Checkpoints March 2008

After

A 200-foot fall was not enough to keep C2C Thomas Avolio from pursuing his

inues

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THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

Retired Lt. Gen. Ervin Rokke, ’62, and Gregg Popovich, ’70, are named two ofthe Academy’s best.

Cadet returns after near-fatal fall from peak.

AMERICAN GRAD-IATOR

’98 grad bombs competitors as “Stealth” in the new “American Gladiators.”

LONG

WAIT FOR JUSTICE

Held responsible for airmen’s deaths for more than a decade, general feels vindicated. ON

Cadet 2nd Class Thomas Avolio never gave up his quest to return to the Academy following a life-threatening 200-foot fall from Eagle Peak. Story on pg. 28. (Photo by Ken Wright)

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BOARD

Jim Wheeler, '64, Board Chair

Pat Rosenow, 76, Vice Chair

Bill Boisture, '67, Treasurer

Michael Banks, '92, Secretary

Kevin Carmichael, 77

Steve Dotson, '63

Steve Finch, '65

Mike Flynn, '95

Fred Gregory, '64

Allison Hickey, '80

John Stealey, 70

Terry Storm, '61

George Van Wagenen, '67

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: 3332067. 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 $4.60 for shipping. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., andadditional mailingoffices. POSTMASTER: Send changeofaddress to Checkpoints Association ofGraduates, Doolitde Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Opinionsexpressed 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 ofGraduates ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy, March 2008. m

No a cause for celebration

Twice this past fall I read reports published from the Academy about high rankings for USAFA among the US News & WorldReport 2008 Americas Best Colleges figures. The most recent appeared in General Regni’s “Letter from the Superintendent” published in the December issue of Checkpoints. I love good news, but I am not convinced that those rankings reflect much good news.

According to the quoted rankings USAFA is:

#1 in the west among baccalaureate universities and colleges;

#7 in “engineering programs overall in the nation;”

#2 in astro and aeronautical engineering;

#7 in civil engineering, and #8 in electrical engineering; and

#1 for the “nation’s best undergraduate business management programs.”

To achieve its “best in the west” ranking, the Academy was compared to colleges and universities granting no higher than a baccalaureate degree. It was not compared with Stanford, Rice, Colorado School of Mines, or even Texas Tech. We are left to wonder how the Academy would have fared against the bigger schools. It ranked #1 among a field of competitors that included such “big” names as Master’s College & Seminary (#2), Oklahoma Baptist University (#3), and McMurry University (#12). I understand the Academy does not choose with whom it is ranked, but I find it hard to celebrate when the competition is fourth tier. The Academy competed in the Special Olympics and won. Big deal.

What about the engineering program rankings? The Academy was not compared

to schools that offer doctoral degrees. What a shame. The peer group was, however, expanded to include schools that grant master’s degrees. The peer group was also expanded geographically to the national level. USAFA’s overall engineering program ranked 7th, behind both West Point and Annapolis. With the exception of aero/astro, the Academy was not ranked among the top five universities in any engineering program. Exclusion from the peer group ofschools offering doctoral degrees presumably pushes the overall national ranking of USAFA lower. It is bit disappointing actually.

As General Regni points out, it is nice to be “singled out before a nationwide audience as ‘the best’,” but if the “best” is selected from the lesser lights, it tends to tarnish the meaning of “best.” I am not convinced that U.S. News & WorldReport rankings are all that valuable, but neither am I convinced that the Academy has a great deal to boast about in those rankings.

Jonathan Davis San Angelo, Texas

Corrections:

FAC Memorial Dedication

On page 74 of the December 2007 issue, we should have written that the FAC Memorial dedication will take place on Oct. 3.

Somaly Mam Foundation

On page 30 ofthe December 2007 issue, an Editor’s Note was only partially printed. It should have read: For more information on the Somaly Mam Foundation, please visit www.somaly.org.

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 todays Air Force.

Meeting: AView from the New Gal

By Allison A. Hickey, ’80

from the

Dear Members,

The AOG Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting at Doolittle Hall Feb. 6-9. It was a busy four days that included orientation for the new directors, committee meetings, a briefing on the USAFA Endowment, a closed session with the superintendent, and a seven-hour board meeting on Saturday. The directors and staff addressed the total spectrum of AOG business and positive steps were taken in many areas. The membership can be confident that the board and staff are serious about their responsibilities and working hard to assure that our AOG meets the expectations of our multiple constituencies.

In the past, the custom has been for theboard chair to use this space to discuss current issues, AOG events and Academy happenings. However, Allison Hickey, '80, one of our newest board members, attended her first meeting and wrote the following unsolicited account of the experience. think you'll find it exciting, informative and reassuring.

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Jim Wheeler, '64 BoardChair

RenewedEnergy, Clear Focus, BuildingBridges...Pushing it UP!

Integrity First... I am a new member ofthe AOG Board ofDirectors, and, until I was asked to serve, I hadn’t paid that much attention to “intricacies” ofAOG events ofthe last few years. I was more confused than enlightened by the “opposing” views and “power” struggles, so I didn’t vote for either side. I didn’t even know what the debate was really about and who was on which side for what reason. That meant I knew less than many ofyou but about as much as most ofyou which you and I know means I knew very little. I read my Checkpoints, worked my class project, went to all the distinctive reunions and gave enough to be a Sabre Society member. I attended a few Air Force vs. Navy games on the east coast. I knew some ofthe really good things about our Academy and mentored a few outstanding young men and women to attend. I watched a few challenges hit our Alma Mater and felt sad but equally encouraged that the overwhelming response was to tackle them head on with transparency to the world and determination to make things right to make things better. I knew from sitting on the Air Staffin the Strategic Planning and Programming functions as well as the Corporate Process that the “Zoo” had real funding challenges—especially in infrastructure—a lot like our Air Force at large. I also knewthat the cadets who attend the Air Force Academy today will have very different requirements in the Air Force ofthe future—far different than mine. I knew that the cadets who graced the “hallowed” grounds ofthe institution at the base ofthe Rockies were so much smarter, savvy and prepared than I, but that some also came with a different set ofbasic ground rules and expectations that brings new challenges different than ours.’

I knew that there was a lot ofconfusion about what the AOG and the new Endowment group were doing because, like you, I received a few emails some on one side, some on the other. I knew because of this split... and the confusion... and the angst... I almost said “no

I don’t want to serve in the middle ofthis mess.” Then it hit me... Service before self. So for the last three weeks, I immersed myself in the business ofthe AOG, the AOG Class Advisory Senate (CAS didn’t really know much about this very important and effective group), the fundraising efforts of over seven different foundations or groups—including the new USAFA Endowment (UE) effort, the needs ofcadets and their leadership, the 2006 survey done in the graduate community, the significant AOG heritage efforts by different USAFA classes and facilitated by the AOG, the Blue Ribbon Commission Report led by Lt. Gen. Bradley Hosmer, ’59, the AOG and USAFA Strategic Plans, the endless financial reports... you get it... I didn’t know much, but now I know a little more.

I know one thing for sure now that I have met so many ofthese people at many different functions that everyone ofthese groups ofgraduates has as its number one objective to produce officers and graduates ofcharacter and leadership. I also know the past conflicts of some ofthese groups interfered with the ability to bring the most support and focus to this critically important objective. That’s why, after this weekend, the AOG Board ofDirectors and staffdecided collectively to “push it up” and is moving forward to work with the UE to find ways to collaborate in their combined efforts to achieve the same aim. It won’t be all “kumbya” it never is when you put bright people together with good, but different, thoughts on how to achieve this objective. You all remember how much gnashing ofteeth it took to decide how to get through the leadership courses we use to do at the Academy. Lots ofcooks in the kitchen, all with good intentions, means sometimes the stew is a little spicy. I have confidence we will get there. The AOG and UE have agreed to a JointWorking Group to tee up some ofthese issues and find collaborative ways ahead. In the meantime, ifyou are so inclined to give to the AOG then do soyour resources will be effectively used. I saw that in the financial reports given to us this weekend. Ifyou are inclined to give to the UE - do that too they are focused on making a difference as well and using your resources efficiently too. The point is TO GIVE. Not enough of us do, and every one of us got the same free “chance of a lifetime” education. Just give!

After my appointment to the AOG board, I heard so much conjecture about what the “new” AOG was doing. “It is only focused on grads.. .it doesn’t care about thecadets... it needs to be more focused on the graduates... it’s trying to tell the USAFA leadership how to run the Academy... it isn’t telling the USAFA leadership enough about how to run the Academy.” Good grief my neck grew sore flipping back and forth trying to sort these positions out.

Here is what I know now. I know that your AOG is working very hard (as it always has by the way), with halfthe staffit really requires, to fulfill its mission of“Working in partnership with USAFA to produce and foster graduates (officers that are today’s cadets) with an enduring commitment to integrity, excellence and service to country. That’s the very first part ofthe AOG mission Support to the Cadets and OUR School - USAFA. Yes, it’s right there in black and white and in the color ofmoney. There are over 40 Major Events (see attached list) and many more requirements each year that the

resources you send to the AOG are used to sponsor in whole or contribute in part to the cadet experience from candidate thru in-processing to graduation and every significant developmental experience in between. You remember what it was like when you were a cadet, and a graduate provided you support. Pay itforward, airman. Someone did for you. These are our future Air Force warriors. Your AOG takes this role very seriously.

A core purpose ofthe AOG as confirmed very recently by the Class Advisory Senate report “Moving Forward” (posted on the AOG Web site) - is and will continue to be fundraising for the ongoing support ofthe cadets and USAFA. In fact, the AOG board announced this weekend its support to renew the AOG Development effort with the appointment of new Director Kevin Carmichael, ’77, who comes with an extensive non-profit and development background to be Chair ofthe reestablished AOG Development Committee.

The new development team is focused on finding new and effective fundraising activities to insure all three AOG missions are fulfilled. The UE will add richly to this requirement too, as have the Falcon Foundation, Friends ofthe Library, the new Athletic Foundation and the Academy Research and Development Institute. The AOG Board Development Team will work with each in the newly created Joint Working Group. The AOG Giving Team led byJeff Mielke, ’80, gave us a positive report on some recent growing areas of giving matchinggifts and estate gifts. We do have some challenges due to recent market activity and the split offofthe UE donors but are brainstorming new revenue opportunities in an effort led by the re-invigorated Strategic Planning Committee and its new Chair me. So ifyou have some great ideas send them to me via any means e-mail, ZoomieNation, USAFA Incircle, phone mail or pigeon on second thought, hold the pigeons.

The second part ofthe AOG mission Providingleadership, communication & support to all USAFA graduates and promoting camaraderie among them means something very important to all of us all USAFA graduates are our “wingmen for life.” I flat didn’t know all the things the AOG does for graduates. I thought all they really did was send me a Checkpoints book (which I really do read cover to cover a fact validated by the 2006 grad survey); a Graduate Register; the ability to find, fix or track my cadet ring ifI lost it; and all my reunions (which get to be more fun as the years go by). What I didn’t know is that there are 45 other major programs (see attached list) of responsibility, from job fairs to business networks all the way to taking care of our graduate wingmen after their death. In fact, I didn’t even know that some ofthe “transition” programs I used during my recent post-graduate retirement job search were sponsored by the AOG. The AOG is the partner behind the scenes creating and providing tools like ZoomieNation, ISabre and SACC job fairs. Three grads helped me get my new post-retirementjob after I contacted them via this and other AOG affinity groups like AcademyWomen, which sponsors a job fair every fall and receives resources from the AOG for support. They also supported the travel to this symposium for more than ten USAFA Women. Many others helped me get interviews for potentialjobs but I had to ask. I’ve helped other graduates get their new jobs and understand their transitions. A wingman for life means FOR LIFE even life after the uniform! Today’s cadets are tomorrow’s graduates. We are taking care ofthem from “cradle to grave” figuratively and literally with an awful lot ofhelp from the AOG through your donations.

I learned first hand about the third part ofthe mission promoting USAFA heritage our common traditions & the accomplishments of our graduates as I stood at the base ofthe new stone bridge (built using class donations) outside the AOG building (a building owned by the AOG but used constantly for USAFA and graduate needs) the place where every new recruit now enters our unique and shared experience. I stood there and saw the marble stones with the names of distinguished graduates like General H. T. Johnson, ’59, who still takes care ofairmen by running the Board ofDirectors at Falcons Landing - a full spectrum retirement and medical facility that cares for our “senior” airman. This AOG heritage mission is essential to remember and instill a sense ofcamaraderie among our cadets and graduates - it gives our community a unique and shared experience. This mission creates the Long Blue Line. This mission reminds us where we came from raises funds for and manages construction ofheritage projects like the new Memorial Pavilion, the War Memorial, the Mall of Heroes, the HeritageTrail, the ATO Memorials from the Classes of 1959 and 1980. This mission tells our stories to generations who join the Long Blue Line. This mission sponsors the JabaraAward, Founders Day Celebrations and Outstanding Graduate Awards and maintains graduate records, pictures and oral histories. This is the kind ofstuff that makes you proud, makes you laugh and sometimes makes even the toughest ofyou cry.

The AOG board I joined this weekend was not the one I was “warned” about before I went. Instead, it was a group ofoutstanding graduates from all walks oflife, tremendous skills and talents and many diverse opinions. I was impressed with their integrity and

Exciting trips in fall

willingness to admit that things had gotten “offtrack” but also their determination to renew the energy, clarify the focus, build bridges instead ofbarriers and PUSH IT UP significandy—hiring a new CEO, filling a few critical fulltime positions in the AOG, installing previouslypurchased software to create efficiencies in financial tracking and responsiveness in development and giving efforts, strengthening graduate programs, fulfilling giving promises to the cadets and USAFA leadership, renewing our strategic planning and performance measures and maintaining a rich heritage effort for generations ofairmen to come. Most ofall, I was impressed beyond measure with the AOG staffitself. I have seen more than my share ofhard-working, dedicated men and women who deliver day after day often in the midst of turmoil and crisis but always with a dedication that is unmatched. Tell them thank you. That isn’t enough, but they are the kind ofpeople who will think the world ofthe recognition.

So, ifyou are wondering “what theheck is happening out there at the AOG”, as I was at first, the new gal’s impression is that great things are happening and we need you to help us sustain the renewed energy, clear focus and bridge building. Let’s knock offthe energy it takes to pit groups ofwell-intentioned, hard-workingpeople against each other and use that energy instead to renew, rebuild and move forward there is plenty of room for us all to serve. After all, we all share a unique and common experience with only 38,000 people in the entire world. We share our United States Air Force Academy experience that made us all officers and leaders ofgreat character. This world needs every graduate, officer and leader ofgreat character we can help foster and produce. S

2008 Available to AOG members, their families and friends

Croatia & Venetian Treasures, Sept. 11-19

Sophisticated Opatija on the Croatian Riviera is redolent of the splendor of a bygone era and Lido di Jesolo, Italy, a beautiful resort on the blue Adriatic coastline, is a superb base from which to explore the culturally rich and scenic Veneto. (From *$1,299)

Spectacular Swiss Alps & Salzburg, Sept. 12-20

From the medieval roofs of Salzburg to the soaring mountain peaks of the Alps, Switzerland and Austria offer a kaleidoscope of inspiring delights to discover. (From *$1,349 per person)

Best of the Italian Riviera & Tuscany, Sept. 27 - Oct. 5

Montecatini, ideally situated in theheart of Italy is surrounded by the exquisite beauty of the Tuscan landscape and the seaside resort of San Remo basks in the wonderful climate of the sun-drenched Italian Riviera. (From *$1,299 per person)

The Association ofGraduates is seeking a President & ChiefExecutive Offic Shaw, 67 recently resigned after many years ofexemplary service. The Bo ofDirectors has appointed Gary Howe, ’69, as CEO to serve until a permanent CEO is selected.

The successful applicant/nominee must be a graduate-member ofthe AOG a must be a strong executive who will carry out the policy decisions of the board. The new CEO must be a decisive, insightful leader who can bring out the best in the sta while enhancing the integral relationships necessary for the AOG to be successful in accomplishing its mission.

A detailed job description can be found at usafa.org by searching under “Employment.” Salary is $150,000, depending on experience; relocation expenses and performance-based bonuses apply. With the selection goal ofJuly 2008, candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to The Association ofGraduates, 3116 Academy Drive, USAFA, CO 80840-4475 no later than March 31. Ifthe envelope does not indicate it an application for the CEO position, customer service will open it.

Documents may be e-mailed to ruth.reichert@aogusafa.org. Questions should be

Letter from the Director of Academy Communications

“What we got here... isfailure to communicate!”

-Captain of Road Prison 36 in the 1967 movie, “Cool Hand Luke”

BYJOHNNYWHITAKER, 73

PHOTO BY KEN WRIGHT

Failure to communicate is not an option in our Air Force or at the Air Force Academy. Hence, in September 2003, the Directorate ofAcademy Communications was created. On the organizationalwiring diagram, it’s listed as HQUSAFA/CM.

At the time ofCM s inception, the Academy was besieged by the media, Congress, inspectors general, special commissions and working groups, graduates, parents and the general public over allegations ofmishandling numerous sexualassault cases. The national focus on USAFA was relentless; the need for clear, concise and continuous communication, paramount. The near-term demanded aggressive engagement in the close-in fight to take on various purveyors ofmisinformation whose efforts, intentional or not, were tarnishing the image ofthis great institution. Over the long haul was a recognized require-

ment for an organization to get its arms around the myriad public communication and outreach agencies andefforts at USAFA—all good, but lacking synergy and synchronization toward a common institutional message and image.

Sometimes called the Directorate ofStrategic Communications or just the Directorate ofCommunications, the agency is 107-professionals strong. It encompasses the Academy’s Office ofPublic Affairs (32 people), the USAF Academy Band (66), and the Development andAlumni Programs Office (9). These represent CM’s direct reports, but the organization also marches in lock step with communication offices belonging to other Academy mission elements and the AOG: Sports Communications in the Athletic Dept., the Marketing Office in Admissions, Cadet Wing Media on the Commandant’s staff, the

Superintendent’s Commander’s Action Group, and the Communications staffof our alumni association. This combined communication force is highly effective in telling the Academy and Air Force stories. The Communications Directorates sphere of influence is broad, ranging from local issues in the greater Colorado Springs area to national and international audiences reached by the Academy Band and efforts of the Public Affairs, Sports Information and Admissions Marketing offices. A laundry list of CM’s responsibilities is rather extensive:

■ Communication through the “universal language” ofmusic. The USAF Academy Band is one ofonly two premier bands in the Air Force (the other being The USAF Band in D.C.). As a premier band, the bands geographic area ofresponsibility is the entire United States, as opposed to specific GARs traveled by the Air Forces 10 field bands. The band carries Academy and Air Force messages to venues not often visited by other blue-suiters, as well as to high-visibility events like the Macy’sThanksgiving Day and Tournament ofRoses Parades. Elements of our band also deploy in support ofthe Global War on Terror.

■ Public Affairs. The Academy’s PA office is one of the larger—and busier—in the USAF. Its mission encompasses the traditional functions of an Air Force public relations operation and then some. The active duty and Reserve members of the PA team also routinely deploy to GWOT locations for six months to a year at a rime.

■ Media Relations. The Academy’s official spokes-people (“An Academy spokesman said today ...”). Arguably the busiest news media relations operation in the entire USAF. Community Relations on the local and national levels. Responsible for taking the Academy show on the road with cadets, falcons, displays, performing groups and speakers. Also runs the Academy Visitor Center, the only one of its kind in our Air Force. “ComRel” also hosts numerous Air Force- and DoD-level civic leader tour groups to the Academy each year.

■ Visitor Center operations for the more than 420,000 visitors who pass through its doors annually. And, these are just the ones the counter captures; we estimate 750K1M visitors total pass through our gates each year en route to sporting events, appointee orientations, graduation and parents’ weekend activities, other special events and programs, or just to drive around the campus and base. Pending the raising of the DoD or national threat levels, the Academy is open to visitors daily; all that’s required to come on base is a valid driver’s license.

■ Internal Communications to keep Academy employees (military, civil service and contractor), local retirees and family members up to speed on the goings-on of their Air Force Academy via the Academy Spirit the weekly base newspaper, and our official website (www.usafa. af.mil or www.usafa.edu).

a Multi-media (M2) operations. The newest (as ofJuly 2007) Public Affairs mission includes all audio-visual, graphics and photo lab productions. Mostly a $1.6M contract operation, our M2 team’s products compete with the best in the industry.

m Community Initiatives Team. The CIT works with local governments, civic agencies, realtors, school district officials and developers to try to head off encroachment, environmental and noise issues as civilization builds right up to USAFA’s borders.

■ Development and Alumni Relations.

a Donor relations and gift processing —from individuals and organizations. The staffdeals with everything from milliondollar donations to support “margin ofexcellence” cadet programs, to the Academy’s fleet ofstatic display aircraft, to our art and museum collections and more.

■ Alumni relations and liaison, both individually and via the AOG. Thousands ofhours annually are spent on graduate communications, programs, special events and issues. Class reunion coordination, chapter dinners, tailgating at away football games, and special awards and recognition events are just a sampling ofthe efforts we work with the AOG.

■ Parents’ club liaison. There are 92 parents’ clubs around the world and the staff maintains contact with and support for each one. Programs and products inelude a monthly newsletter, Academy speakers for club events, and keeping up with issues from individual parents and those aired on the FamNet website.

■ Memorialization ofAcademy facilities. The Gifts and Memorial Board meets quarterly to consider recommendations to name buildings, streets, football stadiums, hangars and other Academy facilities in memory of some USAFA- or USAF-related person or group of notoriety. Additionally, theboard recommends to the Superintendent the propriety of accepting special memorials to be built on the campus (e.g., the Class of 1959’s General Harmon statue and plaza that will be built near the Cadet Chapel, or the Memorial Pavilion and Directory now open in the cemetery, among many other projects).

■ Legislative affairs. CM is the liaison with local, state and federal lawmakers and their staffs. We work closely with the Air Force Legislative Liaison Office in the Pentagon as they keep Congress in tune with what’s going on at USAFA (generally via the House and Senate Armed Services Committees). However, the processing of Congressional inquiries falls to the USAFA Inspector General, as it does to IGs across the Air Force.

■ Aerial events. The newest addition to the Directorate of Academy Communication’s job jar. CM is now office ofprimary responsibility for all the flyovers for Academy events

and exercises like home football games, the Graduation Parade, Commandant’s Challenge and Recognition activities, noon meal formations, the annual Homecoming Memorial Ceremony and other special programs. Our Aerial Events Coordinator, assigned to the Academy’s 306th FlyingTraining Group but working for CM, runs the approval and execution traps with the FAA, HQUSAF and participating flying units.

Each ofthese responsibilities represents a form ofcommunication to one or more ofthe audiences inherendy important to the Air Force Academy specifically and the Air Force in general. That audience could be as small as a single graduate or parent who contacts us with a concern, complaint or idea; or as broad as the Great American Public when we deliver a message via the national mediaabout the Academy andthe great successes our cadets, staffand faculty are enjoying. Our communications efforts are tailored and targeted to reach the right audience with the right message, accurately and in a timely manner. We might use an e-mail for that one-on-one contact, a Wings of Blue jump into a stadium packed with 80,000 screaming fans, or the “Supe” addressing a dinner gathering ofgrads or parents.

The job of boss of this mighty communications empire is generally extremely gratifying, but periodically frustrating and, sometimes, even disappointing.

Gratification comes from telling the Academy’s story, and allthe good things that occur here every day. The achievements ofthe cadets, staffand faculty are impressive, and far outweigh the periodic “bad” things that happen here. Contrary to popular belief, the press doesn’t just cover the bad news. An unscientific review oflast year’s news coverage ofthe Academy—we analyzed news releases, our responses to reporters’ inquiries and the resultant reporting in the media—76% ofthe news about USAFA was “good.” And, that doesn’t count the extremely positive responses we routinely get from an Academy Band show, a Cadet Chorale performance, F-15s and B-ls roaring across Falcon Stadium, or appearances by cadets, falcons or the Wings ofBlue parachute team all tools ofthe communications trade.

Frustration begets from having to turn down so many requests for an Air Force Academy presence or performance due to budgetary and manpower limitations, or cadets’ schedules. Cadets are truly our best spokes-people and we like to get them before the press and public as often as we can. However, finding thatblock of time in their full and hectic schedules is often a daunting task.

Disappointment, while infrequent, springs from the constant berating ofthe institution by individuals or groups who are either misinformed or uninformed about the Academy or some occurrence here as well as those few who just don’t get it. Many ofthese are Joe and JaneTaxpayer who fire for effect over a misperception ofhow we’re “misspending” their tax dollars. Others, however, are USAFA alumni who, for whatever reason, are bent on embarrassing their alma mater over some cause they deem noble or “wrong” they want to right. Still others refuse to accept that the Academy has changed since they were cadets—necessary change with solid rationale and support.

Our detractors often complain or criticize via the Internet and news media, and are generally armed with incomplete or inaccurate data. Many haven’t set foot on the Academy since their graduation, except maybe for a class reunion, and most don’t bother to contact anyone here for current information before firing their

public shots. Would that they take the time to call or e-mail, they would usually learn that things are not as bad or broken as they think they are; or that the rumor, innuendo, allegation or anecdote to which they are reacting is wrong. Unfortunately, once their erroneous information makes it into the public domain, correcting the record is akin to pushing toothpaste back into the tube. Fortunately, those of this ilk are few.

This is not to say that the Academy is always right and not, occasionally, deserving ofcriticism. We periodically make a mistake or misstep, but, like most major organizations, continuously seek ways to improve. Our goal is to frankly admit when we’re wrong, and take action to fix the problem or process. We also don’t “spin” the explanation. We’ve found that the best spin we can put on any situation—especially a bad one—is the truth. And quickly! Then, move on.

The Directorate ofAcademy Communications is passionate about telling the story of this great and proud institution to local and global audiences. We encourage grads and Checkpoints readers to contact us with ideas and issues. We invite you to join us on the USAFA communications team as we spread the word (music and pictures) about America’s Air Force Academy. S

Johnny Whitakergraduated in 1973 with a degree in Management. He spent nearly 30years on active duty, most ofit in the PublicAffairs careerfield at the base, major command and HQ USAF levels. He holds a Master’s Degree in Communicationsfrom the University ofOklahoma. In addition to being a career PublicAffairs officer, he was also a Support Group commanderfromJul 95 - Jan 97. He retired in February 2003 as a colonel and became the Academy’s first Director ofCommunications in September 2003.

★ As cadets andgraduatesoftheAcademy,youholdintegrity in thehighestregard.Your officialring is createdwiththat same integri in expressingpride intheUnitedStatesAirForceAcademy.

THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD

M Y S BEST AT4 D i (; H

BY KYLE DAVIDSON

'ie careers ofthese two gentlemen have been more different

LIEUTENANT GENERAL ERVIN ROKKE, ’62

Lieutenant General Ervin Rokke has made an enormous impact in both thefields of military intelligence and academics over the course ofhis career.

Upon graduation from the Air Force Academy, Rokke completed a graduate degree in international relations from Harvard University, then went on to Air Force Intelligence training. The young officer served several intelligence assignments in Japan and Hawaii before being brought back to the

Academy as an instructor for the department ofpolitical science.

Rokke’s career would seem to run in similar cycles, as his operational Air Force intelligence assignments would be segmented with various Academic assignments at the Academy.

Rokke served in four different capacities for the Air Force Academy including assistant dean offaculty, head of the political science department and dean offaculty. Fie is the first Academy graduate to have been appointed a permanent professor and he served as the dean offaculty during the Academy’s first major curriculum revision allowing cadets to complete more majors and courses oftheir choosing.

As an intelligence officer, Rokke’s career has been expansive. Early on, he was heavily involved in negotiations with NATO in promoting standardization of the organization’s military force structure, has served as the air attache to the United Kingdom, defense attache to the Soviet Union and has held high-level positions with the National Security Agency including deputy director for operations for military support during Operation Desert Storm and director of intelligence, U.S. European Command. Rokke’s counsel and negotiations have been integral in promoting U.S. initiatives and alliances in numerous globally strategic locations.

Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1997, Rokke became the president of Moravian College and Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Penn., during which time enrollment substantially increased, average freshman SAT scores improved nearly 70 points and several new academic majors were introduced.

While it is clear the retired general has led an amazingly successful career, he deferred the credit to the Academy for setting the foundation and to the tremendous people he has worked with over the years.

Rokke stated so much of the success he has had over the course of his career has been due to the principles of dedication, hard work and leadership learned while at the Academy. He admitted he has also been blessed to have worked with so many amazingly gifted and talented officers and enlisted airmen.

COACH GREGG POPOVICH, 70

Gregg Popovich’s career is a true testament to the determination, competitive spirit, and drive to succeed instilled by the Air Force Academy and Air Force Athletics.

Popovich was recruited to play basketball for the Academy, andstarted all four years. He explained that while basketball was definitely a benefit it wasn’t his reason for coming to the Academy.

“My family had no connection to the military, but I did well in high school and participated in a variety of activities, and heard about the Academy through my counselorand applied I realized what a great educational opportunity it was and a beautiful place,” commented Popovich on his reasoning for coming to the Academy.

Upon graduation, he was part of the U.S. Armed Forces Basketball team that toured Eastern Europe andthe Soviet Union. He got his first taste of coaching in 1973 when he returned to the Academy as an assistant coach, a position he held for six years three of them even after separating from the Air Force. During his tenure under then Air Force head basketball coach Hank Egan, he was also able to earn a graduate degree in physical education from the University of Denver.

Popovich was given his first shot at being a head coach in 1979 when DivisionIII school Pomona-Pitzer in Claremont, Calif., selected him for the position. His eight years as headcoach there were highly successful. He led the team to its first conference championship in 68 years and to a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament. He also served as a member of the school’s academic community working as an associate professor and chairing the college’s Student Life Committee.

As head coach at Pomona, Popovich became close friends with then University of Kansas headcoach Larry Brown. When Brown was named headcoach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1988, he brought on Popovich as the lead assistant coach, a position he held until 1992 when Spurs owner Red McCombs fired the entire coaching staff.

After a two-year period as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors,

the new ownership of the San Antonio Spurs brought Popovich back to Texas as the team’s general manager. Midway through the 1996-1997 season, Popovich fired head coach Bob Hill and appointed himself head coach, a position he has held since.

As head coach of the Spurs, Popovich has led the team to four NBA championship titles, has a career winning percentage of .676 with a record of 376-276 (entering the 2007-2008 season), is the fastest coach in NBA history to reach 500 wins, holds the second best playoff career winning percentage and his 92 playoffwins is fifth most in NBA history, all ofwhich are feats he credits his Academy experience for helping him achieve.

“I give the Academy a lot of credit for instilling certain qualities andbeliefs that still remain, first of all, organizational skills. You know, as a cadet you certainly learn to organize your time and your priorities Beyond that, being dedicated and having a work ethic where you work to be persistent in trying to achieve a goal and not faltering in that regard... And then the idea of teamwork, and understanding that you don’t do it on your own.”

The Academy andthe Association of Graduates will honor these gentlemen during the Founders Day dinner on April 4.

Howe, '69, named AOG CEO

The AOG Board of Directors announced the appointment ofGary Howe, 69, as Chief Executive Officer to replace AOG President & CEO Jim Shaw, ’67, who submitted his resignation in August.

Gary will serve as CEO while the AOG CEO Search Committee conducts a comprehensive national search to identify the next AOG CEO.

The search is expected to be completed within the next few months. Gary has worked at the AOG since 1997, serving as Vice President for Alumni Relations and ChiefofStafffor the last few years.

Powered flight returns to Academy airfield

By Maj. JenniferWrynn

The T-41 will be the workhorse trainer for the new Powered Flight Program that took offJan. 8. The trainer provides a comprehensive introduction to hands-on aviation.

During the last six months, the Academy skies were noticeably quieter. It was a time of transition at the Academy airfield, which meant fewer single-engine airplanes above Colorado Springs and the out-lying areas.

However, a robust new flying program is standing up, and once again the skies will be filled with cadets learning the foundations offlying.

The 306th FlyingTraining Group’s 557th Flying Training Squadron transitioned from Academy Flight Screening to the new Powered Flight Program during the 2007 fall semester.

In AFS, 557th FTS military instructor pilots and Embry-Riddle contract civilian pilots flew an average of 60 sorties a day. They flight screened 90 percent ofpilot-eligible cadets for flying aptitude before attending formal pilot training after commissioning.

In August, AFS was disbanded due to the standup of a similar Air Force program at the Pueblo airport where nearly 950 lieutenants from all Air Force commissioning sources were flight screened. That left a void of no powered flight at the Academy for the first time since the 1960’s.

That changed in November when the Air Force Chief of Staff, General T. Michael Mosley, and the Commander ofAir Education and Training Command, General William Looney, reaffirmed the continuing need for powered flight at the Academy.

Thus, the Powered Flight Program was created.

It is a comprehensive introduction to hands-on aviation as well as a capstone program to the current aviation and academic courses offered at the Academy. It allows cadets to put into practice what they learn in the classroom.

On Jan. 8, PFP flew the first ten cadets operating from the Academy airfield. Eventually, as many as 750 cadets a year will participate in the program while flying nearly 120 sorties a day. This will

equal, if not exceed, the amount of flying during AFS.

This program, unlike AFS, will utilize active duty instructor pilots assigned to the 306th FTG as well as attached pilots from the Dean of Faculty, Commandant ofCadets and the Athletic Department.

Freshmen honored byALO’s

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

Each year, Academy Admissions Liaison Officers honor a first-year student from each cadet group at their annual Liaison Officer Director Conference.

“Since I960, the ALOs have annually recognized four cadets who have excelled as fourth class cadets and sustained superior performance throughout their fourth class year” said Col. Chevalier Cleaves, the Academy’s Director ofAdmissions.

This year Cadets 3rd Class Austin McKinney, Brittany Morreale, Jonathan Tellefsen and Rachel Crawford were selected by the Commandant ofCadets as the outstanding fourth class men for the Class of2010. The cadets are chosen for their outstanding military and academic performance, athletic training and extracurricular activities.

Cadet Brittany Morreale of Cadet Squadron 12 was named this year’s “best ofthe best” and is the next addition to a 48-year tradition honoring outstanding freshmen.

Grads dominate international aerospace competition

ByJohn Van Winkle, USAFA PA

Cadet researchers took international honors for the second straight year at the American Institute ofAeronautics and Astronautics international student paper competition in Reno, Nev., on Jan. 7.

This year’s international AIAA competition featured the winners from the eight AIAA regions in the world. Competitors included aeronautical engineering juggernauts MIT, Notre Dame, San Jose State and Australia’s Royal Melbourne Institute ofTechnology, plus the Air Force Academy’s Department ofAeronautics.

Academy faculty and graduates presented or were co-authors on 19 different technical papers in the premier annual event of this technical society.

“The Academy continues to develop a reputation for very high quality, relevant technical papers, and competes on favorable terms with institutions with Masters’ and Doctoral programs,” said Dr. Tom McLaughlin, director ofresearch for the Dept, ofAeronautics.

Seven of the presentations were made by lieutenants and cadets from the Academy classes of 2007 and 2008. While six of these were presented in regular technical sessions, the seventh was in the International Student Paper Competition, and was won by 2nd Lts. Margaret Frash and Brittany Oligney. Si

Longtime face o ofA

r moves on to next ‘adventure’

BY ANN PATTON, ACADEMYSPIRIT

JIM SHAW ISN’T READY TO HANG UP HIS SPURS.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES STEPPED DOWN FROM HIS POST IN JANUARY AFTER 15 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE ORGANIZATION BUT IS LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD.

“WE’LL BE LOOKING FOR AT LEAST ONE MORE ‘GREAT ADVENTURE,”’ HE SAID OF THE PATH IN FRONT OF HIM AND HIS WIFE, CINDY.

AFTER RETIRING FROM ACTIVE DUTY AND AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ACADEMY’S PLANS AND PROGRAMS IN 1992, MR. SHAW JOINED THE AOG STAFF. HIS FIRST ASSIGNMENT WAS AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT.

He recalled it was a time “when we were just learning to spell ‘fundraising.’”

Widening the AOG s horizon for funding, he feels, is one ofhis greatest accomplishments with the organization.

The AOG now supports the Superintendent’s Chair in Character and Leadership, the Director of the Center for Space and Defense Policy, as well as two scholarships for mid-career graduates.

In addition, the AOG has added job placement, travel packages, reunion support and a Web site, among other services, all comparable to other service academy and university alumni associations.

“We grew an organization from adolescence to maturity during some very tough times on the Academy,” hesaid. “The toughest challenge was to get people to

understand what was happening, what the AOG was doing and why.”

A 1967 Academy grad with a degree in engineering science, Shaw spent his 26 active duty years in operational, training and staff assignments, including tours of duty as a combat controller, rescue pilot, instructor, staff officer and aide de camp.

He also commanded the soaring and parachuting 94th AirmanshipTraining Squadron on the Academy. A master parachutist and certified air traffic controller, Shaw has more than 3,000 hours offlying time as a command pilot. Besides a Bachelor ofScience degree from the Academy, he holds a Master ofArts in government/ international relations and a Master ofBusiness Administration.

Academy graduates are much the same, yet different from previous generations.

“Grads of today are just as motivated as ever and have the same dreams and aspirations as all grads have had,” he said. “Newer grads enter into a very complicated world. I think they are prepared, focused and will make us all proud.”

When basic cadets in-processed at the AOG on their first day, Shaw has been there for them as well as for their parents who often find it hard to let go.

“I reminded them that many had already done this. I wanted them to know that the leadership here is human and really cares about their sons and daughters,” he said. “I wanted them to know how valuable and lifechanging the experience would be.”

He reminisced about his own first day as a basic cadet.

“I was a bit shell shocked but was absolutely overwhelmed by the beauty of the Academy and its surroundings,” he said. “I still feel that way today.”

Shaw grew up in Delaware in a military family and was raised on “sports, airplanes and ‘Twelve O’ Clock High.”’

He and his wife have three daughters and are also proud grandparents of three girls.

He said the best part of his years at the AOG will always be the people.

“I have met and worked with wonderful people, grads and non-grads alike who really care about the Academy, its cadets, our graduates and this nation,” he said.

“We have been honored and blessed to be a part ofthis school and its people for a significant part of our lives. We wish everyone the very best and hope the AOG will continue to move forward to do great things for the school, cadets, grads, the Air Force and the nation.” WA

Jim Shaw speaks to the incoming Class of 2008 and their families during in-processing at Doolittle Hall. (Photo by Ken Wright)

COLEMAN, '64, APPRECIATES OPPORTUNITY TO "GIVE BACK

lenn Coleman, ’64, will never forget that

he stood at a fork in the road,

path—the path that led directly through the U.S. Air

“Thank God for that fork in the road, and th; says Coleman. “Every aspect ofmy life was affec j y l j was given a life and a career. I understand very In appreciation, Coleman has established Association of Graduates.

years on active duty before retiring as; career in corporate ethics.

Coleman taught corporate ethics in on the subject. “It was all based on wf said reflecting back on his career.

Coleman feels that as a donor, his ci

and it provides me interest

Except for USAF Air Commando and Special Operations combatants who fought in the Vietnam War, and the A26 pilots and navigators who flew the incredible A-26A Counter Invader in the “Secret War in Laos” in 1966-69, few Americans are familiar with the Nimrod story. I hope you have had an opportunity to read classmate Col. (Ret.) Jimmie Butlers article titled “USAFA’s Forward Air Controller Heritage” in the Checkpointspublication dated December 2007. In that article, Col. Butler describes the key Forward Air Controller role that thousands of courageous Air Force pilots and navigators played 24/7 over the batdefields ofSoutheast Asia. I consider this article to be a natural follow-on to Col. Butlers article. The A-26 Nimrods had the highest respect for FAC crews during combat operations, and routinely teamed up with FAC crews to locate and strike targets. Even today, we are proud of that common heritage, and we are truly humble about our “certain brotherhood” that served during the Vietnam War.

As I write this article, I am mindful that I am addressing a tough audience. You might fairly ask, what relevance or significance does U. S. Air Force FAC and strike aircraft operations in the Vietnam War have to do with the military operations and the education ofU.S. militaryprofessionals today? My short answer—and I’m certain Col. Butler would agree—a lot! For recent graduates or current cadets, the military history you are exposed to at the Academy forms a key part

ofyour foundation. There are important “lessons learned” that can be derived from studying militaryhistory. Technology always changes over time. Human character and courage remain almost constant over time. In my judgment, the education I received at the Academy (in all ofits many facets) formed my foundation as a career military officer. The technical skills I learned in flight school enabled me to become a highly effective crewmember. The need for clear and strong leadership, and the need for highly trained and courageous warriors, are military constants for all generations.

I had the privilege ofbeing an A-26 Nimrod, a member ofthe 609th Air Commando Squadron (renamed the 609th Special Operations Squadron in the summer of 1968). The A-26 Nimrods had clear and strong leadership, and thecrewmembers had all the training and courage you could ever hope for in a combat squadron. The Nimrods had a real passion for flying. And they had one thing more—once they started flying combat missions out ofNakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand—their shared sole purpose was to help win the Vietnam War.

I felt so strongly about the Nimrod story that I recently wrote a book about the experience. The name of the book is The Nimrods, and you can check it out at books.google.com or amazon.com. I wrote The Nimrods because I didn’t want the Nimrod story to be lost and forgotten. I wanted to pass the story on to my family, and

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to the families ofother Nimrod combat aviators. I also wanted to make the story available to Air Force historians and students, and hopefully, to the American public. I acknowledge in the first chapter of the book that I can never do justice in attempting to describe the Nimrods. But here, in an abbreviated form, I will try.

The A-26 Nimrod crews operated out ofNakhon Phanom (NKP) RTAFB, Thailand, from 1966 to 1969. We were called the Nimrods because our call sign for radio communications was “Nimrod” and a specified number (e.g., Nimrod 11 or Nimrod 24). According to Genesis in the Old Testament, “Nimrod” was “a mighty hunter before the Lord.” Ifyou consult a dictionary, the term “Nimrods” means hunters. That is a perfect definition for the combat role we were assigned in the Vietnam War. We were hunters. Each A-26 crew could act as its own FAC, or we could team up with other FACs (air or ground) to locate and strike targets. We often teamed up with FAC aircraft with the call sign Nail (0-2s), Candlestick (C-123s) and Blind Bat or Lamplighter (C-130s). We were most effective when we teamed up with other FAC aircraft because ifanother FAC aircraft could locate and mark the targets, we could focus our time and efforts on taking out those targets. The Nimrods had the privilege offlying a “classic” U.S. Air Force combat aircraft.

In the September 2007 issue ofAir ForceMagazine, the A-26 Invader is displayed as an Airpower Classic aircraft (see page 136). I believe

that designation is well deserved. The A-26 is reportedly the only U.S. Air Force combat aircraft to have seen service in three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The A-26s that were flown in combat out ofNakhon Phanom RTAFB in 1966-69 were the end ofthe line for this classic aircraft. Douglas Aircraft Company manufactured a total of2,446 A-26 aircraft during World War II. Commander ofthe Army Air Forces, General H. H. (“Hap”) Arnold was a strong A-26 advocate because he believed the improved performance ofthe A-26 over its predecessor (the Douglas A-20) would enable the A-26 to replace obsolete A-20, B-25, and B-26 (Martin Marauder) medium bomber aircraft. The A-26s and their crews experienced their greatest test duringWorld War II as the Ninth Air Force flew them into the intense flak environment ofcentral Europe. During the Korean conflict, B-26 crews were credited with 55,000 combat sorties and the destruction ofhundreds ofenemy vehicles, railway cars and locomotives.

After experiencingwing failures pulling out ofdive-bombing passes early in the Vietnam War, the Air Force awarded a contract to On Mark Engineering Company ofVan Nuys, Calif., to remanufacture 40 A-26 aircraft according to certain specifications. The wings were substantially rebuilt and strengthened by the installation ofsteel straps on the tops and bottom ofthe spars. Each aircraft was fitted with two Pratt & Whitney 2500 horsepower R-2800-52 water-injected engines with fully reversible automatic featheringpropellers. Eight new under-

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wing pylons were added to carry various munitions and stores. Eight .50 caliber forward-firing machine guns were added to the aircraft nose section. The top and sides ofeach aircraft were painted in a dark green jungle camouflage pattern, and the bottom ofeach aircraft was painted black. Without the crucial On Mark modifications, Nimrod crews could not have carried out the demanding dive-bombing missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The Nimrod mission in the Vietnam War primarily centered on attacking and destroying enemy truck convoys, troops and supplies as they left North Vietnam, traveled through Laos, and engaged in troop deployment and re-supply operations supporting North Vietnam Army and Viet Cong (Vietnamese communist) guerilla forces operating in Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam. The Nimrod armed reconnaissance mission also included combat close air support flight operations in support of U.S. Marines and U.S. Army combat units operating in South Vietnam, and in support of Royal Laotian and Hmong combat units opposing NVA and Pathet Lao (communist) forces in Laos.

Beginning in 1966, in an effort to avoid detection and U.S. air strikes, almost all North Vietnamese truck convoy activity occurred at night. Hence, the Nimrod A-26 combat crews operated almost exclusively at night. Due to the rugged terrain, frequent bad weather and heavy anti-aircraft defenses, the nighttime dive-bombing missions were extremelydemanding. We routinely teamed up with U.S. forward air controller aircraft, and when possible, we loved to combine air strikes with B-57 (call sign Redbird and Yellowbird) strike aircraft. However, on many nights, A-26 Nimrod and AT-28 Zorro aircraft operating out ofNKP were the only attack aircraft working with LAC aircraft in Steel Tiger. A-26s were uniquely well suited to be effective in nighttime attacks on truck convoys and enemy troops because of heavy and diversified armament loads (eightwing stations, bomb bay, and eight .50 caliber machine guns in the nose section), and because ample aircraft fuel reserves enabled A-26s to loiter in the target area five hours or more.

Steel Tiger was the primary area of operations for the Nimrods. Steel Tiger was a military code name for a combat area comprising much of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a vast network of roads and trails in eastern central Laos extending several hundred miles from North Vietnam north of the Demilitarized Zone south through Laos to South Vietnam and Cambodia. The Ho Chi Minh Trail passed through terrain in Laos that was alternately limestone karst (jutting mountainous terrain), triple-canopyjungle, and grassland. The North Vietnam name for the Trail was the Truong Son Strategic Supply Route (named after the long mountain chain that separates Vietnam from Laos). Until President Nixon acknowledged in 1970 that U.S. aircraft had been, for several years, engaged in flying interdiction missions along the Trail in Laos, the war in Laos was considered by both sides to be the “Secret War in Laos.”

Barrel Roll was the other major area ofoperations for the Nimrods. Barrel Roll covered a very large geographical area in northern Laos, extending from the Plain ofJars eastward to the North Vietnam border. While we only had to fly 40 or 50 miles east ofNKP and the Mekong River to reach the hot combat areas in Steel Tiger, we needed to fly more than 100 miles north just to reach the combat areas in Barrel Roll. Although we didn’t give it much thought while we were flying missions, Hanoi was only about 100 miles east ofSam Neua located in

thenortheastern part ofBarrel Roll. In Steel Tiger, we generally operated from the Mu Gia Pass on the North Vietnam and Laotian border, south past the DMZ, and further south to Saravanne. We also flew combat missions into parts ofNorth Vietnam and South Vietnam adjacent to Steel Tiger and Barrel Roll.

Three superb A-26 leaders stand out in my memory from my combat tour in 1967-68. The first great leader was Lt. Colonel Howard Larmer, our squadron commander in 1967. He was our squadron commanderwhen I reported for combat duty at NKP in November of 1967. Hisforte was that he was an outstanding A-26 combat pilot, and he was an outstanding teacher to newly assigned pilots and navigators. The second great leader was Lt. Colonel John Shippey, our squadron commander in 1968. His forte was that he was an outstanding A-26 pilot, a Korean War veteran, and a giant among combat leaders who inspired teamwork and who aggressively fought to win. The third great combat leader was Major BobbyJ. Sears (“Pappy”), the incredible pilot and natural leader that I flew with during most of my combat missions in the Vietnam War. All of those great combat leaders are simply unforgettable. I describe Colonel Farmer, Colonel Shippey, and “Pappy” Sears in more detail in The Nimrods.

No doubt, there were many other outstanding leaders whoflew and fought with the Nimrods before and after my tour. Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Jensen, the squadron commander immediatelypreceding Lt. Colonel Farmer, was killed-in-action on his next-to-last scheduled combat mission over Northern Laos in the summer of 1967. Our squadron commanders led by example: they took the same risks and flew the same demanding combat missions as the rest ofthe squadron.

Two other giant USAL combat leaders stand out in Vietnam War history. Colonel Heinie Aderholt (later Brig. Gen.), commander ofthe 56th Air Commando Wing, provided the same level ofinspirational leadership to the Air Commando (Special Operations) forces operating out ofNakhon Phanom RTALB that Colonel Robin Olds (later Brig. Gen.) provided to the L-4C Phantom fighter pilots operating out of Ubon RTAFB, Thailand. Those unconventional, but incredibly effecfive, combat leaders earned the respect and admiration ofevery member oftheir fighting organizations.

The A-26 pilots and navigators who flew in the “Secret War” in Laos had guts. They flew high-risknighttime dive-bombing missions in aircraft that had no radar, no sophisticated electronic equipment, and no ejection seats. The A-26 pilots and navigators sat side-by-side in the cockpit, and the navigators also performed co-pilot duties. Historians acknowledge that the Ho Chi Minh Trail was the North Vietnamese lifeline that enabled up to a million NVA troops, and their weapons and war supplies, to reach combat areas in South Vietnam, and that the outcome ofthe war depended in the infiltration ofNorth Vietnamese troops, weapons, and supplies through Laos into South Vietnam. Beginning in 1966, almost all ofthe North Vietnamese supply truck convoy activity on the trail shifted from daylight operations to night operations in an effort to hide from U.S. air strikes. Thereafter, U.S. nighttime strike aircraft, such as A-26, AT-28, B-57 and AC130 gunships, became the mainstay ofU.S. attack aircraft capability on the Trail at night. The A-26 Nimrod crews arrived on the scene in SEA at exacdy the same time that the North Vietnamese military emphasis shifted to nighttime re-supply truck convoy operations down the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The A-26 Nimrod pilots and navigators returned to the fight night-after-night in an all-out effort to destroy the NVA supply trucks bound for South Vietnam and Cambodia, and to provide close air support for friendly ground troops. They faced very formidable AAA defenses, and on many occasions lost aircraft and crews. The A-26 Nimrods were awarded two Presidential Unit Citations during the 1966-69 time period. In his book review of The Nimrods Col. (Ret.) Jimmie Butler, an accomplished author and military historian, stated that: “The Nimrods were the best truck killers in South East Asia until the AC-130s became fully operational in the late 1960s.” That’s a real compliment coming from a fellow combat veteran who flew 240 FAC missions in O-ls and 0-2s, mostly over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos.

In my memory, many military academygraduates were members of the A-26 Nimrods. My ’63 classmate, Michael J. C. (“Mick”) Roth, a Cadet Wing commander, was an A-26 pilot. Mick and I flew several unforgettable missions together. One ofmy cadet squadron commanders during my fourth-class year, Jack Bright, ’61, was an A-26

pilot. Jack and I flew many memorable missions together. Maj. Gen. (USAFR-Ret) William Cohen, USMA ’39, was an A-26 navigator/co-pilot. Col. Allen Learmonth, USMA ’47, vice commander of the 56th Air Commando Wing, was an A-26 pilot. Lt. Col. Atlee Ellis, USNA, our operations officer during my tour, was an A-26 pilot. To the extent I have been able to discover pertinent information, I believe the following Air Force Academy graduates also flew with the A-26 Nimrods: Roscoe R. Roberts, ’59; PatrickJ. Smith, ’60; Robert C. Davis, ’60 (KLA in Laos, March 23, 1969); James L. McCleskey, ’61 (a survivor of an A-26 that exploded in the air and crashed just east of NKP on Feb. 22,1967); Burke H. Morgan, ’61 (KLA in Laos, Aug. 22, 1967); Ferde P Arbeit, ’67; Arthur R. Fisher, ’67; John R. Terry, ’67; and Michael King, ’68. On one important point, I have no doubt that all Vietnam War veterans, including military academygraduates, agree that we are truly saddened by the combat deaths ofall American warriors who lost their lives in combat in the Vietnam War.

