Checkpoints June 2010

F EA F I J R F Fn

New generations of cadet athletes will enjoy the advantages of this state-of-the-art training facility.

The Human Performance Lab lends a high tech element to the education of coachesandcadets.

Graduates prepare for the Olympic Games at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

FIRE IN THE SKY

The Airborne Laser Testbed sets the bar for the future of ballistic missile defense.

ON THE COVER

With a generous gift from Bart Holaday, '65, and his wife Lynn, the Indoor Training Facility is finally a reality. Learn about the next generation of Falcon athletics. Illustration by Sarah Larrabee.

BY WILLIAM "T" THOMPSON, '73, PRESIDENT AND CEO

IF YOU HAVE FOLLOWED MY MISSIVES IN CHECKPOINTS MORE RECENTLY, YOU ARE AWARE THAT I HAVE RAISED ISSUES CONCERNING A GENERAL LACK OF LOYALTY TO THE ACADEMY AND A LACK OF COHESIVENESS AMONG OUR GRADUATES, AS COMPARED TO OUR SISTER SERVICE ACADEMIES.

While there are several data points to suport this assertion, one clear indication ofthese challenges is the number ofgraduate chapters we have compared to West Point and Annapolis. The Naval Academy has over 100 chapters and an additional 77 class clubs while West Point has over 120 “Societies,” their name for chapters. In contrast, until recently, we had only 31 chapters. Another indication of these tribulations is the graduate membership rate in our AOG when compared to that ofWest Point and the alumni association at the Naval Academy. Membership in the West Point AOG is 100% and there are no dues. This is made possible by an endowment funded by graduates which provides operating income to their AOG of $ 1 million annually. At the Naval Academy Alumni Association, which has a voluntary dues paying model like ours, the overall membership rate approaches

90 percent and, in recent years, the new class membership rate has averaged 99 percent. Comparatively, at the AFA AOG, our membership rate is just over 58 percent ofliving grads.

There are a plethora of reasons for these great disparities and not all are under the control ofthe AOG. Some are structural at the institutional level and will need to be addressed by the Air Force and/or USAFA. We are having discussions on how that might be accomplished. Yet there is much that the AOG can do to have an effect on this process and we have begun an aggressive program to do so. Let me share with you a couple of new initiatives that we are undertaking to meet these challenges.

CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

We have initiated a new Chapter Development Program (CDP) designed to build our graduate grassroots infrastructure across the nation and overseas. The CDP is structured to give graduates a stepby-step approach to starting a chapter and to incentivize the things that chapters should be doing. One ofthe recurring messages that I have taken from my meetings with graduates around the country is the desire to meet and network with other grads. We have heard the call and have structured the program in response to your requests.

There are many new aspects to the program and I urge those of you with additional interests to go to our Web site, usafa.org and read the new Chapter Handbook. I’ll share some of the highlights here because the initial feedback has been extremely positive.

We have developed a point system to reward those chapters who are involved in the many activities to keep graduates connected to the Academy and to build cohesion among the graduate community. We have also assigned points to those activities that we would like chapters to participate in like networking, Founders Day events and Academy support. Those chapters that earn a total of2,000 points, including points in the areas ofemphasis, will be designated as Distinguished Chapters, which is a good segue into the next new aspect ofthe program.

We have instituted a Distinguished Chapter Award. Chapters who win this award will receive several levels of recognition and rewards. They will be highlighted in our AOG publications and will receive a Distinguished Chapter banner for local use. They will also receive financial support for their Founders Day activities and gifts ofAOG merchandise for chapter use. Finally, the chapter president or chapter representative will receive complimentary travel to the annual Chapter Presidents Conference to be held at the Academy each fall. This is yet another good segue.

The AOG will host a Presidents Conference each fall at the Academy. The Conference will provide a forum for the exchange ofideas among chapters and the staffs of the AOG and the Academy. Additionally, chapter presidents will have the opportunity to meet senior Academy leaders and be briefed on Academy plans, programs and challenges. We expect the conference to become a great opportunity for chapter leadership to connect with the Academy and to obtain information which helps fanthe flames of enthusiasm among their chapter members.

As with any new initiative, there are always questions about the effectiveness of the effort. We rolled the new program out in

the middle ofMarch, 2010 and have been greatly encouraged by initial results. As of the writing of this article on May 25, 2010, we have established thirteen new chapters including:

Anchorage, AK Albuquerque, NM Altus, OK

Chantilly, VA

Charleston, SC

Clarke Quay, Singapore

Harrisburg, PA

Kansas City, MO

Las Vegas, NV

Mildenhall/Lakenheath, England

Oklahoma City, OK

Reno, NV

San Diego, CA

The AOG congratulates and welcomes our new chapters to the fold. We are also actively working with 22 additional upcoming chapters and you will find them listed on the AOG Web site. Let me also emphasize that we are not in this just to increase numbers. Our program is designed to produce strong, vibrant and enduring chapters and includes both field and AOG homeoffice support.

MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN DRIVE

We are developing a new Membership Campaign Drive targeting non-member graduates to reconnect them to the Academy through AOG membership. The AOG has changed over the years and, more recently, is moving in a new direction. We will make the case for membership by highlighting the value proposition ofmembership, particularly as compared to the corresponding values received at West Point and Navy. In a survey conducted last year, we discovered that of 73 categories of services provided to the Academy and graduates, West Point provided 38, Annapolis provided 41 and the USAFA AOG provided 70. Other key components of the campaign include:

A segmented marketing campaign by class years. We realize that what may be of interest and value to “Baby Boomers” may not be of mutual interest to grads who are members of “Generation Y.” We will tailor our messages and highlight services accordingly.

A new “Tiered Life Membership Dues Structure.” The current assumptions associated with the Life Membership program include providing grads services for a 55 year life span after graduation. It follows then that a grad who elects to become a life member well after graduation should have some adjustment made to the life membership cost. We are in the process of creating a tiered dues schedule to address this issue.

A new Joint Life Membership Rate for married graduates. One graduate would be assigned as primary and a 50 percent discount would be given for the additional grad. Both would receive all privileges and the household would receive one copy of Checkpoints.

The dedicated staff at your AOG is working diligently to move our association and the Academy forward. While we face significant challenges, we are addressing them head-on with new and innovative solutions. Our approach is simple. We won’t just “think outside of the box.” We’ll throw the box away and entertain inventive strategies that work. Our purpose is to serve the graduate community and to “Build a Better Academy.” H

Chairman’s

BY TERRY STORM, ’61

Spring is here, which always gives me a refreshing sense of new beginnings and optimism for the future. I know that is true of our AOG and the USAFA community.

We are well into our partnership with the USAFA Endowment, a positive collaboration that has resulted in a substantial increase in contributions to our mutual entities and, therefore, USAFA. Bart and Lynn Holaday’s very generous $5 million donation to the Athletic Department’s Indoor Training Facility was an additional impetus for more graduates to re-energize their giving. Sabre Society membership has also increased; many previous members have rejoined. Both organizations are well-represented at each other’s Board meetings.

Now the energy that was directed toward our fundraising structure has been redirected to enhancing our Chapter Program. We all want to strengthen our graduates’ ties to USAFA and each other, with the AOG’s assistance. The Military and Naval Academies both have many more alumni chapters than we do; our recently reinvigorated program will change that. All it takes now is for graduates to connect with the AOG to establish or renew their local chapter. USAFA has chapters in Las Vegas, Charleston, Oklahoma City, and even Singapore

and England. The chapters that are just getting started include Wichita, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Huntington, Louisville, Lexington, Cleveland, Austin, Buffalo, Chantilly and Danville.

The April Founders Day celebration can be a focal point for chapters. At USAFA, we recognized The Honorable Heather Wilson, ’82, and General Mike Loh, ’60. Their presenters, Charlie Thomas, ’61 and Andi Biancur, ’60, Superintendent Mike Gould, ’76, and our CEO, “T” Thompson, ’73, were each eloquent in their remarks. They all made us proud to be USAFA graduates. Several chapters also had Founders Day events, and we know others are planning around that celebration in the future.

As I mentioned in the previous Checkpoints your Board of Directors has undertaken the task of updating our bylaws. Without changing the parameters established by the Blue Ribbon Councel that revised our bylaws several years ago, this update has reorganized them into a more reader-friendly document, added a few subjects that were omitted last time and included a table of contents. More information on the recommended update will be forthcoming. A major factor is that we must have 25 percent of our members vote to be able to move confidently into the future with the knowledge that our AOG is structured properly to do so.

Our May 10 Board of Directors meeting helped us to move forward. We especially appreciated the participation of our new Directors Tom Lockie, ’79, and Frank Schmuck, ’88. We successfully updated our Policy Governance Ends statements and improved our Board planning. As usual, we appreciated the detailed staff updates, which have enabled us to budget appropriately for the coming year.

GO FALCONS! V

EVERY DAY IS A CHANCE TO BRING BETTER HEALTH TO MORE PEOPLE.

How can we improve thehealth of people around the world? We're doing it right now with a program called Developing Health Globally. It's about equipping doctors, nurses and clinicians with the equipment and products needed to provide the most basic medical care to thousandsof families in rural communities around the world. It's about committing $40 million to 13 countries and delivering technology, training and hope. It's about GE employees volunteering time and expertise, like the Hispanic Forum in Honduras, the Asian Pacific American Forum in Cambodia, and the African American Forum in Ghana. The results have touched the lives of nearly five million people. It's all part of something we call healthymagination and it means better health for more people.

ge.com/citizenship

First Year Assessment

By Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, 76

What an‘amazing experience this first year has been for Paula and me! We ye had the honor ofserving an incredible team of military service membqjjjjand civilian employees. While I would love to h|ag about all of their accomplishments, I’d need an entire issue of CheckpoinisAo give them the attention they deserve. Instead, I’ll hit some of the highlights from our first year back at USAFA.

In November, the USAFA Endowment and the Association of Graduates joined forces in a vital collaboration by agreeing to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The subsequent “operating support contract,” signed by the AOG’s Presidentand CEO, Mr. William “T” Thompson, ’73, and the USAFA Endowment’s Dr. Erv Rokke, ’62, in the lobby of the Falcons’ team hotel the night ofthe Armed Forces Bowl, culminated months of negotiations and marked the first step toward a long-term alliance between these essential alumni programs. This ends a period of turmoil and discord and will unify the graduate community’s efforts as we strive to meet the needs ofcadets, the Academy, and the graduates. It leverages each organization’s strengths; the AOG will focus its efforts on friend-raising, while the Endowment will be responsible for fundraising. I pass my sincere thanks to both teams for forming this all-important union!

On May 18, 2010 I accepted a very generous gift offer for a 92,000-square-foot, $15.5M indoor training facility. Bart Holaday, ’65, and his wife Lynn, made the project possible with their extremely generous $5M gift:—the largest in Academyhistory! This building will enhance all of our athletic programs, as it will allow year-round “outdoor-quality” sports practice with shelter from the predictably unpredictable Colorado weather. We are currentlyworking through DoD and legislative requirements to allow us to accept the gift and set July 23rd as our target for ground-breaking.

We are also working hard to begin construction of our Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) facility. Our CCLD staffhas been housed in offices scattered about USAFA and has even conducted their character seminars at rented, off-base locations. The new environmentally-friendlybuilding, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, will finally give our CCLD team a place to call home. Military construction dollars are programmed to provide the “brick and mortar” structure, while donor funds promise to ensure the facility is on-par with the level ofexcellence embodied by the rest of USAFA. Additionally, we received congressional approval to create a new permanent professor (PP) position for the CCLD, thus giving it the continuity and stature it deserves. In April, the Senate confirmed Col. Joe Sanders to be our first PP. Congratulations, Joe!

Last summer, the Commandant ofCadets, Brig. Gen. Sam Cox, ’84, brought resistance training back to the Academy for the first time since SERE training was eliminated from our curriculum in the mid-1990s. Almost all three-degrees now complete Combat Survival Training (CST) in one oftheir three summer periods. The cadets get AE-level credit for Evasion and Conduct After Capture (ECAC) training, a requirement for all AF personnel. They utilize our new Urban Evasion Lab, the first ofits kind completed in the Air Force, along with state-of-the-art interrogation facilities located in the old SERE compound, and are trained by Fairchild SERE professionals. We will bid a hearty farewell and sincere thanks to General Cox in July as he departs USAFA to be commander ofthe 618th TACC at Scott AFB, IL. Sam has done a superb job as Commandant!

In-line with DoD and USAF foreign language initiatives, the Dean ofFaculty, Brig. Gen. Dana Born, ’83, has implemented an incredibly robust language and culture program. This year alone, over 751 cadets participated in programs ranging from week-long trips to foreign military academies to semesters abroad at civilian universities. This has grown leaps andbounds above our 2005 total ofonly 173 cadets. It’s also worth noting that many cadets give up some or all oftheir spring and summer leave periods to participate in these programs while still taking part in our summer leadership programs.

This spring, we graduated our initial instructor cadre of 24 cadets from our Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)/Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) program. An additional ninety cadets will take the UAS/RPA course over the summer. The UAS/RPA program will be an important part of preparing our graduates to serve in tomorrow’s (and for that matter, today’s) Air Force. In fact, we are in the process of soliciting 20 volunteers from the class of 2010 to reassign to the new RPA career field. Ifselected, they will go directly to RPA training after their 60-days of grad leave.

Under the leadership ofBrig. Gen. (Ret.)/Dr. Hans Mue, ’66, our athletic program remains as strong as ever. Many ofyou surely had the chance to watch our Falcon Football team defeat the University of Houston, in a thrilling 47-20 win at the Armed Forces Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Coach Troy Calhoun, ’89 and our team brought it strong as they picked-up six interceptions and ran for more than 400 yards against the Cougars. Our men’s swimming and diving team had a remarkable season placing second in the Mountain West Conference championships. The women’s tennis team finished the season near .600, posting its best record in more than a decade. Tennis star C2C Tahlia Smoke was the first female in the Division I era to be nationally ranked. The fencing team claimed the #10 spot in the national

coaches’ poll and indoor track star, ClC JustinTyner was the top American finisher in the 5K run at the NCAA Championships. The list ofaccomplishments goes on among our talented athletes we have 11 All-Americans, 4 individual national titles, and 44 Academic All-Conference selectees!

The 10th Air Base Wing, commanded by Col. Rick LoCastro, ’88, launched or enhancedthree programs that lead the Air Force: Falcon Green, Falcon Eyes, and Falcon Alert. As part ofFalcon Green, we’re actively pursuing environmentally-friendly initiatives. The Academy was selected as the only Air Force NetZero test base and will be constructing an $18.7M solar array in partnership with our local utility provider. Falcon Eyes seeks to express our “fanatical institutional pride” by making USAFA the best-looking base in the Air Force. Finally, Falcon Alert will revolutionize the way we contact our personnel in a crisis. It includes text, phone and e-mail notifications and has been lauded at the Air Force level.

On a glorious May Wednesday just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the accomplishments of 1,001 of our newest graduates. The Class of 2010 enters theforce better prepared than those before it to lead our nation in a time of war. Intellectually, they rival any graduating class we’ve produced. Ninety-six will go directly into a graduate program; including a Rhodes, a Fulbright, and two Marshall Scholarship winners. They had the highest GPAs and proportion of the Dean’s List awardees in 20-years. We send them to their career fields knowing that they are well-prepared

for tomorrow’s challenges and have truly become the leaders of character we strive to develop at USAFA.

On June 24, we will welcome a new class of even more talented young people. Almost 1300 candidates have accepted the challenge to tackle one ofthe toughest commissioning sources in the nation. Applications were up 18 percent this year over last, giving USAFA our top choices ofthe nation’s incredibletalent pool. Furthermore, the class of2014 will more closely resemble our America. We’ve seen an across-the-board increase in our minority representation: more qualified applicants, more offers proffered, and more offers accepted.

This summer we will bid farewell to Col. Paul “Ack” Ackerman (’82), who, after 28 years ofservice, will retire on August 1. Ack has spent five and a halfyears at USAFA; two as the commander of the 306th FlyingTraining Group and the last three and a half years as the Vice Superintendent. He has been a fierce advocate for a countless Academy programs and his positive influence will be felt for many years to come. Ack, you’ll be missed good luck!

Throughout the year, we said goodbye to many who will always be a part ofthe USAFA family. We celebrated the lives ofthree recent grads who fell in combat, mourned the passing of two former superintendents and said farewell to many other friends, family, and classmates. We will never forget your service. Here’s a toast...

Thank you for your unwavering support of our Academy. Our alumni family is an essential part of our efforts to produce the best-prepared, leaders of character as possible. Go Falcons! H

Northwestern Preparatory School

I (—* 1—ho p *—* I ULUcI CD

Nicknames

I enjoyed your article in the Checkpointsmagazine about nicknames. There was a popular nickname for the Academy from about 1969 to at least 1975. It was the “Blue Zoo.” I don’t know how many years it actually survived since I graduated in 1974. It was commonly used by all cadets while referring to the Academy. It was not popular with the AOCs. When I purchased my car in 1973,1 registered it in California with a custom license plate. I was limited to 6 characters so I picked “BLU ZOO.” Every cadet got the joke but I was confronted by two AOCs who demanded that I change the plates because they thought it was disrespectful to the Academy. My car was a blue Datsun 240Z. I could not lie to them about the intended meaning but I asked them ifthe plates could not also stand for “Blue Z with two zeros” or “Blue Zoomie.” I explained that I was limited to 6 characters by the DMV. They decided to leave me alone and I was allowed to keep the plates. I sold the car many years ago but I kept the plates. I don’t know if“Blue Zoo” is still used by cadets today but it was common at one time. Nicknames were used in our cadet squadron and when I got out into the “Real Air Force,” there were enough zoomies around that I could not shake mine. It followed me to my pilot training base, my flying squadrons, and even into the Air National Guard where I finished my flying career. Thanks for your article.

Prophesy?

This letter references General Mike Gould’s article about earth-centered worship at USAFA. I think his article is sincere; however, the official USAF definition ofreligion he cites as a basis makes his case extremely weak. The Air Force createdsuch a loose definition of religion that it excludes theology. How absurd! It may be a political “fig leaf” for Air Force leadership to hide behind to avoid making difficult decisions, but it’s a sheer fig leaf, at best. The analogy between politically correct acceptance of“far out” nature worshippers by leaders thousands ofyears ago and this case is remarkable. Jeremiah, who lived from 626 to 585 B.C. accurately predicted doom for his people, many ofwhom had abandoned their God.

As a thiefis disgraced when he is caught, so the house ofLsrael is disgraced they, their kings and their officials, theirpriests and theirprophets. They say to wood, ‘You are myfather’, and to stone, ‘You gave me birth. They have turned their backs to me and not

theirfaces;yet when they are in trouble, they say ‘Come and save us!’ Where then are thegodsyou madeforyourselves? Let them come if they can save you whenyou are in trouble!Jeremiah 3:26-28 (NIV) Americans once considered themselves bonded together in a country that was “God Blessed.” By “turning our backs” on that faith, does it make you a little nervous that Jeremiah’s words could also be prophesy for us?

Roger Smith, Class of1977

Proud Legacy

First, I would like to offer my sympathies and understanding to Gen. Lorenz, ’73, for his struggles at the Academy. He was indeed not alone. It took me two years to get into the Academy and I spent much of my first two years on academic probation. Were it not for helpful and patient classmates, I would not have made it. As it was on graduation day, while I was not the last to receive my diploma, I could see THAT graduate from where I sat.

Secondly,while I understand Dick McConn’s, ’66, questions and concerns about risingAcademy leaders, I would ask him to maybe reconsider how he views leadership and his expectations ofit. I constantly marvel at the ever-expanding list ofaccomplishments of subsequent classes, yet I know ofmany within my own group who quietly and courageously “led from the front” in any and every professional endeavor they ever dealt with. And for those ofthe rest of us, whose own anonymity slips further back in time, there is no one I know who did not do all that they were asked and do so to the best oftheir ability. The Academy’s lessons ofHonor, Integrity, Friendship and Commitment taught us to expect no less. This country sustains itself on just such efforts. It is a legacy that we can be equallyproud of.

Don’tTolerate Losing the Toleration Clause

Loss ofhonor, just like loss ofliberty, does not occur suddenly. It happens with steady and small erosions. I contend that most USAFA grads, especially those in the early classes believe that this is what has happened to our Cadet Honor Code. Here are some examples: Little changes in the wording of the Code in the 1960s; the addition in the 1990s of the Honor Oath; the attempts to “teach” honor rather than simply maintaining high standards; and the excusing of dishonorable behavior under the contention that entering classes are “different” (broken homes, cheating in high school, etc.) than they were a couple of decades ago.

“High standards” is a relative concept and many accept the idea that we have high standards with respect to the rest ofsociety but I doubtthat most grads believe we are maintaining the standards at the level of our early years. This makes our Academy and its graduates followers ratherthan leaders, ie, we are following soci-

Michael “Grinch” Giersch, Lt. Col. (Ret.), Class of1974

Bill Leech Class of1972

ety down the slippery slope to dishonor while we take comfort in the fact that we are relatively better than the majority.

How can we stop this slide? In addition to maintaining high standards in the enforcement of our Honor Code and doing our best to surround cadets with leaders ofthe highest integrity, I believe we need to refocus on the toleration clause. Most Air Force Academy grads will contend that it is the toleration clause that gives cadets “ownership” of the Code and changes it from just another regulation to something that is internalized and, therefore, more likely to stay with us upon graduation.

Here are two thought experiments for us to reflect on regarding the value ofusing the concept oftoleration: Besides the value ofenforcing high standards ofhonor, look at another issue that is not directly related to the Honor Code, the issue ofsexual harassment. We all know it is unlikely that any cadet could commitment sexual harassment, especially on a continuing basis, without some person close to that cadet, such a roommate, knowing about it. How long do you think the sexual harassment would continue ifthe roommate ofjust one perpetrator were dismissed for toleration in addition to dismissing Association of Graduates

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

President/CEO: William 'T' Thompson 73

Executive Vice President: Gary FIowe, '69

COMMUNICATIONS

Vice President of Communication: Bob McAllister

Editor & Photographer: Lewis Carlyle

Staff Writer/Editor: Ann Tillery

Senior Designer: Sarah Larrabee

Class News Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Paige Buoye

Web Site: Matt Kleve and Rachel Dixon

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terry Storm, '61, Board Chair

BrianBinn 72, Vice Chair

Bob Munsen, 73, Secretary

Jack Fry '67, Treasurer

Rip Blaisdell, '62

Jim Wheeler, '64

Roger Carleton, '67

George Van Wagenen, '67

Wild Bill Stealey, 70

Pat Rosenow, 76

Tom Lockie, 79

Frank Schmuck, '88

Steve Beasley, '93

Mark Rosenow, '03

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

3116 Academy Drive

the perpetrator? I believe sexual harassment would stop immediately.

The other thought experiment is to look at our own enforcement of the toleration clause in honor issues. I contend that toleration is rarely, if ever, enforced. Ifyou look into the history ofcadet honor cases you will find that, where toleration is the stated offense in the punishment or dismissal, there is almost always anotherfactor involved. That is, USAFA cadets are not dismissed or severelypunished for violating only the toleration clause. I believe that this should change.

Let’s rescue our Cadet Honor Code andthe honor of our graduates, and (I contend) the principal value of our Academy experience by rescuing the toleration clause.

Roy Miller Class of1967

Letters SubmissionGuidelines

Checkpoints welcomes letters from its readers. Please limit your submission to 250 words. For your letter to be considered, you must include your name and graduating year, ifyou are an Academy graduate.

Letters should be e-mailed to editor@aogusafa.org. Checkpoints reserves the right to edit all submissions.

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 (719) 472-0300

DSN: 333-2067

Fax: (719) 333-4194

E-mail: aog@aogusafa.org

Web Site: usafa.org

A Different Cadence

A parent’s perception of the Academy, Wespoint and Annapolis

EDITOR'S NOTE: IN THE DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE OF CHECKPOINTS, WE RAN AN ARTICLE TITLED USAFA INSIGNIFICANCE, (PAGE 28) BY

DICK MCCONN,

CLASS OF 1966. THE FOLLOWING LETTER PROVIDES FURTHER INSIGHTS INTO MR. MCCONN'S DICUSSION.

By Arnold J. Trezza, Parent: USAFA ’04, USMA ’05

wanted to respectfully outline some ideas with the AOG for some time now. To begin, USAFA is as great as any ofthe Academies, but it may be safe to say that it marches to a different cadence than USMA and USNA. As a parent ofboth an Air Force Academy and West Point graduate, let me offer some comparatives that hopefullymight be helpful. As you know, both Academies have distinct differences, traditions, and ghosts (literally). As an aside, I had not gotten to Decembers Checkpoints, and missed Dick McConn’s piece, but fortunately saw CEO Thompsons March letter, went back, read Dicks perspective, and think that there’s more to be added; particularlyrelating to alumni cohesiveness, and by extension, alumni giving and general support.

As Dick mentioned, geographic location is a key factor and I think that combined with other factors, location acts as a “magnifier.” Colorado and Pikes Peak is the ideal setting for the Air Force Academy, but its remoteness is a negative, and harms the sports rivalry element of the equation. Army and Navy have been rivals this side offorever; plus proximity to each other, and being near the population and power centers makes for a strong difference. Rivalry brings alumni together. While we have a tremendous time at the USAFA—USMA football game (and wear both team’s colors), The Army-Navy game always puts about eighty thousand people in a stadium in the coldest weather; even winter hurricanes don’t stop them [I was there for that game too].

Traditions stretchback so much further at those institutions too. So regardless of the comparative size ofthe current alumni pool, USMA/USNA alumni visualize a heritage that they must support into the future no matter what. Walking through West Point’s Cadet Dorm area you’ll see

plaques honoring Medal of Honor winners. Statues ofMcArthur, Eisenhower, and Patton stand vigil; Grant has a Hall named after him with portraits offamous general officers adorning the walls; and Robert E. Lee’s portrait has a prominent place in the Superintendent’s home there. All powerful reminders. Not many minutes after the final “hat toss” our new Army Lt. said, “I’m now part ofthe Long Gray Line dad,” a strong magnate for future alumni camaraderie and support.

Also until recently, there was a distinct difference in the respective cadet leadership systems. USAFA Doolies were part of theoverall flight/squadron system but unless upper-class cadets had a specific leadership position, upper-class cadets didn’t interact tightly with peers or lowerclass cadets. Alternatively, at USMA each Yearling [Soph] mentors a Plebe; and they in turn report to Cows [Jrs] and Firsties [Seniors]. The key result being that leadership and responsibility up and down the chain ofcommand is a more intense four-year system; which then translates into a sense ofbelonging and later alumni support. I understand that USAFA has restructured its system to use this leader-

ship approach, which should enhance future alumni sense of purpose.

Finally, there is—for the lack of a better expression-the “Pilot mind-set,” plus USAFA’s necessary emphasis on air and space sciences. Dick McConn discusses this relative to leadership positions and MBAs. But it can also explain alumni support differences. An example is the different sense of team work necessary in the world offlight, versus ground and naval operations that being, when flying, a need for selfreliance vs. team reliance. Teams work to get pilot and craft into the air, but once in the air there are crews, navigators, wingmen and ground communications/batde space support, but focus is still on the individual pilots and craft. Army and Navyrely on close-in support—i.e. the soldier/sailor next to you, the team with you—much more heavily. So there seems to be a selfselecting process here. People who want to be pilots have a personality that thrives in that environment; and it seems that the Academy and the Air Force acknowledge that type ofpersonality. At USAFA, dancing on the Superintendent’s roofresults in an invitation to come on in. I’m not sure what West Point’s Sup would say ifthat were to happen on his roof... and the Army wouldn’t build(or refit) the Sup’s residence to allow for that. Which carries over into the Air Force, highlighted, as it happens, by the March 2010 Checkpoints feature article on the 354th EFS A-10 Squadron in Afghanistan. This unit does an outstandingjob ofcompleting its mission, engaging the enemy and supporting and protecting their fellow soldiers on the ground through great individual skill, innovative electronic coordination, and great maintenance. Lt. Col Millen gives high praise to the Maintained, who put these A-10s back into service at high rates. That team relationship—because were discussing planes not Humvees—is considerably different than in the Army or even on a ship at sea. I was in Armor and my crews

Photo by Bennie J. Davis III

and I maintained our own tanks-except engines of course—we were a team from Platoon to Battalion. And our Maintenance Company rolled with us; it was not a scheduling issue. The point being that the sense of team and the leadership training that drives these relationships is in USMA’s DNA and similarly at USNA. The Air Forces spear point is the Pilot and craft which may go a long way in explainingwhy USAFAAlumni seek more AOG services than their sister academies. Plus compound this with a pilots natural independence, and the concept of“support” from an alumni’s perspective is somewhat counter to AOG s perspective ofgraduates’ support ofthe Academy; thus achieving greater alumni support has to overcome this inertia.

Both you and Dick McConn honed in on many key factors, and without making this into a longer analysis piece than it is already, I think that a number of the underlying reasons for these factors are outlined above and after reading the responses to Dick’s article I’m almost sure of it. Now to bring it closer to home I have to tell you that we love both Academies; and can honestly say we did not push our children to attend, they came by it naturally (our oldest is a Johns Hopkins/Columbia alum, so we missed the trifecta) but the “feel” of both places is entirely different. West Point exudes a mystique, USAFA feels inspiring; it may take our being a space-faring world for the Air Force Cadet Chapel to look traditional. But that may be the key USAFA represents our future but I must add, you have to love those guys on the ground too. S

A Plaxa

Fortune 500

Business education and the corporate ladder of success

ROSS E. DUEBER, PH.D. ’82

Editor's Note:

In the December 2009 issue ^/’Checkpoints, we ran an article titled USAFA Insignificance, (page 28) by Dick McConn, Class of1966. Thefollowing letterprovidesfurther insights into Mr. McConns dicussion.

agree with Dick McConn in his article “USAFA Insignificance” that we lag behind our sister service academies in business and civic leadership positions. As the CEO of a technology company in Southern California, I know more fellow executives from West Point and Annapolis than USAFA. Dick invited discussion on the topic and I’m willing to share my thoughts to further our improvement.

IDick cited several reasons for our shortfall, several ofwhich I agree could be contributing factors. Flying is a significant contributor, since the active duty service commitment takes pilots past the median age of26 at the elite MBA schools and the prime window ofopportunity to begin C-level progression at Fortune 500 companies. Also, given the technical and specialized nature of our mission, the aerospace industry often presents a convenient and comfortable path for transition to a civilian career for many officers. I do differ on our education curriculum being a cause, as I feel its breadth and depth ofliberal arts and technology haveserved me very well throughout my career. However, I will add that graduate education is essential in most cases for business success in Fortune 500 companies.

I feel it’s insightful to examine a current USMA business leader, Bob McDonald, CEO ofProcter & Gamble. He graduated in the top 2 percent ofhis class with an engineering degree, entered the infantry, and earnedhis MBA three years later while on active duty. He fulfilled his five year service commitment, and then beganworking for P&G as a brand assistant for detergent. Over 28 years he progressed upwards in a variety ofassignments to become CEO. I know of many USMA and USNA grads who have followed this well known formulafor business success—engineering undergraduate degree, MBA, and out ofthe military after the first or second assignment. Many Fortune 500 companies with strong leadership development programs, such as P&G and GE, target recruits with

military experience and advanced degrees, and prefer to hire them early in their careers. Read the March 22 edition ofFortune magazine featuring USMA and USNA grads in business for more on this subject.

Now let’s take a look at the profile of Harvard Business School’s class of 2011:

1. 942 students, ofwhich 47% are within three years of earning undergraduate degree

2. Average age 25 years

3. 35percent have an engineering or science degree

4. 31 students have military experience with 15 service academy grads: USMA 7; USNA 6; USAFA-1;USCGA-1

Finally, let me tell you a bit about my background. I’m a DG with a chemistry degree, and earned technical and business graduate degrees from top tier universities while on active duty. I had assignments at Wright Aeronautical Labs and USAFA. I made the transition to the business world at the 15 year service point, enabled by the voluntaryearly retirement program (TERA) offered in the mid 90s to non-rated officers. I knew at the time that those additional five years of business experience before reaching 20 would be critical to my civilian career advancement. Based upon the strength ofmy military experience and education, I was hired along with a number offreshly minted, Ivy League MBAs by a Fortune 500 company. I progressed at that company over an eight year period, and was recruited to my current position by a private equity group seeking a CEO with strong leadership and technical skills to run one oftheir investment companies.

In summary, I’m not certain of all the reasons why we are lagging our sister service academies in business leadership. What I do know are five essentials for grads to reach the highest levels in business: intellect, graduate education, early career transition, leadership, and of course hard work. I feel as our alumni base grows anddiversifies beyond the aerospace industry, the gap will naturally decrease. B

The Indoor Training Facility: Ensuring the Future of Academy Athletics

By Ann Collum

ATYPICAL SPRING DAY AT THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY OFTEN INCLUDES HEAVY SNOWFALL, STINGING BARRAGES OF SLEET, AND WHITE-OUTS DRIVEN BY 40 MILE-PER-HOUR WINDS.

ACADEMY ATHLETES ARE FACED WITH THE SAME DEMORALIZING PROSPECTS

THEY HAVE DEALT WITH ALL WINTER: COMPETE FOR PRACTICE SPACE IN THE ALREADY OVERCROWDED CADET FIELD

HOUSE ORRESIGN THEMSELVES TO ANOTHER SESSION OF WEIGHT TRAINING OR REVIEWING PLAY FOOTAGE. A TYPICAL SPRING DAY AT THEjjj^DBUY

MEANS ONE LESS DAY TO PStctl AND TRAIN, ANOTHER, DA/ LO SHORTENED SPORTS SEASON.

NEXT SPRING WILL BE DIFFERENT, J THOUGH—THE CADETS WILL HAVE A NEW COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. A STATE-OF-THE-ART INDOOR ATHLETICS

TRAINING FACILITY WILL STAND JUST NORTH OF THE 40-YEAR-OLD CADET FIELD HOUSE. STANDING EIGHTY FEET

TALL, WITH A 94,000 SQUARE-FOOT INTERIOR, THIS FACILITY WILL HOUSE A REGULATION-SIZED FIELD THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE LACROSSE, FOOTBALL, SOCCER, AND A MULTITUDE OF OTHER SPORTS ACTIVITIES, SO CADETS CAN SAFELY HONE THEIR ATHLETIC SKILLS YEAR-ROUND.

All-season athletic training has never before been possible at the Air Force Academy. Nestled at the base ofthe mountains, the Academy is subject to a variety of unpredictable weather conditions. Violent thunderstorms, high-speed winds, and snowfall that extends from October to May all undermine outdoor practice conditions and jeopardize cadet safety “Lightning strikes are another big concern,” says Ken Wiseman, the architect who designed the new Indoor Training Facility “The Academy is in one ofthe top lightning zones in the country. With the Indoor Training Facility, all the athletes have to do is go inside and keep playing, which is great. More practice makes for a better athletics program.” He knows what he’s talking about. Wisemans first introduction to the Academy was over 20 years ago when, as a young architect, he was charged with making the Cadet Chapel handicapped accessible. He worked for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the architectural and engineering firm that originallydesigned the Academy. Wiseman

advanced at SOM, becoming an associate partner and leading all design master planning at the Academy for the next ten years. He then started his own design firm, going on to design the OlympicTraining Center in Colorado Springs and becoming an expert in sports-related design. He designs sports facilities internationally; his latest achievement is the Richmond Oval, the speed skating venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. He is now President ofProfessional Services for Cannon Design, which is collaborating with the firm G.E. Johnson to design and build the ITF. He is excited about the benefits that the new facility will bring. “It acts in concert with the existing Field House and Gymnasium, extending the practice season and opportunities to play,” he says. “Schools all over the country have built similar indoor athletics facilities; the Academy is a little behind.” The Army and Naval academies have recently built indoor athletic training facilities, in addition to six ofthe other eight schools in Air Forces Mountain West Conference.

Wiseman is even more enthusiastic about the development and design of the ITF itself. He was careful to remain true to the underlying architectural style required at the Academy, working closely with Duane Boyle, the Academy’s resident architect and preservationist. Boyle ensures that all new building designs complement and comply with the Academy’s original planning and design standards. “The entire Academy is built on an extremely consistent 7-foot planning module, which has been used over decades of construction and expansion” Wiseman explains. “It’s an imaginary grid that goes across the whole base and everything in the Cadet Area lands on it perfectly.” The strips ofmarble on the terrazzo, the shape ofthe buildings, the classrooms, the Chapel—all are composed of7-foot modules. For example, a dorm room is comprised of 2 modules, making each room 14 feet wide. Every bit ofarchitecture at the Academy reflects the function that occurs inside the building and

is a testament to the Academy’s enduring values. When viewing the Cadet Area from the Chapel, one can see that the terrazzo itselfcontinues through all ofthe buildings, accommodated by strategically placed gaps in the buildings’ architecture. The buildings are made ofdurable materials, meant to endure the elements and time—aluminum, marble, and glass—highlighted with whimsical splashes ofred, yellow, and blue throughout. “The precise design is a tribute to the Academy’s leadership,” he says. “The Academy has the best assemblage ofmid twentieth-century modern buildings on the planet. There’s a tremendous responsibility to maintain that architectural character for future generations.”

The ITF’s design is based on the same planning module and takes it cues from the buildings that surround the ITF site. Wiseman used the adjacent Gymnasium, one of the original sports facilities on campus, as the point ofdeparture for the ITF design. “My main challenge in designing the ITF was figuring out how we can be respectful ofAcademy traditions and be smart and sustainable at the same time,” he says. His goal for the ITF design was to incorporate the traditional standards with green design applications to maximize the building’s functionality for sports activities. Green design tries to minimize negative impacts on a building’s environment—water, air, vegetation, soil, and energy usage— while maximizing positive environmental effects. For example, the roofofthe ITF is designed to capture and filter rain water and snow melt before it goes back into the ecosystem. Wiseman even chose low

volatile organic compound paint for the ITF to minimize harmful off-gassing that might affect the athletes practicing inside. Also, Academy leadership has green design standards in place that must be met for all new construction on the base. Wiseman’s goal was to design the ITF so that it qualifies for a LEED Silver certification, a nationally-recognized designation ofhow “green” a building is by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

At its most basic level, the ITF is simply a large, enclosed space for a multi-use playing field. Its excellence lies in the carefully considered details of its design. Wiseman’s main concern was creating a facility that best supported its end users. “In the 1960s, when the other sports facilities were built, you would just build a large room, put a bunch ofbright lights in it, and let the cadets practice,” he says. “But the world has changed since that time.”

The ITF’s design incorporates the best lighting possible for sports practice, using a combination ofnatural and artificial light. Wiseman implemented aggressive daylighting by utilizing translucent polycarbonate on the north and south faces ofthe facility, which provides all ofthe building’s daytime light needs, year-round. The reliance on natural lighting eliminates the hot spots and glare that can come with overhead lighting, while seriously reducing the building’s energy consumption. He also developed a series of sun screens, reminiscent of the Cadet Chapel, to control the intensity ofthe western sun in the afternoons. At night, the ITF uses a lighting system that casts light upward, indirectly and uni-

formly lighting the ceiling so a ball in play can be spotted easily by athletes without blinding them or causing them to lose the track ofthe ball.

Other design features enhance effective game playing conditions. “We took advantage ofthe building’s height to maximize the chimney principle’,” he says. “Hot air rises, creating a chimney effect that moves air passively through the facility. It eliminates the need for duct work, and there are no big fans to move the ball around in the air during play.” The new facility recreates the actual playing conditions in Falcon Stadium. The size and crown ofthe ITF field, the degree to which the center ofthe field is higher than its edges, is exactly the same as that ofthe stadium field. The turfinside the ITF is a sophisticated improvement over rug burn-inducingAstroturf; it is composed of two inches of a recycled rubber granular material that mimics the sponginess ofreal earth, with an inch ofsynthetic grass protruding from it to provide the same traction as outdoor stadium grass.

The swift design of the building and its ambitious construction schedule are the product of the heroic efforts of many dedicated individuals. Staff in the athletics department at the Academy, from coaches to the director, met extensively with the design firm to offer their input.

Retired Brigadier General David Swint, the former head of the Civil Engineering Department at the Academy, coordinates the construction of the ITF. Groundbreaking for the ITF is slated for this summer, with completion estimated for early 2011. This aggressive timeline wouldn’t be possible without the support ofAcademy leadership and impressive private donor support provided through the USAFA Endowment, the non-profit foundation that raises funds in support of the Academy. Wiseman emphasizes, “We can’t overlook the USAFA Endowment’s efforts to make this facility a reality. They tackled a project that costs over $10 million in the worst economic environment in this country in half a century and they were successful at it. A lot of colleges wouldn’t have that nerve or passion.

The Endowment staff is made of can-do people who have done an extraordinary thing for the Academy.”

Erv Rokke, president ofthe USAFA Endowment, demurred, “We couldn’t have done any ofit without the generous support and trust of our amazing graduate community and friends ofthe Academy.” The ITF is the largest privately-funded capital project in the Academy’s history; none ofits funding comes from the Academybudget. The Academy also received the largest graduate donation in its history from Bart and Lynn Holaday, expressly dedicated to the construetion ofthe ITF. In recognition ofthe Holadays’ generous leadership, it is expected that the new facility will be named the Holaday Athletic Center, pending Air Force approval.

There are still many opportunities to contribute toward the goal ofraising $16 million to complete the facility. For more information, please contact the Endowment’s Director ofMajor Gifts, Jimmy Martello/00, at jimmy.martello@usafaendowment.org or (719) 472-0300 ext. 200. S

SilBfKIS

|hhh|

piiiii®

/11VimmiW$¥&7 $ fMggggii

mSmim

ts were wor

aaggHMi ■BHhpMHH

sgiate athletes hid behind he Separate dining, reduced and less time at mandaning events. Tlie intercol[pressed frustration that the te cadets did not appreciate ne required on the pracM^^^^Hiitilldints

Ills

those three to seven points are th pe between winning and losing. \i r Force football team completec II season two weeks later with a ;ord of six wins and five losses.

■in

■illlfltmUM

the Cadet Wing where cadets both feel and demonstrate pride in their Academy and all cadet programs.

Tie committee’s recommendations benchmarked from established spirit programs at Army, Navy, Texas A&M and the Citadel, and started at the top of the cadet leadership chain. They established a new cadet leadership position (Wing Spirit Officer) and recommended that the new person work and live on wing staff with the captain of the football team.

■store Thunder.” Its he gap between interrcollegiate cadets. Tie games that season, six ed by fewer than seven points. Air Force beat Notre Dame that to both Army and Navy forced ny to relinquish possession of tander-in-Chief s Trophy for the 1 seven years. As the Commandets, I knew we could do more the football team. I thought am would be a good unifying ithin the wing and a means to erall morale and pride. In addiemphasis could benefit other iate programs as well.

msmiimw

i i I*

games so that more cadets could atten and lend their support. We created Cs Spirit Awards and designed a blue “Sp Jersey” to be worn at games. We even, preparing the battlefield during the cai first summer in Basic Cadet Training, acceptance into the Cadet Wing, the ^ Spirit Officer gave all new cadets a bri< ing about specific "spirit responsibiliti.

Academy’s spirit machine running smi

We instituted the Outstanding Milii Athlete Award. We reinstituted car rail

and spirit dinners. After specific games, we had the coaches and team captains thank theCadet Wing for their support. We established a weekly Air Tasking Order (ATO) to support the teams. The ATO described the spirit plan ofattack for specific games and periods of time. At every game the ChiefofWing Spirit was responsible for coordinating the Cadet Wing, cheerleaders and Drum and Bugle Corps. We developed scripts for contingences at the games. The scripts further developed the ATO and described when to cheer, what to chant—and even went into great detail on how the plan would change based on score and phase ofthe game. Once again, we required the Cadet Wing to stand up in the bleachers whenever the team was on the field. When we sang the Third Verse ofthe Air Force Song, the Cadet Wing went out on the football field to show solidarity with the team. The cadets formed a line and held hands with the team as the entire wing sang together.

We had plans whether we won or lost and were always there to support the team. None ofthese ideas were original, but three things were different: every idea fit into the cadet-built strategic spirit plan, the cadets implemented all aspects ofthe plan, and the plan had the support ofthe Superintendent, Dean, Commandant, Director ofAthletics and the coaches. The plan supported our initial goals—improve cadet morale, build pride in the Academy, and unite all ofthe Academy mission elements towards a common goal—defeat the opposition! Slowly but surely the “me” mentality transformed into a “we” mentality. After all, we go to war as a team and not as individuals.

We kicked offthe next football season in August of 1997 with our great football coach, Fisher DeBerry, briefing each ofthe four cadet groups. Coach DeBerry emphasized how important the entire Cadet Wing was to victory. He talked about teamwork, about how the Cadet Wings energy and spirit made a difference on the field. The first game ofthe season was against Idaho during Parent s Weekend. The cadet strategic plan, the “ATO,” contained a day-by-day schedule that called for a car rally, a spirit dinner and a major pep rally to build spirit in preparation for the game. It also set up a time for the Wing Spirit Officer to utilize our new public address system to practice new cheers with the Cadet Wing, cheerleaders and Drum and Bugle Corps. The battle slogan became “Feel the Thunder,” and everyone at the Academygreeted each other with that cry.

In the beginning, the 4th Class Cadets and thosecadet leaders responsible for the plan accounted for most ofthe participation. Many cadets thought “spirit” was spontaneous and resisted organized motivation. The first game against Idaho was very close, but Air Force was victorious, 14 to 10. As we all stood on the held in Falcon Stadium, holding hands, singing the “third verse,” many in the stands felt the Cadet Wing team had made a difference. The next week when we were getting ready for an away game at Rice, Coach DeBerry and the team captains thanked the Cadet Wing for the energy that helped in the victory. The wing stoodand cheered. We crushed Rice 41 to 12. The next week, the team came back home to the Academy and squeaked by UNLV byjust one point, 25 to 24. Coach DeBerry once again thanked the wing for making a difference.

Our next game was critical, against our in-state conference rival, Colorado State University. The previous year, we watched a large halftime lead turn into a difficult loss at home by only one point— it was a real heartbreaker. The cadet leadership decided to pull out all the stops. The plan called for a 1,000 cadet-strong contingent

to fill the stadium in Fort Collins. We ended up sending even more to the game—the setting was electric. We totally dominated the field and beat them 24 to zero!

We won four ofthe next six games. Ofthose games, five of them saw the game end with a margin less than seven points. The next big game was now against the Army Knights at Falcon Stadium. The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy was in play because we had previously defeated Navy by three. The ATO built up the spirit and anticipation during the week leading up to Saturdays game. There were lots ofterrific spirit banners and pep rallies. We even scheduled fly-bys from both the Air Force and the Army. However, this year it was all strategically thought out and run by the cadets with one goal in mind for the Cadet Wing team—Beat Army!

The Cadet Wing marched onto the field wearing BDU s before the game. Many in the stands thought they should have worn service dress, but it was all for effect. Right before kickoff, the entire wing removed their BDU tops revealing bright blue Air Force spirit jerseys. The giant sea ofblue stunned everyone. This was followed by 16 F-16s in afterburner that flew over during kick off. Army never had a chance. We destroyed them 24 to nothing. I remember walking by the West Point Superintendent and Commandant and exclaiming, “We stole all ofyour spirit ideas.” The wing continued their spirited support and helped the football team to ten wins and a post-season bowl appearance that season. All told, the Cadet Wing was flyinghigh.

Away from the football field, the other intercollegiate teams enjoyed the support of the 40 Cadet Squadrons as well. Can you imagine 75 cadets cheering on the rifle team in the middle of the week, or 50 cadets showing up to support the fencing team? It happened because the cadet leadership made it happen. Now, I am not saying all the cadets bought into the Strategic Spirit Plan, but the more they saw the positive results their efforts created, the more they wanted to participate.

The following year witnessed even more success. The football team won 12 games, finished the season nationally ranked, and crushed the Washington Huskies 45 to 25 in a post-season bowl game. After the last game of the regular season, the Cadet Wing approached the Director ofAthletics and asked to tear down the goal posts in Falcon Stadium. Now, goal posts are expensive and new ones were certainly not in the budget. I was impressed with the request and excited when the Athletic Director actually let them do it in the name of the Academy spirit.

More than a dozen years have passed since those young cadets built and implemented the, “Operation Restore Thunder” Spirit plan for the Cadet Wing. These cadets are now Captains and Majors in our United States Air Force and many have seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. They helped improve the tradition of team excellence at our Air Force Academy and have carried that winning attitude with them into their military and civilian careers. The spirit committee ended its initial briefing to the Cadet Wing with a quote from John Wooden, the well-known collegiate men’s basketball coach. “Success is a peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” I believe that all the cadets, both on and off the athletic fields, internalized this ideal. Today, our Air Force and Nation are all the better for it. IS

Cultural Immersion

By Col. Neal Rappaport

pring Break is a magical time for most cadets. Plans go anywhere from partying in Mexico to participating in community service activities around the world. Some cadets are even privileged enough to not only travel to other countries, but to experience other cultures like many people in the United States never have. On one such trip, Col. Neal Rappaport from Economics and Geosciences and First-Class Cadets Franklin Baker, Andrew Beauchamp, Adam Giegler, and Ike Nwaelele visited Macedonia, a small country in central Europe. There, cadets became the first cadets from any country to visit the newly reopened Macedonian Military Academy, and to begin building international relationships with current and future allies.

Although almost all the cadets at the US Air Force Academy have some interaction with foreign nationals, not all have the opportunity to be foreign nationals themselves. This presented an opportunity to truly experience what other cultures are like. When the country is as small and little-known as Macedonia, it is often difficult to know what to expect. With a total population ofaround two million, it is easy to say that most US citizens have likely never met a Macedonian.

When the contingent from USAFA arrived, none of the cadets really knew what to expect. As wary as all the young travelers may have been, concerns quickly disappeared as the first Macedonian any of them met was a friendly and entertaining US Embassy driver sent to pick them up. After a small amount ofsight-seeing around the capital city of Skopje, the group arrived at the Macedonian Military

Cadets visit central Europe for spring break

Academy. Having been reopened in the summer of2009, this four-year institution was not only newly remodeled but also had a total of 35 first-year students, about a third of typical USAFA squadron.

With a surprise, the cadets discovered their accommodations for the next several days were not only acceptable, but comparable to USAFA dorm rooms, if only more Spartan—no in-room internet access, no HD TVs, and no refrigerators. To help assimilate into and understand the Macedonian military training, the USAFA cadets shared these dorm rooms with the Macedonian cadets and also participated in activities such as morning physical training, meals, and other military activities. These military activities, while not standard to the U.S. academies by any means, allowed for a type of education into the culture of the Macedonia Mili-

tary. By performing a task as seemingly mundane as exercising early on Saturday morning, bonds began to form about having to participate in such “desirable” mandated exercise periods.

Both cultural and military bonds quickly grew. Following a formal reception, the real fun began when the Macedonian cadets took the USAFA cadets out for a night on the town. This night was very similar to that of an American college student night out. First, everyone visited a local bar to wait until the clubs opened. Once the clubs opened, the Macedonians led the way and showed the Americans how they dance and interact with the local population. During this evening, while it could be considered more of a fun night, many integral things were learned; most importantly that youth is a common factor regardless ofwhere you

USAFA cadetsstand amidthe Macedonian cadets.

are in the world. A very similar club could have been found in Prague, London, or in downtown Denver. In addition to learning about this common factor, the bonds between the two groups ofcadets were definitively strengthened. This night out helped build lifetime bonds ofwingmanship and allowed each of the groups to know that the other could be counted upon if needed.

Since Macedonia is such a small country, the military is not split into branches as is the US Military. Instead, there are just different combat arms ofthe Macedonian Army. When some free time arose from the rigors ofthe military academy, the USAFA cadets visited the Macedonian Army’s Air Wing. The Air Wing, being fairly small in relation to the US Air Force, does not fly any fixed-wing aircraft. Instead, they possess a variety ofmostly Russian helicopters, to include the Mi-8/17 Flip and the Mi-24 Hind, which they have used in peacekeep

ing operations in Bosnia and may someday use in Afghanistan. In addition to touring the Air Wing, the cadets were offered the opportunity to fly through the areas surrounding Skopje in one ofthese helicopters, flown by veteran pilots who had served with European Union mission in Bosnia.

In addition to these military activities, the cadets spent an evening with a Macedonian family who were friends of Col. Rappaport from his time as the US Air Attache in the country. This was a unique experience which exposed the cadets to traditional Macedonian cuisine, and to yet another example of that country’s hospitality. As a cultural experience, this evening held no rival. The night began with appetizers ofmixed nuts and a homemade alcohol known as rakija. Homemade wines and local beers were passed around and food was continually offered until each of the cadets was near exploding. After the delicious dinner was finished, everyone

sat around while traditional Macedonian music was played and more local beers were passed around. After a night of food and fun, everyone knew a lot more about the way the Macedonian family functions.

The Macedonian military has served alongside U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and has a long partner relationship with the Vermont National Guard. The USAFA cadet visit strengthened these ties and built relationships with the next generation of military leaders—now Facebook friends and later on, probably colleagues. Even though Macedonian culture is different from that of the United States, it is easy to identify with these foreign cadets, as they are nearly the same age as USAFA cadets and are serving their country in the profession of arms. This was a most extraordinary experience for all parties involved. Hopefully such ties between the United States and Macedonia will only continue to strengthen.

Experience authentic Colorado comfort at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Championship golf, endless outdoor activity, enticing cuisine, extraordinary mountain backdrops and relaxing accommodations are perfectly paired to help you feel at home when you return to Colorado Springs.

When you return, we’ll be here to welcome you home.

800.428.8886

Cheyenne Mountain Resort proudly supports the men and women of the United States Air Force both past and present and their families.

BENCHMARK W HOSPITALITY Cc$p<u/

FORMER ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT CLARK DIES AT 96

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. A. P Clark, a former prisoner ofwar and the sixth superintendent ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy, died on March 8, 2010 at the age of96. General Clark, who retired in Colorado Springs, served as the academy’s top general from 1970 to 1974.

General Clark was born at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, in 1913. He is a 1936 graduate ofthe U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and completed flying training at Randolph Field, Texas, in 1937.

He then served at Selfridge Field, Mich. And in June 1942 went to England as second-in-command ofthe 31 st Fighter Group, the first American fighter unit in the European Theater of Operations.

He was shot down over Abbeville, France, in July 1942 and was a prisoner of war at German prison camp Stalag Luft III (in what is now Poland) until April 1943. He wrote about his experiences in Stalag Luft III in his book “33 Months as a POW in Stalag Luft III”. He was a manager ofaccumulation and hiding ofsupplies used in the 1944 breakout in which 76 POWs escaped. That incident was documented in the 1950 book The Great Escape, and later was celebrated in the 1963 movie of the same title.

After World War II, he progressed through key staff assignments with Tactical Air Command, Continental Air Command and Air Defense Command prior to a tour of duty at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. General Clark commanded the 48th Bomber Wing at Chaumont Air Base in France in 1955-1956 and then served as chief ofstaff of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

His next assignment was as Chief, U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia. He was director ofmilitary personnel at Headquarters U.S Air Force forfour years

beginning in 1959 and was then assigned to Okinawa as commander of the 313th Air Division.

In August 1965, he was named vice commander of the Tactical Air Command. He assumed duties as commander of Air University in August 1968, and in August 1970, he was appointed superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He retired from the Air Force on August 1, 1974.

After retiring, General Clark stayed active with the Air Force Academy. As the head of the Friends of the Library, he was instrumental in creating an extensive collection of materials and histories from his prisoner-ofwar days in Stalag Luft III.

A command pilot, he was a graduate ofthe Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College. His decorations and awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. B

Compiledfrom various online sources.)

Developing leaders of character has never been

mr\t*p tmnnfftit* lllvJl v 1111001 Ldlll

Your Sabre Society level gift to the Air Force Academy Fund will provide the best possible resources in support of the Academy, its cadets, and the graduate community. The Academy's mission-developing leaders of character for our nation-is simply too important to leave to federal funding alone. The bridge between sufficiency and excellence is built by private funding. Generous contributions from graduates, parents and friends enable the AOG and USAFA Endowment to fulfill their missions of supporting the Academy.

LIVE HIGH

OPTIMIZING CADET ATHLETICS AT THE HUMAN PERFORMANCE LAB yp/^||\| LOW

C1C Matt Alexander rubs the dirt from his hands and steps up to the plate, his bat poised above his shoulders as he stares intently at the pitcher standing atop the mound in the center of the baseball diamond. Alexander lowers his stance, adjusts his grip and digs his cleats into the dirt of the batter’s box. The pitcher pivots, rolls forward and unleashes a fastball at 85mph.

Across the athletic complex, on the Falcon soccer field, midfielder ClC Kelsey Yip charges into the goal keeper’s box, sizing up a cross served up by the wing. She leaps into the air— now shoulder to shoulder with the keeper—going up for the header as the ball floats over the 18 and across the mouth of the goal.

On the ice inside Clune Arena, C2C Jacques Lamoureux rams his shoulder into the opposing forward, sending him

Lt. Col. Mike Zupan is serious about sports technology. As one of the chief scientists at the Human Performance Lab, he has seen the progression of sports science through years of injury assessment and training development. The lab itself is an all-encompassing conditioning resource that athletes can use to optimize their workouts and practice routines. Filled with high tech equipment designed to assess everything from visual acuity to lean body mass to power output, the lab is the perfect place for both cadets and coaches to learn about making every workout count.

