Checkpoints December 2006

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EXECUTIVE OFFICE

President/CEO: James A. Shaw, '67

COMMUNICATIONS

Vice President: Dick Rauschkolb, '70

Editor/Photography:

Senior

Advertising:

Web

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edward E. Legasey, '67, Board Chair

Steve Finch, '65, Vice Chair

Marianne LaRivee, '80, Secretary

James A. Shaw, '67, President/CEO

Bill Boisture Jr., '67

Mike Christy, '63

Ed Eberhart, '68

Edie Edmondson, '92

Mike Flynn, '95

Marty France, '81

Jack N. Kucera, '78

Gilbert D. Mook, '67

John T. Moore, '78

Amber D. O'Grady, '96

Alan V. Rogers, '64

Pat Rosenow, '76

Dr. Leon Smith-Harrison, '75

Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: (719) 472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: (719) 333-4194, E-mail: editor@aogusafa.org.) A portion ofyour dues pays for your magazine subscription. Additional copies may be purchased for $2.50 each, plus $4.05 for shipping. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints. Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those ofthe authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association ofGraduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy, September 2006.

Room for all views

I don’t know Roy Miller, ’67.1 would never presume to speak for him, whether I knew him or not. But I find the immediate response to Roy’s letter in the September Checkpoints to be inappropriate. None ofRoy’s opinions contained factual inaccuracies (far as I can tell) sufficient to warrant the response provided. The response yielded what I perceived as an unintentionally condescending comeback by a person with an obvious vested interest—at least where the Center for Character Development is concerned. It (the response) suggests that Roy’s opinions were/are somehow invalid in light of the deeper knowledge presumed by the responder.

Well all opinions are valid. That’s the nature ofopinions. One might agree or disagree at various levels with those that Roy shared. However, the response implied that the opinions expressed were simply wrong. Intended or not, the responder’s tone implied even more. I found it insulting.

Now, like all former cadets, I have my own opinions on the Cadet Honor Code and its evolution. I suspect most would disagree with me. Though it’s not my intent to share them here, a summary thought is that one needs to carefully review the meaning ofthe word “Cadet” in “Cadet Honor Code.” One ofmy many unsolicited opinions is that the meaning has migrated far from the possessive end ofthe spectrum (a code owned by cadets) to the objective (a code administered upon cadets). Even with all the incredible challenges posed by letting today’s cadets, molded by today’s culture, own their own code, it’s likely the only way the code can retain or reclaim the meaning we all share. When I was a cadet, I never once doubted that the code belonged to us. Ifyou don’t believe todays cadets can handle that ownership, you will most certainly be proven right. Personally, I hold as specious any argument that we need to own it for them for a while till they’re ready to own it themselves. That’s a role for upperclassmen, not senior officers—or grads.

One might imagine my opinions align more closely with those ofRoy Miller than with those ofthe responder. Actually, when Roy says things like, “... if we enforce the Honor Code ...,” they do not. Nevertheless, my opinion is that the response in the “Letters” section was simply wrong as a matter ofprinciple and procedure. And my opinions are always valid, no matter how much you disagree.

Col. (Ret.) AlJaniszewski, Class of1976

Easier Academy access appreciated

This last Sunday morning another classmate and I went to the O-Club for Sunday Brunch. Access at the north gate was easy. The

inspection was polite, brief, and respectful. Thanks to the AOG for getting the base to make access more reasonable.

J. Gary Bender, Class of1963

Foundation issue

I encourage each member of the AOG to read the recently posted minutes ofthe 21 Oct 06 AOG Board meeting and discover the true purpose of the proposed Foundation. Forget about the stated purposes outlined in the slick presentation and concentrate on the following gem:

The Foundation willsubsidize AOG operations byproviding “an annual operating budget amount to the AOG.

What does this mean? Very simply it means that the AOG will be subservient to the Foundation and since the Foundation will hold the “gold” it can make the rules. This is nothing more than a naked and disgusting attempt by the same group ofAOG Directors to stay in power. Notice also the sense of urgency in having closure by April 2007 while they still control the AOG Board through their selective appointments offolks under the guise of “continuity.” I need no other proof. The whole maneuver is disgusting and all those members of the AOG Board who subscribe to this Foundation charade should be embarrassed.

I guarantee that enacting this ill conceived plan will be divisive and destructive to the AOG.

Notwithstanding any possible merits on the Foundation proposal, the only fair vote on this ill-conceived initiative would be a vote by truly elected directors not by those who appointed themselves. To have a fair vote, we need a membership vote or we would need to wait until after the Directors elected in 2007 are installed in office.

Hector Andres Negroni, Class of1961

Ed.—The Foundation proposal is addressed in the Board Chair’s Letter (pg. 6) in this issue o/’Checkpoints and there is a good discussion of theproposal on www.zoomination.com

The rest of the story

I should correct one small item that appeared in the caption above the painting {High Art, June 2006), so no one will think I was getting some pretty amazing privileges as a fourth classman. I actually made the painting during the spring semester of my firstclass (senior) year, not during my doolie year as reported.

Seeing it in the magazine came as quite a surprise. The reason is that when you called me in May, I thought we were talking about a different painting in the series! In fact, I didn’t even know that the Yossarian painting had been kept by the Academy.

At the time ofthe ’67 June Week exhibition, the individual paintings weren’t officially named. The instructor, Capt. Kielcheski, just entitled my series of seven or eight paintings “The State ofMan” or was it “The Condition ofMan”? I don’t recall. My personal name for the painting you ran in Checkpoints the Yossarian painting, was “Survivor.” At the time, I had not yet read “Catch-22”, and of course had not seen the movie, which was released later, so I was unfamiliar with the Yossarian character. The figure in “Survivor” is exhausted, probably deeply shocked, and unsure ofwhat is coming next. But he is not defeated. He has struggled through somehow, still even holding a thing he wants to keep. Maybe he is even a hero, not yet clothed by myth-makers. I think Yossarian and “Survivor” would probably like each other iftheyhappened to meet. Maybe they’d each consider it a compliment to be mistaken for the other.

Thanks again for having chosen to show “Survivor”, aka Yossarian, in Checkpoints. I also want to express my gratitude to my instructor Captain Kielcheski, the Art Department, and the Academy for having given me the opportunity to explore these ideas on canvas.

Greg Smith, Class of1967

Gone, but not forgotten

It was great to see an article about my favorite sport and athletes no matter how diminished their abilities! Unfortunately a name was missing from the list offallen Lacrosse Alumni.

Russell Earl Voris, ’68, was one of our first two Lacrosse All-Americans and was KLA in Cambodia on June 24, 1970. He was the hardest working guy I have ever known whether it was lacrosse or academics (#1 in his major). He was from Jefferson City (Buffalo Chip), Mo., and claimed his biggest adjustment to the Academy was having to wear shoes every day. How often we had to laugh at his description of a downpour including cow and a flat rock.

He was our squadron commander and lacrosse co-captain. As a “Bible Belt Baptist,” he never missed church. He was my roommate in season in Friendly First and for some ridiculous reason agreed to be my roommate in pilot training where he outworked everybody to get a fighter (A-37). We were the odd couple before Neil Simon ever wrote his play. He was not only my classmate, teammate and roommate, he was my brother. I know that when he turned final for that last shot he was still going for the pipe.

Mike Cryer, Class of1968

Fabulous response!

TheAOG was recentlyapproachedbyHugh Williamson, 64, to advertise a high levelposition he was trying tofill within his company He asked that it be advertisedby direct e-mail to certain classes which he specified. Tom Oliver, 69, receivedthat notice andaskedthat we similarly advertise a position that he hadopen within his company. Again, the notice was sent to specifiedclasses. Tom writes below about the success ofthis venture.

This was a wonderful experience for me. I wish the AOG would open up to do more of this type ofactivity. It is so much easier in business and in life to deal with academy grads from all of the academies (I have spent time at the Coast Guard Academy and one year at the Merchant Marine Academy). Every thing is based on trust and integrity. If I can trust a grad to start with, the relationship grows so much faster because I have the confidence in their integrity and that they will do what they say. This speeds up business relationships and partnership immensely.

The response from the CoolSystems/Game Ready position opportunity was quick and rich. Three AFA grads responded for the posted job, three grads were interested in other sales jobs, three grad responses for business to business opportunities and two ofmy lost ’69 classmates reached out to me. Wow! We are interested in some ofthe candidates that responded to other sales positions within our company. Several West Point grads were in the mix and one Navy grad. The other good news is that I was able to fill the position with a great person (he was in the Navy Reserve, retired 0-6) and he has already started work.

I appreciate other grads reaching out. After the responses, I wish we had some way to allow those grads in business to reach out to those other grads that are also in business. When working with someone new, I feel so much more trusting if I know that I am dealing with another grad which could be from any service academy. Again, it is a quick way to ground the partnership to move forward quickly. iSABRD is good but I do not use it that much. We would probably need something in between.

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to post my job through the AOG. Go Falcons!

Tom Oliver, Class of1969

Reconnect with your classmates at ZoomieNation byvisitingwww.usafa.org!

Corrections

Oops! In the September Checkpoints reprint ofthe Airman article, “Something Big Coming”, you identified Terrence Gruters as Class of 1973 (pg. 19). Since the article was published in Sept. 1973 and described Linebacker II operations that began in Dec. 1972,1 really doubt that any member ofthe Class of’73 participated. Even the fastest fast-burners don’t make it to a combat cockpit within 6 months of graduation! Actually, Terry Gruters was my BCT roommate and part ofthe Class of’68.1 know—picky, picky, picky!

Randy

Johnson,

Class of1968

Ed—That’s one we should not have missed! Thanksfor the correction

There is an error in your article which appeared in the Sept. 2006 issue of Checkpoints magazine (pages 84-83). You listed Kip Peterson as being in the Class of 1971, but, in fact, he was in the Class of 1975.

Ed Sienkiewicz, Class

of1975

from the (Board CyHair

Fellow graduates and members of the AOG

Greetings to all this holiday season. I hope this message finds all ofyou well.

At the meeting ofthe AOG Board in October, the board approved the slate of 18 candidates for election to director that had been recommended by the Nominating Committee, and agreed with the committee on its endorsement of 13 candidates as being the best qualified in this election. The election, which will be held in March-April 2007, calls for the election of six directors who will join incumbents Bill Boisture, ’67, Ed Eberhart, ’68, Steve Finch, ’63, Mike Flynn, ’95, and Marty France, ’81, to form our new AOG Board. They will appoint two additional Directors, bringing the board to a total of 13 directors until the next election in 2009 when it will reach its upper limit of 15 directors.

The total pool ofcandidates included 31 graduates, all ofwhom were qualified to serve on the board. Seven candidates submitted petitions signed by 25 members, which per the AOG Bylaws, automatically put their names on the ballot. Twenty-five candidates applied for consideration by the Nominating Committee and one candidate submitted a signed petition and an application package. Thanks to all who showed an interest in running for election and thanks to the Nominating Committee for their work in vetting the applicants and petitioners to assemble a slate of candidates best qualified to serve your AOG. Please see the article in this issue of Checkpoints by A1 Rogers, ’64, Chair of the Nominating Committee, describing this year’s election process. This issue also contains information about each of the candidates. We encourage everyone to also go to the AOG Web site (www.usafa.

org) and register for ZoomieNation, a new interactive part of the site that enables peer-to-peer communication on a wide variety of user determined topics, including the upcoming elections.

At the August AOG Board meeting, the board asked the Campaign Steering Committee to analyze potential alternatives for establishing a separate 501(c) 3 AOG organization for the purpose of fundraising. The committee formed a sub-committee, the Foundation Sub-committee, chaired by Terry Drabant, ’65, to develop and analyze potential alternatives. The idea of a separate foundation for fundraising (a model followed by the Naval Academy) had been discussed at several earlier meetings and the Campaign Steering Committee felt that, given the upcoming formal roll-out of the comprehensive fundraising campaign, Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation, now was the time to develop and analyze specific alternatives so that the Board could make an informed decision. The Foundation Sub-committee presented its findings and recommendations at the October board meeting.

The sub-committee took their tasking very seriously and ran with it. Between August and October, they not only identified and analyzed alternatives but they also developed a specific proposal with recommendations and implementation guidelines. They then urged the board to move promptly to approve their recommendation and implementing actions. In brief, they recommended that the AOG establish what is known as a “Type I supporting foundation ”, reporting to the AOG Board, whose sole purpose would be to raise and steward the use of private funds in support of the Academy and the AOG. The sub-committee argued that such an arrangement will result in increased donations, will

make the accounting of fundraising costs and the distribution of funds more transparent, and will enhance the AOG’s ability to protect its growing campaign funds from being attached by legal judgments ofliability arising from alumni relations programs/ activities. The sub-committee believes that this structure will be much more attractive to potential major donors (the group that will likely contribute about 90 percent of the funds raised in the campaign), and is directly responsive to member feedback that is looking for greater clarity in the resources that go to alumni relations and other non-fundraising activities and programs. The foundation proposal has many details that are contained in the Report of the Foundation Sub-committee, which is posted on the AOG Web site.

The board thanked the sub-committee but felt that it would be premature to vote on the recommendations without further study and member discussion. The board asked the sub-committee to continue developing the proposed plan, to work with the governance and other appropriate board committees, and to solicit member feedback, with a goal to enable an informed vote on the proposal at the next board meeting in February. As with any proposal of this significance, the “devil is in the details,” so much work is required to perfect the proposal.

Subsequent to the board meeting, two “listening sessions” were held in Boston and Washington, D.C., a discussion topic was initiated on ZoomieNation, and direct dialog between sub-committee members and a number of interested AOG members took place. A common thread in these communications was that our members did not want to see the foundation “rushed” into place. The board met by teleconference on December 14 for a status update and concluded that the proposed Sabre Society Foundation is potentially a very important part of the future of the AOG and its support for the Academy, and that it is extremely important to secure member support and approval. The board recommended continued work on refining the proposal with, perhaps, some alternative implementations of specific parts of the proposal. The board plans to continue to conduct “listening sessions” with groups of graduates around the country to seek clear understanding and member input to help shape the best possible solution. The board contemplates that this revised proposal will be conveyed to the new board in July with a recommendation for priority attention including a full discussion at the next GLC in summer 2007. Following that, the proposal would be put to a vote by the membership. Whether or not such a vote would require a quorum would depend on whether the proposal necessitated changes to AOG Bylaws and on the recommendations of the Governance Committee of the new board.

Meanwhile, the present Governance Committee will be digging into the governance issues associated with the proposal and legal work will continue developing proposed foundation bylaws to govern its operation as part of the AOG. The board believes the proposal will be materially improved as a result of substantive, constructive dialog, and we welcome participation by all members.

I would like to thank all members and non-members who participated in our first large-scale survey. AOG Board member, Marty France, formed a committee and took on the difficult task of analyzing the data. The preliminary results of the survey are posted on the AOG Web site and in this issue of Checkpoints. Marty’s committee and the AOG staffwill continue to mine this valuable data for information that will better inform our decisions and help shape AOG policy in the succeeding months and years.

Please also join me in congratulating General Bob Beckel, ’59, and General Ed Mechenbier, ’64, recently selected as the 2006 recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award is made annually to graduates who display a lifetime of service to the nation while upholding the Academy’s values of honor and integrity. Bob and Ed exemplify the ideals that we honor with this award. Each has had a long and distinguished career, both in and out of uniform. Bob earned the Silver Star and five Distinguished Flying Crosses during his military career, which included 313 combat missions in Southeast Asia. Fie also flew as a member of the Air Force’s elite performing group, the Thunderbirds. Fie was the first Academy graduate to serve here as Commandant of Cadets.

General Mechenbier was a prisoner of war for nearly six years in Vietnam’s notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” after being shot down in 1967 on his 80th combat mission over North Vietnam. He is one of the pilots whose life is depicted in the film Return with Honor. In his military career he received two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts and the POW Medal. Both men have been strong supporters of the Academy and its cadets for many years. The awards will be presented at the Founders Day dinner on April 13, 2007.

I am pleased to report that construction of the Memorial Pavilion at the USAFA cemetery continues to proceed on schedule, with a target to dedicate this much needed facility on Founders Day. As you know, this $4.5 million project is being funded by private money raised by the AOG as part of the Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation Campaign. In November, at the Notre Dame football game, the AOG presented the Academy with a check for $6.1 million to fund needs identified by the Academy that were not supported by government funds. Your contributions are having an impact, and making a significant difference at your Air Force Academy. Thank you for your generosity.

Earlier this year AOG Board member Charles Garcia, ’83, was selected to be a member of the USAFA Board ofVisitors. The BOV is the official oversight board that advises the superintendent of the Academy and, in turn, the Chiefof Staff and Secretary of the Air Force by making recommendations on all matters relating to the Academy the board decides to consider. In November, the Air Force General Counsel advised that Charles had a potential conflict of interest in serving on these two boards concurrently. Therefore, I regret to report that Charles has resigned from the AOG Board in order to continue his service on the BOV. We will miss Charlie’s intelligence, seriousness of purpose, and deep experience on the AOG Board and we thank him for his outstanding service. However there is some good news in all of this

I am happy to report that Charlie has since been elected to serve as Chairman of the Board ofVisitors. The chairman is responsible for preparing a semiannual report, containing the board’s views and recommendations pertaining to the Academy, that is presented to the Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Air Force, and to the respective Chairman of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee. As you may recall, the AOG Board recommended Charlie and Nancy Kudla, ’80, for membership on the BOV because we wanted as an association to have more influence on what was going on at the Academy.

I am confident that Charlie’s leadership, along with participation by Nancy Kudla and HT Johnson, ’59, will enhance the value of the BOV to our Academy and our nation.

As you are no doubt aware, Coach Fisher DeBerry announced his retirement from coaching football at the Air Force Academy. We are grateful to the coach for his many years of service to the Academy and its athletic programs. But we are particularly appreciative of the sound leadership role model that he has been for all our cadets, not just his football players. He is a man of character

and integrity who exemplifies the values held dear by our beloved Academy. He will be missed and we wish him and his wife, LuAnn, many, many happy years of retirement.

In closing, as we celebrate with our loved ones during this holiday season, let us pause to remember all those brave men and women fighting to preserve the security of our nation, especially our fellow members of the Long Blue Line.

Thanks,

Ted Legasey, ’67

As your Air Force career comes to an end, find new beginnings through the people you already know.

because your USAFA network is your best bet at a foot in

INTEGRITY

Annual gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund at the Sabre Society level provide support to many character programs like Respect & Responsibility. These programs promote value-based leadership principles essential to leading in today's Air Force.

For more information on becoming a part of the Sabre Society contact Regina Clark at (719) 472-0300 or regina.clark@aogusafa.org.

in the United States Air Force Academy.

^ 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 fostens

Heritage to Horizons—Our Legacy, Our Future

By Brig, Gen. Dana Bom, ’83

Brig. Gen. Dana Bom, ’83, speaks atthe Air Force Academy. (USAFPhoto)

his time last year the AOG gave me the opportunity to share with our graduate community how USAFA’s curriculum would meet the demands ofthe 21st century. The USAFA faculty recognized that we had, and still have, a tremendous opportunity to transform the curriculum to meet the needs ofsmarter, more diverse cadets; to meet the challenges ofhigh-speed, high-tech learning environments; and now, the global and cultural demands ofthe Air Force and joint service. Essentially, we sought a plan that would do all ofthis, as well as align ourselves with similar efforts being undertaken by our Air Forces senior leaders regarding the Air Force’s Transformation Strategy. The good news is that we have developed and acted on such a plan. Therefore, I appreciate this opportunity to share with you the progress we’ve made on our charted course for USAFAs Educational Transformation.

THE ACADEMIC BASELINE

We began this effort by taking the long view back on our heritage—the tenure of 17 superintendents, 9 deans, our sage body of emeritus permanent professors (who represent several centuries of academic excellence), and, most importantly, the Long Blue Line ofUSAFAs graduates. We looked as far back as 1948 when the Air Force Planning Board, directed by then Air Force ChiefofStaffGen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, recommended the Academy provide “a broad, general education with a sound background in aeronautical science and tactics,” while maintaining “a relatively even balance of... humanities, sciences, and military studies.” 1 We’ve remained mindfill ofthe Stearns-Eisenhower Report which considered “it essential

1 Air Force Planning Board

that a graduate of a Service Academy should have a background of knowledge comparable to that possessed by graduates of our leading universities.”2 And finally, although not exclusively, we’ve embraced and applauded the visions ofLt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon and, later, Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, who, guided by the directives just mentioned, built a standard, balanced semester-hour curriculum comprised of core courses and, several years later, majors classes.

During the past 50 years, there have been many reviews and revisions to the core: increasing and decreasing of semester hours, balancing the arts and sciences and responding to various external pressures for courses or majors. Yet, remarkably, our curriculum has weathered the storm relatively unchanged—a testament to the vision and thoroughness ofits designers and our heritage.

STEP ONE: LEARNING-FOCUSED INITIATIVES

Informed by the wisdom ofthis heritage, we began last year working on learning-focused education in the classroom. From the start, it was about paying more attention to how our cadets learn as well as to what they learn. We asked even our most senior faculty to think through innovative ways to approach learning, to develop participatory and interactive methods, to check and recheck that the message sent was indeed the message received, and it has caught on—quickly. Instructor and student awareness oflearning outcomes is shaping a set oflearning experiences that can be assessed and, with proper feedback, improved upon. Ultimately, beinglearning-focused is changing the way we teach our courses and, we believe, has begun the journey ofimproving USAFA’s learning experiences for all faculty and cadets.

STEP TWO: DEVELOPMENTAL INTENTIONALITY AND SEQUENCING

We then extended our internal review to the core curriculum. How could we help what cadets learned stick, thereby eliminating “cram and dump” as a viable mode for learning? How could we make our core more developmental, intentionally and purposefully building offofprior learning experiences? We began by looking not only at the number of courses in a cadet’s freshman year, but also at how our core courses built upon the learning outcomes ofthe others and where it made the most sense for cadets to take a particular course. In short, clarifying for us and for the cadets how our curriculum all fits together over their 4-year cadet career. These were not easy discussions. However, we believe the resulting developmental core

2 Stearns-Eisenhower Report, Executive Summary, pg. 4. Department ofDefense, No. 223-50, RE: 6700 Ext. 3201-3176. 16 Feb 1950

plan (Figure 1) optimizes learning processes and distributes our core into one ofthree broad “story lines,” which align with the Air Force Core Competencies: Science and Technology, Leadership and Human Behavior, and Cultural and Global Awareness. Under this core, Academy graduates will develop in-step with Air Force competencies and needs, and, as cadets, they will have greater opportunities to have prior learning reinforced and expanded. The USAFA faculty will hold them accountable for that learning.

STEP THREE: ASSESSMENT

As our nation’s stewards entrusted with preparing America’s finest for military service, we, too, are accountable; therefore, I couldn’t be more pleased that, philosophically, the developmental nature of our curriculum mirrors the model for learning growth across our other mission elements.

Recognizing that this parallel development is rooted in our institutional focus to develop leaders ofcharacter, Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73, directed a cross-mission element team to study and recommend a set ofconcise, memorable USAFA outcomes that would be based on outcomes adopted by undergraduate institutions of higher learning across the nation. In September, the team, lead by Col. Thomas Yoder, ’82, professor and head ofthe Department ofEngineering Mechanics, proposed a tiered system of outcomes. Tier-One level outcomes are quite simply “Responsibilities, Skills, and Knowledge”—certainly concise and memorable. TierTwo describes each level—what Responsibilities? Skills? Knowledge? On Nov. 8, the Academy Board approved Tier-One and Tier-Two Outcomes (see Figure 2). By the end ofJanuary 2007, the integrated team, in coordination with course and program directors from across the Academy, will propose Tier-Three level outcomes (what is the demonstrable characteristic or product?) and Tier-Four level outcomes (how do we assess the quality ofthe characteristic/product?). This collaborative effort then will become USAFA’s mechanism for assessing progress across mission elements. Each mission element will make its unique contributions to foster cadet accomplishment ofthe shared USAFA outcomes, and these contributions will be parts of a broader, deliberate institutional approach to cadet learning and development. From an academic perspective, with our accreditation set for Academic Year 2008-09, these USAFA outcomes could not have come at a better time.

THERE’S WORK TO BE DONE

Let me assure you that the three steps I’ve just outlined involved years and months ofdifficult conversations. I wouldn’t expect anything

less and neither should our graduate community. Terms and phrases such as “institutional framework,” “institutional goals/outcomes,” “tools for assessment,” “feedback and improvement,” “focus on the 21st century,” and “developing leaders ofcharacter” are not simple concepts. Ifthere were a clear, unfettered path to the ultimate curriculum, we would have already taken it. No, the course has not been easy. However, it’s been an honor and privilege to witness the hard thinking and tenacity ofUSAFA’s team come together. Together we have moved closer to educational transformation and accountability, and we have done so mindful of our legacy and driving forward optimistically toward an even better future. SI

Figure 2

USAFA Outcomes

Commission leaders of character who embody the Air Force core values

committed to Societal, Professional and Individual Responsibilities

■ Ethical Reasoning and Action

■ Respect for Human Dignity

■ Service to the Nation

■ Lifelong Development and Contributions

■ Intercultural Competence and Involvement

empowered by integrated Intellectual and Warrior Skills

■ Quantitative and Information literacy "Stamina

■ Oral and Written Communication "Courage

■ Critical Thinking ■Discipline

■ Decision Making ■Teamwork

grounded in essential Knowledge of the Profession of Arms and the Human and Physical Worlds

■ Heritage and Application ofAir, Space, and Cyberspace Power

■ National Security and Full Spectrum of Joint and Coalition Warfare

■ Civic, Cultural and International Environments Ethics and Foundations of Character

■ Principles of Science and Scientific Method

■ Principles of Engineering and the Application of Technology

Renowned military painter, Stan Stokes, along with his wife Joan, presented AOG President and CEO Jim Shaw, ’67, with a 60 X 40-inch oil painting of the Academy Cadet Chapel during halftime at the Air Force vs. Utah game Nov. 18. Assisting in the presentation were Academy Athletics Director Dr. Hans Mueh, ’66, Lt. Col. Charles Schweiss, ’82, and his son, Erik.

The painting was a gift from Stokes and the Chapel Hills Signature Gallery, located within the Chapel Hills Mall in Colorado Springs.

Stokes’ other military works have been commissioned by the Ronald Regan Presidential Library, the Pentagon and the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum.

The painting is on display in the atrium of Doolittle Hall, home to the Association of Graduates. Replications of the painting can be purchased at the Chapel Hills Signature Gallery by calling (719) 264-0082.

Pictured from left to right are Dr. Hans Mueh, Joan and Stan Stokes, Lt. Col. Charles Schweiss, Erik Schweiss and Jim Shaw. (Photo by Kyle Davidson)

Construction crews continue to make great progress in building the Memorial Pavilion at the USAFA cemetery. Large concrete walls are complete and granite will soon be installed. The final slab pour took place in mid-December and roofs for both the pavilion and Directory Plaza are nearly finished.

With 14-foot glass panels to be installed soon, interior work will commence on this incredible project. The dedication ceremony for the Memorial Pavilion is scheduled for spring 2007.

The AOG has secured $4.5 million for the pavilion, making the facility 100 percent funded by private donations. The generous funding was provided by over 11,000 donors. (Photo by Ken Wright)

YOUR ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES HAD ANOTHER EXCITING AND PRODUCTIVE YEAR. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF HIGHLIGHTS I WISH TO COVER BEGINNING WITH THE COMPLETION OF OUR FIRST MAJOR SURVEY OF THE GRADUATE AND MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK CORONA RESEARCH FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ALSO RECOGNIZE THE HARD WORK OF BOARD MEMBER, MARTY FRANCE, ’81, AND HIS COMMITTEE IN ANALYZING THE DATA AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AOG TO PURSUE IN THE COMING YEAR. MARTY HAS AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE SURVEY IN THIS MAGAZINE. WE DEEPLY APPRECIATE THE TIME PEOPLE TOOK TO FILL OUT THE SURVEY IT PROVIDES A GOOD BASELINE AND COMPASS FOR US TO MOVE AHEAD IN THE FUTURE.

BYJIM SHAW, ’67 PRESIDENT AND CEO

The membership overwhelmingly approved the bylaws proposed by the Blue Ribbon Council. These bylaw changes are an important step in moving the AOG toward a more member-centric organization. The size of the board will be 13 after the elections next spring when six new board members will be elected, and the new board appoints two directors. The total board size will be 15—11 elected directors and four appointed directors after the election in 2009. The small board size will be a challenge for our committee structure. Ifyou would like to volunteer to be on a committee please let us know.

We are extremely proud of the progress we have made in the comprehensive campaign, Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation. Over $30 million has been raised to support Academy and AOG projects. Ifyou would like to learn more about this campaign we have posted the Case Statement on our Web site.

It was my pleasure to present Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73, with a check for $6.1 million at the Notre Dame game. This was the largest donation the Association ofGraduates has ever made to the Academy.

A large portion ofthis gift will be used to build the Memorial Pavilion at the cemetery. We had a ground breaking ceremony last May and we expect the building will be dedicated this spring. Check out our Web site to stay up to date on construction progress. Our fundraising is on a positive trend. On behalf ofthe board and Academy leadership, I want to thank you for your generosity. Your gifts fund character development programs, cadet clubs, endowed chairs and a wide array of activities that enhance the cadet experience, as well as AOG programs that enable us to provide better service to the membership.

Speaking ofWeb sites, we have spent a great deal of time and effort upgrading our home page so it is more user friendly and we have added a feature called ZoomieNation which enables all graduates and members to form an e-community that provides a wide array of options for better communications. Ifyou haven’t signed up for ZoomieNation you are missing out on a great opportunity for networking.

Our focus this past year has been on improving communications and alumni relations. In addition to the enhanced web site, ZoomiEnews has been a big hit with the membership. This bi-weekly newsletter enables us to keep you informed about the latest academy news and upcoming events. For the election, we will be putting out an Election Update e-newsletter that will enable you to hear directly from the board candidates on how they feel about the issues. Our communications office took home seven awards at the annual

District VI Council for the Advancement and Support of Education meeting. That makes 19 awards in three years!

As a result ofthe data from the survey, we will continue to print the RegisterofGraduates for the next three years. At some point, we may move to an online directory and do away with the printed register as the survey revealed more and more graduates are relying on the Web site to get their information.

On the alumni relations front, we are taking advantage of new technology. Online ordering for reunion merchandise proved a big success and our information systems shop developed a program for online event registration that made our job a lot easier. We have increased our job opportunities program and our Service Academy Career Conferences are proving to be a great benefit to our graduates, particularly our younger ones, who are seeking jobs during the Air Force drawdown.

This year the AOG hosted seven very successful reunions and Doolittle Hall held 120 events with over 10,000 people attending.

The Graduate Leadership Conference in July was a big success. We had superb support from the Academy’s senior leadership team. The superintendent, vice superintendent, commandant and dean were all in attendance and actively participated in the discussions with graduates. I encourage graduates to attend one ofthese conferences; our feedback indicates almost everyone who attends leaves with a positive feeling about where the Academy is heading and the high quality oftoday’s cadets.

In the following pages, our vice presidents provide more details on their respective areas ofresponsibility. I have asked them to cover information up to the present with the exception ofLeslie Frank’s financial report which only covers the 2006 fiscal year. (July 1, 2005 -June 30, 2006)

The coming year promises to be another exciting time for your AOG. We are committed to launching a new Web site and enhancing our communication, while continuing to place increased emphasis on Alumni Relations. We are also committed to making the BuildingLeaders ofCharacterfor the Nation Campaign a success, and plan a public rollout ofthe campaign in the fall. D>

BY GARY HOWE, ’69 VP, ALUMNI RELATIONS

Alumni Relations has had a great year (actually a great 18 months including this fall), improving and expanding many of our longstanding programs, and creating some new and exciting ways to serve our constituents.

The Alumni Relations Department consists of Customer Service, Facilities Management, Information Systems, Data Integrity, Alumni Services and Membership, and Special Events and Projects.

Customer Service is the face and voice of the AOG for the majority of our constituents. They take your phone calls, greet you when you visit our offices, answer your questions, fill your merchandise orders, manage incoming and outgoing mail and FEDEX deliveries, provide business support services to the AOG staff, and set and reset furniture for the many events occurring daily in Doolittle Hall. Wayne Taylor, Michele Cowan, Steve Knight, Colanyosha Thompson and Janice Baca are pleased to work with you anytime.

Over the last two football seasons, our customer service team helped 13 classes acquire quality merchandise for their reunions and created an on-line ordering system which enabled classmates to order distinctive merchandise whether they were attending the reunion or not and to have the items delivered to their home before the reunion. When the “wow” factor kicked in at the reunion, attendees could still order merchandise after the reunion.

Customer Service teamed with the Colorado Springs Quarterback Club to provide

limited sales at the tailgate tent during reunion weekends and teamed up with outside vendors to offer Air Force Academy lamps and high quality watches and jewelry through direct marketing campaigns.

Career transition programs continue to be a service valued by members, especially the younger ones. By jointly conducting these programs with the other service academies, we are able to gain greater clout through a larger constituency base. Service Academy Career Conferences were held in San Diego, Calif, (twice), Austin, Texas and Washington D.C. (twice), and ranged in sizes from 63-150 companies and 300-800 career seekers. These events have become so popular with employers that we now have a waiting list of companies desiring to participate.

Our graduates want outstanding networking opportunities and one of the best continues to be the internet Service Academy Business Resource Directory which has been vastly expanded. Now containing profiles on more than 33,000 service academy graduates, iSABRD is an outstanding business-to-business networking tool that functions equally well for graduates in career transition seeking contacts inside targeted companies and industries.

The Joint Service AcademyJobs Electronically completes our career opportunity suite oftools byproviding companies with an easy and inexpensive way to post their open positions. These companies know the value ofservice academy education and training and military service. Their job announcements are available to any graduate and have generated excellent employment opportunities. JSAJE includes a resume repository for graduates seeking employment. Companies can search this resume database for highly qualified candidates.

This year we enhanced our career program offerings by adding a job posting space on the AOG Member-Discussion Forum. We implemented ZoomieNation which has additional job search capability. We also experimented with sending e-mails to specific classes concerning high level executive jobs being offered by other graduates. When you are seeking a new position, call the AOG to see if we can help.

Doolittle Hail was visited by more than 10,000 people this year and Facilities Management was up to the task. New walkways, additional class paver installations, and enhancements to the Heritage Trail added to the beauty and usefulness ofDoolittle Hall. Be sure to visit Doolittle Hall during

your next visit to the Academy. Dave Pfeil and Jake Jacobs take great pride in keeping Doolittle Hall shined and ready.

Alumni Services had a banner year with seven reunions and more than 120 events in Doolittle Hall. Additionally, we hosted the commissioning ceremonies for two cadet squadrons, ran the Graduate Leadership Conference, a Sabre Society weekend, the annual Jabara Award dinner, Founders Day ceremony, parade and dinner, the Cadet Outstanding Squadron Banquet, the annual Next-of-Kin coffee and Memorial Service on Homecoming weekend, the Appointee Bed & Breakfast, In-processing and Parents Weekend support including hosting the annual Parents Club Presidents meeting. This year we added Academy tours for parents duringAppointee Days in April. We also supported the AcademyAssembly, the National Character and Leadership Symposium, Falcon Heritage Forum and a basketball reunion. Bees Kellenbence, ’78, Lani Wing, Cindi Kinder, Jean Bickford and Kim Milner brought new levels ofservice and excellence to all these events.

Additionally, Bees added “construction supervisor” to his resume as we broke ground for the Memorial Pavilion and Locator Pavilion at the cemetery. Planning also began for the Admissions Center addition to the Visitors Center, the Mall of Heroes, and the creation of the world’s largest falcon statue which will be installed at the football stadium.

Alumni Relations was equally busy and innovative as Marty Marcolongo, Don McCarthy and Trisha Day vastly expanded our reach.

Supporting away events was a special focus area. We helped plan five pre-game events around the country for basketball and hockey and we ran a pre-game event in Denver for the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament. Most exciting were the football tailgates we organized, with chapter help, in Tennessee, San Diego, West Point, Las Vegas and Fort Worth. Between 500 and 800 graduates and fans turned out for each tailgate. At West Point, the Officers Club was Air Force Central with a banner in front saying “Air Force fans gather here!” The superintendent addressed the crowd at all these events and the Falconers and cheerlead-

ers entertained. Alumni Relations is fanning the flames ofenthusiasm among graduates, parents and friends ofthe Academy.

One Tennessee tailgater had this to say:

“'Please accept my most sincere thanksfor a greatparty. It was so good to see some classmates, somefor thefirst time in decades. The BBQ was award winning. The DJ rocked. The O-plan complete and concise. In short it wasjust exactly what one (would) expect from a bunch ofZoomies, perfect. Pleasepass my thanks on to all who pulledtogether to make it happen. Go Blue!!”

John (JJ) Burns, ‘69

Appointees and parents continue to be valuable participants in alumni activities. By serving parents and appointees well we demonstrate the importance and value of the AOG and we increase participation in the LMAG program. For the first time, Alumni Relations personnel assisted the admissions office during the Appointee Orientations in April by conducting Cadet Area tours for parents. On three successive Tuesdays, AOG staffmembers provided a service to parents that they could get nowhere else. We continued our popular Bed & Breakfast program in partnership with the Rampart Chapter and served some 460 incoming cadets. We once again hosted In-Processing, distributing water, answering questions, providing a presence. Finally, in July and August, we expanded our fabulously successful “WebGuy” coverage ofBCT by adding “WebGal” and giving parents a small window into the world their cadet had entered. As a result ofthese initiatives, we achieved a 50 percent LMAG registration rate before the appointees ever arrived and, for the second straight year, we signed up 750 parent members.

Speaking ofmembership, the number of graduate members exceeded 21,000 bringing the percentage ofliving graduates who are members to 56 percent—one ofthe highest in the nation. Ifyour class membership is below 56 percent, consider volunteering to help increase participation.

The Class of2007 received their rings and the Class of2009 began the design process as Alumni Relations continues to manage this program. From design to ordering to delivering and servicing, the AOG provides a

Top: The Class of 2010 BCT DVD was a popular purchase with parents this year. Second from Top: Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, 73, makes the day of a possible future cadet. Third from Top: Tailgates are as popular as ever with Falcon fans. Bottom: WebGuy helped parents feel more connected with their basic cadets during BCT.

valuable service to the Cadet Wing. Alumni Relations, with the support ofgraduate volunteers, recovered more than a dozen lost rings that were found around the country and on the internet.

Our Information Systems department (Jack Mueller, ’70, Chris Barry, Steve Spry and Eric Stassen) continued to improve both our hardware and programming capabilities.

We continued our regular computer systems upgrades to modernize AOG computer systems. We plan to continue replacing one third ofthe desktops/laptops each year to keep up with improving technologies. We added a more powerful

BY DICK RAUSCHKOLB, 70 VP, COMMUNICATIONS

This has been a busy year for our Communications Department. Once again, the team earned significant honors at the District VI Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Conference. Ken Wright, our photographer, won a Grand Gold Award for Excellence in Photography for his excellent Checkpoints article, “To Hanoi and Back.” The story chronicled Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ed Mechenbier’s, ’64, return flight to Hanoi while flying

e-mail server and reconfigured the system to protect against SPAM and viruses. Downtime has greatly been reduced. New servers have been installed and configured to support the AOG’s new Web site which is under development. In addition, we have increased available bandwidth to accommodate anticipated Web site traffic when the new Web site is fully operational. We have also contracted with service providers to more efficiently handle various downloads and broadcast email traffic. Plans have been initiated to upgrade the Doolittle Hall audio/visual system with new, stateof-the-art equipment to better support

special functions. We implemented a much improved online event registration process with a program written in-house.

Finally, Sandy Luckhurst, John Rice, Sandra Chouest, Amanda Brown and Ellen Broadwater continued their exceptional work ofmaintaining the database, updating addresses and recording donations. Thanks to their efforts, our database is as accurate as it has ever been. We encourage everyone to send us your e-mail address. We can provide greater information in a timelier manner at far reduced cost by using e-mail.

the same C-141, the “Hanoi Taxi,” that brought him home after being a POW for nearly six years. The Grand Gold Award is rarely given and Ken’s professional work certainly was deserving of this high honor. Sarah Wright’s superb graphic design work in laying out the article also contributed to Ken getting this award.

Bob McAllister earned three Gold Awards and a Silver Award for Excellence in Advertising for both radio and TV ads. Bob’s ability to capture the essence of the Academy both visually and audibly is remarkable. These ads,

which are heard and seen around the country, have earned high praise from graduates and other listeners.

Marty Marcolongo from the Alumni Relations office won a Bronze Award for Excellence in Multimedia for his work on “Web Guy Notes.” Web Guy has become a favorite ofparents and family members of each entering class. Marty’s snapshots and insightful commentary make this a popular section of our Web site. Visits to the WebGuy section increased 30-fold during BCT, going from an average of 5,000 monthly visitors to more than 150,000.

We are most pleased with the Sweepstakes Runner-Up Award for the outstanding communications program for a school of our size. This award, which our office won the last two years, reflects the overall quality of all the work the communications team does. Bob McAllister, Sarah Wright, Ken Wright, Kyle Davidson, Matt Kleve, and Tom Kroboth are well deserving of this recognition by their professional peers. Since entering this competition four years ago, our staff has won 20 awards—19 in the past three years.

Over the past year, the Alumni Relations Committee tasked the communications office to develop an e-community that would enable graduates to easily interact through networking opportunities, allow mentoring for cadets and

young graduates, provide a discussion/ debate forum, list job openings, and provide a host of other things that would tie the graduate community more closely together. This became a major project for the communications and information systems offices. Led by Bob McAllister, the team of Matt Kleve, Kyle Davidson, Steve Spry and Eric Stassen began to look for state-of-the-art software that would provide the functions that the committee wanted. After many months of research, the team concluded and the committee agreed that the company In-Circle provided the best product. In-Circle software had successes at Stanford, the University of Michigan, the University of Florida and several other universities. Web experts from Harvard, MIT and Cal Berkeley confirmed that In-Circle provided the best option to meet our needs. In October, we began to use InCircle on our Web site with the launch of ZoomieNation on our home page. We put the site up with very little fanfare so we could work out the bugs. With very little marketing, over 2,700 people have already signed up for the site. There are over 60 Class Groups and the discussion forum is filled with good debate on the possible establishment of an AOG Foundation. With the upcoming election, we expect the candidates to take full advantage of ZoomieNation to put forth and debate the issues, thus enabling the membership to make a more informed decision in this important election. If you haven’t signed up, please do so today.

To complement the establishment of ZoomieNation, the communications and IS teams are also redesigning our Web site to make it easier to use with the goal of engaging more people and getting them to the site. The new site will enable us to make changes and provide updates much easier than in the past. We are currently beta testing the site with cadets and web site experts from major universities around the country. This new, easier to use site should be up by the first of the year.

Working the project has been exciting; we would like to thank board members Mike Flynn, ’95, and John Moore, ’78,

for their support and assistance in this important endeavor.

ZoomiEnews, which we launched last year, continues to receive high praise from the graduate community. This bi-weekly publication enables us to keep members up-to-date on Academy news and events between issues of Checkpoints. Checkpoints remains not only the AOG’s flagship publication, but also the Academy’s. The recent survey showed that 85 percent of the membership highly value the magazine and look forward to receiving it. We would like to make that 100 percent, so if you have thoughts or suggestions, please let us know how we can do a better job of meeting your needs. Better yet, write an article for us to consider using in the magazine.

The survey also showed that a large majority of the membership found the printed Register ofGraduates useful or very useful. As a result, the board decided to continue a printed register for another three years with an annual review to consider the out years. It was obvious from the survey that more and more grads want a “fully functional” Web site to include register data. When that capability is reached, it may replace the need for a printed register at some point down the line. Special thanks to Tom Kroboth, Eric Stassen, Sandy Luckhurst and members of the IS staff for putting together this year’s Register of Graduates. We would also like to thank

our advertisers for Checkpoints the register and many of our other products. Your support greatly reduces the cost of these products to our membership and enables you to touch over 24,000 graduates and Academy supporters.

With the upcoming important election, we have added a new media product, Elec

BY JENNIFER BATEMAN ACTING VP, DEVELOPMENT

In fiscal year 2003, the AOG began to partner with the Air Force Academy on a major fundraising initiative, Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation: A Campaignfor the United States Air Force Academy. Since then, fundraising efforts have been in the nucleus, or “quiet,” phase, during which we have built a development team who has secured leadership gifts. Plans are underway to focus on a public kickoffof the campaign, at which the campaign will be officially unveiled. We will ask the extended Academy family to assist us in building a new level of excellence for our United States Air Force Academy with funding for:

tion Update. Our goal with this electronic newsletter is to give you the opportunity to hear from the candidates on the issues. We will provide this service in the months leading up to the election of the six new board members. Ifyou aren’t getting the Election Update, please make sure we have your correct e-mail in our records.

FY06 and the first six months of this year have been exciting and challenging for the AOG’s communications office. We are looking forward to the future and the continuing challenge of bringing you more and better communications.

A renowned Center for Character and Leadership Development

Expanded academic research opportunities for cadets

Athletic leadership endowments to support intramural and club sports and recruit and retain coaches ofcharacter Heritage projects, including the Memorial Pavilion and the HeritageTrail, to tell the story ofthe Long Blue Line Discretionary monies available to the superintendent to take advantage of emerging opportunities

The Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation Campaign has an ambitious goal of$ 100 million. Fundraising efforts are being directed by campaign co-chairs Harry Pearce, ’64, Dick Schlosberg, ’65, and Jack

Kucera, ’78. Through September 2006, over 12,000 graduates, parents, and friends ofthe Academy have made gifts to help enrich the experiences shared by our cadets during their four-year tenure at the Academy. During fiscal year 2006, the AOG raised $10.65 million, a record-setting year. Tracking our progress through September 2006, we have surpassed the $30 million mark on the path to our overall goal. The graph on pg. 22 demonstrates our progress since the campaign’s inception.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND

The Air Force Academy Fund is the name ofthe annual giving part ofthe campaign; it includes the Sabre Society, a donor recognition society composed ofdonors who give $1,000 or more each year. In the last 15 months, the AOG has provided $2 million to fund key programs and initiatives identified by the Academy that are not funded by the government. Additionally, some annual monies provide association and graduate services support at the AOG. Of the $2 million provided to the Academy, $1.1 million was raised through the Air Force Academy Fund. Annual undesignated dollars are continually needed to support these major Academy priorities and provide flexibility to the superintendent to take advantage ofimmediate and emerging opportunities that will help build continued excellence at our Academy.

Some programs funded by dollars raised through the Air Force Academy Fund include:

Character Education Programs

Distinguished guest speakers

Cadet foreign immersion programs

Engineering programs, including Rocket Research, Field Engineering

Readiness Lab (FERL), and the small satellite program (FalconSat)

Uniforms for the Cheerleading Team Checkpoints Magazine

AOG Career Services

CLASS GIVING

Each year, reunion classes rise to new levels ofgenerosity as they journey back to the Academy to celebrate their heritage, to re-connect with the Academy, and to enjoy the camaraderie of their classmates. The AOG has begun to work strategically with reunion classes and guide them to campaign priorities, if appropriate, as they embark on fundraising initiatives.

Over the last 15 months, the Class of 1969 has undertaken an effort to raise $2.5 million to build an Admissions Welcome Center. When complete, this project will mark the single largest goal achieved by a class. To date, the class has secured more than $1.2 million towards their goal, including an extremely generous $1 million gift by an anonymous member ofthe class.

The Class of 1966 has recently embarked on an effort to raise $250,000, a record for the class, to name the Services Room at the Memorial Pavilion. With fundraising efforts ongoing, the class has almost reached its goal.

MAJOR GIFTS

Any gift over $50,000, payable over five years is classified as a major gift. For the 5th year in a row, the AOG received a $ 1 million commitment, marking the seventh individual to make such a leadership commitment to the campaign. The generous pledge, made by Bill and Judy Simpson, ’63, will be used by the Athletic Director

to support the Falcon football program. We would like to extend a special thank you to the individuals who have given at least $ 1 million to build a better Academy for tomorrow’s generation ofleaders:

Ted and Tricia Legasey, ’67

Harry and Kathy Pearce, ’64

Dick and Kathy Schlosberg, ’65

John and Mary Ann Martin, ’69

Jack and Vianne Kucera, ’78

Bill and Judy Simpson, ’63

Estate of Richard Yudkin

Additionally, the AOG received a generous gift from Paul and Julie Kaminski, ’64 to fund a guest lectureship program, featuring recent graduates and young Air Force engineers, for the engineering sciences, and specifically, Systems Engineering. Notably, Secretary ofthe Air Force Michael Wynne, USMA ’66, donated $35,000 to the Memorial Pavilion Locator Building. His brother, Patrick Wynne, ’63, is buried at the Air Force Academy cemetery.

In the last 15 months, the AOG has received 31 commitments of $25,000 or more. These gifts are all in support of the Academy’s strategic plan and are part of the Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation Campaign. D>

Top: The AOG and Olmsted Foundation helped immerse cadets in many different cultures.

Second from Top: UR remains a popular tool of the Academy’s character development program.

Third from Top: FalconSAT research continues to rocket. Bottom: The Memorial Pavilion construction makes significant progress each passing week.

Below: Proposed Admissions Welcome Center.

CORPORATION AND FOUNDATION GIVING

Over the last 15 months, corporations and foundations gave more than $ 1 million to support important Academy priorities. Of note, the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation committed $300,000 to fund cultural immersion programs for cadets. Their generosity enabled more than 100 cadets to study the language and culture of foreign nations. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney pledged $100,000, which will enable aeronautical engineering cadets to study characteristics ofjet propulsion.

POLARIS SOCIETY (ESTATE AND PLANNED GIVING)

The AOG continues to expand its planned giving program. Planned giving provides numerous vehicles—from bequests to charitable remainder trusts—for members of the Academy family to provide philanthropic support to the Academy in a way that will live on after them. Recently, the Office of Planned Giving worked with Frank Mayberry, ’60, to create a trust that will fund an endowment for partial maintenance operations at the Memorial Pavilion. Additionally, Jim Herrmann, ’72,

created an irrevocable trust of $350,000 to support the Air Force Academy Fund.

On behalf of the Academy, we would like to thank everyone who has generously given this year. Your gifts truly have a profound impact on the Academy and the AOG. With your support, you are making the Academy a better place for today’s cadets. We value your participation and invite the entire Academy family to participate in the Building Leaders of Characterfor the Nation Campaign.

Finance and Human Rescources

BY LESLIE FRANK VP, FINANCE

The Association ofGraduates had a strong year. Total assets grew to $43.5 million, up approximately $8 million or 23 percent from the prior year. The growth was fueled by increased Uncollected Pledges Receivable from donors who made multi-year pledges during the year ofapproximately $1.3 million, growth in our investment portfolio ofapproximately $5.6 million from cash contributions and from the reinvestment ofearnings, and additions to buildings and grounds as we completed the design for and began the construction ofthe Memorial Pavilion. Our liabilities grew by nearly $1.5 million, due to an increase in Agency and Accounts Payable—primarilyAgency pay-

Development Costs

Sources of Revenue

■ Contributions

■ Investment income

■ Dues

■ Membership services and other

Expenditures of Resources

■ Membership

■ Publications

■ Academy and other support

■ Management and general

■ Development

ables (money managed on behalfofclasses and other third parties)—to $2.0 million and growth ofUnearned Life Membership Dues to $10.0 million.

The associations net assets exceeded $30 million as ofJune 30, 2006. Since 2002, net assets have nearly doubled, due to successful efforts to raise funds in the BuildingLeaders of Characterfor the Nation Campaign. The AOG now has over $23.0 million of net assets restricted for specific programs. We are now well poised to begin to use those assets for the purposes for which they were contributed.

During the year, on an accrual basis, the AOG earned $6.6 million (change in net assets). Contributions of$10.65 million were nearly $2 million more than budgeted and were the most significant source of revenue, accounting for 73 percent of our income. (For financial purposes, we report net contributions of$10.1 million, reflecting adjustments for discounts and allowances as prescribed by generallyaccepted accounting principles.) Investment income was $2.1 million or 15 percent of revenue.

Our investment portfolio earned a return of 12.7 percent for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Membership dues, including the annual transfer from the Life Membership Fund, were $0.9 million or 6 percent oftotal revenues. The remaining revenues were contributed primarilyby fees associated with special functions and reunion activities; charges for advertising in Checkpoints-, sales of AOG merchandise; and royalties.

Total expenses were $6.6 million. Academy another support of$2.0 million was our larger expense, representing 30 percent oftotal costs. This cost exceeded budget estimates by approximately $0.1 million because pfadditional restricted gifts that were received*by the AOG and donated to the Academy during the year. AOG support for the Acacfemy grew by 13 percent from the prior year. Membership services and Publications support of$ 1.7 million or 26 percent ofexpenses was on budget for the year.

Development costs were $2.0 million, or 30 percent of expenses, nearly $0.4 million below budget for the year. Our cost

0)(G; Elections and Nomination Procedures

offundraising (defined as total development cost divided by contributions) for the period was 20 percent compared with a budgeted cost of 28 percent. This means the AOG raised $5 in contributions for every $ 1 spent on development.

Management and general costs were $1.0 million or 14 percent of expenses ($40,000 below budget) and included over $200,000 associated with activities related to the election and new bylaws.

As a result of our activities this year, nearly $6.1 million was added to donor restricted net assets and has either been added to endowment funds, or will be used in the future to pay for USAFA projects that meet the restrictions placed on the funds when they were contributed. Our operations during the year contributed $.5 million to our unrestricted net assets for a total change in net assets of $6.6 million.

My able staff—Joyce Love, Berneice Crook and Pearl Gary and I are pleased to assist you whenever you have any questions about AOG financial matters. B

The AOG is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of not more than 11 elected directors and up to four appointed directors. Elections are conducted and appointments made in odd-numbered years. Approximately half of the elected and appointed positions are open at each election cycle. Any AOG member willing to fulfill the requirements of directors may submit a nomination package.

There are two nomination tracks. With the support of five members, a candidate may be considered by the Nominating Committee for placement on the ballot. By petition of 25 members, a candidate may be placed on the ballot without review by the Nominating Committee. Complete nomination information can be found on the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org. Nominations for the 2009 elections will be accepted in 2008.

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

Candidate Fitness Assessment Improvement

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

2002 USAFA Graduate

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

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

NEW BYLAWS CHANGED THE NOMINATION PROCESS

The approval of the new AOG Bylaws on May 4, 2006 included some important changes for the AOG Board nomination process. This article serves to outline the changes and describes the process used to develop the recommended 2007 Election Slate. The bylaws approved by the membership in May 2006 were developed by the Blue Ribbon Council (BRC), which had been commissioned by the Board in 2005.

The most significant bylaws changes affecting the nomination process included:

A reduction in the size of the board to a maximum of 15, including 11 elected and up to four appointed directors (Note: Board size will be 13 in 2007/8 and reach the full 15 director membership in July 2009)

A definition of the “Requirements of Directors,” now contained in the bylaws.

A requirement that the Nominating Committee be composed of seven members, two ofwhom are directors and five ofwhom are non-director AOG members. The chair of the committee must be an elected director.

A requirement for the Nominating Committee to solicit volunteers and recruit candidates so that it may propose a slate of candidates consisting of at least twice as many candidates as there are vacancies on the Board. The slate must include candidates who, by petition of at least 25 members, have asked to have their name placed on the ballot, and may include others as proposed by the Nominating Committee.

A requirement that future ballots contain at least twice the number of candidates as there are vacancies on the board.

A requirement that the Nominating Committee should endorse from the pool of recruited, volunteer, and petitioned candidates at least twice as many candidates as there are vacancies. Endorsement by the committee is a new requirement of the bylaws.

A requirement that the Nominating Committee be guided by direction from the board.

A requirement that candidate names be placed on the ballot in alphabetical order.

The new bylaws were passed by the membership and became effective on May 4, 2006. The two new non-directors on the Nominating Committee were approved on August 12, 2006, following a six-week advertised recruiting period and an interview process for the nine candidates who offered to serve on the Committee. This resulted in the addition ofTrip Ashe, ’86, and Melissa Cunningham, ’96. The current members of the committee are: Directors - A1 Rogers, ’64, Chair (Elected Director) and Gil Mook, ’67; Non-Directors - Dave MacGhee, ’70; Vic Thuotte, ’73; Trip Ashe, ’86; Melissa Cunningham, ’96; Rob Mishev, ’99. The new committee membership includes representation from four decades: 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and the 90’s. This broader class representation on the committee provides valuable assistance in recruiting.

The role of the Nominating Committee was to recruit and identify those candidates who would be best qualified to meet the needs of the AOG at the time of this 2007 election. The Nominating Committee conducted a recruiting effort which included a focus on the younger classes, diversity and active duty. Over 100 candidates were contacted and hundreds of follow up discussions resulted. The final 31 candidates, including applicant and petition candidates, submitted their packages by August 1.

All 31 candidates were qualified to serve on the board and to determine the best qualified candidates, the Nominating Committee considered information provided by the candidates and conducted personal interviews with all 31 candidates. Each candidate was interviewed by at least two members of the Nominating Committee. The guidance for the nominating committee included the Requirements ofAOG Directors now listed in the AOG Bylaws and the 2007 Board Election Guidance approved on May 12, 2006.

The Requirements ofAOG Directors are set forth in Article IX of the AOG Bylaws and state that all candidates, including those reviewed and nominated by the Nominating Committee and the petition candidates, must agree to fulfill the Requirements of AOG Director as listed below:

• Be dedicated to the vision, mission, ideals and principles, for which the AOG stands.

Be capable ofattending all meetings of the AOG Board, and any committees to which he/she is assigned, and commit the time required to discharge board and committee duties. The term “capable ofattending” means being able and willing to afford the travel to and from Colorado Springs at least four

times each year; and able to afford the time away from his/her profession to attend these meetings and for related work

Be responsible for discharging his/her duties.

(1) In good faith.

(2) With the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances.

(3) In a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the AOG.

Closely following the membership approval ofthe new bylaws, the board approved the 2007 Board ofElections guidance on May 12 and again reinforced this guidance for the Nominating Committee at the Aug. 12 board meeting. The guidance from the board stated:

“Consequently, the board urges you to identify candidates who have the experience and talent to help lead our AOG to its next stage ofdevelopment. Also, in searching for candidates, the board would ask you to be mindful ofthe demographics ofthe current Board as compared to our graduate population. Please focus on trying to recruit candidates whose election would help improve the board s representation of our graduate population. The board is in need ofyounger graduates, active duty officers, women, and minorities.

Notwithstanding this emphasis, a primary criterion for all candidates must be a burning desire to serve the graduate community, cadets and the Academy-along with the willingness to make the commitments of time and resources needed to carry out that service.”

With this guidance and the board approval on Aug 12th ofthe full committee, the Nominating Committee went to work to identify the experience and talent that would be desired for the 2007 slate. The committee mapped all the current board members and their committee assignments against the transition plan identifying those who would be departing in June 2007 and those who would be continuing through 2009. Figure 1 shows the expected decline in AOG board member years ofexperience by moving to a smaller board with six new board members in July 2007. The range of AOG Board years ofexperience has generally been 30-73 years over the past five years and it is projected to be 15 -24 years depending on the election outcome and appointed positions in 2007. Thus, board experience both for profit and non profit was an area offocus for the committee. In addition, Figure 2, Slate Experience & Talent, summarizes the mapping ofBoard 2007 Election Guidance and the general areas offocus including desired functional experience, diversity, military experience and class decades.

The Nominating Committee established standard interview questions, conducted 75 interviews with all 31 candidates between August and October, and discussed the development of the slate in extensive weekly telephone conferences.

THE SLATE OF CANDIDATES

At its October 21, 2006 quarterly meeting, the committee proposed and the AOG Board approved a slate of 18 candidates from a total

pool of31 candidates for the 2007 election ofdirectors. All seven petition candidates were placed on the slate in accordance with the Bylaws, and 11 ofthe 24 applicants were also included on the slate.

Following the approval ofthe slate of 18, the board unanimously agreed with the Nominating Committee endorsement ofthirteen candidates, including two petition candidates and 11 applicant candidates. The committee endorsed three ofeight candidates from the 60s, three ofsix candidates from the 70s, three of seven candidates from the 80s, and four of 10 candidates from the 90s and beyond.

Endorsements are intended to be a communication from the Nominating Committee to AOG members that, based on the committee’s extensive work with all the candidates, the thirteen endorsed candidates were determined best qualified to meet the needs of the board at the time of this 2007 election. The membership will elect six new directors from this slate of 18 in the March-April 2007 timeframe. The candidates, listed in alphabetical order, for the 2007 election are:

NAME CLASS BALLOT METHOD & ENDORSEMENT STATUS

Michael Banks ’92 By petition; endorsed

Alex Brown ’99 By application; endorsed

Rodney Bullard ’96 By petition and application; endorsed

Mike Christy ’63 By application; endorsed

Linda Cubero ’80 By application; endorsed

Steve Dotson ’63 By petition

Bob Edmonds ’79 By application; endorsed

Jereme Estes ’02 By application; endorsed

Fred Gregory ’64 By application; endorsed

Jay Kelley ’64 By application; endorsed

Mike Ott ’85 By application; endorsed

Chris Reynolds ’94 By petition

Pat Rosenow ’76 By application; endorsed James Sanchez ’90 By petition

Frank Schmuck ’88 By application; endorsed Bill Stealey ’70 By application; endorsed

George VanWagenen ’67 By petition

Jim Wheeler ’64 By petition

At the October board meeting the seven Nominating Committee members offered their thoughts on the process. Rob Mishev stated that he was honored to have served on the committee, and he was impressed by the open, frank discussions within the committee, as well as the extent of the interviews. Melissa Cunningham added that the committee process was intense and objective, ensuring that no favoritism occurred during interviews. Trip Ashe described the process as extremely thorough and exhaustive. Vic Thuotte believed the interviews were open, consistent, and fair to all candidates. He was impressed that all candidates were enthusiastic about bringing something to the table. He pointed out there were many graduates thinking ofways to make the Academy and the AOG better. Dave MacGhee stressed that all of the candidates were qualified to be on the Board, but that the committee had the tough task to identify those who were best qualified to meet the

needs of the AOG at the time of this election. Gil Mook declared that he would be proud to hire any of the thirteen endorsed candidates. A1 Rogers reiterated that all ofthe decisions made by the committee had been unanimous.

ELECTION AND CANDIDATE INFORMATION

The election will be held in March-April 2007 and the 2006/2007 Election Calendar is shown at Figure 3. By December, the candidate information will be posted to the AOG website in an effort to provide as much information as possible to AOG members. This information will consist of a photograph, a biography (100 words) and a statement ofcandidacy (50 words) for each of the 18 candidates. These pages will allow members to go to ZoomieNation, a new and exciting communication and networking tool now available on the AOG Web site, and to the candidate’s

personal profile page. On that page the candidate will be able to post as much information as he/she may wish including a resume, a journal and/or a blog to fully discuss their views and opinions. Members may email the candidates directly or go to the AOG Board Election Forum, a discussion forum open to all candidates and voters, where members can ask questions of all candidates. In addition, Checkpoints will contain an article on the election and the above information on all the candidates. The AOG is also creating a new electronic publication called Election Update which will provide messages from the candidates to the membership. Election Update will be published regularly.

This will be an extremely important election for the AOG and we strongly encourage all members to study the candidates, become informed and please vote! Rl

Slate Experience and Talent

FIGURE 2

MAY 4, 2006 New AOG Bylaws approved

MAY 12, 2006 AOG Board meeting

•2007 Election guidance approved

AUGUST 12, 2006 - AOG Board meeting

•2007 Election guidance reinforced

•Approved two non-directors to complete the Nominating Committee

AUGUST 14, 2006 - Nominating Committee started work as a full committee.

OCTOBER 21, 2006 - AOG Board meeting

•Board approved 2007 slate and agreed with Nominating Committee endorsements

OCTOBER 21-31, 2006 Candidates notified

•Announced 2007 slate on AOG Web site and ZoomieNews

NOVEMBER 30, 2006 Bylaws require board approval of 2007 election slate (Completed October 21, 2006)

DECEMBER 2006 - Posting candidate information on AOG Web site

•Photo

•Bio (100 words)

•Candidate Statement (50 words)

•Personal Web link & e-mail address with candidate approval

• Checkpoints

FEBRUARY 10, 2007 AOG Board meeting

MARCH 2007 Checkpoints

MARCH 1, 2007 - Election ballots go out for 60 days seeking response

APRIL 30, 2007 - Deadline for receipt ofballots (bylaws requirement)

MAY 12, 2007 AOG Board meeting;

•Election results reviewed

Board approves interim board chair through August 2007 IAW bylaws

MAY 14, 2007 - Election results announced

MAY 15 - June 15, 2007 - Nominating Committee contacts incumbent and newly elected directors to determine candidates for board chair

•Nominating Committee submits nominations for board chair to board IAW bylaws

JULY 1, 2007 New board term begins

AUGUST 11, 2007 -AOG Board meeting

•Interim board chair convenes

•Election of new board chair as first point of business

Association of Graduates fr

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY V

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED 2007 ELECTION SLATE

The Board approved the proposed slate ofeighteen (18) candidates and unanimously agreed with the Nominating Committee endorsement ofthirteen (13) candidates as “best qualified”. The membership will elect six (6) new Directors from this slate in the March/April 2007 timeframe. The candidates, in alphabetical order, for the 2007 election are:

Michael Banks, ’92

Bio: I am Co-Owner of Form 10 Group, providing product security and brand integrity solutions to hundreds companies and organizations to include COSTCO, WalMart, State of California and ATE Prior to founding Form 10 Group I started a successful distribution company in Munich, Germany. I managed €5 million annually and 7 employees. My previous management experience includes leading a complex business unit, consulting for non-profits and working with several boards of directors. On active duty I was a Munitions officer serving in the US and Germany. I earned a MBA from the Katz Graduate School of Business in Prague, Czech Republic.

Candidacy Statement: As a hiring manager I have helped 13 ex-military officers including 5 Academy grads get jobs with my companies. Ifelected to the Board I will use this experience to improve graduate networking opportunities for social and career growth, restore membership trust in the organization and improve services for graduates.

Alex Brown, ’99

Bio: Alex Brown is a 1999 Distinguished Graduate of USAFA, where he was a Soaring IP and Squadron Commander of CS-40. After graduation, he served as a scientific analyst at the Air Force Personnel Center and routinely provided leadership with analysis on personnel issues throughout the Air Force. Upon separating from active duty in 2004, Alex entered Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA in 2006. During graduate school he served as Treasurer of the Armed Forces Alumni Association, a student organization that provides help for former military officers in the transition to corporate leadership. Alex currently works in Wachovia Securities’ investment banking group.

Candidacy Statement: As a graduate entering the business and finance sectors, I will help further strengthen the network amongst graduates. I consider USAFA a transformational experience that provides opportunities unlike any other, both during and after active duty. It would be a privilege to help enhance these opportunities as a Director in your AOG.

Rodney Bullard, ’96

am currently a White House > Fellow. Previously, I served as a spe/ *V*S| c j a | prosecutor and defense counsel with The Air Force Judge Advocate’s Corps; I interned with the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Law. At Duke, I was elected to the American Bar Association (ABA) leadership.

Candidacy Statement: I consider serving on the AOG Board of Directors to be a great privilege. It is my desire to: develop an organization relevant to alumni needs; increase the involvement of each class and each graduate; and cultivate the graduate community’s loyalty and fellowship - the necessary prerequisites of any fundraising initiative.

Mike Christy, ’63

EBio: Mike Christy served 21 years in SB the USAF and retired as a Colonel. His command and staffpositions in Intelligence and Special Operations fields included Squadron Commander, Wing Commander, combat duty in Vietnam, Military Assistant and Aidede-Camp to CINCPAC, and Director ofSpecial Plans, HQ USAF. After retirement, he was Managing Partner, Director and EXCOM member of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc., a global executive search firm. Mike holds a Master Degree in International Economics from the University ofColorado and is a

graduate ofthe Armed Forces StaffCollege and the National War College. Mike and Carmen have been married 43 years.

Candidacy Statement: During my first year ofservice, I have tried to impact the professional behavior of the Board, and have led the initiation of a critical strategic leadership assessment of our AOG staff. I am honored to be nominated and, if elected, I will continue to serve our Academy and our membership with energy and dedication.

Linda Cubero, ’80

HBio: With leadership experience in the IT, aerospace and manufacturing industries, Linda is a Client Director at HP, delivering IT services globally. During her AF career, she supervised the development of a U.S. Commemorative Stamp designed by Hispanic Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and unveiled by former President Reagan at the White House. Linda is a strong proponent of increasing the U.S. engineering/science talent pool, and in 1998, was inducted into the National Hispanic Engineering Hall of Fame. A 1980 USAFA graduate, she has an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Linda resides in Texas with her daughter, Jennifer.

Candidacy Statement: Many unique opportunities throughout my life and career have stemmed from my USAFA education, training, and fellow graduates. I believe in the AOG’s mission and goals and welcome the privilege and challenge of developing and expanding them for cadets and graduates alike.

Steve Dotson, ’63

Bio: 63 - 70: UPT; T-38 FAIP; combat tour in Thuds; 70 72: MBA, Harvard Business School; 72 - 76: Air Force Studies and Analysis (Pentagon); 76: Left active duty for AF Reserve; 76 79: Defense program analyst, Office of Management and Budget; 79 - 83: Staffer, Senate Armed Services Committee; 84- 97: Senior Executive Service, Office of Management and Budget; 97 Present: Novelist. 76 - 93: Air Force Reserve: Air defense, eastern U.S.; Ranking brigadier general, “shadow superintendent” at USAFA; Headquarters, USAFE. 93: Retired brigadier general. USAFA: Sabre Society; attended all GLCs. 2006: Achieved improved financial statements, LMAG solution, letter to Congress for AOG; taught cadet history classes.

Candidacy Statement: Outlook - The AOG is in transition, becoming much more member-centered and independent. I strongly support that transition, making the AOG more respon-

sive and transparent to members. See my blog at ZoomieNation for key accomplishments for members and for endorsements. Priorities Membership first, then Academy programs, then heritage. Approach to decisions Member-centric, pragmatic, non-dogmatic, analytical, evidence-driven.

Bob Edmonds, ’79

Bio:Bob Edmonds is entering his “third chapter” of association with USAFA: cadet, staff in the late ’80s, and parent ofGreg, Class of 2010.

An F-15 pilot, he flew combat missions during Desert Shield/Storm; commanded the 93 th Fighter Squadron and 131 st Fighter Wing—an active duty commander of this ANG wing.

His varied assignments in Washington, DC, include three years working Capitol Hill for the AF, serving on the Joint Staff and Air Staff, and selection as a White House Fellow in 1995. He has a MSCE from Columbia University, graduated from National War College, and attended Harvard on an executive program.

Candidacy Statement: Serving as AOG Director is one of the greatest privileges for a graduate. With assignments on Capitol Hill recently, as a White House Fellow, and an AOC and faculty instructor combined with a son in the Class of 2010, I bring unique perspectives and experiences to better serve your interests.

Jereme Estes, ’02

HBio: I enlisted in the USAF in 1993. In 2002,1 graduated with distinction from USAFA with a degree in Management. In 2003,1 earned a Masters ofBusiness Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2003,1 was assigned to the Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing at Hanscom AFB, MA as a Contracts Manager. Currently, I serve as a Reservist at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. I am a financial analyst for The Procter & Gamble Company. Myprimary responsibilities include maintaining a $40M operational budget and establishingcapital investment decisions models for projects ranging from $5M to $70M.

