Checkpoints December 2003

CADETS discover the world outside the terrazzo

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The U.S. Air Force Academy is listed again among the nation’s premier educational institutions.

The second of a four-part series that shares Cholene Espinoza’s, ’87, experiences inside Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps’ 1st Tank Battalion.

While the majority of alumni are performing this public service through service to their country in the Air Force, public service by graduates is not limited to military service.

Lt. Col. Greg “Brew” Brewer, ’79, flew his final flight to celebrate his retirement. And his cadet sons flew in the backseats of two F-I6s as his wingmen.

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

Editor: Bob McAllister

Media Designer: Sarah Wright

Photography: Ken Wright

Writer: Christopher Stewart

Web Site: Ken Wright

Checkpoints and Register of

Assistant Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Christopher Stewart, Bob McAllister

Class News: Tom Kroboth / Ken Wright

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108

OF THE YEAR

109 MENS’ CROSSCOUNTRY TEAM CAPTURES MWC CHAMPIONSHIP

111 HOCKEY OUTLOOK

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is publishedquarterlyin March, June, September andDecember bythe Association ofGraduates, U.S. Air ForceAcademy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: aog@aog-usafa.org.) It is provided as part of a membershippackage ofwhich the magazinesubscription annually accounts for$10. Singlecopies of CHECKPOINTS for members $2.50. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO and additional mailingoffices. POSTMASTER: Send change ofaddress to CHECKPOINTS, Association ofGraduates, 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 ofadvertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association ofGraduates ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy, FALL 2003.

from the (Board C,hair

Greetings fellow graduates and friends of the AcademyOne of the things I’ve learned as your new Board Chair is that there are very long publication lead times for Checkpoints. So, you need to understand that I don’t know how the Army game turned out-unfortunately I was at the Navy game and do know how that turned out-and I don’t know who’s hosting the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy this year, but our team has played some great games so far.

Speaking of the Navy game, we had a Sabre Society dinner that was very well attended in Northern Virginia the night before the game. We have a large number of graduates living in the D.C. area and it was great to see old friends and catch up with one another. We were very pleased to have Air Force Chief of Staff General John Jumper and his wife, Ellen; General Rosa and his wife, Donna; General Weida; and Colonel Spetman and his wife, Becky, as our guests. Gen Jumper spoke at length, sharing with us his commitment to ensuring that the Air Force Academy is one of the premier institutions in this great nation. And he publicly thanked the AOG for the role we are playing in helping him and Academy leadership bring about needed changes at the Academy. General Rosa also addressed the group and shared his views on the changes that are underway. I’ve had quite a bit of feedback from graduates who attended that they appreciated the opportunity to meet the new Superintendent and Commandant, and to hear first

hand how committed the Chiefis to our Academy. Of course, not everybody agreed with everything they heard, but that’s OK.

We also held a Sabre Society event in Chicago in conjunction with the Northwestern game. Though there are not nearly as many grads in the Chicago area as in D.C., the dinner was well attended and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to meet the new leadership team and hear their plans for the Academy.

Earlier, in September, Jim Shaw, ’67, and Sean Pieri from the AOG staff and I went to the Pentagon with General Rosa to meet with General Jumper to briefhim on ideas for a Comprehensive Campaign, particularly the creation of a national character development center at the Academy. The Chief was enthusiastic in his support for the establishment of such a center, and is eager for us to move forward with the planning. So, we are working to flesh out the concept for the center as quickly as we can. At CORONA, which was held at the Academy in early November, both the Chief and Secretary Roche reiterated their support of this idea. We’ll have more information on this in the months to come.

There are 36,010 graduates of the Academy, and 18,674 are members of the AOG. I urge those of you who know graduates who are not members to join the organization and help make it stronger. The AOG has placed greater emphasis in recent years on signing cadets up for the Life Membership at Graduation (LMAG) program. This has been quite successful and the Class of 2007 already has 74% of their members signed up.

Beginning with this issue, Checkpoints will be sent to all cadets who have signed up for the program; in the past they did not receive their first issue until graduation.

At our November Board meeting we decided to proceed with the establishment ofAffinity Groups within the AOG. You can think of these as communities ofgraduates who share a common interest (e.g. female graduates or a medical group), who want to network with one another, and who support the missions of the AOG andthe Academy. The AOG will charter groups that meet certain criteria and will provide them with support to facilitate their networking and communications. Many enterprises today are using such communities of interest to successfully share knowledge and deepen relationships. It is our hope that these Affinity Groups will be beneficial to graduates who want to participate in this type of networking.

Also at our November Board meeting we approved the addition of Dick Schlosberg ’65 to theBoard. After 5 years in the Air Force, Dick went on to a career in publishing, which culminated when he was the Publisher & CEO ofthe Los Angeles Times. Today Dick is the President & CEO ofthe David and Lucile Packard Foundation and he has agreed to Co-Chair the Comprehensive Campaign along with Harry Pearce ’64. We are honored to have Dick join us.

As most of you know, Col. Randy Spetman ’76, the Academy’s Athletic Director since 1996, announced his plans to retire at the end of the football season. Randy has made many significant contributions to Air Force Athletics in his tenure at the Academy and he will be missed by all. We say thanks to Randy for all he has done, and we wish him and Becky all the best in the next phase of their life.

Many graduates have commented to me, to Jim Shaw, and to others on the AOG staff how disheartening it is to have the Academy drug through the muck and mire resulting from the sexual assault investigations at the Academy. Many are embarrassed, and some are ready to disassociate themselves from the Academy. These feelings, of course, are a reflection of how deeply graduates care aboutthis great institution. There is a line in the Eagles’ popular song, There’s a Hole in the World Tonight, which says “anger is love disappointed”. I think that certainly applies in this case. Though the number of cadets exhibiting this reprehensible behavior is small, we cannot deny that the problem is real.

General Rosa, General Weida, and others on the leadership team are working very hard to fix the things that have gone wrong. And the AOG will do all we can to help. But to all the cadets who are reading this, the solution is really in your hands. The “good guys” are in the majority—drive out those among you

who would dare totreat anyone with the ultimate disrespect of a sexual assault; seize the reins of leadership and curb behaviors that tolerate sexually inappropriate behavior; help those who are victimized and do not permit the intimidation of anyone who reports wrongdoing. In so doing you will help to restore your pride and the pride of all the graduates who have gone before you. Loyalty to the values of this great institution must rise above loyalty to one another. This is your duty. We know you can do it and we will be there to support you.

Thanks,

Ted Legasey, ’67

YOUR ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Edward E. Legasey, ’67, 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.) James A. Shaw, ’67, President & CEO

Col. (Ret.) Victor C. Andrews, ’66

Mr. Bill Boisture Jr., ’67

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

Mr. Charles P. Garcia, ’83

Col. Susan J. Helms, ’80

Mr. Gilbert D. Mook, ’67

Capt. Amber D. O’Grady, ’96

Mr. HarryJ. Pearce, ’64

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Alan V. Rogers, ’64

Mr. Dick Schlosberg, ’65 *

Dr. Leon Smith-Harrison, 75

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James P. Ulm, ’61

Gen. (Ret.) Ronald W. Yates, ’60

Let pi<Q theEditor

A Matter of Perspective

Once again, I think Senator Allard missed the boat on his “Perspective.” Webster defines a perspective as a subjective evaluation of relative significance: Point ofview. The Senator or his staff member that wrote the article for Checkpoints did nothing but regurgitate the facts. Send the Senator a copy of C1C Katie Dildy’s article from the same issue of Checkpoints. From that article alone I can understand why she was chosen to lead the wing. She gave an interesting “perspective” on the past, present, and future of the Cadet Wing. She is obviously in touch unlike our Senator who we can classify as a “Master of the Obvious”.

Class of1992 Graduate

Senator Wayne Allard, formerly a veterinarian (not to be confused with veteran), has evolved into the consummate politician, learning well the business of carefully crafting his message to suit a particular audience. The Senator’s article in Checkpoints about the Academy’s sex scandal is of a much different tenor than his public utterances to the media.

Allard’s soothing words in Checkpoints meant for one audience, have little relationship to the hysterical and inflammatory words used by himself and his staffwhen talking to the media for review by a different audience. Although the AOG did an excellent job in chronological postings on its web site of scandal news stories, unfortunately many grads will only see Allard’s bland article in Checkpoints and won’t have the background of his words published and seen in other Colorado venues.

It is obvious that the many news stories, which appeared in Colorado and elsewhere, were meant to puffAllard’s image both statewide and nationally. That there is a serious problem at the Academy is obvious to all, but Allard consistently appeared more interested in publicizing his interest in the problem than in solving the problem. He was complicit in the outrageous headlines that charged a “Culture of Rape” was encouraged at the Air Force Academy and he contributed to the media feeding frenzy on the Academy’s problems. Too often it appeared he used the misfortune ofothers to build up his own reputation; or, perhaps, as a member

of the prestigious Academy Board ofVisitors, Allard wished by his own strident attacks to deflect some ofthe fallout from himself.

As a political activist in Arapahoe County, Colorado, I worked hard in support of the election of Senator Wayne Allard. Now, withlittle confidence in the Senator, there is doubt that I would even vote for him in the future.

Col. (Ret.)Jon Gallo, Class of1959

Strong Bonds Grow Stronger

Dear General Rosa, Congratulations on your recent appointment as the U.S. Air Force Academy’s newest Superintendent. We look forward to the leadership you will provide to this great institution.

The strong bonds between the Air Force Academy and the local community go back to when the original site selection committee was warmly greeted by the local population in the 1950s. Those ties between the Academy and the local area, especially the City of Colorado Springs, have only grown closer over the years as both have realized that we become stronger as our relationship has matured.

Despite whatever challenges the Academy may be facing, we feel the need to tell you that thelocal community andthe City of Colorado Springs are, and will always be, strong supporters of the institution. Although recent media reports and some local commentary may have indicated otherwise, the vast majority of the citizens of Colorado Springs highly value the Academy’s presence and only wishes to see our mutual interests further develop.

We would welcome the opportunity, at your convenience, to personally discuss how the City of Colorado Springs can stand with and assist the Academy in whatever means you feel

appropriate. Please feel free to have your staff contact us if you feel a discussion on the relationship between the Academy and City of Colorado Springs is fitting.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best as you lead the Academy on to ever-greater achievements.

Lionel Rivera, Mayor, City ofColorado Springs

Scott Hente, City Councilmember, Class of1975

Darryl Glenn, City Councilmember, Class of1988

Cynicism or Sexism?

The removal of Bring Me Men is an eloquent illustration ofthe root problem at USAFA: moral cynicism. Too many officers and cadets believe that moral principles are merely arbitrary constructs like the rules of a monopoly game: One followsthem when it is expedient to do so but disregards them when it is convenient.

In recent years, cadets havebeen guilty of fraternization, lying, cheating, stealing, underage drinking, selling and using drugs, sexual relations with minors, rape, and even murder. These offenses transcend gender. Both male and female cadets have been involved. The story of the “rape scandal” is not one of male cadets lurking in the bushes, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting female cadets. Rather, it is one of out-of-control drinking parties involving willing cadets of both sexes. It is true that sexual assaults ofvarying degree have occurred. But it is also true that female cadets do not live in constant fear of forcible rape by their male peers. While no cadet guilty of sexualassault in any degree belongs at USAFA, the image ereated by the press and reinforced by opportunistic politicians and generals of an army ofTed Bundy’s on the loose at USAFA has led to bad solutions to the wrong problem.

If the problem at USAFA is one ofrapists on the prowl, then jailing all convicted rapists is the solution. But if the problem is pervasive moral cynicism, then removing Bring Me Men with its call for moral integrity or eliminating Hell Week with its demands for self-control, perseverance and courage or granting immunity from punishment for lesser offenses to female cadets who allege rape are exactly the wrong things to do. The problem at USAFA is cynicism not sexism. Cadets, male and female, raised in a cynical society, desperately want and need to learn that moral principles do matter. They are not helped in that endeavor by officers who slay imaginary dragons in response to political pressure.

Jerry Varner, Class of1983

Wild About “Waldo”

Please pass this note on to the editor of Checkpoints, and to Don Hall, ’76, who writes “The Secret Fife ofWaldo F. Dumbsquat.”

Twenty four years ago, as a new cadet at the Academy, I was injured in Beast, ending my running aspirations and making Doolie year a big pain. To vent, I took up writing humor for the Talon, whose editor soon asked ifI could write a “Dumbsquat Column.” He handed me a single piece ofpaper with an example column by Don Hall and I wrote a number ofsimilar ones for the Talon for a few years thereafter. I had no idea that I was stealing someone else’s characters, or that the continuing columns by Hall were still appearing in the Checkpoints-1 thought I had inherited a Talon column that had belonged to the periodical for years.

Even then I appreciated how the column used humor as a tool to comment on the human condition at a truthfully very odd place, and to shed light on what was the true nature and value ofthe institution. I resolved to keep that in mind as I ramped up to speed. After a few brushes with academic probation and a year ofStop Out to go do something completely different for a while, I ended my Dumbsquat efforts and focused on “beating the Dean.” In retrospect, I gained much from the time I spent reflecting on Dumbsquat and on the common experiences we cadets all shared that infused Dumbsquat’s humor. In an environment full ofabsurdities and cold hard and sometimes gut busting truths, I had many a constantto hold on to. One was Dumbsquat, my silent ally, be it in Summer School, SERE or Group Staff.

When I graduated in 1984,1 eventually found time for Checkpoints and was surprised to discover Don Hall’s continuing column. I felt like I had unwittingly stolen something, wondered why nobody had said anything, and thought that Mr. Hall must have seen or heard of my columns and been charitable in not saying anything. I was a bit peeved that people at the Talon had “tolerated” my unwitting theft. Maybe we were all equally unclued...Nowadays I’m a lawyer well versed in copyright infringement, and figure the statute oflilmitations has run out. I suppose the AOG and Mr. Hall no longer could sue me for whatever the Talon paid me, which with interest is still about nuthin’...

Nowadays, when the Checkpoints arrives, I’ve always read Dumbsquat first. One needs a little perspective before reading all the serious and sometimes ponderous statements from the brass. Never was this more so than in the Summer 2003 issue that arrived today. Mr. Hall does more with his one page to heal the Academy’s woes than all the rest of the pages ofyour magazine, and more than all the reams of investigation and special commission testimonies and reports piled together.

With my imitations over two decades ago, I’ve already attempted the most sincere form offlatery that I can muster. I hope you can find another way to commend and encourage Mr. Hall for his insights and efforts.

Joe Leavengood, Class of1984

BY CHRISTOPHER A. STEWART

uring a rainyJune afternoon, family and friends ofthe heroic Capt. Lance Peter Sijan, ’65, gathered in the former POW’s hometown ofMilwaukee, Wis., to pay tribute to the late captain during the dedication ofSijan’s memorial at Arlington Park Cemetery.

Fletcher “Flash” Wiley, ’65, Sijan’s prep school roommate, football teammate and comrade at the Academy, and in the Air Force, emceed the ceremony, which paid tribute to Sijan’s service and dedication to his country.

Sijan is the first and only Academy graduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

In a personal letter sent to Sijan’s sister that was read during the ceremony, Sen. John McCain wrote, “Lance’s courage and commitment to our country under the harshest conditions was an inspiration to myself and my fellow POWs. Words simply do not suffice in describing the example that he set.”

On Nov. 9, 1967, then-Lt. Sijan’s F-4 was hit by enemy fire while flying over Laos. Lt. Col. John Armstrong, the flight commander, was killed in the explosion. Sijan ejected andavoided capture for 45 days despite a compound feacture ofhis left leg, skull fracture and badly mangled right hand.

Eventually Sijan lost consciousness on the Ho Chi Minh trail and was captured. After regaining consciousness, Sijan managed to escape from the NVA road camp—only to be recaptured.

Capt. Gary Gruters, ’64, a five-year POW who was also held captive in North Vietnam, delivered the ceremony’s tribute to Sijan.

“He was giving his life up for others so that America—this country—could be free,” he said.

While in captivity, Gruters’ captors instructed him and Maj. Bob Craner to care for an American prisoner who had been admitted to the POW camp. Gruters, who was Sijan’s squadron mate at the Air Force Academy, at first didn’t even recognize Sijan.

“Of the more than 1,800 or so fighter pilots that went down and parachuted into North Vietnam, only 500 or so lived to be released. The others were killed by the North Vietnamese or the Russians,” Gruters said.

When thethree were transferred to the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, Sijan contracted pneumonia. He died Jan. 22, 1968. Gruters and Craner shared Sijan’s story with many others after they left the “Hanoi Hilton” and recommended Sijan for the Medal of Honor.

“He died for love of his fellow soldiers and for love of this country,” Gruters said. “He died so we could be here today in a free country. He died for each one of us.”

Sijan was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain on June 13, 1968.

H. Ross Perot, who spearheaded the 1969 three-and-a-half year campaign to end the brutal treatment of U.S. POWs in Southeast Asia, delivered the keynote address at the memorial dedication.

“We are here today for one purpose, and that’s to honor an American hero, Lance Sijan,” he said.

Perot called Sijan an inspiration to all POWs and said that Sijan Hall at the Academy has inspired thousands of cadets to set the high standards of Lance Sijan. S

BY DONNA MILES AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Changes are in line with Air Force

WHEN THE CLASS OF 2007 REPORTED for in-processing at the Academy in late June, they found many new changes that are putting academy policies more directly in line with those of the active Air Force.

Throughout the Academy, privileges are now granted based not merely on individual class seniority, but on the academic, athletic and military merits of the squadrons asa whole. Similarly, the disciplinary system more closely resembles the Air Force’s. For example, a strict alcohol policy is in effect, with offenders now charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or expelled.

In the dormitories, female cadets now are grouped in clusters within their squadron areas. And perhaps most significantly, new sexual-harassment and sexual-assault reporting procedures are in place, along with a new academy response team.

Lt. Gen. John Rosa, who took over the reins as superintendent at the academy in July, calls them “baby steps” in a long-term effort to transform the academy and rebuild its reputation.

For months, the academy has been the focus ofwidespread criticism. Amid charges of sexual misconduct at the academy, in March, an Air Force team released a report called “Agenda for Change” that identified 43 weak points in need of correction.

Six months later, a blue-ribbon panel led by former Florida Congresswoman Tillie K. Fowler made 21 recommendations to Secretary ofDefense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche. Reports by the Department ofDefense inspector general, the General Accounting Office, and even the Academy’s own internal cadet survey reaffirmed that change was needed.

(Of the 158 “action items” identified by either the “Agenda for Change” or General Counsel’s Report, the Academy has already adopted or fully closed 74 items, and is incorporating them into the school’s operating instructions, Academy officials said. Rosa told AFIS he hopes to implement all the recom

mendations by March, exactly one year after the “Agenda for Change” was released.)

The most significant initiative, Rosa said, was establishing clear sexual-assault reporting procedures and standing up a new academy response team headed by the vice commandant. Since its establishment, the team has activated several times to review alleged offenses, all ofwhich are now under investigation, Rosa said.

The next big step, Rosa said, will be to institute a program ofcadet training and education about human relations, sexual harassment and sexual assault. These classes, Rosa explained, will be provided throughout a cadet’s four years at the academy.While implementingAgenda for Change recommendations, Rosa’s team also is reviewing the Fowler Commission recommendations. Rosa said about a half-dozen ofthe commission’s 21 recommendations already have been addressed throughAgenda for Change initiatives.

Rosa said one big challenge in introducing changes at the academy is to make sure they are backed up by lasting programs, “so that we don’t find ourselves 10 years down the road in the same or similar circumstances.” Rosa said he hopes to be “well down the road” within one to two years toward bringing the academy “to the next level of excellence and (to) make it a place where moms and dads are proud to send theirkids.”

Rosa said he and his staff are working to rebuild trust and confidence in the academy among the American public, but also among the cadets themselves. That is a two-fold process, he said, that begins by ensuring cadets understand their leaders care about them and will enforce measures in place to protect them. But hesaid it also involves “getting them to trust us to trust them.” Rosa said cadets at the academy are committed to helping restore their school’s image.

“They’re ready to get past this,” he said. “They want (the Academy) to get better. They want this to be the institution they came to. There’s a tremendous amount ofpride in the institution, and they want to be a part oftaking us to the next level ofexcellence.” 9

you have any doubtabout the future of America, fear not.

Our newest photo galleries at www.aog-usafa.org, shows you tomorrow’s leaders today.

You won’t be disappointed.

“The team continues to work many issues directly related to the culture and climate at USAFA. ”

Commandant’s Note

Brig. Gen John Weida, ’78

GRADUATES, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY,

as all ofyou are aware by now the order ofthe day at the AFA in recent months has been “change.” I’m proud to say our faculty, staff, and cadets are weathering the changes in true ‘warrior’ fashion! With so much attention heaped on us from so many different directions, it would be easy for us to be distracted, but the men and women of this great institution are fully engaged and remain focused and oriented on our great Air and Space force. Some ofthe changes we’ve made have been subtle, some not so subtle, but all are aimed at improving a culture and refining the quality oftraining and education of tomorrow’s future Air Force leaders.

Let me again encourage all of you to follow our journey ofexcellence by reading and staying up-to-date with my Commander’s Guidance published on the AOG Web site at www.aog-usafa.org.

For those ofyou who may not have been keeping up with our progress, let me take you through some of the exciting initiatives and improvements since July. I think once you see all we’ve been doing, you’ll get a real sense of the positive direction we’re moving in.

The 34th Training Wing stood up an Issues Team reporting to the Vice Commandant for Strategy and Plans, Col. Debra Gray, to implement the Agenda for Change. The team continues to work many issues directly related to the culture and climate at USAFA.

The team designed, administered, and analyzed the Fall 2003 Cadet Climate Survey which provided Academy and Air Force leadership with a baseline ofcadet attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Since the beginning ofthe Fall 2003 semester, the team also spearheaded Academy Response Team breakfasts with each cadet squadron to educate cadets on sexualassault reporting procedures. The “ART” breakfasts also provide cadets with insight on preventative measures and accountability issues in order to prevent the occurrence ofsexual harassment, sexual assault, and alcoholrelated incidents

The team cooperated with the Academy Counseling Center to organize and conduct a sexual assault training forum for the senior USAFA leadership, AOCs/MTLs, OSI investigators, chaplains, legal, medical personnel, security forces, cadet CASIE representatives (sexual assault peer educators), etc. The training, conducted on Oct. 6, 20003, brought experts from the Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) Project, the Denver Rape Assistance and Awareness Program (RAAP), and included Dr. David Lisak as the keynote speaker. Dr. Lisak provided insight into victim and perpetrator psychology.

More recently, the team visited USMA and USNA to compare sexual assault prevention and response programs. The team is currently working with senior Air Force leadership to develop a sexual assault reporting policy which provides support to victims while preserving prosecutorial options for the chain-of-command. Once a policy decision is made, the update policy will be available on the web at www.aog-usafa.org, Agenda for Change/Commandant’s Guidance.

Our Training Group continues to refine our training programs to equip the future leaders ofthis great Air and Space force with the myriad tools they’ll need to be successful leaders. The cadet-designed Performance-Based Rewards System we initiated this Fall is in full swing, paying huge dividends in the quality ofperformance and competition in the Cadet Wing. Cadet squadrons are working together as teams and embracing the concept ofgroup effort and unit excellence.

Now that the focus ofsquadron training has shifted from a “Fourth-Class Training” system to an all-encompassing “Four Class Training” process, a new approach to the culminating event ofthe Fourth Class year is in the final stages ofdevelopment. This new major training event will replace what was previously known as “Recognition.” Operation PHOENIX will still be the final crucible event for the 4 degrees; however, training for this event will now be

focused at the squadron level and all four classes will be involved, with the upper-class cadets leading their 4 degree team members through the event. Starting on Sunday afternoon Nov. 23, each class will receive a briefing on our expectations and the rules for the event. Sunday evening there will be a formal dinner at Mitchell Hall followed by squadron activity time during which each squadron will run leadership events involving all four classes. Those not running the course will be cheering on their squadron teams. This emphasis on squadron integrity is a key factor as we continue to change the USAFA culture. Monday and Tuesday afternoon will consist ofsquadrons competing against each other in a field day activity. The activities will be similar to intramurals and all squadrons will field a team for each event, again building unit cohesion and support. The overall squadron performance will also be factored into the performance-based pass package system during the next month.

The Operations Group continues to work miracles training our cadets to be premier airmen on the country’s busiest VFR airfield. In addition to a break-neck schedule of soaring training at the 94th Flying Training Squadron, our 98th Flying Training Squadron was featured on the History Channel’s new show, “Guts and Bolts.” The 9 minute piece showcased the “Wings of Blue” parachute team and unique freefall training

conducted at USAFA. To show that the attention is not unwarranted, the ‘Wings of Blue’ will compete at the National Skydiving League (NSL) Championship Nov. 15—16. We won the Gold last year (first time at NSL) and we look forward to defending the title this year-Freefall!

The Athletic Department has finally made its move into the new Falcon Athletic Center. The new facility offers a number ofbenefits for the department, including a state ofthe art medical training facility, office space and new weight room. A focal point ofthe building is a “Hall ofExcellence” in the building which displays major accomplishments ofcadet-athletes both at the Academy and after graduation. The theme for the Hall is “Air Force Athletics.. .Tomorrow’s leaders forged through competition today.” While the Department is excited about the new facility, we are saddened at the announcement ofColonel Randy Spetman’s retirement. He has made significant contributions to the Academy and Academy athletics to include increasing the opportunities for female and minority athletes and establishing an environment that encourages and enables success for all cadet-athletes. His leadership and dedication to the department will be gready missed; we wish him the best in his future endeavors. Go Falcons!

The 34th Education Group has remained engaged with Air Force, sister service, and foreign militaries to provide

“The Operations Group continues to work miracles training our cadets to bepremier airmen on the country's busiest VFR airfield.

“The depth and reach ofour character programs continues to expand, thanks in many ways to supportfrom the AOG and our graduate community.

our cadets with relevant and rigorous educational opportunities. The Group recently hosted an Ecuadorian Air Force contingent in reciprocation for an in-country visit by six USAFA cadets. While in Ecuador, our cadets experienced first hand the complexities of regional doctrine and strategy, counternarcotics, counter-terrorism, guerrilla warfare, and peacekeeping operations between Ecuador and Peru. Closer to home, EG instructors actively participated in activities at the Joint National Training Capabilities Center, Air Mobility Warfare Center, the Marshall Center, the Asia-Pacific Center for Strategic Studies, and the Advanced Space Operations Course. The group also led cadet participation in the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) military studies initiative, and was lauded by DTRA stafffor the quality of our contributions.

Within our curriculum, the Education Group enhancedthe new Military Strategic Studies academic major with the addition ofeight FRASCA 241 visual flight simulators. Our senior corecourse on Joint Operations and Coalition Warfare has been totally redesigned, and now leverages “Empire Earth” war gaming software in 16 interactive exercises. Each war-game pits cadet teams against each other, and incorporates modifications of historical and contemporary scenarios such as the Battle of Britain, the Solomon Islands campaign, the amphibious invasion of Guam, the non-combatant Liberian evacuation, the occupation of

Iraq, and a coalition building scenario involving the US, China and Russia.

The depth and reach of our character programs continues to expand, thanks in many ways to support from the AOG and our graduate community. The Superintendent and Academy Board this month approved three character development programs as USAFA graduation requirements. The approved programs are:

-Vector (Vital Effective Character Through Observation and Reflection), a fourth class cadet seminar on personal self-reflection, purpose, vision, values, influence. This seminar uses small groups led by USAFA and local area DoD staff to involve cadets in ethical discussion.

-R&R [Respect and Responsibility Workshops], our third class cadet seminar, looks at values, trust, communication, and diversity issues in the construct of team development. It uses experiential learning techniques andsmall group facilitation to get its points across.

-ACES [Academy Character Enrichment Seminars], is our first class seminar that focuses on the ethical dilemmas & demands ofAF officers. Facilitator case studies & testimonials in a small group format are used in this event.

We are currently prototyping a one-day off-site leadership program at Doolittle Flail for all second-class cadets. Titled LIFT, for Leaders in Flight Today, this seminar focuses on individual leadership style, interpersonal skills, trust, and team-leadership accountability. It uses a personality assessment tool, experiential

learning, case studies, and small group facilitation as part of its architecture.

I invite our graduate community to participate in these character development and enrichment opportunities when in the area. Please contact Col. John Herd at 719-333-4904 ifyou believe you could help facilitate any ofthese programs

So as you can see, we are extremely busy, but despite all this change, one thing remains the same-the cadets. They are still some ofthe best and brightest young men and women the country has to offer. Were certain that despite all the change occurring aroundthem recently, they will continue their journey of excellence and become officers in whose capable hands we can one day place the responsibility ofleading the Air Force into whatever future challenges the world has in store; officers we can all be proud of.

In my next update I hope to give you more specifics on our progress with addressing some of the suggestions/ recommendations for implementing our sexualassault reporting processes and climate assessment procedures. In addition, I’d like to update you on our efforts to get the AOG and its members more involved in mentoring cadets to round out their learning experience with input from those of you who have ‘been there anddone that’ in the operational Air Force. The future is brighter than ever and I’m more optimistic than ever about what it holds for this great institution. Airpower! 9

The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report again give Academy high marks

The U.S. Air Force Academy is listed again among the nation’s premier educational institutions according to rankings recently announced by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

The ratings reaffirm what many already know: The U.S. Air Force Academy provides a superior educational and military training experience for tomorrow’s finest officers of the greatest air and space force in the world.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Academy’s overall engineering program as the sixth best in the country among all undergraduate colleges and universities in the country and recognized the following Academy engineering programs among all undergraduate colleges and universities in the country:

#2 Aerospace Engineering

#6 Electrical Engineering

#8 Mechanical Engineering

#9 Civil Engineering

The Princeton Review also gave the Academy outstanding marks in its efforts to provide exceptional academic, athletic, character

development and heritage programs to cadets. The Academy was ranked in the following categories:

#6 Best overall academic experience for undergraduates

#4 Professors make themselves accessible

#3 Students from different backgrounds interact

#14 Toughest to get into

#11 Town-gown relations are good

#11 Students pray on a regular basis

#8 Everyone plays intramural sports

The U.S. News & WorldReportrankings are primarily used by prospective students and their families in providing an opportunity to judge the relative quality ofcolleges and universities nationwide based on widelyaccepted indicators ofexcellence. For more information, visit the U.S. News & WorldReport online at www.usnews.com.

The Princeton Review rankings are based on 106,00 student surveys at 351 top colleges, as determined by the magazine. This year marks the 13th year the rankings have been published by the New York based company known for its test preparation courses, admission and education services and books. For more information, visit The Princeton Review online at www.princetonreview.com.

This story is the second of a four-part series in Checkpoints that shares Cholene Espinoza's experiences inside Iraq withthe U.S. Marine Corps' 1st Tank Battalion.

inside

By Cholene Espinoza

We had been driving around sand dunes for about three hours when we arrived at what looked like the parking lot of a drive-in movie without the speaker boxes and pop corn. 1 asked the two Marines in my Humvee, who would be entrusted with my life, Corporal Francisco Blea and Private First Class Sean Paul, (PFC Paul, by the way, was seven years old during the first Gulf war), where are we? They said, “We’re at the DA.” I asked, “What’s the DA?” “Dispersion Area.” I began to wish I had been able to stay awake for that PMS class after lunch.

Is this as far forward as we ll get before we go across? Nope, we’ll go to the “AP next.” I asked, “What’s the AP?” “Attack position.” I needed no further clarification after our Platoon Sergeant, Josh Flannigan, yelled over the radio, “We’re 2 clicks from the Freakin’ Iraqi Border and you clowns are taking a freakin’ nap! Get a man on the Thermals at all times!!!”

The “Thermal” is a scope that detects anything that emits heat and thereby enables a Marine to acquire, track and fire on a target with a TOW missile. The Thermals quickly became the cornerstone of Marine defensive capability. From that moment forward there was always a Marine on the Thermals looking for potential threats. Looking through this small scope day and night while moving or still, was a particularly arduous task, especially when there were often only two Marines in a vehicle. After a few hours, the Marines would complain that they were, “seeing double.”

The rest of the Battalion started to line up the vehicles in perfect formation. There was a lot ofyelling on the radio for those who were not in perfect line. This exercise reminded me of noon meal formation, only we weren’t getting ready to march to lunch for Fish Sandwiches, French Fries, and Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Despite the fact that the Iraqis were “just over the hill,” I had to go to the bathroom. Corporal Blea nervously looked around and said, “Ah, Cho, I don’t know if they are

going to bring the Porta Johns over here.” I laughed and said, “I don’t think so.” He began to brainstorm, “We could rig a Pancho or something for you.” I said, “Don’t bother. I’m going to have to get used to this sometime, so it might as well be now.”

I got out of the Humvee, my new mobile home, and searched for cover. It’s a desert, there’s no cover. I then realized why the Marine war packing list included “entrenching tool.” That coffee can during SERE didn’t seem so bad after all.

We spent the first night away from home. There were no tents. Despite the austere conditions andthe heavy burden of thinking what these Marines would face ahead, it was one of the most spectacular nights I’ve ever seen. You could see the moon rise and the sun set all at once. There was a perfect horizon on each side. Sleeping under the stars was like having our own personal planetarium. I pulled out my “Iso mat,” (even the Marines had foam mats, but of course they didn’t use them), and zipped up my sleeping bag so as to keep out the two-foot lizards I had spotted on our trip.

The Marines alternated duty between maintaining watch through the Thermals and sleeping at the wheel of the Humvee. They would keep up this relentless pace for the duration.

I awoke to my sleeping bag whipping in the wind around 0500 hours. I thought to myself, “Wind + Sand Sandstorm. This is going to be a long day.” I quickly pulled out some baby wipes and took my “Fini” Marine bath in Kuwait. This was a good decision because by sunrise we were ordered to put on our Chemical Warfare suits.

We sat in the desert parking lot all day thorough the sand storm. There was a bright side. The Iraqis couldn’t see us through the sand and were just as immobile as we were, or so we thought. Later we discovered they moved an entire division while we sat there.

By late afternoon, my platoon was tasked for a special mission. “We need your platoon to guard the border.” My Marines asked, “What happened to the Kuwaitis?” Sergeant Flannigan barked back, “Guess they don’t want to stick around.” I thought to myself, “smart.” My TOW missile platoon dutifully drove right up to the Iraqi border and watched our Platoon Lieutenant, “L-T Ski,” (Poplieski), march into the Command Post

to relieve the Kuwaitis of guard duty as they had requested. I would have loved to have been a bug on that wall.

The Iraqis welcomed us the next day with what was likely the first RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) attack of the war. It landed about 50 feet from our Platoon. Corporal Blea shouted from the turret, “We need to get the hell out ofhere!” As we pulled away he yelled, with a perfect Monty Python accent, “Run away, Run away!” The Marine war packing list also included a sense ofhumor.

We retreated a few kilometers and called for air support. I announced, “I’m sure glad the Air Force is on its way,” and then a Marine announced, “All our air support is supposed to come from the Marines.” I didn’t want my disappointment to show, so I musteredall the enthusiasm I could and said, “Great!” I hacked my clock out ofcuriosity to see how long it would take this Marine air power to show up. It was the longest 40 minutes of my life.

Things quieted down after the Cobras arrived, so I decided to take advantage of the time by filling sand bags. I had recently discovered, much to my surprise, that the Humvees were not armored. I had assumed they were until I naively asked a Marine what the sandbags on the floor were used for. He politely said, “Land Mines, Ma’am.”

So here I was, in my chemical warfare gear minus the mask, but with the rubber boots in the peak heat of the day, filling sand bags to line the floor of my Humvee so I might be able to keep my legs if we ranover one of the 1000s of land mines I learned about from the Marine Combat Engineers. I employed a proven tactic I learned on the Assault Course; I pretended I was watching a movie about my life and not actually living it.

A few hours passed and a truck full oflong bearded Arab men drove by yelling something at us in Arabic waiving their fists and then we heard over the radio the three most dreaded words in my newly learned Marine lexicon, “GAS GAS GAS!”

We had seven seconds to get our masks on and follow up with protective hoods and gloves. I do not think I have ever been more motivated to move so quickly and precisely in my life. The Marines checked me offand I checked them off. It wasn’t exactly like pulling a “cable” from your

classmate’s A-Jacket, or giving someone a tuck, but the skill definitely transferred.

About that time we were told to “Decontaminate.” I learned in my 10 hours of Marine NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) training that they only tell you to decontaminate if the use of a chemical agent is confirmed. I looked at our little piece ofdetection tape on the Humvee antennae and it had not changed. I had a brief moment of relief, but decided not to put my life in the hands of a piece of government issued tape. I opened my charcoal decontamination kit, held my breath, closed my eyes and did what I swore I’d never do in chemical attack, broke my mask seal. I smeared charcoal all over my face and re-sealed my mask. We checked each other off again.

We sat there in disbelief and began yelling a long list of angry expletives towards Saddam Hussein. We thought we had been “slimed.” Then a calm voice came over and said that there was a SCUD attack, but that it was all clear.

It reminded me of how I felt when a Duke of one of the “Old” European countries came to Mitchell Hall and without any notice or expectation whatsoever granted amnesty from the staff tower. 4000 of us looked at each other in disbelief, “Did he just say amnesty?” Corporal Blea, PFC Paul and I all laughed at each other’s new charcoal camouflage and did what Americans do when they’re in a foreign land, took pictures. S

Corporate Members Association of Graduates, USAFA

Air Academy Federal Credit Union

Air Academy National Bank

Air Force Association

Ampex Corporation

Betac Corporation

The Boeing Company

Budget Rent a Car Corporation

Continental Electronics (Division of Varian Associates, Inc.)

Electronic Data Systems Corporation

Embassy Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs

Cholene Espinoza graduatedfrom the Air Force Academy in 1987. She was a T-37 Instructor Pilot at Columbus AFB, Miss., and thenflew the U-2 until 1995 when she was hired by UnitedAirlines. She currentlyflies the 767 for UnitedAirlines and lives in Manhattan, N. Y.

General Dynamics Corporation

General Motors Corporation

Jostens, Inc.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

The MITRE Corporation

Motorola, Inc.

Government Electronics Group

Northwestern Preparatory School

PRC, Inc.

Raytheon

Rockwell International

TRW, Inc., Electronic & Defense Sector

United Parcel Service

United ServicesAutomobile Association

United Technologies Corporation

USAF Academy Athletic Association

Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Walsworth Publishing of Colorado

Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Defense & Electronic Center

Wyndham Colorado Springs Hotel

because of your generosity, many cadets have the opportunity to participate in valuable cultural mmersion programs that greatly snrich their Academy experience.

Your giftsfunded

The Air Force Academy Fund proudly supports cadet cultural immersion programs, which raise the Academy academic experience to new levels of excellence. Unrestricted, private dollars also fund Academy character development, other academic, athletic and heritage programs.

The Air Force Academy Fund is thebest and easiest way graduates, parents and friends can su pport the Air Force Academy. Last year, more than 6,000 people gave more than $2.1 million to the Air Force Academy Fund.

Give to the Air Force Academy Fund.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Winn at (719) 472-0300 or liz.winn@usafa.af.mil.

Understanding the new RUSSI

By C1C Ashley Roell,

hen 10 cadets, nine from the Air Force Academy and one ROTC cadet from the University ofVirginia, arrived at Sherementevo airport in Moscow, we believed that we had a decent grasp of Russian culture. But with a nation changing as rapidly as Russia, we had numerous surprises ahead of us. Thanks to the Olmsted Foundation and a grant facilitated by the Association of Graduates, we began a journey that opened our eyes to a modern and often Foreign erea studies major shocking view of Russia.

From the museum like metro stations to the ever present street performers, the capital of Russia outdid New York in bustle, D.C. in culture, and L.A. in sites never before seen. After three weeks of intensive Russian language study at the Marshall Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we immersed ourselves in the culture of Moscow. In one week, we saw the Kremlin Armory, the circus, the markets, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theater, the Tretyakov Art Gallery, numerous Russian Orthodox churches and war memorials. We learned that the Metro will get you anywhere, monkeys can tumble, cats can twirl torches, living like a westerner costs money, and living like a Muscovite means eating from street carts and bargaining for dirt cheap prices. We also real-

ized that speaking to a classmate or professor cannot compare with the experience of speaking with a native on the streets.

More importantly, we learned how seriously the Russians take their history. They proudly pay tribute to the heroes of the past and refuse to forget the men and women who made that past possible. They honor their long history in vast museums, beautiful churches and breathtaking memorials. These memorials lack the formality of American sites and serve as part of the daily lives of the people. Young people will gather at a World War II Memorial enjoying the evening and remembering the past. Not even the roar of the crowd at an Aerosmith concert could have penetrated the din of hundreds of tourists flooding to see the nations treasures in the museums and churches. Lines form outside of Lenin’s Tomb long before the guards open the doors. The people of Russia appreciate a living history rather than honoring a past long set aside.

While celebrating this past, the young and the old continue to look for a better way to march toward the future. While taking a final trip to Red Square and Lenin’s Tomb, our group stumbled across a political protest. The protesters, peaceful beyond US standards and including groups ofall ages, quietly made their statement; the government took no action to halt them. In the economic realm, new businesses have flooded the entire city as men and women push capitalism to its limits. The city sizzles with change and demands that each occupant continue striving towards a better life.

Nestled in the center of all this change, dozens of magnificent churches continue services in the Russian Orthodoxtradition. These buildings do not serve just families with young children or elderly couples, but rather fill each Sunday with young and old alike. Single women and men embrace the role of the church and take their religion seriously. Services last up to three hours and no one sits down, meaning that those people attending did not come to make an appearance or to visit with friends. While at Sergiev Posad, a historic monastery complex north of Moscow, we learned that the number of monks joining the church increases each year, and the Church continues to thrive. Within the walls of these churches, the Russian attitude shifts, and the Muscovites, normally bristling with New England curtness, smile brightly and take on a new spirit.

We would like to thank the Olmsted Foundation once again for granting us the chance to have this wonderful experience. Without their support, trips such as ours would exceed the grasp of most officer candidates. Not only did this trip help us with our language skills, but it exposed us to an entirely new culture. For future Air Force officers, experiences like this trip will prove vital in joint operations and understanding the world perspective. HI

The Sabre Society

The Sabre Society honors the dedication and commitment of leadership donors to the Air Force Academy Fund. Individuals who annually contribute $1,000 or more are recognized for their support at The Sabre Society level. Sabre Society donors contributed more than 60 percent of the $2 million raised for the Air Force Academy Fund last year. Sabre Society donors are invited to attend special dinners and events throughout the year. These events provide the perfect opportunity to network with other Air Force Academy Fund supporters and learn more from senior-level members of the Academy and AOG.

Biennial Recognition Weekend

February 4-6

*

Join your Sabre Society colleagues for a behindthe-scenes visit at the Academy. You will have an opportunity to meet with the Superintendent and senior members of the Academy staff, enjoy lunch with the cadets at Mitchell Flail, tour the cadet area, participate in a character development workshop, and cheer on the Falcon men’s hockey team.

Registration information will be mailed to Sabre Society donors in December. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for a festive and informative weekend.

*Please note that the weekend date has changed.

For more information about giving to the Air Force Academy Fund at The Sabre Society level, please contact Regina Clark or Chery Flores at the Association of Graduates (719) 472-0300 or visit us online at www.aog-usafa.org.

’73 Grad Enlists to Serve in Iraq

Story by ChristopherA. Stewart

The decision of a 52-year-old Academy graduate who served as a captain in the Air Force and major in the Iowa Air National Guard to enlist in the Arkansas Army National Guard as a sergeant and serve in Iraq is one that exemplifies the Air Force core value Service Before Self.

“This really is not about me,” says Rowe Stayton, ’73, who was hesitant about even being interviewed by Checkpoints. “I think the story is the 19-year-old.”

Still, when a 52-year-old former Air Force officer puts on hold his life and 20year-old Denver law practice to serve in one of the most dangerous cities in the world in the name offreedom, people stop and take notice.

“When 9-11 happened, I sat there like everyone else in the country, and all we did was watch the smoke coming out ofthe towers—andthen theycollapsed,” Stayton says.

Like many others, he was outraged.

“I felt like our country was under attack, and we were truly at war,” he says. “I started that week trying to get back in the service.”

Stayton’s desire to serve takes him back to his days at the Academy. He graduated and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1973.

“When I graduated in ’73, the war [Vietnam] was over,” Stayton says.

Following graduation and flight training school, Stayton served as an instructor pilot. After leaving the Air Force, he continued to serve in the Iowa Air National Guard.

“Not one time was I deployed anywhere to serve in a combat role,” Stayton says.

The events ofSept. 11 have changed America and its defensive posture, and Stayton is prepared to serve in anticipation of inevitable future attacks.

“I do know that we’re going to have to defend ourselves. I’dmuch rather defend ourselves in Iraq instead of Colorado Springs or Denver,” Stayton says.

After a long and tedious application process, Stayton arrived at 5:10 a.m. July 26, 2002, at the military entrance processing center. He stood among 150 17-, 18- and 19-year-olds.

“These kids kept lookin’ at me and saying ‘What are you doin’ here?”’ Stayton says.

The morning included an aptitude test and physical. While Stayton had no trouble passing the aptitude test, the physical proved to be a bit more troubling.

After spending 15 years as a pilot and subjecting his ears to continuous engine noise, he failed the hearing part of the test. Fortunately for Stayton, the hearing test can be waved, and on May 14, he was sworn into theArkansas National Guard and took the oath of allegiance.

As anyone might imagine, Stayton’s experience in the Army National Guard is a bit different than his experience as an officer in the Air Force.

“This is all brand new stuff to me,” Stayton says. “The summer Army Guard training camps compared to Jacks Valley is the difference between the Motel 6 and the Broadmoor.”

At Jacks Valley, basic cadets sleep on cots in tents. At the guard’s training, Stayton and his unit slept outside, on the ground on a thin nylon blanket. CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2003

“My decision to go into the Army is probably a lesser sacrifice than the 19 20-, and21-year-old who decides to serve because I’ve lived most ofimy life and these kids still have their whole lives infront ofthem.

-Rowe Stayton, ’73, a 52-year-old sergeant I here are no bathrooms— in theArkansasArmy National Guard you have a shovel, Stayton says.

After the 15-day training exercise, Stayton won over his young comrades’ trust and confidence.

“We really like you,” they told him. “You really kept up, and' were impressed.”

When thinking back on his Academy experience, Stayton’s proudly recalls the intense camaraderie he felt—and still feels—with his classmates.

“I’d do any thing for them,” says the former cadet 4th Group commander whose eyes swell with tears as he remembers his Academy days. “And they’d do anything for me.”

Stayton humbly talks about what it means for him to enlist and serve in the guard.

“My decision to go into the Army is probably a lesser sacrifice than the 19-, 20-, and 21-year-old who decides to serve because I’ve lived most of my life and these kids still have their whole lives in front of them,” he says.

Stayton said that he’s honored to be able to go and serve in Iraq, and he’s grateful that he’s physically able to make the trip. He says that he’s sure that if able, many of his classmates also would join him.

His deployment is set for January, where he’ll be patrolling, manning checkpoints, building security stations and conducting raids.

Stayton says his family has been very supportive ofhis desire to enlist and serve. His four daughters and two sons are understanding and proud.

“This is something I would have liked to have done all my life,” Stayton says. “And now that I have the opportunity, I’m going to do it.” S8

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

This past year has been one of the most challenging in Academy and Association history. The sexualassault scandal captured national headlines and garnered attention from Congress and Air Force senior leadership. The crisis and a downturn in the economy have created challenges for your Association of Graduates.

In spite of these “speed bumps”, we are continuing on the journey we started three years ago to invest in the future of the Academy. While the last year has been challenging, I am pleased to report that there has been growth in every key area of measurement. Our membership is on the rise and donations have increased despite allthe negative publicity. These are positive indicators that graduates and Academy friends are rallying to support the Academy and the Cadet Wing in its time of greatest need. We are also seeing more graduates joining the Sabre Society and our Chapter growth around the country has been nothing short of remarkable. Additionally, over the last 10 months, we have become a respected voice at thetable not only here at the Academy, but also in Washington where we have worked with the Secretary and Chief on several issues affecting the future of the Academy.

The AOG exists to create a partnership with each of you. We want you to join us in supporting the Academy, its cadets, graduates and friends. We want to be the best alumni association in the country. That is our goal and that is what you deserve.

The Association and our constituents share a common aim. We all want an outstanding Academy. With your support, we will successfully pursue our journey to make sure the Academy continues to “Build Leaders of Character for the Nation.”

Jim Shaw, ’67 President and CEO Association of Graduates

Assets grew this year due to REVENUEINCREASES IN ALMOST EVERY ARENA. IN ADDITION, LIABILITIES WERE SOMEWHAT LOWER THAN

LAST YEAR AS A RESULT OF BELT TIGHTENING

INSTITUTED IN RESPONSE TO LAST YEAR’S

STOCK MARKET DECLINE.

WE HAVE CONTINUED TO RAMP UP OUR DEVELOPMENT STAFF TO PREPARE FOR A MAJOR FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACADEMY.

WE HAVE HELD OTHER AREAS CONSTANT. AT THE END OF FY 2003 WE HAD 42 FULLTIME AND 3 PART TIME EMPLOYEES.

DEVELOPMENT

ALUMNI RELATIONS

SUPPORT

COMMUNICATIONS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TOTALS

THE ANNUAL FUND RAISED OVER $2 MILLION FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THE MAJOR GIVING PROGRAM RECEIVED A BOOST FROM THE LARGEST GIFT EVER MADE TO THE AOG, $1.5 MILLION.

INVESTMENT EARNINGS AND APPRECIATION BENEFITED FROM THE SUMMER MARKET RALLY. MORE GRADUATES, CADETS AND FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY JOINED THE AOG, ESPECIALLY AS LIFE MEMBERS. FINALLY, SALES AND FEES FROM REUNIONS AND SPECIAL FUNCTIONS EXCEEDED LAST YEAR’S TOTALS.

REVENUE INCREASES ALLOWED US TO BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION FROM WHICH TO LAUNCH THE FUTURE FUND

RAISING CAMPAIGN WHILE STILL PROVIDING INCREASED LEVELS OF SUPPORT TO OUR MEMBERS AND THE ACADEMY.

FUTURE PROJECTS INCLUDE NEW ENDOWMENTSAND PROJECTS LIKE THE MEMORIAL PAVILION IN THE ACADEMY CEMETERY.

ALUMNI RELATIONS

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS CONTINUE TO INCREASE ACROSS THE BOARD-CADET, PARENT AND GRADUATE-WITH IMPROVED UNDERSTAND, EDUCATIONS AND A STRONG DESIRE TO SHOW COMMITMENT TO THE CADETS AND THE ACADEMY.

UTREACH AND AWARENESS HAVE MAINTAINED POSITIVE GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP, REUNIONS AND CHAPTERS. REUNION

REUNIONS: BETWEEN 30% AND 55% OF GRADS RETURN TO THE ACADEMY FOR THEIR REUNIONS - THE ACADEMY PROVIDES SUPERB SUPPORT AND NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTSTO ENSURE A MEMORABLE TIME FOR EVERYONE. START PLANNING NOW TO ATTEND YOUR REUNION WHEN IT OCCURS.

CHAPTERS: ALUMNI CHAPTER HAD THEIR LARGEST

SINGLE YEAR GROWTH INCREASING FROM 30 TO 49

CHAPTERS. WHILE THE GROWTH WILL CONTINUE, IT IS EXPECTED TO SLOW AS WE CONCENTRATE ON OUTREACH AND SUPPORTTO EXISTING CHAPTERS.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP: IN FY ’03, LIFE MEMBERSHIP

APPROACHED THE 17,000 MARK FOLLOWING THE GRADUATION OF THE CLASSOF 2003 ANDTHE MANY CONVERSIONS TO LIFE MEMBERSHIP PRIOR TO THE JAN.

1 RATE INCREASE. NEXT YEAR LMAG AND POST-REUNION APPEALS SHOULD CONTINUE THIS GROWTH.

LMAG: THE LIFE MEMBERSHIP AT GRADUATION (LMAG)

PROGRAM JUMPED SIGNIFICANTLY WITH THE ENTRY OF THE CLASS OF 2007. THE INTERACTION WITH PARENTS, APPOINTEES AND THE AOG THROUGH PRE-ARRIVAL CDS, BED AND BREAKFAST, IN-PROCESSING AND PARENTS WEEKEND

INCREASED AWARENESS AND INSTILLED A STRONGER DESIRE TO CONNECT TO THE AOG.

LMAG

PARENT MEMBERS

CADET PARENT MEMBERSHIP: APPRECIATION OF THE SUPPORT, INFORMATION ACCESS AND A MULTI-YEAR MEMBERSHIP OPTION FOR CADET PARENTS MORE THAN DOUBLED PARENT MEMBERSHIP OF 3- AND 4-DEGREE PARENTS FROM PREVIOUS CLASSES.

% MEMBERSHIP: THE PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS AS AN AVERAGE OF GRADUATE CLASSES CONTINUES TO MOVE UPWARD, AGAIN DUE TO THE LMAG PROGRAM ANDTHE INCREASED VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP. THIS TREND SHOULD CONTINUE AS WE GRADUATE CLASSES WITH MORE THAN 65% MEMBERSHIP AND EMPHASIZE MEMBERSHIP DURING REUNIONS.

■total ■multi-year

HROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF NEARLY 8,000 GRADUATES, PARENTS, FRIENDS CORPORATIONS, AND FOUNDATIONS GIFTS TO THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES IN SUPPORT OF THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY CONTINUE TO INCREASE. IN FISCAL YEAR

2003, THE AOG SAW A 50% INCREASE IN GIFTS SECURED AS CONTRIBUTIONS ROSE FROM $4.9 MILLION IN FY

2002 2003

AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND

ANNUAL GIFTS SECURED THROUGH THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND, WHICH ARE PRIMARILY UNRESTRICTED (MEANING THE DONOR ALLOWS THE ACADEMY AND THE AOGTO DETERMINE HOW THE MONEY IS USED),

TOTALED $2.1 MILLION. THESE GIFTS ARE APPLIED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS, HAVING A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE EVERYDAY LIVES OF CADETS. UNRESTRICTED GIFTS PROVIDE DISCRETIONARY FUNDS THAT ALLOW THE SUPERINTENDENT TO MEET UNEXPECTED NEEDS AS THEY ARISE AND TO UTILIZE FUNDS IN AN EXPEDITIOUS MANNER.

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ITS INCEPTION, GIFTS TO THE SABRE SOCIETY, LEADERSHIP GIFTS TO THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND OF $1,000 OR MORE, SURPASSED 1,000 INDIVIDUALS. SABRE SOCIETY GIFTS PROVIDED MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 20% OVER FISCAL YEAR ’02.

SABRE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

CLASS GIVING

DURING THE FISCAL YEAR 2003, THE CLASSES OF ’62, ’72, ’77, ’82, & ’92 CELEBRATED THEIR CLASS REUNIONS. AS PART OF THESE LANDMARK EVENTS, EACH CLASS IDENTIFIED AN ACADEMY PROJECT IT WILL SUPPORT THROUGH

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ITS CLASS GIFT. TOGETHER THESE CLASSES COMMITTED MORE THAN $900,000.

CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS

IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2003, 158 CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS PROVIDED IN EXCESS OF $560,000 IN GIFTS

TO THE ACADEMY. THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF OVER 400 INDIVIDUALS, THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND RECEIVED NEARLY $176,000 IN MATCHINGCONTRIBUTIONS. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 20% FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

POLARIS (ESTATE AND PLANNED GIFTS)

THROUGH THE END OF THE 2003 FISCAL YEAR, 24 INDIVIDUALS WERE MEMBERS OF POLARIS, A GIFT SOCIETY

THAT RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE REMEMBERED THE ACADEMY AND THE AOG IN THEIR ESTATE PLANS. POLARIS GIFTS INCLUDE BEQUESTS, LIFE-INCOME GIFTS, AND LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES.

MAJOR GIFTS

THEASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES RECEIVED TWO OF THE THREE LARGEST PLEDGES AND GIFTS EVER GIVEN TO THE ACADEMY BY A GRADUATE. THESE GIFTS OF $1 MILLION AND $1.5 MILLION WILL BE USED TO COVER SOME OF THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITHBUILDING A MEMORIAL PAVILION IN THE CEMETERY, PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, AND PROVIDE UNRESTRICTED SUPPORT TO BOTH THE ACADEMY AND THE AOG. IN ADDITION, THE AOG RECEIVED MAJOR COMMITMENTS TO HELP FUNDTHE NEW HALL OF EXCELLENCE IN THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, TOSEND CADETS ON INTERNATIONAL IMMERSION PROGRAMS, AND TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUMMER SEMINAR PROGRAM, THE ACADEMY’S MOST EFFECTIVE RECRUITING PROGRAM FOR NEW CADETS. FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF THESE GIFTS, SEE PAGES 116 -117.

AND CHALLENGING FOR OUR COMMUNICATIONS STAFF. THE SEXUAL ASSAULT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS OFFICE TO OUR MISSION.

GRADUATES, PARENTS, AND SUPPORTERS WERE CLAMORING FOR INFORMATION AS EVENTS

UNFOLDED. DICK RAUSCHKOLB, BOB MCALLISTER, AND KEN AND SARAH WRIGHT SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS OF OUR CONSTITUENTS AND GATHERING

INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH OUR SUPPORTERS. EARLY ON WE REALIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THE WORD OUT AND WE SENT LETTERS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT AND OUR BOARD CHAIR TO EVERYONE WHO HAD AN ADDRESS WITH US. WE ALSO USED EMAIL TO DISSEMINATE IMPORTANT

INFORMATION FROM THE ACADEMY AND THE AOG. WEBSITE HITS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY IN THE EARLY SPRING AS A RESULT OF THE INFORMATION WE POSTED ON OUR WEB SITE.

AOG WEB SITE

OUR WEB SITE TOOK A DRAMATIC LEAP FORWARDOVER THE PAST YEAR AFTER RE-DEVELOPING THE SITE AND POSTING KEN WRIGHT’S BEAUTIFUL PICTURES IN PHOTO GALLERIES. PARENTS CLAMORED FOR PHOTOS OF THEIR BASICS ENDURING THE RIGORS OF BCT. HITS ROSE FROM AN AVERAGEOF 42, 000 A MONTH TO OVER 4 MILLION! WE HAVE RECEIVED PRAISE FOR OUR WEB SITE FROM NUMEROUS UNIVERSITIES, AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN FOR OUR COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE SEXUAL ASSAULTISSUE. MANYTHANKS TO KEN FOR STRAPPING ON THE DUTIES OF WEBMASTER ALONG WITH TAKING SUPERB PHOTOS AND WRITING EXCELLENT ARTICLES FOR CHECKPOINTS.

OUR TALENTEDGRAPHIC DESIGNER, SARAH WRIGHT, HAS LEFT HER MARK ON MANY OF OUR PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE AOG PARENT HANDBOOK. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THE AOG DESIGNED AND PRODUCED THE HIGHLY PRAISED HAND-

WEB SITE HITS

4 Million

42,000

June June 2002 2003

BOOK. ALTHOUGH SOME SCHEDULINGINFORMA-

TIONAL NON-THEATRICAL EVENTS (CINE) FOR THE VIDEO TION WAS LACKING DUE TO THE ACADEMY CHANG-

HE PRODUCED HONORING OUR FIRST DISTINGUISHED ING ITS TRAINING PROGRAMS, WE EXPECT TO HAVE

GRADUATES, RON FOGLEMAN AND HARRY PEARCE. BOB THAT PROBLEM RECTIFIED NEXT YEAR. SARAH ALSO ONCE AGAIN TOOK ON THE DAUNTING TASK OF MAKING A DESIGNED THE LOGO FOR AOG LICENSE PLATES THAT VIDEO FOR OUR FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION IN APRIL. WEOFFER IN COLORADO. HOPEFULLY, THIS PRO-

HE SPENT LONG HOURS PRODUCING AND EDITING A GRAM WILL EXPAND TO OTHER STATES IN THE NEAR VIDEO WHICH SUPERBLY CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE FUTURE. HERTALENTS ARE ALSO EVIDENT IN THE ACADEMY. HIS VIDEO IS BEING USED BY SENIOR MEMBERS MANY BROCHURES AND MAILINGS WE SEND OUT.

OF THE ACADEMY STAFF AND IS HIGHLY REQUESTED BY PLUS, WE RELY HEAVILY ON HER SKILLS TO MAKE PARENT CLUBS AND CHAPTERS. WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE STORIES COME ALIVE IN CHECKPOINTS. TO HAVE A MAN WITH BOB’S MANY TALENTS ON THE STAFF.

MANY OF YOU HAVE COMMENTED ON THE THE MITCHELL HALL PROJECTION SYSTEM THATTHE IMPROVED QUALITY OF CHECKPOINTS OVER THE AOG PARTIALLY FUNDED HAS BEEN A HUGE SUCCESS. THE LAST FEW YEARS. WE BELIEVE IT IS THE FLAGSHIP SYSTEMHAS SEVERAL SCREENS THAT ALLOW FOR EASY

PUBLICATION FOR CARRYING THE STORY OF THE

VIEWING THROUGHOUT THE DINING HALL. SENIOR ACADACADEMY, ITS CADETS AND ITS GRADUATES TO OUR

EMY LEADERSHIP HAS USED THE SYSTEM FOR BRIEFINGS CONSTITUENTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IN JANU- AND PRESENTATIONS. OUR GOAL HAS BEEN TO CAPTURE ARY, CHECKPOINTSWON A MAJOR AWARD IN THE

MOST IMPROVED MAGAZINE CATEGORY AT THE

THERICH HERITAGE AND TRADITION OF THE ACADEMY

BY HIGHLIGHTING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE LONG ANNUAL DISTRICT VI COUNCIL FOR THE ADVANCE- BLUE LINE OF GRADUATES AT EACH MEAL.

MENT AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION (CASE) CON-

THE EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE CONTINFERENCE. THIS AWARD REFLECTS THE HARD WORK

UES TO MONITOR THE PRODUCTION OF CONTRAILS. AS OF OUR STAFF. DICK, BOB, KEN, SARAH, AND TOM

YOU KNOW, THE AOG PAYS FOR THE PRINTING OF THIS KROBOTH DESERVE MAJOR KUDOS FOR THIS IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. THIS YEAR THE CLASS OF 1967 ACCOMPLISHMENT.

PRESENTED THE CLASS OF 2007 THEIR CONTRAILS AT THE TOM STILL DOES THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK ACCEPTANCE PARADE IN AUGUST.

IN LAYING OUT OUR ANNUAL REGISTER OF GRADU-

THECOMING YEAR PROMISES TO BE ANOTHER CHALATES. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR WE WILL PRINT THE LENGING ONE FOR DICK AND HIS STAFF. NEW HIRE, CHRIS REGISTER WITHOUT ANY FULL BIOS. WE WILL SOON STEWART, A UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI JOURNALISM MAJOR, IS HAVE A FIREWALL ON OUR WEB SITE THAT WILL AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE OFFICE. IN THE COMING

ALLOW US TO POST FULL BIOS ON ALL OURGRADU- MONTHS, YOU WILL SEE A DONOR REPORT, AN AOG CALENATES. THIS DECISION WILL SAVE US MAN HOURS DAR, NEW SABRE SOCIETY MATERIALS, AND A DVD CAPTURING AND MONEY BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF STATE-OF- THE ACADEMY’S HISTORY AND HERITAGE. STAY TUNED! S

THE ART TECHNOLOGY.

BOB MCALLISTER WONTHE PRESTIGIOUS “COMMUNICATOR AWARD” FROM THE COUNCIL ON INTERNA-

2,500 Cadets Participate in 85 Local Volunteer Projects

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit, and Christopher A. Stewart

More than half of the Cadet Wing took to the streets Sept. 27 to participate in 85 community service projects benefiting the local Colorado Springs community.

C1C Andrew Gillis, the flight commander of CS-2, coordinated two-toeight-person cadet teams, helping paint and complete yard work and other chores around local homes.

Gillis said Debbie Cisneros, of Silver Key Senior Services, was instrumental in coordinating part of the day’s events. “She was always available to answer questions and worked hard to coordinate places around the city where there was an opportunity to work.”

The effects of the community volunteer work will be long lasting, Gillis said.

“Every cadet was adamant in their support of the community service opportunity. Seeing the appreciation in the eyes of the people we had the opportunity to help was extraordinary.

To be able to help in such a capacity was priceless.”

ClC Timothy Krey and other cadets from CS-2 volunteered at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The team ofcadets stained playground equipment, cleaned windows, polished pews, and scraped and repainted the trim on the parsonage of the north end of the church.

