Checkpoints March 2004

CHECKPOINTS

The U.S. Air Force Academy Celebrates a Half Century of Excellence

THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

TDG DG

Nomination Instructions

he Distinguished Graduate Award is intended to recognize those exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique honor bestowed by the Academy and the AOG recognizing graduates whose accomplishments have inspired us alland 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. Thefirst page is a concise information sheet on the candidate and should contain a short narrative or bullets addressing the following headings, ifapplicable:

- 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 by April 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 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

Additional information may be found on the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org

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up front

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16 ACADEMY LAUNCHES NEW OFFICER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (ODS) - A FOUR-CLASS SYSTEM

USAFA transforms how it trains, educates, and prepares cadets to become second lieutenants

56 THE AOG AND ACADEMY PROUDLY ANNOUNCE THE 2003 DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

Lieutenant General Bradley Hosmer, ’59, and Mr. Richard Schlosberg, III, ’65, earned this prestigious honor for their contributions to society and nation.

30 HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

C1C Mike Turner, fall wing training officer, is excited and upbeat about the new Academy training environment.

14 MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS

Checkpoints will feature two Board Members each issue beginning with Bill Maywhort, ’68, and John Moore, ’78. These extraordinary men provide valuable leadership to the AOG.

44

USAFA’S

ANNIVERSARY WITH US AS WE FEATURE STORIES FROM THE PAST KABOOOOOM an F-105 “Thunderchief” rocks the Academy on May 31, 1968.

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 magazinesubscriptionannually 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 of Graduates, Doolitde Hall, 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those ofthe authors. They do not necessarilyreflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, WINTER 2004.

from the (Board Cshair

For the past 45 years, the US Air Force Academy has graduated young men and, for the past 24 years, young women who, with rare exception, have become top notch second lieutenants in the world’s greatest Air Force. And those lieutenants have gone on to have distinguished careers as leaders of character in the military, in government, in business and in other forms of public service. All graduates share the common bond resulting from their years as a cadet the education, training and experiences that taught us duty, honor, integrity, courage, truthfulness, responsibility, accountability, sense ofjustice, respect for others, humility, self respect, selfdiscipline, self control, tolerance, loyalty and commitment to excellence in all we do the core values that we truly cherish about the Academy experience that transformed us from civilians to cadets to officersand leaders of character for the nation.

As a practical matter, of course, each class had different programs ofeducation, training and experience, depending upon when we graduated. The objectives of the programs remained relatively constant over the years, but the content did not. The cadet experience has been one of more or less continuous change with the objective of continuous improvement. It is axiomatic that the earlier one graduated, the “tougher” it was; but putting that aside, one of the constants at the Air Force Academy has been change change directed at improving the system by which the Academy develops future leaders. Some of those changes worked well, and some did not and sometimes wise leaders “retreated” on things that didn’t work as well as planned.

Graduates had the opportunity to influence some changes, and we did not have the opportunity to influence others or our advice was not heeded. I expect change will continue to be a constant in the Air Force Academy experience and that graduates though we care greatly about any and all changes will have a varying ability to influence them.

For the past year, our beloved Academy has been in a period of great change. Some changes have been directed as a result of the many outside inquiries into the sexual assaults that occurred at the Academy. Some are being or have been developed by Academy leadership to improve the climate and culture that permitted such assaults to occur, and some are simply directed at continuing to improve the way the Academy develops leaders. However, because there are so many changes, because they are happening so fast, and because some of them seem on the surface at least to cut away at the core of the Academy experience, many graduates are confused, dismayed or downright angry at “what’s happening” at the Air Force Academy. And they are equally as confused or angry about what the Association of Graduates is doing, or not doing, about these changes. Such passion is not new for graduates of this nation’s military academies. Indeed, nearly 150 years ago one such graduate observed:

“...the taste ofclassmatesfor each other’s society, particularly West Pointers, is unequaled by the strongest attachment and... becomes more and more intense as time continues ...”

Lt. J.E.B. Stuart; August 3, 1854

Based on the many and passionate discussions, calls and correspondence the AOG boardand staffhave had with our fellow alumnifrom virtually every class, I can vouch that these sentiments voiced by that swashbuckling Confederate cavalry officer are at least equally shared by USAFA graduates today. Respecting the many sincere and concerned inputs we’ve received regarding the problems, challenges and changes facing the Academy, let me try to explain what your board has been doing and why we have taken this approach.

Your board believes deeply thatneither the association as an entity nor our members as alumni and taxpayers, should be expected to be silent bystanders as episodes ofsexual misconduct and lawbreaking tear at the fabric ofwho we are and what we believe in. Nor have we been in the least hesitant or reticent in communicating by a variety of avenues our collective advice, experience and the “sense of the graduate community” at multiple levels of the Air Force hierarchy. For example, we have provided feedback on the Athletic Director being moved under the Commandant, the legislation allowing a civilian Dean of Faculty, and changes to the fourth class system. We are pushing to have graduates on the Academy’s Board ofVisitors and our position helped quell a proposal to change the distinctive cadet uniform. We know our views havebeen respected and sometimes but not always heeded in fashioning the changes we see taking place.

We have consciously chosen to offer our counsel in private, we have explicitly avoided direct confrontation, and we are supporting the Academy leadership team in their efforts to fix the problems at USAFA today. And we are doing this even though we do not agree with all the changes being made. We have chosen this path because we believe direct confrontation would lead to hardened defenses of actions taken and would put the Association in a position where we would have no influence on Air Force and Academy leadership. Indeed, we believe that we would be rightfully seen as arbitrary defenders of the past, who have nothing to offer in looking to the future.

We fully understand that, by choosing a path ofprivate counsel, most graduates do not know what we are doing and could conclude that we are doing nothing. We must and will communicate better to rectify this “communications gap,” beginning now in this issue of Checkpoints (see the various articles on the new Officer Development System). Likewise, we fully understand that some graduates strongly disagree with the path we have taken and are resolved that a much more “in-your-face” approach should be taken. We respect their right to hold that view, but this board is not going down that path.

Let me turn the discussion to three topics that are very “hot” right now the new Officer Development System, election procedures for the AOG board, and enhanced communications. The Academy has begun the implementation of a wholly new

system for preparing cadets to be leaders; it is called the Officer Development System (ODS). This system is a holistic approach to the explicit development of an officer of character, and is modeled after new systems implemented at West Point and Annapolis in the 1990s. It is based upon education, training and experiences that provide cadets with increased responsibility as they progress through their four years at the Academy. The new philosophy places more responsibility on each individual cadet for his or her training, as well as their subordinates’ and peers’ training. It requires teamwork and relies on positive methods to motivate each individual to adhere to standards and strive for improvement. Obviously, this is a fundamental shift from the emphasis seen by most of us in our fourth-class year.

The new system demands more ofcadets as they become more senior, and it holds the promise ofcreating a climate and culture where cadets hold each other to the standards that we as graduates hold so dearly. Now, some ofyou may say “... but I thought the training program at USAFA already gave more responsibility to more senior cadets and already had mechanisms for cadets to enforce standards on each other ...”. Sad to say, but a good many ofthese things need to be reinvigorated, andthe ODS is intended to dothat.

So far so good, but the ODS has some elementswhose first reviews by some graduates who have heard about it are mostly negative in particular the “relaxation” of the fourth-class system and the replacement of the cadet disciplinary system (demerits, Form 10s, marching tours, etc.) with a system much more likethat used with airmen andofficers in the active Air Force. These two changes are profound and alter significantly how first year cadets have been trained, and how all cadets have been disciplined, for many generations at our nation’s military academies. I wonder what J.E.B. Stuart would think.

At our board meeting on February 7, the Commandant spent two hours in a “no-holds-barred” session explaining the ODS and its rationale. Notwithstanding reservations that many board members still have about how some ofthe elements ofthe ODS will be implemented, the board unanimously endorsed the new system. Yes, it will change some fundamental aspects ofcadet life, but we believe it will ultimately produce second lieutenants who are better prepared to enter the 21st century Air Force, eventually to become leaders ofcharacter for the nation. Please read the ODS articles starting on page 16. Ask questions and make yourselfknowledgeable before you draw hard conclusions about this new system; it involves significant change. There is still much to be done to put the flesh on the bones ofthis new system, and your input is needed.

Now, for a second topic that has been the subject of some controversy with a very vocal and passionate group ofgraduates: how the AOG board is elected. Until 1997, board members were

elected by those AOG members who submitted a ballot comprising a list of candidates who had volunteered and who had prepared a “position” statement that was published in Checkpoints. There were often more candidates than open seats, so there was some degree of “electoral competition.” This worked well in the early years, but was seen by the board in place in the mid 1990s as a system that needed improvement. Only 5-10 percent of the members typically voted, so theboard wasn’t truly representative; attendance at board meetings was sparse, often with only those members who lived in the Colorado Springs area attending. The board wasn’t thought to have the mix ofskills and experience needed to move to the next stage of the association’s growth. So the system was changed to the one that is in place today.

Today, the board appoints a nominating committee comprising board members. Notifications are regularly published in Checkpoints so that any AOG member can volunteer to run for the board, and the committee accepts nominations from any source. Usually there are about 20 people who indicate a desire. In addition, the committee may “recruit” graduates who have skills and experience that the board needs. The committee recommends a slate ofcandidates to the Board Chair. Once approved, this slate is offered as recommended directors for vote by the membership. Typically there is only one person recommended for each available seat, so this process does not have the“electoral competition” ofthe prior system, though any member can “write-in” candidates ofhis or her choice. The assertion by some graduates is that the current system is not “open enough.” The board has asked Larry Fortner, ’59, to chair an ad hoc committee to examine ways to possibly improve the current system. This committee will include both board and non-board members and will make recommendations before the next board meeting.

On a final note, I think we all recognize that it’s very difficult to get a good feeling for the “sense” of the graduate community on any issue. All we know for certain is that there is a diversity of opinion. As I’ve noted in earlier messages, I am personally committed to improving the AOG’s overall ability to facilitate communications among our members, as well as between the AOG boardand staffwith our members. The AOG staff is working on enhancements to the web site to bring about these improvements, which I hope we will all get to enjoy in the near future.

In closing, remember we have a tremendous legacy and we continue to attract our nation’s best and brightest young men and women. This is our Academy visit it when you can.

I welcome your comments and advice on these and other topics that will help us to better serve you and the Academy. RSI

Thanks,

Ted Legasey, ’67

Nominations Open for AOG Boardof Directors

All graduate members of the Association of Graduates are eligible for nomination for election to the AOG Board of Directors. The nominating committee, a standing committee of the board, is responsible for identifying, researching, interviewing, evaluating and recommending to the board candidates for future board membership.

The nominating committee maintains a continual list of potential candidates for future elections. Names may be added to the list of nominees at any time by contacting the AOG president at 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475, or by e-mail to aog@aog-usafa.org.

Board members serve a term of four years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. A two-year break is required before serving again. Approximately half of thedirector positions are open for election every two years in odd-numbered years. Board members are volunteers and must attend quarterly board meetings in Colorado Springs at their own expense.

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Our photo galleries at www.usafa.org show you tomorrow’s leaders today.

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SUPERINTENDENT'S Tilote

Lt. Gen. John Rosa

Greetings

graduates, parents and friends of the Academy, with roughly seven months under my belt here at the Academy, things have almost settled into a rhythm. As I’m sure most of you are aware, we are fully engaged in a host of initiatives aimed at propelling the Academy to the next level of excellence. I’m confident that the steps we are taking to enhance our education, training and athletic programs will pay great dividends in the years to come. Here’s an update on some of the things that have happened over the last few months and some initiatives that are currently under way.

The Officer Development System

The Air Force is currently implementing an initiative called “Force Development,” a structured approach to develop officers with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to execute current and future missions. In a nutshell, Force Development is a series of experiences and challenges, combined with education and training

opportunities, designed to develop officers as airmen and leaders. Our graduates will continue their professional growth under this program.

To help cadets make the transition to this deliberate development concept, we instituted our Officer Development System (ODS) in January. The ODS is an integrated system for educating and training cadets to become leaders and officers of character. It marks a giant step in the conversion from the Academy’s “4th Class System” to one more appropriate to the U.S. Air Force of the 21st Century a “four-class system.” In their way and in their time, the training methods used at the Academy in years past proved useful and valuable in achieving the ultimate goal of graduating officers of character. Nonetheless, the USAF has changed, societal norms and mores have changed, and the young people entering the Academy have changed. The Officer Development System provides updated processes to prepare today’s cadets for service in tomorrow’s Air Force.

The Officer Development System involves all of the mission elements and encompasses every dimension of a cadet’s life intellectual, professional, physical, ethical, spiritual, social while remaining focused on character development. Emphasis varies in each year of the cadet experience. The objectives within each level of leadership reflect the maturity and experiences of the cadets as they progress through the Academy. Fourthclass cadets focus on personal leadership attributes. They are the “followers” who learn and live loyalty to Air Force core values, standards, missions andthe chain of command. Third-class cadets focus on interpersonal leadership skills. They serve as role models and excel as “wingmen” to the upper two classes. They coach the fourth-classmen in the ways of the loyal follower. Second-class cadets focus on team leadership and are the loyal followers of their leaders. They develop the thirdclassmen to become workers and mentors and train the fourth-classmen as loyal followers. First-class cadets focus on organi-

zational leadership. Firsties develop their second-class workers and mentors, shape third-class role modeling, and inspire the fourth-classmen in loyal followership.

Col. Dana Born, ’83, permanent professor and head of the department of behavioral sciences and leadership, led the team that developed the concepts and strategy for implementing the Officer Development System. Col. Born’s team used Air Force leadership doctrine, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy doctrine, the existing AcademyTraining Philosophy, and numerous other sources as the foundation for ODS processes and policies. More than 300 cadre members volunteered and received training in late December and early January. The cadre taught cadets the basics of the Officer Development System in an intensive, interactive “down day” in mid-January. My new mobilization assistant, Maj. Gen. Kathy Thomas, is leading a team focused on sustaining all ODS efforts. Stay tuned there is much more to come! Please visit www.usafa.org for detailed information on the Officer Development System.

I can’t adequately express my thanks to themembers of the Crisis Action Team (CAT) who deployed here in October to assist us in our work on the Officer Development System and on compliance with the “Agenda for Change.” Their tireless efforts working alongside our staffand faculty added synergies and competencies to our cause. Col. Dave LaRivee, ’80, and the rest of his team have our utmost appreciation for a job exceedingly well done.

34th Training Wing

Our Center for Character Development continues to provide some of the best ethics-in-leadership seminars in the nation. During CORONA, several top Air Force officers (including our chief of staff, Gen. John Jumper) attended the Academy Character Enrichment Semi

nar with 35 first-class cadets and shared personal dilemmas and difficult choices they faced while on active duty. Feedback from the generals, cadets and staff was extremely positive.

Last month, the Academy once again hosted the National Character and Leadership Symposium. Hundreds ofvisiting students and scholars from all across America came to the Academy for thisannual event. This year’s symposium focused on team excellence participants heard from living legends such as former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden and coach Bill Yoast, one of the actual heroes from the movie “Remember the Titans.” In all, nearly 50 speakers and more than 120 visiting students participated.

Finally, our cadets donated more than 8,800 hours of community service from August through November, helping in Veteran’s Day events, mentoring local high school students, serving as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and working at many other projects in thelocal community. They put the core value of “service before self” into practice and lefttheir mark on the community in ways that will last well beyond their tenure here.

Our spring semester military training theme is “Back to Basics;” we are re-emphasizing the high standards expected in the world’s greatest air and space force. The 34th Training Group is overhauling our

Cadet Military Training lessons, integrating them with the Officer Development System. We recently formed a tiger team to revise the cadet disciplinary system. Our goal is to move away from a system based largely on Forms 10, demerits and marching tours to the system graduates will encounter in the operational Air Force. We initiated training opportunities to help with this transition; training will continue during the spring semester. We are committed to providing our cadets the same tools employed on active duty.

Brig. Gen. Weida selected Col. Steve Baker, ’81, to oversee Basic Cadet Training for the Class of 2008. Col. Baker recently visited Lackland ALB to benchmark on the Air Force’s Basic Military Training. He also visited our sister service academies in January to gain other useful information and ideas which we will integrate into our BCT.

Within the 34th Education Group, changes are also afoot. The core, 100-level Military Strategic Studies (MSS) course was revised to provide greater depth and to focus more on “how to learn” versus “what to know.” Since our future leaders will be called upon to lead in ways we can’t imagine now, we are providing a classroom syllabus that exposes students to complex problem situations.

MSS 400, our “Joint and Coalition Warfare” course, has also undergone a major transformation. The goal of this

core course is to instill in all cadets an operational-level understanding of U.S. service capabilities and how they cooperate to effectively achieve national security objectives. The course introduces students to issues involved with joint and combined military operations. Central themes include U.S. service doctrines, joint command structure, combined warfare issues, and employment considerations for air, ground and sea forces across the entire range of military operations. We reengineered the syllabus to incorporate a heavy dose of computer wargame scenarios, giving cadets “hands on” practice with these concepts.

The Education Group recently commissioned four new Frasca 241 simulators. The Frasca 241 employs cutting-edge technology. Each simulator four-ship is networked together, sharing the same virtual world. Simulator networking, 120-degree visual field display, scalable weather, integrated air defense simulation, radar warning receiver threat indications, and advanced avionics yield a truly remarkable educational device for the Academy. With a total ofeight operational simulators, we have increased capacity to support our MSS aviation courses.

The 34th Operations Group continues to methodically integrate the TG-10 family of gliders and the TG-14 motorglider, focusing on the safety and success of our core soaring programs. The flight testing required for integration of the TG-14 into the soaring curriculum is nearly complete. The size and quality of our cadet-instructor force continues to grow, creating a solid foundation for the “Soar-For-All” program. Our rated officer force continues to gain motorglider qualification and proficiency and is on-track to meet full summer operations.

USAFA’s “Wings of Blue” parachute team was featured in a new History Channel show called “Guts and Bolts.” The story focused on parachute technology and

featured the host, dim Beggy, experiencing an abbreviated version of parachute training. The piece culminated with Beggy doing a tandem parachute jump with the “Wings of Blue.” The show was seen by more than 1.5 million people during its three air dates. The “Wings of Blue” also participated in the national celebration of the Centennial of Flight. The week-long festivities included jumps by the “Wings of Blue” on Military Aviation Celebration Day, Celebration of 100 Aviation Heroes Day, and the final day celebrating “Twelve Seconds that Changed the World.” The “Wings of Blue” was also featured in both the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl festivities.

In January, our new control tower began full operations. This $6.1 million project consolidated the separate operations of

the East Control Tower (controlling the east runway and pattern) and Skytrain West (controlling the center and west runways and patterns) into one air traffic control facility. The new tower greatly increases the coordination and safety of the Academy’s airspace, and theattached support facility provides state-of-the-art classrooms for aviation education and mission briefings. The control tower, with

its unique design, has already become a recognizable Academy landmark.

The Athletic Department had numerous successes. Three cadet athletes earned Academic All-American honors: C1C Ryan Carter for football, Casey Chronister in men’s soccer and C1C Delavane Diaz in volleyball. Diaz also won a Rhodes Scholarship, becoming the first cadet athlete since 1991 to earn the honor. Two coaches were recognized as being the best: Cross Country Coach Mark Stanforth was named Mountain West Conference (MWC) Coach of the Year as he led the squad to the Academy’s first MWC title and an 8th place national finish, and Football Offensive Coordinator Chuck Petersen earned the American Football Coaches Association’s Assistant

Coach of the Year award. Finally, 29 cadets scored a perfect 500 on the PFT.

Academics

Our cadets upheld the Academy’s reputation for academic excellence. As noted earlier, ClC Delavane Diaz won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University. She is one ofonly 32 U.S. recipients ofthe Rhodes Scholarship this year. ClC Katie Dildy, last

semesters cadet wing commander, received the Holaday Scholarship and will also study at Oxford. C1C Miriam Krieger and C1C James Valpiani won prestigious Marshall Scholarships for study anywhere in the U.K. Only 40 of these scholarships are awarded each year in the U.S.

This fall semester set a record for academic performance. Forty-eight percent of theCadet Wing had a 3.0 or greater GPA, and we hadthelowest number ofdeficient cadets ever. Our fourth-class (Class of 2007) cadets had an average GPA of 2.92 the highest ever. "Phis is an excellent testimony to the caliber of our cadets, faculty and academic programs.

The Academy continues to earn glowing national recognition as an academic institution. We received several top-10 ratings by The Princeton Review in their 2004 issue of “The Top 351 Colleges and Universities.” We also ranked 6th in the nation for the Best Undergraduate Engineering program and 2nd for Air and Space Related Engineering in the 2004 U.S. News and World Report rankings. We recently received increased funding (now $2.5M per year) from the Air Staff for our visiting faculty program, enabling us to continue attracting the highest-quality faculty for our cadets. The program allows all 19 academic departments to hire a distinguished visiting faculty member each year, supplementing our faculty with civilian educators from institutions of higher education and governmental agencies. These civilian educators bring vital expertise to the Academy and return to their permanent positions with a broader awareness ofthe Air Force.

In the past two years, external funding of USAFA research has nearly tripled. Last year alone, it has increased by 56 percent to $13.3 million. Participation in USAFA research is phenomenal, with 337 departmental faculty and staff and 230 cadets involved in a variety of projects from the

FalconSat-3 satellite to glaucoma research to understanding the complex flow around the V-22 and solving the twin-tail buffet problem on fighters. Lastly, our science and engineering research centers continued to nurture Air Force-relevant interdisciplinary work of very high quality, as evidenced by the growing number of research awards earned by our cadets and faculty members.

Admissions

As the Class of 2004 prepares to move on, were getting ready for the entrance of a new class offuture Air Force officers. Our efforts in recruiting have been nothing less than “outstanding.” As a result of our lieutenants performing a one-year tour in admissions, cadets spending some oftheir Thanksgiving break talking to prospective candidates, our admission Web sites, and our permanentparty admissions team, there is a very real possibility of seeing a record number of applications for the Class of 2008. Nearly 12,000 youngAmericans have applied since the beginning of the academic year this is an increase of 17 percent compared to the same time last year.

Consistent with our desire to bring men and women with the highest character and leadership standards, we instituted a new admission process to give each qualified candidate’s file a more comprehensive review. Files are first reviewed by a selections panel to determine which candidates should be offered appointments. This panel is made up of representatives from across the faculty and 34th Training Wing. Files from candidates who are not selected from the first selections panel review then receive a second, more holistic review by a separate selections panel. We hope this expanded effort will result in an increase in the quality ofthe officers we produce.

10th Air Base Wing

After eight months ofthe Academy remaining closed to visitors, we re-opened the CHECKPOINTS, WINTER 2004

northern portion of the installation to the public. Visitors and event attendees are now able to enter through the north gate to visit the Cadet Chapel, Visitor Center, Arnold Hall, Field House facilities, and cadet athletic fields. This new security initiative can be modified based on force protection conditions and threat levels. This initiative balanced force protection concerns with our desire to reopen the Academy to the American people.

The Academy faces the same infrastructure problems common to all small cities, and most of o ur facilities are almost 50 years old. This past year, we received funds for record levels of construction as a result, we have undertaken the largest construction effort since the Academy was built. Some exciting new facilities have recently been completed. As noted earlier, a new airfield control tower

provides integrated control ofall airmanship activities on the busiest daytime-operated airfield in the Air Force. A new $ 19 million athletic facility with a 21,000 square-foot weight room provides a state-of-the-ait facility for our athletes. Another $11 million project is currently underway to renovate the Cadet Field House, making our athletic facilities second to none. Fhe seven-phase Sijan Hall cadet dormitory renovation is nearing completion. In March, we will start the final phase. This eight-year, $45.7 million investment significantly improves the quality of our dorms.

Fhe third phase of the Fairchild Hall renovation was completed

in September 2002. We are anticipating Congressional approval of the next phase in Fall 2005. When all five phases are complete, the academic facility will have received a $75 million face-lift, including many modern classroom and laboratory features.

As a final thought, I want to emphasize what a privilege and honor it is to serve as Superintendent. My very first priority is to make the Academy the finest institution for producing leaders of character. Together, with our outstanding staff, faculty, cadets and graduates, our future is boundless. We kicked the tires. We lit the fires! Now let’s fly! S3

The American SoldierNamed Time Magazine

“2003 Person ofthe Year”

By K.L. Vantran, American ForcesPress Service

Three 1st Armored Division soldiers Sgt. Ronald Buxton, Spc. Billie Grimes and Sgt. Marquette Whiteside recently graced the cover of Time magazine. They represent “The American Soldier” all men and women in uniform who havebeen chosen as Times ‘2003 Person of the Year.”

“For uncommon skills and service, for the choices each one of them has made and the ones still ahead, for the challenge ofdefending not only our freedoms but those barely stirring half a world away, the American soldier is Time’s Person of the Year,”’ Editor-at-Large Nancy Gibbs wrote in the opening essay ofthe magazine.

“By naming the American soldier as ‘Person of the Year,’ we’re using that term in its broadest sense, to stand for all of those in a U.S. uniform who go in harm’s way, including the Navy’s sailors, the airmen and women of the Air Force and the Marines,” Managing Editor Jim Kelly wrote in a letter to readers.

Fhe magazine cover is a “fitting tribute to these young men and women who have volunteered to serve their country and are over there doing a superb job,” Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said on CNN’s Late Edition with WolfBlitzer Dec. 21.

Time officials said the magazine’s naming of a “Person of the Year” recognizes “the person or persons who most affected the news and our lives, for good or for ill, and embodied what was important about the year, for better or for worse.”

The war in Iraq dominated the magazine’s covers during the last year, said Mark Thompson, Washington correspondent for Time. In the October-November time frame, he said, nominees included President Bush and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. Thompson said the more Time officials talked about the cover, the more they realized that it should be the carpenter’s tools and not the carpenter they honored, so they opted for the soldier.

“It’s a grand choice,” said Thompson, who has been in Afghanistan and flown over northern Iraq with U.S. troops.

Time’s tradition of naming a “Person of the Year” began in 1927 when the “Man of the Year” honor, as it was then called, went to Charles Lindbergh for his solo flight over the Atlantic. Since then the title has gone to individuals as well as the “Endangered Earth” (1989) and “The Computer” (1982).

This isn’t the first time the magazine has chosen U.S. military members for its annual honor. “The American Fighting-Man” was Time’s “Man of the Year” in 1950 as the Korean War was being fought.

“The American fighting-man could not win this struggle without millions ofallies and it was the unfinished (almost never started) business ofhis government to find and mobilize those allies. But the allies would never be found unless the American fighting man first took his post and did his duty,” Time wrote in its Jan. 1, 1951, issue. S

Drop Usa Line!

The staffof Checkpoints works hard to provide you with important and pertinent articles about what’s happening within the graduate community as well as around the terrazzo.

As we work to improve the quality of this magazine, we need to know what you think about the job were doing. Our goal is to make each edition of Checkpoints more enjoyable than the last and your suggestions will help us reach that goal.

Ifyou would like to let us know how were doing, just e-mail us at editor@aog-usafa.org. Or you can mail your letter to:

Association of Graduates Checkpoints Magazine Editor 3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Communication office wins major awards, recognized byCASE

The staffof the AOC’s communication’s office was recently recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education District VI for excellence in communications. Vice President for Communication Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, Bob McAllister, Sarah Wright, Ken Wright, Chris Stewart and Tom Kroboth produce all of the AOC’s communication pieces, including Checkpoints magazine, the Register ofGraduates, Donor Report Parents Handbook, videos, brochures and pamphlets, posters, letters, invitations, and maintain the AOG Web site and many other products.

CASE desginated the communications team the second-place sweepstakes award for the AOC’s overall communication efforts the most competitive category in rhe awards program. Checkpoints winning at CASE for the second consecutive year received the bronze award for excellence in the fourcolor magazine competition. Designer Sarah Wright received the gold award for excellence in editorial design for her design of “Recognition,” which appeared in Checkpoints spring 2003.

Congratulations to the AOC and its communications staff

he 18 men and women who make up the Association of Graduates Board of Directors could not better reflect the diversity and success of the Air Force Academy’s Long Blue Line. Comprising doctors, lawyers, astronauts and general officers, this group in many ways reflects the realization of the American dream, but their successes did not come without hard work, perseverance and dedication.

As we celebrate the Academy’s 50th anniversary, we would like to share with you a glimpse ofwho these extraordinary people are and how they plan to provide valuable leadership to the Association ofGraduates and the Academy.

BILL MAYWHORT, ’68

ill Maywhort graduated from the Academy in 1968. After serving 10 years in the Air Force, he went on to work at Holland &■ Hart L.L.P in Englewood, Colo., where he currently serves as partner. Maywhort was elected to the AOG Board ofDirectors in 1999; his term will expire in 2007.

How important has the Academy been in your life?

Perhaps more than any other singular experience, the Academy taught me to realize that my opportunities in life were virtually limitless.

With the education and training that the Academy provided, I gained

theself-confidenceand initiative to pursue those opportunities and the potential to achieve them.

Why didyou decide to volunteeryour time to serve on the board? Service on the hoard ofthe AOG has not only allowed me to “re-connect' with the Academy and its graduates, but also to attempt, in some small measure, to repay the enormous debt of gratitude that I owe to the institution itself. In this case, of course, the institution is defined by its people those who came before, those who are there now, and those who will follow tomorrow. To whatever extent I am able, I would like to ensure that the educational, character-building and leadership opportunities afforded to the cadets oftoday and tomorrow are at least as strong if not stronger - than those that were laid out before me 40 years ago.

What are your strengths andattributes that contribute to the board?

Introspection can be a rather difficult (and humbling) task, so I can only assess the qualities that I believe I bring to the board, which are not necessarily the qualities that others may see or fail to see. In many respects, I believe the qualities are the same that originally drew me to the practice oflaw-— qualities that keep that practice as fresh and exciting today as it was more than 30 years ago specifically, intellectual curiosity, a genuine interest in people and a desire to serve others.

What role should the boardplay in representing its members?

As the Board has evolved from a “working” board to a “policy” board, it has become increasingly important for the board to ensure that the AOG’s mission statement remains the “Polaris” of its various activities and initiatives. Today, the AOG manages more than $20 million in assets. The board has a special responsibility to make certain that the AOG’s stewardship of these assets

JOHN MOORE, 78

John Moore graduated from the Academy in 1978. After serving seven years in the Air Force, he began his career as a leader in civilian industry. He currently serves as the senior vice president of information systerns for Best Buy Company Inc. Maywhort was elected to the AOG Board of Directors in 1999; his term will expire in 2007.

How important has the Academy been in your life?

Although I certainly didn’t appreciate it at the time, my years at the Academy have played an extremely important role in my life. The lessons around leadership, teamwork, coping under pressure, and most importantly the lessons around honor and character prepared me so well for bothlife in and out ofthe military. In addition, the quality of the education and the way it was delivered has been instrumental in learning how to prioritize, work quickly and think outside the box.

Why didyou decide to volunteeryour time to serve on the board?

Like many graduates I know, I couldn’t wait to get away from the Academy on graduation day and was convinced if I never saw the place again, that would be fine with me. However, as I have gotten

is consistent with its mission “to provide leadership and service to the graduate community, support for the Academy mission and preservation of institutional heritage and tradition.”

Is there room for improvement? No question. An unfortunate by-product of the growth of any organization as well as the growth ofthe constituency that it serves is the risk of depersonalizing the organization itself and distancing it from its constituency. In the years since the AOG was formed, that constituency - the graduate community has increased by more than tenfold. Today, our graduate members represent a cross section of ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds not to mention life experiences that could hardly have been imagined in 1967. This fact, alone, suggests the new challenges that lay before the board to facilitate communication with our members, to gain better insight and understanding of the issues that concern them, to serve as a representational “voice” for our members, and to increase the transparency of the AOG’s operations.

older and, hopefully, a little wiser, I have grown to appreciate the quality ofthe education, the experiences and the many good friends I made from my time there. I wanted to help ensure that current cadets had all ofthe opportunities I had to learn many ofthe same lessons that I had, particularly in the areas ofhonor and character development, and that my participation on the board could help in some small way. In addition, I was looking for some way to give back a little bit in ways other than just contributing money.

What are your strengths and attributes that contribute to the board?

Hopefully, I bring some corporate expertise to the board around managing large budgets, large organizations and large projects. In addition, I have enjoyed the opportunity to share some insight about getting the association’s information technology organization where it needs to be.

What role should the boardplay in representing its members?

Like its membership, I think it is important for the board members to bring a diverse set of opinions and advice in forming policy for our AOG. In particular, we have a strong responsibility to stay true to the spirit of the established bylaws and to be good stewards of the resources that our graduate community has been so generous in donating. H

AFA Launches Officer Development System

BY BRIG. GEN. JOHN WEIDA, 78 COMMANDANT OF CADETS

“DevelopingAirmen: The ultimate source ofairandspace combat capability resides in the men and women oftheAir Force. The Service'sfirstpriority is to ensure they receive the precise education training andprofessional development necessary to provide them a quality edge second to none.

“Through the new Force Development construct theAir Force has a transformed visionfor how it trains educates promotes andassigns the Total Force in a more deliberate coordinatedand connected approach one grounded in doctrine.

—Air Force Transformation Flight Plan 2003

GRADUATES, FRIENDS OF THE AFA AND PARENTS OF CURRENT CADETS,

in December oflast year, the Air Force Academy launched our Officer Development System (ODS). The ODS roll out was the result ofmonths ofwork by an integrated Tiger Team lead by Col. Dana Born, ’83, Department of Behavior Sciences and Leadership, and Col. Dave LaRivee, ’80, USAFA Crisis Action Team Chief. We are extremely excited about ODS because ofthe impact we think it will have in focusing all of our efforts in developing officers ofcharacter who can lead and survive in combat.

In order for you to fully understand ODS, we have printed the ODS pamphlet in this edition of Checkpoints. I highly encourage you to read the entire ODS pamphlet and discuss it with AFA staff, faculty and cadets. We have all been trained extensively on ODS and stand ready to answer your questions. What follows is a series of questions and answers we

have heard graduates ask in the numerous sessions Lt. Gen. Rosa and I have had since the launching of ODS.

Q: Many believe ODS is a result ofthe sexualassaultscandal but aren’t there other reasons to adopt this new trainingphilosophy?

A: ODS was not launched because ofthe sexualassault scandal. ODS was launched because the USAF has been working very diligently over the last several years on a new Force Development construct. The two quotes at the beginning ofthis article taken from the Air Force Transformation Flight Plan, describe the essence ofthe USAF Force Development effort. Simply put, the Air Fore is trying to be more deliberate in how it develops Airmen; the right job, with the right skills, in the right place.

The AFA ODS was developed using the USAF Force Development as its guiding principle. Additionally, our team used the following sources to shape the ODS:

- AFDD 1-1 Leadership and Force Development (draft AF Doctrine Center publication in the final stages of development)

Cadet Leadership Development System (West Point)

- The Armed Forces Officer (currently being rewritten by a tiger team from USAFA, USMA,USNA, and JCS J-7)

The ODS, if implemented correctly, will propel the AFA to the next level ofexcellence. Instead ofleaving character development to chance, ODS will help us educate and train our young warriors in a more deliberate manner. No longer will cadets be left to figure out how to lead and follow by trial and error. ODS required us to develop a four-year integrated education and training plan. We intend to give robusteducation and training to cadets before they are given a leadership position. And we will counsel, mentor, and coach them during their leadership development opportunities. Remember when you were selected for a leadership position in the Cadet Wing? Did you receive training up front? I suspect ifyou were like most cadets, you did not. We owe them better. Our 21st century threat environment requires more also.

Great organizations always change and improve. Whether in business or the military, organizations that refuse to change and improve are destined to fail. Our world has changed. The threat environment is different than it was when we were cadets, society is different, and today’s young men and women are different. The fact that we are implementing ODS is not an indictment of the past, rather it is a recognition of the need to always improve and adapt to the realities of a new environment.

Finally, ODS initiated a four-class system that replaces our fourth-class system. Leadership and character development must be a continuous process. Further, the more experienced you are, the more is demanded of you. We intend to have a very challenging fourth-class year, but our focus has been on increasing thedemands on the upper three classes. More is expected ofleaders. We must create a training environment where cadet leaders are given the responsibility for developing their subordinates and are held accountable for the results. Further, it is crucial we allow our young warriors to use only leadership techniques they can use in the operational Air Force. Demeaning, harassing and dehumanizing treatment ofsubordinates has no place in the operational Air Force. If we do this right, each year will become more challenging, and each year will offer greater character and leadership growth!

What follows is a summary ofthe differences between the Academy Training Philosophy (ATP) used in the past and the ODS.

Officer Development System What’s New

□ Lacked identity

□ Consequence management

□ Toleration of the wrong tools

□ Fourth-class focus

□ Front-runner focus

□ Limited participants

□ Poor integration of activities

□ Top-down direction

□ Ad hoc assessment process

□ Lots of theory

□ Great officers

ODS

■=t> Focused on officership

■^Development leadership

*=>Solid link to officer toolset

•=>All classes develop

^All members involved

OUSAFA-wide program

^Deliberate, integrated plan

^Increased cadet role

<> Formal assessment process

Lots of practice with tools

OEven greater officers

Q: Does changingfrom the Cadet Disciplinary System (CDS) to the Air Force Disciplinary System (AFDS) introduce a greater level of“legalism” into theprocess, where dueprocessfor cadets may he taken to the extreme?

A: First, some background on this change. Two disciplinary systems have always existed at the AFA for cadets. The CDS, which consisted ofdemerits, tours, confinements, and conduct and aptitudeprobation. The CDS covered a range ofoffenses, ranging from minor uniform or room infractions, to serious conduct offenses (sex in the dorms, alcohol incidents, outside limits, etc). In addition, cadets have always been subject to the Uniform Code ofMilitaryJustice and could receive the full range ofdisciplinary actions, up to and including non-judicial punishment (Articles 15) and courts martial. Severalcadets have received Articles 15 and have been court martialed over the years.

Having two disciplinary systems was extremely difficult for commanders at times. The same crime could be handled either through the CDS or the AFDS. Starting with one system could hinder your ability to use the other if the facts/circumstances changed (i.e. a seemingly minor offense initially being handled with the CDS may require action under the AFDS after allthe facts are known).

However, and most importantly, why not develop young officers using the entire leadership tool kit available to them once

they are Lieutenants? Giving cadet leaders four years of experience using the Air Force disciplinary system will better prepare them for the challenges they will face once they graduate. Plus, the AFDS is focused on development and is much more positive in nature than the CDS. The AFDS demands intensive interpersonal, team and organizational leadership skills. The AFDS requires leaders spend considerable time dealing with their subordinates face to face. Over the years, the CDS as executed did not demand a developmental approach, and it was all too easy to let it simply be a paperwork drill.

To be frank, those who have the most difficult time with this change do not seem to understand the AFDS. Under the AFDS, there is enormous flexibility to deal with subordinates in a way that maximizes their development. All the tools are available, from a good old fashioned chewing out to life in prison. Thetool the leader uses depends on the follower and the situation. The CDS tended to be entirely too rigid and impersonal. As a result, at times cadets would play games with the system (i.e. they would calculate in advance the benefit/cost ofcommitting an infraction).

As in the operational Air Force, cadets will be able to administer the AFDS according to their rank and position. A cadet commander will be able to use the following developmental tools: verbal counseling, letter ofcounseling, letter of admonishment, and loss ofprivileges. If an offense requires a letter of reprimand, the Air Officer Commanding will have to administer it. Articles 15 can be issued only by the commandant.

Q: Will a letter ofreprimand (LOR) or Article 15 in an unfavorable informationfile (UIF)follow a cadet into his officer career? Ifso, won’t that hurt his/her career? Do ROTC cadets face the same consequences?

A: Recall that giving a cadet an Articles 15 for a serious offense is not new. Second, LORs and Articles 15 are given only for very serious offenses (DUIs, sexual harassment, misuse ofgovernment credit cards, etc). Third, an LOR or Article 15 generates an automatic UIF. The UIF stays in your record for two years and is visible to your commander.

Will this hurt their career? It totally depends on the individual. If they learn from their offense and dedicate themselves to growth and developing their character, they most probably won’t suffer any lasting effects on their career. Remember, promotion to first lieutenant is on a fully qualified basis; it is not a competitive promotion. If they do not get in any more trouble as a second lieutenant, they will makethe next rank with no sweat.

How about ROTC cadets? First, ROTC cadets are not subject to the UCMJ until they take the Oath of Office when they are

commissioned. Prior to that point, they are only subject to the conditions of their scholarship contract. Failure to meet the conditions of their contract can result in recoupment of the cost oftheir tuition and/or a tour ofduty in the enlisted ranks following graduation.

Q: Does the new training systemprovide the same level of “stress” and challengesforfourth classmen that helpedshapepast graduates, build class bonds, etc. ?

A: Bottom line: We intend to plan and execute a demanding fourth-class year, one filled with tremendous character development. However, as stated earlier, we need to really focus on the upper three classes and ensure each year becomes more of a leadership challenge. We need to better educate and train our upper-class leaders in order for them to maximize thebenefits of the leadership opportunities at the AFA. What follows is a brief summary of the improvements we are making to our education and training programs:

- We now have a core academic course dedicated solely to leadership. The course contains the essence of ODS.

- Education and certification required for each key leadership position

- A yearly training/education plan; working toward an integrated four year plan

- Operations Orders for each major summer program. The OPORDs will spell out required objectives, standards and graduation requirements.

- More robust training for summer cadet cadre

- Extensive use ofTDY military training instructors from Lackland AFB before and during BCT

Close coordination and benchmarking with West Point and Annapolis. Our fourth-class years are very similar in all respects.

A few more thoughts on the fourth-class year before we move on. First, those who say BCT for the Class of 2007 was easy weren’t there. They endured the hottest July in 25 years during their time out in Jacks Valley. The Assault Course was as tough, if not tougher, than it was in the summer of 1974! And I can say without a doubt, the Obstacle Course they went through was far more difficult than the one I went through not to mention the Leadership Reaction Course, Operation Warrior, and the Confidence Course! Further, BCT culminated with a 35 mile Warrior Run through the Ramparts!

Finally, the academic year for them has been right in line with the other academies, who professionalized their training programs in the 90s.

Q: Please comment on Operation Phoenix itspurpose and why it didn't work well thisyear. Do you plan on having some type of “crucible” like event to make the Fourth Classfeel the sense ofpridepastgraduatesfelt at the end oftheir Doolieyear?

A: Operation Phoenix (OP), conducted in late November last year, was planned to be the culminating exercise ofphase two of the fourth-class year. Phase one was BCT. The fourth classmen are now in phase three. Phase three will end just before Graduation. The fourth classmen will get their Prop and Wings at the end of phase three.

We were partially disappointed in the overalleffect of OP. But there were several valuable aspects. The theme rooms were incredible! They were well thought out andhad a huge impact on the Fourth Class in most squadrons. Further, sports day was awesome. The competition was intense. Seeing all the cadets in the squadrons competing together, to include intercollegiate athletes, was super. Flowever, the weather had a big impact on several of the events. We had to cancel the squadron runs due to ice on the roads. We also had to conduct several courses inside, greatly reducing their impact.

The biggest disappointment was the lack ofintensity on the part ofthe cadet leadership. They simply could not bridge the gap between not being allowed to yell, scream, and demean, and still make the training demanding. That is why ODS is so crucial to our future. ODS will give them tools to strike the balance between making training demanding, yet still treat their teammates with respect and dignity; just like we do in the operational Air Force!

We are planning an exercise during the same timeframe next year. The specifics are still being hammered out, but the basic objectives include:

Involving all four classes

- Focusing on existing squadron units (i.e. elements, flights, etc.)

- Counting results toward Honor Squadron

- Centering training around ODS outcomes

Q: What has been the reaction ofcadets to the ODS? How about the staffandfaculty?

A: We have trained the entire AFA on ODS. All cadets, officers, enlisted and civilians on the AFA have received extensive training. The staff and faculty were trained first. Further, we

selected three-person teams from across all mission elements to instruct and facilitate the training for the cadets. The team building from this effort was amazing. We now have hundreds of experts on ODS to help integrate the system into the fabric ofAFA life.

We conducted surveys after the training to determine our effectiveness. The results were very positive. Not all are on board yet, but the vast majority think we are on the right track. As each day goes by, we hear more and more about the benefits of ODS.

One final word of caution: We are just beginning this effort. Think of ODS as a marathon; we are just completing mile one of our journey of excellence. We have lots of hard work left to do!

Q: How are you going to getfeedback and assess the success of thisprogram?

A: We are going to track our progress in several ways. First, we have spent the last several months refining the metrics we track to chart our progress in a number of key areas. Second, we are in the final stages of building an internal assessment program. The primary tools of our internal assessment program are surveys. We have given several to date and have a plan for several more.

Equally important is to build an external assessment tool to measure our success in the eyes of the operational Air Force. Specifically, we need to ask the Air Force every year how our graduates measure up to the ten ODS outcomes you will read about in the pamphlet in this magazine. We need to ask commanders, supervisors and graduates every year how we are doing.

Final notes: Following this article is the ODS pamphlet. We highly encourage you to read it and then read it again. In it you will find the foundations of our profession. In it you will find the essence ofAir Force leadership. You will also find a practical leadership growth model. The leadership growth model is the tool that we are educating and training our cadets to use in their every day experience here at the AFA not only at the AFA, but most importantly, when they graduate. That is the beauty of the ODS. It is directly applicable to the operational Air Force.

We value your feedback. Ifyou have any constructive comments on ODS, please pass them to the AOG who will ensure we get them. This is an exciting time for our Academy. We have lots ofwork to do, but we are well on our way to taking our institution to the next level of excellence! H

USAFA Officer Development System

Before long, you will be asked to raise your right hand and take the Oath of Office as an officer in the United States Air Force. Between now and then, your task is to prepare yourself to meet the challenges of this high calling.

A military leader must inspire others to accomplish the mission despite inconvenience, self-sacrifice and, often, life-threatening danger. Character inspires. Officers without character cannot be truly effective leaders. Thus, the mission of our Academy: To graduate lieutenants of character to lead the world’s greatest air and space force.

It is a distinct privilege to serve our nation as an officer in the United States Air Force a privilege, founded on integrity, that brings with it great responsibility. The Officer Development Systern (ODS) will help prepare you asa leader and as a characterbased officer in service to your Nation a noble calling.

I wish you success in your future service to our Nations Air Force.

JOHN W. ROSA, Lt. Gen., USAF Superintendent

FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINE STATEMENTS

Leadership is the art and science of influencing and directing people to accomplish the mission.

Officers of character develop best through a deliberate process, one that aims to produce exactly the right capabilities to meet the Air Force’s operational needs and to become leaders of character for our nation.

Force Development is a series of experiences and challenges, combined with education and training opportunities that are directed at producing officers who possess the requisite skills, knowledge, experience, motivation, and essential elements of character to lead and execute the full spectrum ofAir Force missions.

OFFICER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

Why was the Officer Development System (ODS) created?

The United States Air Force Academy’s (USAFA’s) ODS is founded on the idea that professional commitments can be fostered through deliberate connections to the principles of professional military service. ODS provides a holistic framework designed to coordinate and integrate cadet developmental activities across their entire four-year experience with emphasis on cadet ownership. Above all else, it focuses on character-based officership and prepares cadets for a career of continual professional development in service to the Air Force and the nation.

The threefold purpose of ODS is to:

1. Develop each cadet’s appreciation that being an officer is a noble way oflife

2. Foster a commitment to character-based officership

3. Develop competencies essential to this identity as a character-based officer-leader.

Members of a noble profession must understand the obligations of their commitment. For the commitment to last, it must be able to withstand critical examination and still be appreciated as genuinely worthwhile. For the commitment to endure over a career, it must be worth your life. Only then will the commitment survive as an integral aspect of an individual’s identity. The ODS will guide cadets through this critical examination to ensure they gain an understanding of the challenges and rewards of character-based officership.

USAFA graduates must be committed to the identity of an officer ofcharacter. This commitment provides the focus and

motivation for the training, education, and experiences that comprise the developmental process. Developing commitment means creating conditions so that cadets will appreciate the value of their profession’s service. This is an especially challenging task today, for society’s needs may seem distant and vague when compared to a glittering technology or occupational specialty. The ODS is meant to help USAFA meet this challenge bystrengthening a developing officer’s commitment to character-based officership relative to any competing loyalties to a technology or specialty.

Finally, the ODS is also designed to develop the competencies and values that support officers in their service careers and beyond.

The ODS is the first step for cadets in the Air Force’s overarching Force Development (FD) Program. ODS emphasizes the tactical objectives of the broader Air Force program while laying the foundationfor attaining FD’s operational and strategic outcomes. By systematically pursuing these outcomes in a deliberate, integrated process as described by the ODS, the Academy will graduate deeply motivated, highly competent, character-based officers oriented toward the Air Force’s requirements and toward developing qualities of leadership and strategic thinking.

CHARACTER-BASED OFFICERSHIP

What is character-based officership? Officers are leaders of character who are not only shaped by what they know and do, but also by a deeply held understanding and acceptance ofwhat it means to be a commissioned officer. To prepare for the innumerable challenges of military service as an officer, cadets must reflect upon and develop a personal understanding of the unique characteristics and obligations of their chosen profession.

The essence of character-based officership is captured in the Oath of Office and Air Force core values.

The Air Force Officer’s Oath of Office outlines the concept ofofficership, illuminating the depth of both the physical and spiritual commitments:

...to support and defend the Constitution ofthe United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; to bear truefaith and allegiance to the same; and to well andfaithfully discharge the duties ofthe office upon which lam about to enter...

The Air Force Core Values provide the moral code that guides airmen fulfilling these commitments:

Integrity First... Service Before Self...

Excellence in All We Do C>

Integrity is the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking. It provides our “moral compass” the inner voice of self-control; the basis for trust at the Air Force Academy and in the Air Force. Integrity is the single most important part ofyour character and forms the very foundation of the military profession. Elements ofthis first core value are:

Courage. A person of integrity possesses moral courage and does what is right regardless ofpersonal cost.

Honesty. In the service, one’s word is binding. Honesty is the foundation of trust andthe hallmark ofthe profession of arms.

Responsibility. Airmen acknowledge their duties and take responsibility for their own successes or failures.

Accountability. No person of integrity tries to shift the blame to others or take credit for another’s work.

Justice. A person of integrity treats all people fairly and with respect, regardless ofgender, race, ethnicity, or religion. Rewards and punishments must fit the behavior.

Openness. Airmen encourage a free flow ofinformation within an organization and seek feedback from subordinates, peers and superiors. They value candor as a mark ofloyalty, even when offering dissenting opinions or bearing bad news.

Self-Respect. Airmen respect themselves as professionals and as human beings. Airmen with integrity and self-respect behave in a manner that brings credit upon themselves, their organization, and the profession of arms.

Humility. Airmen comprehend the awesome task of defending the Constitution of the United States ofAmerica and realize they cannot do it alone. While airmen should be proud, they should not be arrogant or boastful.

Honor. A person of integrity upholds the traditions of sacrifice, courage, and success that mark Air Force heritage. Airmen strive to adhere to what is right, noble, and fair.

Without integrity, it is impossible to be an effective member of the profession of arms.

Service Before Self captures the selfless dedication to duty inherent in military life. It incorporates our responsibility to

accomplish the mission defined by our superiors and to serve the nation despite risk, danger, or personal inconvenience.

Service Before Selfis the one value that is most difficult for some members to internalize and generates numerous questions:

“Does this mean the Air Force should come before my health?

My family? My religion?” No, the Air Force should not supplant any ofthese treasures, but each Air Force officer must understand the imperative of military service: to obey lawful orders and to accomplish the mission successfully despite personal sacrifice. Service Before Self means your Air Force career must be managed with an eye toward what is best for the nation, not necessarily what is in your best interest nor personal desire. This Service core value includes:

Duty. To serve is to do your duty. Airmen have a duty to fulfill the unit’s mission. Service before selfincorporates performing all assigned tasks and responsibilities to the best of one’s ability. Professionals exercise judgment and understand rules exist for good reason. They follow rules unless there is a clear operational, legal, or moral reason to refuse or deviate.

Respect for Others. Airmen always act with the knowledge that all persons possess a fundamental worth as human beings. Good leaders place their peers and subordinates ahead ofpersonal needs or comfort.

Self-Discipline. Air Force leaders must act with confidence and cannot indulge themselves in self-pity, discouragement, anger, frustration, or defeatism. They must exercise selfdiscipline to make decisions and to ensure their loyalties to relationships or personal gain does not supercede loyalty to the Constitution, the Air Force, or the mission.

Self-Control. Airmen must refrain from exhibiting behavior and/or expressing attitudes that would bring discredit upon themselves, the Air Force, or the United States. This especially includes exercising control over anger, sexual conduct, use of alcohol, and other discrediting or criminal behavior.

Tolerance. Military professionals must remember that religion and other personal choices are a matter of individual conscience. Professionals must not use their position of power and influence to change the personal views of others, unless those views are in conflict with official guidance and laws.

Loyalty. Airmen should be loyal to their leaders, fellow airmen, the Air Force, and their country. American military professionals must demonstrate allegiance to the Constitution and loyalty to the chain of command, especially to the President andthe Secretary of Defense, regardless ofpolitical affiliation.

Excellence in All We Do challenges you to do your best at all times with all tasks. Excellencedemands innovation and dedication to improvement in all areas. This core value requires peak development in personal, organizational, and operational terms. It also calls for effective and efficient management of resources. Excellence in All We Do is an attitude as well as a performance standard.

Excellence complements the other core values of integrity and service before self by introducing a quantifiable, performancebased element to our values. By elevating excellence to a core value, we, as an institution, are saying that our mission is so vital to our nation’s security that achieving excellence is imperative. As warriors, we know this to be true. Excellence is not a luxury but rather a fundamental element of our daily performance that allows us to accomplish our mission safely and effectively Without a true commitment to excellence, we put lives in jeopardy

Regardless of previous background or prior attitudes, Air Force members must understand and adhere to standards of conduct expected by the American people and demanded by the military Officers and cadets must not abuse alcohoi or drugs, engage in improper sexual behavior, or violate established standards of military discipline. They must also take action to correct, stop, and/or report others who violate standards. Confronting or reporting others takes an internal motivation toward excellence.

Even though excellence is most easily measured in performance, the internal motivation that drives one to excellence is what is essential. Individuals can achieve excellent results in specific tasks, but the core value ofExcellence in All We Do requires a much deeper commitment. Each one of us must fully commit to achieving and maintaining excellence in every aspect of our roles as Air Force officers and develop a mindset in which anything less than excellence is unacceptable. Sustained excellence requires commitment, dedication, perseverance, and focus. If we fall short of excellence, we must learn from our mistakes, make necessary adjustments, pull ourselves up, and try again. The core value of Excellence includes:

Professional Excellence. Airmen must accomplish professional education, stay in physical and mental shape, and

continue to refresh general educational backgrounds such as military history and political science.

Community Excellence. Everyone must work together to successfully reach a common goal in an atmosphere free of fear. There must be mutual respect that involves viewing another person as an individual of fundamental worth.

Operations Excellence. Airmen must understand the importance of their role to the broader Air Force mission and maintain a total commitment to maximizing the effectiveness of their unit and the Air Force team.

The core values guide the way Air Force members live and perform and provide standards with which to evaluate the ethical climate ofall Air Force organizations. We recognize these core values as universal and unchanging in the profession of arms.

Why are the Oath and Core Values so important to Air Force Officers? Because the Oath and Core Values uniquely define the officer’s obligation to society.

We can elaborate on the commitment that officers need to make by examining the four overlapping attributes of characterbased officership.

Warrior Spirit... Professional... Leader ofCharacter... Servant ofthe Nation

Warrior Spirit. Regardless of duty location or occupational specialty, all officers must embody the warrior spirit; toughmindedness, tireless motivation, an unceasing vigilance, and a willingness to sacrifice their own lives for the country if necessary. While always preferring peace to war, officers hone their skills to ensure the Air Force is ever ready to “fly, fight, and win.” Air Force officers are committed to being the world’s premier air and space force. This is the warrior spirit.

Professional. Members of a profession hold a special place in American society. A professional officer embodies a unique competence and experience, authority delegated by the nation, and a distinct culture with a recognized code of ethics. Officers must never forget that they are public figures

accountable to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

Leader ofCharacter. Leaders ofcharacter demonstrate moral excellence reflected in their values and behavior. They set a personal example for all, whether in their units, organizations or society. Leaders ofcharacter seek to discover the truth, decide what is right, and thendemonstrate the courage to act accordingly always!

Servant of the Nation. Officers serve the Nation for one and only one purpose: to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Our nation places a special trust in the officer to provide security and to protect our democratic way of life and its values. This unique relationship requires a moral obligation, sense of duty, and total commitment to sacrifice one’s life if necessary. This attribute of officership reflects the relationship between the military profession and the nation, embraces the principle of military subordination to civilian control, and establishes each officer as a servant of the nation. It creates the moral foundation for an officer’s duty. Being a servant of the nation focuses activities on furthering the interests of the nation, not the individual.

If cadets are to embrace the identity of character-based officership, they must understand the significance of this commitment and appreciate its value to the society they serve. The primary focus of the initial phase of ODS is to help cadets explore and understand the multiple dimensions of character-based officership in order to develop this commitment.

CADET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The mission of the Air Force Academy is to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline, motivated to lead the world’s greatest air and space force in service to the nation.

How are cadets developed into officers? Officers of character develop through a deliberate process that focuses on a welldefined set of outcomes. To be successful, the process must rely on a series of experiences and challenges, combined with education and training opportunities that are consistent with Force Development used throughout the Air Force. It must be tailored to the competencies of cadets at each stage of development. The individual experiences must be delivered in a way that integrates activities across all mission elements and affects all dimensions of personal development. Finally, the developmental process must be executed within the framework of a practical developmental leadership model.

Warrior

The architects ofthe ODS recognized that the Academy serves as the initial phase of a decades-long process to develop many of the senior leaders ofthe Air Force. Thus, it is extremely important that cadets graduate with a solid foundation in the tactical elements of Force Development a commitment to the core values; strong personal, interpersonal, and team leadership abilities; and a foundation ofknowledge and experiences that support further development at the operational and strategic leadership levels.

Cadets will best develop these competencies when the expected outcomes of the process are clearly defined. Toward that end, the ODS at the Air Force Academy is designed to focus on ten specific outcomes.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY OUTCOMES

Produce officers of character...

1. with integrity who are selflessly committed to service to their country through personal and professional excellence.

2. who possess a breadth of integrated knowledge across the academic disciplines and the military profession that support the Air Force mission.

3. who are decisive leaders with the stamina, courage, and discipline to build and inspire high-performing teams in demanding, dynamic environments.

4. who appreciate the significance of their own spiritual development, accept the beliefs of others, and foster mutual respect and dignity among all individuals.

5. who make sound decisions grounded in the fundamentals of air and space power in a joint environment.

6. who promote the dynamic relationship between leaders and followers through effective communication.

7.... who can use their understanding ofglobal relationships, cultures, and languages to effectively employ air and space power.

8. who will apply their knowledge and skills to meet the present and future challenges of the military profession.

This developmental program involvesall the mission elements at the Academy and encompasses every dimension of a cadet s life intellectual, professional, physical, ethical, spiritual, and social while remaining focused on character development.

The emphasis of ODS will vary in each year of the cadets’ experience, focusing first on the development of personal leadership competencies before migrating toward an increased emphasis on interpersonal and team leadership skills. In support of this developmental growth plan, the competencies from the appropriate level of leadership (Personal, Interpersonal, Team, and Organizational) are defined for each year of the cadet development process and are supported by every aspect of the cadet experience.

The objectives within each level ofleadership reflect the maturity and experiences of the cadets as they progress through the ODS. They emphasize primary skills at each level of cadet leadership, but they also emphasize the continual need to practice and broaden those skills learned at earlier stages in the ODS. In addition, for growth to occur, each cadet must take the time and effort during each stage of development, to give and receive feedback and reflect on that feedback.

By mapping competencies to cadet classes, levels of leadership and desired outcomes in this way, any interaction between cadets can be designed to enhance the development experience for all participants. For example - a fourth class cadet can focus on developing as a loyal follower a personal leadership quality; while an upper class cadet is developing as a leader who builds and inspires an effective team - a team leadership quality supporting ODS outcome #3.

By carefully mapping the leadership objectives for each cadet, the ODS provides a progressive, deliberate process that is tailored to meet individual needs. This tailoring enriches the interaction for all cadets, accelerating the developmental process.

Putting all this into practice requires a cross-functional strategy that capitalizes on the talents of staff, faculty and cadets. The challenge is to ensure our policies, procedures, standards and expectations reinforce the levels of leadership and the corresponding competencies and values. We can achieve these goals by adhering to the following set of guiding principles. t>

9. who demonstrate an unquenchable desire for personal and professional development.

10. who are motivated toward a lifetime ofnational service.

OFFICER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

2Lt.—A Leader ofCharacter

T Leaders and supervisors develop their 2° workers and mentors, shape

3° role modeling and inspire the 4° in loyal followership

ACES-AcademyCharacter EnrichmentSeminar

2° Workers are loyal followers oftheir leaders, develop the 3° to become workers and mentors and train the 4° as loyal followers

3° Role models excel as wingmen and coach the 4° in the ways of the loyal follower

R&R-Respectand

4° Followers learn and live loyalty to our values, mission, and chain of command... our Air Force Standards

Officerwith strong leadershipqualities

Organizational Leadership

1. Influence element, flight, squadron, and wing policy

2. Integrate efforts of small units toward broader objectives

3. Develop talents of others

4. Exemplify and enforce high professional and moral standards

Team Leadership

1. Apply team dynamics

2. Integrate individual talents in support oftask

3. Develop strong foundation in air and space employment

4. Learn the art ofeffective decision making

5. Use knowledge and skills to support squadron goals

6. Broaden mentoring and supervisory role to focus on larger team objectives

Interpersonal Leadership

1. Coach others to develop and achieve personal objectives

2. Promote mutual respect, fairness and dignity in interactions

3. Broaden appreciation of AF culture and doctrine

4. Continue to develop and practice personal leadership and followership

5. Practice effective communication

6. Sharpen organizational and planning skills

Personal Leadership

1. Master primary duty skills

2. Build personal awareness

3. Learn about leadership techniques

4. Hone followership abilities

5. Assimilate AF culture and adopt core values

6. Lead byexample

Assimilate BCT information

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR CADET DEVELOPMENT

1. Align all aspects of the USAFA experience with accepted USAF practices.

2. Create depth ofexpertise sequentially and progressively based on a cadet’s developmental level meet them where they are and move them to where they need to be.

3. Integrate and coordinate all education and training experiences to meet ODS outcomes.

4. Use goal-oriented and standards-based approaches to build skill-set expertise.

5. Strike an appropriate balance between quality and quantity of development experiences.

6. Establish both a common core of experiences and multiple paths to the same outcome.

7. Couple adequate support with every challenge; tailor every challenge to each cadet always understanding cadets are at different places developmentally.

8. Emphasize cadet ownership and accountability for their own development - allow cadets to make significant decisions.

9. Prepare cadets to expect, embrace and handle change and adversity.

10. Involve all cadets, faculty and staff in the implementation and use of the ODS.

11. Assess the effectiveness oftraining and educational processes.

12. Ensure all leaders and followers gain from every develop mental experience to include both successes and failures.

While the outcomes represent the detailed objectives ofODS, the guiding principles represent the rules ofthe road. As such, they define how we expect to achieve our targeted outcomes.

LEADERSHIP GROWTH MODEL

What influences a leader’s development? Development is a uniquely human endeavor that requires an understanding oftheory, people, situations and the interactions among all three. In addition, faculty, staffand cadets must recognize the complexity ofleadership and remember that the process ofleadership and officer development is influenced by the ongoing interaction ofthree elements: leader, follower, situation.

Phis illustration represents the complex contingencies involved in leadership. Since no single leadership method or style is universally effective, consideration must be given not only to the qualities and characteristics of the leader, but also to the qualities and characteristics of followers and the nature of the situation. Further, it is critical to recognize the necessary shifting in leader and follower roles. That is, cadets will simultaneously serve as leaders and followers, in the same way leaders serve as both leaders and followers at every level in the Air Force.

The heart of this interaction and the key to the ODS is the Leadership GrowthModel (LGM). LGM is a leadership model that defines the key relationships among leaders, followers, and the situation in terms of a four-stage, continuous process. It is universally applicable throughout all phases of the Academy experience across the entire education and training spectrum - in the classroom, in the squadron, and on the athletic field. It applies equally well to the educator, trainer, coach, element leader and commander.

The LGM develops the required set of outcomes discussed earlier, by integrating education, training and experience to provide all cadets with deliberately designed opportunities to develop. Using a hierarchical leadership system, aligned with the Air Force rank structure, each cadet develops through the supervisory relationship. This relationship focuses on personal competencies, including interpersonal skills and proficiency with teams. Tailored to promote development, this multi-stage officer development model outlines the broad expectations and specific requirements within the supervisory relationship.

The four stages of the LGM expectations and inspiration,instruction, feedback, and reflection are shown in the chart on the next page. In the first stage, the leader critically appraises the situation, his/her own skills and those of the follower, and sets developmental expectations for the follower. The leader also provides inspiration to the follower by developing a shared understanding of purpose. In the next stage, the leader provides the essential instruction to help the follower meet the leader’s and organization’s expectations. As the follower works towards these objectives, the leader assesses the follower’s competency level and provides ongoing feedback. The key challenge for the leader during the instruction and feedback stages is to integrate coaching and mentoring techniques to help bridge the gap between expectations and results. Finally, the development process is further enhanced in the reflection stage in which both the leader and follower review the expectations, instructions and feedback, internalize any lessons learned and prepare to enter the next cycle. D>

The spiral graphic linking these phases of the model suggests a highly interactive and positive growth process that expands the skill and capability of the leader and follower. The rate at which each participant develops depends on the relative skills of each, the relationship between the two, and the quality of each prior stage.

Expectations an< Inspiration

Reflection Feedback

Instruction

Expectations; Inspiration an

The perfect scenario would be to progress from the bottom to the top of the spiral and then begin at a higher level of expectations and inspiration. However, the participants in any situation must understand the boundaries between phases may be blurred and that some phases may need to be repeated. For example, the leader may give a set of expectations, inspiration, and instruction, but during the feedback phase the leader may realize the follower did not understand the expectations. The leader should then start over by clarifying the expectations and instructions before guiding the follower up through the spiral again.

“BE, KNOW, DO” FRAMEWORK

Leaders can promote a more rapid development of their follower through the LGM if they apply a proven framework the “BE, KNOW, DO” framework. This framework illustrates that to be a leader, there are certain attributes that characterize a cadet. A cadet must “BE” by exhibiting and upholding standards; “KNOW” the competencies and principles being developed and how to teach others; and must “DO” those tasks required to support the developmental experience.

To understand how to apply this framework, look at the stages of the model and the interaction between the “BE, KNOW, DO” framework and the activities that occur at each stage:

Leader

BE: Exemplary role model

Follower

1 BE: Exemplary role model

KNOW: Yourself, yourjob, and what <2 .2 S Cl KNOW: Yourself, yourjob, what motivates others •B .s motivates you

DO: Communicate expectations, be §1 DO: Communicate expectations, enthusiastic, explain the "why" t ask for help in achieving objectives

BE: The expert, and committed as a trainer, coach, and mentor

KNOW: The follower's capabilities, how and why each task needs to be done, as well as ways to get it done

DO: Show, teach, ask questions, encourage, praise

BE: Competent and lead byexample, provide support

KNOW: How to teach, shape performance and identify progress

DO: Motivate by instilling confidence, offer ideas, question skill/knowledge level

BE: Respectful, honest, sensitive and courageous

KNOW: Different styles of feedback, strengths, performance gaps, level of motivation and effort

DO: Promote confidence, watchfor reaction to feedback, discuss future goals

BE: Prepared, open engaged—an active learner

S3 •2 KNOW: The ways you best learn the | goal and objective, your leader is | committed to your development

DO: Ask questions, request assistance; gain the knowledge you need

BE: Receptive, prepared to change, | an engaged partner

J KNOW: Your successes and chal-

1 lenges, specific objectives and needs DO: Share accomplishments and

shortcomings, take on calculated J risk, and communicateoften

BE: Courageous in the face of constructive criticism

KNOW: Desired objective, strategies | to reach goals, self-assessment

DO: Listen carefully, consider feedback, match feedback to self-assessment, understand gaps, dialogue with leader

Leader s and 1

Follower £

BE: Able to look back and learn from experience... open, honest

KNOW: Goals, strengths, weaknesses and values

DO: Make time for personal review and ask for feedback; learn from reflection

CONCLUSION

Your experiences under the Air Force Academy’s Officer Development System are designed to prepare cadets to lead airmen as an officer of character. Cadets will be presented with opportunities to develop as a leader and a follower, as a professional and a warrior. It is up to cadets to make the most ofthese opportunities and to help others develop in the same way. The best officers are those who are committed to an ideal, accept challenges with optimism, and are dedicated to continued personal and professional growth. We at the Air Force Academy are all committed to helping cadets develop these qualities as they take theirfirst steps on an exciting journey in service to our nation. RSI

Developmental Domains

Spiritual Ethical Social

Intellectual Professional

Physical

Developmental Domains

YOUR ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS f ^

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 y

Mr. Gilbert D. Mook, ’67

Capt. Amber D. O’Grady, ’96

Mr. Harry J. 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

Reading in the J^jght Direction

BY C1C MIKE TURNER WING TRAINING OFFICER FALL SEMESTER

YEARAGO, WHOWOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEACADEMY WOULD BE IN THE STATE IT IS IN RIGHT NOW? SINCE THE AGENDA FOR CHANGE LAID THE GROUNDWORK FOR AN EXTENSIVE REBUILDING OF ACADEMY PROCESSES AND PHILOSOPHIES, WE HAVE SEEN MONUMENTAL SHIFTS IN THE WAYWE “DO BUSINESS.” ONE OF THESE MONUMENTAL SHIFTS INCLUDED A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF ACADEMY TRAINING PHILOSOPHIES AND PRACTICES. 34TH TRAINING GROUP PERSONNEL AND CADETS FACED THE DAUNTING TASK OF, ESSENTIALLY, “STARTING FROM SCRATCH” IN DEVELOPING NEW, MORE EFFECTIVE TRAINING METHODS THAT TOOK THE CADET WING IN THE DIRECTION ESTABLISHED BY THE AGENDA FORCHANGE.

