and lieutenant in the New Jersey State Police in Newark, NJ. Sylvia accompanied Richard on a business trip to Los Angeles in late June, and they planned to drive California 1 to San Francisco as an anniversary present to themselves. Richard saw Howie BODENHAMER tending bar at the 2002 River Rats/Nam-POW get-together in Fort Worth. He also spent some time talking with Pete and Patti LANE, and Tom WILLLAMS (Bonnie was ill) at Ross Perot’s Thursday night River Rats/NAMPOW Bar-B-Que at Circle T Ranch near Roanoke, TX.

Jerry and Dorothy GILL participated in a two-week choir concert tour of England and Scotland in June. But the real news is that, now that Compaq and HP have merged, they have offered an “early” retirement package that is too good to pass up. Jerry will be hanging it up on 30 August! More time for the grandkids, tennis, and travel.

Lou and Kate FLABLAS went to a family reunion in Rhode Island over the Fourth, and were looking forward to a large gathering, especially with his own three kids and six and a half grandchildren. Lou and his old roomie Charlie DIXON hope to get together in D.C. in October, and Lou would like to meet any others of our class who might be interested. No dates yet.

Bob KELLOCK attended the BatFest in Biloxi, MS, his 45th high school reunion (at Watertown High, NY), and his brother’s wedding in Florida. His real vacation was in the Northern Rockies in June. The Batfest was a gathering of Blind Bat (C-130) and Candlestick (C-123) flareship crews who flew in Laos, NVN, and Cambodia from 1964 or so until 1970. Since these crews came from different squadrons and bases, no single unit event could join them up. Starting with two guys in 2000, and a half-dozen in 2001 (and with a little help from the Internet), 78 folks attended. It will probably become a biannual/annual event.

Lowell JONES reports that their D.C.-area class luncheon was lively as usual. Theywelcomed newcomer Bill SANZENBACHER and oldcomer (he’s returned) Hector NEGRONI. Other stalwarts included Charley DIXON, Bill FOSTER, Lowell JONES, Jack MCDONOUGH, Jim ROGERS, Charlie STEBBINS, and the always faithful New Jersey guy, Karl WHITAKER.

Charlie and Lynda NEEL hosted a pot luck supper the end of May to welcome Carl GRANBERRY to Colorado Springs. Carl drove there from Texas to attend the graduation of his second cousin from USAFA. Attending were Randy and Jan CUBERO, Tom and Anne ELLER, Jim and Peggy HINKLE, the NEELs, Earl and Lillie SAUNDERS, Jim and Nancy WILHELM, Carl Granberry, and Hanson and Lorraine SCOTT and their son Craig. It had been about 10 years since the NEELs had seen Carl, and more than that for some others. Their great evening included several bottles of Brice Jones’ wine with their steaks. The NEELs plan to stay in a castle in Scotland for a week with Dean and Jo JONES, Charlie and Sarah STEBBINS, and Jim and Nancy WILHELM!

Hector NEGRONI reports that prior to and after the 17th Annual World Croquet Championship on May 18th Brice Jones and Susan Porth treated members ofthe Class of '61, spouses, family, friends, and assorted guests to a whirlwind of activities. Among the 1,100 attendees were Mark and Ginger ANDERSON, Dick ARNOLD, Johnny and Lydia BOSCH, Bob and Jan BRICKEY, Lee and Dorene BUTLER, Randy and Jan CUBERO, Jim and Joy DARNAUER, Gene and Judy DAVIS, Dick DAVIS, Tom and Anne ELLER, Jim and Peggy HINKLE (plus daughter Christina), Sam andVivian HARDAGE, Charlie and Lynda NEEL, Hector and Joan NEGRONI, Burke

Mucho, Ron and Cathy MULLER, Dave and Phyllis Phillips (and family members), Mike and Susan QUINLAN, Jim and Linda ROGERS, and Hector Emilio Negroni and Kimberly Ann Weil. Some classmates bought a barrel of Brice’s first Pinot Noir last year and had it bottled this year under a Class of 1961 distinctive label. Greatwine! The’61 ers tossed Frisbees in support of the charitable event. (Each toss cost a charitable donation.) We are indebted to Brice and Susan for their hospitality, having hosted three lunches, five dinners, a sailing cruise on San Francisco Bay, a golf tournament, and tours to two top-notch wineries.

Bill and Paulie SANZENBACHER have settled into Virginia life and love it. Bill reallyenjoyedtouchingbase againwith classmates at the D.C. luncheon. He is looking forward to the next one. Bill volunteers with the National Park Service on Fridays, helping give tours at the Fredericksburg National Battiefield Park, trying to put a Yankee spin on a major Confederate victory. Any ’61ers interested in a personal guided tour, just let him know.

Earl SAUNDERS’ grandson Matthew Karmondy entered the Academy on June 27th as a member of the class of ’06! He may be the first “third generation” Academy member. His father is Tom KARMONDY, Class of ’82. On another note, Earl attended the Vietnam Forward Air Controllers (FAC) 2nd Reunion in Hawaii in April. According to records, about 3,700 FACs assigned from 1962 to 1975 flew 40 percent of the AF air sorties in Vietnam during that time! According to Earl’s calculations, 20 of us were FACs in Vietnam. The next reunion is in 2004 in San Antonio. He will provide information as it gets closer.

Hanson and Laraine SCOTT also participated in the USAFA graduation festivities he has a nephew who is in ’02, T. J. Fryar. Scotty particularly enjoyed the commissioning ceremony at the Superintendent’s home at 0600 May 29! Most enjoyable, however, was the opportunity to visit with Tom and Anne ELLER Sunday evening, plus the gathering at Charlie and Linda NEEL’s for a great evening on Monday with Carl GRANBERRY, et al (see the NEELs above). As everyone was leaving, Carl related the “true” story of his meeting with Charlene after the Iowa Football Game, Fall of ’58, when the cadets were turned loose before the long bus trip home from Iowa City. Lots of laughs and chuckles.

In June the Broward County Bar Association honored M. Ross SHULMISTER, who is a lawyer. Ross received the Outstanding Service Award for service to the legal community in a Florida county with more population than 13 states. Congratulations, Ross!

Richard and Carolyn SMITH love the San Antonio area. They just had their eighth grandchild, and being grandparents takes a lot of their energy and time. The rest of their time is spent in Carolyn’s antique business and Richard’s work. For CACI, he does Logistics Engineering work for the Air Force much like he did while he was on active duty and now has 550 employees in seven locations. One of these days he plans to stop and smell a rose. If any GrayTag gets to the San Antonio area, the Smiths have a bedroom and meals ready for them.

Bill and Rhoda STACKHOUSE hosted a Hail and Farewell for Hector and Joan NEGRONI (Hail) and Charlie and Sarah STEBBINS (Farewell) at their house. Hector gave another hilarious performance ofthe one-armed flute player. It feels like Joan hugs you just by being near her. It’s like they never left. Charlie and Sarah STEBBINS are heading back to take care of parents and be with family. Charlie roasted everyone present. Odd gifts were given them and a little roasting on the other side was done. While the evening was light, there was a tinge ofheavy-heartedness. In the supporting cast were John and Lydia BOSCH, Barb CAMPBELL, Charlie and Dottie DIXON, Bill and Theda FOSTER, Steve HO and Lynn Funkhouser, John and Joan KOHOUT, Jerry and Sue LEFTON, Jack and Dianne MCDONOUGH, Ron and Cathy MULLER, Paul and Marilyn O’CONNOR, Jim and Linda ROGERS, the STACKHOUSEs, John and Ellen SULLIVAN, and Karl and Dianne WHITAKER.

Terry STORM said that Carleen is doing fine after her recent hip replacement surgery. They received some great meals from some of our classmates’ wives. Thanks to all for your support and prayers.

Charlie and Gina THOMAS spent a week in Scottsdale, AZ, golfing and celebrating their birthdays; then went to Las Vegas to help their second daughter, Liz, plan for a wedding next March; and then on to Prescott, AZ, for a regional AF Association meeting. Charlie is still the national director for the Southwest Region of AFA. He is looking forward to another football season and the “first three classes” tailgate.

One thing that Tom and JudyWILSON do as a family is plan four to five days togetherwith their three children and their families at a resort some-

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEYHELPS FUND CADETWING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

where. A great time and not a hardship on Judy for meals, etc. For those who haven’t tried it, it is worth considering. It is not easy to find a good fit in everyone’s schedule, but it can be done.

Tom ELLER summarized the 49 responses received to the survey regarding our next class reunion. About 70 percent want the next fullclass reunion at USAFA; 72 percent want it in 2006 for our 45th. Onethird said that they would take a leading role in the next reunion. Many expressed theirwillingness to attend mini-reunions at regional sites prior to then. Tom will compile the results of the open-ended questions and make them available to the AOG and the committee for the next reunion. Many thanks to those who responded to the survey sent out after the 40th Reunion.

Thanks to all for sharing. Your input may not seem that important to you, but everyone else is interested in knowing what you are doing.

>\yruTe John W. “Jack" Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Hi Redtags,

Well the 40th Reunion is drawing closer. It’s the middle ofJune and I have my room reservations in C Springs and will do the airline reservations this month. I surely hope we will see many Redtags this year. Jim MACK and the committee are doing a great job making the arrangements.

Got this email from Fran Lee about Dave LEE. “As previously noted, Dave retired from the University of Dayton last June and was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus with lots of nice perks. He taught this past year on a special contract with UD and is now officially really retired. I was just getting used to the idea of Dave retiring (even though I felt like he was semi-retired while teaching at UD - he worked at home a lot!) when he changed direction. In January, he embarked on a third career (even though he denies it) and accepted the position as execufive director of the MontgomeryCountyVeterans Service Center here in Dayton. The center provides financial assistance to veterans and eligible family members as the need arises. In the past month they assisted 600 veterans/family members, so you can see that it is a very successful program. I don’t think Dave could have found a more worthwhile job.

“We are looking forward to the 40th Reunion and seeing you and Caroline and all the other RTBs. As always, we know it will be a wonderful time! See you then.” Thanks, Fran, for the update. See Dave and you in October.

Got this short sweet email from Dick HOFFERT. “On Nov 16, 2001, Helen and I were married on the shores of Boggy Bayou, Valparaiso, FL. Dick.” Congratulations to you both. Maybe we’ll hear some newly-wed stories at the 40th Reunion if you don’t have senior moments like I do. My most-often-used line to my wife is “What did you say your name was? Have 1 met you before?”

IntrepidAviators!

From Mike BUTCHKO comes this email: “I’m having fun running a company called Space Gateway Support that has the overall Ops & Support contract for the Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Spaceport. In addition to Spaceport Security (an interesting challenge since September 11), the company provides everything from Roads and Grounds to the largest propellant facility of its kind in the world. We also operate two airfields that only space guys would call a “landing facility” and a “Skid Strip”. I’m looking forward to sharing different kinds of war stories at the 40th this fall.” I run into Mike occasionally at the Center. I work with several of his employees on a project. I can say that he and Kay are well liked and respected by the troops.

Got this email from Bob LIGHTSEY. “Thought I would add a note on recent events that might be of general interest. I have been riding bicycles for exercise ever since I had a knee operation several years ago. This year I decided to enter the Virginia Senior Games (athletic events for old-timers held in most states) and won both the 10K time trial and the 20K road race for my age category. Placing in the top slot for the state gets me entry into those events at the U.S. National Senior Olympics next year. Something else to keep me going. By the way, I noticed that Brad HOSMER (’59) had finished well up in the Senior Olympic cycling events a year ago.

“Also, a friend of mine (West Point grad) and I have written a book which will be co-published by McGraw-Hill and Aviation Week Books later this year - probably about October. The title is ‘The Battle ofBritain Illustrated.’ My friend did the illustrations and I wrote the text. Obviously about the Battle ofBritain, the book looks at the development of technology and tactics during the period between the wars, the impact they had on the battle, and the relationships between technology and tactics in air warfare. My fundamental conclusion is that writing books for fairly narrow markets is not the path to riches, but it sure keeps you offthe streets at night. Mywife, Susan, and I will see you all at the reunion. See you this fall. Bob” Thanks for the input Bob. Very interesting development with the biking.

Got this email from Bill HAUGEN. “On 3 June, seven Redtags had a San Antonio ‘40th June Week’ get together to sort of warm up for the main event in October. I was in town for a visit and Kinney SMITH put together a party. The picture of Redtags (and their RTBabes)

left are Kinney SMITH, Jim D’ENTREMONT, John DINSMORE, Grant LANNON, Niels JENSEN, Bill HAUGEN and Butch VICCELLIO. (I didn’t get the names of the guys in the very back.)

Also attached is a picture ofthree intrepid aviators (HAUGEN, LANNON and SMITH). Grant LANNON is in the Confederate Air Force and owns a T-6 in which he gave Kinney and I rides. Great fun! Can’t wait to see all in October. InvictusVirtute! Cheers.” Great pictures Bill. And thanks for the news. Sounds like you all had a great evening. See you in October.

And now an email from Randy SCHAMBERGER. “OK, Jack. If you’re really that hard up. I had rotator cuff surgery in January from playing too much tennis. When it got so I couldn’t raise my arm above shoulder level without excruciating pain, I figured it was time to surrender to the surgeon (although I had vowed to never let ANYONE cut on me!). I spent about two months in rehab and it still isn’t as good as I thought it would be. I’m playing tennis again but not with the enthusiasm and gusto that I had before all this started. I’m still withholding any recommendations for anyone else that might be considering this type of surgery. The doctor also said I had some arthritis in the shoulder (a good excuse if it didn’t turn out as I had hoped). Ain’t old age wonderful? We’re really looking forward to the 40th. Got our Northwest Airlines miles all ready to cash in. We were in Las Vegas in May and tried to look up Gail and Peggy PECK, but they were right in the middle of their move to new digs after being pushed out oftheir old home by the McCarren Airport expansion. We tried to get together, but they were both exhausted by the move at the end of the week. My next move, if there is one, will leave everything in the house, as is, and take one suitcase! My last move in ’86 was only about 1/2 mile, but I did it by myselfwith the help of a strong 16-year-old (not mine, he’s not into heavylifting)! I’ll never do that again!” Thanks, Randy. I had rotator cuff surgery three years ago but it was caused by arthritis. It took a few

SanAntonio Redtag Reunion

from

months to get the full movement back but it seems to be OK. I don’t play any repetitive motion sports so I don’t know if I have fully tested it yet.

Just got this from Phil MERKEL. “Okay Jack, I’ll contribute a minor bit. Phil and Cis MERKEL are back home in Virginia after a wonderful week in June on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with all three daughters, their husbands and all six grandchildren (ages 1-13). If any RedTags out there want some free advice on either North Carolina beach vacations for large families or radical prostatectomies as a cure for cancer, they should feel free to get in touch as Phil no longer has any secrets. Sorry Jack, no pictures ofthe incision!! Cheers, Phil” Thanks for that tidbit, Phil.

Got this from Bob Hackney and thought you would all like to read his message. “This is from Bob Hackney, non-grad RTB alumni, AOG Associate Life Member #620742.1 thought this might be of interest for input to the Checkpoints column. I just returned to Seattle from a wedding in Manchester, NH and while there (using the AOG Directory and the Internet) was able to contact my roommate from our Doolie year, Richard HODGKINSON, who lives in nearby Londonderry. I didn’t have too much spare time due to other family duties so Richard came to the hotel where I was staying and we had a GREAT (albeit short) mini-reunion. While it was a little difficult in the couple of hours we spent together to get fullycaught up on all ofthe various happenings in our respective lives over the past 42 years (I left the Academy in March ’60), I surely appreciated the time he took to come to the hotel and the opportunity to share a little of our lives over these past several decades. I joined the AOG as the direct result of the effort the class took to reach out to us non-grads and the warm reception accorded us at the 35th reunion. I look forward to the upcoming 40th and the opportunity to renew other friendships from my time at the Academy. I appreciate your efforts in keeping us all advised of our current comings and goings. See you in October. Best Regards from Robert R (Bob) Hackney.” Thanks, Bob. It was overwhelming to see the number of non-grads that responded to the invitation to the 35th reunion. Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. I hope we see more of the old non-grads at the 40th See you then.

TomYOUNG sent some pictures alongwith this email. “Hi Jack, the rams were shot in Florida, fair chase, meaning not on a reserve (fenced area) the location is a highlyguarded secret, because the area is open to the publie for hunting, but only a handful of people know of the rams being there and it is very wild and difficult to get to and from and it’s within 2.5 hours from you. Anyway, I shot a large one at 225 yards, a small one at 420 yards, and my pastor shot one at 250 yards. (See picture of Tom and one ram. Tom is the one wearing the hat.) We went a total of 11 times, and took five rams (two on one hunt) so we were unsuccessful seven times. Also, Fred HENDRYX went with us once and shot a hog; but we didn’t see any rams that day. Best to you, and your work on Checkpoints. TomY” Tom, I’m intrigued by the fact that there are rams like that in Florida. Are those Rocky Mountain Sheep? Is that really Florida?Where are the alligators? I’m suspicious. Anyway, thanks for the update and the pictures.

Got this update on 19 June from Jim MACK on the 40th Reunion plans. “Things aren’t going so well here as we are all gready distracted by the huge fire that’s just west of us and threatening several Redtag homes. However, perhaps you could put a short reminder in Checkpoints as follows:

This is LAST CALL from your friendly Reunion committee for those procrastinators among us to rejoin and relive those crazy days of yesteryear during REDTAG REUNION 40, Oct 2-6. Navy will provide the on-field entertainment Oct 5 for our Falcons while the rest of the reunion time is set up for us to renew old acquaintances and make new friends again. If you haven’t signed up, and want to be HERE in beautiful Colorado, contact the AOG or Jim and Penny MACK at (719) 488-9522 for assistance. You can find the schedule of events on the www.aog-usafa.org website. Jack, hope this isn’t too late and hope all’s well in your world. Thanks for your ever present patience.” Thanks for the reunion update, Jim. Caroline and I are arriving in C Springs a couple of days early so that we can have a relaxing vacation before the festivities start. I’m looking forward to buy

ing some of that sharp looking merchandise the team has put together. I’ve heard a lot about the Flying W Ranch and am anticipating a fun evening. Caroline just has to spend time shopping in Old Colorado City. The lunch with the Cadet Wing will be a treat; those kids are too young to be out ofhigh school already. Andwe’ll have all that time to getacquainted with old friends. It’s priceless. I’m really anxious to see the next few months slip by so that the 40th rolls in. See all of you there. That’s it for now. Go Redtags!

Norman I. Lee III

17532 N.E. 38th Court

Redmond, WA 98052

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

E-mail:54wrs@msn.com

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

Fax: (425) 237-5775

We start with another moment of sadness. This time it was the loss of Bill AYERS in earlyApril. Bill’s passing hit home a little more because we were roommates for a semester, Third ClassYear in 15th Squadron. Bill as a roommate showed me what it took to be successful work at it! All semester long he challenged and pushed me, demanding that I do better made the Deans List that semester and didn’t do it again until First Class year. The internment at Arlington Cemetery couldn’t take place until the morning of May 2nd First time at Arlington for me and it was very impressive. Bud GILLIGAN kept us all informed about the time and location. He also made sure a wreath from the Class was there. On the morning of the ceremony it was gloomy and raining hard and typically, I didn’t have a raincoat or umbrella. The concierge at my hotel gave me an umbrella that helped on the walk from the Metro Station to the Visitor’s Center. At the meeting place, a goodly number of our classmates were assembled there: Dean HESS, Harry WILSON, Bob HALL, Barry WALRATH, Jim ALLBURN, Pete OGNIBENE, Steve DOTSON and Dick TROY down from Pennsylvania. Representing the 15th Squadron was Bud of course, Dick GUILD, Warren NOGAKI (all the way from California), and Ed PICKENS. To begin with, we walked behind the caisson to the gravesite where a gravesite ceremony was held. The rain had stopped by then and the sky lightened up.

Thanks to Bud for keeping us updated letting us all know what was going to happen not to mention the wreath. After the ceremony, those of us who could went back to my hotel, had some coffee (still morning) and swapped stories of Bill plus the usual catching up on what was going on in our lives. It is fascinating how we can just pick up on things with each other like we have not been apart from one another for years. One point we all agreed on was the Class 40th Reunion in 2003. Everyone I talk to is looking forward to getting back together in Colorado Springs.

On that subject, here is a note from the “Pres”, Jim DIFFENDORFER: “Greetings. Butch VERDIER has stepped forward and is handling 40th Reunion planning. Faced with only five home games in 2003; two of them not close to scheduling, and two being Homecoming and Parents Weekend both off limits for class reunions, we have decided to venture into November for the Army game. That will be Nov 5-9,2003 (Army game, Sat Nov 8). Hotel reservations are becoming scarce also. Butch is working on theWyndham (formerly the Marriott) for our “headquarters”. Hey, it’s supposed to be cold and windy and snowy and.... whatever for football, right? Actually, I think our chances of a good weather weekend are only slighdy less in early November. This is one ofthose Reunions ending in a “zero”, so let’s pull together for a great weekend. I’d like to lay out a challenge to everyone. If you attended the 35th (a great event!) and your First Class roommate was NOT there, take it upon yourself to insure he attends the 40th! Make that a priority in the next year, OK? BEAT ARMY!! Diff.”

So far, it looks as though Butch’s team includes Bob HAYES and Jimmie BUTLER (emeritus). As we get closer to November 2003 you will be able to get the latest Reunion details and “hot poop” by going to the Class Web Site. By the time I get the data and put it in this column it will no longer be “hot”. URL for the Web Site is http://www.usafa63.org/. Ifyou have any suggestions or inputs on the proceedings please don’t hesitate to let the guys know your thoughts.

You can contact Butch at pcverdier@juno.com and Bob at BCAHayes@kktv.com. Be assured Butch or Bob will get right back to you. At this moment, the important thing to remember is November 5-9,2003. Block out your schedules for then! Fred BAUER sent an email last month asking for the Reunion dates. He was alreadyworking on his 2003 calendar now that is advanced planning! Fred’s e-mail address is EagleBbear@aol.com.

Every now and then we hear of a good idea. Here’s one that might help increase attendance at the Reunion: each of us should contact our First Class roommates and let them know we are looking forward to seeing them at the Reunion in November 2003. Good idea, give it a try!

If you recall from last time there was some mention of us connecting

TomYoung and Prize Ram

with the Class of 2003. There does seem to be some agreement that our class should consider doing something (formally) at the graduation of the Class of 2003. The reasoning goes like this: not only are they the 40th class to graduate since we graduated but they may also be considered as Kin that means for us Kentuckians they are family because their class color is Yellow oops, Gold. The 50th Class 2013 will be GreyTags not Yellow Tags. If my finger calculator is accurate, the Yellow Tags come around again in ’07, ’ll, 15, ’19, and then 2023 (60th Class for us). Obviously we should be at that graduation as well. Anyway, the idea was put to Diff and he is working on it.

Roger SIMS called, just before he was leaving for the hospital to undergo multiple (quadruple the man says) heart by-pass surgery. He called of all things to tell me my suggestion about retirement in the last version of the Class News should be more of an action item he told me to just do it! I checked in on Roger yesterday and he is out of the hospital and trying to catch up on his bills and doing all right. Can you believe it? After all Roger has been through these past few years to have this come up and no symptoms to boot, the doctors found this problem. I tell you, Roger has taken a lot ofhits maybe he is one of those guys who sets the average and paves the way for the rest of us.

Around the 5th ofJune my email inbox started receiving notes reflecting on our 39th graduation ceremony. Maybe some ofyou tend to look at that subject from a slightly different perspective you’ve heard this before? We first got together as a class June 26, 1959. So, that makes Wednesday, June 26th 2002, next week as I write this, to be our 43rd anniversary as a Class. It was fun hearing from the likes of Andy NASSIR and new “Gramps,” John NEHRING. Thanks for the reminder.

Back in March too late to make the last issue Frank PORTER announced that he and Rose were headed back to Germany this spring to teach in the Heidelberg District. While most of us are either retired or talking retirement, Frank and Rose are still teaching and looking forward to more. They were both happy teaching in Florida when they decided there wasn’t enough adventure in their lives. So, theypacked up and went back overseas to Okinawa. Sold their home and one car, put the other car in storage, and returned to teaching school with the Department of Defense Dependent School system in Okinawa. Rose taught on a Marine base and Frank at Kadena Air Base. They have been trying to get back to Germany, where they were stationed for many years before returning to the states. Success! Frank says that at this point he anticipates working for another five years or so. He and Rose are in the process ofpurchasing a condominium on the beach in Northwest Florida so they have a place to park during the months they are out of school. Meanwhile, they are still traveling this year to Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. They also made it to Hawaii for spring break reliving the time they were married at Fort DeRussy, across from the Hale Koa, 21 years ago. In that time they have accumulated a family and have three grandsons to enjoy.

Dick SLOWIK was nice enough to send a report on the FAC reunion. “To start with, the fact that most attended a luau, went on several island tours, a nighttime cruise on a large ship, and got to stay in a pretty nice hotel on the Pacific Ocean, made this a very attractive reunion. On the negative side, the last one was held in Florida and around 700 attended. Our speaker was a four-star and an ex-FAC. We dedicated a FAC memorial in the Punchbowl that everybody in attendance was highly proud of, and the ceremony was terrific. Have some more movement toward finishing the FAC history book by maybe next year." Thanks to Dick for the update.

Quick Notes: Bill SIMPSON sent an update to the AOG that included his email address bill.simpson@suspfz.com and his new job title: President and CEO, Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co. Dr. MAZET sent the next photograph ofhimselfwith Ed REISDORF and

Olga Korbut. Yep, that Olga Korbut. Ifyou recall, Olga dazzled the world ofwomen’s gymnastics with her performances at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics winning a total of four gold and two silver medals. Bob says he recently hosted Olga and her husband,Alex, while she was conducting some gymnastics clinics in Scottsdale. Bob also included his new e-mail address: bobmazet@cox.net. The really good-looking guy on the far right of the picture is George (one of Bob’s Boxer).

Ed, Olga, Bob and George

That’s it for this time. Have already exceeded the word length thanks to your great inputs and as usual, this effort is at least a day late for submitting the copy to the AOG. Hope this version ofthe Class News will find all of you enjoying a great summer and looking forward to some Football! Take care.

Bob Hovde -n.

206 Walker Ave. j

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

19th Sq News: Jon PRENEZ sent an update of one of ’64’s more organized squadrons - 19th 12th Squadron has a Christmas Letter going back to graduation, but 19th has modernized - Jon gathers information and sends out a periodic email newsletter. He notes that Dave AMMERMAN is back in contact - and asking about reunions. Jon is trying to stir 19th up to do better than the 12 “Playboys” who showed up at the 35th (I’m not sure I’ve seen 12 people from the 10th Sq. since we graduated!)

Anyway, Jon continues [edited], “Les BAER is the official 19th Squadron vintner, with about 225 cases of an interesting sounding blend coming out in about a year. Les, save me some. I recently passed my test and am now a certified swillier (pronounced swill-yay). That’s French for someone who sniffs and tastes before rapidly tossing it down.

“Frank BARTLETT let me know that he and his family spent a ‘cultural night’ seeing ‘Ragtime’ when it was in Boise. (Is it permissible to use Boise and ‘cultural’ in the same sentence? Do they cancel one another out?) Anyway, Ron GROWDEN was not in the play at the time, but rejoined it later.

“Mart BUSHNELL is still hard at work in Utah - has to stay on the job to paywhat I bet is an astronomical tuition for his youngest at Regis in Denver.

“Gary GANONG cut back his working-time last November, and has been spending more time with family and trying to make a dent in a longhoneydo list. Gary, next time you get out to Rocklin, give me a call. We live less than 45 minutes away. In fact, my son Scott lives in Rocklin and is the head pro and manager at the Diamond Oaks Golf Course in Roseville.

“Jim GRAHAM is now back in the States after his fairly lengthy stay in London.

“Ron GROWDEN is now finished with his ‘Ragtime’ run. Has anyone but me noticed that he never responded to my request that, as a bonafide star, he throw a wild Hollywood style party, including starlets, etc. Wives, of course, are welcome... NOT! (I’m going to hide this from Judy - not that I fear repercussions; I’m more worried about her right hook.)

“Charlie HOLDER is still in Kansas, at least as of last December. He’s still with the Logicon Division of Northrop-Grumman, working to give the Army an appreciation for Airpower! One of his sons works for Disney in Florida and the other is an Army Officer - sounds interchangeable to me. Charlie and Gail are hoping to relocate to Texas in 2003.

“Harvey MANEKOFSKY sent a quick note a few months back telling me that he was taking tax classes to get ready for his second job as an H & R Block trained killer. I think Harv is losing it. Anybody who would voluntarily deal with more than his own tax return has to be certifiable and a shoe-in for a cushioned condo.

From left are Rex Ramsey (Aussie FAC), Jimmie Butler (Nail FAC), and Dick Slowik (Bart FAC) at the 10-14 April, 2002 FAC Reunion in Hawaii. Roughly, 240 signed up to attend. Next reunion possibly in San Antonio in two years.

“By the time you all read this, Jim and Nancy PIERCE should be grandparents for the third time. Jim also relates that he’s cutting back his schedule and will be easing out ofthe work force over the next couple ofyears. Good for you, Jim!! I have an idea. Since you and Nancy have three grandbabies and Judy and I have none, can we do a ‘closest to the pin’ for one of yours at #40?”

Annual Trial Reunion: Fred and Barbara GREGORYhosted another “annual” D.C. area mini-reunion (see photo). As you can see, “mini” is perhaps a major understatement of the size of the event. Thanks to the several people who sent pictures. This one looked the best on my laptop, so you can all claim it. By the way, in May, Aviation Week announced that President Bush nominated Fred to be the deputy administrator of the space agency. In that role he will be NASA’s chief operating officer, reporting directly to Administrator Sean O’Keefe. (Have you noticed that this is Fred’s third job since December?)

TheAnnual ChesapeakeBay “Can You StillStay UprightAfter ThreeBeers” Contest.