Krey, the cadet squadron commander, said the project was extremely valuable.

“The entire group thought that they were accomplishing a great task and were more than happy to help out the church,” he said. “The church has a congregation of more than 1,000 people, and every single one of the members was able to hear and see the things that

Academy cadets accomplished. People were interested in what was going on and could see the white Academy Tshirts the cadets were wearing.”

C1C Joseph Schaefer and cadets from CS-3 spent the day helping build a house for a low-income family.

Schaefer, the squadron commander, said the project reinforced the Air Force credo of Service before Self.

“These projects really give cadets a chance to be reminded that we are here to serve the country,” hesaid.

Hundreds of cadets from squadrons 21,22, 25 and 27 volunteered at the Garden of the Gods Scotsman Picnic Area, repairing eroded gullies.

“We moved tons ofrock for the Rocky Mountain Field Institute which, without so many hard-working cadets, would otherwise not have happened,” said C2C Kim Jeffrey.

Working in teams, rocks were passed from one cadet to the next up gullies to build erosion-barrier dams.

Community leaders said they were impressed and pleased with how hard the cadets worked. They emphasized the important impact the cadets’ work at the Garden of theGods will continue to have at one of thenation’s busiest city parks.

Jeffrey said that participating in the community service project served as a real reminder of the importance and value of selfless service without recognition

“They [cadets] were tireless workers and did so with no complaints,” she said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside my peers.”

Capt. Mike Koster, the CS-22 Air Officer Commanding, was evaluating his unit’s efforts on Monday.

“The local community would have had a difficult time finding 300 volunteers to do what we did in the short amount of time we did it,” said Koster, who pinned on Major Oct. 1.

“I really want every cadet to know how much we appreciate their efforts,” wrote Liz Nichol, Rocky Mountain Field Institute outreach coordinator, in a letter to the Academy. “You moved 25 tons ofrock in difficult terrain. It was just plain hard work andlots ofit, and it was tremendous to get that whole pile ofrock moved.”

Academy Cadet Service Learning Program manager, Lt. Col. Pete Edgar, said the projects were only part of the thousands ofcadet volunteer hours benefiting the community each year.

The purpose of the Cadet Service Learning Program, which began in 1998, is to develop a volunteer ethic among cadets based on the Air Force’s core value of Service before Self, while allowing the Academy to play a key role in serving local communities. HU

“..every single one ofthe members was able to hear and see the things that Academy cadets accomplished... ”

Left: A cadet helps withthe clean-up effort at Garden of the Gods Park.

(Photo by Ken Wright)

Below: Cadets from CS-9 clean up trash along 1-25 near Garden of the Gods Road. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Goossen)

Academy Grads Put Service Before Self in Elected Politics

BY JOSEPH MARCINEK, ’95

raduates ofthe United States Air Force Academy are proudly serving in public service positions throughout the world. While the vast majority ofAcademy alumni are performing this public service through service to their country in the United States Air Force, public service by graduates is not limited to military service. One area where USAFA alumni are becoming increasingly more represented is in the political arena. Air Force Academy alumni throughout the country are representing their community at the City, County, State, and National level ofelected office. These graduates are truly fulfilling the Academy’s core value ofservice before self.

Congresswoman Heather Wilson, ’82, is one example of a graduate that embodies this core value. Congresswoman Wilson represents the First District of New Mexico in the US House of Representa-

tives. The Rhodes Scholar and former member of the National Security Council is the first female veteran ever to serve in Congress. She is quick to point out that the Air Force Academy prepared her well for her service in the US House of Representatives. “I draw on the broad education that I received at the Academy quite a bit in my work,” says the Congresswoman. From a practical perspective, she finds that the varied courses she studied in the core academic curriculum help her to make more informed decisions on the wideranging initiatives that are brought before the House. “While I was not a technical major, I have a much stronger background in science and engineering than many with whom I serve,” referring to her ability to better judge technical aspects of legislation because of the Academy’s strong technical academic program. However, it is not only the Academy academics that Congresswoman Wilson finds important in her job. She speaks ofhonor and duty to country and community as those core values that were instilled in her as a Cadet and guide her in her service in Congress today. “I try to exceed people’s expectations

by living up to the standards we expected of ourselves at the Academy.” It’s this attitude that has resulted in her New Mexico constituents electing her in 2002 to the US House ofRepresentatives for the third time.

At the state level, Senator Charlie Ringo, ’80, serves the 17th district of Oregon as a State Senator. Theformer Air Force Intelligence Officer previously served as an Oregon State Representative prior to being elected in 2002 to the Senate. Ringo creditsthe Academy for developing his interest in politics. “The Air Force Academy taught me to show an interest in public policy and public service that I continue to value,” says Senator Ringo. It’s this commitment to public service that has helped him become recognized in Oregon as a tireless advocate of adequate education funding. His opinions are so respected that he was recently invited and appeared on the nationally televised show “The O’Reilly Factor” where he debated a proposed Oregon Bill.

At the city level, Councilman Chuck Reed, ’70, represents 100,000 district residents as a member ofthe San Jose, California City Council. Meeting the needs ofresidents ofCalifornia’s third largest city is a tough task. One that Reed couldn’t do without the lessons he learned at the Air Force Academy. Former Cadet Wing Commander, Councilman Reed learned early how to meet the competing demands ofthe people he represents—whether cadets or his constituents. The Academy taught me to make tough decisions,” he says of the numerous City policies that must be decided for the over 1 million residents of San Jose. He was recently recognized for this when he took a dissenting position on a City budget plan. He, “must be learning from the State ofCalifornia’s mistakes,” said the Silicon Valley Business Journal recently in reference to Councilman Reed’s vote to halt new spending during a City budget shortfall. His position requires

Above: Congresswoman Heather Wilson, ’82, represents the First District of New Mexico in the US House of Representatives.

Right: Senator Charlie Ringo, ’80, serves the 17th district of Oregon as a State Senator.

many tough tasks but he qualifies that with, Tunning for office is difficult, but it is a piece ofcake compared to the Academy.”

Thesethree graduates are fine examples of USAFA alumni participating in public service through elected politics. Some believe, however, given the Academy’s focus on public service and the invaluable experience Academy graduates receive as members ofthe US military, we are underrepresented in elected political office. To remedy this, a group of Service Academy graduates recently formed an organization, called GradPAC, to help increase the number ofAcademy graduates serving in elected political office. GradPAC is a non-partisan Political Action Committee focused on supporting graduates ofall ofthe Service Academies seeking federal public office. GradPAC s Executive Director Shawn Olds, USMA ’94, believes that we need, “politicians associated with selfless service, not self-serving service,” and the Academy alumni ranks is the place we can find them. In 1975, 75% ofthe US Congress was made up ofmilitary Veterans; today thatnumber is down to 28%. GradPAC is working to increase military representation, and especially Service Academy representation, in Congress through financial support, consulting services, publicity, and networking to all Academy graduates in their pursuit ofpublic office. One of GradPAC’s recent initiatives that will be available to Academy graduates in the near future is a reference guide to help Service Academy graduates get started in seek-

ing political office. Shawn Olds, and his volunteer staffpredominantly made up of fellow Service Academy graduates, believe this guide, appropriately called “Clausewitz for Congress”, will help Academy graduates apply the values and experience they learned at the Academy and in the military to a political election and ultimately an elected political position.

Two graduates who are trying to increase Air Force Academy representation in public office and have received the support of GradPAC are Councilman Vernon Robinson, ’77, and Retired Major General John Borling, ’63. These graduates are making quite an impact in their local community as they seek positions in the US House of Representative and US Senate respectively.

Councilman Robinson, the former Air Force Missileer and Intelligence Officer, currently serves on the Winston-Salem, North Carolina City Council and is campaigning to represent North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in the US House ofRepresentatives. He has been called the “early favorite” by local mediaoutlets and his campaign has been receiving a great deal of national media attention. Fox News called Robinson a, “Rising Star” and he has been quoted in Time Magazine. Through all this he understands the importance ofthe Air Force Academy to his campaign. Former Vice Presidential Candidate Jack Kemp made a point ofhighlighting Robinson’s graduation from the United States Air Force Academy when giving his endorsement to Robinson. Councilman Robinson encourages fellow

graduates to support organizations like GradPAC to increase the number ofmilitary veterans serving in congress. “The decrease in the percentage ofVeterans serving in the US Congress is a threat to national security,” said Robinson referring to a Veteran’s unique understanding ofthe military’s role in keeping our nation safe. He is well positioned to help increase that percentage.

General Borling is the epitome of a graduate who has embodied the value of service before selfthroughout his Air Force career and is bringing that same conviction to his campaign for US Senate from the State ofIllinois. After proudly serving his country for over 33 years in the Air Force, including 6 xh years as a POW in North Vietnam, General Borling still feels the call to serve. “They didn’t make an investment in us for us not to make an investment in them,” says General Borling regarding his Air Force Academy education. This nation has received quite a return on investment from General Borling, however, he strongly believes in continuing to serve as evidenced by his campaign motto, “Duty Calls Again.” It’s this sense ofduty and his wealth of experience that are giving him a boost early in the campaign. One local writer recently wrote about General Borling that he “has a record ofpublic service that can’t be matched among the crowded field.” A record of public service that General Borling is quick to point out started with the education he received at the Air Force Academy.

The Air Force Academy should be proud ofthe service ofall ofits graduates serving in elected politics. They are drawing on lessons learned at the Academy to better their City, State, and Country. These graduates are fine examples of our alumni putting service to their respective community above self. S

Editor’s Note: TheAOG isproud to recognize City Councilmembers Scott Hente, Class of 1975, and Darryl Glenn, Class of1988,for their service to the city ofColorado Springs.

Far left: Councilman Vernon Robinson, 77, currently serves on the Winston-Salem, North Carolina City Council.

Left: Councilman Chuck Reed, 70, represents 100,000 district residents as a member of the San Jose, California City Council.

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Name: CIC Becky Lewis

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Class/Squadron: 2DD4 / Squadron 3G "Proud Pink Panthers"

Major: Behavioral Sciences / Psychology

Extracurricular Activities: Captain of the Varsity Womens' Gymnastics Team

Air Force Goals: "I would like to be an intelligence officer and have the chance to continually learn through leadership opportunities."

Role Model: "My mother. Her hard work and dedication has been an inspiration to me."

Favorite Aircraft: "The F-15. They have unbelievable capabilities."

Favorite memory of USAFA: "My favorite part of the Academy has been, and always will be, the amazing people you meet and the wonderful relationships that come with you when you leave."

Cadet throws the first pitch

C1C JOE FIXEMER THREW OUT THE CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH OF THE COLORADOROCKIES’ lasthome game of the season on September 25. Fixemer and five other cadets from the Academy were selected to attend the game, based on their academic and military performance at the academy.

As director of training for Cadet Group 3, Fixemer is responsible for overseeing training activities for 1,000 cadets in nine cadet squadrons. Academically, Fixemer has a 3.73 grade point average, majors in environmental engineering and carries an 18-semester hour academic load as a senior.

The Rockies fought hard for a win before a crowd of 23,058, but were eventually beaten 8-7 by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Hockv Mountain News

Northwestern Preparatory School

Located in Southern California

Post

High School Service Academy Preparation Exclusively

Appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy and other Service Academies have been received by over 90 percent of our students.

+ SAT/ACT Enhancement

PAE Improvement

“Northwestern Prepprovided me with an academicfoundation that raised my SAT scores by 200 points, as well as an ability to focus on the essential preparation to succeed at the Academy. As a result ofthe self-confidence I gained there, I became Outstanding Student in CST, Outstanding 2nd Class Cadet in 3rd Group, Team Captain of Women’s Fencing, and Outstanding Squadron Commander ofthe #7 ranked squadron ofthe wing!

2002 USAFA Graduate

Suzanne Durbeck, Executive Director 1-800-367-8839 / www.northwesternprep.com / E-mail: prepnwp@aol.com

Pictured L to R, C3C Scott Van De Water, C3CJill Dehnert, C2C Tiffany Williams, C2CJessica Muterspaugh, C1C Becky Lewis and ClCJoe Fixener. (Photo by Ken Wright)

Maj. Beau Riddler Rogers, ’93, an exchange pilot serving with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, proudly displays his American colorsfrom his Dutch F-16 while refueling over Afghanistan.

BEHIND THE SCENES

TRAINS WITH THE DUTCH

oom operator Amn. Charles Converse noted something different about the Dutch F-16 as it slowly moved into place for a Story and photo by quick gas and go high above Afghanistan on Sept. Capt. Allen Herritage 11, 2003. The pilot was proudly displaying the Stars 376th AEW Public Affairs and Stripes above the windscreen in his cockpit. The Dutch coalition partners had not only put a flag in the aircraft; they put an American in it too.

Maj. Beau Rogers, ’93, has been a U.S. exchange pilot with the Royal Netherlands Air Force since May. The former cadet from Squadron 38 is flying sorties out of Ganci AB in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom. Stationed at Leeuwarden AB, one of three

F-16 air bases in the Netherlands, Rogers rotates with Dutch pilots in the OEF area ofresponsibility.

The exchange program gives U.S. and Dutch pilots a chance to train together with tactics used in combat and then actually fly combat missions together. The two to three year long program has a Dutch counterpart who flies with a squadron in the United States. The end result is a more cohesive coalition and familiarity with each other’s tactics and procedures, according to Rogers.

“These guys are true professionals,” Rogers said. “Their professionalism is equal to their ability in the air.”

Rogers, a graduate ofthe Air Forces esteemed Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nev., passes on his experience in the cockpit as an instructor pilot at the European F-16 Weapons School, comprising air forces from Norway, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.

“Their weapons school is similar to ours,” Rogers said. “They go hard for six months just like we do at Nellis. They don’t have the same resources, but the training is superb.”

Rogers has had a chance to see the results of this training in action in recent OEF missions. Together with Denmark, the Netherlands provides fighter support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan. In late August, approximately 40 Taliban and Al Qaeda troops were killed when forward air controllers called for support from Ganci AB F-I6s.

“It’s impressive that Denmark andthe Netherlands are the only ones flying F-I6s in the AOR. That’s a significant contribution to the war on terror,” Rogers said.

He recently flew a mission with special significance. “It was great to be flying over Afghanistan on 9-11 [2003]. I feltlike I was doing something worthwhile for my country on an important day,” he said.

Rogers leaves Ganci AB soon to return to Holland to pass on lessons learned from combat missions. He says his time with the Dutch Air Force has made him aware that America is not alone in the war on terrorism.

“A lot of people consider the war against terrorism as America’s War,”’ he said. “But when you look at the amount of resources other countries put forth—both personnel and equipment—relative to the size of an air force like that of the RNAF, it says, very strongly, that they think this is a worthy endeavor. I’m proud to be part of this coalition.” H

Standing Tall and Proud

Academy presents Mrs. Dorothy Mollerthe

Distinguished Service Award.

By Butch Wehry Academy Spirit

The U.S. Air Force Academy officially recognized Dorothy Moller during Parents Weekend, Aug. 1-3, for her endearing support to the institution.

Moller is the wife of Col. Joseph Moller, who passed away in 1993. Mrs. Moller accepted the Academy’s Distinguished Service Award on behalfof her husband. The couple has been longtime supporters of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“Joe was born in 1900, took his first plane ridewhen he was 10 years old, and he knew he wanted to be a flyer,” said Mrs. Moller.

Then 16 years old, Col. Moller told his father he wanted to join the military. To do so, he’dhave to lie about his age. Moller’s father, an Episcopalian minister who wanted to help his son, wouldn’t let him lie in the written statement. Instead, his father wrote a note stating his belief that his son was certainly qualified to be a military aviator.

It worked. A recruiter let the 16 year-old youth from St. Louis enter service. He earned wings and a commission, but it was too late to serve in World War I.

Col. Moller’s passion to fly never dimmed. At age 42, Moller entered the Air Corps, piloting B-17 Flying Fortresses out of England.

After the Colonel got out of service, he married Chicago-born Dorothy. They accepted an invitation to visit the Academy decades ago. Since then, their contributions havebeen unending.

“It was so wonderful,” Mrs. Moller said of their first visit here. “Joe just enjoyed being back in the confines of the Air Force at the Academy.”

This past fall, she accepted the Academy’s Distinguished Service Award at the Association of Graduate’s Doolittle Hall during Parents’ Weekend. Lt. Gen. John Rosa, Academy Superintendent, presented Mrs. Moller with the award.

The Distinguished Service Award is given annually to an individual or group who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the morale or well-being of the Air Force Academy. Mrs. Moller’s award citation credits her as being a founding member ofThe Sabre Society and an active member of the Falcon Foundation Board ofTrustees.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Academy Research and Development Institute

“I couldn’t believe it,” said the long-time Academy supporter. “I thought I would be among other people in a series of awards, but mine was the only one.”

Mrs. Moller said she enjoys supporting scholarships to other colleges throughout the country. H

CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2003

Graduates Serve on Space Shuttle

Columbia Accident Investigation Board

by Lt. Col. Rick Burgess, ’82

For many of us, February 1, 2003, is a day we will never forget. While most ofcountry was asleep that Saturday morning, the space shuttle Columbia crew began a deorbit burn maneuver over the Indian Ocean at 8:10 AM (EST) to begin re-entry through the atmosphere to a planned landing site at Kennedy Space Center on the east coast ofFlorida. Unfortunately, Columbia and her crew never made it to KSC. After a highly successful science mission and a flight duration of 15 days, 22 hours and 20 minutes, STS107 broke apart at 8:59 (EST) during reentry over eastern Texas, fatally injuring all seven crewmembers aboard, just 16 minutes prior to scheduled landing. By late that afternoon, an Accident Investigation Board had been formed, and NASA named retired Navy Admiral Harold Gehman as the Board Chairman.

Thus began the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), which at the time of this publication will have completed its report on the accident. As the complexity of the investigation increased, the size of the board also grew. Board membership expanded to 13 voting board members, including three active duty Air Force general officers and a former Secretary of the Air Force. These generals included Maj. Gen. Ken Hess, the Air Force Chief ofSafety; Maj. Gen. John Barry, ’73, the Air Force Materiel Command Director of Plans and Programs; and Brig. Gen. Duane Deal, the 21st Space Wing Commander. The Honorable Sheila Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force from 1993-1997, is also serving on this board. In addition to the 13 CAIB board members, the board’s support staff grew to over 120 members, with 29 PhD’s as oflast count. Total Air Force involvement on the board included 19 members, 11 ofwhom are Air Force Academy Graduates from classes 1973 to 2000.

Along with General Barry, other Air Force Academy graduates serving on the CAIB include: Col. Dave Nakayama, ’76, Col. John F. (Jack) Anthony ,’78, Col. (Astronaut) Mike Bloomfield, ’81 (serving as NASA liaison to the CAIB), Lt. Col. Rick Burgess, ’82, Lt. Col. Wade Thompson, ’85, Lt. Col. Pat Goodman, ’86, Maj. David Krai, ’87, Capt. Anne-Marie (Chaffee) Contreras, ’97, Capt. Steve Clark, ’99, and lLt. Matt Granger, ’00. Along with all Americans, members of the Columbia Accident Board mourn the loss of seven outstanding space pioneers: Commander, Rick Husband (Colonel, USAF), Pilot Willie McCool (Commander, USN), Payload Commander, Mike Anderson (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF), Mission Specialists Dave Brown (Captain, USN), Kalpana Chawla (Ph.D.), and Laurel Clark (Commander, USN) and Payload Specialist, Ilan Ramon (Colonel, Israeli Air Force).

All of us Air Force Academy graduates are proud to have had this opportunity to serve our nation—albeit under unfortunate circumstances-and we ask each reader to remember the families of these seven heroes and honor them for their unwavering commitment to this dangerous and unforgiving endeavorcalled human space flight. S

Rear row L-R: Lt. Col. Rick Burgess, ’82, Capt. Steve Clark, ’99, Col. Mike Bloomfield, ’81, Lt. Col. Pat Goodman, ’86, Lt. Col. Wade Thompson, ’85, Capt. Anne-Marie (Chaffee) Contreras, ’97, and Map David Krai, ’87. Front row L-R: Col. Dave Nakayama, ’76, Gen. John Barry, ’73, and lLt. Matt Granger, ’00. (Not pictured: Col. Jack Anthony, ’78.)

ROSA Speaks Candidly About the Assault Survey

By Debbie Kubic Academy Spirit

Photo by Ken Wright

CADEMY SUPERINTENDENT LT. GEN. JOHN ROSA CANDIDLY ADDRESSED PARENTS OF CADETS ABOUT ACADEMY CONTROVERSIES AUG. 29 IN ARNOLD HALL AS PART OF PARENTS’ WEEKEND ACTIVITIES.

BEGINNINGWITH AN NBC NEWS CLIP AIRED THE PREVIOUS NIGHT, ROSA STEPPED TO THE EDGE OF THE STAGE AND LOOKED DIRECTLYAT SEVERAL HUNDRED PARENTS.

“We have a tremendous problem,” said the 51 year-old fighter pilot. “It’s time to get our heads out of the sand.”

Although Rosa was not in command when the sexual assaults allegedly happened, he took ownership by saying, “This is our problem. It is ours, along with the Air Force, and we’ve got to solve it. We’ve got to stop rationalizing. We’ve got to stop fooling ourselves that the survey wasn’t really right.”

The survey Rosa referred to was conducted in May. The Inspector General of the Department of Defense authorized an initial survey ofAir Force Academy female cadets. According to the Aug. 21 draft, the survey was “designed to indicate the scope of recent sexual assault incidents and to assess the sexualassault climate at the Academy.”

Rosa reported that 579 female cadets were surveyed. Ofthose, 109 claimed they were victims of at least one sexual assault; 7.4 percent (or 43) were victims ofrape or attempted rape.

More than 80 percent ofalleged attacks were never reported. The Academy was the only military institution surveyed.

They “will re-survey the entire Air Force Academy sometime before Thanksgiving break,” Rosa said. They also will survey students at West Point andthe Naval Academy.

Rosa likened the current situation to the daily reality ofthe war against terrorism.

“This is our war. That’s how we explain it to the 4,000 men and women here, to your sons and daughters. Ifwe don’t fight it, this institution may be at risk,” Rosa said.

Several times throughout the presentation, Rosa encouraged parents by saying that the cadets are “wonderful young people. They’re our sons and daughters.”

However, he reminded them, “They make mistakes. They’re not perfect. I told the cadets Wednesday, ‘Don’t ever lose faith in yourself, in this institution, in the Air Force, in this country.’ This institution can’t fail our young people, and we can’t fail our country.”

Rosa mentioned three areas of focus for the future.

The first is restoring trust and confidence. This applies to the internal and external publics.

“Gen. John Weida and I met with 15 members of the clergy to ask, ‘What are we missing? Rosa said.

Rosa and Weida learned that they experience some of the same problems as the clergy. “Churches andfamilies are struggling,” he said.

“While we are teaching kids to do ‘A, B and C.’ When we turn around, they are doing ‘X, Y and Z.’”

“Insider trading, scandal in the Catholic church and other inconsistencies in business and culture speak loudly to our young people,” the superintendent said.

“We need to lead by example,” Rosa said. “How do we do that? By personal contact. Were out talking to them [the cadets]. But, it’ll take time to resolve.”

“We also have to build trust and confidence with our external public,” Rosa said. “Last month, I opened this Academy to the press. Members of the press can visit classrooms, dormitories and have lunch with the cadets. We must get past our past.”

The Academy is Rosas eighth command. The environment has been open in every organization he has commanded, and Rosa wants this for the Academy. His goals are to be above board and to have an ethical organization.

The second area of change is that the Academy must become like the operational Air Force.

“I’ve been in the Air Force most of my life,” Rosa told parents. “I don’t recognize most ofwhat we’re doing here. We’ve become disconnected from our Air Force.”

“The gap between the operational Air Force and what is happening at the Academy is wide,” he said.

“We are working to close that gap,” Rosa assured parents.

Finally, the leadership at the Academy needs to assess and improve.

“These young people will earn every dime of their education,” Rosa said. “Some will even pay with their lives.”

“We must assess and get better,” hesaid. “As bad as it seems, it is not theend ofthe world. It will get better.”

Finally, Rosa asked the parents to be understanding.

“We’re not perfect,” he said. “We’ll make mistakes. We don’t have all the answers.”

Rosa challenged the parents to talk to their cadets.

“The worst thing you can say to your sons and daughters is that this [the sexual-assault scandal] is not really happening.”

“Your young people are fired up about where we’re going,” Rosa assured parents. “But, we’ve got a long way to go. We will do it with your help.” S

The Sabre Society

The Sabre Society recognizes donors who annually make a leadership gift of $1,000 or more to the Air Force Academy Fund. The fund is the best and easiest way graduates, parents and friends can support the Academy. You are invited to join this group of Academy benefactors who provide extraordinary support to advance the Academy as one of our nations premiere military and educational institutions.

During the 2002-03 academic year, Sabre Society donors contributed more than 60 percent of the $2 million raised for the Air Force Academy Fund. This support provides significantfunding for character development, academic, athletic and heritage programs at the Academy, including the National Character and Leadership Seminar, Falcon Heritage Forum, and cadet clubs and organizations.

Consider contributing at The Sabre Society level. Your leadership gift sends a clear message to our cadets that you support theirjourney to become leaders of character for our nation.

cadets lift spirits ofAfrican children

By Debbie Kubik Academy Spirit Staff

C2C Robert Krell and the rest of the “Dirty Dozen” cadet squadron are helping a Tanzanian child 9,000 miles from Colorado attend school.

After amission trip to northern Tanzania last summer, Krell, a biology major from Roanoke, Va., saw a need and decided to take action.

It was in Tanzania that he was introduced to the American God Parents Scholarship Foundation, directed by his hometown pastor, the Rev. Dwayne Westermann.

“I had been on a mission trip to Mexico in high school and got very impassioned,” Krell said. “But all that came from it was a speech. This time around, I wanted to be sure to act on how I felt and what I learned in Tanzania. I wanted it to result in something tangible and productive.”

Krell learned that Tanzanian children have to pay for their own education. Schooling at the secondary level costs $400 per year.

In a country where the average income is $250, many children don’t have the opportunity to receive a formal education. The $400 pays for school fees, a school uniform and supplies, transportation and limited medical costs.

Krell shared with his squadron his “tangible and productive” idea: to provide education for a Tanzanian child.

Most responded that they liked the chance to give someone something “we took for granted.”

Leonard Mbora Mwasha is benefiting from that.

Mwasha is one of seven siblings. His father earns $100 a year, so money isn’t available for everyone to

receive an education. Fortunately, all seven children are sponsored by AGP. The youngster currently is in Form 2, the equivalent ofninth grade, and wants to become a doctor.

Krell met Mwasha’s older brother, Calvin, and their father while in Tanzania.

“I met Calvin the second day of our trip,” said Krell. “He is a medical student. I hope to go to medical school one day, so we had a lot to talk about. We’ve kept in contact via e-mail ever since.”

Costs for students on the Tanzania university and technical school level range from $1,500$5,000 per year. The foundation sponsors young men and women studying medicine, law, journalism and wildlife management.

Advanced students are only supported for study in Tanzania and sign a promissory note that they will practice their skills in Tanzania for at least five years following graduation.

“My squadron will sponsor Leonard for at least one year,” said Krell. “I will graduate from the Academy before Leonard graduates from secondary school, so I will be sponsoring him as a lieutenant or will set up something so that the squadron will continue to sponsor him throughout secondary school.”

Krell and the squadron may be winning faraway friends for America.

The youngster’s family is grateful for the financial support. They also recognize the money goes further than just an education.

“My family and I wish the American God Parents program a success,” Mwalimu Mbora, the child’s father, wrote to Krell. “Leonard is trying very hard.”

The older brother also expressed appreciation.

“I express my heartiful [sic] view upon the people ofAmerica, especially those American God Parents, due to their kindness,” Calvin Mwasha said. “I believe the few I know represent all Americans. They have helped me and my family, especially in our education.”

The American God Parent Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit group whose mission is “to provide scholarships for children and youth in developing countries that enables each to gain an education and become a valued resource to their country, and to provide funding for the development of projects and programs in developing countries which will assist youth and children to gain an education.”

Left: ClC Robert Krell visits with students at Kiborloni parish primary school in Moshi, Tanzania, Africa. (Photo by Dr. Jim Krell)

79 grad passes the torch to his two cadet sons

Story by by Senior Airman Carolyn Frankovich, Colorado National Guard Public Affairs

5. Below: The Brewer family, from

C4C Logan Brewer, Lt. Col. Greg Brewer, Mary Brewer, C3C Tyler Brewer and Cassidy Brewer. (Photos by 140th Visual Information.)

It’s not often a teenager has the opportunity to fly in a highperformance jet. It’s even less often when a teenager has the opportunity to fly back seat as wingman to his father in an F-l6. And it is definitely uncommon to have two sons realize the same dreams as their father.

On Oct. 5, Lt. Col. Greg “Brew” Brewer, ’79, an F-l6 pilot with the Colorado National Guard 120th Fighter Squadron, flew his final flight to celebrate his retirement. And both his sons, C3C Tyler and C4C Logan, flew in the backseats of two F-l6s as his wingmen.

Surrounded by family, both in the air and on the ground, Brewer bid a fond farewell to a distinguished career of more than 20 years in the military as a fighter pilot.

Recruited by the Air Force Academy as a gymnast, Brewer graduated in 1979 with a civil engineering degree and went directly into flight training. He began flying F-l6s for the active duty Air Force in 1980 and never looked back.

Soloing 23 years ago, he was one of the youngest pilots in the world. With close to 10 years on active duty, Brewer then joined the 120th Fighter Squadron in 1990. An outstanding pilot, he won the Top Gun award during Gunsmoke in 1993 and joined the ranks of the best pilots in the world.

Finding the Guard a unique and wonderful experience, Brewer was ready to retire a few years ago. But with war looming in the future, he made a conscious decision to wait in order to help support the unit if it were activated for war.

“I’ve trained my entire adult life for [war], and I would feel guilty missing it,” Brewer said.

His unit was well trained and ready when it was activated last May in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Brewer is an inspiring example to his two sons. Tyler is in the same cadet squadron his father was more than 15 years ago.

Brewer is quick to point out that his sons’ decision to attend the Academy was completely their own. With all the stories they heard, they couldn’t imagine attending college anywhere else.

“I’ve had so many awesome experiences that none of my other friends have had,” Tyler said. “Today is a perfect example.”

Left: Lt. Col. Greg Brewer, 79, gives the thumbs-up on his lost F-l6 flight on his retirement Oct.

left:

Tyler and Logan are still visibly excited about their father’s fini flight, which was also their first flight in an F-16.

“It was awesome—a great experience,” Tyler says when he remembers that Sunday morning. “Not many people get to fly with their dad.”

“Especially for his last flight and your first flight,” Logan adds.

During the no-kidding mission that included a vertical takeoff, low-level flying, a four-on-four dogfight with other F16s in Brewer’s squadron and a simulated bombing mission, Tyler was his father’s left wingman, and Logan was on his father’s right.

“It was pretty special,” says Logan, who always wanted to be a pilot, which is partly what brought him to the Academy. “Some things you can’t find somewhere else, and I wanted that.”

As a strong supporter of the Academy, Brewer is proud to see his sons work their way through the rigors of the Academy and strive to be fighter pilots in their own right. He is passing the Academy torch.

C3C Tyler Brewer and C2C Logan Brewer hose down their dad, Lt. Col. Greg Brwer, 79, after his fini flight Oct. 5 at Buckley AFB in Aurora, Colo. The hose down is a tradition for retiring pilots.

(Photo courtesy of Tyler Brewer.)

A MESSAGE FROM GARCIA

Yesyou can succeed

By Charles P. Garcia, ’83

Reviewed by Paul Plawin

What do a four-star General, an eye surgeon, a janitor, a dissatisfied lawyer, and a Drug Czar have in common? They all have valuable lessons to teach you about finding, attracting, and understanding Success. Each person listed above had a profound impact on the world view of Charles Garcia, a “renaissance man” who currently owns one of the fastest-growing and immensely successful companies in America-Sterling Financial Group. That’s because he holds firm to the belief that lessons on the nature of success can be found in people from every walk oflife.

Garcia could have taken a cushy path to success in his young life. Instead he sought educational and career challenges: graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, fulfilling his military career requirement, getting a law degree from Columbia University, and then deciding to build and run his own business.

Having achieved that dream in the existence of the Sterling Financial Group, one of the fastest-growing Hispanic owned businesses in America, he sought more mountains to climb-to improve educational opportunities, especially for Hispanics, as a member of the Florida State Board of Education and of the federal Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, and to write a book to hook others on the benefits ofganas, the Spanish word for desire, and integrity, which is his touchstone.

Has Garcia succeeded in producing a worthy guide for success seekers? Absolutely. You’ll get your money’s worth, and then some, from this success manual. Changing your life: that’s what this book is all about. Its title refers to Elbert Hubbard’s widely-read A Message to Garcia, the brilliant 1899 story that recounts the tale of a messenger named Rowan, personally dispatched by President William McKinley during the Spanish-American war to locate and deliver a vital message to General Garcia, the leader ofthe Cuban insurgents. Its message oftenacity and perseverance is a central theme ofGarcia’s book, which centers on finding what you love to do, and doing it, regardless ofhow much money you make or whether the people around you approve. Each chapter concludes with “A Messagefrom Garcia,’’ a summary that is not only a tribute to Elbert Hubbard’s “A Message to Garcia,” butwhich crystallizes each chapter’s key message.

Three #1 New York Times best selling authors and a broad range ofhigh profile entrepreneurs and educators have also endorsed the book including Arnold Schwarzenegger who writes of Garcia’s book; “America is the land of opportunity. I came to this country with empty pockets, a head filled with dreams and a desire to

S, FALL 2003

succeed. I tell young people allthe time that ifyou believe in yourself, you can do anything. A Messagefrom Garcia wonderfully echoes these thoughts and more, explaining principles of success in a lighthearted manner that will pump you full of energy and excitement to dream big and achieve your goals.”

One element that sets A Messagefrom Garcia apart from the run ofself-help success books is the attention the author devotes to the importance of nurturing your family, valuing your family, putting family above all in the end. Some readers may say, “Well then, where will I find the time to climb the success ladder?

Garcia shows you how success-oriented people find the time for both.

At the root ofhis beliefs about the importance offamily is Garcias feeling about honesty, integrity and public service. I found these themes timely and valuable—they are a missing link in some other books in this genre.

Garcia is not shy about telling you that it is the concept of“Honor, Duty, Country” that he embraced as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy that has helped him achieve so much. Cynics may pooh-pooh this approach. But it is refreshing to hear this in a world that sometimes seems to be out ofcontrol. In chapter 8, Garcia fondly recalls one of many stories about an experience at the Academy that had a profound impact on him, that made its way into the book as his number four “Success Belief” that he calls, “Treat Everyone You Meet As if they were A War Hero.”

their word.” For Garcia, the businessman, the Academy and Air Force are never far from mind. In fact he borrowed from these institutions in his company’s logo, a falcon with talons spread wide, and its motto, “We soar above the rest.”

As an Academy student, Garcia was a free-fall parachutist, Recondo graduate, captain of his squadron’s boxing and soccer teams, and during his senior year he served as a Deputy Wing Commander and also chairman of the Cadet Honor Committee. In 1983, cadet Garcia played a key role in getting the words of the Academy’s honor code engraved in stone adjacent to the cadet chapel at the institution.

Yes,You Can Succeed

The book’s final chapter is about developing a philosophy oflife and living it. This may sound like a cliche, but it is an important lesson for seekers of success. Here’s where you pull together the most valuable information you’ve gleaned from the book. For example, in the “Work Hard, Surf Hard” chapter, you learned how important it is to keep balance in your life. Add to that Garcia’s admonitions about minding your family life as well as your quest for success, and you’ve got at least the start of a philosophy oflife that should serve you and your family well.

A MESSAGE fromGARCIA

Foreword by Jaime Escalante

CHARLES PATRICK GARCIA

Says Garcia, “One ofthe first principles I learned at the Air Force Academy was ‘Integrity First,’ then duty, then country.. .the honor code becomes your way oflife. It says ‘We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.’” A rigid stance, perhaps, but one that instills respect for doing good, doing the right thing. Ifthe recent turn-of-the-century ethics-averse captains ofindustry had subscribed to such a code, we might have been spared the sad spectacle oftheir wretched excesses, and they might have been spared prison terms.

Garcia has said that the success he has achieved in life “rests squarely on the lasting friendships I made at the Academy, combined with the training, discipline, and code ofethics we learned to live by. The Academy is designed to breed leaders, to identify the bright and the bold, and to teach men and women to live by

Garcia says “The best situation to be in is to have a job you love and to be surrounded by good people with whom you enjoy working. It’s never worth working at a job you hate, even if the money is great.” Would anyone disagree?

After reading his book, I‘d like to meet the author. His optimism and enthusiasm are catching. To many ofhis tips on success I found myselfsaying, Yes, right on! $8

A Message from Garcia: Yes, You Can Succeed by Charles P. Garcia

2003, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 272 pp., $24.95

ISBN: 0-471-44893-1

Paul Plawin is a 20-year veteran editor of“Kiplinger’s Personal Finance” magazine and a writer and editor and author of“30 Days to a GoodJob”and “Careersfor Travel Buffs & Other Restless Types.

Cadets ' 1 Research Could

Professor, students explore designs for missile interceptor s laser modules

Life at the Air Force Academy is not all about hitting the books, instilling discipline or participating on sports teams. Cadets also help solve real-world Air Force problems and shape the service they will one day lead.

Take, for example, the Airborne Laser (ABL), a 747-based missile interceptor that uses a high-powered laser to shoot down enemy missiles in the boost phase of flight. Program officials are looking for ways to reduce the weight and size of the lasers so the system can fit on the aircraft.

The current laser is called COIL, which stands for chemical oxygen iodine laser. It’s big and requires harsh chlorine-based chemicals.

“This is a monster laser,” said Dr. Randall Knize, a physics professor at the Academy. “In order to make this work, basically they need almost every square foot inside the airplane.”

Story

by

Laura Colarusso, Air Force Times

Photo and Illustration courtesy of The Boeing Company

are mixed with the oxygen to create a reaction. That reaction, in turn, excites the iodine molecules, which then create a light that is refined into a laser through a series of mirrors.

To create the laser beam, the chlorine-based molecules Bat Mar

“This is a complicated series ofsteps,” Knize said. “You have to have all these chemicals. One has to be very careful to make it work correctly and safely.”

So Knize and several cadets are exploring ways to develop a new laser for the ABL.

Beam Control System

Nose-Mounted Turret

“What were looking at is, can we make highpowered lasers,” Knize said. “High powered” refers to lasers with hundreds ofkilowatts or more ofpower. Light bulbs typically operate on 100 watts ofpower.

“Were trying to use electrical pumping,” the professor added. “Ideally, we would like to use diode lasers.”

Instead of using chemicals to incite the iodine reaction, electricity would be used to create a laser that would excite the oxygen and iodine. The excited iodine would, in turn, emit the laser as originally planned.

Diode lasers are used in compact disc players at a very low power— .001 watts. The challenge is making that about 100 million times as strong.

The concept has not been validated in the academy’s laboratories, but Knize and the cadets are getting close. In two years of “paper” studies and laboratory work, they have devised a lower-power laser that is about the size of a 3-foot by 4-foot by 2-foot table and emits about 100 kilowatts.

Separation Bulkhead

“Were trying to make this fairly compact,” Knize said. “At least on paper, we think we might be able to ifthis research really works transition it to somebody else in the Air Force to [weaponize] it.”

By mid-2004, they hope to demonstrate a lower-power laser.

Weight is an issue the Missile Defense Agency, the organization that is developing the weapon system for the Air Force, has struggled with for several years. A total of 14 laser modules are planned for the ABL.

According to government sources, the weight of the 14 modules has to stay below 175,000 pounds. As ofMarch, the program has made six modules that weigh 180,000 pounds.

An MDA spokesman said the weight ofthe modules was “well within the acceptable range for the aircraft.” The weight requirement includes jet fuel, he said, noting program officials may decrease the amount offuel carried on board to make room for more equipment.

“It’s a technology demonstration, and were in the process of fabricating the parts and installing them,” a Boeing official said. This official would not comment on how heavy the laser modules were,

but said as technologies for the laser mature, the program will try to take advantage ofweight-saving opportunities.

“There are some weight issues were going to work,” the official said.

Even if the diode-laser technology being worked on at the academy doesn’t pan out for the Airborne Laser, a lower-power laser could have application asa defensive system on a platform such as the AC-130 gunship. The gunship, which flies low and slow over enemy territory, is vulnerable to small arms like the stinger missile, which a low-powered laser could take out.

“Ifyou made a lower-power laser, maybe not as big as the Airborne Laser, you could think about putting it in the airplane to protect the airplane,” Knize said. H

Article reprinted with permission ofthe Air Force Times.

★ As cadets and graduates ofthe Academy, you hold integrity in the highest regard. Your official ring is created with that same integrity byJostens, your partner in expressing pride in the United States Air Force Academy.

HE LONG BLUE LINE

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.

Demarest, ’82, Promoted to Partner James T. Demarest, ’82, was recently promoted to partner with the law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP, in Naples, Fla.

“Jim is an exceptional attorney and we are pleased for him to become a partner with the firm,” said Timothy G. Hains, administrative partner.

Demarest has a great deal of experience in state, federal and appellate court civil litigation, including representing investors that resulted in a jury verdict of more than $3 million, successful collection for a $4.1 million judgement in favor of a bank against its former officersand recovery of more than $1.6 million in claims under a Chapter 11 case.

Chambers, ’78, and Wife Gamer O’Malley Award

The 2003 recipients ofthe General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley award are Col. William A. Chambers, ’78, and his wife, Bonnie. The award is given to the Air Force’s best wing commander and spouse team.

“My wife and I are truly grateful to be selected for this award,” said Chambers. “To even be associated with the legacy ofGeneral and Mrs. O’Malley is a tremendous honor.”

O’Malley was commander-in-chief of Tactical Air Command in the early 1980s.

He and his wife, Diane, both perished in an aircraft accident April 21, 1985.

According to the award citation, Chambers and his wife, spent countless hours finding and implementing ways to improve readiness and quality oflife for the more than 16,000 military and civilian people who live and work at Bolling AFB, D.C.

As commander of Bolling’s 11 th Wing, Chambers maintained a resolute focus on the Wing’s mission to provide the Air Force with “wartime readiness and wartime customer support.”

Mrs. Chambers led the effort to develop and begin a symposium on readiness for the spouses of 11 th Wing commanders and directors, enabling them to prepare spouses when unit troops deployed.

’85

Grad Awarded Bronze Star

Lt. Col. Earl R. Nason, ’85, was recently awardedthe Bronze Star for keeping track of 85,000 people in 24 countries during the war in Iraq.

Nason was honored for “meritorious achievement,” and his citation says, “Through his leadership, the Air Force achieved 100 percent accountability for the first time in a major theater war.”

Nason was a personnel officer based in Saudi Arabia from August oflast year until

he was transferred in September to U.S. Transportation Command headquarters at Scott AFB Ill.

During the war, Nason sometimes worked until he couldn’t see to drive. A co-worker would give him a lift back to his room at a base in Saudi Arabia. He was recommended for the Bronze Star by his superiors overseas.

Nason reacted with modesty. “I’m humbled, because I know there are so many men and women who did so much more than me, who will not be recognized,” he said.

Werner, ’83, Receives Prestigious Olmsted Scholarship

Andrew “AJ” Werner, ’83, was recently awarded an Olmsted Foundation scholarship to attend Bulgaria’s Sophia University.

Werner recently left his job as a U-2 pilot and is in Washington D.C. where he is learning to speak Bulgarian.

Following language school he will attend the University of Sophia where he will likely major in political science, history or international relations.

The foundation sends only 2-5 service members each year to universities around the world. Werner is the first be sent to Bulgaria. 5f

A Visit to South America

C1C DANIELA LOZANO VISITS PARAGUAY’S SERVICE ACADEMY TO AID WITH THE TRANSITION OF THE FIRST CLASS OF WOMEN ENTERING THE ACADEMY

Mariscal Francisco Solano Lopez is the name of the service academy in Capiata, Paraguay. Approximately 400 cadets attend the institution hoping to serve in the Paraguayan air force, army or navy.

The cadets choose the service they want to enter at the end of their first year based on their order of merit. The academy, founded in 1915, proudly boasts a tradition of military honor.

This year a new tradition began at the academy. Nineteen women entered, and they are currently experiencing the traditional rigors of their first year—together with their male peers.

Since these women will be Paraguay’s first class of career women officers, Paraguayan military officials have invited women from various other military academies to share their experiences in the military. Capt. Marcia Smith and I spent 10 days in Paraguay interacting with the service academy and members of the Paraguayan Air Force. We learned about the Paraguayan culture and military heritage, and shared our experiences as women in the military.

We received a very warm and hospitable reception; visiting with a different family of a cadet every night, and various Air Force bases and historic military or governmental locations throughout the day. Besides socializing with the families, we participated in open question-and-answer sessions with the cadet wing as a whole; the women officers and cadets, andthe entire officer faculty.

Capt. Smith and I maintainedthat the introduction of women into our own armed forces was not easy; it took time and patience for people to adapt

Photo by Ken Wright

and adjust to the changes. We also stressed that we were not there to tell them how they should run things or even to counsel them. Instead, we were there to share our experiences and allow them to apply anything they found profitable or worthwhile to use for their situation.

It seems thatboth male and female cadets were adjusting well. The leadership and faculty relayed that they are solving issues as they come up, and they were doing their best to adjust to the changes.

The Commandant of Cadets, Gen. Jose Maria Acevedo, said they have faced every challenge so far and have emmerged triumphant with the induction of the female cadets. He remains optimistic for the future and would like to continue having female USAFA cadets visit the Paraguayan academy to encourage the new class of future career women officers. Bringing military women from other countries and

exchanging his cadets to other countries will help his academy solve problems and aid in adapting.

It was a wonderful experience to interact with the Paraguayan cadets, who for the most part, behave exactly like cadets at the USAFA. We were able to stay in the academy’s officer dormitory and partake of their hospitality and generosity. It was very important for our hosts that we experience allthe native Paraguayan food, andthe family atmosphere they provided for us was extremely warm and enjoyable. It is my recommendation that future officers or cadets traveling to Paraguay try all ofthe Paraguayan food available, speak Spanish, and experience the common setbacks experienced in third-world countries.

As a whole, my trip to Paraguay is among the best and most memorable experiences of my cadet career. The people were warmhearted and friendly, and the country was beautiful. I would love to visit again. B

By Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret.), A.P. Clark and sponsored byThe Friends ofthe Air Force AcademyLibrary and the Association ofGraduates

The United States Air Force Academy made history when the Class of 1959 selected the falcon as the Cadet Wing mascot on Sepember 25, 1955.

Falconry at the United States Air Force Academy, written by former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. (Ret.)

A.R Clark, tells how the Academy’s unique falconry program came to exist and describes the imaginative and innovative work that has produced this exciting application of ancient sport.

Available forpurchasefrom the Association of Graduates for $34.95 by calling (719) 472-0300 or visiting us online www. aog-usafa. org.

Academypresents the TD White Award

Norman R. Augustine receives the coveted Thomas D. White Award

thousand cadets honored a man who has contributed to the nations defense forhalf a century when he accepted the 41 st Annual Thomas D. White National Defense Award at the Academy.

The award was given to Mr.Norman R. Augustine during the cadets’ noon meal in the Academy’s MitchellHall Dining Facility.

The T. D. White Award was established by the Academy in 1962 to recognize an American citizen who is judged to have contributed most significantly to the national defense of the United States. This annual award may be earned in any field, such as science, technology, leadership, management, national affairs, international affairs or a combination ofthese.

Augustine’s contributions span five decades of service in the defense industry, the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense and national charitable andacademic organizations.

Beginning in 1965, he served in the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as an Assistant Director of Defense Research and Engineering. In 1973 he returned to the government as Assistant Secretary of the Army and in 1975 as Under Secretary. Joining Martin Marietta Corporation in 1977, he went on to serve as chairman and CEO of the company.

Augustine served as president ofLockeed Martin Corporation upon the formation ofthat company in 1995, became chief executive officer in 1996, and later vice chairman and chairman. He retired in August 1997 and became a lecturer with the rank of professor on the faculty of the Princeton University School of Engineering and Applied Science where he served until July 1999.

Augustine has served many charitable and academic associations and foundations.The Association of Graduates congratulates Mr. Augustine. •/

Grads in the Colorado National Guard take to the skies in the Tiger Meet of the Americas

by Senior Airman Carolyn Frankovich, Colorado National Guard Public Affairs

The Colorado Air National Guard’s 120th Fighter Squadron participated in the thirdannual Tiger Meet of the Americas flying competition in September at Cold Lake, Canada. At least one Academy graduate is a member of almost all the squadron’s units.

The squadron, which just returned from Iraq, was recognized at the meet for its outstanding tiger spirit, competitiveness and capabilities. The squadron also received a trophy for the best painted tiger jet.

The Tiger Meet of the Americas is modeled after the NATOorganized Tiger Meet, which was founded in 1959 to demonstrate pilot skills and promote unity and camaraderie among NATO’s member countries. The meet gets its name from the image of a great cat found in each participating squadrons’ emblem or crest. Hi

From left: Maj. Sean Pavlich,'84, Maj. Chuck Caldwell/89, Col. John Mooney/81, Brig. Gen. Mike Edwards/73, Lt. Col.Tru Eyre,'79, Maj. Craig Wolf/90, Maj.Tim Conklin/88, Maj. Floyd Dunstan/87, Maj. Pat Hanlon,'90.Not pictured: Lt. Col. James Fogle/86, Lt. Col. Greg Brewer,'79. (Photo by Senior Airman Carolyn Frankovich)

fter a rigorous application process, 86 rising collegiate seniors were selected among hundreds of applicants nationwide to participate in the Summer Ventures in Management Program (SVMP) sponsored by the Harvard Business School.

C1C Crystal Williams was the first Air Force Academy cadet selected for this prestigious academic opportunity.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Being able to expose my abilities to the corporate business world is an opportunity and learning model that gives me the chance to expand a life long skills set that I will definitely exploit throughout my entire Air Force career,” Williams said.

SVMP gives minority MBA hopefuls a taste of life as a graduate student at one of the top business programs in the nation.

A Summer at Harvard

Story by USAFA PA

Ken Wright

Cadet becomes first from Academy to win prestigious scholarship

The fully funded scholarship gives participants the opportunity to live on campus, access to all campus facilities, and attend classes similar to schedules of current Harvard MBA students.

“It was kind oflike a recruiting trip, but for business school,” Williams said. “Harvard was an exceptional host. I would love to come back to the Academy and teach someday, and I feel this is a step in the right direction.”

Part of Harvard’s mission is not only to look at prospective students for their institution, but to give SVMP participants an opportunity to see if an MBA is really what these students are looking for in post-undergraduate coursework.

“It is extremely gratifying when a world-class institution like Harvard recognizes the excellence of the Academy’s balanced academic program as well as one of our outstanding management majors like Crystal,” said Col. Kevin Davis, who oversees the Academy’s management department.

The Association of Graduates helped make possible the experience for Williams, funding the travel portion of the trip not covered by the scholarship.

Harvard Business School is world renowned for its creation and implementation of the case study method. Williams attended three class sessions a day and met with a study group every morning.

While participating in the program, Williams was immersed in the case study method—and she was no stranger to this

Photo by

innovative teaching method that immerses students in real-world experiences and lessons learned. USAFA uses some of the same teaching methods. Classes were taught by some of HBS’ most esteemed faculty members. Class discussion was all-encompassing, covering a myriad of topics from the marketing strategies of Ducati motorcycles to the government versus private sector entanglement of the construction of the Chad-Cameroon Oil Pipeline.

“Actually the classroom-lectinar type setting was very comforting to me. Here at the Academy, the class setting and student-teacher interactions are very similar,” Williams said. “I was not as intimidated as other participants expressed feelings of. The Academy’s small class sizes and its teaching staff were advantageous to my Harvard experience.”

The SVMP experience provided Williams and the other students a tremendous opportunity to network with other outstanding college students, previous participants in the program, young Harvard MBA graduates, and the Harvard Business School staff.

The program also has an official alumni association, which Williams is actively involved.

“Harvard was a great experience for me, but I ultimately look forward to the challenges that will be brought forth once I continue to serve my country as an officer in the world’s greatest Air and Space Force,” Williams said.

Because of her experience, Williams is working with the management department to ensure future cadets have the opportunity to participate in future Summer Ventures in Management Programs. H

Grad tapped as U.S. Senate Assistant Sergeant at Arms, CIO

by Christopher A. Stewart

DR. J. GREG HANSON, 77, was recently appointed assistant sergeant at arms and chief information officer for the U.S. Senate. He is the first CIO ever to serve the Senate.

In his short time there, Hanson has already begun to introduce change and new leadership to the technology and information management operation ofthe Senate. He’s developing a strategic vision for the Senate’s technology resources and is leading key advancements in the Senate’s information infrastructure architecture.

Hanson oversees the review and implementation of new technologies for the Senate. He also is responsible for the coordination of the Senate’s communication and data processing. In the event of emergencies similar to the 9/11, Hanson also would be responsible for the Senate’s continuance of information operations.

Managing 250 full-time employees, 150 on-site contractors, and hundreds of other contractors and subcontractors nationwide who support Senators’ state offices, might seem quite daunting. However, Hanson’s experience—both in the military and commercial sectors—have prepared him for the challenge.

Hanson began his military career at the Academy, graduating in 1977 with a bachelor’s of science degree in humanities.

“My Academy experience was a metamorphosis,” Hanson says. “I grew a lot there. I learned a lot about myself.”

He credits his time at the Academy for preparing him for the future and teaching him selfdiscipline, the value of teamwork and time management skills.

“I’ve learned some skills I’ve used all my life,” he says.

Hanson later earned a master’s of science in information systerns at the Air Force Institute ofTechnology School of Engineering in 1981 and Ph.D. in computer science at the University of Central Florida in 1987.

An accomplished professional, Hanson retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force in 1997.

He calls his 20 years on active duty the “happiest days ofmy life.”

While on active duty, he served as a chief software engineer, chief information officer for the under secretary of defense, and chief scientist at a major NATO headquarters.

After retiring from the Air Force, Hanson worked as the chief technology officer at the Telos Corporation, Enterworks Corporation and—most recently—Universal Systems and Technology Corporation.

Hanson, a self-described “tech guy,” got his start in the technology industry as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Just after graduating from the Academy, he attended tech school at Keelser AFB, Miss.

Dr. J. Greg Hanson, 77, stands at the Capitol steps. As the chief information officer, Hanson oversees all the technology for the U.S. Senate.

His first assignment was serving as the chiefofcombat crew communications for the 42nd Bomber Wing at Loring APB, Maine.

“It was a great job,” Hanson remembers.

Twenty-five years later, Hanson is the Senate’s first chief information officer. Last spring, U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms Bill Pickle and the Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist decided it was time to elevate the level oftechnology in the Senate.

And then Hanson got the call.

“When the sergeant at arms of the Senate calls and asks you to serve, you just don’t say no,” Hanson says.

The opportunity opened a new door for Hanson, who is excited aboutanother chance to serve his country.

Hanson’s primary customers include all 100 U.S. Senators, their staffs and an additional 40 committees and leadership groups.

While Hanson spent 20 years in the Air Force and six years in the commercial sector, he says that working for the Senate is a new experience.

“There are 100 different personalities and priorities,” he says.

“It’s probably the biggest single challenge,” Hanson says. “It’s like having 100 CEOs.”

He enjoys working for the Senate, and he’s extremely impressed with the Senators’ passion for service.

“The best part ofmy job is working with the people. The degree ofprofessionalism is outstanding,” Hanson says. “Until you come and work for these folks, you have no idea how dedicated and hard working they are. The Senators are just amazing to me.”

In addition to his work responsibilities, Hanson owns three patents and copyrights, serves on various executive boards and committees, is an international author and lecturer, and teaches at the University ofMaryland.

Hanson, like many professionals at thenation’s capital, is hardworking and dedicated to the job. He also recognizes the importance of family and life outside ofwork.

In his spare time, Hanson enjoys playing rock and boogie blues, power lifting and spending time with his family. Hanson has two children,Matthew, 17, and Kaley, 14. He and his wife, Linda, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Nov. 5.

“Traveling abroad to the Ukraine let me appreciate all that we have here in the United States. ”

By Tabitha Fullam, AFROTC Det 592, University of North Carolina-Charlotte

CADETS TRAVEL TO THE UKRAINE

On May 29th, seven Air Force cadets with little in common except for aspirations ofbecoming Air Force officers boarded flights in five different U.S. airports and headed to the Ukraine, a former republic ofthe Soviet Union.

During the next 14 days, they took part in an Olmsted Cultural Immersion Program. For the first time, the Olmsted Foundation included Air Force ROTC cadets who volunteered for Professional Development Training in the program.

In February 2003, the Board ofDirectors ofThe George and Carol Olmsted Foundation transferred $300, 000 to each service academy to support the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation TriService Academy Overseas Travel and Cultural Immersion Program.

Starting in 2001 with a $100,000 grant to each academy, the board has since tripled the amount because of the positive feedbackand huge demand for this sort of “mini-immersion” in foreign culture. The goals of the foundation include early identification of potential Olmsted Scholars and increasing awareness of the Olmsted Scholar Program among cadets and midshipmen.

The cadets and midshipmen who participate in the program are designated “Olmsted cadet” or “Olmsted midshipman,” and each writes a short summary of his or her in-country experience, which is sponsored by the Association of Graduates.

C2C Rachael Dietz, C2C Cara Rotering and ClC Rob Vincent, representing the Air Force Academy, met each other a few weeks prior to the trip, and the four Air Force ROTC cadets introduced themselves ahead oftime via e-mail. The ROTC cadets participating in the trip were Lukas Hansen ofDet 475 at the University ofNew Hampshire, Shane Hughes ofDet 30 at the University ofArkansas, and Ansley McGarity ofDet 155 at the University ofMiami and me.

The group did not fully assemble until all cadets and their cadre escorts, Maj.Ted Larson of Det 420 at the University of

Minnesota-Duluth and Capt. John Webster of the U.S. Air Force Academy, met at the designated rendezvous location, the secondfloor McDonalds in the North terminal of the London-Gatwick airport in the United Kingdom.

The cadets were pleased at how easy it was to get to know each other. Individual feelings of uncertainty and doubt were quickly replaced with feelings of excitement and anticipation.

“I had a great opportunity to interact and make friends with other outstanding cadets who will become officers with me in the Air Force,” Hughes said.

From London, the team flew into their first destination of Kiev, Ukraine, arriving just after 1 a.m. There was no time to test the water; we were immediately immersed in culture. In twos and threes, we were taken to apartment buildings where our Ukrainian host families were waiting. In Kiev, like Yalta and Odessa, we lived with Ukrainian families, slept in their beds, showered in their bathrooms and ate their food.

Kiev is the capital city of the Ukraine and has a rich heritage. Every weekend the city shuts down several city blocks surrounding Independence Square, and—in a carnival-type atmosphere— they celebrate their freedom. The Ukrainian people are open and proud ofwho they are and how far they have come since the days of Communism.

“The younger generations are thriving on the new business opportunities and taking advantage of their ability to better themselves in their new open market, but the older generations, the people that grew up under Socialism in the former USSR, are skeptical ofwhat this new freedom truly offers,” McGarity said.

We walked the city streets, rode the underground subway and took taxis, knowing that everyone could tell we were Americans. Ukrainians would occasionally come up and speak to us in broken

English. The word choiceand accent ofthe Ukrainians was great, and I think they liked the sound ofAmerican English.

On June 3, we boarded a commuter airplane and flew south to Simferopol. We then took a small tour bus to Yalta on the Crimean Peninsula. Because it’s long been known for its clean air, natural beauty and “soul cleansing” powers, Europeans from the former USSR flock to Yalta in the summer. There were no subways in Yalta, so we walked everywhere. For some of us, this was where we made our first phone calls home.

We went on a day trip to nearby Sevastopol where one of the highlights was a boat ride around the harbor. During Soviet times, Sevastopol was a closed city, even Soviet citizens had to get special passes to go there. We, on the other hand, arrived by tour bus and hired a boat on the spot. We saw both the Ukrainian and Russian navies up close.

Leaving Yalta, we stopped to tour the Livadia Palace. It belonged to Czar Nicholas and was the site of the 1945 Yalta Conference where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin decided what to do with Europe after World War II. We kept Vincent, who speaks Russian (similar to, but different from Ukrainian), busy negotiating with the peddlers on the pathways.

We took that small tour bus all the way to Odessa, and we toured the city, went to the opera, explored night clubs, and spent time on the beach and in the Black Sea. There was an entertainment area down on the water called “Arkadia.” We went there on Friday evening for supper.

After dark, two of the cadets went down to the water. Some police officers came up and started asking questions. Not understanding what they were being asked, Hughes pulled out his “I am an American”” card he’d received from the Defense Attache Office at the American Embassy. An officer said, “OK,’ andthe police went elsewhere.

On June 7, we boarded an overnight train and rode first class to L’viv, the second largest city in the Ukraine. After a day of tours, we wandered the city. We watched street performers, visited open-air markets, and Dietz and Hansen even competed in park bench chess tournaments. Others went to a spa where massages were 40 Ukrainian Griven, about $8.

Another overnight train ride took the team back to Kiev for the final 24 hours of cultural experience: shopping—not in stores, but looking at mostly handcrafted items displayed by sidewalk vendors. Beautiful weather, friendly people, new American friends—the trip was simply outstanding.

The Ukraine is a country with great growth potential. They seem to have thetools necessary to build a good economy, but are still learning how to use them.

“Before the trip, I didn’tknow much about the former Soviet Union. This opportunity allowed me to expand my understanding of foreign cultures and society,” Hughes said. “I learned a lot that I hope will be useful to the Air Force in the future.”

Being over in another country made us realize just how lucky we are to be Americans. There are so many opportunities afforded to Americans everyday that so many of us take for granted. Hansen said he was amazed at what it took for some people to get by.

“I asked the mother of our host family how people survive on a dollar and a half a day when the average rent is 30 dollars a month, and they still need to pay for food, clothes, heat and everything else,” Hansen said. “Her reply was ‘only a Ukrainian could do it.’” Si

Previous page: The women take a moment to have their photo taken with local sailors while backpacking in L’viv. Left: Cadet LukasHansen competes in a park bench chess tournament in the city of L’viv. Below: Cadet McGarity poses for a photo in the Ukraine Harbor.

All yes on Glaucoma

Academy professor develops device to treat glaucoma

By Laura Colarusso, Air Force Times

by Ken Wright

ir Force Academy researchers say they have JL.invented an implant to treat glaucoma that has proven in laboratory tests to be 16 times more effective than other surgical devices.

Dr. Michael Wilcox, an Academy professor, has developed with the help ofcadets a shunt that drains excess fluid from the eye that glaucoma patients cannot dispose of naturally. The idea of relieving the surplus fluids with a shunt implanted in the white of the eye is not new, but Wilcox’s design is.

The shunt is a 28-millimeter-long cylinder that is two-pronged at one end. It’s three-quarters of a millimeter thick. When embedded, it occupies only 10 millimeters of space in the eye because the slender tube can overlap itself.

To date, experiments performed at the Academy on rabbits have shown Wilcox’s device is able to drain fluids 16 times more efficiently than other shunts that are 16 times as thick, the researcher said.

“It doesn’ttake up much surface area on the eye,” Wilcox said. “It’s so small you can’t feel it at all in an animal’s eye. Ifyou touched an eye with another shunt, you could feel it.”

Wilcox’s research, which is awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration to begin clinical trials on humans, could have far-reaching implications. More than 65 million people worldwide have some form of glaucoma.

What causes the disease remains unknown, said Dr. Steven Litinsky, an ophthalmologist at Boca Raton Community Hospital in Florida. The term glaucoma refers to a group of diseases

where fluid does not drain from the eye and pressure builds up on the optic nerve.

Ifleft untreated, glaucoma eventually leads to blindness.

“The disease does tend to run in families,” said Litinsky, who has been in the field for about 30 years. “But we see cases pop up independently as well.”

There are several methods for treating glaucoma including drug and laser therapy, Litinsky said. Approximately 20 different drugs are available to treat glaucoma. With lasers, doctors can pierce holes in the back ofthe eye structure to drain the fluid.

But, these fixes often haveside effects and do not solve the problem permanently. Some of the drugs typically cause patients eventually to form cataracts. Laser surgery can cause scar tissue to form in the back of the eye.