“The goals of the instructors here are three fold,” Zupan explains. “Teaching is our number one priority. We also work with the Academy’s athletes and the general cadet population. crashing into the glass. He acquires the stolen puck, shaves his skates to a stop and then tears off towards the opponent’s goal. Skirting one defender, he draws back and rockets a slap shot at the tiny thread of open net the goalie has left unattended.

In the boxing gym, pugilists dodge flying fists; on the tennis court, players return speeding serves; in the volleyball gym, defenders dive to deflect kill shots; and so the endless pattern of athletics continues, with cadets striving to become faster, stronger and more dangerous every day. Practice, determination and perseverance are their ammunition—their training designed with one goal in mind: to be the best. Yet in today's arena, work ethic alone is no longer enough to keep competitors on the cutting edge, which is why athletes are turning to the 21st Century science of the Academy’s Human Performance Lab.

With the athletes, we’re working on improving their fitness and their training by helping the strength and conditioning coaches optimize their routines.”

One of the most valuable tools at Zupan’s disposal is the DEXA, or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. “It’s a total body scan,” he describes, “which has the ability to differentiate tissues in the body. It can show fat mass, and also what we call fat-free mass, which consists of muscle, bone, and connective tissue, such as figaments and tendons. We can also use it to measure bone density, which is important for athletes who are low weight—cheerleaders, gymnasts and the like. If their bone mass needs improvement, we can then recommend the cadet to clinic for possible calcium and vitamin D supplements.” D>

Impulse Strobe Glasses—worn by boxer Casey Habluetzel—use an electronic polarizing filter to block light intermittenly, turning one’s vision into a strobe effect. Cadets use these glasses to impair their vision while practicing catching skills. Placing limitations on sight helps to improve visual concentration and focus.

Lt. Col. Mike Zupan monitors oxygen levels on a V02-Uptake test with volleyball libero Jacqueline Norton.

HUMAN PERFORMANCE LAB

For coaches, one of the most important factors to building a winning team is maintaining healthy athletes. Teams must not only maintain fitness, but make steady improvements throughout the season. Any player will tell you that stagnation does not win conference championships.

With Zupan’s help, coaches can determine whether or not their athletes are responding to training. “We run a body composition test with the DEXA,” he says, “which measures fat loss and the increase oflean body mass. If an athlete is losing fat and gaining muscle, that’s what were looking for. For our endurance athletes, we can determine if they may be sports-anemic—not clinically anemic—but anemic for athletic performance. We’ve seen that with some of our cross-country runners; in that case, we’ll send them up to the Cadet Clinic for iron supplements.”

As any basic cadet clawing her way through the obstacle course in Jacks Valley can attest, the air at the Academy is much thinner than at sea level. Sitting at 7,200ft, USAFA’s athletes train under a different set ofconditions than athletes at most other schools. Oxygen is less prevalent at high altitudes, making it difficult for cadets to reach their peak performance. Like most things, Zupan has a plan for this too. “In the next few weeks,” he says, “we’ll be setting up our altitude training tent.”

Used at training facilities the world over, this ten by ten foot tent is designed to regulate the amount of oxygen within the contained atmosphere ofthe enclosure. Athletes who train within this enclosure can experience various levels ofsimulated elevation. “We can take it up to 14,000ft,” Zupan continues, “simulated altitude, by decreasing the oxygen content from 21 percent down to about 14 percent. We also have a new controller which enables us to pump extra oxygen into the tent to simulate sea-level. The abundance of oxygen allows athletes to train harder because they are not limited by their cardiovascular system. They can push their muscles to the true max during this hyperoxic training.”

The new training theory is live high—train low. Cadets at the Academy are living at a high elevation. As a result, their bodies compensate for the lack of oxygen by generating more red blood cells. With richer blood, the body has the potential to deliver more oxygen to the muscles, thus peaking performance. The elevation tent provides the missing oxygen, enabling cadets to maximize their workouts.

The center also has a treadmill called The Force. “Basically,” Zupan describes, “we strap a person in with a belt and have him or her run. We can monitor distance, speed and heart rate. It’s a lot like a sled you might see a football player pulling in the weight room, or a even a parachute harness for wind resistance training. Yet this is a much more controlled environment for exact load and power measurement.”

While power, speed and endurance are all essential to an athlete’s performance, there is another characteristic which is often overlooked as a critical component: vision. Without it, even the most powerful slugger will hit nothing but air when taking on a fastball.

“When you have both eyes working together,” Zupan explains, “you get better depth perception, which helps the athlete to better see the baseball, tennis ball or hockey puck in space.” The Human Performance Lab offers an assortment ofvision training assistance,

ranging from a simple set of beads on a string (to train binocular vision and improve depth perception) to the advanced light grids which exercise an athlete’s eye-hand speed and coordination while working to improve peripheral vision. Perhaps the most comprehensive of these tests is the Makoto Triaction, a machine which incorporates the entire gambit of sight and sound to measure reaction time, hand-eye coordination and visual precision.

Zupan says, “One thing we’ve learned is that eye fatigue becomes a factor late in the game, especially during a multi-game tournament.”

Players whose eyes become tired in the third or fourth quarter will often make simple mistakes, such as missing a pass or dropping a ball. Training the eyes like you would any other part ofyour bodyhelps to hone their ability to stay sharp long into a match.

As both sports medicine and athletic training programs continue to advance, Zupan is hopeful for the future. “I’d like to see every team at the Academy utilize this lab to their fullest capacity,” he muses. “Right now, that becomes a matter ofeducating the coaches and showing them what we can do for them.”

It has been estimated that more than 90 percent of an athlete’s time on the held occurs during practice. With such a large commitment devoted to training, it seems only natural that coaches would want to optimize that time to its fullest potential. The history ofsports has shown us that contests are won or lost by a fraction of a second. When everything is on the line—when your entire season comes down to the last pitch, the final down, or the essential buzzer beater, needless to say—it pays to be prepared. 8

Graduates set the cornerstones for the future of the Afghan Air Corps

BY LT. COL. STEVEN OKIE, CLASS OF 1990

Building an independent security force for Afghanistan has always been a top priority for the Department of Defense. A key element to this objective is the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) which provides a strategic role in supporting allied forces and keeping peace in the region. The US Air Force 438th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) is charged with establishing the conditions for a professional, fully independent Afghan Air Force. The 438lh'$ mission is clear: train an Afqhan Air Force that is capable of meeting the security requirements of their nation today and

Lt. Col.Rod Melzer, ’94, walks with local Afghan Airmen.

The 438th Air ExpeditionaryWing accomplishes these objectives by embedding advisors into each ofthe Afghan groups and squadrons to provide guidance to the key leaders. Throughout the course ofthis mission, both graduates and staffmembers ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy have played an essential role in mentoring the fledgling Afghan pilots, officers and commanders.

Brig. Gen. Mike Boera is commander of the 438th Air ExpeditionaryWing. In a previous assignment, he was the Cadet Group 2 Air Officer Commanding at USAFA. He set the vision for the way ahead with the ANAAC by stating the goal for the 438 AEW: “We set the conditions to bring the Afghan Air Force to the next level ofcapability en-route to a professional, fully independent, Air Force, which meets the security needs for Afghanistan today and tomorrow.” As the advisor to the corps commander, he spearheads the mission in bringing the Afghan leadership into the fold on all military decisions. Boera consistently emphasizes the importance of self reliance among the senior officers he trains. His primary lesson teaches Afghans to take responsibility and to make decisions that are right for the Afghan Air Corps.

Lt. Col. Bernie “Jeep” Willi, ’90, is the 438th s RotaryWing Program Manager and Mi-17 helicopter pilot. Jeep divides his time between teaching the Afghan helicopter aircrew to perform MEDIVAC, CSAR and air assault missions in both day and night conditions. As the program manager for the Mi-17s Hips and the Mi-35s Hinds, he works through the myriad ofchallenges associated with acquiring and sustaining a Russian OEM helicopter fleet, all as a program office of one.

Lt. Col. Rod Melzer, ’94, is the Director ofOperations for the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron (AEAS). His deployment began in Kabul, and he flew rotations through Her’At in the western portion ofAfghanistan, running operational missions supportingAfghan kandaks and coalition units. Today, he flies missions with the Afghan pilots into the southern

provinces out ofKandahar. Melzer also conducts training missions twice a week.

On the fixed-wing side of flying, the AN-32 is a Ukrainian-made twin turboprop workhorse designed for short and medium range transport. Academy grads Maj. Jake Lukens, ’00, and Lt. Col. Mark Hersant, ’92, head up the program, with Hersant acting as Director of Operations for the 538th AEAS. After getting qualified in Ukraine on the Russian AN-32, the US pilots arrived at Kabul to begin their advisory role. They have been enormously successful with the squadron, supporting 2,300 combat sorties, 68,197 troop movements, 492 medical evacuations and the movement of, 396 human remains and 195 tons of cargo. Their success is admirable, considering they only have five aircraft. Yet the planes themselves are hardly the greatest challenge facing these grads. Both Lukens and Hersant would agree that overcoming significant language and cultural barriers while facing non-existent passenger control measures greatly outweighs the difficulty of flying a foreign aircraft. Throw in the violent conflicts between Afghan crews and soldiers, and flying the aging AN-32 is easy by comparison. Always forging ahead, Hersant laid the ground work for the reception and stand-up ofyet another twin turbo-prop medium transport, the Italian-made C-27 Spartan. With the introduction of a western aircraft, he had to implement 11 formal courses to prepare the aircrew for the first all-weather, day/night tactical aircraft flown by the ANAAC.

Lt. Col. Steve Orie, ’90, (now stationed at USAFA) commanded the 440th Air ExpeditionaryAdvisory Squadron during his latest deployment. The 440th plays a pivotal role in the support ofthe entire fleet ofANAAC aircraft. His team was embedded in all facets ofdaily maintenance production. Since his arrival in February 2009, Orie was instrumental in helping the Afghans double their Mi-17 Hip fleet, re-energize their Mi-35 Hind gunship program and bed-down the

newly-arrived Spartans. Under his mentorship, the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps flew over 5,000 sorties delivering 33,000 passengers and 739 tons of cargo throughout Afghanistan over the past year. The Corps also played a role in Afghanistaffs Presidential Election, delivering twenty-seven tons of ballot materials to remote provinces. Throughout 2009, the 440th rescued over five-thousand villagers displaced by floodwaters, stood-up three forward operating bases and hosted several high-ranking officials, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Many Air Force officers enjoy the familiarity of a sturdy C-17 Globemaster, the deadly accuracy of an F-16 Fighting Falcon and the rugged reliability of a UH-60 Blackhawk. Yet this contingent of officers operating in Afghanistan works under different circumstances altogether, where problem solving and adaptation are a way of life. Orie comments, “A significant challenge has been the Russian technical orders and documentation. The Mil Design Bureau and Antonov aircraft have a completely different method for components and airframe management. With the requirement to ensure the aircraft are maintained to as close to OEM standards as possible, it has been a continual challenge to ensure we are not missing any steps in the process.”

The 440th has made huge strides during the past year and continues to push towards western aviation standards. Driving towards regular scheduled maintenance and getting away from flying their hardware to the point of failure has been just one of the major successes. Orie has since handed over command to Lt. Col. Kimberly (Kadryna) Tooman, ’94.

Col. JeffMeyer, ’88, commands the 439th Air ExpeditionaryAdvisory Squadron. His squadron consists of 54 USAF, USMC and Afghan interpreters who train, advise and equip over 900 Afghan Air Corps personnel. The Afghan Mission Support Group (MSG) covers five functional areas—Logistics, Civil Engineering, Communications, Security Forces and Technical

Services. The 439th mirrors the ANAAC MSG organization and also covers Personnel and Finance. Meyer is confident the Air Corps could function at the bare bones level ifprovided the resources and contracts for technical support functions such as civil engineering craftsmen, vehicle mechanics and computer technicians. During his command, resources have improved, but developing training for the technical functions has been the greatest challenge.

The 439th has capitalized on existing contracts to get on-the-job training for certain functions. Meyer has focused on training and working with the Kabul Air Corp Training Center to develop technical schools that can provide the basic “3-level” technicians they need. Meyer stated, “Finding an Afghan solution to an Incident Management Response system has been an exciting project. After trying to talk and write our way into developing a system, we learned that the best approach was to just develop simple scenarios and exercise them. This way the Afghan personnel can see for themselves what works and what doesn’t. It’s been an exciting and challenging year building an Air Force based on experience and ingenuity, adapting known solutions to another culture.”

Capt. Walt Heathcoat, deployed from USAFA’s Superintendent’s command sec

tion, serves as Manpower Advisor to the ANAAC Headquarters, G3 Operations Directorate, Force Management Office. Working within Afghan and United States channels, using the iron-flow schedule, infrastructure plans and training pipeline data, Heathcoat built a manpower database that captures Air Corps needs over a six-year period. He identified a 1,000 personnel authorization shortfall, gained approval for a 44 percent increase by 2016, and ensured Afghan leadership understood the campaign plan’s strategic direction. Heathcoat also partnered with team leaders and built the detailed 2010 tashkil (Unit Equipment and Manning Document) implementing a single-year 55 percent increase in manpower. While doing all this, he earned the convoy commander qualification and led over 30 convoys in the high-threat environment.

MSgt. John Agnew, former staff to the Academy’s Dean of Faculty, is the backbone ofthe 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group Civil Engineering team. Not only does he support the group and wing with day to day facilities management, he is integrated into the development of the ANAAC base structure. Every advisor at Kabul International Airport is dependent upon the support Agnew provides. When there are problems with the facilities, he is

the first on the scene to correct the issue. With the spotty civil engineering work and poor quality from Chinese components that went into setting up the compound, he is never short on things to fix.

While significant effort has gone into building a command infrastructure in Kabul, the province is only one ofmany in Afghanistan which are undergoing a major overhaul. Capt. Scott Howe, ’05, is a 438th AEW Civil Engineering Planner and deputy J-7 Director. Bringing his experience from a previous deployment in Iraq, he has traveled Afghanistan extensively, laying plans for the future. Scott managed the completion of a 90 million dollar infrastructure program, literallybuilding the foundation for the future Afghan Air Corps. He developed 35 projects valued at over 139 million dollars all across the nation, from Kabul to Kandahar to Her’At. Howe also drove significant operational initiatives, including the design of two separate camps, in all, supporting 225 forward deployed U.S. advisors.

Lt. Col. John McCurdy, ’88, is commander ofthe 738th Air ExpeditionaryAdvisor Squadron, which supports the Afghan “Air University” (AU). AU is essentially Maxwell, Goodfellow and Lackland rolled into one. Currently in Afghanistan, there is about an 80% illiteracy rate among new Air Corps recruits. Therefore, one ofMcCurdy’s biggest

The 438th Air Expeditionary Wing

goals is to help build a remedial educational program to ensure Afghan airmen are ready for training. In America, its easy to take basic education for granted. Reading and writing are a way oflife for every 10-year-old child. However, in the Middle East, such basic skills are not so readily available to the average citizen. In an effort to bringAfghan personnel up to speed, McCurdy recently added instructors to help new recruits through 3rd-grade math, reading, and writing, before starting more advanced technical training. The next step is to deploy unit-based instructors to implement after-work programs through the 12th grade level, while standing up a basic 60-hour in-residence junior college for senior enlisted and officers who need college degrees. Professional military education is also offered, beginning with an Air Corps orientation course, for new recruits. March 2010 saw the beginning of an Air Basic Course, and these two programs will be expanded over the next year to cover mid and senior-level officers and enlisted. Technical training is offered at Kabul, and by the end ofthe year it will cover every career field in the Air Corps.

McCurdy loves the challenges and rewards ofbeing at the ground floor of something that can have a profound impact on not only the Air Corps, but on Afghanistan overall. “The potential effects ofstrong education and professional development programs are pretty exciting,” he says. “This is definitely the most satisfyingjob I’ve ever had in the Air Force.”

Thanks in large part to the Academy graduates and staffmembers, the 438th Air ExpeditionaryWing is on schedule to complete their task ofpreparing the Afghans to independently operate their Air Corps before 2016. At present, the Afghans have 45 military aircraft and fewer than 3,000 assigned personnel. Those numbers are expected to grow to 154 aircraft and over 8,000 personnel between now and 2016. The USAFA members are having a strategic influence through their tactical actions on a daily basis. Just as the United States Air Force grew out ofthe Army Air Corps after World War II, the 438th is building the nucleus of a future Afghan Air Force out ofthe ANAAC. SI

From top: Lt. Col. Steve Orie, ’90, explains training policies to Col. Abdul Shafi. Lt. Col. Berni Willi, ’90, makes friends with local Afghan airmen. From the Left: John Agnew, Steve Orie, Mark Hersant, Walt Heathcoat, Jeff Meyer and John McCurdy.

In a well-appointed conference room, a group ofengineers pored over project reports and architectural designs, discussing plans for the new indoor athletic training facility scheduled to begin construction at the Academy this summer.

Coming in at $16 million, the athletic facility is the largest privately-funded capital project in the Academy’s history. Representing decades ofcollective experience in their technical fields, the assemblage deliberated over the projects complexities, pausing to listen as several ofthe participants led a presentation on their recent award-winningdesign-buildproposal.

The three firstie cadets standing at the head of the table had taken a break from their civil engineering classes to walk the team through their design process. And while there’s definitely a story behind the design project and their involvement in it, it’s probably best to start at the beginning—with the cadets.

By Ann Collum

By the time Aaron Eshkenazi, Catherine Robertson, and Richard Wheeler graduate with the Class of2010 this spring, they won’t have onlypassed their finals to earn their right to walk across the stage— they will have learned how to build houses, pave roadways, design and manage the construction of a college student union, and consulted on a variety ofengineeringjobs, like the Indoor Training Facility at the Academy and Air Force projects in Afghanistan.

The three cadets came to civil engineering at the Academy in their own unique ways. Rich arrived from a farm in Idaho, where he grew up flying with his father in the family’s Supercub, soaring over the fields and using the farm’s county road as a landing strip. His only goal was to become a pilot, but he chose civil engineering as a major when he heard that civil engineering students got to

get out of the classroom to do construction projects during their summer program. “Getting to run equipment was perfect,” he says. “I come from a farm; I love all ofthat!”

Aaron shared similar ambitions; his father was an air traffic controller, so Aaron grew up around planes. Attending the Academy satisfied his dual passions for flight and playing soccer. He started his sophomore year at the Academy as a mechanical engineering major, but switched to civil engineering after taking a single mechanical engineering course. “I liked the idea ofactuallybeing able to do stuff,” he says. “Not focusing on only the conceptual things—I can see my work in action. Ifyou construct a building, you can see the results.”

Cat attended college for a year before applying to the Academy. “I did well at the other school, but I wasn’t really pushing myself,” she says. She initially didn’t tell her family that she had applied to the Academy, since no one in her family had a military background and she wasn’t sure how they would react to her decision. She’s happy with the results. “I applied because I wanted the discipline, and I definitely got it at the Academy,” she says, smiling. After starting as a biology major, Cat chose civil engineering, overcoming her reservations about the amount of mathematic and technical courses she would have to take. “I’m so glad I switched to civil engineering; the math courses ended up not being so bad,” she explains. “We get to actually do so many things in civil engineering, instead ofjust learning things.”

Dr. James Pocock, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Academy, is not surprised by the cadets’ motivations for pursuing CE as a major. “Our CE program at the Academy is like any other CE program in the country in that we are accredited and we grant degrees in civil engineering and environmental

Designing ti

engineering,” he says. “Where we differ is in how we approach practical training for the cadets. Our program emphasizes handson engineering and design activities as opposed to internships with private firms.” This emphasis supports the overarching Academy mission ofcreating accomplished leaders for the nation. “The hands-on activities give us an idea ofwhat the real-world experience ofcivil engineering will be like after we’re commissioned, from the military and Department of Defense perspective,” says Aaron. “It’s such a unique opportunity through the Academy— I’m not sure where else I would find that kind of experience.”

For all cadets, the first two years ofstudy at the Academy are dominated by core courses, regardless of their chosen majors. The CE program introduces cadets to their first hands-on activity the summer after the students’ sophomore year. Every civil engineering and environmental engineering major spends three weeks in

Jacks Valley participating in the Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory. FERL is their introduction to their engineering major, bridging the gap between theory and practice through 22 hands-on activities. The cadets are guided through activities like surveying, building houses, concrete placement, paving roads, welding, and operating heavy equipment by mentors— noncommissioned officers from the Air Force that work in civil engineering. The cadets work and live out in the field during this time, learning practical skills and team building. “It’s a fun event,” Dr. Pocock says. “Jokingly, our motto at FERL is ‘Construct first, design later,’ referring to how it’s placed in our curriculum. We constantly refer back to FERL to explain theoretical concepts in the cadets’ remaining two years ofacademic courses.” In addition to its academic benefits, FERL provides an opportunity for cadets to contribute directly to other communities. The students build two houses every summer, which are then donated to a Navajo Reservation in Gallup, New Mexico. Now in its seventeenth year, FERL has become an incredibly popular program with cadets.

The cadets enjoy interacting with the NCO mentors and submerging themselves in the experience. They camp out and work side-byside with their classmates, forming friendships and memories. “FERL is awesome,” says Cat. “Even if we were totally different, we all got along. I’m still really close with all ofthe people I went to FERL with.” Rich adds, “This program is very unique. I think we’re one ofthe only service academies in the country that has something like this. We bring in Army kids to participate every summer.” Rich liked FERL so much, he returned the following year to work as the cadet commander, assisting the NCO. He also escorted a visitor from the Pentagon to the FERL site, discussing the importance ofthe program and its contin-

Liead

ued funding. The Pentagon official was impressed enough to recommend expansion ofthe program to include funding for new huts for the cadets to live in and to increase program capacity from roughly 70 students to 100 students.

Another practical activity that CE students get to participate in is the Associated Schools ofConstruction Regional Design-Build Competition. Design-build is an alternative method for getting things built that has only been in use for the last 25 years or so. It overlaps the design phase and construction phase of a project, minimizing risk and shortening the project delivery schedule. Aaron, Cat, and Rich competed as part ofthe Air Force Academy team in the 2010 regional competition in Reno earlier this year. It was the ASC’s largest regional competition in the nation, bringing together the Mountain West and West Coast colleges. Approximately 1,200 students were in attendance from 41 colleges and universities. Many ofthe colleges sent multiple

teams to the competition, representing the specializations oftheir large construction management programs. In contrast, the Academy sent a single team of seven cadets. The primary purpose ofparticipating in the competition is to gain valuable experience. In addition to the core engineering courses, CE majors take several construction management classes and maybe a token architectural design course. “Our cadets mightjust barely have the background to be competitive,” says Dr. Pocock. “We use the competition as part of our curriculum.” This year, the Academy team found themselves playing the role ofDavid to the other schools’ Goliath.

The chosen project for the competition was the design-build of a student services center on a college campus in California. Mirroring the real-world process for handling these types ofprojects, the cadets researched, prepared and submitted a qualifications package that included a description ofthe team members’ skill sets and outlined their roles and responsibilities for the different components ofthe design-build. For example, Cat was already a LEED accredited professional, which meant she possessed a thorough understanding of environmentally-friendlybuilding techniques and rating systems and the process for achieving a “green” building certification. LEED, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a certification system that verifies a building was constructed to maximize energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental health.

Playing to their strengths, Cat took on the role of construction manager, Rich acted as the project scheduler, and Aaron was the design leader. The other four team members handled overall project management, architecture and site design, and estimates. The actual competition began at 7 a.m., with ten teams competing to complete their design-build proposals by midnight. Each team picked up their 100-page request for proposals packet and retired to their offices, hotel rooms set up with computer equipment and work stations. Each completed proposal had to include architectural designs, a cost estimate, a schedule, safety and quality plans, phased layouts of the site through the demolition and construetion process, and many other components. The cadets worked continuously throughout the allotted 17-hour period.

The Academy cadets got a taste ofthe real-world pressures associated with design-build projects. “It wasn’t panicked until the last half-hour,” says Cat. “No one was done, the printer wasn’t working, and the computer crashed. We were convinced we were the worst team there. We had nothing to lose, but when we left, we thought, ‘Doc P is going to hate us—he’s never going to bring anyone back to this competition!”’ Much to the team’s surprise, they took first place in their region—a first for the Academy since it began participating in the competition five years ago.

The cadets’ win at the competition laid the foundation for their participation in a design-build project that was already underway at the Academy, the Indoor Training Facility. The new 94,000 square-foot facility will house a regulation-sized athletics field that can accommodate lacrosse, football, soccer, and a multitude ofother sports activities. Dr. Pocock ran into retired Brigadier General David Swint, the former head ofthe Department ofCivil and Environmental Engineering at the Academy, at an event and shared the news about the cadets’ recent success. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Swint, who currently coordinates the construction ofthe ITF, proposed that CE cadets become involved with the facility’s design process. He provided Dr. Pocock with the

ITF designs, which were at the 65 percent completion point and still undergoing extensivereviews andconsideration. Aaron, Cat, and Rich reviewed the designs and in a series ofmeetings with the design-build firm, G.E. Johnson, offered their insights and suggestions to the design team members. Cat and Aaron were able to analyze the facility from the end-users’ perspective; Cat is a football manager and Aaron is on the soccer team. The cadets identified multiple concerns and suggested alternatives, ranging from the positioning offilming platforms in the building to the sun’s effect on the facility’s internal temperature. One oftheir suggestions ended up reducing the total project cost—by about $ 1 million.

At that point in the design process, the plan had the ITF standing at the same height as its surrounding buildings. To accomplish this, the facility’s elevation would be lowered by removing 138,000 cubic yards ofearth and trucking away the excess soil. Rich, Cat and Aaron questioned the necessity ofthis height adjustment, suggesting a “cut and fill” method that would leave the buildingstanding roughly 15 feet higher than planned, but would eliminate the expense oftransporting soil off-site. “We received the cost update from the contractor shortly after the cadets made their suggestions,” says Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Swint. “The project was overbudget and we needed to bring down the cost, which was achieved by using the “cut and fill” method instead ofthe earlier planned method. The cadets had a basic question that ended up being an excellent question. They made a very insightful observation.”

Not many undergraduates can rightfully claim to have assisted in breaking a seven-figure funding impasse, which could have potentially halted the project’s construction. “The cadets were very humble, but they looked at everything,” says Dr. Pocock. “What they found was in line with what had been identified and was being addressed in G.E. Johnson’s design reviews.” They will earn course credit for their work with the ITF, which concludes in mid-May. The cadets’ last presentation to the design-build team will take place after their class finals.

These cadets are happy to have the chance to use the ITF to sharpen their skills. “I think the ITF is anawesome project,” says Rich. “It’s great that grads are putting forth the money for something that’s going to influence us, the cadets. Were really excited to see the project come through, with all ofthe support the Academy has for it.”

“I think it’s a tremendous benefit for these cadets to not only get to look at a real project, but to get to dabble in it themselves and say they had a role in it,” Dr. Pocock says. “Even though they just won the competition, they are not very sure of their competence as engineers yet. Participating in these projects lets them say, ‘I can see myselfdoing this. Maybe I did learn something afterall!’ Wften engineers come out ofschool, they don’t know everything—but they continue learning through practice.”

The CE majors are keenly aware and appreciative of the support they receive through their program, the Academy, and the larger community. “The opportunities at the Academy set us up for suecess,” says Aaron. “The funding is amazing; it provides for us to go to competitions, participate in FERL—there are so many things we do.” The Academy’s proactive approach to practical training guarantees that, wherever their commissions take them, these fledgling civil engineers are prepared to serve and succeed, one project at a time. H

Austin Dusty M

f ■{Mli i tHNBi I ^MtWl

went on to work for the Army’s Institute of Heraldry, which was responsible for the design ofsymbolic devices, such as medals and awards, for all branches of the military.

“Historically,” Mose mused, “the techniques ofsculpture v^f^**** handed down from father to son, and when there was an intelligent innovator, we had a great scul^fc^t- is always the job of the sculptor—and painters—to record their own age.”

Creating a sculpture for the US Air Force Academy put Mose at the top ofhis game. As advances in technology had ushered in the begiilj| ning ofthe jet age, symbolic hints ofairframe design were working their way into the architecture ofthe Academy’s iconic structures. Perhaps the most notable examples are found amori§ the Cadet Chapel, whose modular ribbed spires are loosely reminiscent ofthe silvery swept-backwings ofthe 1950 s era supersonic bombers, such as the B-58 Hustler. Even the Cadet Chapel s pews resemble aircraft wings.

Eventually Mushkin says, the sculpture by Mr. M adopted by the Academy as its key icon on the campus

was

In the time since its inception, the Eagle and Fledglings have watched over countless cadets, seen the passing ofVietnam, Panama and Desert Storm. The mother bird has stood by as the addition ofthe F-105, the F-4 Phantom, the F-15 and F-16 Strike Eagles made their way onto the terrazzo. She watched the passing ofthe “Bring me Men” ramp, and smiled proudly when the first women boldlyjoined the Cadet Wing. She has seen the continuation ofIraq and Afghanistan, and watched with leery concern the simmering rogues ofIran and North Korea. She will no doubt witness placement ofthe F-22 Raptor and thePredator drone amid her quad—and so on-—as our mighty Air Force treads boldly into the horizon, looking to the Academy to supply its future leaders. ■

You've Earned Another Trip Through Undergraduate

by Frederick V. Malmstrom, '64

W Imagine this bad dream:

W You’re a pilot recently returned ■ from Vietnam. Having marked r up around 400 hours of combat flying time, collected a couple of Distinguished Flying Crosses and

assorted Air Medals during the past year, you receive PCS orders: “Proceed at once to Randolph Air Force Base pursuant to entering Undergraduate Pilot Training.” But it’s not a bad dream, and it’s not even a bad joke. Your Original Sin is you’re a helicopter pilot. Now it seems the Air Force is determined to transmogrify you into a real pilot.

Welcome to Air Training Command!

This story begins around 1964 when HqUSAF decided it would begin training its own helicopter pilots from scratch. And so, in 1964 Air Training Command had reserved for USAFA graduates about 12 helicopter UPT slots. This new program

was met with suspicion by more than a few ofthe graduating class, because when the firsties came back one night from selecting their pilot training bases, my roommate threw himself on his bed and laughed out uncontrollably and the last guy in our

class got [bleep!] into helicopters!”

Under this new, specialized pilot training program, the new lieutenants spent the first six months ofprimary training at Randolph AFB, TX flying the vintage piston-driven T-28s and finished their 2nd six months advanced training at Stead AFB, Nevada, flying the Korean War vintage reciprocating H-19s. According to a few sources, AF wanted its pilots to experience firsthand some real muscle and torque.

Welcome to the Secret War!

Few nonpoliticians knew it at the time, but the Vietnam War was just starting to get serious. In late 1965 and early 1966 there was to be an urgent need for Air

Force combat helicopter pilots. These men would be needed for obvious specialized missions, such as the well-publicized HH-3 Jolly Green rescue teams. Yet there was to be an even larger expansion ofthe so-called “Secret War” in Laos. And it was in this Secret War that many of our Air Force helicopter pilots would experience more excitement, combat, and danger than they had counted on. The Laos Secret War—controlled not by the generals but by the U.S. Ambassador to Laos—was to be every bit as nasty and brutal as the other more well-publicized “official” war in South Vietnam. Here are three stories from three USAFA-educated helicopter pilots: Roger Neeland s Story: Roger (USAFA ’64) was transitioned into the CH-3C flying PONY EXPRESS missions. Unlike the more publicized HH-3 Jolly Green rescue operations, these missions were an equally dangerous transport and resupply operation into the more than 200 Laotian

Lima Sites, small landing strips and pads whittled out ofjungles, karsts, and swamps. One notable PONY EXPRESS operation was the construction and resupply of Lima Site 85, only 15 miles from the North Vietnam border and 150 miles from Hanoi. Placed on the pinnacle of the 5,600 foot high Phou Phati, the site was the home ofTACAN Channel 97. (That was long before the days of GPS, and I was personally grateful for Channel 97 while participating first-hand in Rolling Thunder.) Lima Site 85 remained in operation for two years until it was overrun by the brute force ofthe North Vietnamese Army. Roger recounted, “You never knew who you were hauling in the back—Thai, Hmong tribesmen, Lao irregulars, Viet nationals, Aussies, embassy personnel, CIA, civilian contractors—and I never asked. Most of the time we were all ‘sheep dipped,’ that is, we wore civilian clothes or just t-shirts and baggy fatigue pants.”

Bottom, right: Roger Neeland’s second trip through UPT, completing his first solo in

Top, left: Roger Neeland posing as a “sheep dipped” civilian with Air America.

Bottom, left: Lima Site 85 aka TACAN Channel 97 atop the Phou Phati karst in Laos.

the T-38.

“We were ordered not to carry military ID cards, but we allbalked at not carrying the Geneva Conventions Card. Our copters had interchangeable insignias. We could take off as U.S. Air Force and return to Udorn as Royal Lao. I don’t think we really fooled anyone as to our identity— everyone liked to shoot at us. And in our spare time we might rescue an occasional downed friendly pilot.”

Glenn Coleman’s Story: Glenn (USAFA ’64) spent most ofhis official time in CH-3s helping to build and maintain IGLOO WHITE, an operation controlled from Nakhon Phanom AB, Thailand. Beginning in late 1966, the Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara began building an electronic barrier to stop North Vietnamese infiltration along the so-called Ho Chi Minh trail through Laos.

Nicknamed “McNamara’s Wall,” the barrier was an elaborate integration of electronic, seismic, biological, and youname-it sensors intended to detect enemy movements along the equally elaborate Ho Chi Minh Trail. Glenn recalled, “Mostly we did road watch for the bad guys, planted sensors, and delivered combat teams into both Laos and North Vietnam.

Along the way we supported Navy ops and incidentally rescued lots of downed pilots. Our operations were pretty risky, as we lost 3 out of 12 aircraft.”

Fred Gregory’s Story: Fred (USAFA ’64) ended up flying HH-43s out of DaNang AB, South Vietnam. Although the HH-43 was nominally a counter-rotating flying fire extinguisher, it was frequently put to other creative uses.

Fred recalls, “In all, I think we rescued 22 or 23 pilots.” HH-43s were small enough to be launched from a Navy destroyer, so Fred and his HH-43 found himself frequently engaged in team deployment operations into the heavily defended Route Pack VI area of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Fred recalls, “One time we flew into southwest Haiphong at about10 feet all the way and picked up our downed pilot. But, it was still high enough to be counted as an air combat mission.”

Welcome to Air Training Command—Again!

Air Force helicopter pilots started matriculating back into Undergraduate Pilot Training classes at Randolph AFB around late 1966. Understandably, more than a few helicopter pilots chose to exit the Air Force rather than endure yet another round with UPT. For those who elected to stay, they were given an offer they couldn’t refuse, their choice of base and/or assignment.

The Randolph experience was a firm 6-month PCS of the Advanced course into the supersonic T-38s with no opportunity to test out early. For reasons defying normal logic, HqUSAF was now determined to make these combat veterans into real pilots. The classes were

Top: Glenn Coleman in front of his CH-3 carrying some backup aerial gunnery.

Bottom: Glenn Coleman inspecting a few bullet holes in his CH-3

small and entered every 6 weeks. They were given the official designation of “R” classes, and the pilots were never sure whether the R stood for retraining, retread, remedial, or retarded.

The attitudes of these helicopter retreads were mixed. As might be expected, there was some hostility among these men as having to be treated again as student pilots. Author James Jones in his fine documentary book WWII recounted similar (and hostile!) resentment by wounded infantry combat veterans who were required to repeat basic training as part oftheir “rehabilitation.” Other helicopter retreads considered the ATC retraining program as exciting, informative, and a welcome break from combat. Whatever the attitudes of these new UPT students, they shared one common trait—an absence ofhumility.

Tlie Randolph instructor pilots quite frankly didn’t know how to deal with their new student pilots, either. One instructor pilot called his students aside and told them, “Look—We know who you are and what you’ve done, so we’ll try our best to make this a good experience for you. Meanwhile, bear with us.” That didn’t mean the IPs were going to let their new charges breeze through the program, for the IPs were even harder and more exacting on the retreads than they were with their routine students—and despite some initial hard feelings, in the long run it paid off. The retreads got to solo early and were tagged with extra IP-type duties such as aerodrome officer and flying formation fill-ins. Many R class students were good enough to be kept at Randolph as instructor pilots, and some were selected for test pilot training.

The R program lasted only about a year, but those who endured it went on to

sparkle in aerospace teaching and research. Glenn Coleman became an Academy aeronautics professor and was not-too-gently reprimanded by the Commandant BGen Vandenberg for motivating too many cadets to apply for helicopter training. Roger Neeland became an astronautics professor and was later nominated by the Air Force to become an astronaut. Fred Gregory chose the non-academic route, and he instead flew anything he could get both his hands and feet on. It’s well known he closed out his military career as an astronaut. Despite all these accomplishments, Fred recently mused existential and described his helicopter flying days as the only time he “felt as one with the machine.” My guess is he found the Space Shuttle a bit too impersonal. 9

SelectedReferences

Coleman, Glenn (2010). Personal communication.

Bonds, Ray (Ed.) (1979). The Vietnam War: An illustrated history ofthe conflict in SoutheastAsia. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.

The FallofLima Site 85. https://www. cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-ofintelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/ studies/95unclass/Linder.html Gregory Frederick (2010). Personal communication.

Jones, James (1977). WWII: A chronicle ofsoldiering. New York: Ballantine Books. Neeland, Roger (2010). Personal communication.

FredMalmstrom can befoundatfred. malmstrom@usafa.edu.

Top: Local helicopter pilot makes good: Fred Gregory, ’64, 2004 Distinguished Graduate, as mission commander of the Space Shuttle.

Right: Fred Gregory seated in his HH-43.

he generosity of two cadets sparked an outpouring ofaid that helped feed thousands, provide medical treatment to hundreds and give toys to impoverished children in western Africa.

Cadet 1 st Class Anthony Christian of f|§|det Squadron 35 andCadet 2nd Class Joel Corapi of Cadet Squadron 8 spent their winter holidays in the African nation of Ghana—living up to the Academy credo Service Before Self—as their twoperson effort to help a few people biossomed into a deluge of generosity beyond any oftheir original plans.

Their story begins in the summer of 2009, when the devoutly religious duo had determined that they would spend their next winter break helping people in Africa. But choosing exactly where on the continent to go was the hard part. “There was no special formula or decision-makingprocess,” says Christian, who recalled the duo prayed to find an indication ofwhere to go. Ultimately, their answer was Ghana.

Corapi remembers, “We were totally unsure why we were called to Ghana; we simply decided that was where we were supposed to go. We really didn’t know what we were going to do there, but since we had both

Cadets fight poverty in Ghana

been to Africa before, we knewthat there would be no shortage ofpeople to bless.”

Both cadets had traveled to a few countries in Africa before, but neither had actually been to Ghana. Their research showed that the Republic of Ghana is a developing country located on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, just north ofthe Equator. An agrarian nation, the economy consists primarily of farming; yet the discovery of oil in 2007 has boosted economic activity.

While Ghana is not the poorest country in Africa, it still has many people in need. It remains heavily dependent on financial and technical support from the international community. According to the Central Intelligence Agency, the nation’s debt sits at 67.5 percent of its gross domestic product, which in 2008 was just over $16 billion. Roughly the size of Oregon, Ghana has an 11 percent unemployment rate, with 28.5 percent of its population

living below the poverty line. Literacy rates—measured as the members ofthe population over age 15 who can both read and write—stand at 66.4 percent.

Once the two cadets had set a location to target their charitable efforts, they began petitioning charitable organizations for assistance. Though they were turned down each time, they were not dissuaded. Corapi recalls, “Regardless, we were already committed with plane tickets; so,

organization or not, we were going. We really didn’t have anything to bring to anyone besides what little we could do from our own pockets.”

It was here that everything started happening. “About a week out,” Corapi explains, “a friend of ours approached us and said, ‘I know that you are not looking for monetary donations, but I really feel like God is telling me to do this.’ He then handed us an envelope containing 1,000 dollars.”

Corapi’s roommate then suggested that the Ghana-bound duo inform their squadrons oftheir trip. Ifanyone wanted to donate a $1.50 soccer ball from Walmart, there would be a box outside Christian’s room.

Corapi says, “Several cadets (including a coast guard exchange student) in our squadrons reallyjumped on this, and within a couple ofdays both of us had a mountain oftoys on our bedroom floors. In addition, both of us also received more cash donations

Cadet Joel Corapi (right) and Cadet Anthony Christian, play footballwith local children.

ragpwiraiiWS*

from people in the squadron—including an anonymous freshman, who donated his whole months pay towards this trip. With the mountain oftoys growing, we had no idea how on earth we were going to get all this stuff over there.”

This need was quickly met through a friendwho offered to pay the airline fees for the extra bags. Now with a ton oftoys, and close to $1,400 in donations, they began their journey. The cadets had virtually no contacts in Ghana, until right before their departure, when a local exchange student from Belize gave them the name of a friend at a Ghanaian orphanage.

Fortunately, a stroke ofgood luck befell them on the flight into the nations coastline capitol ofAccra. “As we were debarking the aircraft, Corapi remembers, “a lady who needed help with her bags noticed us because we had bible verses on the backs of our shirts. After helping her with her bags, she gave us her contact information ifwe ever needed it while we were there. We parted ways, thinking that we would never see her again.”

The cadets left the airport and headed to the orphanage. As fate would have it, the orphanage was not a place the cadets were going to make a difference. Ghana’s population of 24 million people is 68 percent Christian, making the Christmas holiday a time ofgenerosity to the nation’s many orphanages. Going out on a limb,

the cadets contacted their fellow airline passenger, who proved to be the right place at the right time. They spoke, then took a six-hour bus ride north to Kumasi to meet her and her father.

Corapi says, “The lady’s father was the pastor of a huge church. Even by American standards, they were living very well. He invited us in, and even without hearing what we came for, opened his house for however long we wanted to stay. They even provided every meal for us while we were there. The next day, he invited several ofhis pastor friends to come and visit and we shared our story with them. Immediately they all got excited and several of them offered to take us around wherever we wanted to go (a very helpful thing when you are in a different country).”

Transportation was arranged, and the cadets traveled to the villages around Kumasi. “The orphanages are a focal point for donations,” says Corapi, “but often times, the villages are neglected when it comes to support. The poverty we saw in these villages was incredible. Every day we met women who were widows, or had ten children, or husbands who were alcoholics. Others were blind, or had some debilitating illness and had no way to provide for their children. There were people cleaning the streets or begging the village king for something to feed their kids. Some had

cancer, and many were homeless. Children had nothing and many were malnourished and sick. It was eye-opening.”

In the villages, the cadets sought out the poorest ofthe poor to help, and passed out hundreds oftoys and clothing items to the kids. “It seemed like there was a never ending line ofthem,” Corapi says. “With the adults, they used the money they had gathered to go out and buy chickens. In Ghana, chickens are cheap. So, with the little money that we came with, we were able to pass out hundreds ofchickens to needy families. If there is any way to attract a crowd in Africa, it’s by having a white man hold up a free chicken. People came from everywhere.”

Through a combination offaith and the generosity oftheir comrades at the Academy, the cadets were able to help many. This story, however, does not just end with passing out chickens and toys. The pastor they were staying with recognized the cadets’ drive. He enlisted them to organized a program to feed the poor through his church within a few days. They fed more than 2,000 people and also provided medical care to 500 Ghanaians.

“We also made some connections with the Juvenile Social Welfare Center,” says Corapi, “where they had some boys staying in some fairly bad conditions. For the most part, they lived in a concrete block where they had to urinate in the corner and had virtually nothing to eat, nor wear, nor

From left: Cadet Joel Corapi (left) and Cadet Anthony Christian secure chickens for a food drive. Cadet Christian delivers chickens to the locals.

Cadet generosity leads to an outpouring of thanks and joy.

anything to protect themselves from the malaria carrying mosquitoes. We pooled the money we had left and were able to by them food, clothes, toiletries, mattresses and other basic necessities. It was really amazing to watch the change in these boys’ lives. You could tell from the bottom of their hearts that they got it. It was definitely the most heart-felt part ofthe trip.”

The cadets went out to purchase rice for the orphans (an expensive commodity in Ghana). Corapi explains, “The rice shop owner had been so excited to hear what we were doing that he happily doubled our donation for free. The center said that this was the biggest donation that they had ever received.”

After some sad tears, the duo left Ghana to return to the Academy and start their spring semester. When asked about their experience, both cite theirfaith as the motivation to help others in need. For their selfless generosity in the face ofsuch poverty, these cadets serve as a shining example ofthe Core Values upon which the Air Force Academy stands. While college students all across the nation enjoy the comforts offood and family on winter break, cadets Corapi and Christian set out to make a difference for those in need. Their journey will live on in the hearts ofthe people they have helped and, for the rest of us, their dedication will serve as inspiration for the next great act ofkindness. *

JSAJE is an exclusive site specifically designed for service academy alumni. Whether you are looking for a new job or different career, JSAJE isthe place for you to make it happen. Log on to JSAJE to browse job listings and contact employers.

Not actively lookingfor ajob? 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. service academies electronically

.jsaje.com

Fallen Heroes

On May 20, 2010, buildings at Camp Eggers and Sia Sang in Kabul were dedicated to Air Force 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte and Shawn Pine who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan. Schulte was a 2006 graduate ofthe Air Force Academy. Upon graduation, she was commissioned as an intelligence officer and was assigned to the Directorate ofIntelligence, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Schulte volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan in February 2009 and was assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan CJ2 directorate. There she served as a trainer and mentor to the Afghan National Army. Pine was a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve. He served several active-duty tours in the Former Soviet Central Asian Republics as a counterintelligence advisor. In 2008, he accepted a job with MPRI Afghanistan as a counterintelligence mentor working in CSTC-A CJ2 directorate. On the one year anniversary of their deaths, their fellow CJ2 members honored them with two small ceremonies at Camp Eggers and Sia Sang. After a small ceremony on Camp Eggers, several members of CJ2 and the Afghan G2 held a similar ceremony at Sia Sang, the Afghan intelligence .training complex, where two buildings were named “Pine’s Place” and “Schulte’s Place.” (Nation TrainingMission)

Lieutenant General Tabbed for 4th Star

President Obama nominated Lt. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. on March 17 to be the Air Forces next four-star general. Rice is currently commander of U.S. Forces Japan and of 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan. He is a 1978 Air Force Academy graduate and a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours. He flew B-52G bombers for much of the 1980s. Rice commanded the Air Force Recruiting Service from May 2002 to January 2004, and has been with Pacific Air Forces since January 2005, when he took command of 13th Air Force at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (AssociatedPress)

One Year with Lt. Gen. Gould, 76

In a series ofsuperintendent’s calls Wednesday, General Gould credited people from all of the Academy’s mission elements for making “tremendous progress” in continuing to develop leaders of character. “I’m really proud ofwhat you’ve done,” he said, “and I want to encourage you to continue the momentum as we have fun with graduation and get ready to roll back into the cycle and do it again.” The general outlined his vision toward developing a sense of fanatical institutional pride-a vision for which respect is part of the foundation, along with character, people, families and setting an exemple for others. He spent much of the first year evaluating the current state of the Academy. “Knowing that the Academy was in good shape when I got here, I didn’t want to change a bunch of things, and we haven’t had to,” he said. “I credit my predecessor and the team before I got here with having done an awful lot to get us on the right vector.” One of the things General Gould said he wants to encourage through the rest ofhis tenure is reaching out to surrounding communities, including Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon and Manitou Springs. In the third and fourth years ofhis tenure, the general said he wants people to understand the Academy’s role in the continuing operations overseas, including current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and future counterterrorism efforts. “We want to reach out to everybody and make sure everyone at the Academy understands what the joint, coalition, interagency war that we’ll be involved in today and will continue to be involved in for some time is all about,” he said. And as the Academy continues beyond 2013, the general aims for “continual growth to take excellence to a new level.” (Colorado SpringsMilitary News Group)

Air Force Cleans House at Warrior Games

The Air Force Warrior Games team won 12 medals during the track and field events at the U.S. Air Force Academy May 14, 2010. The track and field team won five gold, five silvers and two bronzes. Matt Sanders, a former staffsergeant, led the team with three medals, a gold in the 400 meter and 200 meter races and silver in the 100-meter sprint. The first time Sanders ran the 400meter in practice last week he ran it in 1:14. In today’s race, he shaved 13 seconds offhis time to earn gold. “It feels awesome to earn these medals for my team,” he said. “I really don’t care about the medals for myself, but mainly because we’re going toward the prize to win this whole thing for the Air Force. That’s more important to me.” Another track and field team member, Jennifer Stone, also medaled in each ofher events, earning the silver in the 100-meter dash and gold in the standing shot put with a throw of26 meters. Members of the Air Force team raced in different categories according to their disability. The categories included lower-body impairment, upper-body impairment, wheelchair events and post-traumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury. Shot put and discus throw events were broken down into seated and standing categories. (Air Force Link)

Fighter Pilot Nominated for 3rd Star

Air Force fighterpilot Maj. Gen. Burton Field, ’79, has spent his career on the fast track is in line to become a lieutenant general. Field now serves as the senior military adviser to Richard Holbrooke, the U.S.

special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, a post Field has held since February 2009. There was no word ifFields promotion carries with it a new assignment. Field spent a year as commandant ofthe Weapons Schooland went on to serve as commander ofthe 8th FighterWing and then the 1st FighterWing, where he flew the F-22 Raptor. Fie served a year in Iraq as commander ofthe 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Joint Base Balad. (AirForce Times) B

STATS FOR THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY’S CLASS OF 2010

The following statistics are for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of2010, current as ofMay 24, 2010.

WHEN

THEY ENTERED ONJUNE 29,2006

1,720 were offered appointments

1,334 were processed into the Academy

80.0% or 1063 males

20.0% or 269 females

24.0% or 321 minorities

47.2% or 630 pilot qualified

19 International students

High School

Average GPA: 3.84

Number ofScouts: 316

Boy Scouts: 105

Girl Scouts: 31

Gold Award: 5

Eagle Scouts: 175

Average SAT scores: 620 Verbal, 652 Math

Average ACT scores: 28.3 English, 29.4 Reading, 29.1 Math, 28.5 Science

AS THEY GRADUATE ON MAY26,2010 (AS OF MAY 24,2010)

Graduating: 1001 will walk across the stage

Men: 814 (81.3%)

Women: 187 (18.7%)

Minorities: 240 (23.9%)

45 African American, 76 Fiispanic, 93 Asian-Pacific Islander, 26 Native American

International Students: 15 (one each from Colombia, Algeria, Guatemala, Thailand, Taiwan, Trinidad, Korea, Romania, Tunisia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Singapore, Kenya, Belize).

Total international grads for all years: 281.

Average Cumulative GPA: 2.94

Adjusted Attrition Rate: 34 lor 26.1%

Sets ofTwins: 2

Fourth-Child Graduates: 1

Third-Child Graduates: 1

Second-Child Graduates (other than twins): 45

Second Generation Graduates: 60

2011AOG BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION UPDATE

The 2011 Election of Directors will be conducted in March and April 2011. There will be five vacancies for 4-year terms. AOG bylaws require the Nominating Committee to put forward a slate that contains at least ten candidates for these five positions. That slate must be submitted to the Board by November 30, 2010.

The Nominating Committee is now accepting applications for candidacy by Nominating Committee process. Applications must be received not later than October 1,2010. The requirements for the application can be found on the AOG Web site (usafa.org)

Additionally, any graduate member may have his or her name placed on the ballot by petition, without review by the Nominating Committee. Applications by petition must be received by October 1, 2010. The requirements and procedures for petitioning can be found on the AOG Web site at usafa.org.

Questions may bereferred to the Nominating Committee through the AOG Web site or by contacting the AOG Executive Assistant, Ruth Reichert, at ruth.reichert@aogusafa.org or AOG Executive Vice President Gary Howe at gary.howe@aogusafa.org. You may also call the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

Influence A conversation with Fisher DeBerry

By Lewis Carlyle

PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS ASKING ME WHAT I'M DOING THESE DAYS," SAYS COACH FISHER DEBERRY

PLEASANTLY AS WE SIT IN DOOLITTLE HALL, OVERLOOKING THE ACADEMY ON A COLD AND BLUSTERY DAY IN MARCH. "I'M NOTAN ALUMNUS," HE CONTINUES, "BUT WAS HERE FOR 27 YEARS."

Just as generals Vandenberg, Harmon and Arnold left their indelible marks on Air Force history, so too has Coach DeBerry left his legacy at the Academy. From 1984 to 2006, he lead the Falcons to a 169109-1 record, winning three Western

HtaMMRK

Athletic Conference Championships and six bowl games. Generations ofcadets have been influenced by his mentorship and legions ofcoaches have looked to him for guidance. After 23 years as head coach of the Falcons, DeBerry handed the reins over to one ofhis former players, quarterback Troy Calhoun, Class of 1989.

Retirement from coaching, however, doesn’t mean the 71 year-old DeBerry has traded his work boots for a rocking chair on the porch. Growing up as the son of a single mother, he was no stranger to the hardships of being raised in a one-parent household. His experiences inspired the creation of the Fisher DeBerry Foundation, a charitable organization—created in honor of his mother—to support children growing up in single parent homes. “We startedthe foundation while we were in Colorado,” DeBerry says, glancing at his wife Lu Ann, who reflects his proud smile. “It’s meant to help kids in single parent families, and we’ve made a significant difference in the lives of a lot ofyoung people.”

The Falcon coach explains that the foundation is intended to give kids opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. “It’s our hope that these kids will gain lifechanging experiences,” DeBerry continues, “such as going to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp, getting into an after school program, getting a computer or even some new clothes for school. I grew up as a single parent child, so I know first-hand the sacrifices my mother had to make; so I started this foundation as a tribute to her.”

DeBerry is quick to point out that one out of every four kids in America grow up in a single parent home. Drawing upon his experience in sports, the coach has implemented a number of athletic events to help raise money for his cause, including a 5K walk and a golf tournament. Perhaps his most notable program is the Colorado Coaches Night for Char-

The whole thing is to challenge us as adults to sew the seeds of responsibility for our nation’s young people.

ity. “We bring in division one coaches from Colorado, Colorado State, and of course the Academy,” DeBerry says. “It’s a very fun night, with a silent auction and lots of fund raising activities. Ed McCaffrey of the Denver Broncos is our master of ceremonies, and he enjoys the heck out of it! Each coach chooses a charity to represent. In the past two years, we’ve given between $11,000 to $14,000 dollars to each coach’s charity.”

With a long history in the NCAA, DeBerry has seen a lot of change in college sports since he first began coaching. “I’d like to dispel the perception that college coaches just want to make as much money as they can,” he says thoughtfully, “so I thought Colorado Coaches Night would be a good way to restore some credibility.”

The Coaches Night also honors a public servant who has devoted his or her life to making Colorado a better place. “Last year,” DeBerry recalls, “we honored Jerry McMorris, who was the former president

of the Colorado Rockies. He’s done more for kids than you can shake a stick at.”

In addition to his philanthropic work, DeBerry also has a new book out, aptly titled The Power ofInfluence. “The whole thing is designed to challenge us as adults to sew the seeds of responsibility for our nation’s young people,” he says passionately. “We have a number of former Falcon coaches and players who speak about those people who best influenced their lives. The book connects the different eras of Falcon football as these players talk about their experiences at the Academy.”

From supporting America’s single parent homes to linking generations of Falcon athletes, the gentleman from Cheraw, South Carolina, certainly isn’t slowing down. DeBerry remains devoted to his principals ofhumility, honesty, integrity, and helping others—despite thefact that he was never a cadet, it’s clear that this one coach who keeps the Core Values as close to his heart as any Academy graduate. SS

For more information about Coach DeBerry’s philanthropic work, please visit www. fisherdeberryfoundation.org

The Bridge and the Challenge

On Friday, 12 March 2010, Recognition lor the Class ol 2013 was in lull swing when 1 spotted about 1 3 first and second class cadets spread along the Heritage Trail. When 1 went out to see what was going on, Cadet Squadron 8 (“Eagle Eight”) was having the doolies reenact Inprocessing Day as part of Recognition. As 1 arrived, a Blue Bus pulled up and discharged the doolies into the hands of the upperclassmen. Ihey were taken through Doolittle Hall and out

BY GARY HOWE # '69

the hack patio to the Class of 1959 Cha11 e nge Bridge.

At the bridge, C2C Jason Harris, in civilian clothes and wearing a white Stetson cowboy hat (playing the role of Max Miller, 59) had the doolies read the challenge. I he doolies crossed the bridge together and then were hustled along the Heritage Trail and back onto the bus. I he bus routine was reenacted as they were taken to the “footprints” at the base of the Core Values Ramp. There, (TC Wayne Black, the leadership behind this reenactment, congratulated the doolies on their achievement thus far with a medium intensity training session. I hey had progressed from individual civilians to proud members of a military team. He further challenged them to excel during the remainder of Recognition activities and their cadet careers.