Candidacy Statement: I seek a position as a member of the Board of Directors of the AOG so that I may serve the graduate community, contribute to the operational performance of the AOG, and protect the long-term interests of the organization and its members at the national level. t>

Fred Gregory, ’64

HBio: A military and government career that lasted more than 40 years beginning as a Vietnam rescue helicopter pilot and ended as leader ofthe National Aeronautics and Space Administration. During his career, Fred flew both helicopters and fighters in operations and as a research test pilot. As an Astronaut he flew the Shuttle three times, once as the pilot and twice as the commander. He lead the Safety and Mission Assurance and the Space Flight programs for NASA before he was nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to be the Deputy Administrator ofNASA.

Candidacy Statement: My career success is only attributable to the preparation, friendships and sense of honor that I received at the Academy. After graduation I have maintained my connection with the Academy through the AOG. If elected as a member of the Board, I will faithfully represent all graduates equally and fairly.

Jay Kelley, ’64

Bio: Jay is President, ManTech Space Systems. He served at multiple levels of command and completed his Air Force career in space and missiles as a Lieutenant General. Jay presently serves on the Board ofAdvisors for Toffler Associates; the Board of Directors for Zanett Corporation, the Pikes Peak United Way, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic; is a Trustee of the Falcon Foundation, and President of the Association ofAir Force Missileers. Jay graduated from the US Air Force Academy and serves as the Vice President of the Class of 1964. Jay and his wife Marty reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Candidacy Statement: The things we learned about the importance of courage and honor have been dominant in our lives since our earliest days at the Academy. They are the most important among the basic elements that define our character. I want to help ensure we sustain that sight picture.

Mike Ott, ’85

Bio: Raised in Chicago, Mike entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1981, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1985. He spent six years on active duty as an intelligence systems acquision & program manager, and 14 years as an ALO. Mike has spent his professional time on Wall Street in various leadership positions. Most recently, Mike was a managing director & head ofequity research at Piper Jaffray & Co, leading a research departmentof 120 investment professionals at six world

wide locations. In 2005, Mike joined Somerset Asset Management as Managing Partner. He is married to Stephanie Burnet Ott with three young children.

Candidacy Statement: Experiences at the Academy impacted my life significantly in numerous ways. Camaraderie, service, integrity and leadership left lasting marks on the person I am today. From a public high school student in Chicago, to Air Force Cadet, officer and civilian, I have always felt a huge debt to my country and the Academy.

Chris Reynolds, ’94

Bio: Chris was an OSI Special Agent through three tours, culminating in the Deputy Detachment Commander at Misawa AB, Japan, before his final assignment as a Deputy Flight Commander at Officer Training School. He worked for a start-up company in southern California before the tragic events ofSeptember 2001 returned him to government service as a Counterintelligence Officer at DOE’s Nevada Operations Office. He married the former Laura Kassmier ofWood Dale, Illinois, in 2003 and is currently responsible for managing information protection at Argonne National Laboratory. He will earn an MBA from the University of Michigan in April 2007.

Candidacy Statement: I view the position ofAOG Director as a servant to all AOG members and USAFA. I intend to serve the graduate community by defending our institution’s reputation from those with hidden agendas or slanderous intentions. I also want to bring all members, recent and past, into the AOG fold.

Pat Rosenow, ’76

KBio: Pat Rosenow is a 1976 graduate of the AF Academy. Following KC-135 navigator duty, he attended Duke Law

School. He twice served as wing Staff Judge Advocate and had two tours as a military judge. He presided over many high profile trials, including cadets charged with sexual assault and F-16 pilots accused of homicide in the accidental bombing of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. Retired after more than 27 years of service, he is now a federal administrative law judge, hearing a wide variety of labor cases. His daughter and son are graduates of the Academy classes of 2001 and 2003.

Candidacy Statement: I was honored to serve for the past two years as we worked through significant and sometime contentious governance issues, emerging with a better and more responsive association. We must now capture the passion for governance issues and turn it toward serving our graduates, our cadets, and our academy.

James Sanchez, ’90

Bio: My first assignment was the Air Force Personnel Center where I developed the first Assignment Management System. I was the first chief ofweb operations at the Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific. After separating I became a Technology Consultant with Andersen Consulting and then with Grant Thornton. I’ve been an IT Manager, a freelance webmaster, started a car lot (selling pickup trucks on eBay) and now work for Freese and Nichols in Fort Worth, Texas. I publish and edit eDodo. org and USAFAtoday.com, keeping grads informed and entertained and preserving USAFA history with the USAFA Folklore Wiki.

Candidacy Statement: I strongly believe our AOG should be more interactive and responsive to the membership. Graduate membership should be increased by improving the services provided and increasing the value ofmembership. I also believe the AOG Board should be more transparent and accountable to the members. For more information, checkwww.james-sanchez.com/aog.

Frank Schmuck, ’88

Bio: Frank Schmuck graduated in 1988 with military honors and is a decorated 1991 Persian GulfWar veteran. Presently a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Captain Frank serves on US Senator McCain’s and Congressman Hayworth’s Service Academy Selection Committees. Bilingual, he attended the American Graduate School of International Management. Frank is Chairman ofVoices Take Flight, Past President of the Kiwanis Nuevo Club and Arizona’s youngest living inductee into the Veterans Hall of Fame. He lives in Tempe, Arizona with his wife Andrea. They are active in their church, community and numerous charitable causes.

Candidacy Statement: There is a sense of duty and the time to give back to the institution that has given so much to all of us. It would be an honor to be elected and a sacrifice worth giving to our Association and to you, our outstanding membership.

Bill Stealey, ’70

Bio: J.W. Stealey, USAFA Class of 1970; MBA, Wharton School of Business; Command Pilot; Lt. Colonel USAF Reserve (Retired); former Air Liaison Officer; Life Member of the Saber Society, co-founder of the USAF Academy Society ofWashington DC. Bill is a successful officer and entrepreneur. He has been the CEO of two public computer game companies since 1982. “Wild Bill” has always been a proud sup

porter and promoter of the Air Force and Air Force Academy, and carries two “USAFA ‘70” license plates on his cars. “Wild Bill” is married to the lovely Denise and they have five adult children.

Candidacy Statement: I believe that the U.S. Air Force Academy is a national treasure. As it develops leaders of character for the Air Force and the United States, the Academy must strive to maintain the highest in moral, ethical, academic, and physical standards to continue the tradition of the Long Blue Line.

George Van Wagenen, ’67

Bio: George Van Wagenen graduated from USAFA in 1967. In South East Asia he flew the Jolly Green Giant rescue mission as an HH-53 Aircraft Commander. He has been registered with the NASD and in the investment business since 1981. He currently owns his own investment advisory business. He is a stockbroker, registered investment advisor, and branch office manager. He is active in the Rampart Chapter of the AOG and currently serves on the Rampart Chapter Board of Directors.

Candidacy Statement: AOG members deserve to be informed, especially with regard to issues of money, salaries, costs and gifts to USAFA. Additionally, we have learned that our USAFA heritage and traditions can be at risk, but a member oriented AOG can be our strong on scene sentinel.

Jim Wheeler, ’64

Bio: Jim Wheeler, ‘64, will bring extensive and diverse management experience to the AOG Board. While on active duty, he served at USAFA as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, AOC of CS-08, and on the Superintendent’s Staff. His broad AOG experience includes seven years as the Executive Director; two terms as an elected Director; and active AOG Chapter involvement in Colorado, Ohio, and Texas. Jim is a Life Member of the AOG and the AFAAA. He is currently President and COO of two Texas nonprofit corporations. He has earned an M.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Systems Management.

Candidacy Statement: I support an AOG that provides services to members, assistance for Cadet Programs, and protection of USAFA heritage and traditions. My commitment to the AOG membership is to diligently apply my Air Force experience and nonprofit background to build an independent, influential AOG governed by an accountable Board of Directors. SI

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Looking to advance your career? JSAJE is an exclusive site specifically designed for service academy alumni. Whether you are looking for a new job or different career, JSAJE is the place for you to make it happen. If you have not registered in JSAJE, please register and create a username and password. If you have registered to JSAJE, please log in to the program by using the username and password you created. Once you have logged into the JSAJE program you may browse through job listings and contact employers. Not actively looking for a job? Sign up for Job Retriever and let it alert you when jobs according to your search criteria become available. JSAJE also contains a resume database through which companies can search for promising candidates.

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Building Leaders of Character for the Nation

The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy

For more information on becoming a part of the Building Leaders of Character for the Nation campaign, contact Jennifer Bateman at (719)

472-0300 or jennifer.bateman@aogusafa.org.

Dedication sets us apart.

This is an historic era for the United States Air Force Academy. USAFA has just begun celebrating its golden anniversary and your Association of Graduates is embarking on a ground breaking fund raising campaign. The campaign—Building Leaders of Character for the Nation—will take the Academy to new levels of excellence and give our cadets the best experiences to prepare them for leadership in an increasingly complex world.

Cadets lauded for aiding injured comrade

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

ntly presented to three Gen. Susan Desjardins, ’80. The medals were awarded for their actions while aiding an injured cadet earlier this year.

While hiking up Eagle’s Peak at the Academy the three second year cadets heard colleagues above them shouting for help. Immediately, C3C David Blessinger started running up the mountain.

“I had no idea what to expect,” said Cadet Blessinger.

He found stricken C3C Thomas Avolio battered and breathing hard. Avolio had plunged 200 feet down the face ofthe mountain. With the help ofCadets 3rd Class Brett McAuliffand Joseph Spitz, they repositioned their critically injured comrade so he could breathe easier.

“We did our best to help him by controlling the bleeding from his numerous wounds and treated him for shock,” said Cadet Blessinger, a systems engineering management major from Niceville, Fla., who hopes to become a pilot. “By this time we were in phone contact with the rescuers and they requested that one of us go back down the mountain in order to guide the rescue team up to the site. You could say I was on auto control because I really didn’t stop to think until I reached Avolio. It wasn’t until I climbed the 20-foot rock face and found Avolio that I actually stopped and analyzed the situation.”

Cadet Blessinger and the injured cadet attended the same church and attended religious retreats together, but had not yet become close friends.

When C3C Joseph Spitz heard the calls for help he figured someone had a few deep cuts and a limp.

“That’s not what I saw when I got to Tom,” said Cadet Spitz. “I was the last to get to Tom because I dialed 911. It was hard to climb the 30 or so feet to get to Tom with one hand. When I got there, I couldn’t have imagined what I actually saw.”

It grew cold and gusty.

The three of them took their shirts and extra cloths off to keep Cadet Avolio warm and his body temperature somewhat constant.

For the three cadets, the hike that started around 10 a.m. didn’t end until 7 p.m. that night.

“After we had been up there for an hour, we started thinking of ways to get the attention of the rescue teams and the helicopter circling the area,” said Cadet Spitz, a mechanical engineering major from Pewaukee, Wis. “They still didn’t know our exact location.”

The cadets and three passers-by climbed down to help the fallen cadet. Rescue crews reached the trail head within the hour, but required additional time to physically reach him with medical supplies due to the isolated location.

Because of the location, the rescue teams carried medical equip-

Photo by Ken Wright

ment on their backs to the fallen cadet, where they stabilized him and began a five-hour wait for helicopter evacuation.

Academy fire-fighters, with the help ofspecialists from El Paso County Search and Rescue, hand-carried him down the mountain.

When the party reached an open area, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Wyoming Army National Guard arrived to hoist Cadet Avolio, at an altitude of 8,600 feet, from the cliffface in strong winds. The cadet was transferred to a waiting Flight for Life helicopter and flown to Penrose Community Hospital in Colorado Springs. He was listed in critical condition.

Such efforts and events tend to bind military people.

“He is very kind and willing to do anything to help others,” said Cadet Spitz. “He is also strong willed and resilient seeing as he surpassed all of our expectations in his recovery, and I can only wish him the best.

Ail their team building training panned out.

“Once we had assessed the situation, we all discussed what we should do in keeping Tom stable and waiting for the rescue crews,” said C1C Brett McAuliff.

The behavioral sciences human factors major from Broken Arrow, Okla., got stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., during last summer’s Operation Air Force, a 10-minute drive from the recovering cadet’s home.

“I got to visit with him and spend time with him and his family,” said Cadet McAuliff. “One of the coolest things about the visit was the fact that I got to run a mile with him.

“I know Tom fairly well, now that I’ve spent some more time with him,” Cadet McAuliffsaid after the Mitchell Hall awards. “He’s a fun-loving, easy-going guy who is working really hard to come back as part of the class of 2009. I firmly believe his faith has helped him in his recovery.”

The three wingmen visited Cadet Avolio in the downtown hospital and talked with his family the night after the incident.

The awards citation was read in Mitchell Hall during the noon meal.

The cadets and the Academy High Angle Rescue Team received the “Wings of Honor” award in an annual ceremony held at the St. Francis Health Center Helipad Oct. 7.

The award recognizes local heroes who have gone above and beyond the call ofduty to save lives in extraordinary circumstances.

Cadet Avolio, from Des Moines, Wash., attended both awards ceremonies. He stated his intention of returning to the Academy. The Air Force granted him a year of leave for rehabilitation Oct. 4, after which he will undergo a physical evaluation to see if he is fit to return to the Academy as a third class cadet. H

By Paul T. Ringenbach

Review by Lt. Col Vance R. Skarstedt, ’79

Battling Tradition

Robert F. McDermott and Shaping the U.S. Air Force Academy

With General Robert McDermotts passing on August 28th the Air Force Academy lost not only one of the last members of its founding generation, but probably its most influential and driven creator. Not to take anything away from the Harmons, Stillmans, Eisenhowers, LeMays and other leaders who came together to build an Air Force Academy, McDermott stands as the leader who gave the Academy its direction. Some ofthis resulted from the nature ofhis job. Much of it resulted from his personality. He was the first Permanent Professor and the second Dean ofthe Faculty and he led the design ofthe curriculum that remains the core ofthe Academy cadets’ education for commissioned service. McDermott’s impact on the Academy stemmed from his character, vision, intellect, energy, and especially his determination. He was not a consensus builder and he did not hesitate to defend the Academy, its mission, and its methodology from external meddlers including those from the Air Staff or Congress.

Paul T. Ringenbach’s new book, Battling Tradition; Robert F. McDermott and Shaping the U. S. Air Force Academy makes it clear that McDermott did not view being the dean as just part of a chain of command. The general understood that for the Academy to achieve credibility as an academic institution, it could not become another Air Force training organization. He did not, however, lose sight of the Academy’s primary mission ofgraduating commissioned officers with the aptitude and motivation to make the United States Air Force a career. He fought to create the position of permanent professor to insure academic freedom while also resisting efforts to civilianize the Academy’s faculty and thus preserve its military culture. McDermott understood the inherent paradoxes of military education and he knew how to deal with them. He was himself a product of those paradoxes.

A graduate of both the Military Academy and the Harvard MBA program, McDermott early on in his career recognized that the post World War II military would have to be different from the one he joined in the late 1930s. McDermott commented once

that he constantly had to overcome the belief that what served to educate Lee, Grant, Pershing and MacArthur was still good enough for officers in an age of nuclear war. McDermott first wrestled with tradition while a cadet at West Point. His frustration stemmed from the fact that he was bored with his classes. He had seen much of the material before while a student at Boston Latin and Norwich University. But at West Point the curriculum was lock-step and he’d take the same courses like everyone else. When McDermott returned to West Point as an economics instructor after combat tours in World War II and the Pentagon after the war, two of his mentors, Herman Beukema and George Lincoln expanded McDermott’s awareness of the existing shortfalls in military education. McDermott would not miss the opportunity to fix those shortfalls during his next assignment at the brand new United States Air force Academy.

Ringenbach’s biography of McDermott is a very timely and compelling account of not only the general’s life and philosophy, but also the history of the Academy itself. Ringenbach was himself around for some of that history as he served on the faculty of the Academy during two years ofMcDermott’s tenure and eventually became a friend and associate of the general and his family after the Air Force. Ringenbach interviewed the general extensively for this study and had access to the general’s papers. However, typical of McDermott, he did not participate in the writing or influence the tone except to encourage objectivity. Much to the sadness of all, General McDermott died shortly before the book’s publication and never saw any of the written text. While Ringenbach clearly admires McDermott and is positive in his portrayal of the general, Battling Tradition is a sound, balanced biography.

McDermott generated strong emotions in those he supervised and worked with and Ringenbach makes that clear. While nobody questioned the general’s integrity or character, some ofhis peers considered him too biased towards academics and prone to steamroll those who disagreed with him. As the first commandant, Brig. Gen. Robert Stillman often had to compete with McDermott in front ofthe United States Air Force Academy Board for approval ofvarious programs. Both men were determined and intelligent. They had many differences over the direction ofthe Academy and although Stillman was a general and McDermott a colonel, Stillman observed that “McD would fight St. Peter himself... and usually get what he wants.”

Ringenbach discusses the many ideological tussles of McDermott’s career not to showcase his subject’s intellectual and persuasive powers, but to illustrate the behind-the-scenes conflicts that made the Academy what it is today. Even in the military, balance of power politics plays a crucial role in any major accomplishment. McDermott faced senior Air Force officers like LeMay who wanted to make the Academy more attractive to athletes, particularly football players. He faced commandants who argued that their staff could do the work of academic departments; a battle that took away the department ofpsychology. It took McDermott six years to get the concept ofpermanent professors approved by an Air Staff uncomfortable with any operation that took officers out of the line for good. However, through the sheer force of his reasoning and persistence, he achieved these and many other

important goals that made the Academy the institution it is today. He also cultivated alliances with numerous chiefs of staff, personnel commanders, and political leaders to protect the foundling Academy during its early years. Despite its relative newness to the academic scene - the Academy will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first graduating class in a few years - it ranks nationally in the top ten as far as prestigious graduate scholarships awarded like the Rhodes, Wolfe, Guggenheim and Truman. Only the Naval Academy numbers more astronauts among its graduates and it had a head start since no Air Force Academy graduates existed when the manned space program began.

When McDermott took on the job of Dean ofthe Faculty he did not want to recreate West Point or Annapolis. He adopted ideas used by the best universities in the land including Harvard and MIT, and combined them with the character development concepts practiced at the Military and Naval academies. By McDermott’s retirement in 1968, West Point, Annapolis and other military academies were studying the Air Force Academy and its curriculum. He brought in course validation, curriculum enrichment, physiology offlying, the first astronautical engineering department, strategic language studies to include Russian and Chinese and successfully introduced academic majors in a curriculum that was mostly core. Perhaps the greatest recognition ofhis achievements was the fact that the Air Force Academy became the first and only institution to be fully accredited before its first class graduated; unheard ofbefore or since this accomplishment in 1959.

Ringenbach accurately recounts all ofthese events and therein lies the major reason I would encourage not onlyAcademy graduates to read this, but anyone else involved in higher education. Graduates, especially those in the first thirty or so classes will recognize a lot ofthe names and characters and will get a first-hand view ofthe machinations taking place on the 6th floor at Fairchild Hall. Later graduates may recognize some of the names but will get a greater appreciation ofhow the top-tiered education they received evolved. West Point and Annapolis graduates will be able to see how their academies influenced the development ofthe Air Force Academy and vice versa through the person of McDermott. McDermott wanted to improve what was already a sound military education system and Battling Tradition is really the story ofhim doing that at Air Force. Today, all the major service academies rank among the top undergraduate institutions in the nation and McDermott, more than any other individual, is responsible for that.

The philosophy and principles that guided McDermott during the Academy’s formative years are clearly evident through out this book. One could also call them timeless. Equally interesting is the fact that McDermott took the same principles into the private sector and again achieved remarkable success when he became Chief Executive Officer ofthe United Services Automobile Association.

His time at USAA further illustrates the endurance and drive of this remarkable man. USAA was already a strong company and financially sound when McDermott joined its board of directors and assumed its presidency in 1969. However, McDermott saw room for improvement. Thinking creatively and logically, he introduced brand new concepts ofoperations including the first

800 numbers and safety programs that not only increased USAA volume, it sped up operations and made USAA synonymous with automobile safety. Although Ringenbach deals with McDermott’s USAA years mostly in the epilogue, he does a fine job illustrating that the qualities making McDermott a success in the military were easily transferable to the civilian sector. Those qualities can be summed up in one word, leadership.

As a graduate, I consider it a great blessing that Robert E McDermott was the one in the right place and right time to be put in charge of this institution’s intellectual development. I consider myself even more fortunate for having had the opportunity to meet General McDermott. I spoke with him on the phone several times and in 2000, during one ofhis last visits to the Academy, I spent the better part of a day interviewing him for the Academy’s oral history project which I directed. He had just turned 80 and although his stamina was less resistant to the altitude of the Academy than it used to be, his charisma and ability to frame, organize, clarify, and solve any problem remained as sharp as ever. Over three decades after he relinquished command of the faculty, I saw that he still considered the Academy an important part of his life and kept close contact so he could remain aware of current Academy affairs. Before he died, the Cadet Library

became the McDermott Library and this is good. McDermott was the father of modern military education as well as the man responsible for the Air Force Academy’s strong reputation and with his passing, the Academy lost a guardian.

In the last years ofhis life, General McDermott saw the passing of another era. With the end of the Cold War, the world McDermott sought to prepare cadets for underwent another significant change. Shortly after the Soviet Union ceased to exist, the Air Staff considered closing the Air Force Academy as part of a “peace dividend” reorganization. Although General McDermott would not take credit when he told me this story, I will always believe he had a hand in making sure the president - who ended up calling that suggestion a bad idea - realized the Air Force Academy’s value. If that idea surfaces again, let us hope there’s another McDermott out there to contest it. Paul Ringenbach does a splendid job explaining the life and contributions of this guardian and everyone who reads Battling Tradition will not only read of a great man, but the ideals that made him great. B

Chicago, III.: Imprint Publications, 2006. Notes, bibliography, index and illustrations. Pp.333. $24.95. Paperback. ISBN1-879176-42-4

Exciting trips in 2007 from Denver

presented by the Association of Graduates

(Other departure cities are available)

See yourselfin the Prado taking in one masterpiece after another, or sipping sangria on cafe-lined promenade along the beaches ofthe Costa del Sol. Explore a Moorish palace that seems out ofthe pages of a storybook with pink stone courtyards, fountains and patios. How exciting to be in a land ofwild beauty, steeped in romance, mysterious, and rich in history. ($2,299 per person)

Walk along the Great Wall ofChina. Cruise the fabled Yangtze River through breathtaking gorges, past waterfalls and deep canyons. You are in a land rich with its history, bursting with its future. To be there is to live in a constant state offascination. ($3,299 per person)

Imagine yourself on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge at sunset, or walking the Boboli Gardens, filling your soul with the smell ofjasmine. Experience the Colosseum side by side with the ghosts ofgladiators or in a cafe toasting the end of the day with a rich ruby red wine. Add to that the Tuscan countryside, vineyards marching up undulating hills to medieval villages. ($1,899 per person)

By Ralph H. Nutter

Review by C2C Ryan Shaughnessy

With the Possum and the Eagle:

The Memoir of a Navigators War over Germany and Japan

World War II aerial combat was distincdy different from anything on todays battlefield, with entire cities burnt to the ground and tens ofthousands ofcivilians deliberately killed in single air raids. Swarms ofenemy fighters and anti-aircraft artillery were not the only threats—the arctic temperatures and low air pressure at altitude could freeze or asphyxiate a man in minutes. Amazingly, thousands of Americans joined the Army Air Corps following Pearl Harbor in spite ofthese hazards. Most were young, and none could know the dangers that awaited them. One ofthe volunteers, Ralph Nutter, tells his story ofthe “Bomber War” in With the Possum andthe Eagle. A student at Harvard Law School on December 7, 1941, Nutter soon qualified as a B-17 navigator and flew with Generals Heywood “Possum” Hansell and Curtis “Eagle” LeMay in Europe and later in the Pacific. As the memoir of a combat veteran, With the Possum and the Eagle offers many astounding and grizzly accounts ofindividual bravery, sacrifice, and folly in the face ofthe horrors ofair warfare, but Nutter goes a step further by attempting to explain in considerable depth the background ofmilitary events and political intrigue within the Air Corps and in Washington. In this last effort the author falters because ofhis lack offirsthand knowledge about high-level debates, but overall his book is an engrossing, useful blend ofnarrative and general history that explores in detail infamous events like the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission and the firebombing ofTokyo.

The story begins when Nutter and his Harvard colleagues received word of the Pearl Harbor attack. He was immediately sure that he wanted to join the Air Corps in order to avoid the “horrors of trench warfare,” and he vividly conveys the mood in the country at the time. When Nutter’s poor depth perception threatened to exclude him from flying, the flight surgeon left the office door unlocked to allow the eager young student to recalibrate the testing instrument. Nutter passed his vision test, quit Harvard, and was off to Maxwell Field in Alabama. There he chose to enroll in navigator school because it promised to get him into combat faster than pilot training. By July 1942 he was in the sweltering heat of the dusty Mojave Desert of California for

flight training. There he met his crew and Colonel Curtis LeMay. Already renowned as a tough commander and strict disciplinarian, LeMay proceeded to whip the 305th Bomb Group into shape. Unfortunately, it would soon become clear that the cloudless, uncontested skies of the American West were poor training grounds for new recruits about to fight the veteran Germans over overcast Western Europe. After months of training stateside, Nutter successfully navigated his Flying Fortress on a harrowing trek through a North Atlantic storm to a base in England.

In England the training intensified, and in the autumn of 1942 the Eighth Air Force launched its first unsuccessful raids against targets in occupied Europe. Crews were not proficient at bombing and were undisciplined formation fliers. LeMay cracked down by setting up new training procedures and regulations that demanded that no planes fall out of formation to help stragglers or damaged aircraft; when on a bombing run, LeMay ordered, the lumbering Fortresses must hold course to ensure accuracy. Although initially unpopular, LeMay’s reforms translated into lower casualties for his group, and eventually more units began to adopt his innovative tactics. Still, losses remained high; after LeMay transferred Nutter to his aircraft to serve as group navigator, Nutter watched his former crew get shot down. Fie did not discover for some time that his crew survived, and in the meantime he lost many other close friends. Nutter’s testimony brings to life the statistics of the Air Corps’ catastrophic loss rates in a chilling, unforgettable way. Each B-17 lost, he reminds the reader, meant ten fewer men returning to base, and for each missing or killed airman, LeMay wrote a letter of condolence to the family.

In October 1943, Nutter remembers, the Luftwaffe was nearly able to claim victory over the Air Corps after the SchweinfurtRegensburg mission, the brainchild ofplanners like Brig. Gen. Heywood FFansell. Although Hansell was friends with LeMay, the two were in many ways totally opposite. LeMay was a gruff, no-frills combat commander who “spoke just enough words to demonstrate his meaning,” while Hansell was a reserved southern gentleman, an intellectual with little operational experience who believed fervently that the war could be won without incurring too many innocent civilian deaths. In a series of attacks that targeted specific, vital “bottlenecks” in the German war economy, Hansell and the leaders of Eighth Air Force Bomber Command hoped to cripple Hitler and prove the war-winning capability of precise strategic bombardment. The mission and follow-ups were bloody failures that almost broke the back of the Eighth Air Force. Here Nutter takes a surprisingly balanced and reasonable look at the decision to press the attack without fighter escort against the protests of LeMay and the bomber crews. Having viewed the slaughter over Germany firsthand, the author still acknowledges the immense pressure placed on Gen. Henry “Hap” Arnold and the Air Corps leadership to produce results in 1943. Nutter correctly recognizes that the other service chiefs routinely attacked the expensive Air Corps’ small contribution to Allied victory in the war up to that point, an important internal dynamic that is sometimes ignored in tactical studies of the Air Corps crisis of the autumn of 1943. Nutter does not, however, excuse the lapses of

the Air Corps Material Command at Wright Field, which should have provided the bombers with P-51 escorts much earlier.

By including extensive background information about policy disputes and operational considerations within the Air Corps, Nutter creates a narrative that is much more fluid and readable than many memoirs. Unfortunately, he overreaches by not citing sources or references. Presumably, as an officer in the Air Corps he heard, for example, rumors of disputes between the service chiefs during or after the war, but he almost certainly had no firsthand knowledge ofsuch meetings. Occasionally the author writes that a particular individual informed him of an event or that he was personally present at a meeting between commanders; however, in most cases the reader must assume that Nutter is merely speculating as to what happened behind-the-scenes. Furthermore, the author wrote the book nearly sixty years after the events in question. Although the included background stories are insightful and contribute to the flow of the story, Nutter’s failure to include any citations or a list of consulted works detracts from the overall value of the book and calls into question his credibility with regards to events in which he did not himself participate.

In contrast, Nutter deals expertly with the most important theme of the book—the gradual shift from precision bombing to area bombing within the American Air Corps. During the interwar years, Air Corps leaders had used the high-altitude, unescorted, precision bombing mission to justify the existence of the Air Corps itself. It was a role that none of the other services could perform, proponents boasted. Hansell had long been an advocate of this type of operation. The target of a bombing campaign, he asserted, should be enemy industry, not the populace. Unfortunately, when war came the weather in northwest Europe proved notoriously bad, and clouds often obscured the target. LeMay believed that when visual sighting was impossible, the Air Corps should switch to area bombing like that conducted by the Royal Air Force. Importantly, Nutter maintains that LeMay did not originally come to Europe thinking that cities should be targets; instead, the author defends him as a flexible commander who was willing to adjust to the realities of the circumstances and consider any type of operation if it promised to hurt the enemy. Hansell, on the other hand, was totally opposed to deliberately striking civilians; he believed that America did not have to stoop to such “uncivilized” measures to defeat Nazi Germany.

In late 1944, Nutter, LeMay, and Hansell left Europe for the Pacific. There Nutter initially served as Hansell’s radar navigator as they stood up the first B-29 squadrons in the Marianas Islands. Above the Japanese Home Islands, the jet stream winds made accurate bombing from high altitude even harder than in Europe. Still, Hansell would not acknowledge the need to shift tactics, and his unit produced meager results. In January Gen. Arnold replaced him with LeMay, and after quickly discovering what had caused Hansell to fail, LeMay and the Twentieth Air Force firebombed Tokyo from low altitude. The devastation was unparalleled. In the coming weeks LeMay laid waste to most ofJapan’s major cities.

In chronicling the disagreement between Hansell and LeMay about proper strategic bombing targets, Nutter defends both of

his former superiors, and rightly so. Hansell believed deeply in protecting innocent civilians as much as possible. Even though his tactics did not satisfy the nation’s need for a speedy victory, he did not bow down and stood by his ethical opposition to terror bombing even though his stand arguably cost him his career. At the same time, Nutter goes to great lengths to defend LeMay. Nutter’s stories reveal that LeMay was an extremely demanding but respected and admired leader. The total devastation wrought on Japan and his subsequent actions as Chief of Staff of the Air Force obscured his outstanding accomplishments as a combat commander. Nutter’s testimony shows that he was not heartless or brazen but was a brutally effective warrior in a savage conflict. Unlike Hansell, LeMay was willing to take the most extreme measures to end the war as quickly as possible.

With the Possum and the Eagle is Ralph Nutter’s attempt to blend his own personal story with that of the American Army Air Corps. The tales of heroism and sacrifice of the men who rode heavy bombers to hell and back continue to fascinate, and as the number ofWorld War II veterans continues to dwindle, preserving the firsthand accounts of those men who fought over

Europe and Asia becomes even more important. Nutter’s memoir is notable not only because it attempts to tell the story ofhis own service, but also because the author was there when many of the most famous figures in the American military made history. His stories of General LeMay, and the author’s attempt to vindicate this misunderstood figure, shed light on the man who, more than any other figure in the post-war period, shaped the development of the United States Air Force. Although Nutter does not fully support all ofhis arguments with credible evidence, With the Possum and the Eagle is essential for anyone who wants to better understand Curtis LeMay—it is a worthwhile and enjoyable read for anyone seeking an insider’s perspective into the workings of the Eighth and Twentieth Air Forces and the evolution of strategic bombing during World War II. 9

Denton, Texas: University ofNorth Texas Press, 2005. Maps, photographs, notes, appendices, glossary, bibliography and index. Pp. 327. $29.95. Paperback. ISBN 1-574441-198-5.

Voices from the Booth

From a warm press box high above Falcon Stadium on a COLD AFTERNOON, THE VOICES OF THREE OF THE BIGGEST AlR Force Football fans paint a picture of the game to thouSANDS OF PEOPLE LISTENING ON THE RADIO AND AROUND THE WORLD ON THE INTERNET. THE BROADCAST FROM THE CREW IN THE BOOTH IS AN IMPORTANT LINK FOR MANY GRADUATES who can’t watch the team play on television. The threeMAN BROADCAST TEAM OF JlM ARTHUR, LEE DOUGLAS AND JAY Ritchie has only been together for three seasons, but TOGETHER THEY HAVE MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE COVERING THE FALCONS.

By Matt Kleve, AOG staff

Photos by Kyle Davidson, AOG staff

Jim Arthur just finished up his fourth season doing the play-by play for Falcon Football. “It’s such a privilege to be a part of the Air Force Academy and a privilege to be a part of the team,” said Arthur. He’s played a role in some part of the broadcast since 1990. Arthur says he really enjoys the people he works with at the Academy.

“The camaraderie with the team and Fisher, and the fellows in the booth—we just have a good time—it’s a team effort.” Arthur is also the voice ofthe Falcon men’s basketball team and the program director ofKVOR-AM in Colorado Springs, the flagship station for the Air Force Football Network.

Lee Douglas is the newcomer to the radio crew as the “color man,” but he’s definitely not new to the Air Force Football scene. Douglas is the sports director and evening sports anchor on KOAA-TV in the Colorado Springs market. He has covered area sports on radio and television

since 1979. “I have a long history with Air Force,” said Douglas. “When Fisher became the head coach, I got to do Fisher’s first coach’s show.” Douglas has had a lot of fun covering the Falcons over the years, and he’s really enjoyed being a part of the radio crew.

“It’s been a blast going on the road trips and getting to meet the parents of the players,” he reflected.

Jay Ritchie has also been following Air Force for a very long time. “I grew up in Pueblo [Colorado] and was an Air Force fan for most of my life,” he said.

Jay has now been involved with the football broadcast for 20 years. He works on the pre-game halftime and postgame segments, as well as lending a hand to the broadcast as the producer in the booth.

“It’s been great! Fortunately, we’ve had some pretty good years. There’s been some huge victories, some bowl games, and being around the coaches and the players has been terrific,” he said.

Ritchie enjoys producing a segment of the pre-game show called “Where are They Now?”

“I get to talk with some of the guys I followed as a fan and a lot of guys I’ve known over the years of doing it. That’s a blast doing that.”

Ritchie is also the voice of the baseball, hockey and women’s basketball teams. He also hosts “Tee to Green,” a radio golfshow Sunday mornings on Sirius satellite radio.

Talking about football isn’t much of a challenge to many sports fans, but each member of the crew says actually assembling the broadcast takes a great deal ofwork.

“We all have other jobs, but we treat Air Force Sports like a full time job... It culminates on a Saturday but the

Above, Left: (L-R) Jim Arthur and Lee Douglas call the action. Right: Jay Ritchie keeps an eye on things during the broadcast.

preparation begins on Monday,” said Arthur. Like the team itself, the broadcast crew has to study that week’s opponent, learning key players and any strengths and weaknesses they might have.

The broadcasters agree the Falcon football program is unique; one that’s fun to cover. As Ritchie put it, “It’s mostly the kids involved. Very few go on to play pro ball. They play because they enjoy it and they’re putting everything into it.” Si

Previous page, left: Lee Douglas talks with AOG President Jim Shaw, ’67, during the pre-game show. Shaw goes on the air to talk about USAFA, its grads and the AOG before each game. Right: Jim Arthur

I’M STILL NOT SURE HOW MY NAME CAME UP I DON’T SERVE IN ANY CAPACITY WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES, BUT I WAS ASKED TO BE ON THE COMMITTEE THAT IS ASSISTING THE AOG BOARD BY ASSESSING THE RESULTS OF THE RECENT SURVEY OF ITS MEMBERSHIP I WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND THE

FIRST

COMMITTEE MEETING, SO I WAS ASSIGNED THE TASK OF READING AND SUMMARIZING THE OPENENDED, OR

NARRATIVE, QUESTIONS.

I started with Question 27 which asked Associate Members “Are there any comments that you would like to offer that have not been addressed elsewhere in this survey?” It prompted only 125 replies. Then, I tackled Question 35, which asked the same thing of graduate members. It generated 972 responses.

I thought you might be interested in both the process I used and some of the things I learned as I attempted to assimilate all of the information you provided.

It quickly became apparent that your views were much like those of the blind men who went to “see” the elephant. Each of their views was completely valid from their individual perspective, based on what part of the elephant they were touching, but they had many, different impressions of the beast.

sonally with you. One is the oft repeated comment that the AOG “should serve as the voice of the USAFA graduate community.” Another is your great desire to associate with, mentor, assist, etc., both cadets and grads, and last is the view of the early/mid career folks that it is hard to care about such issues as AOG governance when you are employed/deployed and up to your

The Blind Men and the Elephant

By Carl Janssen, ’68

First, I wrestled with what criteria to use to highlight any information from the input we received. Should I tally similar responses and report that 23 grads felt this way and 18 grads felt the opposite way? While we often disagree on specifics or approaches, there are areas ofinterest/concern that need to be addressed. I decided to gather your comments into what I eventually called “themes”. I also reported specifically back to the AOG on your replies that requested a response from them when you provided contact information.

Second, I decided that all of your comments were important and that my job had nothing to do with my own point of view. (While this may sound very appropriate and straight-forward, it proved very difficult for me to do, since your responses ranged from the insightfill to the certifiable in my opinion, but that’s another story.) I did the best job I could of serving as an honest broker/messenger for your input. I would still recommend direct correspondence with the AOG, ifyou feel that you weren’t heard.

I learned/confirmed many things about our members. You care deeply about the AOG and the Air Force Academy. You differ greatly in your views of the proper goals and the performance of both organizations. You are convinced that Character Development,,including the Honor Code, is the sine qua non ofthe Academy. You would like to support and be involved in the development of our cadets. And, you are personally affected by the coverage that our Academy has received in the national media.

While my summary went to the committee and thence to the AOG board, there are three “themes” that I’d like to address per-

Voice: There were completely opposing views on almost every issue. Some of your comments indicated that “The place has gone to hell since (Fill in the event or graduation date).”, and “It just isn’t the same institution that I attended.” and similar sentiments. I began to appreciate the difficulty in speaking for our membership. How is the AOG to determine what view is to be voiced? Are we to take issues to the membership for a vote and then speak forcefully on them because XX percent (Pick a threshold.) of our membership agreed or disagreed with what is happening at the time? Are we a support organization or an advocacy organization, or both? Who is the appropriate target audience, if we choose to speak out about an issue? Is it the graduate community, the Air Staff, the general public, or yet others?

Interaction: It appears that there is great value received by our membership from participation in local AOG Chapters and Parents Clubs, and that these venues offer a valued opportunity to further the objectives ofthe organization. Your concern is that they don’t exist in enough places and they could often use more support from the AOG.

Early/Mid Career: This view is best captured by one grad’s desire to name a proxy to vote for him/her in all AOG elections for the next ten years. That grad wants to concentrate on the day-to-day business of mission accomplishment/survival. This comment put many things into perspective for me. We elect an AOG Board to steer the organization. We monitor both the accomplishments of the AOG and of the Academy. And, we form very strong opinions ofwhat is going right and what is going wrong. We would like both organizations to live up to the Core Value of “Excellence In All We Do” while minimizing the time, money, and aggravation they cost us. It appears to me that the Survey was a great way to be heard, and that there is value in refining and then repeating the effort from time to time.

In doing this, I’ve learned a very important lesson I’ll never miss another committee meeting.

Thanks for your time. H

New base access policy starts

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

Academy visitors can now show a valid drivers license and have security forces check vehicles and trunks and access the Academy seven days a week 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We would not ask the occupants to exit the vehicle unless Security Forces detects something suspicious,’’ said Academy antiterrorism officer Mr. Paul Ceciliani. “Signs will direct visitors and delivery vehicles to use the far right lanes to enter the base.’’

For DoD card holders the north gate will open at 5 a.m.

Monday through Friday. It will open 6 a.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The gate will close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and close at 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“Academy people that use the north gate will be required to show a Department of Defense or base issued identification card for access,” said Mr. Ceciliani.

“During morning peak hours, security forces plans on using one of the outbound lanes as a diird lane to expedite traffic flow ifneeded.”

Some things won’t change.

The cadet area will remain secure and signs will he posted around the base to let visitors know the areas they are not allowed to travel in—especially the housing areas.

There are no changes on how visitors will access the cadet area or the contractor background check process. There will be no changes to access during Falcon Stadium events like football and graduation. During large events like basketball and hockey games, the visitor cordon will open with no changes to the current concept. Requests by mission elements to open the visitor cordon will be done through the event planning process.

Mr. Ceciliani said visitors will not have to stop at the Pass and Registration Center for a visitor pass. Ifvisitors are required to enter the base before 8 a.m. for meetings or golf, they need to inform the entry controller.

After 6 p.m., visitors will need to be sponsored by calling either the south or north gates.

Like daughter, like father

It’s rare thing, perhaps even unique, when a father and daughter pursue a commission in the U.S. military at the same time, but that’s just what happened three years ago when lLt. Jennifer Wolf, ’04, was in her senior year at the Academy.

Her father, Dr. Charles Wolf, decided at about that time to request admission into the Air Force’s Medical Corp as a lieutenant colonel.

“I joined the Air Force to give back to my country something in return for all the great opportunities which it has given to me and my family,” said Lt. Col. Wolf. “I greatly admire all the men and women who have volunteered to defend our country and believe they deserve the best in medical care which I am hopeful my 25 years ofexperience as a physician will provide to them.”

What may be even more special about this story is that 1 Lt. Wolf was the officer who commissioned her father into military service with the help ofher unit, the 361 st Recruiting Squadron at McChord AFB, Wash.

“The Air Force Medical Corp is undermanned with physicians, so my dad figured it was a perfect match,” said Wolf. “He could continue to treat patients, and the Air Force would get a competent physician with years of experience. The commissioning was almost surreal; it’s fairly often for a parent to commission their child, but not vice versa. Either way, I support my dad in what will make him happy, and I know he will be happy in his endeavor with the Air Force, and his new patients will be happy with him!”

7u Til Jl

Wing!

;s of Blue raises bar at national competition

By Tech. Sgt. Roel Utley, Academy Spirit

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Justus Hanks

It has almost become cliche to say that the Wings of Blue have done well at national competitions.

The Wings ofBlue placed among the top teams and individuals in the country at this years national championships. Three cadet teams and one staff team represented the Air Force and the Academy.

“This is the highest a cadet team has placed (first medal) in the U.S. Nationals,” said Wings of Blue coach Bill Wenger.

The Air Force Academy contingent arrived in Arizona Oct. 18 for the competition.

Although competitors have some time in Arizona to get ready for the event, preparation is never ending.

“Preparation for competition is a year round endeavor; training for competition in the fall is very difficult here,” said Coach Wenger who has close to 8,200 career jumps spanning 35 years.

“The cadets main job with the 98th Flying Training Squadron’s Wings of Blue is not competing or performing demonstrations. Their mission is teaching and being jump masters for our Basic Freefall course. Cadets on the team are instructors first and competitors/demonstrators second.”

After a couple days of training, the team event began.

After 10 grueling rounds, all completed in just two days, Air Force CAD, one ofthe cadet teams, placed second and received a silver medal in the Intermediate 4-way Formation event. The team consisted ofCICs Mike Bush, Joe Kreidel, Ryan Regan and Jon Vaage.

Each cadet competitor averages between 500-600 jumps. The competitors on the team give up Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring breaks to focus on training.

Air Force 7XY, another cadet team consisting ofCICs Abigail Crews, Pete Theisen, Mary Vendt and Caroline White, placed fourth.

The staff team of Capts. Matt Cunningham, ’97, Mike Jacobsen, ’98, and Master Sgts. Rick McClure and David Fremin took eighth place.

Air Force BOS garnered 15th place. They were CICs Sam Botwinski, Khary Branch-Romero, Steven Christopher and Chase Scully.

Nearly 70 teams competed in the four-way formation event which is divided into three categories.

The Academy teams competed in the intermediate division of 28 teams that have been together for one to three years.

Once the Formation event was over, the Accuracy event began. Six cadets and one staff member competed in it.

Unlike the Formation event, there is only one category for Accuracy, so the cadets were competing against the top accuracy competitors in the nation.

Jumpers exit the aircraft at 3,500 feet, open their parachutes and attempt to land on a round, three centimeter, target. Jumpers are electronically measured out to 16 centimeters with 10 jumps making up the final score.

Wenger placed third with 7cm for 10 rounds.

Jim Flayhurst, ’74, took first place with 4cm, second was Stu Metcalfe, a former commander of the parachute team with 6cm.

“The cadets did a great job and will use their increased competi tion experience to their benefit at the collegiate nationals,” said Wenger, who placed third in Accuracy and fourth overall in the individual events.

“It was an unbelievable feeling going into the last round of a ten round national competition behind by only two points with a shot at winning first place,” Bush said. “We were excited to have all of our training and dedication over the past two years pay off for such a rewarding experience.”

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat

by Don Hall, 76

Taicon-A!”

Awakened by his roommate’s exclamation, C/4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat lifted his head from his desk. The outline of his gray leather glove “pillow” etched his face. Visions ofsugarplums and Christmas vacation had been dancing in his head Studying for final exams was grueling. It was the shank ofthe evening, but the doolie could still see large, fluffy snowflakes drift past the dorm room window. The three man room felt especially cold tonight to Waldo as the Colorado winter air caressed the window. He shivered in spite ofwearing thick wool uniform pants and his blue bathrobe. Finals Week was the last cruel hurdle the freshmen faced before escaping USAFA for a holiday at home. Sleepily, Waldo turned to see who was disturbing his academic efforts.

“What’s the problem?”

“What’s the problem? I’ll tell you what the problem is! I have a twelfth period final!” shouted Warren Heels. He waved his arms around wildly for no particular reason.

Regs Buch, sitting at the desk next to Waldo, spoke up. He gazed hard at the flailing freshman.

“We all have last period finals.”

Warren remained agitated.

“It’s my hardest class and I haven’t studied! My GPA will be ruined! I’ll be on academic probation!”

“I’m in your class, Warren. That should help the mean.” Waldo opened a textbook and flipped through the pages. He subscribed to the OLT (Osmosis Learning Theory). Why didn’t math books have more pictures?

“Well, right after the exam, I have to make my bed for airing and catch a bus to Denver!”

“We’re on the same flight you are,” countered Regs.

“My ticket is non-refundable!”

“I’m going ‘standby’,” mentioned Waldo.

“Why are you whining so much today?” Regs queried his buddy. “It’s very distracting.”

“It’s kind ofpersonal ...”

“That’s why he’s asking, Warren. We have no lives of our own, so we live vicariously through you.” Waldo started to realize how pathetic that sounded.

Warren dropped heavily into his desk chair. The resulting bruises would last for days.

“Well, ifyou must know ...”

“Oh, we must, we must!” chorused the doolies.

“My girlfriend kissed me off!”

His classmates sat in stunned silence for a moment.

They couldn’t believe it.

How did Warren get a girlfriend?

“Did she send a ‘Dear John’ letter?” asked Waldo.

“No, she addressed it to me,” said Warren, his voice cracking slightly.

“Did you call and talk to her?”

“Yeah, and I asked her ifthere was another man ...”

“What did she say?”

“She said there has to be ...”

Regs turned to Waldo. “We have to do something to cheer Warren up. Otherwise it’s Academic Probation for all of us!”

Without drawing attention to himself, Waldo ran to the door, entered the alcove, and double-timed to the latrine. The thought of R flight in the summer was unthinkable though he had already thought it. Ducking into the nearest stall, Waldo mumbled the magic words “Joint Spouse” and transformed into the well-toned body ofColonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat. The officer strode quickly to the CQ desk. Face down in a calculus book, the sleeping cadet snored softly as the colonel commandeered the telephone. Without disturbing the studious cadet, he made a quick call to his friend, the dean of Loretta Heights College, and then dialed the Cadet Command Post. The Midnight Cowboy answered the phone.

“Listen up, Mister!” bellowed the colonel. “Announce a Finals Week Mixer at Arnold Hall for all freshmen to be held after the sixth period final. That is all. Dumbsquat out!”

Returning to the latrine, the colonel degenerated into the puny form ofWaldo, perpetual freshman. The Command Post began to blare its message ofmandatory fun through the dormitory as Waldo returned to his room.

“Hey, Waldo, did you hear there’s a dance tomorrow night?” asked Warren excitedly. Hope for a new romance put color back into his tear stained cheeks.

Waldo grinned.

“Yeah, I heard the news. But I can’t get excited about it yet. I’ve got a lot ofstudying to do.”

With that said, Waldo sat at his desk and placed his head carefully on the chemistry text. The atomic weight table and list of elements waited patiently to bond with the doolie.

Waldo began snoring. B

free service provided by the Association of Graduates exclusively for USAFA grads and AOG members

Establish Your Network!

wonder what your 4th B Class year roommate is doing now? Have you been

Km trying to catch up with an old classmate that you’ve lost touch with? Maybe you just graduated and are trying to use your USAFA connections to learn about your first duty station? The Association of Graduates has recently launched ZoomieNation, a secure online networking community to help you re-connect, stay connected, and meet new USAFA connections through the people you already know.

ZoomieNation is a free service provided by the Association of Graduates exclusively for USAFA grads and AOG members. Sharing pictures, thoughts, job opportunities, and news with your fellow trusted Blue Zoo few has never been easier. Through ZoomieNation, you can tap into one of the greatest resources

available to you-your network of USAFA friends and friends-of-friends.

How do I get started?

1) visit www.zoomienation.com and register

2) fill out your profile

3) search for and find your friends and colleagues and add them to your network

4) send messages, join groups and post in forums

Most people are familiar with the concept of six degrees of separation. You know Sarah, Sarah knows John, and John knows Kevin Bacon, right? Well, now you can employ the same concept within your own USAFA community. You know your 4th Class roommate, and your roommate knows the VP of a company you’d like to do business with. ZoomieNation actually shows you these connections and lets you visualize your existing extended network. By building your network, and inviting your friends to do the same, your reach throughout the community grows exponentially. Is this just for finding business contacts? Not at all. ZoomieNation is whatever each individual grad or AOG member wants to make of it. You fill out your profile with whatever information you want to share, invite and accept invitations from only those people you know and trust, and join groups based on your location, personal or professional interests, hobbies, or Academy clubs. Anything from new mothers comparing notes, to mountain bikers recommending trails, to a local chapter sharing event photos and organizing their next gathering; it’s up to you. You can even create your own groups!

Plus, you can connect anywhere, anytime you have an internet connection—at home or on the road, at noon or 2 a.m. Enjoy this great opportunity to network with other USAFA grads and AOG members in your area, across the country, or around the globe. Visit www. zoomienation.com and start growing your network today! 9

Graduate Survey results released

ByMarty France, 81 AOG Board Member

On behalfofyour Association ofGraduates Board ofDirectors and the AOG staff, Id like to thank all ofyou for participating in our first ever large-scale survey ofthe membership. We asked many very important questions and you’ve responded. Were listening and now were analyzing your responses and acting upon them. First, here’s some background on the survey.

The Alumni Relations Committee, at the direction ofthe board, was primarily responsible for oversight on the design and execution of the survey. Several AOG members joined committee and staffmembers to work with our contractor for the survey, Corona Research of Denver, to design the survey. Corona delivered the final report to us in mid-September and another ad hoc committee of six (one local AOG member, four AOG members from USAFA Management Department, and I) have been busy reviewing it over the last few weeks—it’s over 600 pages!

The strength of the survey data is excellent. We received over 3,100 graduate member responses and almost 400 associate members completed the survey. The survey may also represent a strong baseline for future surveys. We also received well over 1,000 written comments that we’re reviewing now, too.

We will post Corona’s survey report in PDF format on the Web site very soon for your review. I can report that several open-ended responses and suggestions have already been forwarded to the staff for immediate action. As those actions are taken, we’ll provide updates and progress.

As a review team and as part ofthe Alumni Relations Committee, our goals are to:

•Evaluate survey validity and utility; consider Corona Research’s “Key

Findings”

•Review survey sections for other important info

•Review open-ended questions (“themes and jewels”)

•Report initial findings to the board and membership

•Evaluate current initiatives in light ofthe survey results

•Identify “low-hanging fruit” for possible early board/staff action

•Identify longer range, strategic actions

•Plan for follow-up surveys to assess progress

Here are a few key findings from the survey that we’d like to share immediately:

•Responses are more similar than different across class years with a few important exceptions:

oCareer services are valued higher by younger grads, as are AOG-offered discounts and services

oYounger graduates are more likely to use “other,” nonAOG sources to obtain information about USAFA & AOG issues

•Responses varied greatest depending upon how strongly members “identify” with USAFA

•Communication, in the largest sense, both one-way and two-way, is what is valued and expected most by graduates. Examples, listed alphabetically, include:

oCareer services

oConnectivity with fellow grads, classmates

oHeritage—status, AOG inputs, efforts to promote/ retain/honor, etc

olnformation about USAFA, cadets, grads, accomplishments

olnputs to senior USAFA and Air Force leadership

oExternal communications—serving as the voice of the grad community

oCandidate recruiting and cadet support

•There’s a tremendous demand for networking—especially among younger grads

oWe need to better understand what networking means oResponses differed based also on length of active duty time served

•Checkpoints is very highly valued, though Class Notes in Checkpoints are not as valuable for younger grads

•Demand for a value-added online register is strong (with small variation by class)

•Desire for more support at the chapter/affinity group level

•Visiting USAFA is important for many grads with wide variation between career military and those who served fewer years on active duty

•Younger grads appreciate financial support to USAFA/cadet programs more than older grads

Many members used their open-ended questions to thank their AOG for what we do to support USAFA, cadets, and all graduates— and for some ofthe changes they’ve seen in the organization recendy. We greatly appreciate that 89 percent ofall survey respondents say they would recommend AOG membership for a cadet or graduate—we hope that number grows! We appreciate the positive feedback and will not ignore the negative.

We’ll follow with more reports as we continue to digest the report, but I wanted to let you know what else we’re doing now:

1. The board has committed to publishing the hard-copy Register of Graduates for the next three years. During that time, we’ll deploy, enhance, and evaluate a fully functional on-line register that, we hope, will serve the needs ofall graduates—eventually replacing the hard-copy register.

2. We’ve revised the Life Membership at Graduation program to remove the perception ofcoercion and provide refunds to those cadets that opt out ofthe program before graduation.

3. The online e-community for all graduates, ZoomieNation, is in now online at www.zoomienation.com. We think this is a great step towards providing the sort ofnetworking and connectivity you’ve told us is important.

Again, I’d like to thank each and every one ofyou for participating in the survey. The time you spent doing so will make our organization and the Academy strong institutions for the future.

(Editor’s Note: To readthe Graduate Survey Results please visit http:H wivw.usafa.org/pages/GradmteSurvey.htm). B

New Academy detachment debuts

By Ann Patton, Academy Spirit

Photo by Ken Wright

Detachment 1 ofthe 306th FlyingTraining Squadron in Pueblo welcomed its first group ofaspiring aviators Oct. 13.

The Initial Flight Screening program puts Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Training School graduates to the test to determine their suitability as pilots, combat systems officers or remote pilot vehicle (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators.

They are screened for attitude, aptitude, adaptability and motivation to be professional military aviators.

The detachment stood up March 15. Lt. Col. JohnTomjack, ’87, assumed command Sept. 25. The program has been in the works for more than four years. Eventually 1,300 airmen will pass through IFS annually, and the detachment is expected to be a fullfledged squadron within six months.

The detachment and the Academy’s program are the only two aviation screening operations in the Air Force.

The detachment’s first class of 15 students will spend 40 days in the classroom and have 25 hours of air time in 19 flights, two of which are solo.

“It is a highly structured program,” Colonel Tomjack said of the curriculum.

Doss Aviation, Inc., headquartered in Colorado Springs, survived strong corporate competition in the bidding process to provide maintenance, logistics support, lodging, food service and security as well as flight instructors, aircraft and fire protection.

“Doss was selected from a number ofvery strong proposals,” Colonel Tomjack said. “Their comprehensive business plan most closely aligned with what the government intended in the form of a total’ flight screening program.”

The private company has 29 years ofexperience in providing flight training, air traffic control and aviation maintenance.

Doss also currently provides aircraft maintenance and towing for the Academy soaring program.

The turn-key operation in Pueblo will eventually set up shop in the original Sperry building at the airport industrial park. The city spent $ 11 million in half-cent sales tax dollars to purchase and remodel the building, and it will be Doss’ landlord.

“When completed, this will be the most comprehensive, stateof-the-art flight facility in the Air Force’s Air Education and Train

ing Command,” Colonel Tomjack said. “This is a partnership between the government and Doss to provide training and services similar to what one finds at an Air Force base but via contract.”

The initial one-year contract with Doss has options to extend the program for 10 years. Total cost at that point is expected to be $178 million.

The 200,000 square foot main facility will house dormitories, kitchens and dining rooms, classrooms, a chapel, gym, barbershop and conference rooms. The detachment’s mission statement dubbed it “an Air Force base on a diet.”

Total Pueblo operations will employ about 200 civilians.

The first fleet ofsingle-engine slender fuselage airplanes arrived in Pueblo Sept. 12. The six two-seater aircraft, Diamond Air DA20’s, were built in London, Ontario. The low-wing planes, with 125 horsepower, have a high-mounted stabilizer and a range of 547 nautical miles.

The trainer aircraft have the primary instruments positioned on the right-side of the cockpit for instruction purposes. The Diamond DA20s are the same plane used in IFS ofAcademy cadets.

Eventually the number ofaircraft based in Pueblo will rise to 44.

In addition to the Pueblo airport, the new screening operations will use Fowler and Fremont County airfields as auxiliary sites.

Air Force flight screening dates from 1952 when the Air Force instituted centralized, pre-flight training to reduce attrition during later phases ofpilot training. S

Fast Facts

Initial Flight Screening

Detachment 1 ofthe 306th FlyingTraining Squadron will screen aspiring aviators from ROTC and OTS graduates.

Second lieutenants will undergo evaluation to determine their suitability as pilots, combat systerns officers or remote pilot vehicle operators.

The Academy and the new detachment conduct the Air Force’s only flight screening programs.

1,300 airmen will pass through the program every year

Doss Aviation, Inc. will provide turnkey operations for aircraft, housing and other support services and pilot trainers.

IFS aircraft are the single-engine Diamond Air DA20 built in London, Ontario.

Air Force flight screening operations began in 1952.

Academy

BY C1C KATE SCHIFANI

PHOTO BY KEN WRIGHT

Elevenfirst class women, along with their officer in charge, Lt. Col. Edie Disler, boarded a bus destinedfior the Colorado Springs airport at 4:00 a. m. It was an early start to a weekendfullof incrediblepanel discussions andfantastic networking at the ThirdAnnualAcademy Womens Symposium.

hen we arrived in Washington D.C., our cadet contingent broke offfor a few hours to explore different monuments and landmarks. My group decided to take a trip to the Pentagon, meeting up with Lt. Col. Rose King, a speechwriter for Chairman ofthe Joint Chiefs ofStaff General Peter Pace. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, we set out to explore all the exhibits on display, eventually finding ourselves in the Pentagon Press Room with one of the staff photographers.

After practicing our poses for important presentations, we ventured to Gen. Pace’s office.

The general was in a meeting, so we looked around his office. We noticed a picture ofthe first Marine killed in the Iraq war sitting on his desk, as well as the other interesting photos. As we joked about sitting in his chair, his enlisted aide came running in announcing General Pace’s unexpected arrival. In a moment ofconfusion, deliberating between hiding behind the couch and meeting table or running out ofthe office in a panic, General Pace strode into the room with a smile, quick to offer a handshake. After taking our picture with him, and presenting us with his personal coin, he left as quickly as he came. Following the excellent tour ofthe Pentagon, we visited the Women In Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va.

After registering for the symposium and meeting up with the other D.C. explorers in our group, we took our seats in the theater, eagerly waiting to see how the symposium would compare to the already unbelievable experience we had. To say that the Academy Women’s Symposium greatly exceeded our expectations is an understatement. It was the best weekend in terms of my officer development I have had at the Academy.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Wilma Vaught, a feisty, elegant woman ofsmall stature, clearly overflowing with a passion for recognizing women in military service, introduced us to the symposium and shared stories of lessons learned through her years ofservice.

Following her presentation, we saw a panel of emerging leaders in both the military and corporate world. Women like Donna McAlee, who gave up a significant corporate position to pursue her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete, and Maj. Kristin Goodwin, ’93, the first woman to pilot the B-2, shared their advice and perspective on success. The overwhelming theme of their presentations was that competence and integrity have no gender. Social hour followed their panel, allowing us to meet these incredible women, as well as women from the other service academies and other women grads attending the symposium.

The next day kicked offwith a panel on Iraq and Afghanistan and the lessons women have learned while serving there. The panel included Lt. Cmdr. Darcy Wolfe, a Navy Seabee who shared her story ofbeing the leader ofmajor construction projects in a primarily male dominated culture. Capt. Heidi Brockmann, an Army intelligence officer also shared her story ofinteracting with Afghanis

while collecting information. Capt. Kim Campbell, ’97, who flew her A-10 back from Iraq after sustaining major combat damage that destroyed all ofthe aircraft’s hydraulics, described her harrowing experience. Maj. Kristin Uchimura, ’93, also spoke about her role as a contractor in the Iraq reconstruction efforts. Once again, the message these women conveyed was that competence has no gender.

After lunch and another chance to meet Academy grads and speakers, we attended another panel of senior Academy leaders discussing gender demographics at the Academies. Their message was overwhelmingly similar at all the Academies. While gender integration at the service Academies is far from over, the strength that will pull women through is found in their ability to perform. “Competence is critical, trust is second, and loyalty third,” said Col. Rita Jordan, head of the management department. I was beginning to notice a trend.

The final panel on Saturday was the “Rising to the Top” panel, which included many general officers and senior national defense strategists. My personal favorite, as a future aircraft maintenance officer, was Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, a highly respected maintenance officer. Her message that the brain and ability to connect with people is not gender specific.

“Neither are hard work, perseverance, and integrity” she added.

Another panel member, Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, ’80, the first active duty woman USAFA grad selected as a general officer, presented much the same message, but also touched on the importance of balance in a military life. “Ifyou’re eighty years old and roll over in bed,” she said, “hugging your KC-135 is going to be old and steely.”

Looking back through my program full of notes from all ofthese women, I see once again underlined at the top ofthe page the word competence. These women, clearly successful in their careers, achieved success from hard work and by being very good at what they do; a strategy for success from which anyone can learn.

Following dinner, Cmdr. Lisa Nowak shared her journey to space onboard space shuttle Discovery that launched last summer on July 4. She talked about the importance of perseverance and determination with a tone that reflected her humility and gratitude for the opportunities she has had. Following her speech, we had the opportunity to take our picture with her and talk to her individually about her experience, concluding another long, wonderful day at the Women’s Memorial.

Sunday began with a panel ofcadets, midshipman and recent graduates. The opportunity to learn about the experience at other Academies made me very aware ofhow fortunate I am to be at the Air Force Academy. In particular, the atmosphere here is much better for women than it appears to be at West Point, an Academy still struggling to overcome the issues relating to women in combat roles and the division that causes.

1 Lt. Nicola Hill, ’04, shared her experience of being a recent grad fresh out of pilot training and a new B-52 pilot. Her story made me more aware of the positive climate for women at the Air Force Academy and its role in officer development.

After the panel of my peers, we had a panel of women talk about networking, a previously misunderstood and ill-interpreted

word. The women, including Susan Feland, ’93, the founder and president ofAcademyWomen, dispelled myths about networking and stressed the importance of mentorship in a military career and throughout life.

Following this panel, Brig. Gen. Allison Hickey, ’80, and Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Michelle Johnson, ’81, addressed us over lunch. These women were incredibly eloquent in imparting their experience and wisdom over the years. Entertaining any question from the challenges of having children in a military career, to the special belt that general officers get that doesn’t yet come in a woman’s version, they expressed a very personal and real side of military success. Finally, the name “Michelle D. Johnson” was more than just a name we memorized in Contrails.

The opportunity to talk to her, as well as General Hickey, gave us the chance to once again learn as much as we could from very successful women who share, and indeed paved the way, for our Academy experience.

The symposium concluded with breakout sessions ranging from the effect of military life on children, to work-life balance, to analyzing scenarios at the academies that show the process ofgender equality is not over. Following these sessions and closing remarks,

we presented Susan Feland a gift and were on our way back to Colorado Springs. I spent the flight home reflecting on the weekend full of incredible women sharing their amazing stories, and my appreciation for the AOG for helping fund this trip, as well as the ’68 and ’69 grads in the D.C. area who hosted us.

The Academy Women’s Symposium was an amazing experience that gave me the chance to meet fantastic women in the military who have used their academy experiences as a foundation for success in both the military and corporate world. Their overwhelmingly unified message, that competence and integrity have no gender, has stuck with me and given me inspiration to keep working hard in my final days here at the academy and out in the Air Force. The connections I made at the symposium with people sincerely interested in helping me succeed reaffirmed my belief that the service academies are truly special. The lessons I have learned and will learn here will carry me the rest of my life; perhaps one day I too will be able to use them like the women I met in Washington D.C. to make a positive influence on the future of the Long Blue Line. 9

The most meaningful friendships are forged through sweat, tears, laughter and shared accomplishments.

ZOOMIENATION because your Academy friendships are too precious to lose.

Once Vpon a (Time

Remember all the great stories your classmates shared with one another at your last reunion? Well now is your chance to share some of the most important memories of your life with the 25,000 readers of Checkpoints magazine, which includes a large part of the Cadet Wing.

As the Academy and the Association of Graduates celebrate this institution's 50th anniversary, the staff of Checkpoints wants to publish your 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 many of you will take time to share your first-hand account of the Long Blue Line's heritage and history.

Please keep your story between 500-2,000 words. If you have photos, please include them. Digital copies of photos must be in "jpg" file format, at a resolution of no less than 300 dots per inch at 7 inches wide.

E-mail your story and photos to editor@aogusafa.org. If you choose to mail your story, please include a digital copy of your story on a CD or floppy disk. If you mail prints, we'll make sure you get them back in the condition they were sent.

Photo courtesy of Les Querry, '60

By Ann Patto AcademySpirit

C1C Chris Ross loves everything about flying.

After graduation he’ll enter pilot training. His ultimate Air Force goal: become a Thunderbird.

Cadet Ross is well on his way to both.

Recently at the U.S. National Glider Aerobatic championships in Dennison, Texas, he was awarded the John Serafin Trophy for his aerobatics in free routines where pilots invent their own combination of maneuvers.

“I knew I had a good flight, but I didn’t think it would be as good as it turned out to be,” he said. “I was pleas- antly surprised.”

Categories for the competition, from easiest to most difficult, are gliders, sports class, intermediate and unlimited.

Soaring in a TG-10 glider, Cadet Ross competed in the intermediate class and scored 80.57 percent out of a possible 100, the highest a cadet has ever scored in any contest in Academy aerobatics.

Not only did he beat out all five glider intermediate competitors (all Academy cadets) at the nationals but he also topped the percentages of all three unlimited glider civilian competitors.

“Cadet Ross is constantly doing things up and beyond what’s expected,” said advanced soaring coach Mark Matticola, ’92, with the 94th FlyingTraining Squadron. “He’s going to be a great officer.”

Chosen by his peers as commander of advanced soaring teams, Ross serves as both a line instructor and member of the aerobatics team.

“They’re definitely the top ofthe top,” Matticola said ofaerobatics pilots.

To become eligible for solo aerobatics, cadets must first complete no fewer than 75 basic instructional flights in gliders. They are

selected for aerobatics based on maturity, experience, drive and motivation.

The one-week training in Academy aerobatics is usually held in Arizona in March.

“They pick it up fast,” Matticola said, and added, “We give them airmanship they can’t get any place else.”

The Academy has the only glider squadron in the Air Force. Fifteen cadets form the advanced soaring team.

Flying without an engine adds a huge dimension to aerobatics. The glider’s energy comes from its speed and height. The pilot must manage both to complete a routine before getting too close to the ground.

Aerobatic competitors must fly their routine within the confines of “the box,” an imaginary one kilometer cube ofsky. At top speed a glider can fly across the width ofthe box in less than 12 seconds. Flying outside it shaves points from or even disqualifies competitors.

Cadet Ross finds soaring “really calming, just being up there above everything. But when it’s time for aero’ it’s game on and the intensity kicks up a few notches.

“Right before I enter the aerobatic box my palms are always sweaty and my heart is pounding,” he said. “It’s like the ‘ready, set, go’ before a 100-meter sprint.” His favorite maneuvers are hammerheads and snap rolls.

“Hammers are nice because you go from 110 knots and 5 g’s to zero knots at the start and zero g’s at the top,” he said.

“Snaps are about as wild as it gets in our gliders with a swift 4.8-g pull to stall the tail, then a rudder kick to get it to roll.”

When Ross reflects on his time at the Academy he feels grateful for the opportu- nities and support.

“I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to be here, and for helping me get through it,” he said.

He is also grateful to his parents who have supported him all the way.

“They let me do all this crazy flying even though they may have a few more grey hairs for it.” at

C1C Chris Ross at the 2006 U.S. National Aerobatics Championship. (CourtesyPhoto)

NOMINATION CRITERIA CHANGED FOR DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

The Distinguished Graduate Award Committee, led by board member General (Ret.) Ed Eberhart, ’68, wants to enrich the pool ofpotential candidates for this important award. The committee has approved the establishment of a “Pre-Nomination Recommendation” which allows people to send the AOG a name and a one paragraphjustification. The AOG staffwould then do Internet research to gather preliminary information on the nominee. The DGA Committee would determine if the person merited additional consideration and would contact the nominator for assistance in putting together a more detailed package.

The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique

TIMELINE

May 2006 - April 2007

Award is publicized and pre-nominations are accepted. Pre-nominations must be submitted byApril 1, 2007.

MAY - AUGUST 2007

Selection committee reviews nomination packages.

SEPTEMBER 2007

Selection committee recommends award recipient to AOG chairman of the board and U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent. Recipient is notified and agrees to accept award at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

APRIL 2008

Award presentation ceremony at U.S. Air Force Academy in conjunction with Founders Day.

honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Association ofGraduates, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and the standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets ofthe standards that we value and ofthe abilities that have made our country and society great.

While the selection criteria for this award are extremely demanding and the competition is keen, we need the assistance of every graduate to identify deserving candidates for evaluation. Non-graduates are also encouraged to submit nominations. This is our opportunity to recognize our own while identifying those who can serve as an inspiration to future generations ofAmericas leaders.

SEND PRE-NOMINATION INFORMATION TO: Dick Rauschkolb Association of Graduates 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 or e-mail dick.rauschkolb@aogusafa.org

For more information, contact Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, vice president for communications, at (719) 472-0300, or dick.rauschkolb@aogusafa.org.

For additional information visit the AOG Web site at www. usafa.org.

THE LONG BLUE LINE

It seems like every day somewhere in the world an Academy grad is recognized in the news for an outstanding achievement 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.

Bishop, ’74, leads 3rd AF Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr., ’74, took command of the newly reactivated 3rd Air Force recently. Prior to taking command, General Bishop was vice commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

“My last three job titles have begun with deputy, assistant or vice. I am personally delighted and humbled to be here this morning with that modifier gone,” General Bishop said during the ceremony.