“Most ofthe drugs work to prevent fluid formation,” Wilcox said. “But you’re inhibiting the formation ofthe fluid that’s needed to nourish the lens, and many patients on medication form early cataracts.”

Those suffering from the disease in underdeveloped countries usually do not have access to the medications or other forms of treatment, Wilcox said. The shunt is the first line ofdefense for people who cannot afford these medical treatments.

“Blindness is a one-way trip,” Wilcox said, adding that the cylindrical shunt will alleviate many of the side effects of other treatment, “but, this blindness is preventable.” 9

Article reprinted withpermissionfrom Air Force Times.

Photo

WeidaAddresses Warriors Code with Cadet Wing

BY 2ND LT. PAUL GOOSSEN ACADEMY SPIRIT

PHOTOBY 2ND LT. GREG HIGNITE ACADEMY SPIRIT

IN THE WAKE OF MORECADET INFRACTIONS

with alcohol, Commandant ofCadets Brig. Gen. John Weida,’78, briefed cadets on Aug. 28 about the issues surrounding alcohol and sexual harassment within the Cadet Wing.

Weida walked onto Arnold Hall’s stage carrying the “Sword of a Warrior,” which the Commandant used to represent the Academy.

“There’s rust on this sword, there’s corrosion on this sword,” he said. “Some among us have tarnished that sword and introduced corrosion to this sword.”

Weida told the cadets that mediocrity, either in heart or of the mind, on the battlefield means mission failure, and that means people will die unnecessarily.

He told the Cadet Wing that the code of a warrior is one that warfighters recognize on the battlefield, that you trust your life to those around you.

This code, Weida said, is one of mutual respect and trust. For the people we fight next to in the Air Force, our wingmen, “You don’t care what religion they are, you don’t care what sex they are, or economic background. Ail you care about is can they do the job and can you trust them?

“We have all raised our right hands and sworn to an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Weida said. “We wield the most lethal instrument of national power. Because we do that, it’s absolutely required that the men and women that lead our warriors into battle are men and women ofcharacter, honor and integrity.”

Weida warned the cadets of their actions and the true problem—not watching out for each other.

He warned that those who have gone out and committed sexual assault or broken the law, whether it’s for alcohol or any other host ofcrimes, diminish all of the Air Force, the Academy and its diploma’s value.

“Those heroes in the Long Blue Line who have gone before us,” Wedia said, “are counting on you to scrape the rust andthe corrosion off this sword, to restore their honor, our honor, and I’m confident, I know you can do it. We will do it.” B

Brig. Gen. John Weida speaks with the media following his address to the cadet wing in Arnold Hall August 28.

“'§1*caLgh±-up 'S.oodrftubic."

Story by 2nd Lt. Rob Arnett, Academy Spirit

“It is very rewarding making other people happy by playing music they enjoy,” said Warner, 21, a military history major from Rochester, Minn.

Warner andthe KAFA staff strive to play quality, lesserknown music from around the country that doesn’t receive much airtime.

traight up good music,” is how Academy KAFAFM 104.3 radio station manager ClC Mark Warner describes programming.

Anyone who hasn’t listened to this cadet-run station might want to tune in and hear what they’re missing.

Along with ClC Jeremy Nelson, also a station manager, and ClC Steve McGregor, head music director, Warner cranks out tunes from just about every genre imaginable.

Warner and Nelson run the day-to-day operations of the Cadet Wing Media division station, while McGregor focuses on charting and obtaining music from the top 200.

KAFA is stationed in a small, dimly-lit room on the second floor ofVandenberg Hall.

With a broadcast range including the entire cadet area and roughly extends to theborders of the Academy, KAFA aims to service the Cadet Wing with music and entertainment.

In a world of4,000 cadets, there’s no shortage of interesting radio personalities.

With no prior radio experience, Warner became involved with KAFA during his third-class year upon the recommendation of a friend, former KAFA legend and now 2nd Lt. Kevin Donahoe. Donahoe developed a stellar reputation as a strong college radio announcer through playing epic sets of music from “jambands” such as Phish and The String Cheese Incident. Broadcasting on this base calls for sensitivity to the diversity of listeners and the military organization.

Warner claims a strong love for music and dedication are the necessary qualities for running a successful radio station.

Although KAFA plays music 24 hours a day via a computer programmed with a large and varied selection ofsongs, the live feature music shows announced by cadets normally run from 4: 30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The KAFA staff and the radio personalities who host the feature shows during the week enjoy the large amount of feedback they receive from their listeners.

Most of the feedback comes from cadets in the form of song requests during in-show calls, but the most pleasing calls come from outside listeners praising the music selection, Warner said.

KAFA’s hopes for the future include upgrading their radio equipment and making listening to the station online possible via a webcast, said Maureen Welch, chiefofCadet Wing Media. B

31C Mark Warner, station manager of KAFA-FM 104.3. (Photo by Ken Wright)

group of young officers who arrived at the Academy just four years ago are readying to take the military institution back to Americas heartland.

“There are a lot of misconceptions or lack of knowledge about the academy,” said Capt. Daniel Bruce, a 1994 officer training school graduate and logistics readiness officer, who arrived at the Academy in early August from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

“Minority enrollment personnel are sometimes mistaken for recruiters. Highly achieved minorities are highly sought after by other institutions such as Yale, Stanford and MIT. Our goal is to educate people about what the Academy is.

“What we try to do is find qualified applicants from minority ethnic groups out offive admissions regions in the U.S.,” Bruce said.

Academy Admissions’ Minority Enrollment Office has an entirely new group of faces for the 2003 and 2004 school year.

Bruce is leading 11 new lieutenants from the academy class of 2003. Two ofthe young officers are awaiting pilot training orders for this year. The other nine lieutenants are assigned to admissions for a full year before they move on in their careers. Together, they have one simple goal for the next year—education.

The minority enrollment office doesn’t have any target quotas or affirmative action in mind.

Although they talk to anyone during visits to high schools and other areas throughout the U.S., their goal is to educate minority ethnic groups from all areas of the country about the Air Force Academy, Bruce said.

They hope to affectthe ethnicity of the Academy so that it will mirror the American population. Minority enrollment targets African-American, Hispanic, and Native-American communities because those ethnic groups are under represented at the Academy when compared to the American population.

“Getting this assignment was a combination of excellent supervisor involvement and personnel staffagreement,” Bruce said.

Even though they primarily lookfor these minority groups, they will seek out as many qualified applicants as possible, regardless of race.

“Diversity is a powerful tool,” said 2nd Lt. James Sergant. “There is a need for my position and this office in the Air Force,” and he should know. He was drawn to the Academy because a minority enrollment officer visited him while he was in high school. S

by Christopher A. Stewart

A Mountaintop Experience

What started out asa character-building experience in the poor villages of Kathmandu, Nepal, ended up being a true test of character for three Academy cadets who wanted to make a real difference in a third-world country.

C2C David DeFilippo, C2C Bill Danyluk and former cadet Jim Curran didn’t even know each other until they roomed together the summer after their doolie year at the Academy.

Less than a year later, the three found themselves planning and saving money to take off on one of the greatest adventures of their lives: a volunteer service trip to Nepal and a chance to climb to the summit of a mountain never peaked before.

While the Academy boasts many international programs that are sponsored by the AOG, the three wanted something a bit different—something that afforded

opportunities to also exploit their outdoorsmen spirit.

After researching various locations throughout the globe, they decided on Nepal, a country with no dependable, regular electricity or running water.

The three considered their options and talked with their families. They decided to leave the Academy in August 2002 to find jobs and save the money they needed for the $1,400 plane ticket, $800 in vaccinations and insurance for the adventure.

Four months later, the trio departed for Nepal. The adventurers spent more than 100 days teaching in schools and volunteering with Nepali youth—and that’s only halfthe story.

Their days began early, around 5:30 a.m. Sometimes to catch an early morning basketball practice with their students, sometimes to exercise, and sometimes to meditate. Mornings quickly rolled into afternoons of teaching.

The three volunteers taught all grades and subjects. One of the greatest challenges in teaching, David remembers, was dealing with a curriculum based on out-dated and incorrect facts in students’ textbooks. In order for the students to pass exams, they’d have to memorize the information in their textbooks.

David, Bill and Jim would then re-teach the correct information to their students—after the exams were graded. They also worked with their students to develop a better understanding of their schoolwork—instead of simply memorizing their textbooks word-for-word—and to develop their students’ English-conversation skills.

The three spent a lot of time hanging out with their kids, especially in evenings. Basketball, ping pong or sit-up/pushup challenges were part of the evening routine.

“I also tried to help them with their homework,” David says.

Near dusk, everyone went home. Bill lived with his school’s principal, sleeping on the floor ofthe principal’s office, the second ofthe family’s two rooms. Jim also lived with his school’s principal in rural Nepal. David lived at a hostel near the school where he volunteered.

While an important part ofthe trip, volunteer service wasn’t the only enriching element of the experience. When they weren’t teaching or spending time with their students, the three explored the city of Kathmandu, immersing themselves in the countryside and culture ofNepal.

“That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to go,” David says, “to gain a perspective of their culture.”

“A lot of things you take for granted, they just don’t learn,” Bill says. For example, the Nepalese don’t wash their hands. They don’t understand how germs can make people sick, and that soap and water help kill germs.

The volunteers also realized that the Nepali value system is different than the code they’d grown accustomed to at the Academy.

“They think it’s good business ifyou swindle someone,” Bill says. “I always take it for granted that when I ask people for something, I expect them to give me a straight answer.”

After the service part of their adventure ended, the three decided to stay in Nepal an extra month. During their volunteer

experience, the Nepali government opened 120 new peaks to climbers.

For these mountain climbers, the chance to make a first ascent was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It’s unheard of to get a first ascent in this day and age,” Bill explains.

The three collected their money and supplies and trekked out to reach a neverbefore-climbed 21,000 ft. summit.

“This is our dream—” David says, “the pinnacle of our lives.”

The trip started with a day-long bus ride and six-day hike to the base ofthe mountain. After climbing for three days, the group

encountered a Maoist village. The people there were especially unfriendly to the Americans, as the conflict in Iraq was beginning to develop.

After negotiating with the village leader, the hikers continued upward.

“The higher we climbed, the nicer the people were,” Bill remembers.

When the group reached the last village, it was snowing. From that point, “we never really warmed up,” David says.

David, Bill and Jim climbed with three others, Italians who were also intrigued by the Nepali government’s opening of 120 peaks.

Along the way, the climbers found an old Tibet-Nepal trading route. The trail and

TOP:C2C David DeFilippo, C2C Bill Danyluk and former cadet Jim Curran volunteered for four months in Nepal, working with students like these, pictured in David’s classroom. While the native language of Nepal is Nepali, classes are taught in English. LEFT: The three climbers enjoyed breathtaking views on their ascent to a never-before climbed mountain. BOTTOM: Sunset in Kathmandu usually meant an end to the day. Most people do not leavethe safety of their homes after dark. (Photos by David DeFelippo)

its surrounding abandoned homes became the base camp— just below the snow line.

The ascent included many challenges: glaciers, deadly erevasses and snow drifts that created snow-bridge illusions. And the UV radiation from the sun was extremely intense.

“You could feel it through your clothes,” Bill says.

Even their tongues were sunburned.

“It felt like you had burned your tongue worse than you ever had before,” Bill remembers.

On their first push to the Summit, the climbers were forced to turn back as the weather rapidly deteriorated.

With snow waist high andthe ascent becoming increasingly technical, the environmental conditions took a heavy toll on the climbers. The Italians had already given up, and the food supply was dwindling.

“At this point, we were dreaming about Mitchell Hall food,” David says. “We just knew we were going to make thedecision to turn around.”

At this point, David and Bill were the only ones still wanting to climb, and they were physically exhausted.

“I’ve never been more tired in my life,” Bill recalls. “We were wasted—mentally and physically.”

After two attempts to reach the peak, the team turned around. Even though the trio never reached the summit, their experience is quite remarkable.

“My while life I’ve always wanted to do something you’d read about in National Geographic,” David says.

The volunteer teaching and first-ascent attempt were incredible experiences for David, Bill and Jim. Yet another challenge of the adventure was reapplying to the Academy.

David and Bill again had to completely go through the entire, tedious and time-consuming process of being accepted into the Academy—just as they did before receiving their first appointment. Jim did not re-apply.

David credits his Academy experience for preparing him and his peers for the trip. “If I hadn’t gone here,” he says, “I would have never gone through the process of coordinating the trip and doing the mountain.”

When reflecting on their mountaintop experience, David and Bill say they’re different cadets than they were before they left for their adventure.

“I feel like I’m here for more a purpose than before,” David says. “I feel like now I understand the value ofservice.”

Bill credits his upbringing for disciplining him for the rigors of living in a third-world country and having the endurance to makethe climb.

C2C David DeFilippo climbs toward the summit of a never-before peaked mountain. Bill, C2C Bill Danyluk and former cadet Jim Curran attempted the climb after finishing their four-month volunteer project in Nepal. (Photo by Bill Danyluk)

He is studying mechanical engineering and also is a member of the cadet cycling team. He’s interested in working as an Air Force combat control special tactical officer after graduating from the Academy in May 2005.

Jim is currently studying economics at the University of New Hampshire.

David is a humanities major and is interested in working in Air Force intelligence or serving as a combat control special tacdeal officer after graduating from the Academy in May 2005.

While their Air Force careers are still a bit uncertain, one thing’s clear. These cadet adventurers haven’t climbed their last mountain. Instead, their Nepali volunteer experience only wetted their appetite for a future filled with many more mountaintop experiences. H

IMavy Thanks Johnson, *50

The Navy League recently honored General H.T. Johnson, ’59, for his years of service to the U.S. Navy

Courtesy of the Navy League of the United States

The Navy and Marine Corps Team was blessed to have one of England’s key advisors, Hansford T. Johnson, ’59, designated by President Bush to take up the task ofserving as acting secretary.

Considering the unusual length of time Johnson served as acting secretary ofthe Navy, the Navy League would like to recognize Johnson’s leadership during these trying times for our Navy and Marine Corps, and our nation.

Along with the outstanding uniformed leadership ofAdm. Vern Clark and Gen. Michael Hagee, Johnson immediately got to work ensuring that America’s sailors and Marines had the materials they need for war and that their families had what they needed on the home front.

Holding down three jobs at once, as acting secretary, assistant secretary ofthe Navy (installations and logistics), and unofficially, the gapped under secretary position, Johnson, a retired 4-star Air Force general got cracking as war in Iraq loomed.

As a career military officer with more than400 combat missions during Vietnam andthe person responsible for the largest and fastest logistic effort in history during the first GulfWar when he commanded

the U. S. Transportation Command, Johnson recognized the importance of remaining close to the sailors and Marines on the front lines and communicating with their families at home.

The first ofthe more than 65,000 miles traveled as acting secretary during the past 7 months took him to the desert camps in Kuwait and facilities in Bahrain and Qatar. There he met with thousands ofsailors and Marines in the desert and at sea.

Johnson understands that the people who are the Navy and Marine Corps are its most precious asset.

Johnson treated each and every person he met with dignity and compassion. From deck plate sailors to Marines wounded in combat, SecretaryJohnson’s special way with people endeared him to those who wear our nation’s uniform and their loved ones.

“I’ve watched this true leader in action,” said McNeill. “I’m amazed at how well he manages all ofhis responsibilities—fighting the war in Iraq, the war on terrorism, transformation-and he still puts sailors and Marines first, period.”

The service of these men and women, appreciated by all Americans, had a very personal interest to Johnson and his wife

Linda. Their own son, a Marine Corps Reserve officer was one of the tens of thousand of brave military personnel assigned to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Dealing effectively with tough issues like the Navy’s departure from Vieques, the basing of F/A-18 squadrons on the East Coast and the untimely death of the prospective Secretary of the Navy Colin McMillan, were all handled with Johnson’s trademark, grace, style and quiet, effective leadership.

The Navy has been blessed with great leadership andthe results have set a high mark for the services. America is likewise blessed to have these selfless public servants working day and night to ensure our freedom.

To H.T. Johnson the Navy League says “well done” and to Gordon England “welcome home,” and to all those who serve, we say thank you. 9

Sortie changes

By Staff Sgt. Russell Wicke, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs Photos by Staff Sgt, Russell Wicke

GREEl\l pilot

First Lt. Erik Axt, ’00, deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan with the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and was required to fire at an enemy target on his first combat sortie on Aug. 11.

Axt arrived in Afghanistan less than two months after becoming combat ready, said Lt. Col. Pat Malackowski, ’86, 81st EES commander.

“He is our newest A-10 pilot,” said Malackowski. “On his first opportunity in combat, he was asked to dothe most difficult thing for a new pilot—engage the enemy without hurting the friendlies close by.”

Axt’s engagement was successful, hitting only the intended target, Malackowski said.

“Before we flew that sortie, we were briefed that we might have to employ because our ground forces were reporting hostile enemy activity,” Axt said. “But I was confident because I had a good flight lead.”

As Axt s flight lead and instructor, Malackowski said he confirmed the enemy target and gave Axt the first opportunity to engage the enemy with the A-10 s primary weapon, the 30 mm seven-barrel Gatling gun.

“Colonel Malackowski has a gift of instilling confidence in his wingmen,” Axt

ABOVE: First Lt. Erik Axt, ’00,81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, touches down in his A-10 Thunderbolt II after flying a mission in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. RIGHT: Axt emerges from his A-10 Thunderbolt II after flying a mission.

said. “He is a very calmand experienced instructor pilot.”

Malackowski gave the credit to his young fighter pilot by saying that Lieutenant Axt displayed a fantastic performance. “It was a really solid mission,” he said.

Despite their disagreement about who contributed mostto the mission, both pilot and instructor pilot agree on what made it successful.

“Were very lucky in the A-10 community,” Malackowski said. “Were allowed to have a very dedicated and focused training plan—clearly focused on close-air support for the ground forces.”

But it is not just the community of people that contributes to success.

“The A-10 is such a simple aircraft.. .designed around this amazing gun.

Virtually everything the airplane does is manual, so mission success depends on the skill of the pilot more than other newer fighter aircraft,” Malackowski said.

“I lovethe A-10,” Axt said. “The mission of the A-10 is one of the things that make it so appealing to me. There is nothing more rewarding for me than to provide support for the Army.”

Axt explained the A-10’s primary mission was ground support for troops rather than air-to-air engagement like most fighter aircraft. He said his training in this aircraft was exactly like the realworld mission.

“Afterward, I realized howmuch this combat sortie mirrored the training I received. We train like we fight,” Axt said. JS

BEHIND THE SCENES

leavi ngthei

The Drum and Bugle Corps Plays on!

BY DEBBIE KUBIK, ACADEMYSPIRIT

The inter-service championship trophy was presented at halftime to the Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps during the UNLV Game. Flight ofSound, the Academy’s Drum and Bugle Corps, won the 28th annual drum and bugle corps compedtion, Oct. 3, in Annapolis, Md.

The trophy was presented to Brig. Gen. John Weida, Academy Commandant of Cadets, and Col. Clada Monteith, 34th Training Wing Commander.

The corps won seven of the eight judged portions, including best brass, best percussion, best music, best marching, best color guard, best general effectand best overall performance, scoring a 90.15 out of 100 possible points.

“This year’s corps was the most focused group ofcadets I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Bill Smith, band director. “The cadet leadership worked hard to insure the corps reached its full potential.”

The corps is comprised of 118 cadets. ClC Josh Wygant, from Winchester, Va., is the corps commander.

“The drum and bugle corps worked countless hours in preparation for that single performance,” Wygant said. “For the first semester, we have had two hours of rehearsal every day after classes.

The inter-service Drum and Bugle Corps championship trophy was presented to Brig. Gen. John Weida duringhalftime at the UNLV game Oct. 11th.

“Most weeks we have supported the football team in their games, andthe drum and bugle corps cadets are the first ones to arrive at the stadium, as well as the last ones to leave. We have even had hours-long rehearsals on Saturdays and Sundays. It was a great feeling to have all of that hard work pay off.”

The performance was in honor of Capt. Lance Peter Sijan, a 1965 Academy graduate and Medal of Honor recipient.

The competition is held annually during the Air Force/Navy football weekend. Since 1976, Air Force has taken 18 championship honors against Navy.

“I feel very fortunate to be selected as commander for the cadet drum and bugle corps,” Wygant said. “I have played drums for 11 years, including all four years at the Academy.”

Since 1949, the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps has entertained audiences across the nation and abroad.

The corps has been headquartered at the Academy since 1963 and turned over to the cadet wing in 1972.

“The greatest aspect of the drum and bugle corps is that no one person can do it alone,” Wygant said. “On the field, even the corps commander is just another part of the whole team; everyone must contribute to be successful.” H

Grad Delivers The

By Tech. Sgt. Dan Neely

325th FighterWing Public Affairs

first operational F/A-22 Raptor was delivered to the Air Force’s F/A-22 schoolhouse Sept. 26.

Tyndall, once known as “The Home ofAir Superiority” became “The Home ofAir Dominance,” with the arrival of its first F/A-22. The Raptor will eventually replace the F-15 Eagle and sets the foundation for the next generation of combatfighter pilots.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigian, ’85, commander Tyndall’s 43rd Fighter Squadron, flew “Raptor 18” from the Lockheed Martin Corp. assembly plant in Marietta, Ga., to Tyndall. Harrigian’s squadron will train future F/A-22 pilots.

“This is truly a historic event for Tyndall and the U.S. Air Force,” said Brig. Gen. Larry New, ’76, 325th Fighter Wing commander. “We’re very excited down here—both the people

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigan, ’85, lands “Raptor 18” to “The Home of Air Dominance.”

here at Tyndall and our local community partners—about standing up the Air Force’s very first operational F/A-22 squadron, bringing in the next chapter ofAir Force history in air dominance and serving our nation.”

“This is a great honor for me personally,” Harrigian said. “I never thought I’d have the chance. This is a huge day, not just for the 43rd and the 325th, but for the entire Air Force and Bay County. I think we’re all really proud to have the airplane here.”

Harrigian thanked the entire Raptor team—base members, contractors and the community.

“I know it’s been years and years of effort. From the bottom of my heart, I really do appreciate it,” he said. “We’ll do it right here, and just as Gen. New said, ‘this is just the beginning.’ Air dominance will be our job and we look forward to doing that.”

The F/A-22, the Air Force’s premiere fighter, is a multirole aircraft, designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. The Raptor elevates U.S. technological advantages and updates ’70s technology using stealth, integrated avionics, maneuverability and supercruise (the capability to reach and maintain supersonic speeds without using fuel-expensive afterburners). These characteristics will provide the warfighter air dominance in any battlespace, according to officials.

The F/A-22 is a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances, to counter and defeat threats that will attempt to deny access to our forces. The F/A-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected adversary fighter aircraft.

The 325th FW, which trains F-15 pilots, air-battle managers, intelligence officers and air traffic controllers, was officially selected as the site for the F/A-22 pilot training program in August 2000.

Tyndall is expected to receive 50 Raptors over the next two years. B

Academy Seeks Bios, Photos of Grads

The Academy’s dean offaculty is seeking biographies and high quality on-the-job and in-training photos ofAcademy graduates who are in the Air Force work force or attending flight training or other technical schools.

The items will be used in a display along the entire length ofthe second floor in Fairchild Hall, the Academy’s academic facility. The Dean hopes to have at least four academy graduates from each major and unified command represented in the display.

The display will highlight the accomplishments, activities, opinions and commentaries of recent graduates so current cadets can visualize their own futures in the Air Force.

Graduates interested in donating to this project are asked to send items by March 20 to: Maj. John Modinger, 34th Education Group/34th ES, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840. For more information, email Modinger at john.modinger@usafa.af.mil.

The spires of the Cadet Chapel and the sight of cadets slipping “the surly bonds” 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 servicesfor you.

Our Web site, http://www.aog-usafa.org places a variety of valuable services at your fingertips, such as:

Whether you’ve visited our site regularly in the past, or never before, we hope you taketime 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.

By James H. Toner, Ambassador Holland H. Coors Distinguished Visiting Chair of Character Development

During their four years at the Air Force Academy, cadets learn that, during military operations, Americans do not leave their buddies behind. Dead, wounded, or unscathed, Americans come home together.

That is an admirable principle, flowing from the virtue of loyalty. All the armed services have, or imply, loyalty in their core values. Loyalty is listed as the first of the Army’s values. The Navy-Marine Corps value of “commitment” certainly suggests loyalty, andthe Marines’ famous slogan Semper Fidelis states it explicitly. The Air Force core value of “service before self” also fairly suggests the importance of loyalty. Loyalty is, indeed, a great virtue—up to a point.

I write “up to a point” because loyalty, as good as it is, can also be disordered and dangerous. The same cadets who understand that buddies are not to be left behind on combat missions may occasionally misunderstand loyalty in thinking that cheating is all right if done, not for oneself, but for one’s buddy (so that, academically, he may not “be left behind”).

The same problem exists, of course, with regard to toleration. When I was a student many years ago at The College ofWilliam and Mary, we had an honor code—but there was no non-toleradon clause. One administrator there once told me that it was really

too much to expect students to turn in their friends for honor code offenses. And ifthe code worked well, he added, there would of course be no need for the non-toleration clause—a comment suggesting limited understanding ofthe corrective component of a good honor code as well as some artlessness about human nature!

Randy Cohen writes an ethics column for The New York Times Magazine. Cohen does not like honor codes, especially the non-toleration part of many such codes. In response to one student’s question, for example, he urged the student “to inform your teachers that you will neither cheat nor inform on those who do.” He continued: The real test ofsuch codes is how well they teach honorable behavior. I see no evidence of their success. West Point, famous for its honor code, brought us the architects of the Vietnam War and, more recently, a history of cheating scandals, and a professional military that routinely covers up wrongdoing, relying on a code ofsilence.

I believe that there are other, better ways to establish honesty among students than by imposing such codes whose utility is questionable at best, and whose social harm is greater than any benefits they might bestow [Randy Cohen, The Good, the Bad, and the Difference (New York: Doubleday, 2002), 222].

Cohen clearly needs courses in civil-military relationsand in logic; he may also need a course in, ahem, ethics, for he must learn that mud-slinging should not be part ofethics columns (as in his grandiose andunsubstantiated assertion that professional military people routinely cover up wrongdoing; that is a rebarbative allegation that professional military people regularly and unabashedly lie).

I am not concerned here, however, about the logical deficiencies of Cohen, “the ethicist.” What disturbs me is his apparent utter lack of understanding that, in the profession of arms (and, to be sure, in all other professions worthy of the name), the integrity of the whole depends upon the integrity of the parts.

When Lt. Calley’s platoon murdered Vietnamese at My Lai, they stained the American uniform, not just the Americal Division patch or the U.S. Army uniform; when drunken Naval aviators abused women in hotel corridors at a Tailhook convention, they brought shame to all military members, not to just a few gathered there that night. The Long Gray, Blue or Tan Line stretches back to the late eighteenth century, and it stretches well into the future.

When he or she enters the Academy, the Basic Cadet joins an enduring community ofservice, the profession of arms. What the cadets must learn, besides the important operational concept that no one is left behind on a mission, is the overarching principle that they are now responsible members of a profession.

But loyalty to a friend cannot and must not supersede loyalty to the service and loyalty to the country. Keep in mind that cadets’ friends did not have the authority to grant them USAFA appointments, and cadets’ friends will not have the authority to commission them as officers.

Cadets must—and routinely do—learn that the request of a friend for unauthorized (without authority) help on graded reviews (exams) or in individualized assignments violates the essential idea ofloyalty; it is inconsistent with the proper ordering of loyalties; and it reflects discredit upon the integrity—the wholeness—ofthe profession to which the cadet aspires.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Not in my Air Force!” Exactly so! It is his Air Force; he owns a part of it; and it owns a part of him. And when someone sullies the American uniform, it sullies all American uniforms. That is exactly why the cadet who sees lying or stealing or cheating must take appropriate action and not just walk away, thinking, “Well, it’s none of my business.” Cohen, of course, believes differently.

“...a cadet’sfirst professionalloyalty must be to his or her country, then to the Air Force, then to the Academy... ”

Cohen writes that if a friend is engaged in “mischief” (his limp euphemism for lying, stealing, and cheating), one should “demand that he either stop doing so or keep his mischief to himself. It is a sad thing to seek recourse in ignoranee. [“If I don’t know about it, then I don’t have to do anything about it”—is what Cohen is saying], but it may be your best option.”

And what is it that this profession professes? In one word, the profession is loyal In the movie, A Few GoodMen, a Marine lance corporal suggests that the USMC code is “unit, Corps, God, country.” The priority here is important. The Marine Corps, or in our case the Air Force, is a secular arm of a secular state, so we will leave God to the conscience ofthe individual. Certainly, however, the rest ofthe professional order must be country, Corps [or Air Force], and then unit. Get these out oforder—as the lance corporal did in the movie—and there will be moral and military chaos. We must impose moral order on our loyalties.

That means that a cadets first professional loyalty must be to his or her country, then to the Air Force, then to the Academy (and to the particular flight he or she is assigned to). Most of us who have worn the uniform of our country believe that (what was Cohen’s adverb?) routinely the United States is a good anddecent country; that the Air Force is routinely honorable; and, no doubt, that our units and friends are, similarly, routinely respectable.

To Cohen, evidently, the truth does not make youfree-, rather, it makes youflee. Maybe Cohen does not understand that integrity isn’t divisible; maybe Cohen doesn’t understand that military members depend upon one another all the time, in waror peace, and that liarsand thieves and cheats have no place in the profession; maybe Cohen doesn’t understand that the profession of arms must be an honorable community ofhonorable people.

But cadets must learn these ideals. They must live these ideals. They must exemplify these ideals. For them to turn their backs on honor or to engage in a conspiracy to sacrifice truth and integrity in the phony name of misplaced anddisordered loyalty would warrant and justify the comments such as those made by Cohen that honor codes are “questionable”; that the profession of arms “routinely covers up wrongdoing”; and rhat, when confronted by evil, it is “sad” but nonethelessadvisable “to seek recourse in ignoranee”—to run away. When cadets misplace their loyalties, they tell Cohen that his assessment is right. And that is really sad. H

Scholarship Winners

STEVEN D. GILDAY (Mr. David C. Gilday, 79)

Steve Gilday graduated from Lakota High School in West Chester, Ohio with a 4.0 GPA. His composite score on the ACT was 34, and his SAT scores were verbal 680 and math 800. As captain of the Junior Engineering Technical Society, his team placed seventh in national competition. He served as a four-year varsity starter and captain of his soccer team that went undefeated during the regular season for the first time in school history. He was also a member of the Ohio South State Olympic Development Soccer Program. His leadership extends to the community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen and participating in church activities andthe J. Kyle Braid Leadership Organization, which develops team building skills. Gilday hopes to pursue further education in biomedical engineering. Gilday was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

AIMEE C. SISSON (Lt. Col. (Ret.) Timothy C. Sisson, 73)

Aimee Sisson graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2002 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Her cumulative GPA at graduation was a 4.0. Her instructors at UCLA Medical School recognize her as a natural leader among her class; she is completing her first year of the program. Sisson volunteers with the Food Bank and with Habitat for Humanity and as a caregiver at free clinics throughout Los Angeles. Shehas spent her summers providing health care in rural communities in South Dakota and Maine, and she plans to practice primary care in an underserved community. Sisson received a $1200 scholarship.

AMYM. GRONSETH (Lt. Col. (Ret.) Phillip W. Gronseth, 75)

Amy Gronseth graduated as valedictorian from Colorado Springs Christian School in 2000. She attended Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., for two years and is completing her junior year at the University of Northern Colorado. She performs as a dancer, singer and pianist in many school and church activities, and she leads Bible study groups with her peers. Amy’s experiences on youth group missions to Jamaica and inner city Chicago neighborhoods helped form the basis of her life goal to help people by becoming a nurse. Gronseth received a $1000 scholarship.

L to R: David Gilday, 79, Steven Gilday and Lt. Col. James Ratti, ’82

Dr. Stan Rosen, ’69, and Amee Sisson

L to R: Jim Shaw, ’67, Amy Gronseth and Lani Wing

L to R: Jim Shaw, ’67, ElizabethHarmon and Lani Wing

ELIZABETH A. HARMON (Mr. David M. Harmon, 73)

Elizabeth Harmon graduated from Air Academy High School this year with a 4.0 GPA and SAT scores ofverbal 750 and math 730. She competed in cross-country and forensics and played the violin in the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony. She has been active in many other extracurricular and community activities to including choir, church youth group. Harmon also volunteered as a living history interpreter at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, and instructed elementary students on strings instruments. Harmon received a $1000 scholarship.

STEVEN S. NIELSON (Maj. Gen. Paul D. Nielsen, 72)

Steven Nielson is ranked first in his class of 297 students at Carroll High School in Dayton, Ohio. He scored 1450 on the SAT and plans to enter an engineering program in college with a focus on electrical and computer engineering. He is an active member and leader in numerous organizations to include broadcasting, French, Ecology and HI-Y Service clubs. Nielson was an Eagle Scout, and competed on the cross-country, track and field, and swim teams. Last summer, he worked at the AF Research Lab with the Wright Scholar Internship Program where he was able to contribute to projects in the Turbine Engine Fatigue Facility. Nielson was presented a $1000 scholarship.

AMY E. OLIN (Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gary S. Olin, ’64)

Amy Olin is completing her third year at UCIA School of Medicine. She is an active student representative on the UCLA Medical Evaluation Committee, which evaluates school curriculum and addresses ways to improve it. She competed in the Death Valley Borax Marathon last December and is training to qualify for the Boston Marathon. During the previous year, she volunteered at the Venice Teen Clinic to educate teens on health issues such as birth control, exercise, nutrition, depression and substance abuse. Because ofthis experience, Olin is considering focusing on the specialty ofadolescent medicine. Olin was the recipient of a $1000 scholarship.

ANDREW R. REAY (Col. Roderick D. Reay, 75)

Andrew Reay graduated among the top ofhis class at Sandia High School in Albuquerque, N.M. He scored 35 on the ACT and has been a longtime, committed member of school and church bands, playing the guitar, bass guitar, drums and mandolin; he was the recognized as guitarist in the New Mexico All-State Jazz Band. Reay also performed as the “Sandia Matador” school mascot his senior year. He competed as a wrestler and as a cross-country runner and spent a summer working with the Sandia National Laboratories Internship Program where he supported researchers in statistics and information theory. He intends to pursue an engineering degree. Reay received a $ 1000 scholarship.

ALEXANDER S. DALY (Mr. Mark S. Daly, 77)

Alexander Daly is ranked number one in his class of 576 students at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas, and has a 4.0 GPA. He scored 760 in theverbal 800 in the math sections of the SAT. His high school counselor characterized him as “a

Lto R: Maj. Gen. Paul Nielsen, Steven Nielsen and Lt. Col. James Ratti, ’82

Dr. Stan Rosen, ’69, and Amy Olin

Lt. Col. Gary Nordyke, ’68 and Andrew Reay

L to R: Lt. Col. “Buddy” Lott Jr., Alexander Daly, Mark Daly, 77, and Mrs Elizabeth Daly

For more information about the AOGs Graduate Dependent Scholarship orfor an application visit theAOG online at www.aog~usafa.org. Application deadline: March 1} 2004.

‘master’ at combining both the academic and extracurricular parts of his life.” He was president ofNational Honor Society, vice-president ofthespian society, vicepresident of peer mediation, and captain of academic quiz league. Each week, asa Spanish National Honor Society member, Daly tutors students who speak English as their second language. He held major roles in seven theatre productions and won “Best Actor Award” at One-Act Play Zone Competition. In college, he plans to major in an area closely related to International Business. Daly was awarded a $600 scholarship.

CAMERON E. MCALLISTER (Col. (Ret.) Bradford J. McAllister, 75

Cameron McAllister graduated from Niceville Senior High School in Niceville, Fla., and is the top student in a highly competitive academic environment. She scored 1430 on the SAT and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She led the JV and varsity cheerleading teams as captain. McAllister’s is a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, Fellowship ofChristian Athletes and participates with the St. Jude’s Episcopal Church youth group. She also is an accomplished pianist who achieved a superior rating from the National Federation ofMusic Clubs for three consecutive years. She represented her high school at Girls State, and was selected to represent the state of Florida at Girls Nation. McAllister plans to major in psychology. She received a $600 scholarship.

KELSEY A. WATT (Lt. Col. (Ret.) Vance L. Watt, 73)

Kelsey Watt graduated from Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, Minn.: she ranked first in her class. Watt was captain of both the soccer and track teams, and played hockey and basketball. She was a member ofthe student council and served as an outreach officer of the National Honor Society. She regularly volunteers at the Children’s Hospital, Habitatfor Humanity, and numerous church programs. She looks forward to studying biology at Rice University, which she anticipates will lead her into the medical field. Watt was presented a $600 scholarship.

BENJAMIN T. SCHLABS (Col. Michael W. Schlabs, 73)

Benjamin Schlabs completed the thirteenth grade at the Deutsche Schule in Washington, D.C. He began school in Germany, and when his father was stationed at the Pentagon, he discovered he could continue his education in the German school system, which he says provides greater options for furthering his education. Schlabs is completing the Abitur (German Baccalaureate) in physics and mathematics and will continue his education studying engineering at an American university. He was both class and school president and captain of soccer and volleyball teams. Schlabs also played basketball, instructed ballroom dancing, and performed in three school musicals. He served as editor-in-chief for the yearbook staff, as well as for the video yearbook, which he founded. Through his volunteer work, he has fed and supported the homeless. Schlabs received a $500 scholarship.

Col. Robert Blake, ’59, and Cameron McAllister

Kelsey Watt and John Moore, 78

Lto R: Col. (Ret.) MarkTorreano, ’68, Benjamin Schlabs and Michael Schlabs, 73.

The Academy’s class exemplar program began with the class of 2000’s intentions ofassociating every class thereafter with a historical figure to guide them through their Academy experience and as officers. The class of 2006 recently chose General Carl A. "Tooey” Spaatz as their class exemplar. Gen. Spaatz was officially dedicated on October 17, 2003, at the exemplar dinner.

Gen. Spaatz was chosen because of the actions he took in his life and the qualities that he exhibited throughout his career. The Class of 2006 will strive to exemplify three of the General’s admirable attributes: boldness, leadership and vision.

Gen. Spaatz always demonstrated boldness. This quality is most characterized by his exploits on the flight of the Question Mark. The Question Mark was Gen. Spaatz’s idea to prove the potential oflong range bombers, in which he took an airplane up and through primitive in air-refueling techniques. He was able to keep the German Fokker aircraft in the sky for more than 150 hours in 1929. During one of the refuelings, Gen. Spaatz got soaked in fuel and had to be stripped ofall his clothes and covered in a solution so that he would not be burned by the corrosive fuel. He instructed his crew that ifhe had to bailout to receive medical attention, they were to continue with the mission.

Leadership is an attribute that immediately comes to mind with the mention of Gen. Spaatz. He was the commander of all American Air Forces in the European, African and Pacific theatres during different times in World War II. He was responsible for committing the United States to precision daylight bombing and to backing Gen. Doolittle in his policy ofhunting the Luftwaffe with escort fighters. Both helped change the tide of the war in Europe. In Japan, he coordinated the air effort that eventually forced Japan to surrender, including the ordering of the two atomic bombings.

Gen. Spaatz was a pioneer and a visionary. He saw the need for a separate Air Force and constantly worked toward that goal. Fortunately, he was given the chance to be the Air Force’s first chief of staff, and in doing so was able to set in place his long held ideas and vision for the Air Force as a separate service.

Gen. Spaatz is an excellent exemplar for the Class of 2006 because of his extraordinary nature of his boldness, leadership and vision. By accepting him as our class exemplar, we dedicate ourselves to trying to live up to his legacy each and every day. B

THE CLASS OF

General Carl -A. Spaatz

ar

a place of studies, memories

One ofthe most imposing and perhaps unsung buildings on the terrazzo is the McDermott Library.

For decades, this venerable building has been both a place of solitude and learning for cadets.

“The library offers everything,” said C4C Steve Papp. “I can get away fromdorm life and the loudness. It is the best place to study.”

“You’re treated like a normal person around here,” said C4C Peter Foster, echoing the sentiments of other cadets.

The library, which was recognized in the 2003 Princeton Review’s rankings as the top academic library in the nation, now bears the name of a leader who set many of the Academy’s high academic standards, Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott.

The legacy ofmilitary academic excellence left by Brig. Gen. McDermott was given immortal remembrance, when the cadet library was christened with his name last year.

McDermott Library is the only library that has librarians on duty at the reference desk during all operating hours.

The library also provides cadets with access to computers in the multimedia lab operated by the Center for Educational Excellence, which is not an organizational part of the library.

“I come to the library computer lab because the printers are reliable, there are three to choose from, the study environment is easy access, and I can get help when I need it,” said C1C Danny Sisouvong.

Dedication to cadet success and to making the Academy the premiere developer of aerospace leaders is what drives the staff, said Dr. Edward Scott, the director of academy libraries.

Scott arrived at the Academy in June 1995 for what he said has been an enjoyable and professionally rewarding experience.

He has worked in libraries since 1966 in Florida, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Florence, Italy.

“If I’m not making their [cadets’] job easier, then I’m not doing my job,” said Scott, who spent most of his professional life in South Carolina, where he earned his Ph.D. in curriculum design. “The mission of the library is to serve as the archive of the Academy and to collect primary source materials dealing with flight and military airpower.”

Scott says the library staff’s service to cadets and the electronic access to over 15,000 online journals distinguish the McDermott Library from libraries throughout the nation.

The Friends of McDermott Library plays an integral role in providing cadets and faculty with top-notch information and technology. The organization was established in 1987 and has raised several million dollars in donations and gifts.

As the official archives for the Academy, McDermott Library contains more than four million document pages ofAcademy archives in the Clark Special Collections Branch located on the sixthfloor.

Aside from the archives, the Clark Special Collections Branch also includes the Stalag Luft 3, German POW’s collection, the Southeast Asia POW’s collection, and the priceless airpower collection.

One of the newest additions includes a one-fourth sized model of the Wright Flier, commemorating the centennial of flight.

The Col. Richard Gimbel collection, primarily focused on prepowered flight, truly makes this library famous.

“It is the most significant aviation history collection in the United States,” says Scott. The collection was bequeathed to the library in 1971.

FALL 2003

The early works of the Gimbel collection date back to the 15th century said Duane Reed, archivist and chief of the special collections branch.

The two main purposes of the special collections are for cadet research and for use by airpower historians.

Ironically, cadets are encouraged to use the materials in the special collections in order to get primary source research, where most other libraries around the country with special collections only allow graduate and doctorate students to utilize their materials.

“We work to create an atmosphere where other people working in the library can be successful,” Scott said.

The library also houses more than 600,000 volumes on its shelves, with more than 400,000 titles. aH

T.P. Gohagan and Co.

MandarinChina (April 26-May 12, 2004) An amazing nineteen-day journey into the heart ofChina, featuring a five-day Yangtze 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 of Heaven, Terra Cotta Warriors and all the relics and treasures of China’s rich History. The dam is completed and opened in June 2003. This is the last chance to see China before its face is changed forever ($5195.00 including air from West Coast gateway, 19 days). T.P. Gohagan & Co.

Alumni College in Ireland (Kilkenny) (May 11-19, 2004) This newest Irish ACA destination by popular request include visits to Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford (including the factory), Cashel Rock, Cahir Castle, Jerpoint Abbey and Dublin and more. See the famous Book of Kells and trace your Irish heritage ($1795 plus air). Alumni Holidays

D-Day Remembered: The Liberation of Europe 60 Years Later (May 20-30, 2004) Two nights in London and seven nights aboard the M.V.Andrea retracing the march to D-Day with visits to Portsmouth, Dartmouth, Isle ofJersey, ST. Malo and Normandy’s beaches. Special tours ofhistoric sites and a lecture by Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill (from $3895 plus air). T.P. Gohagan and Co.

Germany’s Legendary Holiday Markets (December 4-12, 2004) Explore the great towns and villages along the Main river and see the wonderful Christmas markets each town creates. See old world Christmas traditions and experience the warm hospitality of Germany without the huge crowds of summer. Cruise aboardthe MS Swiss Pearl-unpack only once and shop till you drop (from $1895 plus air). Alumni Holidays ***Please note prices and dates are tentative. Contact Joint Academy Travel for finalinformation.

f!

I adets Spend a Month on a I ISummer Language Immersion Trip

When people usually hear about college-age students spending time in Mexico, they typically assume it’s about spring break or vacation activities. Leave it to Air Force cadets to do things differently. After applying and being accepted, six Air Force Academy cadets; First-Class Cadets John Bone, Stacie Hartert, Jonathan Keyser, Christine Knorring, Nathan Ruiz, and Chris York; and 5 ROTC cadets from various schools throughout the country; Rebecca Franki, Eric Flippin, Paul Hardy, Brandon Hawkins, and Lindon Steadman; were accompanied by Capt. Eric Frith in a Spanish Immersion Program. Living in Cuernavaca, Mexico, for a month, the students were presented with many opportunities to improve their Spanish, learn about the country’s history, and realize a greater appreciation for culture.

The students lived with host families in pairs or groups of threes. The host family experience allowed the students to experience family life first-hand and converse in Spanish with the assistance of native speakers in non-academic settings.

During the week day, the students attended classes at Cemanahuac Educational Community. Classes lasted four hours each day. Optional activities took place in theafternoons. The group attended many salsa dancing lessons and current-events lectures.

Other chances to experience the culture were available on planned outings. One night the students attended a Mexican cooking class. They also spent

BY C1C STACIE HARTERT

time in Mexico City, visiting its fine arts museum, central area and historic cathedral. The students also witnessed a parade at the Mexican military academy, Honrado Colegio Militar, and took a guided tour of the state police academy. The students said that one oftheir particularly rewarding experiences was visiting Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, a local orphanage, and getting to spend time playing with the young children and giving them candy.

Many ofthe outings included visits to the ancient ruins ofthe Aztecs and other pre-Columbian peoples. El Templo Mayor, Xochicalco, Tepoztlan, and Teotihuacan are some ofthe historical locations they saw. Teotihuacan is famous as the capital ofClassical Mexico and home ofthe temples ofthe sun and the moon. The students enjoyed climbing to the top ofboth pyramids. The group also climbed a jungle mountain to visit the ruins ofTepoztlan.

According to the students, the trip provided an awesome opportunity for cultural exchange. Not only was there a Mexican-American exchange as the students spent time with their host families, talked with teachers, ordered at restaurants, joked with taxi drivers, danced in salsa clubs, and bartered with street vendors, but also an intra-Air Force exchange between Academy and ROTC cadets occurred. Lasting bonds and friendships have been made, andthe memories will remain as everyone journeys further into the blue upon commissioning. H

FEDERAL RECEIVES PRESTIGXOU: HEALTHCARE AWARD

By Dan Gaines, Academy Spirit

Photo by Ken Wright

Col. Kent Murphy, ’80, a pioneer in information therapy, has been recognized by U.S. Medicine as this year’s recipient of the Frank Brown Berry Award for excellence in Federal Healthcare.

Col. Murphy, founder ofthe Academy’s Center ofExcellence of Medical Multimedia (CEMM), was chosen as the winner of the prestigious award for his contributions to medicine.

His influence is far reaching in the military medical world, with the most significant impacts branching from his work with CEMM, which is located at the Academy.

The concept behind CEMM stems from Murphy’s beliefs that a patient must be the most important member of a healthcare team and that information technology can empower patients by educating them on medical techniques.

“I felt that there was a lot of great information out there for doctors,” said Murphy. “The most underserved individuals are those that are sick, however. I felt that medicine needed to take from the technology ofthe entertainment industry to help remedy that.”

CEMM uses high-tech cinemagraphic technology to create multimedia programs. The programs cover an array of medical topics including pregnancy, diabetes, early detection ofcolon cancer, suicide prevention and outpatient surgical procedures.

“We try to take complex medical topics and simplify them for patients. CEMM uses a lot ofanimation to make the topics interesting. We utilize a lot oftechnologies found in movies likeJurassic Park and Toy Story to show people about their bodies,” Murphy said.

In 1997, Murphy received a grant from the Air Force Surgeon General to initiate the program. While maintaining a surgical practice in otolaryngology, Murphy founded CEMM in 1998. It has since grown exponentially.

The program has surpassed the $7 million funding plateau, and it now partners with more than 150 medical experts and contractors.

“Initially it was a struggle fighting for space at Fairchild Hall and hiring the staff. Debbie Porter was real instrumental in the start. Over time, we worked with more doctors, Web developers and multimedia developers,” Murphy said.

CEMM quickly gained recognition as a premiere developer of health education. In 1992, CEMM was honored with 30 national awards for its efforts in revolutionizing healthcare with its innovative medical programs.

“I feel very honored to receive the Berry Award. When I look at the caliber of past winners, it is a privilege to be named with those individuals,” said Murphy, who at 45 is the youngest person to win the award and the Air Force’s first representative.

“We’ve grown together with the graphics and multimedia experts at Fairchild over time. The quality of their work is outstanding, and it is exciting to see them work with cadets. The Academy is the big winner. It is making a big impact all over the base,” said Murphy.

In late August, Murphy and his family flew to Washington, D.C., to attend a dinner in his honor at the Army-Navy Club. For more information on CEMM, visit www.cemm.org. H

by Don Hall,

The Secret Life of ^IflO f. \jlumbsquat

“Ah, I love thesmell of Call to Quarters in the evening. It smells like homework.”

CMC Waldo F. Dumbsquat sat at his colorful metal desk. The uncomfortable chair kept him from sleeping, despite the Econ book open in front ofhim. His roommates, Warren Heels and “Regs” Buch, also enjoyed the sanctuary ofthe evening academichours. For a short time each night the freshmen could avoid exposure to upper-class training. The Dean’s force field surroundedthem.

Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door and in stormed the element sergeant. The doolies jumped to attention and generated many chins.

“You smacks want to buy spirit buttons, don’t you?”

A parade ofvisitors continued through the evening.

Knock, knock.

“The squadron needs donations for the new foosball table.”

Knock, knock.

“Combined Federal Campaign. Give your fair share. We haven’t made our goal.”

Knock, knock.

“Need 3 more sandwich orders to get a delivery.

Knock, knock.

“Get those shoes shined!”

Knock, knock.

“Trunkroom is open ifyou need to get in.”

Knock, knock.

“Taking up a collection for the AOC’s going away gift.”

Knock, knock.

“Taking orders for squadron mugs.”

Knock, knock.

“You doolies better have Wing Staff memorized by tomorrow!

Knock, knock.

“Military order of merit forms are due by Tattoo.”

Knock, knock.

“Did you guys serve any WACQs this weekend?”

Knock, knock.

“The CAS clerk needs a count for breakfast.”

During a lull in the action, Warren looked at the smoke rising from his checkbook.

“I don’t think I can afford to go home for Christmas now!”

Regs held his wallet upside down to indicate it as empty. “No mas.”

Waldo acknowledged the situation with a frown. He had hoped to buy batteries and cotton balls at the Cadet Store in the morning. Stepping into the alcove, Waldo whispered the magic words “3.2 beer” and transformed into Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man who had a Roth IRA. He strode with massive strides to the CQ desk. The thirdclassman sprang to attention. The squadron keys jingled wildly on his belt.

“Mister, advise all upperclassmen to balance their magic money accounts by Taps,” boomed the colonel. “Carry on.”

“Yes, Sir!”

As the CQ hurried down the hallway, the officer mutated back to his puny doolie form. He returned to his room and chortled. No one understood magic money... least of all firsties. They would spend the rest of the evening on the project. The silence was broken by a sound that chilled Waldo’s blood.

Knock, knock.

“Time to sign up for your AOG lifetime membership!”

Waldo sighed.

Old Prep School Yearbooks Needed

The USAFA Preparatory School needs yearbooks (Malamutes) from the years 1962, 1963, 1965, and 1972 to complete the school’s archives. If you’re interested in helping, please call the Prep School at(719) 333-2581.

Engineering 101

Hands-on class provides motivation to consider engineering career

Arecent addition to the Academy academic core gives students a systems-level approach to engineering. Engineering 100 exposes freshmen cadets to all of the engineering disciplines offered at the Academy by introducing them to the phases of designing and building a fully operational boost glide vehicle.

A boost glide vehicle is a mix between a model rocket and a balsa wood glider. In the first stage offlight, the vehicle will be shot into the sky much like a model rocket. A student pilot will then take control of thevehicle via remote control and steer the vehicle back to the ground to a target area in controlled flight, much like a glider.

“Our goal is to show the excitement associated with engineering to freshmen,” said Col. Cary Fisher, engineering division chair and head of the engineering mechanics department. “The purpose of the class is to show that engineering is putting all kinds ofengineering together to make something work. We call this systems.”

Students will utilize all five Academy engineering disciplines: aeronautical, astronautical, mechanical, electrical and civil.

“We want to use this as the integrating theme for core engineering courses,” Fisher said. “We want them to gain an appreciation for engineering.”

The course is managed and taught entirely via the computer and USAFA net.

Each lesson is a learning lab, or demonstration wherethe cadets employ concepts they have learned from the online reading and quizzes prior to attending class.

“All lessons are multimedia, hands-on demos,” said Lt. Col. William Waugamun, ’85, Engineering 100 course director. “The cadets like it that they get to do engineering instead of reading about it. Our goal is to motivate cadets to explore engineering as

a major. Were trying to motivate them to science and engineering by exposing them to a taste of every engineering discipline.”

The course is designed to use “just-in-time learning.”

Cadets learn about flight ballistics and propulsion just in time to build a Viking model rocket to test their predictions.

They learn about aerodynamics and flight stability to build a glider and about stress, materials and electrical systems to finally construct an operational boost glide vehicle. They even learn about concrete structures to build the launch platform.

“I’d hope that they would learn how an engineer thinks when confronted with a problem, that they would learn to work as a team to solve those problems, and to expose them to real Air Force issues,” said Waugamun.

Engineering 100 is in its third semester at the Academy. S

Story by 2nd Lt. Paul Goossen, Academy Spirit

Photo by Ken Wright

arrior eekend

By 2nd Lt. Valerie Telles, Academy Spirit

Joel Strayer

CADET GROUP TWO and its 1,000 cadets trekked back to Jacks Valley Sept. 27 to test their warrior skills in several events during the Academy’s Warrior Weekend.

Nine squadrons split into smaller groups for a rigorous morning of events.

Events included an obstacle course, a teamwork-building leadership reaction course and a combat simulation using blank ammunition and laser targeting gear, and pugil stick competition.

“The purpose of the events was to promote pride in the Group and the squadrons, distinguish Second Group, and develop element unity,” said Lt. Col. James Hammes, Cadet Group Two commander.

“In addition to these ideals, Second Group wishes to ensure unit readiness in military training.

“There were some minor safety precautions that were enhanced from last year’s event: The addition of comics relief to the entertainment portion, development of formalized lessons learned and a continuity book for planning the event in the future,” Hammes said.

The Warrior Weekend provided an opportunity to develop teamwork, unit cohesion and esprit de corps, which will all aid in developing the skills necessary to be an Air Force officer, Hammes said.

“Teamwork in these events was maximized. The planners of the event also gained valuable experience due to the logistics that it takes to make this event successful.

‘An Air Force officer has to be flexible in today’s world ofair and space power projection,” he said. “This event honed the skills for the planners in this area while for the participants it gave cadets situational and emergent leadership opportunities.” B

/wing dob

Cadets Reach Back to Yesteryear

BY TAMARA WRIGHT, ACADEMYSPIRIT

Cadets practice their swing dance moves in Arnold Hall.

SWING DANCE and its music are alive and well at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The unofficial cadet swing club, which started a couple of years ago, hosted a swing dance Oct. 10 in the Arnold Hall ballroom.

The members ofthe club love everything from the Andrews Sisters’ vintage “Bugle Boy” to “In the Mood” and “Zoot Suit Riot.”

“We are currently working on becoming an official club, mainly so that we can have funding to bring in live bands for hosting dances for the Cadet Wing,” said C3C Morgan Gabse, swing club cadet in charge."

The club’s membership is open to all cadets. The club has an e-mail distribution list for announcing meeting times and places and other information.

“We meet once a week, for roughly two hours,” said die 20year-old cadet. “Whoever has the time and energy to dance comes to the ballroom. Those who have a test the next day or too much homework don’t come ifthey don’t wish to, with no worries.”

Gabse’s enthusiasm for swing dancing runs in the family. His sister was also president of a college’s swing club.

“She would come home on breaks and teach me a bit here and there. I took a few' months of lessons as a senior in high school, and then got started with the club when 1 came here,” said the swing club'scadet in charge. “I have always loved the skill of dancing, and swing especially relaxes me.” Si

Photo by

TG 14s Returnto Wild Blue Yonder

New procedures make glider operations safer

By 2nd Lt. Paul Goossen, Academy Spirit Photo by Ken Wright

A Motor Gliders are flying again at the X X Academy Air Field. The 34th Operations Group began the first instructional training sorties in the motor gliders August 27.

After being grounded May 16, the gliders have gone through a series of tests. The gliders were grounded due to concerns that they were not tested at elevation above 5,000 feet. The Academy’s airfield is at an elevation of6,500 feet.

The tests were conducted in two phases by a test squadron augmented by members ofthe Aeronautical Engineering department, who are graduates of test pilot school. The tests were executed via an Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center test plan.

The first phase tested the aircraft’s take-off and landing capabilities. The secondtested the aircraft’s abilities in high crosswinds.

As a result of the first phase, the take-off and landing crosswind limitations have been restricted to 10 knots.

The second phase of tests will explore the possibility to push that limitation up to 15 knots. These tests are ongoing and will further analyze the aircraft’s performance.

It will take at least three to four months for the motor glider squadron to resume full operations, according to 34th Operations Group officials. Instructor pilots need time to regain current status and retrain into the aircraft.

Motor Glider Facts

The TG-14 is a two-seat motor glider used for introductory glider training and cross country soaring training.

A- The glider was produced by Group Aeromot, Brazil and delivered in July 2002.

■f" Current aircraft inventory is 14 aircraft with no current plans to purchase more planes.

’T The dimensions include a wing span of 57 ft. 4 in., and a length of 26 ft.5 in. The aircraft weighs 1,874 lbs.

by 2nd Lt. Rob Arnett, Academy Spirit

Barriers between thoughts and feelings were broken down during a special Academy Cadet Commanders’ Leadership Seminar Sept. 19-20.

Cadet leaders participated in a professionally organized leadership seminar intended to provide them with theskills and education necessary to become effective leaders.

The seminar, a two-day offsite program at the Red Lion Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., was designed and conducted by the department ofbehavioral sciences and leadership in conjunction with the 34th Training Wing.

CLES is only available to first-class cadets who hold a squadron, group, or wing-level command position, and a few select intercollegiate team captains.

It has gained a reputation for being high-powered.

The program is aimed at motivating cadets to embrace the challenges and responsibilities ofleadership by equipping them with skills in personal, interpersonal, and team leadership levels.

“Failure is a part of success, it is often the first part ofsuccess,” Dr. Steve Samuels, told cadets as part ofhis self-efficacy presentation. “You build self-efficacy by undertaking challenging, yet realistic tasks.”

Lt. Col. Ralph Hartman’s presentation was a highlight of the session. He talked about the importance of communication for building strong interpersonal relationships.

teader^P

Hartman focused on stressing the importance of non-verbal communication with an amusing hands-on scenario where cadets unexpectedly succeeded in communicating a story using only gestures, facial expressions and body language.

“All success is the function of the right relationships,” said Hartman. “Your culture runs the Wing. What you say anddo others will say and do. When you have great people, great things will happen.”

“Your leadership abilities will some day determine whether someone will live or die,” said Brig. Gen. John Weida, Academy Commandant. “The world

that you will find yourselves in is a world that threatens our way oflife more than the Soviets ever did.”

The seminar was well received by many participants.

“CLES was a great opportunity because it allowed commanders to see and reflect upon how their superiors, peers and subordinates view them and their leadership styles, as well their effectiveness,” said baseball team captain, C1C Ryan Fitzgerald, of Ft. Worth, Texas. “The seminar showed me where I was weak or strong in terms ofleadership, so now I know what areas I need to improve upon.”

“I think it is just a good time for the cadet leadership to bounce some ideas off ofeach other,” said C1C Matt McCants, cadet squadron 22 commander. “It is hard to get us all in one room at the same time, so it is certainly something we want to continue to do.” S

Behind the seeming glamour ofAcademy cheerleaders is a lot of sweat and practice.

Out of the sight of cheering crowds, the Academy varsity cheerleaders put in up to 15 hours a week perfecting those smooth moves at home and away football games.

“The side ofcheerleading that most people never see is definitely the work ethic,” said C1C Blake Roeder, a humanities major from Chesapeake, Va.

“We work on drills for two hours a day and then lift weights or do additional work-outs after that,” said the co-captain of the cheerleading squad.

An interest in wrestling helped prompt Roeder to apply to the Academy, but academicdemandshad him turn to cheerleading.

“It’s an extremely challenging and dynamic leadership experience. We have a coed team, so it is difficult to find ways to motivate both men and women,” Roeder said.

Like other intercollegiate athletes, cheerleaders sacrifice many hours every day to participate in their activities.

“Study time is hard because we have to work out outside practice time, and our season is year long,” said C1C Candice Dawson, 21, from Carlsbad, N.M.

Dawson, also a cheerleading team co-captain, was drawn to the Academy to play tennis, but then sought a different activity.

“It definitely develops confidence doing difficult partner stunts and pyramids,” said Dawson. “I get a rush doing baskets and flying through the air.”

Academy cheerleaders are diverse.

Ashley Dobbins, 20, was a varsity cheerleader at Navarre High School in Florida forfour years. The math major thought that Academy cheerleading would be a means to be active and support the Falcons.

The downside, Dobbins thinks, is the time spent in practice and on theroad.

“It’s pretty physically and emotionally draining, especially when we have to give up vacation time,” she said.

But Falcon cheerleaders still view it as a rewarding experience.

“The biggest payback is the friends I have on the team and spending time in practice and on trips with my best friends,” Dobbins said.

“One of my biggest influences on the team is our civilian head coach, Tony Lang,” said Dawson. “He knows a lot about cheering. He knows us as individuals and a lot about choreography.”

The Academy’s Varsity Cheer Squad practices all year long to support the Falcons. Their number-one goal in the spring will be to compete at the National Cheerleading Competition in Daytona Beach, Fla., during spring break. RS

by 2nd Lt. Paul Goossen, Academy Spirit Photo by Danny Meyer

LANDS ON THE TODAY

Story by Tamara Wright Academy Spirit

C2CKrysta Peltzer represented the Academy nation-wide for one minute and 47 seconds on NBC-TV’s Today Show on Aug. 8.

The 20 year-old cadet, along with Falcon mascot Echo, traveled to the Big Apple to participate in the Air Force’s Centennial of Flight celebrations.

“I was nervous and excited at the same time. I felt somewhat intimidated that I was going to be on national television and kept wondering how I was lucky enough to be able to do this,” Peltzer said after returning from her New York trip.

Secretary ofthe Air Force James Roche and ChiefofStaffGen. John Jumper were also featured in the Today Show appearance.

Peltzer discussed the history ofthe falconry program, her background, Air Force Academy experiences and goals during the visit.

“I talked to a lot of people mostly about Echo and met a bunch ofcool pilots and

AFA grads,” Peltzer said. “I actually wasn’t very nervous at alland felt confident answering all of the questions.”

The cadet from Visalia, Calif., said she was surprised that people didn’t know much about the Academy.

Cadet falconers and their feathered friends perform at most Academy NCAA football games and make many public appearances around the nation each year. The Academy is one of two NCAA Division I schools with performing mascots.

Some people, Peltzer said, even questioned whether or not Echo was real. Echo is one of 11 Academy falcons.

“A lot of times you have to explain what you do in detail in order for some people to understand,” Peltzer said.

Peltzer, a foreign areas studies major, had her family and friends all watching from Visalia.

“They absolutely loved it and were so proud of me. After they all saw it they all called me and congratulated me for being on national television,” Peltzer said.

Experts once claimed that falcons could not be trained to perform before large audiences, but birds like Echo have flown before more than 50,000 spectators at intercollegiate football games.

“He was so good. The whole way over and back he pretty much just slept. He didn’t cause any trouble and everyone on the flights enjoyed his company,” said Peltzer.

Photo by Ken Wright

Members of the newly rededicated Air Force Academy Band march in front ofthe cadet chapel following a ceremony Sep 30.

Air ForceBand Rejoins the Academy

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs

Photo by Ken Wright

The United States Air Force Band of the Rockies was renamed The United States Air Force Academy Band, in a transfer of ceremony Sept. 30 on the Terrazzo.