The new training philosophy places more responsibility on each individual cadet for his or her own training, as well as their subordinates’ and peers’ training. While each cadet must find the innate motivation to take full advantage ofthe training, the system as a whole requires more of a teamwork-oriented attitude from everyone in the Cadet Wing every cadet must do his or her part. “Fear tactics” are no longer used. Instead ofpush-ups, rifle runs, in-your-face yelling, or restriction for sub-standard fourth-class performance and tours, demerits, or restriction for the upper three classes leaders at the Academy (both permanent party and cadets) must now utilize new, positive methods to motivate each individual to adhere to standards and strive for improvement.

This significant shift in the Academy training environment is founded upon the Cadet Training and Education Strategic Plan (TESP), which defines the vision, mission and desired outcomes from USAFA training. This plan redefined each class’s role in the Cadet Wing, which included shifting training responsibilities from the third class to the first class, emphasizing the second class role of mentorship, establishing therole of the third class as role models and coaches for the fourth class, and refocusing the fourth-class role to being loyal followers. Under this new plan, each class will have specific explanations ofwhat their role is in Academy training and what they need to contribute for training to be successful.

In previous years, training responsibilities nearly exclusively belonged to the training staffs and the third class. Under the new system, training responsibilities belong to the element leader, and significant leadership responsibilities reside with each person in their element. Each element leader must have an in-depth understanding of each member oftheir element; they are held personally accountable for knowing the details ofeach cadet and how they are doing in the pillars ofAcademy life, as well as their personal life.Element leaders are responsible for ensuring any cadet who is struggling in some area is counseled on their inability to meet standards and receives appropriate help to improve their performance.

Under the TESP, several new programs are being implemented to enrich eachcadet’s experience, better preparing him or her to become an Air Force officer by providing leadership “tools for theirtoolbox” that they can use throughout their career. A complete four-year curriculum of Cadet Military Training (CMT) classes was established and scheduled during blocks of Commandant’s Time. These CMT classes range from lessons on assertiveness and followership to lessons on the officer evaluation and assignment systems and life asa second lieutenant (i.e. “second lieutenant pay information” and “your first duty assignment”). They are designed to provide a much more solid foundation for officership than what Academy cadets received in recent years.

In addition to the CMT program, the TESP led to the development of mentoring and coaching programs for second- and third-class cadets, respectively. These programs are meant to help cadets become effective mentors and coaches for the fourth class’ growth and development. The mentoring program pairs secondclass volunteers with fourth-class cadets from a “sister squadron” and sets apart Commandant’s Time periods for second-class cadets to mentor the fourth class on any topic the fourth-class cadet needs help with (such as time management, for example).

The coaching program pairs third-class cadets with fourth-class cadets in the same squadron and provides fourth-class cadets with someone they can go to if they have any “how-to” questions for day-to-day Academy life (i.e. how to make a better bed for Saturday morning inspections, how to do a better job shining shoes, or what to do if you need to get approval for an event by the scheduling committee).

The TESP split fourth-class training into three phases: phase one, BCT; phase two, most ofthe fall semester; and phase three, beginning at the end of the fall semester and concluding during Graduation week. At the completion of allthree phases, they will be awarded Prop and Wings and their Class Exemplar will be announced.

Many would argue that the phased training plan for the fourth class is easier than the old fourth-class system. In some ways, this is true it is not demanding in the sense ofhaving an upper-class cadet in your face for the better part of the year while you did countless hours ofphysical training. The new system is different; it requires fourth-class cadets to have a significantly greater sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline to complete their duties. There are still some elements of the fourth-class system that remain, but fourth-class cadets must no longer perform these duties from fear of reprisal from upperclass cadets, they must do so by developing a sense ofduty that surmounts personal desires and comfort. This system also challenges upper-class cadets to work harder to inspire those fourthclass cadets rather than scare them to do their job and to meet standards.

Expectations and privileges change with each phase. Here are some highlights from each phase:

- Phase one (BCT): no significant changes

- Phase two (Acceptance - Operation Phoenix): at attention on strips and in squadrons (professional greetings in conversational tone), call minutes for mandatory formations, Contrails knowledge and knowledge tests, squadron details, rooms in Saturday morning inspections, doors open until academic call to quarters, must sign out in service dress, “at ease” during mandatory meals (after “Wing, Take Seats”) and non-mandatory weekday meals and at “rest” for weekend meals

- Phase three (Operation Phoenix - Graduation): at rest throughout Cadet Area, doors may be closed after LMD, AOCs/squadron cadet commanders may grant rooms-in-morning-inspection privileges for outstanding performance; most expectations similar to phase two with privileges/awards based on performance; visiting other

squadron areas and wear of civilian clothes privileges will be granted upon wing cadet commander approval based on class performance.

Perhaps the most visible change to fourth-class training was the removal of Recognition and the addition of Operation Phoenix in November. This event, which spanned over the course of three days, signified the culmination of phase two. Although this culminating event was for the fourth-class training plan, all classes participated in making the event successful. It took a little while to get off the ground; the first half of the event was mired with confusion and uncertainty. Due to tight time constraints set forth by organizing the event in less than three months, the Operation Phoenix staff had trouble being as prepared as Recognition staffs were able to be (since the event was in March). However, despite the many challenges faced, the Cadet Wing did an incredible job of making the best of this event. While there are still some improvements that need to be made, this year’s inaugural run of Operation Phoenix laid a solid foundation for the future success of the event. There were many “lessons learned” that will be key to making the event more beneficial as the event becomes more routine.

Initial reactions from the Cadet Wing to changes in the Academy training system were not all positive. Many viewed the changes as another face-lift to Academy training that would not last. Reactions were often particularly skeptical from members of the classes of 2004 and 2005, who had already seen their fair share of change brought on with every new year at the Academy. Despite their worries and doubts, the majority of the wing entered the year open-minded and ready to take the challenges head-on. Most took the time during summer programs to gain a better understanding (as much as possible) of the upcoming changes and understood that this system would not be perfect right away. They recognized that it was a work-in-progress and needed time, patience, hard work, and constant communication to make improvements helping us move in the right direction.

The biggest frustration among the Cadet Wing was the fact that, although we new the training system was changing, we did not know how it would change or what our specific responsibilities would be. There were many points when cadets simply did not have the know-how to accomplish certain tasks. We had a great deal ofguidance on what the system was not supposed to be, but had very little in the area ofexpectations and guidelines for what we could do. Academy leadership understood this problem and did the best they could to give us tools we needed to accomplish the mission.

The class who seemed to have the most difficult time adjusting to the new training system was the fourth class. While they never experienced the past Academy training system first-hand, many of them heard stories about it and felt “cheated” by the new methods for training. Understandably, their class had difficulty dealing with the constant changing and tweaking of their training system, which was necessary in order to find a solid balance of old and new training concepts. Due to the constant change, it was difficult to establish a clear-cut set of expectations for their class to adhere to; however, as the system stabilizes, the training of the fourth class will become more conventional and consistent.

As time passed, cadets remained patient, grew more accustomed to the system, and were able to gain a better understanding of it and how to make it work. There are still some who find the new training system difficult to grasp, either because they do not understand it or because they are still skeptical of the changes. Overall, the Cadet Wing did an incredible job of making this new system ours, doing everything possible to make the system work and help it improve.

The next big step is the implementation of the Officer Development System (ODS), which began at the beginning of the spring semester with one full day of training devoted to teaching the Cadet Wing how it will work. The ODS is much more all-encompassing than the TESP, but does not negate it. It establishes the philosophy, models, and definitions of every facet of character-based officership development for the Cadet Wing. This system was a collaborative effort from all across the Academy; officers, NCOs, and cadets from the 34th TRW and the 10th ABW made significant contributions in creating a system that provides a solid framework upon which all other programs from all four pillars at the Academy will be developed. The ODS focuses on continual growth and will relate the objectives of the TESP to the overarching purpose ofgraduating officers with character from the Academy.

As time passes and these new systems become the foundation upon which each class at the Academy is trained from start to finish, the “buy-in” of the Cadet Wing, as well as the effectiveness of the systems altogether, will improve greatly. With the support ofAcademy leadership, the graduate community, andthe Air Force in general, these systems will continue to grow in efficiency. Although the road ahead is long, we are heading in a positive direction. As the systems mature, the value of officer development at the Air Force Academy will improve vastly, meaning better-prepared graduates for the future of our Air Force! 9

Wing Commander’s

“In the end, it is important to rememBER THAT WE CANNOT BECOME WHAT WE NEED TO BE BY REMAINING WHAT WE ARE.”*

In every way, shape, and form, the Academy is changing. All those associated with the Academy are entitled to an opinion about the changes, but all should bear in mind that no institution or person throughout history ever became great by staying the same. In the past semester, the majority of the members of the Cadet Wing felt as though the wing were experiencing more change in four months than the Academy has seen in the last 10 years combined. However, despite feelings offrustration and a temptation to resist change, the Cadet Wing has adjusted extremely well, has risen to the challenges, and has continued to express high morale.

Coming into the fall semester of2003, the Cadet Wing realized a tremendous culture change was underway but had unclear expectations for the coming months. We were well aware of the Agendafor Change but were uncertain as to the extent of action thatcould potentially result from those infamous words. Thanks to the media, we were also very cognizant of the spotlight our Academy was under. In addition to these external factors, the

C1C KATIE DILDY

Cadet Wing itself revolved around the old way of life comprising four-degree training and a cadet disciplinary system, which were about to be completely transformed.

As the rate ofchange quickened, we eventually slowed down enough for a moment to organize our thoughts. As a Cadet Wing, there were three main focal points we committed to pursue in order to help with the culture change. The first area was centered on promoting an environment ofprofessionalism and mutual respect. In addition to being fundamental to officership, these attitudes are crucial in the fight against sexual assault.

Although each squadron drafted their own approach to building this new atmosphere, the general consensus was zero toleration for any comment, behavior or material item that failed to meet the utmost in professionalism and respect for others’ opinions and beliefs. The second and most challenging focal point was that of the training environment. The emphasis of the new culture is

on aligning the Academy to be as much like the operational Air Force as possible. The first step in doing so involved changing the mentality of the old fourth-class system to that of a four-class system where accountability and responsibility of the chain-ofcommand is the norm. Changing the mentality toward the training environment was the most difficult undertaking of our cadet lives. The majority of the Cadet Wing had no idea what this new training environment looked like, and as fast as we were going, along with the ratio of cadets to the experienced permanent party within the squadron (120 cadets to 1 AOC and 1 MTL), it seemed at times to be virtually impossible to not only paint the picture but also see it in action. The third focal point was that of upholding standards, whether in terms of personal appearance or customs and courtesies, and especially getting the cadet chainof-command to hold their people accountable for meeting those standards. The issue of cadets holding each other within standards has a ways to go but is coming along well.

In addition to these major emphasis items, there were countless other changes, that although minor, only added to the influx of mass transformation. We implemented the performance-based pass package system, which allocated passes each month based on the squadron’s performance. Working through this new system and having to constantly iron it out added to the demanding nature of the semester. However, we saw the system, for the most part, as a positive change that promoted unity within the squadron. Additionally, we had a new schedule ofcalls designed to give cadets more time. As a result ofcommandant’s time, the block of time in the middle of the day for lunch and military training, cadets have more weekends to themselves than ever before. We obviously embraced this positive change, but it required much patience as we worked through a flight formation concept designed to march all 4,000 cadets into Mitchall Hall in approximately 15 minutes less than the traditional formation time. The Cadet Wing was also introduced to a new MPA system, proximity cards, and several other new concepts that continually kept us wondering how much more would come.

In the context of this immense culture change, some major themes emerged. As one could probably guess, the constant and rapid rate of change made communication extremely challenging, especially in terms ofeducating the wing on the “Air Force way” of doing things. Frustration threatened the motivation of the overwhelmed cadet leadership, especially since we knew we could only do so much. The permanent effects of these changes will not be seen for many years to come, however, we found inspiration in knowing we were the first class to lead, shape, and form a new Cadet Wing. Getting the wing to embrace the changes was another hurdle, especially among the firstie class, who repeatedly

admitted not knowing what changes to trust anymore, having been through three commandants in their four years at the Academy. In contrast to these more negative matters, the most encouraging theme resonating within the wing was a generally high morale, bolstered by a positive andconcerned leadership and the many cadet-initiated events such as concerts, tailgates and fun community service projects.

The Cadet Wing continues to successfully endurethe many changes sweeping across the Academy. Despite the natural frustrations that come with any change, we have accepted the new directionthat we are moving. Progressively more and more cadets are embracing the changes, trusting that in the end, we will be better officers and consequently build an even greater Air Force in the years to come. B

* Leadership is an Art, by Max Depree

Academy 50th Anniversary Logo Unveiled

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa and Jim Shaw, ’67, Presidentand CEO of the Association of Graduates, recently unveiledthe Academy’s 50th anniversary logo during a lunch-time ceremony at Mitchell Hall. From a group of more than 200 submissions, General Rosa selected a design created by AOG Media Designer Sarah Wright.

It was on April 1, 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill establishing the U.S. Air Force Academy.

THE LO N(

It seems like every day

somewhere in the world an Academy graduate 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.

Test Pilot School Commanded by 79 Grad, Wins International Award

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School here received the 2003 Richard G. Cross Award Nov. 19 in Lihue, Hawaii.

Presented by the International Test and Evaluation Association, the award recognized the contributions the school’s short courses customized to the training and education of test and evaluation professionals.

“This is a true honor for the entire (school’s) staff to be recognized by this prestigious test and evaluation organization,” said Col. Ernie Haendschke, ’79, TPS commandant.

“Within our test and evaluation community, receiving (the) Richard G. Cross Award is a tremendous honor, and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is very deserving of this distinction,” said Dr. George Ka’iliwai, Air Force Flight Test Center technical adviser. “This past year, TPS has accomplished more in thedevelopment of its specialized (test and evaluation) short courses and meeting customer requirements than it has in its almost 60year history.”

Robinson 77, Runs for Congress Vernon Robinson,’77, the senior Republican member of the Winston-Salem city council, is turning his attention toward Washington, D.C., as he runs for congress in North Carolina’s 5th District.

Quintas, ’88, Chosen as BushAide Lt. Col. John T. Quintas, ’88, has been chosen to be a military aide for President George W. Bush.

The Pentagon does extensive screening of the president’s military aides, including the most rigorous background check possible, “Yankee White,” so only the top officers make it past all checkpoints.

Quintas was one of66 officers who volunteered for the job, and one of six finalists selected for the three-day interview that was the final step in the selection process.

“Only the finest are selected for duty with the president,” said Army Col. Eric Stanhagen, the deputy commander of the

Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Quintas’ last duty station. “Although it will be grueling duty, it is truly an honor to serve at that level.”

Ball, '01, Awarded Fellowship

Gregory Robert Ball, ’01, was recently chosen by Georgetown University to serve as the school’s graduate fellow in its Center for the Study of the Presidency.

The Center Fellows Program is a unique educational initiative offering 65 select undergraduate and graduate students from leading colleges and universities a year-long opportunity to study the U.S. presidency, the public policy-making process, and our chief executive’s relations with Congress, allies, the media and the American public.

BLUE LINE

Gardner, '69, Named Director of “Super Project”

Former astronaut Guy Gardner, ’69, was recently named as Purdue University’s director of“super project” development for the school’s Discovery Park e-Enterprise Center.

The university said he is the first of its 22 astronaut alumni to join its staff.

Gardner will focus on projects involving issues such as homeland security or sending astronauts to Mars. This is a “great opportunity to join Purdueand apply my skills to help the folks here in some exciting challenges,” he said.

In 11 years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he flew two missions as pilot aboard shuttles Atlantis in 1988 and Columbia in 1990.

Gardner also worked in mission support and space shuttle and space station development.

Maitre, ’95, Awarded Silver Star for Harrowing Airdrop Mission

Capt. Benjamin Maitre, ’95, was among 20 airmen of the Air Force Special Operations Command honored at Fiurlburt Field for their service in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

“To be honest, I’d cut it up in seven pieces and give one to each of my crew members because the team effort involved is what got the mission done,” said Maitre, an MC-130FF Combat Talon II pilot assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Maitre, of the 15th Special Operations Squadron, was recognized for an airdrop

mission he flew during Operation Anaconda over Afghanistan Feb. 21, 2002.

Millican, ’79, Runs for U.S. Senate Marc Millican, ’79, is running for the U.S. Senate in the state ofAlaska. Millican says his chiefpolitical goal is to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil development.

Campaigning as an independent, he has submitted a petition endorsing his candidacy signed by nearly 4,000 Alaskans, according to theAlaska State Division ofElections.

Kump, ’02, AchievementAward

Navy 2nd Lt. Michael A. Kump (USAFA ’02) recently received the Outstanding Academic AchievementAward while assigned at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla.

Kump was recognized for his superior performance of duty.

Displaying remarkable dedication and initiative, he consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner.

□rzechowski, ’02, Earns Spot on Commodore’s List

2nd Lt. Richard C. Orzechowski, ’02, was recendy placed on the Commodore’s List with distinction upon completion ofthe primary phase ofNaval FlightTraining with Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla.

During the 22-week course, Orzechowski learned basic flying techniques, precision aeronautics and flying. Fie also learned how to operate basic radio instruments found on naval aircraft. S

Maj. Gen. Thomas Joins Academy Staff

New general brings enthusiasm, experience to the job as Mobilization Assistant to the Superintendent

Maj. Gen. Kathy Thomas has had a lot of “firsts” in her career.

She had the honor ofbeing one ofthe first women to command an all-male unit and she was the first female reserve or active duty general officer in Air Force Space Command.

Thomas began her new job as Mobilization Assistant to the Superintendent, and with it, the prestige ofbeing the first female general officer ever to serve at the Academy.

But she doesn’t believe the word “female” should be an adjective.

First and foremost, she says she is an American serving her nation as an “officer in the United States Air Force.”

A Navy brat, Thomas attended elementary school in Morocco and high school in Japan. While her passport looked exciting, career opportunities for young women in 1972 were limited, espedally for a young 20-year-old college graduate.

Nice girls, she said, were schoolteachers.

Thomas was a nice girl, so she decided to be a schoolteacher on the Laotian border. It was in this far-away locale that a recruiter approached her and suggested a military career.

Her love of travel and patriotic sense of duty were enough to sign her up.

It’s been up ever since.

Thomas started out in a different Air Force than most women in the military services today. While a section commander of 1,800 airmen at Minot AFB, N.D., in the early 70s, Thomas was asked to be the Women’s Air Force squadron commander.

Then, any woman-enlisted member was required to report

not only to a duty supervisor but her WAF squadron commander as well.

Thomas didn’t see the efficiency in that and wrote the program to dissolve the WAFS. Minot was one of the first bases to become completely integrated. Thomas’ directness and ability to get things done began early.

As a first lieutenant, she was selected as a wing executive officer in Thailand, a lieutenant colonel’s position.

Not content to just sit in on meetings, she was out in the field setting up refugee camps for evacuees from Saigon and Phnom Penh.

She recalled seeing fighter aircraft landing with up to five people in the single seat cockpit. It was during this combat environment that she served with her future husband.

Her husband-to-be was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps unit tasked the mission of rescuing the crew of the USS Mayaguez merchant ship.

The Marine aircraft, shot-up during the rescue mission, flew into Thomas’ base, where she helped with the wounded. Amidst the chaos and fog of war, Thomas and Col. Gene Smith, USMC retired, didn’t exactly have the chance to exchange phone numbers. It was nearly 20 years later while the two were comparing histories, they realized just how far back their paths actually crossed.

Thomas came to the Academy with a varied background, especially in international affairs in both her civilian occupations and her military experiences. She transitioned into the reserve in 1978 as an intelligence officer where she was a briefer, interrogator, and escape-and-evasion instructor.

As a Latin American specialist, she spent extended tours with U.S. Southern Command in numerous Central and Latin American countries.

She was an adjunct professor at San Diego State University while concurrently the senior reservist assigned to the Deputy Under Secretary ofthe Air Force forInternational Affairs, where she assisted the U.S. Chairman ofthe Committee on Women in North Atlantic Treaty Organization Forces.

Thomas went from the Pentagon to space operations at Peterson AFB.

Working with space crew members at the 1st Command and Control Space Squadron at Cheyenne Mountain AFS, Thomas was content to pull crew in obscurity. She found the challenges of tracking some 9,000 objects in space rather exciting and said

she thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve on crew with the motivated young airmen.

She has served all levels within the space commands: wing, 14th Air Force, U.S. Space Command, and, recently, with the U.S. Strategic Command.

Thomas was on duty on Sept. 11, 2001, and was responsible for mobilizing the reserve component in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Academy’s newest general said she plans to work out in the gym, eat with the cadets and attend sports events.

“I don’t know if there are enough hours in the day to doall I want to do. I hope to meet each of our future Air Force leaders!” Thomas said.

Her biggest challenge at the Academy?

“Gaining the trust and confidence of my fellow officers, subordinates and the cadets,” she said. “Every officer must earn trust and respect. Certainly, after time, your reputation precedes you to your new job. Regardless, your actions will determine if you maintain that respect, trust and credibility. Core values aren’t just words on a poster, they are a way oflife.”

“In my 30-year Air Force career, I can’t remember being as excited and as proud to be given the opportunity to serve at the Academy with such impressive young Americans and be able to participate in the critical mission of developing second lieutenants ofcharacter.” S

Kim Bassett reflects on the first days ofthe Air Force Academy as an ATO

reported to the Air Force Academy at Lowry AFB on a cold morning around the first ofFebruary 1955.1 came up on short-notice orders from Randolph AFB in San Antonio, where I was a maintenance test pilot, on orders to report to Denver in May. My title was Air Training Officer, one of a group ofabout 65 lieutenants picked to make up for the lack of an upper class when the Academy opened. Of that group, six of us were suddenly ordered up early, because of a shortage of manpower (lieutenants can be moved quickly, especially ifthey are bachelors).

My classmate Dick Day and I had graduated from Annapolis, Jerry O’Malley and George Garey had graduated from West Point, and Jack Doran and another prospective ATO, who left before the cadets arrived, were from the Reserve Officer Training Corps ranks.

There was a tremendous amount ofwork to be done.President Eisenhower signed the bill authorizing the Academy in April 1954. The first cadets arrived in July 1955. In the intervening fifteen months, an Academy had to be developed personnel, buildings, uniforms, curriculum, band, military training and procedures, mess

FLASHBACK

hall, medical, etc. We were ordered in early because the senior officers were on hand, but there were not enough (really, not any) junior officers to dothe more menial work. As it turned out, the pressure of time dictated that we ended up doing work that probably should have been done by more senior people.

Most of the officers above us were graduates ofWest Point. The West Point approach was the default method ofaddressing almost every issue; this was a good idea, because there just was not enough time to reinvent all the wheels.

We all reported to the Deputy Commandant of Cadets Col. Benjamin B. Cassiday. He assigned us to various projects. One assignment I was given was to write and publish a cadet handbook. It was to be ready for distribution to the cadets on their first day, but no funds would be available until after they arrived. Contrails was theresult. Thefirst edition was published on the cuff by a Denver printer who was happy to be involved in the startup of the Academy. He finally got paid about the middle of the summer.

This project led to another assignment, which was to write the Fourth Class Manual, a pamphlet outlining the routines that the plebes would have to follow. The six of us spent a lot of time together, even outside office hours, so we would hash out these subjects, then I would sit down and write them. George Garey and I were also assigned to write the DrillManual, a book on the manual of arms, which is easier to do than to describe.

Day and I were assigned to the uniform project. It was under the direction of Col. Jay Overcash, a WWII ace fighter pilot. He was a real character with a very high energy level in every direction. He had a closet that must havebeen 20 feet long, filled with every conceivable uniform design. These had been sent in by the uniform companies, eager for the prestige of having the new academy as a customer.

The decision was made that there was not time enough to design a new uniform, so we would start with distinctive insignia on standard Air Force uniforms. Day and I served as models, to showthe uniforms to all the visiting dignitaries. Since some of these showed up on short notice and on weekends, I had to find a dry cleaner who would give me his home phone number and agree to get the uniforms for us whenever needed.

The one distinctive uniform that we selected was pale blue coveralls, which were to be used as a combination fatigue uniform and flying suit. They came to be referred to as “bunny suits.” Mercifully, they disappeared in later years.

After the insignia designs were finalized, Dick Day and I were sent back to Washington in a B-25 to get the approval ofthe Chief ofStaffGeneral Twining. We got some strange looks in his waiting room. Apparently, the folks in the Pentagon were not accustomed to seeing lieutenants waiting for their appointment with the chief ofstaff; they probably wondered what kind ofgrievous sin could get us in that level ofhot water. We had the uniforms in garment bags, because they had not yet been released to the public. After Gen. Twining’s approval, we went down to the public affairs office, where publicity photographs were taken. One ofthese was on the cover of the program for the opening day ceremonies. Another, of Day), was on the cover of Time magazine. [>

With the Korean War ended, the beginning of the Academy was the biggest thing going on in the Air Force, and there was tremendous public interest in it. There was a steady stream of aviation and military dignitaries visiting the meager buildings at Lowry. Among these were Igor Sikorsky (the inventor of the helicopter and the builder of the first multi-engine plane in Russia), BillMauldin (the GI’s cartoonist), Milton Caniff (who wrote the “Terry and the Pirates” and “Steve Canyon” comic strips), an endless series of senior military officers, and President Eisenhower, who was a West Point classmate of Gen. Harmon and played golfwith him while in Denver.

There was also a steady stream ofmagazine, newspaper and television features on the progress of the Academy. Camera crews were a familiar sight.

On one occasion, I flew co-pilot in a B-25 with Gen. Stillman as he went to several West Point Founders Day dinners, giving speeches on what was happening in Denver. Because of time pressures, he had not had time to renew his instrument card, so we filed and flew on mine. As a result, one base we flew into

thought I was the general officer; they were quickly corrected.

At that time, the total officer staff was very small, so we all pretty much knew each other. The Harmons were very social and very hospitable. The air training officers were invited to a number of parties they put on. I remember one when the Commandant, Col. Stillman, was promoted to brigadier general; I had to make a quick correction in Contrails. New people were arriving almost daily.

The main Academy buildings were three two-story brick buildings, laid out in the form of a “U.” One was the Headquarters Building, housing Gen. Harmon and his staff, and, temporarily, the “Commandants shop.” We ATOs were in a large “bull pen” office across the hall from Col. Cassiday s office. New arrivals, from majors on down, were given desks in the same office, so it soon got very busy. Construction was going on to make a bunch ofWorld War II wooden barracks and auxiliary buildings habitable, and the Commandant s operation (which included the ATOs) moved into them several weeks before the cadets arrived.

A centerpiece ofthe Academy, which was proudly shown to all of the visitors, was a large model ofthe “permanent site,” as it was known. All ofthe buildings were shown, and, supposedly, every individual tree was shown. Compared to the tawdry buildings at

Without a word, Lieutenant Doss Smith makes it clear that his expectations are set very high.

Dick Day

Lowry II, it looked like Shangri-La. The chapel design was very controversial, so much so that it was not included in the initial construction appropriations.

We got our flying time at Lowry, using base aircraft to flyAcademy missions to other locations, or just filling in as copilots on Lowry training missions, deadly dull pattern flights. It was my introduction to cold weather flying. Lowry had 6,000-foot runways, which frequendy had patches ofice. None ofthe aircraft we used had any braking capabilities other than wheel brakes. This was not a problem, ifyou were careful, with the multi-engine propeller aircraft, but it could be a real problem when we got jets.

Our north-south runway was the instrument approach runway. It lined up with the north-south runway at Stapleton, Denver’s civilian airport a short distance north of Lowry, and both runways were on the same radio range leg. The result was that, when taking off from Lowry to the north, it was not uncommon to be headed into airliners going south at a low altitude as they practiced instrument approaches to Stapleton. It always seemed that the evasive action was up to us.

The pilot orientation of the Academy was intense. Every officer in close contact with the cadets was expected to wear wings. Even

the flight surgeon was a rated pilot. I remember the day when it was announced that the cadets would not get pilot wings when they graduated. It was a big let down; we had all assumed that pilot training would be worked into the curriculum, but that was apparently not possible. The navigator wings that would be awarded were seen as sort of a consolation prize.

Being single (a requirement for ATOs), we began to develop an active social life. United Airlines had a school for stewardesses (who also had to be single) in Denver, so it became a natural resource. The six of us accepted our responsibility as scouts for the rest of the rest of the ATOs, and developed a partying habit that would reach its full flower when our compatriots arrived.

At that time, the cadet activities department consisted of three people: the Cadet Activities Officer (Capt. H. H. Heiburg, a West Pointer), the Cadet Hostess (Mrs. Gail McComas) and a secretary (Carole Gilchrist). I began to feel a strong interest in visiting the cadet activities office, ostensibly to coordinate Contrails (which would be part of the Cadet Activities universe), but mostly to see Carole. The scuttlebutt was that she was dating a captain, but I asked her for a date anyway. She accepted, and we are still together. 9

THE F-105 FLY-BY AT USAFA

nt is just one of those events that people can never forget.

The date was May 31, 1968, and it was the first day of graduation week (we called it “June week” then) for the class of 1968 at the Air Force Academy.

The Vietnam War was as its peak, and our school had many of its graduates in combat there. To honor the Academy, the Air Force sent a decommissioned F-105 “Thunderchief,” a.k.a. “Thud,” to be placed on permanent static display on a specially prepared pedestal in the northeast corner of the grassy area next to the terrazzo.

Theaircraft that we received was a veteran of that war. Actually it was made up of a combination ofcomponents from ten different aircraft. All of these aircraft had been extensively damaged in the war andhad been shipped back to the states in non-flyable status.

moved

To properly dedicate the aircraft, the Cadet Wing Heritage Committee scheduled a ceremony for the noon meal formation. The aircraft was in place. For the festivities, a podium was set up next to the aircraft and chairs were lined up for the attending dignitaries. The Superintendent Lt. Gen. Thomas Moorman would speak as would Mr. Donald Strait, general manager ofthe Republic Aviation division of Fairchild-Hiller Corporation, the builder ofthe F-105. Sitting with them was the commandant, Brig. Gen. Robin Olds and numerous staffpersonnel.

Following their remarks, four Thuds from McConnell AFB, Kan., would perform a fly-by.

Proceeding out for the noon meal formation, we cadets had heard about the flyby. We occasionally had aircraft singly fly over the Academy, but a flight of F105s was a rare treat, and we were excited with anticipation.

Dutifully, we lined up in our squadrons. My unit, 7th Squadron, formed up directly in front of the static F-105. We

By Darrel Whitcomb, ’69

were no more than 50 feet from Lt. Gen. Moorman and the other dignitaries. The cadet wing commander called us to attention. After the roll call report was made, the ceremony started.

Both Lt. Gen. Moorman and Mr. Strait came forward and made some remarks. The words are forever lost in time. But we weren’t really listening anyway. We were all craning our necks to see the Thuds.

The master ofceremonies then addressed us and told us that the flight was being led by Lt. Col. Jim “Black Matt” Matthews, a veteran ofhundreds ofcombat missions in the F-105. The significance ofhis moniker has disappeared in the annals ofhistory.

By now, we had spotted the flight offour F-105s in a holding pattern off to the east. Then we saw them turn toward the cadet area and take up a diamond formation.

Several miles south ofthe cadet area, we could hear them as they turned north and proceeded to fly directly over Mitchell Hall, the air gardens and Vandenberg Hall.

It was awesome. The F-105 is a beast of an aircraft. Designed for low altitude,

high speed operations, the four aircraft streaked by at over 500 miles per hour. The whistling sound that they make is both indescribable and unforgettable.

We loved it, and even though we were in formation, many cadets yelled, whistled, or in some way voiced their approval.

Then we watched as the formation turned out to the east. We expected them to disappear as they headed home to their base in Kansas. But instead, they turned south and began to separate into four individual aircraft. Then it occurred to us - they were going to come back over and make individual passes. Ifanything could be better, that was it.

Now spaced out in a trail formation with about a thousand feet between aircraft, the four F-105s turned back to the west and proceeded to retrace their earlier flight path. I could clearly see the lead aircraft as he turned north. This time though, I could not hear him. But I did notice that the air around the aircraft looked strange. I did not realize what that meant. But a cadet in the next rank

obviously did. He was an aeronautical engineering major and just muttered, “Oh my God” as he covered his ears.

The aircraft silently streaked by and appeared to just barely clear the buildings. I couldn’t believe it. Then the air around us just moved and we allheard and felt the KABOOOOOM as the shock wave swept over us. At that point, I realized what had happened. The F-105 had exceeded the speed ofsound just before passing over the cadet area. In doing so, it had produced a strong shock wave. That explained all ofthe unusual phenomenon that we had just experienced.

Momentarily, we were stunned. Then some cadets began to cheer or in some way show approval ofthe event. But that was interrupted by the ominous sound ofglass breaking as the sonic shock wave swept over the cadet area. Ka-pow!Ka-pow!

Ka-pow! We heard as windows popped along the south face ofVandenberg Hall. Chuck Boyer was standing next to me. He just happened to be looking at Vandenberg Hall as the jet passed and remembered:

“Along the whole length ofVandenberg, every window I could see on the top two floors popped forward, as if on command, and hung in the air for a split second. Then the loose glass sequentially fragmented and slid downward like the front rank of a minuteman formation kneeling to fire. It was like watching a hundred bulldozers push a single line ofice over a cliff... and the glass shattering on the terrazzo sounded like something you’d expect to hear on a stereo demonstration record - like 10,000 champagne glasses being smashed.”

The other three aircraft flew over. They were higher and could all be heard. They did not repeat the mistake ofthe flight leader.

Some cadets broke out ofthe formation and ran back into Vandenberg Hall. The cadet wing commander quickly called the wing to attention and directed our squadron commanders to march us into

the dining hall for lunch. As we did so, we could see that Lt. Gen. Moorman was just purple with rage. Brig. Gen. Olds was apoplectic. Several oftheir assistants were on the phone calling for ambulances and other emergency support. Only then did we realize that some people had been hurt by the flying glass. There was quite a bit of chatter among the cadets.

Our squadron was one of the first to reach the dining hall. As we approached, personnel from inside came running out and told us not to go in. We rushed to the doors to see why. The south wall of the dining hall was all glass. The shock wave from the F-105 had completely shatteredall of it andhad then blasted the dangerous shards into the dining hall. Everything, the floor, tables, plates, glasses and food was covered with broken glass. We were not having lunch. Quickly, we formed a barrier so thatother cadets could not enter as the cadet commanders passed the word to the other squadrons to halt and return to their rooms.

Later, we received the reports that fifteen people had been cut by the flying glass. Most were superficial. But one officer suffered a deep cut and was in hospitalized for several weeks. Overall, 300 windows or individual panes had shattered, 130 in the dining hall alone. It took several weeks to replace it all. Total cost was estimated at more than $50,000.

The flight lead, Lt. Col. Matthews, was grounded. All four Thuds were impounded and inspected for equipment defects. A strong rumor circulated through the Cadet Wing that Matthews was claiming that his aircraft’s airspeed indicator was not properly calibrated. In the end, a board ofinquiry directed by Lt. Gen. Moorman determined that many were to blame for the incident. It stated that the aircraft involved had no defects, but Air Force Academy staffprocedures for coordinating flybys were poor, and

Lt. Col. Matthews had broken numerous flight regulations. But a few weeks later, he was returned to flight status. The war consumed F-105 pilots very quickly and he was needed to train replacements. His subsequent status was not reported.

The incident drew some national attention. It was covered by several large newspapers and mentioned for two days on the TV news. Most of it was negative in tone.

In truth, nothing could justify such a flagrant violation ofthe rules offlying. But that demonstration of raw power deeply impressed many of us young cadets. And at a time when our nation was at war and many of us expected to see duty in that conflict, it clearly reminded us ofwhy we were there at that Academy. We were training to be warriors, just like Jim Matthews.

A week later, a letter circulated through the Cadet Wing. It was written by a Fairchild-Hiller plant manager who had accompanied Mr. Strait. The writer penned:

“I cannot defend nor do I intend to attempt any defense of the officer who made this miscalculation and caused extensive damage to the Academy. I do hope, however, that the Air Force will duly recognize the merits of this particular demonstration. The cadet Corps (sic) could not help but feel an overwhelming pride in their particular arm of service. The worth ofsuch a demonstration cannot be measured in terms ofdollars.”

I tend to think that most of us young cadets of the classes of 1968, ’69,’70, and ’71 who witnessed that event would agree with that message. Many of us who stood there that day went on to serve in the war as did hundreds of earlier graduates. And 31 of us who watched those Thuds died in that war. Their names are chiseled on the Vietnam Wall, intermixed with 121 other Academy graduates and 58,000 countrymen. H Darrel Whitcomb ©

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By Lt. Col. Mike Davis, ’83 Department of History

The Heritage of USAFA Cadets’

Distinctive Uniforms

Fifty secretary agreed

years ago, the Air Force chief of staff and service that their new Academy cadets, similar to cadets at West Point, should wear distinctive uniform combinations. That decision and its implementation were not taken lightly. In fact, the air staffcontracted Cecil B. DeMille’s studio to design an entire series ofuniforms. The resulting formal, informal and parade combinations sported a unique shade of “cadet indigo blue.” Thus, by outfitting cadets in distinctive uniforms, USAFA heritage was grafted into nearly 300 years of western military development.

Today, however, USAFA cadets wear few distinctive uniform combinations. Perhaps the most notable is the occasionally-worn yet most publicly recognized,

parade uniform. Other uniform items that remain unique to USAFA are the popular cadet athletic jackets, and the bulky, coldweather black parkas with large white letters. Yes, Academy cadets still wear Army Air Corps “prop-and-wing” insignia and silver on black shoulder boards on their “Class-A combinations,” but little else is truly distinctive from the uniforms worn by today’s active duty Air Force officers. This trend away from distinctive outfits and toward parent-service conformity began in the 1970s. Prior to that decade, many cadet uniforms were unique to USAFA. For example, cadets ofthe 1960s often wore long-sleeved shirts sporting tucked-in ties that harkened back to the days ofWWII Army Air Force uniforms. This combination was worn in both

khaki and dark blue. Such distinctive uniforms, however, were phased out in favor of “Air Force style” clothing effectively abandoning the institution’s first decades of “uniform tradition.” No doubt, there were cost-cutting measures that prompted moving toward active-service uniform conformity, but the end result was a major reduction in USAFA uniform heritage and institutional distinction. Perhaps, now that we are less than one year short of USAFA’s 50th class admissions it is time to consider these issues again.

The argument against cadet distinctive uniforms is two-fold. Firstly issuing officer candidates active-duty uniform items is a matter ofeconomy. It is very expensive some say wasteful to contract for and purchase numerous small orders ofunique uniform items that are used by cadets for, at most, four years. Upon commissioning, newly commissioned lieutenants discard their cadet uniform items and then spend hundreds ofdollars to purchase the necessary officer service uniform combinations.

Secondly there is an argument that favors continuity. Cadets who wear Air Force-type uniforms for four years at USAFA would

benefit from having learned all the parentservice uniform regulatory “ins and outs” and would not have to face any future embarrassment by possiblywearing an active-duty uniform improperly. Of course, there is a down side to cadets wearing the same shirt, pants and coats as the Air Force officers. When newly commissioned officers begin their careers, we expect them to look sharp. Second Lieutenants who report for duty in worn-out uniforms will not make a great first impression with their gaining commanders.

Those favoring cadet distinctive uniforms argue from the perspective oftradition and heritage. When asked directly,

cadets today are quick to observe that, “the only tradition the Academy has is that it has no traditions.” Yet, there is something about uniform heritage that can instill institutional esprit de corps. Think back a few years when General McPeak pushed for an Air Force-wide transition to airlinestyle uniforms. Very few officers were happy about the changes and most were relieved when General Ron Fogleman ’63,restored our “traditional” Service dress. According to the Air Force Times, service morale and pride greatly improved as a result. Similarly, the notion ofeliminating “cadet gray” at USMA would doubtless meet with overwhelming disapproval both

from cadets and graduates. Our uniforms provide us with a sense ofcohesive identity.

If distinctive uniforms are retained or perhaps enhanced at USAFA, they could be a positive force for building or reinstilling institutional pride. Additionally, there is the possibility of adapting distinctive uniforms to support the Academy’s new Officer Development System. A look back at early yearbooks shows that class distinctions were more pronounced in the first two decades at USAFA. Cadet braid on service dress or wearing uniform combinations by class promoted distinctions between all classes visual evidence of

an Academy four-class system. Over time, however, many of these rank and uniform distinctions fell away. The differences between classes especially those of the top three from the doolies were discontinued; perhaps reflecting an institutional move toward a fourth-class training system. USAFA prep school cadets, who dress more like active-duty enlisted personnel, often speak of “moving up to USAFA uniforms” as one oftheir aspirations to graduate with an appointment. Adopting a cadet progression through distinctive uniforms, culminating in “earning the officer uniform,” could be a positive and motivating aspect of the new USAFA Officer Development System.

Throughout history, professionals at arms have taken considerable pride in their appearance and distinctiveuniforms. Awards, decorations, buttons, badges and accoutrements

contribute significantly to institutional esprit de corps. Is it any wonder that the U.S. Marine Corps is the only service that doesn’t have occasional problems with recruiting? There are a host ofcomplex reasons, no doubt, but one widely acknowledged is that Marines’ uniforms are distinctive and haven’t changed much over time. The USAF image of being “less distinctive” is often interpreted by outsiders as being “less professional.” We know this isn’t the case, but without foundational traditions such as distinctiveuniforms to support our case, it can be more difficult to convince the average citizen. Distinctively different modes of dress clearly can make cadets feel a part ofsomething important, something worth preserving, something with a heritage and tradition all its own a place where “Falcon Pride” signs continue to resonate very strongly. B

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 essentialpreparation 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 #1 ranked squadron ofthe wing!

2002 USAFA Graduate Suzanne Durbeck,

Executive Director

“Onee upon a time

”

Grads, remember all the great stories you and your classmates shared with one another at your last reunion? Well now is your chance to share some ofthe most important memories ofyour life with the 22,000 readers of Checkpoints magazine, which includes the entire Cadet Wing.

As the Academy and the Association of Graduates begin a four-year celebration of the institution’s 50th anniversary, the staff of Checkpoints wants to publish some ofyour cadet experiences and stories of how your four years at the Academy affected your career and life.

Although we can’t guarantee every submission will be published, we hope that many ofyou will take time to share your first-hand account of the Long Blue Line’s heritage and history. Please keep your story between 5002000 words. If you have photos to include with the story, please include them, too. Digital copies ofphotos must be in “jpg” file format, at a resolution of no less than 300 dots per inch at a dimension of 5 x 7 inches. For more information or ifyou have any questions, please contact Ken Wright at (719) 472-0300 or ken.wright@usafa.af.mil.

Please e-mail your story and photos to editor@aog-usafa.org. Ifyou choose to mail your story, please include a digital copy of your story and photos on a CD or floppy disk. Microsoft Word files are preferred for the text documents. The submission deadline for the spring 2004 issue of Checkpoints is March 31. The deadline for the summer edition is June 30.

The Pathfinders’ Legacy

Editor's Note: It is with great regret that we recently learned ofthe passing ofRoger Sims, ’63. Asyou will read in thefollowing story, Sims left a largefootprint on the Air Force Academy. Although he is no longer with us in body, his legacy will continue to improve the lives ofyoung men and women whofollow thepath he and hisfellow classmates cleared long ago.

^ B ne day I’m gonna fly,” said a young Roger Sims in the early 1940s.

B That dream would lead the young black man to ■ll the Academy and then to a C-124 pilot career.

Sims and other Class of 1963 African-Ameri0 can graduates like Charles “Chuck” Bush and Isaac “Ike” Payne IV had no idea that they would be creating history by being the first African-American cadets to graduate from the Academy.

Sims, Bush and Payne celebrated their 40th anniversary reunion at the AOG s Doolittle Hall with their classmates Nov. 8 and rekindled old friendships.

Bush remembered an Academy where there was never a special focus.

He began his career in 1957 as a graduate of Capitol Page High School, Washington, D.C., and became the first African American to be a page in the nations capitol.

His education began at Howard University for two years before transitioning to the Academy and graduating with a bachelor of arts in political science and engineering. Two years later, he received his masters degree in international relations from Georgetown University and an MBA in finance from Harvard University.

Bush feels that he has learned something from everyday that he attended the Academy. He said he never conformed to stereo-

BY 2ND LT. VALERIE TELLES, ACADEMYSPIRIT

Charles V. Bush 9

Isaac S. Payne Roger B. Sims

C3C Jeff Coverdale II, reads his poem “The Pathfinders’ Legacy” to the Class of 1963 guests of honor, Charles V. Bush, Isaac S. Payne and Roger B. Sims. (Photo by Ken Wright) types, and feels that he has never categorized any one person for being hateful because they were from the North or the South.

Just because a person is from a particular place doesn’t mean they have certain characteristics, Bush said.

“We look different, we’ve had different experiences, but we still have the same moral values, the same friendships, the same loyalties,” he said.

Old Academy friendships are cherished by Sims.

The 1955 graduate of Samuel J. Tilden High School attended Howard University, and was in Air Force Aviation Training before attending the Academy. Sims graduated with a major in military management and his Air Force career led him to become a rated C-124 pilot. He later went on to become a television producer for major network affiliates including ABC, CBS and NBC.

The Academy was not always fun-filled, Sims said. “A few tensions existed, Academy cadets had an image to lead with, but most ofthe people were neutral.”

Sims remembered a time at the Academy when tensions were so high that he had to leave his first assigned cadet squadron and enter a new one.

A few cadets had tensions, and Sims said he felt the pressure of being one of the first African-American cadets at the Academy.

Once he moved to another squadron, everlasting friendships were made, Sims said.

He looked forward to his class reunions when he could revel in his classmates’ success. “They invigorate me,” Sims said.

Payne graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, Ore., and attended Portland State College where he was working toward a pre-med major.

At the Academy, Payne double majored in basic science and engineering science.

He went on to become a B-52 pilot, flew more than 450 missions over South Vietnam, and retired as a colonel in 1987.

Payne didn’t remember any pressures from being one ofthe first African-American cadets at the Academy.

“I came here being as intimidated or as arrogant or as anything as any other cadet,” Payne said. “I felt nothing; no special problem except being emotionally beat up by upperclassmen. I was in doolie Squadron 13 starting off. I felt like if anybody else made it through, I’m gonna make it through.”

The experience, from thisAfrican-American’s point ofview, proved to be one filled with cultural diversity.

While Sims spoke of an Academy that did have tensions and hills to climb, Bush mainly remembers his roommates’ accounts of being asked if they were “OK” with rooming with a “negro.”

“I never had problems with the people I was ‘supposed’ to have problems with,” Bush said with a chuckle.

Entering the Academy during a time ofoppression and racial bigotry was challenging. These men became known as “pathfinders.”

All three said they were accepted at the Academy and left with moral values.

“The Air Force allowed me to do things I would have never been allowed to do,” Payne said. “The Academy, for me, sort of began a grounding in an opportunity to be observant and achieve things I never thought I hadthe opportunity to pursue.”

Busy schedules, juggling between athletics, military performance and keeping exceptionally high grades was the number one priority for allthree pathfinders.

Sims said that he just didn’t have any time to be afraid of racism at the Academy.

“I was not looking for, did not experience, what I consider to be any problems with racial overtones,” Payne said. “I just didn’t

see it. To date, after 40 years, people in my class and in my cadet squadron and I get together and stay in touch.”

“Generally in military and corporate life, Eve found that as you rise in a leadership position race becomes more of an issue because you become a threat from a power point,” Bush said. “And it has more to do with power and there are fewer levers for people to use to compete.”

The Pathfinders of ’63 said that there was a problem with racism and discrimination around the time they entered the Academy, but they had a once in a lifetime opportunity to obtain a greater education.

Seven-year-old Quincy Marshall, who said he dreams of attending the Academy in a few years, visited with the Pathfinders during their reunion.

All three had advice for the young Academyhopeful and other youth who dream ofattending the Air Force Academy and one day fly.

“If we did it, you can do it, don’t give up,” Payne said. “Ifyou have a hard time with somebody or something, just say I’m as good as they are, I can do it and you can.”

Quincy did not grasp the full spectrum ofthe Pathfinders’ accomplishments, but his parents knew the importance the pathfinders bring to the Academy’s African-American community.

As young Quincy stared at these three Pathfinders in awe, hoping to follow in their footsteps, Bush had some final words of encouragement:

“The biggest favor you can do for us is to succeed,” Bush said. “If we can provide a beacon for you in the future if we did it, you can do it.” S

The Pathfinders’ Legacy

Thefollowingpoem was written and recited by C3CJejfCoverdale II, at the Nov. 8 Pathfinder ceremony at Doolittle Hall honoring Class of1963graduates Charles V Bush, Isaac S. Payne andand Roger B. Sims.

Pathfinder...

Appointed one, delegated to find a path

Many are called, few are chosen, chosen to search through binds ofwrath

For once the chimesand laughs fade soldiers are made, braves take flight

Flight or fight, and sometimes both that’s why we call this a Way of Life

When days and nights coincide and pride hides under the calloused, burnt hands

We carry the torch on proudly now but only because there was that first man

Those first men...stepped up on first and ten with waves to learn

Unaware they’d leave an endowment ofsuch profound sense a legacy in laymen’s term:

The praises turned indeed they earned, running uphill against the breeze

They did more than graze the frame; they changed the game in ’63

In ’59 the journey’s genesis wherethree elite enteredthe premises

Behold the loathe to those who broke the mold, potential rendered limitless Washington, D.C., sent its suitor bearing knowledge and discernment

Noted by the bulk as “Chuck” yet nursed as birth as Charles Vernon

A stern man, Intelligence was his forte, or so the norms say

A cicerone who rose amidst the stones of contempt, so now the road’s paved

Back in those days New York’s valor came in 78 inches of tower

A force of power that ventured to Colorado by way of Howard

And found his love while roaming through the clouds and mass of blue

Surpassed his youth but established a new mold in the ranks of Globemaster IIs

So that’s the crew...but wait, there’s still the great who spawned ambition

Exemplified in none better than he bearing 432 combat missions

These three warriors.. .enduring night so we may have the key of dawn

At first three strong, but joined our Force ofAir through the trials ofVietnam

So here I stand, a living imprint of these three founding individuals

Our race’s potters who “waded in the water” like the old Negro spirituals

MyWay of Life...the impossible became possible in ’63

Epic ofwarriors, voyage ofvirtue, thePathfinders’ Legacy

Lifts AFA Flight Program

By Pam Zubeck, The Colorado Springs Gazette

Thomas F. Hayden III, ’74, looks out on a panorama that stretches from Pike National Forest to the eastern plains ofEl Paso County.

He watches parachute jumpers drift to a grassy field, gliders soar at 3,000 feet near the Air Force Academy’s spired chapel and academic buildings and a motorglider take off86 feet below him.

Hayden can see it all because he’s standing in the control room of a new $6.5 million air traffic control tower that looms over the Academy’s airfield.

It’s the Air Force’s busiest airstrip that relies solely on pilots’ vision, rather than instruments, for takeoffs, landings and flying.

The glassed rotunda allows him a 360-degree view of the skies and terrain surrounding the tower.

“This thing is out in the middle ofthe different runways, so you’ve got powered flight happening on one side and glider flight on the other,” said Hayden, head of the Academy’s civil engineering department, which oversaw the project.

The tower, which opened Jan. 16 replaces three squatty buildings scattered across the grounds.

“One controls soaring, one controls jumpers and one, powered flight,” Hayden said. “Coordination between all that is very difficult (from three locations). You’ll have all these same people sitting in the same room coordinating these activities.”

The tower’s concept was approved during 2000, design began a year later and construction by Aurora contractor Merrick Co. got under way in fall 2002.

Since the academy accepted the project in mid-October, workers have been fitting the control room with communications equipment.

The 1,300-square-foot tower control room, which has more floor space than any other Air Force control center, is more than a command post for the Academy’s roughly 165,000 takeoffs and landings per year.

It has an observationdeck for visitors and briefing rooms with computer hookups and other state-of-the-art technology.

“The old building (used for briefings) was like the stone age,” said Mike Thompson, the chiefcontroller.

The tower represents the airfield’s first major air trafficcontrol upgrade since 1974. A lot has happened since then.

The Academy’s flight screening program, in which cadets are given experience flying to see if they have potential as Air Force pilots, has grown substantially.

Soaring and parachute jumping programs have been added.

Besides being functional, the tower designed in modernism style adds to the Academy’s futuristic architecture.

It engenders enthusiasm among those who helped build it and those who will benefit from its impact on a flying program that turns out

“This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects I get to do,” said Russell Henderer, a mechanical engineer who oversees the Academy’s construction program.

ClC Jeffery Newkirk, who spends time at the airfield asa soaring instructor pilot, also is excited about the structure.

“It will have a lot more modern technology,” hesaid. “Since we are one ofthe busiest general aviation airfields in the world, we need the best we can get.

“We have a very, very good safety record, and it’s something that can only help that,” he added, “and we’re looking forward to it.”

Photo by Ken Wright about 530 pilot candidates annually.

he USAF Academy and its Association of Graduates recently announced the winners of the Air Force Academy’s Distinguished Graduate Award. Lieutenant General Bradley C. Hosmer, ’59 and Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg, III, ’65 earned this prestigious honor for their singular and distinctive contributions to society andthe nation. Honor, duty, loyalty and integrity capture the essence of these two distinguished graduates. Their accomplishments are testimony to the values the Academy instills in its graduates.

The awardees will be honored at ceremonies and events held in conjunction with the Academy’s Founders DayApril 1. Both men will have the opportunity to interact with the cadets during their visit.

The Association ofGraduates established the Distinguished Graduate Award as a way to identify to the public andthe Cadet Wing the broad national impact that graduates ofthe United States Air Force Academy have on society. The individual achievements of our winners exemplify the qualities and characteristics that the Academy strives to imbue in its cadets the future leaders of our Air Force and the country.

The accomplishments of these distinguished graduates are sketched in the following paragraphs. Their achievements are too numerous to account for all ofthem here, but these highlights illustrate their commitment and dedication to the nation andthe Air Force Academy.

Lieutenant General Bradley C. Hosmer’s years of service to his country were marked by a series of historic “firsts” matched only by his exemplary record ofleadership and professionalism in keeping with the highest ideals of the Air Force. He was the top graduate in the first Academy class. He was also the Academy’s first Rhodes Scholar and the first graduate to serve as Superintendent. General Hosmer was a command pilot and flew more than 4,000 hours principally in fighter aircraft. As a young officer, he served as an air liaison officer and forward air controller with the Army in Vietnam.His courage under fire earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. While at Headquarters, 7th Air Force, he was instrumental in developing plans to provide integrated air support to the besieged Marine garrison at Khe Sanh. During his career, General Hosmer’s wisdom and foresight earned him

a lasting reputation as a thinker, planner and innovator in a wide array ofpositions from Wing and Air Division Commander to Vice Director of the Joint Staff and President of the National Defense University. During his tenure as the Academy’s Superintendent, he made remarkable contributions in a number of critical areas. He spearheaded the development of the Academy’s core values Integrity First Service Before Self Excellence

(2) July 11,1955, Cadet Bradley Hosmer, the Academy’s first Rhodes Scholar, takes the oath of office at theAir Force Academy, LowryAFB, Colo. (3) Hosmer and his family at Christmas 2002. (4) General andMrs. Hosmer while he was USAFA superintendent, 1991-94. (5) 1967, Hosmerwith 0-1 in Vietnam asan Air Liaison Officer assigned to the U.S. Army. (6) Hosmer receiving a briefing while visiting the SovietTank Academy May 1989.

in All We Do. The Air Force later adopted these strong principles as its core values. General Hosmer greatly strengthened the Academy’s character development and leadership programs. After retirement, he served as an adviser to senior Air Force leadership on a wide array ofsubjects to include counter terrorism, leadership development andthe Academy’s character development program. General Hosmer’s lifetime contributions to the Academy, the Air Force, and the nation will serve as an inspiration to future generations of cadets.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg demonstrated principled leadership and selfless commitment to his institutions, community and country that exemplify the values of the United States Air Force Academy. As a young officer, Capt. Schlosberg was awarded the air

medal with five oak leaf clusters after serving two tours ofduty in Southeast Asia where he flew over 200 combat support missions as a KC-135 pilot. After graduating with honors from Harvard Business School, Mr. Schlosberg began a career in publishing that spanned 25 years. He served as President ofThe Corpus Christi Caller-Times', Publisher and CEO ofThe Denver Post; and President, Publisher and CEO ofThe Los Angeles Times. Under his

(1) Schlosberg was publisher and CEO of one ofthe most respected newspapers in the country, The Denver Post. (2) The Schlosberg family. (3) Schlosbergcompleted pilottraining at Vance AFB, Okla., in September 1966. (4) Dick and KathySchlosberg atthe Class of '65 Ring Dance. (5) Schlosbergvisited Nigeria in 2000 while he was the president ofthe Packard Foundation. (6) 1967, Ellsworth AFB. Schlosbergwith son, Richardand daughter, Debbie.

leadership, both The Denver Post and The Los Angeles Times won the Pulitzer Prize, journalism’s highest honor. In 1999, Mr. Schlosberg became President and CEO of TheDavid and Lucile Packard Foundation, one of thenation’s largest philanthropic foundations, where he led efforts to improve early childhood education and health, support emerging scientists, protect the oceans, advance reproductive rights, and slow the rate ofworld population growth. During his five-year tenure, the Foundation made $2 billion in grants to non-profit organizations worldwide. Equally important to Mr. Schlosberg was his steadfast commitment to community service and volunteerism. He served on the Board of Directors of National Junior Achievement, The Smithsonian Institution, the National Air and Space Museum and southern California’s public television station. He served as chairman of two United Way campaigns, first in Denver, where his leadership was instrumental in setting a record for contributions, and then in Los Angeles, where he mobilized the business and volunteer community, establishing record levels ofparticipation. In every endeavor, Mr. Schlosberg left institutions stronger than when he arrived, was a mentor to emerging leaders and was revered by those who worked for him. Throughout a lifetime ofleadership and service, he exemplified the highest ideals and core values of the Air Force Academy. The Academy and the Association of Graduates congratulate Lt. Gen. Hosmer and Mr. Schlosberg on this well-deserved recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and service to the nation, fi

GRADS Rise to the Top

According to a release issued by the U.S. Department of Defense Feb. 17, twenty U.S. Air Force Academy graduates have been nominated to the rank of brigadier general by President George W. Bush, including Colonel Janet Therianos, ’80, the Academy’s first female graduate to be selected for promotion to the rank of brigadier general.

Class of 1978

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) C. D. Alston, ’78

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Herbert J. Carlisle, '78

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Harold W. Moulton II, ’78

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Joseph F. Mudd Jr., ’78

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Joseph M. Reheiser, ’78

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Joseph Reynes Jr., ’78

Class of 1979

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Charles R. Davis, ’79

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Frank Gorenc, ’79

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Donald Lustig, ’79

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) William N. McCasland, ’79

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Mark H. Owen, ’79

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Robin Rand, ’79

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Stephen D. Schmidt, ’79

Class of 1980

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Robert R. Allardice, ’80

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Thomas Anderson, ’80

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Frank J. Kisner, ’80

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Christopher D. Miller, ’80

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Janet Anthea A. Therianos, ’80

Class of 1981

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Brooks L. Bash, ’81

Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Robert Yates, ’81

BY CHOLENE ESPINOZA, ’87

ay God be with us,” said Sergeant Elias Franco, a Marine Reservist from Albuquerque, N.M., over the radio as we crossed the “LD” (Line of Demarcation) into Iraq.

“M:There was no corresponding “Roger that.” There was no need. He said what most of us were praying. His voice carried a solemn tone that still resonates in my soul. His words marked the beginning of the history of the Iraqi war for the 1st Tank Battalion.

I knew that no matter what happened from that point forward, there was no turning back. To quote the motto of my former U-2 Squadron, we were going “toward the unknown.”

Airpower and artillery had essentially leveled Safwan Hill, a major Iraqi military installation on the southern border of Iraq. The smell and glow offire reminded me of the nights following Sept. 11, 2001,

in New York City. It was difficult to breathe deeply. Patchy fog enveloped the valley we traveled through. Visibility was nil.

The radio transmitter in our Humvee made a crackling sound and then went dead a few minutes after entering Iraq. The transmitter had been a chronic problem throughout the days before the invasion. The mic needed to be held at a certain angle and the Marine who was transmitting practically had to close one eye in order to get it to work. We were told that there were no spares. This was just another malfunction on our Humvee’s list of “combat losses.” Another item on the list of our Humvee (aka the Santa Maria) was the door on the driver’s side. I was continually reminded that I was with the Marines not the Army, and certainly not the Air Force. All of this was said with just a hint of sarcasm when I verbalized my disbelief in the status of the Santa Maria.

Since I am a pilot and know the value of a radio transmitter, especially when people are trying to kill you, I asked the vehicle Commander Corporal Francisco Blea, “What now?”

“Not much we can do about it,”he casually replied. At that moment I had a revelation. I was no longer a pilot flying a multimillion dollar airplane in an Air Force where safety and mission accomplishment are completely welded together and risk management is paramount. Instead, I was a passenger in a badly worn Humvee with one door missing and no way to talk to our “wing men.” In short, I felt expendable.

As the sun began to rise, I could clearly see the smoke we were breathing. It was raining fine droplets of oil. I felt claustrophobic and thought to myself, “Breatheshallow and slow.”

I had the same sense of heaviness I did during SERE while holed up with ants crawling all over me, cold, hungry and trying to hide from the “enemy.” I realized at that moment in SERE that being in the Air Force was not about graduating from a prestigious institution. It was about risk and sacrifice and service.

The platoon stopped long enough to get what looked like paper masks with a check valve. These masks were supposed to keep us from breathing in the oil smoke. The Marines tried the mask for a few minutes and threw them in the overstuffed makeshift glove box of cardboard and duct tape. I kept mine practically hermetically sealed to my face (I had read about what oil fire smoke does to the human body.) The mask turned dark brown by the end of the day.

Making ground on this first morning was painfully slow. It was obvious that the Iraqis had known that the Marines were coming for quite sometime. There were road blocks of old rusted machinery and man-made sand dunes everywhere. In an effort to detour

around one of these roadblocks, we ended up in a farmer’s field. Corporal Blea yelled from the top of the Humvee (remember, we had no radio), “What are we doing? This is a PR nightmare!” The Iraqi families just looked at us with a sense ofwonder and confusion as the platoon plowed through their fields.

The Iraqis may havebeen confused, but I was uncomfortable to be so exposed to a “civilian population.” The Marines had told me that Iraqi soldiers were spotted “taking over” civilian homes and disguising themselves as civilians. Despite the enormous firepower of a marine tank battalion, in the words of a senior gunny sergeant (a veteran ofthe first GulfWar) we felt like “sitting ducks.”

The Rules of Engagement were exceptionally stringent and contributed to the sense ofvulnerability. Simply put, the Marines could not fire unless fired upon. The effort made to avoid civilian casualties was exceptional, beginning with the invasion plan. The Marines essentially invaded Iraq in broad daylight. I was told this “non-standard” plan was likely made so that they could more easily see the surrendering troops and minimize Iraqi causalities.

I witnessed the Marines exercise extraordinary restraint to avoid civilian causalities over the course of the next several days. I recall one such occasion when the battalion was attacked with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. One personnel carrier was destroyed and three Marines were injured, one critically. The attack had come from a civilian neighborhood. There were Iraqi civilians everywhere trying to blend in and mind their own business in the middle of the attack. They were looting the neighborhood and couldn’t be distracted by thisfire fight.

The Marines spent the morning attempting to determine where the attack had come from. They went into buildings armed only with M-I6s and searched for the attackers. They still feared the attackers would strike again as they searched. Perhaps another military would have simply “leveled” the neighborhood. The Marines found an Iraqi military camp camouflaged in the civilian neighborhood. It had maps, communication wires andall the trappings of a military operation. I watched some fleeing Iraqis drop what were likely weapons and run into a civilian house and come back out to meet the Marines with two small children. t>

Cholene Espinoza graduatedfrom the Air Force Academy in 1987. She was a T-37 Instructor Pilot at ColumbusAFB, Miss., and thenflew the U2 until 1995 when she was hired by UnitedAirlines. She currentlyflies the 767 for UnitedAirlines and lives in Manhattan, N. Y

By the middle of the afternoon it was time to move on toward the next mission objective. The Marines did destroy the newly abandoned military compound, but I wondered what had happened to those who had inhabited it before and what would become of the attackers. I am definitely not a military historian, but I tried to scan my brain to think of another example in history that I could compare to Iraq. I realized that this war was like no other in history.

The reaction to the Marines was mixed as we traveled through a small town in the south on the first evening of the war. Some waved enthusiastically, all waved if we waved to them first, some ran out to the Marines with jugs to fill with water, some asked for food. The Iraqi Prisoners ofWar were patiently standing on the side of the road with their suitcases packed awaiting the directions from the Marines. I saw that some of the women had already begun to loot. At first I thought they were carrying the laundry until one came out of a building with a desk on her head.

The platoonpulled off to the side ofthe road and awaited further instruction. I asked if I could make a radio report for Talk Radio News Service, the people who had sent me here. I felt like a four degree hoping for phone privileges. I had been in a transmission black out for about four days. My 23-year-old Platoon Sergeant Joshua Flannigan went out ofhis way to push “higher” to let me transmit. It was approved. With Iraqi dogs barking in the background, I knelt in the dirt and made my first report from Iraq. I reported what I sawm extreme discipline in the face of extreme danger and an unswerving commitment to insure that these Marines were liberators, not conquerors. After I was finished, Corporal Blea quietly said, “Cho, you made me proud to be a Marine.” I said, “You make me proud you’re a Marine.”And with that I watched the 1st Tank Battalion make history. S

The Sabre Society

The Sabre Society recognizes donors who annually make an unrestricted leadership gift of $1,000 or more to the Air Force Academy Fund. The fund is the most direct 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 significant funding 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.

Please consider contributing at the Sabre Society level. Your leadership gift sends a clear message to our cadets that you support their journey to become leaders of character for our nation.

Please call Regina Clark (7 1 <>) 472-0300 or visit us online www.usafa.orv

GradsSet 50 World Records in B-1B Lancer

Story compiled from Edwards AFB, Public Affairs

by Staff Sgt. Shelley Gill

Majs. Wim Libby, ’90; Troy Asher, ’88; JeffWharton, ’88; Rod Todaro, ’91; Hans Miller, ’93; and Capt. Jeremy Agte, ’97; comprised six of eight B-1B Lancer crew members who set nearly 30 worldspeed records in two flights during a recent air show at Edwards AFB, Calif.

The crew unofficially set and broke almost 50 new records during the air show Oct. 25-26. Recordbreaking courses included three 15/25 speed dash and the 100 / 500 and 1,000-kilometer closed circuit courses. The records have been verified by the National Aeronautic Association making them U.S. national records. They are awaiting verification by the Federation Aeronautique (FAI) before they become official records. The FAI is the world authority in overseeing and certifying all aviation records.

The B-1B TestTeam is confident they set the 1,000-kilometer record; however, according to the NAA, new records must be broken by at least one percent.

“The previous 1,000 kilometer record was set with a speed of 1,089 kilometers per hour and we flew it at 1,105

and the 15-kilometer speed dash, 807 mph.

