ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
ABOUT THE COVER
On 4 March 1976, the Medal of Honor was presented posthumously to Captain Lance P. Sijan, Class of 1965. Captain Sijan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Sijan, accepted the medal from President Ford.
(See story on page 12.)
Vol. 5 No. 1
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
IN THIS ISSUE
OF GRADUATES USAF Academy, Colorado 80840
(Area Code 303) 472-2067
expressed
are
from the SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
Lieutenant General
James R. Allen Superintendent U. S. Air Force Academy
tion of the group is being directed toward the motivational and demotivational aspects of summer training. The primary emphasis of these studies will be to insure that the Fourth Class System emphasizes the positive aspects of professional training. The “knowledge” required of Fourth Classmen is being reviewed to eliminate any information that serves no function. Added emphasis is being given to selecting and training the most qualified upperclassmen for key leadership positions, and all cadre members are receiving special instruction in positive reinforcement techniques.
Cadets continue to achieve national recognition for academic excellence, through their selection for graduate scholarship grants. This year, two members of the First Class were awarded prestigious Rhodes Scholarships, for two years of study at Oxford University. Since the graduation of our first class in 1959, 19 cadets have received this distinctive honor, which ranks the Academy as fifth in the nation in the number of Rhodes Scholarships received since that date. This year 11 Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowships were awarded to nine cadets. The Guggenheim Fellowships are awarded for graduate study at Cal Tech, Princeton and Columbia Universities and are the nation’s most prestigious aerospace engineering grants.
Early in March it was announced that Captain Lance P. Sijan, Class of 1965, had been posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Gerald R. Ford. As the first Academy graduate to receive the nation’s highest military honor, he was cited for conspicuous gallantry in action after he ejected from his disabled aircraft over North Vietnam in Novermber of 1967. The determination and courage which he displayed while a prisoner of war are described more fully in the feature article of this magazine. We are presently considering various options to honor Captain Sijan, whose example is a source of pride to the Academy and to the entire Air Force.
In the last issue of this magazine I mentioned that .we had undertaken a major effort to publicize admission opportunities for women for the Class of 1980. That program appears to have been quite successful. To date we have received more than 5400 inquiries, and about 1200 women have received nominations. It appears that we have an excellent pool of nominees from which to select those individuals who will become the first women cadets.
Fifteen women officers in the grades of first and second lieutenant have been training as Air Training Officers (ATOs) since January. These officers will serve as surrogate upperclass members to the women cadets and will conduct their dormitory training and provide counseling and guidance as required. In preparation for these responsibilities, the ATOs have undergone extensive classroom instruction and practical application in military studies, drill and ceremonies, physical conditioning and other areas. They are highly capable officers, and the enthusiasm they have displayed in their training programs predicts a high degree of success for their role as advisors and instructors. Their performance during the Basic Cadet Training phase of their orientation has allowed them to gain a valuable insight into the mental and physical stresses of the Fourth Class year. The Commandant's staff will continue to evaluate their performance as they progress through Jack’s Valley and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training.
In fact, Basic Cadet Training, as a whole, is constantly undergoing evaluation. A committee chaired by the Commandant is conducting an indepth evaluation of BCT and of the Fourth Class Training System. The immediate atten
A recent revision to the academic curriculum has been made which will be available to the Class of 1979 and will provide a major in Aviation Sciences. The major will be administered jointly by the Departments of Astronautics and Computer Sciences, Physics and Aeronautics, and is designed to provide a broad program of study with nearly equal emphasis in the various disciplinary areas. It is intended to prepare our graduates for widely varied duties and graduate educational opportunities without special orientation to a single academic discipline. Instead, Aviation Sciences will allow a cadet to orient his education to a broad, general program which will complement his Air Force career.
The faculty is also involved in a broad spectrum of activities which broaden the scope of education provided at the Academy. On the 10th through the 13th of March, student delegates from more than 70 universities attended the 18th Air Force Academy Assembly, sponsored jointly by the Academy and Columbia University. The topic for this year’s Assembly was "Women and the American Economy: A Bicentennial Appraisal.” The Association of Graduates and Department of History will sponsor our Seventh Military History Symposium on 30 September through 1 October 1976, treating the “American Military on the Frontier.” The Symposium will include a Harmon Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr. Robert M. Utley of the National Parks Service, and three working sessions, each considering an aspect of the overall topic. The Distinguished Speakers Program continues to attract a great deal of cadet interest. This year’s participants have included Representative James Lloyd of California; General Alexander Haig, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; and Dr. Harold Agnew, Director of the Los Alamos Laboratories.
On another note, the Falcons have just completed a very successful sports season. The nine winter sports compiled a 73 percent winning average, with victories in 96 of 131 contests. The swimming team led all other winter sports by posting its fourth straight undefeated season at 6-0, strengthening its winning streak to 43 consecutive victories. The pistol team finished 13-1, while rifle compiled a 24-2 season. The basketball team totaled 16 wins to 9 losses, the most successful season in 14 years. Ice hockey completed (Continued on p. 5)
Gone But Not Forgotten
Mr. Lee E. Hollingsworth. Class of 1965, was killed when the twin-engine Mitsubishi MU2 aircraft he was piloting crashed near Winter Park, CO on 26 December 1975. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Hollingsworth, 627 South 7th Street. St. Peter. MN 56082.
MR LEE E. HOLLINGSWORTH
As a cadet Mr. Hoilingsworth majored in Engineering Science and was on the Dean's List. He was active in the Aero Club and participated in wrestling for two years. He served as Flight Academic Officer and Squadron Safety Officer of the 15th Cadet Squadron.
Upon graduation from pilot training at Moody AFB, GA. Mr. Hollingsworth was assigned to the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli AB, Thailand. He resigned from the Air Force in May 1970.
Lt. Col. Michael V. Love, Class of 1960, was killed on 1 March 1976 when an RF-4C ], aircraft which he was piloting crashed at Edwards AFB. CA. He is survived by his wife. Betty, and his sons, Thomas and Robin, of 6795 Seversky, Edwards AFB, CA 93523, and by his mother. Mrs. Myra I. Love.
Prior to his commissioning. Lt. Col. Love
LT. COL. MICHAEL V. LOVE held die position of Commander of the 10th Cadet Squadron. He was a member of the Ski and Hunting Clubs and the class committee and was on the Superin
tendent's List during his first class year. He lettered three years in Gymnastics and in I960 was captain of the squad.
Upon graduation. Col. Love entered pilot training at Moore AFB. TX. He was subsequently assigned to the 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Lakenheath RAF Station, England and the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, SVN. In 1967 he was assigned to the 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon AFB, NM; the 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Phu Cat AB, SVN; and later with the 481st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon AFB. Col. Love attended the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 1968 and remained at the school as an instructor. In 1972 he was assigned to the 6512th Test Squadron at Edwards as a project pilot for the X-24B. Col. Love had been one of two project pilots on the joint NASA-Air Force X-24B lifting body program that concluded last year.
Col. Love was interred at the Academy Cemetery.
Donations to the Mike Love Youth Recreation Fund may be sent to the Community Welfare Fund, % Julia Whenry, 6510th Air Base Group/MWR. Edwards AFB, CA 93523.
Lt. Keith A. Walker, Class of 1973, was killed on 30 January 1976 when an F-4D aircraft on which he
was the weapons systerns officer was involved in a mid-air crash near Taejon, Korea. He is survived by his parents, Lt. Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. Herbert L. Walker, Jr., 251719th Avenue West. Bradenton, FL 33505. As a cadet. Lt. Walker was a member of LT. KEITH A. WALKER the 8th Cadet Squadron. served on the Ring Committee and was on the Commandant’s List one semester. Upon graduation, he trained to become a Weapons Systems Officer and was assigned to the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Kunsan AB, Korea at the time of his death.
Funeral services were held at the Protestant Cadet Chapel on II February 1976, with interment in the Academy Cemetery.
(Continued on next page)
GONE—(Continued
from p. 3)
Capt. Geoffrey W. Towne, Class of 1966, was killed in a Cessna 172 aircraft accident on 11 February 1976 near Burlington International Airport, VT. He is survived by his father, Mr. Charles L. Towne of 1177 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.
As a cadet, Capt. Towne was active in the Ski and Judo Clubs, the Forum, and lettered CAPT. GEOFFREY W. TOWNE in wrestling. He majored in International Affairs and served as Administrative Officer of the 13th Cadet Squadron.
Following graduation, Capt. Towne was assigned to Laredo AFB, TX for pilot training. He was subsequently assigned as a EC-47 pilot at the 362nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. Pleiku AB, SVN, and a C-141 pilot with the 86th Military Airlift Squadron, Travis AFB. CA. In 1972 Capt. Towne was assigned as an Operations Plans Officer with the 456th Bomb Wing, Beale AFB, CA. He was assigned to Det. ABOl Civil Air Patrol, Burlington Int’l Airport, VT at the time of his death.
Capt. Towne was interred at the Evergreen Cemetery, Morris, IL on 19 February.
The Association of Graduates has just been informed that Mr. Peter P. Halvonik, Jr., Class of 1969, was killed in an automobile accident in California, in December of 1974. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter P. Halvonik, Box 153, Perryopolis, PA 15473.
As a cadet, Mr. Halvonik majored in Latin American Studies and was on the Dean's List and Commandant's List. He was an Academic Officer of the 6th Cadet Squardon.
Upon graduation Mr. Halvonik was assigned as a Cost Analysis Director at the Aerospace Audio Visual Service at Norton AFB. CA. He resigned from the Air Force in June 1974.
Mr. Douglas M. Tocado, Class of 1962, was killed when the single-engine Beech 19 Musketeer aircraft he was piloting crashed near Estes Park, CO on 28 February 1976. He is survived by his wife, Ann, and children, of 1550 Abilene Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020.
As a cadet, Mr. Tocado was active in the Forum, the Fishing and Forensic Clubs, and was a Falconer. He majored in Public Policy and was on the Dean’s List his first class year. He served as an Assistant Academic Officer and Executive Officer for the 13th Cadet Squadron.
After graduation Mr. Tocado was assigned as a Combat Crew Commander at Whiteman AFB, MO. He received a degree from the University of Wisconsin and was subsequently assigned to the Academy as an instructor in the Department of History. Mr. Tocado resigned from the Air Force in July 1972.
Lt. Frank T. Ellis, Jr., Class of 1973, was killed in an F-4D midair crash, 30 January 1976, approximately 15 miles SW of Taejon. Korea. He is survived by his wife. Christine, 16125 Longvista Drive, Dallas, Tx" 75240, and by his father. Col. (Ret) Frank T. Ellis, and his mother, Mrs. Mildred B. Breedlove.
As a cadet, Lt. Ellis was active in the Ski Club and the Protestant LT. FRANK T. ELLIS, JR. Choir. He majored in Astronautics and was on the Commandant's List for one semester. He was a member of the 29th Cadet Squadron.
Following graduation, Lt. Ellis attended pilot training at Laughlin AFB, TX and was assigned to the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Kunsan AB, Korea at the time of the crash.
Lt. Ellis was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
MR. PETER P. HALVONIK
MR. DOUGLAS M. TOCADO
Mr. Richard W. Day, Class of 1961, died on 13 October 1975 after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, % Mr. J. Sherrod, Rt. 3, Levelland, TX 79336, and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph R. Day, Box 395, Lamar, PA 16848. As a cadet Mr. Day was on the Superintendent’s List and was a member of the Cadet Ring Committee and Ski Club. He held the position of Commander of the 4th Cadet Sqdn.
Upon graduation from pilot training at Reese AFB. TX. Mr. Day was assigned to the 64th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Paine Field, WA and the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Clark AB, PI. In 1967 he was reassigned to the 4781st Combat Crew Training Squadron. Perrin AFB. TX as an F-102 instructor pilot. Mr. Day was medically retired in August 1968.
ANNOUNCEMENTS...
The Association has purchased all remaining Reed and Barton Air Force Academy Commemorative Plates in an effort to pass an outstanding value to its members. These plates are 1 I inches in diameter with an eight inch diameter pure silver, bronze and copper depiction of the Academy Chapel. The exclusive Damascene process used by Reed and Barton handicrafts 37 layers of these three metals into a striking likeness of a meaningful part of Academy life. There are only 500 plates in this limited edition. None of the other plates of this type sells for less than $65. Over 200 of these plates were sold for $75. The Association of Graduates is now offering the remaining 200 plates to you on a first-come basis for only $27.50. Graduates interested in ordering a plate should contact Captain Thomas L. Cunningham. Associaion of Graduates. USAF Academy, Colorado 80840. Graduates who signed for plates at Homecoming have those plates reserved but must notify Captain Cunningham.
The Centennial-Bicentennial Memorial Air Show
By: Lt. John Haaf, ’72
As our nation's 200th birthday draws near, Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region are making some rather unique plans for the Bicentennial celebration. Unique, because the Colorado Springs Bicentennial committee is going to devote a significant amount of attention to an American heritage not quite three quarters of a century old airpower.
Flanking the traditional 4th of July Pikes Peak Hill Climb auto race, the Colorado Centennial - Bicentennial Memorial Air Show will take place on July 3rd and 4th at the Colorado Springs Peterson Field Airport.
This air show, which may well be one of the biggest salutes to airpower of the Bicentennial, will open its gates both days at about 9 a.m. and with the flying starting at 11 a.m., will close at 4 p.m.
Included in the two-day program will be static displays of civilian and military aircraft, aerobatic demonstrations, and performances by the US Army’s parachute team, the Golden Knights. A special feature and main attraction of the airshow will be the Ghost Squadron of the Confederate Air Force.
The Confederate Air Force, which has its headquarters at Harlingen Field, Texas, is a non-profit patriotic organization “dedicated to the preservation of the worlds greatest combat aircraft of 1939-1945.”
The Ghost Squadron does much to further the CAF mission by maintaining and flying World War 11 aricraft, and by reenacting several of the major air conflicts of the era.
Approximately thirty WWII fighters and bombers of CAF's Ghost Squadron will be present at the Colorado Memorial Air Show this July. Not only will the Pikes Peak area witness an ariel review of the nation's only true “flying museum,” but visitors at the air show will also see a reenactment of the December 7. 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Anyone interested in observing the Bicentennial celebration in a way that looks back upon the heritage of both the United States and the United States Air Force should make it a point to be in Colorado Springs, Colorado on the weekend of July 4th.
There, near the site of the Air Force Academy, valiant “ghosts” from the past will be re-introduced to airmen of the past, present, and future.
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK—
(Continued from p. 2)
the year with a 16-10 mark, the fifth winning season in the past six years.
It was also a season of excellent individual performance. Ice hockey’s Chuck Delich was one of the top scorers in the nation for the third straight year. Indoor track's Mark Webster compiled a 1:09.2, one of the fastest times in the nation, in the 600-yard dash.
As spring approaches, the Academy faces a number of interesting and challenging prospects, foremost among which, of course, will be the admission and training of our first women cadets.
The Academy appreciates your interest in these challenges and greatly values the important support which you. as graduates, provide.
MR. RICHARD W. DAY
YOUNG, GROWING AND VIBRANT
By: Lt. Vincent M. Parisi, II, ’73
The Association of Graduates was originally chartered in 1964. Since that time it has developed from an organization in name only to one that promotes the high ideals and dedication so necessary of each officer in the fast paced Air Force of today.
The AOG is a rapidly growing and vibrant organization just 11 years old. It is composed entirely of individuals who are graduates of the United States Air Force Academy. In comparison to similar organizations, the membership of 5300 may seem small. However, one must realize that the total eligible to join is less than 10,000. Where a civilian university may graduate this many persons in just a few years, it has taken nearly 17 years for the Air Force Academy to boast this strength. Though it may be young in age, the Association of Graduates is regarded as a responsible organization with mature leadership and a high level of experience. This leadership represents fresh, sound ideals that harmonize and complement the mission of the United State Air Force. So highly regarded is the Association that its endorsement and support is actively sought on a continued basis for many worthwhile projects and causes.
The Executive Secretary of the Association of Graduates is also the Alumni Secretary on the Superintendent's staff. He attends the staff meetings of both the Superintendent and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Academy. With this ‘dual role" he is able to be a direct representative of all Association members and alumni. The current Superintendent has indicated he seeks and will consider the suggestions and observations of the AOG. Furthermore, he has indicated that he would listen to inputs on implementing major change at the Academy. As well, the Board of Directors of the AOG has begun periodic meetings with the Superentendent so that he may receive and discuss their observations and ideas. The first such meeting was regarded as informative and refreshing, which resulted in an educated exchange of comments.