Gen. Lance Lord, commander ofAir Force Space Command, transferred command ofthe band to Lt. Gen. John Rosa, Academy Superintendent, at the ceremony.

The band continues its primary mission of “troop support” while refocusing its national touring mission to support the recruiting and community relations needs of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

This move realigns the Band ofthe Rockies under the Air Force Academy following its previous realignment under Air Force Space Command July 1, 1993. Prior to that date, the band was assigned to the Academy and called The USAF Academy Band. The band’s headquarters will remain at Peterson AFB, Colo.

While the band has a new name, it retains the distinction as the only Department of Defense musical organization not located on the East coast to carry a “premier” designation, a status reserved for only eight other Department of Defense bands.

Air Force officials believe the move brings the Air Force into alignment with the other services since the Air Force Academy has been the only service academy without an active-duty band since its move under Air Force Space Command in 1993.

The band’s charter remains “To inspire and develop young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, characterand discipline; motivated to lead the world’s greatest aerospace force in service to the nation.” S

Regional directors guide Academy liaison officers

By Butch Wehry Academy Spirit

New regional directors are guiding nationwide and worldwide efforts ofalmost 2,000 part-time Academy Liaison Officers.

Since late June, Lt. Col. Gregory Myers, 41, Tucson, Ariz., has been working with more than 400 ALOs in region 3.

Region 3 covers Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Canada.

“My immediate goals are to improve the communications flow between the Academy and the ALOs,” said the C-130 navigator and 18-year Air Force member. Myers also hopes to expand the use of the ALO web site and related technology to improve efficiency and lighten the workload in the field.

This summer brought Lt. Col. Judson Jusell, a 39-yearold space operations officer, from instructor duties with the Academy’s 34th Education Squadron, to take over the helm of region 4 covering Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Like Myers, Jusell, a 1983 Academy graduate from Collegeville, Pa., is looking for ways to maximize Admissions’ new ALO web site and he wants to get to know everyone. Communications and information officer, Lt. Col. Jerry Harrington, 47, from Massena, N.Y., arrived from Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB last month to direct activities in the Admissions Directorate’s sprawling region 1.

The 18-year Air Force veteran works with 400 ALOs in Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia as well as liaison officers in Europe, Africa andthe Middle East. •/

Offhe goes...to Oxford!

2nd LT. JUSTIN BRONDER, ’03, and Alberta Holaday met for the first time Sept. 20 before theFalcon football game versus Wyoming. Bart Holaday, ’63, established an endowed $800,000 scholarship at the Academy that will send one top graduate each year to Exeter College at England’s Oxford University for two years ofgraduate work. He named the scholarship in honor ofhis mother, Alberta. Bronder is the first Academy graduate to receive the scholarship. He majored in physics and excelled in academics, military training and athletics. “I really can’t put into words how much this means. It’s such a great opportunity,” he said. Bronder will study astrophysics researching the high-redshift ofsupernovae. Alberta Holaday expressed how proud she felt to have the scholarship in her name and meet Bronder. “I felt the greatest honor I ever received after having this scholarship named after me,” she said. “Oxford andthe Air Force Academy mean so much to me.”

USAFA

L-R: C1C Keith Smoly, CS-22, C1C David Nierenberg. CS-36, C2C Scott Diehl, CS-24, C2C Mason Jones, CS-09, C1C Prichard, Keely, CS-20, C1C Susan Rietze, CS-21, C2C Ben Napper, CS-24, Maj Freddie Rodriguez, DFMS, C2C Jeff Falcone, CS-33 and C1C Mike Chmielewski, CS-21.

On an 89-degree day in early September, twelve Academy cadets proved themselves to be amongst the toughest officer candidates to ever walk the terrazzo.

Eachcadet completed the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon-a 2.4mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and finally, a 26.2mile marathon-an incredible feat that required not just physical strength, but sheer will and determination.

Completing the triathlon with the cadets were former Academy vice commandant, Col. Robert Eskridge, ’77, and Maj. Freddie Rodriguez, who also serves its the officer in charge. Rodriguez is currently an assistant professor in the mathematical sciences department.

This incredible accomplishment did not come without a great deal of training and sacrifice by every member ofthe team. Each cadet committed nearly all of their free time to train and plan the logistics for the event; demonstrating great discipline and fortitude.

Before an estimated crowd of 30,000 spectators, the entire USAFA team crossed the finish line, second only to the University of Wisconsin, with 14 finishers.

Rodriguez believes the team may have also made history as ClC Susan Rietze became the first female to complete the Ironman distance while a cadet at the Academy.

With this amazing accomplishment under their belts, the team has now turned its attention toward training for the National Championship in the spring.

The following individuals completed the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon (the collegiate championship for this distance) on September 7, 2003.

ClC Prichard Keely CS-11 (CIC, 2-time Ironman Finisher)

ClC Mike Chimielewski CS-21

C2C Scott Diehl

C1C David Douglass

C2C Jeff Falcone

ClC Colt Galeria

ClC Joshua Hudson

C2C Mason Jones

C2C Ben Napper

ClC David Nierenberg

ClC Susan Rietze

ClC Keith Smoly

Col. Robert Eskridge

Maj. Freddie Rodriguez

CS-24

CS-33

CS-33

CS-05

CS-05

CS-09

CS-24

CS-36

CS-21

CS-22 (QIC, 5-time Ironman Finisher)

The team would like to hear from alumni who are involved with triarhlons and ironman competitions. Maj. Rodriguez can be contacted at Freddie.Rodricuez@usafa.af.mil.

AOG funds CD designed to help youngsters pave the road toward the Long Blue Line.

Our children are our future, and our future never looked brighter. So why not reach out to the country’s up-and-coming scholars and show them what’s possible with a lot of hard work and goal setting?

Wellthat was exactly what the Academy’s admissions office and the Association of Graduates teamed up to do by creating a new interactive mini compact disk made just for middle school students who find themselves preparing for the exciting road ahead.

To help them pave the winding road to success, and a possible career as an Air Force officer, admissions developed this CD with the intent to intrigue young minds and perhaps spark a flame that could eventually grow into a fire inside that drives them to the ultimate goal ofjoining the Long Blue Line.

“We are trying to help students at a younger age so they can increase their odds of becoming qualified for an appointment to the Academy,” said Leann Nelson, an admissions recruitment and marketing analyst at the Academy. “This is part of our nurturing program for students who are too young to apply.”

Nelson’s office will soon distribute almost 3,000 CDs to kids across the nation though mailings and Academy Liaison Officers.

According to Nelson, the AOG has provided instrumental support in offsetting the Admissions recruitment budget from Air Force Recruiting Service.

“Without funding from AOG, we would not have this tool at all,” she added.

Ifyou know a youngster whom you think could benefit from this CD, you can call admissions at (719) 333-4398. Supplies are limited, but they will do their best to accommodate all requests. fl

Story and photo by Ken Wright

Weida becomes a

almost 4,800 doughnuts for the cadets.

for a day

Story and photo by Ken Carter, Polaris Yearbook CadetAdvisor

: maybe, Academy Commandant Brig. Gen. John Weida and issia’s legendary Peter the Great share a few things in common, tn his quest to change Russia and his military forces, the old Tsar was known to occasionally adapt the duties and uniform of a common soldier.

The Academy General stirred soup and became a baker to learnthe inner workings ofhis organization.

Weida entered Mitchell Hall, the cadet dining facility, at 3:00 a.m. Sept. 22 and rolled back his sleeves to get to know the sometimes non-glamorous operation and hardworking people that feed the Cadet Wing.

Weida and ChiefMaster Sgt. Steve Hafner, the Commandant’s enlisted superintendent, weren’t shy about getting up to their elbows in doughnut batter or about stirring pots containing some 175 gallons of chicken soup.

In the wee hours before breakfast, two additional sets of helping hands were most appreciated by the Mitchell Hall staff.

The General and Chief were welcomed with open arms by the entire staff, whose leaders nearly all shared with the boss what a challenge it is daily with ongoing manning crunches.

Several senior Mitchell Hall staffers have remained there for more than three decades, clearly demonstrating love for their work.

“We do this because of our concern for the cadets...they’re our future leaders,” said one of the dozens ofemployees in aprons.

The General and the Chief got to know the accomplished people that work at Mitchell hall.

Lead baker Tommie Jones told them ofhis childhood, helping prepare meals for his family that included 17 siblings.

Jones also worked at the Broadmoor Hotel for six years as a master chef. He once impressed B.B. King so much with a cake that King has invited Jones to Las Vegas to join in the celebration when King’s 80th birthday rolls around.

Many of Mitch’s staff are retired military with substantial experience in food preparation. It shows. The place runs like a top.

Throughout his three-and-a-half-hour “visit,” the former Air Force Thunderbird pilot #4, kibitzed with staff members.

“Where are you from,” was a stock question.

“How long have you been in Colorado Springs?”

Another: “What are your biggest challenges?”

The boss clearly listened.

“This is an amazing operation,” Weida said. “To prepare this quantity of food in such a short time and maintain such good quality is awesome.”

He quickly identified Bev Donagan, Char Morris and Anita Robinson as Mitchell Hall team superstars.

“They are so fired up and passionate about putting a quality product on thetable for every meal,” the Commandant said.

Weida’s questions were a mix of inquisitive and jocular remarks.

“Who cracks all those eggs?

“Who chooses the radio station, that’s some great music!

“How many gallons ofchicken soup does that pot hold?

“It was a great workout,” Weida said.

The Commandant of Cadets recently suggested he’s “not in the business offlying a desk, but rather about being out and meeting people face-to-face—where they are,” said Stephen Tindel, 34th training wing support division director. 9

Cadets meet GENERAL PATTON’S family and jk CALFEX

By C2CEmily Riley and C2CJoseph S. Reynolds-Grant

In the midst ofsmoke, rockets and tanks, members from the Class of 2005 received a taste of the armor world of their class

Exemplar General George S. Patton Jr. The Patton Foundation invited cadets to their annual dinner and Fort Knox’s Combined Arm Five Fire Exercise, CALFEX. The Association of Graduates sponsored the cadets’ trip to Kentucky.

Cadets were given a guided tour of the Patton Museum, which houses a variety ofarmored equipment and vehicles, weapons, art and other artifacts. These displays present the development of the armor branch from the beginning of mechanization to present day. The museum also has a prototype of the Cobra helicopter on display, which was developed during the Vietnam War. A shooting demonstration of a M1A2, the Army’s main battle tank, was also put on for the cadet visitors, blowing up a target two miles away.

CALFEX is a showcase of the Army’s combined arms team, demonstrating the lethality of artillery, infantry and armor. The exercise is conducted primarily to recognize the completion of summer instruction for West Point’s third-class cadets. Following the exercise, the Air Force Academy cadets attended a dinner sponsored by the Patton Foundation.

At the foundation dinner, the cadets listened to many stories about their exemplar, Gen. Patton, and they socialized with members ofGen. Patton’s family. The experience provided a wonderful opportunity for the cadets to get a glimpse ofthe world oftheir Exemplar. The cadets hope their trip to Fort Knox will help bring the warrior spirit of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. to the Class of2005. H

POLARIS

The North Star, the guiding light, alight 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 Air Force Academy and A0G through your estate. A bequest in your will, a life insurance policy that you no longer need, a charitable remainder trust or other types of trusts 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 Academy in their estate plans. All you need to do to be recognized is to notify the AOG’s development office that you have established the gift. No documentation is required, and no specific gift amount need be specified. Donorswho do provide documentation of an irrevocable estate gift will be recognized accordingly.

The needs of the Academy increase every 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 Polarisdonor!

For more information, contact Gary Howe at (719) 472-0300 or gary.howe@usafa.af.mil

THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

Nomination Instructions

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/ortheir 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 ofthe U.S. 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, include job titles and location

- Eionors, awards and public recognition

- Community service

- Three additional references (include addresses and phone numbers)

The remaining page(s) should be a strong written justification.

Submit nomination package byApril 30, 2004

Mail to:

Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 OR

Email as a MS Word attachment to: dick.rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Questions:

Contact Col. (Ret.) Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, AOG

Vice President for External Communications

Phone: (719) 472-0300

Email: dick.rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Distinguished Graduate Award Calendar ofEvents

Sept 2003 - April 2004

Publicize award

Request nominations Deadline for nominations April 30

May-July 2004

Selection committee reviews nominations

August 2004

Selection committee recommends award recipient to Chairman of the Board and U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent

Recipient notified and agrees to accept award at the U.S. Air Force Academy

April 2005

Award presentation ceremony at U.S. Air Force Academy in conjunction with Founders’ Day

Additionalinformation may be found on the AOG Web site at www.aog-usafa.org

Falcons look for a WINNING SEASON

Coach Joe Scott talks to Checkpoints about Falcon Basketball and the upcoming season

AOG: How would you sum up last year’s season?

Coach Scott: I think we had a good season last year for year three of our rebuilding of the program. Most Division I wins in the history of the school, 12-that says a lot about the progress the program’s made. More than anything else, last year set us up for this year. We have a lot of returners. Last year was we had the best non-conference record in the history of the school and we went undefeated at home in non-conference games. Those are things that Air Force basketball has never been able to do before. And before you can say you’re going to win in the conference, you’ve got to say you’re going to win out-of-conference, you’ve got to say you’re going to be good in home non-conference games. We took those two steps, And it sets the stage this year for the third step, whichwould be the completion of making this a winning program; and that would be winning more games in the league. And I know that’s what our guys and coaching staff know the focus of the season is. That lends itself to everybody’s expectation for a winning season.

AOG: The Falcons went to Denmark and Sweden this past summer. What were the major benefits of the trip?

Coach Scott: The level of basketball isn’t the best in Sweden and Denmark, but they are pros, it was the

LL 2003

highest level in those countries, and we did go 6 and 0, so I think anytime Air Force basketball can go 6 and 0, all that does is continue to create that winning atmosphere, that winning mentality that we need to continue to develop here. And then,there is the cohesion, the camaraderie, the bonding that was evident during the trip-this is the closest team we’ve had by far. Another plus was the ability of the team to go with their friends to different countries and see different things and see the history of Denmark and see the second largest city in Sweden and be able to view it on their own, not with somebody telling them what to do, not with somebody organizing every aspect of the trip for them. I think that’s a huge developmental thing for our guys because it puts some responsibility on them to go out there and view the world and see the world in the manner that they wish to.

AOG: Are there any people you would like to thank for making this trip possible?

Coach Scott: I’d like to thank all the people that made it possible. I mean, we have our Friends ofAir Force Basketball group which raised a substantial amount of money to makethe trip possible. There’s too many to enumerate personally, but the one person individually I’d like to thank is Greg Popovich, ’70. He put a challenge out there to all the supporters ofAir Force basketball that he would match, dollar for dollar, a certain dollar value and I really think that spurred some former players, fans, alumni of the Academy, to be supportive of the program and the trip.Coach Popovich knows who our players are. And now our players know that Coach Popovich knows who they are. And anytime you get 18- and 19-year-old kids who know that an NBA head coach, who’s the coach of a world champion andthe NBA Coach-of-the-Year, knows who they are and is following them, that’s got to spur them on to try to continue to make this a winning program.

AOG: Give us a rundown of the key players on this year’s team and what to expect from them.

Coach Scott: We have our two captains, A.J.Kuhle and Joel Gerlach, who’ve played since their freshman year—almost started since their freshman year—tons of experience. Joel is a scorer who has to become more consistent in his ability to stay on the court, i.e., avoid foul trouble. And A.J., he’s always been sort of our rock-the glue to our team. He’s worked really hard, and if he performs like he did as a sophomore,that’ll really make us better. If those two guys can have good years, then I know Tim Keller’s going to have a good season. He might be our best player. He

really improved last year, he’s preseason all-league pick. Those would be our top three guys, then we have Nick Welch and Antoine Hood-both played a lot as freshmen last year. If they can be tough competitors, then I know we’re going to be a better team this year.

AOG: What newcomers do you have on the team that we should look at?

Coach Scott: This was definitely our best recruiting class. We have seven freshmen that are going to be on the varsity; but there’s five who I think can get minutes this year and three that definitely are going to get some time on the court. Dan Nwaelele led our prep school in scoring last year. He’s a very good player, he can score, and he’s probably our best passer as a freshman. Matt McCraw is a 6’2” point guard out of a very good high school program in California and he also went to our prep school. He’s a competitor, he’s a good shooter, he’s going to play. Jared Dillinger, another preppie, is a 6’4” guard, lefty, very fast, very athletic. Those three guys are going to play. Then there’s a kid right out of high school, a 6’6” freshman named Jacob Birche who’s a very good shooter.

Falcon Basketball Coach Joe Scott

He went to one of the best high schools in the country, he’s competed against good players, he’s been coachedand I’ve been very impressed with him so far in practice.

AOG: Will Air Force fans see anything different on the court this season?

Coach Scott: I think what you’ll see different is we’ll always put five guys on the court that can put the ball in the basket. All our upperclassmen are pretty good shooters, but when you get freshmen that are shooting at the same level, that’s a huge advantage, especially within our offense. So I would think that’s the main thing you’re going to see. Nick Welch is going to be able to score inside, outside. Hood, that’s what he does. Nwaelele is a very talented kid from a scoring perspective. We’re going to be a much better offensive team; and, at the same time, we’ve got to remain the kind ofdefensive team that we became last year because I thought we were a pretty good defensive team.

AOG: What do you expect from the Mountain West Conference this season?

Coach Scott: Utah and BYU are heads above everybody else in the league. I think the next six teams are dead even. This is a good year for us to have a lot of guys back-it puts us in a position where we think we’re going to have our best team. The past two years we’ve improved a lot, but the other teams in the league didn’t lose anything. And they were really good. I’m hopeful that the other teams drop a little bit and we get better. And if that is the case, that’s going to mean more Mountain West wins for us.

AOG: One of the major pillars of the Academy is athletics, and we exist to build leadership character for the nation. How do you think basketball helps build leaders ofcharacter?

Coach Scott: I think the athletic field is really the place where you build the necessary traits in order to compete on the fields that our graduates are going to go on to compete on, especially in today’s environment. You want to build the people that are going to be able to perform under pressure, in tough situations, when they have to make decisions on their own. Basketball and football are competing in one of the top seven conferences in America. In order to do that you’ve got to have special kids that care and have the requisite character to succeed here. And I would hope that that is what the Air Force Academy graduates-leaders and people with character who will be leaders in today’s world environment.

AOG: How would you answer charges that athletes receive special treatment here at the Academy?

Coach Scott: I think that those charges are the same charges that are made at Harvard, are the same charges that are made at Stanford, are the same charges that are made at Duke, Notre Dame, Northwestern. I don’t think the special treatment exists. I think our kids come down here and they’re competing and they’re practicing and they’re going through a practice every day. For three hours every day, my guys better perform every single second of those three hours. They’re under the gun. I apply pressure to them. Their teammates apply pressure to them. They have to perform. The stakes are high. No mistakes are allowed. If everyone knew that’s what was going on down here with those kids, then there wouldn’t be any problem. Come watch the amount of pressure that’s applied where our kids have to perform every single day. You have to walk away from it thinking, boy, what a valuable experience that is, and how much that experience has to be helping the overall goal of the institution. And the same goes the other way. Just because

C2CTim Keller, CS 07, 6-3 Guard

a kid’s not an athlete doesn’t mean that that kid, in his squadron, in intramurals, in whatever endeavor he’s choosing as his extracurricular activity, he’s doing the same thing there. I think all that needs to be created is a healthy respect for everybody else and what they’re doing and what their chosenendeavors are. Some kids choose to fly here. Well, the athlete should have a healthy respect for that kid’s extracurricular activity and what he’s trying to accomplish. And then I would think that the person who’s trying to fly would have the same healthy respect for the athlete. And if we could nurture that atmosphere of respect, then I don’t think there would be any chasm between athletics and the rest of the Academy.

AOG: Well said. Is there anything different, unique, special, about this team that you see versus last year andthe year before?

Coach Scott: I see a lot that’s different. I think we have all the necessary things that a winning team has. I think we’re going to be able to score. We are going to defend. We’re going to be a better rebounding team. We’re going to be harder to guard. We’re going to present more problems to other teams. We’ve already been difficult to get ready for, now we’re going to present them with even more problems.I felt when I got here that these two years coming up will be our best two years, After our Europe trip and seeing the growth of Nick Welch and Antoine Hood and looking at our freshman class, I know that the next two years are going to be our best years. I think that’s what’s in front of us, and I think that’s why the possibilities are there for this team to be the first team to have a winning season in a long time.

AOG: Are you proud to be the coach of the basketball team at Air Force?

Coach Scott: Yes I am. I’m very proud of the program we have created. I do think that in three short years we have built a nationally recognized program. Ifyou went around the country and said “Air Force basketball,” people wouldknow it and people would know what it stood for. People would say, jeez, those guys, they defend. You’re going to have to work hard every single possession to score, and then you better be prepared to guard them because all I hear all over the country is, jeez, your guys cut harder than anybody else in America. How do you get your guys to cut so hard?

It’s a testament to our kids that they’ve grown that much; because they’re the ones that have to dothe work. I can sort of put the blueprint out there for them and urge them to dothe

things that I urge them to do, but in the end they have to do it. They have to be the right kinds of kids. And when we do have a winning season, I’m going to give them allthe credit. I mean, all I do is sit on the bench. They’re the ones that have to make the plays, they’re the ones that put the ball in the basket. And I’ll be the happiest guy in the world if at the end of this year I can look at A.J. Kuhle and Joel Gerlach and say, jeez, look what you’ve made this program into; because it’s the players that make it into what it is. It’s not the coaches. We can just sort of guide them. And I think we have those kinds ofkids. And when you have those kinds of kids that’s when special things can happen, fi

C3C Nick Welch, CS 12, 6-8 Forwardand Center

Former Air ForceFencer

Selected as Colorado’s NCAA Woman ofthe Year

By Madeline McGuire Athletic Media Relations

The NCAA announced the 50 winners representing each state and the District ofColumbia for the NCAA Woman ofthe Year. The Air Force Academy’s 2nd Lt. Elia Burrill, ’03, was chosen for the state ofColorado.

Burrill graduated last spring from the Academy and received a two-year full tuition scholarship to the University ofMaryland. While at the Academy, she held several leadership roles such as squadron academic non-commissioned officer and squadron flight non-commissioned officer. In 2003, she was the squadron element leader, responsible for the overal professional development of 12 cadets. The Academy’s department ofmanagement selected Burrill to work in Washington D.C. at the Acquisition Career Management Policy Office during the summer of2002, and she was awarded the Outstanding Summer Research Award. Following graduate school, she will attend pilot training.

BurriU’s athletic career at the Academy included being a three-time most valuable fencer, a three-time Western Regional champion in women’s epee and a four-time NCAA championships qualifier. Burrill led her teams to four consecutive NCAA and Western Region championships from 2000 to 2003. In 2003, she earned the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and was ranked in the top three ofher class in overall military and academic performance. H

GolfTeam Wins Service Academies Classic for Ninth Straight Season

The Air Force golf team captured four ofthe top five spots to win the Service Academies Classic for the ninth consecutive season. Although the team did not have the individual champion for the first time since 1996, the team captured second through fifth place, carding a three-round total of362-360-361 1083 to win the tournament and the Reemstma Trophy.

“Our golfers have worked hard this fall and it paid offwith a first-place finish,” head coach George Koury said. “They all played really well. We look forward to using this victory to springboard us into a successful spring season.”

Navy’s Billy Hurley notched a 14-under-par 202 to run away with the individual title. Air Force’s Jarett Hamamoto placed second overall (75-7070=215). Timothy Thoren, Tyler Goulding and Scott Redmond each notched a 217 to tie for third place overall.

Navy (368-368-367=1103) finished in second place, 20 strokes behind the Falcons. Army (377-368-366=1111) placed third, followed by the Merchant Marines (1315). The winner of the tournament, held annually in Dallas, Texas, takes home the Reemstma Trophy, named in honor of 1963 graduate Bill Reemstma, who conceived the idea for the event. The Falcons have held the trophy every year since 1995. H

Air Force Men Capture MWC Cross Country Championship

By Jerry Cross, Athletic Media Relations

The Air Force mens cross country team ended BYU’s string ofsix consecutive conference championships on Nov. 1 bywinning its first Mountain West Conference title in Albuquerque, N.M. The Falcons won the meet with 37 points, four less than second-place BYU, and claimed the schools first MWC team championship.

“It’s always fun to win,” said Air Force headcoach Mark Stanforth. “Were happy with what we did, but were looking forward to regionals and nationals. We’ve had a really good year, but this is the farthest apart we’ve been (time between first and fifth runner), so we need to tighten it up again.”

Air Force, the last team other than BYU to capture a conference championship (the 1996 WAC title), had all five of its runners finish in the top 12. Leading the way was senior Ben Payne, who finished second overall in the 8K race with a time of24:31. He finished 15 seconds behind the race winner, Kip Kangogo of BYU.

“Ben ran very well today,” said Stanforth. “He led the way for most ofthe race. It came down to three guys with about 2,000-meters to go, and then Kangogo just pulled away.”

Junior Brian Dumm and sophomore Mark Walter also placed in the top 10 for Air Force. Dumm finished fifth with a time of24:52, while Walter was seventh in 25:02. Junior

Abe Wengel (25:16) and senior Chris Acs (25:21) finished 11th and 12th, respectively. Payne, Dumm and Walter earned first-team all-MWC honors for placing in the top 10. Wengle and Acs were named to the second-team, while Stanforth earned MWC men’s coach ofthe year honors.

In the women’s 6K race, sophomore Lindsay Grose led the Falcons to their fifth consecutive third-place finish with a time of 22:55, good for 15th place. Air Force scored 106 points, finishing behind BYU (19 points) and Colorado State (62).

Senior Anne Chumlea finished 20th with a time of 23: 12, followed by sophomore Vivian Aspden (22nd, 23: 17) and freshmen Ashley Culp (24th, 23:20) and Ashley Snyder (25th, 23:22).

“Our women had a real solid race today,” said Stanforth. “All of our runners performed well, which is nothing different than the rest of the season.”

Stanforth received his fourth Coach of the Year honor, his second in the Mountain West (1999) and two from the Western Athletic Conference (1994, 1996). Five is the most all-conference winners this team has had in the Mountain West. S

1st. Lt. Kristy Kuhlman, ’01, the Air Force’s reigning female athlete of the year, autographs a Cheerios box at her desk at Space and Missile Systems, Los Angeles Air Force Base. USAF photo by David C. Porter

2001 Grad on Commissary Cheerios Worldwide

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

A:cademy graduate 1st Lt. Kristy Kuhlman, ’01, was named most valuable player at the 2002 World Military Women’s Soccer Championship and Air Force Female Athlete of the Year. This has earned her the honor of having her image on a special commemorative Cheerios box.

The Armed Forces Sports Office has teamed with corporate partner General Mills to honor armed forces athletes on 2003 commemorative Cheerios boxes sold exclusively in military commissaries worldwide.

The boxes feature action shots and short biographies of Kuhlman and other military athletes.

An appearance in Los Angeles Air Force Base Commissary on Sept. 6 was part of the Defense Commissary Agency’s third annual Worldwide Case Lot Sale.

“The men and women who participate in the Armed Forces Sports Program while still maintaining a full-time military career should be an inspiration to us all,” said Mike Goetzman, General Mills’ senior development manager.

Military news services reported Kuhlman as saying the appearance on Cheerios boxes is a “surreal experience.”

“I am grateful for the support the military gives its athletes,” said the Air Force soccer star from St. Charles, Mo. Kuhlman doesn’t intend to sit on her laurels.

“I would like to have the opportunity to try out for the Air Force team again,” she said. “I would love the opportunity to go back to Academy Athletic Department in a couple ofyears for a tour and help coach the Academy Women’s Soccer Team, with emphasis on the goalkeepers.”

While at the Academy, Kuhlman majored in management and is currently working as a Space and Missile Command’s Spacelift Range System contract manager at Los Angeles Air Force Base. O

Air Force’s CHA Rookie ofthe Week

Dave Toller

Athletic Media Relations

Air Force Academy freshman BrianGineo was named the College Hockey Americarookie of the week for his performance against American International, Oct. 24-25.

The defenseman from South Windsor, Conn., helped lead the Falcons to a weekend sweep of AIC by scoring three points. He also had nine shots and was a +2 on the weekend. Gineo collected an assist in Friday’s victory as Air Force won 5-1. He then scored his first career goal just one minute into Saturday’s game as the Falcons rolled to a 5-1 win. Gineo also had one assist and seven shots on goal in the game.

The honor is the first of Gineo’s career and the fifth Air Force player honored this season. Previous winners were Shane Saum, Oct. 13 and Oct. 20; Andrew Ramsey, Oct. 13 and Mike Polidor, Oct. 20. S

Hockey Outlook

Dave Toller, Athletic Media Relations

In the previous six seasons under Frank Serratore, Air Force has had at least one and possibly four premier players that individually lefttheir mark on Falcon hockey.

However, this season is different as the Falcons enter the year with a solid nucleus of returning players and a talented freshman class.

“I don’t think this group will look to one particular guy or line to get it done,” head coach Frank Serratore said. “It will be up to every man to get it done with his unit every shift. Right now we have a lot of guys that can play. I don’t know if we have one difference maker, but that ingredient is going to have to come from the group collectively.”

A team is only as good as its leadership and chemistry and this team appears to have both. Senior team captains Shane Saum and Spanky Leonard are both experienced, well-respected players. Along with last year’s seniors, Saum and Leonard were key factors in holding together a team that struggled through a disappointing season.

Coming off the longest Division I undefeated streak in school history (eight in 2001-02), the Falcons returned many key players and had high expectations last season. However, the team slipped to a 10-24-3 overall record and a 2-15-3 mark in the College Hockey America conference. The Falcons lost both games to Army at the Cadet Ice Arena and fell in the first round ofthe CHA Tournament, both firsts in school history.

“Last year we didn’t reach our goals win-loss wise, but the most disappointing part is that Army beat us

SCORECARD

twice,” Serratore said. “When I look back at last season, I’m pleased at the way we battled. Our team stuck together and we didn’t have inner strife. I look at that as a positive thing toward what we are trying to do here at the Academy which is develop leaders.”

Saum and Leonard lead a group of forwards that collectively will have some big shoes to fill.

The forward position was hit hard by graduation as the team lost four key players.

However, the strength of the forwards this season won’t be in a ofcouple premier scorers, but in the number ofplayers who can score.

Junior Ryan Wiggins is the team’s top returning scorer. The winger from Alamo, Calif., tied for second on the team with 13 goals and was also third with 27 points. He earned the team’s most improved player award last season.

Leonard and Saum rank second and third among the top returning forwards.Leonard scored 16 points last season on nine goals and seven assists. Saum had five goals and 10 assists last season.

“Spanky is a very talented and skilled player,” Serratore said. “He is not only one of our most gifted players, but he can lay a mean hit on the ice as well.

“Shane is the classic overachiever who has worked hard for everything he has,” Serratore said. “He will do whatever it takes to win. He’ll finish checks, he’ll block shots, he’ll win battles in the corners and can also go to the net and score.”

The Falcon defense will again be young, but has plenty ofdepth. The Falcons lost Brian

Reaney and Jake Tesar, but return five blueliners that played a lot ofgames last season.

“Our defense is young but they have played a lot of games,” Serratore said. “We only have one senior, but we are very deep. Our freshman class is really going to push our veterans and that kind of competition only makes everyone better.”

Buck Kozlowski is the only senior defenseman. He has played in 64 career games and is a consistent player.

Junior Steve Mead is the top returning scorer among the blueliners. He was fifth on the team last season with 21 points and tied for second with 19 assists. Juniors Ross Miller and Josh Priewe, along with sophomore Brooks Turnquist were in the lineup nearly every night in 2002-03.

If there are two constants this season, it will be that the Falcons will wear blue and silver and Mike Polidor will be between the pipes.

Grad is Top Contender for Racewalk Olympic Trials

By Col. (Ret.) Tom Eastler, Maine USATF Racewalk coordinator

Photo by Tim Watt

Cap. Kevin Eastler, ’99, set a new personal best of 1:22:25 for the 20 kilometer racewalk (12.4 miles) and finished 18th at the 2003 World Championships in Paris, France, Aug. 23.

Eastler, 25, is the first American to walk an Olympic “A” standard in the 20k racewalk. A 1995 graduate ofMt. Blue High School in Farmington, Maine, Eastler walked negafive 10k splits of41:20 and 41:05 to become the second fastest 20k American racewalker behind the great Tim Lewis. Eastler s record leaves him only 8 seconds behind Lewis’ American record of 1:22:17 set in 1989. His 18th-place finish ties him with Olympian Allen James’ 1993 18th-place finish as the best World Championships finish in American racewalking history. He is the top seed in the Olympic trials, which will be contested in Sacramento, Calif., in July 2004.

IfEastler wins the trials or ifhe places ahead ofany ‘B’ standard athlete, he will automatically compete in the 2004 Olympics to be held in Athens, Greece. Ifother Americans make the “A” standard between now and July, the top

The senior from Imperial, Penn., has started 60 of the last 71 games and is one of the most consistent goalies in the CHA. A Verizon academic all-district selection and a two-time member of the CHA all-academic team, he ranked in the top 15 in the nation last season in minutes played and posted the second most saves in the last 21 years of Falcon hockey.

Air Force will embark on the first all-Division I schedule in the history of the program.

The Falcons play in three tournaments this season, all on the road. Due to the construction in the Cadet Field House, Air Force opens the season with 15 of the first 20 games on the road. Along with a challenging 20-game College Hockey America schedule, the Falcons will also face national powers Colorado College and Denver. S

two or three in the trials will automatically advance to the Olympics, regardless oftheir placement in the trials.

Eastler is assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and trains under the guidance offour-time Olympian Carl Schueler from Colorado Springs. As a member ofthe Air Force “World Class Athlete Program,” Eastler will be assigned to train full-time for the 2004 Olympics. S

Men’s Basketball Team Visits Sweden and Denmark

The Air Force men’s basketball team went on a 12-day trip to Denmark and Sweden this past summer. The team played six games against professional basketball teams from the Scandinavian countries and came home with a perfect 6-0 record.

Dedicated to One He Loves Cadet Credits Teacher for Success

By Mark Fitzhenry

The Colorado Springs Gazette

This article appeared in The Gazette on Sept. 21, 2003 s a teenager, Joe Schieffer was Joe High School. He was a football star, the student body president and editor of the school newspaper. He had problems, too. He just didn’t want to tell anyone about them.

In the fall ofhis senior year, he relented. An English teacher at Indianola (Iowa) High, Vicky Brenner, told her students to write an essay that explained who they were. Schieffer wrote that he didn’t want to talk about himself. Then he did it anyway, even reading the essay to the class. He related how, as a third grader, he dreamed about playing college football—which he does now for Air Force—and scoring touchdowns.

Then he disclosed that his parents divorced when he was 5, and he didn’t have a close relationship with either ofthem.

The class, Brenner said, was stunned that the handsome and athletic Schieffer “didn’t have it all.” “You could have heard a pin drop,” Brenner said this week. “A hush kind of came over the class when he finished. I was reaching for my tissues. “I saw every person in the class

fighting their own secret battles. Then he jumped in like he jumped into everything.” Schieffer credits Brenner with helping him succeed. This week, Air Force’s football players sent a letter to somebody close, dedicating Saturday’s game against Wyoming to them. Most players chose family members. Schieffer chose his high school English teacher. “She was a godsend,” he said. “She was definitely a mom to me. She was able to fill that void.” Brenner received Schieffer’s dedication letter Monday. She plucked it from the mailbox and read it as she drove on the gravel driveway to her house. “I was absolutely stunned,” Brenner said. “This is such a Joe Schieffer move.” Schieffer was 13 when his mother moved to South Dakota, where she

still lives. “I don’t have memories of them together,” Schieffer said.

His father, Terry Schieffer, said his work schedule and his son’s dedication to football prevented them from being too close.

“I was kind of a workaholic,” Terry said. “I probably worked too much. That’s how I paid the bills.”

Joe Schieffer said he and his father “get along great” now, and Terry said he’s attended every game this season.

Schieffer’s relationship with Brenner clicked from the beginning.

He met Brenner during his junior year and attended one ofher classes in the second semester. They connected through the writing assignments she gave, especially when Schieffer began writing personal essays as a senior.

“Shemade us realize who we were,” Schieffer said. “That’s the thing I had never done until that class...Everybody just saw the football side, a very driven, motivated kid. They maybe didn’t see someone who had problems with their family.”

He continued to write about his goals and belief systems. When he needed help applying to colleges, he went to Brenner. She made Schieffer write a three-page essay on why he liked Air Force, “to make sure I was going for all the right reasons,” Schieffer said.

Two years earlier, a 140-pound Schieffer told his principal, John Monroe, that his goal was to play college football. “You’re just not big,” Monroe told him. Brenner often saw Schieffer work out alone on the football field and knew Schieffer woke up his teammates at 6 a.m. so they would join him in the weight room.

The work paid offwhen Schieffer received the appointment to Air Force. “I have to eat my hat on that one,” Monroe said. This season, Schieffer is a captain and a starting halfback. He is primarily a blocker, but he has averaged 8.6 yards on five carries and 16.8 yards on his four catches. Schieffer remains close with the staff at Indianola. He spoke to Brenner’s sophomore English class last Thanksgiving. When Monroe recently won the state’s principal of the year award, Schieffer sent a picture of himself in a cadet uniform. East season, more than a handful of teachers rented two vans, traveled to Colorado and watched Schieffer play against Navy.

Brenner and herhusband attended the game at Falcon Stadium on Sept. 19. “He is like family,” Brenner said, and the feeling from Schieffer’s end is mutual. S3

Printed with permission ofthe Colorado Springs Gazette.

USAF ACADEMY ATHLETES

ADMISSIONS (CUSS OF ’07)

• Recruited Athletes: 3.80 GPA; 1209 SAT

• Nonrecruited Athletes: 3.88 GPA; 1283 SAT

CADET LIFE (CLASSES OF 2002/3)

• 14% of nonrecruited athletes achieved rank of C/LTC or COL

• 12% of varsity athletes achieved C/LTC or COL

GRADUATION AND BEYOND

• USAFA 2nd behind Stanford... intercollegiate athletes winning NCAA postgrad scholarships

• 9 varsity letter winners are Rhodes Scholars

AF has most former athletes selected for the Verizon Academic All-American Hall of Fame

Athletes earned over $250,000 in postgraduate scholarship awards (last 10 years)

• Women's '02 AFA cross country team earned NCAA Academic AllAmerican Team Honors

• 70%-0ver past 10 yrs, recruited athlete graduation rate

• 75% - Over past 10 yrs, nonathlete graduation rate

• Class of '03 recruited athletes graduation rate was 0.8% higher than the rest of the Wing

c, Building Leaders or Character for the Nation

The Air Force Academy Fund ■a

“The Air Force Academy actually needs private gifts-1 thought it was federally funded?”

Throughout my travels across the United States, I am often asked what I do for a living. When I tell folks that I oversee all of the fund raising programs for the Association of Graduates ofthe United States Air Force Academy, I am met with a blank stare and immediately asked the question “The Air Force Academy actually needs private gifts—I thought it was federally funded?”

People are amazed to learn that private support has been a part of the Academy since its very beginning, and continues to play a vital role in the day to day operations. The chapel, for example, was built with government funds. However, the decorations in the interior are a result of collections taken in churches across the world where countless service men and women gave donations at Sunday services. The golf course and football stadium, visible results of private gifts, have similar histories. Cadet clubs, character enrichment programs, and many academic initiatives are also the beneficiaries ofyour generosity.

In 1995, at the urging of a number of graduates, the AOG startedthe Sabre Society, a leadership giving level to the Air Force Academy Fund of $1,000 annually

in unrestricted support to the Academy. This program has been extremely successful. Today we have over 1,000 graduates, parents, and friends contributing at that level. Last year alone, the Air Force Academy Fund secured in excess of $2.2 million in support for the Academy andthe AOG. These funds have been used to support various programs across the Academy ranging from Academicsand Character to Athletics and Heritage.

However, now in partnership with the Academy, the AOG is taking the next step in providing private support. We are actively talking with graduates and others about supporting initiatives that will only be possible through private support-projects and programs that will literally change the face of the Academy for years to come.

In future editions of Checkpoints we will be sharing our plans in greater detail. However now, I would like to recognize just of

few of the many gifts and commitments that we have recently received to support Academy programs.

Academics

Last year, the Olmsted Foundation made a generous gift of$300,000 to support the Academy in cultural immersion programs. As a result ofthis and previous gifts from the Foundation, cadets have been able to travel abroad to such places as Senegal, West Africa, and Ecuador, enhancing their academic experiences, while preparing them for the challenges of an Air Force career (see relatedarticles in this issue of Checkpoints).

Expanding opportunities for cadet international travel and other cultural immersion programs is a priority of the Dean of the Faculty. Private support makes many of these programs possible today.

The estate ofZoltan and Adilee Tober gave $196,000 to the AOG to establish

Cadetsvisitwith members ofthe Egyptian Air Force Academyduring International Week2002

mmwmm. -

the Tober Family Endowment Fund. This Endowment will be used to fund the annual Aeronautical Engineering award, and otherwise support the activities ofthe Aeronautical Engineering Department. The fund is established in memory oftheir son, Captain Zoltan Tober Jr, Class of 1965, who died on May 10, 1969 in an aircraft accident offthe coast of Korea. Mr & Mrs Tober sponsored the Aeronautical Engineering Award from 1970 until Mr. Tober s death in 2002. They personally presented theaward nearly every year. They established a living trust in 1991 to create this endowment.

Character Development

In June, Ted, ’67, and Tricia Legasey made the largest contribution ever by a graduate to the AOG. Their generous gift of $1.5 million will be directed to three areas-to build a memorial pavilion in the cemetery, to create an endowment for the Superintendent to use on character development programs, and unrestricted support for the Association of Graduates.

The Legasey Endowment for Character Development will generate $50,000 annually for the development and expansion of character programs at the Academy. Currently, gifts from the Air Force Academy Fund underwrite a portion of the cost of programs such as the Falcon Heritage Forum and the National Character and Leadership Symposium. Through the generosity ofTedand Tricia, programs like these can be expanded, strengthening the Air Force Academy’s position as the leader in the teaching and research ofcharacter and leadership programs.

Heritage

Gail Seidel-O’Gorman, the widow ofJoe O’Gorman, an alumnus of the class of 1965, made a gift of $250,000 to the new Athletic Hall ofExcellence. Located in the

soon to be completed athletic facility, the Hall ofExcellence recognizes the role that athletics plays at the Academy. Displayed throughout the facility are tributes to the many successful individuals who have participated in intercollegiate, intramural clubs, and physical fitness programs. As a result of this generous commitment, the theatre in the Hall of Excellence will be named in Joe’s honor.

trip sets a great foundation on which to build for the upcoming season. The trip was underwritten by many gifts to the Friends of Basketball and a generous gift of $50,000 from Gregg Popovich, ’70. Without private support, the team would not have been able to participate in this trip.

Investing in Opportunity

Harry Pearce, ’64, one of the Academy’s first two Distinguished Graduates, made a commitment of $ 1 million to the AOG for unrestricted purposes. These funds will be directed to the most critical areas of the Academy andthe Association of Graduates.

The WingOpen BoxingChampionships

Athletics

In August, the Academy’s men’s basketball team traveled to Denmark and Sweden to play six games against professional basketball teams from Scandinavian countries in preparation for the upcoming season. This trip was beneficial from both an academic and athletic standpoint. The team came home with a perfect 6-0 record. This

In total, the AOG received in excess of $4 million in gifts and commitments for unrestricted support in 2003. Private support has always played a vital role at the Academy. As the AOG and the Academy look to expand the scope oftheir programs, philanthropy will play an increasing role. We are grateful to all of the graduates, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations that support our efforts. Through your commitment, we are taking the Academy to a new level ofexcellence. For that, we say thank you and yes, the Academy needs private gifts.

Sean Pieri Vice President, Development

FUNDRAISING CODE OF ETHICS

“Integrityfirst; service 6efore self; excellence in aCCwe 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 BillofRightsdeveloped 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 ofgiving 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.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

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.

To have access to the most recent AOG financial statements.

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

To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

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

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.

X.

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

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, at (719) 472-0300 or at gary.howe@usafa.af.mil.

The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members of the 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 of approximately 22,250 graduates in business across the country and worldwide. Born from the belief that the Associations of Graduates and alumni associations exist not only to serve their academies buttheir membership, this directory is an excellent business leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain services an efficient way to find a fellow graduate.

Order now and receive your copy of SABRD for only $45.00 plus $8.95 shipping and handling. SABRD can be purchased on our Web site at www.aog-usafa.org or by calling (719) 472-0300.

SABRD data is also available online (iSABRD). For information on subscribing to iSABRD log on to: www.aog-usafa.org

it when approaching from the northeast. The flag flying over the Academy shows “2003” —the year ofissue.

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

Rich.Downing@usafa.af.mil (719) 472-0300 ext. 500

Many Return to Academy

Another great reunion season is complete and a super time was had by all. Six different classes and the Way of Life reunions brought classmates and friends together who had not seen each other since graduation. Unbelievably, more than half of the classes returned for their reunion. Donna Porter and Lani Wing worked with each class to put together an exciting schedule that included social, professional and informational activities. As always, the tailgates and football games were the highlight of several days of fun and frolic and the Falcons provided lots of excitement on the field. The Academy staff continues to provide excellent support during reunions with lunch at Mitch’s, briefings by the senior staff and dorms/academic area Open House. Interaction with the cadets in the SARs provided a valuable venue for grads and cadets to “telltheir story” and answer questions about current and past cadet life and the AF/civilian careers that followed graduation. For ’64,’69, ’74,’79, ’84 and ’94-start thinking about your reunion coming up next year - dates will be provided after the final football schedule is printed in February. This issue’s FYI section includes an update to the class ring recovery process and how you can help, and information on the new Affinity Group program and ways to keep cadet parents and widow(ers) connected to the AOG.

Affinity Groups

New Outreach for Grads: In addition to AOG Chapters that are geographically based, the AOG board agreed to formalize Affinity Groups that are based on a common graduate’s characteristic or trait. This means that the former Space and Medical Chapters will now be Affinity Groups. We have also received and approved charters for a Womens Group and Way of Life Group. For more information and group contacts, check out the Chapter/Affinity Group News section, page 122 or go to the AOG Web site for links to both Chapters and Affinity Groups. Martin.Marcolongo@usafa.af.mil or ext 510.

Football Bowl Game

Where are we going? The Mountain West Conference participates in three bowl games-Las Vegas Bowl, Christmas Eve;

Liberty Bowl, Memphis andthe San Francisco Bowl, both on New Year’s Eve. The Falcons are eligible and in the race for one of these games. Watch our Web site for infomation on these games or others your Falcons may play!

Cadet Parent Membership Soars

Multi-Year Membership: Many ’07/ 06 parents have come on board with the less expensive, simpler way for cadet parents to be AOG members: 3—, and 4—year membership options. Currently more than half who are members from these classes have joined using this option. To learn more, or to convert your current membership, contact Don.McCarthy@usafa.af.mil or ext 511.

Survivorship Benefits

Staying Connected: “When I pass away, how can I ensure my spouse stays con

nected to the Academy?” Easy, the AOG has introduced a survivorship option for life members. How does it work? Life members pay $100 to add a survivorship benefit option to their existing membership, identifying their spouse as the recipient of survivor benefits. Upon the member’s death, the surviving spouse is entitled to all membership benefits, to include receipt of Checkpoints magazine. It’s that simple! Ifyou are interested in adding survivorship to your membership, contact martin.marcolongo@usafa.af.mil or ext 510.

Rings-PartOne

AOG Role: In the last issue we discussed that it is not unusual for Academy rings to show up on eBay or others sales locations.

First and foremost, we explained that the AOG does have a process for recovering these rings but we appreciate our grads

telling us if they discover rings for sale. One additional step has been added to the AOG process. We are asking classes to support recovery of rings using class funds if nonpurchase options fail. Once monies have been approved, several volunteer “buyers” participate in the bidding to recover the rings. During the last three months this has allowed us to recover three additional class rings. However we did identify a problem. In one case the AOG “bidder” continued to be outbid by another person that pushed the selling price up by $250 before we were able to contact this other person only to discover he was another grad also trying to recover the ring. While we appreciate the help, please DO NOT bid on rings without notifying the AOG first. This will ensure we don’t compete with you. For more information or to report ring sales contact me at rich.downing@usafa.af.mil or ext 500.

Rings-Part Two

Your Role: As we are improving the process to recover rings, we need to improve the process to identify the owners after we get them back. Here is how you can help. If the ring has a name on the inside, it is easy to find the owner but only if we have a current address/phone number on file—keep your data up to date! If there is no name inside the ring, we go to our list of reported lost rings to see if there is a match and then contact the owner that way. BUT many of you have NOT reported your lost rings to us! If there is no name on the inside or if the ring is not on the “lost” list, we will send out a class wide email via GRAD MAIL to the affected class describing the stone, color, carat, and style hoping for a response from the owner, but many of you do NOT have current emails in GRAD MAIL. Solution: keep your info current in GRAD MAIL! With your assistance once we do get the rings back we can get them to the original owners. And don’t think that when you

lost it matters, one of the three rings we recovered was returned to the owner who lost it 28 years ago in an airport wash room! To report a lost ring (provide class year, stone, inscription, unique items) email aog@usafa.af.mil.

Chapters

Are You Participating? Marty has done a great job in generating interest that has added 20+ Chapters across the nation during the last year, but that is just the starting point. Ifyou are not a member of the Chapter in your local area, consider joining. They offer a great venue for networking, helping the community, keeping current on what’s happening at the Academy and having some overall fun. They are NOT just an organization that asks for money, holds boring committee meeting and makes you recite your 4* knowledge. Ifyou are not currently a Chapter member, give it a try, you may like it!

See Chapter news on page 122 for the Chapter nearest you.

Breitling Watch

Unique AOG/AFA Face: The AOG has sold nearly 75 of these one-of-a-kind watches and those that have purchased them are extremely pleased with the price and the quality. Ifyou are interested in purchasing an “Instrument for Professionals,” contact the AOG at rich.downing@usafa.af.mil or ext 500 for specifics.

Chapter Mews

Outlook

Arizona Chapter (Ariz.) Jim, 74, and Chirl Sienicki will host a holiday party at their house Dec. 13. We hope to have a big turnout and spread holiday cheer. 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 allow plenty of time for pre-game eating and drinking rituals. Doug, 74, and Carol Pelton have invited us to a pig roast in Apr. 2004 for our Spring Fling.

Inland Northwest Chapter (Wash.)

Our Dec. schedule is busy with two dinners. The first is a combined event with thelocal Daedalians on Dec. 17 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight. The second is a holiday dinner on Dec. 29 with area grads, ALOs, the parents club, cadets home for the Christmas break, and senior high school candidates.

Los AngelesChapter (Calif.) This new chapter is starting under the leadership ofJoe Facenda, 75, and Will Cosby, 75. They would certainlyappreciate help from the AARP classes (pre-1975) who are probably well settled in LA. They anticipate the start-up meeting to be held in Dec. or Jan. Ifinterested, contact Joe at joe@facenda.us.

Rampart Chapter (Colo.) Come join us on Dec. 5 for our Christmas gala at the USAFA O’Club.

Tampa Bay Chapter (Fla.) We are pleased to announce the formation of the Tampa Bay Chapter. Our aim is to provide AFA grads, and the greater AFA “family” in the Tampa Bay area, an opportunity for camaraderie, a connection to current developments at the Academy and networking opportunities. At our first meeting on Sep. 6, we elected our board and developed plans to create the organization and program ofactivities. Membership is open to Academy grads, with annual dues of $25. Associate membership is $20 annually and is available to parents ofAF Academy cadets, AF Academy Liaison Officers and anyone who completed at least a year at the Academy. Our first event was a get together with Navy grads to watch the AFA-Navy game.

Our next event was Nov. 15 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The event included a private, complimentary champagne and dessert reception after the performance to meet the cast ofPorgy and Bess. Future events

include: an evening with Lt. Gen. Rosa, the MacDill airshow, an intra-service get-together to watch the Army-Navy game, golf tournament and family picnic in Tarpon Springs.

Toledo Chapter (Ohio) This newlyformed chapter conducted its first meeting on Nov. 14, at the Toledo Club in downtown Toledo. If you wish to join or need information, visit www.aog-usafa.org or contact Rick Bartell, 79, at rbartell@woh.rr.com.

2.

3.

6.

7.

8. Assistliaison officers and

qualified candidates

9. Assist parents’ clubs/cadets

GOAL 1

Celebrate Academy heritage

Alamo Chapter (Texas) We are planning for the 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day Dinner/Dance, to be held at the Petroleum Club in Apr. 2004.

Provide graduates networking opportunities

Alamo Chapter (Texas) The San Antonio Business and Networking Group-BANGcontinues to have outstanding results on the fourth Tuesday of the month with Mike Nishimuta, 73, as the host. In Oct., Professor Kevin Grant, ’80, spoke to the us on the benefits ofthe Project Management Institute and PMP certification, as well as the Management of Technology Program at UTSA. Details ofthe monthly lunch, as well as links to the Army and Navy Alumni Associations for San Antonio are on the Alamo Chapter Web site at alamoaog.org.

GOAL 5

Interact with other service academygraduates

Aloha Chapter (Hawaii) The chapter has been up and running since March. We have established our bylaws and elected our official BoardMembers. We get together for lunch every third Wednesday of the month at the Hickam AFB O’Club and meet new members and catch up with classmates assigned to the islands. We had a golf tour-

Chapter Goals

nament and an indoor tailgate party at the O’Club on Oct. 16 for the AFA vs. CSU game. The AFA Parents Club was also invited. We just kicked off an annual membership drive; mailing out flyers to all grads in Hawaii in hopes they can make it to an upcoming event and to update our database. Our President, Col. Mike Lischak ’75, retired in Oct. His involvement, leadership, and interaction with the AOG are the reasons we became a chapter. He will be missed, but we wish him the best ofluck in his future endeavors in civilian life. Col. Gene Bowman, ’68, will take the helm to steam us through the New Year! Ifyou’re in the neighborhood or PCSing to Hawaii, you can get in touch with our Secretary via email at sharongiletti@aol.com. You can also correspond via our web page on the AOG Web site.

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Alamo Chapter (Texas) The Tri-Academy Golf Tournament was held at the Ft. Sam Houston golf course in Oct. and the Army won by three strokes. The AT and Navy tied and the Navy captured second place on the third handicap hole rollback. Even in the rain all teams posted below par scores and 15 out of 16 scored in the 60s. Phenomenal scores considering the weather-rain, wind and cold—not AF weather! OurTreasurer, Les Hobgood, ’61, won the closest to the hole on the par three.

Arizona Chapter (Ariz.) Thanks to Ed, ’63, and Terry Reisdorffor hosting the annual fall pot luck social. We had a great turnout and this was a first class event. Thanks to everyone that made this a fun and memorable event.

Atlanta Chapter (Ga.) On Oct 5 a few of the faithful gathered at Jock and Jill’s at the Galleria in Atlanta to watch the Falcons and Red Sox. Except for negative athletic outtomes, everyone had a good time.

Baltimore Chapter (Md.) On Oct. 4, the :hapter hosted a pre and post game tail*ate party for the AFA vs Navy matchup it FedEx field. More than 40 members and

their family and friends joined in the celebration. The chapter’s 1 year anniversary is coming up on Nov. 4. Our email subscription list has more than doubled in the last six months. We are still looking for more grads in the central Md. region to join our ranks.

Capital Chapter (D.C./Va./Md.) We were extremely busy executing events with the AFA vs. Navy game. Maj. Gen. Mike Gould, ’76, president, and his chapter staff made sure the alumni base had the opportunity to participate in the pomp and pageantry. Thefun began with a pep rally/luncheon held at the Pentagon the day prior to the game. Approximately 400 grads and friends attended. It started with an exciting performance by the Drum and Bugle Corps, followed by a speech from Fisher DeBerry. The Academy cheerleaders performed and the party peaked with a rousing rendition of the AF song outside the Chief of Naval Operations’ office. Lt. Col. Terry Katein, ’84, organized the event, with support from Col. Bill Murphy, ’79, and Captains Andrea Vinyard, ’96, and Ernie Hernandez, ’94.

On game day, the Chapter hosted a postgame tailgate party (held in conjunction with the local Parents Club). The fully catered BBQ served over 500 grads and their families. Cadet Falconers circulated among the crowd and the

Drum and Bugle Corps got the party started with a rockin’ performance. Thanks to the generosity of the region’s alumni base, we were able to serve a complimentary meal to over 300 cadets who attendedthe game. Capt. Marc Lewis, ’98, organized the party, with support from Lt. Col. Ken Rozelsky, ’84, and Capt. Charlie Zitzmann, ’98.

Inland Northwest Chapter (Wash.) The chapter was formally established in Aug. and has 20 members. The area is home to over 150 grads andthe response to the new chapter has been positive. We had a good turn out at the club at Fairchild AFB to watch the Falcons battle CSU on Oct. 16.

Northern California Chapter (Calif.) We’ve had a busy schedule! We allcelebrated the summer with a Sports Picnic at the Moraga Country Club on Sep. 20. We had a goodhike, challenging golf and an exceptional picnic by the pool with delicious hamburgers and hot dogs, thanks to our expert BBQ Chefs, John Feland and Gary Tacey, ’68. Thanks also go to theJim, ’64, and Jessica Fleming for their organization and to Chris Compton, ’65, for the great photos. The weekend ofOct. 18 was busy with the Salinas Air Show featuring the Thunderbirds. Thanks to the PANC, we sat in great seats and met the flying team afterwards at a special reception. On Sunday, the group gathered to watch theMens’ Soccer Team play at San Jose State. The next weekend, we took a bikeride around Angel Island. On Oct. 30, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Principi, spoke at the Marines Memorial in San Francisco. The event was sponsored by AcademyConnect, and the NCAOG received a special invitation. To see photos, learn about upcoming events, or if you would like to get more involved, please contact Susan Feland, ’93, at feland@hoover.stanford.edu.

Rampart Chapter (Colo.) Aug. was a busy month for the chapter. First, came our quarterly luncheon, hosted at Quinn’s Restaurant downtown. Our Speaker was USAFA’s Football Offensive Coordinator, Chuck Peterson, ’84. He spoke like Fisher, but a Southern/English translator was not really needed. We left excited over the upcoming season. We continued our support of the Football team with a wellattended rally at a local sports bar during the AFA-BYU game. Next, the chapterparticipated in the 18th Annual Tri-Service Alumni Golf Tourney, held at the Eisenhower Golf Course. We had a solid turn-out of six foursomes, but Army, I am sad to say, retook the Trophy. At our next event, we had good weather for our Annual Picnic at Rick Broome’s estate in the Broadmoor. Rick has not only supported every

he Aloha Chapter at their indoor tailgate party

the AFA vs. CSU game, Hickam AFB O’Club,

The Capital Chapter post-game tailgate party at the AFA vs. Navy game.

The Atlanta Chapter at the Galleria in Atlanta. Left to right: Keith Williams, '17, Adrienne Byrdsong, ’93, Scott Steere, '93, PJ Lynch, ’83, Hayley Parker, ’96, and Greg Egan, ’83.

event in the Rampart Chapters history, but his stature with allthemembers of the Long Blue Line is well-known. This year, in honor ofthat support, Dan Beatty, ’76, Chapter Project Officer, had a large wooden model of a Jolly Green made for Rick’s collection, along with a large bouquet for his bride.

Southwest Ohio Chapter (Ohio) We had 120 players for the 4th Annual AOG Academy & Friends Golf Tournament on Oct. 15. It was a great day despite the fact the best team which included cohosts Lt. Gen. Charles Coolidge, ’68, and Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier, ’64, came in second place behind the team of Col. Sam Ryals, ’75, and three sandbaggers. Major Mark Williams, ’89, provided the organizational skills to make it all happen. Proceeds will be split betweenthe AOG and the WrightPatt CGOC. Despite recent setbacks, we continue to have good turn out for televised coverage of Falcon football in the O Club.

GOAL 8

Assist liaison officers and recruit qualified candidates

Alamo Chapter (Texas) Visitors to our Web site can find a link to the South Texas Academy Liaison Officer’s Page, and our web editor forwards inquiries from prospective applicants to the appropriate ALO.

GOAL 9

Assistparents clubs/cadets

Aloha Chapter (Hawaii) We have been interacting with the Hawaii Parents Club. Vic Bonfiglio, ’68, spoke at a luncheon they held in June prior to the new freshman heading to Colorado. We also plan on co-hosting a Christmas Party to catch up with the new cadets, as well as the upper-classmen, to see how the first semester was.

Alamo Chapter (Texas) Grads from our chapter supported the visit of the Cadet Chorale to San Antonio in Oct. by hosting cadets. The event was promoted to grads using direct email and the Web site. Several grad parents joined the Parents Club for a “Hill Country” Wine Tasting in Oct. We support the South Texas Parents Club by maintaining their Web site at southtexasu safaparents.com and cross-promoting local events. The president of the Parent’s Club is David Swiger, ’77, father of Craig ’05.

Baltimore Chapter (Md.) On Sep. 23, we treated the AF exchange cadets stationed at USNA to an Irish dinner at Galway Bay in

Annapolis, Md. Everyone enjoyed exchanging stories and planning for the upcoming Navy tailgate celebrations.

Rampart Chapter (Colo.) The chapter had an active and satisfying Summer! We started out with our support of the National AOG’s Bed and Breakfast Program. The day before the new Doolies arrived, we stationed chapter members at the Colorado Springs Airport. The basic cadets, and occasionally their parents, made full use of our directions, phone and other assistance from 10 AM—10 PM. This was in addition to many chapter members hosting new cadets for the night as part of the Program.

AFFINITY GROUPS

AcademyWomen We would like to officially announce a new group called AcademyWomen; our Web site is home.comcast.net/ -academywomen/. AcademyWomen was started by, and for women to represent and support Academy alumni, cadets and candidates. The goal is to bring us together and help us to share expertisegained in various life experiences, careers, AF pursuits, civilian jobs and geographical locations. Amongst us, we have an amazing amount ofwisdom and our goal is to share this with each other so that we may all grow both personally and professionally. Our goal for the Web site is to feature various women who will share their experience or ideas. There have been informal groups created to accomplish this same goal, but by formalizing ourselves we can do much more by addressing the specific needs of women candidates, cadets and alumni. Feel free to pass along the web link and information to other women cadets or alumni. If you are interested in becoming a member, receiving regular AcademyWomen updates, and/or helping with the organization, contact Susan Feland, ’93, feland@hoover.stanford.edu.

CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2003

Healthcare Professions - The Healthcare Professions Group held its 2nd (in recent history) Annual Scientific Meeting on Nov. 07. The agenda included presentations on sports medicine, fatigue in combat flying operations and medical readiness. We were then treated to Senior USAFA Staff briefings and a tour of the Biology Department. Issues dealt with during the business meeting included some changes to the charter/by-laws and a name change which aligns us with the AOG’s definition of affinity groups. All grads in the healthcare professions should know that we are still taking membership applications and dues for the 2003—04 year. The goals of this group are to foster communications amongst ourselves, support the Academy and support those cadets interested in the healthcare professions. All grads who are interested can find the information on the AOG Web site under at www.aog-usafa.org/Chapter_Sites/ MedicafJWorldwide/Medical.html.

Space Our group continues to stay involved across the spectrum of AOG goals. Many members are active in their local communities. For example, George Stetz, ’65, is very active in the Vandenberg AFB area. The Web site contains significant information regardingdevelopments at USAFA and in the AF regarding space activities. Recent reports include summaries of cadet space-related activities and a review of the Academy’s AFOSR Space Systems Research Center. The Chat Room and Message Board on the Web site offer significant networking opportunities. Members and others use these areas to discuss topics ofprofessional interest. The group is also working with the National Space Science and Technology Institute in Colorado Springs to develop a facility that explains military space operations to area visitors. USAFA contributions could be featured. We support the larger space professional community, including activities such as providing book reviews for professional journals. Also, the group is supporting the newly formed USAFA Space Working Group, which is chartered to review and coordinate all USAFA space education and training activities.We continue to work with the Cadet National Space Society Club to strengthen programs and activities.

Way of Life For more information on this group, visit www.usafaway.org.

Career Conference

What is SACC?

The SACCis the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy andthe U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands ofalumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

May 5-7, 2004 WASHINGTON, D.C.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 6, 2004

Interview Prep Seminar at (

Friday, May 7, 2004

Breakfast (provided)

Registration

SACC

Lunch (not provided)

SACC

Saturday, May 8, 2004

pm - 8:30 pm

7:30 am - 9:30 am

8:30 am - All Day 12:00 pm

12:00pm - 1:30 pm 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC.

