Checkpoints - September 2012 by USAFA Association of Graduates

checkpoints SEPTEMBER 2012

USAFA Alumni Magazine

BORN OF FIRE the waldo canyon fire strikes colorado springs

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GO BEHIND THE SCENES

THE MAKING OF CLICK HERE to watch video There’s always more to the story. Find out what it takes. . .

Association of Graduates Blue Line Searching for the Truth Fact Checking Supporting the Long Blue Line Editing Photo Trails Investigative Journalism Searching for the Truth Fact United States Air Force Academy Falcon Athletics Checking Editing Photo Trails Cadet Activities Basic Training Expeditionary Investigative Journalism United Survival and Escape Training Lowry Air Force States Air Force Academy Base Superintendent Waldo Canyon Fire Falcon Athletics Cadet Activities Strikes Colorado Springs Long Blue Ladle Go Basic Training Expeditionary Behind the Scenes with the team that brings Survival and Escape Training you Checkpoints Magazine Research Writing Lowry Air Force Base Photography Interviews Publication Checkpoints Superintendent Waldo Canyon Cadets Academy Association of Graduates Fire Strikes Colorado Springs Supporting the Long Blue Line Searching for Long Blue Ladle Go Behind the the Truth Fact Checking Editing Photo Trails Scenes with the team that brings Investigative Journalism United States Air Force you Checkpoints Magazine Academy Falcon Athletics Cadet Activities Basic Research Writing Photography Training Expeditionary Survival and Escape Interviews Publication Training Lowry Air Force Base Superintendent Checkpoints Cadets Academy Waldo Canyon Fire Strikes Colorado Springs Association of Graduates Long Blue Ladle Go Behind the Scenes with Supporting the Long Blue Line the team that brings you Checkpoints Magazine Searching for the Truth Fact Research Writing Photography Interviews Checking Editing Photo Trails Publication Checkpoints Cadets Academy Investigative Journalism United Association of Graduates Supporting the Long States Air Force Academy Blue Line Searching for the Truth Fact Checking Falcon Athletics Cadet Activities Editing Photo Trails Investigative Journalism Basic Training Expeditionary United States Air Force Academy Falcon Athletics Survival and Escape Training Cadet Activities Basic Training Expeditionary Lowry Air Force Base Survival and Escape Training Lowry Air Force Superintendent Waldo Canyon Base Superintendent Waldo Canyon Fire Fire Strikes Colorado Springs Strikes Colorado Springs Long Blue Ladle Go Long Blue Ladle Go Behind the Behind the Scenes with the team that brings Scenes with the team that brings you Checkpoints Magazine Research Writing you Checkpoints Magazine Photography Interviews Publication Checkpoints Research Writing Photography Cadets Academy Association of Graduates Supporting the Long Blue Line Searching for Interviews Publication the Truth Fact Checking Editing Photo Trails

CHECKPOINTS

contents COLUMNS

features

4 CEO UPDATE

Born of fire

6 CHAIRMAN’S JOURNAL 8 Superintendent 10 LETTERS 12

news

13 staff directory

The Waldo Canyon fire devastates Southern Colorado and disrupts Inprocessing and other activities at the Academy.

A Falcon in office

On June 26th the Waldo Canyon fire raced into Colorado Springs engulfing the Academy and the pictured T-38 in a smoky orange haze. Photo by Mike Kaplan/DenMar Services.

San Jose mayor Chuck Reed ‘70 is making national waves from city hall in America’s 10th largest city.

Lowry reimagined on the cover

September 2012

With help from a grad, the first home to the Academy has been transformed into a bustling urban center.

Checkpoints checks in online

Checkpoints has made its way to the web. Learn about the extra content and features that are in store.

Volume 41, number 2 Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: editor@aogusafa.org.) A portion of your dues pays for your magazine subscription. Additional copies may be purchased for $2.50 each, plus $4.60 for shipping. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. The Editorial Board serves the Checkpoints mission by providing a top quality magazine to the Air Force Academy’s broader community. Together, the editor, VP of Communications, Executive VP and the AOG CEO collaborate to ensure that all articles meet the standards of excellence readers have come to expect of Checkpoints. The AOG reserves the right to publish or omit submissions at its discretion. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the AOG, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the AOG of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, September. 2012.

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22 THE ENDOWMENT 40 Reaching new heights: 2012 Academy summit 44 the falcon foundation advantage 64 giving by the numbers

GRADUATE PROFILE 56 in the fight

60 chronicles of a car pilot

FROM THE TERRAZZO

66 2012 distinguished service award winner

52 unveiling the falcon center heritage exhibit

68 50th class reunion award winner for ’59

54 waldo

70 precious reminders restored

76 meet the commandant

72 long blue ladle

HERITAGE

CADET LIFE

78 Remembering smoky 95 84 doolittle’s tokyo raid

46 in the trenches

87 aog board election info

94 the class of 2016 in numbers

88 seeking memories of vietnam 89 worth 1000 words 90 destination air force

BACK OF THE BOOK 95 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN 99 CLASS NEWS 144 FINAL THOUGHT

BONUS FEATURES

making of checkpoints video

A Legacy of character: sandy Mcdonnell

unheard, unseen

Checkpoints

September 2012

columns

connection heritage and tradition By WIlliam “T” Thompson ’73, AOG President and CEO For those who have occasionally scanned this column, you are probably aware of my strong and unequivocal feelings about the importance of graduate and cadet connection with the Academy and the critical need to focus on building our heritage and traditions. As the nation’s youngest service academy, we have, understandably, enjoyed meager success as we have in recent years begun to focus more intently on these goals. Yet, we are making good progress, the graduate and membership community is responding and we are beginning to build sustained momentum that I believe, will more rapidly move us forward. One very tangible example of this momentum and of our graduates “stepping up” has been the rapid growth of AOG Chapters. In the past two and a half years, we have grown from 31 to 71 chapters worldwide. And while this growth has been impressive, this has not been just a “numbers game.” We are developing strong, active and engaged chapters with programs and metrics in place to recognize chapter accomplishments. In fact, we expect to recognize eight Distinguished AOG Chapters at our upcoming second Chapter Presidents’ Conference later this month. We were pleased to have our new Commandant of Cadets introduce himself and brief the AOG Board at our August meeting. As you may know, he is an “Aggie” from Texas A&M and it’s fair to say that he brings a different but a very positive perspective to the job. In fact, he addressed traditions and spoke of the Aggie Muster, a timehonored tradition at Texas A&M which celebrates the camaraderie of the school while remembering the lives of Aggies who have died, specifically those in the past year. Muster ceremonies take place today in approximately 320 locations globally and, even when deployed, he and a fellow Aggie got together to have a beer, celebrate the day, and keep the tradition going. We are working to build our own tradition around Founders’ Day and one of the requirements for the Distinguished Chapter Award is a Founders’ Day celebration of some sort. Inprocessing the entering class at Doolittle Hall is a capstone event that has become a strong tradition at the Academy over the past twenty years. It strengthens the way appointees are traditionally welcomed to their new life and establishes an immediate link between 4

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the new class and the graduate community. In walking the Heritage Trail, the brand new appointee begins by stopping at the Memorial Wall (gift from the Class of 1970), which is a replica of the War Memorial in the Cadet Area. At the Wall, appointees are reminded of the rich heritage of the Long Blue Line—and the ultimate sacrifice that 178 graduates have made in service to the nation. They then proceed to the ’59 Challenge Bridge where a ’59er leads them in reciting the challenge to have integrity, a sense of duty, self-discipline and personal responsibility. After reading the plaque, and accepting the challenge, the appointees walk down the trail and pass pedestals that recognize the Academy’s Distinguished Graduate Award winners. The Heritage Trail was initiated by the Class of 1960 with strong financial support from the Classes of 1959, 1969, 1970, 1973 and 1989. It has become the epicenter for indoctrinating our new cadets on Day 1 with the expectations of our graduate community. The atmosphere and pageantry make an immediate and positive impact on the parents, friends, relatives, and bed and breakfast hosts who bring the appointees here. The ritual was broken this year because of the Waldo Canyon Fire which you’ll read about in this issue, but we hope to restore this well settled tradition with the Class of 2017. Finally, I’m very happy about the recently installed AOG Heritage Exhibits at the Falcon Center in Fairchild Hall. Designed to connect and inspire our cadets through the accomplishments of our graduates, it includes a diverse group of our graduate members, young and older, and in and out of service. To my knowledge, it is the first exhibit of its kind here at the Academy and has been tremendously well received by the cadets. You’ll be able to read more about the exhibit and the grads who are highlighted in both this issue and on the AOG web site. Please know that we will continue to aggressively institute these types of programs and projects because we firmly believe that connection, heritage and traditions are an important part of the foundation for the long term well-being of the Academy we love. In closing, we invite you to stop by and see us and meet members of your AOG staff when you are out for your reunions or otherwise visiting. We are here working for you, and serving the Long Blue Line. GO FALCONS!!!

columns

Chairman’s

Journal by Terry Storm ’61

s we prepare for our bi-annual AOG Board of Directors election early next year, we should acknowledge what has been achieved this year. Perhaps most evident is the substantial increase in AOG Chapters. The Board has set as two of the AOG’s organizational “ends”: 1) Graduates, cadets and friends are connected to the Academy and to each other. 2) Graduates have loyalty to and camaraderie with each other. To address these Board “ends,” our President and CEO, “T” Thompson ’73, has placed great emphasis on growing and enhancing our Chapters. From 31 Chapters in fiscal year 2011, we now have 71 in operation with 15 more in development. There are now 80 Grad Ambassadors in areas without a chapter who have volunteered to be a source of information to other graduates who may be new to a location. The AOG is continually identifying “Upcoming Chapter” areas where there is potential for Chapter growth. Five chapters were recognized for superior performance at the Chapter Presidents Conference in September 2011 and we are looking forward to giving similar awards this year. The roles and nuances of “friendraising” and “fundraising” continue to be refined as “T” and Steve Lorenz ’73, President and CEO of the USAFA Endowment, work closely together. We are in our second iteration of our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Operating Contract with the USAFA Endowment, and the Endowment continues to increase its success with fundraising as we strengthen our friendraising capabilities. Our joint establishment of The Long Blue Line Endowment Fund will help ensure the viability of the AOG into the future. The AOG has made significant progress in recognizing graduate accomplishments. The

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Distinguished Graduate Program, which honors a lifetime of service, will be supplemented by a new program to honor younger graduates who have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways. You will soon learn more about the Alumni Achievement Award. My class (’61) bestowed the 50th Class Reunion Award on one of our own last year and a new class will do that each year forward. A display in Doolittle Hall will recognize them. The AOG Board Room now has plaques recognizing all the graduates who have served on our Board. Another display in the Assembly Area recognizes all who have chaired the Board. Awards recognizing volunteers are contemplated. To promote Heritage and provide examples of graduates, old and younger, who have demonstrated the core values, a new display has been installed in the Falcon Center cadet lounge in Fairchild Hall. This display will both honor the graduates and allow cadets to learn more about the accomplishments of Long Blue Line members. These displays will honor graduates in the following areas: Air Force Chiefs of Staff, Academic Excellence, Notable Firsts, Government Service, Heroism, Excellence in Business, and Military Excellence. To add to the Superintendent’s comments on the Waldo Canyon fire, six USAFA graduates lost their homes entirely and many more evacuated during the fire, some of them returning to heavily damaged homes. The City of Colorado Springs, all emergency services, the military, the Academy staff and the citizens of El Paso County are to be commended for extraordinary service. Thank you one and all. GO FALCONS! I hope to see many of you at the “Big House” tailgate!

Reynolds Systems Inc. proudly supports our troops at home and abroad!

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columns

From the Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould ’76

Fellow graduates! Summers around the Academy are always busy, and this summer has proven to be more eventful than most. In June the historic Waldo Canyon Fire got too close to home with 140 acres of the fire’s boundary on USAFA land. We are all grateful to Fire Chief Ernst Piercy and Deputy Chief Ken Helgerson and for the outstanding work of our firefighters and first responders to limit the fire’s damage to the southwest boundaries of the base. For the first time in USAFA’s history, we directed the evacuation of all Pine and Douglass Valley residents. Colonel Tim Gibson ’88, and his team did an amazing job, quickly and safely evacuating more than 2,130 people from over 600 homes. I am extremely proud of Team USAFA and all the work done across the installation that kept critical operations going during the fire. Inprocessing of the Class of 2016 went on without a hitch, and we brought in 1,035 new basics. I cannot thank the local community and government agencies enough for their support and for generously offering their facilities in the event we had to evacuate the cadets. The summer also brought an end to a court martial in which a cadet was found guilty of three charges including six specifications of sexual 8

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misconduct and assault. He is currently serving six months of confinement and was dismissed from the Air Force. I want to assure all of you that USAFA will not stand for any type of sexual misconduct and follows UCMJ procedures with strict adherence to the law. These cases have my full attention when they surface, and we work closely with OSI and our legal department to ensure that all parties involved receive due process. After finals and the graduation celebrations wrapped up, grad week momentum quickly propelled cadets into their summer programs: 146 cadets earned cadet flight wings, 339 earned jump wings, and the cadets completed over 2660 powered flight and soaring sorties. Over 300 cadets spent part of their summer expanding their cultural awareness by immersing themselves in the cultures of over 30 countries, and approximately 1,000 cadets traveled to Air Force bases throughout the nation and around the world to expand their operational AF experience by shadowing active duty members. USAFA is sad to see Maj. Gen. (select) Rich Clark ’86 and his family go and wishes them well, but we are excited to welcome the new Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. Gregory Lengyel, and his family to our team. Brig. Gen. Lengyel graduated from Texas A&M in 1985 and is dedicated to the mission and is already making a great impact on the Academy and Cadet Wing. We wrapped up the summer by accepting 980 new fourth class cadets into the Cadet Wing, welcoming 20 new AOCs and 144 new faculty members and are moving full steam ahead into the 2012-2013 academic year. GO FALCONS!

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Letters The Meaning of Proselytize Proselytize: to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause. Merrian-Webster It may be true that members of the military, including cadets, voluntarily give up some of their First Amendment rights as determined by the courts and regulations, but for the Chairman Terry Storm ’61 (in his farewell column) to include “proselytizing” in the same category as using drugs and committing sexual improprieties and Honor Code violations as examples of behavior that are counter to the majority of cadets “who live honorable lives” is a disservice to anyone who has a “faith, institution or cause.” By Merrian-Webster’s definition, I would submit that the entire Academy experience, at least as I experienced it, was proselytizing—for the institution of the USAF and USAFA and the cause of freedom and service to our country. It is just faith that has been ruled illegal, somewhat regretfully. I thank the Chairman for his many years of service to the cause, and for the successful “proselytizing” he and others have done for the AOG. Jeff Parrish, Class of 1968 Faith is Not a Crime I have to voice my objection to your inclusion of those who “proselytize” with those who “use drugs, or commit sexual improprieties or Honor Code violations.” A cadet who talks to another cadet about his faith is not a violation of any Academy rule, and is in fact protected under the first amendment of our constitution. You might have a slight case to object if a superior officer coerces a subordinate as to his faith, but you don’t make that distinction in your statement. You also say they are “overwhelmingly outnumbered by the cadets who live honorable lives,” implying that proselytizing is also dishonorable. Telling someone about good news is hardly dishonoring. It is peculiar that in the same journal letter you laud the Center for Character and Leadership Development. From where do you think any standards for character originate? I am appalled that being from your generation (Class of 1961), you don’t know these things. You had mandatory chapel in your cadet days, as did I until 1973 when the courts struck down that “silly” notion. Back in your day, the Academy’s goal was also to develop moral officers. I guess this training never really took hold with you. When you look around at our country, you 10

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would have to agree there is “something” seriously going wrong. Perhaps we could use a little more “proselytizing.” I would suggest your resignation as chairman, but since this is your last year in that capacity, it would be a moot point. Bill Visnovsky, Class of 1976 “Why Our Best Officers Are Leaving” Hit the Mark I read Tim Kane’s article with great interest, as I work in a very ARMY headquarters. I observed years ago what he also notes: the best get out, the worst are thrown out, the remainder make Major. Keep in mind, promotion boards are made up of officers who will like “like.” They will promote their own kind. Those put up for general are going to be like the generals we currently have. In short, I don’t expect things to get any better. Larry Krauser, Class of 1987 “Bravo!” to the Cadet Orchestra Club I was both surprised and pleased to see the Cadet Orchestra Club featured in the June 2012 issue of Checkpoints. After graduating from the Academy and serving five years in the Air Force (including a year in Vietnam), I returned to school, the University of Kansas, and discovered what would become my life’s work. I had played double bass since grade school but without the commitment that is required for a professional life in music. At age 27, I had found my calling. Seven years later I had a second bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a job in a small orchestra in Texas. Two years later I joined the Virginia Symphony and I have worked here for the last 28 years. A military career and a musical career may seem to have nothing at all in common. But I would submit that great discipline is required for either path. The balance of imposed discipline versus self-discipline may be different but both are required in some measure. Also learned and applied are thorough preparation and intense focus. What’s the most important task—the most critical note? It’s the one in front of you right now because it’s the only one you can affect in the moment! Teamwork, creativity, self-discipline, preparation and focus—all attributes worth developing for air force officers. Play on! Tom Reel, Class of 1970

Letters Submission Guidelines 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, if you are an Academy graduate. Letters should be e-mailed to editor@aogusafa.org. Checkpoints reserves the right to edit all submissions.

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columns

News Seth Kelsey ’03 Takes Fourth in London Olympics

Capt. Seth Kelsey ’03, a supply officer for the 310th Force Support Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., competed in his third Olympics this summer (2004, 2008, 2012) taking fourth place in the individual men’s epee fencing competition. After a close opening victory, Kelsey defeated tournament No. 1 seed, Estonia’s Silvio Fernandez, 15-9 in the round of 16. After a quarterfinal victory, Kelsey would lose his next match 6-5 despite jumping to a 2-0 lead. The loss relegated Kelsey to the bronze medal bout against Korea’s Jung Jinsun. Kelsey trailed most of the match before tying the score at 11, at which point the competitors choose to decide the match with one final touch. Jung touched Kelsey’s yellow shoe on the toe and the match was over. Kelsey’s Olympic performance was one of the best ever by an Academy graduate.

Historically Significant Vietnam War POW Chess Set Remains Missing

Upon his return to the United States in 1973, Ed Leonard, Class of 1960, presented a chess set to the U.S. Air Force Academy as an artifact of his stay as a five-year POW in Laos and North Vietnam. He had tediously constructed the set from scraps of wood he found, and purloined, to help pass the time between torture sessions. The set was originally housed in the McDermott Library among other mementos from the Vietnam conflict. Sometime in the late ’70s or early ’80s, it was signed out and used by SERE. It was never returned, and reportedly appeared in a cased display in Sijan Hall during or shortly following that time. Later, in 19911992, it was seen as a cased display in the 16th Squadron stairwell area (16th Squadron was Ed’s squadron at graduation). There has been no sight of the chess set since that time. It is unconscionable to believe that such a precious item should have gone missing. It is doubtful that an item of this importance would have been taken or discarded, but more likely, misplaced. Therefore,

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it is important that every effort be made to determine its whereabouts, and return it to its rightful place in the Academy archives. If you have any knowledge of the chess set’s whereabouts, or any idea of what might have become of it, please contact Andrew “Andi” Biancur, President, Class of 1960, (719) 488-4317 or bacfly60@msn.com.

Carlisle ’78 New Top Air Force Commander in Pacific

General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle assumed command of the Pacific Air Forces on August 17, becoming the top Air Force commander in the Asia-Pacific region. The command pilot took the reigns from General Gary North. Prior to this assignment, Carlisle was the commander of the 13th Air Force, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

USAFA Grads Ride, Kayak, for Causes

Bobby Renaud ’81 is in the midst of riding his motorcycle, while standing up, from the USAFA Chapel to Alaska on a 6,000-mile journey in support of his friend Steve Hirst ’81. Hirst suffered a traumatic brain injury in an automobile accident and has recently written a book about his experiences and his triumph in overcoming steep odds to learn how to walk again. Class of 2001 graduate Barry Mattson is kayaking from Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada to Boston over ten days to raise awareness for Little Lambs International and their support of a Guatemalan orphanage.

Jackson ’78 Takes Over Air Force Reserve Command

Lieutenant General James Jackson ’78 took command of the Air Force Reserve on July 30. Jackson replaces Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner during a ceremony held at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Jackson will also serve as chief of staff on Air Force Reserve matters. The general is a command pilot with over 3,600 hours flight time.

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Staff Directory 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475, (719) 472-0300 THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES To e-mail a staff member, use the first and last name. Example: Gary Howe | gary.howe@aogusafa.org AOG Executive office President & CEO William “T” Thompson, ’73, Ext. 101 (t.thompson@aogusafa.org) Executive Vice President Gary Howe, ’69, Ext. 107 Senior Vice President for Business Development Marty Marcolongo, ’88, Ext. 146 Senior Vice President for Finance & Chief Financial Officer Alton Parrish, Ext. 123 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Hadassa Muñoz, Ext. 106 Finance Accountant Joyce Love, Ext. 110 SENIOR Accounting Clerk Janice Baca, Ext. 111 Sr. Data integrity Specialist Kim Wilson, Ext. 127

Data integrity Specialist John Rice, Ext. 132 Data integrity Specialist Murlea Vance, Ext. 130

Communications SR. Vice President for Communications Bob McAllister, Ext. 142 director of web communications Troy Surratt, Ext. 125 SENIOR EDITOR David Bergeman, Ext. 143 Systems Administrator Jason Finkle, Ext. 124 Programmer/Systems Analyst Gayatri Parepalli, Ext. 118 Editor/Photographer Lewis Carlyle, Ext. 140 Senior Designer Sarah Larrabee, Ext. 144 Web Developer Toby Lortz, Ext. 141 Director of Information Systems Jack Mueller, ’70, Ext. 122 Class News & Obituary Editor Tom Kroboth, Ext. 133 ADVERTISING ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Beth Wade, Ext. 134 Alumni Affairs Vice President for Alumni affairs Corrie Grubbs, Ext. 105 Director of Programs Wayne Taylor, Ext. 150 Director of Constituent Relations Stella Grayson, ’99, Ext. 121 Class Projects Officer Al Burrell, Ext. 115 Doolittle Hall Events/Special Functions Director of Event Planning Ashlee Peterson, Ext. 147

Membership Services Specialist Don McCarthy, Ext. 139 Graduate and Cadet Support Specialist Natalie Ryan, Ext 108 Alumni affairs event Coordinator Emma Ross, Ext. 136 Alumni affairs event Coordinator Leigh Frigm, Ext. 138

Special Functions Coordinator Jean Bickford, Ext. 148

Customer Service and Facility Management Customer Service supervisor Michele Cowan, Ext. 151 Customer Service Representative Debra Howard, Ext. 152 Customer Service Representative Jan Howard, Ext. 153 Facilities Superintendent Dave Pfeil, Ext. 155 Customer Service Representative Sherry Jayne, Ext. 154 Maintenance Specialist Jake Jacobs, Ext. 155 The Association of Graduates BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Chair Terry Storm, ’61 Rip Blaisdell, ’62 Kevin Chilton, ’76 Vice Chair Brian Binn, ’72 Vic Andrews, ’66 Bebe O’Neil, ’83 Secretary Bob Munson, ’73 Roger Carleton, ’67 Frank Schmuck, ’88 Treasurer Jack Fry, ’67 Bruce Wright, ’73 Steve Beasley, ’93

Kathleen Rock, ’98 Mark Rosenow, ’03

The USAFA Endowment To e-mail a staff member, use the first and last name. Example: Mark Hille | mark.hille@usafaendowment.org President & CEO Gen. (Ret.) Stephen R. Lorenz, ’73 (steve.lorenz@usafaendowment.org) Vice President, Development Mark Hille, ’97, Ext. 202 Executive Assistant Ruth Reichert, Ext. 206 Controller Dennis Scruggs, Ext. 203 Associate Vice President for Development Greg Knedler, Ext. 224 DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING Patricia O’Connor, Ext. 221 associate vp of leadership giving Jimmy Martello, ’00, 719.229.4202 director, gift planning Dale Zschoche, 719.238.7510

Class Giving Officer Razelle Doherty, Ext. 222 development Coordinator Amanda Brown, Ext. 223 Development associate Gina Simler, Ext. 200 development communication officer Ahn Tillery, Ext. 240 Stewardship Coordinator Allison Biereichel, Ext. 220 Staff Accountant Patricia DeSimone, Ext. 204

Checkpoints

September 2012

BORN OF FIRE Wildfires are elemental. They are a devastating, volatile force of nature the power of which is difficult to divine until ash is raining down in your backyard and your home is filled with the scent of a campfire. For the lucky citizens of Southern Colorado, the ashen aroma and chilling sights were the extent of the fireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effects. For the less fortunate, homes were evacuated, dreams were burned and lives were left in ruin. But despite the caustic carnage they can produce, wildfires also give rise to regeneration. Today, in Southern Colorado, rebirth is the greatest hope in the wake of the most destructive wildfire in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

The Waldo Canyon fire ignited on June 23rd. That day, area residents began reporting the sight of billowing smoke originating from a forest four miles northwest of Colorado Springs. First responders immediately commenced with the gargantuan task of containing a tinderbox. It would be a courageous battle in an area ripe for fire. Conditions in the region were historically dry and temperatures at the time were regularly touching triple digits. For three days the effects of the fire remained relatively benign, notwithstanding the evacuations of thousands of people and the closure of the major east-

WRITTEN BY DAVID BERGEMAN | PHOTOS BY LEWIS CARLYLE

west thoroughfare, U.S. Highway 24. To that point there had been very little personal property damage and no loss of human life. Despite workers’ best efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from making its way into the city, the worstcase scenario would soon be realized. On June 26th erratic winds pushed the fire into Queens Canyon, a drainage that leads to a quarry above Colorado Springs. The fire raced down the canyon, before igniting treetops and ascending the opposite side. When it reached the top of the ridge, which overlooked Colorado Springs, the city was left all too vulnerable. 

Above: The Devil’s Gaze. A frightening visage appears through the burning brush during the Waldo Canyon fire.

BORN OF FIRE At the Academy that day, as people were leaving work for home or returning home from work, pillars of smoke engulfed the Cadet Area leaving gawking bystanders awe-struck and confused by the rapid change in conditions. That afternoon would mark the beginning of the destruction of 347 homes. Fueled by wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour, the fire would consume a large section of the Mountain Shadows subdivision located in the scenic northwest side of the city. At least six of the homes destroyed in the fire belonged to Academy graduates, including former USAFA Association of Graduates President and CEO Dick Coppock â&#x20AC;&#x2122;61.

Adding to the chaos was the fact that Inprocessing was scheduled to begin at Doolittle Hall two days after the catastrophic developments of June 26th. On June 27th non-essential personnel did not report to work at the Academy due to the dangers of the fire. Six hundred families and 110 dormitory residents were evacuated. Over 600 cadets were relocated. During a locally televised news conference Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould â&#x20AC;&#x2122;76 announced that, due to safety concerns, Inprocessing would be moved from Doolittle Hall to the Cadet Field House. However, Basic Cadet Training would continue as scheduled.

With over 1000 appointees and many of their families flooding the area, many were unaware that several popular hotels on the west side of Colorado Springs had been evacuated. Appointees were arriving at the Colorado Springs Airport without a place to stay. The AOG stepped in to help fill the housing gap. Appointees who had already signed up with the AOGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bed and Breakfast program were taken care of, although several cadets had to switch homes due to the evacuations of host families. ď ˇ

Above: Smoke from the Waldo Canyon fire flows into Garden of the Gods Park on the evening of June 27th, 2012.

Checkpoints | September 2012

To ensure that each appointee had a place to go, the Rampart Range AOG Chapter and members of AOG staff waited in the airport for nearly 24 hours, welcoming all appointees and helping secure them a place to stay with one of the many alumni members and friends of the Academy who were willing to open their homes to the incoming class and their families. By June 28th the worst of the fire had passed. Inprocessing proceeded at the Cadet Field House and appointees took their spots on the footsteps, beginning their Academy journey. The Waldo Canyon fire was declared 100% contained on July 10th, but the scars from the catastrophe will remain for years.

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The ramifications of the fire are staggering. In total, 32,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Over 18,000 acres were torched including 147 acres of land on the Academy. Insurance claims from the fire are estimated to total more than $350 million and the cost to fight it reached upwards of $17 million. One elderly couple perished in the blaze. Through it all, the personnel at the Academy are to be commended, from contractors to senior administration to cadets. All did a phenomenal job of keeping everyone safe, informed, and calm. The Class of 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry was unimpeded and no one at the Academy was injured.

BORN OF FIRE Now comes the process of starting over. We can all follow the lead of a handful of cadets who volunteered to help clean up a neighborhood just days after the fire had departed. Their work allowed home owners to come back to some semblance of order before assessing the damage to their homes. Much like the new saplings sprouting from beneath the burned forest, Colorado Springs will rise anew in the wake of this travesty. The AOG, the Academy and the graduate community will be there to help rebuild every step of the way. __________________________________________ Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: As of press time information found by a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI investigation into the cause of the Waldo Canyon fire had yet to be disclosed. Investigators have refused to say if arson is suspected, but they do believe that the fire originated along the popular Waldo Canyon Trail.

Above: On the morning of Inprocessing, smoke from the Waldo Canyon fire rises from the mountains to the west to mix with the clouds above the Academy at first light.

Click here to view more amazing images from the devastating Waldo Canyon fire.

Checkpoints | September 2012

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Feature

A Falcon In Office

Meet Chuck Reed ’70, the man making national waves from the mayor’s office of America’s 10th largest city By David Bergeman

A Falcon (zoomie) made the San Jose City Hall home in 2006. A falcon (peregrine) made the San Jose City Hall home in 2007. Whether this is just happy coincidence or by design, there is no denying that both falcons have been soaring to unexplored heights in the time since. In 2006, Chuck Reed ’70 was elected mayor of the nation’s 10th largest city, the one that the directionally impaired Dionne Warwick longed to return to. Now Reed has become a national poster child for one of the most controversial issues facing communities across the country, pension reform. (Editor’s note: the Writer’s Book of Codes Section 12, Paragraph 3 states that, “whenever writing a story about San Jose, Calif. the author is beholden to, at the bare minimum, offer a veiled reference to the 1968 hit single ‘Do You Know the Way to San Jose’”) Measure B, an A Topic In 2012, the hard-boiled Mayor Reed has made national news for the passage of Measure B, his answer to the crushing pension obligations that are crippling San Jose’s ability to provide essential services to the community. In the past decade the city’s retirement bill has ballooned more than 300% from $73 million to $245 million annually. Measure B was passed in a citywide vote with 70% approval. The measure will, among other things: limit retirement benefits for future hires, discontinue “bonus” pension checks to retirees, require current employees to pay up to 16% more of their salary to continue their current benefits or choose a more modest plan, and require voter approval for future pension increases.

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A peregrine falcon perched on a rail at San Jose’s City Hall building overlooks the cityscape. In 2006 City Hall employees noticed falcons hanging around the area and a nest box was placed on the building. In 2007, two falcons named Jose and Clara laid three eggs in the nest box. Falcons have returned to nest there each year since. (Photo by Evet Loewen)

Pension reform has been a contentious cause for Reed to champion. It has enflamed the city’s unionized workers, retirees and many of his fellow Democrats—and the battle has just begun. Immediately after Measure B’s passage a half dozen unions filed lawsuits to block the reform. Despite the backlash, Reed is confident the measure will be upheld in the courts and implemented within a year’s time. “We structured our ballot measure based on the advice of outside counsel,” Reed says, “to put it within our power as a charter city to do the things we needed to do. I think we’re on sound legal grounds.” Reed projects first year savings from the measure will be around 25 million dollars and that, 30 to 40 years down the road, the number will grow to about 185 million dollars a year. This windfall of cash will allow Reed and the city to avoid what he

calls “service-level insolvency” or having money to pay bills and cover debt obligations and bonds without having enough cash to provide services for the city’s people. San Jose’s economic challenges have forced the city to close libraries three days a week and diminish services to parks. In the past decade the city has cut its workforce 27% to 5,400 workers, the same staffing level as in 1988 when San Jose had 250,000 fewer residents. Modest Beginnings, Immodest Work Ethic So how did Reed get here? How did this Academy grad, whose mayoral counsel has become coveted by colleagues around the country, end up as a Fox News talking point? It all started in a public housing project in rural Kansas where Reed was

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September 2012

“I have quite a few quotes from the Book of Knowledge, Air Force Academy rattling around in my head. One of those is from General Carl Spaatz, which is ‘Never tell a lie, but don’t blab the truth.’ The don’t tell a lie part is the easy thing, the not blabbing the truth is the hard part” reared in a very working class family. Growing up, there was never enough money to go around. So at a young age Reed became intimately familiar with the value of a dollar, a value that has endured. “I started working when I was in elementary school sweeping floors,” Reed says. “I soon became a fairly proficient shoveler of gravel and digger of ditches. I was always working and I figured out pretty early on that I should go to college and get a job working inside that didn’t involve heavy lifting.” When Reed was 13-years-old he decided that the Air Force Academy was the college that would provide the greatest challenge and he worked with that goal in mind for the rest of his high school years, excelling at basketball, academics and other extracurricular activities. While at the Academy, Reed served as Cadet Wing Commander and graduated number one in his class. After USAFA, Reed served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. While still in the Air Force he got his master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton. In 1975 he separated from the Air Force and earned a law degree from Stanford before settling in San Jose where he worked as an attorney specializing in environmental, land use and employment law. He got his start in public service thanks to his kids. “I’ve always been interested in service. It was an Academy core value and a value I had growing up 24

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as a Christian,” he says. “When I got out of the Air Force and had kids I started getting involved in things my kids were doing, which was one school activity or another. I served lots of school committees and fundraising events.” When his kids got older he started getting more involved in city level public service before turning his hobby into a full time job by running for, and being elected to, city council in 2000. In 2006 Reed ran for mayor on a platform of “honesty, fiscal responsibility and open government.” His daughter, Academy grad and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, Kim Campbell ’97, swore him into office. His inauguration speech harkened back to lessons learned at the Academy. “I was unhappy about the way the city was being run at the time. We had a series of scandals due to bad behavior in the mayor’s office and at the council level, which I didn’t think was right. And I wasn’t too happy with some of the spending decisions that were being made. When I got elected and got sworn in I spoke about no lying, no cheating, no stealing, because it was a simple way of explaining how I thought I should behave.” The Humorless Curmudgeon The media’s portrayal of Reed has been somewhat indelicate, trumpeting his dry, blunt demeanor while painting the portrait of a man who has little time for humor, innuendo or fun. While Reed was still a member of the city council a writer for the Metro, a Silicon Valley alternative newspaper, described him as a “respectable, button-down square.” A November 2011 Vanity Fair article, which profiled Reed and Arnold Schwarzenegger and detailed California’s budget woes, describes Reed as presenting:

Previous page: San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed ’70 joins then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in touting retirement reform. (Courtesy of San Jose City Hall) Left: Mayor Reed participates in the San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer) pregame ceremonies. (Courtesy of San Jose City Hall)

“less as the mayor of a big city in California than as a hard-bitten, upstanding sheriff of a small town who doesn’t want any trouble.” In a recent San Jose Mercury News article the president of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association called Reed “arrogant.” But for all of the rhetoric in many of the recent news articles, Reed demonstrates a soft-spoken demeanor and selfdeprecating sense of humor in this interview. In one such instance, Reed, who was a star basketball player in high school, explains that he had a walk on try out with the USAFA basketball squad and explains, “I wasn’t fast enough, tall enough, couldn’t shoot well enough and couldn’t handle the ball well enough. Other than that I was pretty good.” When asked how he feels about his curmudgeon like public persona Reed chuckles, “Perhaps I’m unusual and they [the media] find it interesting. I have quite a few quotes from the Book of Knowledge, Air Force Academy rattling around in my head. One of those is from General Carl Spaatz, which is ‘Never tell a lie, but don’t blab the truth.’ The don’t tell a lie part is the easy thing, the not blabbing the truth is the hard part and it does sometimes get me into hot water with people when I just tell them the truth, because it is the truth.” Esteban Colbert: Avian Sensation On the Comedy Central website about halfway through Stephen Colbert’s bio page there is a list of all of the satirical political commentator’s namesakes. One of those namesakes “is a very virile falcon in San Jose” named Esteban Colbert. Back in 2007, a nesting pair of peregrine falcons decided to set up shop on the 18th floor of San Jose’s city hall, just outside of Reed’s window. The same

female falcon, Clara, has returned each season. Her third mate, was dubbed Esteban Colbert by Reed. “Esteban was one of the great ones,” Reed laughs. “I’m a big Colbert fan. We have all these names that people come up with and sometimes they’re a little bit crazy, sometimes they have some very important meaning, and sometimes they’re just fun. That was just fun. Esteban hasn’t made an appearance on the Colbert Report recently.” Reed loves watching the falcons, and it is possible for the general public as well through a partnership between the city and the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group at the University of California, Santa Cruz who have brought the world FalconCam. “It has fans all over the world because the falcons have hatched successive chicks, which captures everyone’s attention,” Reed says. “Especially when they start fledging. The flying part they get pretty quickly, it’s the landing part that they have trouble with.” Keeping Core Values Close Reed’s mayoral flight has been turbulent at times since being re-elected in 2010 with 76% of the vote. He didn’t choose pension reform as a way to leave his mark, but good or bad that is one of the main things he’ll be remembered for. For now he can only hope that Measure B gets a smooth landing. “I could have walked away from it and just done some things around the edges and handed it off to the next mayor, but I didn’t think that was the appropriate way to act,” says Reed in his trademark calm and measured cadence. “I’m just doing my duty, and I know to military people that’s not unusual. Apparently in civilian elected life that’s sometimes a foreign concept. But it happened and the facts are very powerful and that’s a key part of Checkpoints

September 2012

what I did as mayor, was to make sure that we have the facts and the good professional analysis so we can demonstrate the impact of this problem and once you unmask the problem it’s a lot easier to get people to do what needs to be done to change it.” In the meantime, Reed says that he combats the stresses of public office by working out (Reed was the ninth cadet in Academy history to max out on the physical fitness test) and riding bikes with his wife, Paula. It’s also evident he enjoys doting on his daughters, as he explains that his daughter Lt. Col. Kim Campbell’s (married to Lt. Col. Scott Campbell ’95) Distinguished Flying Cross is hanging in his office. For any grad who may be considering taking up a life of public service, Reed offered this suggestion: “Take those core values to heart, they’re going to come in handy because you’re going to have to make tough decisions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the military or civilian service. They’re probably more important in civilian life because you’re not always surrounded by people who have values, but it makes the decision making process, I don’t know if it’s easier, but it’s a little more clear of what needs to be done.”

Visit sanjoseca.gov/falcons to learn more about these fascinating predators and observe them through the popular FalconCam.

Village

AIR FORCE

“Golf, cycling, camaraderie with quality people of similar backgrounds … you’ll feel right at home at Air Force Village.” – Col Donald Hallager, USAF (ret), USAFA Class of ‘62

Celebrating Life, A distinctive Honoringlifestyle… Tradition, after a lifetime of service. Respecting Values…

Every officer a retirement this. Andeserves Exceptional Retirement like Community.

Donald & Virginia Hallager

5100 John D. Ryan Blvd. • San Antonio, Texas 78245 • (800) 891-6029 • www.afvillages.org

5100 John D. Ryan Blvd. • San Antonio, Texas 78245 • (800) 891-6029 • www.airforcevillages.com Inviting all retired officers or former officers who served their nation honorably. Open to retired servedspouses officers,and their widows/widowers, parents grandparents. Weand alsohonorably welcome widowed the spouses, parents and grandparents of active duty and personnel.

Integrity. Service. Excellence.

A story written by you and instilled by the Academy. For over 50 years, Jostens has crafted the USAFA story into each piece of jewelry. It’s your chapter of the story—share it proudly. Introducing the new wedding bands, contoured for a perfect fit with your Academy class ring.

LOWRY REIMAGINED

The Revitalization of Lowry Air Force Base Lazy white clouds span the blue Denver skyline as a three-year-old boy plays happily in the interactive fountain situated in the bustling urban fray. The watery playground soon proves irresistable to other children who come to splash noisily in the mid-day heat. Parents occupy the many comfortable benches which surround the fountain, chatting casually as the lunch crowd ambles down the busy streets to select from the tidy assortment of bistros and pubs. The Lowry Town Centre is the epicenter of Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest new community. Watching the vibrant activity of the daily urban life, one would never know that this was once the location of the United States Air Force Academy. Go back in time six decades and the scene could not be more different. The year is 1955 and the inaugural class of the Academy lines the dusty quad, sweating through a torrent of synchronized push ups under the watchful gaze of air officers commanding (AOCs). They are surrounded by stark looking barracks and unassuming military office buildings. The sky rumbles like thunder as a massive B-52 bomber passes overhead to touch down on one of the many runways to the east. One of the AOCs barks a command and the exhausted cadets 28

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pull themselves from the ground and snap to attention. Just another day in paradise. At the time, none of the pioneering cadets would ever have suspected what would one day become of their Academy training centerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that rifles, airplanes and runways would be replaced by baby strollers, minivans and posh eateries. Times change, as the old saying goes. Lowry Air Force base was active for 63 years until it was finally closed in 1994. From 1931 until 1965, the sight of bombers, heavy lifters and all other

W R I T T EN AN D P HO T O G R A P HE D B Y LEWIS CA R LYLE forms of military aircraft were a common sight in the skies over Denver as they sailed in to touch down on the base’s landing strips. After 1965, Lowry was converted into an Air Training Command base where over one million men and women—including the first three classes of USAFA—received training. Today, like the dusty footsteps of those pioneering cadets, the Lowry of the past has been swept clean and transformed into something much different. When the base closed, the cities of Denver and Aurora formed the Lowry Redevelopment Authority (LRA) to convert the site into civilian use. With many of the original structures in disrepair, the LRA was tasked with taking the decaying base and transforming it into the thriving center of modern urban planning that exists today. Tom Markham ’66 joined the LRA in 1994 just before Lowry was closed. He served as Deputy Director

Above: the B-52 which guards the front of the Wings Over the Rockies Museum provides a stark contrast between Lowry’s military past and civilian present.

Checkpoints | September 2012

LOWRY THEN AND NOW

Click here to see more images of how Lowry has been reimagined.

until becoming Executive Director in 1997. In the early years of reconstruction, Markham faced the challenge of managing all LRA employees, overseeing all marketing, construction and real estate sales and carrying out all aspects of a master developer role. After retiring in June of 2012, Markham has a lot to look back on. The development plan for the new Lowry was created with special care. The community has been engineered to be a progressive, pedestrian friendly, urban center were people can live, work, learn, and play. From a residential standpoint, Lowry now has over 4,500 new homes and apartments, including select luxury homes which have sky-rocked in value to $2.5 million. The former base also includes 14 schools, ranging from pre-school up to community college. There are over 3.2 million square feet of commercial and retail space and 800 acres of parks and recreational space. Yet the new construction is not the only thing that makes this place unique. In fact, many of the historical structures have been re-purposed in rather remarkable ways. The colossal half-cylinder airplane hangers that once housed the likes of America’s most venerable bombers have been converted into innovative new facilities which make the Lowry community all the more attractive to its residents. One hanger now serves as a climate controlled self storage facility while another has become an ice arena. Perhaps the crowning jewel is the massive north hanger which now houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of aircraft in the Wings Over the Rockies Museum, run by CEO Greg

Anderson ’72. Even the old headquarters building has been converted into luxury apartments. From a national perspective, the military bases which now scatter the United States serve as major economic engines for the communities in which they are located. The closure of Lowry Air Force Base meant the loss of 7,000 jobs for Denver and Aurora, and a $300 million loss in annual spending for the local economy. Under Markham’s stewardship, the Lowry Recovery Act has created a $6 billion positive impact on the local economy and created more than the 7,000 jobs lost. Take a walk down the Lowry Town Centre and the buzz of economic activity is alive and well. Everywhere you turn the shops, grocery stores, offices and restaurants are thriving. Luxury apartments are sold out and residential waiting lists are burgeoning with eager Coloradans looking to be a part of Denver’s hottest new community. Lowry has seen many changing paradigms in its storied history and the base has come a long way since its inception in the 1930s. It witnessed the Air Force’s bomber fleet shed its props in favor of jet engines; it saw the inclusion of women into the ranks military officers; and it ushered in the first generation of Air Force Academy cadets who would go on to do great things. Today, it is no longer a war fighter’s community, but a civilian sanctuary. Gone are the sounds of reveille in the morning and the throng of marching boots. The behemoth bombers which once thundered across the skies above Denver are now silent, replaced by the peaceful passage of commerce on a sunny afternoon.

Formerly an Air Force photography school, this historic structure is now part of Lowryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high tech commercial property.

Chapel Building 27, later named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, still remains unchanged since the early days of Lowry Air Force Base.

Right: once serving as the base headquarters, the Grand Lowry Lofts are now a 261-unit apartment complex. Left: nestled next to one of the colossal half-dome hangers, the Lowry Beer Garden is a popular night spot.

service academy

Career ConferenCe

What is SaCC? The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni. 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 Westin Riverwalk, 420 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX. Call (210) 224-6500 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. SaCC Schedule of events Thursday, november 15 How to Work SACC Job Fair ........5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Candidate Career Seminar............5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. friday, november 16 Registration ................................. 8:30 a.m. SACC .......................................... 9:30 a.m. Lunch ........................................ 12:15 p.m. SACC .......................................... 1:30 p.m.

All day 12:15 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

november 15-16, 2012 San anTonio, Tx.

Saturday, november 17 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. Register online and upload your resume at www.sacc-jobfair.com. resumes must be one page/one sided. Do not fax your resume. Registration deadline is november 2, 2012. next Scheduled SaCC Savannah Ga., February 28â&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 1, 2013

For more information, contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300, ext. 150 or sacc-jobfair.com.

feature

Checkpoints Checks in Online Forty Years of evolution leads the Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere messenger to the Internet

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It only took 40 years for Checkpoints to hit cyberspace (to be fair the Internet has only been around since Al Gore invented it about 20 years ago—or maybe that’s fuzzy math). At any rate, Checkpoints online has arrived and the Association of Graduates Communications Department will type our fingers to the bone to ensure that the online version of the magazine is laudable and worthy of exploration (not to mention exponentially better than whatever Navy and Army are doing). Checkpoints Online: Fully Loaded Edition If the print version of the magazine is akin to a nicely equipped Ford Taurus consider Checkpoints online to be a tricked out Mercedes Benz S-Class. Here are some of the extras you can expect from the cyber edition: * Instant Access View compendium video pieces and photos straightaway with the simple click of your mouse. No more worries about clumsily typing in URLs or aimlessly thumbing through a mound of paper! *The Stories You Didn’t Get to Read, But Should Have Due to costs and column inch constraints there are articles that are editorially pushed out of the final cut of the magazine despite their literary merit. These articles will now be available for the enjoyment and edification of the graduate community. *The Photos You Wish You Would Have Seen AOG photographer/videographer Lewis Carlyle is regionally known for his artful landscape photography and candid action shots. Many of his spectacular photos don’t make the magazine i.e. the intense shots of the USAFA ski club that didn’t make it into Carlyle’s December article “Skitopia.” Another added feature will be bonus photos of AOG events where you might catch a glimpse of an old friend or even an unexpected shot of yourself! *User Friendly Interface Checkpoints is brought to the web using Issuu digital publishing software, which is one of the most intuitive and feature rich programs available. Peruse the table of contents and instantly flip to the article that catches your eye. Zoom in and out with ease. Magnifying glasses need not apply! *Archived USAFA History Checkpoints is the only major publication from the Academy to reach the light of the outside world. As such, the magazine is a major source of historical insight into the institution, its graduates and supporters. Moving forward the AOG will be working to bring the magazine’s back catalog to the web providing easy access to

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September 2012

the story of the Academy (or to show your friends the article that was written about you seven years ago). How We’re Working to Improve the Reader Experience The four-legged fish ancestor of Checkpoints was a black and white newsprint that began distribution in 1965. Then in the winter of 1971, a little over 40 years ago, the Association of Graduates Magazine made its debut. On the front cover of the inaugural magazine it is written, “Help find a title for the magazine!!!” Seven and a half years later, with the help of an overly creative graduate community, Checkpoints was born (we’re trying to pick up the pace on innovating). The magazine has continued to improve ever since by adding color, improving paper stock, and increasing in-house content to name just a few improvements. The magazine has won many industry awards for design, photography and writing. This year we’re looking to fill the Communications office with even more hardware. Below you’ll see how: *Video Compendiums One of our more explicit ambitions is to bring more multimedia elements to the magazine. Stories that lend themselves to the medium of video will be incorporated into each issue to enrich the graduate experience. *Crowd Sourcing In the AOG weekly e-newsletters 7248’ and ZoomiEnews, we’ve called for the input of the graduate community. From business ventures to music, to September’s feature on tailgate recipes, Checkpoints is a fabric that can weave together the graduate community. We welcome our readership to provide feedback that can augment the magazine. So be on the lookout for your chance to be a part of our next issue! *Making an Impact with Graduate Profiles We want to support the grads who support the Academy and the AOG. In recent issues you may have noticed that we’ve focused on graduate ventures including graduate owned restaurants (March) and graduate owned wineries and breweries (June). We’re here to spread the word on your interests. *Entertaining the Masses and Adapting to the Times Above all, Checkpoints shares the exalted goals that most every alumni magazine holds dear, telling the story of our institution and our graduates. But, we also want to produce material that will entertain, capture the eye, and draw the reader in. We’re adapting to the times by adding more quick-hitting features that will seize the modern attention span. We pledge to produce a magazine that does all of the things noted above, but also is so well written, photographed and designed that even non-graduates will find the content well worth reading. A Leisurely Drive Down Nostalgia Avenue Association of Graduates Magazine, Inaugural Issue – Winter, 1971 A Wife’s Point of View by Mrs. Elaine Head “A Wife’s Point of View is a new concept in the Association magazine and is the brainchild of Fred Metcalf. It seems the Association receives a great deal of mail from graduates’ wives. We are now being given the opportunity to express and discuss our views publicly.” Checkpoints, Inaugural Issue – Summer, 1979 June Week 1979 by Juan Ramirez ’79 “The excitement and anticipation of June Week grew as cadets spent increasing amounts of time sunning during the week before June Week began. The quandran-

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Feeling green? If you enjoy the online experience and want to save a tree, email editor@aogusafa.org and make it known that you relish the additional content and user experience of Checkpoints online and want to defer receiving the paper copy of the magazine.

gles, or what’s more commonly called USAFA Beach, abound with a sea of bodies soaking in every available ray of sun. The atmosphere is relaxed—but in everyone’s mind are visions of rings, parades, flying hats, fun summers, and a new life.” Checkpoints – Winter, 1981-82 Attention in the Area “FALCON FLIES COOP – “Jock,” the errant mascot Falcon from the Academy who became lost while on a trip to Japan in conjunction with the Mirage Bowl, has been located, returned to health, and now is residing in the Tama Zoological Gardens in Tokyo. Jock made his escape on November 28, the day before the Mirage Bowl. He was assumed lost but later turned up aboard a Japanese tanker about 100 miles off the coast of Japan. After being returned to Japan, it was determined that Jock would be an appropriate gift to the hosts of the Mirage Bowl.” Checkpoints – Winter, 1991-92 Korean “Fishes” Graduate from Yellow Sea by Theresa L. Lengenfelder “When Capt. John Reidy strapped into his 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16 last July 17, he never expected to be part of a fisherman’s catch in the Yellow Sea. Reidy, a 1984 graduate of the Air Force Academy, and his passenger, SSgt. Peter Moy, were forced to eject from their aircraft after the engine failed. They landed in the sea and were rescued within minutes by a local fisherman, Mr. Kim Hahn Ho, from a small village on the east coast of South Korea.” Checkpoints – Winter, 2002 The Fire Within by Ken Wright “Cadet First Class Warren Halle is a proud man. He’s proud to be an American, proud to be a cadet and proud to be a leader in his community. On the afternoon of January 31, 2002, as thousands cheered him on, Halle embodied all of those things when he carried the 2002 Olympic torch along the perimeter of the Terrazzo at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Just a few months from earning a pair of gold lieutenant’s bars, Halle is no stranger to leading the pack. In fact, that’s exactly why his roommate, C1C Keith Young, nominated him to carry the torch. ‘Lots of people learn how to lead from books, speakers, and such. But few are born with it—Warren is one of those few,’ said Young.”

Visit usafa.org/Checkpoints for the Checkpoints online experience! Checkpoints

September 2012

Only Lt. Col. (retired) Peter McCarthy, Traditional Naturopath,

could have written a book this insightful and comprehensive. Read it!”

— Richard Jaffe, Esq. attorney and author of Galileo’s Lawyer

Order your copy of Adrenaline Nation on today. Join Peter’s community at adrenaline-nation.com

A Wake Up Call For a Stressed Out America In this eye opening, compelling and informative book, Peter McCarthy delivers a bold and controversial analysis of the US epidemic of stress and offers realistic solutions to heal our bodies, our health care system and our economy.

Few people know more about stress than a former commercial airline and B-52 bomber pilot. After decades in the pilot seat, class of 1972 USAFA graduate Peter McCarthy, naturopath, author and activist, knows first-hand the impact stress can have on the human body. Now he has written a landmark book that chronicles the cost of stress on our entire society and what we can do about it.