The reactivated 3rd AF, which has more than 1,400 members, includes the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center, the 603rd Support Group, the 4th Air Support Operations Group and former members of 16th Air Force.

The numbered Air Force will plan combat and humanitarian operations in the USAFE area ofresponsibility, which includes Europe and Africa, and it also will conduct day-today operations for USAFE and European Command to organize, train and equip airmen for the functions they could be called upon to accomplish around the world.

(Courtesy USAFE/PA)

Helmich, ’64, triumphs again Bill Helmich, ‘64, competed in the IPF World Masters Powerlifting Championships on Oct. 6 and won the 220 lb.

Master 3 Class. This is the third year in a row that he has won the gold medal in the World Championships.

Gray, ’06, named AF Cadet of the Year

2d Lt Andrew M. Gray, ’06, has been selected as the 2006 USAF Cadet ofthe Year. Lieutenant Gray was selected from among thousands ofcandidates from all of our commissioning sources. He is currently attending undergraduate pilot training at Sheppard AFB, Texas.

Kirby, ’80, named U.S. Airways president

Scott Kirby, ’80, a veteran America West executive and driving force in the airline’s merger with US Airways last year, has been promoted to president of U.S. Airways.

The new job makes him second in command of the airline. Prior to his new post, Kirby was executive vice president ofsales and marketing.

The Tempe-based airline is one ofArizona’s largest companies with $ 10 billion in annual revenue and 35,000 employees nationwide.

Kirby said his proudest accomplishment since coming to America West in 1995 is helping transform an airline that had “the

weakest hand ofcards to play with” and eventually turning into the new US Airways. The merger has been an early financial success.

In his new job, Kirby adds responsibility for airport customer service, finance and labor relations in addition to his current oversight ofpricing, scheduling, marketing and reservations, among other things.

(Courtesy of The Arizona Republic)

Marsh, ’90, gamers CENTCOM award Maj. Mike Marsh, ’90, an economics instructor at the Academy has been named Air Force Information Operations Professional ofthe Year by U.S. Central Command Air Forces.

Maj. Marsh was chosen among majors and lieutenant colonels in the career field at the command and group levels.

He returned to the Academy in May from Qatar where he spent three years.

“We had a lot of issues to deal with,” Major Marsh said ofhis tour.

A large part ofhis job was monitoring all computer networks for hacker attacks. Using electro magnetic spectrum detectors, he and his staffmonitored such areas as radios, data links from planes and Iraqis who were establishing radio and television stations.

“We found where the threats were coming from and stopped them,” he said.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The award was a surprise but he is appreciative.

“It’s nice to get recognized for a threeyear job that was really tough,” he said. “There are a lot ofpeople doing good stuff out there, too.” (Courtesy, USAFA/PA)

Lyerly, ’63, honored by AAMA

The American Academy of Medical Administrators awarded its 2006 Harry Shubin, MD, Statesman in Healthcare Administration Award to William H. Lyerly Jr., during its 49th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Ga. Lyerly is the Special Assistant for Global Health Security in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

AAMA bestowed the Award on Lyerly for his significant and innovative contributions to the aims ofquality healthcare delivery for over 20 years. He has noteworthy operational and policy-level experience in emergency management, human security, global health security, interagency/civil-military coordination and teaching. During several international crises including the 1988 Soviet-Armenian Earthquake relief, Lyerly was assigned to the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance to help coordinate inter-agency humanitarian assistance efforts. He was also founding Director of Bio-Countermeasures Coordination for the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. Lyerly previously served in the Executive Office of the President as the Bio-defense Lead in the White House’s Homeland Security Transition Planning Office.

Lyerly has also demonstrated excellent leadership with the AAMA as a founding board member of the American College of Contingency Planners, a specialty group of AAMA. He has been an AAMA member since 1999 and has earned esteemed status of being a Fellow in the American Academy of Medical Administrators and Fellow in the American College of Contingency Planners. (Courtesy AAMA)

Halsell, ’78, named VP at ATK James Halsell, former NASA Astronaut and space shuttle program launch integration manager, has been named Vice President and Program Manager ofthe Alliant

Techsystems ATK-led ARES I Upper Stage team, based in Huntsville, Alabama.

In September, ATK Launch Systems Group, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne announced a teaming agreement to join forces in pursuit ofNASA’s ARES I Upper Stage procurement, planned for early 2007. Halsell’s main responsibilities will be to lead the team’s Joint Program Office for this effort.

Halsell’s background includes more than 20 years ofexperience working with NASA in various leadership positions. His leadership roles included serving as Manager of Shuttle Launch Integration, leading NASA’s Shutde Return-to-Flight planning team, and most recently serving as Assistant Director for Aircraft and Flight Crew Operations. As an astronaut, Halsell flew on five Space Shuttle flights, two ofwhich he served as pilot and three as the commander, logging over 1,250 hours in space.

Halsell began his career in the U.S. Air Force as an F-4 pilot qualified in conventional and nuclear weapons delivery. He later became a test pilot and flew the F-4, F-16 and SR-71 aircraft. (Courtesy ofATK)

Weinstein, ’77, honored by Forward Military Religious Freedom Foundation’s president and founder, Mikey Weinstein, ’77, was chosen as one of the 50 most influential Jewish Americans.

Each year, the Forward, “an independent, high-profile weekly newspaper committed to covering the Jewish world,” picks the 50 most influential Jewish Americans. The list contains a variety of figures, from rabbis and entrepreneurs to community leaders and politicians.

After warning last year that his two sons had felt religious intolerance at his alma mater, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the one-time Reagan administration official and general counsel to H. Ross Perot won an official investigation into practices at the school.

This past year, Weinstein sued the federal government over ongoing problems at the academy. He also turned his one-man campaign into the not-for-profit Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which tracks church-state violations throughout the military.

Last July, St. Martin’s Press published his memoir, With God on Our Side: One Man’s WarAgainst an Evangelical Coup inAmerica’s Military. Later this year, Weinstein and his sons will be featured in a documentary about Christian-Jewish relations by Oscarnominated director Oren Jacoby.

Raytheon promotes DeWitt, ’83

Bruce DeWitt, ’83, has been named vice president ofthe Precision Engagement strategic business area for Raytheon Missile Systems. DeWitt joined Raytheon in 2003 as program manager for Tomahawk and Strike Weapons Advanced Development.

Raytheon Company is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft.

DeMaio, ’92, receives prestigious award

The U.S. Attorney General has awarded Jerry DeMaio, ’92, U.S. Justice Department’s John Marshall Award for Participation in Litigation for his work in the investigation, prosecution and conviction ofA1 Qaeda conspirator Ahmed Omar Abu Ali.

The Marshall Award is the Justice Department’s highest award for attorneys, presented for contributions and excellence in legal performance. (Courtesy of DoJ)

Election Winners

The AOG wishes to congratulate the following graduates on their recent elections to office:

Congresswoman Heather Wilson, ’82 New Mexico District 1

Mayor Chuck Reed, ’70 San Jose, California

Representative Kent Lambert, ’74

Colorado District 14

Representative Bob Gardner, ’76

Colorado District 21

Assemblyman Greg Ball, ’01

New York District 99 H

SAFA Cadets travel to UAE

Story

and

photos by C2C Travis Harvey

LAST SUMMER, THROUGH A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE OLMSTED FOUNDATION, THE USAFA INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS OFFICE SENT SIX CADETS FROM USAFA AND TWO CADETS FROM ROIC DETACHMENTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO LIVE IN AND EXPERIENCE THE PEOPLE, LANGUAGE, AND CULTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST.

OUR GROUP WAS SENT TO THE PERSIAN GULF STATE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. THE EMIRATES ARE A FEDERATION OF THE FORMER TRUCIAL STATES LOCATED ON SOUTHWEST COAST OF THE ARABIAN (PERSIAN) GULF. FORMED IN 1972 UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT SHEIK ZAYED. THE COUNTRY HAS SINCE UNDERGONE A RAPID TRANSITION FROM A REGION OF COMPETING TRIBES DEPENDANT ON NOMADIC HERDING, SUBSISTENCE FARMING, PEARL DIVING AND PIRACY INTO AN OPULENT EXAMPLE OF WEALTH AND PROGRESS.

This rapid change has had a tremendous influence on the social structure and culture ofthis small nation. Every aspect oflife has been changed for the native Arabs, and the economic prosperity has attracted a host of third country nationals, mostly from Southeast Asia. These influences have created a distinctly unique culture that is wholly Arabian, but borrows significantly from the rest ofAsia.

The first impression I took in was the differences in dress. Native Arab males, from the mid-teens on up, wear an immaculate white robe called a kandura or dish- dasha. Adult men will invariably wear the aguila or turban, which in the Emirates is traditionally white as well. It is very common to see teenagers wear American baseball hats with the kandura. Women, on the other hand, rarely go out in public without an abaya and sheila. The abaya is a black gown that covers women from the neck to the feet, while the sheila is the shawl that covers their hair. Under the abaya women typically wear western style clothing, including jeans.

The clothing, for both sexes, is a matter ofmodesty. In the Arabian culture, it would be wholly inappropriate for me to talk with a female, and so my questions about their dress had to be asked by the female cadets. What they found out was surprising to me. The overwhelming majority of women feel much more comfortable covering themselves in public to avoid being looked at by men. They also feel a certain obligation to keep men from sinning by removing one source oftemptation. In the privacy of their own homes or in the exclusive company ofother females, women are generally comfortable wearing western clothing.

One ofthe truly unique experiences on this program was having lunch with an Emirati military officer at his residence. For a nation that lived in palm frond and mud homes no less than 40 years ago, his home was very impressive. His home was in a walled compound—a left-over from the nomadic traditions ofwalled permanent dwellings for protection—and included two very large houses. One was the harem or dwelling for his wife, daughters and young children. The other house was for the men and older boys. The extended family concept is still very important in the culture today, and it is not uncommon for an individual to have not only his immediate family, but also his brothers, sisters and parents living under the same roof.

As guests ofthe home, we were not permitted to see the house beyond the majlis, or sitting room, and the guest dining room. Unlike the United States where homeowners are proud and even eager to show guests their house, it is generally culturally unacceptable in the Middle East. The majlis is designed to be an imposing room, signify-

ing the wealth and prestige ofthe owner. The one in this particular house was two stories tall, and the perimeter ofthe room was lined with oversized couches with gold thread fabric. The floors were marble and the windows reached from the floor to the ceiling.

One ofthe hallmarks ofMiddle Eastern culture is hospitality to the extreme. Our host was no different. Before lunch we were treated to dates fresh offthe palm tree, fruit juices, and Arabic coffee. Arabic coffee should not be confused with Turkish coffee, which is very thick. Arabic coffee is generally served with cream and spices and while very hot. It is so important in the culture that a coffee pot appears on the national currency, the dirham and is the subject ofmany fountains found in roundabouts in the highway.

Lunch was very good. Our host prepared for us a traditional meal ofcamel’s meat, and I was very impressed. It did not taste like chicken, but much more like beef. The meat was prepared in the traditional fashion ofdigging a pit, burning down a bonfire, slaughtering the calf, and burying it the evening before it is to be served. The end result is a very tender and flavorful dish that is served on a bed ofrice. Rice is served with a sweet and sour yogurt that is poured onto the rice. One must then roll up the sticky conglomerate usingjust the right hand. After the meal, we returned to the majlis and were served tea. Arabic tea is very sweet, very hot, and usually served with lemon flavoring, and it is believed by many to aid in digestion.

Eating the meal itself was quite an experience. The meat was placed into two large metal bowls on the ground. Four to five people could comfortably fit around the bowls, but you did not sit on the ground or stand up. The position was more like a crouch, with the left leg folded under the body and the right foot flat on the ground. This position allows one to stand up or down very quickly, and is the ideal position for rising to greet guests. Unless one is used to this

Previous page: The desert sunsets are some position, it can become of the most beautiful in the world. Above: The tiresome very quickly. The original Land Rover. meal was not eaten with any utensils. Instead, everyone ate with their right hand. To use ones left hand is considered very rude, and this practice comes from historical hygiene practices.

Another interesting experience was the opportunity to experience part ofthe nomadic lifestyle byjourneying into the desert for the weekend. Our modes oftransportation were first a Land Rover and then the original land rover, the camel. The camel is known for its ability to endure the unforgiving climate ofthe Arabian deserts, by going for many days without a drink ofwater. The camel has played

an integral role in the everyday life ofthe Arabs for thousands ofyears. In fact, the rope that is worn on the aguila today is derived from a rope that nomads used to tie down the camels during the clear desert nights. Today the camel is largely ceremonial and a sign ofstatus. It is not uncommon for hundreds ofcamels to be slaughtered to feed the guests of a singlewedding.

After our ride into the sunset, we arrived at a tradition Bedouin campsite. Dinner oflamp chops, pickledvegetables, fresh dates and other fruits, rice, and hummus was eaten outside around a low table. That night we slept outside under the clear skies. The temperatures got surprisingly low during the night (mid 70s). The next morning we woke early to ride to see the sunrise. On the way there, we passed a very large hospital devoted to the care ofcamels.

While our journey was short, it was easy to see how harsh the nomadic lifestyle could be. The sands ofthe Rub Al-khali were very fine, almost like a powder. The desert was filled with wildlife from small lizards to snakes to wild camels. There were a number ofsmall, natural oases that we saw on the way to the campsite. I was very surprised by how fertile the land was. It seemed like with a little water, anything and everything could grow. Near the town ofAl-Ain, where we stayed, was the beginning of a local mountain range and on a couple ofoccasions we journeyed to the top to watch the sun set over the Rub Al-khali.

Despite the barren and very rugged terrain, the foot ofthe mountain boasted of a natural spring discovered by Sheik Zhayed. The hot water was diverted to fill several public baths. These baths were divided by gender. There were two bath houses for men, one for women and another outdoor pool for families. Segregation ofthe sexes throughout society is not uncommon.

In addition to the terrain, the people ofthe Emirates had to deal with oppressive heat. During the summer months, many ofthe embassies close their missions, or significantly reduce the staffin order to beat the heat. On our hottest day in the Emirates, the thermometer reached 51°C (-123°F). However, there were short periods when it would cool off. This generallyhappened during a storm. During our stay, we had at least three lightning and rain storms. I never expected to be rained on while staying in the desert!

Al-Ain was a fairly large city in the country. Located on the Emirates-Oman border, this town of a halfmillion people was originally a series ofclosely connected oases that grew into one large town with the oil boom. Al-Ain is the traditional power center ofthe Emirates. The first president ofthe country, and his son who is the current president, came from Al-Ain, and much ofthe national political clout is preserved in that region. The town itselfsprawls in all directions from the center of town, which consists ofthe oasis, markets, and palace. This palace is where Sheik Zhayad lived and ruled until his accession to the presidency. Currently the official center ofnational power is in Abu Dhabi. Al-Ain is laid out in a grid fashion, and is very easy to navigate. The one obstacle for us to master was the navigation ofroundabouts. In A1 Ain alone, there were more than 265 ofthese roundabouts, and each contained a sculpture or fountain.

While on this immersion program, I took the opportunity several times to speak with native and non-native speakers alike. These conversations proved invaluable when it came to understanding the culture, climate, and region. One person I spoke with, Farouk, was not a native speaker, but had been speaking Arabic for 14 years. He was a

A good meal was enjoyed by all.

third country national from India. The vast majority ofEmirates are no longerArabs; though there has not been a recent census to prove it, some estimates claim that as much as 80 percent ofthe population is foreign born immigrant workers. These often overlooked people continue to grow in importance to the nation and the region as the largest population oflabor.

Farouk works at a local hotel running a tourism service. He has lived and worked in the Emirates for the past 14 years, supporting a wife and a family in India that he only sees for a few days every year. He has been speaking Arabic for most ofthat time. Most of our conversations focused primarily on the language, the people and the religion.

Farouk’s ability to speak Arabic is very good, and his Arabic is tinged with only a slight accent. He said that he enjoyed knowing the language because it helps him with his business and allows him to move through society. One ofthe peculiar arrangements in his business is that he, an Indian, is the boss of a Pakistani. The language also allows him to read the Qur’an.

Religion is incredibly important to Farouk. Like most devout Muslims, he closes his shop during prayer call and performs his obligatory five prayers daily. It is his source ofstrength and in many ways fills the loneliness ofbeing away from his family. Many times he talked about the superiority ofIslam over the other “religions ofthe book” (i.e. Judaism and Christianity), but was generally accepting ofother beliefs. This seems to be a common sentiment among many Muslims.

Finally, Farouk and I talked about our perceptions ofthe people in the Emirates, especially the Emiratees. There is no love lost between him and the native Arabs. He considers the majority ofthem to be fat, lazy, and overall degenerate. He was especially critical ofthe shabaab, or the youth. He believes that all their life they have been given everything they ever wanted, and they assume that that is the way the rest ofworld is going to treat them. His sentiments seemed to be shared by many, especially the educated and the expatriates. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out in the larger culture.

This program was and is an amazing opportunity to encounter a foreign culture head-on. In thirty days I learned more about the people, the culture and language than all my time at the Academy. My notes and observations from the trip fill a journal. Instead ofreading about the Middle East, I was living it. And for me, that is the greatest experience one can have. 9

Prep School founder LAID TO REST

By John Van Winkle, Academy Public Affairs

Flags went to half-staff Oct. 27 for the man who created a preparatory school from nothing.

Col. Lee Black, founder and first commander of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, died Oct. 19 of natural causes. He was 88.

Funeral services for Colonel Black were held Oct. 27. Then at 12:15 p.m., the Colonel returned to the Academy one final time, for his burial at the Academy Cemetery.

He came to the Academy in I960 to be commander ofthe Headquarters Squadron at the fledgling service academy. The prep school parade field, where more than 8,000 prep school graduates have sweated, trained, marched and graduated, was just an uneven field on native grass that November, when the colonel first heard the term prep school.’

“My first knowledge of the possibility of a prep school here was from the superintendent’s chief ofstaff, who came down to my office to tell me that the superintendent instructed him to advise me that we were probably going to get a prep school here,” said Colonel Black during a 2002 interview recalling the origins of the prep school. “He said, if they got it here, I was going to be the commander. And my only response was ‘thank you, sir.’”

“The interesting thing about that was that I had no idea what he was talk

ing about,” Colonel Black admitted. “I didn’t know anything about military prep schools. And there were only two in existence at that time, the Army Preparatory School was at Fort Belvoir, in Virginia, and the Navy prep school was at Bainbridge, Maryland.”

Colonel Black heard nothing more about the Prep School until April of 1961.

“I was then told that it had been determined that it would be here, that I would be the commander and that I should start doing some planning,” he recalled. “So they gave me some guidelines and general rules, and I sat down and tried to calculate what we would need in the way of space for dormitories, for living, for feeding, for exercise and so on.”

But a stand up date had not been determined. That changed in June, when Colonel Black was summoned to the office of then-Lt. Gen. William S. Stone, Academy superintendent. It was a meeting that the colonel remembered some four decades later, and retold in exquisite detail to the Academy Spirit during the 2002 interview.

“We have the okay to go ahead for the prep school here,” the general told Colonel Black, “and I suggest that you get busy in your planning, find yourself a faculty and develop a curriculum. You may have five of the dormitory buildings in the community center, you can use the

base gymnasium, you can use the field out there which is in native grass, for practice, and playing and whatever, and the airman dining hall will accommodate you.”

“And you will have 200 students here on the first ofAugust. And I suggest that you get busy,” the general told the colonel. “Is there anything else you need,” he added.

One thing did occur to Colonel Black. He needed some type of bell system to signal times for classes, meals and other activities, so he mentioned that to the general.

“Get a bugle, Colonel,” the general replied.

“So I said, ‘Oh, you mean, you want this lean and mean, sir,” asked the colonel. “Yes.”

Colonel Black soon gathered a staff of 17 officers, four enlisted men and four civilians to become the prep school’s first faculty, and to fill out the school’s administration, physical fitness, military training, command and support positions. Some 40 years later, he was still quick to recall the names and ranks of the people who worked with him to turn the concept of a preparatory school into a reality.

The Prep School brought in its first class of cadet candidates, with a focus on offering enlisted airmen and minority candidates the chance to ramp up academically to join the Air Force Academy’s next freshman class.

The days of those first cadet candidates were highly structured. Classes were set* up in English and mathematics, with additional study time set in their days, as well as military training and physical fitness time. Yet, despite the desire to have a routine that kept cadet candidates focused on the tasks at hand, Colonel Black was given one specific bit ofguidance from General Stone: do not make the Prep School a fifth year at the Academy.

“In other words, I interpreted that to mean that you will not make this like another fourth-class system, where they’re under severe military pressure all the time, because the emphasis is going to be on academics. That’s why they’re here,” said Colonel Black. “And most of them will be here for math or English or both. And, in virtually all cases, these young men had tried for an appointment

to the Academy, and had narrowly failed the selection. The registrar had then sent them letters inviting them to consider attending the prep school.”

In meeting with the commanders of other service academy preparatory schools, Colonel Black found that he’d established a model program.

“One of the first questions the other prep school commanders would ask was ‘how many courts-martial do you have, said the colonel.

“I said ‘Courts-martial? I didn’t know I was supposed to have courts-martial. We keep the men so busy that we do not have any outbreaks of misbehavior,”’ said Colonel Black.

“The other thing was that we started calling them ‘gentlemen’ from the day they arrived. I did that in the base theater, when I had the first meeting with the students. And I addressed them as gentlemen, and just kept repeating, ‘you are gentlemen, and ifyou prove you are not gentlemen, then we won’t treat you like gentlemen. We will have other ways to deal with you.

Colonel Black remained the prep school commander until 1971, commanding about 20 percent of all the graduates from the prep school. He stayed in the local area after retirement, taking a position with the local Red Cross chapter, before retiring from that role in recent years.

The colonel kept in contact with the school that he created, visiting the base regularly with his wife and attending prep school events over the years.

According to past and current commanders, the foundation that Colonel Black laid has proven to be timeless.

“Over the past 45 years there have been many administrative changes at the USAFA Preparatory School, but the foundation established by Colonel Black remains,” said Col. Larry D. Jones, current commander of the USAFA Preparatory School.

“Colonel Black’s training program focused on preparing cadet candidates for success at USAFA, but also for life in general, which is why we continue to follow it. This diverse approach allows us to incorporate character, military,

academic and athletic mission elements as we work towards developing the ‘whole person’ and creating more than just a fifth year at the Academy. We’ve made adjustments to our curriculum to keep pace with the Academy, but the core training and intent of the program carry on,” added Colonel Jones.

“Colonel Black’s dedication to the Prep School and its cadet candidates is evident in every aspect of today’s Preparatory School mission. He is truly the ‘Father of the USAFA Preparatory School,’ and his legacy lives on.”

The school that Colonel Black built from nothing paused to remember their founder on the day of his burial. After accelerating their academic and training schedules earlier in the week, the cadet candidates had a memorial heritage symposium in the base theater, followed by a retreat ceremony on the parade field—which was named after Colonel Black in 2002—and then attended their founder’s funeral. B

Cadets were able to mingle with airpower legends like the “Candy Bomber,” Col. (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, during the forum’s closing dinner held at Doolittle Hall.

(Courtesy Photo)

FALCON HERITAGE FORUM

Cadets take heritage by storm

Maj. Jeff Sandrock, 7 94 USAFA Center for Character Development

On its tenth anniversary, the Academy’s Fall 2006 Falcon Heritage Forum recently brought forty veterans to the hill to share their stories with cadets as the “Heroes of Humanitarian Operations.”

As the time approached to kick off the event, it became clear that the strongest winter storm system in many years was about to bury the entire Rampart Range.

As the snow started falling, the veterans made their way to Arnold Hall for the first of two planned evening lecture periods.

The opening night speaker, retired Col. Joe Jackson, a Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient, shared a stirring story of the dramatic rescue he led, saving the lives of three special forces troops surrounded by the enemy.

Previous rescue attempts that fateful day had resulted in several aircraft destroyed— Colonel Jackson’s C-123 never took a hit.

“The cadets learn of their Air Force history, but to learn it from the heroes who did these amazing things themselves—that’s priceless,” said Col. John Norton, director of the Center for Character Development.

The snow continued through the night, falling heavier in the wee hours of the morning.

Instructors couldn’t drive through the drifts to the Cadet Area and the Dean of Faculty cancelled academics for the day.

Foolhardy travelers and even snowplows became stuck in drifts after authorities closed 1-23 and many local roads.

The caterers and staffers who looked after the cadre of veterans through the storm became snowbound right along with those they served.

“The Officers Club caterers were amazing... staying overnight to feed us was completely selfless. You all kept us full and warm for five days,” said Capt. Matthew Manning, 00, a veteran ofOperation Unified Assistance, who flew reliefmissions to the victims ofthe 2004 Tsunami.

As the cadets slept in, the staff of the forum put in motion weather contingency plans and called on the most stalwart of supporters to keep the veterans fed and comfortable, and to open Arnold Hall for the second mass evening lecture period.

The second night’s keynote speaker, Col. (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, described his experiences as the Berlin Airlift “Candy Bomber,” delivering hope amid the city’s ruin to an entire generation ofBerlin youth.

Of those who helped the evening meal in Mitchell Hall and lecture in Arnold Hall take place, Col. Halvorsen said, “Talk about being thrown into emergency planning. You were superior!”

The remaining two days ofthe forum went more smoothly as the snows were finally pushed aside: veterans attended cadet

classes and later enjoyed a dinner and tribute hosted by the Association ofGraduates.

The veterans were thoroughly impressed with the caliber of the cadets as they sat together with Academy senior leaders at the semiformal forum closing dinner in Doolittle Hall.

Regarding the cadets, “I was encouraged by their character and maturity,” said Col. (Ret.) Robert Grete, a veteran of multiple humanitarian actions in Thailand.

“Our country’s future is in good hands— our time with the cadets was just great,” observed Cmdr. (Ret.) Earl Moore, president ofthe Berlin Airlift Veterans Association.

The next morning, after a rousing tailgate again hosted by the AOG, the veterans made their way to Falcon Stadium to watch the Falcons take on the Brigham Young University Cougars.

In retrospect, many veterans and staff observed that this Falcon Heritage Forum fit its theme like no other—cadets gathered to celebrate the living heroes ofhumanitarian operations and were privileged to play a direct role in their own local humanitarian operation through the storm.

“Organization ofthe whole event was topnotch, especiallyconsidering the blizzard,” said Master Sgt. Michael Primo, who led a rescue team at Keesler Air Force Base after the devastation ofHurricane Katrina.

The Center for Character Development executed the semiannual event, from keynote lectures to small-group discussions, with the generous support ofseveral sponsors.

“In this particular forum, the keynote lectures were sponsored by Michael Freeborn, ’68, and his wife Nancie. We really appreciate the Association of Graduates and the forum’s regular sponsor, the Class of ’74. They went out of their way to ensure success.” said Col. Norton.

One veteran anonymously observed, “The best thing about the forum was the chance to interact with great military leaders—both of the past and the future.”

The Spring 2006 Falcon Heritage Forum on Space will bring in astronauts, missileers, and officials ofAir Force Space Command to discuss America’s past and future exploiting the heavens.

The Center for Character Development gratefullyacknowledges the AOG’s continuing support and true dedication to developing leaders ofcharacter for the nation. S

ByTom Roeder, The Gazette

by Ken Wright

igh above the Air Force Academy, cadets are learning to be leaders and coming back to Earth with an understanding ofaerodynamics that no classroom lecture could deliver.

This year, the academy has put record numbers ofcadets through its glider training, with more than half the cadets at the school flying in the cadet-run program.

“I think this is the best program at the school,” said ClC Mike Fitzsimmons, an instructor pilot in the program, which uses 22 Czech-built gliders to give students their first taste of flight.

The Academy has long been home to the largest glider training program in the United States, but that’s gotten even bigger this year with training for the school’s entire freshman class. Nearly 1,100 freshmen were given glider instruction during their basic training last summer.

Lt. Col. Steve Dutkus, ’87, who oversees the training program, explained that cadets, the bulk of whom aspire to become pilots, needl the basic skills they can pick up in a glider.

“This is the airmanship foundation for the rest oftheir Air Force career,” he said.

Gliders are towed into the air by propeller-driven planes at the academy’s airfield that runs parallel td Interstate 25.

The cadets in training, joined in the cramped cockpit by cadet instrucj

Photo

tor pilots such as Fitzsimmons, are set free about 3,000 feet above the academy for a 20-minute glide to Earth.

High above the academy, Fitzsimmons showed that the gliders are perfect for instruction.

“They’re forgiving,” he said, demonstrating how the planes can decelerate to almost 35 mph before the wings begin to “stall” or lose their lift.

And the gliders are highly maneuverable, perfect for showing future pilots how the controls work.

But, Fitzsimmons said, the key skill airmen can pick up in a glider is something that is difficult to teach.

“You learn how to feel what’s going on,” Fitzsimmons said, explaining how old-fashioned “seat of the pants” techniques can tell pilots things their instruments cannot.

In training to become an instructor pilot, C3C Phillip Wilson said

cadets can learn a lot during the 20-minute sessions.

“You learn very fast,” he said.

And, Dutkus said, it’s more than just flying that’s learned. From the paperwork Air Force pilots are required to fill out, to how air traffic controllers do their jobs, hundreds of skills are taught. And it’s paying off in the flight training cadets get after they graduate.

Dutkus said nearly 95 percent of cadets who become instructor pilots in the academy gliding program go on to pass Air Force pilot training.

(This article was published with the permission o/'The Gazette.)

Previous page: Cadets soar high above Doolittle Hall.

Below: Cadets go over a pre-flight checklist before taking to the air.

Make-A-Wish waves magic wand over Academy

Wishes really can come true. They did for Ryan.

Story and photos by Ann Patton, Academy Spirit

A10-year-old boy from Englewood, Colo., took his place as the Air Force Academy’s newest cadet recently through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Last names of Make-A-Wish children are withheld for privacy.)

His mother, Karen, tried to keep his upcoming appointment as a Cadet for a Day a secret, but when he had several bad days in a row while hospitalized, Karen broke the news early.

She credits the news for helping him get back on his feet. “It made his day,” she said. “He told me, ‘Its almost worth getting cancer for.’”

For two days the Academy rolled out the red carpet for the youngster diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.

Once outfitted with a flight suit and cap from sponsoring Cadet Squadron 33, Ryan got a hands-on visit with the soaring program and a bird’s eye view oftake-offs and landings in the control tower. The Aero Club enabled Ryan and dad, Bill, to view Cheyenne Mountain, the Broadmoor and Garden ofthe Gods from the air.

“I took offand landed it,” Ryan announced proudly about his flight. The flight was more exciting than he expected.

“Much more,” he said.

Back on die ground, Ryan got a taste ofparachuting and was first in line for lunch as he marched with and led the cadets for noon meal for-

mation. Only on his command did the cadets have permission to eat.

He visited flight simulators and the astronautical department in Fairchild Hall, enjoyed a canine demonstration from the 1 Oth Security Forces Squadron and later took in a chapel tour and prayer service before a squadron pizza party.

The following day, Ryan toured a fire station, huddled for a squadron football tailgate party and cheered on the Falcons football team for their victory over the New Mexico Lobos.

Full-time cadet escorts relished the chance to show offthe Academy to the youth, who often appeared amazed at what he saw and did.

This was the third Make-A-Wish cadet youngster C2C Kat Lyons has been associated with.

“It is always very emotional and personal,” she said. “No matter what happens you know you make a difference.”

Cadet Lyons’ father suffered from cancer which eventually claimed his life. She plans to keep in touch with Ryan after he returns home.

“This is the best program I’ve ever been part of,” C2C Erik Gonsalves said. “He’s so pumped about all this.”

He said Ryan’s visit boosted morale in the cadet ranks. “It’s so inspirational for them.” Sa

Largest gift ever given to USAFA from the AOG

AOG President and CEO Jim Shaw, '67, presented Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, 73, with a $6.1 million check to support USAFA at the Air Force vs. Notre Dame football game on Nov. 11. This was the largest check ever given to the Academy. Sabre Society donations to the AFA Fund helped make this possible.

Pictured left to right are parents and Sabre Society members Linda and Steve McLaughlin, General Regni, Jim Shaw, AOG Board member Pat Rosenow, 76, and AOG acting VP of Development Jennifer Bateman. (Photo by Danny Meyer)

AOGs receive Olmsted support

The USAFA and USNA alumni associations each received checks for $220,000 this fall from the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation at the Air Force vs. Navy football game.

AOG President and CEO Jim Shaw, '67, USAFA Dean of Faculty Brig. Gen. Dana Born, '83, and Olmsted Scholar Col. (Ret.) Ed Montgomery, '59, accepted the check for the USAFA AOG. Olmsted scholar Steve Recca (USNA, '83), USNA Dean and Provost Dr. William Miller (USNA, '62) and USNA AOG President and CEO George Watt (USNA, 73) accepted the check for the USNA AOG.

The gifts will provide for cadet international immersion programs. To date, the foundation has contributed nearly $2 million to the Air Force Academy for Cadet International Programs. (Photo by Ken Wright)

Academy names new vice superintendent

Col. Paul C. Ackerman, ’82, was recently selected as the Air Force Academy’s newest vice superintendent.

Colonel Ackerman has served as the commander of the Academy’s 306th Flying Training Group since January 2003 and was responsible for the airmanship training and officer development of over 2,500 United States Air Force Academy cadets annually.

Prior to serving at the Academy, Ackerman served stateside and in Europe, with numerous contingency deployments to Southwest Asia and the Balkans. He is a command pilot with more than 3,500 hours in theT-37, T-38, OV-10, F-l 1 and F-15E. (Courtesy USAFA/PA)

Cadets repeat win in Law of Armed Conflict Competition

A team ofAcademy cadets won the Inter-Academy Law ofArmed Conflict Competition for the second year in a row.

CICs Jenny Guilford, John (J.D.) Larson and Blake Pickell, with C2C Chris Stanton, won the competition with a legal memorandum covering four major military law topics.

Each service academy submitted one paper to the International Law Division ofthe Army’sJudge Advocate General School for evaluation. The papers were scored collectively by three judge advocates—one each from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The memoranda advised the commander on different LOAC scenarios including the use ofunmanned aerial vehicles and civilian contractors on the battlefield, the treatment ofdetainees in the custody of coalition forces, law ofthe sea issues during conflict and the use of chemical weapons and targeting principles.

Brig. Gen. Dana Born, ’83, the Academy’s dean of the faculty, presented the team with certificates of achievement. (Courtesy USAFA/PA)

USAFA instructor captures Professor of the Year Award

Former Academy Instructor Lt. Col. Daniel Miller has been named the Colorado Teacher of the Year by the 2006 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement ofTeaching.

The 18-year development engineer from Libby, Mont., taught in the aeronautics department for seven years.

The U.S. Professors ofthe Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country—those who excel as teachers and influence the lives and careers oftheir students. It is recognized as one ofthe most prestigious awards honoring professors.

Colonel Miller is currently the commander of the 718th Test Squadron and Missile System Test Squadron at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. (Courtesy USAFA/PA)

Hayhurst, 74, wins skydiving competition

James Hayhurst, ’74, and former member of the USAFA jump team, competed at the 2006 USPA National Skydiving Championships October 21-28 in Eloy, Ariz., and took home three gold medals as a result ofhis outstanding performance. At the awards ceremony Hayhurst was crowned the 2006 combined champion ofstyle & accuracy—taking first in accuracy, style and overall for the second time in a row. Hayhurst also jumped on team Skydive Rick’s, which won team accuracy.

Garcia, '83, elected as BOV Chairman

Charles P. Garcia, ’83, has been elected as Chairman of the U.S. Air Lorce Academy Board of Visitors. This oversight board advises the superintendent of the Academy and, in turn, the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force by making recommendations on all matters relating to the Academy the board decides to consider. A total of 15 members sit on the board,

Photo by MichaelMcGowan

including four senators and three congressmen. The board’s chairman is responsible for preparing a semiannual report containing the board’s views and recommendations pertaining to the Academy. This report is sent to the secretary of defense, through the secretary of the Air Force, and to the chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

Mr. Garcia said, “I am humbled by the trust my fellow board members place in me.” He added, “We are all committed to continue to work diligently with the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force, and the superintendent of the Academy and their respective teams who are educating, training, and inspiring men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the U.S. Air Force in service to our nation.”

Cadet wins Junior World Powerlifting Championships

ClC Michael Tuchscherer took first place during the Junior World Powerlifting Championships this month, beating second place by almost 190 pounds in the 275 pound weight class.

The six-foot cadet performed a 770 pound squat, bench pressed 585 pounds and dead lifted 750 pounds, equaling 2105 pounds combined total.

Cadet Tuchscherer, a national powerlifting record holder, also competed in the Colorado State Championships in December. Results of that event were not available at press time. (Courtesy USAFA/PA)

USAFA captures three prestigious scholarships

Three Air Force Academy cadets have captured graduate scholarships ofnational and international. ClC Nicholas Shelly has been named a Rhodes Scholar and plans to spend his two years at Oxford University in England studying international relations. He is the 34th Rhodes Scholar for USAFA.

ClC Christopher Campbell has been awarded a Marshall Scholarship and for two years will study applied mathematics and control systems at the University of Cambridge. He is the 9th Marshall Scholar for USAFA.

ClC Alicia Stirewalt, a biology major and Truman Scholarship recipient, is exploring graduate programs in cancer research. She is the 15th Truman Scholar for USAFA. (Courtesy USAFA/PA) H

Falcon Fans at War

Falcon football players know if there’s one thing they can count on, its fan loyalty. This year a few grads deployed to Afghanistan cheered on the Falcons from far and away as their alma mater faced the Army’s Black Knights at West Point.

(L-R) Maj. Rich Sherrow, 96, Maj. Nate Brauner, 91, and Capt. Merwin'Iatel, ’98, went so far as to show their support with a homemade banner.

“We were able to watch the game (with about a six hour delay) from Kabul. It was a good time with lots of good, friendly rivalry,” said Brauner. Much to the chagrin ofthe local soldiers, the Falcons trounced the Black Knights 43-7.

Career NCE

May 10-11, 2007

Washington, D.C.

What is SACC?

The SACC is 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 Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

The next SACC will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd. N.W, Washington, D.C. Call (202) 328-2000 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels available in the area or stay with classmates or family.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 10

Interview Prep Seminar ...,6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Friday, May 11

Breakfast (provided) 8:00 am - 9:30 am

Registration 9:00 am - All day

SACC 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Lunch (provided) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

SACC 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday, May 12

Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC.

NAME (for name tag, no ranks):

ADDRESS:

Registration Fee

The SACC Candidate registration fee is $35 ($40 at the door) and may be paid by check or credit card. Please mail the attached registration with payment and one copy of your resume. Resumes must be one page/one sided and on plain copy paper. Please mail your registration, or e-mail to: sacc@ usna.com. Do not fax your resume. Registration deadline is October 20.

Next Scheduled SACC San Diego, Calif., August 16-17, 2007

For more information, contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

SACC Candidate Registration Form (Washington, D.C., 2007)

USAFA CLASS:

PHONE (Home): (Work): (E-mail):

Mail to:

Will

include:

247 King George St.

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES NAMED

Two Academy graduates were named Distinguished Graduates this week by the Air Force Academy and its Association of Graduates.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel, 59, and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Fxiward J. Mechenbier, ’64, received the prestigious award for distinctive contributions to society and the nation.

General Beckel earned the Silver Star and five Distinguished Mai' Gen <Ret> “ward J “enbier, '64 Flying Crosses during his military career, which included 313 combat missions in Southeast Asia. He also flew as a member of the Air Force’s elite performing group, the Thunderbirds. He was the first Academy graduate to serve here as Commandant of Cadets.

General Mechenbier was a prisoner of war for nearly six years in Vietnam’s notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” after being shot down in 1967 on his 80th combat mission over North Vietnam. He is one of the pilots whose life is depicted in the film “Return with Honor.” In his military career he received two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts and the POW Medal.

Both men will be honored at the Academy’s Founders Day

celebration, April 13, 2007.

Clubs

activities provided some of the most memorable Academy experiences.

Lt- Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel, ’59

GRADUATES CADETS ACADEMY STAFF FAMILY MEMBER

BURT Subaru of Denver teams with the AOG for super deal on Subaru line-up of vehicles

Burt Subaru of Englewood, Colo., provides a significant discount to USAFA graduates, cadets, faculty, staff and their families: vehicle cost plus applicable tax only. No dealer or handling fees are assessed. Buyers also are eligible for any applicable dealer cash, rebates, special financing offers, etc., that are available at the time of purchase. Burt Subaru will donate $150 to the Air Force Academy Fund for each vehicle purchased through this program.

For more information, please contact Mike Crowley, Burt Subaru sales and leasing representative, at (800) 587-4156 or Terry Neff at (800) 535-2878.

TerryNeff, BURTSubaru Sales (right), presents thefirst donation to theAir ForceAcademy Fundfrom BURTSubarus Graduate Purchase Program toJim Shaw, ’67, dissociation ofGraduates Presidentand (

Academy needs generous gifts to remain first-rate

By the Stelter Company ■ Photo by Ken Wright

hil L. Pearce, ’75, says the time he spent at the Air Force Academy was the foundation for everything he’s done since. As a result, at the end of his life, he plans to leave the Academy with a generous endowment on which it can build.

The 1975 Academygraduate and his wife, Chris, will leave the Academy a substantial amount of money from both of their individual retirement accounts upon their deaths.

“We’ll donate our endowment and they will get a lot of interest from that, and that should be an endowment that will last a long, long time,” he says. “That’s why we decided to make an endowment.”

Pearce, 53, served in the Air Force for 10 years and left as a captain. Although Pearce pursued other interests in his career until he retired three years ago, he and Chris came back to build a house in Monument, Colo., where they can see the Academy’s chapel out the back door.

Chris and he attend Academy sporting events and sponsor five cadets.

Pearce’s desire to give back came from the life lessons he took from the Academy; he notes that some ofhis best friends are those he met at the Academy. It’s important to him to maintain the interaction he has with today’s cadets.

“I see a lot ofyoung people and they’re just delightful,” Pearce says. “Sometimes I think that they’re so bright that ifI had to compete with them today, I wouldn’t get in.”

Pearce says he and Chris haven’t yet earmarked what specifically their endowment will be used for, but they’re currently working with the Academy to determine its best use.

“You’ve got to do something to give the cadets and the faculty the resources they can use to make this academy the best ofall in the world, Pearce said. H

Mission accomplished!

Covert cadet...

now betrothed

Guess who?

Behind the catcher’s mask, C2C Anthony Paladino surprised now fiancee Ashley Schmitt.

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

kay,so^rArizona Republic

tea C2C Anthony Paladino’s proposal to his sweetheart at a Diamondbacks’ baseball game one Sunday in September.

“Ifyou start with the proposition that a good marriage is built on trust, you may be a little worried about the future ofTony and Ashley,” read part of a Sept. 19 story in the Arizona newspaper.

The cadet reportedly snuck into the town of Chandler, Ariz., and wore a catcher’s mask to conceal his identity.

He wrote something on the ball and handed it to her. It said “I love you.” He went on his knee and gave her a ring.

What it may have lacked in class it made up for in style. She was heard to say “yes,” and before thunderous applause they kissed.

Now they are planning their marriage after Cadet Paladino graduates in two years.

The Cadet Squadron 3 operations research major read the article that put him in the spotlight in his hometown.

Now for the story behind the story.

“The idea was crafted by a friend of mine from home,” he said. “We were trying to come up with a spectacular way for me to propose and through some contacts we made it work. The entire stadium was cheering and it was an experience that I will never forget.”

Miss Ashley Schmitt and Cadet Paladino went to elementary school together but ran into each other by chance only months before he in-processed at the Academy.

“I met Ashley in between college and the Academy... at a bowling alley,” he said. “Real romantic, right? Say what you want, I knew she was the one when I saw her blush after I threw her a gutter ball.”

She is currently a senior at Arizona State University and will

graduate with an elementary education degree in May.

“She is planning on teaching for her first year next fall, during my firstie year, so both of us will be very busy,” said the cadet. “Having the longer engagement will give us extra time to plan the wedding and take marriage preparation classes at church when I can take leave to go home.”

The long-distance relationship can be hard sometimes.

“Ashley and I are very good at staying in touch and we talk on the phone every night,” said the romantic cadet. “Shared values, communication and trust have become the foundation of our relationship and they help us deal with the distance and long lengths oftime apart.”

How did it feel to be famous?

“I don’t consider myself as ‘was famous’ because I’m still famous; I’m the guy who got Ashley Schmitt to say yes!”’ said the cadet. “The publicity was okay I guess. I’m not one to shy away from attention when it’s put on me, but I am content without it.”

Ashley, he said, loved every minute of it.

“Even three weeks after the fact she was excited to tell me about how someone from school or church saw her on TV or read the article in the newspaper,” said the betrothed cadet. “She has really gotten a kick out of the whole thing.”

“I would just like to apologize to all those guys out there planning on popping the question to their girlfriends who heard about my proposal,” he said. “I know I set the bar high but I couldn’t help it because I guess that’s just the kind of guy I am.”

The results of the game?

“There was a baseball game?” remarked the cadet. “I must have missed it getting engaged to the woman of my dreams.” S

Three of a Kind I

t’s never a big surprise when you learn that another Academy grad has earned a position on the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, but Fred Cunningham, ’94, shared an interesting coincidence with us recently that was too good not to pass along. Not only are Class of’96 graduates Maj. Tad Clark and Maj. Nicole Malachowski both members of the famous team, but their classmate Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Walley, ’96, who crosscommissioned to the Navy, is currently assigned to the Blue Angels. When the three classmates met at a 2006 air show, they couldn’t resist a great photo-op. Congratulations to all three grads!

Leftto Right: Maj. Tad Clark, ’96, Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Walley, ’96, and Maj. Nicole Malachowski, '96.

Cadet Wing simulates trials of wartime leadership

By C2C Erinn Woodside

Photos by Ken Wright

The Academy’s Cadet Wing completed the annual Commandant’s Challenge on Nov. 19. The three-day challenge was the cadets’ culminating fall semester training event. The training serves as the wing’s operational readiness inspection and tests leadership skills, physical fitness and drill and ceremonies.

On the final morning, Jacks Valley became a mock war zone, complete with helicopters, gas explosions, wounded soldiers and convoy operations in preparation for the field training exercise. Each cadet squadron moved through a series of courses simulating wartime leadership challenges they might face after graduation. The courses included self-aid buddy care, convoy operations, chemical warfare and bare base set up, with land navigation between each course.

Even though cadets had been preparing for the field training exercise, they had no idea what to expect once they got to Jacks Valley. Each course scenario was kept secret so cadets would have an opportunity to lead in ill-defined circumstances.

As a flight ofcadets approached the self-aid buddy care course they were met by screaming “wounded victims” and hidden improvised explosive devices. As expected, some lower-class cadets stood in confusion. Upper class cadets took charge and gave orders to set up a safety perimeter, care for victims and sweep for improvised explosive devices.

The second major part of the exercise was the “PT challenge,” also kept secret. The PT challenge was designed to test a cadet’s physical fitness and teamwork. The surprise course consisted of one mile running

The overall objective of Commandant's Challenge was to give cadets an opportunity to lead under pressure and unexpected situations.

The goal was to give cadets a taste of what "leadership underfire" means.

intervals mixed with push-ups, sit-ups and sprint sets. The overall course length was between 3.5 and 6 miles depending on which class the cadet was in.

In addition to FTX and the PT challenge, cadets also participated in drill, room and uniform inspections, military knowledge tests and a culmination parade.

The overall objective ofCommandant’s Challenge was to give cadets an opportunity to lead under pressure and unexpected situations.

The goal was to give cadets a taste ofwhat “leadership under fire” means.

“I’m not going to give you the answer; I’m going to give you the goal,” said Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins, ’80. The emphasis on leadership and teamwork in high stress situations was new this year. In the past, cadets knew exactly what to expect during each event in the Commandant’s Challenge.

C2C Stuart Hawkins, a cadet NCO, said they took feedback from years past and redirected the focus, to make the event more meaningful and effective.

Another change made to this year’s Commandant’s Challenge was the use offaculty members, permanent party and Academy military trainers as course cadre. In previous years a large portion of the cadet wing was used as staff to help run the massive three-day event.

This year, the number ofcadets who could actually participate in Commandant’s Challenge was maximized by using base officers and NCOs to fill those spots. Many ofthe officers and NCOs found the experience ofworking Commandant’s Challenge rewarding. Maj. Ron Cheatham, ’96, Cadet Squadron 7’s air officer commanding, played the role of a terrorist ambushing a cadet convoy. He volunteered for the job to see how cadets reacted to the situation.

Tech. Sgt. Victoria Morgan, also of CS-7, also played a terrorist. She said participating in the event gave her an opportunity to work closely with officers and to train cadets.

Cadets and others agreed that this year’s Commandant’s Challenge was a success.

In the future, cadets and permanent party want to make Commandant’s Challenge an even more meaningful event, an event that will be anticipated for its leadership and teamwork tests.

“Before Commandant’s Challenge, I thought cadets were burned out from the stress of daily life,” said C2C Stuart Hawkins, “but I saw that cadets are just looking for an opportunity to really lead others and make a difference.”

This year marked the third Commandant’s Challenge held at the Academy. B

Merchandise r_i

View all merchandise offered by the AOG and shop online 24 hours a day at www.usafa.org

Cadet T-Shirt

100% Pre-shrunk cotton. White with dark navy ringer collar and sleeve cuff $10.50

Polo/Golf Shirts

White Mountain. AOG crest on left chest. 100% premium soft cotton jersey. Contrast striping on the collar and cuffs $39.50

Cadet Sweatshirt

92% cotton, 8% polyester. Light gray with reflective lettering $45.00

MFl

Prices,

Stadium Blanket

Pre-shrunk 80% cotton, 20% polyester.

54" x 84" Pro-Weave sweatshirt blanket. Air Force Academy and AFA crest printed on blanket $24.00

Hooded Sweatshirt

MV Sport. 80% cotton, 20% polyester. "Air Force" applique across chest with "Academy" embroidered beneath $45.00

Crewneck Sweatshirt

MV Sport. 80% cotton, 20% polyester. "Air Force" applique across chest with "Academy" embroidered beneath $40.00

Squadron Pins

Pins match ail current squadron patches and many prevoiusly used patches (Please specify squadron) $5.00

Class Notebooks

6 1/4" x 9" Gray leather notebook. Years available: 1966, 1992-1995, 19972005 $12.50

Prop & Wing Necklace

Silver with 20" chain. Similar to emblem worn by cadets $25.50

2006 Ornament

Polaris in Silvertone in front of 24k gold plated diamond shaped shield. The shield has outcut snowflakes. U.S.A.F. Academy embossed. Dimensions are 4"x3" $20.00

2004 Ornament

Globe with six vignettes around the equatorpegasus, a falcon, eagle & fledglings, a sailplane, the chapel, and the prop and wings $24.00

Here's a Toast

Print by Keith Ferris. Numbered and signed. Approximate size is 24" wide by 30" tall. Unframed $62.50

Expect Great Things

A historical documentary of the first fifty years of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Available in DVD and VHS $14.95

Falconry Book

By Lt. Gen. A. P. Clark, 6th superintendent of the USAF Academy. The story of the cadets' unique performing mascot Hard cover. $34.50 Soft cover. $17.95

License Plate Frames

'Alumni', 'Falcons', or 'Parent' across the top and 'Air Force Academy' across the bottom. Each frame $6.25

Any two frames $10.50

Footfalls

Print by Rick Herter. Artists proofs of the War Memorial. Approximately 24" wide by 17" tall. Unframed $156.00

Cadet Saber

Official USAF Academy cadet saber. Available to graduate members only. Saber with scabbard $250.00

He listens to Americans and the voices ofyoung people in homes across our land.

Major John Farese, ’83, is an Academy admissions liaison officer who is meeting with tomorrow’s prospective cadets near Charleston, S.C.

The retired Air Force officer is now a full-time Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps aerospace science instructor at North High School, in North, S.C.

He represents the Academy to five area schools and will shortly attend career days and other events.

“I hope to have an impact here as I did in Louisiana,” Maj. Farese said, who just arrived in South Carolina.

ALOs aren’t immune from parents who support today’s troops but have a difficult time accepting the United States presence in Iraq.

“I work in a very economically challenged area,” he said. “That makes our efforts to find good Academy prospects difficult. Not being well informed is a huge cause for some of the loss ofconfidence.”

Yet the young people he meets who want to attend the Academy are patriotic and know many people who are serving in the military.

“They have more of a purpose for joining rather than just a free education or a chance to fly,” he said.

He is not seeing any void oftalented folks who would like to become a cadet. “I always emphasize what an incredible experience the Academy is and what opportunities military service can offer,” he said.

Farese has found that young people like to be amazed by gadgets and things that attract their attention.

recruits in grassroots America

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

“We don’t do enough recruiting with video and hands-on electronics to make the Air Force look attractive,” he said. His modus operandi is to appeal to their talents and show them how they can help their country.

“I show them how much the Air Force can give them in return for serving and all the incredible benefits, both monetary and personal, a career can bring them,” the major said.

He doesn’t ignore people tying the military to war and destruction. Instead, he points out the broad opportunities offered by today’s Air Force.

“I try to point out the hundreds of noncombatant jobs available that correlate to good careers on the outside,” he said. “I also try to appeal to their patriotism and let them know that our country needs outstanding leaders, and they have the opportunity to do things in support of our interests that few people are fortunate to be able to do.”

As an Academy grad, he feels he can give them a feel for what is in store for them, as well as insight on how to cope with the challenges they would encounter at the cradle of Air Force leadership.

“It is by far one ofthe most rewarding moments when you get the letter in the mail that one ofyour applicants was accepted,” Farese said. “I just had someone accepted to the prep school this year also and he was disappointed until I told him what a good deal it really was and he should be happy to have the opportunity to go. He is there now, and loving every second ofit!” H

Want to make a difference by becoming an Admissions Liaison Officer? Call Lt. Col. Rick Ricchiat (719) 333-2653.

by Stan Stokes

Commissioned by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. Honored with the National Air & Space Museum's "Golden Age of Flight" Award. Stan's work also hangs in the Air Force art collection, the Pentagon, San Diego Aerospace Museum, the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Few can match Falcons’ start

By Andy Glockner, ESPN.com Photos by Danny Meyer

hen you get outside the Top 25 on any given night, the scores streaming across the ESPN BottomLine tend to blend together. There’s usually only so much CLEM 67 FURM 58 you can process.

Every now and again, though, a final appears and you do a double Take, even glancing to the left to see if there’s the NCAAW tag denoting a women’s game, which would explain why the score seems detached from men’s basketball normalcy.

This season’s first instance of that for me was Air Force 79, Stanford 45. With Stanford in a rebuilding year, the Falcons winning the second-round CBE Classic game wasn’t a surprise, but the margin ofvietory-in Palo Alto-sure was.

Then three days later, it happened again. Air Force 84, Colorado 46. In Boulder. Uh, what? Now I was intrigued.

Of course, I tuned in to watch the Falcons take on Duke in the CBE semis, a game in which Air Force looked overmatched in the first half. The eventual 15point loss gave me an excuse to skip the next night’s game when, of course, the Falcons throttled Texas Tech after the break to win by 14.

A week went by and I had almost forgotten about the Falcons-until Air Force 94, Wake Forest 58 stared back at me from our Web site’s scoreboard page.

OK, now this was getting silly. Three wins by 30 or more over teams from BCS football conferences, none of which were played at the Falcons’ Clune Arena?

It turns out the trio of big-margin W’s is more than silly. It’s possibly historic-and it says that Air Force is a lot more formidable than many might think.

According to stats guru Ken Pomeroy, since the 1999-2000 season, there is only one other team from outside the “Big Six” conferences with at least two wins by that margin over Big Six schools. New Mexico also beat Colorado this season, by 41, and thrashed Mississippi last season by 53, but both of those wins were home games in the Lobos’ intimidating Pit. Overall, there have been only two seasons since 1999-2000 (before this current one) in which there were at least three total wins of that margin involving a non-major school over a Big Six team.

Furthermore, ifyou look across all teams-Big Six or not-in that same time frame, there have been only 15 cases of a team having at least three wins by 30 points or more over BCS-league competition in one season. All 15 teams were at least at-large worthy and 13 of those teams got a top-four seed in that season’s NCAA Tournament. Nine of them were No. 1 seeds. Only one of the 15 (Kansas last season) didn’t win at least one NCAA Tournament game.

Ail of this begs three questions: 1) Flow are the Falcons playing so well? 2) Is it a fluke? and 3) What happened in the Duke game?

For the first query, let Air Force coach Jeff Bzdelik explain.

“We have a great chemistry on this team and we have a philosophy where no one cares who gets the credit,” he said. “We have a saying, ‘Great things can be accom-

Left: Guard Tim Anderson fights his way to the hoop against Texas PanAmerican. Right: Forward AnwarJohnson puts in two for the Falcons against Arkansas Pine Bluff.

plished when no one cares who gets the credit.’ All we want to do is maximize each possession. We want to be high energy with cuts and reads, and have unselfishness and variety in our offense to read defenses and to maximize that possession. And when a shot goes up, we want to make sure we have 2.5 players back on the race to make sure the opponent doesn’t get anything easy in transition. We want to make sure they get a perimeter shot, with the wrong person taking that shot, get a group rebound, and do it again and do it again.

“It’s something that we engrain in them every day in practice. Ifwe’re disciplined that way and we play unselfishly at both ends and give greater effort than the opponent, we’ve given ourselves an honest chance to win-and that’s the way we approach it.”

The statistics back up Bzdelik’s assertions. The Falcons are one ofthe most balanced teams you’ll see anywhere. Prior to Wednesday night’s win over Texas-Pan American, all five starters were averaging between 28 and 33 minutes a game and scoring between 11 and 15 points per game. All were also grabbing between 3.3 and 6.1 rebounds and dishing out between 1.9 and 3.0 assists a game. The team’s leading scorer, Jacob Burtschi, scored 24 points in the win at Stanford—and two in the rout of Colorado. The second-leading scorer, Dan Nwaelele, had 27 points combined in the three BCS-team blowouts.

So is this level ofperformance a fluke? It appears not.

Air Force’s starting lineup consists offour seniors and a junior, so the Falcons have ample experience at the majorcollege level. What’s more, as Bzdelik points out, this is the first season this senior class has had the same head coach for a second season (Bzdelik succeeded Chris Mooney, who left for Richmond after only one season in charge after replacing Joe Scott, who went to Princeton). That combination of seasoning and increased familiarity has led to consistently better performances across the board, and the improvement in each category appears to be sustainable.

“[Now in Year 2,] they understand what we want [and] I understand our team better,” Bzdelik said. “They are really driven to be as good at they can be. We work very hard on fundamentals. I want our players to improve on individual development. I did compare the stats after eight games to last season [at the same point], and we had improved in every category.”

The following chart shows the Falcons’ improved performance metrics under Bzdelik from last season through the first part of this one:

AIR FORCE’S IMPROVEMENT

2005-06 2006-07

3-pt % 40.1% 43.1%

2-pt % 56.1% 62.1%

Points Allowed 54.7 54.5

Basically, the Falcons are just playing better in almost every calculable category. They’re even on the plus side ofthe rebounding equation, which is very unusual given the team’s philosophy ofnear-concession on the offensive glass. According to Bzdelik, it all goes back to the way the Falcons practice and prepare.

“You have to know me. I coach out of fear that my team isn’t prepared enough. That I’m not ready,” he said. “Fear motivates me no matter who we play-maybe that goes back to the possession-by-possession deal. I fight every possession, and I think my team has that personality. There are consequences in practice—when we shoot, we count. We run the offense against no defense, and we have the coaches charting mistakes. It’s about [doing things] hard and right, so when we get in a game, we want it hard and right.”

The final question-what happened against Duke-may be the most important, at least as far as the Falcons’ NCAATournament aspirations go. When most ofthe nation last saw the Falcons, they were being overwhelmed by Illinois’ athleticism in a 4 vs. 13 game last March (a game that most bubble watchers thought Air Force shouldn’t even have been in). When Duke basically throttled the Falcons in Kansas City, it made you think about the potential ceiling for this particular squad.

Bzdelik, though, believes his Falcons will be better for the experience.

“I thought we were a little starstruck in the first 10 minutes [against Duke] and we were unsure and made some bad turnovers and we didn’t give ourselves a chance offensively or defensively,” he said. “I’m not a coach that doesn’t give credit to our opponent, and they did a lot of things that made us act that way. We learned from that-the next night against Texas Tech and then Wake Forest. I think that has helped tremendously with our growth, and hopefully in that situation again, we’ll react better.”

The Mountain West Conference might want to hope that’s not true. fi

Reprinted with thepermission ofESPN.com. Andy Glockner is the men’s college basketball editor at ESPN.com. Some ofthe data used in this column isfrom midmajority.com and kenpom.com.

Editor’s Note: Since this story was written, the Falcons have improved their record to 11-1 with added victories over Colorado College and Norfolk State.

Guard Matt McCraw gives Wake Forest a run for their money. (Photo by David Armer)

Sagastume joins 300-victory club

ByWayne Amann, Academy Spirit

In today’s “what have you done for me lately” sports world, true greatness is measured by the longevity ofexcellence.

Given that yardstick, Air Force men’s soccer head coach Lou Sagastume has stood the test of time and flourished. His latest milestone put him among his profession’s elite.

Falcon forward Steve Noller scored with just :49 left in the first overtime Sept. 29 at the Cadet Soccer Stadium, to give Air Force a scintillating 1-0 win over Mountain Pacific Sports Federation rival UNLV, and Sagastume his 300th career victory, making him only the 25th coach in NCAA history to reach that plateau.

His 300-189-43 record makes him the 12th winningest active men’s coach in Division I.

“I feel elated,” Sagastume said after the congratulatory water-cooler dousing he received from his players. “This is the climax ofcoaching so many wonderful people here, their efforts, sweat and tears. The administration, the stadium, I’m so proud of everything that’s around me right now.”

Sagastume, a Guatemala native, is in his 30th campaign overall, the last 28 at Air Force.

“We’re finally playing together, a more cohesive game than we did at the beginning,” Sagastume said. “That’s the difference. It’s a young team going through a rebuilding year, but we could surprise some people.”

Despite out-shooting the Runnin’ Rebels 15-7, the Falcons had trouble getting shots on goal until Noller’s second goal of the year ended it.

“I was hanging back a little in the box when Ian (Hauck) sent it back to me,” Noller explained. “I put it on net and should have buried it. Fortunately, I got the rebound and stuck it in the corner. It wasn’t pretty but it was a goal.” 9

Editor’s Note: In thefinalgame ofithe season, freshman Josh Rhynard knocked in thegame-winninggoal in overtime to lead the Falcons to a dramatic 2-1 victory over UNLVin Las Vegas. Coincidentally, he also scored the Falconsfirstgoalofithe season. Air Forcefinished the campaign with a 5-12-1 overall record and a 4-6 mark in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

Cadet athletes are community winners

By Ann Patton, Academy Spirit

They are scholars, warriors, leaders and athletes. They are also young people with big hearts. Academy athletes are pitching, catching, running and scoring on and off the field to help make life better for others.

Sports Information Director Troy Garnhart has no way ofknowing how many cadet athletes are donating their time.

“There are dozens and dozens ofcadets who are involved in community service programs from all the teams,” he said.

Cadet team members go to schools and read to Colorado Springs students, gather back-to-school supplies, act as Big Brothers and Sisters, and throw holiday parties for children in need, just to name a few service projects.

In community service, the Air Force lacrosse team joined 14 other collegiate lacrosse teams to help support research and support for leukemia. The eighth annual Price Modern “Lacrosse for

Leukemia” Tournament was held in Brooklandville, Md. this fall.

No one lost because no scores were kept. “The real winning is the cause and the kids,” said Vince Fiduccia, director of the Maryland chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “It’s a great day ofhope.”

The organization’s funds help those affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

“There is no better representative of our young people than Academy kids,” Mr. Fiduccia said of the cadets. He pointed out they add quality, discipline and high standards to any event.

“The tournament is also a great lesson for the players,” he said. “It’s a reminder ofhow grateful they must be to be healthy.”

The Falcons named 9-year-old Mason Maddux as an honorary teammate. They feted him to a team dinner and gifts of a signed jersey and Academy hat, an Academy tailgate party and game tickets for him and his family.

“Mason was very delighted with the attention given him by our team,” said Academy head lacrosse coach Fred Acee.

This is the fifth year for the Falcons at the tournament, which raised $90,000.

“We consider this a culmination of our fall program and will continue to go as long as we get funding and are invited to attend,” coach Acee said.

Another Air Force team also donated some precious personal time off to help others. The Falcon hockey team stashed their sticks to help children with juvenile diabetes Sept. 16 in America the Beautiful Park.

“It was like having 30 big brothers to walk and play with,” said Lynn Page, Colorado Springs branch manager for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, of the team and the children.

The event drew about 1,400 participants for the 5K Walk to Cure Diabetes and raised more than $200,000.

“It’s the largest walk we’ve ever had,” Ms. Page said. She noted the hockey team raised $ 1,000 on their own for the campaign by selling discount restaurant coupons.

“We’re very fortunate to have Air Force athletes and it means everything to the kids.”

This is the fourth year the hockey team has participated in the walk. They also help out with the Foundation’s annual spring gala. “We have great kids here at the Academy and the hockey team has some of the best,” head coach Frank Serratore said ofhis players.

The team chose to help with juvenile diabetes events on their own. Hockey team members also learned from their participation.

“It is always an eye-opening experience for our kids to see children who have to struggle with diseases that most kids don’t have to deal with growing up,” coach Serratore said.

C1C Brian Gineo and his teammates didn’t mind getting up at 5:30 a.m. on a weekend to help with the walkathon.

“It’s a lot of fun for us, and it is a great way to make an impact on someone’s life,” he said.

Players hoisted children on their shoulders, which the youngsters especially enjoyed, while parents shot photos.

“It was very rewarding and we could tell the kids were having a blast, which means the most.” B

‘Pop:,

emembers his cadet roots

Bluesuiter-turned-NBA champion re-visits campus

ByWayne

Amann,

Academy Spirit

Illustration by Sarah Wright

don’t either. The best part was seeing the cadets, going to the chapel and the cadet rooms. It was a lot offun.”

It was more fun than he had as a junior varsity basketball player.

“I should have been on the varsity,” Popovich maintains.

“The junior varsity coaches (John Clune, who Clune Arena is named after and Hank Egan) kicked me out of practice once a week because I was a bit of a wise guy. I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. Now that I’m coaching, I know that.”

Popovich wasn’t recruited by any Division I schools out of East Chicago, Ind., but wound up the Air Force team captain his senior year.

“It was very satisfying,” he recalled. “I’m more proud of that than any basket I might have scored.”

He scored more than a few.

As a senior he led the Falcons in scoring with a 14.3 average on the team’s way to a 12-12 record.

Popovich credits timing and circumstance, much more than personal skill, for his success in the pro ranks. He says he took from the Academy a work ethic, an ability to organize and a “moral compass” he uses when looking for character people for his program, people who understand teamwork, sacrifice, excellence and service to others.

Even casual sports fans know Gregg Popovich, ’70, is the head coach of the National Basketball Association’s San Antonio Spurs.

He’s guided them to NBA championships in 1999, 2003 and 2005.

But fewer folks know the road to his success was paved with lessons learned as an Air Force Academy cadet. ‘Pop,’ as he’s commonly called, didn’t forget.

He returned to the Academy Sept. 14, accompanied by his Spurs assistant coaches, as part of a four-day retreat at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. The group toured the Academy for nearly four hours.

The visit rekindled fond memories. “To see classmates working here, who ran through the same squadron halls as I did, is pretty special,” the 1970 grad said.

“When I showed these guys (his assistant coaches) what the cadets are doing, they didn’t believe I did that, and I

“The education and discipline from the military training is obvious,” he said. “All those character and integrity issues people really don’t understand until they get into the real world.

The things I took from the Academy were most of the things other grads talk about.”

One grad is Popovich’s fellow ’70 classmate Dick Rauschkolb, the Association ofGraduates Vice President of Communications.

“All of our classmates admire Pop for what he’s done,” Rauschkolb said. “He stuck it out through some difficult times as a cadet. He inspired us. He took the lessons we learned about integrity and honor and applied them. He’s molded a team that not only wins NBA championships, but represents San Antonio and the NBA in a first-class manner. That’s due to the good leadership he learned at the Academy.”

Popovich recognized the leadership of current Falcon men’s head basketball coach Jeff Bzdelik,

who guided Air Force to just its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in his first season at the helm.

“Dr. (Hans) Mueh (Air Force Athletic Director) was smart enough to understand what this guy embodied and you see the result,” Popovich said of Bzdelik’s hiring. “He fits here like a glove. It’s like having another Fisher DeBerry in basketball.”

Bzdelik was equally complimentary.

“Coach Popovich’s support of our basketball team and the Academy is unparalleled,” Bzdelik said after Pop had lunch with Falcon senior players and coaches at Mitchell Hall. “To

Lessons still resonate with Hennings, ’88

Air Force great credits position

change

as catalyst behind Hall of Fame career

By Adam Caparell, CSTV.com

When Chad Hennings, ’88, arrived at the Air Force Academy, before he became Chad Hennings Hall ofFamer, he arrived as a selfdescribed “big and slow” tight end.

Coming into college with the mentality he was going to be a tight end - and nothing else - Hennings spent most ofhis freshman year handling the duties of a third offensive tackle in a wishbone offense that sparsely threw the ball. And before he knew it, his mentality had to be changed. There was a void at strong side defensive tackle entering the 1985 season that the Falcons needed filled and a decision was made to move Hennings to the other side of the ball.

The Falcons needed an impact player at the position and they thought Hennings had the ability to be their man. They made the right decision.

Just three short years later, Hennings had developed into one of college football’s all-time great interior defensive linemen. Nineteen years after his final season at the Academy, Hennings was one of 13 players, and two coaches, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame class of 2006.

“The honor, of course, is a great sense ofaccomplishment,” Hennings said, “not only for me as an individual but also for the guys I played with. As we know, football is a team sport and I firmly believe that I wouldn’t have had the accolades or achieved the success I had without the success of the teams I played with.”

But no matter how modest Hennings is, he can’t mask the fact that he was as good as anyone who has ever played his position.

The 1987 Outland Trophy winner, awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman, led the nation with 24 sacks and was a

have a graduate ofhis stature, within the game of basketball, show sincere interest in our players is very uplifting.”

Popovich’s Academy reflections were sprinkled with advice for future cadets.

“I’d tell them it’s a tough row to hoe,” he said. “They should understand what this place entails. They must want challenges. When I was fortunate to receive an appointment, I thought that’s where I’m going. I’ll figure out how to play basketball and get an education. I didn’t know I was getting a lot more.” H

unanimous first-team All-America selection. A member of the WAC’s all-time team, Hennings was named WAC Defensive Player of the Decade for the 1980s. His place among the greats has long been cemented.

It certainly didn’t happen overnight, however. The adjustment to defense wasn’t an easy one for Hennings at first, even though he had played both ways in high school. The change got off to a rough start. In spring practice after his freshman year, Hennings suffered a severely sprained ankle that limited the learning process. While he continued to gain size and strength, increasing his speed with area-specific training, Hennings wasn’t at home in his new spot on the field until the third game ofhis sophomore season.

“I didn’t really feel comfortable in the position until I made my first sack the third game into the season,” Hennings said. “That’s when I think the light bulb went on. I said, 'This is the position for me’ due to my personality as well as my physical abilities.”

The sack had lifted a huge load offhis shoulders. Up until that moment, Hennings, while having confidence in his

abilities, lacked the confidence to compete fluidly and freely on defense. Now he could simply just go out and play.