“There are about eight cargo categories per speed record, kilometers per hour,” said Libby, 419th Flight Test Squad- said Asher. “When all records are added up, it comes out to ron project pilot. “We are very close to resetting the record about 50 new world records.” by the one percent criteria, but will have to wait until the

During each record-breaking flight, the bomber carried its official verifications is finalized to be sure.” full combat load of 84 Mk-82 500-pound inert bombs. To

During the first of two flights, the B-l’s top speeds were further showcase the B-l’s capability, at the end of each flight, recorded by the NAA as follows: 100-kilometer course, 644 all 84 weapons were released on a local Edwards range in full mph; 500-kilometer course, 698 mph; 1,000-kilometer course, view of the airshow crowd. 686 mph and the 15/25 kilometer speed dash, 828 mph.

In addition to the records set in the above 330,000-pound weight class, the B-l set the same distance and speed records in the below 330,000-pound weight class during Oct. 26 flight.

During the second flight, the bomber’s speeds were recorded by the NAA as follows: 100-kilometer course, 652 mph; 500kilometer course, 644 mph; 1,000-kilometer course, 631 mph

Wharton, an experimental test weapons systems officer, attributed their success to the hard work of the crew and many people on the ground who supported the record-breaking effort. “Without the support of the people in the B-l System Program Office, The Boeing Company, and our maintenance troops in the 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, we couldn’t have done it.” H

Photo

Maj. Michael Hoepfner, ’89, completes his checkout flight in Raptor No. 18 recently as the first F/A-22 fighter pilot to finish his training at Tyndall AFB. USAF photo by Lisa Carroll.

Tyndall

Trains First F/A-22 Pilot

Maj. Michael Hoepfner, ’89, says he has the greatest job in the world. As the first fighter pilot to complete his F/A-22 Raptor training at Tyndall, AFB, Fla., few would argue.

“I feel so lucky that I got to be the first to qualify,” he said.

The assistant director of operations for the 43rd Fighter Squadron is one of only three Tyndall fighter pilots currently qualified to fly the F/A-22, and he is the first pilot to qualify in a Tyndallstationed Raptor.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigian, ’83, 43rd Fighter Squadron commander, and Maj. Steven Luczynski, a 43rd FS flight commander, both completed their training at Nellis AFB, Nev.

“Training Maj. Hoepfner provided a tremendous sense of pride for everyone in the 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the Raptor team as a whole to include all our contractor support,” Col. Harrigian said.

Maj. Hoepfner arrived at Tyndall in May 2002. As an F-16 Falcon veteran, he continues to fly out of Eglin AFB, Fla., in support of operational testing.

“As an F-16 pilot, I think it’s one of the most beautiful planes on earth and does so many different things. We call ourselves the jacks of all trades and the masters of none,” Maj. Hoepfner said. “In the F/A-22 though, we’ll be the masters of all.”

Being able to get up high and fast stacks the fight in the Raptor’s favor as the fifth generation of fighter jet, he said.

The mantra of the F/A-22 program is stealth, integrated avionics, increased maneuverability and supercruise leading to an increased precision and attack capability.

By Christine Sullivan 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

“The big difference is in the aircraft’s capabilities,” Maj. Hoepfinersaid. “The F/A-22 is two steps above the F-16 in every area I can think of. It’s an absolutely amazing jet.”

The F/A-22 also outperforms the F-15, proving to be more maneuverable, more reliable and less detectable than the Eagle. Essentially, the F/A-22 elevates U.S. technological advantages and updates ’70s technology, providing first look, first shot, first-kill capability.

Initial flight training for the single-seat aircraft included a trip to Seattle for ground school academic training that lasted two weeks. Then Maj. Hoepfner traveled to Atlanta for training on the high fidelity tactical simulators.

Emergency procedure simulator training was conducted at Tyndall and after numerous sessions, he felt more than ready to take the Raptor up for the first time.

When he flew his first Raptor sortie Nov. 12, he realized he’d been working toward that day for two and a halfyears.

“At Eglin, I kept saying I want to fly that jet someday,” Maj. Hoepfner said. “Finally getting to do it was purely amazing. I’d heard all the stories how maneuverable the jet was and how the radar performed, but until you see it yourself, you really don’t get an appreciation for the ability ofthis jet to do whatever you ask it to do.”

After the core cadre of seven pilots at Tyndall gets qualified by early spring, three other F-15 pilots are scheduled to arrive at the 43rd for F/A-22 training. Tyndall is expecting to bring in an initial cadre from Langley AFB, Va., ofsmall classes. H

Seniors Assigned Air Force Jobs

By 2nd Lt. Paul Goossen Academy Spirit

Senior Air Force Academy cadets learned Dec. 4 what jobs they will perform after graduation when they become Air Force officers.

These are the jobs some have been dreaming about and working towards their entire lives.

“I do not want to fly, but I do want to use the education from the Academy in a purposeful way,” said C1C Susan Rietz, scheduled to be a scientific analyst. “I feel that helping the Air Force makeeducated decisions is very important and good analysis will lead to better capabilities and more advanced technology in the future.”

With a major in operations research, Rietze was almost guaranteed an analyst job regardless ofher wishes. Lucky for her, it was her first choice.

“My family and friends are pleased that I got what I wanted,” she said.

ClC Steve Do is pleased with his future career path too.

“I’m really happy because acquisitions was my first choice,” he said. “I wanted to get a job that was applicable to my major, management.”

Do’s family and friends are also happy for him. Some of them, however, don’t exactly know how the Air Force works or what his new job title means.

“I just tell them that I got my first choice and this is what I wanted to do,” he said. “Then they’re happy for me too.”

ClC Robert Brady is ecstatic about going into aerospace engineering.

“I’d like to do developmental work. I feel excited because I will be able to work on a lot ofcool projects I’ve read about,” he said. “My mom thinks the job is a perfect fit for me but my dad wanted me to be a pilot, but I think he’s over it.”

The Class of2004 was given 530 pilot slots, 55 percent of the class.

More than 90 percent of the seniors received their first or second choice, said Academy officials. The Air Force Specialty Code process is based on four criteria: needs of the Air Force, cadet qualifications, cadet preferences and the general board rankings.

“We make every attempt to match cadet preferences, but we are also charged with meeting the needs of the Air Force and awarding critical and highly sought after Air Force Specialty Codes to the most deserving cadets based on their overall performance at the Academy,” said Col. Gary Smith, Academy director of personnel.

The Class of 2004 will be given their report dates and bases sometime in the spring. S

Cadet earns

RHODES SCHOLARSHIP

ByJohn Van Winkle Academy Public Affairs

Photo by Ken Wright

An Air Force Academy senior added a Rhodes Scholarship to her growing list ofaccomplishments Nov. 22.

ClC Delavane Diaz was one of 32 U.S. citizens who will take post-graduate degree courses at Oxford University, England.

Diaz, who was also an academic all-district team volleyball member and Marshall Scholarship finalist, excels academically, athletically and militarily.

She also served as cadet wing commander during the second summer session, managing the day-to-day operations of4,000 cadets during Basic Cadet Training andthe Academy’s other summer training programs.

The Tampa, Fla., native earned a 3.80 GPA in Astronautical Engineering all the while leading both the team and Mountain West Conference in kills per game with a 4.98 average.

Rhodes Scholars are chosen in a three-stage process. First, candidates must be endorsed by their college or university. Committees of selection in each of the 50 states then nominate candidates who are interviewed by district selection committees in eight regions of the United States.

Applicants are chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the will ofCecil Rhodes. These criteria are high academic achievement, integrity ofcharacter, a spirit ofunselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor. These basic characteristics are directed at fulfilling Rhodes’ hope that the Rhodes Scholars would make an effective and positive contribution throughout the world. As he wrote, Rhodes Scholars should “esteem the performance ofpublic duties as their highest aim.”

Diaz was named a state finalist following interviews in Miami, Nov. 19 and continued the process Nov. 21 in Atlanta at the regional interviews. In between the grueling interview process, Diaz led the Falcons in the MWC volleyball tournament with 11 kills against No. 6 BYU Nov. 20.

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest international fellowships, bringing the best students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. They began in 1902; the first American Scholars was elected in 1904.

Diaz is the 33rd cadet from the Air Force Academy to be named a Rhodes Scholar. She will enter the University of Oxford next October, almost 100 years after the first class of American Rhodes Scholars did in 1904.

The 32 Rhodes Scholarschosen from the United States will join an international group ofscholars chosen from eighteen other jurisdictionsaround the world. In addition to the 32 Americans, scholars are also selected from Australia, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Canada, the nations ofthe Commonwealth Caribbean, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Southern Africa (South Africa, plus Botswana, Lesoto, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the academic field, the degree (Bachelor of arts, master’s, doctoral), andthe Oxford college chosen. The Rhodes Trust pays all college and university fees, provides a stipend to cover necessary expenses while in residence in Oxford and during vacations, and transportation to and from England.

The total value averages approximately $30,000 per year. HI

Two AFA cadets earn Marshall Scholarships

By Academy Public Affairs

Two Air Force Academy seniors can add Marshall Scholars to their impressive lists ofaccomplishments.

C1C Miriam Krieger and ClC James Valpiani won two of the 40 prestigious scholarships awarded this year for outstanding U.S. college graduates. Both will study under the Marshall program for two years.

Krieger is an aeronautical engineering major and has been a soaring instructor pilot. She’s served as director ofoperations for the Cadet Wing, was a safety officer and took part in the Service Academy Exchange to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She plans to attend the London School of Economics and Science, working on a master’s degree in comparative politics and contemporary policy analysis.

Valpiani is an astronautical engineering major and has been the Cadet Wing commander. He’s served as the soaring opera

tion officer and soaring program superintendent as well as holding other leadership positions. He plans to study information engineering at Oxford, England.

Marshall Scholars are chosen on the basis of high academic achievement, and extensive extra-curricular activities. The program seeks to advance students who will become leaders, opinion formers and decision makers and encourage outstanding young people to become ambassadors to the United Kingdom.

On a personal level, the program seeks to establish longlasting relationships between the people of the United Kingdom and the United States.

Krieger and Valpiani are the seventh and eighth Air Force Academy cadets chosen over the history of the scholarship. SB

Five years OF PLANNING

and four years of construction went into the Academy’s most recognizable building.

And this year the Cadet Chapel is looking as beautiful as ever at age 40.

Chapels are found on most university and college campuses, and the Academy is no different. But Walter Netsch Jr., the chief architect of the cadet chapel, wanted something different.

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, an architectural firm in Chicago, was chosen to design all of the buildings in the cadet area, including the chapel.

As part of the design process, Netsch spent months researching chapel designs. He even ventured to Europe for two weeks to further his research.

“I fell in love with two chapels. One was in Paris, and the other was just outside of the city,” Netsch remembered. “Structure was the most important element.”

But his love was for more than just structural design; Netsch also admired thecolors emitted by the stained glass windows.

He started with a tetrahedron design and pulled them apart by a foot to include the stained glass. The complete design began to fall into place.

To get design approval, the Air Force enlisted the guidance of the general commission on chaplains in the armed services to represent Protestant groups, the National Jewish Welfare Board and the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate.

These groups worked with Netsch and almost 600 architects to design suitable furnishings and ecclesiastical appointments.

The contractor, Robert E. McKee, Inc., Santa Fe, N.M., began construction Aug. 28,1959, andthe chapel was completed in the summer of 1963.

Within the structure are a Protestant chapel, seating 1,200 people and a 120-seat choir loft; a Catholic chapel, seating 500 worshippers and an 80-seat choir loft; and a Jewish chapel seating 100.

A newly renovated all-faiths room is available for smaller religious meetings.

Each chapel has its individual architectural characteristics supporting the religious service for which it is designed.

The Protestant chapel

The Protestant chapel, which is the one most recognized, is enclosed by aluminum tetrahedrons converging 99 feet above the terrazzo floor and separated by a tracery ofinch-thick cast, stained glass.

From the American walnut and African mahogany pews that resemble early laminated propellers, furnishings in this chapel were designed with the Academy in mind.

They also serve a religious purpose. Twenty-four shades of stained glass are arranged with darker colors in the back of the chapel and lighter colors in the front.

“The Bible starts with Genesis and ends with Revelation,” Netsch said. “So these windows begin with dark colors in the back and move to light colors in the front of the chapel.”

The 24,000 pieces ofglass are slightly chipped to give a jewellike appearance.

The cross is made from cast aluminum and is 46 feet 2 inches tall. It weighs 1,200 pounds.

The Protestant chapel is the most visible of the other chapels. Its prominence was planned.

A survey was conducted to determine the appropriate percentage ofeach chapel in reference to the total building. This had a direct impact on how big each chapel would be.

The Catholic chapel

Our Lady of the Skies Chapel takes its name from the marble sculpture of Our Lady of the Skies, one of the two figures in basrelief on the 18-by-45-foot reredos.

The other figure represents the guardian angel. Each figure weighs 1-1/2 tons and measures 10 feet.

Constructed ofVenetian glass tessera in varying shades of blue, turquoise, rose and gray, the reredos is an abstract portrayal of the firmament. When the glass arrived at the Academy, it was in several thousand pieces andhad to be placed by hand.

The focal point of the chapel is the white marble altar, a gift from the late Cardinal Spellman.

The 14 Stations ofthe Cross are located on the east and west walls. A small cross contained in each station is made ofolive wood from the Mount ofOlives in Jerusalem. Each is sculptured fromfour-inch thick marble slabs and measures four feet high by three feet wide.

The marble used in the stations, the altar and reredos is Italian Carrara and comes from the same quarries that Michelangelo used in his work.The stations and reredos were conceivedand realized by painter-sculptor Lumen Martin Winter.

The Jewish chapel

Visitors immediately notice the Jerusalem stone as they walk toward the Jewish chapel. The Israeli Defense Force donated it. t>

The tetrahedron frame of the Cadet Chapel is built. (Photo courtesy of Duane Boyle.)

Also very prominent is a Torah Scroll from the Holocaust. It was found in an abandoned warehouse in Czestochowa, Poland, and is one of 38 recovered during World War II. It’s believed to be almost 200 years old.

The Jewish chapel is circular, representing not only the global mission of the Air Force but also the strict monotheism of the Jewish religion.

It is enclosed in Cyprus stanchions separated by translucent pebble glass. The purple color represents the color ofthe tabernacle curtains.

Nine paintings, titled, “The Way of an Eagle in the Air,” surround the room. Painted by Shlomo Katz in 1985-86, each set ofthree paintings represents parts oflife: relationships, flight and justice.

This chapel is immediately north of the Catholic chapel on the terrace level.

The All-Faiths room

The all-faiths room serves several faith groups and was originally on the terrace level north of the Jewish chapel. It still houses several religious icons from Thailand, Japan and Korea.

However, a newly renovated room is now located in the basement and serves people ofother faiths. The elements are portable to accommodate several faith groups that meet in this functional room.

Other 2002 additions were a multi-purpose room that is used for small choir practices, meals and other gatherings after religious services or concerts.

Although the sizes of the rooms vary, all faiths are respected. Peggy Kelley, chapel guide supervisor, remembers an African dignitary who visited recently.

“He was almost defiant in his attitude as he walked into the Protestant chapel,” Kelley said. “After leading him through the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish chapels, though, I asked if he wanted to see the Orthodox chapel.”

The man’s face brightened as he exclaimed, “When I came here, I thought this was just a big metal building, now I know it’s a house of God.”

Although retired, Netsch stays involved in the chapel by being a consultant.

Duane Boyle, chief program development at the academy program development office, cares for the chapel each day.

Netsch refers to Boyle as a “wonderful protector ofthe building.”

Boyle always wanted to be an architect.

After graduating from Air Academy High School, Boyle continued his education and, ironically, started his first job as an architect at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.

“The chapel was in good shape until the 1980s,” Boyle said. “It was put on the back burner in relation to other buildings.”

The heating system was in the first phase of repairs.

The wiring to the intricate lighting system was in the next phase of repairs. The wiring became brittle, and after further investigation, the area in each light pocket was filled with asbestos. After asbestos abatement was completed, Boyle restored what visitors can and cannot see to its original appearance.

“The face plates over the light panels had to be custom designed,” Boyle said. “Originally, the switch on the face plate turned the light bulb a certain way to shine on a specific spot. Now the knobs are there for decoration, to ensure they look like they did when the building was first built,” Boyle said.

Boyle does all he can to ensure that people enjoy the chapel as they would a modern, new building.

“We don’t do things arbitrarily,” Boyle said. “We want to make sure the changes meet standards.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

Meeting those standards will help the chapel become a national historical landmark site in April.

Peggy Kelley first visited the chapel when she andher husband moved to Colorado Springs in the summer of 1977.

Twenty years later, she is still coming to the chapel.

“1 hadn’t planned to work full-time, but a friend recommended me for this job,” Kelley said. “I didn’t plan on it being a career.

“I like allthe people I’ve met through this job,” Kelley said. “I’ve met presidents, dignitaries and entertainers.”

She also meets many of the 1.4 million visitors who make a trek to the famous site.

In addition to services on Sunday, almost 150 weddings are held in the chapel each year.

To be eligible to be married in the chapel, either the bride or groom must be a graduate of a service academy, be an active-duty member assigned to the Academy, or be a family member of an active-duty member who is assigned to the Academy.

Funerals and memorial services are also held in the chapel.

The same eligibility requirements are for those who would be honored at a funeral or memorial service.

The cadet chapel is open 362 days a year, closing only Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. S

air). T.P. Gohagan andCo.

MandarinChina (April 26-May 12, 2004) An amazing nineteen-day journey into theheart of China, 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 ofChina’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). 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 of historic sites and a lecture by Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill (from $3895 plus air). T.P. Gohagan and Co.

Germany’s LegendaryHoliday 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 aboard the 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 final information.

aj. Doug Lindsay, ’92, and Special Agent Dave Lindsay, ’92, have a lot in common.

They were both born May 27, 1969, in Topeka, Kan. They were both Falcon Foundation scholars and attended New Mexico Military Institute preparatory school in Roswell, N.M. They both graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1992. Both are career Air Force officers, proud to serve their country, their Air Force and their Academy - excited to have returned to their alma mater and give back to a place that has given them so much. And they’re twins.

The Academy gave us a career and an education, Dave says. “I’ve always wanted to come back.”

Dave returned to the Academy in June 2002. He’s the detachment commander for the office ofspecial investigations at the Academy, which identifies, investigates and neutralizes criminal, terrorist and espionage threats to Air Force and Department of Defense personnel. The unit, autonomous from the Academy, also provides counterintelligence support to the Air Force.

Return to USAFA

BY CHRISTOPHER A. STEWART

PHOTO BY KEN WRIGHT

Doug returned to the Academy in June 2003.

“I’ve been trying for quite some time to get back here,” he says.

Doug teaches Behavioral Sciences for Leaders, a core-curriculum class that provides an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes including living and working in small groups (such as families or military units) and sociology and anthropological perspectives on the structure and function oflarger social groups.

Both are very proud and excited to be working at the Academy.

“Who would’ve guessed 12 years later we’d be back?” Dave asked. “The timing worked out great.”

The twins consider this assignment a chance to make a difference in the lives of future Air Force officers.

“It’s nice to be able to give a little something back,” Dave says.

One of the rewards to working at the Academy is being part of the Academy’s Officer Development System, training cadets to become some of the finest officers in the world’s greatest air and space force.

“You get to see them grow up a bit,” Doug says. “We expect a lot out of our cadets. We set very high standards, and cadets rise to the occasion.”

Dave and Doug compare their return to the Academy as a Homecoming of sorts. While some parts of the cadet Academy life have changed, much is still they same, they say.

“This is still a military academy,” David says.

“And it’s still a world-class, premier institution I think it’s still a very rigorous program.” Doug says.

“You’re taking a group of kids who already have a belief that they want to serve their country and put them in a leadership situation,” Dave says. “This is a leadership laboratory you get them to practice leading here.”

The twins also point out that some parts ofAcademy life are different than their time here 12 years ago.

“There’s more of an emphasis on growing leaders,” Dave says. “The big focus in on leadership.”

Top-ranking senior officers and the Center for Character and Leadership Development play a key role in building leaders of character for the nation.

AOCs are empowered to command their squadrons and serve as a day-to-day role model for cadets. The presence of the enlisted force gives cadets important perspective. And, Dave notes, AOC, MTLs and other Academy leaders are putting the military back in a military school.

Cadets get to see AOCs and MTLs interacting to make each squadron work, Doug says, which sends a powerful message about how Air Force officers and enlisted service members sueceed together.

One of the most exciting changes Dave and Doug have realized is the Academy’s move to become more like the operational Air Force.

“When you leave the Academy, you have a perspective about what the Air Force is like,” Dave says.

David and Doug credit the Academy for helping them realize a dream of serving their country as Air Force officers.

“The Academy will help you find your limits and let you know where you need to grow,” David says. “By going into the Academy, you see what kind of life the Air Force provides. It’s not just a job.”

“It instills in you the importance of being an officer and what it means to serve,” Doug says.

His time here as a cadet helped him realize that he could make a real difference in people’s lives by serving the U.S. Air Force.

And David agrees.

“I’ve hadthe opportunity to make a difference in lots of people’s lives,” David says. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

The Sabre Society

The Sabre Society honors the dedication and commitment of leadership donors who make unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more to the Air Force Academy Fund. Sabre Society donors are invited to 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.

Sabre Society donations support important Academy character development, academic, athletic and heritage programs, which reinforce the core values of the Air Force: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Please consider giving at the Sabre Society level and receive the satisfaction of knowing you are directly impacting cadet and graduate programs that assist the Academy in achieving its highest aspirations.

Sabre Society donors are recognized at the following levels:

Donor ($ 1 ,000 - $2,499 annually)

Patron ($2,500 - $4,999 annually)

Benefactor ($5,000 - $ 10,000 annually)

Ambassador ($ 10,000 - $24,999 annually)

Leadership ($25 000+ annually)

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

Good Reads

Here are two interesting books that ultimately circle back to the service academy value systems. Unlike the preposterous plot depicted in Lucian Truscott’s (USMA, ’69) best-selling novel Dress Gray, which 1 was never able to finish; these books are more closely grounded to reality.

Both Absolutely American and Core Values revolve around the adventures and misadventures of a small group offriends who pass through the system. Any sociologist reading either book would recognize the constants that have always existed throughout cadet life: beer (gallons ofit!), close-knit camaraderie, physical fitness, and, of course, the role that religion occupies in each cadet’s military existence. Both books also bring out timely topics such as sexual harassment and honesty. Oddly, both authors ignore the role of academics, a topic that occupies 85 percent ofcadet time. However, at that point the similarities between the two books end.

Phil Bossert, ’82, a former Air Officer Commanding, has written Core Values, a bonafide novel which depicts a giant flashback of a pilot in the middle ofOperation Desert Storm. The reader can see that even though the cast ofplayers has rotated manyfold ever since 1955, the basic mindset of USAFA cadets has changed little. The USAFA cadet misadventures begin with a prank aimed at a martinet upperclassman. Underclassmen unfurl a giant public banner that displays that venerable joke: “You can make it harder, but... !” From that point forward the novel takes an unrelenting path ofbloodless revenge worthy ofTitus Andronicus. Core Values, alas, is brutally devoid ofhumor. It ends with a “don’t-wewish-it-were-really-so” world 10 years hence where “justice-ofa-sort” eventually triumphs.

David Lipsky, a civilian writer from Rolling Stone, lived among the West Point cadets for four years and produced his best-selling Absolutely American a bookthat can only be described as a “noveloid.” Thebook is plotless, but it is not directionless. Its direction points the reader to root for all of the participants as they course through a whirlwind trip towards graduation day. This book makes the reader feel as if he has been bolted to a bucking mustang.

Both Core Values and Absolutely American describe in the most painful, personal detail the sweat-inducing nightmare cadets must endure when they face an honor board. Honor board procedures may have changed over the years, but the honor board’s verdict is always the punch line. The honor board system is most likely unfamiliar to the civilian reader, so both authors do justice in explaining what the system is about and why it is important to military service.

Core Values is a book where the good guys are really good and the bad guys are pure evil. No doubt this is an oversimplified sketch ofhumanity, but I would have preferred that Bossert had described in Hemingway fashion this good-versusevil behavior and then let the reader decide. Instead, he tells us directly. In Absolutely American Lipsky takes no moral position, but neither does he offer the reader choices. However, unlike Bossert, Lipsky does offer us a few bits ofconventional military wisdom quoted through historian Samuel Huntington and a few hints from sociologist Morris Janowitz.

Absolutely American is an inch deep and a mile wide. I found it to be absolutely entertaining, but I’m not sure there is any lesson to be learned which a service academy graduate shouldn’t have already learned. I recommend it highly to both an uninitiated civilian and the curious academy graduate.

And, as you might have guessed, Core Values is an inch wide and a mile deep. It is a profoundly disturbing book, but not for the allegory it presents. Rather, it warns us indirectly the abuses that a well-meaning system can be turned against an eccentric member of that group. For example, only in America if a woman merely dislikes a man can she cry foul and legally claim sexual harassment. Likewise, I have read many archived honor cases in which I was never certain whether the issue brought against the accused was an issue of honor or revenge. Hopefully, Core Values will warn us not to abuse an honorable system to our own personal ends. S

Bossert, Phil (2001). Core Values. Baltimore, MD: AmErica Publishing. ISBN: 1-58851-093-X. $24.95

Lipsky, David (2003). Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0-61809542-X. $25.00

2005 Completes Rite of Passage!

The Class of 2005 has completed the 18-month process of designing, voting on, ordering and personalizing the class crest for the rings.

The Association ofGraduates and Jostens havebeen working hand-in-hand with the 2005 cadet class ring committee since the fall of2002 to create a crest that captures the hopes and dreams ofthis group offuture officers.

The process actually began in 1999 when the AOG negotiated a multi-year contract with Jostens to provide the rings for the Classes of2000-2005. A key part of that negotiation resulted in these Class of2005 paying 20 percent less for their rings than the Class of 1999.

Then in the fall of2002, the 2005 cadet class ring committee was formed and met with representatives from Jostens and the AOG to begin creating designs for their class crest. By the spring of2003, the votes had been cast and 2005 had their class crest. Over the summer of2003, Jostens worked on the catalogues and upcoming briefing for the class at large.

At the same time, the AOG handed the ring committee the metal ingots that would eventually be melted down for inclusion in each Class of2005 ring. With the AOG instructions to “go forth and take them to places that mean much to your class,” the ring committee scattered to the winds to make it happen. In the fall, Jostens representatives came out on two different occasions: first to brief the entire class on the completed ring design and to explain the upcoming ordering procedures; second, to put on a genuine stone show for the cadets. In January 2004, the Jostens team visited the Academy to take and process orders from the entire class. Finally, in mid-February, the AOG completed the process by sending the “well traveled” ingots to Jostens for inclusion in the rings. As you read this, the rings are being produced. Well done, 2005! H

Wings ofBlue Drop in on Rose Bowl

The Wings of Blue didn’t get much of a vacation during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Academy jumpers represented the Air Force around the country.

Members ofthe Academy’s parachute team performed demonstrations at the Centennial ofFlight celebration at Cape Hatteras, N.C.; the Fiesta Bowl inTempe, Ariz.; and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. In addition, cadet members ofthe team won the National Collegiate Parachuting Championships in Lake Wales, Fla., over the holiday break.

“This ‘break’ really wasn’t much of a break for us,” said Lt. Col. Mark Gillott, commander of the 98th Flying Training Squadron. “The squadron and cadets did a fantastic job!”

The squadron’s “break” began the weekend before the 100-year celebration of the world’s first manned flight Dec. 17, 1903. H

Expect Great Things:

The First 50 Years of the Air Force Academy

A historical documentary of the first 50 years of the U.S. Air Force Academy

Expect Great Things is a comprehensive 50-year history of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Beginning with a vision for a U.S. Air Force separate from the other military services, the inception of an Air Force Academy, and its founding at Lowry Air Force base, this captivating documentary features the construction of the Academy in Colorado Springs, presidential visits, and the development of the Academy’s impressive character development, academic, military training and athletic programs.

Filled with never-seen-before behind-the-scenes interviews with Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa, Falcon Football Head Coach Fisher DeBerry, and Operation Iraqi Freedom war hero Capt. Kim Campbell, ’97, this one-hour anniversaryissue DVD also highlights the impressive and storied accomplishments of the Long Blue Line.

Twenty-four special features examine the lives and accomplishments of graduates like Gen. Ron Fogleman, ’63, USAF (Ret.), former Air Force chief ofstaff and AOG distinguished graduate award winner; Congresswoman Heather Wilson, ’82; Mr. Harry Pearce, ’64, AOG distinguished graduate award winner; and many others who proudly tell how their Academy experience continues to touch their lives.

To reserve your copy ofthis anniversary-issue DVD or VHS, call your Association of Graduates at (719) 472 - 0300

Cost: $14.95 plusshipping and handling Sponsored by the Association of Graduates and The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library

CADET AREA NOMINATED FOR U.S. By USAFA Public Affairs

National Historic Landmark Status

AThe National Historic Landmarks Committee met in Mt. Vernon, Va. to review nominations for the designation, and approved the Academy’s package recommending the cadet area for the National Historic Landmark status. Now the nomination goes before the National Park System Advisory Board in Los Angeles in March. That board makes the recommendation for approval to the secretary of interior, who will formally designate the cadet area as a National Historic Landmark.

Duane Boyle, from the Academy’s civil engineering office, said he thought the Academy had an excellent chance to receive the top designation.

“It should be a very well received nomination,’’ Boyle said ofthe selection. “The Academy recognizes it is responsible for a nationally significant asset and we have always strived to preserve it as the institution grows.” Boyle added that this is the first time the Academy has applied for rhe designation, although “the idea’s been discussed over the last few years.”

The resources within the Academy’s cadet area historic district, include the planetarium, physical education building, Arnold Hall, Harmon Hall, Cadet Chapel, Sijan Hall, Mitchell Hall, Fairchild Hall, Vandenberg Hall, the aerospace laboratory, terrazzo, Honor Court, and parade grounds, which were constructed

all between 1958 and 1968, along with the retaining walls and circulation system (the roads leading to the Athletic fields and Field House parking, between Fairchild Hall and terrazzo, and stairs/ramps connecting the terrazzo and other upper levels with the lower athletic fields and buildings).

“It’s a tribute to the Air Force and its leaders at the time, who envisioned a landmark facility for the Academy, equal to that ofWest Point and Annapolis,” said Boyle. “General Harmon and then Air Force secretaries Harold E. Talbott and Douglas Quarles made sure the Academy would be a national landmark because the academies are very visible to the public and and tend to set an image in the public’s eye ofthat branch ofthe federal government,” Boyle said. “The entire team at that time did something very right with the design.”

Only 10 other Air Force sites worldwide and one site in Colorado Springs, have received such status.

According to Lysa Wegman-French, a historian with the National Parks Service intermountain support office in Denver, Colo., the Air Force sites include Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.; Hangar 9 at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas; Hickam Field, Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards AFB, Calif.; and Wake Island in the U.S. Minor Islands.

In Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak is the only National Historic Landmark site. S

Ed: A ceremony officiallydesignating theAcademy as a NationalHistoric Site is currently scheduledforApril 1, 2004, at the Honor Court, USAFA.

Professor Honored for Hydrogen Storage

By Debbie Kubik, AcademySpirit

CMaterials Research

hemistry professor and director of the Chemistry Research Center Dr. John Wilkes is the 2003 Colorado Local American Chemical Society award winner.

Wilkes was awarded $1,000 and a medallion Dec. 9 at the monthly meeting ofthe Colorado section ofthe ACS. Wilkes presented a speech titled “Hydrogen storage materials for personal electric power” at the meeting.

The Colorado local section gives the award each year in recognition of a member’s contribution to the science.

“The award was not based on my efforts alone,” Wilkes said humbly. “The mentors who guided me, the colleagues whoworked with me, and the students and staffwhose efforts I supervised are the people I just represented in accepting the award.”

All of the research mentioned in the award citation was done at the Academy.

“This is an excellent place to do research that will enhance cadet education, develop faculty members profes-

sionally, and allow us to contribute our part in solving some tough but important technologyproblems,” Wilkes said. Wilkes heads the department ofchemical research center at the Academy. In addition to promoting research for faculty and cadets, he is actively involved in his own research in hydrogen storage devices and various batteries.

Wilkes has worked at the Academy since 1978, first working at the Frank J. Seiler Research Laboratory. He was the laboratory’s technical director in the early 1990s. The laboratory was closed in 1995, and at that time, he was appointed director of the department of chemistry research center.

The last person from the Academy to win this award was Lowell A. King in 1978. King was Wilkes’ supervisor and his scientific mentor early in his career.

“I was a first lieutenant, fresh from graduate school,” Wilkes remembers. “Lt. Col. King, now retired, attended the award banquet, and I told theaudiencethevalue of such mentorship; both on the giving and receiving end.

In 1978,1 attended the banquet in Lt. Col. King’s honor, and he spoke about research we had done together here at the Academy. There is a nice symmetry in this.” H

Professor John Wilkes, 2003 Colorado Local American Chemical Society Award winner, works withcadets like C2C Erik Kappe (L) in one of the Academy’s laboratories.

(Photo by Ken Wright)

A Cessna 150 flown by C1C Nathan Jordan comes in for a landing in the precision landing competition. Jordan placed fifth in power-off landings.

(Photo by David Tomlinson)

Flying Wins

he Academy flying team, comprising 18 cadets, won their 17th National Intercollegiate Flying Association competition, Oct. 22—25, in Rangely, Colo. All team members have their Federal Aviation Administration private pilot’s license.

The competition consisted offlying events such as precision landing, navigation and message drop, aircraft identification, and simulated trip planning.

C1C Nate Hahn placed first in navigation, short field landings and aircraft identification.

“The hardest part about the competition was definitely the preparation, both flying and academically, that took place in the months leading up to the event,” Hahn said.

The flying team trains all year in order to prepare for this competition, and for the past 17 years, the team has kept the regional title at the Academy.

Hahn believes commitment to excellence has become part of the team’s heritage.

“It something that each of us takes great personal pride in,” Hahn said.

Straight Titles

BY TAMARA WRIGHT, ACADEMY SPIRIT

Other top-scoring cadets were C1C Vincent Powell who placed second in navigation and seventh in simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation, and ClC Nathan Jordan, who placed fifth in power-offlandings and first in the computer accuracy ground event.

“Placing first at the regional competition allows us to go to nationals in 2004,” Powell said.

For Hahn, Powell and Jordan, this is the last regional competition where they will get to compete, making this competition even more special.

“Some of my best Academy memories are from my time on the team, and the friendships that I’ve made will certainly last a lifetime,” Hahn said.

The team will now get ready to compete in the NIFA competition in late April in Smyrna, Tenn.

The team’s coach is Bert Boyce and the team captain is ClC John Fischer.

Five other schools also participated in the competition including Metropolitan State College of Denver, Rocky Mountain College, Westminster College, Utah Valley State College and the host school, Colorado Northwestern Community College. Si

POLARIS

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

Your light can live on long after you are gone by making a gift to the Air Force Academy and AOG through your estate. A bequest in your will, a life insurance policy that you no longer need, a charitableremainder trust or other types of trusts can make a substantialdifference 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 PolarisDonors.

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 thefuture. Be a Polaris donor!

For more information, contact Gary Howe at (719) 472-0300 or gary.howe@usafa.af.mil

Cadet Giving Provides basic, financial needs for a Colorado Springs family

By Debbie Kubik, Academy Spirit

This past Christmas, cadets from Squadron 12 showed the real meaning ofthe holiday by providing a local family with the gift ofgenerosity. “We started collecting money in early November,” said C2C Kathleen Tenpenny. The money was then used to buy presents for three children living in Colorado Springs whose parents were in danger of not being able to place anything under their Christmas tree.

Basic needs such as shirts, shoes, pants, underwear and socks were on the parents’ list for their children.

However, they also hoped their 15-year-old boy, 11-year-old girl and 5-year-old girl might receive gifts like games, dolls, puzzles and maybe a doll house. Those hopes became a reality when the cadets decided to make a difference in the family’s life.

“This was a great way for us to help some people who needed it,” said C3C Tim O’Connell. “It was more than worth it just to give something to the family, especially so close to Christmas.”

And give they did. The squadron of 112 cadets gave more than $600 to help this family. Besides providing basic needs, the squadron also treated the family to a meal and groceries.

“This means a lot,” said Leslie Sarrazin, a bilingual family advocate at family services, here in Colorado Springs. “Not only are they addressing this family’s financial needs, but they also are addressing the values ofwhat Christmas is all about.”

This family only speaks Spanish. Although the father works, he is a landscaper, and work is scarce this time of year. The mother is not able to work. Purchasing new clothing, let alone a new toy, is well beyond their means.

“The family thinks they are an outcast because of their language and financial barriers,” Sarrazin said. “Now they feel like someone cares.”

This family of five is part of the adopt-a-family program, facilitated through the Community Partnership for Child Development. Founded in 1987, the partnership was spun off from Catholic Charities specifically to administer the Head Start program.

“The adopt-a-family is a way for us as cadets to help those in need, as well as spread a little more joy into their lives,” said C4C Charles Setzer. “That alone should be enough to inspire anyone to give.” 9

F/A-22 Raptor manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corporation recently brought their updated cockpit simulator to the Air Force Academy. J.R. McDonald, ’72, the director of the F/A-22 program, got the chance to instruct cadets like ClC Rob Vincent on how to fly the simulator.

Raptors are currently flying training missions at Tyndall AFB, Fla., and the first operational F/A-22 squadron is scheduled to activate at Langley AFB, Va., in late 2005. (Photo by Ken Wright)

SABRE SOCIETY VISITS USAFA Witness Impact of Support

LAST YEAR AMERICANS DONATED ALMOST $241 BILLION TO CHARITY. WHILE NO PARTICULAR CAUSE INSPIRESPEOPLE TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR HARDEARNED MONEY, A DESIRE TO STRENGTHEN A CAUSE THEY BELIEVE IN DEEPLY PLAYS A LARGE ROLE IN THEIR DECISION TO GIVE.

STORY & PHOTOS BY KEN WRIGHT

For members of the Association of Graduates’ Sabre Society, that cause is the Air Force Academy andthe young men and women of the Cadet Wing.

On Feb. 5-6 more than 150 Sabre Society donors, a group ofgraduates, parents and friends of the Academy who annually give at least $1,000 in unrestricted support to the Air Force Academy Fund, returned to USAFA to see the important difference their contributions make in cadets’ daily academy lives. The event was hosted by the AOG in appreciation of the Sabre Society’s commitment to the Academy.

The AOG established the Sabre Society in 1995 and seen theonce-small group grow to more than 1,000 members. Last year this group accounted for almost 22 percent ofthe $5.5 million donated to the Academy and the AOG, a remarkable show ofgenerosity bypeople who share an unbendable commitment to ensuring the Academy remains one ofthe premier educational institutions in our country.

Sabre Society members visited with cadets and senior Academy officials. Before getting an up-close glimpse ofAcademy life, the donors took the opportunity to attend a briefing from Superintendent

During the recent Sabre Society Appreciation Event, donors like Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley, ’64, took the opportunity to eat lunch and talk with cadets at Mitchell Hall.

Lt. Gen. John Rosa, in which he discussed the future ofthe Academy, as well as the road theCadet Wing traveled during the past year following the sexualassault scandal.

As he outlined the Academy leadership’s plan to emerge from the scandal as a better and stronger institution, the general reminded the donors that even in a place that covets its traditions, not all change is bad.

The 1973 Citadel graduate told the audience that in all organizations, change is inevitable.

“Ifyou have an organization that never changes, it will end up lacking in the fight,” he said.

During the next two hours, Rosa, and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. John Weida, ’78, made it clear to the audience that the two Academy leaders would do everything in their power to continue to advance the Academy and cadet wing.

For the remainder of their visit, the donors had the opportunity to dine with cadets at Mitchell Hall, fly new simulators in the Air Warfare Center with the help ofcadet instructors, tour the Center for Character Development, andthe newly opened Athletic Hall of Excellence.

Although most people assume all the Academy’s financial needs are met by the government, it is critical that federal funding be supplemented with private contributions to create new and enhanced programs that prepare cadets to be leaders of character for the Air Force and the nation.

That’s where Sabre Society contributions make all the difference.

The Society’s unrestricted gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund enable the AOG, with Academy leadership, to invest in new ideas, technologies and activities that support character development, academic, athletic and heritage programs for cadets.

Ifyou would like to learn more about the Sabre Society, please contact Regina Clark at (719) 472-0300, regina.clark@ usafa.af.mil, or visit the AOG online at www.usafa.org. 9

Above: Tom Morris, '64, takes his turn at the controlsof a new flight simulator at the Academy’s Air Warfare Center. Morris and more than 150 other Sabre Society donors visited with cadets and senior leadership Feb. 5-6 as part of the Sabre Society appreciation event hosted by the AOG. Below: Lt. Gen. John Rosa, Academy Superintendent, speaks to members of the Sabre Society aboutthe changes that are strengthening the Cadet Wing and Academy.

PPLICATIONS to the Academy on the rise

The number of applicants to the Academy was recently tallied as 1,641 more than the same time last year. At last count, the total number ofapplicants to the Academy was 12,121, according to the academy admissions office. One year ago that number was 10,480. Only 1,300 ofthose applicants will be accepted into the Class of2008.

“This institution has been pushed into the limelight from January through today,” says Col. William Carpenter, ’73, admissions director. “People look at this schooland see we have challenges, but they have a lot of faith that we will take on those challenges and correct them.”

The number of female applicants also is rising, says Rollie Stoneman, admissions associate director.

Currendy, 3,022 women have applied to the Academy, nearly 35 percent above last years total at the same time.

Why are so many more women this year interested in an Academy education than last year?

“From the comments we hear from visiting students, they feel strongly about what the Academy stands for,” Stoneman said. “They want to be part of the solution.”

In fact, when students ask about the Academy in college fairs and in other recruiting events, most of them ask about the institution itself. They typically do not know about the details of the Fowler Commission or the Agendafor Change.

“A lot of these young folks listen to a liaison officer, recent graduates or current cadets rather than to the national media,” Carpenter said.

While applicant numbers are up, the attrition rate also is holding steady when comparing male and female cadets.

“In the classes now that potentially would have fallout over this issue [the sexual assault scandal], especially in ’05 and ’06 classes, the female attrition rate is the same as males,” Carpenter said. “In fact, in ’04 it is better than their male counterparts.”

C4C Kate Hyrnyk is the fourth in her family to attend the Academy. Two brothers and one sister are Academy graduates.

“I had wanted to be a cadet since my older brother, Jason, came here,” Hyrnyk said. “I saw everything he was doing and decided that I could do that too.

“That was about the same time [my sister] Mary decided to give up on Notre Dame and pursue the Academy as well. Once Mary started, I realized that I could make it here.”

Before cadets make thedecision to leave, if at all, they will talk to peers at other institutions, even at non-military schools. They might discover that culture and climate issues are not isolated to this school.

“Mary had a difficult four-degree year,” Hyrnyk reflected. “Her perseverance and drive showed me that anything I wanted was within my reach. The only thing that stood in the way was me. My procrastination got the best of me and forced me to come in three years late. But during those three years of college prior to coming to the Academy, my siblings never told me not to do it. A part of them wanted me to be able to share the experiences of this institution. The same experiences can unite former cadets of all graduating classes.”

If applicants don’t have a sibling attending the Academy, they can see for themselves what life at the Academy will be like.

“We hold candidate orientations every day of the academic year,” Carpenter said. “Students have opportunity to go to classes and participate in activities with cadets.”

Students are encouraged to begin the application process in the spring of their junior year in high school.

An applicant needs to have good grades and be involved in a college-preparation curriculum. They also need high scores on the ACT and SAT. Students need to have demonstrated leadership on and off the athletic fields. They must pass a physical fitness test and pass a medical examination. Finally, they need to have a legal nomination, typically by a congressman or senator.

In comparing notes with his counterparts in other service academies, Stoneman said that they are finding that high school students are showing a genuine upturn in patriotism. They also know the reality of the economy and know that acceptance at the Academy will mean a tuition-free education and a guaranteed job after graduation, Stoneman said.

The cost of an Academy education is currently computed at $33,468 per year.

The admissions department is already in the process of making appointment offers a process that will continue through mid-March. S

v—J Aviation Day wm -

Compiled by the Academy Spirit staff

he Academy’s Flying Team at the 557th Flying Training Squadron hosted the 3rd annual Scouting Aviation Day Dec. 6 at the Academy’s airfield. The event allowed more than 50 scouts to obtain their aviation merit badge and learn about the aviation industry.

“Being an Eagle Scout, it’s always nice to have the opportunity to teach scouts and help them earn the aviation merit badge,” said C2C David Tomlinson, cadet in charge ofScouting Aviation Day. “It’s also a chance for us to give something back to the community as well as a program that is building Americas future leaders.”

During the course of the day, the scouts toured Academy facilities and learned about careers in aviation. Cadets were also provided classroom instruction for the scouts so they could complete their merit badge requirements.

“I’ve wanted to be a pilot since I was 10 years old, said Will Lewis from Boy Scout troop 127 in Colorado Springs. The 15-year-old scout has a few years to decide where he’ll go to college, but he has his sights set on the Naval Academy because his dad served in the Navy.

“It’s a great experience to get to work with these kids each year,” said C2C Allen Short. “The enthusiasm they have for aviation makes it all worthwhile.”

Scouting Aviation Day is organized and run by the 18 cadets of the flying team with support from people at the 557th FTS.

Scouting is a common denominator between many current and future military officers. Eleven percent of the Academy’s Class of 2005 achieved Eagle Scout or Gold Award honors, and 25 percent of cadets currently enrolled at the Academy were involved in scouting.

“Scouting is a big part ofwhat got me where I am today,” said Tomlinson said. “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to come back in a few years and find some of these scouts as cadets.” H

By the Numbers

The U.S. Postal Service will soon release a stamp honoring the Air Force Academy’s 50th anniversary. You can purchase the stamp beginningApril 1 on the Web by logging on to http://shop.usps.com. Postal Stamp image photographed by Philip Handleman

The number of community service hours cadets of the 3rd Cadet Group served in 2003. This remarkable figure reflects cadets’ belief in one of the best knownAir Force core values —servicebefore self.

A I ROB “WALDO” WALDJL Ll\.

I • MAN, 90 addressed more than 500 cadets and various members of the Academy’s faculty and staffJan. 15 emphasizing the value of teamwork, trust and leadership.

Waldo, as his friends and comrades call him, received his nickname during the second day of BCT in 1986. The name stuck.

“Trust in yourself, trust in your wingman, and trust in your leadership,” Waldo told the cadets. “You cannot do it all on your own.”

Throughout his speech, Waldo engaged and energized cadets, calling on them to “pump it up,” and cadets enthusiastically shouted back, “Pump it up!”

Using personal testimony from Operation Allied Force and video clips from Operation Desert Storm, the F-16 pilot with 65 combat missions and 226 combat hours reflected on his experience surviving four surface-to-air missile lock-ons while flying over Yugoslavia.

“I defeated the first no-kidding’ mission of my life,” Waldo said.

And, he stressed, he couldn’t have done it without the leadership and support ofhis wingmen. His message to cadets: “I’m proud to be your wingman!”

This message reflects the undiminished level of excitement and energy Waldo had when he left the Wing nearly 14 years ago. He creditsthe Academy for helping him get to where he is today.

“You know where your office is, folks?” Waldo asked. “It’s right here at the Air Force Academy You’re in the business at the Air Force Academy to win.”

WALDO PUMPS

He says his passions as a cadet were honor, discipline and sacrifice, tenets that have helped guide and direct his successes both in and out ofthe military.

After serving 15 years in the active-duty Air Force, Waldo is now in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and also plays an important part in the Academy’s recruiting program as a liaison officer. Before starting his own company, The Patriot Group, Waldo worked for a high-tech aviation simulation software company and later a major tax consulting firm. S

UP DOOLIES

’90 GRAD TELLS CADETS

‘I’M PROUD TO BE YOUR WINGMAN!’

by Christopher A. Stewart

/% cademy’s f-\ AERIAL CONTROL team

JL jL delivers AIR POWER to cadets a

Devil 91, scenic control, loud and clear, your time on target remains the same, report depart holding and one minute out.”

By 2nd Lt. Valerie Telles Academy Spirit

Photos by Ken Wright

First Lieutenant Darren “DZ” Long, flyover program manager, communicates with pilots waiting in a holding zone over Garden of the Gods via radio. Long waits for the skies to clear at the five-mile visibility mark and gives Capt. John “VZ” Veazey, ’95, current operations flight commander, the signal that skies are clear. Veazey in turn gives the green light and moments later two F-I6s make their way from their holding pattern and roar over the Academy’s Falcon Stadium, Nov. 1, during the Air Force/Utah football game.

Long, Veazey andthe aerial control team control the flyovers from the top of the stadium press box for home football games.

Flyovers are a proud aspect of the Academy tradition and are meant to provide cadets with a taste ofwhat it might be like to pilot a full range ofaircraft. Flyovers take place over Falcon Stadium, noon meal formations, parades, the Academy’s Preparatory School, Jacks Valley and more. Academy graduates, cadets, retired officers and even civilians line up from all across the nation to pilot their aircraft for Academy flyovers.

Flyover events are engineered to both educate and motive cadets and allow the community to witness the Air Force’s capabilities, Veazey said. Last season’s flyovers featured aircraft ranging from vintage B-17s to Vietnam-era F-4s, stealth F-117s and B-2s.

The scope of flyover preparation is endless. The aerial control team must be precise and efficient on a full range of concerns, including weather, scheduling, altitude, speed, spacing and timing of the aircraft. Pilot briefings begin days before the scheduled flyover.

Long, a prior-enlisted crew chieffor the EC-130 and multiple other aircraft, currendy serves as the air trafficcontrol component for flyovers. He is the man behind the scenes and is responsible for the overall communication between the pilots in their holding zones and the aerial control team on top ofthe stadium press box.

Coordinating flyovers is no easy task yet the Academy’s current operations flight makes the process look simple.

An aerial event briefing is given two days before a scheduled flyover takes place. The briefing provides vital information that can make the difference between life and death for pilots participating in flyovers.

Before Veazey gives pilots a green light for a flyover, skies must be clear within a five-mile visibility radius. Veazey, a 1995 Academy graduate is a rated C-130 pilot and currently flies the UV-18 Twin Otter at the Academy. Safety is his primary concern during flyovers.

Aircraft altitude, speed, spacing and timing are crucial points ofinterest for Long. Along with having direct communication with all the pilots, he must consider many factors simultaneously: howmuch distance between the aircraft and the stadium, how fast the aircraft can go, the distance between the chain ofaircraft flying over and the split-second timing ofeach aircraft over a designated point.

If a formation is behind schedule for their flyover, Long must predict whether an aircraft can make it over the target with enough time for the remaining aircraft to follow behind.

Split-second timing is vital, and narration during a Falcon stadium flyover is as equally important. Flyovers are timed to the second so that the names of the pilots flying over Falcon stadium are acknowledged.

Flyovers are not only limited to the scope ofAir Force aircraft; the Academy provides its audiences with a taste ofwhat the Academy is all about: Air Power. “In the past year at the Academy, 328 aircraft have flown over 51 individual events, representing nine Major Commands, and including NASA, Navy and Army aircraft,” said Veazey after a successful Falcon Stadium flyover.

Although the aerial control team gets flyovers offthe ground, safety is never far from its conern. During a fall aerial event briefing, Lt. Col. Ron Powell, the Academy’s 34th Operations Group deputy commander, left the team with a poignant and powerful thought, “Flexibility is going to be the key. The safest thing we can do is just call ‘knock it off’ and live to fly another day.” B

Previous page: Capt. Jon Veazey, ’95, flyover flight commander, maintains tight communication with a four-ship of Thunderbird F-16s practicing a flyby over Falcon Stadium. Right: Acceptance Parade flyover of a KC-10 Extender.

Academy loses one ofits own in the War on Terror

BT MIGUEL NAVROT

ack at his New Jersey high school and around the time “Top Gun” came out, Steven Plumhoff, ’92, weighed two choices for his future: Should he write fiction or learn to fly?

Velocity beatverbs but not with fighter jets. Unlike many ofhis fellow cadets at the Air Force Academy, Plumhoff favored helicopters, which meant he would work with a crew instead of flying alone.

“I want to be part of a team,” he told his sister, Carola, at the time.

Steven, 33, worked his way into the military’s elite Special Operations force to see much of the globe. His last mission took him to Afghanistan, where he died in a fiery helicopter crash Nov. 23 with four other servicemen.

“Being busy has kept my mind off the realization that Steve won’t be coming home,” said Maj. Kevin Churchill, ’84, a longtime friend now stationed at Kirtland AFB, N.M. “He’s still over there, doing something, and it will be some time before I come to the full realization that I’m not going to see him any more.”

The crash, which happened Nov. 23 near Bagram Air Base, sent a worldwide jolt through the Air Force’s tightknit Special Operations community. The four airmen who died were crew members on an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter, one of the service’s most advanced aircraft. Plumhoff was the pilot.

All four airmen had spent some time at Kirtland, where the Air Force trains its Special Operation crews to handle the most diffi

cult flying conditions. Plumhoff, an admired officer and, recently, an instructor at Kirtland’s 58th Special Operations Wing, volunteered for the Afghanistan mission, officials said.

More than a week after his death, Plumhoff’s colleagues and friends at Kirtland spoke publicly about their loss.

“I don’t think Steve is the kind of person you can replace,” said Churchill, executive officer at Kirtland’s 551st Special Operations Squadron, where Plumhoff was assigned. “He was a loyal friend, someone I respected, I enjoyed flying with, I enjoyed talking with, and I will truly, truly miss.”

Even in the service’s elite group, colleagues said Plumhoff stood out. He kept himself in tip-top physical shape and strived to know something about almost everything. He was a top Pave Low pilot, computer guru and sports trivia master.

“I don’t care if it was baseball, football, hockey, Australian rules football you name it, he knew about it,” Churchill said. “I don’t know how he packed it all into a day.”

Details mattered to Plumhoff. His combat boots always shined, usually more so than anyone else’s.

“He was an impeccable image. Physical fitness was his premium,” said Lt. Col. Lance Bodine, 551st commander. “No one could touch his boots. I’ve never seen in 20 years, quite honestly, boots that shiny. I mean, that was his trademark.”

For being so extraordinary, Bodine added, Plumhoff remained well liked by everyone around him. “Well liked and respected,” Bodine said. “You don’t always see that.”

Plumhoffworked his way up Air Force duties and ranks, starting as a Pave Low co-pilot and becoming a group safety officer, one of the most important duties in preventing accidents.

In 1999, as NATO aircraft bombed Serbia to force Serb troops out of Kosovo, Plumhoffhelped organize search-and-rescue operations that saved two U.S. pilots, including one from a downed F-l 17A stealth fighter jet from Holloman AFB, N.M.

A year ago, Plumhoff’s proudest moment came with the birth ofhis only child, said Churchill. He and his wife had a son.

“It’smemorable for everybody, but Steve absolutely loved being a father,” Churchill recalled. “You could just see the joy in hisface.”

This autumn, with battles in Iraq and Afghanistan stretching Special Operation resources, Plumhoffvolunteered for overseas work.

His mother, Hannelore Lode ofPueblo West, Colo., said she felt “kind ofcalm” aboutthis deployment, expected to last 60 days.

“He even said, ‘Maybe I can even be home for Christmas. We should be home soon, if not for Christmas, then soon afterwards,” Lode said in a telephone interview.

Plumhoff died right before Thanksgiving.

“Our country is asking a lot ofits military right now, the president is asking a lot,” said Col. Paul Harmon, 58th Operations Group commander. “People like Steve voluntarily go out there to do that.”

On Nov. 29, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., the Air Force held a memorial service for Plumhoff and the other three airmen killed: Staff Sgt. Thomas A. Walkup Jr., 25; Tech Sgt. Howard A. Walters, 33; and Tech Sgt. William J. Kerwood, 37.

The crash also claimed a 10th Mountain Division soldier, Sgt. Major Phillip R. Albert, 41, ofTerryville, Conn. Albert was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. Si

Printed with thepermision ofthe Albuquerque Journal. ©

The Searchfor Ron Rosepink, 78

BY AL WALLACE, ’80

On Sat., June 28, 2003, around 5:30 p.m., Lt. Col. Ron “Thorn” Rosepink, ’78, was last observed under canopy paragliding above the treetops near Black Mountain in Tehacbapi, Calif., approximately two hours north of Los Angeles. Earlier, Ron had been flying an F-16 out ofEdwards AFB, Calif., as a reserve test pilot on an F-22 chase mission. Ron commuted to California from Colorado where he lived with his wife Debra and three children. Alter no contact from Ron, Debra notified authorities and a massive search effort was initiated and conducted for two weeks. Ron was not located and the search was called off.

Ironically, at 13 years old, Ron Rosepink joined Civil Air Patrol (CAP), earning the qualifications as an expert in search and rescue at the Hawk Mountain Ranger School in Pennsylvania. Ron entered USAFA in the Class of 1978, majored in astronautical engineering and was a national champion

on the Wings of Blue parachute team. Following graduation from pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss., Ron became the first lieutenant to solo the F-16 Viper. After several operational assignments in Utah and Korea, he was accepted to test pilot school. Ron continued parachuting and began learning the art of ballooning. Within two years he had won first place in several specific events at the Great Albuquerque and Reno balloon races.

When not flying or designing things to fly, Ron continued testing the effects ofgravity on humans: hang gliding, bungee jumping, ballooning and ultimately, paragliding. While an expert in many areas, Ron had less than 100 flights in his paraglider.

Along with many other CAP expert rangers who grew up with Ron, I found it unacceptable that he had not been found and felt committed to find him. We met this past November in State College, Penn., to plan a search over Christmas to bring closure to his family. Ron’s disappearance has created a sense

of financial hardship on his wife Debbie and their children. Without his income, the family is selling their house. Since his body has not been located, Debbie cannot collect life insurance proceeds.

The qualifications within the plan, search and support group that met in November were remarkable. The group included expert rangers, an astronaut, several fighter pilots, a helicopter pilot, multiple flight test engineers and pilots, a general surgeon, two master medics, an Army combat medic, GIS and cartographic experts, a forensic meteorologist, an anthropologist, a forensic scientist, police detective, EcoChallenge team coaches, an Army Ranger, two expert skydivers, and many more. The team’s combined search-and-rescue expertise exceeded 325 years, with the average team member experience at 18 years. The group was experienced in technical rock climbing and rappelling. More than two dozen EcoChallenge athletes assisted in the actual search immediately following Christmas. In search and rescue, training, expertise and preparation enhance luck, but do not guarantee results.

Despite receiving incredible community support and searching the entire south face of the ridgeline where Ron launched, the team did not locate his body. To our chagrin, two decades of prayer for a white Christmas were answered on our shift. Rick Searfoss, ’78, Ron’sclassmate and STS90 space shuttle commander living in Tehachapi, did a miraculous job providing local meals and logistical support, to which I am deeply indebted. Ron’s close friend, Frank “Fuzzy” Zeller,’80, donated his house, his light aircraft, cooked the Christmas turkeys, and sacrificed his body for two weeks on this effort.

Many graduates donated airline buddy passes for travel which saved thousands of dollars. With $10,000 in expenses for airfare buddy passes, car rentals, lodging for the team and family, and equipment, more than 75 percent was covered by donations. I am especially grateful to the AOG for facilitating these donations through e-mail distribution lists. Individual team members placed the balance of these expenses on their personal charge cards. The snow hindered us slightly. While creating more hazardous conditions for searching due to the steep terrain and jagged underbrush, with few exceptions, the snow would not have hidden our search objective: a large backpack approximately 2 feet square by 18 inches deep, either containing or connected to the paraglider.

If we can afford it, the search team will return the first weekend in April to search the more treacherous north face. There will be more EcoChallenge athletes, multiple Navy

SEAT teams, a Marine air traffic control unit, andlocal volunteers. I invite you to join us.

Debbie is planning a memorial service for Ron to be held near the anniversary ofhis disappearance a year ago. She hopes to have the service at Edwards AFB, Calif., the last weekend in June 2004. Everyone is invited.The AOG will be kept updated with current information on this service. S

CONTACT: Al Wallace, 8295 South Krameria Way, Centennial, CO 80112-3004. Phone (303) 877-5776, Fax (720) 5298345, E-mail: alwallace@qwest.net.

Academy Seeks Biographies Sc 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.

LeRoy Homer, '87, Has Not Been Forgotten

LeRoy Homer was one ofthefirstAmericans killed Sept. 11, 2001, whentheplane he was co~pdoting crashed into ruralPennsylvania.

The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation was launched in May of 2002. The mission ofthe foundation is to encourage and support young men and women who have an interest in being professional pilots and awards flight scholarships for private pilot certification. Three students received the scholarship this past ^ spring and have obtained

H <*>- m % anxious to continue their j*SA| f ^ aviation careers.

41 Homer received many awards and commendations II posdiumouslyincluding V the Martin Luther KingJr. * / I award, the SCLC Drum Mt Major award for ultimate patriotism, the Fallen Hero award, and the Meritorious Service Medal from the US Air Force. In May 2003, die College ofAeronautics, LaGuardia, N.Y., granted him an honorary doctoral degree.

This past September, the 45th SpaceWing, 3rd Space Launch Squadron dedicated the launch ofthe Titan IVB rocket to Homer. His family was able to be present at the space launch complex at Cape Canaveral AES to view the event.

Although he is no longer physically with us, Homer continues to live in our hearts and through his legacy. Martin Luther KingJr. said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments ofcomfort and convenience, but where he stands at times ofchallenge and controversy. We know where LeRoy Homer was standing Sept. 11, 2001.

3 Annual AcademyAssembly Takes on Provocative Issues

By CICs Dana Stockton and Scott Crowell

Each year USAFA hosts an undergraduate student policy forum on a topic of contemporary significance. This year the 46th Air Force AcademyAssembly took place Feb. 3-6, and addressed the topic of “Global Governance: The Role of States and International Organizations.” One-hundredeleven American and international students from outstanding undergraduate institutions across the country attended this year’s assembly. In addition, prominent scholars and government officials served as speakers and roundtable leaders. Thus, the 46th AcademyAssembly led to debate over critical issues confronting the future of our nation and served as a valuable educational experience for its undergraduate delegates.

This year, the conference hosted Ambassador Thomas Pickering, the senior vice president of the Boeing Company for international relations and an accomplished diplomat as its keynote speaker. Also in attendance was Ben Stein, who served as the banquet speaker. Stein had an astounding career as a lawyer, teacher, writer and actor. Both gentlemen provided unique perspectives on the roles of the United States and of international organizations in the current world order.

Each delegate who participated in the Academy Assembly contributed to a greater understanding of the roles of international organizations and the continuing expansion of globalization in our ever-expanding, ever-conflicting world. Furthermore, the assembly proved to be an invaluable experience for the 45 cadets who dedicated many hours over the course of seven months to make it a memorable event. In running a forum such as the assembly, cadets are required to work with many on-base and off-base agencies, high-ranking governmental and military offices, and colleges across the country. Many cadets never get this practice until well into their officer career.

This was a tremendous opportunity to interact with some of Americas future leaders and explore the ideas of our best and brightest. Next years staffhas already begun the process oforganizing the groundwork for the 47th AcademyAssembly and will certainly experience the same success as in years past. The AcademyAssembly would not be able to achieve such success without vital financial and political support from its sponsors: the American Assembly ofColumbia University, the Association ofGraduates, the Falcon Foundation, the Olin Foundation and the Olmsted Foundation.

The Secret Life of UU\Ar\ ^ 1

VA/9ICI0 r. i)

“I can’t wait for the evening meal!” exclaimed C/4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat.

Waldo and his classmates, “Regs” Buch and Warren Heels, sat at a table in the USAFA library. The doolies poured over a copy ofJanes Book ofAcademy Trivia. Each cadet prepared for the upcoming freshmen knowledge test.

“What’s so exciting about tonight’s meal?” queried Warren, as he memorized the middle names of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“It’s Smoker Night! Mitch’s serves steak and lobster. If we bring cigars for the upperclassmen, we get to sit at rest!”

Regs looked up from his study of Digger and Filler history.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, Waldo, but the Thursday night tradition has changed.”

“Really? How so?”

“Mitch’s now serves shrimp cocktail and a bologna sandwich. The only nicotine in Mitchell Hall will be the patch Cadet Phillip Morris wears.”

Waldo slammed shut his copy ofMen arefrom Mars Women arefrom Venus, receiving a stern look from the librarian.

“Why were allthe fun traditions changed when we arrived?’

“I, for one, am glad to see Hell week is now a sensitive moment,” commented Warren with a slow nod.

“Well, everything changed when they did away with brown shoes andslide rules,” broodedWaldo.

Warren looked at his list ofpractice questions. “I still can’t figure out what kind ofairplane an F-l is.”

Regs laughed.

“It’s not an airplane it’s a lecture hall in Fairchild!”

“I guess there’s no sense in looking up the L-2 then...” The librarian pointed to a “Quiet” sign on her desk.

Using his gray leather gloves as a pillow, Waldo put hishead down on the table. The warm, quite library environment seductively called to the cadet; the Z monster seemed to be claiming another victim.

by Don Hall, ’76

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, Waldo, but I was late for class yesterday,” noted Warren.

Waldo raised his head and looked sleepily at his friend.

“Did you get written up for it?”

“Yeah, I got 8 and 4.”

“Eight demerits and four tours?”

“No...eight letters of reprimand and four months in Leavenworth,” Warren said matter-of-factly.

Waldorolled his eyes. “Wow! That seems really harsh! What does a dusty window sill get you?”

“I guess the Comm Shop wants to use the UCMJ to introduce us to the Real Air Force...” sighed Warren.

“I heard the Academy wants ‘to do away with things that are academy-unique’,” quoted Regs from a newspaper. Yeah, there’s nothing unique about a military college...” mused Waldo.

Regs pondered for a moment. “I wonder if this is happening at VMI?”

“Do I graduate with an Unfavorable Information File?” asked Warren.

“Well, I never expected the Bring Me Men Ramp debacle to lead to the Spanish Inquisition,” said Waldo, shaking his head. Thelibrarian put a finger to her lips and scowled at Waldo.

“No one ever expects the Spanish Inquisition,” Regs assured Waldo.

“Well, if we can get the punishment of an officer, we should also get the perks. Instead of Recognition, freshmen should be commissioned...Full pay, no more magic money charges, and four years at the Academy should count toward retirement.”

“That’s the last straw, dumb smack!” shouted the librarian.

“Ma’am, the name’s Dumbsquat.”

“You’re disturbing the others in the library. Write yourself up for 5 and 2.”

Waldo sighed.

And the Dark Ages descended upon the Academy.

FLASHBACK

ft w

It was a time ofgreat jubilation when the hats of a graduating class first flew into the air at the U.S. Air Force Academy. So much was still to come in those early days at the fledgling institution. Ground had recently been broken to erect the Cadet Chapel, the most recognizable icon of the Academy today. No words over a ramp yet existed, and no fighter ace s jet sat idle for the admiration of the Cadet Wing. Instead, who would create a legacy of sacrifice and honor for others to follow. Their Academy experience would provide the foundation for a history rich in the values our country was founded upon.

In those early years of the Academy the bright young cadets who faced the world with gusto had no idea what challenges lay ahead; they knew only they were willing and ready to make every sacrifice for their service and their country. And sacrifice they did. For as the white wheel caps fell to earth, a storm was brewing in Southeast Asia. A storm that would test the steel of almost everyone who stood on what is now Stillman Field that rainy afternoon. In all, seven would make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, including the first Academy graduate to give his life in Vietnam - Capt. Valmore W. Bourke, who was also the first cadet to raise his right hand and take the oath of office at the Academy. They grew up fast and learned early how words like honor, integrity and service would shape the rest of their lives. Luckily for the rest of us, they would hold those words higher than any other.

Forty-four years later they are still making a difference as leaders ofcharacter for a grateful nation. Class of I960, we salute you. S

Name: Mr. Warren Smith

Hometown: Pomana, Calif.

Class/Squadron: 1973 / CS-I "Mighty Mach One"

Major: USAFA: General Studies, B.S. / AFIT: Space Operations, M.S.

Air Force Career Fields: Air Force Office of Special Investigation / Space Operations

Civilian Occupations: Hewlett-Packard, Senior Manager / Storage Networking Industry Association, Member, Board of Directors B Marketing Chairman

Role Model: Jesus - "The perfect example of unwavering commitment to purpose."

Favorite Aircraft: The Pan-Am B-747 that carried me out of Iran in 1979, following the collapse of the Iranian government.

Favorite memory of USAFA: "The Ring Dance of 1972 and my date, Peggy."

How the USAFA Experience Contributed to Your Success: "In 1998,1 founded a network storage company and needed to raise capital. When I went before prospective investors, by association, the Academy's reputation of producing graduates with character and integrity stood with me, as I secured their financial support."