In June, Lee CONNER drove up from Montgomery for some business in Huntsville. We managed lunch together at the Furniture Factory. (Yes. You can buy any furniture or decoration in the place and take it home with you.) Lee manages 200 people doing “Senior Services” in the Montgomery area. His clients are people who can’t completely take care of themselves. Needless to say, he has a few challenges like, every day! Joan, meanwhile, works part-time at Wild Birds Unlimited. She only has to put up with people who want the perfect birdseed to draw the rare double-yellow thrasher-bird to their yard! Two of their kids are in the Air Force - and the third is thinking about it. (Lee’s daughter was the first female aide to a four-star and is now at Tinker AFB as a combat controller in the AWACS.)

Matt FEIERTAG found the following article in the TROA magazine: “To better address issues affecting former POWs, the VA has created a 12member panel to assess the needs of these veterans regarding serviceconnected compensation, health, and rehabilitation. The committee, headed by Thomas M. MCNISH, a physician and former Vietnam War POW, will meet at least twice a year, although individual members or working groups may be called upon for specific consultations with VA officials.” Way to go, Tom. It seems that we’re about to enter a new stage of ’64ism. When they start asking for people to serve on committees (no pay) rather than in “positions of power” (lots of pay), you know you’re getting older.

It’s great to hear from all y’all. (That’s the plural in Alabama.) Rememher, rubber down, plastic up!

Rick Zurbrugg Box 22615

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

(843) 689-5321

FAX: (843) 689-5403

'■'■SSSv E-mail: ezurb@mindspring.com

Hey ’65!

Thank you lads, for an astonishing response to the Call for News! Your input makes this easy. I remain bedazzled that as the sixth inning begins, many of you are doing such interesting and notable things. Some of you are having way too much fun. I mean, we’re still in training, aren’t we?

Jim SPITTLER: “The Academy sent out invitations to 100 grads living in the local area to participate in Recognition for the Class of 2005, which under the programs instituted by Tad OELSTROM is our heritage class for whom we purchased and presented Contrails at the Acceptance Parade. The invitation included participating with your old squadron in their ceremony. It so happened that I was the most senior grad to attend and was asked to speak for five minutes about what Recognition meant to me. I thought it was pretty neat to get asked to speak to ‘our’ class, even if by accident so I diligentlybegan preparing meaningful and moti

vating remarks. The grads showed up at the War Memorial and it was snowing horizontally. (Scribe’s note: March 15, see great photo essay on it in last month’s Checkpoints.) The upper three classes formed up on the terrazzo to await ’05 after their journey to ‘the Rock’... As the waiting continued and everyone got colder, the remarks got shorter... three lines not five minutes. After the Wing was formed, the doolies were received, then all were dismissed. They returned to their squadrons, took long hot showers, put on their blues and one by one were announced and walked down the hall from stairwell to stairwell. They called the names of the entire entering class, and for those who didn’t make it to Recognition, the word “denied” was announced after their names. After they marched the hall and saluted the Sq. Com., T. O. and AOC, they were sent to the Sq. Day Room, where they formed up facing outside. The squadron silently entered the day room and the person recognizing each doolie stood behind him/her. After an about face each was recognized. Thereafter, if any other cadet chose to do so (it may have been limited to 3rd classmen), they could give a set of prop and wings to as many other doolies as they chose. Naturally there were several with bunches and some with not as many. At least USAFA has not yielded to political correctness and deigned that everyone should get the same number so no one feels bad. We then had dinner with the Wing at Mitch’s. The doolies were table commandants, etc. and were served by the upper classes. Since it was a Saturday dinner and cadets no longer go to Saturday dinner and we are in the era of cutbacks, 100 upper-class cadets volunteered for KP duty, i.e. they bussed the tables and loaded the dishwasher, because to use the normal staff would have caused too much overtime. My escort was a volunteer and didn’t seem to mind it. This was a good experience and one in which I would urge others to participate.”

On a sad note, Jim reported that our classmate Dick Czarnota “ZOT” died in late June while exercising on a cruise with his wonderful wife, Ellen. Jim had just received the information from Frank and Maureen MCCANN. As Jim recalls, Dick graduated from the University of Detroit where he commanded the ROTC unit and was commissioned and flew along side the rest of our class. He always attended our reunions and stayed close to a number of classmates including a bunch from Fighting 4th He will be missed. Thanks Jim for great reportage on a moment in our lives that sounds still very special.

Art BEAMON: “I just attended my oldest daughter’s graduation. She got her PhD. from the Univ. of Calif, at Berkeley on May 24... in Cultural Anthropology. I got to play dad and pay for the graduation dinner and give the welcome address, as well as attend the official graduation ceremony. As an added bonus, I also got to spend some extra time in San Francisco and the CaliforniaWine Country doing the usual tourist things.” Great to hear from you, Art. Thanks for staying in touch.

Dr. Tanika Beamon, PhD with proudfather, Art. Berkeley, May 2002.

Paul WILKE: Haven’t ever written before... life here in Northern Virginia is pretty... daughter Maren did get her master’s in Literacy and English Education from Michigan last summer and came to Fairfax County to teach... son Erik graduated from the Law School at the U. ofVirginia last month and will work for a firm in Richmond. I do see other AFA grads here at work and they are looking older. Then I find out theygraduated in the’70s. What does that make us? Maybe this story will help. I was wearing a polo shirt that had a ‘50th Anniversary oftheAirForce’ emblem, when thisyoung girl looked at it and me and said, ‘You were in the Air Force 50 years?’ What can you say!” Thanks for a dose of reality, and writing, Paul.

Mike KRAUSE: “Just got back from a trip to Colorado seeing many of the Colorado sights I missed as a cadet. My son Keith finished his MS at the U ofArizona and took a job with Digital Globe in Longmont. He lives in north Boulder... changes I noted (at USAFA): the commercialization ofArnold Hall (neon lights for Subway and some ofthe other franchises), AFA products in the gift shop that were not around in the early ’60s (an AF hockeyT-shirt or a music box with the Chapel that plays the AF song), the models and statues on the terrazzo by A-Hall, and the addition of numerous full-scale aircraft. In the visitors center, I liked the display of

the cadet rooms and the change to room arrangements, and the patch display trying to remember which patches were still the same. In terms of sights drove to the top ofPikes Peak, wandered the sights in Manitou Springs, had Sunday brunch at the Broadmoor, went through Independence Pass to visit Aspen and the Maroons, saw the gambling joints in Central City (sadly we were too early for opera) and Black Hawk, and spent time hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder’s flat irons. (I can’t remember did some of our daring classmates ever paint GO AF beat CU on the rocks?) Of course the Celestial Tea tour was not around in the early ’60s. Their peppermint room is something else. Once in a while I see some of our classmates in the D.C. area normally at the AFA Society ofWashington meetings.” Thanks for the memories and for keeping in touch, Mike.

Jack FLAAS: “Denny MURPHY reports that he and Jack HAAS worked togetherrecently on a proposal for their respective firms (i.e., IIT Research Institute and TRW) to team in providing a broad range of technical support services to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in its efforts to better meet mission requirements, particularly in relation to the rapidly evolving Homeland Security environment. Denny joined IITRI/ ABTech Group in 1997 and Jack TRW/BDM in 1988. Both reside in Northern Virginia”. Thanks, Jack. You and Denny really put together some letters and I’ll bet some great plans too.

Jim PIPER: “I’m working with a bunch of USNA and USMA guys here in Chicago to bring an annual ‘Veterans Day Game’ to the newly redone Soldiers Field. The game will always have one service academy football team, and every 2-3 years an Air Force-Navy, Air Force-Army, or ArmyNavy game. We are raising money from corporate sponsors to hire a fulltime event president, and we’ve got a nice presentation to prospective corporate sponsors explaining the program. Also, Army and Navy athletic depts. are on board, but USAFA seems a bit reluctant unwarranted fear of losing home gate money, I think. Anyway, anyone who can help move the project along by arranging a corporate presentation, getting a more receptive hearing with USAFA Athletics, etc. will certainly get an appreciative call from me.” Thanks, Pipes. For that game I would come back to Chicago in a NewYork minute.

Bart HOLADAY: “...Flash (WILEY) and I went back to the Academy for graduation with the Sijans. As you know, the Class of2002 chose Lance as its exemplar. Lance’s parents, Jane and Syl, sat on the speaker’s platform. Sec Rumsfeld spoke. It was all quite moving... talk to Flash. I also learned from Jim SHAW that Return With Honor has returned almost $110,000 to the AOG in royalties and sales in the last couple ofyears. Our class should be pleased. I think we not only got an outstanding documentary but also an ongoing source of revenue for the AOG.” Thanks Bart and you RWH group.

Warren LANGELY and wife, Ann, reporting from... “St. Agnes in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall. It is a small island with 80 people and one pub. Ann has been coming here for over 30 years and it was where she gave me the final test to see if we would be a partnership (if the islanders didn’t accept me I was out). We went to New Mexico and celebrated Bart’s birthday in late April (it was a big one) and had a great time. He and Lynn are enjoying New Mexico, his airplane (recentlypassed his instrument qualification) and traveling... leave tomorrow for a five week trip to China. I had my right hip replaced in January and seem to be fully recovered. Ron OLIVER checked me out with a hike on Mt. Tamalpais in Marin just before we came over to the UK in late May. It’s hell to get old but it’s nice that they have learned to do replacement parts.” Thanks Warren and for any ofyou needing or contemplating hip replacement, talk to Warren because he tells a very encouraging and positive story about the experience.

John SWAN: “...I have not seen SELSER (Jim) since 1966. We used to talk on the phone once in awhile or email, but not for a few years. I exchange Christmas cards with Tim WHEELER (timsthumb@attbi.com and 3046 43rd Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199) and occasional emails. He has two grandchildren near his home - his oldest daughter and family live in Seattle. His younger daughter graduated from Boalt Hall law school, UC Berkeley and is an attorney in San Francisco with one of the top-rated law firms nationwide. My older daughter will be living in San Francisco come August - - she is going to go to law school there... We still have a son at home 10th grade presently... I have been a prosecutor since 1974. Now with the late great state of California doing appeals and habeas corpus (criminal cases only). Representing the state. The DA convicts them and sends them to prison and we try to keep them there. Before that I was a Deputy DA in Napa County. Napa was a small quiet county then (before Robert Mondavi glamorized it --1 could afford to take the family out to dinner there then). I was in a niche for a few years where I did small town fraud cases (by small- time con men) and most of the nonstandard criminal cases it was real interesting things like shooting a bobcat out of season, and a coyote without a permit, streambed diversion without a permit, contracting without a license, defrauding an innkeeper, selling second deeds of trust that were actually seventh deeds of trust, fraudulent securities sales, embezzlement of a farm equipment auction proceeds. Lots of small time odds and ends which were usually

very interesting. Seventeen years ago I went with the state AG’s office and have been doing that ever since. I did some criminal trials at first, but that is a young person’s game as far as I am concerned. Now it is mostly read, write and research. Not very exciting, but often interesting and satisfying. But I sometimes, mainly when I have a big brief due in a day or two, wonder if someone who wrote his term papers and reports the night (and early morning hours) before they were due should be doing this type of work. I work in San Diego and live up the coast 25 miles in Carlsbad. We body board some and got Bob LAMBERT and Tom Gussel (a two-year member of’65) out catching waves a few years ago. If you or other classmates get down this way, we have extra body boards and live a few miles from some of the best surfing spots in California.” Thanks John ah! California.

CourtesySteveAmdor: Oldjock reunion 2002. At theHarkleroads in Kansas City:Holadays, Murphys, O’Gormans, Czarnotas, Burkarts, Connelleys, and Amdors.

Thanks again ’65 for the great response. Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. Cheers, Rick.

Ryan Denny

1635 Mary Todd Lane

O’Fallon, IL 62269

H: (618) 624-4255

W: (314) 232-5117

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

Greetings Redtags! Your scribe is running out ofthings to “scribe” about. We need a few cards, letters, and emails about how fastyou are approaching retirement, and if only you had saved all that flight pay. (My current concern is trying to get myyoungest son to finish college before my granddaughter starts.) An email is just a click away, and I promise not to add you to my “spam list”.

Speaking of email, the Class of ’66 does not have a web page! The Association of Graduates has a great web site that hosts pages for any class that wants to set up its own page. Take a look at www.aog-usafa.org and click on “Class Pages”. There is a great '66 crest, but no web page behind it. Some of the other classes have some pretty neat pages, with places to put photos (old and new), email addresses, message boards, etc. If any ofyou folks out there like to play around with web pages and want to be the Class of’66 Webmaster, there are easy instructions on the AOG site. The hardest part is getting a signature from a class officer. I can help with that one just send me an email.

Phil BRUCE sent an old fashioned letter from his farm in the mountains of Georgia I don’t think that part of Georgia has discovered computers yet. Phil and family are living a very happy life in a place called Rainbow Ridge, near Smyrna, GA. His letter talked about clearing land, tilling, planting, raising bees, chickens, and guineas, saw-milling and building bridges, porches and storage sheds. It sounds a lot like the Waltons. It also sounds a lot more peaceful than the daily grind in the aerospace world.

The picture on the next page is the long-awaited proof that the boys of’66 get better looking every year. Here we have a fine example of how clean living has kept these young men in the peak of good health and appearance. OK... maybe it was just the Irish whiskey that made them all look so good at least most of them still have their own teeth.

Did you know that Rusty GIDEON’S son, Maj Bill Gideon (’90) is the AOC for 13th Squadron? Rusty was the 13th Squadron Commander our

Ryan Denny, BillHudspeth, Ron Morey,Jim Murphy, andDennie Watson proving that on St Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.

First Class year; his son was also in 13th and has been the 13th AOC for the last few years. This sounds like the beginning of a USAFA tradition.

It’s hard to believe that it was 40 years ago that we started the Class of ’66. It’s almost time for one of you fast burners to have a grandchild at USAFA. We’ll have to figure out a prize for whoever is first to reach that goal maybe red racing stripes on your walker?

OK, guys. Once again I’m begging for news. Just a quick email to let everyone knowthatyou’re still around and enjoyinglife. Until next time... Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

W: (505) 816-2092/DSN: 246-2404

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Summertime and the livin’ is... hotter and drier than usual, as most of you probably know very well. Much hotter and drier to those of us in the Great Southwest. While it is not unpleasant on a daily basis, it is hitting lots of folks hard. Very hard. Perhaps by the time this gets to all of you, the drought will be over, and some green will be showing through. I certainly hope so. National forests and state parks and such are closed, so most fishing and camping are out for the year. Fourth of July fireworks are kaput. I don’t even smoke cigars when I’m out in the wilds getting a bit of fresh air (yes, I know, that is some sort of oxymoron...), for fear of an errant spark. I fear this year will be remembered for a long time.

Meanwhile - on with our Golden Boy Show.

And first up - a quick update on Bruce and Stormy McDONALD, from their (temporary) new home in Sofia, where they are in a three-month Peace Corps training program; after which they may be moved to some other Bulgarian garden spot. They have some access to email, so note that they have changed their email address to brucenstormy@hotmail.com. Bruce and Stormy, since it appears you will miss our 40th —we trust you will have a great adventure to share at our 45th

We had contact from Karin Bridget STEADMAN, daughter of Jim, who made contact with the AOG through a POW/ MIA bracelet with Jim’s name. In response to the AOG, Ms Steadman responded “...I’d like the bracelet to stay up there at USAFA for any displays or tributes that you have for the men like my dad. It seems fitting for the bracelet, (which) was worn by a caring citizen and entrusted to your organization to pass on to my family, to stay up there as a reminder and artifact." My contact with Karin led to the following poignant message: “I missed out on a lot of things not having my dad around. I realize that he was doing what he loved (flying, hiking mountains, and his family were all important to him) and the world was a different place. I never got advice, memories, or cognizant experiences with him. I was hoping that there were still people who remembered my dad and had some memories of him, spending time with him, getting into mischief, etc... I guess what I am after are ‘snapshot memories’... Stories, incidences, etc. For example, a classmate of my dad’s remembers never going so fast on land as he did going up I25 on the back of my dad’s motorcycle, to my dad’s family ranch near Ft. Collins, to help with the haying one summer... So, to sum it up, I am

looking for people willing to share good, bad, indifferent memories that they had with Jim Steadman... People don’t have to have first person contact with me (unless desired) but snail mail and/or email is fine. Artifacts (pictures) would be an added bonus. Does this make sense?”

Karin, I think your sentiment and your request make perfect sense. I trust those who knew Jim will assist. For any ofyou from Jim’s squadron, or other associations - Karin can be contacted through email: coclaygirl@earthlink.net, and at 4211 Leyden Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80907; phone 719.388-8516.

Important news, of God’s Country: Some of you may have seen Dave Barry’s columns this past winter when he wrote about visits to Grand Forks, ND, to be honored by having a sewage treatment plant named after him. What a noble gesture. Later he returned to go ice fishing. What a lucky guy.

We move on: Roger CARLETON’S older daughter Kindall finished her freshman year at Texas A & M, following in Roger’s early footsteps. She was red-shirted on the track team; will return to A & M for the summer session; changed majors to bio-medical from chemical engineering.

Cleat SIMMONS quit his job after 25 years, and now is general counsel for a company that has 800+ employees scattered all over the country...’’Fun and much more rewarding...”

From Lex PAGE: “Just returned from my (almost) annual pilgrimage to the Masters. Not much of a golfer, but I’ve followed the sport since I was a kid watching those old black-and-white broadcasts and caddying for my dad’s friends in local tournaments. Something almost sacred about Augusta National the history, Bobby Jones, Ike, and the sheer beauty of the setting... Prior to that I was in Florida visiting my AFA roommate, Art TAIT, and taking in a couple of Spring Training games in Orlando...”

Lex, you have a tough life.

Reunion update: First, the reallyimportant stuff: it seems that 15th Sqdn is in the lead, with 87% projected to attend the reunion in October. They throw down the gauntlet: “I doubt that other flash in the pan units like 7th, for example, will do as well.” The Seagram’s crew, now known as the “Lucky Seven” (?) obviously falling behind the 15th retorted “Percentages only count when you have a flat tax!” So - can any squadron top CS15’s estimate? Or do the rest plan to hold their attendee cards close to their vests, to reveal them only in October? Ah, the suspense of it all.

The reunion plans proceed apace, shepherded by Frank CHUBA and company. Golf is on the schedule, and tours, and updates, and time to catch up, and football. And a unique element, described by Frank below:

“...We thought it proper to render a special salute to our Classmates in arms who have made the supreme sacrifice as warriors. We have added a Warrior’s Tribute to our 35th Reunion. It will occur on Friday immediately after Lunch at Mitch’s with the cadets. It will be classmates only. We will form up in front of the War Memorial to salute these fallen heroes of our Class with the appropriate remarks, a wreath-laying and roll call. It is our current plan that this roll call will be performed by three doolies of the class of ’06, C/4C Jaszczak, C/4C Sarda, and C/4C Shaw. You no doubt recognize the names. They are “ours”.

Frank had some dead-on thoughts about our motto Ad Vita Ipsa Justavit and its meaning, and our class, and where we’ve been - that deserve sharing: “Let me just say that I have always thought that the above motto was an inspired choice, particularly fitting for our Class, a Class that in many ways had been generationally caught between the fierce winds ofsocial change that swept the country in the Sixties and the need to preserve certain traditional values upon which the country was built. These intense forces, often simultaneously pulling us in opposite directions, continue to shape our Class even unto this day... I do not know who amongst us was struck by the inspiration to choose this motto but it was, and still remains, a most appropriate tribute to our Class...”

I don’t how this could be wrapped up more thoughtfully, more tastefully.

Get your registrations in, get your reservations made. See you in Octoher. Till thenvaya con Dios.

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO '68! Greetings from the land of bleary-eyed World Cup Soccer watchers. A few rousing choruses of“USA!” “USA!” are certainly in order to keep us from musing about other fun matters like estimated taxes, the stock market, or the war on terrorism.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT DEPT: Just when I thought we had one of our stalwart troops through the transition period from officer and gentleman to civilian working stiff, he decided to re-up and is now wearing AF

Our Man on the Frontlines. Colonel John Longenecker, USAF (Active Duty) with Marine Guard.

blue again. As the cinematographer ofJohn LONGENECKER’s retirement eight years ago, I thought his farewell would be different than Michael Jordan’s and that he was going to relax after serving so many years overseas as an air attache. I was wrong! When duty called, John answered. Where would Uncle Sam put a 55+ year old formerly retired colonel? You guessed it, none other than that fashionable spot that the media likes to call “terrorism central” and we call Kabul, Afghanistan. So, from downtown Kabul, as sent in John’s 14 June email, here is the skinny about what he is doing these days.

“I have been busygetting oriented and meeting and greeting those with whom I will be working for at least the next year. While not great, the attached photo was taken of me and one of our trusty Marines at the entrance of our embassy in Kabul. The embassyis essentially an armed camp guarded by a large number of Marines. Travel outside the compound requires that we carry weapons and that we travel in armored vehicles. Security is priority one! The climate in Kabul is like Colorado hot and dusty high desert with the elevation about 6,000 feet. While the days are very hot, the evenings are cool and comfortable. Meals have progressed from MREs (Scribe note: Maude, those MRE things are all kinds of food the Army stuffs into little packages and calls them Meals-Ready-to-Eat.) to going to a dining room with a limited, but passable menu. We live in halfof a trailer (about 8’ X18’), with our own toilet, shower, bed, and small desk. This is like shades ofthe summer of 1964 without the morning runs. It seems like I have gone full circle!

“I went to our first attache function last night. The attache corps was limited to India, Russia, China, Germany, France, and, of course, the U.S. The Indian attache is making do in one ofthe houses thatwasn’t destroyed in the fight for Kabul. Part of this city could use a bulldozer to help in reconstruction. Traveling around town is like being at an armed United Nations meeting. Soldiers are everywhere from a large number of nations each doing their part to help return some semblance of order to the city and the nation.

“Hope this finds everything well with you and your family. Tell Ed E. that there are still a few of us ol’ wheezy ones around. More later, but for now, take care. John”

NewYork City. While there, theystayed at the Marquee Marriott in Times Square, saw the Radio City Christmas show, a Broadway show, and walked around Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, etc. Bob likened this experience to “herding noodles” with everyone wanting to do their own thing. They then jumped back in the van and traveled to West Point, where Ryan was born some 21 years earlier. They saw the house they lived in while Bob was stationed there, toured the cadet area, and really enjoyed their time together.

Bob is still working with American Express as a financial advisor, while Jason is an accountant in Houston, Jennifer is a nurse at Arlington Hospital in Virginia, and Ryan has now completed his junior year at College Misericordia, just north ofWilkes-Barre, PA.

Geoff GORSUCH’s letter to me began: “A bridge was blown up! An airliner and helicopter were hijacked! The leading presidential candidate was kidnapped... and is now feared dead! And, finally, the government declared all-out war! That’s what happened during our briefvisit to Colombia.” Geoffalso wrote that his wife, Diane, hasjust finished a master’s in Ministry and Counseling and his daughter Nicole graduatedwith honors from Colorado College. Hisyoungest daughter, Julie, has begunstudying nursing and he, too, has returned to school for a Doctorate in Ministry. Geoff will be returning to Bogota in July for more missionary work.

MORE

mentioned in my last

These include Larry FUNK, Kerry KILLEBREW, Howie TOWT, Johnny DELOACH (EWO), and Jim. Sorry about the historic inaccuracy guys! Jim also sent along a photo of a reunion with Johnny DELOACH taken in the summer of 2001 when Jim gave Johnny a glider ride in the Albuquerque area.

MAILBAG DEPT: Bob DURHAM sent a nice letter and photo during the

and was excited about having his three kids home again. In addition to sharing in normal holiday festivities, the family and friends took a road trip in a van with all those shown in the photo (eight people) to

and Don Caughlin. Kneeling: Bob Denny, Barney Mills, Chuck Jones, and Bill Crimmel.

35th REUNION DEPT: The enclosed photo shows the attendees at the first official 35th Reunion committee meeting held at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub on 14 May. Since Carl JAANSSEN was unable to attend the meeting, he was unanimously elected 35th Reunion Chairman, and has graciously accepted. The committee is attempting to select an early Fall 2003 reunion date that coincides with a home football game. The exact date will not be known until next February when the Mountain West Conference schedule is announced for the 2003 season. Gene ROSE will be Carl’s Deputy Chairman and will be tagged to pull our 40th reunion together. You will be receiving more information as it becomes available about our class gift, where we will be assisting in the design effort for an interment facility at the USAFA cemetery. We will also be asked by the AOG to serve as a 40-year legacy class and to financially support the purchase of Contrails for the Class of 2008, who will enter the Academy in 2004. Please start clearing your calendars for the September-October 2003 time frame. It is sure to be another great reunion!

THAT’S AWRAP: Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and please keep those cards, letters, emails, and photos coming in. Ciao for now. Tim

From left areJim Terry,JudyDeloach, JohnnyDeloach, and Carolyn Terry.

F-105 GUYS DEPT: Jim TERRY sent a couple of emails my way and noted there were more F-105 aviators in the class than I

column.

holidays

Durham Family Christmas Reunion 2001. From left are JeffSmall (Jennifer's boyfriend), Jennifer, Bob, Cathy, Ryan, Heather Steiner (Ryan’s girlfriend), Sara (Jason’s wife), andJason.)

Our 35th Reunion Planning Committee. Standingfrom left are Bill Sasz, Rocky Gaines, Hartsel Beckett, Al Blumberg, Gene Rose, Bob Beanblossom, NealStarkey, Dick Covey,

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle

Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

Top of the fall season to you all, Greytag gents. As I write, some ofyou are honing golf swings for summer’s bragging rights, some are cruising Alaska’s waters, thanks to Jeff MEECE’s good efforts, and others making plans to visit USAFA in the near future. Some memory lanes to travel, as the list of active-duty classmates continues to dwindle.

Stepping out ofAF blue into mufti is CJ WAX. CJ’s long and distinguished career culminated in his superb leadership of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service in Dallas. Big congrats to him on his 33 years of dedicated service.

Received a nice long letter, from long-lost buddy Blair “B. Y.” STEPHENSON, with whom I took USAFA’s entrance exams waybackwhen in Indiana. Blair and Charlene reside in Irving, TX and are grandparents three times over. They are in the process ofstarting a new company, VISP Solutions, Inc., to market a private-label, “captive” ISP service from Qwest Communications that enables organizations to offer their own, privatelybranded ISP service to customers, members, alumni, employees, etc. Best wishes on this latest of Blair’s enormously successful ventures.

RUMBLING DOWN MEMORY LANE. The restoration on his ’69 ’Vette finally complete, Blair took in the Mardi Bras/Gras celebration at Possum Kingdom Lake (near Mineral Wells, TX), driving his baby in the parade as a member of Dallas’ Corvette Club.

Cruising Down Memory Lane, Blair and Charlene Stephenson.

Blair has stayed in touch with a number of classmates, including Gary HOWE (at USAFA), Pat and Cookie MAHER in Ft. Collins, Bob and Susan JONES in Memphis (FedEx), Randy and Becky HERBERT in Rockwall, TX (Delta), Chuck and Mary Ellen EARLY in DeLand, EL, Stan and Becky MAS, Flip and Jan KECK, and H. OWNBY and Rick GRANJEAN in Dallas. Over the last few months, Blair has heard from Bill MAISEY (Atlanta), Dennis TOPPER (Houston), Chris HOPE (Kansas City) and Terry BRADY (Evergreen, CO). (Brother BRADY, JeffTRENTON, and I met in D.C. for dinner, Irish music, and Guinness one mid-week’s night in May.)

THE LONG BLUE LINE DEPARTMENT. Graduating 33 years after dad Roy COPPINGER is daughter Lara, who was honored as USAFA’s outstanding female track athlete (trophy), captained the lady tracksters and harriers, and set a steeplechase record along the way. Bugs FORSYTHE swore

her in, and John DALLAGHER presided over all. Her hat was never found. And, an “Exit 02” sign did fittingly adorn the parade field on graduation day. Wonder who could have been responsible?

Down San Antonio way, Gerry BALL, who is at the Personnel Center at Randolph, and Gary LINDNER attended the USAFA Founders’ Day dinner, with featured speakerJohn DALLAGHER. Gerry, sporting ticket numher 569, won the event’s door prize book, Spirit and Flight.

Ron and Gayle LOVE celebrated anniversary #27 this year, and still long to return to the site oftheir engagement, a secluded bench in Jerusalem, in more peaceful times. The wine merchants ofWilmington, Delaware sell some good Golan wines they sip to remember the occasion. Ron, still active in AFA matters in Delaware, was recently inducted into North Olmsted (Ohio) High’s DistinguishedAlumni Hall ofFame. Gayle continues herwork in pediatric nursing at Children’s Hospital in Philly. Ron reports that son Jared is at the First Union Bank in Charlotte, daughterAnne just graduated from U ofMaine, and is joining sister Sara (sophomore at Utah) life-guarding at Rehoboth Beach this summer. (Last ’69er I know who habituated Rehoboth was Danny SPEARS, who spent the summer after his retirement in 1974 there, doing this and that and tending bar on the side).

Jack OVERSTREET, who runs legislative matters for Lockheed-Martin out of Crystal City, VA, had lunch with Ron MARCOTTE recently. Ron, who you will recall retired recently as the Vice Commander ofAir Mobility Command, is living in the D.C. area, where he is the SeniorVice President for Air Force Programs for Burdeshaw Associates, Ltd, a local consuiting firm. Jack also reports that the “Gipper,” Bill MAGILL, is in fine fettle with a new hip, and readying to take on all comers in athletic events ofchoice when he is not engaged otherwise as head ofTactical Air Mobility Improvements and Derivatives activities for Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics company in Marietta, GA. The Gipper, ever the sentimentalist, kept his major milestones calendar uncluttered by scheduling his hip replacement for 4 June. Ahh, more memories.