Other cadets who were in charge of various stages of the reenact ment were:

C2C Peter d amn, C2C Kevin Allurn and C2C Alex Horn. Ibis was the first time that Eagle Eight has done this.

The Class of 59 challenge to each enter ing cadet reads as follows:

Thepath to whichyou aspire has been consecrated by the bloodofheroes andpaved with the selfless service ofcountless men and women like you. If you woidd be worthy of this heritage: Make integrity the bedrock value ofyour life. Let your actions always beguided by an unshakeable sense ofduty, self-discipline andpersonalresponsibility. Become a lifelong student ofhistory, war, humanity andleadership. Beprepared to sacrifice everything to defend theprinciples upon which our nation wasfounded. Cross this bridge with the deterruination to live a life that will make all who went beforeproudofyou.

The upperclass cadets ofEagle Eight realize that this is important and recognized that the “fog ofwar” on InProcessing Day prevents basic cadets from remembering it. Thus, they created this reenactment. Many thanks to these fine cadets and to the Class of ’59 for their gift ofthe bridge and the challenge.

PART II

Honoring Academy War Dead

On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, I left Doolittle Hall at 5:45. It was almost dark and I heard voices down on the Class of 1959 Challenge Bridge. I saw a formation ofcadets conducting a ceremony of some sort, but I couldn’t understand what was being said. I quietly crept down the hill until I could hear that a cadet was reciting the story of one ofthe graduates listed on the 1970 Graduate War Memorial.

A second-class cadet came over and explained what was going on. As a prelude to Recognition, which was to begin on March 11, Cadet Squadron 27 had each doolie choose a name from the Graduate War Memorial, research the individual’s life history and write a one-page biography.

On this night, the 22 doolies and nine upper-classmen ran in formation in BDUs and combat boots from the Cadet Area to Doolittle Hall. While catching their breath from the run, each doolie was expected to read the 1959 Challenge and find his person on the War Memorial.

The upper classmen then collected Contrails from each Doolie and had them form up two abreast and 11 deep. The doolies formed up on the north side of the bridge facing the Challenge plaques and the upper class cadets (two firsties, four second-classmen, and three third-class-

■MBjBP

men) formed up on the south side.

The cadet-in-charge, C1C Daniel Hum, opened the first Contrails and read the name ofthe cadet to whom it belonged. That doolie stepped forward and read the one-page biography he had prepared. Upon finishing, the cadet was given his Contrails in which had been inserted a Prop & Wings that had been dipped in edge dressing. The doolie was then directed to cross the bridge and join the upper-classmen already in formation.

The Prop & Wings was another thoughtful touch. As the cadet was given the Prop & Wings he was told to “keep up the good work through Recognition and earn these wings.” The doolies were told to focus on this symbol and, to help them focus, the doolies were told that they had to get the edge dressing off in two days without using any cleansers or abrasives. They had to rub it offwith their fingers or use a toothbrush.

The details ofthe ceremony were provided by C2C Brittany Bennett. Cadet Bennett is the squadron Major Training Events NCO, and she works for C1C David Hurtt, a firstie in Cadet Squadron 27, who came up with this ceremony. Bennett says that she and the other upper-

classmen in Squadron 27 hadall been a part of similar ceremonies when they were doolies and Hurtt combined all oftheir ideas into the ceremony that I witnessed.

Bennett recalls, “We wanted the doolies to think ofthose who had gone before them, who had earned the Prop & Wings, and who had made the ultimate sacrifice.”

I was fortunate to stumble on the ceremony and my only regret is that I did not have a camera. The ceremony was solemn and meaningful and very cool. It is the building of a legacy, the inculcation of heritage right there. And it sprang from the hearts ofthe upperclass cadets of CS-27.

To the members of the Classes of 1959 and 1970, your gifts are making a difference. The Heritage of the Long Blue Line is being built and honored. Thank you for making it happen. IS

BpappraBMaa

Good Advice Part 1

Drue L. DeBerry, '63

fter more than fifty years, some memories have faded. Some have morphed. Others remain distinct, but incomplete. A few still haunt my dreams late at night like a poorly edited home movie. An image here, a film clip there, dubbed voices of faintly remembered dialogue.

Though the dream is incomplete, it always ends the same way on a cold, clear Colorado morning in February, 1958, in the office of Col. Benjamin B. Cassiday, Jr., Deputy Commandant of Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy.

"Sir, Cadet DeBerry reports as ordered."

Col. Cassiday returned my salute and told me to stand at ease. "Well, Mr. DeBerry, this is the end of the line. You have failed to meet our standards and we are sending you home. A staff car is waiting outside to take you to the airport. My advice to you is that you should get on with your life. Make this a clean break. Forget about the Air Force Academy as we will forget about you. Good luck. You are dismissed." We exchanged salutes.

I left the building and got into the waiting staff car. was numb with shock, but aware enough to know that had just experienced an earthquake-of-a-failure that would be with me for the rest of my days.

This story began in 1956, the second semester of my junior year at Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Money was short and I had no plans for college. As I speculated aloud about my uncertain future, a friend’s mom suggested that I apply for Annapolis. “There’s no tuition. You get a free education and you have a career when you graduate,” she said, eyeing her daughter who sat beside me at their kitchen table. I wrote to Annapolis and requested a catalogue.

Studying the catalogue, I learned that I needed several courses required for admission and I realized that I could not schedule all of them in my senior year. That seemed to rule out attending Annapolis.

A few weeks later, I saw a magazine article describing the new Air Force Academy in Colorado. The articleclaimed that admission depended on a congressional nomination and a competitive examination rather than high school course work. I requested an Air Force

Academy catalogue and confirmed this information. The Air Force would select the best-qualified nominees for the 306 available appointments in 1957, including six appointments from Tennessee. That evening I wrote a letter to Congressman Cliff Davis—who represented Memphis— expressing my interest in attending the Air Force Academy. In September, I met with Congressman Davis. A few days later, he informed me that he had nominated me for an appointment and that the Air Force

would soon contact me regarding entrance examinations. Over the next several months, I took all of the examinations and waited impatiently for the results. In May 1957,1 received a telegram from Congressman Davis notifying me that I had won an appointment.

I arrived at Lowry AFB, Colorado—ternporary location of the Air Force Academy until completion ofthe permanent site near Colorado Springs—on July 5. Senior enlisted men met us and led us through two days of Inprocessing. By Sunday, we had completed most of the paperwork. We had our fatigue uniforms and our room assignments in one of the many two-story wooden barracks in the cadet area. The two-man rooms were comfortable. My roommate, Bud Utendorf, was a friendly fellow from Ohio. The food in the dining hall was good, Colorado was beautiful, and I was wondering why the Academy catalogue described basic cadet summer as stressful and demanding.

On Sunday evening, the sergeants marched us to the cadet theater for a lecture by Brig. Gen. Stillman, the Commandant of Cadets. Following Stillman’s remarks, his deputy, Col. Cassiday, again confirmed that our summer training would be demanding—and he informed us that as we left the theater we would meet the Air Training Officers (ATOs) responsible for that training. The ATOs were all recently commissioned officers in the Air Force. Most were graduates of West Point. “When you leave thistheater,” Col. Cassiday said, “the ATOs will be all over you like rain and you will wish you had an umbrella. Your basic cadet training is about to begin.”

The ATOs soon confirmed that weather forecast. They were demanding perfectionists and extraordinary role models. That night, as we marched back to our barracks, the ATOs seemed to outnumber us at least two-to-one. Nothing about our marching met their standards. Nothing escaped their corrective attention. The march to the barracks seemed to last a very long time.

The next two months flashed by in a blur. Like every other new cadet, I was frequently in trouble with one

or another of the ATOs. We wore a metal nametag holder on our uniforms with a paper nametag inserted. We had received a hundred or so of these paper nametags when we arrived. I soon learned why. When an ATO had tocorrect me more than once, he took my paper nametag and that evening I would have “extra instruction” with that ATO. For the remainder of the day until I could get back to my room, that vacant nametag holder attracted the attention of every ATO I encountered. After a few days of this, I figured that I needed to be better prepared-so I placed a half-dozen paper nametags in themetal holder, one on top of another. I could pull one paper nametag from the holder and still have five more. Big mistake. The first ATO to demand my nametag took all six of them. I got six evenings of “extra instruction!”

We completed basic training with a field encampment at Buckley bombing range, several miles east of Lowry. When we returned to Lowry from Buckley, the academic year began. The ATOs turned the Class of 1961 over to upper class cadets—the Class of 1959 and the Class of 1960—now deemed ready to take charge of the Cadet Wing. The ATOs dispersed to other assignments throughout the Air Force.

After completing a tough summer training program, I looked forward to starting classes. I expected fourth class training to give way to academics. The prescribed curriculum included chemistry, math, English, philosophy, engineering drawing, physical education, and military training. The Academy assigned us to fifteen-man sections according to our entrance exam scores or our high school grades. Every few weeks during the semester, section assignments shuffled according to grades. I began the fall semester in middle sections ofEnglish, philosophy, and math. I began in the bottom section ofchemistry. Col. Woodward, head of the chemistry department, taught the last section.

As the semester progressed, I had considerable difficulty balancing my fourth class duties and my studies. By mid term,

I was in trouble in chemistry. I soon found myselfslipping in math and behind in fourth-class knowledge. As I struggled with grades, I became depressed. I lost sight of my ultimate goal and I started wondering if this free education was really worth the cost. I coasted in everything else and tried to concentrate on chemistry.

In those early years, fourth-class cadets remained at the Academy for the Christmas holidays. Semester final examinations occurred in late January. My family drove to Denver to celebrate Christmas with me and I tried to forget about my chemistry problems for ten days. The Christmas break helped restore my motivation but did nothing for my academic problems.

After semester final exams in January, I had failing grades in both chemistry and math. Following a briefperiod of intense study, I took new final examinations—turnout exams—in both courses. I failed both and the Academy Board recommended my dismissal for academic deficiency. A short time later, I found myselfstanding before Col. Cassiday’s desk on that fateful February morning.

I returned to Memphis, dejected, embarrassed, and ashamed. I also returned with great respect for the Air Force Academy and the men I had met there. Everyone I encountered at the Academy had given me the professional support and encouragement that should have made a difference. Col. Woodyard had provided extra instruction in chemistry; my AOC (Air Officer Commanding), Capt. Ellis, had counseled me like a Dutch uncle about my attitude. To no avail. I crashed and burned. As I flew home, I resolved to get on with my life as Col. Cassiday had advised, and I acknowledged that the failure I experienced at the Academy was mine alone—that my real downfall was less an academic failure than a failure in attitude.

By the time I arrived home, my dad had arranged for my conditional enrollment at Memphis State College. I registered for classes on the following Monday morning and attended my first classes the same day. I returned to my previous job at Memphis Public Library and settled into college. I

enrolled in Air Force ROTC with the idea that I might still earn a commission.

Late in my first semester at Memphis State, I had a long conversation with Dr. A. B. Weir, our family physician and my Sunday school teacher. Dr. Weir had written a letter of recommendation for my admission to the Academy and he was very surprised that I had washed out. He believed I could do better and he urged me to go back and try again. Go back and try again—that idea had never occurred to me.

I considered Dr. Weirs suggestion for a couple ofweeks. Could I start over? Did I really want to start over? I was not eager to repeat basic cadet training a second time, but I knewthat would be required. I also knew that none ofthe college credits earned at Memphis State would transfer to the Academy. IfI could win a second appointment and graduate, I would be two years behind my classmates in the Class of 1961. IfI stayed at Memphis State, with summer classes, I could still graduate in 1961 and probably earn an Air Force commission through ROTC. I weighed the alternatives. Then I wrote Representative CliffDavis and asked ifhe would consider nominating

me a second time—this time, for the class entering in 1959. He replied that he would and I began the application process for a new appointment.

In the summer of 1958,1 completed four more courses at Memphis State. That Fall I enrolled in chemistry, math, Spanish, cartography, and Air Force ROTC. By Christmas I had earned a 3.0 semester GPA and a B in chemistry. In the spring of 1959,1 completed another math course and the second semester of college chemistry—and I completed the entrance exams for the Academy. In May, I received a telegram informing me of my appointment to the Academy, Class of 1963. Soon afterward, I received a second telegram informing me that my appointment was subject to approval by the Academy Board—the same Board that had recommended my dismissal in 1958. After several anxious days and nights, the Board confirmed my new appointment. S

The second halfofthis article will appear in the September 2010 issue ^Checkpoints.

OPI L®O

ATUI CTC

DDORDAM I nLC I mmm

GRADUATES AT THE OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR THE AIR FORCE

PRAXIS means not only to try, but also to penetrate, to strive, to give in, to win, to lose, to kneel down, to get up, to accept the struggle andfight until the last breath

—Kyriacos Lazarides | Inscribed in the OlympicTraining Center Hall of Fame

Every four years, the world comes together to celebrate history’s most revered sporting event. A collection ofathletic challenges—ranging from track and field in the summer to downhill skiing in the winter—the Olympic Games shimmer with the virtues of peace, inspiration, triumph and perseverance. Men and women from all across the globe teach us to lay aside the adversities ofracial, political and social strife, and to unite under the spirit ofcompetition. Nations brim with pride as their athletes run, skate, swim and pole vault their way onto the coveted gold medal pedestal—tears streaming as the sound oftheir national anthem fills the arena. We have all been inspired by the triumphs of our nation’s dedicated young athletes, whether it be LindseyVaughn clenching the gold in downhill skiing, Mary Lou Retton defeating the Soviet powerhouse to win the women’s all-around in gymnastics, or Michael Phelps taking home an astonishing eight gold medals in a single games. The Olympics are, and always will be, the pinnacle of all athletic challenge.

Gaining a slot on your nation’s Olympic team is one of the most daunting tasks an athlete can face. Many will try, but only a few will be selected to join the ranks of the elite. In the past 50 years, Air Force Academy cadets have come to know what it means to be part of an elite group. Gaining a congressional appointment, being at the top ofone’s class and facing virtually every challenge that can be leveraged against the mind and body have propelled legions ofgraduates on to do great things, including a handful who have earned the opportunity to represent their nation in the Olympic arena.

Eli Bremer, ’00, is one such graduate. A member ofthe 2008 Olympic Pentathlon Team in Beijing, China, Bremer will likely be competing in his second Olympics in 2012. As a pentathlete, he trains every day in the five categories which comprise his event: swimming, running, shooting, fencing and horseback riding. Unlike a swimmer or sprinter, who need only to finish first in a single race, a pentathlete must acquire points in all five categories to clinch the gold. “It would take a pentathlete 32 years ofwinning consecutive gold medals to equal what Michael Phelps earned in one Olympics,” says Bremer with a smile. “But that’s kind of the allure of the sport: you only get one chance. It’s not something you can do-over the following week; you have to wait another four years.” D>

Olympic pentathlete, Eli Bremer, ’00, aims his target pistol. Pentathlon consists of shooting, running, swimming, fencing and horseback riding.

WORLD CLASS ATHLETES

Four years in the life of an athlete is a long time, during which a lot can happen. Injury and burnout have claimed a number of promising competitors over the years, which is why Bremer keeps a closely regimented training schedule. “The Olympics are a full time, professional occupation,” he explains. “You have to train 24-seven, 365 days a year. You’re never offduty because you’re constantly driving for a higher peak.”

The higher peak is what all Olympians must strive for, which is why Bremer remains so committed to yet another project in addition to his training. The World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, is designed to help Air Force athletes get a spot on the US Olympic Team, and to represent their nation internationally. Seth Kelsey, ’03, is a two time Olympian on the US Fencing Team and a good friend of Bremer at the training center. Kelsey is one of only two cadets in the history ofthe Academy to win the NCAA championship in fencing. He and Bremer both travel extensively with the WCAP program. Together, they both serve as ambassadors for the Air Force and for the United States.

“For years,” Bremer explains, “Army has been competing in elite level sports. The Air Force saw the value in that. Public relations and marketing are big part of that. We travel around the world and put a different face on the Air Force. We’re reaching out to kids in a very different way. A few weeks ago I spoke to several thousand kids in South Georgia who had never met an Olympian, and most of them had never met an Air Force officer. It’s a great way to reach communities within the U.S. From an international standpoint, we get to be ambassadors for both the Air Force and the United States in a way that other people can’t.”

“We go to Kuwait and Qatar every year,” Kelsey describes, “and we don’t stay on base. Instead, we stay in the city where we can interact with the normal population. For instance, ifyou enter a country like Egypt as a member of the military, they treat you much differently than ifyou come in as an Olympian.”

The WCAP program provides the Air Force a myriad of outreach opportunities, exclaims Bremer. Once an airman is in the WCAP program, being an ambassador for the United States and for the Air Force is a full time job. Bremer continues, “It’s one of the great advantages of the program; we fly around the world representing the United States. We have an international reach that no other branch of the military can really achieve. Sports has a way of bringing about a dialogue with other cultures. It’s a way for us to extend an olivebranch rather than a hammer.”

As senior athletes, both Bremer and Kelsey keep a sharp eye out for fresh young talent. Bremer says, “We try to catch some of the kids coming out of the Academy who are very promising, potential Olympic athletes. It’s a very high bar to meet. We have to look at their athleticism and what sport they’re in: you can be a great swimmer coming out of the pool at the Academy, but if a guy like Michael Phelps is ahead of you, it can be very hard to qualify for the Olympics.”

Kelsey is quick to point out that WCAP also serves as a strong intra-squadron morale booster. “There’s a big push for fitness in the Air Force these days. Having an Olympian in the squadron to help promote that is a good thing.”

Bremer relates, “There’s a lot of appreciation in the Air Force for what we do, because it’s beyond the norm. I was a featured

flfllSlSI

liMIiilHR t?' ,L 8?

pHNIfcr 'O

speaker at Peterson Air Force Base on physical fitness last year. Furthermore, those of us who are coming up on the tail end of our athletic careers are trying to take on a mentoring role for the young upcoming athletes. Seth’s been through two Olympics, I’ve been through one. .We understand what it’s like to train full time for years on end. There are challenges balancing the Air Force career and training, and there are sacrifices you have to make.”

Each career in the Air Force will take an officer down a different path. Whether one chooses to become a pilot, a logistics officer or an intelligence specialist, many sacrifices come with the job. Moving to a new base every few years, going on deployment and taking on new assignments are just a few things officers contend with each year. For the athletes at the OlympicTraining Center (both military and civilian), the life of a competitor is a life ofsacrifice. “Being an Olympian,” Bremer says, “takes a lot of outside support from friends and family. We don’t get fully funded for what we do, so we have to rely on spouses, friends or family to help make up the difference.” Add 120 days of travel each year, keynote speaking events, a grueling training schedule and continuous pressure to perform at not only the Olympics but many othernational and international competitions, WCAP is easily among the most difficult jobs in the service.

Still, both Bremer and Kelsey wouldn’t change their stars for the world. In fact, they are joined by another fellow Olympian and Air Force graduate, Kathy Rex, ’84. A team handball competitor in the 1988 Games in Seoul Korea, Rex began playing handball the year before she became a cadet. D>

Above:Fencer Seth Kelsey, ’03 (left), crosses swords with his sparring partner during training. Right: Kathy Rex, ’84, member of USA Team Handball at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul Korea.

“I actually lived at the OlympicTraining Center before I came to the Academy,” she reflects fondly. “While I was a cadet, they would let me leave for Junior World Championships for two weeks at a time. So the Academy was very supportive.”

Rex explains that there was no World Class Athlete Program in those days, but fortunately, Air Force Sports set her up with a permissive TDY whenever a major competition arose. “In 1984,” Rex explains, “I had to choose between graduating from the Academy or competing in the Olympics; it was a very hard decision, but I chose to graduate. In the long run, I’m very glad I made that decision.”

In 1986, Rex was assigned to the Air Force Academy as a physical education instructor. “I taught PE and water survival—this was 25 years ago, and back then they called it physical fitness methods,” she recalls with a laugh. Her proximity to the Olympic Training Center made it possible for her to continue practicing with the handball team, and later compete in Seoul Korea.

Rex remembers her time in Seoul as a once in a lifetime opportunity. “I’d say the most memorable experience for me,” she says,

“was walking into the stadium during the opening ceremonies. It’s a moment at which you reflect back upon all that you’ve done to get there—and all ofthe people who have helped you (because nobody gets to the Olympics alone)—the spirit ofthe Games is amazing. It’s a time when the whole world comes together to celebrate sports and to celebrate life.”

Today, Rex is co-founder ofthe Landsharks Running Club, where she works diligently to promote fitness among America’s youth. “We have over 2,100 kids who run with us,” she says fondly. “It’s huge, we’re in more than 45 schools here in Colorado.”

Rex also took the opportunity to return to her roots by starting a new youth handball league. “We started Landsharks Team Handball in between the running seasons, and we have a fourth through sixth grade league with about 100 kids. It’s the biggest league in the country, so it’s the start ofsomething good. And with our Future’s Program, or high school league, we had 14 kids selected for the girls and boys youth national teams.”

Becoming a role model and mentor for younger generations is one of the best ways an athlete can give back to his or her

sport. Bremer explains, “It’s good to link up with someone who has already done what you’re trying to do. When you’re charting your own coarse, it’s easy to make mistakes. If you can learn from someone who has already made those mistakes, you can achieve great things.”

Kelsey adds, “Seek good coaching early on in your athletic career. Having a great mentor can make a huge difference. I started fencing when I was eleven, and I was terrible!” he says with a laugh. “Fortunately, the following year we received an Olympic coach from Poland. Training improved and I started making Junior World teams. When it came time for college, Eli Bremer actually recruited me to the Academy. After giving it some thought, I realized, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I could have gone to Penn State—but thousands ofpeople go to Penn State—only a select few get to attend the Air Force Academy.”

Each athlete harkens back to the Academy as a major influence in helping them get to where they are today. Rex surmises, “I

don’t think I would be the leader I am today of these programs if it had not been for my training at the Academy. In order to create something, people have to trust you, people have to want to be a part ofwhat you do. With the Landsharks Running Club, I have 45 coaches who are allvolunteer. The Academy laid a foundation of integrity, leadership and people skills which have enabled me to do what I do today. I’m very grateful for it.”

As these athletes continue to train, compete, coach and mentor, we are reminded ofwhy the Olympics have a special place in the hearts and minds of people across the world: the spirit of competition pushes the human race to achieve great things. These achievements, whether they be in the form of a seventh-place finish or a gold medal, will serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes. As our dedicated graduates continue their pursuit of excellence, we can rest assured that they will continue to make us proud. B

Below: Fencer Seth Kelsey, ’03 (left) and Pentathlete Eli Bremer, ’00. ajawawg

Exceeding the Highwater Mark

Cadets go international with graduate scholarships

By Maj. Chuck Moore

Each year, the majority of the Air Force Academy’s recent graduates find themselves embarking on their Air Force careers at Undergraduate Pilot Training or at various technical training schools, honing the skills required of their new career field. However, a significant number of cadets are finding themselves back in the classroom at prestigious graduate schools across the United States and abroad. The Class of 2010 has reached the scholarship highwater mark, with 96 graduates (as of May 19, 2010) bound for further academic studies. This notable development of tomorrows Airmen-scholars echoes the sentiment expressed by Gen. David Petraeus, in which he states, “The most powerful tool any soldier carries is not his weapon but his mind.” Perhaps no one embodies this belief more profoundly than these 96 cadets, several ofwhom have received the most coveted and prestigious post graduate scholarships in the nation. Cadet 1 st Class Brittany Morreale was selected as USAFA’s 36th Rhodes Scholar, C1C Austin McKinney was selected as USAFA’s 11 th Marshall Scholar, and C1C Bradford Waldie is USAFA’s 8 th Holaday Scholar and 15th Truman Scholar. Each are quick to credit our challenging curriculum with its many hands-on learning opportunities, as well as the faculty mentorship and support.

THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIP

The Rhodes Scholarship, theoldest international fellowship, was initiated by philanthropist Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and brings outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford. As the recipient of this prestigious scholarship, C1C Brittany Morreale discussed the many remarkable opportunities she had during her tenure at the Academy: “Beyond the impressive academic curriculum, the varied out-of-classroom experiences that USAFA offers have allowed me to translate my knowledge into real-world practical applications.” She goes on to praise the extraordinary caliber ofpeople she continually encountered. “One ofthe best things about the Academy is that we are surrounded by incredible peers and faculty,” and she noted the Academy Scholars Program as “one of the most valuable assets the Academy has for developing effective and capable leaders.” Her post graduate success will come as no surprise to any ofher classmates. Originally from Palos Verdes Estates, California, C1C Morreale holds the freshman and sophomore records in the 5,000 meters, earning Track & Field Team MVP honors as a sophomore. She did not compete as a junior as she spent the spring semester learning language and culture first-hand in Japan as part of the Academy Exchange Program. She is a consistent stand-out within the cadet wing, earning Superintendents

C1C Brittany Morreale

C1C Austin McKinney

C1C Bradford Waldie

List honors every semester for excellence in military, academic, andathletic performance and being named an Academy Ace after earning a 4.0 GPA while majoring in Physics and minoring in Japanese. C1C Morreale will pursue a Master ofPhilosophy in Social Anthropology at Oxford University.

THE MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP

Marshall Scholarships are widelyrecognized to be among the most prestigious awards thatAmerican undergraduates can receive. Founded by a 1953 Act ofBritish Parliament, andnamed in honor ofUS Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the scholarships commemorate the ideals of the Marshall Plan and express the gratitude ofthe British people to their American counterparts for their support after World War II. In reflecting on his time at the Academy, C1C McKinney praised his once-in-alifetime experiences as a cadet participating in the Cadet Semester Study Abroad Program in Mexico. “I realized that this enjoyable experience unquestionablyintegrated and expanded upon my knowledge gathered from history, philosophy, and language courses I hadtaken at USAFA,” he notes. As a Marshall Scholar, he will have ample opportunity to forther broaden his international experiences and is excited to have such opportunities, commenting that “exploring outside environments in a thoughtful manner takescadets outside of their intellectual comfort zone and challenges them to communicate ideas effectively, broaden their perspective, and successfully connect with a broader peer group. This excitement generates a sensational desire to learn more and more.” Originally from Canton, Michigan, C1C McKinney majored in Management and minored in Spanish and traveled to Prague, Spain, and Mexico during his four years at USAFA. He will attend the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University ofLondon where he will pursue a Masters ofArts in Latin American Studies and an Master of Science in Globalization and LatinAmerican Development.

THE TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP AND THE HOLADAY SCHOLARSHIP

In 1975, Congress established the Truman Scholarship as a memorial to Harry S. Truman, Americas thirty-third President. Scholarships are awarded for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The Holaday Scholarship is an annual scholarship that allows one cadet who competes for, but does not receive, a Rhodes Scholarship, to do graduate work at Oxford. Bart Holaday, a Rhodes Scholar and 1965 graduate of the Academy, and his wife, Lynn, established the scholarship in honor ofhis mother, Alberta Holaday. “I came into the Academy wanting to serve my country and wanting to give back,” said Cadet 1 st Class BradfordWaldie, “but it wasn’t until I got out into the world a little bit that I realized how great the U.S. and theAcademy are, and what a great institution it is.” Cadet Waldie finished as the number one overall graduate at USAFA for 2010. He believes the most valuable lesson he learned during his Academy tenure is the enviable skill of “how to learn.” He credits the instructors for “empowering their students to develop their interests both inside and outsidethe classroom” and commented that “interacting with those few mentors who really gave me perspective to go forward, learn, and serve” has had the biggest impact on his life thus far. His experiences, both in and out ofthe classroom, have caused him to reflect upon his own personal growth. “I now feel confident in my

ability to critically examine and develop a unique idea, which is a skill that will serve me throughout my entire educational and professional military career.” A double major in Foreign Area Studies and Humanities who also minored in Chinese, he ultimately credits the Academy with giving him the “chance to grow for myself and grow independently.” Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, C1C Waldie will continue his personal and academic growth at Oxford University, where he will pursue both a Master ofScience in African Studies and a Master ofScience in Global Governance and Diplomacy.

In addition to the cadets highlighted above, several nationally-competitive and endowed scholarships are sending graduating cadets off to schools in Europe and the United States, including Gerhart Scholarship recipient C1C John Rice to La Sorbonne University, France; Lawson Scholarship recipient C1C Matthew Ross to the Naval Postgraduate School; Nutter Scholarship recipient C1C DanielO’Keffe to Purdue University; andWolfe Scholarship recipient C1C Franklin Nesselhufto the University ofNorth Texas.

USAFA is also proudlysending eleven graduates to the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, including C1C Michael O’Conner, a member ofthe USAFA Fencing Team who also received a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Five graduates will attend the John F. Kennedy School of Government, while three others earned the Superintendent’s RAND Ph.D. Scholarship to the Pardee RAND Graduate School to pursue a doctoral degree in policy analysis. Two cadets will travel to China and India as part ofthe U.S. government’s flagship international scholarship as Fulbright Scholars. Seven engineering majors will attend graduate school at Rice University, while 15 others begingraduatework at theAir Force Institute ofTechnology in AFIT’s Graduate School Program, ultimately preparing them to become future faculty members at USAFA. Twenty-three other cadets will begin their AFIT studies as part of the Acquisition Accession Program. Five will study at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, four at the University ofMaryland, two at the University ofWashington’s top 25 engineering program, while eleven others begin medical school and one begins nursing school.

The news gets even better—aside from our scholarship programs, 96 graduates have the opportunity to build upon their language and cultural skills in a new Air Force program, the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP). Established in 2009, LEAP helps develop cross-culturally competent leaders in order to meet the growing demands of the Air Force’s global mission requirements. Beginning in their first year, and every few years thereafter, officers will have the opportunity to enhance their cultural effectiveness through intensive language training, study abroad, and immersion programs. Progress will be tracked and measured, with an end goal of having 5-10 percent ofthe force activelyengaged in this program. In today’s dynamic international political landscape, such skills are growing increasingly vital to the effectiveness of our military forces.

The post-graduate education received by each of these cadets will certainly leave a lasting mark on our Air Force and our nation. President John F. Kennedy captured the tremendous significance of these Airmen-scholars when he stated, “Remember that our nation’s first great leaders were also our first great scholars.” These 96 cadets representing the Class of2010 will undoubtedly be prepared to serve as some of our nation’s great leaders of tomorrow. SSI

Three hundred miles southeast of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, a torrid sun beats down upon the fishing boat trolling the shimmering waters ot the Indian Ocean. Waves lap against the hull as the ship rocks gently in the summer breeze, its trolling nets extended and trailing in the frothy wake ot the engines. A deck hand stubs out his morning cigarette and leans across the gunwale, shading his eves against the harsh sun. The cloudless sky meets the ocean in a seamless horizon of flat blue in all directions. No fish for days, the boy muses, and likely another miserly catch this morning. With a frown, he resumes his post at the rusted winch when he notices the enormous plume of water guysering high into the air off the starboard side, fie rushes across the boat, squinting into the sun just as a bright light explodes from the sea, and the pristine horizon is interrupted by the gigantic cylindrical shape rocketing towards the heavens. His heart pounding, he watches in horror as the intercontinental ballistic missile climbs higher into the sky, its course altering to the west, towards North America.

To the credit of the human race, the prospect of an ICBM attack against the United States today is bestreserved for spy novels and action movies. With our armed forces engaged with a viscous insurgency in two ground wars, the thought of defending against a nuclear missile attack is far from everyone’s mind. Yet that does not mean the threat no longer exists, and the Indian Ocean scenario is just one of many possibilities that could stem from any number of politically charged disputes in these everchanging times.

In the early days of the Cold War, the nation watched in fear as the nuclear arms race took hold ofthe world’s two great superpowers. For decades, both the United States andthe Soviet Union stockpiled and deployed warheads across the globe, their deadly payloads trained on both military installations and major

cities. For a time, the theory of mutually assured destruction (MAD) kept the launch codes from reaching final countdown. Hie prospect that a first strike, followed by a counter strike, would decimate populations and poison entire nations with years of radioactive fallout was a major deterrent in keeping the missiles from crossing paths over our great oceans. As history would have it, the USSR eventually fell into financial and political ruin, the Cold War crumbled along with the foundations of the Berlin Wall, and the world rejoiced as nuclear arsenals were dismantled.

However, as both rogue states and terrorist networks now begin to enter the fray of nuclear proliferation, the MAD theory is no longer a safeguard against the unthinkable first strike. With social and political pressure reaching a boiling point in nations such as Iran and North Korea, and terrorists becoming more brazen in

their attacks against civilian populations, our armed forces have once again renewed their interest in strengthening a viable missile defense network.

Many of us may remember the spectacular war fighting images which came out of Desert Storm back in the early 1990s. From the special ops teams firing rockets into the open doors of Iraqi bunkers, to the Patriot Missile-led decimation of Saddam Hussein’s fleet of Scuds, the US military employed a myriad of technologies to free Kuwait and push the Republican Guard back across the desert to Baghdad.

Today, many of those technologies have evolved, and are now deployed in the 21st Century version ofmissile defense. One such technology, which flies upon the cutting edge, is the Airborne Laser Test Bed. t>

was envisioned to be a part ofthat system, specifically covering tl boost phase of an enemy missile.”

When launched, an ICBM goes through four phases—boost, ascent, midcourse and terminal—before reaching its target.

Duting the boost phase, the missile accelerates from the surface ofthe earth. Its exhaust plume is bright and hot, making it easy to detect; yet its rapid acceleration makes it very difficult to track

- A ins coasting I ," Itltfti Stlfitltlilflllll - c aci "■m |M|Mi - ;.;.Q iSSi||H|Hr 'SjWv*'

V 4«ws

wmm ^m imsmaisi. mmi WtHH |§fv||§ '•VA' i' psfHPI IPs ISlteilfllSilli Hii $ $S PP §§§§$?© /' ,-aV. A>\ A:Am •'■wv. ||§f|§| ms H Si 111 HUMi I apappppHi iC ill ii iivyvy.;

Lt. Col. Michael Contratto, ’90

target. Ihis is the least-desirable ph engage, as the window 0PP°[tunlty “ safelydestroy the missile becomes smaller as it approaches its target.

While the prospect of an ICBM descending in terminal phase over New York City is frightening, there is hope to be found among the countermeasures the Ballistic Missile Defense System has in place Many ground based operations constantly monitor e skies and long-range interceptor missiles deployed in Alaska an California have the capability to defend the homeland against a limited number ofICBMs. °

SJ l i

t is approximately 186,000 miles per second. ,° P YSlCal body missile or otherwise, can outrun a laser, making irected energy an excellent technology for future missile defense tpp ication. In the case ofthe ALTB experimental platform,

Contratto describes, “There complete the missio

The first two are the laser. They are both ] the COIL, (Chemical Oxyg watt class laser that

three primary lasers we use to is contained within the modified 747 eking laser and atmospheric compensation t class solid state lasers. Then there’s ;en Iodine Laser) which is the megaactually negates the target.”

Both the emitted from a speciallydesigned turret on the craft. The system uses infrared enemy missile. Once a threat missile is minator locates

targeting lasers and the high-intensity COIL beam are nose ofthe airto acquire the exhaust plume of an identified, theTrack Ulu-

Next the Beacon hT" ^ °" **“ ^ °fthe warheadhe Beaconi Illuminator measures atmospheric turbulence, which is used to focus the COIL. Once a target is acquired, the missile is destroved Liy 1-8,= r^rm’ l.-l ■

Contratto explains, “The only technology available for the foreseeable future to generate the power levels required to shoot down these missiles is a chemical laser. To produce the photons, we mix these chemicals in the back of the aircraft and flow them through laser modules. The process generates enough photons to produce a megawatt-class laser.” Future directed energy technology development could include powerful solid-state lasers.

The COIL is the specific high energy laser. Contratto continues, “A general estimate is that a few seconds worth ofdischarge could power an average household for a couple of hours. Ironically, the fire control system, which has tracked and targeted missiles traveling in excess of Mach 5, is far more difficult to perfect than producing the firepower itself. There are many technical miracles which take place every time we turn the system on.”

Over the years, the Air Force Academy has provided a great deal of officers who have contributed to the Airborne Laser Test Bed, and Contratto is proud to be a part of that lineup. He explains, that despite the state ofwarfare today—fighting door to door against an insurgency—there are still hostile forces out there who have the assets to endanger not only the United States, but our allies. “Having the capability to combat ICBMs with a laser defense system can provide theater commanders with a lot of options in the event that someone wanted to start launching ballistic missiles.”

Skeptics of the program need only look at the Airborne Laser Test Bed’s track record. The aircraft has completed more than 50 sorties since April of2009, and has flown 159 times since the inaugural voyage in 2002 (stats current as ofApril 15, 2010). The team is a perfect 8 for 8 in meeting objectives during missile engagements with either the low power or COIL lasers. The ALTB’s lethal demonstration test was completed on February 11, 2010, when the COIL engaged and terminated a short range threat-representative missile. A week prior, the team destroyed a boosting sounding missile with the COIL.

Contratto is quick to point out that while the program has achieved great success since its inception, there are no plans as ofyet to start building a fleet of missile-hunting COIL lasers. “Fiscal reality,” he says, “and directional changes over time have altered the program somewhat. Were the Airborne Laser Test Bed. Were still part ofthe Missile Defense Agency, but our mission has changed. Were no longer a full on acquisition program, but a testbed platform which the MDA uses to develop applications which utilize lasers in a ballistic missile defense role.” The current plan is to transfer the ALTB to DoD’s Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E).

While the Airborne Laser may not be out hunting missiles just yet, the program is setting the foundation for a new paradigm ofwarfare. The prospect of using focused light as a defense mechanism is very promising for the future. Lasers do not emit hazardous materials. They do not rely on fossil fuels and they do not break down into carcinogenic by-products. They track, acquire and destroy targets at the speed oflight. Theoretically, they are the perfect weapon. “It’s beyond revolutionary,” Contratto concludes fondly, “Decades from now, history will look back and see that science fiction first became reality when the ALTB started shooting missiles out of the sky.” 9

ippffli

ALTB’s Airborne DiagnosticTarget aircraft, a Gulfstream II, flies along side the YAL-1A. The team conducts lasings against the target aircraft with low power solid state lasers. Photo bv Chad RaUHv

The Secret Life of

Dumbsquat

BY DON HALL, 76

he Wing Staffcadet major stood nervously on the elevated StaffTower ofMitchell Hall. He ignored the sweat soaking through the light blue uniform shirt he wore. Clutching the microphone as if it were a precious ring from a fantasy novel, the adjutant licked his broken lips.

The power to control four thousand hungry people was slowly stealing his soul and humanity. Only graduation could rescue him. A light breath of air skimmed across his crew cut. Relishing his position, the senior croaked out the order.

“Wing atten hut!

The cadet student body stood as silently as Air Garden statues at Mitch’s lunch tables. Maintaining a professional military stance, the firsties’ could not help but be distracted by visions of USAFA in the rearview mirror of their Corvettes. The secondclassmen daydreamed offirsties driving out the Southgate. Sophomores wondered why Comp Sci was a required course. The doolies prayed that Mister Smith would be their waiter because he always brought seconds quickly.

Platters offood waited to be passed and empty glasses anticipated an assortment of beverages. But nothing moved, save the gold, red and whitecoated servers plying their trade. Time, though only a few heartbeats, seemed to linger as an eternity for the freshmen.

Bracing with elbows tucked tightly at their sides, CMC Warren Heels and Regs Buch fervently hoped the upperclassmen would not notice that Waldo had left the table. As all had turned to face Billy Mitchell’s portrait under the StaffTower, the doolie disappeared behind a hot cart ofhamburgers and uttered the magic wordsfast, neat, average ASAP if not sooner, the puny form of Waldo F. Dumbsquat went through a transforma

tion reserved only for the likes of the Incredible Hulk and interplanetary robots. With impressive presence, Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat strode with purpose to the front of the dining hall, bounded up the stairs five at a time, and wrestled the microphone from the surprised cadet officer.

“Can you hear me in the back?” The colonel’s voice thundered across the vast room.

“No, sir!” chorused the cadets as one.

Waldo smiled secretly to his secret self. The Air Force’s future was in good hands.

“Well, for all who can hear me now, amnesty is granted and all freshmen are at rest until Sunday Call To Quarters.”

A rising cheer, rippling through each squadron, reached a crescendo and crashed like a wave against the Jock Ramps. A grinning Commandant of Cadets waved the colonel over to his table. Waldo reported in a military manner. The general returned his salute with a big flourish.

“Dumbsquat, you really know how to inspire the troops,” the man laughed.

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Well, don’t thank me yet I’ve got a challenge that only an officer like you can tackle.”

Waldo raised an eyebrow because that’s what people always do when intrigued.

“I see you are intrigued, colonel. Well, pack your B-4 bag. I’m sending you to Iraq.”

Waldo raised an eyebrow because that’s what people always do when puzzled.

“I can’t tell ifyou are intrigued or puzzled, Dumbsquat,” frowned the Commandant. “I’ll just go with more intrigue. The Iraqi military has asked for help standing up their pilot training program and Air Force Academy. The Sec Def thinks you’re just the man for the job and so do I!”

Waldo raised both eyebrows. S

Here’s A Straw Suck it Up

By Brett B. Sizemore

This book is a short, to the point compilation of quotes and stories I have collected over 23 years of service in the U.S. Army. I have tried to identify each of the Authors. Some are unknown but, the message of their words and stories is timeless, inspiring, motivating and empowering. During my good and bad times, I have had many of them to inspire me or push me on, to “Fight through the suck!” As it was once said, “Someone else has already said it better” so it is with thisbook. I hope you find a few phrases in these pages that help or inspire you in all your endeavors.

A percentage ofthe sale of this book will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Available at: crusaderproducts.com

ISBN: 978-0-615-35443-9

Rules of Engagement: Finding Faith and a Purpose in a Disconnected World

By Chad Hennings

From being an Iowa high school state heavyweight wrestling champion to an Air Force fighter pilot to winning three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, Chad Hennings has achieved the kind of success many only dream of. But in the midst of a life defined by accomplishment, Chad was puzzled at the feelings ofisolation and loneliness that had plagued him since childhood. After confronting his own problems, he discovered that what was lacking, not only in his own life but in those of many men, was a purposeful bond with other men and with God. Chad has lived and witnessedthe persistent “go it alone” myth in our society that traps men from connecting in a meaningful way. In RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, he confronts the disconnection men experience from each other and from God, sharing lessons he has learned and offering readers a plan for a new approach to life that stresses crafting character and vision for oneself, finding fulfillment, living with spirituality, and bonding with other men in their lives. It’s time for men to tear down the walls that separate them from one another and form a close relationship with God.

Available at: Wherever books are sold including amazon.com and bn.com

ISBN: 978-0-446-54539-6

Bestseller iw;msrwrrmt.m

SJjf^Tflyjjork

#1 atnaioncom

Never Fly Solo: Lead with Courage, Build Trusting Partnerships, and Reach New Heights in Business

By Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, USAFA ’90

You can’t climb to your highest potential alone.

Whether you are a senior executive, a mid-level manager, or entrepreneur, your success depends on the mutual support oftrusted partners to help you maximize your potential. Fighter pilots call these partners wingmen.

In Never Fly Solo former combat-decorated fighter pilot Rob “Waldo” Waldman shares business critical concepts for success in business and life. You’ll learn to:

Recommit to the core wingman values of integrity, service, and excellence. Transform relationships among colleagues into interdependent partners for success. Take courageous action and ask for help during times of adversity and change. Communicate effectively under high pressure conditions at work.

“An amazing book that bucks the oldparadigm that maverick leaders andself-made entrepreneurs set the bar. It willforeverchange the wayyou look at leadership. Marshall Goldsmith, #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller of What Got You Here Wont Get You There

A portion ofthe books proceeds will be donated to veterans in need.

On Amazon.com, The New York Times and Wall Street Journal’s bestsellers list! Visit www.YourWingman.com to order or e:mail info@yourwingman.com.

Or call 1-866-925-3616 to bookWaldo to speak at your next meeting.

Ifyour company would like to sponsor Waldo on his Never Fly Solo book tour, please call 1-866-925-3616 or e-mail.

American Guerilla

By Mike Guardia

With his parting words, “I shall return,” General Douglas MacArthur sealed the fate of the last American forces on Bataan. Yet, amongst those who surrendered, a young Army Captain named Russell W. Volckmann refused to lay down his arms. Rather than surrender, Volckmann disappeared into the jungles ofNorth Luzon and raised a guerrilla army of over 20,000 men. For the next three years, he led a guerrilla war against the Japanese-eventually killing over 50,000 enemy troops. At the same time, he established radio contact with MacArthur’s Headquarters in Australia and directed the Allied forces to key enemy positions. When General Yamashita finally surrendered, he made the initial surrender overtures to Volckmann instead ofMacArthur.

But Volckmann’s contribution to military history did not end on V-J Day. Reflecting on what he had learned in the Philippine jungles, he knew that guerrilla warfare would be critical to the outcome of any future conflict. At a time when U.S. military doctrine was largely conventional in its outlook, he promoted the concept of “Special Forces” to conduct guerrilla-style warfare. His diligence led to the creation of the Army’s first special operations unit the 10th Special Forces Group.

ISBN-10: 1935149229

ISBN-13: 978-1935149224

BY ALICE FUCHS

Squadron present and accounted for, sir.”

The voice rings out on the parade ground ofthe United States Air Force Academy as the 290 cadets stand at attention at Lowry Air Force Base east ofDenver. Uniforms are regular Air Force blue, silver markings on epaulettes, with cadet insignia on the caps and white gloves on hands that hold rifles. There are no plumes, no dress uniforms, no ivy-covered walls overlooking the scene. Instead, a bright red Matador guided missile, poised on its pedestal, dominates a quadrangle bordered by three modern brick academic and administration buildings.

In the background, snow-covered peaks tower amid the Front Range. From the parade ground, on a clear day, you catch a glimpse of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range overlooking the permanent site of the Air Force Academy, 60 miles to the south.

The roar of an F-86, taking offfrom Runway 8 ofLowry obscures the first commands ofthe Manual ofArms. An airliner passes directly overhead on its way to Denvers Stapleton Field to the north. Tlie slap ofhands against rifles cracks across the parade ground as the cadets execute thecommands. Officers ofthe MilitaryTraining Department, observing near the grandstands, shake their heads over minor imperfections, but to the layman, it looks good—mightygood. In a few short months these men have become the first Cadet Wing ofthe US Air Force Academy with all the pride and dedication the title implies.

“Pass in review.”

Led by the Academy band, the Wing marches past the grandstand. Spectators get a feeling ofglancing ahead into history as cadets tramp to the tune ofthe old Air Corps song. (“Were not training second lieutenants. We’re training generals,” one Academy officer has asserted.) How far beyond the present 1,800-plus mph speed record will these men fly? What new propulsive forces will power their planes? How high will they go and will any ofthem fly to the moon?

At the present time however, the cadet, very much down to Earth, is one ofthe busiest persons in the military establishment. His day begins at 5:30am and ends with taps at 9:30pm. The intervening 15 hours and 40 minutes are planned and packed full ofactivities.

What is it like, this life of an Academy cadet?

Ifyou’re an Academy cadet you live a life planned down to the last detail, planned with one goal in mind—to make you the best possible Air Force officer. You are a part ofthe dream ofBilly Mitchell and Hap Arnold and all who have fought through the years for an Academy to train the type ofleaders which air mastery demands. But for you it’s no dream. Life starts abruptly each morning with that familiar sound that sends you springing out ofbed. In the summer time you have five minutes to get dressed and line up with your fellow cadets. In the wintertime a head check at the door to your room will suffice.

At 6:20, your bed made, you appear dressed, shaved, shoes shined, impeccably neat for the first call for breakfast. The minute call from one ofyour classmates at the end ofthe hall warns you from time to time: “Sir, there are five minutes before breakfast formation. The uniform is Class A... Sir, there are four minutes before breakfast formation ...” And so on, until it is time to form up and march to breakfast.

Among cadets there is unanimous opinion that the food is excellent and plentiful. Once inside, you taxi to the ramp (table) and radio language is the order ofthe day. At the head ofeach table for ten sits an Air Training Officer. The “co-pilot” dispenses cold beverages; the “hot-pilot” doles out hot beverages; a “navigator” is in charge offood in general, while the “crew chief” may stack plates and perform other duties.

The backs of the chairs in the dining hall will last for many years; the cadets sit on only the front part ofthe chair. As a freshman cadet you sit erect at all times, head straight and eyes directed at your plate. Peripheral vision, important for a future pilot, comes in for plenty of use and you become adept at being aware ofthe rest ofthe world while looking at the far side ofyour plate. Elbows on the table? You’d probably be shot at dawn!

You find yourselfembroiled in some lively control tower chatter.

“Sir, the meat is on the ramp. Does anyone wish meat?”

“Negative.”

“Where is the milk pitcher?”

“Sir, the milk pitcher has gone cross-country. ETA five minutes.”

The end of the meal finds you requesting leave for take-off.

“Air Force Academy jet 34K (your serial), number one take-off.”

There may be a delay. “34K, take the active and hold.”

Then later: “Okay, 34K cleared for take-off.”

“Roger. Air Force Academy jet 34K rolling.”

Sometimes a formation take-offmay be requested with “Four planes number one for take-off.”

The walk back to the barracks after a meal is the one time you walk normally. At all other times when not marching you must “double time,” making square corners, or regular obliques, on all turns. The “Area,” where formations are held, is a place across which you, as a freshman cadet, must never cut diagonally. From a mast at the edge ofthe Area, the uniform flags are flown—yellow flag for Class A uniform, blue for raincoats, green for overshoes.

Surrounding the Area are the barracks, two-thirds now in use by the Class of 1959, the rest vacant, ready for the Class of 1960 entering next July. Your room in the barracks is a model of neatness—at least at inspection time. Shared with another cadet, the room has a desk, chair, bed and closet on each side, with a common book case and portable typewriter in the center. You learned the first day that individuality in

room arrangement is not encouraged. There is a place for everything— handkerchiefs, socks, slide rule, even your girl’s picture. Shorts must be folded to exactly six inches, towels to the same specification with all edges to the back so that only the folds show.

In your room after breakfast you gather up your material for the first class and possibly do a bit oflast minute cramming. But time is short. At 7AoJz trumpeter blows the first call fofclass formation. The sound ofAssembly from the bugler finds you lined up with the other cadets ofyour class, ready for the march to the nearby academic building.

Your first class ofthe day may be math in a second-floor room ofPatrick Hall with a large demonstration slide rule on the wall, or chemistry with the most modern equipment designed in portable form (to be transported to Colorado Springs when the Academy moves to its permanent site). Whatever the subject, you are in a small class of 12 or 13 students, where you get plenty ofindividual attention.

Your instructor is an Air Force officer, probably a rated pilot or a navigator. He may have a Ph.D. or, if not, he probably has a masters degree and considerable teaching experience at West Point, Annapolis, or in a civilian college. He is interested primarily in seeing that you learn the subject thoroughly but, as an officer, he is also interested in your military conduct and appearance.

Your course ofstudy has been carefhllyplanned after long consideration byAir Force officials, faculties ofother military academies and 60 civilian educators, and has been designed as an integrated whole— not a group ofunrelated subjects. Unlike a civilian college, which must prepare students for many different professions, the Academy has only one goal in mind—the production ofAir Force career officers. Hence, each course is tailored to this endand there are no electives during the first three years. The history is history for Air Force officers, with emphasis on the things that will be of most value to men who will some day head the Air Force. Some may sit around the conference tables ofworld politics while others will focus on military strategy.

In the math course, a section on spherical trig emphasizes solution ofthe spherical triangle as the basis ofcelestial navigation. The geography course places emphasis on the comparative potentials of the United States and the USSR, treating the concept ofairpower and space relationship. The graphics course familiarizes you with aeronautical charts, map projections, aerial photographs and the problems involved in aerial navigation, in addition to engineering and drawing.

Your morning schedule is a tight one, consisting ofclasses interspersed with study period at the barracks. Ten times a day, at the beginning ofeach period, the bugler appears outside the barracks with the familiar sound ofFirst Call followed precisely five minutes later byAssembly.

Lunch time finds you again marching towards Mitchell Hall, with the band playing. Again, the food is good and you wonder how they do it at $1.35 per day per person. There is the same aeronauticalchatter:

“How many minutes ofJP-4 (coffee) are in the pitcher?”

Water is “fuel injection.”

When you are cleared for take-off at the end ofthe meal there is again the luxury ofwalking, not double timing, to the barracks. But you still square all corners.

Classes again in the afternoon. You pass the three dimensional miniatures inside the south entrance ofPatrick Hall but are too busy to stop for a look at history—a model ofAmericas first militaryairship flying at Ft. Myers in 1909, and another model showing first combat use ofthe airplane in 1916 during the Mexican Border incident.

Afternoon classes last until 3p.m. Some days, you are done early, with time for sports—football practice in the fall, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, wrestling and a complete intramural sports program. Last summer you took part in a stiffconditioning program which is now paying off. There were calisthenics, exercise, a tough obstacle course and long hikes climaxed by a six-day bivouac in the field. You’re in better shape than you’ve ever been in your life.

Perhaps you’re a member of one ofthe club activities, the Math Club, the Model Engineering Club, Drill Team or Dance Orchestra. In the future there may be a soaring club. You may become a member ofthe Class Committee for the Class of 1959, or you may be one of the two Honor Representatives for your squadron, the highest extracurricular office to which a cadet can be elected. The Honor Code is one ofthe most vital aspects ofAcademy life. In the whole program of the Academy there is nothing more important than the development offuture officers andthe destiny ofthe Air Force than the standard of personal integrity embodied in the Honor Code.

With the exception ofSaturday evening, you are in your room studying from 7:15 to 9:15p.m., when the lonesome notes ofTattoo are sounded. At 9:30 comes Taps, and the lights in the barracks start going out. With the final notes, the last ofthe lights snap offand all is quiet in the Area, save the jets offthe Lowry runways.

You came to the Academy for many reasons, but chiefly because you want to be an Air Force officer and you want to fly. Flying sometimes seems a long way offbecause the Academy is definitely not a flying school. You will be graduated in four years as a navigator, a rated Aircraft Observer. Pilot training will come afterwards for those who qualify after commission. However, you got your first taste offlying last summer, when you were taken for an orientation flight in aT-29, the Convair flying classroom in which you will get most ofyour navigation training. Later, you rode in aT-33 Jet trainer. You went up 35,000 ft in the pressure chamber, learned ditching, parachute and emergency techniques. Later you look forward to some light plane flying.

Last summer, before the start ofacademic classes, you were indoctrinated into the Airmanship Program, which occupies approximately half a cadet’s time while at the Academy. Flying training, physical training, military training and leadership training are the four parts ofthe all-importantAirmanship Program. Your first contact with the Airmanship Program was with the ATOs, 66 Air Force lieutenants, all rated personnel, who act as “super upper-classmen,” living in the barracks, heading your table at dinner, drilling you, bracing you, and asking for all sorts ofinformation at inconvenient

times. Going was rough last summer. You were a freshman and were expected to do everything from executing a respectable number of push ups to reciting all stanzas ofthe Star Spangled Banner and the Air Force Song. You received a copy of Contrails, a small white book with a blue jet streaking across the cover, and found that there are certain parts that you should be able to produce from memory on demand: the full designation ofAir Force aircraft, VFR and 1FR position report information, among other things.

The ATOs harassed and harried you, shouted at you, drilled you, pulled endless inspections, but imbued you with the spirit of discipline, honor, and pride of the service that will lay the foundation for your future career as an air commander.

Everywhere you went you marched, and often sang:

“Oh the B-36 flies at 40,000 feet, but it only carries one eentsy teentsy bomb—Boom!”

There were other songs, too, in humorous vein:

“Oh you can’t get to heaven in a saber jet, cause the Lord ain’t made no runways yet. And when you die and go below, you’ll find the devil is an ATO ...”

One ofyour favorite spots is Arnold Hall, the cadet activities building, so stark and military looking on the outside, so plushly furnished on the inside. A contrast to the barracks atmosphere elsewhere, Arnold offers you a music room, snack bar, game room, ball room, and on the balcony the office of the cadet hostess, with her ever-present supply ofpunch and cookies, who stands ready to do anything from introducing you to an attractive girl, to lending a sympathetic ear to problems, social or otherwise.

Your weekend starts when the Saturday parade is over at 2:10p.m. You may have a date or escort other visitors within the limits of the Academy. There are movies at the Cadet Theater on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, and football games in the fall with the Falcon’s cheer ringing out across the field.

Sunday morning you march in formation to the chapel, but once inside you are a worshipper, an individual. Perhaps you may usher, assist as an acolyte or sing in the fine cadet choir.

The brightest spot in the winter is the Christmas season, with classes suspended from December 22 to January 3 and the first formal dances beginning at Arnold Hall. For the first year at the Academy, you may not leave the grounds except for a meal in town with your parents, a football game, or possibly a meal at the home of a staff or faculty member.

There are many things to remind you that you are at a temporary Academy site, that things are not as fancy or convenient as they will be at the permanent site in Colorado Springs; but you share that feeling ofvitality that pervades the Academy in its first year, the excitement ofbeing in on the beginning ofsomething tremendously vital to the Air Force and to the whole picture ofnational defense.

And when you are a general some day, you may fly to Colorado Springs in your atomic powered aircraft and regale a future generation of cadets with tales ofwhen you were a cadet and the United States Air Force Academy consisted of a fewer than 300 men at Lowry Air Force Base at Denver. M

Editor’s note: This article was originallypublished in Flying Magazine in 1957.