The Vice President of the Association has been invited to attend the staff meetings of the Commandant of Cadets. At a recent meeting with Executive Committee of the Board of Directors the Commandant indicated that he seeks the AOG’s observations and suggestions on matters of interest to the Cadet Wing and their welfare.
The Association of Graduates recently conducted a 20 year survey in conjunction with the USAFA 20 year study. Understandably, no actions or policies can be directly credited to the results of this survey, but. its impact can be seen in a variety of areas. For example: initial results were released to the personnel as soon as they were available. As was announced in last quarter's AOG Magazine, there is a new core curriculum at the Academy, and, within this curriculum lie changes that show an interweaving of the results of that 20 year survey. Your ideas and suggestions had an effect in this matter.
Each year the Association of Graduates sponsors Homecoming at the Academy. This event provides an opportunity tor all attending to indulge in the comradeship and enjoyment of such festivities. The plans for this annual event begin many months in advance and constitute one of the major events of the year at the Academy.
The strive for excellence that is inherent in so many of our own is presented as a challenge to the Cadet Wing by the Association. In sponsoring the annual Oustanding Group Award, the AOG establishes a goal of superior performance
to honor not just one squadron but ten squadrons. They must work in harmony for the whole year to achieve this recognition.
In order to promote opportunities for individuals to attend the Academy, your Association of Graduates sponsors a $1,000 Falcon Foundation scholarship each year. This enables a deserving individual, who might otherwise not be able to attend an Academy Prep School. In further promoting excellence in education, the AOG endorses and cosponsors such annual events as the Academy Assembly and the Military History Symposium.
The Air Force Academy Alumni Foundation has now been absorbed by the Association of Graduates. This gives the AOG the responsibility to administer the Air Force Academy Fund which is the agent of all monies donated to the Academy. As well, the AOG administers the NonGraduate Memorial Fund and the Wolfe Fund Fellowship, which were also absorbed with the Alumni Foundation.
The area of memorialization provides a springboard for many activities of the Association. Through its Memorialization and Philanthropies Sub-committees, support is furnished for various projects at the Academy. The AOG has established a Memorial Tree Grove on the hill just west of the Cadet Chapel. Memorial trees may be purchased by groups or individuals and dedicated to those of their choice. This area is indicated by a plaque embedded in a large boulder which blends harmoniously with its surroundings. As the area develops with its planned footpaths and benches, it will provide an area of beauty and solitude to those who wish to reflect for a moment. Throughout the year the Association is asked for assistance on worthwhile cadet projects. In many instances the AOG provides matching funds to the cadets to help them in meeting their goals. The Prisoner of War display “Lest We Forget" in Fairchild Hall was made possible through such aid. As well, many Cadet Squadron Air Power Rooms have been established with aid from the Association of Graduates.
The Medal of Honor was recently awarded posthumously, to Captain Lance R. Sijan for actions in Southeast Asia. He is the first Academy graduate to be so honored. The Association of Graduates has spearheaded the effort to provide appropriate recognition to this war hero. A proposal was submitted and approved to name the new dorm in honor of Capt. Sijan with dedication cermonies to be conducted on Memorial Day of this year.
The work of the Association of Graduates does not end here. The following is a list of some of its other activities and accomplishments.
Constructed Graduates' War Memorial
Administers graduate memorial funds
Arranges for graduate funerals
Loans sabres for graduate weddings (both local and distant)
Publishes quarterly magazine
Publishes annual register of graduates
Sponsors State of the Wing dinners peridoically at various |ocntir>n>»
Aids alumni chapters in organization.
From 1964 to the present the Association has grown from an idea into reality. A reality that promotes the professionalism of the Air Force Officer and a fostering of fellowship among graduates of the Air Force Academy. A reality that has and will continue to grow and improve through your help and dedication.
ACADEMY STRESSES WRITING SKILLS
By Maj. Robert B. Donovan and Maj. David K. Vaughan
Have you noticed the Air Force has a problem with written communication? Magazine articles investigating “Why Johnny Can't Write” and reports from Princeton’s Educational Testing Service that both math and verbal achievement scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are significantly lower every year reinforce what many commanders are seeing daily: too many of their officers cannot write clearly and concisely. We faculty also see our new cadets demonstrating weaker thinking, speaking, and writing skills. We want you to know what the Department of English and Fine Arts (DFEFA) is doing to meet this challenge.
As Maj. Trautsch reported in the Winter, 1976 AOG Magazine, the Academy Curriculum Committee approved changes which, among other things, enable DFEFA to increase emphasis on cadet writing and speaking skills. Starting next fall, DFEFA both adds a new core course and realigns its other core courses so that every cadet will have an English course each year. Our goal is to reinforce the basic skills each year, rather than to reteach grammar and syntax to Firstclassmen we have not seen since freshman English. The new core program looks like this:
Fourthclass—English 111
Thirdclass—English 212
Secondclass—English 330 or 350
Firstclass—English 406
The Doolie English courses you took have changed significantly in the past few years. By next fall, English 111 will drop all literature and teach only grammar, syntax, and composition. The second semester of freshman English will also change radically from the course you took. Dramas and novels will disappear from the syllabus as the new English 212 shifts to the Thirdclass year. The emphasis then becomes two-fold: intermediate composition and speech. The composition emphasizes a multi-media—art, film, essay, some poetry—approach to communication. The 21 speech lessons emphasize logical argument, rhetorical organization, and briefing techniques.
In addition, the two current courses offered to Firstclassmen, Technical Writing (English 430) and Advanced Composition (English 450), will transition into the Secondclass curriculum as English 330 and 350. This change will increase the immediate usefulness of both courses for cadets preparing papers in academic majors during their remaining semesters. Equally important, both courses continue to emphasize the practical writing skills all cadets can use as officers. The science majors will continue to take Technical Writing; other majors will continue to take Advanced Composition.
English 330, Technical Writing, stresses the ability to communicate technical and scientific material to an educated, lay audience. Any officer working on technical projects needs to analyze his audience, to brief various topics, and to write a variety of reports. However, convincing skeptical cadets of these practical applications is one of our biggest challenges. We rely heavily on feedback from you graduates to impress the cadets with the need for the skills they learn. As part of the course policy to allow dual credit for a major report with another department, we require each cadet to
work closely with a Liaison Officer (normally an instructor from the cadets academic major). The liaison program insures the cadet’s report is technically competent as well as compositionally correct.
We welcome comments, especially from those of you who have taken either English 430 or 450. concerning the value of the communication skills we tried to teach you. the practicality of the course papers and briefings, and the nature of the specific projects and reports that you have worked on since graduation. Suggestions can help us improve the practicality of these courses and meet your needs when these cadets graduate and work for you. Contact: Course Director English 330/350, DFEFA, USAF Academy, CO 80840.
The non-science majors, on the other hand, will continue to take English 350, Advanced Composition, under the new curriculum. English 350 will continue to emphasize professional writing—using both military and academic examples— by teaching cadets not only the basic principles of clear and concise expression, but also by incorporating samples of such commonplace military writing as OER's, APR’s, Narrative descriptions for Awards and Decorations, and the basic military letter. The increased emphasis on practical written assignments, begun in the fall of 1974, seems to have significantly improved cadet classroom attitudes and performance; at that time English 450/350 also began using liaison officers to assist in preparing and grading the major report.
We expect the emphasis generated by adding and realigning the core courses discussed above will better enable Firstclass cadets to challenge the values of the other writers they will study in their core course, English 406: Values in Western World Literature. This is our only core course which will not be greatly affected by the new curriculum changes. The range of literature surveyed each semester may vary, but the emphasis on values will continue. Firstclassmen will continue to write creative work or complete one project in plastic arts to illustrate an aspect of the course material.
The final way DFEFA is responding to the Air Force need for clear communication is directed at you managers and commanders, rather than at the cadets. The Executive Writing Course is an individually tailored short course we bring to various commanders at their request. The instructor teams travel on TDY, at times when their training schedules permit, to show commanders and middle managers how they can save time and money by writing concisely and clearly. The course uses actual samples of letters, messages, etc. from the host base. The Executive Writing Course offers practical ways to write—not reviews of grammar—and the waiting list of invitations attests to both its popularity and need.
We all agree a problem of poor communication exists. DFEFA does not pretend to have all the answers, but these positive steps—adding core courses, realigning the curriculum, and offering the Executive Writing Course—should help to improve what you see cross your desk and what you hear in briefings.
AOG SPONSORS ACADEMY ASSEMBLY
By: Captain Robert P. Haffa, ’65
The Association of Graduates recently joined the American Assembly of Columbia University as a co-sponsor of the Air Force Academy Assembly, the largest student conference held at the Air Force Academy.
Both the American Assembly and the Academy Assembly seek to “provide information, stimulate discussion and provoke independent conclusions in matters of vital public interest.” Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the American Assembly in 1950, while he was President of Columbia. The Academy Assembly, directed by the Department of Political Science and Philosophy, has been held each year since 1959. considering topics ranging from “Overcoming World Hunger” to “Outer Space.” The basic objectives of the Assembly are:
To provide an outstanding group of college students with an opportunity to study and discuss major national and international issues.
To provide these students with a realization of the difficulties of analyzing and reaching consensus on such issues.
To develop in them an appreciation for a national community of values through contact with contemporaries drawn from widely representative institutions.
In pursuit of these objectives, on March 10. 1976 88 students from 68 colleges met at the Air Force Academy for the Eighteenth Air Force Academy Assembly. This year the topic, although not selected by the Academy, was most timely: “Women and the American Economy: A Bicentennial Appraisal.” The imminent admission of women to the Academy (see the Association of Graduate Magazine, Winter, 1976) added a great deal of local interest to a topic that, with International Women’s Year, TIME’S “Women of the Year” and the Equal Rights Amendment was already a matter of national concern.
Ms. Betty Friedan. Founder and First President of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the generally accepted helmswoman of the American women's liberation movement, brought women's lib to the “last bastion of chauvinism”—or at least to a packed house in the Arnold Hall theater. She told Academy officials in the audience that she was happy to see women being admitted to the Air Force Academy, but that she felt the first efforts at having female cadets “will bring a certain amount of tokenism.” Yet, in the long run. Ms. Friedan thought that the Air Force Academy, like other institutions, will ultimately be restructured to meet the irreversible movement of women into the market place. As a result of women’s liberation, Ms. Friedan said, the nation’s entire economic system is being revised, and employers (as well as the military) are finding that women can fill important leadership roles.
On the second evening of the Assembly, a majority of the four women participating in a panel discussion on the Assembly topic concluded that more educational opportunities for women are a necessity if women are to fully participate in an increasingly competitive economy. Dr. Jean Lipman-Blumen, Director of the Women's Research Program of the National Institute of Education, said helping women get better job opportunities through more education is the central issue of the feminist movement. Dr. Peggy Kruger, equal opportunity officer at the University of Texas, agreed
that education and job opportunities are closely linked in the American economy. She pointed out, however, that affirmative action programs do not require that preference be given automatically to women and minorities, but merely require employers to stop discriminating on the basis of sex.
The third panelist, Phyllis Schlafly, author and opponent of the feminist movement, used her time to attack the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution. Mrs. Schlafly said that the ERA is a legal attack on the rights of women in their homes and, if passed, would take away the rights of women to he supported by their husbands and to receive social security benefits. The last panelist, Catherine East, Deputy Coordinator of the Secretariat for International Women’s Year, agreed with Kruger and Lipman-Blumen about the advantages of education and defended the ERA and its impact on women. Mrs. East told the audience composed of delegates and Academy personnel that passage of the ERA will open up more opportunities for women, and benefit homemakers by requiring that a homemakers’ contribution to the marriage be considered equal to that of the working spouse. Following a question and answer period, the Association of Graduates sponsored a reception for the delegates which allowed for an informal discussion of the issues previously raised.
A very special guest of the Academy Assembly was Dr. Antonia Brico, the noted symphony conductor. When she appeared at the Assembly, the small, 73-year-old musician exulted that she is now conducting four or five times a month instead of four or five times a year. Her appearance was preceded by a showing of the film, “Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman,” produced and directed by Judy Collins, one of Dr. Brico's former pupils, this film was nominated for an Academy Award as “best documentary.” In the film, Dr. Brico lays bare her frustrations at not being able to conduct on a regular basis with the major symphonies. Yet the film attracted so much attention that she is now widely sought tor public appearance. However, Dr. Brico does not think that her success as a conductor will make it easier for other women to enter the field. “Not necessarily easier” is her quick reply, ‘women will have to work five times as hard as their male collegues.”
Throughout the Assembly the delegates met in round-table sessions, (one of which was moderated by Major Les Denend, ’63) considering a pre-structured agenda utilizing background papers prepared specifically for the Assembly, and attempting to reach consensus. At the final report session, views from the six separate round tables were united, and the final report was modified and ratified by the group as a whole. Included in the final report of the Eighteenth AFA Assembly were the following recommendations:
An active social policy (to include day care) that would make it possible for parents to create a self-sustaining household by freeing them from domestic duties.
An increase in the flexibility of work schedules and parttime job opportunities.
An increase in actions to reduce sex differentials in earning to include restructuring the language of job applications, enforcing existing legistation against sex discrimination, and increasing access to education.
Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. The final report of the Academy Assembly is printed by the
Air Force Academy. Copies may be obtained by writing direCTty to the Department of Policital Science and Philosophy.
Newspapers, periodicals, and radio have given generous coverage to Assembly meetings, and publications resulting from the meeting are distributed to schools, colleges, libraries, government, community organizations and other groups which influence public opinion. Of course, participants in the Assembly carry the influence of the conference to their own communities, and local discussion groups throughout the country use Assembly publications as a basis for their meetings.
It probably can be concluded then, that the 18th Air Force Academy Assembly, like the Assemblies of the past, was successful in meeting those objectives stated at the beginning of this article. But the Assembly is much more than merely the meeting of a certain group discussing a certain topic, no matter how erudite the gathering, or how timely the agenda. In addition to the substantive information that is gained from the interchange of ideas, there is something
MURAL DEDICATED IN HARMON HALL
The United States Air Force Academy recently dedicated a 200 square foot mural in Arnold Hall commemorating America's Bicentennial and Colorado’s Centennial. The mural portrays the history of the Academy’s geographic region.
Last summer, the staff of the Instructional Technology Division at the Academy received a suggestion to graphically depict the Academy’s place in the celebration of America’s Bicentennial and Colorado's Centennial.
Ed Colosimo of Colorado Springs, the division's audiovisual staff officer, researched several possibilities and coneluded a mural could be painted which would represent the events and people of this area for the past two hundred years.
Colosimo envisioned an artistic chronology of the Academy site which would capture the courage and commitment of the people who lived in this region.
The history of the region had to be translated to square footage and possible sites were studied since the mural would consume 200 square feet of wall space, which in itself limited possible locations.
Following considerable evaluation, the southwest wall of the grand ballroom in Arnold Hall was selected for the mural.
Paul Baker, senior illustrator in the division, made his initial preparations, which the Academy made contact with an artists supply firm for advice on how to prepare the wall surface to assure preservation of the mural for years to come.
Armed with information from the Academy Library, the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs, and the results of interviews with area natives, Baker developed pencil sketches depicting the people, significant events and landmarks which best told the story of the area. In some instances Academy personnel were called upon to serve as models for some of the characters in the mural.
The planning resulted in a decision to show 16 primary elements as representative of the two centuries of development. The history started with the Indian encampments, the Spanish exploration and further explorations by Zcbulon Pike and John C. Fremont. Next came the gold fever and the proclamation “Pikes Peak or Bust.” Following were
else of great importance to the Air Force Academy, and to its graduates, that takes place during the Assembly. Many delegates arrive at the Academy with preconceptions of the institution and its cadets which are rooted in stereotypes of the “military mind.” Similarly, many of the cadets harbor misinformed impressions of civilian students and institutions. It is often a pleasant and rewarding expericence for delegates and participants to discover that they have mutual interests in critical problems, and that their approaches to the solution of these problems are remarkably similar. The Academy Assembly is strongly committed to fostering these interchanges between civilian and military communities and determined to display the USAF Academy to the delegates and senior participants in a manner that will leave a lasting and favorable impression.