Academy Home to Top Professor

BY ACADEMYSPIRITSTAFF

PHOTO BY KEN WRIGHT

n Academy economics instructor has beenselected as the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement ofTeaching and the Council for Advancement and Support ofEducation’s 2003 Colorado Professor of the Year.

“I am humbled by winning the award,” Bruce Linster, ’75, said. “It is especially rewarding knowing that the Academy has hadthe Colorado Professor ofthe Year for the last two years.”

Linster was selected from among nearly 400 top professors in the United States. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching was founded in 1905 byAndrew Carnegie, and is the only advanced-study center for teachers in the world.

CASE is the largest international association of educational institutions, with more than 3,200 colleges, universities, and independent elementary and secondary schools in nearly 50 countries.

“I felt extremely honored to be our department’s nominee since we have such incredible people working in the department of economics and geography,” Linster said. “Being namedthe Colorado Professor of the Year is just humbling.”

Another Academy professor, Dr. Aaron Byerly, ’78, in Linster’s same class and even same squadron as a cadet, was selected as 2002’s Colorado Professor of the Year.

“The civilians and officers on the Academy faculty are extremely dedicated to developing the best possible Air Force and national leaders, and there are many colleges in the state with similarly outstanding faculties. I truly love interacting with cadets and colleagues, and recognition for doing what I enjoy is just a bonus,” said the 50-year-old professor who had a 23-year career in the Air Force.

This year there are winners in 43 states. CASE assembled two preliminary panels ofjudges to select finalists. The Carnegie Foundation then convenedthe third and final panel, which selected four national winners and state winners.

Linster is a busy scholar.

He is the eligibility committee chair for the fencing team, and the Academy’s fourth class academic review committee, in addition to other projects.

“I teach a variety of economics courses, and last year I also taught a math course,” said the professor from Rockford, Ill. “Right now, my pet project is putting what Adam Smith called moral sentiments’ back into classroom economics.” S3

again places ‘Service Before Self’

BY COL STEVE KING, 79

In 1997, Capt. Pat Clancy, ’91, made a decision that significantly altered his life and the life of a troubled youth in Abilene, Texas. Pat was a C-130 copilot stationed at Dyess AFB, Texas, supporting global airlift missions around the world when he decided to callthe local Big Brothers Big Sisters office. After completing a brief interview and screening process, Pat was introduced to a troubled young man named Jimmie Baxter.

Jimmie had just failed and repeated the sixth grade. He was prone to fits of rage and violence against his mother and brother that often required police intervention. Pat later learned that Jimmie was considering an offer to join a gang in the neighborhood.

The match between Jimmie and Pat was perfect.

“Jimmie and I immediately became good friends. Over the next several years we spent lots of time together andhad all kinds of fun: trips to Six Flags, paintball, flights around West Texas in a Cessna 172, watching his Abilene High football games, church every Sunday, birthday parties, and lots of movies,”

Pat said. Pat and Jimmie both reveled in the relationship that blossomed, each benefiting in unique ways.

Youth development experts agree that, in addition to their parents, children need additional supportive, caring adults in their lives. BBBS

r Clancy and 21-year-old

Dyess AFB, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Pat Clancy.)

works closely with parents to match every child with the right Big Brother or Big Sister. Each potential “Big” is screened, trained and supervised to help ensure that the relationship will be safe and rewarding for everyone involved.

Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2004. It serves hundreds of thousands ofchildren in 5,000 communities across the country. Today BBBS currently has approximately 400,000 matches, and its goal is to provide Bigs to one million children by 2010.

While Big Brothers Big Sisters has a national organization and goal, their real focus is on the individual match: “Bigs” working with “Littles.” Pat Clancy has seen Jimmie’s path change dramatically during the last 10 years. Today, Jimmie is the first member ofhis family to attend college. He has a strong relationship with his family and has developed a circle ofsupportive friends. And the only gang he belongs to is the staffofthe local Olive Garden restaurant.

And on Dyess AFB, Pat has left the active duty Air Force and is now a Flight Specialist for the 317th Airlift Group andthe 317th Operations Support Squadron. As he meticulously plans a training schedule for the Air Force’s premier C-130 unit, he also continues to place “service before self” as a member ofBig Brothers Big Sisters. In recognition of Pat’s heroic mentoring efforts with Jimmie, he was selected as the Big Brother Rookie of the Year in 1998 and the Abilene Big Brother ofthe Year in 2000. IS

Jimmie Baxter at the 317th Airlift Group,

20th MilitaryHistorySymposium

WINGED CRUSADE: The Questfor American Air and Space Power

MIKE TERRY, 74

On Oct. 1, 2003, the Air Force Academy held its 20th Military History Symposium to celebrate the centennial of flight. Winged Crusade: The QuestforAmerican Air and Space Power addressed the Wrights’ seven-year journey toward the attainment offlight and analyzed the quest and transformation ofAmerican air and space power since 1903. Winged Crusade symbolized the Wright brothers’ practical and systematic study of aeronautics leading to sustained, controlled and powered flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright fused curiosity, intuition, imagination and undaunted courage in their quest. In the process of invention they connected the American pioneering spirit to man’s desire for flight and captured the imagination of the world. Their accomplishment also resulted in a new way of thinking about warfare. Today, the Wright brothers’ legacy symbolizes the growth ofAmerican air and space power.

The fundamental theme of the 20th Military History Symposium centered on the Wrights’ imprint of innovation and ingenuity in the conquest of air and space power. The Wrights’ experience confirmed their notion that the control of flight involved more than just stability. It required maintaining equilibrium in three dimensions. Rather than designing a stable platform to counter the anticipated forces experienced during flight, they created their aircraft with controllability to conquer the unstable transitional phases of flight. Their insight ushered in the first practical demonstration of controlled flight and revealed endless possibilities in the quest of air power.

The Wrights’ progeny, generations ofAmerican airmen, sought the same application of air and eventually space power. As a result, airmen projected a new, distinctive American way of war

Winged crusade

The Quest forAmericanAerospace Power

high altitude, precision, strategic bombing. Air and space power has yet to be totally realized in a way similar to the Wright Brothers’ celebratory, inaugural flight Dec. 17, 1903, that only began their attainment ofsustained flight.

The Wrights established the foundation of an Americanvision of air and space power. By analyzing the historical context ofthe quest for air and space power and its many-faceted dimensions, the Winged Crusade symposium helped clarify our understanding ofAmerican air and space power’s past as well as inform and illuminate its inheritors, the cadets ofthe United States Air Force Academy.

Tom Crouch, Ph.D., senior curator at the National Air and Space Museum, delivered the forty-sixth Harmon Memorial Lecture, “Wright Brothers: Innovation and Legacy of Ingenuity of the Winged Crusaded Describing the critical thinking of the Wright brothers, Crouch set the tone of the symposium by examining in great detail the development of the Wright Flyer from 1899 to 1903. He punctuated their design efforts by illustrating how they crafted five aircraft in four years. They blended scien-

tific inquiry, engineering insight, technology, craftsmanship, and test-pilot courage and did more than just defy gravity. They actually conquered flight.

The first session, “Prime Motivations for the Winged Crusade,” chaired by Col. Phillip S. Meilinger, ’70, founder of the School for Advanced Airpower Studies and deputy director of the Science Applications International Corporation Aerospace Center, examined the prime motivations influencing the Winged Crusade during the first century of flight. Analyzing the contributions made by World War I aircrews, Alan D. Bennett, Canadian airpower historian, related how technology, tactics and strategy evolved as a consequence of their involvement. Herman S. Wolk, senior historian and chief of the Air Force history support office’s analysis and reference division, examined the controversial issue of how the symposium organized for air warfare. Dik Alan Daso, Ph.D., ’81, curator of modern military aircraft at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum, provided an in-depth study on the heroes and myths of the early architects of flight.

“Doctrinal Faith: Strategic Dimensions ofthe Winged Crusade,” the second session, chaired by R. Cargill Hall, Ph.D., retired chief historian at the National Reconnaissance Office, delved into the doctrinal aspect of the symposium beginning with World War II. Tami Davis-Biddle, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of national security and strategy at the U.S. Army War College, re-examined high-altitude, daylight-bombing as the Army Air Forces attempted to execute a uniquely American way of war. Jacob Neufeld, Ph.D., senior historian and chiefof the projects and production division at the Air Force History support office, analyzed the post-World War II radical visions for space power of Bernard Schriever. Dennis Drew, Ph.D., associate dean and professor of military theory, strategy and doctrine at the Air University School ofAdvanced Air and Space Studies, rounded out the historical discussion of aerospace doctrine by discussing the essence, reality and dilemma of airpower at the century mark.

Col. Walter Boyne, noted airpower historian and author, gave the keynote banquet speech touching on the “Soul of the Winged Crusade by providing many antidotal stories of airmen who sacrificed in the quest for American air and space power. His talk was inspirational and motivational for the 80 cadets and more than 100 other attendees who enjoyed a superb dinner, riveting conversation with some ofthe top aviation historians, and the stirring patriotic music provided by the Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale.

The third panel, Winged Crusade from the “other side of the fence:” “Cultural-Institutional Perspective,” chaired by Sebastian Cox, Royal Air Force historian, provided one of the true highlights of the symposium by examining the Winged Crusade from

CHECKPOINTS,

the perspective of its enemies during three wars. James Corum, Ph.D., professor of comparative military studies at the School ofAdvanced Air and Space Studies, characterized the Fuftwaffe s reactions to the Army Air Forces during World War II, while Merle Pribbenow, retired Central Intelligence Agency translator, provided much needed insight into the North Vietnam’s view of the Air Force during operations Rolling Thunder and Finebacker II. Early Cold War reactions by the Soviet Air Force to American airpower were explored byJacob Kipp, Ph.D., director ofthe foreign military studies office of the U. S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Ft. Feavenworth, Kan.

Three papers presented during the fourth session, “Technological Change and Air and Space Power,” provided a new look at how technology transformed the symposium from the end of the Second World War to the present efforts in conquering space. John Guilmartin, Ph.D., ’62, professor ofhistory at Ohio State University, detailed how air forces expanded the technological envelope ofpiston-engined aircraft to meet the exigencies of war. Thomas Keaney, Ph.D., ’62, executive director of the Foreign Policy Institute and senior adjunct professor of strategic studies at the Paul H. Nitze School ofAdvanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, took the next step by analyzing how jet power influenced deterrence during the Cold War. Finally, Maj. Mark Salas, instructor USAFA 50th Education Squadron, provided a glimpse at the symposium’s technology of the 21st century hypersonic flight and spaceflight.

The Winged Crusade sparked excellent discussion and brought new insights in understanding the complexities of formulating and projecting American air and space power. The symposium exposed the Cadet Wing to the history and future of their chosen profession. The Association of Graduatesand the Olmsted Foundation sponsored the Winged Crusade, and the department ofhistory put on the event. Proceedings of the symposium will be published as part of the Military History Symposium Series of the USAF Academy volume 8. 9

USAFA and USMA ’59 Prep Schoolers Plan Reunion

Our West Point and USAFA colleagues have planned a joint reunion for the Class of’59 prep schoolers.

The reunion will be held at Ft. Monmouth, N.J., Oct. 21-24.

For more information, contact Dick Guthrie (USMA ’63) at rpgut3@aol.com or Danny Willson (USMA ’63) dwillsonfl@aol.com.

FALCON SWOOPS INTO PLACE AS PART OF MASCOT PROGRAM

Air Force Academy hatches potential football star

The Air Force Academy thinks it may have a new star performer for next year’s football season.

He’s big, he’s fast, and he’s been training for his debut almost daily.

“He’s very observant. Look at the way he bobs his head. He’s eager,” said Sam Dollar, who oversees his training.

His name is Yeti.

Yeti hatched in June and is the newest member of the falcon mascot program.

After West Nile put many ofthe program’s raptors on the injured reserve list, Yeti was added to the roster.

“We needed another performer,” said Tyler Young, a senior cadet who has been one of Yeti’s primary trainers. “West Nile hit a lot of our performers pretty hard.”

BY CARY LEIDER VOGRIN THE COLORADO SPRINGS

The falcon is the academy’s official mascot, and the raptors’ half-time performances long have impressed football fans. The birds wow the crowds with their spectacular and speedy swoops in the stadium.

One ofthe school’s top performance birds, a peregrine named Titanium, spent this football season resting after a West Nile infection.

Five of the 11 birds in the program were infected with the virus. Four survived, but a peregrine named Magellan died in August. Another bird, Cody, injured a wing and is on the permanent disabled list, Young said.

Yeti, who came to Colorado from a breeder in Oregon for $1,200, spent the height of West Nile season not at the Academy but at Dollar’s home in strangely enough Falcon, Colo.

Dollar, the program’s adviser for the past three years, has been training falcons for four decades. He sees star potential in Yeti.

“He’s a quick, quick, quick learner,” he said while Yeti jumped from the ground onto Young’s arm.

“That’s what we’re kind ofpushing him for to be the star performer.”

It’s likely that Yeti’s first performance will be at the start ofthe next football season, Dollar said. Yeti is a hybrid raptor part Asker and part Gyrfalcon. Because of his light coloring and because Sakers are native to cold parts of Asia and Russia, the cadet falconry team voted on the name Yeti the legendary abominable snowman of the Himalayas.

At nearly two pounds, he’ll be the largest performance bird on the team.

In a stoop or dive he could reach speeds of more than 200 mph.

Young said he’s been fun to train.

“He’s pretty excited. He’s pretty what should I say outgoing. He’s very intent on flying. He likes nothing better than to do that.” SI

BENNETT

GAZETTE PHOTO BY JERILEE

The United States Air Force Academy 50th Anniversary First Day Covers

50 Years ofIntegrity Service and Excellence

Since its establishment on April 1, 1954, the United States Air Force Academy has forged a distinguished tradition and given America a remarkable legacy of leaders who have shaped our history and safeguarded our freedom. The year 2004 marks a proud milestone in the history of the Academy as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

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Officially authorized by theAssociation ofGraduates ofthe United States Air Force Academy, these are historic First Day Covers of the new 2004 U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Academy’s 50th Anniversary. The Medallion First Day Cover also showcases the U.S. Air Force Academy

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These dramatic Covers are the perfect way to show your pride and the Nation’s pride in the Academy. They’ll also make great gifts for family, friends and colleagues and serve as your own cherished keepsakes for generations to come.

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The

Nick Welch (45) tosses in two for the Falcons during their 83-71 victory over Wyoming. (Photo by Danny Meyer)

Seconds before halftime ofAir Force’s 74-52 win over BYU on Jan. 24, sophomore guard Antoine Hood stole the ball, took it down court, and dunked it. With it, a Clune Arena record crowd of 6,359 erupted in deafening approval, heralding in a new era for Air Force men’s basketball.

It was a surreal moment: the old familiar gymnasium had been transformed into the sight ofwild fan frenzy unseen at Air Force for many years.

“I have to admit, I got choked up a little right then,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations, Troy Garnhart of the moment.

He wasn’t alone.

It was the defining moment in what is turning into a season ofdefining moments for the Air Force men’s basketball team. Since that win over BYU, more than 5,000 fans have attended each game at Clune arena, where in previous years visiting conference teams often outdrew home supporters.

As ofFeb. 23, the Falcons are 19-4 overall, and 11-0 at home. The Falcons are 9-1 alone atop the Mountain West Conference standings for the first time ever. With their 57-43 win over San Diego State Jan. 31, the Falcons assured themselves oftheir first winning season since 1978.

The Falcons are 6-1 against NCAA tournament teams from last season. And what’s more, Air Force won those games by an average of 13 points, with the lone loss coming at Auburn.The Falcons have the top scoring defense in the nation allowing less than 50 points per game.

Now in its fourth season under headcoach Joe Scott, Air Force has turned a foundering program into one of the hottest men’s college basketball teams in the country. The transformation has come thanks to the deliberate Princeton-style of basketball Scott learned as a four-year letterman and assistant coach at Princeton for eight years between 1992-2000.

But it wasn’t always that way.

“The expectation was to lose,” Scott said. “That was the culture here. It’s gone now, but it wasn’t gone for the first couple ofyears.”

When Scott arrived in April 2000, he took over an Air Force program infected with the belief it couldn’t be competitive because it couldn’t recruit blue-chip talent due to the Academy’s high academic standards.

“I heard them all,” Scott said. “Worst job in the country. Graveyard ofbasketball. You can never do it there. Obviously, I didn’t listen to anybody because I thought it was a great opportunity. I knew that at an institution like

Air Force, you could get kids similar to Princeton, and we could do some of the things we did at Princeton.”

Air Force, for Scott, couldn’t have been a better match. The Falcons, its true, don’t get thetallest or most athletically gifted players. But the players, traditionally, are exceptional in their intelligence, physical conditioning, and discipline a perfect recipe for Princeton-style ball.

“I thought I had some good experience behind me that these guys could latch onto and say, “Yeah, we’re going to listen to what coach says because he’s been there and he’s done it. And that’s what my guys have done,” Scott said.

The turnaround, however, didn’t come overnight. Scott started by indoctrinating the cadets in a stifling defense that relies on perfect positioning, cutting offpassing lanes, diving for loose balls, and forcing turnovers.

In his first season (2000-01), the Falcons, adapting to Scott’s system, won only eight games. The next season, the system started clicking, andthe Falcons were competitive, but continually came up short in the last five minutes. Air Force won nine games, but lost eight games by six points or less. Last season, the Falcons appeared to be on the threshold, winning 12 games, but still lost five games by five points or less. The next progression was clear.

“The first thing we did was eliminate those kinds of close games,” Scott said.

This season, when opponents have mounted second-half rallies, the Falcons have answered by finishing offopponents.

Improved scoring depth and confidence on the offensive end, combined with almost unconscious recognition on defense, has made the difference this season. Eight or nine players regularly contribute for the Falcons.

‘All our guys can score, that means we’re constantly putting pressure on opponent’s defenses,” Scott said.

The starters provide a heady mix of veteran experience in senior forwards Joel Gerlach, A.J. Kuhle and junior guard Tim Keller, and youthful exuberance in the form ofguard Antoine Hood, and center Nick Welch none of whom were highly recruited out ofhigh school. Jacob Burtschi, Matt McCraw, Dan Nwaelele, Caleb Buchanan, and Marcus Jenkins have provided a boost off the bench.

The players’ passion and unconditional trust for Scott’s system has been equally important to the Falcons success. With the shot clock running down on offense, Air Force’s calmness belies an innate confidence that a shot or backdoor cut is going to open wide just before the buzzer. And more often than not it has.

“This is by far the best offensive basketball team I’ve had,” Scott said. “If we can maintain the same level (on

offense) we’ve developed defensively and in dictating tempo, that means we’re going to win more games.”

This recent success has Coloradoans and Air Force personnel around the world murmuring about the Falcons qualifying for the postseason for the first time since the 1961-62.

Winning the Mountain West Conference tournament at the Pepsi Center in Denver March 11-13 would assure the Falcons a berth in the NCAA tournament. Regardless, this season has exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations, and Air Force is progressing right on pace, according to Scott.

“I think we’re exactly where I thought we would be in year-four,” Scott said. “We have all our players now. They’ve hadthe most success that an Air Force team has had. Now we’ve got to build on that and get better. I think years four and five will be our best years. If I’m right, then year-six is going to be a good year too. And that’s what a program is.” S

Football player earns academic All-American honors

By Athletic Media Relations

Air Force junior defensive end Ryan Carter was named to thesecond-team Academic All-American squad by the College Sports Information Director’s ofAmerica (CoSIDA). Carter is the Academy’s first football Academic All-American since Dustin Tyner in 1996. He is the 11th selection in the Fisher DeBerry era.

Carter has a 3.63 grade point average and is majoring in astronautical engineering and has been a member of the superintendent’s list for military, academic and athletic excellence.

On the field, Carter played in all 12 games and recorded 39 total tackles, including 14 unassisted. He had 5.5 tackles for a loss of 18 yards and 1.5 quarterback sacks for 10 yards. He also tied for the team lead in blocked kicks with two.

Carter is one of three players from the Mountain West Conference selected, joining Morgan Scalley of Utah and Eric Pauly of Colorado State. S

Men’s

cross-country finish 8th in nation

By Madeline McGuire, Athletic Media Relations

The Academy’s men’s cross-country team finished eighth Nov. 24 at the NCAA Division I crosscountry Championships in Waterloo, Iowa. It was the highest national-team finish for a Falcons’ crosscountry team since placing second in 1967 under coach Arne Arnesen (1962-77).

The 2003 national meet was the Academy’s third NCAA Championship appearance in the last four years. The Falcons finished the regular season as the Mountain West Conference champion with six runners earning allconference and Mark Stanforth named the MWC Coach of the Year. The U.S. cross-country Coaches Association ranked the Academy eighth in the nation.

“This is truly an incredible feat by Coach Stanforth and his team; we are extremely proud of all ofthem for this outstanding group effort. A Top 10 finish in NCAA Division I competition is something each member of the team can be proud offor the rest oftheir lives,” said Brad DeAustin,Vice Athletic Director.

The team ofChris Acs, Brian Dumm, Ben Payne, Mark Walter, Abe Wengel, JeffGosselin and Kalib Wilkinson ran the championship race with a 41-second split to finish the 10,000-meter race in eighth place with a team score of 327. Stanford won the meet with 24 points, followed by Wisconsin (174) and Northern Arizona (189). Mountain West Conference teams Colorado State and Brigham Young finished18th and 19th, respectively. S

Director ofAthletics Col. Randy Spetman Retires

Story compiled from articles written by The Colorado Springs Gazette and USAFA Athletic Department.

Air Force Academy Director ofAthletics Col. Randy Spetman, ’76, retired retiring from the Air Force. “I am extremely proud of what the staff here has accomplished in my eight years. Our staff, coaches and family represent the epitome of integrity which is what every institution in the world strives for. Together we’ve developed one of the Academy’s most valuable assets the Falcon family. I’m very grateful for the past eight years and I look forward to seeing the vision we’ve begun in athletics continue to grow and develop.”

During Spetman’s tenure the athletic teams experienced unparalleled achievements. The football team went to four post-season bowl games and became one of the top 15 programs nationally since 1997 in total wins with 57. Under the leadership ofheadcoach Joe Scott, the men’s basketball team is currently enjoy best season in over 10 years with a 17-3 record as they head into the second half of the season. The women’s basketball team with Ardie Mclnnelly is rapidly improving while the ice hockey squad with Frank Serratore at the helm of the team has enjoyed consistent success. Spetman was responsible for hiring all three head coaches.

Spetman was at the helm when the Academy left the Western Athletic Conference to join the Mountain West Conference for the 1999-2000 academic year. A move that has improved the program’s national exposure and kept traditional conferencerivals like Wyoming and Colorado State on the schedule annually. Spetman has been an active member of the MWC, serving as a member of the championship committee, handbook committee and television committee.

The athletic department has enjoyed unparalleled success in all areas due to Spetman’s vision. The athletic department just moved into the new Falcon Athletic Center, which is on par with the finest athletic facilities in the country. The state of the art complex is the first major addition completed for the athletic department in 30 years and includes a new weight room, training room, locker rooms and administrative offices. Several improvements to Falcon Stadium have also occurred during his

tenure, including a new scoreboard, a new playing surface and permanent lights.

Spetman’s competitive spirit and warrior-like attitude earned him three letters in football. The team co-captain as a senior, he also captured the heavyweight Wing Open Boxing Championship twice. After receiving his commission, heserved as an assistant football coach at the Academy in 1977 under legendary coach Ben Martin. He is the first athletic director in school history to be an athlete and coach at the Academy.

Before returning to the Academy, Spetman’s military career took him around the world and in a variety ofpositions. A command pilot with over 3,000 hours in the T-37,T-38, KC-135A, UV-18 andthe B-52 G/H aircraft, Spetman’s range ofpositions have taken him from assistant football coach to a pilot and from the ChiefofBomber Planning in Desert Shield and Desert Storm to serving as Chief, Command and Control Division, Operations Directorate at the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. HU

The AOG thanks Randyfor his many contributions to the Academy and its athleticprogram. We wish Randy and Becky success in all theirfuture endeavors.

hits her stride

BY LINDA STAHL

PHOTO BY KEN WRIGHT

THE LOUISVILLE COURIER-JOURNAL

It’s invigorating to take on a new sport. When the sport is the triathlon and you’re only 21, that’s even better.

“People seem not to reach a peak until they’re in their late 20s or early 30s,” said ClC Susan Rietze.

She’s thinking specifically of two USA triathlon standouts, Barb Lindquist and Sheila Taormina, who both are 34 and current top finishers in world competitions.

Rietze, a Louisville native, is a member of the Air Force Academy Triathlon Club. She was recruited by the club in spring 2002 and has since brought other female cadets on board.

She is the daughter of Barry Rietze, a real-estate appraiser, and Carol Rietze, a teacher at Fern Creek High School in Louisville, Ky., and is the second Rietze offspring to attend the Air Force Academy. Her older sister Anna graduated last year.

Susan Rietze got into triathlons in part because she got out ofswimming. She had been a competitive swimmer since age 6, competing on teams at Lakeside Swim Club. At the Air Force Academy, she was an NCAA backstroker for two years but was cut from the team for failure to make the conference team during her first two seasons. She missed the discipline of training for swimming competitions. “I’d been swimming all my life. Suddenly I didn’t have a team to go to.”

When the academy triathlon club said it needed her, she feltconfident about swimming and running. At Manual High School, where she was in the class of2000, she ran cross-country.

But bicycling was a skill she had never developed.

“I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was four,” she said. “I really had to learn how to handle a bike.” But she quickly went from no biking to taking biking seriously as a budding triathlete.

She purchased a Giant bike for $800 but then graduated to a Cannondale that she bought used for $1,000. She also started learning about making quick transitions from swimming to cycling to running.

She encourages others to give triathlons a try. “I hear people say, ‘I hate to swim.’ Or they say, ‘I hate to bike.’ I say you’ve got to give it a shot.” Ifthe first triathlon doesn’t feel good, try another, she said. “Every race course is different.”

She competed in the Collegiate National Championships in Memphis, Tenn., in the spring of2002 and placed 85th out ofabout 200 competitors. She was encouraged to go on. The following year, she finished 27th out of 187 entrants at Nationals, this time in Phoenix, Ariz. Improving.

In April some ofher club members decided to register for a spot in the second annual Madison, Wis., Ironman Triathlon that was held in September.

Rietze took one of the 14 spots that her club reserved, coughed up a $460 entry fee and started shopping for plane fares to get her and her bike to the event.

It meant she had to train to compete at greater distances than she had tried so far.

Instead of a one-mile swim, the Ironman requires 2.4 miles. Instead of a 26-mile bike ride, it would be 112 miles. And instead of a 6.2-mile run, it would be 26.2 miles—a full marathon.

To ramp up the challenge a little more, Rietze left Colorado Springs to take a summer internship in Washington, D.C., and found herself training solo, without the support ofher club. She swam at the Georgetown University pool from 6 to 7:30 a.m. most mornings and hiked or ran three nights a week. She also hiked and ran on weekends.

She worried most about the run, the final leg of the triathlon. “I was really skeptical about the run, coming off a 100-mile bike ride,” she said.

On race day, the temperature rose to 95 degrees in Madison.

Her swim time (57 minutes, 53 seconds) pleased her. But the heat took its toll during the second halfofthe bike ride. She found it hard to keep food and water down. Her time on the bike: 6 hours, 55 minutes, 58 seconds.

Then came the marathon. She said as she ran she was carried along by the cheers of spectators and fueled by Gatorade, chicken broth, water and bananas.

“I saw people finishing. I saw the sun setting, I had to walk a few times, but I never felt like quitting.”

And yes, she finished.

Her time: 13 hours, 46 minutes, 3 seconds.

Her place: 859th out of 1,806.

Not bad for a first Ironman.

Of the 12 cadets and two officers who competed in the Ironman in Wisconsin, Rietze was the only female.

She said she realizes triathlon competition is something she does for herself, something that adds balance to a life devoted to academics and military training.

Rietze hopes to pursue triathlons for some years to come. “Doing triathlons is kind ofcontagious, I think.” K3 Printedwithpermission of

Hall ofExcellence Opens its Doors

By Bob Wallace, Athletic Media Relations

Character, integrity and leadership. Achieving excellence in all three has always been a hallmark ofAir Force Academy graduates.

When the Academy opened its new athletic facility building early this year, the entry way contained the Hall ofExcellence, an area that shows how Air Force Academy athletics have helped forge the leaders of tomorrow for nearly 50 years.

Display cases and other exhibit areas show current Air Force athletes and coaches, along with other athletes who have come before and left the Academyskyward bound.

There’s a case honoring former cadet-athletes Brian Duffy, ’75, Mike Bloomfield, ’81, John Blaha, ’65, Ronald Grabe, ’66, Donald McMonagle, ’74, and Dick Covey, ’68, who later became astronauts.

Air Force athletes who’ve risen to the highest echelons of their sport, like 1984 gold medal track Olympian Alonzo Babers, ’84, 1980 Olympic team co-captain and three time national pentathlete champion Bob Nieman,

’70, former national bobsled team members JeffHays, ’84, and Ted Sundquist, ’84, and former professional football players Chris Gizzi, ’97, and Chad Hennings, ’88, are honored. Hennings is also honored along with five others including Rhodes Scholarand football player Chris Howard, ’91, as cadets who have been selected to the National Academic Hall of Fame.

Michael Joseph Blassie, ’70, a former soccer and tennis player who was shot down over Vietnam on May 11, 1972, is honored. Blassie’s body lay in the Tomb ofthe Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery for 14 years before DNA testing identified him in the 1990s.

Col. Michelle Johnson, ’81, is honored in the women’s basketball exhibit. She’s a Rhodes Scholar, who later served as a military aide to Presidents George Bush and William Clinton.

Besides the exhibits, the Hall of Excellence includes an interactive kiosk, a donor wall, an interactive area with a plasma screen television where visitors can hear Acad-

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emy graduates talk about how the Air Force Academy impacted their lives.

Most notable among the displays is the O’Gorman “Character Exhibit” and O’Gorman Theatre honoring Joseph O’Gorman, ’65, a highly respected leader in the aviation industry. Joe’s style was defined by honor, integrity and discipline, and it was those character traits that defined his tenure as President and CEO of five major airlinesand Senior Vice President of Operations for three others. O’Gorman was a charter member of the Sabre Society. His contributions to the Academy take on even greater significance because he did not graduate from the Academy. During the spring semester of his senior year (1965) in a one-on-one interview arising from an honor scandal, he admitted to a violation of the honor code that was unrelated to the scandal and that had occurred years before. Rather than distancing himselffrom the Academy, he embraced it. He returned to the Academy on a regular basis to speak to cadets about the importance of character, honor, discipline and integrity.

Impressive as those honored are, Hall ofExcellence director David Kellogg knows he’s, “just scraped the surface.

“I know I’ve probably missed a lot of individualswho

deserve to be in various exhibits,” Kellogg said. “It is my hope that family members or individuals themselves will come forward with information and artifacts that might be useful in updating the exhibits in the future.”

Among the artifacts Kellogg has collected and which are displayed is a uniform worn by cadet John White in 1955 when he scored the first touchdown for Air Force against the Denver University’s freshman team. The case also includes commemorative blankets, watch and Stetson given to Air Force players in the 1959 Cotton Bowl game. The blankets, watch and Stetson were donated by the family of former team manager and Vietnam POW, Victor Apodaca, ’61.

Because there are so many amazing Air Force athletic stories that have not yet been told, Kellogg is always on the lookout for interesting stories and artifacts surrounding Air Force athletics.

Ifyou have information about a former Air Force athlete who has excelled after graduation, ifyou have any Air Force sports memorabiliathat might be of interest to the Hall ofExcellence, or ifyou’d like to make a donation to the privately funded Hall of Excellence, please contact Kellogg at (719) 333-9022. KS

Air Force’s Graddy Named Colorado

Defensive Player ofthe Year

Senior Joined by 13 Other Falcons on All-Colorado Team

1C Marchello Graddy was named the Colorado Defensive Player ofthe Year by the Colorado Chapter ofthe National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Graddy ended the season ranked fifth in the conference in tackles with a 9.4 average. He was fourth in sacks with 6.0 for 42 yards. He recorded 12 total tackles, two sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss against UNLV to earn MWC defensive player ofthe week honors. As ifthat wasn’t enough, he also recorded a career-high 18 tackles at Navy earlier this season which was the most by a player in the conference all season.

By Athletic Media Relations

photo by David Armer

Graddy turned recovering fumbles into an art form. He tied a school record against Army with three fumble recoveries, andhad five this season which is only one shy ofthe Academy’s 25-year-old record of six. Graddy had nine fumble recoveries for his career which ties the Academy record.

Graddy is joined on the first team by tight end Adam Strecker, offensive lineman Brett Waller, defensive end Monty Coleman, punter Andrew Martin and kicker Joey Ashcroft. Quarterback Chance Harridge was a second-teamselection at running back. Other second-team members include offensive lineman Brett Huyser, defensive backs Jeff Overstreet and Larry Duncan, nose guard Nick Taylor and linebacker Trevor Hightower. Halfback Darnell Stephens and offensive lineman Blane Neufeld were honorable mention selections. S

Cadet Wins ‘Heisman Trophy Of Rugby’

By USAFA Public Affairs

Academy Cl C Josh Dean has won the Woodley Award, one ofthe top honors in United States collegiate rugby. The Woodley Award, named in honor ofAmerican rugby pioneer Albert Woodley, is presented annually to the top collegiate player nationwide.

Often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy ofRugby,” this prestigious honor not only recognizes superior athletic performance on the pitch, but also acknowledges outstanding character and leadership displayed both in competition and in life.

The Woodley Award is presented annually by the New York Rugby Club and was presented by club members Bob Coyne and Pete Olson after the Academy’s 2003 home match against the University of Colorado Sept. 28.

Dean, from Juneau, Alaska, is entering his fourth year ofrugby at the Air Force Academy and is co-captain ofthe Academy’s defending national champion 2003-04 squad. Dean is a two-time All-American and most recently captained the AllAmerican team during their 2003 New Zealand Tour. He is a management major and a cadet squadron flight commander.

The Academy is home to two successful rugby programs. While the men’s team won the 2002-03 national championship, the Academy women’s rugby team won both the 2002-03 and 2001-02 national championship in rugby. RS

Cadets from three sports named to Academic All-District VII teams By Athletic Media Relations

Football

Air Force football players Adam Strecker, Ryan Carter and Andrew Martin were named to the 2003 Academic All-District VII football team by the College Sports Information Director’s ofAmerica.

All three players will appear on the national ballot for Academic All-American honors which will be released later this year.

Strecker, a senior tight end, is considered by head coach Fisher DeBerry to be one of the finest to play the position in school history.

Strecker had two catches for 32 yards this season. Last year, he scored four touchdowns which is an option era (1980) record for tight ends. Strecker is a civil engineering major and has a 3.73 grade point average.

Carter is a junior defensive end. He has recorded 35 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1. 5 quarterback sacks. Carter is an Astronautical engineering major and carries a 3.63 GPA.

Martin, a senior punter, ranked second in the Mountain West Conference in punting with a 44.5 average. His average is the fifth best for a single-season in AFA history.

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Martin’s career-long punt of 69 yards earlier this season against Northwestern was the longest by any player in the MWC this season. He is an American history major with a 3.69 GPA.

Volleyball

Cadet 1st Class Delavane Diaz was recently named to the 2003 Academic All-America Second-Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors ofAmerica (CoSIDA). She is the programs first Academic All-American since Dawn Dunlop earned the honor in 1987.

A 2004-05 Rhodes Scholar-elect, Diaz holds a 3.80 grade-point-average in Astronautical Engineering. She spent the summer as the wing commander for the BCT and all summer programs it is the highest leadership role that can be attained by a cadet. A member of the Dean’s and Commandant’s Lists, Diaz is a three-time Academic All-Conference selection.

A three-time team MVP, Diaz averaged 4.98 kills per game this season. She notched the top kills average against conference foes in MWC history with 4.93 kpg. Diaz shattered numerous records this season, including a new all-time Air Force and Mountain West record of41 kills in a match against Southern Miss on Sept. 13.

“I am so proud of Delavane,” head volleyball coach Penny Lucas-White said. “She is a great representative of the Air Force Academy and the athletic department.” Diaz was the only member from the Mountain West Conference to earn Academic All-America status.

Soccer

An Air Force Academy senior has been named to the 2003 Academic All-American Men’s Soccer Team, a first in the 48-year history of men’s soccer here.

ClC Casey Chronister, ofYakima, Wash., is a forward and team co-captain on the soccer team, is a secondteam selection and has a 3.85 grade point average in mechanical engineering. He earned a nomination on the national ballot after a second consecutive selection to the all-district team. He finished tied for fifth on the team in scoring with 11 points this season despite missing six games with an injury. He also had four goals and three assists this season, and seven goals and five assists for 19 points in his career.

The Academic All-America Teams program honors 816 male and female student-athletes annually who have succeeded at the highest level on the playing field and in the classroom. Individuals are selected through voting

by CoSIDA, the College Sports Information Directors ofAmerica; a 2,000-member organization consisted of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universifies in the United States and Canada. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.20 on a scale of4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program’s inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Division I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports. B

GRADS Named Air Force Athletes ofthe Year

Courtesy ofthe Air Force News Agency lill...

The Air Force announced its 2003 Athletes of the Year on Dec. 3 at the annual Athletic Business Conference in Orlando, Fla. Remarkably; both are graduates of the Air Force Academy!

This year’s Athletes of the Year are Capt. Kevin Eastler, ’99, from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; and 1st Lt. Laura McDonald, ’02, from Randolph AFB, Texas.

Eastler, the United States’ elite race walker, became the first American to qualify for the Olympic “A” standard time.

He was also formally recognized on Dec. 6 by USATrack and Field and presented the Capt. Ron Zinn Memorial award as the country’s top race walker.

McDonald is one of the nation’sbest female rugby players, officials said. She was selected from a 12,000 player-pool to be one of 36 players on theUSA Eagle Women’s National Team.

McDonald was also one of 12 players selected for the U.S, Women’s National Sevens Rugby team. McDonald has competed in more than 15 international matches in 2003. B

Former Air Force Athletic Director

Honored by National Football Foundation

Former Air Force Director of Athletics Col. John Clune was recently honored at the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Banquet as the 2003 co-recipient of the John L. Toner Award.The award is given annually to an athletic director who has demonstrated superior administrativeabilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics and particularly college football. Clune shares the award with Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger, and was awarded posthumously.

Clune was director of athletics at the Academy from 1975 to 1991 and played a major role in enhancing the extensive Air Force athletic and physical education program. A1954 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he was no stranger to the world of athletics. He was an All-American basketball player at Navy.

Clune served as president of theNational Association of Collegiate Directors ofAthletics and a member of the NCAA’s Postseason Football Committee. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the College Football Association and served as chairman of the NCAA Voting Committee.

Former Water Polo

He arranged for the Academy to become a member of the Western Athletic Conference, the first service academy to join a conference. He was also responsible for initiating a 10-sport intercollegiate program for women when the first class was admitted in 1976. Once joining the WAC, Clune served on the compliance committee, finance committee and the extra events committee.

He was instrumental in working with Colorado Springs civic leaders in bringing the OlympicTraining Center, Olympic House and two Olympic Sports Festivals to Colorado Springs. He served as the president of the Air Force AcademyAthletic Association and was one ofthe 10 board members designated by Congress to serve on the Academy Board, which is the governing body ofthe Air Force Academy.

While in the military, Clune was rated as a senior “missileer.” Among his military decorations are the Legion of Merit, two MeritoriousService Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Clune died of cancer in 1992 after serving 16 years at the Academy as athletic director. S

Coach/Player Inducted into Hall of Fame

By Athletic Media Relations

Former Air Force water polo coach and playerJeffHeidmous, ’77, was recently inducted into the National Water Polo Hall ofFame in St. Louis, Mo. Heidmous was a four-year letterman at the Academy and later the Falcons’ headcoach from 1981-84 and 1986-98.

Heidmous posted a 233-201 career record andhad 10 winning seasons in his 17 years as headcoach at the Academy. His teams were nationally ranked every year and the 1991 squad set an Academy record for wins with a 24-8 mark. Heidmous led the Falcons to five top-10 finishes and four NCAA tournament appearances (1981, ’86, ’90 and ’94).

The Falcons were also a force in the Western Water Polo Association under Heidmous, earning 10 finals appearances during his tenure. Heidmous was named WWPA coach of the year in 1990 and ’94. He coached 14 NCAA All-Americans, 18 NCAA Academic All-Americans, 64 all-WWPA selections and 20 U.S. Olympic Festival team members. As a player, Heidmous was team captain as a senior in 1976 and finished his career second all-time in assists, third in points and fourth in scoring at the Academy.

Heidmous began his Air Force career in 1977 after graduating from the Academy with a degree in management, and is currently the deputy director of athletic programs at the Academy. RS

THE CHAMBER

Colorado springs

Our community has a rich tradition of promoting a positive and supportive community-military environment. The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council was established in 1941 to develop and maintain the community’s strong bonds with our military and promote Colorado Springs as the location ofseveral of our current military facilities.

Colorado Springs is proud to havebeen chosen as the site for the U.S. Air Force Academy and other military facilities such as Fort Carson and the headquarters of Northern Command. The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Colorado Springs have established a unique bond with the Academy, cadets and our military personnel. It is acknowledged as having one of thefinest community-military relationships, developed through active and sincere interest in the welfare of cadets and assigned military personnel. The military is the #1 employer of our citizens and provides a substantial direct and indirect input to our economy.

Our businesses welcome cadets and their families and friends throughout the year, whether on family vacations, or to help celebrate the milestones andachievements of their cadets during inprocessing, Parent’s Weekend, or Graduation. Many of our local businesses are also in partnership with the Athletic Department and Academy Services, providing support to cadet programs and the Academy whenever and wherever possible. Many businesses also support broader military programs such as Operation Home Front, Operation Deep Discount, and The Home Front Cares through discounted goods and services to our military.

The Chamber and Military Affairs Council sponsors Armed Forces Week events and a Veteran’s Day parade honoring our military. This past year, the Interquest Rotary sponsored a Join-R-forces Day in Memorial Park in honor of our military.

The Academy and cadets give much back to our community as well. Cadets volunteer their precious time and talents through many community service projects such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, after school tutoring, and as coaches and mentors for many of our youth sports. The Academy hosts major community events such as the Pike’sPeak Soccer Tournament, Special Olympics, Rocky Mountain Games, and other special events and activities open to the community. We are truly grateful and blessed as a community for this support.

We want you to feel welcome when you visit the Academy and the Pikes Peak region. Our great city has much to offer and should not be solelyjudged by a perception that our community does not support the Academy or our wonderful military men and women based on local reporting. Our leadership has spent time discussing these issues with senior management of our news media. We are committed to helping the Academy through these difficult times.

The Colorado Springs community knows that over 99 percent ofcurrent cadets are the best this country has to offer and will graduate to further the legacy ofexcellence in service to the Air Force andthe nation. We our proud to have them and the Academy as a vital part of our community.

Sincerely,

Presidentand CEO

Building Leaders of Character for the Nation

The Air Force Academy Fund ESI

A Donation from a friend of the Air Force Academy

As 2003 came to a close, the Association of Graduates received a gift of $127,500 from the estate of Edward Erath, a friend of the Air Force Academy.

Dr. Edward H. Erath was a person who felt he owed much to the military and the U.S. government. According to him, he received his education through the government including his Ph.D. in physics. He was a strong believer that modern life was largely the product ofmilitary research, and if it not for this research for weapons purposes and the subsequent civilian applications, life as we know it would be far different. His career was spent finding civilian applications for military research.

Through his estate, Erath wanted to give back to the nation and the Air Force. He also wanted to honor General Curtis E. LeMay, a man Erath both knew and admired gready.

Fulfilling his wishes, the AOG has established the General Curtis E. LeMay Fund to support cadets and their activities.

Erath dreamed ofcreating a fund that supports the activities ofAir Force Academy cadets asa memorial to his idol General LeMay. That dream has been realized through his bequest and will have a lasting impact at the Academy.

Throughout the years, the Academy and the AOG have benefited greatly from the generosity ofcoundess graduates, parents and friends. Because ofthis support, programs in character and leadership development, academies, athletics and heritage have achieved new levels of success. While the purpose for the funds changes annually, the need today for private support is greater than ever before.

Whether it is through an outright gift or a planned gift to Polaris, the Association ofGraduates development team can assist you in making your dreams for the Air Force Academy a reality. Our team of experts can help you with everything from simple bequests to gifts of retirement plan assets, real property, appreciated securities, and the complete range oflife income gifts, including charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, and pooled income funds.

Life income gifts, such as the charitable remainder trust, are created when donors transfer cash, securities, real estate or other assets to the Association of Graduates. The AOG then invests those assets, and the donors or other beneficiaries receive income for life. Donors ofhighly appreciated assets avoid capital gains taxes while helping to secure the Academy’s future in addition to their own.

The development team at the AOG is ready to help you answer questions of any kind regarding bequests, outright, and deferred gifts, their tax consequences, and their use at the Academy.

Please contact us. We are here as a resource for you.

For additional information, please call Sean Pieri, vice president ofdevelopment, at (719) 238-2641.

Because of your generosity, many cadets have the opportunity to participate in valuable character development programs that greatly enrich their Academy experience. |

The Air Force Academy Fund proudly supports cadetcharacter development programs, which play a key role in developing the moral and ethical foundation essential for character-based leadership in the U.S. Air Force. Unrestricted, private dollars also fund important Academy academic, athletic and heritage programs.

The Air Force Academy Fund is the best and easiest way graduates, parents and friends can support 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 Chery Flores at (719) 472-0300 or chery.flores@usafa.af.mil.

AOG Reorganizes to Enhance Alumni Relations

Alumni Relations

Gary Howe, ’69

Vice President, Alumni Relations & Support

gary.howe@usafa.af.mil (719) 472-0300

The aog has undergone some significant reorganization in the last few months, all designed to enhance alumni relations, streamline operations, reduce coordination and improve customer service. We are most excited about our Customer Service Center. Director Wayne Taylor and his experienced team of Steve Knight, Michele Cowan and Razelle Krug stand ready to answer your questions and provide what you ever need on-the-spot. We will soon add a fifth customer service representative. Constituent liaison and membership have been freed up to provide increased support to chapters. Marty Marcolongo, ’88, and Don McCarthy stand ready to help you out in the field and encourage all graduates to become AOG members. Alumni Programs and Special Projects. Hopefully, this change will be transparent because Lani Wing and Donna Porter have always provided extraordinary reunion support as you well know. Jean Bickford and Mimi Mammano have worked with many ofyou on your retirement ceremonies and wedding receptions as well as ensuring that other functions held in Doolittle Hall always go smoothly. Combining them in a single division under Brian Binn, ’72, will help improve efficiency and will give Lani and Donna the help they need in solving some recent issues such as access to the Academy for graduates and guests who don’t have military ID cards. Information Systems and Data Entry and Integrity have always been behind the scenes for most ofyou. However, today, the essence of customer service often lays in computer support. Their addition to Alumni Relations and Support helps efficiently provide the support you need. Jack Mueller, ’70, Brenda George, Chris Barry, Jeremy Bryan, Sandy Luckhurst, Trisha Day, Barb Meyer and John Rice are ready to help with whatever you may need.

We are very excited about our new Alumni Relations and Support Team. Please let us know how it is working for you.

Reunion Schedule

See the list of 2004—05 AOG/USAFA major events for this year’s reunion dates. These reunions don’t get done by themselves. It takes some dedicated class volunteers, working with the AOG staff, to make reunions happen. Thanks to the marvel of telecommunications, you don’t need to live in Colorado Springs to help out. Ifyou’d like to volunteer or ifyou have any questions, please call customer service.

Rings

Do you need your ring repaired, replaced, refurbished? Do you want to get a ring for your spouse or a class pin?

Call customer service and they can give you the information on how to contact the company that made your class ring. Call 719.472.0300.

Chapters

We now have more than 45 chapters around the country and they need you as members. Many chapters actively provide networking opportunities in the community. Some are doing community service projects in the name of the Air Force Academy to raise awareness among high school students. Some are actively helping Academy Liaison Officers in the area to recruit high school students. Some are hosting holiday events for cadets or working with parents clubs to make sure that appointees who are offered an opportunity to come

to the Academy accept that opportunity. Chapters are far more than social clubs these days. See chapter news in this edition to see what chapters are doing. Get involved today. Call customer service to find the contact for the chapter nearest you.

Class of 2008

Bed & Breakfast

Started by the Rampart Chapter in 1996, the annual Bed & Breakfast Program now hosts more than 350 unaccompanied appointees each year. Rather than spending the last lonely night in a hotel downtown, the B&B program pairs unaccompanied appointees with local host families who pick them up at the airport, keep and feed them for the night

and then drop them off at In-Processing. It’s a great opportunity to quell fears, tell war stories, give pep talks and otherwise relive your own cadet experience from the other side of the fence. We will soon be looking for graduates in the Colorado Springs area to serve as hosts. Check your calendars for June 30 and July 1 and see if you can take part in this rewarding and important program.

Although obviously unique to the Colorado Springs area, this is one great example of a chapter seeing a need and putting a program together. Your chapter might be able to do something similar when a sports team, cadet club or other group will be visiting your area. The AOG will try to give as much notice as we can when cadets will be in your area. Perhaps you can fill a need.

2004J05 AOG/USAFA MAJOR EVENTS SCHEDULE

Link to Chapter and Affinity Group

Chapter News

Outlook

AFA Society of North Carolina, N.C. Here is a brief outlook for the Society’s next 6 months:

March 17: Social meeting @ Players Retreat

April TBD: Founders Day dinner

April 16: Lunch @ Newton’s

May 19: Social meeting @ Players Retreat

June 18: Lunch @ Newton’s

July 14: Social meeting @ Players Retreat

July TBD: Picnic/Pig Pic’n in Goldsboro with Cadets

August 20: Lunch @ Newton’s.

Alamo Chapter, Texas The Alamo Chapter is pleased to announce General Robert McDermott, West Point ’43, will be our speaker for our celebration of the 50th Anniversary Founders Day. Gen. McDermott was appointed by President Eisenhower as the first permanent professor ofthe Air Force Academy in 1957 and as the first permanent dean ofthe faculty in 1959. His innovations introduced the “whole man” concept to the service academy system of selecting cadets and pioneered a curriculum of advanced and elective courses. Gen. McDermott will share his memories of

the early years ofthe Academy in a presentation at the dinner/dance to be held on April 3rd. Updates and further details can be found at the chapter Web site at www.alamoaog.org.

Aloha Chapter, Hawaii We’ve been quite active over the past few months and look forward to holding elections for 2004 in the coming months and celebrating the anniversary of our first year as a chapter in March!

Arizona Chapter, Arlz. The chapter is having a Spring Fling followed by the visit of a USAFA speaker. On April 17, Doug, ’74, and Carol Pelton are hosting the Chapter to a pig roast at their home. Shortly after, a member of the USAFA leadership is projected to speak in the Phoenix area on the evening ofApril 26. Details on both events can be found on the new chapter Web site at www.azaog.com.

Atlanta Chapter, Ga. The Chapter has launched a new Web site that can be found at www.adantaaog.com.

Inland Northwest Chapter, Wash. We look forward to several events this year including a golf tournament, picnic, football tailgates, and a bigger and better banquet during the holidays. Check out our Web site at www.aog-usafa.org/Chapter_Sites/Inland Northwest/Inland Northwest.html for details.

Northern California Chapter, Calif. USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa is scheduled to speak in the Bay Area on the evening of April 21. Details on time and location can be found on the chapter Web site at www.aog-usafa.org/Chapter_ Sites/SanJFrancisco/San_Francisco.html.

North Texas Association, Texas

The Association has a number of events planned for the next few months. On April 3, members are invited to the annual Texas Philatelic Exhibition (TEXPEX) at 10AM, at the Renaissance Dallas North Hotel commemorating the issue of the 50th anniversary

stamp of the Air Force Academy! All attendees will receive a special cacheted envelope franked by the stamp and a customized pictorial cancellation. Also, on April 3 is the Founders’ Day Dinner and Dance. On May 2 is the Spring Alumni Golf Tournament at Grapevine Golf Course. And on June 26, the “Appointee Sendoff” Picnic and Softball Game are tentatively scheduled at NAS Ft. Worth (Carswell AFB) Recreation Area. For updates and details, check our Web site at www.ntaafag.org.

Rampart Chapter, Colo. The chapter continues to conduct its bimonthly luncheon with guest speakers. On March 15, Gen. Ed Eberhart, ’68, (Commander of Northern Command) will speak at the Peterson AFB O’Club.

1. Celebrate Academy heritage

2. Keep abreast of Air Force and USAFA topics

3. Keep the local community abreast of USAFA topics

4. Provide graduates networking opportunities

5. Interact with other service academy graduates

6. Give back to the community

7. Support the needs and objectives of the Academy

8. Assist liaison officers and recruit qualified candidates

9. Assist parents’ clubs/cadets

GOAL 2

Keep abreast ofAir Force and USAFA topics

Aloha Chapter, Hawaii - We had an exceptional opportunity to host Gen. Bill Begert, ’68, as a guest speaker for our January meeting. Gen. Begert volunteered to discuss the recent Agenda for Change for the USAFA. It was an informative and enlightening meeting, not to mention we had a great turn-out ofgrads.

Chapter Goals cont

GOAL 4

Providegraduates networking opportunities

Alamo Chapter, Texas - The San Antonio Business And Networking Group BANG, continues to meet monthly to expand networking and business opportunities for graduates ofallthree service academies. At the last meeting, Larry Romo, ’78, gave us a report on his sister city economic development work with Regensburg, Germany. Check the chapter Web site for upcoming lunch details.

GOAL 5

Interact with other service academygraduates

Aloha Chapter, Hawaii - Our chapter has been actively meeting once a month at the Hickam AFB Officers Club for lunch. Please check out our web page at www.aog-usafa.org/ Chapter_Sites/Honolulu/Honolulu.html when you get a chance or want specific information regarding our chapter and contact information. We have a great webmaster, 2Lt. Shannon Young, and he’s done a stellar job in getting our page offthe ground.

AFA Society ofNorth Carolina, N.C. -

During the fall of2003, the alumni gathered at Beef O’Brady’s in Cary to watch the AFA football games against UNLV and Utah.

Arizona Chapter, Ariz. - Chirl and 1 (Jim Sienicki, ’74) want to thank everyone that made our holiday party memorable event. We had a lot of grads and others attend, tell war stories, and enjoy the holidays together. Recently, the Chapters Super Bowl party was hosted by Jack, ’68 and Kitty Frost. The party began an hour before kickoff to enjoy allthe pre-game hype and to allow folks plenty of time for pre-game eating and drinking rituals. This annual tradition continues to be a “super” event.

Inland Northwest Chapter, Wash. - We had a great turn-out for our inaugural AllService Academy Banquet held just after Christmas. 55 grads and guests gathered for

The North Texas Association’s flag football team coached by Mike

a night of tall tales. We were also fortunate to receive an update from Col. Tony Mauer, ’82, Commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild AFB.

North Texas Association, Texas Under the courageous direction ofCoach Mike McGinness, ’76, the associations Hag football team played hard but finally fell to the onslaught of a much younger, Army team. The second game, played against Navy, showed the team’s real mettle, as they easily won against a team whose school claims heir to the CIC’s trophy. Former coach, Tom Stites, ’72, provided the playcalling as the games’ referee. As testimony to Tom’s fairness, he held another great postgame party for all teams at his home.

GOAL 7

Support the needs and objectives of the Academy

Puget Sound, Wash. - On Jan. 8, Chapter President, Brian DeLuca, ’67, was in U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s Seattle Office on her Annual Service Academy Screening Board. He and Alumni representatives ofUSMA/USNA/ USCGA/USMMA reviewed about 90 folders in her district ofapplicants for appointment to all the Academies, ranking them in a primary/ alternate order for the advice to the senator. These are candidates that had already made it through several previous “cuts.” Their review included two independent random reviewers per folder, initial resultant point score ranking, then discussion of the spread after compiled. Each folder thushad three reviews before the final recommended ranking was established.

Space Group - President Bush’s new space policy has created an atmosphere of excitemerit and opportunity in the space community, and the Space Group has seen that excitement reflected in the Cadet Wing. We continue to provide individual encouragement and career guidance to cadets who seek experienced perspectives on space career opportunities. In particular, we’ve maintained contact with the leadership of the USAFA chapter of the National Space Society, a group which continues to develop opportunities for cadets to hear astronauts and other space-related speakers, take field trips to space operations sites, and develop other experiences for cadets with an interest in space. The Space Group has recendy contacted Maj. Gen. Thomas and Col. Rhodes in the Superintendent’s shop, who have responsibility to coordinate space-related programs at the Academy. We hope this will lead to even stronger cooperation between the Space Croup and the Academy leadership. We continue to support local activities which can promote USAFA space interests, such as plans for a new space-themed science and technology' center in Colorado Springs. Finally, the Space Group has made financial contributions to the Academy Fund, earmarked to support space-related activities at the Academy. Our membership continues to grow. Graduates who are interested in joining the Space Croup, visit our Web site at usafaspace.tripod.com and fill out the short form in the “Join” link.

McGiness, ’76.

Cadet Running Suits

Cadet issue item.

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 AOG 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 long length $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

IntotheMouth 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”), withclass crest embossed on front and class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available for the following classes only.

...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 $10.00

Item #5398

Item #5399

Item

Item

AOG Accessories & Other items

DECALS

Class

on a

decal (self-adhesive to inside of glass) for all years through ’03. Specify class year.

Pin-back

gold or red.

NOTECARDS

Doolittle Hall Notecards (6” x 4.5”)

Set of 10 with envelopes

Falcon Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

Item #0503 $ 5.25

Phoenix Notecards Item #0506 $15.75

Set of 10 with envelopes

JEWELRY

Sterling Silver AOG Charm

Sterling Silver AOG Tie Tack

HATS

#0506 $15.75

#0430 $25.00

#0431 $25.00

AFA hat w/class year. Navy blue w/embroidered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year.

Adjustable leather strap for size

AOG hat. Navy blue with brown bill.

Adjustable strap for fit

Class Crested Merchandise

Item #0310 $18.75

Item #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, sizes and colors and availability varies from class to class and includes: sweatshirts, clipperjackets, T-shirts, buttons, etc.

This merchandise is only available for the following classes:

Partial listing ofavailable class crested

can be

on

web page under “merchandise/special sale items.” You can also email Celeste at merchandise@aog-usafa.org or call (719) 472-0300, ext. 521.

'k 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.

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 and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S.Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant MarineAcademy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands ofalumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

May 6-7, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 6, 2004

Interview Prep Seminar at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Friday, May 7, 2004

Breakfast (provided) 7:30 am - 9:30 am

Registration 8:30 am - Ail Day

SACC 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Lunch (not provided) 12:00pm - 1:30 pm

SACC 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Saturday, May 8, 2004

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.

The next SACCw'Al 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.)

NAME (for name tag, no ranks): USAFA CLASS:

ADDRESS:

PHONE (Home): (Work):. (E-mail):

Will you attend the free Interview Prep Seminar? dYes dNo

Please include: dRegistration Form □ Fee $35 □ Resume

Mail to: SACC

247 King George St. Annapolis, MD 2l402-506£

HardyFranklin LeBel, Sr., '60 but not forgotten

The Class of ’60 lost one of our most colorful and beloved members when Hardy LeBel died in a midair collision in Westerly, R.I. on Nov. 16, 2003. He was engaged to be married to Libby Evans of

On hearing of the accident, one classmate wrote, “Well, that really stinks. Hardy was one of my roommates at theAcademy and about the only positive thing I can think of at this time is that he probably would rather die in an airplane than in any other way. He was about as close to a swashbuckling adventurer as any person I have ever met. I knew him well. He was a warm, kind and generous man. His passing certainly leaves a hole in my heart.” It leaves a hole in thehearts of all who knew him.

While he faced tragedy in his life, Hardy had an enormous capacity to grab life and wrestle it to the ground with gusto and relish - just like he treated his opponents when he was on the varsity wrestling team! Many of us never saw Hardy in anything other than a joyful mood directly mirroring his intense love of life, curiosity, and thirst for adventure.

Hardy’s adventurous spirit led him naturally to a special place in the Air Force where he no doubt met many kindred souls - Special Operations. After pilot training, he spent time in Air Rescue in Tachikawa, with the Air Commandos in Bien Hoa and Nha Trang, various pilot, instructor and staffpositions inYokota; PoHam, South Korea; at Eglin and in the USAF Special Operations School at Hurlburt, and finally as Situation Monitor Officer and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. Along the way, he earned a Ph.D. in International Relations. His unusual flying activities during those years included participating in hydrogen bomb tests over the South Pacific, collecting air samples over both the North andSouth Poles and landing in the bush in Central Laos.

His medical retirement from the Air Force in 1978 neither grounded him nor slowed him down. While his post-retirement ventures included public relations, oil and innkeeping, his love of flying and things connected with aviation provided his compass. He eventually settled in Westerly, at various times bought several airplanes and seaplanes, was Chief Pilot for New England Airlines, and generally used that arrangement as a base to launch whole sequences of connected flying activities that interested him - and he was curious and interested in just about everything.

For example, in 1993 under the flag of a humanitarian program called “Wings of Hope,” he flew missions in Central America for the Belize Ministry of Health, again landing in the bush. As an active member of The Explorers Club, an exclusive organization in NewYork City whose members are inducted strictly on the basis of their accomplishments, he was aware of ongoing archeological research in Mayan maritime trade. He knew this research was practically impossible on land because the one meter rise in sea level since the Mayan era had inundated many of the hypothesized sites of the Mayan trade centers. While flying missions over this area, Hardy concluded that by combining popularly available technology with experience from several scientific disciplines, it would be

possible to develop a system for quickly identifying Mayan maritime trading sites from air surveillance using much less expensive equipment than had traditionally been required. This capacity to contribute to several diverse fields simultaneously is further illustrated by the publication by the Explorers Club of a research paper in which Hardy made a very convincing case, based on new evidence, that Adm. Richard E. Byrd’s claim that he flew to the North Pole in 1926 was false.

A bigger than life giant of a man with a huge heart, Hardy leaves behind his son Hardy Jr., his fiancee Libby Evans, his former wife, Joan; one sister, one brother, and a host of friends and admirers in Westerly, Manhattan, and around the world. Each has Hardy stories. Some were told at the funeral services inWesterly, still more at the memorials celebrating Hardy’s life held in Manhattan and in Washington. I doubt we will ever run out ofHardy stories, or tire of telling and re-telling them. (Leon Goodson, Class of’60)

William F. Bryant, Jr., ’63

William F. “Bill” Bryant, LtCol USAF (Ret), this nation’s finest F100 driver, flamed out on Dec. 8,2003 after a quick but deadly battle with lung cancer. He died peacefully in his sleep at home in Niceville, Fla. (near Eglin AFB) with his wife, Helen, and his sister Bobbie Jean at his side.

Bill wasan authority on the Stability and Control characteristics of the F-16. He first worked with the jet in 1973 as a flight test engineer at the USAF AFFTC at Edwards AFB when the prototype was called the YF-16 Lightweight Fighter. Thirty years later he was still actively working S&C engineering issues on the F-16 as a civilian contractor while supporting the Seek Eagle Stores Certification program at Eglin AFB.

We were neighbors here in Northwest Florida and good buddies and we used to meet for lunch every few weeks. We’d start out talking about how to escape the clutches of the IRS, but always the subject would quickly gravitate to flying fighters and the good old days when the mission ofthe U.S. Air Force was to fly and fight and don’t you forget it! (Large sign at the gate at George AFB, Calif.) In addition to Southeast Asia in ’68, we both spent the early ’70s at Edwards when the development of new fighters was in its heyday, and our favorite pastime was to regale each other with war stories he with his F-100/F-5/0-2 tales and me with the Zipper and the Phantom. He had an almost encyclopedic memory and I was constantly amazed at the detail of his recollections of those long-ago days.

We owned a boat together and I discovered that, in addition to being a master aviator and engineer, he wrote the book on light tackle fishing. He was a great friend bright, considerate and

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Bill Bryant

soft-spoken. He made my life a lot better and lots of us will miss him, but I know that where he is he’s on the schedule every day and I’m sure he’s happy to be back in a G-suit.

Bill was born in Galveston, Texas in 1941. Afterfouryears atUSAFA he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in 1963. He got his wings at Vance AFB and then headed to Luke AFB for training in the F-100. In 1965 he was a fighter pilot with the 494th TFS at RAF Lakenheath, England. In 1968, Bill went to SEA as an 0-2 Forward Air Controller and saw combat with the 1st Air Cav in I Corps during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the Battle for Hue, the Siege of Khe Sanh, and the A Shau Valley Offensive. He completed his combat tour as an OV-IO instructor pilot with the 504th Tactical Air Support Group at Phan Rang AB where his skill as an aviator earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1969 Bill again flew the mighty Hun with the 27th TFW at Cannon AFB, and after a tour at AFIT for an MS he was assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB. There heserved as a flight test engineer on the YF-16 and subsequent F-16 Full Scale Development program and also as an academic instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School. In 1977, Bill became an F-5 instructor pilot and ops officer for the 425th TFTS at Williams AFB. After a tour in Saudi Arabia as an F-5 instructor pilot and advisor to the RSAF, Bill then served as the Deputy Air Attache with the U.S. Embassy, Jakarta, Indonesia. While there, he piloted the Embassy C-12 and also flew the F-5 with the Indonesian AF. In 1983 he reported to the USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin AFB, and in 1989 he retired from active duty at Eglin as a command pilot with 280 combat missions and 600 hours of combat flying time. He went on to earn another Master’s in Psychology and then joined the civilian world supporting the USAF aircraft stores certification program he knew so well. He was a hard-working, highly-respected engineering supervisor until a month before he died.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Helen, ofVancouver, British Columbia; son Dean and wife Anne of North Port, Fla.; daughter Lisa of Conroe, Texas; son Bill and wife Nicole of Escondido, Calif.; sister Bobbie Jean Tufts of Tucson, Ariz.; granddaughters Cassie and Faith, and many, many friends.

Bill’s ashes were interred at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola NAS, Fla. on Jan. 30 2004. Friends may pass condolences to his wife, Helen, at 825 Turnberry Cove South, Niceville, Fla. 32578. (Karl Jones, ’60)

Robert C. Hetrick, ’66

Robert “Bert” C. Hetrick died of a heart attack on Sept. 25, 2003, immediately after playing a game of racquetball. He lived life to the fullest until the end, and left his wife and children and a host of devoted family and friendswho will remember him as a happy, funloving man who was quick to smile and tease, enjoyed the spirit of competition in all sports, and lived his life by a high code ofvalues.

Bert grew up in Omaha, Neb. where he made his mark at North High School through academic success as well as in the athletic arena. He was offered a football scholarship to play for the University of Nebraska but turned it down to fulfill the dream he’d had since the age of 12 to attend the Air Force Academy. There he majored in InternationalAffairs, madethe Dean’s list, and upon graduation was sent to navigator training at Mather AFB in California.

Immediately after Nav School, Bert volunteered for a tour in Vietnam where he flew out of Nha Trang Air Base. His next assignment was to fly C-141s, and later C-5s out ofTravis Air Force Base. It was on a trip to Clark AFB in the Philippines that he met Nancy, a flight attendant with Trans International Airlines. Last June they celebrated 33 years of a happy marriage.

From Travis, Bert was sent to Altus AFB in Oklahoma to teach at

the C-5 ground school, andthere he became the proud father of LeAnn and Bret. After attending Air Command and Staff College he returned to Mather AFB in Sacramento to teach navigation. He finished his Air Force career at McClellan AFB and became a Daddy once again when Kara was born.

After his Air Force retirementin 1987, Bert went first into the world of banking at Bank ofAmerica’s corporate headquarters in Concord, Calif, and then into Security Management, first at Aerojet in Northern California, and then at Intel and Microchip in Phoenix, Ariz.

If Bert’s life had to be summed up in one sentence it would be this: He loved his family. His life was not about his career or climbing the corporate ladder or amassing a mountain of material things; it was about time spent with his family. He was home in the evenings and went to all the kids sporting events and activities, often coaching their teams. His devotion to his wife, Nancy, was noted by all who knew them.

The other defining quality of Bert’s life was his love of all sports andhis unparalleled spirit ofcompetition. For example: As a Firstie and a member of one of the few 400-pound, two-man rooms, he was quick to comment that theDoolies never got both roommates in the shower on the same night! Also, it was a source of pride to him that at age 59 he was beating guys in their 30s at racquetball. And while he was definitely competitive andloved to win, he was the first to congratulate anyone who hadbeaten him. He just loved the spirit of the game.

Bert andhis family loved to travel and did lots of it, but the highlights were two trips to Europe, numerous trips with the kids to Hawaii, and a Y2K trip to Kauai with five other couples who were long-time friends, where they all renewed their wedding vows on the beach at sunset on NewYears Eve.