In my opinion, the “lessons learned” from the Vietnam War are more of a political and foreign affairs nature than a military nature. As a freedom-loving nation, we cannot permit another Vietnam to occur with respect to the War on Terror. The stakes are too high. From a “big picture” perspective, the lessons learned are clear: (1) Americans need to be united; (2) Americans need to be patient; (3) Americans need to support our military forces; (4) Americans need to support President George Bush and successors;

(5) the American media needs to support our national interest;

(6) American politicians need to support our national interest;

(7) America must renew efforts for international support; and (8) America and the West must defeat radical terrorists and control Weapons of Mass Destruction (especially nuclear weapons). When the president and Congress commit U.S. military forces to war, we look to the president to approve a military strategy designed to win the war, and we look to members of Congress to support, not undermine, U.S. military warriors who are engaged in combat. HI

Editor's Note: The author can be reached at grahamfivega@aol.com.

Cadet returns after near-fatal fall

During a grueling recovery, Avolio had one goal: get back to the academy

ir Force Academy cadet Thomas Avolio accepts his notoriety.

“I don’t want to be identified as the guy who fell down Eagle Peak,” he said. “But I know it will be that way.”

Avolio, who fell 200 feet a hike in April, 2006, returned to classes this week.

After a quick noontime speech in the chow hall packed with about 4,000 peers, the thin 22-year-oldWashington state native shared a private table with academy brass and the three cadets who helped save him.

His rescue from a ledge near the top ofthe 9,368foot mountain on academy grounds involved multiple agencies and took more than five hours.

Avolio wasn’t expected to survive. He had a traumatic brain injury, broken wrist, dislocated ankle, optic nerve damage, cuts, punctures and bruises.

“He was comatose. He was black and blue and purple from head-to-toe,” academy Superintendent Lt. Gen.

BY ANDREA BROWN, THE GAZETTE

PHOTOS BY KEN WRIGHT

After a grueling 21-month recovery following a fall from Eagle Peak, the Academy's academic challenges are a breath offresh airfor C2C Thomas Avolio.

John F. Regni recalled of his first hospital visit. “His dad pulled me aside and said, ‘General, Tom is going to make it, despite what these doctors are saying. He has the guts and the will.”’

It was a grueling 21 months ofpain, feeding tubes, respirators, bedpans, slurred speech, double vision and memory problems. His initial request for readmission to the academy last summer was denied. So, he tried again, finally getting approval from the secretary ofthe Air Force to return this semester.

Avolio is a junior in Cadet Squadron 21—the Blackjacks. He will graduate in 2009, a year behind the class with which he entered. He said he wants a career in intelligence.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the groove and hanging out with the guys,” he said. “I’m done with climbing.”

Eagle Peak stands in the background of his everyday life, framing his dorm and classrooms.

“I don’t feel any different about it,” he said. “I don’t remember the accident.”

It began as a Saturday hike with two friends. He said he blames himself for losing his footing after taking a dangerous rocky path, which was a bad call on his part.

Three cadets hiking near where he landed helped stabilize him until help arrived. A ground rescue wasn’t possible because of the terrain, so he was lifted out by a Wyoming Army National Guard helicopter and taken to Penrose Hospital. He was in a coma for 3U weeks.

He couldn’t talk or walk, but he had a goal: get back to the academy.

“I woke up from my coma and asked what I needed to do,” he said. “Each morning when I woke up I could lay around and watch TV and eat potato chips—or actually do something to make myself better.”

Avolio, whose boyhood ambition was to attend the academy, chose to push himself. He got a personal trainer. He went to a Veterans Affairs clinic in California that specializes in treating traumatic brain injury. He completed 18 of21 semester hours from the 2006 spring semester that was cut short by the fall, then attended the University ofWashington. There was one thing he let go. “It was kind of nice to grow my hair,” hesaid.

For their work in Avolio’s rescue, a Flight for Life “Colorado’s Wings of Honor Award” was given to cadets Brett McAuliff, David Blessinger and Joseph Spitz; Air Force Fire Department High Angle Rescue Team; El Paso County Search and Rescue; Wyoming National Guard Air Support Unit; and American Medical Response. IS

EXPLORE THE WORLD

Village Life along the Waterways of Holland and Belgium

April 11-19, 2008

Nine days cruising along the storied waterways of the Low Countries aboard the state-of-the-art, five star M.V. Heidelberg. Explore historic villages and towns during the height of Holland's brilliant tulip season and discover the magnificent architectural and artistic legacy of Belgium's medieval merchant towns and the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam, Delft, Middelburg and Bruges, and much more, with a special in depth visit to the Keukenhof Gardens in full springtime glory. 9 days /from $2295 plus air.

Alumni Campus Abroad 2008

Ukraine and Romania

Steeped in tradition but driven by a modern spirit, the Ukraine is rapidly forging a new identity in today's Europe. Enjoy the M.S. Dnieper Princess as you cruise from Kiev to Bucharest. See all this historic country has to offer-from Kiev with its Caves Monastery; enjoy a Cossack Horse Show in Zaporizhia, discover Crimea and its seaside villages and Yalta, site of the Conference. 14 days/ from $1795 plus air.

Alumni Campus Abroad Dublin

August 11—19, 2008

Stay in a real Irish Castle located just ten minutes from the center of Dublin. Visit Trinity College; embark on a train journey to Belfast, Northern Ireland, and see all the beauty and history of the Emerald Isle. Enjoy a pint in the Gravity bar at the Guinness Store

More information about thesO-tuxurious travel destinations is available online at \§fww,usafaLorg. Click on "AOG Services," then "Travel Programs' 1 or contact Laurent Fox

American “Grad”-iator

’97 grad bombs competitors as “Stealth” in the

new American Gladiator

Story by Kyle Davidson

Even as early as the ancient Greek games, athletes have been equated to warriors. Perhaps it is because of the physical nature ofboth endeavors, or perhaps it is because competition—the desire to win, and for glory—is a natural synonym for the warrior spirit.

When the ancient Romans instituted the gladiator games, they often chose former soldiers, or slaves captured from military conquests, to compete to the death.

On a slightly less morbid scale, the same could be said for NBC’s modern-day “American Gladiators.” Producers for the resurrected ’90s television show have chosen a former Air Force maintenance officer and ’97 grad to be one of 12 gladiators going up against regular contestants in a battle of wills, wits and might. And while the 5-foot, 2-inch; 123-pound Tanji Johnson ranks as the smallest gladiator, her quickness and ability to strike competitors off-guard make up for the lack of size and earned her the stage name “Stealth.”

“These are contact sport-type events where you’re going up against contenders you don’t know, you’ve never competed against them, and then on top of all that, it’s on national TV. Somebody is going to get spanked, and you never want it to be you,” iterated Johnson, in regard to the pressure ofbeing a gladiator. After an 11-year hiatus, NBC decided to give the show a second chance following favorable ratings of the old “American Gladiators” programs run on ESPN Classic.

Johnson, who was a fan of the original show, explained that she was serving as a personal trainer in Seattle and had no intensions oftrying out when a friend, who is the personal trainer for the red team on the show “Biggest Loser,” called and encouraged her to audition. Her friend said the producers were looking for a certain type of character, and knowing Johnson’s background, thought she would be perfect. The former Honor Guard member added that the tryouts were difficult, but her type “A” personality, military background and association with the International Federation of Body Building as a professional competitor impressed the producers.

“I didn’t really know what to expect because I’ve never really auditioned for something

before, but it was exciting because I knew what the potential of this show was, and I could see myselfserving in the role and what it could grow to be,” she recalled.

The first-season gladiator was first introduced to the professional realm of fitness in 1998 when she was a second lieutenant serving as a coach for the Academy cheerleading squad. A former cheerleading aerobics instructor of Johnson’s when she was a cheerleader was competing in a local body building show and asked the newly-graduated second lieutenant if she would like to go watch. From then on, Johnson knew she would be passionate about fitness, and began training and competing herself.

“I was really just looking for an avenue that was competitive for me to just continue to advance my physical fitness because, as you and I know, when women graduate from college and school there are not a lot ofcompetitive sports out there that we can partake in,” she explained, adding the new sport required her to change the paradigm ofher thinking.

“As a fitness competitor, one of the things that excited me was, in the beginning I said, you know, ‘I don’t know if I’ll be any good because I didn’t really take gymnastics, I can’t do flips, I can’t do hand-stands,’ and things like that. And then as the years went by I changed that can’t attitude to a can-do attitude and a will-do attitude, and I have these great testimonies in my fitness career about not only the physical abilities that I’ve been able to acquire, but also just the transformation of my body.”

Upon separating from the Air Force, Johnson stayed in Seattie and began working as a personal trainer when she wasn’t competing. Shehas become so well known in the industry as a competitor, and now as a judge, of body building that she even has her own Seattle area-based competition the Tanji Johnson Fitness Figure Classic. Now she admits she is preparing for what she sees as a possible shift in her career. Johnson is altering her entire training program to help her become a better gladiator.

As Johnson explained training for professional competitions and for “American Gladiators” is completely different. She added the training reminded her of basic cadet training in that it was highlyphysical, highlydemanding and mentally challenging. She also gives the Academy credit for so much ofthe success shehas today.

“One of the biggest things I tookfrom the Air Force Academy and my experiences there was time management. You know, I’d talk to my peers who were going to regular schools and they were taking 12, 14, maybe 16 credit hours and I thought, oh my gosh! Are you serious? I’m taking like 24, and on top of that I get up at six in the morning, we march before breakfast, we go to class like eight hours a day and then we go play our respective sports, and then we come back and we do military drills, then we eat again and then we’re up studying for four hours,”’ she recalled.

She looks back at the Academy as a time for perhaps her

greatest overall building, including character, academics, body and spirit.

“For me, it’s just a big part of my foundation to the success that I now have as an individual, in the fitness industry, in the entertainment industry. Everybody always comments back to the foundation of who I am, and I owe that to the Air Force Academy and my parents,” she said. H

An officer and a warrior. (USAF photo)

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Forever preserve a moment in stone

Stress Disorder

Having dreams you are a cadet again? You are not alone.

Screaming

By Frederick V. Malmstrom, '64

Illustration by Sarah Wright

ave you ever dreampt (i.e. dreamed) you were a cadet again? Sigmund Freud was reputed to have said our dreams are a desire to fulfill our wishes. Ifthat’s the case, then 40,000 USAFA graduates have an odd way ofexpressing their repressed fantasies.

THAT NONPROBLEM OF DERANGED VETERANS

The popular press nowadays makes headlines out of a bonafide psychiatric disorder politely called PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We used to call it Combat Fatigue or Shell Shock. In a bigleap offaith, the fourth estate loves playing up the thesis that our country is, therefore, heavilypopulated with secretly deranged veterans who constantly live and relive their most traumatizing combat experiences. Dunno about that, because even though I’ve dodged my share ofmissiles and bullets over North Viet-Nam, in my dreams I’ve never re-experienced those particular entertaining events. Rather, I keep coming back to a regular, goofy dream where I’ve returned to USAFA as a cadet. Now that’s real shell shock.

Some USAFA graduates (especially those from the hard sciences) tell me they never dream about the Alcoa Palace. Their typical non-recollection is, “I have repressed my dreams of USAFA.” I don’t know where they dragged out that Freudian vocabulary, but ifthey have truly repressed those dreams-well-we all know what that means. 1 Yet, a significant minority ofUSAFA graduates freely confess they have recurring dreams ofreturning to USAFA as either a cadet or some hybrid thereof.

And what do we deranged veterans dream about? To bowdlerize (look it up) the record, I have, alas,-found nothing whatever in service academy dream content of a risque nature. Au contraire, here is a sobering quote from notable novelist Lucian Truscott IV, USMA ’69, who made this confession:

“I have this recurring dream, sometimes it’s a nightmare, in which I’m back at West Point, still a cadet. Events swirl in a high speed merry-go-round ofanxiety, a spinning place gone out ofcontrol A thousand demands are made. Nothing can get done on time. If I shine my shoes and clean the room and make sure there name tags on all my T-shirts and don’t study, I’ll flunk the fluids test tomorrow; but ifI study and kiss-offall the other stuff, I’ll get written up and lose weekend privileges. Every decision is a dead-end street. Nothing goes right. The whole world is Post Finance, and they’ve lost my records.”

1 Freud never quite caught onto the mathematical impossibility ofproving a negative hypothesis.

WANNA BE A CAREER CADET?

Was Truscott’s (1976) sobering account not sobering enough? For an unforgettable read, do take in suspense writer David Ely’s (1966) award-winning short story “The Academy.” As for those ofyou who resist the written word, “The Academy” was also presented as a half-hour TV episode on Rod Serling’s October 6, 1971 Night Gallevy. Serling presents a truly eerie premise where cadets check into a military academy but never check out. In my experience, Ely’s script trumps anything ever written by Stephen King.

I’ll be pitchkettled (look that up, too) ifI can account for the origins ofthese dreams. The 1945 U.S. Public Law 255 extended the entering age to USMA up to 24 for returning veterans. After WWII, there were many former commissioned officers (one as high as the rank ofmajor) who entered both West Point and Annapolis, most ofthem graduating in the Class of’49 (Puckett, 2006). Both the USAFA Class of’59 and ’64 matriculated prior second lieutenants commissioned through aviation cadets. However, I doubt if any ofthese men secretly aspired to career cadet status. Then, again, maybe Salvador Dali actually did own a melted watch.

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THESE DREAMS?

From anonymous contributors I’ve collected and transcribed below a selection oftheir dreams. Please note these are actualverbatim and unexpurgated accounts from actualUSAFA graduates. I mean... how could I confabulate (again, look that one up) confabulations like these? Unlike Lucian Truscott’s all-too-humorless nightmares, these dreams begin to top anything in previously published spoof cadet diaries, like Grady’s (1943) classic The Collected Work of Ducrot Pepys or its worthy descendent, Don Hall’s (2004) hilarious journal More Secret LifeofWaldo F. Dumbsquat. Here we go:

Dream #1. Frequendy. It’s mostly sports, football especially: It’s somehow I’m involved in a combination ofdifferent sporting events. I played a variety ofvarsity sports, both in high school and at the Academy. I find myselfdown on the field, perhaps wearing a lacrosse outfit while playing soccer. Anyhow, the intramural field is filled with generic players, commandants, AOCs, and a few guys from my high school. I may tackle a general or two, but that doesn’t bother me. Otherwise, I have dreams ofpigging out at the Mitchell Hall buffet with buddies. I always held the opinion that Mitchell Hall food was great, and it’s buttressed by my other opinion, “Free is good.”

Dream #2. 1-2 times per year. Here I am as a doolie again. I’ve forgotten to wear my shirt. It’s embarrassing to me. I have my arms folded in front of me (I hate that dream), but also nobody seems to notice or even care. [Oscar Wilde said, there is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that

is not being talked about.”] Then, I will always find myself on the 2nd floor of Fairchild Flail, just before class begins. Naturally, I can’t find my classroom. I know I’m going to be crucified for missing a formation. That’s odd, because I’ve been through mortar attacks in Iraq-which I never dream about—but missing class gives me a sense ofpure panic. Keeping track of the time is difficult because PE classes always begin halfway through the normal class periods, so it’s always confusing. Because of that recurring dream, to this day I always keep three alarm clocks set around my house.

Dream #3. Once a month. I’m always at the “old” Academy in its present Colorado Springs location. The Lowry AFB campus doesn’t fit into this at all. But Sijan Hall doesn’t exist either, and there are, alas, no women here. I’m a cadet again at my present age [68!], but all my fellow cadets are an assemblage ofyoung men. I’m in a state of confusion (is there any other?); I can’t find my squadron. Karl Kitt (our wrestling coach) appears in this dream a lot. To make things worse, it all seems so logical, my not leaving, and my constantly returning to USAFA. Perhaps it’s because I can clearly see my cadet ID card expiration date reads INDEFINITE.

Dream #4. Frequently. My hair is cut short, and it’s always the same dream. I’m running across the Terrazzo [Is that thing still under repair?] with my “smack pack,” a kind ofbook duffle bag. That was before we doolies were allowed to carry backpacks. [Note: You shoulda tried it in the days ofdouble-timing with an armload ofloose books and no way to anchor that slippery slide rule.] It’s the day of my first class. I’m I’m horrified my instructors will stand us up just like the upperclass summer cadre. It’s horrible-I don’t feel safe. My emotions are always as vivid as ifI’m living through the real thing.

Dream #5. About once a year. I’ve been previously commissioned, but I wind up back here at some indefinite rank, perhaps as a cadet again. Panicked, I jump out ofbed and then I’m wandering Fairchild Hall—it’s either the 4th or 5th floor, and I’m in my flight suit, trying to find my first period class on the first day ofacademics. I know it’s not engineering, but it is always one ofmy weaker subjects. I have no idea what my schedule is, so I’m poking my head into every classroom asking, but all I get is blank stares and funny looks from the occupants. There is a sunny side to this, because I know I’ve been through the program before, and I’m telling myself, “I’m going to do great on 4th class knowledge—and this time I’ll have an answer.”

Dream #6. About 2-3 times per year. This time I get to repeat my entire Academy education. It’s my first day ofclass as a fourthclassman, again. It’s the Fall schedule, and I walk into the room at the wrong place. My schedule is wrong. The hallway is empty—I have no idea where I’m supposed to be, but I do know they (an indefinite they) will kill me. I’m in a state ofmeltdown. I give praises when I wake up.

Dream #7. I have had many versions of it. It is close to graduation and I am trying to get to the Rugby Pitch only to find the match already started or I am not on the team. I always awake upset wondering why I ever quit the team. I know I didn’t ever do that because it was too good a deal).

Dream #8. About once a month. I’m back in jump training. They push me out ofthe aircraft door, but they’ve handed me nothing but a sleeve board—no parachute. I guess I’m expected to surfmy way to the ground.

Dream #9. Every two months or so. I’m prepping for graduation and leaving. I have yet to take a final exam, and it’s always in

my weakest subject, some course I didn’t know I was even signed up for. It’s time stress. I know I’m a cadet back at USAFA, but I’m also trying to get back to Kentucky to support my wife and kids.

Dream #10. Occasionally. I’m at 2 weeks prior to graduation. I have a required English 4XX exam which I screwed up. I’m not prepared, and it’s, naturally, my weakest subject.

Dream #11. Maybe every two years. I’m lost in the academic building, looking for my classroom. I’m on the wrong floor. Sigh.

Dream #12. About every three or four months. It’s always pretty vivid. I’m signed up for classes which I never knew I had ever been signed up for. We’re changing dorm rooms, and no one is here. My roomie has moved. I look in every door. I go into one dorm room, and I step into the Chapel Hills shopping mall. Sure, I’m a captain, but I’m due to redo not four but now five years of my previous Academy experiences. My nagging question is: do I graduate as a 2nd lieutenant or a captain?

Dream #13. Every six weeks. OK, it’s unshakable, but I’ve gotten used to it. I’ve been out in the Air Force for many years. I imagine myself as having been decorated with combat-earned fruit salad extending down to my knees. For some reason, I return to the Academy as a 47 year-old cadet for the purposes of a realgraduation, all so I can finally retire.Does my war record impress those 19 year-old upperclassmen? Don’t be silly. And so I’m still as usual chugging breathless around the Terrazzo, squaring corners and all. Then with only two weeks to go, I come up short, having to take a final exam in something like super-advanced differential equations, a course I didn’t know I’d ever signed up for. Ahhh... but the most satisfying conclusion to this dream is, upon my pending realgraduation, I’m going to get my picture in TheAir Force Times as the oldest graduate—not as the oldest living graduate, mind you, but as the oldest Zoomie ever to graduate.

SO WHAT’S THE LESSON?

Perhaps you picture yourself here. I can only dream. I can’t say whether these thirteen dreams are either the seed corn for a doctoral dissertation or another TwilightZone series, but I trust there’s a pony (or a mare) in here somewhere. Dream interpretation may be as challenging as finding meaning in Danielle Steel novel. Even so, I’ll bet you a week’s free lodging at Pueblo State Hospital an interpretation would have cost Herr Doktor Freud a blinding headache. Bi

SELECTED REFERENCES

Ely, David (June, 1963). “The Aacademy.” Playboy. Reprinted in Foley, Martha & David Burnett (eds.) (1966). The BestAmerican Short Stories. New York: HoughtonMifflin.

Grady, Ronan C. (1943) The collected works ofDucrot Pepys. Newburgh, NY: Moore Publishing Company, Inc.

Hall, Don (2004). More secret life ofWaldo F. Dumbsquat. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.

Puckett, Ralph (2006). USMA graduate, Class of 1949. Personal communication.

Truscott, Lucian K. IV. (December 3, 1976). “West Point careers: Mine.” Available online from “APF Newsletters of Lucian K. Truscott IV.”

About the author. During his waking hours, Fred is a clinical psychologist. He can be reachedatfred. malmsrom@usafa.edu.

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE

NOMINATION CRITERIA CHANGED FOR DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Association of Graduates, 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 of the abilities that have made our country and society great.

The Distinguished GraduateAward Committee 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 gatherpreliminary information on the nominee. The DGA Committee would determine if the person merited additional consideration and would contact the nominator for assistance in puttingtogether 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

While the selection criteria for this award are extremelydemanding and the competition is keen, we need the assistance ofevery graduate to identifydeserving candidates for evaluation. Non-graduates are also encouraged to submit nominations. This is our opportunity to recX x J ognize our own while identifying those who can serve as an inspiration to future generations ofAmericas leaders.

TIMELINE

May 2007 - June 2008

Award is publicized and nominations are accepted. Pre-nominations must be submitted byApril 1, 2008

JUNE - AUGUST 2008

Selection committee reviews nomination packages

SEPTEMBER 2008

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

APRIL 2009

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

SEND PRE-NOMINATION INFOR Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy CO 80840-4475 or e-mail sarv.howe@aosusafa.ore.

For more information, contact Ga (719) 472-0300, or gary.howe@ao the AOG Web site at www.usafa.o

level aonations sue not fully funded by gram that has bene reading about the you to all of our loy to the mission of th

ibutions. Tha and commitr

Cadets thrive as Big Brother, Big Sister hosts

By Ann Patton, Academy Spirit Photo illustration by Ken Wright

It was the best tailgate party ever, said Cadet 4th Class Katie Schuler.

More than 30 cadets from Cadet Squadron 6 welcomed nine proteges from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for an evening oftailgating and football for the Air Force/University ofNevada Las Vegas game Oct. 6 at Falcon Stadium.

“Bull Six is proud of our squadron events, and the opportunity to share that with the BB/BS was one we could not pass up,” said Cadet 1st Class Maria Brooks.

Sharyn Thomas, program specialist with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, said the program is very appreciative ofwhat the cadets accomplished.

“They did so much work to make thekids feel welcome,” she said. Before the game, cadets played catch football and Frisbee tag with the “litdes,” and everyone pitched in to cook on the grill.

They watched the cheerleading and dance teams perform and shared photo spotlights with “The Bird.”

The BB/BSs got a closer than bird’s eye view as cadets marched on to the field, and each time the Falcons scored on the field, the “litdes” did push-ups in the stands.

M^kP an I V I Cl IvC Cl I I

Cadets in Squadron 6 were enthusiastic about the undertaking once it was proposed.

“I enjoyed the preparation for the event,” Cadet Brooks said. “Knowing that we would be serving our squadron and our special guests made it that much better to plan.”

All the cadets had their favorite part of the evening.

“It was a great way to get pumped before a football game and work with community service simultaneously,” said Cadet Schuler.

“The most fun for me was watching the pick-up football game that the cadets and kids played next to our tailgate party,” said Cadet 4th Class Eric Hunt.

Like all cadets, Cadet Schuler has precious little spare time but she was happy to share it.

“It’s inspiring to see little kids having fun and looking up to you.”

For Cadet Hunt, the whole evening was special.

“It was neat to be looked up to and appreciated a little bit,” he said. “The kids enjoyed the fly-over most but I think they enjoyed the cheerleaders and getting pictures taken with The Bird.”

He added, “I don’t know whose smile was bigger, mine or theirs.”

Cadet Squadron 6 has collectively donated more than 209

hours of community service so farthis semester.

Lt. Col. Freddie Rodriguez, Academy assistant professor of mathematics, also joined the tailgating and game festivities.

He mentored two boys over a period offive years, and now is on the program’s board ofdirectors. He knows what a powerful impact BB/ BS can have on youngsters and what an honor it is to mentor a child.

“The friendship between a ‘big’ and a ‘little’ is priceless,” he said. “The kids do better in school and are less likely to wind up in trouble. They get to experience fun outings on a regular basis, and their outlook on life becomes more positive.” S

Ralph Puckett’s Wordsfor Warriors

REVIEWED BY FREDERICK V. MALMSTROM, ’64

Let me admit up front that I’ve known Colonel Ralph Puckett (USMA ’49) for almost 50 years. In 1958 as an Army captain, he was assistant commandant at the USMA Preparatory School, and I was an E-2 airman. In those days, we Air Force enlisted cadet candidates “borrowed” the prep schools from the Army and the Navy. For now it’s enough to tell you that I’ve never forgotten Ralph Puckett. Here is why:

Wordsfor Warriors is a delight to anyone interested in why we professionals do what we do. One reviewer called Puckett’s book “inspirational reading for future generals,” but it is not. This is not the sort ofbook which paints dry generalities for ROTC and ACSC students, nor is it an autobiography. Rather, it is a well-edited narrative of Ralph Puckett’s real-life encounters with the military and political world. It places the reader into the You-Are-There. This is hands-on stuff.

Let’s get right to the action. On November 25, 1950, the Chinese Army had just entered the Korean War. First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett was there commanding the 8th Army Ranger Company, a unit composed of only 47 U.S. soldiers and nine South Korean KATUSA nationals. During the evening ofNov. 25 and early morning ofNov. 26, Puckett’s Rangers fought offfive head-on assaults of over 500 Chinese in hand-tohand bayonet fighting and bugle led-charges which continued throughout the night. Chinese army losses were appalling. When, owing only to lack ofartillery support, the Company was overrun by 6th assault, Puckett himselfwas severely wounded. Against his protests he was finallydragged to safetyby his NCOs. By the next morning, only 26 Rangers were left standing. For their actions, his two NCOs were awarded the Silver Star, and Lieutenant Puckett himselfwas awarded the Distinguished ServiceCross.

What happened that the 8th Ranger Company held on while the rest ofthe U.S. 8th

Army collapsed? What made the difference was that Puckett had only months before taken 74 ordinary good volunteer soldiers, and he trained them into a loyal, hardened fighting Ranger unit. He got to know each ofhis men personally. He researched their strengths and weakness, and most importantly, he surrounded himselfby talent. The heroism and the effectiveness ofthe 8th Rangers is all the more impressive, because Puckett had never been shot at before. Instinct of leadership? I don’t think so.

Here’s the lesson from Wordsfor Warriors. Puckett knew from the beginning that it is the duty ofevery officer to be with his men at all times, never requiring ofthem anything he wouldn’t do himself. Above all, an officer’s first responsibility is to his soldiers, and he must surround himselfwith talent. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen that rule violated by officers whose first responsibility was to the protecting of their own careers. To wit, the sad, sad case of the recent prisoner humiliation and torture scenes at the Iraqi Abu Ghraib prison was not, in the words ofpoliticians, the isolated act “of a few bad apples.” To the contrary, it was a clear case ofofficers’ abandonment ofduty. Communications were bungled and misinterpreted. Nothing was planned. Amateurs were left to run the show, and no one was ever really in charge.

For instance, during the monthsthat prisoner abuse went unchecked, not one officer ever made a no-notice midnight inspection ofthe prison. This scandal would never have happened ifthe superior officers had followed Puckett’s examples.

Wordsfor Warriors is a collection of85 short thought-pieces, anecdotes, humor, and combat narratives. It is well-edited into sections, but any one chapter can be read as a stand-alone piece, and each story has its own lesson. And I’m forever grateful that Puckett has included an index, so anyone can do a quick research on topics ofanywhere from

Agincourt to Apaches to Afghanistan. (Puckett is well-versed on the Near East.)

What also separates Wordsfor Warriors from the uselessly vague SOS-type reading material is that it is well-researched and footnoted, for Puckett can cite Chaucer as well as Cheney. He offers chapters which look realistically at the past and equally as well guarded to the future ofthe U.S. military and our country.

Today, Ralph Puckett still serves as an active advisor and lecturer to the military, academia, and industry. During his time in uniform, Ralph Puckett was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, three Legions ofMerit, two Bronze Stars, one Commendation Medal, ten Air Medals, and five Purple Hearts. Oh and did I mention he was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam? To find out more about that one, read the book. SI

Puckett, Ralph (2007). Wordsfor Warriors: Aprofessionalsoldiers notebook. Tucson, AZ: Wheatmark Press. ISBN: 978-1-58736-8059. 412 pages. $28.95.

The Secret Life of /aldof. PufT)bSQU3t

by Don Hall, ’76

» H '0^% lampposts on the terrazzo strained to ; 8®®*® push rays oflight into the dark, swirling if 9 snow storm. Cadets trudgedthrough the drifts forming on the marble strips, as the Cadet Wing filed slowly out ofMitchell Hall. The low grumble of the snow plows in the area seemed to scrape away at the morale of freshmen and upperclassmen alike. The return to USAFA after the Christmas break always took its toll on the human spirit.

Unknown to the Cadet Wing, three ninja-like figures used the cover of darkness to break into Harmon Hall. Using highly sophisticated equipment to defeat the administration building’s security, the covert team entered stealthily and rode the elevator to the Superintendent’s office. Executing a well-rehearsed plan, two shadowy men took up sentry positions, while the third produced a portable step ladder from his ninja-like bag. Climbing the steps brought the thief faceto-face with the Sup’s overhead locker. With a gloved hand, he slowly turned the combination dial. He smiled as the last tumbler fell into place. A ninja-like hand reached inside, and the safe gave up its secret.

C/4C Waldo E Dumbsquat stomped into the dorm room. He brushed the white flakes from his pointed parka.

“My dandruffis getting worse,” complained Waldo as he hung up the coat in his closet. “That watch cap really dries out my scalp!”

“Wait until you see how your shoes have been wiped out,” chortled his friend, Warren Heels.

Waldo leaned against the laundry bin and pulled offhis low quarter shoes. Carefully peeling the rubber over-shoe away, he groaned as he saw that many hours ofspit shine labor had been indeed rubbed away.

“Now I’ve got two pairs ofparade shoes,” Waldo groused. “It’ll take days to get this pair back into inspection shape. Looks like I’ll have to use a Hershey Bar again ...”

The other member of the three man room, Regs Buch, looked up from his efforts to make an AMI bed. “Just don’t use the almond bar again,” he advised.

“That did turn out badly last time,” mused Waldo.

“I hate the Dark Ages,” blurted out Warren as he arranged underwear and rolled socks in a dress drawer.

“Yeah, the Dark Ages go on forever,” lamented Waldo.

“Well, actually the Dark Ages end at Spring Break, so technically they don’t go on forever,” Regs corrected.

His friends looked at him blankly.

“I hate the Dark Ages,” said Warren.

“Yeah, they go on forever,” echoed Waldo.

“And the writer’s strike only makes things worse,” added Warren, who had no television privileges anyway.

“We need something exciting to happen around here,” Waldo decided out loud.

Right on cue, Regs pointed at the night outside their window.

“Look, it stopped snowing.”

The doolies peered out the dorm window. Not only did the absence of snow capture their attention, but so did the sea of flashing red lights in the Harmon parking lot.

“Something big is going on over there!” exclaimed Warren.

Waldo, senses tingling, hurried from the room without explanation. He skillfully avoided a disgruntled CQby ducking into the latrine. Once hidden from view, the puny freshman uttered the magic words “subprime mortgage rate.” Like an adjustable rate, the doolie instantly ballooned into the huge figure ofColonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man who always rented. With confident strides, the officer made his way to the Sup’s office. Armed security forces roamed the area, stopping only to salute the colonel as he passed.

Pushing past grim-faced technicians fingerprinting the furniture, Colonel Dumbsquat found the Superintendent standing dejectedly behind his desk. The general looked up as the field grade officer entered the room.

“Thank goodness you’re here, Dumbsquat. Someone has stolen it! Onlyprofessionals could have pulled this off—this was no spirit stunt!”

“What was stolen, sir?” asked the colonel.

“Good grief, man! They’ve taken a national treasure. The Academy has lost the Big Picture. .and you’re the only one who can get it back!”

(To be continued ...) M

he numbers are in, and Academy cadets are grade and making it better.

wing-wide with a 3.0

from 41.9

over tne previous year, me number ot rourtn-degrees e 3.0 or higher rose from 29.4 percent to 37.5 percent, an overall GPA rose from 2.61 to 2.75.

The number offreshmen with an average less than 2.0

“As educators, we are always thrilled when a performance mea sure indicates increased student learning,” said Dean ofFaculty

Born said the faculty is “encouraged with the feedback we are getting from them concerning the new FYE course

r j* t »

the vast majority is finding it to be a positive experience.

A A She also pointed out the cadet leaders are placing an increased nphasis on the sanctity of academic study time.

The faculty is part of a much larger team on the Academy study into potential causes for changes in academic performanc

The fall data will serve as one more data point in that stud

Dept, of Astronautics celebrates 50th anniversary

The Department ofAstronautics at the United States Air Force Academy will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment on March 7, 2008. Formed by order of Brig. Gen. Robert McDermott, Dean of Faculty of the Air Force Academy in March, 1958, the USAFA Astro Department was the world’s first undergraduate academic department specifically devoted to astronautics instruction. His order also established a year-long core course taken by all cadets, and ultimately led to the first accredited undergraduate degree in astronautical engineering offered in the United States.

Since 1958, hundreds of cadets have earned degrees in astronautical engineering, engineering science, space operations, and systems engineering through the Astro Department and been commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force and the air forces ofseveral allied nations. Moreover, every graduate of USAFA has completed at least one course in introductory astronautics. Astro majors have gone on to become astronauts, general officers, corporate CEOs, and senior government executives. Hundreds of officers, non-commissioned officers and civilians have also served in the Astro Department as faculty and staff, responsible for the instruction, research, and administration of many USAFA space-related programs.

On March 7, the Department ofAstronautics will host facility and classroom tours as well as discussions ofpast and current activities. The day will culminate in a gala affair at Doolittle Hall with reception, dinner, and presentations. All current and former Astro, Space Ops, Engineering Science (Astro Track) and Systems Engineering (Space Track) majors are invited to attend, as are all current and former Astronautics Department faculty. For more information, call 719-333-4110.

Academy Grads Jr

Power Of Knowledge

A message from the 88 alumni participants of Blue Alliance including:

Darrel Slack '85

Diane Julias '80

Scott Hines '92

Kathi Durst '81

Aaron Freed '93

Anonymous '02

Vo Cheng '93

Jeff Matchan '86

Doug Sparks '82

Anonymous '01

Kevin Keene '96

Annie Eissler '90

Anonymous '87

Trish Heller '87

Ryan Sharkey '98

Anonymous '00

Laurel Scherer '93

David Peters '88

Anonymous '96

EricWoodson '87

Willie Benitez '79

Lisa Giddings '91

DennisMaust '79

Anonymous '89

Paul Sanders '98

Troy Carlyle '84

Anonymous '03

John Prentice '82

Anonymous '99

Bill Musick '76

Anonymous '87

Sharon Boyd '80

Jim Kinzer '80

Tara Sweeney '95

Anonymous '92

Sara Wilson '90

Tim Gaither '85

Beth Schissel '89

Anton Novak '93

Mike Solorio '86

Ross Ridder '88

Anonymous '97

Kevin Wells '95

Will Sosa '01

Anonymous '90

Ben Muetsel '80

Steve Waye '85

Joe Belano '92

Greg Probst '89

Anonymous '81

Karl Alvarez '84

RayJanssen '88

Jeff Breininger '85

Jeffrey L. Allen '87

Jeanne Muetzel '81

Anonymous '93

Terrence Tullia '79

Anonymous '88

Regina Brown '85

Terry Vendlinski '79

Karen Blackford '80

Mark Lankford '96

Anonymous '80

David Knight '85

Megan Kuzmich '97

Greg Mooneyham '87

Cholene Espinoza '87

Anonymous '99

Dana Teagarden '92

Anonymous '87

Mark D. Holmes '75

Anonymous '00s

Cynthia M. Mack '82

Bill Middleswart '99

Kathleen Robbins '68

Reichen A. Lehmkuhl '96

Thomas A. Brumlik '72

Paul "Rick" Mazurowski '73

CLASS GIFT HONORS ALL GRADS

BY AL BURRELL, AOG

The Class of’81 s commitment to “Service before selfand excellence in all we do” is aptly illustrated by an impressive Record Locator Room recently gifted to the USAFA Cemetery and to each graduate. The newly built and computerized Locator Room was funded by the class as part oftheir 25th Reunion campaign and is similar to that at Arlington National Cemetery. It allows visitors to quickly locate loved ones interred within our hallowed ground.

Class Giving Chair Rich Trentman explained that his class elected to fund this need to honor “those brothers and sisters who rest here.”

The Directory Building in which the room is located is near cemetery’s west entrance. Its architectural design ensures that each marble facing, a terrazzo terrace and all metal framing closely match those found in the Cadet Area. Because all original Academy structures were built on a north-south or east-west footprint, the building is constructed on a true north-south heading. Ample glass and natural lighting provide visitors a panoramic view ofthe entire cemetery as they begin their visit.

The Locator Room houses a touch screen information center which offers an array ofvaluable information. The system lists USAFA graduates honored on the War Memorial. It specifies the exact location of every grave and details the most convenient route to that location. A selection titled “Gone But Not Forgotten” pro

vides guests specific information about each of our honored dead. Those interred may be located by class year, last name, or cadet squadron. Information presented includes a cadet photograph, class year and a biographical tribute; complimented by a respectful rendition of “Taps.” Information concerning deceased graduates not interred at USAFA is also available, as are many other features that benefit visitors to the cemetery.

The project, led by Trentman and Charles Phillips, was an important part of $4.7 million of cemetery improvements known as the Memorial Pavilion. The complex has already earned a top Air Force design award and is collectively funded by the Classes of ’66, ’81, ’83, ’84 and other graduates and friends of the Academy.

Services are no longer exposed to Colorado’s unpredictable weather. Graduates and others have contributed to these improvements to honor all Academy graduates for their unwavering service to the United States ofAmerica. 8

The USAFA Cemetery is a private cemetery available to cadets, graduates andspouses,formersenior USAFA officials andAirForce militarypersonnelassigned to the USAFAcademy or to tenant units at theAcademy at the time oftheirdeaths, andselect others. Grave sites andcolumbaria are available at no cost. Furtherinformation may be obtained bycontacting the USAFA MortuaryAffairs Office at (719) 333-3323/2389.

SAT/ACT Enhancement

Candidate Fitness Assessment Improvement

“Northwestern Prep provided 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 #1 ranked squadron ofthe wing!

2002 USAFA Graduate

Amidst the frosty temperatures and icy roads ofColorado Springs, Col. Chevalier (Chevy) Cleaves, ’85, Director ofAdmissions at the Academy, kicked offthe annual Liaison Officer Directors Conference. Every year, the Director of Admissions hosts a five-day conference for the leaders of the Admissions Liaison Officer Program. Colonel Cleaves and his staff run the ALO Program, consisting ofreservists, guardsmen, active duty members, retirees, and civilians who recruit, mentor and evaluate for USAFA and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps to meet the Air Force officer accession needs with the best-qualified and most highly motivated students available.

In todays dynamic, ever-changing recruiting environment it is essential to help the ALO program maintain current focus on USAFA and AFROTC. The purpose ofthe annual conference is to gather all LODs for meetings with senior USAFA staff, AFROTC leadership, Admissions Divisions/Branches and other key elements ofUSAFA teams who provide direct knowledge and insight on topics ofinterest, current policies and procedures, and any issues they need to know about when recruiting for both programs. It is also an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with their colleagues and have “a meeting ofthe minds,” sharing ideas and information to improve the worldwide ALO mission. The conference culminates in the awards banquet, where national award winners, lifetime award winners and Fourth Class cadet award winners are honored.

“It is motivating to hear from senior leaders at USAFA that they recognize the essential role the liaison officers play in the admissions

process,” said USAFA Admissions Liaison Division Chief Lt. Col. Steve Orie. “Also, with the continual constraints on our man-days and resources, it is refreshing to know we have senior level support.”

The initial group ofALOs, known as “Operational Spokesman,” were made up ofAir Force Reserve officers recruited to “foster alumni.” Organized in 1957, this elite group later received recognition as the Air Force Liaison Officer Program. ByJuly 1958, the Academy cadet registrar established a new staffagency called the Candidates Advisory Service to train and organize these volunteers into a competent and effective group ofadmissions counselors. In 1971, the ALO program was extended to overseas areas in Europe, and by 1972 it quicklyspread as far as the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico and the Far East. Once women were appointed to the service academies in 1976, female ALOs quickly became part the program. ALOs fiinctioned as recruiters, counselors, advisers and mentors.

Because AFROTC detachments were not manned to cover much more territory than the immediate vicinity oftheir campuses, it was quickly recognized that AFROTC required outside assistance when their program changed from mandatory to voluntary in the late 1960 s. Therefore, in 1969, the Air Force Reserve Personnel Center was approached with the idea ofcreating an Admissions Liaison Officer force for AFROTC.

In July 1980, the Academy and AFROTC ALO programs proposed a merger. In the end, what was once a small group ofAir Force reservists, recruited to “foster alumni,” and known as the Academy Liaison Officer corps, is today the Admissions Liaison Officer, a combined effort ofhighlyqualified individuals that share a goal, vision and pas-

sion for assisting the admissions process to recruit qualified candidates for both the Academy and AFROTC.

The USAFAAdmissions office currendy has 1,625 ALOs spread across five regions with 67 geographic areas around the world. ALOs travel from as far as Europe, the Pacific Rim and Puerto Rico; Lt. Col. Bill O’Brien traveled from Dubai to attend this year’s conference. These dedicated ALOs work closely with high school counselors and conduct individual mentoring and interviews for prospective candidates. They also workwith local AFROTC detachments, and Congressional staffers, plus educators who work in local schools. The Liaison Officer Directors are responsible for all recruiting efforts in their areas and all administrative duties; some leading over 50 ALOs.

The first day of the conference was exclusively for new LODs, who attended the “New” LOD School. The Admissions Advisory Panel, a team of experienced officers, runs theschool and provides new LODs with the basic knowledge and training they need to be successful leaders in their areas.

The conference went into full swing the next morning. Colonel Cleaves opened the proceedings and then introduced Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73. General Regni discussed his vision for USAFA in the next few years, including the importance of diversity, leadership, strategic languages, and USAFA space programs. He also gave his perspective on many of the challenges ALO’s face. Gen Regni saidhe recognizes the increasingly difficult environment the ALOs are working under with virtually no mandays available and the increased mission requirements associated with the Diversity Action Plan. Following the general’s speech, LODs heard from Dean of Faculty Brig. Gen. Dana Born, ’83, who explained the changing focus on the depth of the curriculum, to include narrowing the “Terrazzo Gap” and enriching the first year academic experience at the Academy.

Then, Commandant Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins, ’80, spoke to the LODs and stressed the importance ofvision and mission being one and the same. She impressed on them the need to educate, train, focus, assess and make continual improvements to the mission and goals for each cadet. Finally, Director ofAthletics Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hans Mueh, ’66, got the crowd going with his exuberant passion for what the Air Force Academy has to offer the intercollegiate cadets and praised the Air Force’s ranking as being #1 in the nation forTitle IX intercollegiate sports for women.

After these eye-opening sessions with the senior leadership, the LODs went to lunch with the Cadet Wing in Mitchell Hall. This was a great kick-off to an afternoon spent talking about cadets issues. Many ofthe LODs got to sit with cadets at tables on the main floor, while others ate lunch on the staff tower.

The afternoon started with a panel ofAir Officers Commanding and AcademyMilitaryTrainers, who lead the cadets in each ofthe cadet squadrons. These individuals are perhaps the most influential in the day-to-day life ofUSAFA cadets. LODs also heard from Cadet Wing Commander Cadet 1 st Class Jonathan Reynolds, and then spent time with a panel ofcadets representing each ofthe four classes, getting direct insight on cadet life at USAFA.

Throughout the rest ofthe conference, LODs received briefings from the Director ofAthletic Recruiting, the Deputy Director of Operations for AFROTC, the Department ofDefense Medical Evaluation Review Board, the Academy Preparatory School, the Reserve

Management Group, the Association ofGraduates and Falcon Foundation, and several more offices within the Directorate ofAdmissions.

The culmination of the conference was the National Awards Banquet, which was held at the USAFA Falcon Club. The banquet allowed all LODs to gather one last time and honor annual award winners. The guest speaker, Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, and Colonel Cleaves presented the annual awards.

The first group recognized was the Outstanding Fourth Class Year Award winners. This award is sponsored by the ALOs and honorsthe outstanding top four fourth-class cadets from the Class of2010 based on academic and personal achievement. Each AOC from the 40 cadet squadrons can nominate a fourth-class cadet for this honor. Each of the four cadet group commandersand the training group commander review the nominations and recommend their best to the Commandant ofCadets, who selects the winners and names one ofthe cadets as “Best ofthe Best.” This year’s winners were: Cadet Rachel Crawford from 1 st Group, Cadet Austin McKinney from 2nd Group, Cadet Brittany Morreale from 3rd Group, and CadetJonathan Tellefsen from 4th Group. The “Best ofthe Best” winner was Cadet Brittany Morreale.

The next awards presented were the Tallman Awards. The Tallman Fund was established in 1992 to provide funding for recognition of service by Admissions Liaison Officers, both active and retired. The fund is named in honor ofretired Lt. Gen. Kenneth L. Tallman, who served as the Academy’s eighth superintendent from 1977-1981. The Tallman Award pin recognizes ALOs for each 10 years ofservice and an ALO can receive a different level award as they progress through 20, 30, and even 40 years ofALO duty. This year saw over 25 professionals receiving this award.

The last awards of the night were the National Awards. Each year, the Admissions Directorate selects the outstanding performers of the nation in each of the following categories; LOD, Deputy LOD, Primary Duty ALO, Additional Duty ALO, Retired or Civilian ALO, Diversity Affairs Coordinator, and Outstanding Lifetime Service Awards for those who served with distinctionfor more than 30 years as ALOs.

The Outstanding LOD ofthe Nation is Lt. Col. Mike Germain, who leads the team in Minnesota and North Dakota. The Outstanding DLOD ofthe Nation was Maj. Leo Cunningham from New York. The Outstanding Primary Duty ALO ofthe Nation was Maj. Stewart Anderson from Tennessee. The OutstandingAdditional DutyALO of the Nation was Lt. Col. Annette Gillespie from Montana. The Outstanding Retired ALO ofthe Nation was Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Foreman from Pennsylvania. The Outstanding DiversityAffairs Coordinator ofthe Nation was Lt. Col. Alfredo Sandoval from California. Finally, the Outstanding Lifetime Service Awards for 30+ years ofALO service went to Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stephen Cannon from South Carolina, Col. (Ret.) Joseph Cordina from Texas, Col. (Ret.) John Diller from Michigan, and Col. (Ret.) Carol Hollandfrom Wyoming.

Col. Cleaves closed the evening and the conference with congratulations for allthe award winners and heartfelt thanks to the attendees andthe Admissions staffwho made the conference such an awesome success, fm.

Tornow, '84, named Citizen of the Year

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Robin G. Tornow was recently recognized as the 2008 NewnanCoweta Citizen of the Year. The general also recently retired as director of the University ofWest Georgias Newnan Center.

“This is truly an honor. Truly an honor,” Tornow told a gathering at the Coweta County Fairgrounds Thursday night.

He said it’s amazing to see that the former winners of the annual honor are still so actively involved in the community.

“They didn’t let it go to their heads,” said Tornow. “They continued to serve the community.”

He said that’s exactly what he intends to do.

“This award means so much,” he said, “because it comes from the community

It’s a wonderfulhonor Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to continuing to serve you.”

Service is what Tornow’s life has been about, according to those who made the nomination.

“For 13 years, Rob Tornow has served Coweta and been a leader in education, religion, community affairs, nonprofits,

veterans, government, and business and economic development,” said Walter Thompson, who nominated Tornow to the Kiwanis Club and Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, which co-sponsor the event.

Tornow served for 29 years in the U.S. Air Force before moving to Newnan, Ga., in 1994.

“Two years later, he undertook the rebuilding of the Newnan campus ofwhat is now the University ofWest Georgia,” said Thompson.

Tornow graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1964, and “unselfishly served our country for 29 years,” including a stint in Vietnam supporting the 101st Airborne and 5th Special Forces Group.

“Of the millions who serve in the military, only a few reach the rank ofgeneral,” Thompson said.

Tornow put in more than 4,000 flying hours and earned eight medals. His last Air Force assignment was as administrative head of the Air Force ROTC. (Courtesy, The Times-Herald)

Brig. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson was featured during a Jan. 19 episode ofCBS Sports Spectacular titled Pride, Passion and Power.

Johnson, who is the deputy director of theJoint Staff’s War on Terrorism, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate at the Pentagon, earned the honor due to her accomplishments as an outstanding basketball player and cadet at the Air Force Academy and her subsequent success as an Air Force officer.

“Fortunately, friends of mine broke it to me that I’d been considered for this national feature,” said the 1981 Academy graduate who also completed graduate

studies as a Rhodes Scholar before earning her pilot wings in 1984. “My first reaction was ‘why me.’ Then I thought about it, andthe title of this show is pride, passion and power, and those are intangibles that are important to us every day.”

General Johnson has quite a list of accomplishments. She was the Academy’s first female cadet wing commander and is the only female inaugural member of the academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame for her talents on thebasketball court.

“There are some real continuing themes that go into team sports,” she said. “It comes down to the fire inside. Talent alone doesn’t do it. It’s the teamwork. The fire in the belly. The desire to win, and the intensity and perseverance. Those qualities are universal. The Air Force is a giant team. That’s what it is all about.”

After graduating from the Academy, General Johnson went on to become one of only 61 female officers to attain rank ofgeneral officer in the Air Force. She’s served in various assignments in air mobility, airlift and tanker flying operations and training, academic instruction and personnel. She is a command pilot with more than 3,600 flying hours in the C-141 Starlifter, T-4l Mescalero, KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy and KC-135 Stratotanker. (Courtesy, AFPN)

Dues, ’07, named Cadet of the Year Air Force officials honored 2nd Lt. Brandon T. Dues as the 2007 Cadet of the Year in a ceremony Jan. 3 at the Pentagon. The Cadet of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding cadet in an Air Force commissioning program.

Vice Chiefof Staff of the Air Force

Gen. Duncan McNabb, ’74, presented the award to Dues, the seventh airman to receive the award since its inception.

“Lieutenant Dues excelled in academics, athletics and militaryperformance while at the academy, and was ranked number one of 991 cadets in his class for m ilitary performance,” said General McNabb. “Winning this award makes him number one of more than 4,600 cadets in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and Air Force Academy.”

The Cadet ofthe Year award was established in 2000 by the private British Air Squadron organization in tribute to the U.S. military’s support ofthe United Kingdom. The recipients’ names are engraved on the Millennium Sword ofFriendship which is kept on permanent display in the Pentagon. It serves as a symbol ofthe enduring British-American friendship.

Winston S. Churchill, the grandson of former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, presented Lieutenant Dues with the Sword of Friendship.

Lieutenant Dues attributes winning the award to his leadership at the academy and the teamwork ofhis fellow cadets.

“It’s all about teamwork and investing in those around you,” he said. “Ifeveryone around you is successful, you’ll be successful. The academy was an awesome opportunity to learn that. It was more than a leadership opportunity; it was an opportunity to develop as a person. It takes relendess dedication to excellence. Ifyou’re not continually improving and working hard, you can’t demand that ofanyone under you.”

After graduating from the academy in

May 2007, the 23-year-old was one of 20 people nationwide accepted into the Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica, Calif., where he is currently pursuing a doctorate in policy analysis. He also was accepted into Harvard University’s School of Government. Upon completion ofhis PhD, Lieutenant Dues will attend Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. (Courtesy, AFPN)

Spetman,

’76, named FSU Athletics Director

Florida State University President, Dr. T.K. Wetherell, recently introduced Randy Spetman, ‘76, as the university’s new director of athletics, ending a national search that began in December. Spetman, a former Air Force colonel, takes over at FSU after serving as Athletics Director at Utah State since July 2004 and at the United States Air Force Academy from 1996-2003.

“Randy Spetman has a strong record ofleadership with honesty and integrity. His experience and organizational and management skills set him apart as one of the best athletics directors in the country,” Wetherell said. “We’re very pleased that he is joining the Florida State Family.”

Spetman was lauded over his tenure at Utah State for the success ofthe Aggies’ athletic programs both on the field or court and in the classroom. Utah State joined the Western Athletic Conference in 2005 and Utah State claimed four conference championships in its first two years. Even more impressive is the fact that USU’s studentathletes lead the WAC with a 78 percent graduation rate and have maintained over a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Under Spetman’s leadership, Utah State moved forward with several facility projects, including profile improvements to the football stadium. He also spearheaded fundraising and building efforts

for a $12.5 million facility that will serve to meet the academic and athletic needs of the 16 intercollegiate sports at Utah State. He crafted a unique business partnership for medical health coverage that improved the overall coverage of USU studentathletes and reduced medical costs. In addition, he negotiated a lucrative new marketing agreement for Aggie Athletics with Learfield Sports Properties.

