• Up to $120,000 Life Insurance ($40,000 Basic Coverage plus $80,000 Optional Supplemental Coverage, depending upon age.)
• Same Low Basic Monthly Rate Regardless of Age
• Cash Refunds to Active Duty Members for 31 Years Continuation of Membership and Insurance After You Leave the Service (Special program for Retired and Separated Members) Emergency and Educational Loans
• Dependent Life Insurance Coverage
All of our programs provide family security and, as an officer or MSG through CMS on active duty, you can apply for them today. Our more than 93,000 members can’t be wrong about what’s right for them. Find out how our membership and group term insurance programs can be right
send
send
complete details about our nonprofit association the choice since 1947.
Please
WASHINGTON AREA
The sale or purchase of your home is an important event. If you are transferring into or out of the Washington area, will personally work with you to find the buyer or the home to meet your special needs. As an Air Force wife, know this move can be a smooth, pleasant one.
Marti Gorges (Tom ’65)
Ifyou hold a militarycommission or warrant, you canjoinUSAA.
If you’re a military officer, no matter whether you’re on active duty, in the ready or standby Reserves or National Guard, retired (whether or not you’re drawing retirement pay), or even a candidate for commission or warrant, you’re eligible for membership in USAA. And you’re eligible for the preferential insurance protection, savings and service that go with membership in this elite group. Former USAA members may also reapply for insurance at any time. With USAA, you’ll have a world of insurance at your command. Complete coverage from your car, to your home, and even your life.
As a member of USAA, you could save from 10% to 40% on homeowners and auto insurance over rates charged by many other insurance companies.
You’ll also have the benefit of USAAs renowned claims service. With over 1,000 conscientious claims adjusters who’ll jump at the chance to help you.
If you’re interested in first-rate insurance protection, savings and service, you’ll be interested in USAA. For more information fill out and mail the coupon below. Or for faster service call us toll-free.
MOVING?
Into or out of the Colorado Springs Area call or write me for the most complete real estate services offered.
Residential and income properties, condominiums, town houses, vacant land, commercial and more. Call me collect anytime.
Relo into or out of any place in the country Equity Reserve
Multiple Listing Services
Guaranteed Homes
Qualified Buyers
Mrs. Edmund A. Rafalko (Renee)
Representing Colorado Springs’ oldest and company. We really care.
Sierra Vista Drive 123 East Bijou Colorado Springs 80906 Colorado Springs 80903 303-636-3574 303-633-7744
Of Special Interest to U.S. Air Force
Academy Alumni Neither Athens nor Sparta?
The American Service Academies in Transition
By John P. Lovell
“While others have belabored the symptoms of problems, Lovell writes of causes and cures. This book is essential reading for anyone who hopes to understand or to set policy for the federal academies.” —Roger H. Nye, Colonel, USA-Ret.
“Service academy graduates, even the most knowledgeable, will learn a great deal about their institutions.” —William P. Snyder, Colonel, USA-Ret. (Former Faculty Member, US Military Academy) the most informative and temperate treatment of the contemporary service academy.” —Laurence I. Radway, author of Soldiers and Scholars ORDER FORM
AIR ACADEMY NATIONAL BANK
P. O. Box 8
U. S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR ACADEMY GRADUATES
The Air Academy National Bank at the United States Air Force Academy is your bank. A bank with you in mind. Your continuing support permits us to meet your worldwide require' ments for hassle free service.
If you don’t already have an AANB account give us a try. Inquires welcome. Thank you for your consideration.
FOR FREE BROCHURE CONTACT 303-472-1094
Member: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Accounts Insured to $40,000.00
JON STAPLES BROKER
Class of ’62
• Specializing in new and used homes, land, and construction.
• Two offices Colorado Springs and Monument.
• Personal service for all graduates. Call collect (303) 598 - 4600
Stay with us the “rustic” Inn At Woodmoor closest to the Academy Campus
Spacious view rooms. Fine dining in our Point of View Restaurant. The P.O.V. Pub—your favorite drinks and great entertainment. Tennis, swimming, horseback riding, boating. Meeting facilities. Organized tours. Airport pick-up. Military rate.
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
President
Thomas J. Eller, ’61
Vice President
Jock C.H. Schwank ’60
Executive Director
James F. Wheeler, ’64
DIRECTORS
To Serve Until 1 May 1981
Gares Garber, Jr., ’59
Hector A. Negroni, ’61
Frederick L. Metcalf, ’63
Fletcher H. Wiley, ’65
Mark A. Torreano, ’68
Ronald E. Joy, ’71
Michael J. McCarthy, ’71
Leslie J. Haaf, ’72
Frederick S. Knowles, Jr., ’73
Douglas J. Ford, ’76
Ruben A. Cubero, ’61
Robert B. Giffen, ’65
Raymond J. Leopold, ’67
Alvin E. Blumberg, Jr., ’68
Robert A. Shumway, Jr., ’68
Richard S. Rauschkolb, ’70
David E. Sterling, ’70
William E. Richardson, ’71
Frank G. Klotz, ’73
Mark T. Whalen, ’76
To Serve Until 1 June 1979
Mark Zamzow,
ABOUT OUR COVER
The Cadet Parachute Team the WINGS OF BLUE have won numerous national titles for USAFA. They also perform on selected occasions such as the 25th Anniversary Parade which was the setting for this shot by Mr. Bill Madsen.
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, Colorado 80840. Second-class postage paid at USAF Academy, Colorado. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Teaching Monkeys
RIVERSIDE, Calif. One of my greatest adult disappointments will be my resignation on Aug. 31. After 12 years of striving for excellence, I find that my efforts are unappreciated. My record is impeccable: graduation from the USAF Academy, SEA duty, SOS distinguished grad, instructor pilot duty, a master’s degree and top OER blocks. Despite this below-the-zone profile, I have been denied advancement in two key areas of interest to me.
However, there are other problems. Recently, a senior officer told me to get out of the cockpit to make rank. He “could teach a monkey to fly,” he said. Such thinking is reflected in personnel policies. Good aviators are foreed out of their field and into management positions for which, in many cases, they are neither trained nor adequately enthusiastic. Consequently, the force is drained, talented nonrated managers are shoved aside and unqualified rated officers create policies and problems that adversely affect us all.
The political harvest reaped by the end of the draft has left the military with a dearth of talent at all levels. I am completely frustrated by typists who can’t type, managers who can’t manage, pilots who can’t fly and leaders devoid of leadership. Add to this cauldron the lack of interest in Washington typified by the Zwick panel. Pay caps and inflation have reduced my purchasing power to less than what it was during my second lieutenant days hardly a progressive career. Money isn’t everything, but it becomes important when the job has lost its appeal and the wife must work to keep the family solvent. These realities prevent my continued dedication to an illusion. I will assault the civilian job market as a realist, peddling my talents and some of my enthusiasm for compensation. But never again will I commit my soul to such an illusion.
Capt. Rick Schumick, ’71 (AF Times, 7 May 1979)
Distinctive Uniforms
In the Winter Issue of the Association of Graduates Magazine there was an exchange of letters between the AOG President and the Superintendent on the general subject of heritage and traditions at the United States Air Force Academy. One topic has been commented upon more than any other in mail reaching the AOG office: the issue of the discontinuation of the distinctive Cadet uniform. To date, Graduate reaction has been predominantly against doing away with the distinctive Cadet uniform in favor of the adoption of the standard USAF officer uniform for wear by the Cadet Wing. The Superintendent and the Commandant have agreed that in light of the reactions to date, it is appropriate to reconsider the entire issue. While the Superintendent will ultimately make the decision based upon the best information available, the Association of Graduates Board of Directors would like to solicit Graduate inputs on this subject.
There are some basic parameters which you will wish to consider.
1. There are substantial projected monetary savings for the AF Academy and individual Cadets.
2. Carry-over advantages are a fundamental consideration; the condition of the uniforms for carry-over is another.
3. USAF uniforms have undergone many color and material changes in the past 25 years; USAFA uniforms have remained essentially unchanged.
4. The US Military Academy utilizes a distinctive Cadet uniform; the US Naval Academy uses naval officer uniforms for Midshipmen.
5. The proposed changes would only apply to the alpha uniform and the flight cap. The Cadet parka, overcoat, parade uniform, and athletic jacket would not be affected if the standardized Air Force uniform and its color and material were adopted.
If you have thoughts that you would care to share, please provide these to the AOG office within the next few weeks.
Graduate Author
Dear Sir,
I am writing to bring to your attention a rather remarkable achievement by one of the graduates of the class of 1975 in the hope that you will find it convenient to take notice of it in the AOG magazine.
In the first 147 issues of the Air University Review, the lead article has never been supplied by a lieutenant though four-star generals and secretaries of the Air Force have frequently done so. Now, Lieutenant John W. Jenson, 1975, has achieved not only the lead position, but has also won the prize for Best-Article-of-Issue. It consists of a small cash reward and a plaque, and the winner is determined by the Air University Awards Committee which is made up mostly of officers not on the staff of the Review. I have prepared a news release and hope that you will consider using it in your magazine as I feel that the achievement of Lieutenant Jenson will stimulate other graduates to write for the professional journal of the Air Force. If you do, I would appreciate some reprints for our files.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
DAVID R. METS Lt. Colonel, USAF Editor
Air University Review
Articles
The AOG Magazine is anxious to publish articles authored by graduates. Manuscripts should be forwarded to the AOG for review.
Individuals having suggestions for topics to be addressed in articles should forward their ideas to the Editor.
Attention in the Area
Jim Wheeler, ’64 Editor/Executive Director
25TH ANNIVERSARY PICTORIAL REVIEW
Work
on the AOG 25th Anniversary publication continues at a hectic pace. Early submissions have been made on time to the printer, and it appears that all schedules will be met as announced. Those wishing to purchase books for personal keepsakes or gifts should watch in their mail for an early summer announcement of a pre-publication offer. The books will be available not later than 1 September 1979. The publication date was intentionally set after the 25th Anniversary celebration at the Academy and the 20 Year Reunion of the Class of 1959. Order yours now to avoid a disappointment; only a fixed number will be printed.
CLASS OFFICERS
The AOG office has been able to compile a list of Class Officers for many Classes. It has been discovered, however, that there are some conflicting lists that have come forth from individual members of the same Class. Nonetheless, it is important that a total listing be compiled and validated. Therefore, anyone who is a Class Officer or who has knowledge of those individuals in their Class who are, please take a moment to forward the list the next time you correspond with the AOG office.
CLASS WALL More and more Classes continue to undertake initial steps to launch a Class fund raising drive to place their Class Coat of Arms on the Class Wall. The Classes of 1960, 62, 63, 64, 69 and 70, are actively underway at this point. Individuals in these Classes will be contacted by their Class project officers. Everyone is encouraged to participate and support their Class to the maximum extent possible. The Class Wall has already become a living and meaningful tradition at the Air Force Academy and one that deserves the utmost support from the Graduate Community.
PCS SEASON
That time of year when roughly 40 percent of the Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy will be on the move is upon us again. In light of this it becomes imperative that everyone resolves to keep the AOG office informed of his forwarding address and unit assignment. It is equally important that civilian Graduates, who oftentimes move more frequently than their military Classmates, keep their AOG records up to date. We need to have complete and accurate current records if at all possible. Your cooperation is solicited and encouraged.
HOMECOMING 1979
Everyone is reminded that Homecoming will occur during the last weekend of September 1979. This is a change to the traditional mid to late October gathering for the returning Graduates, but it was done to accommodate requests for an earlier game and a more favorable weather prognostication. Plan now to join Classmates and friends at USAFA for the Kansas State game.
NEW NAME The Naval Academy has decided to abandon the traditional title of June Week for that eventful week at the end of the year when the new Graduates are commissioned. The Superintendent stated, “The new title ‘Commissioning Week’ places proper emphasis on the single purpose of this institution to graduate and commission professional officers in the Naval service.’’ Another tradition bites the dust.
PHOTOS AOG records generally contain photographs of individuals taken during their Cadet tenureship. Oftentimes, when the news media or other requesting agencies ask for current photographs, the AOG is unable to fulfill their requests. For your own sake, and for the sake of currency of the AOG data base, all Graduates are encouraged to send along a current photograph for inclusion in their AOG files.
OBITUARIES “The Gone But Not Forgotten” portion of the AOG Magazine is one that all Graduates review with interest and respect. Many times individuals that are ineluded are not personally known to the AOG staff; therefore, if you are interested in penning an obituary for a friend, squadron mate, or a Classmate, please contact the AOG office. Our experience to date indicates that next of kin appreciate the personal touch that only a good friend can lend. If you have the time and interest, please contact the AOG office.
1979 BIOGRAPHICAL FORMS All Graduates, independent of their membership status in the Association of Graduates, will soon receive by first class mail a 1979 Biographical Update Form that will be utilized in updating AOG records and publishing the 1979 Register of Graduates. You are requested to give your prompt and thorough attention to this item when it is received. This will enable us to insure that your entry in the 1979 Register is current and correct. When you send back the form, it is also an appropriate time to attach a current photograph.
MEMBERSHIP
YEAR The AOG office gets frequent questions related to the exact months of the AOG membership year. For the record, AOG membership operates on a calendar year basis. The publications, however, are provided on a one quarter delay basis, that is, the publications year runs from the Spring Magazine to the following Winter Magazine. This delay is designed to facilitate the membership drive which is conducted each year during January and February; thus, if you are a 1979 Annual Member, your membership entitles you to the Spring 1979, Summer 1979, Fall 1979, and Winter 1980 Magazines. Your actual membership, for sake of voting, will terminate on 31 December 1979.
ADVERTISING As regular readers of the Magazine and Register have observed, the AOG office has attempted to offset some of the increased publication costs with an increased amount of advertising in our regular publications. With this in mind, civilian Graduates who might be able to place advertising with the Association of Graduates or who can identify points of contact within their corporations, please contact the AOG office. Your assistance will be appreciated and the revenues will assist in holding down overhead associated with servicing each membership.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP In 1978 the AOG membership created a new category of membership, Associate Membership. This category enables parents, former faculty and staff, retired military, and other friends and supporters of the Air Force Academy to have an active affiliation with the Association of Graduates. The dues for this category are identical to that of the regular membership category. The only constraints which apply to the Associate Members are that they may not hold office or vote. If you have friends, parents, relatives, or other acquaintances which you feel might be interested in this program, please forward their address to the AOG office and an appropriate brochure will be sent.
AFA EMPLOYMENT The Air Force Academy Airmanship Division has a continuing requirement for highly qualified Captains to work with the Academy’s Parachuting, Soaring, and Light Aircraft programs. Interested personnel, preferably with experience in parachuting, soaring, or light aircraft, should contact Airmanship Division, AUTOVON 259-2495.
SENIOR SCHOOL SELECTEES
FRENCH EXCHANGE ALUMNI
Former USAFA participants in the French Exchange Program have recently formed the USAFA-Ecole de VAir Exchange Association. One of their first priorities is to locate former roommates of French cadets who attended
1969 Wolstzynski, R. Andre, Jean-Marc Cognee, Jacky Lagadec, P. Pillod, Daniel Delaval, A.
USAFA. If you were a roommate or a good friend of any of the former French cadets listed below, please contact Capt Rolland Stoneman, French Exchange Project Officer, USAFA/DFSCS or call autovon 259-2106/2229.
1971 Chouteau, Guy Libat, Bernard Gaboriau, Jacques Filoche, Jean-Yves Lissonde, Bernard Chenevier, Dominique
1974 1975 Dauchet, Bruno Berthaud, Bruno Bonnet, Marc Jamaux, Dominique Abrial, Stephane Froitier, Maurice 1970 Beck, Francis Jourdan, Yves Prigent, Marcel
1972 Bastien, Daniel Gaillot, Hubert Pons, Gerard
Yche, Andre Renard, Roger Niclot, Jean Houze, Georges Sega, Jean-Pierre Lecarrour, Alain
1973 Arrault, Michel Klein, Patrick Motte, Christophe
Two more graduates of the USAF Academy’s first Class have been nominated for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. Soon to be the second and third graduates, respectively, to wear one star are Colonel Robert C. Oaks, Assistant for General Officer Matters, DCS/Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters USAF, and Colonel Robert D. Beckel, Commander of the 410th Bombardment Wing, K.I. Sawyer AFB; this Wing is equipped with B-52H and KC-135 aircraft.
Colonel Oaks was born in Los Angeles, California on February 14, 1936 and raised in Provo, Utah. He attended Brigham Young University for one year prior to entering USAFA in July of 1955. The 1959 Polaris describes him as a Cadet with a generous supply of desire, ability, and forcefulness ...” and predicted that he cannot help but make a successful Air Force Officer.” Shortly after graduation, Colonel Oaks married the former Gloria Unger and they have six children: Perry, Barton, KeriAnn, Derek, Brock, and Kristie.
