UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Vol. 4 No. 8
Editor Gares Garber, Jr., ’59
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Freida Weber
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
David M. Goodrich, ’59
President
Thomas J. Eller, ’61
Vice President
Gares Garber, Jr., ’59
Executive Secretary
Directors
Brock T. Strom, ’59
John S. Brush, ’60
Ronald Deep, ’60
Arthur D. Kerr, ’61
Austin C. Wedemeyer, ’62
Thomas A. Fryer, ’63
Grover E. Musselwhite, ’63
James L. Cole, Jr., ’64
Paul R. Viotti, ’66
Jon M. Davis, ’69
Donald R. Baucom, ’62
James P. Tate, ’63
Richard P. Ellis, ’68
Alfred W. Grieshaber, ’65
Burton C. Andrus, ’69
Kevin W. Krail, ’71
Vincent W. Parisi, ’73
John J. Warner, ’69
Jon R. Staples, ’62
Thomas L. Cunningham, ’67
Gerald F. Micheletti, ’75
The Jabara Award for Airmanship is presented annually by the Association of Graduates to distinguished alumni. The 1975 award was presented to two members of the Class of 1971 for their exceptional display of courage during the rescue of the SS Mayaguez last May. (See article on page 4.)
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES USAF Academy, Colorado 80840
Telephone (Area Code 303) 472-2067
Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff.
The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised.
from the SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
4^, i m Lieutenant General
James R. Allen Superintendent (7. .S'. Air force Academy
Energy Applications) are preparing reports which treat varying aspects of solar energy and energy conservation concerns. Topics developed by the cadets involve such innovative concepts as the use of infrared film to analyze heat loss and the employment of deflectors in the dormitory rooms of Vandenberg Hall to improve heating efficiency.
Faculty instructors are providing tangible assistance to Air Force commands and operating agencies. Members of the Astronautics and Computer Science Department are supporting the Aeronautical Systems Division with analyses of air-to-air gunfire control systems. Work on this project should result in eventual cost savings to the government and a more accurate fire control system for future procurement.
Since my last letter to you, a number of important trends and developments have taken place.
Cadets have become still more involved in directing the management and administration of the Wing and in providing recommendations concerning cadet regulations. In recent months, AOCs have been directed to emphasize their roles as counselors, observers and advisors. This has resulted in an environment wherein cadets continue to assume greater command responsibility. It is satisfying to note that strong cadet leaders continue to emerge in ever-increasing numbers. In the past months cadets have proven that, within practical limits, they are capable and willing to accept still greater responsibility. Cadet Wing management continues to be one of the most practical means of developing the cadets’ leadership skills.
A strong sense of responsibility is also generated through the Cadet Airmanship Program, which emphasizes quality training with maximum cadet participation. The soaring section flew a record of more than 13,000 sorties last year. More than 66,000 sorties and 14,000 hours have been flown without an accident or incident resulting in a cadet injury. This achievement is noteworthy in that more than 90% of all flight instruction is accomplished by cadet instructor pilots. Last year 250 cadets received emergency aircrew training by completing the airmanship basic parachuting course. Several program changes will allow an increase of approximately 25% in cadet participation in the coming year. The Academy Parachute Team continued to receive national recognition and recently swept the National Collegiate Championships in Boise, Idaho. The basic concept of “Stardust” training has changed with the replacement of T-33 aircraft by the T-37. Cadets who receive training in this program now have their flights planned and scheduled to reinforce academic classroom work in Aviation Physiology, Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics.
The Academy continues to support other Air Force and governmental agencies in research projects and studies involving both faculty members and cadets. Four cadets are participating in a noise research project sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency. Their study is concerned with the effects of noise in different environments on work efficiency. Students who are enrolled in CE 495 (Solar
Officers assigned to the Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics and Material are sponsoring a continuing education program with the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Faculty members are providing technical refresher courses to SAC base engineers during the summer on a wide range of topics, from reinforced concrete design to environmental engineering. Instructors in the English department have developed special executive writing courses for presentation to top-level Air Force management at locations around the world. Courses are tailored to operational requirements and have been presented to a number of major air commands.
These projects represent only a very small portion of the support which the faculty is providing across the board to Air Force agencies. I have received a large number of letters from commanders complimenting our officers on their contributions to research projects, studies and staff assistance projects. These indicate that the support we provide is well received and constitutes an important contribution to the Air Force mission.
Dave Lawson and Ray Wild were two of the key players on the 1975 Air Force football team, and there were enough underclassmen on the squad to give promise for improved fortunes during the 1976 season.
The Falcons wound up with a 2-8-1 record, but it was not a season without its highlights. Air Force scored a 33-3 victory over arch rival Army, and a 13-12 triumph over Tulane at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Falcons tied UCLA (A Rose Bowl team) 20-20, and narrowly lost to Notre Dame, 31-30, in one of the most exciting games ever played at Falcon Stadium.
Lawson and Wild were certainly two of our outstanding players. Lawson, a senior from Shawnee-Mission, Kansas, was once again one of the premier placekickers in the nation and wound up with four major college kicking records. In addition, he finished with 15 school records. Wild, a senior from Tucson, Arizona, set an Academy career tackle record of 337, breaking the mark of 331 set by Jim Morris during the 1971, 1972 and 1973 seasons.
On the 7th of October, President Ford signed a bill which made women eligible to enter the military academies. The Academy had initially developed a contingency plan for admitting women cadets in September of 1972. This plan has been updated through the years, and our final plan was published on the day the President signed the bill—7 October.
As a result of detailed study and planning, it is clear that women should undergo the same training program in which men participate with only those few exceptions which are clearly justified by physiological differences.
Academic standards for admittance will remain the same as for men, and leadership rating items will be expanded to include women’s activities.
(Continued on p. 4)
Capt. Allan C. Parker, Class of 1972, was killed when a Piper JC3-65 aircraft he was piloting crashed near Carbonado, Washington on 9 November, 1975. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd W. Parker of 1014 5th Street, Brookings, S.D. 57006.
As a cadet, Capt. Parker was active in the Ski and Mountaineering clubs and in the Cadet Chorale and Prot-
CAPTAIN ALLAN C. PARKER estant Choir. He majored in Basic Science and was a member of 28th Cadet Squadron. He was on the Dean’s List for one year.
Following graduation, Capt. Parker was assigned to Williams AFB, Arizona for pilot training. He was subsequently assigned as a C-141 pilot to the 4th MAS at McChord AFB, Washington. During his assignment at Williams AFB, Capt. Parker participated in the Air Force worldwide ski meet held at Snow Basin near Hill AFB, Utah.
Captain Ralph D. Bowles, Class of 1968, was killed on 7 October, 1975 when the F-111A aircraft he was piloting crashed approximately 20 miles north of Indian Springs Auxiliary Field, Nev. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his stepsons, Stephan and Michael, and his stepdaughters, Suzanne and Michelle, of 44M El C a m p a n a Way, Las Vegas, NV 89121.
CAPTAIN RALPH D. BOWLES As a cadet, Capt. Bowles majored in Engineering Management. He was on the Dean’s List for six
semesters and, as a First Classman, served as Executive Officer for 22nd Cadet Squadron.
Following graduation. Captain Bowles was assigned as an Industrial Engineer to Hq AFLC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. In 1971, following pilot training at Moody AFB, Georgia, he was assigned to the 522nd TFS at Cannon AFB, N.M. He was assigned as a Pilot Systems Officer at Takhli RTAFB, Thailand in 1972 and subsequently as an F- 111 Flight Commander in the 429th TFS at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Capt. Bowles was interred at the Academy Cemetery on 14 October.
Mr. Edward A. Greene, II Class of 1968, died on 24 October, 1975 in the VA Hospital, Los Angeles, California after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, Catherine and daughter, Miriam of 800 N. Mariposa, No. 107, Hollywood, Calif. 90029.
As a cadet, Mr. Greene majored in physics and was desigMR. EDWARD A. GREENE, II nated as the Class of 1968 Outstanding Cadet in Physics. He was on the Dean’s List every semester and on the Commandant’s and Superintendent’s List his last three semesters. As a First Classman he served as 2nd Cadet Group Administrative Officer. He was a member of the Entertainment Committee, the Ski, Physics, and Aero Clubs, and was active in the Protestant Choir and Glee Club. He was named Colorado Cadet of the Year for 1968.
Upon graduation Mr. Greene was awarded the Atomic Energy Commission Fellowship in Nuclear Science and Engineering at the University of California, Davis. He was later assigned as a research physicist at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, NM. He resigned from the Air Force in July, 1972.
Funeral services for Mr. Greene were held in Los Angeles, California. He was interred in the Academy Cemetery.
(Continued on next page)
Capt. Joseph M. Furda, Class of 1972. was killed on 7 Decernber. 1975 when a KC-135 aircraft on which he was co-pilot crashed near Eielson AFB. Alaska. He is survived by his wife Ellen of 211 Cypress Drive, Colonia. N. J. 07067.
Capt. Furda majored in Aeronautical Engineering as a cadet. He was a members of the Ski Club and served as a Wing Color Bearer his third class year. He was a member of the 22nd Cadet Squadron.
Following graduation Capt. Furda was assigned to Laughlin AFB. Texas for pilot training. He was subseqently assigned to the 4th Airborne Command and Control Squadron at Ellsworth AFB. South Dakota, and later to the 28th Air Refueling Squadron also at Ellsworth. He was TDY to the 24th Recon Squadron at Eielson at the time of his death.
Funeral services for Capt. Furda were held at the Protestant Cadet Chapel on 17 December, 1975. He was interred at the Academy Cemetery following the services.
1975 JABARA Award For Airmanship
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENTS DESK
(Continued from p. 2)
We look forward to admitting women with the Class of 1980, and have had under way for some months a nationwide campaign to publicize admission opportunities for qualified women.
By the end of the third week of December we had received about 3600 inquiries from young women concerning this new program and 369 young ladies had become official candidates, most of them in the category of Presidential nominations.
Present plans call for admitting about 100-150 women. They will be assigned to 20 cadet squadrons and billeted separately in one section of Vandenberg Hall. However, they will train, march, eat and compete in intramurals with their assigned squadron. Training and supervision in the dormitory will be conducted by WAF lieutenants assigned as Air Training Officers (ATOs). ATOs will serve as surrogate upperclasswomen and will arrive in January to undergo an extensive training program that will prepare them to assume their leadership duties.
The introduction of women to the Academy affords the opportunity to produce outstanding men and women officers for the Air Force. This is one of the most interesting and exciting challenges the Academy has ever faced. We plan to meet that challenge head on and to make this the finest coeducational institution in the nation. In this regard, we look forward to the support of the Association of Graduates in making this goal a reality.
The staff, faculty and Cadet Wing join me in hoping that you and your family had a pleasant holiday season and wish you our best for a happy and prosperous New Year.
Two members of the Class of 1971 were selected as co-recipients of the 1975 Jabara Award for Airmanship. Captains Donald R. Backlund and Ronald T. Rand were selected based on their outstanding display of courage and airmanship during the rescue of the SS Mayaguez from hostile Cambodian forces on 15 May 1975. The citation accompanying the 1975 Jabara Award reads as follows:
“Captains Donald R. Backlund and Ronald T. Rand. Class of 1971, distinguished themselves by their heroic exploits during the rescue of the crew and recovery of the SS Mayaguez from hostile Cambodian forces near Koh Tang Island on 15 May 1975. Captain Backlund, as the Chief of Standardization Evaluation for the 40 ARRS. was assigned as an HH-53C aircraft commander, and Captain Rand, as the Commander of Det 12, 601st Photo Sqdn.. was assigned to Captain Backlund's crew as a combat photographer for the Mayaguez rescue mission. During the rescue operation. Captain Backlund unhesitatingly committed the aircraft and crew to numerous assignments including personnel rescues, offloadings, search and rescue coverages, and escort operations despite extensive battle damage having been sustained by the helicoper. Captain Rand not only provided effective photographic coverage throughout the many assignments involved with the rescue effort, but also assisted the crew in providing suppressive coverage against the intensely accurate hostile ground fire. For their outstanding display of courage and airmanship, Captain Backlund and Captain Rand have been selected as joint recipients of the 1975 Jabara Award for Airmanship.”
CAPT. JOSEPH M. FURDA
Captains Backland and Rand receive the 1975 Jahara Award from Lt. Gen. James R. Allen Superintendent, at the Homecoming Banquet on 18 October.
ADMISSION OF WOMEN TO THE CADET WING
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
Essentially the same physical examination currently being used for commissioning of women in the Air Force will be used for women cadet applicants. Women’s examinations will be scheduled by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board the same as all academy applicants.
The physical aptitude examination (PAE) for women, changed slightly from the men’s, will test flexibility, agility, coordination, endurance and strength. Women’s test items are:
Flexed arm hang for time. Women will pull themselves up to a chinning position on a cross bar and hold it as long as they can. The test measures muscular endurance and strength.
Basketball throw from a kneeling position for distance, which measures flexibility, coordination and strength. Standing long jump to measure agility, coordination and leg strength.
—Three hundred-yard shuttle run to measure agility and endurance.
No minimum standards have been set for the PAE. A mean will be established from among the women being admitted to the Class of 1980. The same method was used to establish men’s PAE requirements when the Academy was opened.
WOMEN CADET
UNIFORMS—The uniform with form fitted jacket, skirt and beret is designed to be worn whenever women cadets are away from the Air Force Academy.
On 7 October 1975, President Ford signed into law a bill opening the service academies to women beginning next summer with the Class of 1980. The Air Force Academy, in anticipation of this action, had formulated in September 1972 a contingency plan for the admission of women to the Cadet Wing. A great deal of effort has gone into planning for the admission of women cadets and affording them a challenging education and training program to prepare them for service to the nation.
Admissions Standards
About 150 women cadets are anticipated to enter the Air Force Academy for the first time on 28 June 1976. They will undergo the same selection process as men. All candidates are selected on the basis of academics, leadership potential and physical abilities.
There will be no change in academic selection standards. Leadership rating items applied to extracurricular activities will include women's activities. These will include women's sports, school and student government positions and membership in organizations such as Girl Scouts, Girls’ Nation,
Information on admissions procedures for women has been mailed to high schools. The information mailed to schools and women applicants included an addition to the 1975-76 school catalog explaining women’s admissions. The addition will become part of subsequent catalogs. Application and record forms have been revised for us by all women candidates.
The Academy has received information from college testing agencies to identify young women who meet academic standards.
Recruiting programs aimed at women have been developed in coordination with the U. S. Air Force Recruiting Service and more women will be added to the Academy’s liaison officer (LO) program.
Women must obtain a nomination in a category authorized by law, just as men, before they can be considered for appointment. Based upon the needs of the Air Force, spaces in the entering classes will be filled by the best qualified women.
Facilities Modifications
To accommodate women cadets, changes will be made in some facilities at the Air Force Academy.
Women will be housed on the sixth floor at the east end of Vandenberg Hall dormitory. In Vandenberg Hall, a private door will be installed, two restrooms will be modi(Continued on next page)
WOMEN CADET UNIFORMS—Air Force Academy wornen cadets will wear this uniform for formal occasions.
fied and access to the beauty shop and cadet store through a stairwell will be constructed for women. Part of a barber shop there will be converted to a women's beauty shop.
In Fairchild Hall, the academic building, two restrooms on the fifth floor, three on the fourth and one on the second will be converted for women's use. The front desk panels within the eight lectinars (small lecture halls) will be raised. A movable gate to provide access to a women's restroom for students working at night will be installed at the west end of the computer center corridor on the second floor.
In the cadet gymnasium the faculty and staff locker room will be moved and this area will be used as a training and locker room for women cadets. The restrooms will be modified and privacy wall partitions will be placed outside the training room doors. The present varsity swimming team room will be converted to a steam and sauna room for the women. The varsity swimming team room will be established in another area. The current women’s locker room will also be converted for use as visiting women’s teams locker rooms.
A women’s restroom and shower facility will be built in the BCT training area on the north end of the Academy.
Total estimated cost for all required modifications is $ 100 000
Physical Education and Athletic Programs
Women’s participation in Air Force Academy physical education and athletic programs will have the same goal as
that for men—to heighten physical skills, develop useful fitness habits, to teach sports they can practice following graduation and develop the ability to withstand physical hardships.
To develop the training programs for women. Academy officials twice visited the Air Force Officer Training School and the Basic Military Training School for enlisted women at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Their programs were studied in 1972 and again in 1975 to determine women’s physiological capabilities in physical and military training situations.
The planners also observed an Air Force Officer Training Corps encampment at Lackland and visited the Merchant Marine Academy to determine the success of their coeducational military and athletic programs.
All cadets are required to take 160 classroom hours of physical education in addition to participating in intramurals throughout the year.
Cadets take two physical education courses each semester. Fourth classwomen will take fencing instead of boxing. Two women's events will be added to freshman gymnastics while swimming and physical fitness methods classes will be coeducational without change.
Third class women will take the same lifesaving, tennis and golf lessons as the men. They will, however, be given track and field athletics rather than wrestling as a fourth subject. The track and field classes will be aimed at conditioning the women rather than preparing them for compettion.
Second class women will take badminton instead of handball offered to the men. Volleyball, judo and survival swimming classes will be coed.
As cadets first class, men and women have self defense and squash as required courses. They may choose two others from diving, racquetball, ice skating, advanced golf, tennis, squash, basketball and, if necessary, remedial swimming.
Women cadets will participate in 11 of the 16 intramural sports played at the Academy. They are cross country, tennis, water polo, handball, volleyball, squash, basketball, swimming, team handball, flickerball and soccer. Women cadets will not participate in contact sports: boxing, wrestling, football, lacrosse and rugby.