Finally, writing from the viewpoint of a past Assembly Director and a member of the Association of Graduates, I was especially pleased to observe these two organizations closely united in the pursuance of the goals outlined here. It is a relationship that I hope will continue into the future.
industrial and mining developments and eventually statehood in 1876. Then there were those area fathers, William Jackson Palmer, Winfield Scott Stratton, Spencer Penrose, and Charles Tutt who made their contributions to the development and progress of the Colorado Springs community.
Colorado Springs continued to develop and prosper from their leadership. Then on June 24. 1954, Secretary of the Air Force Harold Talbott announced that the city had been selected as the site for the Air Force Academy. On June 3, 1959, the first class graduated and 207 men entered the service of the country.
All these events were what Baker sought to represent. The mural would focus on the Academy cadet, with the path of history sequenced in a counterclockwise movement surrounding him.
Finally the design was completed and a water color rendering accomplished. After some modifications the design was ready to go on the wall.
The project was completed in late January and stands as the Academy’s tribute to Colorado and in its excellence, a tribute to Paul Baker. John Werner. Ed Colosimo and the many others who contributed to it becoming a reality.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT—A 10 by 20 foot wall mural was■ recently dedicated at the Air Force Academy. The rendering was completed by Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs area artist Paul Baker. The mitral shows the history of the Academy’s geographic region and commemorates America's Bicentennial and Colorado’s Centennial.
(U. S. Air Force photo by TSgt Alex Torres)
ATOs to Train First Women Cadets
environment of the Academy and yet help them maintain their unique identity as women.
In addition to serving as role models, the ATOs will assume many of the duties normally performed by upper classmen until women cadets reach that status. This will include training in decorum, heritage, leadership, cadet regulations, room appearance, dress and appearance. Training which takes place within the dormitories will be conducted by the ATOs such as On-Call, Special Inspections, and shower formations. Training outside the dorms will be conducted by the cadet chain of command with the assistance of the ATOs. They will provide personal counseling and rate the performance of the women cadets. The ATO will also be in an excellent position to provide career motivation through relating her own Air Force experiences and career goals.
The 15 ATOs arrived at the Academy on 12 January 1976 to begin a demanding 5 XA months of training to prepare them for their duties. Selection of these women was highly competitive. Over 600 records were screened and 200 women were interviewed in order to select the 15 best qualified. They range in age from 22 to 26 and their career fields represent a broad spectrum from computer technology and weapons control to aircraft maintenance and munitions.
The ATO training program is built on three primary objectives. First, the ATOs must acquire the knowledge and skills to function as upper class women. This includes familiariztion with the stress of the cadet training environment, learning information they will need to impart to the women cadets, and physical conditioning.
Early grads have commented on the marked difference in appearance between these officers and the original ATO’s.
Above Lt. Terry Walter receives instruction on the finer points of the manual of arms.
By: Lt. Betty J. Price
As the date for the arrival of the Class of 1980 draws closer, the Academy is entering the final stages in its plans for the admission of women. Facilities are being modified, programs are being evaluated, and the selection of the first women cadets is underway. One aspect of the plan vital to the success of the overall program has already been implemented: the training of Air Training Officers (ATOs) who will function as a surrogate upper class for the women cadets.
The rationale for the training and utilization of these women officers is based upon the precedent set in 1955-1957 when male ATOs were used in a similar capacity, and upon extensive research on women in achievement oriented environments, including the experiences of other previously all male colleges and universities. Evaluation of women’s integration into such environments strongly supports the need for female “role models” with which young freshman women can identify. The ATOs will serve as examples of highly capable women officers for the women cadets to emulate. The ATOs will also provide leadership by example, demonstrating that women can perform a variety of tasks previously accomplished only by men. They will help fulfill the need for acceptance as women cadets enter the predominately male
The second objective is to enhance the acceptance of women into the Cadet Wing. The training program thus far has already given the ATOs credibility with cadets who are evaluating their performance and beginning to make judgments about how women will perform as cadets. Prior to the arrival of the ATOs, the Wing’s attitude was generally negative toward the admission of women. There was the fear that women would not be capable of performing the demanding tasks required of a cadet and that, as a result, standards would be lowered. Observation of the ATO’s performance has produced a perceptible change in the attitude of the Cadet Wing. The Wing is now adopting a more objective and open-minded approach to the admission of women.
The third objective is to allow us to evaluate the performance of women in various phases of training and identify areas that may require modification prior to the arrival of the cadets. This is particularly critical in areas of training where strength differences may effect the performance of women cadets. The progress of the ATOs in their physical conditioning program and future evaluation of their performance in Jack's Valley will be particularly useful.
In keeping with these objectives, we developed the following training concepts: First, the ATO should receive as much of the cadet experience as possible in a realistic manner. She should understand what it is to be a cadet. In order to do this, cadets should participate in training the ATOs to the greatest extent possible carefully supervised by officers. More than anyone else, cadets understand the cadet experience as it presently exists and only they can accurately transmit this knowledge to the ATOs.
The training program has been broken down into 5 significant phases of the cadet experience: Basic Cadet Train-
ing (BCT), Fourth Class Training, Wing Orientation, Jack’s Valley, and SERE.
At the time of this writing, the ATOs had completed the first two phases and found them to be most rigorous and challenging. They lived in Vandenberg Hall under the same austere conditions as 4th Class cadets. Their time was scheduled to provide the stress environment that a 4th Class cadet experiences. Inspection standards were the same as those met by the cadets. They did not have use of their cars, nor were they allowed to wear civilian clothes or go on privileges. The training was conducted by cadets and very closely paralleled that experienced by the Class of ’79, ineluding shower formations, special inspections, and a compressed version of retraining week. During this time, they have learned the manual of arms with the M-l rifle, participated in a demanding running and weight lifting program and have been exposed to various airmanship and navigation programs, including a T-37 ride, soaring, parasailing, and local and cross country flights in the T-43 navigation trainer.
Until the end of April, the ATOs will be in the Wing Orientation, or upper class phase. The women are meeting schedules very similar to those met by a First Class cadet. In addition, they have assumed command and control responsibilities within the ATO Unit similar to those they will have after the arrival of women cadets. They are being exposed to military studies and academic courses as well as continuing in airmanship and navigation programs begun earlier.
The Jack’s Valley and SERE phases will again be very similar to training given to cadets last summer. In Jack’s Valley, a careful evaluation will be made of their physical endurance in such training as the obstacle course, confidence course, and armed combatives. They will also provide valuable feedback on a variety of logistical concerns.
The SERE phase will provide valuable information on women's reaction to the unique stresses of that environment.
Upon completion of SERE, they will be certified as having completed the Air Force Survival School Training Pro-
Graduates Earn Large
In the 17 years since the first class of Air Force Academy cadets was graduated, 285 graduates have earned scholarships for further studies at other universities.
The first such honor was earned by a 1959 graduate and was a highly coveted Rhodes Scholarship for study at Oxford University in England. Since then there have been 1 8 other cadets who have won the Rhodes Scholarship, including two in the Class of 1976. One member of the Class of ’76 will also study at Oxford under a Winston Churchill Memorial Scholarship presented by the English Speaking Union of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Other highly prized scholarships are the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Fulbright Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Scholarship (NSF).
Since 1965 there have been 29 Guggenheim scholarships awarded to graduates. Nine cadets in the Class of '76 won 11 Guggenheim Fellowships and a 1972 graduate was presented a Guggenheim Fellowship this year for doctoral studies.
gram. At this point, the ATOs will have finished their training. Following June Week activities, they will take 19 days of leave and then return to plan for BCT along with other officers and cadets.
The ATO training program is demanding but the women are performing well. The program is progressing as we anticipated and the women are experiencing the same satisfactions, along with the frustrations and discouragements that cadets experience. We are also seeing a positive change in the attitude of the Wing toward the acceptance of women. Valuable feedback from the program is helping us identify potential logistics and performance problems. These 15 women officers, by their personal dedication and commitment, have already contributed much to the smooth transition of the Cadet Wing from an exclusively male environment to a coeducational one. Their unique role as Air Training Officers during the next two years will help us to continue to produce the finest Air Force officers, both men and women.
Share of Scholarships
There have been 21 Fulbright Scholarships and 34 NSF Scholarships earned by Academy graduates.
Other important fellowships and the number which have been won include:
Princeton Fellowship for study at the Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs, 6; Fanny and John Hertz Foundation Fellowships. 12; East-West Center Fellowships, 14; National Collegiate Athletic Association Scholarships. 19; Atomic Energy Commission Scholarships, 46 (1969 was the last year AEC Scholarships presented); Franklin C. Wolfe Fellowship in Humanities, 9; Mershon Fellowship in National Security Studies at Ohio State University, 9; Donald W. Douglas Fellowship, 2; and Yale Fellowship, 1.
After the first four graduating classes, in which there were five Rhodes and one NSF scholars, the fewest number of fellowships presented in a class was seven in 1975; the largest number was 43 in 1967.
The majority of the remaining 64 scholarships and fellowships have been for study in aerospace engineering, but others have been associated with the fields of law and humanities.
Senior ATO, First Lieutenant Charlotte Greene, ponders a nav problem.
Lance I1 Siifaa Becomes
First VSAFA Graduate to Beceire Medal of Honor
1968. He died the next day at Hoa Lo, as reported by his Vietnamese captors.
Captain Sijan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Sijan, reside at 2751 South Shore Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207.
Air Force Chief of Staff, General David C. Jones, has approved the Academy’s proposal to name the new cadet dormitory in honor of Captain Sijan. Sijan Hall will be officially dedicated on Memorial Day, 31 May 1976.
Lance P. Sijan
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR PRESENTED TO
CAPTAIN LANCE P. SIJAN
The nation’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, was presented posthumously to Captain Lance P. Sijan, Class of 1965, in a White House ceremony on 4 March 1976. Captain Sijan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Sijan, accepted his medal from President Ford.
Captain Sijan was cited for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While on a flight over North Vietnam on November 9, 1967, Captain Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than six weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food.
According to the medal citation. Captain Sijan, after being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a Prisoner of War camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered one of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured, but did not divulge any information to his captors. Captain Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts.
Captain Sijan contracted pneumonia January 18, 1968. He was removed from his cell on the night of January 21,
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of the The Congress, the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
CAPTAIN LANCE P. SIJAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
While on a flight over North Vietnam on 9 November 1967, Captain Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than six weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Captain Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a Prisoner of War camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered one of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Captain Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Captain Sijan’s extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Gerald R. Ford
Summary of Gallant Conduct, Captain Lance P. Sijan
On 9 November 1967, Captain Sijan was flying an F-4C aircraft on a mission near Vinh, North Vietnam. During this mission. Captain Sijan’s aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire. After ejecting from his disabled aircraft, Captain Sijan was successful in evading capture by the enemy for more than six weeks. During this time, he suffered multiple and serious injuries of the left leg, a mangled right hand, a brain concussion, and severe lacerations; he was without food, suffering from shock and weight loss to a point where every bone in his body showed through his skin.
Captain Sijan was captured approximately 25 December 1967 by North Vietnamese soldiers and taken to a holding point. At a time when only one soldier was guarding him, Captain Sijan, in his emaciated and crippled condition, overpowered the soldier, knocked him unconscious, and escaped into the jungle for a distance of about two kilometers where he was recaptured after several hours. Captain Sijan was then taken to another enroute camp near Vinh where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length on two different occasions. Captain Sijan successfully distracted arid misled the interrogator—sticking to name, rank and serial number—despite the torture inflicted by the captors.
On 6 January 1968, the Vietnamese commander detailed Lieutenant Colonel Robert Craner, another American captive, to care for Captain Sijan. At no time was Captain Sijan able to stand or even sit erectly without assistance. The next day, 7 January 1968, they embarked on the punishing truck ride to Hanoi, during which Colonel Craner believed that Captain Sijan was about to die or already had; however, each time Captain Sijan regained consciousness
and said he was doing all right. He never complained about the unmerciful battering he was taking from the truck ride. During the ride, Captain Sijan mentioned the subject of escape several times, stating he was ready to give it another try.
In the Vegas section of Hoa Lo, his weakness continued as his wounds were unattended; he was able to partake of a few spoons of food each day with assistance. Captain Sijan requested help only to put his body in a sitting position in order to exercise his muscles to recondition himself for another escape attempt which he was eagerly anticipating. This act was particularly painful as both hipbones protruded through his skin; he had dragged himself through the jungle backwards on his hips because his broken left leg could not support him. Due to his extreme weakness, the adverse living conditions, the inadequate diet and insufficient clothing. Captain Sijan contracted pneumonia on 18 January 1968. He was unable to lie down as he was continually strangled by the fluids in his air passages. Captain Sijan was removed from his cell on the night of 21 January 1968 and died at Hoa Lo, as reported by his Vietnamese captors.
Although suffering from extreme shock, starvation, and grievious injury, Captain Sijan escaped from his captors without aid, steadfastly resisted his interrogators, never complained about his physical condition, and thought only of his next opportunity to escape. The dedication to duty and country exemplified by this gallant young officer represents conspicuous heroism and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty and merits recognition through award of the Medal of Honor.
USAFA Graduates Missing in Attion
Following are the names of graduates currently listed as Missing In Action in Southeast Asia. Graduates wishing to contact the families of these men may do so through the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, Colo. 80840.
Maj. Frank D. Ralston, ’63
Maj. Robert M. Gilchrist, '63
Cpt. Gerald O. Alfred, Jr., '64
Cpt. James M. Jefferson, '64
Cpt. Thomas G. Derrickson, III, ’59
Cpt. James A. Crew, ’65
Maj. Terry T. Koonce, ’61
Cpt. Earl P. Hopper, Jr., ’65
Cpt. Peter D. Hesford, ’65
Cpt. David J. Rickel, ’64
Cpt. Francis L. Setterquist, ’66
Cpt. John S. Albright, ’67
Cpt. Morgan J. Donahue, ’67
Cpt. Frederick W. Hess, Jr., ’66
Cpt. Laurent L. Gourley, ’66
Cpt. Douglas D. Ferguson, '67
Cpt. Dennis G. Pugh, '67
Cpt. John E. Duffy, '68
Cpt. John L. Ryder, ’68
Cpt. Donald E. Shay, Jr., ’67
1 Lt. Ronald L. Bond, ’69
Cpt. Arthur H. Hardy, ’70
Cpt. Francis W. Townsend, ’70
Cpt. Michael J. Bosiljevac, ’67
Cpt. Craig A. Paul, ’69
Cpt. George B. Lockhart, ’69
1 Lt. Mark A. Peterson, '71
Cpt. Douglas K. Martin, ’69
1976 FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
Coach Ben Martin
By: Coach Ben Martin
The outlook for Falcon Football 1976 is for definite improvement. The seniors returning are dedicated to reestablishing a winning attitude while the newcomers appear to have excellent athletic potential. The offensive line must be rebuilt but the two key performers return at the anchor spot of tackle. Both Jim Weidmann and Gary Mittelstadt started every game a year ago and their experience should go a long way in molding a new unit. Graduation will take the number one receiver, TE John Covington; but veteran wide receivers, Craig Adams and Paul Williams return and are joined by a goodly number of spohomore hopefuls who promise to add speed at the flanks. Of course, in order to be effective in the passing game, a consistent and accurate passing quarterback is required. Gone is Mike Worden who was the Falcon's best passer; but four hopefuls are standing by for a shot at being the trigger man in the Air Force attack. Most experienced is Rob Shaw who started a few games and played in many others. Junior Nick Lynn will be joined by newcomers Russ Rosebush and Jim Lee. a pair of strong-armed sophomores who alternated as quarterback for the Varsity Reserve squad in 1975. The contest for the quarterback spot appears to be wide open and highly competitive. The deepest wealth of expcricence is at running
back where four veterans return led by two-time leading ground gainer Ken Wood. The others are nifty Dave Reiner; evasive Scott Bream and the quick Mark Bushell.
The defensive unit will miss the number one tackier, roverback Ray Wild and the versatility of linebacker Dave Lawson; but it appears that there is ample experience at most positions so as not to require a major rebuilding job. There are three returning regulars at end; Sandy Whaley, Dave Scott and Linwood Mason; all of whom have exceptional quickness. Whaley also saw action at linebacker. Phil Richmond provides achorage at the tackle spot while the linebacker corps is led by leading tackier Mark Kenney along with Brian Carney and Jack Kucera. The defensive backfield is in solid hands with the return of T. G. Parker and Jim Miller at the corners.