Also in the D.C. area but with new contact information is George DEFILIPPI, who is with Northrop Grumman Life Support (Arlington), which recently completed a consolidation. George’s e-mail is now george_defilippi@mail.northgrum.com. Jim WILLIAMS works in Arlington for a defense consulting company started (and sold subsequently) by Bart TUCKER. Jim and Gail live in Centreville (VA), and Jim still strums his six-string a bit on occasion and doesn’t miss the James Taylor concerts at Nisson Pavilion each summer.

GOING OUT IN STYLE. Through personal knowledge or these paragraphs, you all know that Tom KECK, our other recent three-star retiree, is now ensconced as a Vice President for Air Combat Systems at General Dynamics Decision Systems. He and Karen are living in Scottsdale. Tom had an end-career TDY to end all TDYs, traveling to New York to represent all the men and women who have designed, built, maintained, sustained, and flown the B-52 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of that venerable warbird’s first flight. Tom’s daybegan on FOX News Live, which some of you may have seen, and then moved on to Ground Zero for an emotional visit. Then off to the New York Stock Exchange to ring the closing bell, and afterwards out to Shea Stadium, where Tom threw out the first pitch of the Mets/Braves game. A “shack,” of course.

However, the real plucks of the day’s heartstrings were provided, as always, by the intangibles. The two captains Tom took with him, freshly back from flying combat in Afghanistan, presented firemen and policemen and firefighters who had lost sons with small American flags they had flown during combat and with JDAM arming lanyards that stay with the B-52 and arm the 2000-pounders as they are released. Tom offers “it was as if they were handing out gold bars...the firemen and policemen were extremely appreciative that the captains were ‘evening out’ the score.” At the ballgame that night, all-star catcher Mike Piazza turned to Tom’s uniformed group and said “You guys are my heroes!” before belting a homer that started a rally that ended in a Mets victory. Pure appreciation for the US military.

As partial proofthat Dan THOMAS’ T-34 Mentor did spirit the two of us

Two generals, a newly-minted lieutenant, and Roy.

"Two antiquesfly a third.’

around the skies ofNorthern California is the accompanying photo postflight, pre-celebratory libation.

All best wishes to you all. Cards and letters. E-mails if you got ’em. Arriba Falcones.

Dick Rauschkolb

14640 River Oaks Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 487-0887

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067

E-mail: Dick.Rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Was driving to work the other day and that song with the lyrics Ifyou go to San Francisco be sure to wear a flower in your hair came on the radio. Every time I hear that song, I think back to the great ZI field trip and the stop at Hamilton AFB outside San Fran. I think all of us took a trek down to Haight-Ashbury to see what all the hullabaloo was about. Perhaps we thought we would see the place overrun with hippies blowing grass and engaging in free love right there on the street. As I recall, it was a big disappointment. Plus with our short haircuts, we didn’t exactly fit in with the local populace. As I recall, me and Chuck WEIR had a better time checking out the local dives in North Beach. In those days, Weir and I had a knack for finding the seediest places in any city in any part of the globe.

One of my fondest memories of that ZI field trip was the mixer at Hamilton. In those politically incorrect times, we all chipped in a few bucks for the Ghoul Pool contest. The smuck with the worst looking date would win the money. I always wondered if the poor girls who were forced to go to those things and spend an evening with us clods ever had their own Ghoul Pool?! I don’t think we gave those women the warm fuzzies that the country was going to be in good hands after we graduated. Although, I am sure a few may have commented about groping hands! Back to the story. Good old Chuck and I were standing in line waiting to see which maiden we would grace with our presence that evening. As we sized up the girls in the line across from us, it appeared that we would both wind up with OK dates for the evening. Unfortunately, somethinghappened with our counting process and Weir wound up with a sure candidate for the Ghoul Pool prize. I will save the more gory descriptions of his date for a beer at the next Reunion suffice it to say you shouldn’t wear a strapless gown ifyou have a perspirationproblem and don’t shaveyour armpits. Good old Chuck made a valiant effort to show off his “girl” to all our classmates at the Hamilton O’Club hoping to garner enough votes to win the Ghoul Pool and salvage the evening. What is the worst thing that can happen in the Ghoul Pool contest?You guessed it Chuck came in second, didn’t collect a dime, but received plenty of “sympathetic” comments from his classmates. Trivia question who beat Chuck out for the money?

Congratulations to Dana DEMAND who just made BGen in the NYANG. Dana is probably the oldest and last guy to make general in our class. He and Brigid are planning a big ’70 partyin conjunction with theArmy game on 9 Nov. Joe MCCLELLAND said his chemo “is kicking butt”. He said he can’t fit into that parade uniform he modeled in the last column anymore. He and A1WURGLITZ had lunch in D.C. Glad you are on the road to recovery roomie! Tom RANDAZZA is going to try and make it out to Denver in the next few months for a visit. Hope some of you Preppies can make it back for the first ever Prep School Reunion in October. Colonel Black would love to see us together again I think!

John GUNYOU sent me a nice note that included a great speech he gave on public service. John used some nice words about Mike BLASSIE in his remarks. John is the city manager of Minnetonka, MN. John and Kim are busy herding a sixth, seventh, and eighth grader around to soccer/softball. His older children are a teacher and an aspiring actress. John passed on some info on some of our classmates. Jeff SLETTEN is living in Evergreen and flying for Continental. His son is an accomplished snowmobile racer. Ted COULSON is practicing law in Seattle. His son is a stock car racer. Is there a pattern there? Bill JUMP is CFO of California State University at Monterey Bay. Now why couldn’t I live there and work on my golf game at Pebble Beach? John indicated that a mini-third squadron reunion is planned at Al Marquis’ ranch outside of Las Vegas. A1 was with us at USAFA for two years.

Saw CJ BOHN at the video rental store the other day. We were both reaching for the same xxx-rated film when we recognized each other. CJ is working for Mitre doing what he does best intel work. He and Peggy have a gorgeous home in Glen Eagle right outside the North Gate. Bob MCKINNEY and I shared a few war stories while watching the Falcons’ Blue-Silver game. Bob and Peggy’s son Mike is finally a firstie after going the long haul ofspending a year at both NMMI and our Prep School. Mike has become quite the star for our nationally ranked rugby team. Bob hit me with some great wisdom “None of us is going to get out of this life alive." Good words may help us all to put things in perspective.

Mike RYAN spent some time with Bill OLDENBERG recently both men are committed to being at the next Reunion. Mike reminded me of the great snowstorm on 13 April ’67. He mentioned guys jumping from the third floor into the snow drifts. What a memory! Greg LEIMBACH’s daughter Nicole continues to excel on the tennis court. She won her second straight Colorado State HS championship but more impressive she is the number one ranked under-16 girl in the country! I see Wimbledon in the Leimbach’s future. Jeff KRAUSER’s brother Larry, 78, sent me some info on Jeff because we never hear from Jeff. Jeff and Charlotte are living in Missoula, MT where Jeffis doing computer design work. They have four children and just married off one daughter and sent a son to Lackland for Basic Training.

It is obvious to the most casual observer that some/most/all of our classmates married up as this picture clearly illustrates.

Seventy men and brides celebrate Founders Day Texas style. From left are Terry and Marlyn Tabor, Lance and Raymi Ammon, Bob and Diana Chambers.

Bob CHAMBERS sent the picture in of the TABORs, AMMONs, and CHAMBERS enjoying the Founders Day dinner dance at the Los Colinas Country Club in Irving, TX. Bob said BJ BJORKLAND has been head of Congressman Dick Armey’s Service Academy Selection Board for several years. Bob just became part of the board too, but unfortunately, this is Armey’s last year in office.

Saw Rick FRANCK at the AOG graduation open house. He had a big smile on his face as he was out here from Iowa to celebrate his son’s (also Rick) graduation. Dave DEWITT (Elaine) has an advertisement in this issue of the magazine. He is offering an exciting new business opportunity check out his website in the ad.

If Gregg POPOVICH didn’t have bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all. One ofhis stars, David Robertson, was out for most ofthe playoff series against the Lakers. Despite the loss, Pop’s Spurs played the Lakers tough. I think this was the year the Lakers could have been had by San Antonio but David’s loss made it too big a hill (named Shaq) to climb. Next year!

Les HAMBLIN, Mike TORREANO, Gary DAHLEN, Curt EMERY, Rich DOWNING and I met to discuss our class gift. After much discussion and debate, we are considering funding a full scale replica of the War Memorial to be located along the new Heritage Trail outside Doolittle Hall. Let’s face it; hardly anybody gets to see the War Memorial which is located on the terrazzo by the flag pole particularly in light of the increased security as a result of9-11. TheWar Memorial honors those graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat. The Class of 70 has nine names on the War Memorial Fran TOWNSEND, Art HARDY, Dick CHRISTY, Steve GRAVROCK, Mike TUROSE, Bud HARGROVE, Rocky ROVITO, John HASELTON, and Mike BLASSIE. We can’t think of a better heritage project to have our class associated with than the honoring of these special graduates. Such an undertaking is going to cost more than the $300K we have raised so far. Hopefully, we can raise some additional funds or find a big 70 donor to make this project a reality before the next Reunion when we can have a formal dedication.

Joe BURKE dropped me an email right before this deadline. He and Diane are starting their sixth year at Keuka College in upstate NY. They are still loving it. Diane is heading up the college’s largest department Education and Social Work. The Burke family clan had a great Reunion there over the Fourth. Can you imagine 40 Joe Burkes in one place at one time critical mass! Joe’s oldest son is a physicist and his youngest son is married to a doctor. How do offspring from a guy who was dangerous with a slide rule get into the sciences! From this “social scientist’s” perspective, his daughter has it right she is a ski instructor at Vail.

Jim BARRALL sent me a moving newspaper article about a ceremony he attended that honored Jim’s dad on Memorial Day in Mifflinville, TN. Jim’s dad was a fighter pilot in WWII who was shot up pretty badly in combat over Normandy. Jim went to Mifflinville from his home in Florida to place a wreath at the town’s War Memorial in honor of his dad’s heroics. Jim’s young son James was there too.

Jim Barrall and youngJames pay tribute to Jim’s dad’s WWII exploits.

For those ofyou who are annual members of the AOG, you might consider signing up for a life membership under the current rates as the price for a life membership is going to go up on 1 Jan to a flat rate of $700 vice $480 now. Many thanks to Mike KELLEY, Tim KINNAN, Pat EDSELL, Dave STERLING, Phil MOORE, and Jeff QUIRK for joining the Sabre Society. Hope we get some more of you to join this great organization over the next few months.

We celebrated Founders Day here at Doolittle Hall in earlyApril. It was a great experience. Harry PEARCE,’64 and Ron FOGLEMAN, ’63, our first Distinguished Graduate Award winners, gave emotional talks about the Academy and what it meant to their respective careers. Marilyn and I enjoyed sharing dinner with Pete FOX in from Florida, Roger and Sharon HILL, and Rich and Nanci DOWNING.

By the time you get this, football season will be upon us. I am not expecting anything great from the Falcons this season 7-5 would be a good year. We play a pretty tough schedule Notre Dame, Northwestern, Cal, plus traditional conference rivals BYU and CSU. Something tells me that our hold on the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy may take a hit from Army this year. Hope I am wrong. Going to a bowl is probably a long shot. We may be a year away from having a great team. This year we are going to try some defensive wrinkles to try and keep teams from passing at will against us. We have some great young linebackers, but they may need a year of experience to really have the impact we are expecting from them. Chance Harridge, our junior QB, is going to be a good one once he gets some game experience. Be patient!

Ifany ofyou folks are coming to the Navy game, Rich and Nanci DOWNING will have their traditional post-game ’70 mini-reunion at their home. Call Rich or me for additional details - 719-472-0300. This promises to be a great time - as usual - don’t miss it!

Hope you all had a great summer let’s get ready for some football!

Arriba Falcones

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 481-9400

E-mail: pknott@acninc.net

Since this article goes to the AOG a couple of months in advance of publication, when you read the column the forest fires should be at least

under control. As of mid-June, the state is in a hundred-year drought, and many thousand acres of once-beautiful forest are charcoal. Today, the wind is blowing the nearest fire back on itself, helping containment efforts, but areas like Woodland Park, Monument, and Palmer Lake are still on evacuation standby. The two biggest fires (so far) were both set by humans. If your vacation plans include Colorado, call someone in the state before canceling a trip. Large areas are actually not in flames and even not covered by smoke clouds. My brother-in-law and his family had a chance to spend a week in Breckenridge but passed it up before asking us where the fire areas were.

Other than that, things have been pretty quiet. Keith BARRETT’s stepson is trying to get into Prep School, so they’re anxiously waiting word.

Gordy KAGE sent a post to the D.C. area grads in May, when the football team received the Commander-In-Chief’s trophy. Evidently grads, with a little advance coordination, were able to join the team at theWhite House. If any of you were there, I’d love to know about it.

Bob MANNING sent several notes, which I am consolidating here: “Some of our Washington DC classmates were able to get together recently for some casual libations and some more casual conversation reliving our youth. Charley (Candyce) SYLLING arranged for a table at a local Alexandria watering hole and the fun was on. Bob (Debbie) PETERMAN, Jim (Sharon) HOOPER, Ken (Anne) MILLS, Ted (Carmella) MCFARLAND, Bob (Jan) MANNING and Charley from the local D.C. area were joined by Bob (Marybeth) LOWE who came in from Ft. Worth just for the camaraderie. (The fact that his company scheduled him into a meeting the next day had nothing to do with it.) Bob is still with Lockheed Martin and works as a Business Development Senior Director for Air Mobility. Bob sent on this quick note: ‘Thanks again for remembering me when you guys set up the dinner. I had a great time. We need to keep doing this often to make sure our memories are still correctly functioning or at least we all agree on a common version of the war stories!’

“Ken MILLS is currently a Senior Associate with Booz-Allen and Hamilton while Charlie SYLLING is passing himself off as an AsstVP and Project Manager in the Advanced Systems Group of SAIC. Bob PETERMAN and Bob MANNING are both with L-3 ComAnalytics Corp and work in the Pentagon as Senior Analysts in Operational Requirements (AF/ XOR). Jim HOOPER is the Chief Operating Officer ofAdvanced Management Technology, Inc. (AMTI), a provider ofcomprehensive technical solutions to public and private sector clients. Ted MCFARLAND is the only one of the bunch still on active duty as a two-star, serving as Assistant Deputy Undersecretary ofthe Air Force for International Affairs. The picture was taken in one oftheir quieter moments. I am behind the camera.

Before the craziness began: From left are McFarland, Lowe, Peterman, Hooper, Sylling, and Mills.

“My wife and I recently bought a house in Frederick, MD and I am getting used to being a veteran commuter. I recently passed my five-year anniversary in the D.C. Metro area. That’s hard to believe. I ran into Bob LOWE a few weeks back while traveling back to Washington DC from a meeting. With no advanced planning, we ended up on the same flight.

“I frequently see or talk to Jack OEHME as we are in related work for contractors supporting the AF, I in AF/XOR and he in SAF/AQQ.”

Ed NOLTE also sent a nice note: “I saw Jon STEVENS last Friday at the O’Club. He works for ConAgra and is doing well. As the weather improves and the golf season returns to Nebraska, I will see Jon nearly everyweekend.

“Linda and I are well. I am still working for Lockheed Martin at USSTRATCOM. Our office is there in Colorado Springs on Rte 83. I was out there for the day several weeks ago, but I really didn’t have time to do much. I left right before the temperature dropped and a big storm hit on Friday night.”

Ed, we look back at Spring 2002 as “the good ol’ days." Hope you all are doing well. GBA

Visit the AOGWeb Site - Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

70 Starts New Rock Band The Undertakers! From left are our scribe, Rich Downing, Roger Hill, and Pete Fox.

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

The only input I received this time around was from Roger PARSONS who sent an email and some photos.

“Greetings from the Pacific Northwest. I just celebrated my retirement from 30 years of military service, finishing as the Vice Wing Commander of the 446th AW (Reserve) at McChord AFB, WA. My wife, Laurie, and I hosted a little party at our home inVancouver, WA on the Columbia River celebrating my retirement and our 30th graduation anniversary with some classmates on 7 June 2002. On 8 June we had a little golf tournament at our club in Portland, OR. On 9 June my retirement ceremony was held at McChord in front of our recently-retired C-141 and our new C-17 aircraft. MGen Chuck JOHNSON (a former CS-04 roommate), who was responsible for much of the AF oversight in the C-17 development, was kind enough to come out and be my retiring officer.

stock broker/trader, San Francisco, Calif;

(formerlySokolowsky), LtCol, USAFRet., dentist, Vancouver, Wash.; Chuck (Marilee) Johnson, MGen,

“See

Dan 0’ Hollaren

19803 Derby St

West Linn, OR 97068

H: (503) 657-0299

W: (503) 667-8554

E-mail: danoh73@attbi.com

To the Class of 73, welcome to autumn from the great Pacific Northwest! The summer is winding down and a man’s fancy turns to tailgate parties, football games and putting away the patio furniture for another year. As I write, I am inspired by the view out my window of the Pacific Ocean waves crashing against the shoreline and Kenny G playing in the background. (Whoa, whatever happened to Joe Cocker, CCR & the Grateful Dead?). With the last two columns being an all out barrage of updates, I'll slip into autumn with a more sedate-yet equally as poignantupdate of our classmate’s comings and goings.

The ubiquitous Mike ARNETT passed on some additional updates. Gary BLOKLAND is living in Riverside, CA, working for Delta (767 FO) out of LAX. Retired from the USCG in ’97 out ofMcClellan AFB and moved to be close to daughter Courtney, a senior in high school and going to college next fall. Gary was wed in ’95 to Judy, USAFR flight nurse at Norton and then March AFB. Looking forward to the 30th reunionsays he made the 25th and had a “really nice weekend”. Personally, I thought it was fabulous! Randy PUTZ and bride, Nancy, are getting ready to deliver their youngest, Jeremy, to the hallowed gates ofUSAFA as a member ofthe Class of 2006. Their oldest son, Luke, is a third classman at USNA, 2004. (Well, one out of two isn’t bad!) Nancy is still having challenges from the 1989 bone marrow transplant and needs everyone’s prayers. SteveYESTNESS is still retired and, in his own words, “doing yard work for grandmas”. Nisa (oldest) should graduate from CSU in the summer. DaughterAstrid is playing baseball and softball, earning all-state as 1st baseman in 4A. Bringing up the rear is Brenda, doing well in Girl Scouts. Eric NICKERSON is living in Maryland, retired from the Air Force since ’93, managing his Third Century II investment partnership and, according to Eric, “$8 million worth of the best stocks on the exchange!” Large checks cheerfullyaccepted. Thanks for passing on the updates, Mike!

Ed PREBLE wrote to relay his latest feat in long distance sweating, doing the memorial Bataan Death March Race again in April. Ed ran this one with both the Commandant and Dean of Students from NMMI. He ran with 37 cadets from the Institute, some ofwhom managed to finish ahead of the old guy. Temperature and altitude will get you every time, Ed.

Received a nice commentary about our own Dan CONNELLY from “Jake” JACOBI, ’81. Seems everyyear for the past sixyears Air Force Alumni lacrosse has fielded a team in theVail Lacrosse Shootout under the name Air Force GRAYBIRDS. Dan has been there every year and has started and anchored the defense for Air Force, just like he did as team captain back in his days as a cadet. In addition, Tommy RICHARDSON, 74, who started on defense with Dan as cadets, has also made it to Vail to play. More interesting about Dan is the fact he still competes against guys half his age. Dan lives in Kansas City but has supported Jake’s team in Cincinnati for the past severalyears. He apparently is referred to as the “Man’s Man” of Lacrosse! Dan’s wife, Robin, usually accompanies the herd to these lacrosse junkets. Both of Dan’s sons, Sean and Patrick, are also topnotch lacrosse players. Sean graduated from Boston College this summer. Patrick will be a junior this year. Thanks, Jake!

Mark BALDWIN came out of the Iowa cornfields to give us a super update. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen each other, but we did have some “good times” on 3rd Lt in Holland. Mark’s envious of all the people retiring. He’s close, but still has a daughter just starting high school, so it’s at least three years away. By way of preparation, however, Mark did buy a second home in Florida for winter get-aways. Hopefully, in three years, the get-aways will last at least six months. Mark says “there’s just something nice about leaving Iowa winters for Florida sunshine” (duh!!). He’s still involved with Iowa Laser Technology, a company he owns and “runs”. To set the stage for retirement, he recently hired a new president, and stepped into the CEO job. Like everyone these days, the events of 911 have slid most financial plans back a little. He does say the business is turning around now, however.With his bride, Peggy, Mark has four daughters. One will graduate from Millikin University (Decatur, IL) in Dec 02 and one will be a junior atWartburg College (Waverly, IA). #3 just graduated from high school this year and is undecided on her future, while #4 is going into 10th grade. He and Peggy love sailing, something they got into about five years ago. They spend a few weeks each winter sailing in the southern Caribbean and have a 30' keelboat on a large lake in southern Iowa (I didn’t know there were ANY lakes in Iowa, much less large ones). Obviously, sailing is the primary reason for the second home in Florida. Plus, as Mark says, “you can only play so much golf in a year”. He’s looking forward to seeing everyone next year at the 30th reunion (as long as he doesn’t have to golf with me again, no doubt!).

In thefirst photo taken at Roger’s home in Vancouver, Wash, on June 7 are, from left, Doug (Robin) Hill, Lt Col, USAFR Ret., Airbus fleet captain with United Airlines in Denver; Bruce (Cathy) Miller, Lt Col, Oregon ANG Ret., certifiedfinancial planner in Beaverton, OR; Dr. Ken (Vicki) Rugh, Col, USAFR (Mobilized), radiologist in San Antonio, Texas; Bill (Christine) McLoughlin,

Dr. M Jay (Suzie) Skyler

USAF, commander, Tinker Air Logistics Center, Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Roger (Laurie) Parsons, Col USAFR Ret., B-767/757 captain with United Airlines in San Francisco, Calif.

This photo was taken on June 9 at McChord AFB. From left are Chuck Johnson, Doug Hill, John (Barbara) Vaaler, Col, USAF Ret., Gig Harbor, Wash.; Bill McLoughlin, MJay Skyler, Ken Rugh and Roger Parsons.

you in October at our reunion. Roger Parsons”

That’s it for this time around. Ifyou want more news in this column I need you to write or email me on what’s going on in your life. Take care, Bob.

Bruce BENNETT, along with his golf clubs, is on the move again. Recently retired from the active USAF as the air attache in Bogota, Bruce decided to hook up with a company that required his services in Buigaria, consulting this third-world country on how a third-world country’s military ought to be organized. His only condition in going was that they have golf courses. Bruce just finished up workingwith the Bulgarian Navy for two weeks in the Black Sea ports ofVarna and Bourgas. The Bulgarian Air Force flew him and his group there and back in a twin engine Antonov turboprop. They were “treated like royalty”, getting aboard one of each type of ship and submarine. Nancy is busy taking care of everything in the world and working for First Command investment firm. She’s studying and hopes to take her agent tests in the near future. She is also keeping an eye on the new house under construction in Oklahoma. Bruce has also purchased a Cessna 182 that he yearns to fly again once his stint is over. Look for Bruce back stateside in the February ’03 time frame.

As for yours truly, I have turned over the command ofthe 142nd Medical Squadron and have been appointed as state Director of Support, Oregon ANG. I know what you’re thinking: what the heck is a Director of Support? Barring an assignment to a men’s locker room, I think it has real growth potential. Standby for updates in the winter issue of Checkpoints. Finally, Sam GRIER is still desperately seeking someone to chair the 30th reunion rapidlyapproaching in just 12 months. Looks like a September date is shaping up so leave your calendars open. As always, it’s a privilege to represent an incredible group of patriots. Take care. AMF & Check Six!

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

0: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8909

E-mail: jbrezovicl@bigplanet.com

joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

Good day to you, classmates, families, and friends. These have been a busy few months for our class as members end their tours of duty, move out, move in, begin new tours. I’m sure some of us are near the end of our careers and stressed with deciding what to do with our lives to continue to care for our families. Has any one else felt like the results of 24 hours aren’t enough? Remember the old quote we heard (I heard it was from National Geographic) that cadets put in a 32 hour day? Perhaps that’s why we may be feeling that the 24-hour day is insufficient!

Dave DALEY, thank you for writing in a few more lines of life around D.C. Dave wrote in a memo on Blair BOZEK. Blair was recognized for his actions on 9/11 by the Chief ofStaff ofthe Air Force. Dave got to meet Blair’s parents and sister’s family at the reception. The fireman who helped Blair pull three woman from a burning Pentagon office was there too. The fireman’s fire truck at the helipad caught on fire when the airplane hit the Pentagon. He had just parked it when he saw the plane hit the Pentagon, and he dove underneath another truck to avoid being hit by flaming debris. The reception was on the top 15th floor of a hotel near the Pentagon. Dave wrote they “had a great view of the Pentagon and all ofWashington DC in the sunny 85 degree F weather.”

Chris KELLY made time from his BG activities to give an interesting story. “I have never sent an update like this before but I just returned from a very interesting experience. On 5 Dec 01 the Air Force sent me (and a number of other folks) to Manas International Airport at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Our mission was to establish the 376 Air ExpeditionaryWing.

(Setting up a wing in the former Soviet Union was something I thought the Air Force would never ask me to do.) Well we’ve done just that. The ‘war stories’ are too numerous to tell but I think it’s safe to say that building an Air Base from scratch, in the middle ofwinter, halfway around the world presented us all with some pretty big challenges. The only infrastructure we had to work with when we arrived was the runway and taxiways at the airport. And Manas Airport is an InternationalAirport in name only. But in a little less than 90 days we ‘built’ a tent city capable of housing and feeding over 2,500 people and establishing a C-130, KC-135, Mi

rage 2000 and soon USMC F/A-18 operation in support of the air war in Operation Enduring Freedom. Our KC-135S and Mirage aircraft flew in direct support of the recendy completed Anaconda operation. One other 74 note from this adventure our classmate Harold “Cecil” REED was there with me. Cecil is a C-130 navigator/commander with the Wyoming ANG at Cheyenne. He came over to the 376 AEW as our Deputy Operations Group Commander and he’s doing a spectacularjob. I would have ‘busted the ride’ without him.” Chris and Kathy are closing in their 28th wedding anniversary a few years since the June’74 ceremony! Their oldest son, Nick, is a fireman in D.C. His wife, Liisa, supports him in that career! Chris’ other son, SSgt Matthew (wife Emily), is a munitions mechanic in Iceland. Chris and Kathy may have joined the ranks of ’74 grandparents by now.

Other news from Chris: our class now has its first 3-Star General (perhaps he’s confirmed and pinned on by now, but the President had nominated him to the Senate for his 3rd Star)

Duncan MACNABB is at the Pentagon and will become the Air Force’s “Programmer” (AF/XP) soon. Thank you, Chris, for the mail.

News from Johnson Space Center. New crew on the Space Station as of June: Peggy Witson, as Flight Engineer (American). Valery Korzun, Commander (Russian), and DergeiTrschev, Flight Engineer (Russian). They’re there until about Jan 20, 2003.

Short advertisement for the USAFA Prep Schoolers. You’ve seen the emails about a reunion this fall? Marty Marcolongo, ’88, is handling it. Email me if you need info.

Tony BROZENA sends in quips now and then. Tony always has good stories to listen to while he strums and sings. Here’s one for us to read and enjoy. (Replace the “car” with your own. Tony had a Mustang, and by coincidence, so is mine!).... REMEMBER...When the worst thing you could do at school was smoke in the bathrooms, flunk a test or chew gum. And the banquets were in the cafeteria and we danced to a juke box later, and all the girls wore fluffy pastel gowns and the boys wore suits for the first time and we were allowed to stay out ’till 12 p.m.

When a ’57 Chevy was everyone’s dream car. to cruise, peel out, lay rubber and watch drag races, and people went steady and girls wore a class ring with an inch ofwrapped dental floss or yarn coated with pastel frost nail polish so it would fit her finger.

And no one ever asked where the car keys were 'cause they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the doors were never locked. And you got in big trouble if you accidentally locked the doors at home, since no one ever had a key.

Remember lying on your back on the grass with your friends and saying things like “That cloud looks like a...” And playing baseball with no adults to help kids with the rules of the game. Back then, baseball was not a psychological group learning experience it was a game.

Remember when stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals ‘cause no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger. And... with all our progress... don’t you just wish... just once... you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace... and share it with the children of the 80’s and 90’s...

So send this on to someone who can still remember Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Laurel & Hardy, Howdy Doody and The Peanut Gallery, The Lone Ranger, The Shadow Knows, Nellie Belle, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk, as well as the sound of a real mower on Saturday morning, and summers filled with bike rides, playing in cowboy land, baseball games, bowling and visits to the pool... and eating Kool-Aid powder with sugar. When being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited a misbehaving student at home. Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we all survived because their love was greater than the threat.

Didn’t that feel good, just to go back and say, Yeah, I remember that! And was it really that long ago? May each ofyou live today so that tomorrow the actions become the worthy, glorious dreams of yesteryear. And may each of you live long and prosper.

Jeff Flackett

2610 E. Stottler Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296

H: (480) 558-8703

W: (480) 988-9773 X434

E-mail: jhackett75@cox.net

WOMEN!! Spring is long forgotten here in Arizona but personal circumstances make it more than appropriate that I share with you the focus of my fancies lately. First is the soon-to-be proofreader ofyour class column, my fiance, Chris. Living proof #1 that miracles are in our everyday life - a chance encounter with someone who has brought so much life back into my life over the past six months. And, while you might, sight-unseen, question her judgment/taste in men, I’m sure you’d all

Bruce Bennett somewhere in Bulgaria inspecting the recesses of their Navy’s submarine.

heartily approve. (She’s even the daughter of a retired Air Force pilot!) No date carved in stone at this point (next Spring?) but we agree that it’ll be a small wedding with a Big OF Party to follow.