“Florida State University is one of the finest college athletics programs in the nation. To be asked to serve as its athletics director is a great compliment, and I was thrilled to accept. I proudly served my country for many years with honor, commitment and pride. And I now look forward to bringing my skills as an athletics director to this university and serving Florida State University with the same honor, commitment and pride.”

Prior to his stint at Utah State, Spetman spent eight successful years (1996-2003) as Director ofAthletics at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co. During his tenure, he administered the school’s 27-sport intercollegiate program as well as the physical education and intramural programs. Under his command, athletics teams at the Academy enjoyed unmatched success as the football team participated in four bowl games, while the men’s basketball team advanced to its first-ever NCAA Tournament.

Born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Spetman graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1976. He earned three letters as a defensive end for the Falcons and was a team captain as a senior. He also won a pair ofheavyweight Wing Open Boxing Championships.

Spetman’s 28 and one-halfyear military career took him around the world in a variety of positions. A command pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flight time, Spetman’s range ofpositions took him from assistant football coach at his alma mater to a pilot, and from the Chief of Bomber Planning in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm to serving as Chief, Command and Control Division, Operations Directorate of the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Spetman was unanimously selected from a large field ofcandidates that was narrowed to four formal applicants that went through the on-campus interview process. (Courtesy FSU Athletics) '%

WAIT

Held responsible for airmens deaths for more than a decade, general feels vindicated by erik holmes, air force times

erry Schwalier has lived in the shadow of Khobar Towers for more than 11 years.

The Jut e 25, 1996, terrorist bombing in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 airmen under Schwalier’s command remains a defining moment in his life and career.

“It’s deeply embedded in my mind,” Schwalier said from his home in Knoxville, Tenn. “Every moment, every second is very, very clear.”

Perhaps now the retired fighter pilot can finally put those memories to rest.

The Air Force Board for the Correction ofMilitary Records ended a long-running dispute Dec. 20 by deciding that holding Schwalier responsible for the bombing by effectively stripping him ofhis second star back then amounted to an injustice. The board ordered that his second star

be reinstated, and found that he should have been promoted to the rank of major general effective Jan. 1, 1997.

After years of maintaining he had done all he could reasonably have been expected to do to protect his airmen—a conclusion shared by three of the four government investigations into the attack—Schwalier said he feels that justice has finally been done.

“Yeah, sure, I feel vindicated,” he said. “I would have preferred to have this all take place while I was still wearing Air Force blue, but it didn’t. Based on where we’re at... I do feel vindicated. I feel relieved. There’s as much vindication as I think there can be at this time.”

But Schwalier insists that his quest for redemption was about more than his good

name or his second star. The issue was the standard to which commanders ought to be held, and the precedent set by making him the scapegoat for the attack.

“When the government tells a commander to take troops into harm’s way, there’s a risk that precious lives are going to be lost,” Schwalier said. “To me the standard [should be] how can the commander be reasonably expected to perform with the information he has at hand.”

The board agreed.

In a Nov. 19 memo obtained by Air Force Times, the board wrote: “He implemented all identified force protection steps that he could, took steps to resource those that required resourcing and acted to have the remaining addressed.”

'THIS STINKS'

No one could have predicted this result back in July 2005, when Schwalier ran into attorney Michael Rose at a conference at the Air Force Academy. The men had both graduated from the academy in 1969, and they knew each other through the lacrosse team.

Schwalier had recently received what he thought was a final rejection from the board in his request to have his promotion to major general reinstated. He was disappointed and thought that was the end ofit.

Rose said that as Schwalier explained the strange twists and turns ofhis quest for vindication, he knew something wasn’t right.

“I just knew that this stinks,” he said.

Three months before the Khobar Towers bombing, Schwalier had already been nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate to receive his second star.

Four investigations were conducted after the bombing, in which a sewage truck packed with explosives blew up near the dormitory, which housed around 100 airmen.

Three ofthe investigations exonerated Schwalier, according to the boards Nov. 19 report, but the first one made public said the general was at least partially to blame.

In response to that report, then-Defense Secretary William Cohen removed Schwalier’s name from the list for promotion to major general.

Many in the Air Force thought Schwalier was unfairly made the scapegoat. In fact, then-ChiefofStaffGen. Ronald Fogleman resigned in protest over Cohens decision. But Schwalier’s career was effectively over, and he retired from the Air Force on Sept. 1, 1997.

The landscape changed after the Sept. 11 attacks, when most Americans began to grasp the extent of the threat of Islamic

terrorism. Schwalier said he felt the time was right to take another look at commanders’ culpability in terrorist attacks.

In April 2003, he petitioned the corrections board, arguing that Cohen had violated promotion procedures by removing him from the promotion list, and that holding him accountable was unjust.

The board found in August 2004 that “an administrative error was made” and Schwalier had, in fact, been promoted to major general on Jan. 1, 1997, even though he never pinned on the rank. Joe Lineberger, director ofthe Air Force Review Boards Agency, approved the decision on October 2004, acting on the authority ofthen-Air Force SecretaryJames Roche.

But more than 10 months later, Lineberger reversed his own decision. He wrote that his action was based on civilian Defense Department lawyers’ advice that the board’s decision was outside its authority and that the Defense Department had the final say.

'ABUSE OF AUTHORITY'

As Schwalier recounted his tale to Rose during that chance meeting at the academy, Rose was dumbfounded. “I didn’t know exactly why this was illegal,” he said, “but I was immediately confident it was.”

Rose offered to look into the case and represent Schwalier free.

During the next two years, he spent hundreds of hours in his Summerville, S.C., law office researching the relevant regulations, statutes and case law. He came to a startling conclusion.

“This was the first time in history a Defense Department lawyer had ever interfered with a decision of the Air Force Board for the Correction ofMilitary

Records,” he said. “This is abuse of authority. It’s not fair to the entire United States military to have civilian political lawyers interfering in a process that’s been clearly set up by Congress to give relief to people in the military.”

Rose submitted Schwalier’s second application for correction ofhis records Sept. 24, arguing that civilian lawyers have no authority to overrule the Air Force board, and again making the case that holding Schwalier responsible for the attacks was an injustice.

The board, in its Nov. 19 memo leading to the official Dec. 20 decision, did not decide on the issue of Defense Department authority, but ruled in Schwalier’s favor based on the claim that holding him responsible was an injustice.

“To me,” Schwalier said, “the decision now kind ofsends the message to commanders [who] are sent into harm’s way that their performance will be measured against a firm but a fair standard, and that their Air Force leadership will uphold that process.”

Schwalier stands to receive a substantial amount of back pay, in part, because his retirement date was retroactively changed from Sept. 1, 1997, to Feb. 1, 2000. He said he does not yet know how much he will receive, but it is safe to say it will be six figures.

Schwalier said he is trying to process his emotions now that his story has such an unexpectedly happy ending.

“At this point, it’s still a little overwhelming,” Schwalier said.

“Over such a long time you spend so much time thinking about that tragedy and what we felt was unfair and unjust, and now we’re just looking forward to seeing what’s next.” S

Left: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Terryl J. Schwalier, 74. (USAF Photo)

Previous page: Nineteen airmendied and hundreds were injured in the terroristattack at KhobarTowers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on June 25,1996. The front of Bldg. 131 was blown off when a fuel truck parked nearby was detonated by terrorists. (U.S. Navy Photo)

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 ofthe 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 ofyou will take time to share your first-hand account ofthe 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 ofyour story on a CD or floppy disk. Ifyou mail prints, we'll make sure you get them back in the condition they were sent.

Service Academy ^UN r

What

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. Go to www.sacc-jobfair.com for a list of companies attending, the complete schedule and the online registration form.

Where will the SACC be held?

The next SACC will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, D.C. Call (202) 234-0700 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 8

Interview Prep Seminar 6:30 p.m.

Friday, May 9

Saturday, May 10

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

Registration

The SACC Candidate registration fee is $35. To register, submit a one-page resume (for recruiter's book) and pay online at www.sacc-jobfair.com. This limited resume is designed to give the recruiters an indication of your capabilities. It is NOT the resume you should bring to hand out to the recruiters at the conference. Registration deadline for inclusion in the recruiter's book is April 18, 2007.

Next Scheduled SACC Seattle, Wash., August 21-22, 2008

For more information, contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or go online at www.sacc-jobfair.com.

is SACC?

Trip funded by Olmsted Foundation provides unique experiences for cadets

Story and photos by WHILE MOST CADETS WERE ENJOYING THE BREAK BETWEEN FALL AND SPRING Col. Martin France, ’81 SEMESTERS AT HOME WITH FAMILY, AN ADVENTUROUS SET OF FOUR CADETS AND ONE FACULTY MEMBER TRAVELED TO AFRICA FOR A GLOBAL CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIP THROUGH THE ACADEMY’S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS OFFICE. CADETS 1 st CLASS CORY PILINKO AND NICOLE GRAZIANO AND C3CS MARIE MCLENDON AND DANY GATSINZI JOINED COLONEL MARTY FRANCE, ’81, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONAUTICS, ON A TWO-WEEK TOUR OF RWANDA, UGANDA, AND ETHIOPIA FUNDED BY THE OLMSTED FOUNDATION AND THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES.

Cadet Gatsinzi, USAFA’s first international cadet from Rwanda was instrumental in planning the trip and serving as expert guide during the first phase of the trip. Born and raised in Uganda, Dany’s family returned to Rwanda from Kampala following the Genocide of 1994. After two year’s at Rwanda’s National University, he was chosen to attend USAFA and will return in 2010 to serve in the Rwanda Defense Forces.

The group arrived in Kigali on Dec. 21 after staying overnight in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and began their visit with a tour ofthe National Genocide Memorial. The next day, they toured the Kigali Institute ofScience and Technology and the Lycee de Kigali, Dany’s former high school. They also visited a primary school in Kigali headed by Dany’s sister, Mary, and her husband. On the evening of Dec. 22, they were the invited guests to the US Embassy holiday party hosted by the Deputy ChiefofMission, Ms. Cheryl Sim.

In the following days, while traveling into the Rwandan countryside, the group happened upon and witnessed a “reburial” ofgenocide victims whose mass grave was recently discovered, attended a local soccer game between Ugandan and Rwandan junior teams, visited the National Police Academy, and went as far west as Lake Kivu and the border with the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo.

On Christmas Eve, Ms. Sim hosted a coffee for the group where they were able to discuss cooperative efforts between the US and Rwanda governments on militarytraining, malaria eradication, and

HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Following that, they traveled to RDF headquarters where they met General James Kabarebe, Chief ofStaffofthe RDF and continued their discussions ofthe Rwandan military, its status and responsibilities in East Africa. In the evening, they enjoyed dinner with Cadet Gatsinzi’s family.

On Christmas Day, they departed for Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda for hiking and a visit to the wild mountain gorilla areas made famous by Dian Fossey’s research. Guides led them through the think jungle to a rendezvous with “The Sabyinyo Group” of gorillas whose leader, named Guhonda, is the largest gorilla in the park at 220 kilograms! The group was amazed at these calm, gentle apes who didn’t seem bothered by the strictly controlled human visitors each gorilla group may be visited by only one group of no more than eight human tourist per day for one hour. The hour passed quickly as they watched the gorillas wrestle, eat, and groom.

From Rwanda, they flew to Kampala, Uganda and then a six-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for two days of safari. While in the park, they tracked Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, cruised the Kazinga Channel between Lakes Edward and George, and went on three “drives” through the park to observe wildlife at dusk and dawn. The thousand square kilometer park is Uganda’s biggest and includes elephants, buffalo, kob, waterbucks, bush bucks, wart hogs, lions, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous species ofmonkeys and birds.

They returned to Kampala for a city tour and spent their last full day in Uganda white-water rafting on the Nile River, below its source (Lake Victoria). Their guide, Tutu, was a former Olym-

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Previous page: Female Gorilla, Volcanoes Nat’l Park, Rwanda

Above: CICs Cory Pilinko and Nicole Graziano with elementary school kids in Kigali, Rwanda.

pic kayaker for Uganda and he enthusiastically trained the team to survive four sets ofClass 5 rapids over the 35 kilometer trip, which included two capsizing! The cadets put their survival swimming lessons to work, too, and all made it back from the Nile with only a few bruises and many great memories. That evening, they enjoyed New Year’s Eve and a two-hour fireworks display in downtown Kampala, before leaving for Ethiopia the next day.

Ethiopia offered tours ofthe Addis Ababa University, the ethnological museum, and national museum that included specimen displays of many archaeological finds, including the three million year old “Lucy” skeleton. The cadets and colonel then traveled to the U.S. Embassy where they were hosted for a luncheon by the Honorable Donald Yamamoto, U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia, and the full Defense Attache’s staff.

Their final two days in Africa began with a tour of another national park that offered wild ostriches, gazelles, and more

wart hogs, as well as visits with rural farmers and their families. They also toured several Ethiopian Orthodox churches, including the Holy Trinity Church in Addis Ababa that houses the tomb of the last emperor or Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. They visited “The Mercato,” Africa’s largest open-air market, bought souvenirs, and had a final sampling of Ethiopian cuisine at the Fasika National Restaurant.

The group returned directly to Colorado on Jan. 5, having all agreed it was the trip of a life-time. Cadet Gatsinzi saw and experienced new thrills, too, like seeing his first lion in the wild in Uganda! Experiencing Africa, meeting people in three countries in a variety ofsettings, and discussing the issues affecting the region, the United States, and future cooperation with some of the area’s key players was amazingly rewarding, and certainly a tremendous complement to USAFA education and training. SI

Top Row, L-R: 2nd Lt. Sean France, ’06, C1C Cory Pilinko, Col. Charles Karamba, Col. Michael Nkurunziza. Front Row: C1C Nicole Graziano, C3C Marie McLendon, The Rwanda Defense Forces Chief of General Staff, General James Kabarebe, Col. Marty France and C3C Dany Gatsinzi.

SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference—a career fairhosted four 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., Seattle, Wash., San Antonio, TX and Savannah, Ga.

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 thosewho 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 theonline Service Academy Business Resource Directory and is a great tool to network with other academy alumni. With over 34,750 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.

iSABRD is the one-stop directory for Service Academy grads looking to find professional careers with grad-friendly companies

Calhoun

to success for Air Force begins building from the football program ground up ByJake Schaller, The Gazette

IF THE AIR FORCE FOOTBALL PROGRAM WAS A HOUSE, THEN THE 2007 SEASON WOULD AMOUNT TO A PAINT JOB, NEW CURTAINS AND LANDSCAPING. FIRST-YEAR COACH TROY CALHOUN MADE THE HOUSE LOOK MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE BYTWEAKING THE FALCONS’ PLAYBOOK, ALTERING THEIRAPPROACH TO CONDITIONING AND RE-ARRANGING SOME PLAYERS HE INHERITED TO SQUEEZE OUT NINE WINS AND A BOWL BERTH.

But the framework of a college football program—the beams and struts that hold it together—is recruiting.

And in the years before Calhoun took over at the academy, that framework had begun to rot.

“This was probably the No. 1 project that I thought we had to completely revamp,” Calhoun said of recruiting. “We just madewholesale changes in the way we were going to approach recruiting.”

Calhoun realized how much recruiting had slipped in recent years when he looked at a list of the academy’s top prospects from three years ago.

Early in 2005, Air Force brought 55 high school seniors to the academy for official visits prior to National Signing Day, which is Wednesday this year. Just five of those 55 are in the program today. And only three were in Air Force’s two-deep chart during the 2007 season.

“That’s where it just hit me,” Calhoun said. “These are official visits. These are your best kids. We’ve got guys on (the list) that are student managers.”

The result is a dearth of top talent in the current junior and sophomore classes, next season’s juniors and seniors. Calhoun has noted multiple times that many freshmen will play significant roles during the next two years. After that, he hopes, nomore than one or two freshmen will play significant roles each season.

“We’re going to become a more talented football team,” he said.

Last year’s recruiting class was cobbled together hastily after Calhoun was hired. So the high school class of 2008 will be the first true recruiting class for Calhoun and his staff. And Calhoun has called it “the key class” in rebuilding Air Force football.

Preliminary results come Wednesday. Most major college programs will announce lists of high school players signed to letters-of-intent.

Army, Navy and Air Force recruits don’t sign binding letters of intent. Air Force doesn’t release the names of its recruits until they arrive on campus in the summer due to the appointment process.

But many Air Force recruits will sign nonbinding certificates Wednesday in ceremonies at high schools across the nation, and others already have given verbal commitments.

Recruiting analysts are impressed.

“They have done a terrific job of revamping their efforts,” said Jeremy Crabtree, the national recruiting editor at Rivals, com, a Web site that analyzes and ranks recruiting classes.

Crabtree said before Calhoun took over, the Falcons’ recruiting classes included “guys that we honestly never had heard of before.”

No more.

Crabtree mentioned two players who are rated as three-star (out of five) players by Rivals.com who have committed to Air Force—defensive tackle KebinIJmodu (6-foot-2, 244 pounds) and offensive linemen A.J. Wallerstein (6-4, 274).

Head Football Coach Troy Calhoun and Athletic Director Hans Mueh. (Photo by Joel Strayer)

Umodu chose Air Force over several other Division I schools, Crabtree said. And ESPN.com, using data provided by Scouts Inc., ranks Wallerstein as the No. 22 guard in the country.

“So definitely there is a step up in the caliber ofkid they’ve recruited the last couple years,” Crabtree said.

MAKING IT A PRIORITY

Recruiting has figured prominently in many of Calhoun’s decisions at Air Force.

The recruiting ability was a key factor in Calhoun’s choices for assistant coaches. Nine of his 13 assistants are academy graduates, which he said helps them significantly in recruiting.

Players and their families “believe me and trust me, because I did it,” said cornerbacks coach Charlton Warren, a graduate.

Warren also serves as the Falcons’ recruiting coordinator, a title Calhoun created so recruiting efforts would be better organized and one assistant would be the point man for NCAA regulations.

Calhoun also has emphasized the need to devote significant time to recruiting year-round, stressing relationships and better evaluation.

According to Blane Morgan, Air Force’s cooffensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, one of the reasons Calhoun simplified practices and offensive and defensive schemes was to give assistants more time to recruit during the grind of the season.

“Evaluation is extremely important, and he’s put an emphasis on that, which is time consuming,” Morgan said. “That’s something that’s certainly been an emphasis—giving us time to evaluate and make contacts and call coaches.”

Morgan estimated he spent five to 10 hours on recruiting per week during the season. That increases

dramatically in the offseason. And the staff’s efforts have been noticed.

“At the Nike training camps, every single time, Air Force people were there,” Crabtree said. “You couldn’t say that about too many staffs nationwide.”

Other changes Calhoun made include evaluating and contacting players earlier in their careers. Air Force now starts a letter-writing campaign to recruits in the spring of their junior years.

Calhoun also changed the logic behind where his assistants recruit, placing a greater emphasis on areas where the academy traditionally has had success and putting assistants in charge of areas with which they have some sort of tie.

“Now I’m recruiting where I grew up,” Morgan said ofthe Dallas/Fort Worth area. “A lot ofguys are recruiting the area where they’re from. You automatically have an in, especially in a place like Texas, where it’s a good of boy network.”

During official visit weekends, Calhoun requires coaches to return from the road so they can be on campus with recruits. He’s sought the help of coaches’ wives for official visit weekends. While recruits are hanging out with players at night, coaches and their wives accompany the families of recruits to dinner.

“You get (the wives) involved with the parent and the parent knows, ‘You know what, I would like for my son to be around this place,”’ Calhoun said. “And I think it helps break down some of the perceptions about the academy.”

Calhoun also has had help this year from Tim Fyda, a 1979 graduate of the academy and former football player, who volunteered to fly Calhoun to recruiting visits on his Learjet. It allowed Calhoun to make more visits and travel more efficiently.

Using Fyda’s plane also saved some money. Air Force’s football program spent approximately

Quarterback Sean Carney gains yardage against Navy. (Photo by Ken Wright)

$250,000 of its $3.6 million total operating budget on offcampus recruiting and on-campus visits last year. Calhoun said he expected to spend about the same amount on recruiting this year.

WHAT ABOUT THE WAR?

The war in Iraq is a common subject when visiting recruits’ homes.

“Especially Mom,” Warren said. “Mom’s like, ‘Is he going to have to go to war?”’

The answer must be honest, Warren said.

“You can’t say, ‘No, you’re not going to war,”’ Warren said. “Because you very well may. Depending on what you’re doing in the Air Force, ifyou’re flying an airplane, and there’s some bad things going on, then you may have to fly an airplane and drop some bad things on bad guys.”

However, Warren adds his story—nine years in the Air Force and he hasn’t had to do anything like that.

“They’re probably never going to ask me, ‘Hey Capt. Warren, go man a rifle and go to Iraq,”’ hesaid.

Even during peace time, however, service academies must clear unique hurdles because of demands placed on students.

As with discussing the war, Warren said coaches need to be “up front and honest” about the off-field demands—from rigorous academics to strict rules to uniforms to basic training.

“Because the thing is this—ifyou don’t be honest with a kid totally, they will not stay here,” Warren said. “They’ll get offthat bus and say, What in the world have I walked into?”’

RESULTS

On Wednesday, recruiting services will rank schools’ 2008 classes.

But the true value of the classes won’t be known until two or three years from now.

Calhoun is anxious to see a list of the players he’s brought on official visits this year in the fall of 2010. He wants to see a lot more than five still in the program.

“We’re going to bat at a much higher average,” he said. “We’ve just got to get where 2Vz years from now, I want this number in the 20s.”

If they can get there, the Falcons’ house will be a lot more stable, cm

This article was firstpublished by The Gazette on Teb 5.

Commitment fuels Air Force swimmers

By Kalani Takase, TheAdvertiser

Bryan Avery and Kai Yamashiro aren’t your typical Air Force Academy cadets.

While the pair are preparing for a future in the skies, a lot of their time in Colorado Springs is spent in the water.

Both are members of the Air Force men’s swimming and diving team.

Avery, a 2005 graduate of Mililani (Hawaii) High School, competes in the freestyle and butterfly events. Yamashiro, a 2005 graduate of‘Iolani from Kane’ohe, swims the backstroke and individual medley.

Falcons’headcoach Rob Clayton is high on both swimmers.

“Bryan is our top swimmer,” hesaid. “He can swim a number of events very, very well and we count on him in each of our relays.”

Avery, who earned first team All-Mountain West Conferencehonors in the 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly and as a member of the 800-yard freestyle relay team, should compete for a league championship, says Clayton.

“As Bryan matured, he has developed a tremendous amount ofspeed,” Clayton said. “He has grown into one of the top middle distance swimmers in the Mountain West.”

Yamashiro, who was a member of back-to-back state championships at ‘Iolani, owns the seventh-best time in school history in the 200-yard backstroke and the eighth-fasted time in the 100-yard backstroke.

“Kai brings a high level of commitment to personal and team success,” Clayton said. “He is continually working to develop into a better swimmer.”

Like all cadets, Avery and Yamashiro must serve at least eightyears—five under active duty and the remainder as inactive reserve—in the Air Force upon graduation.

“Either a young man is interested or not interested,” Clayton said. “We’re the premier university in the world to prepare men to be pilots. We have unique opportunities ifyou’re interested and things that no one else can offer, but not everyone is ready for the high demands.”

The Air Force Academy was founded in 1954 and is one of five military service academies in the nation. With an enrollment of4,000, the Air Force Academy is still among the most selective schools in the nation. In addition to a fitness test and physical exam, incoming cadets must secure a nomination, usually by a member of Congress.

The Falcons finished 13-3 last season, third in the MWC, matching the most wins under Clayton since 2005 (13-7). H

Ire* Stine ranked among nation s elite gymnasts

By Air Force Print News

The Air Force men’s gymnastics team is ranked among the national leaders on the still rings, according to the latest rankings. Senior Greg Stine is ranked fourth in the NCAA with a still rings average score of 15.025, while the Falcons average a team score of56.700, which is ranked 10th in the nation.

In addition, the Falcons are ranked 12th on the floor exercise with a team average of 55.962, while Stine is ranked 13th in the all-around with an average of 84.500 and junior Jacob Schonig is ranked 20th on the still rings (14.587).

For programs within the USA Gymnastics Division (schools with few or no scholarships), the Academy is first on the rings and second on the floor. Stine is ranked first on the still rings and all-around, while ranking second on the parallel bars (14.237) and fourth on the floor exercise (14.175) and vault (15.087).

Six other Falcons are ranked in the USAG top-10. Schonig is fourth in the still rings, while classmate Josiah Loeser’s average of 13.862 is sixth. Freshman Dan Klimkowski is ranked sixth in the all-around with an average of 80.512, while senior Brian Boardman is seventh on the vault (14.962). Freshman

Aaron Zaiser is ranked ninth on the floor exercise (13.937), while sophomore Brennan Wolford is also ranked ninth in the all-around (76.700). KS

Peter French wins bronze

By USAFA Athletics

encer, Peter French recently traveled to Basel, Switzerland, to compete in the 2008 Junior World Cup. French, a sophomore from Austin, Texas, placed third in men’s individual epee to earn a bronze medal. In the first round, French defeated his opponents from Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Polandand France, 5-0. In the bout against France’s Alexandre Blaszyck, ranked No. 1 in the world and the 2007 World champion, Frenchrecorded a 5-3 victory.

In direct eliminations, French finished 4-1. French fenced Matthew Trager from Italy, the No. 2-ranked fencer in the world, winning the bout, 15-12. The Academy fencer’s only loss in direct eliminations was against Italy’s Luca Ferraris, who is ranked third in the world.

French is not new to international competitions. Prior to attending the Academy, he traveled to Tauberbischofsheim, Germany, for the 2006 Junior Men’s Epee World Cup, where he finished 15th. He also finished in ninthplace in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2007. H

ACEE RECEIVES PAIR OF NATIONAL AWARDS

Lacrosse Coach Honored

by USILA, IMLCA

By Air Force Athletics

Air Force lacrosse coach Fred Acee, now in his 11th season at the helm of the program, was recently honored with a pair of national awards. Acee was named this year’s recipient ofthe FrenchyJulien Service Award from the USILA (United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association), while earning the Creators Award from the IMLCA (Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association).

The Frenchy Julien Service Award is presented in honor of the USILA’s former Chief Referee, Joseph R. “Frenchy” Julien for outstanding and continuous service to the sport. Meanwhile, the Creators Award, sponsored by Nike, is bestowed periodically to an IMLCA member for achievements in the core areas of advocacy, leadership, education, honor, spirit and service to the game of lacrosse.

Acee has served the game of lacrosse for more than four decades. Prior to arriving at the Academy, Acee spent 30 years as the coach at SUNYFarmingdale, where he created a national lacrosse powerhouse, capturing National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championships in 1977, 1981 and 1987. In his three decades at the helm, the Rams advanced to the NJCAA Final Four an amazing 25 times. His overall record of 312-119-1 (.723 winning percentage) at Farmingdale is testament to his coaching skills.

Over the years, Acee has received numerous honors. He was inducted into the Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1994, Coach Acee was the defensive coach for the world champion United States lacrosse team, assisting then-Johns Hopkins head coach, Tony Seaman. Most recently, Acee was chosen as a 2005 inductee into the Junior College Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Acee also served on the executive board for the 1998 USA World Team and is one of the founders of the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association.

Outlook

AFA Society of North Carolina

We meet, informally, on the third Wednesday of each month at Players Retreat, 105 Oberlin Road in Raleigh. No RSVP is required.

Alamo Chapter

Join us on Saturday, March 15, for a Habitat for Humanity House Build. Ifyou have never volunteered, there’s nothing to it. Anyone can help, including spouses, friends, children (over age 16). Plan to arrive about 7:30 a.m. Wear appropriate clothing (no open toe shoes), hat, (shorts are okay). Habitat provides safetyequipment (gloves, eye protection, helmet) and tools. Water, food and snacks are provided. The location is off Highway 410 on the South side. From highway 422, turn West on Aragon and then go west on Algo Dulce. We will clean up about 3 pm and be done by 3:30. It can get hot working outside, and sometimes it rains, but there is always something to be done. There are only 14 workdays. Professionals pour the foundation and do the electrical and plumbing. Volunteers, under the supervision of a professional foreman, do all the rest. There is a great sense ofaccomplishment, and you can learn some new skills, so come on

www.usam.org

down and join us! Parking is on the grass by the tent. Sign in at the tent and look for the USAFA AOG volunteer list. RSVP to: Kay Grosinske, ’82, kay.grosinske@brooks. af.mil, http://alamoaog.org/habitat.htm or call 946-6500.

Arizona Chapter

Carol and Doug Pelton,’ 74, have invited our chapter to their 4th annual pig roast on Saturday, May 3, at 6:00 p.m. The Peltons’ address is 3754 East Nance Circle, Mesa, AZ 85215, (602) 361-6063; e-mail dougpelton@cox.net. RSVP directly to Doug, and let him know what side dish you will bring. An “Evite” invitation will also be sent out to you ifyou are on our contact list. We had a good turnout last year but hope to have even more graduates this year.

Greater Cincinnati Chapter

The chapter president in Cincinnati is looking for creative ways to get the chapter kick-started again. If anyone in the Cincinnati area wants to help out on this effort, please contact the AOG so we can put you in touch with him directly.

Heartland-Lemay Chapter

At its annual meeting andelection in November, Tad Draper, ’68, was re-elected President for 2008-2009 and Francis Doiron, ’91, was elected Treasurer and also continues to serve as Secretary. DaveWebster, ’80, continues as Vice President. The chapter is proceeding with a program to recognize an area high school junior with a “Leader ofCharacter” award. Papillion-LaVista High School has accepted the chapters invitation to be the first school to participate in the program that seeks to raise awareness about USAFA in the student body. The award will be presented in the spring. The chapter s monthly lunch in February is planned to be at the home of Drew Miller, ’80. During lunch Drew is planning to provide chapter members with his impressions from a recent trip to the Middle East. We hope to report more on this in the next issue.

Houston Chapter

The chapter continues to meet monthly at the Marriott Westchase Hotel, at 2900 Briar Park, in Houston. Area graduates are

encouraged to attend. Ifyou are interested in attending and finding out about local chapter events, please contact Tom Solomon, ’69, at tom@tomsolomon.com.

Los Angeles Chapter

The LA Chapter is looking for volunteers to take charge of some chapter activities. If you live in the LA area and want to get involved, check out our Web site at www.lausafaaog.com and contact one of the Board members: Joe Facenda, ’75, Will Cosby, ’75, Inga Lisa Coupe, ’91, Roger Smith, ’62, John Cole, ’93, Nate Vosters, ’02 and Jason Spindler, ’04.

New York Metropolitan Area Chapter

The NYAOG (New York Metropolitan Area Chapter) Web site is up and running at www. nyaog.com. Visit the Web site for all ofthe latest information on chapter events including the 2008 West Point tailgate party, the Inter-Academy GolfTournament this summer in Connecticut, chapter meetings, and all kinds oflocal social and sporting events. Become a member today ofthe fastest growing chapter for just $20 annually byvisiting our membership page on www.nyaog.com or by contacting NYAOG President Leo Cunningham, ’89, at efl 1 l@comcast.net for more information. Golfers pay attention! The NYAOG chapter is looking for golfers ofall abilities to participate in the Inter-Academy GolfTournament this summer in Easton, Conn. Please visit www.nyaog.com for more information as it becomes available.

Northern California Chapter

The Northern California AOG will be participating in a bike ride on Saturday, April 26, 2008 through NapaValley in honor of the veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It will be fun for all levels since you can sign up for the 50-, 25-, or 15-mile ride. At the end, there will be a wine tasting, food, live music and an auction. This ride is sponsored by the Rotary Ride for Veterans and the Wine Valley Cycle for Sight. To sign up, visit the Web site: www.cycle4sight. com or www.rotaryride4vets.com. Please contact Susan at oisusan@yahoo.com to let her know ifyou will be participating and she will send you details for meeting up. Also

contact Susan ifyou are not a member ofthe Northern California AOG and would like to be included in updates.

North Texas Association

Trysomething new for Founders Day! This years celebration will be held at the home ofBeverly and Kirk Bell, ’76, 6609 Shoal

Goal 5

Interact with other service academy graduates.

Arizona Chapter

Our thanks to Jamie and Bill Gregory, ’79, for hosting the New Years Eve AFA Football party to watch the Cal-USAFA bowl game. We had a good turnout. It was a great way to end the year with our AFA alumni and family! Thanks to everyone that made this a fun and memorable event.

New York Metropolitan Area Chapter

Golfers pay attention! The NYAOG chapter is looking for golfers ofall abilities to participate in the Inter-Academy GolfTournament this summer in Easton, CT. Please visit www.nyoag.com for more information.

Northern California Chapter

The Northern California AOG celebrated

Forest Court, Plano, 7 p.m., on April 19. Dress is casual with a theme to be decided. Food and drink will be catered by Blue Mesa. Cost just $25 per person, or $40 per couple. This promises to be a fun event, so be sure to make your plans to attend! Check out the chapter Web site www.ntaafag.org for RSVP and other details.

Christmas early this year on Mount Tamalpais. This annual December celebration was at the Mountain Home Inn on December 1st with hiking, cocktails, and a gourmet meal. Thank you to Susan and Ed Cunningham, ’67, for coordinating!

AcademyWomen

AcademyWomen will be launching a West Coast Spring Summit at the New Mexico Military Institute in April. There will be workshops on personal and professional development as well as speakers and panel discussions on the topics ofserving in Iraq and

Orange County Chapter

The Chapter is currently planning a Founders Day event at the Newport Beach Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach on Saturday, March 29. As details are finalized, information will be e-mailed out to graduates in Southern California. Ifyou are interested, keep a sharp eye on your e-mail inbox for announcements and registration details.

Afghanistan, leadership, financial wellness, and more. AcademyWomen also publishes 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 and sign up as a member to receive details on upcoming events.

Silver Falcons

Happy New Year to everybody. As you read in the last column, the 50th Anniversary of the ALO Program reunion was a great event. Our numbers were up in attendance. As soon as the 2008 USAFA football schedule is released, possible 2008 reunion dates will be sent out for comment and requests for what folks would like to do during the reunion. One ofthe events will be election of a President and Vice President since Kirk Browns four term is up in the fall. Kirk has indicated he plans to run for another four year term. If anybody is interested in either ofthese two positions, please notify Kirk as soon as you can. Only news submitted from the held was from Kirk. He states that he was selected as the Pikes Peak Combined Federal Campaign Region Military Civilian ofthe year for 2007 for the second consecutive year in a row. He once again will compete for national honors. Ifyou have time, please make sure you visit our Web site at www.usafaclasses. org/SilverFalcons to catch up on the latest goings on with the group. Any comments on how to make this website better to suit the members should be sent to Kirk at ltckirkbrown@juno.com. That is it for this time. Send in your happenings so everybody can share what is going on in your life. Have a great Air Force Day.

Space Group

The AOG Space Group continues to support space-related activities at the Academy. USAFA’s Eisenhower Center for Space and

Arizona Chapter watches the Falcons in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Northern California Chapter members at the Mountain Home Inn.

Defense studies coordinated with the Space Group in building the agenda for its planned February 2008 Forum on “Space Challenges Facing the New American Administration of2009.” In addition to helping structure the agenda, several members ofthe Space Group will attend the Forum, including Col. Marty France, ’81, Lawrence Cooper, ’86, and Stan Rosen, ’69. This Forum, like prior meetings run by the Eisenhower Center, not only provides an important venue for assessment ofimportant space-related issues, but also serves to expose USAFA cadets and faculty to cutting-edge space topics and considerations. The Space Group plans to continue supporting the Eisenhower Center and to strengthen our relationship with this important national organization.

The Group also plans to support the upcoming 50th anniversary of the USAFA Department ofAstronautics on March 7. This department was the world’s first undergraduate academic department specifically devoted to astronautics instruction, and has produced many officers who made significant contributions to the nation’s security and prosperity by application of space technologies. Among others, Space Group members Robert Giffen, ’65, and Roger Neeland, ’64, will be participating in the anniversary activities. We are expanding our use ofZoomieNation as a communication forumfor the Space Group. Anyone interested in learning more about our activities should check that site or our Web site usafaspace.tripod.com.

Nomination Procedures

The A0G is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of not more than eleven 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 offive 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 forthe 2009 elections will be accepted in 2008.

The AOG launched a new Web site with added features and services, a sleaker design and easier navigation.

Some of the added features are:

■ A new membership area and online directory with greater search capabilities

■ A new photo gallery where high quality images can be viewed and purchased

■ A new online store

■ Easier event registration

■ Flash multimedia and streaming videos

■ ZoomieNationa closed e-community for AOG members and USAFA grads for social and professional networking, reconnecting and mentoring

I *=>AII updates to the AOG data are self reporting |

I ^For questions contact John Rice at j

int service academies jobs electronically teatp* rnrn J O CLj V ) 11. M

Looking to advanceyourcareer? 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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Floyd R. Hester, ’59

Floyd Robert Hester passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2007. Floyd was born on June 22, 1936 in Indianapolis, Ind. His parents were Dennis and Jeanette Bremer Hester, also ofIndianapolis. He was the youngest of six children, three brothers and two sisters: Philip in Hawaii, Marion inIndiana, Howard in Michigan, Lucille in Florida, and Fred in Ohio.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, married 48 wonderful years; his four children: Russell in California, Ron in Arizona, MelanieandBeckyin Colorado; and granddaughter, Clarice Hester, Ron’s daughter.

He graduated from high school in Indiana in 1954 and entered the Air Force Academy in 1955. He graduated from the Academy on June 3, 1959 and married Carol on June 4, 1959 at the Superintendent's residence at the Academy.

Followingthewedding and reception, he drove with Carol in the new 1959 Corvette to his first assignment at Moore AFB, Mission, Texas, to begin pilot training. Shortly after pilottraininghe was a pilot instructor atWebb AFB in BigSpring, Texas in the 3560th PilotTrainingWing. He also attended the Air Force Space Program. After receiving an honorable discharge he was a pilot for BraniffAirways and Federal Express. His family remembers the fishing, camping and hiking in the Colorado mountains; flying “stand-by” for family vacations; entering the Corvette in auto shows; helpingwith the small farm in Durango, Colo.;

driving snowmobiles and motorbikes for fun; helping with the 4-H projects, and being a Scout Master for his sons and their friends.

He was an honest, thoughtful, loving and generous father and husband, and wanted to be the best for his family. We will never forget his love and devotion to his family. (Carol Hester and Family)

Jerry T. Walton, ’65

Jerry Thomas Walton, Class of ’65, was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Loniel Walton and Mary Eason Walton, both of Raleigh, N. C..

Jerrypassed away Nov. 28, 2007 in his sleep at his home in Albuquerque, N. M. He was 66. Jerry leaves a son, Brian Walton of San Jose, Calif., and a daughter, TerriWalton Sholar, as well as a sonin-law, Wallis Sholar; and a grandson, Owen Sholar, all ofMonrovia, Calif.

Jerry grew up in Cary, N. C. and graduated from Cary High School in 1959, where he was an all-star athlete and graduated third in his class. After spending two years as an airman, Jerry arrived at the Air Force Academy, where he was on both the Commandant’s and Dean’s lists. He graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having majored in English and Foreign Affairs. Jerry flew 237 combat missions over North Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Captain and earned numerous

Rabbi Arnold G. Kaiman, first AcademyJewish Chaplain, dies in Michigan

Rabbi Arnold G. Kaiman, the first Jewish Chaplain of the Air Force Academy, died Dec. 31, 2007 in West Bloomfield, Mich, of lung complications. He served at the Academy presiding over his congregation from 1958 to 1960.

The son ofthe lateWilliam and EstherKaiman ofOmaha, Neb., Rabbi Kaiman was born March 30,1933 in Omaha.

Graduating as class valedictorian of Omaha Central High School in 1951, Rabbi Kaiman spent 36 years (1958-1994) as an ordained Reform Rabbi, serving in positions in Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force Academy), Philadelphia, Pa. (Keneseth Israel, Larchmont, N.Y. (Larchmont Temple), Los Angeles, Calif. (Union ofAmerican Hebrew Congregations), and Chicago and Skokie, Ill. (Congregation Kol Ami and Temple Judea Mizpah).

He attended Yale University (Class of 1955), the University of Cincinnati, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Hebrew Union College (Cincinnati, Ohio Class of 1958), receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s ofArts in Education and Hebrew Letters, all with summa cum laude honors. He was a distinguished member of Phi Beta Kappa Society in 1955 and a former classmate of former U.S. President George Bush, Sr. at Yale University.

For more current information about graduate deaths,please visit theAOG web site. www.usafa.org

The Rabbi received a Doctor of Divinity from the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the University of London, England. He also received the Angel Award in 1983 for the Best Religious Radio Program “Ask the Rabbi” atWBBNAM, Chicago, Ill. and was a talk-show host for WLS-TV’s syndicated, religious program “Cabbages and Kings” from 1984 to 1990.

Rabbi Kaiman was a senior member ofthe Interfaith Council for the City of Chicago under the direction of Mayor Richard J. Daley from 1973 to 1994 and served as volunteer chaplain for both the Chicago Police Department and the Illinois Prison System from 1973 to 1994. He was the original campaign manager for Congresswoman Cardiss Collins (Ill.), former leader of the Black Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Rabbi is survived by his sister Myrna Rosenberg of Grand Island, Neb.; son Joshua Lee Kaiman of Irvine, Calif.; and daughter Kimberly Rachel Kaiman of NewYork, N.Y. Funeral services

were on Jan. 4 at Beth Israel Synagogue, Omaha, Neb.

A statement by Mayor Richard M Daley on the Rabbi’s passing ineluded “Chicago has lost a distinguished religious and civic leader with the passing of Rabbi Arnold G. Kaiman. Through his long life as a clergyman, a host of public affairs and religious programs on radio and television and as a husband and father, Rabbi Kaiman left a lasting mark on our city. His dedicated service as a member of the Chicago Interfaith Council and his manyyears as a volunteer chaplain for both the Chicago Police Department and the Illinois Department of Corrections exemplify his sense of charity and dedication to the community. Ourthoughts and prayers are withhis family.” (Information providedbyKimberlyKaiman and LarryRatner.)

FloydHester

Jerry Walton

awards, including the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star forValor.

After he retired from the Air Force in 1971, Jerry lived in Van Nuys, Calif., where he was a private investigator for many years. He moved to Leadville, Colo., where, among other pursuits, he worked as a claims processor for the VA.

More recently Jerry moved to Albuquerque, N. M. His funeral was held Dec. 3, 2007 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, where he is buried. Air Force Academy classmates Leon Rausch and Robert McCollough joined friends and family members to pay their respects. (Terri Walton,Jerry’s daughter)

Stanley N. Clarke, ’72

Stanley N. Clarke, 57, passed away at his home unexpectedly on Nov. 29, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Carol; three sons, Matthew and Brian ofWallaWalla, and Mark of Berrien Springs, Mich.; his niece (who he and his wife raised following thedeath of her parents) Kate and her husband, Eric Grieve, of Gig Harbor, Wash.; his mother, Mary Morrissey of Walla Walla; his father, Russell Clarke of Ukiah, Calif.; two sisters and their husbands, Judy and John Lanzit of Ukiah, Calif, and Janine and Mike GallagherofYountsville, Calif.; his brother-in-law Steve Champion, and his partner, David DeVargas of Wilton Manor, Fla.

A memorial service was held on Sat., Dec. 15 at the Waitsburg High School gym. Pastor Michael Ferrians of the First Christian Church of Waitsburg officiated. Following a chocolate chip cookie (Stan’s favorite) reception at the high school, the celebration continued at the Center for Enology and Viticulture on the WallaWalla Community College Campus following the service.

Stan was born in 1950 in Ukiah, Calif. He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1968. He was a 1972 graduate of the Air Force Academy. He served as a weapons control officer at Fort Yukon, Alaska and BirkenfeldArmyInstallation in Germany and was honorablydischarged in 1976.

Upon leaving active duty, Stan went to the University of California, Davis, where he earned a second Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science. He married Carol Ann Champion, whom he had met while in Germany, at Davis in September, 1978.

In the summer of 1979, he and Carol moved to Grandview, Wash, where he was the Grower Relations Manager for Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. In 1982, he joined a partnership of grape growers and became the first winemaker and general manager for Quail Run Winery (later renamed Covey Run). During his time at Covey Run, Stan began writing a column “From Berry to Bottle’’ for the Yakima Herald. In 1987 he served as president of the Washington Wine Institute. A few years later, he became the first winemaker and general manager for HyattVineyards ofZillah.

Upon earning a master’s degree in teaching from Washington State University, Stan began an eight-year career as a 6th grade teacher at Grandview Middle School. Then, in 2002, he became instructor and later Assistant Director of the enology/viticulture program for the Center for Enology and Viticulture on the Walla Walla Community College campus. He held this position until his death. He also served as a judge for various wine competitions and as a consultant for several wineries throughout the state.

In 2004, Stan and Carol moved from Grandview to Waitsburg.

He loved working in his yard, participating in Fantasy Baseball and playing sports with his sons and the children ofthe community. Neighbors comment on how they truly will miss Stan’s Grateful Dead music blaring from his CD player while he was outdoors. He volunteered as a coach for various sports. He was known by students and athletes as “Stan the Man’’. He was a fan of the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners and knew just about everything about baseball there is to know. He was a Sunday School teacher both at the Grandview United Methodist Church and the First Christian Church of Waitsburg. He enjoyed being a camp counselor at Lazy F Christian Retreat Center near Ellensburg and most recently at Wyldlife Camp in Oregon. He was a mentor for several young people and the host father to five exchange students. (Carol Clarke, Stan’s wife)

BlalceA. Lawrence, ’82

BlakeAlan Lawrence M.D.

Traditional Hopi Name: Su’himu (Handsome Kachina) 4/22/1960 - 9/6/2007

Known by his English name, Blake Alan Lawrence left this world on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007. He left in the same manner in which he lived, with strength, dignity, and a sense of humor. He was surrounded by his mothers, father, sister, brothers, nieces and nephews. Su’himu was returned to the womb of our earth mother in a traditional Hopi burial at the family’s village of Moenkopi in Arizona on Sept. 7th. His spirit began his journey for the next world on Sunday Sept. 9th. We believehis path to the spirit world was lined by the many prayers he received during his illness, andhis journey was swift and unimpeded.

Su’himu is survived by his three children: daughter Serene Lawrence of St. Paul, Minn., and sons Eddie and West Lawrence of Seattle, Wash.

Blake graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982 and served our country as an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) Senior Weapons Director and as an Advertising and Promotions Branch Chief, attaining the rank of Captain, until 1993. He went on to pursue his Medical Degree, graduating from the University ofWashington Medical School in 1999. Blake was dedicated to serving his Native American community and completed his training through the Montana Family Practice Residency program in 2002 while serving the community in Glasgow, Montana. Su’himu returned to his home state of Arizona and served the Native American people on the Hopi, Navajo, Colorado River and ITualapai reservations. An accomplished athlete, musician and physician to name a few, Blake remained true to the Hopi tradition, and remained humble throughout.

The family wishes to thank all concerned friends who have respected this time as we took care of our beloved son and brother according to his wishes. A special “Askwali” to the many relatives and friends who came to help in our time of need. Words cannot express our gratitude. (Lynnae Lawrence, M.D., Blake’s sister)

WallaceJ. Cassady, ’87

Wallace James Cassady passed suddenly on Jan. 2, 2008 at Akron General Hospital in Ohio. Wally was al987 graduate of the Air Force Academy. After more than a year of flight training in Enid, Okla. an eye condition, previously undiagnosed, left Wally unable to complete

Blake Lawrence

his pilot training. This condition, however, did nothing to dampen his life-long love of aeronautics. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Wally continued his studies of physics and computer science at Wake Forest University andthe University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Again pursuing his dream of working in the field of aeronautics, he worked for McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) and MITRE in the St. Louis area, and ultimately forLockheed Martin inAkron, Ohio where he worked in Simulation, Training, and Support, a job he loved.

Wally’s love ofaeronautics was superseded onlybyhis love for his family and his Christian faith. Immediately after being discharged, Wally worked with the clown ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. and actively participated in church in St Louis. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Cassady, his sister Mrs. Greta C. (Phil) Jones, a niece Jordan Jones, a nephew Luke Jones, an aunt Gloria Dempsey, all of Winston-Salem; and another aunt, Walla Dempsey, of Gaithersburg, Md.

Wally graduated with honors from Williamson High School in Williamson, W.V. where he was active in various clubs and football. He was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their Super Bowl win a couple years ago was thrilling for him almost as much as Air Force going to bowl games. He also loved old movies, especially those directed by Alfred Hitchcock and those starring Cary Grant. Since his Academy days, Wally developed a love for ballroom dancing. He constantly participated in dancing events in several cities, recently in New Jersey and Georgia.

Unfortunately, Wally’s life had not been always been very tranquil. He became a diabetic after a very serious bout of pancreatitis which kept him hospitalized for 15 or 16 days. His pancreatitis developed when a gall stone became embedded in his pancreatic duct. After gall bladder surgery, he had two other hospitalizations only to discover that his pancreas had been permanently altered. Refusing to be negative and relying on his undyingfaith,Wally was still determined to move forward.

Even though Wally had been enrolled in classes at Wake Forest, he decided to take computer science classes in Greensboro where he interviewed for a position with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. During his time in St. Louis he had two eye surgeries because of diabetes. Still, Wally never accepted defeat. Shortly after his last surgery, he accepted a position with Lockheed in Akron. His Christmas visit with this family in North Carolina was extremely pleasant and happy, but shortly after he returned to Akron on Saturday, Dec. 29, he became very ill. On Jan. 1, he drove himself to the emergency room and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and an infection of unknown origin. He passed away the next morning. (His mother, Marjorie, his sister,friends andfamily.)

Ray L. Plumley, ’89

Lieutenant Colonel Ray L. Plumley, M.D. passed away unexpectedly on Sunday Dec. 16th. Dr. Plumley was a dedicated physician in the family practice field and a career serviceman. He shared his life with his soul mate anddevoted wife, Deborah K. Plumley and together they were raising, with joy, two beautiful daughters, Samantha Faye and Rachel Lawren. Ray’s life was based on the Biblical principle, “Love one another as I have loved you.” He was a skilled, compassionate and spiritual doctor. His bond with his patients was one of mutual adoration. Born Nov. 8, 1966, Dr.

Plumley was a member of the Class of 1985, Monson High School in Massachusetts and graduated with honors from the Class of 1989, CS-27. After graduation he completed UHT at Ft. Rucker, Ala. and was then assigned to Vandenberg AFB flying UH-1 Hueys in Det 8, 37th Air Rescue Squadron supporting launch missions and conducting Search and Rescue. Ray was always proudest of his profession when it resulted in a “save.” But while Ray loved to fly he felt he could log more “saves” and foster a stronger personal connection with people if he pursued his childhood dream to be a doctor. So he then attended Georgetown Medical School in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1997. Dr. Plumley served at Andrews AFB, Md., Langley AFB, Va., and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, from which he deployed for six months in 2003 to A1 Udeid AB, Qatar to establish a tent hospital in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was most recently stationed at Andrews AFB as the teaching Family Physician. His career awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters (OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and two OLCs, National Defense Service Medal with one OLC, GWOT Expeditionary Medal and Service medals, and 52nd Group Physician of the Year, 2003.

Ray lived his life passionately and thrillingly, often on the very edge. Rock climbing, motorcycle riding, boating and car racing were just a few of his many and varied exploits. Ray was a tremendously gifted soccer player for his Monson High School team and was recruited to play for the Air Force Academy, among other notable schools. His soccer career cut short by leg injury, Ray endured significant medical recovery during his first two cadet years. Always an anxious competitor, he continued his athletic endeavors by joining the AFA Men’s Volleyball Club Team, a sport he continued to pursue on active duty. Ray was an avid sports enthusiast, a diehard Red Sox fan and a close follower ofAFA Football and Basketball. Due to Ray’s adventurous spirit, he and two classmates embarked on a memorable bicycle tour of Europe on graduation leave, covering over 1400 miles through eight countries in 30 days. That same spirit, combined with his servant’s heart, carried over in recent years as Ray and Deborah served together on two medical missions in the Dominican Republic. They also loved to experience the outdoors as a family, taking numerous camping trips to enjoy rainbows, sunsets, sunrises and snow. Above all, Ray’s love offamily and friends around the world was without end.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Deborah, and twin daughters Rachel and Samantha. He was the beloved son of Shirley PlumleyCandage and the late Lawrence O. Plumley who predeceased him in 1994. He leaves numerous family members and friends around the world whom he loved and they him.