“I never set a goal that I wanted to get 24 sacks, or two sacks a game or be the Outland Trophy winner or an All-American,” Hennings said. “I wanted to dominate each individual game. I was never concentrating on getting as many sacks as you can because it’s drilled in you at the Air Force Academy to be a team player. It’s not about the individual.”

Growing up on a farm in eastern Iowa, Hennings first learned all about work ethic from his parents who taught him the old adage that there are no shortcuts to success. The lessons he carried with him his freshman year laid the groundwork for his successful tenure at the Academy.

“Ifyou want to achieve something in life, it takes a lot ofhard work,” Hennings said. “My parents instilled those virtues in me and they were reinforced and solidified at the Air Force Academy.”

At the Academy, Hennings was filled with lessons in leadership, integrity, character and service on top ofhis academic workload, football responsibilities, military and survival training.

“It was more than just getting your bachelor of science (degree),” Hennings said. “It was, holistically, learning how to be a leader and be a leader in the United States Air Force. It was challenging. Everyone who goes to a service academy is an overachiever. But like anything, once you acclimate you get into a groove and, for me, it was business as usual.”

Hennings is only the second Air Force player to be inducted into the College Football Hall ofFame—joining Brock Strom, ’59. It’s a recognition that Hennings looks at as not only a huge honor, but also as a responsibility to be an example for other Air Force cadets and players.

“I was just like them,” Henning said. “If they feel passionately about something and work hard they can achieve some kind ofsuccess.”

And he looks back on his time at the Academy more fondly year after year. After that 1987 season, Hennings graduated and served four years in the Air Force, including seeing action in the GulfWar. He went on to a successful stint in the NFL with the Cowboys that included three Super Bowl championships and an equally successful post-pro football career as a businessman, husband and father.

“I appreciate a lot of the things that didn’t necessarily sink in at that time,” Hennings said. “But the seeds were planted and I now realize the importance that they were trying to teach us, like service before self, the importance ofcharacter, the importance of integrity-all these different things helped me.”

As much as anything, it helped him become a Hall of Famer. ESI

(This story waspublished with thepermission ofCSTV.com)

Air Force Wins 12th-Straight Service Academy Golf Classic

With two of its players occupying the top two spots, the Air Force golf team captured the win at the l4th-annual Service Academy Golf Classic, held at the par-72 Trophy Golf Club Hogan Course. The Falcons, who have now won the Reemtsma Trophy for 12 consecutive years, finished the tournament at 14 over par (1,094), 11 strokes ahead of second-place Army.

Air Force was led in the tournament by C4C Tom Whitney who fired a season-low tying round of 66 en route to medalist honors. Whitney, who finished the tournament at 210 (-6), became the first Air Force golfer to win medalist honors at the event since Adam Wasinger, ’05, in 2002.

Meanwhile, ClC Tyler Goulding posted his bestever finish at the SAGC, placing second with a three-round score of 215.

Three other Air Force golfers posted top-10 scores, led by C3C Shaun O’Bryant in ninth place at 225. ClC Chad Follett and C3C Andrew Gibson each sat a stroke behind in a tie for 10th place at 226.

Rounding out the group for the Falcons were C2C Matt Tanis in 17th place, C2C Jared Freeman tied for 19th place and C2C Bob Whitney in 20th place in the individual standings.

Superintendent’s stadium box dedicated

By 1st Lt. John Ross, Academy Media Relations

The Superintendent’s Box at Falcon Stadium was dedicated to the memory of Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66, following the Air Force/Notre Dame football game.

Stein culminated his 31-year Air Force career as the superintendent from July 1994 to July 1997.

“He was a man ofvision. He understood the culture of this place, and he knew where the Academy was headed,” said current Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73. “This is probably the easiest decision that was put in front of me to make this year. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that no one’s ever walked this Academy, and the athletic fields, who deserves this honor more.”

Originally recruited to play football at the Academy, Stein excelled as an athlete, leader and scholar while a cadet. His Air Force career included assignments as a services officer, operations analyst, executive officer, program manager, personnel officer, chief of staff, commander and Academy superintendent.

As superintendent, Stein made a far-reaching impact by renovating several campus buildings, securing long-term funding from Headquarters Air Force and institutionalizing the Academy Center for Character Development. During his tenure, the Academy core values became those ofthe Air Force: Integrity first, service before selfand excellence in all we do.

“One of the reasons you stay at a place this long is because ofpeople like Paul Stein,” said Mr. Jim Bowman, associate athletic director for recruiting support, who has worked with Academy football players for 49 years. “Paul Stein was a leader, a warrior and a winner.”

The ceremony was part of the reunion of the Academy Class of ’66. B

USAFA to host All-Academy Wrestling Championships and alumni reunion

The Academy will host the 13th annual All-Academy Wrestling Championships on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 in the Cadet East Gym. This will be an all-day event starting at 9:30 a.m. and culminating with the championship finals at 5 p.m. Wrestlers from the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, MilitaryAcademy, The Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Norwich University will compete for the championship. With strong fan support, the Air Force grapplers seek to bring the team championship back to USAFA. The U.S. Naval Academy leads the series with five team championships, followed by Air Force with four.

In conjunction with the championships, friends and alumni ofAir Force wrestling will host a reunion, Feb. 2-3. All former wrestlers are invited to attend. To be a part of this special event, contact Col. (Ret.) Marty Daack, ’66, at dakatak2@ mindspring.com. Even ifyou are unable to attend, please contact Marty Daack with updated contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail) so we can keep you updated on

team progress, friends and alumni gatherings, and compedtions in your local area. A schedule of events will be posted on the Falcons’ Web site at goairforcefalcons.cstv.com.

In addition to this year’s reunion, the Air Force coaching staffhas started a new initiative in order to keep Falcon wresding alumni more engaged with the program, launching the “Falcon Wrestling Club.” This club is a unique way to unite the friends and families of current and future Air Force wrestiers with the legacy they are following. This club will operate as a nonprofit entity on behalfof the Air Force Wrestling Program to support the goals and objectives set forth by the Department ofAthletics, coaching staff and athletes.

Details concerning the All-Academy Championships, the Wresding Reunion and the “Falcon Wresding Club” can be found at goairforcefalcons.cstv.com on the wrestling home page. B

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, 73, and Mrs. Carol Stein unveil the plaque dedicating the Superintendent’s Box at Falcon Stadium to the memory of Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, '66, following the Air Force/Notre Dame football game in November. (Photo by David Armer)

Link to Chapter Chapter Mem

Web sites at www.usafa.org

Outlook

Arizona Chapter

The Chapter 2007 Super Bowl party will be hosted byJack Swonson, ’62, and Polly Ann Swonson at their home in Desert Mountain. The party will begin an hour before kickoff to enjoy all the pre-game hype and to allow folks plenty of time for pre-game eating and drinking rituals. A flyer and map will be sent out. This annually is a “super” event. Please RSVP directly to Jack and Polly Swonson at 480-6590916 orjackswonson@cox.net.

GOAL 2

Keep abreast ofAir Force and USAFA topics

New England Chapter

Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, ’73, spoke at the 19th Annual State ofthe Wing Banquet at Woodland GolfClub in Auburndale, Mass., on Nov. 1. Accompanied by his wife Debby, Lt. Gen. Regni is the first USAFA superintendent to visit the chapter since the 1990’s. General Regni spoke to senior Electronic Systems Center leadership, including the ESC Commander, Lt. Gen. Charles Johnson II, ’72, the commander ofthe 350th Electronic Systems Wing, Brig. Gen. Peter Hoene, ’80, the director ofthe 653d Electronic Systems Wing, Mr. Bruce Hevey, ’75, the Commander ofthe 551st Electronic Systems Wing, Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Dartanian “Doc” Warr, ’80, the commander ofthe 66th Air Base Wing, Col. Tom Schluckebier, ’82, and President of the NEAOG and Commander of the 642d Electronic Systems Squadron Col. Ken Hasegawa, ’81. Special guests included former superintendent ofUSAFA, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tad Oelstrom, ’65, the president of the Cadet Parents’ Association ofEastern Massachusetts, Mr. Bill Zinnel, and Mrs. Zoe Kolligian, a founding life member of the Saber Society and wife ofthe late Greg Kolligian. The Kolligians are founders of

Los Angeles Chapter

The chapter’s annual holiday dinner will take place after New Year’s. Information can be found on our Web site at www. lausafaaog.com.

Red Baron Chapter

The graduates in Germany have relaunched the Red Baron Chapter. Ifyou are interested in joining, please check out their Web page at www.usafaclasses.org/RedBaron/index.htm.

The KolligianTrophy which is presented each year by the Air Force ChiefofStaff, recognizing outstanding feats ofindividual airmanship and is the highest individual safety award an aircrew member can receive. In addition to the host, NEAOG’s President Emeritus, Mr. John Kelly, ’65, over 70 guests and alumni from all decades were in attendance.

General Regni focused his discussion on the current challenges in the Cadet Wing. He noted some of the innovative changes he and his staffhave successfully pursued. Specifically, he covered the restoration ofsquadrons 36-40, establishing a 4-class system, mandatory breakfast, weekly lunchtime parade reviews and the return of Recognition. He highlighted the increased emphasis on cadets learning foreign languages to assist with the needs of the Air Force in dealing with emerging adversaries. He spoke about the tremendous support and alignment with the Air Force Chief ofStaff, General T. Michael Moseley, who refers to USAFA as “our Air Force school.” The NEAOG hopes to have the USAFA superintendent back on an annual basis. For information about the NEAOG, or to see upcoming events, please visit www.neaog.com.

Rampart Chapter

The chapter invited USAFA Dean Brig.

Gen. Dana Born, ’83, to speak to chapter members at the November luncheon. Normally, meetings our held in downtown Colorado Springs, but this month the chapter ventured to the Academy for this unique opportunity to receive the latest information about USAFA.

GOAL 3

Keep the local community abreast of USAFA topics

Piedmont Chapter

On Sept. 13, the USO opened its first facility at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, N.C. The Piedmont Chapter served as one of the founding sponsors for this USO facility. The Charlotte USO receives over 1,000 servicemen and women per month due to the number of military installations throughout the Carolinas. Service academy graduates from USAFA, West Point and Annapolis serve as volunteers for the daily operation of the USO.

GOAL 5

Interact with other service academy graduates

Arizona Chapter

Our thanks to Ron, ’71, and Barb Marusiak for hosting the first Halloween party for the Arizona Chapter. This great idea turned into a fun filled evening. The imaginative costumes by the Arizona Chapter members and spouses made this a memorable event. This hopefully will turn

Atlanta Chapter

Alan Price, ’68, and good friend, Kirk Knous, organized a two day ski boat trip from Chattanooga up the Tennessee River to Knoxville for the Tennessee game. Joining him flying the flag in enemy waters were Kurt Shular, ’79, and Rick Zurbrugg, ’65.

military camaraderie. The tailgate party this year at West Point for the Army game was a smash hit with the highest turnout in recent memory. The NYAOG also saw one ofits rising stars, Greg Ball, ’01, get elected to the New York State Assembly after running one ofthe most intense and tireless campaigns that the region has ever seen. Congrats again to Greg! Lastly, NYAOG members can anticipate a lot more fun events to participate in this next year. Join up with the NYAOG by requesting a membership form from Leo Cunningham, ’89, at efl 1 l@comcast.net.

North Texas Association

Graduates, parents, and friends of the Academy came out en masse to support the football team in their last game ofthe season. On Dec. 2, the extensive work of H. Ownby, ’69, produced one ofthe largest away game tailgates ofthe year for the Association ofGraduates. The entertainment included a DJ, performance by the cheerleaders, aerial demonstration by the Falconers, giveaways, and trivia contests. In the picture, H. Ownby (right) is reading trivia questions for the lucky fans to win footballs signed by Coach DeBerry and Chad Hennings, ’88, former player for the Dallas Cowboys. It was a great event.

Nebraska Chapter

Chapter members gathered on Nov. 3, for double duty. Our first task was to conduct the annual chapter meeting. Our second task was to cheer the Falcons to victory over Army. The chapter succeeded on both fronts.

New York Chapter

The NYAOG has had an outstanding fall season by bringing its members together with numerous social and networking events. Chapter membership continues to takeofflike a rocket ship. NYAOG members gathered in Manhattan for the Navy game to cheer on the Falcons and enjoy some

North Texas Association tailgate.

San

Diego Chapter

The chapter teamed up with the local parents club and the AOG to put on a successful tailgate before the Air Force - San Diego State football game in October. In addition to the graduates, cadets, and parents who attended, the cheerleaders performed and the Falconers explained the ins and outs of how they raise falcons and teach the birds to perform. General Regni also stopped by to talk to the fans and thank the chapter and parents club for their efforts. t>

Piedmont chapter at the USO opening dedication ceremony: Carol Honeycutt, 71, (second from left; Pilot for Atlas Air Inc.); DrewRiolo, 72, (third from left; Vice Chairman of the Charlotte Airport Committee, attorney and pilot for U.S. Airways); Trip Ashe, ’86, (fourth from left; patent attorney); and Roger Zoeller, ’63 (fifth from left; Retired USAF).

Arizona Chapter Halloween party into an annual event for the chapter.

Members of the Atlanta Chapter on a boat trip to the Tennessee game.

Members of the Nebraska Chapter at their annual meeting.

GOAL 9

Assist Parents' Clubs/Cadets

Great Lakes Chapter

President Dave Schmitz, ’75, and secretary John Cardello, ’89, cheered on USAFA boxers at the Annual Service Academy Showdown against Army and Navy at the Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit, on Oct. 27. Firstie Cadet Ezekial Ignaco won his 128 lb. class, while classmate Ian Tuznik took heavyweight honors with his family in attendance. This black-tie event has become a Detroit institution, and raised $9,000 for each ofthe Academies’ boxing programs.

Affinity Groups

AcademyWomen

The Third Annual AcademyWomen Symposium, held Oct. 20-22, was a fabulous success! Inspiring speakers shared what potential lies in every woman as well as some ofthe joys and struggles it takes to find balance, reach personal goals, and achieve happiness. Every service was represented at the symposium with discussions on how to manage fulfilling lives, both in and out ofthe military. The symposium gave all of the participants a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and refocus with new perspective. In this same light, AcademyWomen is now publishing a quarterly newsletter called Focus, which features inspiring stories, insights for personal and professional development, as well as information on new initiatives. Check the Web site, www.AcademyWomen.org for more information.

Silver Falcons

Even though small in number, the 2006 Silver Falcons Convention was enjoyed by all. Attendees were: Kirk and Jill Brown - Colorado Springs, Colo.; Bob and Hilda Dodge - San Diego, Calif.; Chuck and Carol Foster - Albert Lea, Minn.; Stan and Delene Keck - Nipomo, Calif.; Gordon and Gaye Palmer - Anaheim, Calif.; Bill and Jean Shields - Red Oak, Iowa. In addition, the group was joined by Karen Foster-Jorgensen, Chuck and Carol’s daughter, and Mary Lane, fiance of Cadet Hans Foster-Jorgensen. Ruth Whitaker was unable to attend due to arthritis. This years’ convention kicked-ofFThursday

morning as the group met for breakfast at Morgan’s in the SilverWood Hotel (the old Park Plaza) to go over the agenda for the next couple ofdays. Then it was off to the Academy where we began with a tour ofDoolittle Hall, and an excellent briefing from Marty Marcolongo, ’88, director, constituent liaison. Following the briefing, the group went to Harmon Hall where we met Lt. Col. Greg Lloyd, admissions reserve adviser, who escorted us to Mitchell Hall where we watched the cadet wing noon meal formation and ate on the StaffTower during the cadet noon meal. Afterwards, Lt. Col. Lloyd escorted us back to Harmon Hall for an Admissions update briefing. Before the briefing, the group heard welcome remarks from Col. “Trapper” Carpenter, ’73, director ofadmissions. Dick Able joined us for the briefing since he was at the Academy on business. Following the briefing, the group received a tour ofthe renovated Admissions area in Harmon Hall. Then it was off to the new athletic building where we were met byJim Bowman, associate athletic director, recruiting support. Bo gave us an excellent tour ofthe new building as well as the rest of the cadet athletic areas. Then, it was back to the SilverWood Hotel for happy hour before departing for the Golden Bee Restaurant at the Broadmoor Hotel. Friday morning it was off to the USAFA Library for a tour of the main library and Special Exhibits by Dr. Ed Scott, head librarian. As with last year, he kept us all entertained and informed. Then, it was off to the Falcon Stadium press box for the football luncheon. After lunch, it was down to Arnold Hall, were we received briefings from the superintendent, comman-

dant, dean, and athletic director. Then back to the hotel to get ready to go to the Peterson AFB O’Club for dinner. Saturday afternoon didn’t fare so well for the Falcons as they were defeated by Navy, but everybody attending the game had a good time. That evening, the group went to the Flying W Ranch. Food was great as usual as were the Flying W Wranglers with their western stage show. This concluded the 2006 Silver Falcon Convention. Plans are already under way for the 2007 Silver Falcons Convention. Tentative time frame is sometime in late Sept, or early Oct., depending upon the Falcons’ home football schedule. So keep that time frame open for next year. Hope to see more ofyou there!

Space

The purpose ofthe Space Group is to provide graduates a way to support and connect with USAFA space activities, and to encourage the AOG to provide such support. The need for talented, informed officers in the Air Force space cadre has never been greater, and USAFA has traditionally been a prime source ofAir Force space leadership. We are pleased the AOG continues to provide strong support for space-related activities at the Academy. One of our group’s current initiatives is to arrange joint meetings with local chapters, focused on USAFA space-related developments. Check out the Space Group’s Web site usafaspace.tripod.com, for insights into what we do, and let us know ifyour chapter would like to focus on space. Ifyou’d like to join the Space Group, please follow the instructions on the site.

Leftto Right: Kirk Brown, Gordon Palmer, Gaye Palmer, Bill Shields, Jean Shields, Chuck Foster, Carol Foster, Hilda Dodge, Stan Keck, Robert Dodge.

SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference—a career fair hosted three times annually and exclusive to alumni of the five service academies. SACC is designed to match our alumni with employers interested in hiring service academy alumni. Current SACC venues are Washington D.C., San Diego, CA and Austin, TX.

Alumni

Search for Jobs JSAJE (Joint Service Academy Jobs Electronically) is an exclusive job Web site designed for service academy alumni. JSAJE allows you to browse through job listings and contact employers. JSAJE also contains a resume repository for those graduates who are in an active transition mode and a job retriever for those who prefer to remain in a passive mode.

Employer

Post Jobs JSAJE is also an exclusive job Web site designed for companies in corporate America to advertise their career opportunities directly to service academy alumni. In addition to the job posting function, companies may also purchase access to a repository of resumes of those graduates who are in an active transition mode.

iSABRD is the online Service Academy Business Resource Directory and is a great tool to network with other academy alumni. With over 33,000 active profiles of service academy alumni from USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, and USNA, it is an excellent resource for advertising, career networking, and building business connections with fellow alumni. iSABRD can be searched by name, academy, graduation year, city, state, zip code, country, company name, business type and keyword.

Kenneth C. Har, ’63

Kenneth Cooper Har was killed in an automobile accident on Father’s Day, June 18, 2006. He is survived by his brother Hank and sister-inlaw Margo, son Greg Har and daughter-in-law Sarah, daughter Karen Druffel and son-in-law John, daughter Sandi Wheelis and son-in-law Wynn, and seven grandchildren.

Born July 31, 1940, in East Orange, N.J., his family moved to Pennsylvania when Ken was in middle school where he eventually transferred to Valley Forge Military Academy. In 1959, he entered the Air Force Academy and continued a life-long love of flying and the military.

Upon graduation from the academy in 1963, Ken married Marian, his high school sweetheart, and began a tour of duty that would span 21 years 10 years on active duty and the remainder with the Air Force Reserve. During theVietnam War, Ken flew C-124 cargo planes from Hawaii to Vietnam via Guam, transporting troops and cargo to the combat zones. Though it was a busy time, it was during Ken’s time in the Air Force that his family began to grow, as his son Greg, and daughters Karen and Sandi were born. He retired from the Air Force in 1984, but while in the Reserve, Ken flew with American Airlines until he “hung up his wings” and retired in 2000. He stayed active through the years attending class reunions and as one of the mainstay family members of our annual 22nd Squadron get-together over the years he was “uncle” to many of our children.

Ken was a giving person. As a cadet, he organized four of us to give 12.5 percent of our monthly allowance to help support an orphan boy in Spain. While flying to South Americawith American Airlines, he purchased bargain computers and donated them to needy people there. And for more than 10 years, he volunteered regularly at the Durham Rescue Mission sawing and chopping wood and spending time with the residents. When it was suggested that those people must have felt blessed by his generosity, Ken replied, “I’m the one who’s blessed.”

Ken loved his children and was very proud of their success in life. After his retirement, he worked withWynn, his son-in-law, in his small business. Through that relationship, Wynn says, “Over the years Ken had become one ofmy best friends. I will miss him greatly.” His daughter Karen tells of the hours Ken spent with her at the Air and Space Museum. It wasn’t until years later she learned that the Smithsonian wasn’t just about airplanes. Karen shared some other memories of her dad at the memorial service when she said, “I remember... your love for the farm and all the work it gave you, always cutting up the trees for wood to give to others, you reading the newspaper, your drugstore reading glasses, and swearing you never took naps but we all have photos of you sleeping on the sofa.”

Ken heard the story of God’s love for us and the sacrifice of His Son

Correction to Obituary for Jerry L. Mason, '60

The obituary that appeared in the last issue of the magazine for Jerry L. Mason, Class of 1960, on page 95, had a number of words dropped in the opening paragraph. The lines should have read: “Jerry had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and, along with his family, had been dealing with that for the last three years. Jerry was born on July 6,1937 in Redlands, Calif.” We regret the error and apologize to Jerry’s family, classmates and friends. (Tom Kroboth, obituaryeditor)

but not forgotten

to pay for our sins. He did not speak openly about his own personal faith very much, but the generous spirit and love for fellow man that Ken exemplified can come only as a result of a personal relationship with God. He had that.

Ken was interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors Nov. 3, 2006. With a regularly scheduled flight from nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, American Airlines unwittingly provided a flyby during the ceremony, (/im Kuhn, Class of 1963, CS-22)

JamesM. Perry, ’65

James McLeod Perry, M.D., passed away Oct. 30, 2006, after a gallant fight with cancer. Jim was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Feb.25,1944, into the Air Force family ofJames Wallace and Phoebe Nock Perry. He was a devoted husband and father, a talented doctor, a generous and loyal friend, and above all a warrior.

Jim entered the Academy in 1961 with the highest SAT scores in the Class of ’65. He was an excellent athlete, playing soccer and golf at the Academy. But his greatest gift was his mind. Jim was one of the few from the Academy to complete the Graduate Enrichment Program, graduating from Georgetown University nine months later with a master’s degree in Political Science. Following pilot training, Jim went to Cannon AFB, Clovis, N. M. for F-100 training. He had graduated in the top 10 percent of his pilot training class enabling him to pick F- 100s for his operational assignment. He did so knowing that it was a pipeline assignment to Vietnam but that’s where the action was. Jim was a top notch F-100 pilot - not the easiest aircraft to fly.

As predicted, he was assigned to Vietnam - Phu Cat Air Base. The Tet Offensive started shortly after his arrival. He performed with superior skill Jim Perry an(j bravery under very difficult flying conditions earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. When Tet was over, he volunteered to fly in the famous Commando Sabre organization (Call sign Misty) - a secret detachment flying forward air control missions in the F-100F over North Vietnam. Over 20 percent of the Mistypilots were shot down in their tour. Jim’s skill and luck kept him out of that category.

After Vietnam, Jim decided to become a doctor. He resigned from the Air Force and paid his own way through University ofFlorida and Dartmouth. He became an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and finally in Jacksonville, Fla. In 2000, Jim left academic medicine and entered the private practice of orthopaedics with his wife, Kathleen Kopach, M.D. His skill as a doctor was only surpassed by his compassion for his patients.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Kopach; mother, Phoebe; brother Geoffrey (Valerie); daughters Betsy (Michael) Thompson, Leslie (Gregg) Lagerquist, Kristin, and Alexis; and five grandchildren. Jim will be missed by his family, his friends, and his many patients. (SteveAmdor, ’65)

JohnD.Vrettos, '65

Colonel (Ret) John “Jack” D.Vrettos died ofarterial sclerosis in Mesa, Ariz. on March 30,2006. Jack was the first oftwo sons born to Florence Vrettos and the late Milton Vrettos.

Born in Chicago Aug. 11, 1943, Jack grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lyden High School in 1961 before entering the Air Force Academy. In his youth he had parked cars for Cub’s games at Wrigley Field, sang solos at the Edgewater Beach Hotel on Christmas Eve, and was a top Scout.

He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1965 with a degree in engineering sciences and also earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1976, and a master’s degree in political science from Auburn University in 1980. He completed Squadron Officer National Security Management Course by correspondence in 1982 and AirWar College through seminar in 1983.

Following graduation from pilot training atWilliams AFB, Ariz. in 1966, Colonel Vrettos served as a T-37 instructor pilot and flight examiner at Reese Air Force Base, Texas until 1970. After that he reported to LukeAir Force Base, Ariz. for F-100 pilot training, then to 7,h Air Force Headquarters, Republic ofVietnam, as an air operations staffofficer. His first assignment to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas followed, where he served as chief of the T-37 check section and chief of the T-37 standardization and evaluation for the 12th Flying Training Wing until 1975.

Subsequently, Colonel Vrettos reported to the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio for graduate studies and then stayed there through 1980 in a variety of research positions culminating with duty as chiefof the cockpit development branch in the

Admiral John E. Kirkpatrick, HonoraryAOG Member and Philanthropist, Dies at 98

Rear Admiral John E. Kirkpatrick, oil man, philanthropist, Association of Graduates (AOG) Honorary Member, former Falcon Foundation Board member, andAir ForceAcademy donor and supporter, died on Oct. 3, 2006 in his sleep.

Kirkpatrick graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1931 and until his death was the 7,h oldest Naval Academy graduate. He attended Harvard Business School after he completed his first tour of duty in the Navy. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy until 1935 and remained in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

In 1946, he began his long career in the oil and gas business with the assistance ofhis wife Mary Eleanor Blake’s father, Mack Barkley Blake. Kirkpatrick Oil Company was organized in 1950 and additional, related companies, including Kirkpatrick Supply, Kirkpatrick Well Servicing, Jennings EngineSupply and Kirkpatrick Oil & Gas, were formed over the years.

Kirkpatrick was an outstanding supporter of many organizations, mostly in and around Oklahoma City, Okla., but also including the military academies to include the Air Force Academy, the AOG and the Falcon Foundation. He served on the board ofthe Falcon Foundation from April 1986 to 2003 when he resigned for health reasons. He was named an Honorary Member of the AOG in February of 1998. Kirkpatrick and his foundation were responsible for funding numerous important projects at the Air Force Academy, the Falcon Foundation and the AOG.

Flight Dynamics Laboratory. Following ACSC, he returned for a second tour at Reese in 1980 as the operations officer, then commander of the 54th Flying Training Squadron. In 1984 Colonel Vrettos was appointed to the Air Training Command Inspector General’s Office as the Readiness Division Chief. In 1985 he was appointed to the ATC Plans Office as the Director of Command Acquisition and the Commander of the 3307th Test and Evaluation Squadron.

Colonel Vrettos was a command pilot with more than 4,400 flying hours in the T-37, T-38 and F-100. His decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leafclusters and theAir Force Commendation Medal. He was promoted to colonel on April 1,1986. Jack was Deputy Commander for Operations, 82nd Flying Training Wind, Williams AFB, until retiring in 1989.

Over the last 17 years, Jackworked on many sophisticated electronic, microwave systems directly or indirectly supporting defense programs including Senior Technical Consultant for the Air Force E-4B Special Project, a highly specialized B-747 equipped with a base array of systems designed to enable senior leaders to govern the nation from a survivable airborne platform. Most recently he served with Signal Technology, developing and managing microwave programs for air defense systems.

Jack’s personal passions included woodworking and caring for animals, as well as the giving ofgifts. He was always known for his serious commitment to excellence in whatever he did and sported a wonderful sense of humor and a quick smile.

Jack is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandy, who he supported in her passions of pottery, stained glass, and Native American Archeology. He is also survived by his only daughter and pride of his life, Tammy, and also supported her love of photography and caring of animals. Additional survivors include his mother, Florence, and his brother Bill.

Jackwill be missed by all thosewho knew and loved him. (BillVrettos, Jack’s brother)

Joseph C. Hurst, 66

Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y. on May 12, 1944, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert S. Hurst, Joe Hurst, known to his loving family as “Papa Joe”, passed away in Melbourne, Fla. on April 21, 2006, at the age of 61. Just hours after a round ofgolf, Joe suffered a severe stroke. Days later he died peacefully with his family at his side Leaving western NewYork in June of 1962, Joe joined the Academy Class of 1966. Quietly enduring the daily rigors, he excelled in academics, meriting the Dean’s List majoring in astronautics; in track, earning his numerals; and in being overlooked by the Commandant. Spending all four years in Playboy 19, his contributions ranged from member ofthe squadron boxing team to academic officer. Assigned to Reese AFB for pilot training, Joe earned a fighter. After graduation he went to F-102 training at Perrin AFB and then fought the Cold War intercepting Bears, Bisons and the like from Keflavik, Iceland.

Detoured for a couple years to Korea andVietnam in the Tactical Air Support arena during the war, Joe’s quiet professionalism continued to shine. Following a return to interceptors at Minot, it took a master’s in aeronautics at AFIT to move him to yet another career field, materials research engineer at Wright-Pat. He was a graduate from the Air War College at Maxwell, and was an instructor in the Tactical Air Support Training Squadron at Patrick AFB.

Giving up the Atlantic, Joe moved to the Pacific beach of Wheeler where he became commander of the OV-10 flying 22nd Tactical Air

“Jack”Vrettos

Support Squadron. Recognized for his leadership, Joe was recalled to Wright-Pat as Test Director, Aeronautical Systems Division.

Joe was assigned to career assignments including Iceland, Hawaii, and Europe. He returned to Korea in ever-increasing levels of command in air liaison and air supportoperations. It was during this time that he met his wife, Un Suk (Koko), and began his family. In 1992, Joe retired from the Air Force as a decorated Colonel and moved to Melbourne, Fla.

Joe was passionate about playing golf and tennis. His favorite activities were playing the game with his wife and two daughters: Kelly, a freshman at the University of Florida, and Vicky, a junior at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. Although Joe nurtured his beautiful girls, he missed the proud reward of watching his youngest, Vicky, play at the US Women’s Open in June, 2006 as a sixteen year old.

Interment at the USAFAcademy is projected for the summer of2007. (RickParsons, ’66)

AlbertT.Reed, '66

Major Albert T. Reed (USAF, Ret) died Jan. 21, 2006 at the V.A. Hospital in Boise, Idaho. He was born in New Haven, Conn. Sept. 17, 1944, the son of Albert and Agnes Considine Reed.

He is survived by his parents, two sons, Jonathan Reed and his wife, Kelly, from Corona, Calif.; and Christopher Reed and his wife, Missy, from Dickinson, Texas; and four grandchildren; one sister, Joan Galvin and her husband, William, of Killingworth, Conn.; two brothers, Ronald Reed and his wife, Elaine, from Safety Harbor, Fla., and Richard Reed and his wife, Denise, from Branford, Conn.

He is also survived by his dear friend Kay Madary, from Boise, Idaho.

Reed graduated from St. Rose’s Parochial School and was awarded a four-year scholarship to Fairfield Prep, graduating in 1962. He was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated in 1966 and then went on to pilot training.

He flew the F-100 Super Saber in Vietnam, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 11 clusters for service in Vietnam.

He was buried in the Idaho StateVeteran’s Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. A Mass was held May 7, 2006 at St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth, Conn. (From the New Haven Register newspaper.)

DavidAMessner, 967

David Messner was born and raised in Kohler, Wis. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy in 1967 and earned an MBA from the Harvard Business School where he was designated a Baker Scholar in 1976. Following graduation from the Academy, David turned down a flying position and instead headed to his beloved Southern California to begin his long career in the United States’ Space Program. He held a variety of positions in classified National Space Program development offices. He also served on multiple staff policy and planning assignments culminating in service directly for the Secretary of Air Force in Washington, D.C. In his off-duty time, David also drove a redtop cab to pay for his Harvard education. After leaving the ‘active duty’ Air Force and Washington in 1979, he went on to hold key

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

leadership positions in aerospace companies such as E-Systems, Eaton, GTE Space and Satellites, and General Dynamics. After 35 years in the space business, David knew he had flown his last satellite. General Dynamics dedicated a building to him: The David A. Messner Spaceplex on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Duty, Honor, Country - well, actually it would be Family, Honor, Country for David. Despite his workaholic personality and his true patriotism, his family has always come first. He was a great example, mentor, leader, husband, friend, and father. David married Linda in the summer of ’69 and they raised four happy and healthy children: Major Garret Messner is carrying on his military legacy with a successful Army career. Garret and his wife, Stephanie, have three beautiful children of their own: Morgan, McKay, and MaLinda. Kelly, the eldest daughter, served a mission for her church in Southern Spain and graduated from UCLA. She married Boaz Milgalter and they have two children, Topanga Lin, Leo, and a third on the way. Susan got her father’s business drive and is working her way up the corporate ladder. She recently married ClayBlakney - an honorary member of David’s family for the last 12 years. Cortney, the youngest, has the tender heart ofher mother and the determination ofher father while working with children with special needs. Her son Lucas David was David’s sixth grandchild and born shortly after his passing.

Unfortunately, after 27 years of marriage, David and his family lost Linda to a rare lung disease in December 1996. Three years ago this July, David married Mikie Brown, a good friend of the family for many years. David will always be remembered as a superb family man. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and everyone knew it.

He was the definition of an individual. Those who knew him surely loved him, even if they didn’t always ‘get’ him. ‘David’ Stories will be told for years to come. He was the smartest man we knew. He could sum up world philosophies in a single sentence. He had a way with words; he could entertain you for hours with his stories, and could speak full paragraphs using only acronyms. He had a slogan, a nickname, or a song for every project, person, or occasion. He was a rare find, the diamond in the rough, and we are all better off for having had him touch our lives. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. (Maj. [USA] Garret Messner)

Joseph W.Peddrick, '67

Mr. Joseph W. Peddrick, CS-05, Class of 1967, passed away on June 24,2006, in Buffalo Grove, Ill. after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born on Nov. 2,1944, in Washington D.C. Most of his early years were spent in the Republic of Panama where his Dad and Mom were assigned to LAGS with the United States government and where he also met Nickie Hovan, who was to become his lifelong companion.

Joe entered the Academy in June 1963 spending his first three years in CS-2I and his final year in CS-05. During his tenure at the Academy, Joe was a member of the AFA drill team and the Talon Staff. Following graduation, he attended pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Texas and was awarded his pilotwings with Class 69-02. Joe graduated pilot training despite his little escapade with five other AFA grads when they were caught by the local police trying to paint shark’s teeth on the T-41 fleet at the Del Rio airport.

Immediately following pilot training, Joe returned to Panama where

DavidMessner

he and Nickie resumed dating and then set off for his first C-130 assignment at Pope AFB. Their relationship continued when Nickie later moved to Miami to fly for Pan-American Airways. They were married on July 26, 1969, and on May 31, 1971, had their first and only child, Lori Rene.

Joe flew the C-130 in TAC and PACAF for over six years including a 30-month tour with the 1st SOS at Kadena AB, Okinawa flying the C130 Blackbird from various locations in Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam conflict. For his service there, Joe was awarded six Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Joe separated from the AF in January 1975 to pursue a career in the corporate world of finance. He received his MBA from Florida State University and also graduated from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts. His career took him to Tallahassee, Atlanta, St. Louis, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago. While he climbed the corporate ladder as a ChiefFinanrial Analyst in the investment field, Nickie pursued her career as an airline flight attendant with American Airlines.

His last job was as the Chief Technology Analyst with Harris Asset Management in Chicago where Larry, the shoeshine man, dubbed Joe, the ever-dapper dresser, “Hats”. Joe and Nickie traveled the world enjoying one of Joe’s favorite pastimes, partaking of the most exquisite cuisine at some of the finest restaurants. Joe was a quiet, unassuming and private individual. He never met a stranger he was a friend to everyone he met. When he attended CS-05’s 35th reunion in 2002, he told no one that he had been suffering from an incurable cancer for some two years already, a cancer that the doctors officially attributed to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam and for which he was classified as a fully disabled veteran.

Joe was laid to rest in Northbrook, Ill. on June 28, 2006. He is survived by this wife, Nickie; daughter Lori, and brothers Butch, Michael, John and David. The world today is a much better place for having Joe Peddrick for an all too short 61years. “Lord Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly”. (Rod Weeks, ’67)

Gerald W. Lands, '70

Gerald W. Lands died Sept. 2, 2006, from injuries sustained in an aircraft accident in Prescott, Ariz. Gerry was born Sept. 2, 1947, in Commerce, Texas. He was the son of the late Col. Billie Fuller (USAF, Ret) and Deltha Marie White Lands. Following graduation from high school, Gerry received an appointment to the USAFA Prep School. Gerry and I met during BCT and were subsequently assigned to Cadet Squadron 06. We were roommates the first semester and became good friends. I was there to applaud his early “creations” in electronic marvels and he was there to help me pour my brains back into my ears after one of my more memorable experiences in boxing class, if only I could remember it.

Following Doolie year, Gerry and I took separate paths but always remained friends; it seemed as though we were flying loose formation together through life. Gerry’s sweetheart was, as always, Carol Rohr, a savvy CU student who knew all about these USAFA Cadets but had a soft spot for Gerry. They celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Gerry’s dad swore both of us in at graduation, after which Gerry went to C-141s at Travis and eventually made aircraft commander flying MAC’S typical “worldwide routes”, including ventures into Vietnam and the Middle East during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict. He also served in various non-flying command positions with the Air Force

Reserve, including his final assignment with the 349th Civil Engineering Squadron. Gerry retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1995.

Gerry and I reconnected in 1999 and later attended the Class of ’70’s 30th reunion together. By that time Gerry had become President and CEO of Enflex, a growing, high tech electronics firm.

I think all those who knew Gerry will agree that he made friends easily. Many condolences have been received with the consensus that “he was a really great guy and classmate”. Gerry and Carol’s ability to make friends was further demonstrated in the 150 or so people from across the U.S. in attendance at his memorial; there was much talk about Gerry always being there to help his neighbors and friends. His influence even extended to Carol’s younger brother, John, who also decided to join the Air Force and become a pilot. John flew C-130s and is now retired in Florida. Gerry was his “older brother”.

The family elected to have the memorial service outside their home in Chino Valley, Ariz. There was an honor guard from Luke AFB at the service which was appropriately held near the flag pole just outside the south entrance to the house. It was a typical crystal clear Arizona day and fortunately just cool enough. A wreath on a stand with a red ribbon across it with the gold letters, “USAFA, Class of 1970”, was placed front and center of the ceremony; our AOG Class of ’70 was well represented in paying our respects.

GerryLands

I was requested to read “High Flight” at Gerry’s memorial. As a closing, I leave those who knew Gerry the portion of that introduction that most appropriately fit with some of the legacy Gerry has left us: “There are those for whom flying is more than a vocation or even avocation. It is a continuing, life-long, inspiration. Gerry Lands was such as these. These people for whom inspiration is a way of life are often well remembered; because, from inspiration comes joy and loveand from these come hope, hope for a better tomorrow. And the sum of these becomes the basic building block for fulfillment - that which we all cherish and respect in others who have achieved it.”

God bless Gerry and all those touched by his life. (RoyLong, ’70)

JosdRicardo CastroAguirre '75

Josd Ricardo Castro, 52, was born Dec. 26, 1953, in San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America and passed away on April 16, 2006 after a courageous battle against kidney failure.

Jose graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975 and won the Outstanding Cadet in Engineering Mechanics Award. He served the SalvadorianAir Force for 20 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. He also worked 10 years as the General Manager of a trading company in El Salvador.

Jose was a loving husband, devout father, brother, uncle, one ofthe smartest people I’ve known, and gifted at tellingjokes and making people laugh. As we look back over Jose’s life, we are proud of him and all his accomplishments. One of Jose’s special loves was cooking for his family and friends and spending time with his family.

Jose leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 24 years, Edith; his

daughter Gabriela; his son Jose; his brother Felipe; his sisters Alicia and Dina; nephews and dear friends.

A memorial service was held followed by a Catholic mass. He was buried in the family plot at Jardines del Recuerdo in San Salvador, where the Air Force offered the respective honors.

Those who knew and loved Jose will miss him and though life will never be the same without him, he would want us all to be happy as he looks down on us. (Gabriela Castro, Jose’s daughter)

MichaelB. Nevin, '78

Michael B. Nevin, Class of 1978, passed away unexpectedly June 4, 2006. Michael was born in Bozeman, Mont, to James and Patricia. Being a military family, the Nevins had several assignments before settling in Colorado Springs in 1968. Michael graduated from Palmer High School in 1974. Because of his exceptional academic and athletic abilities, he set his sights on the Air Force Academy. Michael was ranked nationally in gymnastics where he excelled on the rings and graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree.

After graduating as a member of39th Squadron, Michael was assigned to the Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO) in Los Angeles, better known as the “Hollywood Air Force.” There he became the project officerfor several critical data processing systems interfacing with the Defense Support Program (DSP). These multi-million dollar projects were key elements of the DSP satellite mission, and normallywould not have been entrusted to a junior officer. Michael’s technical knowledge, and management skills caught the attention of senior officers though, and he was given full responsibility to manage the contracts as a second and first lieutenant.

Michael’s reputation also caught the eye of the government contractors he interfaced with, which enabled him to enter into a civilian contractor role after resigning as a captain. He moved back to Colorado in 1983, and worked on various government projects while employedbyAerojet Corporation, National Systems and Research (NSR), and Systems Technology Associates (STA).

More recently, he worked for SI International as a project leader and senior systems engineer. He wrote the initial operational requirements documents for a new space-based infrared system (the SBIRS program). This system will provide our nation with missile detection and warning, technical intelligence, and battle space characterization for the Department of Defense’s Combatant Commanders for years to come.

Michael was on temporary assignment for British Aerospace in Silver Spring, Md. interfacing on the Trident missile program when he passed away. He was 49.

Michael married his best friend, Gayle, in 1987 at the USAFA Catholie Chapel. Surrounded by family and friends they embarked on a wonderful journey together. Michael had a zest for life that was contagious and he made sure to take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy it. He loved sailing (which he did quite a bit ofwhile on assignment in California), worked with falcons during much of his youth

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site.

www.usafa.org

and spent time working on his ’65 Austin Healy Sprite... the car he had while at the Academy and still sits at home in Colorado Springs. His love of stereo systems found him more than once with friends' equipment in his possession for repair. But it was Michael’s love for the mountains that brought him his most inner peace. He was an avid skier and snow-boarder. He and Gayle (along with their dogs) spent many wonderful weekends in Summit County, Colorado. Michael was an amateur astronomer and loved nothing more than to observe the beauty of the heavens in the mountain sky.

Michael is so very missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his lovingwife, Gayle, of 19 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim, and is also survived by his mother, Pat, sisters Jan and Lori, brother Tim and several nieces and nephews. Michael had a special place in his heart for his dogs Klondike, Alyeska and Laddie. They too have lost their best friend. Thank you for the most wonderful years of sharing life together, Michael, and remember... “First star on your right and straight on ’til morning”. Seeyou there. (GayleNevin andScottMiller, ’78)

James R. Howard, '84

Lt. Col. Jim Howard (USAF, Ret) passed away peacefully in the Hampton Va. Hospital, on July 25th 2006 from complications associated with Lou Gehrig’s disease and Pick’s disease. We miss him every-

Jim was an extraordinary son, brother, husband and father. Growing up, Jim was always the social one in the middle of everything, with a quick smile and a friendly comment. Jim loved being around people, and got his energy from just hanging out with them.

As the middle son in an Air Force family, Jim decided to be a part of the same tradition, and successfully graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1984. Jim made life-lasting friends at the Academy.

Jim had a distinguishedAir Force career; he flew C-141s and C-21s primarily, and accumulated over 3,000 hours. He flew missions all over the globe to include Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was in Operation Iraqi Freedom he was the C-21 Commander at Prince Sultan Air Base, and earned a Bronze Star.

Jim also attended the Air Mobility Warfare Center, served on the Joint Warfighting Center Staff in Norfolk, Va. and finished his career teaching Phase II, PME also in Norfolk.

Throughout this journey, Jim was accompanied by his lovely wife, Tammy, and their two children, Ariel and James. Jim will always be remembered for his huge smile, his bright shirts, Jimmy Buffet parties, plaid shorts, loud and obnoxious Vann’s, and his Christmas lights. (Col. LoriRobinson,Jim’ssister; andMrs. TammyHoward,Jim’s wife)

FatherofAcademy PrepSchoolPassesAway

The Academy has been notified that Col. Lee Black, the Father ofthe Air Force Academy Prep School and long-time supporter of the Academy, passed away on Oct. 19, 2006. Colonel Black was the first USAFA Preparatory School Commander from April 13, 1961 to Jan. 2,1971. The Prep School Parade Field, Black Field, is named after the colonel.

MichaelNevin

ChristopherA Blackwell, '89

On May 22, 2006 we lost one of our own when Maj. Chris Blackwell died unexpectedly. He was assigned to the 705th Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Chris is survived by his wife, Terri, and son Carter. Many ofyou knew Chris at the Academy and some ofyou had the pleasure ofworking with him in the years since. Chris was a great friend, a wonderful husband, and an outstanding officer. Although his family and friends will miss him terribly, Chris is with the Lord now watching over all of us. In honor ofChris’ service, a granite Commemorative Paver will be placed alongside those of our 13 fallen classmates at the Pegasus Plaza in front of Doolittle Hall.

A trust fund has been established where donations can be made for Chris’ son Carter. Terri has asked for all who knew Chris to write a letter to their son letting them know what type of father, husband and officer he was. She welcomes condolence cards as well. Letters and cards may be sent to her home address: 4615 East Highline Place, Denver, Colo. 80222. You may also write Terri at tbuckmast@aol.com.

A little background on Chris: after graduating UPT Chris went to fly the F-111 at RAF Upper Heyford, England. Following a successful initial assignment, he was assigned to Sheppard AFB, Texas as a T-38 instructor pilot at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. Chris was routinely assigned to teach below-average students and excelled at shepherding them through the program. From there, Chris went on to fly the F-15 Eagle at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, overseeing his unit’s deployment to Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Chris left the Air Force in 1999 to fly for United Airlines. It was there he met his wife, Terri, in the spring of2001. They were married the same year and blessed with the birth of their son Carter in the spring of 2002.

After the events of September 11 th 2001, Chris felt the call to serve his nation in a more active role and returned to active duty in July of 2002. He was assigned to United States Central Air Forces (USCENTAF) at Shaw AFB, S.C. where he played an instrumental part in planning and executing Operating IRAQI FREEDOM. He went on to a remote assignmentwith 7th Air Force at OsanAir Base, Korea, where he quickly became the “go-to” member of the strategy team, participating in and upgrading exercises ULCHI FOCUS LENS and FOAL EAGLE. Following Korea, Chris was assigned to the 705th Training Squadron, making an immediate impact in leading the squadron training team in developing BLUE FLAG 06.

From Chris’ memorial service at Calvary Lutheran Church in Richland Hills, Texas: “He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church since birth and a devout Christian and Bible scholar. He spent much time (especially during the Korean tour) studying the Bible and numerous other religious books. He loved flying the F-15, snowboarding and skiing. Chris loved life, had a real hunger for knowledge and most of all loved being with his family. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. His love, compassion and wit will always be treasured in our hearts. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace with the Lord.” (Paul Tibbets, ’89)

ToddM. Valentine, ’91

Lt. Col. Todd Merrill “Swimmers” Valentine died July 2, 2006 in his home in Cibolo, Texas at the age of 39 after a 16-month-long battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and his nine young children: Joshua, Stefany, Michael, Tory, Dru, Jessica, Matthew,

Hannah and Monah, as well as his parents, Merrill and Judy Valentine, and six younger brothers and sisters.

Todd was born on Oct. 6, 1966. He developed a passion for flying early in life while watchingjetsfly over his father’s dairy farm in Salem, Idaho. To accomplish his dream ofbecoming an Air Force pilot, he worked hard throughout his youth. He became an Eagle Scout, played on his school’s football team, played lead trumpet in the school’s jazz band and competed on the debate team. During his school years, he operated his own farm while working for his father to use his equipment. He attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho on a debate scholarship after placing second in Idaho’s state debate tournament his senior year. He was appointed a Cadet at the Air Force Academy, originally in the class of 1989. He graduated with the class of 1991 after taking a two-year break from the Academy to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Taiwan. He graduated from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Mandarin Chinese.

ToddVedentine

(Todd Valentine: Continued on last page.)

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Maj. Gen. Robert S. Delligatti (USAF, Ret), Class of 1959, who died on Oct. 7,2006 of a pulmonary embolism in Arlington, Va.

Col. Robert J. Dingle (USAF, Ret), Class of 1961, who died on Dec. 1, 2006 of cancer in Spokane, Wash.

Mr. Maynard L. Goldsmith, Class of 1962, who died on Feb. 11, 2003 in Auburn, Wash.

Mr. Wesley E. White, Class of 1963, who died on Nov. 26, 2006 in Arlington, Texas.

Mr. Stephen D. Caldwell, Class of 1965, who died on Aug. 19, 2006 in New Mexico.

Dr. Walter E. Deacon, Class of 1965, who died on Sept. 18, 2006 of a heart attack in Erie, Pa.

Maj. Michael D. Muldoon (USAF, Ret), Class of 1965, who died on Dec. 2, 2006 in Pensacola, Fla.

Mr. Michael L. Stearns, Class of 1969, who died on Nov. 18, 2006 of a heart attack in Houston, Texas.

Col. William E. Robinson (USAF, Ret), Class of 1971, who died on Jan. 1, 2006 in South Carolina.

Mr. Barry W. Haddock, Class of 1973, who died on June 22, 2006 in Tucson, Ariz.

Col. John C. Pemberton (USAF, Ret), who died on May 22, 2006 of cancer at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Col.William B. Rember (USAF, Ret), Class of 1979, who died on Sept. 18, 2006 in Falls Church, Va.

Mr. Luis A. Arauz, Class of 1983, who died on Oct. 13, 2006 in a helicopter accident in Panama.

Maj. Douglas K. Rothenhofer, Class of 1995, who died on Dec. 1, 2006 in a training accident at Moody AFB, Ga.

2nd Lt. Christopher R. Steitz, Class of 2005, who died on Nov. 17, 2006 in an automobile accident.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

Glass NEWS

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@adelphia.net

This quarter, we speakmainly ofreunions large and small. Replying to last summer’spleaforinput,JerryGarberwrote: “JoanandIhadleftthemorningof thedayyou sentyourmessage—alongwithJohnDinsmore (’62) andhiswife Judy—foreightdaysinMontana,awayfromthis 100-degreeSanAntonioheat. Johnand I hadbeenstationedatMalmstromtogetherinthe ’60s, shared a house as bachelors, andhadbeentalkingfor yearsaboutgoingbackto GreatFalls on a nostalgiatour.Long storyshort, we spent a coupleofdayswith MikeTietge (also ’62) andliiswife,Terry, attheirterrific homeinVictor,toured GlacierNational Park, and spent a fewdaysreminiscingin GreatFalls.Malmstromhadchangedalotin40years,butsome oftheoldhaunts in GreatFalls were stillstanding - cultural (HeritageHouse, Charlie Russell Museum, etc.) andotherwise.Anoldcowboyinthe“otherwise”passedalongto us these words ofwisdom: ‘Unlessyou start in themorning,you can’tdrinkallday.’”

BrianParkersent apost about a somewhat more formalrecentreunion.The 13th Bomb SquadronAssociationgathered fortheirannual reunionin Kansas City,MO,andWhitemanAFB.Henotes,“Wfutemanisthenewhomeofthesquadron, nowflyingB-2s. Quite an advancementfromtheoriginalSpadin 1917! Bill Eldridge(’90) isthecommanderandgave a greatpresentation on thesquadron andthe B-2. Isn’titwonderfulhowgradsalwaysgetthebeautifulladies?” (See photo at the top ofthe next column.)

Retumingtothelun-and-gamestheme, SteveHamerreportsonthe 16-19Aug “SummerMini-reunion Party on the Porch” at theirhome. Stevewrites,“We riskedplanningforgoodweatherandgotoutstandingweatherallthreedays.Joe and KarenMorganandWayneandBonnieJeffersonspentWednesdayevening andnightwith us, andFredandBrendaWynnandJim andLinaBurtonjoined usfortheday’sactivitiesonThursday.InthemomingJoeMorgan,WayneJefferson,

Standing:Fran Parker, LtColBillEldridge, Beth Eldridge (Peterson ’92), GeorgeLyddane (’62),Jean Olson, andNorris Olson. Frontkneeling:Brian ParkerandDaveWilliamson (’95), 13th BSAssistantDirectorofOperations. FredWynn,Jim BurtonandIplayedgolf.Thatis,Jimplayed (shot a75!) andthe restofusduffed (isn’tthatwhat“duffers”do?)ourwaythiough theDevil’sGame (Jim’sterm!).Theladies (KarenMorgan, BonnieJefferson,BrendaWynn,Lina Burton andPattyHamer) wentoffto shop and werejoinedbyLindaJohnson forlunch atTheRed FoxInn in Middleburg.

“Wealllaterreconvenedhereforthepoolandhappyhour.HTJohnsonand MikeandMarianReardonjoined us andwe had a casualbutdeliciousbuffet dinner on theporch.FridaymorningJimConnallyandMike Reardonjoined Joe,Wayne and me at golfagain,whiletheladies went offto lunch at theRail Stop Restaurant (once owned by Robert Duvall) in The Plains. Connally, Wynns, Morgans and Burtons had other commitments, so Jeffersons, Reardons and Hamers swapped stories forthe afternoon and endedFriday on theporchwith some reallygoodleftoversfordinner.TheJeffersonsleft us Saturdaymorning on theirwayto Europewheretheywere to cruisetheGreek IslesandlatermeetupwithReardonsandMorgansinItalyforfurthertravels.”

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■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home

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Pete Todd

Sabre Society Donors

ThePorchPatrol. Clockwise, from extremeleft:BonnieJefferson,JoeMorgan, WayneJefferson,JimBurton,LinaBurton,KarenMorgan,LindaJohnson, HTJohnson,PattyHamer,FredWynn, andMarianReardon. (Stevetookthe pictureandhas no idea whereMike was.)

Bytheway, posing no threatwhatsoever to therecord ofthe Hamers (who haveto buybirthdayandChristmaspresentsfor twenty-somethinggrandchildren everyyead) JerryandHolleyMcDonaldrecendyadded the newest ’59er grandson to theirfamily. Samis theirfirstgrandchild andthey are positively glowingwith pride in thepicture (obtained from a clandestine source). Congratulations to thewholefamily.

In earlyNovember, the usual suspects gathered in Newburgh,NY, for the biennialAirForce-Armyfootballgame atWest Point.Thisyear, ESPNdictated thatthegamebeswitchedfromits usual Saturdayafternoontimeslotto Friday night. Most ofthe ’59ers and theirladies concluded thatsittingforthree-plus hours in theend zone ofMichie Stadium on a frigidNovembernight was not a good use oftime except in a nationalemergency.Accordingly, the mini-reunion organizer,EdJosephson,arrangedfor a private room andTVin a diner near themotel so we couldwatch the game in genteel comfort.

Thechangeingamedayandtimealsodisrupted our usualscheduleofevents. Theresult was thatat no timewas everybodypresentforanysingleeventexcept thegame itself, and even there thegroup was splitbetween thehardyandthe sane. Nevertheless, everyone got a chance to visitwith everyone else, even if briefly.Enjoying the company and thevictory were WileyBurch andJudith Boyd,John and Barbara Davey, Joe and Jo DeSantis, Dick andVera Goetze, Doug and Jo Anne Grafflin, Ed and Judy Josephson, Don and Rowena Livingston,John Miltner, Kent Montavon and Fredda Sparks, Ed and Lucia Montgomery, RL and EugeniaPenn, andPete andWendyTodd.

Some ofyou may not knowthat Flak and MJWilliams are living in Naples, Italy. Flak explains, “In early2004 MJ applied for a DoDDS teachingposition and got a call (while we were atthe 45th Reunion) thatshe’dbeenacceptedfor a position in Bahrain. The StateDeptthenmoved all dependents out ofthere, andshe was assignedto thehighschoolhere at theNavybase - to teachItalian ofall things, a subject she had majoredin in college, buthad done littlewith since then.We are now starting our 3“'yearhere.”

Flakwent on to share some fascinatingperceptions ofItaly,startingwith driving.

“Probablythehardestthing to getused to isthewaytheItalianosdriveinthe Napoli area (they are bad in otherparts, but not likehere). Speedis the name ofthegame even iftheyonlyhave to go a fewhundred feetto an exit-90 mph in the left lane and then a quick turn to cut into the exitlane.

“Stopsigns and some traffic lights are recommendationsonly. On a recent Italian quiz showthe contestants were asked to identifythe shapeofthe stop sign from a grouping offive shapes. No one could. Thequestion was posed to the audience; the top two choices were both wrong.

“TheCarabinieri pulled over a carforreckless driving.Theyfound a 10-year old atthewheel andthe father in thepassenger seat.Whentoldthathe’dhave to pay a fine to getthe car back, the fathertoldthe officers to keepit, he could afford 10 more.” To becontinued...

ThoughtfortheQuarter-Artificialintelligenceis no matchfornaturalstupidity.

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

9180 Coors Blvd. NW #1003

Albuquerque, NM 87120-3114

Phone: (505) 897-4420

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

MerryChristmas, MerryGendemen.

It’s “on-the-road-again,”sleighing up to the Dakotas—our lastbastion of defenseagainst an attackfromtheCanadians—for aNorthDakotaclassmate’s historiography: the firstofour three “Dakota Kids.”

Gary Dean Sheets: “My sophomore year we moved from Nebraska to Riverdale, ND, where Dad worked constructing the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Followinghigh schoolgraduationin 1955,1workedconstruetionandthenenteredtheUniversityofNorthDakota.TwoArmyofficersurged me to applytoWest Point. My 1947 Chevyconvertible was lost in snow until spring, but I hitch-hiked to Pierre, SD, borrowed a car and proceeded to EllsworthAFB fortesting, andwas thennominated to the AfewAirForceAcad

emy.’Thatspring at a trackmeetwhere I polevaulted, I met JimBujalski.

“OntheAFAbuspickingup newcadets atStapleton, I remembertwo guys— RonYatesand DeanVikan. Ronsmiled as hespokeofhisTennesseegirlfriend Connie; and, Dean’s girlfriendPhyllisplanned to move out fromMinnesota.

“My‘doolie year’ I roomedwith Fred Porter and in the fall we were reassigned from 2nd to 3rd Squadron. Cres Shields was my roommate our senior year.MyAcademyhighlightwas havingthesecondfastestobstacle coursetime behind DeanVikan. My most memorablehappening at theAcademy was meeting a localrancher,DaveHigby,whenwe firstmoved to our new campus; Dave was a former owner oftheAcademy propertyandran cattleon20,000acresintheMonumentarea. We hunted and fished nearly everyweekend. (Activities: Bowman’s Club 4,3,2,President 1,Choir,4,3,2, Class Committee 4,3,2,1, Gymnastics3, HuntingClub4,3,2,1, Football 4, Rifle 1,Track4,3). Upongraduation, I bought a Ford Falcon whichI tradedfor a house duringpilottraining at Graham,replacingitwitha 1947 Plymouth.RalphLalimeloaned me hisPontiacBonneville sol couldescorttheSherman, TX Armed Forces Queen, Ms. SylviaSonnenburg (to become: Sheets) TheLake Texhoma areawas alsogreatfortarantulasandblackbass,bothpursuedbyme andRonYates.

“After F- 102s at Perrin I was assigned to 64th FIS at Paine Field,WA,which includedA1Zimmerman,HowieBronsonandFredBoutz. Westilllaughabout Howieputtingworms inthe apartment’sclothesdryer,loadedwithmyclothing. There were 30 pilots and three were killed in the 12 months, including FredBoutz. Afterbeingaide to two NORAD generals I was assignedtoVietnam as FAC andflew 152 missions,80 over NVN.As FAC-IP at Hurlburt, I servedsix monthswith the Navy andMarines at Patuxent RiverNAS as test pilot in the YOV-10.1 had an ejection at 400 feet and ‘Class 26’ crash landing in the 1 st Marine OV-10. Finally: MBA at FloridaTech,AirWarCollege, B-1 DeputyProgram Manager,retiring in 1984 as Colonel; then Lockheed as civilianAquila RPVManager and Houston on NASA Space Station Software. We moved to Plano in ’95 to pursue a business startedby our son, Jeff; sold thebusiness in 1997.

“Sylvia (U-Houston) and I have four children and 13 grandchildren: Susan (43) married Dr. Scott Hosier,Norman, OK—two children - High School andsophomore at OU; Susan andScott are OU grads/med schoolin California; Jeff(41) marriedWendeVikan, Franklin,Tennessee - seven children, two 18yearsold,Jeff isaU ofTXgraduate andPresident ofSonCorp;Nathan (38) is married to PattyHoughton, Plano, TX- three children, 3-6, Nate is a Texas State graduate and ordained Baptist minister, and President of EvangecubeMinistrieswhichpresents thegospel to one billion over 10years; Rachel (33) is married to ChadVisser,McKinney,TX- one child, 10 months Rachel is Houston graduate and head-hunter, Chad owns a credit transaction business.

SheetsFamilyand 13 grandchildren.

“I’mBibleStudyDirector/Deaconina25,000-memberBaptistChurch;three years on PGASeniorTour, CityChampion 1998,CountySeniors’ Champion 1998;performed90+ times withTexas’largestmusicalproduction;Founding Member,EvangecubeInternational; mademissiontripsintoTexas andOklahomaprisonssharingthegospel, andmyfamilyhasbeeninvolvedin 75 internationalhumanitarianmissiontrips.

“I’vehad congestiveheartfailuresincemyattackin 1986, anddrive a2000 ToyotaEcho (38mpg) and a 1993 Mercedes Benz600 SELgas-guzzler.” Next Time: JimBujalski.

Dale Thompson was loungingrestfully on the deckofhis cabin north of Boeme,TX, at 2:30a.m.Aferociouswildboarapproached, andDalereached forhis trustypre-1964 Model 70 rifle. The barmyboarcharged, spewingfire andfoaming at themouthwhileracing hell-bentforDale’s throat. He fired a 130-grainNozlerbullet at3100 fps.Thesavageanimaldropped, andafter afew kicks, laydead. Dale and Ina were unable to find a bullet entrypoint or exit wound on the ferocious beast. “Theseboars multiplyrapidlyand threaten both animals andhumans,”saidDale abouthis BoarWar.

Sabre Society Donors

“Chateauboarbriandfor20”andTheGreatWhiteHunter.

OurMini-ReunionstartedFriday,Oct6th at theAcademyHotelwithdinner. Saturdaywas theGlazaGatefordrinks,QuarterbackClub’sluncheonandfootballwith USNA, dinner at Biaggi’s.Attending:TedStummandJoAnn Phillips, JerryandDottyFarquhar,AndiandCarole Biancur,DaveandCamilleSweigart and Kehlers (deceased son Tim, AFA ’82),Jim and MaryWaddle, Jock and HopeSchwank, Dick and SallySexton, DenisWalsh and Bill Goodyear and GeorgeVan Houten (USNA’60) and Norwood Gay,Tony and Carol Bilello, Karen andRosieCler, Ron andConnieYates andBlytheWilson,JimandJenny Glaza and Linda, Denis and LizHaney, Brian and Carol Kaleyand son Scott andgrandsonNathanandSueWoodward,WayneandBarbaraKendall,Dick and SharonSchehr, Bruce and CarylMosier and nieceLauraPeters,Royand Barb Jolly,VicYoakum and Suzanne Katsilas,GordySavage, Jon McClure, Charlie Holman, Jackand ElaineBrush, George andDianaPupich.

Nathan,Brian, Scottand CarolKaley.

Royand BarbaraJollymoved in 2004 fromMesquite,NV, to St.George,UT, a lovelyoasisproclaimedbyAARP as thenation’s neatest retirementspot.Roy andhis Houston partnermanage an investmentpartnership (utilizing a systern Roydevelopedafterresearching435 economicbooks). Barb andRoy are foundingmembers oftheLogan,UT,OperaFestival,; Barbara’s takingmany college courses using a Utah state lawofferingseniors a $10 classfee, andRoy says GregBoyington no longerrides his motorcycle.

“Marty and Les Querrygetkudos for a grandgatheringofDC-’60 at their hilltop mansion—Falcons’ Roost—in Bluemont,VA, Saturday, Oct 21 st,” writesTonyBurshnick. “Bill and Barb Hales came from Greenville,SC,while RGHead and Carole Hoover couldn’t make itbecause ofRG’sback (hospitalizedwithinfection requiring two surgeries, gotpneumonia, thenreleased in November).”

Dateline: Boise—DekeJohnson is Post Managerfor the localVFW, Idaho StateQuartermaster,NationalOfficerofVFW’s 14th DistrictrepresentingIdaho, Montana andWashingtononVFW’s National CouncilofAdministration, and attended meetings in KC Oct 6-8,h (lunchedwith Bill Komitzer) andVFW’s Western Conference in Panama CityNov 1 st ; saw GregBoyingtonwhen Deke and Sallyvisited their son in California.

MiniSkiXVII: 23 Feb-3 Mar 07 in SLC—contactAndiBiancur at (719) 4884317 or Bacfly60@MSN.Com.

FinalRoll Call. GaryVan Singel’swife,Marilyn, died Nov2,2006.

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear

50582 Stonington Drive

Granger, IN 46530-8243

H: (574) 273-2597

E-mail: EN0andTJ0@ameritech.net

Class Web Site: www.usafal961.org

Morethan80ofourclassmates castvotes in theelectionfor our classofficers. Tom Eller was elected President; Earl Saunders, Secretary; MarkAnderson, Treasurer; HectorNegroni, Historian; CharlieNeel, Senatorfor2006-07;Terry Storm, Senator for 2007-2009; and Richard Fairlamb, Senator for2009-11. Congratulations to all seven!

TheClassof1961 HotelInitiativeAd-HocCommittee completed thesurvey oftheClassof 1961. Thecommitteereceived 109 responses out ofatotal of178 contacts for a 61% participation rate. Ofthe 109 responses, 82 (75%) favored theHotelInitiative.Therefore, thehotelinitiativewillbe one ofthe 50th Classgiftoptions thatthe new Class Officers will consider. TheAd-HocCommitteewill nowproceed to work with USAFAand theAOG to further assess thefeasibilityof theproject.

Those not able to attend our 45th reunion missed a great time. Our reunion committeeand theAOG (especiallyLani Wing) did awonderfuljobplanningitandthenensuringthat theirplanworked. And,watching the footballgame in the pressboxwas great, providing a lot more timetovisitduring thegamewhile we enjoyed a verygood buffet. We all are gratefulto andthank everyone who had a hand in makingthis reunion such a success. Everyone start planning now to attend our 50th

Bob and CathyBesthavebegun construction oftheir Dream Home. They are building on an 800-footbluffoverlookingthelake for a fantasticview. The houseis multi-level, so withthefutureinmind,they are installing an elevator. With anyluck theyshould be moving in byOctober of2007. The Fall colors therehavebeen unbelievable. Bob findsthathisdrivinghasslowed to about 45 mph to enjoythescenery.

Bob BrickeyandStu Boyd are planning a Utah skiweekendin 2007, Feb 2225, theweekendafterPresident’s Day. Theyhavereserved a blockofrooms at

Your AOG introduces ZoomieNation

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

■ Engage with candidates on important issues

■ Read about each candidate's background

■ Learn how the candidates plan to make the AOG better

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Locate old friends and classmates and reconnect!

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Form interest/professional groups

■ Establish your own personal/ professional profile

www.200mienation.com

Sabre Society Donors

Front:Marty,LutziFischer,MarynGoodson,Bettydela Cruz,JudyAlnwick, GaleJohnson,Karen BurshnickandBarbHales. Back: Odenweller, Bob and Liliane Badger, Fischer, Tom & MaryBurke, Mike (A) and Nancy Clarke, Burshnick,Johnson, Goodson,Alnwick, dela Cruz,Hales, andQuerry. We’re“empty-nesters.”Yeah, right. Sowhatdoyou call CT Douglassin and wife, Brenda, who withdrew 14-year-old son, Dax, suffering from autism/ ADHD, from school environments to home-schoolhim? “Thisallows DAXto developliving standardswhere hebecomes independent, instead ofbeing sent to a group home,writesCT.” (Reflect on CTand Brenda’s longevenings of late-nighttutoringup in Stillwater, MN,whileyou andyours are cruising)!

theOgdenMarriott. Itlooks as ifStu’shousewillbecompletedaftertwoyears so they’ll hold one ofthe events there. Theywill be sending out theparticulars soon, but forthosewho haveattended in the past, things (and the snow) will lookmuchthe same. BriceJones and theotherkamikazeshaveagreed to slow down abit thisyear so others can keepup—but not much. Forthosewhohave notjoinedthem in thepast,skipasses are “cheap’ fortheolderset. Theyalready have about two feetatthe resorts so itshouldbe a funyear. In addition to skiing theyhavesnowmobilingnearby,and theOlympicIceSheetisavailableforthose who are into seniorfigureskadng. Contact Bob or Stu ifyou havequestions.

JackBrighttook an escortedtripthroughtheNew England states in October andreallyenjoyedit. He saidthatthegrouphetraveledwith was fantastic, and while the Fall colors were outstanding, the best part was learning some indepth details/folk lore ofthe historyofthefoundingofour country. Hesuggests that ifyou are ever near the Norman Rockwell Museum, don’t miss it. “You have to see his originalpaintings to appreciate theirgreatness!” Very recendyjackvisitedJohn andCaseyGoodleyattheirbeautifulhomeinHelotes, TX. John was recuperatingfrommajorsurgeryto repair a bileductandbiopsy tests forpancreatic cancer. Allwent well and the cancer tests turned out negative! The most funJack had there was makingJohn laugh and thenwatching himholdhisbellytryingto ease thepain. Caseyhadalreadybegundecorating fortheChristmas holiday and every roomwas beautiful. John toldJackthat Caseyhad only six more Christmas trees to putup and decorate! Of course John was helping as best hecould andwithinhis talents: Caseywas allowing him to hang one ornament on one ofthe trees. Jack intends to be at theAir ForceAcademy-TCU game in Decemberbutdoesn’t plan to playgolf. DaveCarlstromsaidthattheclasshad agoodturnoutatWestPointfortheAir Force/Armyfootball game. Attending were Sam and Gwen Barazzone, Bob and Janice Brickey, Pat Buckley and Marilyn Kitching, David and Lilly Carlstrom,GeneandJudyDavis,Jim,Peggy,andChristinaHinkle,PaulHinton and Colette Marsh, BriceJones, Dean and JoJones, JudyMoorberg, CharJie and LyndaNeel,Jim and Linda Rogers, and Rees and PaulineWagner. Greg Boyingtonand June Colganrepresentedthe Class of’60. Many other folks were present, e.g.pilottrainingclassmates ofUSAFA’61ers, etc. Theactivities included aclassic Bricewine-fest on Thursdaynight. On Fridaythegroup took a two-hourcruise on theHudsonRiverandenjoyed a Corps ofCadets classic pass-in-reviewon theparadeground,plus a tailgatepartyat thehomeofBob Brickey’s sister. Ofcourse the pieced’resistance was the43 to 7Air Forcewin.