To test the effectiveness of the physical education program, fourth through second class cadets must pass a Physical
WOMEN CADET UNIFORMS—During warm weather, women cadets will attend classes wearing a light blue shortsleeve shirt with skirt to classes.
Fitness Test (PFT). Cadets first class are required to pass the standard aerobics program just as Air Force officers.
The PFT for women is changed slightly from the men’s with testing items consisting of flexed-arm hang for time, standing long jump, bent-knee situps, 600-yard run/walk and modified pushups.
There are no PFT standards yet established for the wornen. As with the physical aptitude examination, results from the first group will be used to set them.
The women’s intercollegiate sports field is rapidly expanding today, and Academy officials anticipate that women cadets will eventually participate in many intercollegiate sports.
There are a number of colleges in the area which field women’s teams in sports such as swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, pistol, golf and tennis. Initially, competition at the junior college level will be attempted. Eventually a full-scale program will be developed with nation-wide competition just as in the current men’s program.
The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women holds annual national championships for women in seven sports—badminton, swimming and diving, basketball, track and field, gymnastics, golf and volleyball. Candidates for these championships will be allowed to compete just as the men compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships.
Women Cadets Training Staff
There will be some changes in the military training and physical education staffs to help train women cadets.
Since women in the Class of ’80 will be the first women cadets, women air training officers (ATOs) will act as surrogate upperclasswomen. ATOs will be Air Force women officers in the grades of first and second lieutenant. They will perform the same functions as upperclasswomen until women cadets reach upperclass status. A similar program was conducted for the men when the Academy first began operation at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver from 19551957.
From January-June 1976 the ATOs will undergo intensive training in military studies, drill and ceremonies, physical conditioning and other areas to become qualified to train cadets.
ATOs will live in the dormitory with the women cadets and will conduct all training which takes place in the dormitory. The ATOs will monitor training conducted outside the dormitory by upperclassmen cadets. Both upperclassmen and ATOs will evaluate the performance of the women and provide counseling and guidance as required.
The ATOs will be supervised by a woman officer from the Commandant of Cadets’ Special Planning Staff. She will provide a focal point for contact and will coordinate with squadron and group level officer staff to which women are assigned on all matters concerning command and control of women cadets. In addition, two women are presently assigned as military training instructors and there are plans to assign a woman as a group executive officer and to the Commandant’s Operations Staff when vacancies occur.
A woman will also be assigned to the Registrar’s counseling staff. Two more have been added to the athletic trainer’s office as physical therapists. Three women will be assigned as physical education instructors.
Two women are currently on the Dean of the Faculty staff. No specific requirements exist for more women aca
demic instructors, but they may join the faculty in the future on normal military assignments.
Academic and Military Programs
Women cadets will participate in a common training program with the men, except where there are physiological differences. Women cadets will be assigned to 20 cadet squadrons but billeted separately. They will train, march, eat and compete in intramurals with their respective squadrons.
To develop the training program for women cadets, Academy officials visited the Air Force Officer Training School and the Basic Military Training School for enlisted women at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. An initial visit was made in 1972 and a follow-up trip was made in August 1975.
These programs were studied to determine women’s physiological capabilities in physical and military training situations.
The planners also visited an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps encampment at Lackland and the Merchant Marine Academy to determine the success of their coeducational military and athletic programs.
On the academic side, Air Force Academy women cadets can take any of the 22 academic majors offered by the school. They will be awarded bachelor of science degrees when they are graduated and commissioned second lieutenants in the Air Force.
(Continued on next page)
WOMEN CADET UNIFORMS—Air Force Academy wornen cadets will wear a parka and a wool “watch” cap with their winter class uniform.
The only academic program women cannot participate in is the exchange program between the U. S. Air Force Academy and the French Air Force Academy, the Ecole de I’Air. The French academy is not coed.
If an Air Force test program to train non-combat women pilots is successful, women cadets may be eligible for all academic year military training, elective navigation and airmanship courses. The test program is scheduled to begin in Summer or Fall 1976.
By the time women cadets in the Class of 1980 are seniors in summer 1979, they could be taking the Academy’s T-41 flight training. T-41 training is a flight indoctrination program most Air Force pilots must take, and does not qualify a person as an Air Force pilot.
Women may join the cadet aviation club and the Academy aero club to work for their private pilot’s licenses. Other courses available for women are parasailing, parachuting, soaring and ballooning.
Women cadets will be eligible to take most of the summer training programs offered by the Academy (see attached list).
Women cadets will wear uniforms incorporating concepts of current Air Force women uniforms and cadet uniforms.
The first test for women cadets will be basic cadet training (BCT). A BCT coeducational competitive sports program will be conducted for men and women cadets. Activities will include tennis, swimming, gymnastics, track and basketball.
At the end of BCT, Field Day athletic competition helps determine the top BCT squadron. Coed events will probably be relay race, distance run, tug of war and a pentathlon. Women will not compete in the pushball, log relay and wall climb events.
SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAMS
Coed Programs
Third Lieutenant—three weeks temporary duty for members of the first and second classes at Air Force bases working with junior officers to become familiar with their duties and responsibilities.
Operation Non-Com—Three weeks temporary duty for memhers of the third class at Air Force bases working with enlisted people to become familiar with their duties and responsibilities.
Basic Cadet Training (BCT)—Members of the first and second classes serve as instructors training the members of the entering freshman class; two groups each serving three weeks.
Composite Group Staff—Members of the first and second classes serve for three weeks in charge of the Composite Group responsible for command and control of cadets at the Academy during the summer who are not assigned to BCT or SERE.
Summer Research—Members of the first class participate in advanced research projects with military and civilian agencies working on defense oriented problems for 5-6 weeks.
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE)—Members of the first and second classes serve as instructors in the cadet chain of command positions to train members of the third class in the basic aspects of survival in remote environments.
Air Training Command Leadership—Six weeks temporary duty for members of the first class with the enlisted basic training program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Cadets
serve as assistants to squadron commanders and as training instructors and counselors to basic enlistees.
Basic Airborne—Three-week training for members of the first, second and third classes with the Army’s airborne school at Ft. Benning, Ga.
Soaring Instructor—Members of the first and second classes serve three weeks as instructors for cadets third class in the Academy’s soaring training program.
Basic Freefall Parachute Training—Three-week course teaching members of the first and second classes techniques of advanced parachute training.
Parachute Instructor—Three-week course teaching members of the first and second classes to be instructors in the basic freefall parachute training course.
Cadet Navigation Instructor Program—Three-week course to teach members of the first and second classes to be instructors in the Academy’s navigation program.
R-Flight—Refresher, makeup and additional academic and military science courses taught for members of the first, second and third classes.
Parasail Instructor Training—Three-week program training members of the first and second classes to be parasail instructors.
Men Only Programs
Combat Leader Training—Three weeks of small unit operations training and weapons familiarization for members of the first and second classes taught by the Army at Ft. Carson, Colo.
"'Underwater Demolition Training/Open Circuit Scuba— Three-week training for first and second classmen to familiarize them with equipment and use underwater compass navigation, timed swims and deep water dives. Taught by the Navy at the Naval Amphibious School, Coronado Beach, Ca.
""'Boys State—First and second classmen serve as counselors and speakers in American Legion Boys State encampments throughout the U.S. for three weeks.
* * Boy Scouts of America - Philmont Ranch—First and second classmen serve for nearly three weeks as counselors for the Philmont Ranch encampment.
”Man-Power—Unlimited”—Two groups of first classmen serve three weeks as counselors for underprivileged youths from Denver in a vocational-oriented program at the Academy. (Counselors in this program live in the same quarters with the youths participating in the program.)
T-41 Flying Training—Five weeks training for pilot-qualified first classmen in the T-41 light aircraft. (This program is presently limited to pilot qualified first class cadets. The Air Force will begin admitting women to pilot training in summer or fall 1976 on a test basis. If the program is successful, women cadets may participate in T-41 training in their first class year.)
French Air Force Academy Language Training—An intensive French language course for first classmen selected to participate in the fall semester exchange program with the French Air Force Academy.
* These programs are run by the Army and Navy, respectively and presently exclude women. If the services’ policy toward including women in these training programs changes, women cadets will also be eligible to participate in them.
**Although these programs are for men only, it is anticipated that similar programs for women cadets will be established.
Recent Curriculum Changes at USAFA
By Major Rolf A. Trautsch
In 1975 the Curriculum Committee considered nearly 200 curriculum change proposals. Many of these proposals were based on the findings of the recently completed 20th Anniversary Study of the Academy and several requests made by the Air Staff in Washington.
As a result, a number of important changes will be made to the Academy curriculum effective in the fall semester of 1976. The transition from the old to the new curriculum is expected to be gradual and only the entering Class of 1980 will be fully affected by these changes.
Perhaps the most innovative change is the introduction of the concept of equal semesters. In essence, this change provides for the division of the academic year into two equal semesters of 42 lessons each. The present spring semester will be slightly shortened and the fall semester slightly lengthened. The summer, presently divided into three 3-week periods, will remain unchanged in length.
Additionally, each academic day will consist of six 60minute class periods rather than the previous seven 50-minute periods. The consequence of these two changes will be a reduction of the minimum total courses required for graduation, while the number of semester hours (SH) will remain approximately the same.
Based on Air Force requirements, the core will be modestly increased by the addition of three science and engineering courses, an English course, and a law course. Additionally, four divisional majors have been introduced, one each sponsored by the Divisions of Basic Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities and an interdisciplinary major entitled Aviation Sciences has been added. A cadet chosing a divisional major or the Aviation Sciences major will experience a further reduction in his pro
gram by two courses. In brief, the new curriculum structure for the Class of 1980 will be as follows:
The four-year program of a cadet will feature the above courses divided into eight semesters as follows:
These changes will allow a greater in-depth study of academic subjects and, at the same time, provide cadets with slightly more time for their military duties, physical requirements, and extracurricular activities.
The increase of the core curriculum, particularly of the science and engineering courses (18.2 percent) and a slightly earlier exposure to these subjects hopefully will motivate a larger number of cadets to select a major in these areas. In the past, an approximately even split between the Social Science/Humanities majors vis-a-vis the Engineering/Basic Science majors occurred. However, the Air Force recently indicated a greater need for officers with specialties in the latter two academic areas.
THE GRADUATE AS AN AOC
By: Major Lucky Ekman, ’63
Many of us take that last and sweetest trip out the gates of USAFA vowing not to return unless as Superintendent or Commandant of Cadets. I would like to suggest some reasons why graduates should consider an earlier return— and as that heavy of heavies, an AOC. I will examine the present low number of graduates in the AOC corps, the costs and benefits of the AOC job, the assets and liabilities of the graduate as an AOC, and the qualifications desired in prospective AOCs.
First, while USAFA belongs to the entire Air Force and not just to her alumni, graduates do have a special relationship with this institution. It is not that only graduates can make a useful contribution here. If the careers and successes of the members of the classes of 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1962 are any measure, the Academy performed its mission very well for seven years without any graduates on the Commandant’s staff or on the Faculty. The present non-graduate members of the Commandant’s staff provide outstanding leadership, instruction, motivation and role models for the members of the Cadet Wing.
However, the present manning of the AOC positions finds graduates underrepresented. In recent years, the Academy
has contributed an average of 10% of the yearly accessions to the officer corps, but graduates now man only 7% (3) of the 44 squadron and group AOC positions. By comparison, 28% of the 529 officers on the Faculty are graduates. Why the disparity? Are graduates considered unqualified to be AOCs? Hardly. If that were the case, then the Academy would be denying the value of its own military training program and ignoring the record graduates have made in the Air Force. Do graduates lack interest in the Cadet Wing? Do they consider their military training experience at USAFA irrelevant to the Air Force? Do they as a group now repudiate their debt to the military training program at USAFA? I believe the answers to all these questions are negative, but the scarcity of graduates serving as AOCs is susceptible to interpretation as providing affirmative answers instead.
Graduate responses on the AOG 20 Year Survey support alternative explanations. In their approach to the AOC position, graduates tend to be preoccupied with the AOC’s disciplinary and control roles, and they tend to underemphasize the significance of the motivational, instructional, counseling and evaluative roles. Thus graduates often retain the cadet attitude that the AOC wears only black hats. Addition-
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ally, graduates perceive AOCs as being in a “can’t win” position between their cadets and their supervisors, with the AOC's career being held hostage against the misbehavior or misjudgment of immature game-playing cadets. These beliefs, the results of graduates’ selective perceptions over the years, account for the scarcity of graduate applications for AOC duty and the underrepresentation of graduates in the AOC corps. These beliefs are mistaken, as I will show.
As with any job, the AOC role has its costs and frustrations, many of which were highlighted in the AOG input to the Superintendent’s 20 Year Review (AOG magazine, Spring, Summer and Fall ’75 issues). The most obvious cost to the AOC is the long work day, averaging 12-14 hours for a 5Vz day work week. The AOC bears a heavy responsibility for the instruction, motivation, control, counseling and evaluation of the 110 cadets of his squadron. This responsibility is at once a cost and a benefit, with the personality and maturity of the AOC determining which is predominant. The AOC often finds himself reacting to the unpredictable actions of his cadets. Most cadets have by virtue of the USAFA appointment process a direct communication link to a member of Congress. This imposes upon the AOC a high level of accountability for his actions as a supervisor. The important distinction here is that the AOC is held accountable for his own actions, not the uncounseled actions of his cadets. Current guidelines are that AOCs should allow cadets maximum leeway in the running of the Cadet Wing and that an AOC who acts promptly with reasonable prudence to mitigate the consequences of a cadet mistake need not fear repercussions from that mistake. Most of these costs are the normal costs associated with command of any organization.
Perhaps the greatest single benefit and best kept secret about the AOC role is that it is an excellent apprenticeship for command. The cliche about learning by teaching others certainly applies to the AOC who, during the course of an academic year, advises three separate cadet chains of command in the runing of the squadron. Note that the cadets run the squadron, and to a much greater degree than was true during the early and mid 1960s. The cadet squadron has become a leadership laboratory in which cadets (and the AOC) learn. The AOC, like a good instructor pilot, intervenes directly only to prevent a disaster, and this is an infrequent occurrence. However, it is harder to control a squadron by subtly guiding the development of its cadet leadership than it is to command directly. Former AOCs report that command of a squadron is easy after being an AOC.
The AOC derives much job satisfaction from watching his cadets develop and mature. He sees all facets of the cadets’ development as no one else at the Academy, for he is the recipient of academic and physical training evaluations and counsels his cadets on problems in all areas of cadet endeavor. Consequently, the AOC receives a highly accurate picture across the generation gap of the young men who will be his subordinates through the rest of his Air Force career. This knowledge will serve him well, particularly in command positions. The graduate serving as an AOC also gets the satisfaction of repaying his debt to and perhaps even making an incremental improvement in the institution that started his Air Force career. This particular benefit by itself will for many graduates offset most of the costs and liabilities mentioned above. Graduates bring to the AOC job some special advantages.
The graduate’s main strengths as an AOC are his ability to empathize with his cadets, his credibility with them, and his sense of the continuity and relevance of the USAFA experience. Having been a cadet gives the graduate the
ability to appreciate the stresses and demands of the cadet environment, as well as a time-warped understanding of “the cadet mentality.” This asset has a corresponding liability: the possibility that a graduate may sympathize with his cadets. This sympathy can be quickly detected and manipulated to the cadets’ temporary advantage and to the graduate AOC’s grief. The graduate can enjoy a credibility advantage with his cadets because they feel a kinship with him as one who automatically shares their high ideals. When the graduate AOC talks, his cadets from the beginning will ascribe face value to everything he says. The liability here is that the credibility can be easily lost if the cadets perceive him as manipulating them for the advancement of protection of his own career. Finally, the graduate’s awareness of the historical evolution of the Cadet Wing and his having experienced the relevance of the cadet experience to an Air Force career will enable him to secure from his cadets a high level of acceptance of the military training at USAFA. The liabality corresponding to this asset is that the graduate AOC may yield to the temptation to teach his cadets how to play cadet games rather than to prepare them to be mature officers. He must carefully consider statements which begin “When I was a cadet. ...” before he utters them; most of us did some pretty counterproductive things when we were cadets.
Who should apply? Currently, applicants should be majors or captains entering the primary zone for major. No graduate degree is required. Operational and command experience is desired, but it is not essential for AOCs to be rated. The keys to selection are a strong record showing pursuit of diverse responsibilities and an ability and willingness to accept the heavy demands of the job. From the applicant’s viewpoint, the support and concurrence of his wife is an important consideration. Application procedures are prescribed in AFR 36-20. Applications for assignment in the summer of 1976 shoud be submitted without delay. Anyone wanting additional information can give me a call at Autovon 259-4543.
Graduates who are already planning to join the Faculty may wish to considerd the possibility of spending two years on the Faculty and then transferring to the Commandant’s Staff for the last two years of the normal four year Faculty tour. Such requests for split tours should be made at the earliest possible opportunity and should be addressed to the Head of the gaining Faculty Department and to the Commandant of Cadets.
The objective of becoming an AOC is one whose challenges and rewards make it worthy of consideration by any graduate who seeks to make a contribution to the Academy while growing and preparing himself for greater responsibiliities in the future.
POW MIA Information
By: Capt. Mike Davis, ’69 AOG POW/MIA Subcommittee
There have been some recent developments concerning American POWs and MIAs that 1 would like to ensure has received your attention.