Ifyou have any questions, please contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

NAME (for name tag, no ranks):.

ADDRESS:

The next S/4CCwill be held at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington, Va. You may obtain a room for the SACCrate, ifavailable. Call (703) 415-5000 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 a copy 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 April 15, 2004.

SACC Hotel Information

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Pentagon City 1250 South Hayes Street Arlington, Va., 22202 (703) 415-5000

Next Scheduled SACC

San Diego, Calif., August 26-27, 2004

SACC Candidate Registration Form (Washington, D.C.)

USAFA CLASS:

PHONE (Home):. (Work): (E-mail):

Will you attend the free Interview Prep Seminar? l~^Yes ONo

Please include: dRegistration Form C^Fee $35 O Resume

Mail to: SACC

247 King George St.

Annapolis, MD 21402-5068

Cadet Running Suits

Cadet issueitem.

S - XXL (Sizes run large) Available to members only.

Dark blue with reflective strips

Jackets $83.00

Pants $50.00

Crew Sweatshirts

Crewneck sweatshirt. Features “Air Force” applique with “Academy” embroidered beneath.

Available in Blue or Gray.

S-XL $30.25

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 $34.50

Cadet Sweat Suits. T-Shirts & Shorts

Cadet issue items. Oversized to accommodate shrinkage. Available to members only.

Tops (S-XXL) $38.50

Pants (S-XXL) $25.50

Set (S-XXL) $60.50

T-Shirt (S-XXL) $10.50

Shorts (S-XXL) $15.75

Jacket

Dark Navy with new A0G logo on the left. Cotton/nylon (70/30) shell with polyester/poplin lining. Stain and water resistant.

S-XXL $63.75

Shirts

Polo Shirts by Cutter & Buck. 100% cotton with new AOG logo. Available in dark navy and white.

S-XXXL $39.50

Denim Shirts by Vantage. Long sleeve with new AOG logo.

S-XXXL $40.75

Ties

100% silk. Repeating silver-colored AFA/AOG motif under a stylized

Prop & Wing. Two basic colors from which to choose.

Red with gold, blue, and silver accent stripes.

Blue with gold, red and silver accent stripes.

Regular length $28.00

Extra longlength $29.00

Saber

Official United States Air Force Academy Cadet Saber.

*Available to Graduate members only.

Saber with scabbard $192.25

License Plate Frames

Three styles from which to choose.

FALCONS - White lettering on a blue background

ALUMNI - White lettering on a blue background

PARENT - White lettering on a blue background

Each frame $ 6.25

Any two frames... $ 10.50

Plaques

Marble plaque

Etched falcon on white marble $72.75

Walnut plaque Laser engraved of the cadet area. Can be purchased with or without a plate suitable for engraving. $114.50

Books and Videos

Into the Mouth of the Cat* The story of Lance Sijan, ’65

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

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.

’66 Notebook

’91

...Item #0340 $ 4.25

...Item #0342 $20.75

...Item #0344 $23.00

...Item #0345 $26.00

...Item #0350 $10.50

...Item #0352 $10.50

...Item #0354 $39.50

...Item #0510 $19.75

...Item #0515 $25.00

...Item #0351 $41.75

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.

Class Crested Merchandise

JEWELRY

Sterling Silver AOG Charm

Sterling Silver AOG

HATS

AFA hat w/class year. Navy blue w/embroidered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year. Adjustable leather strap for size

hat. Navy blue with brown bill.

#0310 $18.75

#0311 $16.75

The AOG has obtained excess merchandise from the Visitors Center that remained from recent graduating classes and reunions.

Items are in limited quantities, sizesand colors and availability varies from class to class and includes: sweatshirts, clipper jackets, T-shirts, buttons, etc.

This merchandise is only available for the following classes:

Partial listing of available classcrested 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.

Situated along the picturesque Atlantic Coast in Northeast Florida, Fleet Landing blends all the amenities of a world-class resort with the peaceful serenity of a private, gated community and the comforts of home. An accredited Continuing Care Community, Fleet Landing offers solutions for any changing health needs, with on-site assisted living and skilled nursing services. Call today for more information on a future home at Fleet Landing.

■ Luxurious homes and apartments

■ Dining and socializing at the O’Club

■ Tennis courts, fitness room and library

■ A 7-acre lake andheated community pool

World-class golf courses, shopping and cultural activities nearby

■ Near Mayport NS; commissary and exchange steps away

■ 15 minutes from the renowned Mayo Clinic

*

for mass mailing or commercial use. See Grad-mail Web page for other restrictions.

'•

’kS

Academy Seeks Bios, Photos of Grads

The Academy’s dean offaculty is seeking biographies and high quality on-the-job and in-training photos ofAcademy graduates who are in the Air Force work force or attending flight training or other technical schools.

The items will be used in a display along the entire length ofthe second floor in Fairchild Hall, the Academy’s academic facility. The Dean hopes to have at least four academy graduates from each major and unified command represented in the display.

The display will highlight the accomplishments, activities, opinions and commentaries of recent graduates so current cadets can visualize their own futures in the Air Force.

Graduates interested in donating to this project are asked to send items by March 20 to: Maj. John Modinger, 34th Education Group/34th ES, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840. For more information, e-mail Modinger at john.modinger@usafa.af.mil.

Norman Buck Congdon, ’60 but not forgotten

Buck Congdon passed away on Aug. 5,2003 at his home in Albuquerque, N.M. after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born at Fort Monroe, Va. to his mother, Georgie, and father, Norman, a West Point graduate. Upon his father’s retirement, the family settled in Bradenton, Fla. Where Buck spent his childhood, made a name in high school football and swimming, and graduated with honors.

After graduating from the Academy in 1960, Buck proudlyserved his country in Texas, Nebraska, Montana, Alabama, NewYork and the Pentagon. He retired in 1988 after an assignment in Albuquerque, making his home there and in Seattle.

Buck’s passing leaves many whose lives were brightened by his love, kindness and wit. Hi is survived by his wife, Louisa, ofAlbuquerque; their children Michael Congdon and Jennifer Congdon, both of Seattle; a sister Louise Roth of Bradenton, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was lovedand will not be forgotten. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society and to The University of New Mexico Hospice’

A classmate remembers: I was only one of the many who had the great good fortune to count Big Buck as a friend. Buck was one ofthose rare guys who inspired love immediately. We were in the same squadron all the way through the Academy, and that I ever made it through to graduation is due largely to Buck. As dumb-squat Doolies, we weren’t mature or confident enough to know and admitthat we loved a classmate, but time has made it clear.

From early days at Lowry, with Lt. Gerry O’Malley as our ATO, Buck stood stead, tall and willing to help - always with a smile and good humor. We learned to look to Buck for leadership through the hard spots. On the swim team, he was a powerful competitor who never gave up, but was always ready with encouragement and support. We shared fun too. Buck came to Californiawith me on our first Christmas leave to try surfing. He’d never seen six to eight feet surf. After some ribbing about the 30 feet he had to jump, Buck climbed over the rail and dove in. I’ll never forget the stricken look on his face when he surfaced and yelled, “... It’s COLD?... Where are the icebergs?” I answered that it was pretty normal for winter - about 57 degrees. Buck gave me a look of pity, and explained that if I would come to Florida the next Christmas, he would show me warmer water to surf in. I did. He was right. I’ve never wanted to jump into the Pacific since.

There is a gap of 40 years in our friendship. Long story. Thanks to Rosie, we reconnected at our 40th reunion. Nothing had changed. We were just older. Buck was the same solid cheerful galoot I’d always known. Then, at a game in Colorado last year, we learned about Buck’s illness, and promptly flew our trusty Aztec to Albuquerque for a visit. We all knew how bad the forecast was, but Buck showed us hospitality, good cheer and great courage.

Dotty and I were able to get Buck and Louisa aboard our boat for a week in the Bahamas last March, flying them from Bradenton and back. It was a wonderful time of relaxation and remembering. Another flying trip to Albuquerque in early July showed him clearly weaker, but still cheerful and up for dinner out. We hugged goodbye at the Albuquerque airport and I was able to tell him that I love him. We both knew it was our last visit. A month later, Louisa called. Buck was gone.

I cannot bring backthe missing years in our friendship. I can only thank God for the great privilege of knowing this kind, generous and stoutly courageous man. I know that ALL of us did love him, because it was impossible not to. Buck was the rare man born without a mean

or cruel or jealous bone in him. He was the walking definition of courage and total integrity.

My dear friend Buck, while you are on your last flight west, you still stay in our hearts. You will always be here to give us courage and show us the way. (With love, Jerry Farquhar, Class of1960.)

Richard Stanley Gault, ’66

Judge Stan Gault 18th Squadron; Class of 1966 died on 23 July 23, 2003, of a heart attack at his home in Cumming, Ga. Stan’s life is a lesson in perseverance, integrity, and service characteristics which he brought to theAcademy, polished for fouryears, and carried through a subsequent career on the bench and in the community.

Stan had worked at Lockheed for three years before attending USAFA and thus “the old man” had a head start in terms of maturity and purpose. My own memories of Stan include his contribution to our squadron football team which won the wingchampionship and as a sparring partner in boxing class where I had many opportunities to look up to him. Stan exhibited a full beliefin the integrity of the honor system at a time when it was challenged by some in our class. While not boastful, he was proud of his Georgia heritage.

Stan was always a believer in education appreciative ofthe opportunity offered by the Academy, and a mentor to students, lawyers, andjudges for over three decades. He conducted mock trials for high school and grade school students, including an infamous case involving Little Red Riding Hood and three wolves. He was honored as Education Partner oftheYear by the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce in 2000.

In professional terms, Stan was “the absolute epitome ofjudicial conduct.” He graduated from the Emory University School of Law in 1971, enjoyed private practice, worked in the office of the Georgia Attorney General for six years, was appointedjudge of the State Court of Forsyth and Cherokee Counties in 1980, and the Superior Court in 1984. He was president of the Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges, and Chief Judge of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit since 1998. He served on state-wide commissions on judicial practices and was in the process of creating a drug court for his circuit at the time of his death.

Paula, Stan’s wife of20 years, is Superintendent ofSchools for Forsyth County. He also leaves two sisters, a brother, two daughters, two stepdaughters, and nine grandchildren. Stan will be sorely missed by his family, his many friends, and the people of Georgia. Donations may be made to: the Judge Stan Gault Fund for Education; c/o Chestate State Bank; 2675 Freedom Parkway; Cumming, Ga. 30041. (Bill Bowen, ’66)

Bruce Warren Sharer, ’66

Colonel (Ret) BruceW. Sharer, Class of 1966, died on June 21, 2003 of a blood clot that traveled to his lungs. At the time ofhis death he was fully enjoying his retirement in Fair Oaks, Calif., cooking outside on the deck, something he loved to do. Bruce was not only a man of high integrity and strong values; he was simply one ofthe nicest, easy-going and most

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site.

www.aog-usafa.org

Buck Congdon

Stan Gault

personable guys you would ever hope to meet. Thos of us who were privileged to know him realize we have lost a special person.

Bruce was born May 31,1944, and his mother recalls listening on the radio to reports of the D-Day Invasion while in the hospital. Although born in Iowa, he grew up in Nebraska andhad a lifelong passion for the Nebraska football team. In high school he was an all-around athlete, a member of the Student Council, and mayor of his Boys State town. In later years he was inducted into the Benson High School Hall of Fame.

Followinggraduation from the Academy, Bruce was trained as a navigator and flew 156 combat missions from Tan Son Nhut AB in Vietnam in the EC-47. He followed this with tours as a C-141 navigator at Travis (196871) and Norton (1971-1973). After graduation from AFIT at Wright Patterson, Bruce was assigned to Webb AFB, Texas, where he served as supplies management officer and commander of the 78th Field Maintenance Squadron. In 1978 he attended Armed Forces Staff College, then returned to flying for three years at Mather AFB, Calif. In 1981 Bruce went on to Air War College. From 1982 to 1986, Bruce served in the Pentagon first as Air Force planner for the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force and then in Headquarters USAF in the Directorate of International Programs. His last tours were in Texas, culminating in selection as base commander at Lackland AFB, San Antonio. Bruce considered that the highlight of his career; he was so proud ofhis base and enjoyed very much the people he worked with. When he retired, they gave him a parade and asked what special songs he would like. He thought three pieces in the order of his life would be appropriate: the Benson High School Fight Song, “There is No Place Like Nebraska,” and “California, Here I Come” to represent his retirement plans. The band did play all three songs - but in reverse order. Bruce being Bruce, he got a big laugh out of that.

Along the course of his Air force career, Bruce earned an MS in logistics management and was a distinguished graduate of AFIT, SOS, and AirWar College. He was a master navigator with more than 5,000 flying hours and his military decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal with threeoak leaf clusters.

As all us veterans ofVietnam recall, Hawaii was the usual R&R site. However, Bruce’s R&R in 1968 was a bit more special than most. When the Air Force told Bruce that he would be sent to Germany after Vietnam, he and Linda decided they would be married in Hawaii while he was on R&R and before he got orders so they could travel to Germany together. Naturally, the Air Force sent him to Travis instead. Bruce and Linda spent the next 24 years together, loving their Air Force life and creating many wonderful memories of places all over the world.

Shortly before he died, Linda says they reminisced about what they had accomplished in their life together. Bruce said he felt he hadhad a very happy life and had done everything he had ever wanted to do. Now that’s a fulfilled life. Bruce’s contentment was obvious to everyone, and it made you happy to be around him.

Bruce is survived by his mother and sister in Beatrice, Neb., and his lovingwife, Linda. Linda can be reached at 8034VintageWay, Fair Oaks, Calif. 95628. (Col. (Ret) Ed Pickens, ’63)

Allan Carl Kramer; VI

A loving God called Allan to his final assignment on Sept. 22, 2003. A1 faithfully and valiantly resisted Multiple SystemAtrophyfor a prolonged period. Although the illness deteriorated his physical presence, it only served to strengthen his faithful spirit and resolve.

Allan C. Kramer was born Sept. 10,1949 in Detroit, Mich. He was one of three children of Ed and Ora Kramer. The Reverend FrankMadsen bap

tizedAllan on Oct. 16,1949, at Hope Lutheran Church in Detroit. He spent his growing up years in the Detroit area. His love during those years was to spend the summers at his grandparent’s farm in Kansas. After instruction in the Christian faith, the Reverend Walter Rutkowski confirmed Allan on April 7,1963 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Farmington, Mich. His confirmation verse was Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

After graduating from Lutheran West High School in Detroit, Allan entered the Air Force Academy. He graduated in 1971 and then went on to pilot training. His first assignment was flying Medivac aircraft at Scott AFB. He then was stationed at Rhein-Main flying Medivac and diplomatic missions. His last assignment was as General Haig’s personal pilot at SHAPE Headquarters in Belgium. In 1980 he became a commercial airline pilot, eventually working for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis.

On Aug. 12, 1972, Allan was united in marriage with Korinne Kluth at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Livonia, Mich. They were blessed with three sons: Brian, Philip, and Stephen. After his Lord, his family came next. He spent many enjoyable hours watching and coaching his sons in sports. He also enjoyed camping, hiking, woodworking and biking.

Spreading the Gospel was a joy to him. He was actively engaged in mission projects such as LAMP and The Lutheran Hour Ministries. He also made two mission trips to the Philippines for Vernacular Video Mission International. Allan was an active member ofZion and he was a past chairman of the Board for Evangelism. Christian education was another area of ministry that was important to Allan. He was a strong supporter of Mayer Lutheran High School.

Despite his illness, he was determined to stay active. He set a goal to ride across Minnesota for Focus on the Family located in Colorado Springs, Colo. He met that goal in July 2001.

He was under care of Ridgeview Hospice for the last ninemonths of hislife. He was blessed by all the wonderful people who cared for him, allowing him to remain at home until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Korinne, of Mayer, Minn.; by sons and daughter-in-law Brian and Maria, Philip and Stephen, by grandchildren Kaitlin and Abigail Kramer, by sister Carol Hendrix and family, by brother Michael Kramer and wife Lou, by sisters-in-law and brothersin-law Kay and David Coons, Kristen and Leonard Funk, andGretchen and Richard Hudock; by father-in-law Roland Kluth, and by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. (Darrell Singleton, 71)

Kash StanleyJohnson, ’82

In the late afternoon of Aug. 5, 2003, at the age of 43, Kash Stanley Johnson’s life very sadly came to an abrupt end when be became the viedm of a head-on collision with an out-of-control automobile on a Salt Lake Cityhighway. He was driving home with his oldest daughter, Ashley, and his youngest son, Jett, both ofwhom were riding in the back seat and luckily managed to survive the crash. Kash was not so fortunate.

Kash’s dream as a young boy was ofbecoming an Air Force F-16 pilot. Almost assuredly destined to becomethe next teenage skiing phenomenon, Kash decided at age 10 to push that unique opportunity aside and to focus his energy instead on pursuing his goal of going to the USAF Academy and flyingjets. That goal first led him to the USAF Academy Prep School in the summer of 1977, then to the USAF Academy itself a year later. After graduating with the Class of ’82, he was able to come a step closer to his dream by being selected to attend Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB inWichita Falls, Texas. It was during pilot training there that Kash met the love of his life, Michelle Peters. Kash and Michelle were married on Aug. 18, 1984 in Wichita Falls. Kash, a first lieutenant at the time, was serving as the very first “home-grown” ENJJPT First Assignment Instructor Pilot

Bruce Sharer

Allan Kramer

(FAIP), a position and challenge he took on with the greatest of competence. In fact, his exceptional performance those three years as a T-38 FAIP eventually earned him the top selection slot in his group to fly the F-16, therefore offering him the opportunity to finally fulfill his longtime boyhood dream. After successfullycompleting transition training in Feb. 1988 at Luke AFB, Ariz., Kash proudlyjoined the elite group of “Viper” pilots, and was assigned to the 526 th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. At the end ofthree flawless years there, Kash decided it was time for him to hang up the helmet and g-suit for good and move on to “bigger” things, as in bigger airplanes, and a lot less g’s. So he applied to Delta Air Lines, which promptly hired him. And in the summer of 1991, Kash and his growing family moved and settled in Salt Lake City. He was based there as a B757-767 First Officer at the time of his tragic death.

A synopsis of Kath’s life would not be complete without mentioning the deep love, passion and devotion Kash felt and extended to his beautiful family and to his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which he and Michelle joined in 1984. Family and Mormon Church were, quite simply, his life, and anyone who really knew Kash was keenly aware that absolutely nothing came ahead of those priorities. He considered the two as inseparable, one-and-the-same entities, and his loyalty to both was unshakable.

Hundreds of people, from Kash’s family to fellow church members, pilots, former classmates, neighbors and friends all were at Kash’s funeral service on Aug. 9th to pay their tribute and to respectfully say a last goodbye to “Kash the Great”. Kash now rests in peace near his home in Sandy, Utah, facing the mountains he loved so much. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him are experiencing a deep, painful void in our lives. We miss you so very much, Kash!

Kash is survived by his wife, Michelle; his daughters Ashley (17), Danielle (16) and Sierra (8); his sons Colton Kash (12) and Jett (4); his parents, Lynn and Janice Johnson; his brother Kevin; and his sister Keeli McClintick. Memorials may be made to the Kash Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund, 12271S 900E, Draper, Utah 84020. (T.L. Johnson,’82)

FrankJohn Roper, ’98

Frank Roper passed away Friday Aug. 1, 2003 serving his country in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. He was assigned to the JointAnalysis Center, United States European Command, Royal Air Force Molesworth. Frank was a topnotch performer and valued member of our team. As a result ofhis capabilities, he was selected as a member of the command briefing team, where he superbly briefed four-star generals on a daily basis. He could be relied on for any task and always approached it with a gentle sense ofhumor that made tough jobs a little more palatable. Please know we share in your pain and sorrow and offer final respects to one of our very bestFrank will be missed by all of us.” (From a letter from his commander, Col. Richard R. Ayers)

Frank was an honor graduate of Greenon High School in Springfield, Ohio, and was a member of the varsity football and track teams. He worked at Young’s Jersey Dairy throughout his high school years, putting in long hours to save up for his first car. He always worked hard and set high standards for himself. He attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama from 1993-94 on a Falcon Foundation Scholarship, andthere

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.aog-usafa.org

picked up the nickname “Swampfox.” He loved the challenges they gave him there. He went on to be appointed to the Academy in 1994. He was a member and later on a manager ofthe Academy Karate Club, winning many awards in matches across the country.

He was named Air Force Intelligence Officer of the Year in 2001 while assigned to the targets division in Molesworth. Frank was also deployed for four months to the United States National Intelligence Cell Pristina, Kosovo, Operation Joint Guardian from Jan. 29 to May 29, 2002. Frank participated in long distance bicycle races and a marathon to raise money for charity while stationed in the United Kingdom. He always gave of himself when he could. Prior to his assignment to the United Kingdom, Frank served as an information operations watch officer in the 303rd Intelligence Squadron, Osan AB, Republic of Korea.

Frankloved sharks and was an avid diver. He made dives on the Great Barrier Reefin Australia and in South Africa, looking for and finding great white sharks. He was also an accomplished photographer and took many dramatic photos of sharks.

“Our friendship had begun in high school. Frank was amazing to me with a strength of character and sense of self that made him strong. I don’t want to think very much about what those years would have been like for me without him. He’s been an inspiration to me in everything I have accomplished and everything I am setting out to accomplish. I approach my future with his example of a singleness of purpose and in his memory, with him looking down upon me from the epitome of all pedestals. I will do my best to make him as proud of me as I was of him. Frank John Roper will never be forgotten.” (From the eulogy delivered by Heather Gerhardt)

Frank was buried with full military honors at the Dayton, Ohio National Cemetery. Family from New York and Utah, friends from his Academy days and Air Force, Karate Team members from the Academy, friends from Greenon High School and neighbors attended the service. Frank was our precious son, a brother, a grandson, uncle and brother-in-law.

Our hearts are broken over the devastating loss of our son Frank. He will be forever loved and always missed by his parents, family and friends. “At Peace with God.” (John and Ina Maria Roper, his parents) Frank’s classmates Jung Ha, Derek Kramer, Steven Piel and Van Thai sent in this tribute to him: “There are so many great things to say about Frank, but perhaps the easiest thing to say is that he loved and was loved by all he met. In his short 28 years, Frank lived more fully than most of us ever will.With his easy-going attitude and love for life, Frank was a person that people like to be around. We have alllost a true friend. Here’s a toast...

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

Mr. Stephen E. Galios, Class of 1959, who died on Aug. 27, 2003 in Napa, Calif.

Maj. (Ret) Robert C. Hetrick, Class of 1966, who died on Sept. 25, 2003 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Col. (Ret) Norman E. Lasater, Class of 1967, who died on Sept 18, 2003 in a Cessna 172 crash at Warner Robins, Ga.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Charles L. Horton, Class of 1972, who died on Aug. 13, 2003 of coronary artery disease in Dallas, Texas.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

Kash Johnson

Frank Roper

Class

In addition, I’ve also played a non-singing role in Carlisle Floyd’s opera OfMice and Men, based on the Steinbeck story, with the Houston Grand Opera. That was a paidprofessional gig even though my parts were small.

“I expect to continue doing stage work here in Houston, hopefully getting better as an actor as I go along. I won’t be doing TV or movies because that requires relocation to Hollywood and I’m not interested. I also don’t want to relocate to New York where the big-time stage opportunities are, so my activities will probably always be limited to the Houston stage. I’m not interested in commercial acting (making commercials).”

Theater Critic Jerry Garber told me that Bob’s performance in the play he sawwas absolutely superb, as good as any professional production he’d seen. Maybe Bob will keep us abreast offuture shows. I’m sure he’d appredate a ’59er cheering section at his next opening night. Or, maybe not.

A few months back, I received one of those mystical late night phone calls from a small consortium of moderately lubricated classmates who were partying at Newport, RI. The usual suspects participated: RL Penn, Dave Groark, and Ed Josephson, while their wives and Dick Goetze tried fruitlessly to exert some adult supervision. It seems I wasn’t the only one so graced that night. (ThankGod fortime zone differences.) Margaretta Groark writes to elaborate the story and provides an amusing retrospective.

“The ’59er reprobate party was a lulu. We ended up in RL and Eugenia’s room for a ‘nightcap.’ After their ‘howdy’ call to you, the guys called HT Johnson at his private number around 12:30 a.m. His wife answered the phone and wanted to knowwho was calling. Dave (aka ‘Himself’) informed her that he was ‘RL Penn’s Aide and HT better get on the horn.’ I don’t think HT was very amused, but he put up with the guys in a very civilized manner. I am attaching a photo (unfortunately they are not police mug shots) for your amusement, edification, and reprinting value. The breathtaking women in the photos are myself, Eugenia Penn and Judy Josephson. The old codgers should be readily recognizable. They were taken at the Newport Officer’s Club.

NEWS

PeteTodd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

I closed last quarter’s column with a “teaser,” a playbill for the play Harvey featuring one Robert Lowe. Now it can be revealed! Yes, that is none other than our very own classmate and I have prevailed on him to share his fascinating thespian story.

“I did two plays in high school, Best Foot Forward and Annie Get Your Gun. I did one play in college the year before coming to the Academy, TheAdmirable Creighton by James Barrie. (I think he also wrote Peter Pan.)

“Gerry Garvey and others tried to get a dramaclub together at the Academy and I participated in that effort. We were going to do Twelve O’clock High, but for reasons I don’t recall it never got off the ground.

“I maintained a strong interest in theater, but was unable to do anything because of military and job commitments. When I retired in ’99 I decided to give it a try. I had my first two auditions just prior to the40th class reunion and found out when we got back that I had gotten my first part in a play called Wild Oats at Actor’s Theatre of Houston. It was directed by Brandon Smith who later became my acting teacher. Brandon’s a professional stage and screen actor who now does primarily movies and television. It took three or four more auditions before I got my next part, a significant role in AlanAyckbourne’s comedy Absurd Person Singular at Houston’s Theatre Southwest. After that I got more parts than I knew what to do with; at one time did five shows in a row over the course of a year.

“My favorite roles have been Willie in The Sunshine Boys (Walter Matthau did the role in the movie), Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey (the James Stewart role), the ghost ofJohn Barrymore in IHate Hamlet, and Joe Benjamin in God’s Favorite, the Neil Simon play that Jerry Garberattended.

“After we left Newport (no, wewere not asked to vacate the Island), we drove with RL and Eugenia to spend the evening in Milford. Later, RL took us out for a glorious and uneventful two-hour sail. Lastyearwhen RL treated David and me to a sail, he and Himselfput on a show that topped anything ever seen on a Three Stooges movie. It was a windy day (go figure, taking a sailboat out in those conditions), and David lost his hat. RL wanted to show off his naval skills with a perfectly executed “Man Overboard” drill to retrieve the silly hat. He gave David this 10-foot pole with a hook on the end with which David was to gaff the hat and drag it aboard.

“Every time the boat came abeam of the hat, RL would tack and David would narrowly miss getting clobbered by the mast. The orders each one yelled to the other were hysterical and mostly nonsensical. The concept of ‘port’ and ‘stern’ often got confused in the melee. I was laughing so hard that I almost missed seeing the bodacious storm that was brewing on land. After the20th pass, we headed home, hat firmly perched on David’s head. By the time we docked, the thunder and lightning were in full swing. RL, gallantgentleman that he is, ordered me off the boat and into the car. I grabbed a sackful of stuff, trying to be helpful, except that while debarking, I managed to drop RL’s cellular into the drink. He takes pains to remind me of this ‘incident.’ I honestly believe it is his lame attempt to keep me from telling the man overboard story.”

Wayne Jefferson wrote that the Honorable HT Johnson, then still Acting Secretary of the Navy, invited local classmates and wives to lunch in

Sabre Society Donors

In the NavySecretary’s office,from left areJimmie andJudyJay, Ron and Judy Lanman, Joe and Karen Morgan, HT and Linda Johnson, Robin and Bev Kozelka, Steve Hamer, Kent Montavon and Fredda Sparks, Jim Blackwell, Bonnie and WayneJefferson, and Marian and Mike Reardon. the Secretary’s private dining room on 3 July, followed by a guided tour of the Pentagon. Wayne notes that the lunch was exceptionally good and the tour very interesting, especiallythe newlyreconstructed sectionwhere the plane hit and the newly redone main corridors.

The following evening, many of the same crew enjoyed the 4th of July fireworks from the Goetzes’ balconyoverlooking the city from well above the Marine Memorial in Rosslyn. “Great party, far from the madding crowd,” says Wayne.

Grandbaby Count: The current leaders, Steve and Patty Hamer, report that #20 and #21 were born in October and November. Abbondanza!

Thought for the Quarter: You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. —Albert Einstein

AJ. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

214 Poppy St. Golden, CO 80401

H: (303) 238-4973 e-Fax: (509) 463-4700

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

Dick and Sally Sexton spent a month “Down Under” February thru March 2003 visiting Australia, New Zealandand Fiji, with gigs like a sunrise balloon ride over the desert near Alice Springs, bush BBQ, scubadiving Great Barrier Reef, aboriginalvillage, Maori dinner, rainforest habitat and sheep station, cruising Milford Sound, America’s Cup Yacht Race and firewalkers of Fiji. Next: Inland Passage to Alaska.

Dick, Koala and Sally

Our guys are traveling outside ConUS, virtually cavalier about risks from terrorists, al-Qaeda attacks, West Nile Fever, hijackings, dirty bombs and wildfires ignoring the inconveniences ofBiometric-Tech scans, jet-lag, offing shoes for stepped-up airport security, pesky baggage screenings, lost luggage and... Airline Food!

June 25-July 16, Pat and Earl Van Inwegen visited Amsterdam, Potsdam, Berlin, Prague, Czech spa of KarlovyVary, Bamberg and Frankfurt. It was Copenhagen in August and 10 days cruising Rostock, Fatvia, Estonia, St. Petersburg and Denmark; Oct 26-Nov 9th was a time-share with their children and grandchildren on Kona. Tony and Carol Bilello also spent a week in August on the “Big Island.”

This August, Bob and Jane Odenweller were in Venice to visit daughter Fiesl, who gave birth Aug 28th Bob was in Amsterdam last August (2002), and Fondon that November and Ratzeburg, Germany, to hear Liesl sing Brahms’ Requiem at their cathedral. On Sept 17,2003, it was back to Venice

for birth-support, and Sindelfingen, Germany for Bob’s philatelic meeting (AIEP). Next: New Zealand in February and Canadian Maritimes July 2004.

Bill (Ed.D.) and Kathleen Gillis spent two months in Germany, Fuxembourg, Austria, Netherlands, France and Switzerland starting May 21 st with adopted children Sebastian and Cecelia. Highlights: Berchtesgaden, Sound of Music Tour, Neuschwanstein, Garmisch, Zugspitze, Oberammergau, Arc d’ Triumph, Eiffel and Notre Dame Towers, Rhein cruise and Heidelberg. It was hot, and Kath lamented: “With dog crap every step in France, the stench was atrocious! I’m glad the French are (finally) admitting their smelly environment!” (R: Ah, those Frenchies! They yank the legs off frogs and eat 'em, you know!)

Native of Paxico, Kansas Phil Meinhardt loves all things French since assignment at Chateau Roux in ’64; so, it was off to Quebec. Phil flew into Boston in late September, saw the fall colors on the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont and then drove to Montreal andthe Trois Riveieres of the St. Fawrence.

Audi Biancur and Carole Kramer cruised the Caribbean on the Dawn Princess last winter, visiting Montego Bay, Aruba, Costa Rica andthe Panama Canal. On Jan 7, 2004, they’ll cruise around Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Fast April (2003), Jim and Jenny Glaza cruised Belize, Honduras and Mexico with Jenny’s parents. In January 2004, Glazas and Ron and Connie Yates go to Arena’s Ski Resort near Innsbruck (“150 lifts serving 300 miles of runs”) for some tony skiing and glitzy digs. Rich and Midge Hillman recently cruised Mexico, and took a cruise/train tour of Alaska. Debbie and Norm Alexander cruisedthe Baltic in July and then vacationed in Scotland; September, it was Montreal and Quebec.

Bruce, Caryl and daughter Debbie Mosier went to Ireland this summer, discoveringwhyIreland is so gloriously green: “It’sGuinness’ barley shimmering in those fields,” writes Caryl. And, oh those pubs! We enjoyed the friendly people of the Emerald Isle. Slainte.”

In March, Karen and I went to Nassau, Bahamas, where Jerry and Dotty Farquhar picked us up in their Aztec Twin and flew us to their luxurious yacht in Staniel Cay, Exuma; later, it was a week for the Clers’ anniversary at Mazatlan, Mexico, in November. Kathy and Charlie Liggett spent three weeks in Portugal and Spain this October, with four days in Lisbon, going to Barcelona and Madrid, and a week on the 300-passenger SilverSea Cloud down Iberia’s coast.

Charlie and Mercedes Thompson, joined by their daughter and grandkids, spent July 2-6 in Montreal, Quebec, at the Barbershop Harmony International Contest. Bob and Lilliane Badger went to Montreal earlierthis year.

Dale and Ina Thompson spent sixweeks on two consecutive Rick Steves’ tours to Berlin, Slovenia, Budapest, Croatia, Alps, Lake Como,Venice, Florence and Rome. “Our favorite meals were in Mom and Pop stores having great conversations with locals,” says Dale. “The greatest difficulty was my shoes we walked so much I developed severe blisters.”

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After a time-share in the Canary Islands this summer, Bill and Anne Carnegie flew back through Madrid and Toledo. August 13-27,2003, it was to Guayaquil, Ecuador, where son Tom is an officer with the U.S. Consulate. Traveling six

in a

NOT contract malaria!”

Doug Rekenthaler’s “been wintering in BuenosAires and/or Bariloche (Patagonia). Hotels are inexpensive, it has the world’s best (steep) downhill skiing, mountain climbing and trout fishing, Chateaubriand costs $4

Sabre Society Donors

Left: Dale and Ina in Berlin. Right:Jon, 30 lbsalmon and Ron. Ron Yates gave wife, Connie, an Alaskan fishing vacation at John McCullough’s Quartz Creek Lodge on KodiakIsland for their wedding anniversary. And in Feb 2003, Ron and Connie skied at thechic St. Anton am Arlberg Ski Resort in Austria.

days

Jeep Wrangler, Bill “got bit by a mosquito and did

in top restaurants, and one day on an executive bus provides a look at the pampas and their enormous rancheros.”

Gosling’s trips last year were to Trinidad, Bermuda and collecting his MB-CLK-320 in Stuttgart and driving around Europe. This summer, Goose Gulbransen and Susan spent a (relatively) quiet month in Australia.

Goose and Cockatoos examining Sydney.

Gary and Diane Karschnick have taken over 90 cruises and 13 European and Asian tours the past 26 years. Karschnicks cruised five days leaving Nov 30, 2003 on Mariner of the Seas for Labadee, Haiti, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Georgetown, Grand Caymans andCozumel.

The globe-trotting Mayberrys are at it again: In February, they started in New South Wales and South Australia; time-share at Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia, then up the AlCan Highway to cover Alaska like a glove; and, much more.

Mayberrys at theArctic Circle.

Visiting Australia, Ralph andDarlene Lalime’s trip covered Emu Park, HerveyBay’s whale watch, walking with Koalas and seeing the Mayberrys at Colangatta; in September, it was three weeks in the Vaterland Bayreuth & Frankische Switz, Dresden, Prague and Schwabisch Hall.

Joe and Sue Higgins and Betty and Jerry De La Cruz cruised Barcelona and around Spain and the peninsula to the Canary Islands, ending in Lisbon. Jerry and Betty then went solo to England to visit friends at RAF Chivenor in North Devon.

“Early this year (2003) I was asked by Footsteps Missions to lead a youth group to Ecuador on a Christian mission June 26th thru July 7th,” writes Sid Newcomb. “We did Vacation Bible Schools, constructed a building up an Andean mountain, worshipped with Quichua-speakingcongregations, and witnessed baptisms in a mountain river where 23 Ecuadorian Christian Alliance churches had gathered.” On a similar mission, Jim Waddle spent Oct 31 st thru Nov 14th in Nigeria distributing bibles for the Gideons.

No one went to the Moon or Marrakech or Mombasa, just numerous excursions outside these contiguous 48 states. Armed onlywith St. Christopher medals and their “meds,” they were simply on a search for the ultimate nightly pillow mint. Merry Christmas from the Rose.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Earl N. “Nelson" O’Rear

50582 Stonington Drive

Granger, IN 46530-8243

H: (574) 273-2597

E-mail: ENOandTJO@ameritech.net

Class Web Site: www.usafal961.org

According to Stu Boyd, the annual February ski event will be theweekend following Presidents’ Day, with the details provided later. He is now siding a barn, designing a house, training a horse, harvesting his hay, fixing his tractor, fighting the state “tree-huggers”, working with marriages (counseling and teachingworkshops), serving as a Lt Col (Chaplain) in the Civil Air Patrol, providing “fill in help” to the Hill AFB Chapel, and working as a halftime pastor.

While Dave Carlstrom was attending the marriage of an Irish nephew to a French woman this summer, he stopped at a French bank to buy Euros. He was surprised when the young Frenchman teller wished him a Happy 4th ofJuly. Some bonds still exist. He and Lilly flew to and from Europe on a C-17 via space-A between Dover AFB and Ramstein. On the way over, the Zoomie copilot was amazed that Dave was a navigator and delighted in showing him thesmall black box that had replaced him. He also decided that Dave was doubly obsolete after learning that he was a ’61 Zoomie. On the way home, Dave and Lilly kept getting bumped by GIs coming out ofthe desert, but that was a pleasure. Those guys were terrific.

Bill Foster and a ’61 group of 19 went to the Navy game on October 4th at FEDEX Field (Redskins Stadium). He andThedahosted a post-game party.

When Jerry Gill retired again, a year ago, Dorothy mentioned that their overseas assignments had caused them to see more ofthe rest ofthe world than North America. During the past year, they have corrected that! They started with an Alaskan cruise in September 2002 with Jimmy and Susan Poole. In addition to other travel, they also recently returned from a small ship cruise to Halifax, many spots in between, and New York City. The weather was gorgeous, and cruising down the Hudson River and around Lady Liberty wasawesome.

Bill and Linda Griffis and their son Mark traveled to Piedmont, CA, in September for their son Robert’s marriage. The bride manages an international flower business, so they had plenty of beautiful orchids at the wedding.

Late Friday, Sept 12th Henry Howe’s Air Force daughter, Captain Tricia Paulsen-Howe, called to ask ifhe could travel to the Pentagon on Monday the 15th to attend an Air Force Association meeting. He traveled with her on Monday and accompanied her to the Chief’s office on Tuesday. They were escorted, along with four other “heroes” as the Chief called them, to the AFA gathering where many Air Chiefs from many different countries were gathered. Henry and his daughter were recognized fortheir family contribution. It is good to see our military getting the public recognition for their service in SWA that was lacking for SEA.

In July, Dean and Wayne Jones, their wives, and other family members cruisedthe “Mexican Riviera”, with stops at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Great food, entertainment, relaxation, and sightseeing!

Bob Kellock has been on a Boeing IDS Working Group to address and implement a “mission assurance” feature for IDS programs. He still doesn’t see retirement, but it must not be too far away!

Hector and Joan Negroni and Charlie and Sarah Stebbins visited Brice Jones and Susan Porth in their Orleans area residence (Cape Cod) in August. The first evening they dined at Chatham House, a gourmet restaurant operated by Tom and Mimi Skilling. The next day, Brice and Susan outfitted their boat and took their guests to the eastern reaches of the Cape to gaze at the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Brice was the only one brave enough to get into the 67-degree waters. The rest of their visit was equally enjoyable and memorable. Hector enclosed a photo ofthe group, which John May has posted at our class web site.

Hurricane Isabel mostlypassedA1 and Becky Nunn’s Raleigh, NC, home. In Kilmarnock, they lost only one tree andhad no structural damage, but quite a few businesses and residences were hurt badly by uprooted trees that fell on homes. Two days after Isabel, three tornadoes severely damaged an automobile dealership. Roads and streets were clear and passable, with trees pushed to the roadside; many fallen trees were still on houses, and power lines were down but not ‘hot’. In spite ofhomes without electricity and many without water or telephones, great community spirit prevailed.

Jim Rogers’ wife, Linda Cain, hosted a wonderful 65th birthday party for Jim in Vienna, VA, on August 3rd The more than 80 people sang the Air Force Song, andthe dance floor was never empty. Participants included family, ’61 classmates and their ladies (Charlie Dixon and Dottie Willey, Bill and Theda Foster, Steve Ho and Lynn Funkhauser, Lowell and Sandy

Jones, John and Joan Kohout, Jack and Diane McDonough, Ron and Cathy Muller, Hector and Joan Negroni, Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse, Charlie and Sarah Stebbins, John and Ellen Sullivan, Rees and Pauline Wagner, and Karl and Dianne Whitaker), and other friends. Jim said that having lost more classmates recently should remind us to take the time to smell the roses.

Bob Smith’s well-planned retirement turned out to be short-lived. The newspaper for which he occasionally reports drafted him as its new editor, and the city council also again appointed Bob to be the city’s representative to the Edwards AFB Base Restoration Advisory Board a really fascinating job, particularly with more than 460 sites identified on the base. Pat and Bob worked in a quick trip to Gladbeck, Germany, on 9/25 for their daughter Elizabeth’s church wedding.

Richard Smith endedhis employment with CACI on October 1 st and began cleaning out closets and attics in their house. Since this is the 25th house he and Carolyn have lived in since 1961, and they have lived at their current address for nine years, this is a new experience. The surgeons at Wilford HallMedical Center replaced Carolyn’s right knee on July 15th and she is recovering very well. Richard applauds our Air Force medical system. They could not have been treated any better. In November, Carolyn returns to WHMC for replacement of her left knee. About the middle of March, his bionic wife should be ready to travel. They would love to have any Gray Tag visit.

Bill Stackhouse said that during Isabel he and Rhoda spent the day and night in the shed since it hadearlier survived a 65-mph gust without a tremor. Isabel gusted up to 90 mph, but neither the house nor shed trembled. Water rose over the dock and to within a foot of the piling tops but never threatened the house. The local old-timers, whose memories go back to the ’30s, could not recall a tide so high. The biggest tree on their lot was blown down and took six prized persimmon trees with it. The house was fine, but power was out, and trees were down everywhere. Nobody was hurt, and not a great deal of property damage occurred in the development. Although Bill and Rhoda lost some fine trees, their view is improved. Inclement weather keeps slipping their housing completion schedule though.

Charlie and Sarah Stebbins visited the Pentagon on July 31 s1 for Charlie, Jr.’s, (’87) promotion to lieutenant colonel. Charlie, Sr. donned his old uniform and performed the honors (see class web site for photo). He reports that getting into his uniform 15 years after retirement required moving all four buttons and wearing some rather severe foundation garments.

Paul Stephen’s VTW Post 5762 sponsored the Vietnam Memorial (moving wall) display over the Labor Day weekend. More than 10,000 visited their town of 3,000. Residents of 25 states and Mexico signed the visitors’ registry. Paul had never before seen such an outpouring of support for veterans as he noted during the two weeks of preparation. He and his granddaughter shared a trip to the wall, where she laid a flower under each panel where our classmates (Vic Apodaca, Robert Bull, Lee Dixon, Terry Koonce, Monte Moorberg, Burke Morgan, Tom Sanders, John Stackhouse, and Tom Walker) were listed, and Paul explained the purpose of this memorial. He hopes that all of you, if you haven’t already, will go to D.C., visit the traveling wall memorial, or get your VFW Post to sponsor a visit from the Wall. Your community will appreciate and remember it for a lifetime. On a personal note, Paul has fully recovered from his hip replacement surgery and thrown away his cane. He expects to be swinging golf clubs soon.

Bob and Winnie Wagner continue to enjoy Jacksonville, where Bob is the director ofoperations for a subsidiary ofCSX railroad. He likes his job, but the pull ofretirement is gettingvery strong.Winnie continues herwork as a public relations consultant and is currently on the Board ofTrustees for Families First, a local agency. They had a great summer trip to St. Thomas with son Scott’s family, as well as a great week on the North Carolina beach with daughter Valerie and her family. They claim that their grandchildren are the cutest and smartest in the universe and now understand what all the fuss is about. They feel exceptionally blessed.

Twy Williams’ youngest son, Robert, married on Saturday, Sept 20th Hurricane Isabel threatened the outdoor wedding and reception near Lexington, VA, but thankfully caused little problem. In Callao the only damage was to their dock; the boat survived. He and Nancy used a generator during the week’s power outage, so they were fortunate. They visited Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse and surveyed their damage.

Roger and Mary Sue Woodbury’s daughter Michele and herhusband hope to be commissioned in the Air Force next year. Their other daughter, Sandi, married in October. Roger also noted that as the C-141 rapidly approaches retirement, so is he. If the forecast of simulator closure in March 2004 is accurate, he may retire then. He and Mary Sue plan to travel through Indiana in 2004 and stop to see the O’Rears. Roger suggested playing some golf, but in another note mentioned that Butch Harmon is a good friend of theirs! This could be interesting.

And finally, 33 of our classmates and their ladies currently plan to attend the annual October mini-reunion in Orange Beach, AL. Jimmy

Poole says that the number attending this year is twice the number last year, so we can all expect twice the fun. Since this column must be submitted before that reunion, you can read the survivors’ after-action report at our class web site.

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!

It’s almost October and the weather is still hot in Florida. But after 23 years here, I’m getting acclimated. Let’s start offwith some mail. Got a letterfrom Bob Connolly with a picture. The photo was taken in Feb 03.

From left are son Lt Col Michael Connolly, USAFA ’85, Pat Connolly (Mom), Bob (Dad), and other son Maj John Connolly, CA ANG.

“The photo was taken as Mike assumed command of the 6th Combat Training Sq, Nellis AFB, a part ofAir Ground Operations School. Mike has 2,000 hours in the F-16. John is Commander ofthe Services Sq in the 146th Wing, Channel Island ANG Base. John, a high school English teacherand water polo coach, was called to active duty in June of last year and enjoyed 90 days in Pakistan as part of Enduring Freedom. Each son is married and has two sons. Pat and I live in northern San Diego County. We enjoy riding our horses daily and I limit golf to three days per week. “Thanks for the update, Bob.

Now a July email from Mitch Eckel. “I’m still running a three- lawyer law firm in Acton, MA. I’m blessed to have two woman lawyers who work with me, and they are doing a goodjob of shaping me up. Notwithstanding the proclamation that the estate tax is dead, as estate planners and administrators with a tax and elder law bent, we are staying busy. I’ll be going back to my 45th high school reunion in North Little Rock, Arkansas this August, and I’ll be interested to see if my female classmates look as good as the wives of our Zoo classmates did last fall. Otherwise my three sons are still diddling around keeping several significant others (females) on the line so we have no grandchildren. We’re beginning to feel left out.”

Hang in there, Mitch. Your day will come.

From Jim Mack: “We had a nice summer reunion (practice 4th of July bash) at the Mack house on June 27th Rip and Jean Blaisdell, Tim and Nancy Gilmartin, Huck and Karen Spory, Bob and Ginny McNaughton and Rudy and Betty Bow graced this joint. The Robinsons (PK and Reta) andthe Ohmans couldn’t make it because of summer travel. Everyone seems to be doing fine in a creaky sort ofway since most of theavailable beer and donuts vanished just as they should. We had such a good time, we had a rejoin the followingnight at Huck’s estate downtown, Nice times!”

And this one from Chet Griffin: “I guess this is one of the things a fellow does as he closes up shop at work. Wednesday ‘Mr. Northrop’ treats me to a luncheon, and Friday I’m outta here! Retiring is as exciting as I always dreamed it would be. I get tired just thinking of allthe things I plan to do with the huge amount of time I can now invest in other things. EvaLee and I will be doing the traveling that we have put off for a long time, and the size of her job jar andthe extent of my ‘things’ I enjoy doing make me think that coming to theoffice might be a lot easier. We’ll be seeing you, and that’s true for everyone in this address book.” Thanks, Chet. And may you enjoy your retirement. See you in Florida, soon.

Got this from Chuck Cheeseman: “The final pair of TG-14 Ximangos was recently delivered to USAFA by Chuck Cheeseman and his partner, L/

Col (Ret) Keith Phillips. Cheezie was the pilot who landed as number two, thereby becoming the last delivery pilot to land at USAFA. (Cheezie was also the pilot who landed the first TG-14 at USAFA on its delivery flight last June, 2002.) USAFA now has a new fleet of 14 TG-14 Ximango motorgliders to supplement its towed gliders.” (See the cover of Checkpoints, Winter 2003, for a photo.) Also, Chuck mentionedthat RTB Don Baucom did an excellent book review of Edward Teller’s memoirs in the new issue ofAirpower History... ’’Don’s account is a good job of describing what Teller wrote andwhere he fit in a few words.” Thanks, Cheezie.

Got an email from Grant Lannon: “We are doing great in flying aircraft in the Commemorative Air Force in the current air show season. The Yellow Rose B-25 has made all our air show dates and sometimes the T-6 (that I own with a partner who flies the B-25 with me) goes along. For the B-25, starting in March, we made 10 air shows so far. We have three shows coming up and the constant partying is wearing me down. On the way back from Alice, I flew the T-6 in formation with the B-25 and we got the attached shot. If you look closely, you can see Grant Lannon at the stick of the T-6.

“Flying WWII aircraft, with a bunch of others in all kinds of airplanes is a real thrill. Who would’ve thought that the pictures I cut out and pasted in a scrapbook as a kid would become reality?” Thanks for the update andthe picture, Grant. You look so young. Is that really you?

Heard from Chuck Turner: “Attached is a photo of Gary Forrest showing me his route to and from Alaska. He was on the way home to Florida after a 14,000-mile trip in his van, camping all the way. Sounded like he took just about every side trip feasible.”

Got a copy of a Reno newspaper article that I’ll summarize. Sam Dehne sees himself as a “watchdog” when he attends city, county, Convention and Airport Authority meetings. Dehne sued both the City of Reno and the AirportAuthority after two separate instances in which he was kicked out of meetings, including one where he was arrested and hauled out of an AirportAuthoritymeeting. U.S. District Judge Howard McKibben threw the cases out. Two weeks ago, though, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Dehne’s lawsuits could proceed and be heard by a jury instead of a judge. Attaboy, Sam. Don’tlet them grind you down.

Don Shepperd is on a special assignment to Iraq with several other military analysts and think-tank brains. He can’t report on where he is going but will probably have some opinions to share on the Redtag Net after he gets back. Ifyou want to be on the net, contact me. Also, my wife bought me a copy ofDon’s book, Misty, the story ofthe F-100 Fast FACs in Vietnam. It has lots of individual stories contributed by former members of the Misty group. I read stories by Jim Mack, Lanny Lancaster, Chuck Turner, PK Robinson, and Don. It was an exciting and terrifying time for them. Good reading, though.

Well, I’m at my word limit for the column. I read an article in the paper yesterday about a recent survey ofAcademy cadets that showed that “they are less likely to follow the Honor Code, the longer they are at the Academy.” That’s very, very disturbing. Please respond. In the meantime, 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

AsI write this piece the Lalcons have five wins and no losses with Navy up this weekend. This issue of Checkpoints will show up on your doorstep afterthe reunion probably close to Thanksgiving. I will refrain from talking about said reunion otherthan I am looking forward to being with all ofyou again, catching up on what’s going on in your lives and maybe writing about the happenings for the next issue of the magazine.

Showdown at TPC Tampa!

The following was received from “The Venk,” just after the deadline for the summer issue. “In late June, former roommates Ken Habedank and Bob Venkus finally competed head-to-head in a rugged golf match on a neutral course northof Tampa. Often scheduled but just as often postponed due to weather, injuries, etc., the match play event drew little attention in the golfingworld (delayed broadcast on ESPN-3?) despite its importance to the two combatants. Facing a diabolical course design, hazards populated by gators and snakes, and brutal Florida temperatures and humidity, Danker and The Venk finished with identical (but respectable!) scores in the low 3-figure range. But, due to superior betting skillsandhis willingness to challenge the General’s addition on key holes, Bobreceived substantial winnings in ceremonies at the 19th hole. Ken hopes to recoup his losses at some future, TBD sporting event perhaps a drag race pitting his Harley against Venk’s Corvette. Both are sure to be expounding on their competing versions of the face-off in Tampa at theNovember reunion.”

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If you haven’t been to the Class Web Site you should make an effort during your next “browsing” exercise. Gil Merkle says we have plenty of storage space on the web site. It would be a good place to hold interesting stories from classmates. The “guest book” provides a convenient place

Nogo, Spence and Grant

Grant Bornzin sent the photo printed here. The event is the Orange County AOG Annual Picnic in Irvine, CA. From left are Warren Nogaki (Nogo) Spence Allen, and Grant.

for short notes; but, the site could also hold interest stories from classmates who would like to be a bit more verbose. Class Web Site: http:// www.usafa63.org/. Here’s a thought: send your electronic copies of reunion photographs to Gil. A photo gallery of sorts would be an excellent addition.

Class Trivia from Tom Fryer: Who are the only two members ofthe Class of 1963 to call Kansas home? One of the two Kansans visited Tom’s office the other day in Manhattan. The Reverend Jerry Adinolfi is the Rector of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Coffeeville, KS. Tom reports Jerrylooks great and they had a good time talking aboutold times. Unfortunately, Jerry reports he will not be able to join us for our 40th he has a function involving the Bishop at the same time. By the way, you can contact Jerry at the following e-mail address: radinolfi2@cox.net. Now... who might the other Kansan be?

Linda and I heard from Jack and Jo Ann McTasney and Chief and Barb Nacrelli this past month on the occasion of our 40th WeddingAnniversary. Jack reminded me that itjust seemed like yesterdaywhen in 1962, he, along with Bob Rex, met my new best gal Linda on the train heading home to Chicago from the Academy after June Week. Linda had come to the Academy for our Ring Dance. I on the otherhand was headed the other direcdon and 3rd Lt. Jack reportedjust finishing a 30-mile solo-backpacking trip in two and a half days through the Desolation Wilderness west of Lake Tahoe. Mosquitoes ate me up, he said, or he would have taken the four days andthree nights for the hike as he had originally planned. Weather was terrific and scenery was awesome. John Nehring and Jack were supposed to hike the Ruby Crest Trail in Nevada but John dropped a washing machine on his big toe putting that plan to rest for the time being.

Chief and Barb Nacrelli writing us from St. Louis added that their son, daughter-in-law, and their only grand child, Jimmy age 5, live nearby us in Portland, OR. Chief says he and Barb have a conflict with attending the reunion but they are trying to work it out so they can get there.

I was visiting Boeing Flight Test recently to give a class on changes in the European regulatory environment and was able to speak briefly with Charles Gebhardt. Turns out he will stop flying for Boeing in May. We started talking about retirement locations and I was telling him about the benefits ofTucson. Charles said they have a place in Green Valley, AZ just south ofTucson. Still a small world isn’t it?

Larry Hoffman sent me a letter about the wedding of his son Matt and bride, Cheri, last spring. The photo shows all. Larry is presiding over the wedding and is unable to keep a straight face. Larry reminded me that Floridalaw allows Notary Publics to perform weddings and hehas used this authority more than this one time. Ifyou recall, Larry also performed the ceremonies for Hank Kramer and his bride, Celeste.

News Flash! Retired Air Force General will seek GOP nod for Senate. That is what the headline read in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch dated, Saturday, Sept 6th The retired general mentioned in the article is none other than our John Borling. John said he is seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate seat being vacated next year by Illinois Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald. That said, the article reported that John was the seventh Republican to announce his candidacy and at least two more say they might run. Even more Democrats have announced or say they plan to run. I think you will agree that John is a natural for the Senate. Besides being smart, handsome, an all-round great guywith a terrific family, he grew up in Chicago and now lives in Rockford where he heads an energy service company, Performance ConsultingGroup. John previously headed the Chicago’s UnitedWaycampaign which raised $95 million said the paper. Why the Post-Dispatch you ask? John flew around the State of Illinois to announce his candidacy and stopped at the St. Louis Downtown Airport at Cahokia. Go John! Send me a ballot, I’ll vote for you. Maybe we can get some of our Cook County friends to vote the Mayor Daly way? You know, vote early and vote often!

That’s it for this time. The next Class News should have a lot more news and some extra pictures. Until then, take care and Beat Navy!

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 532-3923

Fax: (256) 895-9222

bob.hovde@earthlink.net

40th Reunion: I guess it’s time to get serious about the reunion. As I write this, Navy hasjust beatenAir Force in D.C. -28-25.1 hope that means that next year at our reunion it’s our turn! DJ Alberts reports that not much has changed from the basic plan we talked about at the last reunion. We have a contract with the Antlers for rooms startingTuesday, Sept28, through to the morning of Sunday, Oct 3, leavingTuesday and Sunday as the travel days. So, the basic plan is for a four-plus day reunion schedule, centered downtown like last time. The game is Navy on Saturday, Oct 2. There will be events for Wednesday through Saturday evening, post-game happenings, etc. We may end up like last time, with multiple venues for squadron and group get-togethers.

Events being tossed around are pretty much standard, with a prayer breakfast, at least one and maybe two rounds of golf, one at Eisenhower (since we are “senior” as ’59 holds theirsearlier in the year) andthe other at Kissing Camels. The committee would like people to tell them if two games would be better than one. If you only want to play once, would you prefer theEisenhower or Kissing Camels course? Send your vote to DJ at djalberts@ worldnet.att.net. So far, the plan has one sit-down dinner (with dancing?) at Kissing Camels clubhouse, being arranged by Pete LoPresti who has retained his membership even though he has moved down to Westcliff. It’s possible that there will be two dinners, one a little more “formal” than the other (to hold our business meeting, etc.). Plus, we can get the usual briefings (That could be interesting, with all that’s going on. I know there are some strong feelings on USAFA’s problems.), memorial service, etc. For Game Day, the initial plan is for the usual, since folks haveseemed to enjoy the AOG’s tailgate andthe use of Doolittle. (We could do our own tailgate, since some of the class have a tailgate every game, anyway.) More will follow in a mailing from the Reunion Committee. I know some of you have ideas for the reunion. Let DJ (or me) know soon.

D.C. Reunion: JeffLevy hostedthe summer mini-reunion this year, since Fred Gregory, who has hosted these at his beautiful home in Annapolis ever since the early Nineties (whenJeffquit doingthem) was understandably immersed in the aftermath of the Shuttle tragedy. Jeff reported that about 18 classmates showed up, most with wives/significant others. A1 McArtor, who showed up just after almost everyone left, missed the picture taking. A couple of those attending hadn’t previously been seen in many moons.

Jeff wrote, “I think all had a good time. I know I did. Holly served up several great appetizers and a terrific barbecue (and received many kudos) while others pitched in salads and desserts. I was a bit surprised that no one wound up in the pool, especially as the invitation called for bathing suits.”

Paul Belmont agreed, pointing out that this was the extension of a longstanding traditional get-together of D.C.-area classmates thanks to the graciousness and energy of Jeff and Holly and Fred and Barbara.

D.C. Reunion TimeAgain: Will McKenney; Pete Morrison; Dick Slye; Bob Levins; Nels Running; Bob Haley; Paul Belmont; Dennis Madl;Jay Davis; Jim Pierce; Rich Porter; Tom Till; Jack Cole; JejfLevy; Bob Clark; Harvey Manekofsky; andJoe Bavaria.

Aging Aviators Reunion: Fred Olmsted reported on another “AA” gettogether. “If this [email] gets to you, knowthat I am taking a brief respite

53 Sabre Society Donors

from my office duties here at FedEx Flight Operations. Just read thelatest Checkpoints, and have pictures foryou that I keep forgetting. A few months ago, A1 McArtor hosted me, Ike, Darryl Bloodworth, Jim Ingram, and Max James for another “AA” (read Aging Aviators!) get-together at his new palace in Hampton Falls VA. Had a hell of a time w/golf, fine dining, stories, (lies) and fond thoughts of all our chums in the best of the best, Class of 1964. Cheers, Fredo.” [Note: Fred just returned from a FedEx assignment in the Philippines. There has to be a war story in there, somewhere.]

Fredo, I had to make a choice on the pictures. The picture ofjust the six classmates was a bit closer and would be easier to see in the magazine. The one with the wives had some faces blocked. I picked the wives.

Hey ’65!

Sabre Society: You must become a member! New York and West Point last November could not be topped, but Chicago for the Northwestern game was perfection. Jim Shaw,’67, and AOG staff ensure that members have a blowout good time at these football weekends. The Friday night dinner featured schmoozing with former ambassador, MGen(ret) John Borling, ’63, Republican candidate for Senate from Illinois, andthe incomparable, hilariousAD, Randy Spetman, ‘76, who, with his wife, listened attentively to my ideas on recruiting and then pointed out good naturedly the numerous NCAA violations involved. Then there was LGen Rosa the new Supt. You could feel the skepticism in the room when he stood up to speak and he began along the lines of, “Yes, I am not one of you, I went to theCitadel get over it! I have been wearing this uniform for nearly 30 years, and I want the very best for OUR Air Force Academy.” In the next few minutes, this fighter pilot, Pentagon spokesman, and senior commander demonstrated all the “right stuff’, for the unenviablejob ofextracting USAFA from the morass in which

it finds itself today. He wants to make the Air Force Academy more like the Air Force imagine that! And BGen Johnny Weida, ’78 (no relation to Bill, ’65) runs to Jacks Valley with the basics and you need to hear his cure for cadets who pass out at parades. Fear not, my friends, these guys are the real deal and deserve all our support.

O’Gorman Memorial: Any guilt over having received a superlative education at the taxpayers’ expense coupled with a nagging doubtthat a reasonable return on that investment was ever realized.The only hope for such folk is to give some back to that Aluminum Universityglistening against the Front Range in the Saturday morning sun and make it stronger by sharing a small piece of our prosperity. NOW is the time as best put by Bart Holaday: “As you know, Warren Langley, Steve Amdor and I are raising money to have the Athletic Hall of Excellence in the new athletic building named for Joe O’Gorman. Joe gave back more to Academy and to cadets than anyone I know He supported the Athletic Program bytalking to potential recruits, sponsoring theAFA football on radio when he was CEO ofFrontierAirlines, providing support in multiple ways while an executive at UnitedAirlines, and in very generous direct financial support. Joe also supported the character development program ofthe Commandant he spoke to the Third and Second Classes each of the past several years using his personal experiences at the Academy and in business to make tangible to them the importance of personal character in being a successful leader. He also raised the $1 million dollars from Boeing-McDonald-Douglas that supported the documentary‘Return with Honor’ that provided national publicity for the Academy and the Vietnam POW’s. With a lead donation from Joe’s family, we have raised over $350,000 but we need to reach $750,000. Money should be donated to the AOG and designated for the Joseph O’Gorman Memorial. Some people might be giving undesignated donations to the AOG, which they could designate for this purpose. Now more than ever is a time for all of us to do something to support character and leadership development of cadets.” Thanks Bart and there you have it, my friends and classmates. Join the Sabre Society of our Association ofGraduates and designate your dues for the Joseph O’Gorman Athletic Hall of Fame in the new Athletic Building, and honor a guy who passed on without ever getting over his love for our Air Force Academy.

Joe Koenig: “Since retiring from public school teaching in June, Marlene and I have been in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Our trips have been mostly for family visits but did try to make a few USAFA contacts. Chuck and Margita Dahlberg were in Germany when we went through Connecticut so we missed them. We will be in Turkey in October and will meet up with Vic and Marsha Grazier who will already be over there. We both have hosted Turkish officers, AFIT students who have graduated and returned to their homes and new assignments. Hopefully, for the next Checkpoints we’ll have a picture for you ofthe four of us in Turkey... Chuck Coleman: “Four of us ’65ers assembled to trade war stories at my youngest daughter, Lucia’s, wedding in August where we celebrated at her reception at the MacDill AFB O’Club. All three of Mary and my kids have had their wedding receptions at the venerable, grand old site constructed in 1940 when the base was built. In theattached picture you’ll see, from left, Tom and Diane Plank (Tom is Deputy Director for Test & Operations forJacobs Sverdrup at EglinAFB), Ken and Carol Krause (Ken is retired, and he and Carol live in Lakeland, FL, not too far away from us ); then there’s Mary and me (I’m working here in Tampa for Hillsborough County as the Marine Safety guy great job!); and finally, Mike (Mary’s brother) and Holly Richey (Mike is the Director of Export Policy and Licensing for Lockheed Space Systems Company in the Washington, DC area). Lucia married Jonathan Wilke, her high school friend from Niceville High School who is now a CPA for Ernst & Young in Birmingham, AL.