Ray’s Memorial service on Dec. 20 was attended by a babyhe delivered two weeks earlier, one of his latest “saves.” (ChrisAthearn, ‘89)

RayPlumley

Paul M. Comeau, *90

Paul Comeau was born in Portland, Ore. on Sept. 4, 1967 to Marice and Billie Comeau. He passed away on Nov. 12, 2007. His older sister, Jacqueline, was thrilled to have a little brother. He attended RidgewoodElementary, Cedar Hills Jr. High and graduated from Jesuit High School in Portland, Ore. in 1986. While in high school, Paul competed in gymnastics and made many lifetime friendships.

His drive and energy led him to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he also continued to compete in gymnastics. He graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In 1992 Paul married Melissa Denning in Austin, Texas and their family grew with daughter Genevieve and son Michael.

They were stationed in many cities including Tucson, Ariz.; Washington D.C. and Ramstein, Germany. Between tours in Europe and several third-world countries, Paul earned his MBA degree.

He was a highly-valued officer and analyst to the military and many high-ranking officials.

Paul’s skillsand energy were great. Though he organized complicated military missions, he also enjoyed art, carving tiki statues, singing, and planning grand parties for friends and coworkers.

In 1999 Paul was stationed in Tampa, Fla. During this time he was challenged with Lyme’s Disease, the break-up of his marriage and many other changes in his life. He enjoyed the sun in Florida, time with his children and discovering new adventures. We will all miss Paul, his laughter and zest for life. He was a light to many and will be deeply missed by friends and family. (Maurice Comeau, Paul’sfather)

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Col. (Ret) Hoyt L. Prindle, Class of 1960, who died on July 28, 2007 of cancer in Tallahassee, Fla.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Francis K. Smith, Class of 1962, who died on Feb. 4, 2008 of complications from leukemia in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mr. Troy N. Tomlin, Class of 1962, who died on Jan. 3, 2008 in San Jose, Calif.

Mr. James R. Cowder, Class of 1963, who died on Jan. 29,2008 oflung cancer in Arlington, Texas.

Mr. James A. Manuel, Class of 1963, who died on Aug 2, 2005.

Dr. William L. Pigg, Class of 1968, who died on Dec. 16,2007 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Dr. Paul M. Benson, Class of 1986, who died on Jan. 29,2008 in an accident in South Paris, Maine.

Capt. Carrie G. (Loudermilk) Pedersen, Class of 1996, who died on Jan. 6, 2008 in an automobile accident in Arkansas. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

AutoAccident Claims Cadet Third Class Over ChristmasBreak

LINDSAY MICHAELA BROWN

Cadet Third Class, CS-05Wolfpack

“When you put your pants on, put your smile on and everyone will have a great day!” Lindsay M. Brown, 2007

This was the motto Lindsay created and lived by; she loved life and lived it to the fullest.

In her cell phone it had been abbreviated to “Pants on, Smile on”. Always with a positive attitude and a smile on her face, which caused numerous problems in BCT, Lindsay could lift the spirits of those around her with just a few words.

Lindsay was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee July 15, 1988, 5¥2 weeks early. This was to be the indicator of her future behavior; the number one rule was “don’t be late”. Lindsay began “club swimming” in elementary schooland continued on with the sport throughHigh School where she lettered all four years, was Captain two years, andmade the State Competition three out of four years, going to the finals once. She was a member of the USAFA Women’s Swim Team.

The granddaughterof a retiredArmyAir Corp/US Air Force fighter pilot, she was thrilled when she received her Appointment to USAFA.. .so was her grandfather, Maj. (retired) Reps D. Jones. She is also survived by her parents, Ross & Terri Brown, her sister, Kristen Brown-21, brother, Philip Brown-28 & four nieces; grandmother Gayle Brown; aunts, Jennifer Haeberlin, KittyHart, Shannon DePew, and uncle, Samuel Brown. In High School, Lindsay was in the National Honor Society, President of Mu Alpha theta...Math Honor Society, a two time delegate to the Congres...State French Competition, a delegate to the Rotary

Youth Leadership Assembly, and recipient of the J. Kyle Braid Youth Leadership Award. She was also a Lifeguard & Swim Instructor with the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department. She was a Debutante in 2006 with the Central Brevard Debutante Society. Her dream to attend USAFA began in the 7th grade & in spite of a few setbacks, she achievedthe dream. She learned of her Appointment while on her recruiting trip. She called home, ecstatic, she said “God has brought me here for a reason; this is where I am supposed to be.”

Lindsay loved USAFA and was the first to volunteer to recruit for the Academy. She hosted several swim prospects and participated in Grassroots during both Spring Break ofher Doolie year andThanksgiving break her third class year. Two days prior to her death she spent the entire day, in uniform, at herold High School speaking to classes about life after High School andthe opportunities available. She gave up summer leave to take an extra Academic class. An account of her Doolie year was recently published in The Power of Influence!, which is a booklet of character essays published by the Vector! Program, through the Center for Character Development at USAFA.

In Lindsay’s 19¥2 years she touched more lives and spread more joy than most people who live a much longer life.

She had a very strong faith in our Lord. We know she is among the Angels now but she will be sorely missed here on Earth. (Herparents)

FormerAssistant Basketball Coach, “Hal” Walter, dies in Colorado Springs

Harold John “Hal" Walter left this earth to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 2, 2008 in Memorial Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by family, friends and clergy. Hal was bornof Harold Henry and Barbara (Zechmeister) Walter in Garfield, New Jersey on Nov. 18, 1928. A scholar and athlete, he attended Springfield College, MA on a basketball scholarship.

(Continued on last page.)

Paul Comeau

Pete Todd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874

E-mail: petetodd@comcast.net

The flow ofChristmas cards with their snippets ofclassmate news has saved all ofyou from the dreaded Cute-Sayings-Of-My-Grandchildren column. Following are a few highlights ofmore-or-less recent comings and goings of assorted ’59ers in their own words, lightly edited for spelling errors and eggnog-induced incoherence.

John and BarbaraDavey: “Barb, son John and I flewto Tokyo to visit daughter Kath (who will complete her tour in Japan as an internal medicine doctor and will return to the States this summer).We saw the sights and then all flewto Shanghai for a wonderful 11-day tour of China, including four days on theYangtze River. It was an unforgettable experience. You owe it to yourselfto put the Far East on your itinerary."

Jackand ShirleyHundemer: “We departed Cincinnatiwiththe first snowflurries in late November, van loaded and a trailerin towwith the newest toy—1500 cc’s of Honda Goldwing. My skydive plan for my 73rd birthday did not materialize, so I bought the cycle. We took trips to Pigeon Forge, VA, Hawaii Kona Coast (live lava) and Grand Cayman (15 dives with the stingrays). We are now settled into our ‘Winter Haven’ for the season. Other highlight of 2007 were attending my 55th high school reunion and becoming a Great Grandpa!”

Leigh and Cealie Hunt: “Florida travels seem to have dominated the first half of the year, so in mid-July we set forth on a 12-day tour/cruise to Alaska accompanied by a gang of family and local friends. We started with a 5-day train/bus tour from Anchorage through Denali Park to Fairbanks, followed by 7 days aboard ship from Seward to Vancouver. The old folks wore out the younger generation with almost non-stop tours, including airplane flights, river rafting, ATVand dogsled rides, canoes, salmon fishing, etc., etc. Really a wonderful trip that we recommend to all who haven’t gone yet.”

Bob and Gloria Oaks: “We are back in Germany for our ninth holiday season. It felt like we had returned home when we moved to Frankfurt inAugust to serve in the Area Presidency of the Europe Central Area for our Church. We workwith missionaries from the northern tip ofNorway down to Cyprus. We also cover the Middle East, with a total of 37 countries in our area. This spring we traveled to Italy, Spain, the CanaryIslands, the Congo and Ghana on Church assignments and, since moving to Germany, we have been to Iceland, Denmark, Poland, Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland and Hungary, in addition to many parts of Germany. It keeps us busy, but it is exciting to travel around and visit with the missionaries and members of the Church.”

Wayne and Karen Pittman: “We returned to England to spend a week at Fairford visiting friends. It was just like cominghome after all these years. We took a side trip on the way home and spent a week in Malta. We’ve always wanted to see it and we were not disappointed. At home, we continue as volunteers at the Air Force Museum and working with the B-52 Association.”

Jim and Carol West: “Carol enjoys serving on the Dolores (CO) Library Board and volunteers there also. We both continue to sing in the Mancos ValleyChorus and findjoyin presenting several Christmas concerts. Last September, we had a delightfultrip to the English Lake District and highlands of Scotland. We discovered a blend of natural beauty, history and culture. At the request of our grandchildren, we looked for the Loch Ness Monster, but settled for a glimpse of the Loch. We hiked the moors and valleys and ate some delicious meals, like fresh mussels in Glasgow. We even tried Haggis. There were castles galore, Hadrian’sWall, St. Andrew’s Golf Course from the 1500s and elegant Edinburgh. We’d love to go back!”

The Todd Travels have been somewhat curtailed due to Wendy’s struggles with a third round of breast cancer. However, we did manage to spend two delightful weeks in Hawai'i over the Christmas and NewYear’s holidays and the highlight of that trip was an invitation from our Class’s iconic hero, B/Gen Ben Cassiday, for us to join him for lunch at his Outrigger Canoe Club on Waikiki.

‘Bent-WingBen’ andguests.

He was as gracious, inspirational and generous with his time as always. It was one story after another about “the earlydays,” both his and theAcademy’s. (How many of us knew that he was raised on Oahu, surfed on Waikiki and is living in the house he grew up in?) He shared fascinatingvignettes about the cadet selection process (including some memorable letters of “recommendation” written on behalf of applicants), the meetings to hammer out the curriculum, the Honor Code, the uniform and endless other details of what became the US Air Force Academy. He assured me that he had documented most of his recollections in oral histories with the Academy historian, but there was no substitute for hearing these stories “live and in color” from the man, himself. It was a rivetingcouple ofhours and we felt privileged to spend time with this leader who, at 85, is still the template of what an Air Force officer should be.

I hate to close on a somber note, but President-for-LifeJoe DeSantis’ holiday ordeal with the Nosebleed from Hell was very nearly an object lesson for all of us on our own mortality. The reality is that, when Charlie Zaleski attains the biblical “three score and ten” this summer, ALL the livingmembers ofthe Class of 1959 will be in the eighth decade oftheirlives! Despite our robust, youthful, studlygood looks and demeanor, we are in a high-risk demographic in which life and health are more fragile. This reality caused us to agree at our last reunion that we need a mechanism to identify and elect classmateswho can step into Class officerpositions in case theincumbent is unable to serve, whetherdue to death, disability, or “I’ve enjoyed about as much ofthis as I can stand.”

We developed and the Class approved such a mechanism (remember?) and we have an ad hoc committee (Larry Fortner, Ed Montgomery and Bill Telford) to oversee the process. In the weeks ahead, we need to activelybegin the “candidate search.”We’H recirculate the agreed document (e-mail or snail mail, as necessary) and ask you to consider volunteering, either as an active candidate or as a backup. Although far less serious than the problems with Social SecurityandMedicare, our situation shares the same liability: the longer we wait to fix it, the harder and more painful it will be.

Thoughtfor the Quarter: “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” Anonymous.

jilBOBBl 1111111

131

Sabre Society Donors

AJ. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

5423 Myrtle Wood

Sarasota, FL 34235-4624

Phone: (941) 371-4843

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

“Rosie, put out a NOTAM warning everyone that an old pilot is back in the skies! I finally got my FAA Medical reinstated in September 2007, and I am back in the cockpit of a Cessna Citation Excel,’’ writes Jim Thomasson. “It took almost seventeen months after I had a stent implanted in my left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to get the FAA in Oklahoma Cityto approve everything. I had to undergo an echo stress test, a nuclear stress test and second cardiac catheterization. After all those tests and a multitude ofletters, we finally got a First Class Medical. It’s great to be back flying—this Citation Excel is a great airplane to fly. I hope to keep flying for two or three more years.”

“After my Houston checkup for prostate cancer, I flew to Washington, DC, to see my son Greg for three days,” writes Phil Meinhardt. “A1 Johnson, Greg and I had lunch and Greg took this picture (R: See Web Column for photo. Background-Greg is a Special Agent, GS-14 with Homeland Security’s Policy Division in D.C., and essentially keeps an Assistant Director informed-she’s Julie Myers, niece of the former Chairman ofthe Joint Chiefs of Staff). It was a fun lunch.

“When Greg and I were in Santiago, Chile in June and July of 2002, we had a private”guide and car. On the last day, Greg coerced our guide into taking us by El Presidente de Chile Augusto Pinochet’s house. We were dressed in black, stopped and got out ofthe car and took pictures ofPinochet’s compound. Greg had dutifully checked in with his counterparts at the Embassy and got some feedback later. Seems Pinochet wanted to know who we were; his guys didn’t know, so they called the CIA. The CIA didn’t know, and Pinochet got paranoid; he thought the CIA was abandoning him. The next morning, two men, also dressed in black, showed up at the Intercontinental Hotel demanding to know who we were. Three days laterPinochet resigned his lifetime appointment to the Chilean Senate. On the other hand, it may have been a coincidence.

“A1 had a great story about Charlie Wilson (book, movie: ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’). Don’t want to blow your cover, Al; you’ll have to tell Rosie! Greg and I had both just read the book, ‘Charlie Wilson’s War,’ so we found Al’s story very interesting. Charlie was an unabashed womanizer and boozer, and it’s a fascinating book from a historical ‘Big Picture’ of the Afghanistan War period and real workings ofthe CIA and Congress. The rich socialite, Joanne Herring from Houston (playedbyJulia Roberts) is still ‘on stage.’ Later, I heard a NPR session where they interviewed the author of the book andCharlieWilson.”

This note from Tony Burshnick regarding Chris Warack’s widow: “Pat moved to Virginia several years ago to live with son Christopher (Jr.) and his family.” Pat has spinal stenosis and had surgeryin June ’07, and she writes that “I am doing very well, just tired and sore, but can get back to any activity that I want, likewalking, swimming, etc. Tony and I can compare notes aboutwhose back hurts the most!” Chris built her a nice apartment upstairs in his beautiful home. (Chris, recentlypromoted to full colonel, has a greatjob in the AF space and intelligence program, and had a promotion party at his home). Tony said that “Karen and I andthe Burkes enjoyed a wonderful eveningwith Pat andthe boys. The younger son, Mark, is a LC stationed at Langley. Pat’s address: 911 Falls Bridge Lane, Great Falls, VA 22066, e-mail: patwarack@cox.net.”

Driving from Colorado Springs to Fort Worth for the Cal-USAFA Armed Forces Bowl December 31st were Jim and Jenny Glaza, John and Deanne McCullough, Tom and Jan Kroboth. There was a Pre-Game Tailgate, PostGame Tailgate and then a NewYear’s Day Bash at Denny and Liz Haney’s house. Also attending the game were George and Diana Pupich, Andi and Carole Biancur, Dale and Ina Thompson, Deke Johnson, Randy and Jan Cubero (’61), Bob and Jan Brickey (‘61), Dave and Phyllis Phillips (’59), Ed and Lucia Montgomery (’59), Max and Trix Miller (’59) plus son Scott and wife, and Eddie and Sharon Rosane (’59). “Liz Haneydidyeoman’s work on all the chow-it was outstanding-and, everyone stayed up ’til one minute pastmidnight (what stamina!),” wrote Jim Glaza. “We all felt the team played well except for the monster defensive pass giveaways (shades of yesteryear!), but were doomed when Shaun Carney went down with a torn MCL and ACL and meniscus, that’s everything in the knee, which is a very uglyinjury.” Cal won 42-36.

Gary Karshnick said that “My wife, Diane, and I just returned from a 3week cruise-tour in Asia, visiting China, Japan, Taiwan, Okinawa, Viet Nam, Singapore andThailand. One morning at breakfast on the ship, wewere joined

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and more!

www.usafa.org

a couple.

and his wife, Casey!”

Olympic

Washington State. Howie’s description of those in the

“On the left, that’s our sonin-law Dean Nicosia, next to his wife/our daughter Dawn, with their daughter Sarah (13); our son-in-law Eric Frey next to his wife/our daughter Lynn, with their daughter Erin (14); mywife, Linda; Eric and Lynn’s oldest daughter Lauren (15); and that’s me on the far right with hat.”

had his

Fire.

hip replaced Nov 8th (’07) at Portsmouth Naval Hospital by some Navy Lieutenant Commander, and was so excited about his progress he telephoned two days beforeChristmas: “My last marathon was Hawaii in 1993, and I’ll run the Boston Marathon this 2008!”(In a later e-mail, George said “no” to Boston).. .Les Hobgood, who devotes an inordinate amount of time to matters of merely minor pith, one dayposed this question to himself: “Self, how many Corvettes could we get on an aircraft carrier?” Joining 30 other Corvettes from San Antonio to support the Corpus Christi Corvette Club, they all went charging up the ramp to the USS Lexington and finished with 304 Corvettes on the Lex’s flight deck: “Focus on Vettes and Jets on the Lex”...Eve and Frank Mayberry travelled a little this last year (what’s new?), and in ’07 it was to Australia in February, July to Steamboat Springs, CO, September to Portugal and Spain, November to Italy and then, at Savona, boarding the Costa Fortuna cruise liner for their tripping back to Ft. Lauderdale (w/ stops in Tenerife, St. Maarten, Guadaloupe, Dominican Republic and Nassau-photo below: Eve and Frank at Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy).

“Our Colorado contingent gathered 8 December 2007 at the Waddle’s community club house,” wrote Andi Biancur. “Once again, Carole Biancur and Jeanette Glaza performed miracles by creating a very festive atmosphere. We were fortunate to have 12 classmates and their ‘significant others’ attend, along with three couples from the Class of ’59. The great food and ample bar finally gave way to an entertaining session of‘CombatWhite Elephant,’ making for an overall successful preview to the holidays. We were fortunate to have RG Head and Carol Hoover join us, as they were in town for another occasion. Those attending: Duck & Mary Waddle, John & Deanne McCullough, Barb & Wayne Kendall, Fran & Bill Hodson, Ron & Connie Yates, Jim & Jeanette Glaza, Andi & Carole Biancur, George & Diana Pupich, Jim & Judy Bujalski, Fred Porter, Steve Bishop & Kathy Toucher (Norm Haller’s sister-in-law), while present from the Class of 1959 to provide adult leadership were Brock & Claire Strom, Ed & Lucia Montgomery and Max & Trix Miller.”

by

He looked strangely familiar. After some quick interrogation, I found it was John Goodley (’61)

Howie Whitfield and wife, Linda, assembled their family at the beautiful Ruby Beach on the Pacific shore of the

National Park in

photo:

Friendly

The sprightly and rapid-talking George Fries

(right)

Sabre Society Donors

(Extended column and additional photos at www.usafa.net/1960, click “Checkpoints,” then “March 2008.”)

Final Roll Call. Hoyt Leroy Prindle, Jr., died of cancer at his home in Tallahassee, FL on July 28,2007.

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear

50582 Stonington Drive

Granger, IN 46530-8243

H: (574) 273-2597

E-mail: enoandtjo@gmail.com

Class Web Site: www.usafal961.org

Please note my new e-mail address above.

87% Members

Our Class of 1961 Hotel Project Team is still in discussions with the Superintendent.

Jack Bright took a short trip in early December to Eagle, Idaho, to visit with an old friend, and then took a short diversion to Las Vegas to visit his son and his family. Jack’s five-year-old grandson is presently fascinated with airplanes, so Jack took him out to Nellis AFB to see the Thunderbirds display but arrived a couple ofminutes after they closed. So they went over where they had numerous old fighters mounted on display, and he was thrilled. Jack thinks he may have to schedule a trip back there in November and take him to see the Aviation Nation air show.

C.G. and Janell Carson are still enjoying life on their Iowa farm. They now have 12 Percheron horses, with the birth of the most recent causing them to miss the 50th anniversary celebration of our class swearing in last summer. Although farm life keeps them busy, they did get away to visit and vacation a few times with family this past year.

Don and Peg Danborn are doing well in Arvada. Following a high school reunion in Illinois, they visited the O’Rears in October. They all took a guided tour of Notre Dame’s campus. It is amazing what universities can build when they have a $6-billion dollar endowment. It was great seeing each other again. Don and Peg enjoyed a family home Christmas, with all of their children and grandchildren.

Tom Eller first started teaching at the Academy in January 1969—39 years ago, as the first USAFA graduate in the Astro-Computer Science Department. He last taught in that department in December 1981,26 years ago. This spring, due to a professor shortage, Tom is teaching Physics 110 at the Academy. This physics—kinematics and dynamics—has not changedmuch since Isaac Newton, except for how it is taught. It should be a fun semester. At the end of January, Tom was General Chair of a Space Flight Mechanics Conference in Galveston. Similarly, Earl Saunders was also recalled to fill a one semester positionteaching Geospatial Sciences. Earl said that he doesn’t thinkthathe is the oldest instructor on the faculty, but he’s in the top five.

Dean and Jo, and Wayne and Mary Jones enjoyed a couple of fun outings together in the fall. In November, they met in Las Vegas for the USAF’s 60th Anniversary celebration at Nellis AFB. This keeps alive their string of having made all the decadal anniversaries there. As usual, the flying and static displays were world-class, including a spectacular airshow by the new F-22 Raptor. Their stay at Loew’s Lake Las Vegas made the visit all the more enjoyable. In December, they met in Acapulco for some beach and golf exercises, along with special arm lift workouts involving large margarita glasses. They all came home quite fit—not really. Wayne and Mary’s Christmas season was made very special with the marriage of their daughter, Julene, on 29 December. The wedding was held at an historic rancho site in the Santa PaulaValley, followed by the reception in Ventura, CA, where they will live. Many family members came from all over theWest, and a good time was had by all!

Nine stalwarts attended the 28 November 2007 luncheon at Legal Sea Foods in Tysons II in northern Virginia: Bill Foster, Lowell Jones, John Kohout, Hector Negroni, Tom Pattie, Jim Rogers, Bill Sanzenbacher, Bill Stackhouse, and TwyWilliams. Twy filled them in on his sailboat trip with his brother to Maine and back, including a couple pictures of them and some family along the

way. Bill Stackhouse related that they were then buying new furniture for the mansion in progress, so it should be ready for a party in a couple more years.

Lowell suggested offering at the Redneck Reunion that the DC guys organize a mini-reunion in the DC area one of these coming years. They discussed some options, and knowing that nothing is cheap in the area, several volunteered to look into some possible places to hold it. They haven’t formed a committee yet, but the entire DC luncheon group will be asked to help ifthey do come up with a workable plan.

Things in Baker City are going well, according to Bob Heriza. A procedure done in September has really changed his life. It was a fundoplication, done orthoscopically. The doctor thought Bob’s hiatal hernia had been with him since he had been eating Turns and throwing up all around the T-37 during preflight. Any Graytags who have a hiatal can email Bob, and he will fill them in on the relatively simple procedure. Skiing is great there with lots of snow and no lift lines. He says to come on out West, skiers.

Larry Karnowski’s list of Good News/Bad News continues to be entertaining. Bottom line is that he has stayed busy, including participating in some SquattyBody events following his Polish Pond Pork Festival.

Bob Kellock and Samantha revisited their new nest in Patagonia, AZ, over the holidays. They added furniture, spruced up the grounds, winterized the utilities, counted the javelina herd that went by (about 25, all ages), and enjoyed a great NewYear’s Eve party at the local hotel. For a number of reasons, the Boeing traces may stay connected until the spring of 2009. Even that may change, depending on how much they enjoy the planned frequent visits to their nest.

Pete Lane relates that on Jan 20, 2008, Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Denton celebrated the 20th anniversary of its pastor-Peggy Ogden-Howe, the wife of Henry Howe. Peggy is a highlyrespected clergyman-woman and is doing a great service with her flock.

Phil and Nancy Lane had a great time visiting with Bob and Jan Brickey and Pete and PattyLane in Denton the eveningbefore the Falcons took on California in the bowl game. They enjoyed watching a game that Bob transferred from a film he salvaged from being thrown away and then burned to a CD of Air Force beating Utah in 1958. Bob, the chief chef of the evening, treated them to a great meal, with ample help and hospitality from Patty, Jan, and Pete. Phil grabbed a book that Pete co-edited, Warriors and Scholars, which was pubfished a couple of years ago. It includes a number of papers about wars from WWII to terrorism, which Phil is finding to be very interesting.

Meanwhile in Tucson, Jerry and Jo Mason hosted a party to celebrate the Air Force win over California in the Armed Forces Bowl. (It wasn’t their fault that the partywent better than the game.) Attending were Jim and NancyWilhelm, JerryandJo Mason, Marilyn and PB O’Connor, and newlyweds Dave and Kathy (Mize) Beck. The Masons remind all that their guest house is always open for traveling Graytags.

Hector and Joan Negroni celebrated the arrival of their fifth grandchild, a girl born 11 October 2007. This January Joan organized a 70th birthday party for Hector. More than 100 family, friends and classmates were invited. A good time was had by all, and Hector reminded everyone that “how long you five has nothing to do with how long you are going to be dead.”

Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse are in their new house and enjoyed having their daughters and their families there for Christmas. Bill sent a picture, and it is quite nice. Although he is still putting on the finishing touches, which he may be doing for a while, Rhoda says that he did a fantastic job. They said their doors are open for guests. It sounds as if Bill won’t be spending all his time around their house since he said that he will now be pursuing Moby Striper (starting right out their back door).

Terry Storm is up to his eyeballs in issues, many contentious, having been appointed to the AOG Board of Directors to replace a member who resigned. He welcomes any input from our class, as does Charlie Neel, our class senator. Charlie wifi serve longer, and Dick Fairlamb wifi begin earlier to span the time between now and after our 50th Reunion in 2011 (since Terry can’t do both). Terrywent to the bowl gameinFt.Worth and saw Bob andJanBrickey,Randyand Jan Cubero, Dick Fairlamb, and Pete Lane. He knows others also attended.

Chicken Teriyaki (aka Byron Theurer), the world’s oldest living kamikaze pilot, reports that he is regularly conducting air superiority sweeps over Jean, Nevada, just 30 miles down 1-15 from Sodom in the Sand. His selected air supremacy vehicle is a club-owned Schweitzer 1-26D “Geezer Pleaser” clear air mass interceptor, rumored to be capable ofMach 0.15 in a vertical dive (once). Teriyaki, known by many of his classmates as the troll who fives under the bridge, is also directing an acquisition effort to buy an evolutionary improvement to the 1-26D (tentatively identified as the as the 1-26E “Super Pleaser”) and operate it under the watchful gaze of the Las Vegas Valley Sailplane Association.

Charlie and Gina Thomas spentthe eightdays before Christmas moving their daughter Elizabeth and family. Elizabeth and her husband are both teachers and were busyteaching during the move. Charlie and Gina put their Air Force experience of 17 moves to good use. Also, their 22-month-old grandson had his fifth (and hopefully, last) surgery on December 15th. He is doing great, with no tubes or bags attached.

All is well in frigid Minnesota. Tom Wilson said it’s a winter-wonderland

now: clear, cold, and beautiful. They can enjoy it since they will be spending March in Florida. In fact, their three children, one spouse, and 10 grandchildren will hopefully be together with them over Easter, so life is good. Judy and Tom also are excited that their grandson, Mick Powell, was nominated and received an appointment to USAFA, Class of2012.Y’all can imagine their pride in Mick. This should also serve as a warning to the Colorado Springs residents that they will be seeing more of Judy and Tom over the next few years. Mick may take a one-year deferment though, to study in Germany or Austria before going to the Academy, pending acceptance into the Foreign Exchange Program. Three generations of the Wilson family USAFA graduates. Is the Air Force ready?

Thanks to all who shared with the rest of us. Those ofyou have not shared in a while might start thinking about our next call for inputs, probably in March or April. We would like to hear from you.

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Hi Redtags,

Just gotmy45thReunion DVD fromRandyand haven’tfinished goingthrough it. We have company so need more time to review. I am still thinking fondly about the 45th Reunion. I ordered another set of coasters from the committee. They are so colorful.

I have an email I got from Jack Swonson before the reunion that I’ll share with you.

“PollyAnn and I just returned from a trip to the northwest (Seattle,Whistler,VictoriaBC) andtookthe ferryto Bainbridge Island to have lunch with Butch and Debbie Viccellio. Great fun! What a fantastic mansion they have created on a spectacularlot, 200 feet above the waterwith the back ofthehouse facing directly across to Seattle. The design is a three-story French chateau, immaculately accurate in every detail (e.g., all the windows andframes were made in France). Debbie prepared an exquisite lunch, and we enjoyedhearing about their recent travels to Africa. Whistler was beautiful and enjoyable; we played golf and took the zip-line adventure. Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island is even more spectacular than when we first saw it 21 years ago. We’ll spend most ofAugust in Japan and China, which will get us out oftheArizona heat. See you at the 45th. Jack” It was great to see Jack and Polly Ann as well as Butch and Debbie at the 45th.

I mentioned the new craze sweeping cruise ships, elder-care hostels and Redtag Reunions. It’s called spoon-sniffing. And here is a picture of our beloved, moon-lighting CNN military analyst, Don Shepperd, enjoying the relaxing feelings accompanying this new pastime.

our closing keynote speaker, Rob (Waldo) Waldman, also known as The Wingman, from the Class of '90. The second one was Dan Phillips, Director of Safety, at Eglin AFB, class of 78. See accompanying picture as we display our class rings.

I got together with Colin Richardson just last week and gave him a reunion coin since he couldn’t make the reunion. I wangled a drink out of him for it. I showed him my reunion pictures and he had a hard time recognizing some classmateswhomhe hadn’t seen in 45 years. However, some were recognizable. But he enjoyed hearing about the Reunion and sends his regards to all. This past June, I was in charge of a conference for 600 people at a resort in Orlando. It was part of my responsibility as the Chair of the Regional Board of Directors in the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association. As luck would have it, two other grads were at the conference. One of them was

Visit the AOGWeb Site. Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and more!

www.usafa.org

I still have room for another picture, so I’ll show Mike and Kay Butchko. They had a great time there. Mike is now in Las Vegas as the COO of National SecurityTechnologies. The securityis so tight at his new work site thathe hasn’t located his office and has not been briefed on his job yet. Just Kidding. They are looking forward to a great time there. But they also want to move back to Austin.

And now a plug for the new AOG. The AOG By-Laws, adopted in 2006, established a Class Advisory Senate. The AOG Board, at its May 2007 meeting, approved the operating procedures for the Senate. The Senate is now up and running with 31 classes represented. There are major issues facing the new Board this year. Among these are the foundation, restructuring of the AOG, revision of the By-Laws, the honor code, and results oflast year’s member survey. At the 45th Reunion, the class heard a briefing by Jim Shaw, the outgoing AOG Chairman and by the Superintendent, Gen Regni.

Rip Blaisdell is our senator. lie has been answering many questions on the Redtag Net and askingforinputfrom us so thathe mightrepresent us accurately at theAOG Senate. His emails have beenvery insightful and informative. He can be reached at tharipper@msn.com. And you can tune into the email traffic on the Redtag net at RTBGeneral@redtags.org. Let’s give him our active support.

Now words about the passing ofTroy Tomlin. Bob Lightsey wrote: “It is with a great deal of sadness that I tell you that I received a call recently from Lanny Lancaster, who informed me that Troy Tomlin had passed away last week. I don’t have any details to speak of. Lanny said the funeral was to be held in Texas, where Troy will be buried.” Then Ed Martinelli sent an obituary that he got through Google. “Troy Ned Tomlin, 69, of San Jose, CA, passed away ThursdayJanuary3,2008 in MountainView, CA. He was born on July 10,1938 in Texas to Cecil William and Viola Violet (Vinson) Tomlin. He graduated from Pilot Point High School in 1956 and attended Texas A&M from 1956 to 1958. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1962. Mr. Tomlin was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne Tomlin. He is survived by daughter, Theresa Tomlin of Palo Alto, CA; sons, Bruce Wilson and wife, Jennie of San Francisco, CA andEdward Chittenden of Danville, CA. Our condolences go out to Troy’s family and friends. After the news of his death appeared in the Redtag Net, someone sent the email he sent out about 10+ years ago that compared our cadet lives as Doolies to a civilian college counterpart. Troy asked how many civilian college students get to do what we did. He had never been in an airplane before he got to the Academy. I quote from hisemail: “Within 10 months I had logged at least 7,500 miles in the air; sung in the National Cathedral inWashington DC, with the Prostestant Choir; carefully patted an atomic bomb on its smooth flank; crawled up inside an Atlas rocket; sat in on a SAC briefing with guys who would be flying at least to the Fail Safe Line, and ready to flythrough it, later that day; flown at Mach 2.04 over George AFB in an F-104 Starfighter with the Fuel Low light flashing frantically ever since we arrived at the 40,000 ft level about 10 seconds after lifting off; and intercepted and, electronically at least, “splashed" a B-29 off the Golden Gate Bridge in a F-102 Delta Dagger out ofHamiltonAFB. ..Typicalcollege freshman stuff. Could have

probably done all that if I’d gone to the North Texas Baptist Bible College...” I thinkTroy’s words will be a reminder ofthe times in which we became men. That’s it for now. Keep the postcards and letters coming. Go Redtags!

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

We have just learned from the AOG of the death of our classmate James R. Cowder who passed away January 29, 2008. A memorial service was held Feb 2nd, at the First Christian Church, 910 S Collins St, Arlington, TX. Condolences maybe sent to his familyin care ofhis wife, Mary: Mrs. Mary Munday Cowder, 348 Mesquite Hill Dr., Arlington TX 76002-4478.

Often I use information gleaned from the Class Web Site, especially the Guest Log, which has experienced a shortage of postings recentiy. About the shortage; our web master Gil Merkle says the Guest Log experienced a lot of ‘Rogue’ writers (not classmates) posting a lot of trash onto the page and some even tried to hijack the page; so, I’ve put a password onto the posting form. Classmates probably know the password. The username is ‘Nino’ (note capital N) and the password is the last name of a cadet who was not easily found; yet seemed to be everywhere (password also starts with a capital letter). If someone does not know the password, contact me at merkleg@texas.net and I’ll send it.

Last Fall Ralph Bacue sent a photograph with the following story: ‘‘The attached picture records some news that we are proud about—it shows our son, Lt Patrick Bacue, just after I administered the ‘Oath’, with Virginia and me. I used one of my 2/Lt bars in the ‘pinning’—one of those that I had polished a lot so it almost appears a 1 /Lt bar. I’m saving the other one for Stephanie, who as you knowis USAFA ’09. Patrickis also a new Civil Engineerwith first assignment to FE Warren AFB, Wyoming, and reporting end ofFebruary. In the interim, he is employed by an engineering firm in Columbia, SC.”

The Bacues: Virginia, Patrick and Ralph

Another set ofproud‘grandparents’ this time are Butch and Carolee Verdier. Butchannounced “Their grandson, Benjamin Lee Brown, received word today that he has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, class of 2012. He will enter on June 26th, 2008, exactly 49 years to the day after ‘grandpa’ enteredand 22 years after his father, Mike Brown, graduated.... To say that we are excited is a great understatement!”

Reunion: Since the FAC Reunion will be held at the same time in Colorado Springs as our 45th Class Reunion and many of us were FACs, the FAC Memorial Dedication Ceremony will be included in our reunion schedule as an “optional” event. Jimmie Butler is heading up the FAC Memorial and wrote that in conjunction with recent guidelines for retirees and veterans, we’re asking those in attendance at the Dedication Ceremony to wear ribbons or miniature medals. Since slowFACs (O-ls, 0-2s, and OV-lOs) earned two Medals of Honor (posthumously), nearly 30 Air Force Crosses, many Silver Stars, hundreds ofDistinguished Flying Crosses, and thousands ofAir Medals, Jimmie is telling the USFA Cadets that that morning they probably will see more Silver Stars, DFCs, Air Medals, etc., than they will see in the rest oftheir military careers. So this is a heads-up invitation for those who will be gathering for the class reunion this October. More info will be coming out with the regular reunion mailings.You can also followthe 2008 FAC Reunion progress at: http:// www.facassoc.org/ColoradoSprings.htm.

The Class web site and the AOG web site are ways to keep up with the planning status for our 45th reunion. By now you should have received in your local mailbox a missive from the45th Reunion Planning Committee—it is due out in February and I am writing in January. If you didn’t receive the mailing please notify either Bob Hayes or Denny King. Denny has been working with classmates who are acting as cadet squadron reps to update the AOG’s data base. It turnsout there are some serious errors in the data base including cadet squadron identification at graduation. Surprisingly, errors in some squadrons

are as high as 50%. Worse, these errors are repeated on plaques placed in the squadrons. I personally checked out 15th CS and found 5 mistakes. Denny can be reached at denny63@sbcglobal.net or 719-687-7229 and Bob at bcahayes@comcast.net or 719-481-9693.

Among the good articles in theDecember 2007 Checkpoints—two of which were written by classmates Steve Dotson and Jimmie Butler—is a story of the dedication of an F-4 Phantom static display at Arnold Air Force Base on Nov. 27th. The dedication was to Col. Larry Golberg and Maj. Pat Wynne (’63). Doug Hardgrave tells me that Pat moved into his crew slot in the back seat with Larry less than a week before they were shot down. Doug had PCS’d to Bentwaters. Doug was flyingwith Larrywhenthey shot down a Mig-17 on30April, 1966. Phil Maywald also attended the ceremony along with 100 to 200 others including a member ofthe US Congress, state legislature delegates and Pat’s brother Mike Wynne the Secretary oftheAir Force. The attached photo shows, from left, Phil, Doug, Pat’s widow Nancy, MikeWynne and Mike’s wife Barbara.

F-4 Dedication at Arnold AFB

As an interesting aside: Doug Hardgrave’s birthday is this coming March 15th and he will be 70 years old. He doesn’t look too bad for an old guy. Happy Birthday Doug! I wonder how many of you have crossed that fine already. Maybe you couldlet us in on how you dealt with the required distribution of your IRA.

Did you receive the e-mail from Bill Flynnannouncing the TV show “Comanche Moon,” Larry McMurtry’s prequel to Lonesome Dove? The show aired on CBS in mid-January. Bill played the part of an English butler. I hope that many of you caught the show and enjoyed it as much as we did. Bill’s costume caused a few ladies to remarkfavorably about his legs or gams as they put it. I asked Bill about that and he seemed to really appreciate the attention. Ifyou didn’t see the series keep and eye out for it during reruns later this year.

Ralph Wetterhahn suggested watching a NOVA presentation on PBS in mid to late December entitled “Missing in MiG Alley”, a fascinating subject. Unfortunately I missedtheshow on TV but was able to look it up on the internet and watched all six segments on my computer—about 45 minutes total. The discussion on the design strengths and weaknesses ofthe MiG-15 and the F-86 was very enlightening and worth thewatch. Ralph has several on-screen parts in the show. You can see the video at the NOVA website: NOVA in MiG Alley PBS. Just double click or use cntrl-click to get to the page.

That’s it for this time. Once again you have done a swell job of providing me with inputs. We are getting very excited about October and really look forward to seeing all ofyou once again.

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 532-3923

bob@hovde.us

77% Members

(Editor’s note: The Class of1964 Mall ofHeroes dedication will be on May 27. Please lookfor the schedule on theAOG Website.)

Football Road Trip - Gary and Judy Ryser and Lois and Doug Jenkins traveled by Honda Pilot from Colorado Springs to FortWorth for the Armed Forces Bowl 12/31/07. [No pictures of them flying, but some great football weekend pics - one of which is below.] Doug reports that they “attended the Mexican Buffet in downtown FortWorth the night before the game and saw classmates Jim Hermanson andJimmyHeisz and theirwives, among others. It was packed,

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but the party was well organized and the food good and plentiful. The tailgate the next morning was great, the flyoversuperb and we enjoyed the game despite the score and the injury to our quarterback.”

Gary and Judy Ryser and Lois and DougJenkins preparingfor the Armed Forces Bowl.

More on the F-100 - Jim Carson (’66) wrote, “I noticed the F-100 photo and related text in the June Checkpoints. I can confirm the lore that the F-100 was supposed to be the aircraftthatfirst brokethe soundbarrier in level flight. I cannot confirm that it is true, however. A fact that you may not know is that after the aircraft was destroyed, the ejection seat from the aircraft showed up in the 16th Squadron TV room were it remained for some time. I do not recall which ofmy squadron mates rescued the seat or what eventually became ofit.”

Back to Hanoi - From the wintery wilds of Ohio-land, Ed Mechenbier, obviously having too much time on his hands while the golfcourses are coveredwith snow, wrote the following travelog: “The recent Checkpoints included an article about a trip back to Vietnam this Spring. Jerri and I had that opportunity last September when we spent one week in Hanoi and another in Saigon. We traveledwith someVietnamese friendswho split residences here in Ohio and Saigon, so were able to travel in both cities with extended familymembers. It was truly a ‘behind the scenes’ trip in Hanoi since we were with the current Minister of Culture (Yes, a good Communist) and a former Ambassador for South Viet to Malaysia and Singapore. Quiteoddly, these two fellows are brothers!Theirmother was a Member ofthe Central Committee untilher death in March 2007. Howthey ended up North and South is a bar story, too long for this epistle.

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Ed andJerri at the Hanoi Hilton Main Entrance.

We did all the mandatory treks around Hanoi, ferreting out various former prison sites including the Hanoi Hilton - the Hoa Lo prison to the locals. I’ve attached the obligatory picture of Jerri and me in front of the main entrance, but the real story is in the second picture. The Hoa Lo complex is now about 1/3 the size ofwhat we knew with the back 2/3 now the site of a 25-story office complex called The Hanoi Towers. After touring the front section, which is now a museum with limited content relative to the ‘American experience,’ we literally walked around the corner to the new office complex, which has several shops and stores in the ground floor. As we were tracing the outline ofthe new property against the historical handout from the museum, we realized one of the shops occupied a space which in 1967 was one of my ‘homes.’ The appropriateness of the new occupant could not be more perfect since my semi-retirement. I now start most days on the golf course and the picture, no fooling, is actually that of a Zone Golf store on the very same spot.

We saw a lot in two weeks and eventually decided to enter the booming real estate market in the Saigon area. Yes, it is Ho Chi Minh City now, but our communist hosts told us it will probably be officially renamed Saigon since that’s the name the rest of the world...including capitalist investors...use routinely. Several people asked if Hanoi had changed much since my earlier stay from 1967 to 1973. The only response I could make was, ‘I really don’t know since I

Someone changed the decorations in Ed’s old room.

didn’t get out much the first time.’ It’s a vibrant place now to be sure with over $10B of US investment in the country last year. I don’t know how soon I’m ready for another trip, but I can surely attest to it being a very interesting and colorful place to visit.

Relocations - From Usto Schulz: “Classmates, friends, and interested (or maybe not) parties, the Schulz family is in the process of relocating from sunny (but costly) California to breezy and lofty (affordable too) Colorado. Bernadette is there now; I will followwhenhouse packed and sold later. We will be in the Springs, east oftown.” [Ed Note: Probablyby the time you read this.]

Guess Who’s Going to Bagdad! - Ray Greene, stalwart lawyer that he is, has joined the cast of the “oldest warriors in history” reality play. He reports that he [has been] deployed to Iraq. “That’s right, Iraq! As General MacArthur said ‘one last gift to an old soldier.’

Ray continued, “I am leaving on Sunday, Novr 18th for Norfolk, VA, for out processing. On the 25th of November we will be taking a greyhound bus to Fort Jackson for a three-weektraining course. Training at Fort Jackson is NIACT (Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training) consisting of PT, marching, weapons qualification with the M-16 and P-9; convoy defense and houseclearing. (I’ve been practicing with a broom, simulating an M-l rifle, trying to remember how to march). On the 19th of December we are flying to Kuwait for in-countryprocessing and then on to CampVictory, Baghdad, where I will be a member of the Rule of Law Task Force. Not quite as heroic as “I am here, send me” Karl Richter, but something, at least.”

Now, ifthey’djust let some old guys fly the new airplanes...

The Tiger 10 Christmas Newsletter is full of the expected “grandkids, travel and golf stories," but the most amazing thing is that it’s still being published through all of these years. Great Job! On the other hand, the stories of knee and hip replacements, surgeries and other medical procedures remind me that time is moving on. Take care out there, people - Remember when they made you go to the doctor once a year even though you didn’t have anything wrong? Think about it.

Rick Zurbrugg

2929 Gavin Place Duluth, GA 30096 (770) 476-4437

E-mail: ezurb@bellsouth.net

76% Members

Please take a moment to remember our classmate, Jerry Walton who transitioned to eternity on November 28,2008.

ReuelY. Rolston: “I proudlypromote two of our classmates as Distinguished Graduates. Bob Wilburn will soon be dedicating a new Visitors Center in Gettysburg. Bob is President of the private nonprofit foundation working in partnership with the National Park Service to “enhance preservation and understanding ofthe heritage and lastingsignificance ofGettysburg.” Bob led a similar effort in Williamsburg. Please visit and contribute to support Bob’s outstanding achievements. Rick Hanushek has earned the Fordham Prize for distinguished Scholarship. Rick has addressed the myth that smaller class size and throwing money at education produces results. His books include Improving Americas Schools, Making Schools Work, and The Economics of Schooling and School Quality. Our class includes a Medal of Honor Winner and also some incredible talents who maybe should be honored with plaques that acknowledge our pride in their contributions.” Reuel, you are absolutely right, Bob and Rick have made great contributions to America. So many of our classmates have donewell andhave achieved exceptionalthings.We should all be proud to once have been in the company ofthese fine, disciplined men.

Warren Langley: “...We traveled to Virginia Beach in October to a reunion of my 19th Squadron classmates from the Air Force Academy. It was interesting to see that we are both the same and very different since we met in June of 1961....

I continued to do a few “business” things...Ijoined theBoard of Advisors of ConnectMeAnyWhere, a London start up in the internet and telephonybusiness and also joined the Board of Sun Trading, a Chicago electronic trading firm. It has been interesting to rejoin the trading world after viewing it only from afar as it has changed dramatically over the past few years. I enjoyed working with Ben Cohen and Duane Peterson at Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities.... A unique benefit ofthe BLSP work was spending a morning with Ben at Google where he made a presentation to a group ofemployees and then he and I got to present the Priorities Agenda to Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Google was as fun a place as is reported in the press.” Thanks Warren.

Barry Blackman: “I see Bill Powers periodically and we talk fairly often, depending on the time of year. I see Bob Giffin at Clune arena occasionally and Errol Reiner during football season (does it sound like our social life is built around AFA sports?). We have a number of ’65ers in the area, but for whatever reasonwe never have gotten together on anykind ofregular basis. I keep trying to cut back on my client load and my goal for this tax season is to be finished by April 15th so wecan play the rest ofthe year. We did manage a trip to Antarctica last Feb. We took a National Geographic-partnered tour with Linblad. A 300’ boat, about 110 passengers and a dozen naturalists, three with PhDs. We’re really not into the cruise thing (nothing wrong with it, just not our thing) and that was the first we ever went on. It was fantastic. Alittle pricey for my Scroogey personality but worth everypenny. And we didn’t run into anything! It did take a while to get the smell of penguin crap out of our clothes.” Barry also sent along this valuable piece ofknowledge that is something we should allknow:

RECOGNIZING A STROKE: Remember the “3” steps, STR. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: S Ask the individual to SMILE.T Ask the person to TALK and SPEAKA SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today). R Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. Ifhe or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. New Sign of a Stroke-Stick out Your Tongue: another ‘sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the person to ‘stick’ out his tongue.. Ifthe tongue is ‘crooked’, ifit goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke. Early recognition and treatment of an evolving stroke can certainly prevent permanent brain injury. Thanks Barry.

Well, ifyou missed the Armed Forces Bowl in FtWorth on NewYears Eve, then you missed a good time in spite of the final score. The zoomies, who looked well coached, came out hot and smoked ‘em the first half, but in the second half, the big and talentedBears, who had been ranked as high as #2 in the nation earlier in the season, were just too good. Size and speed not withstanding, the AF bench was in the shade during the secondhalfand the temperature dropped about thirty degrees during the second and third quarters. What a turnout though—more than ten thousand tickets sold! Ifyou haven’t seen an Air Force football game with the Wings of Blue parachuting into the stadium, and the falcon demonstration, andthe roaringflybythrough the eyes ofyour awestruck grandchildren, you must do this, my brother, before you die.

Somebody’s happygrandkids at the biggame.

Had a great chat with Gerry Hodgson at the motel breakfast room before the game. Gerry and his lovelylady had driven over from Arkansas where he lives the good life on a substantial piece ofproperty. Saw another guy, tall and skinny, struggling through thecrowd with a ’65 jacket on. He told me his name, but I promptlyforgot it. Being in that Sea of Blue really can get your passions up.

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Bill and Rick dothe Blues Brothers NYEve Dallas 2007.

After the game, with the help of my old roomie, Bill Cole we checked into the Cooper Guest Lodge at the famed CooperAerobics Center and Bill and Judy and Jo and I rang in the NewYear in Dallas in style with dinner and dance.

The next day we had a “recovery workout” at the Cooper where Bill has been a member for many years. You may not recall, but Bill was once captain of the gymnastics team. Gentlemen, I offerthis testimony: on New Year’s Day 2008,1 witnessed a 66-year-old classmate perform 12 full pull-ups from a dead hang. There is no question that he could have done more, but he had just done a dozen dips. Flabbergasted is the only way to describe watching this miracle of dedication to fitness. All one can say is: No Excuse, Sir! We had a Rose Bowl party later that afternoon with Bill’s son, Chris (a recent Baylor grad and a man with bright prospects) and his fiancee. The next morning, Bill took us flying in the Cessna over Lake Texoma. Thank you, Bill and Judy for the very best of times.

There you have it. Would love to hear about your travels,studies, passions, goodworks, lives and see your pictures. Believe it or not, there are those who care about you. Be well, do good work, and keep in touch! Cheers, Rick

Ryan Denny

1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269

H: (618) 624-4255

W: (314) 232-5117

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

79% Members

Greetings, Redtags! I hope it’s sunny and warm where ever you are because it’s really the dregs of the Dark Ages here in St Louis—cold, gray, and windy. When people complain about the cold here I tell them, “It may be 10 degrees, but it’s a dry cold, so it only feels like minus 10!”

I ran into Jim Murphy at the gym the other day. I know it’s hard to believe— Jim exercising. Jim is about to retire from his second career at ARINC and is planning on moving to Colorado. We were talking about the AOG and some of the turmoil that the organization has been going through for the last year or two. There seems to be a lot of well-intentioned people who have very different ideas aboutwhattheAOG should be and do. To try to increase representation from us ordinary folks, the Association has formed a group of“advisors” with a representative from each class. Jim has volunteered to represent our class for the last several months, but he would like to get some other “volunteers” for the position and have a class election. Ifhe hasn’t already sent you all an e-mail about this, he will shortly. If you’re interested, please let him know.

Rick Strong writes that he is still working for General Dynamics at the Joint Warfighting Center in Suffolk, VA and will probablykeep working until he’s 66 (a familiar refrain). Rick says that Vic Andrews and Mike Heenan put out the call for a ’66 /Go Big Three gathering right after we heard that USAFA was going to be playing University of California at the Armed Forces Bowl on 31 Dec

TheZ’sfly with Bill Cole Jan 2,2008.

2007. Vic and Sue Andrews, Mike and Char Heenan, Bill and Suzanne Berry, RickandJoan Strong, Martyand Gloria Daack, Tom and Gail Brandon, George Finan andA1McClure answered the call andwatched a greatfootball game.After a great NewYears Eve dinner, the motley group joined for pictures in a park in down town FtWorth where Bill Berry was able to get pictures that make them all look pretty good. Rick says that the reason they all looked so good is that it was chilly, and we all know that cold and alcohol are both great preservatives.

John Fal has also joined the ranks of the retired-retired but has managed to staybusier than when he was working. In addition to tutoring math at the Prep School, John is also the treasurer of the USAFA basketball team’s booster club, the Friends of Air Force Basketball. His only complaint is that it’s not fair that retired people don’t get off on all those federal holidays. John recently walked his daughter, Julie, down the isle forherwedding,wearinghis Mess Dress. It still fit, and John lookedprettygood in it! Myyoungest son is gettingmarried inJune, and mywife thinks I should also wear my Mess Dress. I might be able to do it, if I can find a chain long enough (and strong enough) to hold the front together.