Jeff and Chris

As fate would have it, just a few weeks after I asked Chris to be my wife - another lady entered my life and stole what was left of my heart. I’m a Grandpa! Tiffany and her husband, Cam, had a 5 lb, 3 oz girl, Cadence, in mid-June. Everyone came through this miracle in fine shape (although they ignored my request for a “normal waking hours” labor and delivery)... as much as I would like to (and could!) fill the allotted space with glowing remarks about these lovely ladies I will attend to my appointed duties by moving on to the considerable inputs provided this time.

address shuffle last time. I will have to do a direct cut-and-paste from Duane’s letter since it contains more acronyms and jargon than I can comprehend: “A few days after 11 Sep 01 Dave KOVACH, Dick WEBBER, and I found ourselves sitting at the CFACC’s conference table at the CAOC at PSAB. Dave served as the USCENTAF/A6, Dick as the Deputy CAOC Director for Space, and I as the USCENTAF/A4. Although not at PSAB, Jim FELLOWS and Stan GORENC were the deputy commander and commander (respectively) of the AEW at A1 Dhafra. Who would have thought we’d all work together in this scenario?" Didn’t understand much of that but I am impressed!

Kovach, Webber and Jones

Heard from Dan BURKETT who specifically wanted me to announce that he’s a “Boozer”... that is he’s a senior associate specializing in space with Booz Allen Hamilton. Whatever his achievements are in or out of a bar

to me he’s a good guy for having his camera at the ready during a chance encounter with Roy RICE and Dale MEYERROSE at the COS airport in April. Dan and his wife, Liz, were on their way back to L.A. after a “wonderful week together at the National Space Symposium” (could this be a possible honeymoon destination for Chris and me?). Anyway the three of them “just thought it’d be nice if I had a picture for the column that didn’t include Bentley or his family" (clearly, the Space guys are starting to adopt a bit of a swaggering attitude).

Grandpa Scribe with Tiffany and Cadence

ANOTHER HOSPITAL - ANOTHER GOOD THING. Picked up in some “pass-along” e-mail fromJim CARLSON a returned-to-the-living note from Ralph PAUL. ApparendyRalph recently had a massive heart attack (“They call it ‘the widow maker’ because few survive it I had a 5% chance to pull through.”) The good thing is that Ralph beat the odds during a two-month stint in the hospital and after some additional therapy, should get back to leading a normal life. Ralph wanted to be sure that we passed on his heartfelt thanks to all those who kept him in their thoughts and prayers.

CITIZEN-SOLDIERS EXTRAORDINAIRE. Heard from both Paul KENT and the Public Affairs folks at the Georgia Department of Defense regarding Scott HAMMOND’s promotion to BG. Scott has done it all while serving all those peachy citizens: F-15 Instructor Pilot, Squadron Commander, Wing Plans Officer, a stint or two at State HQ, back in the cockpit (ofthe B1), Vice Wing Commander, and back to HQ where he gained this promotion. Oh yeah, “on the side” Scott is a Chief Pilot with Northwest Airlines where he supervises more than 2,400 line pilots. He also chairs Northwest Airlines Safety Action Program. And I heard through my own channels that Mike McCLENDON was just selected to a USAFR Mobilization Assistant (0-7) position at AFMC.

Brig. Gen. Hammond

AND THE FULL-TIME GUYS ARE DOING OKAY TOO. This input/picture from Duane JONES was one of the items that got lost in my e-mail

RoyRice, Dale Meyerrose and Dan Burkett

AFTER THE DEADLINE. My all-too-typical failure to meet the editor’s deadline has an upside this time as Jeff CHAPPELL sent along a couple of interesting items. At Jeff’s suggestion I’ll be visiting the local library soon to view an article in the June 3rd issue ofAviation Week (pgs 48-52), “Exercise Jump-Starts Response to Attacks” which highlights the contributions of Bob MARR and John CZABARANEK in the nation’s response to 9/11. As a brand new grandfather I’m just flat amazed to hear that Jeffgot a call recently from Mike GUDMUNDSON to announce he and Cori have a new daughter, Tara!

(HIGHLY) UNPAID PUBLIC SERVICEANNOUNCEMENTS. Attention all “preppies” - if you haven’t heard through other channels be aware that (“largely thanks to the vision ofthe present Prep School Commander, Larry FARRIS...”) the first All-Class USAFA Prep School Reunion will be held 31 Oct to 2 Nov 02. The reunion will be a three-day event centered on the Prep School campus and will include more interesting / exciting things to do than there is room to talk about. All Prep School alumni are encouraged to log on to the reunion website via www.usafagraduates.org, for more information.

Ken FINN and Scott HENTE have stepped forward with concept for a class cruise, not necessarily tied to the next reunion. They were thinking that some time in early 2004 might be the right time but are open to input and advice. Both can be reached through the AOG e-mail service. HOT AND HOTTER. The temperature outside is rising and I just got a scorching email from the Checkpoints editors about my delinquency so I’m going to knock this off and go mow the yard. 110 degrees - YIKES! Definitely later than I thought!

Ernie Woollard

216 E. Goettler St.

Scott AFB, IL 62225-1710

H: (618) 744-1044 W: (618) 256-7948

E-mail: evw76@aol.com

Work e-mail: Ernest.Woollard@scott.af.mil

Class Website:http://www.AFAcademy.com/76

Hello Fellow 76’ers, Summer has definitely arrived here in the St Louis area... hot and muggy as usual. Dan BEATTY and I have semi-formally “passed the baton” for the writing of this article; I will keep writing though through the upcoming holiday season while Dan works on his tan somewhere on the Arabian Peninsula... SPF 50 please Dan! I will keep Dan posted, but please forward your inputs to me through December.

Pam and I had a great opportunity to attend our #2 daughter’s graduation from the USAF Garland Firefighting Academy at Goodfellow AFB, TX in late May.

A1CRebecca Woollard and dad: Firefighter Graduation, GoodfellowAFB, Texas.

Rebecca is a member of the Illinois Air National Guard assigned to the 126th ARW. The State of Illinois has some wonderful education opportunities for its young men and women in uniform. Whether on active duty or as a member of our nation’s reserve forces, Illinois residents with military service can attend any state school with no-cost tuition. I guess next to the Academy, that’s a pretty nice avenue for completing your college education. Anyway, as I was saying, Pam and I had a very nice trip to Texas. We spent a night each way at Ft Sill, OK (great accommodations at a great price in historic housing) and we were able to also visit the Oklahoma City Memorial... quite a moving experience, and doubly so with our current involvement in the Global War on Terrorism. There are still no firm retirement plans in the Woollard household, but 1 July 2004 is looking pretty nice.

As for the rest of us...Harrison FREER stopped through Scott recently to perform a retirement ceremony for one of our TACC chiefs. Now with “Stop Loss’’ lifted, there may be a few more of these types of ceremonies to attend. Harrison and family are doing well living and working in the Washington DC area. Tim CANTWELL was recently announced as the new airport manager at Mid America. For those of you unfamiliar with that location, it’s the other runway here at Scott. Tim has a great challenge, and I’d like to see some major carriers in here soon so that we could have a few Marriott properties close by for weekend get-a-ways and a Cracker Barrel for the extraordinarymorning feast. Best ofluckTim; come on over to the TACC (HQ AMC Building, 2nd Floor) for a visit sometime.

Norm WEINBERG was also here at Scott recently presenting information from AF/XPXC, a CSAF outbrief on USAF future capabilities/operations. I still have a copy of the 60+ page presentation... pretty impressive! I’m sorry that I was unable to attend the briefing. According to Lance CHRISTIAN, Norm has too just recently retired. Norm planned to take the rest of the summer off to cycle through France along the “Tour Route.” And speaking of Lance (most of us down here in the “trenches” of the TACC speak about Lance daily), he managed to escape from the “friendly” confines of HQ AMC for a little fishing excursion in Alaska with Julie. He brought home more than 150 pounds of fish fillets (date and time for the HQ AMC and TACC fish fry TBD); however, his brother Les (the other guy in the picture) caught the two biggest fish.

Lance and Julie had such a great time... they returned to the Lower Fortyeight as Alaska land “barons.” They purchased some property in Homer and plan to retire there some day (though only in the summer according to Julie). Lance said that the CS-35 reunion tentatively scheduled for October is temporarily on hold.

Les, Lance andJulie - another Christian fish story!

Now from the desk of Mike FRICANO: Mike attended the 70th Military Operations Research Society Symposium (MORSS) held at Ft Leavenworth in mid June. This “gathering of geeks” attracted “OR” types from all the services, including several’76ers: Tom KELSO (Chief AFSPC Studies and Analysis, AFSPC/XPY, Peterson AFB, CO), Don OLYNICK (Space Warfare Center, Schriever AFB, CO), Randy and Alice JOHNSON (Mobility Analyst, HQ AMC, Scott AFB), Bill CAROLAN (Airlift Analyst, Boeing Aircraft Company, Long Beach, CA), and Dan KUDA (Analyst, Institute for Defense Analysis, Alexandria, VA). Mike reports that John and Sandy ANDREW have PCSd back to the Academy where John has assumed a loftyposition in the Mathematics Department. Dean IARSON is now a research team leader at the Center for Naval Analysis in Alexandria, VA, and Steve and Beth STOUT are absolutely loving the retired life in Gray, GA. Steve is working as a substitute teacher and volunteer concession stand operator. As you read this report Mike and Debby are unpacking at Hickam; Mike has taken the PACAF/XP job... from Scott to Hickam, one paradise to another. Mike’s replacement here at HQ AMC though is no stranger to our business. Dave MERRILL and wife, Becky, have just returned from their year’s vacation at Air War College. Dave is fully charged to take the reigns.

Whew... and I thought I wasn’t going to have anything to talk about this time. I hope everyone has a healthy and happy summer... stay hydrated! Please keep your news coming in my direction for just a while longer. I expect Dan will assume complete control of the article in January. Until next time, Fly Safe. ERNIE.

John J “Lou" Michels, Jr.

Mcquire Woods LLP

77 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 4400

Chicago, IL 60601-1635

Voice: (312) 849-8150

Fax: (312) 849-3690

E-Mail: jmichels@mcquirewoods.com

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Those ofyou who actually pay attention to the headers on these columns will note that I am no longer living in The Old Dominion, but have moved to the Land of Lincoln. There is some irony in going from a state that houses the capital of the former Confederacy to the state housing the remains of the guy who “drove old Dixie down”, which has escaped my associates here.

My law firm asked me to consider moving to Chicago to head up a labor and employment lawpractice there and after some consideration I accepted. I’ll be doing pretty much the same kinds of things from a work standpoint, except that I’ll probably spend more time looking out the window. Watching sailboats on Lake Michigan is vastly more entertaining than looking at cars driving on the CapitalBeltway. I think it is my children, who have never experienced a real winter in their memory, who will be in for the greatest shock. In an effort to give them some perspective, I’ve told them that the ski clothes that they now haul out two or three time a year will now be used everyday from October to April. They still don’t believe me.

Anyway, for those ofyou who are in Chicago, please give me a call when you can. My offices are right downtown on the Loop (see, I’m already starting to talk “Chicago”). I’m hoping the move went smoothly, since as I write this my household goods are still sitting in Centreville, VA.

RATIONALITY: Every now and then you get correspondence from someone that simply demands to be inserted at the head of a piece. Grady BOOCH (Jan, my former roommate and now the chief scientist for Rational, Inc.) dropped me a message out of the blue containing the following photograph.

Yes, gentlemen, this is Mr. Booch, long hair and all, seated next to one each William Gates. Grady also provided a rationale for his geographic proximity to DarthVader (get it, Rational, Inc./Rationale?) as follows: “I’ve attached a couple of photos from a keynote I shared with Bill G in February. The event was Microsoft’s launch ofVS. NET, their IDE for the .NET Platform, wherein Rational was given the opportunity to present our latest MS offerings.” This is, ofcourse, completegibberish to yours trulybut Grady has always been comfortable with computers. I distinctly remember him building an analog computer in our new dorm room that translated mathematical formulae into tonal sounds. Actually, I personally did exactly the same thing, but my sounds were profanities and obscenities.

Anyway, in this picture Grady is building a Web application in real time, as Mr. Gates and the rest of the audience looks on. Grady finishes his story by noting that he had a page in the application that asked for a credit card number. After fumbling for his wallet and implying that he was simply a penniless programmer, Grady asked Bill for Bill’s credit card. Grady notes, “He laughed, but didn’t give me his card.” What, you think the guy got to own the western half of Washington State by giving out financial information to longhaired ex-Zoomies?

Intrigued by this picture and story, I followed up with Grady and learned a lot about what he’s been doing since the last time I wrote about him. On June 18, the SD Forum, a Silicon Valley organization, gave Grady one of its Visionary Awards. In case you think this is chopped liver, Gordon Moore, the founder of Intel, Noland Bushnel, the founder of Atari, and several other underachievers also received the award this year.

Grady has also been honored by Info World Magazine for his leading edge contributions in software design and development. As you might guess, Grady’s name gets around (more on that in a minute), but he did tell me that the Info World article was the first time he had been mentioned in the same breath with Hedy Lamarr. If any of you are particularly interested, call me and I’ll give you the website with the article.

How famous is Mr. Booch? He told me he gets a few dozen requests for autographs each month and is apparently listed in the book E-mail Addresses ofthe Rich and Famous. Grady claims to be neither rich nor famous, but that is simply not true as I will now demonstrate. For example, Grady has been inserted as a fictional character in two books, one book involving software ethics in which he appears by name, and the other as a minor, unnamed character who does 00 modeling.

It gets worse. When the movie Independence Day was released, one of Grady’s colleagues apparently saw the film at a theatre near MIT. You may remember the scene where the head of Area 51 meets the President and he has an assistant walking behind him. When this scene appeared at the theatre filled with MIT-heads, someone yelled out “There’s Data” when the Area 51 supervisor came into the scene, but then other people beganyelling “There’s Grady Booch behind him” as his assistant came on camera. Apparently, the assistant looked like Grady when he had shorter hair, and presumably more of it.

Anybody who can top being a cult figure with such notoriety that the students at MIT pick out people who look like you in major motion pictures, please let me know. And by the way, my very best congratulations Grady on both awards and on the reputation. And remember, he made Bill Gates laugh.

BACK TO THE REALWORLD: Mike OELRICH (Gail) gave me some info from Helena, MT where he and Gail reside. Mike left active duty in 1988 (boy does that seem like a long time ago) and is part owner of an environmental engineering firm there. In Mike’s words “I have three kids, two

dogs, four birds, and a rat” and he loves the elbowroom in Montana. He fired off the following photo of the family, I suspect that the dogs, birds, and rat are not in the picture, but you never know.

Mike updated me on several other folks - Doug DOWNEY (Claudia) works in Denver for a large engineering company where Doug is specializing in fuel spill cleanups. Doug and Claudia have five sons and are living in Evergreen, which I hope was not too badly affected by the fires this summer. Bruce JOHNSON (Carla) is also in Denver working for a high technology company here and overseas. Bruce and Carla adopted a little girl within the last year or two. Finally, Mike noted that Paul LEUTHAUSER (Janine), who retired as a LTC from Communications Command, is now teaching junior high in Maryland. Paul is probably closer to combat now than he ever was on active duty. Thanks for the picture Mike, and best wishes for you and yours in Montana.

Rob GASTON (Barbara) is down at Maxwell, working in AFROTC, I think. He wrote to tell me that his son, who had an Academy appointment and an AFROTC scholarship, ended up taking the scholarship to LSU. I guess all those doolie stories had an effect, Rob. Congratulations and we will look for you in October.

Norm RIEGSUCKER called to let me know that he is handling Boeing’s training for the F-22 in Seattle. The RTU is going to be at Tyndall, so perhaps Norm will get to see some decent weather after the program gets up and running. Norm reported that Tom HYDE is at Checkmate and that Dave CHAFEE has been on the JSF program at Hanscom.

TIME FOR ME TO REALLYINSULT PEOPLE NOW: At the risk ofleaving somebody out I had to note the general promotion announcements in which so many of our classmates figured. Here is the list of new general officers as announced in late March: Bruce BURDA (Stacey), Bob DEHNERT (Joy), Ron LADNIER, Steve LANNNG (Candy), Mark MATTHEWS (Christy), Steve MILLER (Teresa), Rick PERRAUT (Joanne), and Dutch REMKES (Susan). My very best congratulations to everyone of you and may the promotions come faster now.

For those of you celebrating your 25th wedding anniversaries in June, congratulations, you beat the mean. I look forward to watching my next Navy game with all ofyou there. Be seeing you.

T. J. “Bahaska" Whitehair 1205 Southview Drive O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 632-1423

E-mail: Bahaska@intertek.net

More Damn Generals Than You Can Shake A Stick At: Well, a Preppie General appears. Colonel Douglas A. RAABERG has been nominated to the grade of Brigadier General while serving as Commander, 71 st Flying TrainingWing, Air Education and Training Command, Vance AFB, Oklahoma. Quick, save me, I’m seeing stars.

Sadly, I Report: Carl R. COOK, a fellow ’78er, passed away on March 3, 2002 of lymphoma in Urbana, IL and was put to rest in Westville, IL on March 7th Well-wishers may drop a note to Susan at 2520 Prairieridge Place, Champagne, IL 61822-9331. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the High School ofSt. Thomas More, 3901 N. Mattis Ave, Champaign, IL 61822 or contact Pat Buland (for cuestions) at (719) 472-0300 or at Pat.Buland@usafa.af.mil.

Don’t Go to the Andes: In a report from Jeff (Debbie) FELLMETH and Dave GROVES, and ifyou recall the picture a few issues ago of Ray KING and Bob GIBBONS flying their ’78 flag on Mt. Kilamanjaro, don’t go to the Andes to climb. It seems our intrepid mountain climbers planned a trip south to climb, but they never got to climb, for upon waking up one morning, they were greeted by the local “banditos” who promptly stole

everything they had. Even the 78 flag? So, from Jeff and Dave to Ray and Bob (and probably Ted, Carol, Bob and Alice), fly American Airlines and look Ma, no robbers. Of course, Jeff and Dave fly armed in the cockpit, behind now-secured doors thus preventing “banditos”.

File Uploading Without Crash: Jeff (Billie) KINDSCHUD, Manager of Construction Services, StandardTesting and EngineeringCompany ofOklahoma City, OK provided the followingupdate. So, Mark ZAMZOW has been a Wing King of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus AFB, OK since October 2001. Jeff and Billie saw Bill (Anne) CHAMBLEE in Belgium in November while on a two-week European back-packing vacation (sounds too much like work to me). Bill is a NATO guy in Mons, Belgium for the last fewyears and is set to retire probably before this column comes out. RECALLyes, products get recalled all the time or they get stale on the shelves. Reserve Colonel Glenn LARSEN is going back to active duty and heading to Hickam AFB for the next fewyears, probably for the sun, fun and surfing. The pipeline is calling Glenn. So, now you know the rest of the story.

Flash back to 1966 with Keith Wilkerson, Russ Glover and Rick Seafoss.

Photo Op: The above noted photo is 36 years old. It seems that Keith WILKERSON, Russ GLOVER (now unfortunately deceased) and Rick SEAFOSS were all Air Force brats in Bellevue, NE at the same time and all in the same fourth grade class as 10-year-olds. Keith, in the dark blue and white shirt, is in the upper left doing the “bunny-master” thing: Russ, ever the show-off and center front stage, is getting ready to thumb his nose at the camera; and Rick is the yokel (his words) with the camera on the right. Rick reports he’s out of the astronaut corps and retired from the Air Force, but as of last July (2001) is flying as a NASA research test pilot at Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB. Hey, Rick, while slipping the surly bonds of earth, touch the face of God and have a drink in remembrance of Russ for me.

Scribe Hunt: I've finally decided that it’s time for me to call it quits as your class scribe for the past three years. Has it been TELAT long? I think I’m getting stale, particularly after I’ve been out of the Air Force for some eight years now and am no longer in the loop for current AF events/trends. So, I’m hunting for another volunteer to continue the great, maybe not so great, tradition of class scribes. So, those with absolutely no writing skill may apply by writing me, in 50 words or less, or emailing me with even less words to apply.

Be There or Be Square: Don’t miss the First Annual USAFA Prep School Reunion from October 31 st to November 3rd Preppies forever!

Well, Enough News From Me: Oh, one more mid-life crisis moment for my wife Susan’s benefit. Go ahead, ask me about my mid-life crisis. Yes, he did it. Just so you guys can eat your heart out, I just picked up a 1978 “SilverAnniversary” Red (Class Color) Chevrolet Corvette with only 52,000 actual miles on it. Hooyah! Ridin’ around in my automobile, no particular place to go... Fade to 140 mph.

when we were both 2LTs at Norton AFB, as well as being next door neighbors. As I remember, he was a kind, gentle, quiet-natured man. He was one of our “smart” classmates, quite the academician and he taught for a number of years at the Academy. I’m deeply saddened and he will be sorely missed. On behalf of our class, I want to pass on our condolences to his family.

To the news. Got a nice email from Rick HAMLIN. Here’s an excerpt: “I’m still working for Northrop Grumman; my current office is very near LAX. However, I spend a lot oftime in Ft. Worth working on the Lockheed Martin F-35 (a.k.a. Joint Strike Fighter) development team. I’m the only Northrop person on the Cockpit Team. The team is headed up by a very capableAnnapolis grad who flewA-7s offthe Enterprise and thenjumped ship to the USAF. (Scribe’s note: Even squids have the ability to make a better choice!)” Rick further talked about his budding baseball star sons (8 and 10), as well as how he plans on living off his wife’s retirement in a few years we should all be so lucky! Thanks Rick.

Heard from Brian KELLY (the 38lh Squadron BK). He truly is one of our success stories. Brian is now a CEO! Here’s what he had to say: “We are living in Connecticut now. After I retired, I moved to San Antonio to take over their SW Operations (of a company called Trident) and the Information Assurance Business line. After a couple years, I really felt I needed to jump headfirst into the commercial sector. Moved to New York to build the Secure eBusiness practice for Deloitte & Touche. Spent two years in the World Financial Center. (Yes both my office and apartment were seriously damaged Sept 11 fortunately I had moved on.) D&T was a great experience but a stressful way to make a living. Pressure from clients was unbelievable and the days were long. Decided to take an opportunity to start a business while I still had energy left. Built a small business and then merged with another start-up. A year later jumped at the chance to take a CEO position for a company with a pretty neat vision but very poor business execution. Company was in deep financial trouble. Spent the year rebuilding the business and restructuring the finances. I am now in the process of selling the company. Not sure what I will do after a sale (assuming I get it sold!). Cindy (wife) and the girls are doing well. Jennifer is a freshman in college. Michelle is a junior in high school and Amanda a freshman. All the best.” Great hearing from you Bri-and best of luck on the sale. I hope you make a ton of dough.

Also, heard from Bud VAZQUEZ. Bud’s retired June 28th in the Boston area. Interesting choice for a NYC kid. Bosox, Yankees, Bosox, Yankees...hmmmm? He passed on news from our other classmates in the area virtually the same as reported in the last Checkpoints. Bob SWAIN got married again on 3 Aug. Congrats to Bob and his new bride, Diane. Diane works at the College of Charleston. Bob still flies for US Airways and is a Colonel in the USAFR. He’s getting a Wing. Doesn’t mean a whole lot to this shoe clerk but I know for you flyboys out there it’s quite an honor. Bob’s A-10 he used to shoot down the Iraqi helicopters with in the Gulf War is now on static display at the Academy. The dedication ceremony was 7 Sept. A “mini-reunion” for those in the area participating in the ceremony was planned. Someone please pass news collected to BudVAZQUEZ, scribe for the next article. Check the archives of the Gazette on 1 May 2002, if you want to read about it. Apparently, Bob puckered a little right after the kill he was sure relieved when it was confirmed the chopper was not a friendly! Way to go Bob. There’s a pretty neat mpg file tape on the mounting at USAFA. Our own Mark REID is prominently featured. Email me and I’ll send it to you. The attached pix shows the mounting if you look closely you can see Bob in the cockpit reenacting his moment of glory!

Hello once again from the PNW! As last year, this year finds the Mariners in first place and ever on the lookout for those peskyYankees. Much to my chagrin, Bud VAZQUEZ got the last laugh on that series last yearmore on that later. Before continuing I regret to report the passing of John MICALIZZI. John died of brain cancer on Friday, May 31, 2002. I’m hopeful there will be greater details on John’s life in the Gone But Not Forgotten section. I had the good fortune of being stationed with John

What else Byron CALHOUN is doctoring here supporting the troops at McChord and Ft Lewis. Tom TALBOT is a stay home dad taking care of his kids. His wife, LeAnn, is a VP with a wireless telecom firm in the Se-

attle Area. He still looks almost the same-I envy his hair quantity! No change from 20 + years ago, just a little different color. Yours truly remarried this past February to a wonderful lady named Holly. My son Kelly is now enlisted in the AF and after six weeks of BMT is talking about the Prep School. My daughter Rachel continues to be one of the top distance runners in Washington State. She took 4th in the 1600M at the state meet. I’m rather proud ofboth of them. I know you are all proud ofyour kids, too. So how about dropping a note to Buddy? He’s up next. If I’ve forgotten or misplaced any inputs-my apologies. Believe it or not my computer crashed. And until next time...

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

I hope all of you have noticed how nicely our alumni magazine has grown over the years to become a very polished publication. Of course, the heart of Checkpoints remains the class updates from you so keep the info flowing this way.

Good news first (actually, I don’t have any bad news). The BG list came out just after my last deadline. We have three BK Buddies on it. From the active-duty side, Paul (Ricki SMITH) SELVA; in the Reserves, Kathleen (BISHOP) CAMPBELL and Beverly PLOSA-BOWSER. I rarely make these announcements for fear of missing somebody, but this is a pretty big deal since they can finally use those Dean’s List pins for something again. Congrats to all. And please update me if I did, in fact, miss someone.

From an AMC senior officer announcement: Col John PRAY is now a high-level deputy in the National Security Council at the White House after commanding the Ops Group at McGuire AFB.

I have one last update from the Christmas timeframe. Scott (Candy+2) WHEELER is at the Pentagon after learning “Green” at ArmyWar College. Among numerous other activities, Candy conducted some training to spouses while at Carlisle Barracks and is squeezing in an MPA degree while working with a lobby that advocates militaryfamilies, the National Military Family Association. Oh, she also finds time to volunteer at the kid’s schools. Scott’s exhausted just trying to keep up with her schedule. Actually, that’s not true at all: Scott’s Deputy Chief ofthe Air Force Safety Issues Division. Besides hoping not to move for a while, he also coaches soccer and is a leader for the Cub Scouts. Here’s a profound quote from him, “Life as a parent is definitely busy!”

In the Folks Stepping out of the Comfort Zone department, Mark STEPHENS is Chairman of the Negotiating Committee for the pilots at American Airlines. I’d say trying to negotiate a new contract in this economic environment is quite the challenge. Good luck!

Jerry (Wendy) CORBETT saw a Delta company posting that talks about our Jon TOVANI becoming Fleet Captain on the B757/767, the most senior position. Jon has been in the training department before as a first officer and a captain, serving as instructor, Proficiency Check Pilot, and Aircrew Program Designee (gives rating rides). He has been a senior instructor and Standards Captain.

Emails Among Us. Alvin SEARS sent words our direction. “I’m one of those grads that went Navy years back, was active duty in the Navy Strategic Communications Community (TACAMO, EC-130/E-6) for 12 years, went Reserve back in’93. Just got picked up for 0-6 this month (April). I currently support Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, MD in my Reserve life. In my other life, currently doing Program Management work for Intel Corporation (Intel Online Services) in the web hosting/ebusiness world. I recently synced up with Glenn ROSENBERGER (recalled AF Reservist/American Airlines Pilot and ex-Troll roommate) a few weeks ago; doing well in a DIA stint.”

Pete VACCARO says: “I moved to SMC in 1997 to work in the classified world. When the chance came to move out of the black world and take over the Space Based Laser Program, I took it. I was fortunate to have a classmate, Phyllis LOVING, coming out of the NRO to take my place. I really enjoyed Space Based Laser but the program took-off and was designated to be a new SPO with an 0-6 lead, so I handed that program over to our classmate Randy WEIDENHEIMER (then Col select) in late 1998 and moved on to GPS as the Block IIF satellite Program Manager. Before the program could get very far they decided to modernize and I became the GPS III Program Manager in 2000. When I moved to SMC in 1997 I had recently divorced and was a single dad with my two boys coming with me to California. In July 1999 I married Michel (pronounced like Michelle) Guthrie, who I met when I was working classified programs. After I got married, I started thinking seriously about where I wanted to go from here and decided that it was time to retire and finally settle down. With my two kids and her two dogs and three cats we had a very full

house! Even with a very good shot to make 0-6 I felt it was time to put down some roots and make the transition to the commercial world instead ofthe inevitable moves that 0-6 would bring. In June 20011 retired and went to work for Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) in Torrance, but was back supporting the GPS Joint Program Office. Ironically, Phyllis LOVING took my job again as the GPS III Program Manager. The transition to the commercial world really worked out well for me and the family. You would think that this would be enough to keep me content but Michel and I decided to have a baby. Yes even with three teenagers (Zach-12, Josh-16, and Laura-18 and a freshman at San Diego State), we went back to looking for cribs and strollers. It was a real shock for me when we went shopping and I learned what advancements they have made in baby stuff in the last 15 years! They have a diaper genie that is easy to use and gets rid of diapers without the smell requiring me to make a mad dash to the outside trash can while holding my nose. The baby carriers and strollers are easy to use and stow and snap together without requiring a mechanical engineering degree...well, you get the idea. On Jan 4,2002 Christian George Vaccaro joined us and he has really filled our lives with a new kind of fun and excitement. Even the older kids really like playing with him and taking care ofhim. Now I have spent over 20 years learning to be a workaholic like the rest of our hard-working classmates, but this little guy really has reminded me how important it is to come home at a decent hour and spend time with the family. We feel very blessed with our happy, healthy baby (who slept through the night at about 4-5 weeks there is a book that tells all about how to pull that off and it really works!). Anyway the Vaccaro clan is doing great here in California and wanted to share our news with our classmates.

Dad and Christian doing what they do best?