AgingAviators and their obviously muchyoungerspouses: TheMcArtors, Isaacsons, Ingrams, Olmsteds, James, and Bloodworths.

Ryan Field NWU Sept 6, 2003: scribe, Mark Johnson, Jim Piper, John Coblentz, andJohn Gross.

The Coleman Wedding: Plank, Krause, Coleman, and Richey.

Sabre Society Donors

The attached picture is of NASA Deputy Administrator Fred Gregory, '64, and I at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport’s Observation galley. I am presenting him a shirt asa token of the Maryland Aviation Administration’s (MAA) appreciation for his visit. As MAA’s Deputy Executive Director for Operations, I was given the honor to close the ceremonies by giving him the memento. He came to speak at our Black History month event. Fred and I (last) saw each other in the spring of 1980 at Cape Kennedy. I was touring the Space Shuttle and met him, an astronaut at that time. Yes, I got some autographedphotos for my sons. Tragically, the recent crash of the Space Shuttle occurred within days of our event and we thought Fred would have to cancel out... not the case, as Fred came and gave an inspirational talk about both the inner strength of the Space Program and his personal experiences in his quest to become a pilot, astronaut and now leader in our country’s efforts to conquer the last frontier. Students from his old Washington DC high school and some of the Tuskegee airman were in attendance. It was a very emotion-filled event asa result.

Gregory, '64, and Sheehan, ’65

JC Edwards: “Pat and I went on the Joint Academy Travel trip to Alaska this summer. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great sharing stories with fellow ring knockers. Joe Narsavage, ’66 NINER!, Chuck Denham, ’67, and I plus wives were totally outnumbered byWest Point andAnnapolis grads, but we got even in Sitka. As the guide was talking about visiting the raptor bird center, I yelled out ‘Is that where we can see the falcon that eats Army mules and Navy goats?’ Lot of groans and mutterings, ‘Wait ’till this year.’ Joe Koenig and I are going to Kansas this Fall for some pheasant hunting.”

Legacy Graduates: 2003, Ray Bevivino III (Ray); and 2004, Ethan Sabin (Marc). Any others? Be well, do good work, read Understanding Men’s Passages by Gail Sheehy, and keep in touch. As the Roc would say, 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! AnotherWinter Holiday Season (politically correct term for Christmas) and that means you all owe me a Christmas card with all the updates on what you’ve been doing for the last year. A lot of us are reaching that age where we are making some final career adjustments, getting ready for the real retirement. So, let us know what you’re doing.

Along that line, Jess Cogley writes that he has made his last career move (at least until the next one). He is now the Senior VP for Investments at Raymond James & Associates in San Antonio, TX. Also, Manen Clements called and chatted for a while about his latest moves. After working in the real estate business in Florida for a few years, he has “semi-retired” in Maine, doing a little work for LL Bean. Manen says that, shortly after he arrived in his new northern state, he ran into Bob Estus. Manen was driving through the big town of Richmond, Maine, and spotted a ’66 sticker on a car in traffic. He got the driver’s (Bob Estus) attention and theyparked somewhereand visited for a while. Bob is flying for UPS and lives in Richmond, Maine. So there’s another good reason to put that ’66 sticker on your car it attracts other old guys.

A lot of the Colorado ’66ers got together for a mini-reunion at Tom Markham’s house in Denver. Tom is leading the Lowry Redevelopment Authority and has been doing a great job of converting the old Lowry

AFB into an integral part of the Denver economy. Since Tom is the king, he lives in the former commander’s quarters at Lowry and so the party was a pretty special event. Tom also hosted a tour of the base for the gang and one of the stops was the hangar that currently houses an Air Force museum. This was the same hangar where we all started for our T33 rides in the summer of 1962 was it really that long ago?

A few more of our classmates got their picture taken while they were attending an AOG party in the Seattle area, and sent me the shot below. (See, it’s not so hard.) Actually it was Barb Callahan, wife of Jerry, who sent me the picture andthe news update. Jerry is working for Boeing as a software engineer and Joe Svoboda is teaching in the flight simulator for a Boeing company called Alteon. Jerry and Barb’s son Brian is finishing up his PhD in mechanical engineering at the Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

JerryandBarb Callahan andDebbieandJoeSvoboda enjoy the one sunny day ofthe summer in Seattle.

Another faithful redtagwife, Conni Tway, sent me an update on theTway family. Duane (that’s Dr Duane to you), is teaching at Waldon University and Conni is in Civil Service and working at US SouthAF headquarters in the 612th Theater Operation Group. Their son Marshall is an Army captain, currentlycommanding an Air Cavalry Troop in Iraq, and daughter Kelley is finishing her Master’s Degree at Belmont University.

Mike and Judy Blair sent me an update on the birds, bears, and fish in Alaska. Like your scribe, Mike also just had some of that nasty prostate cancer removed from his body and is back chopping down trees and chasing bears. Early detection is the key!

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

The gang returns to Lowry, lookingfor their youth. Prone (as always): Bernie Amels. Kneelingfrom left:John Fal, Bob Gravelle, Tom Markham, Vic Andrews, Marty Dack, Phil Dibb, and Kenny Boone. Standing: Buck Lyle, Hans Mueh, Ron Boatright, Art Suro, Tom Brandon, George Cannon, Rick Parsons, and Dale Elliott.

Sabre Society Donors

A proud Mike Blair takes a break in the wood shed hejust built, not yet understanding that, now, he needs to fill it up with wood.

Finally, some more sad news to report. Three of our classmates have passed away in the last few months. Bruce Sharer died on 21 June at his home in Fair Oaks, CA of a pulmonary embolism. Judge Stan Gault died on 23 July of unknown causes in Cumming, GA. Stan had been a Superior Court Judge in Georgia for several years. Bert Hetrick died on 25 Septwhile playingracquetball in Phoenix, AZ. Bert went into the computer and computer security business after retiring from the Air Force in 1987 and was living in Phoenix. There should be more information on these great guys in the “Gone but not forgotten” section of this magazine.

As we go into 2004, remember our classmates who are no longer with us and stay in touch with those that still are. Our friendships are too deep and life is too short to letthem go by. 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

Oh the ignominy ofit all... Undefeated USAFA, fresh off a long-overdue victory over BYU knocked offby the swabbies. It is tough for me, and I expect a few others of you, to avoid theharassment of long-suffering USNA grads. Payback will, no doubt, be hell. Ah well - Beat Army! On to other stuff, to fill my 1200 word allotment -

Ray Leopold is now officially retired from Motorola, and living in Kalispell, MT. Lucky you, Ray - best wishes.

Bob Muldrow periodically sends sports and other information to me and others. Recent info includes notes about some cadet- and wing-related activities, e.g. courts martial, web site porn, etc., which are pretty messy these days. More to follow on that. Another important note: “John Olive (’67) has been the dominant golfer in the Colorado senior circuit (amateur) for a number ofyears now. I think I remember him being inducted to the golf hall of fame here.” Thanks Bob, and well done, John!

Ken Sproul has by now departed for his medical mission in Ethiopia... where he will be “... working with a mission group named Lalmba Association... Web site: www.lalmba.com... They have medical facilities and/ or orphanages in Kenya, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. I will becomethe medical director at Chiri Health Center in southwestern Ethiopia. This facility is a busy out-patient clinic with about four-five in-patient beds. There is a government facility about one hour away by dirt road.... near impassable in the rainy season! I have agreed to do two years with them, with a trip back to the U.S. in one year for a month. My E-mail address will stay the same, but due to government restrictions on satellite use, there is a week or two delay in messages. (The computer must be hand-carried to a city about four hours away in order to access a private telephone.) I will send an update letter every month or so... likethe McDonalds. I do need some more financial support if anyone can... Donations are taxexempt and can be sentto: Christ Community Church, Ministry of Dr. Kennard Sproul, 10942 North Highway 59, Brazil, Indiana 47834.”

Speaking of the McDonalds, Bruce and Story are entering into year #2 oftheir Peace Corps vacation (?) in Bulgaria. For those inclined to assist them or other Peace Corps folk in their work, the Peace Corps has estab

lished “partnership funding,” with information available on website www.Peacecorps.gov with lots of opportunities to donate. McDonalds adventures are truly of another world. Ifyou have any interest, get onto their mailing list.

The Seagram’s Seven crew had a mini-reunion at the BYU football game - this from Tom Griesser: “Thirteen of us for Seagram’s Seventh went to Park City for a mini-reunion in the Wenner neighborhood and went to the game. We had 28 folks either from the squadron or friends of classmates there!The BYU crowd is awful! They may not drink but they sure do know how to act as if they did! It was a super weekend with a game that ended perfectly... that is beating BYU!” Well doneTom, George, Gerry, Ven et al - Too bad you couldn’t have gathered and achieved the same result at Annapolis...

Probably all ofyou received your copies of our legacy issue of the Contrails, donated to the class of ’07. I could not help but recall receiving our version in that wonderful summer of ’63. What a trip down memory lane, recalling fun recitations while running in place, M-l at high port... As I perused the contemporary version, I was struck by some of the content.

Examples:

I. Immediately following the bios of some senior USAFA staff is placed “ROE;” which spend a fair amount of space and verbiage defining a variety of forbidden activities including sodomy, rape, and “nuking.”

II. The “honor oath,” containing the honor code, is explained. The order in the code/oath is “lie, steal or cheat.” Thatorder looked unfamiliar to me and - in the memory of several of our class who responded to my inquiry - that is not the way we learned it (as “lie, cheat or steal”) but, in fact, it is the order in our ’63 Contrails. Why would so many of us remember it differently?

III. There is now a gold prop and wings authorized for wear by some cadets who meet some criteria -when was that instituted?

IV The poem “The Coming American” (containing the words “Bring me men...” now expunged from the Academy grounds) is included.

V Dale Stovall’s heroism is described among the Jabara Award winners.

VI. The official listing of USAFA cheers has no “The Luftwaffe Yell,” featuring “Horiado yo ho."

Roy Miller and Larry Thai andfamilia continued their annual vacation escape, this time at Santa Barbara. They met with Pat Nestbitt who invited them to join him at the Santa Barbara Polo Club where his polo team was playing. Pat’s team won by one goal, scored in the waning seconds. When not playing, Pat has been building a house for some years in the hills near Montecito.

Ho hum, another day at the officefor Pat Nesbitt - here on horseback, entertainingLarry Thai (USAFA ’67 cap) and Roy Miller (Falcons cap).

You all see and hear the publicity of continuing problems at theAcademy. As a part of the effort to get a handle on the problems/issues, the Superintendent surveyed the cadet wing and Prep School class. A summary statement: “The results of this survey, along with other data points provided through the Department of Defense Inspector General and General Accounting Office, indicate we have problems at USAFA not problems fabricated or sensationalized by the media, but real problems internal to our institution. Many have chosen to deny that these problems exist. If we are to right the course and put this institution back on an honorable footing, we must acknowledge the problems and seize the opportunity to do what’s right.” The AOG is behindthat effort. The resuits of the surveys can be located on the AOG Homepage (http:// www.aog-usafa.org/Article%20Archive/fall03assessment.html). Again how very sad and profoundly disappointing.

Changes reportedly planned, to address the problems:

I. The permanent professor policy will be changed. All the older PPs will be asked to retire within the year. No longer will they be able to serve to 65. Also, they will not be retiring with the title general officer.

II. The Supt to serve for four years vice three, and the Comm serve for three-four years vice one-two.

Sabre Society Donors

III. Demographics male/female, race, etc ofthe Board ofVisitors. Will these changes staunchthe hemorrhage? Will our classmates’ and comrades’ daughters and all other female cadets become and feel safe, secure and proud in their USAFA home?Will the Cadet Wing all members and all staff rise above what increasingly appears to represent a pattern, not merely occasional lapses?

God help us all. To rephrase what we learned in the Code ofConduct “I will trust in my God, and in the United States ofAmerica.”

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO ’68! “My bags are packed. They'reready to go.” (Add a few Peter, Paul, & Mary segues.) Now alljoin in, “For I’m leavin’ on a jetplane, etc., etc.” I am bound for Colorado in two days to re-familiarize my synapses with the environs of zip code 80840. I know most of you will be expecting a rundown of our 35th reunion in this column, but you will have to wait for that story until the winter column comes out. Patience, all of you out in Checkpoints Land. Patience!

35th REUNION DEPT: For those who will be joining me at theWyndham over the Columbus Dayweekend, I hope you will remember to send your humble Scribe lots of photos (with names of characters, dudes, and “dudettes” featured in your pictures) and stories to go with the photographs. E-Mails work very well and the digital photos in JPEG format really help our Checkpoints editor. The more you send, the better our class columns will be for the next year or so.

’68 OUTREACH DEPT: Geoff Gorsuch sent me the photo shown in this column and a letter describing his Navigator Ministry mission to Tanzania last summer. Rather than summarizing, I will let Geoff put it in his own words, Geoffwrites: “We spentpart oflast summer ministeringalong side UN and Missionarypersonnel as they tried to help those left behind by the AIDS pandemic. It was challenging and humbling to see too much of a sad situation. But, we were heartened by the ‘islands of hope’ that we found on a lake of despair. The picture is one of those islands, a village that has a small church and a clinic that is serviced by floatplane and powerboat. Instead of death and hopelessness, there is now life. AIDS awareness training, pre-natal care, and a smallfish pickling industrykeep the men gainfullyemployed and help to support the village. Not much by our standards, but still a long way from Hell.” In addition to his African trip, Geoff mentioned that he had both joy and achievement in his personal life. The joy involved “dancing” down the aisle with his daughter (who has danced since she was three) to marry her off to a fine young man. The achievement came when Geoff was conferred with a Doctorate of Ministry in May. Congratulations, Geoff, on both of your major personal events and thank you for the wonderful outreach ministry you bring to so many truly needy people of our world.

Practice reunion at Ed and Karen Eberhart’s abode. Manyfaces ofmany classmates and spouses and a red Vette.

’68 MINI REUNION DEPT: Wanting to ensure that they do not forget how to socialize and carry on as officers (retired) and gentlemen (with maturing waistlines and graying temples), Ed and Karen Eberhart hosted a ’68 mini-reunion in Colorado in June to get our gang pumped up for our 35th in October. I do not want to intimate that our Colorado contingent is more organized than the rest of us, but the nearly 100 photos that were sent to me oftheir gala came on a labeled compact disk titled “USAFA Class of 1968 Mini-Reunion, 30 May 2003.” Talk about a class act! Thanks for the good work, Ed. Please send a “thank you” to your photographers, as well.

LAST HURRAH DEPT: It has been my distinct privilege over the course ofthe past 35 years to spend time, when able, with my pilottraining classmate and Southeast Asia roommate, Charlie Holland. He is the kind of person who possesses the dynamism, integrity, and leadership that we all hoped to see in ourselves and our leaders as we launched away from the hallowed halls of USAFA in June of 1968. His career took him to great heights, well beyond his six-foot-plus frame, to reach levels that even this well-spoken West Virginia native might not have foreseen while playing a little basketball at the zoo and during rotations with his C-130 buddies at Dyess and Ubon. He has always understood the value of people to make things happen and could make the junior airmen feel as important as the high-ranking dignitaries he often dealt with. In fact, if Charlie had been stationed in California instead of New Mexico; North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; and Florida, we would probably be shouting “Charlie!” instead of "Arnold” for governor! He was our first Air Force Special Operations Forces general officer and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of that position. He served when the global war on terrorism had just begun and was instrumental in preparing our joint special operations forces to be so successful in Afghanistan and Iraq. And so, we come full circle, back to the place where we all began, as classmates. A few of us were able to muster for Charlie’s change-of-command in Tampa in September for his last hurrah. It was hot and muggy a perfect day for a special operations kind of farewell. Dear friend and classmate, we are all very proud ofyou and wish you and your family God speed. Thank you for a job and career well done.

THAT’S A WRAP: Hope to see as many ofyou as are able to make your respective ways to Colorado for our 35th reunion. Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in. Ciao for now. Tim

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

GeoffGorsuch (standing) with Navigatorcolleaguesand Tanzanian children at Lake Victoria FishingVillage.

Classmates musterfor Commander, US Special Ops Command’s lastday at work. From left are Buzz Glade, Charlie Holland, Tim Davidson, and Tony Robertson

Sabre Society Donors

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

Happy Holidays to all, and congrats to '69 for leading USAFA in the number of members of the Saber Society. A scan of the classes in the last issue of Checkpoints reveals that ’69 has 70 Saber donors, followed by ’70, with 66.

Jerry Ball sent along a press release regarding Marc Enger who, in retirement, continues to work national security issues as the CEO and President of San Antonio-based ThreatGuard, a developer of security management solutions for healthcare and financial industry clients and government agencies. CTG (an international information technology solutions and staffing company) and Marc’s company announced an agreement to integrate ThreatGuard’s ThreatBox security appliance, a network-based vulnerability scanning device, into the CTG GuardianAudit Partner program, a service ofCTG’s comprehensive Information Security Practice. Jerry recalls the good old days when he, Harry Evans and Marc roomed together while attending UCLA in the Co-op masters program in economics.

Recently, Steve Cherryhadthe pleasure ofinstructing former 12th Squadron-mate John Lough who he hadn’t seen since USAFA days asa student in his Flying Qualities Flight Test module at the National Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB. John is currently a C-130J Production Test and Training Pilot with Lockheed at Marietta, GA (isn’t that Bill MaGill country?), a position that has taken him to Denmark and Italy in the past year. John and wife, Nyla, visited their grandchildren in San Bernardino during his time in SoCal.

A1 McCree’s Altissimo! Recordings, long regarded by cognoscenti as the premier market leader in the niche of military music, keeps turning out hit CDs. The latest, “One Nation Under God,” is a collection of instrumental songs of faith paying tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives to help preserve that One Nation. A1 and his company have recently signed an agreement with Emergent Marketing for Altissimofs products to be distributed in North America by ReD Distribution, a development about which A1 is tickled.

Gene Justin is still a systems engineer for Boeing in Anaheim, where he is working on updating the ICBM fleet. At nights, he teaches operations management and works on a PhD in management. Gene and wife, Lancine, are now grandparents. Son James develops computer games in Madison, WI, and son Joe serves in Baghdad with an Army Psyops unit. Three daughters round out the Justin household, with Little Lancine, whose hubby is an AF Sergeant in Germany, Megan a recent grad of Cal State-Fullerton, and teenager Bonnie learning to drive. As Gene offers, so many mountains, so little time.

Mike and Linda Beezleycaught up with Les and Connie Dyer atAtlanta’s Buckhead Brewer. Doc Beez was prepping at Fort Benning for his second extended activation with the US Army, this time to Landstuhl, Germany, where he will wield a scalpel for three months. Just in time for Octoberfest, and so much better, location-wise, than his first activation deployment (to Camp Bondsteel). Pix follow. (In the second picture, you’ll note Les’ absence, attributable to Bassmaster Fishing Classic reruns showing on TV; as a rule, no one in the Class enjoys these as much as does Les).

Mike Beezley prepping for deployment in Germany with Linda and Connie.

Doug Mang has changed jobs, moving from Bombardier to Dayton T. Brown, a small, privately-owned company located on Long Island, NY. Doug, Vice President for the Engineering and Test Division, is opening a Washington office for Brown, and will be pursuing government and corporate business in the test and engineering areas. If you have need to assess your products’ resistance to bending, breaking, or melting, then Doug is the man to call. Based on Doug’s expertise in this field as long ago as at USAFA, you know you are getting the best!

Darrel Whitcomb, Glen Schlabs, and Brian Nelson, accompaniedbytheir lovelies, spent a week carousing, hiking and generally ghosting around Steamboat Springs early this summer. Darrel says the stories flowed (even if some of the stories have morphed so many times over the years he isn’t sure if he still recognizes them!) as did a heap of philosophy from war/ politics to financesand from wills to medical advice. Trying to be 21 again is hard work, but pays handsome dividends.Darrel has retired from Delta and is now plying his first love in the military policy analysis area.

Lizzy Nelson, Barby Schlabs, and Chris Whitcomb share Steamboat Springs with their trophy husbands.

PerusingThe Hill, an insider’s guide to goings-on on Capitol Hill, I noted among the names of that publication’s top-10 list of Hill lobbyists none otherthan Jack Overstreet. Ever modest, Jack suggests his longstanding strategy (something about taping business cards to theinsides of the doors in bathroom stalls throughout the House and Senate, wheredecision makers are especiallypurposeful) finallypaid off! In this town chocka-block with lobbyists of every stripe, it goes without saying that this is quite an honor. We know the F-22 and other vital programs are in safe hands with Jack’s vigilant and expert stewardship.

Tom Allen engages himself fully with military analysis at IDA, and I believe as of this writing he is in Iraq supporting the Defense Science Board’s lessons-learned study. Vic Tambone, as many of you read in the last issue of Checkpoints, is the chief of staff for the research and development undersecretary in the Department of Homeland Security. Don Rakestraw and Jeff Grime continue to push innovative technologies for a variety of defense-related public sector and in some private sector enterprises through their company, Point One/Atlantic Systems.

Among others attending the Navy game together were Roy and Lindsay Coppinger (Roy just back from three weeks in theGrand Canyon), Bugs and Judy Forsythe, Dave and Sonia Astle, Darrel andChris Whitcomb, Jeff and Anne Posner, and Jean and I. RonLove (who drove over from Delaware), Bill Kennedy and son (from Indianapolis), Charlie Weinart (in D.C. still) also watched the Falcons’ narrow loss to Navy. Ron reports he continues working for Delaware’s Department of Education, while Gayle is doing pediatric home care and working at Children’s Hospital of

Mike Beezley and Don Ho Dyer in Atlanta.

Sabre Society Donors

Philadelphia a couple times a week. Ron had just returned from the SHAPE Officers Association Reunion, and looks forward to our 35th reunion next September. Given that the Red Sox and Yankees are now engaged in mortal combat, Ron was wondering what Tim McCarver (who wishes he were a ’69er) would be like covering a cricket match. Send your assessments directly to Ron.

Chatted with Bob Bell recently, who, after nearly 40 years of government service, will be hanging it up at year’s end. Bob, ’69’s only Ambassador, currently serves as the Assistant Secretary General, NATO, for armaments, and will remain in Belgium for the time being as wife,Virberke, continues her career asa diplomat for her native Norway. Bob often sees Steve Sturm and Ron Sullivan, who also serve on the NATO staff. Huge congratulations to Bob on his long career of distinguished service in and out of uniform.

Also stepping out of government service, and uniform, in August was John Dallager, after 34 years ofkey contributions and superlative service to the nation. Nearly 30 ’69ers attended the retirement ceremony, and took first steps with John and Jane into the next chapter of their lives. In advance of this occasion and in behalf of the entire Class, your officers sent Jane an orchid with ceramic vase. You will appreciate the note of thanks John sent to the Class:

“Jane and I want to say THANKS for all your incredible support and thoughtfulness in our behalf over the past several months. It’s impossible to express our gratitude adequately, but you can’t imagine howmuch you’ve meant to us during this challenging time. To each of you a personal THANKS and God Bless for your unwavering moral and emotional support. We’ve always known how special classmates were, but this has exceeded anything we could have imagined! Cheers to all and THANKS again! Esse non videril JD and Jane Dallager”

Congratulations and Godspeed to John and Jane, who have elected to settle in the C-Springs area.

By the time you read this, you will have received a mailing from the 35th reunion committee, and hopefully have responded to Glenn Schlabs & company with cards, letters, suggestions, and confirmed vacation plans. It is not too early to commit to arrangements now! Esse.

Cheers, all. Lindsey

Dick Rauschkolb

14640 River OaksDrive Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 487-0887

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067

E-mail: Dick.Rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Holy cow—Falcons lost to the dreaded Middies of Navy! What a revolting development! Hopefully, by the time you read this, the boys have rebounded for a successful season and are gearing up for a bowl game. I guess we are forced to root for Army in the Army-Navy game if we want to keep the CIC Trophy here.

Falcon home football games have provided an opportunity to see lots ofclassmates. Dave Gaw holds court on the NW side ofthe stadium around the 30-yard line above the middle seating section. Ifyou are out for a game, check it out good chance to see lots ofclassmates. Have seen Mick and Jan Davey, Rick and Carol Humke, Mark Ewig, Cook andChris Villareal, AshbyTaylor, Rich Harrington, Bob McKinney, Russ Carparelli, and Jim Mulford at games this year.

Hate to be maudlin but it was very emotional when a large number of classmates showed up at the Academy’s Memorial Ceremony in Sept. They came from all over Colorado to honor Ken Hassen and Dave Galich whose nameswere read during the ceremony. When the cadets responded with “Absent Sir”, one couldn’t help but wonder when one’s own finalroll call will be made. Working at the AOG provides me an opportunity to work with all Academy classes. Believe me when I say we have a special bond that is stronger than most classes. This was clearly evident that day and it meant a lot to Ken’s wife, Kdee, and their daughter Chelsea, who attended the ceremony. Thanks men!

Lots of news this issue. First of all kudos to Larry Bush and Roger Hill for representing our class at the start of a new tradition The Warrior Run which involves all cadets running a 35-mile relay back from Jacks Valley at theend of Second BCT. Every class had a rep at the start and the end of the run. Sent a good message about the Long Blue Line to the Class of ’07. Last issue I forgot to mention that I saw Bill and Ellen Reich at a forum honoring POWs last Spring. It was good to see Bill haven’t seen him since 1971. Hopefully, he will be at the next Reunion which is rapidly approaching! Dan McFadden left a voice mailfrom his new digs in San Diego. Maybe he is volunteering to head up the next Reunion he did a good job at our 20th Duane Schulke just moved to Warner

Harrington, Larry Bush, Steve Sharkey, Tony Marietta, Tooey Emery, Cook Villareal, Dick Rauschkolb and Ray Barleben. Rich Downing was also present.

Robbins where he is involved flight testing a self-contained nav system for C-130s,C-141s, and C-5s. I thought I was a “self-contained nav systern” when I was flying C-130s. Schulk said John Penney came in second at the Reno Air Races congrats John!

Gary Dahlen is enjoying retirement. He and Greg Gilles did some mean trout fishing a few months ago. Mark Hale sent an email looking for some tickets for an upcoming football game. Mark is in Ft. Lauderdale working for Embraer. Dusty and Rose Ann Swanson have all their children out of the house and are having a hard time finding each other in their beautiful home in Memphis. George Crow sent a nice email praising Checkpoints. He said he is pastoring in the same church he has been at for almost 25 years. He said his life isn’t exciting as it is spent marrying, burying, baptizing, and preaching. May not be exciting George but it sure sounds fulfilling! Brian Prendergast is looking for a golf match after I slammed his swing in the last issue. Chuck and Pam Gray continue to enjoy Louisiana both children are out of the house and employed but “not in love.” Roger Peterson and Darrel Massey tried to relive our survival trek by hiking up Mt. Whitney from the south in August. They went 45 miles in five days with a 50-lb pack (full of Coors). I admire you guys I have a hard time walking up to the first tee on the Silver Course much less tackling a mountain!

Darreland Roger Everest is next!

Don Rushing is practicing law in San Diego. He is still running lOKs and halfmarathons even completed the San Diego Marathon last year. Wife, Cindy, is contemplating returning to practicing law after an 18-year hiatus to raise two children. Chip Terrill is now with the US International Trade Commission where he is deciding international patent and trademark infringement cases. He continues to run one of the nation’s largest soccer leagues about 90 teams in the DC/VA area. Denny Hall said his son is doing great things at the Citadel. He is on the Silent Drill Team which is highly acclaimed across the nation. He is also the X/O for his

www.aog-usafa.org

Sabre Society Donors

What it’s all about - Seventy men pay tribute to Ken Hassen and Dave Galich. In the back rowfrom leftare BobMcKinney, Shawn Raintree, Denny Hall, Mark Ewig, Dave Gaw, Jack Mueller, Henry Mitchell, Larry Vaughn, Keith Bennett and Bill Porter. In the front row are Dave Perron, Rich

company. MickRosenblatt sent this pixin ofDennySmalleyand Mickenjoying a fewadultbeverageswhile takingin the sunset in Hawaii. Rough life!You guys should be single digithandicaps!

Denny and Mick on ZI Field Trip!

Steve Heyroth sent a nice note seems he and Kathy ran across Denny Funnemark in the Phoenix airport. Steve is trying to confirm that Denny is indeed married because no actual sighting ofthe new Mrs. Funnemark has taken place. Steve did talk to the alleged wife who claims to be called Sherry. Sherry you and Denny will have to be at the next Reunion to confirm your existence!

Bill Kirkman sent a nice note saying Checkpoints has gone from a one beer read to a two beer read the ultimate complement! Bill has started his own company - GCI Garage Commander Inc. He does proposals and consulting and is his own boss with lots of tax write-offs. I gather he uses his garage for an office. He also sent some fond remembrances of Steve Haskettwho was killed by a drunk driver on North Nevada during our Doolie year. Ken Noble, who was a preppie in our class, is now a DJ in Denver. Goes by the name Ken Cortes and does smooth jazz on 104.2.

Basketball season is rapidly approaching. Falcons should have a good team this year watch for some upsets and a winning record. Joe Scott is in his third year and is doing a great job. Good luck to Gregg Popovich as he and his Spurs try to defend their NBA Championship.

Have some requests men. Mike Torreano is doing an obit for Dave Galich and would appreciate getting any stories or info about Dave that you would consider useful to him as he writes the article. If you have something, please send it to Mike at MTORR4650@aol.com or me at the address above. John DiNardo and Bill Jump have been in touch with Tom Rosenstock’s son. The young man never knew his father and John and Bill are putting out a call for stories, info, photos about Tom that they plan to put in a book to give Tom’s son. Ifyou have something send it to JDinardol@qwest.net (Ph: 720-932-8199) orWJump@earthlink.net (PH: 831 -427-4762). I hope we can help them out in this worthy endeavor.

I will close by announcing that our daughter Kristen got married to Andy Herde in Dusseldorf, Germany on Oct 11. Marilyn and I had a great time in Germany! Making it especiallyenjoyable was the presence ofclassmates, friends, and family. It was great to have former roommate Mike and Melissa Huber come from Geneva. A1 and Judy Simoncic drove down from Heidelberg. Mike’s and myAOC from our firstie year, Ed Montgomery,’59 and his charming wife, Lucia, flew all the way from Colorado to attend the festivities. A hearty thank you your presence contributed greatly to this memorable occasion. And thanks to “The Phantom” for the champagne and roses a class act! In the small world department, we saw Glenn and Sharleen Leimbach and theirworld-class tennis daugh-

ter, Nicole, in the DenverAirport and we flewbackfrom Germanywith Ray Barleben and his charminggirlfriend, NancyMoran.

HappyHolidays!

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 594-0100

E-mail: pknott@acninc.net

Happy Holidays to all! As of now, the Falcons are 5-0, which is pretty exciting. At theWyoming game, Andrea noticed an older gentleman wearing a ’71 hat coming down the aisle and sitting near us. It turned out to be Chris Brims’ (Dick) father, her brother and brother-in-law. Her brother asked me to say “Hi” for her to the class.

The “Agenda For Change” carries on. Every time, it seems, that some cadet makes a bad choice in public, Charlie Lucy gets called upon for a sound bite. He retired as USAFA’s Judge Advocate.

Summer is wedding time. Tom and Judy Curry’s son John married Amber in mid-August; Steve and Paula Dzuiban and Andrea and I helped celebrate.

Paula, Tom and Judy, Steve

OverLabor Day2002 nine ofour classmates had a mini-reunion in Springfield, VA when Courtney Payton (daughter of Gary) married Sonny Callen (USAFA ’99) (son ofTom). Honi Garvin’s twin boys were ring bearers. Sonny is a C-5 driver stationed at Dover.

While on the mini-reunion theme, D.C.-area grads welcomed Ted McFarland on his retirement to Virginia. Bob Manning and Bob Peterman hosted a dinner in Alexandria. I’m sure a good time was had by all. Bob got notes from Martin Lebouitz, who recently moved to the Tampa Bay area, and Don Bressett. First, Martin: “Thom Coury, Don Bresett and I (all 24th squadron) got together forlunch July 28th here in Tampa. It was great fun and we resolved to repeat our get-together on a regular basis.”

Don’s note: “I retired in 1993 and have been working in the IT Consulting business since 1994. It’s been feast and famine for the past nine years and as of today I haven’t worked steadily since March 2002. I’m glad for the AF retirement check. Many ofmy IT friends don’t have that to fall back on and have been out ofwork for over two years! I did have a short gig at NASA in March of this year (one week) and hope to get back to Houston to assist them with some more Business Process Improvement work.

Classmates andfriends make a special daygreat! In the back row from left are Judy and Al Simoncic and Melissa and Mike Huber In the second row are Marilyn and Dick Rauschkolb and Ed and Lucia Montgomery. In front are Kristen and Andy Herde.

Sabre Society Donors

The Paytons, Callans, andfriends. From left are Honi and Patti Garvin, Gale andJon Stevens, Gary and Sue Payton, Tom and Brenda Callen, Roxy and Ned Shelgren, Cincy and Charlie Brown, Rod and Pam Jones, Diane Abraham andAl Brayton, and Cathy and Sonny Childers.

“Otherwise my family and I have invested in a new water sport equipment business called PowerSki (see www.powerski.com chttp:// www.powerski.com). I am the Tampa Bay area dealer (PowerSki ofTampa Bay) but currently we are all waiting on product from the manufacturer in California. It’s a blast to ride one ofthese JetBoards and we are hopeful for deliveries soon and some needed sales. Interest has been good but without any product... not much of a business.

“I am still married to my June-Week bride, Patricia, and we have two young adults: Jared, 20, and Amanda, 18. They are both going to college here in the Tampa area and working the restaurant business for those extra dollars. Good kids; glad to have them. I also take care of my 80year-old Mom who lives 20 miles away. I guess it’s good that I don’t have steady work right now so I can spend time with her but I am longing to get back into the swing of things (and pay some bills!). If you know of anyone who needs an ex-AF pilot (dual-rated) with USSOCOM and command experience let me know. I had been involved in DOD’s CIM program while on active duty and now use those skills developed at SOCOM to provide Business Analyst skills to Fortune 500 companies (Verizon, AT&T, ADT, BurgerKing, Spherion, Tupperware, etc.). Myspecialty is IDEF Methodologies (Activity and Data Modeling) with Project Management of any kind of systems development project thrown in for good measure. Tight market right now - not a lot of projects starting with the economy as it is and so many CFOs playing their cards pretty close to their chests.

“Well, must close and begin some yard work. I got a new zero turn radius Toro mower last month so it’s almost like flyingagain... well not quite, but it seems to cost about as much.”

Ron Marusiak extended this invitation: “Any classmate coming thru Phoenix, call, stop in; my company is five minutes from Sky Harbor Apt.” Bob closed with this note: “I meantto include a ‘HappyAnniversary’ to all from our illustrious class but I missed the target. It is only on some days that it feels like 32 years since we graduated. Ifyou are visitingWashington DC on business or pleasure (or live here for that matter) and can squeeze in a gathering with some of your classmates, drop me a line a little bit in advance and I will try to set up a lunch or dinner get-together in the local area. We don’t need much of an excuse to rally the class. Itis not too early to start planning for our 35th reunion celebration in beautiful Colorado.” (Class officers, note; you have a volunteer!)

One of the casualties of hurricane Isobel was a meeting of the Washington, DC-area Air Force Academy Society. Guest speaker was to be our own Roel Campos, elected to the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). Gordy Kage, duly-elected president of said organization, is trying to reschedule. Ifyou live in the D.C. area, you should make it a point to attend assuming that Gordy didn’t wash down the Potomac with the floods! A high point of the last quarter was our local AOG chapter’s picnic at Rick Broome’s home. ’59 grads to Prep School candidates enjoyed the Broome’s warm hospitality and absolutely beautiful house, grounds, and lake. Steve and Joanne Mott shared potluck and stories with Andrea and me. After several years working almost exclusively with autistic children, Joanne now teaches at one of District #1 l’s poorest schools, and loves the new challenges. Their children still live in the South, Steve’s last active duty assignment and they plan to visit their new grandchild. Several grad wives regaled us with memories ofLoretto Heights College, and how the old campus has changed. Andy and Trudy Ceroni had planned to come, but one ofAndy’s OSI mentors was in town and they had to defer. I had lunch withAndy earlier this summer, and, as always, was impressed. The man has so many stories in him that lunch on a daily basis would not be uninteresting.

Most of us spend time in front of a computer; many of us have suffered from mouse overuse. Dr. Mike Leahy is working on an ergonomic mouse designed not to overstress arm, hand and shoulder muscles. His invention should reduce candidates for his patentedActive Release Techniques. The Zero Tension Mouse is available through its own Website, presently in a right-handed version only.

One very sad note: A1 Kramer passed away Sept 22. Lindsay Fenwick let me know, and I passed his message on to everybody in my address book. If you did not hear from me, your “e-dress” may be out of date.

GBA

Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

(Editor’s note: Bob did not have an inputfor this issue. He urges all his classmates to send him their Christmas letters and photos so he will have bunches of information for the Winter issue. The Class of 1972 has 19 Sabre Society members.)

Dan 0’ Hollaren

19803 Derby St

West Linn, OR 97068

H: (503) 657-0299

W: (503) 667-8554

E-mail: danoh73@attbi.com

Congratulations Class of ’73 on a memorable 30th Reunion. It was great seeing all those who attended and to share war stories newly honed since the last get-together. The Reunion Committee is to be congratulated on a job well done. The column you are about to read is actuallybeing scribed a full month before our Reunion, so pictures, war stories, and other assorted memories will have to wait until the Spring 2004 issue of Checkpoints. And fittingly, our classmates - in a calculated move not to tip their hands before the Reunion - have sent me very little news. So, here’s what I have.

Johnny Whitaker wrote to say his new title now is Director ofAcademy Communications. This means, of course, that he is still a resident of Colorado Springs and is ready for the entire class to stop by for a beverage and snack. Had a good conversation with John Barry. John was responding to a request I had put forth in an earlier column for anyone remembering Ross Mulhare. Ross was a member of our class who left about a year before graduation. He subsequently went to pilot training, ended up as one of the early pilots flying the F-117, but was lost in an accident. His son Tony, a member of the Class of ’95, is flyingVipers out of Holloman, now, and wanted to connect with someone who knew his father. Up steps John, who roomed with Ross while a cadet. Seems they actually were from competing areas in and around New York City and bonded while roomies. I trust that son Tony was able to gather much from John. Speaking of which, John has been serving as a member ofthe Columbia Accident Investigation Board. I’m certain he will have much to share and a unique perspective on the state of affairs at NASA. John shared his plan with me to retire at the beginning of 2004. Great career, John!

Bruce Bennett continues his epistles from all points of the globe. Deciding that his mercenary tendencies outweighed his desire for a steady diet of American fast food, Bruce has convinced Nancy that he should re-enlist for another year in that garden spot of all garden spots - Buigaria. By this time next year, he and his team should have completely redesigned the Bulgarian armed forces and have the documentation to back it up. Let’s wish him well.

Yours truly is still with Boeing asa project manager and spending lots of time as a Director at the Oregon Air National Guard state headquarters. Options of where or what I will be doing next year are still in the works so standby for updates. My bride Diane and I celebrated 30 years of wedded bliss this year by traveling to Victoria, British Columbia, and staying in a romantic Bed & Breakfast overlooking Puget Sound. (I’m not as good as I once was... but I’m as good once as I ever was!) Son Paul, 28, is married and doing well, though the closest thing to grandchildren we have is a yellow Labrador named O’Malley! Daughter Ashley, 22, is half way through her senior year at the University of Oregon. Her claim to fame this year has been as President of the university Sports Business Club, affording her the opportunity to represent the students when NFL quarterback (and U ofO alum) JoeyHarrington returned to set up a scholarship fund for the university. Diane has pictures of those two together all over the house! Our focus lately has been on the construction of a beachhouse on the Oregon coast. Everyone’s welcome to the house warming circa Summer 2004!

On a sad note, we lost one of our classmates in July 2003. Mr. James Price passed away in Colorado Springs. Condolences to his mother, Ellen Price, also of Colorado Springs.

Well, as I said, our classmates are holding back on any information, awaiting the Reunion to share their stories. Expect an expanded Class Column in the Spring 2004 Issue, complete with incriminating photos. A reminder, again, that the Class of ’73 scribe position is officially open for replacementapplications. I see the Reunion as an excellent milestone to pass the literary torch. See you at the festivities and, as always... AMF & Check Six!

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Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

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joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

Good day, Classmates and readers! We hope you are doing well in life! Now news from around the world!

There I was, in South Korea, just going into a glass doorway, wearing helmet n stuff., a BG walks out and we stay for a second at the awkward moment of almost running into each other a classmate! Tom Kane! Tom can tell you more about his life soon...I wanted to share with you our great moment, and season’s greetings!!

Joe and BG Tom Kane in South Korea.

Dan Surber wrote that he remembers Tom from 1975 IP days at Randolph in 1975. Dan remembers about having to retire in ’98. “... at the time it sounded like a good idea - it was painful to keep up for the two milerun.” [OK, guys. Send in an email ofyour routine ifyou’re proud of it!]

Speaking ofthe past UPT days... remember Moody andValdosta? Robert H. Holliway is there.Bob officially retired June 30 this year from six years at Moody, closing as Vice Wing CC. Today, you can find Bob serving as the Executive Director Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority. Bob wrote that his first wife died in ’98. In 2001, he married Barbara, a Navy civil servant in Charleston. Bob’s son is in the Army at Ft Bragg and his daughter just graduated from Lowndes.

Ray Jeffs sent a brief on his life from Hampton, NH. After Craig AFB T37s closed out, he PCSd to Pease. After starting the ACE program for the KC-135 copilots, he PCAd to the FB-111. Retiring in ’82, Ray became a real estate broker, meeting and marrying the girl of his dreams (Carol) in Aug ’84. Son Dan was born in ’84 and Melinda in ’86. Ray started public accounting, opening his practice in ’93. Carol teaches the 2nd grade-and loves being in the only primary school in town. Dan is in Marine Corps JROTC. Melinda, straight A’s, well rounded, and her basketball team won the town championship. Ray signs his email: Our mission is to consistently provide to our clients the highest quality tax and financial services with unimpeachable integrity.

Mike Dunn is an 0-6 in theLaunch Programs SPO, Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. He directs the support for Air Force launches (Titan, Atlas, Delta) in the NASA, NOAA and NRO arenas, and the Evolved Expendable LaunchVehicle (EELV). Mike, too, will retire next summer after his 30-year journey. From Mike Dunn: Chuck Hand flies for Southwest and had a layover in L.A. where he and Mike met.

Rick Morris acknowledges he really didn’t want to retire. Unhappily, Rick retired 1 July 2002 as did all the other Lt Cols who stayed in as long as they could. It was great run!

Lynn Long emailed in from Dallas Fort Worth, where Lynn has been a Chief Pilot for American for the last three years. He flew the F-l 11A/D/F on active duty, 10 years and then flew the F4D and F-16 in the Reserves for seven years; last 13 serving asa Liaison Officer bringing others into the long blue line. Lynn, too, retires from the Reserves this coming 1 Jul 04. He and Christina, 15 years married now, have Elizabeth (9) and Lyndsay (7). Lynn sent this on his firstie roommate, John Householder. John is the Director ofAdmissions Operations Texas Christian University in the DFW area. John’s last assignment before retirement was commander of the ROTC unit at TCU.

Mark E. Sheprow is also retiring on 01 Jul 04. Mark flew C-141s in the Reserves at McGuire from 1981-2000, and since then he’s been the colonel in charge ofEmergencyPlanningwith FEMA in Manhattan, NYC area. Mark added that “it’s a goodjob, even without airplanes!” Mark also sent in a note on classmateRickT. Stearman, who, also retires 1 Jul 04. Rick is working logistics at Hill AFB.

News comes from a long-time correspondent, Dave Daley. Dave is leav

ing the civilian sector and moving into the civil service sector [reverse life]. Dave is (Oct 03) the ProgramManager of Retrieval and Analysis of Navy Classified Information (RANKIN). The task is to make the Navy-Marine 1050 guides in various (14) mission areas to be more “classifier friendly.” Dave is in front of a prototype that he worked with on a Tactile Situation Awareness System (TSAS). The TSASis to help pilots keep their head outside while this vest alerts the pilot to the flying orientation. And in his report: “I saw Dr. Ron Sega, the Director of Defense Research and Engineering at the Pentagon last week while I was flying a Comanche simulator and he was being briefed on the TSAS which I was wearing. Yesterday I dropped by BGen Norm Seip’s E-Ring office in the Pentagon to admire the green-tinted view of the Washington Mall... On the Centennial ofFlight Day, Blair Bozek will be speaking at the Arlington Chapter of the AIAA [Dave chairs] about his SR-71 flying experience for comparison with the Wright Brothers’ experience 100 years ago”

Dave Daley as he looks this year!

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Here’s a note from a couldabin a ’74. James A. Holaday, Colonel USAF, the Commander ofthe AFROTC Det, University ofPittsburgh... his dream job. “Doc” was with us Prep Schoolers, B-Squadron, and then Tiger-10, until the Dean sent him packing. Doc finished in ROTC. He still networks with Brad Huffman, Mike Terry, Chuck Lucas, Duke Ramey, Orv Lind, and Brad Lee! Coincidentally, Brad Lee made time to send four lines in from Carson City, NV, where he’s now a state health official. Brad moved thereafter he retired after 29+ years. The last hitch was in the Great Lakes Naval Training Base. There this illustrious Air Force officer served on the Navy base, with an Army executive agent!

A Tom Schefflin writes in about his academic advisor who was then a captain. I appreciate the time someone took on one of our classmates speaks highly of our blue line contacts, especially of comrade-in-arms support and encouragement. An article describing Colonel Michael DeLorenzo’s recent appointment to USAFA appeared in the September 2003 issue ofthe AirForceResearch LaboratoryTechnologyHorizons magazine... Colonel DeLorenzo is the Permanent Professor and Head of the Astronautical Engineering Department. Congrats!

Shorts: Bruce McLane, who has been at NATO HQ in Brussels on the international staff since his retirement from the Air Force five years ago, will start work at the Marshall Center in Garmisch, Bavaria, in Novemher. Denny and Lin Hughes emailed: their son was sent to Qatar this summer for his turn at 12-hour Air Force shift work. On a happier note, they’ve become grandparents for the second time!

Dr. Charlie Justiz, is now serving in his 23rd year at the Johnson Space Center. He’s in the Aircraft Operations Division of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate. His advice in the JSC Roundup: “Live as ifyou were to die tomorrow. Learn as ifyou’ll live forever.”—Gandhi. My wish: May you all live long and prosper.

CharlieJustiz in JSC.

Jeff Hackett

2610 E. Stottler Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296-8825

Home/Mobile: (602) 318-6152

E-mail: jhackett75@cox.net

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. Wish some of my other (home improvement, investment, parenting, etc) good ideas turned out this suecessfulresponse to my AOG e-mail-to-the-entire-class requesting inputs for this column was overwhelming! Apologies to those whose news / notes / photos wound up on the editing room floor (editorial staff has word / photo limits).

75 TAILGATES - HOME AND AWAY. .Jim Burling is lending his leadership skills to home football game tailgate parties (and occasional Happy Hours in COS area). He’s equally adept at providing newsy inputs, “(in attendance at Wyoming game tailgate party).. .seven guys in Colorado Springs still in uniform doing good things. Three at the Academy: Larry Fariss Prep School Commander, Bill Spencer Director ofPlans and Programs, Mark Wells Head of History Department. Four at Peterson/Schriever: Dale Meyerrose NORTHCOM/J6 Director of Architecture and Integration, Dick Webber AFSPC Director of Logistics and Communications, Doug Fraser AFSPC Director of Operations, Kent Traylor Vice Commander of the Space Warfare Center. Russ Trinter, wife, Suzy, twins Cody and Connor deserve kudos for driving 400 miles for tailgate and game.”

Over 40 of our classmates and their friends / family (200+ people in all!) gathered for Duane Lodrige’s 10th “annual” good-time USAFA - USNA tailgate party. Outcome on the field was disappointing but pictures and accounts of the festivities indicate there was no shortage of high spirits in the parking lot. Don’t know if they got linked up with the tailgate but got separate pre-game e-mail from Greg Collier to say he was going with Kathleen and their youngest. Greg is still a 767 International First officer at USAIRWAYS and recently hosted his old roommate David Blessinger when he and his family (Nora and two of the four boys) came to visit from Fort Walton, FL where Dave’s working in defense industry.

there and noted, “Not a prettier sight than 60,000 BYU fans dead quiet and leaving early!” Jeff Chappell was also at that game with youngest son, Adam (17), who’s stillliving at liomewithJeffandTheresa, andAdam’s elder brother, Daniel, who is a freshman at BYU. Rest of the Chappell boys are near (two sons and one grandson in San Antonio) and far (#1 son, Matt, is stationed at Ellsworth AFB with his wife and two daughters). Jeff volunteered for and was accepted by NPS for the First Flight Centennial in December near his parents’ home in North Carolina.

JOHN SIMS UPDATE. John’s recovery from Apache combat crash in Iraq is continuing; in rehab during the week and home (Charlottsville, VA) on the weekends; still some short-term memory problems but progress is being made. Let’s all continue to pray for good health and successful new paths for John andVioleta.

NEWTRADITIONS. Ifyou didn’t pickup on the newend-of-BCT event, the Warrior Run (pg 48-50 last Checkpoints), or ifyou wondered who represented our class - it was Dick Dye and Phil Gronseth. Both were very supportive ofwhat they see from the new leadership team at USAFA and offered some interesting thoughts. Dick noted, “I think the real tradition demonstrated today is the tradition of support in times of trouble. The graduates are rallying around the ‘not yet’ graduates in times of trouble at the Academy.” And Phil said, “This is my 12th year at AFA and it always seems that once the dust settles after major changes, the Academy is a better place. (However, ifyou come in my office you will notice ‘Bring Me Men...’ taped above the inside of my door.)”

CLASS ASTRONOMY. Indirectly got the wordthat more stars have been added. Doug Fraser, Stan Gorenc, and MarkVolcheff have each earned an additional star (Major Generals all). Also caught an announcement that BG Steve Redmann has retired.

Having followed a different career path (12-year break in service), Rick Townsend recently pinned on LtCol’s rank (USAFR). Mike McClendon who works with Rick in both the Reserve world (F-22 SPO at WPAFB) and at American Airlines (Mike 757/767 Captain, and Rick 777 F/O) officiated at promotion ceremony. We also need to congratulate Leon SmithHarrison on his selection to the AOG Board of Directors. Leon wrote to say he sincerely welcomes our opinions or suggestions as he contributes to this important work.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE. Got an e-mail fromBill Dalson to tell me about recent Davis-Monthan AFB reunion ofLatin AmericanAirAttaches. Bill and Chuck Holland are attaches in Argentina and Bolivia, respectively. Al Piotter and Kevin Lanzit were also there representing “Management” Al works Latin America attache ops for DLA and Kevin runs all USAF attache business for SAF LA. Bill wanted us to appreciate how apropos it was to gather these four “relics” in such close proximity to the USAF “boneyard”. Bill also mentioned that classmate John Kambourian, is also at Argentine Embassy “protecting the world from the over-exportation of great beef and wine.”

No word of a tailgate, but a happier game result: heard from two of our classmates who made USAFA-BYU game. Wayne and Amy Willis, who now live in Salt Lake City (althoughWayne’s still flying out of DFW) were

Latin American Air Attache Folks

BITS AND PIECES. From Ben Phillips: “I’m hanging on with American Airlines as a 777 FO out of ORD. In my spare time, I’m working with Air Force National Security Emergency Preparedness (AFNSE) as the FEMA Region 5 Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO). Every now and then I run into Bill Schussler, the State EPLO for Minnesota, and Jack Huffman, the retiring Director ofthe AFA Liaison Officers in Northern Illinois.” From David Beck: “Keeping busy in New Orleans as Chairman of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Department at the Ochsner Clinic.”

From Brian Duffy: “A brief input from the Kennedy Space Center/NASA world: Bruce Hevey is now the KSC Director of IT, Jim Heald is the Director of SpaceportTechnology, and Steve Pitotti is an active member of the NASA leadership at NASA HQ in DC.” From Duane Jones: “Am now at the Pentagon working as Exec to VCSAF exec (until he figures out I can’t type!). One of my first pleasant surprises was to find SES Dave Tillotson working in the next hallway. He’s doing great in the AF/XI world.” Doug Miller recently did the retirement ceremony thing although official date is 1 Jan 04. He finished up at ElmendorfAFB, AK where he was Vice Wing Commander. He noted, “the wing went all out for the ceremony and dinner had a C-130 flyby and honored Allison quite well as she de-

Infrontfrom left are Fraser, Hente, Black, Davis, andPearce. Back:Burling, Wells, Traylor, and Trinter.

“Young Guns" (?) at USAFA-USNA tailgate!

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serves. Our son Ryan (USAFA ’03) came here to retire me. I commissioned him in May, and he retired me; what a deal!” Bob Hickcox wrote from the Boston area: “Retired two years ago after my company (information systems for education) was sold to a large publishing company. I now have a small consulting business (more a hobby), where I work with CIOs and senior Engineering Managers on technology management and project-planning problems... Barb and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary this year.”

OVER (THE WORD LIMIT) AND OUT (OF TIME). Early Holiday Greetings to all! Whatever / however you celebrate, keep your loved ones close at hand - it’s later than you think.

Dan Beatty

12196 Stanley Canyon Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 488-1962 W: (719) 554-6160

E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com or

Daniel.Beatty@Peterson.af.mil

Class Website:http://www.AFAcademy.com/76

Fellow ’76 ers,

WHOP ‘EM

UPSIDE THE HEAD....WHOP ‘EM UPSIDETHE HEAD...GRAB EM CENSOREDCENSORED CENSORED AND DRAG ‘EM DOWNTHE HALLS...WHOP ‘EM UPSIDE

Andrews, working at the AF Review Boards Agency. Says he sees lots of awards for ’76er’s, especially as some of us hit the 28-year point. Long letter from Joe and space won’t let me put it all in, but he says family is well and that he sees Lance Christian (Lance you do get around!) often. Joe also suggests we start a grassroots program to bring Don “Waldo F. Dumbsquat” Hall out of retirement to let Col Dumbsquat deal with the “Bring Me Men...” replacement motto. Joe is confident Waido’s solution would delight 40+ years of graduates. John Armor sent this photo ofhim and George Burnette, his BCT PHANTOM roomie.

25

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Donors

THE HEAD! Oh yes, football season at USAFA does bring back memories of less politically correct cheers and skits. The boys seem to be doing reasonably well so far, except for the Navy and CSU games. Y’all cheer for Army to beat Navy, and for us to beat Army on 8 Nov so we can hang on to the trophy.

Again this issue, no sad news that I am aware of to report. I like that. Lots of input from youse guys. Keep up the good work!

Since football is in the air, I thank Jimmy Carter for this photo:

John Armor and George Burnette

Both are Delta pilots and flew together for the first time in Aug 03, 31 years after they met. Syd McPherson is in his third year at DIA as a “glorified exec” (his words) trying to loose herd a gaggle of intel types trying to balance policy makers and warfighters needs. Says he sees Casey Henkel every once in a while. Casey is in DIA too over at Bolling. Syd says he will likelyhang it up next summer. Says he also spent Parents’ Weekend at the old alma mater where son Matt just finished Beast with the rest ofthe class of ’07. Jim Marg is leaving Korea joint staff, headed for Little Rock. Says daughter Liz is a senior at Hendrix College only 30 miles away, and that he and Sandy are looking forward to being closer to her again. Dave Berg writes from Langley that he has no news...’’nobody has dropped by and nothing is going on”. Dave Dingley says he is still working shuttle-returnto-flight issues at Patrick. Bill Carolan, working for Boeing on the C-17 program but still flying Reserve C- 141s at March, sent this photo ofhimself and son Ryan, class of 2007 at parents weekend.

Jim & Gwen Carter, Rich & Mary King, Jack & Jan Catton, Mark & Betty Welsh, Kevin & Cathy Chilton, Dave & Lynd Clary, Wade & Sue McRoberts, Bill & Pat Sullivan, Harrison & Tricia Freer,John & KathyHildebrandt, Bill & PeggyRoege,Jim Martin, Dennis Damiens, Steve &Jen Frye,JohnAusink, Mike&MaryAnn Gaughn, BradMoffett at a D.C. area pre-Navygame bash hosted by the Catton’s and King’s.

Jimmy says it was a “great game if we could have stopped the fullback and Rich King hadn’t gotten our tickets on the Navy side.” Thx Jim!

Kudos to a few promotees and selects: Mark Welsh and Mike Gould both pinned on their second star, and Willie Shelton has been selected for his. Congrats to them all! Willie writes that Lockheed Martin International Launch Services puts out a quarterly newsletter entitled “Liftoff.” The Fall issue of “Liftoff” contains a feature piece on our classmate Mike Gaughan. You can access the article at http://www.ilslaunch.com/newsletters/2003/fall2003_05.pdf. Willie also says he got a newsletter from Pete Kluck who is a missionary to Cameroon. He and his family are home for a year, living in the Tampa area. Bob Mansfield is now the Chief Sustainment Officer at AFSPC. He was also heavily involved in the recent NATO conference here in C-Springs. LOTS of security at that event. Roger Kontak was in the area recently with a bunch of scouts/leaders enroute to Philmont. He is professor of aviation at Minnesota State. Says the familyenjoys Minnesota and that Lance Christian went trekking with them last year, he borrows packs/gears from Larry Boyes, and keeps in contact withTom Trainor. Roger says a Philmont staffer told him a couple of USAFA ’76 Delta pilots were in the area but he didn’t link up. Any of you know who that might have been? Greg Boomgaard is back from the Far East, now at Hill AFB. He, like me, will retire next year but has no specific plans. Geoff Lawrence, Army ROTC at Texas A&M, rang in looking for Boom. Was able to link them up. ‘Papa’ Joe Marchino writes from

Bill Carolan and son Ryan

Walt Heidmous tells me his retirement ceremony is at 1030 on 12 Dec at the Vandenberg Pacific Coast Club. Y’all come! Walt says he has no specific plans but may follow Carrie in her government service career. Ben Dilla tells me his oldest son, Steve, just graduated (May 24) and got married (Jun 7). Ben sent photos but space will not allow me to get them in. Mebbe in a future ‘lean’ article Ben. Ben is a senior consultant with Personnel Decisions International (PDI) in Dallas office. Lee Cuevas is now an ‘empty-nester’ and still flying for UPS. Says Angie is in school to get her master’s in business, or to be a teacher. Lee reports he has seen Stan Correa and Nat Miliken on and off in Louisville. Hal Getzelman says “31 years after Pete and Betty Getzelman went to visit their son Hal during parents weekend, they were back to see their granddaughter, C3C EllenGetzelman begin her second year in CS30.” Ben Thornsen pointed out an article telling how Larry New was getting first crack at the Raptor! Wade McRoberts sent me a greatwav.file rendition ofthe cadet D&B playing the Air Force song. E-mail me ifyou want a copy. Finally, Stef Eisen tickled the snot outta me with his note that he had “never made an input to the Checkpoints in 27 years.” Thanks Stef for letting me be your ‘first’.

He is at Maxwell with Mike Gegg and Terry Williams. And late news that Randy Spetman has announced his retirement after eight years as the Athletic Director at USAFA.

Will wrap this up for now. Am just about at my word count limit. Super input from all y’all bubbas! Keep it up with cards, letters, e-mails, or calls about yourself or anyone you know about. All my contact data is in the header. Ifyou are headed to the Springs, let me or any of the other locals know and we’ll see if we can’t join up for a few stories and updates. Keep flying your flags and let our deployed troops knowyou have them in your thoughts and prayers. The Spirit of 76 is STILL alive and well! Until next time... Beatty

John J "Lou” Michels, Jr.

4107 Harvey

Western Springs, IL 60558

Voice: (312) 849-8150

Fax: (312) 849-3690

E-Mail: jmichels@mcguirewoods.com

FALLING OUT: As I write this, I am getting ready to head offto the Navy game, where I hope I will see many of you. By the time you read this, I hope the drumbeat of stories concerning the Zoo has faded. I am hopefill, but not confident, that someone will get their arms around the real issues in this situation soon. In the meantime, the graduate community has plenty of work to do, both from a public relations standpoint and in weighing in on the myriad of changes that are taking place at our institution. I encourage all ofyou to check in on the AOG website to keep current on what has happened to the overall leadership philosophy at the Academy.

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FALLING IN: The mailbag was moderately full this time around and, again, my thanks to everyone who wrote in. Let’s start with a little bitof reunion history, namely in the form of previously reported missing Rob Gaston (Barbara). Rob is assigned at Maxwell, but had deployed to Incirlik for the reunion, apparently confusing East with West. In an effort to maintain ties, and probablyjust to make himself feel really homesick, he called Dave Zelenok (Kathleen) during thefestivities. Just to prove he did, Rob had a picture made which is enclosed below.

comfortable surroundings than Rob was in.

Ken Jennings (Heather) has a book out, The Serving Leader. I could suggest a few bookshelves for that volume. Ken has left Accenture and is now with Homeland Defense Ventures where he provides management consulting for high-tech companies involved in bio and chemical defense work. And, I should add, that’s Doctor Jenninngs. Congrats on the new tome, Ken.

Greg Hanson (Linda) has taken his talents and his band back to federal service. Greg is working as the ChiefInformation Officer for the U.S. Senate, although I see that his official title is “Assistant Sergeant at Arms.” Does this mean that you get to eject unruly Senators from the floor? Frenchie Fernand (Karen) is now an Airbus 320 FO (as befits his name) at United. In addition to pushing French metal around the skies, Frenchie is towing sail planes at the Zoo. Thanks for the update.

Randy Rothe (Pamela) dropped me a quick message with the enclosed picture. Randy is a member ofthe Black Forest SoaringSociety and, along with Quay Snyder (Elezabeth), teaches soaring at the Zoo asa Reservist. Had I known this, I would have taken a free flight on my last tour there. Anyway, Quay gave Randy his Flight Instructor check ride at theend of August following a recommendation byRandy’s son, Chris (inlegal circles, we call this “a conflict of interest” or, alternatively, a “sham recommen

dation”). The threeso-called “instructors” are pictured above. Chris is the one without the mustache, and Randy is on the right.

Randy reports flying a trip with Dave Stephan (Cynthia) in the 320 at United. I think Dave bases out of Denver but lives in Pueblo. Randy also ran into Mike Hainsey (Brenda) when he took Chris to start UPT at Columbus. As Randy notes, “It’s a small world for the USAFA grad.” Well, yeah, ifyou’re an airline pilot living in Colorado, I guess that’s true. As a lawyer living in Chicago, I tend to see more West Point grads. Thanks for the photo and update, Randy.

More on whiz guy Grady Booch (Jan) who, despite my previous slanders of him, keeps giving me tidbits of info. Grady’s company, Rational, got acquiredby IBM recently. Recognizing talent, drive and a guy in need of a haircut when they saw him, IBM made Grady a Fellow following the acquisition. The appointment made big news in the Denver Post, but when I asked Grady what he was doing asa Fellow, he replied that the position makes him a “designated free radical.” While I’m glad that there are enough radicals out there now that people can get them for free, I’m not sure Grady shouldn’t be paid for his services. Anyway, the best part about the position from Grady’s perspective is that he does not have to shave his beard, or cut his hair, or wear a suit. Not a bad lifestyle if you can get it. Congratulations again, Grady, on another kudo.

I got a short note from Jim McCarthy (Gayle) who is the only member of our class that I know of permanently residing in Alaska. Jim’s working as a contractor on an FAA project and flying out ofthe Aero Club at Elmo, where he bumped into Dutch Remkes (Susan). Thanks for the quick note, Jim, and stay warm this winter.

Got a nice card from Tom Jones (Liz) following a recent trip to Moscow. Tom is working on anotherbook and was there interviewing cosmonauts and Russian flight directors who have worked on and for the ISS. He and Liz are firmly settled into northern Virginia, but I’m hoping the hurricane did not do too much damage to all the huge trees around theirhouse.

Roger Smith (Patricia), who flies for Southwest out of Baltimore, wrote to detail a living history trip that he, Mark Clodfelter (Donna), Barney Ballinger (Gay) puttogetherduring this summer to the Gettysburg battlefield. Each of these history experts took a day from the battle and updatedthe other two on the events occurring on their specific day as they walked through the battlefield. Mark is a Professor and Vice Dean at the National War College and Barney is an 0-6, PAS at Colorado. I know we are all aging differently, however, I suspect the low point of the trip was when some kid approached Mark and asked him if the battlefield was the way he remembered it. In any event, Roger notes that he and Barney, having both gotten married under crossed sabers at graduation, are still married (and to the same people).