What is SACC?

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. MilitaryAcademy, 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 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 Manchester Grand Hyatt-San Diego, One Market Place, San Diego, Calif. Call (619) 232-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, August 26

Candidate Career Seminar6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Friday, August 27

Registration 9:30 a.m. - All day

SACC 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

SACC 1:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 28

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 $40. 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 ofyour 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 August 13, 2010.

Next Scheduled SACC

Austin, TX. November 11-12, 2010

NCAA

eligibility rules are very

specific: scholar-athletes are limited to four years of intercollegiate athletic eligibility. Luckily for Second Lieutenant Roni Yadlin, Class of2009, the NCAA’s authority ends at the waters edge. Yadlin, the 2009 Holaday Scholar studying at the University of Oxford’s Exeter College, is now a proud member of the British national championship soccer (or, more accurately, football) team.

National Soccer Championship

USAFA Grad, Floladay Scholar, Wins National Championship

by Steven A. Simon, 77

Hcollege soccer,” she said at the time.

Yadlin is the seventh recipient of the Holaday Scholarship, endowed in 2003 by Bart and Lynn Holaday. This Scholarship annually sends a top-ranking Academy graduate who competes for, but does not receive, a Rhodes Scholarship to attend Exeter College at England’s University of Oxford for two years ofgraduate study. Yadlin is working on a Master of Science degree, by research, in Engineering Sciences. As she describes it, “I am researching an extremely theoretical control technique known as Model Predictive Control, which utilizes an infinite control horizon. The goal of my project is to use Model Predictive Control to design control laws to accomplish the attitude control of FalconSAT-5, the Academy’s small satellite. If all goes well, these control laws will be verified on simulations and possibly implemented on thesatellite when it launches later this year.”

Bart Holaday, graduate and president ofthe Class of’65, also attended Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar, where he earned a master’s degree in philosophy and economics from Exeter College. When informed ofYadlin’s accomplishment, he said, “Lynn and I are delighted to hear ofRoni’s successes at Oxford, and we’re very proud that she’s part ofOxford’s national championship soccer team. She is a remarkably talentedand well-rounded young woman with much to contribute both to the University and the Air Force. She exemplifies the outstanding leadership, academic excellence and competitive spirit that we look for in our scholars.”

Shortly after arriving at Oxford—actually, before even beginning classes— she went out for the football team. Try-outs were grueling, lasting 13 hours over 2 days. It was worth the effort, however, as she was named to Oxford’s first team (what we would call varsity). The team was composed of an almost equal

number ofBritish and American players, with representative from both the under-graduate and post-graduate communities.

After starting and playing every minute ofthe first four games, however, Yadlin caught a bad break—literally. “My right foot (planting foot) slipped and while trying to catch myselfI rolled over my left ankle and it broke,” she remembered. That cost herthe next several games. The fortuitously-timed Winter vacation gave her additional time to heal back home with her family in Irvine, California. Ultimately, though she missed the first round ofthe playoffs, she was able to fulfill her goal ofplaying for the Blues, as the Oxford first team is known, in the teams most important match ofthe season, against Cambridge. For comparison, thinkYale-Harvard, USC-UCLA, Ohio State-Michigan or Army-Navy. As Lt Yadlin explained it, “The Cambridge game is outside ofthe league/cup construct. It is an annual match between the two schools that has happened the last 125 years for the men and last 25 years for the women.”

In the first round of32-team BUCS playoffs, Oxford prevailed over St. Marys College. Having been knocked out in the first round the previous two years, this was a significant accomplishment in and ofitself. Not satisfied with that, however, the Blues went on to play Worcester, a team that had beaten them twice during the regular season. With the game tied after regulation and two overtimes, Oxford won in penalty kicks. After coming on as a substitute against Worcester as she worked to get back into game shape, Yadlin returned to the starting line-up for the next tournament game, versus Essex. She scored her teams first goal, but the Blues needed a second goal, which they got five minutes before the final whisde, to send the match to overtime, where they again won. The semi-final opponent was Exeter

University and Yadlin was back in form, scoring the game winning goal in the 2-0 victory.

The final was held at the Sheffield Academy. Unlike in the United States, the BUCS finals for all sports are played in the same city at the same week, so it is a real spectacle. After giving up an early goal to Bedfordshire, the Blues recovered to take a 2-1 lead, then withheld a furious Bedford rally to win Oxfords firstever football national championship.

Marty Buckley, her headcoach at the Academy said, “It doesn’t surprise me at all that she’s now a national champion. In all my years ofcoaching, I have never been around a more dedicated athlete. Not only is she a great player, she is an outstanding student of the game of soccer.”

Current Air Force women’s soccer headcoach Larry Friend, USAFA, ’85, echoed Coach Buckley’s sentiment. “Roni Yadlin was a great team captain who brought a tremendous passion for the game and the Academy to our program. As a player she loved to run with the ball and never quit,” hesaid.

Lieutenant Yadlin is hoping for one more (healthy) season with Oxford before finishing up her degree program and returning to the United States and Undergraduate Pilot Training in 2011, finally leaving collegiate soccer behind, fi

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven A. Simon is the Academy’s graduate liaison, working in the Development and Alumni Programs office. In addition to his extensive non-fiction writing, he is the author of two novels, On The Dead Run and Service Before Self.

The new AOG/USAA credit card is now available! Applying is a simple process. Use the link below and, if you are already a member of USAA, simply log on to your USAA account. After answering a few quick questions, you will have your answer. Remember: you MUST be logged in to USAA to apply for this card.

If you are not a current USAA member, click the "Get Started" button to begin the process. You'll have a few more questions to answer but you, too, can soon have your new AOG/USAA MasterCard!

Get started at www.usaa.com/afaog!

RASTA PASTA

Rasta Pasta combines the rustic style of Italian pasta with the sweet and spicy flavors ofJamaica. Owner and operator Matthew Taraborelli, ’99, just opened his doors a mere seven months ago and is already starting to draw large crowds of curious patrons who are eager to discover what happens when you combine the culinary histories of two distinct nations.

“We serve a Caribbean-Italian fusion,” Taraborelli explains. “We build fresh, creative dishes that are made to order. Patrons can ad or subtract both spices and ingredients as they see fit. The big thing we go for is flavor. Were not shy about the spices; you’ll taste the garlic, the herbs and the jerk.”

As the name ofthe restaurant implies, there is a heavyJamaican influence in both the food and the ambiance. Large murals ofBob Marley adorn the walls while the sweet influences ofmango, banana and peppers infuse the menu.

“One ofmy favorites,” Taraborelli says, “is the Chicken Montego Bay. We start it offwith some oil and garlic and we saute our house-made jerk chicken with fresh-cut vegetables, a little bit ofpineapple and diced tomatoes. We saute all this in a white wine and then we fold in a little bit ofalfredo sauce.”

The food is specially designed to take on equal qualities from both its Italian and Caribbean origins; no single flavor is dominant. The Italian components, which consist ofpastas, marinara and cheese sauces, provide subtle undertones while the Jamaican elements create sweet and spicy flavors which delightfully sting the taste buds.

“Every restaurant has a different philosophy,” explains Taraborelli. “A lot of the basics are the same: you have to have good service, a good product, and an atmosphere that people enjoy. We try to source local products as much as we possibly can. Our beer is all local, as is our Italian sausage and our spices. One ofthe big things that’s worked for us is that this place is a family establishment. We treat our staff as family, and that kind ofculture, from the top down, translates out into the customers. I really think our patrons feel that when they come in. We’ve been in business for seven months now and we’re already getting a lot ofrepeat business. People love the comfort ofcoming to a place they can relax, have good food and feel like they’re being taken care of. It’s a fun, positive place, and our staffis exceptional.”

Rasta Pasta is also a great place to catch live music. “Every first Friday of the month,” Taraborelli describes, “we have the B-Positive Band, which is a local Reggae band which has been in the Springs for 15 or 20 years—and they have a pretty big following. Throughout the month we also open up to various local bands, and we try to keep it Reggae themed, to stay consistent with our concept here.”

While food, and often entertainment, are two essential arenas that every restaurant tries to excel in, Taraborelli is also interested in something on a

HAPPY I iOUR IS EVERY DAY FROM 4-6 P.M.

RED STRIPES ARE $2.00 HOUSE PINTS: $2.50

ALL

much grander scale. “The big thing for us is to be able to give back to the community. We have a passion for cooking—which is why we started this place—and this is something we love to do. Eventually though, what we’d like to do over the next few years is start reaching out to the community through events and fundraising

for local businesses and non-profits.”

Another big picture topic on Taraborelli’s mind is the environment. With thousands of tons of Styrofoam discarded in the restaurant industry alone, he’s on a mission to help Rasta Pasta do its part in keeping our world a little cleaner. “All of our containers are environmentally friendly,” he explains. “It’s something that most people don’t think about, but it’s a big expense for a restaurant. But it’s important to us because we want to shrink our footprint on the environment as much as possible. Even our plastic forks are made ofcorn.”

For hungry patrons who are looking to go off the beaten path ofspaghetti and meatballs, Rasta Pasta offers a myriad of unique flavors that incorporate our all time favorites from the best of two cultures. Their dishes are light, yet filling at the same time. The atmosphere will melt away day’s worth of stress before you can polish offyour first rum punch; and the service will have you feeling like family in no time at all. 9

405

The Mason Jar

American comfort food served in a casual Colorado lodge atmosphere. Famous chicken fried steak, slow roasted prime rib, seafood, plus soups, salads, sandwiches, and homemade cobblers. Full service bar. A Colorado tradition for twenty-five years. Serving lunch and dinner from 1 lam daily. 5905 Corporate Dr. and 1-25, 719260-6555. MasonJarColorado.com.

Outback

OUTBACK

STEAKHOUSE®

For over 20 years, Outback has been supporting our troops.

Outback employee volunteers have traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Kuwait and aboard naval vessels to serve over 150,000 deployed men and women.

This year we are increasing our efforts in support of the troops and their families. And now we invite you to join us. Throughout the month of March order off our Red, White & Bloomin’ menu and help us donate $ 1 Million to Operation Homefront.

Operation Homefront provides assistance for our troops, their families, and wounded warriors when they return home.

North Colorado Springs Outback Steakhouse, 7065 Commerce Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919, 719-590-6283

BEST STEAK 2008 - Gazette

BEST FINE DINING 2008 - Independent Serving PRIME Steaks, Fresh Fish and Classic Cocktails in a Chicago-Style atmosphere in downtown Colorado Springs. The best Midwestern corn-fed PRIME Strip Steaks and Honolulu Fresh Fish flown in daily. Sit in large curved ox-blood booths or an intimate horseshoe bar. Ice-cold martinis, creative mixed drinks and an extensive wine list. Live piano music Tuesday through Saturday. Open Monday-Friday at 11:00 for lunch daily and for dinner at 4:00. Two blocks from the Bijou exit east of1-25 Downtown. Reservations appreciated. 31 N. Tejon. 719227-7333. www.famoussteaks.com

Specializing in traditional Irish fare and delicious American cuisine, this beautiful pub is owned by 4 USAFA Grads! The owners invite you to step into the comfortable and welcomingsurroundings enhanced by mahogany, stained glass and an antique tin ceiling. The pub was created and installed by Irish craftsmen using authentic materials from Ireland, including a cozy fireplace opposite the main bar. Join us for live Irish music four days a week, and enjoy feasting on the best fish and chips in town or a tasty Irish Boxty. Sip on a perfectlypoured import draft beer or ale or choose from our fine selection ofIrish whiskeys and Scotches. Happy hour daily from 3-6 pm. Open at 11 am weekdays and noon on weekends; closing at 2 am. Sunday Brunch served from 12-3 pm. Banquet/party facilities will accommodate 120 dining and 160 for cocktails. Visit us at 21 South Tejon in beautiful downtown Colorado Springs. Call (719) 385-0766 or visit www.jackquinnspub.com.

VOTED 2010 BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN COLORADO SPRINGS BY THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE

Grad-owned. Rasta Pasta offers creative Caribbean pasta, fresh and funky salads, and ridiculouslygood desserts. We are open daily at 1 lam for healthy and affordable lunch and dinner. Come in for a lively atmosphere with reggae music, outdoor dining, great service, and positive people. Daily happy hour from 4-6pm featuring Red Stripe and Appleton Rum specials. We also feature live reggae every first Friday ofthe month. 405 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, (719) 481-6888, www.rastapastacs.com

Jack Quinn's Irish Pub & Restaurant

-

AOG Merchandise

RUGBY HOOD:

Classic rugby styling with a modern twist. Player quality with 6 inch Royal Blue and White stripes with a 3 inch embroidered AF logo. Made by Barbarian, this is one of the most comfortable and rugged shirts you can buy. Available in adult sizes XS to XXL.

MEN'S LONG SLEEVE POLO SHIRT

The perfect shirt for that golf outing in the spring. The DriWay Advanced Moisture System has an absorbent under layer that wicks moisture from the skin.Available in Royal Blue or White in men's sizes Medium to XXL. 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester.

CUFF LINK/TIE BAR SET

Silvertone with goldtone accents; engraved with "AF." A casually elegant addition to your wardrobe.

Traditional player quality Rugbyjersey with 3 inch Royal Blue and White stripes with a 2 inch embroidered AF logo in Royal Blue. Made by Barbarian, this is one of the most comfortable and rugged shirts you can buy. In adult sizes XS to XXL.

The real story of how the United States Air Force Academy was created, designed and built. Authored by Colonel Arthur G. Witters, USAF Retired with Colonel J. Bryce Hollingsworth, USAF Retired.

CARBON FIBER PEN SET

Lend a touch of luxury to someone's workday. Our Carbon Fiber Pens Set includes a roller ball pen and a ballpoint pen. The elegant styling enhances a well-balanced pen to provide a smooth writing experience. Available in Black or Silver.

CHILDREN’S POLO SHIRTS & DRESSES

Deck out your youngest Air Force Fans in our line of polo shirts and dresses. One piece outfits available in a polo-style shirt or a sleeveless dress. Polo shirts or cap sleeved dresses available in toddler and youth sizes.

TRAVEL TUMBLER

Our 16 oz. travel tumbler is constructed of double walled stainless steel and has a thermos-style safety lid and a non-slip bottom. Available in Cobalt Blue or Silver.

Walter E. Schmidt, ’59

Walter E. Schmidt, Lt. Col., USAF (Retired) was born Dec. 25, 1936, in Wauwatosa, Wis. He entered into peace Feb. 10, 2010 in New Braunfels, Texas.

Basic Cadet Schmidt was definitely not the standard issue young man reporting to USAFA on July 11, 1955. A high school dropout, 10 years completed, he involved himself in the Civil Air Patrol. As a civilian he sat in on P-51 to F-86 maintenance conversation training with theWisconsin Air Guard. He pleaded to take the end-of-course exam and then earned the highest score ever recorded. The Guard Commander sent him to basic training where he was selected to stay on as a Training Instructor.

Lieutenant General Hubert Harmon, famedWWII Commander, was selected by President Eisenhower to be the first Air Force Academy Superintendent. The General later told Wally that he has seen his application which was marked “unqualified due to lack of a high school diploma” but General Harmon was intrigued with the potential of the young man and personally selected him for membership in the First Class.

Wally’s lack of formal schooling hampered him little in the grueling world of Academy academics. Behavior? Well General Harmon may have had second thoughts when Wally hacked into the speaker systern and cancelled Cadet Chapel one Sunday during basic cadet training. He then ordered a clothing formation of athletic T-shirt, jock straps and tennis shoes (only) outdoors in the quadrangle. Was his the first Class III?

“Wally”Schmidt

Followinggraduation and pilottraininghe scored a T-33 flight instructor slot in Texas. 1965 found him inVietnam flying the A-37, “Skoshi Tiger” out ofTanSonNhut. He told me that he got good with that little fighter bomber and could place a bomb within just feet of the intended target! The South Vietnamese Army loved those guys! He served a second tour in BenHoa in 1970. All told some 700 combat sorties, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and 25 Air Medals later he leftVietnam for good.

In between tours he attended graduate school in Argentina. Other assignments included liaison duty with the Luftwaffe, staff duty in South Korea and the Canal Zone. Fluent in German, Spanish and English along the way he also earned two Master’s Degrees. Not bad for a guy who never finished high school.

Following retirement from the Air Force he earned his Juris Doctorate at Columbia University. That led him to a practice in Austin, Texas where he found and married L. Fani, a native of Peru. With a young family they moved to Lima, Peru near Fani’s family where he practiced law before returning to the US. The legend continues as their oldest daughter, Fanita, is presently a sophomore at the Air Force Academy, a fact that gave him great pride! Then just three days before a stroke and heart attack ended his life he learned that daughter Sofia was accepted into the next class starting in June at USAFA.

Walter is survived by his wife, L. Fani, and daughters Heidi, Kathleen, Braha, Fanita and Sofia. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Martha and young son Waltercito. He was interred at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park in New Braunfels, Texas. I am sure that he is cheering for his beloved daughters as he watches from Lutheran Heaven. (“Dusty” Trail, 59, his 2rd Class roommate and lifelongfriend.)

Robert F.Williams, ’59

Robert Flack Williams passed away on March 12, 2010 at the Miami ValleyHospital in Dayton, Ohio, after a difficult two-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was 72 years old.

Our children, Matt, Tina, and I were at his bedside as he quietly slipped away. We are comforted in that our beloved father and husband was as brave and courageous as ever even in his final stand.

He was born June 13,1937 in Detroit, Mich, but left that state as a child and considered himself to be a true son of Ohio. He spent his formative years in Lakewood, Ohio and resettied in Massillon, Ohio for the final year ofjunior high school.

It was at Massillon High School where he perfected his natural athletic ability by playing baseball, basketball, and football. He played under a well-known mentor, Ducky Schroeder, who was his End Coach and Baseball Coach. He always acknowledged these formative years as some of the best years of his athletic career. As a senior in 1954-55 at Massillon High School, he was part of the State Championship Team in football, the State Runner-Up Team in baseball and was also a member of the basketball team as a six foot guard.

He won a Congressional appointment to the Air Force Academy while a senior in high school and thus began a new commitment which would endure for the rest ofhis life. Aside from the militarytraining which he received under the tutelage ofhis formidable ATOs, he played varsity tennis and basketball at AFA always saying that he chose to concentrate his best efforts on a “round” ball rather than on the football side ofthe family.

While in the Air Force he served the best interests of his country as a Special Projects Officer for 20 years and later went to work for civilian contractors such as Logicon and SemCor in the same capacity.

He retired to enjoy his family, his friends, his pets and his love ofsports. He became a formidable squash player, meeting regularly with the Dayton Squash League. He was known to enjoy a round of golf; he was a perfectionist in all aspects of sports and he could drive that little round ball a country mile not always down the fairway but he worked diligently to improve.

He enjoyed music; both listening to and singing along with his favorite Elvis tunes. He could quote Shakespeare lines with impunity and enjoyed traveling to Windsor, Ontario to attend the Shakespeare Festivals in the f all of the year.

For the past five years, we lived in Naples, Italy, while I taught school for the Department of Defense. Flak became enamored of that country and became an expert tour guide for the visitors we had. He was a Red Cross volunteer at the Naval Hospital at the Navy Base and used to comFor

ment that he was the official “meeter greeter”. Manyhospital visitors were happy to sit and chat with him at the front desk; he received an award for his cheerful attitude and dependability which served as an example for some of the younger troops.

In addition to his parents, Robert E. Williams and Nancy Flack Williams, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Nigel. He is survived by his wife, MaryJane; his son Matt; his daughterTina; a brother, Ronald K. Williams and wife, Marie, of Massillon, Ohio, as well as a niece and nephew and several cousins.

I have always been struck by the sense ofloyalty and brotherhood that exists in the “first” class of the United States Air Force Academy which were apparent in their entirety during these past two years when there was such an outpouring of encouragement and loving thoughts and prayers for his valiant efforts. (MaryJane Williams, Robert’s wife)

William R. O’Rourke, Jr., ’62

William Randall O’Rourke, Jr. passed away on Dec. 27,2009 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, La. He had been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia and was 72 years of age.

Bill, as he was know by friends and family, was the beloved husband of Cynthia Treitler O’Rourke for 47 years; father to Glenn, Jeannine and Bryan; grandfather to Shawn, Margaux, William, Nate, Mason, and Madison; and brother to PatrickTim O’Rourke. He was born and raised in New Orleans, La. where he attended and graduated from De La Salle High School.

Bill dreamed of flying since his early youth and was 16 years of age when he made his solo flight at New Orleans lakefront airport in 1954. His passion for flight led him to pursue a career in the military as a pilot. He ultimately received a nomination from President Eisenhower to attend the academy, where he completed his studies in Aerospace Engineering as a member of the class of ’62. He later furthered his formal education at the University of Auburn, receiving an MBA.

Bill flew 253 missions with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron as part of his ’69 tour at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. He named his F-4D the Black Maria “Queen of Spades”, the death card in the game of Hearts. He always said how much he loved flying “that” plane, although he loved flying almost any plane. He served in a variety of roles during his Air Force career achieving the rank of Colonel prior to his retirement in 1989.

Following his military retirement his career included a variety of roles and achievements. He was a professor at the University of Phoenix where he specialized in educating health care professionals. He served as the CEO of Smoothie King franchises and contributed greatly to the brand’s development and national expansion. He was a consultant with Strategic Management Systems, BKO Consulting Group and Booze Allen Hamilton. Bill was also a published author, exceptionalpublic speaker and advised a wide variety of clients in various capacities up and until his passing. He owned a number of private aircraft which he enjoyed. His attendance at the EAAAirVenture in OshkoshWis. during the summer of2008 with friend Dr. George Smith was the aviation highlight ofhis last few years.

Considering his Irish heritage and in advance of his passing, Bill requested the following personal message be shared with his associates, friends and family: “May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Bill was an inspiration and life coach to many. His family appreciated the many condolences received from friends and family and in particular, from USAFA graduates. (Bryan K. O’Rourke, Bill’s son)

William F. Flanagan, ’63

William F. Flanagan, USAFA '63, of Lynn, Mass., died Feb. 24, 2010 in Union Hospital in Lynn from complications of surgery. He was the hus

band of Fabienne (Hardenne) Flanagan, and the son of Eleanor (Lepre) Flanagan andthe late William Flanagan. Born in New York City, he was raised in Rockville Centre, Long Island, N.Y. A graduate of St. Agnes High School, class of 1958 in Rockville Centre, he was graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1963.

Bill got his love of flying from his father, William, a naval aviator and airline pilot for TWA. Bill attended UPT at Williams AFB, and proceeded to Shaw AFB for RF-4C training. He flew 184 combat missions in Vietnam in the mid ’60 s. Bill served in various flying and management positions at Kadena AFB, Mountain Home AFB, Laughlin AFB, and again at Williams AFB. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 11 Air Medals.

Bill continued his education, achieving a Master’s Degree from AFIT; he also attended the Naval War College and Air War College. Bill served as a SPO at Hanscom AFB, then as the Hanscom AFB Base Commander before serving as Wing Commander of the 82nd Flying TrainingWing at Williams, where he started his Air Force career. In 1988, Bill retired as a Colonel. He was a command pilot with over 3,800 flying hours.

Bill was a senior business executive for several defense and space industryfirms, most recently with Odyssey Systems. Other senior executive positions included L3 Communications, Titan, and Computer Sciences Corporation.

Bill was active in the community. In addition to working with the Chamber ofCommerce, he organized fund-raising events for local charities. He was known as a great mentor, an excellent developer of people. All who worked with him, whether subordinate, colleague or supervisor, agreed that Bill was a great person for the team. He worked hard and played hard. His success was not just the work accomplished but the lives changed.

Bill was a member ofthe NRA, the Order ofDaedalians, andthe Sons of Italy in Boston. An avid reader, he also enjoyed the opera, the ballet, and spending time at the beach.

Bill is survived by his wife, Fabienne, of 13 years; children William Flanagan and Desiree Flanagan, both of Lynn; two step-daughters, Jennifer Hart of Lowell and Jessica Burke and her husband, James, of Milford; two children from a previous marriage, Maureen Flanagan Cogan and her husband, Kenneth, of Columbia, Md. and Tony Flanagan and his wife, Amy, of Milton, Mass.; grandchildren Devon, Keara, Sawyer, Shea, Dayla, Daniella, Nathan, Gabriella and Tristan; his brothers Paul Flanagan and his wife, Maureen, ofVirginia Beach, Va.; and Michael Flanagan (USAFA ’71) and his wife, Yvonne, of Evergreen, Colo. He alsoleaves his cousins Mary Johnson of Boulder, Colo., and John Lepre of Los Angeles, Calif. He was the grandfather of the late Anthony Hart. (Mike Flanagan, USAFA 71, Bill’s brother)

Richard H. Hackford,Jr., ’64

The Class of 1964 has lost a good friend and loyal comrade. Colonel (Ret) Richard H. Hackford, Jr. died Feb. 16th after a short illness. Dick was born in Colorado City, Texas, into a military family, and grew up on military bases around the world, graduating from Wiesbaden High School in Germany.

Luckily for us, Dick became a member of ’64 and we got to know his spontaneous humor and optimistic outlook. After graduating from USAFA in 1964, he went to pilot training, followed by Fighter Weapons School at Nellis, AFB. In 1966, he went to Korat AB, Thailand, where he flew 112 missions with the 469th TFS over the North in F-105s. Thirty-six missions were as a WildWeasel pilot (finding and attacking Surface-to-Air Missile sites).

Dick always said he was shot down because he was an “extra” plane, flying behind the others to take gun-camera pictures of the others making their attacks. He claimed that as he bailed out over Laos, his last radio transmission was, “There goes your pictures!” Dick spent the night hiding in a bamboo grove before being rescued and then returned to

Bill O’Rourke

Bill Flanagan

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

CONUS as an instructor pilot. Unfortunately, injuries sustained when he was shot down soon got him grounded, so he moved into non-flying duties.

He served at the Air Force Missile Development Center, the Air Force Avionics Laboratory, the A-10 SPO, as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, Headquarters AFSC, and Research, Development and Acquisition at the Pentagon. He retired as Deputy Chief of Staff for Acquisition Logistics at Electronic Systems Division, Hansom AFB, Mass, after 26 years of service.

In the early 1970s at AFIT, Dick and I were in the same Master’s Degree program and worked our thesis projects for the same advisor. Suddenly in the middle of the afternoon, Dick would stand up and say, “Come on, Hovde, it’s time to run!”

- and off we’d go to the gym. As we ran aroundWright Field, Dickwould expound upon whatever crossed his mind - usually about what we needed to do to beable to finish our theses in time.

Later, when we were stationed at the Pentagon, we got promoted to Colonelthe same day. As we went out to celebrate, Dick looked at me very seriously and said, “Hovde. You know why the Air Force kept us around and promoted us on-time each grade? [pause] It’s so they could tell how fast some of our other classmates had been promoted!”

In our last assignment together at Hanscom AFB, theHackfords lived next door on Freedom Circle. We had snow early that year, and Dick was worried about how much work it was going to be to shovel it - so he bought Becky a snowblower! (Which I borrowed regularly!) Dick’s wife, Becky, passed away a fewyears ago and he latermarried Marlene. Daughter Romany, son Richard, wife, Marlene, and all of ’64 will miss you Dick! (Bob Hovde Class of’64)

CharlesW. Smyth, Jr., ’64

Major CharlesW. Smyth, Jr., (USAF, Ret) ofRiverview, Fla., passed away Feb. 20 at Life Path Hospice House in Ruskin, Fla., with is wife at his bedside. Major Smyth was a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Class of 1964, First Squadron. Memorial Services were held at Life Path Hospice House on March 4. Another memorial services and burial were at the United States Air Force Academy on June 3.

Major Smyth was born on Nov. 12, 1942 to parents Charles W. and Constance R. Smyth. A native ofAndover, Mass., he graduated from the Academywith a Bachelor ofScience degree. Following graduation, heexcelled in pilot training, earning an assignment as a fighter pilot. He was fortunate to stay active in tactical aviation for the Charles Smyth remainder of his Air Force career, flying the F-4C and G “Phantom II”, the RF-101 “VooDoo” and the F-105 “Thunderchief”. His tours of duty included

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

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

Thailand, England, Germany and Korea as well as bases in California, Florida, Ohio, and Arizona He retired from ShawAFB, S.C. in 1984.

After graduating from the USAF Advanced Safety Program Management Course in 1980, heserved as Flight Safety Officer on several of his tours and was selected as the Wing Flight Safety Officer during his tour in Korea.

Major Smyth’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman’s Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (W/10 OLC), the Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation - Distinguished, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal (W/3 Dev), andthe Vietnam Service Medal (W/l Dev). Major Smyth’s “Airman’s Medal” citation reads “On March 25, 1969, Captain Smyth was piloting a RF 101 aircraft which, just prior to landing, developed severe mechanical difficulties rendering it unfit to land and thereby forcing Captain Smyth to eject over a densely populated area. Prior to ejection, Captain Smyth successfullyguided his aircraft to a safe crash area by a series of actions, which endangered his own life to such a degree that his survival was in great peril. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellow man at the risk of his own life, Captain Smyth has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force”.

After his military retirement, Charles went to work for Policy Management Systems Company in Columbia, S.C. and then in 1987, moved to Riverview, Fla. to become an F-16 simulator instructor at MacDill AFB. While working at MacDill AFB, he pursued a second degree, graduating with a degree in Computer Science. When the F-16 Wing transferred to LukeAFB, Ariz. in the beginning of 1991, he accepted a position with GTE Data Services. Since leaving GTE, he has been active in several part-time business ventures.

Major Smyth is survived by his loving wife, Judith A. (Bauld) Smyth, of Riverview, Fla.; one sister, Joan Clayton and her husband, William, of Englewood, Colo.; niece Jennifer Clayton; nephew Daniel Clayton; sister-in-law Jan Grant, Maine; brother-in-law John Bauldand wife, Carol, of Massachusetts, and many other loving family members. (John Sellers, Class of’65)

Carl M. Hatlelid, ’65

Col. Carl Martin Hatlelid, (USAF, Ret) passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Oklahoma City on Jan. 27, 2010.

Carl is best remembered for being a silent leader. He led by example and always had a smile on his face and a pleasant greeting for everyone. He knewhow to bring out the best in others with words of encouragement and praise. He was a compassionate and supportive man, who throughout his life contributed to and generously supported many causes and individuals; often doing so anonymously. One thing that was very special to him was the Oklahoma City Marathon. This “Run to Remember” commemorates the 168 individuals lost in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. For the first year of the marathon, Carl rallied his siblings to participate in the run to support this worthwhile cause. Ten years later it continues as a yearly tradition thanks to Carl’s enthusiastic support and encouragement. We have run both individual and team events at the marathon.

At USAFA he was a stalwart member of the swim team, an avid singer with the Protestant Choir and Cadet Chorale, and a great friend to his classmates in First Squadron. He completed a master’s degree in Space Physics at AFIT. Carl’s Air Force career spanned a series of assignments from electronics engineer, managing satellite systems, payload integration manager for the Space Shuttle, to commander of the 1000th Satellite Operations Group. His final USAF assignment was Chief, Scientific & Technical Division, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center. Carl was then employed by Oklahoma University as Program Manager in the Center for Aviation and Systems support.

Carl distinguished himself, not only as a person recognized for his technical talents, knowledge and leadershipability, but above all as one

DickHackford

Carl Hatlelid

ofthose rare individuals who was respected and admired by all who knew him. He had a passion for good books, nature, and most of all, a challenge. Mediocrity was something Carl never knew, and that was obvious to all whoknew him by his many achievements and the high goals and standards that he set.

Carl and his wife, Kathie, had a special bond and shared a lifetime of unique and wonderful experiences. Their marriage at the AF Academy Chapel set the stage for a lifetime of love combined with a love shared for the Air Force, special friendships it fostered and opportunities given them. They were the epitome ofwhat a loving, dynamicpartnership should be.

A poem written by Linda Ellis titled “The Dash” refers to the little dash between birth and death dates and how significant the little dash is. It represents the years between the two dates and how the person lived, loved, and spent life. Carl can be proud ofhis dash. He always lived life to the fullest and looked on each day as a new beginning and special gift.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Kathie; mother, Agnes Hatlelid, Ponca City, Okla.; brothers John, Phoenix, Ariz.; Joseph, O’Fallon, Ill.; sisters: Anna Marie Haydock, Houston, Texas; Helen Hester, Bartlesville, Okla.; various sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and his loyal friend and running companion, Kirby. His father, Dr. Elbert Hatlelid, preceded him in death. We’ve lost a gentle, kind man and brother we lovedand admired. Carl was a scholar and true patriot. A memorial service celebrating Carl’s life was held in Ponca City, Okla. A military service was planned at USAFA in April. (Carl's brothers - John E. Hatlelid, Class of’70, andJoe M. Hatlelid, Class of71)

JosephV. McNabb, Jr., ’65

Joseph Vincent McNabb, Jr., Major, USAF Retired, departed “the surly bonds ofearth” for the final time on March 4,2010, on the way to his eternal home in Heaven, following a briefbut courageous battle with cancer. He was called “Joe” by his boyhood friends in Newton, Mass.; “JV” by his classmates at the Academy; “Joey” by Kathy, his devoted and loving wife of 42 years; “Daddy” by his beautiful daughter Kimberly Jo; “Deda” by his grandchildren; and “friend” by all who knew him. But as boyhood friend Jack Curley said in his eulogy at JV’s funeral Mass, he was “no ordinary Joe.” Jack gave us some insights into the pre-Academy Joe, describing him as one ofthe smartest in his class - a straight “A” student throughout school, but otherwise just an unassuming young man who was just one of the guys. He was the first to offer help or support if a buddy needed it, never expecting anything in return except your friendship.

Joe attended parochial school throughthe eighthgrade. He was then accepted into the Kenyon program at Newton High School, an accelerated course of study for “the cream of the crop.” He excelled in that select program. This was “no ordinaryJoe.”

As a cadet, JV always pulled his share of the mutual load, and always kept his cheerful disposition and sense ofhumor. He was one ofthe tight band of brothers in Fightin’ 4th Squadron, Class of 1965.

JV’s first assignment after pilot training was as a “GIB” (Guy in Back) flying F-4s in Southeast Asia. After a MIG CAP mission over North Vietnam, his aircraft was involved in a low-altitude mid-air collision. JV got one swing in his ‘chute before he impacted the ground. Both legs sustained multiple fractures. They told him he would never walk again - JV said, “Hide and watch.” After six months in Walter Reed, he walked out on his own. They told him he would never flyagain - JVsaid, “Justwatch.” He got back on flying status, returned to the war effort in the front seat of a Phantom, and later became an instructor pilot in F-4s at Ramstein AB, Germany and MacDill AFB, Fla. This was “no ordinaryJoe.”

After JV retired from the Air Force in 1988, he went to law school at Florida State University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and joined a largeTampa law firm. JV never bragged about his own accomplishments, so I wasn’t surprised that it wasn’t until after his death that I found out that he not onlypassed the bar exam on the first try, but posted the highest score ever achieved in the county. This was “no ordinaryJoe.” In 1998 he and a friend started their own law firm where JV served as a senior partner until he retired in 2008.

JV was a committed family man. He adoredhis lovelywife, Kathy, and took great pride in daughter Kim. But as any grandfather can relate to, there was a special place in his heart for his two grandchildren - Mary Jane (his “Sunshine”) and MalloryJoseph. His love was reciprocated, and it was exemplified byhis seven-year-old grandson last November. He had always been called Mallory, but after finding out his “Deda” had cancer, he announced to the family that he wanted to be called Joseph now to honor his grandfather.

JV it was too short a life for a good man It was an honor to be your friend and fellow airman. You served your country and your fellow man with pride, honor, and sacrifice. You were certainly “no ordinaryJoe.” Well done, good and faithful servant. (Ken McAlear, Fightin’ 4th classmate)

Blake M. Hendrick, ’72

Blake Michael Hendrick passed away quietly in his sleep in the early morning hours of Feb. 10, 2010 at his home, with his wife of nearly 33 years, Shirley, and daughter Kara at hisbedside after a six-month battle with a brain tumor.

Blake was born in Boulder, Colo. Jan. 29,1950, where he grew up and excelled in sports. His Little League All-Star baseball team was one win away from going to the Little League World Series. He played football, basketball, and baseball for Fairview High School (and played for the 4A state football championship in 1967) and was honored with many All-State team awards.Blake then attended the United States Air Force Academy where he played football and baseball and later served his country in Korea as a financial management officer. After returning from Korea, Blake obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Guidance, and Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, which came in very handy in dealing with employees, supervisors, and contractors later in his career.

After leaving the Air Force in 1978, Blake became a contracting officer and worked briefly for the Department of Defense and then for the USDA Forest Service. Most ofhis Forest Service career was spent serving the Olympic National Forest in western Washington and the Okanogan National Forest in north central Washington. Blake finished his career on the Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana.

During his years in the Forest Service in Region 6 and Region 1, Blake led the way in two major areas where contracting was concerned: conversion of firefighting rates from hourly to daily, and conversion from sealed bids to negotiated procurements. Both changes streamlined the way contracts were managed and saved the government millions of dollars. He also was among the first contracting officers in the country to put together a new Stewardship Contract, where the money collected from timber sales went right back into improving the area where the timber was removed instead ofgoing into the generalbudget to be used for other purposes. But the most talked-about impact that Blake had during his service was in respecting the folks he worked with. Blake trained hisfolks in understanding the value of early conversation and understanding of the folks theyworked with, so that there was a solid trust level between all the participants. He stood heads above most in leading by example.

Blake retired in 2005 so that he could spend more time on the golf course and on plans to build his and Shirley’s “dream home” in Kalispell. In 2006, the new home was built, and in 2007, both kids were married (five weeks apart). In 2008 and early 2009, Blake was teaching contract law classes to government agencies through NPI, Inc. (Seattle, Wash.) and doing quite a bit of travelling.

Blake was known for his great sense of humor, his love of the game of golf, and most of all, for the love of his wife and children.

Shirley has truly appreciated all the cards, letters, and notes that she has received from other members of the class of ’72, offering remembrances ofBlake. She has received nearly 175 sympathy cards from those whose lives were touched by Blake during his years of service and in the communities in which he lived during his lifetime. And there were nearly 150 people at the Celebration of his Life on February 20th (including his three roommates from the Air Force Academy days), a real testamentto the kind of person he was. (Shirley Hendrick, Blake’s wife)

JoeMcNabb

Blake Hendrick

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Charles H. Kowitz, ’88

Charles Henry (Chuck “Beef”) Kowitz, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret), age 44, of Chipley, Fla., died Feb. 13, 2010 from injuries sustained in an auto accident in his hometown. He was born in Chipley, Fla. on March 31,1965 to Ellner Jane Grady Kowitz and the late EdgarJoseph Kowitz.

Chuck lived out a lifelong love of flying both in the cockpit and behind p

Chuck

Kowitz

the controls ofhis favorite model airplanes. At age 14 he flew his first solo flight and received his first pilot’s license. In the 10th to 12th grade, he served as an auxiliary member ofthe Civil Air Patrol as a radio and rescue pilot at the National Guard Armory. He graduated Chipley High School in 1983 with high honors and then attended Marion Military Institute before attending the Air Force Academy. Chuck graduated from the Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Sciences. Later, he also earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma as well as a Masters degree from Air Command andStaffCollege.

After the Academy, Chuck went to pilot training at Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas. His first assignment was to Panama where he flew the 0-37B. He then volunteered for DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, serving as an Air Liaison Officer (ALO) attached to 1st “Tiger” Brigade, 2nd Armored Division. Following DESERT STORM he flew EF-111s at Cannon AFB, N.M. He became a combat-decorated EF-111 pilot,flying many missions over Bosnia and Iraq, and was admired for his exceptional skills as a pilot. In fact, his EF-111 now resides at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

Chuck’s other assignments included air battle manager with the 366th Air ExpeditionaryWing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; program manager in the Reconnaissance Systems Program Office, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio; and T-38 instructor pilot at ENJJPT. He last served at the Air Force Safety Center (AFSC), Kirtland AFB, N.M. as the Chief of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety. After an esteemed career, he retired in 2008 to pursue his other lifelong interest of helping others as a counselor, training full time in Los Angeles, Calif. He was in the process of moving back to Florida when he was taken from us too soon.

Chuck impressed with his keen mind, charmed with his big blue eyes, and made friends with his sense of humor and hearty laugh. Whether you met Chuck for a minute or knew him for a lifetime, he was unforgettable. When he did something he did it with passion and “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” enthusiasm. He always tried to be on good terms with everyone he met and genuinely wanted to help others to be their best selves and be happy. In all that he did, he exemplified the Air Force core values of Integrity, Service and Excellence.

He is survived by his mother, Jane Grady Kowitz, ofChipley; one brother, Dale Joseph Kowitz (USAF, Ret) ofKuwait; his four aunts, many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his cat, Lacie. Funeral mass was held Feb. 22, 2010 at Saint Joseph the Worker CatholicChurch followed by interment with full military honors at Glenwood Cemetery in Chipley. He will live in our hearts forever. Cheers, Chuck! (TheFamily)

Joseph D. Helton,Jr., '07

Joseph D. Helton, Jr., 1 st Lt., USAF, Class of 2007 graduate, was killed in action by an IED in Southern Iraq on Sept. 8, 2009. Joe was a 2003 Monroe Area High School (Monroe, Ga.) honor graduate with a 4.2 GPA, and winner of the Atlanta Journal Constitution Award as the Principal’s top graduate. During his high school career he served as soccer captain for two years, was All-League for three consecutive years, and served as the MAHS ROTC Commander. During his senior year, he received an appointment to both the Air Force Academy and West Point, ultimately choosing the Air Force Academy.

Joe was a standout cadet while at the Academy in all areas. His leadership and dedication as a cadet were impeccable. As a senior he was chosen to be Squadron Commander of Cadet Squadron 19. In 2007, Joe graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in the top 10

percent of his class, with honors in all three Academy pillars: Academics, Athletics, and Military. Although Joe was pilot qualified, he elected to enter Security Forces following a desire to work more closely with the troops.

For his first duty station, Joe was assigned to Air Force Security Forees at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fla. Upon arriving at his assignment, Joe immediately volunteered for combat, and a year later was accepted for assignment as an advisor to the Iraqi Police in Southern Baghdad. During this six-month tour, he logged numerous Al-Qaeda-connected warrants and completed the transfer of law enforcement responsibilities from the American forces to the Iraqi police. He was extended for a second six-month tour and assigned a similar mission in another area. Ten days following the transfer, Joe, working closely with his troops in an effort to gain a better understanding of how they worked together, readily replaced one of his troops for patrol.

Department of Defense information states that Joe was killed by an IED while on this particular patrol. Joe’s fellow comrades who were with him that day did everythingthey could to revive him but Joe never regained consciousness after being hit.

Classmate and close friend of Joe’s, 1 st Lt. Cody Holland wrote this tribute to Joe andhis family: “2007 Academy Graduate Joseph D. Helton, Jr. (CS-19) was killed in action in southern Baghdad by an IED on 8 Sept 2009.1 lost a friend and America lost a hero. Joe truly was the best of the best. We met freshman year when Joe was in Barnstorming 23 and I was in 19 and we went on a trip together to Charleston AFB, S.C. From then on I knew he was the kind of friend I wanted to have and the kindof person/leader I wanted to be. We became good friends throughout the next few years working BCT together and then we were Squadron Commanders together our senior year.

Not only was Joe the model cadet for his subordinates, he was also an outstanding example for his peers and his superiors. Anytime I had a bad day or lost my cool, I’d talk to Joe or watch how he handled the situation. I knew he was a great leader, but it wasn’t until I attended his funeral that I found out how great of a brother, son, and friend he was to so many others. Never have I seen an outpouring of love like I did throughout Monroe, Georgia this past September. Joe rests peacefully in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. His job is done, let us never forget. Joe, thanks for showing me the way to leadand love. I’m honored to be your friend. --Cody.”

Joe’s leadership, dedication andsacrifice earned him the following medals and awards: Bronze Star withValor, Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon (Gold Frame), Air Force Longevity Service Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Air Force Training Ribbon.

Joe was a loving son, adoring brother, and devoted grandson, nephew, cousin, comrade, and friend. He will be remembered for his charisma, compassion, wit, and commitment. Joe, our class will never be the same without you. (CaseyBayne, Class of2007)

(Please see page 135 for the “AtPresstime”box.)

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

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

Joe Helton

PeteTodd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H; (719) 531-5874

E-mail: petetodd59@comcast.net

To those of you who were puzzled by the write-up sent in by CV Miller that appeared in the last issue, I convey the sincere apology of our able Checkpoints editor. Some words were inadvertently (and mysteriously) dropped from my column on the way to press. (For those who didn’t notice anything wrong, go back to sleep and thank you for your interest in national security.) The relevant text should have read, “During our summer in Iowa, we visited the Iowa Aviation Museum in Greenfield, Iowa. That is the hometown of Pat Musmaker and I thought that maybe there would be something about Pat in the museum. Sure enough, they have a ‘memorialwall’ where names are etched on glass bricks and put into a wall display. Pat and his father each had bricks.”

I am assisted this quarter by the contributions of several classmates who have reported actual news'. Blessed are theywho give aid and comfort to the pitiable Scribe, for they shall receive multitudinous rewards (and maybe inherit the job).

We begin with Jack Hundemer’s account of a starcrossed ski trip. “Chuck Ferrari, Craig Schaum, Gene Vosika (all classmates and friends since ’55) and I met in Colorado for ten days of skiing on the 2nd of March. I wisely acclimated on the 3rd, then went up the mountain early on the 4th. On the first (I repeat, the first) run, halfway down ‘High Noon,’ I was hit from behind by an idiot impersonating a Scud Missile (the ones they fired and they didn’tknow where they would come down). My buddies were in front and unaware. When awarenessreturned to me, my first thought was, ‘There goes my life; my back is broken.’ The other guy (theassailant) was with two friends about 50 feet downslope. Guess who was going fastest? After being attended to by the ski patrol, I rejected the toboggan ride and skied down to the mid-mountain lodge to attempt recovery.

“I encouraged the other guys to return to the mountain, and we would assemble for lunch and evaluate. An hour later, Vosika limped in, the victim of another Scud. He was really hurting and accepted a ski patrol snowmobile ride down the mountain. Turned out he had two broken ribs! I finally made my way to the gondola for my return trip. After two X-rays and two CAT scans, emergency services recommended that I return to sunny Florida. Craig drove Gene back home to California in 14 hours, I flew home to Florida and Chuck returned to ski Breckenridge for a week on his season pass. So went the ‘Dream Trip.’”

A couple ofweeks later, Jack followed up with the medical findings. “Well, todaywas the day to unveil the results ofall that radiation. I just read in Reader’s Digest that one CAT scan could be the equivalent of 442 chest X-rays. I have no idea where thatnumber came from, but after two X-rays, two CAT scans and an MRI, Shirley says we don’t need a night light in the bedroom. She just pulls the covers off of me and I glow in the dark. Anyway, the Doc said it is all good. Some things got moved around andstretched some, but nothing that won’t feel better in a week or so. He also kept mentioning the fact that I’m 75, though I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

Gene Vosika chimed in the same day with his progress. “My healing is coming along. X-rays again today and appointment tomorrow, but I will have to see my orthopedic surgeon about a shoulder MRI to see howmuch damage was done to the rotator cuff; maybe another repair on it. Gotta do it soon to be ready for next year.” (I couldn’t make this stuff up!)

Listening in on the e-mail network, Max Miller wrote to Jack, “Thanks for confirming the wisdom of my decision to ski with my son Scott and his family at Vail vice going with you guys to Steamboat. BTW, Vail was excellent with P/PP and no ice for the entire week. I didn’t see the front side so avoided all the crowds since I am too slow on my bum knee and hip to outrun them.

“You and Gene need to follow Don Madonna’s advice to me when we both had broken legs as doolies: drink one gallon of milk a day.”

Leigh Hunt reported in March on a small, quiet gathering of ’59ers in Tucson. (Translation: Nobody got thrown out of the restaurant fordrunk and disorderly conduct.) “The Tucson crowd—Dick and Bea Bigelow, Steele Holmes, Leo Prescott and John and Margot Robinson, plus Cealie and I (we winter in Tucson in our RV)—were joined by Ole and Jean Olson and Brian and Fran Parker who were in town for a 13th Bomb Squadron reunion, and Dick and Marlyss Tracey who made a big detour from their home in Prescott on a trip to California to join us. Good food, drinks and conversation were enjoyed by all. Unfortunately no one admitted to bringing a camera or could remember how to work it ifthey had one.

“Other than severe blue skies and sunshine, all is well in southern Arizona. We even got to watch the Thunderbirds put on theirfirst show of the season at Davis-Monthan.”

Brian Parker, Dave Groark and Bob Lowe at their new assisted livingfacility in NewJersey. Theyfind the personnel there very capable andfriendly. (Just kidding; read Brian’s talefor the real story.)

Last February, Brian Parker wrote, “Dave Groark and I drove down to Houston to see a play starring Bob Lowe. This was a Neil Simon play, The Sunshine Boys, which was produced on Broadway and was later adapted for film (starringWalter Matthau) and television. Bob dedicated his performance to his wife, Jo Ann.

“Bob is quite the accomplished actor. We saw him a while back in Twelve Angry Men. He has also appeared in Harvey, Barefoot in the Park, Sherlock Holmes, Bus Stop and others.

“The nurse in the enclosed photo was part of an act within the play where the doctor (Bob) had her lean over the desk to spell the name of the next patient. As she read and spelled the name leaning over the desk wearing a very short skirt, barely covering panties, she wiggled to each letter to the lecherous grin of Bob and the delight of the audience.

“The nurse was played by Houston actress Susan Kelly. She was already half changed to head home when we convinced Bob to ask her to pose with us. We told her that she would be in a national publication and she promised to autograph Bob’s copy. I’m sure she’d like to see her name in Checkpoints with thethree handsome men. She was quite a sport.” Mission Accomplished, Susan!

Mystery Teaser: Who is the smiling man pictured here and why is he so happy? I’m out of space, but check back in the fall for the rest of the story!

Thoughtfor the Quarter: A good friend will come and bail you out ofjail, but a great friend will be sitting nextto you saying, “Damn, that was fun!”

Sabre Society Donors

Mystery Man

A.J. (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

“Here’s a picture ofTom Dwelle and me at the 2009 River Rat Reunion in San Diego,” wrote RG Head, Coronado Island, CA. “Tom flew 300 missions and I flew 325. He still flies, racingplanes, and married a gal who flies better than he does!”

Gary Van Singel of Grant, MI had arthroscopic knee procedure March 26th. Gary had planned going to Cuzco, Peru on a mission trip, but, that’ll have to wait until he’s healed: “I had stitches removed April 6th and I’m walking without a limp and back to workouts. My new hearing aids work pretty good, working off a touch zone which works like a touch screen computer. My next mission will be a return to Honduras next January.’’

Bits and Pieces. On 13-14 March 2010, Howie Whitfield flew to Tampa, FL (from Jamul, CA), for “my firstever high school reunion, 55 years after my class graduated from Garden City High School, Long Island, NY. We met in Tampa, since many classmates have winter homes in Florida.” One lady Howie didn’t recognize said:

“You gave me your first kiss in 6th grade!”...“CTIVis now a 2/LT in Minnesota’s National Guard going through artillery training at Fort Still, OK and hoping to deploy to Afghanistan ASAP,” wrote CT Douglass III. ..“I’m working the agenda to attend our 50th Reunion, as well as my reunion of the Marine Basic School in Quantico. First up is a ‘Love Boat Cruise’ to Alaska and western Canada in early April for three weeks, as the boys take on more responsibility at my Red Roo business in Australia,” wrote James Alexander Kerr, Jr...Dotty Westby, wife ofJerryFarquhar, just received her copies of daughter Kristen Moeller’s new book: “Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie.” Meanwhile even as we speak Jerry is writing his own book: “Three Years in the Sky”...Bill Hales and wife, Barbara, of Greer, SC, were in Lakewood Ranch (FL) to visit Bill’s son Jeff andhis family in March, and we met them for a long seafood lunch at Barnacle Bill’s bodacious bistro near Sarasota’s International Airport.

Leon Goodson wrote: “My 95-year-old mother died peacefully this morning (3/31/10), so Maryn and I will be heading for Oklahoma tomorrow. It is nice that our new twin grandchildren (boy Isaac and girl Pippa our son Tony’s 3rd and 4th children) arrived in Seattle three weeks ago to emphasize the continuity of life.”

“The Surrogate Predator program with Civil Air Patrol is exciting and I feel we are doing great things,” wrote Vic Thomas, Boulder City, NV. “I had the good fortune to have a young National Guardsman sitting nextto me when I flew home out of Alexandria, LA on February 21 st who had been a JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Coordinator) during the Green Flag East at Fort Polk and had worked directly with our Surrogate Predator crews. I pumped him on the effectiveness of our service and it was all positive! The JanuaryMarch 2010 issue of CAPVolunteer Magazine does a goodjob of explaining the program: www.gocivilairpatrol.com (Home Page, click “News” and go to Predator article). I’m one who is now qualified to do the mission. We will soon be training morecrew members, starting additional Green Flag West exercises at Fort Irwin this summer. I feel I have the opportunity to provide a more important service to my country than did many of my active duty assignments! Contractors had been doing this at considerably more expense and less authenticity. We are all volunteers; they pick up hotel costs, rental cars and $46/day per diem. I spent a week at Alexandria, LA in January and another in February, and had a 16-hour ground school last December in North Las Vegas. After we start Green Flag West exercises, the cadre will be doing one per month in each location (Ft. Polk and Ft. Irwin). The AF has modified two Cessna 182Qs for the Surrogate Predator (SP) mission, and we will have more aircraft taken from the CAP fleet and modified as SPs, most likely, they won’t be 182s.”

Chuck Diver describes his prostate operation of February 19th: “I’ve been going over this operation thing, formulating my Christmas (2010) letter and it goes something like this:‘Chuckhad a Prostate by C-Section in February. He said he wanted to have it naturally, but there were complications, seems it was wrapped around the urethra, hence the C-Section and surgical removal. Apparently, he never got to hold it, since it was shipped off to a Pathologist in Seattle, who said: ‘My, howyou'vegrown!’” Chuck says “I got the photograph developed from a multitude of things, one of which was the available guys at the hospital the day after my surgery. So, attached is a fair picture ofDenny O’Keefe and Nels Delisanti, with me in the middle you can see both of my hands for identification purposes! The caption might read: ‘Looking fair the day after a radical prostatectomy.’”

“Deanne and I acquired a small farm place in central South Dakota last spring (’09). It was not to move there (Deanne: ‘Praise the Lord!’), but for a recreation spot for fall hunting and spring walleye fishing,” wrote biggame hunter John (Jungle Jim) McCullough. “Our first guests were George and Diana Pupich and Ron and Connie Yates. The ladies supplemented the local shop owners’ income, while Ron, George and I terrorized the pheasant population. Actually, I spent more time trying to train a new Labrador pup while trying to teach Ron the difference between roosters and hens (pheasant variety). Pheasant and deer abound, so if there are classmate ‘nimrods’ who don’t mind remote, they’re welcome.” (April 2010 Web Column has more on this story.)

George Luck has been taking extensive training with the local U.S. Coast Guard, so that he might work in their Seattle Operations Center. His training has been extensive and strenuous, but he still has more to be ‘ready to act’ to situations arising in Puget Sound and Seattle Port he’s boarded a Chinese container ship, opened a container (with safety precautions), observed Seattle’s Emergency 911 Center, and inspected a ferry. George Luck: Fighting Terrorists on Land, Sea, in the Air (submitted by Chuck Diver).

“Although most of us have changed physically since our cadet days, after speaking only a few words, the ‘cadet image’ begins to shine through, and I am again in the presence of my classmate and not a stranger I haven’t seen in many years. With each opportunity to connect, I have had the impression that the interval between our very last conversations and this reunion—in some cases, more than 40 years ago (R: comments at 40th Reunion)—is compressed into a momentary pause, and that we seemed to

Barband Bill Hales.

begin our conversation just where we had left off. I feel as if I truly have a 'brotherhood’ bond with my classmates, which is much greater than I had ever realized. The quality of this event is absolutely outstanding!” William Donald Hales hails from Steubenville, OH, home of‘Deano’ Crosetti a.k.a. Dean Martin, and that was Bill opining on the merits of attending a Class Reunion.

Our 50th Reunion: 29 September-3 October, 2010.

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

Sixty-one of you voted (50-yes, 4-no, 5-maybe, and 2-abstain) for the class officers and the gift committee to work toward the class gift as describedthen. The gift package—the statuary you saw and approved, plus construction detail—is scheduled to go beforethe USAFA Memorial Board on 27 April and then to HQ USAF for approval. If you have not already received a “pledge request” (either by email or hard copy from Brice) requesting financial support for our 50th Reunion gift, contact him <Brice@GoldRidgePinot.com>, Tom Eller <EllerTJ@AOL.com>, or me. Our class goal is 100% participation. Also, if you use e-mail but are not part of our Gray Tag Network (GTN), please contact me. That will help us obtain your thoughts, as well as allow us to keep you current on plans for our 50th.