A navigator and command pilot, Colonel Oaks served a tour in 1965-1966 as a pilot with the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Vietnam after which he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio. He then returned to the USAF Academy in August of 1967 and served as an Air Officer Commanding and Executive for Honor and Ethics, Commandant of Cadets.
In August of 1973, he left the Academy to attend the Naval War College. Upon graduation, he began nearly five years of service in the Pentagon in Plans and Personnel. Colonel Oaks has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal, among others. He was assigned to his present position in June 1977.
Born in Walla Walla, Washington, on January 1, 1937, Colonel Beckel, has a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and is a graduate of the Naval Command and Staff College and the National War College. He is married to the former Donna Lee McAdams and they have two children: Valerie and Robert, Jr.
The 1959 Polaris ascribes to Cadet Beckel ”... a happy combination of a good sense of humor, great athletic ability and the fine gift of winning and holding friends.” His profile ends with the line: “This product of our Class is truly a Cadet’s Cadet.”
A command pilot, Colonel Beckel was a member of the “Thunderbirds” aerial demonstration team for two years, including flying the solo position in air shows throughout the world. In 1967, the team flew 13 hours and 45 minutes nonstop from France to the USAF Academy in order to perform for graduation exercises.
In December of 1967, Colonel Beckel left for a tour in Vietnam where he flew 313 combat missions in the F-100. From Vietnam he was assigned to the 4525th Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB where he served for two years. In 1971 he was assigned to the Office of Legislative Liaison, Secretary of the Air Force, and in 1972 became Chief Aide to Admiral Thomas E. Morrer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He assumed duties as Vice Commander of the 9th Strategic Reconnaisance Wing at Beale AFB in July 1975, took command of the 100th Combat Support Group in July 1975, and became Commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing in January 1978.
Colonel Beckel has been awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and four oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters, among others.
The sincere congratulations of the AOG on behalf of the USAF Academy graduate community to these fine officers. May there be many to follow in their footsteps.
Bob Beckel, ’59
Plan Now to Attend HOMECOMING 1979
Preliminary Schedule
Thursday, 27 Sept Class of ’69 Dinner To Be Announced 1800- and Social
Friday, 28 Sept
Saturday, 29 Sept 0800-0900
30 Sept
NOTES
Room and auto reservations will be handled by Centennial Conferences, 3 South Tejon, Suite 315, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. They will attempt to group each class together in one hotel and provide rooms at the lowest rate. Watch for reservation forms and further details in the Summer AOG Magazine.
The golf tournament will be held Friday afternoon to afford more people the opportunity to participate. Start practicing your swing now, and plan to compete for both fun and prizes.
The Friday evening social hour will feature cocktails and a performance by the Cadet Chorale. Following the social hour, dine in the newly refurnished Officers’ Club or one of the many restaurants in the local area. This is an excellent opportunity to visit friends or sample the dynamic Colorado Springs nightlife.
• If you have suggestions, need more information, or wish to help with Homecoming, call Jeff Campbell (’69), Homecoming Chairman, at (303) 472-3450 or write c/o Association of Graduates, USAFA, CO 80840.
Falcon Sports Update
The Academy intercollegiate program has just completed one of the most successful seasons in its history, winning over 75 percent of our contests this past winter. The men’s swimming team was undefeated and placed third in the national independent’s meet. The men’s gymnastics team was ranked 18th in the nation late in the season. Hockey finished with an 18-12-1 record and ended up ranked 14th in the nation. The basketball team, with only one senior and no juniors, posted a 12-13 record. Individually there were some major accomplishments also. We sent cadet athletes to the Nationals in wrestling, fencing and gymnastics. Also, for the first time ever, we sent three boxers to the Intercollegiate Regional Boxing Championships. Two of these boxers won the Regionals, went on to the Nationals and took second and third respectively in their weight classes.
The women’s intercollegiate program, after only three years, is well ahead of schedule. Our women swimmers went undefeated in dual meets and placed 8th out of 112 teams in the Division II National Championships. Ten of our women swimmers won All America honors. Our women’s basketball team won the regional championships, went to the National Division II Championships and ended up in the top 12 teams in the country. One of our fourth class women cadets just won the Women’s National Collegiate Racquetball Championships.
This spring we are also off to a fast start. The baseball team is 9-4, having just beaten Colorado University in a double header at CU, and the tennis team is 12 and 3.
These accomplishments by our cadet athletes are certainly something we can all take pride in. However, I think all of us realize that what happens on eleven Saturdays in the fall determines to a large extent how the Academy and its athletic program are rated. Given the enormous public interest in athletic competition in this nation, football plays a large role in the public pride and reputation of any institution and even a larger role at a service academy whose students are drawn from across the country. It is not surprising that a successful intercollegiate team also becomes a unifying force, a rallying point of loyalty for the entire student body, not infrequently extending to the Alumni and in the case of a service academy, to a sizeable segment of the public at large.
I want you to be assured that efforts are underway to improve our football program. Recently Ken Hatfield was appointed the head football coach at the Academy. Ken is 36 years old, was a Second Team All America Defensive Back at Arkanas, a First Team Academic All America, and spent three years coaching at West Point in the ’60s while an officer in the Army. He has coached at the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida. Ken has a young, aggressive staff, knowledgeable in all aspects of the game, and drawn from many different programs and back
Col. John Clune A thletic Director 000
grounds. His staff is the largest and best paid in the history of the Academy. They all know what it takes to win and are totally dedicated to that proposition and to the Academy. They are winners and are completely dedicated to making the Academy football program a winning program.
We have, over the past year, expanded and intensified our recruiting effort. We have talked to over 400 high school football players, 60 of whom were being recruited by 4 or more other major colleges. We have campus visited over 90 of these young people and it looks like we should have an excellent recruiting year. Additionally, we have instigated an identification/motivation program with our Academy liaison officers throughout the nation. We have appointed area athletic coordinators who are liaison officers to coordinate the identification effort by other liaison officers within their area. Most of these area athletic coordinators have athletic affiliations high school coaches, principals, high school athletic officials, etc. As this program grows over the next few years, we feel it will be an excellent source to identify and energize young student-athletes, particularly football players, toward the Academy.
We have also intensified our efforts to develop our cadet football players to the maximum. Two years ago we built a $70,000 weight room. Last year we instigated an offseason winter weight training program and this is starting to show results in the endurance, strength and agility of our players. There is a commitment and resolve by these players to make Air Force football respectable and successful again.
Coach Hatfield
We are also taking a hard look at the schedule in the out years and have scheduled teams which are nationally recognized but which are private institutions with comparable academic standards. These include Rice, Texas Christian, Stanford, Tulane, Northwestern, Princeton, Yale, Vanderbilt, etc. In addition, we are scheduled to play Army and Navy each year through 1990. The only team consistently ranked in the top 25 on our schedule in future years is Notre Dame. We are scheduled to play them every year for the next 10 years. This is a game that our players really look forward to and certainly helps provide national publicity for our programs. We will continue to constantly re-evaluate the schedule.
All of us here at the Academy are intent on creating a successful football program. This includes the Superintendent, Commandant and the Dean, as well as the major department heads. There is a realization that a cooperative effort is required and there is cross talk and involvement at all levels of each mission element. We are dedicated to turning the program around!!
There are some things that you as a graduate can do to help our program. We need your moral support a positive and patient attitude. The program will not be turned around overnight, but we have every confidence that we are headed in the right direction, and given time, we can be successful. A major contribution you can make is the identification of exceptional football talent. I know over the past three years, through this magazine, both Terry Isaacson, ’64, and John Lorber, ’64, have appealed to the graduates to provide us the names of exceptionally talented high school football players so we could initiate contact. Those two articles produced two names!! Many of you now have children in high school and, consequently, must follow high school athletics to some extent. If you
would take the time to identify these young people who have the ability to play against Army, Navy, Stanford and Notre Dame and win, we would greatly appreciate it. In a recent discussion with the basketball coach, I asked him if he had his choice of any one player that he coached over the last several years to play with this year’s team, what would the record have been. He said with that one additional player he could have been 18 and 7 or 19 and 6 instead of 12 and 13. I am sure with 6 to 8 additional exceptional football players we could have had a successful football season this past year. In conclusion, while our intercollegiate program is having one of its greatest years, as I said earlier, what happens on 11 Saturdays in the fall really determines to a great extent how the Academy is viewed nationally. We are working very hard to make as many of those Saturdays as possible successful. Anything that you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. BEAT ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
AIR FORCE CONSIDERS WAC MEMBERSHIP
by Frank Boggs Colorado Springs Sun Staff Writer
The Air Force Academy has instigated preliminary discussion that could lead to the institution seeking membership in the Western Athletic Conference, The Sun has learned.
WAC commissioner Stan Bates said he has detected a “softening” in the academy’s earlier position of competing on the national level as an independent and said he has had some recent discussions with Air Force Academy athletic director Col. John Clune.
“I think John’s particular concern is that this can’t be a jumped-into thing. I get the feeling they (Air Force officials) are discussing it more now.”
About three years ago, when Arizona and Arizona State left the WAC to join the Pacific-10 Conference, the academy was mentioned for possible league membership. At that time the decision was made to remain as an independent. “I think,” said Bates, “there is a softening of that attitude now.”
The commissioner said the fact Air Force had not pursued membership when the Arizona schools departed would not be looked upon unfavorably by other league schools now.
Presidents of the member schools will hold their annual meeting in Denver in early May, which would be the logical time for the academy to make any approach. Bates said it would not be necessary for such a discussion to be on the agenda if Air Force was expressing interest.
“I’m sure they (the presidents) would be willing to have it discussed anytime.”
Chairman of the WAC’s council of presidents is Dr. Bud Davis of New Mexico.
He said he thinks the presidents would be pleased to discuss membership with the academy. “I think the Air Force Academy is of great interest to all of the presidents.
It has a high standard of academics and excellent facilities.”
One possible problem could be the number of teams now belonging to the WAC.
The newest addition is San Diego State. Hawaii will enter the conference next July 1 and Nevada-Las Vegas has applied and is awaiting final approval. If UNLV does come in, membership will rise to nine. Other members are Brigham Young, Colorado State, New Mexico, Texas-El Paso, Utah and Wyoming.
Bates says the conference “is not nailed to anything” where the total number of members is concerned. However, the conference fathers might think more than 10 member schools would be unwieldy.
At the time the conference underwent its reshuffling a few years ago, Utah State and New Mexico State also had expressed an interest in joining. Therefore, if those two and Air Force asked for admission soon and the decision was made to take only one more school it’s obvious somebody would be left out.
There is a feeling among those close to the academy athletic program that membership in the WAC would be financially beneficial. It would give the academy more opportunities to share in money derived from regional telecasts of football games and the WAC champion now
serves as automatic host for the Holiday Bowl game in San Diego.
Last season Navy was the invited team and defeated WAC champion BYU.
The academy, if it did join the WAC, would continue to play Army and Navy each season in football. It is believed that a member would not be required to play all the other league teams in football every season, if it became a 10-team league. This would free the Falcons to play another game or two outside the conference, in addition to the Army and Navy games.
Several coaches at the academy see a benefit of belonging to a conference, in that the conference standings maintain an interest for the players even if they are not in the running for the championship.
Fum McGraw, athletic director at Colorado State, said “nobody has talked to me” about the Air Force’s interest, but indicated the school would have widespread support from the WAC. “We look upon them with the greatest respect.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is published with permission of the author. Graduate opinions on this matter are invited.
AOG MEMBERSHIP
100th NIGHT 1979
The third annual 100th Night Dining-Out to honor 100 days until Graduation was successfully orchestrated through the combined efforts of the Colorado Chapter of the AOG and the 1979 Class Council. Featuring a speaker of unusual rank 1st Lieutenant a multitude of lovely ladies and a jovial spirit befitting a Class with only 100 days left, the Class of 1979 proved to all their potential to be “first” in many areas while not losing sight of their fate to be the “last” in another.
The talents of Mitchell Hall’s experienced staff provided a fare seldom surpassed: and the remarks of the Bicentennial Class gift to TAC, Lt. Jack Catton, highlighted an enjoyable and memorable evening for all that were able to participate.
This annual rite of winter will occur again in late February 1980. Graduates contemplating being in the USAFA area are encouraged to plan now to attend and to enjoy the festivities.
Lt. Jack Catton, ’76, discussed his active duty experiences with the men of ’79. Catton served as Wing Commander during the Fourth Class year of this year’s graduating Class.
The Dean, Brig Gen Orth, and his lovely wife joined in the fun and goodfellowship that characterizes every 100th Night celebration.
President of the 1979 Class Council, Mike VanHoomissen, introduced the honored guest and speaker to the 1600 Cadets, Graduates, and guests in attendance.
Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen. K.L. Tollman, President of the Mess, Capt. Bob Shumway, Class of1968, and Brig. Gen. T.C. Richards, Commandant of Cadets, join the audience in recognizing the remarks of the selfproclaimed “world’s greatest F-15 pilot.
1954-1979: A LOOK BACK
The idea surfaced almost four decades ago, but did not become reality until April 1, 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill establishing the U.S. Air Force Academy.
It’s been 25 years since then and the academy celebrated its Silver Anniversary April 1 with more than 9,000 of its 12,134 graduates still on active duty.
Many of America’s pioneer airmen advocated the creation of an academy to prepare officers especially for the air service. One of them, Brigadier General William “Billy” Mitchell, tried in vain to persuade first the government, and then private interests to establish such a school.
In 1948, the Air Force appointed a board of leading civilian and military educators to plan the curriculum for an Air Force Academy. The idea made little progress outside the Air Force, however, until 1949 when Secretary of Defense James Forrestall appointed a board of military and civilian educators. The board was headed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, then president of Columbia University, and Robert L. Stearns, president of the University of Colorado, to recommend a general system of education for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
In 1950, this board found the needs of the Air Force could not be met by a desirable expansion of the older service academies. The board recommended that an Air Force Academy be established without delay and proposed that, in peacetime, not less than 50 percent of the regular officers taken into each service should be academy graduates.
Congress authorized creation of the Air Force Academy in 1954. Harold E. Talbott, then Secretary of the Air Force, appointed a commssion to assist him in selecting the permanent site. After traveling 21,000 miles and considering 580 proposed sites in 45 states, the commission recommended three locations. From those, Secretary Talbott selected the site near Colorado Springs. The state of Colorado contributed $1 million toward the purchase of the property.
The first academy class entered in July 1955 at ternporary facilities at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. Construction at the permanent location also started in 1955 and was sufficiently complete for the Cadet Wing to move into its permanent home in late August 1958. Initial construction cost $142 million.
The first class of 207 graduates was commissioned as second lieutenants in June 1959. The class graduated the fewest cadets and last year’s class of 1978 graduated the most cadets 981. In the years between those two classes, several significant events have occurred at the Academy.
One such event was expansion of the Cadet Wing. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill into law March 3, 1964, authorizing an increase of the Air Force Academy Cadet Wing from 2,529 to 4,417.
Expansion began in June 1964 when 1,002 cadets entered the academy. To provide facilities for the increase, Air Force programmed $40 million over a five-year period beginning in fiscal year 1965.
Perhaps, though, the most controversial event in academy history was admission of women to the academy. President Gerald R. Ford signed legislation Oct 7, 1975,
President Dwight D. Eisenhower shakes hands with Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott April 1, 1954, after signing legislation authorizing the establishment of the Air Force Academy. Looking on (left to right) are Congressman Karl Vinson of Georgia; General Nathan F. Twining, Air Force Chief of Staff; Representative Dewey Short, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; James H. Douglas, Under Secretary of the Air Force; and Lieutenant General Hubert R. Harmon, Special Assistantfor A ir Force A cademy Matters. Harmon later became the Academy'sfirst superintendent.
Lieutenant General Hubert R. Harmon signs General Order No. 1, Aug. 14, 1954 and officially activates the Air Force Academy at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. Looking on (left to right) are Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert C. Cooke, assistant personnel officer; Brigadier General Don Z. Zimmer, first dean of faculty; and Brigadier General John T. Sprague, Lowry AFB Commander.
permitting women to enter the nation’s military academies. Women entered the Air Force Academy for the first time June 28, 1976. The first class with women will graduate in June 1980.
As with any other institution, the Air Force Academy has suffered growing pains. But in its relatively short period of existence, the Air Force Academy has excelled in its quest for excellence to a degree that similar organizations achieved in much longer periods.