From leftare Bob Vendley(Nancy) with Rob on thephone; Ken Knapp; Dave Z, and Randy Burks (Karen). In the back row are Karl Dundore (Kristina); Bob Marshall (Linnea);DougMiller (Mary) andJeffWhisler. All ofthese guys look like they’re seated in much more

Roger sent a nice picture ofthe three ofthem—Mark, Barney and Roger at the high water mark of the battlefield. Sounds like a great trip for some great friends. Thanks, Roger.

Dee DeWillis (Sharon) retired from active duty in May. Thanks for the invite, Dee; I’ll bet Arlington looked great that day. Steve and Charlotte Carey have moved from Germany to Aviano, where he’ll be the 16 AF/ DO. Timing is everything and Steve has proven himself to be a master of it since Charlotte had a baby boy (their third?) just before they left. Congratulations all around.

FALLINGDOWN: During a recent trip to Hurlburt, I got some face-toface time with Rick Newton (Cathy). Rick works for SAIC at the joint special ops school at the Field. His son, Rob, is a Roadrunner at the Zoo, asa three degree. Rick passed on some information about: Steve and Theresa Miller, Steve is the 1FW CC at Langley; Stu and fulie Williams, Stu is flying for Southwest living in Henderson, Nevada; Mike and Laurie Oakes, Mike and Laurie are in Yorktown, Virginia where Mike flies for Delta; Dave and Maggie Brown, both are at Eglin where Dave leads the joint close air support test and evaluation team; Bruce Burda (Stacey), is a BG and works at Hurlburt as the AFSOC/DO. Rick and Cathy’s oldest just got commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and is headed to the Signal Corp. Great seeing you, Rick.

FALLING WATER: That’s about it here from Chicago andthehomes of Frank Lloyd Wright (just in case you didn’t get the reference). I hope everyone’s holidays go well. Be seeing you.

Bob Kay

2386 Cherry Hills Loop

Alamogordo, NM 88311

Home:(505) 439-5463

Work: (505) 572-5382

Email: k-bob78@charter.net or Robert.Kay@holloman.af.mil

Greetings 78ers...

Well, here we go again gents. However, I write this in my office as 450 of you all and families are whopping it up at the reunion. Not that I’m beaked at the fact that operational stuff kept me here while you all are there. I’ll get over it. I wanted to publicly thank the reunion mafia who put in many hours ofwork to make it happen: Jim Arnold, Steve DalbeyVinny Gallagher John Hicks (golf tournament organizer extraordinaire), Greg Hollister, and Ken Prusak, plus all of the squadron reps (too numerous to name, but you guys know who you are). Ken, Vinny, Greg and Jim especially put in quite a few hours.

the South Shore of Boston and commuting to Detroit. He and Tahni have been married eight years and are loving life and very much enjoying watching their daughter and son grow. Life is indeed good...

Jack Anthony and I got into a great e-mail exchanges concerningwhat he’s been up to. He’s an 0-6 serving as the AF Space Command Director of Personnel (a real adventure for a career engineer) and hopes to retire next summer and either pursue a second career in the space industry or go teach high school science. Said his heart is in teaching kids to be space enthusiasts like he’s been for so many years. Been married to Margo for 18+ years with two kids (one a senior in high school who was theColorado 4A state cross country champ last year, and the other in middle school). He worked with Jim Halsell and Mark Erminger earlier in the year on the Columbia accident investigation... great to see classmates but tough circumstances. Jack also mentionedthat his new boss is Rob Worley, and Rob’s deputy is Lou Christensen with Andy Anderson in the building as well (in the Logistics and Comm directorate). He saw Dave McFaddin at Ellsworth several months ago when Fads was still the vice soon to be off to Langley to be on the IG staff. While at Ellsworth, Jack spoke to 300 ARFOTC cadets and happened to meet Brittany Schick, daughter ofDan Schick who passed away a couple of days ago... small world! She’s a Poly Sci major and looking forward to getting her commission. Jack also said that he regularly sees Mike Wright and Bob Kahle who are local space contractors in space industry. Sounds like '78 is taking over Space Command to be sure... thanks Jack!

Back to Dave Wetlesen who is back at theAcademyfor hissecond teaching tour after 5 1/2 years in Norway and three years at Patrick AFB (pretty rough assignments there Dave). He teaches in the Aero department headed by Neal Barlow as the Permanent Profwith Dr. Aaron Byerley as Director of Research. He and Eloise have 10 kids with his oldest having just completed AFROTC this past summer and about to be married. The rest keep them fairly busy. He took one of his other sons to Alaska for vacation and dropped him offto do a Baptist mission for two weeks. While there, Dave visited with Ron Parkhouse whoworks for ALCOM in the rescue business and is about to retire. He mentionedthat Ron has over 100 saves including theAF’s highest altitude and latitude saves. IfI messed that up Ron, please let me know.

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That’s what you guys get for living in the Springs. Lani Wing at the AOG was a blessing big-time and kept our act straight. Got a call from Greg Kaiser yesterday wondering where the heck I was. He let me know just what a swell time everyone was having... and agreed to write an article on the event. He was standing at the gate of Falcon Stadium waiting to get in when a four-ship of F-16s flew (very low he said) over. Glad we won so decisively as well. Kais hopes to get the article in by the next issue at the latest. Good man Kais... once a scribe, always a scribe.

On a quick personal note and at the expense of boring all ofyou, I will be retiring from the greatest air force in the history of man on the 15th of December. Colonel Steve Slick, my perpetual Academy roommate, has graciously consented to schlep from Dover DE to lovelyAlamogordo to do the honors. From New Mexico, we will make the trek to Palmdale CA, with their new governor, and work for BAE Systems as their QF-4 acceptance pilot and deputy QF-4 program manager. Still can’t believe that I’ll be flying... the guy I am replacing is 65 so if my health holds out, I get to defer adulthood for several more years! I’mstill pinching myself to be sure. As of 5 January, my work e-mail address should be Robert.kay@baesystems.com if you wish to submit anything for the Winter article.

First order of real business is an addition to the ’78 progeny list at the Zoo. Got a great call from Steve Sargeant a couple of weeks ago with news that his son Patrick is a proud member of 2004 and looking forward to graduation next year. Steve is AETC/XP and suffering tremendously at Randolph air patch. His neighbor across the street is Eddie Rice who is still running the AF Recruiting Service and doing an exceptional job filling this year’s quotas. Also, Dave Wetlesen (will talk more about Dave later) mentionedthat Neil Barlow’s daughter Katlan is in ’07.

A few guys are moving around as senior (as in rank, not age... honest) people tend to do: Dick Newton from Deputy Director of Strategic and Future Systems on the air staff to Deputy Director for Info Ops on the Joint Staff. Bob Steele moves from his Director of Staff gig at AFNORTH to the commander of the USAFE Air and Space Ops Support Center... still staying at Ramstein (the land of the big BX). Key Sabol gives up his wing at Grand Forks to be deputy AMC/XP at Scott. Also, Dick Newton, Mark Zamzow, John Weidaand Kevin Kennedy pinned on their star this past summer... congrats guys!

In other news, Paul Morel is a “happily married 47-year-old father of a four and two year old.” He also is a 757 Captain for Northwest living on

While conversing about the reunion, John Hicks mentioned that he had dinner with Greg Intoccia while in Wash D.C. Greg is an attorney for the FCC in the D.C. area and has done very well over the years. He also met up with Mark Kargul in San Diego while John was there on business (he lives in Kansas City) and Mark was there on an American layover. John confirmed they both had a great time catching up over significant amounts of adultfermented beverages... he even remembers everything. Thanks John...you may become the official ’78 networker at this rate.

Speaking ofsuperb conversations, I had a great time chatting with Paul Skolaut a couple ofweeks ago. Skol has been highly active in the restaurant bizfor many years in Kansas but is looking for a different direction for his entrepreneurial energies. We’ll see what happens. Sure admire guys with Skol’s talents...one of the things that made this country great.

I’m running out of space so will sign off for now. I can’t thank all ofyou guys enough for taking the time to contact me this quarter. PLEASE don’t stop with the information now that the reunion is history. A short e-mail does wonders and ensures that you don’t have to suffer through the latest round of Kay family tales. May you all have a blessed Fall and as always, may God bless America.

’78 is still great!

Bud Vazquez

25 Hayden Lane

Bedford, MA 01730

Office: (781) 377-5727

FAX: (781) 377-6966

Home: (781) 275-1701

Bud.Vazquez@hanscom.af.mil

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Well gents, I guess the class remains just destined for greatness, with Burt Field, Randy Fullhart, Bill Rew, Jan Jouas, Steve Hoog, Irv Lessel and Bob Edmonds all on the 0-7 list -1 know I left someone off - apologies... sir... Although we all know the reliability ofthe media, and that politicians would never make more of a story than is objectively true, having read SECAF testimony on the “scandal” maybe we are also destined for controversy, even when it was one Thomas C. Richards who really gave us the notoriety! Oh well. I know I wake up everyday, smell the coffee and then feel the jealousy everywhere! Since I last wrote (last fall), lots has happened. It is sad to say that about the only good news stories ever printed lately about our old alma mater are that (as I write) football is off to another good start, but I’ll take it...

For some reason Bob Edmonds (Ann) always has a leading role in this scribe’s column. Perhaps it’s becausehe was a saber-bearer at my wedding, or that he is a BGen select, or maybe because he recently spent an afternoon at Rancho de la Vazquez helping this amigo get a tree fort up. I’m not sure, but by all accounts, “the ageless one” seems to be doing well as the SAF/LL Senate liaison. I also got to see a fair number of ’79ers at the C2 Summit held in Danvers MA in August. Scott Grunwald (Debbie) recently moved from being the Commander of the AF Flight Standards Agency at Andrews AFB, to be the Division Chief at SAF/AQID. Scott continues to, like Bubba E., age well, and remains a professional and spiritual mentor for me and others.

Chris King (Carolyn) remains System Program Director of the CAF C2 SPO - 585 people - at least 585 headaches per week! Christopher has not lost his cut straight-to-the-chase style as he strives for acquisition and transformational excellence! At the Summit, I also ran into Juanito Ramirez, who I discovered became the Director of Stafffor the Strategic & Nuclear Deterrence SPO in COS. Juan also looks greatguess I am the only one who has aged... The PACAF/SC is one Greg Brundidge and God bless him; he still remains one heck of a good guy. Tom Teigler is the Deputy for the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) SPO at Langley, and was also helping to up the average at the Summit - although we need to pray for Tom as he works for an ’80 grad...

I would be very remiss if I didn’ttell you all that I got a veiy nice picture of Paul Schubert and his family LAST YEAR... He missed the window by a few days, and I must publicly apologize for not forwarding this on.

for all Niners... I think. I got to finally play golf with Greg Doran (formerly Colvin), one ofthe stealthiest of our class, who works asa support contractor for the GATM SPO one floor up. Here’s a photo to confirm those rumored Greg sightings!

Colonel Bill Murphy was going to join us, but old Hurricane Isabel blew through D.C. and screwed up our little re-union. Greg and I then went for looking Carl Reikel, who also works with Greg. Carl works FMS programs and was in Egypt that day. Carl’s family picture shows only his 10 oldest kids in it. Must be the water...

Thomas Griffith (Liz) remains the Commandant of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, enjoying his professorial life. As for your faithful scribe, my little support contractor business is still afloat and in the black after one year. “IPT Associates” is up to a whopping nine people. (Hey, that’s 450% growth in 12 months! Watch out IBM!) When I think about my own post-retirement blur, I can say I have coached the kids’ teams now, fished more, golfed more, grew hair on my head - ok, my face - and traveled way less. Guess I have nothing to complain about. Here’s some proof that I have at least fished more.

The Schubert Family

Brian Koechel does a great job distributing updates in between writing engagements, and I got a little update on Tom Talbot (LeAnn) from the Big Bri. Tom and LeAnn made a big decisionthis summer -1 got some BS like (I am not kidding) - “So the Talbot’s counted their pennies... and decided they could live without that ‘work thing’”. The executive summary is something like "they hit it big, live near Jackson Holeand Grand Targhee ski areas, Tom fishes or skis every day. Their son Jeff is a sophomore in high school, and his daughter Megan is starting her sophomore year at Wyoming. Tom ended his note with an invitation to all of us to ski or fish out his way, and volunteered his e-mail... tomtalbot@tetontel.com. Wait! This just in from Bri - last minute update... who just spoke (2 Oct 03) with Bob Swain. Bob’s on a two-year leave of absence from US Scareways and is doing Col duty atWR. Some rumor that he madethe Reserve BG screening list. Think he’s going to turn down the opportunity as he is now married to wife #2, Diane, and all is goingjust ducky this time. He also passed on that Jim Rolling is 9th MSG/CC at Beale.

An old crony of ours, Kip Spurio, recently left the AF Civil servant side to become an SES equivalent in the FAA. He promises first class upgrades

That’s it from the People’s Republic of Massachusetts until next fall. “Trash” Ashley follows me - his input will be due around the end of the calendar yearswamp him with them e-mails, cards and letters! He can be reached at trash79@adelphia.net, and he gives his privacy act waiver to use it in the article! Until next time, God Bless you, '79, the USAF, and the USA!

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 had a conference in D.C. last week. Waiting for my plane in Atlanta, I started a conversation with a man, also named Don, about my father’s age. He’d been in the Army for 30 years, starting in 1951. Doing the math, that means he retired not long after we tried to flame-out the Thunderbirds by throwing our hats high into the air. When his stint in the military ended, he continued to serve as a government employee in overseas locations. From his current home in Tucson, Don was heading to Arlington National Cemetery so he could lay to rest his wife of fifty-some years. I was glad to keep him company for the better part of an hour before our flight and to wish him well as we parted our ways. That visit, and my own father’s service during The Forgotten War, prompted me to walk to the new KoreanWar Memorial after my meetings the following day. Everything was in slight disarray after Hurricane Isabel, but that didn’t seem to stop the many visitors. My route took me past the WWII Memorial, currently under construction. I began to see the sculptures of the U.S. KoreanWar soldiers as I made my way along the path that parallels the Reflecting Pool. I got closer and noted each of the squad members are slightly larger-thanlife and their fixed expressions, as they appear to trudge along in the same direction while on patrol, showthe same grim display of emotion. The accompanying etched marble backdrop pays tribute to all the services and personnel that served. It seemed quite fitting.

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The last day of my conference gave me a chance to spend a couple of hours at Arlington. After the Visitors Center, it was almost time for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I walked up the path with so many headstones in the grass on either side, finally

Bud

climbing the rise to join the crowd where the three soldiers (NCOIC, oncoming, and off going) had just begun the respectful ritual. I actually had to ask a person who answered his cell phone and began a conversation to please remove himselffrom the area. Some folks just don’t get it....

I guess that was fresh on my mind. Anything on your mind that you’d like to share? How about flooding my inbox to tell me what you’re doing these days.

On the Medical Front. Dr. Mike Opatowsky spent a few precious moments to destroy a box from one ofhis children’s video games. This was to protect and send a picture taken in 1983 at Whiteman AFB. “These were the 1980 graduates assigned to missile operations within the 351 st SMW. If memory serves me, I think a thing call the ‘cold war’ was going on at the time. By the way, we won that one we outspent them. The ‘enemy’ went away and so did our mission eventually. I had this photo taken with the idea of sending it to Checkpoints. I finally got around to it, albeit 20 years later! Not much longer after this photo was taken, I was released to attend medical school at Wake Forrest University under an AF scholarship program.” Mike served two tours at the Zoo then switched to the Reserves in 1997. He specialized in neuroradiology and recently left a position at Wake Forrest University School ofMedicine to join a private practice group that is affiliated with Baylor University in Dallas. “In this capacity, I save lives and help educate student physicians.” Mike has been in four different jobs in the past five years. “Being discontent, I guess, is in my nature. ‘Striving to Excel’has its downside, too... comes at a great cost ofpersonal freedom and family well-being sometimes, particularly when it comes to orchestrating patient care.” Sounds like my kind of doc.

best missile wins in sac ■mi 1171 m mi *1 FMS-MULWBWWHW irtMn ^

Cold War warriors: Mike Opatowsky, J.O. Miller, Daniel Scales, William Jones, Jr., Edward Schmidt, andJohn Lahoff.

Ray Nakasone was one of my SERE trek partners. He encouraged me along when I became pretty dehydrated. Ray recently contracted Valley Fever, which has flu-like symptoms. He didn’t seek medical attention and continued to work long hours. His condition worsened and developed into fungal meningitis. There was some brain swelling and other complications and setbacks. Ray’s now at the Hospice/Palliative Care Unit of the Tucson VA Hospital (Southern AZ Medical Center). Doctors are unsure to what level he may progress or how long it will take, but they seem pretty sure the scarring will preclude a return to 100%. Treatment is expected to be many years.

From AFPN: “Col. (Dr.) Kent Murphy, founder ofthe academy’s Center ofExcellence for Medical Multimedia [cemm.org], was awarded the Frank Brown Berry Prize in Federal Healthcare. The concept behind the center is that information technology can empower patients byeducating them on medical techniques. ‘I felt that there was a lot of great information out there for doctors,’ Murphy said. ‘The most underserved individuals are those (who) are sick, however. I felt that medicine needed to take from the technology ofthe entertainment industry to help remedy that.’” Kent is the first aviation-type to win the award.

Flyboy News. I saw an announcement that Paul L. Smith is now an Assistant Chief Pilot for Delta Air Lines, so I asked him about it: “Yea, I just changedjobs. I was still teaching on the 777. I was asked if I’d be interested in interviewing for the Asst. Chief job in International [Ops]. Even though teaching the 777 was an excellent job, I figured when the Director asks, the least I could do would be to try. Additionally, it gives me a lot more insight into the goings on at the company. Lastly, it’s more of a Human Resource type ofjob. I tend to handle a lot of issues for the pilotsconcerning scheduling, training, as well as personal deals. So, all in all, I feel thejob allows me to stayin touch with guys I normallywouldn’t see and gives me the personal satisfaction ofhelping someone when they need some assistance.” As an old squadron commander I had used to say, “Good on ya.”

Kent Fonseca flew one ofhis trips at AAwith a CoastieC-130 stick buddy of mine, Eric Forde, who also happened to start out as an ’80 grad, but from Canoe U. Small world. Oh, it gets better: “On my next trip I had our classmate Bob Wilson in my right seat. Bob and I were ’38 FAIPS to

gether at Reese and last flew a cross country together in early ’85. We somehow managed to stay out of trouble while being one hour late on every arrival. So much for American Airlines’ on time machine. Weird thing is thatwhile Bob and I were pulling up the paperwork for the first leg out of DFW, next door to us was fellow classmate and Captain A1 Matter who was in Bob’s doolie squadron. And his F/O that day was Eric Forde. Strange coincidence. Two all-’80 crews. I have also flown with Brian Urbancsik three times. Brian is a flying machine. Flies more than any other in DFW (no kidding). And [he] is the vacation king. He is always planning and taking great vacations to far off places like Banff and Anchorage. He also throws some mean parties at his overpriced apartment complex. Must be nice to be single and on the prowl. I, of course, being happily married to Vicky, my wife of 22 years, avoid all such parties. I know how to stay married.”

Kent and Bob being late to posefor us?

I interviewed Ed (Nancy) Hadzick a while back when I was conducting background investigations for gov’t security clearances. He’d been in the same AFRES KC-10 unit as the subject. Ed put on a pot ofcoffee (I’ll have a cup to be sociable) and we got the business out ofthe way prettyquickly. Then we hit the important stuff: Ed got into the KC-10 not long after the AF bought them. After he left active duty in 1989, he stayed in Reserve KC-10 units until he retired. He’s flown with that Greek-sounding airline (Delta) since he left active duty and, because of his familiarity with the KC-10, has been an instructor in their MD-lls. They’re starting to boot the kids out of the house. Can you spell E-M-P-T-Y N-E-S-T?

Short Blasts & Other Stuff: Frank Kisner turned-in his CC hat at the 16th Special Ops Wing, Hurlburt Field, and is CC of the Wing at Pope. Likewise, Sue Desjardins turned-in her CC hat at the 60th Ops Group, Travis AFB, and is now the exec to the commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command. Jay McFadyen, still in California, is now Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Clover Defense Partners, L.P., an equity firm that invests in and acquires aerospace and defense businesses.

Diane Juhas says she’s “trying to live the life on the road less traveled, but there’s a lot of traffic out here. I live just outside of Boston, in Framingham, MA, and do the daily commute to Boston where I work for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in the IT Division. The office is right near Fenway Park home of the lowly Red Sox. I participated in the Society forInformation Management (SIM) Regional Leadership Forum over the last year. It was a great opportunity. I’m hoping to carve out some time to get involved locally in the upcoming presidential race. That’s the kindof stuff that motivates me.”

Peggy (Dennis) Carnahan got out a quick email: “Had a terrific [Women in Aviation] conference, although attendance was down a bit. Think that’s mostly due to deployment/optempo for the active duty/Reserve forces folks, and that the WASPs are aging. Like all the WWII groups, we’re losing them rapidly. Did get to see Allison (Rob ’78) (Hilsman) Hickeybriefly. She’s working in the Pentagon on all sorts of lofty stuff. Spent time with Margie (BJ+2) (Clark)Varuska who is retired and flying for SWA, and Kathy Conleywho is retired and working asa civilian in OSD. Kathy and Margie haven’t aged a bit!! Also had breakfast with Paula Thornhill, who is the USAF Dean at Nat’l War College haven’t laughed that hard over cereal in a long time.”

The AOG got a “Return Deceased, Remove from List” notice from a mailing to Don (Cathy+3) Ralph and asked me what I knew. I had some feelers sent out and Don says, “No, I’m not dead, perhaps brain dead. I’ve been doing lots of active duty (four months) and still the Vice CC at Keesler AFB’s 403d Wing. Been the Battle Commander to the JFACC for Op Noble Eagle for Homeland Defense. Looking forward to life getting back to normal. Delta Air Lines yes, it’s still alive as well. Went from instructing on the MD-11 to flying the B767.” Don’s been TDY from Atlanta so much that they bought a beach house nearby for some sort of normalcy, if that’s possible these days. (Glad all is OK.)

Another Segue. “I am on my last tour in the USAF at balmy Keesler AFB, MS,” writes Tony (Deborah+1) Wolusky. Though I secured a retirement date of 1 Sep 04, the JAG Corps decided to PCS me here anyway this July from my job at AFA legal.” He left the family intact and is adding up all the time the AF gives him before he can start terminal leave back in COS with the family. Tony’s looking for a career change when he returns. Both he and Deborah are lawyers and want jobs “where we don’t have to be around lawyers all the time. You know how they can be .” The photo is from his time as Senior Ops and Int’l Law Attorney for Commander, Stabilization Force, Bosnia-Herzegovina. “It has recharged my feeling that the world’s problems, even the most intractable, can be solved by the international community. The other officers I worked so closely with from The Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Germany, Turkey and even France, saw thingsdifferently than we US types did, but manytimes, when I saw things fromtheir perspective, I gained a greaterunderstanding about the problem we all faced together.” Oh, yes, the photo: Seems the Army MWR wanted to sponsor a 5K race around the compound over the holidays to boost morale. Well, the traditional fireworks the locals might have used were in short supply not so for the machine gun rounds, however. Being safety-conscious, the CO dictated the slightly unorthodox outerwear for the runners. Tony (#327) is the one to the right ofArmy BG Quinlan (#322).

Tony andfriends playingDodge the Bullet!

Reach Out XXIV. Larry Wolf, a senior Delta MD-88 driver, tells us of some lost folks from last time: “First, Hedrick and Harwood are Delta. Both CVG [Cincinnati] based. Harris I thought was a pilot with United, but I could be wrong. Glotfelty was a financial planner in CVG when I got here. We lost touch and I don’t know his current status. Second, I’ve still got my academy car, a 1979 yellow beetle convertible. I wonder if any other classmates are still driving theirs?” Larry stays busy teaching his oldest son to drive and taking both sons along when adding hours to a 1952 Cessna 170B.

Andy (Denise+7 college age to three years) Hamilton heard we were searching for him. They are loving Stuttgart, Germany, where Andy is a new 0-6 at the US European Command. They’ve just finished their first year. Andy asked if I knew more about Danny Reinhart (I don’t, do any of you?) Andy heard he was in a coma after a car accident.

Wow, that was the most successful “Reach Out” expedition so far. Let’s try to get the scoop on a few more: Steven G. Gamboa, David G. Fries, Kevin S. Floyd, Jeffrey L. Fitzsimmons, John F. Farrell, Robert A. Everding, and William T. Euker.

That’s it from this end. Remember to send me one ofyour annual newsletters that come out this time ofyear. And God bless each one ofyou. 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

Football is winding down and the leaves are long gone. My family and I just returned from a cool (cold) weekend at Farish. I finished my data pulls/programs for the Register. I can’t believe I’vebeen at the AOG long enough to go through three Register seasons. They should be in your hands before you read this article, although, I’m pushing hard to go completely online with member data by next year. Zip me any address/email updates you have and I’ll make sure they are put in our database. I do have the occasional honor of seeing several of you as you pass through the Academy. Dan Bell visited me again a couple months ago after visiting his son, and Scott Butcher came by with his family for his first return

to USAFA since May ’81. You are always welcome to stop by Doolittle Hall to say “Hi.”

Dale Andrews was recalled to active duty again in February. Normally a mild mannered Airbus Captain for United, Dale has been piloting C-5s backand forth from the Mideast. Rick Martin popped up to the flightdeck when Dale and crew were preflighting to leave Kuwait. Rick, too, had been spending time in Iraq and other funspots commanding an Air Mobility Ops Gp. He was returning to McChord AFB to be the Vice Wing Commander. Dale ran into Lionel Trujillo in CharlestonAFB. Lionel is the C-17 squadron commander (Reserve) there and they discussed the issues involved with converting a unit from C-5s to C-17s, as well as old boxing matches. AtVandenbergAFB, Dale saw the “wing king’s” picture at Base Ops (Frank Gallegos) and Frank took the time tomeet Dale for a bit. Frank still has his priorities straight! Tom Maloof returned from a recent four-day Delta trip in which Kevin Kreft was his copilot. Kevinlives in northernKentuckywith hiswife, Mary, and three sons. Kevin’s daughter graduated from USNA in 2002, but straightened out and cross-commissioned into the Air Force. Tom is still flying 757/767s for Delta and practicing law here in Monument, CO. Scott Suhr said James Schoeneman retired and moved back to FtWalton Beach, FL. The Florida panhandle is loaded with ’81ers. Scott and his wife, Susan, attended James retirement ceremony at Eglin while celebrating their 20th anniversary. Scott works with Dave Albert and Col Rex Kiziah in the Space Superiority SPO at LAAFB. Tony Hinen says Larry Steuck has been activated with theCaliforniaArmyNational Guard for two years. Tony (ViceWing) and Phil Swanson (Ops Gp Deputy) are still at Fairchild AFB. Nedd Ruddemailed me last night. Rumors of hisdemise were greatly exaggerated. Nedd is teaching Saudis how to fly F-15s and doingjust fine. Tom Schulter is an F16 Simulator instructor at Mountain Home AFB.

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Sean Murphy is living his dream and getting checked outto fly backseat in F-15s at Tyndall while also commanding the Med Group. My old Rebelelevenmate, Scott Land, has pinned on 0-6 at Whiteman AFB. He recently flew with Rich Vandenburgh as Rich passed the 1500 hour mark in the B-2, making him the most experienced B-2 pilot in the AF. Scott attended a Safety Board President’s course at Kirtland with Andy Morgan. Andy flew in from Europe where he is on the USAFE staff. Scott also visited with RayWalizer while at school. Scott also reports that Jean Floyd is doing well with Orbital Science Corp inVirginia. John and Erin Fagnant attended the AF/Navy game at FedEx Field with Don Chapman, but unfortunately, there was not much to cheer about afterwards.Kevin Lopez also pinned on 0-6 at theend of October and is keeping busy at WrightPatterson with work and family. His daughter is a senior and they’ve been looking at colleges. He’s also coaching his son’s 6th grade basketball team. Gregg Montijo reports from Arizona that Col Mike Spencer is the Vice Wing Commander at Davis-Monthan (DM). Gregg recently had Bill Napolitano and family over for dinner. Bill is the new Deputy OG at DM.

GreggMontijo andfamily on vacation in San Diego.

Gil Castillojust returned from Qatarworking in the CAOC at CampAndy. Gil is in Tucson and looking to move to Florida. Phil Landweer and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed a great vacation to Alaska this summer. My high school classmate Roger Foley is headed to Randolph later this year after paying his dues in D.C. Roger will be working at the Air Force Recruiting Service Headquarters. Roger and family are excited to get back to Texas.

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Roger and Della Foley with sons Taylor and Austin.

Terry Dickensheet is still at Stuttgart working at EUCOM J5. He andthe family spent some time vacationing in Rome... rough life. Joe Lepanto is at Scott AFB working in the Tanker Airlift Control Center. He said Joan Cunningham was the Support Group Commander, but recently left for McGuire AFB. Bob Medell pinned on 0-6 at Wilford Hall Med Center. Bob is the Dept ofAnethesiology Chairman there and said Barry Gardner and Billy Barth are there, too. Dyke Weatherington, Ken Bray, and Bill Bridges work together on unmanned combat air systems. John Reinheimer is still at Mattel in the IT office... probably his cover for playing.

On the local front, Blane “Doc” Hook is busy supporting our USAFA cyclers. He reminded me that I need to set up another’81er lunch. Deven Volk is buying mine, so I’m on it!

Thanks again for all your support! I’ll be looking for Christmas updates and pictures from all ofyou as I draft the 2004 class article in earlyJanuary.

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

Greetings Redtags!

It’s been a light quarter for the quantity of news (PCS season seems to do that), but the seriousness of the news makes up for lack of volume. Like so many other things in life, there’s bad news and good news. Tragically, we lost two classmates in quick succession in August. Kash Johnson was killed in an automobile accident in Salt Lake City on the 5th of August, and Chris Kedzie succumbed to cancer on 12 August. Kash leaves behind his wife, Michelle, andfive children. Chris is survived by his wife, Ira, and three children. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that our thoughts and prayers go out to friends and families of both. Information on family contacts and education funds for Chris’ children can be found at http://chriskedzie.org/announcements/. You can make contributions to the Kash Johnson Scholarship Fund by sending them to Kash Johnson Scholarship Fund, c/o Zions Bank, Don Harrison, 12300 S 903 E, Draper, UT, 84020.

On the good news side, we had a neat “save” on a class ring in early October. I learned from the mother of a ’93 grad that a Class of ’82 ring was for sale on eBay. Several of us tried to contact the seller and get more

info (specifically, the name inscribed in the ring), but to no avail. I contacted Rich Downing, ’70, and VP of Services at the AOG, and learned that he was already aware of the sale and was bidding on the ring in an effort to get it off the market and return it to its rightful owner. I sent an e-mail to everyone in ’82 who had an e-mail address on file with the AOG asking anyone else who might be bidding to stop and contact me so that we could coordinate and avoid a bidding war, and also asked if anyone recognized the ring from the pictures on eBay. A very alert and helpful Cullen Bankole recognized the ring as possiblybelonging to Rob Sanford, so he got in touch with Rob and passed him my phone number. Rob confirmed that the ring was his, called me, and I put him in touch with Rich Downing. Rob and Rich coordinated on bidding, and Rob ended up submitting the high bid in the last few minutes to win back his ring. All this transpired in a little over 12 hours. Here’s the kicker - Rob lost the ring 18 years ago while attending Cullen’s wedding! He’d long ago been reimbursed by insurance for the loss, so he’s not even out the money that he had to use to buy back the ring. Of course, the slimeball who’d sell such a memento on eBay still profited, but at least Rob has his ring back. Read more details at http://usafa82.org/ebay_ring.

On to the news updates. Doc and Trish Kimminau are all settled in at Maxwell, where Doc is putting his PhD to work asa prof at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAAS). They’re in the senior officers’ quarters there (Doc is an 0-6 select) and enjoying it. Kind of small (1900 sq ft), but that’s what storage units are for, I guess!

Eric Best dropped a note from Misawa Japan where he’s a Deputy Ops Group commander. Before that he had been in St. Louis doing a fellowship with Boeing in lieu ofsenior service school. He said it was “an interesting year.”

Non-grad classmate Freddie Peralta checked in with me to tell me that he finished his career broadening “sentence” at the Pentagon, and is now at the software engineering division at Hill AFB. Freddie’s an AF civilian (GS-14), and also serves asa reservist with the Defense IntelligenceAgency.

Bill (“Col Klink”) Eades

Bill Eades sent news of his August retirement along with the photo above. I suppose the callsign was inevitable! As of August, Bill was still searching for his perfect post retirement job, but hoped to stay in the Wichita area. He and his family are doing well, and he’s looking forward to the expanded ministry opportunities he’ll have in retirement.

Speaking of retirees, Jim Dineen wrote to tell me he’ll be retiring in July of 2004. He’s at the 615 AMOG (Air Mobility Ops Group?) at Travis, and wondered how many more rotations to A1 Udeid (Qatar) he’d be able to squeeze in between now and then!

Finally, my old Catholic Choir bud Bryan Daly gave a holler from his new job as the deputy comptroller for Aeronautical Systems Center here at Wright-Patt. We had lunch so that we could get all caught up on what’s been going one with each of us. Bryan has had a great time in the AF finance business, and was most recently the comptroller squadron commander at Barksdale. We had a good deal of fun reminiscing about all the great times back at the zoo, virtually all ofwhich were somehow connected with the choir. We agreed that we likely wouldn’t have made it throughwithout the sanity breaks providedbychapel, Mr. L, and the choir. Bryan says that in his current guise he gets to do everything his boss wants him to do. (You know those three-hour meetings?) He works a great deal with his enlisted troops who process all the pay and travel documents for the base. Other than that he tries to “stay out of the way of the people who know what to do and do the real work.” I know the feeling, Bryan!

As for me, well, I’vebeen traveling on business more than should be allowed, but still enjoying the job. Ellen and I had the opportunity to take a short vacation through Rhode Island and Maine following one of my trips, and it was a blast. We explored hundred year-old mansions, lighthouses, and the rocky coast of Maine. Gorgeous!

John, Jared, and Kathryn Reinheimer.

Well, that’s about it. Keep the updates coming, and try to have a great time over the Christmas holidays. Keep that balance in your lives! Be safe, Ratman

Dave Ruffley

8845 Boxelder Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Work: (719) 330-6671

Email: DLRWY@yahoo.com

Greetings ’83!

In the immediate aftermath of our highly successful 20th reunion, I’ve been scrambling to gather reunion info of any kind; rumors, gossip, war stories and memoirs have all been most welcome. Everyone who attended has expressed unanimous “kudos” to Rich Fullerton, Billy Walker and Lani Wing at the AOG for the great work they did in putting the reunion together.

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Frisbee in the quad are about the same age as my own kids! How can that have happened? The reunion attests to our still-young attitudes and outlooks, and I can only say that I hope for all of us that our post-AF careers hold as much promise as we did on active duty. For those still wearing blue, we ‘retirees’ salute you and your continued service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia andthe world. Take good care of our sons and daughters who are now often enlisted in your charge!

One administrival note: our scribes include Ray Blust (RJMABlust@comcast.com) Jon Duresky (DureskyJB@aol.com) and Stu Pope (Stu_Pope@yahoo.com) as well as me at DLRWY@yahoo.com. PLEASE send your info as often as you can. We can’t write columns without your input.

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (800) GO-AFA-GO

E-mail: jensen@usafa.com

Home page: www.usafa.net/1984

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Rick Nazario got to me first with photos, so his get printed. Rick appears below with big-as-ever Mike Edwards and class Pres Ray Blust. Don’t know if the glassy eyes came from the flashbulb’s reflection or the Embassy Suites bar, but all three ofthese guys sure look a lot like they did 20 years ago!

Anne (Gettelman) Campbell noted that herhusband had a much better time at our reunion than she did at his USNA ’82 reunion last year. Just goes to show that we still know how to throw a party far beyond the reach of any squid! Anne noted that the Women’s Brunch hosted during the reunion by Linda Huggler was a huge success, and the one place where she actually had a chance to hear in-depth what classmates are doing these days. Anne also admitted that she was the one who circulated to the Cadet Wing those photos of Dan Blaettler (now a Group AOC) pulling chins during a Hell Week ’80 training session with Tim Duffy (’82).

Other reunion highlights included Norm Brozenick, Bob Lemm, Rick Nazario and Francis Chun in a karaoke rendition of“Twist and Shout” hey, are we really old enough to remember the Beatles? Bob upstaged the foursome with a solo of “Teenager in Love” that eyewitnesses swear had women swooning at his feet (sorry, no swooning photos have yet arrived!). Speaking of Francis Chun, he passes along that he is working with the AOG on hosting our new class website. Anyone with photos to share should email them to Francis at Francis.Chun@usafa.af.mil.

Hard as it is to admit, that’s all of the reunion news that reached me in time for publication. For those who were there, PLEASE send more photos and stories to me or to my fellow scribes for inclusion in future columns. In non-reunion USAFA news, ’83 now has its third Permanent Professor at USAFA. Dana (Lindsley) Born took over the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership this past academic year, joining Rich Fullerton and Billy Walker at the top of the USAFA academic pyramid. Charlie Garcia is a member of the national AOG Board of Directors. A few tidbits did arrivevia email: Ken Knotts recently began his postAF career as an analyst of Eurasian-Russian affairs at a Washington DC think-tank. Before getting to work at his new job, Ken and his father took a once-in-a lifetime 4x4 trip along the Alaska-Canada highway to the Yukonand much ofsouthern Alaska, with a side trip to Point Barrow. Joe Aldaz is on terminal leave from the USAFA Prep School and a member of theBoard of Directors of the AOG’s Rampart Chapter here in Colorado Springs. Last and least, I’ve accepted a position as a Visiting Professor of History at Colorado College. So far, it’s pretty cool... but I did find myself wandering across campus one gorgeous fall afternoon when it suddenly dawned on me that the college students in my class and those playing

Starting today... Well at least that is the plan. I hope to get in contact with some reunion info. Right now it looks like we will be back at the Embassy Suites next September. Currently the schedule looks likethe Falcons will be playing Cal-Berkeley on Parent’s Weekend, and traveling to Wake Forest on theweekend of the 18th So our festivities will either be on theweekend of the 10-12 or 24-26 September. So as I said, it is time to start getting ready. (One mile... easy?).

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One man, who is always ready, is my hero, Matt Johnson. Matt recently swam the English Channel. Shown here with his personal trainer, nav and pilot Colonel Craig Hughes, after his 9 hour, 16 minute TRAINING swim on Lake Zurich. Craig was only his boat driver, gave him drinks, etc. and navigated his favorite part was at the very end when he was getting cursed out because Matt could see the end, but it was taking forever to get there (like it was his fault or something...). Matt completed the Channel swim 3 August in 9:16. Be like Mike? I think not! Be like Matt! (Two miles... no sweat!). This is just the latest of outstanding physical accomplishments our classmates have attained.

Matt and Craig

Heard from Chad Basler, located in KC, still an ALO for USAFA, and works for Pfizer. He spoke with our very own CP (Chuck Peterson, offensive coordinator for the Fighting Falcons). Walt Lauderdale is the commander of NRO Vandenberg, Vandenberg AFB, CA. He is living in base housing with wife Sue, and four children, Steven 9, Patrick 7, Victoria 4, and Brendon 2. He will probably be there through May 2005. Mike Brennan checked in from Sunny Florida where he is still the HQ AFSOC Chief of Flight Safety. His family is doing great. Son Michael is in the2nd grade and daughter Kathryn is in Kindergarten. DaughterVirginia is still too young for school but has a good time with Mom when the other two are in school. He saw Joe Wiley a couple ofweeks ago and he is doing well. Doug Galipeau is the commander of the 8th SOS and Brad Webb just gave up command of the 20th SOS to go on to bigger and better things (school). Brian Cutts is currently the commander ofthe 16th SOS and doing very well too. Looks like ’84 is pretty much running theshow in AFSOC!

Arnie Bunch is at the Pentagon. I hope by now Caroline and the rest of his family have joined him from Ohio. Kyle Lampela is back at USAFA. He is pretty much running the flying operations. I saw his wife, Jill, and kids at the USAFA/UTAH game. Dave York lives just north ofPalmer Lake. He still hears from Brian and Jenny Stopher. Brian is in the Guard in

Indiana and is flying for Delta. Dave’s company is based in San Francisco, a subsidiary of a French company. Another ’84 grad in the local area is Wayne Nosal. Daryl Smith is still teaching in Behavioral Sciences and leadership here at the AFA. Kyle also had Steve Winters in his seminar all year and thoroughly enjoyed his space perspectives. Steve is now part of the USSTRARCOM office in the OSD in Washington DC. Also in AWC was Alan Bridges who is headed to J5 at SOCEUR, Chris Cordes who is going to the Pentagon, Myron Freeman, offto Hawaii; GaryHenry, who is headed to L.A. AFB, CA; Eden Murrie (Alt), who is headed to SAFI 1.1, at the Pentagon; and Tracy Phillips who is headed to the Pentagon.

Your mission is to tell everyone you see from our class about our reunion and encourage them to be there. Everyone can also save at least $50 byjoining or renewing their AOG dues now. We really need your help and you can make a difference. There is a crisis of Leadership, and it is time for us to once again lead by example. So I am asking you to continue the great things you are doing, and dig just a little deeper... and start today. Thanks.

Quintel Williams

6410 Katherine Ann Lane

Springfield, VA 22150

E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com

Greetings.! The first thing I’ve got to do is clear Rich Klumpp from any suspicion of foul play. It’s my fault that Rich has been taking heat since the Summer Checkpoints came out because I assumed the unit he took command oflast summer flewAir Force One but it does not. Chalk it up as an innocent mistake or lack of attention of detail on my part. Regardless, I’m working to fill our class column each quarter. When (not if) I don’t get much infermation directly from you all, I’m forced to search for stuff that’s fit to print. Lesson learned to all... send accurate news or face the consequences! “Mr Chairman, I yield the remainder of my time to the distinguished gentlemen from...” Andrews AFB, MD.

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Rich Klumpp wrote “contrary to recent reports, my squadron is not responsible for carrying the Commander in Chief!” Rich said his unit is close, though. His unit, 1 st Airlift Squadron, flies C-32s (Boeing 757s) and C-40s (Boeing 737s), carries among othersthe Vice President (Air Force 2), the Sec State, Sec Def, 1st Lady and various Congressmen, Generals and Unified Combatant Commanders including Gen Tommy Franks during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Hopefully, Rich’s buddies in the Presidential Airlift Squadron (including two USAFA squadron mates ofhis Lt Col Mark Manney, ’83 and Lt Col Mark Miller, ’84!) don’t think he was trying to grab their glory! Rich thought he was doing a pretty good job of flying under the radar, so you can imagine how shocked he was when he saw the article! Rich wrote to clarify the issue and said he’s flying the C-32 and another classmate, Lt Col Lou Casale, is flying the C-40. A third classmate, Lt Col Mike Clark, is also at Andrews in the 99th Airlift Squadron which supports the same customers flying C-20s (Gulfstream III), C-37s (GulfstreamV) and C-9s.

The next thing I need to do is thankWanda Wright for her concern during Hurricane Isabel and her aftermath. We made out pretty well, no damage our home except for minor damage in the yard and the inconvenience of unsafe water for a few days. It was enough to close the federal government for a couple of days tough. Wanda wrote and said she is still out west continuing her career as an AGR Guardsman in the Arizona Air National Guard 162d FighterWing. She pinned on Lt Col two years ago and has since been the executive officer to the Wing Commander. Not many classmates out there but there are quite a few grads in her unit who graduated in the ’70 s. The 162d’s mission is to train internationals on the F-16. It sounds pretty interesting. Wanda said she talks to Denise Senn (Gillian ’84) every so often and she is doingquite well in D.C. Wanda also said she runs into Marci Rogers every once in a while. Marci is in the hotel industry out there in Tucson. Wanda said she appreciates our page(s) being maintained in Checkpoints so she can read about the goings on with the class of ’85. Like me, Wanda is getting excited about our 20th reunion. It will be here before you know it.

Jackie Charsagua, our former class scribe, wrote as she was going TDY to Maryland for a three-week class at Patuxent River. Jackie said it looked like she was due torotate and could end up out here, althoughthey were standup a Space Comm Sq at 14th.... Definitely not ready to retire, but am looking for stability for my daughter, as she approaches those high school years. We wished each otherwell for command opportunities. She closed with a story about teaching Col Gallegos, 30 SW/CC, whom she sat next to on a plane ride to L.A. and gave him pointers on how to eradicate pesky gophers from our lawns (she only lives three doors down from him).

Michael Ching wrote as well. Mike said he was the acquisition manager for the IC MAP (Intel Community’sMulti-IntelligenceAcquisitionProgram) until about four months ago. Then he started a new job as the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) liaison officer to the newly-created office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. If you need information on the NRO or USD(I) contact Mike at michael.ching@osd.mil.

Jim Lovell gave me another update on the METROrail going to work one day in July. Jim said thatMark Sasservile is a Reserve F-16 squadron commander who was recently featured on Good Morning America when he returned from flying combat missions in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. And Jim said Ed Wilson recently took command of a space operations squadron.

Chris Street wrote that he’s alive and well and in D.C. reading Checkpoints. Chris said he is a U.S. Marshal assigned to the violent crimes task force here. Chris Valle wrote for the passcode to our class website and shared that he is Commander, 459 Airlift Squadron in Japan. AJso, fellow ’85ers JeffMintzlaffand Ron Ratton are atYokota as well (Jeffis the 30AS/ CC; Ron is the AW/JAG).

I saw a couple of classmates while I was TDY to Colorado Springs recently. I saw Lt Col Randy Pagan, 76 SPCS/DO, at Peterson AFB. I was with my boss for a site visit at the 76 SPCS. Randy’s doing great. I also saw Mr Kevin Cavanaugh while I was at the SMC/Det 12 Center for Research Support (CERES) at SchrieverAFB. Kevin is the ChiefofEngineering for CERES but he’s also still in the AF Reserves.

Well that’s all for now. Until next time, take care. Quintel

Dateline: 1 Oct 2003 - No, news isn’t always new! Yes, it is that time of the year for my semi-annual columnfor Checkpoints. This time I’m not at any exotic place around the world or in the sands of the Middle East. I’m writing this article from the home station RAF Lakenheath. Sorry, I don’t have any news about a squadron that I just took command of or any great job I just assumed. I did become Deputy Chief of Wing Readiness back in April but as a major that is not that exciting. I only have three letter/emails to share with you this go around andthe normal bitof news I picked up during my travels this summer/fall.

The first email is an oldemail I received from an ex ’86er Bill Page. By the way, Bill has the distinction of being the oldest cadet at the time of graduation. Bill had resigned from the AF a fewyears back for greener pastures and three jobs later rejoined the AF and has been on active duty since Nov 2002. He estimates he should be able to retire by 2011. Last December Bill was working at L.A. AFB on the space based radar program. Bill says the program will really be able to impact how the U.S. conducts future wars. My guess is that it might have received some use this past year. Bill got married to Joanne DeMattia in 1994 and has two awesome kids: Madison, 7, and Will, 5.

I actually received a letter; I mean real pen and paper, from Victor Manges back in June. Victor wrote, “I ‘m sending a picture of me at Tallil AB, Iraq (see photo) during OIF.

Lt Col Victor Manges in the heart ofIraq during OIF.

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“I was with the TALCE (TankerAirlift Control Element) - the first TALCE in Iraq. Currently, I am a TALCE commander assigned to the McGuire AMOG (Air MobilityOperations Group); also at McGuire is classmate and fellow Mach Oner Craig Cady. Craig is the 2 ARS Director of Operations.”

Lt ColJL Briggs stands by his OIF war machine.

The last email I received was from JL Briggs. He writes, “I’m sending you a photo ofthe jet I flew the most during OIF. I’m now settled in as the 612 Air Base Squadron CC here in Honduras. It’s quite a departure from a flying squadron but a great mission of engagement in Latin America. We have about 200 folks in the squadron with a little bit of everything from airfield ops to CE to Logistics. We even have security police all in support of Joint Task Force Bravo as part of USSOUTHCOM. It is a oneyear remote and I’d put it up against any remote the AF has in terms of mission, quality of life and airman development. One of the side benefits is we are close to some of the best Caribbean beaches and unbelievable scuba diving. I’m also sendingalong a photo of one of the places people often stay at for weekend trips. Hope all is well in the Strike Eagle world. Take care.”

It was an academy grand slam as we took 8 of the 10 bottles ofwhiskey up for grabs during the Leuchars Air Show golf tournament, played the Jubilee course at St. Andrews on Friday afternoon and also played 18 holes of golf the Sunday morning before the Leuchars Air Show tournament at St. Michaels Golf Course. I’m sending a photo of the four of us on the 1st hole on the tee container at the Jubilee course. Well since we have over the normalallotment of photos (four vs. three) and I’m out of news, I’m going to cut the column short. I hope you have a great Holiday Season. Please send Bob your updates for the next column or send them to me and I’ll forward them.

Cheers!

Well, JL, all is well in the Strike Eagle world. This summer I did the U.S. Tour with the 492 FS and was TDY to Hill AFB and Nellis AFB in support of Combat Hammer and Red Flag. It was great to be back in the States and everyone in the squadron enjoyed the fair weather flying, except at Red Flag. I was surprised but weather was a major factor in the second half ofAugust Red Flag with a couple days of actual weather cancels. It is getting pretty sad these days but I’m sure I met some classmate during my TDYs but I just can’t recall who they were as I am typing this column out. It must be old age!

This September a two-ship of grads from the 492 FS went on a TDY in support of the Air Show at RAF Leuchars. That a great time! Our squadron commander LtCol Jay Silveria, Class of ’85, led the pack. Jay Humelbaugh and I were the Class of ’86 reps and Kelly McJoynt represented the Class of ’93

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti

500 Lunalilo Home Road, ID

Honolulu, HI 96825

Phone and Fax: (808) 394-6397

E-mail: sharongiletti@aol.com

Aloha everyone! It has been very exciting the past few months in regard to ’87 spottings. I’vebeen working with a great group offellow grads here on Oahu to start up the Aloha Chapter ofthe AOG. I’m the Secretary of the Chapter so I’ve been able to find out who allthe grads are in the state of Hawaii from the AOG. There are 13 ’87 grads here that I know of! Ken Sersun actuallyworks in the same directorate as I do at HQ USPAOM in Personnel, Manpower, and Administration. He, his beautiful wife, and six-year-old son, have recently purchased a home and have finally finished painting and getting settled in. Unfortunately, I rarely see Ken as he works way down in the basement in the vault. I’ve tried to venture down there on occasion, but usually get lost and then opt to head to the coffee kiosk instead on the second deck. Yes, I said deck. That’s Marine/Navy lingo for the second floor. They still think they’re on a ship we AF just playalong andthe Army, well, I don’t think they’ve caught on just kidding. Being Purple, as they say when you’re in a joint position, has been pretty fun, confusing at times, but a very eye-opening and rewarding experience.

One ofmyold squad-mates says hi—Jim Wicker. He’s in Colorado Springs with his entourage: his wife, Tara, a 10-year-old son, a six-year-old daughter, a four-year-olddaughter, and anothergirl (whew) who'sone-and-a-half. Jim and his son are going to have to get a dog, a male dog! Jim is veryhappywith his lot in life and hiskids are a joy. He writes: “I was just readingthrough the new Checkpoints and I thought I’dsendyou an update in case you run out of things to print next time. At the end of June, I left an assignment flying C141s and working on the C-17 beddown at McGuire and I have a new assignment as an instructor in the DFEE here at USAFA. It’s a lot ofwork but it’s the best assignment I’ve had so far. I find it interesting that many of the same instructors I had as a cadet are still here teaching.”

Wayne Wilkins dropped a line and here’s what he has to say: “Hey there Sharon good to hear from you. I have three girls myself: Lindsay (8), Haleigh (6) and Kylie (3) and a fourth my wife Barb (better not give her age...). Until recently, I was sending out direct mail for Capital One the junk mail you probably get once or more a week where you can pick a card design. Pretty boring job toward the end, but they have a great business model I’m keeping my stock in the company. I’m now working for a direct marketing agency here in Richmond, VA. I saw Ritch Hansen this summer while vacationing he just had his third and is a pastor in Southern Cal. He and I were pretty involved in a church there from 1987-92 and he decided to get out andbecome a youth pastor in ’92. He is (still) one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet in life.”

Steve Lee writes: “Aloha. Hope things are going well. Just sending some news of grads in Hawaii. {Steve must not realize that I live in Hawaii too.) My wife, (Suzanne), and I moved to Hawaii in January where I fly for Northwest Airlines and am lucky to be based here. We don’t know how long we’ll be able to stay here with the uncertainty of the airline industry but are hoping for a few more years of sunshine and beaches. Rob Rhyne (Ann Marie) just moved here (July) and works out of Hickam AFB where he took Eric Kreul’s old job. He’s in charge of Pacific Airlift and has three girls (ages 3,5, and 10). Rob said that Dave Sullivan is also here asa Generals exec. I’ll send more if I hear anything.” And Steve, you’ll have to some to an Aloha Chapter meeting!

Yes, indeed, Dave is Gen Begert’s (who is also a grad) Exec! I try not to have to talk to him too much; it usually involves me having to produce a lot ofpaperwork! All kidding aside, he’s still just as funny and sarcastic as usual. That should help him survive as an exec. He’s always keeping me informed on who’s been seen hanging around on Hickam. He’s run into Scott “Dutch” Murray, Rex Calvert, and Rob Rhyne. I’ve also seen Dale Holland and Steve Gartska. Dale and Steve are both way down the hall

JL Briggs on the beach in Central America.

From left are GaryBurg, KellyMcJoynt,JaySilveria, andJayHumelbaugh getting ready to tee off at the Jubilee course at the Royal and Ancient St. Andrews GolfCourse.

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from me in SOCPAC at Camp Smith. They were going to tell me what they did, but then they said they’d have to kill me afterward so I said, “Nah, I don’t really need to know.” I do know that SOCPAC should get another conference room because they’re always using ours!

Well, that wraps it up this quarter. Ifyou’re ever in Hawaii drop a line, I know 12 grads that would love to have you stay at their house! Ha!Ha! Be safe and much happiness to you all! Until next time Sharon

Mark Peters

2437 Bedford Circle

Bedford, TX 76021-1823

(817) 937-9696

E-mail: pylt@comcast.net

Hi ’88! Let me begin with a distressing note forwarded by my brother David, Joe Mazur, Cori (Mosier) Culver and Joe Tegtmeyer, among others. Major Mark Garst, most recently from the ACSC Class of2003, was in the process of moving to Fairchild AFB as the new contracting squadron commander when his wife, Cynthia, passed away. They were still living in TLF when she suddenly became ill. Mark and their five children,Miranda, Kaila, Alec, Destin, and Steth, ages 12 to 4, survive her. Please keep them in your thoughts.

nice dinner and a wonderful time catching up on the last 14+ years. I also ran into John Hruby at the BX one morning for breakfast as he was passing through. Great to see you both again!

Our firstletter comes from Lisa (McFadden) Becker, who lives in Minnesota with her husband Kurt and two beautiful daughters, Signe (3) and Simone (1). Lisa is a manager for RegulatoryAffairs for Guidance Corporation, a medical device company in St. Paul, MN that focuses on cardiovascular solutions for cardiac rhythm management. She works with the Japanese Ministry of Health (Japan’s equivalent to our FDA) to gain import and marketing approval for their devices. Lisa says she owes a lot to her years in Okinawa at Kadena AB in understanding Japanese culture and appreciating the people. Kurt is flying the Gulfstream V for 3M and making his way all around the world. They both love their jobs in a fabulous city near family and friends.

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In other news, my brother David reported that he saw Joe Mazur and Michelle Papa (and her husband) at the Air Force/Navy game at FedEx Field (MD) in early Octoher. They were all surprised when AF lost, especially considering how poorly Navy was ranked. Eric Woodson (’87) also came up from Texas to take in the game, and our former Superintendent General Scott was seated in the row in front of him.

The Beckers frequently run into Eric Chandler, who is living in Duluth MN with his wife, Shelley (Zueklke, ’87) and son Sammo (with one on the way). Kurt made it up to Duluth to run Grandma’s Marathon with Eric in June. Eric is in the Duluth ANG flying F-16s with a handful of grads. TheBecker family took a long weekend and spent it with some AF buddies in New Orleans where they caught up with Jeff Samuel (’90) and, as usual, took a few to recover from laughter! They had a visit from Barb (Fogel, ’87) Kia and her children in September and enjoyed catching up on the whole AF track team days! Lisa recently chatted with Mike Fontaine, who is living at the foothills ofthe Rockies in Denver and really enjoying his civilian life with his wife, Jennifer, and three boys! Connie (DeChant) Meskill is atVandenberg with her husband and two little guys. Lastly, Lisa just heard from Karen Pastoret, too, who is doing great!

Maureen Donahue says hello from Memphis where she is an internal consultant for GE while still serving in the Reserves as an IMA. Her home unit is at Yokota AB, Japan, so each year she spends two weeks in the Far East for her active duty tour. During Maureen’s last tour in June she ran into Scott Schaefer, who works at the wing as the safety officer. He and his wife just had their second child. In mid September, Maureen was flying out ofMemphis to Atlanta and ran into Andre Lewis, who is a FedEx pilot living in California with his wife and three beautiful daughters. He is doing fantastic and trying his hand at writing a book. Lastly, in late September Maureen co-hosted with the YMCA a special “at risk” youth event. The day before the youth event, the YMCA hosted a social for various corporate sponsors as well as future business partners. After the socialended Maureen was talking with a few people and Brad Johnson walked up to say hello. They exchanged theusual “You sure do look familiar; did you by chance go to the Air Force Academy?” Brad is a FedEx pilot who lives in Memphis.

Jeff and Lisa (Preston) Schmidt

At deadline I received a quick note from the former Lisa Preston: “Just thought we’d write in to you with this little tidbit: Falcon Love is far more potent than we’d ever imagined, and can strike at any moment even 12 years later! Jeff Schmidt and I were good ol’ next-door neighbors and friends back in 8th Sq. Then in August of 2000 we ran into each other at an outdoor concert, and just got married April of this year. Since Jeff flies for United (and now back to C-5s for the 433rd Reserve Squadron while on furlough), and I’m with Pfizer Pharmaceutical, we just recently relocated to Denver where we can be closer to his two daughters, Sara and Lauren. Just goes to show, you never know when Falcon Love might hit you. (And no, we did not go back to the Academy Chapel for our wedding!)”

In closing, I can’t claim credit for the saying, “Many hands make for easywork.” but it applies here too. Ifyou’ve not written your trusty scribe in the last decade or so, you’re long overdue so be sure to send me your family Christmas letter.

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

854 Westover Road

Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Home: (660) 563-3095

E-mail: p2a2@charter.net

Hello friends! I hope this letter finds you and your families happy and healthy. The Tibbetsclan has finally settled into our base house and is enjoying our second tour atWhiteman. I received a call from Dave Hlatky a few weeks ago while he was TDY here for a couple of days. He and his family are doing well in sunny Florida where Dave is serving as an Ops Officer and continuing to make a difference in our Air Force. We had a

Maureen and herhusband have been in Memphis for the past year and a half. He is in the Navy and assigned to Naval SupportActivity Mid South where he is Deputy Director of Naval Aviation Officer assignments. They will be in Memphis for a while longer, but the next assignment should be around the corner. Maureen works for GE out of a home office, and enjoys going to work in shorts every day! Thanks!

Best wishes to you and your families. Let me hear from you! Take care and God bless.

James Sanchez

8301 Emerald Circle North Richland Hills, TX 76180

H: (817) 937-3168

E-Mail: james.sanchez@spamcop.net

Here’s some personal news: We had our second baby last month (September). Kyle Alexander Nguyen Sanchez was 8 pounds 10 ounces and is getting along just fine with his big brother! This explains why the web site and newsletter have been behind...

0-5 (two years BTZ): Vince Beckland, Dave Coley, Dan Daetz, James Jinnette, Tony Kraveitz - Congrats! If I missed anybody I’m sure they’ll let me know...

Forrest Hare: 10 months in Korea. Time has gone very quickly but I know I will be ready to leave the ROK in two years. Tim Uecker took off recently to head for a Predator squadron in Idaho Springs. Probably the DO. That’s a good job for an intel officer. Another classmate of ours, Matt Hurley, took his place as the USFK Air Analyst. It’s pretty painful on the USFK staff since we are pretty muchworking for the Army and they take great pride in their self-flagellation. Work harder, not smarter!

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Jon Cooper My flight test project was released to the public in early October at the annual convention ofthe National Business Aircraft Asso-

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ciation in Orlando, FL. This whole thing kinda brings back memories of ENGR410.

Ted Wilson: I’m in Austin, TX right now preparing to ride 100 miles as part ofthe 2003 Ride for the Roses w/ Lance Armstrong. Thanks to many faithful contributors, I have raised over 3,600 bones for cancer survivor benefits.Short of my $5,000 goal but nonetheless still awesome in the fight against this disease. Ran into Russ “TRUCK” Massey on the flight out from Langley. He is the JSTARS, Senior Intel god out at Robins. First path crossing in 13 years and we talked for the entire flight. Funny how that happens among grads

Russell E. Maclean: I’m still the only ’90 grad here at Minot AFB, and still flying the mighty Buff. Maj Joey Medlin is out at Beale AFB finishing his mission qualification in the U-2, and expects his first rotation overseas this fall. Keep the news coming.

Matt Crafton: We had our third daughter about five weeks ago - Maggie Marie Lynn Crafton. I’m still in the Reserves as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the Academy I would have never guessed I’d be helping kids actually get into USAFA!

James Jinnette: Meredith, Hannah (age four) and I are again stationed in our hometown at Seymour Johnson AFB (Goldsboro NC) after completing a staff remote to Osan, Korea, as well as ACSC at Maxwell. I’m flying the F-15E in the 336th FS.

Gil Ferguson: Still at Fort Bragg doing the Special Forces thing. Ran into Rick Clark down in Colombia this summer. It was good to catch up with him. Boy number three is due in February, right before I head back down to Colombia again.

Bernie Lagmay: Marie and I also had our second child on April 10,2003 (Tyler Nicolas). It was a good thing we were trained to function with little or no sleep while we were at the Academy.

D. Drake Daggett: I’m PCSing to Kirtland AFB, working with DTRA. Any 1990 folks that come through the area had better stop in and say hi, or else!

Dan Dirnberger: Just writing to update you on my recent PCS. I’ve gone COT from the Pacific to Europe, and me and my family are settling in Germany. I’m assigned to Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center. Yes, from a Navy hospital to an Armyhospital. One day, I’ll be working among the Blue again. I actually belong to the 86th Medical Squadron, formally under the 86th Wing at Ramstein, inserted into the Army hospital at Landstuhl. We (Mary, Dana 5, and Michael 3) are slowly adjusting to life in Germany, which is quite different from life in Japan. Since arriving, I’ve run into a fewfellow USAFA classmates: Keith Mcllvoy (who also came to Ramstein from Okinawa), and Steve and Liz Grupe Orie.

Mark Devine: wife and kids living in Dallas; flying for American Airlines; flying C141s for Tennessee Air Nat’l Guard; recently involved in Enduring Freedom. Saw Liz Grupe Orie at Ramstein; Keeping up with Matt Morgan and family over in FW; played golf in Germany with Bobby Hagstrom and Andy MacArtor with FedEx in Memphis. Love to hear from anyone passing through Big D!

residence in June and arrived at Osan AB, ROK in August. The whole family is here for the next two years - not a bad deal when you consider there aren’t all that many places where he and I can both go (and fly airplanes). I am commanding the 55th Airlift Flight-C-12 OSA. You call... we haul. I hooked up with numerous ’90 classmates at ACSC - Dave Morrissey, Craig Williams, Dave Almand, Jayne Fish Warner, and Scott DeThomas - to name a few. Please pass along a big thank you to all our classmates who have been doing a super jobfighting the bad guys in the CENTCOM Theater.

The Plattfamily in their natural environment the ski slopes!

Dave Brien: I’m now at Langley AFB, VA in the AF Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Center (whew!), where I’m Chief of Requirements for the E-10A System Management Office. Basically, I represent the warfighter’s needs in the development of the new Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft (MC2A) being built. We moved from Iceland in July, and have settled into York County hooray for school starting next week! Anyway, I’ve already run into one of my freshman roommates, Gary Haines, who is now in ACC/SC; and am always on the lookout for any other Mighty Ninety’ers.