“Some other news about ’80 grads at SMC. I see Art CHIN every couple of weeks. He works for Aerospace Corporation and just pinned on 0-6 in the Reserves here at SMC (Senior Reservist to the NAVSTAR GPS Joint Program Director). I haven’t seen Randy WEIDENHEIMER in a while, but he pinned on 0-6 in 2000 and was a program manager in the Space Based Infrared Sensor (SBIRS) SPO. Sue MASHIKO is also here and also pinned on 0-6 in the 2000 timeframe and is in the Launch SPO and leading the new EELV Program. Pete HOENE pinned on in 1999 and was the Chief of GPS User Equipment, then moved on to be the Deputy JPO Director before being moved to HQ ACC to be the ESC Program Manager for the new Consolidated Air Operations Center (CAOC) Program. Pete was a real joy to work with and have in the JPO and was also just as dedicated to his wife and family. We really missed him when he left. I sometimes run into Tom OCVIRK and Bob COOPER. They were both working for CSC in Colorado Springs on the GPS Control Segment. Bob retired from Special Ops Command and he and his wife came back to the Springs and are loving it. The only other classmate that I run into regularly is Mario MASTRANGELI, who is working at the Air National Guard Bureau inD.C. He and Cathy and the kids are doing great. I hear from my roommate, Dave STEINBECK, who is flying wide body aircraft for FEDEX and sometimes he gets a run into LAX. He and his family moved last fall to Colorado and finally have their house fixed up.

“We get a lot ofyoung grads through here and the bond is pretty strong with all the grads, but the years keep turning on the arm patches and reminding me that we aren’t the carefree, wide-eyed, gonna-change-thewhole-world kind of folks we used to be... and that’s OK because they are still coming out of the Academy that way, and as long as they do our Air Force will have the spark to be the best in the world.”

From Matt “El Cid” NEUENSWANDER: “Just got back from overseas as part of my one year remote in Kuwait. First, I was sent home to attend group commander school at Maxwell. In my class were Bill BECKER (going to Aviano as the OG), Sue SLAVEC (going to USAFA to be the new

Deputy Comm - they call it something else, but she does not look nearly scary enough; she will be the Col Montavon of the next generation), Keith MARESCA (going to be the ASOG commander at Ft Flood), and Keith TRASTER (going to Travis as the OG). If I forgot anyone my apologies, should have been paying more attention. I will be going to take the AGOS Commandant job at Nellis this summer. While I was at Maxwell I saw Tom EHRHARD who is teaching SAAS. Tom spent some time in the CAOC at Prince Sultan, Saudi during the opening part of OEF. Also at PSAB were Vinnie DIFRONZO (he was actually the man on the floor), and Bob HENDRICKS did a stint there during the opening months of the war. I spent the last two months opening up the Air Expeditionary Group at Bagram, Afghanistan. I could never figure out if that place was a minefield that had been turned into a junkyard or a junkyard that had been mined. I took the A-10s in there and the guys and gals flying them did a superb job supporting the army. I had the pleasure of turning the group I built over to our classmate Marcel “Jake” KERDAVID. Jake is the OG at Barnes ANGB, MA, and also a Hog driver.”

Reach Out XXII. Just to show that highlighting names works, Detective Peggy found Mary (LADEMAN) (Rick) DIMMEL. She is “now living in rural Virginia, on a 200-acre farm on the east edge of the Shenandoah Mountains. Rick retired from the USAF last summer as a Lt Col, and is now working for a private company (I don’t remember the name, but think it was a DoD contractor-type company). Mary is busy home schooling their seven kids. (Last time I saw her, they only had five!) They have six boys and one girl; ages range from 2 years to 15 years old. They have chickens and hope to add more livestock as they get established. (Who’d have thought that Chickenhawks/Ali Baba would produce two of us female ranchers?) Mary medically retired from the USAF many years ago. The last time we were together, she was not well at all. But now she says her health is much improved and she really did sound much stronger and very happy.” The next set of names follows if you can update us on any ofthem, please give me the scoop: Jerry M. IBARA, Kevin G. HULL, Richard F. HOWARD, John R. HOUSTON, Kenneth M. HODGDON, Steven J. HILGART, Mitchell L. HEITMANN.

As you read this, cadets are filing back into the dorms to enjoy another semester in “Colorful Colorado.” Whereveryou mightbe, remember, BEAT THE DEAN! (Or some corollary on life to that effect.) Until next time, be safe. Don

Rich Trentman

11102 Asbee St. Falcon, CO 80831-8170

H: (719) 494-9438

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN 333-2067

E-mail: Trentman@usafa81.com

Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Thanks to Dennis WARD for his time, effort, and creativity as our scribe. The many last- minute deadlines, constant flood of emails, phone calls, and all-nighters finally wore Dennis down... just kidding. He felt it was time to pass off (dump) the duties on someone else. I am honored to serve all ofyou from my tiny cubicle in Doolittle Hall. Now, I can squeak in last minute articles and pull all-nighters like I did for all of my history papers at USAFA.

Thanks for all the emails and keep them coming. Rick and Barb (CHAPMAN) MARTIN sent updates from the West Coast. Rick took over the Air Mobility Ops Group at Travis. Leonard PATRICK arrived at Travis AFB to take over the Mission Support Group following AWC at Maxwell. Grace (BATTAGLIA) BLEVINS-HOLMAN is the Log Group Deputy at Travis. Dale ANDREWS flies Travis C-5s for the Reserves and also 737/ 767s for United out of San Francisco. SandraYOPE is a DeputyOps Group commander in the Reserves and a city planner for Sacramento. Also, Rick says Mark CORRELL and family are headed to Yokota AB, Japan in July to take over the Mission Support Group. Greg BISCONE is the Ops Group commander at Whiteman with Scott LAND finishing AWC and headed to join him as his deputy this summer. Scott and Tanya have a big farm in Missouri to move back to.

Michelle JOHNSON was headed to the Pentagon (furniture and all) when redirected to take over the 22nd Air RefuelingWing at McConnell. Juan MORENO is busy at the Pentagon on the Joint Staff. Marty FRANCE is there on the Air Staff and Tim GROSZ works for the Sec Def. Juan ran into Ken BRAY working for a contractor inside the Beltway. Steve BRUNHAVER is finished with NWC and Mike “Mo” BEALE is headed that way after commanding the 35th Fighter Sqd in Kunsan AB.

Gene O’NALE emailed from Korat where he’s standing up the PACAF Air Ops Center for Cobra Gold 02... very hot there! Lauri CROSS is Director of Intel forAir Force Space Command at Peterson. JaySANTEE is in USSPACE, but getting ready to head out to Vandenburg to take over the group.

Some emails I get are very brief: “56th Operations Group Commander at Luke, ss” from Steve SEARCY. Thanks for the long input, Steve! Sean

MURPHY got together with Marty FRANCE and Eric GARVIN to get the inside scoop on NWC. Ken SMITH is headed from England to the Pentagon and his son has an appointment to USNA. Class shutde commander Mike “Bloomer” BLOOMFIELD took the shutde up in April. A mini-’81 get-together of Curt McINTYRE, Steve MOES, and Brian DOMINGUEZ at Ron HUSSEY’s home in St Cloud was held to watch Bloomer’s launch, but when delayed, they partook in some beverages and discussed world politics. Curt ran into Dave SCHOLL at DisneyWorld while Moes and Hussey golfed. Dave was on the phone with Jim ZILLY when Curt ran into him.

shuttle launch.

I do run into Steve MUHS around USAFA on occasion (at meetings, Blue/Silver luncheons). He recently became the deputy support group commander. Ryan ORIAN recently took over the 194th Fighter Sq (ANG) in Fresno. He flies 767s out of LAX for Delta. Ryan sent a picture of his family. He sees A1 GREGORY who just retired from the Luke reserve.

Ryan

Orian’s Gang

Sean BISHOP, wife, Carlee ’82, and two daughters are in Stuttgart, Germany. Sean commutes to Atlanta to fly internationally (whew!). Alex BAGGETT drops me emails while on runs to Brazil for FedEx. Jim FORD returned from a long vacation and is glad to be away from the negotiating table for Delta and back in the cockpit. Mike BRONSON is still flying DC-9s for Northwest, but moved south from Minneapolis to San Antonio. He was tired of the snow! Mark MURRAY retired last year and flies for Southwest. He ran into Dave LITTLE, who works for subsidiary of Boeing, while in San Jose. MartyWAUGH has retired after 20 years and is flying for Global Express. He also married a Texas gal, Melissa, in February (Groundhog Day) with ’81ers Ted BOWARD and Terry LUST in attendance. Todd TASSEFF also retired last summer and is working for EDS in Montgomery. Rob BONN emailed me with stories of fishing in Canada, drinking beers, and spending quality time with his father and brother. (See photo at the top of the next page.) Pretty good living!

Nancy BRUNKOW emails me from the Northwest to encourage me to relax. “Jake” JAKOBI keeps me in the loop on the aging lacrosse gang. He played in theVail Lacrosse shootout with Chet NOWAK in July. Next year, Bob STEIGERWALD and Larry DAVIS will join the “Graybeards” team. Colorado Springs ’81ers got together this summer at Bennett’s BBQ to reminisce. In between his travels, Dan BELL emailed me as we supported our beloved Redwings during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Membership update: I’m hopeful that we can be the first class to bust through the 50% barrier in the’72-’92 year group. We are still riding the post-Reunion membership surge. The superb quality of Checkpoints alone makes our membership a great bargain.

’81ers gatherfor Bloomer’s

Rob Bonn, Dad (John) and Brother Ken,73

Class Gift status: 167 classmates have generously donated $165,000 toward our goal of$300,000 for a 25th Reunion class paver project at USAFA with all of our names. Just over $200 each from the rest ofthe class would put us at our goal.

Sons/daughters of’81: John BRENCE did remind me that his son Nick is in 2005 and into his 3-degree year now. Julio GAMEZ’s son Greg, Dave CHAPMAN’S daughter Sarah, Marty FRANCE’S son Sean, Jeff BRALEY’s son Andrew, Rich DUCHENE’s son Tyler, Harry POLUMBO’s son Chad... Unbelievable! It was very emotional (and a definite perk) to see the Class of 2006 in-process and also go see them in action in Jack’s Valley. It is great to be back at the Academy!

Falcon football is swinging into gear with a great opener against Northwestern this month. BYU, CSU, Navy, NM, San Diego St and Notre Dame also come here this year. Keep the emails coming. It gives me a pleasurable break from writing database import/extraction programs and fixingpeople’s computers. Less than 1,150 days until our 25th See you there!

Jim Ratti

6329 Pheasant Valley Road

Dayton, OH 45424-7100

H: (937) 236-9306

DSN: 785-8695 ext. 3444 (work)

rattijm@mindspring.com

http://usafa82.org

Hello Redtags!

As I write this, we’re just a bit shy of three months to the reunion can you believe it’s been 20 years? Hey, by the way, my next deadline will be literallyjust a few days after the reunion, so ifthere are pictures, anecdotes, updates etc. from the reunion that you want to see in that article, either get ’em to me at the reunion, drop ’em in the mail, or email IMMEDIATELY following the event. Planning is coming along nicely, and I think you’ll be very pleased with what the committee and the AOG have in store for you.

As usual, tons ‘o news this quarter, so here we go! Mike and Gloria (MONTOYA) RYAN sent their usual St. Patrick’s Day letter, which you can read on the website (click on the “Your News” button and pick the AprJun 2002 inputs). They’re doing well, having moved to Paris to attend the French version ofAirWar College. I’ve heard the gourmet school lunches aren’t bad either... Mike says that John COTTAM is also in Paris, working as the Director of Air Force Affairs at the embassy there. Wow, going to Paris to be in charge of affairs... Somebody’s gotta do it, I guess! Before Mike left Germany, he got a visit from Delta pilot Joe d’EON and his wife Sarah (SCHIRMER). In March, Mike attended the ceremony where Ray PHILLIPS relinquished command of the 86th Ops Group at Ramstein to take a job in NORAD. Chris HAAVE also moved back to the States, departing SFIAPE HQ for Davis-Monthan where he’ll assume command of the 12AF Air Ops Group.

Steve VOGT managed to survive the post Sep 11 th airline layoffs and has been able to bid a schedule which keeps him home with the kids as much as possible. He and Gina took a 15th wedding anniversary trip to Rome (sans kids) and had a great time seeing the sights. Steve says Tom SYLVESTER is flying the 757 out of Detroit, and is enjoying his side business as a website geek.

Kim CORCORAN dropped a line as she returned from “Base X” in Oman, supporting ENDURING FREEDOM. She ran into Doc KIMMINAU there, who is still commanding a squadron at Offutt. Kim is headed for Senior

Service School in Switzerland where she’ll face the grueling prospect of one 15-page paper and no tests. Kim commented how cool it was to scan the news on the website and realize that it’s now OUR turn (us and the classes around us) to run the Air Force. Amen!

My old Chorale bud Bob GUESSFERD checked in from Hudson, NH where he’s the single dad of three great kids, and a senior contracts negotiator for BAE Systems (formerly Lockheed Sanders). He plays both sides though,’cause he works for the Defense Contracts Management Agency (DCMA) as a Reservist.

As the reunion draws closer, I’m hearing from an unprecedented numher of folks who started with our class but did not graduate. Many are planning on coming to the reunion, recognizing that the bonds we formed through Prep School, BCT and the Doolie year are virtually unbreakable. One of the non-grads who wrote recently is Rich MILLER. Rich left the Prep School after 10 months and is now settled in Collierville, TN as an insurance agent for Nationwide. He ran into Doug REHDER at an airshow at NAS Millington last summer, and recognized Rick BURGESS explaining some sort of ordinance thingy on a Wings episode (Discovery Channel) during the GulfWar. Another non-grad who checked in was Freddie PERALTA. Freddie’s a GS-14 doing a broadening tour at the Pentagon, and serving as a Reservist with the Defense Intelligence Agency. He has seen folks such as Kirk HUNIGAN, Col-select Glenn PAYNE, Skip GRESKO, and Steve BRAGADO in the hallowed halls of “the building”. I also got a note from John RAPIN who left after our Doolie year. John enlisted in the Army in 1988 after completing his bachelor’s degree and spending some time as a civilian, and is now running the mobile dental clinic program (Mercedes tour busses converted to dental clinics) at a post in Germany.

AbelBarrientes and his high-paid commuter.

Abel BARRIENTES noticed we haven’t had a picture in the column recently, so he sent a picture of himself and Manny GUERRERO. Able offered up his jumpseat to Manny as he commuted to work one day recently. They’re both 737-800 Captains for Delta, and Abel is flying C-5s for the Reserves at Travis.

Since I’m running out of room and I’ve still got lots of inputs, I’ll convert to the “short takes” format. Harry LEACH replaced a retiring Dan HARGOVE as the 89th Airlift Wing Ops Group Deputy/CC at Andrews this summer. Ron WILLIAMS is a JAG at Osan, but will be moving to the JCS Legal Counsel’s office this summer. Mike SINISI is lamenting the loss of control over assignments now that he’s an 0-6 select, but keeping busy as he winds up his tour working manpower and funding issues for the J6 at CENTCOM. He still manages to train for marathons, despite the oppressive Florida heat. ’Course, when I consider marathons, the thought occurs to me that it’s not the heat, it’s the stupidity (or something like that... I always get it mixed up). Long-time website lurker but non-writer Chip DORMAN says “hi” fromWest “By Gawd”Virginiawhere he’s a FedEx and C-130 Air Guard pilot, married (Bonnie, from Jawja, and way too good for Chip - he said so, not me!) with two great kids. He’ll soon transfer to the Reserves and serve as an Academy LO.

Eddie and Jeannette McALLISTER have moved from Yokota back to northern Virginia where Eddie will grace the halls of the Pentagon. Colselect Steve SUDDARTH will departAFMC HQ (Wright-Pat) where he was the Chief ofthe Commander’s Action Group to head to Maxwell. He’ll be the AF Research Lab Commander’s Rep to Air University. I bumped into Jan (GONERT) ROSKO at a conference here in Dayton awhile back. She had just returned from her tour at RAF Fairford, and is now settled in at the Pentagon (HQ USAF/XPXC) with husband, Mike, and two kids. Col Tim COLLINS just left for a 180-day deployment to command the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, so now you’ll understand why he didn't make the reunion.

Yours truly got a new job back in April. I’m now heading up the engine development & production team for the F-22, still at Wright-Pat. This motor is fantastic. It’s by far the most advanced engine in the world, and the government/contractor team which built it is second to none. I’m

proud to be part of it. Most of us are far too old to get the chance to fly the F-22, but if you do, I know for certain that you’ll love the engine!

That’s it for now. I hope you all enjoy(ed) the reunion. Send me your tales! Be Safe, Ratman

A year ago, I asked a question: If there had been a soundtrack to the days of our zoombaglives, 1979-83, who would have performed it? I threw Neil Young’s name in the flight cap, and dig this - some Bohicans, ineluding Dan ELWELL (whom we haven’t heard from since graduation) agreed. Other responses included the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and, naturally, Led Zeppelin. In the Evening (meal formation) indeed. I didn’t hear from Aaron SCHWARZ, but I’m pretty sure he would’ve voted for the Sex Pistols.

Yeah, right, on to the news. We’ll start with a report from the long-lost Dan ELWELL himself, who just made 0-5 in the Reserves and is working in the Pentagon as an IMA, SECAF Legislative Liaison division. I’m not sure what an IMA is (Intense Manitoban Axwielder?) but it sounds impressive. Dan spent 1999 as a Senate Fellow on Senator Stevens’ (AK) staff, followed by a year’s sabbatical from line flying to lobby for American Airlines on Capitol Hill. He’s currently hunkered down in the D.C. ’burbs of northern Virginia, where he lives with his wife and three kids. His non-rockin’ neighbors don’t dig it when Dan cranks his stereo to 11, playing “Zuma” at 2 a.m. - but, hey, not everyone can hang with the harbingers of cool.

Rob HUGULEY, who’s also living in the D.C. ’burbs of northern Virginia, emailed to say he dug my idea for arming airline pilot with pugil sticks, but is still pushing for the sidearm option. Rob says he fears a pugil stick would elicit “harrowing flashbacks” from BCT, and I totally agree. But that’s the point. You focus the repressed trauma on the hijackers and - wham! - they never know what hit ’em.

Spent a few days with Colin and Sophie MOFFAT at their place in Utah a few months back. Mof and I generally just grooved around Park City and environs like the bearded bums we are, staging raids on the Wasatch brewpub and blazing paths in the mountains where, let’s face it, paths just don’t belong. Colin and Soph recently added daughter number two, Jade, to the Moffat clan.

Group at Fairchild AFB. My BCT roommate Mike RAMPINO is also in command, this time of the 21 st Ops Group at Peterson AFB. I’m starting to feel left out, man. The only thing I currently command is a view of Pasadena.

In the halls of the Pentagon, our man Wayne ran face first into Mike DAVIS, but fortunately no coffee was spilled. Mike was in XO (doesn’t that stand for kisses and hugs?) at the time, but Wayne thinks he’s back at USAFA now in the flight training squadron. I wonder if Mike, like me, is using the Arabic skills we learned together in Major K’s class at the Zoo. It’s fun to speak Arabic to the security guys in the airport these daysyou never know what kind of response you’ll get. Wayne also ran into John HESTERMAN at the Pentagon while he was special assistant to Madelyn Allbright. John moved on in early 2001 to requal in the F-15E and take command of the 4th Ops Group at Seymour-Johnson AFB.

During C-130 requal at DyessAFB,Wayne saw Pat FROST, Jon DURESKY, and the legendary Carl McDANIEL, who is now commander of the 53rd Airlift Squadron at Little Rock. Wayne also rapped with Ricard SMITH, who’s in the 50th Airlift Squadron at Little Rock as ADO and Chief Pilot. Stan MASTERS was in the 50th withWayne and Stan, too, and is now AMC rep for Red Flag at Nellis AFB. Wayne tried to look up Chris MOULTON, too, but he was “deployed to Germany” at the time, which, as we all know, is a euphemism for “Oktoberfest has arrived early this year.” Chris currently commands the 61 st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock.

Wayne saw Tommy SOLOMON in Charleston awhile back, doing flight testing for the C-17 as a contractor. And he also ran into Linda (TELCAMP) TORRENS at Ramstein when he was deployed there in June ’99. Linda was, at the time, getting ready to take command of the C-9 squadron there. If I were her, I take command of a couple of those Oktoberfest tents while I was at it.

John “Spinal Shak” ANDRESHAK recently checked in to say he spent January through April of this year on a “little AF-sponsored vacation to the sunny tropics.” He says he could tell you the location, but then he’d have to do major spine surgery on you - sort of a twisted medical variant of the old spy threat. Suffice to say he wasn’t in Afghanistan. Shak’s now in the process of getting out of the Air Force, with a separation date of 4 August. He’ll be working in the Chicago ’burb ofWheaton, finally making the big bucks.

Colin and Siana Moffat with Sasquatch-like humanoid in the Wasatch Mountains.

Single-handedly saving me from a dearth of Checkpoints source material, Wayne “Jaegermeister” SCHATZ sent a massive missive from Japan my way. Accompanied by his wife, Kim, and the kids, Wayne’s been commanding the 374th Ops Group at Yokota since August ’01. Not only does he still fly C-130s, he gets to fly C-9s, C-21s and UH-ls in “supervisory status.” Good deals for cadets, man.

According to Wayne, Stu “Nick” NICHOLS is back flying F-15s in the 71 st Fighter Squadron at Langley AFB while Steve “Bangers and Mash” WALLENDER is driving F-15s at Tyndall AFB as the Ops Officer of the 325th OSS. My old FortWalton Beach roommate Rob “Coondog” COONEY is back at Eglin AFB at the 46th OSS. Jim WALSH is at Randolph AFB teaching young navigators to, um, navigate. And skipping out on the conference at the Vatican, Brian BISHOP went to Air War College instead and was subsequently selected to command the 34th Ops Group at USAFA.

Wayne saw Sue ROSS at AMC HQ in '98, when she was on the commander’s action team. Sue went on to lead a training squadron at Columbus AFB and should soon be taking command of the 92 nd Ops

Doc Shak in action.

Tim “Bounce” STRAWTHER is digging life a liter at a time at Spangdahlem AB on the banks of the Mosel River, where he and Darla Jean are currently stationed. Tim’s been flying the skies over Deutschland with Brian “Beak” SMITH and Steve “Monkey” KEMPF, as well as Rob CUSHING, who recently left Germany for an assignment to Alaska. Tim reports Mike “Martini” WERMUTH retired a fewmonths ago, using his prior time in the Army to bolt before June 2003. And Bounce even bumped into Pete “Eddie Haskell” BARTOS during a recent Red Flag deployment to Nellis AFB.

Mitches Madness: Stu, Rob & Drew, circa ’82.

All right, time again for the annual “blast from the past” feature, where I put in a photo from 20 years ago. Here’s one of Rob HUGULEY, Drew WACKER and me in Mitchell Hall, discussing how we could use medieval siege contraptions to scale the staff tower. Or something. And speaking of 20 years ago, we’ve got the 20th reunion coming at us fast. I envision a sort of wizened, laid-back version of The End of the World Party. We’ll play NeilYoung albums and drink 3.2 beer. It’ll be a total blast, man. Don’t miss it for anything.

Okay, you can stop reading now. Send your letters, email messages, and favorite chili recipes to Dave RUFFLEY, 4202A Muledeer Dr., USAFA, CO 80840-1137, or email him at dlrwy@compuserve.com. Take care of Dave and he’ll take care of you.

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

(800) G0-AFA-G0

E-mail: jensen@usafa.com

Home page: www.usafa.net/1984

Thanks for all the great updates! Another class has since graduated and a new one has arrived 2006! Can that be right? We finally got some much needed rain here in Colorado. Fortunately, most of the fires were out here prior to the start of BCT. Dan BLAETTLER and his family have returned to USAFA after a hardship tour down in Australia. Dan will be 1 st Group AOC. I also got to see the infamous world traveler, Matt JOHNSON who was supposed to send me an update, but alas he performed just as he did during BEAST, so I will carry him though again! Let’s get to those who did come through!

Joe LEAVENGOOD is in Boise doing lots of Reservist JAG duty, has a great family with two kids, a little law office, and other business interests and is forming a USAFA alumni chapter in Boise and environs, and if any classmates are in the area, he would love to hear from you! Kevan WONG is working hard in Dallas as an anesthesiologist. I don’t know Kevan, but you might be out ofwork if all surgeries were performed in Fairchild Hall in the afternoons after a lunch of hamburgers and Mitchell Mountains! 7777777777,

Update award: goes to Kevin ZEECK! He really came through for this article! Thanks! He saw Scott MILLER, stationed at Wright-Patterson. He and his wife, Stephanie, have three kids, and live in Fairborn, OH. Joe JOHNSON, also a LTC, is the CO of the Air Force EA-6B (Prowler) detachment at Whidbey Island, WA. He and his wife, Shelley, are building the house to end all houses there. (Sounds like a retirement house to me!) Brad WEBB just took command ofthe 20th Special Ops Sq at Hurlburt on 27 June. He flies Pave Lows, and has been recognized and highly decorated for his exploits. He and wife, Dawna, have two kids and live in Mary Esther, FL. Chris ROSS is in Wing Stan/Eval at Seymour-Johnson (F-15E WSO). Says the Ops Tempo is bearable, but they’re still highly tasked. Curt ATENCIO works in Airfield Operations at Denver Inti Airport. Ward WORSTER (United 777 F/O out of San Francisco) and wife, Anne (Weaver, Class of ’85), had a babygirl this past year. Oh, by the way, Anne is also a 747-400 F/O out of San Fran as well. They live on the north side of the bay in Corte Madera. Kyle LAMPELA is the Chief of Safety at Travis, and is currently deployed to parts unknown! He’s a C-5 pilot at Travis. Randy FOPIANO is still in Atlanta working for Delta in their training center. Currently on the 727 fleet, he’s seriouslystarting to think about another aircraft since the 727 will be going away soon. He and wife, Terri, have three kids two girls and a boy. (Definitely a chip offthe old block!)

Steve WINTERS just PCSed he was working at HQ AFSPC in DOO at Peterson. Karen COX is also working in HQ AFSPC/DO, doing a staff tour. She had been flying UH-ls at Vandenberg.

Mark KNOFF (KNOFCZYNSKI) lives two houses down from me here in the Springs. He is still teaching at USAFA in the CE dept. Dave LIRETTE is a contractor here at Peterson. Remarried with kids he says life is good as a contractor. He loves to go to the skeet range on his lunch hour! As for Kevin, he is with United on the 767 fleet out of Denver, and working an AFRES job sitting behind a big desk at Peterson. They live in the Springs, so life is definitely good! (I’ll second that!)

More from abroad: Brent CARTAGENAis TDY inVenezuelaworkingJPAT and watching the political fighting in this country. Needless to say, the TDY has been exciting. He is stationed at HQ ACC/DO in Langley working Strategic Plans. Craig HUGHES has moved again. This time they’re off to Naples, Italy! He, Elena and Jack are very excited about it.

Helo World Command: Alan BRIDGES let us know Ken ARTEAGA took command of the 23rd Flight Training Squadron, at Fort Rucker, AL. He’s in charge ofpinning wings on all the AF helo pilots. He and Di are raising three great kids, and doing well. Alan is still hanging out at Kirtland AFB, NM where all of Ken’s pilots come for follow-on training.

In closing: Mike BRENNAN is in Ft Walton Beach working as the Chief

of Flight Safety for AFSOC and doing well. And the one I missed in the last issue: Nena (Juan AMARAL’s better half) sent in a picture ofJohn and Kristen Nunez’s second child. She is Olivia Marie Nunez born on 1/20! She weighed in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. A real beauty!

Congrats! The Falcons have some great games this year. Let me know if you are in town, or are going to any of the away games. The game against Cal-Berkeley should be a very interesting sight. Thanks again for all your support. Less than 800 days until our 20th reunion! Keep in touch Jens

Quintel Williams 6410 Katherine Ann Lane Springfield, VA 22150

E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com

Hi Gang. I’ve got some bad news to go along with our good news this time. Please join me in sending condolences to Ken BAILEY’s family. Ken lost his battle with cancer in March. We'll all certainly miss Ken. Ifyou’d like to send a note or something to Ken’s wife, Keiko, her address is 555 Pierce Street #809, Albany, CA.

We have some more good news on the military promotion scene to report. Congrats to CaryCHUN, Steve DEPALMER andAndrew MUELLER for being selected on the last colonel promotion board! I missed it last time sorry guys. And I apologize to Ian DICKENSON who also made 0-6 on the last board, but I erroneously mentioned an Ian Mitchell last time. Additionally, congrats again to Jeffrey HAYMOND and Peter READ they’ve both pinned on 0-5 since the last Checkpoints. I’d love to get some news about some of the great promotions our civilian classmates are getting out there as well!

I got an email from Dennis “Boss” STEWART. Boss is doing fine. He’s still in the USAF Reserve. He was recalled to active duty after the 11 Sep 01 terrorist attacks. Boss’ wife was also recalled to active duty but she had to serve in a different area. Hang in there Boss!

Memorial Day (May 27, 2002) had special significance for three Southwest Airlines employees, including one of our classmates. Military veterans Captain Frank SCHMUCK, First Officer Tim PARRIS, and Flight Attendant Elbe Bishop flew together as a flight crew. Frank and Tim had not seen each other since 1985 when theyplayed on the United States Air

SouthwestAirlines’Memorial Day2002 militaryflight crew reunion: Captain Frank Schmuck (left), First Officer Tim Parris, andFlightAttendantEllieBishop.

Force Academy Baseball Team. Tim was a senior and catcher while Frank, a freshman, pitched to Tim during the season. Ironically the A-Flight Attendant of the crew, Ellie Bishop, was an Air Officer Commanding at the United States Air Force Academy. Seventeen years later the team rejoined, only this time to serve Southwest Airlines and the traveling publie on a day honoring those who have given service to our country.