Dick Davis has moved toYuccaValley, CA,with 3,284 feetofelevation and adjacentto thesmallSan BernardinoMountains. Hikersandriders,including Dick, use thehorsetrails thatgo up to theridgewhichisjustshyofa milehigh. He likes thehigh desert ofSouthern California. It is quite comfortableinthe Fall, but he’s not sure howcomfortable itwill be in the summer.

Bob Dingle ishaving a difficultbattlewith cancer. Heand Margyappreciate allyourthoughtful e-mails, notes, and prayers.

LowellJones said that the D.C. ’61 ers met forlunch on Nov 15th One oftheir stalwartswho alwaysjourneys tojoin them from NewJersey,KarlWhitaker, hasbeen in and out ofthe hospital for some timewithwhatthedoctors call a “stiff heart. Dianne, hiswife, is keeping themup to date. Since Karl is their expertbeer partaker (alongwith Jim Rogers), theyhad a beer toast wishing him good health. Some ofthe Class alreadyknows that Lowell and Sandy’s granddaughterShannen (sixyearsold) had two operationslastMayfor abrain tumor. About30%ofthebenign tumorremainsandshehasbeen undergoing chemo treatments to hopefullyshrinkit further. Theyhave now learned that she has a rare typeoftumorin children calledJPA (juvenilepilocyticastrocytoma) with a prognosisofsurvivalof10years at best. Theywouldbehappyto hearfromanyclassmateforanyleads tohelp intheirsearchfor a miracle. They havehittheweb sites (like“fightjpa.org”and“gammaknife”) prettyhardbut theycould always miss something. Ifanyone donates (even $1) through the JPAwebsite,please advisetheir son (LanceJones) atjoneslfbcs@msn.com so they can track anydonations on Shannen’s behalf. Lots ofprayers are also welcome. Thanks to all.

Bob Kellock and Samantha received their rings in earlyNovember her newminiature andhisrefurbishedoriginal - andsaidthey’rebeautiful. They’ll alwaysremindthem ofa greatreunion. Theysailedseveral races inSeptember and October, never finishing last (as he used to), but learned that a cutterrigged,full-keelboat (evenwith a centerboard) doesn’tgo upwindwellenough forbuoyracing! They’re still expanding theirlives together and lookingbeyondBoeingtowards retirement somewhere, sometime.

John Kohoutand Dave Carlstrom attended thededication ofourAirForce Memorial inWashington. It was a greatdayfortheAirForce.

LeeMcCleskeysaid that his operation for a brain tumor was successful. It was benign, andherequiredonly a two-nightstayin thehospital. At anyrate it hadcausedhim to feelwiped out andcoldallthetime,butthathas nowbeen corrected. Otherthan beingtemporarilyrestricted to howmuchhe can lift, pendinganother MRI and consultations to ensure thateverythingis backto

normal, Lee says thathe is doingfineexceptforpossiblyeating too much. As a sidenote, he saiditisamazinghowmuchhe andJoaniediffer on what constitutes 25 pounds—his current liftinglimit.

JimmyPoole and some friends plan a rivercruise downthe Danubein Sept 2007, fromBudapest to Prague.Eightcouplesplan to go so far (includingthe Cairns,Gills, andWagners [Bob]). ContactJimmyifyouwant to jointhem.

TerryStormwentonafive-nightmotorizedrafttripdowntheupperpartofthe Colorado River in the Grand Canyon over the 4th ofJuly. Only once didhe go inverted (nobodyfellout). 180 miles; 50 rapids,several 5s. Terrywas wet,cold, dirty,sandy, t ired,sunburned, andstuffed (greatfood). He slept on a cot in a sleepingbag,withsheets. Sinceitsprinkledonlyonce,hedidn’tusethetent. He grewout hisbeardforthreeweeksandfound outthatitisprettygray! Terryhad an absolutelywonderfultimewhileCarleenwasplayingtheslotsinLostWages.

ByronTheurersaidthat duringhislastSCORE Chaptermeeting, wliilehe was taking awashroombreak (somethinghedoes more often inhis declining years),theyelectedhim to beChapterChair.SincetheirChapteris intheonly “metropolitan” area in southern Utah, and theyhold a charter to promote businessthroughoutsouthernUtah,they’redevelopingplans to bring amajor promotionofsmallbusiness to allthefunkylittle towns (andtheirchambers ofcommerce) in thesouthernpartofthe state. Byronwrotethis notewhilehe was taking a breakfrom memorizing a detaileddry run oftheir“Howto start a business...”presentation. In his old age,he’s even learning to speak a little pidgin PowerPoint!

JudyandBudUtendorfhavesignedupfortheAOGChinatrip on June7-19, 2007. Is anyone elsein theclass interested? Bud isbusyputtingtogetherthe first-everpilottraining reunion forClass-63-A,WebbAFB,BigSpring,TX. He and others have located all ofthe USAF pilots and are searchingforthe six German officers who were in theirclass. Bill Sanzenbacherlitthefire under BudandsaidtheirclasshadGermanclassmates come to theirreunion. Budis also setting up his 50th high school graduation reunion in Ohio. He is quite thankfulfortheInternet,computerprinters, databases,spreadsheetsandlots ofwillingresearchers.Thanks to DaleTaborandMikeRawlins fortheirinput.

BobandWinnieWagnerreturnedfrom our 45th and 11 dayslaterwentto San Francisco forhis 50"’ high school reunion. Theprincipal and staffat Lincoln Highhavedone a magnificentjob ofturningtheschoolinto one ofthetop two collegeprep schools inthecity.Theschoolhas a greatstoryon conflictresolutionin amulti-racialenvironment. ContactBob ifyouneed areferenceforthis upliftingexampleofhopeandpromise.TheyenjoyedthebeautifulFallweather and a greatvisitwith BriceJones at his new pinot noirranch. Itwillbefun to watchhimbuildanotherkillervino.Afterthreesuperdays atLakeTahoe,they walkedtheGoldenGateBridge onWinnie’sbirthday,tooktheferryfrom Marin to thenewly-furbishedEmbarcadero,andwalkedupthestreetforagreatdinner witholdfriends. Itis a greatplaceto return to;justdon’tlisten to thepolitics!

Onceagain, thanks to allwho sharedtheir news with our class. Currently33 (18%) of our 178 graduate classmates are not part of our GrayTagNetwork (GTN) online. Ifyou are one ofthem and have a computer, please use the contact information at the top ofthis column to be included. The GTN is a goodwaytostayintouch andexchangeideasin nearrealtime. Demonstrating thattimeliness, thecolumnyou are nowreadingwas submitted on 13 Novemherand resultedfrom a muchlongerdraftversion,preparedfrominputsduringtheweekof6 November. Those on the GTN read it then.

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4 Judy Court

m* v'j

HiRedtags,

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Well, it’s been a goodquarter.Wehave another Shuttlelaunchcomingupin December. We are all glad to be backin the operational mode again.

From left are SueHaugen,JackJamba, Tom Moore, HillHaugen andDick Smull.

Hadtheopportunityto travel toWashingtonlastweekandhaddinnerwith Bill and Sue Haugen,Tom Mooreand DickSmull.

Billis stillretiredandenjoyingbeing adocent attheUdvar-HazyAir& Space Museum near DullesAirport. Hemeetsveryinterestingpeoplewhohavebeen connectedin some fashionwith some oftheaircraftandspacecrafton display. Tom does an occasional consultingjob.Hehas also beengetting in his share oftravelwithVirginiawhenVirginiaisbetween semesters. Shestillenjoysteaching. Dickis still sellingreal estate andlookingforward to retirement soon. I’m stillworking and enjoying itverymuch. “Myinvolvement withtheOSHAVoluntaryProtectionProgramisveryrewarding and satisfying. So I intend to continue working for a while.”Bytheway,Sueremarkedathowfortunateshewas to be surroundedbyfour handsome Redtags. I keptlooking aroundthe restaurantto see where theywere hiding.

traveling a lot since I fullyretired a year and a halfago.We decided that we needed to travel a lot nowwhen itis still easyto move around. Hopeyou and Caroline are well.” Cheers, DaveWhitman.”

Sabre Society Donors

Thisjust infrom Rip Blaisdell: “Markyourcalendars; the RTB 45th Reunion will be held in Colorado Springs 31 Oct through 4 Nov2007.Wewillbestayingat theWyndham (same as 40threunion).Theschedulewillbeverysimilarto the40th reunion;Wed—3arlysign-in,Thur—golfandeveningbuffet,Fri—Classmeeting/cadets/MemorialService/eveningdinner,Sat—BEATARMY,Sun—brunch.

The Colorado Springs reunion committee isworkinghard to make all the arrangementsandreservations.An officialreservationpackageand more detailed schedulewill be published in earlyspring2007. Ifyouhave anyquestions orcomments, contactRipBlaisdell attharipper@msn.com or (719) 6861408.”Thanks Rip fortheupdate. Let’s gettheword out to our lostsouls. Encourage them to be at the 45th It’s a great time.They’ll not regretit.

PatandPete Robinsonvisited Crete andsentthefollowingnoteto Colinand MargeRichardsonwith copyto me: “Wehad a goodvisit on Crete and some other islands ofGreece.Wevisited a new aquarium on Cretethatis supposed to bethelargestintheeasternMediterranean. It’sbuilt on theclosed airstation. Some ofthebuildings are beingusedforschools, offices, etc. Otherbuildings are overgrownwithvegetation andindisrepair.It’s like a ghost town in some areas. I’m sure thatyou’d see lotsofchangesfromthetimethatyouwere there. ThereisquiteabitofEuropeantourism,butI don’tthinkthere are manyAmericans who visit.” Thanksfortheemail Pat andPete.

Got this from FrankUrban: “An enthusiastic group ofRedtags,wives, sons andfriends met intheQualcom Stadiumparkinglot on 10/21 priortotheSan DiegoStateUniversitygameforfood,drink,andtrue RTBcamaraderie. Itwasn’t hard to pick out the Redtags in the sea ofBlue, and I even had a ’66 spouse (AmericanAirlinesFlightAttendant) approach me to comment on howmuch spiritthe‘Original’RTBs had! (And stillhave!) Isn’titinterestinghowour class color ‘Legacy’ has continued with following classes! Anyway, we all really enjoyed theday(exceptforthe outcome ofthegame)... Thisweekend, loss to BYU again, Rats! Looks like 6 - 6 thisyear?”

I inserted a pictureofDave andAnnWliitmantogetherwiththeir son Dave andhiswife, taken at the40th reunion.Thanks, Dave. I can hardlywait to seethe kids again.

That’s itfor now. I’llbegettingChristmas cardsin a month andwillhave the news in the next Checkpoints.That’s itfor now. God Bless and be safe.

Norman I. (Skip) Lee

63119 E. Cat Claw Lane

Tucson, AZ 85739-2058

Home: (520) 825-7980

Cell: (520) 241-3498

E-mail: 54wrs@msn.com

Lots ofnews so we need to get started: first, let us recognize thepassingof BGen Robert F.McDermott, Dean ofFacultyduring our time attheAcademy. MacD had a significantimpact on our collectivelivesboth academically and during our post-graduate careers through his leadership ofUSAA. He is a legend and hewill not be forgotten.

DidyouknowtheAOG nowhas a ClassAdvisorySenate? TheAOG underwent a numberofsignificantchangeswith theby-lawamendments lastMay including the creation of a Class Senate. ArticleV ofthe by-laws says “The Senate shall meet atleastannually,pursuant to proceduresestablishedbythe Board.Theyshall act as an outreach arm ofAOGleadership,seekingmembers’ views and attempting to resolvedifferences amongthoseviews. The Senate willbe consultedbytheBoard, andwillinformtheBoard on relevantissues.” After some consultation, our Class President,JimDiffendorfer,appointed our ClassVP DennyKing to betheinitial Class Senator.

The mini-class reunion in October was a resounding success—thanks to Bob Hayes andhisTeam. Bob reported over 60 classmates,familymembers

Your AOG introduces ZoomielMation

YOUR AOG FACES A PIVOTAL ELECTION

■ Learn about the candidates

Judy Urban, Roger Smith, Pat and Bob Connolly, ChuckHale and Charlie Hale, Mary and Wilmore

Holbrow. Not pictured but present: Dave Boddeman, RogerMeyers, and Larryand Lois Harmon.

And now we have an update from DaveWhitman. Jack-1 knowyouwill wonderwhyI am sendingthis.AnnandI werejusttryingto schedulethe events fornextyearand we need toknowwhenthereunionwillbe. Haveyouheard or doyouknowwho is responsibleforputtingittogether?We nowhavetwo ofour kidsintheDenver area. OurdaughterJuliejustmoved toWestminster(between Denver and Boulder) two years ago. She is married to a doctor; theymet at Kirtiand - both assigned to thehospitalthere. Theygot outofthe service and were marriedinAugust2004 (Julie 12yearsoutoftheAcademy),andmoved to Denver.Bernieiswith Kaiser Permanente andJulie is a ProfessorofPhysical TherapyatRegisUniversity.Theyjusthad ababygirllastmonth.Ann andIwill bespending a lotoftimethere nowthatwe have an extra excuse forgoing.

Our son Dave has been in theVail/BeaverCreek area now for 15 years and loves it.He isin real estate there. OurotherDaughter, Beth (eightyears out of theAcademy) got out oftheAir Force in 1997 and settled here near us. They have fourkids and theyallkeep us busywhen we are herein town.

“Lastweekwe were in Okarche (OK) to see Ann’s sisters. I had to get out the weddingpictures and reminiscethe days we were allthereforthewedding. Rememberthe Cossackhatyouhad?We all were so youngthen!We arewell,

■ Find out where candidates stand on important issues

■ Personally engage, and ask candidates their positions

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Share your photos and blogs with friends

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home Engage in mentorship opportunities www.zoomienation.com

The‘Tagsin thepicture are fromleftMikeandJudyQuinton,Frankand

(Willie)

and friends attended thepost-game dinner and cup ceremonyfor Ken Har. Theonlyblemish on thedaywas thewayNavygavetheFalcons alessoninthe “TripleOption.” Navytotallydominated the Falcons in the third quarterby holding the ball forall but 90 seconds on the clock.

In thefmntRowfromlefiareRodJohnson,GaryBender,JackMartines,Stinky Steinbrink, SkipLee,JerryMcClellan,BobMazet, andJim Winzell.BackRow: Jim Gaston, Gordon Bredvik, BobHayes,ArtJohnson,JimmieButler, Dave Boeck, BarneyBartlett, Pat Caruana, EdReisdorf, RandyReynolds, Drue Deberry, andDaveNuss.

Not in the picture but in attendance were Bill Simpson, BillWecker,Greg Fax,WayneLeFors,DennyKing,lohnHelinskiand BryanCary. Several folks were kindenough to send me copiesofthegroup picture. Creditforthisphoto goesto BarneyBartlett’s son C3CAustinBartlett. Asyou can readilysee,weather forthe event was outstanding.

BecausetheearlyNovemberweatheris alwaysiffy, Bobplans to poll those folks on his mini-reunion e-maillistabout a potentiallateSeptember or early Octoberdatevs. theArmygame. Oncethe2007FootballScheduleisannounced hewill make contactwithgameoptionsforthereunion. Ifyou are interested inbeingin on mini-reunionplanning,pleaseletBobknowviae-mail or phone (bcahayes@adelphia.netorl-719-481-9693). Youmayalso give me theinformation and I will pass it on to Bob.

RandyReynolds is involved in the mentoring sessions heldbythe USAFA Center forCharacter Development. The sessions are opportunities to work with the Cadets on matters ofcharacter, especiallythe Honor Code and the concepts ofIntegrity. He believes itis important to linkourselveswiththese new generation Cadets and to letthem see howdedicated we have been to those values andprinciples that we hold as important. Randysaid the Lead Facilitator encourages him to get theword out to otherAOG members and grads. If you are interested, the Center for Character Development (Kathryn.Lentz@USAFA.af.mil) can tieyou in to theprogram as a facilitator.

Steve Dotson alerted us to a “heated” discussion being conducted on www.USAFAToday.comabouttheAOGBoardconsideringaplanto“cleave”the AOGinhalfbyestablishing afoundation to controlallfinancesoftheAOG and fundraising.You can getto thewebsiteeitherdirect or throughtheAOGwebsite.

lim Diffendorfer sent alongthis photo taken at LochAwe in Scotland. Jim and Megan rented a car, toured all over Scodand for 40 days,mostly on onelaneroadsunder30 mph,stayedin26different B&Bs andtook20hikes (“probably 100 miles”). He addedthatNO Haggis was eaten!!

DickTinysent a photo of a mini-Fighting Fourthreunion at Scott and Gail Seward’sBirchShoresResort (http://www.glenlakevacations.com/) on Little Glen Lake near GlenArbor, MI. Bobbie andPhilMaywaldjoinedthemflying inwith theirPiperPacer. Dick and Carol drove the longwayaround, from Harrisburgvia Fort Rileyand Duluth. Theydroppedby Fort Riley to visit daughterShannonand newhusband,ArmyMajorJames Ervin. Dicksaidhe and Carol“gothitched inDuluth,”butcouldn’tvisitthe chapel this time: it’s nowpartoftheFederalPrison! BirchShoresis nearthe SleepingBearDunes National LakeshoreandLakeMichigan. It’s an idylliclocation,with as much or as little to do as youwant.

George Frederickreports he has retired for the second time but still does some consultingworkforhisoldcompany. Hejustreturned from China (Tibet) helping theircivil aviation agencyinstrument new airportswith special meteorologicalequipment—many at high altitude in the mountains. One such airport, LinZhi, isabout3,000 meters above sealevelin arivervalleythat is about 5 kmwide. He says the attached picture was taken in one ofthe canyonsnearby. George and SharonhavemovedbacktoAustin after a four-year stint in Boulder. TheylikedColoradoandthechanceto reconnectwithUSAFA butTexas ishomeforthem now.

BillFlynnhasbeenhaving a finetime as aprofessional actor andmemberof theScreenActors Guild. Nearly20yearsagohewentback on stageinNorway, thenGermanyandtheStates. Forthepastsixyearsheconcentrated on filmand TVspendingthreeweeks this summer in SantaFeworking on a CBS/Paramountminiseries“ComancheMoon”whichwillprobablyair afterthefirstof theyear. Thisis LarryMcMurtry’sprequel to “LonesomeDove.”You can find more details at his agent’swebsite, www.mcalistertalent.com/headbook/ Flynn,_Bill.htm. Bytheway,ifyouclick on thelinkto his IMDB site,be sure to check outwho wrote Bill’s mini-bio.

At the mini-reunion there was some discussion about a plan for our Class CupsafterthebottleofCognacis drunk. In an e-mail to a numberofour classmates I committed tobeingtheretohelpfinishthebottle. Turns outquite afew ofus are planningto bethere. JohnNehringwrote “Gladyouplan to bethere to finish thebottle ofcognac. I can’tthinkofanyoneelsein the class I’d rather share itwith!” Then LarryMcLaughlin said“Iplantobetheotherperson, so IhopeIrememberwho you are;” andJeffHeal added: “Skip... sorry to informyou that DougHardgrave and I will be the last two guys... why don’tyoujustlet us decidewhat to dowiththecups?” About the cups,Wayne LeFors, Dick Sula, et al, proposed some options: (1) we insist on keepingthecup displayin theAOG CEO’soffice (the Class of 1963 paid forthe office); (2) send them totheAFMuseum atWright-PatortheSmithsonian; (3) placetheminthe newAcademyCemeteryMemorialPavilion nowunder construction: or (4) framethecupbelongingto thelastmemberoftheClass to pass away, mount it on awall attheAOG andinterthe rest ofthe cupswiththesaid lastmemberoftheclass (whowouldofcourse have to agree tobeburied atthe AcademyCemetery).

30 Sabre Society Donors

One final note: take a look at the PBS Television show“Secrets ofthe Dead: Dogfight over Guadalcanal.” Our own IndianJonesWetterhahn is listed as “Lead Detective.” The web site is http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/ case_dogfight/about.html.

Manythanksforallthegreatinputs. That’sitforthistime. Take care andlet’s hope 2007 will be kind to all ofus.

DifandMegan (akaMarcia) on LochAwe.

GeorgeFrederick

Scott, DickandPhil

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 532-3923

W: (256) 716-2765

bob@hovde.us

W: rhovde@drs-tem.com

Ranch Hand Reunion: Matt Feiertag, passed on the following about the FORTIETH reunion heattended. “Ijust returned fromthe40th reunion ofmy sq fromViet Nam, the 12th Air Commando Sq. (RANCHHAND),held in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.We all trained at Eglin Aux. #9, Hurlburt Field, so that is where mostofour reunionshavebeenheld.Forthesecondstraightyear,I was theyoungest one atthereunion, apleasantchangefromnormalroutinearound home.It isgreatto sitandchatwith some oftheguyswho started out inWWII. Theyhave some wild stories. DeweyBarich was in theunit atthe same time as Iwas, butIhaven’t seen himat a reunion.Nextyear,we’remeetingatWright-Pat, when theAF Museumwill be unveiling one ofourUC-123 sprayaircraftthat theyhavefinishedrestoring.

“I’llattachtheonlypicture I havew/ me init, from our memorialservicethat we haveeveryyearatthe HurlburtWarbirdMuseum. (Probablywon’t bevery useful, as you can’t make out anyone in it.)

“Take care myfriend,watchyour six, and do one more roll forme.”

AirForce

Fred Gregory.Nickwas inWarren Robins,Georgiaattending anAirForceAssociationState Convention at theMuseum ofAviation. Oneofthedisplays was of Fred. Nick continued, “It was inspirational forme to publiclyviewyour outstandingaccomplishments andyour enormous contribution to our country.You have made all ofus in our USAFA class extraordinarilyproud.”I agree completely, Nick. I still haven’t figured out the editorial policythat caused theAir ForceMagazineto include an articleaboutAirForcecontributions to NASAandnot even mentionFred. I guesshegot so high in theorganizationthattheyforgothewas an AirForce astronaut.

Sabre Society Donors

MallofHeroes: For thoseofyouwho don’thaveemail and didn’treceive RodWells’ messageaboutthestatusoftheMall ofHeroes, the artist, MarkAustin Byrd, has beenselectedforthe initialthree statues (LanceSijan,KarlRichterandValBourque) tobeplacedwithintheMall ofHeroes. Rodsaid, “Hisproposalclearlystoodout as thebestofthecompetitors. He has presentedproofofhis skillwith numerous sculptures ofmilitary heroes, including two previous Medal ofHonorwinners. His studio uses 3D imagingforthelatestin millingintricatedetails. Hehasalreadypreparedwellcrafted small-scalestudies ofRichterand Sijan andheproffered a very competitiveprice and completion timeline.You can view Mark Byrd’sworks on www.markbyrd.com and see other commemorative items on www.valorremembered.org,thewebsiteforhis militaryheritagefoundation.

“This completedpiece of our project puts us in excellent shape to unveil Richter’s statue to theClassof’08duringthespringof2008.You’llrecallthat’08 chose Karl as theirexemplar.Theprojecthas alreadycleared several significanthurdles includingenvironmentalanalysisandapproval fromtheHistoric Preservation Office. Our class gift offer was presented by the AOG to the Superintendent’s staffand now we await the acceptanceprocess.The entire Mallwillbeinaugurated at our 45th reunion.

’64 LunchBunch: Paul Belmont sent information on the D.C. ’64 Lunch Bunch that meets occasionallyforlunch - arrangedbyJeffLevyandJackCole. Paul saidthattheluncheonwas super,and“wellattendedbywhatI hopequalilies as an ‘aginggracefully’group—as shown in theattachedphoto:” [Scribe’s Note - There may or may not be a photo, because I deleted it alongwith the original emailwhen I deleted myoldearthlink.net account. I usuallyputpictures into a file, but... another“broken checklist” accident!] Anyway, Paul usuallypullsthrough and you should see a picture ofBob Christopher, Bob

Feedthem andtheywill come.

Paul continued, “In addition RayBlunt andJohn Wiles arrived afterthe photo session (bythen the war stories were too intense to reassemble the group foranothergo at a group photo). Several otherclassmatesregrettably hadto drop out atthelast moment due to pressingcommitments (andinFred Gregory’s case, thedesire to continue to keephisheadfirmlyattachedto his shoulders!).

“Theseluncheons are a greatevent, goodfun, andgoodforthesoul!Thank youtoJefffororganizingtheevent, and toJackforhostingus at theArmyNavy CC. Hope to see even more folks at the next ’64 Lunch Bunch GetTogether.”

Football?Was there a footballgame?

MattMovesAround: MattFeiertagsentinseveralphotosbesidestheRanch Handphoto above.There was another“Feed them and theywill come”picture at a CasdeRock restaurant with seven classmatesenjoyinglunch, and a pictureofMatt’s new sailboat (No name provided!). Best ofall was thepicture ofMatt and Mitch Cobeaga at Mitch’s house after the UNLVdisaster. (Best,

Your AOG introduces ZoomielNIation

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

■ Engage with candidates on important issues

■ Read about each candidate's background

■ Learn how the candidates plan to make the AOG better

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Locate old friends and classmates and reconnect!

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Form interest/professional groups

■ Establish your own personal/ professional profile

www.zoamienation.com

Eye test-IthinkMatt is20"' from theleft.

AssociationDisplay: Nick Laceycopied me on a note he sent to

Haley,WillMcKenna, Bob Levins,GeorgeAnderson, JackCole, RichPorter, JohnGraves,Tom Eggers, and PaulBelmont.

becauseyou can usuallyrecognize a photo oftwo peopleinthissmallcolumn format.)

Distinguished Graduate: lust as I finishedthis (onlyslightlylate!) news came that EdMechanbier was selected as one ofthisyear’s USAFADistinguished Graduates. Congratulations, Ed!Averywelldeservedhonor!

Rick Zurbrugg

2929 Gavin Place Duluth, GA 30096

(770) 476-4437

E-mail: ezurb@bellsouth.net

Hey’65!

Take a momentto remember our classmateswhohavetransitionedrecently fromthismortalplanetothetimelessnessofeternity. Remembereachofthem as we were cadets, officers in theAir Force, and classmates together on life’s beautiful journey. Col. (Ret) John D. “Jack”Vrettos, Dr. Walter E. “Butch” Deacon, and Dr. James M. “Jim”Perry.

Ourcondolences to GaryHtmaswhosewife,Kay,passed on Oct 10th 2006. MarkJohnson;". .1 usuallytryto getdownthere (StLouis) once ayear or so to seeBobPanke.AttheLast ’65USAFAreunionIfoundoutthatJimMcCracken hadrecentlymoved to St.Louis.Turned out thatJim’sstepchildrenwenttothe same highschool as the Panke kids. Theygottogether a fewtimes andthen enticed me to come on downwith tickets to see the Cardinalsplayat the new stadium. RonMurrayvisits St. Louis to see thePanke’sfrom timeto time. So,it alljust came togetherbyhappenstance.Cardinals won thegamebytheway.

HarvShelton: “Millie and I justretired forthe secondtime, andhopefully we’lldo itrightthistime. After30yearsofactive duty, Iwentinto teacliingAir ForceJunior ROTCincentral Florida. I hadintended to do thatuntilI was at least65. However, I discoveredduringthelastschoolyearthatit was getting awfullyhard to keep upwith theresponsibilities ofbeing a teacher,mentor, andsometimesgrandfatherto 150teenagers. Furthermore, I wasn’thappywithwhat the No Child LeftBehindAct was doingtopubliceducation. Therefore, Idecidedto quitwhile I was stillahead. MillieandIwanted toleavethecongestion ofcentralFloridaandgetbackhometoArkansas,wherewe bothstillhavefamily. We are building a new home on a nice littlelakeinHotSpringsVillage. Iwillbeable to step out our backdoorandintomyboatanytimeIwantto gofishing, and when I want to playgolf, I’ll have eight or nine courses to choosefrom. Ourchoiceofretirementlocationsdoesn’tput us very close to our sons and their families, but they are moving so muchthatwe couldn’tkeep upwiththemanyway. Atleastwe now have the freedom to go see themwhen we want instead ofwhen myschool schedulepermitted. And, I have a greatplace to teachmygrandchildrenhow to fish. Hot SpringsVillageisn’t on thewayto manyplaces, butitis close to I30betweenLittleRockandTexarkana. Thewelcomematisoutat theShelton housetoany’65erswho arewillingtomakeashortsidetrip as theypassthrough theNatural State”. Thanks Harvfortheupdate andgoodluck.

RayBevivino:“Wehad a greatAF Octoberbut were greatlysaddenedbythe lossofJimPerry. I hadknownJimsince Doolie summer, and as Mistyswe had seen eachotherfrequentlyoverthelastfewyears. Ihave agreatmemoryofJim andwhatit means to cooperate andgraduate andhowmuchI personallyattach to myclassmates... inswimmingclass we are toldwe have tojumpoffthe tower,stayunderwater,inflate our clothes,etc... Now,Jimdidn’tlikethatidea, buthe andA1Natella were told that theywould... or else. So, offwewenton a SundayPM to convinceJimandA1howeasyit was towalkoffthetower. Can’t remember but I think RickBarton, Bob Davenport, and maybe BobWalsh were in the entourage.Well, 2-3 hours laterwe’re still screaming at them to jump.WehadgottenA1to leavethe3-meterboard,wigglingandkicking... akin

towatchingWilyCoyotetryingtoverticallyswimhiswaybackthruthinairto the cliffhe’djustfallenfrom. I can still see Jim’sbighulkingfigure,eyes as big as saucers, peaking over the edge ofthe tower... but no jump. Aboutthetime we were trying to decidewhether to go up thetower andthrowhimoff, there was a hugesplash andJim was inthewater. He later admitted someone had walkedintothepoolareawithadateandhewas so embarrassedhejustjumped. Itturned outthatJimwas an outstandingswimmerandlaterwaterpoloplayer, and he ended up getting thebest score on water survival in our class. Nice comeback. He obviously overcame his fear ofheights as evidenced byhis flyingcareer, andflyingMistysinNorthVietnam. Hislosthisbatdewith cancer but I am sure he was valiant to theend. He foughtthegoodfight.

“Oct7th wejourneyed down to MidlandTX, to see myboss fromtheMisty FACs,MedalofHonorwinnerCol.“Bud”Day,getinductedinto theAmerican CombatAirman Hall ofFame ofthe CommemorativeAir Force (formerly ConfederateAF). We werejoinedby our daughterMichaelAnn and son, Ray III '03,who drove over from Dyess. Itwas our 28thweddinganniversaryand Raywas set to deploy to Kuwait so no excuses were needed. Ross Perot was Bud’sguestattheinductiondinner... Hehadbeentheguestspeakerwhenthe class dedicated thetombstonefor Lance (Sijan) in Milwaukee...

“October 14-15 was thededicationoftheAirForceMemorialwhichsitsright outside myofficewindow.Threebeautiful arcingspires ofshinyaluminum simulatingtheThunderbirdbombburstsetabovethePentagonandWashington right next to Arlington... Leon Rausch called me and asked ifI wanted tickets... During his address SecAF MichaelWynnespoke ofthe sacrifice of thosewho haddiedincludinghis olderbrotherPat,USAFA’63. Pathadbeen inTiger 10 and someone I have always considered as sort ofmy own “big brother”,getting me into a littlebitofmischiefandinvolvedwith the Talon, andDodo, etc. Theceremonywas veryemotionalforme andculminatedwith theThunderbirds doingtheMissingMan Formation right over theMemorial whiletheAF Chorussangthehymn. RanintoLarryFarrellandRonFogelman, ’63, andmentioned to Ron,whomI knowfromMistythat Iwish I had awayto tellSecretaryWynnehowmuchhisbrotherhadmeant to me. He said,“Gotell himyourself; he’srightbehindyou.” I introducedmyselfto theSecretaryand ItoldhimabouthisbrotherandtheterrificmemoriesIhaveofhim. Heseemed delightedthat I hadknownPat, andhe andJuswife, Barbara, could nothave been more gracious to Dianne and me. Wetalkedforquite awhileandthen tooktheenclosedpicture. Itwastheperfectendingtoaperfectweekend. ’65, BestAlive.” Youbet,Ray!

RonMurray,BobPanke,MarkJohnson,JimMcCrackendoCardsgameSept 30,2006.

Sabre Society Donors

SECAFMikeWynne (Barbara) andRayBevivino (Dianne).

ChuckRyersonJCEdwards, SteveDavis, andLee GeobelatSDSU.

Ryan Denny

1635 Mary Todd Lane

O’Fallon, IL 62269

H: (618) 624-4255

W: (314) 232-5117

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

The ’66RallyCommitteestrikesagain. Thissign wason theoverpass between theSouth GateandFalconStadium.

Greetings,Redtags! Wehad a fantastic 40th Reunion. Morethan 250 ofour classmates (alongwith another 150wives, familymembers, andsignificant others) invaded the normallypeaceful environs ofColorado Springs for a rockin’RedtagReunion.

Thefestivitiesstartedwith aWednesdaynight“practice”receptionforabout 200 earlyarrivalsandpotentialThursdaya.m. golfers. This was thebeginning ofthe “I recognizeyournametag” event.

On Thursdaywe had a golftournament, Prep School Reunion, shopping andtouristythingsinColoradoSpringsto keepthenon-golfersandwivesbusy. Then on Thursdaynight we had “real” receptionforabout 400 folks. Bythis time, some ofthefaces were beginningto matchthenametags. BillShepard brought downhisoriginal ’66 RedCorvetteandparkeditinfrontofthehotel. Hesaidthathepaid$3,600 foritin 1966—Ithinkhepaysthatmucheveryyear nowjustto keep itrunning.

RayMilbergandHansMueh officiateatthe ’66MemorialCeremony.

Followingthememorialservice, we were allowedto tourthecadet area to see howmuch (and howlittle) has changed in thelast 40 years. The cadet squadrons haveallchangedlocationsandthefloors are allcarpeted (itmust make it a lot harder to buffthem on Fridaynight). The cadet rooms seem crowdedandfilledwithelectronicsstuff, andthe cadets allhavebackpacks. Someofus attendeddiscussionsessionswithcadets from our oldsquadrons wheretheytalked abouttheir stresses andfeelings. (I don’tthinkwewere allowed to admitto having eitherofthosewhen we were cadets.) So, a lothad changed,butatleastthediggersandfillers were stilldiggingandfillingaround theCadetChapel.

Friday’s activities startedwith a memorialservice to honor our classmates who are goneand make sure they are notforgotten. Wegatheredaroundthe Classof’66memorialpavers nearDoolittleHallandflinchedeachtime acadet responded“Absent, Sir” as Hans Muehcalledthe names ofour mostrecently departedclassmates. Theceremonywas officiatedbyRayMilbeig,withscripture readingsbyVicAndrews, and MC’d byHans. Avery talented group of cadets sangHighFlightandLordGuardandGuidetheMen WhoFly,whilein thebackground was thePegasusthatused tobejustoutsideofArnoldHall. It was a veryclassyandmovingsalute to our departedclassmates. Itwas also a goodthingthat the sun was out and most ofus were wearingsunglasses, because there were not manydryeyes inthecrowdduringtheservice.

OnFridayeveningwe had a sit-downdinnerand almosteverybodywore a coat andtie. (I was willingto betthathalfofus didn’t even own a coat andtie anymore.) There was a greatband. Former “Flameout” Bill (Bubba) Berry sangJohnnyB Good. Bill can stillduckwalkjustlikeChuck Berry;butthen,Chuckis 80yearsold. Weenjoyedlotsoftalk, gotwineglasseswith a ’66 crest and“40th Reunion” on them, but no wineinthem. Wehad a greatslideshowputtogether byKennyBoone. Heputtogetherover500picturesofalotof our classmates atvarious stages ofour lives—fromDoolie yeartopresentday. Itwas amazinghowyoung,thin,wrinklefree, andeagerwewereinsomeofthoseearlypictures.After lookingatsomeoftheshotswetookattheReunion, thecrowd was a littleolder,thicker, andwrinkled, butthe“eager”kept shiningthrough. There were group pictureswithredhats, redbathrobes (andthe occasionalparrot), andvarious uses oftheredtable napkins. Thedancefloorstayedcrowed, andthenoiselevel never subsided. SuddenlyitwasOlOOwhensomeofusrememberedexactlyhowoldwe really were andheadedoffto bed.

Sabre Society Donors

TonyBarnardputtogether averyinformative set ofstatistics andmiscellaneous information on theClassof'66thatwas availableinlimitedquantities on Fridaynight. Forthosewho didn’tget a chanceto see it,I’llrepeat some of thehighlights:Westartedwith777cadetsin 1962 andgraduatedwith470. Of thatgroup, 52 havepassedawayand418ofus are stillaround (more orless).

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KenHacker(which oneishe?) andsquadron matesat the Thursdaynight reception.

RonMorey(oneofthreesitting) andsquadron mates tryingtoremember whytheyare allstaringata camera.

13th Squadron,provingthattheystillown coatsandties, attheFridaynight dinner.

About 330 ofus became pilots, navs,WSOs, etc and 274 stayed around long enough to retire from the military. We’ve got 20 doctors, 19 lawyers, and 33 airlinepilotsinthe class. So,ifyou’re sick or want to sue someone,you are in goodshape; but all ofthe airlinepilotshavehitthat FAAwall and are retired.

Saturdaystartedwith aTailgateParty on theparkinglotofFalcon Stadium withplentyofbrats andbeerforbreakfast. It was sponsoredbytheAOG but was over-run with Notre Dame fans. The footballgame was fun. JOMcFalls, Dan Cedi, and Rich Cree led us in“USAFAPreGame” and“Slash ’em with a Beak”cheers. Wewon themarch-on, theparachutejump, andthefly-by,but lostthe footballgame to a reallybig Notre Dame team.

Followingthe game theAcademy dedicated the Superintendent’s Box at Falcon Stadium to Paul Stein. There were remarksfrom the current Superintendent, LtGenRegni, andfromJimBowman,whohasworkedintheAthletic Deptfor49years, abouttheleadershipqualitieshespottedin Paulandwhyhe insisted on takinghim to the Gator Bowl gamewhen he was only on theJV team. Paul’sleadership andinnovationswhilehe was Superintendenthave had a lastingeffect on USAFA, andthismemorial to himwill ensure thatheis rememberedlongafterthosewhoknewhim are gone. CarolSteinthankedthe Academyand our classforallthesupportshehas receivedandforthecontributionsinPaul’s name to fightALS.Thiswas afittingendingto agreatReunion.

Carol Stein, with family and friends, following the dedication of the Superintendent’sBoxtoLtGenPaulStein.

VicAndrews,MartyDaack,andHansMuehledtheReunionefforts,butthere were almost30 ofourclassmateswhodid a lotoftheheavylifting.Vicsaidthat theyall showed up at thefirstmeeting, divided up theworkand the rest was “fireandforget”. Those ofus whojustshowed up andhad a good time really appreciateyourefforts.

Here are a fewtidbits ofinformation gatheredfromrandomconversations —sources andverification are subject to question. IfI gotitwrong, send me an e-mailwith thereal story:

Don Hallenbeck: livesin NewHampshire,worksforRaytheon. Markets air defensesystemstoTaiwan,travelsthere 10timesayear(manyfrequentfliermiles).

Bill Shepard: lives in Cody,WY, has done everythingfrom airline pilotand stockbrokerto currentjob ofranch manager.

VicAndrews: RegionalVP for USAA in Colorado Springs, hobbiesinclude organizingclass reunions.

MartyDaack: alsoworksforUSAA. Doesn’t carewhat I sayabouthim as long as I spellhis name right.

BillDunne: retired from Boeing-lives inD.C.

JoeNarsavage:retired,livesingatedcommunityongolfcourse nearAsheville. NC.

LouTtirpin: retiredfrommanagingtheToronto airport,lives near SanFrancisco, does some airportconsultingwork.

ChrisKopf:quadruplebypasstwoweeksbeforetheReunionkepthim athome.

GaryPalmer:WorksfortheDeptofEnergyinWashingtonDC,wherehemods andupgradesnuclearweapons (hedoesn’tactuallydo thisindowntownDC).

TerrySchmidt:lives near Sacramento,CA,isretiredbuthas aworkingwife.

HarveySmith: builds houses in Prescott, AZ.

BryanStuart: lives in Klamath Falls, OR, retired.

PhilGardner: lives inDC,works forSAIC.

JerryCallahan:lives near Seattle,worksforBoeing,andrecoveringfromcancer.

JimTilley: contractor at DrydenResearch Center, near LasVegas.

MikeMaron: lives in South Dakota, retiredfrom NWairlines.

JimHernandez: hasbeendoingsocialworkattheCharlestonAFB hospital for20years—currentlyworkingwith a lotofmilitaryfolkswho are suffering fromproblems because ofmultiple, longdeployments.

MikeKennedy: runs airshowbusiness,flyingSwifts aircraft (theylooklike a P-40).

BobEstus: retiredfromUPS,flew20yearsofnightsinUSAF,20yearsofnights withUPS—iscelebratingno moreflyingnightsandsleepingdaysinnoisyhotels.

SteveSwartz:worksforFAAinDC,developingpolicyforunmannedaircraft a whole new culture and conceptfor the aviation community, allowing unmannedaircraft to flyin the same airspace as passengerjets.

DaveMarcrander: worksforBoeingin Seattle.

JohnCasper:livesinHouston,worksintheShuttleProgramOffice,responsible forintegratingalltheshuttlecomponentsinto aflyablevehicle.Has a 13-yearold

BillBerry: twiceretired, stillplays a mean guitar.

TerryHiggins:livesinPispoBeach,CA, owns acompanythatrepairsnuclear powerplants.

Art Suro: livingin Castle Rock. Thoughthe was retired, butUnitedwants himbackto teach at theirtraining center.

RustyGideon:parttimefarmer,fulltimefishermaninIdaho. Spendsseveral weeks a yearinMexicobuildinghouses forpoorfolks.

There were a lotofguys that I said “hi” to or talked to forjust a minute, fully expecting to be able to spend some more timewiththemduringthefivedays ofourreunion. But,becauseofthecrowds attheTailgateParty, or the alcohol fog at the Fridaynightdinner, or some other lame excuse, we never crossed pathsagain. Lifeislikethat. We takeourlivesforgrantedand assume thatwe will alwayshave time to spendwith our friends—thenthey’regone. I’mnot going to wait 10years, or even fiveyears, to see myfriends again. I hopeyou don’teither. Until next time... HappyLandings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Greetings one andall—itisNovember as I composethis,withhighhopesin NewMexico formuch snow and a great ski season to come. Ah, the stuffof hopesanddreams.

Much inputthistime:

First, RogerCarltonmayfinallybepositioned to get out ofSt Louis andback to Colorado, to which he has aspired for severalyears. He describedthat he will be “.. .home byThanksgiving.... home cooking... Here is part ofthe official Boeing announcement: “RogerCarletonwill move from his current assignment as Director,AdvancedUnmannedSystemsinStLouisto Colorado Springsto serve as theprimaryBoeinginterfacewithseniorAirForce, NORAD andNORTHCOM customers.” Roger, we allexpectyou tobe a frequentvisitor to thegolfcourses and trout streams in Coloradoformanyyears to come.

There was a baseball outing and mini-reunion in Raleigh, NC inAugust, attendedbyFlickGuerinna, RonMarquette, BobConnollyandChuckBeattie. Hereis a pictureofthis distinguished group:

FlickGuerinna (?),RonMarquette(12),BobConnolly(12)andChuckBeattie (06)-ingoodform inRaleigh.

YoumayrecallthattheCS-07 crewheadedforScotlandfor a littlegetawayhere are notes fromGeorgeFrushouraboutthetrip:

“In all we had 12 people involved in three mini-reunions (make that one mini and two micro reunions) For Pat and I it started Sundayin Heathrow Airportwhenwe almostcollidedwithTom andBethGriessertryingto escape the customs queue (a good olde line). From there it onlygot better as we

discoveredotherarrivaltimesandhadseveral“hospitalitychecks”inLondon as othersarrived. Ontheagendawere severalLondonsites,includingtripsup theThames to HamptonCourtand numerous pubs.

“TheactualreunionofficiallybeganinEdinburgh on the 10th when28 ofus descended on five apartments in two separate,but near, neighborhoods. To give an accounting,the 10 Seagrammembersattendingtheminireunionwere RickBebee, Chris Dysart, GeorgeFrushour, Bill Gerber,Tom Griesser,Ven Hammonds, BruceMcDonald,PeteMilne,JerryWenner,and RickWiezenneger.

When we added thespouses, siblings,in-laws, outlaws, and others,we also came upwithtwo microreunions: (WaltKing from USAFAclassof’66andSteveFrushourfromUSMAclass of’68 stared atthemselves in themirror, so theywouldhave companyfrom theirclasses).”

Ken—What an auspiciousmissionyouhaveundertaken- seems tofitinwill with our class motto.

Reunion plans are alive andwell andworkis in progresswith PaulHenry andthecrew-1won’ttrytocaptureallthatisgoingon as thatshouldbecoming outfromthevarious squadronreps. Here are a fewkeypoints:

Mid-Sep to mid-Octdatebeingcoordinatedwith footballgame

EmbassySuitesislikelyHQ; othersites are alsobeingconsidered AOG, cadetcontact, fallenwarriortributeandother

Classfundandclass giftrep has notbeenselected/volunteered

One-pagemailinginearlyDec isplanned

Thatis aboutitguys-markyourcalendars nowforSep - Oct 2007 andlet’s haveanothergrand time regaling our spouses and significant others about howsharp, smart, etc we used to be...

29

Sabre Society Donors

“The highlights ofthe reunion were the Edinburgh MilitaryTattoo andthegroupdinnerattheRutlandsPub on Princess Street. The tattoo is a movingandmemorablemusical performancefrombandsoftheBritishmilitaryandguestunits fromaroundtheworld. Wehadgreatseatsandthe“raingods” lookedfavorably on our group andstayedaway.Hardto saywhichgroupwas best, butwe probablyallwillrememberthe250#tubaplayeddoingtheDance oftheSugarPlumFairies."

“Eachofus hasmanypicturesfromthethreedaysinEdinburghandthedays surroundingtheofficialreunion. I am surewewillallbringthemnextyearto the40th I alsobetthatthemostphotographedmemberofthegroupisChrisas hetested thecomfortandsleepabilityofvariousmodesoftransportation.”

Take care andhave a greatHolidayseason!

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO ’68! I am still on a RockyMountainhigh afterwatchingthe most dominant thumping ofArmyby our Falcons that I can ever remember. As sweet as thisresounding 43-7 footballvictoryistoday,itwill never eclipse our infamous trainrideto SoldiersFieldinChicago as our classmate, CarlJanssen, caughtthetouchdown pass to beattheBlackKnights fortheveryfirst time. Ain’tnostalgiagrand!

“Mydaughter Laura (26) is finishingher secondmonth at the FirstFruits MissionBibleTrainingCenterinwestern Illinois. Sheis doing a nine-month faith-based addictiontreatmentprogramthere. I returnedhere to Indianain JunefromEcuador so I couldhelpgetthatsetupforher. Ouryounger (28) son, Matthew,married a delightfulyoungladynamedJennin Baltimoreinearly July. Michael, our older (29) son,was marriedjustyesterdayto alovelyyoung ladyffom herein Brazil (Indiana!).”

“I am nowblessedagainwiththeopportunityto go out‘“intotheworld’ and dowhat I can withthe talents God gave me... the Catholic Medical Mission Boardhas given me anotherwonderful opportunity. I willbeworkingfor at least one year at theGoodShepherdHospitalin Siteki, Swaziland... near the eastern borderwithMozambique... Swazilandis a smallcountrysurrounded mostlybySouthAfricaandjust a bitbyMozambique. Thelandsizeisjust abit smallerthan our stateofNewJersey. Swazilandmeasures onlyabout 120miles northto south, and80mileseasttowest. Theestimatedpopulationisabout 1.2 million and (becauseofHIVandAIDS) is actuallydecreasing! More thanhalf ofthepopulationisunder25yearsofage.Theactualleaderofthecountryis36year-oldKingMswatiIII. Thereis alegislatureandotheradvisors,buttheKing istheboss! Hehas, at lastcount, 17wives and severalchildren... Forthefirst month, I havespentallmytimeworkingintheoutpatientclinicseeingmosdy adults. We are all so dreadfullybusy,butI hopeto beabletoworkinpediatrics andintheARTC (anti-retroviral treatment clinic) as well. TheWorldHealth Organization (WHO) estimatesthatnearly45%ofthepeoplehereinSwaziland are HIV+. Now,thanks to God andtheGlobalFund, we have state-of-the-art antiretroviralmedications to give, freeofcharge, to HIVpatients. Ithas only beenveryrecentlythatmedicationshavebeenavailable... Itisestimatedthan over40,000 childrenandadults in thecountryrequire treatment. There are onlyabout 2500 peopleundertreatmenthere at GSH. Thatsoundslike avery largenumber,butthere are about 10,000+ folksin our partofthecountrythat shouldbeundertreatment!! Thereisstill alotofpatientdenialandresistance to taking medicine. I feelverywanted andveryneeded here at GSH. I have agreed to stay“atleast” oneyear,buthopetobeable to flybackto Indianaand visitmygrandsons Brodee andJarrett.”

GarryandTinaDudleyCelebrate120&Birthday!Fromleftseatedare Garry and Tina Dudley. Standing: Debbie and CarlJanssen, Scribe, Donna and GaryHebenstreit, andNealandSharon Starkey.

60TIMES 2 DEPT:When was the lasttimeyouwere invited to celebrate a 120th birthday? Talkaboutanticipationof“wrinklecity!” Thiscleverinvitation

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CS-07inScotland.InfrontfromleftarePeteMilne,BillGerber,JerryWenner, ChrisDysart, VenHammonds, andRickWeizenegger. Rear:RickBebee,George Frushour, BruceMcDonald, andTom Giesser.

Ken Sproul is back inAfrica - here is a condensed version oftwo longer messages abouthisactivity:

was extendedby our classmateGarryDudleyandwife,Tina,whobothclicked offtheendoftheirsixthandbeginningoftheirseventhdecades in2006. This uniquebirthdaypartywas heldin May on an absolutelybeautifulColorado daywith more than amplesuppliesoffood,beverages, andconversation. In addition to classmatespicturedinthephoto,GarryandTina’sguestsincluded members ofsixotherUSAFAclasses. Theseincluded:BemieHahn (’67) Bob Sutter (’69), Bob Brown (’71), Gary Frith (’78),TomKogler (’78), and Fred (’94) andMelissa (’96) Cunningham. Forallwhojoined us thatday,itwasthe best 120th birthdaypartywehad evercelebrated! Bestwishesandmanyhappy returns ofthedayto our class’ handstandchampion andhislovelybride.

AIRFORCEMEMORIALDEPT: BobDurhamattendedthededication ceremonyfortheopening oftheAirForce Memorial on 17 Octandsaidhe ran intoTonyRobertsonandBillBegertwhilehe was there. Forthoseinterested ingetting a sense oftheceremonyandtheday,pleasecheckoutthefollowing website: http://www.imagelinkphoto.com/usafmem/. It is doneverywell. Inaddition to news aboutthededication, Bob mentionedhehad a greattrip to USAFAas aguestspeakerduringFalconHeritage FoundationHumanitarianOperationsWeek. Bob’spresentationwas abouthisexperiencesduringthe evacuationofClarkAB andSubicBayaftertheeruptionofMountPinatuboin 1991 Hesaidthe sponsorsfortheFoundation are our classmateMikeFreebomandMike’swife, Nancie.

are MikeBurgamy, BillMarkham, GregShuey, GarryDudley, andDocHoliday. 2nd Row:NealStarkey,RhipWorrell,BobDenny,MarkTorreano, CarlJanssen, andPatMcBride. 3rd Row: GaryMcDonaldandSteveMcPhail. 4th Row:Bob Beanblossom, Tom Schiff,BarneyMills, andDon Caughlin. 5th Row:Denny Busch, BillEckert, andBillWood.

’68TURNS 60 DEPT: The photo above was providedcourtesyofBarney Mills following an 11-13Aug, Classof 1968,60th birthdayretreat atKeystone Resort,COorganizedbyNealStarkey. In hisnote,Nealwrites,“Beingthefirst USAFAclass of‘BabyBoomers,’ we realized that once again we needed to showthewayforthose (otherclasses) whowill certainlytryto followin our footsteps. The event serves as anotherin our longandproudlistofcreative andexemplaryactivities that are quicklybecomingmilestonesin USAFAhistory.” Neal said the tallyofattendees included “21 ofUSAFA’s finest, their spouses, several children, and even a fewgrandchildren. And, a greattime was hadbyall!”

Insolicitingadditionalthoughtsaboutthebirthdayretreat, BillEckertreflectedaboutthetimeweenteredUSAFAin 1964 and now. Here are some ofhis insights:

Today’s Commandant (BrigGen Sue Desjardins) graduated from the Class of 1980, which means that when we formed up on the terrazzo in 1964, she hadjustcompleted kindergarten.

When we enteredthis“spaceage”school,we studiedthe latesttechnologiesandmadeAero andAstrocalculations on ourmodemslide ruleandspenthoursinthelibraryorlabs to do ourreports. The one computer at theAcademywas inthebasement ofFairchild Hall andrequiredhours of preparingpunch cards to secure longprintouts ofourtreasured data. Today, everydooliehas a laptopcomputerandthroughtheInternet can createdocuments andreportswithout ever havingto leaveVandenbergor Sijan.

Scribeaddition to then and now:TWo thoughts: Femalecadetsandbeer at ArnoldHall. Anyquestions?

On a more serious note, 40 percent ofour enteringclass did not graduate withus, butwe stillconsiderthemclassmates. Manyofourclassmates’ names arelisted on theAcademy’sWarMemorial. Ourclassmatesearned2AFCrosses, 13 SilverStars, 377 DistinguishedFlyingCrosses, 24 PurpleHearts, and2,319 AirMedalsfortheirserviceincombat. Thecelebrationofour60th birthdaysis hard-earned,well-lived, and maybe a bitlucky.

Thanksforyourponderings, Bill!

CRUISIN'AT60DEPT: Didyou ever have one ofthose momentswhenyou said,“Iwish Ihadtakenthetime to dothis orthatwhileIhadtheopportunity,

Familyon High Seas. Seated with birthdaycake: Tim. Standing fromleft:Melissa,Alicia, Scott, andJosh. time, health, inclination, etc.?” Depending on your imagination and resources, those ruminations can turn into realitywith some long-rangeplanning,fiduciarydiscipline, andcooperation from otherswho are sharingthe experiencewithyou. I foundmyselfinexactlyone ofthose momentsin2004, with myoldest daughterjustbackfromcombatdutyinIraq, myson-in-law shuttlingbackandforth to thetheater, andmyoldest son about readyto deploy.Withsufficientevidencethatlifeis fragile andthere are no guaranteesfor doingsomething“nexttime, I held a familyconferenceviaphoneande-mail andwe alldecided acruise to NorthemEuropewouldbe a greatadventurefor a 60th birthdaycelebration. Whatbegan as a cruise for mychildren and me grew over time to a group of32 that includedsiblings, cousins, andfriends. Ports ofcallincluded Copenhagen,Denmark;Tallin,Estonia; St.Petersburg, Russia;Helsinki,Finland;Stockholm,Sweden;Visby,Sweden;Rostock, Germany; andArhus, Denmark. Sincethelargesizeofour groupposed a problem forseating us inproximityto eachotherintheshipsregulardining room, we were offered andacceptedtheopportunityto dine everynight in one ofthe ship’sprivatedining rooms. Weliterallyhad apartyeverynightofthecruise! I guessthe one thingthatmakes travelingbyship so differentthanothermodes, isthatyourhotelandrestauranttravelwithyouandtheonlythingthatchanges isthe scene outsideyourbalconyeverydaywhenyoufindyou are in a newcity thatdemands to be seen andexplored. Forthosecontemplatingsuchadventures, myadviceis to “JustDo It!”

THAT'SAWRAP: Mindtheflak;keep ’emflying,andkeepthosecards,letters, e-mails, andphotoscomingin. Pleasewrite to PatRussell to helppopulate our new Classwebsite. Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

Toughtofindtimetowritethis, asithasbeendifficult,whatwiththeweekend’s continuousbroadcastingoftheJohnCougarMellencampMTVcommercial, airedinhonorofHarryLaws’ return to Indiana. Read on.

Tom Keckreports on RickOlafson,whoretiredfrom Hughes/Raytheonafter 28 yearsofdeveloping,testing, anddeployingtheworld’s finest air-to-air missiles,includingtheAMRAAM andAIM-9X. Nowonder Hughes andRaytheonmadenice—who wants to compete inthecompanyforwhichRickisnotworking? As indicated inprecedingCheckpoints,heisabicycling tourdeforce, and plans to do a cross-countrynextyearfromSanFrancisco to Portsmouth, NH. (Isitnon-stop, Ole?) Anyotherofyoubikers with doolie energylevels, synchupwith Rickand send goodpix! Congrats to Rick on hispreeminentaccomplishments.

MartyCavatowritesthatagreatoutpouringof’69ersgatheredinKnoxville to cheertheFalcons on to a near-upset ofthepowerfulTennesseeVolunteers. Cindy(nowteachingalgebraII to highschooljuniors) and Marty(nowflexinghisflyingmusclesintheLearjet45forFlexjet) metupwith Dave andDebbie SpencerinAtlanta, and on to Knoxvillewheretheyrallied withMikeandWandaKlindt,threeweeksmarried,JohnBums,BradDeAustin, GatorCargill, LarryHarris, GaryHowe, MikeKlindt, DonDessert, andChris Curtis,pictured infull USAFAregalia. (Seephoto at top ofnext column.)

ChipWoodhas emergedfrom a busy summer (only two sailingoutings in the newly-refurbished Sweetpea, says he) spentrepairingFlorida house,

’68’s Collective60h BirthdayParty. Bottom to topfromleftin thefirstrow

Sabre Society Donors

Davidson

Sabre Society Donors

John,Brad, Gator,Larry, Gary,Mike, Gobi, Save, Chris, andMarty. Arriba Falcones!

movingbelongings fromFlorida andMinnesota toVirginia,teaching at the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey), a stint on developinghigh-performanceteams atthenationalgroundIntelligenceCenter (Charlottesville), and otherstintsinSpokane,WAandsomewhere inHawaii. And,what’s notto like aboutthoselocalesduring summer? But, Sweetpeais ticked.

TimMuellerwrites fromNorth Georgiathat, fourmonths into move and “retirement” (interimatleast), hisgolfhandicaphasrisen. Hmmmm—with thefairwayoverlookfromhishouse, hold on toyourwalletswhenheasksfor strokes! Hisearlyexposure tolocalpoliticsfinds “moreanglesthangeometry class ever thoughabout,” andhehopes to synchscheduleswithGuyGardner, who isheadingup Riverside MilitaryAcademydown inGainesville, 45 minutes south. Tim has theview, the house, the room, theTanqueray, and the southernhospitality, ’69-style, foranyofyouventuringhisway.

StillguardingAtlantafromincursionsfromthesouthwestisLesDyer. Inaddition toprovidingfirepreventionandprotectionatlocalairshows, LesiswinningtheLeisureSportsBoyAwardforvictoriesinpool,darts, tabletennis, free throws, etc., as hisvolunteerfirefightersdobattleinthelocalcounties public servicegames. Idon’tknowwhatmannerofawards are inorder,butlhaveheard thatthePeachtreeCityPigglyWigglyis naminga sandwichafterhim.

DougHtzpatrickwritesfromhisTexasfarmthatheismakingslowbutsteady progress on theLotus (KitchnerLotus47GT),whichhepurchasedin 1972,when itwas represented as the47GTprototypeallegedlydrivenbyJohnMiles. Doug saysthedynodataindicates395BHP@6500rpm. Hehopesthissummerwill see therollout,buthepredicted same in2003, and2005. Meanwhile,wife,Robbie, rolls alongtowardherPhD atA&M. You car dudes (BugsFbrsythe,JoeHasek, JeffPosner etal) can checktheLotus out athttp://home,swbell.net/toy264.

Also downinthe Houston area are Ralph Freeman andBobTroy,who are entwinedinthe same group ofhigh-levelconsultants, Millennium Energy Ventures,LLC, aventure capitalfirmthatmanages an EmergingTechnology Fund and a LifeScienceFund, bothprivatelysponsored andinternallygenerated. (www.mevco.com)

TWo ofour Mikes, GoodeandChipman, had an unusual means ofinteractinglatelastAugust. Seems Mike andEvyCwere aboard a Hawker800XPjet, whichoriginated outof McClellan-PalomarAirportinCarlsbad,CA, northof SanDiego,andwere descendingintoReno-TahoeInternationalAirport.Suddenly, a loudcrash fromthecockpitfromthen-unknown causes interrupted theotherwiseroutineapproach. The area isthe “soaring” mecca ofthe U.S. anditturnsouttheHawkerhadcollidedwith aglider,rippingtheglider’swing off,whichthenpenetratedthroughthejet’s nose andintotheinstrumentdash, damagingthestarboardwing. Theskilledpilotexecutedanemergencylanding (withoutlandinggear!), which was reportedlyquite smooth. Theglider pilotparachuted to safety. “Idid some deepbreathingandsaid a fewprayers,” Evyremarked aftertheincident. “Though I was aware ofthe damage to the wing, therewasn’tmuch I could do,”saidMike.“Thepilotsclearlyhadit undercontrol, but it certainlyhad myattention.” The Hawker was an asset of Netjets, theleaderin fractional aircraftownership forcorporateandaircraft charterplanebusinesses,andofcourse BrotherGoodeis one ofthecompany’s stalwarts. The two Mikes conferred aftertheincident,beingthankfulthere were no fatalitiesand no seriousinjuries. Thankgoodnessfortheprofessionalism andcompetence ofpilotseverywhere—blessthemall.

OverinBrusselsisBobBell, a seniorVP forSAIC,withwhomIsharedseveral beers lastmonth. Bob andVibekecontinue to thrive across thepond, andhe saysSteveSturmandRonSullivanare stillintown. Bobauthored agreatpiece inthe NATO Review on the NRF (NATO’s ResponseForce), sporting the intriguingtide“Sisyphus andtheNRF,” inwhichheurgesNATO’s delegates to theNovembersummit to getseriousaboutsolvingtheproblemsthatbesetthe NRF’stransformationto fulloperational status. Andthetie to our oldfriend Sisyphus,who was with us attimes during our USAFAyears? Bestto checkfor yourself, at http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2006/issue3/english/ art4.html,butBobbringsCamus-andhisobservation onwhenSisyphus’ toils move from theabsurd to thetragic-neatiyinto thepicture. Sweet.

HarryLaws hasmigratedfrom Buffaloback to Indiana,whereheisnowthe ChiefMedical OfficeforCommunityPhysicians ofIndiana, locatedinIndianapolis, a primary care group of150 docs. He and Melany are living on a lake and enjoyingskiing, boating, and fishingin theirdown time, and ofcourse Harryisbackinto thelocal rugbyscene, andis now theelectedCommissioner ofthe Carmel RugbyPrograms (grades 3-12). Life is good, verygood.

In earlyOctober,Tom McGrain, H. Ownby,WallyBerg,LarryHowell, and DarrelWhitcomb gathered attheUSAF Museum,Wright-PattersonAFB,OH, with several hundred others for the dedication ofthe FAC Memorial at the USAF Museum MemorialPark. Themarkerisengravedwiththe names ofall FACs and theirsupport personnel who were killed in SEA.

LastAugust, Jeanand I haddinnerwithMikeandJeanMartinin SantaRosa. Mikehas a lock on the allergybusiness in Sonoma, from Petaluma to Santa Rosa andbeyond.AndJean, theoriginalenergizer commercialher own self, isin avarietyofpursuits,includingthewine industry. You trackguysandharrierswillrecognizethis couple from our days ofyore. Mikestilllooks likehe could turn a speedytime inthe 440 intermediates!

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Darrel,H, and Tom at theFACMemorialDedication CeremonyatWPAFB.

MikeandJean Martin:Justlikeoldtimes, butwith dessertandwines.

John“JC” andVinaMillerwho live inHonesdale, PA, took a longweekend to visitwith Craig“Uppy” and Marie Upton at their home in Raleigh, NC. SeemsJCis quite a disc (frisbee) golfaficionado, andintroducedtheUptons to same at a local course inRaleigh. JC didn’treporthowit came out. [Bythe way,JC- did I ns make it un for the event?l

CraigandMarie Uptonlearn newsportat thehandofJCMiller.

Again, more news and more pixthan we are allotted. Mustconclude. The ClassGiftforthe40th Reunionprojectisrollingalongnicely. Update to come. Until next time, fellow’69ers. Lindsey

Dick Rauschkolb

130 Luxury Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 761-5764

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067

E-mail:Dick. Rauschkolb@aogusafa.org

Holy cow classmates, we have a mayoramongst us! ChuckReedhandily won themayor’s race in SanJose.

DanaArbaughcalled me themorningaftertheelection to pass on thegood news thatChuckhadwon. Chuckwouldlike to thankalltheclassmateswho supportedhimduringthecampaign. RussCarparelliwasalso elected to continue as ajudge on the Colorado CourtofAppeals.Jim Bechtel was recently appointedChiefPatentCounseloftheNavy.Wayto goChuck,Russ andJim— we are all proudofyou!

Hopeeverybodyhad an enjoyablefall.Whilethegolfingwas great,thefootball season was abigdisappointmentAs Iwritethiswehavetwogamestoplay andthebest we can hope foris a 6-6 recordwhich isn’tgoing to hackitfor a bowlgame. I figure our kickinggamehas cost us four orfivewinsthelasttwo years. Ifwe hadwon thosegames, wewouldhavegone to bowlgamesandall this talkfromgrads aboutgettingridoftheoptionwouldbemoot.

On a more excitingnote,theFalconbasketball teammightbe ourbest ever. Wehavealreadyhadconvincingwins overStanfordandColoradoby30points. Welostto Dukelastnight,buttheteamwas onlydown7witheightminutesto go. Should be a good season and I am counting on us being a part ofMarch Madness.

TheDowning’shosted anothergreatpartyforthe“GangofSeventy”.They have agreathome—indoorswimmingpool, beautifulview—Nandsaidthe onlythingwrong was havingRicharound! Onlykidding! Therewas a pretty good crewattheparty:MikePomphrey,GinoQuist, SteveSharkey,CarlBang, CookVillareal,VicBradford,MikeTbrreano,TooeyEmery,BrianSpitzer,Ashby Taylor,LarryVaughn,BillRathbun MarkEwig,GregGilles,ShotLyons,Larry Bush, PhilWhiteheadandalmosteveryone’ssignificantotherwere there.

TonyretiredearlyfromAmericanandis nowlivingin PalmCity,FL.Heis also involvedwith a companywhichmanages pilotpensionrollovers. Larryand PennyCarrhave setup temporarydigsinD.C.whereLarryisworkingforthe VCSAFinthePentagon on some specialprojectsintheHuman SystemsIntegration Office. Mike andMelissaHuberwillbereturning to Ohio fromtheir dreamassignmentinSwitzerlandthelastfewyears. IthoughtMikewas atour guide over there, not a big executive forPhantom and Gambol given all the tripsandwineheandMelissasoakedupwhilethere.TerryandSharonDessert are finallyputtingthefinishingtouches on theirnewhomein Florida.Terrysaid gettingthehousebuiltwas a fulltimejob andno fun! I gatherthey are planning atrip to Chinawiththe programtheAOGsponsorswiththeotherserviceacademies inthespring.FranandKathyBuchan are alsobuilding a new home inBirmingham. Fran, did I ever thankyouforgetting me throughComp Sci?

MyoldBCTroomieGeorgeRayiisstillflyingB777forContinental.BrotherTomiswithUnited ontheB757/767 andlives in Merced. George andTom both gotnewTaylor made R7 drivers and are gearingupfortheseniortour.Georgewants to have a reunion forthoseofus who haveturned or are about to turn thebigsix-zero.We’llget backtoyou on thatGeorge! I thinkDustySwansonistheoldestguyin our class —atleasthelooks theoldest! Justkidding!

I alsoheardfrom myold CS-15 mateTomButt.He andSharilhavemoved to theislandofLanaiin Hawaii.Tom isthe directorofIT for a resortcompanyat Manele BayGolfCourse.What a good deal! Tominvited allgolfers over for a visit, but saidbringlots ofgolfballs—the course is tough not like those dinky coursesWild Bill Stealeyplays in North Carolina. Larry andMarleen Bushcontinue to logfrequentflyer miles. I thinktheygo to everygamepossible.TheywereinTennessee towitnessthegreatgameagainsttheVolunteers. Wish we hadwon thatone!

Saw GreggPopovich on a trip he andhis coaching staffmade to COS and USAFA. Should be an article elsewhere inthis issue about Popo’svisit. It was good to see him—eventhoughhelooked alittlerattytryingto growa beard. Erin told him itbetterbe gonebythe timehe got home. Goodluckthisyear Popo—in BB notwiththebeard!

JohnDisoswayhikedthe IncaTrail—alittle more taxingthanplayingthe RobertTrentJonesGolftrailinAlabamaHeisnowflyingforMaxjetoutofDulles. On a recent trip to England he ran across Jim Reelwho isbasedin Stansted, England.Theywent on anAcademyrecruitingtripand came across thispotentialcandidatewhotheysaidremindedthemofme inmyyoungerdays.

JohnDisosway,JimReel, and USAFArecruit—furtheridentification not provided.

WCWeircontinuestoworkatASU.Hesaidhisjobhascalmeddown abitand heis thinking ofputtingin a requisitionfor a flat-screenHDTVforhis office. DanaArbaughsaidhewas on flightwithGeorgeBush seniorandgothissignature on the nice article he wrote about our classmateJohn Haselton. Mike Kelleycorrected me on a mistakeinthelastissue. Hesaidhedidget an offerto joinAugusta—as amemberofthekitchenstaff!MarcCotnoirandTim Kinnan sentniceemails onthe40thAnniversaryofour arrivalatCampUSAFA.Thatwas asickdayforthisJose,ChuckWeirandRayBarleben aswe droveup to thebase ofthe ramp with mydad. SpeakingofRay,he and Nancyhave set up digs in Hawaii. Tim is on the board to revive theAir Force Historical Foundation. Claims hehas a 13 index—right!Tom O’Mearahaschangedlawfirms andis workingfor a largecompanyinestateplanningandprobate.GaryDahlensaid Don andSusyWestbrookwere herefortheNotreDamegame. Donissporting a beardandworking at Boeing on theF-22.1 gotthispicturein themail. Looks likeJoe Burkeand MickDavey are gettingreadyto shoot at some prettybig boats on KeukaLakewiththesizeofthatpotatoshootertheyare holding. (See photo at top ofnext column.)

CALLTOARMS! I am takingoffmyAOGhatand puttingon myclassscribehat and someonewholovestheAcademyhat.Let’sfaceitmen, it“was a screwjob” whenWildBill Stealeydidn’tgetelected to theboardinthelastelection.Wild Billwas more thanqualifiedtobeelected!WellWildBillisrunningagainandwe

Seventymen eatanddrinkRichandNanciDowningoutofhouseandhome.

TonyDeSantis checked inwith some additional details ofhis fishingtrip with LarryCarrinAlaska. He included a nicepicture ofthe fish they“allegedly”caughtatthelocalKingSoopers. I gathertheysawEricMyers onthetrip.