During this past September a House Select Committee on MIAs was established. Representative G. V. Montgomery (D-Miss.) is the chairman. Other members of the ten member committee include Representatives Henry Gonzales (DTex.), Joe Moabley (D-Mass.), Pat Schroeder (D-Colo.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Richard Ottinger (D-N.Y.), Jim Lloyd
(D-Calif.), Paul McCloskey (R-Calif.), Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.), and Tennyson Guyer (R-Ohio).
This committee has been charged with investigating the fate of American civilians and servicemen unaccounted for in SEA. The investigation will cover Americans still listed as MIA, POW, and PFOD (Presumptive Finding of Death— presumed dead, but whose bodies have not been recovered).
During the last week of November the Select Committee met in Paris with North Vietnamese Ambassador Vo Van Sung. At this meeting Ambassador Sung announced that the bodies of three American pilots killed in the Vietnam war would be turned over to their families in the near future. He also announced that his government was holding no other Americans, dead or alive, and added that there was no trace of some 850 Americans listed as missing in action or still held prisoner in Vietnam.
The three pilots were identified as Major Jesse Taylor, Jr., shot down Jan. 16, 1965, Maj. Crosley James Fitton, downed Feb. 29, 1968, and Capt. Ronald Dwight Perry, killed Dec. 21, 1972.
Also during September, Senator Joseph Biden, Jr., (DDel.) submitted the following resolution urging President Ford to enlist the aid of the Chinese government in determing the status of our POW/MIAs.
SENATE RESOLUTION 251—SUBMISSION OF A RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE PRESIDENTS
TRIP TO CHINA AND AMERICAN POW'S AND MIA’S
(Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.)
Mr. BIDEN submitted the following resolution:
S. Res. 251
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the President should, upon visiting the People’s Republic of China, request that appropriate Chinese officials use their good offices to obtain a full and complete accounting of members of the United States armed forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.
Upon completion of President Ford’s recent trip Chinese leaders released information on seven Americans missing since 1952 in the Far East. However, the Pentagon stated that only one case revealed anything new. Possibly a search of undisclosed U.S. government records will prove fruitful as suggested by Representative Montgomery.
The National League of Families continues a very active program. One of their main projects now is the POW/MIA Adoption Program which is gaining support nationwide. The program encourages individuals, families, and organizations to adopt one of the approximately 1300 men still unaccounted for in SEA.
All these actions need and deserve our best ideas and support. AOG has formally endorsed the efforts of Senator Biden and Representative Montgomery and his committee. AOG is presently working with CAFPOW (Cadets.for the Aid of Families of POWs) to possibly establish Cadet Wing support of the National League of Families Adoption Program. Progress has been made but to keep these efforts moving, it is essential that the people of America and the world understand the strong commitment we have to each of our missing comrades. Here are some addresses that will be useful for those of you who might wish to learn
more about POW/MIA issues or lend your thoughts and support.
The Honorable Gillespie V. Montgomery
Chairman, House Select Committee on MIAs
U. S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. U. S. Senate Washington, DC 20510
National League of Families 1608 K Street NW Washington, DC 20006
In closing I would like to leave you with the following prayer ofered by Father Shannon, Catholic Cadet Chaplain, during our 1975 Homecoming Memorial Ceremony. It is “food for thought” for us all. Possibly by reading this prayer we can all redefine the purpose and dedication we need to bring the issue of our missing men to a proper end:
“Let us remember the lament of the soldier David as he reflected upon the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan:
How are the mighty fallen!
In their lives, even in their death they were not divided;
They were swifter than eagles
They were stronger than lions
How are the mighty fallen
And the weapons of war perished.
O Lord, let us remember and cause us not to forget the lives of those departed from our ranks. Let us remember them in the youth and in the strength and beauty of their manhood. They were our companions—faithful to us and dedicated to the causes which we hold to be dear. Cause us not to forget the sacrifice they endured and the continuing sacrifice of their loved ones who, deprived of the comfort of their presence, nevertheless, draw courage from the example of their lives.
Let us also pray for the peace of those from amongst us whose designation is missing in action. Our hope for their return remains undiminished. Sustain their relatives and friends who daily pray for the end of this torment and their safe reunion with loved-ones. Our hearts go out to them and as a mighty congregation we would storm the very gates of heaven with our petitions and requests for their lives and safety.
Let us additionally honor those from amongst us who were designated killed-in-action and whose remains were never recovered. No stone covers their final resting place. Their loved ones cannot strew flowers upon a grave and draw comfort from that. They cannot point out to children that in this place your father is buried and until your old age you will honor him. For them only a memory, and few letters and personal artifacts remain to mark a passage through life.
God give us the courage to bear the tragedy inherent in our commitment to duty. The profession of military life calls us to sacrifice. No man knows his fate; no man holds his own destiny in his hands. We are indeed the children of a merciful Father, and we can draw from our faith that the Lord will not allow His faithful to suffer destruction. The body decays; the spirit of man is imperishable. There is our hope. This is our sacred trust as we remember those who have gone to their eternal'reward.”
LETTERS
The following letter from a fellow graduate, Col. Dean C. Wood, expresses the composite views of several graduates in the Washington, D.C. area. / have asked that it he published in the AOG Magazine in order to provide a forum for differing views on issues which I discussed in my initial letter to the graduates, and, hopefully, also to elicit views from other graduates.
David M. Goodrich Col USAF President, AOG
Dear Dave:
Congratulations on your election as President of the AOG. I am personally pleased as I voted for you but I must warn you that I also voted for RM Nixon. In any event, I am confident that you will carry out your mandate and discharge your duties and responsibilities in good faith and at full throttle.
As we agreed, the purpose of this letter is to give you my views on the mandate mentioned above. Without arguing all of the points in your letter in the AOG magazine, I think the central issue facing the AOG is whether or not we—as an association—really want to “act big to be big.” I certainly support “thinking” big and am guilty of that particular sin frequently, but I cannot and will not support “acting” big. Whether the AOG will ever “be” big—in the sense that you use big—will probably have to be decided at some time in the future but I don’t think that will be decided by the AOG. What I'm talking about—and suspect you are—is clout, influence and power in the Air Force and at the Air Force Academy.
As a practical matter, there just isn’t any way that the AOG—as an association—is ever going to exercise that kind of muscle now or in the future. I have had the opportunity to observe at first hand the leadership of the Air Force for the past several years here in Washington and have had some contact with the leadership at the Academy over a longer period. You have had virtually identical exposure/ experience. I can't imagine any of the Commandants, Superintendents, DCS/Pers, DCS/P&Os or Chiefs of Staff that we have observed putting up with an AOG “acting big” for an instant but I can imagine them writing the AOG off for attempting it. If I become Commandant or Superintendent someday (I’ve already admitted to thinking big) and the AOG offered unsolicited opinion as an association I would be mightily offended. On the other hand and still wearing my same Comm/Sup hat, I would solicit the opinion of the AOG on some issues and expect the AOG to be responsive. On some issues I would seek out certain men—irrespective of their AOG ties—for their advice. On still other issues I would listen only to my staff. On all issues I would do what I think is best. My door would be open but an open door policy to me means you are guaranteed a hearing not necessarily a decision in your favor. Further, I would expect the AOG—as a group—to support me in public while brining their disagreements and objections privately and quietly through my open door if the AOG felt the need. In sum, I would welcome all the help I could get.
Before you accuse me of being “against,” let me outline what I’m “for.” First, push for membership; I share your concern that only 65% of the graduates belong. Second, help the Academy by going to General Allen and General Beck and let them tell us where they need us (and where they don’t). If we do a good enough job at that, the Chief might ask us for help someday but let's wait until he asks.
Third, help the Academy Foundation because they're trying to help us and the Academy and they are not out of the woods yet either. Don't move the AOG off station at this time as we are not strong enough to go it alone—nor do we want to. Fourth, and most important, let's keep the faith. I don’t expect anyone to agree with every Air Force policy all the time but I give “them” credit for plus or minus a very few degrees on azimuth and running between full military and minimum afterburner on speed. “They” usually do good.
Finally, and this is my personal plea as well as last argument, I am one of the oldest living graduates as you have so frequently reminded me in the past. Even at that, the actuarial tables say I could hobble on for another 25-30 years. Let’s not create a monster that old guys like that couldn’t live with.
Dave, I have passed this letter around as we also agreed and the folks named below agree with the thrust of it. Further we feel that at least the substance of it should be brought before the AOG membership.
Warmest personal regards,
Dean C. Wood Colonel, USAF
Dear Sir:
The only important reason for USAFA having a predominately military faculty and staff is to provide examples of what the cadets should become after graduation. I’m sure that all of us can remember both good and bad examples from our cadet days. The key things I remember about the “good examples” are that they all had recent operational experience, and they used their experiences and enthusiam for the Air Force to motivate cadets to choose Air Force careers.
Therefore, I was concerned when I learned an officer at one of our remote sites, who had just completed a six-year tour in the PE department at USAFA, was scheduled to return there for another four-year tour. This would mean that ten out of 13 years of commissioned service would be spent at USAFA. His only “real Air Force” experience consists of two years in a base CBPO and one year in special services at an Alaskan remote site. I seriously doubt that this is the career pattern most likely to produce an officer capable of influencing cadets to become career officers. Informal inquiries among friends stationed at USAFA reveal that the above example is not an isolated situation. Clearly, expensive training and education, especially among members of the faculty, necessitate longer than normal tours to provide a prudent return on investment. But both the cadets in particular, and the Air Force in general would benefit if these tours were kept to a minimum. Extensions weaken our case for a military faculty because these homesteaders become scholars, PE instructors, coaches, etc., masquerading as Air Force Officers. We need officers who have recently been involved in hard-core Air Force matters to lead the cadets.
Because the faculty has less flexibility in this area than both the Commandant’s shop or the Department of Athletics, “homesteading” in the latter two departments greatly hinders the influx of new ideas and reduces the number of Air Force officers who can benefit from an Academy tour. The tenure professor program and “Key personnel” programs under both the Commandant and the Director of Athletics designed to insure continuity and corporate memory should be closely
scrutinized to insure that these positions are kept to an absolute minimum. In short, the cadets will benefit most from contact with officers who possess recent operational Air Force experience and who can serve as “good examples” of what the cadets should become.
Major Graham E. Shirley, ’66
Dear Association of Graduates:
Thank you for your recent letter expressing your individual and collective concern for the repatriation of all missing POW/MIA personnel. I appreciate your kind remarks very much.
With the establishment of the Select Committee on Missing Persons in Southeast Asia I have already initiated our study of the Missing in Action as well as civilians unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. I would like to assure you, knowing your deep personal interest in this matter that every effort will be made to obtain the fullest possible accounting for the missing and recovery of the dead.
Currently, the Committee is attempting to establish an open dialogue with the Governments of Indochino. We have, in the past few months, held hearings evaluating the efforts of the Department of State and the Department of Defense as well as private interest groups in accounting for our MIAs and POWs. There is an enormous amount of work to do, however, and a great deal of information to be compiled before the Select Committee will be able to render an objective and complete report.
Please be assured that the Select Committee and, indeed, all agencies involved, are doing all in their power to help resolve this painful issue.
Sincerely,
Gillespie V. Montgomery Chairman, Select Committee on Missing Persons in Southeast Asia
An Open Letter to Graduates
The Analysis of Narrative Responses to the AOG Twenty Year Survey included a statement that graduates “who addressed honor and ethics at the Academy generally endorsed the value of the lessons to be derived from the programs.” However, a few respondents, prompted by disparities between the real world and the cadet environment, criticized “the honor and ethics programs at the Academy as unrealistic.’ The present Honor and Professional Ethics committees are sensitive to such criticism, as they seek a mature perspective of their personal integrity. They are constantly in search of examples of the relevance and practice of the ideals of the Academy’s Honor and Ethics programs in the real world. In their quest, they draw heavily on the experiences of graduates and other officers assigned at USAFA.
A much broader and inexhaustible source of such examples exists in the thousands of graduates who are not at USAFA. Any graduate who has an honor or ethics expericnce which he feels would be useful in the instruction of the Cadet Wing is encouraged to write a brief narrative of the experience and mail it to either CWH, USAF Academy, Colorado 80840, or to the Alumni Secretary at the Academy. In order to ensure that narratives have only instructional utility, submissions should not include specific labels for persons, places, commands and dates. Narratives received with specifics which might make the incidents traceable will be so modified before they are published.
In sharing your experiences, you will be helping to demonstrate the relevance of the ideals of Honor and Professional Ethics taught at the Academy, and you will be improving the preparation of the members of today’s Cadet Wing for the challenges which you as graduates now face.
Leonard C. Ekman, Major, USAF Officer Advisor, Cadet Professional Ethics Committee
GRADS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Donald R. Backlund, ’71, Air Force Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Section 8742, Title 10, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to First Lieutenant Donald R. Backlund for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander on 15 May 1975. On that date, while engaged in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and crew, Lieutenant Backlund, exhibiting superb airmanship, placed a contingent of United States Marines aboard the destroyer escort, USS Holt. He then successfully landed several United States Marines on Koh Tang Island despite intense ground fire. After escorting his wingman to the USS Coral Sea, Lieutenant Backlund then returned to Koh Tang Island and successfully recovered a group of United States Marines and airmen although en-
Capt. Donald R. Backlund countering heavy, constant ground fire. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of an opposing armed force, Lieutenant Backlund reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Richard C. Brims, ’71, Air Force Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Section 8742, Title 10, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to First Lieutenant Richard C. Brims for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander on 15 May 1975. On that date, while engaged in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and crew, Lieutenant Brims successfully landed United States Marines on Koh Tang Island despite overwhelming ground fire. Prior to leaving the island. Lieutenant Brims held his position against the heavy ground fire and managed to extract five seriously wounded Marines. He then twice flew his aircraft into intense ground fire, suecessfully removing remaining groups of United States Marines. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airnianship, and aggressiveness in the face of an opposing armed force, Lieutenant Brims reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Tilford W. Harp, ’70, Air Force Cross
The President of the United States of America authorized by Section 8742, Title 10, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Capt. Tilford W. Harp for extraordinary heroism and airmanship while engaged in a humanitarian mission as Co-Pilot of an Air Force C-5 aircraft at Saigon, Vietnam on 4 April 1975. On that date, the aircraft carrying 330 passengers and crew, experienced a serious inflight emergency which could have resulted in the loss of life for all aboard. With no aircraft controls except one aileron and the engines, he provided exceptionally vital assistance to the Aircraft Commander in guiding the cripple aircraft to a crash landing in a rice paddy, thereby saving the lives of 176 of the people aboard. Through his extraordinary heroism and superb airmanship Captain Harp reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
ANNOUNCEMENTS...
David H. Roe, ’62, White House Fellowship
Major David H. Roe, 34, is a former Research Assistant to the Department of Defense Committee on Excellence in Education. Born in Denver, Colorado, he was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy in 1962 where he was the Cadet Wing Commander. He attended Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship and later was awarded the Commandant’s Trophy as the outstanding graduate from the Air Force's Squadron Officer School. He received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois. Major Roe has served at the Air Force Flight Test Center as a Bioastronomies Project Officer on test aircraft and as officer-incharge of the Pararescue Team for XB-70 and X-15 operations. He was an Associate Professor of Life Sciences on the faculty of the Air Force Academy. He is listed in Outstanding Young Men of America and is a member of Sigma Xi and a past President of the Association of Graduates. He is assigned as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Major James F. Wheeler, Class of 1964, has been selected as the next Executive Secretary of the Association of Graduates. He is currently assigned to the F-5E, International Fighter, System Program Office at Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Major Wheeler will assume the duties of Alumni Secretary beginning July, 1976.
The name of the cadet snack bar has been changed from the Cockpit Lounge to the Richter Lounge in honor of Lt. Karl W. Richter, Class of 1964, who was killed in action on 28 July, 1967 in North Vietnam. Richter was a co-recipient of the 1969 Jabara Award for Airmanship.
Capt. Richard C. Brims
Capt. Tilford W. Harp
Major James F. Wheeler
New Head of Athletic Department Named
Colonel John J. Clune has been appointed as Director of Athletics at the Air Force Academy, replacing Colonel Frank Merritt. Colonel Merritt, who will retire from active duty, was the Academy’s fifth athletic director.
In a statement announcing the action, Lieutenant General James R. Allen, Superintendent of the Academy, said, “Frank Merritt has done an outstanding job as Director of Athletics and has made many significant contributions to the Air Force Academy during his eight years in this post. In August of this year, I assigned Colonel John J. Clune to the Directorate of Athletics under Colonel Frank Merritt with the intent to train Clune as Merritt’s replacement. In order to facilitate a smooth transition. Colonel Merritt is now moving up to act as my special assistant to assist and advise me and Colonel Clune on all athletic matters. I have every assurance Colonel Clune will be a first-class Director of Athletics for the Academy and will continue the outstanding performance and devotion to excellence demonstrated by Frank Merritt.”
Col. Clune replaced Lieutenant Colonel James H. Keating, Jr., who had been reassigned to Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Born in 1932, Col. Clune graduated from St. Peters High School where he was named New Jersey All State in basketball. He received an appointment to the Naval Academy and was graduated in 1954. While at Annapolis he received basketball All American honors. He set, and still holds, the single season and career basketball scoring records at the Naval Academy.
Upon graduation from Annapolis, Col. Clune was commissioned in the Air Force. His initial assignments covered several years in administration and missile operations and maintenance. In 1964, he received a masters degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. He was assigned to the Air Force Academy as an Air Officer Commanding from 1965-1968. While at the Academy, Col. Clune was also the head coach for junior varsity basketball.
Col. Clune graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1971. Prior to coming to the Academy, he was assigned to Air Force Logistics Command and the Pentagon.