The academy’s academic program showed evidence of high quality almost immediately. The Commission of Colleges and Universities of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredited the Academy’s degree program in 1959, an uncommon occurrence since the first class had not yet graduated.
The academy has produced 20 Rhodes Scholars, a figure exceeded by only five other universities in the nation since 1959. Additionally, there have been 44 Guggenheim fellows, and 144 All-American athletes.
Graduates giving their lives for their country number 112, killed in action. Thirty-one academy graduates served as prisoners of war, while 13 are still missing in action.
The Academy has produced two fighter aces, four astronauts, one Medal of Honor winner and 15 Air Force Cross winners. Eight graduates have served as White House Fellows while 12 have been winners of the prestigious Jabara Award for Airmanship.
Today, and in the future, the academy will continue to provide a solid educational background for future Air Force leaders, not only in academics but also in military training and physical education. Academy graduates will be, more than ever, well-rounded contributors to the American way of life, serving their country through pride, dedication and a continuing commitment to excellence.
Editor's Note: This text was provided by the USAFA Office of Information.
The Eagle and Fledgling Statue symbolizes the mission of the Air Force Academy. The philosophy is expressed by the statue’s inscription: Man’s Flight Through Life Is Sustained By the Power of His Knowledge. The eagle symbolizes the speed, power and readiness of the A ir Force and the two eaglets represent cadets preparing for Air Force careers.
is part of the
The 4th Class System has seen many modifications over the years, but it remains a unique and vital aspect of the USAFA experience.
Colorado Springs Mayor Larry Ochs presents a proclamation of the Academy’s 25th Anniversary to General Tollman.
The original Academy construction cost $142 million. This 1956 photo is looking northwest over the construction site shows Cathedral Rock and the ranch of the same name that today
intramural sports complex.
Lowry Marker Dedicated
COMMENTS BY COLONEL BECKEL
As I stand here at Lowry Air Force Base 24 years later, I am astounded at the rapid passing of time.
I remember the fun times when a P-51 located on the flightline side of Lowry mysteriously moved under the cover of darkness over an active runway to the cadet quadrangle where we were housed. Mrs. Mac and Arnold Hall. Marching down Pennsylvania Avenue during the Inaugural Parade for President Eisenhower. I also remember the not so fun times the obstacle course calisthenics or being caught or a minor infraction of cadet regulations by our Air Training Officers.
I recall the infinite challenges to the intellect, physical and spiritual that this place represents.
I remember the profound impact on my life by our military leadership Generals Harmon, Stillman and McDermott. Colonel Ben Cassiday and, yes, Major Ken Tallman.
I can recall vividly the faces of my fellow classmates; expressions of concentration, frowns, sweat and smiles. Most of all, I recall the reflection ofpride, pride in being selected for what few have been selected and even fewer have attained.
In the final analysis, I see the faces of my classmates who are no longer here; the faces of those who have given their lives in the defense of this nation. To me, that is the sum and substance as to why we are gathered here today to dedicate a place of rememberance; a rememberance that the citizens of this nation had the foresight to establish an institution whose fundamental purpose was to train and inspire young men and women
to the higher principles of duty, honor and country over the preservation of their own lives. I am fully confident that the spirits of these fallen cadets will rise and cause countless other graduates of this Air Force Academy if called to proudly hold aloft the red, white and blue in this country’s defense.
Yes, as I stand here today, I remember the past with pride and look to the future with confidence.
STEVE CANYON
MKS. HENCE, SINCE YOU MAY 60 Y YES, TVII5 JAJL&/RP IS 60IN6 —AND I SHALL] MlZ TO STAY vvrrn US INSTEAP OUTLINE H6K IcALHOON OP BEING TURNED IN TO THE POLICE
LOUD ASIDE' TOMORROW IS THE Vfo ANNI* VERSARY OF THE U-S. AIR FORCE ACAOEMY. ON SOME FUTURE PEARL HARBOR DAY, YOU'LL 6E <3LA0 THE WILD BLUE U- HAS BEEN OOIN6 ITS JOB 1
On 1 April 1979, Colonel Bob Beckel, ’59, the first Cadet Wing Commander, joined Lt. Gen. Tallman, the current Superintendent, and Brig Gen William Hoover, Lowry Tech Center Commander, in dedicating a marker to commemorate the original Air Force Academy at Lowry AFB.
Mr. Milton A. Caniff P.O. Box 2022 Palm Springs, CA 92262
Dear Mr. Caniff,
Many thanks for your “Loud Aside” on the 25th Anniversary of the USAF Academy, published with your Steve Canyon strip in European Stars and Stripes, 31 March 1979. We in the “Thin Blue Line” will do our best to justify your confidence.
Sincerely,
DAVID M. GOODRICH Colonel, USAF President, USAFA Association of Graduates
A Lieutenant Leads the Way
The 148th issue of the Air University Review has just been published. For more than thirty years, the lead article has typically been done by the high and mighty. Twice, Secretary of Defense Harold Brown has occupied the lead position, though not in his present capacity. An ambassador of the United States headed the line-up in the JulyAugust 1977 edition. A congressman was number one in the March-April 1975. Former Secretaries of the Air Force have been the point man, also. Even a foreign ambassador to the United States supplied the lead in the September-October 1971 issue. Twenty-five four star generals, fourteen doctors of philosophy, eight chiefs of staff, and one Air Marshal of the Royal Air Force have also led the parade. Only once in that long line has a junior officer made the front rank, and he was a captain. Now a first lieutenant, John W. Jenson, of the 341st Strategic Missile Wing at Malstrom AFB, Montana, has joined that distinguished company. His “Nuclear Strategy: Differences in Soviet and American Thinking,” not only appeared as the lead article in the March-April issue of the Review, but was also chosen by the Air University Awards Committee to receive the Best Article Award.
John Jenson, ’75
Lieutenant Jenson, a 1975 Air Force Academy graduate and the holder of a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, argues that the evidence of the continuing USSR strategic arms build-up is now too conclusive to ignore. He feels that that build-up is designed not only to deter war but also to give the USSR a war fighting capability. Jenson sees this as
dangerous to the security of the US and that of the West and holds that there are a variety of US responses that are feasible, but identifies three as being most worthy of consideration. First, the US could return to a frank reliance on the assured destruction concept. Second, she could do a traditional balance-of-power act with a series of alliances. Finally, after seeing serious defects in the former two, he argues that an effective solution would be to perfect a powerful nuclear and conventional strategic strike force, protected from and designed primarily to neutralize Soviet offensive and conventional forces at the onset of a military conflict. This, says Jenson, would enable the US to refuse the USSR its much desired strategic force superiority, to pose an effective deterrent to the outbreak of nuclear war, and to insure the retention of a sufficient force to preserve something of the US national interest should deterrence fail.
Lieutenant Jenson concludes that America’s best hope for both peace and the preservation of such stability and freedom as the world now enjoys is through the maintenance of strategic arms with a realistic counterforce capability and the demonstration of the will to maintain her interests and those of her allies.
A NEW WAY
Cole Lo\ett, ’74
Some of us have maintained low profiles throughout our five year Academy commitments, doing little more than the minimum required for the Air Force. And some of us became so enmeshed in the system that we became “organization men” “careerists” living and breathing for the system with little or no consideration for peers and family. Most of us, happily, fell somewhere within these extremes, being neither a super outstanding officer nor a failure, but a well-rounded good officer instead.
On very infrequent occasions, however, an officer will surface possessing a rare combination of attributes that serve to differentiate him from his contemporaries. My classmate and very good friend, Captain Joseph L. Dorris (class of 1974), is such an individual.
I have had plenty of time to observe before coming to this conclusion. Shoftly after graduation, we went through Operational Readiness Training for missiles at Vandenberg AFB together. Then we spent the next four years in the 12th Strategic Missile Squadron in Great Falls, Montana.
Currently Joe is assigned as an instructor at SOS; but on the 12th of September, the day before his departure, he donated a large mural to the squadron an original painting depicting various aspects of missile duty at Malmstrom. As an aside, he also has a mural on permanent display at the Academy in Fairchild Hall near the Art Department.
I was sincerely honored when the squadron asked me to write a short piece to hang alongside the mural. The following is the result:
An impossible age, Sundering forces.
Surging humanity
No place to breathe or escape to.
Too many, Not enough.
Restless disorder, violence, entrophy.
The burdened planet Cries its distress. Man is the cause, and the hope.
Shattered Earth
An incandescent beacon. Or new attitudes and a new way.
Our generation is characterized by a rapidly expanding population, rising environmental degradation, and exhaustion of the Earth’s reserves of natural resources. As a result, social disorder is increasing the average man is more concerned with self-gain than the good of society as a whole.
Joseph L. Dorris, the creator of this mural, is one who has raised himself above the average. His motivations are not self-centered they are community oriented. His donation of this mural to the 12th Strategic Missile Squadron is only one indicator of his involvement in the community and of his dedication to duty while serving as a missile launch officer.
During his stay at Malmstrom, Joe gave freely of himself as a Big Brother and as the leader of Boy Scout Troop 1. He was involved with the clean-up after the harsh flood of 1975 in Great Falls while most of the rest of us were content to listen to news reports. And he was at the scene of the disaster caused by the breaking of the Teton Dam in Idaho in 1976, offering assistance to the survivors.
Joe’s entire attitude speaks of optimism, a belief in the goodness of man, an intense love of nature, and a dedication to public service. If only more of us were as selfless and as concerned with the condition of society.
New attitudes and more above-average people are what we need then possibly we can find a “new way.”
CHAPTER NEWS
CAPITAL CHAPTER
The Capital Chapter recently held its first annual Wing Ding at the Andrews Officers’ Club on 24 March. As advertised, Lt General Tallman, USAF Superintendent, was guest speaker, fighting his way (barely) through Colorado snow drifts to be with us. Also present as guests of the Chapter were General Tallman’s son, Richard, a congressional staffer, and his wife, as well as several of the officers of the local Parents Club. More than 220 attended, including grads from ’59 to ’78, and many former Academy staff members and faculty.
On 25 April, the Chapter will represent the AOG at a plaque presentation ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The plaque is being presented on behalf of all gradautes “in memory of the unknown American heros” as part of our Silver Jubilee celebration. On 14 May, the Chapter will hold its second luncheon. Senator Barry Goldwater will be the speaker. On 16 June, we will co-host, with the Parents Club, a dinner for the young men and women who have received appointments to the Class of ’83. Planning is also underway for a group romp to the Navy game on 6 October., After only four months of operation, the Capital Chapter has 103 members and continues to grow. All area grads are encouraged to call Fred Metcalf, ’63, at 697-2919, for information.
A final note: Any grad coming to the DC area who has need of assistance is encouraged to call Dick Davis, (H) 202/333-3465 (O) 202/524-9300 or Tom Leib, (H) 301/645-2286, (O) 301/981-4373 of our Graduate Service Committee. Services available cover a broad range, including real estate, legal assistance, etc. We can help make your relocation easier.
COLORADO
The CCAOG is proud to report the overwhelming success of the third annual Hundredth Night Dining-Out celebration. This year the Class of 1979 and guests, plus Colorado Graduates and members of the USAFA staff added up to 1550 participants. As in the past, any profits realized are divided evenly between the honored Class and the CCAOG. The Class deposits their share with the AOG for use for future events and gifts to USAFA.
Many Graduates in the Colorado area are busily preparing for the graduation of the Class of 1979 in a few short weeks followed shortly by a short breather before the Class of 1983 enters on June 25th.
For those Colorado-based Grads not yet active in the CCAOG and for those inbound, please plan to drop in at one of our meetings (held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Jerry St. Restaurant in Castle Rock) or to contact one of our area Vice Presidents for information (Denver: Bill Wood 341-1010 X408-Colorado Springs: A1 Blumberg 636-3844.
Form A Chapter
It only takes some interest to get an AOG Chapter organized. The AOG office can assist and the first step in the process is to contact the Executive Director for a kit that may help in your initial efforts.
Bear in mind that a Chapter can fill many different roles social club, professional forum, recruiting vehicle, etc.
Why not give it a try?
W-PAFB CHAPTER
The Wright-Patterson AOG Chapter was formally reestablished 16 Mar 79 with a highly successful “State of the Wing” Dinner that will be a hard act to follow. Nearly 300 persons heard Lt Gen Tallman, USAFA Superintendent, talk on the high quality and motivation of the young men and women Cadets currently at the Academy. He spoke of the increasing challenge to identify and attract to the Academy the youth that will adapt to the rigors of the academic, physical and ethical program of the USAF Academy. He himself is encouraged about the future of the Air Force based on the quality of the current Cadet classes.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Col Bill Telford, ’59, who did an outstanding job. He entertained the audience with some short reminiscences about an AOC he once knew, one Major K L Tallman. one feature of the evening was a “Toast to the Cadet Wing” by the oldest graduate (Bill Telford, ’59) and a “Toast to the Air Force” by the youngest graduate (Charles E Gratch, ’78).
The WPAFB Chapter was challenged by Gen Tallman to promote interest in the Academy and the Air Force as a career by worthy young men and women. The Chapter is still in the process of getting organized and establishing its program. The Chapter has some 300 military and civilian graduates as potential members.
The audience for the “State of the Wing” Dinner included numerous non-graduates who share our interest and concern for the Air Force Academy: Cadet Parents Club members, Liaison Officers, West Point and Annapolis Alumni, and former faculty and staff. It was a most enjoyable evening for all who attended.
Retired Lt. Gen. James E. Briggs, 72, the second Superintendent of the Academy, died on 25 February 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gen. Briggs retired in 1964 after thirty-six years service. He succeeded Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon as Superintendent on 1 August 1956. He guided the operation of the Academy during two of its three years at Lowry AFB and led the August 1958 move to the Academy’s permanent site. General Briggs served as Superintendent until becoming Commander, Air Training Command in August 1959.
General Briggs was born in Rochester, N.Y., on 5 May 1906 and graduated from West Point as a member of the Class of 1928. He graduated from Advanced Flying School in 1930 and transferred to the Army Air Corps. His first command was at the 19th Pursuit Squadron, Wheeler Field, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, from August 1935 to August 1937. In June 1940, he was assigned to West Point as a mathematics instructor, squadron commander, and flying instructor at Stewart Field, N.Y. During World War II, he served as operations officer of the 8th Air Force Fighter Command in Europe; and, in September 1943, then a temporary colonel, Briggs became Air Officer of the European Section of the War Department General Staff. In March 1945 he became deputy commander of the North Atlantic Division, Air Transport Command, and in April 1946 moved to the Central Intelligence Group in Washington, D.C. From August 1947 to April 1948, Briggs served in Colorado Springs as Chief of Staff of the 15th Air Force.
Briggs was promoted to brigadier general in December 1948 and served as Commander of the 306th and 307th Bombardment Wings at MacDill AFB, Florida. He served in the Korean War where he earned the Distinguished Service Medal. Included in his awards and decorations were the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine, and his son, James E. Briggs, Jr.
The AOG has established a Briggs Memorial Fund in honor of the Second Superintendent. Donations may be sent to the AOG offices. The use of the fund will be decided upon at a later date.
The 21st Academy Assembly addressed the topic “Improving Energy Efficiency” during a four day meeting in late April. The keynote speaker, Senator Gary Hart of Colorado, addressed 90 student delegates from around the country and 25 senior participants from industry, government, and academic circles. The opening address was followed by two days of roundtable and panel discussions that investigated the chosen topic in great detail. The final plenary session was held at the Academy Officers Club and included an address by Dr. Barry Commoner of the Center for Biology of Natural Systems at Washington University in St. Louis. The final report of the 21st Assembly will be edited by Dr. Roger G. Harrison, a visiting professor from the Department of State.
ACADEMY HAPPENINGS
PRESIDENT FORD VISITS USAFA
Former President Gerald Ford visited USAFA in April, for two days of teaching class, a press conference, and a lecture to the Cadet Wing. The President’s visit was sponsored by the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, a nonprofit Washington DC organization. During his address to the Cadets, the former Commander-in-Chief endorsed the “whole person” concept and characterized the contemporary military professional as fulfilling a role of deterrence rather than the traditional one of armed combat; he told a cadet audience they would fill “the ever more important role of helping to insure that diplomacy does not fail.”
During his press conference, President Ford discussed SALT II, national energy problems, South Africa, Iran, China, and the 1980 Presidential election. Mr. Ford denied any plans to relocate in Colorado to run for the U.S. Senate from this state. He also announced that he would not campaign for the Presidency in 1980 but kept open the possibility that he would accept a draft.
WHITE DEFENSE AWARD
It has been announced that the Thomas D. White National Defense Award for 1979 will be awarded to General George S. Brown. This is the first time in the history of the award that it will be awarded posthumously.