The Endowment

Reaching New Heights:

2012 Academy Summit

n late July, over 100 donors and guests gathered at the U.S. Air Force Academy for the 2012 Academy Summit. They traveled from around the country to meet with senior Academy leadership and cadets and to learn more about the strategic direction of the institution. This marked the Endowment’s second nationwide conference to connect donors with the Academy; the inaugural Summit was held in 2010. The event commenced on July 18 with a luncheon at the Eisenhower Golf Club to welcome the attendees. Guests enjoyed an afternoon round of golf, followed by a reception and awards presentation at the local Colorado Mountain Brewery, a popular graduate-owned establishment. Then, everyone assembled bright and early on July 19 for a full day of activities. Guests attended briefings from Lt. Gen. Mike Gould ’76, Superintendent; Brig. Gen. Dana Born ’83, Dean of Faculty; Brig. Gen. Greg Lengyel, Commandant of Cadets; and Dr. Hans Mueh ’66, Director of Athletics, on new projects underway at the Academy. Attendees engaged senior Academy staff in a lively Q & A session, followed by remarks from Gen. (Ret.) Stephen R. Lorenz ’73, President and CEO of the USAFA Endowment, and a motivational presentation by football legend and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. Guests toured the new Athletics facilities and assembled in the Holaday Athletic Center for lunch, which featured Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Mal Wakin, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, as the keynote speaker. Attendees then participated in informational presentations by various academic departments at the Academy throughout the afternoon. That evening, everyone enjoyed a reception hosted by the Superintendent and his wife, Paula, at the Carlton House.

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Conference activities wrapped up the following day with a tour of Jacks Valley, led by Brig. Gen. Lengyel. Guests were able to interact with the cadet cadre and observe Basics going through their field-training drills. “I greatly appreciated being part of this event,” says Patrick Coyne, Professor Emeritus at Kansas State University. “The activities and briefings were superbly executed, informative, and interesting. The visit to Jacks Valley was a first for me, as it is normally closed to the public, so that was much appreciated, and the evening reception at Carlton House hosted by General and Mrs. Gould was exceptionally nice. Everyone involved with this Summit was so friendly and helpful and are working to make the Academy program and experience the best possible.” The Endowment would like to thank all of the donors, parents, grads and friends of the Academy in attendance. Your contributions help support important activities and programs like cadet clubs and intramurals, character and leadership development, summer internships with NASA, NATO and Congress, and international immersion opportunities, in addition to making critical, multimillion-dollar capital projects possible at the Academy. You provide transformative private support for the Academy—we look forward to seeing you again in 2014! _______________________________________ View the complete photo gallery at www.usafa.org/summit. For more information on how you can help support the Academy, please contact the Endowment at (719) 472-0300 ext. 200. THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

ENDOWMENT

From left to right: Pearl Swofford, Dan Durbeck (Northwestern Prep), Susie Durbeck (Northwestern Prep). Maureen Graham, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Gar Graham with USAFA Falconers. Ruth Zschoche, Susie Adair. Brig. Gen. Dana Born ’83 (Dean of Faculty), Dr. Hans Mueh ’66 (Athletic Director), Brig. Gen. Greg Lengyel (Commandant of Cadets), Lt. Gen. Mike Gould ’76 (Superintendent). Greg Daviscourt, John Leach. Former AOG President and CEO, Col. (Ret.) Jim Shaw ’67, Cindy Shaw.

Checkpoints

September 2012

From left to right: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Kevin Kennedy ’78, Herschel Walker. Col. (Ret.) Vic Andrews ‘66, Lt. Gen. Mike Gould ‘76 (Superintendent). Summit attendees watch a Basic maneuver the water hazard at the obstacle course in Jacks Valley and interact with a C1C instructor.

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THE SABRE SOCIETY

Leaders donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait they take action. Parents

play a vital role by providing ongoing support to the Air Force Academy and its mission of developing leaders of character for the nation. Thanks to the generous support of parents like you, essential Academy programs and services are provided to both cadets and graduates. Each fall, parents receive a call from the Endowment and are asked to give to the Air Force Academy Fund at the Sabre Society level ($1,000 or more annually). We look forward to speaking with you about the importance of your role in your cadetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education and how you can support them through the Air Force Academy Fund. Sabre Society level gifts support programs and services like: Restricted Projects The Center for Character and Leadership Development The Holaday Athletic Center Cadet Programs Academy Assembly Cadet Clubs and Intramurals Character Development Programs and Seminars Graduate Services Career Services Chapter Programs Class Ring Maintenance Parent Support Parent Handbook WebGuy online service

When we call, please take action and support our present and future leaders!

The Endowment

The Falcon Foundation Advantage

very U.S. Air Force Academy graduate shares a celebrated heritage, forever connected as members of the Long Blue Line. Within these ranks exists a unique group of Airmen who also share another distinguished lineage. They are Falcon Foundation Scholars—Air Force Academy graduates who would not have had the chance to become members of the Long Blue Line without the intervention of a small, dedicated nonprofit organization. Each year, thousands of talented young men and women apply for admission to the Air Force Academy. After a rigorous selection process, less than 10 percent of applicants make the final cut. And each year, the Falcon Foundation offers up to 100 privately funded scholarships to those applicants who narrowly missed admission to the Academy. Since 1958, the Falcon Foundation has quietly supported the Academy’s ongoing mission of attracting and developing outstanding leaders of character for our nation. Its scholarships enable recipients to attend one of eight preparatory schools, providing an invaluable opportunity to bring their performance and academic skills up to the requirements for acceptance at one of the nation’s most prestigious colleges. The Falcon Foundation’s success rate speaks for itself. Over 54 years, more than 95 percent of its Scholars have been granted admission to the Academy. The Falcon Foundation works with Academy Admissions intensively, year-round, to determine the best candidates for its scholarships. “Our primary purpose is to identify and bring in those youngsters who have an intense commitment to serve their nation through developing themselves at the Air Force Academy,” says Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley ’64, President of the Falcon Foundation. “The overwhelming intensity, desire

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to serve, and personal drive of our Falcon Scholars assure their success. Persistence pays off!” The Falcon Foundation holds an annual banquet at the Academy, hosting Air Force and Academy leadership, Foundation trustees and Falcon Scholars. At the most recent banquet, three former Scholars took the stage at their alma mater to discuss the lasting impact of the Foundation’s support. The speakers candidly described their initial shock after learning they had been passed over for appointment, and how the subsequent scholarships enabled them to recover and press forward. “I had my eyes set on an appointment to the Academy, and the outlook was promising—straight A’s, student body president, First Team All-City in soccer—but my SAT test scores were too low,” said Major Matt Jones ’99. “My determination to serve exceeded my disappointment: I applied to ROTC and continued taking SAT and ACT tests. My big break came with the offer of a Falcon Scholarship. Receiving the scholarship, and the subsequent experience at Northwestern Prep school that it afforded me, is the single most meaningful experience of my life.” Jones applied the skills he learned as a Falcon Scholar to great effect. “While anyone can benefit from the opportunities afforded by good timing, I feel the comprehensive readiness instilled in us during prep school and the added year of maturity are the keys to our success,” he said. “That readiness enabled me to act as our squadron’s fourth class leader, Cadet Wing Command Chief, and Cadet Wing Commander during my time at the Academy. I contend that Falcon Foundation Scholars, who were ‘red-shirted’ out of high school, now stand more mature, focused, appreciative, humble and, ultimately, more ‘ready to conquer’ the many unpredictable, dynamic challenges our country and service currently face.” Major Jones was ultimately his

U.S. Air Force photos

“Falcon Scholarships are not a guarantee of success nor of entry to the Academy. In execution, they must be matched by the same drive, intensity, and persistence—the ‘gleam in eyes’— demonstrated by the great Airmen these scholarships honor. Major Jones, Lt. Underwood and Major Schantz are only three, among many, superb examples of Falcon success.” -Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley ’64, President of the Falcon Foundation class’ number two military graduate. He is a C-5 pilot now serving a staff tour at the Pentagon. Class of 2009 graduate First Lt. Forrest Underwood’s experience mirrored that of his predecessor. “In high school, I was team captain, club president, and active on class councils, which may have made me stand out at one point; however, that level of performance is par for the course at the Academy. I was below average academically, but my strong desire to serve and the fervor with which I pursued my dream caught the Falcon Foundation’s attention,” he said. “They granted me a critical second chance—the opportunity to prove myself worthy.” Today, Underwood flies C-130J aircraft at Ramstein Air Force Base. Hard work in preparatory school opened the way to a multitude of opportunities. “I learned life skills at prep school that gave me the confidence to succeed both at the Academy and in life,” said Major Henry Schantz ’00. “While at the Academy, I participated in so many different activities. I was on a nationally recognized competitive parachuting team, the Wings of Blue; I was able to go to the Naval Academy exchange program; I did summer research at the Los Angeles Air Force Station; and was the Wing Operations NCO and the First Group cadet commander. After graduation, I successfully completed pilot training and am now the F-22 demonstration pilot at Langley Air Force Base.” Reflecting on the profound impact that Falcon Scholarships had on their lives, these Academy graduates expressed their collective commitment to carry

the Falcon Foundation legacy forward. “I can’t begin to convey the importance of foundational programs like those offered through the Falcon Foundation, in developing Airmen who are ready to lead in service to our nation,” said Jones. “I believe we owe the Foundation, its Board of Trustees and the donors who helped provide us with scholarships our deepest gratitude and, in recognition of this, we should strive to repay the gift we all have in common—whether it means returning to our high schools and prep schools to share our experiences, encouraging junior airmen to continue their education, or donating to the same organizations that sponsored us.” Under the eyes of all in attendance, who had united that evening to celebrate each Falcon Scholar’s success as their own, Underwood reiterated the promise that the Falcon Foundation made to its growing family of Scholars, and the Academy and Air Force community many years ago: “We must all remember the opportunities created for us, in order to create opportunities for others. It is our responsibility to ensure the future of the Line and keep it strong, because our fellow and future members are worth it.” ________________________________________ The Falcon Foundation, in cooperation with the United States Air Force Academy Endowment and the AOG, continues to provide critical private resources in support of the Academy’s mission.

Visit falconfoundation.org to learn more about the Falcon Foundation. Checkpoints

September 2012

IN THE

TRENCHES

Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training at USAFA

ESET WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEWIS CARLYLE

Summer heat burns down on a group

of 3rd class cadets as they prepare to take on the tactical combat course situated in western Jacks Valley. Their objectives are to work as a team and focus on stealth, precision and perhaps most important: patience. The Academy’s Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training (ESET) is designed to help second year cadets gain a glimpse of the real world military scenarios they will face when deployed in hostile territory. Every military air crew who straps into the cockpit faces the unsettling prospect of some day being shot down. As if surviving the bail out and landing isn’t enough, service members can find themselves in the heart of enemy territory with little more than their wits to keep them alive. Without proper survival training, the chances of making it home in once piece are less than favorable. Fortunately for these future officers, the Air Force Academy’s new training program aims to change the odds. 

Cadets prepare to kick down doors and clear rooms of hostile contacts during urban combat training.

ESET

The Air Force Academy has taken a careful approach to blend a multitude of combat operations into its latest generation of survival training. Cadets today go far beyond sleeping in the woods and living off the land. Convoy operations, weapons training, urban combat, tactical room-clearing and vehicle rollover evacuation are just a few of the challenges that await them. C1C Michael Jones of Cadet Squadron 12 is the Group Director of Operations for ESET. He explains, “The program is broken down into two main components. The first is a combat skills portion and the second is the personnel recovery portion. The combat skills portion is designed to be useful for going on deployment. We cover convoy operations, radio traffic, driving humvees and weapons handling. This training is important because it’s very applicable to what we’ll be doing as officers.” Jones has his hands full running the program which, like much of the military training at USAFA is handled primarily by upper class cadets. Jones continues, “I’m in charge of all the day-to-day operations of the entire program on both the combat skills and personal recovery sides. I try to make sure everything runs smoothly and stays on the same page in terms of logistics and schedules. One of the best things about ESET is that it is a cadet run program. We have rising sophomores as our students while the rising juniors and seniors are doing most of the training and administration.” In the northwest end of Jacks Valley, far away from the chaos of BCT, there is a small urban training center composed of concrete buildings, observation towers and high fences. To an outsider, the place resembles a miniature prison set deep in the mountains; yet throughout the summer the facility is alive with activity as cadet rifle teams learn to kick down doors, negotiate corners and work as a unit to take down hostile encounters.

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Cadets equipped with body armor load magazines into their AR-15 rifles. They work with modified 223 rounds which consist of pressurized air and plastic pellets. Despite the body armor, getting hit with one hurts. A lot. The four person rifle team gears up for their mission. The final exam combines all the elements of urban warfare that they have been training for all week. The course commander gives the signal and the team moves out, crossing an open space, rifles raised to cover all sides of the compass. They come to a bunker lined with doors. The team leader kicks in the first door and the cadets assault the room, taking fire from a hostile contact. They eliminate the target and move on to the next objective; as the test continues, the cadets negotiate a dangerous gauntlet of blind corners, exposed open spaces and sniper fire. Under the watchful eyes of the course observers, the cadets move as a team, communicating with short commands and hand signals. They enter the final objective, a fortified base of long dark hallways filled with enemy contacts. Bullets fly and cadets provide covering fire as their team members reload. By the end of the exercise, everyone is covered with painful whelps from being shot with the plastic pellets. But the cadets don’t seem to mind; they wear their injuries with pride. There’s nothing like a live fire exercise to teach students the value of cover. C2C Page Ragland of Cadet Squadron 28 teaches on the personnel recovery (PR) side of ESET. “The personnel recovery training is the larger portion of ESET training,” she says. “Our students go out into the field to put the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to the test. Cadets are scattered all across USAFA learning how to evade enemy detection while also surviving in the woods. The PR portion of ESET is vital for cadets to complete because a large majority of our students will be going on to various air crew programs. Anyone with a pilot slot will be headed for Fairchild Air Force Base to enter the SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape) training. ESET is the Academy’s version of the training programs pilots will experience later on in their careers.” During each training exercise, one thing which stands out distinctly among the students is the sound of foreign accents intermixed with the Americans. Cadet Ragland describes, “One of the great things about ESET is that it’s not just for USAFA cadets. We also have 15 British cadets from the Royal Air Force and two Chilean cadets from Escuela de Aviación Militar. So we’re providing a great opportunity to learn about joint operations at an early stage.” Officer Cadet Compton from Midlands in the United Kingdom sets down his rifle and pack after a hard day in the field to offer his experiences. “I’ve been here so far for two weeks,” he says in a thick British accent. “In the first week we completed our adventur-

ous training, consisting of white water rafting, mountain biking and hill walking [hiking]. In the later week we’ve taken part in the survival and recovery training at the USAFA base. This training is important to me simply because we’re learning to work as a coalition with the Americans. If we’re to have a good partnership you have to know how your other buddy works and thinks—that’s why we’re here at the moment.” ESET is all about working together as a team, keeping cool under pressure and responding to danger through rational decision making. All of these elements culminate in full force at the last portion of the course when cadets visit the training support center at Force Carson. Here, they enter a colossal facility filled with giant machines designed to simulate vehicle rollover. Modified humvee cabs are mounted to huge electric gimbals which spin the vehicles upside down. Cadets strap themselves inside the various humvee cabs as operators tumble the vehicles in multi-rollover simulations. Once the machine comes to a stop (often upside down) cadet rifle teams must claw their way out of the capsized vehicle and rush to setup a defensive perimeter.

Left: cadets receive a pre-training briefing before loading into the humvee rollover gimbal. Below: cadets exit the capsized training humvee and set up a defensive perimeter.

From there, it’s on to the electronic shooting range, where rows of modified M4 rifles are connected with compressed air tanks to simulate recoil. Much like a movie theater, the indoor range consists of a large video display projected onto a wall. The range operator can choose from a multitude of scenarios designed to train shooters to acquire targets, distinguish hostiles from civilians and practice accuracy. The laser-guided rifles work with shooting range’s software to determine percentage of hits to shots fired. Many of the cadets are disappointed to find that their precision is not what they had hoped. But that’s what practice is for. All the same, like all of the training at ESET, the course brings them one step closer to having real world experience. In the years to come, the training these cadets face will become more advanced. As they return to the classrooms for the fall semester, they move on to the next phase of their education. For now, the ESET training centers are packed up and locked down for the fall semester. Come next summer, they will be waiting.

Click here to check out more photos of ESET training action.

authors corner

Goodbye Milky Way – An Earth in Jeopardy Adventure by Dan Makaon (Dan Macherione ’66)

Tom is a freelance project manager with a reputation for getting results for corporations and governments. But he’s never been up against a challenge like this.  The earthquake that triggered the Asian tsunami did more than kill 283,000 people. It caused a shift in the axial tilt of the Earth. But what could have caused such a powerful earthquake and its unusual tectonic activity? An eclectic group of scientists, calling themselves the Star-Slayer Team, calculates that the cause of the quake emanates from the depths of space, threatening all of mankind with extinction. Tom leads a harrowing expedition to Antarctica and discovers an ancient secret that can help save mankind. He joins the StarSlayer Team and leads massive and dangerous construction projects in Ecuador and on the Moon. Assisted by Aieda, a powerful and sophisticated computer, the team has only seven years to develop the mechanism that will save the Earth and the Moon. With Einstein-like intelligence, and even adopting a female persona, Aieda believes her new theory governing gravity and space-time will save humanity. But can she be trusted? Available at www.danmakaon.com and www.amazon.com ISBN: 978-0-9833785-9-4

The Right Guard by Alexandra Hamlet Over one million military weapons and other equipment are missing from the U.S. military inventories across the country. Where are all the weapons? CIA operative Eric Brent, and his revolutionary light weapon invention, is used by CIA to flush out a secretive, “phantom” group hostile to a wildly spending, intrusive U.S. Administration that threatens to destroy the American economy and shrink individual freedoms. Hamlet takes you through the twists and turns of the secretive world of intelligence as the undercover assignment goes astray. Eric exposes a far-reaching and well-planned movement and an event that could alter the United States forever. Order your copy from www.alexandrahamlet.com Lessons in Honor – A novel of character, courage and leadership by Dr. Lin Bothwell It is 1960, and Pete Sutton is thrilled to be a cadet at the new U.S. Air Force Academy. The Academy rewards discipline, loyalty, and honor, values he first learned from his beloved father. Pete learns to be a principled leader both on the football team and among the cadets, his band of brothers. His idealism is challenged by the looming Vietnam War, the assassination of President Kennedy, and a threat to the Honor Code and the Academy itself. For Pete and his unbending personal code of honor, there is only one path forward—to confront the system head on. What readers say: “I loved this book. It is a treasure…a talented novelist, Dr. Bothwell has written a most entertaining and educational story of life, love, deceit and personal triumph at a major United States military academy … I will recommend Lessons In Honor to fellow grads AND to the staff of the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) at the Academy … it strongly reinforced my feelings of respect for the USAFA Institution and the Honor Code.” Available at www.linbothwell.com and www.amazon.com ISBN: 978-0-615-64754-8 The Sum of its Parts by Robert Badger ’60 Four members of Brad Timmons’ brotherhood of military officers have been set up and attacked on the same day. CIA pilot Nick Ciontea has been kidnapped on the German autobahn, bound in duct tape, thrown onto an aircraft and flown into captivity somewhere in the Middle East. A private aircraft has been shot down by a surface-to-air missile as it departed from Dulles International Airport, outside of Washington, D.C. An attempt has been made to plant a car bomb under General Joe Pajakowski’s automobile in Vienna, Virginia. Rev. Carl Kirkland’s church in Algiers, Louisiana, has been burned to the ground, with many killed or severely burned. A group of alarmed brothers gathers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to assess the situation and soon concludes that the attacks are not random or disconnected. They are against the brotherhood itself. They must be stopped. Ciontea must be found and rescued. Brad Timmons will have to lead this effort. This is his area of expertise. But who has taken Ciontea, where has he been taken, and why are the attacks taking place? This is a novel about a group of tough, hard-bitten, aggressive military men and how their sense of brotherhood enables them to pull together to act as a single powerful unit in times of strife. They know that, when they pull together, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. They are Nulli Secundus, Second To None. This novel is written as a tribute to the Class of 1960, which serves as the inspiration for the novel’s fictional Nulli Secundus. Available for download at www.amazon.com/dp/B008H76LMO. 50

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around the terrazzo

Unveiled The Falcon Center Heritage Exhibit The AOG’s Newest Outreach Project Educates Cadets and Honors Members of the Long Blue Line Visitors to Fairchild Hall will now be able to enjoy a Long Blue Line history lesson thanks to the Association of Graduates’ recently completed Falcon Center Heritage Exhibit (FCHE). The Heritage Exhibit honors 28 Air Force Academy graduates, each of whom have excelled in one of seven categories (four honorees per category) and stand as examples of excellence that the Cadet Wing and the Graduate Community can emulate. The displays add the finishing touch to the Falcon Center cadet lounge located on the third floor of the building. The Falcon Center includes the Hall of Exemplars display, a café, comfortable seating for a quick study session, and flat screen televisions. The area is a favored hangout of cadets, and the corridor’s chosen because they embody excellence in the chosen categories and represent heavy foot traffic makes an ideal the Academy with integrity and grace. The seven categories encompass areas of area to promote the mission of the competency in a diverse array of disciplines and achievement. Association of Graduates and give There are an innumerable number of graduates who are worthy of inclusion cadets a glimpse into the remarkable with this inaugural group of honorees. Part of the mission of the FCHE is to achievements of Academy grads. select individuals who are representative of the entire graduate community, and The honorees were selected by the the plan is to adhere to this principle moving forward. Each of the honorees is FCHE Committee and have been an Association of Graduates Member and many of the honorees have served on the AOG and/or the Endowment Boards and given back to the USAFA community in immeasurable ways. Each year the AOG will honor new members of the Long Blue Line, making the Heritage Exhibit a commemorative living history. It should also be noted that there is a space available on the AOG informational display that has been reserved for the placement of the name and picture of a donor who would like to ensure that the Falcon Center Heritage Exhibit is able to continue educating cadets and honoring graduates well into the future.

C 52

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Visit usafa.org/Heritage/FalconCenter to learn more about the Heritage Exhibit.

The Falcon Center Heritage Exhibit Categories and Honorees Academic Excellence Bradley Hosmer, Class of 1959 Ervin Rokke, Class of 1962 Tom Krise, Class of 1983 Chris Howard, Class of 1991 Air Force Chiefs of Staff General Ronald Fogleman, Class of 1963 General Michael Ryan, Class of 1965 General Norton Schwartz, Class of 1973 General Mark Welsh III, Class of 1976 Excellence in Business Harry Pearce, Class of 1964 Richard Schlosberg, Class of 1965 Nancy Kudla, Class of 1980 Richard Lewis, Class of 1989 Government Service Fred Gregory, Class of 1964 Paul Kaminski, Class of 1964 Chuck Reed, Class of 1970 Heather Wilson, Class of 1982 Heroism Ed Mechenbier, Class of 1964 R. Stephen Ritchie, Class of 1964 Chesley Sullenberger III, Class of 1973 LeRoy Homer Jr., Class of 1987 Military Excellence Kevin Chilton, Class of 1976 Alison Hickey, Class of 1980 Kim Campbell, Class of 1997 Prichard Keely, Class of 2004 Notable Firsts Charles Bush, Class of 1963 Linda Cubero, Class of 1980 Janet Wolfenbarger, Class of 1980 Shawna Kimbrell, Class of 1998

Checkpoints

September 2012

from the terrazzo

The Secret Life of

Waldo F. Dumbsquat

by Don Hall ’76

“I’m so glad to be out of Jack’s Valley!” proclaimed Basic Cadet Waldo F. Dumbsquat. “Yeah,” replied his friend, Warren Heels. “Affirmative,” confirmed Basic Cadet “Regs” Buch as he looked around the dorm room. “There’s no place like home.” “I thought you liked the tent,” noted Waldo. “Too many guys in our flight snore!” “You should hear yourself, Regs,” laughed Waldo. “I thought you were firing 50 caliber machine guns last night.” “I, for one, am glad Second Beast is over,” snorted Regs with annoyance. Warren nodded. “It made First Beast look like a party!” “Well, bring on the A-jackets, rings, and Corvettes!” cheered Waldo. The other doolies looked at their roommate with exasperation. “There’s the little matter of the Acceptance Parade and the fourth class year to get through,” said Regs. “Another parade? I thought we were done with marching after we left the Valley!” “Listen, Waldo, as a Carpenter once said—we’ve only just begun,” Warren informed his friend. “Is that from the New Testament?” “No, Karen’s best of album … c’mon Waldo, you do know you are in a four year program, don’t you?” Waldo looked sheepishly at the floor. “Four years?” “Didn’t you research anything about the colleges you applied to?” asked Regs.

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“I watched Lucy Goes to the Air Force Academy— part one and part two—sent in my application and here I am.” “Well,” instructed Regs, “first we get our shoulder boards, signifying that we earned a place in the Cadet Wing. Then comes a year of challenging academics, military discipline, physical tests, and character development.” “Then we get ’vettes?” “Forget about the car, Waldo! After our freshman year we get recognized, become upperclassmen, and work three more years toward graduation and an Air Force commission.” “Acceptance, recognition, graduation, commission … you make it sound like forever!” groused the doolie. “Checkpoints today says that there are an infinite number of days until our class graduates,” chimed in Warren with an impish grin. “Not helping ... ” growled Regs. “Sorrrrry!” offered Warren sarcastically. “Don’t worry, Waldo. The time will go by quickly and the effort will be worth it. Of course, you’ll have us as your wingmen!” The freshman’s spirits seemed to perk up with Regs’ cheerleading. “Thanks for the pep talk, guys. There’s just one more thing,” said Waldo. “What’s that?” “When do I get my Chapel wedding reservation?” Warren and Regs groaned.

Make your celebration everything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever dreamed! Doolittle Hall sits on 24 acres of scenic landscape at the United States Air Force Academy and provides a multitude of advantages in one unique location. Celebrate your special day with family and friends surrounded with views of the Front Range; the fabulous views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the rolling hills of the plains to the east will immerse your guests in the grandeur of Colorado. Enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows in our spacious 5,500 square foot hall. With an open-air atrium, this expansive space produces warm natural light while maintaining a touch of intimacy. Make a grand entry from either of our etchedglass open staircases. Let your guests dance the night away on the built-in dance floor or enjoy a cocktail at the private bar in the Library Lounge. This unique setting offers the perfect venue for all types of gatherings with a space large enough to accommodate 200 guests for a sit-down dinner, up to 500 for a standing reception and even an outdoor space for an intimate ceremony. We limit the use of the facility to one event at a time, allowing the Association of Graduates staff to ensure you receive the customized care and attention your event deserves.

No ties to the military are necessary to use this facility. Special rate consideration given to Association of Graduates members.

events.usafa.org 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy CO, 80840 719.472.0300

graduate profile

In the Fight A Snapshot of Long Blue Line Contributions to the War Effort By Lt. Gen. David Goldfein ’83 Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command

As CENTCOM’s lead airman in the battle against violent extremism, I am honored to participate every day as part of a seasoned, disciplined, and lethal joint and coalition team. Our ability to take the fight to a determined enemy is unparalleled. But it’s not the technology that makes our fighting force superior. It is the spirit of attack beating in the heart of every airman who wears the cloth of our nation that makes us unstoppable. And no surprise, USAFA grads lead the way across every core function we execute in the fight. Here are just a few stories to share from hundreds.

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Chaplain Colonel Dondi Costin ’86

Chaplain Costin just completed a one-year tour in Southwest Asia as the AFCENT command chaplain. Besides leading the 70-plus Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants facilitating spiritual fitness to our warfighters and providing for their free exercise of religion, Dondi served as my eyes and ears across the AOR. At last count, he’d flown 56,000 miles visiting with coalition warfighters in harm’s way—both to inspire them for combat and to advise me on the morale and spiritual health of the force. When I hear the phrases “force multiplier” and “agile combat support,” I can’t help but see Dondi’s face. Major Roy Johnson ’93

Dr. Johnson is an emergency department flight commander and emergency medicine physician in Afghanistan. He is third generation Air Force and military and received his first salute from his father who served 31 years and retired as a CMSgt. He takes care of traumas and other critically ill patients in the AOR and is driven to give every injured troop the best chance to make it home alive to their loved ones. He leads a team of 23 providers, nurses and technicians who see 8,000 patients annually with 2,000 being some of the most severely injured patients in the world. What his team does directly contributes to the 98% survival rate once the patient makes it to their doors. He said ultimately it is his honor and privilege to take care of wounded and injured service members who volunteered to serve their country. Major Tre’ Irick III ’99

Irick is a Combat Rescue Officer living by the motto, “That Others May Live, To Return With Honor.” He commands the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron in Afghanistan made up of pararescue and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) specialists, who, he says, are some of the most dedicated and professional airmen in the Air Force. As a CRO, he is responsible for the “rescue and recovery of isolated or injured coalition and partner nation comrades.” Every day these men put their lives on the line to save others. Irick said he serves so his children continue to have the privilege of freedom. Major Bryan Foley ’02 Captain Hilary Foley ’04

This married couple is deployed together to Southwest Asia. Both fly the C-5 Galaxy, an Air Force war horse that can carry a fully equipped combat-ready military unit to any point in the world on short notice, and

then provide the supplies required to help sustain the fighting force. Hilary works in the Combined Air and Space Operations Center planning the Air Tasking Order—a critical command and control element that supports the delivery of decisive airpower. Bryan develops plans and programs to defend the region against threats. Both of their fathers were military aviators, helping foster a desire to be part of an organization with a greater purpose. Captain Shaun Cheema ’03 Captain Stephen Joca ’03

Cheema and Joca have very unique missions as Air Liaison Officers with our Army counterparts in Afghanistan. Shaun went from being an F-16 pilot to becoming a joint TACP airman, a critical overhead watch for our ground partners. And Stephen went from being an A-10 pilot providing invaluable CAS to his coalition and host nation partners to a member of an infantry brigade with the Army. What Stephen told me is pretty incredible. “I have worked on ground floor planning for battalion air assaults and have seen for myself how much the Army values what the Air Force brings to the fight,” he said. “It is not just the reputation of the A-10 or other fighters; it is the no kidding success of CAS, ISR electronic warfare on the battlefield. I have seen the most responsive air power in the world bring to bear the full spectrum of capabilities to save lives on the battlefield. I have also looked up as C-130s delivered critical supplies to my airmen, knowing that, without that capability, the Army cannot complete their mission. As we continue to partner and mentor, I see a motivated Afghan force ready and comfortable in the lead, and I know my airmen’s hours of hard work, countless dangerous missions and time away from home are worth every minute, mission and drop of sweat.” Captain Alex Datzman ’03

Datzman is the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron chief of tactics in Southwest Asia. He pilots the mighty B-1, which made its combat debut in Desert Fox when Alex was a freshman at USAFA. For a decade now, the Bone has been keeping watch over the men and women on the ground in Afghanistan. Alex has seen the bomber evolve rapidly, from essentially having one method to employ weapons and limited sensors, to providing situational awareness to ground troops while using integrated sniper pod and radar, as well as performing close air support and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Alex and his B-1 mates can now gather intelligence, precisely employ low collateral damage

Checkpoints

September 2012

From top, L to R: Major Roy Johnson ’93. Captain Alex Datzman ’03 First Lieutenant Joshua Ellis ’08 Major Edward Irick III ’99 Captain Shaun Cheema ’03 Chaplain Colonel Dondi Costin ’86 Major Bryan Foley ’02 & Captain Hilary Foley ’04 Captain Pall Green ’07 Captain Stephen Joca ’03 Captain Eric Marsh ’06 Captain Aaron Husk ’07 (Left) & First Lieutenant Andrew Veerathanongdech ’09 Captain Richard Young ’06 (far right)

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weapons, strike moving targets, or guide a convoy of vehicles out of hostile territory. Captain Eric Marsh ’06

Marsh said he remembers being a cadet and imagining what it would be like to strap on a fighter and engage our nation’s enemies. Now he’s flying the F-15E in Southwest Asia. Eric said he has the privilege of being in the AOR at a pivotal time in modern history, and continues to serve for the same reasons he applied to be a cadet, “to be a part of something much bigger than myself, to safeguard our American way of life, to soldier freedom, and to engage in the biggest adventure I could imagine.” Captain Richard Young ’06

Young serves in Regional Command South in Afghanistan as the Space Liaison Officer. He works in the Tactical Air Control Party community, an extremely critical element to the counterinsurgency fight. His space-based systems allow for conducting ground navigation, targeting CAS strikes, and keeping track of all friendly forces. The Army and TACP troops don’t move without this space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Rich said his friends and colleagues stateside operating navigation and communications satellites may not always realize it but, without their contributions, the conflict would look vastly different. He feels privileged to be the face of those effects and help ensure our coalition forces leverage that advantage to the maximum extent possible. Captain Aaron Husk ’07 First Lieutenant Andrew Veerathanongdech ’09

Husk and Veerathanongdech fly the KC-10 in Southwest Asia. The KC-10 can transport up to 75 people and nearly 170,000 pounds of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles unrefueled. Aaron is an aircraft commander and Andrew is his co-pilot. Aaron was motivated to serve his country because of his grandfather’s time in the Army participating in the Berlin Airlift. And Andrew’s father was a pilot in the mighty F-4 during the Vietnam War. Aaron is on his fifth deployment and has acquired nearly 180 combat sorties and more than 1,200 combat hours. Besides the normal refueling sorties over Afghanistan ensuring our combat aircraft legs are extended in support of ground forces, they also spearheaded efforts to conduct practice air refueling with Omani and French fighters, strengthening coalition partnership. Captain Pall Green ’07

Green is a special missions flight commander in a communications squadron in Southwest Asia. Now

on his second deployment, he said he can truly grasp the impact of cyberspace on both operations and support. Pall is responsible for our Tech Control Facility and Satellite Communications, which combined provides 75 percent of the information technology in the AOR, from a simple email to providing the AOR radar picture to the CAOC. He also has the only airborne communication team providing state-of-theart communication capabilities to our senior leaders traveling throughout the AOR ensuring they can continue to see and hear the fight while traveling on platforms like the C-17 and C-130. First Lieutenant Joshua Ellis ’08

Ellis serves in Afghanistan as an RPA, or remotely piloted aircraft, pilot. His sole purpose is to protect coalition forces outside the wire and find those who intend to harm coalition forces. He stays humbled by those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to their country, including his close friend and mentor from the class of 2007, Joe Helton. Joe was killed in action in 2009 by an improvised explosive device. “If I pay close attention to the smallest details and spot IEDs, IED emplacers, or the associated networks that threaten convoys, more great patriots like Joe will return home,” Joshua said. “That is what drives me to perform my best every day.”

Here in Southwest Asia, where the temps have already topped 120 degrees and the wind and sand blow relentlessly, B-1 pilot Capt. Datzman plugs his four F101-GE-102 engines into afterburner and the rumble hits a spot in your chest where only the sound of freedom can enter. As he lifts off fully loaded for his 13-plus hour sortie into Afghanistan, he does not fly alone. In the cockpit with him, and his crew, rides the spirit of the Long Blue Line. He will talk to AWACs en route to his tanker where he will take on 80,000 pounds of JP8 fuel before checking in with air traffic control and the operations center, which will hand him over to an ALO who is JTAC qualified. At every point in the chain and on every radio call, he will encounter fellow grads that stood on the same terrazzo, stormed Spirit Hill, and filled out the same Form 0-96 to grade a meal (fast, neat, average … ). And together with fellow members of the Long Blue Line, Datzman and his classmates will continue to write the history future Doolies will memorize in Contrails. It is who we’ve been, who we are today, and what we share as graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy. The legacy continues.

Checkpoints

September 2012

graduate profile

Chronicles

of a

Car Pilot Meet the first person to fly a car— Academy Graduate Phil Meteer ’75

Written by David Bergeman Illustration by Sarah Larrabee

n one of the installments of the Austin Powers movie trilogy, Powers, the crass, clueless and groovy British super spy played by Mike Myers, time travels back to the 1960s. His mission is, as always, to save the world from his arch nemesis, Dr. Evil. When his inevitably hopeless love interest from the 60s gets serious for a moment and asks the psychedelic spy what the future will bring, he pauses before offering the following clairvoyance: “Everyone has a flying car, entire meals come in pill form and the earth is ruled by damn dirty apes!” The human race may have to wait on the pill meals and the impending ape uprising but the future has brought us pretty 60

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close to realizing the flying car—and an Academy graduate is the first person to fly it. “People have been trying to build one since 1918,” says Col. (Ret.) Phil Meteer ’75. “Right after the Wright Brothers people started working on car planes.” Meteer is the chief test pilot and director of flight operations for Terrafugia Inc., the creators of the Transition car plane. Like most grads, Meteer fell in love with flight at an early age. In third grade he was so deeply inspired by the astronauts of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions that he decided he wanted to be a fighter pilot, a dream he would later fulfill.

However, flying around in a car wasn’t an idea that gained propulsion in Meteer’s mind until he got to the Academy. “I started doodling flying cars during my aero classes when I would get bored,” Meteer laughs. “It was a fun engineering project to consider. I kept drawing while I was in grad school. By then I had flown enough that I wanted to find some way to work flying into my life practically.” Meteer’s fascination followed him throughout his Air Force career. Every few years he would pull out an engineering pad and start drawing, often wondering to himself, “What in the world am I doing?” About six years ago Meteer took his curiosity to Google where he discovered a group of MIT graduate students who had won an award for their elegant design of a flying car. For several years he followed their progress from afar, until he learned that the MIT team had incorporated, forming Terrafugia, Inc. After careful consideration Meteer decided to approach Terrafugia (Latin for “escape the earth”) about being the person to lead the certification and testing of the vehicle. It would turn out to be a perfect marriage as the Terrafugia team was so bogged down in the technical issues of design and the arduous task of starting a new business that they were behind on the testing end. So in 2008 Meteer embarked on the next phase of fulfilling his dream. In 2009, Meteer piloted 28 flights in a handmade concept car which was built to prove Terrafugia’s design. That vehicle had a limited shelf life so the company decided to move on with building a production mold vehicle, which became the Transition. “It’s a normal car that anyone can drive and a normal plane that anyone can fly,” Meteer explains. “The first time I drove it I thought it was going to ride funny. After about 30 seconds I thought, ‘This handles like a normal car. My daughter could do it.’”

The Transition was put through its paces before its maiden flight was green lit. Testing included placing a ton of sandbags on the wings and tail to make sure it could handle the stresses it would endure in flight. It was dropped from height to simulate a rough landing and taxied around the company parking lot. Eventually Meteer drove it down a nearby runway without wings at 90 mph to ensure that all systems were functioning properly. Finally, last March, at an airport in Plattsburgh, N.Y., Meteer flew the Transition for the first time. The eight-minute flight marked the fulfillment of Meteer’s decades long dream. “There was a sense that I was always meant to do this, and that it needed to be done,” Meteer says of that initial flight. His excitement level was sky high before takeoff and his biggest challenge was keeping an even keel. “You’ve got your game face on, but in the end anything you do for the first time in a vehicle like this that is radically different, you do kind of hold your breath for every first. We’re past the ‘holding your breath phase.’ Now it’s just a lot of fun.” In a world where there are multiple variations on the “flying car” currently available or being produced, the Transition and Meteer’s flight stand unique for several reasons. The first being that the Transition is the first car plane to be certified to federal motor vehicle safety standards. The Transition is street legal and sports a Massachusetts license plate. It also has the best crash worthiness of any plane built to date. Maybe in a couple of centuries there will be millions of cars floating around like in The Jetsons. The Transition is a vehicle that will fill a more basic need for flying enthusiasts. “This is a replacement for your airplane not your car,” explains Meteer. “It changes the logistics of general aviation. You store it in your garage. You drive it. You fill it up with car gas. You get to the airport, drive through the gate, unfold the wings and it’s a plane.” There are 5000 underutilized general aviation airports around the U.S. and NASA has identified that infrastructure as our number one underutilized transportation resource. “One reason it’s underutilized is because what are you going to do once you get there,” Meteer says. “With the Transition you have wheels. You also have a measure of weather insensitivity. If the weather Checkpoints

September 2012

The Terrafugia Transition Engine 100 HP Rotax 912ULS Speed Max, Vh: 100 kts (115 mph, 185 km/h) Cruise, Vc: 93 kts (105 mph, 172 km/h) Stall, Vs: 45 kts (51 mph, 83 km/h) Range: 425 nmi (490 miles, 787 km) Takeoff: 1700’ (518 m) over 50’ obstacle Weight Gross Takeoff Weight: 1430 lbs (650 kg) Empty Weight: 970 lbs (440 kg) Useful Load: 460 lbs (210 kg) Col. (Ret.) Phil Meteer ’75 is the Flight Test Coordinator and Test Pilot for Terrafugia, makers of the Transition flying car.

Fuel Economy Fuel burn at cruise: 5 gph (18.9 L/h) Useable Fuel: 23 gal (87L) Mileage on road: 35 mpg (6.7L/100km) Illustrations courtesy of Terrafugia

is bad you can land and drive home. It allows you to continue on your journey.” To drive the Transition you need a valid drivers license. To fly it you will, at a minimum, need to become a sport pilot, which can be done with as little as 20 hours of flight time. You’ll also need to pony up for an anticipated purchase price of $279,000. As of late July, over 100 people have already put down the required $10,000 deposit to secure a Transition. Half of those individuals are not pilots. It’s a testament to the popularity of the concept. Meteer says the Transition display has been “mobbed” by inquisitive crowds at car shows across the country. If the price raises an eyebrow, consider that the Transition does have a passenger seat and a set of controls that can be used for flight instruction (similar to the Cessna 150). Another unique

Phil Meteer piloting the Transition flying car, the first aircraft to be street ready and certified to federal motor vehicle safety standards. (Photo courtesy of Terrafugia)

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feature is that the flying car has a ballistic recovery system. You can pull a handle and the plane comes down to earth in a parachute. Oh, and it has space for your golf clubs. Meteer says that final testing phases are currently underway and Terrafugia is projecting first deliveries this year. Meteer is humbled by the opportunity to pursue his decades-old dream. He says he has relied on the Christian faith he developed as a cadet throughout the entire process. He has also taken a few specific lessons learned at the Academy to heart during the journey. “Our class motto in ’75 is ‘ignotum vincere’ or to conquer the unknown. Our ring has a picture of the space shuttle coming out of Colorado Springs and going to the moon. The idea represents us as Air Force officers and cadets. We want to advance the cause of the human race. If there is adventure to it, that’s kind of why we are there.”

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graduate profile

Looking forward, giving back

Giving By The Numbers Recognition in the Sabre Society is offered to graduates, parents and friends of the Academy who make an annual unrestricted gift of $1,000 or more to the Air Force Academy Fund. Currently, there are 929 graduates recognized in the Sabre Society, and 81 graduates have joined the ranks of the Sabre Society for the first time this year. Sabre Society-level gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund help the USAFA Endowment provide the best possible resources in support of the Academy, its cadets, and the graduate community.

Top Five classes First-Time Sabre Society Donors (2012) Class Number 2006............................................ 7 1993............................................ 6 1978............................................ 5 1995............................................ 5 1996............................................ 4

Top Five classes Current Sabre Society Donors (2012) Class Number 1970............................................ 50 1964............................................ 43 1976............................................ 43 1971............................................ 41 1969............................................ 37 1972............................................ 36

* Calculated as: total graduate donors in 2011/total living graduates, representing gifts and commitments to the Academy through the USAFA Endowment or the Association of Graduates. ** Figures current as of August 12, 2012

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Class

2011 Participation Rate*

Current Sabre Society Donors**

First-time Sabre Society Donors (2012)

Cumulative Giving

1959.................24.42%................. 27......................0...............$1,613,470.84 1960.................30.43%................. 18......................1...............$1,204,109.17 1961.................51.37%................. 14......................1...............$1,899,420.19 1962.................35.80%................. 16......................2...............$1,053,246.56 1963.................27.97%................. 31......................0...............$6,306,086.53 1964.................22.88%................. 43......................0...............$8,087,829.84 1965.................19.13%................. 22......................1...............$8,916,535.88 1966.................37.85%................. 33......................3...............$5,197,438.25 1967.................29.26%................. 26......................1...............$5,666,607.00 1968.................22.10%................. 35......................1...............$2,084,108.11 1969.................16.59%................. 37......................0...............$5,804,563.57 1970.................23.88%................. 50......................2...............$6,818,181.79 1971.................17.00%................. 41......................3...............$1,815,697.73 1972.................14.25%................. 36......................1...............$918,522.68 1973.................19.38%................. 35......................1...............$2,051,463.17 1974.................16.73%................. 30......................3...............$1,132,366.02 1975.................15.78%................. 24......................1...............$1,885,312.74 1976.................24.66%................. 43......................3...............$1,611,011.00 1977.................14.52%................. 21......................2...............$876,101.30 1978.................23.92%................. 25......................5...............$4,635,728.71 1979.................18.83%................. 15......................2...............$2,908,695.87 1980.................16.36%................. 32......................2...............$1,828,134.06 1981.................15.02%................. 22......................0...............$1,382,933.07 1982.................11.23%................. 12......................3...............$563,414.50 1983.................11.97%................. 19......................1...............$907,763.30 1984.................9.07%................... 14......................1...............$584,744.19 1985.................9.10%................... 15......................1...............$482,257.96 1986.................9.34%................... 12......................1...............$371,204.00 1987.................11.17%................. 17......................2...............$855,029.09 1988.................11.72%................. 16......................1...............$492,358.26 1989.................7.56%................... 13......................0...............$818,429.99 1990.................8.26%................... 7........................0...............$224,205.82 1991.................7.55%................... 10......................0...............$531,556.29 1992.................5.88%................... 13......................2...............$342,429.51 1993.................7.56%................... 16......................6...............$278,868.78 1994.................6.23%................... 3........................1...............$300,102.48 1995.................5.59%................... 11......................5...............$294,346.76 1996.................4.35%................... 6........................4...............$143,320.24 1997.................5.42%................... 15......................2...............$170,418.35 1998.................4.19%................... 3........................1...............$340,971.63 1999.................4.75%................... 7........................1...............$138,538.89 2000.................5.30%................... 9........................1...............$172,721.57 2001.................3.97%................... 4........................0...............$99,335.08 2002.................3.22%................... 5........................2...............$68,472.04 2003.................3.51%................... 9........................3...............$58,203.22 2004.................2.50%................... 3........................1...............$36,813.14 2005.................2.18%................... 1........................0...............$32,491.00 2006.................1.99%................... 8........................7...............$82,528.22 2007.................1.47%................... 5........................0...............$37,501.35 2008.................1.74%................... 0........................0...............$19,808.16 2009.................1.11%................... 0........................0...............$12,200.55 2010.................13.10%................. 0........................0...............$90,792.06 2011.................0.47%................... 0........................0...............$16,211.24

The Air Force Academy Fund Your gift ...Their benefit ...Our future ... Giving to the Air Force Academy Fund strengthens the entire Academy community. Your gift supports cadets and graduates alike. Make a meaningful impact, for their benefit, by supporting vital Academy programs and services. Your gift makes a difference both now and in the future. Academy Programs Cadet Clubs and Intramurals Character Development Programs and Seminars Distinguished Speakers Series Summer Internships Graduate Programs and Services Career Services Chapter Programs Checkpoints Magazine and ZoomiEnews Class Legacy Program ... and many more Our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest young men and women secure our future with their service and sacrifice. Gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund provide added resources to produce leaders of the highest caliber. Your gift really makes a difference, please give generously!

Give online: Give by phone: Give by mail:

www.usafaendowment.org 719.472.0300 Checks payable to: The USAFA Endowment 3116 Academy Drive, Ste 200 USAF Academy, CO 80840

Heritage

Mr. Ted Legasey ’67 Wins 2012 Distinguished Service Award By Steven A. Simon ‘77 Mr. Edward E. “Ted” Legasey, USAFA Class of ’67, has been awarded the Academy’s 2012 Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes his outstanding service and unfailing support to the Academy. Lieutenant General Mike Gould ’76, Academy Superintendent, presented the award during the Parents’ Weekend Parade on August 31st. The Academy established the Distinguished Service Award in February 1999. Each year the award is presented to an individual or organization whose contributions have had a distinct impact on the morale or well-being of the Academy. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who contribute to the betterment of the Academy through their generosity and dedication to the institution. Mr. Legasey’s personal commitment to excellence at the Air Force Academy has spanned four decades and continues to be felt throughout the Academy and the graduate community. “The selection is a true testament to your exemplary support throughout the years,” wrote General Gould in his June 2012 congratulatory letter to Mr. Legasey announcing the selection. Mr. Legasey expressed his gratitude to the Academy for his selection. “I consider it a genuine privilege and pleasure to be able to provide service to the United States Air Force Academy. The Academy played a pivotal role in my professional development, and I hope my service will help ensure future generations of cadets will have the best possible experience as they walk the path to becoming leaders of character. To be honored with this award, when there are so many who do so much for our beloved Academy, is truly humbling. Thank you.” Mr. Legasey excelled from his cadet days forward. He served as a Cadet Group Commander and co-captain of the hockey

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team, and was a regular on the Superintendent’s List. Upon graduation as a Distinguished Graduate, he earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the University of Pennsylvania. He served on active duty for nine years, during which time he worked as an Operations Research Analyst on large, complex management information systems and directed software test and evaluation for the B-1 bomber. Following active duty, Mr. Legasey worked as a civilian employee for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for two years, and then left government service to join with a partner to found SRA International, a global information technology and professional services firm. Mr. Legasey spent the next 26 years building the company into a major player in the information technology industry. Mr. Legasey’s contributions to the Academy have been extensive and valuable. He has spoken at several National Character and Leadership Symposiums on Business Ethics. His company hired hundreds of Academy graduates, launching many to successful careers. He is a founding member of the AFA Society of Washington, DC, an organization of graduates dedicated to business networking. He served on the Association of Graduates Board for six years, with four years as the Chairman. He and his wife Patricia established an endowment for Character and Leadership with the AOG. William “T” Thompson ’73, AOG President and CEO, summarized the impact Mr. Legasey has had on the AOG and the Academy. “Ted has not only been a steadfast supporter and generous donor but as Chairman of the Association of Graduates Board of Directors, he led the first Capital Campaign which raised more than $60 million for the Academy. He has and continues to be a strong supporter of the AOG and the graduate community.”

Among his many contributions, he and Patricia made the lead gift for the construction of the Memorial Pavilion at the Academy Cemetery. Mr. Legasey is also a Founding Director for the USAFA Endowment. General (Ret.) Stephen R. Lorenz ’73, USAFA Endowment President and CEO, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Legasey’s contributions. “Ted, who is a member of the USAFA Endowment Board, has made such a positive difference here at the Academy. His support of Cadets programs and of the graduate community as a whole is truly selfless.” Mr. Legasey’s inspirational leadership and selfless support have greatly helped the United States Air Force Academy remain one of the nation’s foremost institutions of higher learning. He is the richly deserving recipient of the United States Air Force Academy’s 2012 Distinguished Service Award. _____________________________________________ Editor’s Note: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven A. Simon ’77 is the Academy’s Acting Chief, Development and Alumni Programs. In addition to his extensive non-fiction writing, he is the author of two novels, On The Dead Run and Service Before Self.

Let us do the walking for you! Job searches designed exclusively for service academy alumni SACC

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JSAJE

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Visit usafa.org for more information

Checkpoints

September 2012

Class of ’59 Presents 50th Reunion Award to Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joe DeSantis In 2011, the AOG established the 50th Class Reunion Award with the recipient to be chosen by the class in conjunction with its 50th Reunion. The first award was made by the Class of 1961 because the idea was conceived after the Classes of 1959 and 1960 had already held their 50th Reunions. It was left to the classes of ’59 and ’60 to decide when to issue their award. The Class of 1960 will make its award in October 2012 and the Class of 1959 made its award this summer. The award recognizes the person in the class who, during the last half-century, has set himself or herself apart through extraordinary contributions to the class collectively, classmates individually, and to their communities and/or the graduate community at large. The Class of ’59 chose Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph G. DeSantis as its honoree. Joe DeSantis was elected President of the Class of 1959 at its first formal reunion in 1979 and has

been reelected at every reunion since. He was the sparkplug and chief organizer of that 20th year reunion and has been the primary driver of every subsequent reunion. Due to both its status as the first Class and its small size, the Class of 1959 enjoys a camaraderie that is closer than that of most other classes and Joe DeSantis has been instrumental in building it. He has been an inspiration to all his classmates because of his leadership, example and courage for over half a century.

Are you ready for some Air Force football? Join the AOG and fellow AF grads and friends at one of our upcoming football tailgates. Univ. of Michigan - September 8, 2012 Army - November 3, 2012 San Diego - November 10, 2012

Stay tuned to usafa.org for more information

Members of the class of ’59 gathered at Doolittle Hall for the presentation of the 50th Class Reunion Award to Mr. Joe DeSantis. L to R: Jim Welch, Jim Brown, Pete Todd, Joe DeSantis, “Dusty Trail, Tom Jozwiak and Don Brooks.

In 2011, the AOG and Blanchard Family Wines created the Long Blue Line Wines to pay tribute to the Academy and provide our graduates a product they can be proud to share with their family and friends. The wine’s inaugural release was a great success having been served at the USAFA Founders Day dinner, Air Force Balls, Parent’s Club events, and numerous classmate gatherings. Sold all across the country, including the USAFA Class VI, the first vintage sold out in 9 months and we are now happy to release our second offering of collector bottles. These top quality wines make great gifts for your graduation, promotion, retirement, or other celebration and once these custom labels are sold out, they will not be used again.