Col. Clune is married to the former Patricia Brown. The couple have four children; Cathleen. 15, John. 13, Michael, 11 and Timothy, age 9.
A native of New Jersey, Colonel Merritt assumed the athletic director duties in June, 1967. He has watched the Academy grow steadily and was one of the original staff members, serving as assistant athletic director from 1955 until 1959.
Colonel Merritt is a 1944 graduate of West Point, and as an undergraduate was a starting tackle on the Army Football teams of 1942 and 1943, receiving All-America honors both years. Since then, he has posted a distinguished record as a U. S. Air Force officer.
A veteran of 130 tactical air missions during the Korean Conflict, Colonel Merritt compiled an impressive record following his first tour at the Air Force Academy. He was the first airlift commander at Leopoldville, Congo, in support
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Col. John J. Clune
SPORTS (Continued from preceeding page) of the United Nations operation and also has served as mission commander for the airlift of U. N. trops in Kindu and Goma and for transporting Ethiopian trops into Katanga. He also was vitally involved in the troop movement during the Berlin Crisis of 1961-62.
After returning to the United States in 1963, he attended the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., and received his master of arts degree in international affairs from George Washington University.
A command pilot, Colonel Merritt’s decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster. Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
AFAAA RAISES DUES
The Air Force Academy Athletic Association (AFAAA) recently announced that annual membership dues have been raised to $5 effective July 1, 1976. This is the first increase in dues since the AFAAA was organized in 1954, the year the United States Air Force Academy was created.
As in the past, future graduates will receive their first year of membership free upon graduation. Lifetime membership fee continues at $80 minus previous dues paid, if initiated within four years after graduation, and $100 minus previous dues paid, if initiated four years or more after graduation.
Graduates should not confuse membership in the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates with membership in the AFAAA. The AFAAA, conceived to promote varsity sports at the National Collegiate Athletic Association level, provides priority seating and reduced season ticket prices to all its members, a majority of whom are graduates, at football, basketball and hockey contests, both home and away.
Graduates not members of the AFAAA, are not entitled to priority seating solely because of their membership in the Association of Graduates. Membership in the AFAAA entitles graduates to priority seating with their graduating class— non-members of the AFAAA are seated with public customers whose seats are determined by date of application. Additionally, members receive three editions of the Falcon Sports Newsletter which depicts the achievements of the Falcon athletic program. Season ticket customers also receive applications automatically each year.
Graduates who are not members of the AFAAA may write to the AFAAA, Attention AHT, USAF Academy, CO 80840, for further information, applications, etc., if interested in joining.
FALCON CROSS COUNTRY TEAM COMPLETES REGULAR SEASON
Air Force cross country recently completed one of its best seasons ever with competition in the Central Collegiate Champinships at University Park, Penn.
The Falcons, who finished with a 8-4 dual meet record, placed 10th and several Falcon runners turned in some of their best times of the season on the 5.2 mile course.
Heading the team was junior Garry Sheppard, who placed 35th with a time of 26:44. This time compared with a 29:237 Gary ran in a five-mile race during the final dual meet of the season two weeks ago at the Academy.
Falcon team captain Jeff Ford placed 45th with a 27:08 clocking, while other Air Force runers and times were Toby Nichols with a 27:19; Richard Leinbach, 27:48; Kirk Bodary, 27:57; Keith Haines, 28:40; and Dan Lentz, 28:45.
In the meet, which had 84 individual entries, Michigan won the team title with 45 points, even though runerup Penn State captured the first two places.
AIR FORCE WATER POLO TEAM COMPLETES SEASON
Air Force’s water polo team’s goal of a second straight trip to the national championships came up a bit short when the Falcons lost a 12-8 decision to Arizona in the final game of the District Seven championships.
The championships, which were held Nov. 21-22 in Albuquerque, N.M., saw Air Force win three matches and lose two to raise the team’s final record to 11-7-1, the squad’s fifth-straight wining year.
Air Force, which set several records this season, opened the championships by topping New Mexico again, 10-8. The Falcons then lost an 11-6 decision to Arizona before defeating New Mexico again, 10-8. The squad then topped Arizona, 8-7, in overtime to force the championship match in the double-elimination tournament.
Bill Monroe and Don Gresham, both seniors and the team’s top scoring leaders, each contributed 11 goals in the five games played, while another Air Force senior, Roger Rechsteiner, had nine goals.
Air Force team captain Walt Heidmous collected an additional 77 saves, giving him 182 for the season and the career leadership at 792. Heidmous also set another record for the most saves in one game 22, in the overtime victory over Arizona.
Monroe, who netted 35 goals and added 32 assists, set an individual record this season with the most points in one game. Monroe scored five goals and added eight assists in a 23-15 win over New Mexico during the AFA tournament held earlier this season.
In team statistics, the squad set a record for the most assists in one game, 20, against Denver; and the most goals in one quarter, nine, against New Mexico in the District Seven Championships.
RUGBY SCORES HIGH
The Rugby Club coached by Squadron Leader Gordon Alderson had an enjoyable off-season. The highlight of the season for the A Team was a tough 4-3 win over Navy in a night game at Annapolis. Unfortunately we lost to Army early the next morning. The A Team went 2 and 2 at the Aspen Ruggerfest with the first defeat administered by the Pumpkins from L.A. In the ERRFU Tournament, the A Team was eliminated in the second round by the Highlanders who went on to win the Olympia Cup.
The B Team because of its outstanding record (the loss coming at the hands of the Colorado College A Team) was not allowed by the Union to defend the Stuart Harris Cup in the ERRFU Tournament. In the first round of the Olympia Cup, the B Team was eliminated by the Barbarian A Team.
This fall the Academy fielded a C Team for the first time. The C Team was made up of third and fourth classmen and was tailored to bring victory over Royal Roads. MAC won the Royal Roads Exchange by canceling the airlift at the last moment. To the C Team fell the task of defending the Stuart Harris Cup. Although they fought hard, inexperience and the Harlequin B Team defeated our C’s.
In the spring when rugby is on-season, all three Academy rugby teams look forward to success.
Coach: Sqd Ldr, Gordon Alderson
Captain: C1C Rich Carlson
Dave Lawson, Ray Wild Pace
A pair of seniors, Dave Lawson and Ray Wild, were two of the standouts on the 1975 Air Force football team but there were enough underclassmen on the squad to give promise for improved fortunes during the 1976 season.
Wild, a senior from Tucson. Ariz., had one of the season's top defensive performances against Wyoming when he had 21 tackles, the most by any defender on the team this season. That helped give Wild the Academy career tackle record of 337, breaking the mark of 331 set by Jim Morris during the 1971, 1972 and 1973 seasons.
For the second consecutive year, Dave Lawson, field goal kicker extraordinaire, has been named to All-America teams. UP1 listed Lawson as second team All-America place kicker, and Football News carried him as first string place kicker.
Among the most significant records set by Lawson during the season include national collegiate major college career records for most field goals at 51, most career field goal attempts at 95 and most career points by placekicking at 231. In addition. Lawson kicked a 62-yard field goal against Iowa State, a national collegiate major college record at the time but later broken.
1975 Falcon Gridders
Lawson also led the team in scoring for the third straight year with 54 points while Wild led the team in tackles with 124, one more than he had during the 1974 season when he tied for the team lead in that department.
1976 Falcon Football Schedule
The 1976 schedule will once again be tough and intersectional in nature. The schedule is:
Sept. 18—Iowa State at USAFA
Sept. 25—U.C.L.A. at Los Angeles
Oct. 2—Kent State at Cleveland, Ohio
Oct. 9—Navy at USAFA
Oct. 16—Colo. State at USAFA
Oct. 23—-The Citadel at USAFA
Oct. 30—Army at West Point, N.Y.
Nov. 6—Arizona St. at Tempe, Ariz.
Nov. 13—Vanderbilt at Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 20—Wyoming at USAFA
Dave Lawson, All-American Kicker
LtCol Arthur G. Elser
8702 Nero St. Annandale, VA 22003
Here it is time to write another column already. My, how time flies when you are having fun at the Pentagon! All is not bad, however, because the Christmas season approaches, and by the time you read this it will be a new year. Happy New Year to all of you.
I got a call from Pete TODD—bless you Pete, Colonel, Sir—and he passed the word that Ann and Tom STACK are the proud parents of a new daughter, Maria Cristina. Maria was born on 9 October. The Stacks are down at Dyess AFB with Marlene and Pat MUSMAKER, from whom I inherited this job.
i also heard from A1 WATERS. A1 has left Air Command and Staff College, where he has been an instructor, to go to Little Rock AFB to learn how to get the attention of the C-130. I guess that about the time that you read this A1 will be on his way to Pope AFB where he will be permanently assigned. Quite a few people are moving back into the cockpit these days to meet the 18 year gate. Alas, I have failed to meet that milestone thanks to the personal attention lavished on us all be the the computer down at MPC. I asked for an Ops assignment on my Form 90, which would have seen me safely through the 18 year gate as it turns out, but the personnel folks knew that I would enjoy a tour in the Pentagon more than an Ops tour. 1 shouldn’t complain though. I could be down in the basement with Dick PENN and Bob DELLIGATTI instead of on the 5th floor where I can at least look out of the window. General GABRIEL was keeping his eye on RL, but when Del showed up he bailed out and went to TAC Headquarters. General TALLMAN had to send General B. J. ELLIS in to ride herd on the two of them.
At the last 59er luncheon here in DC (Ed JOSEPHSON is carryiqng on the tradition started by D. D. ANDERSON) Mel POLLARD told me about an article he had read in an aviation magazine that should interest most of you. The article dealt with the prototype F-100, or more correctly the YF-100A. To be more specific, the article was about the
exploits of the F-100 which used to grace the area in front of the academic building at Lowry, old FW 754. Among 754’s accomplishments is that it was the first production type aircraft to exceed mach 1 in level flight. Mel suggested that 754 should occupy a place of honor at the Academy as part of the heritage of the modern Air Force. I agree with Mel, but I think that I remember hearing that some one with vision at the Academy destroyed the bird with explosives when it was replaced with the F-106. If any of you out there have any information about where 754, or what is left of it, may be, let Mel or me know about it. He can be reached at AFSC Headquarters, Andrews AFB. Mel suggested that even if all we could get was the nomenclature plate we could at least mount that as an historical display. Maybe some of you guys at the Academy could research the fate of the “real” airplane that replaced the ugly red Matador.
Heartiest congratulations to those on the FY76 full colonel list: Karol BOBKO, Larry FORTNER, Dick GOETZE, Wayne JEFFERSON, and Gene VOSICA! That brings our class total to 17.
Some observations on the weather: The first day of October was a brilliantly clear day with just a hint of frost. The nip in the air was just enough to turn the gold leaves a bright silvery color. The first day of December was a particularly fine day and a new batch of fledgling eagles was observed to have hatched in the nearby aeries.
'60
Would you believe it?
Maj. John Macartney 160 Arequa Ridge Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919
There are some 60-types who
can write or call (autovon 259-2864), and thanks to classmates BIANCUR, VALLERIE, CREW and GLAZA there is a column this issue.
Andi BIANCUR called and sent a letter from Scott AFB where he toils in the MAC Command Center. Andi reports that Bill KORNITZER and Neil DELISANTI left Scott last summer—Bill to AWC, Neil to maintenance at McChord
(where Jack HARDISON has returned to aircrew duty). Still at Scott with Andi are Ken BIEHLE, Don STEVENS and Dave SWEIGART. Dave, I understand, has something to do with the new centralized T-39 operation—Boo, Hiss! Andi went on to say that numerous assorted 61-types can be found misbehaving at parties in the Scott area and also that he’d seen Steve HOLT who was PCSing from Dyess to Sembach AB, Germany.
My summer 1965 roommate, Paul VALLERIE, called from Omaha where he is spending his second SAC headquarters tour working in missile requirements. Buck CONGDON and Doug REKENTHALER are likewise at the “peace is my profession” center.
Another of my former roommates, Gary CREW, wrote from TAC headquarters where he finds himself in the comptroller business. Gary and classmate Howie BRONSON have an interesting additional duty—they’re USAF Advance Agents for Presidential Flight Support. They go where Air Force One is to go. Gary also mentioned: he had gotten back on flying (excused) status after being medically grounded while in Taiwan; that Vic THOMAS is also at Langley; and that he'd seen Norm HALLER, a Pentagon GS-17, in Washington.
Since they took my T-33 away in August, I don’t see as many folks as 1 used to, but the return of Liaison Officers to USAFA keeps me up on what the reservists are doing. Ned WHITMAN was here in November. Ned’s been in and out of school since leaving the Air Force in 1964. He studied at Princeton for four years, was a political science professor for four years, then went to law school at Cornell and has been practicing law in Suffern, New York since 1973. Ned mentioned that Dick KINGMAN owns two restaurants in Fun City.
This year's reunion was sparsely attended, but Jim and Linda GLAZA, Paul and Delores SULLIVAN, Earl and Pat VAN INWEGEN plus Anne and I partied hard enough to make up for those absent. Paul and Van are both stationed downtown at Ent AFB.
While the more plebian among us anxiously await this year’s LtCol board, the fast burners continue to blaze. Congratulations to full Colonels Leon GOODSON and Fred WALKER.
Jim GLAZA, bless his heart, has provided a guest column (I plied him with scotch then twisted his arm). Before I give you Jim’s message. I'd like to urge and invite any and all others to contribute future guest writings, or to write or call me with news. And now Jim’s words:
“It's been a few years since I last attempted to generate a reaction in this column, but my attachment to and concern for the Class of '60 hasn’t (happily) diminished. It was a considerable disappointment to Linda and I. then, when we returned to 'The Ranch' for what should have been our 15th reunion, to find that only three other '60 graduates had chosen/been able to attend—especially disappointing when you consider that only one of the many stationed at the Academy was in attendance.
“While it is undeniable that our ranks continue to diminish and our locations (along with certain parts of our anatomy) spread, I hope the reaction of the Academy based grads is not indicative of general malaise toward either the class or the Academy. Both need our continued dedication and enthusiasm to maintain a productive identity. With the Academy having to face continual criticism from other agencies, a strong, vocal, supportive role for its graduates becomes more of a necessity than a luxury. Reunions, while hardly as important as other Association of Graduates programs,
serve a helpful purpose in reminding each of us of our origins and can restimulate dedication to goals too many of us have compromised. After everything, our ability to meet those goals will measure the Academy’s success.
“Enough lecture! I assume John will fill you in on reunion happenings; suffice it to say we had a helluva great time with those present (as best we can remember).
“While few could be present in Colorado, many of us continue to get together in Washington. The Pentagon '60 contingent meets periodically to drown our mutual misery in shared commiseration—or whatever. Most of us (the figure hovers around a dirty dozen) made it to a 15th Anniversary bash at my digs that started on the 7th of June and proceeded well into the 8th (when we graduated—remember?). We even had some out-of-twoners from Langley (Gary CREW) and McGuire (Bob FISCHER) for the occasion. We kissedoff (is that the right word?) Tony BURSHINCK to AWC and congratulated a number of new (brevet) LC's. Alas, some (few) of us remain to test the full fury of the primary zone.
“More recently we welcomed Charlie HART and Ken ALNWICK to our baffled but unbowed ranks.
“Shades of ancient Wingdings, A1 JOHNSON it at it again! In concert with DEKE of the same name and one each Hal BROST, a Christmas Bash will be (was by the time you read this) enjoyed by all. On that note we in the Washington area wish all of you the happiest of holidays and a most successful ned year. Hope you found in your stocking what we all so ardently desire in ours—PCS orders!”
Jim Glaza
Major Thomas L. Sutton 123 Mississippi Dyess AFB, TX 79607
I have received some great letters and phone calls from many of you since the last letter and have enjoyed hearing from you. I hope that sharing what you say with everyone else adds a little happiness to your lives.
Ron FULLERTON writes that he hopes I will print the “plain truth” about his affiliation with the NATO Patrol Hydrofoil. You may recall that I ribbed him about it in a past issue. He has really enjoyed his tour with Boeing though. He says that he has “flown” on the Pegasus several times and that it is a very impressive ship. It employs many modern aeronautical principles in its hydrofoil design. Ron even sent me some detailed literature on the ship and I found it fascinating myself. Ron has left the sea though and is now settling down in Brussels, Belgium near Larry KARNOWSKI. Ron received a short notice reassignment in October. He is the head of the new F-16 Contract Administration Services in Europe. He says that the program offers many fascinating challenges and he is happy with the prospects. We appreciate your letters, Ron, and wish you luck.
Dick HOWELL writes from Richmond, Va., that he is lirmly established on the faculty of the Virginia Commonwealth University as a professor of Urban and Regional Planning. Having contributed significantly to an urban redevelopment plan which will make downtown Richmond a popular tourist attraction. Dick is recognized officially as the University’s resident expert in urban redevelopment and historic preservation. Speaking of preservation, Dick is rehabilitating an old Virginia home and is looking forward to
entertaining many of his Washington friends with real oldfashioned Southern hospitality. Of course other friends are welcome too.
I was surprised to discover that the Safety School here at Norton is demanding enough to have kept me in the local area for the duration. I haven't been able to visit the many southern California classmates as I had hoped. I have enjoyed visiting with Steve and Margaret HO and their three children. Steve has a lovely home in San Berdo. His backyard swimming pool looks inviting even in December. His barbequed chicken is super. Steve has a new job in the Wing Ops Plans and Evaluation. He’s happy with it but hopes that he can get back to engineering, his real love, sometime soon.