General Brown, former USAF Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, died of cancer on 5 December 1978. He had served in the Air Force since graduation from the U.S. Military Academy in 1941.
During his colorful military career, Brown served in three wars rising to Commander, 7th Air Force during the Vietnamese conflict. He also served as senior military advisor to former Defense Secretary McNamara and as Commander, Air Force Systems Command.
Previous recipients of the prestiguous White Award have included Senator Barry Goldwater, nuclear scientist Edward Teller, and comedian Bob Hope.
IRA EAKER LECTURE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE POLICY
On 20 April 1979, Dr. Joseph Luns, Secretary-General of NATO, presented the First Ira C. Eaker Distinguished Lecture on National Defense Policy. This lecture series is sponsored by the Association of Graduates through an endowment fund established by Major General and Mrs. Robert Smith (USAFR, Retired). The selection procedures and administration of the lecture series is accomplished through the Department of Political Science.
The Distinguished Lecture on National Defense Policy will become an annual event during the Spring Semester and is designed to augment the study of Defense Policy by members of the Cadet Wing.
President Ford
General Brown
Gone But Not Forgotten
Ronald L. Bond, ’69
On 6 February 1979, Captain Ronald L. Bond, Class of 1969, was declared KIA after having been listed as MIA since 30 September 1971. He was the navigator of an F-4E aircraft which was reported missing in action while on an operational mission in Laos. Ron is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Errol Q. Bond, Sr., 3410 Egerer Place, Fullerton, CA 92635.
Ron served as the Executive Officer and Athletic Officer of the 1st Cadet Squadron; was on the Commandant’s List two semeters, the Dean’s List two semesters, and the Superintendent’s List one semester; he majored in Aeronautical Engineering. He was a member of the Talon and Contrails staffs, the Ski and Engineering Clubs, and the Professional Studies Group. Ron participated in wrestling one year while at the Academy.
Following navigator training, Ron received training as a Weapons Systems Officer at Davis Monthan AFB and was subsequently assigned to the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang AB, South Vietnam.
Stuart A. Sandberg, ’73
Captain Stuart A. Sandberg, Class of 1973, was killed in an F-4D aircraft accident, 11 April 1979, near Nellis AFB. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, 3790 Briarwood Avenue, Las Vegas NV 89121; and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Keith A. Sandberg, RR 2, Royal Center, IN 46978.
Stu served as Executive Officer of the 38th Cadet Squadron and participated in the Ski Club, Math Club, and Water Ski Club and was a member of the Rally Committee. He was on the Dean’s List six semesters, the Commandant’s List seven semesters, and the Superintendent’s List six semesters; Stu majored in Engineering Management.
Editor’s Note: The Association of Graduates, in cooperation with the parents of Tim Conway and John Sheehan ’77, has established a Memorial Fund in Tim’s memory. The use of the fund will be determined at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a contribution should forward a check to the “AOG, Conway Memorial Fund.” All contributions made to the AOG are tax deductible for those who itemize deductions on their Federal income tax return.
lLt Raymond Reed, Jr., Class of 1976, was killed in an F-4E aircraft accident north of Spangdahlem, West Germany, on 2 Mar 79. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his daughter, Stephanie, 1100 Ponderosa Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952.
Before his graduation with the Bicentennial Class, Ray was a member of the 13th Cadet Squadron. Active in the Judo club, Ray majored in Electrical Engineering.
After graduation, Ray earned his wings at Williams AFB, Arizona. After Fighter Lead-In at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, Ray attended F-4E training at Homestead AFB, Florida, where he graduated as Top Air-to-Air Pilot. At the time of his death, Ray was assigned to the 496TFS at Hahn AB, Germany, in the F-4E.
As a wingman and as a person, Ray Reed was always there. His quiet smile and warm friendliness won him the friendship and respect of all who knew him. His death is a great personal loss to his many friends and family. (Mike Hauser, ’76)
Captain Dennis R. Young, Class of 1970, was killed in a HH-53 accident on 26 February 1979, 58 miles northeast of Kadena AB. He is survived by his wife, Sherry; two sons; and his mother, Mrs. Menia R. Young, of 8770 Moore Road, Pleasant Grove, CA 95668.
Dennis was the Commander of the 19th Cadet Squadron and was on the Commandant’s List every semester while at the Academy; he appeared on the Dean’s List and the Superintendent’s List three semesters. He participated in the Ski Club and the Skeet Club and was a letterman in Pistol for three years.
Following graduation from pilot training at Columbus AFB, Dennis served as a T-37 instructor pilot with the 37th Pilot Training Squadron at Columbus AFB and the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Squadron at Kirtland AFB. He was assigned to the 33rd Aerospace Rescue and Recover Squadron at Kadena AB at the time of his death.
lLt Edward A. Levell III, Class of 1976, was killed in an F-4D aircraft accident, 11 April 1979, near Nellis AFB. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda of 4444 Shoen Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89110; and by his parents, Colonel and Mrs. Edward Levell Jr., 358 Coral Sea Road, Ft. Lee, VA 23801.
Chico attended the Millard Prep School prior to attending the USAF Academy. He was a member of the 10th Cadet Squadron, majored in Behavioral Science, and played varsity baseball.
After receiving his pilot’s wings at Craig AFB, Chico received fighter lead-in training at Holloman AFB and F-4 training at Luke AFB. Funeral services were held at the Cadet Chapel on 17 April. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Association of Graduates.
Raymond Reed, Jr., '76
Edward A. Levell III, '76
Dennis R. Young, '70
Wayne Pittman
2000 S Eads, Apt. 927 Arlington, VA 22202 AV 225-6770
Lean news this quarter everybody must be saving their gossip for the reunion. I was hoping to be able to report the new assignments for our two BG selectees, but Bob OAKS isn’t talking.
Several more of the class have moved up in units: H T JOHNSON is assuming command of the 22nd Bomb Wing down at March and M P C CARNS of the 354th Tac Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach. Wayne JEFFERSON left the Pentagon in April to become the Vice Commander of the 319th Bomb Wing at Grand Forks. And Denny SEE didn’t stay ADO at Ellsworth long he moved up to DO of the 28th Bomb Wing in March.
Phil SMOTHERMON has moved to Chandler, Okla, but I don’t know what he’s doing. Maybe you’ll drop me a note, Phil. Rog CONANT is now at the Leadership and Management Development Center at Maxwell. Jerry GARBER just called to let me know he’s on his way back to the Academy (in June) where he’ll fill the new position of Director of Professional Ethics.
As we approach (most of us) twenty years’ service, I begin to hear of pending retirements. Joe DESANTIS, Pat MUSMAKER, Fred WYNN, and Jim WELCH in this area are planning to do it this summer. Fred will stay in the D C area and Pat plans to go to Texas. I don’t think Jim’s and Joe’s locations were firmed up at the time of this writing.
Joe DESANTIS will be sorely missed here in the Washington area. He was one of the organizers and the first president of the new National Capital Chapter of the AOG. Under their auspices, the annual Academy Dinner henceforth to be known as the Wing Ding (sound familiar?) was held in March at Andrews. Gen Tallman was the guest speaker and conducted an unusually candid
question and answer period.
This will be my last newsletter from Washington. I’ll be leaving in July for Air War College, and to say I’m looking forward to it is a gross understatement. My classmates will include Lorin KRUEGER, George CLARK, Bob DELLIGATTI, Tom BOWEN, Bob FAY, and A1 WATERS. Others on the 78-80 school lists: Bob JENNINGS and Brock STROM to ICAF (Brock doubling as faculty and student) and Ed MONTGOMERY to the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.
Well, as I said, the news pickings are kinda slim this time. I’m confident that it’ll be much better next time after I see all of you at The Reunion.
John Macartney
160 Arequa Ridge Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 AV 259-2270
The big news this issue is that Tony BURSHNICK has picked up the ball to put a Class of 60 crest on the Class Wall at the Academy. Also, Tom BURKE, bless his soul, has stepped forward to be chairman of our twenty year reunion committee, and he will use the crew Tony has organized as his field assistants. Here’s a message from Tony:
After informal contacts with a few of our classmates around the country, it was decided that we should start a drive to get the Class of 60 crest on the Class Wall. It will cost about 2200 dollars. Allowing for attrition, apathy, lost souls and so on, I’m going to ask that each of us contribute whatever he can, but not less than 20 dollars. Jock SCHWANK will be the point man, but we’ll need help from all in contacting our classmates. Tom BURKE will work Andrews and
the DC area, Nels DELISANTI has McChord and the Northwest, Bill ZERSEN will canvas SAMSO and Los Angeles, Mike LOH has Alexandria, Dean VIKAN has Myrtle Beach, Tom SEEBODE has Travis, Don STEVENS has Maxwell, John KUENZEL has Eglin, Chris WARACK has Norton, Ralph LALIME’s got Alaska, Dale THOMPSON Europe and I will cover the Far East. We will essentially be “enforcers”to put the arm on guys who haven’t contributed. Hopefully most of you will already have sent your money to Jock by the time this is published. So if you haven’t done so already, please get your check in the mail right away. We will also need help from everyone to contact classmates who have left the service. If we all work the problem, we should have the crest up for our twentieth reunion. If there are any funds left over, we will use them to defray reunion expenses. Please make your checks payable to The Class of 60, AOG Fund and mail to LTC Jock Schwank, c/o Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840. (It’s tax deductible.) I’ll give you a status report via this magazine. As J.D. keeps saying, let Jock hear from you.
I might add that Tony, who by now is in place as the Wing Commander at Yokota AB, Japan, has already ordered our crest so we do need to respond ASAP.
Here’s a picture of Gary SHEETS receiving the 1978 Air Force Historical Foundation Award for his thesis at AWC. Gary is now at the Pentagon drawing up plans for a follow-on manned bomber. The B-2?
Red Flag. Roy JOLLY is still flying Thuds with the Reserves at Tinker and Bob RAGER has a M-day full colonel assignment.
Here is a recent photo of John SCHIRA, one of our new colonel-selectees. He is an aircraft maintenance officer at Langley.
Howie and Linda WHITFIELD, Russ and Barb MacDONALD plus Anne and I hosted a Class of 60 party at the MacDonald’s home in Woodbridge, Virginia last February where I took these pictures.
Ed HAERTER wrote a letter this winter while snowed in at his farm near Chicago. Ed flies for TWA as well as the Air Force Reserves (KC-135s). His son Chris will join the Russ MacDonald USAFA class of 1983 in June, and Ed and Nancy are planning their year around parents’ weekend, football games, Christmas leave and so on. Ed was plugging the Reserves and he mentioned John PEEBLES is Group DO for the Toledo Air Guard, Bruce MOSIER is driving A-7s with the Sioux City Guard and Bruce recently had a near miss with Tony BURSHNICK who was flying a C-141 at
Norm Haller, Mike Clarke, Liz Haller
Sylvia, Rachel, Gary and Nathan Sheets with LtGen Greenleaf
Quickies: Gary GULBRANSEN, who flies for Pan American has moved from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, where he says he is “closer to LAX and up to my ass in avocados.’’ Charlie LIGGETT has moved to Fairfield, California Travis I guess. Also new at Travis is the Vice Commander of the 60th MAW, Tom SEEBODE. Mike J. CLARKE is a student at Monterey. Jim PEEL has PCSd to Dover where he is flying C-5s. Van VanINWEGEN is going from AWD to the Pentagon as is Russ MacDONALD. Yours truly, John MACARTNEY is returning to the Academy again after a year as a visiting professor (?) at The National War College.
Thomas L. Sutton 3443 Fernway Dr. Montgomery, AL 36111 Home Phone 205-288-7522
Welcome to our spring issue, 61ers. We hope the contents of our magazine have lifted your spirits, just as do the warming breezes and blooming flowers of spring. Spring inspires a feeling of happiness and optimism even as the prognosticators of gloom foretell of upward spiraling prices and back to the cockpit jobs for outstanding lieutenant colonels. Life in the United States of America is still the greatest blessing God can give to one of His children coming to this earth, even in these perilous times.
Continuing in the spirit of nostalgia and reflection, you may recall from your reading of my last newsletter that I appealed to you for information or suggestions about 61 class officers. Jim Wheeler and the AOG leadership need to know who represents our class. I will accept all claimants to positions of president, vice president, and secretary as legal. In the absence of that, I will accept any and all nominations to these offices and will forward a ballot to resolve the issue. In the absence of any of the above, I will tell the AOG that Tom ELLER is our class president, Hector NEGRONI is our vice president, and I am our secreatary. I have absolutely no sound basis for making this proposal, but it’s better than nothing. I offer these alternative proposals as a solution to the problem because I have received absolutely zero correspondence from you since 15 January. If that hearty response is equalled through 12 July, the third alternative proposal will stand.
Having almost completed Air War College, I have learned that radical and forceful decisionmaking by those having no authority is sometimes necessary. I therefore choose to act. I have learned quite a lot more at AWC as well. I am pleased with my broadened capacity to understand myself and the world I live in. I have learned a lot about war and peace, management and leadership, and have even improved my communicative skills. I have been prepared to perform effectively as a three star general (according to the syllabus) and feel competent to do so. Armed with this new education, I am looking forward to my next assignment as a line pilot in a tactical airlift C-130 squadron. There I will respond meticulously to the directions emanating from the MAC command and control
system and apply them expertly with the newest management techniques.
Actually, I don’t have a firm assignment yet. There are still 45 days to graduation. Since I know we will have to move somewhere in 45 days, there is no reason for me to know exactly where I will be moving until it’s time to go. THEY will take care of me.
I do not worry. THEY have promised that THEY are carefully monitoring my career progression. THEY will ensure that my talents are used to their capacity.
I am also secure in the knowledge that the oldest of my seven, going on eight, sons will be ready for college in three years and that my Air Force pay check will be more than adequate for the family needs in those days. However, just to spice up our lives with a few of the nice to have items like gasoline, hamburger, and beans, my wife and I have launched our own direct sale jewelry business with CCI and are enjoying the diversity of that activity along with the sports, scouts, camping, music, church, fixing and refixing my 1969 station wagon, etc.
As a final note, having held my wife’s hand through seven births and a couple miscarriages, I was delighted to learn that I would not be allowed in the hospital for the birth of my eighth son until I had attended the fifteen dollar, twelve hour prospective father’s class. Perhaps finally I will learn what it’s all about.
I hope that this diversion has not been too mundane for you who are caught up in the whirl of progressive midcareer. Since I didn’t even receive any new change of address cards to discuss in this issue, I thought you might permit my dalliance.
I do have one additional item to report. I received a short letter from Jim CASSIDY on 15 January, several days after my deadline for the winter issue. He reported that he and his family were enjoying themselves immensely. Jim is in real estate and insurance in Ambler, Pa. He expressed his amazement at the rapid passage of time in our lives. When our sons and daughters begin applying for driver’s licenses and discussing SAT tests and college entrance requirements, it reminds us of how long it has been since we were caught up in that same maelstrom. Jim’s primary reason for writing was inspired by a humorous footnote in the Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper of 12 January. The story went this way:
HE’S A CREDIT TO HIS OFFICE
People in San Luis Obispo, Calif., can bank on their new district attorney. He’s named Christopher MONEY. Shortly after he took office he named his new assistant Wyatt CASH. A check of county officialdom shows no other major change. To coin a phrase, isn’t that rich?
Few 61ers even those with good credit, can boast of coast to coast newspaper coverage upon having been selected for a new assignment. I guess it’s all in a name.
So until next issue, this is Mot NOTTUS signing off. Nanu, Nanu.
HOMECOMING 1979
29 SEPTEMBER
FALCONS VS. KANSAS STATE
John W. (Jack) Jamba
Qtrs. 60-A
F.E. Warren AFB, Wy 82001
Home (307) 632-3834
Office: AV 481-3408, 2389
Hi Redtags! If you will quickly look at the line above, you will see that my office telephone number has changed. That’s because I’ve changed jobs. On the 9th of March I became the commander of the 90th Transportation Sqdn. I had two days of overlap with my predecessor and then was told to swim on my own. Very interesting experience. The change was so swift and sudden that MPC still hasn’t blessed it; and my time has been so taken up by the new job that I haven’t had much time to call some more of you. Luckily, I have received some very encouraging and stimulating letters that I will include in my column.
First “I read in the winter edition of the AOG magazine that the class of ’62 needs funds to purchase the Wall Plaque. I’ve always felt close to the ‘Red Tags’ and I feel like a member of the class. So enclosed find my contribution towards the Wall Plaque. I’m enjoying retired life here in California. My health is great and my golf is lousy. Best of luck always. Sgt. Bill (CMSgt W. H.) Coltrin (Ret).” From the Red Tags Thanks.