About Blanchard Family Wines Winery owner James Blanchard is a 1998 graduate of the Air Force Academy. After a career flying both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, James returned to USAFA to teach in the Department of Management and serve as Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 15. After starting his winery it was one of his desires to create a series of military tribute wines to give back, if even in a small way. This is the third military creation by Blanchard Family Wines, following the Red Scarf Blend and the Air Commando Association wines with a portion of sales going to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Air Commando Association respectively. 20% of the sales of the Long Blue Line wines will be paid back to the Association of Graduates.

james@blanchardfamilywines.com www.blanchardfamilywines.com/USAFA

graduate profile

Precious Reminders Restored The AOG and Denver Broncos team up to replace the sabers and Air Force football helmet that were destroyed when Ben Garland’s ’10 grandparents lost their home in the Waldo Canyon fire. Written by Frank Schwab

Originally published in the Colorado Springs Gazette

hen Ben Garland ’10 called the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates to ask if he could replace his sabers from graduation, the ones he lost in the Waldo Canyon fire, he’d always get forwarded to someone. Or the person he was supposed to talk to would mysteriously be on vacation. Garland, a former Air Force defensive lineman with the Denver Broncos, figured he wouldn’t be successful anyway. Air Force cadets can buy two sabers upon graduation, and no more. They’re generally given to family members or mentors as a way to pay them back for their support. Garland gave his to his grandparents, Hal and Sharen Garland, who he said got him through the academy. The sabers, and his Air Force football helmet, were lost when his grandparents’ house was destroyed in the fire. “One of the things my grandparents were so sad to lose were the helmet I got them and the sabers they were given after graduation from the academy,” Garland said. Judianne Atencio, who does marketing work for many Broncos players, saw the sabers Garland lost when he tweeted a picture after the fire. Then she heard Garland say the sabers couldn’t be replaced during a television appearance with KCNC’s Vic Lombardi shortly after the fire. “I told Vic, ‘Just watch me,’” Atencio said. The biggest surprise is that everyone kept Tuesday’s presentation a secret for weeks. Garland had no idea why his teammates were leading him off the field after practice Tuesday, to an area where the media congregates. He tried getting back in line with them, and they pushed him back out front. Then Air Force Academy Association of Graduates president and CEO William Thompson stepped forward with two sabers to replace the ones he lost. After that, Garland was given an Air Force helmet. While 13 of his team70

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mates stood around him and clapped, the 300-pound Garland tried to keep from breaking down in tears. “Just good friends reaching out,” Garland said. “I can’t thank them enough.” The Broncos paid for the helmet. His teammates chipped in for the sabers. Linebacker Joe Mays went above and beyond, paying for display cases for the items. It’s not common for NFL veterans to do anything for a first-year player fighting for a spot on the roster, like Garland is, but the gestures show the respect they have for him. “He’s an awesome guy,” Mays said. “You want to do special things like that for a person like Ben. He’s just an awesome human being. I’m just glad we were able to get him something.” Atencio did a lot of the work behind the scenes to replace the sabers. She figured the process would be difficult, but the Air Force athletic department and AOG were immediately willing to help, considering the circumstances. “I thought it was going to take a lot of letters and phone calls—not at all,” Atencio said. “They were like ‘We’re ready to go, what do you need?’” Whenever Garland tried to get a hold of the AOG there was always a hang up—but that was Atencio’s doing as well. The surprise held up. Thompson gave him the sabers and joked about exceptions to rules, while Garland thanked him with a stunned look on his face and told him what the gesture meant to his family. He turned and hugged his teammates. His grandparents had 30 minutes to evacuate their Mountain Shadows home during the Waldo Canyon fire and many of their belongings were left behind. Some of the items lost in the fire were irreplaceable, including some heirlooms dating back to World War I, from generations of Garlands serving their country. The Broncos couldn’t replace everything, but Garland was touched by their effort to replace what they could. “This means the world to me,” Garland said.

From Top: On August 7th, AOG President and CEO William “T” Thompson ’73 presented Denver Broncos defensive end Ben Garland ’10 with one of two sabers. Garland gave both of his sabers and his AFA football helmet to his grandparents after graduation. All of the mementos were lost when his grandparent’s home was destroyed in the Waldo Canyon fire. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)

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graduate recipes

Mouth Watering Recipes by Grads, for Grads ... Checkpoints asked the graduate community for your favorite recipes, and you delivered! This issue’s theme is great grilling foods for tailgate season. We had an outpouring of fantastic dishes and here are a few of our favorites ...

Samurai Sesame Chicken Kebabs (Serves 3-5) Chef Jason Scalzitti, Class of 2005 Ingredients • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes • 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 medium sized sweet peppers, chopped • 2 red onions, cut into wedges Directions 1. Combine teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame seeds and vegetable oil. Pour over chicken and marinate for three hours. 2. Remove chicken from marinade and reserve marinade. 3. In a small saucepan, bring remaining marinade to a boil; set aside. 4. Thread chicken alternately with peppers and onions onto skewers. 5. Grill kabobs, basting with reserved marinade.

PREPARED BY DAVID BERGEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEWIS CARLYLE

graduate recipes Football season is here

and it’s time to enjoy a Falcon game with some tailgate grub! Ribs, dip, beans, or chicken? Grill, crockpot or microwave? We asked grads for their most beloved crowd-pleasing tailgating dish. These big-game delights came out on top.

37 Smilers Guacamole (Serves 10-12)

Kalua Pig

Chef Geoff Michael, Class of 1973

Ingredients 8 large ripe avocados, chopped • 2 large tomatoes, diced • 1 large yellow onion, diced • 3-4 small serrano chile peppers, finely chopped • 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped • Juice of 3 lemons (or to taste) • Salt and pepper (or to taste) • Garlic (to taste) Directions In a large bowl add: avocados, tomatoes, onion, chiles, cilantro and lemon juice. 1. Season with salt, pepper and garlic. 2. Mix to desired consistency.

Crockpot Kalua Pig (Serves 10-12) Chef Richard Ricketts, Class of 2011 Ingredients 5-6 pounds pork butt • 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke • 1 head of cabbage Directions Pierce pork butt all over with a knife. 1. Rub liquid smoke and sea salt all over port butt. 2. Cook pork butt in slow cooker on low for 10 hours. 3. Cut cabbage into small strips. 4. Remove outside fat and bone from pork butt. 5. Shred pork butt. 6. Place cabbage strips into slow cooker and stir together with pork butt. 7. Cook on low for an additional 2-4 more hours. 8. Serve with rice and/or macaroni salad.

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FOod LovErs Unite Recipes for the Holidays

Do you love to cook? Share your favorite recipes with the graduate community! Checkpoints wants to showcase your culinary masterpieces with our readership. Our next issue will feature recipes for the holidays. Submit your favorite foods to editor@aogusafa.org

Supporting the Academy now ... and later

Dana arbaugh ‘70 n

Service career began as C-130 and C-141 navigator Retired from Space Command as a Lieutenant Colonel Had a successful Silicon Valley career, retiring in 2008

Lives in Milpitas, California

Married to Linda since 1970

Sabre Society member

Polaris Society member whose legacy gift will help future USAFA priorities

There are many ways to leave a legacy to help future generations of cadets. After carefully reviewing his estate plans, Dana chose to name the USAFA Endowment as a sole beneficiary on one of his three paid-up life insurance policies—still providing for both his family and his Academy. Says Dana, “There is no doubt in my mind that the majority of us have succeeded in life as a direct result of our USAFA graduation. The least we could and should do is to acknowledge this fact by giving something back to our alma mater. It is truly the right thing to do!” For more information on how you can arrange for a future gift to the Academy, contact Dale Zschoche at 719.238.7510 or dale.zschoche@usafaendowment.org. THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

ENDOWMENT

From the terrazzo

From the Commandant Brig. Gen. Greg Lengyel

Please allow me to introduce myself. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to serve as the Air Force Academy’s 26th Commandant of Cadets. I tell people that I have been in the Air Force, either as a dependent or active duty officer, for my entire life. My father, Laurie Lengyel, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, flew T-28s, T-33s, F-86s, RF-4Cs, C-141s, T-37s, T-38s, T-39s, and C-21s. I cannot remember a time when I wanted to be something other than a pilot in the USAF. You may have heard that I am not a USAFA graduate. It’s true. I was a qualified applicant that did not receive an appointment to join the USAFA Class of 1985. Instead I accepted an AFROTC scholarship and joined the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. I’ve spent most of my career as a helicopter pilot, primarily as an AFSOC Air Commando. I’ve been mission qualified in the UH-1N, MH-53J/M, and the CV-22B, and have held several staff jobs at US Special Operations Command, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. I’ve been married to my wonderful wife, Diane, for more than 21 years and we have two great sons, Dan and Matt, both of whom are following in my footsteps as cadets at Texas A&M. We arrived in Colorado Springs in mid-June and I took the Commandant’s job from Maj. Gen. (select) Rich Clark on June 25th. In my 15 career PCS moves I have never had a warmer welcome than I received here at USAFA. Sadly, on day one in the job, Tuesday June 26th, the Waldo Canyon fire spread rapidly into western Colorado Springs destroying hundreds of homes and threatening the Air Force Academy. The 10th Air Base Wing Commander ordered an evacuation of base housing. Summer training programs were temporarily suspended, and we were less than 48 hours away from receiving 1035 new appointees. Our objective was to do everything possible to accept the appointees and start Basic Cadet Training (BCT) on schedule. Obviously, we wanted to avoid disrupting the very detailed BCT and academic year schedules. We also knew that the fire had caused thousands of families to evacuate their homes, so the city of Colorado Springs could not logistically accommodate another 1000 appointees and their families needing a place to stay if we delayed the start of training. My first impressions of the cadets were formed as I watched them conduct crisis action planning … evaluating our primary 76

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plan and building secondary and tertiary plans to keep BCT on track. By Wednesday evening we had 1400 cots set up for the new basics and cadre at the Discovery Canyon Campus school complex outside the USAFA north gate and east of Interstate 25. We were 100% ready to move BCT offsite and begin training on schedule. Fortunately, through some cooperative weather and heroic efforts on the part of the firefighters, the worst of things were behind us with regard to the fire and we accepted the appointees on USAFA with only minor modifications to our original plan. There’s much more to the story, like temporarily moving summer academics to UCCS, and moving the airmanship training fleet to Peterson AFB, but suffice it to say that the cadets were awesome and they did all of this with only a small amount of guidance and oversight. At the time of this writing we have successfully completed BCT and accepted the Class of 2016 into the Cadet Wing. Everyone is excited about starting the academic year and there is no shortage of rumors about what the new commandant has in store for the cadets. I’ve met with each of the four cadet classes to introduce myself and share what is important to me and my expectations of them. I gave them a perspective of someone who wanted to come here and was not fortunate enough to receive an appointment. Each class was reminded that, although we have very high standards here and that they sacrifice many of the personal freedoms of normal college students, they all volunteered to be here. I acknowledged that the vast majority of cadets are model citizens and cadets in good standing, but I put a great deal of emphasis on good order and discipline. I believe that small breaches of discipline lead to large breaches of discipline. It is my intent that the Cadet Wing will be cadet run, and that cadets should hold each other accountable for standards of conduct and adherence to directives. I have no desire or plan to turn the Cadet Wing into the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. I shared with them a simple recipe for success: do what you’re told and live Air Force Core Values. Lastly, I pledged to be candid with them and do everything within my power to enable their success as cadets and future Air Force officers. I have the best job in the Air Force and I’m thrilled to be here!

Donor Appreciation Weekend & Dinner Air Force vs. Army November 2-3, 2012

Need help finding a job? Looking to advance your career? JSAJE is an exclusive web site specifically designed for service academy alumni. Whether you are looking for a new job or different career, JSAJE is the place for you to make it happen. Log on to JSAJE to browse job listings and contact employers.

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Sign up for Job Retriever and let it alert you when jobs according to your search criteria become available. JSAJE also contains a resume database through which companies can search for promising candidates.

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The Air Force Academy Endowment, on behalf of the USAF Academy and the Association of Graduates, would like to show our appreciation to our donors by inviting you to a dinner at the Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY. The Endowment will host a cocktail reception from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Castle’s Caramai Ballroom, followed by a sit down dinner from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Great Hall, where you will hear from Senior Academy Staff and enjoy the beautiful and unique surroundings of the Castle. Due to the presence of alcohol, no one under the age of 21 will be permitted; we appreciate your understanding. Reception & Dinner Friday, November 2, 2012 Castle on the Hudson 400 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown, NY Cost: $100/per person Dress: Coat and Tie/Ladies-Cocktail attire Please R.S.V.P. (accepts only) no later than October 19 by visiting www. usafa.org, click on “Events.” For questions call the Endowment at (719) 472-0300 ext 200 or email gina.simler@usafaendowment.org. PLEASE NOTE: The cost of the dinner DOES NOT include the cost of football tickets, bus tickets or tailgate tickets. USAFA AOG Tailgate Saturday, November 3, 2012 Eisenhower Hall, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Air Force/Army Football Game-12:00 p.m. EST To purchase tickets visit www.usafa.org and click on “Events” Round Trip Bus Transportation from both hotels to West Point: $15/ per person visit www.usafa.org and click on “Events.” To purchase your tickets for the Air Force/Army football game, go to www. GoAirForceFalcons.com, click on “Tickets,” then“Order AFA Tickets,” then “Football,” then click on “Football Away Games,” enter Promotional Code (SABRE). This code is case sensitive (all info needs to be upper case). Tickets are on a first come, first served basis. Hotel Information Sheraton Tarrytown 600 White Plans Road Tarrytown, NY $139 Limited rooms. Group rate available until 10/02/2012 under the “Air Force Academy Group” To reserve your room go to: https://www.starwoodmeeting. com/StarGroupsWeb/ res?id=1205086613&key=35382 THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

A service of your AOG

ENDOWMENT

Castle on the Hudson 400 Benedict Avenue Tarrytown, NY $295 Limited rooms. Group rate available until 10/3/2012 under “Air Force Academy Endowment” To reserve your room call (914) 631-1980

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

heritage

Remembering Smoky 95

Above: Lockheed T-33A “Shooting Star” (Serial Number 58-528), parked on the Peterson AFB ramp sometime in 1973. Captain Marvin Meyer and Cadet Michael Gerardi flew this aircraft on their ill-fated September 11, 1974 Operation Stardust mission. (USAF file photo provided by Jim Flasck)

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t 8:01 AM on Wednesday, September 11, 1974, a silver T-33, Call Sign “Smoky 95,” lumbered down Pete Field’s Runway 35 and soared into a cloudless, cobalt-blue sky. At the controls, Captain Marvin H. Meyer, a USAF Academy Life Sciences instructor with 105 combat missions over North Vietnam to his credit, was happy to be back in the air. Although he enjoyed teaching, Meyer had joined the Air Force to fly and that morning was perfect for “slipping the surly bonds of earth.” In the rear cockpit of the 1959-vintage jet trainer, Cadet Third Class Michael Gerardi, an 18-year-old member of the Class of 1977 from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, who hoped to fly search-and-rescue choppers after graduation, was getting his first taste of military aviation. Capt.Meyer and Cadet Gerardi first met during the previous academic year and, when Mike was scheduled for an Airmanship 370 “Stardust” flight, Meyer arranged for them to fly together. As the T-33’s gear thumped up and the old jet slowly accelerated in the thin mountain air, both Meyer and Gerardi were

By Col. (Ret.) Jim Moschgat ’77 looking forward to an hour of putting the venerable bird through its paces. Airmanship 370, Operation Stardust, was an orientation program designed to motivate cadets, often shortsightedly blinded by the Academy’s rigors, to pursue a military aviation career. Cadets received one local orientation flight during their third class year and, sometimes, an out-and-back mission the following year. A squadron of T-33 “T-Bird” jet trainers, based at Peterson AFB and flown by USAFA academic instructors, supported the program. To Capt. Meyer, who had most recently flown the supersonic T-38 Talon, the T-Bird was a slow, antiquated sled, but to fledgling Mike Gerardi, it was a silver bullet. Whether viewed as a sled or a bullet, both men were elated to be airborne that cool September morning, free from Fairchild Hall’s academic tentacles. Unexpectedly, just after liftoff, a small bird slammed into Smoky 95. While Capt. Meyer calmly maneuvered to a rendezvous point and coordinated for a

Long before “9/11” became symbolic of an American tragedy, every September 11th brought unsettling memories to those directly affected by Smoky 95’s crash. chase plane to visually check for damage, Gerardi’s spirits fell. If the plane suffered damage, the pilot told him, they’d have to terminate the sortie. Fortunately, another T-33, Smoky 96, rendezvoused and confirmed what Mike had hoped to hear—no damage, the flight could continue. The crew of Smoky 96 rolled away with a wave, observing Smoky 95 flying south at 16,000 feet. Smoky 96’s crew would be the last to see Meyer and Gerardi alive. Shortly thereafter, Capt. Meyer cancelled his flight plan and visually maneuvered south of Pikes Peak. Turning west over what was then unpopulated terrain, Smoky 95 descended to low altitude, perhaps to simulate tree-top-level helicopter flight for the aspiring chopper pilot in the rear cockpit. The effect was exhilarating. Streaking along at 400 MPH just 500 feet above Colorado’s rocky crags, stands of golden Aspens blurred by under Smoky 95’s wings. A lifelong equestrian and gifted hockey player, Mike Gerardi had always been a speed junky and, now, the sheer adrenaline of the moment had his heart pounding. Flying, he realized at that moment, was what he was meant to do. Suddenly, as Smoky 95 traced the spine of an east-west ridgeline, something went terribly wrong. Capt.Meyer, who had been talking to Mike constantly during the flight, suddenly fell silent and slumped forward, unmoving, in the front cockpit, and the T-33 nosed toward the rocks below. Mike grabbed the stick, righted the speeding plane, and tried to elicit a response from his pilot, but to no avail. Now alone and unprepared for such a dire situation, Gerardi was in trouble and looked down at the radio to dial in the emergency frequency. While Mike frantically spun the radio’s dials, the T-33 insidiously accelerated into a descending right turn. It was 8:23 AM, just 22 minutes after Smoky 95 departed Pete Field. Cadet Gerardi and Captain Meyer had only seconds to live. That afternoon, at Capt. Meyer’s quarters in Pine Valley, his wife, Becky, observed a blue sedan park at the curb. She and Marvin had worked in their yard all the previous weekend and, assuming the sedan’s occupants were coming to confer “Yard of the Month” honors on the couple, a smile crossed her face. However, her smile quickly faded when

Top: Then First Lt. Marvin Meyer, a pilot Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) assigned to the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai AFB, prepares to strap into the rear cockpit of an F-4 for an early-1968 combat mission over North Vietnam. Meyer completed 171 combat missions in Southeast Aisa and returned to the U.S. while still a first lieutenant. (Photo by Col. (Ret.) Karl Jones ’60) Left: Then-Cadet Fourth Class Michael Gerardi from Parents’ Day weekend 1973. At the time of his death, C3C Gerardi was assigned to Cadet Squadron 12. A gifted athlete, Mike loved to swim and play hockey and soccer. After graduation, he hoped to fly search-and-rescue helicopters. On September 11, 1974, Cadet Gerardi became the first of sixteen members of the USAFA Class of 1977 to perish in military aircraft accidents. (Photo from the 1974 Polaris)

Checkpoints

September 2012

Top: As nearly thirty family members, friends, and classmates of Captain Meyer and Cadet Gerardi make their way up the mountainside for a June 16th memorial service, a rare earlymorning Colorado thunderstorm threatened the ceremony. Fortunately, the lightning and torrential rain held off for 90 minutes until participants were back in their 4-wheel-drive vehicles and headed home. Below: The permanent memorial plaque dedicated to Captain Meyer and Cadet Gerardi resting on the edge of the impact crater where Smoky 95 fell to Earth. A piece of the T-33’s twisted fuselage lies nearby, providing mute testimony to the tragedy that occurred here 37 years before. Before leaving the site, family and friends adorned the plaque with flowers. (Photos by Steve Stokes ’77)

she saw a General officer and the chaplain among the entourage at the door. Marvin’s plane was overdue, the General said, but authorities were conducting a search and the team would stay with her until more information became available. As the afternoon wore on, Becky fervently believed Marvin would be OK. “He had survived Vietnam,” she thought, “and, even if he had ejected, given all of his survival training, surely he and Cadet Gerardi would stride out of the mountains, no worse for wear.” Sadly, that was not to be. Late that afternoon word arrived that Capt. Meyer was dead. There had been no attempt to eject. As her world crashed around her, Becky Meyer’s first thoughts were of her 3-year-old daughter, Luann, and 3-month-old son, Travis. What would the future hold for the three of them without their husband and father? In St. Clair Shores, Michigan, that evening, Mike Gerardi’s sweetheart, Pam Tuoriniemi, was in her bedroom when she heard her mother answer the telephone. Pam had just 80

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returned home from a Labor Day visit with Mike in Colorado. In addition to seeing the sights, they had talked about their future. Mike had encouraged her to move to Colorado so they could be closer together while she finished her nursing degree. He even spoke of marriage and mentioned the perils of being an Air Force pilot’s wife. “There are a lot of young Air Force widows,” he had warned her. Despite this grim but prophetic announcement, the couple had parted with plans of a life together. Soon, Pam’s mother called her to the living room and, seated on the couch, gently told her that Mike was gone, killed in a plane crash . In her anguish, Pam thought, “I didn’t even get to become a widow.” Today, Pam doesn’t remember much about that evening, but her family still recalls hearing her tortured cries well into the night. Mike Gerardi, her love, was dead, just two days short of his 19th birthday. The Academy held a Catholic memorial service for Capt. Meyer and Cadet Gerardi a few days after the tragic mishap. Later, the Captain was buried near his family’s farm in Wisconsin, while Cadet Gerardi was laid to rest in his Michigan hometown. At the time, the Air Force revealed little to the families about the crash, saying only it was likely Captain Meyer had a heart attack, but no official cause for the mishap was ever determined. Neither did the families ever learn exactly where Smoky 95 fell to earth. It was all a mystery, one day Meyer and Gerardi were alive; the next they were gone. Long before “9/11” became symbolic of an American tragedy, every September 11th brought unsettling memories to those directly affected by Smoky 95’s crash, yet they carried on. Becky Meyer remained in Colorado and, after a time, married an Air Force officer who loved and cared for her and the children. Luann and Travis, Captain Meyer’s children, grew up not knowing their biological father; each married and had three children. Pam Tuoriniemi became a nurse, married, and had a daughter. Some of Mike’s classmates and many other cadets remember September 11, 1974, as the day they first realized their chosen career path could be fraught with danger. For most, time diminished their hurt, but it didn’t erase the memories or answer the lingering questions about Smoky 95’s fate. Throughout my 30-year Air Force career, I too harbored lingering questions about the mishap that claimed Capt. Meyer and my classmate, Mike Gerardi. In 2007, I retired from active duty, moved to Monument, Colorado, and,

assisted by my wife, Becky, began searching for Smoky 95’s crash site, long lost to history. Armed with redacted copies of the official accident report and other information, we narrowed the search area to about 100 square miles. Finally, in March, 2011, after dozens of trips to the mountains, we hiked to the site, which was virtually untouched and still littered with debris. In the months that followed, we tracked down Meyer and Gerardi family members and friends, and made plans to hold a memorial service at the crash site. On Saturday, June 16, 2012, ironically, the day before Father’s Day, nearly thirty people from as far away as Florida converged on a sun-splashed Colorado mountainside, amid Smoky 95’s twisted wreckage, to dedicate a permanent memorial to Capt. Meyer and Cadet Gerardi, and to recall their sacrifice. With thunder booming in the background and the American flag snapping in a stiff breeze, participants stood for the national anthem, bowed their heads in prayer, listened to the poem “High Flight,” and stood solemnly as “Taps” reverberated across the valley. Following military honors and the dedication of the permanent marker, some took the opportunity to recall the lost. Becky Meyer-Moates reflected on her husband’s life, his love for family, flying, and the outdoors, and the beautiful spot where he drew his last breath. Travis, her son, declared, “This event isn’t about bringing my sister and me closure, we’re grateful for this opportunity it provides us to open a new chapter and learn about the father we never knew.” Colonel (Ret.) Karl Jones, USAFA Class of 1960, with whom Marvin had flown 171 combat missions, remembered his friend’s smile, quick wit, and farm boy innocence. Traveling from Michigan, Pam Tuoriniemi spoke lovingly about Mike Gerardi’s sense of humor, his zest for life, and his boundless reserves of energy. Also from Michigan, Jim Flasck, Mike’s boyhood friend, told of Mike’s generosity, Mike having bequeathed Jim his entire complement of hockey equipment before leaving for the Academy. As the ceremony drew to a close, there wasn’t a dry eye on the mountainside and everyone agreed, they’d found peace on the spot where, 37 years before, tragedy struck and their lives had been forever changed. Ironically, as the participants four-wheeled down the mountain side and headed home, like tears from heaven, the skies opened up and raindrops poured forth. Since the event, many have asked why I devoted four years of my life searching for a decades-old crash and planning a memorial service attended by strangers. Some, like Mike Gerardi’s cadet roommate, Steve Stokes, attributing my actions to friendship, saying, “Mike was lucky to have a buddy like you.” In truth, I only met Mike once during our Doolie year and never knew Capt. Meyer. Searching for the crash site, honoring Meyer and Gerardi with a memorial service, and escorting family, friends, and classmates to the site, wasn’t about friendship, but something much more important. Quite

simply, honoring and remembering the fallen, in war or in peace, is what Academy classmates, brothers-in-arms, and members of the Air Force family do for one another. As the Academy taught us, it’s always simply about doing the right thing. On a wind-swept mountainside 50 miles southwest of the USAF Academy there’s now a permanent marker honoring two young men—Captain Marvin Meyer and Cadet Michael Gerardi—who met a premature end in the service of their country. Across this country there are now people who sleep soundly knowing their loved ones and friends, the crew of Smoky 95, are not forgotten! May they all rest in peace. ___________________________________________ Editor’s Note: The description of Smoky 95’s final moments is based on official reports, the author’s personal experiences as an Air Force pilot and mishap investigator, and recent interviews with members of the appointed mishap board. Though the narrative is based on all known facts, the author has taken the liberty of describing what he believes most likely transpired leading up to the crash.

LiveLoveColorado.com Serving the Denver and Front Range Areas

Joanne Harris ’99 720.469.6600

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Checkpoints

September 2012

trueblue B

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A S S O C I A T I O N

O F

G R A D U A T E S

Do you know why these business owners are smiling?

It’s because each of them has just created a business plan in vibrant, living color! They’ve captured all the sections of a traditional business plan, but done it in a fun, meaningful, strategic and completely visual way in a Right-Brain Business Plan® Workshop. Who says you have to keep struggling with the traditional, left brain ways of doing business? Learn how to tap into the power of the right side of your brain and free your mind to really think strategically and creatively about your business. An added bonus: by working visually, you won’t leave a tool like a business plan on the shelf gathering dust, you’ll actually use it … all the time! And when you use it regularly, you ensure that both you and your business stay on track. Check out True Blue Community member, Prosper Creatively, LLC, a business and personal coaching practice that specializes in presenting solid business skills in a fun, visual way. Cass Mullane, owner of Prosper Creatively, LLC, is the daughter of a career Air Force officer and long-time professor of English at the USAFA. Cass is active in the Colorado Springs community serving as a Board member on the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a Mentor with Women2Women Mentoring and as the “Artist Wrangler” for the Butterflies & Friends project.

You Served Us – Now It’s Our Turn

At JAN-PRO of Southern Colorado we aim high. We are the largest woman-owned commercial cleaner in Colorado, with many employees, franchisees and spouses who carry the honorable status of American veteran. We actively seek out veterans - especially those who are from the long blue line. JAN-PRO National strives to aim high by launching VET CONNECTION - the first customized franchise cleaning program in the USA to be designed around the specific needs of veterans. This is a further enhancement to JAN-PRO’s demonstrated commitment to those who served as recognized by: Franchisee Business Review 2011 - Top 10 Franchise for Veterans. World Franchising 2011 - Top 50 Franchise for Military. G.I. Jobs - Military Friendly Franchise The long blue line has been there for us for over half a century, and we want to honor the all the airmen who have protected us. You served us––now as a proud sponsor of the Association of Graduates––USAFA, JAN-PRO is there to serve you. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO TO PROTECT AMERICAN VALUES––and THANKS to the Association of Graduates for creating and keeping a dynamic alumni service group to ensure future success. For further information about owning a JAN-PRO franchise, please call Mary Lou Posch at 719-264-1117.

Jason’s Deli Welcomes You in Colorado Springs!

7455 N. Academy Blvd., 719-302-0234, jasonsdeli.com Jason’s is a deli restaurant for all tastes and appetites. We serve the best sandwiches around, a garden-fresh salad bar, hot pasta dishes, stuffed baked potatoes, lighter options, kid’s meals and original-recipe soups. Vegetarian items, too. Constant favorites include the Manager’s Half-Sandwich Special and free ice cream for diners. Our food is always fresh, tasty and beautiful. It’s free of artificial extras like trans fats, and artificial colors and dyes. We also deliver to area homes, offices and our great neighbors at the Academy. “You should taste what we bring to the table for breakfast meetings, working lunches, training sessions, parties, conferences, reunions and any special event. Our great food and catering services are beyond delicious,” adds Colorado sales and marketing coordinator Alison DeLozier. Recognized by Health and Parents magazines, we are proud to be the current #1 Family Restaurant Chain in Parent’s Top Ten. And, our New Orleans Muffaletta stars in an episode of The Food Network’s “Unwrapped” show!

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Embassy Suites

The Embassy Suites Colorado Springs is a full-service, all-suite hotel located in North Colorado Springs about 5 miles from the Air Force Academy. Each of our 206 guest suites are artfully decorated and well-appointed with a private bedroom and spacious living room equipped with a queen sized sofa sleeper. Start the day off right with a complimentary, full cooked-to-order breakfast and join us for complimentary cocktails and snacks at our Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reception every evening. The Embassy Suites also offers an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a well equipped fitness center featuring Precor machines, and an on site game room. Our facility boasts an on-site, full-service restaurant, The Polo Club, which is open for lunch and dinner daily, along with in-house catering and over 7,000 sq. ft. of banquet space to host a variety of functions from wedding receptions to business meetings. Embassy Suites Colorado Springs is Graduate-owned and a proud supporter of the Air Force Academy. We look forward to hosting sports teams, Grad Reunions and any other guests visiting the Air Force Academy. We also welcome any opportunities to partner with the Air Force Academy and are very excited to be a True Blue Business Sponsor!

trueblue B

T H E

A S S O C I A T I O N

O F

G R A D U A T E S

Building a Strong Community Together

The AOG wishes to thank our True Blue Business Members

TravelMore, LLC

800.964.8396 Special AOG Rates

Dream Lake Designs Promotional and Personalized Products

Tara Nolan | taraenolan.com USAFA â&#x20AC;&#x2122;94

How can your business become a TRUE BLUE BUSINESS? Contact Beth Wade at 719.344.8822, beth.wade@aogusafa.org

heritage

Putting the Pieces Together:

Remembering All Mission Elements of Doolittle’s Tokyo Raid By Lt. Col. David Bachler ’87, 2nd Lt. Chad Aukerman ’12 and 2nd Lt. Kyle Stockamp ’12

n April 17, 1942, then-Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle further etched his place in aviation and military history when he led eighty men in sixteen Army Air Forces B-25 “Mitchell” bombers from the deck of the USS Hornet on a daring one-way strike against Tokyo just over four months after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. In retrospect, the mission of the Doolittle Raiders had little tactical value, but its strategic impact upon American morale, subsequent reallocation of Japanese forces, and the lives of hundreds of thousands of Chinese, was immense. For his intrepid leadership, Doolittle subsequently received the Medal of Honor, promotion to flag rank, and increased wartime command responsibility. All but one aircraft (which landed in Vladivostok) crashed, and some of the Raiders died from subsequent injuries. The Japanese captured and tortured eight Raiders for years with only four returning after the war. After weeks and months of evading aggressive pursuit by Imperial Japanese Army troops, who killed a quarter of a million Chinese on the mere suspicion of helping the airmen escape, most of the other Raiders reached

safety and subsequently served in other combat operations. Before they departed the Hornet on their daring mission, Doolittle promised his volunteers that he would pull out all the stops and throw a huge party for them upon their return. It took a few years before he could make good on his word but, after their first reunion in 1946, the Raiders continued to meet annually at various locations around the nation for fellowship, to celebrate and, as time started to take its toll on their ranks, to commemorate. In 1959, the city of Tucson, Arizona donated a set of silver memorial goblets to the Raiders in keeping with “the last man tradition,” and the Raiders directed that the goblets be retained by the USAF Academy Cadet Wing. The Doolittle Raider Toasting Goblets are now national treasures that appear at every Raider reunion. Subsequently, the USAF Academy Department of History has sponsored two cadets and one officer to attend each Raider reunion and serve as the goblet honor guard detail. In 2006, Maj. Gen. Douglas Metcalf (USAF Ret.) had the goblets permanently moved to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB. Since that time, the museum has provided civilian museum curators to escort and maintain the goblets at each reunion site augmented by a USAFA contingent. As of April 2012, there were five surviving Raiders; four were healthy enough to attend this year’s events in Dayton, Ohio. Fortunately, none of the original Raiders had passed away since the last event so this year’s assembly had no actual memorial goblet ceremony. Nevertheless, the 70th Doolittle Raider Reunion was a historical event because it combined all of the mission’s key elements: surviving Raiders, original crew from the USS Hornet (one of which had to abandon ship and swim away from her sinking hulk after the 1942 Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands), and twenty B-25 Mitchell bombers as well as Chinese partisans and their extended family who survived Japanese retributions. The Hennessy Company also issued commemorative bottles of its famous cognac and generously underwrote a significant portion of the week’s events, including fuel and flight hours for the B-25s. Each Doolittle Raider Reunion is a unique life experience for those fortunate enough to witness, and the 70th Reunion was no exception. Thanks to the efforts of the Raiders’ business manager, Mr. Tom Casey, the Air Force Museum, the Hennessy Company, and other sponsoring organizations, the sense of heritage and history surrounding the Previous Page: USAAF B-25B bombers on board the USS Hornet, while the carrier was en route to raid Japan, April 1942. (U.S. Navy photo)

week’s events was manifest. One of the highlights was a twenty-ship B-25 flyover in what was the likely the largest overhead formation of B-25 “Mitchell” bombers since World War II. It was an incredible sight to behold and a fitting tribute to the roots of America’s undisputed airpower. Getting to see, feel, and hear a large formation of thoroughly restored vintage aircraft, with the loud, throaty roar of their radial engines spurred emotions and thoughts of what it must have sounded like when the entire nation went to war. Ironically, the commemorative formation actually consisted of more aircraft than the original Doolittle mission over Japan. This small incongruity effectively underscored how incredibly dangerous the Raiders’ unescorted, one-way mission over a hostile Japan actually was. After the twenty-ship formation, four B-25s returned for another pass over the Doolittle Raid memorial and performed a missing man formation. The solemn gesture evoked powerful emotions among all witnesses below. Aircraft aside, simply being in the presence of living history, true heroes—both American and

Being in the presence of living history, true heroes—both American and Chinese—challenged the authors of this article as to what kind of officers and citizens we should aspire to become. Chinese—challenged the authors of this article as to what kind of officers and citizens we should aspire to become. Despite their notoriety for significant contributions and the horrors that they had endured, the Raiders were kind, humble, and gracious at each of the week’s events. They were celebrities in their own right and had hundreds of tourists swarming for autographs and stories, which they gave generously and graciously, as if they were simply continuing their duty to the mission they flew seventy years ago. But there would have been no surviving Raiders had it not been for the sacrifice and heroism of the Chinese. Along with commemorating some of America’s greatest military heroes, the week’s events also fostered important good will between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. The USAFA cadets played a key role by serving as the honor guard for the goblets at public appearances Checkpoints

September 2012

From top: On Thursday, April 19, 2012, a breakfast was held at the Champagne County Aviation Museum, Urbana, Ohio for Commemorative Air Force B-25 Mitchell bomber aircrew with the Doolittle Raiders. L-R Front Row: Member of USS Hornet crew retired Navy Aviation Machinist’s Mate Elmo M. Wojahn, Doolittle Raider Edward J. Saylor (A/C #15 Engineer-Gunner), Richard E. Cole (A/C #1 Co-Pilot), David Thatcher (A/C #7 Engineer-Gunner), Member of USS Hornet crew Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Allen Josey. L-R Back Row: 2nd Lt. Chad E. Aukerman ’12, Lt. Col. David Bachler ’87, and 2nd Lt. Kyle J. Stockamp ’12. L-R: Lt. Col. David M. Bachler ’87, 2nd Lt. Kyle J. Stockamp ’12 and 2nd Lt. Chad E. Aukerman ’12 with the Raider Goblets in front of a B-25 Mitchell bomber at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. 2nd Lt. Kyle J. Stockamp ’12 and Mr. Liao Mingfa. Mingfa is displaying pictures of his father and the penny given to his family as a token of thanks by Lt. Charles Ozuk of Crew 3.

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and book signings, placing a memorial wreath during a nationally-televised memorial service and fielding hundreds of questions by as many tourists. Notably, then-Cadet Stockamp, a history major and Chinese language minor (who had served as a Mormon missionary to Taiwan for two years between his fourthclass and thirdclass years), also provided invaluable services as a translator and interpreter for the Raiders and for a sizeable contingent of distinguished visitors from mainland China. Several American and Chinese national media agencies also interviewed members of the USAFA Goblet Detail. Stockamp is representative of the Air Force’s strategic commitment to training its next generation of combat leaders in not only applied technologies but also in foreign languages and histories from a variety of global perspectives. This year was also unique because over twenty Chinese citizens attended the event at their own expense (except for a few key individuals who were officially sponsored). Their ranks included historians, diplomats, reporters, and surviving average citizens who did the extraordinary by helping rescue the Raiders despite imminent danger from the Japanese. Sadly, most young Americans are not familiar with the epic deeds of the Doolittle Raiders, and even fewer know of the courage displayed by Chinese villagers. To correct public memory, the Chinese delegates gladly shared their part of the story. Despite hot pursuit by Imperial Japanese troops, one villager helped carry a severely wounded Raider forty miles in a sedan chair despite his shoulders getting bloodied from the constant pressure of the carrying poles. Another Chinese attendee, Liao Mingfa, was only seven when his village sheltered the four survivors of Crew 3. To show his thanks after recuperating, Lt. Charles Ozuk, the plane’s navigator, gave Liao’s father an American penny. This seems like a small token, but the Liao family held onto it throughout the war and it became something of a family treasure. Within three months after the American bombs hit Tokyo, the Imperial Japanese systematically killed over 250,000 Chinese in direct retribution for their cooperation with the Raiders. If the Japanese had discovered the penny or any other incriminating item, the entire village would have been slaughtered like other neighboring hamlets. Hearing the Chinese perspective helped all in attendance gain greater appreciation of the sacrifice and legacy of all parties involved in the Doolittle Raid. Overall, the 70th Doolittle Raider Reunion fostered greater understanding and appreciation for the capabilities of the B-25, the importance of air and naval power in joint operations, and the strength of the human spirit. As long as historians and public memory preserve the lessons of the Doolittle Raid, citizens from all nations will be challenged by the extensive sacrifices and courage of defiant Chinese villagers and Doolittle’s stalwart Raiders in the face of overwhelming odds.

AOG Board Election Information Your Association of Graduates will hold an election for five new AOG Board members in February 2013. We are looking for great graduates who want to continue to move the AOG forward. If you are interested please follow the directions below and good luck. PROCESS • Deadline for application or petition is October 1, 2012. • Specific requirements and forms are available on the AOG Web site – www.usafa.org/about/Governance/NominationProcedures.aspx THE ELECTION • Will be conducted from 1 February to 3 March 2013. • Will be conducted using electronic voting. • Will elect five directors to four-year terms. CANDIDATE COMMITMENT • Be dedicated to the vision, mission, ideals and principles for which the AOG stands. • Be capable of attending all meetings of the AOG Board, and any committees to which he/ she is assigned. • Be able to commit the time required to discharge Board and committee duties. • Be able to discharge his/her duties in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances, in a manner consistent with the best interests of the AOG.

AOG

Important notes 1) “Capable of attending” means being able and willing to afford the travel to and from Colorado Springs at least four times a year and able to afford the time away from his/her profession to attend these meetings and for related work. 2) The workload of a Board member is very significant. In addition to quarterly meetings, Board members have discussions and debates via e-mail as well as committee and Board meetings by teleconference. QUESTIONS may be referred to the AOG Executive Assistant, Hadassa Munoz at Hadassa.Munoz@ aogusafa.org or to AOG Executive Vice President Gary Howe at gary.howe@aogusafa.org. You may also call them at (719) 472-0300.

Checkpoints

September 2012

heritage

Class of 1970 SEEKS Vietnam Memories The Class of 1970 completed Phase I of its gift of the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion in October 2010 and is now ready to complete Phase II: graduate memories of their involvement in the conflict. They need the help of all graduate Vietnam veterans. Phase II will consist of an interactive computer presentation of the history of the war, the role of air operations, and the memories of graduates. If you served in, or have memories of the war in Southeast Asia, IN ANY CAPACITY, please provide your stories in written or recorded form. The Pavilion has already become a major point of interest on the Academy and the computer displays will highlight the significance of the conflict and graduate contributions in its execution. The Class of 1970 needs your help! The goal is to collect stories, memories, photos and videos capturing graduate involvement in the war itself and from all graduates who served during the Vietnam era (1959-1975). Over time, more and more of this information will be added as the graduate community responds. Eventually, a separate website will be created that will hold even more detailed information. The Class and the AOG have engaged the services of Post Modern Company, an acclaimed video and storytelling firm that has received numerous awards, including an Emmy, for its ability to transform information into stories that explain complex situations while educating and entertaining viewers.

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PLEASE TELL US YOUR STORIES. Visit usafa.org/Heritage/SEA2 for detailed information concerning the project and how to submit.

WORTH 1000 WORDS

s many may know, the Academy used to have a program that was designed to encourage cadets to consider a flying career. During my cadet years, the Lockheed T-33 was used for both local flights as well as occasional cross-country hops. As expected, I was hooked after my experience and never let go of my dream to fly. For a variety of reasons, however, my Air Force career led me to medical school instead of UPT. A busy medical career and, of course, family life, kept flying on the back burner until recently. With our children largely grown and an empty nest on the horizon, flying became an irresistible calling once again. Given my USAFA experience, a Lockheed T-33 seemed a very appropriate warbird to set my sights on. As you can imagine, Lockheed T-33’s are not readily available to the general public. The airframe pictured flying (N939NA) was located in Wilmington, NC when I found it. After construction in 1956, it survived a career in the Air Force and was transferred to NASA’s Johnson Space Flight Center in 1971. In 1979, it was loaned to a vo-tech school in Mississippi and ultimately sold as surplus. Several civilian owners followed. Fortunately, it remained largely intact despite nearly 13 years of outside storage and neglect prior to our purchase in 2010. The restoration required complete replacement of nearly every component over a span of 16 months. Fortunately, many parts are still available and expertise to rebuild complex components can still be located with a bit of effort. As you can see, the first T-33 is flying on a regular basis now. I had the pleasure of taking my son, Michael, for a flight this 4th of July during a local air show. He is currently a firstie in CS-09 and has plans for UPT after graduation. I’m currently in the midst of restoring a second airframe. My plan is to restore it as one of the T-33’s assigned to USAFA in the late 1960s. This second airframe was a Major Defense Acquisition Program unit sent to Belgium following its construction in 1951. It was one of the few aircraft to survive and be repatriated to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center in the U.S. Although I’m not entirely sure how it was transferred to civilian life, it also passed through many owners until coming to rest outside on a ramp in a state of neglect in Rockford, IL. As you can see, the restoration process requires extensive disassembly, inspection, and reassembly—not to mention elbow grease.

Replacing the engine on the N939NA.

Rebuilding the wing of N939NA.

Dr. John “Fred” Swartz ’77

John “Fred” Swartz ‘77 flying his first restored T-33, N939NA, over his home airport in Grove, Oklahoma.

Swartz is restoring a second T-33 to resemble the planes assigned to USAFA in the late ’60s.

Checkpoints

June 2012

OAHU, HAWAII

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam The transient life of an Air Force officer does have a few perks. Just because you’re perpetually moving doesn’t mean you can’t live the good life and soak in the surrounding culture. In our latest feature we impart a few ways you can savor the day-to-day of your Air Force Base area like the natives do. Eating Right: If you’re kama’aina (local) you know where the ono grinds (good food) is. If you’re hungry we can help. Sunshine Fun Times: Where is the best beach for people watching? Where can I rent a paddleboard? Learn about the outdoor activity oasis of Oahu. The Great Indoors: Sick of the sunshine? Escape the rays with these vitamin D-free activities. The Home Base: Discover what amenities make Hickam a base worth writing home about. Social Butterfly: Look to Waikiki for wild nightlife or attend a luau for some Polynesian immersion. Art, History: Experience local art or explore some military history at a museum. 90

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BY DAVID BERGEMAN

eating right

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers Want the best burger on the island? Visit one of the ’50s style diner’s six Ohau locations and enjoy one of USA Today’s “places to eat a burger worthy of paradise.” Do yourself a solid and order a heaping pile of their devilishly gooey cheese fries on the side.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Food trucks are gaining popularity across the country, but they’ve had a longstanding foothold on Oahu. There are many shrimp trucks on the north shore of Oahu, and Giovanni’s is the most popular for good reason. Bring a permanent marker to sign the truck while you wait for a deliciously simple order of scampi slathered in garlic and served with two generous piles of white rice. Savor the experience even more by sucking the juice off the prawn before peeling. The Mall at Pearl Harbor Have you ever heard that the cost of living in Hawaii is exorbitantly high? Well it’s true and you’ll save substantial dough by utilizing the commissary. The Mall is composed of a spacious, clean and convenient Navy Exchange. The commissary has a nice selection of fresh seafood and prices that blow civilian chains on the island out of the water. 

Checkpoints | September 2012

sunshine fun times Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at Kailua Beach The calm aqua waters of Kailua Beach offer the perfect opportunity to try out the increasingly popular sport of stand-up paddle boarding. You can rent equipment from a vendor for about $55 a day and enjoy a great workout that combines elements of surfing and kayaking. Maunawili Falls Trail Located just a stone’s throw from Kailua, this 3.2 mile hike is a local favorite. Cross through jungle, over streams and up hillsides that provide epic views of the lush surrounding valley. Enjoy the payoff at the end where you can swim in a waterfall fed pool and climb up the falls. If you’re a thrill seeker there is a 40-foot cliff jump many people take into the watering hole (proceed with extreme caution). Makapu’u Beach If you want to see beautiful people and have a drink at the beach go to Waikiki. If you want towering sea cliffs, distant islands and decent waves in a secluded setting, try Makapu’u. It’s suitable for surfing and body boarding but far less crowded than the North Shore or the President’s favorite beach, nearby Sandy.

the great indoors Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall The Blaisdell Center also features an arena that plays host to sporting and other larger scale events (Elvis played here frequently throughout the ’60s and ’70s). The intimate concert hall is the premier performing arts theatre for the Hawaii Opera Theatre and the Honolulu Symphony. If you’re into theatre the venue often brings in Broadway productions like “Chicago” and “Cats” for extended runs. University of Hawaii Women’s Volleyball U of H women’s volleyball is one of the most followed and well-attended sports on the island. Tickets are cheap, the crowd is intense and the team is consistently ranked among the top 20 in the country. If you’ve never attended a game, you’re in for an eye-opening experience. 92

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Sunset on the Beach Once a month you can catch a free movie under the stars while the waves gently roll into Waikiki Beach. Bring a lawn chair and beach towel and some snacks and enjoy a movie on a massive screen located on the western edge of the beach. Be sure to get there early as the sand fills up fast. Festival Frenzy Oahu is home to countless festivals where you can get out and press the flesh. One of the more famous is Spam Jam, which is held each year in Waikiki. Come out and try everything from spam donuts to spam ice cream. Or enjoy the visual splendor of the colorful clothing, floats, and Hawaiian culture exhibited in the King Kamehameha Floral Parade held each June.

the home base Mamala Bay Golf Course This is as cheap as golf gets on the islands and the views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean are epic. This par 72, 18-hole course is beautifully maintained and if you need clubs you can rent them for only $15. The Tradewinds Enlisted Club Bring the family to Tradewinds for Mongolian BBQ night (Thursdays) and enjoy the sunshine, lush lawn and view of the harbor. Or go watch your favorite team at J.R. Rockers Sports Cafe and enjoy good pupus (appetizers) in an environment that could pass for a hardcore sports bar downtown. Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) This might be the best base in the world to take advantage of the Information, Tickets and Travel offers. Discounted tickets to many island attractions, including Waikiki shows, luaus, dinner cruises, and more! A popular discount is to the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular luau, Paradise Cove, where substantial savings are available. Make sure to check the monthly special.

art, history First Friday Honolulu On the first Friday of each month visit downtown between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and enjoy the plethora of art galleries, boutiques and cafes that dot this urban conclave in the middle of paradise. Most establishments mark the occasion with food, drink or merchandise specials and free tastings. The Pacific Aviation Museum The Battleship Missouri Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial are well worth your time. But if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into aviation, you need to visit this museum located on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. Learn the aviation history of the attack on Pearl Harbor and experience the aircraft of the day up close and personal.

Checkpoints | September 2012

cadet life

The Class of in Numbers

2016

Applicants and Nominees

Where They Came From

Applicants...............................12,274 Candidate Pool..........................8,043 Qualified Candidates ................2,331 Offers of Admission..................1,214

First Gen. College............. 125 (12%) Single Parent Family.......... 109 (11%) Prior Service.......................... 52 (5%)

Admitted New U.S. Cadets ......................1,003 New International Cadets...............20 Turnbacks Returning......................11 Reappointee.....................................1 Total.......................................... 1,035

Cadets were admitted from every state in the nation. The Class of 2016 admitted twenty international students from: Ecuador, Gabon, Georgia (2), Germany, Jordan (2), Lithuania, Moldova, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia (2), Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

Sex Female............................ 236 (22.8%) Male .............................. 799 (77.2%) Race Non-Minority................ 770 (74.3%) Asian.................................. 71 (6.9%) African American .............. 81 (7.8%) Native American ............... 14 (1.4%) Pacific Islander .................. 20 (1.9%)

Less than $25,000 ................ 46 (4%) ......................................................... $25,000-$74,900 ............. 189 (19%) $75,000-$124,900 ........... 349 (34%) $125,000-$174,900.......... 180 (17%) Greater than $175,000 ..... 188 (18%) Unknown.............................. 75 (8%)

High School GPA

(excludes USAFA Prep graduates and turnbacks) 3.86

Geographical Distribution

Family Income

Sons and Daughters of Alumni

(Excludes USAFA Prep graduates and turnbacks) The Class of 2016 includes 68 sons and 18 daughters of Service Academy Graduates or 8.39% of the class. Six male cadets had both parents attending the Air Force Academy. Three male cadets had both parents attend West Point. Academy Alumni......