Well, I had to save the best news for last! On my deployment, I worked U.S. aircraft diplomatic clearance issues and served as a liaison officer with the Royal Saudi Air Force headquarters. I stayed very busy and got to hang out with some neat and influential people like the “King of the Desert” and the Riyadh Air Base Commander in the picture. I learned a lot and I’m proud of my service to USCENTCOM’s JTF-SWA mission. But I’m really happy to be home.

After some much needed comp time, I’m sure that I’ll be ready to get back in the thick of things in the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance area at the Pentagon. My “honey do” list keeps getting longer and longer each day that I’m home!

Thanks a million to George WEATHERSBY for helping me out while I was deployed to Saudi Arabia. George spent many hours helping my family out byrestoring my home desktop PC which had crashed the night before I deployed in January, mowed the lawn and drove my car while I was away. George, “you da man!”

Until the next time...best regards...Quintel

Greetings Classmates! I got a short notice tasker from Ice-BERG to roll in on the Summer 02 target as he is/was busy defending the skies of Northern Watch. He sent a photo.

That is Gary sitting behind what appears to be a word-processor-capable computer. What is not visible, obviously, are his two broken arms keeping him from writing this article. But fear not! For although I too am TDY, I have better Karma and a laptop from which to scribe as I watch the sunset from my corner room at the Waikiki Hilton. Since I was desperate for material, I sent a shout out to all the email addresses on the class web site. I got so many responses, that I think I have written most of Gary’s next article as well. Here we go!

Gary hard at work.

Heard from Niki and Frank KOZAK; they live in Santa Maria, CA. Frank uses his kid’s roller hockey games as an excuse to fly his Mooney 201 all over California. Frank recently completed his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Ed CHAVEZ dialed in with: “I got out ofthe AF in Sep 91 in the early-out program. Except for three years on furlough, I’ve been working for Delta Air Lines ever since. I’m married to Kelliey, and we have Colton (7) and Lexi (1.5). Address: 731W. Bogus View Dr, Eagle, ID 83616.

CS-28 Magpies checked in via Mike DAVIS. I remember when all of my household goods fit in the back of Mike’s pickup truck when he helped Katy and I move into our apartment at Castle AFB over 14 years ago. “I’m married going on 15 years with three children: Cole a budding scientist/ soccer player (13), Christopher a very cool guitarist and free spirit, and Carol our four-year-old delight. Janie teaches one day a week to keep one foot in the work force, runs avidly, and manages our very busy home/ family. I have been with IBM for about 10 years now working as a Project and Business Development Manager for government technologyprojects. We live in sedentary Olympia at a very fast pace. Todd GREENWOOD and I are meeting in San Francisco for the ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ triathlon.”

Next I heard from Todd MOODY: “I am still a lowly Major and a few years away from LTC in the Reserves. I am working as a full-time Reservist ART, here at Grissom ARB, Indiana still, although for the last nine months I have been on active duty again. Ran into Mike MINIHAN in Japan on his way back from a deployment. He is the commander of a KC-135 squadron at Fairchild. I have deployed three times since 9/11; first one wasn’t too bad, Hickam and Andersen as a staff planner for the air bridge. Last two were to SW Asia to fly combat missions. Ran into Tim FITZGERALD over in the sand too. Kristi and I had our fourth baby nine days after 9/11. Makes a perfect set, two boys and two girls.”

Joe BLEWITT wrote: “I’ve been married to my wife, (thank heavens) Racie, for 10 years now. We adopted our daughter Kelly from China almost four years ago. I’d be happy to share info about the experience with anyone. I came off active duty in ’97 and started flying KC-lOs in the Reserve at McGuire at the same time. I own a company called Custom Promotions. We sell logo merchandise. Courtney MANN and I had a great day on a local course in New Jersey recently. Don’t play Courtney for money; as a FedEx pilot, he’s got way too much free time on his hands.

Carl “notso” Tiny MARTIN answered my email and sent a picture. “Still alive out here in sunny California. I live in Hermosa Beach and work for TRW as an Operations Engineer on the Defense Support Program (DSP). Been here for over six years and really enjoy the job. Reed NELSON, my former roommate, was in town for a few days and we got together for

Lt Col Williams, Scribe (center) with Major General Adam, Riyadh Air Base Commander (right), and ChiefWarrantOfficerAlsarham ofthe RSAF (left), "King ofthe Desert" in March 2002.

Scribe with wife, Renee, and daughterKristen upon Quintel’s returnfrom his deployment to Saudi Arabia in June 2002.

A good walk ruined.

dinner. I have a daughter who lives with her mom in C Springs so luckily I get to take a few business trips there to see her.

Emilio HERNANDEZ writes: “After UPT at Columbus I flew KC-135S at Altus (Klaxon, Klaxon, Klaxon) then went to March AFB to fly (Gucci) KC10s. After the Desert Shield (Rota, Spain)-and Desert Storm (Diego Garcia) stint, got out to fly for United Airlines in 1993. I just got checked out on the 757/767 fleet as a First Officer after flying the 737 as a Captain for about a year (thanks to the 9/11 cutbacks and furloughs). I’ve been married to Lorna for 15 years and have three kids; Alexander (9), Ileanna (7), and Daniel (3 mo.). Living just outside of Denver in Parker, CO. hernandezl986@attbi.com.

Dependable Ed YONG, father of five (patent pending) writes: “I’m still in this fast-paced industry of computers. Hey, anyone want a Gateway! I’m not a salesman. But mention my name as a “friend” and you may get a discount. (Scribe: I can’t get anyone else into the Hilton at Waikiki unless you want to sleep on the floor and agree to stay out of the mini bar.)

I have one patent to my name and there are a few others that are pending (so he’s the guy!). I am a deacon at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Sioux City, LA. I recently gave a sermon as a substitute for the pastor my first. Any classmates in the church field with advice? (Don’t read them this column?) The last classmate I had communications was Art ZEILE. He is at Inflow. The fires around Denver aren’t a present danger to him and family, although it’s left soot all over.

Larry WALKER writes “I’m at Randolph working for HQ AETC Currently trying to figure out how to train our helo/tilt rotor pilots in FY 04 since the Army will stop giving us a free ride in Sep 04. I married Julie JOYCE (’87) in 1998 after meeting in the Pentagon in 1997, then went to teach at USAFA (me, MSS, former PMS Julie was an AOC for Bull 6)— go figure having a mid-life crisis, buying a Porsche 911 (second one, sold #1 in ’92) from a buddy on 20 Jun 02 (hey, no kids what the hell). Julie buys all the secret squirrel stuff at AIA. Gary WOLFE is here tooworking over at DO fixing all the problems I cause in XP. Janet (KISNER) AUGUSTINE is headed to DLA from USAFA. JR REILING is now brought back on active duty with the Army at SOCOM in Tampa.

Late/New addition: Jennifer and Rico Basak announce theirfirst-born, Katelyn Elizabeth Basak - born 17June 02.

Outta room, but it was easy to fill thanks to those who wrote in. I will pass the remainder to Gary for next time. Oh, Karma update, ala “The Brady’s go to Hawaii” running on the beach this a.m. pretty much busted my ankle guess there is a ying to my yang (hey easy) and as I finish this I am wondering how I am going to get another bucket of ice for this ankle on crutches; maybe I should drown it in a Mai Tai instead. Join the AOG.

Visit the AOGWeb Site

www.aog-usafa.org

Sharon Giletti

1116 Kaumoku St.

Honolulu, HI 96825

(808) 394-6397

E-mail: Sharongiletti@aol.com

(Editor’s note: Sharon did not have enough class news for a column but wanted to let the class know about AirLifeLine. We plan to run a feature on this organization in the front of the book in the future. Please send Sharon your news and photosfor the next magazine.)

AirLifeLine: Hope Takes Flight

By Sharon Hullinger Giletti

Doctor’s visits are not just a burden for some people (the scheduling and the waiting); to some people they are a necessity. Additionally, to many people, specialized treatment in a distant city are required for survival and many do not have the healthcare coverage to cover the expenses of air travel for their hospital stays or doctors appointments nor the ability to wait in lines at crowded airports or endure long car, bus, or train travel. For a quarter century, AirLifeLine has helped ensure equal access to health care and improve the quality of life for thousands of people throughout the United States. It is the oldest and largest national organization coordinating free air transportation in America. Not only do they fly people with financial need to receive medical care far from home, but they also provide transportation for organs, blood, tissue and medical supplies; air support for disaster relief efforts in times of crisis; and numerous other humanitarian needs. In fact, followingSeptember 11,2001, when the FAA grounded all commercial aircraft, AirLifeLine’s volunteer pilots flew relief missions to transport emergency services personnel, blood, and medical supplies into New York City and Washington, D.C.

These volunteer pilots are the backbone ofthis organization. AirLifeLine is funded entirely by tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations and corporations and does not receive anyfinancial support from government agencies. Their volunteer pilots donate the costs of every flight. In 2001, AirLifeLine volunteer pilots flew nearly 4,000 missions to over 400 destinations; served more than 8,500 passengers; saved their passengers over $4 million in travel costs; and more than 40 percent of their missions assisted children and their families.

If you are a pilot, every mission you fly will improve the quality of someone’s life, maybe even save a life or multiple lives. It may seem routine to get in your plane and log in a few hours, but to someone you fly through AirLifeLine, those hours will change his or her life. Just spreading the word about AirLifeLine will help raise awareness and hopefully recruit additional volunteer pilots or support from your businesses. You could even make presentations on behalf of AirLifeLine to healthcare professionals, social service and civic organizations, corporations, flying clubs, local media and potential financial donors in their communities. As USAF Academy Graduates, we have the potential for outreach for AirLifeLine to an exorbitant amount of pilots and community leaders.

AirLifeLine is looking for volunteer pilots in every state. Ifyou meet the basic requirements for becoming an AirLifeLine volunteer, you will find yourself in a very rewarding position of doing what you love while at the same time helping someone in need. You could even become an AirLifeLine Team Leader organizing volunteers in the local community, through your military unit, or aero club. To learn more about joining the AirLifeLine team, visit their website at www.AirLifeLine.org or contact AirLifeLine toll free at 1-877-AIR-LIFE (1-877-247-5433).

Mark Peters

2437 Bedford Circle Bedford, TX 76021-1823

Home: (817) 684-7764

Cell: (817) 937-9696

E-mail: pylt@attbi.com

Hi ’88! First, a correction to a photo in the last issue. I’d listed incorrect names it was actually supposed to read: “Curt Schilling and Frank Schmuck.” Sorry about that mix up!

For all you former USAFA Prep School folks (which includes moi, among many others) there’s a reunion for all Prep School grads from October 31 st through November 2nd The organizers are also creating a Prep School Wall ofFame and are looking for nominations. Speaking ofnominations, they’re also looking for someone to be the ’88 class rep ifyou’re interested just email Col Bob Muldrow at rmuldrow@pcisys.net, or Major Joel Booth at jhboother@msn.com, or take a look at the www.usafagraduates .org website.

I’ve given a major portion of the column to an informative and moving email from Frank SCHMUCK. As an AA pilot, however, I’ll have to askyou to take his plugging ofthat other Texas-based airline with a grain of salt....

First Officer Pete Uchmanowicz and Captain Frank Schmuck.

“I recently showed up for work at Southwest Airlines to begin a twoday trip. When I got to the pilot lounge in Phoenix, I saw Pete UCHMANOWICZ whom I’d not seen for quite sometime. I asked Pete where he was going and he replied, ‘With you.’ Imagine that, two 1988 USAFA graduates flying SouthwestAirlines Boeing 737s around the country as a crew. Great '88! As of March 2002, Southwest Airlines has nearly 4,100 pilots, ofwhich 425 are Air Force Academy graduates. Seventeen of these pilots are from the class of 1988: BUTTERFIELD, Margaret C. (Cammy); CHASTAIN, George E (Paul); DENNIS, Daniel R. (Dan); HOBBS, Jon W.; HYNES, James M. (Jim); KIMBALL, Cynthia A. (Cindy); MALL, Steven R. (Steve); PREDELLA, Robert P. (Bob); QUIROZ, Christopher J. (Chris); ROBERTS, James E. (Jim); SCHAEFFER, John C.; TOFAUTE, Todd C.; TOMALLO, James (Jim); TROST, Sebastian S. (Seb); UCHMANOWICZ, Peter R; VILLALOBOS, George L. and me.

“Cammy BUTTERFIELD, Jon HOBBS and I were in the same pilot training class at Williams AFB Class 89-13 (Desert Sharks). Todd TOFAUTE was at Williams AFB at the same time in 1988/89 [both Todd and I, your trusty scribe, were in class 89-12], Jim ROBERTS and I shared the same sponsor at USAFA. Pete UCHMANOWICZ and I completed SERE training together in 1985. Jim HYNES and I studied Astronautical Engineering together at USAFA. I had little to nothing to do with getting them hired. It was their outstanding attitudes and excellence in training that got them hired. Incidentally, George VILLALOBOS is now the Communications Committee Chairman for the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association. Congratulations George!

“I had a great time flying around the country with Pete on our two-day trip. Pete’s married to a beautiful wife with two wonderful children, and they live in East Mesa, AZ. He’s also a Major in the Arizona Air National Guard, located at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where he’s a KC-135 Instructor Pilot.

“Now that I’m back flying as a Captain for Southwest Airlines I look forward to flying with more graduates on future trips. I had a bout with Persian GulfWar Related Illness, which ended up being a mercury poisoning that nearly took my life. I was absent from flying for more than two years due to misdiagnoses, and a Food and Drug Administration experimentally classified treatment. I now know that God spared my life, and I am not only back flying, but doing what I do best helping others. I give time to the church, the community, the state and the nation. I serve on Senator John McCain’s Military Service Academy Selection Committee and spend time by helping veterans, autistic children, and people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“It was through my illness I discovered that many, but not all vaccines, contain a preservative called Thimerosal. Thimerosal is 49.6 percent mercury by weight. It is listed by the chemical manufacturer as “highly toxic, with danger of cumulative effects.” It was recently removed from pediatric vaccines, because it is linked to autistic behavior in young children. It is also a known neurotoxin and possible mutagen. I have no doubt it is the catalyst of illness among the more than 130,000 Persian Gulf War veterans reporting illness. When Chad HENNINGS, K.C. SCHOW (’78) and I delivered a presentation on this topic to the Air Force Chief of Staff in 2001, the Surgeon General of the USAF (also in attendance) told us, ‘Thimerosal is an excellent antibacterial.’ Well Agent Orange is an excellent defoliant, but neither have any place in the human bodies of those defending our nation.

“I spent a good portion of time in Washington, DC advocating for the

30,000 Americans living with ALS. I was fortunate to meet with Secretary of Veteran Affairs, the HonorableAnthonyPrincipi (USNA/67), alongwith his General Counsel, Tim McClain (USNA/70). They received some very compelling information regarding the implication of mercury as a coconspirator in the onset of ALS. [On December 10th the VA announced that Americans that served in the Persian Gulf War are nearly twice as likely to develop ALS.] We asked for more government research into this hypothesis, as well as reconsideration on the use of mercury in dental fillings and as a preservative in vaccines. I ask that you call me or research for yourself the damaging effects of mercury and Thimerosal. If you are convinced, please write your Congressman and Senators, asking them to question the FDA’s use ofthis known neurotoxin in vaccines given to our citizens. It was Congressman Dan Burton who revealed that in 1982 a panel of 11 was told Thimerosal is dangerous, yet they continued its use. Later it was learned that six of the 11 had a financial interest in the sale ofThimerosal. I have a copy of the Congressional tape if anyone would like to see it. It’s decisions like this that hurt the next generation (our children) and makes our government look bad.

“I am fortunate to have a second chance in life and to be married for more than 12 years to a wonderful wife, Andrea. We live in Tempe, AZ and can be reached at (602) 770-0558. Thanks for listening and God Bless!” Frank can be reached at 23990@myswa.com. Also, since many of us have received a large dose of shots during our AF careers, you may wish to review more information on Thimerosal. Try the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/thimerosal/default.htm or this private site: www.thimerosalinfocenter.com.

Given Joe TEGTMEYER’s impending move, I called to get his latest info. He’s likely to be established in Alabama as you read this since he’s attending ACSC at Maxwell, along with Keri THYNE (formerly instructing Philosophy at the Zoo, I believe). More pictures ofall the ’88ers at ACSC should be forthcoming... Joe’s sad to leave his beautiful new home in San Antonio, along with all the friends he’s made during his short two-year tour at Randolph. Also, because he has no dependents, Joe’s required to find a new home off base; it’ll probably be Prattville, AL. He hopes his next assignment will be a flying assignment back in San Antonio in June 2003.

Lastly, my brother David PETERS (’88) is enjoying his work at Accenture and joined the Government Practice division last year. His latest project is a NASA SAP financial implementation that he’ll have started after his return from his Hawaiian summer vacation.

Write your scribe!

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

433 Wolcott Ave.

Middletown, Rl 02842

H: (401) 848-2609/ DSN: 948-3373

E-mail: patibb@earthlink.net

Home page: http://www.usafa89.com

Greetings classmates. It is with great sadness I bring you the news of a fallen comrade. We lost one of our own Tuesday, 30 April, when Major James “Jimbo” DURICY crashed in an F-15C while conducting weapons testing over the Gulf of Mexico. He was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL, as a test pilot with his wife, Elaine, and children Erin and Kate. Many of you knew Jim at the Academy, where he was active in the Chorale and Catholie Choir, and some of you had the pleasure of working and flying with him in the years since. Jim was a great friend, a wonderful husband, and an outstanding pilot and Air Force officer. Jim died doing what he loved

Noah Arenson, Frank Schmuck, Brian Welch (diagnosed with ALS last year American Airlines Pilot and Persian GulfWar A-10 pilot), and VA SecretaryAnthony Principi.

- flying. Although his family and friends will miss him terribly, Jim is with the Lord now watching over all of us. A fund has been established where donations can be made in his memory: James Duricy Family Education Fund, c/o Merrill Lynch, 3601 C. St., Penthouse Suite West, Anchorage, AK 99503. Attn: WendyWright

You may have noticed the change ofaddress at the top ofthe article. As of 1 August the Tibbets family has relocated to breathtaking Newport, RI! I am a student at the College of Naval Command and Staff, where our family will enjoy the next 11 months in the historic Northeast. Besides, who wouldn’t be excited about a year where the Air Force pays you to study and learn more about your profession!

Great news! The operational portion of our 10-year reunion class gift is virtually complete.

The newlyspruced up T-41, with yourgenerous donations, in-flight over USAFA.

The $20,000 went to completely overhaul the interior of the Cadet Flying Team aircraft N7757L. I am told it has that new car (or perhaps new aircraft is a better phrase) smell! 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. Standby for words on a dedication ceremony in a future article. 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.

Couple brief notes. Connie (DECHANT) MESKILL wrote from Vandenberg AFB, CA, where she is the Commander of the 14th InformationWarfare Flight. She and husband, Bill, have a four-year-old son David and another son due in November. Lisa (MCFADDEN) and Kurt BECKER are also expecting their second child this summer. Connie also keeps in touch with Jean DONOHUE in Germany, Jody (GUTHALS) MERRITT in San Jose, and Tiffiany (RODGERS) PERKOWSKI in West Virginia. Mark SWENTKOFSKE has an assignment to PACOM, reporting in October. He will be the deputy J2 for JTF-FA (POW/MIA recovery mission). Mark attended the Founders Day dinner sponsored by the Alamo Chapter of the AOG in April. He and fellow zoomies had a great time and lots of laughs!

I recently heard from Shawn JANSEN, who is at Minot AFB, ND as the 742d MS Director of Operations. My old roommate, Scott MADISON, also wrote and is doing well in Illinois flying for American Airlines. He and wife, Melinda, just brought their boat down from Minnesota and are enjoying civilian life.

The

City over Mother’s Day weekend. We had a fun-filled visit celebrating my daughterAvery’s two-year-old birthday and PaulV’s dedication at church. Best wishes to you and your families. Take care and God bless.

James Sanchez

8301 Emerald Circle

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

H: (817) 946-1802

E-Mail: james.sanchez@usafa90.com

WEB: USAFA90.C0M

Here are updates from 3/02 - 6/02:

Jim JORDAN: I just returned three days ago from a three-monther to Kuwait. We (335th FS) were flying both Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom missions. The Afghanistan ones sucked the most... as the missions were around 11 hours average... not good in a fighter. Kudos though to all of the tanker guys (KC-10 and KC-135) as that was the best-run refueling operation I have ever seen!

Shawn PEDERSON: I am starting my second year on the [Thunderbirds]. This year I am the Lead Solo. Last year I was the Opposing Solo. Both great jobs. 100 feet upside down with myhair on fire! I feelverylucky to have the opportunity. I am living in Vegas with wife, Adrienne, who is an Air Force Special Agent doing counter-terrorism work for the FBI. We have a son Logan who is two. Please let all our classmates know I would love to see them and their families at one of our air shows. They can feel free to email me and I’ll do my best to get them some VIP passes and great seats.

Paul SHERMAN: After being a flight surgeon at KadenaAB, Japan for three years (’95-’98) I returned to San Antonio, TX to start a radiology residency. I graduate this month and will be staying as stafffor one year before going to Johns Hopkins University for a two-year neuroradiology fellowship. I have racked up a commitment until 2015... in case anyone needs a new perspective on theirAir Force service. Mywife, Karrie, has her own professional photography business and is doing very well. I just attended Tom KNOLMAYER’s wedding to the lovely former Tina Zane in Cape May, NJ (18 May 02). I had a chance to spend some time with Steve SMITH and his beautiful wife, Mindy, whom I had not had the privilege ofknowing before thewedding. AskTom about our deep sea fishingtrip whenyou get a chance to see him. He is a general surgeon at ElmendorfAFB, AK.

Joel MILTON: I don’t have numbers or emails for these people, but Dayl RAGON is in Chicago flying for United. Twain HENRY is also in Chicago, but I’m not sure what he’s doing now. His wife is an OB/GYN with her own practice, so I think he’s staying home with the kid(s) (lucky stiff!). Maurice OWENS is living in Dallas, and he works for a large law firm after going to Yale Law School (graduated a few years ago). As for myself, I’m taking military leave from United, and I’ll be working down in San

Paul Tibbets x 4,1915-2002, and still goingstrong!

four generations of the Tibbets legacy got together in Bossier

Mara, Nathan, and Mark Gutcher

Major Mike Piscitelli, Ryan Cecil, and SMSgt Glen Hoot in Oman.

Antonio at Kelly Airfield (now a part of Lackland) doing ’135 Flight Test (Functional Check Flights, low risk testing and eval, etc.). I’ll be down there for at least four years while this airline industry, and our economy in general, figures itself out. If anyone is in the area, look me up. I’ll be in the book, and I’ll leave information when I get it.

Dave KING: The AF sent me to get a PhD at Indiana University and I just defended my research proposal and should graduate after 2.5 years. I’ll be married to my wife (Simera) for 10 years this summer and our son Zach is seven and has lived in four states. I’ll be going back to work as an acquisition officer in December... anyone have ideas for a good SPO job? Charlie MCINTYRE is also here at IU getting his master’s degree in Philosophy before going to teach at USAFA.

George Halley and family

Wes ERB: We have a new address in Alaska and should be the last move for as long as I can foresee. Mywife, Bobbi Jo, is still a schoolteacher here, my four-year-old girl, Laura Joy, is great, and I am still flying for FedEx and part time Guard KC-135S out of Fairbanks, no complaints... Anchorage is a great place to visit so we’d love to see anyone coming through on vacation or otherwise... take care...

Laura GILLIG: I’m wrapping things up here at Langley in preparation for a long road trip to Alaska. I will be heading up to the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf to take on life as the OSS/IN. I’m very excited about the move and can’t wait to get settled in my new position.

Chris KORPELA: I saw Blake (Stephen) WALLER on ESPN2 yesterday. He’s flying F-16 Falcons at Osan and gave a ride to a very pretty reporter from ESPN2 as part oftheWorld Cup festivities. Prettyfunnyseeing an old squadron mate on the tellylike that. Bythe way, like everyone else, I’m furloughed from my airline job at UAL, and I’m sweating it out at Columbus, AFB flying the T-37 for the Reserves on a part-time basis. It pays the bills.

Other ’90 grads on TV include: on the History Channel, Mike “Dozer” SHOWER putting on a nice show as well speaking about his kills, F-15s, and the Gun; Ryan LUCHSINGER and Denny SCARBOROUGH on the short-lived “American Fighter Pilot” show on CBS.

Carson Tavenner

4414C Bighorn Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840 (719) 472-5942

E-mail: carson.tavenner@usafa.af.mil

Many of you will get a chuckle out of this new one; since I’m the Associate AOC for the new Global Engagement program here at USAFA, I’m currentlysitting in Jack’sValleywith a laptop on some rickety old wooden table, the time is 11:05 at night and there isn’t anyone else awake around here, as all the cadets and NCOs have gone to sleep and I’m doing the night shift. The weather has been hot; too hot, considering that huge wildfire in the news I’m sure you heard about. It was a few miles west of the Academy, just beyond the ridges behind Eagle’s Peak. In some places it burned east of Rampart Range Road. Needless to say, the fire danger out here is tremendous, and so training in Jack’s Valley has not only emphasized fire safety for Global Engagement and BCT, but the CST (new SERE) program also has to be held here since the Pike National Forest we trained in has been closed. Yes, they closed the forest. Can you imagine having spent SERE in Jack’s Valley?

So, how are you doing today? I hope the past few weeks have held opportunities for you to do great things wherever you work, to meet people you’ve never met before, to dedicate time to those you love, and to spend at least a little time sitting back chillin’ and watching the world around you go by. I know that’s been the case with me. As you can see from the

This is what I’m lookingforward to in retirement. photo, I’ve been out on the water recently (my dad has a small sailboat). That’s in Puget Sound in Washington, and in honor of you all I’d been holding out on wearing my Class of 1991 10-year reunion jacket until the first day I had a chance to go chill out on the boat. So, here’s to you, Bold Gold! As Angie CADWELL phrased it to me the other day, “We rock!”

Oldest news first: Last I heard from him, Paul BAUMAN was spending a great deal of his time flying C-17 missions for Enduring Freedom. Haven’t heard beyond that, but I can pretty much figure out why he might have continued to be a little busy with that sort of stuff.

I don’t believe I ever told you that Al WANSKY got married last year, to Allie. Yeah, that’s right! Oct 21 st was the date I heard, but that was before the reunion took place and I can’t remember what might’ve been said during that weekend. So, Al and Allie Wansky are living in Atlanta; Al works for a company called Sapient. He’s an IT consultant. Al, you still got a job, man?

Joyce (ELMORE) MERL PCSed from Lackland to Crystal City in January, and her daughter Kira is now over a year old.

Dave DAMRATH, who continues to function as a wonderful source of classmate news for me, has moved on from his job with Tropicana and now works as some sort of program coordinator, I think, for the RDV Sports Complex and the Orlando Magic team. See Dave for free tickets when in Orlando! Actually, he said you could check out the facility at www.rdvsportsplex.com.

Chris “Chill” HILL spent the past year as the Exec to the Commandant of Cadets. Whew! He just left USAFA for a new assignment in Georgia, with a new baby girl, Olivia, by the way. That makes three little girls for the big guy. Anyway, while he was out in Georgia on a house-hunting PTDY, during the April/May timeframe, he hit his pin-on date and went ahead and held a ceremony of undetermined solemnity right smack in Mark “Cake” BURNETTE’S kitchen. Not recognizing Chill for being such an incrediblyforward-leaning guy, the Commandant of Cadets still held a pin-on ceremony for him in the office when got back the next week! One month later they kicked him out of the office and sent him on the road to Georgia. Now there’s gratitude for ya!

Tony and Siri MITCHELL became proud parents this past spring. Tony is still teachingAeronautics here. Other ’91ers hanging out in the Fairchild halls include Heather PRINGLE, Eric BOWMAN, Carlene PERRY, and Rob KRAUS. Glen MAYES is still an AOC, and Brian BANKS moved into a different job within the Comm shop while waiting for the Stop Loss program to be lifted.

Here’s an interesting bit of news from a classmate some of you may remember, Sean McKenna. Though he left USAFA early, he’s in the Air Force working at Peterson AFB in Public Affairs. Here’s some of what he emailed me a month and a half ago. “...right now I’m typing inside a temper tent as I near the end ofmy three-month deployment to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, for Operation Enduring Freedom. It’s been interesting sleeping, working and eating in tents in the desert battling sandstorms and 120-degree temps. Saudi Arabia was cushy compared to here, but it’s still better than what the folks deployed to Afghanistan have. I’ll be PCSing to AF Personnel Center at Randolph soon to be the PA assignments guy down there. Anyone in the San Antonio area should stop by.

One classmate you might be interested in hearing about is Kim (LANE) McLEAN. I got to see her a few times while TDY to Vandenberg late last year. She’s out of the Air Force working for a contractor close to Vandenberg. Kim’s got two children and she’s still as fit as ever, with a great sense of humor. My AFA roommate Tim WALLS is also out of the Air Force, married, two kids and working in Green Bay, WI. I’ve got to go run to use the field latrine, so please excuse me.”

Also, I recently was told that General (Ret) Joe REDDEN is now the Superintendent for Public Schools in Atlanta, GA. He is working in a very urban environment trying to improve the conditions of education there. Isn’t that cool? He’s such a dude.

Before we close this down, let me pass on some information regarding www.usafa91.com. First, Angie has now provided the option of making individual squadron pages, and would do doolie squads if there’s interest. Also, the directory data (as well as entries for Checkpoints, hint hint) is now automated from a data entry page, so we don’t have to have Angie doing all that work to input the data we send her. In order to access the page, you need the class ID and password, so email angela.cadwell @hickam.af.mil for that info. Remember, there is also a photo album on the website, so send in what you have and wish to share.

It’s 12:50. Man, it’s getting cold out here. I think I’ll start a fire.