The biggest challenge to the staff will be to rebuild completely the kicking game. All-time great, Dave Lawson, will graduate this June and the loss of his long distance point production is of great magnitude. Also gone will be Tom Lange, whose punting consistantly aided the Falcons with good field position. Squad-wide tryouts will be held to fill these two important vacancies.
The 1976 schedule will be as challenging as previous slates as the Falcons face foes on a nation wide front, including bowl winners UCLA and Arizona State. FTopefulIy, the schedule will prove to be better balanced than the 1975 one when the more power-oriented opponents were bunched together and the Falcons had difficulty recovering from injuries to key players.
FALCON ICERS EARN 2ND-STRAIGHT WINNING SEASON
As expected, high scoring contributed to Air Force ice hockey’s second-straight winning season when the Falcons finished with a 16-10 record.
Junior Chuch Delich and sophomore Gary Batinich, two of the nation's leading scorers, led the Falcons to their fifth winning season in six years.
By season's end, Delich set or tied nine school records including most hat tricks at nine, most goals at 44 and most points at 79 (giving him 210 career points) while Batinich added 22 goals and 64 points. Of Delich’s 44 goals, 10 were short-handed and nine more were on power plays.
“Our defense did not develop enough to replace (Jerry) Michcletti and (Todd) Zejdlik, but they certainly improved,” Coach John Matchefts said. “Pedersen had his best year and
Priby1 proved to be an excellent leader and captain. With all but two players returning next year, we look for an improved team in 1977.”
The Falcons wound up with winning records both at home and on the road. One of the key series came against Army when the Falcons scored a 9-2 victory in the second game after bowing 3-0 in the opener. Other top victories included a 7-5 triumph over Pennsylvania for third place in the Utica (N.Y.) Invitational tournament and a sweep over Royal Military College of Canada by scores of 6-2 and 4-3.
With such players as Delich and Batinich back next season and a more experienced defense, the 1976-77 prospects of the Falcons appear bright.
AIR FORCE WINS 15TH WESTERN COLLEGIATE FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Air Force put together a strong combination of individual and team placements in the three-weapon classes to win its 15th Western Collegiate championship last weekend in Los Angeles.
Individually, Air Force placed five men in the Western Collegiate finals, two each in epee and sabre and one in foil. Air Force had two fifth-place finishers in Williams and MeLaughlin while Childress tied for seventh place.
Mark Whalen also placed seventh in sabre while Bob Sarnoski was ninth in epee.
In the preliminary competition at the Western Collegiates, two Air Force fencers went undefeated. Williams, a senior from Fayetteville, N.C., was 15-0 in foil while McLaughlin, a senior from New York City, was 14-0 in sabre.
Teamwise in the three-weapon classes. Air Force placed second in epee and sabre while finishing third in foil. Air Force had a 34-8 overall team record with the best performance being 13-1 in sabre followed by 11-4 in foil and 10-3 in epee.
FALCON SWIMMERS REWRITE RECORD BOOK
Air Force swimmers practically rewrote the record book on 6 and 7 March at the National Independent Championships in Columbia, S.C., when they set 11 school records and finished seventh as a team.
Four freshmen and one sophomore set 10 school records at the championships while a relay team of three lower classmen and one senior added the 11 th record.
“I'm absolutely delighted with how Air Force has performed in the National Independents,” said head coach Paul Arata. “We broke most of our school records there including our oldest standing record.”
Two of the records not broken at the National Independents this year were set by Jim Hogue, team captain and one of the two seniors on the team, who clocked 21.36 in the 50yard freestyle in 1975 and 46.97 in the 100-yard freestyle in 1974.
“We are losing only two seniors this year and considering individual results at the championships, Air Force’s future looks bright,” Arata added.
Freshman Frank Snyder set four school records at the championships in the 200 freestyle (1:42.51), 500 freestyle (4:38.03, earning him a ninth place), 1000 freestyle (9:46.28) and 1650 freestyle (16:14.97, sixth place). A three-time
record setter was freshman Joey Hackbarth. Although he did not place in the finals, Hackbarth broke the 100 breaststroke record (1:00.50), 200 breaststroke mark (2:12.88) and the 200 individual medley record (1:59.27). The oldest school record in the 200 breaststroke was set by two-time All America Steve Siegler in 1967 with a time of 2:13.65.
Hackbarth teamed with Hogue, freshman Steve Halvorsen and sophomore Doug Poorman to break the 400 medley relay record with a 3:34.13 time. Single record setters were Halvorsen in the 200 butterfly (1:55.64), Poorman, who claimed eighth place in the 200 backstroke with a recordbreaking time of 1:58.20, and freshman Rod Seamster, who contributed a 4:24.18 time in the 400 individual medley.
SPRING DRILLS TO START FOR FALCON GRIDDERS
Two priorities will be on the agenda when spring football drills open on 5 April at the Air Force Academy.
“Our first priority is to find and develop a new quarterback,” said Falcon head coach Ben Martin, who will enter his 19th season as Air Force Academy head coach this fall. “Our second priority is to rebuild the entire kicking game.”
Martin will have 24 lettermen among the approximately 100 players who will turn out for the drills. The Falcons will practice on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday each week with the windup of the 20 drills coming May 8 with the annual Blue-Silver game at Falcon Stadium.
A total of all starters are among the returning lettermen, including six on defense.
However, one of the key positions this spring will be at quarterback where two-year starter Mike Worden has graduated. Worden led the team in passing and total offense the last two seasons and was a good option runner.
The top candidates for Worden's spot are senior-to-be Rob Shaw, junior-to-be Nick Lynn and sophomores-to-be Russ Rosebush and Jimmy Lee. Shaw lettered as a reserve the last two seasons while Lynn and Rosebush both saw limited varsity action last fall but did not letter.
Another key area is the kicking game, both in punting and placekicking. Graduating is Dave Lawson, the Falcons' all-time leading scorer with 231 points as a placekicker. Lawson led the team in scoring the last three seasons and had four national and 15 school records. He also was a starting linebacker on defense.
Also graduating is Tom Lange, the regular punter the last three seasons who averaged 41.5 yards per kick last fall, one of the best marks in school history.
On the bright side, among the top returnees are five starters on offense—Gary Mittlestadt and Jim Weidmann at the tackles, Ken Wood at tailback, Mark Bushell at fullback and Craig Adams at flanker. Wood has led the team in rushing the last two seasons with a total of 1,133 yeards.
Defensively, returning starters include Dave Scott and Sandy Whaley at the ends, Phil Richmond at tackle, Mark Kenney at linebacker and T. G. Parker and Jim Miller at the cornerbacks.
Kenney was the second-leading tackier last season with 106 while Scott and Parker each had 87 tackles. Miller was the top pass interceptor with six while Whaley was the only freshman to letter, moving into a starting berth at midseason and coming up with 48 tackles. Richmond, a two-year starter, had 61 tackles in 1975.
LtCol Arthur G. Elser
8702 Nero St.
Annandale, VA 22003
The senior service school list came out a few weeks back and there were a few classmates on it. Dave ANDERSON, Jimmie JAY. and Jim RHODES will all go to beautiful Montgomery, Alabama, for Air War College. Robin KOZELKA and Ron LANMAN are going to be in Washingtin, D.C., for the Bicentennial as students at the National War College. I did not see any other 59ers on the school list. I guess that most of the fast burners have finished going to the senior level schools, and those of us with more normal career patterns have not yet started to go to school.
I see by the Air Force Times (see how hard up I am for information?) that Dave GOODRICH is leaving sunny Tucson for a tour at SHAPE Headquarters in Belgium. Dave paid the admission price with a tour here at the Pentagon, and I am glad to see him get two good assignments in a row. Speaking of the Pentagon—Jack HOWELL is now roaming the halls of this deformed circle. Jack has served his apprenticeship over at Systems Command Headquarters and is now an executive secretary for the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. Jack has really moved up in the world. He was the Academy Astrologer, has just finished up as the Systems Command Astrologer, and now I guess he is the Air Force Star Gazer and Almanac Maker. Nice work, Jack!!
I am extremely happy to report that this is the last of these columns that I will write. It is not that 1 dislike writing this column, but rather that I am happy to be leaving the Pentagon to go back out to the Academy to teach again. Wayne PITTMAN will once more take up writing this column. He is here at the Pentagon working for General TALLMAN in the Academy Activities Group of Personnel. Wayne and I decided that there are more 59ers in the D.C. area than in any other place in the world, and thus, this is the place to have the column written. Wayne’s address, for those of you who want to write to him is: LtCol Wayne C. Pittman, Jr., Apt. 927, 2000 S Eads St., Arlington. VA 22202; Home phone 979-8440, Autovon 22-72919.
Please do not give Wayne the same great support that you gave me. Write to him once in a while!!!! I would, however, like to thank those of you who did write to me during the past two years—both of you. Good luck, Wayne.
Maj. John Macartney 160 Arequa Ridge Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Res.: (303) 599-7482
Ofc. ext: (USAFA): 2270
The news is sad for the class of ’60 this issue. We lost a very good friend and beloved classmate when Mike LOVE died in an F-4 accident at Edwards AFB on March 1st. We’ll all miss him.
At this writing most of us are watching for the lieutenant colonel list with bated breath. By the time you read this that list will be history. Good luck!
Bruce MOSIER called yesterday and passed on a few tidbits. Bruce lives in Kansas City with his wife and three daughters. When he’s not flying for TWA, he’s attending the University of Missouri where he’ll soon earn an MS in nuclear engineering. Bruce is also a fighter pilot—he dirves F-100’s with the Sioux City ANG. (Say hello to Arnie Clark for me, Bruce.) He mentioned that Bert CROFT also is with TWA in Kansas City and that two ex-TWA second officers, John PEOPLES and Bill CURRIER, are now full time Air Guard technicians. John is with the Toledo ANG and Bill is with the New York Guard.
Jack BRUSH, dispenser of economic wisdom here at USAFA, visited the Pentagon last month where he ran into Tom SEEBODE, Miles CASPAR and A1 JOHNSON. Tom was hurrying down a corridor in a great rush, while Miles, a Pan Am pilot and a weekend warrior with the Air Guard, was monitoring the bar at the Andrews club. Jack says that Miles may have discovered the elixir of youth—nothing about him seems to have changed in the past 16 years. A1 JOHNSON looks a bit older but hasn’t really changed very much either. Gossip has it that A1 can be found on late Pentagon evenings belly-up to a very remarkable bourbondispensing Xerox machine. (His AOC is unaware of this.)
Jock SCHWANK, who is teaching psychology here, passes on the following from his Christmas cards. Bill
OUELLETE graduated from optometry school a year ago and is practicing in Brunswick, Maine where his lawyer is Dick AMES. Bill mentioned that Brian KALEY (another airline type) is living in Connecticut. Charlie LIGGET, Chief of Maintenance Control at Pease, has a new daughter, Debbie, born in September. Congratulations, Charlie and Kathy!
For a story with classmate interest, get your hands on a copy of the September 1975 issue of Airman magazine. Bob FISCHER—FAA check pilot and USAF reservist—handles a C-141 emergency that will raise your hair. Billy DELONY has PCS'd from Athens. Greece to Eglin AFB. and Ken ALNWICK has just gone from Florida to Bolling AFB (that was a brief assignment, Ken). If anyone has to face an FEB they may find a friend on the review board; rumor has it that's George ELSEA's job at MPC. Russ McDONALD is now a politico-military affairs officer in Brussels after completing a remote F-4 tour in Thailand. Fred PORTER arrived here at the Academy from Edwards the first of the year—he’s teaching Aero. Chris WARRACK, assistant football coach here, will be PSCing this summer to C-141’s at Norton.
Last night a cadet was asking me about this column. Seems he’s read it a couple of times and concluded that the entire class of 1960 must be with the airlines and/or the air guard. I told him that was not quite the case, but that the civilians do seems to be better writers and phoners than the “silent majority” of blue suiters out there. How about it guys? I can’t pass any word unless you supply it—my address is above, and my phone is (autovon) 249-2270. Guest columns encouraged.
Major Thomas L. Sutton
123 Mississippi Dyess AFB, TX 79607
Res. (915) 698-8748
Duty; 696-2147, Autovon: 461-2147
Darrell KOERNER called me a few days ago from the hallowed halls of the Pentagon to see what life is like out here on the windswept plains of West Texas. It seems that Frank WILLIS' MPC has decided that drought-stricken Abilene is the best location on God's mostly green earth for Darrell and Mary Francis. If the voters who lost the recent Abilene wet-dry election receive an answer to their prayers to the gods, the dry voters who won will suffer from lack of rain for years to come. I am still happy to be able to welcome Darrell and his family here even if most of the area will have blown to Dallas by then.
Darrell gave me a rather suspect report on the activities of several DC classmates. Tom SKILLING flies United Airlines aircraft once in a while so as to earn money to support his burgeoning dry cleaning chain. He’s become so successful that he recently journeyed all the way to Chicago to attend a national dry cleaning convention. I heard that part of the reason was to teach the rest of the dry cleaners the business, but I could never get straight which business.
After seven months Jack BRIGHT has finally learned how to find his way out of the basement of the Pentagon without assistance. Pete LANE's performance was of such questionable quality at the National War College that he was required to stay for another year. He insists that he is an instructor now, but I understand that there is some question.
Thom SCHUTT has so little to do at the Defense Mapping Agency that he seems to spend his time traveling be
tween Alabama to visit friends and Michigan to visit relatives. Of course he told me himself that he is spending all of his money trying to support the new house he purchased and that he spends all of his spare time with his family and with his many church jobs. Whatever he's doing, I know that he is busy at it.
Dave CARLSTROM is a member of a group of super brains known as the Defense Advance Research Project Agency (DARPA). Even Dave has yet to figure out what he does.
I understand that Lee BUTLER has a terrible time holding a job. The only surprising thing is that each job he holds for a few months is a better one than the last. He is now a member of AFB1TS (an acronym that no one knows the meaning of). He purportedly assists the Chief of Staff in preparing for appearances before congressional bodies.
I heard a rumor that Carlene STROM has recently celebrated her 21st birthday. It was nice that Terry could marry a girl only a year or two older than he.
Larry KARNOWSK1 is in a real bind. He is extremely desirous of hosting some European Polish Parties, but he has been unable to locate his “Pot of the Party” award. I’ve heard rumors that PB O'CONNER might know where it is or perhaps Shiela and John MAY. Whoever knows, Larry would like to.
Larry also reports that his job as chauffeur to General Haig is a real boondoggle. He feels morally obligated as a dedicated economist to report the whole thing to the GAO as soon as he is forced to accept PCS orders. Pat says that she is enjoying Europe as well. She and the boys enjoyed camping on some of those famous French beaches last summer. Larry didn’t commit himself, but I guess it isn’t necessary.
I received a special note from Hector NEGRONI. While spending much of the winter on rotation to Rhein-Main in Germany he enjoyed being royally entertained by Ken and Pam MACAULAY. Ken is the Chief of Operations Plans in the 435 TAW and, according to Hector, Pam is brilliant at the preparation of Chinese dinners.
Hector reports that the maintenance support at Hahn AB is super thanks to the special attention given it by the DCM, Col. Norm CAMPBELL. He was also quick to observe with pride that our class has registered another first. A quick glance at the 1975 Register of Graduates will reveal that Everett McCRARY is the first polygamist among the graduates. We Mormons salute you Mac for your fortitude. The rest of the class is proud too.
Speaking of Mormons JC CARLING did not go to Thailand as was reported in one of our back issues. He was told he could not go and would have to find something else to do. So he finally was forced to pick up one of those jobs that one finds left laying around. He is the Chief of the Test Division for the F-15 at Wright-Patterson with the task of monitoring and managing all testing on the F-15.
The test program has several of our classmates by the ears. The YC-15 prototype stopped through here a few weeks ago and the chief of that test program is old Robert KELLOCK. One of his right hand men is Johnny MOORE. They work out of Edwards right now. Wayne JONES is involved in the AMST program up at Wright-Patt, so if we ever get funding, the advanced transport may be rolling out of the hangar with 61 stamped on its tail.
As a final thought, I am sure that we all share in the sadness felt by the Dick MAY family at his passing. Dick was a great friend and companion during the cadet days and
was a true representative of the spirit of the class of 1961. Dick passed away on 13 October 1975 after an eight year illness hut his fighting spirit and friendliness remained to the last.