Sons Daughters U.S. Air Force Academy.................53................ 14 U.S. Military Academy.....................9................ 0 U.S. Naval Academy........................6................ 3 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy......0................ 1 Figures as of July 11, 2012

Gone But Not Forgotten Charles J. Ferrari, ’59 Born January 20, 1938 in Boston, Mass., Charles “Chuck” Ferrari had a zest for life that was contagious. He had three motorcycles—all at the same time—for riding Colorado Mountains. He climbed 50 of Colorado’s 53 Fourteeners (mountains higher than 14,000 feet)—a feat of passion for any Coloradan. Chuck was a great and entertaining storyteller of his and others’ exploits—always having a smile upon his face in the telling. He was a proud and active member of: the Royal Aeronautical Society, Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, the Order of Daedalians, the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates -and three motorcycle clubs. After graduating in the Air Force Academy’s first class of 1959, Chuck embarked on his destiny as an Air Force fighter pilot with his first assignment in Germany flying the F-102 fighter interceptor. Following Germany, he immediately went to Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif. After successfully completing “Test Pilot School” Chuck had a twoChuck Ferrari year assignment as an engineering test pilot flying the F-100, F-101, F-105 and the F-106. Chuck had his Southeast Asia (Vietnam) combat tour at Korat and Tahkli RTAFBs in Thailand. Flying the F-105 “Thud” on 122 combat missions, Chuck earned a DFC, Bronze Star and seven Air Medals. He later was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. After Korat and Tahkli, Chuck continued his engineer test pilot career working with missile weapons systems. He returned to Thailand and Udorn RTAFB on a TDY basis to oversee combat employment of the Maverick air-to-ground missile system. Chuck also expanded his aircraft experience to include the T-38 and A-7D. He added gliders, instructing in the L-13 spin training program. Chuck returned to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 1975 as the Chief of Resources Division, adding simulator expertise to his resume’. After 22 years of active service in the Air Force, Chuck retired in 1980, and moved with his family to Denver, Colorado. He was hired by United Airlines to work in United’s newly-formed Simulator Division. Soon, named chief of that division, Chuck’s many duties included overseeing the building of airline simulators by different companies in Canada and England. He worked with the FAA to gain approval for a major part of training by United pilots and engineers to be in simulators instead of commercial aircraft. It was a great cost-saving plan while obtaining the same aircrew proficiency. Chuck also worked internationally with other simulator engineers in Germany, England, Holland, Australia and China to form more uniform, international standards for simulators of commercial aircraft. After a successful career with United Airlines, Chuck retired for the

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.

second time in August of 2000. He loved being with his family and friends and his dog. He was able to devote more time to skiing, hiking the Colorado Trail, going on cruises, climbing and riding. On March 26, 2012, Chuck was diagnosed with lung cancer. Two weeks later, he passed away on April 9, 2012. He was loved and surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Michael, Mark and Bryan; his daughter Nicole Kennedy, and ten grandchildren. Buried at the Air Force Academy, Chuck Ferrari rests in peace and will be missed by everyone. He was “life.” (Linda Ferrari; Jon Gallo ’59)

Peter J. Burton, ’60 Peter Jacquet Burton died in his sleep on March 2, 2011. Pete was a graduate of Vermont Academy, then attended Dartmouth until his appointment to the Class of 1960. He was an outstanding member of the fledgling Academy Ski Team for all four years, and taught more than one classmate the finely honed skill of surviving on two wooden boards at 11,000 feet. One of Pete’s friends and flying partners with him at Goose Bay reminisced as to his “joy of living on the edge” and always “pressing the envelope”. Pete left the Air Force after nine years to become an entrepreneur and to return to the mountains he loved so well. His sister Holly expanded on a visit to Pete in Colorado while enroute to her new home in California, remarking that he was so much fun to be with that she almost cancelled the remainder of her trip to remain with Pete. Pete Burton Among the many shared memories were his love for cooking and gardening, but always those memories were peppered with words like “irrepressible, unforgettable, always happy, joyful, mischievous” and being his “own person.” I personally remember Pete as sharply as though we were together yesterday, and only regret that there wasn’t more opportunity to enjoy his infectious personality. Peter is survived by his wife, Jane Kirkpatrick Burton, of Overland Park, Kansas, who he met some forty years before they married at the Academy Chapel on May 20, 2000. Additional survivors include stepson Kirk Blintzer (Jane Marie) of Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren William and Margaret; sister Holly Cooney of Leighton, Maine; and brother Robert Burton, M.D., from Vermont. Peter is interred in the Academy Cemetery. (Jim Glaza, classmate and friend)

William H. Simpson, ’63

William H. Simpson of York, Pa., Class of 1963, died at home with his family by his side on May 10, 2012 following a courageous battle with ALS. Born and raised in Ithaca, N.Y., Bill was the first Academy cadet granted a leave of absence to attend law school. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1966 and returned to service at Bitburg Air Base, Rheinland-Pfalz, (West) Germany from 1966 to 1971. He married Judy, his wife of 44 years, at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts in 1967. Bill began his civilian career in York in 1971 as counsel with Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co., a kitchenware manufacturer and broadcasting company, where he forged a 40-year career. He served as President of Manufacturing at Pfaltzgraff Pottery and later CEO of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co. from 2002 to 2006. Since 2006, he served with the organization as Vice Chairman of Susquehanna Real Estate. 95

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Following his years in the Air Force, Bill continued to exemplify his commitment to service in both his local community and in the Academy community. He was an active member of the USAFA Association of Graduates and a Founding Board Member of the USAFA Endowment. Known for his understated nature and even temperament, Bill was a prominent local community leader serving on countless cultural, economic and educational not-for-profit organization boards over the past four decades. He was also a board member for several York -based companies at the time of his passing. Despite his battle with ALS, his mind remained sharp and he displayed his deep-rooted and heartfelt sense of community and service through his ongoing commitment to several of these organizations until the time of his death, attending his last meeting by telephone just a week before he died. He combined his passions for Civil War history and railroads to found Steam Into History, Inc., a not-for-profit organization established to construct and operate a Civil War-era replica steam engine and train for locals and tourists which will travel through Southern York Bill Simpson County beginning in 2013. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family on Cape Cod, Mass., boating, fishing for blues and rooting for the Air Force Falcons football team and the Baltimore Ravens. In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by three children, four grandchildren and four siblings. In both health and sickness he was an inspiration to his children and countless members of his local community. A memorial mass was held at St. Patrick Church in York on May 14, 2012 and he was buried in Cotuit, Mass., where he had spent time most summers of his life with his extended family. Memorial contributions may be made to Steam Into History, Inc., 221 W. Philadelphia Street, Suite E600, York, PA 17401 or to the William Simpson Fund for Community Advancement at the York County Community Foundation, 14 W. Market Street, York, PA 17401. (Jeffrey Simpson, Bill’s son)

Joe E. Trujillo, ’64 Joe was born and raised in Walsenburg, Colorado, the only son of seven children. Joe graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1960 as class s alutatorian and was awarded the Creighton University President’s Scholarship (Omaha, Nebraska). However, choosing to follow his lifelong passion to fly airplanes, he applied and was accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Joe graduated from the USAFA in June, 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree, a commission into the regular Air Force as Second Lieutenant and an assignment to a course of instruction for qualification as a pilot. Throughout his career, Joe distinguished himself with the highest possible standards. While stationed in Phan Rang, Vietnam, Joe earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary aerial achievement as an F-100 Super Sabre fighter-bomber pilot. On June 21, 1970, he provided tactical support for an American company being attacked by a large hostile force. Despite intense Joe Trujillo ground fire, he made repeated attacks on enemy positions to allow the U.S. troops to withdraw to safety. Joe also earned the Bronze Star and eight Air Medals during his Vietnam tour of duty. Joe earned a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1974, was declared a member of the Industrial Engineering Honor Society and was certified as a member of the Society of American Military Engineers. Joe advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel prior to retirement from the USAF. His many assignments included Master Pilot Instructor, Flight Lead, Combat Fighter Pilot, Senior Ranking Officer, Direc96

tor of Operations and Airfield Manager. He earned more than twenty service awards and medals during his career, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Overseas short Tour Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Joe was a man with steadfast honor and integrity. In 1988, in the parking lot of the Fort Hood Main Post Exchange, Joe observed two men struggling with a knife and disarmed them. His quick and decisive action averted a violent situation from becoming a serious crime. In his letter of appreciation, Colonel Peter Hoffman, MP and Provost Marshal commended Joe’s actions as a significant public service contribution and extremely praiseworthy.Joe retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1989. His love of the Rocky Mountains brought Joe home to Colorado, first to Grand Junction and eventually to Cuchara. He accepted a job inspecting mountain pipelines flying his own airplane. Joe served as a member of the Victims Assistance and Law Enforcement Board (VALE) for Huerfano and Las Animas Counties from 1994-2000. Recognizing a need for improved pilot safety at the Spanish Peaks Airport and Airfield, Joe spearheaded a major renovation through grant writing, construction management, and physical labor. While he was at it, Joe designed and built his own hangar and worked on building an airplane. Joe died as a result of cancer on May 4, 2012 and was laid to rest with Honors on June 28th at St. Mary North Cemetery, Walsenburg. (Written by Eileen McMullen with contributions by Lorraine Hartung and Carol Stives, Joe’s sisters)

Edward M. Blaess, ’66 Half a century ago, 777 men of the Class of 1966 arrived at USAFA from around the nation and around the world. Among them was Ed Blaess from the plains of Boone, Iowa. In Colorado, Ed found the two loves of his life. One was the American West with its horses and hats, bullets and boots. The more important one was Lila Lee Steward, soon to be Blaess. USAFA took Ed from the plains of Iowa to the planes of the Air Force. After completing pilot training at Webb AFB, Ed flew tankers out of Kincheloe AFB. This included TDY duty in combat in various areas of Southeast Asia. He returned to Vietnam flying helicopters with the 20th Special Operation Squadron. This was a black ops unit and he spoke very little about what he actually did. He returned to FE Warren AFB still flying helicopters, now missile support operations. He transferred back to fixed-wing flying bombers at Grand Forks AFB where he also served in the command post. He returned to heliEd Blaess copters, missiles, and FE Warren AFB. After five years with the 3246 Test Wing at Eglin AFB, he returned to Colorado flying C-21s out of Peterson AFB until he retired. His Vietnam experience was extensive and heroic. While flying in the former SAC, a command of mainly bomber, tanker and recce pilots, Ed was once the Pilot of the Month while flying missile support helicopters. For twenty-one years in the Air Force and twenty-five years of retirement, his loving wife accompanied him wherever they could hang their hats and hitch their horses. A great friend and classmate, Ed ultimately lost a long and hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Ed is survived by his wife, Lila Lee, daughter Dawn Turner, and sons Michael and Austin. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=72&ca mpaignSource=WEBSITE. (Ray Milberg, classmate and friend)

Roy M. White, ’69 Roy Martin White passed away unexpectedly of a stroke on Thursday, April 5, 2012. His beloved wife was by his side. Roy was born to the late Roy H. White and Elizabeth M. White, and raised in Manchester, Conn. He attended St James Catholic Elementary

School, was an altar boy and played every sport he could. Roy attended East Catholic High School. He learned to fly before drive and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. At the age of 17, Roy was accepted to the USAFA, and he proudly bragged, “I left home at 17 and never went back.” He graduated from Pilot Training in 1970. While stationed in Columbus, Miss., he met and married a charming Air Force nurse named Jane. He served three tours in Vietnam, as well as several additional tours in South East Asia. Returning from Vietnam, Roy and Jane went to Pease AFB in Portsmouth, N.H. Here, they had their daughter, Rebecca, and Roy obtained his master’s degree from Golden Gate University. Next they traveled to Shaw AFB in Sumter, S.C. to fly Roy’s beloved RF-4C Phantom. Here, the family welcomed their daughter Mary. Next, the White family moved to Virginia and the Pentagon. Roy’s final assignment led him to Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. After Kadena, Roy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with many distinguishing awards. The most notable honor was the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (with three devices), Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Roy White Medal (with three devices), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with one device) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, among others. Following retirement, he accepted a position supporting the FAA for over 20 years. He was always the first person in the office and was a mentor to many. Everyone appreciated Roy’s easy-going nature, his ability to tell a joke, and his wealth of knowledge. His co-workers became accustomed to his radio, scarred with shrapnel from Vietnam and held together by only duct tape and tin foil, that always played classic rock. Roy had many hobbies that kept him active. He was always attending events with his children and grandchildren and he made everything magical. He could always be found tinkering on his Corvette, playing with his German Shepherds, or checking the sports scores for his New England teams or the AFA Falcons. He was a member of several organizations including the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Northern Virginia Corvette Club, Vietnam Veterans, the Caribou Club, and the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Roy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jane M. White, as well as his mother, Elizabeth M. White, of Manchester, Conn. Roy is also survived by his daughters Rebecca M. White and Mary E. (Colby) Swift, and grandchildren Eric T., Ignatius M. and Cecilia A Swift. He was the brother of Sharon E. Epstein. The family would like to thank all of those who expressed their condolences during this time, especially to those who came from around the country to the viewing, funeral Mass and burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The family received many heartwarming anecdotes and pictures to help give greater depth and understanding to a man loved by many. Contributions may be made in Roy’s name to the United States Air Force Academy Endowment fund or the German Shepherd Rescue League, www.shepherdrescue.org. (Roy’s daughter, Mary E. Swift)

Douglas H. Dick, ’73 Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Doug Dick, 60, passed peacefully from this life at his home in Mission Viejo, California on May 7, 2012 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. The first Niner from the Class of ’73 to leave us, Doug leaves a legacy of a loving family, an investment in the lives of others, and an honest attempt to serve the God who made him. Nothing else much matters. Born in Anchorage, Alaska to Lt. Kenneth Rhorer Dick, Jr. and Ginia Lou (Wilcox) Dick, Doug entered the Academy with a full head of red hair on June 23, 1969, after graduating from high school in Vallejo, California. Throughout our four years at the Zoo, he took cadet life seriously enough to graduate 201st out of 844, but Doug had his share of fun along the way. One weekend, he came back to the dorm with a kitten. He and roommate Skip Smith successfully hid the cat in their room for several

weeks, though were eventually caught. In his senior year, Doug recommitted himself to following Jesus Christ and was a regular participant in the USAFA Baptist Student Union. That commitment in conjunction with his Academy training set the course for the rest of his life. He was the embodiment of what later would become the Air Force Core Values: “Integrity First; Service Before Self; and Excellence in All We Do.” After graduation, Doug married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Elaine Boone, and off they went to Southern California for his MBA at UCLA. Following pilot training at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama, it was off to Castle AFB, California for KC135 copilot training, and finally “The Real Air Force” at Fairchild AFB, Washington, with Sarah and Adam showing up along the way. Assignment led to assignment and promotion led to promotion, ending up back at the tanker schoolhouse at Castle, where he was a squadron commander and then the Deputy Commander, 398th Operations Group prior to retiring in NoDoug Dick vember 1993. But Doug’s role as a leader was only half done. He had a whole another generation to inspire. Following retirement from the Air Force, Doug moved into elementary education. He was a teacher and then assistant principal of an elementary school in Merced, picking up his M.A. in Education concurrently. In 2002, Doug was selected to be the Principal of Del Lago Elementary School in Mission Viejo where he served until his retirement in 2011. The outpouring of love from students and faculty alike throughout his illness, retirement and passing was overwhelming. Only time will tell the results of his impact on those hundreds of young lives over the years. Throughout both careers, Doug’s success at balancing his professional and personal lives was undergirded by his unshakable faith. Appropriately, he was asked to serve as a teacher, deacon and elder at various churches throughout his adult life. While Christ was the central figure in Doug’s life, he made Beverly feel she was the most important mortal person in his life. Together, they successfully passed their faith on to Sarah and Adam, both of whom are now grown with families of their own. Doug’s faith made all the difference during his final two-year struggle with cancer. He was eternally optimistic, closing each e-mail update with “His grace is sufficient.” While he endured the myriad treatments that extended his life here on earth longer than any thought possible, he also knew when this earthly life was over, he would continue life eternally in heaven. We look forward to seeing you again, my brother. (Mike Arnett, ’73 CS-09, with assistance from Beverly Dick, Sarah Hume and Skip Smith, ’73 and USAFA roommate)

Charles D. Jones, III, ’79 After a heroic battle against cancer, Charles David Jones III passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2012, surrounded by his beloved family. A wonderful husband, father, son, and friend, Chuck is sorely missed by those whose lives he touched. Whether building a house, flying an airplane with 300 people aboard, or slalom skiing behind his boat, Chuck embraced life to its fullest and made it look easy in the process. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers supporter who served his country as an Air Force officer for nine years followed by 24 years as a Delta Air Lines pilot where he flew with a relaxed, confident manner while honing his skill by always being well prepared. Born in San Antonio, Texas on Dec. 17, 1957, he was the third of six children in a military family.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Chuck graduated from Medical Lake High School in Spokane, Washington in 1975 where he was the commander of the Air Force Junior ROTC unit. Pursuing his dream of an Air Force career, Cadet Jones attended the United Sates Air Force Academy, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Mechanics. Having successfully realized his goal of gaining a pilot slot, Lt. Jones attended UPT at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas receiving his Certificate of Aeronautical Rating as a pilot in 1980. Chuck loved working with others and volunteered to be an Instructor Pilot, passing his love of flying along to fledging pilot candidates. Chuck’s next assignment was the RF-4. After completing training at Bergstrom AFB, he was assigned to the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Kadena AB, Okinawa. At the 15th TRS, Chuck quickly rose to the position of Flight Commander. He was next picked to lead the team representing WestPac Command at the Reconnaissance Air Meet held at Bergstrom AFB. Aside from the competition itself, Chuck was responsible for getting Chuck Jones four RF-4s and all the team members from Okinawa to Bergstrom AFB; no small task. Chuck finished his time at Okinawa in Standardization and Evaluation (Stan/Eval). Chuck met his future wife, Lynette, at the end of his doolie year. After nine years of friendship, they were married on Sept. 9, 1985 while stationed at Kadena. They spent their early years together enjoying the Japanese culture, shopping, and scuba diving. Capt. Jones loved flying and excelled on every mission he flew and commanded. Upon completing his service to his country, Chuck began his career as a Delta Air Lines pilot. His love of flying continued, especially as a Captain, flying international routes out of New York City. Chuck and Lynette settled in Texas where they started their family. Christopher Andrew Jones was the first to arrive on Nov. 27, 1988. He was followed by Scott Alexander Jones on Oct. 30, 1992. True to their nature of endless love, passion and teamwork, they raised two incredible young men who have a great respect for life and those around them. Chuck was an astonishing man who received great pleasure by spending time with his family. His unwavering courage, strength, selflessness and devotion to his wife, sons, family and friends are his vibrant legacy. The family very much appreciates the many letters of condolence received from USAFA graduates and the special memories they share about Chuck. Contributions may be made in Chuck’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Please specify: In Memory of Chuck Jones (in the memo line). Please send memorial email cards from the American Cancer Society website to Lynette Jones at ljjones1985@gmail.com. (Chuck’s brother-in-law, Kevin Jones, ’79)

Jeffrey S. “Scott” Larsh, ’79 Scott was such a great guy! Sharp mind, kind heart and humored wit were natural qualities. His happiness was contagious. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in Civil Engineering, he flew KC-135 Refueling Tankers at Grissom Air Force Base near Kokomo, Indiana. After his active duty commitment, he joined Northwest Airlines in 1986 flying domestic and international routes. He was proud to be promoted to Captain, experience flying the B-747 and others, but his most enduring memories are of the now grounded Boeing B-727 for their “knobs”… you can touch and feel their real grit. He continued his Air Force career by flying for the Reserves and later becoming an Academy Liaison Officer where he had the privilege to interview and recruit candidates for the Air Force Scott Larsh Academy. As a Major, he retired from the Air Force in 2001. 98

Scott was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1997; I never saw him so strong. Always seeking the best treatment and tackling each challenge with valiant vigor and hope. In 2006 he lost his medical clearance to fly. Accepting God’s will and grace, he seized the opportunity to groom himself to become a Certified Financial Planner, a field he had always been passionate about. Our savored conversations were often in our screened-in porch which overlooks a serene park-like setting. While talking earlier this year in the porch I noticed he was in deep thought as he was looking on with a great sense of peace. I asked him what he was thinking about. He said, “I’m thinking about how grateful I am.” I asked him to name three things he was grateful for. Without the slightest pause, he said: 1) “I’m grateful for my wonderful childhood and family. I had great parents who loved me very much and the many fun experiences with my brothers. 2) I’m grateful for having the opportunity to go to the Air Force Academy where I got a great education. I’m inherently a very lazy person and they instilled discipline in me. 3) I’m grateful for having the “all-time dream job” of being able to fly airplanes. 4) I married the woman of my dreams and 5) I have a son I adore.” This is a man rich beyond measure for things you can’t buy. (Scott’s wife, Nancy)

Michael S. Joyal, ’87 Michael S. Joyal died on Sunday, April 22, 2012 after being struck by a motor vehicle while riding his bike on Highway 83 northeast of Monument, Colo. He was on a training ride for the Ironman 70.3 Boise. Michael was born in Oroville, Calif. to Jackie and Phil Joyal. He graduated fromPlacer High School, Auburn, Calif., attended the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1987. Michael began his career as an intelligence officer but soon realized his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. Michael’s pride in the Air Force Academy and the honor exemplified by the airmen with whom he served were at the core of his beliefs and resonated throughout his career. He married Suzanne in 1992 and they began their family in 1996. Michael retired from the Air Force on Dec. 31, 2010 as a lieutenant colonel. He was a command pilot with more than 5,200 hours of flying time including 98 sorties as an Air Force Two pilot. He was a devoted father to his two children and true partner in every way to Suzanne. Retirement allowed him to switch roles with Suzanne and experience Michael Joyal more closely the joys of raising two teenage daughters. He loved them deeply. He was a superb athlete studying every aspect of performance. But mostly, Michael loved the relationships he developed with his friends and his family, sharing the love of training, good food, good books, and music. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; daughters Jackie and Katherine; his father, Phil; his brother Philip and sister-in-law Chris. Funeral services were held at the USAFA Cadet Chapel on May 2, 2012. As testament to Michael, his funeral was attended by numerous family members, friends, and colleagues to include graduates of the USAFA Class of 1987 as well as current and former members of the 306th FTG and the 1st Airlift Squadron. Following the service, many gathered at the USAFA cemetery for internment with full military honors rendered by the 10th ABW Honor Guard. Michael was also honored with a flyover of a formation of three UV-18 Twin Otters flown by members of the 98th FTS flying in the missing-man formation. As a final farewell to Michael, all gathered around and sang the third verse of the Air Force Song. (Suzanne Roseberry, Michael’s wife)

C2C Andrew Chin Dies in Las Vegas Yung Chern Andrew Chin, Class of 2014, was born April 1, 1992 and passed away June 19, 2012. Andrew was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while his father was finishing his residency and fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor. As a youngster, Andrew looked up to that focus

(Chin obituary and “At Presstime” continued on page 143.)

Class News Pete Todd 1250 Big Valley Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015 H: (719) 531-5874 E-mail: petetodd59@comcast.net

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This wasn’t such a great summer at my house. After a valiant fight spanning more than sixteen years, chemotherapy finally failed my fair Wendy and she slipped away peacefully on 25 May. We were so blessed to have such faithful and attentive friends in the waning weeks. Trix Miller and Claire Strom literally moved in and totally took over her care on several occasions when I had to be away, including one hospitalization. Jim and Hannah Brown were in town on a preplanned visit and saved the day during a couple of crises. Joe and Jo DeSantis had flown in all the way from Georgia to help out (none of us suspecting that Wendy would be gone within 36 hours of Sabre Society their arrival) and stayed to prop me up until after the Donors services. I can’t adequately express how grateful my family and I are for the outpouring of calls, cards and letters of condolence from so many of my classmates. Those who have been through the loss of a spouse will have a special appreciation for how much this support meant to all of us. I can never thank you enough for all of your kindness. Your thoughtfulness, along with the realization that her suffering at last has ended, have helped me keep my wings level throughout this ordeal. And then came the fire. I had just come home from a dental appointment on the afternoon of Tuesday, 26 June, when I looked to the west and saw a wall of flames cresting the last major ridge line between me and the three-day-old Waldo Canyon fire! I scooped up Luke the Wonder Dog and the Bugout Kit I had assembled on Sunday and plunged into the surreal maelstrom of eastbound traffic. Fortunately, with four kids living in the Denver area, I had someplace to go.

A later view of my eastbound escape route. When I fled, traffic was still going both ways, the area was totally enveloped in an eerie, orange smoke and the sun was completely obscured. In fact, I even managed to join enroute the June ’59er dinner that Art and Kathy Elser had so expertly organized. They, Jon and Jacquie Gallo, and Linda Ferrari were very understanding about why the party was so lightly attended by the Colorado Springs bunch. (Besides me, only Curt and Avis Cook had ventured north.) After four tense days, the mandatory evacuation for my neighborhood was lifted and I was back home in my unsinged house. So far as I know, Dick and Kennetha Gaebler and I were the only members of the ’59er/ ATO Supper Club to be evacuated (and they were closer to the destroyed homes than I was). It was nice to be certain, but I had gained some confi-

dence that I had dodged the bullet through the simple expedient of calling myself every day. When I “answered,” I was doubly reassured because (a) there was power to the house (utilities were cut off to neighborhoods that had been invaded by the flames) and (b) my answering machine was not a molten lump of plastic! But enough about me! Dick Tracey writes about a (mostly) voluntary move he and Mar are making (edited for space): “In February, we were able to take our first trip in about a year and we went to Solvang, CA. Mar really noticed how much better she felt down at the lower altitude. This factor, along with the concern that if anything happened to my health, she would be stuck 15 miles from town and not able to drive since her stroke, prompted us to decide that we needed to make a move. Since Mar’s daughter, Debbie, who would be taking care of her, lives in Solvang, the decision as to where was almost a given. “Debbie and I had seen a home for sale basically around the corner from her in our old neighborhood that we looked at and liked. Eventually, Mar agreed and we bought it. This started a massive downsizing effort on our part. We were losing 1145 square feet of living space as well as going from a huge RV garage and three large garages with a workshop area and room for the treadmill to a one-car garage and a very small garage that would work as a workshop and storage area. “Aside from the space issue, we loved where we were: we had the house, the observatory and the landscaping exactly how we wanted them; loved our church, friends, doctors and solar cells; and hated to sell in this economic climate. But, when health dictates, you do what you have to do. “We do still have some old friends in Solvang and we will make new ones in time. We will be closer to my son, Mark, my daughter, Toni, and her husband, Paul, and my two grandkids, Caitlyn and Paul Daniel. Mar will have two of Debbie’s kids and seven of her great grandkids close by to enjoy. There will be new adventures and joys for us and it will be better for both of us healthwise. We do have a guest room and we would love to have you come visit us. There is a tremendous amount to see in the area and much wine to be drunk.” Bill Telford sends news about a possible new tradition: “Thanks to the ladies (God bless the wives), we have established an informal periodic get-together in Charlottesville, VA for many of the mid-Atlantic bunch. This time, Annie set it up at the Boar’s Head Inn and invited all within easy driving distance. (The last one was arranged by Bev Kozelka at the same location during the Christmas season.) “There were 21 of us, which included three unaccompanied young ladies (Judy Jay, Vera Goetze, and Brenda Welch). Following a short happy hour (of sorts), we sat down to a luxurious, and beautifully prepared buffet with some truly decadent desserts. Following that sumptuous lunch, we retreated to a separate room to continue the get together and catch up on everyone’s latest maladies.

Front Row, seated from left are Vera Goetze, Karen Morgan, and Brenda Welch. First Row, standing: Kent Montavon, Fredda Sparks, Marian Reardon, Bev and Kozy Kozelka, Judy Jay, Bonnie Jefferson, Brenda Wynn, and Patty Hamer. Back Row: Molly and Jim Connally, Anne Telford, Mike Reardon, Joe Morgan, Fred Wynn, Wayne Jefferson, Bill Telford and Steve Hamer. “As you can see from the picture, no one has aged a day. Most of the guys look just as they did when they walked onto Lowry AFB for the first time. The women looked even younger. Well, maybe I’m stretching the truth just a bit, but the women do look lovely. A great time was had by all and off we went to our respective homes to treat our maladies. Hopefully, this mini-reunion will be held twice a year, perhaps at differing locations. e.g., Williamsburg, Wilmington, N.C., etc.” Last but not least, Vice-President Jim Brown proudly presented the AOG’s 50th Class Reunion Award to President-for-Life Joe DeSantis on the third anniversary of the First Class’s 50th Class Reunion (actually on 24 May, 2012). Congratulations from the Class of 1959.

Class News napolis. Norm has the first of fifteen grandchildren getting married this Saturday. Mike talked about the problems getting into the Academy because of downsizing and concentration on diversity, while also leading the discussion on recent honor problems and a need for the new Leadership Program. Norm told us there are now two Falcon Scholars at Randolph Macon Academy; he and Mike Loh worked on that project. Ralph Lalime just returned from a vacation on the Boston shore and some extended work at his son’s new/old house in Western New York; Ralph is also staying proficient fixing up his RV! Les Querry is looking at the 13th of October for his Fall Get-Together. Bob and Lutzi Fischer enjoy working at the James Michener Museum in Doylestown, PA, and Bob stays active with the Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Museum. Bill Hockenberry is working hard, hard, hard! GJC Fries heads to Colorado for the Navy/AF game in October, then drives to West Point to watch USAFA beat Army. Ken Alnwick and Jerry de la Cruz are now in the stained/fused glass-making business, and Ken also helps with junior lacrosse. Bob Badger regaled us with a great rendition of ‘America’ on his coronet. He was good! Bob’s working on another book that will be on the internet at Amazon.com and Kindle. Tom Burke is cutting back on work with the Air Force, but still has another job. I’m not getting any better with the back; but, I am going to try to make it to Georgia this week by auto to see the kids and their families.” President-for-Life Joe DeSantis accepts the AOG’s 50th Class Reunion Award from Vice-President Jim Brown. Thought for the Quarter: Lottery: An extra tax for people who can’t do math. (Bumper Sticker)

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A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr. Members 5423 Myrtle Wood Sarasota, FL 34235-4624 Phone: (941) 371-4843 E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960 “I have been editing my bi-monthly 64-page magazine, and 1,500-page book in three volumes. 2012 has seen a lot of travel, but more is scheduled. Our daughter, Liesl, will be starring in the opera that will kick off the Save Venice (Italy) gala in August (also puts the entire show together),” wrote Bob Odenweller. “Jane and I will be in Europe for that, after which we tour the Croatian Coast from Dubrovnik to Split. I’ll be in Scotland for a week in October, Mainz in November, San Diego in February (2013), Berlin midFebruary, March to London again, UK in the summer, and New Zealand in September.” Still Flying? “I no longer have access to the BeechSabre Society craft A-36 I used for five years. I’ve flown with George Donors Luck a few times, when he was keeping me current in small airplanes using his Bonanza. I am still current and teaching on the B-737 for Boeing, but only in simulators (they have the ridiculous idea that I am too old to fly their actual airplanes, and have rules that cut off airplane flying at age 63),” writes Jim O’Rourke. “I am also checked out as Captain on the new 787. I intend to fly as long as the eyes and body hold out against the ravages of age-related deterioration. I don’t wear glasses, my energy level is sufficient to allow flying when the opportunity arises, and my interest level is high. I’d guess that my byline is: ‘Still Teaching Flying.’” “The Class of 1960 50th Reunion Award Committee has agreed that, with 63 votes having been received, all supporting Colonel (Ret) Andrew William Biancur, there being no further votes received over the last several days, it is announced at this time that he has been chosen unanimously to receive the Class of 1960 50th Reunion Award. Documents supporting his selection as recipient of the award are being prepared by his nominators, to be submitted to the committee NLT 1 June 2012. Those documents will form a major part of the material submitted by the committee to Association of Graduates 01 August 2012. The award will be presented at the class mini-reunion dinner on Friday evening prior to the 6 October Air Force/ Navy game” (Bob Badger—Award Committee Chairman). Tony Burshnick: “We enjoyed another great luncheon and got 11 stalwarts to celebrate the arrival of 317 DOOLIES at Lowry to meet the ATOs; absent were Jerry de la Cruz, Leon Goodson, Al Johnson, Bill Carnegie, and Joe Higgins. Former classmate Jim Brown passed away recently in Indianapolis and Pete Burton was buried at USAFA 22 June 2012. Mike Loh told us his grandson was sworn in at USAFA last week—6/28/2012: ‘Our grandson, Michael John Loh, enters today in the Class of 2016. He is third generation, all blue tags. I have already suggested a motto for his class: ‘2016--On Fire!’) “Mike and Norm Haller now have grandchildren at both AFA and An-

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In the top photo, front row from left are Les Querry, Tom Burke, Tony Burshnick, and George Fries. Back Row: Ralph Lalime, Mike Loh, Bob Fischer, Ken Alnwick, Norm Haller, Bill Hockenberry, and Bob Badger. “We in Colorado Springs had a great 9 July Anniversary Lunch. 14 classmates attended. In the bottom photo, back row, from left are Jim Bujalski, Duck Waddle, Andi Biancur, Pete Roe, Ron Yates, Bruce Mosier, and Gordy Savage. Front Row: Tony Bilello, Bill Hodson, Killer Kendall, George Pupich, John McCullough, and Jack Brush—Fred Porter showed after the photo. Absent were Jim Glaza, Jock Schwank, Dick Schehr, Dick Sexton and Denis Walsh. There were stories about the first days in 1956 and some other nonsense passed around, and the lunch went 2-1/2 hours. We’ll meet in August and try to get new Commandant, BrigGen Gregory J. Lengyel, to join us in September,” wrote Andi Biancur. Brenda Fern Douglass (May 19, 1953 - May 7, 2012), wife of Clemeunt T. Douglass III, was buried at the USAFA Cemetery at 1400 hours, 19 June 2012. In attendance were George and Diana Pupich; Ron and Connie Yates; CT with sons CT IV and Dax; Bruce and Caryl Mosier; Jack and Elaine Brush; Jim and Jeannette Glaza; Jim Bujalski; Denis Walsh; various friends from Stillwater, MN; and, Bob Browning, ’59, who presided over the ceremony in the Pavilion (photo below). Afterwards, the group adjourned to Jim and Jenny Glaza’s home near Monument.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

The photo (above) shows George Luck receiving the “FAA Master Pilot Award for 50 Consecutive Years of Safe Flying.” To his right is the 1957 Beechcraft H35 Bonanza, which he hangars at Paine Field in Everett, WA. George has 12,000 hours, 5,300 as civil pilot, holds commercial and instructor certifications, and works six weekends a year for the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program, Inc. “Barb and I are in Panama City for the week visiting Pete and Linda King in Valparaiso, FL,” wrote Bill Hales (from Greer, SC -- next to Greenville, home of Shoeless Joe Jackson). “They were excellent hosts and treated us to a great Sunday brunch! Here’s is a photo of four happy folks.” (top image)

Bill and Barb then drove to Panama City to visit the Gillis and Gorham couples: “Here is a picture from last night. 51 years since seeing the Gillises at Spence Air Base, Moultrie, GA in 1960!” (Photo: Barb and Bill Hales, Faye and Frank Gorham, Bill and Kath Gillis). “Discussions ranged from work histories to hangar flying to family -- I think we closed the place!” Final Roll Call. Peter Jacquette Burton died 2 Mar 2011 in Overland Park, KS. Funeral services were held 22 June 2012 in the Cadet Chapel, with graveside service at the USAFA Cemetery. (There are 52 deceased classmates, 175 living.)

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Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear Members 50582 Stonington Drive Granger, IN 46530-8243 H: (574) 273-2597 E-mail: enoandtjo@gmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafa1961.org After battling brain cancer, Donna White (Bob’s widow) passed away on 8 June with her entire family at her side. Both Bob and Donna were

interred at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on 20 June with a graveside ceremony. Tom Conley, Charlie Neel, Terry Storm, Jim Wilhelm, and Frank Willis represented our class and sang “Here’s a Toast” at the end of the service. Mark Anderson joined Randy Cubero, Mike Quinlan, and Jim Hinkle for a round of golf in May. Ginger and Mark joined Richard and Carolyn Smith and other graduates on an AOG-sponsored Great Lakes Cruise in mid-August, looking forward to seeing some beautiful scenery “up North”. Albania’s government invited Pat and Marilyn Buckley back to attend the formal dedication and opening of Albania’s new Air Traffic Control Center and Airport Tower on 14 May: the final major task in Albania’s National Airspace Modernization Project. Pat spent the last 7 years of his working life as the Lockheed Martin Managing Director and Country Manager developing the concept; gaining approval from Albania, Lockheed Martin, and Eurocontrol; getting it financed by the US Export/Import Bank and BNP Paribas; and then getting it contracted and built by an international consortium led by Lockheed Martin. It became operational in April of 2012. On 30 June, Jack and Diane McDonough, and John and Joan Kohout met Pat and Marilyn for dinner at The Wharf, in Alexandria, VA. In July, they flew from Boston to London to visit family and friends in the Brighton area, and Sabre Society then to Spain for three weeks in their Spanish home. Donors Judy and Gene Davis enjoyed a memorable spring: one granddaughter was married; another graduated from college; and a grandson graduated from Army boot camp. While in Fort Worth/Dallas, they enjoyed a great Mexican dinner, margaritas, and an evening of war stories with Richard Fairlamb (who orchestrated the gathering), Dick Davis, Pete and Pat Lane, Tom and Bonnie Williams, and Phil Woods. After they returned to Florida, Jerry and Sue Lefton invited them to their Pompano Beach resort timeshare. Jim and Linda Rogers, and Tom and Mimi Skilling also joined them for a pleasant couple of days. Judy and Gene celebrated 50 wonderful wedded years on June 9th, with the Buckleys joining them for dinner. They planned a September trip to France and Normandy to celebrate their anniversary. Pat and Marilyn Buckley, Paul Dean, Tom Williams, and Richard “Dick” Fairlamb will be at Moody AFB, GA, on 12 September, the day Class 63B graduated from UPT 50 years ago. Even some of their German Air Force/ Luftwaffe classmates will participate. They are still hoping that Chuck Croll, Charley Dixon, Johnny Harris, Tom Skilling, and Bill Stackhouse can join them. Wayne and Erna Haring ended a 16-day cruise just as the fires in the Colorado Springs area were abating. They had sailed from England around Norway to 79 degrees North (450 miles from the North Pole) and then south around the western coast of Norway with stops into and out of the many fjords, ending back in Dover, England. While driving through Charleston, WV, en route to her family reunion, Steve Ho and Lynn called the Stebbins but did not make contact. Steve and Lynn were caught in the fast-moving summer storm on the evening of 29 June that cut power to millions of customers from Ohio to the East Coast. After returning to Birmingham, AL, Steve contacted the Stebbins and learned that after the storm, they had no electricity for a week and had to totally restock. Gene Hopp thanks our entire class for their help, as well as the class gift to the high school that helped him get into USAFA. After Annette’s passing, he spent the summer in Washington, sold that house, and moved full time to Arizona. Bob Kellock retired from Boeing. In April, he bought a Light Sport Aircraft, Jabiru S250, to make all of his planned visits and picked it up in Mt. Vernon, IL. Their first destination was Colorado Springs (son Edward)— four hops in three days—and then, to Hobbs, NM. A dust devil during the landing flare took the plane off the runway, ran it along on one wheel and the nose gear or wingtip, and unceremoniously dropped the nose and propeller into the sand: at rest, tail up, nose down. Fortunately, they were uninjured. The factory at Shelbyville, TN, repaired the plane, and they hoped to pick it up about August 10th to retrace their original route and permanently station it at Patagonia, AZ (Nogales International Airport). They will attend two October reunions in Tucson: Samantha’s 50th high school and Bob’s FAC Association. George Buchner, Dean Jones, Doug McConnell, Charlie Neel, and Bob Wagner attended Oshkosh 2012. John and Sherry Moore celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July by taking their entire family (11 adults and two great-grand babies) on a beach vacation in Laguna Beach, CA. Their rented beach house supposedly slept 12, but three young adults had to curl up on couches. On the other hand, basking in the California weather and warm sand, and challenging the seven-foot breakers of Laguna made up for any inconveniences. One of the many highlights was the visit of Wyatt and Deborah Cash, who drove four hours from Atascadero to spend the day. Wyatt is now ful-

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Class News ly retired from the law business and tends their cats, dogs, and chickens. Deborah is busy being the public affairs director for San Luis Obispo. Hector Negroni wrote that the large group of class members in the Northern Neck area of Virginia hosted June’s ’61 DC luncheon at the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club. Spike Nunn (a Club member), Twy Williams, and Bill Stackhouse organized the luncheon. Also attending were their three wives, Tony Blackstone (USMA 1960) and his wife Joan, Charlie Dixon, Lowell and Sandy Jones, John and Joan Kohout, Jack and Diane McDonough, Hector and Joan Negroni, Wayne Ploger (USMA 1961) and his wife Judie, Bill Sanzenbacher, and Jeffrey Whitaker (Karl’s son). The site of the present clubhouse was the former residence of Rebecca Nunn’s grandparents, and the present Commodore Room where the group ate was the dining room for their home. After the superb luncheon, the group adjourned to Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse’s home at Wicomico Church for some “special refreshments.” Paul Stephen said that the Midwest drought has no great impact on him and Sheila since he no longer farms; however, family members and neighbors who still farm will see huge losses. This summer has been the second driest in southern Illinois since 1895, second only to 1936. Their grandchildren are keeping them busy and happy. The Waldo Canyon Fire in NW Colorado Springs affected most local residents, according to Terry Storm. Eight USAFA graduates lost their homes, including Dick and Trel Coppock, who have already moved to Ohio. Many others (32,000 total) evacuated, including Randy and Jan Cubero, who nevertheless hosted a 1961 4th of July party attended by the Conleys, Ellers, Dean and Jo Jones, McCues, Neels, Quinlans, Storms, and Wilhelms. The Storms enjoyed a nice dinner with the Tabors in Evergreen. Dale still works a couple of times a week raising money for Denver’s United Way. The Storms’ river cruise from Paris to Normandy was enjoyable, as well as a very touching experience. Their daughter, Shari, continues to address the issues from her three serious back surgeries at the end of last year. She must wear a contraption to assist bone growth around her spine and the bone they inserted, and she still requires heavy doses of antibiotics for the staph infection. In May, Jack and Linda Taylor attended the Class of 2012’s graduation, where he had the honor of administering the Oath of Office to Distinguished Graduate Megan Wyngarden, daughter of their neighbor in Puyallup, WA. In July, Corky and Pat Cochrane hosted the Taylors, Art Kerr, and Gene Hopp at their Bellingham, WA, condo for libations and rations. Gene was preparing to return to his Arizona home. Byron Theurer has returned to unpowered flight after about eight months convalescing from his July 2011 knee replacement. He conned the senior instructor at his soaring club to sign off his flight review, thus allowing By to terrorize the locals. After reuniting with his faithful Schweizer glider, he is happily misleading his fellow club members by circling in sink. Erik Vettergren says that he is now in fabulous shape: playing golf and tennis, and working out, with his brain recovering from too many Chemo Cocktails. He feels 20 years younger, and the depression from his battles with cancer is gone. In May, Rees and Pauline Wagner moved to 170 Prospect Avenue (#4R), Hackensack, NJ 07601. Thanks to kind friends, their furniture, et al, arrived safely, in spite of pouring rain. They still have a lot to do but are making good progress. Gwen and Neal Westbrook took three grandsons along the Lewis and Clark Trail to Three Forks, MT, 5,500 miles round-trip. They happened to be at USAFA on 4 July, 55 years after reporting to Lowry AFB on that date and were sorry to miss festivities with the Colorado Springs folks, but they had to be in Amarillo that night—or their daughters-in-law would have sent the police. Jim Wilhelm reports that Larry Karnowski is fighting a good fight against his cancer. Larry still appreciates cards and letters: 3284 S Preble County Line Rd, Farmersville, OH 45325. The Coppocks are settling in to their new home at 1956-2 S Lincoln Ave, Salem, OH 44460. The condo they bought, sight unseen, is everything they had hoped it would be. Friends and family are providing great help. Dick and Trel send greetings to everyone and loads of “Thanks” for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

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Grant “BG” Willis was single again at 70, as Sarah died 3/31/2011 after putting up with him for almost 23 years. His lovely stepdaughter Beth, 34, is not only a newly-minted Ph.D., but also the mother of one-year-old Will, who was born two months after Sarah passed away at age 59. Grandfather Grant has no complaints, and life is good, but he sure wishes he could retire and enjoy that European Field Trip he missed by detouring to Fort Benning many moons ago. Unfortunately, he apparently missed the Financial Planning class in law school. All is well with Tom Wilson, and he looked forward to the Craig AFB, 63B UPT Class Reunion in late September. Gayle Zompa is still marveling over the finding of her lost ring. She is venturing to Ireland for three weeks of touring. Thanks again to all who contributed. If you have not done so recently, we particularly want to hear from you.

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John W. “Jack” Jamba Members 4 Judy Court Satellite Beach, FL 32937 H: (321) 777-5520 O: (321) 861-6279 Cell: (321) 432-1370 E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Here we are just 90 days before our 50th Reunion. I’m looking forward to seeing all your smiling faces. I’ll start with an email I received from Jan Larson, to wit: “Hi Jack, Attached you’ll find a picture of the reunion committee.

In the front row from left are Jan Larson, Nan Smith, and Jean Blaisdell. Back row: Penny Mack, Ginny McNaughton, Bob McNaughton, Pam Rokke, Jim Mack, Tim Gilmartin, Carolyn Staples, Nancy Gilmartin, Carol Weight, PK Robinson, Reta Robinson, Rip Blaisdell, and George Larson. Thanks for the picture, Jan. We owe a lot to their hard work to make this reunion one to remember. Next is a message from Texas. Paul Landers writes, “Jack, We had a mini-reunion with squadron-mate Don Hallager and his wife, Ginny, here at Eagle’s Bluff last weekend. Ginny and Jo Anne hit the Texas-sized antique/flea market at Canton and also played a nearby golf course. Don and I figured two Redtags could take on the rest of Texas, so we played in my club’s member-guest tourney. We placed 2d in our flight in the tournament but won our flight shootout. I attach a photo of the two young Redtags. Paul.” (See photo at the top of the next column.) And this from Rick Perlotto: “This note was passed on to me by a friend concerning Grant Lannon.” “Hit by a car on Sunday afternoon 5/13 while crossing Lamar at 12th on foot with the walk sign. Bounced off the hood to my back on the street. In the hospital for two days with broken hand, hairline fracture on my left tibia, face and body abrasions. Limited to walker and wheel chair. The guy stopped so I am still alive -- he was cited for driving with an invalid driver’s license and failure to yield right of way. Still trying to determine

Don Hallager, left, and Paul Landers if he has insurance since it is an Avis/Budget car. I am not even sure the driver is who he said he was. Not in pain -- just bored to tears being housebound and once again being a “hunt & pecker” until my hand heals! Everything else fine here. Cheers, Grant.” I’m glad that you are recovering so well. Looking forward to seeing you at reunion. I recently learned of the passing of Larry Lynn. Here is the notice from the AOG. “The Association of Graduates has recently learned of the death of Maj (Ret) Lawrence A. Lynn, Jr, CS-23 class of 1962. Maj Lynn Passed away on 30 Jan 2012 in Panama City, FL. Celebration of Life was held on 5 Feb 2012 in Panama City, FL. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his son, William: Mr. William Lynn; 960 Bookcliff Ave Apt 311; Grand Junction, CO 81501. Condolences may also be sent to his son Lawrence A Lynn III; 1904 Logan St #309; Denver, CO 80203-1273. Interment is planned at USAFA later in the year.” This next email is an inspiring and emotional one to transmit. It involves an update on Bob Deberry’s condition. Bob Felts sent it to me with permission from Georgie Deberry, Bob’s wife, to print it in Checkpoints. Here’s what she said: “Hi Bob, yes, I give my permission to publicize Bob’s information. I think it is important to let these things come to light and for people to know about Bob and to keep Bob in their thoughts. Bob went to live at the VA nursing home in Florence, Colorado, in April. He had declined mentally to the point that I could not take care of him any longer. He has Parkinson’s tremors so badly that I worried about his walking and there are steps here. He has Lewy Body Dementia which affects the mind and body. It is very sad to see such a vibrant, clever and funny man deteriorate to this point. Thankfully, the VA classified him permanently disabled due to his condition, which they attributed to Agent Orange in Viet Nam where he did two tours. So they take care of him at no charge. I will miss seeing you and many of Bob’s Redtag friends at the reunion whom I have gotten to Sabre Society know through the 20 years of our marriage. Take care, Donors Georgie” Thanks Georgie for the email. If you change your mind, we would like to have you at the Reunion. There were forest fires in Colorado in June that came up to the Academy boundaries. Parts of the Academy housing areas were evacuated as well as some in-processing cadets. But no Academy homes were burned. And no one was killed or injured. There were lots of emails flying trying to make sure all the grads nearby were safe. Lots of them opened their homes to ones who evacuated. Now some words about the 50thReunion. The first item that called for a class response was handing out 2LT bars to the Class of 2012. I saw lots of good words about the Class of 62’s response to the handing of the project. Huck Spory was our “Redtag in Charge” of that series of ceremonies. He sent me this description of the distribution of 2LT bars: “Our class presented 1074 sets of gold bars to the class of 2012 on Tuesday, May 22nd. The bars were engraved with 62-12 on the back and presented in a small box with a card from our class. It is printed in our two class colors. (See image of card at the top of the next column.) There were 40 separate ceremonies at 40 different Academy venues, 22 in the afternoon and 18 in the evening. Thanks to our local and visiting classmates we were able to participate in all the ceremonies. There were 1074 graduates: 1055 in the Air Force, 5 in sister academies and 14 international students. On Monday, we had a Garden of the Gods reception; Tuesday was the Graduation Parade, Falcon Club luncheon and commis-

sioning ceremonies; Wednesday was the Superintendents brunch and class Graduation. A big THANK YOU to all of the following for making this a successful “class” act. Makes you proud to be from the Academy and the Class of 1962: Jerry Cornetet, Jack Anderson, Gary Hamrick, Bob McNaughton, Dick Sell, George Larson, Chuck Cheeseman, Al Sigman, Tim Gilmartin, Willie Gray, Hal Rhodes, PK Robinson, Jon Staples, Don Shepperd, Joe Hines, Jim Mack, Rip Blaisdell, Erv Rokke, John Smith, Mike Williams and KB Clark. Also thanks to Steve Simon and Kirk Olson from the Academy staff and an additional thank you to our classmates who donated to the class fund to pay for this project. Well that’s it for now. You should receive this Checkpoints issue in the first week of September. If you haven’t made plans to join the rest of your class, now is the time to do it. This will probably be the last time to have a truly big Redtag Get-Together. We want to see and reminisce with you. You may not have another chance like this. Looking forward to seeing you. GO REDTAGS!

Norman I. (Skip) Lee 63119 E. Cat Claw Lane Tucson, AZ 85739-2058 Home: (520) 825-7980 Cell: (520) 241-3498 54wrs63@gmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafa63.org

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The Association of Graduates notified us of the death of two classmates. Mr. William H. Simpson, CS-21, passed away on 10 May 2012 in York, PA. A Memorial Mass was held May 14th at St Patrick’s Church in York. The family requests donations be made to the following charities or a charity of your choice: Steam Into History, Inc.; 221 W Philadelphia St, STE E600; York PA 17401; William H. Simpson Fund for Community Advancement; York Community Foundation; 14 W Market St; York PA 17401. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Judith, at 2532 Hepplewhite Dr, York, PA 17404-1216. Mr. James A. McKean, CS-09, passed away on 17 July 2012 in Mabank, TX as the result of cancer. Services Sabre Society were private for family only. Condolences may be sent Donors to his family in care of his partner, Mr. Dan Collier and his son, Sean McKean, at 233 Bushwacker Dr, Mabank, TX 75156-7211 Mini-Reunion Status: this year’s mini will be Oct 6th during the AF-Navy football game. The game starts early at 9:30 am; therefore, we will not have our traditional tailgate. A pre-game get-together and dinner is planned for Friday evening, Oct 5th at the Eisenhower Golf Course (start time 5:30 pm). After the game we’ll gather in Arnold Hall in front of the Class Cups for the traditional cup-turning ceremony. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a catered dinner. As soon as you decide to join us please e-mail Bob Hayes (bcahayes@comcast.net) or call (719-481-9693). Price for Friday will be $18 per person plus a no-host bar and Saturday evening will be $16 per person. Send checks to Bob at 18535 Augusta Drive, Monument, CO 80132. He can always accept cash but no checks the day of either dinner. 50th Reunion (23-26 Oct 2013): the Committee led by Bill Ball and Denny King, met in April. Plans for the Thursday evening memorial for our 18 fallen classmates, and 2 POWs in Southeast Asia (SEA) is well underway. We previously asked for any stories and/or pictures of classmates in SEA but need more. Send your stories to Jimmie Butler at jimmieb@q.com. At the Friday Chapel Ceremony we plan to turn, for the first time, John F. Kennedy’s cup and, of course, the cups of our classmates who have died since the 45th reunion will be turned. That evening we will have dinner at the Marriott hotel per our normal schedule plus a special program to

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Class News round out our 50th celebrations. We envision an evening of memories and a lot of fun. Denny King and Drue DeBerry are putting together a review of all the world events that we lived through during our 54 years as a Class. Please send your stories to Denny (denny63@sbcglobal.net) and Drue (drue.deberry@comcast.net). If you can’t put it on paper just give them a call. As part of our 50th celebrations and in keeping with the AOG Class Legacy program, our class will present 2LT bars to the class of 2013 during Graduation Week. We need 40 volunteers to present the bars. If you would like to be involved, now is the time to let Bill Ball (balljw@msn.com) or Bob Hayes (bcahayes@comcast.net) know. The event will cost our class about $10,000. All classmates are welcome to support this new tradition financially. Send your contribution to The Class of 1963 Class Legacy Program Fund at The USAFA Endowment, 3116 Academy Blvd., USAF Academy, CO 80840. Mick Roth reports: You have received a folder describing our class 50th Anniversary gift to the Academy, a Perpetual Endowment Fund, to provide annual support to what has emerged as, perhaps, USAFA’s primary challenge: the content and lessons that will come from the Academy’s new Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD). More important than its magnificent structure, the CCLD must address the character and leadership challenges facing today’s cadets. Our Fund will help do that by providing (1) An annual contribution to the CCLD to support programs, such as notable speakers, (2) An annual contribution to the USAFA History Department’s Center for Oral History (COH) which is allied with the CCLD in the effort to teach Character and Leadership, and (3) Our USAFA Class Histories: recording personal stories of our classmates as well as members from all classes will be a unique complement to the CCLD. We look forward to a successful fund-raising campaign to establish our Endowment. Doug Hardgrave and Dick Guild reported on the annual (since 2002) WVA Memorial Day get-together at Ed & Caroline Pickens’ mountain top lodge in Lost River. This is a really enjoyable time for classmates & their ladies.

Park’s picture courtesy of Ravens Chad Swedberg (’68) and Craig Duehring; Leo’s picture provided by Bob Venkus; and Jim’s picture provided by JJ Kennedy. was a Raven FAC assigned to the 56th SOW, Udorn, Thailand and on attachment to the US Ambassador to Laos. Park had flown over 130 combat missions when he was shot down. Captain Leo T. Thomas, Jr. was reported missing on 19 December 1971 while on an operational mission in Laos. The F-4D aircraft he was piloting was seen as a fireball on the ground after communication with the crew was lost following a run on the target. Evidence of death was received on 28 December 1971 and his status was changed to KIA. His remains were recovered on 3 June 1994 as a result of a joint U.S.-Laotian excavation. Leo was a member of the 555 TFS, 432 TRW, Udorn, Thailand. This was Leo’s second tour in SEA. He had served a previous SEA tour in the F-105. 1LT James D. Goodman was killed on 9 January 1967 while on a flare and gun support mission near Duc Pho, Vietnam close to the coast, about 20 miles south of Quang Ngai. A Vietnamese Air Force Special Forces observer saw the AC-47 aircraft he was co-piloting crash after it had been struck by hostile ground fire. Jim was assigned to 4th ACS, 14th ACW, Nha Trang AB detached to Da Nang AB Vietnam. Well, that’s it for this time around. Remember we are looking to make contact with all our classmates before the 50th Reunion. Please continue your work to find those we listed as missing (3 of the 15 were found) from the last issue of Checkpoints. Beat Navy! Bob Hovde 206 Walker Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801 (H) (256) 532-3923 (M) (256) 348-9794 bob@hovde.us

From left are Bob Kennedy, Fred Frostic, Dick Guild, Bob Venkus, Doug Hardgrave, Jim Hannam, Bud Gilligan, and Ed Pickens. Lou Matjasko had a picture taken with John Elfers and John’s original ’63 red Corvette Roadster. Lou and Karen were visiting John and Dottie at their farm to record John’s UCH video. They had a great time. John is still practicing dentistry there in central Wisconsin. How many of our classmates still have their “graduation cars?”