I received a novel from that most renowned of all novelists, Charles STEBBINS. He subtly observed that my publication is generally trivial, my work is only “semi-terrific,” and that I obviously “need help rather desperately.” He therefore put his glass down long enough to put together some substantive remarks which will help any struggling writer. However, he did recognize that I receive many cards and letters from the 61ers which add vigor and interest to an otherwise dull column. He suggests that if I have too much material (as I am limited to 750 well selected words), perhaps I could forward some of our news to the other class columns—perhaps 1962.
Although 1 admit that they could no doubt benefit by this help, I cannot pass up the opportunity to publish for the first time these original works of Charles and Sarah STEBBINS. 1 have taken the liberty to edit certain portions in the interest of maintaining our PG rating. Charles says:
“During the past several months—perhaps years—we’ve seen or heard from many 61’ers in varying stages of sobriety. A few are:
Vic BOQUET who came by for the annual Air Force football loss to Navy
Gordie CLARKE, rejected by the AF, employed by the Army, owner of the house next to ours, and Peggy. (The editor might add here that Gordie wrote from West Point that they are doing well there and are enjoying the academic environment)
Tom ELLER who aranged a rendezous with my wife but only talked to me on the phone
Dick GODDARD and his tidy wife Colette, our perennial house guest for the Navy game, for whom we've established a package deal and family rates
Grannie CRANBERRY who had 'no stomach' for the Pentagon and is now restricted to a diet of Rolaids and Kaopectate
Louis HABLAS whose sole function at the Pentagon is to arrange plush assignments for Norm CAMPBELL, Howie BODENHAMER, George BUCHNER, and Paul FOLEY
Sam HARDAGE who keeps sending me pictures of his latest castle and his three piece tweed underwear acquired at Harvard
Merton HULL who owns the bulk of Colorado, owes me 250 letters, cash, and my book on birth control
Lawrence J. KARNOWSKI flying a Haig about Europe, who visits us irregularly, but whose wife Pat writes regularly every other year
Art KERR who found it necessary to show us the outside of his AWACS at Andrews AFB late one night in a driving rainstorm
Don McCARTER a Pentagon noon-time jogger with a very worn-out USAFA T-shirt
Hector Andres NEGRONI who hired out a tour bus to see Washington then inspected our house (SAMI), confined
us to quarters and left. Joan was nice enough to leave us a not-fully-seasoned boar skin for our outside storage room
Dick SMITH who wore an outrageous costume to the Navy game: indigineous to Oklahoma
Ken STATEN who secretly moved into the Washington area, into a secret office with an unlisted number
Jim ULM who took off his shirt at the past-Navy game party to reveal, once again, the Pelt—it has greyed a little but shows no sign of balding. Jeanne went home shortly thereafter
Kaiser WILHELM who periodically flies in to bring us a small bottle of beefeaters in exchange for several weeks of costly hospitality at our home. Willie is ostensibly in Personnel at USAFE—actually that's a cover for his Cream of Wheat export business. Nancy (Ralph) keeps knitting funny little things for us
AND Frank WILLIS who flies in to brief the Pentagon every time he changes his new OER system.”
Thank you Charlie for your exquisite contribution. Charlie would like to add one footnote. He wants all to recognize one of the few absolute truths in the universe: The good Lord created very few perfect heads; on all the rest He put hair.
Terry STORM writes that he is happily situated in DC as a Manpower “weenie.” He too enjoyed seeing so many classmates after the Navy disaster last fall. It seems that everyone was there.
I was happy to see that Lt. Col. Hayden J. LOCKHART is back in the flying business. Hayden has earned his MBA at USC and has probably completed T-38 requalification training by now. You can find him flying the F-4 at Holloman in the near future.
Ole KOMARNITSKY has departed the DC area for the comfortable climate of Taipei, Taiwan. At least I hope it’s comfortable now Ole.
We send our best wishes to each of you for a happy and successful New Year, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Maj Dave Holt
6636 Gordon Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046
This column completes my year as class secretary, an experience which has been most pleasant. After several years in the hinterlands of the Air Force, I really enjoyed being at the center of this one activity we have still tying the class together. During the year, I’ve had news from nearly half of the class through telephone and postal contacts. A multitude of times I have been reminded (and I hope some of you have been also) of friends and friendships and the good times and common misery of another time. I highly recommend to each of you a spell in this position. No need to be located at the Academy or even on active duty. If you have postal service, you've got what it takes to write this column.
Dick SCHOOF will be writing the newsletter for the next year, so please send your news to him. Dick is here in the Pentagon and is eager to hear from old friends. I’d tell you more about what he's up to. but instead, you write him and ask questions and he can tell you all about himself in the next column.
CAREERS: The career field I purposely left 'til my last letter (I knew I would get so many interesting responses) is that of airline pilot. Whenever I have been discouraged
with the AF, I've dreamed a little about those guys who got out and now fly just often enough to pocket their $40,000 a year and in the bulk of their time are lawyers, ranchers, or otherwise independently well-off. Would you believe these guys tried to disillusion me? Bill KNIPP, with Continental Airlines in Denver, said that not only does he not have 20 days off each month but he wanted to know if anyone else did. Of course, Bill is in management now as the second officer supervisor, Denver Flight Operations, and may really work that much. And Pete BRADSTREET mentioned he only gets 15 to 16 free days each month; Bob McNAUGHTON claims to be working 18 days of the month. But Larry HARMON passes along the true word, and says they really need 20 days or so to rest up for the days they work. ‘Its no picnic flying those big jets,” says Larry. “It’s a banquet!”
Bill KNIPP's job is sort of a stan/eval function, giving check flights, and he also acts as management for all of the flight engineers based in Denver. Bill is hoping to rise higher in the management end of Continental as openings occur which he says may take forever, the airline business being what it is these days. Bill, Pat, Lisa (11) and David (8) report they are all doing well. Jim MACK is also with Continental in Denver. He didn’t echo Bill’s comment about openings in the airlines but he did utter a prayer that the captains would discover hang-gliding. Jim says he and their little girl are the number one cheerleaders for Penny’s success as the local golf champion. Fuzz keeps occupied when not flying by skiing the Rockies or tinkering with his racing car. Tim GILMARTIN is with Continental in Dallas, and takes a bus-man's holiday every month to spend about a week at Dover AFB with the C-5A Reserve program. Tim wanted to bring us all up to date about what’s important in his life by telling about the two beautiful and brilliant women in his life—Nancy and their six year-old daughter. Dan PEMBERTON and Russ GOODENOUGH are also second officers on Continental’s 727s. Dan is doing well in a second career with the California Air National Guard. He is a C-130 instructor pilot at Van Nuys and figures to stay with that at least long enough to earn a retirement. Russ is tinkering with real estate and the Air Lines Pilots Association when he’s not fishing and boating on “Bandit”, the only girl in his life these days.
Jim WH1TTED, a TWA flight engineer, is filling his free time with school and plans to have an MBA in finance by next June. Larry HARMON is working for American, flight officer on 707s and 727s, and claims a typical American family-wife, two kids, dog and two cars. Watch out, California, because that gang is thinking of moving to the West Coast next year to try the sunshine. Another American employee, Pete BRADSTREET, figures on upgrading in Jan. or Feb. to co-pilot on the 727. Pete spends about half of his monthly schedule in marketing and financial consulting with a Boston based venture capital group.
With Western Airlines we have a couple of folks who have been fortunate enough to become co-pilots already, both of them based in Denver and flying 737s. Bob McNAUGHTON says that his recreation these days comes from flying and the real work he does is on the new home he designed and helped build in Perry Park, near Larkspur, CO. The McNAUGHTONs are so happy with the place that they plan to stay there forever, even if it means Bob has to commute to another base someday. K. B. CLARK is the other “fortunate” 1 mentioned, but “fortunate" doesn't really describe the situation. Co-pilot with the airline, Denver based, flying A-7s with the Colorado ANG, skiing, etc., etc. Makes me green with envy. But it all evens out in the end. KB told me he had to eject from an A-7 recently and broke his
leg. Then he tells me the broken leg actually came from a volleyball game a week after the ejection. I hope his hamsters have a litter in his laundry bag!
Jim GALLAGHER reports he is a junior second officer on Western’s DC-10s and that after seven years of being a civilian, he still misses the military life and people. How Jim finds time to miss anything is beyond me as he and his wife are expecting their fifth child, Jim coaches a 7-8 year-old soccer team, sings barbershop in SPEBSQSA, and is West Coast Slalom Champion in a Mazda/Lotus 7. He says we can read about his racetrack accomplishments in our old issues of Road and Track (June 1974). Jim reports that he is still trying to keep Beau GABEL from getting himself in trouble. Beau, by the way, is doing very well in the racing world and has achieved some measure of success in ice boat races. Dick KREBS is listing his occupation these days as shoveller of electricity, aboard a Western DC-10. Also he announces his marital status as changed, effective 6 June 75, when he married a lovely gal by the name of Sherry.
Ted NEFF is a co-pilot with National, presently on 727s and hoping to switch to DC-10s within two years. Ted was recently promoted to major in the AF Reserve and is a C-141 aircraft commander and flight commander in the 300 MAS, Charleston AFB, SC. Home base for National is Miami where Ted plans to become an Academy liaison officer soon. Mrs. NEFF (Gay Graves of CWC) has been managing a decorator showroom for the past three years and loving the work. Ted tells of a recent out-of-the-way RTB reunion. On the way to Addis Ababa in his C-141, he ran into Bob BUMEN out of Offutt in an RC-135—in Athens.
M. D. SMITH is a standardization and check flight engineer in 707s and 727s with Pan American. He began his career with Pan Am three days after getting out of USAF, starting out in New York and transferring to Miami in 1969. During PanAm’s financial crisis, Doc coordinated the suecessful employee political activities worldwide to lobby in Washington for corrective legislation. He plans to continue in training and standards until becoming a training captain, then go into operations management. Denny DEHNE is also with PanAm, a flight engineer, and is flying RF-4s with the Nevada ANG. He says the job is fun and so is the night life in Reno, and being single helps.
I asked all these guys for printable quotes, and three thoughts kept echoing. “You’ll never make Captain!”, but I know none of them believe that. Another was, “No matter where you go, there you are.” The one remark that was unanimous was, “When any of you are in the area, give us a call!’ So, as part of your next cross-country preflight, check the USAFA register and, while you're in the area, look up an RTB!
WHO-WHAT-WHERE: Dick HODGKINSON, at ACSC, has his end-of-school assignment for this summer; Hq USAF/ INAP. Dick KLASS hopes to be in D.C. for senior service school by that time. Brad BECK is at Blytheville AFB, Ark. Jack JAMBA, 400 Strat Missile Sq., F. E. Warren AFB, WY. John LUEBBERMAN, operations officer of the 904 Air Refueling Sq, Mather AFB, CA. J. D. EATON, Operations officer, 740th Strat Missile Sq, Minot AFB, ND. John FLANAGAN writes that he is being transferred to London as the chief financial officer for a Hertz subsidiary located in the U.K. Special congratulations to Bob BAXTER on his promotion to colonel.
And two wives wrote in—Judy QUINTON says they and five year old Alice love San Diego where Mike is US attorney. Mike is an AFR major and co-pilot on C-141s in
the same squadron with Stan PATRIE. Joanne HOFFERT reports from Wright-Pt that Dick is in Operations Research, Jack HAUSER is Laser Physics, John HIGH—Civil Engineering. and Harry PADDON—Electrical Engineering. And I must pass on that Dave HOLT (that’s oF Watashi) is on his way to language school at Monterey, CA, enroute to a June assignment as the first USAF exchange officer with the Japan Air Self Defense Force, instructor duty at their Air Command and Staff College in Tokyo. It’s been great being in touch with the RTBs again. Keep it up with Dick SCHOOF, 1310 Mead Terrace, Woodbridge, VA 22191.
Maj. Skip Lee
3254 Nottingham Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Some of the news in this article is a bit old—as late as last May—however, the fault can only be found in the chaos resulting from my non-assignment to SEA. Since there is a lot of ground to cover I shall not waste any words: here goes!
In October Dick PAPROWICZ and family paid us a nice visit. Dick and I instantly noticed how well we have kept our bodies in good form and went from there. Dick is enrolled in this years course at ACSC and graciously passed on a few names of his fellow students (see below). His primary reason for visiting was to get a look at the “Hurricane Hunters’’ as a possible cockpit job after ACSC. We always need experienced navigators but, much to Dick’s chagrin, MAC (Midnight Air Command) has made things a bit ticklish OER-wise for senior type navigators. With the Integral Crew system, introduced two years ago, the Crew Commanders write the OER for his "Magellan.” Most Crew Commanders are First Lieutenants and junior Captains and the 53rd WRS, due to mission requirements is blessed with a corps of highly experienced navigators. In most cases, the navigator on a crew will out rank his rating official. All in all, the weather reconnaissance mission is exacting and occasonally exciting for the nav and a great deal of satisfaction can be derived from a tour flying the WC-130. However, if you are contemplating a return to the cockpit to meet the “Gate,” I recommend you consider the consequences of insuring that flight pay versus the potential damage to your career.
CARDS AND LETTERS: A veritable bonanza of mail has been received and reviewed. Keep up the good work! George PASQUET set the record straight from the last column—his address is PSC 1 Box 3153, APO SF 96286. He is a Flight Commander in the 21 TAS (C-130) at Clarke AB, PI and in the process of becoming MAC-imcized. George reports Mike HORNER is alive and well in the far east (OSI) and Denny YEE has moved from Kadena to Yakota. The permanent Majors’ list found Larry MeLANGHLIN changing insignia! Larry wrote to let us know he is a KC-135 IP at Mather after a tour in Alaska. Jeanne and Larry adopted a three year-old Vietnamese girl just prior to the pull out and, combined with the promotion, have become very optimistic about the future. We all wish the McLaughlins the best of luck. Steve SAVONEN or, more accurately Marilyn writes that Steve has won his MD from Tufts University School of Medicine—Congratulations to you both! Steve hopes to specialize in Orthopedic surgery and will begin a surgical residency at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Boston. Doctor and Mrs. Savonen will be residing at 34 Solon St., Newton, Mass. 02161. Erin Lynn McTASNEY arrievd in this world on 28 May and her big brothers Bobby
(10), John (7) and Jimmy (5) are doing well. Jack, JoAnn and family will be moving down the road to Norfolk in time for the 1976 session of Armed Forces Staff College. Mike ANDERBERG probably has the most impressive office title ever dreamed up: Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Studies, Analysis and Gaming Agency Stategic Forces Division Current Forces Branch. Mike, Lorna and family departed ABQ last June for Washington: 7204 Reservoir Rd., Springfield, Va. 22150. His new job includes studies of intelligence on the USSR’s strategic forces and makes up the Red Integrated Strategic Operations Plan, the best estimate of their counterpart to our SIOP(?). Then they game the RISOP and SIOP against each other to see how well (or badly) each side does and why. Sounds like fun. Need any recruits Mike? If so, call.
AWARDS AND DECS: Richard F. (Skip) VARA received special recognition for his outstanding performance as a combat crew pilot while undergoing training at Castle. He is now crewing a KC-135 at Kadena AB, Okinawa. Bob STORMS, now at Shaw AFB, SC, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding achievements while assigned as an Instructor, Assistant Professor and Director of Labratory and Supply at the Academy. Skip LEE (who dat?) was awarded the 11th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal for outstanding performance as a WC-130 Aircraft Commander while accomplishing 15 successful aerial penetrations of named hurricanes (a fringe benefit). Chuck DONAHUE was recently honored by the Air Force Academy as the most outstanding Deputy Liaison Officer Coordinator in the southern area of the nation for 1975. Brigadier General Stanley C. Beck, Commandant of Cadets presented the award to Chuck at a banquet held at the Academy for the national liaison officer coordinator conference. The banquet speaker was General George S. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
SCHOOLS AND DEGREES: the school list is as long as my arm. ACSC: HALL1GAN, MERKLE, HARLEY, BARRETT (great rooting job in the Dome Frank!), CHAPMAN, JACOBCIK, PAPROWICZ, ROHATCH, SIMPSON (Bob ANG), SULA, TROY and MEUSE (faculty). Armed Forces Staff College: McTASNEY, CHRISTY and BORLING. Army Command and General Staff College: PFEIFER, N. Naval Command and Staff/Naval War College: FLANAGAN, EGGERS and CABUK. While at Plattsburg, Joe Cabuk was not only the Chief of Flight Instructor Course for the FB-111, he also earned a Masters Degree from the State University of New York at P-burg. Others winning academic honors include Bob DONOVAN with a PhD from Arizona State University—now returned to the Academy; Bryant CULBERSON completed ACSC and and MPA while at Maxwell—now at Shaw; and Jim BUTT received a Masters in Systems Engineering from AFIT (residence)—now an F-4 Flight Commander at Kunsan.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Allen WATT—Bolingbrook, II.; Hank CONANT—choppers at RAF Woodbridge; Dean HESS—Scott; Geogre FREDRICK—Army Command and General Staff College to III Corps Staff Weather Officer and Commander Det. 14, 5th WeaSq., Ft. Hood; “D” HENDERSON—Naval Command and Staff College to Griffis AFB, NY; Charlie PARKER—ACSC to Hq TAC DRA; Jim HANNAH—Seymour Johnson to Hq TAC DRA; Les DENEND—USAFA/DFE; Stu FENSKE—Travis (?); Don GORDON—Udorn to MacDill; and Merrill EASCOTT— Frying Pan to the Fire (Thul to Minot/F-106).
In closing Linda and I would like to wish everyone the best of everything for the coming New Year! See you next time.