Second ‘‘We read with interest the item in the Class News ’62, Winter 1979 issue of the Association of Graduates Magazine, that a start has been made on a memorial wall plaque based on the Class Crest. In memory of Charles S. FRANCO, ’62 my wife and I enclose a donation of twenty-five dollars toward the proposed fund to cover the expense for the undertaking by the Class of ’62. Very Truly Yours, S. Charles Franco, MD, FACP.” We remember Chuck and we thank you.
Third ‘‘We noted in the Winter issue of AOG that donations for a memorial plaque are solicited for the class and are happy to forward $10.00 for Denis DEHNE plus $10.00 for one of the missing. The possibility of the miniature crest sounds good. We are fortunate in having both of our Air Force sons near us in Nevada. Denis was with Pan Am until furloughed a couple of years ago; he has also been a pilot with the Nevada Air National Guard (F-101 and RF-4) for ten years, having commuted from New York to retain his assignment in the Guard and Pan Am employment. He continues to train amateur boxers; one was named outstanding tournament boxer in S.F. He plays music, models and is in real estate. My favorite is the music he prepared for High Flight, a contribution to the Air Force Academy. Denis won appointments to both West Point and the Air Force Academy and we are very proud of the Air Force despite my being an Army career physician. Sincerely, Edward J. Dehne, MD, DrPH, Col. US Army (Ret).” Thank you for the update on Denis and for your thoughtful donation.
Fourth I got a fine letter from Pete ROBINSON and will quote most of it. ‘‘A couple of comments in the Winter AOG actually prompted me to write. The Class Crest deserves all of our support even if we need to contribute $20-$30 apiece. The idea of the mini-crest to each donor has merit if it wouldn’t drive up the cost excessively. The same is true of one to each deceased member’s family as long as that is administratively
possible. Let us know in the AOG Magazine what you need. We should get moving on it though. The letter to the editor in the Winter issue from the six officers at AFMPC was excellent. It is appalling that any graduate would attempt to pack his unit with AFA grads. That is a gross disservice to both the Air Force and the Academy as well as a serious breach of integrity. I continue to be impressed with the high quality of officers that we get from all sources. Hopefully our loyalty to the Academy doesn’t interfere with the greater responsibility to the Air Force. They certainly don’t conflict, unless we make them. Holloman still is apparently a well kept secret in TAC very few really want to come out here. After three years here as Operations Officer, Ops and Training Chief, and Stan Eval Chief, we were looking forward to a PCS to Senior Service School this summer. However, I got an offer that couldn’t be refused to be Commander of the 7th Tac Fighter Squadron in F-15’s. It’s got to be the best job in the Air Force at least for a light colonel. The Wing has one of the best flying operations in TAC, and we’re far enough away from Headquarters to keep it that way I hope. We have a few grads in the Squadron and have several more inbound, but we’ve done a good job of maintaining a good cross section of officers from all sources. That diversity is essential in my opinion. My wife Pat, son Eric (14) and daughter Kristen (12) are all thriving in the New Mexico sunshine. They have almost gone fully native. After a bit more than three years here, we still expect to stay until mid 1980 that is if the Personnel folks are cooperative. If anyone gets through this way my Autovon is 867-4391. Keep up the good work in the Magazine. Sincerely, Pete Robinson”.
I got a call recently from George HARRISON at Air War College. He said that he and George LARSON would be sending their donations for the wall plaque. He also said that his follow-on assignment from AWC will probably be to the Pentagon while George LARSON will probably go to Plattsburgh to fly FB-11 l’s.
The response to the Class Wall Plaque has been very encouraging. And I want to see us press along quickly with our drive. A letter from the AOG said that the price will be going up 14% in the near future to almost $2400.00. For now, you can send all donations directly to the AOG at the Academy and make the checks out to the Class of ’62 Memorial Wall Plaque Fund. Jim Wheeler and the AOG staff will do the rest.
I talked to Roger RHOADES recently. He and Bob ANDERSON are running a two person shop for Admiral Locke. It is a mission analysis shop and primarily concerns the survivability of the cruise missile. Roger likes the job because of the interesting work he has. It must be interesting for him to have extended his tour to 5Vi years already. His wife, Judy, hurt her back on her job so she’s back at home full time now. Son Kevin, (14) has an interest in all sports and in photography. Son Brian (11) is primarily a wrestler.
Talked to Bill O’ROURKE who is now at the Pentagon working in the Tac Forces Div. His office is responsibile for a lot of expenditures so it gets a lot of attention. Like a lot of other people in the DC area, he frequently works six or seven day weeks, 12 hours a day. To help relax, he does carpentry work on his basement and reads a novel or paper on the bus to and from work. His wife, Cynthia, works in a department store part time. Son Bryan (14) is a piano
player in a band. Son Glenn (13) is concentrating on baseball. Daughter Jeanine (11) is a girl scout and piano player.
Now for a recap of Home Town News Releases and Change of Address cards. The accompanying photo of Art FARRINGTON is self-explanatory. Well done, Art. I just got my AWC stuff in the mail and having gotten past the explanation of terms in the introductory bulletin yet. Otis O. DINNING recently received the 3rd award of the AFCM at his new assignment, Moody, where he is flying F-4s. Lanny LANCASTER sent me his new address in Newport News, Va. Dave HOLT has transferred to Tyndall where he is the Ops officer for Det 5, 55 AARSq. Mike SHIEBER is a sq. pilot for the 36 TAS at McChord. He says “Hi, Jack. Keep up the good work. 3 yrs 5 mos to go”. Grant LANNON has just finished as Chief of Safety for the 4950th Test Wing at Wright-Pat. He says “Going to Ramstein to push throttles and carry VIPs on T-39s. Been at Wright-Patterson 2Vi years this time at various jobs in the test wing. Jack, appreciated your words on your promotion situation. You have lots of company. Think I’ll enjoy the remainder of my career.’’
I have put quotes in this column expressing various viewpoints and opinions. I felt they were timely and worthy of printing. If any of you want to express your opinions to your classmates in the column, drop me a line. I hope to be back on the wires talking to more of you before the next issue. In the meantime, keep those cards and letters coming. I sure appreciate it.
commander of Tactical Training at Luke. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
1 Special AFA Stamp
The Post Office at the Air Force Academy will provide a special cacheted envelope to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the academy. The 6 3/4-inch blue envelope will feature a falcon on a branch and a special 25th anniversary logotype will be printed to the left of the cancellation.
A standard cancellation will be given each envelope for April 1 and the cachets will be available until July 1. Each cachet will cost 35 cents or three for $1. Requests should be sent to Postmaster, USAF Academy, 80840.
By the time you guys get this issue of the Magazine I voted for Check Points we will be somewhat settled at Scott and into the new job at Rescue Current Operations. To get in touch with me you can call autovon 638-5816. I would surely like to hear from as many of you statesiders as possible before the next article is written. Temporary address at Scott follows:
PSC 1596
Scott AFB, IL 62225
One thing to remember; my deadline for the next issue will be two-three weeks after you receive this issue. I’ve been carrying a letter from Rob POLLOCK around since 20 February. ’Tis now April. Anyway Rob passes on news of Ron (0-6 selectee) FOGLEMAN who is at Soesterberg as the DO for the 32 TFS. Rob and Kathy are stationed at Bitburg flying the F-15 and performing duties as the Operations Officer of the 525 TFS “Bulldogs.” The squadron actually has a real bulldog named “Butkus” that prowls the hallways of the 525th.
Someone in the AOG office sent me a clipping from the Falcon News. The star of the story was another of our new 0-6 selectees, John BORLING. Seems that John and some of his squadron-mates John is the CO of the 94th TFS took a flight of their F-15s to Khartoum in the Sudan for a little static display. For their efforts the Sudanese rewarded them with a tour of some of their Mig-17 and Mig-21 aircraft. The Mig-17 was of Chinese manufacture and the Mig-21 had been built in Russia. That must have been some kind of an experience. Educational I’m sure! We should press John for some words on the trip the next time we all get together. I had a chance to tour an “Eagle” while it was awaiting parts here at Anderson on-the-rock. Quite the machine! You guys taking any volunteers from the numerous motors set?
Had dinner last month with Dennis YEE. Dennis was down from Yokota flying the “Island Hopper.” That is one of the all-time fun missions taking a C-130 into a number of the small islands and atolls of the U.S. Pacific Trust territories. Occasionally they break down and are forced to spend some time with the natives. I think Dennis has spent his entire career, save one tour at USAFA, out in this part of the world.
Awards and Decs: Dick GUILD was recently presented with the Legion of Merit. The award was for outstanding service to the United States as an Air Operations officer and as a study group director in the Fighter Division of the Directorate of General Purpose and Mobility Studies, assistant Chief of Staff for Studies and Analysis at Headquarters USAF. Dick is now with the 33 TFW at Eglin AFB. Bob DONOVAN was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at RAF Woodbridge for outstanding duty performance as assistant Professor of English at the Academy. Congratulations and Well Done you all!
Job changes include Bill OLSON at RAF Bentwaters as Chief of Operations Plans for the 81 TFW. Jon MEDINA
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur D. Farrington receives certificate ofgraduationfrom the Air War College at Luke AFB, Ariz., from Colonel John L. Pickitt,
has moved on to McClellan from the Offutt as a Computer Systems officer for AFLC. George GREER is the assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at San Diego State University, Det 75 AFROTC. Garet NENNINGER and Dave LOHMANN have both been transferred to Hawaii. Dave’s job is unknown to me. Garet is with the Air Force element of CINCPAC at Camp Smith. (Say Hi! to an old friend and neighbor of mine stationed there with you at CINCPAC his name is Mike Yeager., Thanks.) Both Garet and Dave live in Mililani Town, Zip 96789. Garet at 94-430 Kauopua St and Dave at 94-214 Noholoa Ct #37. Neighbors?
Lastly, but obviously not least, Bryant CULBERSON has been slaving away(?) at the National War College. Maybe we should send him some sympathy cards. Well, thanks for all your support etc. while I have been stuck on this rock. Linda and I will be looking forward to seeing and entertaining as many yellowtags as possible while we are at Scott. Please call.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Skip stopped by USAFA and the A OG office to visit and to establish the Class of 1963 AOGfund. This is intended to be a collection accountfor the ’63 Class Coat of Arms that will be placed on the Class Wall. Skip promises an Ops Plan in the summer magazine.
Rod Wells 490 Allegheny Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919 AV 259-4511
Well, Spring has sprung again here in Coors country, alternating as always between blinding sunshine and blinding snowstorms you never know which is coming next but maybe that’s the beauty of it. Firstclassmen are now into the Brevet Second Lieutenant program which amounts basically to showing up for class most of the time and a few nominal duty appearances (not much of a change really). Things are heating up for June Week (or should we say May Week these days) we’ve got more activities crammed into these last few weeks than you can imagine Academy Assembly, College Presidents’ Conference, President Ford’s visit, a 25th Anniversary blowout, the usual clutch of assorted VIPs it just goes on. Oh well, it’ll soon be time for the Rush from the Rockies, that spring rite that launches a multitude of monks upon maidenhood sorta brings a tear to the old eye doesn’t it (My God, I have a daughter now myself what am I saying). Maybe with the Brevet 2nd Lt Program, the novelty will have worn off of a few things so that the Big Flush won’t yield cadets launching out of here at light speed with their eyes rolled up in their heads and foam around their lips but I doubt it. But enough drivel, what oh what is lurking in the mailbag? I see
Shuttle Pilot FRED GREGORY dropped a note to say all is well at the Space Center in Houston. He emphasized that the recent pictures of the Shuttle craft mated with the mother transport are not intended to be captioned, “FLY
UNITED.’’ Jack COLE revealed that he, Joe BAVARIA, and John SOWERS are at Air War College and will finish in June Jack’s headed for C-141s at Norton. He noted occasional Maxwell socials which included the likes of Mike and Sandy PAVICH, John and Susan LORBER, Rich and Sherry PORTER, Tim and Teg WESTOVER, Barry and Linda FLANARY, and Roy and Bea GOOD. Jim and Karen McINTYRE are now in Lubbock where Jim is commander of the 54th Flying Sqd. at Reese (must have been exciting while the Prince of Iran was a student whoever he was). Speaking of commanders, are you ready for this Bob WOODS and Herb BEVELHYMER are both C-141 squadron commanders at Norton now. And talk about far out, what could be farther out than Jon PRENEZ’s job as commander of a support squadron on Enewetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands keep up the good work Jon, next year you may move up to Kwajalien. Joe GRIFFITH called to say all is well in the Puzzle Palace and that he is alive and well doing Readiness Measurement (whatever that is). And Bob CLARK checked in from Kadena where he’s an Ops Officer in F-4Ds. He says D.J. ALBERTS assumed his old Pentagon post in Doctrine, that Jim VERSTREATE is also at Kadena, that Jeff LEVY is commanding the 35th TFS at Kunsan, and that Jim BROWN, Pete CALDARELLI, and Rog DUNN are frequently seen on exercises. Thanks all for keeping in touch.
Who’s Where Dept: Gene POTTENGER is at Norton in the Guard in maintenance; Wayne McKENNEY is Ops Officer of the 81st Tac Ftr Wg at Sembach, Germany (he says Doug CATCHINGS and Tom WALSH are at the home base in Bentwaters, England, as Chief of Stan Eval and Ass’t Ops Officer respective); Dave PIERCE has moved from Whiteman AFB, Mo. to Portland, Ore; Duke NAUTON has traded Holloman AFB in for San Diego; Vern HANDEL is now at Armed Forces Staff College; Gil ACHTER is toughing it out at PACAF Hq in Hawaii and commanding the maintenance squadron at March AFB is Ken ANDERSON.
Short Bursts: Thanks for those tax-deductible donations to the Class Crest, keep ’em coming, everything helps. A few kudos Gary SANDERSON completed his MS at AFIT in computer systems, Rob TORNOW got the MSM (Meritorious Service Medal, Todd) for F-4 duty at Kunsan, and George “G.G.” SMITH has received the Air Force Commendation Medal for work in communication systems congrats to all. And, oh yeah, I’m going back to Boston for the 29 June wedding of my neighbor Bibby BOLT and her new dentist husband, Joe Rota very happy for her. Well folks, time to go oh by the way, they won’t have Rod WELLS to kick around anymore I’m finally moving on this summer after AVi years (only a shade longer than my cadet tour). Going back to bend C-130 throttles, but this time at Rhein-Main, Germany looking forward to a job where you only have to risk your life occasionally in a plane instead of daily on the staff. I’ve decided to keep the newswriting here locally anyway, and give it to a guy whose name is not only close to mine but who’ll probably be here for a while longer Joe RODWELL. So please take your hate mail out on him now will you? Here’s his new address: 7035 Oak Hills Place, C.S., 80919. But I must admit, it’ll be a bit hard to leave
I stopped at the North overlook on the way home from work tonight and I don’t mind telling you I got a little misty but, hey life goes on, you know so keep in touch, will you and what else can I say it’s been fun cheers.
Mike Ryan 117 Lee Ave. Poquoson, Va. 23662
Home 868-8164
Office (Autovon) 968-2727 / 2109
Jane and I got some good news and some good news. The first good news is that 1 no longer work at TAC HQ where when I pulled back on my pencil my desk failed to rotate. The other good news is that I’m leaving (tomorrow) for MacDill AFB where if I pull back on my pencil my desk still won’t rotate. But if I can stumble out of the 61st TFS, borrow the keys to a Double Ugly (F-4D), determine which end is pointed, get that end moving at a suitable number of snorts, I’ll pull back on my pencil and see if the palm trees will go away. (If that doesn’t work I’ll figure it out). All that gibberish means Mike is going back to flying. And that’s neat. I don’t have an address yet so keep sending correspondence to Virginia (Jane’s going to stay ’til school’s out) but you can get me at the MacDill autovon number listed above.
I’ve talked to Mike MULDOON a couple of times this year. He’s on his way to the puzzle palace (XOXFD) working strategic defense planning. He and Deb just had a baby. (Actually Deb had the baby and Mike provided encouragement).
Received a long note from Chuck SPECHT. He and a group of other 65ers are going through Air Command and Staff College. Chuck is going to C-5’s at Travis after graduation this summer. He passed on the following moves: Larry STONE to Little Rock in C-130s; John HAAS to Peterson AFB (ADCOM); Bruce GROSSETTA to Clark AFB in F4-G’s; Chuck said the Jim THOMAS, Pat MOORE, Mike TEDESCO, and Craig McKINNEY are also in the class but he was unsure of their destinations. I met John AARNI in the Langley Club a month ago. He’s in Armed Forces Staff College. A2 wrote on a napkin where he was headed and I lost it. Senility on my part.