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Travel: It’s summertime and lots of people are travelling. Sandy and I took a trip to Norway and France with our daughter Kristin and our granddaughter Ava (Kathy’s daughter). The main reason for the trip was Ava’s 16th birthday – She wanted to go to Paris. Since I wanted to visit the Hovda Farm near Voss, Norway, where my great-grandfather came from, it was excellent timing. I have plenty of pictures to bore you with, but everyone sent in pictures this time, and I’m limited to three for the article. (“Hovda” is correct. The farm’s name is spelled “Hovde” in the old Norwegian Archives, but something happened around 1900 when they “officialized” the Norwegian Sabre Society language.) Donors Gregory’s Annual (?) Mini-Reunion: Fred gets two pictures this quarter – one because it has the most classmates in it and one because it has a brand new Blue Tag graduate [and Fred threatened me if I didn’t publish it]. Fred and Annette missed having the reunion last year, but made up for it this year according to the kudos I saw via email. In the invitation (in April), Fred said, “Now I know you’re wondering why not the second Sunday in June like it always has been? Well I’ll tell you. The weekend of the 8th, we will be down in deep North Carolina attending the celebration of youngest grandson Taylor’s high school graduation. But did I tell you

This is the second installment of our plan to feature the 18 fallen classmates from the war in Southeast Asia. Thanks to Jimmie Butler for putting the composite photo together. (See photo at the top of the next column.) Captain Park G. Bunker was killed in action on 30 December 1970 while flying an O-1 Bird Dog on an operational mission over Laos. He

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he’s heading out west for…standby now…USAFA prep program at New Mexico Military Institution where his older cousin attended? OMG. With eldest [grandson], Scott, graduating last year and in pilot training and his sister, Caitlin [’12] and now another possibly on the way – Cobeaga look out! But seriously, we appreciate your taxpayer money to support the college education for our grandkids!”

Three Blue Tags – Fred and Rod Compare Rings with Catlain Gregory.

East Coast Version of a Reunion. 9th Squadron Reunion: Jerry King reported that in April, he and Judith (and the City of Tucson) hosted a 9th Sqdn mini-reunion. Fourteen couples toured Biosphere II, Pima Air Museum and many other local attractions. “Some of us went to Tubac Golf Resort for a couple nights. Input for the ‘50th’ -- most of us would like to see the reunion in Sept or early Oct when it’s not so cold. Doesn’t have to be homecoming.” From left in the picture below are Jerry King, Bob Dempsey, Jeff Levy, Gaylord Green, John D’Alimonte, Ed Pegg, Jim Lemon, Leroy Stutz, John Murray, Jim Fleming (10th), Larry Smith, Dave Miller, Jerry Daley, Carey O’Bryan, and Bill Bode.

had a great time. I wouldn’t have missed that for the world. Bob couldn’t make the 16th Squadron mini-reunion this coming August that Don Graham is organizing so I just had to make the trip to see him and Carol.” Almost a Reunion: Dave Neal reports that Butch Schuering (63) hosted a duck feed at a Chinese restaurant in Sacramento. “We did not feed ducks; we ate them inter alia. Carver Sears helped organize the event and we were joined by 3 members of the class of ‘63. [Sorry. No room for the picture.] Attending were Carver Sears, Dave Neal, Bill Heinlein ‘63, Sandy Purcell, Barney Bartlett ‘63, Jim Wilson ‘63, Julio Echgaray, and Roger Dunn.” Academy Summit: Doug Jenkins reported that he attended the Academy Summit along with Vicky & Steve Muller, Roger Neeland, Polly & Jack Wojnaroski, and Rod Wells. His take on the Summit – “It’s super!” [Sorry. There wasn’t enough room for the photo. We need a ’64 website or Facebook page to post pictures.] New Books: Ray Blunt wrote to the Old Trolls, “OK guys, eight years and several rewrites later there is a book that has been born (Crossed Lives). I must warn you there is nothing here of aircraft, little of war, and not much about the military. Rather it is about two extraordinary leaders, both of whom we lionize today. Nevertheless this story, told in the parallel of their lives, has taught me much about what I want to pass on to the next generation about leadership, about public service, about descending rather than seeking the highest rung, and about results if one persists toward a purpose and does not turn aside. We learned much of this a long time ago, but living it is, as you know a different story. I think it has a bit to say to today’s leaders -- political and military. For us, there are a few insights about finishing well.” Lin Bothwell also launched his new book, Lessons in Honor, on the 4th of July. It’s fiction, but everyone in our class will recognize much of what happens in the story – set at the Academy about the time we were there. Finally, I just received (today) Life on a $5 Bet, by “Major General Edward J. Mechenbier, USAF, Retired – With Linda D. Swink.” [I knew someone had to help with the English.] Sad News: In May, we lost two more classmates. Usto Schulz passed on the news that Joe Trujillo (CS05) had died and Dave Neal noted that John Quigley (CS06) also died. Warning! Warning, Will Rogers! Max James wrote, “I want to thank all of you who have called me or Linda, and those who sent cards, letters, and tons of emails expressing good wishes and prayers for a full and rapid recovery from the heart attack which I experienced [the first part of June]. Rehab is going very well and I look forward to getting back on the first tee soon, with new sympathy strokes being generously given by all. See ya at the front of the line.” MS Bike Ride: Roger Neeland finished the MS bike ride again this year and reported, “I wanted everyone to know I safely completed the two-day ride. Smoke was not an issue as I had feared -- Ft. Collins has had a major forest fire -- the High Park Fire -- going for more than 3 weeks. The ride route was actually changed because of the fire. Temperatures were around 100 degrees. In the meantime my hometown has been burning and 346 homes burned in the Waldo Canyon fire. This has been an eventful few weeks. “I want to give a special thanks to JD (Jim) Manning, Class of ‘64, who now lives in Ft. Collins and who picked me up from CSU. We had a great afternoon catching up on the last few (??) years. ‘64 has consistently given me great moral and financial support. Thanks guys.” Vietnam MIA Bracelet: A lady who bought a “Capt Frank Midnight” MIA bracelet 46 years ago is wondering how she could go about donating it to a family member. Does anyone know where some of his family lives? Bruce Wood 7610 Sonatta Court Lincoln, NE 68516 Home and Cell: (402) 470-7152 brucewood1965@gmail.com http://usafa1965.org (official) https://usafa-1965.org (auxiliary)

9th Sqdn Reunion 9th Sqdn – Practicing Up for the Big One. Preparing for a Reunion: Tony Covais wrote that he and Barb went to their granddaughter’s graduation at the University of Cincinnati – giving him a great excuse to continue on to Lafayette, IN, to drop in on his roomie, Bob Kern, and his wife, Carol. “It was non-stop ‘Do you remember. . . ?’ We

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Hello Silvertags! It’s Election Year Mania time and the airwaves are filled with negative attacks. As a history student, I can’t help but look at what some wise men had to say about governmental systems. “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery”. -Winston Churchill. “I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property -- until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.” -Thomas Jefferson.

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Class News But, enough of politics, “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” -Pericles (430 B.C.) From Tom Pilsch: “I have been ‘lurking’ (don’t hear that word much anymore!) on the class correspondence venues over the years and appreciate your and Rick’s efforts on the class page in Checkpoints. (Heartfelt thanks from your current and past Scribes…) “Judy and I have been living in Atlanta almost 15 years now. I have been working at Georgia Tech’s College of Computing in various administrative roles, first as assistant dean of continuing education (like ATC!), then AD for students (Commandant of Cadets) and now AD of operations (base commander). All that Air Force experience still is being put to use. “For the past couple of years I also have had a joint appointment as a professor of the practice of national security with GT’s Sam Nunn School of International Sabre Society Affairs teaching courses on the history of modern war. Donors That has been the most fun of all. Our young people know very little about the history of the 20th Century and its wars but there is much interest in light of the continuous conflict in their lifetimes. They particularly are curious about Vietnam since current wars are so often compared to it, and the details are so far in the past to them. It is understandable. We didn’t know much about World War I when we entered the Academy, and the Great War was as far in the past for us as Vietnam is for current college students. “They say you don’t understand something until you try to teach it to others. It is true, particularly when you get into spirited discussions with bright young people who have a total different perspective. It has been a great experience, particularly when you see a spark of understanding in some of them. ‘We never learn the lessons of history, do we?’ Senior, 2007 “Last summer Judy and I had a great opportunity to spend six weeks in Oxford, England, while I was teaching in Georgia Tech’s Study Abroad Program there (“World War II” and “History of the Vietnam War”). Oxford is a beautiful old city. It is compact enough that you can walk to the pubs, restaurants and points of interest yet centrally located for day trips to London and other great destinations. Our son and daughter-in-law had just finished their PhDs at Penn State, and we invited them over for a twoweek visit. Judy took off with them on overnight trips while I was working, but there still was plenty to do and see after they left. I made my third pilgrimages to the Imperial War and Royal Air Force museums. Judy passed on those but made it into Buckingham Palace to see ‘The Dress.’ I hope this finds you all well and looking forward to the 50th in just three years. One note in passing to those of you who may have earned your wings at Williams AFB. Willy was closed in 1993, and a few years later a large part of the facility was acquired by Arizona State University for an engineering campus. My son just accepted a faculty position at ASU and will be teaching on the new Polytechnic Campus. When he went out for his interview, I asked him to find the BOQ where I lived. It is now a dormitory and looks a whole lot better than when we were there. Thinking about Willy and pilot training brought back some good memories to go with a strangely reaffirming sense of continuity from knowing that Andrew will be starting his career at the same spot that I started mine.” “Why does the Air Force need expensive new bombers? Have the people we’ve been bombing over the years been complaining?” -George Wallace

Back row: Fish 1, fish 2, fish 3, fish 4 (fish 5 got away). Front row: Bob Giffen, Sr; Rob, Jr; and Rob, III. The following is from Jude Terhall: “CheckPoints Submittal – 7th Squadron April 2012 Reunion. The remnants of 7th Squadron held a reunion in Pensacola, FL, April 10 – 13. George McKinney arranged and hosted the festivities. Highlights included a demo show and photo op with the Blue Angels, a Gulf fishing trip, golfing, and other local activities. The stay at The New World Landing Inn was exquisite. The reunion was capped with dinner at Hemingway’s restaurant and a toast to our departed Squadron classmates: Bill Bussey; Pete Fazio; Lenny Kruczynski; Ray Perkowski. Bolstering the ranks, Dick Nethers, an original 7th Squadron member attended along with his wife, Holly. We have been in contact with several original squadron members and the spouses of deceased members for future reunions. Next reunion is October 2013 in Virginia.” “When you’re in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, ‘Damn, that was fun.’” -Unknown

Seated from left are George Young, Original Squadron Mascot, and Bill McDermott. Standing: John Metz, Bob Penry, George McKinney, Doug McGrath, Mike Short, Jude Terhall, and Al Sweeny. Well, that’s “30” for this issue. Be sure to send me anything of interest (or even boring) to me at my e-mail address. I also have a Facebook account (Bruce Wood) which you can use (I even pilfered some stuff from there for this issue). Despite my professed dislike of “Smart Phones”, I now have an Iphone and can respond immediately to your requests/info/ ideas/whatever. Bruce. ’65 – Best Alive

From left are Tom and Judy Pilsch, daughter-in-law Dr. Shawna Ross and son Dr. Andrew Pilsch – Oxford, Summer 2011. I found the picture below on Bob Giffen’s Facebook page and asked for permission and a few lines to put it in this issue. “Bruce, I took my sons and grandsons to the Kenai Peninsula for a week of fishing -- we brought 120 pounds of halibut and salmon home. Great trip!” “I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it…” -W. C. Fields

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Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269 H: (618) 624-4255 W: (314) 232-5117 E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

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Greetings, Redtags! It’s been just over 50 years ago that we started this amazing journey as the Class of ’66. Ron Davis says “I don’t know about you guys, but I find it hard to believe I was capable of doing anything important fifty years ago, at the tender age of 17, much less putting my right

hand in the air and changing my whole life.” It has been great to have you as classmates and friends for this long run. Let’s take a minute and reflect on and thank those who aren’t here to enjoy this moment of reflection with us, starting with Pete Johnson during our first class year, and continuing through the years to the recent loss of Ed Blaess, who was just buried at the Academy Cemetery on 5 July. A good-sized group of classmates were on hand at the Founders Day Dinner to watch Dick McConn receive the Distinguished Graduate Award. Those that were there said that it was a classy event and Dick’s acceptance speech was outstanding—challenging everyone to support the Academy and continuing to serve our Nation.

Classmates celebrating with Distinguished Graduate Award winner Dick McConn. Standing from left are Dale Elliott, Dan Cecil, Hans Mueh, Geof Egge, Dick McConn, Bill Riley, Reese Nielsen, Randy Jayne, John Fal, Rick Parsons, and Keith Withycombe. Kneeling: Tom Markham, Dick Oliver, Marty Daack, Wayne Skora, and Jim Murphy. Dick Oliver sent me the above picture and the following story and picture. Along with his email was a cryptic note saying that his neighborhood in Colorado Springs was on “pre-evac” notice for a forest fire in the vicinity. That was an understatement! Within a couple of hours, most of Dick’s Mountain Shadow subdivision had been consumed by the Waldo Canyon Fire. Like many people, I was tracking the fire’s progress from the aerial shots on Google, and watched it stop just across the street from Dick’s house. Most of his neighborhood was destroyed, but Dick’s house survived. I pictured Sabre Society Dick with a wet rag covering his face, smoke billowing Donors around him, people screaming for him to get out, and him saying “I can’t leave until I get these great pictures to Ryan for the Checkpoints newsletter!” The story that Dick sent was probably not as exciting as his battle with the fire, but it’s still a great story about a special event that Rick and Nancy Parsons hosted to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our entry into the AF Academy on 25 June 1962. The Parsons have a magnificent home on nearly 500 acres about 15 miles north of Canon City. Thirteen of our local area classmates and their wives attended. To quote Rick’s invitation: “We’ll start with lunch between 11:30 -12:30; updated basic training events in the afternoon; appetizers at 5:00, dinner at

6:00 PM; fellowship and stories all day. Mirroring the events of 50 years ago, we will have: remote area navigation (bring your own GPS); crosscountry travel (via ATV); small arms qualification (bring your own small arms -- less than .50 cal please); grenade toss (horse shoes and darts); survival eating (rabbit provided).” Jim Murphy’s description of the party was “We had a great time -- lunch, dinner, adult beverages, a GPS navigation course, ATV riding, and lie telling. No one got hurt…” You couldn’t ask for a better day than that! Jim Simpson sent a great update on the Seagrams Seven gang who held their 14th Spring Fling in Stillwater, OK in early June. Part of the reason they met in Stillwater again was so two of Larry Lundholm’s daughters could join them to toast his memory (along with those of our other departed classmates from 7th Squadron, Charlie Koster and Bob Brost). Larry, who was often the group’s host in Stillwater, passed away between last year’s event and our 45th Reunion that he so much wanted to attend. Jim’s update on those who attended the reunion divided them into three categories. The first was those who are “still working—sort of”. This group includes Bob Gravelle who is coaching boys’ and girls’ golf teams for a charter high school in C Springs, Don Steward who does some real estate work in south Florida, Lou Turpen who consults on airport issues, and Jim Boney who is working full time for a law firm in Chattanooga. The next group is those who are doing “some stuff”. Bill Hudspeth didn’t make the Spring Fling because he’s still on call for Officers’ Christian Fellowship work -- which keeps him traveling doing workshops. Bill Eubank also keeps a light but steady and dedicated hand in the work of his small church in Texas. Larry Sidwell is still working on getting a musical produced on Thomas Jefferson’s role in the birth of the concept of religious freedom in America. Then there are the pretty much retired-retired folks with grandchildren, “Honey-Do’s”, and some traveling taking up most of their agendas. That would be Bill Dunne, Dick Wetzel, Judd Iverson and Jim Simpson. Jim may have the squadron honors as traveling the farthest to visit grandkids, because his daughter lives in Brazil.

Seagram Seven’s annual reunion. From left are Judd Iverson (honorary member of 7th), Bill Dunne, Jim Boney, Jim Simpson, Bob Gravelle, Dick Wetzel, Kim Lynch (Larry Lundholm’s daughter), Lou Turpen, Lori Murray (Larry’s daughter), Larry Sidwell, Bill Eubank and Don Steward. Ross Detwiler just wrote a great book about our days at the zoo, pilot training and Vietnam. The book is titled “The Great Muckrock and Rosie”. It’s really more a collection of short stories, many of which should start with “No sh**, this really happened!” Ross tells true stories about people we know and events that most of us will relate to and, occasionally, even remember. He drops more classmates’ names in one chapter that I have in the last years’ worth of these newsletters. Ross takes us back to those days and friendships that started over 50 years ago and reminds us that our feelings for those friends still survive, even if some of them did not. This book is a “must read” for everyone in the class of ’66. You can get a hardcopy or e-version on Amazon (and “no”, I don’t get a commission—I just really liked the book). Until next time…Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson 13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 H: (505) 291-8949 E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Eleven classmates helping Mike Heenan drive an ATV. From left are John McBroome, Bill Riley, Ross Gubser, Rick Parsons, Dick Oliver, Mike Heenan, Dan Cecil, Vic Andrews, Dale Elliott, Jim Murphy, Tom Brandon, and Phil Dibb.

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Hi folks -- to conserve words, I will skip my usual preamble and jump right in. Several great inputs this quarter – so away we go. First, from Ted Legasey: he and a lifelong friend “…recently completed the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage on foot.” They walked 12-15 miles per day to complete the 500-mile trip in 6 weeks. They began in StJean-Pied-de-Port, France; climbed over the Pyrenees; and backpacked

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Class News through the Spanish provinces of Navarre, La Rioja, Burgos, Palencia, León and Galicia; finally reaching the city of Santiago de Compostela and the Cathedral where pilgrims have come since the 10th Century to visit the tomb of the Apostle St. James the Elder. Along the way, they met pilgrims from all over the world and had a variety of interesting experiences, including getting robbed in Puente la Reina. Before beginning the pilgrimage, they travelled to St-Martin on the Île-de-Ré, the ancestral home of the Legasey family forebearers and the churches where his 7th Great-Grandparents were baptized. Ted has written a book about his ancestors and he wrote a daily blog, which you can visit at tedandcharliecaminowalk.wordpress.com. The week of August 6, Roger Carleton and Len Morris and their wives Shonnie and Mary Pat will visit the Legaseys to watch the PGA Championship. Ted will receive the Academy’s 2012 Distinguished Service Award at a Parents’ Weekend ceremony on 31 August. Well done, Ted! Bob Muldrow and a team of giants represented USAFA at the Tri-Service Academy golf tournament in Sabre Society Donors June. “…Your ’67 team did just fine. Jack Fry was very solid off the tee, until we needed him to make a drive that counted. He came through though with flying colors before we got too nervous. His putting eye was deadly as well. Roger (Carleton), Ralph (Femrite) and I (also) contributed and we led the whole tournament for about 90 minutes. That is how long it took a couple groups to finish before we learned our fate. We came in one stroke out of second place to a ringer team from USNA. They could not qualify for the trophy as they did not have all grads on their team. The last group to come in was the USMA team that ran the tournament. I think their flat-belly competitors, not only could hit the ball a ton, but they also could not add well. They lapped the field by six strokes. So… we did quite well considering the age and skill factor… We finished on number 17, so we decided to play the 18th for fun and a drink. One of the tightwads on our squad finished with an eagle. Where was he over the last four hours?” The name of the tightwad was not shared by Bob. Dale Stovall sent a note to Bob concerning ALOs. Bob “…thought that some may be encouraged to participate in your states to help our politicians get some better candidates.” From Dale: “I have been an ALO for 3 years here in Montana. Our US Rep uses a board of mostly retired officers from all services to give appointments. While the two Senators let the Academy pick who will receive appointments, the Academy Admissions selection board (in my opinion) is putting too much weight on academics. So, the Senator appointments are all 4.0 GPA, number 1 in their class with high SATs. The Representative’s appointees tend to be great leaders and good students that have integrity and character, but not necessarily 4.0 with great SATs. I think the local board may give the Air Force better leaders over time. So, if you can get on a board, you can have an impact. I don’t think any of the GOs in our class were in the top 100. The one area where high grades are not the end all are for diversity students. I have been trying for 3 years to get a Native American from one of the 13 tribes in Montana to compete. I finally have one who will be attending Summer Seminar this year. His father spent 4 years in the Air Force and is in favor of him leaving the area. It is unusual in Indian culture where there is a strong sense of family and tribe and moving away is not supported. I have 7 cadets who are all doing well and I have two appointees this year. One of them didn’t make it last year when he was #1 in his class, 4.0 and good SATs. He spent a year in college and pumped up his SATs and got a Senator appointment. The other is a young lady who had a 3.7 GPA and OK SATs (who) was running student organizations at both high school and state level while working. She got the Rep’s board appointment.” Thanks Dale – maybe that info will inspire some of our guys to step up to an ALO job. From Ted McAdam: “…In early Spring, my wife and I were in the UAE visiting our son who is a lawyer for an international aerospace company

with headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The three of us spent three LUXURIOUS days at The Banyan Tree Resort Al Wadi in the Emerit of Ras Al Khaima. While there we were able to hold a gyrfalcon, the same species as our Falcon mascot…” Ted sent a pic of the McAdams and Jim and Lu Durbin near Mt. Charleston, just west of Las Vegas. Here’s the status of our class gift from our last reunion: “…the carillons are mounted. We’re finishing final electrical this afternoon. System tuning with the Verdin reps and (the) Services CC will receive the training …” Our reunion activities will include the formal dedication of the carillons. Well done, ’67. I recently had the opportunity – along with Gil Mook, Chuck Heflebower, Pete & Debbi Milne, Cindy & Jim Shaw, and Greg Bailey with his wife, Margie, and daughter Megan -- to attend an Academy Summit, sponsored by the AOG and the Endowment.

From left are Gil, Larry, Chuck, Greg, Pete and Jim. Activities included a tour of athletic facilities; breakout presentations on the USAFA Unmanned Aerial Systems program and the Center for Character & Leadership; a series of briefings from Academy senior staff; visit to BCT in Jack’s Valley with lunch with the doolies; and a reception at the home of the Superintendant. The new Holaday Athletic Facility – sort of an indoor football stadium without the spectator stands -- was built entirely with private donations through the Endowment. In a word: WOW. Lotta memories evoked and a lotta very impressive programs and facilities. A shameless plug: if you are not yet a member of the Sabre Society, or otherwise contributing financially to the Academy’s success – maybe it is time to rethink your financial priorities. Whatever success we have had in life is in some part attributable to lessons we learned at the Academy. That’s it, folks – I’ve reached my allotment of words & pics. Go to the Academy website and register for the reunion. See you there. Vaya con Dios! Tim Davidson 9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094 Phone: (703) 255-5313 Mobile: (703) 772-6052 E-mail: timdav1968@verizon.net Class Website: www.usafa68.org

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HELLO ’68! Attention in the area! Third Call for ’68’s 45th Reunion in 2013! We have not established exact dates yet, but you can anticipate our muster occurring sometime between mid-September and the end of October, depending on the USAFA football schedule. Please leave sufficient flexibility in your travel schedules to join your fellow ’68ers in the upcoming revelry. CONTACT INFO NEEDED: To assist in communicating with you, please send me your current e-mail address and any other contact information you wish to share with your classmates. Many have changed service pro-

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200. Ted and Diane McAdam and Jim and Lu Durbin on a woodsy.

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viders or are no longer affiliated with former employers. Consequently, outdated addresses and phone numbers are no longer functional. Please help!

’68’s Newest Newlywed AIN’T LOVE GRAND?! In past columns I have featured classmates with the most children or grandchildren, etc. In this installment of “All My Classmates,” a photo has been kindly provided by Bill Hoge, who now reins supreme as our Class’ newest newlywed. The photo above shows Bill and his lovely bride, Crys, with five grandchildren on their April 21, 2012 wedding day. Our heartiest congrats to Bill and Crys! 2012 EAST COAST REUNION: Ed and Karen Eberhart provided the venue, food and beverages as they hosted our Class’ 44th East Coast Mini-Reunion. Classmates from as far away as Florida, North Carolina and Sabre Society Texas made the trek to Northern Virginia to celebrate Donors our special bond. Those in attendance were Scott Bohner, Charlie Coolidge, Bill Drennan, Al Dunkerley, Al Dyer, Bob Durham, Ed Eberhart, John Gonda, Bob Johnston, Ron Kerchner, Vern McGraw, Dennis McLain, Tom O’Beirne, Bob Pauli, David Prevost, Lew Reed, Jim Seevers, Charlie Seifert, Roger Sorensen, Mike Wagner, Glenn Zauber, their spouses, significant others and your Scribe. Tidbits from a mélange of conversations included Al Dyer’s somewhat tumultuous term of office on the Board of Education for his local school district in Maryland; best Medicare providers; when one should begin to receive Social Security benefits; who was still working and who was not; golf; the Washington Nationals and maybe a smidgen about politics. SPRING COLUMN CONNECTS CLASSMATES & SONS: In the small world department, after reading ’68’s spring column in Checkpoints our classmate, Bill “Willie” Brant, noted Charlie Coolidge’s son, Brad, was stationed at Tinker flying AWACS. Bill’s son is an AWACS squadron commander at Tinker and asked his son, Dan, whether he knew Brad. As fate would have it, Dan not only knows Brad, but has him serving as Dan’s squadron’s assistant operations officer. A pretty cool coincidence when you think about it! (Cue Twilight Zone music!)

Kozak’s Get Down and Dirty for Veterans. From left in the front row are Tori and Jamie Kozak (Dave’s granddaughters). Back Row: Dave Kozak; friend of family, Jen; Amy Kozak (Dave’s son’s wife); and David Kozak (Dave’s son). ’68ER & FAMILY TEST METTLE IN GREEN BERET FASHION: Dave Kozak (formerly Dellwardt), provided me with a great update on what he does for fun in “retirement.” Dave writes, “On May 5th, my son and his fam-

ily and their friend, Jen, invited me to join them in the first annual Spartan Race at Fort Carson. Spartan Race is a business that tours the country to raise money for veterans’ homes and “Kidfit,” and supports local charities, as appropriate. For this race, we were supporting Fort Carson’s Green Beret Foundation, which assists disabled Special Forces personnel upon their return from combat. My training at sea level made little difference for the five-mile race which included 30 obstacles! As you might imagine ‘Grunts love mud!’ The toughest stretch included 300 yards of crawling in the mud under barbed wire while carrying an M-16. The feeling as I passed the finish line was comparable to the last time I had afterburners strapped to my butt! My athletic shirt was modified to include ‘68’ on the front and back to honor our 67 classmates who are gone—especially Ian Duncan and Art Moxon. I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment so much that I signed up for next year’s race.” Dave, I suggest you link up with fellow “mudder” Jeff Parrish for your next effort. (See Summer 2011 article and photo on Scribe Page of Class Website.)

My Two Sons! From left are Colonel Bob Pavelko, USAF; Colonel Bob Pavelko, USAF (Retired)--our classmate; and Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Pavelko, USMC. O-6 PROMOTION ABOARD OLD IRONSIDES: I had a great piece of family news from Bob Pavelko. In his June 1st letter Bob writes, “Jane and I just returned to Arlington, Texas after visiting my sons in Boston. We were there over May 1st to help promote my oldest son, Bob, to colonel. He just completed a year as a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s JFK School of Government. General Tad Oelstrom, Director of the Program, even attended the ceremony! My son Bob apparently knows somebody who knows somebody, because he arranged to have the promotion ceremony on the USS Constitution. As you look at the photo, aren’t you amazed that I can still fit into my uniform?! I know I am!! Newly minted Colonel Bob Pavelko just reported in to Patrick AFB as the Vice Commander of the 45th Space Wing. My youngest son, Jeff, is a USMC lieutenant colonel and recently moved from Camp Lejeune to Pensacola, where he is the Executive Officer of Squadron HT-28 of Flying Training Air Wing Five. Jeff is slated to command the squadron in the near future. I couldn’t be prouder of my sons.” THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: The wildfires that swept through Colorado this summer had a traumatic impact on the faculty, staff and cadets at our alma mater. An e-mail I received from the Dean, Brigadier General Dana Born, included photos of how close the Waldo Canyon Fire came to damaging Pine and Douglas Valleys and the campus itself. I am thankful that the fire did not destroy what we all hold so sacred. While the fire was contained before it reached the Academy, it completely consumed our classmate Rhip Worrell’s house, along with all of his belongings. As you find some spare moments, please give Rhip a shout via e-mail and/or phone to let him know he is being upheld by his classmates and friends. Rhip’s e-mail address is rowland.worrell@mdnt.com and his mobile number is 571-215-7358. I also heard from Dale Oderman, who had an unexpected quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery near the end of June. The event and need for the surgery was very shocking to Vera and him, because he had none of the traditional risk factors associated with heart disease. In an effort to help others with lessons learned from his experience, Dale has written an article titled “My Heart Disease Story” that may be found on our Class Website under Bulletins. Please pray for Dale’s complete recovery. 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 our Class Website to see photos included in this column in full size by clicking on Scribe’s Page. Ciao for now. Tim

Visit the AOG Web Site. Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org 109

Class News Lindsey Parris 616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 836-3604 102177.1033@compuserve.com

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Hoping this finds you in a fine Indian Summer, tracking a year of Falcon success on the gridiron and other fields of friendly strife, and in finest fettle. Too many pictures of note this month, and too little space to show them all. Off we go, then, with apologies. For those of you who were unaware, the Class has a Facebook group site for those who want to post photos or chat. With 49 current members, it is a ‘closed’ group, meaning the names of all applicants are checked against our Polaris before membership is granted, and applicants can be challenged with specific questions before approval. Once you join Facebook, search for the “USAF Academy class of 1969” group. Please contact Bob Toews, who lives in Alexandria, by email at bob@compucall.net if you want to use an alias or discuss security precautions (privacy settings that restrict access to personal info, and avoiding loading apps and games that ask permission to access personal info). Bob and I had lunch in June, and he is still using his software wizardry for matters professional and personal. Thanks to Bob for honchoing this Facebook site for the Class. Sabre Society Donors If any of you find yourself driving through South Carolina and note an AFA license plate, please know that SC State Senator Mike Rose spearheaded the bill that authorized it. Mike is up for elections in primaries and then hopefully in November, and I am sure he would appreciate your support. On 2 June, Rocky Van Zelfden, with help from Tommy Solomon and H. Ownby, organized a BBQ mini-reunion at the OV-10 Bronco Museum on the grounds of Fort Worth’s Meacham field for the ’69er contingent from Texas and any others that could make it. Rocky’s industriousness brought in several ’69ers from other states: Joe Hasek, el medico supremo, having relocated within Mississippi, came over for the festivities; from Oklahoma came Roc Bottomly -- remember him!--who leads a ministry, has a son serving as a major in the US Marines, and is still blessed with the sunny disposition and winning smile you all remember (which still makes you think he knows something you don’t). Also attending was Jack Howle, who leads a group of some 15 lawyers for the State of South Carolina, and who none of us had seen since he departed USAFA for Wofford College in 1967. Steve Edelman and I were also there, and thank the Texas contingent for the brief time accorded to discuss and Q&A the Class Gift. Surrounded by FAC aircraft, including an OV-10 with tail number flown by both H. and Darrell Whitcomb in SEAsia, all were reminded of what we were all about at one time in our lives. Big kudos to Rocky for taking the lead to make this happen and to H. for arranging the poignant trappings of our younger days. The picture was taken after many had departed or because photog Anne Solomon couldn’t herd the cats, so attending but not pictured are Dave Dupre, Joe Hasek, Roy “Bubba” Parker, Wade and Jane Morrison, Sharon Robinson, Charlie and Karen Weinart, Roc and Beverly Bottomly, Arnie Bauer, and Gary “Lucky” and Barbara Lindner

Fort Worth Mini-Reunion. Seated Row: Rocky Van Zelfden, Lucille and Phil Del Vecchio, Fran and Bill Haney. 2nd Row: Steve Edelman, Tom Solomon, Lindsey Parris, Ron McCracken, Rich Grandjean, Charlene Stephenson, Mike Howe, Jack Howle, Dick Moore, and King S Robinson. Back Row: Dick Downes, Ron Holder, Blair Stephenson, Jim Hewitt, Jim Orgeron, and H Ownby. Blair “BY” Stephenson filled me in on his May bike ride to benefit the campaign against multiple sclerosis, 150 miles of peddling in the Texas heat. Riding especially in behalf of four personal friends afflicted with MS, Blair raised over $2600 in the cause, and some’69ers, including Terry 110

Balven, Chris Hope, Rocky Van Zelfden, Gary Howe, and Denny Topper, contributed generously to support Blair and help combat this crippling disease. Other ’69ers rallied for the annual Tour de Colorado, though there were two groups (the larger one with accommodations in a shared RV that shadowed the trip). Many of the usual suspects participated, stalwarts like Rick Olafson, Dennis Ryll, Jim Downey, Herb Schoen, Flip Keck, John Buckner, and Steve Kirby. The views on this trip were spectacular, as the pictures attest, and according to the participants, ’twas one of the more demanding rides in TdC memory. Think about Vail Pass and Rabbit Ears near Steamboat Springs and you have an idea. Apparently, the route was sufficiently demanding that it attracted pro cyclist and Tour de France hopeful Vincenzo Nibali of Team Liquigas-Cannondale; Nibali must have been scouting this guy named “Ryll!”

Tour de Colorado participants recharging batteries. Another mini-reunion, on the 4th of June in the form of a beer call that endured late into the evening (as tradition would dictate), was arranged by Gary Hoe at O’Neill’s Pub in Albuquerque, NM. Pictured are Roger Hartman (who is retiring from Sandia before year’s end, and looking so different, somehow, from his pix from Seagram’s Seven Reunions), Gary and Penny Hoe, Jack Tausch (consultant and business owner), Mike and Barbara DeWitte (VP of a construction firm), Kit Busching (contract IP for Boeing on the 787), Barbara Hartman, and Rich Metts.

43rd Graduation Anniversary Beer Call Celebration in Albuquerque. Bob and Sharyn Materna live in Kennesaw, GA (the only town in America, according to Bob, where everyone is required to own a gun…low crime rate, rare 911 calls, non-bloated public sector), and he is a tenured Professor of Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide, on a team building ERAU’s own Center for Aviation & Aerospace Leadership, and heads the Embry-Riddle Industry Advisory Board. 17th Squadron alums may remember Sharyn as their Squadron Sweetheart back in the day. Also on the Board is Mike Goode (still a senior exec with NetJets), so Bob and Mike find themselves at meetings together, to some of which Mike is said to rock a pink-hued polo shirt to offset all the dark suits.

Bob and Mike add gravitas on Embry-Riddle’s Industry Advisory Board.

John Banbury writes from Mercer Island, WA that, having retired from Boeing in ’06, he continues his work with Mitsubishi on its regional jet program, which takes him to Nagoya, Japan each month. John and Eva spend up to a month of each summer near Munich, Eva’s home, and in Southern France. This past 4th of July, they visited with Bob and Vibeke Bell at their lovely home in St. Pantaleon near Gordes, site of previous ’69er get-togethers as recounted in these pages. Bob continues to represent the US in his ambassadorial role with NATO, and lives full-time in Brussels, with excursions to Peter Mayle country as often as his duties permit. On 6 July, ’69ers Ron Love, Dave Astle, Tom Allen, John Graham, Darrel Whitcomb, and Jim Storey gathered in Arlington Nat’l Cemetery to join with Jane White, family and dear friends, to say good-bye to another departed classmate, Roy White, beloved husband and father, fellow veteran, and friend. Deepest condolences to Jane and his family on behalf of the entire Class. To Roy: too soon gone, as you touch the face of God, we mark your final flight with a tearful hand salute!

Godspeed, Roy White! The Class officers have appointed Tom Fleming as its first “Senator.” The Senate forum is designed to provide an additional communications link from the Classes to the AOG. Tom participated in his first forum call in July, and offered some interesting insights on the discussion, much of which gravitated around the honor code, a summary of which would be too long to include here. Contact Tom at Tom.Fleming@att.net for feedback. Great thanks to all for your generous support of the Class Gift—the Cadet Wing Honor Board Room in the Center for Character and Leadership Development. New and additional contributions continue to arrive, and the donations formerly at the AOG have now been transferred and consolidated under the auspices of the Endowment. CCLD contract finalization and ground-breaking are projected for the fall, and several of us have assembled a matching fund challenge to take close the gap of some $200K that we are still short. By the time you read this, you should have received an update letter that details the matching challenge. As before, please don’t hesitate to write or call David Wagner or me, or any of the four class VPs (Terry Brady, Les Dyer, Steve Edelman, and Mike Goode) with any questions or issues. The need is great, the challenge is important, and the time is now. Let’s make this happen. Until next time, Lindsey Dick Rauschkolb 130 Luxur y Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 761-5764 Cell: (719) 310-6928 Email: AOG70@comcast.net Richard Rauschkolb@usafa.edu

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Greetings classmates! It is the end of July and I am sure most of you suffered through a very hot summer. I felt sorry (a little bit) for the Doolies in Jacks Valley as we reached record highs. Speaking of record highs, I have logged a few of those on the links in what has been a disastrous summer! As you all know, Colorado Springs was hit hard with a devastating forest fire the end of June. Marilyn and I were returning from an event downtown the evening of 26 June. As we looked to the west while driving along I-25, it looked like a war zone with the fires raging over the foothills and houses going up in flames. Jim Breckwald and 32, 000 residents on the west side of COS had Sabre Society to evacuate their homes. They also evacuated the housDonors ing areas on the Academy. Check out my Facebook site for some horrific pictures. Tragically, Les Hamblin lost his home to the inferno. By the time you read this football season should be in full swing and hopefully we will have a winning record and victory over Navy. The Falcons kick off against Navy at 0930. That is cruel and unusual punishment, but speaks loudly to the money that controls college football these days.

Shortly after the June 2012 issue of Checkpoints hit your mailboxes, I received a call from Jack Norman who wanted to correct the record with regard to the donation to the organization, Construction for Change responsible for the school construction in Cambodia. Jack had forwarded the information and pictures submitted by classmate Tony Tosti for inclusion in the magazine. And I mistakenly gave credit to Jack. It was Tony who had taken the initiative to send money to the organization and provided for the plaque commemorating Dick Christy and “Bud” Hargrove, as pictured on the last page of the June issue of Checkpoints. Mega-kudos Tony! Our Prep School classmate Dave Sabey recently made a large donation to purchase a replica of the SEA Map in our pavilion for The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Dave plans to have a special plaque honoring Dick Christy, his former roommate, teammate (wrestling), and good friend. Many thanks Dave! I also had the pleasure of also honoring Dick when Terry and Janet Sylvester asked me to present the Outstanding Wrestling Award which is given in honor of Dick. The USAFA Endowment hosted an Academy Summit last week. It was a great time. Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker gave a motivational talk to a few “old” guys.

Heisman Trophy Winner and Runner-Ups! From left are Roger Hill, BJ Bjorklund, Herschel Walker, the Phantom, and Vic Bradford. John and Sue Verardo celebrated the anniversary of their meeting 45 years ago! Jim Bechtel and I were matchmakers as we hooked them up on the ZI Field Trip when we were in Spokane. Greg Woodhead and Oker O’Connor had a few Pisco Sours in honor of our 42nd Graduation Anniversary on 3 June. Brian O’Connor got to hear some war stories from the “old” days. Wild Wood Woodhead, Doug Norton, Chuck Grey, Ken Greene and spouses hooked up at Wood’s beach house in Delaware at the end of July. Wish I had been there so we could have replicated some antics we used to do in CS-15 that are better left in the basement of the ’70 archives. Ken said he is retiring in October to enjoy the fruits of Patti’s labors. Have been watching the Olympics which caused me to remember our classmate Bob Nieman participated in the Olympics in the Pentathlon. Dana and Linda Arbaugh were in town and gathered some hearty classmates for a bike ride down Pikes Peak. I wonder if I could light my Marlboros at 14,000 feet.

Tour-de-Class of ’70! From left are Jim Brechwald, Linda Arbaugh, Gary Finley, Dana Arbaugh, and Bill Rathbun. Went to the cemetery on Memorial Day to pay respects to fallen classmates and friends. Always very sad to remember the good times we had

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Class News with these classmates and the graduates we shared a special bond with. Joe Boyles sent me a picture (doesn’t meet Checkpoints resolution standards) of Steve Berta and him flying to a fire support base near Bien Hoa on 3rd Lieutenant. Five years later Steve and Joe were at Bentwaters when Steve crashed on a CAS mission. As Joe said, “We lost a good one.” As you know, Steve graduated #1 in our class. On Memorial Day, BJ Bjorklund participated in the Carry the Load fund-raising event to remember our fallen warriors. BJ carried his backpack and hiked 35 miles in honor of our fallen 1970 classmates. BJ said, “Thanks again to all our classmates who helped to sponsor me.” Thank you BJ! Proceeds go to help wounded vets of Iran and Afghanistan through the Hero’s on the Water Program, a program started by USAFA grad Jim Dolan.

to join them to lessen the impact of any “bug-outs.” Cass Casada was one of the people who returned to a pile of ashes, but his lawn actually didn’t look that bad. Being the person he is, Cass is already looking forward to the fall seasons for the Falcons. The coming autumn should be interesting in lots of ways, but I intend to focus on the Falcons, with a young team and an “old” quarterback; and the Broncos, with a young team and an old quarterback. Dan DeDona was honored in June as the Pennsylvania Pilot of the Year from Angel Flight’s Mid-Atlantic area. As an Angel Flight pilot, he volunteers to transport patients to and from specialized medical care. Unlike many of us, Dan didn’t earn his wings on active duty, but got his license after he retired, and now uses his hobby to get people to the treatment they need. One facet to Angel Flight that I didn’t know about is that the pilots donate their time, skills and equipment. Gene Kraay keeps himself occupied as a novelist and a blogger. His most recent novel, “Dying While InSabre Society toxicated” is available in print and on line. “Tobit and the Donors Hoodoo Man”, which has been available for a while, is a Biblical story transplanted to the Civil War south. The emphasis is not so much on story as in narrative and voice, and it grew on me. There is a movie deal on his first novel “in development,” which, as some of you know from personal experience, seems to be Hollywood-speak for “Here’s money for the privilege of doing nothing with your work.” As for the blog, its intention is “to create a better world with better people”, and has sections exploring mind, body and spirit. Geno’s inspiration for “The Vitruvian Man” comes from his Greek ancestors and Da Vinci’s famous drawing showing perfect harmony coming from the proportions of the human body. Check it out sometime, and, if you are intrigued by what you read, subscribe to get updates. I only know of one other blogger in the class, Bob Peterman, and my uncertain memory is that he only did it while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Fred Strauss has joined the ranks of retirees – American Airlines won’t be quite the same without you, evidently. His retirement speech was short and to the point while still being a class act. Frank Morgan passed along the following photo: “On April 14th, several classes got together to honor Coach Jim Keating, the varsity lacrosse coach at the zoo from ’68-’74. We had Coach for all four of our years there, and our senior year, he took us to the first ever NCAA Lacrosse Tournament... we lost to Maryland, the eventual National Champion, but we don’t need to go there! No other Academy team has been to the NCAAs since, and the ‘71 team still holds the record for the most consecutive wins (19). We made the presentation to the Coach at halftime of the varsity lacrosse game against Fairfield that day. “

BJ and daughter Kim honor fallen classmates. On the great news front, an anonymous donor contributed $240K which will allow us to start working on the interior of the SEA Pavilion! As I mentioned in my last article, we have big plans for the interior and have hired the company Post Modern to do the design work for the project. Post Modern has won numerous awards including an Emmy and has done similar projects. By the time you read this, you should have received a letter requesting pictures, stories, film, etc of your SEA experience. On behalf of the class, the Class Gift Committee (Mike Torreano, Gary Dahlin, Tooey Emery, and your scribe) extends our deep appreciation to the donor! While this donation allows us to do a lot of work on the interior, we view the SEA Pavilion as an ongoing, living memorial to graduate accomplishments during the Vietnam era. Thus, the information will be continually updated as we receive and research additional information. We also want to establish a web site which will allow us to capture almost all of the information we receive. As you might expect, everything can not be included in the Pavilion. We also need to redo the face of our other Class gift, the replica of the War Memorial at Doolittle Hall. It is in serious disrepair and there are numerous mistakes on it. Bottom line, we would like to encourage you to continue to donate to the Class of 1970 Gift Fund so we can accomplish the above goals. Send your checks to the USAFA Endowment. Tony Marietta sent me a nice email mentioning all the ’70 men who had contacted him after Sarah passed away. Tony said, “Please thank all of the ’70 guys, their wives and families for their support. It really has meant the world to Val and me.” Tony encouraged people to look at Sarah Marietta’s Facebook page to learn more about bipolar affliction. Thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and Pam Kirkman. Pam is going through cancer treatments after a ten-year remission. On a sad note, Mike Cannon passed away. Our deep condolences to Sandra and family. Hope you are having a great fall! Arriba Falcones Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80915 H: (719) 570-9162 E-mail: pk71knott@gmail.com

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Last June, the eyes of the nation were focused on the Colorado Springs area because of a very nasty blaze that started near the Cave of the Winds one day and then flashed over the mountain to Northwest Colorado Springs, causing thousands of people to become temporary refugees; most have houses to return to, while others are rebuilding. Even the corner of the Academy reservation was touched. I hope that you took the time, either as cadets or during Reunions, to visit the Flying W Ranch, because memories will have to sustain you for the near future. Cadets at the summer programs whose families live in the local area were encouraged

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From left are Mike Faraone, Danny Ulmer, Coach Keating, Frank Morgan, George Houle, Ed Mcllhaney (’74), and Ray Niemiec. If you live in the Colorado Springs area, you really need to check out the local Falcon AOG chapter’s annual picnic. This year, Rick and Billie Broome opened their acreage for a Sunday afternoon of food and fellowship. Rick is an accomplished artist and an Academy booster of the highest caliber. A visit to his studio is always worth the price of admission – in this case, some food for the potluck. In what may be a first, the superintendent, Lt Gen Gould, and his bride spent some time with us. Although the chapter’s membership has mainly come from the elder classes, there were some folks there from the ’90s and even younger. Our newest member is from the class of 2010. Cass Casada seemed to be enjoying himself, and my granddaughter saw geese and deer, so her day was complete. Sean Riley sent the following info: “We were all at a Pilots for Kids charity golf tournament held in Dallas. Budge Wilson works in SWA’s ASAP program, Charlie Brown and I are retired, Sonny Childress is still flying for SWA, and Dave Brigman is still flying for AA, although he’s pretty sure he’ll retire July first.”

From social media: Dick Reynolds is now the CEO of the Air Force Museum Foundation Just a reminder—if you don’t vote, you give up your right to gripe! GBA

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Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

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Mike McNerney wherein he advises the class of his move to Washington, DC from Fort Worth, TX back in October 2010. After 18 months in the new digs, he was finally able to have his wife Jan join him in D.C. this July after renting out their house in Fort Worth. The actual reason for the initial move on his part was to take a position with the FAA as the assistant manager of the Airport Engineering Division where he is developing the FAA’s Airport GIS program. He is slowly helping the agency move from paper airport layout plans to digital geospatial data that will eventually get into cockpits. His office also prepares the standards for all airport designs and construction. Sabre Society Mike recently had knee replacement surgery (June Donors 18th) but his plan is to play golf at the reunion. He and

Class of ‘72 – your reunion is almost upon us! Thus this will be a quick, short newsletter before heading on down to C-Springs for what promises to be a great time. Greetings first come from Southlake, TX sent by Chuck Simpson via wife, Katie, the regular family correspondent. This message reported on the trip they took to Austin in April, for a reunion of some ’80s-era friends from the 496th Fighter Squadron (Hahn AB, Germany). It turned into a mini-’72 reunion when they ran into Bill Colwell and Chuck and Jane Greer. Bill is a judge with a lifetime appointment to the Department of Labor. He and Ginny are happily still settled in Virginia where Ginny is a school principal. Chuck and Jane are doing well as he continues his flying with Southwest, (known by members of other air carriers as the premier airline among those that are left in the industry….a little editorial aside by yours truly, one of those “other” airline persons).

Jan look forward to meeting other classmates in the D.C. area after he recovers from surgery. He had lunch last month with classmate and fellow civil engineer Dean Fox who is now CEO of Atkins North America. Last year, Mike received the Robert Horonjeff Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for his contributions to Air Transport Engineering. It is a national award, one for which he was nominated by his peers, and of which he is quite proud. Finally, Mike hopes that all 1st Squadron classmates will come to the 40th reunion and join in celebrating the life of classmate Stan Clarke. Wrapping up these email contributions, I’ll say that I hope to see every one of you guys in October, realizing that this column will be coming out at just about that same time. The NEXT one after this should have your reunion inputs which I so gladly welcome from any and all who wish to submit them. Until October, then, let us just plan on having a great time at what became the initial touchstone of our lives, where we will hopefully continue many fond memories of and among life-long friends. FPA.

Joe Kahoe 4140 Saddle Rock Road Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Cell: (719) 210-5568 joekahoe@gmail.com http://73.texascomputerhelp.com

From left are Bill Colwell, Katie & Chuck Simpson, and Chuck & Jane Greer. The Simpsons also make mention of the “Best in Blue” Facebook closed group for those ’72ers who are also on Facebook. Last count had the group at 147 members, but it is known that there are more classmates on Facebook who may not know about the group. Mush Brower is the administrator for the group and interested classmates just need to send a request to him -- https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/175929915751912/ and he will be able to approve it. Frank Pulis writes from Kyle, TX to send a photo of a couple of fellow doolie 19th Squadron mates -- Larry Sharrar and himself, taken on June 11th, 40 years and 4 days after our graduation. Larry had taught Frank how to ride a motorcycle in 1970 and they bought Kawasaki “250” dirt bikes in the Spring of 1972. They spent most weekends leading up to graduation exploring the dirt/gravel roads of El Paso and Teller counties. Forty years later found them exploring the Texas Hill Country, hence Luckenbach, TX.

Frank Pulis, at left, and Larry Sharrar. Finally and just under the wire for this deadline comes a message from

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All stories are severely clipped and many great photos could not be printed. For full stories and super pics, go to our class web site at: http:// usafa73.org. vr/Joe Kahoe, CS-07 On Aug 9th, the Class of ’73 held a dinner in honor of General Norty Schwartz and his lovely wife, Suzie, on the eve of his Transition Ceremony and AF Retirement.

SecDef Leon Panetta congratulates Gen. Norton Schwartz at his retirement. (USAF photo/Michael J. Pausic, http://1.usa.gov/NqlShd) Much more at our web site. From Mike Hay (CS-18): “Congrats to Norty … I oft drew comfort from knowing you were perfect for a tough job with some very tough events occurring on the globe and within USAF.” (web for photo of Mike’s #2 son’s graduation from UC Berkeley; B.A.-Integrative Biology). Dave Ellis generated an awesome Class of ‘73/CS-32 Newsletter (on website) for his fellow Roadrunners -- a great template for all our squadron reps to emulate. His goal is to pump up all to share info and attend next year’s 40th reunion. From his letter: Bill Drury is easing out of orthopedic medical practice in TN, and with Patty, is spending more time in WA state, where he sees Paul Taylor. Mike Reynolds and wife, Nancy, visited

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with Dave. Francisco (Frank) Sanchez (Patti) is splitting his time between Presbyterian Hospital and NM VA Medical Center. Bruce Adriance (Liz) is still giving J-Stars crews emergencies as a Sim instructor at W-R AFB and will be grandpa for 7th time. Other grads checking in are Jay Bottenus, Pat Jordan, Marty Quick, and Paul Taylor. Another awesome SQ newsletter (and great template for SQ reps) that has been around for many years is published by Tom Kennedy for the Grim Reapers (CS-31).

Andrew, Betty, TJ, Tom Kennedy and Michelle at TJ Kennedy’s commissioning at USCG Academy in May 2012. Tom and Betty attended wedding of Phil Yavorsky’s daughter, Susie, then headed to KC to visit Dan and Robin Connelly Dconnelly@kc.rr. com. Dan underwent cancer surgery and began photon radiation therapy, which will be followed by a year-long drug treatment. Dan and Robin would appreciate our thoughts and prayers. Follow progress and leave a note by logging onto Caring Bridge at www.caringbridge.org/visit/danielpconnelly. Tom Blasé, CS-19: Go to our web for a picture of a recent mini-reunion dinner of 19th SQ buds and spouses -- Veronica and Sam Grier, Beth and Tom (Bud) Blase and AJ Briding with Dave and Karen Brown. Sabre Society A ‘73 businessman makes good -- Merrick Selects Donors David G. Huelskamp as New President: Go to web for great article. Wisdom from Fil Thorn: Thank you for your prayers and concerns. You know, it is funny how I see others’ problems that seem to reduce my own to insignificance. I am doing great, back to original weight, back to original golf, with no signs of previous leukemia. All the best, Fil Flags at USAFA were lowered to half-staff on 18 May 12, in memory of Lt Col Douglas R. Dick, USAF, Ret, Class of 1973. Doug passed away on 7 May after a battle with cancer. Condolences may still be sent to his family: Mrs. Beverly Dick; 27782 Alfabia; Mission Viejo, CA 92692-1168 Monnie Gore: “Many of you know about the recent Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs. I am employed by El Paso County as Dep County Administrator and worked in the Emergency Operations Center and then ran the Disaster Recovery Center. Fire burned 18,000 acres and over 347 homes.” (Story on web.) Paul Guttman CS-15: Still working as a PM in Melbourne, FL for NG supporting UK E-3D Sentry AWACS fleet at RAF Waddington. Todd Lavigne, todd.lavigne@us.army.mil: New job in Cairo, Egypt. (Input from Egypt on web… great reading!) Alan Rotach amrlaw2@gmail.com: My wife and I had the honor and pleasure of attending a dinner at historic Quarters One, Fort McNair, Wash DC, home of the Chief, NGB, Gen Craig McKinley. Craig and Cheryl graciously hosted a dinner in honor of Norty & Suzie Schwartz. An awesome evening, one I will not soon forget, a rare opportunity to spend time with such distinguished Americans for such a deserving cause! (See photo.)