It has been said that, “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it...” By this and all other measures, Bert’s brief 59 years of life were a success, and we will never forget him or the familiar, “Oh Mannnn!” (Jerry Mrozek, Class of 66)

Ronald G. Bradley, ’67

I first met Ron on the golf course at Ramstein AB Germany in 1960. He and his younger brother were new on base, but had already established reputations for being very good golfers. Being a year younger than I, we did not share any classes, and being a whiz in academics we did not share any later on at the Academy, where he graduated with distinction. Ron earnedthe nickname Chi-Chi after a professionalgolferwho shared many ofthe same traits: smaller in stature, long offthe tee, and a fierce competitor. It was his determination and ability not to get rattled that made him the natural choice to play a Colorado Buff named Hale Irwin during one tournament. Hale won that day and went on to bigger and better things in his golfing career, and Rod did likewise as a career Air Force officer and an outstanding experimental test pilot.

Ron earned an accelerated Master’s Degree in Astronautics from Purdue. Unfortunately Ron’s eyes, strained by all those five-foot

Bert Hetrick

putts, kept him out of pilot training. So Ron went on to navigator training and quickly upgraded as one of the first weapons systems officers employed in combat in the F-4 Phantom for the first of his two tours inViet Nam. Upon his return from SoutheastAsia, Ron was admitted to pilot training. That he memorized the eye chart is but a nasty rumor. Followingpilottraining, he returned to Viet Nam this time in the front seat of the F-4. His superb military performance and exceptionalflyingskill saw him advance quickly to instructor pilot and soon he was selected to attend the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He stayed on at Edwards AFB performing such diversified work as evaluating modifications to the F-4; F-16 high-angle ofattack; F-15 engine and avionics; and E-8 systems tests, where he was the test force commander. He retired in 1994 and was a member of the initial cadre of the new civilian National Test Pilot School in Mojave, Calif, in 1996.

I read a couple ofthe eulogies given at the National Test Pilot School where Ron was the Director of Operations at the time of his untimely death. It was a moving tribute to his role as Joint StarsTest Force Commander in the years immediatelyfollowing Desert Storm. I quote, “His discipline, clear focus, and integrity saw us through.” His son Doug told us that his Dad’s mantra was, “Don’t spend your money foolishly, don’t give your money to those who do, but gladlygive your money to those who are less fortunate.” Those quotations sum up Ron the professional: intelligent, honest, and generous.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the love of his life, Malinda. They had 31 great years together raising four children and spoiling five grandchildren. Well, maybe Malinda was more the spoiler. Ron probably had the kids making their beds with hospital corners. Another summary: husband, father, and role model.

As our Class ages, we no longer expect to see one of our own killed in an aircraft accident, but it happened to Ron. He died doing what he loved to do, but if he hadbeen given the option, I know he would have left his flying gloves behind to be with Malinda and the family. I have never met anyone who did not have the deepest respect for Ron. I am proud to be able to call him my friend and classmate.

(Bob

Muldrow,

’67)

RobertJ. Hager;'68

Bob Hager was born Sept. 13,1946 in Grand Forks, N.D. and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1964. His parents were Norwegian and strong in their Lutheran faith as was Bob. He loved the outdoors and spent countless hours fishing and hunting with his fathers, brothers and uncles. This love for the outdoors was always a constant throughout his life and he would find this in every place he lived during his military career and during retirement.

Bob graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1968 with a BS in Engineering Management. He then entered pilot training and earned his wings at Webb Air Force Base, Texas in 1969. From 1969 to 1971 he was assigned to the 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery

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Squadron, Hamilton Air Force Base, Calif, flying HC-130 aircraft.

From 1971 to 1972, he was assigned to the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam, flying over 100 combat search and rescue missions in Southeast Asia.

It was when Bob came home from his Vietnam tour that he was diagnosed with diabetes which was pretty devastating forhim but he didn’t let that stop him. His next assignment was as flight examiner and test officer at the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. In 1973, he transferred to the A-10 Program Office, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He earned a master’s degree in systems management from the Air Force Institute ofTechnology, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in 1974.

In 1978, Bob was assigned to Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as a logistics officer. In 1980, he became deputy chief of the F-16 Production Management Branch. From 1981 to 1983, he was a resource analyst in the Programs Division at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., assisting in the preparation ofthe Air Force budget. Later, he served as a military assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

In 1984, he assumed command of the 410th Field Maintenance Squadron at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Mich. The squadron was named best in 40th Air Division and received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He next became the assistant deputy commander for Maintenance and later the deputy commander for Maintenance at the 410th Bombardment Wing.

After graduation from the Air War College in 1988, Bob became the chief of the Product Quality and Reliability Division, Directorate of Maintenance, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. He established a Total Quality Management effort which included training for over 7,000 people and 50 process action teams. In 1989, he became the Assistant to the Commander for Quality, responsible for guiding the implementation of qualityprinciples for the 16,000 people assigned to Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

In 1990 Bob was assigned as the Director of Programs and Productivity, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command. He guided the Command’s effort in winningthe 1991 President’s QualityAward. He was a member ofthe Board ofExaminers forthe MalcomBaldrige National Quality for 1992 and 1993. It was during this assignment at the Pentagon that we learned that Bob’s kidneys were failing after years ofdamage from diabetes. Bob was reluctant to retire from his beloved Air Force but didn’t really have a choice.

After retirement we moved to Houston, Texas, where Bob became a consultant in quality, published a book, and continued traveling as a guest speaker. Then is 1995 Bob had to go on kidney dialysis. He still worked and traveled, arranging his dialysis around meetings, but after two years his health deteriorated such that he couldn’t work any more because dialysisjust made him too weak. His battle ended early on Oct. 15,1999 after complications from heart surgery at St Luke’s hospital.

Bob was a pilot with 2,000 flying hours. His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster, andthe Air Force Achievement Medal.

Ron “Chi-Chi” Bradley

Bob is survived byhis wife, Cheryl; his son Christopher, his daughters Susan and Alison, his mother, andhis brothers Richardand Dean. We all miss him very much! (Cheryl Hager)

W. Joseph McClelland, ’70

It has been said that “the grand essentials ofhappiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for” (Allan K. Chalmers). By fulfilling all three of these requisites, W. Joseph McClelland found true happiness in his short lifetime.

A 1970 graduate of the Academy with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Joe McClelland loved what he did. After graduating with a Master’s inApplied Mechanics from the University of Utah, Joe was selected to teach at the Academy, and then entered into the test pilot program at Edwards AFB, followed by an assignment at Flight Test Center atEglinAFB. In the early 1980s, Joe traveled with his young family to London, England, where he served as an RAF exchange officer and opened a DOD office in inner London. After six years abroad, he returned to the U.S. where he retired after 20 years of dedicated service from Systems Command. Joe then moved into the private sector, where he had a very successful career with defense contractors GEC Marconi and Anteon Corporation. Joseph’s drive, ambition and dedication to his career were apparent to all who worked with him.

Joe’s commitment to his family was also evident. With his wife, Missy, he raised three beautiful children: Erin, Morgan and Brian. Despite Joe’s busy work schedule and travel commitments, he was a devoted father and adoring husband. He attended all of the children’s events, from soccer games to graduations. His marriage to Missy spanned almost three decades and they were truly each other’s soul mates. Their marriage provided a good example to their children, especially their eldest daughter, Erin, who celebrated her nuptialsonly a month before her father’sdeath. Joe was proud to walk his daughter down the aisle on that beautiful day in October. He danced and celebrated the blessed union well into the night, andhis strength and determination were an inspiration to all.

Joe was a patient and gentle man who took great pleasure in watching the hustle and bustle of his busyfamily. His daughter Morgan was always a source of entertainment for her father. With a wonderful sense of humor and seemingly endless amount of energy, she could always make him laugh. An engineer by trade, he designed and built many improvements to the family home. Joe always included his young son Brian on these projects and it was clear that their special bond was exclusive. Joe was his son’s father, but also his mentor, confidant and best friend.

In 2001, when Joe was diagnosed with colon cancer, his wife and children surrounded him with love and support. They believed that with faith and love, came hope. Joe achieved true happiness during his final days becausehe had these essential components. He never gave up hope and he took advantage of every moment God gave him. After a valiant fight, Joe McClelland passed away on Nov. 23, 2003 surrounded by his wife and children. He was the type of man whose accomplishments will never be forgotten. Joe McClelland was a dear friend, a devoted husband, and a loving father who will remain in our hearts forever. (His Family)

Charles L. Horton, ’72

Chuck Horton lived his life like every man should... with integrity, with honesty, and with an intense commitment to everything he chose to spend his time on. Chuck only would concentrate on one thing at a time, because he gave 150 percent of his energy to whatever he was doing!

Born on Nov. 14, 1950 in Shreveport, La., Chuck had a difficult childhood. By the time he was llyears old, he decided to join the military in order to make a better life for himself. He knew a commitment to education was the key to his future. Given a choice between the NavalAcademyandthe Air Force Academy, Chuck elected to accept the appointment to the Air Force because, as he would say, he didn’t want to have to land a jet on a boat. Chuck graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1972 and went on to pilot training.

Chuck attained his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 and the F-16 fighter jets during his career. His flying tours of duty ineluded Hahn AB, Germany; Holloman AFB, N. M.; Kunsan AB, Korea; and Torrejon AB, Spain. In 1980, Chuck was a proud graduate from Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Chuck flew the F-16 out of Incirlik AB, Turkey during the first GulfWar. Other militaryassignments included Kirtland AFB, N. M. whereChuckworked on the LANTIRN project, and Hill Air Force Base, Utah where he was Chief of Safety.

In 1994, Chuck retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel out of Hill AFB. He then went to work in the United Arab Emirates, training Arab fighter pilots in the Hawk 105. By 1995, Chuck began his life’s second major career and beganwriting computer software. He spent the next years developing computer programs for American Express, Paymentech and JP Morgan Chase.

In 1981, Chuck married Kathy Wodushek ofWisconsin. Together theylived in Germany and toured most ofEurope and Scandinavia, as well as Egypt and the Soviet Union. Their son Jesse was born in Albuquerque, N. M., Michael was born in Madrid, Spain, and Laura was born in Layton, Utah.

Chuck loved to do just about everything! He loved to fly, ski, sail, SCUBA dive, fly fish, golf and play soccer, squash and racquetball. He also loved to read, play the guitar and sing. More than anything else, however, Chuck lovedhis family. He believed in instilling some basicvalues in his children... a love of family and God, of education, and of commitment to a greater cause. He promoted patriotism, integrity and honesty. Chuck believed in doing his best, in expecting the best of others, in forgiving each others’ faults and in loving unconditionally.

On August 13th Chuck was found dead of a heart attack in Dallas while on a business trip. Although he died at a young age, he was one of a few whocould claim he lived his life to the fullest with few regrets. We are grateful to have shared his life andhis vision. We pray we can continue to embrace our own lives with a similar passion. (Written by his wife, Kathy)

Richard W. Storer III, ’72

Richard William Storer III passed away from carcinoid syndrome early in the morning of Dec. 5, 2003 at age 55 in Fairfax, Va. after

Chuck Horton

having this disease for 20 years. Many seemed surprised to hear of his death, and that was his method of dealing with it; if you didn’t know he was sick, you wouldn’t have known he was sick. He faced life as bravely as he faced death, with a smile and a kind word to all, always saying, “I’m doin’ fine” and “I’m tough”. He was one of four children, the oldest and only son, who enlisted in the Air Force after attending Ohio State University for a year. He entered the Prep School in 1967, USAFA in’68 and graduated with the class of 1972 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He dreamed of flying for the Air Force his entire life, and that dream came true when selected for pilot training in Laredo, Texas. After that the assignments were truly blessed from F-4s at MacDill AFB, Fla., RAF Lakenheath, England, and Nellis AFB, Nev., to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., back to USAFA as a math professor, assistant AOC, flying the “Wings of Blue” jump plane, instructing cadets in the gliders. This was followed by an assignment to the Armed Force Staff College in Norfolk, Va., then off to Osan AB, Korea to fly the F-4 again, and finally to the Pentagon for an assignment in studiesand analysis. His Air Force career ended with a medical retirement in ’91, due to a “state of the art” titanium tricuspid valve replacement and the required blood thinner, coumadin. He embarked upon a second career in the civilian sector, doing much of the same sort of work as he had done in the Pentagon for W.B.B., SAIC, TASC, and SAIC again for the next 12 years in the Virginia area.

He always felt he was truly blessed and so very lucky in this life to have done what he had always dreamed of doing... flying for the Air Force. He and Mary Beth were married on Aug. 11,1973, and as she said, “I knew he was the one for me from the first time I met him at the Academy. We dated for threeand a half years, and were married for two years before I told him that I had secretly arranged our first date, with his friend and mine as the ‘go-between’! He continued to surprise me, but I occasionallysurprised him too; he made me laugh and we shared life’s adventures through the years.

Through all of those years together, we always thought we were so very lucky and knew that God was watching over us always, from his flying sorties, to moving all around the world, to the birth of our two miracles, Lisa and Steven. He loved his family with his whole heart andsoul and God’s love was apparent in the way he lived his life. He was an honorable man, so very smart, and could amaze friends and family alike with his stories and little-known facts about anything imaginable. The breadth and depth of his knowledge amazed many, but what I knew was simply this: My place in this world was beside him. As one of hisbest friends said to me, ‘He’s flyingagainMaryBeth, he’s on the schedule, you don’t have to worry about him any more.’ I know those words are true, and I know he’s at peace and we’re left with hislove.”

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; two children, Lisa and Steven; three sisters, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, other relativesand friends. He was buried at the USAFA cemetery on December 11 with full military honors. While some other pilots might have a fly-over, Rick had a “turkey- trot” with a large group of wild turkeys in attendance who kept trying to walk on to the cemetery grounds while the Honor Guard kept waving them

away! Somehow we knew that he would have enjoyed having them there!

Donations and Memorials may be made to the Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, Suite 100, USAFA, Colo. 808404475. (George Wargo, 72, and Mary Beth Storer)

James L. Price, ’73

Larry Price was born in Munich, Germany on July 17, 1951, the son of Major General James L. Price (deceased) and Ellen M. Price. Being part of an Air Force family provided Larry with the experience of growing up in many different places including Taiwan and Guam as well as Washington State, Florida and Colorado. The Air Force family life also made the Air Force Academy a natural selectionafter high school for Larry. After four years, Larry graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1973 with a degree in Physics and Mathematics. After graduation, Larry moved to Selma, Ala. for a year of flight training. Following this, Larry was chief pilot flying the KC-135 Tankers at McConnell Air Force Base atWichita, Kan. While at Wichita, Larry developed a close circle of friends and these friendships have lasted through the years. While in the Air Force, Larry also obtained a Master’s of Business Management degree from the University of Maryland. In 1980, Larry left the Air Force.

After leaving the Air Force, Larry was hired by Continental Airlines. He leftContinental to take a ChiefPilot position for the Ports of Call travel company located in Denver Colo. During his six years at Ports of Call, Larry was able to visit many vacation destinations throughout the world. He thoroughly enjoyed his two visits to Africa. Larryenjoyed his amateur photographer status and took many great pictures during his travels. When Ports of Calls ceased flying operations, Larry was hired by Airborne Express.

After leavingAirborne Express, Larry went back to school andobtained a Master of Computer Science degree from the Colorado Technical University. Larry then took a position as Senior Computer Programmer at L-3 Communications. Larry also owned and operated his own small business, ComputerJocks. ComputerJocks offered a computerized logbook that was developed by Larry.

Larry was an avid fan ofboth the Dallas Cowboys andthe Denver Broncos. During football season, you could always find him in front ofhis big screen TV every Sundaycheering on his team. During the basketball season Larry was a fan of the Lakers.

Larry died of pneumonia on July 25, 2003. He is buried at the Air Force Academy Cemetery. He is survived by his mother, Ellen M. Price; his two sisters, Jean Ann Machos and Margaret Lee Price; his brother in law Glenn Machos, his nephew Jeffrey Machos andhis niece Lisa Machos. Larry had a great sense of humor and kept everyone around him smiling. He loved to do his imitation of Peter Sellers as “Inspector Clouseau”. Larry will be missed by all who knew him. (Glenn Machos)

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Rick Storer

RoyM. Clayton III, ’81

Colonel Clayton grew up in Dresher, Pa. and graduated from Upper Dublin High School in 1977 as a member ofthe National Honor Society. He was active in gymnastics and played soccer for both schooland club leagues.

Congressman Lawrence Coughlin appointed him to the USAFA. While there he played varsity soccer and graduated with honors in 1981. He received an MBA in 1984 from theAir Force Institute ofTechnology at Wright-Patterson AF Base in Dayton, Ohio.

While in the Air Force, he served at Hanscom AFB in Bedford, Mass.; Wright-Patterson AF Base in Dayton, Ohio; and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he worked on the Academybudget and was the women’s soccer coach. Later he was at Air Force Headquarters at the Pentagon where he served

Mon the Bomber Road Map Project, maintaining aircraft for the future. His final duty assignment was at Wright-Patterson working as a Cost Analyst for various projects. Over the years, he served on the selection boards of local Congressman helpRoy Clayton ing to determine USAFA appointments.

He retired in July, 2001 and joined MCR Federated, a division of AT&T, working on the F-16 Modification Project.

Throughout his life, Roy was an avid sports enthusiast playing soccer, running, cycling, playing softball and volleyball. He was active in the Band Parents group at the local Beavercreek High School and coached hischildren’s sports teams.

He was husband for 17 years to Belinda (Raiford) Clayton and the father offour children: Heather (16), Daniel (15), Sara (14) and Colin (10).

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his parents, six sisters and one brother as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He is missed by his family, his friends, his neighbors and his business associates in both the military and civilian life. (The Clayton Family)

ChristopherR.Kedzie, ’82

Christopher Kedzie died Tuesday Aug. 12, 2003 in Los Angeles Calif, of metastatic esophageal carcinoma. He was 43 years old. Christopher was born in Delaware and grew up in Massachusetts and Michigan. Christopher was committed to the idea that life was an adventure, and to get the most out of life one must constantly challenge oneself with new ideas and new experiences. It was in that spirit that Christopher enrolled in the Air Force Academy - to challenge his mind, body and spirit. Christopher excelled at the Academy and went on to attain a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at MIT. He was in training as a jet pilot when he developed bone cancer requiring an amputation of his leg.

At that time, I recalled Christopher’s ongoing experiment when we were in high school. He wanted to change his eye-color. The idea was that one could accomplish anything - even a change in eye color - if one applied enough force of will to the task. I would often see him concentrating on this metamorphosis, and every couple weeks he would ask me to look at his eyes and see if they were any bluerfrom time to time he was convinced he could detect a slight change in the hue. So powerful was his belief in the strength of the human mind that he even had me seeing these subtle changes in his eye

color. Several years later when he developed bone cancer in his leg and it spread to his lungs it seemed likely to most of us that no strength of will would get him through. But he found the most aggressive surgeons, the most innovative oncologists, and underwent multiple operations. Through perseverance and sheer force of will, he conquered the disease that many thought was incurable - when it really mattered he managed somehow to change the color of his eyes.

When Christopher lost his leg, he was angry; despondent at times but he rose above it with his strength and his humor and his total commitment to getting the most he could out of this life. He became a world-class competitive skier, learned to scuba dive, and bicycled from Canada to Mexico. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Harvard University and Master’s and Doctoral degrees from RAND Graduate School, all in the area ofpublic policy and international relations. He taught at the Air Force Academy and at the International Management Institute in Kiev, Ukraine. He received numerous awards, grants and fellowships; traveled and worked in 30 countries; and directed international programs for Harvard, the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Government.

While Christopher’s list of accomplishments is impressive, his resumenever mattered to him. Christopher was much more concerned about living life and sharing theadventure of life with family, friends, and willing strangers. As a friend pointed out at his memorial service - when meeting Christopher one was always impressed with the intense eye contact, the warm smile, andthe earnest hand shake. Christopher loved meeting new people and encountering new ideas. He believed strongly in self-examination and never stopped questioning his assumptions. He was always seeking the meaning in life, what our purpose is here, how we should behave and treat each other. And he had an amazing intellectualhonesty- a person who truly could be swayed from a long-held belief if presented with a logicad argument for an alternative. He did not cling tenaciously, as most of us do, to the conclusions we reached years ago. And he was alwaysgivingfriendlyencouragement to those around him to think about the importance of their own lives.

Christopher was tremendously brave - faced unbelievable physical and spiritual challenges with strength and quiet courage. He was a loving husband to Ira and father to Sasha, Shawna and Solan. He thrilled at the idea ofsharing life and all it’s possibilities with his beautiful wife and wonderful children. He was a great adventurer, a warm friend who challenged us to extend the reach of our intellects and spirits and participate fully in our lives. There is little comfort to offer Christopher’s family - or to his many friends who loved him dearly. It seems there is no “meaning” or lesson in Christopher’s death. It was a random and cruel event. But there was tremendous meaning in his life. Christopher was a gentle heroand a dear friend. And he will be sadly missed.

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site.

www.usafa.org

Chris Kedzie

Allwho wish to learn how Christopher’s life touched others, or share their own remembrances of this remarkable man are encouraged to visit aWeb site set up in his honor - www.chriskedzie.org. (Jonathan H. Ross, M.D.)

Steven Plumhoff, *92

I have been below the Cadet Chapel twice: first as a tourist; second, to see my friend’s name. January 2nd was a cold, beautiful Colorado day. The sun was out with flurries. I descended to where the deceased cadets and graduates’ names are forever etched. At first I couldn’t find his name thinking the names weren’t updated due to the holidays. I spent minutes looking forother classmates until I saw: Steven Plumhoff, Major, 1970-2003. Steve was killed November 23rd in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan serving his country. His MH-53M experienced engine failure after takeoff killing four of six crewmembers.

I didn’t know Steve at USAFA but he was a proud member of the Wings of Blue and of CS-32. I gave Steve grief about being a youngster with a March birthday and being a late grad. Steve overcame and he was... is, a hardcore member of True Blue ’92.

Steve attended UPT at Reese and selected UH-ls at Hill AFB. I met Steve at Commando Look, the AF Special Ops selection program where he was immediately selected to fulfill his dream as a Pavelow pilot. I hear stories that he wanted to write science fiction or fly after high school. I’m glad he chose to fly.

In 19951 caught up with Steve learning to flythe MH-53. Near the end, Steve and Yvette opened their home to me for an entire month. I knew Steve was a great guy and his hospitality confirmed it. From there we were assignedto Osan, SouthKorea. Steve and ourTDYexperiencesmade the remote bearable. Our careers diverged as he andYvette went to England. We did meet up at SOS where we had many laughs. Steve’s last assignment at Kirtland was when I really got to know him. I lived one street over andmanyevenings our families ate togetherwatchinghockey.

I remember many things about Steve and he touched us all differently. I mentioned his hospitality but in that month I also learned Steve never did anything half-way. He vacuumed every morning after the cats. He slept with earplugs nighdy... and that was before Gavyn! He even kept me up one night playing a computer game. Asked to describe Steve’s character, I would say that he would give you the shirt off his back. I might say that he would give you his pants too but this wouldn’t work because he always wore shorts! He was a sight in the Korean winter wearing a heavy coat and having his bare legs displayed to the world. He would flash a big grin and look at me as if to say, “What”? In the years I knew Steve I saw him wear pants only for Church one Christmas Eve. My favorite story of Steve is not from some exotic TDY but from my den one afternoon. My daughter was threeand adored Steve. She was unhappy to see him go but gave him a big hug and said, “Mr. Steve, I really like your stamps,” referencing his tattoos. This had us all in stitches.

Steve’s Memorial Service was December 12th andhis good friend Matt Trim said some wonderful things about him and his smile. Steve was always glad to see you and wouldn’t hesitate to tell you how it was. Better yet, he always wished you the best and would always say bye with the word “Peace”.

Steve is survived by his wife, Yvette, and their young son Gavyn. Gavyn won’t remember much about his father except what prayers,

hopes and memories we share with him. I encourage you to write a fewwords to his son: Gavyn Ruark Plumhoff, 8409 Los Reyes, Ct. NW, Albuquerque, N.M. 87120-5349. Donations can be made to Gavyn at: GR Plumhoff Trust, c/o Tim La Pointe, 3509 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee, Ohio 43537.

Steve, you are an inspiration and your death will not be in vain. Gavyn will know you, and your Air Force family will take care of him and Yvette. Take care my friend; hope you are flying safe, and remember to keep the dirty side down. I think we can all say, “I miss my friend.” (Clarke Pleasants, ’92)

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Mr. Roger B. Sims, Class of 1963, who died on Feb. 2, 2004.

Mr. Joseph A. Gili, Class of 1964, who died on Jan. 27, 2004 in a skiing accident at Jackson Hole Resort, Wyo.

Mr. Richard K. Denault, Class of 1969, who died on Dec. 1, 2003 in Boulder, Colo.

Mr. Dennis E. Kalmus, Class of 1969, who died on Oct. 10, 2003 at Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.

Col. (Ret) Bernard E. Harvey, Class of 1972, who died on Jan. 22, 2004 of a stroke at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Md.

Mr. Wade E. Knight, Class of 1974, who died on May 25, 2003 in California.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Mark E. Miller, Class of 1982, who died on Nov. 14, 2003 in Melbourne, Fla.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

OBITUARY POLICY EXPLAINED

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

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

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

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

Life membership dues are not transferable to the graduate’s spouse, unless the life membership was joint, in which case it does transfer to the spouse. However, if the lifemember has purchased the “survivorship” option for their spouse, then their spouse can exercise member benefits until their own death. Ifyou wish to add “survivorship” to your life membership, contact our membership department for details and prices.

Steve Plumhojf

Class

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

Bill Telford did yeoman work throughout 2003 in organizing and/or attending and reporting on various gatherings of ’59ers and their ladies in the Southeast. In fact, it's an embarrassment of riches because I have far more great snapshots than Checkpoints space will allow. Check out the more ‘‘pictorial” version of the column on the Class website (http:// www.aog-usafa.org/1959).

Bill’s first bulletin reported on an April luncheonthat he and Anna hosted at their home for the North Carolina contingent (minus the Hunts who weren’t able to make it).

That worked so well that, in July, the Telfords hosted the first “Joint Virginia-North Carolina Reunion” at their place. They all boated, swam and imbibed; the guys played golf and reminisced and the ladies shopped and bragged about grandbabies.

This string offestivities was rudelyinterrupted in Augustwhen Bill came down with a serious gall bladder attack, which required surgery two days later. To make it worse, since thedoctors suspected an internal infection, they used the old-fashioned surgical method (think“gutting a trout”) instead of the laparoscopictechnique, resuiting in a longer and more uncomfortable recuperation. Bill was stoic about it, lamentingonlyhaving to miss a big bash at the Jeffersons’ and not being able to present the “Hacker’s Trophy” to Fred Wynn for his, um, remarkable golfing performance at the joint reunion.

In September, nature intervened in the form of Hurricane Isabel. The Telfords received a call from Kozy Kozelka saying that they were being required to evacuate their home in Poquoson, VA (just north of Langley AFB) and were heading west. Bill and Anna insisted they stay with them until the storm passed. After several days, the Kozelkas headed back to find out what toll had been taken of their belongings. What they found was a house with three trees on it, a totally flooded garage, and extensive damage to the items in the garage. (Alas, Kozy’s Austin Healy was totaled.)

Ironically, Jimmie and JudyJay, who live just north ofthe Kozelkas, rode the storm out at home and came through almost totally unscathed. Judy has wanted to leave, but Jimmie was concerned about looters and decided to defend the old manse.

In September, I received this trip report from Jim and Doris Carpenter on their recent travels. “Doris and I just returned from a month visiting central Europe, specificallyVienna, Prague and Budapest, alongwith London to gradually re-orient to English as a communication technique. We visited a lot ofpalaces, church/cathedrals, museums and parks, plus special attractions at each city, such as restaurants, cafes and pubs. Managed to get a fairly cheap lesson on how pickpockets operate (a near mugging situation) on a Prague tram, losing some dollars (and a set ofVA hearing aids) but no credit cards or passports. Visited the Budapest Air and Space Museum and got a look at their aviation history as well as some space relics from both USA and USSR joint operations. Not fancy but interesting to people interested in aviation (that did not include Doris, but it offset the Mozart concerts on hard seats that she got me to attend with her).

“We also observed how CNN Europe has nothing good to report on President Bush, Prime Minister Blair or the Iraq situation and prognosis. 100% anti-US and even omits the titles on 90+% ofthe references to “Bush” and “Blair” although they do include the titles for Arafat and any other European and UN Officer. Not muchbetter in the newspapers.”

The AF-Navy football game in October was eminently forgettable, but it did serve as an opportunity for a sizable mini-reunion cum tailgate of most ofthe eastern seaboard brethren and their ladies and a few pilgrims from afar, including the Todds andthe Montgomerys from Colorado and the Jenningses from California. HT and Linda Johnson hosted a splendid postgame buffet at their home with their customary warm hospitality. A fine weekend despite the game score.

In November, my faithful “stringer,” Bill Telford, reported on yet another mini-reunion of the Virginia and North Carolina group (plus one from Florida) at the home of Al and Janet Waters. Attendees were Dick and Jean Carr, Steve and PattyHamer, Jimmie andJudyJay, Joe and Karen Morgan, Fred andBrenda Wynn, Wayne and Bonnie Jefferson, Lou and Ann Kingsland, Kozy and Bev Kozelka, Bill and Anna Telford, and Kent Montavon. They followed the usual format ofnightlyhappyhours, sump-

Pete Todd

Karen and Tom Stack, Ann and Lou Kingsland, andJanet and Al Waters enjoyingAnna and Bill Telford’s hospitality on the lake.

TheJointReunion Gang,from left are Bill Telford, Marian Reardon, Anna Telford, Tom Stack, Brenda and Fred Wynn, Brenda Welch, Mike Reardon, Leigh and Cealie Hunt, Joe and Karen Morgan, Kozy Kozelka, Bonnie and Wayne Jefferson, Bev Kozelka, Fredda Sparks, Kent Montavon, and Janet andAl Waters.

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tuous meals, tall tales, golf and shopping. The arrival of the Hamers’ 21 st grandchild presented yet another reason for riotous revelry.

On 8 November, a small group of’59ers gathered at the SanAntonio Country Club to celebrate an event that is rapidly bearing down on all of us. It was a surprise party for Dean Wood’s 70th birthday, staged by Sharon and his kids. He professed to be truly surprised and everyone had a great time.

The 70th Birthday party celebrants, from left are Al Gagliardi, Eddie Rosane, Dean Wood,Jerry Garber, and GregBoyington, all ofwhom appear to befunctioning well without supplemental oxygen.

I received some words of wisdom from Margaretta Groark about an underutilized retiree benefit. “To date on Space-A, David and I have traveled to Hawaii, Rota, Spain, Maine, andthe Azores. As novices in this mode of transport, we have been fortunate to meet folks who have a lot ofexperience and are willing to share important information. We learned to take our passport everywhere, even if traveling within the CONUS.

Getting home may mean a swing by some exotic overseas location. In March, the Pentagon opened up travel within the CONUS to dependents. For folks on limited budgets, this is a big bonus. If you are interested in details, call David and he will be happy to pass on the information we have. This Space-A travel is a lot like The Amazing Race. We never really know where we are going until we show up at the terminal.”

Our 45th Reunion info will be in your hands shortly. We’re hoping for a great turnout. See you in June!

Thoughtfor the Quarter: Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.—Robert A. Heinlein

AJ. (Rosie) Cler, Jr. 214 Poppy St. Golden, CO 80401-5544

H: (303) 238-4973 e-Fax: (509) 463-4700

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

Party at the Mosiers: $6. Al fresco dining and cocktails at the GlazaGate: $10. AFA-Army Football game ticket: $30. Dinner at the Radisson: $26. Spending quality time with your classmates: Priceless! (There are just some things that money can’t buy for everything else, there is MasterCard)*.

We had another recordattendance at the AFA-Army Football Game Weekend Nov 7-9, 2003. The un-humdrum weekend started with a magnificent party at Bruce and Caryl Mosier’s home in Monument at noon on Friday, then to the Radisson for a Pep Rally headlined by some razzmatazz with a rousing speech from Coach Fisher DeBerry (delivered “for our ears only”), who knows how to spin a yarn, perhaps several. (Some then repaired to the Golden Bee at the Broadmoor for late night songs and revelry.) Saturday’s GlazaGate started at 9 a.m. with Bloody Marys andthe best food anywhere near Falcon Stadium. Then it was the Falcons beating the very Black Knights 31-3. Saturday night’s dinner was emceed by Andi Biancur with invocation by Gary Sheets and closed with Dave Sweigart leading the group in “God Bless America.” Sunday’s brunch was the “get away event.”

Attending during the weekend: Ken Alnwick; Andi Biancur and Carole Kramer; Tony and Carol Bilello; Steve Bishop; Dean Bristow; Howie and Judy Bronson; Barbara Crew, sons Jeff, Brian, and their wives; Jack Brush and Elaine Wells; Jim Bujalski and Judy Sims Rodrigue; Rosie and Karen Cler; CTIII and Brenda Douglass, sons Dax and CTIV, grandsons USAFA C4C Matthew and CIC Joseph; GordyFlygare; Jim and JennyGlaza, friend John Olson; Goose Gulbransen; Denis and Liz Haney; Les Hobgood; Deke and Sally Johnson (one sight you were unlikely to miss was that of erstwhile swain Deke signing-up classmates for VFW memberships with

Andrew presenting Coach DeBerry with a Class of 1960 shirt after his speech.

abandon mind you, with the speed of a Rebel Sergeant running from a Yankee Pot Roast—Deke turns this activity into an Extreme Sport); Brian and Carol Kaley with Sue Stone Woodward.

Also, Wayne and Barbara Kendall; Ed and Suzanne Leonard; George and Carolyn Luck; Phil Meinhardt and Jackie Keller; Bruce and Caryl Mosier, daughter Debbe, daughterValeri with husband Rick Reeder, friend Jennifer Burke and Carl Schuman; Fred and Mary Lou Porter with Merrill and Jean Eastcott; George and Diana Pupich with friends Mort and Nancy Lipton; GordySavage; Dick and Sharon Schehr; Jock and Hope Schwank; Tom and Carole Seebode; Dick and Sally Sexton; Gary and Sylvia Sheets; Ted Stumm; Dave and Camille Sweigart; Dale and Ina Thompson; Aaron Thrush; Paul and KayVallerie; MaryWaddle; Denis and Liz Walsh; Connie Yates; Vic Yoakum. (For photos, visit the class website.) This year’s event will be around the AFA-Navy game October 2nd so mark your calendars to be in the Springs Oct 1-3, 2004. (*Going back to the opening epigram, don’t bother bringing MasterCard Jock and I take only cash or checks!) Bill Hales married Barbara Schreier at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Rochester, NY on Nov 1, 2003. It was a traditional ceremony, attended by a wedding party of the immediate family, and followed by a dinner party in a restored mansion (no word on honeymoon plans, although the love nests at Niagara Falls were close by). Barb’s sons Gregg (36) and Todd (34) and grandson Logan (1+) all live in Houston; Bill’s sons Jeff (38) lives in Rochester, and David (34) and grandson Matthew (10 months) live in Cleveland, OH Jeff and wife, Lisa, were expecting twins (boy, girl) in February 2004. Bill told me that “Barb works for a consuiting firm specializing in startup companies while I play ‘house spouse’ and work the investment management activities. We plan to continue living in my house (now her home) for the near future.”

Newlyweds Barbara and Bill.

Friendly Fire: The urbane “Goose” lives in Santa Barbara, CA, that lovely seaside community renowned for Big Sur, occasional kitsch, MJ’s Never Land and high-profile celebs from nearby Hollywood. Mystery author Sue Grafton’s 2002 best-selling Q is For Quarry once again demonstrates the Zeitgeist of Goose Gulbransen see page 346 of the paperback’s Author’s Note: “The catalyst for the book was a conversation I had with Dr. Robert Failing during a dinner party at the home of our friends Susan and Gary Gulbransen in early September of 2000,” wrote Ms. Grafton (R: As Casey said You can look it up\”) Everyone knows that our erudite Aaron Thrush can provide learned discourse on many things. For his weekly summaries and prognostications on the Falcon football games, however, write: Amthrush@aol.com. You’ve noticed ads for Joint Academy Travel tours in this magazine. J.T. Smith and wife, Diane, went to China in September and October 2003 on a JAT tour. To get their opinions on these tours, contact JT at JTSMCRIDER@aol.com. JT and Diane

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also traveled to New Zealand and Australia in 2002, and this year will take a motorcycle tour of the Canadian Rockies...

Posit this: Jim Waddle spending mid-November 2003 in Nigeria distributing bibles for the Gideons. Nowfast-forward a score and more years: Defender-of-the-Faith Duck at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter asks, “What’d you do with your life?” Duck: “I gave out 662, 719 (!) Bibles and Testaments at schools and military bases in Africa, and also...” Pete stopped him right there. Woowweeee! That’s a ton ofHoly Books enough gooddeed-doing for two lifetimes! Come right on in, go ALL the way to the front, and sit next to the Big Guy!”

In all the gin joints and to all the places we travel, I find those trips by railroad buffs Fred and Mary Lou Porter to be amongst the most interesting: “The highlight of our year (2003) was a train trip from Raton, NM to St. Louis, MO. We took Logan (grandson) with us and had a great adventure together. We had a large sleeper overnight into Kansas City, spent the day there they have restored the magnificent train station in Kansas City and part of it is ‘Science City.’ It was a perfect place to be with a six-year-old. Then, we took the ‘Missouri Mule’ from KC to St. Louis.”

D.C.-60 group gatheredfor luncheon Dec 06, 2003. Front: Al Johnson, Leon Goodson, Mike (A) Clarke, Ralph Lalime, Bob Badger, Ken Alnwick, andNorm Haller. Back:Jerryde la Cruz, Les Querry,JoeHiggins, BillHodson, Tony Burshnick, Bob Weinaug, George Fries, Bill Carnegie, and Bob Odenweller.

In the other interservice football matchup at FedEx Field in Landover, MD on the 4th of Oct, Navy bested us 28-25, which ultimately gave them the Commander-in-Chief’sTrophy. The LalimeMobile was airborne early that morning, andthe D.C. ladies prepared fabulous food, with no shortage of Bloody Marys. AndiBiancur and Carole Kramer, Jim Glaza and Tom Seebode, all flew in, andthe local group included Bill Goodyear, Tom and Mary Ellen Burke, Bob and Liliane Badger, Ralph and Darlene Lalime, Tony and Karen Burshnick, Mike (A) and Nancy Clarke, Les Querry, Ken and Judy Alnwick, and Jerry and Betty de la Cruz.

As for me, I just want to visit the new Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA.

Next issue: “The Boys From Iowa.”

Final Roll Call. Hardy Franklin Lebel died Nov 16,2003 in a crash ofthe Cessna 182 he was flying.

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

About 75 percent of our graduate classmates are currently on the Internet as part ofthe GrayTag Network (GTN). Ifyou are not participating, please send me an e-mail at the address above, and I will add you to it. Ifyou are not sure you want to be added, send me an e-mail with that information, and I will send you some more information to help you decide. It has proven to be very beneficial to those on the GTN in staying abreast ofclass activities around the country, as well as learning ofclassmates who are ill or who have passed on, so that you can respond however you wish. Unless you are on the Internet, the soonest you will read of any January activities involving our classmates will be in May or June. The class news below was gathered at the end of December. A greatly expanded version is at our Class Web Site.

Lee Bodenhamer had the privilege on Wednesday, 5 Nov, ofattending the Abilene swearing in and enrobing of Philip R. Lane as Federal Magistrate Judge of the Northern District ofTexas. Nancy did the enrobing. Their son David led the Pledge ofAllegiance. It was a memorable and happy event. All assembled agreed that it is a great omen to see men ofPhilip’s integrity and wisdom appointed to the Judiciary Branch of our great nation.

Stu Boyd and Bob Brickey again helped arrange the ’61 annual ski weekend, on Feb 23-26. This year all stayed in Salt Lake City. To read a summary of the events and attendees, access our Class Web Site on the Internet.

Jack Bright visited John and Casey Goodley in San Antonio for a couple of days and had a great time. The guys got in a round of golf and had a lot of fun looking for lost golf balls. Jack said that he didn’t embarrass himself too much and even scored more “points” than John.

C.G. and Janell Carson traveled to Norway in May to visit a friend he went to pilot training with. The scenery was incredible along the western coast ofNorway as they traveled for three days on Norway’s coastal voyage to the top of the world. In September, they went to San Diego for daughter Christina’s wedding to Tim Becker. Janell still works as a software test engineer. She loves herjob andthe challenges that it offers. It also gets her out ofthe house, allowing CG to be unsupervised all day. He is still unemployed but stays busy with various non-threatening activities.

Dick Fairlamb attended the festivities at Kitty Hawk, NC, celebrating the 100th anniversaryoftheWright brothers first flight on December 17th He saw Dean Jones, who was there with Charlie Neel. Randy Cubero was expected but not seen as of the Wednesday/12/17 festivities. Dick said that he had seen a number of other USAFA graduates there, but thinks that ours was the most senior class represented.

Lou and Kate Hablas have been busy visiting offspring and relatives in Virginia, Alpharetta, GA (just outside of Atlanta), Asheville, NC, and Pleasanton, CA (between San Jose and San Francisco). While in California, they visited his old high school in San Jose, and drove through the campus ofStanford University, where Lou was headed had he not received his appointment to the Academy. At Thanksgivingthey hosted 42 ofKate’s family for a traditional family day of food and games. They also planned to spend Christmas holidays with family. Lou’s health is relatively good, having had rotator cuff surgery last June. He may need to have the other shoulder done next year, but hehas a good surgeon.

Henry and Peggy Howe have begun the transition into a new home in Denton, TX. The movers filled the house and garage with boxes on a Friday. By Sunday, they had mouse trails enough through the cartons so they could answer the front door and find a bed. It was a good thing since on Sunday afternoon the door bell rang, and Pete and Patty Lane stood there with a welcome gift of freshly baked muffins. It was great to see them again and wonderful to know the class is a great bunch of comrades. Henry is looking forward to getting the local classmates around the hot tub maybe even beforeall of the boxes are gone. Their new address is: 1420 Hidden Oaks Circle, Denton, TX 76210.

In case you wondered what Brice Jones has been doing, now that he no longer hosts theWorld Croquet Championships, the Press Democrat ran an article detailing his new November charitable event: the Hospices of Sonoma, which raised $200,000 this year. Brice is modeling this activity on Burgundy’s famed Hospices de Beaune event as his foundation’s new fundraiser. Saturday’s live auction, the weekend’s main event, was at Brice’s’ new winery, goldridgepinot in Sebastopol. More than 250 bidders vied for half-barrels of 2003 Pinot Noir from 24 producers. Brice, a foundation trustee, wants to expand the annual event to see most ofthe wineries in the Sonoma Coast participate and raise $5 million annually for the charities the foundation supports forchildren in life-threateningcircumstances, such as the Polly Klaas Foundation. Some ofthe money raised this year will help build a house near Sutter Medical Center for indigent families with sick children. Brice expects it will take a few years to reach the fundraisinggoal he has set. Their next event is scheduled for 12-14 November.

Lowell Jones reports that on 20 Nov, our D.C.-area contingent gathered for lunch. Charlie Dixon, Bill Foster, Steve Ho, Lowell Jones, Hector Negroni, Terry Norris, Jim Rogers, Bill Sanzenbacher, and Karl Whitaker attended. Everyone looked and sounded hale and hearty, and they had their usual great time. The golf course at Fawn Lake was too wet, so Terry Norris and Bill Sanzenbacher finally made a luncheon. Faithful Karl Whitaker madethe trek from New Jersey again. Steve Ho tore himself away from playing the market on the computer. After eating all of his Mexican lunch, Bill Foster said he was going out to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Jim Rogers (the only attendee with a steadyjob) wore a colorful tie on which he spilled something. Charlie Dixon, Lowell Jones, and Hector Negroni kept their attendance records in tact.

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Several have asked about Wayne and Mary Jones’ status after the big wildfires in the San Diego area. They were very fortunate that theirhome survived the worst firestorm in California history. It swirled around two sides of them and burned the chaparral to within 50 feet of their lot boundary. That’s as close as they ever want to get. Twenty five homes were lost in their valley, which was bad enough, but the enormous losses in other communities were unbelievable. Their church volunteers have been assisting Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse organization in cleaning debris from burned homes in the Crest area. It’s a heartbreaking tragedy for hundreds of poor folks.

Larry Karnowski sent me a note saying that if I wanted help with my golf swing whereupon I became very interested he couldn’t help! How’s that for a let-down? Then, he told about how he and Jim Wilhelm had great rounds of 73 and 71, which could have been even better if the windmill blades andthe alligator’s mouth had been kinder to their games. It sounds as if he has recovered from his medical problems and is again enjoying living on Polish Pond in Ohio.

Art Kerr said that 2003 has passed by relatively uneventfully and very rapidly. He is still working at the University ofWashington (UW), where he recycles his pay back into UW for his daughter a UW student. One more daughter should be ready for UW in a couple ofyears. Most of the rest ofhis pay goes to USAA for car insurance since both daughters have filled their squares for totaling cars not that he hasn’t done his fair share, too. Art has also recentlycompleted our most recent class milestone: signing up for Medicare.

Jerry and Sue Lefton arrived in Tucson on 21 Dec. They are staying with their son David until the first of March. They left Pinehurst on the 14th to go to Hilton Head and drove directly to Tucson.

The 8th annual Gray Tag “Redneck Riviera” beach weekend is scheduled for Oct 1-4 in Orange Beach, AL, according to Jimmy Poole. This is theweekend before the Columbus Day weekend and is one week earlier than it was in 2003. The Orange Beach area is a piece ofheaven on earth. You can read about 2003’s event at our Class Web Site. Everyone had a great time. Jimmy would appreciate a response from you by March 15th aboutthis reunion if you are even considering attending so that he can begin the necessary planning. The nice homes get reserved early, but he can get additional homes nearby ifhe knows your intentions early. Contact Jimmy via e-mail jpoolejr@knology.net, or by telephone: 334-2721863 (H), 334-271-1305 (W).

Mike Rawlins is still flying a “Falcon 10” out of Easton, MD, but only several days a month for now. Effectively, he is a “Man of Leisure”. His tennis is improving, but hecan’t touch his two sons in golf. Ginny is still working full time for a commercial contractor who builds all over the U.S. and Puerto Rico as their Industry Compliance Officer. She makes sure they are properlylicensed, registered, and taxed appropriatelyin each state where they are building. Somebody has to work full time in their house to keep Mike supplied with tennis balls! Jerry and Sue Lefton, who were in Williamsburg with some friends first week of December, called, and they enjoyed dinner together two nights that week. Mike may be the only class member still flying for somewhat of a living. Anyone else?

Neal and Gwen Westbrook took their two 12-year-old grandsons on a road trip up the Missouri River this past summer following the Lewis and Clark (L&C) Trail 2,300 miles from St Louis to Three Forks, MT. If a road went along the river, they took it, through cornfield and forest, prairie and city. States along the way are really getting into L&C, and 2004 will be even better. Read Undaunted Courage, and take a copy of L&C’s journal with you. That’ll let you know where the mosquitoes are. They recommend the trip.

If we haven’t heard from you in a year, please drop me a line to help us all stay in touch.

vggFfjm John W. “Jack" Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Hi Redtags,Well, it’s almost NewYear and I wish you all continued health and happiness in 2004. Space limitations forced me to cut each news item short. Keep sending the news. Got an email from Mike and Kay Butchko confirming a rumor that he was moving on to a new position. “Kay and I are going to Austin (returning ‘home’) where I will be the Northrop Grumman VP for Logistics and Ranges in theTechnical Services sector. We have not found a home is Austin as yet, but are targeting the Northwest area that we lived in during the ’90 s. We will miss Florida but are anxious to get back home to Texas.” The Redtags in the Melbourne area will have a farewell dinner with Mike and Kay in a few weeks. The best to them!

Got an email from Bob Lightsey: “I don’t know who else already knows about this, but John Brothers’ wife, Gayle, recently was operated on to have a kidney transplanted. The donor was her sister. The operation apparently went very well and Gayle is recovering nicely. I’m sure that neither Gayle nor John could have received a present that meant more.” Have a speedy recovery and a great New Year, Gayle and John.

Email from Paul Landers: “JoAnne and I are back at our cabin at Lake Martin in Alabama. We still have not sold our house in Michigan, so have not begun our new home in Texas. We took a trip to Las Vegas for a reunion of the MoodyAFB 64A pilot training class. Here’s a photo ofthe five Redtags who were able to make it to Vegas. All look the same as their ’62 graduation pictures. Right! Enroute to Vegas we stopped to visit George and Jan Larson at their home on the Snake River south of Jackson WY. Hope to see you again this winter when we make a trip through Florida.” Thanks for the picture, Paul. See you soon.

From left are Paul Landers, Fred Hendryx, BunkyReeves, Lyle Wilson and George Harrison.

Got an email from Jim Gallagher: “Bob Gibson informed me that a good friend of the Redtags whom Bob escorted to the40th reunion, Mrs. Fran Drummond, succumbed to the cancer she had been fighting for quite some time. Murle Wilson originally introduced Gibby to Fran, and Murle is now suffering from Alzheimer’s. An ex-Redtag, Darwin (D.G.) Edwards madehis final flight west on Nov 22 from cardiac problems. D.G. graduated from Georgia (ROTC) in the spring of ’63, went to pilot training and flew his beloved helicopters in Vietnam and through the rest ofhis career. After retirement he and the rest of the staff built Warner Robbins Air Museum into a world-class air museum. D.G. is survived by his wife, Sheila, and sons Richard andChris.” Thanks, Jim. I visited Darwin in February 2003 and got a personal tour of the WR Air Museum. Outstanding facility! Outstanding person. Got somenews from Rick Perlotto: “I managed to stay on the right side ofthe grass for 2003 and hope the streak continues for all of us. I fixed up a 1925 Spanish cottage here in Coral Gables, restored a 1967 Alfa Romeo and was working on my body but gave it up asa lost cause. Luckily there is Athletics Anonymous whenever I get the urge to work out I call a buddy and he comes over and we drink until the urge passes.”

Sabre Society Donors

Heard from Owen Hawkins: The family treated Connie to a British Virgin Islands Big Birthday celebration. Sunning, swimming, snorkeling and whatever. And, guess who will be grandparents for the first time? Son Colin and wife, Maureen, are expecting twins any day. And thanks again Owen for sponsoring the Redtag web site.

News from Bill Haugen. Bill and Sue celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a trip to Italy in October. Daughter Linda and familywill move to Mary Esther, FL., when Caise retires from the AF this summer. Cindy and family moved back to Pittsburgh. Michael and Stephanie enjoy living in Philadelphia, with their first baby expected in the summer. Bill continues being a Docent at the newly opened Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport. Thanks, Bill. Great having dinner with Sue and you in September.

Got a newsletter from TK and Virginia Moore: Daughter Elizabeth received a MeritoriousHonor Award for her work at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. James and family settled in Kaneohe, HI. Of course Virginia and Tom had to visit them. They also visited about five other places from Germany to Seattle.Virginiahad a scare when she lost her short-term memory. After emergency treatment, the doctors found some blood clots. She is recovered but pursuing a healthier lifestyle. It was great having dinner with both ofyou also in September.

Got somenews from Charlie and Mary Jo Price. They sold their new palace in Atlanta andmoved to Valdosta to build a newer one. They are living in a rental temporarily. Charlie has to commute to Atlanta but travels a lot so he doesn’t have to go to Atlanta everyweek. She went along on one of his trips to Kenora, Ontario.

Got a newsletter from Willie and Nancy Gray. They flew to Las Vegas for their daughter Christine’s wedding in November. It was a surprise wedding. The groom didn’t propose until the night before the secret wedding; that took guts. Both families flew in for the surprise. Christine and Jay will live in Fresno and practice at the same hospital in Madera. Son, Larry, still is a manager at a restaurant in Atlanta and enjoying it a lot.

And this from Gary and Jeannie Baughman. Theyhave a newgrandbaby, Wager. That’s number three for them. The other two are Emma and Jackson (not a singing group). Jeannie remodeled the kitchen this summer and made it look like something out of Southern Living. Gary played on his 5th Georgia State Championship Tennis Team for really-old people.

Got one of Danny Donovan’s newsletters. He’s retired in Omaha. His daughter is a speech therapist for the Bellevue school system. She got married in November to a '97 USAFA grad (the onlyAF guy she ever dated) and RC-135 Instructor Pilot. Danny is now a training manager at Ameritrade.

Got the Gooch Gram from Larry and Penny Gooch. Larry is now on a two-day work-week for the California Space Authority. Nice work if you can get it. They drove to Texas for a wedding and to see Jennifer’s family. In June, Laura and David had their 3rd son, Dawson, who joined Brian and Owen. Winnie, Danny, Maddy and Eli start schooland carpooling. Larry and Penny hosted all five grandkids on a camping trip in their back yard, roughing it in a tent.

Received news from Duke and Monika Green: Theysold theirBeavercreek, OH house while they were in Florida buying their next house. They flew back to Ohio to close the sale. Then back to Florida to close the purchase but couldn’t get clear title to it. So the search was delayed. In the meantime, it was back to Ohio and on to a vacation in Germany. Theyeventually found a house in Ft Myers and moved in during November. They now have it fixed up for guests. (Does that mean they have to sleep on the floor?)

Heard fromKirk and Rosemary Vaughan. They are in their 4th year in Oman. Westerners living in theArab GulfStates were uncomfortable during the activities in Iraq but no problems occurred in Oman. So they continued to travel. January found them in Egypt at all the famous sites. February saw them in the UAE in A1 Ain, Abu Dhabi andDubai. They are sophisticated cities with plenty of good shopping. In June they went back to the U.S. to see son Miguel graduate from Ohio State. Then they flew to England and toured all the big tourist cities. Then back to Oman. Rosemary came back to the U.S. in August for daughter Monica’s wedding. And later in theyear theyspent some time in Singapore. They were amazed to see how excited the Singaporeans were about Christmas.

Got an email from George Thompson. He sent a picture of an erudite, handsome gentleman claiming it was his picture. Judge for yourself. He also said his school’s girls volleyball team was nationally ranked. One of

them is a high school All-American. Keep it up, George. Hope wecan go to Russia this summer.

Ted and MarcyDykes sent news. David has been reassigned to Quantico, VA. Tammyis now in Spotsylvania, VA. That puts them close to Great Falls, VA. They said they had a record snowfall, rainfall, Hurricane Isabel and a twister. You should move while you have a chance. Ted.

Thanks for all the news. 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

Again, we have to note the passing of another classmate. Just before Christmas, the AOG notified us that William F. Bryant, Class of 1963, passed way in Niceville FL on Dec 8th of cancer. A Memorial service for was held on Jan 31 st at the Hurlburt Field Officer’sClub. Condolences maybe sent to his wife, Mrs. Helen Bryant, 825 Turnberry Cove S, Niceville FL 32578-4074.

Each time we get a report of the passing of a classmate my thoughts eventually turn to our Class Reunions. Those few times we asa Class have left to come together are very precious moments in our lives. I look forward to each reunion with great anticipation and when the event is over I go way with a renewed sense ofhow much we mean to each other. October 2008 is already blocked off on my calendar and hope you are doing the same.

So, did we have a great reunion last month or what?

30 Sabre Society Donors

Even the weather cooperated. The game was exciting and we won; the gatherings on Friday and Saturday were terrific; the Squadron get togethers were a great idea; Borling for Senate buttons showed up everywhere; the ceremonies were impressive and the camaraderie priceless! We were all especiallyproud ofthe honors rendered to our Classmates, Chuck Bush, Ike Payne and Roger Sims. By the way, Roger says he moves to a new condo on theisland of Oahu, Hawaii near Kahala in the spring.

Chuck, Ike and Roger

The reunion turnout was trulyimpressive. The attendee list in the packets we received at check-incontained 214 names but I think it was Bob Hayes who said several more folks showed up after the list was compiled. With spouses, friends and familymembers the banquet room was packed somewhere around 425 party-goers in all it was an amazing sight. Those involved in pulling the event together are to be congratulated on how smoothly things went and I am unable to express just how much their extraordinary efforts in this the best yet reunion meant to all of us. Please accept our wholehearted appreciation for a job well done. Here is Diff’s take on the subject: “You’re a tough crowd to calm when partying! Since I was unable to make myselfheard at the Friday evening dinner, I’ll repeat my ‘thank yous’ here. First, Donna Porter at the AOG. Teams: Golf Jerry McClellan, George and Sharon Frederick. Friday Fun Jim and Jo Gaston. Merchandise Denny andColleen King, John and Gay Helinski, Dick and Lynne Shutack, Drew and BettyDeBerry, Corwin and Josette Kippenhan, Joe and Linda Coates. Memorial Bill and Nancy Ball, Gordon and Diane Bredvik, Ken and Bonell Kopke. Reunion Team Leaders Butch and Carolee Verdier, Bob andCharlie Ann Hayes. Huge Thank You Great Reunion!”

One commenter wanted to know how the golf tournament ended up being won by the Army team. Good hosts I guess. I also have a few follow-up observations: 1) the down side of great attendance was, as the Class Scribe I was unable to sit down and talk with each and everyone of you; 2) the Memorial Service at the Cadet Chapel was very moving and again it reinforced our deep bonding as a class; 3) due to my own pro-

crastination I missed out on the great jackets that were part of the commemorative merchandise could there be enough interest in getting the some of the merchandise available through the AOG; and of some importance, 4) the lines at the bar were too long.

What a crowd!

A special event held on Thursday was the final farewell given to Pete Hammerton by Judy Hammerton, her beautiful family and many classmates at the AcademyCemetery. We also reallyenjoyed havingJudy’s family at the social events where we could reminisce a little about Pete. Dick Slowik tells me that he knew Pete when they were both in AFROTC at the University of Michigan together before USAFA. I got to know Pete a little when we were on the Color Guard together during our Second Class Year. Pete was a contributor to this column over the years. One thing we talked about several times was thebenefits to moving to Arizona.

Butch Verdier’s AfterAction Report included some suggestions on what to do next. Butch said several classmates thought that we should consider moving away from a football weekend to a warmer time, maybe even off site. While not pressing at this time, should we consider annual or biannual reunions at some time in the future? Please join in and add your own suggestions for the next celebration.

Dick Troyposted a note on the ClassWeb Site that demonstrates a unique view of our situation: “As always, I still think I’m 22 years old at reunions. I put it into perspective Friday morning when musing with a classmate over the prospect of having lunch at Mitchell Hall. If we, in 1959, had been granted the privilege of sitting at ease so we could host visiting alumni commemorating their 40th reunion, we would have had guests at our table from the Class of 1919! Suddenly, I no longer thought of myself as 22.” Ouch!

Did you take any photographs at the Reunion events? There certainly were a lot of camera flashes going offthroughout the four days. Gil Merkle says he will post photos he receives on our Web Site stories of the reunion or stories told at the reunion are also welcome. Just send to Gil (merkleg@texas.net) and he will post them on the Web Site: http:// www.usafa63.org/. Many thanks to Dick Slowik for the CD full of photos he took at all the events. As I write, Dick is working to get many of the photographs to Gil.

Jim Hannam sent us some of the pictures he took. One is a picture of the Doc’s in our class. Jim says he has been led to believe that the Docs plan to buy the wine for the toast at the 45th. Jim also sent along two pictures of some in our class who flew one ofthe great USAF airplanes the F-105. Both copies of the pictures are needed to get most of the guys in but even then there werq one or two who were the vicinity but are not in the picture they were probably in line at the Bar. Note that Steve Savonen is in both sets Doc and Thud Driver. These pictures are a fair representation of the camaraderie enjoyed by all. Can you name everyone in the photos?

Where’s the wine?

The pictures of the Doctors and Thud Pilots were in themselves stories to be told. An Oral Class History could help find some of those stories and preserve them. Drue DeBerry talked about doing something of that nature but it is only in the planning stage. Maybe by the 45th we can have such a concept up and running. What do you think?

Thud Drivers

Doug Power wrote to say he was disappointed he couldn’t make it to the reunion but he did hear a report about it from Steve Suby whovisited for several days with Doug and Marian at their home in the Florida Keys. Doug and Steve were roommates for several semesters. Doug forwarded some pictures Steve took and one photograph ofDoug and Marian’s home is very impressive. I’ll try to include one of the pictures in a future column. Thanks guys.

There is a great (non-reunion) story placed on the Class Web Site by Wyman and Gay Harris. The story is the log from their boat trip from San Francisco Bay to Alaska and back. They spent 134 days (4 May to 15 Sept) on the trip. The boat, named Safari, is a 54-foot Offshore Pilothouse powerboat. Unfortunately,Wyman’s piece is much too long to be included here not even a good summary would do it justice. So, ifyou don’t have a computer or the Internet available I recommend you go to your local library, community center, senior center, whatever and take a look it will be worth the trip. Hey, Wyman, any chance of a photograph?

We heard from John Roush via AOG Mail. John says he has lost his 1963 Class Ring and is looking to replace it. Any ideas out there? If so, let him know at jroush@cros.net or 877-334-9504.

One more Reunion story: when we were returning from the Cadet Chapel Friday afternoon Linda missed a step getting of the bus and suffered a severe sprained ankle. She was unable to attend the Friday banquet, the tailgate andthe game on Saturday. She was determined; however, to not miss the Saturday evening festivities or Sunday's breakfast and with the help of many ofyou she was able to do so. She is now pretty much back up to full speed now but has not yet gotten back to her regular exercise routine—walking three miles a day. Thanks to all who helped, including one of our own Docs Steve Savonen.

That’s about it for now. Many thanks for the positive comments many of you made aboutthis Class News column. It is a labor of love. Take care and have a great and prosperous new year!

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 532-3923

Fax: (256) 895-9222

bob.hovde@earthlink.net

40th Reunion: Plans for the reunion are moving along (Sept 28 - Oct 3). Hopefully, by the time you getthis, something official will have happened. When I was in Colorado Springs for Thanksgiving (grandkid fix!), Pete LoPresti invited DJ Alberts and me to the Garden of the Gods Club for lunch and to talk to the function manager about a reception. The (private) club is on the cliff overlooking the Garden of the Gods and has an absolutely spectacular view. Across the street is the Kissing Camels golf course. In order to fit in everything the class indicated would make a good reunion last time, we decided that this reunion should start on Wednesday afternoon with golfat the Kissing Camels course. Wednesdayevening will be at the Antlers and in town with registration and unofficial group gatherings (OK. so, we’ll drink some beer and tell “flying” stories, too.).

Thursday will include golf at Eisenhower and a reception at the Garden of the Gods Club, along with other optional tours, shopping, etc. Friday will focus on the Academy, with briefings by the staff, tours of the Area, etc. Saturday will include a tailgate party and the Navy game. Likelast time, nothing official is planned after the game. (I believe our group had pizza delivered to the lobby of the Antlers last time.)

Email: Paul Belmont wrote to say he has a new email address - brought on byjoining the “high speed” generation. He wrote, “We are experiencing a delightful fall season here in Northern Virginia, with unseasonably mild weather all through October. I enjoyed it especially since I have been off of work the entire monthof October (and then some) dealing with surgery and recovery for removal of my prostate. It was a successful op-

eration and an easy and actually pleasant recovery. I was very fortunate to have had a very early - and actually very lucky - detection of prostate cancer. I had no conventional indicators at all, but a cautious doctor recommended a test that did discover the cancer condition. The surgical removal ofthe prostate should totally eliminate the cancer. I am fully recovered. I have used the six weeks off from work to relax and to get a lot ofthings done, and to take many walks around our nearby lake at 5.5 miles. It has really been a beautiful fall season, and I have appreciated the blessings I have. This has been an interesting experience and I am thankful I was diagnosed as early as I was so I can be done with the condition.

53 Sabre Society Donors

“Peggy is doing fine - she is past the start of the new school year, and into the more routine busy stage ofher annual cycle. She does work long and hard, and does a fantastic job. We are all well into the planning for Lesley’s wedding which is scheduled for June 5th of 2004 in Atlanta, GA. Lesley has it well undercontrol. Just to make certain, we are traveling to Atlanta for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Denise and Peggy and I will spend the weekend with Lesley and Edward (Johnmeyer) and his parents. We are looking forward to the visit.

“Denise is in her 11 th year teaching with the Fairfax County School Systern. This year she is providing technology consultation for special Ed students across the county. This is a growth assignment for her and she is really doing a great job. We enjoy seeing Denise on many occasions. She and I go to a number ofCapitals NHL games together and have much fun.

“We are looking forward to the 40th about this time next year. Counting on seeing you folks there.”

Email from Colorado: Much to my surprise, I got an email from Bill Sieg, announcing that he and Sherry now live in Monument, CO. Of course, theattached picture wasn’t from Monument, but from St. Martin, with the following explanation: “Attached is a picture ofRay and Barb Rodgers and Sherry and me aboard a 36' sailboat in Marigot Bay, St. Martin (French side). Ray owns one and has put it ‘in charter’ with Moorings, so he can go anywhere in the world and pick up a similar boat. We have a timeshare in St. Maarten (Dutch side) and met up with Ray and Barb at the airport. Spent four days sailing around the area. Very enjoyable! We welcome anyone who wants to stop by (in Monument) and look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.” DJ, I think you have another “Reunion Volunteer.”

Capetown with side trip to the Okavanga, flying their own plane along the Lewis and Clark Trail, and doing Tahiti for New Years Eve.

Joe Koenig: “JC Edwards and I almost did this pheasant hunting trip last year but I backed out on him too busy teaching school! He convinced me this year that I should celebrate my second retirement with my dream of a hunting trip pheasant on opening weekend in central Kansas. It was a memorable time-good visit, plenty of targets (misses also abounded), filling eats but unfortunately too many mosquitoes.

Bill and Sherry Sieg (right) with friends (Ray and Barb Rodgers) in St. Martin. Tough life, but someone has to do it.

Sandy and I are looking forward to seeing all ofyou at the reunion.

Hey “65! What a tumultuous year 2003 has been for the Academy and the nation. I am personally heartened by my opportunity to meet Generals Rosa and Weida. Bill Morgan and I hadthe chance to host Gen Weida here in Atlanta in November when he came to speak to the Atlanta Chapter of AOG and the Georgia Parents Club. I believe these two powerful leaders will bring mandated change to our Air Force Academy and make it stronger and more in step with the Air Force. No growth without pain! Did you notice the large increase in applications to the Academy, especially among women? Another Rhodes Scholar and the first Alberta Bart Holaday scholar to Oxford?

And speaking of Bart and Lynn Holaday: showing us how to live with a bicycle trip through Cuba, the centennial celebration of the Rhodes in

JC Edwards andJoe Koenigpheasant hunting in Kansas.

“Two days after returning home Marlene and I left for Turkey for 17 days. Vic and Marsha Grazier had been there already for about 10 days. We both have hosted several Turkish AFIT students over the recent years and were visiting them and many others we had met through our ‘adopted sons.’ We met the Graziers in Istanbul on thelast weekend of our trip and returned together. It was a safe and enjoyable trip. Unfortunately I can’t say the same thing about Vic’s next trip. Three weeks after coming back from Turkey he was on his way (Nov 21) to Vietnam with a man (and his wife and two children) who had lived with themfor two years. Vic was mugged right outside of O’Hare. He and the family were not hurt. He lost his backpack with all his money, medicine and trip contact information. He still had his passport and ticket and after praying about it with Marsha he decided to continue the trip in faith. Through his church’s generosity and modern technology (email, electronic funds transfer, etc) he has money and his contact information. We are continuing to pray and are anxiously awaiting his return andthe rest of the story.

30 Sabre Society Donors

“There was a mini-reunion of theSouthern California section of Ninth Squadron at the San Diego game with JC Edwards, Chuck Ryerson, Steve Davis, and TR Marino with their wives to cheer on the Falcons.”

Thanks Joe, I can always count on you for keeping in touch.

Holiday cards: Jeff Silliman in Ohio, doing just great with CML in remission. So sorry we missed you in September at Bill Morgan’s in Atlanta when you were traveling to Florida to see the latest grandson. Bruce and Betty Wood enjoying their new home on the 15th hole in Navarre, Fla. with Bruce working at C2 Battle Lab at Hurlburt and trying to see all nine grandkids. JJ and Phyllis Judd in Las Cruces with John at WESTECH in Albuquerque, tailgating in Colorado Springs, lots of skiing and golf and big family reunions in Indiana over July 4th and Las Cruces at Thanksgiving. Jim and Linda Wilson in Laguna Nigel celebrating new grandson, James Robert. How terrific to see them last August on their golf trip to Hilton Head. Thanks to all ofyou for staying in touch and I apologize to anyone who sent cards to Hilton Head. We haven’t been able to get back there since early November (see new address above).