Maj. Rod Wells
106 Fox Hill Lane
Colorado Springs CO 80919
Gosh, the fall semester here went by faster than Mitch COBEAGA's old Austin Healey on its way to Dallas—and pardner, that’s not half-fast (by the way, Mitch is now a lawyer in Las Vegas). Yet with the holiday season here, I recall things like Homecoming and yet another floormat football season (oh well, may be next year). Speaking of Homecoming, I don’t want you to think that our class was poorly represented—but we held a ’64 party in the phone booth of the Arnold Hall lounge—and had room to dance. Actually, there were a few out-of-town faces: J. D. BROWN, currently an F-4 IP at Luke; Jim WHEELER, in the F-15 SPO at Wright-Patt (and I think we’ll be seeing much more of him here soon); Paul CARDENAS, flying for the airlines out of Dallas; and Tom SEHORN, still in New Mexico real estate. But enough of news here in the cultural hub; what’s happening in the provinces?
Don GRAHAM informs me that the most active assemblage of Blue Tags in captivity is at Wright-Patt where they number no less than 32. Knowing that wherever there are two or more of us there is an empire a-building, I was not surprised to learn that the Wright-Patt Chapter has elected Tony COVAIS as ’64 Class Rep. and Don as his assistant. Other happenings there include: Bob HALEY finally hitching up with a WAF; Ed MECHENBIER punching out of the AF for a civil service job and flying the F-l 00 in the Springfield Ohio Guard; Dick HACKFORD at ACSC; Jeff JOHNSON and Bob HOVDE going to AFSC; Jim FRANCE in the F-15 SPO; Tim WESTOVER in the Maverick SPO (somehow it figures); Rich BENNETT graduating from AFIT and on his way to Osan, Korea; and Ron DULLEN in the A-10 SPO. For the Top Secret Noforn Whispers Only list of Wright-Patt Blue Tags, write to Don or me.
On the Move Dept.: Ray LENNON from Cheyenne to Prattville, Alabama; Bob WOODS to Bolling AFB; Dick GRAY from Calif, to Grand Rapids, Mil.; Bill DOUGLASS to Glendale, Az.; John CUNNINGHAM to Rhein-Main; Gordie SMITH from Calif, to Knoxville, Tenn.; Chuck HANDLEY from Maxwell to APO, NY; Gary DICKINSON from Corpus Christi to Thousand Oaks, Calif, with Exxon, Co.; Gil ACHTER to Clark AB as a 13th AF OPS officer; Larry SCHAEFER from Toronto to Montreal (parlez-vous whatchamacallit?); Dick FLECHSIG to Nellis; Joe BAVARIA from AFSC to Seymour Johnson; Les BAER to Luke at the TAC Warfare Center; Pete LOPRESTI to AFSC; Ed HARVEY from AFSC to Osan in OV-lOs; and Fred WALKER (Mr. Motorcycle) from Clark AB to AFSC.
Short Bursts: Jack SULLIVAN was up here recently with his Traveling Oracle Show assuring me that with only a few more squares my career would be well on the stairway to the cellar. John SCHUMACHER recently received his MA in Human Relations from Louisiana Tech. Surely one of the last of the great Rocks of ’64 has recently crumbled with the marriage of Tony MELLOS to a comely Calif, miss —congratulations!
Lost and Found Dept.: Does anyone out there know the whereabouts of Dave SICKS or Pete CALDARELLI? If so please let me know.
Well here’s wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR; as for me I'm busy writing up an opsplan for Operation Tomato for next summer. I’m in charge of epithets: what do you think of “doilies?” How about “sugar smacks?”
Tim McConnell Qtrs. 4311E USAF Academy CO 80840
I thought I’d begin my Koenigspiel (a one or two year conversation) by describing some of the highlights of our 10-year reunion. Those of you who couldn’t attend certainly missed a memorable weekend—as did some of us who did attend.
Friday night registration was in Arnold Hall and was much more convivial than our first reception over 14 years ago. No haircut required this time, and instead of billboards hung round our necks we were provided with diminutive nametags for our lapels. Shots were administered liberally, but with modern (bubble-up) guns they were quite painless. The class of ’65 then adjourned to the First Class Lounge (A. Hall snack bar) which was gaily decorated in bathrobe gray. Conversation was at first reserved with everyone “How do you do?” ing it (after all it had been 10 years for most of us). John SWAN broke the ice by suggesting we all sit on the floor take off our shoes and check our feet for blisters. After a negative report was rendered, Chuck RYERSON began circulating rosters for the Saturday dance. I knew it was Chuck the minute I saw his dance rep. fourragere.
About 175 ’65ers showed up (figure includes wives) and sampling conversations around the room, many seemed to be discussing the arrival of women cadets. Predictions concerning their impact upon the Cadet Wing were varied, but most agreed the expression “Comrades in Arms” was certain to acquire new dimensions. Another group had heard that Flash WILEY graduated from Harvard Law School and is affiliated with a prominent firm in Boston. It seems he created quite a sensation during his first case. He delivered his closing argument to the jury wearing his old letter sweater, and then led the courtroom in his own rendition of “What’s a matter with the judge” (after the sentence was read). Still another group was unsuccessfully trying to recall the words of the Cadet Prayer (old version). One member horrified the group by sheepishly admitting he had not recited it since graduation. In another corner, not far from the bar, I saw Ron OLIVER who had arrived by bicycle all the way from Florida! He spent most of the evening trying to convince every one that the Saturday sit-down banquet should be a stand-up buffet. He told me he was actually bound for California and had financed the trip by securing a lucrative contract with the Dade County Recreation Commission. He had acquired sole diving rights for golf balls in the water hazards of all county golf courses. Obviously hungering for adventure, he planned to arrive in the High Sierras at about the same time of year the Donner Party did.
With the exception of the New Dorm and the Field House, the physical plant has changed little since graduation. The magnificent Arnold Hall ballroom is virtually the same. The state flags grace the East wall now, but the dances are as delightful as ever. Much like the arrival of a bus load of blind dates, the rock groups that now play the dances interject an element of danger that is tantalizing yet potentially crushing. Their Vibes are so powerful you are quite likely to hemorrhage internally if you are careless enough to get between your dancing partner and the band. The modern acoustics do have a beneficial side effect however. Today’s graduates are not bothered by the T-37 engine, and some can’t ever hear it. Just outside the ballroom on the north veranda, Pegasus remains poised for his maiden flight which is still scheduled for the first day the winds aren’t out of
limits. And over the north rampart, Cathedral Rock can be seen “lurking” the athletic fields undiminshed in stature despite the countless doolies who have returned from their high-port patrols with a piece of the rock. Looking to the east, across the “old” terrazo to the Air Garden the passage of time is here recorded in sacred script. Beneath the flag, upon the war memorial are the names of men we will never forget. Just west of the Air Garden we gathered for the memorial service.
Billy BELLER was absent from roll call this year. One of the cheeriest comrades of our youth; we will cherish his memory always. Whenever the flag is lowered or flagons raised, his friends in ’65, in 10th Squadron, and in fighter cockpits around the world will recall the good times we shared with him. A silent prayer for all the graduates coneluded the ceremony.
The football game was a thriller. The ’65 ladies were a little disappointed to begin with since the gray mum corsages we ordered arrived white. But in the excitement of the game, this was soon forgotten. Leading Notre Dame by 20 points with 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, we obviously had them on their knees. This proved to be a tatical advantage but a strategic blunder. Allowing Notre Dame to stay on their knees longer than the time of flight (round trip) of a prayer was our undoing. During a lull in the cheering, a prayer to St. Jude (patron of hopeless cases) slipped through and as you know, they won by one point. As Coach Martin observed the following Wednesday, with a coach named Devine and a back named Heavenly—even their PR was focused skyward.
The banquet in Mitchell Hall Saturday evening finished off the weekend for many. The ice carvings by Mr. Flynn were spectacular and the cuisine superb. Steve CALDWELL was at first reluctant to try his prime rib since the well remembered iridescent sheen was lacking. After mumbling the class motto several times he did hazard a morsel and of course found it to his liking. The head table commandant was (of course) a '62 grad. George THOMPSON, who insisted we listen to him during most of the meal in lieu of eating. He even suggested we walk our dessert (cherry pie) to Arnold Hall in our socks if we weren't through when the gray light came on. So thoughtful, '62. George did introduce a very special member of our class, Myron DONALD, back with us after too many years in North Vietnam. General Allen's presentation of the Jabara Award to two eloquent members of the class of '71 concluded that banquet.
Dessert laden, most of us hobbled to Arnold Hall to say good-bye and to tip a farewell toast to our first 10 years of service. Jt was a gay time and a gray time.
Capt. J. O. McFalls
110 Chandler Road Goldsboro, NC 27530
As the jolly old fat man makes his way into the Goldsboro yuletide scene, this udgy little fat man will sit down between “halves” to write a bit for the old “Blood That Sticks.” Hopefully this will find all well following what I’m sure were staid subdued New Year's Eve festivities. Score: Redtags 2—Boredom 0.
You must remember that all these petty celebrations are a mere lead in to the social event of the decade—the '66 Ten Year Reunion! My feeble bait in the past issues has lured us our first real live volunteer. Yep, Bub KELLEY
wrote that he’d like to help. I’ll be contacting him under separate cover (plain brown wrapper of course); but Bud’s going to need a committee. So the sign-up list is still open. Note the address above, or try AUTOVON 488-6563. Bud reports that he is reliving his past at the USAFA Prep School. Somehow, I don’t think they are ready for another Class of ’62.
Thanks again go out to all those who took the time to write, including Christmas cards (we got 12 this year!) Tom SHEPLER reports that he holds the record for ten straight years in AFIT. Now that’s what I call a commitment! He’s currently on a fellowship in Hand Surgery in West Los Angeles. In fact, I’m sure I saw him on ABC working on the “Bionic Woman.” Bill HEITMAN is a med student in his part time, when separated from his “real” job as vehicle control officer for the New Mexico Reserves at Kirtland. Also into the medical kick is John WALSH, who’s now a psychologist at the New Hampshire Hospital in Concord.
We got a nice note from Hugh GOMMELL, who’s grinning ear-to-ear after finishing the T-38 Aggressor Training at Nellis on his way to Clark for a remote in the newly formed squadron. Dale ELLIOTT is another in the Class’ long list of Test Pilot School attendees. Bill and Marcy GOLBITZ wrote that they are firmly in place at WrightPatterson, where he is working on the YC-14/15 program.
A bunch of the new majors from the Class have checked in at their respective schools—Jack WORMINGTON, at Air Command and Staff, Sid WISE and Phil GARDNER, at Armed Forces Staff College, and Jim WOODY, picking up his Masters at University of Virginia. Bill LEYDORF is roughing it as an assistant ROTC professor at the University of South Carolina. Ken LORD is also in the “Gamecock” State at Shaw, still flying RF-4’s.
Our two latest additions at USAFA really have their work cut out for them: Manen CLEMENTS will attempt to live up to General Chappie James’ image as the Academy Community Relations Officer; and Sam PESHUT will attempt to turn around the “round ball” fortunes of the zoomies as the assistant basketball coach. If the B-ball prospects are similar to this year’s “rebuilding” gridiron endeavors, Sam’s in trouble. John and Donna VAN DUYN sat with us, and 26 others in our group, through the Navy game. At least our Drum and Bugle Corps is better than theirs.
In closing I received a brochure describing Keith WITHYCOMBE and his selection as the investment vice president of W. R. Schultz Apartments, a large conglomerate of apartments in the Phoenix area. I noticed that some of Tip GALER, “Wheels” FORNAL, and my old habitats from “Sin City” weren’t listed. That’s too bad, but congrats anyway, Keith.
Well, it’s time to sum up. It’s been a great year, but even a greater one lies ahead. HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone.
Mr. Larry Wilson
Stanford Manor Apt. 206 1110 Stanford Rd. Grand Forks, ND 58201
Season’s Greetings to all—a bit late perhaps, but close enough for government work, and workers. Actually, as I write this (mid-December) I am not exactly filled with the Christmas spirit as it is final exam time and the finals are even less pleasant now than they were a few years ago, and
I feel no more confident about the exams now than I did about those at the AFA. Being a professional student has its drawbacks this time of the semester.
Info from the AOG: Tom KIRWIN left the Azores a while back and is now in ATC at Randolph AFB, TX; Wayne PAAJANEN, of Andrews AFB, MD. was the sparkplug who drove his MAC wing to another Outstanding Unit Award; John PLETCHER is working on a PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering through AFIT; Jim McDERMOTT moved from Sheppard to Randolph AFB, as a manpower management officer; Bob ENGLEBRETSON is back at the Academy as a PE instructor and, I imagine, wrestling coach; and Harry WAKEFIELD was the Outstanding Junior Officer of the Quarter of Yokota, Japan, a short while back.
More pertinent is material I received concerning a nice memorial to Chuck SCOTT from the Boy Scout Council through which he earned his Eagle Scout award in 1959. The Scouts financed by local contributors restored a recreation area at Camp Mountain Run, PA, and erected a monument in his behalf,, and his father, George Scott of Cleafield, PA, and Henry ORDAN both sent information about it. I appreciate their notifying the AOG and me. And I might add that it seems a very appropriate memorial, one that Charlie himself would undoubtedly have liked.
Ben LA ROSA wrote from Duke University in Durham, NC, where he is now working towards an MA in military history. He left the AF in ’73, worked in Boston for a while, and currently finds that academics are “still a pain” but a “good change of pace.” He mentioned that Neil DUGGAN also got out in ’73 and is presently a stockbroker in Hartford, CT, and George STAGNO is an insurance agent on Long Island, N.Y.
And Mrs. Danny SOWADA filled me in on the Sowada family status. The five of them are about to move from Little Rock, AR, to Scott AFB, IL, where Stump will be working at HQ MAC. She added in her note that they support my position concerning POW/MIA. Others, not only from our own graduating class, wrote me expressing similar thoughts. I hope that they reflect the feelings of many, many more of you, and encourage you all to write to the AOG and let them know.
Well, as the incoming blizzard slowly blots out the North Dakota sun (at 2:00 p.m.) I shall bid “adieu” to one and all. I hope that Santa came through, and that all good things flow throughput 1976—which is, incidentally, the 10th anniversary of the year we could legally buy our cars.
Peace to all.
Capt Mark A. Torreano Qtrs 4409G USAFA, CO 80840
Let’s begin with the good news. Eleven of our classmates have received MPC’s seal of approval and been recognized for their ability to cross large bodies of water without having to roll up their trou. Yes we have our first “boy” majors. Among the elect are Mike BOOTS, Steve BORAH, Dick COVEY, Bob DENNY, Bill ECKERT, Jeff FEINSTEIN (also a “boy” Ace), Bobby FLOYD, Ron KERCHNER, Roger MOSELEY, Tony ROBERTSON, and Milt TANAKA (probably already a Lt Col in the Emperor’s Air Force). I know we all take pride in the honors our “brevet” major classmates have brought to ’68 and wish them all well
in their skyrocketing careers. For those of you who think you were real close to being selected, drop me a line and I’ll publish an “honorable mention” list next time. In all, about 124 were promoted in the secondary zone on this list, 22 were grads. For those of you who go to the Register to compare yourself with the selectees, Jeff FEINSTEIN has written to correct an error. He “only” has one AF Cross, not four.
The unlpeasant news concerns two of our classmates who passed away this fall. Ralph BOWLES died on 7 October as a result of an aircraft accident near Nellis and Ed GREENE died on 24 October after a long illness. At this point, I had hoped to be able to insert a suitable quote on the subject of death, but I could not find one that seemed appropriate, and I doubt I ever would. I can only hope that He does indeed have a plan and this is part of it. Both Ralph and Ed were buried at USAFA and I’m sure the families would appreciate receiving expressions of sympathy from classmates.
USAFA NEWS: Homecoming this year was not wellattended by 1968 grads due to many factors beyond our control, but a few out-of-towners did arrive. Bob and Diane MAGUIRE drove up from Kirtland in their camper and almost got arrested by the SPs for trying to park overnight in the picnic area. Jack and Viki BOWEN came down from Grand Forks and Dave HELGEVOLD and companion Sharis (hope I have it right) drove in their ’vette from Manhattan Beach, Cal., where Dave is on vacation for an indefinite period of time seriously contemplating going into politics. New arrivals in the local area include Tom Me CLOY, inbound with a master from CSU to teach psychology, and Steve STALEY who will join the English department with a recent MA from CU. Meanwhile his wife, Connie, has almost completed her masters in linguistics. Gary ASHFORD is now working in computers with Mike SHARP at NORAD and has recently taken a gal by the name of Hope for his wife. Gary just completed a masters at Georgia Tech and is now working with missile warning systems. “Neal STARKEY’s All-American Sports Center” opened in mid-November in the Village Seven area. Neal and Sharon have done a real nice job, and it’s a great place to shop, except Neal is always patting guys on the rear saying just look around and enjoy yourself, sport.” Dick ELLIS has just returned from SOS and I neglected to mention earlier that Don MOTZ attended last April-June and was one of the top eight in his class. My students have recently been up in arms about a bill now in Congress to cut the amount of cadet pay and make it similar to the amount ROTC troops receive. The cadets' slogan is “ROTC work for ROTC pay.” This should be interesting. And I’ve noticed workmen removing urinals from Vandenberg lately. I guess Mitch’s has cut back on beverages. Actually, preparations are going quite well for the admission of women and I think it will be a fine program. But as one (ananymous) grad wrote in response to AOG Pres Dave GOODRICH'S letter to the Air Force Times expressing AOG support for the change, I speak for myself.