Overseas: Got a note from Charlie DAHLBERG. Charlie’s an Assistant Vice President with American Express in Frankfurt, Germany. He says he can be reached at Frankfurt (civilian) 1528261 whether or not you’ve been mugged by Carl Malden. Lionel LUXICH is headed for Kunsan by the Sea, Skip COX is back in England (Lakenheath) in F-lll’s. Gene KOROTKY is at PACAF HQ where he received an MSM for work as an Ops Officer at MacDill.
Stateside: George (Spider) McKINNEY is back at Eglin in F-15’s just in time for fishing season. Dick HUSEMANN is assigned to Kirtland AFB working with the Defense Nuclear AGency. Paul MacDOWELL is a Staff Tactics Analysist for Red Flag at Nellis. Jim ALSOBROOK has left Travis (141 ’s) to work budget matters for ATC at Randolph. Myron DONALD received
an MSM for his work as the Information Officer at the Bone Yard at Davis Monthan.
Mike WHITE called from Plattsburgh, N.Y. He was an Ops Officer in FB-11 l’s but is now an assistant to the Vice Wing Commander for the 1980 Olympics. Mike says Bob WALSH is also there as an FB-111 instructor pilot. The White’s just had twin girls (AFA Class 2000).
That’s it for this quarter. With the summer moves coming up, if you will jot notes on your change of address cards to the AOG, I’ll get those and print same. As an alternative call me when I’m not flying.
>66
Eddy Shirley 2260 Cascade Drive
Atwater, CA 95301
Home (209) 357-0903
Duty 347-258 / 2509
Hello from the land of winter fog and summer sun. After four “white” winters, we were delighted to put the snow shovels away for a while.
Red Tags with Silver Leaves: Fourteen ’66ers were on the most recent Lieutenant Colonel list. Selected in the primary zone were Vic ANDREWS, Stan BOYD, Ed CANNON, Mike KENNEDY, John McBROOME, Rick NICHOLS, John VAN DUYN, and Jim WOODY. Belowthe-zoners were: Jerry ALLEN, Rusty GIDEON, Clay OLSCHNER, Dick THOMPSON, Mike WHEELER, and Butch ZENT. Congratulations, guys, I’m sure you’ve noticed that Lieutenant Colonels seem to be getting younger every year.
’66 Wanderings: Our first War College attendee is Nick KEHOE, who is currently enrolled in the RAF College of Air Warfare. Bob HOH and Wayne SKORA have been reassigned to join all the other Red Tags at TAC Headquarters. Bob left Luke AFB for the ISD Shop and Wayne came from Hill AFB to join the Safety Staff. Mike KENNEDY was rewarded for exploiting the cadets as an AOC by receiving the MSM and an assignment back to Homestead AFB, flying the F-4E. Also at Homestead as an F-4 IP is Mike MARON who received his second AFCM for outstanding performance at Sheppard. Joe JARVIS received the AFCM for revealing the mysteries of
Back to the Pentagon for Jamie Gough
math to cadets and has been assigned to Travis in C-141s. Arnie WEINMAN is currently at AFSC and rumor has it that he is on his way to SAC Headquarters after school. Jamie GOUGH has returned to the Pentagon after graduating from AFSC. His younger brother Scott GOUGH (Class of ’76) is in the squadron with Harry ICKE and me. Phil BRUCE is back at Edwards after completing AFSC. Rick LINDBERG was awarded a PhD in Aerospace Engineering by AFIT and was assigned to Wright-Patterson in Systems Command. A1 NADER is back in the C-130 business after graduating from AFSC. Kent CARLSON is a student at the Defense Systems Management Course at Fort Belvoir, VA. Chuck VOGEL is leaving AFIT and Wright-Patterson for Hq TAC at Langley. Gary PALMER Is flying C-130’s in Test Wing at Wright-Patterson. George BERLS left California for Systems Command Headquarters at Andrews. Jim NANGLE has left Europe for the OSI Detachment at Nellis. Dorsey PRICE is in the Command Post at George AFB. Jim DAKINS is working for Kodak in Denver. The 84 FIS will become the sponsor unit for Bob ESTUS’ 13th Cadet Squadron on 1 July. We look forward to your visiting Castle, Bob. Tom JAMROSY is working for Ford in Detroit. Dave MARCRANDER is in Personnel at Hq MAC. Rumor has it that Sam PESHUT will trade his basketball for an F-l 11 to Europe. J.D. THOMPSON is a Civil Engineer at Tyndall AFB.
The information from y’all has been sparse at best. Please write a letter with news of our classmates, or at least put a note on your change of address cards. Until next time, Good Luck and God Bless.
A l NaderMcChord
Tom Griesser
132 Stacy Drive
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
AV 638-5009
Home: 618-632-4718
Salutations ’67ers!
Just returned from TDY to realize the class news is due. Therefore, the time has come to lock myself away and attempt to write all the news that is fit to print. First of all, let’s discuss some items that affect us all. I’d sure like to receive any photos from you folks that might spice up the column. The few that have appeared were passed on to me by the AOG. So, if you happen to have an interesting, good-quality snapshot please get it to me. No one will accuse anyone else of being vain. Secondly, in the last edition, I asked for a volunteer(s) to honcho the project of securing our Class Crest for the Class Wall. I haven’t heard from any takers yet. Sound off if you’re interested. (Might be nice if someone near/at the Academy could ride reign on this one!) Prices for the crests will soon go up 14% to almost $2400. So we’d better get moving or we may face even more increases. Bascially, that is all the business for now. I wanted to philosophize a bit but 1*11 hold that until I report on moves, events, etc. Usually I try to group the items and issues in some semblance of order. This time, I’m writing off-the-cuff so bear with me.
Congratulations to Dale STOVALL and Len VERNAMONTI who’ll be attending National War College in August. I know they will represent us well. Seems everytime I write our blurb, Len’s name pops up and this time is no exception. About a month ago, we chatted during his short TDY to Scott and he again provided a great deal of info.
Rich MIDKIFF has moved to Maxwell where he is an instructor at the Academic Instructor School. He’s teaching lesson planning and platform skills to UPT and PIT academic instructors. John HOLLSTEIN saw Rich BEBEE at Stapleton Airport recently and reports that Rich is progressing well with Continental. I think he’s upgraded to 727 first officer. I must also mention that John has one more quarter to go and then he takes his bar exams. His credentials will be very impressive law degree, MBA Harvard Business School, CFI what next? I’m sure John CARNEY is enjoying himself at McChord and the great Tacoma area where he is a navigator in the 8 MAS. John with the MAC nav reduction program about to take effect enjoy it while you can! Brian DeLUCA resigned on 1 Nov 78 and has settled in the Seattle area. He’s an engineer in Digital Avionics (Military) for Boeing. Good luck Brian sorry to see you get out. Paul BURNETT received his second Meritorious Service Medal at Hill AFB. He was cited for outstanding duty performance as an F-16 air ops officer while assigned to the F-16 System Management Office at Langley. Dr. Pete KNEPELL has left mile-high city for windy Travis AFB. You and the new wing (MAT) Commander probably arrived around the same time Pete! Another move is reported by Mike MAHAFFEY who traveled from Miami to Patterson, California, I’m not sure what the job is though. L. S. DOUGHERTY has given up homesteading at WrightPatterson and has begun working in AF/RDE in the
in C-130s
Washington DC area. Another classmate in AF/RDE is newly-arrived Roger COFFEY. Roger graduated first in his in-residence AFIT class in Strategic and Tacatical Studies and is now ready to apply all that knowledge. Greg FREIX has also just departed the surroundings of Dayton, Ohio. Greg and his wife took off for Holloman AFB and T-38 fighter lead-in training. What’s your follow-on assignment Greg? Gary GREEN is a petroleum production engineer in Casper, Wyoming. Bill LOCKE moved from one small Maine town to another and now resides in Roxbury. The most amount of news dealt with the activities of Ron MARQUETTE. The Falconews devoted an entire page to him titled: “Air Force Lawyer Rides Southern Circuit.” Excerpts from the article read: “Often he’s considered a ‘hired gun’ brought in to take on the tough ones. When he hits the trail he rides steady in the saddle with confidence and a clear head. As a cadet in 12th squadron, MARQUETTE quickly earned a reputation for helping his classmates out of awkward situations (and best of all) asked what he got out of going to the Academy that might have influenced his present life-style. He replied with a devilish smile: ‘a diploma.”’ All-in-all it was a very flattering tribute to one of our classmates. This next section is a conglomeration of tidbits of information from you guess it Len VERNAMONTI who has since disclaimed any responsibility for authenticity. So here goes: Peter SELLERS AF/XOXXE; Bill STROUD at Plattsburgh, 60 day TDY to the five-sided building; Wayne PAAJANEN getting out in April; Dick TEBAY since separated working at Williams Research, Detroit; Rich McGILL practicing law in Upper Marlboro, MD; Bob WARREN AF/IN; Bob PASTUSEK and Stump SOWADA both at AF/XO; Fred WILLIAMS AF/IS; Dave LeCLAIRE hanging out in Georgetown; Ted LEGASEY a “Beltway Bandit.” Actually he’s a VP for Systems Research & Application Corp. in Reston, Va. Using any of your B-l experience, Ted?; Don TWOMEY left the DOD Operation for Satellite Business Systems in D.C. after ACSC; Dave MESSNER SAF/AAA; Gerry CROWIN AF-ACM; John GNALL leaving Malmstrom for the Canal Zone and (Jim GEORGE); Steve ELM also in AF/XO; Jim HAGEY to Navy Post Graduate School this summer from SAC; Bill BOISTURE separated from the Air Force (I really can’t believe that one!) Chris DYSART from Davis-Monthan to 12AF/DOV this spring. Chris stopped in here at Scott after picking up a brand new A-10 from Hagerstown, MD. The aircraft had 3 hours on it!; Gerry WENNER leaving Wright-Patterson in June to a flying job at Wurtsmith; finally Pete MILNE Just get here from WrightPatterson and the Strategic and Tactical Studies course to work in MAC/XP.
Well folks, that is about all the newsy inputs for now. My present job of monitoring the MAC Pilot Retention program presents some distressing moments. Just in this article alone look at the names of the guys getting out. We’re losing some very good people! I feel we lose just a little bit of Air Force effectiveness when another departs. We hear about the many whys and wherefores of the current dilemma but some influential individuals contend that there is no problem. Maybe maybe not! I just hope our service and the nation aren’t creating a situation from which we can’t recover. Hopefully, we’ll allocate as much
time to the improvement of ourselves and our position as others have taken toward our criticism and the questioning of our need/utility. On that poignant note, I’ll end for now. Take care and have a nice spring.
Mark Torreano 8469 Brainerd Ct Springfield, VA 22153 703 455-4960 iW AV 222-5011
Being a new guy in the D.C. area, and a fresh-fromColorado new guy at that, I’ve gotten some pretty blank looks from people when I inquire as to the expected snowfall for April, May and June around here. Seems as though this place really has a spring! First time since ’71 I’ve taken snow tires off before the end of May. But I became a believer when I got my first live look at the cherry blossoms that adorn the Tidal Basin. This is a beautiful time of year in D.C. and I know its spring ’cause a guy called me the other night and told me I had been chosen manager of Mark Jr’s Little League team. Sure hope we do better than my hometown nine, the Reds. At least I didn’t get assigned the name “Yankees” for my team. No way I could handle that! The Capital Chapter held its First Annual Wing Ding on 24 March at Andrews, with General Tallman as guest speaker. 68ers there included the ECKERTs, FERRONs, FLOYDs, HUGHEs, MAGUIREs, SHATTUCKs, SEIFERTs, and Don SUTTON and guest. Everyone is fine and the ladies continue to outshine the men.
I came across this photo of 17th Sqdn guys at the Reunion and figure there must be a thousand good shots out there begging to be printed for all to see. Send me yours and I’ll run them until we all get together for our 15th in 1983. Did you hear the one about the USAFA football coach? They have installed a revolving door in his office! Which doesn’t make a lot of sense until you read the notice elsewhere in the magazine that Bill Parcells has left after only one year. I really hope the “revolving door” comment is not true and wish Ken Hatfield, the new coach, the best. And don’t complain about our season record until you’ve tipped the Zoo off to a blue-chip recruit. We all need to do more in that area.
Letters: My “nanu-nanu” line in the last column got to Lee Anne WEBB, who sent a note from RAF Wattisham, where she and Jack are in a “Mork” fan club, and Jack flys F-4Ms (air-to-air) to his spare time. Lee Anne says they love Wattisham, are only 70 miles from London, and would love to have some American company. Looks like Gary NORDYKE (Upper Heyford) is off to Edwards for Test Pilot School and Dave HENSON has left his RAF exchange tour for parts unknown. Jack took a swipe at Marty COLE, saying he sure looked old in the picture in the last mag. Lee Anne added, however, that so would Jack if he combed his hair differently. All I can say in defense of Marty is that I think he looks great considering the life of debauchery he leads (just kidding, £laudia!)
Tina and Garry DUDLEY wrote of their activities. Garry is an assistant section commander in T-38s at Laughlin, has finished ACSC by mail and teaches
management classes for Park College. Not to be left home alone, Tina is teaching oriental cooking, bossing her Brownie troop around, and has just completed a masters in guidance and counseling. Congratulations, Tina. Now Garry can retire at twenty and let you support him, if you aren’t already. Hal HIGLEY is going back to Barksdale from his remote at Sondrestrom, eager to get out of rated supp jobs and into B-52Gs. A1 BLUMBERG’s boss, Joe RODWELL, ’64 sent a note that A1 was selected “New Agent of the Year” for Northwestern Life in southern Colorado. In just seven months A1 sold more than one million dollars of life insurance. Good work, Al. Bob SHUMWAY has been very good about passing on tidbits and here are his latest. Larry MAAHS is Director of the Central Coordinating Facility at Edwards and flys A-37 chase aircraft. He sees Frank BIRK, Roger MOSELEY, and Kerry KILLEBREW frequently, and says Brian O’HARA is now a student in TPS. Karl WHITTENBERG has recently returned from the Aggressor Squadron at Alconberry and is now at the Fighter Weapons Center at Nellis. He is interested in starting a chapter there, so you Nellis people give Karl a call and lend a hand. Frank MARTIN is a Safety Officer at Hickam, and Hank MOORMAN is a L1011 First Officer for Saudia Airlines.
I also got some “Bell-a-grams” (phone calls). Slava HARLAMOR is leaving civilian life and going back into the Air Force! The Russian Prince has been out since about ’74 involved in several enterprises but is turning in his Guard slot for active duty, under the recently instituted Air Force recall program for selected reserve officers. Slava will be flying the KC-135Q at Beale. Also joining Slava in the move back is Jim BJORK, Dave KAPP, and Manny BETTENCOURT. Manny has entered the ministry since he left the Air Force and had been planning to come back in as a chaplain. However, a recent decision that weekend and evening work was not his bag has led Manny to seek a line officer’s intelligence slot and he will possibly be assigned to Germany. And that’s not all. His wife, Gloria, has applied to OCS, so they will really be an Air Force family. Anyone who has questions about the recall
program can get answers from MPC. Charlie SEIFERT called to tell me he was now in Plans on the Air Staff. He has just completed the Combined Air Warfare course at Maxwell. His wife, Marilyn is an Army nurse and is assigned to the Pentagon Dispensary. In fact, I saw them strolling hand-in-hand on the Concourse the other day at lunch, the most blatant case of PDA I’ve ever seen. Charlie brings news that ACSCers Mitch DORGER will go to the Safety Center at Norton, Mike BOOTS to Plans, Air Staff, and Bruce GERRITY is also coming to the Puzzle Palace. Charlie also told me that Ken STEWART, most recently working with OSD, is getting out soon. Another “exit, stage left” has recently been accomplished by Dan BUCCHIONI, who now is a systems analyst with BETAC in Rosslyn.
News Releases: Dan AHERN has left Pete Field and is a VC-135 driver at Andrews. Skip BALAZS recently participated in exercise “Cope Thunder” in the Philippines. Bill ECKERT is working in political/military affairs on the JCS. Charlie HOLLAND graduated from AFIT with a masters in astro engineering. Bob MAGUIRE is at Armed Forces Staff College. Roger SORENSEN was selected outstanding Junior Officer of the Month in his unit at Scott AFB.