Jim Boyle jim_boyle@surewest.net: Go to our web for “a picture of my family & me at my oldest son Danny’s graduation from UC Davis in June.” Sean is a junior at UC Davis, and Ryan a freshman at Arizona State. Jim “Steamer” Boyle, CS-22 Orville Wright bruce.wright1@mac.com: Wrights are doing great. Still in Arlington, VA working for Lockheed and enjoying our neighborhood with many friends from all Services we have known and been stationed with over the years and around the world. Jaina (USAFA 2004) still at Lakenheath piloting Strike Eagles, and Jackie in Sydney Australia working for Harper Collins. Don Rightmyer: Sully has edited/compiled another book entitled Making a Difference. He also was given a gift from Jeppesen: A once in a lifetime Approach Chart that pays homage to a well done Professional Job! Micheal Smith: Finished mission in San Diego. … now VP for Corporate and Military Relations at Ashford University. Have three grandchildren, Elona-5, Tristan—2.5, and Kaiman—8/12. All live in CO but will visit frequently. Norty Schwartz made Fini-Flight in MC-130E Combat Talon I at Hurlburt Field, Fla. on July 12 and received ceremonial hose down from Suzie, friends, and colleagues. Steve Evans’ (CS-07) son’s got married weekend of 28 July and will be sending pics. Ken and Hermila Vargas donated $8000 to our Class of ’73 Gift Fund for NCLS!! … an awesome example for the rest of us “average wealth” people. Gift Committee consists of over 50 of us and if you have not yet been contacted, expect a call soon, and please open your wallets. We truly are making a difference in character development of our future leaders. (Pic on web).

“T” Thompson, Bruce Meyer, Bob Hooten, Norty Schwartz, Steve Lorenz, Vance Watt, and Rick West join together for a ‘ 73 mini-reunion at the Twin Cities Area AOG First Annual Founders Day Dinner, held Mar 31, 2012 at Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington, MN -- huge success with Norty as featured speaker. Colonel Steve Harman was laid to rest on 25 July at USAFA. Fellow ’73 grads in attendance included: Steve Lorenz, T Thompson, Trapper Carpenter, Dave Harmon, John Barry, Mike Edwards, Dave Ellis, Bob Munson, and ’73 grads from CS-07 included: Al Kinback, Glen Johnston, Tom Grayson, Dennis Rensel, Jay Jabour, Mark Coffman, Bob Manson, Stalker Reed, Joe & Debbie Kahoe, Dick Ulmer, Ted Munsch, and Mike Davenport. Among many others in attendance were Lt Gen (ret) Dick Reynolds (’71) and Col (ret) Bob & Sue Hood. (web for full story & pictures) Michael Griffith (CS-25) Correspondent, Beacon Newspapers interviewed Gen Norty Schwartz for the Eglin Flyer (on our web site).

Joe Brezovic 1209 Bayou Oaks Drive Friendswood, TX 77546 H: (281) 482-6860 E-mail: jbrezovic@comcast.net

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Hello Classmates around Earth. If you did not read through the June 2012 Checkpoints, I encourage you to go back and read the story of Charles Justiz and Dayna starting on page 58! Amazing story of our classmate. Congratulations Charles! Another connection with the June is a bit of a before and after. Last issue has a picture of General Don Hoffman in uniform. Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, USAFA 1973, presided over the ceremony. This is an eye-witness report of that event… the last member of the Class of ‘74 on active duty retired from his position as AFMC Commander at Wright-Patterson AFB, effective 30 June! Don was replaced by Janet Wolfenbarger, ‘80, who became the first female four-star general in the USAF at the change of command ceremony on 5 June. Don relinquished command precisely 38 years after he graduated from USAFA. Kel Coppock and Bob Morrow attended Don’s retirement dinner on 4 June. Kel and Don worked together

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on the Air Combat Command staff, and Bob was Don’s roommate during the spring semester of Doolie year. Don dressed as a farmer to prepare for his move back to a real farm in his home state of Wisconsin.

Life is better: From left are Kel Coppock, Don Hoffman, and Bob Morrow . Howie Chandler sent an email with pride to let us know of his adding to the long blue line! The smile says a lot! [A note with a comment that the son, Carl, did better than Howie ever dreamed of doing at USAFA.]

Gress, Ted Roth, Mike Braydich, Pete Gavares, and Neal and Pat Robinson a running account, prayer list, and offer for assistance were always available. I hope no one else we knew was hurt or suffered loss. Sad for all in those areas. Short clips: Dave and Charlene Hogland have moved to Henderson, Nevada. Moves are never easy, and he’s toughing it through! Joe Traficanti sent a news review. Around 2008, he became part of United Natural Foods, Inc. This company is “the largest distributor/producer of natural and organic foods in the US and Canada. For example, Whole Foods is a $3 billion customer (virtually everything in a WF store is from us) and we own about 95% of the market share serving the natural and organic stores in the country. So, I have become a “crunchie,” but it’s fun and it’s fun for all of us” to work with 34 distribution centers across US and Canada. Bill Pailes updated his info. Brenda and Bill are married now for 30 years! They have one child, Lacey, who is a member of Petra Ballet Company in Springfield, MO. Bill was in the space program only from 19831987, at which point I went back to HC-130s, this time in Special Ops (1988-1991). He retired in 1996 and served as Associate Pastor from 1996-1999. From there, he went into the fray as business consultant from 1999-2001. And from 2002 to the present, Bill serves in citizenship development as a high school JROTC instructor in Temple, Texas. He is lead instructor with 2 NCOs for 250 students grades 9 thru 12. Sabre Society New life in our own Brezovic family. Darlene and I Donors finally made it to the Grandparent’s club! Our son and daughter-in-law are proud parents to a newborn baby boy. The lad’s name is Joseph Ashford. Our son wanted to keep the tradition coming down from his Greatgreat-granddad’s time. They are living in Vandenberg AFB area: same area as our son was when he was born a number of years ago! They elected a midwife place in Santa Barbara. All are doing well, coming home 4 hours after birth! And we hope to continue doing well… The mechanical engineer son is working as a contractor with the THAAD systems. His wife, also a mechanical engineer, is with the United Launch Alliance for heavy lift into orbit programs. While there, we took a look around to some old places. Some of you may fondly remember Bernardo’s Ice Cream, will now find it under the name of Doc Burnstein in Arroyo Grande…AND, they just opened one in Orcutt. Also, those that may remember Jacks restaurant on Ocean Avenue in Lompoc is no longer in Lompoc, but now is also in Orcutt. They are about 40 yards from each other. There is a new Irish pub next to the Doc’s. Very nice interior, nice atmosphere, and is completed with a Leprechaun door! Mary Ellen’s a great breakfast place in Solvang is gone…but Paula’s taken the place. Base gym is down to two racquetball courts…and a few more trails have opened. I mention these facts in case any of you retirees in the west coast travel Highway 1, or Hwy 101, and want to hold over at the VOQ—both it and the club are still very nice. For those in the Houston, Texas, area, there is an AOG meeting monthly on Fridays. This is hosted by USAFA ’69 grad, Thomas D. Solomon. He has hosted this for a large number of years. The venue includes guest speakers, ‘job advertisements’, game get-togethers for all services and guests. Give me an email notice of your intent. The class of 1974 still has classmates serving in their Air Force uniform. By next issue, I hope to provide a list of who is where doing what. I know of three. I think there’s one in civil air patrol? Dave Daley, from his sources, sent me career notes. Would those of you still serving [or know of] in some capacity while wearing the Air Force uniform please email me? Thank you!!

New 2Lt Carl with parents Gen (Ret) Howie and Eva-Marie Chandler. Meanwhile, on the other side of the stadium, two other parents were rejoicing. I am sure the stories of yesteryear encouraged the family’s cadet to make it through. Here is a candid Puzak picture, possibly taken by either Hobie or Kelly (brother and sister) of their sister with their proud parents.

New 2Lt Stephanie with parents Nick and JoAnne Puzak. My old roommate was able to go through graduation ceremonies again! Nick and I had met occasionally during his space safety tasks here at Johnson Space Center for the Hubble flights. ’Tis great to have a visitor from Colorado Springs. Now the world can see better into the universe. Just an unsung hero doing his work. Pukak family -- Great time to rejoice for onward and upward. . Congratulations! Regarding the Colorado Springs fire and encroachment to the Academy, and home areas: Many classmates have been writing back and forth in that area informing what streets are closed off, what homes are going or gone. It warmed my heart to see the classmates link up to encourage and support. Larry Strang’s Mom was evacuated but her house one-mile down from the inferno was unscathed. Rich & Sherri Haynie were evacuated from Rockrimmon, and I do not know how they fared. I understand that Dino Schweitzer had sold his house in that area a month before the fire. From the notes between Larry Strang, Phil Irish, Steve Sterne, Steve

Jeff Chappell 14729 Birken St. Herriman, UT 84096 (801) 878-HOWDY jtmjbda@sbcglobal.net

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THE NEXT GENERATION. Larry Bryant: Garret (#3 son), graduated from USAFA following his two older brothers into the Air Force. Since Philip (#1 son) was still at Kadena, where his wife had just had our 4th grandchild, we made a “flat daddy” to replace him at the pin-on ceremony. The flat daddy was a surprise to Garret and got quite a laugh from the crowd. Our son Philip and Marc Hallada’s son Josh (’02) received Silver Stars at Randolph AFB from Gen Ed Rice (’78) for a combat rescue in Afghanistan last year. Link to video and story from a San Antonio station: http://www.woai.com/ news/local/story/Childhood-friends-awarded-Silver-Star-for=combat/ 1CPgiZmoeUGdYimrb6biow.cspx and USAF web site: http://www.af.mil/ news/story.asp?id=123309880. (A fine tribute to these young men and their parents and others who made them Who They Are!)

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Class News John MacDonnell misses the periodic email updates, but understands our President’s new priorities in life. Many of us probably expected life to get less busy by this time in our lives, and some have made that dream come true. Beyond these quarterly articles, ZoomieNation, and 75bestalive.org, is anyone inclined to do something more frequent and detailed? If so, let the Scribe or Jim Carlson know and let’s see what develops. MINI-REUNION: Bill Murray reports on Joe May’s daughter’s wedding in Allen, TX crashed by five Best Alive representatives: This little deal was arranged by Charlie Simmons; at the last minute Joe couldn’t come because his son’s (Major, USMC) Iraq report date was moved up. Jack (Sally) Barton lives in Mississippi and flies for FedEx; Walt (Penny) Burns runs his own company, Blue Force, near Langley; Charlie (Sherry) Simmons is a CEO in oil and gas in Texas; Billy Stephan flies for SWA; and I’m (Judy) instructing 757/767 for AA. Larry and Philip Bryant, Gen Rice, Josh and Marc Hallada. Doug Miller: Allison and I were very proud to attend our son’s graduation at Fighter Weapons School. He is Captain Ryan D. Miller (’03), F-16 pilot currently stationed at Shaw AFB. I was surprised that I could still shoehorn myself into my Mess Dress. We live in Hot Springs, AR and invite any classmates traveling through to stop and visit or spend a night or two. FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN! Duane Jones: The wildfires, terrible as they were, brought classmates together in ways we didn’t expect. When Jan and I evacuated, Debbi and Bentley Rayburn gave us a place to store some irreplaceable during the week we were out of our house. Mary and Mark Volcheff live two blocks away and were also evacuated. Mike Rosebush gave refuge to his brother’s family (‘72) who live about a half mile from us as well. Sabre Society It was a crazy time. Now we’re back in our home and Donors thankful that we sustained no damage. Unfortunately, Rex Hoey lost a house; fortunately not the one he is living in. Scary nonetheless. The fire melted steel “I” beams, melted glass in houses and cars parked in the street. The COS FedEx ramp manager told me that police and firemen were running for their lives. LAST MAN STANDING? Chuck Schmitz finished his Afghanistan tour and looks forward to retiring from the Ohio ANG on 29 Dec. His may be the last combat tour by a classmate -- any other nominations? NEW BEGINNINGS. Ralph Paul may have been the Last Man Standing in another way: “On 25 May I got married -- first time for both of us! Don and Donna Lewis came all the way from Germany, where he is currently serving after volunteering to return to active duty as part of the Retired Rated Officer Recall Program. Mike and Susan Ruth flew in from Missouri to attend and supplied a couple of Academy sabers for pictures after the ceremony.”

Bill Murray, Jack Barton, Walt Burns, Billy Stephan, Charlie Simmons Check ZN for a picture of John and Nance Kearns in their restored cadet Porsche 914 -- the car makes them look 37 years younger! Closing plug from Chris Glaeser: I saw your note on ZoomieNation and noted we have 430 classmates signed up -- perhaps you could have squadron contacts push for more members -- I will do an inventory of Stalag 17 and see if I can get a few more signed up. Just a thought, as “its later than you think!” And a plug from the Scribe: I still receive many “bounced” emails when I send notifications, so please update your address (thank you, Billy) or do so on ZN. The deadlines for these articles are usually the third Monday of January, April, July, and October. The toughest part of this Scribe gig is deciding which three of the many deserving pictures to include in the printed article. So if yours is not here, please be assured they will be on the websites, and this is no reflection on anyone’s character or ancestry. Until next quarter...see you around the campus!

Dan Beatty 12196 Stanley Canyon Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 488-1962 C: (719) 338-0276 E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com

Mike Ruth, Loretta and Ralph Paul, Don Lewis Kent Traylor and Jim Burling reported on Bruce Fritsche’s engagement to Diane Turner (Jon ’75) and they will be married over the Labor Day Weekend at the Broadmoor. Several classmates held an engagement party for them on 15 July. Mike Buckley retired from Alaska Airlines in September 2011 with 27.5 years of service. “It was a great ride, but it was finally time to move on the other things. Now my goals are to get my golf handicap lower, and my bike miles and volunteer time higher.” FORWARD, MARCH! David Beeman reports: “The drill & ceremonies training got me a job! Just got back from serving as Parade Marshal for the California delegation in the annual Lions Clubs International Convention Parade. This year it convened and paraded in Busan (no longer Pusan - well, okay, Gimhae airport is still PUS), South Korea. I hope there were no movies of us: California looked more like a group of tourists on a stroll, but we had a great time. Largest international convention the Lions Club has ever had, and largest ordinary convention (not counting the ’88 Olympics) Korea has ever had, so it was a pretty big deal.”

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Fellow ’76ers, The recent fires in C-Springs were dynamic. I know that Kevin Chilton, Win Macklin, Randy Muncy were evacuated. They did not lose homes, but a few did have some minor exterior and, in at least one case, some significant interior smoke damage. Mike Gould and USAFA staff superbly handled housing evacuations and Class of 2016 inprocessing. The video link below gives an intense perspective of the fire from start on Saturday, 23 Jun, thru the most intense conflagration on Tuesday, 26 Jun, and on into the next few days. Pay particular attention to the Tuesday afternoon and evening segments. Over 32,000 people were ordered to evacuate on 26 Jun from western Colorado Springs communities and USAFA housing areas. The Sabre Society fire destroyed 346 homes and at its height threatened Donors almost 20,000 residences and businesses. http://www. youtub.com/watch?v=ZBA7eHY022k&feature=player _embedded.Commo check: If you have not received an email from me in the past 3-6 months, I do not have a current email address for you. Please send home and work email addresses to me at whrlybrd76@aol.com. Sad News: Lothar Deil died 01 Aug 12 in San Antonio from cancer and will be buried 17 Aug at USAFA. Please keep Carole and family in your thoughts and prayers.

Moving up/moving on: Mark Welsh confirmed as the next CSAF. Kevin ‘Chili’ Chilton inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Ben “Boats” Bartlett retired 30 June; no word on future plans yet. Congrats to Mark, Chili, and Boats! General Class Stuff: Tremendous input this go classmates; thanks! Had had to severely edit most of them, but did my best to acknowledge all of you who sent me an input. Apologies to Dave Berg; I omitted his input in my last article. Dave’s now retired and also had his 1st grandchild, Lylah Grace Miller on 29 Dec 11. Jeff Larsen also became 1st time grandpa 12 Jun. Ben Thornson is 2nd time grandpa 25 May. Mark Slown to be grandpa in December. Wade McRoberts sent a photo from AFA CAF Airpower Symposium in May. Wade was moderator and introduced Mark Welsh.

Tony Przybyslawski, Mike Hoyes, Joe Shirey, Mark Welsh, Jack Catton, Dave Clary, Wade McRoberts Lee Cuevas took 1st with his ’86 Porsche 944 in a Cinco De Mayo show. Jeff & Connnie Becker doing well in Georgia. 10-year-old Hannah still thinks boys are “yucky”. Truman “Tru” Hedding flying 737s in Las Vegas for government contractor. Mike Walsh did Mongolian BBQ with Mike Fricano at the Hickam Club in March. Greg Boomgaard visited in May; I was able to show him my helo. Jim Vincze also visited and we shared a brew and a few stories at a local pub. Dave Terifay and Willie Palms double-crewed a FedEx 777 from Memphis to Narita to Shanghai and back. Bob Livingston retired from the Maine ANG and now will focus on his real job replacing hips/knees, arthroscopy, and fixing broken bones in Brunswick, ME. John Dunstan sent a long note mentioning Kim Weber, BCT night nav team class brother Doug Knox, and 4 fellow United/Continental bubbas: Steve Dundore, Jon Subik, Ray Brunelle, Brian Meenan. Tom & Candy Appoloni will drive French countryside in September. Rich Mintz asked for help to contact Gary Scoggins. Jim Porter commented on Marv VanEvery’s article in the last Checkpoints and says he, Marv, Win Macklin, Wade McRoberts, Jim Vincze, Bob Woods, and Joe Wysocki are signed up to be at the Michigan game. Gary Montgomery &

Bob Bush, Doug Clark, Jeff Walters, Bryon Dogen, Randy Elson, Arnie Romar, and Tom Aubrey circa fall 1973 the morning of their T-33 ride.

Jeff Larsen golfed together recently. TS Kelso completed a couple of major Colorado cycling rides. Bill Clifford attended USAFA Donor’s Forum, saw Joe Wysocki and Fernando Burgos. Doug Fry had a nice visit from his 2000 grad daughter and family. Al Patriquin saw Bill Wiley at JFK. Al also played the USAFA Alumni soccer game again this year. John Rivera saw Calvin Simmons in Buenos Aries and was visited by Greg Schneider. He also visited with Don Nerge in California in July. Ed Morley visited Corleone, Sicily. Manny Lopez flying for US Airways, talked to Bob Dobson and Bud Nevers recently. Bob Bush back on flight status with a new aorta. Sent a photo of himself, Doug Clark, Jeff Walters, Bryon Dogen, Randy Elson, Arnie Romar, and Tom Aubrey circa fall 1973 the morning of T-33 ride. I reconnected with 30th Sq classmate Rich & Kaylene Kohl recently. Rich was off flying but Kaylene was able to join Martha & I, Bob & Pam Mansfield, and John & Darlene Mashl at a recent SkySox baseball game.

Back row: Bob Mansfield, Beatty, Darlene & John Mashl. Front row: Pam Mansfield, Martha Beatty, Kaylene Kohl Wade “McBob” McRoberts sent a reminder and Way Moy, Ed Gallagher, Bob Gold (who mentioned BCT roomie Jimmy Greenwalt), and Ray Tyc wrote a few memories from our cadet days in honor of 40 years since we entered USAFA. Doug Waddelow, Steve Hogan, and Bruce Nelson sent an email updates. Lucky Dunn, Scott Gough, and Warnie Meisetschleager report nothing to report. Kevin Leinbach, Mike Beauchamp, Luckey Dunn, Gary Kyle, Richey Felder, Ray Fortner, Joe Birchman, Gary Butdorf, Val Vollunga, Denny Shupe, Ben Thornson and Dan Price all sent notes about Mark Welsh as new CSAF. Denny Damiens, Chris Curry, Ed Morley, Steve Berger, Pat Obrien, Joe Wysocki, Willie Shelton, and my Dirty 30 squadron mates Greg Boomgaard, Mike Ellen sent notes or kindly checked on local ’76ers during the fire. Greg info’d Geoff Lawrence on his notes. Thanks classmates! Bill Clifford and Bob Bucher called and generously offered their Colorado homes for any classmate needing them. That’s THE SPIRIT! Mike Ponzani will ride in Peletonia, a grassroots bike tour to raise money for cancer research. His wife, Teri, died last year from cancer. Funds raised go directly to Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Mike’s profile is at the following link: http://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=112919.Finally, my apologies to Howard “Dallas” Thompson and the local ’76ers who attended his retirement here in C-Springs. I thought I had good photos but cannot find them in my files. Since I do not want to miss my deadline, I will find or recapture them and include them in my next article. Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. I spent a few days in Florida recently to meet my new grand daughter, born 06 Jul. 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

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Class News John “Lou” Michels, Jr. 4107 Harvey Ave. Western Springs, IL 60558 (312) 463-3412 jmichels@lbbslaw.com loumichels55@gmail.com

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As you read this, our 35th reunion is fast approaching on October 27. I am hoping that everyone within the sound (?) of my words is planning on going – Dan Jarka (Pam) and a host of others on the reunion committee are doing a bang up job of pulling things together. Plus, we get to relive a little of high school and watch a Friday night football game, which I hope the Falcons will play at a decidedly higher level than high school. Guys With Jets: Fred Swartz (Carmel) sent me this terrific picture of his reconditioned T 33 T-Bird.

Orientation Flights – $5? He’s on the wing next to his son Corey, Class of 2013. Fred plans on having the jet out in the area for the reunion, and I am sure many of us would be happy to relive Stardust Memories. I wonder if the brass would hire him for regular fly-bys at the noon meal formations? Fred found the aircraft, a former NASA test bed, neglected on an aircraft parking ramp in Wilmington, North Carolina. He salvaged it to its present, gorgeous condition, and is working to resurrect a second T-33 for more fly-by opportunities. I suspect that all of us are slightly green with envy at this point – well done, Fred. Yet Another Scribe Screw Up: Several of you graciously and expeditiously (as in, someone was giving away gold to the person who reached me first with the news of my incompetence) pointed out that I neglected to mention Colonel and Law Department Head Paul Pirog (Mary) in my list of active duty classmates. This is particularly embarrassing for your humble narrator, since Paul tolerates my presence at least once a semester in front of his negotiating and law classes. In addition, Rex Williams (Linda) is still on active duty as a wing chaplain at Eglin. Rex notes that the class’s other active duty chaplain, Jim Glass (Susan), had a 16-year break in active service and is about 5 service years behind Rex’s 11-year break. Rex estimates that he and Jim will both hit the 62-year age limit in August 2017, if they don’t come to their senses before that. Sabre Society We’ll be 62 years old in 2017? Yikes! Donors Thanks Rex, and you and Paul and the rest of our blue suit contingent can hit me up for a drink in October. Smart People: As soon as I mentioned Grady Booch’s (Jan) name in one column, he pops up in the next. This time it is for receiving the BCS Lovelace Medal for his significant contribution to the advancement of information systems, specifically his innovative work in software architecture, software engineering and collaborative environments. Grady’s job title is listed as Chief Scientist for IBM Research, although I have a distinct impression he’s diversified considerably since he took on that role. Congratulations Grady, well done. And to those of you who thought this medal was somehow related to the pornographic film industry, shame on you. John Visser (Anne) sent me a short note about his recent visit to the Zoo. John received an award from the Supe as the “Retired ALO of the Nation” for his efforts, make that for his continuing efforts, as a liaison officer supporting Academy admissions. Pretty nice. He ran into Vince Sharp at the Visitor’s Center – Vince works for an Army contract operation out of Ft. Sam Houston, but apparently gets back often to restock his USAFA swag.

Vince Sharp and John Visser As you can see, unlike some of us in Chicago, John still fits into his uniform very well. Thank You for Smoking: Dan Jarka had a ringside seat to the Waldo Canyon fire that burned right up to the doorstep of the Academy before being brought under control. Dan had been working inside his building and happened to look out the window to see a pillar of smoke and fire moving down the mountains and into the Springs. He then learned that his office was in a mandatory evacuation zone, which is not the preferred way to get out of work early. Fortunately, everything came off well for him, but he provided frequent updates and photos on Facebook so that the rest of us could vicariously participate. Rick Pialet (Rennell) also had a front porch seat to the fire from his place in Monument. That was still too close for comfort; I know there was a preliminary evacuation order for the area north of the Academy. Rick has been designated as the 20th Squadron point of contact for the reunion and has established a Tough Twenty Trolls Facebook page – all you trolls, feel free to go trolling over there. Rick’s oldest just turned 25, and his daughter is a junior in nursing school in Colorado Springs. Thanks for the update, Rick. Mailbox/Miscellany: Rick Rasmussen (Kandi) dropped me a note from their place in Utah. He has bumped into a number of people over the last year, so here it goes. JR Richardson came to Raz’s son’s wedding this summer, Raz reports that JR looks great and has a 5-year-old daughter. Yes, you read that correctly. Raz bumped into Steve Schwalbe (Ingrid) as they were headed out to the Zoo for a college tour. Raz noted that Steve looks good and hoped the young lady would choose USAFA because she is “scary smart.” Raz kept a running conversation going with Jeff Stringham (Lynn) when the Waldo fire was going great guns – Jeff lives near the burn area and is now fully retired from American. As for Raz, he retired from federal employment about 4 years ago and is now administering the Salt Lake City Civilian Review Board for police conduct cases. He will start doing the same thing for the city of Fresno this fall and says it is interesting work. I’ll bet. Mike Weinstein (Bonnie) just became a father in law again – his daughter married a 2010 grad recently. Mike continues his efforts on behalf of his Military Religious Freedom Foundation – his latest book is out, the foundation is up for a Nobel Peace Prize again, and he is a regular on the topic in The Washington Post, The Guardian and Stars and Stripes. I’ve also been hearing a lot from my former squadron and roommate, Pat Burke (Denise), who now resides in the Republic of Texas, and is in the process of finishing his PhD dissertation. In addition to writing code, Pat is something of a songster, as this picture below demonstrates:

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Pat on guitar with aspiring grandchild. Pat has been heading up the CS-16 reunion effort, and I’m indebted to him for taking the laboring oar. Thanks for the many updates, Patrick, and we’ll see you guys shortly.

Off Watch: Since this will be the last communication before the reunion, I want to encourage everyone, again, to attend if possible. I am getting a lot of good vibes from a number of classmates who are very anxious to make this a big deal. Let’s not disappoint them. Check out our Facebook page and this time I mean it when I say, “Be seeing you.” Bob Kay 40411 Tesoro Lane Palmdale, CA 93551 Home:(661) 274-2201 Work: (661) 824-6426 Email: Robert.kay78@gmail.com

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Greetings ’78ers… Back at you for the Summer edition…hope all of you guys are well. It has been a most busy three months since the last article and I have lots of great info this quarter. First off, the new ’78 Web Site address is http://usafa78-is-great.org/ index.html. Cliff Huff continues to do a tremendous amount of work on it so in anticipation of the 35th next year, please take a look from time to time. My thanks for Cliff for his willingness to keep it updated. As I write this today (30 Jun…last day of course) I am proud to report that the new AF Reserve Command boss is none other than our own JJ Jackson! JJ has been very busy the past few years and is even on military leave from Southwest. He’s not sure how much longer he can hang on but guessing it will be at least a couple of years. Since his change of command was today, hopefully I’ll have a picture or two next quarter as his exec agreed to send a couple. Congrats JJ! By the way, his deputy is Craig Gourley who I believe is a Delta pilot. Craig has been steadily climbSabre Society Donors ing the AFRC ranks for several years. And…JJ’s Mobilization Assistant is another ’78er, Rich Shook! Rich lives in the Virginia area during his day job (works with Dave McFaddin) and sent a nice note/picture of Dick Newton’s retirement back in April. Dick retired as the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff back in April with Gen Schwartz, the Chief of Staff, presiding…not a bad way to go out the door! After the ceremony, there was a nice luncheon with several ‘78ers attending both events. Shown from left are Doug Raaberg (BD at Northrop Grumman), SES Bo Marlin (working for Larry James as his Tech Adviser for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capabilities and Integration), Rich, Maj Gen (Ret)/SES Johnny Weida (Deputy Director, Operational Planning, Policy and Strategy working for Hawk Carlisle in A3/5 until Hawk takes over PACAF), Dick, Bill Chambers (staying busy still as the A10 on the Air Staff), Rob Worley, and Lynn Hollerbach (contractor in SAF/AQ). Larry James attended both events but had to get back to work before the picture was taken. Finally, Steve Goldfein and Kip Self attended the ceremony but couldn’t make the luncheon. Rich noted that: “Dick’s ceremony and luncheon were awesome! Gen Schwartz presided. The audience included several distinguished Airmen -- many four-stars plus senior government civilian leaders and retired GOs, many of whom are currently employed by the defense industry.” Well done Dick…thanks for your many years of faithful service.

Hope, Bob and Mark at Bob’s Retirement. Speaking of distinguished classmate achievements, Jeff Kindshuh was recently inducted into the American Academy of Fellows of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Class of 2012. I looked this up and it is a very big deal in the DoD engineering community. Jeff was selected “for his many years of dedicated service to SAME and to the military engineering profession.” The award was presented to Jeff by Paul Parker, SES (Director of Communications, Installations and Mission Support, AFMC HQ at Wright-Pat), and Rear Admiral Christopher Mossey, SAME President. Pictured are Mr. Parker (SAME Vice President), Jeff and RADM Mossey. Well done Jeff!

Dick Newton’s Retirement Ceremony Another distinguished classmate retired in June and that was Bob McMahon. Bob hung it up as the two-star commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia. He got a nice surprise by his roommate Mark Rodriguez, from 2nd and 3rd class year being able to attend. Here is a great shot of Bob’s bride, Hope, Bob and Mark after the ceremony. Thanks to you as well Bob for all you accomplished over the years for the Nation and the AF.

Also heard from Gordy Curphy about his latest goings on. Gordy mentioned that he became a grandfather in June, his son is north of the Arctic Circle doing a 600-mile canoe trip, his daughter just got back from Europe, and his German foreign exchange student is arriving in three weeks (whew!). Being quite the busy author, Gordy just published his 16th book on leadership! He went on to say: “The book is intended for practitioners and team facilitators, is a quick read, and includes detailed instructions for 15 different activities to improve team functioning and performance. I credit the Academy for piquing my initial interest in leadership. But never in a thousand years would I have predicted a dumb hockey player from Northern Minnesota would have been the most prolific writer in our class. Given that many of these are textbooks used across all the service academies, I can also claim credit for putting more cadets to sleep than anyone in our class too.” There was a nice review of the book at the website: http://www.scptcp.org/2012/07/365/. Phil Horace is enjoying life: “I retired in ‘03 as the IG for NORAD/US Space Command and US Northern Command (colonel) then in ‘06 jumped into Civil Service where I am the civilian Operations Career Field Team Chief for all operators in the USAF. Last week I just got back to the US following a wonderful 3 1/2 weeks in Australia attending my nephew’s wedding. I am married to a former RAAF officer named Ros who speaks funny. I watch my kids play sports mostly (baseball, football, basketball and tennis). We live in John Newcombe estates and Country Club in New Braunfels Texas. Want to float the rivers, listen to music in Gruene, eat BBQ or just drink beer? I am your go-to-guy.” He concluded with” Life is generally good.” Well said Phil, and many thanks for keeping us posted. Well gents, that’s going to do it for this installment. I actually have more news and pictures but could not make the restriction so will carry over to next quarter’s installment—great dilemma to have! Many thanks as always for all the great news. May you all have a blessed fall. God Bless. ‘78 is Great!

Visit the AOG Web Site. Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org 119

Class News John Pardo 1843 Miller Drive DuPont, WA 98327 H: (253) 507-4889 C: (781) 439-2036 Pardo_john@hotmail.com

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Greetings once again from the great Northwest. While most of you are trying to survive triple-digit temps, we are trying to break 70 degrees on a regular basis! Thanks to the numerous contributors, my hardest job once again is getting this thing to 1200 words…that’s a great problem to have. Unfortunately, I start with the sad news of the passing of two of our classmates (see “Gone But Not Forgotten”). Chuck Jones (Lynette) and Jeff “Scott” Larsh both succumbed to cancer. Also, troubling news from Rojo Herrera (Debbie) whose son is hospitalized with serious injuries suffered in Afghanistan from an IED. Additionally, Greg “Smitty” Smith (Cheryl) wrote that Dave Ortiz (Evelia), whose son was also serving in Afghanistan, sustained serious injuries during a combat mission in his Kiowa OH-58. CW2 David D. Ortiz survived a crash with multiple injuries, the most problematic to his spinal cord. Sabre Society He is currently at Walter Reed. The plan is to transfer him Donors to San Antonio for continued rehabilitation. Lowell Tenpas (Leny) sent lots of news from Ohio, including a little known fact that the only three USAFA grads ever are now his sons Jared (‘06) and Daniel (‘12) and of course Lowell. Lowell notes that he is equally proud of his daughter Hannah, who graduated early from Ohio State and is now teaching with Teach for America in San Jose, CA. Lowell retired at W-PAFB after 25 years, the last 17 as a JAG and then became a Certified Financial Planner. However, after a 7-year foray into the world of financial planning, he’ll be returning to the legal profession filling a civilian attorney position with the Procurement Fraud division of the AFMC Law Office. Also received a great update from Bob “Bubba” Edmonds (Ann) who had the honor and privilege to come “full circle” to Columbus AFB where he graduated from UPT to pin wings on his son Greg and be the guest speaker at the SUPT graduation. Also, as part of the trip, he was lucky enough to get a T-38 formation flight, with a couple of guys who used to work for him. Additionally, Bubba wanted to clarify that he and Ann have two San Vito restaurants; one in Centreville and the main one in Burke. Jeff “Jammer” Moore (Bandit-292) (Patti) writes that he and Mike “Rolls” Roller (Bandit-453) recently attended the Stealth Fighter Association 30th reunion in San Diego. First time contributor Mike Maher (Patti) provided a great update that included the wedding of their son James to Betsy DeJong on June 30th in Wisconsin. Mike and Patti’s granddaughter Bridget was the flower girl. Bridget (age 11), a soccer and softball player, and her brother Sean (age 12), an Xbox Xpert, live with Mike and Patti in Brookfield, IL. Mike works near O’Hare at the FAA Great Lakes Regional Office in Des Plaines, as the Aircraft Certification Specialist. Patti is recently retired from the 434th ARW at Grissom and works for The Robert Bosch Corporation in Broadview. Mike invites any ’79ers visiting the Chicago area to call. Tom Quasney (Judith) sent a short blurb to let us know he is now the National Counterintelligence Officer (NCIO) for Africa in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Additionally, John “JR” Dallas (Daren) sent a very recent picture of him and Korky von Kessel (Kaye) preparing to tee it up on the number one hole at USAFA’s blue course. I couldn’t include the photo but you “get the picture.” Steve Deaux (Rebecca) also sent a picture that included Grant “Opie” Bruckmeier when they flew an out and back to Orlando recently. They

were UPT classmates at Columbus AFB. They now fly for FedEx, along with several other classmates including Delane Clark (Elise), Bruce Gebhard (Dianne), Jerry Masonis (Deborah), Mitch Davitte (Donna), Leo Lundy (Mary), John Wagner (Chris), Walt Pate, Steve Looney (Megan), Scott Jensen (Deborah), John Bingamin (Tami), Ron Horton (Alison) and Keith Davis (Kathi). Denny Hugo’s (Leanne) big news took place in Ohio at the pinning on ceremony for Lieutenant General Andy Busch (Tomi) who is AFMC’s new Vice Commander. Six former members of 9th Squadron had the honor of pinning on Andy’s stars. Lance Beam (Jamie) flew in from Phoenix and is still flying for Southwest. PJ Miller and his wife, Michele, flew his private plane in from Phoenix where he is a very successful (obviously) landscape contractor. Pat Swanson (Maureen) flew in from Houston where he is a financial portfolio manager and research analyst. Kent Gilliland (Regina) drove up from Huntsville, AL while he is on medical leave from Delta. Steve Newbold (Sabine) flew in from Virginia where he is working for GE. Denny is still a Captain for Southwest and lives in Crested Butte in the summer and just outside of Phoenix the rest of the year. He also owns a whitewater-raft manufacturing company, Rocky Mountain Rafts. If anyone is into rafting, give him a call and he’ll give you the “classmate deal” on a raft or set of cataraft tubes.

Jeff McChesney (Diann) writes that he just started a new job as the CEO/Executive Finance and CEO/Dalio Family Office at Bridgewater Associates. Bridgewater Associates is the largest Hedge Fund Manager in the world, and Jeff works directly for Ray Dalio, the owner and founder. Ray is #44 on the Forbes 400 in America. Jeff heard that Mark Stearns (Darcy) will be opening his Chick-fil-A restaurant in Bolingbrook, IL soon. Received a huge chunk of information from our Class Rep in the Class Advisory Senate (CAS), Randy Helms (Donna). Unfortunately, in its entirety, it would have consumed two-thirds of this article, so here is the Executive Summary. The CAS has helped bring the AOG and the Endowment together. The AOG concentrates on cadets and graduate support while the Endowment concentrates on giving. Because of the recent fires the venue for in-processing was changed from Doolittle Hall to the Field House. Consideration has been given to doing this again in the future but the AOG is opposed for multiple reasons. Randy recommends supporting the AOG. The annual goal for the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) of $9 million has almost been reached and construction should start by October. For the upcoming AOG election the Nominating Committee will consider all nominations received before 1 October 2012 with at least 25 endorsements from other AOG members. Voting runs from 1 February to 3 March. Randy believes the Class of ’79 needs a Rep on the Board of Directors, so we need to support our candidate if we have one. Contact Randy about any of these issues at mhelms1979@comcast. net. Randy added that he recently saw Ed Wilson (Marie) when he flew the new Boeing 787 into DC in May. Randy is still at NDU. Lieutenant General Burton Field (Lisa) handed over the reins of US Forces Japan and 5th Air Force to move up and become the Air Staff’s lead for operations, plans, and requirements issues. I know there is lots more GO news but I have run out of room so I’ll leave it to Bud Vasquez (Molly) to fill in the holes. Reach him at bud.vazquez@raytheon.com.

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”

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There were many of you doing fun, exciting, meaningful, transforming things this summer! What a hoot to report on this, so here goes . . . .

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Post-Olympics. We have a classmate that was part of the Olympics. Jeff Mielke jotted a quick note: “I’m heading to London with the USOC on the 20th [of July]. There for 26 days. Should be interesting.” Jeff was/is part of the USOC staff with the development team. Moving Up/On. From AF Times: “Maj. Gen. Noel T. Jones has been nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and to become Vice Commander of USAFE. He is currently Director of Operational Capability Requirements for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements at the Pentagon.” Sue Desjardins’ July promotion-to-civilian ceremony was at Offutt AFB. Bob Allardice presided. Others surrounding her for this wonderful milestone included MJ (Van Valkenburg) Kellenbence, Gail (Benjamin) Colvin, Mary Daley, and Andrea (Bopp) Andersen. AF Mag reports the Senate has confirmed Paul Selva for his fourth star. He’s been the Vice at PACAF. Paul and Ricki (Smith) are heading back to Scott AFB, Sabre Society where he’ll assume command of AMC. Donors NJASAP, the NetJets union, released, “The Executive Board selected Capt. Peggy [Dennis] Carnahan to lead the Negotiating Committee based on her strong leadership and organizational skills. During her 20year career in the U.S. Air Force, Carnahan served as a flying squadron commander and deputy operations group commander. Additionally, she spent three years as an action officer at the Pentagon. As an NJASAP volunteer, she has demonstrated strong team-building skills and the ability and determination to see difficult projects through to a successful completion. As chair of this critical committee, NJASAP Leadership will make full use of her skill set as she guides a team of talented, experienced volunteers through the negotiating process.” Besides the work at their cattle ranch, in what time remains, Peggy teaches Leadership in Warfare for the ACSC online masters program. She also attends promotion ceremonies, such as the recent one for Janet (Libby) Wolfenbarger.

Post-receiving line: Keith Otsuka, Janet and husband/Wolf, Diane Langmade, Chris Reasner, John Green, and Peggy. There at the Start. Ed Herlik says, “I went waaaaaay out of my way to take a picture for you this afternoon. This is me at the Zoo helping with BCT ethics lessons. The Center for Character and Leadership Development (one of our class’ gift fund beneficiaries) brings in grad volunteers to help small groups of basics understand our character culture with ‘war stories’. I’m still busy running my little technology and market forecasting company. I also have a new patent on a UAV that can spend years on-station above the jet stream with a related patent still pending. But, needing a windmill to joust as usual, I also created a non-profit entity called Spirit

of 1787. It’s chartered to unscrew the mess in DC through amendments to the US Constitution. OK, OK, quit laughing beer through your nose and take a look at http://LimitCongress.US. I expect you’ll be surprised at the plan and the fact that it could work. And yes, I’d certainly like to hear from classmates who want to help.” New Wings. Sue (Henke) and Steve Laushine’s son Andrew just got his wings. There was a very good Facebook photo of them at a static display H-60 at the ceremony, but FB photos don’t typically have the required resolution (at least 300x300 dpi) for this publication, so I couldn’t include it here. (That’s a hint for everyone—please send me high-resolution photos and blurbs directly.) You may remember our Mike Opatowsky is instrumental in a local Adopt a Soldier program. Mike’s group has expanded to now sponsor, along with his brother-the-eye-surgeon’s entire office, 15 flightline folks at Bagram AB. The photo he sent has nothing to do with the program, but it does have an aerospace vehicle in it, so that’s good, too! “I attended the debut demonstration of the Eurocopter advanced concept helicopter called the X3 (X-cubed). This took place at the headquarters of American Eurocopter in Grand Prairie, Texas. The vehicle is based on the EC155 airframe, the same basic foundation for the USCG HH-65, with 70% common components. This among other things will keep the production cost lower than an all-new design. This aircraft features wings and tractor props that are in sync with the main rotor. There is no tail rotor. The forward directed engines feature wooden props so that in the event of breakage they splinter but by report will not enter the cabin. The design is apparently of some interest to the USCG given its similarity to the HH65 with measurably greater performance parameters to include considerably greater speed and climb capabilities. Before you get too impressed by the fact that I was personally received and escorted by the firm’s #1 man, I should point out that he lives four doors down and we are good friends. Our wives first met while walking dogs in the neighborhood and I can remember after she met [the CEO’s wife], she told me that her husband was ‘into helicopters or something like that.’”

Mike with his new toy. They must be giving him way too much time at the Secret Service (and Rox must be generous with kitchen passes), but in July, George Ryan “passed my FAA checkride, and am now a licensed private pilot. The club Cessna 172 is nothing like what my ’80 brothers and sisters have flown in the defense of the nation, and what many continue to fly, but it does get me up into my little spot of the sky, where I can ‘. . . slip the surly bonds of Earth . . . put out my hand, and touch the face of God.’” He wrote to us at the time the new crop was reporting to the Zoo and added, “I still remember that day vividly! Best decision I ever made. What a group of classmates we have! Still proud as ever to be part of the Class of 1980.” Ditto from here. Until next time—and please stay in touch, my friends. Don Rich Trentman 11102 Asbee St. Falcon, CO 80831-8170 Home: (719) 494-8438 Work: (719) 234-0754 Cell: (719) 640-9586 rtrentman@usafa-grads.com Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Ed mentoring Basics.

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Another late night article (I’m getting too old for this). Over the past 10+ years, I am about 50/50 on starting our articles a few days out versus doing them the night before they are due to the AOG. Maybe it is the lingering thrill of doing term papers at USAFA the night before or it could simply be that life goes by too fast. I really intended to get this done early. It has been a very tough Summer for Colorado with so many fires and the shooting

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Class News in Denver. Cadets spend much more time on the grounds as compared to our era for Summer programs. ESET (the modern SERE) is held completely on USAFA property. Of course, BCT is still the same with first BCT in the cadet area and second BCT in Jack’s Valley. Class News: My wife watches a lot of the shows where people look for homes (Househunters). She told me an Academy grad was on the show she was watching. I walk in to see and see Mike Keltz (CS-12) and his wife, Donna, looking for a final, post-Air Force home in Destin, FL. Mike looked great (Donna too) and the beautiful townhome they chose looked awesome! Mike is currently the A5 in PACOM at Camp HM Smith, HI. Leona Flores also saw the show and kindly emailed to give me the scoop! My newest, well one of my newest methods to get some cheap news from classmates is to send out Happy Birthday messages via Zoomienation. Occasionally, I get responses. This round I heard from Dan Bell. Dan’s youngest, Bobby, graduated from USAFA in May, so Dan had two from the good school (USAFA) and one go to a lesser school (USNA). Way to go, Dan! Ken Hasegawa is in the Los Angeles area and thoroughly enjoys being near family. Ken promised a current LA-area ’81 picture in an upcoming edition. Sabre Society Oh, Ken was another in my birthday plot for this quarDonors ter. Also, Candy (Painter) Hammond celebrated her birthday. Candy is back at Honeywell working in sales. I also stumbled upon some military news in my email that Lt Gen Sam Angellela took over command of US Forces Japan and 5th AF. Congrats, Sammie! Class VP Randy Worrall helped me out with some news in my last minute (research) aka desperation. He ran into Steve Kale in Atlanta. Steve is a Delta pilot and was recovering from a second hip replacement, although Randy assured me that Steve is now faster and stronger – bionic? A few of my fellow Rebeleveners also threw me some last minute updates. Scott Land has recently become a government civilian in the Commanders Action Group at STRATCOM (Offutt AFB). Scott said he just got his son settled in Los Angeles to work his way into eventual film director stardom. We’ll all be looking forward to his first big blockbuster! Scott said he almost stopped in Colorado Springs on the way back from California, but it was at the peak of the Waldo Canyon fire here. Maura (Burke) Wingard just passed that she was enjoying the comfortable 106-degree temperatures outside of Dallas. I told her that we had to grab sweatshirts yesterday in the early evening…brrr. (Chilly here at 7260’) Ken Smith’s son Mychal is at McCord AFB to start C-17 crew chief training with a great follow-on to Hickam AFB. His other son, Grant (USNA ’06), finished his P-3 tour and is now back at Pensacola NAS flying T-6s. Amy Russell ran into Sean and Carlee (’82) Bishop in Rome on a layover. Sean is with Delta and Amy is with United flying 777s. Sheldon Dennis had lunch with the always affable Ned Rudd in St Louis. Nedd is still with Boeing.

Annette, Amy, and Autumn Abraham at Amy’s Graduation. Annette Abraham, wife of our late classmate, Robert (Bob) Abraham (CS-12), sent in a great picture of her daughters. Amy (’12) graduated in May and is headed to AFIT to work on her Masters in Electrical Engineering with a follow-on assignment to the National Reconnaissance Office in Washington, DC. Bob would be very proud! Also, Mark Benson sent in another great picture of his son, Capt Carl Benson (ROTC), 1Lt Michael Masiello (’10), and MajGen Tom Masiello at their sons’ UPT graduation. Their sons graduated from UPT together in June. Tom was the graduation speaker. Carl is off to fly C-130Hs in the guard at Charleston, WV and Mike is going to fly C-130Js at Dyess AFB, TX. Mark is a Captain with Southwest out of Orlando. He lives in Gainesville and says he has a runway in his backyard! Tom is the Director, Special Programs for the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics at the Pentagon.

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Col (ret) Mark Benson, Capt Carl Benson, 1Lt Michael Masiello (’10), MajGen Tom Masiello A humble note of pride for your scribe as my third son achieved the rank of Eagle Scout completing a three for three sweep with all of my sons doing the same. Certainly, I am thankful that Marty France’s house narrowly avoided any damage from the Waldo Canyon fire. I close out another miracle article (#43) at the last minute. Football season is just around the corner and will be underway when you read this article. There are several Friday night games this season. Take note of the new AOG website design and now Checkpoints is online. I have not heard anything with regard to the start of our class gift from the reunion committee. I humbly thank you for your continued support, emails, pictures, and calls!! A special thank you to CS-11 for some last minute news. Go AF!

Jim Ratti 2860 Arbor Pointe Drive Middletown, OH 45042 (937) 760-2333 rattijm@mindspring.com

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Greetings Redtags! As I write this, it’s about two and a half months until the reunion, and planning is proceeding apace. We’ve got the venue, the menu choices are set, Tom Sylvester has a world-class band lined up, and many of us are making travel plans. It should be a great time, and I look forward to seeing all of you there. Some Texas Redtags got into the reunion spirit a bit early and held a pre-30th get-together at Dan Rein’s vacation home on 2 June 2012. Kay Grosinske was kind enough to send a picture of the gang, along with some news updates.

’82 Redtags’ Pre-30th Warm-up Party From front to back, left to right: Front Row: Linda (Reinwald) Bailey, 2nd Row: Mike Maher, Bob Weller, Dan Rein, 3rd Row: Jim Pillar, Kay Grosinske, Bob Otto, Maggie Pelszynski, Back Row: DJ Bauch, Brian Korb, and Mike Honsinger. Kay passed along some “fun facts.” Bob and Maggie are still on active duty -- Bob as Commander of the AFISR Agency and Maggie as Chief of Pediatric Oncology at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). Mike Maher and Jim Pillar live across the street and four houses down from each other -- and had never recognized each other! Bob Weller’s wife, Tess, owned a well-known Christmas shop right outside Friendship Gate at Clark AB (Philippines), and Jim and Bob both remember buying things from her before Bob stole her away. Maggie and Jim’s sons are in the same Boy Scout Troop (and they DID know each oth-

er!). Linda’s oldest son plays with the Tennessee Titans, and another son graduated from West Point. Maggie’s son is a junior at USAFA. Dan, Jim, Maggie and Karl Klause (not attending) all attend 10 o’clock Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma. Kay said it really was a really lovely day, that they all had a lot of fun, and that they plan to get together again in the future. I learned that Glenn James is also a San Antonio resident. He retired there in 2002, did some consulting work at Lackland, then landed a Dean’s slot at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio in 2005. In June of this year, he became the Director of Assessment there, and is planning to stay for the long haul. Sabre Society Donors While it’s been a light quarter news-wise, I received word of several retirements and reassignments. Maj Gen Sharon (Greiman) Dunbar is staying in DC but will move from the Pentagon to Andrews to take over as the Commander, Air Force District of Washington. Craig Olson earned a promotion to Maj Gen and is headed to the newly formed Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom to be the Program Executive Officer, Command, Control and Communications Information and Networks. Brig Gen Bob Ranck (Deputy Director, Programs, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs at the Pentagon) will be retiring sometime this fall. Col Dave Pistilli was the air attaché in Morocco up until his retirement back in May, and has now taken up residence in Vermont. Col Al Lowry retired and moved to Mt. Pleasant, SC, near Charleston.

Bri-Man is using his GI Bill to be a full-time student at Rutgers, working on yet another master’s degree. He’s even toying with the idea of putting it to use and going back to work someday. Mark “The Viking” Vahala emailed from Seoul (en route to Hong Kong) to say he’s still roamin’ the globe in his 777 with FedEx (and even did some training recently with fellow Bohican Brian Cumming). Mark’s daughter Danielle will be in pre-med (and the womens’ gymnastics team) at Temple U in Philly this fall.