Mark and Ginger Anderson enjoyed their 7-day river cruise in France, 4-11 April. It began and ended in Paris, meandering along the Seine River through the Normandy region. Their one-day shore excursion to the Normandy Beaches and the American Cemetery was a highlight for Mark.

Bill Aylsworth is playing tennis again, a year after two hip replacement surgeries. Surprisingly, returning to the courts has been easy. He and his daughter continue their law practice: He is the senior partner, and she does most of the work.

Stu Boyd flew his first “combat” sorties at Fort Polk in the Surrogate Predator Program in a Green Flag East exercise. Civil Air Patrol provides the Predator training for troops and aircraft deploying to SW Asia. Their Cessna was in the “mix” with a J-Stars, four A-10s, some Army choppers, and troops on the ground. The program expands to Nellis in July (Green FlagWest), supporting the pre-deployment training at Fort Irwin.

Joyce Box is keeping herself busy in Fountain Hills, AZ, byworking as an Aesthetician in a beautiful salon and spa. She plans to attend our 50th.

Jackie and Tom Brophy spent Christmas and New Year’s in South Africa with their youngest son and his family. They enjoyed theirfirst ride in a hot air balloon on an earlymorning. Jackie returned to Johannesburg in February and stayed until March for the birth oftheir 17th grandchild. They later spent a week in Colorado Springs with their son John andhis family.

In February Pat and Marilyn Buckley celebrated her Mum’s 90th birthday in England. Then they went to Breckinridge, described below by Charlie Neel. Upon returning to Florida, they researched prostate cancer treatments and facilities, as well as cure and side effect probabilities since Pat was recently diagnosed with this disease. Their research took them to different regions, where they also dined with classmates: in Decatur, GA, with John and Susie Caughman, Mike Rawlins, and Gerry Gill; overnighted in Pinehurst, NC, with John and Lydia Boesch, and in the Northern Neck of Virginia with Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse. They stayed in DC with Bill and Theda Foster and enjoyed dinner at the Ft Myers Officers Club with the Fosters, John and Joan Kohout, and Jack and Diane McDonough. Pat has completed his research and created a matrix of treatments, as well as a decision document explaining the rationale for the treatment he selected. He is quite willing to share with those interested what he has learned, which may help others decide what to do in similar circumstances.

Clair and Mary Kay Carling are busy with a house and 2Vz acres, 9 children, 31 grandchildren, and an aging mother. They also recently became group leaders in a volunteer Addiction Recovery Program, patterned after the AA “12 step program”. They find it very rewarding to work with those honest, struggling people trying to turn their lives around.

Jim Cassidy’s real estate business has been volatile. Although it is improving, obtaining financing is still a problem. Their son has ALS, so Judy and Jim each spend a day or two with him every week while his wife is at work and their children are in school. Last November, Jim bought his first tattoo the Marine Corps Emblem.

Jim and Joy Darnauer enjoyed their recent cruise from Sydney, Australia, to Cape Town, South Africa. Their port call at the island nation ofMauritius, former home ofthe Dodo bird, provided many souvenirs. The trip concluded with a mini-safari out of Cape Town. In October, they will sail on the

new Queen Elizabeth’s maiden voyage. Jim also wants to visit Antarctica. If anyone has experience or is interested, please contact him.

Casey and John Goodley enjoyed their cruise last summer from Dover, England, to Ireland, Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, and Nova Scotia, ending in New York City. A 94-year-old passenger (Edwin Ramsey) andhis wife fascinated them. After graduating from a military school where he also played polo and joining the Army, he was sent to Luzon to playpolo. The Japanese attacked and took over the island a short time later. After he suecessfully evaded the Japanese, Filipino patriots hid him in the mountains. He then organized Luzon’s guerilla movement. The guerillas gathered intelligence, which he radioed to General MacArthur, who then sent him instructions. By the time MacArthur returned, Lt. Ramsey had organized and was in command of 40,000 guerillas. General MacArthur personally decorated him with many awards for his service.

Dean and Jo Jones enjoyed a wonderful Holland America cruise to South America in January/February. They toured Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, west coast of South America, “Robinson Crusoe Island,” Antarctica, and Argentina. After disembarking in Buenos Aires, they flew to Rio de Janeiro for a week to check out Carnival and the many sights andsounds of Rio.

Lowell and Sandy Jones, Bill and Theda Foster, and TwyWilliams plan to attend the C-123 Vietnam reunion in Hampton, VA, 17-22 May. A reunion has been held every two years since 1992. AtWright-Patterson AFB in 2008, they dedicated a marble bench at the Museum and heard a great talk from C-123 Medal of Honor pilot, Colonel (Ret) Joe Jackson, for his role in the Kham Due rescue. Lowell has contacted most classmates who flew C-123s inVietnam about these reunions.

Bob Kellock andSamanthaCarlson have been busy preparing for his retirement (soon), with most planning completed and awaiting only an execution decision. He will attend the Blind Bat III reunion in Port St. Lucie, FL, ll-17May. (Blind Bat was the call sign ofthe C-130AFlare/FAC/ABCCC night mission aircraft from Danang and Ubon, approximately 1965-1970. Since all were TDY from five squadrons at Naha AB, Okinawa, and Tachikawa AB, Japan, it’s more of a team reunion than a unit event.)

During the ‘61 mini-reunion last fall, Jimmy asked “Who wantsto go skiing?” This initiated a tiny-mini-reunion of six classmates with brides in a biglog hootch (palace) for a week at Breckenridge. Jimmy and Susan Poole, Neal and Gwen Westbrook, Charlie and Lynda Neel, Sam and Gwen Barazzone, Mark and GingerAnderson, and Pat and Marilyn Buckley skied and/ or hot-tubbed in DEEP snow. Non-skiers performed kitchen and winebottle-opening duties. They intend doing it again next year, with multiple hootches, if sufficient interest arises. If interested, contact Charlie.

Hector and Joan Negroni spent two months in Naples, FL. They met with Jimmy and Linda Rogers and Tom and Mimi Skilling, and also hosted visits by their sons and their families. Naples is a vibrant community, particularlyduring the winter, providing an array of artistic and cultural events.

John Payne said Mary retired at the end ofFebruary, so they made (hopefully) their last move to Oxford, home of The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), whichboth children attended. Additionally, their daughter and granddaughters still live in that area. They are now settling into their new home and looking forward to university events, both cultural and sports. John has discovered a nearby trail for walking or jogging in the woods around them, as well as a local coffeehouse that makes the best raspberry scones ever.

Jim Rogers and Linda are thriving in Florida, but missing their classmates and other friends from up north. They have gotten together with Hector and Joan, and Tom and Mimi. Jim and Tom played in a member guest golf tournament, and Linda and Mimi have played in a couple as well.

Byron Theurer has become a member of the Ivins Economic Development Committee, which promotes business and industrial activity in Ivins, Utah. Specifically, he is the USDA go-to guy, competing for an economic analysis and planning grant from the U.S. Department ofAgriculture.

Winnie and Bob Wagner recently spent two weeks in Israel, primarily to reunite with survivors of thefive Israel Air Force crews who trained in the F-4 at George AFB in 1969. Bob was one of their USAF IPs. He recalls their intensity then and that they were driven to quickly add the F-4 to the IAF’s inventory. (Of the ten IAF aircrew who were at George, three were killed and four were prisoners of the Egyptians, all victims of SAMs during the War ofAttrition and the Yom KippurWar.) The former-IAF hosts took them all over the country. It was very special to see everything through their eyes. Incredible stories oftheir combat experiences filled the conversations: MiG kills, SAM breaks, ejections, captivity, and all. Bob will always remember

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADETWING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Sabre Society Donors

one “student,” who later commanded the IAF, making a point while they were on the top of Masada. With a very emphatic gesture, he stated, “This will never happen again!” After departing their reunion, Bob and Winnie rented a car and revisited some ofthe areas, filling in some of the blanks at a more leisurely pace in Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, and the home of his “Student GIB” and family. It was a wonderful, memorable experience.

MarySueandRogerWoodburyareenjoyingtheirsecondgrandchild. They watch him and his sister on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They did get away for a week to visit good friends in Florida (TheVillages).

To read a lot more class news, including pictures and additional details, visit our class web site the URL is at the beginning ofthiscolumn. Ifyou did not contribute this time, we want to hear from you next time. We are interested (and can keep secrets--mostly).

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

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

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

“Hi Redtags! Well it’s good to see the sun again together with some warm weather. Maybe now the skeptics can forget aboutthis global warming rumor and concentrate on better things. First it looks like I’ll be retiring soon. Our company, United Space Alliance, will be offering a buy-out for a segment of our company. I have to submit a request to leave and if selected, I will retire on or about 4 June. WOW! After 23 years in the Air Force I will have 25 years on the Space Shuttle Program. It’s been great. Now for some news from other Redtags.

I got an email from Gail Peck as follows: “Jack, Altmans, Butchkos and Pecks got together for breakfast this morning in Las Vegas. Picture 1 is attached. Left to right are Hesh and Bobbi Altman, Mike and Kay Butchko, Gail and Carol Peck. Butchko is busy with Department of Energy business out at the Nevada Test Site (Mercury). Hesh is an instructor at the Predator/ReaperTraining Center at Creech AFB (formerly Indian Springs, NV) and Peck is still working at the AF Weapons School at Nellis. The ladies stay busy as well.

“We are attempting to get together monthly for breakfast and enjoyed very much our first “meeting” this morning. Hopefully, our schedules will sync-up regularly.

“Jack, ifthis makes Checkpoints, you might add that ifwe are missing any RTBs who live in or around Vegas, let me know and we’ll rewrite the frag and be sure they are included. A good home email for me is gtwestern@aol. com. Hope all is well, gail peck, 1225K”

Gail. Thanks for the note and picture. You are all lookinggood. The desert must agree with you.

Now for some unpleasant news about the passing of two of us.

First, Col (Ret) William O’Rourke, Class of 1962, Squadron 09 passed on 27 Dec 2009. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Cynthia O’Rourke: Mrs Cynthia O’Rourke, 13485 Highway 1077, Folsom, LA 70437.

Second, we have recently learned of the death of Mr. Carl H. Bolster, CS-02 class of 1962. Mr. Bolster passed away on 02 Jan 2010 in Buffalo, NY. Services were held on 6 Jan 2010 at the W S Davis Funeral Home in Arcade, NY. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Suzanne: Mrs. Suzanne M. Bolster, 7013 Route 98, Arcade, NY 14009-9756.

Got an email from Dave Holt relaying an email from Jim Qualey.

“I’ve been out of circulation for the past year due to a lung transplant on April 16th 2009. I’m happy to report the surgery was a success but the

patient nearly died. I had every complication in the book: infection, stroke, heart stopped, etc. After a very long year, I am finally beginning to walk again. Without this new lung I would have probably been deceased by now. Life is great! We will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in Octoher. Jim Qualey, Geriatric Fighter Pilot.”

Dave goes on the say some very prescient words that deserve out attention. “Glad to hear of your successful transplant, Jim. Wish we could have cheered you and your family through the difficult days. At the possible risk of pi—, I mean ticking off some of the guys involved, I think we ought to work harder at sharing info on our RTBs who are “out of circulation” as Jim was. Increasingly it seems, we have classmates who could benefit from more contact from the class, to keep them “in circulation.”

George, “El Extremo”, Thompson recently gave me a rundown on Warren Robbins condition awhile back. An update, if anyone has one?

I talked with Kirk “K.B.” Clark, this week. He has Parkinson’s and a nerve ending disorder which keeps him on crutches at all times. He’s at: 355 Oakland St, Aurora, CO 80010, 303-343-4119.

I’m driving to DC next week and hope to stop in Tennessee on the way home to visit Mike Rentenbachwho has problems with his back and legs which keep him pretty close to home. If I can connect with Mike, I’ll send an update.” Dave Holt

And this further comment from Bob Felts: “Congratulations to Jim on a hard fought battle! Dave, sounds like RTBs are disintegrating slowly. Please give my best to Mike! I vaguely remember injuring his nose in a swimming pool fiasco at Craig many years ago. Alcohol was involved, I think.. .yes, I know I’m on Announce. Bob”

Thanks, Bob. Get offAnnounce.

And this one from Tom Moore. “On pages 107-109 of the April 2010 Washingtonian magazine there is a feature article on Lanny Lancaster and his wine importing business. The article is not yet available online. The article also refers to Don Shepperd’s “Bury Us Upside Down”. Congratulations to Lanny!”

Got this one from Pete and Pat Robinson. Read on. “Pat and I went to Burma (Myanmar) in January and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We saw few American tourists but lots of Germans and French—probably because it’s lots cheaper than the Euro zone and much warmer that time ofyear.

“The country is beautiful—it’s about the size of Texas with twice the population. The U.S. has sanctions against the military government, so you can’t use ATMs or credit cards. We exchanged money at the black market rates which are about 160 times better than the official ones. From Yangon in the south to Mandalay, Inle Lake and Bagan in the central areas, there is a wide difference in climate and terrain. We didn’t get north to Myitkyina which was a waypoint on the WWII Burma Road campaign, but there is still evidence of the Britishcolonial period in some buildings andrelics from the war still on the roads.

“The country is about 50 years behind Thailand and the gap is growing wider. It’s trapped economically in the 1950s by the repressive government. The restrictive laws and poor economy force everyone to break the laws to survive by using the black market and widespread bribing of officials.

“The national dress is the longyi which is a tube skirt worn by both men and women. Some bathe in the rivers byjust loosening the skirt and pulling up. The women and children often wear thanakha paste, made from ground wood, as a sun screen and cosmetic in designs on their cheeks.

“Hotels were surprisingly good and the roads were terrible outside of the cities. The country has rolling blackouts during the dry season which we experienced almost every night, but the hotels all have back-up generators and individual homes use car batteriesand inverters to get through these periods.

“The weather was perfect with no rain and high temperatures in the low 90s inYangon and morning lows in the 40s in the highland areas. The most spectacular areas were the thousands of Buddhist temples from the 9th-llth centuries in Bagan, the Irrawaddy River, and the Inle Lake area where you get around everywhere by motorized boats.”

That’s it for now. Put a marker on your calendar three months from now to send me your info. Go Redtags! Jack

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

The AOG confirmed the death of our classmate William F. Flanagan who passed away February 24th in Lynn, MA as the result of complications from surgery. The Funeral Service was held 4 March at the Base Chapel at Hanscom AFB. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife,

Mrs. Fabienne J. Flanagan, 15 Valley Rd., Lynn MA 01902-1141.

Jerry Sailors asked me to include in the next Checkpoints that his wife, Doreen, died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on January 10, 2010. Pulmonary fibrosis is essentially a progressive hardening of the lungs that leaves a person gasping for breath. IPF is not a well-known disease, but rivals breast cancer in its frequency. There is no definitive cause or effective treatment. Jerry said that in Doreen’s case, she was on 02 24/7 for the last two years, but her heart had to work so hard Just to get sufficient oxygen into the blood it eventually gave out. Jerry added that not many of our classmates knew Doreen, but she was a special lady. Of course, Jerry thought she was one of a kind and set up a memorial online at www.mem.com.

Back on the 23rd of February I received an e-mail from Katy Groceman, daughter of our classmate George (Dutch) Holland. She was surfing the web looking for information about her father. The 23rd is the day in 1966 he was killed in a plane crash near Yuma, AZ. She is looking for someone who may remember her father and be able to tell her something about his time at the Academy. Gil placed her e-mail on the Web Site Guest Book but I was unable to make contact with any member’s of Dutch’s Cadet Squadron (2nd). Ifyou have anything for Katy about her Dad she would love to hear from you. Her E-mail address is dkatyg@yahoo.com.

Class Gift Committee Report. From Mick Roth: Your Gift Team met at USAFA 5-7 Apr. The attendees were: John Borling, Drue DeBerry (advisor), Les Denend, Diff (Pres), Art Johnson, Lou Matjasko, Gil Merkle, Bob Hayes (local class rep), and me (MJCR-Team Lead). It was, I am happy to say, a great meeting. We spoke freely and openly, and crafted the 50th anniversary class gift. On the first afternoon we had a brief ceremony at the cups in A Hall attended by Generals Gould and Born and keypeople from the AOG, the Endowment, the History Dept, and support staff.The Superintendent and the Dean were both very positive about our ideas and the coursewe will take. We had valuable discussions with “T” (William Thompson, AOG CEO) and ColWells (Hist. Dept. Head) over the next two days which resulted in exciting ideas such as crafting detailed “First-Person (oral) Histories” in a way that would allow a scholar, cadet, or any other person to search for and find commentary on a specific topic ofinterest. This will become an integral part of the Center for Character & Leadership Development (CCLD). Near our cup displaywill be kiosks from which friends and family can connect to each 1963 classmate, both living and departed. This capability will be extended to all classes who chose to participate. Lou and Gil have done incredible work on the content and technology for the kiosks and database. Diff has further detail on our efforts.

Back at the 45th Reunion Jim Winzell gave me the above picture; so it has been waiting a while to get published. The gathering was Miss Jane’s and Foge’s 46th wedding anniversary. Ray Fuller said the party was held at their (Jane’s and Ron’s) ranch outside Durango, about 100 folks, big tent, catered dinner, dance band, open bar all evening.

Ray’s wife, Donna, recently retired so she and Ray were planning an RV trip to the Pacific Northwest for several weeks, then back to Flagstaff, AZ to stay cool for the rest of the summer. They go home to Chandler in early September for a short stay and then head theWinnebago toward the Northeast to see changing ofthe colors. Road Trip!

Bob Mazet sent this picture taken at the recent annual Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA) Convention for owners of Jet war birds held recently at Holloman AFB where he was stationed 45 years ago as a First Lieutenant. Good photo!

From Diff: Following the earlyApril meetings of the Gift Team, your 50th anniversary gift to the AFA will be: the creation of our class and Academy history database and website (hosted on a server with remote access) with two kiosks near the display; the creation and population of a class key data template (called the “USAFA CLASS HISTORIES”) that can be used by all classes to add their class history; and, our primary gift will be a significant dollar contribution to the History Department “First-Person History Project”, which has received “pre-funding” for five years from the Superintendent. This gift complements the Center for Character & Leadership Development (CCLD) and will be the igniter for the History Dept project. I have appointed Lou Matjasko as the Class Historian. Lou needs your help, all of you, so please open those old blue footlockers and dust off that stuff and get it to Lou (if you want to retain the material, send copies, the original will NOT come back). His address is: 231 Cliffside Place Rockton, Ill 61072 and email: lsmatjasko@msn.com. Les Denend will be the Lead for fund raising; he’s putting that part together now; you will be given more information soon. We are most excited about this gift and we hope you share our enthusiasm. (Note from Gil Merkle: Gil is developing a Gift section for the Class Web Site. He says a ‘beta’ version of the Class Gift should be up and running on the Web Site in early autumn).

Bob and the F-22 Raptor.

By the time you read this the 2010 mini-reunion will be less than 4 months away. Bob Hayes reminded me that at last year’s mini we agreed to convene this year at the Navy game scheduled for October 2nd Due to television (Versus) the game starts early on the2nd at 10:30 AM MT. This makes our mini planning a little awkward. Normally the pre-game tailgate is planned for 2-3 hours before the game, but Bob said he can’t imagine many people gathering at 7:30 or 8:00 AM. He plans on polling the local folks for their ideas/inputs (they are the heavy lifters for the tailgate logistics). He is thinking of simplifying things with just coffee, juice, sweets, a few breakfast snacks and Bloody Marys. Arnold Hall is reserved for the after-game gathering, cup turning ceremony and optional catered dinner. Expect to pay $15 each more or less for Dinner. Get the latest mini info by joining Bob’s e-mail list at bcahayes@comcast.net.

.See you there—Go Falcons Beat Navy!

That’s it for now. Take care out there and many thanks for the great inputs.

Sabre Society Donors

Mick, LtGen Gould, Diff

Four Cowboys. From left are Ray Fuller, Dan Dietz, Jim Winzell and The Foge.

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801

(H) (256) 532-3923

(M) (256) 348-9794

bob@hovde.us

Utah Snow News: DennyMontgomeryreported on a couple of classmate visits: (Ifyou live at a ski slope or a beach, you MIGHT have visitors...) Anyway - “Will McKenney and his daughter Morgan were out recently and we “cat skied” at Powder Mountain Resort here in Utah. All we did was ride the snowcat up and ski untracked snow from 9:30 AM until 5:00 PM - tough work, but someone has to do it. I also talked Will into “hiking” for a few turns and for a guy who still smokes almost a pack a day, he did great in the backcountry. As he would say, ‘...I will doalmost anything to ski untracked powder!’

Sabre Society Donors 47

[Later], Kris Mineau and Lura were out on church related business, but Kris managed to get in two days of skiing at Powder Mountain with Marty Bushnell and myself. Kris had a new pair of boots made in Salt Lake that would accommodate his ejection injuries/bionic body while still allowing him to ski comfortably. Marty and I can attest that Kris skied exceptionally well. The only problem we could see was that it had been a while since he skied at 9000 feet elevation. Now when he comes back, we will have to get him into the powder! (Short supply of that in Utah this year, I think it all went to the east coast!)

who picked me up after I was shot down. I found him about five years ago, and we had a wonderful reunion.” Has anyone else had contact with any of theAOCs from our time? (Since most ofthem weren’t really that much older than us, they should just about be reaching middle age!)

Sad and Hopeful News: Since the last article in January, I’ve learned that Chuck Smyth died in Florida from cancer. A funeral service has been scheduled for 3 Jun 2010 at 1100 at the USAFA Cemetery.

Also, Dick Hackford passed away in Colorado Springs. Dick and I were stationed together several times. We were even next-door neighbors once. Sandy and I will miss him greatly.

I also received (third-hand) an announcement about Dave Samuel. In February, he was moving to theLife Care of Longmont for rehabilitation. The note said, “He has made remarkable progress and it now walking with a walker and his broken neck is still continuing to heal nicely.” Keep walking, Dave. We’ll be praying for you.

History: Yes. It’s another nag. (Wait until I get my input done. Then I’ll reallynag.) Ifyou didn’t get an email from Rod in February about the Class History Project, it’s because you haven’t updated your email address. Rod wants us to finish the first edition of our class historyby the end ofthis year. That’s eight months to write a page on www.classofl964usafa.org. Even I should be able to do that.

Trolls: Yes, the Trolls (and, as best as I can tell, anyone who happens to be in town that day) had another quarterly lunch and story-telling contest. (Lies are called “stories” when you are meeting old friends!) Fred Malmstrom took the pictures this time. Everyone’s actually in focus. Do they really sit alphabetically by height?

Other Mountains: Further West, Dave Neal is back into running motorcycles in the mountains of California. Last year, Dave said he was turning to four-wheel racing, so the picture showing his “Sunday morning throttle therapy” on a new Ducati Hypermotard must be just for recreation. (You can’t tell it’s Dave? Just look closely - the front tire is off the ground!)

Way Back When: Remember way back when you first graduated and wanted to forget everything, including in-ranks inspections and AOCs? Well, I just got a note from Glenn Nordin, CS 12 Assistant AOC. It’s a good thing I didn’t say anything bad about AOCs from the really old days. Glenn wrote, “I am in the process of reading the Checkpoints which our son, Carl, ‘83 graciously provides after he finishes and Mary and I devour. Noticed a few of the CS 12 guys were at the reunion. Too bad there weren’t more. How did they look? John Hoffman was kind enough to give me a ride in the Pampa 2000 about 15 years ago. Great airplane, and a joy to fly. Thanks, John. By the way my savior lives in Huntsville. CWO Jim White was the guy

The Trolls at lunch.

Finally: Sandy and I are planning another 7,000 mile trip out West in June and July. We’ll be in Colorado Springs for a while in July, while I help my son-in-law move a kitchen window. Other than that, we might have time to spring a visit on an unsuspecting classmate.

Rick Zurbrugg

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

E-mail: ezurb@bellsouth.net

Hey‘65, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER OUR BROTHERS who have transitioned recently to eternity. John C. Wagner (CS 17th) on 28 Sept 2008 and Col (ret) Carl M. Hatlelid on 28 Jan 2010 and Maj (Ret) Joseph V. McNabb (CS04) on 4 March 2010.

From Jim Spittler: (scribe’s note: the stalwart lads in the Colorado Springs area led by the energetic Jim Spittler are once again out on the reunion planning frontline) “...Wednesday 29 Sept we will kick it offwith registration and then gather for a social at Jack Quinn’s for the early arrivals. We will get the total program out soon, but Thursday will be the cocktail party and Friday will be the banquet. There is a tailgate on Saturday prior to our first win over the Squids in a long time. We will be sending out a letter with details. (Does anybody).. .know of anyone who would want to run the prayer breakfast? We don’t have anyone yet.” Thanks Jim and all you fine fellows on the reunion committee. All y’all start saving for the class gift.

FLASH does it again: “I’m getting one of those awards in a couple of weeks that they give out to folks if you’re still standing after a great length of time (even if it’s with the help of a walker). It’s called the “Distinguished Bostonians Award”; and you will not be surprised to hear that in my case, “distinguished” is synonymous with “very old and gray”. Still, in addition to purely ancient souls like me, the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians has actuallyinducted some very impressive luminaries over the past quartercentury (e.g., Teddy Kennedy, Edwin Land, Red Auerbach, Julia Child, John Kenneth Galbraith, Tip O’Neill, etc., etc.); and so you will not be startled to

Marty, Kris and Denny show enthusiasm - (for the snow?).

Dave Neal getting some throttle therapy.

learn that I am slightlysurprised and deeply honored to be included in their company. Theyjust announced the Keynote Speaker for the induction ceremony; and it is none other than USAFA’s very own SullySullenberger. (See the attached flyer.) I thought our classmates and the guys in the Class of ’73 would enjoy this bit of happenstance. Indeed, after hearing Sully’s remarks, the folks in Boston may come away with the immense misimpression that he and I are cut from the same heroic cloth; and to the extent that it happens, you will not be shocked to hear that I will do absolutely NOTHING to dissuade them from that false conclusion! Peace and love,” Congratulations Flash, you have made us all proud to have been in your company.

The incomparable Flash Wiley “Distinguished Bostonian.”

Accompanying announcement (for the award): “On May 4, the Greater Boston Chamber will host the 2010 Annual Meeting and Dinner - an evening dedicated to Building Business and Creating Leaders. Each year since 1983, the Chamber has had the privilege of inducting some of Greater Boston’s most accomplished leaders into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. Meet one of one 2010 inductees, Fletcher “Flash” Wiley. Flash is attorney of counsel at Bingham McCutchen LLP, one ofthe nation’s leading law firms. He also serves as a principal and the chairman of the advisory board for PRWT Services, Inc., one of the fastest growing minority enterprises and Black Enterprise Magazine’s 2009 Company of the Year. A practicing attorney for more than three decades, Flash has worked in the areas of corporate and commercial law, small business development, entertainment law, and real estate. Early in his career he helped form the Boston-based law firm Budd, Reilly and Wiley that later became the largest minority-dominant firm in New England, and served as senior partner of Goldstein & Manello, P.C. Flash currently serves as director ofThe TJX Companies, Inc. and chairman and CEO ofThe Centaurus Group, LLC.

“He is the founder of the Governor’s Commission on Minority Business Development, and the former president and national chairman of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, Inc. From 1994 to 1996, Flash served as chairman ofthe board of directors for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. In 1999, he was selected by the Boston Business Journal as one of the TOO Most Influential Boston Business Leaders of the 20th Century.’ A dedicated civic leader, Flash is a benefactor of Crispus Attucks Children’s Center, Inc., a founding member of the Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School Black Alumni Organizations, and overseer of the New England Region Anti-Defamation League. He has received numerous civic and professional awards throughout the years in recognition ofhis tremendous contributions to the Greater Boston community. We hope you will join us for this remarkable evening, as we honor Flash for his leadership and commitment to the Greater Boston community.” Res Ipsa Loquitor!

Parting shot: Well here we are, 2010, 45 years out, in our late 60s, and some are leading the ways of change, and some are mourning the winds of change. Some of us really are playing the “back nine” and some of us are struggling to start over once more hoping to get it right this time. Isn’t life interesting and has anyone in recorded history been as fortunate as us to have lived in this time and in this place? So, be grateful, eat 5 servings of fresh fruit and veggies every day, floss, take a walk with the ones you love and stayfullyengaged in the struggle ofyour choice. As the ROC would say, Cheers, Rick

on a telecon/WEBEX. No, I don’t feel like (or look like, or get paid like) George Clooney; but at least I’m not dodging Icelandic ash clouds—yet. When I referred to “WEBEX”, I began to wonder how many of you all actually use that, or even know what it is. It started me thinking (and you know how dangerous that could be) about all of the new technologies that we have now for staying in constant contact. There’s Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Utube, some IPod apps, and a bunch of other things that will be invented between the time I write this and the time you read it. After some exhaustive research (asked my kids), I came to the conclusion that there really aren’t many people that I want to connect with five times a day to tell them that I went to Lowes, the doctor, Walmart, and Dairy Queen. So, instead of using those shallow, ubiquitous, constant contact technologies, I will continue with this quarterly, in-depth, and very personal newsletter.

Greg Swanson and some hearty classmates took off on a great skiing adventure this winter. Greg’s report is as follows:

Sabre Society Donors

“As a pre-Winter Olympic Red Tag demonstration of ex-fighter jock recklessness, seven ’66ers convened in Colorado in January to set new altitude, airspeed, and storytelling records for our age group. We succeeded in one of those (guess which one?).

“Armed with helmets and TriCare for Life, we attempted to pursue Jim Tilley, ace ski instructor (current occupation) and test pilot (in the long and distant past), down the slopes of Copper, Breck, Keystone, and Vail. Jim’s idea of a good run is something that resembles the cadet chapel roof. Not wanting to leave his classmates to the mercy of the slopes, he offered helpful tips, like “don’t fall” and “see you at the bottom.” Luckily, Ed DiBello, who is a member of the ski patrol in New Mexico, offered to supervise the Search and Rescue effort in the likely event that it would be needed. To ensure that the storytelling part ofthis adventure was not eclipsed by the pain and sheer terror of the physical activities, Dale Elliott brought a large and magnificent sampler from his beverage inventory in Denver.

Ryan Denny

1635 Mary Todd Lane

O’Fallon, IL 62269

H: (618) 624-4255

W: (314) 232-5117

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

Greetings Redtags! Once again, I’m up in the air, on my way to a set of meetings that require my pretty face in person instead of my whiney voice

From left, GeoffEgge, Dale Elliott, Greg Swanson, Jim Tilley, Ed DiBello preparefor a day on the slopes. (Dale is the smart one—no skis and a hat!)

“The Copper task force then attacked Ed Sullivan’s incredible lodge that he calls SunBreck. This “little cabin in the mountains” sits at 10,500 feet altitude and is roughly the size ofFarish Memorial. Dick Watsonjoined the formation there, giving Sexy Sixth squadron a numerical advantage, with four of the seven skiers, including Dick, Sully, Geoff Egge, and me. Fighter pilot/flight surgeon/physician Pete Nash (also of 6th) wanted to join us but he said that he doesn’t acceptTriCare. In addition, he wasn’t sure any of us would be worth repairing, even ifhe agreed to do some pro bono work.

“With extraordinary luck, just as in our F-4 days, we came through unscathed, but the only pictures we have are ordinary and boring, as you can see. Obviously, we are past the years of embarrassing TDY escapades (at least that what our wives think!).”

On the deck at SunBreck: Ed DiBello, Ed Sullivan, Jim Tilley, Dick Watson, GeoffEgge, and Greg Swanson. (Not an ideal contrastgray hair, gray skies - but no movie stars here anyway.)

Sabre Society Donors

Class News

Mike Connors, whose name we misspelled in the last article (notice how we use the editorial “we” when we screw up?), is enjoying the retired x 3 life. After 26 years in the Air Force, he worked as a contractor in DC for six years on arms control issues. Mike says that he learned that trade in J-5 in the ’80s working on the INF Treaty. As a contractor, he worked for the Navy, DTRA, and the State Department. When they did away with the dual comp rules, he went to workfor Civil Service and worked on arms control again in the Air Force back on the Air Staff in the Pentagon. Mike was in the Pentagon on 9/11 when the terrorist plane hit. In 2006, he retired one more time and now “concentrates on woodworking, shooting and keeping a sharp eye on them democrats”.

Dave Marcrander is still part of the active work force, working for the commercial aircraft sector of Boeing in the Seattle area. He manages a group of folks who work for Boeing but represent the FAA, approving and testing all new Boeing aircraft. He claims to be seriously considering full retirement, as soon as the new Boeing 787 and 747-8 freighter complete their FAA certification. Dave and family love the Northwest and seem to have settled in there for the long run. His two daughters andthree grandchildren live in the area—which tells me that he’s not going anywhere else.

Our classmate and friend, Bob Janco, passed away in March and was buried at USAFA on 23 April. Our Air Force careers didn’t intersect anywhere, but I still remember flying around the country with him in those old C- 124s on our ZI field trip. We were in the same Group, so we did a lotoffun (and dumb) things together, way backthen. We will miss him.

Keep those e-mail and pictures coming. Until next time... Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

’67 Class Input

Ah, springtime again - trees are budding, grass is greening, my dogs need extra brushing, time to put away the skis, winter clothes, etc and dig out the shorts, golf clubs etc. It is also Checkpoints time - so away we go!

Another social networking connection: Bruce McDonald and I are now FB buddies. From a note describing recent activities: “Now that we’re settied back home in Colorado we’re appreciating the retired lifestyle more and more. We have lots of family in the area, including a pretty good local representation from the Seagram’s 6707 family. Two of our three grandchildren live near us, and we enjoy having time together with them frequently... Stormy is doing beautifully... after the accident we had in Bulgaria. We still like to dance and go for walks together, and she is active with a support organization as a ‘peer visitor’ going to see new amputees in hospitals and showing them that life goes on. We went down to Louisiana once a few years ago and did some (pretty demanding) hurricane damage repair work with a group called “Rebuilding Together.” We’re thinking of doing that again this summer. She is on the Board ofthe local chapter ofReturned Peace Corps Volunteers, and we participate in a couple of book clubs and a “Great Decisions” discussion group. I’m working part time, writing and editing content for Internet clients. It gives me an answer to the question that always comes up with retirees, about where all the time goes.” Thanks, Bruce, for your info - and the continued service ofboth you and Stormy.

Sabre Society Donors

Ken Sproul is back inAfrica - here is some ofhis message: “I just returned to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 1 week ago with a plan to be here for 3 months. As many of you know, I returned from southern Africa... about 3 years ago... About 6 months... after returning to the U.S., I moved to Bloomington, Indiana to teach Human Anatomy and Physiology at a community college there... soon again after that I moved... to Brazil (Indiana)...” (to assist with raising his grandson.) “...I decided that this wasan excellent time to come back to Africa. I am taking four months away from the online college where I am teaching and returned to Ethiopia with four main objectives: 1. To do volunteer work at the Missionaries of Charity adult hospice here in Addis... 2... exploring... obtaining a teaching position that would allow me to return here to Ethiopia again long-term... 3.1 am also starting my second book... 4.1 am also praying lots and lots that HE will let me know what I should do with the next fewyears.. .1 will write again sometime soon. And, as I said whenever I was overseas before, I would love to hear from any/all ofyou who care to write!” And, in a truly small- world situation -"... 1 just had coffee and lunch here in Addis Ababa with David VanWagenen... younger brother of our classmate George. .who lives in Colorado Springs! Someone please tell him “Hello” from David and from me.” So - from Da

vid and from Ken, in Ethiopia Hi George!

Tough news about one of us Gerry Corwin is recovering from a stroke. Here is recent status update from Pete Knepell:... “Gerry is still doing well. By his assessment, things are not improving as fast as they were in the first fewweeks but he is still improving. He said that he has to “keep patient and persevere” since those are his words, I think he’s got the right mind-set... Gerry is on-line and would love to hear from you all. (g@gerrycorwin.com) The big surprise is that he started a blog to recount his journey. Ifyou want to keep up, see: http://gerrycorwin.blogspot.com/. The site is complete with photos and videos...”

No huge surprise, but some of the hospital and care experiences were not great. Pete added some rules of thumb for hospitalized patients and their families, borne of the Corwin experience:

1. Hospitalized patients MUST have a patient advocate who is independent ofthe system and who is alert and assertive.

2. If you are a patient advocate, keep a log and let everyone know that you are keeping the log.

3. The patient advocate or the patient should carefully monitor the medication prescribed and delivered.

4. Do not allow the hospital to discharge you until you are certain that you have received all of the care that is appropriate as an in-patient.

5. BEFORE you are discharged, know what is covered by insurance after your discharge. (Blow this one and it could cost you a fortune!)

6. DO NOT PAY ANY BILLS WITHOUT A COMPLETE STATEMENT. DO NOT ASSUME that your secondary insurance will pay for things that your primary insurance company will not cover. (Blow this one and it could cost you a fortune!)

7. If you qualify for Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance, you should seriously consider purchasing a policy. (Blow this one and it could cost you a fortune!)

8. IfMedicare or Tricare fail you, do not hesitate to contact your Congress person.

Crappy that we are in age group, health, and insurance situations, etc that make such information important to us all. I think that many would attest that - it is.

Pat Finnegan andothers wrote of a website that may be of interest to many of us --http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm. It is “... a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam War with the names, bios and other information on our lost comrades. It is a very interesting link, and those who served in that timeframe and lost friends or family can look them up on this site... it should show you a picture of the person or at least his bio and medals...”

You may recall that our class gift from our past reunion was the Class of ’67 Carillon Project. Some pledges for that gift remain unfulfilled, and there is an additional about $10K outstanding. The AOG’s project officer is Al Burrell. If any of you made pledges and stopped receiving pledge payment reminders and want them reinstated, please email or call him directly, at al.burrell@aogusafa.org or office phone 719.472.0300, ext. 115, or cellular (available evenings and weekends) 702.204.9676.

Absent other available class info or pics - here are some Wilson notes: I had the recent opportunity to spend some time as “grand nanny” for my 7 - month- old granddaughter. Yes, you understand correctly: For several days over two weeks, I was the only person in the house with the lucky (?) child.And yes, I did have a few cobwebs to dust offfrom my own not-veryrecent child-rearing experience. But I found that many things were mostly unchanged, and Emma and I had a great time playing with her and her toys, reading her books, taking naps and springtime walks, etc. I will treasure those memories forever. If any ofyou have that opportunity with your grandkids - jump on it. Also - Pat and I went on a delayed-anniversary Caribbean cruise earlier this year. We had a dandy time. One of our routines was to drink the local beer at each port. I took a ’67 hat on the trip - and here is a “we were there...” pic:

■‘" iut-L''Jsi\ftl$fe&’ '<(3sk.

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

Class Website: wwwl.usafa68.org

HELLO ’68!! Is this a great country or what?! One political party wants to give me a stimulus check, the other wantsto cut my taxes, and a whole bunch of neighbors carrying signs just invited me to tea! Could life get any better than this?!

FOUNDERS DAYWITH THE CHIEF: Whilst celebrations for the founding of our alma mater were occurring throughout Checkpoints Land this past April, your DC-based crew had the pleasure ofjoining our Chief of Staff andhis bride, General Norty and Suzie Schwartz, at Maggiano’s Restaurant in Tysons Corner, Virginia for a great meal and thoughtful presentation on the legacy of USAFA’s Long Blue Line. After citing a host of graduates’ honors and accomplishments in America, around the world, and outer space during the past 56 years, General Schwartz emphasized the need for our graduates to provide the wherewithal for our Academy to remain a top educational institution that produces Air Force officers of the highest moral character and integrity. He said we are lagging far behind our sister service academies in giving back to the institution that gave us our start in adult life and we need to come together as a graduate community to preserve the greatness of our Academy. In addition to formal proceedings, we had spirited conversations about politics, the wars in the “Great Sandbox,’’ work, and grandchildren. All in all, it was a wonderful evening with dear classmates and friends.

RKand Kathleen Brown in Stars and Stripes.

From Temple, TX, Rayford and Kathleen Brown write, “We had the joy of visiting friends and family in Colorado, Tennessee (where RK, a former Commandant, took part in the celebration of the last officer training class at the Knoxville Airport), Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma.” They are grateful for the life they lead and are celebrating 10 years in the same abode. As Kathleen states, “it’s the longest we have pitched our tent in one place during 26 years in the military, 18 years of retirement (for RK), and 41 years of marriage (to our first draft choices). RK continues to teach flying in and out ofCivil Air Patrol while Kathleen seeks a job opening at theVA Medical Center. In addition, she is communicating with other music therapists about putting together programs for our soldiers and their families at Fort Hood.

Chiming in from Ann Arbor, MI, Ernie and Jo Houghton placed heavy emphasis on quality oflife events with their two married daughters, Marcy and Shana, and their adorable grandchildren, Brodie and Colby. Highlights of 2009 included spending the holidays in Hawaii and relishing in family reunions with Ernie’s mother and father, who are both in good health.

From Universal City, TX, Steve and Henrietta Polk sent holidaygreetings from the Lone Star State. Their home places them in close proximity to their son, Hank, who works as an IT program manager at Randolph AFB; and their granddaughter, Teal, who is completing her senior year at Canyon City High School. As written in their note, “Steve continues to enjoy his board of directors’ work with Sourcefire, Inc.; theDaedalian Foundation (where he presides as National Commander); and the AF Retiree Council (where he serves as the Council’s Co-Chairman). He also teaches an occasional course for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is active in several community groups. Henrietta stays busy with reading, traveling, and looking afterthe house. She likes to spend time on Canyon Lake and on the Guadalupe River and even lets Steve play a round of golf.”

Founders Day with the Chief: L-R: Ladies:Mary Gonda, PollySeifert, Karen Eberhart, Suzie Schwartz, Karla Lamont, and Bonnie Coolidge. Gentlemen: Scribe,John Gonda, Charlie Seifert, Ed Eberhart, Norty Schwartz (USAFA 73), Warren Lamont, and Charlie Coolidge.

BETTER-HALF NEWS: Greg Varhall was elated with the 15 March 2010 Assistant Secretary ofDefense (PublicAffairs) News Release which reported: “Air Force Colonel Linda R. Urrutia-Varhall has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Urrutia-Varhall is currently serving as the senior military assistant to the under secretary of defense (intelligence), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence), Pentagon, Washington, D.C.” To Greg and Linda, a very hearty ’68 congratulations!

MORE RENDERINGSFROM THE HOLIDAYS: With the largest source of our class’ information arriving at “chezScribe” during the Holiday Season, I am digging deeper into the mailbag to bring youup to date on the comings and goings of our fellow ’68ers.

From Hendersonville, NC, our favorite mayor, The Honorable H.T. Johnson, checked in with rhyme in mind. In his own words, “And Henry and Fair, well, another year’s passed; we’re starting to notice, they really go fast. As kids—Christmas Day, why it never would come; yet now it’s upon us, didn’t we just finish one? No matter our blessings, and challenges, too; our hearts are wide open, to your families and you.” Within the poetry were happy notes about daughter Caroline who managed to stay busy in Hollywood in 2009. Her “gigs” included: a role with TNT in a series called “Dark Blue;” a role as a very happy consumer in a commercial with Ford Motor Company; and a role with HBO in a new series titled “Enlightened.” Finally, H.T. mentioned that Fair is dealing with the effects of Parkinson’s Disease and both of them are maintaining a positive attitude.

From Buffalo, NY, Dave Kozak writes that his wife, Vera, and he are enjoying his retirement from the airlines with the “busy-ness” of their lives now under their control. He also noted that much of the joy for 2009 was overshadowed by the loss of Dave’s mother and former father-in-law (a WWIIB-26 pilot).

Mike and Fran Lawsonfinallypictured in Checkpoints.

After eluding class columns for more than 40 years, Mike and Fran Lawson surfaced long enough during the USAFA-San Diego State football game last fall to be ambushed byyour friendly, special operations-rated, paparazzi scribe with camera at the ready and Carl Janssen’s assistance to distract them while I snapped the photo. Not even the exploitive national gossip journals could have executed this coup so craftily. Many thanks to Carl, Mike, and Fran for playing along! For those, like me, who have not seen this couple for a while, Mike and Fran hang their hats in comfortable quarters in Stanton, IA. When asked, as in the Field ofDreams movie whether Iowa was like heaven, Mike opined, “It is pretty close.”

THAT’S A WRAP: 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 {Editor’s note:Assume scribe has not noticed that class news photos are now in color!) and in full size by clicking on Scribe’s Page. Ciao for now. Tim

Sabre Society Donors

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle

Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

102177.1033@compuserve.com

Greetings, ’69ers, here at the spring of another year. I trust all are planting gardens, oiling gloves, replacing cleats in golfing shoes, restringing rackets, re-tying fishing lures, and readying to enjoy the summer months.

Because our reunion is now old news, and both not having received much photographic evidence of side groupings of the usual suspects involved in the usual shenanigans as well as having missed the deadline for Checkpoints last time (there’s a story, but in effect, there’s “no excuse, sirs”—my apologies), I’ll just recount a couple highlights.

Class “Dancing with the Stars” entries would be the inimitable Bill Savage paired with Debbie Spencer (Deb says Dave taught her everything she knows); the two cut quite the rug on the crowded dance floor, and with the music, evoked images of 1968 all over again. The “Don’t Play Three-Card Monte with This Guy” Award to Flip Keck, who not only set up a grand golfingoutingenjoyed by all, but also stacked the deck for his own foursome to nearly cement a win! Indeed, with ‘really-low’ handicappers Mike Goode, Craig Collins, and Steve Cherry, even one of us high handicappers (like me!), or JeffTrenton (a tennis player who forgot his racket) would have had a chance (and, as you all know, Flip is a low handicapper his own self, having been instructed in the finer points of the game by Brian “Don’t Hit My Ball” Nelson). In 2019, if Jeff Grime, John Buckner, and Gerry Schwartzel are available to fill out a foursome, there could be some tough competition with Flip’s picks out on the Blue or Silver.

“New Ideas Award” to John and Eva Banbury (John is consulting with Mitsubishi on a new Regional Jet, and worked the reunion into his monthly stints to Japan), who suggested tennis as an alternate reunion activity. I have primarily anecdotal evidence this “cult” gathering actually occurred, and one photograph taken surreptitiously, but I understand all the Class big hitters with still-solid rotator cuffs and intact ACLs were there—including John Brummitt, Steve Kirby, Tom McGrain, Kirk Stewart (15-foot wingspan!), Stan Mars, Rich Metts, and John B, along with some oftheir ladies—andhad a great time. Some CDB-qualitybeverages were allegedly consumed. Afterwards, Brad DeAustin gave the group a tour oftheAthletic Center. So, all you tennis players who have heretofore been in the closet, take heart!

Family ’69 Grows: BruceAndersen and Barbara, newly engaged.

Meanwhile, nearly congruent with our reunion, Les Dyer ran for a highly partisan, politicized position on the Peachtree City Council, during which he encounteredall the best and worst of our electoral system. In the local paper, one citizen compared Les to John Murtha (unfavorably), and another lauded him as follows: “Pilot of one of the fastest, highestflying, coolest planes to ever come out ofthe skunk works shop and a willingness to become a target ofscorn by runningfor public office. He either has a death wish or he’s got the “right stuff”! Unfortunately, despite his having the right stuff, the citizens of Peachtree City didn’t get it, but Les is richer for the experience, and undaunted in continuing to play a prominent public role in his town of residence.

Using the reunion as a training regimen, Dennis Ryll, John Buckner, and Rick Olafson completed “El Tour de Tucson” on 21 Nov. and crossed the finish line together after 108 miles of serious pedaling. The three rode together for the entire century-plus, and report a great time, memorialized in this photo ofthe line-crossing finish. No one knows where other illustrious ’69er riders were for this event, but Steve Kirby, Jimmy Cummings, Chip Ambrose, and Flip Keck, among others might clear calendars for 2010.

Three Musketeers crossfinish line in Tucson. Nicejerseys!

In February, Roy Coppinger set up another great outing on Kona. He & Lindsay, John & Anne Buckner, Ken & Terry Jarvi, Mike & Linda Beezley, Craig & Kathy Collins, and Jean & I spent a week dining-in (extravagantly) with extraordinary weather, telling tall tales, wondering if Tom Fleming had passed the bar (he did, natch!), and of course abstaining from the evils of adult beverages, golfing, and snorkeling.

’69Athletic CultMembers gather in Secret!

Of course, the big event of the grand dining soiree was the surprise (but for any who have partied together with them, not such a surprise) engagement of Bruce “Crud-Stud” Andersen to the lovely Barbara Good, shown at the top of the next column immediately after the proposal. Bruce, you are indeed a lucky man. Your classmates are honored you would share the special occasion with us, and thrilled mightily she said “yes.”

And, as always, superlatives are inadequate to express the gratitude the Class owes Reunion Chairman Glenn Schlabs, and Vice-Chair Steve Edelman, and the entire Committee ofJohn Dallager, Mike Guyote, GaryHowe, Ron Hindmarsh, Flip Keck, Ber Reiter, Art Schwall, Tom Baumgardner, and John Young. Special thanks also to the AOG’s Jennifer Ganzler, who, with Gary, liaised as necessary. The time and effort necessary to pull all the loose strings together, to keep over 600 Type-As, all ofwhom know best, on the same general page, and deliver over-the-top agendas with something for everyone, and every time, are extensive, and the results ever-non-pareil. Hopefully, we don’t wear them out, as we’d be RPVs sans GPS without them. Huge thanks to all ofyou from all of us.

Sabre Society

Kona, 2010

then across the northern tier, before returning to Hilton Head sometime in August. He is with racket, scaring up tennis games as he travels, so if you see a largish vehicle pull up in frontof your house, and find the doorbell ringing for the ever-popular “hospitality check” so common to our on-base lives of so long ago, then expect John’s smiling face in your doorframe. Dust offyour racket—he’s good!

Around the Horn. In March, Tommy Love was through DC lobbying the Hill in behalf of hyperbaric medical services. Darrel Whitcomb, now author of three important works ofhistorical importance and continuing tactical relevance, continues to assemble information for his next book, and recentlyspoke with Clay Bailey. Clay, doing fabulously, has relocated from Kentucky, and now resides in Tampa, where he is surrounded (among other things) by the rigors and challenges of GrandFatherdom.

Ron and Ruthie Marcotte are preparing to decamp from Florida for their lake home in Arkansas. Jerry Ball, Gary Lindner, and Dick White continue holding down San Antonio for the Class, with Rocky Van Zelfden doing the same up in Austin. Tom Allen has departed the Institute for Defense Analysis to head the analysis shop on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon—bigJob, big brain! And, Bob Bell has a new key position in NATO—more on that when I understand it better!

Sad News. In closing, please take a moment to reflect on your classmates, those with whom you share one ofthe closest of life’s bonds, probably for most the closest other than those directly blood-related. At least two ’69ers are now in fierce fights against the ravages of time, Rusty Spradling battling esophogeal cancer and the problems attendant thereto, and Charlie Weinert battling his heart condition, complications from which nearly took him down and out, as he related to me on the phone. Many of those mentioned elsewhere in this write-up, as well as Butch Henkelman, Gerry Brown, Gobi Dessert, Gerry Schwartzel, and especially Roger Hartman, among others, have been in contact with Rusty, who was, per Roger, espedally heartened by John Brummitt’s visit. Jeff Posner and Jim Petek and many, many others have been in direct contact with Charlie. If you have time and inclination, I’m sure bothwould love to hear from you (Charlie at clweinert@mindspring.com, 817-675-6467[cell]; Rusty at vegasvgl@ gmail.com, 702-497-2747[cell], 702-898-9414[home]) and your solidarity in thoughts and prayers for them would be most welcome.

Finally, we are all saddened deeply to learn of Tom Mikolajcik’s suecumbing after his 6 Vz year battle with ALS, passing to the eternal on 17 April. The outpouring of thoughts and remembrances from the Class has been extraordinarythough unsurprising in light ofthe powerful differences he made in all he did, before and after the diagnosis. The Charleston paper (http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/18/advocate-foughtfor-others/) chronicles superbly Tom’s many accomplishments and selflessness as an advocate for others, much ofwhich he undertook after 2003. Tom’s name and memory will live on and touch the lives of those who follow, and he is an exemplar for that which our Class stands. We are all better for having known him. Hand Salute, Classmate. Godspeed.

Would appreciate all cards, letters,e-mails, pictures (even with the limit, I eventually work most of them in!). Take care, all, until next time. Lindsey

Dick Rauschkolb

130 Luxury Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 761-5764

Cell: (719) 310-6928

Email: A0G70@comcast.net

Richard Rauschkolb@usafa.edu

“It’s a screw job Seventy!” Those immortal words yelled some 43 years ago in F-l by Bill Manning have become our unofficial class motto and will no doubt be discussed and uttered in many conversations at our 40th Class Reunion next fall. Hard to believe that here in April, I am writing the last class news you will see before we gather for the Reunion. Dave Gaw deserves mega-kudos for leading the effort to make sure this is the best Reunion yet. Gary Dahlen has devoted countless hours working on our class gift project and we all owe him a deep debt of gratitude.

By the time you read this, registration information should be available on the AOG web site (www.usafa. org). Please encourage all the classmates you know to come. If you know classmates who did not graduate or prep schoolers who did not attend the Academy, please invite them as well. All of us share some special experiences and bonds that deserve to be remembered together.

We are $300K short of our funding goal for our class gift—the SEA Memorial Pavilion. We broke ground for the facility last week and we expect to pour the concrete foundation next week. The Academy is very excited and the Supt has been very supportive ofthis great project. The AOG has allowed us to proceed without full funding based on our assuranc-

es that we would raise the funds and fulfill previous pledges. So I am again pleading with all ofyou to make a donation. This is our last major gift and it will serve as a memorial to all graduates who supported, served in, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the SEA Conflict. Nine of our classmates fall into the latter category. Who knows what those men might have accomplished in their lives had they not left us far too early?We owe it to them and almost 150 other graduates who died there to memorialize the first conflict Academy graduates participated in. General Ron Yates, ’60—the Father ofthe Heritage Trail--said this project is the best gift any class has ever given to the Academy and vividly illustrates what is possible to future classes. It behooves all of us to reach deep and make the project a reality for our Reunion.

Breaking Groundfor the SEA Memorial Pavilion.

I went to the lastAOG Board Meeting in February and was most impressed with the new members ofthe Board. I was also pleased that the Endowment and the AOG reached a mutually beneficial resolution of their differences and past acrimony and bitterness have been put aside as both organizations pledge to work together to benefit today’s cadets and the graduate community. Kudos to Wild Bill Stealey for his leadership on the Board.

BEAT NAVY—our #1 goal for the Reunion. I went to several spring practices and saw a lot of good things. Defensive backfield looks great and we will have more speed on offense. Need to replace the offensive line and get some of our key linebackers healthy after off-season surgery. Tim Jefferson (QB) and Asher Clarke (RB) will again be the keys to our offensive success. My prediction—probably 8-4 with losses to Oklahoma (yes that Oklahoma!), BYU, TCU, and Utah. Hopefully, the Class of Seventy can guarantee a victory over Navy at its Reunion! On my most optimistic days, I think maybe we could go 10-2 byupsetting BYU who we play in our second game at home (good timing) and Utah which is also a home game.

On the NBA front, Gregg Popovich met with group of Seventy men after a game in Orlando. Mick and Jan Davey, Critt Hughes (apologies to Critt for referring to him as Critt Crittendon in thelast two issues!), GaryBaxter, and Ernie Leigh met at John Rankin’s house where they were fed a great spread by Janet Rankin. After lots of war stories and a few adult beverages, they went to the game and saw Popo after the contest.

Heard from Wild Wood Woodhead that Ken Green made a great presentation about theTomb of the Unknown Soldier and Mike Blassie’s connection to it. Wild Wood also said George Keys is recovering nicely from some work on his ticker. Thoughts and prayers to Mike Lyons as he battles a serious illness. Marilyn is doing great and we again thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

Woody and Yogi Royce set up a gathering of Seventy Men in DC to celebrate the Anniversary of our 100th Night. Too bad BGen Robin Olds wasn’t

Sabre Society Donors

Popo Scouts Seventy Men for Potential Tim Duncan Replacement. From left are Ernie Leigh, Janet Rankin, John Rankin, Critt Hughes, Popo, Andrea Hughes, Gary Baxter, Mick andJan Davey.

there to share the war stories from that very memorable evening. My Dad who was an AF Lt Col said after watching our antics before and after dinner, “My God—you guys are entering my Air Force in 100 days—heaven help us!” I think seeing a few guys with heads in their dinner plates pushed him over the top. All I remember is we had to chip in a few bucks to buy the O’Club a new carpet. Wonder why?!

th

th Night.

Am trying to work on my sorry golf game, but it is snowing on 22 April! There is no spring in the Rockies! As I recall, it snowed for our Baccalaureate on 31 May 1970. Speaking of snow, Oker O'Connor could not get out of DC to make son Brian’s 100th night ceremony. Tooey Emery attendedthe function and used the words “more sedate than ours” to describe it.We sure are proud of Brian andhis success at USAFA (Supt’s List). Best wishes to him in his Air Force career. I thought Brian would be the last legacy from our class, but I got an email from Angus MacDonald indicating his son was entering this summer with the class of 2014!