Address Changes: Movers in the class include: Steve BORAH to Armed Forces Staff College; Tom EAVES from Tehran to San Francisco (Tom had been in Iran for two years installing a computerized banking system for Electronic Data Systems. He says they had lots of shooting and disturbances until they left in Dec); Rocky GAINES and Bob JOHNSTON are OV-IO FACS at Sembach, Germany. John GRAHAM, Jr. has left Europe for Wilford Hall Medical Center, where he says his job is “being sick.” (Hope its a quick recovery, John.); Carl JANSSEN is in Bellevue, Neb; Randall JOHNSON is a supply officer with the 67 Supply Sqdn at Bergstrom; Denny McCLAIN had moved locally in the Springs, but the news is that they have a daughter, Stephanie Allison, born in Jan. Great job, Sandra!
Best of luck to all us captains on the 4 June majors board. The news should be out by mid-July. And as I shuffle off to bed, let me leave you with this last bit of z z z z
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Due to the lack of orders received, the proposed “Flashback Annual will not be produced. Refunds will be forthcoming. Glassware and T-Shirts are still available. Contact Bob Shumway for details.
A V 259-4768 (303) 472-4678 6714 Dublin Loop W, C.S., CO 80918
HOMECOMING: 27-30 SEPT.
Left to Right: Dave and Kathie Strobel, Carl and Jody McPherson, Jeff and JoAnn Parrish, Don and Bev Motz, Dave and Vera Dellwardt, Mark and Mimi Torreano.
Michael R. Thiessen
1205 W. 75th Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64114
816 / 474-0777 Business 816 / 444-0053 Home
Greetings from the Heart of America. As was indicated in the last edition, I have volunteered to succeed Tom BAUMGARDNER as the author of this column. For those who wish to contact me, you may do so at my home address or phone listed above, or you may use my law firm business address and phone: Happy, House & Cooling, P.C. 2400 City Center Square Kansas City, Missouri 64105 (816) 474-0777
(No, we do not sell heating and air-conditioning systems. We are in fact a law firm.) I hope that many of you will find the time to drop me a note to bring your classmates up-to-date on your activities.
The AOG office reports that Jeff CAMPBELL has assumed the Chairman responsibilities for our 10th reunion this fall. Tom and Jeff have been working with other 69’ers in the USAFA area to organize our reunion activities. Be sure to mark September 29, 1979 on your calendars. With Jeff leading the way, we will surely have a great 10th reunion.
One reunion activity that should be given high priority by each 69’er is the dedication of our Class Crest. Our reunion committee has tentatively decided to fund the Crest by requesting each member of 69 to contribute a minimum of $20. I hope that each of you will forward your contribution today. We don’t have much time to meet the deadline for ordering our Crest. We shouldn’t miss the opportunity to dedicate our Crest during our 10th reunion. By the time you have received this issue of the AOG Magazine, you may have received a letter explaining the Class Crest project. If you haven’t received your letter, or if you have received your letter but have not forwarded your donation, please do so today. Tom BAUMGARDNER, 5988 Del Paz Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918, and Jim DOWNEY, 2755 Cibola Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 will be handling the donations along with the AOG. Mail your checks to either Tom or Jim and make them payable to “Class of 1969 AOG Fund”.
Time for the latest gossip concerning our fellow classmates. Perhaps I should start by briefly outlining my last ten years. I married Nancy nine months after graduation and after a year as an IC at McChord, I attended Stanford Law School for three years. On graduation, I toured as a JAG at Sunnyvale AFS, California and Richards Gebaur AFB, and then I joined Happy, House & Cooling, P.C. in February of 1978. Nance and I have two children and will have a third by the time you read this. Now, if you don’t want to hear about me next time, WRITE and tell me about yourselves.
Kansas City is attracting more 69’ers each year. Art POLNISCH arrived last fall and is working with Dresser Industries. Art and I are planning some duck, goose, turkey, quail and pheasant hunting this fall. Should any of
you feel the call-of-the-wild, give us a call. Bill DENNEY is lawyering here in Kansas City. Our paths cross with some frequency on the Metro or on the Kansas City Athletic Club basketball court. Larry PRENGER has moved to Parkville, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City.
Cliff PARSONS, stopped by this winter while on route to the West Coast. Cliff manages a cigarette factory in Australia. At last report Cliff had arrived safely at USAFA in his journey back down under.
Jeb Hallett writes that he is in Boston for a year of special surgical training at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital. Gary HOE reports that Penny and the girls are fine. Gary is in charge of recruiting for the scientific, engineering and technical career fields for OTS at Robins AFB. Bob BELL is currently with the Library of Congress. He will probably miss our 10th reunion due to his assignment commencing this May as Director of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Assembly in Brussels, Belgium. It seems that Bob’s committee has scheduled a tour of NATO’s southern flank that may conflict with our festivities. Why would anyone prefer the Spanish, Italian and maybe even the French Rivieras to USAFA? Anyway Bob, I promise to send you pictures of the reunion if you send me pictures of the “Southern Flank,’’ suitable for publication of course.
Blair and Kathy STEPHENSON are planning on attending the reunion. Blair is with the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas. Mike and Natalie MAY and their three youngsters are in Dover. Mike has recently upgraded to Aircraft Commander in the C-5. Congratulations Michael.
Harry LAWS will be at the reunion “with bells on.” We should probably take Harry literally on this pledge. Harry also plans to take part in the Old Timer’s Rugby Game, Saturday A.M. He is currently doctoring in a USAF hospital somewhere east of New York.
Harry EVANS is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is hoping to be at the reunion although his plans are not definite at this time.
Craig and Linda ERICKSON are at Hickham. Among Craig’s enjoyments are Hawaii, running, and a new baby, Amanda Melissa, born January 2, 1979.
Tom and Karen LOVE are in Texas where Tom is doctoring for the USAF. They hope to see us all at the reunion.
The other true love of ’69, James E., has earned the medal for superior performance as a social actions officer at Little Rock, AFB. Jim is now with the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center at Randolph.
George FULLER has been certified as a B-52 aircraft commander and is stationed at Fairchild AFB. Dwight CLARK has received the Air Force Commendation Medal (his second) for his service at USAFA. Stu JOHNSON has been named outstanding Junior Officer of the Year at Wright Patterson AFB. Stu has been working as a procurement program manager. Congratulations to these and all the other 69’ers whose accomplishments are referenced herein.
If any 69’er would like to utilize this forum to coordinate individual squadron (or other group) activities for our reunion, just drop me a note.
Larry Vaughn Dave Frostman
2840 Downhill Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Telephone: (303) 599-7764
Kirtland AFB, NM 87118
AV 964-5807 AV 259-2655 Home (505) 262-0845
Since I am new at this, I wasn’t expecting any letters this time. Well, I didn’t get any so, with one exception, all this news is by way of news releases and change-of-address cards.
The one letter I did receive was from Scott and Yolanda HOVERSTEN announcing a recent addition to their family an eight-pound-four-ounce girl they have named Veronica. Congratulations!
The hometown news releases send us word on several of our number. Jarv HAMBLIN received the Meritorious Service Medal at Ramstein. Mike GWINNUP was on the Outstanding Crew of the Quarter at F. E. Warren. Masters Degrees were earned by Craig NORTHROP and Bob SCHUMACHER in operations research and Joe RENAUD in double-E. Craig went to Scott as a scientific analyst, Bob to Randolph as a computer systems plans and programs officer, and Joe to Wright-Patterson as an electrical engineer.
Jeff FIELD recently traveled from Warren to Vandenberg where he participated in an operational test launch. Several F-15 jocks have been on the move. Skip BENNETT went to Bitburg AB, Germany while Bob MARSHALL and Rick TUSETH were TDY to Saudia Arabia. Bob and Rick also made the Falconews when, on their return from Saudia Arabia, they stopped in Khartoum, Sudan where they were given the chance to inspect firsthand a Mig-17 and a Mig-21.
A final news release item: John MARTINSON was named Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis with a division of Exxon Enterprises, Inc.
Now for the latest moves. Russ NORTHRUP is now living in Cape Neddick, Maine and flies Delta out of Boston. Dave HIGGINS is living in Bellevue, Nebraska, and is a pilot with Eastern Airlines. Cec SNYDER is at Beale in U-2’s. Joe MCCLELLAND moved from Edwards to Shalimar, Florida; Mark ROBBINS, from Cannon to Buena Vista, Colorado, and John HORNOR, from Fairchild to Kadena. Brian KESSLER is in Brussels where he is in the F-16 CASEUR (Controller Administration Service Europe). Frank HEMING is back in Colorado Springs. Randy DILL has gone to Maxwell and Geoff BEWERS to Kenner, Louisiana.
Next time I hope to have at least a few letters with some firsthand news from out there.
P.S. Just got a letter from Martha MOORE. (Thanks, Martha) Phil is now flying for United and the family (daughters Suzanna and Elaine) is moving to Chicago. Lew and Kathy HATCH are on their way to Canada for an exchange tour with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Chris and Mary DUNBAR are in Denver. Chris graduated from law school and is working for Exxon. B. J. and Cathy BJORKLUND are in Dallas where B.J. is a broker for Merrill Lynch. Dana and Brigid DEMAND are at Offutt and Tom and Claire WALTERS are at Barksdale where Tom is in SAC’s Combat Evaluation Group.
Ah! Springtime in the Rockies. Flowers in bloom, snow melting (hopefully not too quickly) and winds a-blowing. Such is the price one pays to live in God’s country. So much for idle thoughts. Since my last epistle brought such an overwhelming response, I’ll make a second plea for interest in forming a Class Wall project committee. We need to step forward, ’71, if we plan to meet the goal of having our plaque added to The Wall by Homecoming 1980, and I hear a nasty rumor that the price is going up faster than inflation. So, if you would like to volunteer to help form a committee or to participate or to just talk about it, let me know. Also, I’m looking for a volunteer who would like to take over the column and add some fresh words, as it were. The after-Christmas slump brought a veritable dearth of news this quarter, but here goes.
Vince LANDRY called from chilly Grand Forks to tell me he’s finally moving on after 6V2 years. Vince is presently a scheduling branch chief at Grand Forks but will be moving to USAFA in June to the MT Department. Nick STOOKE, another 6V2 year veteran of the northern tier will also be moving on in May to TAC Intelligence at Shaw AFB. Also, Dave BORKOWSKI is at Grand Forks where he is flying B-52s.
Doug STOLL called from Edwards where he recently arrived after five years in B-52s at Fairchild. He’s working as a scientific analyst on the ALCM program. Doug reports that Dale AUTRY is at Edwards in the Test Pilot School and that Dick REYNOLDS is still flying B-52s at Fairchild, but is also trying to get into the test pilot program.
In other news, Rusty and Barbara BALLAS have left the cold country of K.I. Sawyer for an assignment to Mildenhall where Rusty is a nav in EC-135s. Steve and Paulette DEHAVEN moved from the Pentagon to Spangdahlem where Steve is a WSO. Bill and Mary DEWALT are out and Bill is flying for Delta based in Atlanta. Mike and Bonnie DZIEDZIC are at USAFA where Mike is teaching in the Political Science Department. Bill and Sandra EVANS are now at Offutt where Bill is an air operations officer. Mike and Marilyn GEBHARDT are now at Hill, and Mike recently received his second AFCM for work at England AFB. John and Janet GOODALE are at England where John is flying A-7s and received the AFCM for work at Wiesbaden and Sembach.
Mark and Gail HEILMANN have moved from Wurtsmith to McConnell where Mark is an aircraft maintenance officer. A1 JEWELL and Michael OONK are flying C-130s at Little Rock. Bob and Marybeth LOWE are at Randolph where Bob is now an air operations staff officer at Headquarters ATC and recently received the MSM for his work at Laughlin. John MILBOURN is a first year Med student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences at Bethesda, Maryland. Michael QUIRK is flying F-4s at George after a stint at Holloman. William and
Pamela SMITH are at Bergstrom where he recently earned the USAF Master Air Traffic Controller Badge. John STUBBLEFIELD is now at Bitburg flying F-15s. Dale TIETZ graduated from AFIT and is now at LA AFS working as an EE for Systems Command. John and Deborah WUERSLIN are out and John is flying for Delta based in Atlanta.
Dick BRIMS is at Wichita Falls, TX. Harry BRYSON is in Knoxville, Tennessee. Andrew CERONI is Chief of the Special Operations Branch Gf AFOSI at Andrews. Dan DALEY is at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, as a helicopter IP. Ron JOY got out and is working as a research scientist at Honeywell in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Andy MATARESE is flying C-141s at Norton. Mark McKENZIE is at Alconburg, U.K. Jack OEHME is a weather reconnaissance pilot at Keesler. Loren STILES is at Kirtland as a helicopter test pilot. Tom VRANISH is moving to Sheppard from Ramstein where he was a MAJCOM Stan/Eval Staff Officer at HQ USAFE.
That’s the extent of it this time. Hope to hear from some of you guys as the big PCS season approachs. Till summer.
Bob Bell 9987A Newell
Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706 605-923-4550 / AV 747-2877
By the time you all read this, Easter will have come and gone, but as I write, it is still a week away. As the April days get longer, even the seasons begin to change for the better (at least up here.) So with that, we’ll get right into the address change cards. Bob WOODMANSEE has left Omaha, NE for Elgin, IL and the airlines, also Archie SMILES from Wurtsmith to McKeesport, PA and Delta, and Dave CHAMPA for Stone Mountain, GA from Chamblee, GA. Ed ORDZIE is at Vandenberg having left Ellsworth. Gary NIEMI has gone from Abilene, TX to Duluth, MN. Jim JAEGER is moved from Largo, MD to Hampton, VA, while a real move took Rick FERRAIOLI from Tyndall up to Tacoma, WA. Paul GARDES has left Minot for Sacramento, CA. Jim WEYDERT is out of the blues and in Evergreen, CO after Mather. Tom MEAD is now at Bitburg having left Stanford University. Pete VOORHEES is at Patrick in OV-lO’s. Roy HENDICKSON is in F-15’s at Luke. Bill CRUMM is an IP in Tweets at Williams. Ken ARCHEY is back from Hahn AB and at Moody. Bruce KROEHL has left RAF Upper Heyford for Cannon. Terry SCHIESSLER is gone from Hahn AB for APO 09021, while Mike HEBERT has left APO 09009 for Hartselle, AL.
Jim DONLEY has gone to Luke in the F4 after graduation from UPT at Reese. Dan MERCIER recently completed his Master’s degree with AFIT and is now assigned to Los Angeles AFS with the AFSC in astronautical engineering. Bill WALKER likewise received his M.S. with AFIT, his in computer systems, and is remaining at Wright-Patterson with AFLC. Rob DONOHUE also got his M.S. in operations research and is now an instructor at USAFA in the math department. Rick
ROACH is also at USAFA as an EE instructor having gotten his M.S. recently. Mark BILAK is now at Holloman serving as an astronautical engineer recently departed of Griffiss. George ASH has received the AFCM at USAFA for meritorious service while at Wurtsmith. He is instructing in law at USAFA. Rick JACKSON is now an EC-135 AC at Mildenhall, having gone there from Ellsworth. Tom UNDERWOOD has his second AFCM from Beale for meritorious service while a maintenance officer. He now serves at Loring. His unit was cited the Best FMS for 1978. John BUCHANAN is now at USAFA as an aero instructor recently back from Clark AB. Chuck McCORMACK has received the AFCM at Kunsan for meritorious service at Spangdahlem as a WSO. Rick BORENSTEIN has graduated from SOS and is being assigned as commander of a unit in the Canal Zone. Doug MARCHEL is now at Bitburg in the F-15 recently departed of Williams. Earl TAYLOR has left Luke for Langley in the security police field. Frank BOYER has entered med school at the Uniformed Services University. Archie SMILES is now a flight officer with Delta operating out of the Atlanta pilot base. Chris RUBACHA is back at Dyess from his recent completion of SOS. He’s a B-52 AC. Joe CONNELL is out of the AF and now attending Braniff FE training. He adds info on a few other 72’ers: Dave BLUE is a civilian again in Colorado Springs, Chuck BROWN is at UPT at Sheppard, Wayne DIZE is in ATC Flight Test at Del Rio, Hank MASON is at Kirtland in HH-53’s, Larry SCHULTE is a recruiter at Chelmsford, MA.
Well, that’s going to have to be it for this time. Promise I will get to the letters you have sent in the next column, because right now I’ve got to get this in to make the deadline before going out to fly in the ORI. Best to all in the upcoming summer, and by the way, anyone who remembers the Class Officers please send me or the AOG that information. Another thing we have to get moving on is the Class Crest for the Class Wall which should be up by Homecoming 1980. Any assistance on that venture is greatly appreciated. FPA.
Fred Knowles
1702A 9th St. Langley AFB, VA 23665
HP: 804-827-5124
DP: 432-2116, 2136
48 FIS (ADCOM?)
Greetings from ADCOM or TAC or ADTAC or Whatever. Not much to report this time around, again. I received a few letters and a couple of phone calls.