James S. Mehta

Box 5363 Carmel, CA 93921-5363 (831) 622-0752

E-mail: jamesmehta@earthlink.net

Merhaba (Turkish for hello) once again 1992. Hopefully we’re all on our way to the reunion as this arrives in the mail. Grab it on the way out the door for some excellent airplane reading material. Turkish class is going great out here in Monterey and we’re looking forward to being at the reunion before leaving for our two-year assignment to Turkey. We’ll be at Incirlik AB by the end of the year and expect any ’92ers passing through to look us up.

If you don’t already know, there is a new website for the 1992 home page. Direct your browsers to: www.usafal992.com. Wes FRYER has been working to get it on-line in plenty of time for the reunion. Also, you can get any last-minute reunion info on there and send him photos to post.

Checking the INBOX: The first message to pop up in the inbox is an email from an old CS-39 Cool Campus Rad, squadron mate. If the reunion talk hasn’t made us feel old enough, now we can talk about CS-3740 which don’t even exist anymore. I guess that makes us officially old. Anyway, back to the task at hand, Joe DELAPP sent an email from beautiful Osan AB in Korea. He vowed to make it to the reunion despite his one-year Korean vacation and is hoping for a follow-on at Luke. I guess he wants to join another doolie classmate, Jeremy SLOAN, who is already out there. Joe and Julie have a nine-month-old (as ofApr 02) boy, Charles DeLapp III. Was 4° year really 14 years ago... ok, I’ll get over it.

Next e-mail: “Long time listener, first time caller.” Dick FULTON admitted he has read the column for a long time, has been meaning to write, and finally did. He is finishing a three-year tour at ElmendorfAFB in the Comptrailer Squadron and is headed to HQ AMC/FM to serve his sentence on the HQ staff. He passedalong the scoop on JohnTRESLER, DougMORTON, and Arnold “Edge” SCHOENFELD, all ofwhom have “hung up the cleats,” according to Dick. Doug and JT are flying C-5s with the NYANG and “Edge just sells junk bonds or some other scam on Wall St.” Dick also attached a great picture ofhim with the family Judi, Taylor and Sydney. And, there is one more FULTON on the way expected to arrive with Santa’s packages around Christmas Day. Thanks for the “call” Dick and call back anytime...

Layne KASPER, who founded Kasper and Associates, is busywith mergers and acquisitions in the North Texas area. Anyone out there interested in this area of business should give him a call. He sent me a great picture ofhis old roommate, John DOOLITTLE, making friends around the world as a Navy SEAL based out ofVirginia Beach. I guess a picture is worth a thousand words and since they don’t count against my column word limit you can “read” them for yourself:

John Doolittle makingfriends in Kosovo.

Layne also included some wonderful news about his family. He and Jessica were proud to announce the arrival of London Catherine Kasper on June 3, 2002.

Layne, Jessica, London Catherine, and the delivery stork.

Edie (PITARD) EDMONDSON checked in after 10 years of Air Force adventures. Her present assignment has her at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow working with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The highlights of this tour have been meeting Secretary of State Colin Powell and President and Mrs. Bush. After graduating from missile training in 1993, she got married and had assignments atWhiteman AFB, Malmstrom AFB, and Vandenberg AFB. While at Vandenberg, Edie and her husband, Joe, were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Autumn. She plans on coming to the reunion and I think she is vying for the award for the one who will have traveled the farthest to get back to Colorado.

Finally, the INBOX holds an email from Tanya (DUTKO) DANIELS who has written several times in the past. Unfortunately, Tanya doesn't plan on making the reunion, but she has a wonderful excuse. While we are converging on the Zoo, Tanya’s husband, Jeff, will be traveling to China to pick up their daughter who they are adopting from there. They have been working on the adoption for almost two years and are very excited and anxious for her to join their family. Additionally, they will have another “arrival” in August as Tanya will be delivering their other baby. As she says in her own words, “So we’ll go from 0 to 2 children in a month!” Since she will literally have her arms full, she will be quitting her full-time Air Reserve Technician job at Charleston to stay at home. She won’t be completely out ofAF as she will be assuming a traditional Reservist role. Good luck and congratulations!

The Fulton Gang

Oh, one more I almost forgot that just came today. See, sometimes it’s good to procrastinate. If I didn’t it would be another three months before this gets printed. Brett GOODWIN emailed to remind me that despite his defection to the U.S. Army upon graduation, he still keeps up with some AF guys. As for Brett, he got married on April 27, 2002 in Baltimore, MD. Jim MUELLER, his roommate from CS-10, was the best man and Marty BOWE and Gene DEHERRERRA both were there to celebrate with him. Of course, there were some Army guys there, too. Needless to say they all had a great time. Jim MUELLER and his wife, Vanessa, are on their way to Florida where Jim will be an F-15 IP at RTU. Matt RYTTING and his wife are at Holloman AFB where Matt is an IP in the F-4 teaching Germans to fly. And, finally, Brett recently ran into Wes SCHAEFFER at a Joint Academy meeting in Austin. Wes got out and is working for a telecommunication company in Austin. Thanks for the info, Brett.

Well, today marked another milestone for many of us in our AF careers. The Majors’ Board results were released and I hope everyone who wanted to be on it, was. And, who knows, we may have a chance to meet again as “students” of another “free government education” at ACSC.

Hope to see you all at the reunion in September and don’t forget to congratulate one another on being promoted to Major. (I can almost taste that Mitch’s Mountain already...) True Blue ’92... and have a safe trip back to the Zoo. James.

Michael D. Sundsted

4530 East Castle Drive McGuire AFB, NJ 08641 (609) 724-0866 / DSN: 650-3319

E-mail: Bravecwboy@aol.com

Class Website: www.highflight.com

Happy Fall everyone! I wish you the very best this Fall especially to those who will be or have been deploying and are away from their families. I am currently deployed (no I am not making this up!) to Ali A1 Salem AB, Kuwait. Out here with me is Curt VICE (executive officer) and Captain Ron “America” GRAY (’92, Security Forces CC). Ask Ron why he is such a Baltimore Ravens fan. It’s got something to do with a special visit from a cheerleader this summer! It’s great working and seeing all of you out in “the system.” Hopefully by the time you read this I will be on my way or back to New Jersey to see my family. I am the flight safety officer out here for the summer. My family, Lori and Collin, are doing well and enjoying the summer in Dallas, TX while I am deployed. We have a lot of updates coming up! Let’s roll!

We are within a year to our 10-year anniversary and preparation is already underway. I have been working with the AOG. Start paying close attention to the class website and call or email ifyou have any questions. We really want to make this a special moment for everyone involved. On to the news...

Got a great letter from Ali (WARD) TREVINO. She had just arrived back from a 136-day deployment to Seeb, Oman. She was the Chief of Contingency Contracting. She ran into Dawn (HARRINGTON) LANCASTER on her way into “tent” city. Dawn was the Chief of Services at Thumrait AB, Oman. She was the first in at the beginning of operations; that HQ sent her to another location in the APR to set it up. Paul TRUJILLO was up in Kuwait flying C-130s. They saw each other as they passed through the chow hall. Ali is on her way back to D.C. to work in the IGQ Inquiries Branch out of the Pentagon. Ali reported to D.C. with her husband, Ray, in Jun 02. Anne TRUITT graduated from medical school at Georgetown University and will do residency in General Surgery at Brown University. Thanks for the great update Ali!

FCF F-16 pilot at Kunsan AB. Flying the Falcon in the 80th FS with him are Bill “Saw” BOWMAN, Norm “Dirty” JOHNSEN, Alex “Grynch” GRYNKEWICH. In the other squadron (35th FS) are Bill “Data” BRYANT and Rob “Cash” PETTY. Bill is going to Cannon AFB and Steve will be at Luke AFB. Steve says his age is getting to him when he looks in the squadrons and sees ’99 grads! Doug “Bam Bam” TOURLEMKE is at Shaw AFB going to Osan AB this summer to fly F-16s. Cliff HICKS is a UH-60 pilot at Kadena AB who rotates through Osan now and again. Steve’s old Zoomie roommate, Dale HOOVER, is still in the Navy blowing things up as an EOD specialist in South Carolina. Norm, I’m brewing beer! While I have been deployed I have ran into a couple ofclassmates. Dave WOZNLAK is “downrange” flying one of our newest technological assets, the RQ1-B. He is doing a heck of a job keeping ’em up in the air! I also ran into Kevin KOSEFESKI on the way to the restroom downrange. Kevin is now an aircraft commander in the MH-53. Kevin has a great new addition to the family named Megan. Kevin is one of our classmates who has been in the “fight” from the beginning of OEF and this is his second deployment. It was great seeing him. His wife, Kelli, and kids Megan and Matthew are doing great back home. They are looking to hit England after this deployment. See you soon Kev!

Steve “Dallas” HORTON checks his six in Korea. I am sure he had a great time going to all the World Cup games this summer! He is the Chief

Kevin, Kelli, Matthew, andMeganKosefeskienjoyinga greatday in Destin.

DJ VANAS gives us some great updates. He’s out in Colorado Springs and will be helping myself and Wispy SPEROS with some planning for our glorious reunion. DJ is married to Adrienne and they have a beautiful little girl, Gabrielle. He is about ready to get out of the AF and is currently finishing up his tour as Chief of Minority Enrollment at USAFA. DJ is currently celebrating the success of his first book that sold over 1,000 copies in two months. Excellent job: I know you will have continued success!

DJ updates on Troy HARDING who is currently at USAFA in the Management Department. He just got picked up for a PhD program and will be at Arizona State in August. Troy is married to Dana and they live less than a block from DJ and Adrienne.

Got a quick email from Hank BUCK and his family. Hank, Natalie, Pierce and baby due #2 all arrived safely in Kirtland, NM. Their baby was due on 4th of July!

On the same trip to Spain that I wrote the last Checkpoints article I ran into Scott KNAUB who was flying his C-5 to another glorious location.

Jeff KUBIK has been celebrating our time as officers in D.C. at his official “nine-year” reunion. Apparently the “SNAKE” was alive and, well, doing his best to mix drinks of choice. Phil HENDRIX (I’m sure) was doing a great sound mix for those involved. Jeff is still engaged with his bits and bytes in cyberspace. Jeff is currently working with the AOG to start the central Maryland AOG Chapter. Keep warming up for the Springs!

Online and in response to a couple ofJeff’s emails was a response from Char (MELICK) MCREADIE. She seems to be doing real well and passes along her blessings to everyone.

Kiley STINSON is enjoying life in sunny southern New Mexico at Holloman. A tour to sunny QATAR is on the horizon for Kiley. Eric HOVERSTEIN is also at Holloman, but will be going to FE Warren soon. Safe journey to both of you! Another Highflight update is from Sean AMUTAN. He’s in Minot, ND doin’ the ICBM thang! He is scheduled to be at Vandenberg by the time everyone reads this. Sean has run into Kieran DENEHAN and Matt BREDEN. Keep ’em straight and true Sean!

JD SAYRES writes from Cape Canaveral, FL. He recently “thawed” out from his two assignments in the deep north ofGrand Forks (Exec/Admin) and Wyoming (missiles). He was the launch commander for the Titan IV mission that launched a Milstar satellite back in Jan ’02. He is now the Titan Flight Commander here at the 3rd Space Launch Squadron. Other Zoomies there at the Cape are Jason “Rocco” MANTARO, TroySHAFFORD, Craig DUMAS, Joe OTTO, and Yira MUSE.

Ali Trevino, Sean Minus ’97, Kristin Reveira '97, and Preston Schlachter ’94.

The Sayres Family

JD has run into many people throughout the last year. They include Brian “BG” GREEN, Mark BARONI, Kieran “Pops” DENEHAN, Charlie WAHL, Frank FLEITAS, Mike BORYS, Brian WOLLFORD, Jason MILLS, Todd MASER, Doug STROPES, Rod PEOPLES, Pedro GONZALEZ (’92), Kevin SUTTON, Craig BEDARD, Ty HACHTEL, Colin CONNOR, Tina WESTFALL and Dan BOURQUE.

Had the pleasure to work with Curt VICE. He did an exceptional job as the 386 AEG Executive officer. He cracked the whip pretty nicely. His constant source ofentertainment was workingthrough Photo Editorplacing pictures of his wife on his desktop for everyone to see.

Thanks for the great work everyone seems to be doing! We are setting the standard and raising the bar ’93. Many people are starting to make a huge difference outside the military. I am very excited to be a part of our class and only the future knows what kind of impact we will have on society. I am confident that we will have and even more importantly, make a difference! Pleasant dreams ’93 and I’ll talk to you next time! Mike

C. C. Masotti

7608 Southern Oak Drive Springfield, VA 22153

H: (703) 644-4332

W: (703) 697-1383 or DSN 227-1383

Fax: (703) 695-8884 or DSN 225-8884

E-mail: bowhead94@hotmail.com

HappyFall, ’94! Time for back-to-school sales, tailgate parties, and football games and another AF-sweep for the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy! Maybe I’ll actually be in town for next year’s White House trophy presentation: I’ve been TDY for the past two. However, Washingtonian Bob GOODWIN has attended both and had Jeff MARON in town to join him this year. Soon thereafter, Bob left US AID to join the State Department’s eight-month special task force on Sudan. He’s spent the summer traveling to and from Sudan, even leading the advance team for Secretary O’Neill’s trip to Uganda with Bono from U-2!

He’s not the only one overseas Predator pilot Elissa BEDDOW was highlighted in the Wall StreetJournal (and “Early Bird”) for her efforts in Operation Enduring Freedom though sitting in Pakistan, she’s used the Predator to have great influence over events in Afghanistan. Also in the region was Jim JAGODZINSKI (Barksdale), who sent a pre-mission photo from his “forward operating location.” Jagz reported that, needless to say, none of the bombs came back!

creature!

Dave Ham celebrates hisfirst kill.

Rounding out this feature of OCONUS classmates is Costa Rica’s newest resident, Cynthia GREEN. After a stint as a ProgramManager atWrightPat, Cynthia separated to become a sales manager in Grand Rapids, MI. Realizing her heart wasn’t in sales; she moved home to Atlanta to join the Ritz Carlton team and began an application for the Foreign Service. Before her final Foreign Service test, she took a month’s vacation to visit family in Costa Rica and practice her Spanish. As luck would have it, she was offered a job while she was there, packed all she could into two suitcases, and moved to San Jose. She is now the Office Coordinator and International Relations Specialist of the Energy and Climate Change Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean. She’s busy developing ways to provide the five million people in the region without electricity with renewable forms of energy (solar, hydro, etc.), while reducing carbon emissions. Cynthia likes the job and the area so much that she’s considering making the move permanent and has offered her pad to any ’94 folks traveling through!

Speakingofpermanent moves, Mike andTara (DUBILO) TRAWhave settled into the Austin TX area very well and keep expanding their family too. They welcomed baby #3, Jesse Michael Traw, on 18 May— and have promised pictures! Also expanding her family is Michelle (COOKE) DALE, who was thrilled to welcome young Caleb Joshua “CJ" to her family on 19 Nov. She and hubby, Ben, have spent seven years in theAntelopeValley and aren’t moving soon. After graduating from Test Pilot School (TPS) as an engineer, Michelle is now in the 410th Flight Test Squadron, Plant 42 in Palmdale. She has 2 1/2 years left on her four-year assignment, so she’ll go from 2Lt to Maj at the essentially the same base! She’s excited to be part of a USAFA-led squadron; all their officer positions commander, ops officer, chief engineer, and flight commanders are currently filled by grads! She too has promised a picture iffor nothing else but to replace the one of her at our 3-degree dining out featured in the last column!

Not too far across the desert is my freshman squadron mate, Dr. Dave PADILLA (Beale). Dave separated from the AF to attend med school at UT SanAntonio. After graduating in ’00, he spent six months in the Middle East in international medicine, then returned to San Antonio to run an HIV/AIDS non-profit clinic and work as a personal fitness trainer for breast cancer survivors. If he wasn’t giving enough back to society already, Dave was recently recalled to active duty and is serving the USAF as a Public Health MD at Beale.

Though I haven’t seen Dave in years, I hope to see our fellow “Bullpup” and my former roomie, Deb (NAWROCK3) LUKER and her husband, Joel, in my travels next week the Indian Air Chief will be visiting the USAF and we’ll end up in San Antonio briefly. Deb graduated from law school at St Mary’s and is studyingfeverishly for the Bar exam (not that she needs too she’s brilliant and will do great!); Joel is an engineer at TPS. After his graduation and her completion ofJAG school at Maxwell, they’ll both PCS to Eglin and finally live together again!

After San Antonio, the Indian delegation and I will make a brief stop in San Francisco unfortunately, not long enough to see Marine Reservist Erik VAN WEEZENDONK and his bride, Jennifer an old friend of mine from Vandenberg. He brags about tricking Jennifer into trading her last name (Hunter) for his last September. Jennifer is still active duty (AF), while Erik pulls Reserve duty in Hawaii (saying “if you gotta sleep in the woods, it might as well be warm and tropical!”). They love married life and plan to spend a few years enjoying it before expanding their family of two. Erik keeps in touch with several classmates, including Mike and Becky SCNABEL (F-16s, Eglin), Tom and Tara MOORE (proud parents of two daughters), Robert and KariTAYLOR (Texas, also with two girls), and Steve WOODS (soon to graduate from law school at Texas Tech and move to a nearby law firm). Of course, Erik wouldn’t be a true Marine if he didn’t look after his brethren, so he reported on the ’94 Marines as well, including Kurt and Jennifer NOTHELFER (both Marine captains at MCAS Yuma teaching for Marine AviationWeapons & Tactics Squadron 1). Others are Gordon LIMB (Harrier pilot, engaged to Pam, a Navy Flight Surgeon), Dean CONASTER (CH-53Es, MCAS NewRiver NC), Jack EAST (Amphibious Warfare School, QuanticoVA), and Kurt GORDON (Fire Sup-

JagzandBrentWeisner (’96)joinsquadron matesfor a pre-missionphoto. Shooting weapons at a different beast, Dave HAM (Elmendorf) sent a picture from his Memorial Day black bear hunt he shot his first bear late that Sunday night and spent nearly seven hours field dressing the six-foot

port Coordinator, 31 MEU, Japan). Bill ALLEN (California?) and Chuck MacGREGOR (Charlotte, NC) are enjoying civilian life.

That’s the news from the road, but there’s always somethinghappening in D.C. as well. Suzy STREETER (’92), Ed “Mo” MONAREZ (’92), Nat HOLZHERR (’96), her fiance Bill and I celebrated our June birthdays with a party at my place. Other grads in attendance were Heidi SCHWENN (TERHUNE/88) and husband, Doug, and Gretchen BRONSON (’95). The very next weekend, Deonna NEAL was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church in a ceremony at the National Cathedral. She’s off to Oxford to continue her studies towards her doctorate and her quest for the priesthood. I was out of town for the ceremony, but several grads were in attendance to support her!

FlankingDeacon Deonna Neal are Karla Rudert (’95), MikeMerrick (’94), Jen Hughes (’92), Bob McAdams (78), Mark Lankford (’96), Dave McAuley (’92), and Dr. Joe Galema (Music Director, USAFA Chapel).

I’ve written a lot this time about new life, new beginnings, and the growth of families; it pains me greatly that I must also write about loss especially so abruptly. However, I just heard that our classmate and my dear friend Rob LOPEZ (Spangdahlem) was killed in an A-10 accident near the French-German border. My heart goes out to his beautiful bride, Kathleen, and to all who knew and loved him. Please keep them in your prayers.

Check out the class homepage at www.USAFA.net/1994. Until next time, take care & God Bless. C.C.

Don Kang PSC 3, Box 3874

APO AP 96266

(031) 661-4430

BudaF16@yahoo.com

Who is doing the killing? Friends, I’m happy to report that WE are. All around the world, American forces wreaking havoc on our enemies are being led by members of the Class of 1995. Whether it’s on the ground calling in precision strikes, or from the air dropping iron, it’s the same people we drank beers with at Pub & Grub who are doing this good work. Due to the perfect timing of our class into the CAF, we now hold the majority of positions in operational units as instructors, weapons officers, and mission commanders.

Air Force Times recently featured Joe LOCKE’s adventures in Afghanistan. Joe is an ALO working with the Army to chase down A1 Quaida in the hills of Tora Bora. By all accounts, Joe and the rest of the ALOs and TACPs are doing some fantastic work bringing iron to the fight. Army commanders are quoted saying that they wiil never go into battle again without the support of brave officers like Joe Locke. Back home at Pope,

Joe’s wife, Erin, and their baby son Carson eagerly await his return. Jon SCHULTZ is also working as an ALO at Pope. Fellas, keep your craniums low; be safe, and hurry home.

Heard it through the grapevine that Pope AFB A-10s are pounding the Taliban to crap with 30mm depleted uranium at press time. That means that Scott CAMPBELL, a FighterWeapons School graduate, is leading the Hog fight over Afghanistan. “Soup” just left Osan AB recently for Pope and left again for immediate duty in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom. Good hunting, “Soup.”

Back home, I got the word from my sister in L.A. about a hot new band playing the club scene - and that one of the dudes in the band was wearing an AFA shirt. I got some more info from my contacts in the city and found out that Rick BOLANDER and Noel KELLY have formed a band called Cerulean. Their first CD is out now and is called “brighter/still.” If you are ever in the Los Angeles area, catch one oftheir shows. All the info for Rick and Noel’s band is at www.ceruleanmusic.com.

Jim HACKBARTH sent me a line fromWashington, DC: “I just leftYokota after flying C-130s there for four years (folks there include Kevin WHITTAKER and Gerry DONOHUE in the Here world). I am currently in language training for French to be the Air Attache to Cote d’Ivoire and several other countries. Naresh SHAH (my old roommate) is doing the Intern Program and going to marry in the spring. Also out here are Jason TONE, Ric TRIMILLIOS, and Dave MORELAND. Matt KOZMA is working as a defense consultant. Rob (Cujo) TESCHNER is flying the F-15 down at Langley. Scott MALLORY is flying CASAs at Pope.”

Speaking of Ric Trimillos, this story has been circulating around the Pentagon:Apparently, young Ric recentlypenned an email that went, “Do you have two extra copies available of the Joint Staff Officer’s Guide?” He sent the email to Richard Myers, Gen, Chairman JCS. He had been poorly guided to do so by another intern who said,

‘Send your request to this guy named Richard Myers, he’s on the global email address list.’ Ric neglected to read the entire address line, which stated Richard Myers, Gen, CJCS. Gen Myers replied to Ric, and sent him an electronic copy of the Joint Staff Officer’s Guide. He also sent a hard copy ofthe guide back thruXR with a handwritten note wishing the young intern good luck with his career and with a tab on the page in the guide which laid out the chain of command.

Laura BOUSSY writes: “I separated from active duty last December but I’m still in the Reserves. I now live outside of Houston, TX and I work at Johnson Space Center. I’m actually an instructor and am responsible for training astronaut crews on the guidance, propulsion and control systerns onboard the space shuttle. Anyone passing through should look me up (laura.boussyl@jsc.nasa.gov) for a really cool tour.”

Bill BARRINGTON sent a line: “I was selected to be the aide-de-Camp to the 20th Air Force Commander. That means I’ll stay at Warren for another year.”

Damon “Shotgun” ANTHONY is flying the mighty Mud Hen at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. He just finished Fighter Weapons School for F-15Es in December (same Weapons School class as Chad FEUCHT). He won the Distinguished Graduate award for the F-15E class along with the Highest Grade Point Average Award as well.

Joe DIFIDI sent in a picture (see top of next page) from his recent tour in support of Operation Southern Watch at AJ Jabber AB, Kuwait. In the background is the standard shelled out HAS that we all have used for hero shots while filtering through “lovely” Kuwait.

Paul PEREZ recently fulfilled one of his dreams by participating in the Raider’s pre-game warm-up as part of Military Appreciation Day in Oakland. Paul was interviewed for local TV and related his experience in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. We're all glad that “Manny” is safe and home with his wife and kids at Travis AFB, CA.

I saw Chris HUMMEL going through the F-16 FAC-A course at Luke AFB. Brad GLENN was also out there and having a house built in Litchfield Park.

As for me, I just got back from SOS in one piece. Five weeks of sticking

Laura Boussy in Shuttle Simulator, Joe Locke at home with Carson, Paul Perez on the Raider’s 50 yard line.

Noel Kelly and Rick Bolander with their Los Angeles band, Cerulean.

Joe Difidi’s F-15E Strike Eagle squadron atAl Jabber AB, Kuwait, along with a Navy F/A-18. The “Mud Hen” is a twin engine, two-seat, multi-role fighter shown here with AIM-120, AIM-9, and laser guided bombs. my pencil in my eye repeatedly apparently did no lasting damage and I continue to fly the mightViper here on the ROK. While at Shoe Flag, I ran into several of our dudes: Aaron LADE, Jason MOORE, Scott MORRIS, Brad SEGER, Otis JONES, JonVEAZEY, Jamie MOSS, Carmine PUNZIANO, Mark PIPER, Tom SEYMOUR, and Jason COSTELLO. I think I’d have a lot more funny stories to tell if it weren’t all so tragic. "The horror... the horror...”

Tom SEYMOUR got picked up for this summer’s F-16 FighterWeapons Instructor Course. Also picked up were Bill BETTS and Dave SUNDLOV. Bill will go to Cannon AFB after FWIC and he just recently celebrated the birth of his second son. Dave will return to Misawa AB in Japan with his wife, Larissa. Mike MAY just left Osan for Misawa AB, Japan.

On the baby front, I just found out that I will have a boy (due date in August). Chad FEUCHT just had a new baby girl (eight pounds). I’m sure there’s more out there, so drop me a line. Also, with the drops for the summer and fall assignment cycles out, let me know where everyone is going. I just got an assignment to Shaw AFB, in South Carolina for a few more years in the Block 50+Viper and am absolutely stoked beyond words. My mailing address is to be announced, but budafl6@yahoo.com is still the place to send your updates.

Melissa S. Cunningham

220 Bowens Mill Drive Bonaire, GA 31005

E-mail: Fmcunningham@aol.com

Greetings from the Peach State! I just joined the 54th Combat Comm Squadron at Robins AFB. I am still sorting through boxes, waiting for the cable guy, and all ofthe otherjoys that go alongwith frequent moves. AFPC came through with a join spouse assignment, so I am pretty thankful.

left

Myers (Birch).

Meg MARTIN shot me an email with some pictures and an update on Yiotula CHILIGIRIS’ wedding. Yiotula and Glen Shilland were married 2 March 2002 in a Greek Orthodox Church in her home town of Decatur, IL. They met while stationed at Minot AFB where Glen is a B-52 Nav and Yiotula was a Missiler. Andy SERAFIN told me that Glen even learned enough Greek to ask Yiotula’s father’s permission and blessing for their marriage. After the wedding, they flew back to Minot to wait for warmer weather as theyplanned their honeymoon to Greece. Later this summer, Glen and Yiotula moved to Ft Campbell, KY where Glen will be a TALO. I am not sure ifYiotula was able to get a follow-on assignment in the area.

Seven ’96ers were able to make it out for the event as featured in the next photo. Casey CORNISH (ERICKSON) is an exec out at Mildenhall. She and Ollie ERICKSON are expecting their first child this fall. They hope to return to the U.S. soon and it looks like Ollie may trade in his F-15E for a trainer at Columbus. No news yet on Casey’s follow-on assignment.

Mandy and Paul BIRCH just completed their assignment at Elmendorf and have relocated to D.C. Paul is part ofthe 2002 Intern class and Mandy was able to secure an assignment to Andrews.

Gwen RUTHERFORD (DEFLIPPI) made it out even though she had just given birth to her second daughter, Margaret.

Andrew SERAFIN was also able to get away from work to make it to the wedding. Although, when he told me the story, it sounded more like an awesome three-day party. I guess Yiotula’s family owns a bar and the wedding guests were well taken care ofthe entire time. Andy is still working in Checkmate as a contractor in the Pentagon. The AF is trying to entice him back in, but he’s still holding out for the best deal.

Jeff GOGGIN made the trek with infant in tow. He and his wife, who is also in the AF, are stationed at Scott AFB. Jeff is flying C-21s.

Gary BERGER was a groomsman. He and his wife, Heather, have been blessed with one child and now have another on the way.

Meg MARTIN was recently back at Altus again upgrading to airdrop aircraft commander. She also had an opportunity to help with the war against terrorism this spring. She could not tell us too much, but I think it involved flying with night vision goggles. A little vague, but it sounded cool to me anyway.

Air Force’s newest interns from left are Ron Cheatham, Paul Birch, Amy Graveling, Tony Babcock, Tiaa McDonald, Rob Ludington, and Derrick Blough.

On my way out the door, I was able to catch up with some other ’96ers who were just beginning the intern program. Here’s a brief update: Amy GRAVELY is a maintainer. She completed a tour at Ellsworth and Mt. Home before getting picked up for the intern program. Ron CHEATHAM is in personnel. He’s been stationed at McClellan, McConnell, and then Scott AFB. On Jan 15, 2000, he married Darlene back in Tacoma, WA. Paul BIRCH just came in from F-15Es in Elmendorf. Mandy was able to swing a joint spouse assignment in CE to Andrews.

Tony BABCOCK is a maintainer but has spent his last tour at McGuire as a TALCE commander. He’s been all over the world during this tour including Afghanistan, UAE, Norway, Oman, and the Ukraine. Tony is also a married man. He and Dana were wed 2 Sept 2000. No kids yet, but their two cats are keeping them busy enough. Derrick BLOUGH just finished a demanding Protocol tour at Scott AFB. He figures that was his penance after four years at Hermosa Beach stationed at L.A. AFB. He met Brittany spring breakjunior year and they were married 14Aug 1999. Rob LUDINGTON was a C-5 IP at Dover AFB. He married Allyson on 29 May 1999 in Del Rio, TX. They traveled south for a honeymoon in Cozumel, Mexico.

Tiaa MCDONALD has a lot on her plate. Not only does she have the pressure of moving in, finding her way through the Puzzle Palace, and taking classes at GWU, she is also planning her wedding. She and Ron HENDERSON (’97) plan to wed on 5 Oct 2002 in her hometown of Pompton Plans, NJ. She and Ron met at Moody AFB where she was a personnelist and he was a HH-60 pilot. After her selection for the Intern Program, she and Ron found out that he was going remote to Osan AB, Korea. He’ll fly back for the wedding and then escape for a week at the Cayman Islands, before returning to Korea. Hopefully, they will be able to work a joint spouse assignment after both of their rotations.