Some quick hitters—John and Sue Verardo and Wild Bill and Denise Stealey are new grandparents. Joe Burke has expanded Keuka College’s program in Vietnam (how times have changed!). Greg and Janice Gilles have been hitting the Eisenhower links. John Hale is the new Director of Communications for the Veteran’s Administration. George Cato sent some great pictures of our cadet days. Ifyou have pictures send them to me and we will try to show them at Reunion. Phil Meilinger gave a great talk at the Harmon Memorial Lecture on Lt Gen Harmon. Buy Phil’s book—fascinating story of the Academy’s first Supt. We are trying to get Doc Dougherty, Dave Sabey, and Ken Noble to come to Reunion to share Prep School stories. Perhaps we can get Othe Kendrick back to talk about eclipses.

AOG extended apologies for overly cropping two pictures in last Checkpoints issue. Apologies to WildWoodand men at Rich Downing’s party and Skip and Jane Penny who were cropped out of the “Seventy Club” picture.

Mike and Carol Brower are retired near Yorktown, Virginia and see Doug and Susan Carlson, Jim and Margaret Andrews, and Chuck and Alice Whitechurch. Mike said Tom and Sandy Rayl were in for a visit and Tom almost sank Mike’s sailboat while trying to dock it.

By the time you read this, I will have had the opportunity to present the OutstandingWrestling Award at graduation. This award is given in honor of Dick Christy and I am honored that Terry and Janet (Dick’s sister) Silvester asked me to present it this year.

Lineup your foursomes for the Reunion Golf Tournament and have a great summer. Hope to see you all in September!

BEAT NAVY!

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 594-0100

E-mail: pk71knott@gmail.com

Standing: Rob Schultz (20th Sqdn) finally retired! Commissioned in the Navy, he was determined to pursue a career as a carrier pilot with dreams of medical school and becoming an astronaut. After a most illustrious career as a Naval Aviator and physician, he retired from his last duty as Command Surgeon for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific. At Camp Smith, HI, overlooking Pearl Harbor with Diamond Head on the horizon, he was honored with a parade of Marines and Sailors, the MARFORPAC band, and several hundred guests from Maine to Japan. Other zoomies attending included Don Motz (’68), Mike “O” Collins (‘72), Sean Murphy (‘81) and Wes Palmer (‘94). Rob leaves us a legacy of courageous and selfless service with significant DOD, international, and community leadership. Proud parents of three and grandparents of four, Rob and his bride’ Becky (fromVinton, VA) have accepted positions with Geneva (Switzerland) based Global Hope Network International providing humanitarian aid to the hidden, hurting, and overlooked people groups primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Email is rob.schultz@ghni.org. Congratulations, Rob and Becky!”

When it’s springtime in the Rockies, the temps are either in the seventies or the twenties, but the wind is always there.

I mentioned last time that Judy Curry was going in for major back surgery. I’m glad to report that she came through this one in much better shape than her first time.

Here is a question for the class: Who was the last of us to retire from active duty? Capt USN, (Ret.) Rob Schultz hereby stakes his claim. “Last Man

The Schultzfamilyafter Rob’s retirement.

Have you ever “Googled” yourself? I think that most of us have done so. How about checking yourself out on Wikipedia? As of right now, the only one of our classmates that I know of who has a Wikipedia listing is Darryl Wimberley. Ifyou have one, I’d be interested in knowing about it.

Van Landry was nice enough to send me a belated Christmas card. “Now, the kids, who are not kids any more, they are older and are pretty good and ‘almost smart’. Alex will be finishing next semester at McNeese State University at Lake Charles, LA. Rose Marie is working at the new restaurant in Scott, LA. She changed her job (and life). Nick & Lauren are still in Georgia working on with her PhD and they will go to Pennsylvania for 9 months. They will be back to Louisiana 2011. We hope. Perhaps, we will have some grandchildren by 2049 for my 100 years old birthday. Maybe!

“In January '10, Michelle and I decided to find a house; of course even our ‘New Orleans’ apartment, with its 29 steps on the stairs, is great, but... (Right now, our health is better as the apartment works us up-and-down. You know!) Now, we looked for a house we would like to live in the north area in Crowley. We saw a nice house that was great outside (!), but inside (?) Then, we saw a small house that is older (!) but remodeled inside that is WOO (!)... WE BOUGHT THE HOUSE (small house but big yard). That 468 Fairway Drive house was owned by a man and his wife who want the newer, large house in 3 Doris Circle. What is really funny is that the house theybought was once ours, until 2006!

“And now my health... Guess what my heart was doing? Well, on the front ofit was going “BEEP, BEEP, BEEP ”, not ’’beep, beep, beep, beep, ...” Then on the back I was going “beeeP, beeeR beeeeeP... Cool! Man! So,

Seventy Men Celebrate 40

Anniversary of 100

From left in the front row are Yogi Royce, Dave Sterling and Doug Norton. In the back row are Angus Mac Donald, Andy Patton, John Pomeroy, Mick Rosenblatt, Doug Carlson, Mike Kelley, Doc Waskow, Rex Riley, Greg Woodhead and Marc Coitnoir.

The LastMan Standing? Rob Schultz’ retirement ceremony.

Sabre Society Donors 35

Dr. Valentino spent an hour on me in our Lafayette General for the front of my heart. Then I had to go to the hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes, to beat my heart even better by Dr. Welch. His team worked on my heart for 3 hours and I watched them working! His team is very, very good. I’m Back.

“Michelle and I have been out taking care for Mom. But, Michelle has still worked, three days a week, putting the food bank in the Christian Care here in Crowley. Now, she is also taking care of my mother-in-law Rose Marie, John, and me. (I like her, my mother-in-law, but don’t tell anyone that I love her too.) So, we are well. We pray the Lord will work with us as we are keepinggoin’.” As you may remember, Van had a pretty severe stroke a couple of years back. It’s good to hear from hear from him, with his new trademark “I’m Back!” GBA

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Gentlemen!!

Here you go with yet another chapter in the continuing saga of our class, although only a few outposts were heard from; something for you to peruse, just the same.

Once again the Multiple Sclerosis Society is the big winner when David Tumino gets involved. Not only did he train for and complete the 2010 BP MS 150 riding from Houston to Austin, TX on 17-18 April 2010 but his pledged donation totals were among the largest of allthe listed donors of the groups with whom he participated. This year was the 26th anniversary of the event and the NINTH time for David to ride. Last year he rode as #210 of Club 300 while this year his place was #123. His personally raised and gifted totals last year were $11,000 plus an additional $600 from a rain-shortened 2009 Valero MS 150 going from San Antonio to New Braunfels, TX in October. This year his goal is $12,000 even as tough economic times prevail. He proudly joined in as a member of country music star Clay Walker’s team - Bike Against MS (BAMS) along with 13000+ other cyclists in the 2-day event. Even now, afterwards, donations (tax-deductible and employer matchable) can still help. Go to David’s personal page on the MS website (main.nationalmssociety.org) and follow the link (/goto/DavidTumino2010BPMS150) to contribute, or even send a check via snail mail direct to his home address. Big hearts out there can make a difference! Thanks to David for caring in such a heartfelt way and doing something about it!

When not in retirement mode as an AME (FAA Aviation Medical Examiner) in the Kansas City area, Allen Parmet puts on his fatigues and goes to play armywith the NDMS (National Disaster Medical System) on weekends as a volunteer doctor. This has resulted in a few all-expense-paid trips to places not many would want to visit. His participation in emergency aid to Haiti following the recent earthquake explains a lot ofwhat he and professionals like him did there. Allen describes here an exchange (edited to fit and in layman’s terms) he had with some folks highly critical of that aid in which he played an active role:

“Ifyou want to be a fireman, you need to go to fireman school and train to be a fireman and work with other firemen as a team. You can’t just show up at a fire with your garden hose. I spent two weeks in Haiti in January 2010 as part of a deployment of Reservists with the USPHS (Public Health Service) consisting off about 50 DMATs (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) along with three IMSuRTs (International Medical Surgical Response Team) and seven Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Teams. We are trained and equipped to operate in the field, fully independently for two weeks without re-supply.

“The single runway at the Port-au-Prince international airport had no taxiway or radar before the quake, and a 747 could not exit the runway, having to unload there, blocking the airport until it left, by the waywith no fuel available onsite. For the first three days there was no organization in place until the US Military arrived per UN and Haitian approval. They quickly provided a radar approach and security for the airport with assistance from Canada and Brazil. An extremely limited ramp space allowed only up to 4 C-130s, a C-17 and a commercial jet. All others had to park on the grass. Holding patterns were long and sometimes flights had to divert, not able to find space to land and park.

“About 40 countries sent rescue teams, specialists from all over the world including medical, electrical and fuels teams. The entire electrical grid served only lA of Haiti prior to the quake and none after. It was rebuilt starting from scratch for the rescue, allowing for the provision offood, water and other necessities of life. The U.S. NDMS team members had to be fitted and trained with respirators, have current vaccinations and antimalarial meds in order to make the trip.

“Coordination with other teams and military units was accomplished with much of the interaction being with the Haitians who provided assistance in translation, litter-bearing, cleaning, follow-up care and treatment. All national agencies involved were approved by the government of Haiti working with the UN and other nation’s personnel. Most patient transfers were to the USNS Comfort (hospital ship) offshore. In short the operation had good security, good partners and austere facilities.”

With the rotation out of his unit, Allen saw the refugees adjacent to the airport fence lined up and applauding his team, confident that they were not abandoned and were being helped. They showed their gratitude and bravery in their response to a massive catastrophe. This was just the latest of many deployments for the NDMS such as Hurricane Katrina and flood and ice storm areas in Missouri and elsewhere. There were many stories, anecdotal in nature, regarding this major world event - thank you, Allen, for your report as well as personal dedication to your fellow man around the world.

What started out as retirement from American Airlines a few years back changed recently for Tim Whitlock who decided to go back to work in a different way. Enjoying the good life awhile and putting on 10 pounds in the process helped him decide it was time to strap on a privately owned MD-80 and start flying again on a gig ofuncertain duration, but interestingjust the same. Tim says his re-qualification was in DFW in the AA simulators (being back at the “old schoolhouse” was somewhat surreal) but since then he’s been flying to parts of the world that he used to spy on back in his RC-135 days. For example, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski in Russia is an interesting place to refuel. He might even get a chance to meet with Ross Wilhite (of United Airlines) for lunch in Beijing if they can get up on Skype.

The only ambassador in our class, Gary A. Grappo, Minister Counselor for Political Affairs in the US Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq writes to inform us of his recent activity. Gary left his last assignment in Muscat, Oman last June (09) to find himself ensconced in Baghdad since August. His wife, Becky, has remained in Dubai until this summer when they both will finally return to the U. S. after seven years abroad - what troopers! As there are enough grads in Baghdad to start a reunion or maybe even an AOG chapter, Gary reports that alas, he would probably be the oldest one there... Is it too early to say “welcome home?”

Sabre Society Donors

Dr. Al Parmet standing with Haitian patient on Day 22 after the quake who walked out from mountains into Port-au-Prince with a shattered left shoulder, no care in the previous 3 weeks, cleaned up, splinted andflown out to USNS Comfortfororthopedic surgery.

Tim Whitlock standing infrontofhis rich-guy MD-80 with his new-bestfriend who would not loan Tim his hat.

Class News

A memorial service was held in Kalispell, MT on 20 Feb 10 for our classmate, Blake M. Hendrick, graduated with CS-27. Blake passed away on 10 Feb. The family asks that any donations in his memory be made to the USAF Academy. Condolences may be sent to Blake’s family in care of his wife, Shirley. It goes without saying that we all as classmates share in the loss of this fine man, with whom we all went through so many challenges those many years ago. Peace be with you, Blake.

Joe Kahoe

4140 Saddle Rock Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Cell: (719) 210-5568

joekahoe@gmail.com

http://73.texascomputerhelp.com

Class of ’73, please continue to send pictures and stories about your lives... families, careers, retirements, etc. Read the full article at http: / /usafa73.org. VR, Joe Kahoe, CS-07

Mark Stuckley, mstuckley@comcast.nett, 215-295-3364: “Fil Thorn is now doing very well, six months out from his bone marrow transplant for leukemia. In addition to the side effects of the chemotherapy and then the immune suppression drugs he had a rough patch with thedonated cells fighting his body. That’s now being taken care of, and he’s looking at being back at work teaching F-16 sims at Luke AFB next month. Both Kim and Fil really appreciate the literally thousands of postings on their Caring Bridge website (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/filthorn, emails, and calls. The support from classmates was tremendous and helped them through a very difficult time. Fil will be back golfing after he returns to work.”

Sabre

GaryVan Drie wrote: “KD and I have been working on a project for a few years. We hope to see it go DOD- wide maybe this year. My wife, KD, and I with our company Volant Systems LLC, have been working out of Raleigh and Pittsburgh for the last four years with Marine Corps aviation (initially the MV-22s and CH-53s) to install our new way to integrate Operational Risk Management and Crew Resource Management and having a lotof success with it. Check out our web site at: VolantRRM.com. I still fly part time at USAirways. If anyone gets stuck in RDU or PIT, call me and I’ll take you out to the nearest Steelers bar in either RDU or PIT.”

Thanks, Gary L. Van Drie 412-716-7016, gvandriel@flica.net.

Rick Karvosky rickca46@aol.com: “Triple by-pass on 23 Feb... 5 weeks recovering at my brother’s in New Hampshire; recovering and now in LasVegas for 2-3 months for cardio rehab. Not sure ifI’ll return overseas. Mygrandson just competed in a National Math competition in Indianapolis today!”

like they’re continuing to do an outstandingjob over there, despite the political challenges and complex ROE.”

Mike Nishimuta was given a great honor by the Alamo Chapter of AFA (largest in the world) to be chosen as “Member of the Year” for 2009. “I've been helping with the AFA Exposition that we are putting on each January with the AETC Symposium. It is a great partnership, raising funds for AFA Scholarships. BTW, my predecessor for ‘Member of the Year’ 2008 was another guy from a great class Steve Lorenz.”

Rick and Denise Karvosky in Vegas six weeks after his triple by-pass.

Tom Butler (Tiger 10 Huzzah): My son, lLt Brian S. Butler, stationed at Charleston AFB as a C-17 copilot, will be reporting to Altus next week for upgrade to Aircraft Commander. He also has been promoted to Captain, probably pinning on in August.”

Bill Orcutt (billorcutt@aol.com_): “I’m now General Manager, Air 10 Jet Center, Cincinnati, OH, cell 817-578-4280.”

Daughters Stefanie and Jennifer, Steve McDavid,wife,Marty, and mom, Ginny

Steve McDavid: “We were in San Franciso in October. My daughter Jennifer ran the Nike Women’s 1/2 Marathon to raise money for Lymphoma/ Leukemia Society. My older brother, Drew, was diagnosed with NHL (nonHodgkins lymphoma) so she ran for him. He’s in remission. I think a lot about moving backWest. Arizona or Colorado appeal, would love to live in California but $$$!Youngest daughter Lauren graduates from HS next year, so perhaps then...!”

Tom Kennedy from 31st Sq Grim Reapers: “Richard Hayes has joined Atlas Technologies in Charleston SC as their Director of Contracting Atlas is a veteran-owned small business that supports SPAWAR Atlantic, SPAWAR Pacific, and NAVSEA.”

Gen Norty Schwartz, Chief ofStaff, issued his 2010 reading list at: http:// www.af.mil.information/csafreading/index.asp.

From Jim Callard: “Got this recently from LG Deptula. Struck me that some of our AFA classmates may want to stay current on airpower stuff. So please pass along. Dave would also be a good speaker for grads and cadets...” Jim Check it out on our web page.

Bill Ritter: "... retired LTC... retired from Teaching Science at Carroll HS; my wedding and event video business is doing fine for fun and profit. Still coaching gymnastics at Centerville HS. Went to two AF football games this year and donated tickets to Armed Forces Bowl. Falling apart with arthritis, injured shoulders from spotting high school sized gymnasts, and my wonderful wife, Margaret, goes for shoulder surgery for a persistent pain due to a small labial tear in the rotator cuff. My daughter Amber is a starving artist ofthe Manga type. WFRVideo Productions www.wfrvideo.comi (937) 426-5486 Beavercreek, OH.”

StalkerReed reports: Since our son, Chris, lives in Houston, Gerryand I have had a chance to visit the CS-07 locals: Greg Chapman and Brian Jensen.”

Visit to Boeing in March: From left are Bill McKenzie, Bill Roberson, Sully Sullenberger, Bob Frohlich, and Mike Stollings. (These are the four Boeing employees that were USAFA Class 73, along with Sully)

From intercepted emails, it appears the LooseHogs may be planning a mini-reunion around the Navy Game (2 Oct), although Bob and Margie Frohlich will be celebrating their 35th Anniversary in Maui that week. Next alert is in Sept, when they will ask for anyone in C Springs to get together for evening. “As Skip, Bob and Bill know, we will toast and drink beer anywhere.” Jim Western. Cell 727-234-3036

From: BillRothwell (wrothwell@lsiwins.com) “HeyLoosehogs! The class of 1973 continues to shine at the academy! All is well here. Mygranddaughter Eveyjust turned 3... too cute for words. My grandson Parker is 5 and as bright as his dad Ben and mom Emily.”

Recap from Bob Munson’s letter to the class on NCLS: “This year’s NCLS was very successful due, in no small part, to our class. Both our class donation, and class (and spouse) volunteers led by organizers Ron Scott and John Stefonik, provided the margin ofexcellence to this great program. We are very much involved with this program; we started assisting the Center for Character Development with planning last year right through to Ron giving the CCD our formal feedback last week. Much more on our web site!

NCLS Participantsfrom 73: From left are Dale Birch, TedMunsch (Alaska), Mike Smith, Chris Flynn (Texas), “T” Thompson, the Honorable Michael Donley, Ron Scott, Trapper Carpenter, John Stefonik, Paul Freund (DC), and Bob Munson. Attending but not pictured: Steve Dalrymple (Illinois), Joe Kahoe, andMike Mosier.

Found ’73 class ring inscribed “Forever Yours Kristi.” Any info, contact Bob Munson atmunsonl@comcast.net_.

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

E-mail: jbrezovic@comcast.net

Hello Classmates,

Welcome to this part ofthe magazine and life. Input was slight this time. I hope to retell you more on the next issue as we recount events in our lives. One report is from Kurt Steeby. He missed thelast reunion because he was in-processing to the 7th Air Support Operations Squadron at Ft Bliss, TX. He is the Director of Support and an Air Liaison Officer. This is his second recall to active duty. The first was 2001-2005.He adds “The job is outstanding and with daily PT, I am in the best shape I have been in since leaving the Academy.”

could add it to our webpage. I learned that Dino is teaching at the academy. He is the Director of Cyberspace at USAFA. In the mean time, if you feel you would like a copy, send me an email. Also, I acknowledge that the pictures may not be clear, such as the logisticians picture in December. I tried enlarging, but it got blurred. Ifyou wish a copy, send an email.

Kurt: up and at ’em!

Dave Daley is still working with history. He is the person at the head of all DoD mandatory declassification. Dave sent some information from a contact he has. The contact located the program from our graduation and Vice President Ford’s reading copy of his speech. The two documents are in pdf files. The cool thing about the speech copy is that it is substantially annotated in President Ford’s hand writing, which is rare. He was obviously working on the speech up to the last minute. Unfortunately, there were no photos since Vice-President Ford did not have a personal photographer until he became president. I have asked our Dino Schweitzer to see if he

noon meal. Rich

Other reminiscing note. Some of us went through Vandenberg. Well, that place has changed. We went through there with my son and his wife recently. He is with THAAD; she is with the Delta heavy launch. The old Minuteman training area has moved. Homes are remodeled. Our old home on Aspen is now a part of a neighbor’s yard! In Atascadero, the Bernardoz ice cream parlor at the corner is now across the street and is Dr Bernstein’s. Maties’ Tavern is still going by Buelton. The back road from VAFB to Casmaila is closed. The Hitching Post is still there for steak. The melodrama still offers fun entertainment.

Sabre Society Donors

During this last quarter, our class superintendent, Lt General Clark, passed away. On March 17, a service at the AcademyCemetery was held. A P-51 Mustang and an F-16 missing man formation from Luke flew over in his honor during the last note ofthe 21-gun salute. General Clark attended our 30th reunion but for health reasons was unable to attend the 35th He did send his apologies. Dave Daley advised me that General Clark’s account of his POW experience is available at amazon.com and the title is “33 Months as a POW in Stalag Luft III: AWWII Airman Tells his Story.” Those of us who met him on professional or non-duty occasions will long remember and admire his devotion to the United States and desire to better prepare the cadets for leadership. All of us may have some chance to provide strong leadership and superior support to better our country.

May each ofyou live long and prosper.

Jeff Chappell

14729 Birken St. Herriman, UT 84096 (801) 878-HOWDY jtmjbda@sbcglobal.net

Reunion Dates: 6-10 Oct 2010, football vs. CSU. Remember our goal: 75% attendance. Tweak the classmates who have yet to attend a reunion and let them know how much fun these events are!

Congratulations! Jim Carlson rejoined the married ranks in Hawaii on 24 Feb with classmates Joe Kahiapo and Rick Douglas in attendance. Rick

Renew memory: Inside Mitch’sfrom the Reunion.

After

Bowman is the tall one on the left.

Class News

hosted our Fearless Leader and his new bride, Sarah, when they had to evacuate their hotel during the tsunami warning. Sounds like an exciting honeymoon!

Earthquakes in diverse places: Ebola Bill Lyerlyreported from Haiti, and Marc Isabelle was one ofmany impressed by Gen Doug Fraser’s briefing on TV following the event, outlining the military role in recovery operations.

Hernan Echaurren-Vial’s first-hand account of the temblor in Chile: ...one of thekids got hit by a falling brick from a building... The most amazing thing was the extent of the area hit by the earthquake in addition to its magnitude and duration; it was as if you’d hadhad an earthquake hitting from San Diego to San Francisco. In Santiago the earthquake was around magnitude 8, several times worse than Haiti’s (7.0). And it went on and on and on; it was pretty awesome but actually I never got scared, just perplexed and mesmerized... Chile is well prepared for earthquakes and pretty much things in Santiago are already back to normal; there is no damage in our house at all, just a few things fell and broke. We have allthe utilities running and the streets all cleared. The worst hit in Santiago was the airport terminal, a couple of bridges in the new turnpikes and a couple of new buildings seem to be damaged. We do not knowyet how badly some of the smaller towns around the epicenter are doing; since most ofthe houses there are adobe, they should be pretty much been razed... the bigger towns around the epicenter did pretty bad too, specially their adobe construetions... It’s going to be expensive to rebuild the damage but I think it won’t be crippling for the country.

Sabre Society Donors 20

From theLand Down Under, John Venable said the “tsunami” in Australia and New Zealand rose only about a meter. Those of us on higher, more stable ground are glad you’re all safe!

Dark Ages Parties: The DC area crowd continued its tradition with its 10th DAP, joined by the first San Antonio area DAP hosted by Buck and Suzie Rogers. DC DAP organizer Greg Schmitt secured a great venue (Capital City Brewery). This year’s theme: Tropical, hence the Hawaiian shirts, shades (and in Greg’s case, shorts and sandals).

Highlights: Carlson got roasted with a slideshow by Mike Anderson, who was in turn chosen (out of a hat) to be next year’s organizer (Carlson denies any charges of retribution); Perry Lamy flew out from Dallas, winning the longest-distance-traveled-by-air prize; two First-Timers attended: MartyStytz, our class webmaster (see his work at http://www.usafaclasses. org/1975/) and Jim Foster, who won the longest-distance-traveled-by-vehide prize; Lyerly, Jerry Manthei, and Carlson represented other-service backgrounds (Army, Navy, and Navy, respectively); All previous DAP organizers were present, notably Dan McCorry, the who made the first 7 happen and has never missed a DAP; A1 Bready, the DAP 2008 organizer, wore what looked like either longjohns or pajamas, but still looked like Mr. GQ; Bob Awtrey, the DAP 2009 organizer, came all the way from western badlands ofVirginia along with Rod Gunther.

Joe May and Walt Burns drove up from Virginia Beach; Carlson had sense enough to introduce his bride, Sarah, to his other “dependents;” three retired classmate AF Generals attended (Dale Waters, Lamy, Duane Lodrige), along with government VIPs Steve Pitotti and Bill Lyerly, and the Usual Suspects: Phil Saenger, Hugo Posey, TerryYoung, Bill Davis, Jim Hartney, John Sullivan, Bob Akers, Bill Dalson. Reunion Merchandise subcommitteechairman Dean Cox polled everyone regarding the final design of our class coin; continuing the tradition, we toasted our GBNF at 1975 hours, and Lyerly proposed a special toastto our classmates running the post-earthquake efforts in Haiti, Doug Fraser and Duane Jones. It was a fantastic, mellow, not-to-be-missed evening for everyone. This is how friendships last for 3-and-a-half decades! (Note the tucked in aloha

- old Zoo habits dieslow and hard deaths.)

down

in Europe, evading, being captured, two years in Stalag Luft III, the camp made infamous in “The Great Escape,” helping with the tunnel “Harry” before being liberated. Unlike in the movie, Americans were rotated out of that compound before finishing “Harry” and no American airmen escaped. Pop may be 90, but when the camera came on, he was right back there and shares with us the feelings and sights andsounds of an experience few can imagine, or would want to. I’m sending a copy to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project (http://www.loc.gov/vets/). If any of you guys have fathers still around who served, get down their stories! The Permanent POW exhibit at the Air Force Academy will also get a copy so future generations of cadets will get an idea of a world so different, and of the men and women who saved us all with their sacrifices. I’m trying to find someone to host the movie so I can upload it and get a link to any of the guys in the class who might want to see it. (Anyone out there with a way do that?) There are some moving moments in there that anyone who’s served can appreciate. Sounds fascinating, Mark--maybe we could show it as a reunion event?

Mark Holmes and his dad.

Another good read: Bob Marr co-stars in the book, “Touching History,” about 9/11. (Scribe recalls an issue ofAW&ST mentioning Bob, Bob Knauff, and John Czabaranek and their roles in the USAF response to 9/11.)

Fame and Fortune: Dave Jannetta has made an amazing career in industry and government service, and shares that through a distinguished lecturer series via the USAFA endowment. Congratulations and thanks, Dave!

More Second Generation Zoomies: Don Henney has 2007 and 2009 grads in his family. Your humble servant ran into Bruce Hopkin he showed me pictures of his doolie daughter who made varsity cheerleader.

Happy Birthday to Rich Finke (5 July excellent date selection, Rich! Be sure to thank your parents and congressman).

Around the system: Bill Schuessler, Bill Lyerly, Bob Hickcox, Mike Gudmundson had a mini-reunion in MSP Bill Caskey made time for Lunch with the Scribe during a PBI layover. Raider Ramstad reports running into Steve Lerum somewhat regularly, as Scribe does with John Kearns, John Dailey, andWayne Willis.

Look for more pictures and news on the ZoomieNation website, which has no space limitations. Cheers to all and see you in October!

Dan Beatty

12196 Stanley Canyon Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 488-1962

E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com

Dan.Beatty@usafa.af. m

http://www.AFAcademy.com/76

Fellow 76’ers,

As I write this, the Class of 2010 is just a few short weeks away from grad-

shirts

First a book, now a movie by classmates: On the heels of Bill Murray’s book, “Renegade Colonel,” Mark Holmes made a video of his WWII B-17 pilot/POW father’s life, called “ClippedWings.” Summary: Spent two years working with my dad, who just turned 90... four separate interviews on camera to record his experiences as a young B-17 commander, shot

uation and commissioning. I know you all welcome them as the newest members of“The Long Blue Line”!

Moving up/moving on: Pete Mapes retired on 31 March. Didn’t get any word on what Pete’s post blue-suit plans are, but I wish him well. CONGRATS Pete!

General Class Stuff: Ed Fairbrother decided to update his whereabouts. I always appreciate a ‘first timer’ report. He was a 135 driver and separated in 92, began flying for World Airways and is currently a MD-11 Captain staying busy flying troops and equipment to the Middle East. Says Bob Pirog is also at WA and Chris Hoffman was but is now with UPS. Edhas been Mayor ofArchbald, PA since 2005. He and Patti celebrated 30 years last September, daughterKathryn (Captain, USAF from Penn State ROTC) is a meteorologist at Hickam married to an Army 1LT, son Nicholas (2LT, USAF from Penn State ROTC) is in UPT atVance. Thanks for the update Ed and please keep in touch.

Sabre

Don ‘Fritz’ Fraiser sent a late note about Dave Clary’s retirement. Says the last time he saw Dave was when they were both deployed together flying off the USS John F. Kennedy during Gulf War I. Mike says he is living north of Denver now. Mike Ponzani’s son Mike graduates from Capital Law School this spring and is thinking about going USAF JAG. I was able to hook Mike up with Craig Manson for some words on the JAG career. Mike says Teri is still battlingmultiple myeloma but doing well; they are enjoying two grandsons (2 & 4) and they both stay busy working on their 1920’s era condo.

JerryMcFarlane says he, JackCatton, John Hildebrandt, and Lance Christian will be in a charitygolftourney on 30 Apr and he will send pictures. Will try to get them in my summer article. Good luck classmates! Randy Schavrien moved from Lackland to Randolph, still in the safety business. He is headed to Litde Rock late April to visit LT Schavrien in C-130J training, and says his oldest will make him a 3-time grandpa in July. Yes Randy, we are that old! Brent Glines has taken up playing the bagpipes and took 2nd at a recent competition in the Piobaireachd (according to Brent it means “there are too damn many letters in this word to be intelligible”) event.

Says he is still having fun at Hill AFB writing software for F-16s. You can follow his piping exploits at www.gallowayhighlanders.com. Stan Rader is “returning to the womb” as a civilian USAFA Civil Engineering faculty member. Says he doesn’t knowwhat Greg Seely (USAFA CE Dept head) was thinking “when he hired me but I’m going to report in June before he has a chance to change his mind.” Doug Fry tracked down Steve Riewerts. Steve is with Monsanto and recently moved from Ft Collins to St Louis. (Hey Steve, drop me a line!) Doug is still trying to help the USAF and JOINT folks with “cyber this and faster that’s”; also asks if anyone out there knows Tom Peraro’s whereabouts, tell Tom to give Doug a call.

Del Cornali sent a photo ofhim and his Seattle ‘JanuaryRun-and-Plunge’

(7 miles ofrunningwith a half-waypoint plunge into LakeWashington) just after the plunge part. Says the water was frigid but survivable.

Del and Michele have had some grand trips recently to Croatia, Sardegna, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Thailand. He is still a Java developer for Fulfillment by Amazon and still very active with DiscNW that supports Ultimate in the Seattle area.

Lee Cuevas just finished his 767 qual and long range nav training in Louisville, travels to Hawaii in early May for over-water check. Son Alex is just back from Kuwait. Jim Dolan saw Jack Catton in DC, andhad lunch with Mike Gould, Kirk Bell, Mike McGinnis, Buddy Lott, and Jim Rose in Dallas recently. Jim Crowe has moved again; this time to Dobbins ARB, GA. Larry New has a new grandson as of February and got to see him baptized at the National Cathedral during EasterVigil. Congrats Larry! I speak from experience when I say the grandpa gig is a hoot!

Don ‘Waldo’ Hall is in his 2nd month at Camp Speicher in Tikrit teaching Iraqi’s in the T-6; says he and the entire instructor cadre is proud to be standing up the Iraqi AF. Don hopes to be the varsity football coach there next season. Mike Walsh finished up his tax seasonal work mid-April. Hopes to see his grandkids in Vermont soon. A1 Patriquin will make his annual pilgrimage to USAFA late April for the grad vs. cadets soccer match. Warns Mike Gould he intends to kick cadets all over the USAFA soccer stadium. Go old guys!

Bob Mansfield sent an email address update. Pat Ashenfelter said she heard Dave Robinson’s wife Lori got her 2nd star. I was not able to confirm that info. If any of you can confirm, let me know. Phil Houser is looking to reconnect with class and squadron mates. He was in 29th (Yama Dog, give him a holler!). Phil works in Dallas as Director of Advanced Mission systems for Raytheon’s Intel, Surveillance and Recon Systems. Ed Morley rang in looking for a replacement class crest pin. I fixed him up with a spare I had. ‘Papa’ Joe Marchino sent a pic from the Alamo Chapter Founders Day dinner.

‘Papa’ Joe Marchino and Mike Gould

Mike Gould and Joe were the only ’76ers there but a good time was had by all. Joe & Becky still in San Antonio. He works in officer assignments at AFPC and says times are tough with end-strength initiatives. Dave Berg and Jim Boma both report nothing to report. Finally, Mike Ely sent a photo ofhim and me during our prep school time. Decorum won’t let me publish it, but yes Mike...we were that young!

Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. Mytrip to England in Feb to watch my granddaughter was a hoot! Will have her here in C-Springs for several months this summer when my USAF Intel daughter goes downrange. My son-in-law is in Phase II ofUPT at Del Rio, will track select in June (we think) so grandpa will have to babysitAGAIN...damnthe luck! 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, if you 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 “Lou” Michels, Jr.

4107 Harvey Ave.

Western Springs, IL 60558

Office: (312) 861-7975

John.J.Michels@Bakernet.com

On Watch: Well, they are putting the buoys out in the harbors here on Lake Michigan, which can only mean one thing - the lake is ice-free enough for people to bring their hideously expensive boats out of storage and back into view, where they will torment me as I look out my window during the summer. I always wonder what the people in the boats on the lake during

Brent Glines the Bagpiper!

Society Donors

Del Cornali (2nd from left) andfriends.

Class News

theweek do for a living - those ofyou who are members ofthis club, please feel free to drop me a line.

Technology Push: As part ofyour humble scribe’s efforts to improve the overall well-being ofthe class, I am now providing you with a reason to learn how to use Facebook - we have our own affinity group there. Look under “USAF Academy Class of 1977” and register. We haveseveral ongoing discussions, lots ofreallyinteresting and embarrassing pictures from then and now, and links to timely articles, topics, etc. relating to class members and activities. The group is open to class members and spouses / significant others, so kick your kids (grandkids) off the computer andcheck us out.

Bill Brandt (Susan) dropped some pictures of his recent trip to the Philippines on the site, and reported that he’s got four grandchildren with numher five “on the way.” Congrats, Bill, and I hope you are reading Kipling to all of them. Tom Jones (Liz) put up a link to his op-ed piece noting the problems with the current administration’s space flight proposals. Excellent analysis, Tom, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for new space funding or jobs from the Chicago bunch. Paul Higgins (Nancy) caught up with John and Kathy Burke in lovely Big Canoe, Georgia. Paul and John were attack-jet types once upon a time, and got reconnected after a thirteen-year hiatus. Dan Jarka (Pam) shipped their son to basic training at Fort Benning. With any luck, he’ll be headed into Special Forces following graduation. Good luck to you guys, all ofyou.

Sabre Society Donors

19

Jim McAnulty (Anna) wrote a nice message outlining where he’s been since we tossed our hats. He and Anna have five kids, but are almost empty-nesters. They currently live in Abuja, Nigeria where Jim is the political counselor at the U.S. Embassy. He started with the Foreign Service in October 1983 andhis assignments have been fascinating - Caracas, Mexico City, San Jose, Costa Rica, Nassau, Brussels, and Nairobi, to mention a few. He served as a regional refugee coordinator in Nairobi and as the narcotics section director (interdicting narcotics, not procuring them) at the embassy in Mexico City, among some of his other jobs. Below is a shot ofJim with President Bush at the embassy in Nigeria:

Thanks again, Jim, and nothing but my best wishes out there.

Donna Clodfelter (Mark) dropped me a line from lovely Chapel Hill where she is in mourning over Duke’s national title. Fulldisclaimer -1 am a Duke Law alum, and could not be happier over the results. And Donna got to rub my nose in it last year. Anyway, Mark teaches at UNC and was visited recently by Curt and Ina Bedke. Donna reports that the highlight of the evening was Curt and Mark trying to figure out how to use their iPhones to mutual advantage. Andhow long did that take? There’s a positive side of the story - at least they weren’t using Jitterbugs.

San Antonio Rocks:

The gentlemen in South Texas are apparently ready to party together at the drop of a hat (Stetson? Sombrero? Ten-gallon?). Scott Harrod not only sent me this picture, but wrote his own paragraph for insertion in the column! Now that is what I call “scribe courtesy.” Or maybe he just wanted to make sure I didn’t screw things up again. Mike Hainsey (Brenda), who works as the airport manager at Columbus, MS, was coming through Ran-

dolph as part of an AETC commander’s list of civic leaders. News like that can’t be kept under wraps, and a group quickly formed up for lunch, as listed below:

From left are Eric Treland (Margaret), Scott Harrod (Anita), A1 and Rita Becker, Dave and Rhonda Swiger, Mitch and Sue Dodd, the guest of honor, Mike and Brenda Hainsey, and Jim and Susan Darth. Eric handles the aero club issues for Air Force Services, Al is working at AETC for the F-35 training mission bed down, Dave is a regional director for Boeing, Mitch works in strategic planningwith AFPC, and Mike, who started as a stimulator instructor at Columbus, is now airport manager. The other noteworthy thing aboutthis gathering is that this marks Mike’s first appearance in Checkpoints. Jim is teaching high school and college math courses in San Antonio. Thanks for the quick pull-together of this group, Scott. My best wishes to all who attended. Just to show you the interconnectivity of this group, I then got a quick message from Bob Soucy (Vivencia), noting that he and Mike had touched base in Vegas, where Bob was temporarily residing, the week before. Bob splits his time between the Philippines and Vegas on multiple business trips running his own consulting company.

Dave Gragan sent me a quick link to a press conference he did with the mayor of DC regarding procurement issues for the District. Dave, along with all the other class members in the DC area weathered a terrible winter, which Dave thoroughly enjoyed, saying it reminded him of some of the Zoomie snowstorms we experienced. Always the optimist, that’s Dave.

Doug Beason (Cindy) wrote me a very nice message updating his activities. Doug has always had one of the most esoteric set of interests of anyone I know, and his update shows how. He retired from Los Alamos in 2008 after serving as the Associate Lab Director running the threat reduction part of a lab for the last four years. After leaving, he and Cindy traveled through the South Pacific, and ended up settling in Castle Rock where he has been doing some more writing (science fiction, natch) and consulting forAuburn University. At the end oflast year he got pulled back into public service and is now the Chief Scientist of SpaceCom workingdirectly for the commander. Doug reports that it is about the most fun he has had on a job since he was a second lieutenant. At this stage of our lives, may we all find jobs that are more fun than work. Thanks, Doug, and congratulations to you both.

Finally, I want to close with an update from Gary Hamor (Ellen) who’s living up in Meade, CO running his own consulting and process improvement business. Here’s a shot of Gary with his grandson: on vacation at Glenwood Springs.

Gary also reported that Ellen is working as a flight attendant for Frontier. Thanks for the quick update, and the great photo, Gary.

OffWatch: That’s it from the western side of Lake Michigan. Wear light clothing, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Be seeing you.

Bob Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201

Work: (661) 824-6426

Email: president@f4phantom.com

Greetings ’78ers...

On a very sad note, I’m very sorry to say that Bruce Gasper passed last month. The AOG doesn’t have any info andhis bio in the Register ofGraduates is very old. If anyone has his family’s contact info and could pass it on I’ll get it to the AOG as well as print it in the next article.

On a more positive note, we have our first four-star in Ed Rice. It was announced last month that Ed has been selected for the rank but no word yet on where he will be going. Congrats Ed!

Bob “Z” Zielinski sent a very cool picture of himself and his two boys. He currently resides in Las Vegas (Nevada not New Mexico) where he is fly-

ing 737s for a corporate airline out of McCarran International Airport. His eldest son, Capt Todd Zielinski/Class of 2004 (Kunsan AB, Korea, assigned to the 8th FighterWing flying F-16s), his youngest son, USAFA Cadet Ryan Zielinski/Class of 2011 (is a second classman at USAFA flying as a glider instructor pilot in the USAFA Soaring Program), and Bob were all on hand for a Fall 2009 Football Weekend at USAFA. They gathered in the 4th Cadet Squadron hallway (he mentioned that it was “literally a construction project in work as cadet rooms were undergoing repair and remodeling”). They took the picture in front of the “Fightin’ Fourth’s Battle Wall” since all three of them are “Fightin’ Fourth” legacies - they all were or are in the 4th Squadron during their third class year.

This past Saturday, I attended a course at the Aero Club at Edwards Air Patch where I work and the young man teaching the class was one Tim Taylor...Jr...son of our own Tim Taylor. Young Tim did an excellent job providing info to us new CFIs who have attained the rating(s) from the recent FAA Military Competency rulings. He is a ’04 grad and was in Air Traffic Control for several years before separating from active duty but is still in the Reserves here at Edwards. He started private flying at Wish and is now a 1000+hour CFI and CFII as the primary instructor at the Aero Club. Papa Tim has a great deal to be proud of in his son. He retired from the AF in ’99 (last assignment was commander of the 94th ATS at the Zoo) and flew for a couple of airlines before landing a great job at UPS. He and Forraine still suffer terribly in the Springs while he commutes to Louisville for his UPS gig. Besides son Tim, daughter Kristi is in NewYour City so they are considering getting back in to the cadet sponsorship program to get rid of some excess food around the house.

Sabre Society Donors 31

Speaking of Louisville, Tim (Sr) also mentioned that he ran into Greg Willis earlier this year yesterday in the UPS Louisville ops center. Greg has been with UPS for manyyears and is an IOE (evaluates new guys on the line I think) check airman living in Phoenix. They go all the way back to their Northwestern Prep days in Minnesota beforethe Academy!

Finally, guess there’s a lull in the action before all the summer moves but the only one that I saw this quarter was Joe Reynes returning from Iraq and going to Joint Forces Command in Norfolk. Great work doing the real mission while in Baghdad Joe.

Afraid (or thankfully depending on your point ofview) that is all the info I have this quarter. Please consider sending in an update to me in the next few weeks so the Summer article is more informative. There are a huge amount ofyou guys who have never written so take the plunge or my threat to put in Kay info will come true.

God Bless —’78 is Great!

J.R.Dallas 518 St Karr Way Ft Smith, AR 72916 479-420-7817 cell jrdallasfl6@yahoo.com

Greetings ’79ers! Another year has gone by. Life in Arkansas is fantastic. My family is safe and healthy, and the weather’sbeen perfect for golf and the start of boating season. I’ve played only one round of golf though since I’ve been campaigning for the upcoming election. By the time you read this article, maybe I will be a member of the Arkansas State House of Representatives!

It was great seeing y’all at the 30th reunion. Somehow we need to break our string ofbad luck with the weather! I had such high hopes for the class

golf tourney! But we’ll try again. My personal thanks to Bud Vasquez for his fantastic Checkpoints article post-reunion. Outstanding summation of the weekend thanks, Bud!

New Class Scribe! I recently decided that it’s time for me to put aside my gold, engraved scribe pen and pass it on to another classmate. I’ve written this summer article for many years, and while I’ve enjoyed doing so immensely, I feel that the time for a replacement is in order. So... this will be my last article for Checkpoints. These articles are a fantastic way to keep track of classmates and I have always loved receiving updates from you all. Thanks for all your support and kind words over the years. I am leaving the duty in fantastic hands!

So, drum roll please... let’s all welcome Mike Watson (michaelwatson@ cox.net) as the newest class scribe! Thanks Mike! You will do a great job! And will love it!

Now for my class news update: Steve Lepper (Kathy) was recently (2 Apr) promoted to Major General and assumed his new position as DeputyJudge Advocate General of the Air Force at the Pentagon. Fantastic! Congrats, Steve! Mark Stearns wrote that he’s settled on his new career he’s the new VP for operations with a company (AAR Brown) in Huntsville, AL. He reports that Don Lustig is the general manager with the company. Good luck, guys!

Steve Rackel reports that he couldn’t make the 30th due to his training for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 (Clearwater, FL, Nov 2009, swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles and then running 13.1 miles). Sounds like a typical afternoon in the sun for an over-50 athlete. He finished in 6 hours, 3 minutes, a personal record. DaughterKathy (AFA’07) finished 11 th her category (4 hours, 25 minutes). She’s an Intel Officer at Luke with the F- 16s, and soon enters the Air Force World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). That is fantastic, Steve! Her bid for the 2012 Olympic Team has begun. Steve’s next race is in Boulder on August 8th Says if any ’79ers are in the area, stop by to say hello!Thanks and good luck, Steve!

Sabre Society Donors

Kathy Rackel (’07) and Steve Rackel (’79)

Mark Robin (Susan) in an email suggested a summer golf tourney this year. Any takers? He reported that at the Armed Forces Bowl in Ft Worth (AFA 47, Houston 20), he ran into Tim Hoy. He missed seeing Dave Vandercook but knows that he was there. Randy Fullhart (Kathy) writes that they’re still in DC (Pentagon SAF/AQQ). Went to USAFA in Feb for some meetings—weather was perfect (of course). Brad Kurlancheek answered my call for news wrote that he lives inWilkes-Barre, practices law, “building a boat in the living room” - (there’s a story there I sense)—and just paying off the mortgage. Thanks for writing, Brad!

Phil Finch (Beverly) sent a few words: ‘kids graduating college. Counting the days to retirement. Playing golf.” He lives in northern Arkansas— Batesville, AR. Great folksand a beautiful part of our state. Steve Wheeless (Tanya) wrote. He’s a partner with the international law firm of Steptoe & Johnson (Phoenixoffice). He practices management-side labor law. Tanya’s the President and CEO of the Arizona Bankers Association. They have 3 children (Audrey 16, Ross 13, Jake 4). Steve, it’s been too long. We gotta catch up! Chuck Franceschi (Laura) is doing great in Aurora, CO. He and Laura are registeredrepresentatives ofPrimera Financial Services. The clan is doing well. (See photo at the top of the next column.)

Rick Davis (Susan) (Maj Gen USAF) wrote that he’s in sunny Eglin as the Program Executive Officer for the Weapons and Air Armament Center Commander. (Say that 5 times fast!) Gets to fly F-16s once a week. Susan is the Chief Development Officer for the American Lung Association and commutes to and from DC from Eglin. Rick reports that Dale Bridges is the XP in the 46th Test Wing. He solves all the POM, manpower, and airspace issues for them. Rich Walley is there. He runs the Massive Ordinance Penetrator (MOP) program. I’d like to see that briefing! Wow! Rick says they’re getting ready for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter bed-down. Hey --1 know a greatANG unit that would love thatjet. Call me! He also says that he speaks with Robin Rand often in the course of their jobs. Lastly, he says there is room at the Q and great golfing to be had. Go see him! Thanks, Rick.

Chuck and Laura Franceschi and Family

Did you all know that our own Marc Millican ran for the Alaskan U.S. Senate position in 2004 as an independent? He took 3rd with 10,000 votes (3% of the vote). He regularly flies his 1942 ArmyAircorp Stearman. Ifyou are interested, go to “caneaviation.com” and see the airshow he puts on in Natchitoches, LA, Nov 13th, 2009. He’s looking for static displayplanes for this year’s show. Call 907-227-6208. Flysafely, Marc!

Dave Gibbs (Cathy, LasVegas) reports that he also once ran for office (the Nevada Legislature) a few years ago. Loved the experience! He’s been in Afghanistanworking as an O&M Maintenance contractor with the Predator mission. Ran into Guy Walsh at Kandahar. (Wing CC there till this summer?) He deploys once a year for 4 months. Jan-Marc Jouas (Marion, MGen USAF, Director of Ops, Plans, Requirements, and Programs) calls Hawaii home for now. Says that the Senior MilitaryAdviser to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan/Pakistan is our own Burt Field.

Also, Joe Dent (Janet) is a judge in Montgomery, AL. Curt Bottesch is the ChiefofStaffto the 57WG/CC at Nellis (since 2003). Juice informs that Frank Gorenc (Lt Gen USAF, 3AF/CC) is our class’ first 3-star. Bill Rew (ACCVice CC) is our 2nd Congrats, guys! Proud ofyou both! Frank officiated at Scott Grunwald’s (Debbie) retirement ceremony last May. Scott was the Commander ofthe AFROTC Detachment at USC in California. Frank was also Scott’s best man back in the day! Cool. Also there—MarkFish (Retired 06) who works at SAIC on GPS systems. Steve Mueller (MGen USAF) is the Director, Air Component Coordination Element, HQ ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Tom Talbot (LeAnn) hosted some classmates at their Idaho property last month (the Tumblin’ T Ranch) for a boys-weekend/skiing/socializing vacation. They report that they ate moose tenderloin, burgers and roast and they washed it down with great wine. A good time was had by all. With the Grand Tetons in the background they partied away. Next year, Tom count me in!

Guys, that’s it from me. Daren and I always have the guest room available ifyou and yours are ever in the Fort Smith area. Please call. It’s been a pleasure writing these updates for the class. Please consider volunteering for this duty. It’s rewarding and important to our friends. May God bless each ofyou and for the last time, allow me to say: “79, ’Till the day we die!” Love you guys. J.R. Dallas

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO. ft ""<PSce

Don Myers

401 Chambray Hill

Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247

(770) 631-1429

E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com

ZoomieNation.usafa.org

FB group: “USAFA Class of 1980”

Our Time! By now, you should all know of our 30th Reunion, 6-10 Oct. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and many of you I only know through these articles. To help spread reunion info from our reunion POC, Jeff (Hillary) Mielke and keep in contact with all things class related. Deb (Dubbe) Gray has set-up a FaceBook Group: USAFA Class of1980. This is an attempt to provide a more popular venue, in addition to the ZoomiNation class page. The AOG website also has a reunion section. Be there!

Where and What. Got a great update from Nancy (Mariano) Kudla. “First, a recent family photo of me, my husband and our four sons, taken on the back terrace of our home. From left are Tim (20 yrs, sophomore at Univ. of Incarnate Word, offensive tackle for football team), Frank III (24 yrs, photography major at Academy of Art University in San Francisco) holding Macy our dog, me, Frank (my husband of 27 years), Nathan (16 yrs) holding Max our cat, and Adam (13 yrs). Second, an update on what’s happening in my life: In December 2008, Frank and I sold our company (dNovus RDI) of 19 years to Kforce Inc. for $38 million and are now officially and happily retired in sunny San Antonio. Since then, we formed the Kudla Family Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local community, military family, and veteran charitable causes. Between this and our busy family life, I’m working on writing a book on our entrepreneurial experience stay tuned! Looking forward to seeing everyone at our 30th!”

Nancy and Her Men

Dan (Laura) Bloemer is still with US Airways in the B737; living in Jacksonville and commuting to Charlotte. Laura is a consultant for a company that deals with transcribing electronic medical records, which is a growing segment of the medical industry. She is able to do much of her work from home, but gets to take Dan on business trips to warm places. Dan continues to work on other potential sources ofincome while he is still flying. He recently completed the fourth in a series of courses required for certification in business appraising, which he was doing professionally when he was called back to flying in 2007. He also continues to work on completing

Tom Talbot, John Kuehn, John McCormack, Ken Snoy, DougTrogstad

his Master of Accountancy and plans to take the CPA exams over the next year or two. The one Master’s course he did complete this year was a 10day study abroad trip to Rome and Florence, Italy. Unfortunately, Laura was not allowed to travel with him, so he had a very boring time in Italy (not!).” In their “free” time, Laura and Dan are with their two adultchildren and four grandkids.

Carrie (Banwell) Gronewald “found a picture in my grandma’s attic in Cheboygan, MI that I will forward on to you. It is hard to believe that three of my four kids are approximately 3, 7 and 10 years older than I was when this picture was taken (I was 17 as a Doolie). As a quick update, I am a Senior Project Management Consultant working Microsoft projects and with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle. Ken (78) and I bought 340 acres of rural Montana ranch land and hope to build a timber frame house fairly soon closest neighbors will be a mile away and no light pollution so we can see the open skies and stars every night. Ken will retire from Alaska Airlines in 7 years and he is stationed in Anchorage, so needless to say I get the remote control most nights of the week!”

Doolie Carrie at the BOR.

MGen Chris Miller was nominated for promo to LGen. He’s going from Director ofPlans, Policy, and Strategy at NORAD to Deputy ChiefofStafffor Strategic Plans and Programs,Pentagon.

A Re-Blued Suiter. Phil Collins sent me a quick note: “I’ve been recalled (voluntarily) from retirement back to active duty. I’vebeen stationed at Creech AFB and will be flying the Predator UAV. I’ll retire again in 2013. I’ve bought a house in Las Vegas but the family is remaining in Illinois, so I’ll makingtrips back as often as I can afford to. Additionally, my oldest, Sarah, has been accepted as a member ofthe Class of2014.” I asked for more, and he responded: “I guess I was thinking this is an opportunity that won’t come around again. I didn’t want to be kicking myself 10 or 20 years from now for not taking advantage ofit when I had the chance to get back in the fight. I was a defense contractor writing modeling and simulation software for USTRANSCOM, but I had been doing the same job for the same customer for the last 10 years and I wasn’t reallyfeeling that sense of mission anymore. Most people think I’m crazy taking a $60K/year pay cut to come back to do this, but at this point in my life its more about what I do thanhow much I’m paid. The family was supportive so I put in my application and here I am.” Phil bought a house in Vegas from a selection of bank-owned homes (“definitely cheaper than renting”). He said it’s a bidding war with investors for these properties. “I bought a house for $92K that sold new in 2006 for $244K. There are lots of foreclosed homes here but the banks are only putting a small number on the market at one time, keeping demand higher than supply. Every house I put a bid on had multiple offers. I lost out on seven homes before my offer on this one was accepted. The list price on this house was $76K.” All our best to you, Phil.

Living history. I was in the Albuquerque airport in April, waiting for an airline flight. In a seat near the gate there was an older man. He was dressed in plain cowboyboots, pressedjeans, and a plaid western shirt with a beautiful bolo tie. His face was leathery and weather-worn and he wore a ball cap that said, Navajo Code Talker WWIIUSMC. I read about these special folksand their tremendous contribution to the success of our side in the Pacific. I walked over to him, stooped down, and asked if he was a Navajo code talker. He nodded slightly, and quietly said, “Yes.” I simply held out my hand and thanked him for his service. Not many of these folks left. At press time, we received the tragic news thatJim “Crumper” Crump had passed away on May 1,2010 in Park City, Utah. ‘Jim is rememberedJ'or his unwavering sense ofhumorand audaciousfeats as a member ofthe Wings of Blue parachute team and as an Air Force pilot.Afterseparatingfrom active duty in 1987,Jim served as an F-16 pilot with the MichiganANG whileflying for American Airlines, retiringfrom the Guard a few years ago. We, his PT-

WOB 80 teammates, last saw Jim when he and his wife, Shari, returned to USAFA lastApril to attend Frank Ott’sfuneral. On 13 May, the Wings ofBlue were scheduled to fly one last mission with Jim at his request to scatter his ashes over the USAFA cemetery with an unobstructed view ofthe airfield.” Al Wallace.

Great to spend time with you. All the best, Don.

Rich Trentman

11102 Asbee St.

Falcon, CO 80831-8170

Home: (719) 494-8438

Work: (719) 234-0754

rtrentman@falconbroadband.net

Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Every time I think my time has passed as scribe, good things happen! I was perusing my emails to compile some notes to begin this quarter’s artide and I began to think I would not have enough when suddenlythings happened - emails, phone calls, zoomienation updates, facebook - wow! So, I begin my first article of my ninth year of writing these. You guys and gals are awesome!

Class News: Janice (Gunnoe) and Don Hughes are on a six-montheffort in Indonesia. They have been focusing their assistance in the Aceh province on the northwestern tip of Sumatra. Of course, I quickly keyed in on Janice’s description of the great Sumatran coffee they get at coffee (kopi) houses there, (mmmm) They are doing great things and having fun on their wonderful adventure in a place most of us will never see. It sounded like they were going through a bit of meat withdrawal, though.

Ryan Orian retired in April and is back at Delta as a Captain on a 737 out of LAX. He sent a picture with Al Gregory who came to his retirement. Ryan said he would be there next year at our 30th!

Ryan Orian andAl Gregory at Ryan’s retirement.

A quick update from Tom Schulter - Tom lives in St Louis working the F-15E MTC (simulators) program and dabbling in some real estate with his wife. Sheldon Dennis lives in the Dallas area and sees James Guess about once a quarter. Craig Jenkins also lives in the area, but Sheldon says Craig travels too much to get together. Tim Harris comes to visit every few months from Colorado. I usually see Tim a couple times a year at AF hasketball games. Tom Arko and family live in the Tulsa area. Tom retired in 2008 as Vice Commander of 19th AF, consulted a bit with Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, then, was asked to stay on as a Senior VP for Education. It is amazing to note how we fall into jobs that we love. Tom says that Denise and their threekids love the area and he also committed to being at our 30th in 2011!

John Marlin sent me a nice photo of a mini Mach One reunion this year.

Sabre Society Donors

John Marlin, Pete Hanley, Kelvin Manning, Jim Agee, and Jay Kornfeld at Kennedy Space Center.

Class News

John, Pete Hanley, Kelvin Manning, Jim Agee, and Jay Kornfeld got a VIP Kennedy Space Center tour compliments of Kelvin! John notes that the littie orange “thing” between Kelvin and Jim in the photo is the top ofthe fuel tank attached to Space Shuttle Discovery. Kelvin got them up the launch tower. John did mention he got in some golf (shocking) and Springtraining baseball. As a follow-up, Kelvin gave me a call while in the Springs for the Space Symposium.