Warren Langley: “When Ann asked me what I wanted to do on my 60th

Niner does San Diego: Edwards, Davis, Marino, and Ryerson. (photo courtesy Chuck Ryerson)

birthday last Jan. 18,1 said ‘Why don’t we go to the march protesting the invasion ofIraq being held in downtown San Francisco?’ Littledid I know I was starting a new career as an antiwar protestor. The march amplified the very strong feelings I had against the unfolding plan by the Bushadministration to invade Iraq as did another march in San Francisco in February. I then joined a group that planned civil disobedience acts when the actual invasion occurred. They were surprised that I joined them given my Air Force and business background. Things moved quickly with a press conference on the steps of the Exchange on March 4 followed on March 14 by a demonstration blockading the entrance to the Exchange. Along with 60 other protestors I was arrested and booked for blocking a public street and not obeying an order to move... quite a life-changing experience. I was fortunate to meet wonderful people including Franciscan Father Louie Vitale, a veteran antiwar protestor who has become a true friend. Because I wasn’t the usual antiwar protestor, I had more media coverage than I expected... on a number of radio and TV shows. Most notable were Fox’s O’Reilly Factor and NPR’s Marketplace... also in the Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal Online and the San Francisco Chronicle. My 15 seconds offamelasted a bit longer then I had anticipated. I continued to speak out against the invasion after it was launched and have looked for ways that I might do what I could to prevent the U.S. from continuing downthis imperial, unilateral path. Ann and I also joined in the march in London in November protesting Bush’s state visit to the UK. We hope wecan find other ways to support regime change in the U.S. in 2004 in hopes that wecan rejoin the world community as a cooperative citizen-country.

“In January, Ann and I were treated by brother Michael and his wife, Ev, to the Rolling Stones concert in Phoenix to celebrate my ‘coming of age’. Nice to be the same age as Sir Mick and crew.’’ Thanks Warren, and although many may disagree, I personally admire your courage to put your political viewpoint on the street. Differences of opinion make us stronger and probably help us get things right. Congratulations on your new grandson too.

Would love to hear from anyone electronic or otherwise. Write me a note about your life and how you feel about the Academy these days, the bad traffic where you live, or your latest cause. Seems like time is zipping by (life is like toilet paper, it goes faster as you get near the end ofthe roll) andthe challenges are ever more complex, but allcrisis involves opportunity and potential for growth. The Academy and the AOG need your support. Attend an alumni chapter meeting. Make your voice heard. Go to a USAFA sports event. Join the AOG. Make a pledge to the O’Gorman Memorial Hall. Become a Sabre Society member.

May 2004 be a great year for you and may you be surrounded by loving family. I hope that you are pissed off about the state of affairs generally and excited about the prospects for growth and prosperity. Be well, do good work, 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! Another year has somehow sneaked past us, and about half of us will hit the big “60”this year. The other half has already passed that milestone, so don’t expect any sympathy from them but isn’t it amazing how well we all have aged?

This is the time ofyear that I hit a few conventions and usually stumble over a few of our classmates who are acting as “booth babes” fortheir respective companies, or like me, are just going for the parties. At the Airlift/Tanker Association Convention, I saw Mason Botts, Jim Murphy,

and Bob Jahnke. Mason is working asa business development guy for Raytheon in the Washington DC area. Jim is living near Scott AFB and is working for ARINC. We see each other a couple of times a week at the local YMCA as we both strive to maintain our Academyweights. Jim has succeeded. Bob Jahnke is still living in the Salt Lake City area and is working asa consultant/marketerfor a few companies that are in the training and simulation business.

PAt the I/ITSEC Convention in Orlando I hit a gold mine of’66ers. There seem to be a lot of us involved in training. (Old Indian saying: “When you’re too old to hunt, you teach a class how to read buffalo dung.”) Bill Riley is heading up a group of folks at Northrup Grumman who are developing a Training Management System forAETC. To make sure that his system has some credibility with Air Force pilots, Bill has hired about half of our classmates in the Colorado Springs area as subject matter experts. Some of these folks include Jim Higham, Wayne Skora, and several others whose names I didn’t write down because Bill promised that he would send me a picture of them all. I’m sure it will be in the next edition of this newsletter. Jim Higham was also at this convention and we had a chance to sit down andcatch up. After he retired asa BG, Jim went to work for another classmate, Gary VanValin, at Gary’s financial management company, Keystone International in Albuquerque. When he retired from that job, he thought he was really retired, but Bill talked him into helping out for “just a few more months or years”. It sounds like they are all having fun and still contributing something to the Air Force.

Price Bingham works for a different part of Northrup Grumman, and he was also at this convention. Price is living in Melbourne, FL and has taken a temporary break from writing his critical reviews of USAF strategy, so that he doesn’t have a conflict of interest with his current employer; but he sounded like he was getting ready to start jousting at that windmill again.

Other Redtags at that same convention in Orlando (we all must miss that MickeyMouse stuff) were Mike Parmentier and Paul Sheridan. Mike retired from Civil Service as an SES, where he was the Director ofTraining for the DOD. He now in charge oftraining for Booze Allen, still working in the Washington DC area. Paul retired from many years at Pratt & Whitney and is now working for CACI. Mike, Paul, and I spent an interesting evening visiting the hospitality suites sponsored by some of the major training companies, trying to perfect our networking skills. I think we were successful.

NASA has just named a new Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel and of the nine distinguished members, two of them are from the Class of’66: Rusty Gideon and John Marshall. Rusty was the Commander ofthe USAF Safety Center before he retired to his ranch in Idaho, and John is the Vice President for Corporate Safety for DeltaAirlines. NASA says that the new panel is expected to play an important role in the ongoing safety assess-

Ryan Denny, Mason Botts, andJim Murphy dress up at theATA Convention to try to impress their customers.

Ryan Denny, Jim Higham, Price Bingham, Bill Riley, and Bob Jahnke looking dapper in their company shirts at a training convention in Orlaviclo.

Paul Sheridan, Mike Parmentier, Ryan Denny much later at that same training convention in Orlando.

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ment ofthe Space Shuttle program after it returns to flight and to oversee the implementation of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board’s recommendations. This sounds like a pretty big job and NASA has obviouslypicked the right two people to help them get it done.

Vic Andrews has been working on a project to get our class to sponsor the USAFA Parachuting Award. He says that last Graduation, the Class of “’66 sponsored the Annual Parachuting Award in Memory of Pete Johnson, and many of our classmates responded favorably to this effort. The cost of $250 for one year was taken from the Class Fund, but sponsoring the award in perpetuity will cost $7,500. There is adequate money in the fund and Vic proposes that the Class sponsor theaward in perpetuity beginning in’2004. A member of the Class of ’66 will present the award each year. Please send comments pro or con to Vic Andrews, (719) 592-1546, victor.andrews@usaa.com.

It’s the DarkAges, guys, and information from you all seems to get scarce this time ofyear, so send me an e-mail or even a snail mail. Until next time... Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Happy New year to all - as I compose this, the Holidays are winding down, and we are bracing ourselves to return to the Real World on Monday. Groan. Ah well - it has been nice. Little snow in the New Mexico mountains again this year, so the ski areas are running at only about 60% and I have not yet dusted off my slats. Pray for snow!

Interesting inputs from a number of folks this quarter, including some Holiday annual updates. From Bill and Patti Hurley - travels out of CONUS to the east and west in 2003: Bill surprised Patti with a trip to London and Paris fortheir 35th wedding anniversary. Nice move Bill - she deserves it. Then later in the year they traveled twice to Hawaii, where son Billy was married in October. Unlike Cadet Chapel weddings - the wedding party wore Tommy Bahama outfits and flip- flops. The bride and groom were more formally attired, but without shoes.

Les and Jackie Jensen checked in too - Les is starting to look (again) at retiring and hanging up his fiddle, with plans then to complete his master’s degree and maybe move to Arizona to change from music to sports and work a bit on is golf game. With his Chicago connection, Les thought he was bound for theWorld Series this year. Unfortunately for Les and a few other loyal fans, we all know that Chicago choked and did not quite make the cut... Once again the fans say maybe next year.

Next time you are watching reruns of “ER” - check the credits: Glenn Howerton maybe in the cast. No, not “our” Glenn;rather, his and Janice’s son. of the same name - who had a featured but temporary role in the early 2003 season and had his name in the credits with Noah and Sherry and the rest. Meanwhile “our” Glenn continued to fly for American, ineluding ferrying some troops to Iraq. Then he retired from flying in November. Well done Glenn. Now you’ll have time to catch up on some of those home chores.

Lex Page had another big travel year - to the Masters with his old USAFA roomo Art Tait; to Europe for the British Open and then to Paris to catch T ance ArmstrongwinningTour de France #5. Lex also toured the Normandy ■evasion beaches and tracked the landmarks of The Da Vinci Code. Then >‘ven more exciting travel - to Oklahoma for a family reunion. All this interspersed with a bit of “real” work in Portland, and some fun wine-country work, hosting open houses at the Brick House Winery in Oregon, owned by m friend. Lex, I think you have figured this work stuff out.

From Larry and Esther Thai - a trip with Jerry and Cheryl Fee and family to Ecuador, where Jerry was project manager for an oil pipelineproject.

Like Russell Crowe in “Master and Commander” they took a side trip off the beaten path, to the Galapagos Islands, where they frolicked with the islands’ unique flora and fauna.

And lastly - a Holiday note from Abner and Patti Haynes, tucked in and enjoying the good life in sunny Destin, FL.

Part time Easy Rider GeorgeVan Wagenen decided in October he needed another ExcellentAdventure. So he kissed goodbye to his family and usual activities, fired up his Honda Goldwing, and headed south, to Texas, where Ed Gunter had agreed to put him up (if he made it that far.) He started out in cool weather whichturned cold. He realized very soon that his heated gloves were malfunctioning. He eventually found an errant wire and corrected the problem, then continued to cycle from Colorado Springs to Abilene; then on to south central McQueeny TX andthe Gunters. After a few restful days spent inspecting the lake, etc. he saddled up again for the scenic route home, through San Antonio, then north and into the Oklahoma panhandle before turning back to home in Colorado Springs.

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The Great Bulgarian Peace Corps Adventure of Bruce and Stormy MacDonald came to a close a bit earlier than had been originally projected. As they entered their school year in October, Stormy incurred some serious injuries to her left leg. She and Bruce were airlifted to London for Stormy’s initial care. Bruce described in detail his time in London dealing with the British medical system; his coordination of family communication and personal activities, and the care that Stormy received. Because of the severity of the injury, it became increasingly clear that a good result was unlikely. In her words to her Peace Corps comrades: “They believe my lower leg and foot, if reconstructed with extensive surgery, would most likely have very limited function and be the cause of chronic pain and recurring infection for the rest of my life. On the other hand, a prosthetic a new leg from a few inches below the knee would provide a full range of function. The doctors who were consulted, from here and two other hospitals in London, agreed. And my decision is that I agree too. I will love my new leg.” What indomitable spirit. Her recuperation was fairly straightforward, during which Bruce’s time was, with the help of family and friends, about as good as it could be. With Stormy well attended, Bruce returned to Bulgaria to close things upneither quick nor easy, as they had become well established in their schools, with their neighbors, and in the Peace Corps community. Bruce’s final comment: “Our journey ended with a change in plans that brought us home by way of London, and we’re home now in California.”

A quick update from Clint Price: “We were all in New York for Mark Stugart’s youngest son’s wedding, Capt. Ryan Stugart, USAFA ’98. Thom and I still fly for AA, although I am considering early retirement... Fred, Linda, my wife, Marilyn, and I all went to New Zealand and Australia earlier last year, quite a trip... scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef was spectacular...”

You all knowthat the football season was not what was hoped for. Oh well. Maybe next year for football. Meanwhile, there are many other sports and teams and Fields of Friendly Strife where the zoomies may sow the seeds of future victory.

A final editorial comment: Let us all do what we can to live up to our class motto, and to represent the Academy that molded us. And let us hope and pray that the new USAFA regime, cadet wing, politicians, advisors, AOG, and all current and future cadets and graduates bring theAcademy back to its former high ground.

With that - I’ll sign off for this edition. Vaya con Dios.

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO ’68! Happy NewYear to all ofyou in Checkpoints Land! As many ofyou noted in your holiday correspondence, despite the ups and downs of the year’s events, there were blessings to be counted and relationships to savor in 2003. Clearly falling into both of these categories was a wellplanned and organized 35th class reunion over the Columbus Day weekend. Thanks to the great work of our reunion chairman, Carl Janssen, and our classmates in the greater Colorado Springs area, most of us attended a host of events and experienced thecamaraderie that can only be found when we gather together to reminisce and embellish the highlights of our cadet days. The principal activities ofthe weekend included: absolutely beautiful weather; a golf tournament; a tailgate party at the AOG building; a handstand contest offormer gymnastics team members Garry Dudley won; a football victory over the University of Nevada at

Jerry Fee, Larry Thai, and Galapagosfriend.

new

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on the non-banquet nights. For those who took photos of our many activities, please send same to me by email in JPEG format or by photograph to my home address. To keep me from guessing and comparing the faces in the photo to somewhat younger and thinner faces contained in our ’68 year book, please include the names of everyone in the photograph in the order that they appear. It is my sincere hope that we will eventually have a class website so that our many reunion and family photos, and other issues of importance, can be shared on a regular basis.

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YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

HANGING UP THE CLASS A’s DEPT: Recognizing that all good things must eventually come to an end, our very own Charlie Coolidge joined the ranks ofthe civilian portion ofthe class by retiring from active duty at Wright-Patterson AFB in November. For those who were unaware, among his many activities, Charlie spent his last tour ofdutyintegrating the newest technologies into theAir Force’s force structure. To Charlie and Bonnie, we wish you the very best for much success in your new walk of life.

THAT’S AWRAP: Many thanks to myphotojournalistsTom Schiff, Roger Moseley, Tony Marshall, and Bob Daley for providing me with some of the pictures used in thiscolumn. As mentioned above, if you have the time, please send me some of your reunion or family photos for future columns. Stay tuned for classmate activities contained in the holiday newsletters in the Spring 04 Checkpoints. In the meantime, mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, emails, and photos coming in. Ciao for now. Tim

Las Vegas; an excellent banquet with delicious food, Charlie Holland as our after dinner speaker, Skip Pardee as our resident comic, and a host of never-to-be forgotten 1960s’ rock and roll tunes for couples to dance to; a moving memorial service for our classmates killed in battle conducted by Bill Begert on the terrazzo near the new memorial wall; a memorial service at the cadet chapel; a lecture and Q & A session in FairchildHall by the

Commandant concerning recent training changes at theAcademy; and social gatherings at the hotel

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The Gang’s All Here! Mass photo op on chapel steps.

Reunion Chairman CarlJanssen EnjoyingBanquet. From left are Claire Hayden, Jocko and Claire’s daughter, Jocko Hayden, Tony Marshall, and Debbie and CarlJanssen.

’68 s Star-Filled Constellation. From left are Ed Eberhart, Bill Begert, and Charlie Holland. (Photo by provided by Roger Moseley.)

21 st Squadron Reunion. From left are Mikeand Char Burgamy, Al Price, Jim West, Mike Thomas, Gene Rose, Carrie West, DougBatchelor, Nancy and CharlieHolland, LucyBatchelor, Marlee Price, Lorraine andAbeAbramson, Pete Davis, Mercedes Daley, KathE and Jim Neu, Eva Davis, Jan Rose, Bob Daley, and Marcia and Ken McElreath. (Photo providedby Bob Daley.)

Seagram 7: Basic Summer Through 3rd Class Year. From left in thefront row are Tim Davidson, MartyCole, andDavid Mann. Back Row:Jim Reese, Gary Vasek, Larry Funk, Richard Vihel, Joe Michel, and Hal Smith.” Not pictured: Ernie Houghton.

Banquet Table 11 posesforgroup photo. (Photo Provided by Tom Schiff.)

Charlie Coolidge Bids Farewell. From left are Gary Hall, Rob Reyling, TonyRobertson, Charlie Coolidge, TonyMarshall, Russ Walker, GregShuey, and Bill Beekman. (Photo Provided by Tony Marshall.)

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle

Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

Hope you are all gearing up for spring, and have made your plans to attend next fall’s reunion. Glenn Schlabs & Company have been hard at work planning another boffo event, and are open still to your input. For those of you who have not attended a reunion in a while, please don’t wait to be named the next coach of the Redskins, to be hit by a meteor while holding the winning Powerball ticket, or to receive an invitation to star in the next Paris Hilton video not gonna’ happen. But you can attend the reunion, so please plan on it!

On to news. Chip and Caroll Ambrose have had a busy year, centering on family matters. Caroll works still for local government in Falls Church (VA), and Chip moved from flying theDelta Express out of Orlando to the Delta Shuttle in and out ofReagan, La Guardia, and Logan. He may bid back into a copilot’s seat, if some of the possible economic turbulence in the airline industry continues, and finish his Delta career on international routes. TheirAlexandria home is remodeled and open for visitors. Y’all come. Terry Brady, who resides still in Evergreen, CO, is now flying 777s for United’s international routes, and he and Karen look forward to some layovers in locales distant and exotic. When you are on a nostalgia ran out to the slopes, stop in for a heater (or cooler) with them.

Clark Bunton and David Bruce Andersen dined together over the holidays, Bruce during a stopover in LA. He now resides in New Jersey, having relocated recently from Greensboro, and the BunionMan, '69 s own CPA “Foot and Tic-inator” from SoCal, asks you rhetorically if you know what in the world a doppelganger is and can you use it in a sentence.

Chip (and Barb) Wood dined with Steve Tsetsi, now retired in Tampa and golfing up a storm. The Fly followed his Air Force career with one in Civil Service, then started and sold a computer company before deciding to work on the biomechanics of his golf swing. All these pass along greetings for the New Year, as does Wildcat Phillips, fresh from a margarita fact-finding tour to Cancun over the Holiday.

In November, Bugs Forsythe began working as the Mobilization Assistant (Senior AF Reserve Officer) for 9th AF at ShawAFB. Eagle-eyed Bugs was also the senior judge for the 2003 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards during the AF Association’s annual convention in Washington. Says our man: “.. .1 wanted to make sure everypresentationbrought something to the fight. From the start, it was obvious that was their goal, that was their mission and they did it superbly.”

Ken Medlin has moved into a new job at Boeing: Vice President and Deputy General Manager for National Teams, Boeing Missile Defense Systems. Boeing is the lead contractor supporting the Missile Defense Agency’sSystemsEngineeringEfforts in developing the nation’s integrated missile defense system. This means, among other things, that Steve Edelman, who also works on that team from his aerie is Colorado Springs, has a new boss! Important work in trustworthy hands. It may also mean that both ofthem will soon be on a first-name basis with the local Dominos deliverymen. On a recent trip to D.C., some of the Seagram’s Seven alumni, including Darrel (andChris) Whitcomb, Scott (and Jane) Sonnenberg, and Chuck Boyer gathered for dinner, and not at Dominos.

ClayBailey, formerly the homeland security coordinator for Kentucky’s Department of Criminal Justice Training at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY, has been named to head Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet. Newspaper accounts suggest that this department is huge, troubled, and scandal-ridden, so the State could not have selected a more able executive to turn it around. Clay will oversee 6,000 employees who in turn oversee highway construction, vehicle regulation, and drivers’ licensing, with an annual budget in excess of $1 billion. Big tasks. Congrats to Clay.

PK Carlton, Tom Keck, and John Dallager were recently elected to the Board of Trustees of the Falcon Foundation, whose primary charter is overseeing scholarships for the USAFA Prep School. This news qualifies as one ofthe better causes for optimism on the future of our alma mater, given the tumultuous events ofthe past year. (Now if we could just figure a way to offer Cubs fan Steve Bartman a season ticket package to all AFA opponents’ games next year.) PK continues in the think-tank business, as Director, Homeland Security Texas A&M University & Health Science Center. And, John D. has taken a VP position with CollaborX in the CS Defense Industries Services area, so he and Jane will indeed be remaining in the Springs area.

Roy Coppinger, active always, took a loaded raft down all 290 miles of the Grand Canyon in September (without a flip!), and he and wife, Lind

say, were in D.C. for the Washington Rugby Football Club’s 40th anniversary weekend, during which he, Jimmy Cummings, and I hit a few golf balls one afternoon. In November, Roy, Steve Cherry, and I (along with Mike Christy, ’63, who hosted all) played a couple rounds near Dana Point, CA (yep, Steve’s sweet swing is as you remember it) in advance of the San Diego State/USAFA game. Smacked a few tennis balls with Steve Kirby at his Shangra-la-like sports club, and along with Denny Ryll, in from Vegas for some biking and the game, enjoyed brunch at Steve’s and Carla’s.

The game itself was not a highpoint in the Falcons’ season, but given the turmoil at USAFA in general and in the athletic department in specific, the team did a truly exemplaryjob throughout the year. In addition to Steve K, Roy, Denny, and I, the ’69er contingent at the game included Gene (and Lancine) Justin, Jeff (and Judy) Tobolski, and Dick (and Sue) Swanson. Denny, Tobo, and Swannie looked as if they could step on the field and miss no beats. Tobo and Swannie insist the only USAFA course they want to repeat is the golf course (so far, they are sticking to their story), andthe latter passes along that Kenny Hamlin, who resides near Dayton, OH, is listed in the 2003 PGA Golf Directory in category A1. Nice to know we have a certified golf pro in the Class.

A1 Dunham (and wife, Mimi) took great pleasure in seeing daughter Susie graduate from Univ. ofVirginia, swearing her into the AF in Richmond, seeing her head off to OTS, and then swearing her in as an officer. Currently at Tyndall, waiting for an ABM slot, she has applied for a transfer to UPT. Son Dave is West Point ’06. Leading an extended Boy Scout whitewater canoeingtrip down the Allagash (Maine), A1 grew a beard that Mimi found she liked. So be alerted should you have business with TASC or happen into a coffee shop in the D.C. area should you see someone who resembles Herman Hesse without the trademark spectacles.

And, the Beez is back. Mike Beezley’s fall Army Reserve mobilization tour in Germany involved more surgery than he saw during his stint in Kosovo, and in addition to the usual cases, he performed several vascular procedures. Linda was able to visit, and they worked in a little skiing, a little golf, and paid homage at a WWII museum to his uncle, who flew B17s in WWII, and who we can all thank for getting the Beez interested in USAFA.

TJ Doherty writes that his cardiologist is pleased with his recovery from last summer’s heart attack. TJ, who stepped down from American Airlines in October (avoiding“seniorityintegration”), is doing so swimmingly that he plans to resume, though carefully, working on his IT PhD and starting a consulting business in that field. Son Mike is in Baghdad, Cady has turned 21, and TJ and Oud are grandparents. Time she does fly on.

Marty Cavato, who is a 767ER captain for Delta out ofJFK, flew in from Istanbul intime to attend Darrel Whitcomb’s retirement from Delta on Sept 1; Darrel’s final flight was the Brussels-NewYork leg on Aug 27th Delta is poorer, news television (especially for those ofyou who have seen him) and national defense richer (see Darrel’s article about the infamous F105 terrazzo flyover elsewhere in this issue), as a consequence of his retirement. Norm Knox, who flies for Delta out of Atlanta, also attended (will include a picture in the next Checkpoints). Marty and Cindy live in Orlando where their brood of eight, including five teenagers, keeps them in line! Marty has also been in touch with Wayne Warren, a 1 Oct Delta retiree; he and Nikki moved from Phoenix out to Chandler, near the former Williams AFB (choice UPT base pick of our era), and are looking to enjoy the “retired” life they so richly deserve.

With so many in the Class reducing their flyinghours, it is good to know that at least one ’69er is increasing his Dan Thomas continues to log lots of flight hours, and not just on business trips to places like Hong Kong and Copenhagen. He flies his pristine T-34 in several air shows each year and serves as safety/instructor pilot for formation flying at one or two clinics. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the T-34 Association and this year assumed additional responsibilities as Vice President. Catch him in the air (as well as view many otherfabulous shots) at http://www.airshowfan.com/winecountry03air2.htm, flyingduringthe

Denny Ryll, Steve Kirby, Roy Coppinger and moi preparefor San Diego State game.

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Wine Country Air Show (Santa Rosa, CA) in Mentor 441 (this is a terrific site, with lots of nostalgia for folks like us who love aviation).

It seems all too often these short updates must end with sad news. Since last I sat down to prepare a Checkpoints account, two of our Brothers have passed. Rick Denault died ofunknown causes in Boulder on Dec 1; and, on Oct 10, Denny Kalmus died in Fort Walton Beach after a long bout with multiple sclerosis. Please remember them as you would have them remember you.

Tomorrow, then, isn’t guaranteed. Take some time for rose-smelling and reunion-attending. Godspeed, all. Lindsey.

Dick Rauschkolb

14640 River Oaks Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 487-0887

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067

E-mail: Dick.Rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

It’s 4 January just finished shoveling snow out of my driveway, am “bowled” out after watching 28 games, and have the “Dark Ages” to look forward to. Golf season is just a glimmer on the horizon. But when I get depressed, I think back to my return to USAFA after Christmas doolie year. Be honest did you ever feel lower than that?

The end of football season was a disaster. The boys folded their tents after losing to Utah in triple OT even though one more winin the last two games would have gotten us a bowl bid. The Squids have the CIC Trophy after routing Army. I told my Navy buds they betteranchor it with Velcro because we will be getting it back next year. We beat USNA by 40 in hasketball to get some revenge. Speaking of basketball, Joe Scott has the boys playing some good ball. They just won the Cable Car Classic by beating Cal on their home court. Don’t rule an NIT bid out this year.

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stationed at Ft. Carson and recovering from gunshot wound in Iraq in May). Mark Bean and JJ Rankin provided expert “minute calling” to kick off the event.

Here are some short bursts from Christmas cards. Congratulations to Ray Barleben and Nancy Moran on their marriage on 30 Dec! Speedy and Wendy Martin are settling in at Wright-Pat where Speedy is running the show at AFMC. Terry and Sharon Dessert and dog Elliott are living the good life in Florida. Dusty and Rose Ann Swanson have an engaged daughter. Dusty is thinking about joining the senior tour to pay for the wedding as soon as he gets rid of his snap hook. Mark and Katie Ewig spent Christmas in Estes Park with family. Fran and Kathy BUCHAN have two daughters at Auburn. Kathy may be on Dateline for handling the birth and care of sextuplets. YIKES! Pat and Carol Collins enjoyed a trip to Barcelona. John Lipp has a franchise for Sierra Nevada Stained Glass Overlay that is keeping him busy. He and Janet still managed trips to Carmeland Lake Tahoe. Marck and Francine Cobb are hosting a Russian exchange student. Ron Kelly is at SRA International and Pam works at General Dynamics. Rex and Lynn Levoy have one daughter, Kristin, who just graduated from UNC and another, Jennifer, who is at Duke. Must be interesting to be around the dinner table during basketball season. Roger and Sharon Hill are seeking royalties after seeing Roger’s mug in Checkpoints AND the AOG Donor Report. Saw Gregg Popovich when the Spurs played the Nuggets in Denver. He and Erin enjoyed seeing their children Mick and Jill over the Holidays.

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One of the highlights of the football season was our annual trek to Rich and Nanci Downing’s beautiful home after we destroyed Army. Lots of classmates and significant others were there. Here is a roll call apologies if I missed anyone. Bill and Donna Porter, Carl and Barbara Bang, Larry and Marleen Bush, Larry and Jo Anne Vaughn, Tony andVal Marietta, Mike and PeggyLyons, Jim and Jeanie Brechwald, Dan and Shosh Murphy, Tooey and Carol Emery, Rich and Mai Harrington, Russ and Sue Carparelli, Cook and Chris Villareal, Graham and Susan Smith, Roger and Sharon Hill, Jack and Margie Mueller, Marty and Ro Martin, Mike and Anne Torreano, Bruce and Susan Harmon, Shawn and Jes Raintree, Bob and Joan Mack, Ray and Nancy Barleben, Mike Pomphrey, Dave Gaw, and Mark and Leticia Hale in from Florida. We had a great time and all of us deeply appreciate Rich and Nanci’s great hospitality and super green chile!

Seems like a lot of you folks are becoming grandparents not sure what that means except it is betterthan becoming parents at our age. Mike and Melissa Huber visited their beautiful new granddaughter, Emily, in South Korea where son Chuck, ’97 is stationed. John and Linda Disosway are also grandparents. John is now flying international flights to Europe and South America for Delta. They are both enjoying life on Lake Oconee in Georgia. John and Melissa Soltis celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Kristen, ’97 in New Hampshire. Kristen is completing her residency in family practice at Travis. Bob and Peggy McKinney saw son Mike, ’03, get married here on 27 Dec. Mick and Jan Davey had a small reunion of former CS-9 doolies. Critt andAndrea Hughes were in Colorado to visit son K.C. Hughes

The people behind the success of the NBA Coach-of-the-Year, from left, Jill, Mick and Erin.

Craig Northrup stoppedby the office. He is enjoying retirementin Fallon, IL. Dave Antoon is flying 400s for United out of Chicago. He and Linda have four children three in high school. Don’t lose your dayjob Dave! Rudy and Lauren Aragon hosted Charlie Bobbish and his wife for dinner in November. Rudy indicated that the Honor Code doesn’t apply to 55-year-old grads trying to impress their wives by recounting their USAFA exploits. Rich and Carol Humke are counting down the flights (35) until Rick can retire. WildBill Stealey got his third hole-in-one (ties your modest scribe) recently. He got it on a 231-yard hole the tee was 211 feet above the hole! Hangtime was about seven seconds. Check out Wild Bill’s reviews of military games at Military.COM. Hope you saw the article about John Defilippo’s son in thelast issue of Checkpoints. He was the guy whovisited Nepal and climbed some pretty big mountains while helping out the youngsters there. Pretty impressive! Chuck and Barbara Weir’s twins, Jim and Gordon, are at Arizona State and eyeing joining the Air Force and Coast Guard, respectively. Saw A1 and Jane Swaim on their way to Phoenix and retirement.

WildWood Woodhead wrote that Dave Sterling, Ron Kelly, RandyRoyce, Dick O’Connor, JerryRichman, and he worked with other grads and community members on a Habitatfor Humanity project. They contributed to building a playground in northeast Washington DC. Jerry and Pam Bruni once again contributed significant matching funds to the Colorado Springs Empty Stocking Fund. A hearty congratulations to all ofyou Seventy men for your community service!

Bill (Shade) Jump wrote that A1 and Joanie Marquis hosted a Thirsty Third Reunion at Al’s ranch outside Las Vegas. A1 is a lead partner in a law firm. Those attending were: John and Kim Gunyou, Ted and Jeannie Coulson, Tommy Thompson, and Jeff andChris Sletten. Shade said only “modest” amounts of adult beverages were consumed.

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(Army Lt.

Beauties and many beasts! Seated on floor: Mike Lyons and Mark Ewig (he had a BCTflashback with watch cap). Seated on chairs:Janet Rankin, Jan Davey, Debbie Mulford, Chris Villarreal, Andrea Hughes, and Lt. K. C. Hughes. Standing: Rick and Laurie Lesch, John Rankin, Critt Hughes, Jim Mulford, Cook Villarreal, Kristie Ewig, Mark Bean, and Mick Davey.

Where is Al Bache when you need him? From left are JeffSletten, Bill Jump, Al Marquis, Ted Coulson, John Gunyou, and Tommy Thompson.

If you noticed thelatest stats on Sabre Society membership, we have overtakenthe bums from ’69 with the most members. Unfortunately, the number of Seventy members is 69 let’s get some more members and crack the SEVENTY barrier!

By the time you read this, our next Reunion will onlybe about 18 months away. Time to start thinking about returning to USAFA in the fall of ’05. We playArmy that year in November which makes the weather situation very iffy. Hopefully, there will be a good game in September or early October for us to consider.

On a sad note, we lost a good man in November when Joe McClelland passed away after a long and hard battle against cancer. Joe was my roommate in CS-15.1 always admired his easygoing nature and willingness to tackle any project with enthusiasm. His character and integrity were beyond reproach. I am glad I called and got to say goodbye a few days before he lost his battle. Phil and Carol Meilinger andWild Bill and Denise Stealey helped Missy and Joe’s family during this difficult time. Fellow CS-15ers Greg Woodhead and Doug Norton attended the Memorial Service in Virginia along with a dozen or so of our classmates. Sorry don’t have everyone’s name. Joe will be buried at USAFA in the spring will try to get the word out when we get details.

Think REUNION ’05! Arriba Falcones!

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 594-0100

E-mail: pknott@acninc.net

In the last century, if I mentioned the first snow of the year, you would probably be reading about it just about Graduation time. Well, the deadline is now on the second of January, which means that I can tell you about scooping snow off my driveway before submitting this column. Another advantage of the shorter deadline delay is that I can mention seeing Chip Reny the day after Christmas. Chip not only works at HP in their customer support center, but spends some of his spare time teaching CPR classes.

Hurricane Isobel delayed SEC Commissioner Roel Campos from speaking to the AFA Society of Washington until Nov 5. (This was about the time I started using our new computer, so perhaps the new Spam filters screened all the news about his talk off my inbox.)

Bob Peterman ran in the USAF Marathon in October. This was his second USAF Marathon and seventh overall. Let’s let him describe it in

his own words: “I timed at 3:53, the same time I ran six years ago at the inaugural USAF Marathon. I sewed on squadron patches from all my flying assignments plus one from USAFA... that’s why the major general on the right side of the picture is looking at my back. I did the same thing at the inaugural marathon hoping to start a trend... no-go. I was the only person in the field with a ‘Career-history’ singlet! A younger zoomie did join up with me (he recognized the patch and asked what class) and we ran/talked together most of the race. So it was worth the effort plus the pride I exhibited to the other runners. ’71 second to none’. Gen Reynolds says it is fine with him ifyou want to put it in the class news.” Dick will be moving to AFMC/ CV soon... working for ’70 General Greg Martin.

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Even since the 30th Reunion, North Academy Boulevard has added tons of businesses, including restaurants. Our building has a Broadway Deli, which even a NewYorker like Andy Ceroni has pronounced “Adequate.” Andyrecently moved back into an area closer to his heart and job skills. We have allheard the old saw about retired officers working in either real estate or insurance, and our Andy has done both. Last fall, he decided to take a position with ITT industries in their Foreign Disclosure Division here in the Springs. Among other perks is somewhat more flexibility in his new job than in his old one.

In the last column, I mentioned that some of the e-dresses I had were out of date. (Thanks for the response Tann, Honi & Mark!) Now, with the new computer, most of the info I have for you guys is on the old box, and while I hope to improve my computer networking skills to build my own local area network, an easier solutionwould be for all you classmates who read this quarterly effort to drop a quick e-mail letting me know what you and your loved ones are doing. As always, if you wish to keep something “off the record,” I will respect your wishes. Later.

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

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

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Greetings of the Holiday Season to classmates one and all, family, friends and associates alike. Here we are once again with the “brief” input for another issue of Checkpoints which of course, is driven by the level of e-mail, snail mail and other cards and letters I received throughout the past quarter. Guys - once more, it is your information that makes this column work (or not) and I hope that we will be able to do more in future editions, as you must have also noticed there was a shortage of news in the previous issue’s column as well.

The first e-mail comes to us from Jim Putnam (Linda) writing from “Indian territory” also called Oklahoma. His son #1, Andy, is attending some university there which did not fare so well in the recendy completed Sugar Bowl, but alas, at leasthe is closing in on completion ofhisAviation program at OU with his commercial, multi-engine turbine ratings, and graduation looming this Spring with close to a 4.0 GPA. Life will go on what with the prospects of an unemployed, wannabe airline pilot which may be sounding very familiar to some of us there, right? If any of you airline pilot types would like to offer Andy any mentoring type advice, he can be reached by e-mail at japutnam@OU.edu. Now that is the son we’re talking about here, OK?

Son #2, Alex, is a senior this year and captain of the Academic Team, also having just passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review, making Jim and Linda the proud parents of two Eagle Scouts (top 2%). Congratulations are due him on that accomplishment!

Jim works for Northrop Grumman on the B-2 program at Tinker AFB as a logistics integrator. He seems to find it agreeable there, with good pay, good hunting and at least the high school for second son ranked in the top 4% nationally.

As he is walking past the head office of the B-2 Weapons System Support Center where he works, Jim notices on the cover of Military Information Technology magazine none otherthan his “old” room mate from Millard Prep School, LGEN Bill “Tunes” Looney (Marilyn), in all his Generalness, as quoted in Jim’s note. (See photo on next page.) Bill has moved on this Fall to be the Commander of Aeronautical Systems Center at WrightPatterson. His previous deputy, Jim’s cousin-in-law by marriage, is MGEN Craig Weston (Doris) who has embarked on a choice (remote) assignment to Afghanistan serving as the head of the military assistance commission for the Embassy, making him seemingly the ranking guy there.

Jim notes that having been remote and TDY himself too many times to mention, it only seems fitting that Craig, our aerospace acquisition war-

You don’t sweat that muchfor an old guy!” Bob and Dick in Ohio.

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Bill Looney

rior, “finally” gets to go remote after 31 years. Doris is staying in their home in Springfield, VA to keep the home fires burning as they say.

In other local news, Jim reports that Jerry Porter works at Tinker for Dynamics Research Corporation as their Bomber Programs Manager. DRC is a consulting-type contractor with work all over the Oklahoma Air Logistics Center. Besides that, Jerry’s and Jim’s sons are in the same Scout troop. Tying this together, both Jim and Jerry were with Fritz Rademacher (Pattama) in UPTatVance AFB only about 31 years ago, and Fritz is still flying the heavies for American Airlines based in and/or living in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Thank you for the nice update, Jim - and all the best to you in 2004.

The next e-mail comes from Tim Emhoff (Isha) writing from his office digs in the Boston Medical Center at Boston University in Springfield, MA. After leaving David Grant Medical Center at Travis AFB, CA in 1987, Tim has been in the Boston area for thelast 15 years. He works as a Trauma/General Surgeon also doing Critical Care, and his wife, Isha is a surgeon doing Surgical Oncology at Harvard/Vanguard also in Boston.

Tim reports having a few grown kids, one in law school, another graduating from college and another in high school. He also has a 2.5 year old and claims to be feeling confident about speaking on any child-care issue running the gamut from financinggraduate school to diapers or whatever one wantsto discuss. After a one-year hiatus to Virginia, Tim says it’s good to be back in New England, since they are Yankees at heart. Oh, by the way, he says he would like to hear from anyone in the area (781414-5234) or passing through is good, too.

Now, there was one other e-mail from Harvey LeCato (Diane) which includes some “awesome” photos of the Concorde on its finale flyovers with associated other aircraft. You will need to contact Harvey for them (assuming he still has the photo files.) That is possible at harveyOl @adelphia.net, unless he has pulled the plug on his ISP.

Thank you for the nice pictures, Harvey!!

An ad hoc get together was held at Gary Kito’s home just after New Years. Gary’s wife, Lynne, does animal rescue services, andhad two dogs found in the wild that needed to be transported to Boulder. A call to Harvey LeCato and his wife had them on their way down to the Kito’s home, northofAlbuquerque, to pickup the pups on NewYear’s Day. While they were still there on Friday, Gary called John Fuss to stop by, and the three guys headed off for a quickeight-mile hike. The pic was taken on their return. Gary is retired-retired, Harvey is currently in the job-search mode, and John works for Lockheed Martin.

From left are Gary, John and Flarvey.

It is always sad to pass on news of the loss of one of our own. This time it is Rick Storer (MaryBeth) who fought the good fight through a terrible illness that finally took him from all of us. Rick’s Memorial Service was held at the Academy cemetery on December 11 th with flags at half-staff all over the Academy in his honor. Our prayers go out to MaryBeth and the whole Storer family in this sad time of remembrance. He is still alive in our hearts as the brother in arms that he was. Fortitudo perAspera.

Dan O’ Hollaren

19803 Derby St West Linn, OR 97068

H: (503) 657-0299

W: (503) 667-8554

E-mail: danoh73@comcast.net

Here we are in 2004! Can you believe it? The 30th Reunion is a memory now and we’re looking forward to the 35th But there are some great memories to recall from November’s celebration. This column will be the first installment of this story...

First, major kudos to ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, ‘Spider’ Richardson and the rest of the Reunion Committee for an outstanding effort in putting together all the events. So much goes on behind the scene to make everything work that is never really apparent to the rest of us. Great work, guys! And, of course, thanks to Lani Wing for her incredible support through the AOG office. Great results come not just from great performance, but from a can-do attitude as well. Lani exhibited both... and we thank you!

Now, the rest of the story. Jack Hudson wrote that 11 members of CS-25 ‘Redeyes’ attended the Reunion, ineluding their former AOC, retired BG Bill Ball (’63). Jack included a photo of him and Dave Stonehousetaken at Steve Hoit’s home, showing off their ability to still fit into their A-Jackets! (See website.) A lot of us are envious, guys! Tim Cooper sent a photo of the CS-40 attendees. They dress up pretty well, don’t you think? Wayne Holum andthe gang from CS-2 ‘Dueces’ took a walk down memory lane at the Reunion by re-creating the scene from page 245 of our Yearbook Polaris, compliments of a hotel suite Jacuzzi tub. Obviously, their spirit of adventure was tempered by discretion, leaving their clothes on for this remake. Wayne reported 16 Deuce attendees.

Stalker Reed providedpictures and updates

Harman is a May retiree and will be tying the knot with Mary, an activeduty 0-6, in Hawaii. Congrats, Steve and Mary! It sounds like the Seventh Squadron crowd is planning an Alaskan cruise next summer and is inviting anyone else that wants to tag along. The sport of watching glaciers move is way underrated, I hear. Stalker reports BG Jay Jabour is retiring and going to work for Grumman in Dayton, OH. We thought Jay might be the winner of the grad with the youngest offspring, but that honor was snatched up by Alan Briding (CS-19) with an October 2003 birth! Stalker, feeling his competitive spirit, is putting Joe Kahoe up for the grad with the most grandkids - three, and CS-07 with the most Reunion at-

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CS-2Jacuzzi Crowd: Back row: Bob Summers, ChrisDerry, BillMcKenzie, Wayne Holum, Randy Sage, Bill Rake, Tom Swertfager. Middle row: Tim Galvin,JayRogers, Brian Beard, RockyAvvento, and Marcus Bolton. Front row: Jack Black, Clay Stewart, Steve Dalrymple, and Jim Callard.

from the CS-07 crowd. Steve

tendees - 19. He also sends his congratulations to the Reunion Committee chairmen for their great work. Bob Linnell sent a host ofpictures from the CS-03 contingent at the Reunion. His cohort in crime was Vince Parisi. Vince passes on his thanks for a job well done on the Reunion. John Rosser forwarded some Reunion photos ofthe CS-06 attendees. He also added a pic of himself and bride, Virginia, atop Pike’s Peak. Those pictures not included in this column - due to space restrictions - will either be placed on the website or added to the column in the next Checkpoints.

years. John Parkand Lynda are firmly entrenched in Virginia, keeping in close contact with the kids’ comings and goings. John is back working for the Air Force as a civilian leading the Personnel Analysis Division. Bruce Bennett continues to lead the Bulgarian military to the Promised Land, while Nancy is at home in Oklahoma continuing her battle with a recalcitrant homebuilder. As for Yours Truly, my two offspring, Paul (28) and Ashley (22), accompanied me to the Reunion. This was their first visit to the Academy and we made it a memorable one.

Army. Rebeleven alumni were well represented at the Reunion. Attendees ineluded Ernie Maravilla (Kathy), Steve Cristiani (Vicki), AJ Ranft (Andree), Bill Diffley (Pam), Rich Baker, John Wigington (Susan), Pat Rooney and Ed Hawkins (Grace). Ernie is still in the Houston area overseeing security for the Johnson Space Center. Steve is working the Beltway in private industry. AJ is back with the Air Force on contract, working with Boeing on simulator development. Bill is still flyingwith USAir. Rich is a majorplayer in the Denver real estate market. John is in Huntsville in private industry now. Pat is flying for Delta. Ed is retired in Hawaii and now working in private industry. Ed has made the initial overtures for an 11 th squadron reunion in Honolulu sometime within the next year or so. Absent but still providing updates were Jim Scully, who, with Carol, is still boring holes for Southwest but now calling Annapolis home. Carol joined Jim in the air last year as a SWA flight attendant. They’re getting closer to having that dream log cabin on Whidbey Island. John Zwiebel and his significant other are still residents of Santa Cruz, CA. John is making life on the Internet easierwith his companyProcket Networks, releasing a new family of Internet routers in development for the last four years. They have purchased a house in Kauai, HI, planning to retire there within the next five

As you know, for several years we have had a Class website initiated and maintained by Ed Preble. Recently, Mike Nishimuta also established a Class website through his own company, Texascomputerhelp.com. Where this brings us is to a couple of decisions. First, I believe we should merge the sites into a single site. Ed’s was the first and is recognized by the AOG. Mike’s is more current and he is a professionalWebmaster. Together, we can have an absolutely first-class site. Second, the very nature of a website and its accompanying ability to deliver information at the speed of light begs the question of how we use it... and how we use this column. I would propose the Class officers review how best to use these two mediums of communication, given their individual strengths. It’s a great opportunity, I think, to use the web to bring our Class closer together, if we use it to its full capability.

For those who were not in attendance at the Reunion, the Class agreed to the election of new Class officers (see website for class officers) and set a goal for a Class Gift. One of our classmates, John Muse, has pledged $250k over five years if the Class will pledge an equal sum. The goal: permanent endowment by the Class of 1973 of the National Character & Leadership Symposium held each Spring at the Academy. This symposium is a 3-4 day event open to the entire cadet wing plus college students from around the nation offering seminars lead by recognized national and global leaders as well as elite military units. It’s an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting - and significant - legacy to our alma mater from our Class.

Well, that completes round 1 ofthe Post-Reunion update. Again, a great time was had by all. As mentioned in the last two issues, I have been seeking a replacement scribe. Five years in the barrel is enough time for you guys to have to put up with me. Well, Dr, Bob Munson has stepped forward. We will collaborate on the next one and then he’s cleared to go solo! Thank you for the privilege to represent you.

Check Six!

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

0: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8909

E-mail: jbrezovicl@bigplanet.com

joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

Hello Classmates and Welcome to the first 2004 report with some pictures as you’ve probably glanced at already!! Recognize anyone?

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

CS-06 Reunion attendees John Pretz, Rusty Legg, Jim Welterroth, Tom Schuessler, John Rosser and Dr. Win Hinds.

CS-07 Reunion attendees celebrating thefootball victory over

II th Squadron Reunion attendees Ernie Maravilla, Dan O’Hollaren and AJ Ranft.

Thursday morninggolf tournament in the snow. Dan O’Hollaren, Ernie Maravilla, Eric Nickerson, and Mike Arnett.

Blair and Dave atAIAA.

Blair Bozek on the left, with Dave Daley. This was taken at an AIAA meeting in December 17. [C’mon, remember Checkpoints?” —Wright brothers?] Dave is the president of the chapter the in the D.C. area. On the Centennial of Flight Day, the AIAA Arlington Chapter meeting featured a presentation on the SR-71 Blackbird by Blair Bozek who flew asa reconnaissance systems officer (RSO) for eight years. In 1989 Blair experienced an engine seizure at Mach 3 and 70,000 ft over the South China Sea. Blair andthe pilot were able to ride it down to 12,000 ft and 350 knots before they lost all hydraulics andhad to eject off the northern coast of the Philippines where they were picked up by fisherman and taken to shore. A Jolly Green H-3 recovered them.

Ted and classmates at wedding.

No, Ted Roth is not getting married... his daughter is, was, in September. Recognize anyone helpingTed? Dino Schwietzer (employer ofthe groom), John Voss (father of the bridesmaid) Gary Elliott (uncle of the bride), Ted Roth (proud father), Sam Shutt (ambulance driver for the mother of the bride), Tracy Cheatham, (a good friend to many), and Norm Michel (father of the flower girl). The bride, Darcy, is between John and Gary! Talk about friends; Ted wrote that Gary, Norm and Sam had been in Ted and Louise’s wedding on graduation day in 1974. Ted’s son, Jeremy, Class of 200 was also there, but flies the RC-135 out of Offutt.

Another family celebrating a wedding, Aug 03 was John and Cheryl Ephland in Belton, MO. Their daughter RebeccaAnn graduated from high school in ’98 - and we all recognize our children go out the door too quickly! For home news, after eight months of unemployment, John is now one of the three Continental Airlines security trainers in Kansas City. John and Cheryl are still active in the AWANA Christian fellowship group, and during one meeting they renewed friendship with Bob and Karen Atkins.

Denny and Lin Hughes wrote from Omaha, NE. Denny is the head property manager of the First National Bank and spends a good bit of time visiting new and old bank buildings across the U.S. Their son, AF 1 st Lt Neal, is on his way to Qatar for a few months ofIntel. Denny and Lin are new grandparents from their son, Nathan.

Bill and Terry Casement updated us. Bill is copilot (first officer) for ATA on the L1011 now based at JFK. His flights are through Cyprus, Germany, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Qatar, andthe Russian Republic of Kyrygistan. What a world tour of tourist locations for soldiers! Bill’s reported his rest days to be in places like Venice (Italy) and Chicago (Illinois), but his mail address is still near Dallas, TX.

Bill VanHorn wrote a postcard: Aloha! “I’m still doing this AF gig! There may be nothing more fun in the world than being an AF crewdog. We’re airdropping equipment and personnel and flying throughout the islands. Been snorkeling and windsurfing...” The post card was an aerial view of the U.S.S. Arizona resting under the waters. Thanks for the reminder, Bill, of those who gave their lives that we may enjoy ours!

Joe and Joy Kelley sent in a letter from Bolling AFB. Part of his family newsletter includes the great news that Joe has been promoted to Major

General, to work in the AF Surgeon’ General’s office! Congrats! Joe still does the circuit in the medical field, so you may hear of him in the area giving lectures. [Commercial: You know, if you have a correct address in the AOG file, classmates can find you to visit!] Joe was surprised when he was selected to speak as the military representative at the dedication of the newly-remodeled Soldier Field in Chicago. Joe spoke along side Mayor Daley. One other trip included a 10-day visit in Japan and their friends from Misawa 18 years ago. Joe and Joy also work with AWANA.

The Texas postmark was on yet another mail from JJ and Cynthia Romano. JJ is working as the local division manager and VP for SAIC in San Antonio. What were a few offices when I visited JJ in Spring ’03 has now grown to 84 people to be consultants for theAir Force ServicesAgency forfinancial software integration and business re-engineering. Their son Joey is working on his Eagle Scout. One scouting trip included a rappel descent from a 90-footcliff! Remember our rappel class in Ft Carson in 1971? It wasn’t that high!

From the frequent travelers, Rich and Peggy Bowman. Their travels range from 5th -wheeling to NewYork, a cruise ofthe Caribbean, to a threeweek special 25th Anniversary visit to Scotland. A special May-thru-June road trip-maintenance-rebuildtaskingbrought them to Colorado Springs to rehab Rich’s sister’s home. Mike Cranford played host, allowing them to park the trailer on Mikes lot duringAFA graduation week, loaned them his chop saw and gave expert advice. More things to talk about during the 30-year reunion!

One email came in with Steve and Margie Daniels writing about their new home. Steve is doing his own contractor work on the house when he’s home. The picture shows that Steve knows he can turn a Caravan into a covered truck! Their son is in the ANG. Their daughter is a copilot in the KC-135 air refueling tanker. Her maintenance commander gave her crew an award for the most lightening strikes (5) and asked that there be no more... they can’t afford the repairs!

News bits: Dave Hoglund sent this: Former astronaut Tom Henricks was appointed VP-government business development for Bell Helicopter Textron ofFortWorth. He was deputydirector oftheV-22 program in Philadelphia. Victor LaSaxon is an FAA Designated Engineering Rep, DAS Staff member and Level 5 Scientist with Boeing. Chuck Latham is working a civil service job at Ft Bragg with the Special Operations Command. Tom Smith retired in ’94, left Honeywell in ’99 to become a lawyer in 2002 and is now completing the LL.M. degree pursuing excellence in Seattle. Steve and Cindy Lunsford met Craig and Rite Anderson at the University ofVirginia where both proud parents’ sons are juniors ranking in the top 20%! Steve Wallingford retired after 14 years in Germany. The family is moving back to Boston, MA. Neither his wife, Marina, nor three sons have lived in the U.S. Steve is a defense contractor (ATC Management Engineer) at ESC conducting ATC studies of various countries, currently in Central Asia, so he’s still ‘international.’ BGTom Kane in South Korea, has the primary task ofmeeting with the North Korean military. Jim Maples flies for USAirways one month Cancun layovers, and next month is Barbados. Jim’s son graduated from West Point this past summer!

Y’all plan for the 30th reunion?! Email for reunion information to the ’74 webpage at http://www.aog-usafa.org. May you live long and prosper.

Jeff Hackett

2610 E. Stottler Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296-8825

Home/Mobile: (602) 318-6152

E-mail: jhackett75@cox.net

“IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.” Just finished reading a marvelous book, The Purpose Driven Life, which opens with thosewords. While I wholeheartedly agree with the point the author was making, in this case I’ll exercise Scribe’s Privilege and start offwith news from the home front. Am happy

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Steve and Margie at new home.

to report that on 8 Dec I started new job as Director of Propulsion Engineering with Orbital Sciences, Inc. Launch Systems Group here in Chandler, AZ. Lots of exciting work and challenges on the horizon but everything about this turn of events looks like answered prayer. Add to that Chris’s and my first anniversary, the. great Arizona weather, being guest of a good friend at this year’s Liesta Bowl (USAFA Wings of Blue were part of the pre-game ceremony), and a granddaughter that gets cuter by the day - the blessings meter is pegged! Oh yeah, and once again lots of inputs from y’all!

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NOT GONE - BUT NEARLYFORGOTTEN. With apologies to those consistently dedicated correspondents who e-mail me several times each quarter, I want to start with inputs from folks we haven’t heard about/from in a long time. Bruce Fritzsche sent tales of great Pheasant Hunt outing to South Dakota he participated in this Fall. You’ll recognize Bob Thompson, Bob Turner, and Mark Shope in the front row of his photo along with Bruce, Jim Schuman, and Randy Davis in the back row.

The GreatAmerican Sportsmen!

“The birds you see on the ground were the few that did not make it through our “wall oflead” we had a lot of fun telling lies and reminiscing in the lodge a real first class operation!” From Brigadier General Dave Sprenkle: “have recently been moved into a new position, the Deputy Commander of the Colorado’s Joint Force Headquarters. Our focus is to direct all CONG homeland security and homeland defense missions, and coordinate support from federal military and other state NG units.” Mike Dehart sent this picture from mini-reunion that occurred just prior to Scope Warrior (conference for senior AF communicators) Dining In at Keesler AFB. You’ve probably guessed that Dave Anewalt wasn’t part of the formal proceedings - just a retired Reservist attending class at KAFB (Dave’s working for AFRC at Grissom AFB, IN) who happened to get randomly paired up with Mike in a golf tournament that weekend. Mike assures us that, soon after this picture was taken he (AFSOC, Hurlburt Field), Dick Webber (AFSPACE, Peterson AFB), Dale Meyerrose (USNORTHCOM, Peterson AFB), and Dave Kovach (AFCA, Scott AFB) “displayed our skills at ‘grogsmanship’... I'm sure we really ‘impressed’ all the young Lieutenants.”

DeHart, Webber, Anewalt, Meyerrose and Kovach. Not to be outdone, the AFROTC Commanders also had a conference (Atlanta in Oct) where we were well represented. Dave Fleming, AFROTC DO, noted that, “BarryAbbott is here with me at Maxwell as the Registrar for AFROTC, Mike Coman is the PAS at Embry Riddle in Daytona, Bobby Lynn has VMI, Mac McIntosh is at Loyola Marymount, Dave Dyche has the University ofArizona, Bob Gambrell is at Alabama, John Woodward has Oklahoma State and John Gaughan is the Regional Commander for the Southwest.”

Coman, Abbott, Fleming, Gaughan, and Gambrell.

Rich Finke wanted me to alert Frat Five alumni that he’s begun posting items to www.Frat5.com. I guess it’s what Rich does when he’s not working as Captain for US Airways in Charlotte, NC flying the Airbus A-320. One item that is on the website is picture of himself and Curt DeVries that was taken when Curt passed through Charlotte Airport last. Curt works for a civilian company at Hanscom AFB, MA on some type of development program. Rick Benbow was also with US Airways (for 14+ years) but was medically retired in 2002 due to a heart bypass surgery that was not 100% successful. Rick reports that he’s, “fine and will be on medication forever but the FAA thinks I should stay on the ground for the foreseeable future. That door closed and another opened. I am now at Moody AFB, GA. as a civilian T-6 Texan II classroom and simulator instructor pilot. It is very rewarding.”

Let the record show that your “always-has-something-to-say” Scribe passed along the following with only a look of profound awe - classmate Marty Miller dropped a note to say that he’s changed careers: now the Airport Manager at the Great Bend (KS) Airport... oh yeah, and his wife is expecting twin boys in February!

DON’T WE KNOW! I’m sure it’s even more so for active-duty folks but even those of us still serving in the Reserves are very aware of the fact that the 30-year point is approaching rapidly. Sounds like a good reason for an awesome party and am happy to report that Scott Hente has volunteered to be a focal point for initial planning. Contact Scott (slamhente@codenet.net) if you have thoughts and/or want to get involved in planning.

Dave Anhalt, Bill Murray, and MikeLischak decided not to wait till 2005 - all retired recently. As noted previously Dave is in Indiana working for AFRC. Bill and Judy returned to the Dallas - Fort Worth area where Bill was poised to start work in Lockheed-Martin Systems Engineering. There’s probably a good story behind this but Mike and Joan were getting ready to leave Hawaii for Milwaukee... in January! Mike will be working for Columbia St Mary’s as their Medical Director for Occupational Medicine.

Duane Jones on the other hand is making a job change within the Air Force - leaving job as Exec to Vice Chief of Staff for assignment as 11th Wing Commander (Bolling AFB).

I’ve held on to photographic record of trip Jim Arthurs, Larry Coletti, and Dave Ferguson took to visit CS-31 squadron-mate Father Gary Oreshoski in Buffalo, SD (it’s a great picture but I’m limited to three photos per column - will look for opportunity to include it in a later column). Dave said that, “we got there just in time to accompany Gary to two Catholie masses. More church than some of us have seen in a couple of years! The Big ‘O’ is doing fine although he is not so sure about such a remote assignment: Minot is actually a garden spot compared to Buffalo!”

Saw some e-mail traffic suggesting that Matt (Kip) Fong was going to be part ofGovernor Schwarzenegger’s transition team - trustingwe’ll hear more if he becomes a permanent part of the Terminator Team.

IS THATALL THERE IS? Only came up with four Christmas cards from classmates when I reviewed the stack - seems there were more but...? Believe I’ve previously covered news on Wayne Willis (they’re living in Salt Lake City now), Mark Donnelly (flying for Southwest out of BWI), and Kent Traylor (Vice Commander ofSpaceWarfare Center). Previously unpublished news from Chuck Holland is that he and Roxanne have returned to Montgomery, AL; Chuck’s back teaching at AWC.

YES, THAT’S ALL THERE IS. Thanks for doing your part - hope you feel I’ve done mine. Go take care of something important (as opposed to something urgent) - it’s laterthan you think.

Visit the AOG Web Site - Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

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 ’76ers,

The sleigh bells are stored, the wrapping paper has been recycled, visions ofsugar plums have been replaced bymath/chemistry/ eelenglish/ etc homework yes, the DARK AGES are upon us. Sure seems like a looooong way until spring break!

Again this issue, no sad news that I am aware of to report. Good deal!

First item this issue is Randy Spetman’s retirement. Dinner 8 Jan, ceremony 9 Jan. Both well extremely well attended by military, local civilian dignitaries, coworkers, friends, and of course classmates.

Air Staffand Joe works ACC/DO. Tony says he talked with Tom Sefcik last month. Tom is soon to retire from the Reserves and lives in North Carolina. Bruce Nelson reports he will retire this summer and plans to leave paradise (Hawaii) forWisconsin. Larry Eriksen wrote from Warner-Robins where he has beenthe deputy director of maintenance at the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center for the past year and a half. Says it was a sad day in Oct as we turned out our last C-141 after overhaul. Larry and Kristen have two sons: Michael (22) studying to be an engineer at Purdue University, and Bryan (19) on the premed track at the University of Georgia. Also says Dave Nakayama is there and that Mike Butler stoppedby recently on his new assignment to the CENTAF staff.

Mic Erdle, John Andrew, Steve Eddy, Mike Scott, Mark Welsh, Randy Spetman, Jack Catton, Dan Beatty, and GregSealy at Spet’s retirement ceremony.

Mark Welsh officiated the ceremony and did an outstandingjob. It truly was an appropriate send-off to our warrior andleader classmate. Randy, best wishes for you and your family as you transition.

Pat Burbank dropped a line. He and Debbie recently purchased 30 acres in south Montgomery County and are looking forward to becoming “farmers”. Says he spoke with Doug French on his 49th birthday the end of August. Doug and Paula are farming 100 acres in Princeton, IN and are doing great. Pat also reports he got a visit from Bob Norman. He was in town to make a presentation to the airlifters in the Air War College Class. He and Nancy and daughters are at Scott AFB. Pat says he and Bob talked about classmates but Pat could only remember one name Stef Eisen on the faculty at the War College. Pat goes on to say, and I quote, “Damn old age sucks!” Bob Mansfield was the Colorado Springs lead for the 2003 NATO Defense Ministers meeting held in Colorado Springs 8-9 Oct 03. The meeting was hosted by Secretary Rumsfeld and was attended by Ministers of Defense, Chiefs of Defense, and NATO Ambassadors from the 19 NATO countries plus seven invitee countries (those who have been invited to join NATO next spring), and Russia. Bob sent a photo of himself andthe SECDEF.

Geoff Lawrence is at Aggie-land. He dropped a line and a pic of him and his daughter with Bush 41 taken at one of the Aggie pre-game ceremonies. Sorry I don’t have room to publish the pic here Leon. Greg Lewis tells me he and Cathie are doing well in San Antonio and has a good retirement job with Southwest. Willie Shelton was still waiting for Senate confirmationofhis 2nd star when he wrote that he sees Harrison Freer, Tom Muckenthaler and Joe Wysocki fairly often. They are all doing well, working for Boeing, Northrup Grumman, and Scitor, respectively. Chuck McHenry let me know he was selected as the Admissions Liaison Officer for the Nation. Good on ya Chuck! Mike Kelly wrote from Baghdad just after we captured Saddam. He has a great letter in which he remembered Pete Hook (killed in ’91) but space will not let me put it in here. E-mail me ifyou’d like a copy. Come home safe Mike! Stan Corriea, Marilyn andkids are all doing well and still enjoying the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Both kids (Patience, 20, and Jonathan, 17) have chosen enlistment in the Air Force as a means of financing a college education. Stan still flying for UPS from Miami to South America. Jeff Larsen sent a note that he attended a DTRA conference on Counterproliferation in D.C. in Dec and one of the panelists was Brig Gen Dave Clary, who is chief of homeland security on the Air Staff. Joe Wysocki is “delighted to be wearing a uniform again” in the Retired-to-Reserve program. He is IMA to the 30SW Commander at and works for Scitor along with classmates Lee Leber and Win Macklin. And Dave Berg reports nothing to report! Finally, had a mini reunion at the USAFA vs. New Mexico game.

Kelso retired on the 100th anniversary ofpowered flight. Says he’s going to work for Analytical Graphics, Inc. (the makers of Satellite Tool Kit) here in Colorado Springs as Technical Program Manager of their new National Space Standards and Innovation Group. I was one ofthe attendees but failed to get a photo to put in here. Walt Heidmous reports his 12 Dec “ceremony at V-berg was wonderful and memorable.” Walt had been on medical hold for a bit but was cleared in Dec and “roped goats” got get everything done by the 31 st As of his e-mail date, says his beard is eight days old. Tony Przybyslawski wrote to say he attended Bob Hinger’s retirement in December. MikeGould officiated and Joe Shirey attended. Mike is at the

Thinking toward the future, we will have our 30th reunion in just two years. Send me your ideas ofwhat you would like to see/do/etc and we’ll get the planning ball rolling. And ifyou’d like to be on the committee, let me know.

Will wrap this up for now. Am just about at my word count limit. Still 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 ofthe 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 know you 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

I hope this finds everyone fully and safely recovered from the holidays both in a physical and fiscal sense too. You’re humble narrator spent Christmas on a cruise ship celebrating his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. It was great, but scuba diving in St. Thomas on Christmas Day did not have me in a caroling mood, exactly. Anyway, by the time you read this, spring should be just around the corner.

SECDEFRumsfeld (middle not a classmate!) and Bob Mansfield (2nd from right).

A few other classmates retired recently also. T S

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Joe Evans, Chuck Pribyl, Russ Laney, Pat Ashenfelter, Dan Beatty, Larry Weaver, andJohn Andrew at USAFA vs. New Mexico game in Albuquerque.

BIGWINS: While I was hanging over the ship’s rail chumming fish somewhere south of Miami, a Federal Court in Washington DC ruled in my favor in a case involving the military’s anthrax vaccination program. Many ofyou know that I have been litigating the legality of the vaccination program for some four years. Who knows what the status ofthe case will be by the time this gets published, but for a few days after I found out that the judge saw things my way and halted the program, things were pretty good.

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BIG MISTAKES: Bob Massey (Andrea) wrote to correct me on my previous column concerning the wedding dates of Roger Smith (Patti) and Barney Ballinger (Gay). Specifically, Bob reminded me that Barney, who was in my nav school class, was single until his marriage in Reno well into training. Duh, my bad, Bob. Bob further enlightened me that Roger did not get married until after he met Patti at pilot training. Well. Thanks for correcting my egregious errors, Bob. At least I got you to write.While I have often thought of distorting the facts about people in an effort to get them to write in, this is the first time I’ve got someone write in to correct me about my misstatements for other people. This could be a real goodlongterm strategy for mail.

BIG ARRIVALS: Dave Kissinger (Lauren) announced the arrival of his and Lauren’s first child, Jack, with “vacuum assist” on Sept 12. Congratulations to you all. I was kind of thinking that I was out of the baby announcement game for a while, but I guess it’s never too late.

BIG DEPARTURES: Rocky Villafane (Janet), whose helicopter rescue exploits were detailed in a previous column, flew his last HH-60 ride and went through a change of command on Dec 7. He is now back in Atlanta pushing metal for Delta and waiting for the 0-6 board results. He sent on this shot of him being doused next to the bird; I like the Santa Claus picture better:

The Pirog Family have graduated, I hope.” Here’s to good planning, and Happy New Year to you both. Tom Jones (Liz) was recently published in the Baltimore Sun with an article on the future of space and space exploration. Just as this article was published, the Mars Rover successfully landed. Somebody’s timing is pretty good.

BIG FINISH: There are six inches of snow on the ground and we’re headed for sub-zero temperatures as I write this so it’s appropriately a winter theme. I am hopeful that it will be much warmer, with less snow, and less foolishness with the Agenda for Change by the time you read this. All the best for 2004. Be seeing you.

Bob Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201

Work: (661) 824-6426

Email: Robert.kay@baesystems.com

All the best for the future Rock, one way or the other.

BIG NEWS: Ron Ladnier (Pam) is now a one-star general, havingpinned on at the beginning ofOctober in his job as commandant ofACSC. Randy Martinez (Jennifer) sent me a Christmas card with his first input for class column. Randy is the president and chief operating officer ofWorld Airways, having been promoted into the jobs on Nov 1. He and Jennifer are living in the Atlanta area, and planning a move to Peachtree City this year. He’s traveling a ton but loving it, and it sounds like things at World are starting to turn under his leadership. Thanks for the update, Randy and all the best for the next year.

Armando Costales (Wendy) dropped me a line fromnorthern Virginia where Mando works for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, formerly the National Imagery and MappingAgency. Gotta love the bureaucracy. He and Wendy continued traveling back and forth to West Coast and living life large. Myvery best for the upcoming year to you both. Steve Wittman (Betsy) gave me an eyeful with his Christmas card picture oftheir eight kids; a handsomer group I can’t imagine. Steve has two out ofcollege with six left to go, fortunatelyit sounds like everyone is doing verywell and Steve and Betsymanage to retain theirsanity. He continues as a sales manager for Procterand Gambleand business is booming.

Mary Pirog dropped me a line from Colorado where Paul is head of the Law Department at the Zoo. Paul’s going for Permanent Professor at the Zoo and I’m hopeful that he’ll get it, if for no other reason than that will give me yet one more reason to visit Colorado Springs again.

Paul and Mary have one daughter in grad school, one daughter about to graduate, and one daughter fully immersed in the undergraduate experience. Paul’s comment, “By the time I’ll have my 30, my youngest will

Visit the AOG Web Site - Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

Now, pinch-hitting... yup, as warned in the last installment of the ’78 Checkpoints article byK-Bob, I (Greg “KAIS” Kaiser) have again been hornswaggled into stepping in as your class scribe for this issue. He did call me just before the football game as reported; however, as the F-16s were overhead in full A/B, I held the phone up for the missing K-Bob to hear the “sound of freedom.” Somewhere in the middle of the F-16 and fan noise he must have asked me if I would write the article for this issue, but I must have missed it until, like you, I read the last issue. That sneaky K-Bob... oh well, let me step up to the plate.