Maj. Dick Schoof 1310 Mead Terrace Woodbridge, VA 22191
Res.: (703) 491-5326
Duty: 69-51607
This is something new for me—that is having a public forum for a change. Pushing the tradition started by Dave a year ago. I am already compiling a list of likely candidates to take over this newsletter a year from now. At the top of that list will be those who correspond least. In spite of his profestations not to mention his name—that means he wants to see it in print—I take but a brief moment to thank Dave HOLT for the excellent series of newsletters he did for the class over the last year. In future issues I'll return to the theme of trying to provide slightly in-depth coverage of what various groups of RF.D TAGS are doing. For the present a clean up of old and an introduction to new business is in order.
Vcrn WOOD and Mike WILLIAMS provided a late entry from the wonderful world of the airline pilots. Vern writes from Vacaville CA that in addition to flipping switches as a second officer for Western, he spends his waking hours building a wholesale jewelry business and converting JP-4 to noise in STARLIFTER for the reserves at Travis. He also spoke of a moment or so of free time watching his wife, Jane and children, Patrick and Heather dash around. Mike also tries to enjoy relaxing and watching the kids grow when he is not commuting between Ft. Worth and L.A. in pursuit of Southern Cal’s MS in Systems Management. In order to keep sustenance on the table he handles Flight Engineer duties with American and does part-time instructing along the same line at the Flight Academy in Ft. Worth.
Prior to his departure for London with wife, Joyce and two daughters, where he will help Hertz spend its money. John FLANAGAN wrote that he reached the lofty rank of Major in the New York Area National Guard while maintaining IP status in the 0-2. John also reported entertaining Dick ELLSWORTH and Hal RHODES and other grads over the Christmas holidays.
Davc HOLT, who is now down by the sea at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, wrote that Chuck LARSEN is providing the beetle crunchers of the Seventh Infantry Division at Ft. Ord the inside track on requesting Tactical Fighter Support. Chuck and his bride, Charlotte and their two daughters have reportedly found a real home in the Monterey Bay area and are scouring the countryside in search of that just right permanent home site. The Larsens also related that Grant LANNON will soon be departing his B-l SPO assignment at the factory in L.A. for a C-135 Systems Command flying job out of Wright-Pat.
Doctor Bill HARVEY has moved to Randolph from Lackland. Mike QUINTON reports a new address in San Diego. Pete ROBINSON finally escaped the perils of Washington, D.C. and moved to Holloman in F-4 operations. Mitch ECKEL has crossed the state border from New Hampshire and taken up residence in Concord. Maine. Bob HUNTSMAN has departed the hallowed halls of SAC for Richfield, Utah. George HARRISON has reported to the 4485th Test Sq.. Eglin AFB, Florida after spending the previous year at Udorn, Thailand. Herb ALTMAN has departed Dayton,
Ohio and is in Brussels to spread the word of the magnificence of the F-16.
It is with deep regret that I report the death of Doug TOCADO who had a fatal civilian aircraft crash near Estes Park, Colorado on 29 February. From all the RED TAGS we extend our sincere sympathy and condolences to his wife, Ann.
In mid-March, Washington area grads assembled at the Bolling O’club for one or two wet ones, some choice words from BGen McDermott (ret) and the strains of the Air Force Band’s Strolling Strings. Unfortunately I didn't get to talk to all the RED TAGS and their ladies who showed up, but I will relay a word or two of the overheard concersation. Since Jackie and Reb DANIEL were early arrivals, they provided a rallying point for Joan and I who were looking for friendly faces. Reb says that few people really call him that anymore and his name tag was touting a hastily inscribed "Jerry” vice the Gerald someone had erroneously typed in. JoAnn and Paul LANDER soon joined the crowd as did Gay and Walt WICKLINE. Walt implied that he was a reluctant captive of the D.C. area. Bob and Judy BAXTER were extolling the virtues of the country squire life in anticipation of their pending move to Upper Hayford, England, where Bob will be the Wing Assistant Director of Operations. Jeanee Blaisdell was giving Judy some of the fine points regarding the proper way to sit on English heaters to maximize heat absorption. Rip BLAISDELL will soon join the ranks of those who have looked to USC to provide our post graduate enlightenment. Don and Joan HUTCHINSON related their eight month experience of living “on the economy”—that’s no commissary for many miles—at Korat. Thailand, a year or so ago. As the evening was drawing to a close, Rick WHEELER was trying to convince me that based on his exhaustive research, older fighter pilots do it better—and have more fun. At least, I believe that’s the order in which he stated them.
In the weeks ahead. I'll he getting in touch with some of you for information I can feed into future issues. Of course, you don’t have to wait for me. I’ll be more than happy to hear from your first.
Maj. Skip Lee
3254 Nottingham Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Res. 601-875-1667 Ofc. (Atvn. 868-2379) 601-377-2379
The Grey Flannel types are in the news this quarter. Simplex Industries (ASE) have recently announced Robert D. McBETH has assumed the presidency of its products group. The Group manufactures a wide range of laminated, paper based products. Sales are to the building, mobile home, packaging and automotive markets. Where’s my broker? Bob, your haircut does seem to meet military(?) standards! Congratulations! J. T. HEAL has joined Paine, Weber, Jackson and Curtis as a Vice President. Jeff, Sandy and family live in Youngstown, Ohio. While playing tennis last year Jeff received a phone call that his house was on fire. At first a prank call was suspect but, sure enough, as Jeff ran home in his tennis shorts, the house was in fact burning. According to J. T., Ron McCOLLUM also works for PWJ&C in Seattle.
Cards and letters: Linda and I received welcome Christmas notes from the following: Sue and Denny HAYCRAFT in Grand Forks (enjoy a white Christmas every year) North
Dakota. Betty and Drue DEBERRY who are living on base at Travis where Drue is navigating ‘‘Fat Albert." and Jeanie and Phil TATE who arc loving their stay in "High Country." Cards were also received from Joyce and Bud G1LLTGAN and Arnie and Patti PATCH1N. Bud writes he is now with the Plans Directorate. Pacific-East Asia Division. HQ USAF. Some of the familiar faces Bud has seen while wandering lost around the halls of the Pentagon include: Plans Directorate— Gary SABIN. Sam WESTBROOK and Jim WEAVER.
Robert D. McBeth
President. Simplex Industries Paper Products Croup
studying for an MS in Engineering Management. Norman E. WELLS—Asst Ops Officer 80 TFS. Kunsan AB, Korea, and Ike PAYNE (IV) from Dayton to Washington. DC, AF/ RDQF. Ike beat the system in the Washington area with low-cost housing. The Paynes reside on base at Bolling. 1582E Eglin Way.
In closing I would like to conduct a poll—not political— as to how many would be interested in a possible class shindig in conjunction with the anniversary of our 15th year (1978)? If so, now is not too soon to start some planning. Would any of the class officers be interested in honchoing the affair? This column would be an excellent vehicle for exchanging views and passing information on the subject.
Did you know a boat is nothing more than a hole in the water where you pour money? Now that the weather is warmer etc., come on down and I’ll take you out fishing or water skiing. Here’s hoping the next column will mention some of your names as Lt Col selectees.
Maj. Rod Wells
105 Fox Hill Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Res. 303—599T966 Ofc. 303-472-3439
Downstairs in the Ops Directorate he found Will RUDD and Harry WILSON. Other miscellaneous areas include Mike FOLEY—OSD, Joe Lee BURNS—AF/RD. and Dick GUILD and Steve DOTSON in Studies and Analysis. During a TDY to PACAF, Bud ran into Jim JAMERSON PACAF Plans and Hank HORTON—314 Air Division Plans. Korea. Arnie PATCH IN reports he has just returned from Defense Systems Management School and that he and Pattie expect PCS orders to Dayton or LA. The Patchin clan ineludes three sons: Christian (9). Peter (7) and Chuckie (3) a “chip off the old block.” Stationed at Robins AFB with the Patchins are Mary and Don SHILLICUTT and their three children.
I also heard from John HEIDE. His letter arrived in two parts having been damaged in transit and was difficult to piece together. Despite the puzzle like format 1 did make out a few bits and pieces of information like John has turned in his FR-4 as a RECON item and replaced it with a desk as a maintenance support officer with the 381 SMW Supply Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kansas. John's last tour was a 7% month stint in SEA as Director of Operations and. at the last, Commander of the 14TRS. During his tour, the following Yellow Tag names were collected: Bill ARDEN of TAC ATTACK fame—Wing Exec at Udorn, Dave MORGAN—out of work with JUSMAG. Chuck OGREN-F4 at Udron, and Kent HARBAUGH in Recon at Bergstrom.
Awards and Decorations: George BARNES was awarded the seventh Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal for his participation in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and crew. George is assigned to the 345 TAS(MAC) at Yokota. Richard D. MARTIN received his second award of the Air Force Commendation Medal for ouastanding service as Air Weapons Officer, 307 Strat Wing. U-Tapao Air Base. Thailand. Other accomplishments of not included Paul MOORE’s successful completion of the AFIT program at Writght-Patterson. Paul earned a Masters Degree in Systems Engineering and is assigned as a Development Engineer, HQ TAC. Langley AFB, Va.
Change of address: William H. OLSON from VMI (ROTC) to APO SF 96366, Joe L. HICKS—UCLA/AFIT
As you read these lines USA FA will be in the throes of springtime—finals week, Vandenberg Beach, increased privileges. June Week, marriage vows, sweet goodbyes—all lost in the hazy exhaust of a heavily-financed Belchfire 8 peeling away from the Zoo at Mach 3. But enough nostalgia, what’s happening to those yesteryear hopefuls?
Locally. Gary ANDERSON is on his way to C-130s at Little Rock (now you see Ramstein. now' you don’t); Dave SAMUELS to Thuds at George; and Mike ROBBINS to R-F4s at Kadena (Mike tells me that Tim KLINE will soon be there in F-4s).
Elsewhere we find Doug "Swarf” C’ATHCINGS going remote from Eglin to Tainan AB with the 9th AF Contract Maintenance Center; John BOLES finishing 106 upgrade at Tyndall and on his way to Griffis AFB; John SHRINER moving from Dallas to Richardson, Texas; Leland CONNER from San Diego to Santee, Calif.; Doug THOMPSON from San Francisco to Sacramento; Jon PRENEZ and Bob HOVDE to AFSC; Ralph GRAHAM from Albuquerque to the Puzzle Palace; John MURRAY to the 89th MAW at Andrews; and Al Rogers finishing BUF checkout and going to Mather vice Ellsworth.
Kudos are due Rich BENNETT who finished his master’s in aero at AFIT. Greg MIHEVE for receiving the MSM for his work in intelligence at HQ TAC, Warren LAWS for attaining the Pocket Rocket at Plattsburg, and Ron BUNCH for the AFCM earned for civil engineering work at Izmir. Turkey.
Notes and Quotes Dept: Bill DOUGLASS is alive, yet disturbed at Luke. He was apparently well enough to receive writing privileges with a dull crayon. I was able to decipher a few threads of coherence: Jim LEMON is in F-15s at Langley, John SWEENY still churnin’ and burnin’ with an east coast airline, Lanny BURRILL as an F-4 WSO at Ramstien. Rich BEDARF as a squadron commander at Lakenheath, l.es BAER at Luke “simulating” everything from F-4 training to making love, Jim FIORELI.I and George BRANCH flying for the ANG at Tucson. Tim O'KEEFE at Luke in the F-15 OT&E, Tom MAHAN as an F-4 IP at Holmstead, Tom WALSH at George, and Randy VAETH
in SR-71s at Beale. Thanks for the poop Bill; here’s hoping you'll soon he 100%.
Found: One large, sometimes belligerent, graduate answering to the name of Dave SICKS. Presently managing a pipeline company in Anchorage, being sought for carnal knowledge of a polar bear. Address available from Rip THOMAS. Also found: One slightly greasy Italian who calls himself Pete CALDARELLI. Will occasionally open eyes long enough to find a bed. Working for 9th AF Stan Eval at Shaw.
Would You Believe Dept: “Tuffy" WHITMAN married at last, flying for American Airlines, and living the life of a Vacaville, Calif., horticulturalist? Or Ron BEISS finishing Baylor Law and joining the Houston firm of Eulbright and Jaworsky (yes, that Jaworsky)? Well then how about a bouncing baby boy named Tom McNISH. Jr.?
Weil, that’s all the smoke I can blow for now folks; I'm looking forward to a summer of camping, writing lesson plans, and helping AOCs in Jack fn Jill's) Valley. PSSSSST —Hey GI—My AUTOVON is 259-3439.
Tim McConnell
Qtrs. 431 IE USAF Academy CO 80840 Autovon 259-3150 Res. 303-472-1422
Congratulations to those on the majors list as well as to those nominated and selected for intermediate service schools. If you are interested in unofficial statistics, 227 of our classmates were promoted in the primary zone. Using 300 as the approximate number of officers on active duty when the board met, and subtracting the 38 turkeys who were promoted early, we get 262 officers eligible in the primary zone. The success rate then is at least 86.6%. This does not take into account our classmates in sister services or USAF M.A.S.H. detachments. Since the EC list will be public when you read this. I’ll also venture premature congratulations to any of the 31 ’65ers who are in contention and happen to surface.
On the local scene, Astro majors will recall fondly Major (now Colonel) Riccioni’s classes in optimal mathematics which also included a survey of great Italian renaissance men. As he explained the rationale of the homicidal chauffer, he also reminded us of our debt to the Italian masters—from Dante to Douhet, Raphael to Riccioni.
We are especially indebted to the latter for his contributions to tactical warfare. He introduced and advocated the double-attack system (fighter-tactics ladies) over seven years before TAC adopted it. He also argued against total dependence upon relatively few, very sophisticated, very expensive fighters (F-15 class) suggesting instead greater numbers of lighter, cheaper fighters with comparable maneuverability. A first version of this fighter (F-16) will soon be operational. Colonel Riccioni returned to USAFA in February espousing still another avant-garde notion—the Super Cruiser. A Super Cruiser being a fighter aircraft that cruises economically at supersonic speed, engages the enemy in a turning duel at intercontinental range, and cruises home again at supersonic speed. The Super Cruiser contrasts with current and planned fighters in having persistence at supersonic speed vis-a-vis dash only capability.
Representing the Flight Dynamics Laboratory at WrightPat., Colonel Riccioni called and chaired a week-long conlerence in H-l on the feasibility of the Super Cruiser. The conference attracted the best minds of the aerospace R&D
community; so it was with unfeigned humility and perhaps even reverence that I slipped into a rear pew of H-l. And, as we all had done so often as cadets, I peered intently at the wall screen as the lights dimmed. Unhappily, somewhere between the optimal lift coefficient slide and the excess power chart I fell asleep. I woke to find myself drooling on my tie under the icy stare of the renaissance man himself. Having much to do that day (don’t you know), I departed seconds before the session ended. Looking back on the whole affair, I must fault Colonel Riccioni’s judgment for supposing that the lecture hall which has spawned so many super-snoozers could possibly give birth to the Super Cruiser.
Still on location—at Peterson Field—the lady ATO’s are receiving orientation rides in the T-37. Predictably, the first “maiden” flight was piloted by a very proper colonel. A crew chief told me the flight was uneventful but the boarding went badly. With cameras grinding (historic happening) the lady placed her foot in the stirrup (one small step for womankind, one giant step for women's lib). She then hoisted herself sprightly to full stature, flashing a Lindbergh smile. The smile vanished with Earhart suddenness, however, when she stumbled on the canopy rail and pitched backward under the weight of her parachute. Looking, the crew chief said, like a nomex lady bug, she toppled toward the ramp. Fortunately (you would think), the colonel was directly behind her. But alas, torn between impulse and decorum (the cameras were still grinding) and perhaps aware that if something is fun it can't be proper, he let decorum hold sway. That is all it held, for the lady plopped where she should have been propped. The second landing, the airplane's, was much gentler; and our aviatrix alighted triumphant. Seriously, we are told that the ladies are progressing well in their rigorous training program and should be ready for the 150 female cadets who arrive in June.
Around and about. Until recently I'd never seen a struggling medical student, although I’d always heard a lot about the sacrifices they traditionally endure. Six months ago one visited me, and I include his picture so that you too can fully realize the depth of his privation.