Mike Gaffney and family (about ten of them) all took off for a recent trip around Ireland. Mike says that he followed some wise advice and tried to tour one old church, one old castle, and three old pubs every day. He says that the Jameson distillery and the Guinness brewery were “extra credit”.

let’s call it the “Annual DarkAges ofClass News Input,” when there is a dearth of message traffic to the Trusty Scribe (mois...). I do have some items, of course. But - forthe most partmy computer andmailboxhave been largelyundisturbed oflate. 0 well. What follows is a compilation ofwhat I have -

First of all - Stump Sowada wrote to correct an error in the ’67 Class News in the 12/2007 Checkpoints. In my article, I misidentified Doug Ferguson’s cadet squadron. In fact, it was Doug’s CS-16 classmates who were joined by his sister Sue and her husband Dick for their memorial at the USAFA Cemetery. Stump further clarified that “... on 12/30/69 then lLt Douglas David Ferguson, ’67, CS-16, was shot down over Laos, was declared MIA, and ultimately KIA on 05/03/76. His remains have never been found. May he rest in peace. God bless him, his family, all ofhis classmates, and the USA.” Well said, Stump. And my sincere apologies for mysquadron identification error to you and to all ofCS-16, and to Doug’s family.

The biggest news item in themonths since our reunion continues to be theAOG Board of Directors and the direction of the AOG. Jim Shaw, President and CEO of the AOG since 1999, has departed the organization. His valedictory note (in the Dec 2007 Checkpoints) is an impressive summary ofgood work and organizational progress. Now Jim is gone, and the AOG has a temporary CEO in place thatwill carry on while the search for permanent CEO replacement goes on. The issue discussed at our reunion - the USAFA Foundation, separate from the AOG andAOGfundraising efforts - remains unresolved. Bart Holaday, '65, hasvolunteered his services, reputation, and considerable talent to run the new USAFA Foundation. He has been in contact with Jim Wheeler, the Chairman of the Board of the AOG, about coordinatingthe efforts ofthe groups. To the best ofmyknowledge, there is communication, but to date no resolution. On other issues - I will not attempt to condense or translate all that appears to have been going on with the AOG, the Board, the USAFA staff, groups of interested graduates etc. Suffice it to say that there is a wealth of talent involved in the current situation. George Van Wagenen and Bill Boisture - our ’67 representatives on the AOG Board are direct sources of information “straight from the AOG horse’s mouth.” Additionally, Colorado Springs- area classmates - includingbutlikelynot limited to Bob Muldrow, GaryScheimer, RogerCarleton and Frank Chuba - have been attempting to get a better handle on the range of AOG and Board issues, including plans to hire a permanent CEO; and to bring theirtalents, experience and expertise to bear. Lastly, JackFry, our ’67 rep on the Class Advisory Senate, and the others ofthe Senate have been actively involved in attempting to identify, clarify and resolve the range of issues. Both Bob and Jack put out periodic emails which provide “straight talk” updates, and the official communications of the AOG are available on the USAFA website. Bob’s updates previously included mostly sports-related stuff; they now also contain AOG-related updates. I expect that both of them are amendable to expanding their email address lists, if anyone else wishes to regularly get updates. Also, I strongly encourage each ofyou to communicate with George, Bill and/ or Jack, or all three, as our official class reps, in addition to Colorado Springs area ’67 residents such as those listed above, in order to keep up on progress.

To change the topic a bit - over the Holidays I received a phone call from Les Jensen, myfriend and former roommate from CS06. What a daybrightener that was. I imagine that such a call would have the same effect on others as Les’s call did on me. So - I’d suggest that each of you/ each of us, occasionally pick up the phone and contact one of our old friends and colleagues. Email is great, of courses - but that voice on the phone is really a cut above.

Mike and Kathy Gaffney in Ireland.

Ron Davis has also retired-retired and has moved from the cold climate of Northern Virginia down to Merritt Island, Florida. Ron had been working for Booze Allen for several years and filled his free time by serving as a docent (intelligent tour guide) at the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. Now that he is living in Florida, Ron can always run over to the Space Museum at Cape Canaveral when he feels a need to share his encyclopedic knowledge of militaryhistory with some tourists.

Well, folks, that’s all the news that we could digup in the last couple ofmonths. For those ofyouwho are stayinginside thiswinter, crankup that computer and send me an e-mail or a picture so I don’t have to make up stories about you! Until next time.. ..HappyLandings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Greetings, one and all. Do you recall back in our Cadet days when the time between the Holidays and Spring Break was referred to as “the dark ages” - because - in addition to the short days, winter etc - there was the long haul between longweekends, holidays etc. Well - there seems to be an equivalent:

And another seasonal tidbit: some ofyou avid skiers may be aware that Taos SkiValley has been one of the few remaining holdout ski areas in the U.S. that does not allow snowboarding. That comes to a halt in late March, when Taos will open its slopes for boards as well as skis, forever more. It seems that the Taos owners and managers are simply recognizing the business expedient of allowing the full range of downhill enthusiasts on their slopes. The passing of an era. And now an entire new group of crazies can fall and slide and bounce all the way down Al’s Run - as I once did on an AFA spring ski trip many years ago... Ric Heiser - do you recall that trip?

Rick Strong, Marty Daack, Mike Heenan, Vic Andrews, Bill Berry, and Tom Brandon still lookinggoodafterafootballgameanddinner ona cold New Years Eve in Ft Worth.

TerryKelly at thegame, momentarilydistractedfromcheering theFalcons on to glorious victory.

As I write this - the NewMexico state legislature is in session. Now that the governor is no longer running for President, he is re- applying himself to the significant New Mexico state- level issue ofhealth care. No question that there is a need. The identified problems and solutions and opinions are prettymuch all over the board - somewhat like our AOG issues... I lookforward to some fix that is equitable and cost effective and truly addresses the health care needs ofthe American population. I don’t hear as much about that these days in the current national political debates. As the primaries are decided and the subsequentwranglingbegins no doubt health care will move again more to the top ofthe pile of issues. Heaven help us all. Meanwhile - to all of us and our family members and those we care about - eat wisely, exercise regularly, and get your recommended health screenings. Those simple actions would lop off a large chunk of avoidable health care costs, for individuals and for the nation.

Jimpy Neyman, back at USAFA after many years, happy at being back with oldfriends. At least I think that is the reason for his SEG.

As you mayhave surmised - that’s about all that I have on the tip ofmy (figurative) pen for this quarter. Except that I stillhave beaucoup pictures from the reunion that deserve to be seen. Here are a few of those, to brighten your days:

John Longeneckercatching a breather in Herat, Afghanistan. Active Duty in 2002 to serve as our firstAirAttache to Afghanistan, John served with distinction, returned to the US, and was recalled in 2007 to serve in Afghanistan for a second tour. John, yourclassmates thankyou foryourcontinued service on the frontlines. Our prayers go with you for your safe return.

NEWS FROM HITHER AND YON: Bob Mirabello checked in to say since retiring from DIA he has been the program manager for the Intelligence Community Officer Course. His duties include leading a small team in delivering a two-week, professional development program for selected Intelligence Community GS-14s and 15s working for the Office of the Director for National Intelligence. The course consists ofan intensive, integrated curriculum ofdiscussions, case studies, guest speakers, panels, local area field trips, and short group exercises, all designed to develop a more “joint” perspective and to help prepare his students for more senior responsibilities. It is clear to me that Bob does not understand the meaning ofthe word “retirement!”

Bob Pavelko told me of a 16th Squadron practice reunion hosted by Steve and Henrietta Polk at their estate in San Antonio, Texas last November. He noted that a few greenbacks exchanged hands following some “uncompetitive” golfing events, but they were all able to remain financially solvent despite their aforementioned gambling endeavors. Bob opined that the practice reunion went smoothly, but a second may be required to insure a successful 40th reunion at USAFA in the fall.

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO ’68! Dateline: July 1964. Place: United States Air Force Academy. Event The loudspeakers on the terrazzo begin to blare the Four Preps’ hit tune “I was a big man yesterday, but boy you ought to see me now.” The newly formed Class of 1968 marches into Mitchell Hall for a “relaxing” meal (while the Class of 1965 instills officer and gentleman-like table manners and conducts trivia contests) andthe rest, as they say, is history. To relive those thrilling days ofyesteryear and to add to tail-tale embellishments that only come with age (and a touch of senility), join us for our 40th Reunion from 1-4 October at the Embassy Suites. To receive the latest information, please check the Class Website atwww.usafa68.org.

’68 GRAD ON SECOND AFGHAN TOUR: In the midst of political tit for tat in the US Presidential debates, it is often difficult to comprehend what the candidates are vowing to resolve and the plans they have at-the-ready for saving the republic. For classmate John Longenecker, however, the need for national and international security is not some rhetorical campaign abstraction. After originally retiring from the Air Force in 1998 and being recalled to

Bob Pauli wrote that Sue and he are doing well and he is still slogging it out as a Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman TASC in Chantilly,Virginia. One son, Billy, is a lLt in Communications at AIA in San Antonio and his youngest son, Aaron, is a 2Lt maintenance officer at Kirtland. His oldest son, Sgt Rob Pauli, is an Army intelligence analyst currently stationed at Camp Victory in Iraq. So far, the most dangerous thing to happen to Rob occurred when he rounded a corner and nearly knocked over General Petraeus. He’s now known as General Petraeus’ personal IED. Bob’s daughter Robin and her husband, Major Ara Maranian, leftWilford Hall and the Air Force during the summer of 2007 and his son-in-law joined a cardiology clinic in Manassas, Virginia. They have two children Elizabeth (3) and Peter (1), so Bob gets to be a real Grandpa now along with receiving free heart evaluations. He said he is looking forward to seeing everyone at the ’68 reunion.

One of my 7th Squadron roommates, Jim Parker, dropped a few lines to

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16th Squadron Practice Reunion. The couplesfrom left are Benny andJeanne Veteto, Bob andJane Pavelko, Steve and Henrietta Polk, Bill and Geri Bowman, andJohn and Charlotte Sullivan.

Lest weforget- The Wall - memorial to those who havefallen in combat! With that - adios my friends. I hope you are all off to a great start ofthis Leap Year, election year etc. Fire me a note, pictures etc - or you will again be stuck with my ramblings.

TheParkersofWaunakee, WI. From leftareAnne-now Capt.AnneRidlon, USAF,Janice,Jen, andJim.

provide an update on his life as a retired FBI “Drugbuster.” He said his oldest daughter,Anne, is now a USAF captainassignedto theAWACs program as anAir Battle Management Officer stationed at KadenaAB, Okinawa. Herhusbandis a ’98 USAFAgrad, an F-15 pilot, currentlystationedinKorea. They are both due to rotate in June ’08 and are hoping that the AF sees fit to station them together. Wife, Janice; youngest daughter, Jen; and Jim ventured to Okinawa to visit Anne inApril 2007 and had a great time touring some oftheWWII battle sites and taking in some ofthe local culture. The trip home included a few days in Tokyo. Jen lives in Los Angeles and works for the RAND Corporation. She has applied for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and hopes to move to a law enforcement career in the near future.

Janice still works as a nurse at the University ofWisconsin Hospital in the Oncology, Hematology, and Bone MarrowTransplant Unit. She still loves her work and will probably stay there for a few more years. Jim has tried to get her to cross train into geriatric care, so she can look after him, but, while he can’t rememberher exact words, he remembers the phrase “and the horseyou rode in on” was part ofher reply.

Since leaving the FBI, Jim claims to be reasonablyhealthy and keeps moderatelybusy with hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, and watching the world go by. He said he never could understandwhy so many people retire from the military or FBI, only to immediately go back to a full time job. But according to Jim, he has never had the 70-inch plasma view of the “big picture." Best wishes on enjoying your own version ofthe bigpicture, Jim!

Speaking offormer 7th Squadron compatriots, I had a nice Christmas card and note from Mike Navarro, who checked in to say that he got married in August 2007 to Debbyandthat he has beenthoroughlyenjoyinghis retirement from UnitedAirlines. Mike said he will be trading in the cold weather ofMinnesota for the much warmer climes ofFort Myers, Florida next June. As I was completing this winter column I learned that our classmate, Dr. Larry Pigg, passed away on December 16, 2007 at University Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

THAT’S AWRAP: Please clear you calendars at the beginning ofOctober so you can join us for our 40th reunion. Make your reservations, today! Mind the flak; keep ‘em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Please go to the class website to see photos included in this column in color and in full size. Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris

fa m§ wWkSZM in?

616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve. com

The lead story this issue is the easiest and most gratifying to write of any since graduation. As many ofyou have learned already, Terry Schwalier is now a Major General (!) as he should have been a decade ago. All ofyou know the story of Khobar Towers, and most of us feel that Terry should have been awarded a medal for limiting US losses to the extent experienced during that terrible episode rather than penalized by red-lining his name off the two-star list. Wrong finally righted, justice done, and this exemplary ’69 leader exonerated completely for the events of that fateful day. It goes without saying that this is not just a victory for Terry, but a victory on many different levels thatwill into the foreseeable future affect the AF, DoD, and the country in this class of cases involving uniformed officers and duty. Many merit thanks and kudos for perseveringthrough it all: Terry and Diane,

Major General Terry Schwalier. Life is good. ofcourse, for standing so verytallwhen the goingbecame so veryrough; Chuck Weir, ’70, for his expertise in the BCMR process and helpingTerry build a solid foundation from which to launch an initial campaign to redress the injustice of 1997; and, our own Mike Rose, whose altruism, professionalism, tirelessness, dogged determination, and unwavering support of Terry and his cause were the collective mojo that made it all come to pass. Most of us have remarked or reflected on what the word “classmate” means in this day and age of studied hyperbole and embroidered superlatives. Whatever it means to you personally, I can think of no better demonstration or personification of the “classmate” concept than what Mike Rose did in this situation. He walked the walk, that’s for sure. Esse non videri—in spades! Class props to Mike, who may never again have to pay for a drink in any ’69ers presence, and heartfelt and long overdue congratulations to Terry and Diane.

I was fortunate enough to share a pitcher of brew with Terry right after the good news became public, and it was perhaps my most satisfying tankard since 1969. Here’s a pix of (previous page) our newest majorgeneral giving the entire class an enthusiastic “Thumbs Up!”

Mike Goode and Scott Bench: Birdie party, anyone?

Now, in the department of past pictures overdue are Mike Goode and Scott Bench, just like you remember them, during the 2007 Qualifiers for the Senior PGA Open. Though neither qualified, they both came close. Scott is moving (or has moved) to Austin, Texas, after his Fed Ex days, and Mike is still cruising with Netjets and helping some 69ers land flying jobs there. Terry Brady and Flip Keck, both Coloradans, are both now Netjetting, and Flip’s new home with the blue-ribbon view of Pike’s Peak and the Academy will have lit its bar lamp by the time you read this.

Skip Daly, a fellowAlexandrian, sent along a great article on Columbus AFB’s 60/65 Heritage Celebration, during which three streets on-base were renamed to honor deceased airmen considered POW/MIA. Next time you drive down UPT memorylane at Columbus, be sure to spin down the former Second Street, renamed Lockhart Street, in honor of Captain George “Barry” Lockhart, who graduated in pilot training class 71-02. This was especially poignant for Skip, since he and Barry switch-hit as best man at each others’ weddings. Barry, also from Alexandria, has his name enshrined on a memorial dedicated to a community center in the Del Ray section ofAlexandria, a ceremony you may recall written up in Checkpoints at the time. Skip, meanwhile, continues his work with Congress and is helpingorganize the inter-service academies golftournament, which has relocated from Texas to NorthernVirginia.

The Armed Forces Bowl game attracted a critical mass of ’69ers (that re-

Bob Kirkpatrick, Gary Lindner, John Buckner, Greg KronbergFlip Keck, and Craig Upton - Yea, Silver! Yea, Blue!

quires two, doesn’t it?) to Dallas-Fort Worth, including John Buckner, Craig Collins, Brad DeAustin, Bob Gemignani, Flip Keck, Bob Kirkpatrick, Greg Kronberg, GaryLindner, H. Ownby, Bill Savage, Art Schwall, and CraigUpton, among probable others. H. offered up his considerable organizing skills, and attracted a throng of 700, according to some accounts. During the partying, despite the final outcome of the game, Greg, who helps lobby for medical issues, took the following shot of some ofthe usual suspects.

Gene Justin writes from SoCal that his ICBM Project may be coming to a close, and he could be heading into academia full-time. Claremont Graduate Universityrecently named Gene as one ofits “outstanding” recent PhD graduates. He and Lancine took a X-countrytrip lastyear that seemed to touch every cool site in every state.

JohnWarner and his cello are much in demand at the Massachusetts seashore. Seems churches, cities, andthe famous Salem Philharmonic have all sought his participation. Our own version ofYo Yo Ma.

For those who haven’t read it, check the Air & Space PowerJournal, Winter 2007, for John Hopper’s comments on “The Hypenated Airman.” As a tickler, his closing sentence should give you all the motivation you need to seek out the article and John’s thoughtful message: “Multicultural tribalism and Marxist philosophy as a foundation for our complex social environment was just too much for this old Airman to handle.”

Tom and Anne Allen and Jean and I joined Tom and Karen Fleming for dinner recently in Crystal City. Tom F is back from the sandbox, where he was putting his considerable energies and talents to work on the IED problem a tour ofdutyfundedbyTomA, who continues his leadership role at IDA (Institute for Defense Analyses). Tom and Karen have recently relocated from Hawaii to Fort Collins, where the Buckners are closeby neighbors. John, Flip Keck, Jim Downey and others out there are trying to convert Tom F. into a bicycling enthusiast. We shall see.

And finally, please know that our “last man standing” on active duty, Major General Charlie Baldwin, AF Chief of Chaplains, will be stepping down in a ceremony on 29 May 08. Time and place: 1330 hours at the Air Force Memorial. Attendance open to as many as can get there. A perfect way to jump-start your Memorial Day weekend, honoring Charlie in specific, and symbolically honoring all our Classmates who shared that summer of 1965 and subsequendy served the nation over the last four decades, and now, in capacities too numerous to name.

That’s it for space this time. Much more to pass along from Christmas missives, and update on Class Reunion Gift. Please pardon, if you will allow me to borrow from Monsieur Barry Bonds, any “inartfulness” you find herein. Until next time. Hand Salute, all. Lindsey

Dick Rauschkolb

130 Luxury Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 761-5764

Cell: (719) 310-6928

Email: AOG70@comcast.net

^67%!

.Members j

Seventy had a great turnout at the Armed Forces Bowl where the Falcons played a gallant game but couldn’t hold onto a 21 point lead. Speed kills and Cal had lots ofspeed. Our great QB, Sean Carney, went down in the third quarter and his injury probably had a big effect on the game’s outcome. Kudos to all ofyou who purchased tickets to the game for cadets and service men and women to use. The grad community really pulled together and purchased 12,000 tickets for the game. Those types ofsale numberswill help us get selected for bowl games in the future if we are on the bubble.

Amongthe knownattendees were: BJ Bjorkland,Tommy and Cookie Thompson, Gary Covington, Tim and Sue Kinnan, Tom and Sheila Waskow, Wild Bill Stealey, Denny and Lee Anne Thrasher, Terry and Sharon Dessert, and Ed and Linda Cole. It seems that a few classmates had a meeting at a local pub and engaged in a little driving competition while enjoying some adult beverages.

Greetings classmates! The DarkAges are alive andwell here at USAFA. This is the worst winter that I can remember. Haven’t been able to hit the links since Thanksgiving.We get one storm after another, snow never has a chance to melt, and the winds are strong enough to blow you to Kansas. Very depressing— cabin fever has taken on an all new meaning—maybe I should have been a skier. Well at least I don’t have to form up and march to breakfast in this lousy weather. I wonder if anyone reallyenjoyed second semester Doolie year? That had to be the low point ofmy cadet experience.

Seventy men keep little kids from playing games for hours! Back-to Front—Ed Cole, Tim Kinnan, Wild Bill Stealey, and Tom Waskow.

Kudos to Wild Bill Stealey for beingappointed to theAOG Board ofDirectors. As a former member of the Board, an eight-yearparticipant in all Board meetings, and the target for many on the current Board when I was Vice President of Communications,Wild Bill’s addition is a welcome breath offresh air to a Board that lacks the experience to take yourAOG to the next level. I realize most ofyou don’t wake up in the morningwondering what the AOG is doing, but I would encourage all of you to get more involved in the issues facing the AOG. As a result of the lastelection, a separateAOG Foundation has been formed composed ofmajor donorswho want to supporttheAcademy and the cadets. The result of the last election has resulted in an almost $1M shortfall in projected revenue and as a result many important programs have been cut and morale on the staffis low. Take a look at www.usafa.org every once in awhile, signup for ZoomieNation on that web site, join the Seventy Group on ZoomieNation, and take advantage ofthe AOG’s new universal e-mail system. We are at an age where we should all be involvedwith events at our alma mater and the role ofthe graduate community. Mark Ewig is our class senator. Please share your thoughts with him or me.

teaches

On 6 February a bunch of classmates went to see Gregg Popovich’s Spurs play the Wizards in Washington DC. At press time (30 Jan), those planning to attend were: Yogi Royce, Wild Wood Woodhead, George Keys, and Dave Sterling. John Verardo said he saw Pop when the Spurs were in Los Angeles and sent in this picture to prove it.

Pop

John Verardo andJohn’s son thefiner points ofholding on the pick and roll.

Just a reminder, Gregg’s dinner honoring him as one of the Academy’s Distinguished Graduates will be on 4 April. Let’s have a great turnout to honor one of our own who has been selected for the Academy’s highest honor. Gregg may not be able to attend due to the basketball schedule, but he is making a video and we should all be there to show our support. Get details off the AOG web site listed above.

Here a few updates from Christmas cards. Rex and Lynn Levoy are still in North Carolina. Rex said he is now limiting his aerobic exercise to an elliptical trainer and chasing Lynn around the house. Poor Lynn—did anyone know Rex as being famous for doing aerobic exercises? Rex is less than two years from retirement so tune up your golf games as I am sure he will do some traveling seeking out some pigeons to win money off of. Fran and Kathy Buchan are in Birmingham. We hope to see them on a visit as one oftheir daughters is teaching in Denver. Dusty Swanson is retired from FEDEX and using his handyman skills to do all those projects Rose Ann has been building up over the years. Can you believe Terry and Sharon Dessert live on Wildwood Drive?! Our own Wildwood insists the street is named after him for his memorable skits as a Falcon cheerleader. Pat and Carol Collins continued to do a lot of traveling around the country and even made a trip to Europe with Bob and Kathy Baskett. Carol suffered a serious knee injury on the links looking for one of Pat’s many wayward shots in the woods. Dan and Shosh Murphy are enjoying beautiful Evergreen, CO. Mick Davey is driving Jan crazy now that he is retired. Never fear though, she is volunteering Mickfor lots ofcharitywork—at all hours. Marilyn has hooked on that ideabutshe wants me start bringing in an income so she filled out a job application for me and I will be starting at McDonalds on 1 Feb. Mike and Melissa Huber continue to spoil their granddaughters. Tommy Thompson had a special experience which he said was the highlight of his career. Before retiring from FEDEX, he had the opportunity to fly with his son Ty who recentlyjoined the FEDEX team. Tommy is already starting to work on his golf game for the 2010 Reunion Golf Tournament. Bill and Donna Porter are enjoying the Springs as it is close to their grandchildren in Denver. Jack Mueller continues to hold down the IT job at the AOG and is doing fantastic work. Rick and Carol Humke are planning another cruise. Larry and Marleen Bush and Steve and Kathy Sharkey are regulars at USAFA basketball games. Speedy andWendy Martin are now wintering in Arlington, VA. Theykept their home in Woodland Park for the summer, but given the Colorado winter and Greg’s many travels to Washington it made good sense for them to make the move. John Russ and daughter took in the Notre Dame game—unfortunately John’s daughter had an ND cap on—aargghhh. Chuck and Barb Weir continue to enjoy Scottsdale and side trips to San Antonio and San Diego. Chatted with Joe Burke a few weeks ago. Joe is a class act and is doing great work with Diane at Keuka College in upstate New York where he is president. Mick Davey sent me a nice article about Joe that highlights allthe good things he is doing.! Came across this picture recently.

These guys are looking younger everyday! From left are Steve Maclsaac, RogerRiggs, and Larry Bush.

Got a nice note from Jack Norman. For those ofyou who are able to continue flying after hitting 60 due to recent legislation, you should send a note ofthanks to Jack as he spent about six months in DC lobbying for the legislation and, as a result, succeeded in getting it passed. Jack and George Rayl are both flying B-777s for Continental. Apologies to John Lipp—his girlfriend’s name who passed away was Janet—not Susan as I wrote. Many of us came to know Janet at our Reunion—a wonderful person.

As I have mentioned here before, Joe Kupko is our last classmate on active duty. He recently deployed to Afghanistan and before he left we discussed something special he could do over there. We agreed taking a flag and flying it in Afghanistan would be a neat gesture. Joe did that and we are presently looking into getting it put in the ’70 bar at Doolittle Hall. Thanks Joe—all your classmates salute your service in Afghanistan and doing this for the class. In closing, please keep Steve Feaster’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Steve recentlypassed away due to cancer. Here is to spring arriving early and all you golfers enjoying a good year on the links!

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80920

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 594-0100

E-mail: pknott@acninc.net

The DarkAges are upon Colorado Springs once more, as is evidenced by my e-mail and regular mail boxes. If it weren’t for bills and offers to increase my “vigor”, I might not get any mail at all! The basketball and hockey teams are young and improving (read“inconsistent”), so who knows what theywill have done by the time you read these words?

Thanks to Chip Reny and Harry Davis for their Christmas letters. Harry had a health scare last year, but is doing well. He and Cindy are joining the ranks of grandparents. Chip and June have the third generation thing well in hand.

John and Bernadette Stubblefield stopped by in mid-November to meet our Delaney (USAFA Class of “29”). Unfortunately, with family and friends, they didn’t get to share all that much news. They were on their way to the airport to pick up one of the cadets that they’re sponsored through the years.

It occurred to me recently that we’re getting to be “elder statesmen” Some of us are actually older than the Air Force! Fortyyears before we entered the Academy, Lindbergh hadn’t crossed the Atlantic yet! A little over nine years before June of 1967, the F-4 Phantom that many of us knew and loved had its first flight. The frighteningthingis it is possible that in fortyyears, our grandchildren may still be flying B-52s and C- 130s!

One more item in this extremely short column; I found out today that it possible to join the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association without being someone who actually flew north of that storied part of NorthVietnam. Check it out on-line. Also, the fiftieth anniversary ofthe Phantom’s first flight is being commemorated by a new Phantom patch, suitable for framing or slapping on helmet bags, goat skins, or trusses.

A fairwarning; I have photos ofmygranddaughter and me, and I’m not afraid to use them! So write already!

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

55% Members

Greetings once again class. Let’s get started with a story from “Rak” Rakitis who took his long awaited trip to China in October. This episode took place during his cruise down theYangtze to Shanghai. He’s sitting on the observation deck of a small motor ferry, the M/VVictoria Prince, cruising the Baling River and surveying the Lesser Gorges just north of the Yangtze River. That day he was wearing one ofhis recentlypurchased Air Force Academy sport shirts (re: recent ’72 Class Reunion). Anyway, several people from his tour group keep coming up to him and asking, “Did you meet the Air Force guy?” and “Hey, there’s another Academy grad looking for you," or “I think there’s some pilot looking for you.” Naturally, his thought was they all had one too many BloodyMary’s at the morningbrunch, because he knows he did.

Then, out of nowhere, appears a somewhat mature gentleman asking, “Did you go to the Air Force Academy?” He introduces himself. It was Chuck Liggett from the Class of 1960. Needless to say, they were both somewhat amazed. Here they were, two zoomies, literally in the middle ofChina, swappingAcademy stories. Rak also met Chuck’s lovely wife, Kathy, who showed greatforbearance as they sat at the bar later telling lies and “talking with their hands.” The truly astounding fact was how many times their paths had crossed, and experiences and bases they shared. Talk about a small world.

On the final night aboard, there was a farewell dinner. Chuck and Rak had their picture taken with the Captain, and he looked at them in a somewhat peculiar manner. They were both wearing the exact same thing, blue sports coat, gray trousers, shirt with button-down collars (sound familiar). They were even wearing the same blue ties with Chinese dragons on them. Guess old training dies hard. It wasn’t hard for the Captain to figure out they went to the same school.

There’s an epilogue to this story. While returning to the States, Rak was wearing the same Academy shirt. He was standing in the rear galley of a 747, in the middle of the night, somewhere over the middle of the Pacific Ocean. A young man asks if he went to school thereand he answered in the affirmative. The

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young fellow mentions that he had just graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, NY. At this point Rak is dumbfounded when he discovers that this young mariner, returning from his first maritime cruise, was a classmate ofhis (Rak’s) son’s, both ’07 grads ofKing’s Point. Andthis world gets smaller by the day. Thanks to Rak for letting us hear ofhis world travels!

Bill Haan wrote shordy after wewere told of the untimely loss of our dear classmate, Stan Clarke, soon after we had been together at the reunion in October. Deeply saddened by this, Bill related that he had the opportunity to spend some time with Stan and his wife, Carol, during the reunion weekend. Stan’s memorial service was held in Waitsburg, WA on Dec 15 where nearly a thousand people paid their respects, joining together as the Washington State wine community socializedand remembered their friend Stan.

Dan Lohmeyer sent a letter of support to embattled classmate Tom Fiscus recently to offer his view of the situation in which Tom has been involved for some time and which many of us may not have a very clear understanding.

Although it was sent as a personal message to a fellow classmate, Dan did inelude your scribe as a recipient to the e-mail, possibly as a way to put out the word that ’72 sticks together regardless of any negative that may be encircling any one of us. Hopefully this is always true. I include my bestwishes to you Tom, in the hopes that the issues get resolved to the benefit of the truth and your good name.

Harvey LeCato forwarded some photos from the reunion of which I will be able to use only one in thiscolumn. As usual, there are limits to the length and number of photos for each column that I am allowed to include here, but rest assured that we can put unlimited numbers ofthese items on the AOG Class of ’72 website. Tom Maddock already set up our site, and Mike Verzola uploaded many ofhis photos from the reunion foryour viewingpleasure. Hopefully more will follow as you all endeavor to unload your digital cameras eventually.

We had an update from Sandy Lewis on a spin-off directly resulting from our reunion. As you may have known, the Marriott Hotel provided the Class of ’72 with complimentary rooms based on the number of “room nights” the class booked for the reunion. One free overnight stay was given to Bill Looney in appreciation for his speaking at the Friday night dinner. He returned it to Harvey Lecato in hopes someone else couldbetter use it. A drawing was held to determine which committee members would receive the remaining free overnight stays. Those whose names were drawn unanimously agreed that it would be better to provide the free rooms to servicemen returning from Iraq. With that background, on behalfofthe Class of ’72, on 14 December Doug and CherylBrower, mywife Bobbie, and I presented the sixfree nights at the Marriott (and some cookies and fudge thanks to Cheryl and to Terry Schiessler) to the

759th Military Police Battalion at Fort Carson. The 759th had been responsible for protecting all of our in-country transport and for training the Iraqi national police, and had begun returning home the night before, after spending 15 months in Iraq.They had been in their 11th monthwhen the policychanged, extending their tour. They were very deserving and very appreciative of the gifts. It was an honor for us to be able to present the gift, and all who attended the reunion had a part in it. Thanks to all.

Our new Class Advisor, Senator Doug “Mush” Brower sent out his second update on the most recent CAS meeting he attended via teleconference, reporting it was definitely an interesting experience. He has collected a list of over 400 of our e-mails to whichhe sends these updates, so ifyou are not among those on the list, and are still interested in receiving the updates that Doug provides, then we need to get your e-mail updated on his list. Send to me ifyou want it forwarded to Mush and it will be done.

That about wraps it up for this news column, guys. Thank you for all your support and information. As always that is what we need to be able to put this out to you!

Joe Kahoe

4140 Saddle Rock Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Cell: (719) 210-5568

joekahoe@gmail.com

http://73.texascomputerhelp.com

Class of ’73, thank you for your great inputs for this Spring edition. Please start sending me info now for the Summer edition. Also, if I failed to inelude anything you have sent in the past, please send again to jkahoe@khoefederal.com or joekahoe@gmail.com. Go to our website at http://73.texascomputerhelp.com for expanded information. Respectfully, Joe Kahoe, CS-07.

Mike Arnett and Pris moved to Cape Canaveral for four years. Mike does Business Development/Marketing for L3Com. They have three daughters—all grown and married; two in Colorado, one in Iowa. Mike reports the Niners have found a long-lost non-grad Niner, Jim Shumate, who left the Academy at the end of our third class year with diabetes. He moved back to Utah, where he became a lawyer and eventually a District Judge in St. George, Utah in 1991. His 15 minutes of fame occurred last November, when he sentenced polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs to two consecutive terms of five-to-life. Jim and wife, Cheri, have three sons, theoldest of which is a ’97 grad and now a major, flying EC-130s. (more on website)

Steve and Kim Dalrymple’s daughter, Diana, Class of 2008, commands 2nd SQ (Deuce), which Steve commanded in 1973 - Proud parents! Steve and Kim represented our class at the 2008 National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) held at AFA 21-23 Feb 2008. Steve and Kim live in 0 Fallon, IL and Steve is a Senior Associate for Booz Allen (Dalrymple_Steve@bah.com).

Steve, Kim, and C1C Diana Dalrymple

John Foreman (jtf@sei.cmu.edu) was selected as the national retired Air Liaison Officer (ALO) of the year for 2007. Congrats!! John is the Chief Engineer, AF Programs for Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. His son, Scott, Class of2000, deployed to Iraq on Dec 22 for a year as a contracting officer.

Michael Hay, Horny 18, and April have been married 32 years, have three sons. Steven (30) enlisted, became a “Nuke” on the USS Carl Vincent, and was quickly sent to RPI (#2 @ Prep School) for a double major in Comp Sci and EE. He was ‘in’ but chose not to go to Canoe U. Mike swore him in as an Ensign a month before he married in South Carolina, where he was born while I flew 141s (CHS). Mikie (18) is a senior and will be entering the U.C. system and

From left are Sharon VanBastelaar, Ann Stover, Bill Colwell,John Greenlaw and Ginny Colwell.

DougBrower, CommandSergeantMajorJohn Coleman, andSandyLewis infrontofthe 759th History Room.

wants to be a veterinarian. Mark (16) is a freshman at MVHS and while high functioningautistic, has an encyclopedicmind, but inheritedDad’s studyhabits. Mike may retire from NWA in the Fall after flying the 727, 757 and 747. April entered the realty biz (www.socdreamhomes.com) about three years ago, working hard from the O.C. house and is doing well, becoming a partner is three years. Mike Hay reports that Bob Schineller and wife, Jan, are ready to leave American Airlines for a motor home life after leaving Carol Stream, west of ORD. Jan still works part time as a dental hygienist, is active in her church, but is looking forward to spending more time with Bob. Jocelyn is working in Colorado and Chris is in L.A. Mike also tells us that Eric Vogel is getting remarried soon and works at Southwest with Horny Dennis (Goose) Geesaman and Kirk (Link) Lilly. ‘Link’ is a check airman and Goose’s Roost B & B keeps Kathy humming.

From Bob Munson: This year’s NCLS took place Thurs-Sat, 21-23 Feb; the theme was “Impassioned Citizenship: Can One Make a Difference?” (Story in next Checkpoints.)

Bruce Bennett (brucebennettll@hotmail.com) is still at DIA but is being “promoted” to Deputy Director for Operations of the Joint Military Intelligence Training Center (JMITC), where they have assumed responsibility for all civilian intelligence analysts at the COCOMs. They have doubled their “resident” student population and are charged with providing the same training as they do with National Capital Region analysts. They are heavily engaged with the Brits, Aussies, and Canadians in Maywhere we will be sharing and developing some common curriculum.” Bruce Bennett also reports, “I am still doing volunteer work as an Angel Flight pilot. I have flown several missions moving patients around the East Coast using my “antique” 1962 Cessna 182. This has been a rewarding experience. One of my latest missions was to fly a 60+-yearold cancer patient from Norfolk, VA to Baltimore, MD. He had never flown before. I gave him a detailed briefing, showed him the airplane, and let him fly. He did great and reallyenjoyed the trip despite some bad weather! We also use the plane to travel back and forth to Norfolk,VA to visit our three grandchildren. Their dad, a Navy LT, just returned from Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts in countering IEDs. We took two of the grandkids with us on a long flight to FortWorth and St. Louis this summer to visit their great grandparents. It was quite an adventure, but the girls are seasoned Cessna travelers and did great.”

Monnie Gore lost his very beautiful and lovely wife, Jennifer, on Nov 15th, after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer for almost five years. (Monnie, our deepest sympathies and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.) Monnie has been the Deputy County Administrator for El Paso County, CO since Jan 2007.

Charles D. Stewart, CS 28, just opened another orthodontic practice in Weatherford, Texas on Santa Fe Drive. His middle son is getting married in April. His daughtergotmarriedlast September, and oldest son’swife is expecting in June which will be theirfirst Grandchild.

John Wigington attended the October retirement ceremony for Lt Col Kim Nelson, the wife of our classmate, Sherm Nelson. John reports that the Nelsons live in Tullahoma TN, where Kim was assigned to Arnold Engineering and Development Center and Sherm commutes to work daily to Huntsville AL.

BJ Stanton’s family grew by two in 2007. “Our older son, Spencer (Purdue 2000), and his wife, Kylah, blessed us with our first grandchild, Connor, in July. Then in December, our younger son, Stuart (USAFA2001), married Kristen

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in Pennsylvania. We couldn’t be happier with our two new additions!” (bill.stanton@si-intl.com)

Joe and Debbie Kahoe’s son-in-law (Kevin Carrigan) returned on Dec 29th from eight months on the ground in Iraq as an Air Liaison Officer with the 3rd ID, where he earned a Bronze Star. On the same day, our son (Jeremy Kahoe, Class of2003), deployed to Qatar in his C-17 from Charleston.

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

0: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8020

E-mail: jbrezovic@comcast.net

joseph.brezovic-l@nasa.gov

Hello classmates! Seems to me that 2007 was a TDY week. Lots crammed in, some fun, ate out once or twice, and where did the time go? The largest group gathering news this quarterfrom Dom Paparella. He writes that several ’74 alum retirees from 30th Sq made it out to Chicago for his retirement from the Navy on 30 August 07. The reunion was as they say “short but very sweet” with in alphabeticalorder, Col Kevin Burns (’75 from 30th), LtCol GregFindlay(honorary 30th), CAPT Dave Freeth, USPHS, Lt Col Mike Fueyo, and Lt Col Mike and Kim Sebring all enjoying the visit. Also on board was an old ADCOM pal of Dorn’s from Buckley, Col Jose Lopez. Dave went to Public Health as a Nurse Practitioner after his AF time, and Dom to the Navy Medical Corps after his. Dom is continuing is non-retirement as an orthopedic surgery consultant and associate ChiefofSurgery at the localVA and opened his private office in January 2008 for the rest of the week’s work schedule! [So, I ask, where is retirement:?]

From Dennis Rensel, picture ofour classmates at recent Scitor Holiday Party at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. From left are Sam and Joan Torrey, George andJacquie Tota, Dennis and Kimberly Rensel, John andJoanne Pretz, and Paul andJane Freund.

Stuart Stanton’s wedding:from left are Stuart, Donna, BJ, and Spencer Stanton.

Mitch Mitchell andJohn Garrard at a mini-reunion CS-31 Grim Reapers.

Dom Retires with a fewfrom CS-30.

Dorn’s Guest of Honor was Dr. Sam Fraerman, orthopedic surgeon, one of Dom’s mentors who is a WWII Veteran of the battles of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Monte Casino and Naples.

The next picture was taken in Delhi, India where Wayne Higgins met Bobby Russell while on a layover.Wayne flies as a B-747 Freighter Captain for Singapore Airlines Cargo. Basil Rathbun and Mark Halsor (also early retired Delta 74 grads) are there as well. Bobby is Assistant ChiefPilot for Spicejet (an Indian low cost passenger airline) and spends the majority ofhis time in Delhi. “Our second careers have taken us to some places we never imagined. Ifyou’re ever in Singapore look us up. We’ll be glad to give you the nickel tour.’’

Wayne, local, and Bobby in Delhi.

Classmate Lt.Gen. Norman R. Seip is the 12th Air Force Commander. He recently was at Cannon AFB, NM, where he participated in transferring the 27th FW (inactivated) to become the 27th Special Operations Wing. Also still an active duty classmate for our country is Howie Chandler. On Nov. 30, Gen. Paul Hester relinquishedcommand ofPacificAir Forces to Gen. Howie Chandler. All I have on General Chandler at this time is that he has served in a number of operations, staff, and command positions, most recently as USAF’s deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements. Howie has flown F-15 and F-16 aircraft.

Joe and Jo Kelly wrote that the mid-2007 started their retirement years! Joe finished off 33+ years as the Joint Staff Surgeon. He has recovered from his heart attack and was able to go thru seven realtors in five states for their new home. So, now you can find them in Bethesda, if Joe is not working with a group planning the future of military medicine. Joe and Jo family are well on the way of growing with one couple applying for PhD programs (Tim&Kate) while raising a year old. Their daughter is working with troubled teen girls in another state as the house teacher.

JJ and Cynthia Romano are sufferingthrough the empty nest syndrome, with many of the dinner conversations centered on what is Joey doing now! The home is still in San Antonio while JJ TDYs thought the Midwest between San Antonio, Omaha, and Shreveport. He is doing this for SAIC to better their support for the DoD. JJ still flies gliders and tries to keep their son’s PW5 in good condition. Cynthia runs the house and acts as the contractor for home upgrades! The kitchen is now complete.

Dale and Ginny Burchby had to evacuate their L..A. home during the October fires, but were blessed with no damage. Fires were a few miles away! They, too, have an empty house syndrome to contend with. Dale is still with Northrup Grumman striving to build and win proposals. Sailing on San Diego Bay is the outlet for stress and strengthening family ties. Dale is on the lookout for crew members, so give a call. One of their daughters has appeared in HBO’s Entourage, and even in a Ritz cracker commercial with George Hamilton. Their other daughter and son have traveled throughout the south Pacific and Japan, but on distinctly different plans, but both back in college (Amherst and NewYork University).

John and Cheryl Ephland stay active with the youth in Belton, MO. John still works at the airport and directs the high school youth group. He and Cheryl enjoyed a trip to Denver with their 27 AWANA youngsters were they earned 2nd place in the nation in the AWANA games, after taking 1st place in the Bible Quiz &AWANA games in the regionals. Their own two youngsters are still in the neighborhood so the parenting is still experienced at close range.

The greatest travelers that I have record of here is the Bowman’s. Rich and Peggy have Ohio as their state of residence; however, their letters closely resemble a round-the-world story covered by CNN. There is Hawaii at the lava pits. There is golfing in the famous St Andrew’s in Scotland (10 days). Kansas City. South Carolina for the Retired Military Golf Tournament. Nebraska. Colorado Springs. Lake Huron. Plymouth. And that isjust this year. On happier note, Rich is still cancer free as of the Dec 07 checkup.

Jim and Helen Shamess are first-time writers! They have 33 years of stories to tell and only a smidgen was painted on three single-line, 10 point, 3/4 inch margin pages! Of course it was to their family as part oftheir Christmas letter! It was fun to listen in on stuff from their heroics to grandchildren. Must be a

time for renovating kitchens. They did that, too. One son resigned active duty AF to be unpaid 2Lt in AF Reserves atWestminster Theological Seminary, and they are happyand supporthim. Another son, Jon, graduated from USAFA, and requested to be a Special Tactics Officer. He surrendered his pilot career to go thru the extremelyrigorous evals at Hurlburt Field.. .and passed them all! As for the grandchildren, one line is that althoughJim and Helen do not usually go to zoos, a new dimension is added when visiting with the grandchildren.

Jim and Helen’s Family

It was a great year for pictures and cards from y’all. As you can see, we have pictures n some notes to look at in the next few issues, since we are constrained to three per issue. Thank you, everyone, for sharing your lives with us; permitting us to rejoice with you in the highs and give support in the sad parts...helping each of us remember that we are not alone, nor forgotten!! May you live long and prosper.

Paul Kent

18166 S.E. 41st Place

Issaquah, WA 98027-9717

Mobile: (425) 785-3586

E-mail: zooscribe@mac.com

Happy 2008

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A good number Best-Alivers convened at Bill Murray’s Texas BBQ in preparation for USAFA’s first Bowl appearance since 2002, the Armed Forces Bowl against Cal on New Years Eve. As you can see from the photo, most of our stalwart football team fan classmates were all wearing their brand-spanking-new blue AFA football jerseys with the big “75" emblazoned on the front and back, along with our class emblem on the front, manufactured by Ben Bosma’s firm, and facilitated by Mark Volcheff. The scribe purchased two and gave one to Mrs. Scribe as an anniversarygift to celebrate their marriage 19 years earlier to the day. Confused, Mrs. Scribe thought “75” was for the 75th floor ofthe tallest building in Seattle, where the reception was held. Of course, this is the same Mrs. Scribe that asked, two months after Mr. Scribe was promoted to Major (in the USAFR, as she didn’t know him in the actives), “What did you say you are An Admiral?” Anyway, our Falcons did well but couldn’t survive a rally by Cal after a three-TD lead. California was ranked No.

Infrontfrom left are Don Byers,JeffHackett, Bill Murray, Rich Chanick, Terry Young, Larry Fariss, and Jon Noetzel. Back: Mike McClendon, Jim Carlson, andRick Townsend. NotPictured:RandyCaraway,JackHuffman, and BillyStephan.

2 in the nation in Octoberbefore losingsixofseven games. Others at the game inelude BuckRogers and JeffChappell. Dave Commons, Dale Meyerrose, and Kent Traylorparticipated in the Athletic Fundraiser the night before the game.

The Ring. You may recall, as our Fall 2007 Checkpoints deadline loomed, a USAFA 1975 Class Ring was up for auction on eBay. We didn’t know who the ring belonged to at the time, and the seller was less than forthcoming with information. After the purchase, we discovered the inscription has two lines in cursive. First Line: Ed Kasl; Second Line: Omnia VincitAmor (Love Conquers All). Ed knew his ring was lost, and suspected it was his, but the seller would not acknowledge the request for information.We may or may not find out more about this later. Anyway, a little Class Ring Heritage review is in order: “With financial support from the Class of 1968, the AOG has established a class ring display on the second floor ofDoolittle Hall.This display is designed to include one ring (actually worn by a graduate) from each class. The AOG maintains a display of class rings and is working to acquire additional class rings to create a heritage ingotcontaining one ofeach class ring, a portion ofwhich will be included with each new class’s ring. After the AOG has collected two rings from each class (one for the display and one for the ingot), Jostens will melt one ring from each class into a single ingot. A piece of this heritage ingot will be added to the production ofall future Academyrings. From then on, all rings will include a piece of everyAcademy class.” For those wondering, the Class of 1975 has one ring on display, donated byJTWolter. It has a red stone and a cross. Inner inscription reads “JT Wolter DirtyThirty”. Did you know?: The standard for Air Force Academy rings is White Gold. Yellow Gold is not authorized. The Ring mystery and purchase created some dialogue among us. Mark Holmes: I too, lost my class ring, a 14 Kt white gold with a blue glass stone. I was at a party at a house in C-Springs, took a bath, left it in the soap dish and when I went backlater after the party was over it was gone. I was just sick. Myfolks were kind enough to replace it years later with a stainless ring as a replacement. Johnny Sims: That makes me grateful I recovered mine from Iraq... and much more grateful that the class was thinking ofreplacing it for me for the 30th Reunion! And lastly, there were offers from Rudy Roth and Bob Miglin to investigate creating a database of all our rings. Great Idea! David Beck closes: started me thinking about where I want my ring to go after death (which I hope is not in the near future). I’m not sure what I’ll decide, butthis might make an interesting question to poll our classmates.

Classmates Paul Lotakis is the new Great Pacific Northwest POC replacing Mark Fry who moved to England. MikeMcClendon has been reassigned to Langley AFB, VA. Stan Gorenc landed at Tucson and is working for Raytheon. BG Duane Jones has left RamsteinAB, Germany for the Pentagon. From Chuck Willis: BTW Just have to brag. My son Michael, Class of ’98, was just promoted to Major, effective yesterday! He has also has two Bronze Stars from his previous assignment. Mark Volcheff has joined Mark Beesley asa member of the Durango Group. Mike and Jan Goyden became grandparents in January 2007 and their son Chris was married in July. Tom and Debbie Peterson’s son Chad was ordained into the Lutheran Church followed by other son Jess’s marriage a few weeks later.

The Tom Peterson Family: son Chad, Emily, wife Debbie, Pete, Nita, and son Jess.

The Year 2007 in Review, by Jim Carlson: We’ve had a pretty good year as a class. We didn’t lose anyone. We have the largest presence in ZoomieNation (336). We continue to wow the folks at the zoo who notice these things, (from Don Rightmyer ’73: How in the world have you guys managed to get so many classmates online and in this group?) Ourhard-working ClassWebmaster, Marty Stytz, created a class website without parallel and raised thebar for the other classes.We continue to produce the next generation ofAcademygraduates, and more children of notable achievements in life who make us proud to be their parents. Marty intends to put together a “Google Earth” application that will give you the opportunity to virtually “fly” over a map of the US to locate other classmates. Pre-Graduation Stories. As you know, I’vebeen collecting stories, reminiscences, photos, and other trivia from you from our days as cadets at the zoo. And you’ve responded with great alacrity, making the collection of

memories from those times worthwhile in building a class legacy, as well as fun for me (and others) to vicariously live/share your experiences. I will continue to exhort you to keep sending such electronic memorabilia to me and to Bill Estelle, our class archivist pre-graduation. Post-Graduation Stories. But we also had careers and lives beyond the zoo. And that’s where this next request comes in. Our class archivist, post-graduation, is Bruce Mitchell. He and I have talked about ways to gather the highlights of our classmates’ lives after the zoo. I want to lend my efforts as your class president to this endeavor, and to ask each of you to think about some of the great memories and experiences you’ve had since 4 June 1975. There are potentially over 700 stories out there - but we’d be very pleased to get half that! Let’s start small, and begin with select topics. For instance, how about stories you may have about times you’ve crossed paths with other classmates.

Non-Grads. An anonymous letter to Jim Carlson from a non-grad: When did you start including those who did not graduate in your reunions? Is it not a little awkward? How do those who graduated feel about it? And Jim C answers: Non-grads have always attended reunions, historically in small numbers. And not just our class. I’vemade an effort to find as many non-grads to join us in all our class activities. Our last reunion broke Academy records for non-grad attendees (over two dozen). The reactions have been very positive. We try to designate one night at all reunions as “Doolie Squadron” night so that there’s an anchor group for everybody.

1971-1975. From Bruno Bethaud: We were five exchange cadets that senior year: Stphane Abrial is one of our 5-star Generals. He is actually Chief of the French Air Force. Bruno Dauchet has been a Pilot for Air France for the past 15 years. Marc Bonnet is working for NMJ Services. Dominique Jamaux is working in Thales Airborne Systems. Bruno Bethaud, me, working in SAGEM Defense & Security. Stan Schoener: Although I did not want or enjoythe ‘Senior Year Shuffle’, I am finding out there is a nice advantage to itany news going around, I get to hear from two sources, Paul Lotakis (CS-35) and Jim Carlson (CS-33). Thanks guys! As time is passing by, I really regret not making it to our 30th. I’m anxious for our 35th reunion to get here (and splitting time between my twofavorite squadrons!). From Bill Rohde: Really great “listening” to all the stories and trying to visualize who’s “talking”.. .Problem is, I see 20-year- old faces, knowing we probably don’t quite look the same.

Julius, circa early 1975!

Blast from the past, courtesy of Julius (Chappie) Hargrove: The Story of the “Big Bad Brother” national advertisement. Short (publishable) Version: “I was the usual suspect to take a photo, had nothing better to do, the project turned out to be a national minority recruiting campaign done by some fancy New Yawk ad agency, and little Tommy Cunningham made the scene come alive. I was not punished for missing class that day!” From the scribe: Want the longer (entertaining) version? Of course you do. Go to zoomienation shortly after this printed Checkpoints arrives. The scribe will post a greatly expanded update electronically. I’ll also post some extra photos, in color, including the full “Big Bad Brother” ad. Enjoy!

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

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Fellow ’76ers, I hope you all had a superb holiday and that 2008 has started well for all of you. The CadetWing is in the “DarkAges’ that we all remember oh so well. But, according to our cadet sponsorees, they know spring break will come at some point. Sounds as ifthey are hopeful!

Moving up/moving on. Willie Shelton pinned on his 3rd star with Kevin Chilton officiating. Congrats Willie! Dave Clary from Vice/CC ACC to Director, Air Component Coordination Element, Multi-National Force-Iraq. Dave says he’ll be moving in early Feb. Staysafe Dave! RoyWordenwill replace Dave as Vice/CC, ACC. Congrats classmates!