Sabre Society Donors

IwonderhowmanytourswewouldhavegottenwithoneoftheseatUSAFA? MUSTgethimelected.Whatdoesthatmean? It meansyouallhave to notonly vote,butcontactgraduatesinotherclassesandgetthemto sendout messages onWildBill’s behalfto theirclassmates.Thishas to begrass roots leveleffort men. Allofus need to be active inthis election forWild Bill. I would also encourage you to get on theAOG web site—www.usafa.org and sign up for ZoomieNation.Wehave a classweb site on ZoomieNationthatwillallowus to stayin contact more as well as postpictures. Theweb sitewill also helpyou evaluateissues andtheothercandidatesintheupcomingelection.

Itoo sad notes men. RoyLong called me several months ago to tell me our classmateandgoodMendGerryLandswaskilledin aprivateplanecrash.Gerry was one ofthe trulynice guys in our class—wewillmiss himgready.Many thanks to RoyforallthehelpheprovidedGerry’sfamilyandforsuperblyrepresenting ourclass atGerry’sfuneral.Forthoseofus whowent to thePrepschool, welost one ofout greatmentorsinColonel LeeC. Blackwhopassedawaya few monthsago.Who can forgetColonelBlack’sfamousJoshBilling’squote,“The valueofapostagestampliesinitsabilityto stickto its destination.”Wewillmiss yousir—manythanksforyourguidanceandMendship over theyears.

Marilyn andIwouldliketowishallofyouandyourfamilies a greatHoliday SeasonandHealthyNewYear!

Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80920

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 594-0100

E-mail: pknott@acninc.net

About a quarteroftheclass officiallyshowedup forReunion,butthosewho tookthetimeto attendseemedto have aprettygoodtime. In someways,these reunions arekindoflikefamilyget-togethersinthat,withinminutesofseeing someone forthefirsttimeinfive, ten orup tothirty-fiveyears, we act as though no timeatallhadpassedsince ourlastmeeting.TheAOGisgettingprettygood atthrowingthesegigs, andtheCommitteemade some excellentchoiceswith the menus andthebandthatplayed on Fridaynight.

Theweatheractuallycooperatedwhile we were golfing,hiking, orwanderingthe CadetArea. Navydidn’t cooperatewiththe script,butthe consensus seemed to be thateverything elseworked out prettywell. Special thanks to HarryDavis and FrankMorganforherdingthisparticular group ofcats throughplanningandexecution.TomCurry andSammyTbddusedthepoweroftheInternetso thatfolks could order their class merchandise in advance. Larry OTteBlyput amemorialservicetogetherthatgaveusachance torememberandcelebratethosewhohavegone on ahead. CassCasadagaveus fourdifferentcuisinesfortheThursday nightbuffetand an excellentFridaydinner.

Sabre Society Donors

IfIremembercorrectly,there are aboutfiveofuswhohave their original cadet cars. Roger McFarland’s wife got his Corvette out ofstorage andhad it restored intime to handhimthekeys the morningoftheNavygame.Whenhewent outsideto getthepaper, he sawthe car,butthoughtthathisneighborhadboughtanother“toy.”Ashe came closer, thelicenseplatecaughthis attention: “Hey,coulditbe...?”Aboutthattime,he turned around andreceived thekeys to the car thathadbeen in storagefor about 15years!Weallknowthedrill.Acoupledrivesofftotheirfirstassignment in a sportytwo-seater.Afterwhat seems a shortperiodoftime, thecouplehas becomethree, orfour,andthepairofbucket seatsjustdoesn’tworkanymore. The cadet car becomes the down payment on the mini-van, or the station wagon,andthatpartofour lives is forevergone. Roger,being an uncommon person even for a grad,puthiscadet car into storage—andthenkindof“forgot”about it.It was in a safeplace, and he was flying, andtheindustrywasn’t doingthatwell at the time. At last, Pegdecidedthatthe Corvette needed to rejointheMcFarland family.This machineisprettymuch original.The only changes that I could see were that the radio is a bit newer than the factory

model, andthereis nowa ’71 crest monogrammed on thecenterpadbetween the seats. Bynow, restorationshouldbecomplete.

Amoment ofsilence as one ofthe oldestfootballrecords was eclipsedthis year.AdamZanotti pickedup a fumble attheAir Force two yardlineand ran itbackfor a touchdown,erasingScottyHamm’srunbackagainstColorado in 1970. (One othernotable occurrence fromthe CU gameisthat I metAndrea thatnight.) Otherthanthat,AirForcefootballfoughtforrespectintheconference and strove for awinning season.

As always,enjoywhateverholidaysyou andyours celebrate, and I hope to hearfromyouin 2007

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Ho! Ho!Ho!-1hopethateveryonewas ableto makeitthroughthe2006-2007 Christmas/NewYear’s seasonwithoutmuchdifficulty. It seems thatthecalendarjustkeepsmoving at a quickerpace andaccelerating aswe headdownthe road oflife. Anywayyou lookat that, itis stillgood to hearaboutoldfriends from near andfarand to see that we all are aging so gracefully.

GeorgeNieldwrote backin Mayto tellofhisparticipationalongwithPaul Nielseninthe2006AerospaceSpotlightAwardsGalaheld attheRenaissance HotelinWashington,DC. This eventwas sponsoredbytheAmericanInstitute ofAeronauticsandAstronautics (AIAA) andprovidedavenuefortheAIAAto acknowledge thecontributions ofsome finecolleaguesintheaerospaceprofession. Georgehasbeen anAIAAmemberfor over 30yearshavingrecently been recognized as an AIAA Fellow, “for outstandingcontributions to the

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KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

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Read about each candidate's background

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ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

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* Establish your own personal/ professional profile

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From left areKellyNield, George, PaulandDottyNielsen.

nation’scivil,militaryandcommercialspaceprograms.” He currentlyworks attheFAAas theDeputyAssociateAdministratorforCommercialSpaceTransportationin ajobthatisbothchallengingandveryexciting,especiallyinvolvingtheX-Prizecompetitionandtheincreasedinterestin commercialhuman spaceflight.

Paul hadbeen selected as Fellowbackin 2004, andrecendywas chosen as theAIAAPresident-Electforatermofofficebeginningin2007. Afterretiring from theAir Force, Paul was namedthechief executiveofficeranddirectorofCarnegieMellonUniversity’s Software EngineeringInstitute.

DudleyandCharlotteKarstensen sente-mailrelatingthat daughterLaura was sworn in as a 2Lt in theArmylast May, withheroathofofficebeingadministeredbynone otherthan Karl Rodefer (Jo) who flewinfrom Californiaforthe event. Lauramajoredinchemistryat theUniversityofPittsburgh andwillbe intheChemicalCorpsoftheArmy. SonErikhad been sworn intotheArmybackin2003 alsohavinghadtheoathadministered byKarl. Erik serves as a 1 st Ltin Iraq,commandingthe 67th Mine DogDetachment (mine andexplosivesdetection). Withbothofhischildrenin theArmy, Dudleywonders howhe lethis children go astray! Dudleycontinues to sell software forFiservandtravels quite a bit.

A recent brieffrom Doug“Mush” Brower accompanies a typicalphoto of three“golfers”. AllegedlythethreehavebeengettingtogetheranytimeMush is home, about once or twice a month for a little golf. SandyLewis andCurly Chamberlinjoin Mushfor a “littlegolf”becausewhatactually occurs is a lot oftalk, loadsoffunandthe rest ofwhichbarelyresemblesrealgolf. Thissaid, Mush claims thatyou haven’tlived untilyou’rewaiting to tee offafter Curly whenhegets into one ofhis CowboyPoetmoods anddecides to tell an interesting, iflong,story. Thethree are prepping as much as they can now, so as to avoidtotalembarrassment atthegolftournament this comingreunion.

MushaddsthatSandy(Bobbie) isthevolunteerSecurityMonitorinhisgated community,where heis constantlybeingawakenedwith calls fromthegate guards,includingthe one reportingtheladywho was offhermedsandcouldn’t keepherpants on. (Gee,Sandy,soundslikegroundsforbeingput on someone’s payrollratherthanjustbeing a volunteer.) Curlyexcels at his full-timejob of drivingEmilycrazy,andis so good atitthatMushhasmadehimhisrolemodel! CurlyandEmily’s son Jeffreyalso recentlyreturnedfrom a solo trip to Europe. MushstillfliesforFedExon theinternationalroutes outofAnchorage,spendingabouthalfthemonth on the roadprimarily to several cities in Cliinaand therestofthePacificRim. MostrecentlyheandCherylwent on alongawaited 12-dayGrecianvacationwheretheyvisitedthemainlandandseveralislands. Ofcourse, hehad to bebackinAnchoragefor a trip thedayaftertheir return

lifeisgoodand the Browers definitelylookforward to 2010!

Well,I must admit,JimLivingstonknowswhatittakestoupdatethiscolumn, solwilljustputitinherevirtuallyverbatim. Thankyoumuch,Jim! Quoting now... “I’ll startwith a group of’72er s that I havethepleasure ofseeingevery Sept. Thegroupis mostlyfromthe40th Sq. Thoseattending are ScottSturman (JoAnn) from Fresno, CA; Dan O’Donnell (Bev) from Santa Rosa, CA; Don Rousseau (Toni) fromSacramento,CA; Mike Collins (Kathy) fromInclineVillage, NV; Mark Kuno from Spokane,WA; Gary Bowman from Boise, ID; RK Schlaefer (Catherine) fromAtlantic Beach, NC; Joe Sullivan (Lauren) from Orange, CA; Doug Goodman (Jindra) from San Jose, CA; and Stan Clarke (Carol) fromWaitsburg,WA. We alldecide on a location andspendtheweekendtogether. It’salways a greattime, anditisamazing to mehowthesefriendships stand the test oftime. Scott is an anesthesiologist, Dan a retired SFO fireman nowpracticinglaw, Don is in thefurniturebusiness, Mike flies 747s out ofANC forNorthwest, Markis a privatehelicopterpilot,Garyis a funeral director,RKis a retiredMarine nowworkingfor some facetofhomeland security,Joe is inreal estate, Doug is a retired aerospace manager now teaching school,and Stanis an educator and consultantin thewine industry.

“United still employs manyofour class. I am amongthem. The Colorado residents,whichI see mostoften are RossWilhite (Kathy),ButchWoodmansee (Mary), Bob Banks (Cathy),RalphAllen (Jan), and DougHill. Ross flies the 777 out ofORD, Butch 747/SFO, Bob 320/DEN, Ralph 320/DEN and Dougis

thechiefpilotoftheAirbusfleet. Our otherclassmateswhoworkforUnited whom I see occasionally are RogerParsons (Laurie) 747/SFO,TomMcDonald (Anne) 747/SFO, ChuckKolesar (Margo) 747/SFO, Bill Leech (Candi) 320/ DEN,John Gawelek (MaryAnn) 320/DCA, Steve Barry(Jimi) 747/SFO. Tom livedin Colorado foryears, but had since ‘retired’ to theAustin area.

“Every summer,Vail hosts a lacrosse tournament inwhich theAcademy alumniteamparticipates. I retiredfromplaying,butI stillgoup to seetheguys. HarryCalcutt(Terry) andGaryKito (Lynn) stillplay. Theybothmixitupwith theyoungguys,anddoagreatjob. Harryis a retired0-6livingin Dayton. Gary is also a retired 0-6 livinginJemez Pueblo, NM.

“AnotherColorado neighbor,AndyCaltagirone (Char) ismyskiingpartner, andhe also spearheads class gatherings whichinclude MarkBilak (Karen), Kent Bays (Diane), andTomBrown (Rayanne). Tomworks forFedExflying theMD-11,andlives near Seattle. TherestoftheguysworkforAmerican. Andy flies the 767/ORD,Markthe MD-80/LGA, andKent the767/DFW. For a little tailgatingbefore USAFAhome football games, lookforAndy’s 72 flag inthe parkinglot, and come join us.

“On a recentflight to Boston, FredHarburg(Susie) was on board. Hehasn’t changedin39years (yes, 39years!). Fredis aconsultantin thefinancialsector in Boston.

“BevandIbecamegrandparentsforthefirsttimeJuly13,2006.1 am sending a picture ofthat event. Now I know I am in the 4th quarter, but I am really enjoying it so far. I am holdingRyan, a future memberofthe Class of2028.”

JimholdingRyan, andBevLivingston.

Believeit ornot, I haveto leave a couple ofnotes for next issue - we filled up to the limit on this column. So keep on sendinginwhatyou have anditwill make itswayinto the news at a futuredate. Thanksagain to allcontributors. Will see youlater.

Bob Munson

19245 Lincoln Green Lane Monument, CO 80132 (719) 487-1464

rmunson@adelphia.net

INTRODUCTION:Whowants to bescribe? It’s time topassthebaton. Inthe last two years I’vebeenintouch with over halfour class, I’veenjoyedgetting to knowyou allbetterandI’vegreatlyappreciatedallyourcompliments and feedback. But I’vebeenasked to come out ofretirement to become medical directorfor ahospice, and our classofficershavenominated me tobeyour’73 rep to theAOG Senate forthe nextyear. It’s appropriate now thatthetaskof spreadingtheword on our classmatesbepassed on to newblood. Ifyouhave anyinterest inbeingscribe, discuss thiswith me.

SQUADRONNOTES: SomehowI’ve managed to ignore thewhereabouts andactivities ofour CS-05 and CS-12 classmates... no more.

DirtyDozen news. Dave ‘Whale’ Gessert was our class’ first scribe, back whenemail andwordprocessingwere poorlydevelopedconcepts. He uses both as NationalGeospatialIntelligenceAgencysenior engineer. Sheri teaches special education in the FairfaxVA schoolsystem. Gene (Mianne) Malbergretiredto Mecosta, MI and built next to thelot owned bybrother-in-law Rick Johnstonwho’swithGM as a facilitiesengineer; Debiworks collecting loans for a localbank. Bob (Deborah) Allen retired as commanderoftheAirForceWeatherAgencyatOffutt and moved to Hawaii where he works for Northrop Grumman at USPACOM. Theyhave anAF-commissioned daughterand two sons who hope to become blue-suiters.

JohnCarris aGS-14 atWPAFB’sCenterofAcquisitionExcellenceassistingSPOs; he and Gwendolynhavethree cliildren out ofthehouse. Bob Palingis a Sun SystemsprogrammanagerlivinginNashua, NH; Renee is an LPNworkingfor a gastroenterologistthere. Dr.AmiePenixpracticesorthopedics insoutheast Oliio andis sports medicinephysicianforteams atRio (pronounced‘Rye-oh’) Grande College. Wifeandartist,Bonnie,indulgesAmie’s passionforbiggame

Sabre Society Donors

From left are Sandy, CurlyandMush asgolfers.

Sabre Society Donors

hunting. MarlacalledforRogerHealyas hewas swamped as a Boeingprogram manager at BuckleyANGB;withfivegrownkids theyhave a bit more timefor ridinghis BMWcycle.

RickKarvoskyofCS-12: “MyfavoritemodeoftransportwheninIraq. Priceis cheap... unfortunately, no frequentflyermiles!”

MarkMayhewis busy as a Master’sstudent in Portuguese and Spanish Linguistics at the UniversityofArizona; Markand nurse Martyboth are on the facultyatPimaCollege. ScottandJeanMillsretiredoutofthePentagonin 1995 andturned a trail-runningfetishinto a secondcareer; theymoved to Carlsbad, CAforthelifestylewhereScottconsultsforAsicsRunning, Inc. BobMizeteaches science at Steilacoom High Schoolin Lakewood,WA and serves as Kiwanis president;Emilyis nowworkingon herPhD innursing. LarryNolen (Maureen) isinchargeofITandGSAschedule contracts forAreataAssociatesinLasVegas. After20years, RazzRassmussen soldhismedicalsupplybusinessinJuneand went roadbikingthrough theAlps; he’sjustbackfrom a five-weektrip to the East Coastseeingoldfriends (including Dom Mazza, Ken Betts) andintends to do “somethingthatgives me a sense ofmaking a contributionto mysmall corner ofthe planet”. Tom Ream is upgrading to left seat in theAirbus for Fedex; he and “professionalvolunteer” Nancylive inTennessee. DaleWilliamstookDelta’sretirementlump sum andshortlythereafterEdieand son told him toget ajob... Daleand son nowenjoyflyingforNetjets. RickJonesalsoleft DeltaforSingaporeAirlines. BillSwan: “Owned Bed and Breakfast inTaos. Solditandfounded DotCom in 1999, sold in 2001 forpennies on thedollar... Startedsunglassandopticalretailstore... studiedandbecameoptician...doing fantasticafterfiveyears.” LannieWestbrookwrote en-route toTrinidad asVP fornegotiationsforWorld GTL Inc on thefirstcommercial gas-to-(diesel) liquid plant in theWestern Hemisphere. He’sworking on a Master’s inInternationalTaxLawand MaryAnnejustfinishedhers inCounseling. MarkFerrisis a solo financial advisor in Connecticut; his “YankeeCents”web site is very useful. JeanisCitizens BankseniorVPforcommunitylending. MarksentaCD with92 #1 hits from 28 June 69 to 6June 73 puttogetherwithJonEllerforthe 30th reunion. Jon is DirectorfortheInstituteforAmericanThought at Indiana Universityandtenured Englishprofessor.

forrr firm Genexus;heandRickihavehorses on theirpropertyinWylie,TXto keep thembusy. Ex-roommates LarryFaberandHerb Huberlive in Boerne andAustin,TX, respectively, and (nearly) concurrentlyhad cardiac stents placed. Larryjust retired from USAA andHerb uses his B-1 syllabuswriting skills to produce training programs for Temple Inland employees. Jack McCalmonttakeslongvacations to sailtheYangtzee or drivetheGobidesert; next trip isAfrica orAntarctica. He funds these as manager offinancial contracts for MTC Corp. in California. Kevin Nehring is ‘retired retired’ from medicineandworks on thehomehebuiltwhilstPeggyprovides healthcare as nurse-midwife. ScottMcLaughlinalso ‘retiredretired’ to SanAntonio, takes care ofelderlyparents, andspendstimewithDenisewhoworks as librarian at FortSamHouston. JeffKnightis a self-employedfinancialplannerin Petosky, MI; brave Brendawent skydivingwithherthree daughters and son-in-law. Robert Marsh is QI Coordinator for Denver-based DonorAlliance, a nonprofitorgan/tissue recoveryprogram. DeborahworksforPikesPeakMental Healthandtheyarenowproudgrandparents. RetireeDaveThomasremained atthePentagon to workfiscalandadminlawissues fortheAF GeneralCounsel; Billie runs agift storein Fairfaxwiththehelpofone oftheirtwo daughters. Bill Orcuttlives in a residential airparkoutside FortWorth and flies the BonanzaA36 for a lawfirm;wife, Glenda, is a caregiverforelderly women. Pete CooperfliesforAmerican, commutingfromLagunaNiguel to LA; hejustput a smallblockengineinto a ’56 Chevy. SWApilotandTucsonresidentA1Phillips is back, and still groggyfrom a trip down the Danubewith Brenda; they’ve successfullyraised threechildren and nowhave a grandchild. Monica updated me whilstRoyPence was awayas anAtlasAir747 pilot; she’s a secretary at a Charleston, SC middleschool andtheyhave two children out ofthe nest.

ODDS & SODS: Tom Butler is also an AdasAir 747 pilotcommutingfrom Woodbridge,VA. SonBriancompletedOTS after 10yearsenlisted and started UPT thisJanuary. Bob Fraser asked that I mention fellowNSAspooksJohn Petro, LarryPolkabla, and CharlesMeyer; allprotecting us fromevil-doers. VinceParisiwistfullyvisitedthesadremains ofCraigAFB andnotedthe museum lacked our UPT patchwhich he’ll send. He’sveryhappy atAFRL’s Human EffectivenessDirectorate atWPAFB.

CS12Ferris WineBottling2005:MarkFerrisofYankeeCentsFinancialServices (withlovelymodelJean) demonstrates theconceptof‘liquidassets’... whichhemakesinhisbasement.

FratFivenews. GregBeyeropened a successful (but-I-couldn’t-do-it-without-my-AF-retirement) pizzabusiness in Minnesota; Celestehelpswith the business and does before/afterschool daycare. Dave Quackenbush(Molly) is CFO for30,000-memberAmericanInstituteforAeronautics andAstronauticsinReston,VAand skiswith GeorgeandLoisKehiaswholive nearWPAFB. George uses hissecond BS in ComputerDesignforBallAerospacewhile Lois is a GS electricalengineer atWrightLabs. MonnieGoregot a master’sin architecture and an MBA; he is El Paso county DirectorofFacilities Management which gets ‘crazy*workingwith multiple commissioners around Colorado Springs. Wife,Jennifer, isbravelyundergoingchemotherapyforovarian cancer... we’llbethinking ofyou two. RoyHart isVP for Business Development

Congratulations toLTCPeterKehoe;hehadhisfinalC-130flighton 29Sep 2006, retiringafter33yearsand 11,719flyinghours.

Your AOG introduces ZoomieNation

YOUR AOG FACES A PIVOTAL ELECTION

■ Learn about the candidates

■ Find out where candidates stand on important issues

■ Personally engage, and ask candidates their positions

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Share your photos and blogs with friends

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home

Engage in mentorship opportunities

www.zoomienation.com

NATIONAL CHARACTERAND LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM, 22-24 FEB:

EveryFebruarytheNCLSbringsspeakers to USAFAtodiscusstheircharacterrelatedpersonalexperienceswith cadets and college students. This iswhat our Class Giftfunds; and a number ofour classmates havebeeninvolved in providingideas,oversight, and reviewofthe program. Everyyearthe NCLS leaves a deepimpression on thosewho attend; thethemethisyearis “AllCreatedEqual—HumanDignityandRespect.” Ifyou are interested in attending as a 1973 representative for one, two, or all three days shoot me an email (rmunson@adelphia.net) now.

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

0: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8020

E-mail: jbrezovic@houston.rr.com

joseph.brezovic-l@nasa.gov

Hello Classmates! Mayyou continue to have reasons to laugh, smile, and experience success... and I thankyou allforsendingin news likeyoudo! This helps us to be stronger in adversityand more joyfulincelebration!

MarkLeehas retiredfrom astronaut dutiesbutis stillinvolvedinthe space community. TheAugusteditionofnews inWisconsinshows Mark in his EVAgear. The articlegives a shortbio to include working on the Hubble as his lastmission. It thenexplains how Mark is assisting in developing a “Spaceport” in SheboyganfortheWisconsinAerospaceAuthority. Markwill helpbusinessmenandcommunitiesdevelop spaceandscience projects. See a picture and read more at http:// wistechnology.com/article.php?id=3203.

14 Sabre Society Donors

Tom and Denise Greenmoved too. But I’m onlycatching up to their 1999 move to Reno and 2005 move to near Phoenix,AZ. Theirthreechildren are stillaroundhome: Sarah, Stephanie, andJeff. Tom started offteachingcomputers as a sideline to hisbusinessyears ago in Florida. That’swhere I remembered him to be. Then I lost him. Tomwrites thathisbusiness, Expertsites, Inc, isstillgoingstrongafter 10years. Hedevelops and hosts websites forsmallbusinesses, and is incorporated in Florida andArizona.

Tom andDeniseinArizona.

SteveLenzi answered a fillin theblank note I sent out scroungingformails! Here’s his reply!

I’m fine andin Honolulu, HI.WorkingforCACI International, Inc. Defense contractor; two boys at home. Oldest son, Sam, 14inJROTC. Stillworking. [Stevedidlosebothhisparentsthisyearto natural causes andillness. I’m sure we extend our condolences to Steve.] There is a lot ofDefense Contracting going on in Hawaii between BarkingSands, Kauai and numerous bases on Honolulu. Hewrites “Ifanyone is contemplating a move to Hawaii, or just needs some skinnyaboutschools, cost-of-living, etc.,justflop me an email or a phone call and I willbeglad to tellyouwhatI know. We came to Hickam on active duty in 1989 and retired here, so we have actually seen one ofthese highest to lowestandbackto highesthousingcycles run full course. GodBless all. Steve sends MuchAloha, and thefamilypicbelow!

Anotherfamilypicture; needs awiderspace! TedRothwrote inwith a short heritage-typedatarelayafterParentsWeekendthispastSeptember! Youcan’t tellitinblackandwhite,butTedandGaryElliot, atoppositeends, arewearing thered’74poloshirts. Ifyoucan’ttell,TedisleftandGaryatright. Garymarried one ofTed’ssisters,andtheyhavetwo sons who are cadets. C1CJonElliottCS13 (Gary’s Grad Sqwith me), and C3C StephenElliott, CS-40 (Gary’s Doolie Sq). Ted’syoungest sister and herhusband have a son whojuststarted, C4C BenAusbunCS-17. Louise’sandTed’s son CaptJeremyRoth (Classof2000, CS13,RC-135Aircraft Commander,OffuttAFB) alsovisitedfortheweekend. He andhiswife,Laura, are expectingTed’s firstgrandchild in Feb.

TedRoth,CaptJeremyRoth, C4CBenAusbun, CICJonElliott, C3CStephen Elliott, andGaryElliott.

I hadwritten MikeMalizola a notewhen Korea was actingup. Mike,who is inPalm Harbor,FL,wrotebackthathehad,in2002,landed a six-monthproject fortheKoreangovernment... abusinessdevelopmentrolerelating tobuilding new business forKoreanvideogamedevelopers. While there, a fewofthem plannedto see atunnelthattheNorthKoreanshaddugthatwas bigenoughfor a tank. He added that “Over all this time I’ve been in the civilian sector, I’ve beenveryfortunate to have had a ton ofinternational travel (including 14 times to Japan).While in theAF, all I ever saw was a windowless office in El Segundo, CA.”

TomBaldysent an update and some sightings! Tom isworkingin the NationalSecuritySpaceOfficeinthePentagon arena. Occasionallyhe sees Ron Sega, EdWhalen, andHowieChandleraround thebuilding. He also talks to CraigAnderson on occasion. Tom addedthatBlairBozekis goodaboutbringingtogether our DC classmates about once ayear.

Gregand Monica Findlayare stillinWichitaFalls,TX. Beentheresince 1994. Greghasbeen flyingright seat (firstofficer) in MD-80s forAmericanAirlines sinceFall 1999. Thoughtheylive inWichitaFalls,he commutes to StLouis to originatehisflights. Gregsayshealsohas asidebusiness as aHealthandWellness specialist. He uses his B.S. Life Sciences (Pre-med) degree, andhas been activelypromotingwellness since 1996. [Ifyou are interested, email me andI’D sendtheaddress toyou!].Theyoccasionallyvisit Kennyand KayKlimesand EdandMarianneWhalen. Kennyis a SouthwestAirlines Captainflyingout of ChicagoMidwayandEdhas beenworking forLockheed.

SteveLunsfordis afirst-timewriter. SteveandCindyretiredatLangleyin ’96 wherehestartedflyingforSouthwestAirlines. Theyhavetwoyoungsters: Kurt is inD.C.workingfor a firmthatspecializes in bankruptcyissues. Jessicawill graduate fromhigh school. Steve also saw CraigAnderson a fewtimes ofthe years—theywere both at UVAvisitingwith theirrespective sons. Steve also sees FrankBrewerabout once a month... Frank, a fewyears more seniorto Steve at Southwest, getsweekends off.YeahforFrank. Othersightings of’74 flyers for SWincludeSteve Sterne, EdFeeneyand ChuckHand.

RileyStevens isapartmentlivingin South Carolinawhilehiswife,Cindy,is on sabbatical. He seems to bedoingwelland can offerthefloorand a blanket ifyouwantto stopbytovisitduringthis nextyearinFairfax/YA. Myownformer roommate, NickPuzak, hasTDYed to JSC twice now in the last sixmonths! Nickis stillinsafety. His specialitynowisworking on theHubblepreparations for a 2008 launch to repair/upgrade thesystem. Nickwrote thathe’sphoned with Dennyand Pam Lyons. He also had planned to see Ted Maceyfor the Notre Dame game on Nov 11. Mace is a working doctorinFlorida.

PaulGuzowskiisbetweenCarlisle,PAandBratislava, Slovakia. Hissatisfying workisassistingtheSlovakAirForceintheirtransformation,particularlyinthe training arena. Christinekeepsthehousegoinginthebetweens. ChrisLanzit emailedinfromBeijing. Chrisisworkingwithassociationstodevelopindustrial standards overthere. Another’74,JeffandLoriJacobsactuallygottovisitwith themin aChineserestaurant Forfun,well,ChrisandLindabought aFinnfulf36 sailboat. They’veputherthru somepaces,upto7.5knots.We’llsee some oftheir picssomeday—Iwas atmylimitforthisedition. Butdon’tletthatstopyall!!Emails andPics are foreverwelcome! Mayeachofyoulivelongandprosper!

Visit the AOGWeb Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

Sam, SteveandSuki, andAndrewin Hawaii, still.

Paul Kent

18166 S.E. 41st Place

Issaquah, WA 98027-9717

Mobile: (425) 785-3586

E-mail: zooscribe@mac.com

ZoomieNation. All the News that Fits. That’salltheClassof 1975 getsin the printed Checkpoints. Theprintedcolumnislimitedto 1,200words andthree pictures. Consideringthe growingnumberofalumni, that’s a reasonable requestbytheeditor. Thescribehasbeenable to begfor a litde more in thepast, andthe requesthas alwaysbeengraciouslygranted. Thanks to the powerof electroniccommunication,thescribe nowreceives more thanhe can include in this column. Before he even started to edit this column, we had over 7,300 words of Classmate news and input. Scribes ofthe pastwould have begged for anyinput from classmates to fill a Checkpointscolumn. Nowwe have to decidewhatgets included. But forthose that want a more completeupdate, theAOG hasprovided a venue. Register at: https://zoomienation.usafa. org. Essentially a networkingelectronic community, this siteis open to allgrads,AOG members or not. Onceyouregister,join the“Class of 1975 BestAlive!” group. Thatiswhere the scribewillpost a fuller electronic version ofthis column, includingphotos in color, in a separate photo album. AndYOU can post stuff, too. In this printed media you are reading, the scribeis reluctant to include changeable contact info such as updated email addresses and phone numbers. ZoomieNation should be a goodplaceto contact thatwaywardandlong-lostclassmateyoualwayswanted to apologizeto, or thank, orjust say“longtime, no talk” to. And a goodplace forclassmates to reachyou. In fact,let’s set anotherClassof 1975 record (besidesattrition) andmakethe“Classof1975 BestAlive!”groupthelargestgroup at the site. Whynot? It’s an easystatistic for us to achieve. Afterregistering, immediatelyasktojoin the “Class of 1975 BestAlive!” group.

Classmates. From DaveWallace: Mywife,Jan,and I spent two shortyears at EielsonAFB inAlaska. On thedaybeforeJan relinquished command as 354 MissionSupportGroupCommander on 5July06,35 shortyears to the daythat we all starteddown our disparatemilitary career paths,AlaskaCongressman DonYoung’sCfiiefofStaff, ’75’s own MikeAndersonpaidColWallace an office call. Janwas touchedbyMike’sgraciousagreement to stayone more day,and he attended herchangeofcommand.

MikeAnderson,JanandDaveWallace

MikeAnderson responds:What theyhave not mentionedis thattheyleft a new high-water mark at EielsonAFB andmost notablyin the Fairbanks region. From Bill Murray: For those ofyou that remember Chaplain Merv Johnson, who was the head Chaplain at USAFA during our time,youwillbe saddened to knowthat he passed away at age 80. From JimBurling:Alot of classmates are probablywonderinghowBentley[Rayburn] didin the Colorado RepublicanPrimaryforthe5th District Congressional seat. In the end, theresultwasn’twhatBentleywanted—butthiswas a hugeaccomplishment in a shorttime.Bendeyrepresentedhimself, Jusfamily,theUSAFandtheclass of’75 in fine fashion. He will definitelybe a force in Colorado politics. Ourclassmates can beproudoftheteam thatBendeyassembled,primarily ofour ColoradoClass of’75 members: JohnGaughanserved as hiscampaign manager (“whataleamingexperienceworsethanBCT!”);TimandJanMurphy; Phil and Chris Pearce; theJDBarrowcloughs; theJimEkens; and Bruce and JaniceMitchell.

From Ed Sienldewicz: I retired at RobinsAFB, after31 years ofacdve duty. I’m lookingto applyformyjob,whichisbeingcivilianizedafterI retire. From David Shields: I leftWBT/SIL lastAugust. Maj Gen StanGorenc was recendy appointedAirForceChiefofSafety,andCommander,AirForceSafetyCenter. From ChrisGlaeser: I retiredforthesecondtime, thistimefromNWA. Found a newjobwithAlaskaAirlines in Seatde,Vice PresidentSafetyforAlaskaAir

lines. From PaulLotakis: I was working a flightrecendyand as I gotto know thefirstofficer (olderfellow); hebegan to speakofhis UPTexperiences as an IP. Hereallydidn’ttalkofanyoneinparticular... except one. Hementioned TommyHartwell as one ofhisfavoritestudentsandspent afairamount oftime talkingabouthim. He caught me quiescent andmisty-eyed. He was shocked to learn I was a classmate andknewhim... thenit was his “turn.” Tommy, we hardlyknewye, but never forgotten... see you again at the35th.

From RandyCaraway: fourofus ’75ers at the3rdAnnualUSAFAGraduate Leadership Conference, including: Dave Ferguson, Dave LaFave, Bran McAllister, andmyself. Rich Chanick came byfortheSupt’sreception. Overall, I thoughttheGLCwas great. I was glad to see theopendiscussions,andthe candor. FromDennisBrooks: I am now inAlbuquerque,NM. Aftermyfather passed away, we decided to get out ofthe humidityin the South. From Max DellaPia: I steppeddown as commanderofthe 109th. I reportedfordutyat the Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham, NY as theExecutive SupportStaffOfficer. From ChuckWoods: I’mlookingforward to staying in touch, as some days I reallyfeellike I’m on theothersideoftheplanet. Hey,what am I saying? I’vebeen in Macau forfiveyears, so that’s preciselywhereI am.

From Ric Lewallen: I joined an executive coaching firm. I reallyenjoythe work. From Phil Gronseth: Oneofour own hasbeenrecognized:A1Morrison was inducted into theAFA HockeyHall ofFame. He is the onlygoalie inAF fiistorytobe afour-yearstarter,has most saves in a careerwith3,270and most inaserieswith 121 (inotherwords, the restofus didn’tofferhimmuchhelp at times!).To reinforcetheprevious records he also has most goals allowedin a season with 181 and most in a careerwith 480 (butdon’t tellA1I toldyouthese stats!). A1 was also goalie forthe two teams with thebestwon-loss recordsin AF liistoryand is the onlygoalie to beatColorado College three times.

Fritzsche,Spencer,Morrison,Gronseth,andBryantthenightA1wasinducted into theAFAHockeyHallofFame.

FromJoeKahiapo (HawaiiEarthquake). Thefamilyisdoingwell andunaffectedbytheearthquake, exceptfor a 10-hourpoweroutage, andwe consider ourselves lucky. From Sam Hollins: Still trying to figure this page out [the ZoomieNationwebsite]. It is really a neat concept and I find myselfon itfor

Your AOG introduces ZoomielNIation

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

■ Engage with candidates on important issues

■ Read about each candidate's background

■ Learn how the candidates plan to make the AOG better

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Locate old friends and classmates and reconnect!

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Form interest/professional groups

■ Establish your own personal/ professional profile

www.zoomienation.com

Sabre Society Donors

hours searchingthevariouspaths. (Note from scribe: Get a life, Sam. Never mind,you’re our ZoomieNationPoster Grad.) Steve (PeeWee) Barber called afterlosingcontactfor a fewyears. Itwasgreat to hearfromhim. We’veallbeen throughalot. It’snicetocatchupandreminisce. FromStanSchoenenI’mdoing great. Teachingmath seems tobewhatI was meantto do. I was goingto major inmathatthezoo,but someone (andlhonestlycan’trememberwho) talked me outofit Butteachingthesekidsmath is alotharderthanflyinginbadweather andlosing an engine (butthenagain, we hadfourofthem).Tough news from DanBuckett: Myprecious22-year-old son was killed in aboatingaccident.

Health Stuff. From Mike (Nark) Narkiewicz: I had 12" ofcolon removed andthepathologyreport was negative for cancer on the externaltissue surroundingthat area. Thankgodformodem medicine. FromJeffHackett: Ihad myfirst return ofMelanomasincemyinitial diagnosis 22 years ago. AMayo dermatologistperformed aMohsexcision.Pathologyreport cameback,thankfullyallclear.Countingmyblessings andhopeyou are too! Don’tforgetto see yourdermatologist.

JeffHackettandsomeguyin a facialbandage.

From RalphReed: I transferredto theUSArmyCommandandGeneral Staff College atFt. Leavenworth, KS.It’s a payraiseintwoways—GS11 to GS12,and I’m not on furloughduringthe summer. I heVA hasbeenmonitoringmyPSA andhasgiven me fourprostatebiopsies (prettysoon there’s notgoingtobeany left to biopsy). It’s almost as much fun as a colonoscopy. But, each one has provennegative. Mywife,Dorothy, donatedherkidney to our nephew. Both are doingfine. FromDeanCooc Don Byersalsohadsurgeryrecendy. Seemshe shattered a disc, pieces ofwhichwere impactinghis spine andcausinglower extremityparalysis. He is recovering out in California.

OntheWeb. We’ve had some goodAcademy memories shared byHugh (Hugo) Gray, Bob Ryan, and Mark Holmes. Go to http://www.usafa.org/ zoomienews/archive.htm to readthem. Then postyour own. BillLyerlysent some AcademyTrivia,which I put in our “CheckpointsforZoomieNation.”

ClassLegacyFund. From Russ THnter: I gottheletterfromDuffyaboutthe continued effort to reach the 750K goal. (Let’s not forget!) about corporate matchinggifts. Most of us have it and it is a greatway to get more money! Anotheridea I suggestplantingin heads iswhat I didlast time andthat is to donate $1,750.1 think it’s a way to influence behavior to try to get folks to commit to an amount thathas a secondmeaning.

IdentifythisMystery.FromJohnRetelle (USAFA’67, anAero Instructorwhen we were there): Stan Siefke andJonHimerwon the two aero prizes, so they were easy to remember. There was one other guy in your class... an aero major. He gotthefinals schedule allmixed up, andwent to thegolfcourse by mistake during my final exam. I called over to his squadron, and hisAOC contacted him. He came runningin, over an hourlate in a totallypanicked state. Hewrote non-stopfortheremainingtime, andnearlycollapsed afterwards. Wouldyou believe he got the highestgrade on the exam by a huge margin? He moved his overall gradefrom a B to an A. He was magnificent.

Dan Beatty

12196 Stanley Canyon Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 488-1962

E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com

Dan.Beatty@usafa.af.mil

http://www.AFAcademy.com/76

Classmatesmoving/movingup: BGJimHuntfromDeputyDirector, Force Application,J-8,JointStaff,Pentagon to Director,Airand SpaceOperations, Headquarters United StatesAir Forces in Europe, RamsteinAB,Germany. J. DennyShupeappointed Chair oftheAerospaceLawCommittee fortheDefenseResearchInstitute (DRI). DRI is a nationalorganizationofmore than22,000defensetriallawyersandcorporate counsel. TheAerospace LawCommitteeis made up ofprofessionals involved with or interested in the field of aerospace law, including not onlyattorneys, but also insurers andprofessionals in the aerospaceindustry.

Fellow ’76 ers,

Theclassof’7630th reunionisinthehistorybooks! Ifyouwerethere,youknow whatasuccess (otherthanthefootballscore) itwas! Ifyouweren’tthere,you missed a tremendous event. Kudos to DanJordan, reunion chairman; Don Olynick, Bob Bivins, Tom Bowie, Jim Boma, Jeff Ford, John Andrew, Ben Thomson,DonPickett, StanRader, andthemultitudeofothervolunteersthat putthingstogether. More on thereunion activities laterinthisarticle.

General Class Stuff Not a lot ofgeneralinput this time, mostlikelydue to thereunion and thefactthat some ofmy moreconsistentcontributorswerebusywithplansto attend. IreturnedfrommyAfghanistanadventure on 4Novandwas justaboutadjustedtothetime zone changewhenthereunionactivitiesbegan. Grew a full beard while over there and received a multitude offavorable (mosdy) comments at thereunion. I’m sine the‘youlooklikeSanta’remarks were attributableto thebeardonlyandhad no relation to thefactthatI have ‘reshaped’ mysveltebodysomewhat sincegraduation.

Sabre Society Donors

Mike Yama Dog’Hayes sent a note and photo about his retirement. Says GaryKyleattendedbutMikedidn’tget a group photobeforeGaryboltedback to DC. UnfortunatelyMike scheduled his retirement during our reunion timeframe (tacticalerror!) andwas notable to attendthefestivities norwas he able to watchthe footballgame (mebbe not such a bad error there). No specificinfo on Mike’spost-Blue Suitplans.

LtGen LamontagneandMikeHoyes atMike’s retirement.

Mike Fricano attendedtheAirlift/Tanker convention in Orlando and saw Bill Carolan, MikeGould, Dave Merrill, Bob Norman, MarkSchwing, Byron Hepburn,GregBricker,BobVaughn,andMikeUnderwoodthere. FromMike’s report, a good time was hadbyall.

MikeMcGinnis sent a quicknotefromTexas asking aboutmyarticledeadline. Sayshe’llsend an updateand news fromTexas for a futurearticle. Lookingforward to yourinputMike.

Steve Stockdalerang in. He isexecutive directorofthe InstituteofGeneral Semantics. The institute was formedbythe mergeroftwo long-established semantics groups - one in California, one inNewYork - in2004. Stevebecame its director,steeringthenonprofitthrough its relocation to temporaryquarters in FortWorth. He was interviewed recentlybythe DallasMorningNews.

As I saidabove, thereunionwas a great success. Thanksagainto allwhohad a partin organizingit. Ourcommittee,withtremendous helpfromLaniWing attheAOG, didasuperjob. We had over 360 classmates signed up. Thereunionactivities included a no-host social onWed,golftourney (don’tknow whowon), lunchwiththecadets, andsocial onThurs, cadet area openhouse, USAFAseniorstaffbriefings,classbusinessmeeting,memorialceremony,and

BillCarolan, PaulaandMike Gould,DebbyandMikeFricano, DaveMerrill, BobNorman,MarkSchwing,ByronHepburn, GregBricker,andBobVaughn atALAconvention.

dinner on Fri,pre-gametailgate,footballgame, andpost-gametailgate/squadron get-togethers Sat. Don Hall was his usual dynamic selfas the MC at the Fridaydinner, Kevin Chilton gave a superb speech at the dinner, our own Enrique ‘El Presidente’ Saa made a fewremarks, and Jack Catton led a resounding“Whop ‘EmUp Side the Head” cheer at thedinner.

At theclassbusiness meeting‘ElPresidente’ was re-elected to stayin office. Wealso discussed a classgiftproject. Ihavevolunteered to chair a committee to define and pursue our project. More to follow on this subject. Ifyou are interested in helping on this project,please contact me.

Hadseveralinputsafterthereunion. LanceKjeldgaardsent me anotethatthis was hisfirstreunion. CharlieVonoalso sent apost-reunionupdate. Heenjoyed thereunionimmenselyandsaysheisworkingforNorthrop-GrummanMission Systems on theICBM Prime Contractin Utah. Wife,Nita, is averysuccessful realtorinOgden. DaughterAndreaismarriedto aMarine (disabledvet) andis withSAIC. SonMikeis atWeber State finishinguphis degreeand about to get married; son Zakis abouthalfwaythrough hispoliticalscience/Japanesedegree. Charliealso reportsclassmate/brother-in-lawBrentGlines is a civil servant atHillAFB,creating/supervisingF16softwareprograms.

A1Grijalvaalsochimedin abouthisgreattimeatthereunionandsaysheand Carawere reallygladtogetto see alotoftheoldgangagain. BenDillasaysheis avolunteerfortheclassgiftproject. ThanksBen. Apleasantsurprisewas to see Bob‘Bukes’Bucheratthereunion. Bukesisalso aprepschoolclassmateandleft beforeUSAFAgraduationbuthaskeptintouchand is still a strongmemberof 76. He and Suelivein Durangoandinvitevisitsfromclassmateswhenyou are inthe area. MikeEly(also apreppie) replied to Bukesthatheshouldbecareful whatheasksfor or hemayhave a loadofclassmatescomingtovisit. On apersonalnote,therewas atonofprepschoolclassof72bubbasatthisreunion.Was goodto see allofyouthat,like me, attended USAFA on thefive-yearplan.

I also had a chance to visitwith fellowHelicopter Pilottraining classmates Dave‘Push’Pyshora,Walt‘Mouse’Heidmous,andDoug‘Stewie’Stewart Good to seeyouall! MontyLeereportshehas our classwebsitestilloperationalbutis evaluatingwhat comes ofdie“ZoomieNation”initiative. Forthoseofyou not familiarwith“ZoomieNation”goto theAOGwebsitewww.usafa.organdcheck itout. Sendyourinputsonthesitetome,Enrique,and/orMonty. Itappearsthat “ZoomieNation”mayhave some greatpossibilities.

I received severalphotos (mostfromMikeFricano) fromthereunionbut am limited on space. Here are a fewofthe shots:

Dan Beatty,RichGosin, andJohnKurtz

Send me yourphotos and I will tryto getthemin a futurearticle.

Again time to stick a forkinit. Again, mypersonalthanks to DanJordan and gangforallyourwork on our 30th Itwas an absolutehoot to see so manyofyou at the reunion. It is now more importantthan ever that we keep our lines of communication up to speed. Send me yournotes, inputs, addressupdates, suggestion,junkmail, etc and I willdo mybest to keep all ofyou in theloop.

Start makingplans forthe 35th —itwill be herebeforeyou knowit. Ifyou haven’t updated yourinfo in theAOG database,pleasego to www.usafa.org and do so. You don’t need to be an AOG member to updateyourbio info. As

KevinChiltonandMikeFricano

always, ifyou are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. Keep flyingyour flags and let our deployed troops knowyou have them in yourthoughtsandprayers. TheSpirit of76is STILL aliveandwell! Until next time... Beatty

John J “Lou" Michels, Jr.

41°7 Harvey

Western Springs, IL 60558

Voice: (312) 849-8150

Fax:(312)849-8151

E-Mail:

jmichels@mcguirewoods.com

MAKETHESCRIBE’S LIFE EASIER-GETONZOOMIENATION. InapostReunification Committee effort to improvegradlinkage, theAOG set up a websitethatallows us to linkinternallyto each otherandcommunicatemuch more readily across class,professional, andpersonalinterestlines. I am encouragingpeople to sign on thereiffor no other reason than the 77 affinity group run byJolmVisser (Ann). It is an easyway to connect withothergradsintheclass, as well as foryourhumblescribe to send out pleas for information. Thewebsite is https:// zoomienation.usafa.org. Allyouhave to doisregister, setup yourprofile, andbeginjoininggroups ifyou’re interested.

ZOOMIENATIONPAYOFF: Shortlyafterposting a pleafor info, I received a couple ofmessages. GregBradbum (Teri) dropped me a quicknote from Campbell, CA to reportthat heandTeri are nowgrandparents andthat,“to establishthe aura ofwisdom and mysticism that a grandfathershould have,”hehastakenup astronomy as a hobby. Astronomyhas a certain male appeal;lotsofexpensivegadgetsthatsupport avaguelyacademicinterest (well, it’s more academicthandrinkingandwatchingfootball games),butGreg reportsthathehasmanagedto berationalaboutitwithonlytwo majorbuys - a digitalSLR camera and an eight-inchreflector. Congrats on bothcounts,Greg, and I’ll expect to hearaboutyourbackyardbecomingMt. Palomar soon.

Your AOG introduces ZoomielMation

YOUR AOG FACES A PIVOTAL ELECTION

■ Learn about the candidates

■ Find out where candidates stand on important issues

Personally engage, and ask candidates their positions

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Share your photos and blogs with friends

Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home

■ Engage in mentorship opportunities

www.zoomienation.com

Sabre Society Donors

The FricanosandtheBergs

John Mol is still living in Germany at Ramsteinwhere he and Debbie are teaching in the DODDS System. Theyjustbought a house on the German economy-Johnnotes thathe’s not good atlegaleseandparticularlynotwhen it’swrittenin German. He sawDoyleGage,who alsoworks atRamstein andis looking at maybeheadingbackto the States soon. Thanks fortheheads up, John and goodluckwith those 8th graders.

WORDSOFMOUIH: IspokewithmyformerroommateLynnScott(Cynthia) on the occasion ofhis birthday. In his workfor RAND, he’s had a chance to interview a number ofgenerals,includingT.C.Jones (Lisabeth), now a twostarandassigned to the Pentagon as the DeputyDirectorofPlans; RayJohns (Diana), also a two-star and workingforthe ChiefofStaffin the Programs Office;andRonLadnier(Pam),anothertwo-staratScott,assignedtotheTanker AirliftControlCenterthere (don’tfeeltoo badforRon,hedeployedto theAOR prior to pulling down thisjob, so even Scottlooksprettygoodafterthat).

Dan Jarka (Pamela) isworking for MorganStanley in Colorado Springs; while Don McCune (Bemie) retired from his aviation lawposition at Northwest and is now workingfor a verygood firm in Charleston, MotleyRice. I thinkDonneedstotryto recruitatleast one prominentpartnernamed“Crew” to addto themasthead - I’m sure some creativearrangementcouldbemade. Congratulations on the newjob and relocation, Don. MikeMcKenna (Joy)punchedoutin ’97 andispusliing avenerable 727 from the left seat at Federal Express. He andJoylivejustoutside ofMemphis.

CLOSECALLUPDATE: I got a particularlychillingemailfromGradyBooch (Jan) whichreminds me (andnowyou) abouttheneedto occasionallywander into a doctor’s office. Followingthe sudden death ofa relativefrom an aortic aneurysm,Gradythoughthe’dgethimselfchecked out. Itturns out hehad exactlythe same kindofcondition, whichhadbeendormantbutpresent, atleast fromthetimehehadbeenattheAcademy. Grady’sphysicianapparentlyexpressedamazementthatthehigh-altitudetrainingandstressplacedonhisheart attheAcademyhad not causedtheaneurysm to rupturepreviously.

Earlythisyearit appearedthatthe arterywallwas preparing to rupture and Gradyhadtwo inchesofhis main aorta, startingjustabovetheheart, removed andreplaced. I gotan emaildetailingallofthis—theshort answerisGradywas damluckynot to havehadthisthingblowout on him before it was detected, andthenluckyto getthroughopen-heartsurgerywith no illeffects. I’vegotmy physical scheduled now, Grady, and thanks for the update. With anyluck, you’vescared severalofus into thehealthcare system.

JPTsINTHENEWS:Well,wewent 0 for2 in our Congressionalelections this year. BothJayFawcett (Susan) andVern Robinson (Helene) were unsuccessfulintheirCongressionalbids,buttheycertainlyran interestingraces. Billand CynthiaLord won theJerome F. O’MalleyAward as the OutstandingWing CommanderandSpouseTeamintheAirForceforridingoutHurricaneKatrina atKeeslerwith no lossoflife,despitehorrificdamage to thebaseanditsfacilities. Bill is at thePentagon now, buthis name also shows up in a recent issue ofGCNconcerningDoD’sresponse to cyber-attackscomingfrom China. Bill isquotedthroughoutthearticleinhis current capacityas DirectorofInformation Services andIntegrationfortheAirForce, andraised akeyissueregarding rulesofengagementforrespondingto assaults on our informationnetworks.

I saw a nice article on ChuckDelich (Lisa),who was inductedinto the Colorado Sports HallofFame forhis performance as a Falconshockeyplayerand coach. Chuckholds an incredible 14Academyrecords and was the Falcons headcoachfor 12 years. He nowworks forAcordia, a divisionofWells Fargo. Well done andwell deserved, Chuck.

Tom Jones (Liz) has been selected by NASA as a member ofits Advisory CouncilforSpaceOperations. Tom hasbeen out touring,promotinghis new book, SkywaJking, butdropped me a linefromHawaii,where heand Liz were able to take some timeoff.

Finally, Scott Harrod (Nita) was recentlyelected as the School Board Presidentfor an extremelylargedistrictinSanAntonio. HejoinsanotherCellarRat, MontyMontgomery (Neena), who is the School Board PresidentinSt. Louis. Congrats to both ofyou guys.

INPERSONS: I ran into Steveand BetsyWittmanattheTennesseegame. We had a greatchance to catch up, andI thoroughlyenjoyedseeingHeavy atyet another Falcon footballgame. One ofthesedays, I’llmakeitdown to Cincinnati, whereheis turningthewheels for Proctor & Gamble.

Aspart ofhis“SeeWhatHappensWhenYouDon’tPayAttention toYourLaw Instructors” Program, Paul Pirog (Mary) invited me backto theZoo to teach lawfor a couple ofdays thisfall. This is easily one ofthe most enjoyabletrips I have allyear,notwithstandingthehumblingrealizationthat I could not get into theAcademy nowwith mymiserable credentials. Thecadets are great. Paul has an outstandingfacultyworkingwith him. And I no longergetthat nervous ticin myrighteyewheneverI see Fairchild Hall.

CLOSEOUR EdVombrock’s (Colleen) memorial service andinternment at theAcademycemeterytookplace on Sept 28,2006. Mythanks to Bill Kittle (Colleen) forhis effortsin gettingit set up. Hopethewinterandholidays treat youwell. Be seeingyou.

Visit the AOGWeb Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and more! www.usafa.org

Greetings ’78ers...

Bob Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201

Work: (661) 824-6426

Email: Robert.kay@baesystems.com

HeyGuys... thisis goingto be a fullarticle... manyofyou were kindenough to sendin some greatstuffso enough ofmydrivelandlet’s getright to it.

JustaweekafterIhandedintheSummerarticle,TimDotysentagreatupdate on his retirementplus info on other classmates. He retired on 1 Jun 06 as a lieutenant colonelwith 28 years ofservice at the McGuireAFB OfficerClub. FormerCommandfamilyfriendLtGen (ret) JohnHopper(’69) was theretirementofficial. FellowLooseDuce-ersPJVergara (pilotforNorthwest) narrated andJimJohnsonwas inattendance (as an aside,TimsaidtheonlyCS-02’78erleft on activedutyisDougSalmonwhoiscommanderofAFROTC Det905 atWashingtonStateUniversity). Timretired as the305 OSSAssistantDirectorofOperationsand a KC-10instructor pilot,buthis specialtywas deploying as hespentmost ofthe lastthreeyearsofhis career deployedtovarious Southwest Asialocationsincluding ayearinAfghanistan (whichyouall readaboutlastyear) andeightmonthsinUzbekistan.

Sabre Society Donors

He sentthis inspiringphoto ofhisthree sons, allofwhom are invariousbranchesofthemilitary,presenting aflagatthe endoftheceremony(certainlysomethingyoudon’t seevery often). From left are Tim, hiseldest, CoastGuardSeamanChris (afireman on theCoastGuardCutterSeneca);youngestsonAFA1CSteve (astillphotographer fortheNationalAirandSpaceIntelligenceCenterandBaseHonorguardsman atWright-Pat); andmiddle son,ArmySpecialistJordan, (anMP currentlywith the96MPBattalion,CampBucca,Iraq). Steve’swife,daughter-in-lawAlCDevin (carrying afuturegrandson ordaughter) is a medicaltechnician atWright-Pat andwas thefourthmemberoftheHonorGuard.

Afterenjoying a couplemonths ofretiredlife, Tim accepted a positionwith Computer Sciences Corporation—AppliedTechnologyDivisionandwillbe goingbackto Kabul,Afghanistan, as theSiteManagerofCSCOperations, overseeing ajointU.S./Afghancounter-narcotics aviationprogram. He’ll alsobe flyingthe Russian built Mi-17 helicopterbeing used bytheAfghans. As reportedlastyear,he spent ayearin Kabulleading a coalition/joint team that was chargedwith establishingmilitaryairtransport, both rotaryand fixedwing, forthePresidentofAfghanistan,andsimultaneouslyestablishing anAir CorpsfortheAfghanNationalArmy. Congrats on such an amazingretirement TimandstaysafeinKabul!

SteveFikarandJanet

SteveFikarsent anice noteandgreatpictureofhimselfandhislovelyfiancee Janet. Theylive in Shalimar, FL (outsideEglin’s maingate) and are building their dream home and lookingforward to “happy, carefree life” (works for me!). HelefttheAFafternineyears, eventuallybecame a partnerin a software firminFloridaandwas able to retire two years ago. Hedescribeshimselfas a “happybum.” GreathearingfromyouSteve.

Stevealsowrote aboutCharlieRoss, whoisdoinggreatthingsinJacksonMS whereheis a StateSenator. Charlieis runningforLtGovernornextyear (web site is http://www.charlieross.com) and has been in the legislature for 10 years (oneyearin the House, and nineyears in the Senate). He would definitelyappreciatepeoplelooking athissiteandshowingsupport. I shothim an e-mailwhichhekindlyrespondedbackto. An interestingstoryinvolvedhis son who works in Durango, CO, and Sal Grande. ThispastJuly, Charlie’s son had a serious bike accident. Charlie called Sal and he and his wife, Carol, promptly released Charlie’s son out ofthe hospital and put him up in their guesthouseforaweekor sowhileherecuperated. Talkaboutgoingaboveand beyond! Charlie mentioned that Greg Breland also lives in Jackson, has a successful financialplanningbusiness andwillberetiringfromthe Reserves thisyear. Charlietalks to SteveDurhamoccasionally. He andhiswifelivein theSpringsstill, and seem to bedoingwell.

Heardfrom ex BulldawgerBill Chambers’wife, Bonnie. Whenshe wrote in late October,theyhadjustpassedthe six-month markofBill’sAfghanistan deployment as the DeputyCommanding General forCoalition Forces. The picturebelowshows Bill on top ofa mountain outside Kabul... breathtaking view! Their eldestchild, daughterAnna, shipped outwiththe State Department inOctober as a ForeignServiceOfficerto Islamabad, Pakistanforayearlongassignment Theiryoungestjustgraduatedfromhighschool so theempty nestis calling. Thanks so muchforthekindnoteBonnie... maybeBillandTim can gettogether over there.

I was at a flighttestconferencelastweekinAnaheimand ran into a coupleof classmates while there. Dr. GeorgeKa’iliwai was the keynotespeaker at the eventandwe were able to talk a bitafterhisexcellentpresentation. Georgeis theTechnicalAdvisor attheAFFlightTestCenteratEdwardsandinthatcapacityhas a hugeroleinreformattingAF test andevaluation. Heis staying more than busy to be sure. I bumpedinto RickSearfoss who was standingbythe exhibitforthe rocket-poweredairplane he’s beenflying. He instructs at the NationalTestPilotSchool atMojave, stilltravelsquite a bitdoingmotivational speaking and flies rocket airplanesinhis free time. I also “chatted”with anotherexBulldawger,MikeRitcheywhoislivingjustoutsideAtlantathesedays inAcworth, GAandfliesforFedEx. He’sbeenwiththemforalmost seven years nowandis Headmid-seniorityFO on theMD-11 basedinMemphis. Withtwo kids in college, he andhisbride are stayingbusy. Steve Dalbeyretired in the Beltwayand is currendy a GS-15 ChiefofStafffor abigwigin OSD Policy. His daughterworksin theSprings andloves it (gofigure!).

Turns out that BrettVanceand I now serve on a local Daedalian (Fraternal

Order ofMilitaryPilots) flighttogether. Brett retired a fewyears back after beingtheDeputyCommandantoftheTestPilotSchool at Edwards. AfterflyingforDeltaafewyears, hedecided to retireearlyand“literallystumbled” {his words) into a GS position as theTest Pilot School ChiefofTraining at theTest Pilot School. Hegets to flyT-38sandF-16s with minimalpaperwork. Life is indeed good! Belowis a nice picture ofBrett’s lovelywife, Sherri, and son Chase as theygetsettledintotheSouthernCalifornialifestyleforthemostpart andlook to eitherbuild or buy a house.

Saw a great article on all Paul Capasso has done as the 81 st TrainingWing Commander at KeeslerAFB. Paulwould probablybethefirst one to saythat it’shispeopledoingall theworkbutitallboils down to leadership... a lesson we seem to learn again and again. Anyway, underhis tutelage, the base is rebuilding at a rapidclip.

Finally, Ed Rice was recentlyselected as theVice for PACAF. With Steve Goldfein as theACCVice, ’78 is getting dangerously close to running two MAJCOMs! As itshouldbe.

Ran out ofroom againguys; thanks as alwaysforyoursupportbysending stuff... mayeveryonehave a blessedholiday season andgreatnewyear! ’78is

GREAT

Bud Vazquez

25 Hayden Lane Bedford, MA 01730 (781) 402-3609

bud.vazquez@msn.com

“Itwas an honorto have a memberofyourlegendaryclass at thedinnerlast night.” Thatwasalinefroma’92 grad’semail to me, afterwe attended a“State oftheWing”dinnerwithGen Regni a fewweeksback-1 am notmakingthisup! Suchitisthat one ofthegreatestthingsaboutbeing a ClassScribeisworkingto stayintouchwiththegreatest... andmostlegendary... class inhistory!

Things arewellhereinBoston. Myoldestson, Daniel, is 16, drivingandis nowofficiallytallerthan me! He and Iwent on an elk-hunting adventure toWyoming forhis 16th the first week ofOctober - and we bagged a gorgeous 5x6 bull. My daughterMarleyis, ofcourse, a beautiful, athleticandscholarly13-year-oldwho makes theboysheads turn - man do I see everyone, too! Myfavoriteline to herlatelyis“Tellthat boythat I want to show him mygun safe and that I am not afraid to go backto jail!” The youngest,AJ, is 11 -he is quitethe extroverted pistoland some even callhim“BudJr.” They are lacrosseplayersall (surprise!) andgreatkids. Mywife,Molly,somehowstaysyoungandgorgeousandabovethe-fray all thewhile CRS settlesin on “the old man.”

9 Sabre Society Donors

Lifewith“theotherBigBlue”isgoingwell,andkeeping me companyinNew Englandwe haveCarlReichl (ManTech) and GregDoran (MCR). Also inNew

Your AOG introduces ZoomielMation

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

■ Engage with candidates on important issues

■ Read about each candidate’s background

■ Learn how the candidates plan to make the AOG better

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Locate old friends and classmates and reconnect!

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Form interest/professional groups

■ Establish your own personal/ professional profile

www.zoomienation.com

BrettVance,SherriandChase

England are Ken Mattem (Pam) andJohnPardo, the Boston U ROTC Commander. Not onlyhas John agreed to take over the scribe duties from Brian Koechel (who has ablydone the article due in theAug/Sep timeframe). John sent me a great note andphoto the otherday, Attached is group photo ofall ’79ers associated (or ever will be) withAir Force ROTC.

From left are Don Palandech (Arizona State University),Tom McCarthy (Colorado State University), EricAsh (North Dakota State University), Ernie Haendschke (UniversityofMaryland), MarkFish (LoyolaMarymount),John Pardo (Boston University), Scott Grunwald (UniversityofSouthernCalifornia) and Don Hollenbeck (AFROTC/DO).

IBM employsMikeVanHoomisen’sbetter9/lOths,Jan - andtheyseem to be doingwell, as always, in Oregon. Jan makes the money - Mikeplayslawyer.

On occasion I get a greatbusiness trip—like to theAFAconventionin September. Ifyou want a mini-reunion this is it, minus a football game. Great guest speakers like CR Davis on F-22 and FrankGorenc onACC’s Objective Wing. VIPs like BrigGenerals ErvLessel and Bob Edmonds swungby-each withtheirlovelybrides. Bob confirmedthatheandAnnhavedecidedto hang up the cleats - whichwill happen Dec 20th - and that their son Gregis doing well at our alma mater. Ifyouwant to payBubba“retirement respects,”vote forhim as he runs fortheAOG Board. ChipTaylor has a firstie son in CS-17. While atAFA, I discoveredthatthe“mean”forIndustrysmarts andgoodlooks hasrisen - with PaulBessonworkingforGD, GregSmith a bigshotwith BAH and MikeRollerworking as themainAF man forGoodrich.

The awesome good news ofAndyBusch’spin-on to BrigGeneral missedlast edition, buthere is a greatpicturefrom thathappyoccasion.

Theybothhaveverylargeoffices. At anyrate,it’slike a ’79reunion sometimes inthe crewloungewhere I run into some ofthesecharacters: GlenKlingshim, Bob Kluttz (nowEnnis) JohnFagot (nowFago) JohnHammer, Phil Elliott, MikeBaudhuin, LeGrandeBlount,TonyBonutti,GaryBush, BurtCoons,Tru Eyre, Ron Flanders, Steve Halvorsen, BillHuff, ChuckJones, BrainLongwill, Steve Matsen,JimNelson,GaryNichols,TonyParadowski, Paul Ruda, Bill Sawyer, RickStaples, Steve Stubbs, ChuckTodar, MikeWare,JimWhiteand DanYoung. whew!! Bob Kronebusch is anotherDeltoidwho Ijust ran into on a layoverin Salt LakeCity.

CS-18 had a ’Tween Reunion” (’tween the 25th and 30th) for theAF-New Mexico game at USAFA on Sept 30.14 guys and 8 spouses madeit. In attendance were ColMikeNowak (AFResearchLabDepartmentHead atWrightPat AFB),TomEnglish (localhostandNorthwestAirlines),PatShillington (Owner ofEngineering Co. in Raleigh, NC), Bruce Bingle (office ofthe Director of National Intelligencein DC),Col Dennis Hilley, Dave Sapper (software marketingandtrainingin SanFrancisco),LtColVanceSkarstedt(HistoryDepartment Head at USAFA),GlenUngaro (AmericanAirlinesinDFW),Col (Army) JackHumphrey(ArmyROTCbrigadecommander atFt. Carson),GaryHarris (DeltaAirLines inATL),Jim Schmitz (satelliteengineer in LA),Mike Garber (NetJets in Maryland), MarkCebuhar (NorthwestAirlines in DTWandEBay guru), and HalMoore (Civil service employee at NorthCom). Theystarted gathering on ThursdaynightandstayedthroughSundayandgottowatchAF kicktail! Everyonehad a fantastictime - - catchingup andtalkingintothewee hoursofthenightsbeforethegameand, ofcourse, enjoyingthegreatfootball. TheirnexteventwillbetheAF-Navygame on theEastCoastnextyear so ifyou are inthe area come on down!

That’sitfromherefor now. HappyThanksgiving,MerryChristmas,Happy Holidays and HappyNewYear! Nextup isTrash! 79trash@gmail.com.

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

Fun attheZoo. KeylorEngand a fewofyou attendedthe annual Graduate LeadershipConferencethis summer. It’s anothergreatopportunityto stayin touchwith USAFAand its direction. Keylor’sphoto “is ofa majorityofus ’80 types on the ObstacleCourse. (We were readyto tryit ourselves!) Marianne (Owens) LaRivee, JefTMielke, andDebbieSenn were elsewhere—they must havebeenwatching the pugilists. From left are MaryJane (VanValkenburg) Kellenbence, yours truly, Gail (Benjamin) Colvin, Sue Desjardins, Dave LaRivee, Mike Syiek, and Ed Herlik.”

Andywrote, “The ceremony was real nice. Lt Gen Gabreski (AFMC/CV) (youmightrememberher as a formerATO) was thepresidingofficial. I had five CS-09 classmates in attendance. From left are Stan Tomkinson, Steve Newbold, Dutch Dunkelberger, Pat Swanson, and KentGilliland. Honorable mention goes to DennyHugo. He drovefrom Crested Butte to Denver to try andcatchthered-eyeandjoin us butwas unable to get a seatanddroveallthe waybackhome.

Whatwouldbe a ’79 Class Newswithout an updatefromDeltaAirlines? This input was sent to Brian fromRalphTrapaga a fewmonths back: Ralph was introduced to hiswife, (Maureen), of21 yearsby’79erScott Reynoldsbackin ’81. Accordingto Ralph:“Wehavethreedaughters (18,15 and9). I didn’tthink I couldpullenoughGsin an airlinerto makethathappen. I’vebeenwithDelta for 19 years now and am Captain on the 767-400 flyingtheHawaii runs, Lima (Peru),transcontinentals, Floridaand soon to Europe. IlivehereinPeachtree City,GAwhereyoucan’tswing a dead catwithouthitting a ’79er. Rob Parsons was over atmyplaceforSuperbowlSundayandhe’sflyingthe737-800. Heand SteveBarnes are in mySundaySchoolclass (smallworld,huh?). Robjusttold me thatGuyWalshmade0-7—what agreatrewardfor a trulygreatguy! John Piribek,LynnBianco,GaryRower,ChipTaylorandGaryHarrisliverightdown the streetfrom me and IjusthadRogerShell on myjumpseatcomingupfrom hishomeinTampa. MikeDonatelliand I did some damagetogetherin Rome a fewyears ago and now he’s running our union’s Strike Center. Oh, and remember our first go-aroundWingKingwhen we were Firsties? Well, Steve Dickson is now a bigmucky-muck here at Delta as our Director ofFlight Operations. JustbelowJiimis Kurt Shular as GeneralManagerofFlightOps.

'80 on the O’ Course.

InaNutshell. JudKelley(Kathy+2) sez: “I’m guilty as chargedfor not sendingin anyupdates. So here’s mylife in 10 lines or less. I toldmybride of23+ years thatI’m goingto keepdoingthisAirForce thinguntilitquitsbeingfun. AfterbouncingbetweenfightersandALOjobs over 25years, Igot abetteroffer. I retiredNovember ’05 and was hiredinMarch ’06to teachAFJROTC at Bethel High Schoolin Spanaway(McChordAFB) WA. Along thewayI got to flyA-7s, A/OA-37s andF- 16s. Been deployedinthe airand on theground to Bosnia, Saudi, Kuwait, Iraq, andAfghanistan. Punched out ofone F-16. Got to be 8 OSS ops officer, 13ASOS commanderand 1ASOG deputycommander. Stationedin eightstates, Panama, Germany, andKorea. TDYall over theworld. NowI getto domymostimportantwork as ateacher,touchingthelivesofour youth. Bytheway, I’m stillhavingfun.” Who’s nextforthe “Ten Lines orLess” Challenge? (Or,justsend Christmas/holidayletters.)

OntheDean’sTeamis one Dr.TomUnangst,biologyprofessor. Without me knowingaboutit, hereceivedthe2005AFOutstandingScienceandEngineeringEducator’sAward. Tom’sbeen at theZoo for 13 years. FromtheAcademy Spirit. “Mypersonalgoal as an educator is to strive to become one ofthose

professorswhere students rememberyourefforts, youreffectiveness, your character,yourintegrityandpassionforteaching,learningandapplicationto theworld we live in. I hope to be remembered bystudents as influential in theiracknowledgementofthevirtue andvalueofeducation.” Sounds like a winner.

NewPosts. According to a USAApublication,WillGunn acceptedthe CEO position ofthe Boys & Girls Clubs ofGreaterWashington, DC. When asked abouthisAFexperiencepreparinghimforthetask,Willstated, “Ithas. I stillhave a lotto learn...butleadershipisthe same whetherinthemilitaryor elsewhere. Andnowl’mpartofan organizationthat, liketheAirForce,isdoingimportantthings andmaking our societybetter.”

From acoupleothermagazinesandintel sources: BGDoug OwensleftHickamAFB andhasthewingatAndersenAFB; BG Phil Ruhlman is going to Stavanger,Norway, to be the ChiefofStaff,JointWarfare Center, SupremeAllied CommandforTransformation;RobTremaine isretiredfromthe AF,living in COS, andworking as a rep for DefenseAcquisitionUniversity. Debbie (Dubbe) Graystepped forward and was appointed to the newAOG ClassSenateforthefirsttwo-yearslot Alsointhenews, thesefuturecommand positions:JayNeubauer,Medical CenterCC;ArnieFlores,Maint.GrpCC; and KoryComum, Medical Center CC. Finally, BGJanetTherianos was volunteered to bein chargeoftheAF’s 60th birthdayevents.