EPISTLES: I use this somewhat religious word because I received a letter from Manny BETTENCOURT, who has resigned from active duty and emmbarked upon a Master’s of Divinity program at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. But Manny is not gone for good. He probably is the first guy in the class to make 2nd Lt again, as he is in the USAFR Chaplain Candidate program and may come back on active duty as a chaplain. Hope to have you on board again soon. His. wife, Gloria, is working in Porter Hospital's computer facility, going to school full time and giving Manny encouragement in his efforts. Their door
is open so give them a call next time you’re in Denver. Marty and Claudia COLE say “hola!” from oil-rich Venezula where Marty is an Olmstead Scholar pursuing a masters in economics at Simon Bolivar Universidad in Caracas. Meanwhile Claudia is studying Esparol at Centro VenezolanoAmericana and takes care of their t\\o offsprings, Marlee and Kyle. They warn that if you come to Caracas, check in at the Cole's before an expensive hotel. Marty also mentions that Ernie HOUGHTON is on an Olmstead in Brussels and that Buck McCANTS was recently selected by the Olmstead Foundation to study Int'l Affairs in Geneva, Switzerland. Now that's a scholarship program. Rick PATTERSON writes from Albuquerque, where he should have completed work this past December on a masters in EE at UNM, to report that he and Sharon now have a son, Christopher, in addition to 31/2 year-old Jennifer. Chris is almost as big as Rick, since he was 9‘/2 lbs. and 22 inches long at birth. Rick is now at Keesler for six months in Comm school and then hopefully to Germany with the 1963 Comm Sq Scope Creek Team. Sounds mysterious.
Greg SHUEY sent a long typewritten (at least he attempted it) letter full of wit and humor. He is at Arizona State finishing a masters in Biomechanical Engineering with a minor in Geophysical Engineering, even though he says the school doesn't really offer these programs. Prior to tackling academics again, Greg was T-38 IP and one day "invented” the capability to spin the unspinable T-38, punching out 3 seconds from impact. Apparently this occurred as a result of an unnoticed design error and "won't they be happy to know this?”, thought Greg. Wrong. Greg is now barred from flying fighters and so the move to ASU. Soon he will be at Wright-Patterson designing the new Air Force ejection seat and that's MPC's idea of poetic justice. Greg adds that “Fatty” Joe ROBERTS is on his way to F-4's in England. Pat HURLEY has completed his MBA at ASU and Mike CRYER is at ASU working for an engineering degree trying to figure what courses he's taking. Thanks for the good letter, Greg.
Ann PULVER dropped a note with their new Pease address, where Bob will be hanging his hat after FB-111 training at Plattsburg. Ann says trees are a real pleasant sight after being in west Texas at Dyess. Bob PAVELKO also sent word that he was alive and well at Plattsburg in FB-1 1 l's after 1 apparently misplaced a previous letter. Sorry, Bob. Can I get away with blaming that on Dick FAST? Our friends from the elysian post-graduation days we spent in Hawaii, Denny and Barb FLYNN, sent word from Columbus AFB, where Denny is a civil engineer, that the first Flynn addition, Bryan, arrived in November. Congrats to the proud father and the weary mother. Paul and Val GOSNELL are doing fine at Bentwaters, England, where Paul drives F-4s.
Finally, Abe ABRAMSON is doing well in the civilian world, recently being appointed Vice-President—Client Services for NSR Asset Mgt. Corp, NYC. NSR manages numerous employee benefit and endowment funds and Abe will be assisting clients in formulating objectives and making appropriate investments. This is Abe's third job since 1973. so let's hope he can hold this one. Seriously though, with the news release came this photo, in which he looks as honest asy ou could want an investment advisor to be. Best of luck in your endeavors, Abe. Let us know how the civilian world is.
Mother Bell news: Sam GIBSON gave me a jingle while he. Chris, and the Wi children (Chris is PG) were visiting from beautiful Clovis, NM where Sam is “into” F-lll upgrade training. Sam has also run into Jody SMITH (a recent ASTRA grad) and Roger WILES (barefoot boy from Weeping Water. NB) at Cannon, both of whom are also trying to master the F-lll. Two classmates, Wayne SCHOBER and Doug WILSON, responded to the comment about my new job as coordinator of conferences at USAEA and gave me a call. Wayne is at Hq SAMSO in the Deputy for Technology. Survivability Directorate (that probably tells you zip), and Doug is a DoD Staff Scientist at the Defense Nuclear Agency in DC, studying nuclear effects on weapon systems. Both Wayne and Doug's organizations may hold conferences at USAFA next year, and I'm looking forward to working with them.
Non-personal news: The following has been gleaned from official documents (change of address cards, hometown news releases and the Air Force Times). Frank BIRK will finally learn how to fly when he enters Test Pilot School at Edwards on 2 February, along with Don ROSS, '66. Paul TACKABURY. '67. and Dave SPENCER. '69. Rog MOSELEY and Kerry KILLEBREW are already there and shouldd be leaving soon. Gary “Scoop" DUDLEY has reluctantly turned in his SP badge and "piece” at Langley to become a T-38 IP at Del Rio. I know Gary will throw himself into his new duties in a manner I can only describe by analogy to the way Tigger of Winnie the Pooh fame does things. Henry JOHNSON keeps making news, this time with two hometown news releases, both heralding his arrival at Shaw. Quit filling those things out. Henry! Rocky GAINES has departed Southern Command (which is' being disbanded) and is now in DC where it appears he will be assigned to Hq USAF in the Western Hemisphere office. Dick EWERS informed me of his transfer to Mission Viejo, California, via an OPNAV Form 2700/5 (11-65) SN 0107-707-8001. The Marine Corps is such a simple, homey service. Mrs. ALLEN's son. David, is now at Korat in HC-130 rescue aircraft and Mike NAVARRO is in Glendale. Arizona. Johnny DeLOACH has found work as a Human Relations Officer at Shaw AFB, where he may have a chance to teach Henry some. Greg VARHALL is a PhD candidate in Pol Sci at Notre Dame, and three troops, Gary HOFFMAN. Dale ODERMAN and Gary NORDYKE are Assistant Professors of Aerospace Science at VPI, the Citadel and NC State Univ. respectively. How about a note from you guys giving your impressions and recommendations to the rest of us? There were NO
medals awarded this time, so its time for ail of you to get cracking and make that chest colorful.
Mimi and I, and all '68ers at USAFA, want to extend best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a better than ever New Year. Just keep in mind that although life may be harsh at times, you can always count on it being unfair. Remember that and you'll never be disappointed.
Capt. Gerald D. Luallin
10745 Beclan Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Ph. 916-635-7719
Hello! Hello! Having been chastized for allegedly abusing my poetic license, I have decided to become less imaginative and move mundane. You will have to be patient, however, because it is hard to break the habit. Few of you realize the effort 1 had to go to in receiving this license. Can you imagine eating in excess of 200 boxes of Cracker Jacks before I found it.
Oh well, to the more mundane facts of life. Perhaps I am wrong, but until somebody corrects me I must assume that Mike MARTIN is the first Major in the class. Mike is a doctor assigned to David Grant USAF Medical Center. Congratulations to Mike and Jean Martin from the class.
Rick GRANDJEAN, noted critic of the class newsletter, has sent me information to pass on to you. Rick is studying at Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. Rick will graduate in 1978. During his spare time, besides writing critical reviews, he helps his wife, Kathleen, raise their two children, recently born Scott Joseph and 3 year-old Brian Richard.
2Lt. Lyndi Balvern, recently commissioned, is a mainenance officer at Wright-Patterson. Oh. yes, she mentioned a guy by the name of Terry BALVERN. He is now a program manager working in the planning division of the simulator SPO at Wright-Patterson.
Life is ever present with surprises. Even the staunchest, the coolest, the bravest and steadfast of men must waver. It has happened. Pat MAKER is now married. Pat is the airfield manager at Andrews AFB. Pat ran into Bob JONES, I assume that is the only way to get Bob’s attention. Bob has returned from Thailand, where he piloted F-4's. Bob and his wife, Susan, are at Homestead AFB. Bob is going through upgrade training to become an IP. Pat wrote that Mister Chuck EARLY is flying C-141's with the reserves.
Speaking of reserves, I feel remiss in not recognizing the people who, of their own volition, serve in the Air Force Reserves. I know 1 speak for the class when I say we realize and recognize the efforts our classmates put forth by serving in the reserves. Gene CAMP, a financial planner in Auburn. Ca.. is in the reserves at Travis. Gene is one of 15 grads in the 349th MAWg (Assoc.), flying C-141’s.
Another of my critics, who remains ananymous. has used words to attack my ability as a newsletter writer. Apparently 1 failed to mention that Dave HARTMAN, Roger HARTMAN. Mike HOWE and Bob MATERNA are at “Log" or “Hog" management school. Whatever. They all made permanent Captain. Congratulations to them and to them and to all others that made it.
From the AOG 1 have learned that Burt McKENZIE is repelling off the hallowed halls of the Logistic Management Center at Wright-Patterson, with the rest of the “Loggers" he is pursuing a masters degree. Juan MENDEZ is now with
the Management Aid Center. Frank CHAPMAN is living in Alexandria, Virginia. Draw your own conclusions from that.
I also have checked the home town news relesases and gleaned tidbits from that. Lynn MOORE is flying F-4's at Kadena AFB, OK. Ron CALLEN received his second award of the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal at Randolph, AFB. Don ZIMMERMAN received the Meritorious Service Medal at Griffis AFB, N.Y. Ron MARCOTTE, now at AFIT, received his second commendation medal. George KOTTI, the Lead, South Dakota flash is also at AFIT. He received his first commendation medal. Ed WEISE is now at Osan AB. Korea. Larry PRENGER graduated from instrument pilot instructor school and grudgingly returned to Hickman AFB, Hawaii.
This goes on, forever, but I do not want to miss anybody. Gary S. HOWE is at Plattsburg. Jerry SCHWARTZEL is at Mather AFB and a B-52 AC. I have not seen him in the casual bar. Ben HUBER is an IP at Vance AFB, Okla. ‘Fat” PRATT is at Spangdahelm AB, Germany. Matt WALDRON is at AFIT.
John BOYER is in missiles at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. Mike GILLIG is chief of information, 401st Tac Fighter Wing, Torrejon, Spain. Ross WIER1NGA is chief of maintenance at Lakenheath RAF, England. Bill DALECKY, a pilot, is at Luke AFB, Arizona.
To my critics, keep it coming this is our newsletter and I’ll attempt to mold it to the desires of the class. To everyone, this is written during the middle of December and is published we hope your holidays were/are as pleasant as ours will be/were. Louie
1305 Books Enid, OK 73701
Dear Class:
This issue of our class notes is going to start fast and may finish up that way also. I am presently on Christmas leave at my in-laws and that means I am behind on my deadline. I pray this makes the presses before it is too late so that you can all keep up on what's happening. If not. you will know it. because the next issue will open with an apology. Anyway, without further delay, here comes da news.
Glenn ANDERSON (Ginger) starts everything off due to his name. Glenn made a big move all the way across town in going from Kelly AFB to Randolph AFB. He is now working at MPC as an operations research officer. Don BACKLUND has brought his helicopter from NKP and is presently flying out of Hill AFB, Utah. He is an instructor in the Jolly Green Giant. Instructorship of all types seems
Larry B. Preager
Michael E. Martin
S' m Ronald C. Callen
Lt. Robert B. Manning
to run in the class. Bob BANKS (Teresa) is also an instructor, hut of a slightly different nature. He is at Arizona State University as an IP in ROTC. Germany has some attraction for Keith BETSCH. He is trying to keep the peace at Spangdahlem AB as a securty police officer. Apparently the Rocky Mountain School for Boys (soon to include girls) was insufficient education for a commitment for some of our class. Ralph BLAKELOCK is joining more and more of our class at AFIT sponsored education. Ralph is at Wright-Patterson to get his masters in systems management. Dave BRIGMAN is getting a lot of education of a practical nature in how to make a government move. He is working as a traffic management officer at Cannon AFB. N.M. John BROCK (Ann) has decided he wanted a change of climate and the Air Force accommodated him. He has moved from Los Angeles to Boston where he is a systems program management officer at L.G. Hanscom Field. He says his job title is Deputy for Security Assistance. Sounds impressive, John.
The Air Force is a firm believer in the old adage, “what goes up must come down.” That explains why we have missile holes to offset the airplanes. In keeping with our class practice of filling the Air Force’s needs with the best, Joe CABRERA (Victoria) is serving as a missile combat crew member at Warren AFB. Wyo. Bill DEWALT has decided he likes the plane more than the base and has stuck with the RF-4, even though they transferred it to Korea. Bill is now with the 15th TAC REC SQ. at Kadena AB. Going the other way from an overseas assignment is Ed EDMONDSON (Joan) who has moved from Guam to Hoiloman AFB, N.M. Ed is working as a logistics and plans officer for TAC. John EVANS (Janise) is continuing to win awards for the class as he recently picked up a Meritorious Service Medal for his work at HQ. AFCS. Now John and his family are at Ent AFB where he is a communicationselectronics engineering officer. Dave GLASGOW has decided to major in going to school as he is now working on his PhD in engineering science. Dave is at Arizona State Univ. and lives in near by Mesa, Ariz.
A recent change of address for Ron HILL came through and it says he is at the Air Force hospital at Shaw AFB. S.C. The job title said he is a Physicians Extender and that wasn't in my dash one, so I will have to wait for Ron to explain that one to us all. Bob KLIMEK is picking up awards and education and shining at both. He recently received the AFCM for his work at Beale AFB in the combat intelligence branch and has recently moved to Wright-Patterson where he is attending AFIT. It seems as though pilots are the minority in this issue but I have finally found one. Mike LAUDERDALE has departed Vance and UPT for an assignment with the 7th MAS flying the C-141 out of Travis AFB, CA. Getting right back to the other working men, Andy MATARESE has recently left the Academy and is now the chief of programs at Hancock Field near Syracuse, N.Y. Close by to Andy at Hanscom AFB in Mass, is Gary MORING (Linda). Gary is working as an electronics engineer with the systems command. Trying to be a pilots best friend, Paul NIPKO (Anita) has decided to stop forecasting 6 mos. of snow at Shemya AFB, Alaska and try his hand at picking which cloud has a tornado. He and his family are now at Offutt AFB where he is assigned with the A.F. Global Weather Central. Norm PONDER (Carol) is also trying to stay on good terms with the airplane drivers around the Blytheville AFB pattern. Norm is an air traffic control officer for the Ark. sky.
Operating the radar from the other end is Mike QUIRK (Roxiann). Mike has returned from NKP, Thailand to pilot the Fox Four around Holloman AFB, N.M. It seems there
is getting to be quite a crowd in that area for the class of ’71. Also recently returned from NKP is John RANCK. John was a pilot in helicopters for the 40th ARRS and will now be rotating his horizontal blades out of Fairchild AFB, WA working hard for himself and the class in a different climate altogether is Mike REICH. He is at Kelly AFB as a systerns analysis officer with the A.F. Electronic Warefare Center.
Representing the class alsmost on the other side of the world is John SHINER (Linda). John is presently piloting an OV-10 around the local area of Osan AB, Korea. Trying to stay out of the snow by burrowing underground is Jim SWEEDER (Cynthia). Jim also decided he might as well babysit a missile while he was down there and he is doing that admirably around Grand Forks AFB, N.D. Danny ULMER (Margo) has decided he needed a bit more handball practice and has gone back to the Academy to get it. He shouldn't have any trouble ts he is being assigned to the athletic dept, as an instructor. “Z” is the end of the alphabet and also this issue as we come up with Dale ZELLER (Shirley). Certainly not the least, however. Dale is presently working on his masters degree in logistics management with AFIT at Wright-Patterson AFB.
Well, gang, that brings us to the end of another quarter and the time seems to be continuing to travel rapidly. By the next issue I may be announcing my own PCS along with a number of others from here at Vance. We will just wait and see what the Lord has decided is the proper place for our next fellowship. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve so I will finish with the prayer that God will continue to bless you all through the new Year and that your next assignment will always be better than the last.
1 Ft. Bob Bell Box 65 Ellsworth AFB. SD 57706 Autovon: 747-2877
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 1976 to you all from the Land of the Black Hills and Rushmore. Hope the holidays bring you joy and a bright year ahead. 12
I'll start off right away with the three letters I got in order of their receipt. First was the one from Willie KASSON out at Clark AB. With him are Paul GONYEA and Christine. Barry SMITH and Cheryl, Denny GREEN and Kelly, Doug KRONEMEYER. Marshall MOORMAN, and Gary GRANT. By the time you read this, Paul, Barry and Denny will probably be stateside. That takes care of the C-130 force at Clark. Backseating the F-4 out there is Bob FEELEY (Judy). Willie ran into Pete DEFILIPPO from Kunsan. who joins Bobby JOHNSON in that sunny (?) part of the world. So much from the “Trash Hauler Extraordinaire.”
Next was a note from Doug FOSTER who is presently a student at Baylor College of Dentistry for the next three years. He says Stan COKER was stationed at Udorn RTAFB at last report. Well on that note, Doug closes hoping for a longer honeymoon after this semester.
The third one came from Bill BECK, one of the excolumnists. He is basking out at Kirtland AFB, NM along with Kevin PROBST, Bill McMULLEN, Roger HARWELL. Hank HAPP, and Gary GUNTHER. Kevin flies the NKC/ NC-135 with Test Group, but will be at Wright-Pat with laser research in that Test Wing. Bill is an engineer in the AF Weapons Lab. Roger is with the Advanced Lased Tech-
nology Division, and Hank is with the Theoretical Branch. Gary is the aide to BG Lacy, Field Commander, Defense Nuclear Agency while Bill writes of his own assignment as aide to the Commander, AF Test and Evaluation Center, MG Rushworth.