Summer (Med School Style)
At first glance he appears to be right out of the Great Gatsby era. but closer scrutiny will place him in our class. His most notorious role was that of Do-Do All Star. Yep, it's Butch DEACON (Mr.). He's in his second year of medical school at Tufts and is encountering the same academic difficulties he did at USAFA and MIT—none. As a matter of fact, I discovered he just contracted (in national competition) a preceptorship in anaesthesiology at the Mass. General Hospital in Boston. At first, I didn't know whether to congratulate him or send a get-well card. Butch said he’s
Doolie
looking forward to it though, so I guess it can't he terminal. Back to the picture, you’ll notice he’s drinking a Heinekin's which can be picked up for a decal or two at most food stamp redemption centers. Struggle on Butch!
Back at USAFA again. Jack FERGUSON wanted you to know he and Chris have a second little one, Joy Fleather, born on 15 Nov. 75. Jack is teaching in the astro-computer science department. This is his first year on the faculty, and he's been working around the clock I presume.
Bob PENRY writes that he has resigned his commission in the Air Force to accept one with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He will be flying their Miami based research aircraft and invites us all to stop by for a NOAA grog. His address: 7260 S.W. 134th Terrace, Miami 33156. Good luck Bob.
A note of tragedy. I was sorry to hear of the death of Lee HOLLINGSWORTH on 26 Dec. 75. On behalf of our class I extend our condolences to his family and to his many close friends among you.
The wild blue yonder. One no longer needs to read Shakespeare to be made aware of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Almost any issue of the Air Force Times contains enough chill news to frost the darling buds of May, and even some of June's. It is fortunate, indeed, that the professional airman does not take tally of the lavish indulgences that a grateful nation now seeks to reduce. It is a tribute to his dedication that he remains at his station, with fallow eye straying only occasionally to the headlines as he forges a steady keel in the economic tempest.
It is, indeed, unfortunate that at the same time. DOPMA and the new OER should arrive to suggest opportunities for sacrifice that only ten years ago were undreamed of. Yet even with morale in a bear market mood, the professional airman does not indulge the temptation to grumble or to criticze by droll innuendo his seeming plight.
Nor does he make light of new policies by innane titterings. Steadfast he remains. He does not suggest that DOPMA is a secret acrynym for "Ask not what your country can do for you," or perhaps the more obvious "Don't over pay the military." He does not facetiously criticize the large numher of retired officers who did not get out after 19 years— thus bringing on our economic whoa. Neither does he look askance at those who suggest that free medical service may, in part, contribute to the outrageous old ages of many of our retirees. Nor does he observe that the officer corps, like all Gaul, is divided into three parts. And that, whereas Caesar required seven years to demoralize the Gaulic tribes, dejection is rampant in II and III corps after only one OER cycle. Noooo. He does none of these things.
But he does unconsciously reach for his buckler as he awaits the postman's delivery of each issue of the AF Times. Defensive? Yes. Disenchanted? It is difficult to be otherwise. The "erosion of benefits" is not the cause of his discomfiture, however. The real rub is the underlying assumption, of nearly all the articles, studies and analyses, that his motives are fundamentally mercenary.
But we were reminded last month that “pay-comparability" and "X factor compensations” cannot sustain some missions, that remuneration is not the sine qua non of the airman: Lance SI JAN, Medal of Honor winner. Class of 1965. We share your parents’ pride—and sorrow. Your saga of suffering and of stoic manliness have placed you in the Valhalla of our profession. It will remind us always of the meaning of the oath we took with you, and of the true nobility of our calling.
Capt. J. O. McFalls 1 10 Chandler Road Goldsboro, NC 27530 736-2696. Auto. 488-6563
As the year of the hig Ten Year Reunion, the Country's Bicentennial Celebration, and the Primary Zone finally gets into full swing—there’s one of the "Blood that Sticks” who won't be here to experience any of these long awaited events with the rest of us. Late in the evening, February 12th, Ray MILBERG phoned with the tragic news that Geoff TOWNE had been killed in a light airplane crash! He was serving as a Civil Air Patrol advisor and had finished visiting two or three of the installations in the state of Vermont. He wasn't the pilot of the Cessna 172, but deteriorating weather took its toll as he and three others attempted to make the field at Burlington. Everyone who knew Geoff remembered him as a happy-go-lucky, carefree individual who was always ready to go out of his way to help someone else. We’re going to miss him.
Ray did have other news, but most of it amounted to a comparison of assignments. I guess when you're inundated with snow in Montpelier in mid-February, you're ready to trade anybody. If anyone's interested in an Assistant ROTC Professorship, where you're right on top of the ski slopes, give Ray and Candy a call.
The PCS crunch we’ve been reading about in the AF Times must really be in effect. Our Class' change-of-address total this issue was so low that I confused the pack of 15 cards with my Mastercharge bill! I have seen and heard from a few of the hard corps, though—so I'll relate the scattered news and then get down to the real business at hand.
Ken LORD dropped in TDY to Seymour from his RF-4 at Shaw last week to ride with the T-38 aggressors, as they wreaked havoc on TAC’s only air-to-air operational wing. I’ve heard from other sources that Ken and Bobbi are really playing the wealthy land owner roles down in Sumter. They must have a beautiful home.
Speaking of T-38s, our own Hugh GOMMELl. finished at Nellis and is in position with PACAF’s aggressor squadron at Clark. What a way to go remote—he’s been there two months and already he’s coming home TDY for the month of April for USAF’s big Red Flag Exercise at Nellis! I’m sure you'll hear no gripes from Kathy.
I saw Dale FOWLER effeciently shuffling papers in his MAJCOM staff job at Langley last month. He’s the guy responsible for all our F-4 deployments of late.
One of the shortest PCS's on record has to belong to our own White House Fellow, Randy JAYNE, as he attempted to settle down at Homestead. No sooner than he and Nancy had checked in. he got a call from the Pentagon. Seems as if the Secretary of Defense needed his services. Now he's looking for a house in the D.C. area!
The meat of this issue has to center around the social event of the century—the Ten Year Reunion of the Class of 1966! I talked to Bud KELLEY out at the Prep School last week. He confirmed his volunteer status for the chairmanship of our committee. Knowing "Uncle Bud,” he'll recruit the two of our guys who just signed in this year—Bill BUTT and Ed PETERSEN. He also mentioned Manen CLEMENTS would love to help from his I O shop. Now I'm sure you others will want to get in on the act. So give Bud a call in the English Dept, (can you believe that?) of the P-School. He’ll probably start having committee meetings as you read this.
So far the only details I have are:
On the weekend of 16 October 1976, the football opponent is Colorado State University. I contacted Mrs. Weber of
the Alumni Office to find out what was “mandatory.” Her reply was that not really anything; however, we should plan on a memorial ceremony on Saturday morning, the Homecoming game, and the Jahara Award that night. The rest is up to us. I've heard ideas from a re-enactment of a “Wing Ding" on Friday, to a “Golden Bee" Blowout. Obviously. there’s much yet to do.
For us Prep Schoolers—Eddy SHIRLEY has indicated a desire to organize the first anniversary of the initial USAFA Prep School Class of 1962. Basically, plan to be there on Thursday of the big weekend. More on that later. Everyone should be collecting memoribilia of those "scarlet" years and plan to bring it all with them. There will be games, prizes, etc. In a nutshell. I promise this will not be one of those typical, stodgy reunions! Let us hear from you
Mr. Larry Wilson
Stanford Manor Apt. 206 1110 Stanford Rd. Grand Forks, ND 58201
I can scarcely believe it: I received mail this time, and will be able to draw upon real grass-roots information rather than only that furnished by the AOG or the products of my own fertilized mind. A good portion of the current notes, as in the past, were written to me by wives, rather than grads per se. And that leads me into my next paragraph.
To all the wives who have furnished personal and newsletter information—and over the years there have been many —thank you. And 1 apologize for not in the past having properly recognized your contributions. For those who have not written—consider doing so. Your husbands in most cases are too damned lazy.
My inspiration for that comment was the nice not I received from Carol, Mrs. Dale STOVALL. She reported that Dale is attending the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery. AL. Bob and Teddi SELKE and Ralph and Tommi FEMRITE are also at ACSC, and Bob, Ralph, and Dale were on last fall's Maxwell AFB championship football team. She described Dale as being the ACSC class dummy as he does not yet have a Master's Degree as do many of his contemporaries—so he is attending night school at Alabama U. to get an MBA. Others mentioned by Carol were Rosie and Tom TWOMEY. who had their first child in October of last year—the day after the Stovalls had their first.
Kansas mud and Army green apparently have addled Pete BETTINGER's never-too- stable mind: it seems that he has been seriously considering an interservice transfer to the grunts. He has been at Fort Riley in Manhattan, Kansas (the city that is more famous for being Lloyd F. DUNCAN's home) for a year and could spend another two there unless the slim possibility of a flying assignment for September comes through. Pray for Pete, and for the Army, that he gets the transfer. He has seen Clete SIMMONS and describes him as wearing a beard with little other hair remaining on his head. Clete is surviving Vanderbilt's law school where he is in his fourth semester.
On the back of two USAFE Forms 24, "Runway Supervisor Log,” came a note from Cash JASZCZAK, in RAF Lakenheath. England. There is quite an AFA contingent there, including such notables as Ed GUNTER as a Security Police officer; Ed DANIELS as a weapons officer; John LEE and Frank CHUBA who are flight commanders; and Bob MANN who was on his way back to the US. He knew
of several others’ activities, the most interesting of which may be Flick GUERRINA, who separratcd and is selling heavy equipment in the Mid East; and Roy P. MILLER, who as a civilian in Tempe, Arizona, is a budding politician. Cash cmpathasized with my feeling toward the Red River Valley: his home is—Heaven forbid—north of here, and he has the good sense to return as infrequently as possible.
The KNOBLOCH’s Christmas letter related that Bob is teaching forecasting and staff weather courses at Chanute AFB, Illinois, while his wife, Teeny, is the “first equine extension veterinarian in the US," working for the U of Illinois Vet School. Her description of her work indicates that it is similar to the family practice medical specialty that is becoming increasingly popular. They have a 3-year-old daughter Linnea.
From the AOG—several Commendation Awards have been awarded, to Rich ROWAN. John PLETCHER, Ric WEIZENEGGER, and Bill ABRAHAM. Changes of address include Gary HOLMAN, from Denver where he has spent all but two of the past nine years, to Los Angeles; Barry CRANE to the Laser Division of the Weapons Lab at Kirtland AFB; Glenn HOWERTON to 5th AF HQ in Yokota, Japan, from the Air Intelligence Course in Denver; Jim WHITE to Randolph AFB as a Personnel Staff Officer; and Greg BAILEY to the State Dept, in Washington, DC.
I don’t know how many of you all saw the show, but Bill and Patti HURLEY were featured on a “60 Minutes” TV show earlier this year concerning women in business. Bill wrote that he is "hanging in there in Altlanta,” spending his spare time watching Eastern Airlines slowly sink into ruin after they furloughed him. It serves Eastern right.
I am presently in the midst of a classic AF runaround, concerning, naturally, pay. It seems that the BAQ to which I was entitled during my active duty stint is chargeable to “No One ..." first the Reserve pay section said that is was the responsibility of the base where I did the duty, then the base finance office said "no way—apply or it through the Reserve Center.” then Reserve Center said "We’ll take care of it—send us your paperwork," then they lost the paperwork and again claimed that it was the base’s responsibility anyway. Now the base says that it can do nothing without the original documentation. Catch 22, anyone? Or is this the newest AF way to economize?
Peace and best wishes.
Capt Mark A. Torreano Qtrs 4409G USAFA, CO 80840 Res. 472-0713, Ofc. 472-2009
Gosh, it's good to be back with you folks again. I sure missed your smiling faces, animated telephone conversations and breezy letters since the last newsletter, so lets get on with it. Locally, its been a real bummer, what with the “Dark Ages” and all. I recently tried to worm my way into a PhD program in gear, but they mentioned something about when asked for articles I had written, I could only direct them to this column. Well, not only did they not get the PhD program in gear, but they mentioned something about trying to get my MA taken away. So be advised I perform this task at considerable personal risk. Another bit of personally unhappy news is the impending departure of Lt Colonel Karl Schwentzfeier, USAAF gymnastics coach since '64. “Coach,” who was selected to be the Olympic gymnasties team coach this summer, will be retiring this summer to become head coach at Penn State, his alma mater. I’m
sure he’d appreciate hearing from his former gymnasts. USAFA also has the Olympic wrestling coach Major Wayne Baughman. Quite an achievement for our sports program. Other “depressing" factors lately have been some rather bad, snowy weather and the fact that 1 have recently embarked upon the SOS correspondence course. Dull and boring! But it is definite square filler that's a “must" with the new OER system and the fact that 33 classmates were recently passed over for the second time to permanent captain I mean, what happened to the good old days, when they told us being a grad guaranteed full colonel?
I think I’ll put in a suggestion that all visitors to MPC be greeted with a recording of “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden,” although most of us expected at least a window box. Anyway, for those passed over, I know that I speak for all of us that, while you can be forced out of the Air Force, you're never out of the class. The “cooperate and graduate” spirit is still strong in the class and no matter what different paths we take on the way to that big blue rack in the sky, we’re all in it together. So, don't be strangers after all we’ve been through together.
Local Personalities: After alerting you in the last column to the fact that DK ALLEN was in Thailand, guess who I saw in the steam room here with nothing on but his patented scowl? Young David is now a soaring instructor in the Comm Shop, “topping windswept heights with easy grace.” This makes six '68 footballers in the area now: (JANSSEN. WYNGAARD, STARKEY, HANNIG, BAER, and ALLEN). Rumor has it that Ben is going to try telling the NCAA eligibility committee that he's red shirted these guys for eight years. Dave said he was really happy to be back and he's looking forward to knocking around the EE labs in his spare time, doing research he had wanted to do as a cadet but didn't have time for. John LONGNECKER and Tony EDEN are now here, both teaching in the CE/Mech Department. Tony just came from AFIT where he was a distinguished grad, receiving his MS in CE Facilities. John also just finished his MS in Aero Engineering at AFIT and is teaching courses in mechanics. He likes the weather around here a whole lot better than Dayton, Ohio, and is enjoying teaching cadets. A1 BLUM BERG popped up, leaving a job in Operations with the 317th Tac Airlift Wing (C-130s) at Pope AFB to become an alter ego to Carl JANSSEN in the Liaison Office in Harmon Hall. Al is responsible for coordinating liaison officer activities in the mid west and northwest, which has about 500 LOs. His activities as a part-time liaison officer while at Pope helped get him the job, so all you guys out there who want to make sure the Academy gets good inputs might contact Carl or Al (2592640) about helping out. Remember, there are women candidates now in need of counseling. Al says he also had time at Pope to pick up an MBA and work hard enough to receive an OLC on his commendation medal. Wife, Barbara and daughter. Beth (18 months) are also here with Al. You know, 12 years ago, Carl and Al couldn't even spell “Liaison Officer” and now they lead them. Kind of scary, isn’t it?
I saw Ken McELREATH and Bill CRIMMEL at a conference I was involved with in January, the “Air-to-Air Fire Control Review.” Catchy name, isn't it? Ken is a "civil servant” now (GS-12?) and works for Systems Command at Wright-Pat. Bill is an engineer at the test pilot school at Edwards. Tom KRAMER called while in transit between Breckenridge and Taos. He has developed a rare disease known as the Marcus Welby Syndrome” and decided to become a doctor. In his last year at the Indiana University med school, he plans on a career in surgery or family practice. I wonder if that his anything to do with practicing with wife, Carol, to have a family? I know all of Tom’s classmates
from 17 Sq are confident Tom will be a great doctor, recalling his numerous experiments with certain bodily functions and a lighter in the darkened TV room. Garry DUDLEY was also in town on his way to his T-38 IP assignment at Del Rio that I mentioned in the last column. The Dudley family is growing, with Debbie (5) recently joined by brother Mark (Garry said he wasn't named after me, but I know he just didn't want to embarrass me) and Garry recently joined by about 25 lbs. He blames it on working day and night for the masters degree he earned at Langley. Finally. Bob DURHAM was in town from Hawaii over the holidays visiting his inlaws enroute to SOS and trying to get an assignment in the Comm Shop. Jason (5) discovered last August that a stranger named Jennifer Lepeka Durham had moved into the room next to him. Both Bob and Cathy have completed master’s degrees, in Systems Management and Education respectively.