General Class Stuff: As I mentioned in last article, Jack Catton retired. Joe Wysocki sent this photo showing the ’76er’s attending:

In the top rowfrom left are TerryNew, LarryNew, Dave Berg, Terry WilHams, Tom Bowie, BobHinger, DennyRea, Mike Worden, andBob Grosvenor. Bottom:JoeWysocki, PeteKluck, WadeMcRoberts,Jack Catton,Jimmy Carter, Bill Rogge, Joe Shirey, and Mike Byron atJack Catton’s retirement.

Wade McRoberts helped with the names in the photo. Thanks McBob! Gary Turnipseed sent several combined pages in several emails. Space won’t allow me to put it all in here, but the high points are - he’s living near my home stomping grounds of Dayton, OH, flying for United, wife, Cathy, works at Wright-Pat and has a co-worker who went to school with our classmate Jim Reames, Gary was able to take his Dad to the Armed Forces Bowl and enroute ended up jumpseating on an American flight flown by Mike McGinnis with A1 Granger riding in the cabin; family had a great year with trip to Dutch West Indies, moving daughterAngela to Dallas, canoeing on St Joseph river, attending Airshow of Milleniium in Columbus. Thanks for all the input Gary! Bob Oleksy also sent a couple of notes. He and Nancy are here in C-Springs; he’s been working for Boeing for 12 years on the National Missile Defense program, son Ryan is a Marine and has seen “his time in far away places”, daughter Tiffany lives in Idaho, Bob and Nancy have two grandkids w/another on the way. He sent a great photo ofhim, Nancy and grandkids.

Randy Schavrien, son Scott, and Randy’s dad, MSgt USAP (ret). and invitation for y’all to come visit when you can. Pete Mapes hollered from Maryland and says he and Nona are doing well. Sent me a link to an interesting site on DoD rotary wing mishaps. Thanks Pete. Bob Mansfield wrote to tell me he didn’t have an input this time. He is still here in C-Springs working as a defense contractor. In a subsequent note he tells me “only one more semester until” he gets a big pay raise when he finishes paying for daughter’s college. Also said he got a visit from Scott McComb last fall. Harrison Freer tells me it was quite gratifying to see Chili officiate atWillie’s promo. Says he and Steve Heinz were a “small but loud audience when Chili recognized ’76 as the best USAFA class ever.” Harrison works for a small company in DC. Joe Evans says his son (USAFA ’06) finished primary atVance and is now at Ft Rucker learning real aviation in helicopters. Smart kid you have there Joe! He also says oldest daughter Laura has made him and Anita grandparents forthe first time. Laura and Mario (USAFA ’97) are at Oxford for Mario to get PhD courtesy of USAF. Finally, Kurt Klingenberger sent a small novel. He is a security and defense consultant in DC area and does a lot ofworkfor Brad Moffett. Karen is finishing a tour as had ofBollingFlight Surgeon shop and son Justin is a high school frosh. Kurt also tells me in Feb 2007 he was here for a meeting at NORTHCOM and had a heart attack. He got great support from Bill Brundage, JeffLarsen, and Brad Moffett, both here and in DC area, during the ensuing days it took to surgically clear the arterial blockage. To quote Kurt - “I am not sure how to end this story other than to think back to the summer of 1972 when we heard over and over again: “Take care of your classmate!” I can tell you that some 35 years later, three guys - Bill, Jeff, and Brad (and their great wives) - were still taking care of this classmate at a pretty tough time. Thanks again to you all. Spirit of’76.” What a great testimonial! Thanks Kurt!

A quick personal note - Martha and I will become grandparents for the first time in June. Daughter Melissa (ROTC ’03) and hubby Rob (USAFA ’04), both active duty USAF, are in England now, so a trip to England is most likely on my docket this summer.

Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. Send me your notes, inputs, address updates, suggestion, junk mail, etc and I will do my best to keep all of you in the loop. As always, ifyou are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. Keep flying your flags and let our deployed troops know you have them in your thoughts and prayers.

The Spirit of 76 is STILL alive and well! Until next time....Beatty.

John J “Lou” Michels, Jr.

4107 Harvey

Western Springs, IL 60558

Voice: (312) 849-8150

Fax: (312) 849-8151

E-Mail: jmichels@mcguirewoods.com

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Bob, Nancy and grandkids on way to “Pumpkin Patch”.

Jeff and Cyndy Larsen spent some time in Omaha with Kevin and Cathy Chilton while attending son’s swim meet. Jeff says Chili carries 8 stars quite comfortably. Jim and Paula Hogue also visited Chili’s while in Omaha to see first grandson Lucas. It’s beginning to sound like Chili and Cathy are getting a lot of ’76er visits. Denny Damiens wrote from the DC area. Says daughter Danielle graduates from Virgina Tech this spring. She was there during the shootings last year but is doingwell and is has been accepted to Univ ofMary- land for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Denny and Nancy are still fostering abused and homeless bull terriers and have six in the house at the moment. Randy Schavrien sent a photo ofthree generations taken at son Scott’s gradu- ation from OTS. Scott is now at Columbus for UPT.

Congrats to the family Randy and good luck to Scott! Ben Thomson sent me an announcement of grand daughter Cadence Mae Carlson’s arrival on 15 Jan. Ben says he and Norma have done their first, but not last TIM (tiny infant monitoring) session. Congrats Ben. Doug Fry sent a nice note about their new house in south central Colorado at the base of Silver Mountain and extends

I hope this finds everyone staying warm out there. Yesterday I thought I was back in Colorado - the temperature fell 50 degrees in less than 12 hours as a snow/cold front moved through the area. Unfortunately, the only mountains and valleys around here are formed by the skyscrapers. Anyway, I hope everybody’s holidays went well.

The Less-Than-Over-stuffed Mailbag: I suspect everyone was just plain tuckered out from the reunion festivities, which is why my Christmas mail was pretty light. Unless you want me to start making things up again (and doctoring photographs now that I know how to use Photoshop), start writing, soon. You have been warned.

John Mol (Debbie) had a Christmas reunion with Rick Newton (Cathy) in Germany. John and Deb teach in the DODDS there, and Rick, who works forAF Special Ops at Hurlburt, was visiting Ramstein to set up an exercise at USAFE. John notes that they did not spend any time talking shop, “because I can still barely spell USAFE,” but they did discuss places to settle down. Rick and Cathy are apparently headed to North

Carolina, while John and Deb are looking for a small town in Colorado not infected by the strip-mall Borg. Good luck with that. Playing off one of my notes from my previous column, John got some curriculum help for his 8th grade science course from amateur astronomer Greg Bradburn (Teri). The Zoomie Network comes through again. Just to remind you all of Christmas, here are John and Rick in Germany:

European Christmas Vacation - John and Rick.

Mike Oelrich (Gail) sent me a short note (a first, at least for me as the scribe) detailing his reunion positives and set-backs. On the positive side, Mike reported a thoroughlyenjoyable experiencemeeting up withWallyZane (Renee), Don Dobias (Hope) and Bruce Johnson (Carla), all from Thirsty 1st. I rememher Mike as being particularly tactful, which he bears out with his comment, “It’s amazing that four guys as sad looking as we are ended up with such lovely wives.” Nice touch, Mike. He then goes on to note that three hours after he and Gail drove away from home in Helena, Montana, on the way to the reunion, Gail realized she’d left her luggage with her party dress in it back at the ranch. Rather than add another six hours to the trip, they pressed on, but as Gail was driving by Loveland, she made a quick exit as they passed an outlet mall. “An hour later and several hundred dollars poorer,” they had their dinner clothes, according to Mike. This is what happens when you let them drive, Mike.

Mouse Neumeister (Lorrie) provided me with an update on his life since he retired as the scribe a while back. Notwithstanding the fact that I promoted Mouse to Brigadier General in the fall of 2002, (well, at least my intentions were good) Mouse retired as a Colonel after 30-plus years, on 1 July 2007. His official ceremony occurred a couple of months earlier at the National Security Space Office, his final assignment. None other than our classmate, Ray Johnsno, make that Lieutenant General Johns (Diana) - presided and Mouse even provided a picture:

CS-25 Fireside Chat. Thefront row: Ken Knapp, Mario Garza (Janice), and Dave Zelenok. Back row: GeojfWhisler, Randy Burks (Karen), Mark Sasscer (Marian) and Rob Gaston (Barbara).

I must say, based on the other photos that Ken provided, that this group had a really good time at the reunion. More to follow, but I’m glad there was a doctor in attendance. Thanks for the shots, Knapper, hope to see you the next time I’m in Albuquerque.

Freeze Out: That’s it from Arctic Central. Hope everybody is staying warm and is sitting near a keyboard. That’s a hint to send me some information. Be seeing you.

Bob Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201

Work: (661) 824-6426

Email: Robert.kay@baesystems.com

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Ray, Helen (Mouse’s mother), Lorrie, and Col. Mouse, Ret. Mouse reports a great time at the reunion with the Mungus of 31st CS. He’s now working with DHS directing the investment management and acquisitions for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. There’s a politically incorrect joke in there somewhere that I will steer away from now. Congrats, Mouse, and don’t lose track of me or I’ll promote you again.

More Scribe Shortcomings. I missed a lot by not being at the reunion, but I owe an apology to John Christ (Louise), Ron Ladnier (Pam), Scoop Branham (Diane), Mark Meakins (Gail), Bob Vendley (Nancy) and a bunch of others for not making it to the rejoin planned for the Bee during the festivities. If, in fact, such a rejoin took place, my apologies (and where are the pictures?). If not, shame on you guys for guilt tripping me. Ron and Pam, who are just down the road from Chicago at Scott, are supposed to be up here sometime soon. I’d wait until the wind chill gets above -15 degrees, if I were you guys. Ken Knapp who graciouslyinvited me to swingbywhen I was inAlbuquerque last year, fired me a quick message with some photos of the gang from CS25. The group gathered at Dave Zelenok’s (Kathleen) house in the SpringsDave works for Merrick - and the result was this shot:

Greetings ’78ers...

Am on the roadyetagaintrying to get this turned in before the deadline. Not as much info as in the past quarters but enough to make it interesting—I hope! First off, ran out of room last article so couldn’t run this very cool pic of two squids. The young one is my Plebe son Philip standing with fellow Bulldawger Mad Al Myers. They were able to link up last fall during a Navy game at Canoe U. MadAl is a two star navy admiral andworks as director ofthe Air Warfare Division of the Navy staff. Prior to that, he was the commander of Carrier Task Force 8 on the east coast. Al was also the only USAFA grad to command an aircraft carrier back in 2001 (USS Kitty Hawk) and did a stint as the Senior Mil Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. Not bad for a Zoomie! I truly appreciated Al taking time out to meet with my son during the game. Hopefully they’ll be able to link up again.

Mad Al and Philip

Also heard from Sig Nelson (American Airlines) who participated in a civic tour of Edwards air patch right up the road. Unfortunately, I was traveling (as usual) so we weren’t able to connect but he said it was an excellent tour. Sig enclosed some pictures of classmates in the airline biz that he has run into.

Visit the AOGWeb Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

Lyman and Sig

Next is TerryKelleywho is a captain for Delta although I’m not sure where he flies out of. Great work Sig.. .thanks!

Terry and Sig

In other news, DickNewton pinned on his third star and is in charge ofall AF manpower and personnel matters. The guy he replaced got his fourth star and now commands USAFE so who knows?Bill Chamberspinned on his second star and is still the SECAF Director ofCommunications. Sawhim quotedextensively the otherdayin a article about theAF Chiefcallingtogether all the AF squadron commanders for a conference. HawkCarlisle also pinned on his second star as AF DirectorofLegislative Liaison and finally, Glenn Spears also put on his third star and is Deputy Commander ofSouthern Command in Miami.

Kind of an interesting side note, ifyou look at the Senior Leadership page on theAF web site, three guys on it are from our class (Dick, Bill and Hawk). Think that might be another record.

Well gents, about all I have this quarter so this will be a non-typical short installment. Please keep sending stuffin as you have in the past.. .ifnot, there’s no telling what I might do if I get desperate enough. Have a greatWinter. 78 is Great!

Mike “Trash” Ashley

17 Bridle Court Charles Town, WV 25414 (304) 728-4888

79trash@gmail.com

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an effort to join us this May for the event; as yet, no specific date has been established. In the past, Jon Box (Jon.Box.ctr@ pentagon.af.mil) and Mike Roller (rollsroller@hotmail.com) have beenthe point ofcontact forthis outing, usually held in northernVirginia (DC area).There has even been talkaboutjust a USAFA outing in the fall. Stay tuned for more later.

I just returned to the left seat after a four-year hiatus as first officer. While training on the MD-80, 1 met Mike Fountain and Jim Reagan. Mike is flying as captain on the MD-80 in LaGuardia, NYC and Jim is based in Chicago. All of us fly for American Airlines.

For the trek to Annappolis for the Navy game, I was joined by Brian Hampl (with wife, Becky, and son, Zach), Keith Abbott (with new bride, Sue, and her son, whose name I forgot) and Ed Zanowics (his wife, Terry, had a previous commitment). Brian lives inVermont and works for the local school system as a financial manager. Keith works for HP and lives in Monument, CO. Ed lives in Maryland and flies as captain for Southwest out ofBaltimore. I saw no other ’79ers in the crowd. If I missed you, I am truly sorry. Hope to see you all at the Army game next fall. I know the boys from Atlanta will be there!

Tidbits: From Judy Wills, Guy’s wife: “This year finds Guyworking full time at RBCS as the one and only elementary school computer teacher. Classes range from kindergarten through sixth grade. An added job challenge is the loss of a computer lab, and gain of a rolling cart equipped with 25 APPLE laptops. Yup, you guessed it; he gets to push this monstrosity from classroom to classroom. Guy says - YOU have not lived until you’ve heard 22 1st graders screaming “MR. WILLS, My lap top doesn’t work!!” Guy’s other unofficial job is Boy Scouts: going camping and merit badge counselor. This summer will see the male Wills going to two different BSA camps AND a seven-day ocean adventure offishing, sailing, and camping called Sea Base, in KeyWest, FL. Judy is also gainfullyemployed at RBCS in Therapy Services

From Tom Fernandez: Three US Army officers in Baghdad, all assigned to the IraqAssistance Group, all USAFAgrads... Butch Diotte (’88), Tom Fernandez (79), and Dave Abramowitz (’82) Blue to Green baby!

Greetings from Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. I hope the new year is treating all well. We had a mix-up of emails and this was a short-notice suspense to get this article out. So please accept my apologies for the brevity of our class news. I will send other info to JR Dallas, who has the next article. I would like to send my welcome to our new class scribe, John Pardo. John has taken Brian Koechel’s place on the scribe merry-go-round. Thanks Brian for all the workyou’ve done and all the info you passed along to all of us to disseminate.

Sabre Society Donors

Last May a group of us got together for the annual 79 Golf Tournament.This event was startedbytheMiddies and Grunts a few years back, theyeventually included us. Our participa- tion in this event has grown, year byyear. Last year we had our best attendance, outnumbering the Middies for the first time. It’s a great one-day event; we all thoroughlyenjoyedteaming up for a round ofgolf. I hope more ofyou will make

This from Jim Runk: I just started my fifth year as a GS-13 (YA-02 in NSPS).

I’m still the chief of C-5 Aircrew Ops & Training at AMC (A3TA). Ran into Erv Lessel at the Interservice/IndustryTraining, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando last week. He’s slaving away as the AETC A5/8. My wife, Kathy, the perpetual student, moved to Albuquerque to enter a veterinary technician program. She’ll be there for 18 months. Daughter Michelle is in Japan working for the Toyama city government. Hope all is well with you and yours. Cheers.

And that’s all folks. Remember the golf tournament and the Army game. Hope to see you then. Don’t forget, the 30th is just around the corner. Start makingplans. Send updates to JR at jrdallasfl6@yahoo.com. Mighty Fine!

Don Myers

401 Chambray Hill Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247 (770) 631-1429

E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com

46% Members

Class Home Page: http://usafa80.tripod.com ZN=ZoomieNation.usafa.org

Hero amongst us. Steve Saleck reports thatAllene (Dowden) is doing “wonderfully” after donating one of her kidneys (that’s right!) to Steve’s youngest sister. This came about after the young gal’sonlyfunctioning kidney was failing. A true gift oflife.

sp

Where’s the Twelfth Man! Mike Opatowsky was at the last USAFA football game: “Kirk Yost traveled out from his post- retirement gig in Washington DC (analyst for the MITRE corporation) to visit Big D and me for theArmed Forces Freedom Bowl. We had a good time catching up and witnessing the ball game. We reallyenjoyed the low-altitude fly-bygiven by a B-l and two F-22s - one nearly attached to each wing tip. The attached photos are ofKirk and myself...Kirk is to the right (the taller, better looking dude). The family picture, also taken at the stadium, is my brood and clan... daughter Hannah (age 15); son Mitchell (age

ire Society Donors

Pictured is (yet another) Bulldawger Lyman Lee who is a captain for United. Lyman is on the left and Sig is on the right.

11) and wife of nearly 20 years (Jane). I continue teaching future radiologists the ropes at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas...they have come to expect that all my lectures will have filler slides composed of aerospace current events and historical events.... wouldn’t you know?!” Among other things, Mike’s a docent for the Frontiers ofFlight aviation museum at Love Field.

MO’s brood!

Gen’s Corner: BG JanetAntheaTherianos, Special Assistant to the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, to Director, Intelligence, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL. BG John Posner from Deputy Director of Operations, Nat’l Military Command Center, Pentagon, to Director ofAir Force Smart Ops 21, Pentagon. Ricki (Smith) and Paul Selva continue to exhaust me, just from reading about their activities! I found out where Ricki gets her desire to build: Her father, who passed awaythisyear, built the familyhouse with his own hands. “I like to think that my work with Habitat for Humanity these last five years reinforced our special bond. We loved to talk about everything from traveling in Asia to the proper consistency for mortar.” And about Paul: “He and his team help set the course for theAir Force for the next 15 years or so. He is also involved in leading the effort to prepare forthe next QuadrennialDefense Review, a comprehensive review ofthe Defense Department’s mission, conducted everyfouryears. Ifthat isn’t enough, he leads the Air Force’s process improvement effort. Like every other commuter in DC, he leaves home at about 5 a.m. and returns at around 7 p.m.” Still related to this, theAF Assoc, notes, “Officials at the 45th SpaceWing at PatrickAFB were to meetwith theAirForce’s smart operations boss, Maj. Gen. Paul Selva, to discuss the wing’s reorganization efforts toward paring down the current three-year commercial launch approval process for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Florida Today reports that Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th SW commander, believes the wing may be able to reduce that process to one year, making the Cape more competitive.”

S’more: The AOG Board ofDirectors announced the appointment ofAllison (Hilsman) Hickey to the Board. Congrats!

Tom (Ann) Williams still makes his home in Auburn and is shifting gears with the Navigatorsministry at that location. He’s now part oftheir challenging International Student Ministries, where a major emphasis of his work is with foreign university students, as well as with those from other countries finding themselves in the area.

Peggy (Bob) (Dennis) Carnahan sent a colorful missive from their farm/ ranch, complete with tales of ice storms, feeding a rejected calf, family outings, etc. “In [Bob’s] ‘spare’ time, he’s sharpening his artificial insemination skills on the cows and dabbling in genetic engineering and embryo transfers. Peggy is a captain on the Citation Encore for Netjets. She deferred her recall to American Airlines this summer. She fills her free time with volunteer work for several organizations, teaching a distance-learning masters class for Air University, chasing after critters, and taking care of Bob.”

June (Bob) (VanHorn) Lindner, from Cibolo, TX, recounts, ‘“Don’t Mess With Texas.’ I always liked that saying. Now I must add, ‘Don’t Mess with the Lindner Kids.’ David, Sarah, Hannah, and even Mom are now black belts in Taekwondo. I love doing things with my kids, but this is really pushing it.” They’ve traveled mostly in Texas (“but, man, this is a BIG state”) for compe

titions. David and Sarah are ranked in the top 10 in the world. June is still involved with triathlons with her daughter at Texas A&M. She and Bob also met-up with the AF Cycling Team for the annual RAGBRAI (race across Iowa). The family continues to be involved with both leadership and participation in AWANA at their church and highly recommend attendance at a Newsboys concert: “They are so uplifting and entertaining!”

The Dave (Cindy+many) Prahst family is growing again. They will be gaining a son-in-law, Chris. He must be a Georgia boy, as he made his way from there to New York to ask permission from the father (that’d be Pastor Dave, who actually holds the title of Reverend) for Emily’s hand. So, what I gleaned is: They have daughter and son (going to ExxonMobil) finishing colleges in Georgia and another applying to schools as he works part-time at a custom meat-cutting shop. Cindy closes: “I’ve stayed busy with church and keeping things going at home. It’s been fun helping a son think through job offers, a daughter plan a wedding, and a son decide where to go away to college. It’s kind of emotionally exhausting, though, too, with five others around who need my time, attention, and help with schoolwork! Still, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything!”

Pastor Prahst’s crew.

“Your Gift Fund Team is now actively working with the AOG and USAFA’s leadership to install two memorials. As you know from these updates, ’59 memorialized their Air Training Officers in Doolittle Hall (the AOG building next to the O’ Club) and at Arnies. We’ll do essentially the same for our ATOs with about $25,000. Stay tuned for unveiling details and check the class group on Zoomie Nation for more information: https://zoomienation.usafa.org.

On our much larger ethics work, we’re activelyengagedwith the AOG to endow the Professional Ethics in Education Representative program. We’re funding PEERwork piecemeal for now as grads workthrough the larger governance and fundraisingissues in our association. Finally, Doc Warr, Nancy (Mariano) Kudla and TonyWolusky have reluctantly left the team to take care oflife’s demands. Don Myers and Bob Cooper have stepped up to join this work so far. There’s still room for a couple more classmates in this final stretch, so please contact me ifyou can help: Herlik@aol.com [Ed Herlik].”

As you know, I have a space limit here. Find out who else I heard from at the ZN web site - as well as any just-after-the-deadline stuff. Finally, if you’d be interested in performing as Guest Scribe (several classes share this fun), then don’t ever hesitate. It might bring a fresh circle of classmates to the printed page; certainly, a fresh perspective. Keep the news coming. God bless, Don.

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

The football Falcons had a tremendous year finishing 9-4, undefeated at home, and lost a heartbreaker in Ft Worth! I flew down to cheer for our team and the crowd was heavily AF. It was awesome to see such a large AF fan turnout. Heck, we’re almost through with basketball by the time you’re reading this article. It has been a growing year for the young basketball Falcons with flashes of greatness mixed with periods of frustration. They are improving! Hockey won a big one over DU this season, but lost their keyplayer to injury against CC the next night. This quarter, I’mfeaturingthe Rebels ofCS-11.1 desperately tried to get inputs from “my” squadron-mates with limited success. Scott Land, the “Colorado Springs - Air Academy High kid” is in Omaha after retiring out of STRATCOM. Scott’s son Josh is a senior in HS and looking into colleges. He wants to direct films, so we’ll keep

an eye out for him in the future. Scott’s daughter Laura is at Iowa Western studyingnursing. Scott said he andTanyaplan to eventually return to their 131 acres in Missouri. Alex Baggett and hiswife, Sonia, have lived in the Philippines for the past three years. Alex is still flying as a A300/310 Captain for FedEx. He and Sonia have seen and done about all there is to do in the south Pacific region to include touring the Great Wall, Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong and they are touring Vietnam and Cambodia this Spring. Alex and Sonia are in Brazil as I write this article. Sonia is Brazilian, so Alexhas picked up Portuguese as you may already know if you saw him at our 25th. Alexhad some other, slightly sarcastic remarks (I know you’re shocked) to pass to specific Rebeleveners, but I am exercising my editorial rights to hold them back. Alex and Sonia are still deciding where to settle when they move back to the states. Alex did say that fellow Rebelevener,JeffBraley, also flies for FedEx.

Jerry Green sent me a nice email and picture. Jerry and Becky are doing well in Phoenix, AZ. Their oldest son, Jeremy, is 23, married, and works in Flagstaff while their other son, Nathan, is a sophomore at Southwestern College studying music. Jerry flies for Southwestern airlines. Tony Lorusso is in his eighth year ofworking for the state of Minnesota as Director of the Minnesota Trade Office. Tony supports the Governor and recentlycompleted a round the world trip with Governor Pawlenty.Tonybegrudgingly continues to endurethe bonechilling Minnesota Winters. Hey Tony, what about Global warming? From Europe, I received an update from Greg Tovrea. Greg works as a contract F-16 flight simulator instructor at SpangdahlemAB, Germany while his wife, Jennifer, travels across Northern Europe for Hallmark International. Their daughter Alexa is in third grade and busy with Girl Scouts, dance, and cheerleading. I also received a note from Dave Huff. Dave and Paulette are close to being empty nesters. Their oldest son, Joshua, is a sophomore at Oklahoma University and preparing to attend his junior year at a university in China to sharpen his Chinese language skills. Their youngest son, Matthew, is a senior in HS and plans to attend University of North Texas in the Fall.

Finally, the Trentman family had a great Christmas with my two oldest sons, Patrick and Sean, earning their Eagle Scout ranks together. They are 366 days apart in age and have always done everything together. I know, a shameless, personal plug, but, hey, it is one of the perks of being the scribe! I’m working asa Program Manager at a small software development firm, go to allAF sporting events, and I’m heavily involved in scouting. I did leave a message with Maryon Baumgartner (Whitener) twice, but didn’t get to talkwith Maryon. I’ll followup! 7 out of25 (countingme) from CS-11 responded...hmmm, my squadron needs a “togetherness” pill.

Rich and Debbie Trentman with Patrick, Brian, and Sean munity theater and the San Antonio Theater Coalition. I see theusual suspects at AF basketball games - Frank Cheeseman, Marty France, Steve Hirst, and Tim Harris. Steve and Susan Hirst sit courtside at the games a few rows below me and very close to Marty. Speaking of my friend, Marty, I’m going to a Super Bowl party at his house. I’ll see my friend Lauri Cross there, too, I’m sure. Bryan Funke wrote that John Eunice received the prestigious Newman Award from the Society of Military Engineers. Congrats, John! I emailed John Marlin at Exxonmobil to see how life is in the high profit oil industry. I teased John about limo drives to work and catered lunches, but John did not bat an eye in saying he much preferred the helicopter service to get backand forth from work. John’s been very busy stuffing cash back into the company cabinets. He hasn’t lost his sense of humor! Kurt Neubauer is the 11th Wing Commander at Bolling AFB and said he has done more ceremonies and protocol in thelast eighteen months than his previous 24 years. Kurt and Sandy are doing well.

Steve Thalmann is finishing his first return to active duty tour at L.A. AFB this Summer and then heads to AFRL - Mesa, AZ site for what could be his last assignment. Steve promised me an L.A.-area ’81 picture soon.

Senate news: Your Senate has drafted a letter to the AOG Board with our recommendation to continue support of the AOG’s vision, mission, and core purpose in its’ by-laws of support to the Academy, Heritage, and membership. We also recommended selection of a strong AOG CEO as soon as possible to layout a plan and lead the AOG staff to meet these challenges, strengthen ties with USAFA, and supportthe Board’s direction. Anyinterest? The Senate has chosen to be proactive in drafting this letter versus waiting fordirection from the Board.

You guys are the best! Thanks for allthe kind emails over the Holidays. This has been an easy job for the past six years. Also, our class project, the locator building, at the cemetery was a huge success. Read the article in this magazine. Thanks for your generosity throughout our 25th Reunion capital campaign. My 25th article in the books. ’81!

Jim Ratti

2860 Arbor Pointe Drive Middletown, OH 45042 (937) 760-2333

rattijm@mindspring.com

http://usafa82.org

46% Members

Greetings Redtags!

Christmas and the “holidaze” are behind us, and here in Ohio we look forward to the lengthening of days and the coming spring. It hasn’t really been a bad winter, but I still prefer the warmer weather!

Class news has been a little slow lately, so this column may be a bit on the short side. But here goes! Mike Sinisi is as busy as ever keeping up his mailing list and organizing gatherings for the folks in and around D.C. He heldanother small get-together in January. Ifyou’d like to be added to his mailing list, send him a note at Mike_Sinisi@sra.com. Note the underscorebetween his first and last name.

Earlier Mike had publicized an offer by Chris Haave to host private tours of the West Wing of the White House. Several classmates have taken Chris up on the offer, including Mike himself. Here’s a picture of Chris (on the left) and Mike in the White House press room.

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

Becky and Jerry Green and family

Dave and Paulette Huff and family

General Class News: I received a Christmas card from Dan Meisner in Florida. Dan, I love the kindness and will never complain, but how about a sentence or two on what’s happening! Linda McCullers sent me Christmas wishes in an email and is keeping very busy as membership chairperson for a small com-

“BuddingWhiteHouseCorrespondents”

Mike saidthe tour was exceptional, and that he reallyenjoyedseeing such familiaricons as the rose garden andtheoval office. Butgivenhisbackground as a comm guy, Mike saidthe gearinthepress room was especiallyinteresting. I gleaned a fewtidbitsfromvarious e-mails over thepastseveralmonths. A1 LowryandJim Smith are bothworking at theAirWar College at Maxwell. No word on theirspecific duties. Bob Ottotook over as the commander ofthe 9th ReconnaissanceWing at Beale inJanuary. Before assumingcommand, Bob was the (deep breath...) DeputyDirectorforIntelligence,Air, Space, and InformationOperationsforFlyingTraining atAirEducation andTrainingCommandHeadquarters,RandolphAFB. BryanBranbyis stillliving outinwestern Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. Up until about two years ago hedbeen flying for USAirways but is now a full-timeAir ReserveTechnician (ART) in Pittsburgh. Mike Roberts has taken commandofthe 178th FighterWing (Air National Guard) nearbyhere in Springfield OH. Mikehad been previouslybeen an advisor to thewing, butstepped up to the commander’s billet in January. BryanDalyis also here in Dayton,workingforBoozAllen Hamilton. He has one daughter in college, anotherinhighschool, and a son in first grade. His wife, Susan, singswith a semi-pro musicalgroup here, and both are active in their church’s choir. Finally, Mike Maher wrote from SanAntoniowhere he’s an instructorforFlightSafetyInternational. HeretiredfromRandolphinMarch of2005 and teaches inthe Cessna CitationXL/XLS simulator. Hiswife, Irene, is a guidance counselor at MacArthurHigh Schoolin SanAntonio.

Chip Dorman sent a note andthispicturefromthe Liaison OfficerDirectors’ Conference in C-Springs. He met up with Sandy(Maloney) Keeter, and they had a good time catchingup andlearningaboutallthe latestgoings on at the Academy.

ChipandSandyat theLODirectors Conference.

That’saboutallIhaveinthewayofnews this quarter,butIwantedto add aplug forsomethingoflong-termsignificance. As manyofyou are alreadyaware, our AssociationofGraduates has gone through a prolongedperiod ofturbulence anddiscord. Withinthelastfewyearswe’ve seen awell-meaningbutbloodyand divisivecampaignto changethebylaws andoverallgovernance structure ofthe association. Originallybased on substantive issues, manyofthedisagreements becamepersonalandresultedintheformationofsome separateprivateorganizations andfoundations. We’verecentlywitnessedthe election ofanewPresident oftheAOG Board ofDirectors, theresignation ofour long-servingCEO, andtheresignation ofseveralkeyanddedicatedAOGboardmembers. Right nowtheboardisactivelyrecruiting a newCEO, andselectionoftherightperson is critical to the ongoing success ofthe organization.

Astheboardisregroupingunderfreshleadership andbylaws,they’veformed a new advisorybody, the Class Senate. The senate is comprised ofone representative from each class, and its purpose is to advise the board and act as spokesmen for their respective classes. As class scribe, I was asked several months ago bythefounders ofthe Class Senate to bethe senator for our class. I’mcertainlyhappyto act in thatcapacity, butIneed to hearfromyouregard-

ingissuesthatface ourAOG. So as issues come up, I’ll send out e-mails to those I havevalid addresses foraskingforyourinput. I’ll also postthem on the class website. I’ll give a short synopsis ofthe issue andwhat I need fromyou, and generallyinclude an attachment or two for review and comment. Ifyou feel stronglyenough about the topic, I’d welcome hearing from you. Ifthere’s somethingyou’d like to bring up on your own, call or e-mail anytime.

FranklyI’m concerned about the state ofdisarraythattheAssociationis currentiyin, and goodleadership andvision on thepartofthe CEO, Board President, andBoard ofDirectors willbe critical to restoringthehealth, credibility and influence ofthe organization. But even good leaders need advice and input, andthe Senate can certainlyhelpwiththat. Thanks in advance forassisting me in thatendeavor.

That’s all for this time. Until next quarter, be safe. Ratman

Ray Blust

7 Highland Park Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 242-7182 rjmablust@comcast.net

Inkeepingwith a new tradition that Stu started andWade picked up on, we need to find a fewlost souls. These are the trulylost ones who theAOGhave no addressesforat all. Lost are: DaveBuckenmyer,SallyCirafici, William Couture, DougHuntley, GregMcCullough, Craig Propst, Chris Skinner, LuisVaca-Pardo, and RogerWitt. I’d also like to piggy-back on our lost soulswith our upcoming reunion. Our current committee members are DougHighChairman, Sue Ross-Hotel, Carol Jones-Merchandise,A1 Arata and Steve Wichmann round out the committee. In advance I’dlikethankthemforcomingforward and offering to help-just a little arm twisting was involved. Our Dean, DanaBomwill still have veto power over alldecisions since she is our rankingofficer at theAcademy. Nowsincetheall-before-mentioned informationhadto dowith our reunionitdoesn’t count against our 1200words.

Lots ofgreat stuffandwaytoo manyphotos to put inbut we will continue to insert the maximum number allowed bylaw-3. Got a great photo from Ron Gaulton and Ken Frazierwho got to fly a three-daytriptogether. Theyflyfor Southwest, Kensince ’92 afterflyingF-16sandRonsince’05afterretiringwith 22 years flying theA-10. Mike Bartleywrote from Nelliswhere he is the 99th Wing/CC with Ken KeskelwatchingMike’s back as hisViceWing/CC. Mike andwife, Robin, have two boys, 12 and 7, while Ken and Debi have two girls in college. Mike points out that both he and Ken graduated from CS-15 togetherandafter23years are backtogetheragainrunning one ofourAF’slargest and busiest installations. John(’84) and Gayle (Johnson) Dennywrite from CincywhereJohn is flying 767s forAirbornewhile Gaylejustgother Master’s and teaches math part-time. Wes and Grace are in high school. Gayleplease bringJohn to the reunion; he can be our waiter for theweekend!

Reunion chairmanDougandKim High are hanging out inthe Springswhere Dougretired and simplyput on civilian clothes one dayto do the same job he did as an 0-5. Doug is working for AF TENCAP as a Project Manager and engineer. Make sure you’ve had a couple ofbeers at the reunionbefore Doug starts to explainwhat some ofhis projects are. Theyhave two beautiful girls; Hillary is 16 andAnna is 9 and both enjoyfencing and music. Thanks again Doug! Pete and GerryMcCaffreywrite from LasVegaswhere theyjust celebratedtheir20th anniversary, saw their oldest son Michael graduate HS and BasicTraining. Congrats guys; see yaat the reunion. Ofcourse one ofmyletters would not be complete ifI failed to mention Jon and Brenda Duresky. Got Jon’s one-page Christmasletterinthe smallestfontpossible, I thinkhe gottired ofme bustin’ his chops aboutthe two-pageletters. Jon, I’llletyoutellthe good news inyourarticle - No, Brenda’s not pregnant!! Wayne Schatzwrote with an update on some ’83 BrigGen selectees andthe Little Rockhappenings. From

Ken FrazierandRon Gaulton - SouthwestPilots.

theAF’s Senior Leader Orientation Course are the selectees from our class. Theyenjoyed 10 days ofgolfand a short course on how to harass Sq/CCs. Pictured area Kim andWayneSchatz, BrianBishop,GaryandTanyaHarencak and Lisa and Norm Brozenick.

GeneralSelectees

Kim andWayne are atLittle Rockwherehe commandsthe314thAirliftWing. Brian andwife Linda are at thePentagon as the #2 in SAF/LL; that’sthe second in command guys! Brian came from theWing/CCjob at Kunsan. Gary and Tonya are currently at Langleywhere he is on the ACC Staff, they did their Wing/CC tour at Dyess in the Bomb Wing and are heading to the wing at Whiteman. Norm and Lisajustleftthe 1st SpecialOps.Wing at Hurlbert and are now at the Pentagonwhere he is #2 at HAF/A9, AF Studies andAnalysis, Assessments, andLessonsLearned. Congrats guys,yunsmake us proud.Wayne also wrote about some other mates aroundthesystem. Bill Changose lives in Little Rockandworks forAlltel now as theVice President - Bill, I believeyou’ll owe a lot ofpeople beers fordropped calls. SteveWallenderis in Dallas flying for a majorairline; he retired a fewyears ago. Tim “Bounce” Strawther and KevinKriner are both at HQAETCworking as division Chiefs inA3. Kevin was recentlydeployed to Baghdadwhere he was the Group/CC ofthe US side of theIntemationalAirport. Bounce was recentlyTDYto Kirkutwherehe was the CC oftheUSAF-Iraqtraininggroup. Bounce, I gotyour photo fromtheAOG but hadthree already; will send it offto Jon for the next article-sorry! Mark PohlmeieristheCEforAETC. Scott Goodwin was commanding the 374th AirliftWing out ofYokota, Japan and is at the Air Expeditionary Center at McGuire. Ricard Smith retired a fewyears ago and is an instructor in the C130J schoolhouse at the “Rock”. ThanksfortheinfoWayne; see yall atthe 25th.

Dave and TinaWrightwrite from SanAntonio where Dave flies for SouthwestwhileTinacontinues to shuttletheiryoungest, Caroline, whoseinthe7th grade. Courtney, their oldest, is a freshman at the UniversityofNorthTexas. Mike andEdith “Pad” Padillawrite fromTennesseewhere Padis 727 Captain withFedEx. So, ifone ofyourChristmaspackages didn’tmake itintimeblame it on Pad, he owes you a beer at the reunion. Theiroldest son, Mikey, is starting flyinglessonswhileAnthonyis enjoying scouts andthe second grade. Leslee (Forsberg) and Chris (’82) Washerwrite fromWhitefish, MT. They were well into the ski season when she wrote. Their doors are always open to visitors who want to enjoythe flyfishin’ or skiing - call ahead though. YoungJacob is a HS sophomore while Becca is a sophomore at Montana State. See at the reunion. Like Gayle, pleasebringChris, he can help John as a waiter!!!

didn’twrite anything, Ijustwantto givehim crap fornot updatinghis addresses as he used our old address from 2000. No excuses smack and please don’t blame it on Ralinda. You owe me a brewsky at the reunion.I did have three otherphotos but am word andphoto limited. Does anyone out there stillhave their cadet car besides me? My '83 Camaro gets me to the airportwith only 227,000 miles. Mymechanicwon’tpass itanymore becausetheframe is rusted andthemuffleris missing! I tried to whine aboutthis beingWestVirginia and all buthewouldn’tbudge. We (AmericanAirlines) have fourflights a dayfrom the U.S. to BuenosAiresArgentina, two from Miami and one each from DFW and NY. Onthis particulardaythe Class of’83 was represented on each one of theflights. I flewtheNewYorkflightwhile GeorgeCespedes andRodneySpahn flewthe two Miamiflights and Dave Yelken flewinfromDFW. We took a great photobutI had a fewmore thathadbeenwaitinglonger. HopefullyJon can get it in the next one. Wellthat about does itfor now. JonDureskywill bescribing the next article due to the AOG by April/May. Please send him info at dureskyjb@aol.com. Rememberyou can always sendthe info to anyofus and we will forward it on. Also, please go to www.usafa.org to getthe latestreunion info. Hope to see you all there. Fly safe!!

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (800) G0-AFA-G0 michaeljensen@remax.net www.usafa84.com

35% Members.

Thanks to those ofyouwho updatedyour emails on our website.Whenyou have time (yeah, right) sign up on www.zoomienation.com; it is FREE and open to all grads. Also our website will have a longer articlewith more info.

UPDATES: DougRomigisstillatthe same addressinBishop, GA WithDeltaAirLines (workinghistailoffas are manyofour pilots). Married to Jeanine, allthreekids in college thisyear.

Brent“Mongo” Johnsonis still active dutyAF and inAlaska after threeyearswithAlaskanCommand Expects to be there untilJune2009. Heis married to the “state championquilter”, Tami, now for 191/2years. Theyhave three children, Chaz, Kjersten, andCamden. Prettygoodfamilyfrom a guynamed “Mongo”! Dan“K10”Krzeczowskiis hanging out inAtlanta area andflying as MD-11 Captainfor FDX out ofMEM. Nick Psaltakis retired from USAF on 1 Sep 07. He andhis familyleftAviano in late Jun 07 and now miss bellaItalia. Theyespeciallymiss theincrediblefood and wine. Now working for ManTech Corporation in theWashington DC area.

Chris Cordes is atTinker as the commanderofthe 552 OpsGrp (AWACS). He expects to PCS this coming summer, hopefullywith wife, Sharlene, who is in theArmyand stationed inVirginia. JonWikstrom finallycheckedin feeling guiltythat he has a son atAFA now and thought it prudent. Sean Pavlich is Wylie’s (Jon’s son) official sponsor. Kyle Gardner met andmarriedIrmaRosales from Phoenix. First son Nicolas (Nic) borninDec 2002. Second son Sebastian (Seby) bom inJune2005. Inthe Reserveswiththe26thSpaceAggressorSquadron at SchrieverAFB. Also an Airbus Captainwith Unitedbased in LAX. Bob “the Here Driver” Chapmanis stillflying 737s at UAL and is theVice-WingCC at the 302nd at PetersonAFB. Made 0-6 in 8-07.

Walt Lauderdale became a Catholic Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of LosAngeles on June 16th, 2007. He retired from the USAF on July20th 2007, after 23 years. Workingforthe USAF as a GS15withtheAtlasVrocketprogram. Married to Sue for 161 12years, theirfourkids are Steven-13, Patrick-11, Tori8, and Brendon -7.Walt was ordained a Roman Catholic deacon inJune, 2007.

KenRozelskythoughtfor once in say24years thathewouldsend an update. HOORAY! Heck, he even included a picture from last springwhen he andhis wife, Anna, were in Hawaii.

Our third and finalphoto comes from a couple offellowPreppies. Darrell and RebeccaWilson final hungup theAF Blues forthe civilianworld. Sandy Hockadayofficiated the ceremonybefore headingoffto a roughassignment inRome, Italy. Pictured are theHockadays,daughterCarolyn,SandyandMary; andtheWilsons, sons IsaacandLogan,Darrell, RebeccaanddaughterMeredith. It tookDarrell 27years to getback to Texas onlyto be heading to California to run a friend’sjanitorial company. Darrell does have the operationalexperience ofthreeyears ofbuffingfloors. CongratsDarrell, CoachEwigis proud of ya!

Got a great card/photo from Robert and Ralinda (’82) Gregor. He really

DarrellWilsonhangs uphisspurs.

\VKI

Sabre Society Donors

Theyhad dinnerwith ColMike Duvall his wife LoriJo, Col Chris Bowman, and hiswifeAnn (Foley) Bowman. BothMike and Chris are atPACOM. Mikeis theJ-7 and Chris is the Commander's Legislative Liaison. Kenworks Foreign Militarysales, helpingothercountriesbuyUS aircraft andweapons. Since Ken willprobablynotwrite againforanother24years, heislettingus knowthisother info: CarlFarquharisteachingatICAftlovinglifeandcoachingtheICAFsoftball team. JeffConnors is the ChiefofStaffChair at NationalWar College. Merrick Krause retiredandisworkingforHomelandSecurity. Chris Ross retiredandis workinginthePentagon as a civilservant. MikeTorino retiredandisworkingfor SCITOR supportingAir Staff. TarekAbboushi, Col, is working as theprogram manager on theV-22 at PaxRiver. JoeArata, Group commanderrunning a SPO atWrightPatterson. Sam Cox, runningtheUSAFGeneral'sassignmentsoffice. EdKnouse, runs thesecuritycooperationoffice in UAE. Thanks Ken!

Mike Bums continues to fly767 IntforAA out ofDallas, TX. Hiswife, Debbie, is managing a health care planfor a retirement community. Their daughter Laurenis a freshman atU ofTexasstudyingengineeringand son Drewis sophomore in high school a 6' 4" pitcher.

Arnie Bunch is currentlythe 412thTW/CC at EdwardsAFB, CA. Hejust receivedwordthathewillbe going to EglinAFB, FL to be the CenterVice-Cornmander. He andwife, Caroline, are currentlygeographicallyseparated to get theiryoungest (Louis) graduatedfrom high school in '09. Louis,Arnie III and she are inTennessee near family (bothsides).Arnie III is a sophomore at UniversityofTennessee.The attachedpicture is fromChristmas.

Arnie

Daryl “SKY” Smithrecentlytook a newjob attheCollege ofMountSt. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is directing a Master'sProgram in Leadership. He and hiswifeliveinnorthernKentucky, near the CincinnatiAirport, so youpilots call himwhenyouhave a layoverin Cincinnati. His numberis inthephone book! Don'tcallhis cellphone, because he doesn't own one!Whilejogging near his home, he ran into JeffFinch So theyjoggedback to Daryl'shouse andhad dinner on thebackdeck. Daryl was also in California on a consultingtrip and haddinnerwithJuanAmaral hiswife, Nena, and one ofhis two sons. Juanlives in Chino and is a computerconsultant to the space guys in LA.

Bruce andChristineLennard checkingin: Bruce retiredin '03 as a JAGlieutenantcolonel. Hecontinues as anAssistantDistrictAttorneyinAlbanyCounty, NewYork. Christine is a NewYorkAir NationalGuardJAGlieutenantcolonel, have fourkids and two dogs on 51 12 acres in rural Upstate NewYork.

KenThalmannretired and is nowteachingJROTC at a high school inAlbuquerque NM and lovingit!

ScottWelkershouldhavebeenpromotedby now. (And I should havemade the nine-hour drive to Holloman)... congrats!

Bill “Ike” Eichenberger is stillworkingforAccenture (thinkTigerWoods) with 175Kpeople in 50 different countries, in our National Security Services shop. LivinginWest Chicago on theweekends, andflying to D.C. everyweek to workingfacilities with no windows andlots ofcold air.

Chris "C-DIN" DiNennais nearing the end ofhis two-year accompanied joint tour to sunny, Seoul, Republic ofKorea. He, Kelley, Devon (age three by thetimethisarticleactuallypublishes) willbemovingthis summerto Hurlburt Field. They are veryexcited aboutbeingreunitedwith goodfriends as well as theirhouseholdgoods! Hewillbetakingcommandofthe505thTrainingGroup. The Group is responsible fortraining allAFAirmen that man Air Operations Centers around the globe - vital for providing coordinated airpower. He ran into Steve Hoogasianduring a TDYto thePentagon. Steve andhis family are doingverywellthere - andbasicallyexpect to remain in the DC area forthe next two years or so with theAF Reserve.

Itis always nice to hearfrom “Moses” Maloneandhiswife,Roz; they are still Roz’s hometown ofSanAntonio. Moses is a traditional reservistworking as a liaison officer to USArmyNorth. He pinned on 06 backin 2004whenhe was the DeputyOps Group in the 433rdAW at Kelly. He is also stillwithAmerican Airlines on the S-80 based in StLouis. Theyhavebeen marriednowfor201/2 years. Their two daughters: Lauren, 19, a soph at Central IowaUniv.; Morgan, 14, a high schoolfreshman. Theyalso have a dog.

Warren Clark sent in a photo of a "reunion" of two '84 Grads and former

HanscomAFB roommates. DavidGoughandhewent to a ChicagoCubsgame atWrigleyFieldthis past fall and got a chance to hang out. Warrenis currently a MarketManagerfor Sam's Club & hasjust moved toVirginia. Dave is doing great in Chicago on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Frank “Q.” Williams 13209 Topsfield Court Herndon, VA 20171 (703)657-3227

USAFA1985@aol.com

36% Members

Hi everybody! Help me congratulate our newest 0-6 colonel, Craig Hall. Craig sent a message with a couple ofpictures, but due to space limitations I can onlyinclude one picture. The picture is from Craig’spromotionceremony 29 Mar 07 at MaxwellAFB. BGen JackEgginton, Craig’sWing/CC from two previousassignments andhiswife, Dianne, are pinning on his eagles.

From leftare BGenJackEgginton, Craig andDianneHall.

Craigis still on active dutyandwillcontinue at HQAFMC/A4 atWright-Patfor a fewmore months. In early summer 2008, Craigand Diannewill PCS backto TyndallAFB, FL (where he originallymet and subsequentlymarried Dianne aboutthreeyears ago). Craigwill take command ofthe 325 MaintenanceGroup atTyndall. Craigsaidhehasbeenblessed to achieve every careerlonggoalwhenhe gotpromoted to O6 lastyear and now he’s happyto be getting a group.

Craigpassedalong some scoop on other’85 gradshe's come across. CraigsaidNealMcElhannonretiredfromWright Pat last summer. Craig also said he’d seen KennyWeldon over theyears. Craig saidhe and Kennygot selectedfor promotionto 0-6thesameyearbuthecan'trememberwhereKenny is now. Craig said he knows that Kenny is still veryhappily marriedto Carriewithbeautifultwins and they are enjoyinglife. CraigsaidJoe V (Veneziano) went toAWCwithhimlastyear andJoe is also atWright-Pat. Joe should be takingcommand ofa group atWP soon. Craig saidwhile he was at Maxwell lastyear, he ran into MarkAltobelli in the gym. Craigsaid Markhas been a pinned on Colonel for several years now and was on his way to take command ofthe Ops Group at MisawaAB.

Scott Henderson sent an e-mailwith a picture from Cape Canaveralwhere hesaid the class of ’85 has a largepresence. Thephoto was taken infrontofthe nation’s largest rocketbooster, the (Boeing) Delta IVHeavyLift booster that flewthelastDefense SupportProgrammissilewarning (satellite) to its 23,000mile orbit in Nov ’07. Pictured from left are Sarah (Sallee) Henderson, Col Scott Henderson, ColDave “DT” Thompson, and Col Steve Butler. Steve Butleris thevice commanderofthe45th SpaceWing, DTThompsonis theOpera-

Fromleft:Arnie,

III, Louis, and Caroline.

Sabre Society Donors

tions GroupCommander, and Scott Henderson is the Launch Group Commander. SarahisworkingintheAerospaceindustrybutgets to theCapequite often. Sincethispicture was taken, DTThompsontookcommand ofawingfor the National Reconnaissance Office. The consensus—livingin Florida and launchingrockets is goodworkifyou can get it!

JackieCharsaguaandI corresponded as well. Jackieretiredfromactive duty in 2006 and chose not to go after a jobworking for the federal government, whichwouldhavebeen an easytransition into a well-payingjob for her. Instead,Jackie said she followedherheart to serve God and help thelost. Jackie became DirectoroftheGlobalWalkFoundation (nonprofit),foundedbyDanny Garcia. This was the beginning ofa voyage which took Jackie andJackie Jr. fromNewOrleans, EmbassyRowin DC, to NewYorkCity, theUnitedNations, andVirginiaTech. Thesewalks were spiritual and emotionalprep fortravel to Africa, wheretheyvisitedthe countries ofSouthAfrica, Uganda,Ethiopia, and Sudan. I couldn’tgetJackie’sfavoritepicturefromAfrica to cooperate. So I’m including one that I couldmanagewhereJackie is with a Sudaneseboyfrom the DinkaTribe on 21 Sep 07.

UdeidBiggestLoser contest. Myseven-year-oldsonSam, (AStick!) weighs 44 lbs. So Garymaynotbe smarterthan a 5thgrader, buthejustshed a 1st grader. CongratsGary! Andbest ofluckkeepingthatweight off.

FredGaudlip wroteto announce hispromotion to Colonel on 30 Nov06 and then on the same day, his retirement-withjustenoughtime in between ceremonies to go to MPF andgetColonel stickers forhis cars. I thinkheusedthe same cake,thoughthatisjust a rumor. Fred ishanginguptheblue suit and is donehazingspace controllers;heisofftohazethefolks atthedelicounteratthePeterson Commisary (thin, I said slice it thin!). No word on retirementplans otherthan to become a mountain man once the kids go to college.

s

There are many more neat pictures ofJackie in action, as well as manypic- tures without her, on the Global Walk web site. Check it out at http:// www.globalwalk.cc. After spendingthe lastyear on the road, as ofJanuary 2008 Jackie has settled down and accepted a positionwith the Kepler Companywhere shewill support DISA.