The Vahalas Like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, Billy Horn sounds like someone who should’ve been a hero of the Alamo, so it’s fitting he now makes his home in San Antonio, where his margarita crafting skills have been finely honed and tested on fellow Texans Dave Filippini, Norm Pallister, and Foster Sinclair (who’s flying for SWA out of Houston). Billy’s daughter Jennifer graduated from CS-21 in May and is now at UPT. Every time I fly Alaska I look for Glenn Allton, so it was nice to hear he’s been retired from the airline for 6 years now. All that suspicious peering into the cockpit was for naught. Oh, well – Glenn reports he’s now a retirement planner, representing a securities firm here in Southern California. His twin daughters, Jenna and Kristin (weren’t those the Bush twins?), graduated from Sabre Society Donors high school as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, and will be attending ASU and NYU this fall. I’ve heard Delta is the second-largest employer of grads after the AF itself. Mike Meyer, however, abandoned the Peachtree Posse several years ago for the greener fields of Brown (aka UPS) where he’s now an Assistant Chief Pilot flying the 747400. Mike recently had a hearty lunch of mooseburgers and deep-fried whale blubber with Hugh Funk in Anchorage, where Hugh Bob’s a UPS captain on the MD-11 (as is Don Smith). Colin Moffat is still with Delta, but after deadheading all the way from Santiago to Atlanta for 3 years he decided to move the family back to Park City. All was going according to plan until his pet alpaca was detained by the authorities, delaying Mof’s return by several weeks. According to Scott Korbin, Forrest “Mike” Hobbs (another Delta dude, incidentally) and his new bride, Betsy, recently moved from Florida to Raleigh, NC, not far from Cary, where Scott makes his home (and sells many more as an up-and-coming real estate mogul with a crack team of realtors). Scott’s daughter just graduated from Belmont University’s Curb College of Music Business in Nashville with a degree in songwriting. Hey, I would’ve totally majored in songwriting if USAFA had offered it. Scott reports Glenn Seitchek also lives nearby, in Apex, NC, with his new bride, Jill, and their baby boy Weston. Glenn manages a wine distributorship while dabbling in real estate development. Sounds like a pretty good gig, doesn’t it? The propensity among our airline-employed classmates to switch from carrying passengers to packages seems to be a long-term trend. John Gustafson left American back in the mid-’90s to fly (and do union stuff) for FedEx. He recently relocated from Memphis to the Fort Worth area, with a

Grads, 30 Years Apart! Jim Dahlmann sent this picture of himself and Dean Christian, with Dean’s son Nathan on graduation day this past May. JD said that he and Dean sat in the CS-16 section and really enjoyed seeing the Thunderbirds perform. Also back in May, Jim Demarest had a very unique opportunity. He and his wife attended a private reception at which the NY Giants team members received their Super Bowl rings from Tiffany’s in New York City. To connect the dots a bit, it helps to know that Jim does some work for a consulting company called Afterburner. Their company specializes in helping businesses improve their performance by applying many of the teamwork and leadership principles used by the military in general, and fighter pilots in particular. Jim’s company got a call from the Giants early in the season, and spent a great deal of time working with the team through the year. They must have done something right, given the Giants’ record this past year! So that’s about it for this quarter. Ellen and I are very much looking forward to seeing all of you at the reunion. Until then, be safe. Ratman

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JStu Pope 520 Ramona Ave. Sierra Madre, CA 91024 stu_pope@yahoo.com

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So, were you as amazed as I was, upon reading the last issue of Checkpoints, to discover so many of our classmates are now general officers (or, in Brian Losey’s case, a rear admiral)? Craig “Ace” Eidman was certainly impressed, enough so to declare I should dedicate this article to the 900 odd (and I do mean odd) Bohicans who aimed high, but not that high. We’ll begin with Brian Harriett, who has gone Old School, literally. The

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

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Class News Mike Jensen 12035 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (719) 338-3570 www.usafa84.com usafahomes@gmail.com Twitter: @USAFA84

Team Gustafson: Sam (19), John (ageless), Kyle (13), and Grant (15). long commute to (where else?) Anchorage. He flew a groovy Paris trip with ex-UPT housemate John Wisniewski not long ago, and has bumped into Phil “Black Forest” Hamm, John “Imperial” Stout, Dave “Frearson” Phillips, Bryan Pratt, Jon Casello, Phil Koppa, and even Mark “The Viking” Vahala. None other than Derek “DBA” Collins messaged me on Facebook to relate tales from Atlanta, where he’s a captain with AirTran. He often sees Jon Crowe, Carl McDaniel, Cleve McCray, and Jon Duresky (who continues his quest for epilepsy awareness at dannydid.org, where you can find his byline in the “special events, past events” section and learn more about the cause). Dave Klaudt has been practicing law with the same firm in Dallas for over 15 years now and is starting to get pretty good at it. He and Carole are stretching their wings in the empty nest after their daughters and son headed off to college and beyond. Matt McKeon’s son, a law student at Notre Dame, interned in the Austin branch of Dave’s firm. Greg Meidt occasionally heads south from the Twin Cities (where he’s CIO of Bremer Bank) to hit the Texas-sized golf courses with Dave. Okay, Ace, enough about all us non-strivers. Let’s talk Edwards AFB, the epicenter of military one-upmanship. Rob Cruz reports he was presented with the Team Edwards Program Manager of the Quarter award (or TEPMOTQA, as they call it) from Brigadier General Bob “Woody” Nolan II, Commander of AFFTC. As they were grippin’ and grinnin’ for the photo op, Woody said, probably in jest, “Let’s get this in Checkpoints!” Rob took the suggestion seriously and sent not only the picture (which, from the timeless AF look of it, could’ve been taken in any year between 1967 and now), but also a rundown of local Bohicans: Bill Gray is Chief Test Pilot at the USAF Test Pilot School, where Russ “Dig My” Erb is Performance Branch Master Instructor and Jay Dunham is T-38 Chief Pilot. Clint Bennett lives near the base (in Palmdale) and has been flying with Delta for 22 years (edging out avowed beachcomber Gregg Bechard of Portland, Maine by less than a year).

Woody Nolan and Rob Cruz Rob himself retired in 2005 from HQ US Southern Command in Miami and now works in the 95th Comm Group. He and Leesa have 4 daughters, Genevieve (20) – a senior at UC San Diego, Veronica (18) – on her way to Stanford, Felica (13) and Madelyn (10). Oh, and General Nolan plans to have his fini flight in August and should be retired from the AF by the time you read this. I had to reserve a bit of Dave Klaudt’s news for the striver section, too. Dave had a client with a rather explosive question (let’s leave it at that) and called upon Major General Gary Harencak (former commander of the Nuclear Weapons Center) for the answer. Now that’s using uranium, er, I mean your cranium. The man with the camouflaged computer, Wade Wheeler, writes the next article. Send him news he can use at wwade83@verizon.net.

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So who is the youngest in our class? To whom do we get to raise our glasses to and toast their youth as the youngest in ’84? That is my question as I am aching this morning :) 44,996 is the number of graduates from OUR United States Air Force Academy. Thank you to those who sent in all of the great information of what is going on with your lives. As there are more classes that have since graduated from USAFA after 1984, than before, and Checkpoints continues to grow, we are limited in what we can place in the magazine. That is why it is imperative to check out www.usafa84.com where I will publish “the rest of the story” Someone who is not aging is Brent Johnson, who sent a picture of himself skiing on Lake Powell. (On Website) Having gone through basic with Brent, I know he still feels no pain! Brent will be retiring this year and may continue flying if the professional skiing bug doesn’t take over. Ted McIntire checked in. His oldest son graduated from Seton Hall, and was commissioned through ROTC as a 2nd Lt with a 1 Oct 2012 report date to serve as an acquisition officer at Kirtland AFB, NM. His youngest Sabre Society son graduated from high school, turned 18 and sucDonors cessfully flew the nest. Ted purchased and moved to a 30-acre wooded property at the edge of a large forest in New England. So I am on a plane coming down from Denver, and see this guy who looks (and is) the most interesting man in the world (just ask him), and he is dressed in USAFA blue gear. So I asked him: “Are you a grad, parent or fan?” Not missing a beat, the gentleman looked at me and stated: “Well I am all three!” That was my reintroduction to Carlos Bernal. Carlos and his lovely wife, Moselle, and son Cody had returned from Sydney, Australia where they just spent a spectacular year. I was able to help them get settled in a new home on the west side of I-25 which was near the fire, but fortunately not impacted. Cody is a senior at Cheyenne Mountain High School and after they all saw the graduation of 2012, Cody has started his application process for the USAFA class of 2017!

The Bernal Family Ed Knouse, warned me about his “self-centered commercial” for some of his recent activities! In a concerted effort to tick off some of the items on his “bucket list”, he released his first professionally-produced song and video called “The Goodbye” on YouTube (an early birthday present from my wife)! It is a 9/11 memorial song and the video has a “trailer” which explains the “why”! It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?vLMSExqpio21. He is also fundraising for The Ride of Britain, a 5-day, 500 mile cycle from Edinburgh, Scotland to London, England from 12-16 September this fall. His goal is to raise 5000 pounds Sterling! Anyone interested can donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/Ed-KTOWNKnouse. Next up for KTOWN, the first novel! Here’s an update from the Behne Family: Dan’s middle son, Mark Behne, reported to the Coast Guard Academy (CGA) on 25 June 2012 to start SWAB summer for the Class of 2016. Mark is currently on-board the USCG Tall Ship, The EAGLE, tooling around the North Atlantic for a week. Upon recognition the second week in August, Mark will get his shoulder boards and be recognized as a cadet at the CGA (sound familiar?). Mark was recruited to play both football and baseball for the CGA.

Delise Rohret and her nuclear family have been pretty busy since her last communiqué! She has I’ve been working with CNF Technologies Corporation as a Senior Technical Writer since the Fall of 2010, and finally got my first set of technical manuals published this year! Her husband, Dave, has worked for CSC for years and currently works on the JIOWC’s JVAT (Joint Vulnerability Assessment Team) and his team won the Government Information Security Leadership Award for 2011! Younger daughter, Shari Marijani, was one of six Keystone School science fair students who participated in a memorable trip to Bratislava, Slovakia where they participated in MILSET’s ESI 2011 and was one of 26 total US students who were members of the largest MILSET USA delegation ever! The USA team dominated the awards night with Shari receiving an award for her Earth Science project. Older daughter, Sasha Annalicia, sang for 4 years with the Harvard Opportunes a capella group (http://www.youtube.com/user/HarvardOpportunes). On 24 May this year Sasha graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology, with emphasis in Egyptology.

he’s been teaching marketing for quite some time. He & Sherri have one son on active duty at Hurlburt with another also eyeing the nomination process for USAFA -- congrats! Jim Lessel is now working as an AF Civilian at Langley AFB for HQ ACC, so he’s had time to get his golf game up to collegiate form. It is that time of year again, and you can catch me at most of the football games this fall. Let me know if you will be around. There is always room for you at the tailgate, and we still get a discount at the Marriott. Just mention USAFA Booster Club. Keep in touch! GO FALCONS! jens

Frank “Q.” Williams 13209 Topsfield Court Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 657-3227 USAFA1985@aol.com

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Hey there! It has really been a hot summer with record-breaking heat, droughts, and wild fires all across the country. I hope everyone personally affected by the wild fires, especially the Waldo Canyon fire that threatened the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Colorado Springs community, are doing fine now. Brigadier General Thomas W. Bergeson ’85 is the new Director, Operational Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. The AF/A5R position is a two star position, so we hope he gets to pin on another star soon. Congratulations Tom! The Rohret Family: Dave, Delise, Shari and Sasha. Paul “Swarm” Suarez shared a photo of a couple of us ‘84 ROAGs (retired old academy grads) who got together for lunch. Paul was pretty quick to point out that he looks pretty much look the same as he did at the Zoo, but gave a synopsis of the three “old grads” in the picture with him, in case you can’t recognize them .-)

From left are Paul “Swarm” Suarez, Jack ‘Kanga” Roosa, Carl “Lips” Farquhar, and Ken “Roz” Rozelsky. Jack “Kanga” Roosa - runs the Maverick missile program for Raytheon (who he’s worked for since retirement 8 years ago) and lives in Tucson, AZ with his family. He was in the area for a Pentagon meeting with SAF/IA and to visit relatives in DC. Carl “Lips” Farquhar - retired from teaching at National War College is into an AF Civilian job in SAF/IA. He’s stays busy taking care of his kids and in his “spare” time competes in ultra-marathons and triathlons in the region. Ken “Roz” Rozelsky retired from the Pentagon and works as a VP for Selex Galileo doing security assistance and foreign military sales living in the DC area. As for the Swarm, he retired about a year ago from the Pentagon (hmmm, I see a trend -- can you say “retire in lieu of meeting SERB”?) and decided to stay in the area with his family and soon after began working for RSA, a cyber-security company, doing business development. He also stated that Pete Hargrove was dead-heading back to his home in San Antonio on the same United flight last fall; seems to be enjoying the airline lifestyle and living in SATX -- he was even stopped by some passengers to have his picture taken with them (if they only knew the stories:). Chris “Dr. Smurf” Myers retired from the AF Reserve in April after flying BUFFs for a lot longer than he cares to admit. Chris is now focusing all his energies into his professorship at Texas A&M Commerce where

Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson I was fortunate enough to finally catch up with Keith Lambert, after being unable to synchronize our lunch schedules. I made it to Keith’s retirement ceremony at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) at Fort Belvoir, VA where Keith was the chief of the Red Team. It was a great ceremony and I got to meet and spend some time with Keith’s family as well. I think Keith plans to stay in the Metro Washington, DC area. Congratulations Keith! George Weathersby is back safe and sound from South Sudan. George and I went to see a couple of Sabre Society movies since he came back, including the last Batman Donors movie “The Dark Knight Rises” in IMAX. It is good. You’ve probably already seen it, but in case you haven’t seen it, be sure to check it out when it comes out on DVD/Blue-Ray. I had the pleasure of seeing Marcus Hervey ’92 and his family before they left for a NATO assignment on July 28th. Here is a picture of Marcus and me. (See photo at the top of the next column.) Anne Benovil-Murphy ’87 was also visiting with the Hervey family so we caught up with another as well. Anne is a pharmacist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Washington, DC. Occasionally, I get e-mail request for access to our class web site that Ray Harris built and hosted on his company web site. I have said before and I’ll say again, as politely as I can, I have lost contact with Ray and I

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Quintel Williams, left, and Marcus Hervey ’92 cannot operate the old web site by myself. In the meantime, we have a Class of 1985 page on www.facebook.com. I highly recommend you use the Facebook web site, although I get nothing out of the deal. I won’t try to drag this out. I’ll just ask that you all send me your information for the Checkpoints articles and include pictures in the proper AOG format which includes but is not limited to pictures in at least 300 dpi, JPEG format, and a graduate must be in all pictures, including with your children.

Bob Colella 9247 Northedge Drive Springfield, VA 22153 rkascolella@verizon.net colellar@ndu.edu

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Greetings Classmates – I was in my office the other day sending off a thank you note (on a Form O-96, for old times’ sake) to Jennifer Graham, thanking her for setting up an appointment with her great company down in Fredericksburg, VA that does environmental consulting (something I am interested in) and who should cast a shadow at my door but none other than (as I last knew him) Basic Cadet (now Lt Col USAFR) Jim Payne (’89) – I thought it was a “reckoning” for an incident involving about a gallon of ice cream with he and his two roommates, (Lewis was one of the two) during basic training where they were made to eat the ice cream as fast as they could… There was some brain Sabre Society freezing that happened and if I remember right there Donors was some retribution later that same year around 100s night when my head met a very sad fate with a toilet… First and last swirly (hard to believe right?)! But he was just stopping by to say hello and we had a very nice visit – he was at National Defense University for a Reserve conference – DC is not the best destination spot in late July, but we do have… ice cream! Locally here in DC we have a pretty active alumni group, the Air Force Academy Society of Washington, DC and this past spring on 23 May they held their annual memorial service in line with the same event at USAFA. Steve Herman reported that “‘86 had the most attendees of all the classes.” His wife assembled all for a photo which includes John Horner, Jay Ducharme (who recently retired), Steve and Mee Herman, and the new Society President JC Connors (‘84). (See photo at the top of the next column.) Roger Thrasher is reporting for duty at the newly named Eisenhower

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The Memorial Service in Washington DC organized by AFA Society of Washington DC. School (used to be ICAF -- Soon to be IKE-CAF) here at National Defense University on Ft McNair where the ghost of Mary Surrat still is rumored to haunt the grounds (Google it) – he is supposed to report around for a Coke and a uniform grade. DJ Hauck newly minted as a USAF one-star is also at NDU, but he is not chasing ghosts, he is attending CORONA and I hope to have dinner with him and his bride of 26+ years, Lesley (honorary Road Runner). I got a nice invitation from Pat Goodman to join his golf team with Scott McLean for an inter-service golf tourney here in DC. Scott Bishop, currently working for Lockheed Martin on USAF weapons and F-35 programs also participated with his own flight of hackers and both “beat down” the Navy teams they were playing against – they sent along a snapshot.

Scott McClean, Pat Goodman and Scott “Bish” Bishop Dennis Malfer is heading back to school and the entire family is returning stateside after four years (Bridget did all four in Hawaii – Dennis escaped to Kunsan for one… kinda) – when we last had contact they were living in a TLF at Luke AFB but were heading up to Prescott for Dennis to take on the role of ROTC Commander at Embry Riddle. I recall flying over that field during Pilot Training and if I look on Google Earth I can see that it does in fact still have PRESCOTT written in huge block letters on the runway 3R hammerhead. That is going to be a big help for “wrong way” Malfer if they let him get checked out in anything that is allowed to fly beyond visual range of the flagpole. Kids are excited to be back in the states where the per-capita Spam consumption is much much lower. Brandon will be a senior in High School this year and Lindsay is heading into 7th Grade. Best to luck to all of them and I am certain that the students at Embry Riddle will be greatly enriched having Dennis as their ROTC commander. Reports of Grandchildren… all over Facebook – yikes! Be sure to send photos if you become one anytime soon. Should you marry someone half your age, send that along as well.

20 of you all, with limited success. I did get several responses, so with that, here we go: Heard from Rick Coveno of CS-02 fame. He is retired from active duty and currently working for MIT/Lincoln Labs up in Massachusetts. He and his wife plan to attend the reunion, and he is also planning a Rugby Alumni game for Saturday, 27 October. Randall Clark checked in, albeit reluctantly, from Houston, Texas: “As for the last 25 years, I cross-commissioned into the Marine Corps on graduation and flew Hueys for 8 years, including Desert Shield/Storm and a 3-year hitch as a search-and-rescue pilot in Yuma AZ. For the past 17 years I have been an FBI agent in the Houston office, working everything from bank robberies to drug trafficking organizations to sexual predators of children. I am now assigned to the public corruption squad and I am a member of the Sabre Society crisis negotiation team.” Sounds like some interesting Donors and important work Randall; thanks for the input! Randy Burke sent in an unsolicited email, for which we are always grateful: “Hope all is well with you and your family in Virginia. Since I promised to write once every 25 years, I thought today would be perfect. Elaine and I just returned from USAFA graduation for the Class of 2012. Patrick (CS-07), who played Lacrosse at Woodbridge with your son Matt graduated and is headed to Intel school at Goodfellow AFB. Our oldest son, Andrew, was able to join us. He is an Intel officer at Ramstein and graduated from CS-01 in 2010. Brendan, our youngest son, finished his freshman year at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. This was a great time for our family and many others. The week following graduation the movers will be coming to pack as Elaine and I transition from Robins AFB, GA where I commanded the 402d Aircraft Maintenance Group and we head to Scott AFB to join the AMC/A4 staff. I’ve spent the last six years involved in depot maintenance and we are still enjoying our Air Force adventure -- seems our kids like the Air Force life as well. I’ve attached a picture from Graduation Day 2012. We had just finished pinning Andrew’s silver bars on.

Gary with Small Arms and white gloves at the ends of them (bwahahahaha). I saw this on Facebook and felt I had to share it – Gary “Ice” Burg – showing off his newest addition to his Armageddon prep kit – I note with a keen sense of pride that Gary, despite being over 26 years removed from the requirement, still dons white gloves when under arms – very nice, and I believe those are dink issue. For me – I am on for another year at the National War College so if you are in town and have a chance please stop by Fort McNair – I’m in room 142. If a knucklehead from ’89 can find it, you likely can too; it isn’t like getting lost on the 6th floor of Fairchild Hall. One last item, I was wandering around Marshall Hall over here at National Defense University the other day and ran into Lesley Hauck -- she was here with Husband Darrell “DJ” going through CAPSTONE with five other BG/SES types. In the photo from left are BG Roger Teague currently pcsing to Peterson AFB, BG Pat Malackowski 13th AF/CV Hickam AFB, BG Rich Scobee DDO NORAD Peterson AFB, BG Rob Givens HQ ACC/IG Langley AFB, BG John Horner HAF/A2C Pentagon, BG Daryl Hauck AFPEO/SS Kirtland AFB, and SES James Griffith NGA Washington DC.

BGs and SESs from ’86 at CAPSTONE. That’s all for now – keep those cards and letters coming! John & Carolyn Sammartino 3107 Woods Cove Lane Woodbridge, VA 22192 H: (703) 492-5492 W: (703) 808-6234 jsammar@verizon.net

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Well ’87, by the time you read this, the bags should be packed for our 25th reunion as we once again ascend on where it all began—and for a time there in June we had to wonder if we would even have a school to go visit as the wildfires descended on our alma mater. Such is life, the Academy survived (although I read that the Flying W Ranch in Manitou Springs did not), and the planning continues at a feverish pace for our reunion. Special thanks to Patti Michalcik Stuart for really taking the reins of the planning committee to ensure that our time in Colorado is well-enjoyed by all. We did get a slight curveball thrown at us when the football game was moved to Friday night, but we had anticipated it, since ’86 got their game moved to a Thursday night last year—at least we had ample notice to plan for it, and actually, it frees up a bit more of the weekend to do other things and see other folks. Carolyn and I are really looking forward to collecting a few years worth of Checkpoints updates for inclusion in future Checkpoints, as this quarter I had to resort to cold-emailing about

“That’s it for now until my next update (2037?). Look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Randy” Tracy Meck ran into Carolyn over at Bolling AFB and submitted the following: “Glad I ran into you the other day. Here’s an update: “I had my retirement ceremony at the Pentagon on 23 July and have now started PTDY and terminal leave. I spent the last three months out-processing after a ten-month deployment to Iraq with a follow-on to the Horn of Africa. What a great way to end a career! Contingency ops were the best part of my career. It is great to be a part of something bigger then yourself and to feel like you play at least a small part in important events around the world. I plan to take the next year off and get a professional graduate certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Then hope to find a part-time/Reserve job in disaster management where I will be able to balance retirement with contributing to the world around me. But first I am driving across the country from DC to Camano Island off the Washington coast where I bought a log home. We stopped at the Flight 93 Memorial the first day of the trip. Very nice. I highly recommend it. I left a note to Leroy Homer on the board on behalf of the class. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Oct.” We ran into the Hart clan at a recent Potomac Nationals game (our local High Class A affiliate of the Washington Nationals). Cindy Staples Hart provided a quick update on their family: “Andy Hart (Squadron 22 – 1986) is a contractor, supporting the government, teaches Sunday school and mentors students in the Robotics club. I am a stay-at-home Mom and also teach Sunday school. Alexandra, our oldest daughter, just got ac-

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Class News cepted into the University of Texas (UT) and will be majoring in Farsi. Her current plans are to be a missionary and help women in the Middle East. Rebecca, our youngest daughter, is starting her sophomore year in high school, swims for high school and summer pool and is on the Robotics team. Kathryn Miller, sitting to my left, is Rebecca’s best friend. Her Dad, Danny Miller (Squadron 21 – 1986) lived down the hallway from Andy. About the same as today. Funny thing is Danny’s wife, Diana, graduated from UT and their older daughter is the same age as ours. Small world— our kids have been friends since the first day of school in 2004; our older daughters were in the same class! “Small Tidbit of Information – 4 daughters from USAFA 1986 have graduated from our kids’ high school – Jordan Miller (Danny Miller’s oldest), Becca Zimmerman (Tom Zimmerman, 1986), Allison Collela (Bob Collela, 1986) and our daughter. Kirk Streitmater (4th Squadron – 1986) also has a son, Alex, who graduated this year and a daughter, Lauren, who will graduate in two years. Randy Rowe works for the same company as my husband. He is out in Colorado Springs – happily married with 2 kids. “Well hope this helps you all out. Will let you know if I meet up with any other ’87 grads. Seems like we see mostly ’86ers. Cindy”

The Hart family and friend. That about sums it up for this quarter, as everyone else also mentioned above, we look forward to seeing everyone and knocking back a few at the reunion! Fly Safe!

Craig McCurdy 46992 Smithwood Court Potomac Falls, VA 20165 Cell: (202) 570-3058 ccicdjmccurdy@yahoo.com

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 1200 Blazing Star Court SE Albuquerque, NM 87116 (505) 717-2012 E-mail: p2a2tibbets@gmail.com or p2a2me.com Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/

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Hello Classmates! The in-laws of our class treasurer, Stephen Whiting, live in Mountain Shadows, the neighborhood hardest hit by the recent fires in Colorado Springs. Remarkably, their house survived, although the next-door neighbor and the house next to it were burned to the foundation, as was the house behind them. Although a true blessing for Stephen’s in-laws, our thoughts and prayers go out to the other families who were not so fortunate. While Stephen’s wife, Tammy, was there, she took some photos of our 20th reunion class gift plot on the Heritage Trail, which is near the AOG on the USAFA grounds. For those that haven’t seen it, here are a couple photos of this wonderful memorial.

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Check out the USAFA Class of 1988 Facebook page. Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/USAFAClassOf1988/. I have had some computer and email issues this summer. If you have sent me something that you would like posted and have not seen it yet, please send it to me again.

From left in the first row are Joel McCurdy, Caleb McCurdy, and Daniel McCurdy. Second row: Isaac McCurdy, Diana McCurdy (my mom), Stuart McCurdy (1964), and Craig McCurdy. Three generations of McCurdys at the Brown Arch during the Air Venture 2012 Airshow at Oshkosh, WI.

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I was able to attend the Air Venture Airshow at Oshkosh, WI this year with my sons Isaac, Caleb, Daniel, and Joel. We enjoyed the adventure of camping out on the airfield and viewed the many acrobatic routines, formation flights, warbirds, and experimental aircraft. My mom and dad were at the airshow as well which turned the event into a family reunion. My dad, Stuart, Class of 1964, organized a Large Formation to honor Dick Van Gruevsven, the owner of Van’s Aircraft, which produces the kits from which the RV exSabre Society perimental aircraft are built. It was Van’s 40th anniverDonors sary of producing the RV aircraft kits. In honor of the 40th anniversary my dad led the RV Aircraft Mass Arrival at Oshkosh. It was something special. The Flight of Forty (40) RVs flew in a Large Formation and formed the numbers 4 and 0 within the formation. If you have the opportunity to attend an airshow at Oshkosh, I recommend taking the time to spend three or four days there. Craig

The VALOR plaque dedicated to our fallen classmates.

The statue of classmate Kevin Shea.

I recently participated in a project in development by the USAFA Class of 1963 for their 50th reunion next year. They have created a class histories web site (check it out at: www.USAFACLASSHISTORIES.org) and begun populating it will data on all USAFA classes. In their words: “USAFA Class Histories (UCH) has been developed for participation by all classes and graduates. It will be a rich repository of class and Academy history and heritage. It also is intended to provide inspiration to its audience of cadets, past, present and future. The site will provide curriculum enrichment materials through short video stories chosen for use by the Centers for Oral History and Character and Leadership Development. UCH data collection and short (nominally five minutes) video stories for 1963 classmates are progressing to be completed by our 50th reunion in October of next year. Sabre Society Under Find A Class, select 1963 and explore the potenDonors tial richness the concept holds for all classes by viewing sample video stories by classmates listed on our class roster page. The Debrief page will afford extended interviews of selected classmates. The template for this site and all access and upload capability have been developed.” In the future, our class will be able to create and customize our own histories at minimal cost using the templates provided by UCH. Personal videos will be transcribed and the whole site is key word searchable. More to follow! Quick reminder: our class president, Don Simpson, has started planning for our 25th reunion, and we are looking for anyone and everyone interested in helping out with coordination. If that is you please contact Don directly at don.simpson89@gmail.com. We plan to use our Facebook site “USAFA Class of 1989” (http://www.facebook.com/group. php?gid=43101356987) as our primary vehicle to disseminate information, as well as our class web site (above) and contact information residing at the AOG. So, consider joining our FB group, and if you haven’t updated your data recently with the AOG, drop them a note (http://www. usaf.org/). Thanks! That’s a wrap for this quarter. Keep those cards and letters coming. Take care and God bless!

Lockheed; Cory Martin of SWA fame also made the CoC. Congratulations Slick!

42% Mike Shepherd Members 3801 Derby Circle Quartz Hill, CA 93536 (661) 266-2133 michael.j.shepherd@hotmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafa90.com Greetings MGC! Lot’s to report, but the highlight this quarter has to be an input from Terry Bradley, our proud papa whose son Josh entered USAFA this summer. “I found an old VHS tape that my BCT Cadre put together of our 1986 Summer of Fun. I am posting clips to my YouTube channel, but thought some of you might enjoy seeing them, too. My cadre were from Interceptors, so that’s mostly who got filmed.” Search “USAFA 1990 Jack’s Valley,” and be prepared for the wailings of “Assault course, sir” and cadets hanging 30 feet above the ground reciting Schoefield’s Sabre Society Donors quote (“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free county…”). I couldn’t believe footage still existed! After that flashback, I was primed for another! My Tiger 10 rival squadron Viking 9 held a mini-reunion to celebrate Dave “Slick” Morrissey assuming command of the 12th OG at Randolph AFB. Paul Sherman, a recent 0-6, hosted the gang while taking a break from his day job as the Radiology Residency Program Director at San Antonio Military Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. Kevin Tolley made it in from Arlington where he is a PM for

’90 Vikings pillage and plunder San Antonio. From left are Kevin Tolley, Paul Sherman, Dave Morrissey and Cory Schwartz. Speaking of flashbacks, Ben Davis sent in a picture from the Baghdad DFAC, a favorite dining spot for some. Ben sent us this update: “I’m finishing up a 6-month deployment to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait where I am the commander of a motivated DLA support team taking care of supply lines here and in Iraq. It’s all Army here, so I’m getting my “HOOAH” on for sure. The officers greet like 4 degrees when saluting superiors...”Patton’s Own”, “Always Forward”, “First to Fight”, etc. so I have been tempted to respond “Mighty ‘90” or try to give them a “V” sign for “POST”. Old habits die hard, I suppose. In the fall it will be back to Ft Belvoir for another year at DLA HQ/J6 working I.T. acquisition. Eric Wolhrab is in the same building working Open Skies issues at DTRA. Like many of our classmates, Michelle and I have two of our three daughters in college now, which is a nice transition into the next life stage. I ran into Lee Armstrong in Baghdad last June. He was just finishing a long year at the Office of Security Cooperation helping the Iraqi’s become self-sufficient from a security perspective. I just missed Jack Mateer on his way out of Iraq, where he was doing similar work at Tikrit on the logistics side before heading to McGuire AFB as the MXG/CC. Brian Hastings just finished a year in Kabul working on the ISAF staff. Also there with him were Ginger Wallace, Kevin Huyck, and Steve Platt. James Jinnette finished a year as the CV at Laughlin and has brought the family back to DC where he is working A3O combat air forces issues on the Air Staff.”

Lee Armstrong and Ben Davis enjoy the fine cuisine of the Baghdad DFAC. Closer to home, I heard from one of our transitioning warriors, Mike “Boosh” Neeman. “I did retire as of 1 Jan and was enjoying plenty of gym time, taking the Harley out anytime I wanted, and catching some baseball

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Class News games. BUT, figured it was time to stop my negative cash flow so I just started working for Jacobs/TEAS group in the SDB II program office as an Aircraft Integration Engineer. So far, so good. (Other than the serious crimp in my free time!) And yes, it’s been a big transition after flying the Strike Eagle for so long but I’m getting used to it.” Jay Updegraff is completing AWC and remaining at Maxwell to become the Civil Air Patrol-USAF Vice Commander. One of Jay’s perks is that he will get to qualify in the mighty Cessna 172 (complete with glass cockpit and auto-pilot!), which serves as the backbone of the Civil Air Patrol fleet and is a throwback to firstie year. With Jay is Jill Singleton: “I’m happy to be staying at Air University through at least the next year; one of the most outstanding benefits is getting to catch up with our fellow classmates when they are in the area. Barb East retires in June and I am looking forward to celebrating with her at the Women In Military Service for America Memorial.” Jill is too modest to admit it, but her new position is the Lemay Center Director of Intelligence and Air University A2 which means she is the subject matter expert for all things ISR supporting doctrine development, and will be impacting future USAF employment strategies for years to come! Speaking of having an impact on future USAF generations, Bryan “Ozz” Ossolinski is chairing our class gift to USAFA. “At our 20-year reunion, we agreed to sponsor a class project to support the new Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) building. To date, we have raised over $30K towards our goal of $100K. All of the fundraising efforts will go towards the construction of the facility. The project is a USAF-funded project, but there are regulations on how “nice” the construction is allowed to look. 100% of our fundraising effort will contribute to the special features of the building. When we started this effort, we were only 1 of 3 classes with a class project. Since then, many more have joined in this effort. In addition, several defense contractors and private families have made significant financial commitments to enhancing this project. If you would like to help in another way, either by volunteering at the CCLD or joining the Mighty 90 committee, just send me an email at bryan.ossolinski@northcom.mil.”

Laura Radley (right front) assumes command of the 53rd APS. I have a few other loose ends to tie up. Last issue we reported Laura Radley assumed command of the 53d Aerial Port Squadron at Pope Field, NC in April and this quarter we have a photo. For any who have spent time at the Green ramp at Pope we know this is a tremendously important unit and it couldn’t be in better hands! Another lucky’90er is Cindy (DeLaCruz) Aspden who reported in on the health of the airline industry. Cindy had some free time on her hands recovering from a wing (or shoulder) that needed mending but should be back flying in no time! Brian Singstock is keeping in a good state of tune, “I’m an anesthesiologist working full time at a busy non-teaching hospital in the suburbs. Love to run, ride my bike and ski when the stars align.” The ’90’’ social network just extended a little further. Joe “Bo” Deane set up a Linkedin group for the class. Dave Ed Brien let us in on it with this warning. “Word is that the last person to join has to sound off with: “I AM ABSOLUTELY THE LAST BASIC TO JOIN THIS GROUP.” Don’t let that be you!” So there you have it—you can find me through several media avenues and let the class know what you are up to! On a more somber note, we have Colorado in our thoughts and prayers given the natural disasters and man-made tragedies of the past months—let’s hope for a better 2013 for our launching pad state. Mighty 90--Flash

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Carson Tavenner 7216 W. Country Club Drive Arlington, WA 98223 (301) 367-8969 Tanner@hotmail.com

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Bold Gold, How is everyone? Summer has hit our USAFA hard recently with the fire; at the time of this writing I’m not quite sure exactly how many classmates were affected and to what eventual end, but I know at least Vernie Pendley had to evacuate his home. Scary! I suspect all of us saw at least one of the amazing images of coiling fire and billowing smoke. If you were somehow out of the news loop on this, you owe it to yourself to go check it out. There was an amazing time-lapse video put around YouTube as well. “Thank you” to those of you sharing photos and comments on the developments using the Class Facebook group site. Despite advances in social media technology tying many of the class closer together, the fact remains that sometimes we are not all in touch with one another. So I was saddened to learn of the passing of one of our classmates from CS-39, Richard “Alan” Hardemon, nearly two years ago. He passed away 12 Oct 2010 in Suwanee, GA; there were services in Lawrenceville 19 Oct. I have an address for his wife, Lona, for anyone who would care to be in touch and send condolences. I would also welcome any member Sabre Society of our class who can provide a reflection on him that Donors we could capture appropriately among the rest of our fallen comrades. Yesterday I represented our class at the AOG’s Class Advisory Senate. This is a relatively new institution that I’d not heard of before. It provides another avenue for having a voice and an ear in the function and operations of USAFA generally and the AOG specifically. During yesterday’s meeting, a particularly excellent bit of news reflected well on the Class of 1991. The CEO of the AOG showed us some of the progress on a new area in Fairchild Hall called the Falcon Center. In the Falcon Center, there will be rotating sets of graduate photos and short bios demonstrating excellence in various sectors: business, military, academics, government service, etc. In the initial set of highlighted grads, 1991 is honored with at least two of twenty four total grads! That’s quite a percentage, especially since we only have seven Sabre Society donors. The recognized Bold Golders are Ben Kam, for Military Excellence, and Chris Howard for Academic Excellence. Congratulations, Ben and Chris, and thanks for representing 1991 so well! Then the USAFA Endowment updated everyone on class giving. The Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) is clearly popular as a gift-giving vehicle; the CCLD account is 154% funded (original 2012 goal: $3M. Current amount raised: $4.4M!) Sounds great! Why does this matter for us? Well, our class chose the CCLD for our reunion class gift, but have yet to raise significant money toward it. The Endowment told us they’re holding off some other donors from giving to the CCLD (because of the over giving), but since our class has yet to begin raising money for it, they want to know what we are doing (should they give our area to another donor?). I do not know if the $4.4M figure contains our 250K pledge. I would like to encourage a discussion between our class and the USAFA Endowment about options for how to be most responsible with our class gift. If you want to participate in that discussion, please contact myself, Leslie Beavers, or other members of the class gift committee. What’s up with your friends? Learned through LinkedIn recently: Bob Kraus is now USAFA Chief Scientist and Director of Research at US Air Force Academy. Way to go, Bob! Jim McDonald is now Branch Manager at Rubber & Gasket Company of America (he sealed the deal). Mike Abair is getting into Range Training at Bering Sea Environmental (Mike, please describe!), Scott Burns continues to show great excitement at Direct Energy (of which he is not lacking), Bryan Hubbard does awesome work sending out news updates on what’s happening in the financial regulatory world (Bryan, share your thoughts sometime, please), and Dave Gyure is now the Deputy Chief in the Strategy & Plans Division (somewhere on the Air Staff, Dave?). Retirements: didn’t hear a whole lot in this category recently except for Mike Stewart’s “soiree”. Al Wansky, Diego Wendt, Bill Pointer and Chris Didier all apparently showed up…only to discover that “soiree” just means “party.” Traveling to DC in June, I had a great time catching up over the course of a few days with Mike Veneri. Mike lives in a beautiful home in Bethesda with his wife and son (and a gorgeous golden Labrador!) working ISR

sales. Staying a few nights there, of course I was blown away by worldacclaimed Veneri-brand hospitality as we talked long and shared much. Thanks for the room and board, V! Dan Ortwerth gave me a big update. He was at Air Mobility Command’s Fuel Efficiency Office…last year he transferred to an air control squadron very close to home in St. Louis, into an Air Battle Manager slot. Off to Air Battle Manager (ABM) School at Tyndall! He’s been there since shortly after the reunion and expects to graduate this September. Then he’ll turn right around after a short stay with the family to start ABM qualification training at Luke. Two months with a Christmas break in between, and then whatever happens to him in 2013 will be determined by the current political knife-fight to save his unit. Dan, ever prepared, concludes with “meanwhile, I’m feverishly studying Russian.” Outside our class, but closely associated, Kabrena Rodda (’92) became the Prep School Commander this summer. I’m sure many in our class know and remember Kabrena and might not have heard the news. Our classmate Rob Block, the Dean of the Prep School, still manages nevertheless to get in the last word, I’m sure; even if it is usually “Yes, Ma’am.” In my own life, I am working through the excitement and difficulty of learning how to lead civilians and how to build a professional career in the non-profit sector. There’s a lot of stuff I never learned! Much of it is not in books, and what is in books isn’t always applied very well in the communities around me. What’s more, my current communities are volunteer, so passions and energy work in different combinations than in the regimented professional environment of my past 20. These and other factors have led me to re-enter the job search to make college savings possible. Reflecting on what my family and psyche have witnessed in the past year, I can see how my life is fundamentally “detached” from the familiar and known. But part of leadership is always learning, and there is no thrill without risk. Enjoy your entry into the autumn season, my friends. Carson

Skip Pribyl (F-15C), Alberto Cruz (U-2) and many others make you temporarily forget you’re not at home. It’s been a great year!” Great update Jeff and Ken!

Jeff and Ken Bill Meshack sent me a short note to with a photo from Anthony (AC) Coleman’s retirement ceremony. Anthony and Bill were roommates and Anthony retired as the Wing IG at McConnell in March. Several other ’92ers made it to the retirement as well…see the photo for yourself!

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James S. Mehta 707 N Overlook Drive Alexandria, VA 22305 james.mehta@us.af.mil jamesmehta@earthlink.net

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Bill, Sam White, Rod Ricard, AC, Roosevelt Boyland, and Chris McDavid. Are you ready for the reunion? I am! I’m looking forward to seeing you back at the Zoo where we can share some old and new stories and maybe a beer or two. Hopefully, you’ve made your reservations so we can see you there and you can get personal updates from everyone you want. In the mean time, here are some updates on folks. Long-time listener and caller. Mike Rokaw and I have kept up with one another for the most of the last 20 years—some years more than others. However, we now find ourselves both in the DC area where he’ll be on the Joint Staff (J-8) after Mike graduated from Naval War College and returned to LA to pick up his family. Mike mentioned that Dave Mott was in his class and is staying on to work for the CNO on his Special Studies Group. He also gave an update on other CS-21 Blackjacks: Art Primas is on his way to Canberra, Australia to command a detachment; Gary Jenkins is also headed Sabre Society to DC to be part of the VCSAF CAG; Jay Schueler and Donors Dave Rademacher are still flying for FedEx; and finally, Mike had the opportunity to visit often over the past year with Donna (Delango) and Andy Bates who live just outside of Princeton, NJ where Donna is a “big time lawyer” and Andy is a professor at NYU. Mike proudly reported that the AF team won the Naval War College President’s Cup Dodgeball Challenge with a team of Mike, Bob Haines (’90), Chuck Wallace (’93), and Dave Mott. Like me, I’m sure you’re all mentally inserting these Zoomies into the characters of the Dodgeball movie… Thanks Mike! The e-mailbag. Jeff Whiteman sent me an update going back quite a few years. Jeff got off Active Duty flying KC-10s in Jan 2001 and flew for United Airlines out of San Francisco. He was furloughed after Sept 2001 and became an Air Reserve Technician (ART) in the KC-10 Reserves at Travis. In January 2006, he was hired by UPS in Louisville and is a Management Captain flying the MD-11 as an Assistant Chief Pilot. Jeff has been married for 15 years and has a 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. Recently he was deployed to Southwest Asia and ran into a few True Blue ’92ers out there. One of them, Ken Moss, who was a deployed KC10 squadron commander on a 1-year tour, passed along a message: “I never thought I’d say a year away from the family can go by fast, but it really does. It always helps to see classmates roll through. Joel Jackson (Wg/CV), Bob Bookhart (KC-10), Mark Mount (U-2), Dave Evans (E-3),

Paul Hickey sent me a pretty daunting photo showing the Colorado fires looming over the Academy in June. He has been working for Deloitte for about 3 years after doing some work for BearingPoint. He and his wife are expecting their third child in mid-October which knocks him out of traveling to the reunion. Elizabeth (Kurey) Casstevens sent me an update from Osan where she is working as an ER Doc and crossed paths with Luis Sambolin. She’s at the end of her Korea tour and is heading to Germany in August. Since I left at the beginning of July and will not be around when she gets there, I sent here a few suggestions about living in Germany. I asked her for an update on herself and she obliged: “…nothing spectacular, but sort of a non-traditional path; I was a Maj and EWO when I went to med school (USUHS) in 2004 (so was demoted to 2Lt), graduated in 2008 (as a Capt), finished residency (Family Medicine at Eglin) in 2011, and am finishing up my first assignment (have a line # to O5, will pin on next Apr) and love working in the ER here at Osan. Had the opportunity to work in Ghana in 2009, and more recently participated in a PACIFIC ANGEL mission to Timor-Leste this past Sep; both incredible and humbling experiences, for which I am forever grateful. My boss here is Tony Kim, who started with ‘91, went stop-out and graduated w/us; he played a significant role in my going to PACANGEL. Will PCS to Ramstein in Aug to the Family Med clinic, but I have my Flight Doc wings and am hoping to get into a Flight Med assignment as soon as possible, and eventually apply for the RAM (Residency in Aerospace Med). Always an adventure!” Thanks for the great update, Doctor! Final roundup. Well, my European adventure has come to an end. The AF figures that two years is enough in squadron command and it was time to go…so away I went. I had a great change of command on July 10 and Eric Knapp (’94) took over the squadron. It was great to have a few classmates at the ceremony—Bob Seifert and Mark Hersant. If you read this column regularly, you know that Bob retired last year and is in Germany where his wife is on AD. Mark is at Ramstein AB and figures to be there for another year. Bob is a stay-at-home dad in Germany and is a volunteer USO tour guide on the weekends. From time to time, he is putting his USAFA history degree to good use leading tours to military history sites in Western Europe. I took his first tour ever to Bastogne, Belgium and the US cemetery and town of Diekirch in Luxembourg. It was a great tour and Bob was an excellent tour guide!

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Class News any more job promotions, please let us know! Other grads who are moving and grooving in this area are Lance Orr, Kirt Fiesbeck, John Meier, Brian Hellinger, Sean Solly, and Bruce Ybarra. Kevin Kosfeski and family are moving back to the Virginia area after having been in Fort Collins, CO with the Danaher Corporation. Kevin is moving up in the world of Danaher and will be living near the Charlottesville, VA area. I ran into Ryan Nichols (my USAFA sponsor brother) at a Washington National’s game on the 4th of July. He is currently at the Pentagon in alphabet soup land and lives a few miles from the house! Definitely a small world…I look forward to catching up with those in the DC area. I heard from Troy Niehaus who is currently in Bellevue, WA. He retired from the Reserves after serving as an ALO. He also recently celebrated his 18th wedding anniversary with his wife, Nicole. Troy has started a new career as Director of Business Development with Intellectual Ventures—a large patent holding firm. Congrats and thanks for the update!

Me, Mark, and Bob at my Change of Command. For me, we’ve returned to DC for the third time where I’ll be at NWC for a year. We hope to stay around here for longer than that since this PCS thing is getting a little old. I know there are a lot of us around this area and hope to see many of you from time to time. Finally, I talked to Steve Wolf about a month ago. Unfortunately, it was after his father passed away suddenly. You may remember his father, Col Richard “Dick” Wolf, who was the Assistant Athletic Director when we were Zoomies. Steve continues a successful career as a Marine and is now a Battalion commander at Camp LeJune where he is with his wife, Kaye, and their three kids. That’s it for now. I’ll see you all soon! True Blue—James. Michael D. Sundsted 1805 Macadams Place Alexandria, VA 22308 202-757-0080 Michael.Sundsted@whmo.mil Class Website: www.zoomienation .org–”Class of 1993”

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Greetings ’93! Hope your summer has been a great one and all are in the mood for another great year of Falcon sports—we have a tough one against Michigan early one, and though the professionals say that AF is supposed to finish 5th in the Mountain West, this year should be a good one for the Mighty Falcons. REUNION ALERT****I know I have been advertising our 20th Reunion that will be (ahem) next year, I want to encourage all of you to update your contact information with the Association of Graduates—it’s real easy. Visit the AOG website (www.usafa.org) and select “Members Log In”. You can also look at the 1992 reunion info to get an idea of what ours will look like for next year. Our reunion date will not be picked until sometime early in 2013. Once we get the date—the planning IS ON! For those of you who have already agreed to assist—many thanks—for those who wish to assist please let me know. Also, if you have anything that you want to have or not let me know (band vs DJ/speaker vs no Sabre Society speaker, etc). When you are finished updating the AOG Donors with your contact information, send me an email and update me on what’s going on in your world… Before we get started on the rest of the article, I wanted to pass along some sad news. We have lost a great classmate of ours…Lt Col Sean Judge passed away on 14 July 2012. Sean graduated USAFA and lit the USAF on fire. He was a phenomenal C130 pilot, PhD in History and was well on his way to upper management in the Air Force. Please visit the Columbus Dispatch site (http://www. legacy.com/obituaries/dispatch/obituary.aspx?pid=158609272) to view his obituary. Sean, thanks for being the best classmate and friend—thank you so much for all you have done to protect and serve this great nation of ours…Here’s a toast, to the host… Things here in the DC metro area are moving along. The election year keeps most of our fellow graduates in the 89 AW busy—Chris Thompson and Darren “Duffy” Hall have both moved from their squadron commander positions. Chris was the commander of the 99th Airlift Squadron and now serves as the 89th Operations Group Deputy Group Commander. Duffy was previously the 457th Airlift Squadron. Also had the privilege of meeting Phil Tucker at the BWI airport and transporting him to Northern Virginia as he moved from Ramstein AB, Germany where he was the Operational Support Squadron Commander to Air Mobility Command’s Chief of Flight Safety. Congrats on your moves fellas—if anyone knows of

Troy and his family with a great view! Mike and Damara Rice checked in from Colorado Springs. They will help out immensely in preparing for our 20-year reunion. Many thanks in advance Mike and Damara! Mike “MC” McClung checked in from Air Combat Command HQ. Mike (along with Kristin (Goodwin) Fisher-Goodwin and Tadd Sholtis) enjoyed helping keep the ACC Commander out of trouble. Mike was the Commander’s Action Group (CAG) Director and is getting used to Air War College—go International Studies—my favorite! Kristin is the ACC Commander’s Executive Officer and headed up here in DC for a fellowship—she started in June and has yet to contact me (hrrumph). Tadd became the Deputy Director of ACC Public Affairs after finishing his PhD last year.

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Tadd, Kristin and Mike keeping the COMACC out of trouble. Chris Gray sent an email updating us on his family. Chris’ and his wife, Rebecca (Currie, class of 1994), and their family had been here in Washington DC. Rebecca is completing her fellowship for the Secretary of Defense Fortune 500 Corporate Fellow program. She was one of 14 service members selected to be assigned to a Fortune 200 company (in her case Georgia Power). (Writer’s note…I am so jealous! Make sure you go to an UGA game for me and eat at the Varsity.) Once her training is complete Chris and Rebecca will move back to Atlanta. Their family was also feature on CNN recently to talk about the international adoption process. Chris and Rebecca adopted three girls from China. I’m glad to hear everyone is doing great! I look forward to hearing from many of you as we get closer to the reunion. Take care – Mike.

Visit the AOG Web Site. Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org

Craig Allen 85 Quail Creek Drive Del Rio, TX 78840 H: 830-313-7089 C: 660-864-5374 kegsdoolittle@yahoo.com

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USAFA escapes wildfire! Wow, that was a close one. It looked bleak there for a while, but USAFA was spared the devastation that some residents of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas unfortunately experienced. It was sad to hear the Flying W Ranch was destroyed. I saw a lot of updates during the fire from ‘94 grads that live in the area, but luckily (as far as I know) none of our classmates were adversely affected...and it must have been divine intervention that somehow USAFA’s Blue and Silver golf courses were unscathed. Whew! It was a tough summer there, but now it’s time to look forward to fall and the 2012 football season. I got a lot of updates this quarter, starting with a USAFA Chapel wedding. Dave Toogood got married in May at the Academy. Sabre Society The inside scoop was from Bill Sullivan who was in Donors attendance along with Rich Ladue and Danny Piper.

are currently in the DC area, while Rebecca completes the fellowship. Upon completion, they will then return to their civilian lives in Atlanta. Chris also said that Rebecca and their three girls (from China) were recently featured on CNN in an interview about international adoptive families. Congrats on both. Another ‘94 person recently on CNN was Charles Baird, who made news by announcing that he was going “off the grid” for a year. I only caught a bit of the interview and didn’t speak with him, but Charles planned to be dropped off on a remote Alaskan island, build a cabin, hunt, fish and live without news from the outside world for a year. The expedition has just begun. You can follow his periodic updates on at “Alaskan Pioneer” on Facebook. I read one today that said, “Yesterday I found half a salmon an eagle dropped. It was delicious!” I hope there aren’t any bears on the island. Good luck Charles, hope you’re safely back from the year-long trip and reading this edition of Checkpoints in summer of ‘13. Dave “Hambone” Hamby reported that he is currently in Florida, at Patrick, coordinating DoD support to NASA’s human space flight programs. He’s primarily involved in rescue & recovery support, Shuttle ferry flights, and test & development of the next program (Orion). Hambone also said that in the past year he was deployed for OEF as the 26 ERQS/CC at Bastion Airfield. While there he said he was able to showcase the Rescue mission to Gen Schwartz, who stopped by on one occasion to see how things were going with their MEDEVAC mission in support of the Army (pictured below).

Justin Perry (a great friend from my Bull Six freshman year) also made the trip. JP was in ‘94 for a couple years, until he decided a civilian college education was more his style. Sully’s update listed Rich as a Monument resident, Danny in Hermosa, JP in Atlanta, Dave in Wichita Falls and himself in DC. He said this ‘94 groomsman crew pushed it up pretty well, trying to reenact The Hangover. The reported quote of the weekend, from an unnamed grad was, “I think I roofied myself.” Sully’s final piece of information on the event was that Dave’s bride, Jaime (Stuppy) is a USAFA grad as well, from ‘06. Congrats Dave...here’s to you MR. Robinson. Chris “Elroy” Stricklin checked in from “the porch of a Gatlinburg cabin with a cup of coffee and Checkpoints.” He and his family were on leave after PCSing out of Columbus AFB, MS, on their way to Army War College at Carlisle Barracks. Elroy had just given up command of the 49th Fighter Training Squadron, Black Knights. He was instructing IFF (Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals) in the T-38C there, along with Dan “Spider” Radulski. Elroy sent a picture of his family after his fini-flight. Pictured below with him are his wife, Terri, and kids Zach (17), Bethy (14), Aubree Lu (9) and Andy (8). Congrats on the change of command and good luck with “Aaarrrmy Training, Sir!”

Dave Hamby and General Schwartz. Christian “Ragu” Wendler sent a solid update after a trip to Cartagena, Columbia providing POTUS support. Ragu is based at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Columbia as the 474 EOSS/DO. He and his commander, David Keesey (‘91) were supporting the trip, as well as Marc “Sporto” London. Sporto was forward deployed to Columbia as a Presidential Advance Agent from Dyess AFB, TX, where he is 7 BW/XP. Ragu said it was a great trip, but he did mention that it was that trip, that brought some negative publicity. He assured me, however, that his trio was not involved in the Secret Service shenanigans and that they were not in attendance at the hotel party in question...for very long {last part added by author for comedic effect}. Thanks for the update Ragu. I got a pic from a couple Minnesota boys who were on a fishing trip back home -- Bryan Nobs and Tony “Fargo” Retka. Fargo was on leave before a year remote at Kunsan in Korea. I took note of their beverages in the pic, as I didn’t recognize the label. A little forensic work led to the discovery they were tipping back “Nordeast Grain Belts”, whose website describes this Minnesota product as an amber lager with “smooth taste and excellent drinkability.” The champagne of Lake Minnetonka.

Elroy enjoys some well-deserved fini-flight champagne with his family. Paul Wagner sent an update from Falls Church, VA. He had recently been in Haiti, with a group of cadets on a trip led by the Global Orphan Project. Paul said he joined Trace Thurlby for this event. Trace currently works for the Global Orphan Project and he led the group of cadets on visits to orphanages throughout Haiti. Also part of the trip was Bob Goodwin, who works with Executives Without Borders. The three met to tour a recycling business that Bob helped set up as part of an endeavor to improve the local economy. Sounds like a great effort by you all to both mentor cadets and help improve quality of life in the region. Thanks for the update Paul. Another ‘94 grad doing great things in the civilian arena is Rebecca (Currie) Gray. Her husband, Chris Gray (‘93) wrote that Rebecca was recently selected as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow to a Fortune 500 Company -- Georgia Power. She will be studying the company’s best practices and the applications for the DoD. The Grays (both Reservists)

Hey Nobsie, pass me another Nordeast wouldcha, eh? Finally, a quick Laughlin ’94 contingent update. Scott “Chains” Allison and his wife, LeAnn, recently arrived from Dyess, AFB, TX where they were in the C-130 community. Chains took over as the OSS/CC here and is an IP in the T-6. It’s great to have them here. That’s sums up this quarter.