Bob WALLER leaves Hanscom for the comptoller’s field in Germany. My old roommate, Bob COOK was the protocol officer at Edwards AFB. but is about to become a UPT stud at Vance. Best of luck to you, Bobby! George ASH will take his bar exam in Iowa and go to the JAG office at Wurtsmith in summery (?) northern Michigan. Ken ROSEBUSH is back in school in Colorado after a stint at Eglin. Thanks to you guys that do write—it really helps fill in the missing pieces.
Now for the address changes and new assignments. Jim JAEGER—Maxwell AFB, Ala., Ed ORDZIE—Ellsworth AFB. SD, Frank PUL1S—Lowry AFB, CO, Skip VAN ORNE—Langley AFB, VA, Pat MOON—Ft. Meade, MD— John FUSS—McClellan AFB. CA, Dave McLAUGHLIN— Pope AFB. NC. Bill BAKER—RAF Bentwaters, UK, Van SHIELDS—USAFA CO, Chuck SIMPSON—Kunsan AB, Korea. Karl ZICKRICK—England AFB. LA, Tim ALBIN —Egiin AFB. FL. Tom BARTOL—Andersen AFB, Guam, Lew" HENDERSON—Mather AFB, CA, Lew BRIGGS— Randolph AFB. TX, Greg JONES—Wright-Pat. AFB, OH, Jim WOESSNER—Fairchild AFB. WA, Roger NASH— Myrtle Beach AFB, SC. John THURMAN—Keflavik NAS, Iceland, Paul KNOWLTON—Wright-Pat. AFB, OH (AFIT), Jeff SILLS—Carswell AFB, TX, Bob BRICHTA—St. Louis University, MO, John TAYLOR—San Antonio, TX, Pete HARRY—Lowry AFB CO, Mike SCHIMMER—Bitburg AB, Germany, Bill COLWELL—Kunsan AB, Korea, Jim DIXON—Richmond, VA (Med school), Jim HUMMEL— Minot AFB, ND. Cliff LOPERT—Camp New Amsterdam, Neth.
As the grad date fades more into the past we gain more recoitnition as a class and as individuals for various achievements. The following listed classmates have received theirs recently. Ed SEARLES—AFCM from Griffiss AFB, now assigned to F.E. Warren AFB. Wyo. Jerry MARTIN— JSCM from Nakhon Phanom RTAFB. now assigned to Ramstein AB. Germany. Mike PETERSON—AFCM from Tinker AFB. OK, now assigned to Kunsan AB, Korea. Jim GAUDINO—AFCM from Beale AFB. CA, now assigned to Karamursel, Turkey. Joost VAN BASTELLAR—Outstanding Instructor Pilot of the Month at Reese AFB, TX. Last but not least, for being the only host of a stork visit this time around—Larry and Nancy SOLHEIM—one each baby girl.
As I close for this quarter I just wanted to mention to those of you who were not aware of the fact that we lost our fourth and fifth classmates. Allan PARKER was killed in a private airplane accident on 5 November near Carbonado, Washington. Joe FURDA was killed on 7 December 1975 in an aircraft accident at Eielson AFB, Alaska. He was a copilot on an Ellsworth crew flying a KC-135 while deployed there TDY. There were no survivors. I know you join me in expressing our condolences to their families. It's times like this when we really wish there were something we could have done, but realize that isn’t possible. May eternal rest come to Allan and Joe.
Well, '72. the type is wearing thin so I'll go until next time. Hang in there and keep the spirit as we make it in the Real Air Force. FPA. *Note mailing address change.
lLt. Vince M. Parisi, II 2765 El Capitan Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 303-599-18710
Greetings all! I hope that the recently past Holidays brought happiness to all. Did Santa bring everything you wanted?
In the past three months I’ve seen a few of our classmates, many here in the Springs attending weddings. Steve LORENZ married Leslie with representation from everywhere. I've mentioned those I haven’t already reported on elsewhere in this article. Sam BLANCHARD just married Linda here and is off to SOS now. Jim LEMONS got married Dec. 27th in Spearman, TX (where?) to Thel.
The Register recently came out. It was interesting to flip through and see where everybody was now. Our class has quite a wide geographical spread as well as any job imaginable. In doing a little tabulating, approximately 306 (36%) of our classmates are married. I'm glad to see I’m still in the majority.
As the Academy prepares to admit females we learn they will be going to UPT starting in June! For once the T-37 drivers will have it over those in T-38s. Who said tandem seating was better?
The following is the information I have on our class for this issue. It's a little short so get into your Info Office for a news release or send in a card. When you send in your change of address please put your job on it so we have something to work with.
A1 DUNLAP and wife, Judy, are at Beale where he flies the B-52. Allan and Patti HOWEY are at Norton in the C-141.
Helicopters: Ken and Victoria STANLEY are at Hoiloman with the UH-1N, and Mike and Linda TURNER are at Elmendorf with the HH-3.
Paul PITCOVICH is at Tinker w/Radio Ops but has been TDY to Eglin w/Operation New Arrivals. Jim and Marie THOMPSON are at Chicago College for Osteopathic Medicine. Rick and Patti KARVOSKY are at Pope w/Civ. Eng. Bob and Mickie VOIGHT are at Norton where he is with the OSI. Alan ZEIGLER is at McConnell working on contracts for the B-52 maintenance. Bob HARTMAN is now with PACAF as a Munitions Off. Bob MARSH is a MLO at FE Warren. Gerald MANLEY is at Loring as an Air Traffic Controller.
Rich ROBBINS is at Alconbury in Intel. Frank and Nancy KLOTZ are still at Oxford. He is continuing his Rhodes Scholarship there. Ray PEDDEN is at Grand Forks as a MLO. Rich HINDS is a Trans. Off. at Andrews with the 89th. recently received the AF Outstanding Unit Award.
Gennaro and Lorraine AVVENTO are at Bauksir, Turkey where he received the AF Commendation Medal for his service at Plattsburgh. Congrats, Rocky.
T-38: Andy and Aletha PERONA is an IP, previously at Moody. He also received his MA at Indiana. John and Marsha HUDSON are at Sheppard in the T-38. Marc and Mary Jo VAN ELLS are at Webb. Marc received his MA from Indiana and was the outstanding graduate at UPT, receiving 4 awards. Tom SMITH will be an IP at Laughlin. He also got an MBA at UCLA and received the outstanding grad award at UPT.
Steve SHELDON is at Cannon, has a Masters from UCLA, and is now a pilot in the F-l 11 as a WSO.
F-4: Nick and Karen PALLAS are at Kadena, just transferred from Thailand. Darrell and Kimberly BASH are also at Kadena while Bill JABOUR is at Bentwaters, and Roger HEALY is at Bitburg. At Zweibrucken is Jim FLYNN as a WSO. A1 and Brenda PHILLIPS are at Torrejon while Neil STILWELL is at Bentwaters. John EISENHART is at Shaw in the RF-4. He stopped by recently to look over the old domain. Don and Diane O'HOLLAREN are at Kadena in the RF-4. They just had a baby boy—Paul.
Larry WILLIAMS is now in Med School at Univ of NC (Chapel Hill).
KC-135: Dennis and Cathy CLARK are at Grand Forks while John (who just married Lynne) STEFONIK are at Ellsworth. Gary CHEESEMAN is at Carswell, while Jay BEARD is at Fairchild.
C-130: Steve and Linda BUDKE are at Little Rock as is Glenn and Karen STRAIN. Glenn also has his MS from CSU. Bruce BENNETT just participated in a humanitarian effort of saving a child's life while stationed at Kadena.
Jim and Betty MOUDRY are at Andersen (Guam) with SAC. He received his MS at Purdue also.
That's it for this quarter. Thanks for all the cards and letters, keep ’em coming.
Lt. Ronald Watson 4512 Cedar Springs, #205 Dallas, Texas 75219 (214) 528-3319
Season’s Greeting!
After all the turkey and dressing, parties, wine, women. Trogens, and tetracycline, here's hoping the holidays didn’t do too many of you in. Speaking of celebrations, all you prep school grads think how long it has been since you last saw the gates of Lackland AFB! Some said you would never see the Academy If they could only see you now (and maybe they will)!!
If the format seems the same. Don’t blame your eyes; the names have been changed to accommodate the previously used space, though. Now, sit back and see how rapidly you can get through this:
Craig AFB: Michael BACA—KC-135 to Carswell AFB; Alan BARKER—F4 to Luke; James BLACKMAN—C-141 to McChord; George BESSERMAN—KC-135 to Barksdale; James BURGER—KC-135 to Loring; Terry CLEMENS— A-7D to Davis-Monthan; Robert CRENSHAW—(?) to Seymour Johnson; Greg DURIO—F-4 to Luke; Ray JEFFS— T-37 to Craig; Erik KOHLER—F-4 to Luke; Lynn (Kathy) LEWIS—B-52 to Robins; Steve LENZI—C-130 to Pope; Howard (Julia) LEWIS—A-7D, Davis Monthan; John PASSWATER—WC-130 to Keesler; Doug RAMBECK—T-37 to Craig; Thomas RUHSAM—C-130 to McChord; Colin SCHEIDT—C-141 to Travis; Mike SCHMID—B-52, Kinchelde; Ed (Jerri) SCHOECK—T-38 to Craig; Greg (Barbara) STRAIGHT—T-37 to Craig.
Columbus AFB: Gary ALLARD—(?) to Columbus; Bruce BARRY—(?), Seymour Johnson; James BEAM—(?) to Columbus; Robert BISHOP—C-141 to Norton; Brad BUTLER —(?) to Columbus; James (Jacqueline) COLLINS—(?) Pope; Dan CONROY—Homestead; John HONSINGER—Columbus; Joseph HOYLE—USAFA; Jeff JACOBS—Luke; Tim KLINE—to Luke; Mike (Terri) LUBY—To Columbus; William NUGENT—Dyess; John PALANICA—Dyess; Rich POWERS—to Davis Monthan; Melvin (Robin) REEVES— C-131 to Little Rock; Mark SEPROW—To McGuire; Rob
(Getha) WILLIAMS—to Columbus, William (Rebecca) YUCUIS—to Luke.
Laughlin AFB: Alan (Barbara) ANDERSON—to Scott; Ron BROWN—to Laughlin; Rich (Kit) CLINE to Luke; Bruce DAVIS to Sheppard; Gary (Linda) GADDY to Blythville; Doug FROST—C-141 to Kadena; James (Joye) GREESON to Homestead; Mike (Elise) GUM—McChord; William HALSEY to Barksdale; William (Beverly) HAYES to Beale; Eric HOLCK. Grand Forks; Don HOLLERBACH to Chareston; Lawrence LOWERY to Langley; William KIM MEL, Griffiss; Ed McILHENNY to Homestead; Rich (Barbara) MORRIS to Little Rock; Scott RAYE to Minot! David (Julia) REINHOLZ—C-131 to Pope; Alan STOCKSTEAD to Little Rock; Rob WAYNE to Travis; Linn WILD to Luke.
Moody AFB: Steve (Mary) ANDERSON—F-4 to George; Tom BAARSCH to Barksdale; Tom BENDER—C-141 to McGuire; Rob BETZOLD to Little Rock; Kevin CASEY— T-38 to Shepphard; Rich (Gale) CLEVELAND—T-37 to Shepphard; Dwight (Shirley) CORBET—KC-135 to Dyess; Dave COTTON—C-141 to Charleston; Rod CRIST—KC135 Kincheloe; Lewis CROOKS to Scott; James DONALDSON—T-37, Shepphard; Peter (Kathleen) GARCIA to Sheppherd; Barton (Donna) HENWOOD—KC-135 to Wortsmith; Ed (Sunny) HOFFMANN—T-38 to Columbus; Dennis (Linda) HUGHES—KC-1 35, Loring; Steve KORALY—B-52 to March; Richard PILLING—C-141 to Norton; Russell (Helen) ROTH—T-37 to Shepphard; Myron SCHOLTEN— F-4 to George; Steve STERNE to Moody.
Reese AFB: Clark BALDWIN—T-37 to Reese; Ron EARP—C-141 to Norton; Marion TIMBERLAKE—T-37 to Reese.
Vance AFB: Gary (Gail) BALDWIN—T-38 to Vance; Frank BALLINGER—F-4 to MacDill; Terry (Susie) BERDINE—F-4 to George; David (Mary) BONSI—KC-135 to Minot; Robert (Ann) BOOTH—T-43 to Mather; Francis EYDENBERG—T-33/F106 to Castle; James FARI—T-37 to Vance; Chris (Kathy) KELLY—C-130 to Little Rock; Ken (Cynthia) KUMES—F-4 to MacDill; Brian LOFTUS—KC135 to Robins; Lynn( Patricia) LONG—F-111 to Mountain Home; Jack LONG—B-52 to Grand Forks; John (Patricia) McKINLEY—T-39 to Clark; David REILY—T-38 to Vance; Norm RISNER—T-37/T-38 to Vance; Tris SEVDY—F-4 to MacDill; James SKATON—F-4 to George; Tom (Patricia) SMITH—T-37 to Vance; Robert (Marta) STAFFORD—C130 to Dyess; Lawrence (Ellen) STANTON—C-141 to MeGuire; Fred STONE—F-l 11 to Nellis; Mike WELLS—KC135 to Griffiss; John VERLING—C-130 to Dyess; Tom WATSON—C-141 to Charleston, Henry YAAP—T-38 to Vance.
Webb AFB: Brian BADGER—F-4 to Homestead; Merrill (Catherine) BEYER—F-4 to MacDill; Don (Patricia) COOK —F-4 to Homestead; Harry DURGIN—KC-135 to Pease; Tim (Luann) GREEN—T-37 to Webb; Rob (Susan) HOOD —B-52 to Dyess; Lawrence (Betty) HUBER—T-38 to Webb; Rob (Elizabeth) LUTZ—C-130 to Pope; Jim (Cathy) MATLOCK—WC-130 to Keesler; Larry McLaughlin—C-9 to Scott; Norm MICHAEL—C-141 to McGuire; Dave (Marion) MOODY—F-4 to Homestead; Steve (Susan) RITZ—B-52 to K.I. Sawyer; Mike (Michaelle) SACRIDER—F-4 to MacDill; Sam SHUTT—B-52 to Carswell; Byian WORTH—R-135 to Offutt.
Williams AFB: Frank FALSONE—F-4 to MacDill; David GARRAMONE—T-38 to Williams; Mark HYATT— T-37 to Williams; Jack (Linda) LEONARD—B-52, Fairchild; Charles (Ruth) LUCAS—T-37, Williams; James (Deborah) MEEKER—F-l 11 to Nellis; Rob (Laurie) OMASTA—KC-135 to Rickenbacker; William PAILES—HC-130 to McCelland; Dave (Melanie) RUSK—F-4 to MacDill;
Harold STURDEVANT—KC-135 to Travis; Robert WILLIAMS—C-l41 to Travis; A1 (Kathy) YOUNG—C-141 to Norton.
Larry (Carol) MILLER has found himself back in Colorado with his 7 month old daughter. Neal ROBINSON is enjoying his remote in Osan. Larry STRANG maintains Com Sec in Okinawa. Speaking of turkies, my good friend Jim LUNTZEL is alive and kicking in (of all places) Karamursel, Turkey.
Rumor has it that Sharon DIETER's husband (Ken) uses his M.S. degree (from Michigan State no less) as a paperweight there at Whiteman. A great many individuals are visiting Minot. The latest visitor is a SAC Navigator named Bob RENFRO. What is it about the place that attracts so many people?
Roy LOWER sends greetings from Kinchelow (look it up, yourself!) and Jim PARSON’s all night bar and grill awaits you in Ramstein.
Alas! My finals shout from a far! Please excuse the helter-skelter nature of this letter, but “one does the best one can in this imperfect world.” Until later! Love, peace, and happiness. Ron.
Lt. Willie J. Cosby, III BOQ
USAFA. CO 80840
If you can read this, then you know something is wrong. What? You will notice that the '75 Class news section does not take up much space. I'll put the blame where it belongs no names, but you know who you are. Anyway, the more information I get, the more I can write.
More of our classmates have decided to bid themselves to that one and only “dream girl.” Doug WILLIAMS will marry Debbie Bullard on the 21st of December in the cadet chapel. We’ll have to stop calling him “dog” Doug. Chip DIEHL will visit the chapel for the same purpose on the 27th. The lucky lady being Mary Lou Yochum. Let’s hope he won't be too busy to keep up his golf game. The next day, same location, Kerry PUTT will take his vows with Celeste Lepine. Happy New Year!
Chip DIEHL is in UPT at Columbus along with Bill DALSON, Bill BAXTER, and Jim HARTNEY. Kerry PUTT will drop in from Williams AFB, which also houses Dale WATERS and Mark McCONNELL. Other future pilots are Perry LAMY at Reese and Jim FELLOWS at Craig.
Not to leave the future navigators out: Jim CARLSON, Dave FLEMING, and Mark NELSON are at Mather. By the way, the job of the navigator is to tell the pilot where to go, so don't give them a hard time.
Dave EHRHART is at MacDill AFB in Florida and Dave SPRENKLE is at March AFB in California. Both can enjoy the sun, but they sure are a long ways apart. Mr. Bruce DODDS is well and living in southern California.
Some of you might remember “Deputy Dog,” the nickname given to one of our more prominent classmates. Well, I ran into Leon SMITH-HARRISON out in San Francisco. He’s having a good time in medical school. He told me he's only had his uniform on once since graduation. Sounds good to me.
For the next newsletter, I expect to receive at least one letter from every base where there’s a '75 grad. You guys get together and send me all the gossip from your part of town, and I'll tell the world about it.
Keep it together!
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