Letters: So many good ones this time I don’t know where to start, so I'm just going to close my eyes and pick one Ah, I see I’ve chosen Boh PETERSEN's. Bob is an attorney at Ramstein (Hq USAFE) with duty as an administrative judge on the USAFE Board of Contract Appeals. The main purpose of the letter, however, was to send some news of other '68ers who had gathered for a going-away party for Steve and Judy McPHAIL, who were PCSing to Tyndall from Steve’s job on the CINCUSAFE Current Ops Briefing Team. Steve and Judy left Europe with twin boys born in August. Quite a nice achievement, Judy. Also at the party were Charlie HOLLAND, Directorate of Operations, Stu THOMSON, a T-39 driver, and Jim “Country Boy” FARLEY. an intelligence officer working on a Sec Def AWACS task force. Charlie, Stu. Bob, Steve and Jim were accompanied by wives Jan. Nancy, Diane, Judy and Judy respectively. The photo below is a pictoral record of the event. I'm told the glasses did not contain wine, but were used for effect only. Thanks for the help. Bob. There must be more of you getting together out there, so send in photos.
Charlie SEIFERT writes from McGuire AFB, where he is in current Ops at 21st Air Force, coming from a 21st AF unit at Pope AFB, where he was exec officer and received an OLC to his commendation medal. Charlie says he will be in the harness again come May 1 when he gets married in Boston. He didn't mention the girl’s name so I hope its not a deal where he just going to wander around the “Commons” until he spies a charming lass and pops the question. Charlie expects Ed “Plasticman” ABRAMEK to be on hand for The Event. Ed lives in Woonsocket, RI, with wife, Linda, and their two boys, where he is in business with his father. Fred “Checkman” GROSS is a C-130 “blackhatter” at 21st AF Stan/Eval where he strikes terror into the hearts of Re-
Here's to you! The wine is great over here!
servists and Air Guardsmen. Mike “Oilman” WAGNER lives near McGuire in Newark. Delaware. Mike is out, has a masters in chemical engineering and works at a Sun Oil refinery at Marcus Hook, NJ trying to keep the New Jersey air clean. Dave 'Weekendman” MOORE is a C-141 reservist and working full time in the civilian aviation market. Good letter, Charlie. Thanks.
A1 L1M dropped a note on his activities as a phone power specialist with the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company in San Francisco and Mike FREEBORN sent a nice note from his law office in Chicago to compliment me on the column. Flattery will get you no where, Freeborn. Besides lawyers aren’t allowed to advertise yet so I'm sending that list of fees you asked me to publish to the ethics committee of the local bar. Greg SHUEY sent another letter to tell me he was not assigned to ejection seat development at Wright-Pat as I said in the last column but I lost the letter and have forgotten where he did go. Try again. Greg?
HTNR/AC/AFT: G uess what the acronyms stand for and win a slightly used but interesting pair of homonyms. Boh BEHR has left Mather for Wright-Pat, Mitch DORGER went from Mather to Cannon, and A1 D1EEMAN is now a “Mr.” in Dallas. Jim COCHRAN has moved from San Antonio to MacDill. Bob OHNSON is at SAMSO-YE in LA, and Steve PEDERSON has departed MacDill for Spangdahlem AFB. Phil WALDRON is now in North Wales, PA engaged in unknown activities, while Dick “ABC” Coe has been dealt another cruel blow by MPC and is a student at the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, CA. Ni nyan shu jung gwo hwa ma? SOS attendees include Cort DUROCHES. Tony ROBERTSON, Kim ANDERSON, and Doug BARNARD. Medals were garnered by Steve PEDERSON (Commendation Medal for duty with the 23rd TASS at NKP) and Dan BARKER (MSM while a facilities design engineer at the Special Weapons Center, Kirtland). Dan is now at AFIT as a student, while Bob SALLEE has just completed his MS in systems management and has remained at Wright-Pat as a systems project management officer.
Trip Report. In late January, I was sent on a special mission to observe conference techniques at the USAF Conference Center at Homestead AFB. Enroute I stopped at MacDill and spent a pleasant evening with Bob and Karen POHLMAN. Bob and Karen fixed a great meal and invited Hal SMITH over. Hal brought along a date, Angelica, and the five of us engaged in a discussion of times gone by. Names that popped up included DOWSING. PARDEE (remember the Thanksgiving Hop, Skip?), BEAN BLOSSOM, LIM, LITZ, COOK, RENGEL, WITTENBERG, KURZDORFER, KAVESAK and others too numerous to remember after the third glass of wine. We discussed crime and punishment, war and peace, good/bad old days, staying in/getting out, going grey/bald; in other words, all the timeless questions which have haunted man since time immemorial. Thanks for the hospitality. Bob and Karen.
Special Feature. A report on local changes for those of you who spent free time as cadets in Colorado Springs and haven't been back lately. Gone but not forgotten are the Kochina Lounge (torn down for a new bank), Melba’s Shamrock Bar (served under-age cadets), the Honeybucket, and the Krazy Kat (burned down). Academy Blvd. is now a sixlane thoroughfare from the South Gate to Fort Carson. The population is close to 300,000 and there is infrequent bus service from the Cadet Area into town. A final reminder to all to send in for absentee ballots for the upcoming primary and general elections. It’s important to vote. Thanks for your attention; smoke ’em if you got ’em.
Capt. Gerald D. Luallin 10745 Beclan Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Ph. 916-635-7719
The hardest part of writing this newsletter is starting it. For instance tonight I can not decide whether to start “dear class’ or “dear ’69.” I guess I’ll just start here in the middle. Traditions come and traditions go. This year we are to celebrate our 200th birthday as a country. This is an old celebration (tradition) that I hope goes on for another 200 years. Some of us know the significance of our country’s birth and some of us feel it. No, I am not going to get maudlin, I just felt as class we ought to recognize this part of our history. For our class I say good luck to our country for another 200 years.
Speaking of tradition, no, this is a legend and it's dicing. Something will be missing in our lives. A hero will be gone. You guessed it. Captain Marvel is hanging up his uniform. No longer will the “bad guys" have to worry about him. Bill MARVEL is settling in Los Angeles as a real estate broker. Anybody interested in a “Marvelous” deal should stop in and see him.
Steve KOLET is at AFIT. He managed to find time to write, on the back of his homework paper, I think. Steve and his wife, Carole, have two children, Alisha, 3 years old and Ryan, one year old. Somehow he dragged Bill GREEN to AFIT with him. Some others, that he writes about, enjoying the busy school life are: John SKORUPA. Steve KEYSERLING, Matt WALDON, Skip DALY. Jim PETEK, and Doug MITCHELL. Chuck BOYER is working on his PhD. Larry WALTON is an IP at Reese. That's all Steve had time to write about, he had to hook himself back up to the “firehose of knowledge.”
Tom KECK, who is in ASTRA at the Pentagon, sent me a staff summary of who he has seen or heard of while at the Pentagon and SOS. Jim and Mary Jo ABBOTT are running a shrimp business in North Carolina. Guy and Linda GARDNER are at Edwards AFB. Guy was first in his test pilot school class and is remaining as an instructor. Steve HUNTLEY is a banker. He and Terri live in Charlotte, N.C. Stew JOHNSON is at the Pentagon. He is married to Debbe. Gary LINDNER is in the SAC spotlight program at Offutt. His wife Barb has given birth to their third child. Doug MANG and his wife Robin, are nesting at Fairchild AFB. Doug is Chief of Bomber Stan/Eval at Fairchild AFB. Denny McGUIRK and his wife, Lin are also at the Pentagon. Frank and Carol MOORE are teaching everybody how to play cards at Headquarters AFSC, Andrews AFB. Dave and Susan MUMME are awaiting their first child at Columbus AFB. Don RAKESTRAW is going to leave Seymour Johnson and grudingly go to Germany in F-4’s. He’s going to be a “Wild Weasel,” very appropriate, very appropriate! C. J. WAX has been seen with a glazed look in his eyes, wandering the halls of the Pentagon He keeps muttering something about being assigned to SAFOI. His wife, Susan, is awaiting his arrival to dinner. Dan SPEARS has also settled down in Fairfax, Virginia. What he is doing I don’t know, maybe he will write and tell me.
I made a little trip to Colorado Springs about a month ago and saw Jeff CAMPBELL. His wife, Bev, was kind enough to invite me to dinner. She was also kind enough to let us talk over old times and play “8” ball all night, on Jeff’s own pool table. As you can imagine I got wiped.
Mike ROSE has settled in Denver. He is a lawyer, an associate of a law firm. Mike has bought a big house and wants all of his friends to stop by and visit if they happen
to be in the area. You know I will. Good luck. Mike, in your new home and your chosen profession.
Before I close, I want to tell you about Bill McCREE. Bill and his wife, Peggy, live in San Antonio. Bill is an Executive Officer and f.P. for the 559th FTS. Bill received a significant award. He was selected as an “outstanding young doer” by the city of San Antonio. This is no small achievement. The list of things he has done as Randolph's community services officer is long. It includes organizing a group to help clean-up a town that was hit by a tornado. Congratulations, Bill, from the class. See, not all executive officers are bad. —Be happy—Touie.
70
Bill McCree
Outstanding Young Doer
Bill Manning Rd. 1, Lake Carey Tunkannock, PA 18657
Res. 717-836-4475
Ofc. 833-5141, Ext. 353
In the past few years our quarterly section has been put together (notice I take no literary credit) in various strange places at varied times and this issue proves no different; today we are at 30,000 feet with American Airlines. I start this way because I have to apologize for leaving a couple of letters you sent in my luggage below decks. I thought that I would do the article at this time because I am on my way to Salt Lake City and have never sent an article in from that city—maybe this will be the magic place to get your cards and letters coming.
Questions have been raised about the point I brought up a few issues ago—what happened at our 5-year committement mark? Well I don’t have any facts, but I have found classmates with varied levels of happiness about being in or out; the major point being that many more seem satisfied with their current situation. At least now there exists a choice, and people are generally happier when they have the opportunity to choose rather than being forced.
Steve BARNES received his Masters degree from AFIT and will be staying at Wright-Patterson for duty as an electrical engineer with the Air University. Mark ROBBINS is back at Cannon and the F-l 11 after school-time in Alabama and SOS. Joining those having it tough with European tours is Mark BEAN. Mark left Little Rock for a 60-day rotation to Rhein-Main AB. Kirby VANHORN is now Commander of an ATC Field Training Detachment at Beale after flying KC-135’s at Carswell. Randy HARSHMAN received his Law Degree and is now Assistant Staff Judge Advocate at Loring. Ray BSHERO will be leaving Willy and UPT to fly F-4’s at MacDill.
Lew WEILAND has moved from Craig and the 43rd TFS to T-37 PIT at Randolph. Jay SCHUMACHER is now fiying C-130's at Hickam with a test group there. From Minot and the Buff group we learned that Dave WITTNEBERT left sunny California as a B-52 AC/ to fly in the frozen north. Kirk BOYENGA separated from WrightPatterson and is now in grad school at Purdue studing child development. Rick PUSEMAN is an F-l05 EWO flying at George AFB.
In closing 1 give the Bronx cheer to our class of nonwriters. A few who took the time to write asked not to be mentioned, in terms of opinions they offered. That sure makes for an easy to publish article—most don’t write and some say, “Hello, but don’t print what I write.” Some magazines, (and assignments ago) I sent out a plea for acknowledgement that you out there do exist and you did respond. What happened to our writers from England and Little Rock and Med School? Although it has been kept very quiet, this is our bicentennial year so in that tradition lets all pitch in for a good summer issue. —Bill
Lt. Robert B. Manning 1305 Books
Enid, OK 73701 Res. 405-233-5265
Autovon 962-7337
Greetings one and all from the heartland of America. As you can see, I am still here at Vance, but the end is in sight. I had hoped to be able to share with everyone an assignment change for Jan and I and our son, Luke, however, MPC is keeping the good jobs until the end. The news should be in any day so I will send it on in the next issue if not at the end of this one. After reporting PCS’s for everyone for so long getting one with our name on it will seem a little funny, but we are anxiously awaiting and anticipating the change. We are sure the LORD will do right by us for HIS glory.
Since georgaphical location is usually the determinate as to whether we can get together with our classmates, I am going to group the latest info according to the part of the country or overseas area in which everyone is presently based. Heading the list this quarter will be the Far East, since there are only a few entries, lorn CHRISTENSEN (Patti) is having a hard time checking the ILS at Dicky-Guber, but he is on the beam at Yokota AB. Japan. He is flying for the Facilities Checking Squadron there. On the other side of the world, we have a few people who are eojoyiag the European countryside. both from the cockpit and on the gfou*«h I received a phone call the other day fr-em Paul KNOiU vdara k> TDY to Nellis from Bitburg AB, Gexnaaay. He naifpfitioBed Dana ALEXANDER is in the F-4 at l£a<tena I&RlfANT is flying art ADC F-4 at Ke%u*ik, fcjekui^. Jay a«d Cindy DAVIS and Russ and MekxJ^ TJOfciAN eueh?Jjpd a new arrival Mfifrh blue trim at Ba&Ugfc, Hte afuo As^ew out Nick HAUK % tfre F-4 at Egfcte SfeVe DSIf/WEN' at Holloman. also received a eai*S> Mark t-lS^ONOWSKI who has the job of Secwj»iity* Iffolfice Officer at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. Tough cfbrfrig the duty day but the off duty time sounds real good.
Coming into the states at the Northeast corner, I received a card from Gerry LEMKE who is at Plattsburgh AFB, N.Y. Gerry is presntly the assistant Wing Information Officer. His big news is that he has optioned for Palace Furlough and will be going civilian in early June, 1976. Also at Plattsburgh is Mike UECKER and his wife, Carolyn. Mike
recently picked up an AFCM. He is working as a radar-nav instructor in the FB-111.
Moving rapidly down the countryside, there are a few of our class soaking up the sun and the humidity in the Southeast U.S. Rod BATES is one who has figured out why we are called the “Air” Force and consequently has started pilot training at Columbus AFB. The way they are closing UPT bases, he had better hurry. John HIGGINS (Joyce) had already completed UPT, so when they gave him orders for Moody, he began to wonder if he can talk and fly. However, 1 guess they knew old Fox Four pilots have a hard time with that so they changed the whole base over to mutli-engine bombers. No offense intended, John. Accolades continue to follow the class for superior performance and Norm PONDER (Carol) picked up one recently when he was named Junior Officer of the Quarter for his unit at Blytheville, Ark. Norm works as an air traffic control operations officer. Charleston AFB, S.C. is home for the C-141 Starlilter and Lee SHANNON is going back there after a short tour at SOS.
Jumping back up north to where it is a white Christmas for seven months out of the year, Bob IRWIN has arrived at Kinchcloe AFB to work as a personnel officer. His one and only job will be to find everyone there a new assignment. “That was a short tour.” Making a home at the base I would like to go to is Bob SHAMESS and his wife, Becky. Bob is at Wright-Patterson AFB, Oh., as a programs manager. Bob also recently completed SOS in residence. Joining Bob at WPAFB is Larry WILLIAMS (Carol). Larry just received his AFIT degree and decided he liked it in Ohio, so he is staying on as a development engineer with AFLC.
Coming back down south to the wide open spaces surrounding us in Ok., I heard Pat McCULLOUGH (Barbara) recently completed I PIS. He is returning to Webb where he flies the T-37. I heard a good rumor that you shouldn’t buy a house in that area, Pat. Making a big move from good old Vance to the home of SAC HQ is Andy MELOY and his wife Susan. Andy is flying an LSD (Large Steel Desk) as a procurement officer. Just down the street from here at Altus AFB is Dale PARNELL and his wife. Christine. Dale has the challenging job of drug and alcohol abuse officer. Even closer to us than Dale is Felix and Judy SANCHEZ. Felix was recently recognized as Outstanding Company Grade Officer of the Quarter and has also been selected to attend the Experimental Flight Test Engineering Course at Edwards AFB That's not bad for a short fella.