Frank'Spanky’Ott, aspartoftheRetiredAviatorRecallProgram, is“stationed atEglin,butcurrentlydeployedto SWAuntilJan2007. Charlie ‘Bones’ Shuggis the379AEW/CCwhereI’mlocated. Hepinned on BG stars 18Sep2006. Anice ceremony. Proud to serve with Bones and be a classmate. I ran into Matt Neuenswanderoverhereafewdaysago. He’s [stationed] atFt.Leavenworth (on thegoodsideofthebars). Matt’svisitingvariousunitsinOIFandOEF,providing briefingsandexpertiseonCAS (closeairsupport). HehashadseveralSWAtours inIraqandAfghanistan, was theAGOS commanderatNellis during aprevious assignment,andisprettymuch a legendintheCAS community.” Godspeedto allofyouinyournew, additional, or transportedduties.

MattandFrankin theSandbox.

Sinceyouasked: Here’s a shotofKathyand me atthetopofLongsPeakatthe endofAugust. Whenponderinglaterthat day,Kathysummeditupnicely:“If I hadrememberedhowhard itwas thefirsttime [1979], Iwouldn’thavedone this. Next time, I optforthe cruise!” Ditto!

beganbyaskingforeveryone’sattention,whichheimmediatelygot. He then wenton toexplainthathewas agraduateoftheAirForceAcademyandthanked allthepeopletherewho were servinginthemilitary. This gentlemansaid he wouldlike to say a prayerforthese people and all ofour military. He bowed hisheadandbegansayingaveryheartfeltprayerofthanksgivingandaskingfor God’sprotection ofnot onlythose attheUSO,butalsothose servingthroughouttheworldandfortheprotectionandloveoftheirfamilies. Ashewas saying thisprayer I happened to lookup and tears came to myeyes... the room was completelysilentandeverypersoninthatroomhadtheirheadbowedinprayer listening to thewords ofthis stranger. Whenhe concluded and said‘Amen’, everypersonthererepeatedit This man thenshookthehands ofseveralstandingclose to him. He thenturned and I thankedhimforhiswonderfulwords. Hesmiledandleft. What awonderfulexperience! Youcouldreallytellthathis words were verymuchappreciated and were verymeaningful. I wanted to writeandcommendyouracademy,staff,andcadetsforthetypeofpeoplewho come fromthisfineorganization. Thiswillbe somethingIwill never forget.” BethAnderson.

Alongwith theemail, I was asked ifthere was awayI couldquicklyfindthis person’s name. I couldn’t—andsuggesteditmightbeenoughto simplyknow wherehe came from: our class and ourAir ForceAcademy!

Rich Trentman

11102 Asbee St.

Falcon, CO 80831-8170

Home: (719) 494-8438

Work: (719) 234-0754

E-mail: trentman@usafa81.com

Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Greatto see everyone! Our25th Reunionhas come andgone! DuringtheFall ofour 2-degreeyear, the Class of’59 hadtheir 20th Reunion and we thought theywere a bunchofoldguys. We are certainlypassedthat,but on thebright side, ’59 is reallyold now. Otherthan the loss to Navy,everythingwentvery well. Theweatherwas fantasticand I heard severalofyoumentionhownice Colorado was compared to thevarious places everyone has settled. The reunionwas ablurwithtime spentinminiconversationswith so manyclassmates. Itisalways a bitoverwhelming. At the class meeting on Friday,RandyWorralland I valiantlytried to offer up our positions asVP and Scribe to the sound of crickets chirping intheArnoldHall auditorium, so I guess we’llcontinueonfornow. Wehad300graduatesattendwhich was great,butI’m stillhopingfor350-400 next time.

Onto class news: KelvinManningwas amongtheMissing inActionfrom our reunion. With ayoungfamilyandworkingforNASA, hepromised to make our 30th Kelvinwentto Estes Parkfor a StrategicPlanningsessionthemonthafter our reunion - sign meup! Ihad an emailandseveralphonemessagesfromDrewGrantinOmaha. He did not makethereunion,but came outforAF-Notre Dame-yikes! (That didn’t go well.) DrewisdoingverywellintheBigO. JakeJakobi could not

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Fromthe Heart. TheAOG forwarded me an email from a volunteer at the O’Hare USO. I’ve edited it slightlyfor space and clarity. “Lastnight I hadthe wonderful opportunityto witness a trulybeautiful moment. Wevolunteers were in thereception area talkingwhen a man came in. Hehad a bigsmile on hisface, thanked us forbeingthere, and asked ifhecouldtake a moment and thankthepeoplewho were in the USO. Hetold us thathejustwanted to take a fewminutes andtellthese currenttroops andrecruits howmuchhe appreciated whatthey were doing, their commitment to their country, and their sacrifice. He also statedhe was 1980graduateoftheAirForceAcademyand justfeltheneeded to do this. We all toldhim we thoughtthat was a verynice gesture andhewent in to address the men and women who were there. He

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Sabre Society Donors

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come due to a second heart attackhehad this Fall, butdon’tdespair;Jake is recoveringwell and will be back to full strengthwell before our 30th Dave “Huffer”Huffcould not come dueto a tennis injury. Iwarned Dave aboutthe dangers oftennis at our age. DavegottogetherwithChuckKimseybeforethe reunion to pass on howhehadn’taged a bitand in fact, lookedmuchyounger. Ofcourse, his storymaychangeby our nextreunion. Chuckwas in Dallas on a business trip. Former scribe, DennisWard, sent me a long email. While Denniscould not makethereunion, heislivingthedream. Aftermanytireless years as a staffer on theSenateAppropriations Committeeandexcitingtrips to Kuwait,Afghanistan, andtheUAE,heisstayingathomewithhistwokidswhile hiswife,Colette,supports him in the manner he so richlydeserves. Way to go, Dennis! ScottLandretiredatOffiuttAFB inSeptemberandstayedintheOmaha area. He says Brooks Bash is the new STRATCOM Deputy J3 and lives on General’s Rowthere. I hadlunchwith mygoodfriendMartyFrancerecently. Martyalwaysgoes out ofhisway to gettogetherwith his classmates!

From the front: RickMartin sent me a greatupdate from SouthwestAsia. Rick, MarcLuiken,JohnEunice, andBryanFunkegottogetherforthepicture. Ricksaysthatbackhome atMcGuireAFB,NJ, there are five’81 ers on the same street. Rick’swife, Barb (Chapman),Martin,AJStewart (sawAJ at ourreunion watching his son march in the noon meal formation), Ray and Karen (Boniewicz) Torres (theywere all at the reunion). Barb was at our reunion with theirfourchildren. Rickalso mentionedthatGaryCrowderwas over in SWAworking in the CAOC, butcould not make thephoto.

Somemissingladies: I emailed KarenManos a copyofthe ’81 ladiespicture. Shewas most appreciative andis doingwellwith a largelawfirm inWashington D.C. Also,Janice (Gunnoe) HughesisstillinIndia. Silvi (Kiisk) Steigerwald visitedherthis summer on a business trip. Janice said theymaybelivingin beautiful Colorado by our 30th! Smartwoman. I almostpassed the “test” on identifying our classmates in the ’81 Ladies picture. I sent mybest guess to LindaMcCullers andcouldidentifyall,butfour... almost a “B”. Tryto match that! You’llhave to email me forthe answer key.

(www.usafa81.com). Keep sending me your reunion pictures and Holiday photos. One thing I noticewith each successive reunion... we callit a night earlierandearlier... hnimm.

’81 LadiesTea

Some reunion news: Amazingly, Darrell McMurrayhad a hole-in-oneduringthe’81 GolfTournament. Darrellwill havepasses toAugusta available to us next Springtowatch him in theMaster’s. As traditiondictates,hebought a roundforhisclassmates, MikeParankaandBartAtwell. I was fortunate to see RogerFoleyand Jim Kilty(high school classmates) at our reunion. Rogeris a contractorinSanAntonioandJim flies out ofChicago. Tom andMissy(Mraz) Robbins were verybusyboth attending our reunion events andvisitingtheir son at CC. Tom Harwood made me laugh. He said you would hear from everyone“youlook great”,butTomwould answer “no I don’t, I looklikehell; I’m old”. As I reminisced with Joan Cunningham,Tony Lorusso, Dennis Prokopowicz, andMarkFisk (my4-degreesquadronmates) at thereunion, I realized how fewofus made it to graduation. I’m sure all ofyou can saythe same. I shouldhave reunion pictures on ourwebsitebythetimeyoureadthis

BillMcLendon, his daughter (C4CMarie), wife (Danielle), BeckyFrance, BillNelson andhis wife, GreggMontijo, andJakeandFrankCheeseman. Ourreunion haspassed,but2011 is notfaroff. (That’s thelastthingI want to start thinkingabout now...justkidding) Aspecialthanks to RandyWorrall and allofour classmatesthathelpedputittogether. Nexttime,I’llprovide an AFvictory! Our30-yearclass campaign shouldbewellunderwaybythetime you read this article. Please consider givingback to our school. It trulyis a specialplaceand our gifts can make sure it stays a top education andexperience formanygenerations to come. I hope allofyouhad a tremendoustime atthereunion andwishyou all a veryMerryChristmas! GoAF!

Jim Ratti 161 E. 2400 S. Clearfield, UT 84015-1919 (801) 497-0989/DSN: 586-3344 rattijm@mindspring.com http://usafa82.org

GreetingsRedtags!

Another relativelylight quarter for news, but I did hear from or run into severalofour classmatesthistime around. A common theme seems to bethat we’re alleagerlylooking forward to our 25th reunion comingup sometimein theearlyfallof2007. Theexact dateswon’tbeenchosenuntilthe2007 football scheduleisfinalized, butkeepyoureyes and ears open as we gearup forwhat promises to be a reallygreattime. Those ofyouwho made the 10and/or20 knowwhat to expect, butifyou’ve never been to one, this is the one to make.

We’llalso soonbespinningup acapitalcampaigntohelptheAOGandUSAFA fund some oftheverybeneficial itemswhich theAcademy’sever-shrinking appropriatedfundsjust don’t cover. One big recent projectis the Memorial Pavilion at theUSAFAcemetery,whichshouldbecompleted in thespringof ’07. Ofcourse there are myriadongoingAOGprograms likethe Respectand Responsibilityprogram,which promotesvalue-based leadershipprinciples essentialtoleadingintoday’sAirForce. Iwon’ttakeanymoreofyourtimehere appealingforyourthoughtfulsupportexcept to saythat I believestronglyin theleadership anddevelopmentalprogramstheAOG andUSAFAprovide our futureleaders. I sincerelyhopeyou’llseriouslyconsiderprovidinggenerous and ongoing charitable support to ourAOG.

I’msurebynowyou’ve seen thegreatarticleintheSep2007Checkpointsabout our own SueGrant Sueisenjoyinga superbtriple careerofbeing an airlinepilot forUnited, awell-known romance novelauthor,and adevoted mom to hertwo children. Thearticlegave averygoodoverviewofher career to dateandofhow she’s drawn onherexperiences as a cadetand anAirForceofficerto roundout hercharacters andplots. Anditreminds me ofjusthowmuchwe’veall grown, diversified andachievedsincegraduationalmost 25yearsago.

CENTAF warriors - RickMartin, Marc Luiken, John Eunice, and Bryan Funke.

MachOneSqadronDinner

Speakingofachievements,ZanVautrinotpinned onBrigadierGeneral2Sep06 andassumedcommandoftheAirForceRecruitingService at Randolph. Zan takes on theseeminglycontradictorychallengeofrecruiting newAFmembers whilewe simultaneouslydownsizeandshape our force. Buttheemphasisis on shaping, andthereforewe mustmaintainthesteadyinfluxofnewandsuperior talentto keep our service atpeakperformance. I knowZanisup to thetask!

Of course as new folks enter, we old folks must depart. My comment last quarterregarding my own looming retirementprompted a congratulatory notefrom Col StevePluntzewhoisstationedinLondon. I thinkStevehasthe bestjob in theacquisitionworld - he’sthecommanderoftheEuropeanOffice ofAerospaceResearchandDevelopment. I didn’t even knowthatjobexisted, but I sure wish I had! I mighthave decided to stickaround a couple moreyears...

John is theAF/A5X-C Global MobilityProjectManagerfor ScienceApplicationsInternationalCorporation andretired.

14 Sabre Society Donors

7 Sabre Society Donors

Igot a retirementannouncementfromColMikeSinisi, our own “marathon man”who still revels in competing in the Marine CorpsMarathon (andothers) eachyear. Mikeretired in lateOctoberfrom hisjob as ChiefoftheGlobalEnterprise Command Center at the National SecurityAgency. He intends to stayintheWashingtonDC area andwillbelooking forworkintheITworld. Col Brett“Toolman”Haswellwrote to order some Classof’82coins (yes,they’restillforsale!) and toletmeknowhe’sthoroughlyenjoyinghisjob as the325th MaintenanceGroup commanderatTyndall. Toolmanhastheenvious (andverybusy)job ofkeepingtheF-22Raptorsassignedto theschoolhouseflying. I alsogot a coinorder fromBillyWilliams,whocaught me up on what’sbeengoingon inhislife. He’s in Houston now, working as a supervisorySpecialAgentwith Immigration CustomEnforcement.

ColDebKiikhuffdroppedane-mailfromQatarwhereshe’sdoingasix-month tourworkinghostnationcoordinationissues. Nottoo muchofahardship, she says, save fortheheatandhumidity! DocIOmminauisfirmlyrootedinhisnew job as headofPlansandProgramsfortheAirIntelligenceAgencyat Lackland. I got anice,newsyletterfromhiswife,Trish (’83),whosaysthey’reenjoyingtheir nice2,500-sq-foothome on Randolph. Basehousing surehaschanged!

I met up with a fewclassmateswhile TDYthis pastquarter as well. Chris “Kimos" Haaveis the 57th RangeWing Commander at Nellis, and I got to see him as he was briefingup a four-shipA- 10 test mission inNovember. Chris fliesregularlywiththe422TestSquadronthereand is helpingthemwringout theveryambitious PrecisionEngagement (PE) modwe’re doing to theA-10 fleet. This modbringsGPS-guidedweapons likeJDAM to theA- 10 as well as movingmapdisplaysanddatalinkcapabilities. It’sthemostsignificantavionics mod to go into theA- 10 inits history. I was at theAir Guard andReserve’s WeaponsandTactics ConferenceinTucsonin Octoberand ran into ColsMike GrahamandTonyMauer. Mike is a Group Commander atHanscomandhas responsibilityfortheJSTARSplatform.Tonyis atAirMobilityCommandheadquarters at Scott and is in charge ofall their “blackworld” specialprojects. BothMikeandTonylookedliketheywere enjoyingthemselves,andit surewas great to see themafter so manyyears.

Iwentto theServiceAcademyCareerConferenceinSanAntonioinNovemherand ran into a numberofRedtagswhohave (or soon willbe) retired. Stu Rogers iscurrentlytheDeputyXR at theAirForce ResearchLab atWright-Pat andhasthe same retirementdate as I do (1 July’07). SteveClamp retiredfrom Randolphlast summer andislookingto stayinthe area. Also atRandolphisEd Antoine, currentlyflyingT- Is. I’m not sure ofhis retirement date, but it is imminent as well. I met upwithCarlZimmermanwho is alreadyretiredand living on a 22-acre ranchin Georgetown,justnorthwestofAustin. Carl also wantsto stayinthe area. As Imadetheroundsofthemany (veryenthusiastic!) recruiters at theconference, I struckup a conversationwith BryonMills, ’77, DirectorofBusinessDevelopmentforStandardAero. Turns out thelast name was no coincidence - he’sthebrotherofour classmate DeanMills! Byrontold me Deanis retired andlivinginC-Springs, anddoingwell.

And as I write this, HeatherWilson’s bid for a 5th term in Congress (R, New Mexico 1 st District) is stillofficiallyundecided, although as oftheSaturdaythe 10th ofNovembershehas declaredvictory. Thevotehasbeenextremelyclose, with at most a difference ofabout 1,500 votes out ofover 200,000 cast. We’ll keep our fingerscrossed, Heather!

Well that aboutwraps itup foranother quarter. Keep theelectronsflowing thiswayand as always, besafe! Ratman

W. Wade Wheeler Box 30

Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060

Work: (703) 806-4872

Cell: (703) 474-5032

walter.wade.wheeler@usarmy.mil

Let me start myfirst Checkpointsarticlewith a questionforallofyou. Would yoube surprisedifan unknownArmyofficeraskedyou at an ArmyPostgas station “Did you graduate from theAir ForceAcademy? Class of’83?” John Stafford, a beltwaybandithad that happen to him at Fort Belvoir,VAinJuly.

I recentlycalled GaleBrownwho was AOC ofCS-15 whenI wasAOCofCS16. Alovelyyounglady(Lilia) answeredthephone. WhenI asked forGaleshe yelled “MOMMYphone call!” I never heard anyofher cadets callhermommy, at least notwhen she was listening. She is also the 1 st female AOC to have a female USAF Thunderbirdfromhersquadron. Gale was marriedin2005 to Keith Newhaus (anAF Lt Col). Theyboth plan to retire nextyearandlivelessthan a milefrom me inAlexandria,VA WhileroamingthehallsofthePentagontodayinmywheelchair,I spotted a KC-135 Navi knewfrom RAFMildenhallin the cafeteria. Imagine mysurprise when I asked his boss seatedatthetablewhatyearhegraduatedfromtheZoo.Yeah, 1983 and nowappearinginCheckpointsJimOgden (CS-38). Heprovidedthe following: DaveRemendowskiis on AirStaff. ToddBoesdorferjust set thebar wayto high for‘overthe top’ retirement ceremonies andis now in Colorado Springs. John Zazworsky is the 89 OG/CC at Andrews. BG (Sel) John Hesterman (SAF LLDeputy) isroamingthehallsofthePentagonmakingcoffeeforthosewithmultiple stars. WhilesittingwithJim, Dave Uzzellgotinline atSubways. DaveandIwereinCS-21 ourfirsttwoyearsandwhileDavedoesn’t looklikehalftheoffensivelinemanhewas, helooksgreat. HeisChief, Combat ForcesDivisionandsayshito all! I also tookthetime to arriveunannounced at theoffice ofthe SeniorMilitaryAssistant, DeputyUnderSecretaryofDefense,Acquisition andTechnology. ChrisBogdan was dulysurprised! Hook forwardto seeinghislovelywife,April,again. His sonAdamisin the8th grade and as the Jr. GolfChampion inVirginia can thoroughly trounce his dad. DaughterAmandais a freshman atKeystoneCollege.

Recognizethelovelygymnastin thepicture?YeahGisela, a smackwhenwe were 3 degrees. As some ofus know, she is married to Mike Shanahan, C-17 ProgramManager atTravis. He spends some ofhis moneyand all his leave commuting to Colorado Springs tovisit Giselawho istheDirectorofFinance

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at theCOS airport. Pictureisfromhis summervacation to Barcelona, Spain; Marseille,France;Monaco,Rome,Florence, andPompeii. The rest ofMike’s moneygoes to UNLVwith son Sean, a juniorHotelAdministrationmajor; their son Kyle is on a full gymnasticsscholarship as expected to UNL (Nebraska), andstudyingInternationalBusiness.

Sowho was thatArmyofficermentionedabove?

I have been on active duty in the US ARMYsince Julythis year. I work as BranchChiefforAirspace,Airfields, andAeronauticalInformationattheArmy AeronauticalServicesAgency, FortBelvoir. I commute every2-3weeksto Pope AFB where mywife, Cherri, is theWingChaplain. ThewheelchairisArmy issue aftermajorknee surgery. I spent 30 days ofmyfirst 90 in theArmy on convalescentleave. Afterthreemonths on crutchesIhavefinallybeenallowed to putmyleftfootdown on theground. I do plan tobebackinlowsingle-digit handicap form no matter howmuch time I have to spend on thegolfcourse.

KennyGuevarrahostedChuckMurrilo, BobStambaughand I fortheArmy /AirForcefootballgame a fewweeksago athismansion on thelake inVerona, KY. We allwatched it on ESPN and I coughed up $$$ at the end ofthe game because I had to betforArmy. Kennyflies 757/767 forDelta outofCincinnati. Chuckis a traveling nurse currentlyin southern Florida. He did a rough stint in Hawaii recently. Bob is the AcquisitionWing Commander at WrightPattersonAFB. DaveJardonwalked over fromnextdoor towatch some ofthe gamewith us. Averyspecialthanksgoes to Jodi (Kenny’swife) forbeingsuch a gracious hostess andputtingupwith Kennyfor20+ years.

Asyou can see fromthisphoto,Kennystillneeds a haircut. Not as evidentis that Bob is the USAF posterchildforsafetythisyear. Inthephoto heis outof hiswheelchairandleaning on Juswalker. Beverycarefulwhenrockclimbing andmake sureyousecurelyfastenyourselftothesafetyrope. A30-footfallwill hurt. Thatis thevoice ofexperiencetalking.

Several ofus plan to attendtheAir Force / Navyfootball game atAnnapolis in2007. Start puttingit on yourcalendarnow!

EricPohlandsayshellofromEglinAFBwhereheis theViceWingCommander livingin a house on theGulfofMexico. KristiandErichave twinfour-year-old daughters,MaddieandBonnie. KristiisaUSAFAgradtoo. Askfumsometime whatgradeshe was inwhen we graduated. (Shouldhave come to thefootball gathering.)

TomBucknerhas the 2nd mosthours inACC flyingthe GlobalHawk UAS as anAGRandOperations Officerforthe 13th Reconnaissance Squadron. Hehas deployedseveraltimes to thedesert HereallyenjoysflyingcombatISRsorties fromBealeandthengoinghome atnightto hiswife, Laura (17+yrs), andkids! JoePacheco has returned to Beale in the 9th RW.

It is never too early to start looking at theArmy/AirForcefootball gamefor nextyear.... GOARMYbeatAirForce!

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (800) G0-AFA-G0

michaeljensen@remax.net

http://www.usafa84.com

I hopeyou are gettingreadyforthenewyear! 2007 is upon us.Whenyouget a chancecheck out the newAOGforumwww.zoomienation.comandsignup into ourclassgroup. I hopetobeableto log more pictures inthere, and I think we can setup albums andimportthepics and info directly! Ifyoujustheard a resounding“YES!”, thatwas me.

Howabout some updates?Hereyougo. DarylSmithretiredin2004. Hislast fiveyears were on thefaculty at USAFA. Hecurrentlylives inNorthern Kentucky/Cincinnati area. He is close to the airport so allyou airline types call himifyouhave alayover. HeisdoingsometeacliingatNorthem KentuckyUniversity, some consulting,helpinga guyrun a manufacturingbusiness, andwriting a book on the CincinnatiReds. With all his “spare” timehegives attention to hiswife andfourkids.

Wehavere-verifiedthatC4CLorenziniistheFirstandonly3rd generationlegacycadetCongratstoyouEdandElizabeth. Ed reportsthatBrianStilsonisworkingintheAirForce60thAnniversaryoffice.Theywere the ones whoverifiedtheLorenzini info. TheAirForcefeaturedtheirfamilyatthededicationofthe AirForceMemorial, andflewout C4CAnthonyLorenzini fortheevent

9 Sabre Society Donors

MitchBiggsattachedphotosfromtheirvacation atStanielCaythis summer. He flewhis amphibian Lake LA4-200 EP across the pond to do some island hoping. Itwas a fantasticvacation. Hehiglilyrecommends (www.stanielcay. com). MitchlefttheAFin 1998 andhasbeenwithCircuitCityever since. DirectorofOperationsandenjoytheFortune500corporateexperience.Heisactively involvedinGeneralAviationandwritesforAviationDigest Picturedinthephoto is Mitch,wifeAsJdey, son Keaton (12),DaughtersRiley (9) and Reese (5). His oldestson, Ryan(19),hasdecidedtojointheMarinesandhisdaughterDani (18) isdoinggreat atVirginiaTech as afreshman.You can findthemeitherin Richmond,VAor attheirlakehome on LakeGaston,NC.

PaulHavel sendsgreetingsfrom SaintSimons, GA. LastJunehetookafiveyearleaveofabsencefrom DeltaAirLines andtook over full-timecommand ofthe 165thAirSupportOperationsSquadron(GeorgiaAirNational Guard) in Brunswick,GA. It’s a squadronof“BattlefieldAirmen”that compriseUSAF Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP). Theirjob is to call in air strikes for the Army. Duringthe course ofhis duties,hehas come in contactwithColSteve Sheprowhois now thecommanderofthe 18thAirSupportOperationsGroup (ASOG) atPopeAFB,NC. Steveis doing a superbjoblookingaftertheBattlefieldAirmenfrom all service componentswhentheygetdeployed overseas. LastJuly,theyhad a minireunion attheircadetsponsor’s 50thweddinganniversary (Bruce andJuanitaHuber). Lt ColTodd Tamura, Lt ColJohnTbmick (retired), andJayDawsonwere in attendance. Toddisstillactivedutyworking with theAirForceFlightStandardsAgencyin OklahomaCity. Johnrecently retiredfromthePentagonandwas immediatelylured into the same office as a government employee (they couldn’t afford to let him go). Jayhas been deeplyinvolvedinJusministrythatdevelopsChristianleadersinAfrica. Paul alsogotwordtheJeffreyBryanrecentlyretiredandisalsoworking as agovernment employeeinGermany.

PaulhadthedistinctpleasureofattendingtheretirementceremonyofLtCol DonaldHmpsonlastyearDon’slastassignmentwas theOperationsOfficerof the 19thSpecialOperationsSquadron at HurlburtField, FL. Hespent most of his career at Hurlburt Field flyingjust about everyvariation oftheAC-130 GunsJup. Hewillbemissed. Don is now a First Officer on theBoeing 727 for FedEx.

ScottWelkermaybeinthejobmarket now, so ifyouhave an update on him,

pass it on. Dan ‘K10’ Krzeczowski had a nice layover in Cologne, GEwith a buddyofminefromwayback, TimBarrentinealsowithFedEx, (smallworld). As always Marvelous MarvinJoneschecksinthatalliswellwiththe newjob in the Springs. U.S. NavyViceAdm. J. “Boomer” Stufflebeem,commander of JointTaskForce Lebanon, has announced thatAir Force Col BradWebbwill commandTaskForce“Alpha,”comprising air and land components.Webb will continue using a group ofMH-53M Pave Lowheavy-lifthelicopters to move peopleinand outofthe U.S.Embassyin Beirut.TaskForceAlpha,with 450 personnel, also is responsible forArmyCH-47 helicopters based out of Ingolstadt,Germany,MC-130PCombatShadowrefuelersand a smalllogistics element.Wayto go Brad!

AndyKlein isworkingforNorthrop Grumman andlive in Keller,TX.They moved awhilebackto get more land and a pool. (Smart man, or should I say goodcallJackie?) TheirdaughterJessicais atSamHouston StateinHuntsville, TX.AndyalsotransferredfromVance to Sheppard.He is stillflyingthemighty tweet, andgettingclose to retirement. He ran into Ken Post at the unit. He’s flyingtheT-38 andbased at DFW on theS-80.

Otherstuff)Lookforourbasketballteamto be on TVagainthisyear.Ijust saw thembeatup onWakeForestlastnight. Agreatgroup ofyoung men. Stillhave some DVDs left and ifyou haven’treceivedyours, (andpaid for one) let me knowand I’llgetit out rightaway. Have a greatholidayand awonderful start to 2007. Jens

Quintel Williams

8980 Peabody Court Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 282-4333

USAFA1985@aol.com

Greetings.

KevinandWendyRouthier’sfamilyupdate (infofromtheir2006EasterNewsletter) follows. LastApriltheydrovetoMassachusettsforasurprise50th birthdaypartyforKevin’seldestsister, Rita. InMaytheyhad a largefamilyyardsale aftercleaningoutWendy’sparents’basement. Kevinsaid some ofthe’70sstuff sold fast as it is now considered “retro!” They ended the monthbytakingthewholegang on a roadtrip to Massachusettsfor aweek over MemorialDay. InAugusttheyspenttwo weeks atNewRiver (Wendy’sparents’ summer cabin) where they sawtheNewRiverGorge, toured a coalmine,visitedthe Dixie Caverns, and had a family reunion. Wendywas the proverbial“SoccerMom” in September. In October,Wendy tookthekids on a homeschool field trip to MountVernon. Kevinsaid theyhibernatedfrom NovemberthroughJanuary... but enjoyedThanksgiving and Christmas atWendy’s parents’ home (next door). February started with Kevin playing Mr. Mom whileWendyattended a churchladiesretreat, andendedwiththehighlightof theiryear: a Disney Cruise! Yes, all 10 ofthem (plusWendy’s mom, dad, and brother) went. It was a gracious gift fromWendy’sparents which they’ll remember for a lifetime. Oncetheyreturnedfromthe cruise in March, it was back to homeschool andwork, with more fieldtrips inApril. Kevin also ineluded a picture oftheRouthierfamily.

ChedJones’ e-mail about his last move (covered in the last Checkpoints) sparkedseverale-mailresponses from somefellowViking9ers. FredFrederick repliedinAprilthathewas gladto seethe news on classmates and,althoughit’s technicallydifferentineachcase,it’smostlythe same typeofinfo on everyone. Fred said he and Safira missed the reunion. The Frederick’s havebeen stationedinWaikiki sinceJan 05 at theAsia-Pacific CenterforSecurityStudies, located on Fort DeRussey. Fred saidyes, it’s “next to the Hale Koa Hotel, and yesit’sfun.” Fredalso saidtheirtwo daughters (12 and8) havebeenadjusting well. SofarPhillynhasbeen to fiveschools,andshe’sonlyinthe6th grade. Fred said hethinkshe’llhavetwo more assignmentsbeforeheretires,butit’sbeen

his goal to allowthegirls to bein high schoolin the same place, andhe thinks Kaitlynwillbe safe.

BobValinalso chimed inwith a replyto Ched’se-mail. Bob saidheenjoyed thestories andsincehemissedthereunion aswell,hehad“anemptyclue-bag onjustaboutalltheoldVikings!’’Bob saidheandPatty(andtheirtwo kids, 17 andnearly 14) are settledforthemomentoutsideDC. Patty’s adentalhygienist andhe’sworking as a ReserveAGR on theJointStaff. Bob saidheexpects to be there at least anotheryearbut“beyondthat, it’s anybody’sguess.”

Jim Lovellweighed inwith an e-mail replyto Ched’s note too. Jim saidhe missed thereunion too. He and Holly are at ScottAFB, IL now. Jim said he’s running atruckingconsolidationprogramforUSTRANSCOM - “not surehow anAF guygot to run a truckingoperation,butwe’rehaving fun.” Theirtwin girlsjustturned seven andtheirboyjustturnedthree. Jimsaidhehas no plans to retire soon, butprobablywithinthe nexttwo assignments sometime... Jim saidthey’rejusthappy to be out ofthe DC area for a while!

WillHampton sent an e-mailwith a picture attached. He said thathe and DaveSumrellwere theonly’85 gradsattendingtheAirWarCollege (AWC) this yearand theygraduated in May. Willsaidthataftergraduation Davehad an assignmentat OffuttAFB, NEwherehewouldbeflyingonboardtheNational Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) as a team chief. Will said he was being assigned to theSecretaryoftheAirForce’s staffatthePentagon in SAF/IAas a divisionchief. Congrats on yourgraduations fromtheAWC and on your new assignments as well.

Fromleft areDaveSumrellandWillHampton atAirWarCollege.

JoyceWashington sent an e-mail. Shesaidlifein Dayton, OHis quietthese days. She’sdoingmuchbetterthanshewasatthistimelastyear. Joycedidalot ofplanning for our 20th Reunion but was not able to attend due to medical problems. She said I could explain that she was on dialysis and wasn’t respondingverywellto the treatment. Joyce’ssisterdonated a kidneyto herand shehadthesurgeryayearago. Joycethenspent seven monthsgoinginandout ofthehospitaluntilherbodyadjusted to the newkidney. Shereported a milestone... threemonths hadpassed (as of28Aug06) andshehadn’tbeenhospitalized foranything! She said she was occasionallyhavingoutpatient treatment butmanagingprettywell. She was even planning to go to theAir Force

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TheRouthierFamilyatWaltDisneyWorld.

versusTennesseefootballgamein Knoxville,TN. Joyceasked me to pass along herthanksto Lynn Steerandeveryonewhoparticipatedinthevideo shemade ofwellwishes forher. Shesaidshewatchedthetaperepeatedlylastfall and it reallyliftedherspiritswhileshe was recuperating.Additionally,sheasked me to passalong a coupleofPublic ServiceAnnouncements (PSAs). PSA#1 Joyce saidshestillhas some Classof198520th Reunionpendantsavailableforsale, so contactherifyouwant any. PSA#2 Joycesaidleteveryoneknowthattheycan askheraboutbeing an organ donor or recipient.

Bruce Desauteles sent an e-mail stating thathe andJoyce were really excited... lookingforward to wherevertheAir Force sends them next afterthis assignmenton theJointStaff. Bruce istwoyears into a three-yearassignment and is currendytheExecutiveOfficer to theDirector,Joint Staff.

Finally, as advertisedlasttime,here’sthepicturethatJoeVeneziano,IrvHiga and I (QuintelWilliams) tooktogether at our 20th Reunionluncheon. Wehad funcatcliingup on things andtaking thepicture(s).

In Septembermyboss (ColThomas “T-Lar”Larkin, USAF) retiredand I saw one ofour classmateswho used toworkforJtim attheceremonyandparty— MarkFischer. Markandhiswifelive in Orlando,FLwhereMarkworks forthe LockheedMartin Missiles and FireControlCompany.

Well,speakingofretirement... I’vevolunteered to do it too. Ifyou knowof anyone lookingfor a greatguywith a highsecurityclearanceandlots ofexperiencewithspaceoperationsandmissiledefensesystems,pleaselet me know.

Congratulations to ourlatestgroup of’85ers selectedforpromotionto 0-6 colonel! The list includesMikeBlack, ChuckBaumgardner,ChevyCleaves, TomCurrie, BruceDesateles,RobertDooley, RichHedgpeth,Marilyn (Garcia) Kott, Keith Lambert, Ron Marselle, Mike Mclnemey, Chris Valle, Robin Vandenberry, JoeVeneziano, and Richard“RK”Williams. Pleasejoin me in congratulating our new 0-6s.

Untilthenexttime.. .keepthosecards, e-mails, letters andpicturescoming. Take care. Quintel

Bob Colella

9301 Harness Horse Court Springfield, VA 22153 (703)455-3176

RKASColella@cox.net

Robert.colella@af.mil

GreetingsFellowClassmates!

Ahugeshout out to allwhoattendedthe20-yearReunionfestivities—itwas afantastictimeforall. Itisreallyhardtobelievethat20yearscouldhavepassed so quickly and itwas wonderful to see the 395 folkswho hadsignedup at last count, a greatgroup ofclassmateswho showed up to renew oldfriendships andreaffirm thespiritofour class.

I have included manypictures in this article foryourpleasure andwillget withEdYong to see howmuchweb server spacewe can clog upbyadding more photos to theclassweb sitethatislinked to theAOG site.

It was myfirsttimebackin quite a longtimeand I hadforgottenhowbeautiful Colorado can be, butalsohowquiet it can bewalking or drivingaround thegrounds. Katybegged me to go, and then begged me not to dragheralong—sol didn’t;but I didtakemydaughterAllisonwhois now 12 and juststarted7th grade. Wehad a greatFather-Daughterweekend and enjoyed each other’s companygreatlyand I even got a chance to do somethingthatI never got thechance to dowhile there or in times past - we got up Saturdaymorning before the football gamego Falcon’s, Beat the Lobos! - and drove up to thetop ofPike’s Peak.

TheAspen’s were in all theirgoldengloryand thedaywas a clear as a bell. I didn’trealizethat there aren’tanyguardrails on the road as youclimb higher andliigherwiththeswitchbacks - fantasticviews,butterrifiedAllisonthrough theleft-hand turns.Wegot to thetop,thickwith snow-itwas cold - took some

photos andthenheadedbackdown. Don’ttell Hertz,butI’m gladthatwasn’t my carmakingthattrip!

Got lots ofphotos and a fewupdates fromfolkswho sent in group photos with some ReunionChatter so heregoes:

Firstupis Lt ColScottCampbell. I see Scott on theMetro occasionallyheadinghome on the Blue line - bestpartofanyday on thestaff heis inA5 and sends thefollowing to gowith thepicture:

“Forthe’86ganginCS-24, the20-yearreunionwas ablast. Wehad a smaller showingthan anticipated, butthe representationspannedthegamut. From left areWes Jollyrecentlyretired and is teachingAP Historyin C-Springs. It didn’ttakehimlong to shedtheAF style andgrowhisbeard. KimHawthorne is currentlyDeputyCommanderofOTS atMaxwellAFB. I thinkhe was scoutingforhisfuturelifelocationin Colorado. EdBrewerjumped out early,joined Deltaand is currentlyflyinginternational routes to Europe. HelivesinCastle Rockandhosted awonderfulmini-CS-24reunionathishome. KevinMcLuen isnowwiththeReserves atKeeslerflyingtheC-130Jandlovinglife. Heismost excitedabouttheStonesgoingbackon tour! ScottCampbellis atthePentagon workingRequirements forMobilityandSpecialOps. Whatdoesthat mean... he’s trying to buytheAF a new tanker, rescue helicopter, etc. Thewater ski is proofto Lumpo (TimMcDonald) that Ed didn’t steal his ski. He’sjustbeen holdingitfor... 20YEARS! Wehadagreattimereminiscingandlookforwardto the 25-yearreunion; be sure to markyour calendars now.”Thanks Scott—I ran into Ed and his lovelywife, Jody, as well - we were all at pilot training togetheroh so longago atWilliamsAFB.

The next photo I got was fromMark“Norm”Crosby. Markand I had a great time as Cadet’sduringthe summer betweensophomoreandjunioryearaswe were both sent to theAzores on OperationAir Force. He being a Lakers Fan and I being a Celtics Fan we had a blastwatcliingtheNBAfinals in 1984 (tape delayed?) onAFNwhiledrinking50-cent martinis in the LajesField Officer’s Club. Matt Rathsakwas also there doingdamage to his liverand the BOQs. There maybeotherphotos,butMark“Norm”Crosbypromisedto keepthose inthesafe as longI promised notto showthepicturesofhimdoingthe“Safety Dance” - whoops.

From left areJoeVeneziano,IrvHiga and Quintel Williams at our20* ReunionLuncheon.

Mark sent this photo alongwith a short note: “Great seeingyou at the reunion, we had ablast. Itwas reallygreatthat so manypeoplewere ableto make it. Here’s a picture ofseveral CS-23 Barnstormers paying tribute to Frank Veldhuizen at hisAcademygravesite. Asyou mayrecallFrankwas my roommate, fellowwaterpoloplayerand our classmatewhotragicallypassedaway at the end ourjunioryear. Pictured in theback row fromleft are HughVest, MikePietryga, KirkLear, andTomWillard. Front row: EdRinke, Ed Chavez, andMarkCrosby.

ThanksMark,andthatiswhatreunions are for. I spent aconsiderableamount oftime attemptingthe same taskwithclassmate DaveBryantlookingforTina Marie (Willers) Livingtson’ssite. Iremembervisitingitduring 10-yearreunion shortlyaftershepassed,butneitherDave norI couldfindit. Withthecemetery inthemidstofa hugerenovation, we did nothavetheassistance ofa directory

4 Sabre Society Donors

andthegroundskeeper,whotriedhishardest,was unableto help us locateher final restingplace. Weplaced a redbouquet offlowersforherundertheclass crest on the chapelwall. Tina,whereveryou are, here’s a toast...

Afewmorephotosto enticeyouto come to the25-yearreunionwhichpromises to be even biggerandbetter! First Mark Cantrellhittingthe silkwiththe WingsofBluejump teamflyingtheClassof’86flagunderhisbrightredparachute canopy-that was awesome. Can’tmake out thewhole“86” flag,but as you can see Mark stillhas it as he was spot on target.

Speakingofthe“clanofsneakers,” ran into Sheilagh (Kenney) Carpenter at ArnoldHall (what’s new, sheasked toborrowmystatisticshomeworkandthen blewme off). No really,sheapparentlylostthecoinflipwhichwouldhavehad herjump into the stadium as well - or maybe she had given up thathobbyanyway, sheisworking atthezoo intheCenterforCharacterDevelopmentand hooks up speakers to come in andspeakto theclasses on experiencesinleadership andchallenges. All in all a greatprogramwhichcontributes to the development ofcharacter inthefineyoung men and women who continue to pursuetheirdreamsofserving our greatnation attheUSAFAcademy—which wouldexplainwhyshehas never asked me to be a questspeaker.

Observationsfrom20yearspast: Lots has changed, butlotsisstillthe same. Coke andPepsimachinesinthedorms! Andrefrigeratorsincadet rooms (Juniors and abovespace forrent?) andoverall a litdeless “rigor” intheorganizationofcadet rooms, butjustthe same itis as hardforthem as it was for us in its ownway. (Yeah,right!) I recallthemicrowavethatwas disguisedwithrabbit ears to “look” like a TV- no need, microwaves in the SARs.

Also,theymovedCS-32, butI foundmyold room andconducted a no-notice inspectionmydaughterabort diedwhen7 did p BCT-remixknocking on the door. We got out oftherebefore the securitypolice showed up.

I had lunchwith the cadetwing (or a small part ofit) and again the more thingschangethe more theystaythesame. Fewwere impressedwiththeForm 0-96thatI pulledfromthebackofmycopyofCheckpointsbuttheywere impressed with how old and worn it was. I couldn’t find mycowbell from inprocessing; otherwise I would’ve worn that too. (Iwillfindthat forthe 25th )

A few more pictures: First is of a cheerleader reunion—prettycool ifyou considerthisis apersonalrecordforbeautiful women alltalkingto me at once (okay, I didn’treallytake the picture). From left are Pam (Reddick) Bergeson (married toTom, ’85),Bridget (Burton) Malfer (married to DennisMalfer ’86) and Kim (Lewis) Kochanski, (married to Don Kochanski ’85).

ing, as I am sure most ofthis crowd never sent theirs outforawash),butI am going to gowiththis one instead.

(Seephoto at top ofnext column.)

I have room forjust one more picture andwanted to give thanks to all the RoadRunnerBrotherswho showedup as well. TommySchuelertook a tonof photosand sentthemto me andyou see some ofthemhere. I was goingtopick a photo to illustratemypointthat thecompanythatmakes thecadetwingAJackethasused materialthatshrinks considerablyover time (notwithwash-

From left areBillIbinson, ScottMcClean, Scribe, DarylHauck, BestMan RobSloan, TommySchuelerandDaveBryant.

Billwas the“oldman”when we hitthemarblestrips on 28June 1982 having spent a ‘lifetime’ as an enlisted crew cliiefworking on F-106s in the“realAir Force” prior to entering the Zoo; but now he looks like he somehowwent backwards intime. Billhasfound a secrettoyouth,buthe ain’tsharingitwith his classmates. Currentlyworking as contractor inthePentagon, I see him headingto thegymeach morning (hmmm,maybethatis a clue).Scottworks as a lobbyistin DC (cla>medhedidn’tknowanyone named“Jack”), Darylis workinghard at HanscomAFBwithlovelyLeslie,honorarymemberofCS-32 and Class of’86havingspentallfouryearswiththisgang, MyBestMan, and roommate Rob flys forAmericanAirlineswhen he isn’tbusywith his three girls. Tommyis married to high school sweetheart Debbie andhas a kid in college. Tommyrecentlyretiredand isworkingforBoeingintheirpilotoffice working on C-17s (mostlyflyingthem!), Dave ismarried to Cindy(notBeth)

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* Establish your own personal/ professional profile

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Gotabunch ofphotosfromGary“Ice”Burg-Ipickedthis one fromthePrep SchoolReunionhostedearlierintheweeksincealltheothers were ofthebacks ofpeople’sheads (whichexplains the Prep schoolthingI guess). GaryBurgis intheresomewherealongwith some oftheotherfive-yearprogramgraduates.

Prep SchoolReunion

Haney (’88) and theyhave three greatkids—myAllisonwatched Dave and Rob’s kids duringtheevenings ofthe reunion - no propertydamage!

Lastwords: I came to theveryhumbling realizationabout 15 minutes into the reunion that in reality, I knowveryfewofyou. As a result,veryfewofyou get to have a voice in this feature. I will printjust about anything - laziness keeps me from doing too much factchecking, but I have to hear itfrom you.

For former ’87 Scribe Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti, if you go to http:// www.fritolay.com/fl/flstore/cgi-bin/products_grandmas.htm there is a link whereyou can orderGrandma’s cookies foryou andyourclassmates bythe case at a discountforyourupcoming20-yearreunion! Getwriting!

Until then, Pat Dimento, keep myline numberopen for a 777 with FedEx Baby, cause thisJointStaffthingisn’t nearly as muchfun as theytold me itwas going to be!

Peace and HappyHolidays to all! Over to you Ice!

Ezra Vance

7320 Brixham Circle

Castle Rock, CO 80108

Home: (303) 6885431

Work: (303) 304-1287

ezravance@motorola.com

doctorvance@hotmail.com

Wings From Heaven.

Thisis thefirst updatefromyour new class scribes. In herlastsubmission, Sharonasked for someone else to keep the rest oftheworldup to date on the happenings in the Class of 1987. Kristen (Morton)Vance and I (EzraVance) havevolunteeredtotake on thetask. Wewantto thankSharonforheroutstandingworkthrough theyears in keeping ’87 gradsconnected.

Afewwordsabout us. Kristenand I are both out oftheAirForce. I lefttheAir Force in 1995 after serving as the Milstar Program Manager at HQ AFSPACECOM. I spentmyfirst 10years ofcorporatelifein telecommunications,and nowworkwithMotorolarunning theSportsTechnologyBusiness - primarilyoursponsorship oftheNFL. TheMotorola headsetyou see on Sundaysis one ofmyproducts. Kristenretiredin Mayof2000, afterserving as a professor ofBehavioral Sciences and Leadership at USAFAformanyyears. Shehassincedoneconsultingwork with USAFAandtaughtinthePsychologyDepartment atthe UniversityofColorado at Colorado Springs.We have two children,Alexandra (10) and Isaiah (2).

9 Sabre Society Donors

Wekeep in contactwith severalclassmates intheColorado Springs/Denver area. Howard Huertaand hiswife, Michie, and two daughters (Melina and Sofia) recentlymovedfromDenverbacktoherhometownofChicago. Howard worksforQwest as a Channel SalesManagerin Qwest’s BusinessPartnerProgram. Howardand I got out oftheAirForcein 1995 and attendedJMO career conferences togetherwithMatthewPitzel. Matt is currendy a Regional Sales ManagerforPfizer,pushingpills, in Cleveland,OH. Matt ismarriedtoAndrea with two boys. Matt’s roommate, Rhett Butler was the inspirationfortheAir Force’s new“reducePCSesand save money”strategy. Rhett was thefirstAcademygraduate to serve his entire career in one state. Rhetthasbeenstationed in Coloradoforallbut three months ofhis distinguishedmilitarycareer (arid duringthatthree-monthstint, he was on permissiveTDYto ShrieverAFB doinghousehunting) and is lookingforward to his recently-announced retirementin the summer ofnextyear. Rhett is married toYvetteandhas two children (Grant and Simone).

KenVelten also left theAir Force in 1994, lives in Colorado Springswithhis wife, Susie, and three kids (Allie,Jimmyand Jack). Ken is the SVP Marketing forConference Plus. He also serves in the Reserves at the rankofLt Col. Dr. ChristopherPalmerandhiswife, Penny, and threeboys (Christopher, Calvin andGrayson) movedbackhometoAlabamaafterChrislefttheAirForce a few years ago. Chris was the ChiefOrthopedicSurgeon for the USAFAfootball team before heleft forprivatepracticeinAlabama. We know there are many otherclassmateswho live in the area andwe’d love to hearfromyou.

We received updates from several other classmates. Ken “Easy” Rizer enclosed aphotographthathedescribes belowandlet us knowthatheisexpectingto completeAirWarCollegeinDecemberandthen,“Whoknows?” InKen’s words: “I’ve attached a picture ofmygivingup command ofthe 523rd FS at CannonAFB. What’ssignificantaboutthepictureis allthreeguys on thestage are from ’87! Col Jeff“Mcjack”McDaniels (OG/CC) is on the left, I’m in the middle, and Lt Col Charles “Opie”Kearneyis on theright.” (See photo at the top ofthe next column.)

Morefrom Ken: “As far as other’87folksgo,I’ve seen myoldroommateAndy Coggins here at Maxwell,where he’sthecomptroller. Dave“Stilly”Stillwellis on theACC staffaftercommandingoneoftheF-16squadrons at Shaw;he’llbe pinning on Colonel in Decand is on thegroup commandlist. Chris“Doogie” Williams (he’s actuallygot a new call sign I can’tremember) is commanding one oftheF-117 squadronsatHolloman. Mark“Calvin”KlineandAndy“Mayo” Hecht are bothF-16 squadroncommanders at Hill. I heardthatCalvinandhis squadronrecentlydeployed to thedesertanddid some greatwork over there.

I’vebeentakingadvantageofthelightertempohereat schooltogetheavyinto triathlon. I’m two weeks away from attempting my first (and likelyonly) Ironman. After that, I’ll probably stickwith the shorterdistances. Mywife, Cheri,andfourkids are all doinggreat. They’re in Iowa this schoolyear so we don’thave to move thekids mid-yearagain. We’re meetingup as often as our schedule andwallet allow.”

Carlos Honesty submitted an update to Sharon, who passed it on to us:

“Sharon, long timesince we chatted, almost 20 years. First, greatjobonthe Checkpointsstuffover theyears. Don’tknowifyouremember me, but I kept saying I was going to submitsomething andheregoes. We were in Hawaii in Julyand had a blast. I see howyou could staythere. Here is a picture ofmy wife,Angie,step-children Chelsea 16 andRob 14, andmyson Elijah4with me attheHale KoaLuauand on theKooalaugolfcourse before ajunglehike. I fly fortheMichiganAirNational Guard atBattle Creekin theA-10 andforSouthwestAirlines out ofChicago (Midway). Thanks for all the hardwork! Only question isdoyou knowwhen the 20-year reunion is? I’m trying to schedule myairline vacation; need to knowbythe 13th. Seeyou soon.” Carlos, serfously,whocouldforgetyou? We’re sure thatmanyofyouhavequestionsabout our upcoming reunion. No dates or planshavebeenpublishedyet, butwhen we getthatinformation, we willshare ithere.

As we conclude our firstupdate, I wanted to sharewithyou a greatpieceof news abouttheAirForceAcademymen’sbasketball team. Ifyouhaven’tbeen following it, you can get current byreading up at www.friendsofairforce basketball.org. Thisisclearlytheturnaroundstoryofthecentury. Thebasketballteamhasbeento theNCAAtournament two ofthelastthreeyears, andthis year’s team promises to be thebestyet. This group (seewebsite) is trying to generate support for the basketball team andyourinvolvementwould be greatlyappreciated. Boy,havethingschangedinl9years! Navywins consecufive Commanderin Chief’s trophies andAir Force goes to theNCAA tournament twicein threeyears.Maybetheywillbringtours back. We are backup to 40 squadronsafter a short experimentwith36.

Pleasepass alongyourpersonalupdates,pictures andemail addresses, and information aboutotherclassmateswho might not receive Checkpoints. We are working to update the ’87 page on theAOGwebsite and help everyone reconnect a littlebefore our 20th reunion. So don’tbe shyabout telling us all aboutyourlifepost-USAFA!

Mark Peters 2437 Bedford Circle Bedford, TX 76021-1823 (817) 937-9696 pylt@yahoo.com

Hello 88!

Shortand sweet this time around, which is obviously a sign I shouldbeharassingmoreofmyclassmatesforCheckpointsupdates. ScottCarycalledwhile on a layover in Chicago, and, as usual, he under-promised and over-deliv-

ered: “Mywifeof 15 years (Susan) and I are living on WhidbeyIsland in Puget Sound, northofSeattle,WA. We have fourkids (threeboys, one girl, ages 9 to 13) and are enjoyingthingshere. AlaskaAirlineshasbeenmostlygoodto us for eightyears now and the Lord has been alwaysgood to us. In the recent past some itemsofnote are: Susanand Iwentto NewOrleans to helpwithclean-up for aweekin Oct 2005. It was a realeye-opener. The devastation was uglybut the people were wonderful, thoughobviouslysuffering.

“BattlefieldAir Operations” gearthattheAirman on theground, outsidethe wire, desperatelyneed. Basically a suiteoflasertargetingdevicesandC2ISRrelatedequipment. Stevesaysthat“justto keepthingsinteresting, or as an act ofpunishment for some transgression, I was deployed for60 days to Djibouti this summer andyes, itisAfricaHot.’ Time marches on andlifeisgood.” He andhiswifehavethree daughters ages4,2, and 8 months. Stevecommented he is drowningin a sea ofpink!

Sabre Society Donors

Susanand Ihad achancetobackpackintotheGrandCanyon in Oct2006, and loved it! Two nights in BrightAngel campgroundbyPhantom Ranchwas theperfectwayto spend our 15th anniversary. In early-Nov20061 returned from two weeks in Sudan,Africa. I was teaching at a Bible School for chaplainsfortheSudanesePeople’sLiberationArmy(SPLA). Another example ofhorrific devastation, yet a beautiful peoplewanting to rebuild the country on a Solid Rock— Christ. Also saw some interestingmilitaryhardware on the move including Mil Hind-24 gunships flown bythe UgandanArmywith a Russian instructor. Greadylookingforward to the USAFAreunion in 2008!”

Wow,time is sure flyingby. Goodthingwe have a cadre of’88ers at theAcademyready,willing and able to assist.

MysiblingDavid Peters (CS-32) is always availablefor a quickCheckpoints fill in. He’s back atAccenture after a litde over ayearatJetBlue, theairlinethat keepsdominatingtheJ.D. Power passengersatisfaction ratings. Hehelped leadJetBlue’s SAPimplementation, a major ITprojectthatwent offwithout a hitch. His new role atAccenture has himbased out ofNewYorkCity (instead ofhispreviousbaseinWashingtonD.C.), andtravelingthroughoutthe country. Mostrecendyhe’s been back and forth to Chicagowherehe’s involved in anAT&Tproject. Hestillspecializesin SAPimplementationsandgeneral consuiting and is greadyenjoying his newjob,especiallyliving in NewYorkCity. (He’s even happythatthe mid-term election results came in thewaytheydid.)

Write, email, or callyour scribe—especiallyifyou can send me a copyof yourChristmasletter!

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

854 Westover Road

Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Home: (660) 563-3095

E-mail: p2a2@charter.net

That’s awrap forthisquarter. Let me hearfromyou! Bestwishes toyouand yourfamilies. Take care and Godbless.

James Sanchez

8301 Emerald Circle

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Cell: (817) 881-6357

Web: WWW.USAFA90.COM alohatiger@gmail.com

Shortupdatethistime. Aside fromthenormalnews, ifyouhaven’theardI’m runningfor a position on theAOG Board ofDirectors. There’s more information atwww.James-Sanchez.com/aog and I’ll be updating it.

MarkDevine: Me,mywife,Ginny,and our two kids (15and 13) are livingin Memphis,TN,where I’m the Squadron Commander oftheANG C-5 squadron. I see several ’90 guys around town for golfand pokerfairlyregularly (SteveMilligan,John Dimento, Ben Miller, andAndyMacArtor) They’re all doingwell andbreeding like crazy! I see lots offamiliarfaces on the road as well; Matt Roush in Rota, and manyothers from ’88- '92 in base ops everywhere. Call ifyou’re in town; door’s alwaysopen!

2 Sabre Society Donors

Greetingsclassmates. Ijustreturnedfrom avisit to USAFAon a pseudowing sponsortrip. It was a privilege to spend a fewminuteswiththecadets ofCS-01 during theirWingman Day. I was surprised and pleased to learntheAcademytakestimeoutforthevery same events we do in the “real”AirForce, and in this case discussed the importance ofbeing a goodwingman, andjust as important a goodflightlead. Muchlike us over 17yearsago, thesecadets are eager to jointheactive-dutyranksandreadyforthechallengesin frontofthem. Thenext dayI flewinto LasVegas and spoke to the29"’ Bomb Group reunion. Theseheroes from WWII wanted to knowwhat we are doingtoday,thanking us for our service and sacrifice to this great Nation. I, on the otherhand, wanted to heartheirstoriesandwas quickto point out it was their service andsacrifice towhichwe owe them a debtofgratitude. Itjustreminds me againwhat an honorit is to wear theuniform.

Ouronlyletterthis quarter comes from Steve Spanovich, who since hislast update said good-byeto thewar horsesofthe21 st STS thathehadtheprivilege to command and headed down to FtWalton Beach forHQAFSOC duty. Here he is in charge ofBattlefieldAirman andAviation FID-relatedrequirements. Muchofhistimeisspent, as hesays, “beggingformoneyandrailingagainstthe DoD acquisitionmachine.” Theobject ofhis affectionissomethingcalledthe

RobynandGregNewman

Tim Kane: I have two updates. First, Hiromi gavebirth to our fourth child, baby LaurenYukari Kane, on Sept 17th. The other kids seem excited about

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SteveSpanovichhangs outwith a fewMends.

havinganother sister,andwe’rehappyto thinkabout a daythreeyears hence when we will no longerchangediapers. Second, ifyounoticedtheJohnKerry gaffeaboutuneducatedAmericansgetting“stuckinIraq’ then you mightappreciate some research I published a fewdays before his remarks, showing enlisted troops are actually bettereducatedthancivilian peers. The NYTimespubUshed an op-ed ofmine on thetopic on Nov8th, and Heritage.org has a note Iwrote on ittitled “StupidSoldiers.” Myplans are to stayin DC forthe next fewyears,writingandspeaking on policyissues.

1 Sabre Society Donors

Randy“Rags”Redell: Haven’tinputanythinginyears. Quick update. Stationed at USAFA as the Commanderofthe98th FlyingTrainingSquadronandWings ofBlue. Marriedwith two kids (girl and a boy). Enjoying the good life in Colorado.

TimMacGregor: I managedto makeparolefromthePentagon and am now a KC-10 Operations Officerforthe2ndARS atMcGuireAFB,NJ. It’s absolutely awesome to bebackin a flyingsquadron!

AndyMcArtorGoodturnout of’90 attheUSAFAvs. UTgamein Knoxville! In addition to seeingJoeRichardson, I gotto spendtimewithBrentMerritt, Steve Wilson, ScottWilson, andDeeDowis. GaryBeardwas supposed to makeit,but seeing as howhe's anewFedExpilothere in Memphis,I guesshe was abitbusy.

Carson Tavenner

6828 Raccoon Court

Waldorf, MD 20603 (202) 231-2484

DSN: (312) 428-2484

Home: (301) 374-2752 tavenner@hotmail.com

Dear ’91,

Last FridayI hadthe mostwonderful lunchmeetingwith around 35 ofour classmates! It was a super time, and it came together so smoothly. Angie Supplison sent out a mass email to severalknown contacts inthe area; it was forwardedaround, and we discovered over 50 folks are righthere! Thelunch, whichwww.usafa91 .com has photosfrom, was suchfun we decided to meet everymonth as a “standingrequirement” - so come on the 2nd Thursdayof eachmonth to themainPentagon cafeteria (2nd floor, nearAring) when/ifyou can planforit!

Paul Pepe: It looks like I will be leavingAMC staffin the Springandwillbe PCSingto PopeAFB to helpwiththe newActive-Associateunitstand-up. I feel quiteblessed to beable to return to fly. I was able to see some ofMightyNinety attheAirlift/TankerAssociationConference in Orlando lastweek. Itwas quite a reunion. I hope next year we will have a good turn out too.

John Bemhart:AftercompletingtheinfrastructureandBlockupgradeto the PacificAirOperationsCenter at Hickam, I was able to pin on LtColrightbefore moving to IGrtlandAFB in Jun/Jul. I am now theADO forthe 512th Rescue Squadron (FTUforHH-60/UH-lN) andrequal’d to instructor. It isgreatgettingbackin thecockpitafter a six-yearabsenceandseeingthe new talent come throughgetstheenergygoing! Christine andIhadourllth anniversaryinMay and our daughters (Hannah, 8 and Grace, 5) are adjustingwell to the “new beach” (sanswater), quite an adjustmentfrom paradise.

Thehappy,robustlittlecrowd - comejoin usnext time!

Here’swho showedup on 17 Nov: BillyBarnes,MichaelBrockey,JeffBrown, KristineBurnett,AngelaCadwell,David Cooper,RodneyCousins,Max (Torrens) Despain, Susan (Rank) Foy, Peter Garrettson,Brendan Garrity,William Glascoe, HankGriffiths, Brian Hibbeln, Scott Jacobs, RodneyLewis, Mark Livelsberger,StephenMacLeod, Chase McCown,TonyMitchell, Catherine (Sheldon)Platt, TimRapp, PatrickRhatigan,DouglasSersun, Dawn (Dishner) Shohfi, Honi Smith, Karen Smith, Nate Smith, Nelson Snyder, Karen Stoff, Angela (Wallace) Suplisson, CarsonTavenner, MichaelVeneri,JeanetteVoigt, and RonWatrous. Wow!

We awarded Dawn Sholifithe awardfordistancefurthesttraveled; Dawn is a stay-at-home mom wayup in Dover, and she arranged for herkids to get watchedwhile shejetted downthehighwayto the Pentagon to meet upwith usforthosefewhours. Isn’tthatawesome! It was great to see her (her husband, Tim (’90), is also doing well). Angela Cadwell was our super-picture-taker(again, check’em out online!) andwhen itwas time to take a biggroup picturein the Pentagon’s inner courtyard, it was difficultjustgetting folks to stoptalkinglongenoughtowalkout into thehallway and outside! I must say everyone looked great, and it was encouragingtohear so manypositive stories abouthow our lives,families, andpurposekeep us motivatedandenergized despite whatever stress, disappointment, or expectations maybe generated from our (alwaysactive) careers. Ifyouwillindulge me, I can’twrite about allthe stories I exchangedhere, but Iwouldlike to mention to the rest ofthe class one bit ofnews that I learned duringthe lunch (since you’reprobablyjust as out-of-the-loop on this one as Iwas). Brian Hibbelnis now an SES! Brian left the USAF a longtime ago, but remained connected (tlirough his physicswork, ifI remember) to thenetwork, andthentiirough a seriesofadventuresfoundhimselfbeingasked to serve inthepositionofAssistantDeputyUnderSecretaryofDefenseforSpecialCapabilities. Ofcourse, he humblyacceptedtheoffer. Congratulations, Brian! Thatisgreat news to hear. In fact, it’s downright“special”!

MikeShowerandRaySagui

Sabre Society Donors

JohnBemhartandfamily

“Sonic”Hassel: I’m theCliiefofTrainingin the 1 77 FWJerseyDevils atAtlantic City. We deployed to Baladthis pastspring for a fairlycomfortable 45 days —yougottalove theGuard. But thebest news ismywife,Wendy,gavebirth to Christian in June. Both are doinggreat. We have three otherboys:Jared (11), Zachary (9),andJoshua (5) who keep us verybusywithscouts, soccer, basketball and hockey.

HankGriffiths,NateSmith (w/PatRhatigan overtheshoulder),JeanVoight, Karen Smith andSusan Foyswap storiesandlaughs.

Threedayslaterinthe news, we heardaboutAngieSupplisonagain,butthis time in thenews! Didyou readbackinlateNovemberabout awoman giving birth to a babyboy on theBeltway(495) Loop? That wasAngie! At thelunch, she’dclearlybeen intheverylastdaysofherpregnancy! Hey,we could’ve seen Mark (herson) born right there at the old GroundZero! What an event that would’vebeen. As itwas,Angie’shusband,Fabrice, was desperatelytrying to getAngieto BethesdaNavalMedCenterat0130 on 20Nov. Buttheir son apparendydoesn’tlikehospitals,and decided to “head out” on his own - Fabrice is apparendy a quickthinker,havinggottenthe car offtheroad,runningaround toAngie’sside,andwithnothing more thanthedomelightforassistance managedto successfullyreceivehis 2nd child on theshoulderoftheCapitalBeltway. What a story! Theirfirstbirth-19 hoursoflaborand an umbilicalcordaround theneck-wasmuch different! Angie was quotedin theWashingtonPost saying, “IfI had to choosebetween the two births, I would take this one on the Beltwayanyday...it was easierthan it sounds. Gottalove it.

AngieSupplison,

Shohfishowthere’splentytosmile about.

More news! Becausehe was not able to make it to the Pentagon on Friday, ErikWaxvikandl gottogetheryesterdayinClarendonforlunch. Whatanice opportunityto rejuvenatetheoldties. Erikand I spentthewhole ’91/’92 casual statusyeartogether in Colorado Springs. Heisworking forNokiadoing IT Securityworkfor some ofour belovednational agencies.

And, though I did not get to see himmyself, I was inadvertentlyconnected withEd SchindlerduringmyAAflightfromDC to Chicago as one oftheflight attendants - throughherrecognition ofour classpatch on myjacket- commented“Hey,AirForce.” Shefurthercommentedthatsheknew a guyabout myagewhowent to USAFA-I’dtoldherI gottherein ’87 - andwhensheheard me sayI knewthe name “Ed Schindler”,well iftherewasn’t suddenly a more excitedandgiddyflightattendant inallmylife! I hadtokeepmoving to gotake myseat, but she moved me up to the empty seat in first class! Wow, this was

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startingtoworkoutgreat! Troublewas, Iknewthe name butcouldn’trecallthe face - so there I am,withmydrink, shoesoff,franticallyworkingoutinmymind “okay,Tavenner,think-Think! WhatdoesEdlooklike?” Man, I sure didn’twant to disappointthiskindwoman. Well,doyouknowwhat? Into myheadpopsthe imageofEdBlackandofcourse Ijustlatched onto that - andalltheassociated memories - likeitwas justthesurest thingintheUniverse. As we gotto talking, itbecameprettyclearlateron thatwewerenotthinkingaboutthe same person! Howembarrassing! Nevertheless, I convinced her Ed Schindler and I were classmates,andIpromisedherthatIwouldtrytoreturnthefavorandthefriendshipsomeday. She was reallyquite a character, and a joyto have met.

So, the next time you hear a flight attendant ask you “do you know Ed Schindler?”.. .you answer “YES!”

Incidentally, Ed Schindler has been hired as a Reserve IP at theAdvanced AirliftTacticsTraining Centerin St Joseph, MO. Another ’91er,TerryFrady, is alsothere as an InstructorNav. Edhopes to hangout thereuntilretirementand thenreturn toAmerican. Goodluck on that, Ed. Andthanksforbeingthebasis ofthisstory!

In closing,we did nothold a 15-yearreunionin theSprings inJanuary,in case you were wondering. The November lunch at the Pentagonput thefinalnail inthecoffin on that one. Untilthe20th... also, let me encourage all ofyou, but especiallythosegoing to theDC area, to updateyourinfo on theclasswebsite as you PCS in/out ofthe area. We are starting to pileup here, and itwouldbe great to have thewebsite as accurate as possible.

Until next time, myfriends. Tav

James S. Mehta 8509 Custer Court Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 652-3433 DSN: 682-8898 james.mehta@ogn.af.mil or jamesmehta@earthlink.net

MerryChristmas 1992! I hopeeveryoneisenjoyingtheholidays andspendingtimewith family and friends. As we come to the end ofanotheryear, we lookbackand can count our blessings as we lookforwardto what the new yearwill hold. Speaking ofthe new year, I hopeitholds a lot ofe-mails from all ofyou since theclass news is a little thinthis time.

Boy,youprintapictureandheneverstopswriting! Layne Kasperwroteto saythanksforthespacelastissue’scolumn abouthisfamilyandthenicephoto. Smart manthatheis,he hadanotherphotoreadyfor me to includesincehehad so much success lasttime. Well,luckyforhim,only one other personsent me aphoto, so thereis room forhisphotoagain. Layne’s old baseball roommate, Steve Carson, came through FortWorth to visitbeforeheandhiswife,Barb, andtheirthreechildrenheadedoffto Kadena AB. AfterSteve’sstaffjob at LangleyAFB,he’sgettingbacktoflyingAWACS. The photoisofLayneandSteve attheFortWorthCatsminorleaguebaseballgame.

s Sabre Society Donors

SteveCarson andLayneKasperat theFort Worth Catsgame.

Nothinglike a demotion to get someone towrite. Last time I wrote about Donna (Ward) Boyce’swedding in DC and thosewho attended. Acouple of our classmates there, includingElizabeth (Curry) Casstevens are in theAF pre-med programwheretheyhad to become Lts again. I had included Mark Mountin thatgroup andhee-mailed me to let me knowhe was not in thepremed program and was still a Major as evidenced byhis signature block. He claims to bejustanother Major on theAirStaffwaitinguntilhe can getbackto theflyingworld.

The letterofthe quarter! This time, Norm Bertkewins the award for the bestletter. Actually, there’s no prizeotherthan havingthenotorietyofbeing prominentlyfeatured today. Norm shared a photo of a fewofthe boys from the CS-27 Thunderbirdsenjoying a fewdays ofgolfin Nemacolin, PAin September.

HoniSmith, andDawn

Normspeaking:“Aquickupdate on thosepictured. Jimmyis a B-52Navigator, butiscurrentlyworkingatthePentagon on theAirStaff(HQAF/A5RW) dealing withAFWeaponsRequirements. Jimmy,hiswife,Lori, and theirfourchildren live in Stafford,VA Chris is a helicopterpilot and majorin the National Guard (NGB/A5),andisalsostationedatthePentagon. Chris,hiswife,Amanda(USAFA ’95), andtheirdaughterlive in Springfield,VA Troyis a Lt Col (sel) andis a staff officerintheJointStaffJ3. Heandhiswife,Diane,liveinArlington,VA McGowan is a FinancialAdvisorforMerrill Lynch. He,hiswife,Teri,andtheirtwo children livein Brentwood (Nashville),TN. Tom is a Senior,Vice President at Corporate RiskInternational. Helives inVienna,VAwithhiswife,Susan, and two daughters. Norm is a Managing Director with CB Richard Ellis. He lives in Lewis Center (Columbus),OH withhiswife,Tiffany,andthree sons. Thisisthesecond annualT-Birdgolfweekendandwe’relookingforwardtogettingtogetheragain nextyear.” Thanks forthephoto and the info, Norm.

Memoryofa fallenclassmate. On Nov8,1 was scanningtheAF News e-mail I geteverydaywitharticles fromaround theUSAFand I came across an article about the Falcons and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football game on Nov 11, Veteran’s Day. Both teams paidtribute". ..to honorthe 12Airmen ofthe66th RescueSquadronwhodiedin theSept. 3,1998 mid-aircollisionoftwo HH-60 helicopters near NellisAir Force Base, NV... One ofthedozenwho perished was 1992AcademygraduateGreggLewis,whosefatherBillistheassistanthead football coach at Notre Dame.”

‘“GreggLewis was a proud memberofthe 66th Squadron,’Air Force head footballcoach FisherDeBerrysaid. ‘Thisdayto honorhim andhisdadshould bringadditionalpride to allthosewho nowproudly serve in the66thandinthe memoryofthosewho lost theirlives servingthisgreatsquadron.

“Specifically, all Falconand Fighting Irish headgearwillfeaturethesix-toe, JoilyGreenfeetlogorepresentingtheAirForce rescue community...Thegame marks the first time Notre Dame has ever worn a logo ofanykind on its gold helmets.”