That’s all for now. I didn’t get as much info from you guys this go-round so this update was a little shorter than normal. Please help me out by sending the pictures and emails to my new address in Georgia. Take care and God Bless, Mel.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

PSC #80, Box 17707

AP0 AP 96367-7707

W: melvin.maxwell@kadena.af.mil

H: mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

DSN: 315-632-9150

Commercial: 011-81-6117-32-9150

Hey all! Hope all is well on your end. I’m down to about 30 days here at Kadena and should be beginning work on a master’s degree at AFIT at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH by the time this makes it to print. Back in April, I was walking through the hallway and bumped into Jill VAN NESS (’96) who was on her way to Diego Garcia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I mentioned I was moving on to Wright-Patterson and

From

are Casey Cornish (Erickson), MegMartin, JeffGoggin, Yiotula Chiligiris (Shilland), Glen Schilland, Andrew Serafin, Gwen DeFilippi (Rutherford), and Mandy

Jill mentioned that her sister, Polly (’99) had recently married Pete SANDNESS and the two them were now atWright-Patterson. Pete is working on the AFMC staffputtingtogethermeetings between three- and fourstars. He’s looking to get back into acquisition program management but is enjoying what he is doing for the time being. He’s also stayed busy with hockey by playing in a league as well as coaching a high school varsity team. Take a look at the West Palm Beach, FL wedding photos below and you’ll see proof that hockey is still mainstay with Pete.

Some other “it’s a small world” encounters included running into Kim STAMETS who was out here at Kadena from Elmendorf. I imagine she’s flying C-130s but I couldn’t tell because of the sanitized flight suit. Back in April, I was in Hawaii and chatted for a couple minutes with Stacy McCLAIN who is out at Osan.

Heath FRYE dropped me an email back in March. Heath had his paperwork filed and was within a couple months of separating when he got a breath of military life overseas on a TDY to Ramstein. While in Germany, Heath saw Eric SPRINGER, still doing the Security Forces thing there at Ramstein. Eric and his wife were expecting their first child in April. Eric’s mother is German and he speaks the language fluently and was an excellent host for Heath. After the TDY, Heath and his wife, Aleks, decided to stay in at least a few more years with hopes of getting to Germany.

Matt BERG wrote back in April after getting back from SOS. Val LONG (WEBBER), doing Intel at Hickam, was in Matt’s flight. Other ’97ers in Matt’s class included Bed ECHEVARRIA, Nakia ADDISON, and Heather WYATT. Matt was finishing up his tour in Bl-B maintenance at Dyess and should have already taken residence in Tennessee, teaching ROTC at the University of Memphis heaven help the future of the Air Force!

Congratulations are in order for Nate SCOPAC. Nate was selected for UPT during the April 01 board. Nate moved from Eglin to NAS Whiting Field last December and headed on to NAS Corpus Christi for training in T-44s this past summer. He’s looking to get back into AFSOC hopefully flying MC-130Hs or AC-130s.

Unfortunately, I have to end another update on a sad note. Chris TODD sent a message from Vandenberg AFB, CA where he is a MILSTAR satellite instructor. Sadly, Brian RIZZOLI (’96) went down in a C-21 and Chris asked to have this picture placed in Checkpoints.

Jennifer DAINES (ASKINS) sent me a great update this past May. She is currently at Randolph AFB in San Antonio and is assigned to the Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron, under HQ AETC. They coordinate all training for International Military Students attending Air Force courses. She recently returned from a TDY near Garmisch, Germany, where after the conference she spent a few days supporting the German economy! Her husband, Brandon, is “melting” being in San Antonio, but is doing fine. Their toddler, Joshua, is 2 1/2 years old now, talks a “mile a minute” and he absolutely loves his “Sissy”. Their newest family memher, Reagan Elizabeth, was born back on Oct 23rd

Jenny had the following updates from her REBEL buds in the last few months: Matt BRADFORD and his wife, Sharon, had a baby girl (Sierra) back in December, and Matt was selected for a spot in the July Test Pilot School Yeah! Won’t it be cool in a few years when we all can say we know an astronaut? Travis NORTON is flying A-10s at OSAN. T Clove [Travis CLOVIS] is flying helos, Hawk [Rodell SEVERSON] is flying A-10s up in Alaska, John HALL is flying tankers at Mildenhall, Jesse THOMPSON is out of the Air Force and doing his same job as a civilian in a GS position (i.e. getting more than twice as much money and working less). He finally got married and all is well. Austin SORSENSEN and his wife had a baby girl in January (Emalinne Marie). This makes number two for Austin he has a toddler named Henry.

Alright y’all. I’ve got a 1,200 word limit and I didn’t even use half of it this time. I need your help filling this update in and the onlyway I can do it is ifyou let me know how you are doing. Give me a shout! Best wishes to everyone out there...Mel.

Karin (Klein) McWhorter 9811 E. Cisco Court Tucson, AZ 85748

H: (520) 885-8697/W: (520) 228-3829

W: karin.mcwhorter@dm.af.mil

Hello Again ’98!

Hope all is well with everyone and that the Captain pay raise, along with paying off your car loan, has made your summer terrific.

JeffParr, his wife, Kelly, and their son at his promotion ceremony. The next update is from Jeff PARR. He and his wife, Kelly, got a followon from the AFIT master’s program, which he finished in March, to stay at Wright Pat. He works in the F-22 SPO as the facilities engineer for the bed down. They just had a baby, Joshua Scott, on March 9th and they love being parents. He had the following to add about other classmates: Ryan QUAALE and his wife, Shauna, are also stationed atWright Pat where Ryan is getting his master’s in Aeronautical Engineering at AFIT with a follow-on to teach Astro at the Academy. Chris GOAD and Cheryl GOAD (CROW) are PCSing to Eglin for Chris to do a maintenance assignment. He is an acquisitions officer doing a career broadening. Cheryl got her master’s as a nurse practitioner atTulane and will be a nurse at Eglin. Jeff LIN, Nick LYNCH and Susie STORM are all getting their master’s degrees at AFIT - Jeff and Nick in Engineering and Environmental Management, and Susie in Operations Research. Rob EVERT has been all over the place flying KC-135s from Grand Forks. Jeff and Kelly also visited Ryan PAOLUCCI and his wife, Amy, at their beautiful base house at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts. Ryan is doing acquisitions there and they are enjoying the Boston area.

Angel SANTIAGO wrote to say, “I’m living in heaven.” He is still stationed at Dyess, but loves it because he is never there! He loves the life of a mighty Here driver and just returned from a four-month Mid East deployment where “it was a great feeling making a difference that was seen the next day on Fox News.” He is looking forward to going home to see his family this summer.

Pete and Polly Sandness

From left areMattDurkin, Chris Todd, Shannon Faber (’97), Brian Rizzoli (’96), Jason Lind, Colleen Christensen (McBratney, ’96), and Glen Christensen (’93).

Angel Santiago and Mark Wenersbach at an “undisclosed location”Angel was the copilot on theflight and Mark was the navigator.

Steve BEREIT is stationed here at Davis- Monthan and he sent a quick update via email. He married Erin Dawn (TAMS ’00) who he met here at D-M. His best man, Josh PETERSON, is flying C-130s at Pope. Marshall MCMULLEN, who just wrapped up as LG Exec and is working on his master’s in Computer Science at the U ofArizona, was also in the wedding. Mike “Free Bird” FREEMAN just moved to 12AF, also at Davis-Monthan, and recently finished his master’s in education. Steve was recentlyaccepted to University of Chicago Law School, after scoring in the 97th percentile on the LSAT. He has deferred admissions until he can separate in '03, which gives him time to finish his MBA from the U ofArizona. They are hoping and praying that Erin can get an ROTC teachingjob in Chicago so they can be together! He also let me know that Tim “Shoe” SCHMACHERjust left DM to go coach football at the Academy, his “dream job.”

Another update from Tucson, Lisa HEDDEN (MARTINEZ-PEREZ) is planning on doing a one-year remote at PSAB starting in Sept to get away from being an Exec for the 12 AF/A2. She is planning her follow-on to be back to D-M (355 OSS) while husband attends Medical School in Tucson. She added that Kari MCMANUS and husband, Jay, (’96) are PCSing from Offutt to D.C. to work at NSA. She works in Intel and he’s a nav. Danny SMITH, a C-130 pilot, and his wife, Marcy, are expecting a baby! Danny CAMPOS is stationed at Barksdale and works in 10.

Kerrie DUNKER (GRIBUSKI) and Matt are having a blast in Florida but anything would beat Grand Forks, ND. She writes, “The house is cool, the beach is cooler but Avery is the coolest.” Avery is their daughter and by the time this is printed she will be eight months old. Matt is doing investment analysis at Hurlburt and is traveling quite a bit. Kerrie took the exec position here and although she is “okay with it," there are times she looks forward to getting out. I am sure she isn’t the only one!

Diane BURCH (CARLONI) had a few updates to add: RayWEATHERSBY is stationed at Scott AFB. He is having a great time and has traveled the world (Kenya, London, Portugal, Azores, Alaska, Misawa and Yokota) as part of the communications and network systems evaluations division.

Jennifer DRUM is also doing well. She just got back from Enduring Freedom and is looking forward to spending some time off.

Jenna FLYNT (TUKEY) is stationed up at McChord and is currently working on her master’s. Rick VASQUEZ just headed off to Weapons School at Nellis for Intel and then he is headed to Eielson in Alaska. Brian WEILAND just returned from Korea and is now stationed at DavisMonthan flying A-10s. He is married and has a seven-month-old son. Sammy BERENGUER is also stationed here at D-M flying the A-10 and his wife is currently in law school.

Tara VICE is still at Hickam and she and Colleen ZREIBEC were forced to wear balloons tied to their new shoulder boards on their promotion day. In Tara’s words “Colleen almost floated away.”

few weeks from finishing RTU and will be heading out to Germany. Good luck fellas...

Finally, the first news from '99 combat veterans. Pictured below are a few brave lads from our class who recently flew into Afghanistan.

Tara and Colleen after their pin on.

That is it for this month. Keep the information coming and make sure you give me a call ifyou are even in the area! Karin.

James W. Busch

16015 N. 158th Court

Surprise, AZ 85374

(623) 594-7899

E-mail: jbusch99@msn.com

Hi ’99!

Just another quick update on the greatest class in USAFA history from the greatest class president in history. I’ve PCSed to I.uke and start RTU tomorrow. Between that and buying a house I’ve spent my precious little free time sharing barley-pops with Jorma HUHTALA and Brian SHERRY, both of whom are finishing up training here at Luke. Hooch is engaged to be married and has two pet monkeys, and Brian is making last preparations for survival in the cold lonely Alaskan north. Tim CURRY is also a

Jake Rasor, Ben Lasher, and Mike Morales in “some place other than Afghanistan.”

Also at Charleston flying C-17s: Ben JONSSON (married and expecting a child in a couple of months), Eric BUCHEIT, Charles POLOMSKY, Kelly IANDSTROM (now DAUGHERTY), KirstenVEATCH (now something else married), Miguel LUTMAN, Tre ADAMS, and Spencer BURKHALTER.

More news from the fighter community: Eric SCHMIDT wrote to say that he and his wife, Heather, moved to Kadena in November after graduating from Eagle FTU. They now call him “OH” Schmidt. Jeremy WEIHRICH (Mt Home), Chris MCFARIAND (Eglin), Kevin JANASIEWICZ (Langley), and I were in the same class, along with Matt RIPPEN ’96. When we left, David CHRISTENSEN and Matt FRENCH were among the ’99ers still finishing FTU. Jason TREW is one of the latest additions to the Eagle communityand is loving life at Tyndall now. Eric HAAS, Jeremy IUSHNAT (anyone ever wonder who married G-Lo’s daughter?), Mike BOOMSMA, Geoff FUKUMOTO, and JayWIEDER are also there in the 44 or 67th FS as the second luckiest dudes in the world to fly the Eagle on a tropical island in the Pacific. They’ll be flying in Maple Flag in May and the friendly skies of SWA this fall and winter. Besides a recent vacation in Singapore, OH enjoyed an emergency divert to Osan in March and ran into Larry SULLIVAN who's flying ’16s, and Jorge CARRERA flying C-21’s. Scott MORGAN is evidently flying Hogs at Osan, and Tim PESEK recently finished UPT with a ’16 assignment following IFF at Moody, where Ryan VONEIDA is busy wooing the belles and flying his HH-60. Thanks, OH, for the outstanding update.

In other random news, Sean BAERMAN is enroute to Spang to join Mike BULLARD and Will REYNOLDS, flying A-10s. Along with Matt RENBARGER, theyplan to form the first all ’99 overseas four-way in jumpteam history. I also heard an unconfirmed rumor that Bob FARINA has applied to the astronaut program, and John, I’m still waiting for the March, April, May, and June updates. Until next time - James.

Jason “JW” Simmons

110 Mara Court Prattville, AL 36066 E-mail: Jason.Simmons@Maxwell.af.mil

Class, I would like to start off by sharing some updates that I have received recently. Matt SCHMITZ is starting his third year ofmedical school at Loyola University Chicago and living with Brock MILLER and Ryan Finnan (’01). Both he and Ryan and are playing competitive rugby for the Super League team in Chicago and traveling around the country for it in between studies.

Edie and Mark VAN WEEZENDONK are still stationed in San Antonio. Edie says, “I’m still in Manpower at HQ AETC, Randolph AFB. Mark’s currently still an Intel officer, deployed to Bosnia until September. When he returns in September, he will have been deployed for six months this year... some first year of marriage! He’s hoping to crosstrain next May to Pararescue... keep your fingers crossed.” Mark, we will certainly wish you the best of luck in those endeavors. Edie also said that she attended Lindsey (MCROBERTS) andAdam SCHMIDT’s wedding in Bowling Green, Ohio in June. From what I’ve heard, it was a blast. Among those in attendance were Shelly HOOTEN, L.A. AFB; Diane MOERER, L.A. AFB; Donna SILVA, L.A. AFB; and Ben SHREWSBURY, Hanscom AFB (who recently graduated from Harvard Grad School). Sounds like lots of fun guys; congrats to the newlyweds... and to any other newlyweds. We’d love to put some pictures in the “class news” from some weddings. Hint, Hint.

Bryan TRINKLE sent in an update; He is currently more than 50% complete with the T-44 program at NAS Corpus Christi, TX. Mike DORRELL got C-17s to Charleston, Javin PETERSON got KC-135S to MacDill and

Dan ELLERBROOK got C-21s to Andrews. Trink went up to San Antonio recentlywith Slowhara (Ryan O’ELARA) and Matt SCOTT and floated down the Guadalupe River with them. I guess they got pretty crazy, and had fun catching up on old times.

That is all I got for updates, mainly because so many of us have so much going on. However, even with that said, it was good to know how much you all care about each other. I am sure by now, all of you know about the death of our three classmates, George W. HERNANDEZ, John W. RABER, and Scott T. MCEWAN. The days after the incident I received countless phone calls and emails making sure that all the right information was being passed on about them and the incident. Here is a portion of the article published 27 June 2002 from the Del Rio News-Herald:

Hernandez McEwan Raber

“Del Rio and CiudadAcuna, Coah, Mexico residentsjoined the Laughlin Air Force Base community in mourning the loss of three young officers killed in a head-on collision early Saturday (June 22) morning. A memorial service took place on base Wednesday afternoon (June 26). A quiet stream of mourners both military and civilian once again poured into Hangar 4 to grieve the latest untimely deaths to hit the Laughlin AFB family. USAF 1st Lts. John W. Raber, Scott T. McEwan and George W. Hernandez were killed early Saturday morning when the 1999 Dodge Dakota they traveled in hit a passenger bus head-on.

“The accident occurred on a dangerous, unprotected curve 15 miles south of Ciudad Acuna, Coah, on Highway 29 Acuna/ Morelos. A 21-year-old Ciudad Acuna resident who traveled with the officers was also killed. Raber and Hernandez were to graduate from pilot training this Friday with Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 02-11. McEwan served as Cost Center Manager for the 47th Communications Squadron at Laughlin AFB. All three officers had graduated from the U.S. Air ForceAcademyin 2000...”

Many ofyou dealt with this in different ways, and from the request that I sent out for personal stories I received the followingfrom some close friends:

Mark MCGILL shares, “Scott touched our lives through his humor, compassion, and loyal friendship. His enthusiasm for enjoying life and ensuring those around him enjoyed life too will staywith us forever. Love, Mark”

Edward WAGNER shares, “Sitting out here in Germany, wondering what I should write about a great friend, Scott “Ques” McEwan. I have come to the realization that there is not just one single event that sticks out in my mind that would summarize what he meant to me. Every time I hung out with Ques was great! He always made me laugh and if there was somethingweighing on my mind, he could always put things in perspective. He was the greatest friend someone could ask for. Whenever I needed to vent or get something off of my chest Ques was there. He never pre-judged others and always rolled with the punches. It is a shame that I have to be writing this at this point in our lives because he was so young. Ques was full oflife and energy. It didn’t matter who Ques would meet, in a matter of few hours he would have that person laughing and in stitches. Ques was such a unique person because he was constantly putting other people’s interests and needs above his own. That is something one does not see much anymore. I know that many people are going to miss Ques. I just thank God that I was able to share some ofthe best six years of my life with him. Ques, you definitely are going to be missed. Love you Bro...Wags.”

Christopher TODARO, “Throughout one’s lifetime a person is blessed to have the opportunity to meet someone that is liked by everyone. Scotty was one ofthose people. Throughout our six years offriendship never did I hear someone say anything bad about Ques. He was one of those special people you couldn’t help but like being around. No matter where we were: on vacation, out at a bar (Ques’ favorite), or even at the Academy, Scotty always made it better. Through his sense of humor, loving nature, or endless philosophies, Ques was able to put a smile on your face or make light of any situation. For anyone who knew Scotty, life will not quite be the same and he will be dearly missed. I love you brother... here’s a toast...”

Cory HEITZ likes to remember George by sharing the following about him:

-Member of B Squad at P-school

-From Carlsbad NM

-Spent 1 st two years at AFA in Trolls of20. Roomed with Matt SCHMITZ at one time.

-Went to South American AF Academy one spring break in the exchange program, he was big in that Spanish club, not sure of the name

-Flight Commander in 9

-roomed with me for one semester, Shaun THOMAS for another, then was right next to Jeff PHILLIPS and I our senior year.

-Huge Reggae fan, had a Bob Marley tattoo on his arm

-Was part of the infamous RV/M-16 incident

-Liked to ski and buy Bob Marley and Beastie Boys memorabilia off Ebay. Got made fun of for having zoomie@hotmail.com for an email account

-Notified that he would be flying the JSTARS out of Moody

-Loved his ’99 Black Durango with a system and Bob Marley sticker on the back.

-I have more stuff that isn’t appropriate for this forum, but he was a great guy to just sit around and chill with. It was a pleasure spending two years getting to know him better.”

Personally, I knew George, John, and Scott. All three were great guys. Mainly a bunch ofjokers, but could be serious when needed to be. I still cannot believe they are gone for it seems I’ll check my inbox and have a message from one of them. But, I know that’s not going to happen. As far as stories go for them, we’ll have to talk in person about that and I’ll leave you with the fifth verse. Here’s a toast...

The families of our classmates is requesting donations in lieu of flowers be sent to the organizations listed below the graduate’s name:

lLt George Hernandez, LULAC, National Scholarship Fund, LULAC Council 206, P.O. Box 839, Carlsbad, N.M. 88220.

lLt Scott McEwan, Falcon Foundation, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4480.

1st Lt. John Raber, Fort Huachuca Chapel, 2383 Smith Ave., Bldg. 52060, Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613-6000.

Hi freak folk. This issue might actually be up to date instead of six months old... yeah, new concept for Holly. Well, we were planning a one-year reunion, but they won’t let us have Rum, so we just said screw it. Oh, wait, the one-year reunion was ABC... Whatever, on to the juicy gossip.

Starting with some Moody people two classes have graduated UPT from the new T-6 - Matty HALL went on to T-38s, Dave PENUELA to choppers, and lots more I can’t remember. Matty IHLENFELD is working with me now while he’s waiting to start UPT - he has to beat the ladies away with a stick! Wayne KINSEL, Karl RECKSIEK, and myself all gave up flying - Wayne and myself are headed to Grand Forks together and Karl to Cannon. So the moral of the story is... don’t quit UPT at Moody! Karl is getting married soon in Utah to the beautiful Julianna. Andrew MITCHELL is bitterly getting ready for contracting at Moody after the Academy-delayed-surprise-medical-shaft. I run into Melinda SCHILLING a lot - she’s in Manpower and getting married soon. Patrick LOWE was at Moody recently and made the first cuts for Combat Rescue Officer - the officer side of the Pararescue Jumper program. Hope that turns out well for Pat after the surprise-medical-shaft-action from Brooks about his eyes. Kendra LOWE (MARKS) is doing well in Texasjust recently finished up tech school for Personnel at Keesler. Melissa

From left are ScottieJenkins [Seymour-Johnson], Nelle Pirotte [Buckley], Melissa Olendorf(Horvath) [Charleston], Kendra LOWE (Marks) [Laughlin], Bobbi Henson [Scott], andAmy Glisson (Hultin) [F.E. Warren],

Olendorf (HORVATH) was in Kendra’s Personnel class there and sent in this picture.

Down Florida way... Faith HITCHCOCK is stationed at Eglin, but recently went to BCOT (Communications Officer Training) at Keesler and got DG! Camille CHIGI also went to BCOT and is still stationed at Gunter. Mike DUNN will be trying his hand at Acquisitions now and will be heading to Maxwell soon. Jim SCHIESS is almost done with T-34s at Pensacola. Faith and Mike recently made it to Charlotte for the Weekend of Speedgot to see Fatback up close! Go #1, #28, and #8!! Jeff FEURING is still at Eglin and bro Jason FEURING left for Vance for T-Is. Givey KOCHANOWSKI still enjoying counting pallets at Eglin from what I hear. Christian GRIMM and Mike KIRKNER are just being skinny and starting up ’34s at Pensacola. Tarek AWADA is leaving Florida for Boston to do Acquisitions and live with Joe KENNEDY (’00) - that should be illegal. Hello Miss Boston Harbor! Rob REINEBACH (recruiting) and Barry MATSON (acquisitions) are in Boston now, too. Barryjust came down to hang out with Ashley BURRILL at Moody - he’s looking as good and sober as ever!

Melanie BATES moved fromVance to Patrick AFB to do a sweet Biotech Research job and found the man of her dreams, too! She’s living it up with Erica HARRIS down there - finger painting the town! Taylor YANG also recently left flying for Intel at Goodfellow AFB in Texas - imagine that - Yanger running our Intel... we’re doomed! Just kidding, YangTangALingLang. Cody STIVERSON is almost done with ’38s in Texas, and his wife is finishing up school in Colorado so he can focus! Chris JESSOP just started up UPT at Columbus and has come to Moody a few times to visit Erin VAN OOSTEN. Erin is still flying the T-6 - maybe looking towards Corpus Christi with Chris when they get done! David SOLOMON and his wife are doing well at Wright-Pat. Ifyou go visit Dave and Elizabeth, you are not allowed to bring your dog to pee on their stuff! Mark RAETZ is also at W-P. Jenn GLOMB likes her Aerospace Physiology job at Little Rock, but still wishes she was closer to Bert (who’s in Germany!). She gets to travel a lot, and she’s getting lots of incentive flights. Bill DAGGETT got married in January in Minnesota (doubled the town’s population that weekend!).

Kevin MANDRIK is the last of the fired-up persuasion to still be at USAFA- ease up on the bottle, Mav, it’s almost over... Chad STEIPP is getting married in June in Colorado and some fellas will be out for that! The USAFA minority enrollment crew sent in some info... Donte TANNER and Dave GARCIA are heading to Keesler for Comm school soon, thenTae to L.A. and Dave to Beale. Tae sends his shoutout to the Rowdy Boys of ’01! Byron NICHOLSON and Lisa CASE are finally engaged and getting married in Seattle in October! They hold the USAFA record for first date to wedding date - they started at the P-School! They are building a new home by Wright-Pat - Nic for Comm and not sure for Lisa! Mike McMILLAN just went to Columbus for UPT. Kalet GIBBONS is going to BCOT at Keesler then PCSing to England. Erika SHANNON and Aaron BANKS are also getting married in November. Jarvis CROFF is going to L.A. this summer. Brendan EPPS is going to Vandenburg soon and just put out a poetry book for those interested in getting a copy! Tree EDISON is going to UPT at Columbus in July and hooked on this Harvard Grad... Tree, you don’t have to lie...! Tammie LeBIANC is going to Eglin. Jason MORRIS is headed to Andrews after he finishes Manpower school. AK LAU just got married and headed to Intel school soon. Alex WHITE is still competing and collecting trophies and beautiful babies along the way... so nothing new with Alex. Damn, there are a lot of y’all!

In the overseas parts... Todd and Stacy ALLISON (BOGGS) are loving Spang and getting to travel a lot! They got a visit from Chris CARDEN and Matt VEDDER - Chris is going to school in Paris and I’m not sure where Matt is. Bert GIOVANETTI is at Spang also. Ben HALE crosscommissioned into the Army and is doing the tank thing about an hour from Spangdahlem. Luke SULLIVAN is going from casual at Spangdahlem to UPT - already married, two little ones, dog, minivan, the works! He’s our first vote to spontaneously combust before finishing UPT! At Lakenheath, Marty LAYE, Ryan SAGASTUME, and Kurt DUFFY just clinching it up and mullet-watching. There’s trash everywhere in the world, folks, don’t kid yourself. Hector COLLAZO is headed from casual at Mildenhall to Moody for UPT. Josh DOTY is still an exec at Mildenhall - married, rebuilding cars, and trying his hand at rugby with Hector. Also at Mildenhall - Jesse GOOLSBY doing Maintenance and Omar KADRI - married and no one ever sees him!

That’s itsorry for the six-month delay on info. I’ll be REALLY, VERY busy with all the stuff to do in North Dakota, but I’ll try to make time to write some good ones! Hope everyone’s doing well and tipped up a Coors Light or a John Daniel’s for the one-year mark. (“When you’ve known him as long as I have....”) Keep letting me know about weddings and kids and send some pictures, punks! It only takes a second to write, you crushes! Take it easy, and ifit’s easy, hell, take it twice. SMELL! - ylloh.

Red Tags! Wow! Isn’t it great to be done! Hallelujah!

After many years of hard work and sacrifice we are FREE. We successfully escaped the Zoo, and I am sure we all have a lot of great stories that will stick with us for many years. This is a short issue, as we are all on our 60 days leave and are all too busy enjoying our new-found adulthood to write a detailed article. I am sure you understand.

By the time this is published most of us will be somewhat comfortable in our new cities and pumped to get started. Don’t forget that at just about every base you go to there will be some ‘02ers there; stay in touch and lets take care of each other. As for now, I will give you some brief updates of what some of our classmates are up to, and then provide some general class info.

Updates: Steve YOUNG got married to a hot girl that he met in the Springs; I am not sure where you found her Steve but we all wish you the best! Joe FLARDING tied the knot down in Florida to a lovely lady who he has been dating since high school. Aaahhhhh! She decided to go to OTS and will be joining our ranks in a few weeks if she has not already done so. We wish both of you much happiness.

Dave HENZE started pilot training down in Mississippi a few weeks after graduation and is blazing through pilot training. Matt BOOTH started pilot training in the first week ofJuly in Laughlin... down in Texas. Yee haw... He is fired up.

Damen FORTE and Tiffany LEY were spotted traveling the globe from Rota, Spain; Paris, Italy and much more. I heard they had fun on top of the Eiffel Tower... Ooohhh! Matt RULONG, Joe MCCOY, John BALMER, and Jeff NOBEL visited Thailand; I joined them for a few days. It was a blast and Matt had the time of his life with the ping pong girls... just ask him! Robyn CADOW spent some time in Greece and then hooked up with more of the lovely ladies in ’02 and went on to Sweden... Oh yes, Sweden!

Matt BOOTH, Vic DEAL, and I were in Australia for a while, having fun down under. Jerome WONNUM and Ramon RODRIGUEZ spent some time in Puerto Rico. Zack TEWS and I did the whole European backpack thing, it was awesome! Steve SCHNOEBELEN, Mike TRUJILLO, and Pat WOODALL also could have been spotted doing the European backpack thing.

Richard BELL (Dickie) has sold out to the Army. He is probably in ranger school right now! Go Dickie, good luck!

Class Stuff: In the next issue we would like to have a little more infermation and pictures. I will get you the Scribe’s (Toney CARSON) e-mail address in the next issue, but until then send pictures, updates, etc. to my address listed in the header above. We also need pictures for the Web site so don’t be shy. Also, if you have any input on how you think we should use this column, please let me know.

Class DVD: will be coming out sometime in September. We are still making additions and editing. If this addition reaches you before then, feel free to send video or pictures to this address so that we can throw it in: Joshua RIES, 3025 Royal Street 352, Los Angeles, CA 90007.

Class Sales: Iffor some reason you or your parents did not receive something that you ordered from the class, shoot me an email and I will try to take care of it for you.

Periodically check the Class Web site (www.usafa02.org). Hopefully we will have some decent info to keep you informed on what everyone is up to. We are currently trying to work out a system to make that happen. Also, we are looking for a Webmaster right now, so ifyou are up for it and have a little time, let me know.

Until Next Issue: I hope everyone had a great break! We all earned it. Now, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. Sooner or later we will all be designing, maintaining, supporting, or dropping bombs on terrorists; how awesome will that be?

But until then I am trying to learn how to make a damn good cup of coffee. There’s nothing wrong with being the highest paid coffee boy or snack-o on the planet. See you around. Antoine, '02 Pres, e-mail: collins66@excite.com.

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