Our hats need to be off for Don BACKLUND. who has been awarded the Air Force Cross. Don has returned from SEA to Hill AFB to be an instructor. If I were a student there I think I would listen close to the big guy. Instructing seems to be popular with the class as Keith BARRETT is involved in it, also. He recently completed SOS in residence and is returning to Williams where he flies the white rocket from the back seat. Andy and Jgan CODTY called Mark HAESECKE (Barb) here at Vance and said they are looking forward to turning in the old blue suit in June of this year. Andy put in his DOS because he thought the Air Force was catching on to his homesteading act around Los Angeles. Paul GILLMAN is doing excellent work at Luke AFB and is being recognized accordingly. He recently received the AFCM for his work as chief of support programming at that base. That same medal was given to Howard LaVALLEY (Vivian) at SAMSO in Los Angles. He is presently working there as an electronics engineer. Not to be outdone by being the last one mentioned. John WITT also collected his AFCM for work done at Kleinc Brogel AB, Belgium as a weapons safety officer. He has transferred to doing the same job at George AFB, Ca.
1 Lt. Bob Bell Box 65
Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706 605-923-223 1Z8-747-2877
Now that it has been a year since I took on the fun-job of keeping you all informed, I will just say that it has been and is still great that we all can remain in contact. Just let me know when there is anything that needs to be added, deleted or changed.
Going over the address changes, some of these may be slow to reflect the most current data, but it is the best I have at hand:
Joe GELINGER—Clark AB; Marty SHEARER—Fairchild; Gary NEIMI—Dyess; Jim JAEGER—Laurel, MD; Pat MOON—Crownsville, MD; Ken ARCHEY—Hahn AB, West Germany; Bill HALL—Del Rio, TX; Blake HENDRICK— Mt. Home, ID; Greg JONES—Dayton, OH; Frank PULIS— Lakewood, CO; Ken STONE—Denver, CO; Brett BERLIN— Austin, TX; Leonard Dean FOX—Gila Bend AF Aux Field. AZ; Dean WHEELER—Newport News, VA; Dave WILKINSON—Moody, GA; and Chris RUBACHA—Dyess, TX. As I go through the fewer numbers of these address cards each time, it becomes obvious that we are becoming more permanent party after a long period of transience.
Another clue to the degree to which we have settled down is the extent to which we all get the job done and resultant recognition of it. Even if it isn’t always forthcoming, the feeling must be there that we are each doing our part in one way or another. Gregg SMITH (Candace) was named Outstanding Junior Officer of the Quarter at Offutt. Clint ASBURY (Terry) is a Combat Crew Commander at Malmstrom, MT. Mike BROWN (Sandra) was named the Outstanding Insturctor Pilot of the Month at Craig. Sumner ST. CLAIR is at Vandenberg as a munitions officer, formerly assigned to U-T. Earl TAYLOR (Rayna) is a security police officer at Luke. Paul KNOWLTON (Cathy) recently received the AFCM at Wright-Pat for meritorious service while at Bedford AFS. VA, presently working toward a master’s degree at AFIT. Tom BROWN is a KC-135 pilot at Griffiss after duty at Kadena. Ted THOMPSON (Nancy) is another recent Outstanding Instructor Pilot of the Month for Reese. Jim .SIMMONS is presently at F.E. Warren after completing SOS in residence, returned to the missile force of Wyoming.
Having made a TDY trip to Fairchild for simulator training, I ran into a few of the 72 crowd up there. First one was Bill GLUSHKO, now a B-52 Nav. Then Pete VOGEL and Rich VANDAME were in the O Club for lunch. Both are UH-1 Pilots. Marty SHEARER, Standboard copilot, was diverted to Ellsworth while weather kept a few of their BUF crews away from home. Also heard that Jim WOESSNER and Em DYER are there, Jim in weather and Em in Helicopters. Had a brief encounter with Jake HUFFMAN (’71) and Doug MANG (’69) both in Standboard. And finally. Jay BEARD (’73) doing his thing in tankers, let me look at his TR7.
Had a surprise call from Ed JOHSON at Duluth Int’l, MN. He reports that he and Moira are proud parents of new arrival, Eric and that he (Ed) is OIC of his OSI detachment. One more call came from Mike McNABB down at Kcesler. MS. He is a newlywed after return from Thailand, and so far, Melba and Mike have no report other than that his Intel job may open up to flying some time this summer.
One thing that was mentioned to me had to do with a class reunion. With the critical year for our decisions to get out or to stay in for the duration coming up in '77, what would be the interest in having a bash, say, during the upcoming football season at USAFA? Just let me know if anyone of you is interested, and we might be able to work out some kind of a low key, low cost get-together at that time.
One last word As can be seen, this column was shorter than it has been in the past. All I have to work with in making it up are the hometown news releases, address change cards, and letters or calls from YOU. Take that for whatever it’s worth, and we'll be in touch again. FPA
lLt. Vince M. Parisi, II 2765 El Capitan Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 303—599-1 871
Flello Everybody. Fred KNOWLES here, cub reporter, filling in for Vince, who took a break this issue. This is my first time so go easy on me. Did not hear from a lot of you this time so I’m short on material. I’ll give you all I have but we need to hear from you in order to fill our space.
We did get some bad news. Keith A. WALKER and Frank T. ELLIS, Jr., were killed in a mid-air colission of two F-4’s in Korea. Keith was a WSO and Terry was an AC. There is no word if the were in the same aircraft or not. This is, as always, a great loss for all concerned and I am sure the entire class joins in sending our condolences to their families.
We got two birth announcements. Dale WILLIAMS and Edie out at Travis had a baby girl on 26 February, named her Lesleigh Erin. Dan and Diane O'HOLLAREN had a boy, Paul Daniel, in Okinawa on 26 October. Congratulations to you all. Dan also says that Marty HILL is at Kadena in RF-4. And Dale sends word or several others. In 141s are Eric HEARNSBERGER, Dan HANDLIN, Ned KNITZING, Ed CRUISE, and Dale. Dave GESSERT has finished EWO school and is awaiting his assignment. Mark MAYHEW is in HC-130’s. And Mark FERRIS and John PARK are trying to tell 141 pilots where to go.
Jerry OLIN writes that he got married to Phyllis and they are in England. Jerry is an AC in the F-4D with the 78th TFS at RAF Woodbridge.
Rick HAYES claims we have been ignoring CS-31 so he is telling us where they all are. He is a Systems Program Manager at Eglin AFB. Here are the rest: Dan CONNELLY, USC med school. Jim BOEHM, T-38 IP, Columbus; Bob SMITH, T-38 IP, Willy; Wm. F. THORN, T-38 IP, Columbus; Phil FAYE, T-38 IP, Moody (now Reese); Al STRIEB, T-41 IP, USAFA (I went to his bachelor party last night, he is joining the pair competition later this year); Sam BLANCHARD, T-41 IP, USAFA; Don GROSS. F-4, MeDill; Buddy GAMMON. C-141, Travis; Charlie MEYER, C-141, McCord; Don SLOAN, C-141, McGuire; Tom KENNEDY, C-141, Charleston; Ken ADAMS, KC 135, Loring; Tim SPORTE, KC 135, KI Sawyer; Sam TORREY, KC 135; John GARRARD. C-130, Castle; Mike HUB, FI HE, Mountain Home; Howe MITCHELL—“Getting a Masters in a hole at Grand Forks”; Phil YAVORSKY, weatherman. Ft. Campbell. Thank you, Rick.
Now for some newspaper releases: Bob MUNSON and Tom KROESSIG have taken over the U-4 sector at Pete
Field. Kro is getting married later this year to Janis from N.J. Don WURSTER is in Osan, Korea flying an HH 3E. In F-4 we have Louis MILLER at Kunsan, Korea and John PERTZ at Bentwater RAF Station. Greg GEMPTER is flying the Tweet at Vance. And in the 38 is Byron BEAL at Reese, John HESSNEY at Reese, Tom SMITH but then woudn’t say where, and Jeff BLANCHETTE at Vance. Bill WILSON is in 14l’s at San Bernardino. John CARR is an EW or a B52 in Rome, N.Y. and Joseph WALKER is in the KC 135 at Travis.
When they shut Moody down they sent John and Dianne LAUTEN and Mike and Carolyn YOUNG to Willy; Mark and Jackie RALSTON to Reese; Chris and Nine YOUNG ( a new golf team) to USAFA; and myself and Pat to USAFA also.
That’s all I’ve got. You send it, we’ll print it.
Lt. Ronald W. Watson 4512 Cedar Springs. 205 Dallas, TX 75219 (214) 528-3319
Hello again.
“Here I am in Dallas; where the hell are you” is a line from one of the pop tunes currently playing in the Big D, and it seemed quite fitting to use it in opening this quarter’s letter. Finding a sufficient amount of material to write about was as difficult as finding a virgin in Nuevo Laredo. With the material I have I would be hard pressed to fill the first page of a script for a silent screen movie. 'Nuff said.
Life does and will perpetuate itself and that fact is especially evident here. Don EASTMEAD did actually tie the knot. The new Mrs. Eastmead (Debbie) is truly deserving of more. Also in the recently well category is Tom (Hawkeye) HENDRICKS while Larry ALLEN has found himself a cute little service brat posing as a student nurse.
Out there somewhere in the real AF there are individuals who actually work to earn their pay. Take for instance Tony GUDECZAUSKAS. Aside from having to pronounce his name for everyone in the office three times a day, he is industriously applying some (a small part) of the training he received at Keesler to benefit Tinker AFB. Yes, there are brave souls out there ready to do anything for their country and this man's Air Force. Why else would Dan FELIX spend hours gazing at photographs of God-knows what there at Shaw? Or why would men like Kurt STEEBY spend years in some hole playing with the many computer controlled multi-colored buttons, just to get ready for the big push? The answer must be pure dedication.
Believe it or not folks, but there are motivated conscientious zoomies lurking about in the dark. Some have been forced to the sky, sacrificing their rears like the great ones of yester years. Ex-cadets turned navigators like John WARD (George), Joe BUCKWALTER (Travis), Don DELACH (Dyess), Don FICK (George), John SCIACCA (George), Mario DIPRIMO (Little Rock), John MILLER (McGuire), Russ PATTERSON (Seymour Johnson), and Mike McGINNIS. My faith in reality has been restored now that I know, that there are some of you out there not afraid to tell the world where to go! And furthermore, in keeping with that old American tradition (since this is the Bicentennial year) of perpetuating perpetual problems, we have released a few problem cases of our own upon the scene. Disguised as T-37 and T-38 IP’s (you can’t fool the shadow for he knows all), these men are constantly breathing death’s foul breath as
they continue the never ending quest for truth, justice, and the American way (it sounds familiar, doesn't it?). Lawrence and Betty HUBER (Webb), Jeff LEE (Sheppard), Robert and Nancy SULTLEY (Craig), Stephen STERNE (Sheppard). Hobart BATES (Craig), and Bruce and Edna LEVERSON— AMERICA appreciates the effort.
And now the curtain closes on another eventful excursion through the chronicles of 74 history. The set is changed hut the actors remain the same, remembering that there are no small parts; only small players. Good night Jack T; good night Mark and Vickie. Thanks for the call Dewayne and Anne. Good night John-boy.
Love, peace and insanity Ron
Now let me see right, the game's on Channel 5!
Lt. Willie J. Cosby. Ill BOQ USAFA, CO 80840 Duty: 2233
Like Mike ANDERSON's dad once related to me, “Another sucker been bite the dust!" For those of you who haven't heard yet, the hottest news item of the year is that Sammy RYALS, the woman killer, has found his cold shower. Her name is Patty Levas of Sacremento, Calif. Sammy's at Vance, but will go to Sacremento on April 17th for the wedding.
Some other weddings from the Vance crew are: Mark MASTERS to Gere Wageman—13 March; Craig SCOT!' to Joy—27 December; and Mike MURDOCK to Carol—late December.
Other '75 grads at Vance: Randy BARRETT, Fred (Rita) OFFUTT; Ralph PAUL. Doug (Michella) ERASER; John OLEKSEY; Terry (Kaye) MARKOVICH; Charles (Cynthia) PARSONS; Hal COOKE; John TAMKUM; David (Libby) McDANIEL; John (Donni) SIMS; Craig NAAS.
Class 76-1 1: Chris (Debbie) GOETSCH; Barry ABBOTT; Tom (Sheryl) McCLAIN; Stevt (Sherrie) BARACH; Dave LODRIGE; Mark (Gere) MASTERS; Ed STRIEGEL; Mike (Marilyn) McKIM; Dennis (Carla) FORINASH; Jim R. (Naomi) MARSHALL; Craig (Joy) SCOTT; Bill LADD; Frank (Jan) DRESSEL; Joe SINISCALCHI.
Class 77-01: Jon (Debbie) NOETZEL; Bill SCHUESSLER; Rini (Ginny) BOSMA; Sammy (Patty) RYALS; Dan
BURDA; Marc ISABELLE; Ted PARKER; Mark D. HOLMES; Kevin (Cynthia) HILDEBRAND; Don BYERS; Jeff BAILEY; Jim P. (Emily) MARSHALL;; Steve (Maureen) BLACKBURN; Larry T. BISHOP; Steve (Suzanne) SCHIEMANN; Eric BUHYOFF; James SPENCER; Chris (Barbara) FILLAR; Mark ROWLAND; John (Becky) GAUGHAN; Eric ROSBORG; Mark RISE, Mark (Jayne) STICKNEY; David (Cynthia) MCCARTHY; Gary THALLER; Randy JAMES; Bill ESTELLE; Robert (Corinne) SCULLEY; Dudley (Suzanne) HANCOCK; Don NOVAK; Steve WEILBRENNER.
Class 77-02: Brian GOMES; Chuck RIORDAN; Mike (Carol) MURDOCK.
But all is not well at Vance. A couple of guys that resigned from UPT are waiting for new assignments. J. P. WALLER. Rave HICKMAN, and Tom FREED are waiting. Tom GILLETTE will be a missile maintenance officer at FE Warren.
Missile officers are a special breed of something. Just ask Mike (Christianna) MARRO; Micky (Janine) CLEMONS, and Harry MATHIS—FE Warren, Wyoming; Curt DEVRIES, Terry KEMP—Malmstrom, Montana; and Phil NOBLE—Ellsworth, S.D.
Aircraft maintenance officers are branching out from Chanute AFB: AI (Elaine) BREADY—Nellis; Rod (Lynne) HENNEK—Blytheville; Jack SHINE—Davis-Monthan; Tom TOPOLSKI—Andrews; Bob (Nancy) SHAPPELL—Dover; Rick (Diane) LAYMAN—Pease; Duane JONES—Altus; Phil (Robin) MARTIN—Mountain Home; Dan (Stephanie and Christopher) FALVEY—Travis; Keith (Susie) MADDOX— Beale; Carl SCHWARTZ—Ramstein, Germany; John (Debbie) LADIEU—Luke.
Dan FALVEY should have been a DG from the course.
From Avionics tech school at Lowry Bill LYERLY went to Myrtle Beach AFB, Frank GARLAND to Griffiss, Pete HENNESSY to Charleston and Mike LOOSE to McChord. Bill’s trying to get into medicine so he'll be at Walter Reed soon.
My apologies to Steve PITOTTI. Mark HALLADA, and K. C. SCHWARTZ who were TDY to the Zoo for a couple months. They're at Willie in Class 77-02 along with: Dave COMMONS. Robert STEWART. Fig NEWTON. Rich CALHOUN, Jerry CONTICCHIO, Mark SIMONITCH, Bob MARR, and Dino CRENSHAW.
John STORER. Bruce HOPKIN, and Charlie BERGMAN are also at Williams.
At UPT in the southland: Craig AFB: AI PECK, Brian BOUFFARD. Jeff (Kathy) KRUMEICH. Jim (Mary) FELLOWS, Mark BERTZ, Stan JONES, Jim ARTHURS, Rich TAKACS, oe MARKSTEINER. Joe MAY, Jack BARTON, Walt BURNS. Charlie SIMMONS, Dave WILLIAMSON, Eric HOGANSON, Jim CORRIGAN, Mark WELLS, Paul (Cathy) DEREN. and Jim (Janet) MAHONEY.
Columbus AFB: Don (Nancy) STIFFLER. Brian BARNES, and Donald McDONOUGH.
And in Texas: Laughlin: John (Jill plus) CHARLTON, Will (Mina) PERCTUAL. Dave WHITE. Webb: Roz (Cindy) ROZNOVSKY; and elsewhere: Davis-Monthan AFB, Dave KEENE; Los Angeles, CA, Dan BURNS; Berkeley. CA, Kevin BURNS; Pittsburg, PA, Joe (Marcia) FACENDA.
Dave BEEMAN washed out medically at Craig and is now an aero man at Pete Field.
In closing. I’d like to say thanks for the help this time. Keep it coming. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds and to all the expectant parents and to those that are parents already.
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