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Class News Thanks again for all the input. In fact, I got way more photos than my limit of three. So sorry if I didn’t use your pic. In general, hi-res, relatively close-up pics print best in the magazine. Please keep sending stuff and root for the Falcons this fall -- Kegger. R. Travis Koch 2406 Pretty Bayou Island Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32405 W:(850) 282-43-1 DSN 742Cell: (840) 499-8242 richard.koch@tyndall.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com

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Update from the President: Greetings from Tyndall. I want to thank our class president, Jon Tinsley, for scribing a righteous update this quarter, so here we go: “Greetings ’95! Travis handed off this quarter’s article to me to write to change things up. Like he’s busy or something…congrats to “Pinz” Koch as he just took over as the commander of the 43rd Fighter Squadron here at Tyndall, and was on the front page of the local newspaper. I guess I can overlook the shirking of scribe duties just this once. I know a sampling of other ’95ers in command; please forgive me if I miss some. Chris “Raz’n” Kane recently took over the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron. Dave “Fahm” O’Malley has been the commander of the 325th OSS for a while now. Jason “Bondo” Costello is waiting in the wings for command here as well. Sean “Stick” Sabre Society Slaughter was headed to Luke last I heard to command Donors the ACS squadron out in the Phoenix West Valley, also Matt “Tooma” Liljenstolpe is in command out there. Josh “Tic” Hetsko was out there as a DO, but I think that someone said that he was going to the Kun to take command. Mark “Pied” Piper just took command of the 121st Fighter Squadron with the DCANG, and he has Scott “Bam-Bam” Arbogast as his DO. Arbo and Christy just added little John Valentine Arbogast to the family. Jay “Tang” Sabia had command out at Hill. Chris “Santa” Claus just took over the 55th FS at Shaw. Mike “Spades” Waite is running the CTS up at Eielson. Tom “RJ” Seymour has command of the 85th over at Eglin, and Jim “Latex” Collins has command of the 86th there as well. I don’t know if any of our classmates are flying the F-35 yet. Anyone know? “As for me, after 8 years here, I have pretty much settled in the Florida panhandle for the long haul. I’m in the FLANG at the 601st AOC keeping America safe in the air, but still staying current in the F-16 by traveling all around a week a month to anywhere who needs help filling their schedule. Other grads at the AOC are Mark Hayes (’93), Jason Rudd (’96), Chad Martin (’99), Wade Causey (’89), Mark Gutcher (’91), Brian Johnson (’90), and Willy Platt (’87). “I still keep in touch with Dave “Steak” Salisbury who is in the Reserves and flying for Southwest, along with Mike “Metal” Henkelman and until recently Brad “Baja” Mitcheltree. A year ago or so, I ran into Chung Guan Low at Luke as well. On occasion, I get up to Montgomery to fly with the ’Bama Guard where Jon “Habib” Shultz just pinned on; also up there is Chris “Fatty” Jones.

officer with the state department. I will be in orientation through 24 August. We find out what our overseas post will be on August 17th...I will be working in a US Embassy or Consulate. I am still a member of the Air Force Reserves and will be looking for an IMA position where I can continue my service while serving as an FSO with the state dept.’ “Every time I am up in DC, I get together with Paul “Deiter” Spaven, usually down in Chinatown at a little beer joint called RFD. Deiter recently got married last spring, and now a little Spaven is due in late fall/early winter. Congrats! I keep trying to catch up with Joe “Sloppy” Cautero, but his Southwest gig keeps him busy. Also, I’ll get the obligatory Jonathan “Hambone” Hamby update out of the way; I have tried to grab a beer, but schedules have not aligned. I did get a chance to catch up with Alex Sansone in DC before he left for sunny Hawaii. Maggs Morris is also in Hawaii and keeps everyone entertained on Facebook with pictures of her new pup, Moose. Jeremy Hilton was named military spouse of the year, congrats! Keeping things going so Renae Hilton can still serve.

Shultzy at his pin-on. “Amanda Steffey Finerty sent me an update: ‘I’ve seen Billeye Gladen at the Pentagon, Kirsten Palmer is an IMA on full-time orders and now a new mom! I’m working full-time as an IMA for AF Legislative Liaison. I’m a single mom of Kate (8) and Ryan (4). Running lots of 10 milers and awaiting 0-5 prom results. Saw Teaka Robba at the pentagon months ago -- she pcsed to C-Springs.’ “Becky Mason Fox sent this update: ‘I recently moved from Tucson AZ to Washington DC in early July to start a new career as a Foreign Service 134

Deiter and his beautiful bride. “Mike “Mach” May and Missy “Shock” May are at Aviano. Brian “Split” Shafer is over at Whiting Field playing with the Navy and flying T-6s. Brian “Salsa” Murphy is up at Columbus flying T-38s. Jason “Hollywood” Smith is in the Reserves at Ft Worth. Supposedly there has been a Don “Buda” Kang sighting in San Antonio, but that is all secondhand info. Keith Crawford is over at Hurlburt Field. Travis Lippert is also in Texas, but sends that he has nothing interesting to say right now, but to stay tuned. Tara Sweeney is back out in Henderson, NV. Lisa Varacins Nemeth is down at MacDill. “Joe DiFidi is in his MC-12 training and getting ready to go downrange. He was at Seymour-Johnson and crossed paths with fellow ’95ers Chris “Shaft” Ederle, Alan “Pulse” Thode, and Craig “Wobbles” Lucey, as well as Jeff “Tank” Patton (‘94), Alan “Wheezer” Wesenberg (‘94), Nicole “FiFi” Malachowski (‘96), Steve “Bubba” Taylor (‘97), and Sean “Hammer” Bess (‘98). “Johnny Northon and Stephanie Halcrow are currently downrange at everyone’s favorite undisclosed location in SWA. Johnny said that he ran into Dave “Deeq” Abba up in DC. Blake Mathies is in C-Springs running the fuels contracts at Peterson. He and his wife are expecting their first child in September. He ran into Steve Russ at the zoo during the in-processing day for 2016. Thankfully the fires that were threatening the area stayed away from most of the Academy. Dave “Squawk” Sundlov is the DO for the Makos at Homestead, and Adam “Rider” Myers is down there as well. I flew against those guys last May down at Key West. “Mike Flynn has been the single dad since his wife, CDR Jennifer Strazza, was called to active duty as a JAG and sent to Gitmo. He sends that he has a newfound appreciation for military spouses. He keeps busy playing Words with Friends with Bernard Bedgood, Mike Bettencourt, Brian Bradford, and Ron Levy, among many other grads. Mike is a USAFA ALO in the MD/DE region, and his first class that he is working on is the class of 2015, who will graduate as we are eligible for retirement. I am the Air Liaison Officer down here in the Panama City area, and would like to encourage everyone else to get involved, if able, as it is very rewarding working with the motivated applicants in your community. Check it out on www. academyadmissions.com.” Thanks, Meat. Catch you cats next quarter. ’Till then, keep the Faith, T.Koch

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

Melissa S. Cunningham 9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181 (C) 719-332-4912 (W) 703-697-9121 Melissas.s.cunningham.mil@ mail.mil fmcunningham@me.com

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Can you believe it’s been 20 years since we walked up the Bring Me Men Ramp? Where does the time go? Don Brunk was reminiscing with Matt Davis (currently serving a hardship tour at the Embassy in Finland) about their adventures in CS 37. Don sent a nice 20-year Anniversary note to our Animalistic Skyraider family. He reminded us that much has changed in our lives, the Air Force and our country over the years but the bonds of two decades do not break. Don is now the Deputy Director of International Affairs at Langley AFB. He’s married with three kids and one more due late August. It was fun to catch up with everyone as they chimed in on the e-mail chain. I’ll share some of the updates. Sabre Society Jeremy and Tami Klomp have 5 children: Elizabeth Donors (11), AJ (10), Olivia (8), Ashlynn (4), and Evelyn (2). They packed up the kids and headed to Taiwan in July where Jeremy will be the Air Liaison Officer/Air Attache for the next three years. Jeremy did stop-out to go to Taiwan for his mission trip and was also selected for the Olmsted Program (04-06) to study in Shanghai, China. Needless to say the Klomps’ hopes of going to a European country were dashed when the AF decided to get a little return on investment. Bob and Melissa Bryant have been in San Antonio for just about a year. Bob is the DO of the 559th “the Fightin Billygoats” teaching pilots to be T-6 instructor pilots for four months before they go to their UPT bases. Melissa (Wainwright) is doing great and keeping busy with sports and school activities for Rebecca (12), Rachel (10), Erica (7), and Neave (5). Bryan Shumway is deployed to HOA, working the “wild, wild west” version of Ops deployments. He said it was fun to work in a joint and coalition environment, but admitted he had to print out a list of the different service ranks since he’s forgotten a few since our last knowledge bowl. Bryan and Julie’s kids Rebekah (8), Alex (6), and Emma (4) are enjoying the summer despite Bryan’s deployment. Back at Little Rock, Bryan works the MAF side (mostly C-130s) of monthly joint exercises with the Army at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Tim and Leigh Anne Kao along with Emily (9) and Charlotte (6) are in the middle of a PCS to Okinawa for a staff tour with the G-3 shop at 3d Marine Division. Tim just finished a tour in Quantico which was an Operations Research payback assignment for his education at NPS. Tim ran into Dr. Michael Martinez last year at the Military Operations Research Conference (kind of a military math geek convention). Additionally, he saw Corban Spraker at Arlington this past Memorial Day when the family paid respects to Brian Rizzoli. Corban is doing well, just finished the Mali tour and reunited with his family. Corban, Kirsten (Murray) and their kids are headed to Yokota this summer. Corban will be back in the AF flying Hueys. Michael Martinez sent greetings from the Euro-Zone. Michael and Catalina have 3 girls: Victoria (7), Isabela (6), and Alejandra (4). They are more than halfway through their Ramstein tour and loving it! Michael recently returned from a NATO deployment to Kosovo to a significant reorg/drawdown in USAFE. He is still carving out time check off all of the “must-see” places on the family list before they have to PCS. Chris White (Jensen) spent many years as a contractor working in the Middle East. He is now in the Quantico area splitting work between another company and his own start-up. Shawn and Micki Anger along with Kinsey (8), and Dana (7) left their last assignment as AOC of Ragin’ Bull Six in June of 2011. Miraculously, Shawn was sent back to the Raptor at Holloman AFB. He picked up the DO job for the OSS for several months and later transitioned to DO of the 7th FS. When the CC became ill a few weeks before deployment departure, Shawn got the nod to take the team on the road. It’s been a great trip thus far. Colleen McBratney is the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at JB ElmendorfRichardson. Gwen DeFlippi and I had a chance to catch up with Colleen over lunch at the Pentagon last January and her about her recent deployment to Iraq. I got a great update from Ted Roberts. Ted is currently stationed at Cavalier AFS, ND where he’s been the DO of the 10th Space Warning Squadron since July 11. They are in the northeast corner of the state about equidistant from Grand Forks and Winnipeg. It’s definitely been “interesting” living in/on such a small base and community (14 family homes) and some of the associated “issues.” They have to trek 90 miles to Grand Forks

every couple of weeks to grocery shop and see civilization. Ted, Ruth and daughters Alina (8) and Nyla (11) were recently blessed with Blake Theodore Roberts born on January 10th. They’ll PCS next summer (13) and will see where the AFPC winds take them.

Eric Mack and his bride, Corrie. I also got a great note from Eric Mack. The picture is from his wedding in March 2011. He married Corrie Westbrook, a Major in the JAG Corps. Eric was stationed on a 1.5 year remote to the US Embassy in Beirut and had to make a quick trip back to the States to make it to his own ceremony. He finished up the Beirut assignment in Dec 2011 and joined Corrie in DC. Eric is now working in OSD POW/MIA Affairs as a South East Asia Analyst. He said “the easiest way to describe is it as working MIA cold cases in Vietnam and Laos, trying to locate their remains for recovery back to the states.”

The DeGarmo Family celebrates Lt Col promotion. I caught up with Karrina DeGarmo (Colman) just as she completed the family move (hubby & 3 kids) across the country from Beale AFB to Virginia. She just started on the Air Staff during the spin up for the budget season. It’s her first non-flying gig. She knew it was bound to happen eventually. I tracked down Erik “Buster” Hoffman, currently the 354 FW Chief of Safety at Eielson AFB, AK. Erik, his wife, Jen, and son Brady arrived in Feb 11. Great time of year to PCS to Eielson. He finished a year as the DO for 18 Aggressors Squadron and moved over to Chief of Safety. Nothing like 50 below in the winter to present some sporty situations for ground, weapons and flight safety oversight. Before the next winter arrives, Hoffman Baby #2 will be making a grand entrance in Sept. Congrats! Two other bricks at Eielson are Philip “Jowler” Stodick who took over command of the 18 AGRS in April 2012 and Marcelo “Splitter” Morales the 353 Combat Training Squadron Chief of Advanced Programs. They run the multiple two-week Red Flag Alaska exercises during the summers. I heard Splitter’s wife had triplets a few months ago. I’m task-saturated with twins, so I cannot even imagine it. The 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron at Camp Buering, Kuwait was activated at a ceremony April 6, 2012. Jamie Conley assumed command of this squadron that combined tactical air control party (TACP) and weather functions to provide a one-stop shop for the unique capability they bring to the fight.

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Class News peak to see Machu Picchu, boating Lake Titicaca, and drinking with Peruvian Air Force pilots. Tracy (Waller) Hasse graduated cum laude from Regent Law in May and took the North Carolina bar exam in July. She reports to Navy’s Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island shortly. Congrats to Tracy the Ensign! Jim Smith took over as the 1st Range Operations Squadron at Cape Canaveral, FL which plans and monitors launches into space from the Eastern Range…cool. Jay Martin took command of the 442d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman AFB, MO. Jay’s family is getting settled in the new digs although his oldest daughter, Maddy, stayed in North Carolina to attend Campbell University (wow…classmates with kids in college). Christophe Powers is at Maxwell graduating crops of new Air Force officers at OTS. Julio Negron is finishing up a tour at HQ ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan and heads back to WrightPatterson just in time for football season. Meanwhile, Christian Basballe is on his way to ISAF for six months to “give the bad dudes the business end of cyberspace.” That’s all I’ve got this round. Until next time…Mel.

Jamie Conley, 82 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron CC accepts the guidon. Please keep the photos and updates coming! Have a wonderful rest of your summer! Mel

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr. PSC 2, Box 1093 APO AE 09012 mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com melvin.maxwell@ramstein.af.mil

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Hope this update finds you well. Like many out there, it’s been a busy summer as the family and I PCSed to our new duty station at Ramstein AB, Germany. I bumped into a few classmates on our circuitous route to Germany. I ran into Anthony “Meat” Mincer while TDY to Sheppard AFB. Anthony is on hiatus from the B-1 community and is back at USAFA as the commander of the 98th Flying Training Squadron which runs the USAFA jump program. While on leave in Colorado, I caught up with Wendy Palatinus. Wendy is in the Reserves and was at USAFA working as Sabre Society Donors a Deputy Group AOC. She just accepted a position at AF Reserve Command and was planning to make the transition to Robins AFB later in the summer. Later, while I was in Albuquerque, NM visiting family, Anne-Marie Contreras (Chaffee) popped into my Facebook newsfeed. I noticed she was also in Albuquerque so I messaged her and an hour later I joined her and her longtime friend Shannon downtown for a beer. Anne-Marie was stationed at MacDill, going through requalification at Kirtland, and is headed to Andrews AFB, MD next.

Anne-Marie Contreras (Chaffee) and Mel Maxwell. I bumped into a couple classmates since arriving in Germany. Ran into Matt Zamiska while walking through the Ramstein BX. Matt has been a career F-15 guy before his tour at Ramstein on the NATO staff. I also bumped into Eric Springer at the wing Status of Discipline meeting. Eric is the commander of a Security Forces Squadron responsible for security outside the perimeter of Ramstein AB. Eric won best story at the Status of Discipline meeting hands down. Some quick hits on my way out. Phil Dorsch reports taking a nice vacation as he transitioned from McGuire AFB, NJ to his assignment on AMC staff at Scott AFB, IL. Phil reports a trip to Peru, a hike up the 14K-foot

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Pat Fox 1260 Bragg St. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 837-6356 pfox@hannonarmstrong.com

I’ve been writing our quarterly class update for almost five years and only received a handful of unsolicited updates. The lack of updates is the main reason I tend to fill the column with not-so factual facts on what people are up to…for all of you just catching your breath from the last sentence, relax and exhale. I checked, and the AOG Checkpoints updates are exempt from the Honor Code. Within a week this summer, I received two unsolicited updates. Marilyn (Schroering) Garcia and Steve Li thank you very much. Marilyn is living in Florida and working on AF SpeSabre Society Donors cial Operations Command staff at Hurlburt. The photo is of Marilyn receiving her award as the AFSOC Reservist of the Year – goes to show all you haters out there that the countless hours of hard work that the Honor Guard put in on the Terrazzo pays off. All kidding aside, congratulations Marilyn. When this issue is published, Marilyn will have finished ACSC at Maxwell – she went through the course with JJ Grinrod. JJ is at Tyndall and only a couple of years away from receiving social security.

Marilyn Garcia, AFSOC Reservist of the Year . Steve has just finished a three year tour in Taiwan where he helped ensure that all the friendly Asian countries had ample supply of weapons on hand just in case North Korea acted up or China decided to flex her muscles. Prior to his assignment in Taiwan he studied Chinese at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. The assignment was great, as has Taiwan, and Steve highlighted his time by hosting Jeremy Lin, Harvard grad turned NBA phenom, and the origin of the noun Linsanity. Steve, his wife, Lingo, and their two kids are off to RAF Mildenhall this fall, but the Dominator presence in Taiwan will remain as Jeremy Klopp is taking Steve’s place. Steve passed along some updates on fellow water polo players: Jay Reves and his wife have three kids and are stationed in Hawaii at Hickam where Jay is the 15 MX SQ/CC, Craig Thomas (’97) has returned to his Southern California roots where he’s in the Reserves at March AFB, and Ian Larvie is living ‘around the corner’ from me in Vacaville, CA – he flies corporate jets for Google. A related note about Larvie – Ian’s parents owned and ran the oldest and most famous Italian restaurant in San Francisco’s North Beach

neighborhood, Fior d’ Italia. When it recently closed it was a major disappointment to the whole city, many an AFA grad will not only remember the restaurant for its great food, but also how welcoming and generous Ian’s parents always were. One last water polo update – Greg Krino (’97) graduated from law school at the University of Arizona and ran for public office, but now splits his time between flying A-10s as a part-time Reservist and model. Krino – drop me a line sometime!

and JMo recruited Mike Boos (’00) and friend Josh Houck. Boos was kind enough to send along this picture of the three of them in their Spanish sailor outfits – very cute fellas. He also let me know that before even the first running had begun, JMo was caught taking pictures, despite a strict no camera policy, he was immediately tackled and thrown to the ground like a rag doll by a 120-lb Spanish cop. Despite the resulting concussion and humiliation, JMo dusted off his cute little red uniform and did our class proud in the remaining races.

James W. Busch 8618 Rockbridge Circle Montgomery, AL 36116 Cell: (830) 734-2411 Buschf16@yahoo.com

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Steve assuring the AF Chief of Staff that he had nothing to do with Kim Jong-Il’s death. After avoiding me for a couple of years, I finally heard from Conner (Wyatt) Herman. Conner and husband, Brad, are living in Washington DC with their three young boys. She and Lynn Alexander have a business teaching parents how to get their babies to sleep. Conner does the instructing and Lynn is the ‘expert demonstrator’. Check out Conner’s book, ‘The Dream Sleeper: A Three Part Plan to Teaching Your Baby to Love Sleep’. I think Conner felt guilty for avoiding all my emails, which is ironic because most people don’t. She said she wanted me to move back to the DC area and as further reason to move there she mentioned that Lauren (Eckert) and Rob Myers and Jannell (Zicarelli) and Chris MacAulay were there and that Beth (Crimmel) and Rob Makros weren’t that far away either…hmm, not that far away, the Makros’ live in Omaha, Nebraska? Beth just had baby girl number three – congrats guys and I’ll give you a call the next time I’m in DC. I don’t see us moving from wine country anytime soon and I found out that I’m not the only one in our class up here, well kind of. James Blanchard has a winery just up the road in Healdsburg, CA – Blanchard Family Wines. James is still on active duty and getting a master’s from CU after spending time back at the Academy teaching – he’s left his brother in charge of the wine business here in California until he can move here fulltime. Speaking of brothers, I recently heard from two sets of Academy brothers. Rusty Hoss (’97) and younger brother Rick (’99) reached out to me after the last issue of Checkpoints went out. My memories of these guys are checkered at best, and just as our ole’ buddy Major Angelo Haygood used to do, I’m choosing not to acknowledge them at the present time. I also heard from Sean Finnan – Sean is now the DO of the OSS at Ramstein and younger brother Ryan (’00) is an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Shiners - greetings from my new home in the Far East--Izmir, Turkey. I’m here on a one year remote working with NATO. I highly doubt any of you will be “passing through” here, but if you are give me a holler. The history is amazing, and who knew that a country that’s 99.9% Muslim could make good beer?! I stopped through DC on my way out and caught up with Seth Deam, who was working in the Pentagon as the special assistant to the CSAF. We joined up with Roger Buckner for a few cold ones as well. As a newly minted ACSC grad, Roger is headed to the 5-sided puzzle palace as a GS-14. GS -14! Where did I go wrong! That’s it for this round; keep the cards and letters floating in. I’ll be home to see the family in Alabama periodically throughout the year and hope to catch up with many of you then. James

Jason Simmons NKAIA–IJC–CJ6 APO AE 09320 Jason.Simmons@Live.com Simmons@USAFA2000.com

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Classmates, I did not get many responses this time around, but where we lack in quantity, we make up in quality. I’m still out in Kabul, but have moved jobs and have even been working with Afghans as an Advisor to the Afghan National Army’s Ground Forces Command, but I’m dual-hatted, so I’m most often back on base working the surge recovery and C4I Plans. Send me an email with what you’re up to upon reading this. If you wait you’ll forget. Thanks… and on with the news. Amy Rivera graduated Army Command and General Staff College on 8 June 2012 and assumed command on 22 June of the 78th Security Forces Squadron at Warner Robins AFB, GA.

Amy assuming command. Mike Boos (’00), Jeff Mohr, and Josh Houck sporting red Spanish sailor outfits in Pamplona, Spain. In closing, the Jeff Mohr update: As reported in last quarter’s Checkpoints, JMo went to Spain to run with the bulls. Rumor had it that he was dragging along Brian Mulloy (’97), but Mulloy backed out (smart man)

Amanda (Rivera) Williams got out in 2007, and is a GS now. She is working Legislative Affairs at NORAD and USNORTHCOM, Peterson AFB, CO and has a baby on the way. Jon Friedman notes that he’s separating in October and joining the SDANG (South Dakota Air National Guard). And just before that, he’ll be marrying Emily Garry on September 28th.

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Class News behind as they are also expecting their first this fall! Givey Kochanowski and his family are still living in Alaska where he works for GSA. We also just recently heard from Brent Bak. He is stationed in Vegas and we are hoping to catch up with them this winter!

Jon Friedman, Henry Schantz, and the Friedman youngsters. Since graduating, April Scott Wimmer has been in the Space and Missile career field. She was stationed at Malmstrom as a Missileer and then did command and control for Milstar satellites at Schiever. She and her husband, Dan, and are coming up on their 10th anniversary and have two wonderful children, Amelia, age 5, and Steven age 2. April just finished up a year at AFIT, earning a degree in Cyber Warfare. While she was there she ran into Kevin Sabre Society Kuciapinski and Ryan O’Hara who were there getting Donors PHDs. April also notes that Laura Durham Waddell is in the Reserves now and was at AFIT with her husband, E.T., who is completing IDE. And finally, she ran into Stew Eyer who is now at AFRL. After AFIT, April moved to the 533rd Training Squadron at Vandenberg so if anyone is ever out in Wine Country, she’d be happy to tour the local wineries with you.

Jesse, Sarah, Ella, Owen and Abby Goolsby As for Mike and I, we went on our first family vacation this year to Disney World in May. We had a great time and the kids can’t wait to go back (although it will be a few years!). I am also starting a new job with John Deere in August and am looking forward to a new opportunity. We were also able to squeeze in a short trip to Virginia to see my parents, and Grant starts Kindergarten in a couple weeks! We can’t believe he is starting school already.

Mike and Faith Dunn at Disney World with Grant and Abigail.

April, Amelia, Dan, and Steven Wimmer Until next time, see you on the strips! Jason “Cueball” Simmons

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Faith (Hitchcock) Dunn 6423 NW 94th Court Johnson, IA 50131 Faithd03@hotmail.com

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(4 Sabre Society Donors) Hello again ’01ers! It seems like I just finished the last article and here another one is due again! So as you can guess, not much has changed since the last time. I will share what I’ve heard but am hoping to have more for the fall issue – so please send me some updates and pictures! Jesse Goolsby and his wife welcomed their third child recently, a girl they named Abby. They are living in DC and keep up with Raul and Angela Ochoa quite often who are also expecting another baby. Jeff Feuring and his family are also stationed in the DC area and are going to be growing from a family of 4 to a family of 6 here soon as they are expecting twin boys in the fall! Jason Feuring and his wife, Nicky will have a cousin close

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That is all I have for now. Again, please send me some updates to let me know what you all are up to! Thanks, Faith.

Eric Ballew World Cell: +1.850.543.9936 ericballew86@yahoo.com eric.ballew@us.af.mil Class Facebook: USAFA Class of 2002 Class Website: www.usafa02.org

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(5 Sabre Society Donors) (Editor’s note: We did not receive an article from Eric for this issue. He was in the middle of a PCS and “up to his ears.” Please send him your info and photos for the next issue.)

Visit the AOG Web Site. Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org

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Members Susan (Doyle) Maly Linked In: USAFA 03 USAFA2003@gmail.com Class Facebook Page: Usafa Zerothree

(9 Sabre Society Donors) Hey Bongers, Keny Ruffin says Beale AFB has turned into a mini-reunion as several classmates are out here for various programs. He, along with Chris Gruner, Juan Amaya, and Brian Carter are spinning up for the MC-12, while Brian Ham is already an instructor here and Dan Munson is assigned to the Global Hawk. Meanwhile, Dan Browning, Sarah (Hardin) Eccles, Mike Opresko, Greg Mansfield, JC Gorman, and a few other BONGers are out here truly slipping the surly bonds of Earth in the U-2. Hopefully we’ll all be able to descend upon the Springs next fall for our reunion. Hope all is well! Susan

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Breezy Long PSC 78, Box 4252 APO AP 96326 Home: (214) 261-2065 windyshort82@gmail.com

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Maj Alex Pelbath (’01), Capt BJ Wimberley, and Lt Gen Mike Gould (’76 & current USAFA Supt). little background update. Will and Cara (Rotering) Jones (’05) were married on 2 Jun 2005. Will separated from the Air Force on 27 April 2007. He then moved to South Korea to live with his Cara, who was on a remote tour at the time. In South Korea, Will started working as a contractor on the U-2 Program. In 2009, Will and Cara PCSed to Little Rock AFB, AR, and Will enrolled in music school -- can we say jack of all trades! Will graduated on 15 Dec 2011 with a B.A. in Music Theory from the University of Arkansas, Little Sabre Society Rock. This fall, he’ll be attending the University of Donors Nebraska to get his Masters of Music (M.M.) in Music Composition. Curious about Will’s new sound? You can actually listen to his music at www.soundcloud. com/digitalexegete. Cara separated from the AF on 1 Mar 2012, and is training to be a doula and massage therapist. Will and Cara had their third child in January 2012. The precious children of these amazingly talented grads are Elizabeth Ruth (b. Jun 2008), Nathan Alexander (b. Apr 2010), and Arthur Xavier (b. Jan 2012).

Another summer behind us and another class of Academy grads enters the fold - -I still find it hard to believe sometimes that we’ve been out in the “real world” this long. This summer, out at Travis AFB, CA, our classmate John “BJ” Wimberley had the honor/headache (ha-ha) of being OIC of the base’s “Operations Air Force” program. He shared that the fact those cadets were all Class of 2014 made him feel very, very old -- and I couldn’t agree more! BJ told them about some of the unique experiences he’s had so far and that some of his favorite times have been running into old friends from the Academy. Again, I totally agree, and I’m glad we have this forum for keeping in touch and seeing where we’ve all been as our paths increasingly diverge.

The happy Wimberley couple, plus one! BJ and his wife, Bryn, recently had their first child. Luke Emerson Wimberley was born on 7 February 2012 in Davis, CA. BJ is having a blast being a Dad so far, and thinks his son is absolutely awesome. The Wimberleys love it in Northern California. BJ is still flying the C-17 and headed out soon for another deployment. He recently went to SOS, along with what he says seemed like half our class. For BJ -- and I hope for many others, besides the drain of being back in a training environment -- SOS was actually a fun 8 weeks catching up with people he hadn’t seen since graduation. Speaking of mini-reunions, BJ was kind enough to share a photo from a recent 70th anniversary party they had in his squadron. BJ explained that what’s great about this particular picture is that while Maj Pelbath and BJ were wearing official party flight suits, they decided it was appropriate to gather embarrassing stories about Lt Gen Gould’s days as a cadet from his wife and his Academy roommates. Needless to say, his stories won the contest by a landslide, and Lt Gen Gould had to wear the “BEE suit” as his punishment -- and he was a great sport throughout the event! (see photo at the top of the next column.) Will Jones also has great news to share with us this quarter, but first a

Will and Cara Jones, with the newest addition to their lovely family! I’ve run into several classmates on my latest deployment, as well, and it always feels like finding a bit of home in a faraway place. Thanks for staying in touch ’04. As always, it’s great to hear from you!

John Tamasitis 801 King St., Apt. K Columbia, SC 29205 Tamasiti@email.sc.edu Cell: 610-850-3352

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Hope this note finds everyone doing well and enjoying the final steamy summer months. We have gotten a lot of updates and announcements from several classmates located throughout the country and the world. First, Jeremiah Carlson dropped me a quick note to let me know that several ’05ers put together a little road trip while at SOS and headed to Pensacola, FL for a weekend fishing expedition. Included in the group were Jason Ulibarri, Dan Coombs, Garret Marxen, Seth Pelletier and his wife Jenalee Burke Pelletier, Kala’e Leong and Paul Cameron. Based on the photos, the fishing was great and the reunion went extremely well.

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Class News Jeremiah wanted to make sure to mention that the group more than exceeded the boat captain’s expectations as to how many adult beverages could be drowned in the course of a day.

The Lochard-Temes Wedding not on the group list, please shoot me an email or a message and we will get you added. Please email, Facebook, write, carrier pigeon, or smoke signal me any and all news and updates about your lives and families. Stay safe and enjoy the moments! John Tamasitis

From left are Jason Ulibarri, Dan Coombs, Garret Marxan, Seth Pelletier, Kala’e Leong, Jena Pelletier, Jermiah Carlson and Paul Cameron. Jeremiah also got to link up with Tom Beers and Nathan Terrazone to play AF Rugby in the St Patrick’s Day rugby tournament in Savannah, GA after SOS. Air Force took home the national tournament trophy for the first time in several years, and the Armed Forces Championship will be out in Glendale, CO this August if anyone wants to get out there and support the team. Paula Maffey Delapasse also sent us an exciting story. Paula and Lauren Baize Ross got together at the National Museum of the Air Force at Wright-PatSabre Society terson AFB, OH this past May to support Lauren’s silDonors ver screen debut at the IMAX film Rescue. The movie is an amazing documentary film about the rescue efforts of Travis AFB C-17 Beeliners to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. According to Paula, the film is great and anyone with a showing nearby should grab some tickets and go see it! Lauren’s adorable daughter Allison accompanied her mother on the Red Carpet. Allison is apparently already preparing to follow in Mommy’s shoes as an American heroine. Lauren is currently stationed in Hawaii with her husband, Chris Ross (’03). Paula attended the viewing with her husband, Jacob Delapasse (’04) and their two children Lilith and Jacob. They will be moving to Las Vegas this summer.

Dayle (Morell) Hartung 12918 50th Ave. Court NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332 daylehartung@gmail.com Facebook group:”Feel the Fire”

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Casey (Bayne) Whitson P.O. Box 3005 El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 343-5969 checkpoints@caseybayne.com

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Hi Class of 2007! 5-Year Reunion. As most of you know Daniel “DT” Taylor hosted a five year reunion for our class in Las Vegas at the Treasure Island Hotel. The event consisted of a formal dinner, poolside fun and a tour of the Las Vegas Strip. All events were planned and designed to reconnect with fellow classmates and enjoy Vegas. The ’07 grads that attended were Lance Watson, Andrew Tiegler, Christina “Tina” Smith Decker, Monica Herrera, Joe HalpSabre Society ern, Brian Eddy, Ryan Bushnell, Marcie Mueth, Kim Donors Duarte, Alicia Peasley, Olivia Korte, Chuck Setzer, Nick Rochelle, Vinny Grossman, Crystal Grijalva, Vic Thompson, Laura Bouchard Mead, Derek Ebeling, Stephen Lawson, Tara Dunn, Bennet Krawchuk, Letricia Castillo and one of our former classmates, Mycal Anders, made an appearance as well!

Baize Ross and Maffey DeLapasse We also got word that Teresa Moreno graduated from the Northern Illinois University College of Law school this past May and is currently licensed to practice in Illinois and is assigned as a designated judge advocate. No rest for the weary, however, as she will be deploying in January to Bagram AB, Afghanistan to work on detainee operations and detainee review boards. We also have two wedding announcements. First, John Lockard and Lindsay Temes (’07) were married on July 7th in Eugene, OR. Members of John’s wedding party were Chris Rolfe (’04), Mike Hobson, Ryan Dombrock, Joe Riedesel, Brian Lemay, Tom Beers, R.J. Rademacher, John Feely and Brandon Conyers. John is currently stationed at Vance AFB flying T-6s and teaching UPT and his new bride is an OSI agent at Tinker AFB. (See photo at the top of the next column.) Finally, I was also married this past June 16th to my beautiful bride, Anna (Mohylsky) Tamasitis, daughter of 1977 graduate Peter Mohylsky (’77). We were married here in our new home in Columbia, SC. Members of my wedding party included Blake Baldi, Nathan Terrazone and Darren Smith. Remember, we have a class Facebook page up and running. If you are 140

DT wrote “Many thanks to EVERYONE who made Do the Dive a reality. Las Vegas was AWESOME! USAFA 2007 is officially the first class to ever host a five-year reunion in Academy history! Help continue this networking opportunity for our future alumni by spreading the word and participating in the years to come. Find out what you missed and join the fun at www.facebook.com/dothedive.”

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Christin Brodie christin.brodie@ramstein.af.mil

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Do the Dive Reunion Weddings: On July 7, 2012, Lindsay Temes and John Lockard (’05) were married at King Estate Winery in Lindsay’s home town of Eugene, Or. John is a T-6 Instructor Pilot at Vance AFB and Lindsay is currently stationed at Tinker AFB in the OSI Detachment but she headed to Afghanistan this winter. John and Lindsay are hoping to be stationed closer together when she returns from her deployment. Lindsay sent in a great shot of her and John with the ‘07 soccer girls who were able to join them in Eugene for the festivities. From left in the photo are Lindsay Temes Lockard, Mindy Mokos Breiding, Erin Fitzpatrick Bellissimo, Kate Schifani, John Lockard, Lanie Scott Wolf, Ashley Parker, and Katie Plichta. Congrats Lindsay and John; we look forward to hearing about your adventures together as a married couple!

Hi Richter class! Once again, I hope this finds everyone and their families happy and healthy. We’ve had some big changes in the last couple of months; new rank, new jobs, new locations. Remember those classmates that ran off to medical school after graduation? Well, they are now are now off to do their residency. Michelle Buehner has graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine and Kat Slogic, Alex Bedard, Chris Steel, JC Wuellner, Chris Walker, and Dave Garcia all graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences with Medical Doctor degrees. Kat will begin her residency to become an anesthesiologist at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Alex will be going to Wright-Patterson AFB to start a residency in emergency medicine. Chris will be PCSing to Travis AFB to study radiology. JC will be joining him at Travis AFB and will be starting a transitional year internship with plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. Chris begins his residency in radiology at SAMMC. Dave will be remaining in Washington DC and starting a residency in family medicine. Additionally, Dave and Kara (Wilson ‘09) are expecting their first child in late November of 2012.

The Lockard Wedding I recently traveled to San Antonio for the wedding of Lauren White to David Hale (’99) also on July 7, 2012. It was a beautiful wedding in New Braunfels, TX. I was able to catch up with a few of our classmates. From left in the photo are Ashley Cwiakala Hitt, Lindsey Kirchhoff, Paul Parmenter, Lauren White Hale, Stephanie Hirst Mitchell, me (Casey Bayne Whitson), and Mary Zinnel. Also in attendance were numerous other grads from 19992010. Lauren was a gorgeous bride and in true Lauren fashion was calm as could be despite the stress of the wedding day preparations. Currently, Lauren is stationed at Lackland AFB and Dave is in the Reserves flying as an Instructor Pilot out of Laughlin AFB. Lauren and Dave, we wish you all the best in your marriage and your future together! Congrats!

The USUHS Class of 2012: Alex Bedard, Chris Steel, Dave Garcia, Kat Slogic and JC Wuellner. Chris Walker is not pictured. While our doctors were celebrating another hard-earned graduation, others of us were celebrating our promotions and new locations! Casey Bustamante and Matt Smith held their promotion ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington D.C. Jon Ng, Kelly Lammert, Caroline Hostomsky, Joe Ellis and I celebrated with a joint promotion party at the Belgian Club on Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The Hale Wedding with 2007 grads. Other News: Ty Rube and I were recently notified that one of our Class of 2007 rings was found on EBAY and it is a male’s ring. Please send me an email and let me know if you are missing your ring as soon as possible. We are trying to make sure that it has not been stolen and is being sold without the knowledge of its owner. There are also actions that can be taken to secure this ring if it has been stolen. Thanks for all the great updates this quarter. I look forward to getting more exciting news from all of you for the next edition!

Casey Bustamante and Matt Smith reciting the Oath at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. More than a few of us have PCSed over the last quarter, but here are a few updates. Look out for Jon Ng at Hanscom AFB and for Kelly Lammert at Kunsan AB, both of whom just PCSed from Ramstein. Asha Padmanabhan and Alex Watkins will both be heading to Kadena this fall. Alex has been stationed at Warner Robbins, GA and Asha has been working at Creech AFB in Vegas. Christopher Wood just moved from F. E. Warren AFB out to Vandenberg.

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Class News

Caroline Hostomsky, Jon Ng, Christin Brodie, Kelly Lammert and Joe Ellis celebrating their promotion at the Belgian Club. Class, if you have anything you’d like to share with everyone, please let me know! I’d love to add a blurb about what’s new in your life. Good luck to everyone in the coming months! Until our paths cross again, Brodie.

Forrest Underwood 9220B Carlson St. Del Rio, TX 78840 forrestunderwood@gmail.com Facebook: Forrest J. Underwood

Caleb and Tara Michael Rogers finished up UPT at Laughlin and was assigned to Beale AFB where he will also fly the MC-12, and will probably deploy in the late fall. More importantly, he will be getting married on Sept 7 to his best friend Jessica Carlson in Fort Worth, TX. The couple wanted me to share with the class one of their engagement photos, which I must say looks absolutely stunning

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Members

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) BABIES: Brooks Crane, Dean Chuva, Shaun Bryant, Corbin (Sanford) and Logan Roberts, Eric Robinette, Josh Martz, and Luke Ferrel all welcomed a future Grad into the world! PREGO: Jake Lowrie is gonna have a BOY! Lauren Tubesing is pregnant too! MARRIED: Cathy Karl, Greg Flynn, Lucas J. Kaspari, Ryan Harrison, Mike Paul, Kyle Bruton, Nick Grieco, Ryan Sivertson, Eric Vanderwyst, Brad Dewees, Liz Lofton, and Jon Sepp, Tim Wilde, Abby (Rogers) and John Wilkins, Casey Lynn, Kelly Jo Wright, Garrett Kurtz, Mike Reeder, Jamison Lamie, Joe Spitz, and Greg Haverkorn got hitched! ENGAGED; Charlie Bayne, Tyler Clark, Garrett Collins, Kyle Norris, Joe D’Agostino, and Greg Stafford put a ring on it! ASSIGNMENTS: Emily (Montgomery) Sabat is the first ’09 grad to go back to the Academy to teach! Good luck on M1. Mike Knapp will actually get to fly a C-17…too bad he didn’t get FAIPed.

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Members Todd Gamiles 2010checkpoints@gmail.com (503) 367-0717

Mike and Jessica As for me, I’m still at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho and was recently selected as the Deployment & Distribution Flight Commander in the LRS. Over the summer, I helped run Ops AF (yes, that program is still going) when the Class of 2014 came to visit. I also went TDY to Maxwell AFB for the Contingency Wartime Planning Course in August. It was déjà vu, seeing as almost two years ago to the day a lot of us were there going through ASBC. Finally, my folks and I spent a week in Yellowstone, and that was an awesome experience. If you haven’t been, I highly encourage you to go. A few more airframe assignments to report: Austin Baker will be flying the F-16, Jen Nolta is heading to Dover AFB to drive C-5s, and Nick Flaute will be staying in Oklahoma flying the T-1 as a FAIP. Last but not least, Kelly Schuetz is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan soon. For those of you also preparing to deploy, stay safe! As always, keep those updates coming! ’Til next time, blue skies and tailwinds!

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(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) Time for another update! An oversight on my part (sorry!) caused me not to inform the class that earlier this spring Victoria (Tori) Lalich and Althea (Allie) Johnston finished their 4th Half Marathon as part of the 4 Seasons Challenge (running a half marathon in each season of the year). That’s 52 miles total, in 13 mile chunks! Congratulations are definitely in order for those two! In addition, make sure to congratulate Tori on her recent engagement as well to Josh Hight from Mississippi State! Matt Beaudreault (’09) and Vanessa Warwick also got engaged, as did Matt Fair and Kaitlin Otto (’11). The sound of wedding bells was constant throughout the summer. Jeff Edson and Stephanie Michael (’12) tied the knot, as did Hannah Marcelo and Greg Haverkorn (’09). Caleb Becker married Tara Reiner of Colorado Springs in a small ceremony in November 2010, before starting UPT at Columbus. On May 26th of this year, they celebrated with friends and family at the Academy Chapel. Caleb is currently flying the MC-12 at Beale AFB, CA. Check out the class pride in their wedding photo! Love the picture, and the background is awesome!

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Elizabeth Borroni 8149 A Johnson St. Del Rio, TX 78840 (979) 571-1180 elizabeth.borroni@gmail.com

Members

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) Class of 2011, Are you ready for some Air Force football? Because I know I am! I have my jersey ready to go and I plan on going back to catch a few games this year. I hope to see some of you there! I am sad to say I will miss seeing the all-stars from our class out on the field but I know Air Force will have another great year, especially when we SINK Navy at Falcon Field in October! Hopefully we can keep the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy right where it belongs in Colorado! As always, I hope everyone is doing well! It’s awesome seeing all of you doing amazing things and becoming great leaders and great people. So keep up the good work and keep sending me all the great news you have

to share and I will continue to update the class! As always, if you are a family member, friend, etc. and would like to share news for the next issue of Checkpoints for the Class of 2011, please don’t hesitate to email me at elizabeth.borroni@gmail.com. I have some great class news for this issue of Checkpoints. First off, my former roommate, Julia Hansen, and former squad mate, Nichole Stilwell, had the opportunity to represent the Class of 2011 on the All Air Force Volleyball team. They lead the team to gold at the All Armed Forces tournament in Chicago. From there, they traveled to Amsterdam to represent the United States on the All Armed Forces Volleyball team. Great work girls!

Katie and Jordan My freshman roommate, Kaitlin Otto, married Matt Fair (’10). 11-3 Kaitlin and MattIn other news, John Richmond wanted to let everyone know he’s living the big life flying helicopters at Ft. Rucker! He’s always ready for a good time, so if you’re close to Ft. Rucker, give him a call! Stay in touch and keep doing amazing things – that’s it for this issue! --Liz

Nichole, Julia and Kristina Stewart (’09) in Amsterdam. Next, we have a couple of congratulations that are in order. Katie Barber got engaged in Colorado Springs during her sister Krissy’s (’12) graduation from USAFA to C-17 pilot, Jordan Bronson. They met at Sheppard AFB when Katie was stationed there and they plan on getting married in October of 2012.

C2C Andrew Chin: (Continued from page 98.) and determination and also dreamed of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada where he graduated from Palo Verde High School in 2010. Andrew was a successful swimmer and student who persistently received high marks. When he applied for college, he applied to only one -- the United States Air Force Academy. Eager to pursue his dream, he declared as a Biology Major with a Pre-Medical emphasis early on in his career. During his time at the Academy, cadets knew Andrew for his laugh, geniality and overwhelming generosity. He was on the Dean’s list every semester and received numerous honors in both military and physical arenas. His fellow cadets recall his willingness to share his knowledge as well as his ability to make any situation entertaining and play a tune on his ukulele. At home, he was remembered for his fun-loving and caring lifestyle. He loved to find and share the life of the moment along with a great laugh. A smile was mandatory to him. Not a day passed by that he did not share his warm smile and thus put a smile on the faces of those around him. He loved his family, his name, and his honor and would do anything to protect them. Aside from being a classmate, Andrew was a teammate to the Swim Dive Team where he was an active C2C Andrew Chin and member and later a manager. His connection with the team became a brotherhood rooted in one single word -- “Rage”. By constantly challenging others to do new things, set higher goals and achieve excellence, he blessed countless lives. He could incite confidence in anyone and many have said they would not be the person they are today without Andrew’s inspiration. He would jump at the opportunity to say hello to a stranger and present that one-of-akind, contagious smile of his to brighten someone’s day. Andrew lived as though his mission was to spread happiness to all. Because of the joyful atmosphere with which he surrounded himself and friends, he leaves an unforgettable presence with all who were lucky enough to have known him. Andrew always lived in the moment and never dwelled on the past or worried about the future. His joy for living was brightly colored, or lack

The Association of Graduates invites the Class of 2012 to publish a Class News column in this magazine. Any volunteer class scribes and/or the class president please contact class news editor, Tom Kroboth, at Tom. Kroboth@aogusafa.org.

thereof, as he was color blind. For him, no red existed at a stoplight or a stop sign. These signals in Andrew’s life merely meant proceed with caution and were symbolic for Andrew as he squeezed out every ounce out of life that he could. He is survived by his father and mother, Tony and Sue, and his brother, Austin, as well as many other members of his extended family. Andrew proved life is not only for living -- that is merely breathing. Life is for creating your own name, your own world, your own honor. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Andrew’s light will always shine big and bright, and he will be dearly missed by all. He was honored and laid to rest at the United States Air Force Academy where he will live on and be remembered for the principles of integrity and righteousness that he so clearly exemplified. Please share your memories on the Andrew Chin Memorial Page on Facebook. (His loving family and fellow cadets) (Editor’s note: The AOG does not always have complete information concerning deaths. We only publish the verified information we have available on each deceased graduate or cadet.) At press time we learned of the deaths of the following graduates: Maj. (Ret) Lawrence A. Lynn, Class of 1962, who died on Jan. 30, 2012 in Chipley, Fla. Mr. James A. McKean, Class of 1963, who died on July 17, 2012 in Mabank, Texas Mr. Elmond J. “Joe” Martin, Class of 1964, who died on June 9, 2012 in Claremont, Calif. Mr. Terry L. Nicholas, Class of 1965, who died on July 10, 2012 in Olympia, Wash. Mr. Michael P. Cannon, Class of 1970, who died on Feb. 26, 2012 in Union, Ore. Maj. (Ret) Lothar W. Deil, Class of 1976, who died on Aug. 1, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Erling S. “Scott” German, Class of 1980, who died on Aug. 4, 2012 near Imperial, Neb. Mr. Richard A. “Alan” Hardemon, Class of 1991, who died on Oct. 12, 2010 in Cumming, Ga. Lt. Col. Sean M. Judge, Class of 1993, who died on July 14, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio. Maj. Marc C. Herrera, Class of 1996, who died on July 12, 2012 in Albuquerque, N.M. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

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FINAL THOUGHT

A temporary home for feathered friends ...

Bill Vogt ’87 was a Cadet Falconer when he was at the Academy. On June 28th, after the Waldo Canyon fire began to compromise the safety of the Academy, Vogt called Lt. Col. Don Rhymer ’95, Director of Falconry, to offer assistance if the falcons needed to be evacuated from USAFA. On the 29th, when the area where Rhymer lives got put on the pre-evacuation list, the OIC had to tend to his family. Rhymer contacted Vogt and the birds were transported to Vogt’s home—all twelve of them. Thankfully the fire didn’t harm any people or cause any structural damage at the Academy. Either way it’s a comfort to know that a graduate stepped up to care for the birds that have become so synonymous with the institution.

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

www.RusinakRealEstate.com Rusinak Real Estate, Inc. 7150 North Academy Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719.590.6110 Toll Free: 1.800.789.6650

Vince Rusinak, ’68 Vince@Rusinak.com

Nancy Rusinak Brother, R. Berthiaume, ’73

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Heritage

A Legacy of Character Sandy McDonnell showed us that nice guys can finish first By Mark Hyatt ‘74

e who knew the late Sandy McDonnell, the life, he wanted to make sure we never “dropped the baton” of former CEO of McDonnell-Douglas who died good character between generations. last March at age 89, certainly have been heartI first met Sandy in 2000 when I ran the Center for Charened by all the national coverage of his lifetime achievements acter Development at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Coloin the aerospace industry and his global success as a businessrado Springs. To my delight, I soon discovered that the same man. But really, at most, that only tells half the story of this man who contributed so much to America’s aviation history inspirational man. His other life passions–i.e. ethics and was just as concerned about the type of people who built and character–arguably warrant equal time (at least) for the lesmaintained his great products, who piloted them and who sons they hold both for Wall Street and rode in them as passengers. In his mind, Main Street. everyone was connected. As Sandy often said, “We in the busiThat ethic was apparent in his manageness world don’t want young people ment and leadership at St. Louis-based coming into our employment and comMcDonnell-Douglas, where he intemunities who are brilliant but dishonest, grated character education and training who have great intellectual knowledge into company programs for all employbut don’t care about others, who have ees–even top management. As he told creative minds but are irresponsible. All me once, to him “it seemed that most of us in business and the community leadership failures in America are characneed to do our part in helping build ter failures.” young people of high character. There With that in mind, after Sandy offiisn’t a more critical issue in education cially retired as chairman of his comtoday.” pany board, he threw himself full-time One of his final acts reaffirmed his into character education, establishing commitment to that core belief. Just the “CharacterPlus” program for K-12 hours after his death, we at the nonprofit schools in the St. Louis area. Not long Character Education Partnership–which after, he founded the Character EducaSandy McDonnell he helped to found in 1993–learned that tion Partnership (CEP) in Washington, Sandy had bequeathed a very generous sum to our national D.C., where he only missed one board meeting prior to last organization. This is a fitting symbol of his devotion to a submonth. And he never stopped dreaming of future successes. ject that consumed not only his retirement, but most of his In the summer of 2011, as I prepared to step down after 10 life; a journey that saw him rise from Eagle Scout to junior years as a public school superintendent in Colorado, Sandy engineer on the Manhattan Project to chairman of a multinacalled me to St Louis for a meeting. He told me that he tional corporation that employed tens of thousands. wanted me to take the controls at CEP and steer it in a bold As an Air Force fighter pilot and squadron commander, direction that would greatly broaden its impact and firmly I came to know Sandy through his aircraft, so he became a establish it as a clearinghouse for best practices in promoting hero to me. When I logged more than 1,200 hours flying good character and cultivating a school culture of excellence and preparing for combat in the McDonnell-Douglas RF-4 and a social climate of respect. If I would accept his chalPhantom II jet, my admiration for the man behind these lenge, Sandy also wanted me to take character education great airplanes only grew. But as I would find out years later, beyond grades K-12 to colleges and universities. “Character Sandy was much more than a captain of industry. He was a building is a lifelong effort and higher education must take passionate and tireless advocate of character education for its role seriously in teaching college students to be more than students of all ages throughout America. In the relay race of just excellent engineers, doctors, lawyers and managers,” he

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explained. “As future leaders, they must learn to be ethical and good always–on and off the job, at home and at work.” Sandy also urged me to take CEP beyond our borders to international neighbors who have similar needs for character education. And lastly, he asked me to sharpen the focus of CEP on character based leadership. He felt that “doing the right thing” must start at the top. “How will we ever have ethical and good people if the leaders are not modeling good behavior?” he asked. In January, I stepped into the job that Sandy asked me to take. And now, in the wake of his passing, I feel the awesome responsibility of carrying out his wishes and honoring his rich legacy, which extends well above and beyond aviation. In his final public statement, released upon his death this week, Sandy McDonnell wrote, “So when you are sad and sick at heart, go to our friends and relatives and do good things.” “Do good things.” I, for one, will do my utmost to fulfill the final request of this American icon. It is my honor to have known him and my privilege to help the organization he founded to create a more “just and compassionate” world. Editor’s Note: Mark Hyatt is currently the president and CEO of the Character Education Partnership.

Checkpoints

September 2012

final thought

Unheard,Unseen By Captain (Ret.) James A Dryden, Class of 1969

Unheard, unseen, in distant countries, men Are fighting, waiting, watching, that the life They left might prosper, that their homes again Might comfort sister, mother, lover, wife. Fine men repelling fearful onslaughts, blood To gauge their commerce, cloud their dreams. Fine men whose spirits wither in the mud. Their women cannot help them bear the screams. Such noble men, fine bodies broken, burned. Such noble men, whose souls their deaths unchain. Flagged caskets mark the honor that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve earned. Brave women fight all hell to bear the pain. The fighting man dies once in glory, then His women feel him die and die again.

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