“During thegame photos ofGregg Lewis [were] shown on the Falcon Stadiumscoreboard screen as a saluteto thefallenAcademygrad,wholikefellow members oftheAir Force rescue community served ‘so others maylive. I thinkGregg’sdadwas coachingat East Carolinawhenwewere atUSAFA What an amazingtribute to Gregg and his fellowAirmenwho died that day.

LocalNews. I talked toJeremySloaneduringtheNellisAirShowlastweekend, his final performance as a memberoftheThunderbirds, and he said he was headed to HillAFB inApril or May. Berle Engel is doingverywell as the squadroncommanderofthe99th SecuritySupportSquadrongettingreadyfor his firstNSI and I occasionally see Mike Bruzziniwho is an Ops Officerwith one ofthe UAVsquadrons.

Finalthoughts. Since I have a little more space, I’lltakemyauthor’slicense andinclude a photoofMichelle, littleSarah, and me at an OSIcommanders’ conference in Keystone, CO.

Onceagain,I’mhonored to write thiscolumnforyou. Send me a noteabout theamazing,interesting, new, and uniquethingsyou are doing. Alwaysfight the goodfight andbe a wingman to one another. Godbless, James.

Michael D. Sundsted

1805 Macadams Place

Alexandria, VA 22308

(703) 768-5664/Cell: (571) 218-0586

E-mail: Bravecwboy@cox.net

Class Website: www.highflight.com

Greetings andsalutations to thegreatestclass to ever marchthe terrazzo at the United StatesAir ForceAcademy! Welcome to winter and all its glory. Hopefully no one is stuckin any snow drifts andthat all have an opportunity to wiggle their toes in some warm tropical climate.

AlliswellinVirginia! I am currently on theroadin the Pacific untiljustprior toThanksgiving! Withanyluck, I’llbeeatingturkeyin NewYorkCityafter an excellent Macy’sThanksgivingDayParade. Lori,Collinand I havebeenverybusyworkingandplaying! Collinhasstarted Cub Scouts,swimming, soccer, andpiano—too much for a six-year-old? Hetakesitallinstride. Enoughabout me and more aboutyou—thebest class ever!

It’s a shortupdatelistforthiscycle (hint- ’93youmuststart updatingmeso thatwecan continuetohavethebestarticle!)

so we start with Kevin “Hobo” Sutton.

Kevinis currentlyworkinghard at PACAF Standardization & Evaluation out at HickamAFB, HI. He PCSed from Eglin AFBwhereheflewthemightyF-16. Fortunatelyhestillgets to flywhile on his “staff”tour. Heusuallygets atwo-weekflighttrip onceeverycoupleofmonths. He gets to travel to Korea,Japan, orAlaska to gethis flying. Toughshopping/ outdoorvacations,er, uh, I mean tough tours ofduty. Kevin’swife,Heidi,joined theHawaiiANGpart-time. Theyhavetwinsix-year-oldgirlsthat are in P'grade.

Inhistravels,Kevin, hasbeenfortunateto run intoseveralofour classmates. MarenCalvert (Hagedom) liveshereandworks in a legalfirm in Honolulu as well as continuingherAirForce career as a Reservist. Theybumped intoeach otheraroundthe islandandalso at OsanABwherebothparticipatedin Ulchi FocusLens (UFL). Also atUFL wasTyChamberlain. TyandLibby(Stark) are doingwell. Tyhasbeen assigned towork in CHECKMATE at thePentagon. He, LibbyandKristin Goodwin invited me to a wine party, but alas I was out ofthe countrydoingtheflyingthing. Pleasegive me a raincheck! Kevin ran intoScott Huffoid at theOsan Officers’Club. Scottflies F- 16swiththeColoradoANG at BuckleyAFB. He was in Korea for an AEF deployment.

ThereatHickamAFB,Kevin ran into BradBousquet,Tom Hermel, andRyan Marshall. Bradarrivedearlierthisyearand isworkingfor 13AFheadquarters. Tom is alsoworking at 13AF. RyanMarshall is on the PACAF staffworkingfor the CAG (Commander’sAction Group). All seem to be doingwell.

AlexGrynkewichisfinishingupNPS atMonterrey,CA Hegotwordthis summer thathewillbegoingtotheACCstafffollowingschool. Heislookingforward to it. He andhiswife,Shannon, had a babyboylastDecemberandnamedhim Justin Robert Grynkewich. Kevin gets emails from ClifHicks every now and then. Last I heard, Clifis down at Davis-MonthanflyingBlackhawks. Clifhad recentlybought a newhouseinTucson. ThanksforthegreatupdateHobo!

The following is a picture-perfectexample ofwhat I want all ofyouwho haven’twrittenin to Checkpointsin awhile (or at allforthatmatter) to do. Lisa (Lau) Pasco writes: Greetings from Haddonfield, NJ! First-timecaller,longtimelistenerhere. Finally, I am writing in toyoufor an update to Checkpoints.

FromleftareJimmyDunn, ChrisFinerty, TroyBrashear,McGowanAnderson, TomMcWeeneyandNormBertke.

James, MichelleandSarahMehta

4 Sabre Society Donors

Lisa (Lau) and MattPasco

Everytime we go on avacation or take a picturesomewhere, I sayto myhusband,thisone’sgoinginto Checkpoints. So,hereitis. Apictureofus (Lisa (Lau) Pasco) and myhusband, Matt Pasco (’94). Alothashappened since ’93 butin abriefsynopsis...Aftergettingout oftheAF in ’97,1workedforKPMGconsultingfortwoyears. Mattand I have two children, Grace (6) andAndrew(4). After stayinghomewiththechildren forfiveyears, I am backin school. I am inyear two ofa six-yearDoctor ofPharmacyprogram at the PhiladelphiaCollege of Pharmacy. Here are a couple ofupdates on some ofmyfriends in ’93. Kristin Uchimura is a squadron commander at Malmstrom, Natalie (Wittman)

Onuohaandherhusband,John Onuoha (’94), live in St. Louiswith theirfour children. Gloria (Lorenzo-Luaces) FentressandDayne FentressliveinFlorida withtheirthree children. Erin (Fuller) Beamandjade Beamlive inWashington Statewiththeir two children.

MattYocum checks in fromIsraelwherehedutifully serves inthe State Department. Matthasgreat news regardinghiswriting career. Marvel Comicshas pickedup his Spider-Manstoryline. Hehasreceived a contractfor a 10-page storyhe wrote tided,“Memorial Day.” This is a prelude to a currendyrunning CivilWar storyline in Marvel Comics now. He says that this is a dream come true. Onbehalfofour class—this couldn’thavehappened to abetterperson.

CongratulationsMatt!

LifehasdefinitelybeenbusyforMadandAnn Marie. Outsideofworkingfor theDAO, Mad andhisfamilyhaveaffordedfamilytimetotravelin theirregion. Theyreceivedtheirdivingcertification and can be seen in thephotoenjoying a three-dayboat trip near the Sinai Desert.

Matt,AnnMarieandMendsbefore theirdive.

He was witness to dolphins, sea turtles, crazy Egyptian tour guidesdiving headfirstoffthetopofthehugeboat, andbeautiful sunsets. Unfortunatelyfor Matt, despitehaving a great time, Matt got food poisoning, but recovered quickly. TheYocums will be inFlorida forthe Christmas holiday. Thanks for thegreatupdate!

Justwanted to wish everyone a safe andhappyHolidaySeason. Hopefully, I will be home for mine, and wish the same foryours. Over the holidays pleasetake the time to send me a quickemail or call. I wouldlove to dansfer yourexperiencesto mykeyboard andallowyourclassmates to hearfromyou. Thanks againandbestwishes—Mike.

C.C. M. Masotti

W7608 Southern Oak Drive Springfield, VA 22153 (703) 455-4789

Cell: (202) 243-9980

cc.masotti@yahoo.com

HappyHolidays,everyone!

Just a quickupdatefromDC, mytemporaryhomeforthenextfewmonths... I PCSedherelastweekwith everyintention ofattending attache training and thenheadingto Bujumbura, Burundi as our DefenseAttache. However,when I signedin, I was told I’d been diverted... after training, I’ll now be one ofour AssistantAirAttachesto France. WhileI actuallywas extremelyexcitedabout an 18-month assignment in east-centralAfrica, I’m obviously not disappointed about the prospect ofthreeyears in Paris either!

Ourfirstupdatethisissueis from a fellowDC-arearesident—and first-time Checkpointscontributor: KC Brooks. Afterassignments aroundtheworld, KC got a reprievefromthesandboxin 2004andisdoing a specialdutyintelassignment as a terroristweapons analystfortheNationalCounterterrorismCenter. He finds it amazingthat, as a career SecurityForces guy,he’s now“writingintel papersforthePresidentandcabinet.”Whilehisjobisexciting,it’shis ’06Mustang GT ragtop thatkeeps him going! Well,actually, while he does lovehis car, his true passion is hisfamily—he and Carolenehave nowbeen married 10 years and have a son, Kyle (9) and daughter, Rian (7).

TheBrooksfamilyin Naples, FL.

AtthePentagon, KC has run into BrianLewis andChris Stricklin, as well as Scott Conner (’92) andMikeSunsted (’93). ErnieHernandez is also stillin the area,buthasrecentlymovedfromthePentagonto ajobattheStateDepartment

Dave Kirby(DobbinsAFB) also wrote in to reportthathe’dfinallyreturned to theAtlanta area after a longdeployment to FloridainsupportofJTFKatrina. He had a lotofwork to do on his place, but was justglad to feelsettled—and was, ofcourse, justifiablyproud oftheworkhe was able to do to help hurricane victims.

I also have a fewupdates from our class website, courtesyofChuckBaird: Several folks reported in from schools ofsome sort, including DeonnaNeal (PhD Candidate, Christian Ethics, Notre Dame), who had also recently run into JoeySilvers (Master’s Student, Purdue). Charlie and StaceyBolton are “enjoying a breakfromthewar”withtheir kids Haley,Tyler and Kaitlyn,while Charlie is a student at ArmyCGSC at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Likewise, Michael Kardoes is an AFIT/IDE student atWright-Pat, after a 10month stint as a HueySQ/DO at Minot; thoughhe’shaving to remember how to study, he loves the extra time he gets withNicoleandtheirthree, Ryan (7),Jillian (5) andRebecca (2). FelixMontero and Sean McLayareACSC students at Maxwell,withSeancomingfrom an IGpositioninWinnipeg, Canada. Chris Sage (F-15E IP, SeymourJohnson) will be headed to school next summer,butisenjoyinghis time in North CarolinawithhisbrideJessica (Olson, ’95,lawyer) and their daughter, Carolina Grace.

2 Sabre Society Donors

On the deploymentfront, Luis Linares (DirectorofIntelligence, Charleston) shouldjust be returning from a six-month tour in Kuwait, while Nate Paddock (8AF CAG, Barksdale) has recentlywrapped up his “AEF tour” to Norfolk. Amongthemanygradshe’s seen at 8AF (besides hispreviousboss, Gen “Chili” Chilton (’76, now AFSPC/CC), are Brian Nicolosi and Leland “Bo” Bohannon. Chris Ouellette (OSI Det/CC,Yokota) is about halfway through his one-year remote to Qatar, while his bride Rachel (Rabeni, ’96, also OSI) is back atYokotawith their son Jack. Also checking in fromYokota

Your AOG introduces

YOUR AOG FACES A PIVOTAL ELECTION

■ Learn about the candidates 'M

■ Find out where candidates stand on important issues

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ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Share your photos and blogs with friends

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home

■ Engage in mentorship opportunities

was Curtis Sutton (C-21 pilot). Recentlyreturningfrom a deployment to Iraq was Shiloh Fischer (ProgramManager,AirborneLaserSPO,Kirtland);hiswife andtheirfourdaughters (Ellie, Caroline, GeorgiaandAubrey) were thrilled to welcomehim home. Tam (Vo) Elliott (MacDill) didn’t sign into thewebpage, but she too isofffor a deployment—sixmonths inAfghanistan.

Other classmates signing in at thewebsite included Rob Breisch (Strategic SupplierRelations, HillAFB—check out his storyonline—it’s a goodone!); Lance Kent (ADO,Dyess); ChrisThome (TestEngineer, Cisco Systems, Elizabeth CO); and Rich Coffey (Mx Officer, Florida ANG, Jacksonville). Mark Mitchell is an ALO/airline pilotjust outside Detroit and is enjoyinglifewith his fiancee and his two kids (5 and 7). Travis Burdine is a Predator pilot at Nellis, whereheandSheril are raisingtheirthreelittle ones—two daughters (6,2) and a 4-year-old son. Melissa (Fuss) and Mike Brink are still in Little Rockwherehe’sflyingC-130sand she’s nowworking as a cardiac nurse (RN), inwhatshecallsherfirstjob as a “real nurse”! SloanHenderson (Civil Service ProgramManager, Eglin) checked in during his annual Reserve tour while KevinWatson (HealthcareAdministrator,Buckley) reportedthathewouldbe separatingthis fall andwouldthenworkfor a hospitalin Pueblo.

From the corporate side, Todd Steams (Process Engineer, Proctor and Gamble, NYC) and Bill Sabol (Pastor, Jasper, MN—wife, Natalie and son, Ryan,2) wrote in, as didChrisMaclnnis (SrVROperations, Caresouth, North Augusta, SC—he and Maria have two little ones now). TonyMercandante (TravelingBranch Manager,Scottrade,CenturyCity/BeverlyHills) andJohn Kowalczyk(SrVP,Allan/GrayAssociates,Philadelphia) are working abit more on the entrepreneurial side,withTonypitcliingrealityTVideas to executives andlookingforcommercialpilots to supportotherventures andJohn“always lookingforcorporateclients” as he rims his own Executive Searchpracticefor Allen/Gray. Despite Jusbusyjob,wliich followedfiveyears as a DoD contractor,John andhis bridemakeplentyoftimefortheirfourboys—Alek (7),Nate (7), Noah (3) and Adam (2).

Recentlyjoiningtheparent club were Drewand Kelly(Healy) Wallace (domestic goddess and sometime lawyer/substitute teacher,Ramstein), who welcomedbabyJulia to theworldthis fall. I was blessed to meet thegorgeous MissWallacejustbefore PCSingandlearnedherfamilytoowould soon be on themove; inJanuary, Drewwilltakecommand ofa squadron atTravis, reunitingKellywith hersisters, Susan (’93) andTracy (’96),who are bothin the Bay Areawiththeirhusbands.

In addition to theexcitementofmyrecentjobchangeannouncement, Ialso hadto thrill to PCS instyle... ThankstogreattipsfromNickKozdras, I returned toAmericaviatheQueenMaryII,accompaniedbymymother! USAAmadethe reservations easyand we had a ball—we were even upgraded to a “queen suite”,wliichmade thevoyage allthe more special and luxurious!

In theweekI’vebeenback, I’ve alreadybumped into a fewclassmates, ineludingGraham Bloxom, whoworks out ofCrystalCityand was at Bolling to gethistiiree-month-old son registeredin DEERS. He andhis bride are enjoying the area and also get to see Todd Riche prettyregularly. Then I saw Deb (Nawrocki) Luker in Rosslyn,where she’s on theAir Staffworking aviation law. She likes thejob and the DC area, butdoesn’tlike thecontinued separation from herhusband,Joel,who’s at ACSC.

Iwouldcertainlylove to hearfromanyofyouwhenyouget a chance. Please note my new contact information andfill me in on whatyou’re up to! In the interim,Iwishyouandyourfamiliestheverybest! Takecare andGodBless! C.C.

R. Travis Koch

45 Dellwood Ave. Dayton, OH 45419-3105

H: (937) 648-2554

Cell: (850) 499-8242 richard.koch@afit.edu traviskoch@yahoo.com

GoneFishin’: Greetings from Buckeye nation. Eddie Meidunas (’96) just defendedhis PhDdissertation on RobustEstimationofMahalanobisDistances in HyperspectralImages... what am I doing atAFIT? I got a fewnibbles from folks who wanted to help out with this article. Jason Tone and JeffSearcy wouldtellyou aboutmyangling skills ifyou everwanted to listen. Seems to be coming true because I asked ifanyone wanted to help with this article, two guys said sure(John Griffithsand PeterMichaleson) and I neverheardbackfrom them again. I need to set thehookbetter. Got one “fish on” though;CherylIngberisgoing to be our class Senatorforthe AOG. Thanks. She’sonherwaytoUSAFAtobeanAOC. So are Mike and MissyMay. Good luck.

4 Sabre Society Donors

SchoolsinforSummer: Hugelist ofschool appointments this summer; here’s what I got. ACSC: Jason Bailey, Brian Baldwin, SteveBording, JasonCostello, Cavan Craddock,BryanGreen, Steve Klingman, Rob Masaitis, Colby Hoefar, Kenny Butler, Sean Cotter, Mark Sotallaro, RyanSparkman, JeffPatton (’94), Chris Stricklin (’94), andTodd Straton (’96). Naval Post-graduate School in Monterey, CA: Jason Cockrum, Bill Denham,JimHackbarth, Miles Mathieus,NateOwendoffandJohnYocum

(’96),andDukePope (’94). AFIT: DaveO’Malley,JohnEller,and Don Sheesley (’94). Army CSC: Russ Driggers,TonyRetka (’94), Jon Rhone, Gil Sanders, and Dan Wilcox. Harmon Lewis, MikeJackson, and Trevor Benitone are all on thewayto JAWS. Chris Claus is going to NCSC. JeremyDurtsclii is on the wayto a RAF gig. A ton offolks havejust finished or are starting an Air Force InternProgram (AFIP) spot: StaceyWharton, Matt Brooks (’96), Mike Conley (’96); and Dan “Bell-Biv” Devoe is going to ASAM. I’m sure I missed a ton. Congrats to everyone.

HowdoJediKnightsstayfit? Easy,litdechocolatedonuts (Rone’,Footchie, andtheboys).

BabyBrigade:The Ballingers (Guminas) shouldhavehadtheir son by now. I sawNikki atThanksgiving andthatgirl was ready. Sheis supposedto deliver MikeFoutch’skid nextMarch. Goahead andwrapyourbrainaroundthat one for a bit. FootcJueisworking at HAF/SG. He runs into ChadBondourantand MikeandAndrea (Kerkman) Miller (’94). Congrats toyouboth. ColbyHoefar just had a son, Brannock, in October. Tory,Colb, and Brannock are all doing well, survivingtheirfirstblizzard in Colorado.

Jason, Kristin, andBeautifulBabyOlivia.

Here’s a great shot ofthe Cockrum Familyand their new daughter, Olivia Grace.

RandomThoughts: Has anyone seen Kim Lyons on “The Biggest Loser”? Woody? Paul Songyis out. No,Curtis, not like that, he’s out oftheAF. Songy willbetellingyouthat,“You’re now free to move aboutthecountry” as hewill be flyingfor SWA. He’s actuallystayingin theAF Reserves flyingT-38s in San Antonio. He sends Jus regards to all. SangParkhas actuallybeendating one girlfor twoyears. We’relookingforward to thewedding... so are hisfolks,her folks,fiisgirlfriend, etc. Actually, Mike Dunagangothitched lastJuly. He and Kellytiedthe knotin Montanaandbothlive inVegas. I rememberwhenMike yelled atGreeno to cleanthecarpetintheirroom during2nd Beast. Funnystuff. Now, Mike is an ER doc at Nellis. Good times.

ClarenceandKellysittin’in the trees, K-I-S-S

Sounds like it was a greatwedding, here are a fewwords fromMikeaboutall inattendance: “FrankBryantisflyingF- 16s intheUAE; ScottCampbellandhis wifeKim (97) are bothHyingA-lOshereinVegastoo; RickSellersisflyingpredators out here inVegas; Dave Sundlovis flyingF-16s fortheNewJerseyGuard; PaulBaakeis livinginVirginiaandis a civilengineeratLangleyAFB; andfinally StuMartin (bestman) isaninstructorpilotattheweaponsschoolfortheA-10 out here too. Kellygrew up in Montana. The wedding was at an awesome location inWhitefish, MT. We did tons ofoutdoorstuffand almost drowned multipletimeswhilewhitewaterrafting andboating onWhitefish Lake. All in allit was a greattime.” Thanks, Mike and congratulations.

NowfortheJohnHamby section oftheupdate. Boneisdoinggreat. I got to hangwith him in D.C. over Thanksgiving. His daughterAmelia is a doll. We were going to catch a Redskins game on Sunday(at 1) buthe andAmeliahad to dressupforthePats game,whichstarted at4.1love aguywithpriorities. Till then, Keep the Faith,T. Koch.

Melissa S. Cunningham

15668 Candle Creek Drive Monument, CO 80132 (719) 487-3071/DSN: 333-4405

Melissa.cunningham@usafa.af.mil or melcunningham@msn.com

HappyHolidays Bricks! I hopeyouall are having some muchneededquality timewithyourfamilyand friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that are deployed over theholiday season. As the semesterfallwinds down, Fred and I are amazed howfast time flies. Only ayearand a halfleft to savor livingin the Springs. It’s funnyhowyourperspectivechanges over time. The cadets are counting the days down and we wish itwouldn’tgo by so fast.

Highlightsfromthereunion!

1

Theclass reunion was a phenomenalsuccess! Wehad a wonderful turnout from the class. Thankyou all for carving time out ofyour tremendousbusy lives to makethetrekback to the Springs. It was wonderful to catch upyouandhearyourstories. I am alwaysimpressed and humbled bythe caliberofpeople we have in our class and the amazingthings you all continue to do to support service to the nation whether in uniform or in public service. I would like to send a personal note ofthanks to everyone backat USAFAwhopitchedin to ensure a goodtimewas had byall.

Sabre Society Donors

Forthose ofyouwho missed out, we hope to catchyou at our 15th and 20th reu,,ion Right now, we are tentativelyplanning an informal 15,h reunion atWalt DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida for 2011. Wehope to doavoid thepeak season (ifthatis even possible) andthehot weatherbygoingin the fall or earlyspring. Kevin Murchhasvolunteered to

Melissa Phillips (Baumann), Lori Rasmussen (Edinger), Melissa Cunningham (Davidson), TracyCoyne(Dupree)andColleenJohnson (Lehne) head that up so please forward any ideas along to him (kmurch@fowler white.com). Wewill have our formal 20,h reunion 2016 at theAcademy.

I am still looking for interested volunteers for our Class Senate position. According to the newAOGby-laws, a class senatewillbeformedconsistingof one graduatememberperclass. One ofthemain purposes oftheclass senate isto provide an additionalchannelofcommunicationbetweentheboard and themembership. ThehopeisthattheClassSenatewillbecome a structure that willmaketheAOG as awhole more memberresponsiveandmemberresponsible. It will also offer non-boardmembers a more active role in planning processes, communicationsandinvolvementindifferentAOGprograms. The Senatewill meet annuallyandtheclass senatorisrequired to fund their own transportationback to the Springs forthe meeting. The Class Senator may serve two consecutivetwo-yearterms. Ifyou are interestedpleaselet me know soonest.

TheClassGiftProjectisalso ahottopic. TheClassofficers are solicitingideas for a giftthat we can presentback to theAcademyas iscustomaryduring our 20th reunion. Webasicallyhave 10 years to come upwith an ideaandraisethe funds to supportit. Ifyouhaveanyideas on awaythat we can contributeback to ourAlmaMaterpleasepassthem myway.

Somethinghappenedduringthelastarticleandthepictures and theircaptions gotmixed up. This picture was supposed run with theupdates on our residentCheeseheads.Matt Guenther,JohnOrchardandJohnSapp andtheir families metup inLasVegas. JohnOrchardis aWeapon SchoolF- 15EinstructorandJohnnySappis finishinghis tour as aWS F-15Cinstructor. He now on hiswayto OtisARB tobeinthefull-timeGuard. MattisfinishinguphisAidede Camp stintandthenis on hisway to DC to workinAF LegislativeLiaison.

Your AOG introduces ZoomielMation

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

■ Engage with candidates on important issues

■ Read about each candidate's background

■ Learn how the candidates plan to make the AOG better

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Locate old friends and classmates and reconnect!

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Form interest/professional groups

■ Establish your own personal/ professional profile

www.zoamienation.com

1996 Reunion Night: From left are Kelvin King, Julian Stephens, Danta Johnson, LeronHudgins,JakeCampbell, BrianMcCray, Brandon Parkerand DarrickGalacgac.

DerrickGalacgac, BrandonParker,andChuckPacello

Wisconsin Cheeseheadsdescend on Las Vegas—MattandMaureen,John OrchardandAlex, andJohn Sapp.

Well, that’s all the news for now! Please continue to send me pictures and updates. 1 wouldlike to run a feature on our gradsthathaveseparatedfromthe AirForcenextarticle. Ifyouhappen to be one ofthefolks,pleaseshoot me an emailandgive me an update.Untilnexttime! GodBlessandHappyNewYear! Mel

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

276 Third St., Apt. 2 Memphis, TN 38105 mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com mel.maxwell@fedex.com

Heyall,

Hopelife is treatingyou allwell. It’s been an agonizingfewmonths for me as the Falcons havehad an up and down season on the football field. Atleast I’vegot to see or hearfrom a fewclassmates through the games. Earlier this season I wentto thegame in KnoxvillewheretheFalconsnearlypulled out the upset over nationally-rankedTennessee. While there, I got to partywith Lisa Rockwell (hermarried name escapesme) andherhusbandand ran intoTodd McCoy. I’mwritingthis updatetoday,freshfrom returning from theAF-Notre DamegameinColorado Springswhere I got to catch upwithWendyDevenish (Paladnus) who is in thelastyearofher tourat theAcademy. I listened to a numherofothergamesthis season on theradio and actuallygot some news on a coupleotherclassmates.

1Sabre Society Donors

I was listeningtothegameagainstSan DiegoStateon KVOR andheardBeauMorgantalkabouthisplayingdaysattheAcademy, his timewith the Dallas Cowboys, among other subjects. ApparendyBeau islivinginMonument now andis a headhunterforoilandgascompanies. Afewweeksearlier,I tunedinlateto the AF-Wyominggame andjoinedtheinterviewwith a gradtalkingabouthisplayingdaysin 1958. Thegradthentalkedabouthowhis son playedtightendand linebackerattheAcademy,was afarbetterathletethanhewas,andhowthe son was now serving overseas withtheAirNationalGuard. Soundedlike a proud papa. I hadjustreceived aphotoofAlexPupichand RyanMcCreight(Alexand RyanbothflyforSouthwestAirlines) a coupleweeksbackfromA1Udeidand I thought tomyself, thatdescriptionsoundslikeAlex. Sureenough, itturnedout to beGeorgePupich,Alex’sdad. I gaveAlex a shoutandhetold me thathe was finishinguphisdeploymentflyingC-130swiththe 115th AirliftSquadronChannel Islands “Hollywood Guard” and was returning stateside soon. Upon returning from the deployment,Alexwasplanning on doing a “Where are they

now?”interviewwithKVORduringtheCSUgame. Alexwas moreexcitedabout attending thebaptismofhis niece,AngelinaPupich, thantheinterviewthat weekend. Imaginethat...AlexPupichis a Godfather!

JamieMaunz, anotherformerFalconfootballplayer, was gettingoutinSeptemberand goingthe Guard route likeAlex. Jamie was planning on leaving active duty at Eglin andthe F-15 fortheGuardinSchenectady, NYand C-130. The 109th AirliftWingfliestheAirForce’s onlyski-equipped C-130s which supporttheNationalScienceFoundationwithmissionstoAntarcticaandGreenland.

KyleMinarikdropped me a line. KylerecentlyPalace Chased and started workingwiththeReservesin the514thALCF atMcGuireAFBwherehe’llkeep flying the KC-10. Here’s the rest ofthe news from Kyle: “I also got a job at ContinentalAirlines where Ijustfinished 737 training. Mydad is a737 check airmenwithContinentaland we gotto flywitheachother on myInitialOperations Experience (IOE) beforemyonlinecheckout. We are the newest fatherson team at Continental. We did a “familyflight”from Newark,NJ to Providence, RI where mywife, Kelly, son Trevor,daughterLauren, and my mom were on board as passengers. No pressure on making a goodlandingwith those critics intheback! It’sbeengreat and was an excitingtime forthewhole family.” No pressure indeed... what a cool experience!

KyleMinarikandhis dadatthecontrols ofa 737.

Pat Suermann dropped me a line in OctoberfromtheUniversityofFlorida wherehe’sstartedhisfirstsemesterofclasses. Between Floridafootballgames, going to thepool on Octoberweekends, andridinghis motorcycle to classes every day, Pat says he’s loving Florida. Pat’swife,Megan, and kids also love being in a placewhere theweather is more predictable than USAFAand the RockyMountainfrontrange. Here’s somenews on a fewotherclassmatesfrom Pat: “I heard from a fewotherpeoplerecendy. Chris Senseneyis inAfghanistan for a year as a Combat engineerand hisconvoygot ambushed the other day. An RPG hit thelead Hummer direcdyin thewindshield,but no one was seriouslyinjured. Amazing. Ernesto Carcamo got out oftheAF this summer andmoved to Utah toworkforan AussieCopperminingcompanyas a PM. He stoppedbyColorado Springs on thewayout andall our kidshungout for some wresde-mania. Rob Luzaderis a C-17 pilot at McChord butthinking about getting out soon and is not sure what thefutureholds.”

Speakingaboutpossiblygettingout,manyofus are makingthatdecisionright now. I bumped into SpiritMeller in SanAntonio,TXat the Logistics Officer AssociationConference.WestartedtalkingaboutVSPandSpiritwasgettingpromotedandleavingactivedutyonthesameday,Nov 1 st Spiritwas amaintenance officeratNellisbutwas lookingatpossiblyrelocatingto thegreatNorthwestand startinghis own business,trading stocks andoptions,possibly some financial planning. I alsobumpedinto PhilDorschand DavePage. Philofcourse, isstill in atHillAFB while Davehas been out forquite some time.

Clint (’98) andAmanda (Jennings) ZumBrunnen recentlyhadtheirsecond child also. EthanJacob was born Nov5th at 9:01 in themorning. Apparently, bigsister Hannah Grace loves babybrotherEthan as evidencedbyher continualshowers ofhugs andkisses.

AlexandRyan atAl Udeid (’97’sfirstSouthwestpilots).

Amanda, HannahGrace, and newbabyEthan

I alsohadabriefemailexchangewithJasonPuckettwhenheinvited me into hisAOGZoomieNation network. Jason, hiswife,Cathy, and two kidsAustin andLana KaeliveinnortheastAdanta. Jasonworks for a healthcare IT companybutapparendyisabout towork on a secondmaster’s andpossiblymake a career change.

Now it’s time for the new baby section ofthe update. Here at FedEx, I’m sharing an officewithTrent Causey. Trent and his wife,Michelle, had their seconddaughter,Addison on Oct 11 th BothMichelle andAddison are doing great. BigsisterJordan, who is two years old, is transitioningto hervery own queen-size bed.

Thanks to everyone who wrote inwith news. Everybodyelse... drop me a linewhenyou get a chance. Until next time... Mel

Karin McWhorter

PSC 3, Box 377

APO AP 96266-0004

From CONUS: (303) 847-4118

From Korea: 0505-122-7288

mcwhorter@i-mnet.com

Karin.mcwhorter@osan.af.mil

I have a lotto reportthisissue, so I am justgoingto getright to it. While back inthe states this fall I ran into Cami Stock (Gage) who is now a professional athlete andtrainingfor a shot at the 2008 Olympics. I also sawJulieEast (not sure ofhermarriedname) andherdaughter atchurch. Sheisteachingmath andreallyenjoyingit.

I also got a chance to attend a baby showerfor Beth Makros (Crimmel). I thinkit was thelargestgrouping offemale ’98ers I have had the privilege of beingwith sincegraduation! Bethjustfinished theAir Force intern one-year program and once her babygirl, Brynn Suzanne, arrives (hopefullybythetime thisis published) shewill starther B2lead-in atWhiteman. RobMakroshas alreadyfinishedhis lead-inforthe B-2 andthey are both happy to be stationed together(finally!). AngelaKornahrens (Tauriainen) is out of theAF and isworking as a contractor inColorado Springs. LaurenMyers (Eckert) palacechasedand is stillflyingtheC5 forthe Reserves part-time outin Dover. Herhusband, Rob Myers, isintheNavystationedinSanDiego. Bythetimethis ispublishedtheyshouldbesettledinVirginiaBeach. Tracie Hughes (Mead) graduatedfromUSUHS andis nowa psychologistatPeterson. Herhusbandis a doctorintheArmyatFortCarsonandhadbeendeployedfor thelast lOmonths. Tracie hasbeencancer-free fortwo yearsandhas a nearly year-old son, Jason. Connor Herman (Wyatt) flewin from NewYorkfor the shower. Shejustfinishedsixmonthsoffull-time Reserve duty attheNSAand istaking a breakfrom Reserve timeto hang outwithherinfant sonWyatt. Her husbandworks as a seniorVPforMTVandthey are lovinglife inNewYorkCity.

Jannell MacAulay (Zicarelli) andhusband, Chris MacAulay, are now at Pope where Chris is a maintenance officer and Jannell flies the C-130. They are expectingtheirfirstchildthis spring. BethSzucs (Houston’97) isoutoftheAF and living in Houston with her husband Joe Szucs (’96) who now flies for Southwest. Theyhave two children,Gracie, 5 and Ella, 2. WendyVolklandis alsoteaching attheAcademy.

weapons schoolin LasVegas, Kunsanfor oneyear,thenofftoTyndallfortheF22 transition course. He is now theweapons officerforthe 94FS at Langley. Other ’98ers flyingthe Raptor and at Langley: Kevin (Gator) Homburg, Brad (Bruiser) Spears, and Dan (Magik) Lee. Jeremyalso madeit out to Nellis for thelastpatchnight to see Joe Scholtz (A-1Os) and a ton ofother’98ersbecome weapons officers.

Bethalsohadthefollowingupdates on some more classmates: DanDobbles,

Lisa

TestPilotSchool.

a babyboy named Barrett

also

andher

I also got an e-mailfromJeremyGordon. Heandhisfamily,wife,Nicole, son Matthew (3), anddaughterLilly(1), havebeenbusyover thelastcoupleyears. Theywere at Lukefor ayearwherehe was an IP, andthentheyheaded to F-16

Jeremy,Nicole,MatthewandLillyGordon

Chris Olsen and Susan (Canady) who finished theirtwo years at Osanthis summer and moved to SanAntonio, also sent a note. Chriswillbeteaching new fighterpilotsinIFFatRandolphAFB, and Susanwillbe a Chem-Bio ProgramManager at BrooksCityBase.

DannySmith also sent a quicke-mail. He andwife,Marcy, are doinggreat atTravis; their two girls are growing and makinglife interesting. Dannyis a WingExecandworkswithRob EvertandMarkScheer (three’98ers inthefront office). RobandMarkareflyingC-5sandDannyfliesKC-10s. Ian Larive, Kirk Eknes, Dan Cox, GregHietpas, Ben Menges, and JoeAguiar also fly 10s at Travis.Joe Coxjustgot an assignment to flyG5s at MacDillandwillbeleaving Travis soon. ChuckWhitehead, CharlieBlackshear, and MarcSegal are in the ReserveKC-10 squadrons. Charlieis about to startMedschool andMarkflies forFedEx. LisaRaukalso flies C-5s here. ChadLewis is at NellisforWeapons Schoolandwillleavetherein Decemberfor aremotetouratOsan. NickStengle justgot assigned as an F-15 IP at Nellis. Mike Colson is flying U-2s at Beale. Kevin“Ozzie”Osborneis an Exec at Hickam andworks forHQ PACAF. Doug Howeis in the Reserves in theSprings andenjoyingColorado. AndyHosieris working Comm at Langley and is reallyenjoying thatassignment. John and MonaMirdch (Alexander) are IPs at DelRioandtheylovetheirtimeawayfrom the crazyAMCdeploymentcircus. StuAlleyis flyingC-130s at Litde Rock; he gotpickedup fortheVSP andwill begetting out oftheAF next summer.

Inothernews,D.SteveBereitwrote to saythathegraduatedfromUniversity ofChicago LawSchoolandaftertakingthe NewYorkbaris starting at thelaw firm ofLinklaters inthe StructuredFinance and Credit Derivatives practice group. Nowhis MBAandLawdegree can actuallystart to payforthemselves! JamieSteinergraduatedfromNYUStem (MBA) andhasbeguntradingbonds forJPMorgan. MarshallMcMullengraduatedfromUniversityofArizonawith

Your AOG introduces ZoomielMation

YOUR AOG FACES A PIVOTAL ELECTION

■ Learn about the candidates

■ Find out where candidates stand on important issues

Personally engage, and ask candidates their positions

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

* Share your photos and blogs with friends

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home

■ Engage in mentorship opportunities

www.zoomienation.com

From left areAngela, Trade, Lauren, Beth, Connor,Jannell,Karin, Beth, andWendy.

whosewife

(Myers ’99),just had twins; JasonDaniels, whosewife

recendyhad twins; and Grant Lewis were all in the two-yearversion ofthe intern programwithBeth. JennJeffords (Drum) isflyingtheB-2 atWhiteman and wasjustselected for

She

husband,Jake,recendy welcomed

this summer. Doug Bouton is also at Whiteman flyingthe B-2s. BrettRobinsonis at McGuire andhiswife,Jori, was also inthe intern program. Theyjusthad a babyin March named Keiman.

Sabre Society Donors

a master’sdegreein computerscience,turneddown an offerfromGoogleand wentwith IBM inAustin,TX. Stevewent to Josh“Petie” Peterson’sweddingin Vegas 18 months ago. Joshjust finished building a house in Little Rock,AR where he is flying C- 130s.

GregMartin, ofUnionGrindfame, also sent an e-mailwith a photofromRob Zeese’sweddingthispast summer. Gregisbackhomeinthe Boston area leading two careers: networkadministratorbydayand singer/guitarist on nights andweekends. He’s in a professional function bandcalled Hipshot, and the websiteiswww.hipshotband.com. He is “theweddingsinger”. Not longafter thewedding, he donated all his hair to Locks ofLove.

In thefront row from left are GregMartin, RobZeese, Dan Leung, and anothergroomsman. BackRow: twogroomsmen, DanaJohnson, andLeland Cowie.

Lasdy,ifyou are ever in thesprings andhave a chance to stopby,JakeSherer would love to see you. He has been out oftheAir Force sincehis motorcycle accidentin 1999 but lives in the springs with his wife and two kids. You can reachhim at sherer50@msn.com.

Ok, that is myword limit. Have a greatholiday season!

James W. Busch

1697A Borneo St. Clovis, NM 88101 (505) 693-2266

DSN: 681-6521

Buschfl6@yahoo.com

james.busch@cannon.af.mil

Shiners - hello,finally,from Cannonbythe sea. Actuallytheonlywaterfront propertyhere occurs when the sewer main breaks a regular occurrence. Theonlytilingthatmakes thisplacebearableisthefactthat I gettoworkeverydaywithclassmates Ron Schoch, MorganAndrews, ByronPompaBrad Opp and up untilrecendySteveFrodsham. Steve is offto Langleyto flytheRaptor. Ron was aT-37 FAIP atDel Rio andarrived at Cannonjustintimeto leave. He’ll bespendinghislastdaysherein one oftheworld’sgreatestfightersquadrons, the 523rd Crusaders, andis awaitingfurtherassignment. Morgan, also one of thelast Crusaders,justgotpicked up forPredators andwillbemoving out to Nellis early next year. Byrongotpicked up forthe January Weapons School class with a follow-on to Hill AFB. Brad flies with the 524 Hounds of Heaven and is also awaiting further assignment. Ryan Petersen, also a Hound, is currentlydeployed. JeffMoffitt is an ALO at Ft Hood andhas been out to Cannon a fewtimes forCAS training.

2

Sabre Society Donors

I’m freshfrom SOS, butdon’texpect three main points or clear and concisewriting. Needing an agewaiver I really thoughtit’dbe me and a bunch of’02 grads. In reality there was a plethoraofunlucky or underacfiieving ’99 gradsjoining me at Maxwell. In addition to now Lt Gen Lorenz, our beloved former commandant, Ryan Hill,Will Reynolds,AndyMiller, Craig Brown, Dillon Newman,TimRezac, NickEvans, CraigSwierzbin,AnthonyKamataris, Chad Holesko and BobBryantalljoined me in a mini-reunion. Ryanismarriedand flyingA- 10s at DM.Will is marriedwith one on thewayand is flyingA- 10s at Eielsen. AndyisflyingAC-130satHurlburt. Dillon went from OSI toCCT,and would’vehad to kill me ifhetold me wherehe was stationed. Tim and Bob are flying B-2s atWhiteman. Craig is flying C- 130s, and Chad is flyingT-38s at Sheppard. IfI missed anyone or messedthatup itisbecause most ofour conversations were over extensive libation. Someone took a group photo and if I ever get myhands on it youwill see itin a futureissue.

StephanieSaveli (Breske) has not been to SOS becauseshecross-commissioned to theArmy. Shewrotewiththisupdate:“I don’t see manyUSAFAgrads thesedays. AftergraduationI was assignedto MaxwellAFB in thePublicAffairs and Protocoldepartment - and I decided that Iwanted to do a branchtransfer - so 13 monthsaftergraduationI was commissioned as a 2LTin theArmyand

started theArmy’sflight school at Fort Rucker,AL. I went thru flightschool, (whereImetmyhusband) andmovedtoHanau,Germanyas aUH60Blackhawk pilot. Myhusbandjoined me in Germanyayearlater-heis a CW4intheArmy andfliestheOH58DKiowaWarrior. DougandIgotmarriedin2002-CatieCone (Derenzo) andColleenHall (’00) were boththereandinthewedding. InApril 2003 DougandI were sentto Iraq. Ispentninemonths atBaghdadInternational andDougspent 15 monthsthere - theArmyhas a differentdefinitionofaCombattourlengththentheAF. Anyhow-1 came backfromIraqearlybecauseIwas threemonthspregnantwith our daughter. HunterSaveliwas bomJuly 12 2004 in Germany. Sheis thegreatestlittlegirl. Weallmoved backFortRucker,Alabama and are currentlystillin theArmyworkinghard.

Stephanieandherhusband -anArmyoftwo. IbumpedintoJonGrahamviae-mailwhilein thedesertearlierthisyear. He wentfrom adeploymentflyingMH-53sinIraqstraightintoweaponsschooland isduetograduatearoundthetime thisarticlewillactuallybeprinted. Sincehe’ll be an expert in the MH-53 theAir Force is sending him to the CV-22. On to greenerpastures,Jonwillhelp setup thefirstCV-22 squadron atHurlburt. Also a consummate familyman, JonandhiswifehadtheirfirstinJune—ababygirl.

And now, a bitfnews from theAOR. Chris Caredeo got out oftheArmyjust in time to havehis Reserve unit activatedand, bang! offhegoes to thedesert. He’sworkingin a FOB north ofBaghdadhelping to train the IraqiArmy. His FOB hasfreeBaskinRobbins, agym, andhegetshis own air-conditionedtrailer tolivein. Sounds almostAirForce-like. HesendswordthatthelraqiArmyhe’s workedwith are reallynot corrupt, but the Sunnis and Shiareally are killing each other. Say a prayer for Chris and for all ofthose deployed.

Chrisandfriendsabout to enjoyan afternoon offishing.

Onnie Grisotto (Retkofsky) also joined the Reserves. She palace-chased her UPT commitment so shecould move to Italy to bewith herhusband, an Italian exchangestudent, and two kids Rene (4) and Massimo (2). Rene was 9.9 sierra hotelpounds at birth. Onnie and herhusband,Andre, are expectingtheirthird in January. When not makingbabies, Onnieworks part-time at Ramstein. Onnie also brought news that ErykkaThompson now lives in Cincinnati andworks for General Electric, and Sharon Rohde ’99 hasjust finished C-130 IP school and is stationed at Dyesswhile expecting herfirst. Angela (Arredondo) Smith is finishing up law school in Houston. Herhusband, JasonSmith, is an IP at Del Rio. Matt Eckles. Hehasjustgottenhimself setupasaT-1 instructor atVance AFB. He has bought a house and is very excited aboutstayinghomefor awhileafternear-constant deployments from Pope over the last fewyears.

Thanks Stephanie,Jon, Chris, andOnnieforsendingupdates andpictures. IfI didn’t get them into this issue I’ll try for next time. For everyone else, realize that even thoughyourlife may seem boring to you it makes forgreat Checkpoints news. Weddings,babies, gatherings,embarrassingphotos— sendthem in so we can keep this thinggoing. Thanks andhappyholidays. -

James

HeyGang, I thought I’d start this time with some baby news. Heather (Johnson) Kennedy andhusband, Joe (’99), welcomed twinboys, JosephFitzpatrick “Fitz”andDylaniyier, on Dec29,2005. Heatheris havingfun as a newmother, butalso enjoysworking at thecardiologyand internal medicine clinics as an AcuteCare Nurse Practitionerat AndrewsAFB.

DaveAdamsonandSusie (Murphy)Adamson are now theproudparents of a babyboy,Thomas. Bothparents are still enjoyingtheirinstructortouratNAS Pensacola, andalsomentionedtohopefully see some ofyouinJanuaryatSOS. AnotherTwo Grandgroup picturewouldbegreatforthatclass or anyothers goinganytime soon.

TheAdamsonFamily

Also newparents areMattRussellandhiswife,Erika,whoproudlyushered in theirnewbabygirlAudreyGracethisOct26th.All are doinggreatwithbigsmiles andsmall amounts ofsleep. Matt, ScooterWhite andJasonHrynykfinishup VipertraininginDecemberand are thenheaded to OsanAB. Justcomingfrom Osan,backtohischosenprofession,is Dr.PatParsons,butalso atOsan are Nate Diller,JonFriedman,andmanyothers. Patis now in Germanyat Spangdahlem AB after some leaveinthe Philippines,Japan, andUSA; good fortunehooked him up with his old roomie Kevin Lord, as well as Ben Schill and MattAcer duringhistravels. I was abletocatchupwithPatrecentlyfor some Thanksgiving turkeyandhepassed on thatKevinandhiswife are expectingababy soon. Also expectingagain,Dana(Hansen) GrangerseparatedinSeptemherto raiseherandBryan’s (’01) two children,whilepreparing forthecomingoftheirthird. They are at McCordandbythe timethis ispublished,Zacharyshouldhavebeenborn (due date: 17 Dec 06) while hereldestAshleyjustturned three in November,andhermiddleboy,Wesley,is nowayearand ahalf old.

None Yet Sabre Society Donors

On to other news and moves, Brian Lane has finallyleft Travis after 41/2 years offlying the “bigrig” KC-10. Brian decided to go a little more tacticalbyflyingtheMQ-1 Predator andwill soon be fightingthe war from the comforts ofhisbase at Nellis/ CreechAFB, NV. He says, “There’s nothing more Gucci than that.” Also, on finishing a long-tourHerb Green is leavingGrandForks, ND afterflyingKC135 for 4 Vt years. He’s headed to Chievres,Belgium to flythe GulfstreamV. Herb gave me a longupdatestartingwith news that RickCordovahas now separatedfromtheAF andisworking in Chicagoreal estate. Aaron St Clair alsoseparatedand isworkingfor aproductplacement firm in LosAngels. Jeff FeltonjustleftGrandForks andis settlingin as a new KC-135 IP at Robins, GA SteveJonesleftNorthDakotathis summer too andis now anAdvanced Instruments SchoolInstructoratRandolph. Kristin (Discala) and JoshWestbymoved from GrandForks around the same time and now areT-37 IPs at Columbus. MarkGraziano movedfrom GrandForks and is flying U-2s out at Beale, and lasdyforthe Grand ForksAFB update, Herb said thatAbby (Kent) Ponn arrivedlast springand is also nowwith theAirRefuelingSquadron.

BillDainsPCSedfromWright-Patterson to Randolph a fewmonths ago;he’s theSF Ops Officer out there. Erin (Crean) Freel separatedfromtheAirForce injun 2005 andiscurrendyemployed as stay-at-home mom toCharlesConnor (bomJan06). Sheandherhusband,CaptCharles Freel, are greadyenjoying theirassignment to the USAFWeapons School at NellisAFB. JRSmithis now serving a one-yearOsanAB tour flyingtheA-10; his flightcommanderin the Dragginsis none otherthanErikAxt. KarlHagartyisflyingwiththemandwas at SOS inNovember. Across the street, GabeNormandiajust reached 1,000 hours in the F-16; meanwhile Gabe Repucci hasjust started his F-16 career, arriving at Osan in Octoberwith his lovelywife. RobVoleskyis at Edwards

goingthrough Test Pilot School and wanted to pass along that he’s now engaged. Rob graduates in June and having thewedding two weeks later in Beavercreek, OH.

RobVoleskyandfiancd, BethTownshend

BessieFontenotfinishedUSMC marathonthispastOctoberandhadthefun ofrunninginto DianeSantos atthefinish linealongwithTanjiS.Johnson ’97 (rememberbasictrainingcadre).Allwere excitedto havefinishedthe race and to see a familiar face amongthe 30,000 finishers. Jen (Shelby) Miller is now married toTyMiller (’99) andgavebirth toTristan twoyearsago.They’veboth beenout oftheAFforafewyears nowand are lovinglife as theyworkat Shelby family-ownedSan DiegoHarley-Davidsonwithfourdealershipsin that area. Shejumped on to ourYahoogroupandhasbeenableto catchupwithmanyof you. Sincethen,underrecommendationofBessie,I’vealsocreatedaUSAFA2000 mySpace.comgroup, so be sure to checkbothout ifyouwantto catchupwith some more classmates. Ahh, cyberspace, what a greatthing, and now even a newCyberCommandandit’spartoftheAFmission. Well,I’dberemissifIdidn’t jump attheopportunitytohelpinthe newcommand, so Irecentlyreceivedand accepted an assignment to the8thAirForce staffatBarksdaleAFB. So,ifyou’re outthereinShreveport,hit me upwith some advice onwheretoliveandwhatnots. I knowone fellathat’shappytobe out ofthatarea—BryanTrinkle. He’s leavingBarksdale toworkwiththeArmyas anAirLiaison OfficeratCampbell Barracks,Heidelberg,Germany. I’llhave a chanceto catchupwithhimbefore IheadoutofGermanyin lateFebruary.

Onanothernote, in our lastissue I usedinformationthathad some names misspelledin regards to thelate Kristin (Bozarth) Burson and herhusband, SeanBurson; mysincerestapologies to all forthemistake.

Your AOG introduces ZoomielMation

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE 2007 AOG BOARD ELECTIONS

■ Engage with candidates on important issues

■ Read about each candidate's background

■ Learn how the candidates plan to make the AOG better

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS:

■ Locate old friends and classmates and reconnect!

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Form interest/professional groups

■ Establish your own personal/ professional profile

www.zaomienation.com

Well, that’s it for this time. Best wishes to all for a veryhappyholidays and terrific newyear. Please be safe and continue to send me updates as well as pleaseexpand our emaillistto others so we can catchup with some gradsthat have not included previously;just havethem shoot me an email.

Thanksand MerryChristmas! Jason“JW” Simmons

Faith Dunn (Hitchcock)

17551 Nutwood Drive

Carson, CA 90746

Faithd03@hotmail.com

Heythere ’01er s! Did notget too manyupdatesthistime so pleasesend more myway so we can all keep in touch! Here are the ones I received:

LukeSustmangotmarried to a girlnamedAthenaaftergraduationwho is a first grade teacher and theyhave two kids, Madison and Cole. They are stationed at Hurlburt Fieldwhere he is flying MC-130s in the 8th SOS and has beendeployedthreetimestoAfghanistanand once to Iraq. GiveyKochanowski andhiswife, Chelsie, are expectingtheirfirst babyinApril. Hejustreturned from a deploymentto DiegoGarcia andwillbePCSingnext summer unlesshe decides to get out and stayin Alaska. BillyWilsongot marriedto a girl named Sherry on March 11,2006 in Dallas. Jen DiCariois currendystationed at EllsworthAFB flyingthe B1. She was in Memphis last Mayrunning the Memphis in MayOlympic DistanceTriathlon and ran intoJen (Glomb) Giovannetti andAmy(Hultin) Glisson.

2 Sabre Society Donors

LisaJorgensensent thisupdate: Colleen (French) Crabtree justarrivedinDavisMonthanwheresheisflyingC- 130sand is expectingherfirstbabyinJanuaryalongwithMaryedith (Smith) Malin. MaryedithseparatedunderPalaceChaseand is livingwithAndyin Iowawhere heis finishinghis residencyin orthopedic surgery. Kathy (O’Brien) Burkeis also expecting soon. Sheandherhusband, Tommy,justgotbackfrom remotes in Korea. TravisWillcoxandhiswife, Kat, were alsoexpectingtheirfirstbabyinOctoberandjustPCSed from Hill to LA MikePontius isdeployedflyingthebuff, MarisaCatlinshould returnthisweek from a four-month deploymentflyingtheHH-60sinAfghanistan. Shejust ran into Melinda (Schilling) Johnsonwho has a nine-month-old daughterand is about to PCS to Popewith herhusband.AndrewOilandjustgot marriedthis summeraswell. HePCSed toTravis tostart up thesquadronthere. MakiaEpie, JakinFinch, and DaveCzesak are just a fewofthepeoplewho are showingup toTravis,accordingto MartyLayewho isflyingKC-10sthere. KelliiChockisin Mountain Home flying F-16s and loving Idaho. Chrissy (Compton) HendricksonmarriedJD in May. ChristineLove isheaded to training atAltus so she can flyC- 17s in Charleston. LeahBuckleyis in Montereyat schooland gotengaged.

As forherself, Lisajustgotmarried afterbeingdeployed to Kyrgyzstanand Turkey over the summer. Herhusband,Colt, is also a C-17 pilot atMcChord. Theygotmarried on a mooredboat on LakeUnion in Seattle. Grads in attendance were LanceVlvion, who is stationed at MacDill flyingKC-135s,Tisha Dawson (’02)andTaraHeintz (’02),ColleenCrabtree,MaryedithMalin,Stacie Prattwhojustgotassigned F- 16s outofbeing a FAIP atLaughlin,Nelle (Pirotte) Barriteauwho is coachinggymnastics at theAcademyandjust married an ArmySpecial Forces officer, and Jennie Schoeckwho just returned from BagramflyingA- 10s andiswaitingfor an assignmentfromEielson,Christine Love and NickDiCapua came out for the bachelor/bachelorette partybut could not stayfortheMondaynightwedding, Erich Kunrathwho is a Glider QIC at theAcademyand JonMawho is flyingC- 17s.

Olendorfand Matt Mountcastle. They’ve also run into Kevin Currie, Zach Hickman, Matt Shrull, MikeUeda and Kalet Gibbons.

picture of them from inside theA1 Faw Palace in BaghdadMay26,2006. From left are Frank Lyons, Audra Lyons, Kristi (Delcour) Contardo, Melissa (Horvath)

2001 gradsin Baghdad

BothFrankandAudrawere stationed at CampVictory,Iraq. Sheis on a oneyear tour and Frank is on his second four-month tour. Audra has been to GTMO andOsan in thepastcoupleofyears; here in the states shehasbeen at Wright-Patand, until March, Eglin. Frankhas been atWright-Patand Eglin. Andinbetween all that,theyhaveboth recentlycompleted theirMaster’s.

MikeDunn and I are doingwell. We are adjustingto LosAngelesandgetting readyforthebaby. Wefound out awhileago that we are having a boyandjust can’twaituntilFebruarywhenhefinallygetshere! Mikeappliedforseparation underthenewVSP Force Shapingpolicyandgotapproved, so he’llbegetting out inAugustofnextyear. We’llbemovingcloserto one ofour families sowe’ll have a busyyearbetween the new addition andfindingjobs andmoving. I’ll keepyouupdated on our whereaboutsbut I will always havemyhotmail account so keep theupdatescoming.

Hope all iswellwith everyone and keep in touch. Faith

Amy Schultz

806 Magnolia Bend

San Antonio, TX 78251

215-280-1760

aschultzdmd@gmail.com

Class Website: www.usafa02.org

Captains, as you were...

HappyHolidays! Howdoesit feel to have more weight on yourshoulders? For thosethatjustgot out... sendyourstories on howcivilianlifeis!

There are some new doctorsfromtheClassof2002. Newgraduatesfromthe Uniformed Services UniversityoftheHealth Sciences (USUHS) includefrom left, Luke Porsi, JessicaLotridge,Tom

Luke and Chris, alongwith Chris’ wife, Leslie (USNA’02), are doingtransitionalinternships atTravisAFB. Theywillthenbeheadingofftobecomeflight surgeons. Joining them atTravis is Jess, a FamilyMedicine intern. Tom and Rob are atWilford HallinSanAntor'o doingInternalMedicineandOrthopedie Surgery,respectively.

MarkHanson marriedJessicaRobertsfromNeenah,WI onJuly8 2006 atAsh CaveinHocking Hills State Park,OH. AlexThomas was one ofMark’sgroomsmen. The couplehoneyi loned in the Dominican Republic. Mark is now employed by the Internal Revenue Service and his wife is a teacher and cheerleadingcoach.

GeorgeCole andhiswife,Becky, are theproudparentsofAmeliaJoyceCole. They are stationed up atWPAFB andGeorgeisattendingAFIT’sLogistic ManagementProgram.

Visit theAOGWeb Site

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

Lisa andhusband, Colt, at theirwedding. FrankandAudra Lyons sent an update from Baghdadwhere theywere deployed this summer with numerous members of2001. Here is a

Adams, ChrisVojta, and Rob McGill.

we’llbegetting rid ofthesinglebar on our shoulders before we knowit - well at least those ofus who are still in. Heidi (McKinley) Schlagheckseparated earlier this fall and will be staying in Florida where her husband, Chris Schlagheck, is stationed. Barbara (Soucy) Golfisalsoenjoyingthecivilianlife in southern Californiawith herhusband, FrankGolf.

Alexis Ross sent us a picture from herwedding. She married a gendeman namedTom Oristian. He’s a Stanford ’02gradandheis not inthephoto. They are livingin Richmond,VAandAlexis is inhersecondyearofdentalschool at VirginiaCommonwealth University.

TheAlexisRoss-TomOristianWedding

Heather (Gagnon) Tellezis in herfourthyearand MichelleBaker (’03) isin herfirstyear atVCU dental school aswell. HeatherandMichelle are doingthe HPSPscholarship,butAlexisgotoutearlyandispayingbackheryearswiththe Reserves at Langley. Heather’s husbandBrandonTellez (’01) are flyingF-15s at Langley. Lara (Coppinger) Brown is standing next to Alexis and is now a ProfessionalTriathleteworking in San Francisco; herhusband, Ben Brown (’01) is still at LAAFB andjustfinished his master’s—theyplan to be together in May. Meredith Beavers is a Hueypilot at AndrewsAFB and is in charge ofthe CFC forthewhole base.)ohnCortneyhas his dreams come true and got a pilotslot, afterspending two years in Boston doingAcquisitions. John is a C-17 pilot at McChord AFB. MikeIgoejustgotout and isworkingforUnited in Denver as a RunwayRampManager,which is a hard life I hear. Mike BrophyandChristie (Cowart) Brophy are still atLAAFB with theirsecond son and are heading to Manhattan next summer as Mikewillbe doing investment banking. Christie is working on her master’s. Lara Coppinger’s Dad, RoyCoppinger (’69) is living in Portland, Oregonwithhis wife,Lindsay.

None Yet Sabre Society Donors

Just a remindertheunofficialred tagreunionwillbe in LasVegas fromMay 31 S,-June 3rd 2007. Suzy and I are staying at the Flamingo. Wewill plan on meeting up on Thursdaynight at 9 pm at Caramel in the Bellagio. Friday night, 9 pm again at the Circle Bar in the Hard Rock and Saturdaynight at CoyoteUglyin NewYork, NY. Mark it on yourcalendars. Hope to see you all there.

We are putting a shout out to JohnBelt,Justin Parker, andHimayArthur. If you have seen or heard from them... let us knowhowthey are doing!

Suzyand Iwant to wisheveryone ajoyous andmemorable holiday. Maythe yearof2007bringeveryonelove, success, goodfriends, health andhappiness. To all a goodnight... see youin 2007!All mybest,Amy

Kenyatta Ruffin

1760B Normandy Loop Clovis, NM 88101

719-213-3395

aimhighknowhim@netscape.net

Happy NewYear everyone. Do you believe it, it’s almost been fouryears sincewe lefttheZoo (besidesErikAnkerwho’sbackthereinAH)? Evenbetter,

I sawBarbara and DustinNowakat Dan Munson’sweddingin Seattle a few months ago (seepicture). Dustin and his wife, Erin, have two kids and by watchingthematthereception,I’m sure a thirdwillbe on the waysoon! Dan’s wife, Megan, is Erin’s sister, which I guess makesDanandDustinrelated... andifthatisn’tenoughAcademy intermingling for you, Erin is a former Zoomie and Aaron Lemke, anotherformerZoomie, was a groomsman. Speakingofkids,AndyBoguskyand hiswife are expecting theirfirstchildandMarkSpencerandhiswifejustfound out thatthey are expectingtheirsecond child. Andyflies B-52s andis on hiswayto MinotandMarkisstationed atMountain Home with Jon O’Rear, where theyboth fly F- 15Cs. Randy Gibbs, JeanaeJackson and others in the D.C. area said theyenjoyed theAir ForceMemorialDedication a fewmonths ago. Zach Counts is stillhavingfun at Shaw, Laura Stepkojust moved to Kirtland, and Jesse Stubbsjoined Nate Jackson at GrandForks.

Your AOG introduces 2™C30 nni i €5l^lcilfc i o n

YOUR AOG FACES A PIVOTAL ELECTION

■ Learn about the candidates

■ Find out where candidates stand on important issues

■ Personally engage, and ask candidates their positions

ALSO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT ZOOMIENATION FUNCTIONS;

■ Share your photos and blogs with friends

■ Professionally network with grads to find jobs (separating or post-military)

■ Sell or rent your home

■ Engage in mentorship opportunities

www.zoomienation.com

I Sabre Society Donors

From left atDan Munson’s wedding: Erin Nowak,Aaron Lemke,Megan Munson, Dustin Nowak, Barbara Golf, Dan Munson andKenyattaRuffin.

Ofparticularnote are our classmates that are outtheretakingcaringofbusiness in theAOR. Hopefullymost ofyou saw that KellyMcGann receivedthe BronzeStarforhisactions as a combat cameraman inIraq... I knowI’malways askingforeveryone to send in pictures andupdates,butKelly,we’d definitely like to see some ofyours. Also in Iraq is “JarHead Rocket Scientist” Michael Donaldson. Ifyou didn’t know, he’s a Marine now and has also been doing greatwork over there. Additionally, Robin Kamio just left Misawafor a oneyearremote inAfghanistan.

Speaking ofMisawa, I’ll be moving there in early2007. I’ll leave behind fellow Bonger’s Adam Thornton, John Harris,JeremyVanderhal and Chris Gruner (whose wife is also expecting their first child) at Cannon andjoin Michael Schmidtand Bryan Spence in Japan. Thatbeingsaid, I’ll putin my plugfor connectingthrough ZoomieNation.Com. It’s an awesome site and we’ll probablyuse itfor Checkpointsupdates in thefuture. Take care andblue skies.

Jeff Gould

TDY to Altus, currently homeless (210) 383-3238

Jeffry.gould@laughlin.af.mil

email through October

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet)

(Editor’s note:We didnotreceive anyinput thisissuefortheClass of2004. Pleasewrite toJeffso hehas an inputforthenextissue.)

John Tamasitis 124 Halidon Drive

Warner Robins, GA 31088 (610) 850-3352

John.Tamasitis@ogn.af.mil Tombo012@hotmail.com

HappyHolidays!

I hopethis message receives all members ofthe Class of2005wellandthat you are safe,happy, and enjoying theholiday season with the ones thatyou love. We have a fewupdates from members ofour class:

From EmilyArthur (formerlyMcConnell): I got married to ToddArthur (’04) on 20Aug2005 inWilmington,Delaware.Thefollowinggrads/cadets are in thepicture:

Kayne

I’mcurrendystationed at Randolph as a scientificanalyst;Toddisstationed at Laughlin as aT-1 instructorpilot. Ourapartmentin SanAntonioburned to thegroundin Novemberof2005,butwehaveslowlyrecovered and now own a house in SanAntonio.

None Yet

Sabre Society Donors

Lynn Gouthro (U.S. Army): Hey-just saw Checkpoints (found me allthewayout here) and thoughtIwouldupdate you onwhat Iwas doing. I cross commissioned intotheArmy whenwe graduatedand am a Militaryintelligenceofficerin the 2nd Brigade CombatTeam ofthe 1st InfantryDivision (Big Red One). We are currentlydeployed to Baghdad and thesurrounding areas in supportofOIF. I am atAbuGhraib (yes thatAbu Ghraib). The place is actually in terrible condition andverysusceptible to sniperfire.Wewill be deployed until about September2007.

Felisa (Hervey) Dyrud

132 Banks St. Cambridge, MA 02138 (719) 352-5991

Felisa.dyrud@gmail.com

Greetings, classmates ofthefreeworld! I’llbeputtingtogetherthesearticles for our class, so send me your latest exploits.Also, ifyou give me your preferrede-mail address, I’ll sendyou a reminderwhenthedeadline is coming around.Thanks!

Marriages:

LanceAnders married Danielle Martin in Powdersville, SC.

VivienAspden married Matt Miller ’05 on 22 July at SheppardAFB, TX.

Back Row: Ariel

(’04, second from left),Will Deike (’08, third from left),Todd Arthur (’04, groom, third from left),Allen Short (’05, fifth from left), and David Estrem (’05, sixth from left). Front Row: Emily (McConnell) Arthur (’05, bride, thirdfrom left), and Roseann MacLean (’05, fourth from left).

EmilyandToddArthur’sWedding

VivenAspdenmarriesMattMiller.

JeremyBoeingmarriedhis ringdancedate (which was theirfirstdate) Katie Tompkie ’05 on 8 Sept in Michigan.

Peter Dyrudmarried FelisaHervey on 3 June at theWorldPrayerCenter in Colorado Springs, CO.They are both attendinggraduate school in Boston, MA

PeterDyrudmarriedFelisa Hervey.

Jonathan FerromarriedAllisonWalker on 17 June; theirhoneymoon was a MediterraneanCruise! Jonathan is attendingPardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica, CAfor a PhD in PolicyAnalysis.

Richard HarrmarriedhisAFASportsCamp sweetheartMikkiJacobs ofAurora, CO on 16 July.

MeganMcdaiymarriedBenMoran (’05) on 2June, 2006inColoradoSprings, CO.

WoodyOlmsteadmarried Jill Dehnerton 1 June, 2006 atWoodmenValley Chapelin Colorado Springs, CO.They are livingin Maryland; both attending school at the UniversityofMA.

GoneBut NotForgotten: ToddValentine, '91: (Continued

frompage 105.)

Todd fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a pilot after graduating from the Academy. He was named the “Outstanding Second Lieutenant” of his pilot training class and awarded the “Citizenship Award” by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. After graduating in the top of his class, he was selected to remain at Reese Air Force Base as an instructor pilot. From there he took an assignment to work with the Army at Fort Hood.

In conjunction with this assignment, he was the #1 graduate of the Air Ground Operations School and was the Air Force’s pioneer creating methods for conducting close air support on a modern, digital battlefield. Today, hundreds of Air Force fighter aircraft use equipment and tactics he developed. While serving at Fort Hood, Todd also earned a master’s degree in International Relations from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He graduated as an honor graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA and later was named one of the top five students in the 30-year history of the International Relations program.

After his assignment with the Army, Todd was selected to fly the F16 Fighting Falcon, but took a more family-friendly assignment flying the B-l. While flying the “Bone,” he was awarded the “Ira C. Eaker Award” for outstanding airmanship, naming his crew the #1 bomber aircrew in the Air Force for the year 2000. He also was awarded Air Combat Command’s “Annual Flying Safety Award” that year.

After flying the B-l, he returned to trainer aircraft as an instructor pilot to train new instructor pilots at Randolph AFB. During this assignment he was selected as a “White House Fellow Regional Finalist,” ranking him among the top 100 future leaders in our nation. Just prior to his death, General Officers selected him for assignments on the Joint Staffs both at the Pentagon and in Korea. TheAir ForceAcademy offered him positions as an instructor both in political science and in Chinese. He was also selected as one of the top officer’s in his rank and had orders to attend the Air Force Institute ofTechnology to earn a second master’s degree.

Above and beyond all of Todd’s professional accomplishments, he was most proud ofthe creation ofhis beloved family. Todd was a family man first and foremost and left a great legacy for his children to admire. He touched the lives of all with whom he came in contact through his example of dedication, hard work, courage, grace and love. He will be greatly missed by many. (Cindy and Todd Valentine)

Andwe knowtherewere a lot moreweddingsthanthat! Pleasesenddetails...

Engagements:

Brian Geutschowgotengaged Nov3rd to KelseyHayward, a firstie at USAFA thisyear.

TorreyHamilton was engaged to Sarah Boor on 7 Oct,2006.Theyplan to be married on 24April at theCadet Chapel.

TrippJohnson and CarlySiefken were engaged in November andwill be married on 24 Feb, 2007 inWichitaFalls,TX,where they are bothstationed.

RyneRoadyis engaged to his high school sweetheart,Ashley, ofMcCloud, OK.

60 Days Etc:

Shawn Ingkiriwangspent threeweeks ofhis 60 days in Sydney,Australia. “Awesome Surfat BondiBeach!

RhoshondaMcGruderfoundoutthatshe’srelatedto nearly halfofTobagoduringherthreeweeks thereinTrinidad and Tobago.

ErinWarddrip, now at grad school in Boulder, CO says a favoritethingaboutthe“real"worldis ditchingschool to go snowboarding... withoutbreakinganyrules!

Chris Chatdn started a business during 60 days. He’s on casual now and had plentyoftime this fall to coach high schoolfootball. “That was sweet.”

None Yet Sabre Society Donors

RyanBakercross-commissionedintotheArmyandisgettingreadyforRanger School. “Nothinglikesleeping in a sleepingbagoutside to makeyou appreciatecadetbeds...

Dan Moss, RyneRoady, Ryan Cox, AJ DeLaFuente, Richard Harr, Mikey Krestyn, andJordanKemp spent 60 days in Europe and attended all three humiliatingU.S. games. Sadlytheyonlyremember 10 percentof60 days.

DanMoss is now not doinganythinginteresting at all.

Jonathan FerromarriesAllison Walker.

Jul 5-16,2007

Legendary Scotland awaits! From deep glacial lakes shrouded in mist to rugged, heather-covered Highland hills, Scotland's landscape sets a scenic stage for epic adventure.Through the centuries, and intricate blend of Celtic, Norse and Norman cultures have intermingled like the weave of a tartan pattern to fashion quaint cobblestoned villages and fairy-tail castles. Discover the very best of Scotland by walking in the wake of freedom fighter William Wallace, tracing the pathways of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and leaving your own footprints along the"bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.". ($3,230.00h

May 9-17,2007

A morning walk through the narrowed cobbled streets of ancient Etruscan Cortona is vibrant with the scents and sounds of an awakening town-the aroma of cappuccino and warm baked goods wafting from little shops, the perfume of fresh flowers, and the bustle of the main square. Watch the children with their bright rucksacks trotting off to school as silver-haired women draped in black slowly make their way to market. It is the day-to-day participation in Cortona community life that makes this a unique travel experience^ 2,290.00)

More information about these luxurious travel destinations is available online at www.usafa.org. Click on i "Membership & Ser^ vices"and then "Travel Hi Programs" or contact H Wayne Kellenbence I at wayne.kellenip bence@aogusafa.org I or (719) 472-0300.

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