First pitch. again, thanks to any and allwho had anything to do with making our 25th reunion a success. Those of us who attended, our hats are off to you who put forth the time and effort to make it a “true class act.”

It all started for the early arrivals on Wed, the 8th of October with a class casual social. It seemed to be a good turnout for those with vacation/leave to burn. The next day included lunch at Mitchell Hall for those who didn’t get enough while we were cadets, a Jack’sValley tour, a prep school mini-reunion, and the official class reception that evening. What a difference five more years makes!

I’ll let those of you who were there decide for yourselves what the differences were, but suffice it to say we’ve changed quite a bit from the 20th to the 25th Fridaybegan for the early risers on the Eisenhower golf course. John Hicks, not only organized and ran our golf tournament, but he got us a beautiful sunrise to begin a wonderful day on the immaculately manicured Silver Course. Who were the winners? Everyone who came out that morning to play. For the non-golfers, there was an open house allowing our “Great Ones,” and their friends and families to tour the dorms, the library, andthe academic areas. I saw a lot of “familial” faces with familiar names running around with A-jackets having ’04,’05,’06, and ’07 patches... let’s see... Kirchner, Kellenbence, and Livie to name a few. Good thing their offspring are better looking and better behaved than their sires. The “diggers and fillers” would still be replacing the terrazzo blocks. The Sup, the Com, the Dean, andthe AD gave briefings which preceded the graduate memorial ceremony. In light of the recent publicity about the Academy, the briefings were most informative, and needless to say, there weren’t many dry eyes following the memorial ceremony. The day was brought to a close by our class dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel andthe squadron mini-parties and rendezvous that followed, many into the next morning andthe dawn of another football Saturday at USAFA.

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The AOG put on another terrific tailgate, somehow managed to order another gorgeous day, and even ordered up a very exciting football game versus UNLV. The Falcons won by a 17-point margin, 24-7, but the game was much closer and more hard-fought than the score reflected. Postgame consisted of more squadron/team/club socials, dinners, and gettogethers. I didn’t see many faces without smiles, and iftheyweren’t smiles, they were looks offatigue from too much... in too short a period of time... from an aging group of “Great Folks.” Foul ball... strike one... I know... not enough names and/or pics from the reunion, but I know you’ll provide K-Bob with more names, info, and pics than he can physically put in the next article.

Second Pitch... Remember the “lost graduates” list you received in the reunion mailings and reunion folders? Let’s make a concerted effort to make the list of “lost graduates” a non-player by our 30th These are folks that the reunion committee could not contact with reunion information because they had no mailing address. Please encourage our classmates to update their bios and/orjoin the AOG, and ifany ofyou out there know the address of a “lost graduate,” send a card to the AOG so we can contact them for the next reunion. NO ONE should be “uninvited” because WE don’t know where they are! Foul ball... strike two... but a good cut...

Third Pitch. Pray for our classmates still proudlyserving our great country. I believe there are approximately 300, plus or minus, still doing their duty in one way or another. Pray for our classmates who have been adversely impacted by 911 and all the events since 911. About 650 of us have either separated or retired from the USAF. Pray for the Air Force Academy and its leadership to see it through a difficult period. Most importantly, pray for our country and all of its wonder. It’s hard to believe there are forces out there that do not see what our eyes see. We must prevail over the forces of evil! Steeerikethree!... but at least I went down swinging!

Time to go to the showers... As I walk off the field head held high, I see... Frank and Patti Gahren. thanks for hosting a CS-22 tailgate in the Falcon Stadium parking lot. Frank didn’t get enough of the Academy the fouryears we were there; now he lives and works there in his post-Air Force life. Good on ya, Frank. Hey, there’s Ronnie and Francie Tait... Ronnie’s flying for American Airlines, and they live in the Fort Worth area near another CS-22 classmate, Mike and Rita Phelps (Mike’s also flyingwithAmerican). Golly, looks like J.R. Inglis too... JR is teaching school in the Boise, ID area. JR, now that I know you’re there, I can’t steal a trip there! JR should be getting ready for the senior tour, not because he’s getting old either. He looks about the same as when we graduated... November Sierra... but his golfgame is prettyimpressive. Right next to JR are A1Trujillo and Deuce Rice. A1 is still on active duty as an air attache to Chile, and Deuce is a federal prosecutor near Sacramento trying to keep the bad guys offthe streets in California. Hey, next time you guys bring Sila and Melinda with you! Speaking of California, there’s Doug and Jan Leja. Doug’s still flying for American and like JR, seems to have found “the fountain of youth.” There’s one of those “familial” faces... has an ’04 patch on an Ajacket... Kirchner...and the proud parents, Rick and Gail Kirchner. Rick flies for American and tries to keep his son from exceeding his “tours marched record!” Finally, there’s Greg and Crystal Kennedy. They’re living inAnchorage where Greg is flying FedEx “Mad Dogs” all over the world, and Crystal is breaking into politics at the school board level. Crystal, please get your Senator Stevens in line. He’s trying to put Greg and me out of work! A lot of empty seats in that CS-22 section of the 25th reunion section, but we’ll fill those during the 30th! Let’s fill allthe ’78 is Great seats. Tip ofthe cap. .and, See you there! KAIS

Mike Ashley

Route 2, Box 36E

Charles Town, VW 25414

Home: (304) 728-0274

trash79@adelphia.net

Gentlemen, take seats! Greetings from West Virginia, Happy 2004! Another Mighty Fine year behind us, and an exciting one ahead. So, let’s get down to business. This from Class President Mike Van Hoomisen: "The class officers (Jim Regan and Mike Donatelli) and Doug Robb, who commands the 10th Medical Group at the hospital there, have already circled the wagons with the AOG and begun to make arrangements for the reunion. However, the AOG won’t have any information on our date or hotel location until the springtime. We have requested the Wyndham as our first choice but the older classes have priority. Just as soon as those arrangements are made, we will send a mailing to the entire class so they can plan.” Please plan on attending and keep your personal data updated with the AOG.

Star Search. The last group of Brigadier General Selects, Burt Field, Randy Fullhart, Bill Rew, Jan Jouas, Steve Hoog, Irv Lessel, and Bob Edmunds, have made it through the Senate for confirmation. Congrats

Generals! I just learned that Tom Griffith has been nominated on the 2003 list.Well done, Tom! If I‘ve missed anyone let me know and I will right the slight.

From the gridiron not the Flatiron.Mike Donatelli and I set up a rendezvous for a small group at the AF vs. Northwestern game in N. Chicago. Tim Fyda flew up from his Ohio trucking business in his private jet. He left wife, Marianne, and his four boys behind. Scott Jansen drove up from FedEx country (Memphis) with his new bride, Debbie. Dave and Joann Hartley (S80 Captain w/AA) joined us as well as Brock and Marianne Eshleman and their son Justin (F100 FO w/ AA and flew with me recently). Mike (737 Captain w/ Delta) brought his four sons to the game. We had a short post-game tailgate in a nearby parking lot. Afterward, Tim and Scott flew in Tim’s jet to Washington State for a week of golf. We took a picture.

is CFO

Ann Clark cookie cutters. We were joined by Keith Abbott who was on a job site visit in D.C. for HP. We went to FedEx Field for the Navy game. While tailgating, I ran into Ed Zanowicz. Ed and wife, Terry, live in Middltown, MD, not far from me. He works for Southwest as an FO, based in Baltimore. Rumor was that Pat Tisdale, living in Northern Virginia and working for Orrick, was there but not seen. The picture below is Keith, Becky, Trash, and Brian. Ed passed out.

Bud Vasquez kept tabs on the game. He had his neighbor keep him informed of all the latest info; it was none other than Joe Bellino, USNA ’60, and Heisman Trophywinner. Joe was at Bud’s retirement and signed footballs for all the squids in attendance. Did you make him give you 10 for beating us, Bud?

News from Around the Globe. From Matt Dunbar: “I’m still up in Minnesota flying for NWA and coachingHigh School Lacrosse. I hadthe privilege of being selected by the U.S. Lacrosse Council to coach the HS AllAmericans in Binghamton, NY during the week of 19 June. I was the coach of the West squad, which meantmost of my players came from west of the Mississippi. My long stick middie was a young man from Lake Oswego, OR named Brannon Halvorsen. There was no mistaken Brannon as Steve’s son; he’s a “spitt’n image!” I ran into Steve Merriam (now living in Phoenix) in Tokyo. He’s still pacing the globe attending WWI & II Airmen reunions. This past July Steve was in Germany attending a WW II German Fighter Pilot Reunion. For those who don’t know, Steve has one of the most extensive collections of combat aviation art, to include aces autographs, in the world. From Rob Rowe: “Remodeling my house, the four wee scrumpets are off to first grade (just started), andthe U-2 is still holding its own on intel-gathering and flight test here at Palmdale. So Cal is hot, but a pool and evaporative coolers with a damn-fine margarita make it survivable, eh.”

From left are Dave, Mike aka Puppy, Scott, Trash, Brock and Tim. On to D.C. for the Navy game. Brian and Becky Hampl drove from their home in Vermont, with their son Zachary to my house in West Virginia. Brian

for

From Jeff McChesney: “I ran into Brian Kelly at a USAFA hockey game against Fairfield University this winter. He is with i-Defense, an Internet security firm in Washington DC; and still lives in Connecticut. I left Atlas Air in April. I’m now CEO ofe-JITI, Inc.; a high-tech start-up. JITI=Just In Time Information. Still live in Connecticut with mywife of 21 years, Diann. I started playing ice hockey again...the mind is there, but the legs are just not what they used to be!” From Ted Needham: "I just started with a new firm and life is good in Atlanta, looking forward to our 25-year reunion! Tisdale is coming here as his brother is getting married. We are finally going to let him stay at our house; he has promised not to steal the linen. Otherwise all is well. Kids are getting older; a few more gray hairs. I heard from (Eric) Doremus, he said that he is in the process of moving back to Minnesota. I guess he craves the warm weather!”

I heard from Eric too, Ted. Eric writes: “I have been moving around between Seattle and Minneapolis since the 20-year reunion. I’m still with Honeywell.” My old roommate, Grover Honeycutt, got married this past summer. His new wife’s name is Brenda. She brings a 17-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy to the family. They are all moved in to their new house in Burleson, TX.He is an AA 767 Captain commuting to Boston.

Got a Christmas card from John Susalla. He and Kathy live in the Detroit area, working for Northwest. She is a flight attendant and he just lost his Captain seat on the DC-9for a right seat on the A320. John is also top area dog forAcademyLiaisons in east Michigan. I run into Ken Brown in Chicago O’Hare operations from time to time. He commutes from northern New Mexico and flies to Europe as 767 FO at AA. See Rob Dunphy now and again. He is an AA S80 Captain in Chicago. He said he has a spy at USAFA and things are bleak, so to speak.

With the current spotlight on USAFA and the notoriety this class enjoys, I need not emphasize the Loyalty and Wisdom that are desired for our upcoming reunion. So, come one and all. Bring your families and your Courage. But leave the Brawn for another day. JR Dallas is next. Email: john.dallas@arfts.ang.af.mil See you in the Fall!

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

Many of you responded to my request for a copy of your annual missives; some for the first time. I appreciate it very much, not simply because it gives me fodder for these Checkpoints articles, but I truly enjoy hearing about what you are doing with your lives. Perhaps another reason I like getting your letters (email or otherwise) is because I never got over that empty feeling when I’d find myself in the bowels ofVandenberg Hall, make my way to the mailroom, dial the combination to P.O. Box 5698, and open the door only to find something as worthless as a postcard from an Army recruiter. With that profound thought...

From You to Us. CD Moore was a name dropper from the heartland: “Well, it’s taken me over 23 years to submit an input for the Class of ’80 update—yes, I am embarrassed! Anyway, I just couldn’t resist after three of us ’80 grads had a chance to rendezvous during a mentoring session with a group ofyoung officers at Wright-Patterson. The attached picture shows the three of us currently serving at WPAFB: Col ‘Doc’ Warr, the AFMC Inspector General; Col Janet Wolfenbarger, the C- 1 7 MaterielWing Director (System Program Director); and me, the Aeronautical System Center Vice Commander. Doc is keeping the Command on the straight

and narrow as we ‘transform’ our processes and organization. Last year Janet was leading the B-2 program, and this year she’s heading up delivery ofthe Air Forces’ newest global airlift capability the C-17. Over the past year I served as Materiel Wing Director ofthe F-16 program, and just recently moved into the ASC Vice CC position.” [

Other ’80 types at WP that CD knows: “Col Brian Marshall, Deputy Director, HQ AFMC Acquisition Center of Excellence (ACE). Brian was recently in charge of developing and fielding training systems for several Air Mobility and Surveillance platforms today the Command is tapping his years ofacquisition experience to improve our procurement processes. Brian has his hands full with this challenge! Dr. (Col) Jim Knowles, an ophthalmologist at theWPAFB RegionalHospital. Jim is a busy fellow, lasing 20/400 eyeballs into 20/20 marvels in one of the Air Forces’ state of the art eye clinics.

BillEhrenstrom recentlyjoined the Wright-Pat Team as the Senior IMA for the F/A-22 program. Bill is an 0-6 Reservist these days when he’s not helping out with the F/A-22 program, he spends his time flying for NASA down at Ellington in Houston (where he and his family live). We only get to see Bill every month or so when he’s doing his Reserve time at Wright-Pat. Bill’s one of the lucky ones still strapping on jets 23 years after graduating from USAFA. Not too shabby. The other ’80 grad at Wright-Patterson is Col Dave Glade. Dave is the Commander of the 645th MATS, better known as BigSafari. Dave is in charge of a unique group ofprograms with interesting names Big Crow, Predator, Speckled Trout, others and some very interesting and very unusual (typically classified) flying missions. His organization has been very busy lately supporting the operations in SW Asia and developing new systems to fight the Global War on Terrorism. Yes, Dave is having more fun than those of us strapped to desks! I guess that brings the number of ’80 grads serving in one capacity or another at Wright-Patterson these days to seven. Not too bad for a bunch of aging, ancient USAFA grads!”

Just to let you know that the AAirline industry hasn’t turned the corner yet, Peggy (Dennis) (Bob) Carnahan announced she, Bob Wilson, and Brian Urbansik will be furloughed as of 2 Mar. She’s getting ready: “Substitute taught a 3rd grade class today. Suddenly sitting Reserve doesn’t look all that bad. Those little buggers are a handful!”

Carrie (Banwell) (Ken ’78) Gronewald is “doing well as a Brady Bunch family in Issaquah, WA. Ken flies for Alaska and I’m a program management consultant.” Their combined four children range from eight to a son at his first assignment (Yokota) after Tech School a lot to keep them busy! Elise is in the eighth grade. “She has discovered makeup and boys (though still from a distance) so we got her braces to slowher down.” Erin, the youngest, “wanted a lizard for a pet last spring, so she asked Carrie for a snake! Carrie suggested a lizard, and Erin got what she wanted in the first place... a cute little 6” baby bearded dragon... that is now 16” and still growing!”

Dean (Carla) Eisberg says the folks in Alaska are keeping the border safe from bioterrorism: “Just keep it cold andthe bug will die.” (I like the philosophy and wish it was as easy as that.) Anyhow, “Number two son, Jeff, and I had a nice visit with DHS Sec. Ridge at Gettysburg in Nov. He was there getting background info for his speech commemorating the 140th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Mr. Ridge was very interested in Jeff’s home-schooling experience. Still waiting for the pay raise I asked him for (just kidding).”

Jeff, Dean, and his boss in Pennsylvania.

Tom (Nancy+3 daughters) Arata tells us: “I was in CS-32 and spent my active duty time as a Tweet IP at Laughlin and a T-41 IP at USAFA before I was medically grounded from flying. I left active duty in 1987 and have spent most of my business career in the specialty chemical industry. We have been living in Minnesota since 1997 when I accepted an opportunity with Ecolab Inc. I’ve had several different assignments but currently I have responsibility for marketing, product development and merger/

Tres ’80 Amigos

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acquisition activity in one of the company’s core businesses. It is challenging but fun as I get to use my MBA (University of Colorado) plus my biology degree from USAFA. We make the antimicrobial products that are used in processing food and beverages to control e. coli,salmonella, listeria and all sorts of nasty stuff that gets people sick. I don’t stay in touch with a ton of folks, but I recently heard from Luke Howard, who is doing much of the sortie scheduling at Charleston AFB asa Civil Service employee. I also hear occasionally from Ron McCurdy, who is a corporate attorney based in Boulder, CO.

Reach Out XXV. The only intel I got from last time is that Bob Everding is doing the Reserve thing in the Wing Safety Office at Tinker. Let’s go fishing forinfo on other folks that haven’t been updating the AOG for about a decade: Karl C. Erickson, Gordon T. Englebretson, James R Elbert, Rickey I. Durkin, Michael T. Duffy, Nicholas W. Donohue, John M. Dobbins, and Douglas B. Dickinson. Ifyou’ve got the scoop on these folks, let us know.

That’s about all the room the editor allows. I’ll save some of your updates for next issue (typically a slow time for your emails/letters). Enjoy your family, friends, and the ski season. Don

Rich Trentman

11102 Asbee St.

Falcon, CO 80831-8170

Home: (719) 494-8438

Work: (719) 532-9011

E-mail: trentman@usafa81.com

Class Website: www.usafa81.com

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and New Year’s! The news from everyone was a bit lean this quarter. Thankyou for allthe nice words as I recently left my job at the AOG to pursue opportunities in the corporate world. I enjoyed serving the graduate community and staff for over two years, but I needed to move on to an area with room for advancement and increased challenges. It was both a privilege and honor to work at the Academy.

2003 was a very challenging year at the Academy. It was difficult and very frustrating for all of us to see the Academy receive so much negative publicity. There are many more changes coming that will dramatically alter the future of our school. We all want and support the good changes that correct serious problems that have festered over the past decade. It has been tough, though, to see many traditions end. We must look ahead to a much brighter future and continue to support our Academy. There are tremendous young men and women doing great things at USAFA.

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Sabre Society Donors

Kelvin Manning and John Marlin, my 2Lt/Eglin AFB golfingbuddies, sent bestwishes as I start a newjob. John is working on hishouse in Pennsylvania while commuting to work in New Jersey. Kelvin ran into Mike Cox at the Huntsville, AL airport. He said Mike looks great and works at the RedstoneArsenal. Steve Ruehl dropped me a note about his Register entry, but unfortunately, it was after I left the AOG. I was about to oversee a complete redesign of the AOG website with personalization, class and chapter areas, online Register, and many other new features, but that will now fall to my replacements. Hang in there, I’m sure the AOG will get some much needed web improvements done soon. Steve is on his way to Davis-Monthan. Bob Cayton, Mike Bronson, and TerryAdler also sent me best wishes in my new job. Marty France and Darren McKnight attended Eric Garvin’s promotion ceremony in the Treaty Room at the State Department. Eric works there, Marty is with DARPA, and Darren is a VP with Titan Systems.

Ken said there were several other ’81ers at Hanscom and he would try to get a picture with all of them.

Marty France, Eric Garvin and Darren McKnight at Eric’s pin-on. Ken Hasegawa sent me a picture of his welcoming and Terry Szanto’s farewell party at John Casserino’s house. Terry is headed south to Langley AFB while Ken just arrived in Boston from Belgium to take Terry’s place. John had recently arrived from an ROTC assignment in Michigan.

RandyWorrall, our fantastic classVP, sent me an update on Rob Kasper. Rob excelled in a brutal “Ultraman” competition in Hawaii. (6.2 mile swim, 261.4 mile bike ride, and a 52.4 mile run) On top of that, Rob has been active in the Peachtree City area leading a community fight against further commercialization of their neighborhood.

Thanks again for all the info and support as I leave the friendly confines of the AOG to work in the real world! In my new job supporting LincolnLabs/MIT outside of Boston, I’ll get to travel to beautiful New England quite a bit. Keep those emails coming!

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!

I’m afraid that, just like last quarter, I must start out on a sad note. I learned that Mark “Stitch” Miller died on 14 Nov of last year. That was too late to make the last magazine (mailed out just before Christmas), so you’re reading about it in this issue. I’m sure I speak for all of us in extending prayers and condolences to his entire family. I don’t have any info on the cause ofdeath, but I do know he was buried at USAFA in late November. Although it’s been some time now since his death, you could probably still make a contribution to the fund his family set up for the benefit of his children. If you’d like info on how to do that, please contact me or the AOG.

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Dave “Haggy” Hagginbothom sent word that he survived hurricane Isabel at Langleybyleaving his wife and daughters behind while he went TDY to Ramstein for his job with HQ ACC Safety! Although damage to the base was extensive, he said their only losses were electricity and faith in USAA. Apparently USAA quietly raised the deductible on wind and rain damage to 2% of the home’s value, leaving quite a few folks with a big surprise.

For those of you who keep up with our non-grad classmate Freddie Peralta, you’ll be interested to knowthat he finished up his career-broadening tour at the Pentagon and is now a permanent GS-14 in charge ofA10 product support at Hill AFB. Bob Weller was also on the move in January, departing Maryland for Texas. Of course, he’ll also be “on themove” in Feb, Mar, Apr, and so on, as his work will be in St Louis, but he’ll be living in (and hence commuting from) Dallas. I don’t have any details on his new job there, but from what I can gather from his e-mail address he works for a company called Bearingpoint. He said that when he was in Maryland he did work supporting Navy contracts (!) andhad to take a lot of grief over the loss to USNA in thefall. Bob’s son Derrick is now a 3degree at USAFA, and Mom andDad are very proud.

Mike and Gloria (Montoya) Ryan have left theFrenchWar College (Mike says that’s an oxymoron (I wonder is that French for “dumb cow”?) and are now in that chocolate-lovers’ paradise, Brussels. He’s the Defense Advisor to the U.S. Mission to the European Union, and while that means he’ll have to start working for a living again, it also means he can continue enjoying the great food, wine and champagne of the region. Mike spent some timein the States on leave and met up with Bob Ranck (Ops Group CC at Andrews AFB) and Chris Broyhill, who has started his own charter jet business near Dover, DE. After returning to work Mike took a trip to Ramstein to pay an official visit to Peggy (Sherman) Ball.

John and Carri Casserino, Terry and Louise Szanto, Ken andSharon Hasegawa

Regular readers of this column will remember that Peggy is the political advisor to the USAFE Commander.

Daryl “Bones” and Martha (Stevenson) Jones are all settled on Okinawa after they both retired and movedthere as missionaries. Two typhoons, a sprained ankle (Martha) and several cultural adjustments later, they’ve hit the ground running and are all doing well. Mike Berry moved out of Enrico Fermi’s old house in Los Alamos to a 5,000 sq ft, seven-garage, 1.75-acre job nearby. Yikes! His oldest daughterjust graduated from college and is working as the campus coordinator for a public interest group at UC Irvine. Mike is working for Raytheon, helping his design team win multiple Distinguished Performance Awards (an unprecedented two in one year) as they perfect simulation codes on the largest/fastest supercomputer in the U.S. It is being used in support ofthe nuclear stockpile stewardship program, which to the citizens of Las Vegas means no more rattling windows caused by live nuke tests! Mike had the opportunity to visit some of the Nevada test sites and was suitably impressed by things like 1800’ craters, and bent and twisted bank vaults. He also had the opportunity to participate in an M-l Garand shooting match in September. After that experience he said it was hard to imagine a WWII or Korean era infantryman using one in a standup firefight.

Pete Livingston, who’s stationed at Wright-Pat with me, participated in this year’s AF Marathon, also held here in Dayton. Pete works in the C130 program office, and keeps busy running test/development of the C130J and C-130 avionics upgrades. He ran the Marathon in 3:29:07, a personal best. He was looking mighty fine, wearing hisred Class of '82 ring crest T-shirt! Scott Shier sent word that he and his family moved from L.A. to Mission Viejo, and are all settled into a nice home large enough to allow the quints (who are now past their 6th birthdays!) some room to run around.

Trish (Ryan, ’83) Kimminau wrote from Maxwell where she, Doc and the kids are all settled in and doing fine. The news is that Doc’s name popped up on the group commander’s list, so they may be in for a move this summer. Doug Sander has moved from the International Space Station office to the new Orbital Space Plane office at Johnson Space Center in Houston. He’s excited about the prospects, but is crossing his fingers hoping funding comes soon! Jaz Jasina bumped into me at the base gym just around Thanksgiving and told me that Dave Taschuk got married down in Cincinnati earlier in November. One of the last holdouts in ’82, this is Dave’s first marriage! Jaz said the wedding was opulent, which is whatyou’d expect when you combine Social SecuritymoneywithanAARP discount! Joe and Sarah (Schirmer) d’Eon were also in attendance.

Finally, John Wright wrote to saythat he has retired and moved to Huntsville AL, and is working for Northrop Grumman on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense portion ofthe Ballistic Missile Defense program. John said it’s been a goal to get back near family, and this has worked out well for them. His mom lives nearby, as does his sister, who has a horse farm. John’s oldest daughter has a horse there, and has been doing quite well in riding competitions.

That’s about all the news I have this time around. I hope you are all well and that you had blessed a Christmas and that your 2004 is peaceful and prosperous. Until next time, be safe. Ratman

Raymond J. Blust

7 Highland Park

Wheeling, WV 26003-5472

Home: (304) 242-7182

Cell: (304) 281-1621

RJMABLUST@Comcast.Net

Greetings and Happy NewYear to All. AsI sit and write thisarticle my feeble mind tries to unscramble the many events and faces of our reunion. It doesn’t help that the roll of film I used was ruined and that I was wearing beer goggles all weekend. However, thanks to Christmas card letters and photos from a few “old reliables”, I’ll be able to ramble off a relatively painless and entertaining piece of correspondence. Please don’t judge my article against Jon Duresky or Stu Pope’s as they were Humanities majors and I was a Mech major, just give me numbers!

Reunion News: For those of us who had the opportunity to attend our 20th reunion all I can say is “Aspirin please!” As you can tell from the photos, everyone was in a great mood and there just didn’t seem to be enough time to sit and chat with everyone you saw. Before I get into the photos and what everyone is doing, I need to pass along a bit of very sad news. For Julie and me, the reunion was bittersweet as we learned that a good anddear friend Lori (Plosa) Chestnut passed away in August after a very long battle with cancer. As most everyone knows, Lori was instrumental in many of our initial class activities as our first Class President. She oversaw our class ring and class print selections and our “Hundredth Night” dinner and dance. Nothing I say here can come close to express what Lori meant to us, to our class, and especially to her family, Bill and their

four children. Bill, along with two of his sons did attend the reunion as Lori had requested. Bill, on behalf of the entire class, I want to express my sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill and family live in Kentucky and he flies for Delta.

Hey Stu, thanks for the photos! You saved me again. Stu also reminded me of what Julie and I wrote in our Christmas letter about the reunion and old and enduring friendships. The fact that wecan ‘pick up right where we left off’ is indeed a testament to a truly unique shared experience the silver lining of four years of constant intensity.

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Sabre Society Donors

It was great seeing Bob R.E. Smith who lives a mere 30 miles up the river. R.E. plays golf down here in Wheeling and yet I haven’t seen him in 10+ years. He owns a few tractor trailer cabs and works for the school system in the Steubenville OH area. See ya at Oglebay R.E. I took pictures of a lot people but at least I wrote down a few things so here goes. Dave and Janice Gueting came in from Ramstein where Dave is the Dep CC for the 86th Comm. Group and Janice is a civil employee. John Carter, a fellow Starship 19 mate is a T-1A IP at PIT in Randolph. Tommy Lawhead is a JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) Programmer for the Air Staff at the Pentagon; he lives in Springfield, VA. Ron (Brenna) Gaulton is flying A-10s at Davis-Monthan and is the AD. Wynn (Botts) and RayWaldron live in Omaha whereWynn works at “The New USSTRAT Command” as a ProgramManager for the War Planning System. Ray’s working on his MBA and helps take care of Luke-8, Nick-6 and Shennon3. Great sharing the alcove with you guys! Photo time! Check these Abs!

Mickey Mellerski gives Mark Holland a gut check after Mark bragged about the fact that he can still max the sit-ups portion of the PFT. Stu Pope was just laughing because that’s the last of the 12-pack he bought. Mickey flies for AA out of DFW, Mark flies for Delta out of Atlanta and Stu, of course, lives in the L.A. area. Please note Stu’s persistent smile and ever present "beer” in all photos. Here’s one of Jeff Fiebig, Jon Duresky and me.

I actuallythought these reunion jackets would be regularjackets; imagine my disappointment when it came bundled up in a small travel bag yes, I’m freezing. There were many hotel blankets in attendance at the game we did return them though-no intent here! Jeff is currently flying for United out ofDenver while he works as the Mobilization Assistant to the Comm. It doesn’t hurt that the Comm, is also an ex-Thunderbird Pilot and loves to lift weights does it Jeff. Hey Jeff, ifyou need me to show you how to print out address labels let me know-inside joke! Ellen (Nelson,’84), Jeff’s better half, is a Reserve 0-5 working her AGR job at the Academy in information technology research. Ellen, find out how I got into the Academy would ya? A lot of people want to know! Jon and Brenda live in Georgia where Jon is currentlyflying the Joint Stars out of

“Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk!Moe, Larry, and Curly!"

“Tres Amigos”

Robbins. It was great just seeing Jon as he spent most of the spring of 2003 in the desert and we weren’t sure if he’d make it back in time thanks for your continued service to this great country Jon. A new world record was broken at the tailgate party as we packed 20+ in to Jeff’s Winnebago. Tina was making the drinks, some type of alcohol with hot chocolate, but when it gets that cold who cares. Speaking of Tina, you won the prize for being the only spouse to make any ofthe pictures. Man, am I going to hear about this. It’s all Stu’s fault. Again, here is a relatively small Starship-19 reunion.

“Starship Troopers”

In theback are again Jon Duresky and me. In the front is Stu (again), Mike Rampino, and Tina and Dave Wright. Mike is currently an 0-6 at the Pentagon where he’s working on our 25th reunion. Tina and Dave are currently living in San Antonio where Dave is possibly the luckiest man alive. He is currentlyflying asa T-43 IP after a short stint with theairlines. Get this, Dave first realizes he will be getting furloughed, then he gets a call that the AF need T-43 IPs, so one day Dave is wearing the airline uniform and worrying if he’ll get paid next month then the next day he’s in his bag again pulling in 0-5 pay. Dave said his girls were very confused and worried whether Daddy couldn’t hold down a job or maybe he was just a little confusedand put on the wrong uniform.

I had a great picture of fellow 24-Phantom Leslee (Forsberg) andChris Washer,’82 but... They live in Albuquerque and are both retired 0-5s. Other Phantom members in attendance were: Bill and Holly Rujevcan who live in L.A. where Bill works for Boeing as assistant launch officer for their Satellite Sea Launch program. A1 Gailey, who lives in the Atlanta area and flies for Delta, madethe reunion at the last moment. A1 wasn’t even sure he was attending because he was in the middle of transition training and found out Friday afternoon that he was off for the weekend. And of course keeping with our ski trip traditions, A1 found an empty floor somewhere. Robert Gregor was in from the Louisville area where he’s a captain for UPS.

sibility of a furlough or thefive to six feet of snow in May of 2003. Keep in touch!! Another UPT classmate, besides Pete and Robert, Mike and Gisela Shanahan made the reunion all the way from 4186 Douglas Way at the Academy. Mike pinned on 0-6 in August and after graduation from AWC was reassigned to Northern Command in COS where he is the Chiefof the Air Operations Division (J3). They have plenty of room and have offered their whole house to anyone wanting to send their kids to the Academy for a sports camp, hint, hint. See ya this summer. Saw old Recce mate Doug High who also resides in the COS area and retired 15 Jan 04. Luckily he has a job with a local company as a Senior Lead Systems Engineer.

“The Mike Padilla Familia”

Finally a photo from a Phantom mate Mike Padilla y Familia. Pictured are Mike, Edith, Mikey and Anthony. Mike is currently living in Tennessee where he flies for Fed Ex. Also ran into Dave “Franken" Stine and Roger Aldinger who are both flying. I believe Dave is flying F-16s on a joint tour with the NetherlandsAF while Roger is flying for an airline somewhere. Also in attendance were Pete and Brandi Bartos who live in the Langley area where Pete is at the Air Land and Application Center doing a joint tour. They have three kids: 12,10 and 3. Rob Englehart madethe reunion from San Antonio where he continues to fly the T-38 and works in the AF Instrument School that’s what you get for getting an “outstanding” on your T-38 Instrument Check!! Had a great time seeing Pete and Gerry McCaffrey again. The McCaffrey’s are on the move as they are leaving Monument for Las Vegas, I’m not sure if it’s because of the pos

Derrick, Stiz, and Stu (again)!

Time for another reunion photo with, you guessed it, Stu Pope! Pictured with Stu are Brian “Derrick” Collins who currently flies for Airtran out of Atlanta and John “Stiz” Stizza who is currently the CC for NRO Operations Sq. at Shriever AFB in Colorado. Also saw Mike and Susie (Smith) Monzingo. Mike and I congratulated each other on what could be the last of the ’83ers promoted to 0-5. We both agreed that we are pacing ourselves. We’re just waiting for Zaz and John “Pooh Bear” Hesterman to run out of steam andshow some sign of weakness and thenwe’ll take over. Or we could just thank God that we made it yeah that’s probably what we’ll do. However, one of the coolest things to happen at our reunion was the retirement of Dave and Linda Asselin. What a great idea; it was held in one of the conference rooms and I, like most, was very impressed with the amount of class support. Dave was an A-10 Sq. CC and retired as a 12th AF Staff Officer at Davis-Monthan. It was a great moment, in keeping with our class tradition of excellence; it was done with class and style. Congratulations Dave andLinda.

“The Graves-5”

Got a great card from Ron and Tonia Graves who also made the long drive from Parker to attend the reunion. Julie and I take all the credit for their marriage, Ron you owe us “big time”! Ron flies for United out of Denver while Tonia rides the Big Red Harley around Colorado. Pictured are Ron, Tonia, and kids.

I couldn’t finish this letter without mentioning Gayle (Johnson) and John Denny (’84). Gayle is the Admissions Liaison Officer Director for SE Ohio while John is a Captain for Airborne Express. I’d like to thank John for keeping my right hand occupied with a cold beverage throughout the reunion. John and I flew Recces together at Bergstrom so I’m not sure if his act was one of respect or pity. Anyway, thanks John. Believe it or not I have run out of space and time as Kro at the AOG is holding up the magazine for my somewhat adequate column.

Scribe Info: Before I end I need to print again the e-mail addresses of the scribes. My address is at the top of the article and I always write the article due to the AOG in earlyJanuary. Stu Pope (Stu_Pope@yahoo.com) writes the next article due in early April, Jon Duresky’s (DureskyJB @aol.com) article is due in early July and Dave Ruffley’s (DLRWY @yahoo.com) article is due in early October. Please send photos or news to any of the scribes.

20th Reunion Class Gift Project: Our project head is Dana Born and she andthe rest of the committee have selected two outstanding projects. The first is to help to establish a Composure Room within the future Memorial Pavilion at the AcademyCemetery. Providing this room would be a respectful gift-notjust to the Academy that gave us such a great start to our careers, but also to our classmates and other fellow graduates forever. The second project is helping to extendthe Heritage Trail which will truly inspire those who came behind us to become part of the “Long Blue Line.” The Heritage Trail runs around and behind the AOG Building. Ifyou have not been contacted by the AOG or received a letter from Dana please contact the AOG to help with these two great projects. Our class goal is $250,000 and we’re offto a great start as Charlie Garcia pledged $100,000. Thanks Charlie! Members of the Class of’83 have always been “leaders by example”. Let’s continue that tradition by generously supporting our Class Gift.

Thanks again to all our reunion volunteers and especially to Rich Fullerton and Billy Walker who did a great job as the chairmen.

That’s it from here; please keep all our fellow men and women stationed throughout the world in your thoughts and prayers. Take care, fly safe, and may God bless you all!

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (800) GO-AFA-GO

E-mail: jensen@usafa.com

www.goafago.com/84

Get the word out! Oh Class of Rip van Winkles! Yes, many of us have been asleep for the past 20 years, or at least is seems to have gone bye so fast that we cannot be approaching a reunion of 20 years! What about the Class of 1984? Where have we been? What do we stand for?

Wilted faster than lettuce in thesunshine! Have you ever wanted an opportunity to speak your mind to a decision maker? One who can make a difference. Well, one of our own, the never shy, never say die, number one guy Chris Erickson, looked forward and was granted that wish. Prior to the New Mexico football game we were primed and ready to let the new Superintendent, LGEN John Rosa knowhow our beloved USAFA should be run, and our designated leader Chris, warned us of the whoopin’ he was about to inflict. The opportunity arrived, I made the introduction, and took a step back to avoidthe venomous flames which would soon be spewing our of our hero’s mouth. Pleasantries were exchanged, and then... I don’t know what happened! I couldn’t believe it. The Wicked Witch of the West would have lasted longer being blasted with a fire hose. Heeeees melting! What happened to all our great ideas? Oh well, it was the thought that counts. We’ll get him next time!

Chris quickly recovered, and was all over classmate Dan Blaettler, currently a group AOC, like a hobo on a ham sandwich. Dan never knew how, or why the tornado landed on him, but came back nicely from Chris’ piledriving tactics. We may seea reenactment at the 20th as a pre-game festivity! Get your tickets early! Thanks goodness the powerhouse of the family, Chris’ wife, Suzi, gave methe411on manyofour classmates. JayCharmella, flying with American, married two boys. Tom Eannarino, LTC, active duty, Seymour Johnson, married, 1 &1. A1 Ewing, works for GE in Cincinnati, married with 5 kids, 2 boys, 3 girls. Jeff Follansbee, active duty LTC, Y indenburg AFB, married 2 boys. Mike Goldfein returned to active duty after being laid off at American Airlines with the Reserves LTC at Hill, married, 1 &1. Tommy Huggins, American Airlines, Dallas-FtWorth, married 1 & 1. Mike Kucej, active LTC, Mountain Home, married, 1 daughter and 2 sons. Randy Martin, American Airlines, married 1 &1. Paul McGillicuddy, active LTC, finished ICAF, stationed at the Pentagon, married 1 daughter. Bob Perry, witnessed the meltdown of Chris Erickson, removed Dan Blaettler from the flames, and helped me write the memories, works at Raytheon in Colorado Springs, married 2 daughters, 1 son. Dan Smeltz was flying with United; we’re unsure of current status in L.A. married 1 & 1. Garrett Thompson, laid off at United, returned to active duty at Langley AFB, VA, married 2 daughters, 1 son. Chip Webb, took a leave of absence with US Airways, flying full-time with the Guard in Houston, TX. Tom Wilson, flying with American Airlines in Dallas, married 3 daughters, 1 son. Thanks Suzi for the great input and for trying to let Chris be Chris!

Wives Rule! So what else is new? Our next candidate for class scribe is Tricia Groenheim, wife of Steve, who has been the Commander of the 14th AS in Charleston since July 2002. (My apologies since she sent this to me last summer). The Groenheims have three sons, Steven, Jack and Sam. Steve earned a Bronze Star as well as a Distinguished Flying Cross while serving as mission commander of deployed forces at three locations in Southwest Asia from Nov 2001 to Feb 2002. The amounts of cargo hauled

during the war are amazing. I hope to have them up on our new class website by the time you read this. Go check them out. Another decorated aviator from our class is Maj Kevin Churchill, who received the Cheney award in 2002 for saving two critically injured crewmembers of the yacht, the Persuader, when he was stationed in England. It was an 11-hour mission consisting of two MH-53M helicopters, two British Nimrod surveillance aircraft, two MC-130P refueling tankers, one KC135 tanker, two international freighters and three pararescue teams. It turned out to be the longest non-stop over-water launched from the British island in the last 12 years. The Cheney award was named after 1 st Lt William Cheney who was killed in an aircraft training accident in Italy in 1918. The award recognizes an act of valor, extreme fortitude and selfsacrifice with an aviation event. Kelley Cordell, wife of Rich, wrote to tell us where he is! When he got home from the desert in June, they were packed out and shipped off to England! Rich is working as the Deputy Ops Group commander for the 100th Air RefuelingWing at Mildenhall. Thanks Tricia and Kelley!

Andy Klein avoided the big purge at American Airlines and is also flying Tweets at Vance.He writes that Jackie and he are still plugging away in Keller, TXwith three daughters in three different schools. With Jessica a junior in high school, college tuition is rearing its ugly head in the very near future. She has been driving for over a year now so stay offthe streets. Alexe is in 8th grade and very active in competitive soccer so lots of road trips around the DFW metroplex and even up to Wichita Falls. They won four of their last five games after a rocky start so they should be able to stay in their current division for the spring season. Tori, their 3rd grader, has started piano lessons and is a born drama queen. Now if we could just get her interested in cleaning her room. Thanks Andy. As Always, Nena Amaral dropped a note to say “hello” and all is well with them!

More news! John Clarke checked in and saw Leslie Bauknight not long ago and we talkedabout our upcoming reunion. He received an email from Melinda Evans (1985) regarding our classmate, Jim Evans. He has been strugglingwith a brain tumor since 1991 and medically retired since then. His condition took a turn for the worse. He has had a few serious hospitalizations since Thanksgiving. The latest prognosis is not good. We are not intimately aware of the details, however, the situation is very serious. This is a good time to keep Jim in our prayers. John and Jim were roommates in CS 22 fortheir last two years.

Mike Loh sent the picture ofhimself, Sean Pavlich, and Jon Payne over in the desert. Jon is in the Alabama ANG and Sean and Mike are in the Colorado ANG. We got together for some fun and games last Feb thru April. Thanks Mike! Chris DiNenna has been stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK in the F-15E for about the last year and a half. It has been going very well including another tour in the desert supporting ongoing operations. In December, he gave up my job as the 494FS Director of Operations which I had for the last year and a half and will be taking over the 492FS as the commander on 23 January. He is thrilled to get this opportunity andlooks forward to it.

Brian “Hooter” Simpson and his wife plan to attend the reunion. This pastAugust 1st was a big day for them they pinned on 0-6 at 0800 in the morning and then tookcommand of the 412th Operations Group at Edwards AFB, CA, at 1000. Hooter has eight flight test squadrons and an operations support squadron here flying 80 aircraft and nearly 30 different types, including nearly all variants of the B-l/2/52, C-5/12/130/135, CV-22, F-15/16/22/117, HH-60G, T-38, Global Hawk, ABL andthe Joint Unmanned CombatAerial System. MarkWard is here as the commander of the 416th Flight Test Squadron flying F-16s. His oldest son, Brad, is a doolie. Mike Luallen is there as the Vice Commandant of the Test Pilot School.

Joe DiNuovo checked in from Beale AFB, CA where he is Deputy Group Commander, 548th Intelligence Group with his wife, Kathy. Hope to see you this fall! Rob Puckett did shock me with his decision to finally drop us a note. He is currently (still) at Minot AFB and loving it. He just finished up three years as a Life Support Officer and is now trying to learn the flight scheduling game. As a “gray-haired major” he has had some

opportunity to fly and work at the wing level in some interesting jobs. I’vebeen deployed three times in support of theGlobal War on Terrorism in B-52s, andlooks like we will deploy at least one more time before this starts to wrap up. While he is staying busy at home and overseas, his wife, Dlorah, is a full-time college senior (Music Education Voice as primary instrument, but with certification to teach band or choir). Their older daughter, Martha, is now a college freshman in the same program here at Minot State Univ, their son is a junior, and their younger daughter is a sophomore at Minot High School. He says, “You know we are getting old when my new airmen are younger than my daughter and lookyounger than my son!”

Last call! OK class, don’t be like Rip van Winkle and wonder wherethe last 20 years have gone! Get ready to have a great time at our reunion. (I need some help keeping Chris from the Supt no meltdowns!) Let everyone knowthat the Class of 1984 has arrived! Be there or... be square! Jens

Quintel Williams

6410 Katherine Ann Lane Springfield, VA 22150

E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com

I hope everyone had a great holiday season.

It’s great to report that several classmates sent Christmas cards and other types of inputs. Matthew Bridgers and his wife, Paula, are doing fine in the Denver, CO area. Jackie Charsagua and her daughter “Little Jackie” are doing fine at Vandenberg AFB right now. But Jackie said she was selected for position at the National Reconnaissance Office headquarters so she’ll be moving to the Washington, DC metro area next summer. Bob Pickrell and his wife, Erin, sent a beautiful Christmas photo card of their two daughters Cassidy and Kylie surrounded by Blue Bonnets in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area. Mark Randolph, his wife, Melba, and their kids are doing fine as well.

Keith Lambert sent the latest installment ofThe Lambert Ledger filled with not only his exploits but those ofhis wife, Faye, and their kids. Keith said things have come full circle once again for the Lambert family in 2003, since they ended the year with a “Family Field Trip” to ski in Austria. But Keith was busy preparing for and deploying with his unit to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). Keith said his deployment for OIF was 92 days and it was his second time going off to war. Keith said he was thankful to have returned safely to be reunited with his family. Keith said he made the squadron commanders list again and he hopes to get commandwhen he moves this summer. Congrats Keith! Lisa (Drinen) Mazur sent a Christmas photo card that includes her whole family: Catherine (12 years old next to Chris), Chris (husband, also ’85), Sarah (6), Lisa, and Rachael (15) on right. Thanks Lisa!

From left are Catherine, Chris,Sarah, Lisa and Rachael Mazur.

Every time our Falcons football team gets ranked in the top 25, they lose the very next game. George Weathersby and I went to the very next game after the rankings included the Falcons this year the AF-Navy game. But give Navy credit they were prepared, played hard from the first kickoff, and deserved to win that game. On the bright side, I ran into Matthew Morgan, PhD during the game. Matthew is an active duty lieutenant colonel who is currently an associate professor of Chemistry and varsity swimming coach at the Academy. Matthew was really happy because he’d just coached the swim team to victory in its first-ever meeting with the midshipmen!

Since thelast Checkpoints, I have run into a number of classmates. I saw JeffHaymond and Gary Rafferty in the Pentagon. Both Jeff and Gary are doing well. Jeff is expecting to move this summer. Jeff said he’d like to get back into space operations as a director of operations or some

thing. But Gary said he has another year to go at the Pentagon on Joint Staff. I saw Tina Harvey on the bus from the Pentagon to Rosslyn. Tina was doing fine too. Tina said she was busypreparing to spend Christmas at “home” in the D.C. area. And I saw Ron Marselle at a meeting on the Air Force Futures Game at the Hoffman Building in Alexandria, VA.

When I was TDY to the Air Force Single Managers Conference at Kirtland AFB, NM I saw Jerry Parish and Lisa (Drinen) Mazur. Lisa is the deputy AFMC/IN in her civilian job, but she also serves as an Intel Officer in the Reserves at HQ USAF/XOI. Jerry got off of active duty and sold real estate for several years but he recently returned to active duty. Jerry is married with one child and has another child on the way. Congratulations Jerry! The last time I saw Jim Cooper, I was able to pry a confession from him that he’d gotten engaged in October 2003 to Sarah DiFilippo. Jim saidhe and Sarah plan to get married in September 2004. When I last spoke to George Weathersby, he told me that Peter Read took a job as an instructor at the Joint Military Intelligence College or JMIC—run by Defense Intelligence Agency (DLA) at Bolling AFB, DC.

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Cary Chun wrote “...Just saw that Summer 2003 Checkpoints... always great to catch-up on thelatest and greatest on ’85ers. Well, my career has gone full circle... I started out asa 2nd Lt at Onizuka AFS in Sunnyvale, CA and returned to take command of the National Reconnaissance Office Space Operations Group OD-4... life is great. Recently ran into Ed Wilson (50 SW Deputy OG) and Scott Henderson (2 SOPS/CC) while TDY to Schriever AFB. Cary was kind enough to send a picture from his 0-6 colonel pin-on ceremony.

I recently saw the command screening list and recognized three of our classmates on it. Congratulations to Gary C. Binder (Intel Group), Thomas W. Bergeson (Fighter Group), and Daniel Jordan (Space & Missile Group).

Mike Taylor sent an e-mail. “I’m the lone Zoomie that cross commissioned into the Navy; not sure ifyou remember me. I am a Commander, surface line officer, currentlystationed in San Diego with my family: Heidi, my wife, and two sons Morgan (16) and James (14)). On 19 DEC 03 I assumed command of the USS OGDEN (LPD 5) in the Gulf of Aden. OGDEN is currently on an eight-month deployment to the CENTCOM AOR asa part of Expeditionary Strike Group One. Ships Website is www.ogden.navy.mil. She is due back in San Diego the end ofApril. Was able to make it to the USAFA vs SDSU game back in November with my family. It was a great game, but the results could have been better. Hope to be able to make it back to USAFA for a game next year, and then the reunion in 2005... Take care, and GO AIR FORCE, BEAT ARMY.” Mike said

Picturedfrom left in khaki atMike Taylor’schangeofcommandceremony are CMDMC Powers, CDR Lowell Crow (outgoing CO), CDR Mike Taylor (incoming CO) and LTMatthew Berrens (Ship’s Chaplain).

he’s really looking forward to the next reunion. Mike’s two older brothers are both grads as well lim (’83) and Bob (’84). Both of Mike’s brothers are now out of the AF. Jim retired in Sep/Oct and Bob got out after about seven years. Mike provided a picture from his change-of-command ceremony. Ched Jones sent an e-mail to make sure that we knew that he’s come back from overseas. Ched said he and his familymoved to Kennesaw, GA. Ched’s still on active duty and is serving in a contract or program manger position for the C-5 modernization at Lockheed Martin.

Richard“RK” Williams sent an e-mail as well. RK wanted to know the pass code for our class web site: http://www.softwrsolutions.com/ usafa85. RK also wanted to pass along “...Hey, on another note, was just with Lt Col A1 Williams for a month or so. He’s PCSing from Hurlburt this month to the Puzzle Palace. Will send you an email with plenty of Helo guy and Spec Ops ’85-er info when I get a chance...”

That’s it for now. Keep those cards andletters coming! C U later, Quintel

Bob Colella

103 Hap Arnold Road

Barksdale AFB, LA 71110 (318) 747-5115/DSN:781-5197

cole2964@bellsouth.net

rcolella@member.afa.org

Robert.colella@barksdale.af.mil

Greetings fellow classmates! The Christmas Cajun Fried Turkey is just about finished - fantastic BTW - and I have THE easiest Scribe duty of all - assembling the multitude of Christmas letters that I received from classmates over the holidays. NFL playoffs on TV and 16 late OPRs to complete so this article comes asa welcome distraction.

“Todd Beer and Scott Turner are flyingwith thePresidentialAirlift Group (747 & 757) supporting the The Man directly. Word is that Greg Cayon may be returning to Andrews to fly with the PAG. Other ’86 folks that are in the squadrons here: Ron Simmons is flying C-20/C-37s, MikeClark is Chief of Stan Eval for C-20/C-37s, Ben Auten is flying C-20/C37s, Coert Scoggin is a C-32 pilot, David Ingerson is a C-20/C-37 pilot. Well, you’ve tapped my tiny nugget for now.” Take care, Z.

I got a letter in the mail from Jason Rudolph: “Just sending you a quick update. Chris Vellanti and I live in the Tampa area and got together with Courtney Mann and Joel Speight who happened to be visiting at the same time. Joel is the deputy commander of the DFAS unit located in Limestone, ME. It is a mostly civilian organization, but it is a huge agency within the DoD responsible for something near and dear to our heartsour paychecks! It is actually located on what used to be Loring AFB, so it is a quick trip for both Canadian Fashions and Caribou Hunting. Joel is married to Kimberly (Johnson - ’87) and she keeps busy home-schooling their two sons (because it is way too cold to go outside). They are off to ICAF (Industrial College of the Air Force) this summer and will transfer to the D.C. area (get on Interstate 95 and go SOUTH). Courtney Mann is a DC-10 copilot working for FEDEX and living in Tacoma, WA. Chris Vellanti is a Reservistworking in SpecialOperations Command at MacDill AFB. I am a Delta 767 copilot flying out ofJFK and living here in Tampa.” Found another ’86er here at Barksdale: Larry Littrell works in the 2nd OSS here in the 2nd Ops Group in which my 96th BS resides. I snapped this photo of Larry at the OSS Christmas party. Larry andMelissa married in 1991, their son Garrett came along in 1994 and he’s now nine; Emily, who came along in 1996, caused them to miss the 10-year reunion, they had reservations and all, but her delivery in September caused them to miss the event - so we will see them at the 20th

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It wouldn’t be Christmas without a letter from the Faulises - Aka Angie Langley and husband - first officer/87 Grad - Joe Faulise. They apparently really enjoyed their assignment in D.C. had a great house in Alexandria and most recently welcomed new daughter Ariel she was born 6 September 2003 so itwould appear that there is some time offwhile attending NWC. Joe, as usual, spent the time flying for Delta out ofSalt Lake City - quite a commute - and working on his handicap, which is now really a handicap as he recently took a golfball to the knee cap - he’ll have to tell the story as it involves technical golfterms like “Four” and “OctupleBogey”. Angie dodged the Joint Staff and is off to Scott AFB to work in the Joint Mobility Operations Center (JMOC). You will likely soon see Joe pull up to a Colonel and/or Handicapped parking spot at a military Golfing Course near you - don’t be too surprised as it is a continuing affirmation of Angie’s success as an officer, Air Force leader, and outstanding graduate of our class. I can’t wait to call her “Chief” someday. Hats off to you!

Darren Zwolinski (jdzski@sprintmail.com), who is famous among ’86 graduates becausehe is the very last person alphabetically to graduate in our class our unofficial anchor man ifyou will (not based on order of graduation mind you - though I am not saying that isn’t/wasn’t the case) writes the following: “Instead of going to get my root canal, I thought I’d send you an update. I take a lot of grief for ratting my buddies out, but I’m gonna make your life a little easier. So here we go. I am an IP on the C-40B (Boeing Business Jet/737-700) here in the 1st Airlift Squadron at Andrews. It is a great job, but you know the "attention to detail” BS they spouted at the Zoo, it is alive and well here. Let’s put it this way, there is a lot of downside to running a mission here, but it is very rewarding in terms of contributing to the war effort, supporting the administration’s desires and national policy. Anyway, I deployed for 55 days supporting Gen Franks during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Very interesting seeing our primary DV’s name roll across the CNN crawler while we’re carting him around. Stu Miller was also with me for all the deployment fun see picture. He is a Flight Examiner on the C-40, so I need to spend my per diem on beer to keep him happy.

He has been at Barksdale since closing Loring AFB, ME (Now the exciting site of Limestone Field DFAS - see you did learn something reading this article!) in 1993 and has bounced from the active-duty side to the Reserves and is now back on active duty as the Wing Weapons Officer. Melissa is a full-time Mom since Emily came along. Prior to that she was a GS-11 PublicAffairs Officer for the 917th Wing the Reserve wing here at Barksdale. They are active members of the First United Methodist church in Shreveport

Got some extra room here, so I will add that it isn’t too early to start thinking about “Reunion ’86” - the 20 year Gala Event will occur in just two short years - don’t know where the time has gone, but I do know where the Princess Slices are holding up. Watch here for details, and please shoot me an email ifyou are interested in being part of the “Committee” that is formed to pull this off.

I personally can’t wait as I need to replace my Class Crest red sweatshirt, which, I must sayis holdingup considerablywell - as is mybathrobe, which still sits on what is my very last hanger from my days at the zoo - dusted and hung LAW Cadet Regulations: arms crossed - belt tied at the waist.

Thatabout wraps it up for now as always, keep those cards andletters coming in and please don’t forget to 1) Tip your Waitresses, and 2) Join the AOG.

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti

500 Lunalilo Home Road, 1U

Honolulu, HI 96825

Phone and Fax: (808) 394-6397

E-mail: sharongiletti@aol.com

Happy New Year! I hope this edition of Checkpoints finds you all in good health and spirits. To those of you deployed, my prayers are with you and I wish you a rapid return home. If you ever have a chance to

Z and Stu Miller at “Work”!

Larry and Melissa at 2 OSS Christmas Party.

send any photos or email from your location, please do. I have really enjoyed reading our classmate, Cholene “Chuck” Espinoza’s journal entries as an imbedded journalist in Iraq. She’s had some interesting experiences. We’d love to hear about all you ’87 grads out there.

I only heard from a couple offolks this quarter. Kurt and Malia Spranger have broken ground on their home renovations in Tampa. How they find time between their two busy careers and raising three active boys amazes me. Additionally, Malia has moved over to SOCOM, overseeing USAF Reserve Affairs.

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I also got a great update from Dave Stilwell who was whiling away the time while he was stuck in chemical gear at ShawAFB. Dave is Commander ofthe 77th Fighter Squadron living the dream! He wrote: “Mark ‘Calvin’ Cline is here working as the MAAP Chief at USCENTAF. He did magnificent work building the plan that crushed Iraq. He and his wife, Mary, plus three girls (Michelle, Natalie and Kristen) leave next month for Luke en route to Hill where he’ll finally get back to flying after four years out of the cockpit.

“William ‘Q/Quigman/Willie Q/Billy’ Platt is still flying with the 153rd ARS at Meridian, MS most recently as Ops Officer and working homeland defense at Tyndall AFB, FL. Rumors abound as to perhaps moving up in the food chain. Greg ‘YT’ Whiting is an IP at KellyAFB in San Antonio flying with the Texas ANG. Bryan ‘Fuj’ Fujimoto came out to visit us here at Shaw from Randolph where he’s the chief of fighter assignments. And I saw Ross Pecker Woodley at Nellis; he’s commanding an Eagle squadron at Elmendorf." Dave hopes to make it back to the Oahu area in the future to live in the house he, his wife, and two children own. I can always help you out if you need a renter, Dave.

I wish you all a fabulous 2004 and remember, writing to your class scribe is always a great New Year’s resolution! Until next time—S

Mark Peters

2437 Bedford Circle

Bedford, TX 76021-1823

(817) 937-9696

E-mail: pylt@comcast.net

Greetings ’88! Let’s start with some older notes I found in my files. I met Tim Ashley again last year and buttonholed him for some additional info on what he’s been doing. After UPT at Columbus, he spent about eight years in the C-130 world mostly at Little Rock, followed by a stint with the North Carolina Guard flying the C-130. In ’98 he joined American andwhere he’s currently flying the 767 on domestic routes. He’s living in North Richland Hills, a suburb not too far from the DFW airport, married (Pam) with a son, Jeremy.

I was pleased to receive a Christmas card from Maureen BaillieRodriguez who has just moved to the DFW area. “Rene and I were married in June by the Grace Bailey’s Captain in Camden, ME. This is a picture of the family on the boat. Connor loves his two new sisters, Haley and Amy. We just moved to Keller, TX, and I’m now flying the Super-80 out of DFW.”

Tom Brogan, Kris Alden, Tim Powers, and Steve Dershem at the postAFNavy game tailgate in Nov '03.

“My family and I have been in D.C. at the Pentagon for a year now. I have seen a couple of other classmates since I have been here: Mike Canavan (CS-35) is working in Acquisition (SAF/AQ) and Russ Warner (CS-19) is in Warfighting Integration (AF/XI) with me. I have also been in touch with a couple of CS-26 friends of mine. Dave Santarelli is in the Air Force Reserves as Scott AFB. He is married with four children. John Niakaros just recently got back on active duty and is at Travis flying C-5s. He is married with two children. Hector Guevara (CS-08) is back on active duty again and back to Wright-Patterson with his wife and three children. Rob Howe (CS-16) and I caught up with each other at the Airlift/Tanker Association in October. Rob is at HQ/AMC with his wife and two children. Steve Hajosy (CS-19) has been over in Europe (Spain and Germany) for a few years with his wife and two children. Chad Sevigny (CS-02) was at Little Rock flying the C-130. Kevin Smagh (CS-11) is commanding the 9 CPTS at Beale with his wife and two children.

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“I know this is more information than you could put into five Checkpoints magazines, but I didn’t want you to be shorthanded again for awhile.” (Indeed! Space constraints won’t allow me to include all of it; more later.) Kris can be reached at: DSN 425-2711, or(703) 588-2711.

Peggy Bowes wrote me an email in December; here are her comments. “I recently joined the AOG, and I just thought I’d give you an update. I used to be Peggy Boldrick, but now I’m Peggy Bowes (married to John Bowes for 10 years), civilian, mother of two and part-time personal trainer and indoor cycling instructor (like Spinning). I got out in ’97, but I still check my mail every day and ground my utensils. Wouldn’t it be fun to conduct a survey of grads to see what USAFA habits still stay with them? You could publish the results in Checkpoints. I used to run into classmates all the time when I was active duty, but I hardly see anyone anymore, as my husband is stationed at a ‘remote’ location. He is in a Reserve unit at Williams Field (formerlyWilliams AFB). Boeing is modifying the T-38 with a new glass cockpit, and John FCFs (flight tests) the jets and delivers them to the UPT bases. Anyway, just thought I’d give you an update. Thanks for compiling the class info I’m sure it’s probably a thankless job that takes up a lot ofyour time.” Well, it does on occasion, but the job’s made easier with inputs from all ofyou. What Checkpoints column would be complete without my standard request: Please write your scribe! (Do it now!)

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 854 Westover Road

Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Home: (660) 563-3095

E-mail: p2a2@charter.net

Happy NewYear! With the help of Christmas letters, I have a lot ofinfo to pass along this month, so let's get right to it!

Maureen Baillie-Rodriguez and Family

Lastly, Kris Alden sent in the following, which was fortuitous given my somewhat limited “AOG In-Box” inputs this time around. "Early in 2003, when the Lt Col promotion board results were released for the class of ’87’s primary board, I noticed one ofmy fellow CS-29 Black Panther classmates, Rich Gannon, was on the list. Thisstarted me on a journey to attempt to reestablish contact with all of‘The Gang’ from my squadron. After a couple of months of phone calls and emails, I made contact with all but one of them. It was great fun catching up. Four of us got together for the AF-Navy football game and I have attached a picture. I have also attached some news and information on everyone I heard from. I have still not been able to locate Gail Swentkofske (Thompson). If you are out there Gail, please get in touch with me.

PJ Putnam writes from Texas where he is an associate for the oldest law firm in Dallas, Thompson & Knight. It was a busy year for the Putnam family, which started with both PJ and Jerilynn running the Austin Motorola Marathon, where they crossed the finish line holding hands! Newly weds, you say? Yes, they celebrated their first wedding anniversary in the spring! PJ also finished Southern Methodist University’s School of Law in ’03 with several honors - he graduated cum laude, was named the Outstanding Tax Clinic Law Student, was one of three students with most CommunityVolunteer hours, and was one of two students voted by his peers to receive the prestigious Kennedypost-graduation scholarship. After taking the Texas Bar Exam (which PJ later passed on the first try!) he and Jerilynn went on a whirlwind 3,500-mile road trip around the countryvisiting the Air Force Academy, family, and friends. PJ currently works in both the International Energy and Corporate sections at Thompson & Knight, while Jerilynn is teaching sophomores.

From the D.C. area comes our next update - Second Lieutenant Sean Jersey, a member of the Class of 2007 at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences at Bethesda. Yes, Sean is fulfilling a life-long dream of attending medical school with the associated reduction in rank to butter bar. again! I had the pleasure of serving with Sean at the Naval War College as members of the 2003 College of Naval Command and Staff, and I can attest to his impressive work ethic and intelligence. He spent the year in Newport attending NWC classes during the day and prerequisites for medical school at night while studying for the MCATs and doingvolunteer work at the hospital. All this while, as his wife, Tracey, said, being an “awesome daddy and husband” to her and their two children Shelley and Bryce. Shelley started preschool this year five mornings a week, and Bryce’s vocabulary is blossoming from his first word (hot) to numerous others including ball, you’re welcome, all gone, moon, sock, and sun. Tracey accomplished a long time goal in ’03 of running a marathon, completing the Marine Corps Marathon in 4 hours and 38 minutes.

Our next update is from Rochester, NY, where Tom Wessels is working for Stryker Corporation in its orthopedicimplants division as an operations manager. He is there with his wife, Mariam, and two daughters Anna (5) and Madeline (2 V2). Tom left the Air Force in September 1997 and stayed in the northernVirginia area for a couple years while he finished his MBA and worked for KPMG Consuiting. Tom has kept in touch with Paul Woznick and Rob Haber, also from CS-18. Last he heard Paul was flying satellites for Ball Aerospace and Rob was flying for Northwest, both living in Colorado.

sas, Gil Petrina took a break to drop us a line and say hello. Before attending school, Gil was a B-2 pilot at Whiteman AFB and deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. His wife, Carolyn, remains in Missouri keeping busy with their daughter Kelley who was born 30 Aug 03! Carolyn is also a VP in the Officers’ Spouses Club, a volunteer for the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, and started her own business. Gil was accepted to the School ofAdvanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Maxwell AFB and they will be moving to Alabama after he graduates in June.

The Warden family enjoys historic Virginia.

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Greg Boerwinkle, CS-40, dropped us a short note from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at MCB Quantico. His wife, Paula, and three kids Calvin (8), Anna (7), and Karl (4) are enjoying the area and are trying to see everything in D.C. before they PCS this summer to Special Operations Command - Pacific in Hawaii. One ofmy Campus Rads classmates from CS-39, Dave Pelletier, says hello from Altus AFB, OK where he is a C-17 instructor and has been home with his family most of 2003! Dave, his wife, Anne, and daughters Jessica (12), Bailey (7), and Julia (5) have enjoyed a “country” lifestyle and family time together.

John Warden, also a former B-2 pilot here at Whiteman, is now working trainingissues forAir Combat Command at LangleyAFB,VA. His wife, Holly, keeps busywith their kidsAshley (4) and JohnAshleyWardenV (whom they call Pete), who is just a few months old! Ashley is now in school and rides the bus three times a week. TheWardens “weathered” hurricane Isabel, which flooded their basementand left everything floating

Eric, Shelley, and Sam Chandler send a snowy greeting from Duluth, MN where Eric continues to fly the F-16. His unit recently upgraded to the C model, and Eric was promoted to major shortly before being furloughed from United Airlines. Good timing! Eric and Shelley are expecting their second child “any minute” - congrats! Sam turned three in Octoher and enjoys hiking (on dad’s shoulders), eating s’mores and catching fish. Just a fewmiles southeast ofDuluth residesThad Darger, wife, Danyel, daughters Alyx, Payton, Bradyn, and son Drew in Chicago, IL. Thad is entering his second year with Boston Scientific, andthe girls stay busy with gymnastics, softball, cheerleading, and Brownies/Girl Scouts.

Our last letter comes from Christy Kayser-Cook, who works at Scott AFB, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, as the command’s Test and Evaluation Manager for tanker aircraft. She is joined by husband, Gary, and daughters Emily and Haley. Emily loves to wear dresses, is doing well in gymnastics, and feeds, changes, and reads books to her dolls (sounds like my daughter!).Haley is their resident fashion model, wearing everyone else’s shoes and any hat/glasses she can get her hands on. Gary was deployed for OIF refueling B-2s and B-52s on pre-/post-strike missions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Dave Pelletier and the girls enjoy vacationing at Grand Falls in New Brunswick, Canada. Anne is taking the picture!

Another CS-39 classmate, Tony Pollizzi, writes from McGuire AFB, NJ, where he is stationed with his wife, Raquel, and son Dominic. Tony is an expert in the functioning of an Air Operations Center, and saw OIF from the “Operational Level ofWar.” He did manage to fly one C-130 mission andstood on the tarmac ofthe former Saddam International Airportjust a few weeks after theend of major hostilities. The Pollizzi family is expanding in 2004 - Raquel is due 2 June! Doug Malone, our final Campus Rads update, is doing well in North Carolina with his wife, Jacqui, and boys Thomasand Will. In early 2003 Jacqui had her stage debut in A Midsummer Nights Dream and is hoping for a part in the upcoming Mousetrap. The British accent is a definite bonus for her casting chances! Thomas played Little League and picked up the piano, while Will played TBall and took up gymnastics. Both love tennis, and Jacqui is dreaming about a Wimbledon final with the “Malone brothers.”

While attending the Army Command and General Staff College in Kan-

Best wishes to you and your families. Thanks to everyone for writing. Please keep those updates coming! 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 the news! To answer questions about the picture we ran in the last Checkpoints, the Mighty 90 Lady Firsties were posing in front of the “Bring Me Men” ramp—the AOG cropped the words out of the picture (for space constraint reasons, I’m sure).

DavidCroft: My first-time contribution to the news: I have been recently accepted into the Ph.D. program in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University ofTexas at Dallas.

Dave Delmonaco: I’ll be in Buenos Aires for the next year for ISS. We’ll put up almost anyone if they are looking for an Argentine vacation. Gracias y saludos.

Kevin Hoppin: I have moved to Northern Virginia, exchange duty with the Defense Trade Controls section of the State Department. Should be fun and a little different.

Jeff Wilkinson: I have been working at Hunter Douglas, Inc for almost two years now. My wife, Jana, and I just had our second child on 2 Dec 2003. Jessica Michelle is well as is her Mom.