The Beineke Family

Cheryl Loyer Beineke: My husband, Paul (’89), and I finished ACSC in

As of mid October, I haven’t heard muchfrom our friends at ACSC, but I hope to hear something soon. I am so glad to be here in Japan; there is a lot ofwork for the future to accomplish here in Asia. I’ve started learning Japanese, which is good because my job is more involved with the Japanese Air SelfDefense Force than I had expected. Outside of work, one neat thing I’ve done is that I climbed Mt Fuji at the end of August for my birthdayboy was that great!

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I would like to hear more news from our classmates out of the service. I too easily forget that we are not all thinking inAir Force terms. The next column will be written from Bosnia, though, so if you send material, please send it to Tavenner@hotmail.com instead of my newYokota address above. Also, note the technique for grad last names is no longer printing them in CAPS but instead using bold text. Thanks!

From a news report on the war (http://www.thestate.com/mld/ thestate/news/local/6500212.htm):

“The C- 17’s commander, Maj.Diego Wendt, 36, took the ‘northern route’ to Baghdad, flying across the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Buigaria, the Black Sea and then Turkey.

Entering Iraqi airspace, Wendt ordered passengers to donflak vests and buckle up. The red interior lights then were switched on. But the flight across Iraq as well as the landing were ‘uneventful,’ as Wendt put it. ForWendt and 33-year-old Maj. Tom Jensen, the mission’s pilots, landing in Baghdad marked a high point in their Air Force careers. ‘I just never thought I’d be here,’ Jensen said. ‘It’s like the first time I flew to Moscow. I grew up during theCold War and Moscow seemed like the last place an Air Force jet would ever land.’ Wendt... marked the occasion by unpacking a handful of small U.S. flags and one Italian flag from his flight bag. The flags, which now had flown over Iraq, would be given to friends and family. The Italian flag would go to his parents, honoring his family’s heritage,Wendt said. ‘I’mjust excited to behere. It’s a once in a lifetime event.’” That pretty much sums it up! Any others out there? Of course there are...

Other class news... Dana Allen wrote, “I am enjoying my time here at Hurlburt Field with my wife, Lynne, and four children: Katherine, Chad,

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Claire and Guy. I visit with Mark ‘no show’ Beres and Tommy and Tonya Peasley quite often. I run into CJ Hemmer, Chuck Tomko and Mike Beck every once in a while. Tom Kasych recently PCSed into my squadron as well and just got back from some time overseas. Tom Houle just PCSed to Randolph. We were all devastated by the loss of Greg Fritz in Aug ’02; he was my neighbor and friend. His wife, Veronica, and children Connor and Lauren, are all doing well. I spent some time in the desert with Shawn Silverman, Shari (Fox) Silverman’s husband; they are both at the Pentagon; they should have had their first child by now. On the way over I met up with Blake Tibbets. [Later on] I met up with Ed Schindler... seems to be having a great time flying C-130s for the Texas ANG. I went to Paco (Francisco) Jones’ wedding to Carrie last summer (’02), where I met up with Dennis and Barb Garret and Mike and Gillie Johnson. They all are living it up outside the AF. We got an email from Rob and Megan Block. Rob just finished his PhD and they moved back to the Springs. I haven’t heard from Chris Bow in a while, but last I knew he got out of the AF and moved back to Colorado with his wife, Young, and son... See Chris, it’s been so long that I forgot your son’s name.”

Dana, that was an incredible update! Were you keeping a notepad with you while traveling, or what? Thanks again.

Bill Casebeer is our newest author, with his new book “Natural Ethical Facts: Evolution, Connectionism, and Moral Cognition.” Bill, I’m in awe. Moral cognition is a probably a natural process for us (what do I know?), but thinking and talking about it is not. You have clearly worked hardcongratulations on having it behind you. Make sure to add it to the reading list for the cadets’ core classes, okay?

Derek Oaks tried to pull the wool over our eyes when he wrote to us that “the Pentagon has actually not been that bad, with fairlyregular office hours (7-1730), almost no TDY, and only a few weekends. After a remote in Korea, anything is good.” Derek, are you just trying to get some of us to come over thereand help you and the others escape? He continues, “I have been here for a year, and have run into Rene Leon who works in AF/IL, Greg Scrivner (who is now an intel sq/do at Ft. Meade, MD), Diane (Romalgia) and Gary Higginbothem. She is an IMA here in D.C, and Gary is flying for Southwest, but was activated for a good part of this year with the Charleston C-17 Reserves. Tom Daack is an Exec in AF/XPX, Tony Bauernfeind left for ACSC this summer, and I’m sure that I’vemissed a few. I am the A10 programmer in AF/XPR and am hoping for the get-out-of-jail-free card [ah-ha! I knew it!\ to go to school this next summer.”

Tony Mitchell arrived in Japan at the beginning of July to begin his very cush job at the AFRL’s Asia Division office. He has already spent weeks in Australia and been shuttledaround the States on whirlwind tours. I’ve tried to get to his office to visit (his apartment is very nice, in the diplomatic section ofTokyo - how posh!) but I think he’s keeping me away because he doesn’t want me to see exactly how good they have it there. Seriously though, Tony has repeated many times to me how much he and Siri would be glad to host visitors at their house. You should take him up on the deal!

Matt Isler is the only one at ACSC who’s contacted me (though he did so before actually arriving), so I guess you’re off the hook, Matt! Here’s what he shared: “Eglin was a blast. I’ll miss the flying. We’ve got a good bunch of classmates in the Eagle business. AsI left, Chris Spiegelmeier is an ADO in the 58th. Flying over at Tyndall are Terry Walker and Murray Nance; both doing very well in the community. Moving out of the F-15 into the F-22 is Max Morosko (flying in the F-15C division right now; will likelychangeover in the spring). In the Guard flying F-15s are Rob Erikson and Whit Sieben; both flying at the new Guard RTU at Klamath Falls, OR. Also “out” is Dave Schobel, but returned to do a staff job up at Langley for a bit while American re-stablilizes.”

And here I thought re-stabilization is what we did in other countries...Until next time, friends, sayonara! Tav

James S. Mehta

PSC 94, Box 1472

APO AE 09824

DSN: 314-676-6488

Home: jamesmehta@incirlik.net

Work: james.mehta@ogn.af.mil

Hello Again Class of ’92! I hate to start off by telling you this, but I may have hit an all time low on Checkpoints fodder. I think I got only one email this time. I guess this means you have to put up with another column of “James’ Assignment in Turkey.” Nah, I’ll try to dig up some other information.

Flying Solo. My lone e-mail is from Rob Tobler who is at Altus: “We are actually coming up on a year now (at Altus). Hard to believe that time can fly in a place like this. Leisa likes the fact that she can count on me being home most of the evenings and weekends. Other than a quick three-week trip when the war kicked off I have spent most of the time here with a smattering of short TDYs here and there. Since I was the only

one still current to fly overseas I got to put together a ‘volunteer’ crew fromAltus to augment the coasts. The funnything is that the C-17 squadron wanted to do the same, but they got wrapped up in minute details and ended up missing the boat, so we were the only AETC crew to go fly into the AOR. We are about to take a little time offthis summer andhead down to Leisa’s parents house in Florida for a couple of weeks before school starts for Andrew and Joshua again at the beginning of August. Take care and talk to you all soon. Rob.”

Letter to the Editor. After reading another scathing article about USAFA in the Rocky Mountain News this Fall, Tanya (Dutko) Daniels sent a letter to the editor and sent me a copy. I don’t know if it was printed, but it should have been. I’ll print it here for all of you.

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“I read your article entitled ‘A culture of hostility’ (USAFA sexual assaults) and I was amazed at your one-sided reporting and your hatchet job on a venerable institution. I am a female 1992 graduate of the Air Force Academy, one of your supposed victims. After four years there, I can only say that what you portrayed in your article never happened to me nor did I ever hear of most of what you cited happening to any other female. Yes, there were off-color jokes; yes, some gross things may have been said occasionally. How is that any different from any other college or forthat matter, high school, in our nation? I always felt safe with my male classmates and respected by them. I definitely felt that if I ever had a concern, I could bring it up my chain of command. Sure, there were some guys who didn’t think I belonged at USAFA... that’s okay. They are entitled to their opinion. But never once did I feel that they were making it any more difficult for me because I was a female than they did for any ofmy male classmates. I can’t speak for what has gone on since I left but I can assure you that from this female USAFA graduate’s point of view, I would put my life on the line for any one of my male or female classmates and I have the utmost respect for them, for the leadership that was in place when I attended USAFA, and for the U.S. Air Force. Please try to write your future articles with a little more objectivity. Tania L. Daniels (Dutko), Major, USAFR Charleston, SC”

Class Project. Scotty Nowlin asked me to send out a message to all ofyou regarding our Class Reunion Fundraising Project. Here’s Scotty: “Classmates, the CadetWing needs your support more than ever! Contributions to our Ten-Year Class Reunion Fundraising project are an exceptional way to provide a margin of excellence to the Cadet Wing. Your Reunion Committee set a goal of $199,200 to be raised between Fall 2002 and Fall 2007. As of Fall 2003, we’ve received pledges for $124,132 from 295 members of the Class that’s an average gift of $421 total, or $7 per monthfor five years. I’m personally surprised that only about 30% of the Class is giving. Maybe you were put off by the fairly large donation suggested in last Fall’s Project kick-off campaign. Maybe you weren’t contacted at all due to a deployment or other circumstances. Please, it’s not too late to make a donation pledge of any size by contacting our outstanding AOG fundraising representative, Ms. Elizabeth Winn, at 719-472-0300 x215 or Elizabeth.winn@aog.org. The AOG can coordinate for one-time or monthly gifts by mail, EFT, or credit card. If only 420 more of you give $5 per monthfor just the next three years (a total gift of $180), we’ll make our goal and, by the way, far, far exceed Mello Yellow’s 10year gift effort! Semper Excelsior! Please forward this request and information to as many classmates as possible; everyone may not get a chance to see it here in Checkpoints. By the way, I’m told some of you cancelled gifts to the AOG and/or our Class Project because of recent decisions made by the leadership ofthe Air Force and theAcademy. I challenge you to reconsider your choice, thinking of the vast majority of cadets who truly desire to pursue personal integrity, service, and excellence through one of the many programs facilitated by AOG support. If any of you have any questions on fundraising efforts, I can be reached at sisnowlin@aol.com.

Finally, if anyone has contact information for the following lost classmates, please forward a note to Elizabeth Winn: Kevin P. Cullen, Jason E. Clements, Marlene S. Barry, Curtis A. Cunningham, Saintnet Z. ‘Boke’ Lehtinen, Eric T. Cobbe, or Nam H. Kim. Sincerely, Scotty Nowlin.” Odds and Ends. Mike and Angela Rokaw sent me a change of address. They had been at Los Angeles AFB and are now in the D.C. area. I’ll have to get in touch with Mike and find out where he’s working. As for the Incirlik crowd, I see Paul Pidgeon weekly at Mass and Norm Dozier around the 39th ABG. Paul is part of the 728th AMS and Norm is the 39 ABG finance flight chief. While I was TDY to Ankara in September, I ran into Dean Hitchcock who is working at the Office of Defense Cooperation. He arrived in Turkey with his wife from Sheppard AFB. Same Bat time, same Bat channel. I look forward to hearing from all ofyou and ensure you tune in again next time. Look out for one another and stay safe. James.

Michael D. Sundsted

4530 East Castle Drive

McGuire AFB, NJ 08641

(609) 724-0866 / DSN: 650-8221

E-mail: Bravecwboy@aol.com

Class Website: www.highflight.com

Guten Tag to the Class of 1993! I am currently in Ramstein AB, GE making quite a habit of being on the road and writing our glorious letter. I want to say how thankful to all of you who were able to attend our 10th Reunion at the Academy. AF even won the football game! I thank all of you who had a huge part in our wonderful success! I am still getting kudos for all the hard work accomplished by the reunion committee: Mike and Damara Rice, Steve and Jenna Masiello, Nicole (Peterson) Haines, and Eric Buhr. Special thanks to the staff at the Wyndham and of course all those tireless efforts of the AOG, in particular, Donna Porter and Marti Marcolongo - who are stillworking on reunions of other graduates as I write! I think we (300-plus '93 grads and 500-plus total) might have come close to the all-time Wyndham record for most food and alcohol consumed in a 72-hour period despite the efforts of some overzealous security guards!

Before I get into the updates since the reunion we have a couple of updates prior to the reunion to take care of! **Alibi - for those of you who are not mentioned in this article it is because ofmy lapse ofmemory and I apologize in advance. However, to circumvent the situation please email me a somewhat lengthy update and I will include your update. I know the spouses are reading so get the emails in (thanks by the way)!**

First, Rod Hines wife, Alison, updates us on how Rod is doing deployed in the AOR. By the time you read this, Rod and Alison should be in Leavenworth, KS (no not the prison!) at Command and General Staff College. Rod is one of our classmates who found favor with the U.S. Army and has been flying the Apache since 1999. Rod hadthe opportunity to rub elbows with Gen. Myers on his current deployment. Rod reports that Jim Orahood is out of the Army now and works for a defense contractor. Thanks for the great update!

Rod Hines and General Myers

Beau “Riddler” Rogers and wife, Sandra, are currently in the Netherlands. Riddler is an F-16 instructor working with the Dutch at their weapons school.The Rogers arrived on his current assignment from Misawa. On 17 Mar 03, Beau and Sandra had their fist child, Gabriel Thomas Rogers! Congrats!

Beau updates us on Ty “Lobo” Groh who is flying F-16s as an exchange pilot in Norway. Johnny “Red” Walker is flying Harriers with the British andAlex “Grynch” Grynkewich is at the422nd at Nellis waiting in the wings for his shiny new F-22. When talking with Alex at the reunion he was extremely humble, but finally admitted that “he was the man” for his honors.

Hank Buck and family dropped me a note and apologized to all of us at the reunion for not being able to attend. Hank,Natalie, Pierce and Jocelyn were given very short notice for a four-month tour at Central Command in Tampa, FL. He’s working in the Joint Operations Center. There are four individuals that keep CENTCOM’s communication center running 24/7. He is very privileged to work on a daily basis with General Abizaid and the other combatant commanders in their efforts for Operation Iraqi Freedom andthe global war on terrorism.

Gaelle (Glickfield) Aronson checks in from sunny California. She and her husband have a little one. She is now out and works asa global purchasing manager for Tyco Electronics. Her last assignment was teaching “blueing” the young impressionable souls at West Point. She sends her regrets for not being able to meet us at the reunion.

Scott Hall wrote in July letting us all knowthat he is now at Scott AFB, IL at HQ AMC. He is settled in there with his wife, Rose, and (approx) year-olddaughterKaitlyn.

Glen Christensen also writes from Tallil AB in Iraq and sends sincere regrets for not being there with us at the reunion. Glen is the deployed Expeditionary Security Forces Commander. I mentioned to all who were there it’s people like Glen who keep our AF moving and although we wish you could have been there for us, the Class of ’93 sleeps well knowing you are there making things safe and secure!

Speaking of Iraq - On one of my trips to the northern part of the country (post reunion) I ran in to a fellow squadron mate of mine. Thedate was 30 Sep 03 and I had intended to pin on my new shiny rank of Major on 1 Oct 03 when I landed. I was greeted with an already pinned-on grinning Major Lee Spechler who is currently flying the mighty Hawg. Lee’s ground duties include making sure his 9mm weapon fits well and the more important job of base flight safety officer! It just goes to show you how small the AF is and no matter where you are asa ’93 graduate there probably is another grad close by!

Sundsted and Spechler looking svelte in Northern Iraq.

Back to the states and during our reunion. I ran into so many people that I couldn’t possibly remember everyone, or tell everything there is to know to those of you who did not have the opportunity to attend the reunion. For all of those that attended the reunion please utilize the class web site www.highlfight.com to let everyone (especially those who were not able to attend) how much fun it was!

Susan (Healy) Feland is out at Stanford working in a “high-powered” conservative think tank. She truly is making a difference especially at USAFA. During our reunion week she organized a meeting with fellow female graduates from ’93 and ’83 to talk about the turbulent times going on there at the hill. From thefeedback I received from administration, AOG, andthe cadets - her meet-and-greet was a huge success. Thanks for the great representation Susan!

Great news from the assignment front (no I haven’t gotten mine yet), but a little birdie (Brian) told me that Brian Burns is an Air Force Thunderbird Pilot. Brian joins an entire host of graduates currently at Nellis. Amy (Santmyer) Young and husband Randy (’92) are down in North Carolina. Amy works at Pope AFB while Randy enjoys working for Jet Blue as a First Officer. Sean Amutan writes post reunion to say he hopes everyone has recovered from altitude sickness. He was more than happy to contribute to emptying the Wyndham liquor cabinet. OJ and Janan Sanchezjoined Lori and I at our dinner table along with the Graffs andAllens. Speaking of the Allen’s, Graham helped out a lot with the class reunion merchandise as did Chris Johnsen, Char McReadie, Lamar Settlemires, and Rachel Linnihan. I got to see Jason and Jullaine Mills’

Beau, Sandra and Gabriel

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new baby, Chloe; wow is she beautiful. We watched AF beat North Texas. It was a great, but cold game as I am sure anyone who was there can attest. A list of others I ran into at the reunion is too long to print here but it was great seeing all of you again.

I want to thank everyone again for the great time had by all at the reunion. The 20-year promises to be twice (if not more) as excellent. It was great to see how much success everyone has seen and realize how much more we are capable of achieving. Regards - Mike

C.C. M. Masotti

CMR 480 Box 1168

APO AE 09128-1168

W: 011-49-711-680-4129

DSN: 314-430-4129

E-mail: masottic@eucom.mil

or: bowhead94@hotmail.com

Happy Holidays, ’94! As you mayhave noticed in the contact info above, I have a new address, phone number, and e-mail... by the time this goes to print, I hope to be fully settled in Stuttgart, Germany, where I’ll be working in EUCOM Protocol... As I write, it’s still October and I’m scrambling to get everything done before I fly out in a few days. It’s been a fairly short-notice assignment and, with CSAF’s Global Air Chiefs Conference in September, I’ve really only had this month to prepare for and execute this move. With that in mind, I hope you’ll appreciate why this column is a bit disjointed... thanks in advance for understanding!

I’ll start out with the items I missed in the last column

first, a photo from Bill and Natalie Holzherr (’96) Fischer’s wedding: C.C. Masotti; Stu Eberhart; the Healy sisters Susan (nowFeland, ’93), Kelly (’94), and Tracy (’96); Stewart LeBlanc (’84); Diane Allen (’87); Suzy Streeter (’92); Tanya Hurwitz; Gretchen Bronson and Jennifer Rollins (all ’95); Penny (Brooks) and Brandon Wood (both ’96); and Natalie’s brother Erik (’01).

celebrate with newlyweds Natalie (Holzherr) and Bill Fischer.

Next, a picture Rich LaDue sent from Al-Jaber ofhim and our class vice president, Deb Reuther. They also ran into Trey Chastain there, but didn’t get a picture with him.

our class website, but for those who wish to get involved, thestandard committees are: Fund Raising; Golf; Hotel; Merchandise; Chapel; Entertainment; Optional Events; and Website. Please contact Kevin at kevinpfeil@hotmail.com if you’d like to volunteer your services!!

Since I mentioned the class website, I’llfill you in on folks who’ve accessed it recently. It’s a LONG list this time probably due to our upcoming reunion! As always, many thanks to Chuck for maintaining the site and sendingupdates myway! Signing on were Joe Torres (Pentagon); Bill Dobbs (B-l WSO, Ellsworth); Kevin “KB” and Wendy (Wacholtz) Barnes (graduating law school in Dec ’03; two daughters Hannah & Haley); James Lee (F-15E WSO, Elmendorf); Dr. Dave Padill a (Public Health Doc Beale); Brian and Sharon Mikus (Logistics, Tinker; three kids: Daniel Louis born 31 Jul 03 Savannah and Sean); and Pang Kok Pin (U.S. Army Apache Pilot, Tucson). Others included Melissa (Fuss) Brink (nursing student, Little Rock); Christopher and Tiffany Parry (Legislative Liaison, Pentagon two daughters); Rob and Renee Buzzell (F-16s, Shaw); Lance and Carrie Baxter (Civilian/IMA at ArnoldAFB,TN three kids: Chance, Spencer and Trace); Rich and Heather (Aldrich) Tarbox (Tinker, but deployed to work Armed Forces Entertainment for CENTCOM); and Matt Keiper (program mgr, Hanscom). Angie (Erickson) and Chris Baker signed on from Corpus Christi, where he’s flying T-34s and she’s working for the Chief of Naval Air Training in UAV training requirements.

Chris Clagg (newlywed, corporate financier, L.A.); David Parker (AFIT student,Wright-Pat); Mike Reed (Program Mgr, USSTRATCOM); and Heidi (Lindstrom) and Andy Truitt (Eugene OR; stay-at-home mom w/three boys:Tegan, Riley and Conner) also checked in. Lara (Jaessing) and Bryan Dillard (Dover) happily welcomed baby Steven Isaac in July (joining sibs Michael, Matthew and Carolyn), are enjoying their 2nd year of homeschooling, and like Bryan’s rotating shifts as wing exec (with Jackie (Otis) Breeden) Jackie and Jason wrote too he’s flying for USAir Express while she’s flying C-5s in addition to her exec duties... and mothering two girls!

Other classmates updating info were Jack Aalborg (MC-130Hs, Hurlburt); Bob Remey (HH-60Gs, Moody); Tom Rozylowicz (Patent Attorney, D.C.); Gary and Holly Goosen (C-21 FTU IP, Keesler two kids: Josiah and Abigail); Gary and Katherine Smagorinsky (restoration contractor and new dad, West Palm Beach FL; business partner/neighbor to Chad Mathis); Arlene Collazo (Chief, Space Plans & Integration, Barksdale); Joe and Angela Michalek (helicopter pilot, Hurlburt three boys: Brock, Brant and Spencer); Dr. Jeff Keuter (familyphysician, USAFA); and Bill and Natalie Sabol (pastor, Jasper MN).

Our homepage also had visits from John Pantleo (KC-135 Stan-Eval, Grand Forks); Dave Dick (Exec, Dobbins ARB GA); Jason Hover (C-17s, Altus); Rebecca Sonkiss (C-17s, McChord); Brian Gallo (B-2s, Whiteman); Mark Torreano (“NavalAviator”, D.C.); Shiloh Fischer (F-15s, Tyndall two daughters: Ellie and Caroline); Scott Galaydick (614 SOPS, Vandenberg); and Jeff Abraham (F-16s, Kunsan). Also signing in were Jessica (Nickodem) Rhyne (F-16s, Spangdahlem); Jim Winner (Subway mgr/minivan drag racer, Hillsboro OH); Jennifer (Changery) Guess (AFIT student, Univ of Rochester); newlywed Jeanne (Wilkins) Bisesi (neuroscience researcher, Bowling Green State Univ); Dr. Roberto Calderon (orthopaedic surgery resident, Univ ofArizona); Brian Nicolosi (ALO, Ft Hood TX); Shawn Larcher (Chief, Contingency Plans, Ramstein); and Deonna Neal (grad student, Oxford).

In thelast column, I mentioned plans to join fellow ’94 grads for dinner at theOld Ebbitt Grill in July the event was a rousing success, made all the more fun by the fact that it happened to fall on the day promotions were announced. We had a great turnout, with the following in attendance: Mark and Lisa Wood (Communications Intern, Ft Meade expecting their first baby 13 Jan); Tom and Kim Rozylowicz (patent lawyer, D.C.); Peg Moskaluk (OSI, Andrews); Paul and Ginny Wagner (systems engineer, ChantillyVA); JeffBarlow (MBA student, Univ ofMD); Joe Torres (Pentagon); Ethan Stanton (@ Booz-Allen Hamilton in VA proud dad of“one crazy toddler”); Marc Sands (DCI Staffat CIA, DC); Lisa Dyer (State Dept, D.C.); Becky Bernardini (OSI, Andrews); John Gifft (Dept of Commerce, D.C.); Wayne Young (analytical services contractor, D.C.); and Rocky Favorito (wing exec, Seymour JohnsonAFB). Since the event, Rocky

Rich LaDue and Deb Reuther supporting OIF.

However, speaking ofDeb, I’ve talked with her and our prez, Kevin Pfeil, regarding our 10-year reunion. Kevin sends: “The most important thing is the potential dates. It will either be the weekend of the 11 th or 25th of September. This will be determined in February when the Mountain West releases the schedule of conference games. The first game at home will be the reunion weekend. Events beginWednesday evening and go through Sunday. You can pull the ’93 agenda off the AOG website ifyou wish to see an example.” Kevin will ask Chuck Baird to put more info on

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Grads

The D.C. Dinner Crowd

wised up and married his sweetheart offour years, the former Miss Sarah Elizabeth Rodgers. Hopefully we’ll all get tomeet her at the reunion or even at the next D.C. dinner! This first one was a great gathering and a group I’ll miss when I leave I’m sure they’ll continue to get together on occasion and hope many more ofyou will join ifyou’re in the area permanently or even for a short visit...

Although she wasn’t in town for our dinner, I recently saw newlywed Erica Schenavar at the AF-Navy game. She’s the assistant women’s swim coach at the Academy and is really enjoying married life and the team. Even though our football team didn’t have their best weekend, both our men’s and women’s swim teams had successful meets against Navy!

I also heard from Bill and Natalie Sabol theyjust celebrated their first anniversary, among many other milestones: first, Bill graduated this summer from the Concordia Theological Seminary (Ft Wayne, IN) and was ordained and installed as pastor ofTrinityLutheran Church, Jasper, MN. Then, he was commissioned as an active-Reserve chaplain and assigned to USAFA, where he’ll take care of Basic Cadets each summer! Congrats, Bill!

That’s all I have time (and space) for today I’m looking forward to your great holiday newsletters for the next column! And give me a shout ifyou’re going to be in Europe I’ll definitely be up for some travel whenever my work schedule will allow and I’ll always have room for guests! I wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season! Take care & God Bless! C.C.

Don Kang 5806 B Poplar Circle Shaw AFB, SC 29152

BudaF16@yahoo.com

OSI agent (she heads the detachment) and also does some great work in counterintelligence with the Missile Defense Agency. Amanda and Chris love Anchorage and stay busyhiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Both she and herhusband would like to return to USAFA someday as AOCs.

and members ofhis squadron who parachuted into Iraq during OIF. These brave menare now protecting the embassy in Liberia.

Jason Beers has likely hadthe most interesting year thus far among all of us (to say the least). Stationed at Sembach, Germany with the 786 SFS, Jason was one of 20 members of his unit to make a historic, hairraising parachute jump into Iraq with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during OIF. As if that wasn’t enough to write home about, Jason is now in Sierra Leone, supporting our embassy in Liberia. Jason, hope you are out of harm’s way by the time this hits print.

Good summer - too short. Welcome backfor another round of’95 updates... TristanLai wrote from USUHS with an update on our new doctors-tobe. Tristan, Don Royster, and Blake Rodgers have finished their first year and are off on their summer programs. Don went to Kenya to do AIDS research and Tristan went to Seoul, South Korea. Good deal for him, since his wife is there on a remote working as DETCO of AFKN. They’ll all be back in Bethesda this fall for another year of medical training. Clarence Dunagan is working at local ERs in North Carolina while wrapping up his residency. He’ll be jumping on board active duty as an Air Force doc within the next couple of years. Pete Michaelson is a fourth-year resident in Otolaryngology/Head andNeck (ENT) Surgery at Wilford Hall. Loren Jones and Louis Guillermo are starting their first year ofENT residencyunder the tutelage ofPete. Josh Bobko is a second year medical student at the University of Miami. Phiet Bui is at David Grant Medical Center working in General Surgery research.

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Len Cabrera finished his second year of teaching economics and ops research at the zoo and is now at the University of Florida picking up a PhD in economics. Len spent his free timein Colorado doing a ton of biking and has some good pics at http://plaza.ufl.edu/lencab. His apartment is within walking distance ofthe Swamp, so ifyou’re in the area throw him an email lencab@ufl.edu. From what I understand - no shortage of pretty ladies in that part of town. Fellow USAFA instructor Alex Sansone isn’t doing too shabby, either. Alex started a new assignment at Nellis AFB and hishouse is less than 10 minutes from the strip. Dangerous.

Amanda Finerty left active duty and is an IMA Reservist up at Elmendorf, Alaska with her husband, Chris (a helicopter pilot). Amanda works as an

RobertJayme, his wife, Michelle, and brand new boyJacob in Florida. Robert works at Tyndall AFB.

Jim Collins and Dave Abba will complete F-16 and F-15 FWIC, respectively, this Christmas. Jim is on his way up to the great white north of Fairbanks, Alaska. More great news from Nellis: Scott Cain (F-117), Chris Kane (F-15C), and Sam Mann (F-16) were selected for the Jan ’04 Weapons School instructor course. Congrats, fellas, on an incredible honor. Mike Barten and clan are settled in Vegas, as are Matt Liljenstolpe and his family. Matt is working F-16 operational test, getting JHMCS and Link 16 on line for the Viper.

On the East Coast, Chris Jones is flying Hornets up at Oceania and Paul Spaven is working WSEP at Tyndall. Chris just became a new dad. Frank Bryant, Ed Casey, Eric Yape, and Josh Hetsko are here with me at Shaw. Ed is wrapping up a tour as the East Coast Viper Demo pilot. He and his wife, Aly, have two beautiful daughters. Josh just got here from Misawa. Eric was a nav on KC-135S then cross-flowed to theViper. He and his wife, Jennifer Sue, have threekids (Caleb, Julia and Jacob) and have a fourth on the way. Chad Feucht is on his way here after two years at Osan.

Wonders of wonders - our major’s boards are this Christmas. With a 97% promotion rate, I’m thinking we have a chance. Here’s to our last year as captains and safe wishes for the holidays. Some of our classmates have a head start. Julie Price says that she, Matt Kozma, Kathy Dulak, and Becky Fox have already been promoted to major in the Reserves. Both Matt and Julie are Reservists and contractors working to support the National Reconnaissance Officeand NIMA.

Julie also writes: “Please don’t forget, it is the support of the folks who don’t fly that enable you all to be so successful. It is the Intel folks who get you great info on new areas in which you fly and provide you targeting information so you can hit the right places to demolish things with the least amount of collateral damage. It is the medical folks who are bandaging up our injured and even sending home our dead. It is the acquisition folks who have procured the planes you fly, the bombs you drop, the GPS satellites that keep you on track and help the bombs reach

Aspiring scrubsfrom left are Don Royster, Tristan Lai, and Blake Rodgers at USUHS. Best ofluck to ourfuture docs.

Jason Beers (front row, center, standing)

their final destination, andthe national systems that allow the Intel folks to get you data. It is the personnel folks who help with theactual deployment, as far as orders and training and all that is essential to deployment. It is the contracting folks who have established the air bases and camps and other things over in the remote sites to help give a ‘better quality of life’ while over there. We may not be the heroes that are talked about on a routine basis or get to be seen by embedded reporters or get the thrill of dropping a bomb, but we are crucial players on the team as well. And I just don’t want our contributions to go unnoticed."

Eric “Boot” Das was laid to rest with full honors at Arlington. This wellwritten article from the Washington Post gives full details: http:// www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2591-2003Aug29.html.

Farewell, brother.

With the beginning of a new year, it is also time for me to follow what has become a great tradition for this class and pass on the scribe duties to a fresh face. Travis “Pinz” Koch will take over the updates. I’ve known Pinz since we went through pilot training at Sheppard when he was “every mother’s nightmare and every daughter’s dream.” Since then, he’s gotten married and has been flying the mighty Eagle. He is currently stationed at Eglin working F-15C test with the 85th Pinz is the ultimate people person and is ready for your updates. Send them to him at traviskoch@yahoo.com. Take care, y’all... it’s been a pleasure... Buda.

Melissa S. Cunningham

220 BowensMill Drive Bonaire, GA 31005 (478) 975-9707/DSN:468-1622

E-mail: fmcunningham@aol.com or melissa.cunningham@robins.af.mil

Greetings from Tallil AB, Iraq quite possibly the “Dust Capital of the World.” It’s been a roughcouple of months standing up the reclaimed air base in southern Iraq, but the experience has been great. It wasn’t exactly 5-star hotel living, just a step down with babywipes for showers, buckets for laundry, great big barrels for burning your poop. It was quite the vacation. You definitely had to put your “SERE” face on every time you decided to brave the slit trench, makeshift toilets. I was never quite sure what you might catch in there, but Saddam’s revenge was definitely rampant. But I must say, things have gotten incrediblybetter during myb-Vz month stay. We rolled in early April with the remains of a base and now you would hardly recognize it. Services came in and set up a dining tent and we were elevated to “3 hots and a cot.” They did an incredible job transforming the base to a mini-Al Udied by the time I left. Of course it was still blistering hot with daily sandstorms, but we still managed to keep our sanity and amuse ourselves like we did at school. Even though the conditions were austere, it was pretty cool to be near a place of so much history with the ancient city of Ur, Abraham’s birthplace, at the edge of the base.

AB ’96 reunion:from left are Brian Chrismore, Nate Downing, Melissa Cunningham Matt Soria, and Alan Duckworth.

I did not have this experience alone. After two weeks a few other ’96ers showed up and joined the party. Alan “Jaxs” Duckworth, Brian “Utah” Chrismore, and Mike “Johnny Bravo” Drawley are flying A-10s at Pope AFB. They were stationed at jaber during the war andmoved down to Tallil after the airfield was secured. Alan married a gal he met while in pilot training and has been lucky enough to stay in the A-10 the entire time. Brian Crismore was a FAIP at Vance before moving to Pope in Jan 02. Just like the rest of the guys in the unit, he’s been deployed most of the time to Bagram and Jaber. Chris was married in Aug 97 to Kristen and they were blessed with their daughter Rachel in Dec 02.

Mike Drawley arrived on theadvon crew in Tallil and was lucky to make it out after a few weeks. He married Jamie in April 2002 but has been more than busy with tours in Bagram, Jaber, and Weapons School. He recently caught up with Pat Ryan and Kurt Kremser in theater and they are flying C-130s. Will Clark is in a C-130 exhange program overseas. Robyn Wright recently separated. Johnny Vargas and Chris Bacon are currently at weapons school.

Matt Soria has been flying thePredator out at Nellis since early 2002. He has been happily married forfour years to a gal he met while visiting Eddie Meidunas in Jersey. After pilot training, he was stationed at Dover flying C-5s. Matt is still as funny as ever. Fellow classmates that are also in the Predator program are David Henshaw, MarkMeir, and Scott Howe.

Nate Downing has been on the move since school with stops at Tyndall, Mountain Home, Tinker, and now Offutt. He is also a proud father of a 2 V2 -year-old daughter, Emma. Other folks he’s bumped into are: Jared Farr at Offut who recently married, Rosalynn of Palm Springs, and already has a baby girl. Dan Marine is teaching Poli Sci and coaching rugby at USAFA. Both the Men’s and Woman’s Rugby teams swept the Final Four this spring. Congrats, Dan! Jesse Smith is at Tinker flyingAWACs. He married a Swedish beauty, Sophia. Jeff Skinner is a flight doc at Langley. Jeff Cannon is married to Capt Amy Cannon (JAG) in Alaska and flying F15Es. Justin Weiland is a F-15C pilot who will be departing Langley soon. Mario Escalante is a C-5 pilot at Travis. He and his wife, Aimee, just had their second child.

I ran into Matt Ayers at PSAB while I was waiting for a flight into Tallil. He’s flying F-16s and growing the deployment mustache. All the guys out here were growing them; it was a riot. Matt and PK Carlton were deployed with the 77th FS flying F-16 CJ’s. They each had some harrowing and exciting missions over Baghdad, taking out some SAM radars. He said the AAA was pretty thick, but they both completed their missions and headed home. Marcelo Morales was flying F-15Cs out of Tabuk. A1 Horsens (KC-lOs) out ofTravis and Brian Fallis (KC-135s) were also based out of PSAB for the war. Adam Starr was serving as a flight doc out at Tabuk. Chris Krosshell (F-16 CJ) and Bob Bryant (F-15E) were flying missions out ofA1 Udeid.

James Conley is returning to the B-1B after teaching CAS for the last two years. During his tour at the National Training Center, Ft Irwin, he had his second child, Merete. He is headed to Ellsworth AFB. He recently bumped into Tereance Safford who was an ALO at Ft Hood. He’ll be returning to the cockpit soon too.

Kevin “Kato” Allred is out at Elmendorf. He passed along that Honore Spence was married in May. He and George Galloway were saber bearers for the wedding.

The Chagaris Family: Mark, Jen and Lahna.

Mark Chagaris is stationed at Charleston AFB flying the C-17. He and his wife, Jen, had a baby girl, Lahna, who is just over a year old.

Ken Cushing is an intel officer at 7th AF in Korea. He and Leshia have two boys, Logan and Adrien. They will be moving to D.C. to start the intern program. He passed along news of other CS-20 grads: John Orchard andChris Bridges (F-15 WSO) recently graduated from the USAF Weapons School. Marc Smith is out ofthe AF running his own real estate company in California with his wife, Michelle. Marcus Prince crossedtrained out of comm, and is now an F-15WSO. Chris and Paige Cullenbine are living in D.C. and have two children. Chris is working comm./analysis for the NRO. Pete Vitt is still flying the A-10. Mark Mitchum is flying Vipers at Aviano. Jeremy Jenness is flying Eagles at Kadena and Jeremy Armagost was flying C- 130s at Little Rock. Dave Michaud is flyingVipers at Eielson. Jeff Schreiner (B-2s) at Whitman. Also at Osan were Dax Cornelius and Tom Obrochta. Frank Howard is an intel weapons officer at Tyndall. Jeff Stockwell is going to be an instructor at the USAF Weapons School this fall.

Mike Casey wrote in from Kadena. His flying F-15Cs and is finishing up his three-year tour. Also at Kadena was Steve “Munch’ Fino and his

Tallil

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wife, Kara. He ran into Bobbi Breyen a couple of weeks ago on a trip through Guam. She is flying KC-135s. Brian Pardee and his wife, Alison, are at Moody. Brian is an instructor in the AT-38 squadron.

Mike Conley (MH-53s Hurlburt) returned from an OEF deployment just to launch into OIF. He was able to fly some exciting missions, but it required a little more MOPP conditions than he cares to remember. He ran into Kevin Kozuch (MH-53s) while deployed. He also caught up with Tim Morris who finally saw the light and crossed back into the blue. He is completing T-37s at Vance and moves on to T-ls this fall. He will be flying C-5s in the Reserves at Dover.

Pagosa Springs Ski Trip: Micki and Shawn Anger, Colleen and Glen Christensen.

Colleen Christensen (McBratney) wrote in from Lackland where she is completing her residency as an orthopedic surgeon. She and her husband, Glen (’93) met up with Shawn and Micki Anger in Pagosa Springs, CO for some skiing at Wolf Creek. They had a storm come through that left 56” of fresh powder which made for anawesome skiing weekend. With a base well over 100” she said she wished she could have passed some of it along to us basking out here in the desert. Shawn has another year at Luke as an F-16 IP. I just ran into Glen at Tallil where he was taking command of the security forces squadron. While deployed, his line number came up for major and he allowed me to pin on his oak leafs on behalf of Colleen who was actually in the Honduras providing a relief mission. It was truly an honor thanks Glen!

Shea Brannan and Jake Oldham are also in the ortho program. Sara Whittingham is completing an internal medicine internship and Eric Greeson will be coming this summer to start dermatology. Sara managed to squeeze time into a busy intern’s schedule to train for and compete in the IronMan triatholon in Hawaii with the AF team. Dolly Patel is a flight surgeon at Hickam and spends her free time surfing with her husband Larry, an ER doc.

Tim Kao and Greg Pound also deployed to the desert. Tim sent me a great picture of himself sitting on Saddam’s Royal throne (toilet) but it was too fuzzy to print.

I’ll be back this fall gearing up for an ORI. It never slows down does it? Keep the letters and emails coming. Christmas is just around the corner and it would be awesome if you’d include me on your list. All the news helps! Take care and I’ll see ya around the AF! God Bless, Mel.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

1479 Eagle Highlands Fairborn, OH 45324

Home: (937) 320-1587

Cell: (937) 367-7196

W: melvin.maxwell@afit.edu

H: mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

What’s up all? As I write this the Falcons are 5-0, getting ready for a showdown with Navy at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. I’ll be at the game so hopefully next issue, I’ll be able to include some snapshots of some ’97ers cheeringthe Falcons on. I also made a road trip out to see the Northwestern game earlier in the season I have to get my Air Force football fix satisfied this season before I head out to another overseas tour to USAFE staff at Ramstein in April. Speaking of being in Germany, Michelle Cams dropped me a line...

deploythroughout Europe and occasionally back to the States. It’s a great location all of us have enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that come with living on the economy and have had amazing opportunities to travel (I went hiking in Nepal two years ago!). This is a photo ofAngie Grant, Rob Grant and me at American Day on the 4th ofJuly this year.

“Rob is a Passive Controller on the jet and his wife, Angie, is a professional fashion designer. Rob is currently the Exec at the TrainingWing. I am a Surveillance Controller and work in the Component’s Long Range Planning Branch. I don’t have orders yet, but I am slated for a job in Colorado Springs in November as an instructor at the C2 course out there at Schriever AFB. Darren Ellisor is here also and was married in 1997. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a two-year-old daughter (Olivia) and a son who was born this spring. I ran into Phil Dorsch at Spangdahlem AB and he had been recently married. Rye Whitehead (’98) also just got here in July and will be a Passive Controller.”

The news keeps coming from overseas. Back in July, Mike McKee dropped me a line from the front lines. Here’s what Mike had to say: "Greetings from Iraq! I’m here at Tallil AB with Kim ‘KC’ (Reed) Campbell, Jason ‘Ox’ Rueschhoff, Abel ‘Virga’ Ramos, and Matt ‘Professor’ Domsalla. Update on things with me, two big developments: I got married on Feb 16th to a lovely lady I met while stationed at Pope. Her name is Kathryn Leenheer, and she is from Cameron, NC. Also, we are expecting our first child in late Nov to early Dec!”

Mike’s squadron, the 75 FS from Pope AFB, NC, was the only activeduty A-10 squadron to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They started out at A1 Jaber AB, Kuwait, andmoved to Tallil AB, Iraq shortly after coalition forces took it over. He sent a number ofphotos but, unfortunately, I can only include one in the article. Here’s one with the ’97 gang in front of the Saddam mural at the flightline entrance at Tallil AB (note the Hawgs in the background!).

Matt, Kim, Jason, Mike, Abel, and Saddam

Jamie Maunz recently returned to the U.S. for some leave after a sixmonth deployment in Iraq. Jamie was performingAir Liaison Officer duty with the U.S. Army and performed his first night parachute jump into Iraq. Upon returning from Iraq, Jamie organized a ’97 reunion of sorts as Jamie, Brad Holtmeier, Todd Eilers, Alex Pupich, Rusty Hoss, Mark Kilgore, DJ Leary, Chris Schweighardt, Darrin Blume, and myselfall converged on Las Vegas for a weekend in September. All told, somebody got saddled with a paycheck-size bar tab, somebody left with less clothes than he arrived with, and some folks were gambling when they should have been hanging out with the boys... but as always, fun was had by all.

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“Greetings from the NATO E3A Air Base in Geilenkirchen, Germany! There are a few of us out here flying on the NATO E3A AWACS. It’s a great adventure except we have to wear lederhosen on the jet (at least we get beer in our box lunches). Just kidding. We have the privilege of flying with fully international crews from all the NATO nations (with a few exceptions) and

I have received a bitof news from the home front also. In July, Kyle Benwitz submitted an update on his whereabouts since the Academy. “After Navigator Training in Pensacola, I was stationed at Barksdale AFB, LA, as an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) in the B-52. The best thing about my assignment to Louisiana was meeting my wife, Michelle. We married in November 2001. Shortly after our marriage, we moved to Enid, OK, for pilot training. I was picked up for UPT in the first week of September 2001. We spent the requisite year at Vance AFB for training and moved to Altus, OK, for C-17 initial copilot training. Next month, August,

Michelle and Kyle Benwitz, Nov 2001

we’re moving to Charleston AFB as part of the 15th AS. The most important newscame to us two weeks ago. Chelle and I are having a baby this March. He/she will be our first child. We’re both very excited and can’t wait to see our first sonogram. It’ll be great once we’re settled into a house in Charleston and don’t have to worry about movingagain for a fewyears.”

Nate Scopac dropped me a line in August. Nate is currently at Kirtland AFB going through MC130 FTU and is enjoying Albuquerque. Nate took a trip up to the Springs and noticed a lotof changes at the Academy. “They have erected fences all over the place, and it is virtually impossible to get to the terrazzo level without showing an ID card. In fact you need to swipe a card to get into the buildings now. While I was there I saw John Neptune and Dan Ronneberg, who are both flying motor gliders. I also ran into Rob Pryor on the6th floorof Fairchild. He said he is enjoying teaching. I will be stationed at Eglin AFB after November 15th and am looking forward to moving back into my house and enjoying thebeach!”

Alright, that’s it for this quarter’s update. Thanks to everyone who wrote in with news, it was great hearing from you. Until next time...Mel

Karin McWhorter

9811 E. Cisco Court Tucson, AZ 85748 (520) 885-8697

kleinmcwhorter@earthlink.net

Hello 98, I am writing this article while my Intermediate Algebra class takes a test! I have been teaching high school full time since Aug 11 (we start early in Arizona) and it is definitely a change from being active duty. So far I am really enjoying it. The students are great, but they think I am really old! It is very humbling. The other significant event in my life is that Andrew and I are expecting a baby in April. So far everything is going well. Andrew deployed again at the end of August and I am hoping to have him home for the birth.

I don’t have a lotof updates for this article, so hopefully I will get a lot of Christmas cards and will be able to write more next time.

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The first update is from Sheri Thornburg (Webb) who graciously provided the meat of this article. She sent a message of Pat Brown and his new wife, Stephanie. They were married on June 28, 2003 in Anchorage, Alaska. She also sent in a picture of Carla Sloan’s wedding to Mike Connors. They were married on Sept 20th in Alexandria, VA. Sheri is still working up at Twelfth Air Force and counting the days until her maternity leave starts. She and Jason already have a little girl, Jaela, and know that this baby is a boy.

I also received a picture of Cory Bulris and his new wife, Rachel. They were married January 18, 2003. The photo comes courtesy of his family.

Cory and Rachel

I met Joy Boston at the Academy for parent’s weekend this year and I was convinced I would run into some classmates while I was there, but we didn’t see anyone! Joy was on her way to Ramstein after completing her tour in Korea. She was very happy to be done with that year!

I also talked to Tara Vice recently and her days in the Air Force are numbered. She will separate on 31 October and head home to Florida to plan her wedding to Troy Capelli (’99) in January. After the wedding she is going back to school to get her master’s at Mississippi State.

I hate to end on a somber note, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that our class lost another member on August 1 st Frank Roper died on 1 Aug 2003 as the result of an auto accident near RAF Molesworth, UK. I got the news from Danny Campos who had this to say about Frank “he and I became buddies when we were roommates about two years ago at Ramstein during a UNION FLASH Exercise. I think the phrase, ‘The good die young,’ is as applicable to him as anyone I can think of. He was an awesome guy and one of the most pleasant people I can ever think of.” Here’s a toast...

Well, that’s it for this edition. I hope all of you are doing well and I would really love to hear from you! Ifyou do write, please use the new email address that is noted at the top of the page. Karin

James W. Busch

4050A Cambridge Loop Hill AFB, UT 84056 (801) 776-3586

E-mails: busch99@earthlink.net

James.busch@hill.af.mil

Shiners - greetings from the land of many churches. This in from Chad Martin in Iraq: Steve “Snowman” Snow, Steve “Bjorn” Engberg, John "Coch” Blocher, Andy “FNG” (at the time) Kamataris, and Chad “Skeet” Martin rounded up some ’99ers in the desert for a picture last summer. Andy, Steve Snow, and John are all A-10 guys from Pope serving as BALOs. They were all on the front lines during the whole war, and were some ofthe first Air Force officers into Baghdad as we took the city. Lots of crazy stories from those guys. This picture was taken right as they were released to go home and they came through Jaber on their way. Steve and Chad are both flying the greatest fighter in the world out of Cannon, and spent five months in the desert supporting both OSW and OIF. Between the two ofthem they dropped over 80,000 lbs of ordnance during the war. I guess they flew about 40,000 sorties. Chad added that, “The F-16 rocks, and it kept us both safe the whole time.” Nice work fellas!

1

Pat and Stephanie

Sabre Society Donors

Carla and Mike

’99 setting thefashion trend in the AOR...

For some neglected wedding news, Jen Dolan and Chad Hillberg got married in Seattle on back on May 3 (see photo).

Bridesmaids included Chrissy Deibel, Heather Healy, Chad’s sister Kim Hillberg, Jen’s friend Rindee Paul and Angela (Arredondo) Smith. Grooomsmen included Mike Boomsma, Dan McBroom, and Blane Morgan. Chrissy is flying F-16s at Hill, Heather is in England doing public affairs. Angela and her husband, Jason (aka Stuckie) Smith, are at Travis AFB, CA along with Dan. She is doing public affairs, Jason is in a C-5 pilot, and Dan is the wing protocol officer. Mike is flying F-15s in Japan. Jen and Chad are at Columbus AFB, MS. He is an IP and she is in hospital administration.

Combat Comm Squadron. I hope everyone has a safe next few months. I had asked for some news about children and so I wanted to start offthis time with that information.

Scott Hodges and his wife, Jamie, were blessed with their second child, a daughter they named Madison, on 21 April 2003. She was nine weeks premature, but with a lot of prayer she is perfectly healthy and has no negative sideeffects. Scott also managed to do pretty well on his final exams, which started the next week, even with frequent trips to the hospital. He will graduate from University ofOklahoma Law School in 2005. Chris Allred and Kevin Lord are both at Springfield, OH Air National Guard base going through F-16RTU. Chris has a little girl, Cheyanne, and is pictured below with the Hodges family on the right.

In other recent developments, Evan Jones finally got around to joining the AOG, bringing our percentage of class membership closer to our goal of 69%. Evan hadbeen faithfully serving as a physicaltherapist, but is now in med school at the Uniformed Services University (USUHS). As penance, he is back to wearing the sierra hotel gold 2LT bars and has a commitment through 2007. He got hitched back in 2000 to Jess Guyn (’00).

Since this will be the winter edition, I want to wish you all a relaxing and blessed holiday. I’ll be enjoying some Utah skiing for Christmas and what’s left of San Diego for the New Year by all means look me up if you’ll be in the area. James

Jason “JW” Simmons

110 Mara Court

Prattville, AL 36066

Email: Simmons@FlotPop.com

Jason.Simmons@Maxwell.af.mil

Friends,

By the time you get this we will be nearing the holidays, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a great NewYear as well. By the way, see my address up above, it is current for sending Christmas cards... hint hint. The summer has shot byprettyfast, but it was a good time. I wanted to let you all know that I am finally getting out ofAlabama, no offense to those who call it home. In February, I should be heading to Ramstein AB, Germany; I am pretty darn excited about being a member of the l sl

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James and Tracy (Wilkerson) Foster are proud to announce the birth of their babygirl, Grace Elizabeth. She was born on Sept 28th, 2003. Pictures can be seen at www.jntfoster.com. Erin (Nagel) Cook is moving to Charleston AFB whereshe’ll be an ROTC instructor at Charleston Southern University; she and husband, Cory, are expecting a baby in May. David Anderson and his wife, Jena, are moving to Las Vegas from Spangdahlem, Germany where he works with Ray Daniel, Frank Lusher, and Eddie Francis at the 22 FS. David was accepted into the Intelligence Weapons Instructor Course at Nellis AFB starting in January and is expecting his first child, a babygirl, in February.

In wedding news, many grads gathered in Westbrook, CT on July 5th, for the Lauren Maher and Chesley Dycus wedding. Chesley flies C-5s at Travis AFB and Lauren is at BealeAFB as an aerospace physiologist with U-2 pilots.

TheDycus-MaherWedding:Lauren and Chesley;and TheresaHumphrey (married to Chris Humphrey), Meredith Shannon (married Brendan Shannon), Ashley (Lauren’s sister), Lauren, Lauren (Eckert) Myers ’98, and Mollie (Peters) Yazzie.

Will Swan is doing well in at Malmstrom AFB. He met a wonderful Canadian woman named Harmony and married her in September’02. He is also currently working in the 341 OperationsGroup asa deputy evaluator in OGV, whatever that stands for. Meanwhile, Rob Brooks, Jeff Beckham, Josh Wood, and Pete Kasarskis are also doing well stationed together in the 524FS at Cannon AFB. They’re all enjoying their time flying the Viper, and Jeff has even managed to get scheduled in the fourship from the 524th that’s doing the flyby at the Air Force/Army game in November. Outside of the flying business, Rob’s girlfriend said yes, as he asked her to be his bride at theGrand Canyon over Labor Day weekend. He and JenniferTaylor are planning on a February 28th wedding. Konnie (Snyder) and Ronnie Young, both intel officers, are getting ready to leave the sunny beaches ofPatrick AFB to head out to Davis-Monthan AFB this upcoming spring. Konnie will be working in the 612 AIS and Ronnie will be assisting in the stand-up of the brand-new 563rd CSAR unit. Kris Malloy completed 2 Vz years at Scott AFB at HQ Air Mobility Command Intelligence Directorate as the Chief of Intelligence System Support and hasalso just returned from a five-month deployment to Operation Joint Forge (Bosnia), where he ensured compliance to the Dayton Peace Accords by inspecting telecommunications equipment/sites, electronic warfare and signals intelligence sites. Krisand wife, lLt Jennifer Malloy,

have now moved to Pope AFB where he works intelligence at the 43rd Airlift Wing (AMC). He plans on going to sandland in January with the 41 st Airlift Squadron (C-130s).

Dave Merritt just graduated from flight school in Meridian, MS. He was Top Hook (number one at The Boat USS Roosevelt CVN - 71), Top Gun (ACM), Navy “E” bomber, and Distinguished Naval Graduate. He is now in San Diego (MCAS Miramar) for F/A-18 training. He also says that if you are in the area to look him up; something about knowing where SDSU gals party... watch out for those grads in sister services. Speaking of sister services, you’ll never believe this, the Army promoted Drew Steadman early; Captain Steadman is in his third year at the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After a tour in Afghanistan asa platoon leader, he is now the commander of all rear-detachment personnel (and wives) in the battalion, while the rest of the soldiers fight in Iraq.

Drew in Afghanistan.

Ann (Hatley) Redd is finishing her first year oflaw school at the University ofArizona. John Enis has started Medical School at the University of Oklahoma. Three Wings of Blue classmates have reunited at Elmendorf AFB. Pat Doyle, Aaron Lapp, and Dean Berck are all flying mighty Strike Eagles as new dicemen in the 90th Fighter Squadron. Matt Phillips and Justin Bright may be next as they have just dropped Strike Eagles out of pilot training at Sheppard AFB. Jake Hammons and Travis Hazeltine are on the other side of the ramp flying F-15Cs. Kerrick Krill, another memher oftheWings of Blue, is even furthernorth flying F-16s at Eielson AFB. Cliff Flowers has just moved to Offutt AFB. Rob Volesky is back from a one-year tour in Korea and getting settled into the R&D world at WrightPat working in Sensors Directorate ofthe Air Force Research Labs. Lastly, Victor Hernandez relays that he is TDY every month! He hopes to unpack his household goods by theend of the year. Personally, all I think he needs is his blue trunk multipurpose couch/chair/coffee tableand a bean bag - but be sure to unpack that shipped against AFI alcohol. Hey everyone, keep the emails flowing and be sure to represent us well.

Faith Dunn (Hitchcock)

203 Seaton Circle Montgomery, AL 36116 fire_it_up_40@hotmail.com or Faith.Dunn@gunter.af.mil

Hello ’01s, I have to start off bythanking you for all the great updates! I think I got so many this time that I will have to keep some for the next issue. Well, let’s get to it:

for B-l training, Billy Hintz is an IP at Vance and became a dad to a baby boy. Christian Helms is flying theMC-130 and stationed at Hurlburt, Cody Schultz is currently at tech school but stationed at Hurlburt also, Carl Wolfe is on his way to Intel school at Goodfellow, JeffBurley is flying the A-10 and stationed at Davis-Monthan, and Walker Pierce-Percy is flying the C-5 at Dover. Tavis McDevitt and James Christensen were both graduated from helo training at Fort Rucker Dec 02. Tavis is goingthrough HH-60 training at Kirtland and will be stationed at Nellis while James just finished up UH-1 training at Kirtland and headed up to Malmstrom; he also became a dad to a babyboy last August. Also in their Ft Rucker class were Bruce Lee, Andy Gray, and Corey Hunt. Bruce finished up UH-1 training and headed to Fairchild. Andy is still going through HH60 training and will be stationed at Keflavik. Corey finished up UH-1 training and headed to Yokota.

Other 'Olers on the helo track are Matt Shrull, AJ Berg, Dave Penuela, Devin Ryan, Phil Bryant, Jenn Aupke, Tom Harley, TJ Koury, PaulWhitsel, Evan Gardner, and Ben Milarch. After training, Matt will be at Hurlburt in MH-53, AJ at Yokota in the UH-1, Dave to Minot also in the UH-1. Mark Jackson will graduate from helos in November 03. Lee Sandusky is going through T-l training atVance and will be winged come December 03. Juan Lavarreda-Perez is currently at Tyndall rounding out his training as an air traffic controller. Brendan Epps is currently atVandenbergdoing the space and missile route. He got married last summer and became a dad to a babyboy earlier thisyear. Ann-Kristine Thrift (Lau) and Tammie are roommates in FortWalton. A-K is an intel officer at Eglin, and she and her husband just celebrated their one-year anniversary this past June. Her husband, Matthew, is a ’02 grad and currently going through UPT at Moody.

Jason Green is at Altus with the rest of the bomber community going through C-17 school and will head to Charleston sometime soon. Matty Mountcastle got married in July.

O’Brian,

Makia and Jason are flying C-21s at Andrews, Levi is a T-38 FAIP in Oklahoma, Kurt will be going to Tyndall for F-15RTU and Megan is leaving shortly to Osan for a short tour in the 554th Red Horse Squadron. Also married this year was Janee (Gianotti) Homan. She married Paul Homan (’02) on July 5th in California and both are stationed at DavisMonthan. Josh Stierwalt was married in June and is stationed at Lackland. Rachel (Coleman) Freestrom married a guy she met at AFIT in March and will be going to Langley after Comm school. Josh Slade married his long-time girlfriend Jamie after graduation and they are getting ready for their first PCS to Scott. Frank and Audra Lyons also got married - they are both stationed at Wright-Pat, but she recently deployed to Cuba as the Joint Personnel Center Chief. Theyhope to get a joint spouse to Eglin following AFIT.

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Tammie LeBlanc sent me some great updates. She attended Logistics Readiness Officer School from March to July 03 at Lackland where she got DG - congrats! JeremyGingrich was in her class and is stationed at Shaw. Other ’01 grads there for school were Detrick Grimes who is now stationed at Hill, Sharonda Peake stationed at Elmendorf, Dre Phillips who Acquisitions at Wright Patterson, Marion Knapp also at Wright-Pat doing Contracting. Tanika Gonzales (Archer) is stationed at Lackland while herhusband is at Del Rio. Jerry Sanchez and Pierre-Paul Alvarado are roommates at Corpus Christi goingthrough T-44 training. Oscar Garcia and Chuck Barton are in pilot/nav training at Randolph. Laura Renner is stationed at Sheppard doing Public Affairs. After tech school, Tammie took some leave andmade a pit stop in Shreveport to visit Mike Pontius and Drew Blasd who are both going through B-52 training and will be graduating in Dec 03 then off to Minot for the two of them.

Also in B-52 training and heading up to Minot are Scott Schroeder and Adam Goodpasture. Per Mike, Brian Ross got married in August. And per Drew, Eric Aldermann also got married. Jeremiah Guild is at Dyess

Some of us have been shipped of in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Stacy (Boggs) Allison sent pictures of Todd during his recent de-

Here is a picture of some of the guys at the wedding (Makia Epie, Levi Hall, Jason

Kurt Duffy and Meg Poyant in front).

ployment. And Matt Ziemann e-mailed me when he returned to the states after deployingwith the F-15 squadron from Seymour Johnson as an intel officer. Here he is on patrol with some British officers in Qatar - he spent four months there and said it was an awesome experience. Matt also told me that Jeremy McDaniel is working Predator support in Virginia, Liz Weber is finishing her year in Korea and heading to Germany after that, Drew Eisenhofer is at Elmendorf and Chris Jackson is having fun flying the Strike Eagle (although he had a scary mishap and had to eject but he’s okay!).

Ryan Bell cross-commissioned to the Army after graduation and sent word to the class that he deployed to the desert in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mark Hanson just finished his AFIT-funded graduate program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. After successfully defending his thesis, “TheDecline of Detente During the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford” he received a Master of Arts degree in American history with a subfield in U.S. Diplomatic History.

Bede Bolin received his pilot wings at Columbus AFB, MS and was selected for follow-on instructor training. Upon graduation from pilot instructor training (PIT) at Randolph AFB, TX he will return to Columbus where he will be aT-37 instructor. Jeff Lederhouse graduated fromT-38s and is off to Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ for A-10 training. Just before the last publication, Sean Demeter sent in an email that said he was beginning the T-38 program at Laughlin AFB, TX. Sean says, “It’s great, nothing beats flying... especially the kind offlying we do!” Emily Marr completed the first phase of pilot training and is now flying the T-l at Columbus AFB.

Navy flighttraining in the T-44 allows for a student team solo flight, so I was able to fly out to Columbus AFB, MS where I met up with some primary classmates, including Jeremy Simmons. Simmons finished T-38 training and is off to fly the B-l at Dyess AFB, TX.

As for me, I am also getting ready for my first PCS. By the time this gets published I will be up at the SSG at Maxwell AFB/Gunter Annex in Montgomery, AL. Mike Dunn and I have less than a month until our wedding and are looking forward to living in the same state for the first time in a year and a half. We will have a whole crew of ’Olers at the wedding and will include a picture in the next issue. Please note my change in name, address and e-mail address. After November 20, 2003, please send your updates to the contacts listed with this article. PLEASE - keep the updates coming!

Take care of yourselves and be sure to write, Faith.

Tony Carson

3452 E. Kiehl Ave., Apt. 5210 Sherwood, AR 71210

tonyc02@yahoo.com

Class Website: www.usafa02.org

Class of 2002,

That is all I have for now. Remember, ifyou want to let the class know what is going on or what you are up to, please email me at the address above.

RichardGiles Whiting, Jr.

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Well it’s getting colder, raining more andthe days are shorter which means that summer is over, fall is beginning, andthe winter is drawing near. I hope that everyone had a memorable summer! Our class has been up to many things since I last wrote. Leah Bennett and Pete Vanagas got married at the Academy Cadet Chapel on May 17th Participating in the wedding ceremony were Kylie (Adams) Maclellan, Rena (Mestas) Hall and DickAdams. Leah is working in aircraft maintenance at Moody AFB, GA. Erin Harms is working at Moody in aerospace physiology. Pete Vanagas, Shaun Southall and Eric Masters are all in the T-6 program at Moody and should be track selecting in January 2004.

Ryan Bell in theArmy.

50 Craigie St., Apt. 8 Summerville MA 02143 (719) 210-6946

USAFABong@hotmail.com

This is going to be relatively short as there has been a dearth of intraclass contact since graduation. I’d like to use this forum as something of an update/message board and have created an email account with that in mind. Ifyou’ve got some class news, pictures etc. that you think would be valuable on the class scale please email it to: usafabong@hotmail.com I will try my best to post all submissions but there may be some editing required by myself or the AOG.

About halfof our class is at the Aerospace Basic Course right now, where I have heard Chris Ayoub is the VicePresident of the A.S.B.C, I’ve also heard that the class president is some ROTC grad; not sure wherethe fallout was there. We’ve had a appreciable amount of our classmates begin UPT and many are well underway to finishing up IFT. All those doing IFT in Colorado have been moved to Embry-Riddle, FL.

From what I hear the Academy is quite different than when we left it. For one thing recognition is right around the corner. It will be very interesting to see what kind of impact these changes make.

So I think we all can now see the need for thisemail address as a, more or less, call for papers. It is very important that our class keep and foster its strong ties now that we are post graduation. I know we’re all interested in what our classmates are doing, but in- order to get this ball rolling submissions must be made.

Visit the AOGWeb Site

www.aog-usafa.org

Carson (secondfrom left) and Simmons (secondfrom right) meet up at Columbus AFB.

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