KevinWallace andI sent messages backandforth on ZoomieNation. Kevin works forThe BoeingCompanyin the simulatorbusiness near Seattle,WA.

I sawGeorgeWeathersbywhenhe came backfrom overseas. ButGeorgehas since gone toAlgiers,Algeriaforfive months.

That’s allfor now. Keep those cards andletters.. .and e-mails.. .coming.

Best regards, Q.

Bob Colella

Home: (703) 455-3176

Work: (703) 692-3521

Rkascolella@cox.net

Robert.colella@js.pentagon.mil

36% Members

Classmates: So my son says to me: Hey Dad, What’s brown and sticky? Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! “AStick! Getit, a stickisbrownandSTICK-y. Thearticle gets betterfromhere, I promise:

Firstup, inhis speedo, unlesstheAOG censors itfrombeingprintedbecause is so over the top is GaryBurgwith an announcement on his victory as the “Biggest Loser” inA1 Udeid. Turns out that Gary“shed” 44 pounds in theA1

Igot aphotoand aletterfromSteveSutherland. Steve,Heidi, BrianandGretchenliveinBlackForest, CO andhavethemost beautiful stretch oflandwith a gorgeous house and even a bam - see photo. Stevehasreapedthebenefitsofcleanliving as evidencedbyall hisblessings. Steve was recentlypromoted to full Colonelin the ColoradoAir NationalGuardinDec07andDave Swansonflewinfortheceremony. Stevehad GeneralBeilispinhim on, whichwas a dejavu momentfrom28 May86whenhe didthe same whenStevewas sworn in as a 2ndLt. Steve andfamilyparticipated in a cattle drive this past summer and I am certainthat itwas a bigstep up from time we spentinJack’sValley-inthephoto are, fromleft, Gretchen, Heidi, Steve, and Brian (horse and dog are not props - he apparentlyhas to feed themtoo!) CongratsSteve,well done.

Horseis out, doorisalreadyclosed!

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Summer (Scott) Bartczakwrote to fill us in on herrecentlyretirement and move backtoArkansas afterfinishingher tourteaching atAFIT. I believethat is Dr. Bartczak as she was known in theteacherslounge. Herkids are doinggreat and arehappyto becloserto Summer’sfamilyas shehasmovedbackto the street where shegrewup. (See, I could never do that-thosepeople rememberme.) So there are parents, aunts, uncles and cousinsgalore. Thatislikely a shockto herthree kids who had spent a standardAF bratexistence moving every two years, but I thinkI too am lookingforward to that “transition.”

Summer’skids are doinggreatbyall accounts as theyadjust to their newlife and byand large, we will hearhowshe is running formayor. Itwouldn’tbe Christmaswithout a letterfromDennis and Bridget (Burton) Malfer. Theytoo sent a photo. Malffinished up command ofthe 21stFighter SquadroninSeptandbecame a deputyOG atLukeandtookBridget on awelldeserved secondhoneymoon (likelyactuallythe first) to Hawaii to celebrate their 20thweddinganniversary. Malfpinned on Colonel in Decemberand they are waitingforwordofassignment as we go to press. Bridgetwas working as a crisis counselor (that was a paidpositionseparatefrombeing a squadron commander’swife, which I thinkwas about the same thing).

FromleftareSarah (Sallee)Henderson, ColScottHenderson, ColDave "DT” Thompson, andColSteveButler.

A Sudanese boyofDinka tribeandJackie Charsagua.

I heard from the Faulises - Joe and Angie are living in Peachtree City Ga, which means one ofthem is flying for Delta - thatwould be Joe, andAngie, newlyretired, is taking, as I perfected in July82 on the O-Course, a blow. Updatefromthefront—this onejustunderthewireformydeadline: Merrill “Jazz"Armstrongsends the following and a photo: I've been deployed out here in Iraq since Jul 07 in the CoalitionAF Transition Team (CAFTT) as the 370thAir ExpeditionaryAdvisoryGroup (AEAG) DeputyCommander. I initiallywentto KirkukAB (inNorthernIraq) to set up theIraqiAF Flighttraining School (UPT) thatopeneditsdoors in Oct07. TheUSAdvisorySq (870thAEAS) is commandedbyLt ColJohnCairney (’90) a fellowred tag... apleasantsurprise. TheCAFTTA5 Plans team settingup the OPORD was ledbyour classmate Lt ColKim "Felix" Hawthorne (’86) and that was awesome. Felixdeployed out last Jan as the DeputyDirector ofthe IqAFTraining School that oversaw all Basic,Technical and OfficerTrainingforthe IqAF to include theirAFA. He finished up his tour as thefirstcommanderofthe 370th ExpeditionaryTraining Squadron (ETS) allbasedatTajiABjustnorth ofBaghdad. I attached a picture ofFelix,John and meat Kirkuk.

I ran into several otherfolks deployedintheAORfrom ’86. Ontheplaneride over I met upwithDave "Harry" Maharreyserving a six-month tour atAliBase as the top CE dude. In the"Green Zone" at CAFTT HQ was Dr. (Col) Gordon "Feelya" Peters, MD (’85) who was the CAFTT SG (just redeployed (Dirka, Dirka) and Lt ColGreg "Z" Zehner (’88) who was theformerKirkukSrAdvisor before John took over and activatedthe 870th and has also since redeployed backto thePentagon.Allthreeofus are formerFalconFootballManagers now workingtime outs in the war zone.

“I also ran into Col Pat Malachowski and Col BillThomas here in Baghdad. Pat was atAli Base as an EASOG CC and Billis the CENTAF FwdA3 Director. Both lookedwell and doinggreatthings forthe war effort.

“Mywife,Jackie, andkids, Greg (16) andRebekah (10) are doing greatin D.C. We live on BollingAFB andlove the area (close to familyand manyfriends). I will get a chance to go home for a two-weekbreakto bewith myfamily.When I return inAprilI'll onlyhavethree months leftbefore I redeployto, hopefully, a D.C. assignment. Jazz!”

As we wentto press I receivedthefollowingsad news. Dr. PaulBenson, CS16, husband ofKathleen Schaeflern (’86) died 29 Jan 2008. Paul and Kate were married in 1988. Paul served in Operation Desert Storm as a B-52 Electronic Warfare Officerbefore leaving active dutyto attendmedical school and enteringfamilypractice. Paul and Katy settled inAuburn, Maine. Paul leaves behindhiswife Kate and their two sons, Colin Patrick and Liam Michael. Condolences maybe sent to his familyin care ofhiswife Kathleen (Kate): 65Vista DriveAuburnME 04210-4569.

That’s about allfor now - ifyou actuallyread thisfar - shoot me an email at rkascolella@cox.net andlet me knowifI amjusttalkingto myselfor ifI have an audience and considersending in an update to help out a classmate - or I’m goingto get Sam to do it - and itwillbe brown and sticky... andjoin theAOG! Just a short threeyears until our 25th reunion!

Ezra Vance

7320 Brixham Circle

Castle Rock, CO 80108

Home: (303) 6885431

Work: (303) 304-1287

ezravance@hotmail.com

Wings From Heaven,

Members

issues andthe inputs the Class Senate is makingto the newAOGboard. Ifyou have opinions or are interested in gettingcaughtup onAOGactivities, let me knowandIwillupdateyouseparately.Aquickupdate on some significantsportingnews, ourHockeyteam upsetthenumber4thratedteamincountry, UniversityofDenver, andbrokeinto theTop 20forthefirsttime since I havebeenalive. So congratulations to the Hockeyteamforthatoutstanding accomplishment. Football season endedwith a strong showingagainstCalifornia intheArmedForces Bowl andthehasketballteam, muchto mychagrin seems to beregressing. We havelost our Princetoncoaches and itappears as though our new coaches are comfortable gettingawayfromthe offensive systemthatbrought us so much success inthepastfiveyears.

Nowforclass updates andphotos.

Paul Wade sent in this reunion phomembers ofthe Dirty Dozenwho attendedthereunion. Standingfromleft areMike

Toliver (added to thephotowith someveryrudimentaryphotoediting!), Kevin Mueller, PaulWade, JonWisham, JohnWillcockson, Jim Gray, MarkArriola, Pete Hart, and JeffWeathers. (Also added to the photo): kneeling are Glenn Strebe and Scott Hatfield. We failed to trackdown Lee Heironimus, the only otherDozen alumni in attendance.

This editionwill containtheleftoverinputs from the reunion. I am hoping to hearfrom more ofyou in the next couple ofmonths solwillhave input for next issue of Checkpoints. Also note that myemail has changed. It is now ezravance@hotmail.com. Lots going on in theAOG, the Board ofDirectors fortheAOG and specifically as itpertains to fundraisingandtheAOGprovidingfinancial support to USAFA. In the next issue, Iwilltryto summarize the

Patti Michalick Stuart sent

update for a Tarantula update. “Here are the updates fromthe 14 out of19Tarantulas (whograduatedwith us) who came to the reunion: Craig Barton - Captain for UPS, living in CA. Dan Birrenkott - Stillin atthePentagon. ChuckEspinoza - Published author, flying for United, consultant for several companies, embedded reporter, etc. Dan Hawkins - FlyingA- 10s in Germany. Phil Luts - Flying for United out ofSo. Cal. MarkLyons - FlyingforUnited out ofDenver. JimMacFarlane - Stationed here (I think Homeland Security at Pete?). Tim Matson - Lives in Colorado Springs, flies for Frontier. Nicole (Berry) Miller - Flying for UPS out ofOregon. Chris Simpson - Contractor at Hanscom. Joe Speckhart - Not sure what he's doing. Patti Michalcik Stuart - lives in Colorado Springs,working at New England Financial. Tom Tran- Stationed at Davis Monthan w/AC130s? SteveWillis - lives in Colorado Springs, contractor at Schriever.Also in attendance was GuyHockerwho is a contractor in Ohio (I believe) and I also heard on the phone from Tim Mukoda who is back in theAF, and living in Maryland. He and his wife and two boys will be moving to Pete this Spring.

Thankyou, EricWoodsonforsendinginthis comprehensiveupdate on the CS-27Thunderbirds. “Forthose ofyouthatmissedthereunion, I thinkit’s safe to sayeveryonehad a GREATtime. Itwas fun to catchupwitholdfriends, learn what everyone has been up to the last 20 years and relive our fouryears at USAFA. We had 12 of24 (50%) T-birds attend, a very respectable showing considering around 400 ofabout 1000 ’87ers made it to the reunion.” John Anderson’swife, Nicole, is pregnantanddecided not to travel to the reunion. John is stationed in Cologne with UPS. Bob Cavello is an associate athletic director in Manhattan, KS. JeffCrowretired after 20 flyingKC-135s and E-3s. I stilllive inNorman OK and commute to NYC at leastuntilmykids are done with High School. I've been married 17 years and have two daughters and a son who are all in HS here in Norman. Nowflying B-757s for EOS since June. Sue Kessleris still on active dutywhere sheis currentlythe chiefofthe regional affairs division at theAF Special Ops School. HenryPolczer wrote and had this to say: I’mstillintheADAF andaftercomingoffofa Sq. CC tour inCuracao, NA. He is now a student at Industrial College oftheArmed Forces, thejoint sister school or NWC here at NDU/Ft McNair. Scott Savoie is still on AD, stationedinGreenville, SC as a commanderforDCMA. He oversees Lockheed Martin as theyfixplanes. Vince Dinglejustretired andlives nearAtlanta, GA. Dave Ehrhard is still onAD.Dave is movingto the UK to realize a familydream to live overseas. Cindy(Staples) Hartis aT.A. forSpanish at Immanuel Christian School and theJVSoccer Coach. Ken Slater is stillflyingthe C-5 with the reserves. PatVetter is currently a student inAirWar College at MaxwellAFB, Alabama and graduates in Mayof’08. No tellingwhere his next assignment willbe. Brian Christensen is a Catholic Priest in SouthDakota. Steve Dufaud andfamilyhave made a home in Colorado Springswhere Steve runs thefamilybusiness selling auto batteries. AlexGilbert was able to get an early out and attend Harvard Business School (say it with me.. .HaaaaVAD) from ’92-94. Alex and his wife, Katie, now live in D.C. where he deals in commercial real estate. TonyHoustonlives in Baltimore andretired after20 yrsAD. Pat Reyes is an FBI SpecialAgentinNYC takingdownbadguys. SeanSullivanhas spent

Kim Hawthorne, John Cairner (’90) andMerrill atKirkuk-howcome only Kim gets a gun?

this brief

most ofhis career flying C-17s and is currentlyin a SPO atWright-Pat inDayton, OH. Joe ZahnrecentlyfinishedAirWar College,pinnedin Colonel and is currentlythe Chiefofthe CommandersAction Group for the newAMC Commander. And finally Eric Woodson posted his own update. Eric served six years at EglinAFB in NWFloridain the acquisitionworld. Got out in’93 and didthe MBA route at Duke, where I also learned andplayedrugby (note that’s rugby, not lacrosse!). WorkedforAmericanAirlines in a numberofmarketing roles foralmosteight years. Post9/ll,gotlaidoffandworkedforanon-profit forabout ayearbefore taking a permanentpositionwithAllegiantAir as DirectorofSalesandMarketinghere inVegas. Leftthisjob severalweeks ago to enjoy a sabbaticalwhile I figure out next steps.

Lookingforward to hearingform more ofyou in the coming months. May God Bless you andkeep you safe.

Mark Peters 2437 Bedford Circle Bedford, TX 76021-1823 (817) 937-9696 pylt@yahoo.com

Hello ’88!

Short and sweet this time as deadlines loom. We’ll begin with a well-aged emailfromJoeTegtmeyerwho isthe OSS CC atAltus, OK. While addressedto civilian friends and family, withjust a fewminor modifications it’ll do quite wellforyourscribe. “Someofyouwonderjustwhatisitthatkeeps me running

around, so I thought I'd send a fewphotos [most ofwhich I’ve had to cut for spacereasons]. Thefirstifat a luncheon—I seem to do a LOT ofthese inmynew job, includingdinners, farewell celebrations, change ofcommands, promotions, retirements and eventswithmanylocalgovernmentrepresentatives and cityleadership.

The next photo is a first ofits kind test ofa MutualAirliftSupportAgreement (MASA) betweenKoreaandUSTRANSCOM (TransportationCommand). The testbrought a 747-400 toAltusAFB to deliver about 90 Fort SillArmypersonnel to MarchAFB andthen on to Koreafor a month-long exercise. Asyou can see, the Koreans reallyknowhowto do airtravelright! The test was an unqualified success, and it was great seeing a pristine aircraft like the 747 on our ramp.

“Mysquadron also runs a drop zone where C-17 crews train to dropheavy loads out the back ofthe aircraft, usingparachutes to safelyland the cargo on the ground. It is fantastic to see whathappens out there—I've also flown low level ingress routes to the DZ, dropped the pallets, and even sat on the open cargo door/floorwithmyfeet dangling as we flew at about 150 knots and 300 feet over the ground. Prettycool!

“Ithardlyseems possiblethat so fewmonthshavepassedsince mychange of command. Inthefirstfivemonthswe've completedmissionswiththeArmyand their newHighMobilityArtilleryRocketSystem (HIMARS),participatedin a 56ship, nation-wideMobilityForceExercise (MAFEX), changed20% ofthepeople inthesquadron,completedthe KoreanMASA, conducted30 emergencyrunwayandtaxiwayrepairs, and metwith countless Senators, Congressmen, andtheiraidestryingto secure $9M for a new RadarApproach Control (RAPCON) facility anddigitalreplacementsofourancient 1960’s era equipment. We also completed a month-longwing exercise (ninemajor miniexercisesstrungtogether, a firstforthiswing), andwe've sentoutthelargestdeploymentcontingenttosupportOIFand OEF (Iraq andAfghanistan) in thehistoryofAltusAFB. This leaves us at dangerouslylowmanninglevels to keep our primarymissiongoing: trainingthe next generationofmobilitywarriors. Finally, there is allthe administrative stuffthatgoeswith a squadronof177 personnel, bothgoodandbad. I hopeyouhave abetterideawhatI'vebeenup to andwhat keeps me workingandoutoftrouble! Joe can bereachedatAMCpilot@aol.com or (210) 378-9228 and (580) 649-1255 (workcell).

I also received a short emailfrom Dave Gaines. “Justreadyour Checkpoints article andrememberedIhadn'ttouchedbasewithyousince seeingyou atthe USNA-USAFA game. I’m still teaching in USNA’s computer science department andlivingin Ulmstead (Go Ducks!), andwilllikelyretire this summer.” Dave can be reached via: LtCol Dave Gaines, USAF, PhD, Computer Science Department, 572M HollowayRoad, Stop 9F, USNA,Annapolis, MD 21402; 410-293-6838; orgaines@usna.edu.

Also, Buster Stamper is looking forfolks to assistwith our 20-yearreunion; you need not be local! Sincemanyhands makeforeasywork, please contact himvia: George.Stamper@usafa.af.mil or DSN 333-9315 (719-333-9315) as soon as possible.

Lasfly, theAOG has established a ClassAdvisory Senate that is now up and runningandprovidinginputto theAOGBoard ofDirectors. Ourrepresentative, Keith McKeon (KeithMcKeon@comcast.net), needs yourthoughts and opinions on current issues facingtheAcademyandtheAOG; right now they are preparing recommendations on the issue of an AOG Foundation, AOG restructuring, revision ofAOG By-Laws, thehonorcode, andtheresults ofthe membersurvey. Writeyourscribe!

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEYHELPS FUND

CADETWING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

From leftareAlexGilbert, SteveDufaud, ScottSavoie, EricWoodson, Sean Sullivan, Cindy(Staples) Hart, PatVetter, ScottStark, Dave Erhard, andFatherBrian Christensen.

Sue McWhirterMyhre sentthis picturein from the reunion.

Members ofWolfpack, CS-05fromleft are Don Shaffer, SusanMcWhirter Myhre, LeeBishop, Chuck Thibault, Darin Kato, andGregMooneyham.

Joe TegtmeyerspreadingtheAFmessage.

Joe at “work” (he's theguyin themiddle).

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

PSC 80, Box 76

APO AE, 09702

Home: 011-32-2-251-2772

E-mail: p2a2@skynet.be

Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/

43% Members

AMCTest andEvaluation sheworked on the acquisition ofthe new tankerfor theAir Force. And, she finishedAWC bycorrespondence!

Christy’sdaughters are keepingbusyandhusband, Gary, is plugging away towards activedutyretirementworkinginthetankerexecutionbranch atTACC. Emily (9) is in3rdgrade andhas found her sport - soccer - which she is playing year round now. She was one ofthe leads in her school play, continues with Brownies and is takinghip hop dance lessons once a week. Haley (6) is in kindergartenandalso enjoys soccer. Additionally, she loves to swim and dance and is takinggymnastics once a week. Thanks Christy!

'pKCH nS

Sabre Society Donors

Greetings classmates. Itiswith greatsadness Ibringyouthe news ofa fallen comrade. On Sunday, 16 Dec 07, we lost one ofour own when Lt Col (Dr.) Ray Plumleydiedunexpectedly. He was assigned toAndrewsAFB as theteaching FamilyPhysician. Ray is survived byhis wife, Deborah, and twin daughters RachelandSamantha. ManyofyouknewRayattheAcademy,andsomeofyou hadthepleasure ofworkingwithhim intheyears since. Ray was a greatfriend, a wonderfulhusband, and an outstanding officer. Althoughhis familyandfriendswillmiss himterribly, RayiswiththeLord nowwatching over all ofus. Inhonor of Ray’sservice, a granite Commemorative Paverwillbeplaced alongsidethoseofour 13 fallenclassmates atthePegasusPlaza in front ofDoolittle Hall. For more information on Ray’s life please see the Gone ButNotForgotten section in this issue.

Agoodfriend ofRay’s, ChrisAthearn, will behappyto correspond with anyone whoknewRay and would like to be keptinformed on thefamily’sprogress. Chris’ e-mailisathearnc@comcast.net. Additionally, a trust fundhasbeen establishedwhere donations can be made forRay’sfamily. Contributions shouldbemade out to The RayPlumleyFamily Fundand sentto: Monson SavingsBank, 132 Main Street, Monson, MAO1057. Rayloved life, had a real hunger forknowledge and most ofall loved being with his family. He will be dearlymissed by all his family and friends.

As we mentionedlastissue, we continueforwardwiththe fundraisingfor our 20threunionclassgiftproject. Andmanyofyouhave alreadybeenverygenerous! Callingbegan in full force backin November and to date we have nearly reachedthehalfwaypoint ofour $150,000 goalwith pledges ofan impressive $74,962. On behalfofall the class officers we deeplyappreciate allthosewho havemadethedecisionto supportandpledgegifts,showingin a smallwaywhat a class can do forthe USAFAthatdid so muchfor us. Asyouknowwe are planning to recognize Lt Col Kevin Shea (USMC), who was killed in Iraq and our onlyclassmate to dieincombat,with a memorial on our HeritageTrailplot. The familyextends its heartfelt thankyou to all the class on what we are doing to recognize Kevin. The plan is for Kevin's wife and two children, parents, two youngerbrothers, uncle andalltheirfamiliesandmanyfriends tojoin our class at theunveilingofthe memorial duringthe reunion. Kevinwillbethefirst to be honored on the HeritageTrail - our specialplace forthe Class of 1989. Ifyou haven’tpledgedyet, please considerdoing so. Moneywill also go towardspavers forall our fallenclassmatesandseveralcadetprograms. More information can befound at our classweb sitelistedatthebeginningofthis article, oryou can contact our class gift POC, Maj Alex “Gonzo” Gonzalez-Rojas at gonzo5 insp@hotmail.com. We lookforward to a great reunion!

From CS-39TonyPollizzi says hello from Californiawhere he is stillleading the Air Force oversight ofthe CivilAir Patrol in the Pacific Region. He, wife, Raquel, and sons Dominic andNicholas took a trip to Hawaiivia space-available travel fromTravisAFB! Theysplittheirtime betweenVolcanoesNational Park on thebigislandofHawaii andthe HaleKoamilitaryresort onWaikiki. The highlightforTonywas snorkelingalongside a giant seaturtle. Dominiclearned howto snorkel, Raquelenjoyed thebeachandNicolaswill always remember the hula dancing. Back at home, Dominicis in 1st grade and enjoys soccer, Tball, basketball andcub scouts. Nicholas is readyfor preschool! ThxTony.

Also from my old squadron ofCS-39, Doug“Mugsy” Malone is doingwell and preparing to retire this summer! He, wife, Jacqui, and sons Tom andWill are enjoyingSpangdahlemAB andjustreturnedfrom a skivacationinGarmisch. Mugsy says we have an ’89 reunion of sorts going right here. Dave Doe is workingfinance at RamsteinAB; T.J. “Raptor” Hogan and Linda are enjoying Spangdahlemwhere Raptorjustledthe 81st on a deployment to Afghanistan; Doug “Stoli” Nikolai is the exec to thewingCC, and he and Katie are doing well; and Mike “Donut” Hohls and Reneejustleft hisA-10 sim contractorjob here to return home to LosAngeles so he couldgetbackin the cockpitflyingfor United. Good to hearfromyou Mugsy!

Kevin Shea in basic training.

Ourfirst letter comes from Scott Pillsbury, who is currentlyworkingin his familyprintingbusiness aftertakingthe earlyout in 1992 from his last assignment in finance at BergstromAFB. He says he considershimselfveryblessed with goodhealth, a good career, two greatkids and a wonderfulgirlfriend. You can catch up more with Scott through his online Christmas card at http: // www.scottpillsbury.com/ChristmasCard2007/.

Next, ChristyKayser-Cookwrote fromIllinois to saythey are stillthere! With over fouryearsjust over theborderfrommyoldhome in the Show-Me state, Christy, Gary,Emilyand Haley are loving theirtime inthe midwest andhope to staytwo more years. Christyjust started a new position as ChiefoftheAir RefuelingOperationsDivisionintheTankerAirliftControl Center at ScottAFB. Shehandles allTACC assigned airrefuelingsworldwide to include Homeland Defenseandfighter coronet missions. Beforeleavingherpreviousposition in

Our lastletter is from Lee White, who lives andworks in Norcross, GA as a Product Development Engineerfor Silgan Plastics. He is still in the AF Reserves working as an ImageryIntelligence Officerforthe NationalGeospatialIntelligenceAgencybased inWashington, D.C. Andthebest news.. .Lee is engaged! He metTatianawhiletravelingin Colombiaandwillbe gettingmarried in Georgia in June. Congrats Lee and thanks forthe update!

Lee and Tatiana inBogota.

That’s a wrap forthis quarter. On a side note, we are trying to expand our classweb site, so pleasesend some photosandshort comments onyouractivities to our web master, Scott Shinberg, atscott.shinberg@gmail.com. Wewill postthese on the Class Historysection. Bestwishes to you andyour families. Take care and God bless.

DougandJacquijustoutsideofBastognevisitingthesitesoftheWWIIBattle oftheBulge.

JamesSanchez

8301 Emerald Circle

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Cell: (817) 881-6357

Web: WWW.USAFA90.COM

alohatiger@gmail.com

Ted Wilson (10/20/07): Before I left Stuttgart (HQ USEUCOM) to deploy here (MNF-IC2, Camp Slayer, Baghdad, Iraq) I spokew/JeffAddison about gettingtogetherallthe ’90 cats for a photo op to send to you. Ran into Martin Rothrockin Kuwait (he is an SF commanderthere) while Iwaited on lifthere. Before deploying I competed in theWorldTime Trial Championships in St. Johann in Tirol, Austria.

Sam "Meat" Skaggs (11/6/07): Ilostmywifeof 15 l/2years, Darlene, to cancer this pastMay. MysonFuke (14) and I decided to bail on Germany, as Ihadlittle to no supportnet there. Wesought andreceived ahumanitarianreassignmentto TittleRockAFB, AR. Wehavebeenhere forabouttwo months, andI am going throughre-qual in the C- 130E. I am assigned to the 62AS, andwill be "flyingtheline" until (if/when) something "better" comes along. We'll see. Win-win situation, eitherway, really. Manythanks to thosewhose prayers and thoughts were with us during Dar' s illness. God Bless.

Doug Thompson (11/7/07): We added our FIFTH daughter in Mayof2006. BriannaLee (we callherBrilee).Yes, I live in a housefullofwomen!! HotelEstrogen. Daughters are now 16,15, twins that willbe 12 in Feb and a 16 month old! Wejust movedback to Atlanta late this summer after a two-year remote hiatus. I'm stillwith Cisco as a SystemsEngineer, but now in charge ofthe CustomerBriefing Center in theAtlanta office.

Paul Pepe (11/7/07): I PCSedto Pope inAprilandits great to beactivelyflying again. We are working on theActive-Associate standup as a partofBRAC and we are excited to have our AFRC brethen herewith new C-130H2s. I'm also here withTom "Criminal" Crimmins.

BenDavis (11/13/07): Justfinished squadron commands atAviano andRAF Lakenheath. We're settledhere inthe DC areawhere I'mworking as the fighter maintenance guy on theAir Staff. Michellejuststarted hair school in Rosslyn and our girls (15,13,10) are busywith thetypicalgymnastics, band,ballet, etc. Classmates EricFaison and MarkWeber are also in myoffice in the Pentagon taking care ofairlift/tanker maintenance. RayJames is also doing aircraft maintenancework on theAir Staff. Steve KiserisworkinginJCS/J2. Ialsoran intoMarion Dallison (with married name) who is workingSecurityForces issues inthebuilding. Attachedis a photo ofa MightyNinetycontingent atthe most triumphantNotre Dame excursion.

From leftare Eric Wohlrab, JamesJinnette, Ben Davis, Mike (notAF), Cris Marchiori, Mike Thirtle, Bill Gideon, andPatRhatigan (’91). Ericis a tanker SQ/CCatMcConnell. Jamesis a F-15ESQ/CCatSeymour. Crisis doinggovt, securityworkin DC. Mikeis aprofessorandresearch analystforRANDnear Chicago. Billis a flight testSQ/CC.

AdamMortensen (11/13/07): IamaLegislativeAffairsOfficeratMDA.Familyis doingwell, I now have 5 kids. Sabrinamanages to keep them all fedand clothed and manages our new home out in Bristow. We love the area but I personally dislike the 1 hour and 45 min commute - each way. The 66 is a hatefulfreeway!

Jon Cooper: I just finished up a six-week FAA Certification Course at the NationalTest Pilot School in Mojave, CA. I attendedwith Mel Burdick (’83) and enjoyed the instruction ofSteve Cherry (’69) and STS-Commander Rick Searfoss (’78). Mycondolences to theJediKnights, Cool CampusRads,family andfriends ofPaul Comeau.

ScotHamilton(11/22/07): FmafewshortweeksfromPCSingtoWichitaKS. I'llbe the Government FlightRep. at the Beechcraft plantdoingacceptance flights ontheT-6.

John Tree (12/14/07): Ijust found out this weekthat I was selected forpromotion to 0-6 in the USAF Reserves, and that I'll be going to theArmyWar Collegeinresidencethis nextAug ’08forthatschoolyearthatgraduates inJune

’09. I'm lookingforward to that. I'mjustfinishingupthreeyearsasanAerial Portsquadroncommanderdown at CharlestonAFB SC (38APS). Igotmarried just over a year ago to Michelle (2nd time around for each ofus). We work together as well in our own business consultingpractice.

BryanViet (12/26/07): I am stationed up here in OklahomaCityatWillRogers WorldAirportwhere I am flyingChallenger601 and 604s with HQ AFFSA and theFAA.

George Halley (12/30/07): LastJanuaryI tookajob at Sanborn Mappingin Colorado Springs. We are thelargest aerial mapping companyinthe US, with products likethe 3D buildings andmuch ofthephotography in Google Earth.

KevinYandura (1/12/08): Mywife, Christine, and our three kids are livingin GrandForks, ND. I ‘m an Ops O inthe 906ARS, atleastuntilI head to the desert (CAOC) for a 120d this summer.

TammiSchandlerMoes (1/9/07): I was remarried29 Oct05 to ’88 Grad,John Moes (Lt Col in SecurityForces). We' re expecting our firstchild in about nine days (forreal, 19 Jan 08 due date. Uponcompletionofmyeightweeks maternityleave, I'llreturn to workforthe DeputyAssistantSecretaryoftheAirForce, Force ManagementIntegration in the Pentagon- ever near 5E818, please look me up - I'll be here until summer of'09!

Gary Foster (1 /10/07): Colleen, Cailin, Ashlyn and I are finishing out our tour at the US EmbassyinWarsaw, Poland. I helped Polandreceive and integrate 48 new F- 16s and soon to be five C- 130s into theirAir Force.

TimMacGreggor (1/10/08): I'vebeenblessedwiththegreatprivilege oftaking command ofthe 2ndAir RefuelingSquadron, flying KC- 10s at McGuire AFB, NJ. This is mysecond tour at McGuire, where mywife, Lee, is a stay-athome mom who home schools our fourkids, ages 5 through 10.

Tim MacGreggorandfamily.

Paul Barney (1/11/08): I'm coming back to CONUS to do a couple ofyears atWhiteman (SF). Currentlyexec-ing for the EUCOM J-5,1 had to farewell KeithWatts ayearearlyfrom Ramstein - he's in a great IN command tourback at Langley.

John Mateer (1/17/08): I'm assigned to the48th Munitions Squadron, RAF Lakenheath and was the squadron commander before doing a CoC and launching over to here.

PaulSzostak: Got to USAFA'sAirfieldthispastspring, nowthe ChiefofSafety there. Fun stuff, finallygot to jump out ofan airplane and get mywings. Lots of’90 grads here, like Randy Reddell (98FTS/CC), Alex Cos (98FTS/DO), Ed Lombard (557 FTS/DO), JeffBowlingjust showed up as well..also been in touch with Matt Leonard, flyingwith the Reserves in NorCaland UPS out of SoCal.WaldoWaldman stayingbusy on the speakingcircuit. Bump into others all the time...

Carson Tavenner

6828 Raccoon Court Waldorf, MD 20603

(202) 231-2484

DSN: (312) 428-2484

Home: (301) 374-2752

tavenner@hotmail.com

r 42%1 R bi

Bold Gold, Ihave a specialrequest to honor, rightup front. Youwillremember our dear brotherGregCindrich, lostoffthe east coast ofAfricain 1997. Canyoubelieveit’sbeen more than 10years ago? Atthe time, Gregleft behind his wife, Monica, and son Chris - then too young to have knownhis father. Chris is now 13 years old, 5 foot 10, a championtennisplayerwith a size 12 shoe, andjust as smart as his dad (well, Chris, two out ofthree ain’t badjustkidding). Chris is also curious to know more about his father, as any of us would if we were in his shoes. He has Greg’sgraduation sabrehangingin his room near a graduation picture. Canyou imagine it! Wouldn’t it be wonderful for Christopher to connectwith his father's past? Monica, Greg’swife, wrote “I thinkwe allhunger to belong, to make sense ofunfair, unexplainable acci-

dents inlife. Thatis so true; identityis everything. Therefore, please, ifyou knewGreg (sadly, I did not myself),help keep Greg alive for Christopherby writing to him (cmikcin@aol.com) and sharingmemories and information aboutthatpartofGreg’slifewhichhe cherished - hisfriendsandyears atUSAFA. Ifyou do write, onlytell Chris the bestparts, okay?

Having written this, I now wonder ifother children of our “gone but not forgotten’’ also mightbenefitfrommuchthe same offering. I don’thave email addresses, butifanyone knows the familyand can find out ifchildrenwould like to learn more via email, then I will be more thanhappy to oblige!

On thehappyside ofMemoryLane, here’s a bit offun Iwanted to sharewith you all. Whilehavinglunchwith Steph (Konieczny) Brinley at one ofthe Pentagonlunches (ongoing, bytheway) she mentioned havingrecentlytaken a photo with cheerleading friends Lourdes (Fallace) Duvall, and Leslie Beavers. It was the occasion ofSteph’s husband’s retirement, so that’swhyhe’s in thepicture (the one theytookwith“justgirls” didn’t turn out so well). It’sgreat to see friends able to reassembleforhappytimes.

Steph, Lourdes, andLeslieaftercheeringon theFalcons at our lastfootballgamein Falcon Stadium, 1990!

Altogether, now, repeatafterme: Youshouldattend USAFA! We thoughtitwas great! It was betterthan CATS!

Chris (Harvey) Bell attended a USAFAAdmissions Liaison Officers conference at USAFA, and ran into - can you guess? - several classmates! Pictured fromleft are Kurt Schuster covers Michigan, Chrisliaiseswithkids from southern California, Dave Deames works South Carolina, Brian Doyle is a North Carolina man, andBeth (Dunn) Kwasnytells those Dallas/Ft.Worthkids how great USAFA is. C’mon Beth, remember the Honor Code! Chris added a recruitingplugasking us to join theirforces. “We needALOs in all our areas to help encourage new students to apply to USAFA—you can do this as an additional dutyfromAD or the Reserves, you can help in a civilian capacity, or can do this as a full time reservist” Chris also added humorouslythat on account oftheir house acquiring aWii for Christmas, they’ve decided in their house that all argumentswill be resolved byWii boxing! I thought that was funny.

Ijustsearchedthrough myHotmail andwork accounts to see who else may have mailed me, but I don’t have any more that I can see (other than the Pentagon lunch responses), so ifI overlooked you - please accept my humble apologies. While I’m thinking about it - we’re getting close to the planning timeframefor our 20th reunion. I’ll increase the frequencyofthose comments fromhere on out, I suppose. Finally, Iwouldlike to ask one ofyou to volunteer to write the column thatwill be due to theAOG in July. Who could do that for me? Iwould appreciatethe help in that season thisyear, thanks. I’m expecting work here in the China shop to be just a tad more busy than the normally freneticpace, justbefore the Olympics.

James S. Mehta

3802 Elbert Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 (703) 697-4511; DSN: 227-4511

james.mehta@ogn.af.mil

jamesmehta@pentagon.af.mil

jamesmehta@earthlink.net

42% i Members

Seniors’Year!Leslie, Steph, thehappyretiree, andLourdesgatheronce again to celebratelifeand careeraccomplishments.

Max (Torrens) DeSpaininKabulrightnow, backinlateAprilandoffto USAFA byearlyJune. She’slookingforwardto academiclifeagain! I’m sure the cadets will attempt to plyfrom her the stories from the front” when they are able. MarkLivelsbergeris also offon deploymentat theAUAB and got to chatwith AndreasWeseman, who is reportedlydoingwell on his one-year remote out there. I am sure there are many more ’91ers out there, buthavenotheardback on anyother news.

Bill Casebeer is now working at SHAPE. He writes, “we are all doingwell. Our fourkids (Jonah, Mara, Linnae and Mason) are allbilingualin French as a result ofgoing to thelocal Belgian schools and are growinglikeweeds too. Adrianne is doinggreat, enjoyingEurope andlearningFrench also. Mywork here at NATO is rewarding. I'mthe chiefofEurasiaAnalysis for SACEUR Gen Craddock's US national intellgence cell ("US Survey"). I'm enjoyinglearning aboutNATO andstretchingmyselfinterms ofexpertise. OthergradsI'veheard fromrecently are TroyThomas [happilymarried to Paula, with one childnow] who is a squadron commanderfor a SIGINT unit out near NSA) and Michael Thompson (who is a lawyer in the DC area). Bartz Sykes is an F-16 DO at Spandhahlem,thoughhe maybe coming ourwaysoon. Mytime at theNaval Postgraduate School (where I saw Kurt Gaudette often [Tavnote: Kurt is now workingIntelligence Force Development inthe Pentagon] was fantastic, but we've had a year and a halfnow here at NATO MilitaryHQ south ofBrussels, andthathas beenwonderful as well. I'vebeendoingmybestto staypublishing intheacademicworld, thoughbeingbackin an operational unit has taken its tollthere; Ihave a fewbookchapters outthis month, all onAmazon. Thanks, Bill! I hope we can manage a trip to Europe, and crashyourpad.

Welcome again to your class news 1992! I continue to run into so many friendsandacquaintances here inDC andespecially atthePentagon. Itis nice to be in a meeting and see a familiarfacewho can helpgetthings done. In away it's no differentthan doolieyear - cooperate and graduate, or in this case, cooperate and makeyourboss happy. Anyway, here itis, thebeginning ofanotheryear, a few more gray hairs and, hopefully, a little wiser. I knowthere were a lot of promotions this past quarter. Dave Lindsayand I actually had a combined promotion ceremonysince we are both in SAF/IG. LtGenSams, The IG, officiated and we bothhad our families there. I'm sure it has been done before, but it was still a bit unique to do two at once. Congratulations to all!

’92 in command! Last issue I forgot to announce thatJim Megerhadtaken command ofthe 1st OSS at Langley at the end ofNovember. He andhiswife, Kari, leftDC andmoved a fewhours south to Langley. I'm sure the OSSjob isjust a shortstop before takingcommand ofa flyingsquadron. If you are at Langley, make sure you stop byand see Jim.

JeffandAlishaStamp sent me an update to theirwonderfulandfullyear. The two big events ofthe year were the birthoftheirthird child, Julia Elizabeth, who arrived on the 16th ofAugust and their PCS back to Colorado where Jeff will be a Zoomie instructor again. JeffandAlisha also have two boys, Caleb and Nathan, who are alreadyveryprotective oftheirlittle sister. After getting settledininColorado, the Stampsenjoyed avisitfromJimandMichelle Tanis.

Never too late to celebrate avictory. LayneKasper sent me an e-mail about thetrip he and several classmatesmade to SouthBend, Indiana to see theFalcons steamrollthe Notre Dame FightingIrish. It's a cool story, so I'll let Layne tell it: "Bill and SandyLewis, parents ofour fallen classmate, Gregg"Butch" Lewis, hostedseveralofButch's CS-26 buddies andother classmates andtheir families for theweekend. Bill Lewis is an assistant coach at ND, and he and Sandyprovided a great tour ofthe campus, inside thelocker room, and even

SeniorYear!

gave everyone a chance to roam the fieldafterthe game. Sandythenfed us all inherhome that evening. Thanks, Sandyand Bill! We all enjoyedspending timewithyou, anditwas greatto sharememories ofour'gonebut not forgot- ten' friend."

“’92ersthatmadethetripincluded TroySimon, MikeHonma,JeffHassannia, Daron Stewart andScottGaab. Itwas greatto see everyone andcatchup, and itwas even more specialto shareitwith our familiesand see all our kidsplaying together."

Daron, Layne, andTroyon thefieldsavoringthe victory. FacesinthePentagon. RememberI mentionedrunninginto familiarfaces in the hallways? Well here's a few. In December, I was trying to find myway back to myoffice afterfindingmywayto the photographyoffice inthe basement ofthePentagon. As I rounded a corner, I ran into DaveMcAuleyin a suit. Ithadbeen over 10years since I sawDavelast. We were stationed at Edwards togetherfor our first assignments - Dave in Intel, me in OSI. Then we both PCSed to DC (around ’96) and Dave leftactive duty a fewyears later. Dave has beenwithDIAever sinceandis nowtheExecutiveAssistantforthe Officeofthe DeputyDirector. We stoppedto talkinthe stairwell as long as our busyscheduleswouldallowand thenleftpromisingthatwe wouldgettogetherforlunch sometime soon. I don'twantto getanydetailswrong, so I'llwaituntil we have thatlunchbefore I tryto giveyou more background on Dave and his family.

JustlastweekI was makingmywayback to my office and passed another familiarface - Kimberly(McQuarrie) Tebrugge. Kimberlyis a Reservistwho works attheDirectorate ofCommunicationwhen she can make itto DC. She lives inWashington state and runs her own strategiccommunicationconsultingbusiness. So sheactuallygets to do the same thingfortheAF thatshe does in "reallife." She stoppedbymyofficelaterthatdayandwe had a fewminutes to talk. Kimberlyhas two daughters and enjoys her consultingpractice and gettingto work a lotofReserve days - most ofthem at McChord. She saidshe alwaysreads the column, buthas neverwritten.. .maybe myencouragement (begging) will pushher to write!

DClunchbunch! Once again, Elaine (Riley) Sersunplannedtheregular ’92 DC lunch. Unfortunatelythe daybefore, a meetingpopped up which pre- vented me from going. Thelunch was inRosslyn andthere was a smallturnout. I commissioned Elaine to talkto everyoneandsend me anynews. Shedid agreatjob: Some notables are: Donna (Ward) Boycehad a litdeboynamed Liambom3Nov07. This isbaby#1 forDonna andherhusband. DeronHurst just was assignedto thePentagoninSAF/FMC. MikeLingorhasbeenherefor some time, butthiswas hisfirstluncheon. He'sinAF/RE. DaveKincaidis over in SAF/LL on the Hill ToddMcDowelljoined us forthe firsttime andis stillin theJAGCorp.”

ChrisMeyle, MikeLingor, TonyValerio, ToddMcDowell, DaveKincaid, Deron Hurst, andDonna Boyce (Ward).

SpeakingofDonna (Ward) Boyce, I hadthe opportunityto go to herpromo- tionceremonyatthePentagonConferenceCenterinDecember. Theceremony wasofficiatedbya2-starandherhusband, Don, did the honors ofpinning on herrank. Shehad some closefriends andfamily, to includeherparents, attend the ceremony. ChrisMeylewas the otherfamiliarface I recognized. Ofcourse, aftereveryone was donesingingDonna'spraises (andtheAFsong) andshehad hertime in thelimelight, we enjoyed some refreshments and cake.

Last but not least. Myfinalinputwas from Nicole (Foster) Greenwoodwho faithfullyincludes me on herChristmas cardlist everyyear. Nicole, beingthe former PAOfficer, publishes a very creative andprofessionallookingfamily newsletter. TheyarelivinginC-SpringsenjoyingtheColoradooutdoors. Funny, therewasn'tmuch aboutNicole inthe letter; itwas all aboutherhusbandJeff who is now anAOC forCS-35 andher son, Garrett, and daughter, Griffin.

Well, thatcompletes another episode of"What's ’92 doingnow?" Ifyou are so inclined,pleasewrite andtell me whatyou are doingthesedays. So drop me a note and I'll passyourinfo along. God bless, James.

Michael D. Sundsted

1805 Macadams Place

Alexandria, VA 22308

(703) 768-5664/Cell:(240) 338-9839

E-mail: Bravecwboy@cox.net

Class Website: www.highflight.com

87% Members

Welcome to 2008 and a greatspringin the National CapitalRegion! Things are hummingalonghereinAlexandria. I’vebeenflying a bunch, buthavealso had lots oftime to enjoythe family. Lori is doingverywell and Collin continues to keep us busy—swimming,piano, basketball and Cub Scouts! Myschedule to likeitwas at the zoo! I hopeyou are doinggreat as well! On to the news...

I NEED SOME HELP FROMYOU! First, I want to thank Rob Dam forbeing our firstrepresentativefromthe Class of 1993 on theAOG Senate andfaithfullyserving our class as well as theAOG. RobwillbePCSing soon and our classneeds someone who can keep us all apprised oftheAOG/Academyrelatedissues. Please emailmyself(Michael.Sundsted @andrews.af.mil;bravecwboy@cox. net), or our class President,WispySperos, (Bill.Speros@friedfrank.com) and let us know ifyou are interested. Itwould benefit our class greatlyifsome who is livingin, or will soon belivingin the Colorado Springs, CO area to volunteer. I NEED EVERYONE FROM OUR CLASS TO EMAILMEARESPONSETO THISARTICLE SO THATWE CAN ESTABLISHAWORKING 1993 CONTACT LISTING. EVEN IF YOUTHINKIMIGHTHAVEYOUREMAILADDRESS, PLEASERE-EMAILME— manythanks in advance! Also, ifyouhave a contactlistfromyoursquadron or manyclassmates please forwardthat as well. Now, on to the updates... I hadthe opportunityto travel to the Middle East recentlywhere I ran into a classmateofours. I landed at Ben Gurionairport inTelAviv, Israel, taxied into parkingand sawMattYocumthere to greettheparty! We didn’tget a chance to talk at thattime, butitwas neatto watch one ofour classmates atworkmaking goodthingshappen. Lateroninthevisitwewere able to catchup. Heandhis wife are still amazinglybusyandthey are a little over halfwaythrough their tour asAssistantAirAttache. Ifyouwanttovisityoubettermakeitquick so you have an excellenttour guide! Matt’s comic career has taken off. He informed me that he had been invited to a national convention ofcomic writer’s and publishers as thekeynotespeakerandguest! We had a picturetaken ofthe two ofus, butI haveyet to get itfrom the personwho tookit—as soon as I can get it I willpostit!

I received a nicelitde callfrom PatYankejust afterthe holidays. Pat and I go backbefore theAcademywhere we were MarionMilitaryInstituteclassmates.

Kasper, Honma, HassanniaandSimonfamilies with SandyLewis atNotre Dame.

He and his family are doing fantastic down in Raleigh, NC. Pat is a financial plannerfollowingin the footsteps ofhis father. He is doingreallywell!

Libby (Stark) and Ty Chamberlain are doing well. Libby gave us a great update forChristmas. They are nearingtheendoftheirtime inthe DC area. Ty hasbeen doing awesome thingsfortheAirForce and was recentlyselected to become the ChiefofFlightSafetydown at BarksdaleAFB, LA. He’ll be backin the B-52 instead ofthe Brown 52- inchby42-inch desk that he’s been flying. Libby (who has the more importantjob) ofbeing a full-time mom still finds time to do her Reserve activities! Theyboth also have time to entertain our classmates at a recentwine tastingthatIunfortunatelymissed due to myflying schedule! You guys are so busy! Thanks forthe greatupdate!

HankBuckcheckedinjustaftertheholidays. Heis currentlydoing a deployment at CampAl Sayliyah, Qatar. He says that the dining and gym facilities there are first class. Haircuts are $3.80, and many other services are free— perks ofbeingdeployed! Heliterallylives in a metalboxwithin awarehouse— you can even stick a magnet to the ceiling. He definitelymisses his family, but enjoys thechallenges ofworkandthejointenvironment. Pleasekeep his familyinyourthoughts andprayers!

Another DC classmate checks in, this time from the civilian side! Adam Olshefskyis out oftheAF andworkingfor a small software development companyin OldTownAlexandria called Cobalt! It’s such a smallworld to have so manygradsinthe area—we couldhold a mini-reunion. Thanksfortheupdate Adam—andyes, we need to get a beer!

Speaking ofthereunion—yes, it’s onlyfiveyears awayand I plan to start the planning in 2010 with theAOG rolling in a year prior. Ifyou are interested in helping me planin anyfacetpleaselet me know. Iwillbe calling on theMighty Ricefamilyagaintoworksome magic, butIwantto also askifanyonewouldlike tovolunteer. WewillbeworkingwiththeAcademya lotforthe20thAnniversary.

TheClass of1993waspresent atthe USAFA/CalArmedForces BowlinDallas! GrahamAllen checksinfromthe greatperformancebytheAFAfootball team. I thought for a little bit we were going to beat Cal, but they were bigger and stronger—itdoesn’thelpwhenyourquarterbackgoes down! Graham and his wife, Kim, and three children (Megan, Grayson, and Conner) all enjoyed the game! Graham is a Product Managerfor a telecommunications companyin Dallas. Theymet up with Dave andJamee Graffand theirfour children (Ellie, Ryan, Marc andAddie). The Graff’s are stationed atEglinAFB, FLwhere Dave is flyingthe F- 15C. He is also currentlythe 58th FS Director ofOperations! Bothfamilies statedthattheirwas a sea ofblueinthestands atthe CottonBowl! Great supportforthe FALCONS!

TheAllensand Graffs at theArmedForcesBowl.

Overtheholidays, Ihadthe opportunityto spend an eveningwith the Sucich family! Wehad some greatTex/Mexand also enjoyedchatting up the politics. Jo is now an instructorinthe C-5 FlightSchool atLackland andofcourse loves hisjob at JetBlue!

Thanks againforallthegreatupdates! Remember, ifyou are interested inthe two-yearAOG Senate slot, please letWispy or I knowand also PLEASE SEND MEYOUR1993 CONTACT LISTSANDYOUR EMAILADDRESSES SO I CAN CREATEAMASTERLISTING OFALL OF OUREMAILS—THE LISTINGWILL NOT BE DISSEMINATED FORANYTHING OTHER THAN OFFICIALAOG BUSINESS! Enjoythe spring and see you in the summer! Mike

C.C. M. Masotti

PSC 116, Box 215 APO AE 09777

W: +33-1-43-12-26-69 or 202-536-2780, 1 (for English) X2669

Cell: +33-6-25-74-69-13

cc.masotti@yahoo.com

cause ofinconsiderate rebelswho don't thinkabout my other commitments before attemptingfailed attacks on centralAfrican capitals... -) Let’s startwith a much overdue photo frommyfellow“Freak” (CS-23), Patty Rodriguez-Rey’s (A-l staff, Pentagon) Augustweddingto Mike (Cooper, USNA, ’95). Iwasn’t able to attend the ceremony, butheardfrom Deb Lovette (also A1 staff, Pentagon) that she was a gorgeous bride—looks like Deb was right on inherassessment! Bestwishes to Pattyand Mike!

PattyandMike

Next up, a quickupdate from Chris Giorgiani (JCB, Savannah, GA), who was recentlytransferred back to the States after a three-year stint in the UK. His work travels brought him through Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, but he and his bride Juli tookadvantage ofbeingin Europe to make personaltrips to France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Italy,Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Ireland and Belgium (that even makes MEjealous!). Chris andJuli sent a picture the tookwith their daughters Chloe (10), Sophie (8) and Maya (4) while visiting Olympia in Greece. They also send invites to classmates travelingthrough beautiful Savannah...

TheGiorgianis

Since Chris andJulirecentlyleftthe UK, let’sfocus there for a minute. As I’ve writtenbefore, fellowswimmerandfriendSarah (Kerwin) Strachanisjust outside ofLondon gettingher PhD for theAcademy (andwill hopefully come to Paris soon forresearch!). She, herhusband, Neil, and theiradorable son James (almostthreenow! Wow! Iwasathisbabyshowerand sawhim soon afterhe was bom!) welcomed MissAbigailGeorginainto theirfamily as an earlyChristmas present on 19 Dec. Accordingto Sarah,babyAbbiehasn’tquitegottenthehang ofthe “sleeplongperiodsduringthenight” concept, but mygoodness, is she gorgeous! Sarah didn’thave anypictures ofherwithAbbie (Sarah isaMUCH better photographerthanNeil, so I usuallyjustget shots ofthekids and occasionallyhimwiththekids!), butshared one ofher andJames nottoo longbefore Abbie was born. They’relovingbeing in England and so close to Neil’s family.