Randy Worrall, our great class VR sent me some updates. Dave Scholl is running for Congress in Florida. Randy is now a Salt Lake City-based pilot, so once the house is sold in Atlanta, he’s coming west. Randy’s daughter is a Butler grad, so they enjoyed the Bulldog’s Cinderella run. Randy has quite a fewvolunteers lined up for our reunion, so he assured me that wecan kick back next year! Marty France has been on the road a lot with the USAFA Track team and posting some great photos. Things must be slow in the Astro department or most ofthe track team members are astro majors? Ifyou reallyneed some comedie relief, read Marty’s taxi cab story on Facebook.

Rose (Franke) Cerasuolo said that she is retiring this Summer, but will be more than busy with her three sons (and husband). Danny and KarenCrews are doing well in Indiana. Their oldest daughter, Amy, is getting married in October; their #2 daughter, Meredith, graduates from University ofIllinois this Spring, and their son Ben keeps them hopping with all of his sports. Danny is thankful all the global warming has endedand he can now get outside on his motorcycle. Danny also said he would be at our reunion!

Next Generation - I know that many, many of you have had sons and daughters attend and graduate from our beloved academy, but my oldest son, Patrick, accepted his appointment this Spring and I am so proud. He noted the many benefits of being local and attending USAFA. My wife asked me when I started thinking about him possiblyattending USAFA and I said “the day he was born, of course”. Tom Masiello has his oldest, Mike, graduating in 2010 and another, Bob, inbound in 2014. Bob and Silvi (Kiisk) Steigerwaid’s oldest,Robert, graduates in 2010 and is off to graduate school at AFIT, then UPT - congrats! Randy Stedman alsohas a son, Josh, coming in the class of 2014. I have requested an updated list of second generation ’81ers from the AOG.

Class Business: Keep your address and email current with theAOG! Also, keepjoining zoomienation.usafa.org and our class group as another way to see ’81 announcements/pictures and stay in touch with the 97 members and growing. We have a USAFA Class of 1981 Facebook group that has over 40 members. I am still stunned at the recent surge to join our Class Group on ZoomieNation. I just accepted 6 more requests today. Provide comments and start discussions - reunion, USAFA, sports, etc.

Thanks again for making this easy. I am looking forward to seeing everyone next year.

Jim Ratti 2860 Arbor Pointe Drive Middletown, OH 45042 (937) 760-2333

rattijm@mindspring.com

W

Greetings Redtags!

Spring finally made it to southwest Ohio, and everything is green again. Of course that means it’s time to cut grass.. .but it’salso time to plant tomatoes! So, it’s all good. Anyway, lots of bits of info this quarter. So let’s get right to it!

One most excellent bit of news is that Tom LaValley is back to flying again after his horrific fall while on a mission trip to South America. He said that he hiked up Victoria Peak in Hong Kong on a layover in January, and despite sore feet made it up there just fine. What a remarkable recovery, and a testament to his faith and determination. Congrats, Tom!

BG Craig Olson will be the new PEO (Program Executive Officer) for Enterprise Information Services, a new PEO office being established at Gunter. He’s currently deployed to Iraq, and will take over the new position in July. BG Bob Otto will move from Commander of the 9th Recon Wing at Beale to become the Director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capabilities at the Pentagon.

Dave “Spit” Silvia is a Business Development manager with Northrop Grumman in Baltimore. He sent word that Ken Murphy is a Business Development Director for Raytheon, but he didn’t say where. Dave lives on a 42-acre horse farm in central Virginia, so has a significant commute! Tom Karmondyseparated in ’92 and has been working in the Information Technology field ever since. He’s been involved in computer security issues for the Air Force, and specifically NORAD. Tom’s son graduated from USAFA in 2006 and has been on the move ever since. Rob Peterson is also involved with NORAD, but as a Colonel in the Reserves. In his civilian life, Rob just

took a new job with the TSA as a supervisor in the Secure Flight Ops Center in C-Springs. Rob also said that he’ll probably retire from the Reserves this spring.

Shawn (Whitson) Bateman sent a message letting us know that she and her family are living in upstate NewYork, and that she’s continuing to work for DLA as a Reservist and telecommuting from the Stratton ANG Base near her home. For the past several years she’s been the Reserve air attache to China, which sounds like a really great job to me! However, her Reserve retirement date is 1 July, and she hopes to be able to continue working for DLA as a civilian.

Danny Rein popped up on Mike Sinisi’s e-mail listing and gave us an update on his life. He flew F-15s at Soesterberg in Holland, then F-5s and F-16s as an aggressor in England. He separated in ’90 and flew with the Texas ANG until '96. He now lives in San Antonio and flies 767s for American.

Danny and his wife have been married for 27 years and have a son and a daughter. Son Jeff is a junior at St. Mary’s in San Antonio (golfscholarship!) and 16 year-old daughter Katie is fully occupied with her “16 hands tall boyfriend”, a horse named Tucker. Thanks for the update

Danny! I don’t recall ever posting any ofyour news here, so it’s great to hear from someone new.

Art Crain retired out of SAF/IA in 2004 and has been flying for Jet Blue (out of Boston) since then. He also works part time for Modern Technologies Solutions (MTSI) in the D.C. area. Art flew F-15Cs for most of his career and says that his best assignment was commanding the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf. Art’s wife Sally (Jackson, ’83) flies for United out of Dulles. Art & Sally have two kids. The oldest (Erin) is in the class of 2013 at USAFA, and son Michael (16) is still at home. They live in SpotsylvaniaVA, and always have cold beer and gas in the ski boat, so stop on by!

Another indication of the inexorable passing of time is that the majority of our class is turning 50 sometime this year. Ellen and I passed that milestone in 2008 and I’ve got to say, life just continues to get better despite the extra wrinkles in our birthday suits. Awhile back, Mike Sinisi put out a call for updates on how folksdecided to celebrate this milestone. The responses have proved very interesting! For example, Sue Grant decided to “distract” herself by going diving with sharks in Moorea, French Polynesia. She said that was “almost as scary” as turning 50! Deb Kirkhuff was onlyslightly less adventurous and signed up to do a half-Ironman triathlon in Austin in October. Of course, two months after submitting her non-refundable $250 deposit, she learned that the stabbing pain in her knee was “severe arthritis”. She’s hoping that glucosamine coupled with the financial motivation ofhavingjust purchased a new Trek Madone 4.5 roadbike will do the trick. Colleen McGinty wrote to say that she, Jill (Archer) Schuff, Ann (Guidry) Edmonds, and Kay Gosinske all got together in Newport News VA to celebrate together. Mike Ryan said that his wife Gloria (Montoya) threw him a Mexican St. Patrick’s Day bash complete with a live band, poker tournament, foosball, and darts. Lots of Guinness, Coronas, margaritas, tamales, and shepherd’s pie, but rest assured they didn’t glorify alcohol! Mike says it was kind of an Ironman thing, just different events.

Cynthia (Willis) Simmons said that her 50th was last year, but that the folks from her tai chi school threw her a fabulous party. So fabulous that the cops had to come shut it down because it was getting to loud! And to further prove that she’s not slowing down, she did multiple century rides (100 miles) on her bike and hiked the Inca trail to 14,400’ just prior to her birthday. Sandy Keeter says that she’s planning her 50th (and a celebration of her retirement from the Reserves) in Anna Maria Island (south of Tampa) in May, after competing in the Orlando MuddyBuddy and Danskin Triathlon with her daughters. Dianna (Angeline) Ackerley turned 50 on April Fools’ Day, but will hold off celebrating until Paul returns from his deployment Afghanistan next February. It’ll be a “big vacation” to mark her 50th as well as Paul’s return from Afghanistan andhis retirement from active duty.

Sabre Society Donors

Sabre Society Donors 12

And last but certainly not least, Ellen and I were able to help Stu Rodgers mark his 50th trip around the sun. He hosted a big bash at his house in Dayton, complete with catered food, live music and lots of guests. One guest I hadn’t seen in quite some time was Alex Abuyuan, despite the fact that he’s been living in Dayton since thelate ’80s. Alex is in the insurance business and has been very successful, currently managing a large group of agents in a wide-ranging area of the Midwest. He and his wife have five youngsters and are very active in their church. Stu retired as a Colonel a couple ofyears ago and started his own consulting business in Dayton. The picture shows, from left, Alex, Stu, and myself. Why am I the only one with food in my hands? Note the wine glasses - although it’s not clear in the picture, those are ’82 Ring Dance glasses that Stu has managed to hang on to over all these years.

So all in all, some very creative ideas on how to mark a milestone birthday. Lots of fun! And that’s about it for this edition. Until next time, keep the info flowing and as always, be safe. Ratman

Jon Duresky

207 Knob Hill Drive

Warner Robins, GA 31088

Home: 478-953-3141

Cell: 478-396-7787

DureskyJB@aol.com

Greetings, Classmates!

Reality check. You can’t put it in reverse. You can’t put it in neutral. You can’t use vectored super-cruise thrust to put it in lateral. You have to go forward. We live in a linear world. You go about the day-to-day activities. Then, soon, too soon, you reach the Corner, and as you peer ‘round it you see... egads!.. the Big 5-0!

Thebest way to mark The Event is to celebrate with those similarly situated, i.e., Classmates Also Turning Old, which is all of us! Years ago we had the “End of the World Party.” (I still have the t-shirt to prove it.) Now we have the chance to do that party one step better, with the official Class of 1983 “Turning 50 Party.” (Not sure if t-shirts will be provided.) For the details, without further adieu, I present to you Karol Welling, champion swimmer at the Academy, ace C-141 pilot in her AF career, currently a Delta captain, but now she has reached the apex ofher life, because she is a Guest Columnist for this article. Via the wonders of email and the copy-paste function, here she is!

“I just turned 49 in February and the big 5-0 is already looming large. My family & friends who came to my Captain’s Ball a while back have been asking me if I’m going to have a birthday party to celebrate my 50th, so I’m succumbing to the pressure. My checkbook can’t take it on alone, however, so I thought about all ofyou fellow gold ascot types who are also facing the same golden milestone. Let’s commiserate together at joint party where everyone pays their own way. Here in Peachtree City at our very own Falcon Field we have The Great Georgia Airshow every fall (this year it’s October 9th & 10th) so I thought I’d piggy-back on that with a dinner/dance/cash bar that Saturday night at the Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree Hotel (so folks can stumble to their rooms afterward, my personal party prereq). I’m also trying to organize a golfscramble on Fridayfor those who can make it in early. Fridaynight we’ll have an informal gathering somewhere nearby. Saturday morning I volunteer to lead a 1 Vz hour walk on the cart paths along Lake Peachtree (those ofyou who are runners can knock yourselves out, but I’m walking). At the airshow, I’m trying to arrange a hospitality tent for grads to have a place to gather. Sunday morning the Dolce offers a fabulous brunch before people head home. Of course turning 50 is just the theme, not a requirement (for those of you celebrating your 29th birthday for the 20th time). Kids, family & friends of all ages are welcome. If you’re interested in joining me for this Big 5-0 BirthdayBash, please send me an e-mail at krw83@mindspring. com so I’ll be sure to send you an invitation packet & I can get an idea of numbers.”

So what do you say? Let’s make this Party happen! Anyone out there with a printingbusiness, howabout donating some t-shirts, writing it off on taxes as a contribution to the AOG, and lowering your tax bite, before the democrats take it all, anyway?

So put October 9/10 on your calendar, get motivated to get in that best “mid-life crisis” shape, dye the gray out of your hair, and email Karol with the required response - “Fast, neat, average, friendly, good, good Turning 50 Party....I’m IN!”

Karol, thanks for the work you’ve done already, and the hours still to come. To show our appreciation, Ray Blust owes you a beer, vodka Collins, or 151, straight up!

For those ofyou who have eagerly followed my columns over the past 20

years, you know my style. I try to be entertaining, upbeat, humorous, and informative. However, life is what it is, and sad events happen. I recently saw Starship 19 and friend for life JeffFiebig here in Warner Robins, in town for his Dad’s funeral. His Dad led a remarkable life Army Air Corps and AF to the end 2 DFCs, multiple Air Medals, the works. Flew in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Not to mention he was a great husband and father. I bring this up not to dwell on the past, but to look to the future. We ’83ers are getting older. Ditto squared for our parents. Make the phone call to them today. Ask them about their life. You might be surprised to find out many interesting things you did not know. Tell them you love them. Life is fragile. Makethe days count.

Tom Solomon is one ofmyheroes. He always beat up on me in the weight room (not too hard to do, actually, but I try) when we were C-130 instructors at Little Rock years ago, has an enduring faith and wonderful family, and a really cool motorcycle. But in the “Life is Never Fair” sweepstakes, he wins a dubious prize. He is my second Guest Columnist. In his words:

Cancer has been apart of our life since our daughter Savannah was diagnosed in June of 1997. She relapsed every two and one halfyears for a total of three times. The treatments were rough but she remained hopeful. Six years have passed and Savannah remains healthy. I thank God daily for her continued health.

In 20001 went through treatment for cancer; then again in 2007. In May of 2007 I was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a particularly nasty form of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After two years I got my FAA medical backand went back to flying the 767 internationally for Delta Air Lines. This last eight months has been wonderful. Having a normal life where my family is doing great and I am working has been one of my greatest blessings in life. Never underestimate the value ofnormal!

I have recently relapsed and will begin chemo again on April 19th As I prepare for this next battle (for that is truly what it is) I have had time to reflect on the important things in life: faith in God, for without it there is no hope; family to support one another; and friendswho remind us of the good in everyone. I have a great God, wonderful family and exceptional friends. What a wonderful life!

For those who are interested in our progress in this fight, Gay has set up a web site on www.careingbridge.org/visit/TomSolomon. I love to hear from people and know how they are doing.

Tom Solomon. Not as fun to ride as a Harley, but holds more lacrosse equipment, so Iguess III keep it!

‘Nuff said, and I am out of column space, too! GO TO THE WEBSITE! Gotta end things on an upbeat note! A “shout out” to Vince Compagno, who always is a fountain of infofor my article. And a final “shout out” to Gayle Yamazaki, who represents 1983 at AOG meetings in Colorado Springs. Awesome job!

Until next year, my Friends. Health, Happiness, Wisdom, and Patience to you all.

Jon Duresky

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

1-(800)-G0-AFA-G0

michaeljensen@remax.net

http://www.usafa84.com

Just 30 years ago, we were preparing to enter the United States Air Force Academy. I wonder how different it is for those who have children either already attending (graduating), or contemplating the journey. I know we have a young men and women who will be entering with the class of 2014. Best wishes to those who will be part of the Long Blue Line!

Updates: I love getting emails from spouses. In fact, they are usually much more enthusiastic and informative than the “I am fine, how are you?” updates I get from some of us classmates. I can’t say I am any better, as I pound this out 10 days after it was due. One such update came from Caro-

Sabre Society Donors

Class News

line Bunch, wife ofArnie Bunch, who is the PEO for Fighter/Bomber, 312th ASCWing Commander atWright-Patterson AFB. Before they left Eglin AFB, they found out Arnie he has been nominated for BG. Congrats to the Bunch family!

Dave Hook and his bride, Rebecca, retired from the Air Force to San Antonio a little over 5 years ago. He has settled into business life by opening a company that helps general aviation airports and businesses with their security. Right now they’re on the lookout for the Transportation Security Administration’s next version oftheir proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. Dave recently attended the FBI Citizens’Academy Class of 2010. No calling minutes, no triple threats, better yet no push ups...just a group of 32 business owners, doctors, lawyers, TV reporters and the like learning more about the FBI, the local field office, and various anti-terrorism and anti-crime organizations and their missions.

Keith Sullivan retired at the end of 2004 after spending most of his three years in/out of the desert. He was in charge of the USCENTCOM Joint Search and Rescue Center(s); “centers” because they kept the primary planning cell at 9AF/CENTAF, the HQ J3 PRC at MacDill, the primary Iraq JSRC in Saudi and the backup/Afghanistan JSRC (now the primary USCENT PRC) in Qatar. During the main push of the wars they had 52 coalition personnel assigned. After winning the war, preserving allied lives was the command’s focus. At the JSRCs they coordinated effortsbetweenthe services and coalition members, de-conflict actions, and streamlined Personnel Recoveries theater-wide but (Keith writes) the real brunt of saving lives was accomplished by the actual rescue professionals out in the desert and other forsaken places. Real hero stuff. Literally thousands of coalition members were taken out ofbad situations over the years by these folks. Keith states that if youngsters want to make a difference and work at the pointy-end, then flying PaveHawks or serving as a CRO should be something they look at. Keith now flies a little French helo in EMS in South Carolina. Like kissing your sister it feels good, but it’s not something you go around bragging about it.

Sabre Society Donors 14

Mark Drinkard is down at Alamogordo after retiring there in April ’09, as a pilot instructor for the MQ-9s (the new UAVs).

Joel Henness is now stationed with his wife, Kristi, and 5-year-old son Konnor at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, as the ANG Advisor to 12th Air Force. He reports that Mark Mouw and Doug Galipeau are also there in Tucson. Mark was the 12 AF Chief of Safety, retired last summer and now works for Raytheon. Dougjust retired from 12th. He was the 474 AEG/612 TOC Commander and is now Mr Galipeauworking in the 12th Air Force A3 shop. Joel was writing us from Port au Prince Haiti. Doing time as the deputy Chief of Staff for JTF-Haiti. Very worthwhile mission, but was looking forward to getting home when his job was done there.

Karl Schmitkons gave us an update from Dover AFB, where he has been the 512 OG/CC (Reserve) for over a year. Getting strat air experience before getting a wing king position. Previously he was around the props (C-130s and C-12s). Prior to Dover, he was 302 OG/CC at Peterson for 4.5 years. Fellow '84 grad Bob Chapman is the vice wing commander there. Primarily flying C-5s though he does get to fly the C-17 from time to time with a little help from his friends. Karl is married to Nancy (Williams)—met his Florida gal in Germany but that’s another story—and they have one son, Kurt, who just turned 8. Keeping up with Kurt keeps Karl “young” and “Icy Hot” in business.

Shep sighting: Have you noticed Steve Shepro walking by the President when POTUS comes in/out of Andrews? Steve still cuts a “Steve Canyon”like image! Thanks for the input Keith Sullivan.

After over 25 years, Andy Correro has sent an update! When he realized it was time to retire (2006), 0-6 was not in the cards. His timing was a bit off. Well, all that changed; he was hired almost immediately after retiringby Southwest Airlines. What a blessing that has been. Based in Dallas, but still lives in Bossier City, LA (Barksdale AFB). Has 2 wonderful children. Daughter, Kathryn (21), attends Centenary College there, majoring in education. Son, Anthony (18), attends LSU and is double-majoring in English and Biology - - he’s in pre-med. Both are doingwell, and Dad can not be more proud. Bill Brei is one smart guy. He is in the midst of another transition. He has been pulled back by HAF to become an inaugural member of the AFPAK Hands project. Went through four months ofDari training and at Ft Dix for

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND 1 CADETWING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

30 days of hydrolyzed soils appreciation before going back to Afghanistan as the mentor to the Minister of the Interior. I haven’t a clue what all that means, but I am very thankful that guys from our class, like Bill, are there.

Col Paul J. Suarez ran into Steve and Georeann Luxion. They’re finishing up their time at Barksdale where Lux is 608 AOC/CC and heading to Daytona Beach where he will be ROTC Detco at Embry-Riddle. Paul is wrapping up year 2 at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal as 65th Air Base WingVice Commander. Anne and he are heading to DC and another Pentagon tour. Three kids are still in the house, with oldest daughter off to Columbia University this summer (not cheap ouch!). Swarm reports Jimbo Lessel went back to work at ACC/A3 as a contractor. He also is staying in touch with Chris “Dr. Smurf” Myers who is still flying B-52s as EWO for the Reserve 917th Wing at Barksdale when he’s not playingprofessor at TexasA&M Commerce. He and Sherri have 2 kids still in the house with one at college. Finally, he reconnected with Dave Fitzgerald over Christmas, who retired from the Reserves as an F-16 instructor and is now a part-time flight simulator engineer with Lockheed at Luke AFB, AZ and flying nightfreight for FedEx in the rest ofhis “spare” time. His wife, Donna, is working on a Doctorate of Education while teaching in the local school district—their two kids are still in the house, but getting close to college age. Thanks, Swarm, for the great update.

Check out www.usafa84.com forinfo on how to stay in touch with our classmates and help me out by letting me know what is happening in your world. GO FALCONS! Jens

Frank “Q.” Williams

13209 Topsfield Court Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 657-3227

USAFA1985@aol.com

Hey there! In January James “JD” Fletcher sent some scoop along with a couple of pictures via e-mail. JD said he’s living in “Norcal” (Danville, CA) with his wife, Abby, and two children Madison, 11 years old and Robert nine years old.

JD, and Robert (front).

JD said he is flying for United Airlines (UAL) but he is also still flying C17s in the Reserves at March ARB in “Socal.” JD said he ran into Col “JJ” Torres, along with his lovely wife, Irene, at Ramstein AB, Germany. And while he was in Ramstein, JD also saw Col Don Kochanski and Col Tina Therrian! JD said LtCol Ken Banks went back on Active Duty at McChord AFB WA. JD sent a picture from the party before his wedding. On the left is Tom & Linda Willard (1986) and JJ and IreneTorres (1985) with JD in front at the Russian River August of'08.

The Fletcher clan in Hawaii 2009: From left are Abby; Madison,

From left are Tom and Linda Willard (1986), JJ and Irene Torres (1985), andJD (infront) at the Russian RiverAugust of’08.

Steve Visel sent some news on my Facebook account. Steve said he just heard that Ian Dickinson is going to be his new boss. Steve said he retired in 2003 and he now works for TASC, supporting AFSPC/A6. Steve said Ian (that is, Brigadier General Dickinson) was just named the new A6. Steve said “Sometimes good things happen to good people!” Steve went on to say that Tish Norman and Rick Hedgpeth are now out at SchrieverAFB with MDA And the Spring Checkpoints article would not be complete without some references to or excerpts from the Kevin andWendy (Link) RouthierAnnual Easter Newsletter. There were several nice pictures in the newsletter this year but I cannot extract pictures from newsletters to put in Checkpoints. If I could, I would have definitely included a picture. The first picture in their newsletter is ofthe Routhier family, all dressed in blue jeans and white T-shirts, walking hand-in-hand (nine across and one on dad’s shoulders) along a sunny beach with the surf breaking behind them. A beautiful sight! The picture was taken by the photographer at Kevin’s nephew’swedding who was taking the picture for an advertisement flyer for his business. He did a great job! Well, the Routhiers, as usual, had a busy year and I won’t try to summarize everything here. But they had an addition to their home and a deck constructed. The deck was completedjust in time for Josiah’s graduation party in May. Now Josiah is completing his first year at the University ofRichmond on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship. In June Luke enjoyed a week at Civil Air Patrol encampment which they described as somewhat like “boot camp.” In July five out of the eight Routhier children were busy with their annual summer drama program. Josiah, Jordan, and Noah performed in “The Slipper and the Rose” (a Cinderella story with a twist) and Caleb and Luke acted as “stage ninjas” performing grip duties to change out the stage. Jordan acted and sang in the central role ofCinderella. And by all accounts, she did a wonderful job. With the Real Estate market as colds as ice, in October Kevin interviewed for and got a job as the Operations Manager for the county’s Radio Shop, providing communications for public safety (police, fire, EMS, etc.). In spite of the three major winter storms, Caleb made it home from overseas in time Christmas.

Jim Nance, USAFA ’71, the award-winning artist of James Nance Sculpture Studio in Loveland, CO, sent me an e-mail. Jim asked me to share with my class reunion committee (which I did) his offer to work on commission for a class gift. Additionally, I thought I’d share the info with rest of the class in Checkpoints as well. Jim has done some fine work and his offer is definitely worth considering. Checkout his web site: www.JamesNanceSculpture.com. Let me know what you think. Or better yet let Tish (Dierlam) Norman, who is working on our reunion committee, know on her Facebook account. C U later... Q

Bob Colella rkascolella@cox.net colellar@ndu.edu (202) 685-3650

Facebook Group: USAFA Class of 86

It’s me, Lawrence Cooper again. My turn as scribe with the Spring Checkpoints and I really want to thank your friend and mine, Robert Colella, for promoting me from Assistant to the Scribe to Assistant Scribe. It’s quite an honor...I think. But enough about me. Let me give you an update on...me! Earlier I had told you I had given up the contractor world for becoming a DoD employee. I’ve been the Space ISR Team Chief for the Defense Intelligence Operations Coordination Center and the Joint Functional Component Command for ISR, but by the time you are reading this, US Cyber Command should have been activated and I’m the new Deputy Chief, DIA Forward Element. If you’re in the area, look me up.

On a slightly different note, we have had updates on Kim (Bauman) Sievers, who recently took off her eagles and became a government contractor. Hopefully this won’t upset her. I recently talked with her while she was visiting my office at JFCC ISR; she’s working out in the Westfields area and reallyenjoying retirement and her second career. However, I have had some contact with her office - they were asking me how to keep her from taking over. I explained she’s been that way since June 1982 and to just stay out of the way (Sorry Kim, I couldn’t help it).

We have five classmates to congratulate! The most recent GeneralOfficer list came out with a bunch of ’86ers on it including David Allvin, Jack Briggs, James Browne, Edward Minahan, and Jon Norman, who have been nominated for appointment to the rank ofbrigadier general. Currently David is serving as a militaryfellow at the Council on Foreign Relations; Jack is the director of inspections, Office of the Inspector General, Headquarters

U.S. Air Force; James is the commander, 325th FighterWing, Air Education and Training Command, Tyndall Air Force Base; Edward is the executive officer to the deputy commander, U.S. European Command; and Jon is the special assistant to the vice commander, Twelfth Air Force in Air Combat Command. Whoa!! Drop them a line and make them feel self conscious!

And now... an update from Jan Tavrytzky. He says he “started a Foundation nearly 2 years ago (www.kidsplayingforkids.org) after retiring in ’06 from the Luke Reserve flyingVipers (20 yrs, 2 days) with NO desk flying the entire time! Been at FedEx since Feb ’96, flying the MD-11 domestically and internationally. It’s been a GREAT gig! Gives me lots of time to be a “slacker”... work out daily with mama at the gym, coach the kids, and work on my golf game. Coach the boys (twins: 10.8 yrs old) in football and lacrosse. Live in Phoenix near my parents and brother with my wife’s family in Tucson. Has been nice raising the boys near their grandparents and cousins.”

Here’s a photo ofhis quite photogenic family. That’s his son Tyler sitting next to his wife, Venita, while his other son Tanner is kneeling. Also check out his foundation: Kids Playing For Kids, which aspires to be the primary organization of sports-playing children around the world who are dedicated to not onlybuilding their sports skills, but building their character by providing FRIENDSHIP, JOY, and HOPE for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

We also heard from Nate Wilson who is organizing a reunion for his Forty Thieves classmates 9-11 July. He says “I’m inviting everyone in 40th Squadron Class of ’86 to a fun weekend on my 6-acre farm July 9th-11th. Mardi (my Wife) will make enchiladas, I’ll make margaritas, and we’ll go from there... including my favorite walk to the beach. Vashon is a beautiful island and I have room for a few, and of course kids are welcome they’ll laugh at us all weekend. Let me know ifyou need anything else. Cheers.” I looked it up - it’s inWashington State and quite a beautiful place to visit. Drop Nate a line (he’s on Facebook) and go to the reunion ifyou can make it.

Please keep spreading the word on our Facebook page - join and pass it to the rest ofthe class. We have 105 members so far. Look for “USAFA Class of 1986” on Facebook. For the next issue of Checkpoints, I am passing the baton back to our Scribe in Chief, Bob Colella. TTFN!

John & Carolyn Sammartino

3107 Woods Cove Lane Woodbridge, VA 22192

H: (703) 492-5492

W: (703) 808-6234

jsammar@verizon.net

Greetings once again ’87! Thanks for all of the wonderful inputs; keep them coming in! I continually run into classmates that have never been mentioned in these hallowed spaces, nor been to a reunion—unbelievably. Our 25th is a mere two years away! We did have some problems with Verizon this quarter though so we may have lost some inputs. It probably stems from the fact that not only did they tear up my yard to lay some new FIOS cable, but managed to also cut the phone/internet line to our house (but no one else’s in our neighborhood). As a long time DirecTV customer, they have definitely not shown me anything that would make me want to become a Verizon FIOS customer!

I did see the Brigadier General list recently, and a hearty congrats to Balan Ayyar for his selection. I do not have the list handy, and I am sorry if I missed anyone. Balan is the only one I recognized with a quick glance—I will recognize any other BG selects in the next issue—once again, I had only a couple ofhours to get this input done, thanks to my pals at Verizon, and could not Google the most recent BG list from home, nor login to the Air Force Portal for some reason.

Sabre Society Donors 9

Sabre Society Donors 9

Sabre Society Donors

Class News

Ran into John Harris at McDonald’s in Woodbridge on a lazy Sunday morning recently—John has come a long way from his AWACS days. He settled in Lorton, VA way back in 1999, so he was definitely ahead of the real estate bubble that burst in these parts around 2006. Speaking of real estate, John is a broker for PenFed Realty, so if anyone is relocating to the DC/NorthernVirginia/Maryland area, be sure to give big John a call!

Jim Gray, still in the Reserves, reported in that he has been working with Lt Col Jamie (Vandegrift) Rotello on the AFMC Crisis Action Team. He currently lives in Dayton OH and is hoping to resume privateflying this summer. He also recentiycompleted Joint Forces Staff College down in Norfolk, VA.

Ron Billiet checked in via Facebook that he is currently living right up theroad from us in Baltimore and that he is flying for Southwest Airlines. He did 8 years on active duty and then got out. He had hishouse on the market and was planning on moving to Portsmouth, NH. Hopefully it is going to be his last move for a long time....

Don Brown is doing well in Germany. He currentlyworks for the State Department and is enjoying a posting in Berlin (except for the never-ending winter andthe wild boars from the nearby forest that excavated his backyard). MaybeVerizon could import some ofthose wild boars; maybe itwould help them do a better job at tearing up people’s yards! Don got out ofthe Air Force in 1997 and joined the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. He is currentlyposted in Berlin with his wife, Fatima, who keeps him straight, and son Iman, who is adding some distinguished gray to his hair at only 9 years old. Two ofhis other children Taylor (20) and Lauren (16) live in the US and are doing well also. He has also had previous postings in Nasiriya and Basrah, Iraq; New Delhi,India; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; DC; Kampala, Uganda; and Lima, Peru. Wow, quite the international traveler!

Greg Schwartz also said hi from Facebook—he is currentlyin the TRANSCOM J3 running deployment and redeployment Ops for CENTCOM/SOCOM/AFRICOM and EUCOM. As you can imagine, the latest push in Afghanistan and the drawdown in Iraq eats about 18 hours out ofhis daywith the rest of the day dedicated to his SOCOM friends. It is very challenging to say the least but also very rewarding. Ironic for him because after he plans this two-headed monster, he gets to go execute a piece ofit as the 387 AEG/CC later this summer at A1 Mubarak Air Base! Greg has been married now for 18 years, has 3 kids, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 fish, a guinea pig, a ferret and two trucks, so he really has no complaints! He keeps in touch with many of our classmates, so let’s see some other inputs from thatAMC network Greg! He said he’s also glad to seeso many out there from ‘87 doing many great things for our Air Force and our Nation.

Had a couple inputs from fellow preppies and lacrosse players Doug Floreani and Mike Blouin. Doug andhis wife live in Cincinnati with their two wonderful children.Mike is still flying for United Air Lines and lives in the Chicago suburb ofWheaton with 3 kids; an 18 year old son who is a freshman at the University of Illinois, a 16 year old son and a 10 year old daughter. Hopefully those boys have your lacrosse skills Mike!

Sean Flournoy says Whassup! From the Harrisburg, PA area. He currently teaches for the University of Phoenix online. He alsohas two teenage boys ages 17 and 16 that are a handful right now. Don’t worry Sean, they are almost adults now!

Had a call from Col Todd Pospisil recently who said to absolutely not talk about him in Checkpoints, so naturally that meant I would—he is currently the Deputy Director of Contracting at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia. He is moving to Dayton this summer to be the Deputy Director of Contracting at the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Todd still tries to run as much as he can, and is trying to get his kids through high school, and maybe into USAFA. And he is a long way from the four years that he spent at McGuire AFB, NJ, my old stomping grounds, home of “collusive” contractors, real world Tony Sopranos, RICO cases and the lovely beaches of the New Jersey shore!

Also ran into Col Tim Applegate down in Orlando at the AF World-Wide Contracting Conference—Tim is currently running the AMIC down at Langley AFB, VA, and heading back to DC this summer somewhere in the AFDW to run a big contracting shop. He is looking forward to reuniting with his wife, Melissa (Hardman, ’86), and daughter Lauren, who have been stationed at Scott AFB, IL for the last two years.

Julie (Joyce) retired in July 2007 from Eglin as an acquisition squadron commander. She and herhusband couldn’t get stationed together so... He’s an ’86 grad (Larry Walker) but he had a break in service andisn’t retirement eligible until 2011. So he’s stationed at Randolph and, wanting to settle in San Antonio, Julie joined him and started working for L-3 communications. Now she’s running the San Antonio office where they primarily support AF and Joint Info Ops organizations. Julie loves San Antonio and is happy to be back. She suffered from “Spurs Fever” as she watched them advance through the NBA playoffs.

Finally, Tom Connare (see photo) got his 11 th hour input in from LA-LA land. He is still living the dream out there, supporting Los Angeles AFB as a civilian contractor for a company called TASC. They provide systems engineering and integration (SE&I) services for the Launch and Range Systems Wing (LRSW) space launch efforts. He’s still involved quite a bit with a local aero club flying Super Decathlons and Diamondstar DA-40s. He also recently started Indoor Skydiving and has flown a little more than

Tom Connare

600 “jumps” since he started last summer. Still single, he enjoys living in LA where there are lots of activities to get involved with.

That about sums it up for now, God Bless and Fly Safe!

Craig McCurdy

46992 SmithwoodCourt

Potomac Falls, VA 20165

Cell: (202) 570-3058

ccicdjmccurdy@yahoo.com

(13 Sabre Society Donors)

Class of 1988,1 hope that all ofyou are doing well.

Thanks again for your service to our country. Email me any messages or photos that you would like included in the next class news.

Sincerely, Craig McCurdy.

Tom Sadlo sent a Class of ’88 AWC photo. From left are Angela Stout, CS22; Chris “Sponge” Plamp, CS-38; Brian Jonasen, CS-33; Chris Hauth, CS35; Chris “Kube” Kubick, CS-4; Tom Sadlo, CS-Tiger 10; and Ancel “Woody” Yarbrough, CS-28.

The next photo shows the McCurdy Family enjoying three feet of snow in Virginia. Shown are Craig (CS-13), Christine, Isaac, Caleb, Daniel, Joel, and Elena.

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

379 AEW/CV

DPO AE 09309

Home: 011-39-065-422-1922

E-mail: p2a2@me.com

Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/

Greetings everyone! February 8, 2010 - a historic day for our class. Col Terry Virts and the entire crew of STS-130 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center for a 13-day mission. Space Shuttle Endeavour delivered a third connecting module - the Tranquility node - to the space station and a seven-windowed cupola to be used as a control room for robotics. The mission featured three spacewalks, and was the 32nd shuttle mission to the space station.

Many thanks to our class president, Don Simpson, for organizing a class gathering for this historical launch! Additionally, Mary and Cedric Jackson graciouslyopened their home for the launch viewing and post-launch party. Thanks guys - much fun was had by all! I thinkAngela Thornhill said it best: “It was a beautiful sight and moving experience! We were so fortunate to have been able to view the Shuttle Launch with our USAFA classmates. Godspeed, Terry! And many thanks to the Jackson’s for opening up their home to us.”

For more info, check out the following Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/n/?groupl.php&gid=2504043 33518&mid=lc046f0G514fal8dGcdb027G6. Also, here is a link to the NASA STS-130 site, http://www.nasa.gov/ mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts 130/main/index.html.

Sabre Society Donors 10

Finally, I received a brief message from Bob Babani who is now studying Physics at the University of Colorado, Denver. He invites anyone visiting the Denver area to join him for a cup of coffee at the Tivoli Student Union! Bob says he has been blessed with taking advantage of the new GI Bill, and is enjoying retirement by pursuing his next dream of studying physics. Thanks Bob!

If there are any more retirement stories, please drop me a note so I can pass them along. Also, let me hear from all of you who are either deployed or recently returned from deployment. Best wishes to you and your families. Take care and God bless!

Mike Shepherd

3801 Derby Circle Quartz Hill, CA 93536 (661) 266-2133

michael.shepherd@edwards.af.mil

Class Web Site: www.usafa90.com

First off let me begin by introducing myself as thelatest class scribe. It has been a tumultuous time in the wake of James’ tragic passing but he did leave us a fantastic legacy in organizing our class updates. I will try to maintain his quality and good nature. What looms large right now is our impending 20-year reunion, and we couldn’t be luckier than to have Scott “DeTom” DeThomas chairing the reunion committee. For those who aren’t up on Facebook or otherwise have not yet got the word, the reunion dates are September 8-12 culminating with a game versus BYU. Still much to volunteer for so please email me or DeTom (sdethomasl7@gmail.com) ifyou have some spare capacity. Book your tickets!

As for what we’ve been up to, it begins with Ben Davis (see photo) who had a fantastic showing at a class lunch in DC. “We had the first of hope

fully several Mighty ’90 Pentagon lunches prior to the 20-year as captured in the photo. Another 20 or so couldn’t make it, so hopefullywe’ll catch them next time. It was just like the 10-year reunion.. .so busy talking and catching up that hardly anyone had time to eat. I would give you an update on which office everyone is working in, but we’re all doing the basic Pentagon act in some form or fashion. Look forward to seeing everyone in the fall!” Beth (Charles) Eidal missed the lunch but reports she is busyplaying sand volleyball and golfwith husband, Curt, when not roaming the Joint Staffhallways.

Clockwisefrom top left are Teri (Schwartz) Hamlin, Dave Dornburg, Dave Coley, Les Ogawa and his wife, Dave and Crystal (Guenther) Murphy, Dave Murphy again, Shawna (Keasley) O’Brien, Scott Arcuri, Adam Mortensen, Ben Davis, Shannon Kruse, Steve Kiser, Scott Frickenstein, Suzanne Palmer, Crystal again, Laura (Champion) Taylor, and Marion (Dallison) Moxley.

At a time when some of us are closer to becoming grandparents (yikes) than new parents, Marcus Schulthess and bride, Sandra, welcomed Kyle Robert Schulthess on the morning of February 10th to join big sister Anika and brother Adam.

For others ongoing operations continue to put family life on hold. Brad Norris (see photo)recently returned from overseas. “Just got back from 6 months in Afghanistan, was the Chief at the Regional Contracting Center at FOB Fenty supporting the 4th Brigade of the 4th ID out of Fort Carson in C-Springs. Saw Tom Goulter a couple of times; he was the Dep EMSG/CC at Bagram AB and thentook over a Provincial Reconstruction Team.” Bob Watwood spent 6 months in Afghanistan courtesy of the Army in the spooky worldof PSYOPS and is now eying the private sector in Tampa.

Lee Armstrong and Dave Delmonaco (see photo at the top of the next column) were getting their frequent flyer miles on board a Columbia AF Casa while abroad on their AWC regional cultural studies trip. Following their Alabama studies Dave is destined for Ramstein AB while Lee will bolster the force at Scott AFB. Dan “Moose” Daetz checked in from ICAF noting he and Esme still do not have an assignment, But Shawn “Norm” Pedersen will be the Vice WG/CC at Seymour Johnson and Kevin “Fumez” Huyck is over at NWC en route to the Holloman OG/CC billet.

Another one of our globe-trotters is Joel Orban. Joel reports We are living in Seoul, Korea on our second Asia expat assignment with Corning Inc. My wife (Shelly) and two children Jake (11) and Taylor (8) are enjoying the experience and taking the opportunity to learn about Korea and Asia in general.”

Terryproudly waves an ’89 banner aboard the Endeavour!

Sabre Society Donors 4

Lee Armstrong and Dave Delmonaco

Ray Luevanos calls TacomaWA home but he too is on the move. “I’m the Dep 446th MSG/CC. Just found out I’ll be deploying in May. Nothing like getting called while on vacation with my daughter in San Antonio and being told to pack the bags!” One classmate staying put is Bill Gregory, “living in Atlanta, wonderful wife and 3 great kids, flying international for Delta - life is good.”

Joel Milton was a recent addition to our commander’s club, taking command ofthe 10th Flightiest Squadron atTinker AFB on Mar 4. Not to be outdone by myTiger Ten squadron mate, Jordan “River” Kriss handed over the reins ofthe 412th FLTS to me on Mar 5. The earlychange was due to Jordan’s deployment to Baghdad to work mobility issues, followed by what should be a dream assignment for him and Allison in Europe upon completing the deployment. We wish him well!

My new job affords me a chance to travel—let me know what you are up to and I may just show up with a digital camera and laptop in hand...’Til then, Mighty 90! Flash

Carson Tavenner

6828 Raccoon Court

Waldorf, MD 20603

(202) 231-2484

DSN: (312) 428-2484

Home: (301) 374-2752

Carson_wendy@comcast.net

Mission accomplished! Wheels full stop for STS-131! Congratulations, Jim Dutton, on your safe and successful return to Earth this morning. Wow, how fun to write that, having been there at the start ofthe flight, seeing you go from 0 mph to Mach 24+ in a few minutes. I thank the Lord for His protection over you and everyone, as well as giving thanks for all He has given us, and you and your family, in and around the entire STS-131 event from prep work to final stop.

Do I even need to say it? If you weren’t there with the 62 of us, you really missed out. I don’t think anyone there would disagree with me on this point. It was the sort ofexperience that should’ve had its own accompanying soundtrack, sometimes rockin’ sometimes contemplative, but always happy and upbeat.

When I got back home and to work, the three words I kept using to describe the whole overall weekend were: “Spectacular” (the launch) “Inspiring” (seeing everyone together and receiving many encouraging words) and “heart-warming” (experiencingdeep connections). It was cool enough watching the launch, but what really made it all worth it was seeing our friends together again, just RELAXING! Some (like - ahem - the Adams family) really got into it and I was so inspired to see their excitement and planning for the event. Like I said, it was... Spectacular!

Erik Bowman hosted over 200 grads, family and friends on his roof, going through a LOT of coordination to make it all happen. Thank you again, Erik! We watched a great welcome video from Jim Dutton before going out to see the space station streak by...right in front ofthe moon! After a prayer we waited for the final countdown. 3 2 1 !

What a second before was a silver statue under floodlights blanketed by darkness became a bright shining star. The grass became green, the sky became blue and the stars, once beckoning, were suddenlybanishedbythe glorious power and majesty ofsolid rocket booster thrust. We were screaming.

About that time, our shouting stopped, but not because we had to. Instead, the voice of the shuttle had finally reached us and challenged us to a shouting match, which we lost. The thunderous roar had the sounds of rattling, cracking and banging inside it as well. It was violence, pure and simple. Discovery rose from the ground and was now rapidly departing the area. The stars suddenly came back out and we were once again in darkness. We watched that curving column ofexhaust, now extending several miles in altitude, lit by moonlight, pushing Jim well past Florida. Two tiny red dots moved off from the larger white dot at the center, and at that location a few minutes later we saw the most amazing “nebula” of glowing gases, surely left behind by the rocket booster separation and lit directly with the sunlight of the upper atmosphere. The gas particles shimmered inside the expanding cloud of blues and greens, several miles up. I was absolutely transfixed!

Without the rocket boosters, the contrails of exhaust from the main engines glowed against the dark skyby the light of the rising sun. These contrails were nothing but the thinnest wisps, trailing in perfectly curved lines and framing the white dot ofDiscovery in the shape of a comet. We learned later this halo effect has hardly ever been seen before.

Now twisted and bent like a shoelace, the smoke column glowed blue, green, yellow, red, orange, pink and white. It was like magic! Which makes a photo ofthis effect from the Magic Kingdom all the more appropriate.

“When you wish upon a star

I would love to go on and on, but I think you get the impression ofwhy I say it was spectacular.

I saw later on NASA TV that Jim wore a USAFA Flying Club ball cap as he was prepped to enter the shuttle. Totally cool, Jim! Just one of the many ways in which the weekend was... Inspiring!

To be filled with spirit; that’s really what that word means, isn’t it? And we were! Individual inspiration, treasured personal relationships and the pride of group association all mixed together.

At the after-launch beach party, Ed Black greeted us wearing the garb of Basic Cadet Black! I’m not kidding: yellow cap with blue nametag pinned, and all. You should’ve seen him. Thank you for such a greatjob hosting the party, Ed! It and the dinner hosted by Leslie Beavers were the perfect settings for enjoying one another’s company. In many cases the spouses were havingjust as much fun as the grads. I was told by some how easy it was to participate without having to worry about the food, the plan, and getting everyone adequately prepped. No “family deployment” pre-op preps. We

want to do it like that again! And so we shall; this mini-reunion really whet our appetite for a first-rate 20-year reunion.

Many of you inspired me to reach higher. I was thrilled to learn what you’ve accomplished. I appreciated how you spoke to me, since I’ve gone through a journey myself over the past four years, searching for sources of inspiration professionally and personally. I’ve been preparing, you might say, for doing my best work yet outside the military. I know I can do it, but I’ve not really been assured of having what it takes. Thank you for making it all so...

Heartwarming!

Everyone I talked to seemed to take away something deeply significant and reflective, sometimes at several levels. It’s those deeper levels that only reside in the heart, and in their goodness provide us with warmth and comfort, with renewed vigor for what we have in life.

In addition to thevisual magnificence of the launch, there were dozens of memorable moments. Here are some snapshots: Roadtrippin’ with Eric Waxvik and friend Mike. The first joyous greetings together at KSC under the Saturn V with Dave, Casey, Eric, Leslie, and Art. Casey’s girls declaring confidently that they hate flying, complete with wincing grimaces and tongues sticking out. General Scott revealing the story of having an apartment when he was a cadet. Dave Damrath tearing up during the launch. Sandcastles and kids in the surf.. .lots ofkids! Cherianne and Mike filming greetings to Jim. Leslie receiving a good news business call while wading in the surf (like a movie scene - *wink-wink*). Daneing to reggae. Sharing heartylaughs with DeeDee, Jim and their spouses.

For so many years I have been looking at and anticipating the “20” as if it was the end. Our weekend showed me it is only the beginning. I am so proud to be called your friend, and I can now truly, without reservation, say that I love every one ofyou, and would still this day go into battle with you. May we always work together for the glory and success of our fellow Americans.

It’s going to be an awesome reunion next year! Congratulations on a safe return and many thanks, Jim, for what this mission has meant to all of us.

James S. Mehta

3802 Elbert Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22305 (703) 738-4823

jamesmehta@us.af.mil

jamesmehta@earthlink.net

Let’s see, I think this is columnnumber 72 since graduation...not that I’m counting. Sometimes I wonder if this column is obsolete with Facebook and other social networking sites. Eventually, I’ll get the time and the impetus to create a Facebook page and see for myself. In the interim, I hope you all continue to get your Checkpoints and open the 1992 Class Notes first as you always have. Take a few minutes to send me a note and some interesting tidbits about you, your family, or classmates.

New arrival! I will take the liberty to share some good news about my family first. On March 11, 2010, our son, Andrew, was born. We were blessed to adopt Andrew just three days after he was born in Las Vegas. Since our last assignment was at Nellis AFB, it was like going home and since our daughter Sarah was also born in Las Vegas, it seems it was meant

^Vv/c£ Visit the AOGWeb Site. Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and more! www.usafa.org

to be. We are so fortunate and Sarah is so proud ofher little brother—she is relishing the role of big sister and wantsto hug him allthe time.

James, Michelle, Sarah (3), andAndrew (3 wks) on Easter, 2010.

E-mail“bag.” Steve Mounts wrote to me from Germanywhere Steve and his wife, Stephanie, arrived last summer after finishing National War College. Steve is a second-time squadron commander at 52 MDSS. Fellow True Bluers at Spangdahlem are Scott Babbitt in the XP office, Charlie Kuhl is the CES commander, and Clint Hinote is inbound to be the Vice Wing Commander. Steve and Stephanie are enjoying Germany with their two Great Pyrennes and have enjoyed traveling to Brussels, Paris, Venice, Florence, Garmisch, and Antalya, Turkey. Here’s a photo ofSteve and Stephanie at Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) in Turkey.

Steve and Stephanie

Clarence “Cool Hand” Lukes was my next e-mail. In the theme ofthe last column related to changes of command, Clarence provided more change of command news. On 26 Mar 10, Clarence passed the guidon of the 570 CRG at Travis to Perry Long. Clarence and Perry recently redeployed from Afghanistan where they both were members of the 615 CRW. As Clarence finishes his two years of command, he is headed out to JAWS. He mentioned how cool it was to pass command to a classmate.

My final e-mail was from Chris Colbert who is also at Travis. According to Chris, there is quite a contingent of True Blue ’92 folks at Travis. Chris is commanding the C-5 squadron, Joel Jackson is getting ready to hand his KC-10 squadron over before heading off to Air War College. Jeff Cooper is running the OSS, and Bill Spangenthal was commanding the C-17 squadron, but he left last summer to do a Fortune 500 Fellowship with Apple down in Cupertino, CA. Finally, KenMoss is also at Travis and is about to become the Wing Chief of Safety. Chris will be heading down to AWC with Joel. Bill will finish up his fellowship and is picking up a USTRANSCOM job at MacDill AFB.

Chris shared some non-Travis news as well. Timrek Heisler just took command of a flying squadron down at Andrews AFB, Jon Woznlak is flying with the Stewart ANG C-5 unit, Dean Hitchcock is in command of a CE squadron at Fairchild AFB, and Kevin Charron got married last fail and is an orthopedic surgeon in the Atlanta area.

Sabre Society Donors

Sabre Society Donors 8

DC Beltway Gang. I ran into Scott Fisher a week ago here in the Pentagon. Scott finished up commanding the 51 OSS at OsanAB and landed here in the Pentagon at AF/CX with his wife and five kids. The CX gig is shortterm as Scott is going to learn the correct pronunciation of “Ooh-rah!” at Marine War College this summer. He reminded me that John Kubinec is heading off to A1 Udeid this summer from the Pentagon to be the Maintenance Group CC. And he updated me that Brook Leonard is finishing up ArmyWar College this summer, but not sure where he is headed.

I also ran into Chris Finerty in the hallway (good place to see people). He was looking sharp in his suit—his uniform now that he is spending a lot of time on Capitol Hill from SAF/FMBL doing legislative liaison work. His wife, Amanda, (Steffey- ’95) is a Reservist and currentlyworking in SAF/LLZ also doing congressional liaison. When she was on active duty, I crossed paths with her as an OSI agent.

Cleaning up the awards. Last time I mentioned that Troy Sullivan was finishing his command ofAFOSI Detachment 206 at Nellis. Well, Troy and his det were recognized for their outstanding investigative work this past year at the annualAFOSI Awards Banquet. Troy was namedthe Field Grade Officer of the Year for AFOSI and also ledhis det to several awards: AFOSI Large Detachment of the Year, AFOSI Team of the Year (for narcotics investigations), and the AFOSIVerne Orr Award winner. That was quite a haul of trophies and a testament to his great leadership. He is PCSing back to the DC area where he is taking command ofAFOSI’s squadron in the National Capitol Region, the 7th Field Investigations Squadron.

Getting old! My USAFA roommate of 3 years, Don Unwin, and I both turned the big 40 recently. Don is still flying for FedEx and pulling Reserve duty at Scott AFB. Don’s wife, Kathleen, threw Don a surprise birthday party and had several friends fly in unannounced. I was TDY to San Antonio for a Sq/CC course and was able to stop in St. Louis on the way home for the weekend. Arty Bagomolny and Don’s high-school friend Jay also made it from out of town without Don knowing. (Arty is flying for FedEx out of Memphis.) We spent all Saturday doing guy things toured new Busch Stadium, had lunch at a local brewery, took a Schlafly brewery tour, and beer tasting (see a trend?). It was a great day, culminated by a surprise birthday party that evening. What a great weekend!

Just a month later, it was my turn. Michelle threw me a 40th party at Gordon Biersch in DC. A lot of friends, co-workers, and evensome old CS-22 Tarantulas came. Rob Tobler and Bob Seifert who are both at Andrews AFB joined us with their wives, Leisa and Amy. It was a fantastic evening, but I can’t believe we’re 40 now and getting close to being retirement eligible...

I mentioned the squadron commanders’ course I attended at Randolph AFB. There were two other ’92ers taking the course with me. Arlie Haddix is the current 332 RCS (recruiting squadron) commander out of Nashville, TN, and Dave Mott is the 2 ARS/CC at Joint Base McGuire.

The wrap up. That’s it for another quarter. I suppose I’ll be writing the next one about the time I am PCSing to Germany. I’m looking forward to seeing many ofyou in Europe and hearing from those ofyou all over. True Blue, James.

Michael D. Sundsted 1805 Macadams Place Alexandria, VA 22308 (240) 338-9839

Michael.sundsted@whmo.mil

Class Website: www.highflight.com

from fellow classmates. Please continue to send updates as you can. I want to hear from more ofyou. It’s great when I hear from so many ofyou—keep the updates coming! On to the news...

Adam Olshefskyupdates us from the DC Beltway. He has returned to the defense industry from the first since getting out in 2000. Adam is a Project Manager working for a QinetiQ-North America on an IT support contract with the National Defense University at Fort McNair, DC. Adam says he will be very busy over the next few years and is excited at how diverse the corporate/government environment operates. He will work with government civilians, active duty personnel and contractors. He’s not far away from many other former graduates of USAFA as well as USNA and USMA. His direct boss is a 1974 graduate from USAFA! He was moved from Alexandria to Arlington while he looks for a permanent house. Congratulations Adam—thanks for making ’93 look great!

’93’s #1 USAFA Tennis Player checked in from our beloved alma mater. Dan Oosterhous sent me an “ACE” of an update. Dan is actually living his dream as the coach of the USAFA Men’s Tennis Team! Congrats Dan! He has been there since October 2009 and is “LOVE-ing” every minute of it. He stated that he is extremely lucky because he is able to combine his passion for the Air Force and tennis into one job AND he gets to work daily with the best students, coaching staff, and faculty in the world! He has bumped into several of our classmates to include Bron Stuart, Bryon Rodriguez, and Brent Unger, who were out here for the Air Liaison Director’s conference and RebELEVEN classmate George Koury who is doing great in his 8th year as Head Golf coach. Dan asks that ifanyone comes back to the Academy, please come go to his office above the indoor tennis courts in the cadet gym to say hi! We’ll all be there in 2013 for the 20th The picture is from the retirement weekend in Oct 09 which Rich Gugat, former Men’s Tennis Team head coach retired after serving from 1974 - 1909

Happy Summer to the best class from ANY Academy let alone thehallowed halls ofVandenberg and Sijan. We have definitely been busy here in Alexandria,VA. I can’t wait to get the boat on the Potomac! I knowyou have been busy as well, but it’s that time again when I can share some updates

JeffRied sends us an update from Kemah, Texas. Jeff and his wife, Shawna, have two great kids, Austin (15) and Kylee (14). Jeff is President and CEO of an aviation company called Wing Aviation. His company is a charter management company that flies Gulfstream’s, Hawkers and other private aircraft. He works at an FBO just north of Houston at CXO or Lone Star Executive Airport. He is based at his company’s facility at the Houston Airport. Things are going great for Jeff and family and like most of our fellow graduates, his kids are playing a ton of sports and extracurricular activities. Thanks for the great update Jeff!

Thanks to those who updated. Much better than last time, but I still want more of our classmates to give us an update. The Andrews/Washington Capitol area classmates continue to do well. It’s great to be in an area

JeffCooper, Chris Colbert, Bill Spangenthal, andJoelJackson at a change ofcommand ceremony.

Sabre Society Donors 4

Alumni 93-95: Trace Thurlby (’94), Jerry Ledzinski (’95), Rich Gugat (tennis coach ’74-'09), Dan Oosterhous (’93), Bruce Ybarra (’93), and Mike Bautista (’94).

Alumni Tennis Group: 40+ grads and cadetsfrom class of’74 thru ’13 with coach Rich Gugat (Fellow ’93ers Bruce Ybarra and Dan Oosterhous are in 2nd row center.

where we have so many classmates—just wish we had more time to see each other. Too many ’93ers raising the bar and making things happen. Well all have a tasty beverage at the reunion I am sure! Have a great summer and be SAFE! Mike

Craig Allen 440 Willow Court

Warrensburg, MO 64093

H: (660) 747-8088

C: (660) 864-5374

keggerallen@embarqnnail.conn

Greetings from Guam, USA. I got reprieve from the end of winter back home, and have been deployed here flying B-2s for several months. It’s been good flying and a lotof great golfing here on theisland. During my first round here at the Palm Tree Golf Course, I hooked a drive into the jungle. During my quick search effort into the tropical vegetation for the wayward tee shot, I immediately realized I was on the set of Lost. I didn’t see any polar bears out there, but I’m pretty sure the smoke monster made offwith my Titleist Pro VI. You definitely get a bit of that time warp feeling when you’re on a tropical island for an extended period oftime, so I’m ready for a “sideways flash” to get back home for summertime with the family.