Waldo Waldman: I am now living in Atlanta, GA where I am a Major in the AF Reserve (part time USAFA Liaison Officer). After dabbling in the business worldfor a few years, I started my own leadership and sales consulting firm two years ago called The Patriot Group. Essentially, I am a professional speaker and consultant and performinspirational speeches

The Petrinafamily celebrates the holidays!

on leadership, teamwork, and trust at major national conventions and sales meetings. It has been an interestingjourney and I truly enjoy what I do. I base a lot of my speeches on my combat experience asa fighter pilot, and motivate people to overcome their fears, stay focused on their dreams, and build trusting relationships with the ‘wingmen’ in their life. You can view my website and video clips ofmy speeches at www.patriotgroup.us. I am actually speaking on leadership at the Air Force Academy’s Annual LOD (Liaison Officer Director) Conference on 15 January 2004, and will also speak to some 500 cadets as well. Other ’90 updates: Paul Szostak (and his wife Alix) - finishing his master’s in International Relations in Madrid (Olmsted Scholar). One child named Max and another on the way. Tony Angelo still living in Seattle with his wife,Aileen, flying for Alaska Airlines and C-17s in the Reserve. Rob Ague - living in Atlanta, furloughed from Delta, flying with Moody AT-38s and trying his hand at financial services/investments. He and his wife also opened a children’s museum in Atlanta.

Steve Kiser: Am wrapping things up here in grad school, and will PCS this summer. I have no idea where I’ll be going but I did come out on the squadron DO list yesterday so hopefully I’ll be at a great intel squadron laterthis year. Will let you know when I actually get an assignment drop. I can’t wait to get back in the USAF I’m sick of school, to be frank.

Paul Lambertson: My wife, Michelle, and I are headed to AFIT in May for the IDE program (Master’s in Space Systems). Not sure how much AF that I remember from USAFA. Still flying the C-17 at McChord (and much sandier places...).

Pete Ford: All is well here in Monterey, CA... doing the school and Navy gig here at Golf Central West Coast style. Two wonderful little ones and a wife 100 times better than I deserve!

Mark Teal: My wife, Charyl, gave birth to our firstchild on 17 Dec: Alexander Perry Teal. I have been working for ICON Clinical Research for the past two years as the Software Development Manager. I have also been working in the Reserves asa Liaison Officer for six years and I see many of our classmates have discovered this benefit. It is a great way to maintain your commission to retirement while working full time in the private sector.

The Teal Family

John Bernhart: Christine, the girls (Hannah and Grace) and I PCSd from USAFA early this summer (June ’03) to Hickam AFB, HI. It was a good move and we are enjoying Hawaii thus far. I am working contingency/ strategic plans as part of the 502nd Air Operations Group here at PACAF. I have run into JeffLipsky, Dan Hauck, Phil Hardin and Joe Deane as well as numerous other grads from USAFA. I have included a recent photo of the family, or just point your browser to www.bernharts.com in order to keep up on our latest news. It is nice to get away from USAFA amongst all the turmoil, but being an AOC for CS-25 was a great experience and I feel that I have truly made a good difference in many of my cadets’ lives, as they did mine! I also am going through a bit of Falcon football withdrawal, but the beach is nice! Cheers, if any of you are passing through, please look us up!!

Jay Faltin: I am living in Orlando FL now and I work for Trane asa sales engineer. I never thought I would be using my mech degree. I’m happy to be back in the Sunshine State and close to family. I had lunch with Bill Eldridge (CS-05) a few weeks ago. He is at Maxwell attending some staff school and will be pinning on LTCol soon. Damn I feel old hearing about classmates being LtCol soon.

Jacqui Marty: Currently 737 First Officer for Alaska Airlines based out of LAX. Militarily: Major, AF Reserves flying KC-lOs (70 ARS) at Travis AFB, CA.

Bernie Willi: I am currently the DO at the H-60 Combined Test Force at Nellis AFB. We do all the Developmental and Operational testing for the HH-60G and anything related to the CSAR mission area. Also, my wife and I have a few rental properties in San Diego and Las Vegas so if anyone is looking for a newer house in those areas, we have some available for rent.

Bob Brankley: Our Little Girl, Cassidy Leigh Brankley, was born 12:05 PM on December 25th (A Christmas Day Baby). What a present. She was born with a head full of black hair. My wife, Frances, and baby are doing great I expect to get some sleep next week—ha ha. I hope all your Christmas was as wonderful as ours, and we’re looking forward to a great 2004.

The Rivera Family

Frank Rivera: Great News! Maya Elizabeth was born on December 20th at 4:20 pm. Contact information for everybody is on our website, USAFA90.com. Thanks!

Carson Tavenner

PSC 78, Box 7328

APO AP 96326-0073

DSN: (315) 225-4340

E-mail: tavenner@hotmail.com

Let’s open up with some wonderful reunion news! After more than 12 years of separation, best buds Michael Lawrence and John Wainaina finally got in touch with each other; John is living in Vancouver, B.C., and Mike’s at ACSC (more on that group below)! Though my wife, Wendy, and I had traveled several years ago to Kenya to see John (and his wife, Wendy, as well!) we managed to lose touch with theWainainas after they moved within Nairobi, and then heard faint word of John arriving in Vancouver while I was several dozen miles south in Seattle (in grad school). Attempts at contact (even with a trip up there, when I looked in the phone book) were to no avail; unknown to me, Mike had been wondering all this time about where John might be. So, when Mike contacted me on account of his being at ACSC, and I off-handedly asked him if he knew John’s address in Vancouver, he got all excited, jumped into cyberdetective mode and found the answer online! They spent two hours catching up on the phone (that’s all it took, Mike?). Just kidding. Neat story, eh? So, now Vancouver is on my list of places to visit again! All this brings to mind that during ’98-’00 Udeh was trying to contact Mark Powers for some help getting out ofAfrica. Anyone have any details?

Having mentioned ACSC, here’s what I believe is a fairly exhaustive (even definitive?) list of our grads currently at Maxwell, all of whom I think are also ACSC: Tony Bauernfeind, Steve Bleymaier, Steve Burgh, Angie Cadwell, Kris Colley, Ken Ekman, Kyle Gresham, Stacey Hawkins, Matt “Knocker” Isler, Mike Lawrence, Todd Levine, Corey Martin, Brian Newberry, Scot Peeke, Pat “Rat” Rhatigan, and Laura Soule. Thanks go to Angie and Knocker for getting the list out. Apparently Rob Perez (’92) is also there, but refuses to play intramural football and so they keep getting crushed! C’mon, Rob!

In November, though, at least five Bold Golders got together and shot us a good one:

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Sabre Society Donors

2003/2004 ACSCBold Golders,from left are Bleymaier (CS-16), Isler (CS34), Martin (CS-07), Cadwell (CS-23), and Gresham (CS-14).

I guess there isn’t much you can really say about yourself when you’re at Maxwell since (despite asking nicely - thank you Angie for spreading the word) only one of them, Scot Peeke, delivered some news. Just kidding, everyone. I knowyou’re all hard at work, reading... studying... writing. Just likewhen you were zoomies, right?

Anyway, it looks to me like Scot may have already arrived at Maxwell (Commander, 42 SFS) and connected with the ACSC crowd. If I’m mistaken, sorry ’bout that, Scot. He wrote, “Kim, Mackenzie, and I are proud to announce the birth [4 Nov] ofRichard Tristan Kekoa Peeke and Brianna Lorrenne Leinani Peeke. Mother and babies are doing very well! Mackenzie absolutely adores her new baby brother and sister and tries to help mommy whenever / wherever she can. We couldn’t have done it without all the wonderful help we’ve received from all our family and friends... THANKS! Sorry we’ve been a little out of touch lately... things have been really busy with the move, new job, new van, new puppy, new house, moving in, new school, new dance classes, and, of course, the new babies. Thankfully, things are settling down a little and we are slowly getting back to some of our family routines. We will try to stay in touch a little better in the future. We wish you and yours all the best over the coming holiday season! God Bless!” A PCS while pregnant with twins? Three cheers for Kim, I say!

Outside of Maxwell, and almost on the other side of the globe, Tony Mitchell has been doing a load of traveling around the Pacific (including a three-weeker in Australia!) as part of his job at the AF Research Lab Asian extension office (that’s not its name, but you understand what I mean). He, Siri and Kaiya live downtown in a nice place - Wendy, the kidsand I visit them often and let me tell you the city is grand! Living here in Camp Butmir, I can’t wait to get back to Tokyo! Also ayYokota is Todd May working in U.S. Forces Japan (joint job).

I heard from Dana Allen at Hurlburt but didn’t hear much on account of him ensuring we’d shored things up properly with Greg Fritz’ memorial. I also know Art Romero is back in the Springs, andthelast I heard from Don Yu is that he was still cranking out an insane schedule flying U2s (after being pulled in post-9/11).

Here’s a name you haven’t read often: Christopher Mann (currentlyAssistant Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Mobility Command). Having come to a point where he realized we didn’t know much about his life, he contributed this big fill-in for us: “Since finishing the Intern Program back in 1998, I PCSed to McConnell AFB where I spent three great years flying the KC-135R. I was fortunate enough to be picked up for crossflow in 2001, and reported to Charleston AFB to fly the C-17A later that year. (I actually arrived on base on 11 Sep 2001, just intime for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.) I thought I’d be at Charleston for a while (deployed numerous times, and I was also the Chief ofWing Operations Plans), but my tour ended up being only 20 months since I got an assignment as the Assistant Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Mobility Command. I arrived at Scott AFB in May 2003. Needless to say, I miss the flying, but I really enjoy the new job I’m getting a great perspective and there are many super people here at the AMC staff. In fact, I got my OJT from another ’91 grad, Tony Clavenna, who did a great job getting me up to speed. Thanks, Tony!”

Finally, from my best man, Ryan Farmer: “In October 2002,1 decided to leave working for the organization I had worked for the previous four years at Wright-Patterson and take on a new project while working at the Booz Allen Hamilton main office in Dayton. The move has turned out to be the best career move I have ever made! I was able to leverage off ofmy military and analytical background, as well as injecting some creativity to produce an outstanding product for our client and for the first time as a civilian it didn’t go unnoticed. So, this past October I became an “Assodate” with Booz Allen Hamilton. Probably anywhere else that’s middle management. Speaking of middle management, I’ve been a Major in the Reserves for over a year now. My unit handed me responsibility of planning a seminar we put on each April. It’s held at Hurlburt AFB near Ft. Walton Beach. I took the task cheerfully.”

Next issue, be ready for a test on Bill Casebeer’s new book. Don’t worry, it will be multiple choice!

Happy New Year, Bold Gold! Your friend, Tav.

r/ James S. Mehta

1 PSC 94, Box 1472

APO AE 09824

DSN: 314-676-6488

Home: jamesmehta@incirlik.net

Work: james.mehta@ogn.af.mil

Semper Excelsior. Once again ’92, you rose to the occasion. I received many e-mails and my challenge will be to fit them all in. Michelle and I just found out we are going to Nellis AFB this summer where I will be the OSI commander. As you will read later, 1992 already has the SFS commander position at Nellis.

Don’t believe everything you read. Continuing from last quarter when I printed Tania (Dutko) Daniels’ letter about the “scandal” at USAFA, I have two e-mails that assured me that “the sky is not falling” at USAFA. Dan Garber PCSed last summer from USAFA to the AF Information Warfare Battlelab. As an instructor and an AOC, he had first-hand knowledge about what happened. “Don’t believe all you read/see in the papers... The media and other ill-informed wonks caught wind of a one-sided sob story and ran and ran and ran...” Before moving to other news from Dan, I want to mention an e-mail from Steve Martinez. A large number of ’92 classmates are now assigned to USAFA providing professionalleadership to the Cadet Wing. According to Steve (CS-31, AOC), “There are a lot of changes going on, and this place is going to be so much better... It’s a blast to be working with America’s best... both cadets and permanent party personnel.”

OG),J.R. Twiford (34 OG), James Shigekane (CS-l/CC), Steve Martinez (CS-31ICC),Jen Wyrnn (34 OG), Steve Hasstedt (BiologyDept), Chuck Ford (CS-36/CC), Mark Stephens (CS-28/CC), Tim Zacharias (AOC Masters), Jerry DeMaio (Dept ofJustice Counterterrorism Div.), Todd McDowell (JA Liaison to 34 TRW) [Not shown: MarkBaroni (CS-8/CC'), and JeffStamp (History Dept).

The News. Back to Dan’s letter. Fred Taylor and his wife, Kimberly, are enjoying D.C. where Fred is an XO in the Missile Defense Agency. Fred Bravo is now stationed back a Dyess AFB with his wife, Debby, and going through IG school. Dan noted Fred Bravo could barely pass inspections asa cadet and wonders: “whiskey tango foxtrot!” Chuck Henderson, currently at Vance AFB, is headed to McGuire AFB for ISS with his wife, Tina, and their two boys. Mike Dodson and his new wife are expecting their firstchild this summer at Luke AFB. Steve Moyes is flying helos at Moody AFB and Doug Blackledge (helo IP) and his wife, Robin, are enjoying life at Kirtland AFB.

Kevin Cullen saw his name in Scotty Nowlin’s part of last quarter’s column anddecided to write. Since I haven’t heard from him since graduation, here’s his quick rundown. Kevin went into San Francisco after graduation and has been stationed at Malmstrom, Incirlik, Ramstein, Patrick, Lackland, and Moody. He became the SFS/CC at Nellis last summer. That’s why when I get to Nellis, ’92 will be “running” security and law enforcement on the base. Criminals and terrorists beware! Kevin and his wife, Sue, have been married for four years and have a boy (11) and a girl (2). Michelle and I are looking forward to seeing them when we get out there.

Chad Bremmon, another first time “caller,” wrote to say he felt bad I didn’t get many e-mails last time (I really must have sounded pathetic). Chad separated in 1997 and is a computer consultant working as an instructor for IBM-Rational teaching classes in Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, and software engineering practices. I think Tania (Dutko) Daniels’ letter struck a chord with him and motivated him to write. He knows that he and many other classmatesfeel the same as Tania, but also knows it carries much more credibility coming from one of our female classmates. From Chad and all of us, thanks again, Tania.

“Mommy! Look what we gotyoufor Christmas! Daddy’s HEAD!”

From left are Dave Lindsay (OSIDet/CC), Mark Ciccarello (AthleticDept), Eric Ujfalusy (94 FTS), Tom Nicholson (AOC Masters), Brandon Baker (94 FTS), Clarke Pleasants (CS-18/CC),John Majewski (34

A1 Bloir wrote from Dover AFB where he and Brian Cessna have both returned to fly C-5s. They have been making a lot of trips into Iraq, flying there almost exclusively. Al’s old CS-28 roommate, Mike Maguire, is flying C-17s at Charleston AFB. A1 also mentioned he used to flythrough Incirlik a lot, but not anymore. (Don’t I know it... not many airplanes around here.)

Layne Kasper sent a good picture of him and Dave Tupaj enjoying a cold one on the 19th hole in Dallas. Layne is already in the civilian world and Dave is getting ready to enter it and was doing job interviews in Dallas. Dave is currentlyflying F-16s out ofLuke. Layne’s take on things: “Apparently flyingjets leaves more free time than myjob in mergers and acquisitions, because Dave’ golfgame has never been better. He started off the day with an eagle and proceeded to whip me all over the course.”

Layne Kasper and Dave Tupaj enjoying the 19th hole.

Tim and Elissa Stong sent me a note announcing the birth of their second son (first is Caleb): Cameron Lee Stong whoarrived on Aug 17, 2003. Christmas Cards. Nicole (Foster) Greenwood is a regular contributor and I am on her permanent Christmas card list. She and her husband, Jeff, have some big news this year. Besides PCSing to Vandenberg AFB this year, they are expecting their second child in July (Garrett is two years old). They live down the street from James Camerena and Dan Jones (’93) and Nicole is getting involved in the local AOG chapter.

Another regular writer is Alisha (and Jeff) Stamp. Their Christmas card arrived carrying news oftheir manytrips and time spentwith family. They are starting their final semester at USAFA where Jeff is teaching history and look forward to getting a new assignment soon. As always, I appreciate the letters (even if our classmates don’t write them).

Rokaw signing in. Last time, I reported that Mike and Angela Rokaw were in the D.C. area, but I didn’t know where he was working. He reports that he is at NRO, but his real job is to respond to every desire of little Sophie, now 17 months old, who has him wrapped around her little finger (his words, not mine). He loves being a dad and is amazed at how differently he views life now. Hopefully, when we PCS to Nellis, Michelle and I will get to see them a lot since Angela’s family is from Las Vegas.

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Here’s a toast... Unfortunately, I have to conclude on a sad note. A True Blue ’92 graduate was killed in a flying accident in Afghanistan in Novemher. According to a 26 Nov 03 AF News Service article, DoD “officialsidentilled four airmen killed in an MH-53M Pave Low helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Nov. 23. The airmen were supporting Operation Mountain Resolve as part ofOperation EnduringFreedom... One ofthe airmen killed was Maj. Steven Plumhoff, 33, of Neshanic Station, N.J.” A separate artide from 4 Dec 03 from Hurlburt Field reported, “A ceremony here Dec. 3 honored four airmen who were killed when their MH-53 Pave Low helicopter crashed in Afghanistan on Nov. 23. About 2,000 people attended the ceremony. An enormous American Flag displayed behind the stage set the tone for the patriotic ceremony that remembered the lives of the

three airmen from the 20th Special Operations Squadron here. ...The ceremony also remembered the pilot of the helicopter who died in the crash, Maj. Steven Plumhoff from the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.”

Take Care. I leave you with a photo of Paul Pidgeon who PCSed from here to Stuttgart, Germany. This time he brought his family his wife and six boys. Finally, please remember Steve Plumhoff and his family in your prayers. God bless, 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

Spring Greetings to the class of 1993! I hope all is well in your world and that 2004 will continue to b great for you! Lori and I had a great opportunity to spend Christmas at Coronado Island in sunny San Diego! If you want an awesome getaway - try the Del Coronado! We hit the beach, the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Kingdom, shops and many great restaurants! I needed a vacation to recover from my vacation. No new assignment news on my front. Hopefully we’ll have some news for you the next article!

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I know that we are all happy that Saddam Hussein (pronounced in-sane) was plucked from the dust ofthe earth just prior to Christmas. I know we all remember those days during the first Desert Storm when the U.S. Military liberated Kuwait. Let’s see... I think I was taking a nap in my room and their was an announcement over the intercom. Who would have thought a little over a decade later we would get the guy for good.

Unfortunately this article will be a bit on the short side. The reunion was a great opportunity for all of us to catch up on the changes that have occurred since 1993. For those of you who were not at the reunion, this article is a great opportunity to keep everyone abreast of the changes in your life! Keep the news flowing! I know most ofyou are very busy with a myriad ofdifferent events from holidays to moving. I want to continue to encourageeveryone in the class to contribute to our article. I am sure the bulk of everyone who reads this is really interested in hearing about all the great Holiday stories. Call, write, e-mail, crayola or Magic Markerhowever you choose to let the class knowhow you are doing, make sure we continue to make our article the best in Checkpoints'.

On to the news... Kevin, Kelly, Matthew and Megan Kosefeski are doing well in the United Kingdom. Kevin is at Mildenhall AB and is home a lot more thanwhen he was in Florida. Theirhouse is just a touch smaller (okay incredibly smaller) than their former assignment, but they have found ways to form closets out of nothing. Matthew and Megan are attending a British Montessori school. Well, ahem, does that mean their accents will change? We wish you the best and thanks for the update. Count Lori and I in late summer to early fall for a visit Kosefeskis!

Brendan Harris gave me a funny and informative update on the Harris family 2003 events. Brendan and Becky and family are doing well and continue to enjoy living in Las Vegas, NV Brendan enjoys being an intelligence officer for the weapons school at Nellis AFB.

Joe and Kristin Sucich are enjoying San Antonio, TX. Joe is on active duty orders flying C-5s at Lackland AFB, TX. He continues to go around the world mainly towards Kuwait and also out in the Pacific. Looking at their Christmas picture, Dylan, Matthew and Erin are all growing so fast and I am sure keeping their parents on guard at all times.

Marc and Lisa Holloway live outside of Philadelphia. Marc still works for BAE systems in Lansdale, PA. He is the program manager for a bunch of electronic warfare products including parts for the F/A-18E/F Super

Paul Pidgeon with Class Scribe.

Sabre Society Donors

Marc, Lisa and Alex wishing everyone Happy

Hornet, as well as the jamming transmitters on the EA-6B Prowler. Marc and BAE’s efforts (and inventory) have definitely helped the AF fight the global war on terrorism. He sends his apology for not attending the 10year reunion, but he has a great reason! He and Lisa are the proud parents of a baby boy - Alex. Much to the dismay of all the Cowboy fans, Marc and family are die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fans. Alex attended his first tailgate party at the Eagles-Forty-Niners game in December.

Marc updates us on Dave Leonelli who is currently assigned/living/ working out in San Diego with his wife and two boys. He also heard from Brice Middleton who is now a father getting ready for his assignment at Dover AFB. Brice will fly that large aerodynamic piece of magic affectionately know as the C-5. Thanks for the great update Marc and congratulations on a great and healthy baby boy!

I know many have enquired about our class web site. I am currently working with a fewmembers on our class to stand it up again. In the interim, Jeff Kubik has opened a class email forum through the address usafa93@yahoogroups.com to keep in touch with everyone. Thanks for the great work Jeff and your Christmas message. You can access the web site bygoing to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/usafa93/. I know several ofyou had great ideas for a web site. We’ll get them going. Now is a great time to talk about class news.

First, and foremost, thanks again for a great 10-year reunion. I know everyone had a great time. The class charter should be completed by the end of the second quarter ofthis year as should the class officer selection with a vote complete and counted by this fall. Also, our class donation officer (yet to be named) will create our class donor program to compete with the likes of those at USAFA we have followed. I know that there are some classmates working on a cadet-mentoring program with the AOG and I encourage you to continue. As we grow, this mentoring program will become a larger part of the AOG and will form a great professional bond between cadetand graduate.

Look for an update email from me. Make sure that ifyour email address has changed, that I get an email letting me know. The email addresses I use to update you on class officer voting, donor program, etc. will be the one that is registered at the AOG! Please make sure it is up-to-date.

Char McCreadie checked in brieflyletting us know that she continues to do well in the D.C. area. Thanks Char!

Phil and Amy Tucker send an update from NorthernVirginia where Phil flies the mighty 757 (a.k.a. AF Two). Their daughter Caroline loves preschool. She hadthe distinct honor of being a sheep in their Christmas Pageant. Their son Jack is a true-blue little boy. Amy says he doesn’t understand why his parents insist on using words as he sees nothing wrong with grunting and pointing. (I remember Phil doing that a lot at USAFA, especially after a long night out!). Thanks for the great update!

Again, I apologize about the article being a bit short. I lookforward to all your updates in the spring! Lori, Collin and I hope that your 2004 is the best yet!

C.C. M. Masotti

CMR 480 Box 1168

APO AE 09128-1168

W: 011-49-711-680-4131

DSN: 314-430-4131

E-mail: masottic@eucom.mil

or: bowhead94@hotmail.com

Greetings from Germany ’94! I’ve been here just over two months now and onlyyesterdaygot myhome phoneworking and still don’t have home e-mail access... what an adventure this has been! Actually, it really has been terrific so far, but more about me later... class news first!

I got a newsy e-mail from proud Ironmen Erik and Jennifer VanWeezendonk (Sunnyvale, CA). With some pretty intensive training (and some problematic knee issues for each of them), the two were able to finish the Florida Ironman in 11:48 and 13:34, respectively. When they’re not swimming, biking or running (or thinking of first names for little van Weezendonks they’d like to have in the future), Erik flies for SkyWest in support of Delta and United and Jen works satellite programs at Onizuka. They provided updates on the following: Mike and Becky Schnabel (F-16 pilot/Weapons School IP, Nellis AFB proud parents of new baby girl); Clint and Renee Warner (T-38 IP, Vance AFB just welcorned baby Sarah Elizabeth to their family); Mike and TammyBosilijevac (NEABCP Pilot, Offutt—two kids); Steve Woods (lawyer at Houston firm); Greg and Deb McCleary (ANG C-130 pilot, Baltimore). Erik has been able to use airline trips to visit Tom and Tara Moore andkids (ROTC Instructor, Bozeman MT Tom’s hometown) and Mike and Heather Graham (USNA exchange student, Navy Reservist, law school student with Steve Woods) and their threekids in El Paso. Thanks Erik & Jen for the great update and congrats on your Ironman successes!

I also heard from Ethan Stanton (BoozAllen Hamilton, DC), who shared a great picture from Chrisand Kristen O’Brien’s 8 Nov wedding in Boston. Chris works in New Jersey for Merrill Lynch while Dr. Rory Dunham is an Orthopedic Surgeon at Tinker.

Ethan and Rory celebrate with newlywed Chris O’Brien.

I’m fortunate to have somewhat regular contact with Bob Goodwin (Chief of Staff to Iraq’s Interim Health Minister, Baghdad) and get some good updates from him especially because he’s able to counter some ofthe negative CNN coverage with personal, up-close observations, which I’d like to share in his words: “Things in Iraq are still going very well and our team is really doing a great job out here. The healthcare system is fully stabilized and better than pre-war conditions. I am more confident about the bright future of Iraq every day and I know they will be successful in creating a government that respects individual rights and freedoms. Many people thought we could come over here and just build an entirely new system for the Iraqis to take over. Kind of like leaving them a new car when they don’t know how to drive. The car would surely be wrecked soon after. It is not that they don’t have the visual acuity or motor skills but they have just never been given the opportunity behind the wheel. I think the ‘car’ we leave over here will have major problems and won’t run well. However, once they take ownership and decide that it needs new tires, a radiator, windshield and paint in a color of their choosing then we will see some pride in ownership.” Fortunately, an Oval Office meeting between the New Minister of Health andPresident Bush gave Bob the opportunity to spend the holidays at home before heading back to Baghdad for the “home stretch” as he works to ensure his ministry is the first to turn things over to the Iraqis.

ErikandJen VanWeezendonk after theFlorida Ironman: “Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles... then bragfor the rest ofyour life!”

Bob Goodwin witnesses the removal ofa statue ofSaddam’s head at the CPA palace.

As usual, Chuck Baird was kind enough to forward your updates from the homepage. Several Californians signed in recently, including Maria (Donovan) and Matt Brogdon (San Diego, new daughter Olivia); and a San Jose gang... Kristi Kluck (Project Mgr for Clark Construction, SJSU); Kevin Pfeil (Sr Engineering Mgr); and Ryan Kenny (Electrical Engineer in Lockheed Martin Leadership Development Program and MBA student at Santa Clara University). Do you guys ever see eachother?

From the East Coast: Bryan Dater (Mechanical Engineer, Long Island); Dr. Chad Hivnor (MD, Philadelphia); Peg Moskaluk (OSI, Andrews); Ted Gatlin (Action Officer, Pentagon). And further south: David Kirby (pilot, Charleston); Mike and Heidi Grunwald (Chief of Intel Training, Shaw); Doug Russell (F-16s, Shaw); and Lance “Tex”and Nancy Whitfill (AFSOC Financial Analyst, Hurlburt Nancy is the 16 SOW Comptroller). Others that signed in were Paul Dudley (C-17s, McChord); Mark Blomme (F-15S IP, Khamis Mushayt, KSA); Jodi (Maternowski) Vittori (Instructor, USAFA); Pat Woods; David “Piff” Piffererio (F15Es, Nellis); Jeff Dalrymple (Pilot, Columbus); Jeff Lingens (Logistics Readiness, Mildenhall); Gary Crupi (Pewaukee WI); and Brady and Suzanne (Dean ’95) Johnson (Rutland OH, Reservists at WPAFB; in civilian life Brady: Transportation Engineer, Ohio DoT; Suzanne: full-time mom to baby Laura Jean).

Other than that, Europe seems to be a popular place for our classmates and plenty of other grads. Nick Kozdras PCSd to Ramstein about the same time I came to Stuttgart. He’s the Chief ofTheater C4I Transformation Plans and is basically working comm plans for any expansion and movement of forces into Eastern Europe. He was even here in Stuttgart the other day so I got to say a very hurried hello as I was off to greet GEN Abizaid and his delegation.

When I’m not running around with DV visits, I’m trying to make the most of my time here in Europe. So far, I’vebeen to London for Thanksgiving, Rome for Christmas (ran into Mike Foutch, ’95, and family at the USO), and Paris for New Year’s. USAFA swim team pal Greg Soukup (’92) joined me for the Paris trip and we spent a great NewYear’s Eve with Col JeffJackson (’79, U.S. Air Attache to France) and his bride, LaMonte, and with Col John and Kelly Cottam (’81, U.S. ODC Chief to France) we had a mouthwatering multi-course mealand then walked down to the Eiffel Tower for the midnight festivities and an earlymorning carousel ride to start off2004, then returned to the Jacksons for dessert and champagne!

Gregisn’t the onlyswimmerhere—also here is bride-to-be Sarah Kerwin, who’s on the EUCOM Public Affairs staffand is busyprepping for her summer wedding to Neil, a British major she met here in Stuttgart. She and I just took a daytrip to Gerardmer, France (in theVosges mountains inAlsace) to do our part to support France’s fine linen industry! Additionally, I’ve been able to spend some time with Matt Wadd (’95, EUCOM Security Matters); Paul and Laureen Pidgeon (’92, EUCOM J-4 staff—with six gorgeous boys from nine months to nine years old!); Col Charlie Ayala (’79, Deputy Commander, DISA-Europe) and my former boss, Maj Gen Jeff Kohler (’73, EUCOM J-5) and his bride, Colleen all ofwhom have been wonderful at helping me get settled here. Come visit sometime and I’ll show you how great it is! I hope you all are doing well and are having a peaceful and prosperous 2004! Hope to see many of you soon or at least at our reunion this fall! Take care and God Bless!C.C.

R. Travis Koch

1072 Napa Way Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 499-8242

richard.koch@eglin.af.mil

traviskoch@yahool.com

Fellow Gold Taggers. Happy New Year and hope you allhad a great winter holiday. I am excited to be your new class scribe. I want to thank Don Kang for passing the torch and congrats to him on his acceptance to FWIC this spring. Good luck. There are a few things that I could use from you all. The first one is updates. If I don’t hear from you, you won’t get your name mentioned. Drop me a note and let me knowwhat’s up in your world. Second, don’t be afraid to send me feedback, good or bad. Finally, the days of thinking it’s “not cool” to get your name in Checkpoints is over. We’re all adults here folks so get over it Sang Park, Joe Javorski, and the many others that are out there. By the way, cadet jokes make me laugh, so I hope you like them.

To catch you up on my life, I am currently married and living in Destin, FL, working at Eglin AFB with Brian Schafer. Schafes got back from Japan last summer and loves life on the Emerald Coast. Steve Alexander is in our squadron as well and is doing great. Brian Bartee is also down here at Eglin with his family. Schafes and I ran into Greg Bender last spring. Greg lives in NYC and trades gold on Wall Street. How appropri

ate. Anyway, Bender was down in Panama City for a triathlon. He was warming up for his Ironman inWisconsin later that summer. Rex “George Bailey” Ballinger madethe trek to Madison to cheer Greg onto survival. Rex and Nikki (Gumina) are doing well. They are currently moving from Kansas City to Washington DC where Nikki will be one of two to serve in a combined residency program in D.C. Congrats, Nik. Other congratulations go out to Paul Moga and Jeremy Durtschi for being the first ’95ers selected to fly the F/A-22 Raptor. Great job guys and good luck.

Now for the John Hamby section of our update. “Bone” is out ofthe AF, and currently living in the D.C. area. He had to move from California where he had aspirations to be mayor of his town. He had a rough fall and actually had to take time off work... when the Red Sox lost in the playoffs. He recovered well though, finishing second in the regular season in Air Bowl 4, the most competitive fantasy football league in the nation. Others in the league were Dave Hamiel, Kenny Butler, Rex Ballinger, Kevin Pfeil (’94), Tom Hamrock (’96) and Sang Park. Kenny is married (Patti) and living in Colorado Springs. The Bulters hosted a great Halloween party lastfall. Colby Hoefar and the Butlers have gotten the tailgate scene of the USAFA football games down to a science. I highly recommend you watch the Falcons with them if given the chance. Can’t get tickets? Call Dermot Coll, who is working in the athletic department at USAFA, and has more connections thanAT&T. Just kidding. Derm is doing great though and is laying the roots for a future run for Senate out of Colorado. Vote early and often.

As for the West coast update, everyone is getting engaged. Down in L.A. Rick Bolander popped the question lastfall. Rick and Noel Kellywill be touring the country this spring with their band, Cerulean. Keep an eye out for them and check out their band at www.ceruleanmusic.com

Jason Rishel also got engaged and we all lookforward to meeting her. Jim Toumi is engaged as well and is living in Anchorage, AK. Sang Park took a trip to Korea for a month where he pickled his liver, touched base with some ofhis old posse, and reminded himselfwhy he, “will never get married.” If ever vacationing in Korea, take Sang. Matt Baade is living in Phoenix and is on his way to making his first million. Scott Cerone is in Tucson flying the A-10 and has a great family. I saw a ton offolks inVegas last month. Scott Arbogahst is instructing at the Weapons School. Arbo is doing great but has to leave his family for a 90-day trip to Egypt. Be safe, brother.

There were a few ’95ers not mentioned in the last issue that graduated from WIC this past December. Jim Alexander (SOF), Steve Bording (B52s), and Cavan Craddock (F-15Cs) all finished strong. Congratulations to them and the others upon finishing the grueling course. There were a number of folks in Vegas the same weekend as the graduation weekend. Among them were Jeffand Nikki Bottorff, Michael Mills, Chris Mills, Jake Malloy, Sean and Mimi Cotter, Pete and Sharon Sheridan, and Milesand Audrey (Alcorn) Mathieus. Good Times. Unfortunately, Mike Pugh and Steve Gorowski could not join us because they were too busy shoveling their sidewalks in Minneapolis. Sorry boys, we didn’t have any fun. Fortunate for those two, they have married well out oftheir league and were blessed with the company of their wives for the weekend.

Sean Cotter’s million dollar smile as THUNDERBIRD 10.

Overseas: I know there are a number of us overseas but here are the few I know. Although Ty Little lives in Seattle, his C-17 has been overseas most of the year. Chad Balettie has been flying A-10s in Bagram but should be back in Germany with his family by the time this comes out. Garret Lowe has been in Japan flying F-16s for the past few years and I think has four kids now. Jason and Kristen Cockrum are in Germany. Mike Thode is married and living in Alaska. Dane Crawford just moved over to Japan. I know there are more out there; let me know of others that I have missed.

BabyAlert! There must be something in the water because everyone is having kids. Nick and Bridgett Guttman had their first boy, Camron. Dan

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and Mirlo McAlister have a boy named Donovan. John and Susie Decker gave birth to a boy named Ty. Jason and Cheri (Cobb) Tone just gave birth to their first boy, “Jake’’. Mike and Sheri Mills just gave birth to their second daughter, Tyler Marie. Also, I promised I would not mention Joe Javorski and YvonneStevenson had a beautiful baby girl, Maya. So I won’t.

Tyler Marie Mills already has Dad wrapped around herfinger.

One last thing, I saw Curt Green in a “break off” on MTV last week. That was awesome. I’ll get to thoseI’ve missed next month. Send me some pictures too. Till then, God Bless. T. Koch.

Melissa S. Cunningham 220 Bowens Mill Drive Bonaire, GA 31005

(478) 975-9707/DSN:468-1622

E-mail: fmcunningham@aol.com or melissa.cunningham@robins.af.mil

Happy NewYear! I can’t believe the year has flown by so quickly and we are already zipping through 2004! This will be a big year for many with a few pay raises and our Major’s board scheduled for this fall. My sister, who is currently a two-degree, reminded me that Majors are “old.” I rememberwhen I thought that too funny how your perspective seems to change.

Fred and I were fortunate to spend the holidaystogether with our families. It was nice to have a break and not spend the entire two weeks prepping for a war and uncertaintylike we did in 2003. Below is a photo from our annual motorcycle trip through the Smoky Mountains to unwind after Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Girls Weekend in NYC:Melissa Cunningham (Davidson), Melissa Phillips (Baumann), ColleenJohnson (Lehne), TracyCoyne (DuPree), Andi Vinyard, Kerre Ellis, andJennifer Hammerstedt.

Jobi Turner wrote in from Ramstein. Kurt Kremser, Dan Begin, and Jobi are flying C-130s with the 37 AS. Dan is actually on his way back to Little Rock and was recently engaged.

From Lakenheath: Nate Hesse and George Schwarts are flying F-15Es and just returned from a desert deployment. Bret Borches just PCSed from Guam to Lackenheath and is heading up the Services squadron.

News fro Keflevik, Iceland: Matt Schexnyder is a lone ’96er flying UH60s on this remote.

Just got a note from Kyle Kloeckner who started out with us and after stop out finished with ’97. He is currently deployed to A1 Udeid asa theater comm engineer but usually resides at Elmendorf as the chief of maintenance in the comm squadron. He asked that I pass a hello along to all the Bricks.

I also received an e-mail update from Mark “Guts” Garnet. He is currently serving as the Brigade ALO at Ft Drum, NY. Mike is happily married to his beautiful wife, April for five years. They have two daughters: McKenzie (4) and Katie (2) who are anxiously awaiting his return. He’s been deployed to Afghanistan supporting OEF for the last eight months. He’s had some exciting experiences including a blocking mission with the Romanian Army and many more classified missions.

R&Rfor the Cunninghams after OIF.

Another highlight of the year was a little ’96 Ladies’ Weekend in New York City. Andi Vinyard, our resident world traveler, put together a fabulous itineraryincluding ice skating at Rockefeller Center, Broadwayshows, Rockette’s Christmas show, tour of the World Trade Center memorial site and... shopping. We came from all over the country during what turned out to be the first major snowstorm in theNortheast. We bravedthe weather andhad an incredible time.

Kerre Ellis recently returned from Osan and is now stationed at Cannon AFB. AndiVinyard will be completing the Intern Program this spring and heads off to Boise, ID. Jen Hammerstedt is completing her exec tour at Langley. Colleen (Lehne) Johnson is wrapping up a recruiting tour in L.A. Melissa (Baumann) Phillips is aT-37 flight commander at Sheppard AFB. Tracy (Dupree) Coyne is a proud mother of Connor Coyne and still manages to work an Intel position the D.C. area. Erik is currently attending law school in Maryland and will come back into the AF upon completion of school. Jen (Spindle) Caballero got snowed in while in Pittsburgh and was unable to make it into New York. She and Tom Caballero are now stationed at Peterson. They have a new addition to the family, Gabriella. Tom is in the Reserves and working with Nextel in Denver.

Mark, Col William Garrett (Brigade Commander) and Lt Col Bentley (FieldArtillery Commander) during an air assault mission.

During an air assault mission, his team cleared some circling Harriers to drop two GBU-12s and one GBU-16 on some “bad guys.” The humorous part of the mission was that where they made their initial drop from the helicopter. Apparently, theydropped into a local farmer’s marijuana/ opium field. The farmers didn’t seem too happy, but didn’t give the guys with the big guns a hard time. For all of his efforts, the Army presented Mark with a Bronze Star. Mike will be back to Misawa AB, Japan soon to fly the F-16 CJ in May. He’ll stop by Luke AFB so that they can teach him how to “fly” again after his stint with the Army.

That’s the entire new scoop that I’ve recently received. Please continue to send emails and letters to help me beefup this column. BestWishes in 2004! 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

Hi everyone! I hope your 2004 has started well. Last update I mentioned I’d be attending the Air Force-Navy game in Landover, MD. Well,

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Caption: Mel, Kim, Matt, Abel, and Mike at theAir Force-Navy Game. wouldn’t you know that I bumped into the 75 FS bunch from Pope AFB fresh off their return from Iraq. I was wandering around the unfriendly confines of the Fed-Ex Field parking lot looking for some friendly faces and happened onto Mike McKee, Kim (Reed) Campbell, Abel Ramos, and Matt Domsalla and their family and friends having a tailgate. We had a great time catching up and getting ready for the great game that followed even though we went on to lose the game. I also ran into David Ray and his wife, Angela. D Ray is now out of the Air Force and was at one time working for the Raytheon Corporation although I am not sure if that is still the case.

A few weeks after the game, Mike and his wife, Kathee, dropped me an email announcing the birth their daughter Olivia Grace McKee. Olivia was born on Nov 16, 2003 (two weeks early) at 9:01am.

Kathee, Olivia Grace, and Mike McKee.

Chris Ledford sent me a letter with some news about some fellow grads along with news of a new addition to his family. Chris is working at the USAF Force Protection Battlelab at Lackland AFB, TX where he’s been since Jan 2003. Chris passed on news that Eric Springer is at Mountain Home AFB, ID where he is the Operations Officer in the security forces squadron. Previous to the new assignment, Eric was at Ramstein where his daughter was born. Dan Burtz and his wife, Angie, visited San Antonio from Holloman AFB, NM where Dan is in Space Operations. Chris also passed on some news about some of our classmates running around the Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland. Steve Maturo is starting ENT residency this year, Chris Lebrun is in Orthopedic Surgery, GregTay-

lor is in Internal Medicine, and Dan LaMar is a fourth-year medical student at USUHS doing two rotations at Wilford Hall.Chris added he heard from Steve Newstead who is flying Special Ops C-130s out of Kadena AB, Japan.

The biggest news from Chris was the announcement ofthe birth ofhis third daughter, Hannah Catharyn who born in July of 2003. Check out the great photo Chris sent. Pictured from left with proud papa Chris are oldest daughter Caely, new baby Hannah Catharyn, and middle daughter Abbey Grace.

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David Carlson and his wife,Linda, sent me their 2003 holiday newsletter which detailed some of the many happenings throughout the past year. David began 2003 deployed to Ganci Air Base in Kyrgyzstan in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom, where he was in charge of the operations and maintenance of the base infrastructure. Shortly after his deployment ended, David and Linda left Ramstein, Germany fortheir new assignment at Moody Air Force Base, GA. David and Linda recently purchased a home in the area but won’t be able to get too comfortable as David has another deployment scheduled to Iraq early in 2004.

That’s all I’ve got for this go-round. Drop me a line when you get a chance...Mel

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that you were with loved ones to celebrate. I am writing this article in January and it is a balmy 75 degrees in Tucson while back at the Academy the temps are in the negatives! I am now six months pregnant and anxiously awaiting my husband’s arrival back from Afghanistan in March and then the arrival of our son just one month later. It will be a busy spring for my family. I don’t have a lot to report this time but I am headed to Tara Vice’s wedding, to Troy Cappelli, this weekend, and hopefully I will run into a few classmates while I am there. Here is what I have for this month.

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Beth Stohlman (Zeman) wrote that she and Andy had a babyboy, Chase, on the 4th of July. She separated after he was born and is now a happy civilian, still coaching the American kids swim team at Ramstein, the Kaiserslautern Kingfish Rich andErika (Cottrell) Tanner recentlyhopped over from Charleston for a visit. Richjust finished C-17IP school, and Erika was on terminal leave. She plans to join the Reserves and go back to school to get her master’s. They had the news that Jeremy Klomp was selected as an Olmsted Scholar. He and his wife, Tammy, will spend a year in Monterey at DLI and then the next two years studying in Shanghai. Beth has also been in touch with Mark Emiley who separated and is now working for Boeing and living in Seattle. Over Labor Day weekend she and Andy ran into Christel Helquist and herhusband at theVan Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. She is flying E-3s with a NATO unit at Geikenkirchen. They also heard from Krista (Steenbergen) Marchand, who is now at AFIT working on her master’s in physics and will follow on as a physics instructor at the Academy.

Brad Stevens got married in August, and is flying K-135s at McConnell. They see a lot of Dan DeYoung and his wife, Julie, who were married in March. He is flying C-21s currently, but will move to McChord in January to fly C-17s. Jannell (Zicarelli) MacAulay will be transitioning from the C-21 to the C-130; she and Chris will be going to Pope for their next assignment. Erik Bilstrom arrived at Ramstein in May and is flying C-130s. Joy Boston also just got here after a year in Korea. Dave Baumgartner, Jason Alderman, Sandra Grindle and Max Pearson are also seen around Ramstein from time to time. Beth and Andy should be getting their next assignment any day and may already have it by the time this is published. In Beth’s words“it’s been fun living in Europe but we’re ready to get back to the land of shopping malls and 24-hour convenience!”

The next update I got in from Jamie Anderson (Melton). This has been a reallybusy summer for the Anderson’s! Jaime left active duty at the end

Caption: The Ledford Family: USAFA Teed up.

of May to be a stay-at-home Mom and she loves it. She is now an Air Force Reservist at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii what a hardship assignment... Keith and Jaime welcomed their second child, a son, EthanWalker Anderson on 6 June 2003. Both Ethan and big sister Abigail, four, are doing great. Keith started his last year oflaw school at Ohio State University and will be attending JAG school next fall. He also finished the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB in September for the second year in a row. You can reach Jamie and Keith at Anderson0718@aol.com.

I also got a short update from Alex Ackerman. He and his family are finallyleaving England. He is headed to James Madison Universitywhere he will be working on his master’s degree. When he finishes that he will head back to the Academy where he will be teaching in the Computer Science department.

Lastly, I heard from Bob Schreiner, who got married on 11 Oct at, you guessed it, USAFA. He and new wife,Nicole, were joinedby Brian Collins, still in C-17s at Charleston; Brian Carroll, C-130s at Little Rock; Rick Chadwick, C-17s at Charleston (just PCS’d); Geoff Hindmarsh, KC-135S at McConnell; and Gage Anderson, C-5s at Travis. Also, Brian McFarland (Engineering at Kirtland) and Todd Nathaniel (’97, Acquisitions/Engineering in D.C.) were there. Nicole is a GS in Public Affairs for the Air Force. She was recently promoted and got a job in the Pentagon. She and Bob now work about 50 feet from each other as he is still working in XOI at the Pentagon.

we’ve had several all-’99 flights raging over the Utah desert. Recent arrivals to Hill were Jason Ohrenberger and TJ Kreutzer, joining Kristi Diebel in the 34th Fighter Squadron. It took until August to finally get everyone together for a promotion party, but it was definitely one for the ages. It started at 10 a.m. with Bloody Marys and featured a walking tour of eight houses, each offering food and libation. Proudly, every ’99er made it to all eight houses, and when I called it a night at 2 a.m. the next morning things were still going strong. Unfortunately, no pictures of the group poor planning on my part. We’re scheduling a group shot on the top of Mt Ogden beforethe ski season ends. We’re still shoveling snow from the biggest storm in seven years, and with snowfall totals already 110% of the annual expected, I think a ski trip to Utah would be well worth your time.

I did get some pictures from Seth Deam, who took a Viper ride back in August. He pulled 8.9 G’s, did all the aero, and failed to lose his cookies. Not bad, Seth, although you got jipped bigtime on the G’s. However, it sounds like the acq career is paying off in spades.

Bob Schreiner and wife, Nicole, on their wedding day in Colorado.

That’s it for this update. I have less than 900 words in thisarticle and we can have 1200 so keep those updates coming. I hope you are all enjoying2004. 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 - well, it’s January as I’m writing this, and as much as I feel like wishing everyone a Happy New Year, I know you won’t be reading this until February or March, so I’ll resign myself to talking about class news as usual.

Nick Evans, Matt Crowell, Terry Blakemore, and I continue in our careers as pilots ofthe worlds’ cutting edge fighter platform at Hill AFB, UT in the 4th Fighter Squadron. Nick, Matt, and Terry are all flight leads, so

Seth Deam, doinghis part to protect theskies over theFloridaPanhandle.

I also got an e-mail from Ed and Cory Frazier (Gadus) who are now stationed at Nellis AFB, NV. Cory works with the Predators in OSW/OIF/ OEF, and Ed helped create a new course at the Weapons School for Intel officers and then had to go through it! His class graduated on 13 DEC 03! Meanwhile, Cory was busy as a contestant on Wheel ofFortune. She made it to the bonus round, but none of the words she made up were found in the puzzle (or the English dictionary).

Shifting gears, here is the shakedown on assignments from the FAIP mafia at Vance AFB: Aaron Redfern, A-10 to D.M; Craig Swierzbin, MC130H to Hurlburt; Matt Thiel, MC-130H to Kadena; Tom Gustin, F-15E to Seymour Johnson; Travis Higbee, F-16 to Luke; Chris Garber, C-130 to Pope; Tim Miller, F-16 to Luke; and Beau Miller, F-16 to Luke. Craig also got hitched back in October.

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YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Jamie Anderson (Melton) with daughterAbigail and son Ethan on Halloween.

From left in the top row are Matt Thiel and the best man, Val LeMaire. In the bottom row are Marc Johnson, Nick Register (Duke ’99), Craig's wife, Jamie; Daryl Klenda (’98), and Bryan Thomas (Clemson ’96).

Karina Emhof got married Sept. 20 in Huntington Beach, CA to Capt Ben Beard, a U.S.M.C. Harrier pilot. They met in high school. It just took them several years to realize they are made for each other. Jenny Kabat and Jenn Ortiz were among the bridesmaids. Jenny is flying B-52s at Minot, ND and Jenn is on her way to Okinawa as a maintenance officer. Karina and Ben will eventually settle down in Yuma, AZ where they are buying a house.

Karina andJenn savor the moment during the wedding celebration.

In other wedding news, Dave Bergin married CrystalHelquist (’98) back in July. Dave just finished an A-10 tour in Korea. Ryan Harris, Simon Palfery, Winston Wolczak and Travis Walters were in attendance.

As for our friend Travis, he continues to fly at Sheppard asa volunteer Tweet FAIR meaning he’ll pretty much be on the bonus by the time he leaves there (seven years!). Big news for him, his wife gave birth 12 Aug 03 to daughter Carlie Jane. Nice work Travis! As for the other shiners at Sheppard, Ben Griffith, who was recently married to a beautiful girl named Jessica (still no pictures, Ben!), and Mike Andersen round out the Tweet FAIP Mafia. On the ’38 side, Kevin Pritz (whose wife, Katie, recently gave birth to their son Eli), Tim Stevens, and Clint Kliethermes are a having a fine time and looking forward to new assignments this year. In other exciting news, Scott Weyermullerjust started UPT at ENJJPT. Congratulations Scott, and best ofluck. I hope Travis andthe boys aren’t too hard on you.

A few other random faces have stopped in here at Hill. DJ Wittich and Dan Kaercher flew out for a memorial dedication that my squadron hosted for Jorma Huhtala. DJ manages space programs Cape Canaveral and Dan is finishing up a T-37 FAIP tour at Vance and will soon be moving on to the F- 15E. Will Reynolds also stopped in for a CFPS course here at Hill, fresh from a six months tour flying A-10s in support of operations in Afghanistan. Mike Bullard and Sean Baerman are in Will’s squadron and where also in Afghanistan. Sean also spent a short tour in the CAOC with Dan Diehl. Dan flies B-ls in South Dakota, and hasalso rotated through flying duties in the Middle East. I also ran into Jason Sanderson at the Class VI early one morning. He was passing through on the way back to Elmendorf, where he flies C-130s.

Friends, that concludes this issue. A big thanks to everyone who contributed once again, you’ve made my job easy.

Jason “JW” Simmons

110 Mara Court

Prattville, AL 36066

Email: Simmons@HotPop.com

Jason.Simmons@Maxwell.af.mil

With the holidays and all, I figured hearing from more ofyou, but we’ve all been pretty busy lately. As I mentioned last time, I recently got orders and am headed to Ramstein AB. I’m goingto the 1st Air & Space Comm Ops Sqd. I’m headed out the door, but my private email will still tie me to everyone. Some folks have asked about updating information with theAOG. I highly recommend doingjust that; email or call them with your updated address. And while you’re doing that, update your info on the class website too; ifyou want to get your address off the web, send it to me directly with a note. And now for the updates...

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Zach Turcotte recently was engaged to his girlfriend Jessica and planned for an August 21st wedding in the Twin Cities area. Zachflies the KC-135 out of Grand Forks AFB, ND. Chris Israel and his wife, Katrina, celebratedthe birth of their son, Christopher Mark Israel

II, on 13 October, just eight days after their daughter’s 2nd birthday. They’re still at Andrews AFB, MD, where Chris is now working as the Group Executive Officer for the89th Ops Group (an ’82 grad). Looking to go back to UPT, Chris is working with AETC and AFPC to be reinstated sometime next year.

Recently taken that step is Bryan Trinkle who married April Duncan on Nov 29th, in Corpus Christi, TX. I was able to help celebrate along with some other grad buddies. We weren’t able to get ahold of the pictures in time, but next issue will include that wedding picture. Matt Russel was married to Erika Knowlan this last August. Between building a house in Valdosta and spending time with the T-6 FAIP Mafia andthe East Coast Demo Team, he’s staying busy. Another very recent marriage was Evelyn (Andersen) and Ross Schumer, who ran off to Jamaica in December and had their nuptials barefoot on the beaches of Negril. They said the trip and ceremony were amazing and betterthan they could have imagined. Pictured below is their wedding party, all seemingly wearing nice tans!

Abby Albert, Carrie (friend), Mary (Evelyn’s sister), Evelyn (Andersen) Schumer, Ross Schumer, Brett Schumer (’98, Ross’s Brother), Adam (Ross’ brother), and Dave Wright.

Brad Salmi and his wife, Jodi, celebrated the holidays with the birth of their first son. Ashton Michael was born November 22nd at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. This will be a one and only child according to both parents!

Casey Tinianow will finish medical school at the University of Michigan on 4 June. She will be going into OB/GYN and will be stationed at Lackland AFB for the next four years. She can’t wait to get back into the service and catch up with everyone. Some of our pilots got their jets recently: Nate Diller, Kip Johnson, Andy Martin and Jammie Himsl graduated from UPT at Sheppard AFB on 31 Oct. Nate, Kip and Andy will be flying the F-16 and Jammie will be flying the F-15C. All four will be at Moody AFB for IFF this spring. Joy Param is stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England doing Intel for the 100thWing. Chris Hall recently returned from AEF Blue at Tallil AB, Iraq, serving as the Operations Group Exec. He’s still living in Montgomery, AL with his wife, Carrie, andworks on the CMOS program in the Standard Systems Group at Gunter.

Laura Terry’s mother got in touch with me and relays that Laura is TDY to Doha, Qatar and has met up with several other classmates and plays beach volleyball in the desert and is having an interesting time.Her permanent station is Mtn Home AFB, Idaho as an intelligence officer. Carlos Mararac is at A1 Udeid Qatar and ran into Terry and other grads back in November. Carlosshared the following: Blair Watkinson is doing great things as a C-130 copilot/tactician, and is in the same squadron with Rob Reed, and Matt Elleby, Brian Raridon, and Steve Marshall. Josh Ritzman was there from Pope flying Herks too; James O’Brien is flying Herks with the Tennessee Guard. A few of them bumped into the Huhman’s (Greg

and Emily) who were headed to Fairchild (KC-135s). Tre Teasley and Ryan Chmielewski had just arrived in November. Joe Sorenstam keeps them all safe he’s an SP, but transitioning to CCT! Nino Armendariz was also out there flying J-Stars. Carlos summed it up fairly well, “Yeah man, it’s a big reunion out in this great big sandbox.” I’m sure many other reunions are and have been occurring. I hope everyone is doing well over there, is having good times, and most importantly makes it back safe.

It’s always good to run into each other. So, when you hear of a Two Grand grad coming to your area, be sure to help him/her out. The AF is a small place and we are certainly going to be moving up the ranks together. Speaking of which... I don’t know about you guys, but my shoulders are just itching to get those Captains’ bars. The way I figure it we’ve only got one more class news and then we’ll have to put some promotion party pictures in here. Hey, see ya around campus. Jason

Faith Dunn (Hitchcock)

203 Seaton Circle Montgomery, AL 36116 fire_it_up_40@hotmail.com or Faith.Dunn@gunter.af.mil

Happy Holidays ’Olers!

Hope this update finds everyone happy and healthy and enjoying the holidays with family and friends. I have a lot of updates this time around so I’ll get straight to the point.

a girl named Jenn. Nate Dodd is also headed to McConnell for 135s - he is married to a girl named Annie and they have a little boy. Michael Thompson (married to a girl named Susan and expecting a little girl next month) is going to Moody for HC-130s.

Some grads from Corpus with C-130 follow-ons: Raul and Angela (Feldman) Ochoa are at Elmendorf; JD Hendrickson is at Pope; Joey Sullivan is headed to Kadena for MC-130s. Andy Lee is now a T-l student at Laughlin after finishing his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rice. For other smarties... ChrisCarden spent two years in France for the Gerhardt Scholarship, got married to another American he met in Paris and is now at Sheppard for UPT. Mike Cunningham was at the JFK School at Harvard for his Masters and is awaiting UPT. David Diehl, Ryan Simms, Mike Mulligan, David Schneider and Josh Doty earned their wings on Oct 3rd. Dave Diehl and his wife, Nicole, just celebrated the birth oftheir first baby, Paige Madison, and are headed to Travis AFB where he will fly KC-lOs with David Schneider. Ryan Simms has just moved to Altus for C-17 training. Mike Mulligan is headed Dyess AFB where he’ll fly B-ls. Josh and his wife, Darah, also gave birth to a baby girl, Kirsten Abigail, and are heading to Ramstein AB to fly C-2 Is.

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Steph Soltis writes that she is flying C-17s out of McChord and bought a house but spends most of her time in Germany andthe Middle East in support of OEF/OIF. Other ’Ol’s at McChord are Bryan Bailey, DJ and Lauren Palagi (Wagner), Alex Pelbath, Heather Huot, JD Farriss, Andrew Oiland and Pete Grossenbach and Lisa Jorgensen. Steph says they see each other at Rhein-Main in Germany or A1 Udeid AB in Qatar more often than on base. Mike Pasquino is doing well in Charleston and keeps busyflying the C-17 to Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq. Brad Reuter, Alan Partridge, Steve Wick and Dennis Nita are also there flying C-17s. Casey Woods, Joe Giadone, Mitch Randolph, Pete Donnelly, Ryan Lowe, Jesus Cosme, Ben Hoeg, Vince Livie and Rob Krueger are flying KC-lOs at McGuire, and Justin Watson is flying them down at Travis. Rob got married to a girl named Chandra back in May 03 at the USAFA chapel. Darrell Walton is flying A-10s at Eielsonand Mark Jackson will shortly be joining the Huey unit up at FE Warren. Hector Collazo is at Little Rock for the C-130 schoolhouseand goes back to Navy Corpus in March before he heads to RAF Mildenhall to fly Talon IIs in October. Mark Skalko got married almost a year ago at the USAFA chapel - he and his wife are at Robins AFB where he fliesthe KC-135. Mike Gosma is a T-6 FAIP at Moody and got married last August to Meaghan Hall. Mike Hiatt is in F-15C FTU at Tyndall and should be finished in February. He married a girl named Kelly in Kansas back in August. Kelii Chock, Kevin Crofton, Matt Johnston, and Matt Speer are all in F-16 RTU at Kelly AFB, TX training with the Air Nat’l Guard. They are scheduled to graduate in April 04 and then Kelii will head to Kunsan AB, Kevin to Shaw AFB, Matt Johnston to Osan AB and Matt Speer to Spangdahlem AB. Erin Van Oosten is at Andrews flying C-21s with Makia Epie, Keegan McConnaughey, Jason O’Brien, and Jachin Finch and Becky Wyffels, who just got engaged to Paul Murphy who’s at McGuire flying KC- 10s. Jenna Sharp is flying C- 130s at Ramstein. Ryan Mclain is at Tyndall flying F-15s.

Colleen Crabtree (French) got married last December to Scott Crabtree (’98) and sent this update from Laughlin. She is a T-l FAIP at Laughlin with Erick Pacheco (married to a girl named Robin with a little one on the way), Zach Hall, and Shawn Johnson and Nancy Badgett (Rosenow). Drew Badgett, Dean Laansma, Jonathan Somogyi, Jeff Anderson (married a girl named Natalie), Stacie Pratt and Ryan Menath are flying the T6. Nannette Menath (Ohman), Mike Reilly, and Brent Curtis are in the Tweet. Ryan Lucero and Jerimy MacLellan are in the T-38. Jerimy married Kylie Adams, ’02 almost a year ago. Christine Love, Steph Boff, Scott Hamilton (now married to a girl named Rachel) are also flying the T-1 at Columbus and Steve Hoffert got FAIPed to the T-37. Ashley Burrill is flying C-21 s at Scott. Marty Laye and Mitchell Randolph are at Travis for KC-lOs. Steph Daniels is at Grand Forks flying KC-135S... she’s been in Afghanistan and Diego Garcia logging tons ofcombat hours and has been struck by lightning (in the plane) five times they call her “Sparky”!

Jason Feuring, Vince Sherer, Nick DiCapua, Ryan Hayde, Nate Owen, Craig Morash, Tom Kenewske, Jenny Schoeck and Dustin Ireland are at Davis-Monthan flyingA-lOs. Dustin and Aubrie Rooneyjust got engaged - she’s in Contracting at Wright-Pat. Will Soto is flying 135s at Kadena. Neal Poppe is at McConnell flying ’135s and got married this past year to

Josh Doty with wife, Darah, and daughter Kirsten. Dave Diehl and his wife, Nicole and their daughter Paige.

On our non-rated side: CathyAdams married Shaun Germain (’02) and is doing Airfield Ops at Sheppard. Chrissy Compton is at Moody for Comm. Liz Yesue married Nathan Maertens (’00) and they are at Elmendorf.Mike Isbill is married and at Laughlin for Security Forces. Kendra (Marks) and Patrick Lowe are also at Laughlin doing Personnel and CE, respectively. Travis and Lindsay (Payne) Logsdon are at Laughlin for PublicAffairs and Finance. Tanika Archermarried Glen Gonzales (’99) and is down the road at Lackland for Intelligence. John Gately is doing comm at McGuire. Liz Newcomb is engaged to a Navy helo pilot and living in Florida. Jason Morris and Greg Ball are living in Washington DC; Jason is in manpower at Andrews and Greg is a Protocol Officer at Bolling. Greg was just nominated to serve as Georgetown University’s Graduate Fellow in the Center for the Study of the Presidency and is the President of Citizens United for Ethical Government. Tim Cook is at Wright-Pat getting his master’s at AFIT. He and his wife just had a little girl back in Oct. Derek Argel is the toughest man alive asa combat contrailer stationed out of Hurlburt in Florida.

andJen Cook with their new

As for me, Mike Dunn and I got married on 1 Nov 03 in Destin, FL. We had a beautiful wedding and were able to celebrate the night away with lots of friends and family including Givey Kochanowski, Jim Schiess, Ja-

Tim

babygirl, Adrianna.

I PCSed up to Gunter Annex in Montgomery, AL after our honeymoon at Lake Tahoe and work in the AF Network Operations Center. We are enjoying married life and living in the same state for once! Well, thanks again for all the great updates and keep them coming. Take care ofyourselves! Faith

Tony Carson

3452 E. Kiehl Ave., Apt. 5210 Sherwood, AR 71210 tonyc02@yahoo.com

Class Website: www.usafa02.org

Class of 2002,

I hope that everyone had a great holiday season. As for class news, Stew Parker wrote, “James Ariglio, Eli Mitchell, and I are the ’02ers that chose Special Tactics. Eli and I had our “cherryjumps” (first jump not at jump school) last April, and got our redberets along with 11 airmen after graduating Combat Control School in September. James graduates in December. Our class was featured on “Mail Call” on the History Channel last month. Eliand I are at Hurlburt prepping for Special Forces Combat Dive School in January. The rest of our advanced skills training will be here at Hurbie with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.

Mark Cramer got married in Chicago on September 27th and a few RTBs were able to attend.

communications tech school in Biloxi, MS a couple of months ago. He ran into Christina Collins and Angie Markle, now personnel officers at CanonAFB and TinkerAFB, respectively. PJ LaBarbera received his wings last month and will be going to Illinois to fly C-130s for the guard unit up there. Amy Eichelberger, Suzy Ledyard, Kristina Guerrero, Pat McBride, Justin Long, Yancey Walker and a number of others also finished pilot training down at Corpus Christi NAS. Kim Arsenault will be flying KC135s at Fairchild AFB. Brooke Bauer recently got married to a ’03er, Cooper Bozarth.

Currently in the T-38 program at Columbus AFB are TonyStraw, Chesley Smith, Sam Meinrod, Dan Scheurs, Robby Hansel, Kory Klismith, Elizabeth Young, Robin Lease, Jared Hand, AdamWickes, Dan Gable, andAndy Rule. Ty Ellision and Erin Reynolds are going on to fly F-15Cs, Rob Stimpson, Kevin Walsh, Travis Clegg, and Pat McGarry will be flying F16s. Aaron Celusta and Keith Clay are going to A-10s. On the airlift side, Niki Van Wout is going to be flying the C-21 while Scott Motley, Courtney Hamrick, and Jason Hansberger are going on to fly the C-17.

Thanks to those who contributed information for this article, I appredate the help. Anthony Carson, Class Scribe

Richard Giles Whiting, Jr.

50 Craigie St., Apt. 8 Summerville MA 02143 USAFABONG@hotmail.com

The majority of this quarter’s Checkpoints article comes from Keny Ruffin who graciouslyhelped me track a lot of you down (thanks Keny). It seems from all the updates that 2003 is doing well as we enter the new year.

How sad 2003 (BONG!) has come and gone and all that is left is for us to cherish the memories of the “easy” life at the Academy and really start our careers in the “real air force”. Well, at least some of us. Folks like Bryan Blew, Mark Rosenow, Susan Doyle, and our fearless leader R. Giles Whiting are literally chillin’ up in Boston at Harvard’s JFK School of Government. Others like Jeanae Jackson, Sarah Halberg, Laurel Huber,Allison Todd, and Sarah (Malberg) Maramba are at Vanderbilt School ofNursing in Tennessee. Kim Broughton, Dan Anderson, Steve Edstrom, and Katie Crow have made it through their first semesterat USUHS while Liz Rini is loving Loyola Medical School in Chicago. Owen Hill is in California doing an internship withThe RAND Corporation. Oh, Mark Hickie, Caleb Earnest, Craig VanBeuskon, Dan Morales, Mark Sakai, JeremyMalasky, JoeAkin, Matt Wroten, and Len Wholey are geeking it up at MIT. Our hardcore special ops guys (i.e. Jerad Warren and Danny Magruder) are off to ATC in the CCT pipeline; Dave Toepher finished up Indoc and is anxious to become a CRO.

None Yet

Sabre Society Donors

Across the flyingworld, I’ve heard that Josh Boudreaux and Dennis Zabka got T-38s at Columbus andZach Counts and Pat Killingsworth are just about done with Tweets at ENJJPT. Here at Moody, I (Kenyatta Ruffin) got T-38s and am on myway to Columbus. I know there’s dozens ofother folks in UPT and we want to knowwhat track you’re in, so let Giles and me know via the email address given above. Paul Mayo,AshleyRobinson, and Phillip Patrick are already operational since they have finished up space and missile training.

Regarding other announcements, it seems like everyone is tying the knot. I went down to Hurlburt Field to see Andy Bogusky get married to his high school love Cat. His old roommate Ryan Goodlin also got married to a friendfrom home, Ashley. Matt Burniston finally convinced the girl he's been chasing since he was eight years old to marry him; sorry Beth. Amy Britton is at Shaw and is engaged to Chris Weaton (’00); they’ll be married in October. Annie Rietze and James Hamman (’02) have also set their date for October.Rick Jaime proposed over New Years. I proposed last October to Chaplain (Capt) Crystal Jones’ sister Tane and will be married in July. Over Christmas, Kelly Chellman got engaged to her long-time boyfriend Lee Sandusky (’01).

Good luck to the crew off to endure their six-week stint relearning MSS at Maxwell... congrats to those who survived their time already and a special “AIRPOWER” goes out to those DGs from ASBC.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ve gotta get back to chair flying and send this to Giles before hebeats me up. Next article we’re really looking for anyone who’s out there doing some cool stuff, so please don’t hesitate to let us know. Please send updates, pictures etc to: USAFABong@hotmail.com. Keep in touch and blue skies.

son Feuring, Jeff Feuring, Mark Lennon, Brent Bak, Melanie Bates, and Elliot Nelsen.

Picturesfrom theHitchcock-Dunn Wedding. In the bottom row are Brent Bak, Jim Schiess and Mark Lennon. In the top row are JeffFeuring, Givey Kochanowski, Mike Dunn andJason Feuring. At right are Mikeand Faith (Hitchcock) Dunn.

In attendance at the Cramer wedding, from left are Carlos Jayme, Tami Becker, Christian Paasch, Michelle (Poeckes) Van’t Land, Nick Sammons, Erin Farrell, Justin Rufa, Mark Cramer and his wife, Angela. Carlos Jayme, now a communications officer at the Air Intelligence Agency at Lackland AFB, finished

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