77% Members

Greetings fromthe CityofLights, fellowRedTags!! Sorryformissinglastcolumn, butI basicallyhad no inputsandworkwas too busyto make stuffup... Infact, this one will be short not so much because of lackofinputs (though I canALWAYS hearfromyou more, hint-hint!), but be

SarahandJames

Fellowfriends ofmine and Sarah’s are the amazingHealygirls. I mentioned beforethatSusan (Feland, ’93) hadbeenherein September, butKelly(Wallace) is always great about keeping in touch as well, though being a squadron commander’swife (herhusband, Drew,isaC-5Sq/CCatTravis) and full-time mom to babyJulia (now a little more thanayearold—another one whomI saw justafterbirth!) keepsherprettybusytoo. To top it off,theyjustfound outtheir houseisbeingsold, so theyhave to move this month! SusanandJohnhave two girls (Alexandra andAnna), so it was up to Tracy (Lorenz, ’96) to bringthe first boyinto theJLealyfold in two generations... She andherhusbandwelcomed babyNoah inAugust. All three ofthe Healygirls live near each otherinNorthern California, so theyget to see each other often andlove that.

Paul and GinnyWagner sent a greatChristmas update from DC, where he works forCSC andGinnyforKPMG. Thoughtheiradorableboxers Baxterand Brinkleykeep them busy,theystillfind time to stayveryinvolved in the Child Rescue Center (CSC), includingGinnystrip to Sierra Leone this past summer forVacationBible School andherESL classes that she teaches attheirchurch. Theyalsotooka littletimeforthemselvesthispastyear, spendingThanksgiving inAlabamawith Paul’s familyand Christmas in Costa Rica.

I’ve also been in touch recentlywith Ernesto “E” Hernandez, who is stationedattheStateDepartmentbutrecentlydeployedto Iraq. He’sprettyamused with thewholeArmywayoflife, theirview ofwhat passes as “acceptable” in terms ofliving/workingquarters, and third-nation construction skills, but I thinkhe’s enjoyingbeing“backin the fight”....

On this side of the pond, I was recently able to see Jack Aalborg (NPS, Monterrey), who’s working on his Master’s degree in theAir Force’s newversion ofthe ForeignArea Officer program. He happens to be friends with a colleague and goodfriend ofmine here, so a bunch ofus got to hang out over NewYear’s. We got to catchup andtalked aboutmyformerroommate andhis former CS-34 squadron mate, Kathy (Cleveland) Leisman (whosehusband Greggwas MYsquadmate!)... Kathyshould havewelcomed a babygirl to the worldaboutthe same timeAbbie Strachan (Sarah’s daughter) was born, but I haven’treceived a birth announcement yet. As far as Jackgoes, ifallgoeswell, and consideringhe’s fluentinFrenchand notbad in a fewotherlanguages, he mayget to replace a colleague ofmine hereandbecome the otherassistantAir Attache here in Paris. Best ofluck, Jack!! AndKat—send pics!!

Finally, since I was speaking ofParis, things here are good, but EXTREMELY busy. In addition to the diplomatic side ofthejob (hostingand attending receptions and functions, which is fun, but more tiring than it sounds), work at the office is QUITEdemanding (I was there until2300lastnightandcouldhave easilydone the same todayifI hadn’thad to come home and meet contractors for some flooding andhotwater heaterproblems at the apartment!) and I feel a bitlike I’m running a hotelhere. I was “invaded” by a group offriends (well, two friends and a bunch ofpeople I’d never met) over Christmas (we spent Christmas Eve at DisneylandParis!) and have now racked up more than 22 differentovernightguests (somerepeats) inthe some fourmonthsI’vebeen in the apartment—and thatdoesn’tcountparties andreceptionsandsuch either! But I love it andyou’re more thanwelcome to come visit ifyour travels allow anddates aren’talreadybooked! And, as far as workinglonghours goes, it’s still Paris so, despitewalking out super late last night, I got to see theEiffelTower sparkle (itdoes so for 10 minutes everyhour on thehour), whichkind ofmade it all okay! So, no complaints from my end...

I hopeyou’re all doing well and that 2008 is a year ofmanyblessings and happiness foryou andyours. Take care and God Bless! C.C.

R. Travis Koch

5304 Sports Club Lane

Suffolk, VA 23435

Home: (757) 686-2607

Cell: (850) 499-8242

richard.koch@langley.af.mil

traviskoch@yahoo.com

Aloha, '95!

This is Buck (ChristopherBuckley) checkingin from HickamAFB and givingTrav a well-deservedbreakfrom Checkpointsduty. Allis wellhere atHQ PACAF and Melissa and I are reallydigging Hawaii. We’ve visited four ofthe eightmajor islands and hope to cross a few more offthe list thisyear. Not abadgig, to saytheleast. Also doingtime inthe AlohaState are HalseyBurkswho is the 13AF Commander’s aide; Dave Lyle who works in the IG office; Dane “Joust” Crawfordwho works in the 613 AOC and Mike Waite and WaltHattimer alsoworkat 13AF. Halsey, hiswife, Susan and son Ethanwill be moving on to FtLeavenworththis summer forArmyACSC as will Dave. Joust is also leavingthis summerfortheUSMC SAW Mikearrivedlast summer fromACSC with his wife, Jennifer, and theirdaughter Clare.

There was a lot ofexcitement around here this past fall as the UHWarriors went 12-0 butwho cares? HowaboutthoseAir Force Falcons! IfCarneyhad not gottenhurt, we go on to win and endtheyear 10-3 Atleastthat’swhatJoel

Stephens thinks. While I watched the game with some local grads at 0-dark30 out here, Joel took a breakfrom flyingthe C- 130J at Little Rock to see the game inperson. He says that a bigcontingent ofgrads rented out BillyBob’s in Ft.Worth the nightbefore the game and raisedthe roof. Our own Travis Koch was atthe game as was Benji Glazerwho’sworking as a consultantin Houston.

JE (Stix) Evenson was also at the gamewith his oldestdaughter, Emma. JE andAngie are the proudparents offour (Emma, Samuel, JackandHarry) and JE is lovin’ life as a T-38 IP at Sheppard. Anotherguylivin’ thedream is Matt (Tooma) Liljenstolpe. Matt got to Randolph last February with his wife, Susanna, andtheirthree kids,Luke, MaxandMya,justintime to see the Spurs win the NBA championship. Nowhe’sworking a sweet gig at HQAETCwhile stillflyingtheT-38 as an IFF IP This summerhe moves on toAFIT atWright-Pat. As for Max, my godchild, still referring to me as his “fairygodfather”, not so sweet!

On the civilian side ofthingsStacyWharton is livingin Denver and was just hired byAirTran after gigs in the C-17 and the USAFA glider program. Owen and Christina Shipler are living in Greensville, SC andjust welcomed their first, Hudson, on NewYear’s Eve. (Anyone else want to putmoney on Hudson Shiplertakingthe 2030 Masters?) AfterseparatingfromtheAF DougandTerri Bartels just moved to Charlottewhere Doug is an investment banker with EdgeviewPartners. Dougcompletedthe MBA program at Duke last Decernherandhas huge cavs fromjumping aroundwiththe Cameron Crazies. Just joking. MuraliKrishnancompletedthe MITMBAprogram and is a consultant with Bain & Co. in Boston. Scott and Susie Carrelllive in Californiawith their two kidswhile ScottteachesEconomics (ormaybe it’s Home Economics?) at UC Davis.

I can’t mention one Carrelland not the otherwithoutreceivingangrymail from Keokuk. Rich (Bourbon Dick) Carrell and his wife, Carmen, have two boys, Scotty and Sammy and are at Hurlburt along with Raquel (Early) WeselelewskiandJohnNemecek. Rich is offto LeavenworthforACSC inJune where he’llbejoinedbyScott Campbell from Nellis. Other ’95 Hurlburtfolks headingto schoolthis summer includeJayPelka (JAWS); George Hock(ACSC) and Keith Crawford (ACSC). Hurlburt alum Mike Jackson is currently enrolled in JAWS.

Currently atACSC is RyanSparkman. Prior to MaxwellAFB Sparkyand his wife, Eudora, enjoyed three differentgigs inJapan. Steve Klingman is also at ACSC. Also at Maxwell in Sweet HomeAlabama is Joe Fridaywith his wife, Jennifer, and daughter,Avery. Joe is a plant manager for a privatebottling company, the C-130H (AFRC) MXSqComandis enrolled intheACSCMaster’s program. He is washAND dry! Somewhere, somehowhe finds time to do a little fishing on the gulf. BAB!

FromAFIT: Dave Norton checked in to sayhe’s enjoyingthe easier pace of theAFIT program after an assignment intheA8P shop at the Pentagon. Dave O’Malley and FrankCosnowski are also currently atAFIT.

Random updates: Jason (Hollywood) and Jen Smith welcomed Sophie Marie to thisworld inJanuary. Theylive in FtWorthwhere Smittyis stillflying Vipers. AlexCottojustfinished a year at IAAFA in SanAntonio and expects to deployfrom El Salvadorto Iraq in 2008. Ten cuidado, mi amigo! Jim Rowley isworking a NATO staffgig at StavangerinNorway. He spends most ofthetime trying to convince our allies thatJerome Lane was the greatestcollege basketballplayer ever and explainingto themthe differencebetween growing up in Nassau countyversus Suffolkcounty. Weddingbellswillbe ringing on Memorial DayforSteve Sanders. CarlosDellepianeis married, has a litde girl and is racking up thehours in the PeruvianAir Force.

Finally, I’d like to offer our condolences to the Class of ’96 on the loss of Carrie LoudermilkPederson. Carrie and herthree-year-old son were killed in a car accident near Memphisin December. Please keepJimPederson, their daughter,Ashley, and all ’96 inyour thoughts and prayers.

Melissa S. Cunningham

15660 Candle Creek Drive Monument, CO 80132 (719) 487-3071/DSN: 333-0472

Melissa.cunningham@usafa.af.mil or melcunningham@msn.com

Members

It iswith a heavyheart that I beginthis article. We lost our classmate, Carrie Pederson, and her son Lucas in a tragic automobile accident on 6 January. Jim and their daughter,Ashley, survived the accidentwithinjuries andtheyare continuing to recover. Carrie and Lucas’ funeral was held in theAcademyChapel on 16 Jan on a cold andwinteryday. It was encouraging to see the outpouring ofsupport from family, formerbasketball teammates, members from CS 33 and CS 27, and prep school classmates. Even months later it is still hard to believe. Carrie was a beautifulperson insideand out. She was an incredible mother, wife and friend. She always had an encouragingword, a listening ear, and an openheart to those in need. Please continue to keep Jim andAshleyinyour thoughts and prayers as theytravel

CarrieandLucasPederson their difficult road ahead. Awebsite has been set up to capture stories and pictures ofCarrie andLucas forthe family. Pleasevisit thewebsite and share your memories: http://textperception.com/pedersen/ In addition, Jim’s squadron has set up a familysupportfund. Ifyouwouldlike to make a donation, please send your gifts to: Pedersen Support Fund, c/o MSgt Michael Lindstrom, 463rd OSS, 314 CMSgtWilliams Drive, Little RockAFB, AR 72099.

the Little Rockschoolhouseandis offto theAMC internprogramthis summer. Niko Lewis (Bronson) is enjoying time with her babygirl. She and her husband are still living in the Springs. Dan Begin continues to fly C-130 with a guard unit and is also flyingfor DeltaAirlines.

’96ers bandtogetherto rememberCarrie.

MelissaBryant (Wainwright) flewin from Englandwith little Nieve in tow. She and Bob will be headedback to the States this summer to get the family settled in Kansas before Army Command and StaffCollege begins. Maria Holbrook (Villapando) is livingin Springfield,VA. She isworking at the Navy Annexin acquisitions and iskeepingup with thebusyschedules ofthree boys. Colleen (Lehne) and DantaJohnsonstilllive inRedondo Beach, CA. They are excited to be adding a little girl to their familylater thisyear. Eve Douglas is working at the National Oceanic andAtmosphericAdministration’s Office of Space Commercialization. She focuses on SpacePolicy, mainlyconcerning Commercial Remote Sensingissues - theunclassifiedsatelliteimagerycompaniesyou see on GoogleEarth, the news, etc. She hasbeen at NOAAforabout a year and half and has reallyenjoyed it. Her best gigthough is coming this spring. She recentlyfound out that shewill have an opportunity to fulfill her Reserve duties as anAirAttache inParis.

BarbaraRankin (Brennen) andherhusband,Todd, drove down fromFrisco. They are both out oftheAirForce and are real estate agentsin Summit County. Tia Henderson (McDonald) came from KirtlandAFB to supportJim. Shejust found out that she’s expectingkid #2. Yumi LaFortune (Ramirez) came from SanAntonio. She is out oftheAF nowbutstaysplentybusywith her two boys. Ann Marie O’Malley (Halterman) helped organize support for donations for thefamily. Sheis stillrunning averysuccessful ITbusinesswhileDave finishes up his degree atAFIT. Theyshouldbe finding out abouttheir next assignment soon. CarrieWood (Barker) is currentlyworkinginmedical equipmentsales. She was alreadyinthe area so she drove to Tennessee to support the Pederson familywhileAshleywas inthehospital. Then she droveback across the country to Colorado for Carrie’s memorial. TonyPrincipi flewin from San Diego. He continues to oversee constructionprojects in the San Diego area. He and Valeriejustfound out thattheywould be having another daughter in Feb. He told me thatitproves Godhas a sense ofhumorbyblessinghimwith two girls. Chad andAnn Igl (McGhee) and their daughter Clarissa came to showtheir support. Chad is the DeputyChief, Space Defense Branch inAFSPC/A3 and ArmistheChief,MilitaryPersonnelPrograms (promotions) inAFSPC/Al. Chad is headed to the LLFellows program this summer andAnnhopes to hear soon about an accompanyingassignment to the DC area.

Julian Stephens is workingin FM at SchriverAFB. He has three beautiful children, two girls and a boy. MarkLankford flewin from Ohio. He decided to get out oftheAF and go with his entrepreneurialspirit. It is great that he trustedhis instincts. He is about to open his second DirectBuyfranchise. So ifyouneed anyfurniture, give him a shout. AdrienneWilliams (Fleming) is at

Several ofour classmates are currentlyin theAir Force GeorgetownLegislative Fellows program. This program providesinsight into the legislative process through a fellowship between theAF, Georgetown, and Capitol Hill. It is an 18-month IDE programwhich incorporates academic classeswith a year longfellowship in the office of a member ofCongress. Apparentlythe numberofbeers consumed per capita on CapitolHill shot up as soon as this gang arrived.

Matt Guentheris workingin Sen. Graham’s office. Hewraps up the tour in August and has a feelinghe’llbe stayingin DC for next couple ofyears. Ryan Suttlemyreisworkingfor SenJohn Thune (R-SD). He andhiswife, Jan, have a beautiful 5-month olddaughternamedLily. Dan Gillen isworkingforCongressman Silvestre Reyes (Dem. El, Paso TX, Dist. 16), the Chairmen ofthe House Intelligence Committee & memberofthe HASC. Keith Derbenwick wentto Sen DanielAkaka (D-HI)’s office.

JeffAlexanderis also in theLLprogram. Since graduation, hehashad some interesting assignments. He finished ENJPPT and flewF-15Es. His first assignment was to Lakenheathwherehad an opportunityto participateinAllied Force, Deliberate Forge and SouthernWatch. He met Soil while in England and they were married 2002. Their next assignment was to Seymour. Somehowduringthat2Yz years theymanaged to knock out master’s degreesbefore moving to Ridgecrest, CAwhere Jeffjoined the Navy’sOperational Test and Evaluation Squadron as an exchange officer. In Sep 05 their daughter Madeleine was born and 20 months later, in May07 their son Christian was born. Jeffis headed to CongressmanJohn Spratt’s (D-SC) office.

Morris “Moose” Fontenot is also in the LL program. He and Kara (Parks) left theAcademyheaded to LaughlinAFB. Kara was a services officer and Moose completed UPT. There next assignment was to Mt Home. Moose flew F-15Cs andhad two opportunities to head to OSWand one to ONW. While at Mt Home, Kara separated fromtheAF to stayhome with their two children, Natalie (now8) and Nicole (now7). In between changingdiapers she completed her Master’s degree in Humanities. Next the family moved to Eglin AFB. Moose went offto OIF and Kara completed her second masters in English-Literature andtaughtentrylevelEnglish at a nearbycollege. The followingassignment was to Elmendorf. Kara continued to teach and was selected to be aKeySpeakerat a LiteratureconferenceinCopenhagen, Denmark. Moose wentthroughF-15CWeapons school and continued to flyin PACAF. Nowthe family is enjoyingDC. Kara continues to teach English at the Universityof Marylandand is also a PhD student at UM in English-Lit. Moose is currently workinginRepresentativeNeilAbercrombie's Office. CMAbercrombie is the HouseArmed ServicesAir-LandSubcommittee Chairman. Moose manages allArmy, Air Force,Veterans, ForeignAffairs, and Human Rightslegislative portfolios.

Pat Obruba is also doing well. He met his wife, Emmy, when they were stationed at KunsanAB, ROK in 2002. They were married in 2004 and welcornedtheirfirst childinMay07. Alexanderis all set up forthe USAFAClass of ’29. Emmyseparated from theAF as theyPCSedfromLangley over the summer to have more qualitytime withAlexander. Patwill be working in Congressman Ciro Rodriguez’s (TX-23) office for the nextyear.

Ijusthit myword limit! Please keep the e-mails and pics coming!

Take care, Mel

OurAFGeorgetownLegislativeFellows:FromleftareMorrisFontenot, Ryan Suttlemyre, Pat Obruba, JeffAlexander, Matt Guenther, DanGillen, Keith DerbenwickandThadWoods.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

756 Granite Drive

Ofallon, IL 62269

mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

mel.maxwell@ustranscom.mil

72% Members

Heyall, “Quiet hours” are in effect in terms of news for the Class of 97. My lone update rolls infromMattBergwho got out this past summer and is a Recruitment Manager for a hospital group in Shreveport, LA. Matt is also going to Nursing school to do pediatric and emergencymedicine. He is also a selfadmittedadrenalinejunkieandisworking on his EMTlicense to drive ambulances on theweekends inthe local area.

The soon to be Mrs. (Louella) and I ventureddown to Ft. Worthto cheer on theFalcons againstCalintheArmedForces bowl. Speakingofcheer, we bumpedinto Beth Szucs (Houston) andfamily (Joe ’96, Grace, andElla) in our hotelprior to the game. We mentioned that Amanda Zumbrunnen (Jennings) wouldbeflyingfromIsrael to visit us in StLouis in AprilandBethwas adamantthatshewouldbecomingoutto seeAmanda aswell. We didn’tmentionthatthevisit was for ourwedding, so we’lljustplanthatBeth willbeattending.

While we are talkingaboutformerAirForceAcademycheerleaders, we broke the news lastupdate thatTanjiJohnson was trying out to be a Gladiator on the newest revival ofAmerican Gladiators TVshow on NBC. Not days after I received Checkpointsdid the first previewsfor the show come out and lowand behold, lookwho made it. Congratulations go out to Tanji, aka Stealth. Tanji gave up a couplepoints in Powerball on thatfirst episode but she took a Contender out ofthe competitionwith a huge tackle so she did us proud.

TheMcWhorterfamilyat the "GreatSanta Race”lastDecember. these Iwould never remember to sendinfo in. Thatbeingsaid, itwouldreally be great to hearfrom more ofyou. Ifyou always read this and think“Wow, it’s been 10 years andI’ve never written Karin, I should really send something in....” Stopreadingthis and send me an e-mail! Alljoking and guilttrip aside, this is our reunion year so I have a higher word limit for the articles—just nothing to write about ?

Withregard to our reunion, the datehas notbeen set. Typicallythe 10 and 20 yearreunions are thefirsthome game afterParent’sweekend. But, thefootball schedule hasn’tbeen set so we don’thave a date. Iwillbe sure to keep you updated as much as possible. You can also go to the AOG website (www.usafa.org) and click on the “reunions” link atthetop ofthe page forthe most current infermation. Right now I am listed as the POC. Ifyouwouldlike to help, especially ifyou are in theColorado Springs area, please let me know. There are alreadythings we need to get done and itwould be great to have more people involved.

NttRE .S'oc

PRCF. dm Satire Societ; Donors

Onethingyou can do nowis send me photos. I stillhave our ring dance video and I thought it would be fun to playthat duringthe dinner, butIwouldalsolike to make a newvideo ofthelast 10years. Photos ofweddings,babies, footballgames, deployments, anyotherlargegathering ofgradswouldbe great.

Now, on to the updates: Jannell MacAulay (Ziccarelli) sent a short note in November. Sheand Chris are stationedtogether atTravisAFB. She isflyingKC1Os andChrisisthe MaintenanceOperations OfficerfortheKC-10 Maintenance Squadron. TheirdaughterAlexandraRosewas bomlastEasterSundayandthey are enjoyingtheir newest addition as well as livingin Northern California.

TanjiJohnson, akaStealth

That allI’ve gotfor this go round. Sorry, this was such a shortupdate. Help a brother out and let me know how you’re doing out there. Until next time.. .Mel.

Karin McWhorter

8243 Oasis Bloom St. North Las Vegas, NV 89085 (702) 476-4304 mcwhorters@hotmail.com

Hi Everyone, I hope you allhad a greatholiday season. We loved beingback in the states and close to familyand friends.This is the firstyearthat “Santa” meant anything in my family and we had a blastwith it. The combination ofkids and Christmas is reallymagical. Acoupleweeks before Christmas,Andrew (’96), Collin (age3),Anna (age 1), and I ran the LasVegas “Great Santa Run (5K)”, We had a lotoffunwiththe other7,000 Santa runners, andLasVegas even held the worldrecords fornumberofSanta’s in one place for a fewdays. We love living inVegas although I am still lookingfor a CONUS PAjob in the Reserves. I am still assigned to Hickam and that is a tough commute. I am also in the hiring process to teach online courses for the UniversityofPhoenix.

I didn’t getvery manyupdates this time and I can’t be too upset because I never even managedto getChristmascards out! I am sure thatifIwasn’twriting

Chris,Jannel andAlexandraMacAulay

Damian Schlussel also sent a note in November. He and his wife, Megan, returnedfromlivingthelife inEuropeinJune andthey are now in NewMexico where he is the Squadron Commanderforthe27th SpecialOperations SecurityForces Squadron. Damianjustfinishedattendingthe FBI NationalAcademy as partofthe 231st session. He wrote thatTom Kootsikas gotengaged to a fellowpilotin his squadron and then they were quicklyoffdeployedagain. He also heardfromGloriaandKirbyEnsser andthey are on theirwayto Nellis where Kirbyis the #3 Thunderbird. AngelSantiago is still in the Netherlands as an exchangepilot.

Lastly, I got a note fromCraigFitzpatrick in earlyJanuary. He is movingback fromNorfolk to DC. He is working the acquisition ofhis little start-up by Lockheed, andhe is going to go help them launch a companycalled Savi Performance Logistics inAlexandria.Should be a fun couple ofyears!

He alsohadthefollowingupdates to share. ChrisHarlowjustpassedthe DC bar and is practicing in downtown DC. He lives on Capitol Hill with Dave Lewis, who is stillflying UH-Is. The two ofthem, RegenWilson, and Craig went to AF-Navygame and then went and “tore up”Annapolis. They ran into Mike Connors, who is teachinghigh school in the DC area. Regen is still active in the actingcommunity in DC, and got out oftheAF last summer. He now works at BoozAllen Hamilton in Marketing/PR. Shawn Kellytransferred his C-5 commitment via Palace Chase and is now in Denver flying for Frontier Airlines. James Blanchardisbackatthe zoo teachingManagement. Heandhis wife, Sylvia,just moved to Castle Rock. Our Estonian exchange friend, Jaak Therien, hasjust been appointedthe EstonianAir Force's liaisonofficer to NATO andwillbe at the NATO office in NorfolkuntilJuly, at whichtime hewill headbackto Europe. Craigalso ran intoJoeAdamskiinAustin a couplemonths ago. He is finishinghis MBA at EmoryinAtlanta.

Personally, I ran into “Jeff” Jeffress, who is an aggressor here, and Steve Behmer and hiswife,Nicole, added a babyboyto their familyin December. MatthewSteven was bom December 13th andjoins sisters Natalie (age5) and Anna (age 3).

I guess that is it for this month. Please call or write with any information, questions, etc. I can’twait to see everyone this fall!

James W. Busch

1697A Borneo St. Clovis, NM 88101 (505) 693-2266

DSN: 681-6521 Buschfl6@yahoo.com james.busch@cannon.af.mil

(Three Sabre Society Donors)

(Editor’s note: Wedid not receive an inputfromJamesfor this issue. Please send himyourinformation andphotographsfor the next issue.)

Jason “JW” Simmons 3524 Lakeside Drive Shreveport, LA 71119 jason.simmons@us.af.mil simmons@USAFA2000.com

^ 64%^ Members,

same flight asT-6 instructors in the 41st FTS, andAlisterDopp is also teaching students in SUPTphase IIinthe37th FTS. Rob is a FlightCommanderflyingT38's in the 50th FTS, andhe and MattHarting traded flights in their respective aircraftin December. Additionally, Robwrites thathe ran into a couple of2000 gradsattending SOS class 08B on a waiver back in January. Jim Marion was there as well as PatrickDoyle.

Dr. PatrickParsonsis at SpangdablemAB, fightingandwinningthewar against plaque and gum diseaseandsavinglives one tooth at a time. He's been staying busytreating a lot ofdeployers andhas enjoyed some skiingintheAustrianand SwissAlps on theweekends. Eric Bixbygotmarriedthis summer and has offidallyPCSed to Barksdale versus hisprevious verylongTDYs fromDallas.

Again, pleaseget in touchwith me; your class wants to hearwhat’s going on withyou. Thanks, Jason.

FaithDunn (Flitchcock)

6423 NW 94th Court Johnson, IA 50131 faithd03@hotmail.com

67% Members

Hi there 'Olers,

Haven’theard from too manypeople thistime around-1 am hoping it isjust because the article was due right afterChristmas and people were busywith family and the holidays. Please send me yourupdates and pictures forthe next article!

RandyCarlsonjustfinished a two-yeartour teachingin the physicsdepartment at USAFA. He is now getting his PhD in astronomyat NewMexico State Universitysponsoredbythe Air Force.He recently was able to visit his old roommate JamesToppinginSanDiego. James is stillintheMarine Corps flyingthe F-18 at Miramar NAS. He recentlyreturned from a deployment and is gettingmarried this fall.

5 Sabre Society Donors

Aaron Brown e-mailed from ShawAFB where he is flying F-16s in the77thFighterSquadronalongwith Eric Music and Scott Fann. All three are marriedwithtwo kids each! EricjustarrivedfromHillandScott came from Mountain Home about a year ago. Other ’01 ers currentlyflyingthe F-16 at Shaw are Brian Healyand BrianHoose. Jeff Strange is at Shaw as well on an ALO tour. Aaron is gettingreadyto PCS inApril to Osan. He’s lookingforward to catching up with Kevin Crofton once he gets there.

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Hello everyone, it was prettysparse this time. Please send me updates! All iswell for me and I’mlookingforward to havinglots offamilyandfriends in town theweekend of26Aprilfor mywedding. Kris Hardy separatedfromActive Dutyin September, andhas moved to Columbus, OH. He has since beenverybusystartingthree newbusinesses:liveSCUBA.com, a socialnetworkforSCUBA divers; SubmergedSolutions, submergedsolutions.com, an IT consultingfirm as well as SuperDuct, an airductcleaning company. I heard from Kevin Kuciapinski; he was recently in Colorado for a conference and had some time built in for lots offun backaround some ofour old stompinggrounds. Jen (Shelby) MillerandhusbandTy, ’99, havegiventheir son Tristan, a baby-sister namedAlexa, and are enjoyinglife running San Diego Harley-Davidson.

Jen and herchildren.

Will Hartman seems to have a permanent email address in the desert as he keepsgettingtours that direction. Rob Brookswrites thatall iswell in Columbus, MS. Apparently Columbus has become a repository for former Two Granders graduatingfrom CS-30. Matt Harting and Rob Thweatt are in the

EricMusic, ScottFann andAaronBrown catchingup atShawAFB.

AudraLyons sent me an update. She and FrankLyons moved to SanAntonio inJun07. He's at KellyUSAworkingintheTest Squadron and she’s at Randolph workinginAFPC. Theyhavebeento severalweddings injustthelastsixmonths. Paul Graham, Antonio Pargas, Jimmy Mikes and Tommy Gonzalez all got married recently. She’s also heard that Matt Mountcastle recentlyPCSed to Germany.

kjoaRE Vy

'PkciffA

JeremyMcDanielseparatedfromtheAF inAugust 07 andis now a 7thGrade HistoryTeacherinhis hometown ofLeesburg, FL. He recentlygotengaged to a girlnamedJessikaandthey are planning aJune 28thwedding - sendpictures Jeremy!

Mike and I are doinggreat. We are settling into our house andjobs in Iowa. Theweatheris coldhere and snowing a goodbitandwe love it. Grantis getting so big and keeps us verybusyrunning around everywhere. He turns one in Februaryand we can’tbelieve it. Here is a picture ofthe three ofus the night beforeGrant’sfirstChristmas. Wehad a greatChristmas andwere able to spend it with both sides of our family.

Amy Schultz

806 Magnolia Bend San Antonio, TX 78251

215-280-1760

aschultzdmd@gmail.com

Class Website: www.usafa02.org

.Members i ill

who is also a Reservist. She also happens to work for RandySharpe who is married to Sarah (Stauffer) Sharpe. Carries says they are all doing well and enjoying Ohio.

Also, some other good news to report, I got engaged to my one-year studmuffin boyfriend, Dave Kauvar, over thisholiday season. Dave is a George Washingtongraduate (1998) and a USUHS MD graduate (2002). He is a chief resident in general surgerystationed at BrookeArmyMedical Center. Yes, he isArmyStrong! We gotengagedinCentralPark, NYC after awonderful carriage ride. We haveplanned ourweddingforJune ofthisyear. We are really excited and can’twait to spend the rest ofour lives together.

Greetings! I hope 2008 has started offwell for allandyouhaven’t broken all ofyour resolutionsyet! Luckyfor me, I didn’t make any!

Erin (Harms) Matraysends greetings fromAlaska. She got married this past 23 June 2007to Blake Matrayin Fairbanks, AK. Blake is aKC-135 pilotwith theAlaska National Guard. Erin separated from theAF at the beginningofAugust 2007. Theywill continue to callAlaskahomefor a few more years. Blake is a dogmusher, so theysharetheirhomewithabout30 SiberianHuskies, a Chocolate Lab, a ShetlandSheepdogand a Cattle Dog/Settermix. Asyou can imagine, there is rarely a dull moment at theirhouse. Hereis a photo aftertheirwedding andthe ringbearer, Kona, theirLabrador.

CarrieWellman sends a hello andwonderfulValentine wishes to all. She is currentlyliving in Ohio and is a Reservist at STRATCOM and a civil servant at Wright-PattersonAFB. Sheleftactive dutybackinJune of2005. Before returning to a militaryprofile, sheworked as a writerfor a production company in Denver and as a barista at a local coffee shop inherhometown in Ohio. She is hopingto stayinDayton to completegraduate school. Carrie also notes that since she hasbeen a Reservist, she has been runninginto classmates left and right, butwhen she was in, she never saw anyone. (I am sure this is a feeling shared bymany!) Carrie is workingforTerry Hunt now, a classmate of ours

All mybest - Amy.

Susan L. Doyle

PSC 103, Box 2341

APO AE, 09603 01139 349 896 0521

susan_doyle@ksg05.harvard.edu susan_doyle@post.harvard.edu

FeliceAnno Nuovo from Italy! This quarter’supdates take us into a NewYear and the continuation ofthe Class of2003’s adventures. Bongers are spread across theworld and making a difference.

DaveThompsonis a maintenance officeratWhiteman. OnJune 10,2006, he married then lLt Julianne Rose (Leavy). Dave leads the Fabrication flight, home ofthe Low Observables team that “makes the big blackjet stealthy.” Julianne and Dave hadtheirfirstboy, SimonAntonioThompson, onNovemher 16,2007. In the summer of2008, Dave will deploy to UAE.

Dave,Julianne, and SimonThompson

InDecember, GregMalyPSCed to PatrickAF Basewherehe continueswork as an Intel officer. John Harris flies F- 16s at Kunsan and returned from a deployment to Balad in the summer of2007. Dusty Fahie finished C-17 school in December and is offidally a C-17 Pilot. He reports to DoverinJan2008 to start his career in the3rdAS.

Jason Cromar graduated from the Uniformed Services University medical school in May 2007. He and his wife, Keelin, are stationed at LacklandAFB in SanAntonio where Jason is doinghis internship. Kim Broughton is also doing her residencythere.

MattandBethBumiston are atVandenbergandlove SantaMaria. Mattworks with United LaunchAlliance on new GPS satellites and a few classified NRO satellites thatwilllaunch throughoutthe spring and summer.

MattWieringaflies KC- 10s out ofTravis and deployed over Thanksgiving.

Faith, GrantandMikeDunn athome on ChristmasEve. We hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season and wish you a wonderful 2008! Rememberto keep in touch and send updates andpictures!

JasonFurcronflies C-130s out ofDyess, andis also deployed. The Mo Fighters (CS-04!) are expectedbackinJanuary...justintimeforthebaptismofMarieka EliseWieringa.

Mike andChelsea Strasser are still at Lakenheathandhad a relaxingChristmas breakinPariswith theirnewborn son Liam. FellowF- 15 pilot, Dave Van Ypern (akaNotch) is also a new Dad!! Congratulations!

AdamCiarella and PatWilliams are transitioningto the F-22 inAlaska. They flew F-15Cswiththe 19th at Elmendorfandwere selectedforthe conversion course to join the new F-22 squadrons.

Brig Gen Jim Hogue visitedAJ and Michelle (Hogue) Henley, and his first grandson, Lucas MarkHenley, in Omaha Nebraska.

Afterfinishingeconomicdevelopmentworkin SaudiArabiaandDubai, Giles Whitingisbackin Iraqleadinghis McKinseyteam in optimizingthe country’s economic and business development. Giles is happy to be backand thrilled withthe impactthe team hasmade.

A special thankyou to MarkHickie for submittingupdates for the CS-24 Phantoms: Mike Opresko is the proud parent ofa new baby, Nic Graves finished CRO school and is at DM, and Jon King still flies C- 17s at McChord. MohammedA1Alawi is flying in Oman and enjoyinglifewith hiswife, Dalai, andtheir 19-month-old daughter Shamma. Thomas Bellairsworks acquisi- tions at L.A. AFB on the next generation ofGPS and is pursuinghis master’s at USC. David Bennett is atAviano, did the Paris air show, and has traveled Europe extensively. Laurel Chiaramonte (Huber) is at Nellis on the med/surg ward. HerdaughterArianaLynwas bornonNovember21st. Thewholefamily heads to Kadenain February. Ricardo Cornejo is anAircraft Commanderwith 1000 hours in the C-17. He’sAirdrop Qualified and in the Special Ops Low Level Squadron at Charleston. Stephen Edstrom graduated med school in Mayand startedresidencyinFamilyMedicine/FlightMedicine.Afterhisthreeyear residency, hewill complete the aerospace primer course and go straight towork as a flightdoc. KevinHainesis inTokyo untilDecember2008, andflies the C-12J after the retirement ofthe C-21 Learjet from the PACAF fleet. Elia Hickie (Burrill) started 2007 learning C-17 operations atAltus, OK before movingto South Carolina in February to join the 16thAS. She deployed to A1 Udeid for four months and then finallytookher honeymoon with Mark - a cruise to the Caribbean! MarkHickie finishedup initial F-16training at Luke AFB inMayandbeganflying at Shawin Sumter, SCwiththe 79thFightersquadron in October. John Lancasteris in Special Forces training at Fort Bragg, NC, will finishinAugustandthentake over anA-Team in Fort Campbell, KY. Eric Ledererproposed to his girlfriendMegsbeforehe deployed to Iraq. InAugust, NickWzientekandJefffinished the Leadville 100 trail race in Colorado forthe second straightyear. AndrewNowicki lives in the DC area andleft Deloitte Consultingto pursue an opportunitywithin the DoD. Ian Ostermilleris still at McChordand ran OpsAirForcefortheOpsGroup there.Atripbackto CSprings to him to the Ritz, JackQuinn's, and Garden ofthe Gods. He is applying for FLEP to be a JAG officer. Michelle Ruehl is inAbilene flying the “dangerous andsexyHercules.” Shewillperform in Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde in the spring. Brian Smolenskyis a full-time actorinLA, despite thewriter’s strike. Hewrote, directed,produced, andstarredinhis firstfeature film - The Gadarene Swine and earned a spot on Prison Break. TylerTracydeployedforfourmonths to fly C-130s inFebruary. InDecember, heaccepted anAFSOC predatorassignment to New Mexico. Holly Van Liere left Tinker for Korea and traveled to JeJu Island, the DMZ,Tokyo, Beijing, andThailand. DerrickWhiteworks in the IZ in Baghdadwith KBR as a Sr. SubcontractsAdministrator. His wife,Adonis, and kids (Wisdom, 4 and Elijah, 1) are doingwell in Hampton,VA.

Finally, Rob Whiteside and Pat Kennedy are atAviano flying the F- 16 and send a "BONG!!!!" shout out...

Thanks again to everyone who provided inputs for this quarter’supdate. Please contact me at any time, and I’ll include your submissions. Keep in touch andtake care. Susan.

Breezy (Long) Heddinger

Cell: (719) 213-3205

Chris and Heidi SchlagheckwelcomedbabyAustin into theworld on June 14,2007. He is a miracle baby, provingall ofthe doctors wrong andsurviving two openheartsurgeries and a craniotomywithin his first six months oflife. ChrisandHeidi are finishingtheirtourinFloridaandplanto PCSinlatespring/ early summer.

71 % Members

Dyess AFB,TX windy04@gimail.af.mil

HappySpring, Class of’04. Before we jump into the news, I’dlike to remind everyone about our individualprofiles on theAOGwebsite. Ifyouwantyour info to be correct andpublic/hidden to your specifications, updateyourinfo in the graduate directoryand/or member directory online. Besides simply helpingyoustayintouch, thisinfo affectstheannuallyprintedRegisterofGraduates. Okay, enough administrivia.

First, we mistakenly omitted one of our photos from the last issue—sorry, Katie andLuke! Please see the attached weddingphoto and congratulate the Goossens!

Chris, HeidiandAustin Schlagheck. Thepicture was taken a weekbefore Austin’ssecondheartsurgeryandhissixmonth birthday.

Heidi, a Class of2003 senatorwrites: “Asthe2003 representative to theAOG ClassAdvisorySenate, itis importantfor me to representyouropinions to the Senate. The Senate meets quarterlywhile also conductingbusiness between eachmeeting. In order to obtain feedbackfromthe class, Iwill sharethe initiatives that we are working on, askforanyfeedbackfromthe class, and then sharethemwiththe Senate. Ifyou are interested inbeing on myclass emaillist to receive Senate updates/business info, please email me at hschlagh@gmail.com.

Second, ClassVice PresidentJeffGould ran into severalclassmates during hisrecently-completed, secondtrip to the Desert, andhehasbeenkindenough to share a fewdetails about our deployedReadyforWarriors: Matt Finch: flying C-21s out ofScottAFB gettingmarried inJune (more to

Fromlefttheplayers are GrandpaHogue(76) andLuke ’28(?), KevinHogue, Michelle (Hogue)Henley(’04),AJHenley(’03), Paula HogueandCathyand Kevin Chilton (’76.)

Giles on farrightwith therestofhis team.

follow). BrianAshburn: flyingJSTARS (E-8) out ofRobbins AFB; also, Brian marriedMeghan (civilian), whomhe metwhile at UPT, inJuly07 in Dallas, TX.

AylettHughes: C-130s DyessAFB. Dave Hoffecker:C- 130s DyessAFB. Matt

Boyd: C-130s Little Rock (currentlyflying missions out ofBaladAB). Brad Temple:KC-135s stillliving it up at RAF Mildenhall.

Third, Neil Wahlgren is happy to report that he is currentlyflying C- 130s aroundAsia out ofYokotaAB, Japan. Also, he is no longer flyingsolo inhis personallife—Neil andhis lovelywife,Jodi, will celebrate their one-year anniversaryin 2008.

Last, butcertainlynotleast, we have a numberofclassmates who have submitted to another calling: the medical field. ChrisPitotti, currentlyrepresentingthe determinationof’04 gradsinemergencymedicine at UVASchoolofMedicine, has providedthefollowinglistofotherclassmateswho, likeChris, are finallyseeingtheir hardworkpay off. The militaryresidency match results came out for those ‘04 grads in med school—below are some ofthe results (they'llfinallybe promoted out of2Lt status). We mayhave missed a couple inthis list, and sorryin advance for any oversight—pleasejustsend me your news whenyouhave a chance.

BenAllis: general surgeryat Davis Grant. Chris Mahoney:general surgery at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Pat Short: pediatrics at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

ThoserejoiningtheAF in SanAntonio: TomBeachkofsky: transitionalyear; Art Clarkson: pathology; Thomas Percival: general surgery; Chris Pitotti: emergencymedicine; Joe Rohrer: otolaryngology; Jeremy Simmons: generalsurgery.

Pursuingmedicalschool after USAFAis no small feat—congrats to each of you, and best ofluck on the next step inyour particular field.

Well, that’s all for now. Please continue to send updates. I’ll be deployed throughthis spring, so I maynot be convenientlyreachable through the global—the gimailaddresswillbebetter. Staysafe, andforthose still inthe USAF, letthe countdown to Captainbegin...

Paula Delapasse

103 Raymond Circle

Warner Robins, GA 31088 (225) 603-4450

paulamaffey@juno.com

Paula.Delapasse@robins.af.mil

Happy2008! I hope you are doingwell and enjoyingyouryear so far. Wehave a lotofclassupdates to sharethistime, itwas great to have so manyrepliesfromdifferentclassmates. Keep them coming! First offRyan Reedis flying C-130s aftergraduating fromtheNavalAirTrainingCommand’s program atNAS Corpus Christi, TX. He received hiswings in December2006 as a Distinguished Graduate ofthepilotqualificationprogram. He also receivedthe Daedalian OrvilleWrightAchievement Awardwhich recognizes the outstandinggraduates ofthe UPT schools ofthe USAFAETC, the NavalAirTrainingCommand, andthe outstandinggraduates oftheArmyAviation School. CongratulationsRyan, that’s awesome! Goodluckgettingsettled in at yourfirstassignment!

about to run herfirst 5K so things are goinggreat. Dominique Boivinwrote all thewayfrom Balad, Iraq. Currentlyshe is working in the Mayor’s Cell as the OIC in charge oftheArmyEducation Center. She laughs at advisingtroops on how “college” life is, remembering we didn’t go to a college, we went to an institution. We love your sense ofhumor Dom! Dominique extended her deployment since she is enjoyingbeing overseas. She has foundtime to compete in a body-buildingcompetition andneedless to sayfrom the picture, she must have done awesome.

DominiqueBoivin as a contestantin a recent body-buildingcompetition. All I can sayis that our femaleBig-Bad-Basic can beatupyourBig-Bad-Basic anyday! CindyDawsonwrote fromMcConnellAFB, KSwhere shewas recently stationed flyingthe KC-135. After finishingup training at AltusAFB she was preparingto head to Milidenhallbutthen, aftershippingallher stuffoverseas, theAF decidedshewouldbetter serve atMcConnell! Aftergetting overthe initial headache, it allworked out forthe betterbecause she was stationedtherewith John Finke. John and Cindygot engaged this pastChristmas and plan to get married at the CadetChapel this summer! Rachael (McIntosh) Taylorhas one more “deployment” to the PortMortuaryin Dover, Delaware before she separates fromtheAFunderthe Force-Shapingprogram. Sheisworkingin Services as the mortuaryofficer at McChordAFB andthis is one ofthe manyinteresting aspects ofherjob. She and husband NickTaylor ’04 lookforward to being in control oftheir own futureandplan on movingfromTacoma once she gets out! Erin Richardsonwrote fromthe40thAirliftSquadroninAbilene, TXwhereshe is flyingthe C-130. She is excited to not be living out ofa suitcaseanymore and to be finally settled downin one location - thoughpendingdeployments are alwayslooming! She wrote, “Ijustgot backfrom an iron swap (bring a good plane, take a bad plane), on theway stoppingin Canada, England, Germany, Turkey, Greece, and Qatar. It was awesome andwegotto see so much. C-130 tacticalairliftis awesome! We do some reallycrazythings. Nextweekl'mheaded toYuma,AZ to be a test pilotforthe newest airdrop systemJPADS (Joint PrecisionAirdrop System) It'sprettymuch attachingrocketthrustersand a GPS to a cargo loadwhich steers it to the drop zone.

PriscillaGiddings wrote fromArizonawhere she is at Davis-Monthanwith

Ryan ReedreceiveshisDistinguishedGraduateAwardfrom CaptainDavid Maynard', USN, CommordoreofTrainingAirWingFour(left) andCommander Charles Cassidy, Commander TrainingSquadron 31 (right). Submitted by ColSamuelM. Reed,Jr., USAF(Ret.)

Next allthe 2005 Track and Field grads had a little email reunion to catch up on howeveryonehas been doing. Since graduation, LacyDewall finished up Intel school at GoodfellowAFB and is now down in Panama Cityworking at TyndallAFB. She started out as the IntelligenceOperations Chiefsupporting the F-22 squadron there and is nowworkinginTrainingand Stan/Evalwhich she absolutelyloves. Lacybought a house in Florida, has a newpuppy, and is

theA-10 training. She has herfirst flightintheWarthogFeb 2nd but sayswith a smile she can’twait until she gets to fire the GUN! Good luck Priscilla, we know you will do great out there! Makisi Haleck sent me an email from SheppardAFB where he is working as an exec forthe OSS Squadron Commanderuntilhe PGSes to Dyess to train on the B-IB. Afterhe finishesfollowon training at Dyess he hopes to go to Ellsworth AFB, SD. I also got a short message from Caleb Pelger. He is currentlyflyingthe B-52 at BarksdaleAFB with not much else going on. He said heloves theweather, people, and food in Shreveport, LA- enjoyMardi Gras Caleb! Jami (Hodge) Fernandez, who spent 10 months in an internship atTravisAFB aftergraduation, is finallyatHill AFB in Utah. She said it could not be a betterplace as she andhusband, John Fernandez ’03, have gone campingand hikingin so manybeautifulNational and State parks. Theylove wakingup to a beautiful view ofthe mountains outsidetheirbedroomwindowand even went cross-countryskiingfor a New Years celebration. She enjoys herchallengingjob as a Group Practice Manager in the 75th Medical Group where she is part ofthe Medical Services Corps.

Anotherweddingwas celebratedlastyearatthe CadetChapelbetweenJacob FukaandJenniferNeville ’06. The celebration wasAugust 11thwith the reception at the CheyenneMountainResort. Agoodtime was hadbyall; theyhad to kickthem out at the end ofthe night! Jake andJen are planning a Mediterranean honeymoon once they are stationed together.

JennyCoker

On December 22nd HudsonGraham and Chelsea Coccimiglio were engaged at sunrise in Phoenix,Arizona. The weddingwill be May 31st.

JakeandJen aftertheirweddinglast summer.

Saberbearers at thewedding were John Fernandez '03, Dominic Calderon '05, Chris Gausepohl ’05, Aaron Duff’05, Joe Samek ’06, and Oscar Mayhew '06. Jami (Hodge) Fernandez was a bridesmaid. Jacob is currentlyflying the UH-1N "Huey" at AndrewsAFB, MD and absolutelyloves hisjob. Jake and Jenhavegottenwordthattheywill be stationedtogetherinAugustofthisyear once she assumes her new assignment as an engineerin the29th Intelligence Squadron at Ft GeorgeMeade, MD. Theysaid, “We are so excited aboutliving together and can’twait to experience the blessings of a ‘real’ marriage.” I also got another email from Iraq. M. Lynn Gouthro, who cross-commissioned into theArmyaftergraduation,justgotbackfromherfirst deployment thathadher 15monthsinBaghdad. Sheisworking as aTUAVplatoonleaderand is also about to be theXO ofthe 504th MilitaryIntelligence Company out of Germanywhere she is stationed. She said she is gearingup foranotherdeployment so wewishyouthebestofluckoutthereLynn, becarefulandkeepintouch! Thanks to everyonefortheupdates! Keepyourspiritsup andtake care! Paula

Felisa (Hervey) Dyrud

20 Myrtle Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02138 (719) 352-5991

Felisa.dyrud@gmail.com

What’s up class of2006?

73% Members

Hope thisfinds you well. Here are a few classmate updates to start out the year... be sure to send me yours!

William MacVittie sent in somenews fromVance APB... JakeAshmoregotF-15Es andisgoingto NorthCarolinawhile Dave Gertiser and Ellie Supperbothgot F- 16s to LukeAFB. Toni Horrell and Cody Brown will both be flying the C-17 out ofMcCordAFB and Caleb Pickardwas selected to flythe U-28A out ofHurlburt Field. Jared Hieb will also be flying the C-17 out ofDover, DE and is currentlytraining atAltus AFB. James Rorick will be flying the KC-135 out of Grand ForksAFB.

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Sabre Society Donors

Rob Campbellproposed to Jenny Coker at 800 AGL in a Cessna. Jennyis currentlyinT-1s at ColumbusAFB andRob is atVanceAFB in T-6s. “MarryMe?” was spelled out belowthem on the ground, but we thought Jennywas byfarthe better shot.

HudsonandChelsea

At sunrise in a differentpartoftheworld... LindseyBergeronis stilldeployed in Qatar (untilAugust) andthis was a picture ofBaghdad the first morningshe was over at CampVictory.

Baghdad atsunrise.

1 st Lt RyanBaker, USA, reports that over the Christmas break he went to JeremyHefner’swedding at theAcademyChapel. Afterwards he, alongwith JD Hertzel, Joshua Stinson, Mike Bien, Dave Foland, Brian Jones, and other friendswent into the mountains for a fewdays to celebrate NewYears in Breck. It was a great time with our special guest ‘Chelsea.’ Ryanwill be leaving in March on a 15-month deploymentto Afghanistanwiththe lOlstAirborne.

Casey Bayne

7363 River Pointe Drive, Apt 14North Little Rock, AR 72113 (719) 930-5066

checkpoints@caseybayne.com

77% Members (No Sabre Society Donors Yet)

(Editor’sNote: We didnotreceive an inputfrom Caseyforthisissue. Please sendhimyourinformation andphotographsforthenextissue.)

(Gone But Not Forgotten: Hal Walter

Continued from page 79.)

Upon graduation, he became an Air Force Officer at OCS, serving his country in assignments at Bolling in Washington, D.C., where he was an Air Force elite volleyball, basketball and racquetball player and OSI investigator, and Rhein Main in Germany; Bien Hoa and Tan Son Nhut in Vietnam; and Lowry in Denver as a Morale, Welfare and Recreation Officer.

His true calling was as an assistant and freshman basketball coach and physical education instructor at the US Air Force Academy, where he was honored to recruit,instruct, mentor and help develop the nation’s future Air Force leaders. GregPopovich, now the coach and general manager of the world champion San Antonio Spurs, has called him “coach” ever since. AFA Head Coach Bob Spear was Hal’s mentor and partner; Dean Smith was his compatriot. During his AFA years, Hal obtained his Masters and Doctorate degrees in physical education from Indiana University and helped Dr. Richard Cooper construct the Air Force aerobics program. Hal retired as a lieutenant colonel from ADC at Ent AFB where he was a leader in the Inspector General’s office.

In entering the real estate industry, Hal also was the director of the National College of Business in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. A managing broker of Century 21, his lasting impact on real estate was as a principal instructor at Jones Real Estate College, where he trained thousands of agents, including many of today’s leading realtors. Hal was the President of the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors in 1991 and their Realtor of the Year in 1993. The Colorado Association of Realtors bestowed him with its highest honor as state-wide Realtor of the Year in 2001. His community involvement

included the Chamber of Commerce, Executive Club, Winter Night Club, World Affairs Council, Military Officers Association, andthe AFA Blue and Silver and Quarterback Clubs. He was a founding member of Friends of Air Force Basketball.

Hal is survived by his lovingwife of24 years, Christel; sons MarkWalter, wife LuDel, granddaughter Erika of Colorado Springs; Scott Walter, wife Janine, grandson Cody of Franktown; and Mark Hartmann, granddaughters Allie and Stella and grandson Philipp of Denver; daughter Susie Jacobs, husband Kevin, and granddaughters Sophie and Hannah of Broomfield; cousin Peggy Frederickson of New Jersey and numerous friends and golfing, fishing and traveling buddies.

Hal Walter

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