The 393rd “Tigers”Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam.

Also deployed here with me from Whiteman isSteve “Swis” Sims. Swis has been stationed at Whiteman with me for a couple years and we are roommates in the same “hooch” here on Guam. About a week into the deployment, we were discussing our college years and to my surprise, Swis said he was a ’94 grad. Once we had that figured out, I informed him that I was of course obligated to include him in the next installment of Checkpoints. Swis has been flying the B-2 for a long time and is currently a B-2 instructor pilot who works in the 509 OSS. He and wife, Erin, are raising their three kids in Warrensburg, MO. Also sighted here on Guam was Mark “Otis” Snowden. Otis is deployed here flying F-22s with the 90 FS, “Dicemen” out of Elmendorf, Alaska. He’s the 90th’s Operations Officer. Overall solid ’94 representation here in the Pacific Theater.

I saw some interesting message traffic from Rob “Berto” Calderon that occurred before, during and after his bachelor party in Vegas. It appears he was just a bit nervous before tying the knot, but a $300 bottle of Don Julio Real took the edge off and he and beautiful bride, Laura, were mar-

ried at the end of March. Rob met Laura while working in orthopaedics in Phoenix. They now reside in the DC area where Rob is an AF orthopaedic surgeon and Laura is in a civilian practice. The wedding also took place in Vegas, at The Wynn. Nice choice of venue Rob. If it was anything like your other wedding that I was at, I’m sure it was a great time. Congrats!

It appears that ’94 grads are taking over the Viper world at Luke AFB, AZ. I received a great update from John “Niles” Meiter on eight grads who are currently stationed there. He was even able to get seven of the eight guys in one place at the same time for the photo. Niles just finished up a tour as the 310 FS/DO and is headed to Bagram AB for 6 months as the 455 AEW/DS. Prior to his Luke assignment, he attended ACSC in the UK and stayed there for a twoyear exchange staff tour. Nilesand wife, Dana, have a 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. He said it has been great to see so many classmates while stationed at Luke and thinks that soon, some of the SQ/CC positions will be filled by ’94 guys.

Society Donors

Niles gave the following reports on the rest ofthe guys: Sean “Lamont” Routier just finished a two-year staff tour at SAF/LA before returning to the F-16 at Luke with his wife, Erin, and their three sons. They are all happy to be free of the SAF world and back around jet noise. Chris “Split” Colcord (a proud member of my “Vipers Worldwide” fantasy football league) is the Ops Officer of the 21 FS Gamblers. After a stint as an Academy AOC and a tour at Hill, he returned to Luke with his wife, Melody, and their son. Korey “Axe” Amundson is flying Vipers in the Reserves at Luke. He splits time between flyingfighters and flying 737s for Delta out ofJFK. Still single, he is living the dream in downtown Phoenix. Ifyou’re ever there, give him a ring and he’ll take you on a tour of the best spots in Scottsdale. Saxon “WASP” Yandell is also an AF Reservist at Luke assigned to the 944 FW since 2004. A member of the “1% club”, WASP is married to his high school sweetheart. They have two kids, a girl (13) and a boy (11). Danny “SHIP” Lasica is the 56 FW Chief of Safety. He andhis wife win the most kids award, with a total of EIGHT kids tallied. Nice work. Nick “Billy Bob” Roach is an ADO in the 308 FS. Finally, the guy who didn’t make the picture is Mark “Slammer” Bjorgen, who was probably out flying BFM against a B-Course student at the time. Slammer has played his cards right, with assignments at Osan, Aviano and Ramstein. He is still flying F-16s in the 21 FS at Luke, where he lives with his wife, Lynne, and their two kids.

Thanks for the great update Niles. I’m sure you all gave Tony “Fargo” Retka some quality training when he was there for re-qual this spring on his way to Misawa. I also learned recently that Brian “Hack” Jackson is headed that way this summer, to bring the total to nine ’94 guys in theViper at Luke. “Push it up!”

’94 Luke contingent L to R: Sean “Lamont” Routier, Chris “Split” Colcord, Korey “Axe”Amundson, Saxon “WASP”Yandell, Dan “Ship”Lasica, Nick “Billy Bob”Roach, andJohn “Niles”Meiter.

Thanks for the input this quarter and keep sending me updates. I hope to return to “The Fireworks State” (Missouri) in time for the Fourth of July. Ifyou’re anywhere near the area, swingbyfor our annual backyard blowout, where I learned last year that thekids trampoline needs to be well clear of the frag pattern of roman candles...turns out trampoline mats melt holes quite easily when taking fire. Have a great summer—Kegger.

R. Travis Koch

100 Trieste Blvd.

Panama City Beach, FL 32407 W:(850) 282-4340

Home: 850.249.8820

Cell: (850) 499-8242

richard.koch@tyndall.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com

Checkpoints Update:Well, before we get started with the update, i wanted to pass a few interesting items from the last issue of Checkpoints, in case you missed it. First, the new CadetWing Commander calls himself, ‘some-

Rob Calderon and wife, Laura

Sabre

thing of a hardball.” That wasn’t the funny thing though; he was wearing rank with the following: ground, cloud, horizon, thick-bar,thick-bar, thickbar, thick-bar, (wait for it...) star, star, star. That’s right, three stars. Now, I was a bit of a smoker/joker and was never up for knowledge bowl MVP (like Greg Godsey) but wasn’t it just two stars back in the day? Spaven, can we get a ruling here? Sheridan, bust out your Contrails and get back to me on that one. Second, the Princeton Review selected USAFA as one of the top 100 Best-Value Colleges in the US. Really...? That’s weird becauseit’s free. Finally, AF Men’s Lacrosse co-captain and academic All-American, Ridge Flick was quoted about the rigors of team trips as saying, ”... once we get to the hotel, we only have about an hour to study before going to bed.” Did I mention they’ve won one game this year? Don’t worry about that curfew, brother, go out and have a beer. Reminds me of those AFA Hockey teams of the early ’90’s.. .3.4 team GPA with 13 wins. Don’t kid yourself, Benson, Bilek, McAlister; it wasn’t just because Welchy was your manager.

Sabre Society Donors 6

Sibling Greetings: A few years ago, there was a T-shirt going around USAFA with the term “Tell your sister I said Hi” on the back. Froggy, this shirt was made for you. Maybe I’m the only one laughing right now but send me a note with your buddies’ sister’s name you’d like to say hi to, or feel free to “third-party” greet. For example, Salmon (’94), Fellona (’96), McCauley (’98), please tell your sisters I said Hi. Or, if anyone wanted to say hi to Murph’s sister, that might be funny too. Or (third party example) Thode, Rex wanted to tell your sister Hi. This is not gender specific either, so ladies, feel free to say hi to some of your friends’ brothers too. Anyway, here’s a shot of ole Rex embracing all ofWisconsin:

Rex with hisfinned brown trout.

Ground Control to Dr. Kjell: For those that had not heard, Kjell Lindgren was selected for the new Astronaut Class of 2009! Kjell separated a while back and went to medical school. He had been working as a flight doc at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. He is married to Kristi and they have three kids (Alexandra - 8, Kair - 5, and Tor - 2). Congrats again.

great. It’s one thing to see those guys perform; it’s another when it is your buddy leading the show. I highly recommend it. Check out their schedule at http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/index.htmll. I was going to put a picture of their family in but I didn’t get their approval, and we are renting their house in Florida. By the way, Southwest is flying to PC Beach now, bags fly free.

Random Updates: All the ’95 AOCs from the zoo sent me a picture of their annual run to the rock. It’s a great shot of the rock...and the folks in it are about the size of a nickel and you can almost see them. They were all there, and they all had on Gold baseball caps. I promise. Mike and Missy May did just get their first newborn baby. Congrats! Jon Cory and his wife, Diana, just celebrated their 9th anniversary with their two kids Justice and Greyson. The whole family enjoys hunting, fishing and shooting and get plenty of practice down in Centerville, GA (just outside of Robbins). Jon is out of the AF and works for a graphic packaging company so drop him a line ifyou like (CoryJ@graphicpkg.com).

Harmon Lewis is on his way to Scott to carry a hat for a year before moving on to bigger and better. I ran into the Iron Sheik, Mike Feliz (’92), Beau Booth (’92), Rich Carrel, and Mike Conley (’96) at Chief of Safety School in Albuquerque. I am still recovering from a green chile overdose. Feliz is in Washington, Conley is in Florida with two great kids. Rich is at Kadena. Dave Mineau (’94) just took over the OSS out there. Congrats. Also, lost my iPod and busted out a Walkman the other day (for those in the class of ’08 or later reading this, a Walkman was a portable cassette player from the '80s. You were 4). Anyway, listened to a few episodes of the Magic Bus circa winter of ’94. A KAFA timeless classic. Dr. Susan (Pressner) Clark is a chiropractor in Ashburn, VA. She was reminiscing about her time on 2nd group staffwith Jen Rollins. Dr. Susan has three boys (6,3, and 1) and here’s a happy snappy:

was

Dr. Susan, Alternative MedicineWoman

And now for the Jon Hamby section of the update. Bone is great. He is church shopping again. Thinking about St. Pete’s Catholic Church. Not because he can get his weekly dose of the Body of Christ, but because they have a sweet school for his three kids. Mathis needs some schooling. His current trick is stealing Sun Chips out of his sister’s bag to fill his Cheetos bag when she’s not looking. Don’t know where he’d get that.

Millsy wants everyone to run down to Vegas and celebrate Shari’s 40th near the end of July. Apparently no one is getting married anymore so we have to jump to birthdays and anniversaries to get everyone together. I told him we could celebrate Festivus but he wasn’t buying it. Ifyou can’t make it to Shari’s 40th think about going to Vegas for the AF/UNLV football game on 18 Nov. We could make it a weekend. Also, when’s the next Old Dominion Duff, and what aboutanother “Mutha” get together? It’s been 15 years! Till then, Keep the Faith, T.Koch.

Melissa S. Cunningham

5785 Ft. Wright Oval Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

W: (509) 247-2525/DSN: 657-2525

H: (509) 244-9775

Melissa.cunningham@fairchild.af.mil fchdrider@msn.com

Its summertime, so it must moving time again. It looks like I am D.C. bound to join many of you at the Pentagon. I’m sure it will be very exciting but I’m not looking forward to the commute. It will be hard to trade the 2- minute commute for the 2-hour one but I guess it comes with the territory.

The Lindgrens

Your USAF Thunderbirds: We went to the Eglin Air Show a few weeks back and got to watch the Thunderbirds. It was amazing. Case “Basket” Cunningham (’94) is the Squadron Commander and Thunderbird 1. It

I received a great email form Mike Haines. He took his current job as the Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE) Flight Commander at Maxwell almost 4 years ago and time has flown by. Just after our 10-year Class Reunion, he had a “unique” opportunity to train/deploy with the Army in ‘06/’07. That was followed in ‘08 with a stint on G-series orders while his Sq/CC deployed. Since then he’s been focusing on his BE Flight while serving as the Dep Sq/ CC. Mike andhis wife, Beth, recently found out that they will be staying an additional year at Maxwell to begin ACSC. Beth, and their children, Carson and Skylar, reallyenjoy life down south and are excited about the extra year in the same location, however, they realize that leaving a year later will be much harder on all ofthem. Being stationed in Alabama has afforded them the opportunity to spend time with extended family and make a couple of fun trips to Disney World. They’ve run into a couple of ’96ers every now and then including most recently Nic Clementz, Nate Chine, Glenn Rineheart and Gonzo Reyna all ofwhom are about to finish ACSC.

The Simko Family in San Diego:Stephen, Gigi, Lukas, andJaycek. I also received a nice note in the mail from Gigi Simko (ANGELES). She is currently in D.C. assigned to the SG’s office. She commented that it’s been quite the learning experience. Her husband, Stephen Simko (’95), is a program manager with Raytheon. They have two little boys, Lukas and Jaycek, and weekends full of soccer & kiddo activities.

Katie Taylor (Eckman) sent me a great update about her family. After spending several years apart at the beginning oftheir marriage, Scott Taylor (’94) and Katie made the difficult decision to separate from the Air Force in 2005/2006, respectively. They were both F-15E FTU instructors at Seymour Johnson at the time. They began the next chapter of their lives by moving to Indianapolis, IN to be closer to Scott’s family. Scott was hired by FedEx and now flies the MD-11 out ofAnchorage. Katie decided to venture away from the aviation world and pursued a graduate degree in Philanthropic Studies. She and Scott then spent a year working on a project to help homeless veterans in their community. During that time, Katie became pregnant with their son Charlie and has been enjoying staying home with him. This fall, they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of another baby. Meanwhile, they are continuing to pursue international adoption, a process theybegan before Charlie arrived on the scene. She said “indeed, the Taylor family is growing, and with it lessons ofhumility, love and selflessness grow as well.” I’m sure that sentiment warms your heart as it did mine.

One plane crash. I greatly feared Piotr Blazeusz and Rafal Nowak would be among the 96 Polish military and civilian leaders that were lost. The Polish military suffered the deepest losses including the Army ChiefofStaff, the Naval Chief Commander and the heads ofthe Air and Land forces, all ofwhom were making the emotional trip to honor the Polish officers slain by the Soviet secret police during the Katyn massacre in 1940. I did a quick Google search to learn the background on the Katyn massacre and it is extremely horrific. I received an email from Peter several days later that he was safe. Many of his fellow generals on that flight were personal friends. These courageous men survived manymilitary conflicts throughout their careers and found theirfinal resting place where so many other Polish officers were murdered. He said it was devilish symbolism. Please continue to keep Piotr, Rafal and the people ofPoland in your prayers during this great time ofmourning and tragedy.

Many of you are will making major moves this summer. Please remember to update you address with the AOG as you settle in. Please keep me posted with all the exciting things ahead with quick email, note, or picture. Your inputs are what make this column great.

Take care & God Bless! Mel

LPflfessy sa&taiR..

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr. 756 Granite Drive Ofallon, IL 62269

mel_maxwell97@hotnnail.com melvin.maxwell@ustranscom.mil

Greetings ’97ers,

Hope this update finds you well. This past April, my family and I visited the Air Force Academy for a few days. My wife, Louella, is returning to Air Force volleyball—this time as a coach. Louella recently accepted an assistant volleyball coaching position at USAFA. We’ll be doing some family juggling while I am commanding the 55th LRS at Offutt over the next two years. During our visit to USAFA, we were fortunate enough to run into a few classmates. In addition to being an AOC, Tracey Smith helps out with the volleyball team so we got to spend a little time with her in the gym. We ran into Kelly Skalko outside the Cadet Field House. Kelly is out, living in Colorado Springs working at a mental health clinic if I remember correctly. Louella called up Wendy Palatinus upon getting to town for a little beauty treatment. Wendy is a part-time esthetician and was able to do Louella a solid and squeeze her in for a quick treatment. One day we stopped at the outlet mall in Castle Rock and ran into Ty Shandy and his family. Ty left active duty, took his hospital administration experience and, with his wife, Amy, opened the Shandy Clinic in Colorado Springs. The clinic provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy services for children. Check out the website at www.shandyclinic.com.

While at the Academy, I stopped in to visit the Management Department andhad the opportunity to audit a class taught by our very own Joe Suhajda. Joe’s a fantastic instructor—he’s been teaching in the Management Department since 2002, first on active duty and now as a Reservist. Joe is a financial planner in his civilian job. Joe’s wife, Sierra (Gould), is a civilian in the athletic department. The class was very interesting with topics ranging from the indictment of Goldman Sacks to whether or not to take the $35K, 0.5% USAA car loan offered to two degrees this year!

Jeff Queen dropped me an update. Jeff andhis family have been down in Biloxi at Keesler for nearly 5 years, having moved in a few weeks prior to Hurricane Katrina. Jeff’s the Director of Staff at the 81 TRW but is heading to DC this summer for school at the National Defense Intelligence College along with classmates Mike Parks, Marquis Randall, and Michelle Cams. Jeff and his wife, Mary Kay (Merkle, ’00), recently had their second child Lucywho was born on 27 February. Lucy’s big sister Sam is 3 years old. (See photo at the top of the next column.)

Here are some quick notes on the way out. Samantha (Glinksi) Weeks passed some news. She’s PCSing from DC to Maxwell AFB for a year of School of Advance Air and Space Studies; Thad Middleton will be staying in DC after school to be the aide to the SecAF; Stacy Kreuziger got out and is travelling the world for a year. Abby (White) Ruscetta is expecting a boy in June, and PCSing to Hill in August to take command.

Pat Suermann is having a great time running a ton of construction from Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Pat saw BJ Pringle from CS-06 a former ‘97 guy who wound up graduating from NC A&T in ‘98 but is also an AF civil engineer and worked at Camp Eggers. Check out Pat’s hero pics and updates from his tour on his blog at www.suermann.blogstpot.com. Tracy (Waller)

The Taylor Family

Sabre Society Donors 4

Sabre Society Donors

Team Queen gets a new addition!

Hasse is finishing up her first year of law school at Regent University in Virginia Beach. She’ll be doing a Navy JAG internship this summer, then working for a Virginia Court ofAppeals Judge in the fall. She even might be an 0-3 in the Navy in a couple years...say it ain’t so. That’s all I have for this round. Until next time.. .Mel

Pat Fox

1520 Pershing Dr., Apt. E San Francisco, CA 94129 pmf6@pge.com

I write this class update on a flight back from Cancun, Mexico where I attended Mike Gismondi’s wedding. Mike and his beautiful bride, Jenienne Polifrone, exchanged vows during an intimate, yet uniqueWiccan wedding ceremony. It was my firstWiccan wedding, somewhat surprising seeing as I live in San Francisco -1 hear Wiccan weddings have become encouraged at that Academy nowadays.

As fate would have it, Giz, Brian Quinn (UPS and C-17 Reserves at Charleston), and Drew Dougherty (awaiting a start date with Southwest and A-10 Guard in Baltimore) were all permitted to return to Mexico as the remaining years on their 15-year ban on travel to Mexico, due to their spring break antics as cadets, was waived. The Mexican Authorities were not as lenient with Chase Manius (no status update available), and sadly, he was an invitee that was not in attendance. Deno Debacco (Delta and C-5 Guard out ofNewburgh, NY) was a groomsman and he gave a touching toast to Mike and Jenienne that included a story or two that Jenienne and her parents probably didn’t want to hear. Despite it all, many were moved to tears by Deno’s tribute, myself included. Admittedly, some of my tears were tears of sympathy, knowing that with Giz and Deno becoming brothers-in-law (their wives are sisters), the poor Polifrone family is likely to hear inappropriate Academy stories repeated again and again at countless family holiday gatherings. During the reception, Quinn reminded me that the

date also marked 15th anniversary of his and Giz’s wing knowledge bowl victory - what a stunning coincidence! I’ve included a picture of the grads in attendance.

“Random” Rob Evert checked in with an update. Ev got together with his fellow offensive linemen for a reunion. After trying to book multiple venues and getting turned away, they found a small B&B in northern Georgia (think of the movie Deliverance) to host their get-together. Ryan Paolucci, Jeff Parr, Chuck Parks, and Mark Thurbush joined Ev for their annual weekend of dreaming of what it would have been like to have been a skill position player. Pooch is living in South Carolina selling surgical prepatory equipment, Jeff is attendingACSC in-residence, Big C is flying Special Ops C130s in Fayette-Nam, North Carolina, Ev is finishing his MBA at the UniversityofMinnesota and upon graduation he’ll head back to C-Springs to teach in the management department, and Bush is working for Kimberly-Clarke in Minneapolis while finishing his MBA at the University of Minnesota. Back at the Academy, Thurbush would constantly remind me that I was on his Top 10 list of most likely people to get kicked out - thankfully, G-Lo kept a different list than Bush and I never had my number called. Keeping to the theme ofTop 10 lists, Bush you’re on my newly minted Top 10 list of courageous fighters, keep fighting buddy, we’re all behind you.

Sabre Society Donors 2

Dave Cason checked in from Arizona. He is stationed at Davis-Monthan with Courtney Hamilton. Sheri (Webb) Thornburg, Courtney, and Dave all got together for Haiti earthquake relief at Air Forces Southern at DavisMonthan. Courtney flew F-15Cs, and is currently on A3 operations staff at 12 AF (AFSOUTH); she will head to Naval Post-Graduate School in a few months. Sheri and her husband, Jason, are enjoying lovely Spokane, WA and both work as civilians at Fairchild AFB. They have 2 children; Jaela is 7, Dylan is 6, and Sheri is pregnant with their third child due just before this issue is sent to press. Dave flies search and rescue HC-130s and currently works on the 12 AF Commander’s Action Group here at D-M. He will head out to Air Combat Command in a few months to work on ACC/A3T staff.

Finally, another Memorial Day has passed - we remember the sacrifices of all veterans, but especially our classmates that have gone before in service to our nation. Their passing will always remain in our hearts and their sacrifices never forgotten.

Brian Quinn, Drew Dougherty, Patrick Fox, Mike Gismondi, RyanAdams, Deno Debacco, and Nick Gismondi (‘94). Pictured kneeling infront is Mike’s goodfriendAl Kada.

Ryan Paolucci, JeffParr, Chuck Parks, Rob Evert, Mark Thurbush

Courtney Hamilton, Sheri (Webb) Thornburg, Dave Casson

i

James W. Busch

(830) 734-2411

DSN: 732-5142

buschfl6@yahoo.com

james.busch@laughlin.af.mil

Class - hello again from the wilds of southwest Texas. While I’m knee deep in prep’ing for Laughlin’s Compliance Inspection, Angela (Arredondo) Smith took a break from motherhood to write this quarter’s installment. Thanks Angela! What a great looking kid-congrats!

Jason Simmons

3524 Lakeside Drive

Shreveport, LA 71119

Simmons@USAFA2000.com

Jason.Simmons@us.af.mil

Classmates,

Not much longer and we’ll be meeting up in C. Springs for our Ten-year reunion! Wow, ten years... it’s gone so fast. Our reunion is 8-12 September 2010 and homecoming game will be on 11 Sept 10 at 1400, USAFA vs BYU. There will be a tailgate for all of us ahead of time, as well as many activities on the other days. I’m your Chairman for the Reunion Committee and along with our Class President, Jeremy Eggers, back in the AF as a civilian in Vandenberg, and the Deputy Chairman of Jaron Roux, who is the Exec for the Commandant of Cadets back at the zoo, who is finalizing our hotel deal. Kirk Olsen is back at USAFA as well, and is our Merchandising and Registration Gift lead. Brooke Rinehart is out at San Diego State University pulling ROTC duty and will be leading the Golf Tourney for us. These are our main leads and there are various other members on the committee, but we can always use some extra help. Shoot me an email, if you would like to pull some of the weight. I’ll also need Cadet Squadron leads, meaning one person from each graduating CS to be the go-to forthat CS (lighter duty, but something we certainly need). Please add the dates to your calendar and visit our “USAFA Class of 2000” Facebook page for updates. Now, on with the class news

2

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Angela (Arredondo) Smith and Jason Smith are having fun with their new son, Alexander, who was born Feb. 26, 2010. Angela is enjoying her maternity leave from the county prosecutor’s office. Fellow classmate Coby Leslie graduated from Emory Law School last summer and joined the same office. They now work side-by-side showing new prosecutors how to sound off in the courtroom. Jason is working full-time in the Texas Air National Guard flying the Predator. Dan McBroom and his wife, Ashley, are also living in Flouston. Dan is in the oil industry making tons of money and solving our nation’s energy crisis. Heaven help us.

Jen (Dolan) Hillberg and Chad Hillberg are still in Wichita Falls with their 2 kids, Jack and Kara. Jen is in the Reserves and is a real estate mogul. Chad is aT-6 instructor pilot and may be PCSing in about a year.

Chrissy (Deibel) MacGregor welcomed her second daughter, Sarah Elizabeth on Nov. 7, 2009. Sarah, big sisterKatie and Chrissy’s husband, Rob, are enjoying the sunshine in Tucson, AZ. Chrissy is working hard as a mom and has a job in hotel management. Heather (Healy) Uberuaga is also living in Tucson with her husband, Mark, and babyboy Eric. Heather is expecting another boy this summer.

Over in Europe, Onnie (Retkofsky) Grisotto is keeping busy in Italy. Her Italian husband, Andrea, recently completed a TDY in Haiti to help with disaster relieffollowing the earthquake. Onnie held down the fort with their 3 kids. Karina (Emhof) Beard is also in Italy and she is expecting a little girl in May. Matt Hartzog andhis wife, Shannon, welcomed their son, Xander, in January. Matt and Shannon are commercial airline pilots living in Sacramento. Congratulations! Spencer Burkhalter is working at AFPC at Randolph AFB. Call him ifyou need a good assignment.

Erin Montague is at Andrews AFB and flying for the 89th AirliftWing, rubbing elbows with senators and congressmen. Chico Jones is an elementary school teacher in southern California. His school realized he never mastered the English language so they are making him teach Spanish. Jenn Ortiz is finishing up her Masters degree at University ofCentral Florida and is enjoying an internship in Mental Health Counseling. Reach out to Jenn for a shoulder to cry on.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Dr. Matt Schmitz is now a staff orthopedic surgeon at Andrews AFB. He was recently selected to complete a fellowship and will take over as the only pediatric orthopedic surgeon in all of the Air Force. After the fellowship ends in Aug 2012, he will spend the remainder ofhis commitment/career in San Antonio. Also at Andrews AFB is Dr. Patrick Parsons, who movedthere last July. Pat has been working as the Exec to the Assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services and 79th Medical Wing Commander.

Pat Parsons at KaiteuerFalls, Guyana, South America.

Rob Brooks figured I’d gotten plenty of promotion ceremonies pictures, but his was the only one so here his is below. As you can see, his son Ben is already practicing for a hopeful future of following in his father’s footsteps. Rob’s hoping for an assignment soon back to fly the F-16, but things are always up in the air with the AF. To say the least, I think all of 2000 that is getting promoted has now and I’m certainly liking the extra pay as well as wearing the gold oak leaf clusters.

Sabre Society Donors

Sabre Society Donors

Rob Brooks

Class News

Frank Dillard and family are at Abilene, TX. Russ Magaziner and his wife, Lauren, had their second little girl, Virginia Jane Magaziner, on Dec. 30, 2009 (just in time); Virginia’s older sister, Eleanor, is two years old now. Russ works in Milwaukee as a patent attorney for Foley & Lardner.

Scott Foreman is still having fun at Robert Faustmann’s expense, but promises to give a real update next time around. Until then he’s reporting for Faustmann, saying that Rob just got back from a deployment, has two cute little girls, and is flying F-16s at Nellis.

Rob Volesky and wife, Beth, had a couple of new additions lately as well. Along with Rob pinning on Major in January, they also added their first child, Lucy, to the family in October. Rob is working as a Flight Test Engineer with the F-22 at Edwards and they are expecting to PCS this Summer.

Bryan Trinkle is at the8th Air Support Operations Squadron as the DO and supporting the Army’s 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Italy. He and April didn’t get much time to PCS though when he returned for his last deployment. Jason Goldberg is at the AFSOC’s school house for the mighty AC-130. I’ll be joining Jason and others when I head to Hurlburt Field for a HQ AFSOC job laterthis summer. My wife, Melissa, will be at Eglin in the Optometry Clinic; let me know ifyou’re down there, we’ll need tips on where to buy in-between the two bases and I may need a couch for a week or so. I heard from Dave Adamson and Susan (Murphy) Adamson that are also down that way too. Tracy (Tinianow) Bozung said that Tom Bozung will be home soon, so she’s excited about that.

Ryan Goris is PCSing to Cuba this summer and it seem like many of us are on the move. As you’re moving be sure to plan in time for the reunion as well as time to gasp for oxygen... and perhaps some R&R. Speaking of which, I’ll close out for now, so I can catch a week off down in Cabo, Mexico... thank goodness that area isn’t on the off-limits list. Until next time, please send me some pictures and final PCS plans, family updates, births, and single folks tying the knot. Jason

Faith (Hitchcock) Dunn 6423 NW 94th Court Johnson, IA 50131

Faithd03@hotmail.com

Christine (Love) van Weezendonk recently marriedMark van Weezendonk (‘00) in Charleston, SC with several ’Olers in attendance: Ana Ortega, Jennie Schoeck, Heather (Huot) van Maarth, Kendra (Marks) Lowe, Stacie (Pratt) Billington, Lisa (Jorgensen) Christensen, and Stephanie Boff. She also PCS’d from Charleston, where she was a C-17 instructor to North Carolina where she’s now working as an Air Mobility Liaison Officer AND expecting identical twins in the fall! Kendra (Marks) Lowe and Patrick Lowe recently movedthereand have a 6-month-old babygirl - Brianna. Lisa (Jorgensen) Christensen will be PCSing to Altus, OK to be a C-17 FTU instructor. Steph Boff recently PCS’D to McChord to continue flying C-17s and will be getting married in May to Major Kevin Severe, a fellow C-17 pilot. Heather (Huot) van Maarth is a C-17 pilot in the Reserves at McChord and doing well with her husband, Ryan van Maarth (‘02). Stacie (Pratt) Billington, currentlyflying F-16s, will be PCSing with her husband, Ian Billington (‘03), to Korea for a Joint Spouse Assignment.

Perry is graduating from law school at the University of Missouri in May and plans to practice back in his hometown of Bowling Green, MO. Danny Diaz has been over in Afghanistan serving as a CE Officer and by the sounds of it may have been delayed on his return trip home due to the volcano! Danny let us know when you get back and send that picture you mentioned!

Jason Harris was out at Holloman AFB for some training in January and ran into Brandon Tellez and his wife. Brandon is flying the F-22 and they just had their first child in February, a boy they named Connor Joseph. Jason also ran into Nate Harris who is flying Reapers. Tony Mariapain just got married in Colorado Springs and I know several grads were in attendance. Tony, send pictures when you get a chance! Givey Kochanowski and his wife and 2 kids are still in Germany working for the GSA; we are hoping he can swing a TDY to Colorado at the end of the summer so we can meet up with them. Jeff Feuring andhis wife are expecting baby #2 in June and are still stationed in Los Angeles.

Sabre Society Donors

6

‘01 Ladies at the Love-vanWeezendonk wedding: Kendra (Marks) Lowe, Ana-Maria Ortega, Stacie (Pratt) Billington, Jennie Shoeck, Christine (Love) van Weezendonk, Stephanie Boff, Heather (Huot) van Maarth, and Lisa (Jorgensen) Christensen.

Mark Skalko was selected for the PHOENIX REACH program (Crossflow) and is now at Travis AFB with his wife and two little ones flying the KC10. Geoff Brasse andhis wife are expecting their first child the end of May and PCAing to 12 AF which gives them another year at Davis-Monthan. Ryan Anderson is moving to Spangdahlem in June to be the 52 LRS/DO. Bob

Mike and I welcomed our baby girl on May 4th, 2010. We namedher Abigail Holly Dunn and we are home settling in with her and Grant. We are still in Iowa and both working as Project Managers for our respective employers (Aviva for me and John Deere for Mike). Mike and I took a little “babymoon” to Jackson Hole, WY in January and had a great time (even though I couldn’t ski!).

The Dunns with new arrivalAbigailHolly Dunn.

Take care everyone and I am hoping to have some information soon on beginning our 10-YEAR REUNION planning! Congrats again to all the new Majors out there! Faith Mike and I welcomed our baby girl on May 4th, 2010.We namedher Abigail Holly Dunn and we are home settling in with her and Grant.

Amy Kauvar 806 Magnolia Bend San Antonio, TX 78251 215-280-1760

a myka uva r@gma iI.com Class Website: www.usafa02.org

Chris Uecker and his wife of two years, Monyca, are stationed at Vance AFB and just had a son, Luke Christopher Uecker. He was born on 28 January 2010. All three (photo) are doing fine. Chris and Monyca are both active duty; Chris is a T-6A instructor and Monyca is a T-1A instructor. They met when he was flying F-16s out of Shaw AFB and she was piloting C-17s out of Charleston AFB.

Chris, Monyca, and Luke Uecker

Do you guys remember those days at the Academy; going to briefings during M5 in thedark lectinars? Well, I didn’t until I actually had the opportunity to return to USAFA and be a guest speaker at this year’s NCLS (National Character and Leadership Symposium). This was the second time I had been back, but this time I was really back. I was in Fairchild Hall. It was almost like I never left. Ifyou gave me a back pack and told me to run the strips, I think I could have made my way back to my old room. The food at Mitch’s was still the same andVandenberg Hall still smells exactly the same. As subtle as a smell can be, this smell was unforgettable and was really the thing that sent my mind in a whirlwind ofmemories that made up my fours ofcadet life. As for the cadets, they all look the same; I think I could have found each one ofyou there, but just a little younger. The football jocks, soccer girls, lacrosse boys, chemistry nerds, stressed-out, really sweaty late-for-class cadets, and the coffee shopjunkies; they were all there, just as you and I were.

The remodeled lectinars are all there, and the coffee shop and lounge area portray a contemporary feel spiced with a military motif. Looks like a place I would really enjoy hanging out and chatting with friends. The bright new lighting in the lectinars and a little humor helped me keep the cadets awake as I talked about my battle with cancer in a speech entitled “Perseverance: Making Molehills out of Mountains.” It was an amazing experience! I was truly honored and delighted to be asked to come backand speak. My motivational speech would have not been a success without Kari (Zeller) Granger, who was my personal leadership coach and helped me compose my talk. She is an incredible mentor and woman to emulate. Kari and Suzy (Ledyard) Nielson were both there to cheer me on and to provide moral support. Suzy and I finished up the weekend crashing with Kari and herhusband Matt’s (’00) mountain home and poaching some lines in the EPIC POW!

Fort Carson and is amazed and humbled by their stories. Matt (’00), her husband, works at Lockheed Martin as part ofthe safety team for mitigating risks for human space flight with the new Orion capsule, pretty hot stuff! The most exciting news they have is that they moved to Evergreen, CO. Theyjust closed on their house and are officially now Evergreen-ites. There house is amazing.. hanging over the cliffwith manylarge windows that look out into the Rockies! I think theywill not need to go far to get some granola and organic shampoo!

Kari (Zeller) Granger has just finished a tour of teaching leadership with the Center for Character & Leadership Development at USAFA and is off to new adventures as a civilian performance consultant. She is traveling around the world delivering leadership development programs, and I mean around the world - from the Netherlands to Texas and even to India! Most recently, Kari has been tackling the complex issues surrounding reintegration of our armed service members returning from hardship deployments. She is working with Army soldiers in the Warrior Transition Unit at

Kari (Zeller) and Matt Grangersupporting the HungerProject thisyear in New York City.

I started a community Facebook page. The name is USAFA Class of2002 - NO LIMITS!!! I started this website for several reasons. One is that I am the class scribe and I thought this would be an easy way to keep in touch with the class. Also, I am the 2002 representative for the Council Advisory Senate (CAS). The CAS has a representative from each class and we have meetings to discuss class issues, concerns, and also issues that are being discussed at the AOG. A lot of it is about money, representations, fundraising, donations, etc. One of my responsibilities is communication with the class. This is not an easy task, since all of our classmates are not yet members of the AOG. Hopefully, this Facebook page will help with communication and keep us in touch. Also, the final reason is that it will be virtual place for all of us to commutate. Can’t wait to hear from some, and hopefully all of you on the page! Keep us informed and I look forward to years of laughs, photos, and splendid stories of your families, careers and all the wonderful places the AF and life take you! If you have any concerns or issues regarding the CAS, please email me.

Happy summer and be safe!

Heidi Schlagheck USAFA2003@gmail.com

Class Facebook Page: Usafa Zerothree

Greetings ’03! I can’t believe we are already half way through 2010. Hopefully all of you reading this have had an exciting, happy and healthy year thus far. Justin Chandler and his wife, Margo, PCSd to Pope AFB in late 2009. He just finished up IP training at Little Rock AFB where he ran into Dave McAlroy who was also completing IP training. Bailyn Beck and his wife, Kate, were married on 3 Feb 2007. They had their first child, Ethan Anderson, on 18 May 2009 while they were stationed at Luke AFB for F-16 training. In December they moved to Shaw AFB. They are enjoying their assignment in the 77th FS. (See photo at the top of the next column.)

Sabrina (Kingston) Sparkman is separating from active duty in May and will continue serving in the Reserves. The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) helped her get a position with the Navy in Fort Worth, TX. Her husband, Monte, daughter Jackie Shea (1 year) and she are excited to get back home to Texas. Since they will be in Fort Worth they hoping to see the Falcons play Oct 23rd against TCU. If anyone is coming for the game and needs a place to crash let her know! Ben Berlin is graduating from law school at Vanderbilt University in May. He will then be moving to Detroit, MI to clerk for a federal district court judge. Chris Schlagheck is also graduating in May from Georgia Tech with a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. For any of the rest of you who are also graduating this May - Congratulations!

Sabre Society Donors 2

Sabre Society Donors 4

Amy (Schultz) Kauvar presenting motivational speech during USAFA 2010 NCLS. (Imagine little packmen eating the tumor cellsfrom her brain.)

Skiing at Copper,from left, Suzy (Ledyard) Nielson, Amy (Schultz) Kauvar, Kari (Zeller) Granger, and Matt Granger (’00).

The Beck Family

At the end ofJune Dan Montes is participating in TheWalk ofLions fundraiser. This strenuous six-day 150-mile footrace across the Gobi desert in China was organized late last year to raise money for strategic investment in Zambia to combat HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in rural communities. Liz Rini and Dan met some contacts during a 2008 mission trip to Zambia where they saw the potential for radical change in the way community volunteers can care for the poor and sick. Ever since their initial involvement two years ago and their continued support for the volunteers’ efforts, they have seen a drastic decrease in casualties. The Zambian government has become aware of these improvements and has begun offering support as well. They hope that a large scale fundraiser will collect considerable proceeds for some permanent facilities in Kitwe, the second largest city in Zambia, aimed to establish some robust models for health care and community assistance which should last indefinitely! For more information and to support Dan achieve his goals you can visit walkoflions.org.

Although I didn’t receive any updates from overseas, I know we have classmates in a variety ofplaces and in dangerous situations. Our thoughts are always with you.

Ifyouhaven’t checked it outyet, as mentioned last quarter, our class is now on Facebook at Usafa Zerothree. Future updates can be sent via Facebook or to the class email at USAFA2003@gmail.com. Thank you to all of those who have written and until next time... have a happy and safe summer.

Take Care,

Heidi

Breezy (Long) Heddinger

Cell: (719) 213-3205

Windyshort82@gmail.com

So, 2004.. .how old are we? Seriously, “the year 2010” just sounds wrong, ha ha. The good news is we are still making the most of our days—one of our strengths as a class, both in uniform and out. Many thanks to those of you who have shared your stories with us so far this year, and I apologize for missing last quarter’s deadline. I lost track of time—and my sanity!—between deployment quick-turns for my hubby and for other members ofhis

squadron, which my shop supports. Now I am getting ready to hit the desert again, myself, so I prepared this article early. Without further ado, let’s cut to the part you’ve all been reading for:

The Weinsteins: We have two great pics from Amanda (Baranek) Weinstein and her hubby Casey Weinstein (see previous photo).

USAFA Spirit at theAir Force Bowl Game.

Sporting the snazzy A-jackets and assorted go-AF attire, from left are John McShane, Mrs. Carol Sabol (’80), Lexi Bennett, Amanda (Baranek) Weinstein, Casey Weinstein, and Tom Filbert. How did they capture this spirited camaraderie? Casey teamed-up with Maj Gen (Ret.) Ed Mechenbeir (’64) and organized a grad get-together in Dayton, OH, for the 2009 Air Force bowl game. They had a fabulous turnout—the place was packed with standing room only. In fact, Amanda noted that the staff at the bar had to bring in more seating to accommodate all of the USAFA grads, representing just about every graduation year in the area. 2004 reportedly had the biggest showing...no surprise! Although not in the photo, Shayla Canty was also there, and she was recently stationed at Wright Patterson AFB doing contracting. Allen and Jean Cohen were there, as well. John McShane graduated from AFIT with his master’s in electrical engineering in April and is now working at AFRL at Wright-Patterson AFB. Casey and Amanda (Baranek) Weinstein have both separated from the AF, and are still working hard. Casey is the director of business development for RhinoCorps, a simulation company in Albuquerque, NM, while Amanda is working on her PhD in Economics at The Ohio State University—can anyone say, “Wow?!”

During winter break, they visited with Steve Hollingsworth and his wife, Jacqueline. Steve is also out ofthe Air Force now and in law school at UVA. They snapped a photo at their mini-reunion in NewYork, where they went to see “Wicked” on Broadway. (Note to Big Blue: Amanda is waiting to hear the AF Band play, “Defying Gravity,” and I, for one, agree!)

The (Hogue) HenleyFamily at theAFMarathon.

The Henleys: The happy family pictured by the finish line of the AF Marathon is none other than Michelle (Hogue) Henley, hubby A.J. Henley (’03), and their adorable son Lucas. In September 2009, Michelle finished her first marathon (the AF Marathon) and agreed to share her moment of triumph with us. Granted, this is one in a long line of Michelle’s many accomplishments, but the pic still makes you want to smile excitedly with her, doesn’t it? In the photo, it looks like her son ran a marathon, too, but Michelle noted that, in all fairness, sitting around waiting for Mom to finish running for 5 hours is tough for a 2 year old! To bring you up to date, Michelle got out ofthe Air Force at the end of September 2007, due to force shaping. She says it worked out great because Lucas was born September 10, 2007, and she’s been at home with him ever since. Michelle’s husband

The Weinsteins and Hollingsworths in New York.

Sabre Society Donors 2

A.J. is currently a pilot in the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron at Offutt AFB, and they’ve been there for almost 4.5 years! Understandably, theyhope to get an assignment somewhere soon. Good luck, and hope to cross paths again in this small AF!

That’s all for now, folks. I look forward to hearing from you all—anytime and any news, long or short. Take care!

Paula Delapasse

196 Cambria Drive Beavercreek, OH 45440 (225) 603-4450

jpdelapasse@gmail.com

paula.delapasse@wpafb.af.mil

A season of change is upon us as we enter summer 2010, just five short years since graduation. For many ofus, our time in the Air Force will come to a close. Only 119 days (and a wake up?) left for me, but who is really counting? I know I am feeling some mixed emotions about separating, and there will definitely be a few nights spent reminiscing about LJSAFA as I hang up my uniform for now. For all of us, the adventures are still underway and this summer is no different. I am sure some of you are off changing the world in big and small ways, and I, for one, would love to hear about it!

It was a slow quarter for class news; I didn’t get one thing from anyone! So I polled a small crowd and asked for news from a few friends and got these roundabout updates. Amber Hoffman Poole’s last day in the AF is April 27th before enjoying some well deserved leave. She and Forrest Poole are PCSing to Washington DC in Mid-May once he gets back from SOS. Christine Todd McLean made her way across the pond and has recently PCSd from RAF Lakenheath to Seymour Johnson. She is in a small active duty unit attached to the Reserve unit there flying KC-135s.

Sabre Society Donors

3

Dawn Harnack (Flying C- 130s), Amanda Young (AWACs ABM), and Jennifer Ford (flying C-17s) are all currently deployed and looking forward to coming home! Dawn Harnack sent word that her C-130 squadron was doing the first LCLA drops out there and on top of that she is the first/only female pilot. Very awesome Dawn, keep it up! Dawn saw Elaine Burke at the chow hall and talked with Melissa Bland recently, who is currently stationed out at Manas.

Amanda Young gave me news from the desert... Anthony Butler got engaged recently and did Will Gutherie. Will Gutherie is currently deployed with her at A1 Dhafra. They also recently saw Ryan Roberts over there, though he was lucky enough to be headed home as his time was up. Kristen Beavers Zeligs is interning for medical school out in Washington D.C. Marika Beach Scott, long-time AF vet and full-time mom thanks to force shaping, is living in Del Rio with her husband, Winfield, and their two beautiful daughters Jaden (3) and Pya (6 months). I also go word that Mike Hobson got married on April 17; what a fun time that must have been and I am sure there were plenty of classmates there to help him celebrate.

Sort of a random update, but next time I hope I hear more news from everyone! Best ofluck to all those separating this summer and enjoy starting a new life adventure off of active duty. Please let us know what you are up too! I may not be available on global after July, but be sure to write in to my home email atjpdelapasse@gmail.com. Take care, Paula

Felisa (Hervey) Dyrud

5434 S. Monrovia Ave. Tucson, AZ 85706 felisa.dyrud@gmail.com (719) 352-5991

Facebook group:”Feel the Fire”

Classmates and friends, Spring is in full swing in Kabul, where carefully tended roses all over the city—including hundreds on Camp Eggers—are exploding into color. What a contrast between the soft petals ofthese most famous and written-about members of the vegetable kingdom and the harshness of the violence that

has taken place around them over the past decades here. As the old Afghan proverb says, Hech gul bekhar neest... “No rose without a thorn.”

Please remember Patrick Vandam’s family as they mourn his loss. This note is from his father, Gerald E. Vandam: “Patrick passed away on the 17th of March while practicing for the US National Free Diving Championship in Kona, Hawaii set for April 2010. He was freediving in Midway, at a place called the crater when the accident happened. Thank you for passing the word on about Patrick’s death.”

In other news... John and Casey Gerdes welcomed their son Sean as an addition to the family this past winter. Sean was born 28 December 2009.

The Gerdes Family

Rob Campbell wrote that he, Lisa Cannon, Giovanna Espegio, Jenny Coker, Lindsey Bergeron, Cody Brown, Michael Lucky, and Zane Hershey would be spending a b-e-a-utiful summer in Qatar flying C-17s and running an intelligence shop.

Amy Gilliland just earned her Financial Analysis master’s degree at AFIT and is moving to Los Angeles to work in the Space Based Infrared SystemsWing. “7-day road trip!”

Dayle Morell got engaged to Daniel Hartung (‘07), and is finishing up her second year of law school at Boston University. Danny is flying C-17s at McChord and they are hoping for a winter wedding at the end of 2010.

Dan Wilkenson married Ashlee Coats on April 24th. He also got an assignment to Cape Canaveral for engineering. Life is good!

Barbara (Leo) and Alex Boyd got married on a beautiful, warm and sunny day on 16 January 2010 at the Cadet Chapel, with a reception at the Falcon Club. Barbara’s sister Sofia Leo, Alyssa (Keeter) Tetrault (’08), Amy Kirchner, and Madison Hatter were in the bridal party and Tom Divine, Matt Russell, Mike Napolitano, and Scott Pontzer were groomsmen. Jeff Tetrault, Brian Kirchner (’05), and Ryan Marshall were also in attendance. They are stationed together at Hill AFB, UT, where Alex is flying F-16s at the 421 FS. Barbara deploys in May to Northern Iraq as a Contracting Officer.

Sabre

The LeoWedding Party

My own deployment has been interesting so far; I am working here in Kabul as an air/travel planner for the Commanding General ofNATO Training Mission and Combined SecurityTransition Command for Afghanistan. There are many opportunities to branch out into other projects as well. You can find out more about the mission (and read some of my recent blog-poems) at www.ntm-a.com.

In April, my husband Peter Dyrud, along with Adam Boyd, Trier Bryant, JeffCoverdale, andVivien (Aspden) Miller, returned to the Falcon Heritage Forum at USAFA to speak to cadets on topics of character and integrity. Peter is waiting to begin his final training course to become a Combat Rescue Officer, at which point he will finally be able to join me at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson!

Each ofyou please take care and live well. Write to us any time.

Casey Bayne P.O. Box 3005

El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 343-5969

checkpoints@caseybayne.com

(9 Sabre Society Donors)

Hi Class of 2007,

Hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to summer! Ifyou get a chance, please take a look at Joe Helton’s obituary in this edition located in the obituary section. His family was gracious enough to help me and even though there is so much more to write about him, I think this obituary really sums up the Joe we all know and loved.

Thank you to Vinny Grossman who snapped this shot of a memorial to Joe in Balad, Iraq where he was killed.

Joe Helton Memorial

A message from our Class President, Ty Rube: “Hello everyone, our class council has been coordinating with the AOG and other reps from USAFA to set up a memorial for Joe. Current plans are a memorial brick marker at the Doolittle Hall flagpole, a potential permanent bench located on the Academy grounds, and a memorial within Joe’s old squadron. Just an FYI, the coordination for the options are extensive and will take some time. I will be sure to keep the class updated on this issue. If you are interested in additional, specific information, please just give me a shout. Take care everyone. Ty’’

TheAllreds with Jillian Chayse.

Births! _Kandi Allred (Hendersheid) wrote to tell us about her and Nate Allred’s new addition, “Our daughter Jillian Chayse Allred was born on 24 September 2009. Nate and I enjoybeing parents and love having a daughter! She is three months old now and smiles with her big blue eyes all the time. We are looking forward to having a little one during the Christmas season.”

Engagements: Ryan Gavina was engaged back in Sept ’09 to Caitlin Brown from Austin, Texas. They met while Ryan was in pilot training at Laughlin AFB. Ryan graduated UPT in April ’09 and is flying the C-17 at McChord AFB. Ryan and Cailin’s wedding is set for January 15,2011 in Austin, Texas.

Ryan and Caitlin

Thank you for the updates every one and keep them coming!

Trenton Sandberg

450 Illinois Ave., Unit 2

Del Rio, TX 78840

(719) 646-9090

trenton.sandberg@gmail.com

Richter Class,

Here are some pilot assignments: Dave Alpert: KC-135, Evan Erickson:

T-6 to Sheppard, Matt Gray: B-52, Josh Gunderson: A-10, Scott Pfeifer: MQ-1 to Creech, Fred Meyer: MQ-1 to Cannon, Waleed

Ashiq: RPA to Creech, Kyle Babbit: A-10, Ben Mendel:

KC-135 to Kadena, Mike Trott: T-6 to Laughlin, Keegan

Dale: F-16, PJ Walsh: T-6 to Laughlin, Zach Alexander: T-

1 to Laughlin, Jake Allen: F-16, Stefanie Bailey: C-130 to Little Rock, Jordan Birt: KC-135 to MacDill, Greg Guy: T-

6 to Laughlin, David Deal: C-130 to Dyess, JP Joyce: KC10 to McGuire, Jesse Mortensen: C-21 to Peterson, Keith

Nordquist: C-5 to Dover, Jon O’Rourke: KC-10 to Travis, Christina True: RC-135 to Offutt, Matt Small: B-52, Brian

Page: T-6 to Laughlin, Jay Page: RPA to Creech

Sabre Society Donors

A few navigator assignments: Greg Smith: C-130 to Pope, Meghan West: C-130 to Pope, Brynn Thoreson: HC-130 to Moody (previously reported incorrectly), Jonathan Hamilton AC-130 to Hurlbert.

Joe Visalli and Heather Beilman were married on March 20th 2010 in Denver. Chris Sifuentes was among the bridal party as a groomsman. Joe and Heather became engaged in Denver on July 4th 2008. Joe recentlygraduated pilot training and will be assigned to fly RPAs at Cannon AFB, NM.

Joe and HeatherVisalli

That’s pretty much all I have.Send me good news... deployments/ births/engagements, etc. The majority of the assignments above are from Laughlin (because that’s where I’m at)... if your assignment (or better yet, the assignments ofyour entire class) isn’t above, send me an e-mail.

Joshua Seefried josh.seefried@gmail.com

(1 Sabre Society Donor)

(Editor’s note: We did not receive an inputfrom Joshuafor this issue. Please send him your informationfor the next magazine.)

Todd Gamiles

2010checkpoints@gmail.com

(503) 367-0717

Can’t believe it’s time for our first class update! I apologize in advance for the short length ofthis update, but I realize that we’re all still out having fun on 60 Days, so I really can’t blame anyone. It is safe to say though that our class scattered to the far corners of the world after graduation. Starting on the wild side of life, Ben Shoptaugh is building a pier for his grandparents and going on an adventure in the swamps of Louisiana wilderness for two weeks with nothing but a knife, flint, rope, and poncho. And if that weren’t crazy enough, Millie Mays and Ralph Hale are on a 475-mile backpacking trip. They plan to hike the entire Colorado Trail, which starts near Denver and ends close to Durango, and follows the continental divide along much of its length. Of course, such a trip would not be possible without family support, and LT Mays’ mother, who lives in Colorado Springs, is making food drops to the duo every two weeks when the trail crosses a major road. Millie and Ralph estimate that the hike will take about 50 days to complete, and they will receive certificates of completion from the Colorado Trail foundation when they finish. Good luck!

Dave Arlington returned to his home state ofAlaska to enjoy some great hiking and kayaking in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. Apparently the flight programs at USAFA weren’t enough for William (Bill) Percoski, as he decided to take up hang-gliding down in Georgia. As for me (Todd Gamiles), my adventures on the road home after graduation took me through Moab, UT to enjoy some great weather and 4x4 driving, down to the Grand Canyon, and finally up to Las Vegas and Reno, NV before heading home to the great state of Oregon. I will be also taking a week-long cruise to the Western Caribbean later in June with my family.

World-wide travels seem to be popular, as Steven Mudrinich and Bryan Johnson are in the midst of a three-week trip to Europe followed by two weeks in Australia. Mark Jordy travelled to France with his dad to follow the Tour de France as it passed through the Alps. They also hiked part of

the course each day themselves, and got to meet with riders and enjoy the French cuisine and wine. They also hiked the mythical Alp d’Huez on the final day ofthe trip. William (Bill) Stainback also caught the travel bug, and his travels have taken him down to Mexico, Hawaii and over to Europe this summer with his wife. The two married just three days after graduation. Speaking of which, the wedding bells have not stopped tolling after our class tossed our hats. Adam Williams (’09) and Sondra Lesser got married, as did Samuel (Sam) Barbaro and Shannon Hindley. Chelsea Tompkins married Andrew Hendel (’09) on May 31,2010 at The Pinery at Black Forest in Colorado Springs. The couple met while serving on Group 2 Staff in Fall 2008. Stephanie Davison, and Joshua Roose (’09), will be getting married this summer on the Third ofJuly in Oklahoma City, OK. The two met while at the Academy playing in the Contemporary Band at the Chapel. Josh is currently in Phase Two of UPT at Vance AFB in Enid, OK where Stephanie will bejoining him afterASBC to start UPT later next Spring. California also seems to be popular for weddings, as Anthony Lavy (married Kelly Kirkwood) and Joe Anderson (married Amanda Quick) both held ceremonies there. Will DiMaio is engaged, and headed to UPT. He proposed in Love Park (JFK Plaza) in Philadelphia, and the attached photo is of the actual proposal (not a reenactment).

I know there are many more of us who tied the knot and/or are doing some pretty cool things over 60 Days so please drop me a line or two so we can tell the class about it! Thank you to those who submitted updates this time around; have fun and keep safe over the rest of 60 Days, and I’ll see you all at ASBC!

(Gone But Not Forgotten: continuedfrom page 94.)

(Editor’s note: TheAOGdoes notalways haveall the information, such as placeofdeath, concerningthedeath ofa graduate. We onlypublish the information we haveavailable on each deceasedgraduate.)

At press time we learned ofthe deaths ofthe followinggraduates:

Capt. (Ret) Gerald B. McDonald, VI, Class of 1959, who died on March 22, 2010 in Washington State.

Mr. Carl H. Bolster, Class of 1962, who died on Jan. 2,2010 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Mr. George M. Stevenson, IV Class of 1964, who died on Aug. 7,2008.

Mr. John C. Wagner, Class of 1965, who died on Sept. 28, 2008.

Mr. Robert K. Boone, Class of 1966, who died on May 9, 2010 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Col. (Ret) Robert L. Janco, Class of 1966, who died on March 9, 2010 in Malvern, Pa.

Mr. Phillip L. Stitzer, Class of 1968, Who died on Jan. 4,2010 in Darlington, S.C.

Brig. Gen. (Ret) Thomas R. Mikolajcik, Class of 1969, Who died on April 17, 2010 in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Col. (Ret) Michael F. Fukey, Class of1972, who died on Jan. 18,2010.

Col. (Ret) Glen R. Tanner, Class of 1972, who died on Feb. 11,2010.

Maj. (Ret) Bmce J. Gasper, Class of 1978, who died on April 16,2009.

Mr. James R. Crump, Class of 1980, who died on May 1, 2010 in Park City, Utah.

Mr. John M. Rayter, Class of 1987, who died on April 12,2008.

Mr. Andrew Romero, Class of 1987, who died on Dec. 20,2008.

Mr. Earl D. Brown, Class of 1988, who died on March 28,2010.

Maj. Gergory T. Shaffer, Class of 1992, who died on July 30,2007 in Manitou Springs, Colo.

Capt. Jenna L. (Sielski) Wilcox, Class of 2004, who died on April 1, 2010 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Mr. Patrick E. Vandam, Class of2006, who died on March 17, 2010 in Heber, Utah.

Our sincere condolences to the familyandfriends ofthese graduates.

We understand the stress of moving, because we’ve walked in your shoes.

We will work with you to find the best destination REALTOR™, and manage the logistics of moving as well as the sale of your home - from anywhere

of single-family homes, townhomes and condos in the Pikes Peak region. Our office is conveniently located only minutes from USAFA.

Rusinak is proud to help the Association of Graduates