I talked to Frank CHILDERS and he is still at HQSAC in Nebraska. Frank and Kathy had another baby girl (Rebekah Ann) on 5 Jan. They are all doing well and say hi to all. Carl DOEFELMIER is out of the Air Force and flying 101’s with the Portland quark and checking out the airlines (good luck). Carl says that Scott SIMPSON has a DOS in out at Vance, and Craig CLEVELAND is now a C-130 JP at Yakota. Stan OSBORNE is in the F-15 and Holloman and headed for Eglin. The picture is of Greg and Celeste BEYER, they say only themselves and Dale
Greg and Celeste Beyer
and Edie Williams were at the homecoming this year. Jim MATEOS is now a civilian and working for American Airlines. Jim says that Dennis MAPLE is flying the F-4 at Hill, Sam GRIER is flying the KC-135 at Loring, and Chris BLACK is in the B-52 at Wurtsmith. John ROGACKI has a B-52 at Mather (???), John KUCONIS is in T-38’s at Williams, Don RAMM is an A-10 IP at DM where Ron JOHNSON is just finishing his A-10 training. Brian CLARK is still at Dyess in KC-135’s. Dave HANSON is in 0-2’s at Shaw. Jim was wondering how many flying types have left the Air Force. It’s a good question so if you are rated a type who has seen the light and left how about a call or a card so we can count ’em up. Gary NISKALA says that it is obvious I need help writing this article so he sent me some info. Gary got out in October and went to 727 F.E. school, he now has a nice position with Antilles AirBoats in the Virgin Islands flying a Grumman Mallard Amphibian. Pat JORDAN’S wife Teri was expecting another child to keep their son Pat busy. Pat found the secret of my old job at the 557 FTS at the Academy. Marty QUICK is an exec officer at Little Rock AFB, Marty is planning on getting out sometime this summer. Kevin McNELLIS is in an ASTRA Job at the five-sider working in foreign military sales. Kent BUCHANAN separated from the service in August and is attending Harvard Business School. Doug RICHTER was married on 10 Jun to Ruth McGee who is also a Captain in the A.F. and a Nurse at Patrick. Doug is headed back to Patrick and Steve DRETAR is headed to Osan in F-4E’s. John CHRISTENSEN picked up a pair of wings and plowed back into the T-37 at Mather. Gerry HENNINGSEN graduated with honors from the USAF veterinary officer course. Eugene MALBERG was awarded the Combat Readiness Medal. Rowe STAYTON and John PETRO each received the Meritorious Service Medal. The AF Commendation Medal was awarded to Ken STANLEY, Stan OSBORNE, and Jeff BLANCHETTE. Michael KIMBERLING, Don OTTINGER, Ken HENRY, and John RABINS all received M.S. degrees from AFIT.
A note of sadness: Nick PALLAS was killed in an F-4
crash on 13 Jan near Camp O’Donnell in the Philippines.
The class of ’73 has two items we need to get to work on. Number one is we need to find out who our class officer is, so if you’re out there please give me a call or drop me a line. Number two is our class wall plaque. We need to get a project officer (preferably someone stationed at the Academy so he can work with the AOG closely). The cost of the plaque is, currently, $2200.00 and going up at about 14% a year, so the longer we wait to get it done the more it will cost. If anyone would like to head this up please call me, or Maj Wheeler at the AOG office.
That about does it for this quarter. Give me a call or drop me a letter or come and see me, but anyway you do it let me hear from you so you can see your very own name in print.
Dan Felix
1915 E. Broadway, #84 Mesa, AZ 85204 AV 474-6611
As the Big Red approaches another summer everyone goes on the move, especially this summer since it is the end of the five year commitment for many graduates of ’74.
Letters: Received a note from Earl RICHARDSON. It seems that he finally made it into UPT and is now flying the Big 52 at Loring, Maine. Ray JEFFS, (Tailend Charlie, when they still had it), now flies the FB-111 at Plattsburgh, NY. He’s currently at SOS. Mike O’CONNELL is punching out and said he was interested in an FAA Controller position. Bill YUCUIS and wife are moving from Woodbridge, England to Ramstein, Germany where he will fly the F-4E. Eric KOHLER and Chip WILDE (both F4s) are moving to Shaw, SC, to be FACs. Tom HENDRICKS went to Fighter Weapons School; Mark VANNEY is departing the AF Blue. Ken MCKEAN (F-4) is moving to Holloman for an AT-38 position.
News Releases: Bruce ANDERSON received his MS, AFIT and is being assigned to USAFA, Physics; Eugene BEDNARZ, Inst Mis Cmbt Crew Comm, Whiteman MO; Bob BINKLEY rcvd the Air Medal at Charleston, SC; Robert BOOTH, T-43, Mather CA just moved to Andrews MD; Steve BOYCE, Inst, USAFA CO; Pat CARLTON, Pit F-4C, Spangdahlem Germany; Robert CUTLER, Pit EB-57, Malmstrom MT; Howard DEUNK, CPlt KC-135, Kadena Japan; Jim DONALDSON (Signe), IP T-37, Randoloh TX; Joe DORRIS, Sect Comm, Maxwell AL; Gordon DUEY (Janet), rcvd AFCM, WSO, Kunsan Korea; Don FICK, WSO, Kunsan Korea; Rod GIBSON, Comm B-52, Griffiss NY; Ken GLIFORT (Virginia), Internal Med Residency, Lackland TX; Ed HACKNEY, Pit F4E, George CA; Ernest HIGGINS, rcvd AFCM Pit T-38, Holloman NM; Ed HOFFMAN (Sunny), Lakenheath England; Lance LANE, rcvd AFCM, Nav C-130E, RheinMain Germany; Lynn LONG (Patricia), A/C Comm F-111F, Lakenheath England; Mike LYONS (Pamela), Mis Cmbt Crew Comm, Grand Forks ND; Mike MCCOY (Betty), A/C Comm C-141, Travis CA; Bill MOTLEY, USMC, Quantico VA; Dave NEUMANN, AWL-LB,
Kirtland NM; Victor PRAWDZIK, IP F-4, MacDill FL; Don RAVENSCROFT (Carol), Computer Sci Dev Off, USAFA CO; David REINHOLZ (Julia), Pit C-130, Pope NC; Mike SELWAY, Air Ops Off, Wurtsmith MI; Stephen STERNE, IP T-37, Sheppard TX; Ed TEIGELER, Mis Test Prog Off, Vandenberg CA; Robert WIDMER (Terry), rcvd MSM, MWR Off, USAFA CO; Richard WILLIAMS (Ruth), F-111A, Upper Heyford England; Richard WOHLMAN (Judy), Weather Reconn Off, Andersen Guam; Mike WOLFERT (Diana), CPlt KC-135, Travis CA.
Our class does not yet have its Crest for the Class Wall. The cost is constantly increasing. We can purchase it with $5 donations from everyone, slighter higher depending on participation. Donations can be sent directly to the AOG office or to me. It is a worthwhile project.
One final message. Many classmates are removing themselves from all AF rosters as our commitment ends this summer. In addition to our commissions from the Academy we all made many friends. This column and AOG membership are the primary ways that we as a class can stay in touch. A simple postcard to me is all it takes to keep the locations current. As we move in or out of the AF let’s keep on with the friendships. Take Care and good luck no matter what color you wear. 74 FOREVERMORE!
MOVING??
• Notify the AOG
• Update your records
• Join a Chapter at your new base
• Use your Register to locate friends
Richard L. Layman
General Delivery F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo 82001
After a short rest from the rigors of journalism I send you all greetings from beautiful Vandenberg AFB. My apologies for not writing sooner, when the deadline came up for the last issue I had just received notice of a PCS with TDY enroute. That in itself is not too bad, but I only had eleven days to pack, move 3600 miles, and report for missile school at Vandenberg. A whole month had passed before I even knew where I was. I’ll do my best to let all of you know what is going on and where.
Awards and Decorations: Four of our number have been presented Commendation medals. They are: Steve HAAS, Gene COPELAND, Mike FITZ, and Bill BUCHTA. Lee CROSS was a member of Grand Forks’ Outstanding Crew of the Month and John SAXMAN has earned the honor of Junior Officer of the Quarter at Nellis.
John Saxman, Junior Officer of the Quarter
Graduations: Mike HEIL completed Squadron Officer School and also earned his M.S. degree at Columbia University.
Movements: It looks like Dick DYE has become the first to return to the nest. Dick recently became a Comp Sci instructor at the Academy. He completed his M.S. at UCLA In 76. Mickey WRIGHT is now flying T-43s out of Andrews, Mike MATTE Is in munitions at Andersen, Guam, and Randy MASON is now at Ramstein flying F-4Es. Doug LAIN moved from Lowrey to Langley. Frank FALKOVIC went to Alconbury from Shaw, and Dave HAUGEN recently returned from Kadena to McChord. Dave LIVINGSTON, Claude KEITH, Bob AWTREY, and Bob KNAUFF all deployed to Camp New Amsterdam, Netherlands to take part in Coronet Sandpiper. They will be assisting in a changeover from the F-4E to the F-15. Tom UDALL, a CE type, went from Luke to Kunsan, and Dan FALVEY arrived at Bitburg from Travis. Dan is a maintenance officer. Lee J. MONROE is off to Lakenheath from Mountain Home. Lee J. will be flying the F-111D.
Red Flag: The following 75ers participated in Red Flag; Brian BARNES from Travis, Ken WHITLEY, from Ellsworth, Gary ORESHOSKI, from Ellsworth, and Mike ANDERSON, from Ellsworth.
John NOETZEL flew a T-33 in support of Vigilant Overview, a NORAD exercise, and Lee J. MONROE flew in Midlink, a CENTO exercise.
Good News: Duane JONES got married early in February in Japan. Best wishes to you and your Bride, Duane.
Odds and Ends: Steve BROWN got the chance to actually check out a Mig-21 while TDY to the SUDAN. Steve flies the F-15 out of Langley. There’s no comparing the two, I’m sure.
Fred WHITICAN has decided to make the supreme sacrifice. He’s set aside the rat race for a bit and has tried out for the Air Force Bobsled team. Not bad, huh??? The best is yet to come. Fred was selected for the National Team which required his going to Konigsee, Germany for two weeks. He’ll be all tied up in that action until October. At that time he’ll begin working on his form so he will be competitive for the 1980 Olympics. Super Job, Fred! ! ! ! and thank you for the letter, Bev.
Jim MAHONEY says the only people in existence who protect the Western World from the Commie Hoard are the guys in the BIG 22, The Last of the Red Hot Fighter Squadrons. Dave ANEWALT, Mark BEESLEY, Greg BLACK, Doug FRASER, Ken HOSSLER, Chris GOETSCH, Mark HOLMES (18), Mike STRAIGHT, A1 PECK, Bran McALLISTER, and Jim are all doing their part at Bitburg.
Tom TOPOLSKI is here at Vandenberg with me. Tom was lucky enough to be selected for missile duty at Minot. You can all be rest assured that Tom is just thrilled to death with both the duty ahd the location at Vandenberg, that is, not Minot.
I got one other note. Dave CLOUGH has graduated from Med School at the University of Texas. That makes him the first doctor in 75. Congratulations, Dave.
If anyone out there knows who our class officers were, I’d appreciate it if you would either write me or the AOG.
Mark Holmes, Doug Fraser, Ken Hossler, Mike Straight, Chris Goetsch, Jim Mahoney, and Bran McAllister of the Big 22
Colonel Andrus is working on a history of the Academy and needs the information.
One last note. The price of the Class Crests is going up rapidly. If any of you would like to contribute to a worthy cause, namely putting 75’s crest on the Class Wall, please contact me. I will have all of the information necessary in the next issue. Right now the price is about $2400.
Take care ’til next time.
RICK
Don Hall Qtrs 4402D
USAFA, Colorado 80840
AV: 259-3655
Home: (303) 472-6263
C/4C Waldo F. DUMBSQUAT double-timed across the terrazzo. The Blue Magnet had made him late for Econ class. Today’s lesson was on checkbook balancing and the depreciation of textbooks sold at the end of the year. Frantically, the doolie gazed at his Bill Parcells watch. The big hand was pointing to the twelve and the little hand was signing a pro contract.
Waldo hurried to the classroom and attempted to slip unnoticed into his seat. But he bumped his head as he crawled beneath the desks.
“Dumbsquat!” exclaimed the Instructor.
“Yes, sir!” answered Waldo, bumping his head again as he jumped to his feet. He grinned sheepishly at the captain.
“Don’t grin sheepishly at me, Mr. Dumbsquat. Perhaps you can help us with today’s discussion question.”
“What’s the problem, sir?”
“What can we do to improve the buying power of Americans?”
Waldo thought for a moment.
“Sir, we could print Yen.”
Hi there! You probably can’t tell, but I’m grinning sheepishly right now. I’m trying to type this thing while watching the Academy Awards on television. Believe me, it’s not easy. Oops, there went Kim Novak and Olivia Newton-John. Maybe if I get on with it.
Awards and Decs: The 58th Combat Support Group at Luke named Henry F. KELLY Outstanding Officer of the Year. Salvador REZA received the Outstanding Company Grade Officer of the Quarter Award at Arnold Air Station, Tennessee. Mark S. SHANKS’ contributions
helped his unit clinch the Best Field Maintenance Squadron in SAC award for 1978. At Reese AFB, Nelson PEREZ-OTERO was named Outstanding Junior Officer of the Quarter in his communications unit. Bruce GUIDON, security police ops officer at Misawa AFB, Japan, received the AF Commendation Medal. Andrew PIJOR, C141 at Travis, also received the AF Commendation Medal. Steve SKIDMORE and John MASHL, HC130s at Eglin, both received AFCMs for their participation in the Jonestown airlift. The AFCM also went to Craig JENSEN, HH53 at Eglin, for his flying during the Guyana operation. Ben DILLA, Maintenance at Castle, was chosen the Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year for the 93rd BMW.
Just a minute Olivia’s singing.
Halls of Montezuma: Gene MURPHY and Dave TERNES recently earned their “wings of gold”. They’re doing upgrade training in Yuma, Arizona. Gene is flying the A-4 and Dave is in the F-4 program. Hawaii will be Dave’s new duty station.
That Johnny Carson sure is funny.
Job Hunting: Craig MANSON is working to land a job as a legislative representative for the Secretary of the Air Force. I don’t know why he doesn’t try for some important job. Tom BOWIE was out here recently at the Blue Zoo. He interviewed for a job in the English Department. He was doing pretty well until they asked him to spell “Mississippi”. Tom asked, “Which one? The state or the river?”
I wish they’d hurry up and present the Best Picture award.
Hey Baby!: Well, we sure know what everybody has been doing in the off-duty hours. I was swamped with birth announcements. Let me pass them on with my congratulations: Bill and Eleanor LANNING, Upper Heyford, have a little boy named Matthew. Mike and Michelle ELY, John and Pam TWIDDY, Don and Colleen OLYNICK, Steve and Connie MURDOCH, Steve and Mary HOGAN, all now have a little girl in the family. Rick and Debbie TOBIN are very proud of their new son, Richard. A1 and Grace JANISZEWSKI are the proud parents of a boy named Andrew.
SUPERMAN just won for best visual effects.
Airmail: Dan and Toni MOORE wrote from Grand Forks to say that Kim WEBER owes them a bottle of booze. Dan is going remote in June. They say hello to Rob PARKER and Beth. Mike and Sheryl HAUSER sent a note from Hahn AB. Mike, A1 PATRIQUIN, and Carl NUZZO are over in Germany getting lots of bag time without having to use the bag! Bob and Cheryl BUSH are in Italy. Bob is in the Navy flying T-39s and “slinging admirals and such around the Med.” Del CORNALI called and mentioned that he had qualified for the Boston Marathon. Dave CROCKETT, test engineer at Eglin, recently got some good news. He obtained a waiver and will be going to UPT at Columbus. Other Eglin notables are: Don CLEMENTS weapons controller, Doug LOVERRO explosives research, Greg D. MILLER test engineer, Jeff WALTERS SPO engineer, Mark WILLIAMS communications engineer, and the C-130 pilots Jeff HARRISON, Mark WILDERMUTH, Mike WILSON, Mark McNAIR, and Joe METS. Marc
SOUTIERE sent me a “dirty dozen newsletter”, but it was too dirty to reprint. But if you can get your hands on one, it makes great reading! Willy SHELTON called and said he is working pretty hard at Vandenberg. I think he lights the fuses. Kevin HENABRAY and Bill FRANKLIN dropped by the home drome here at USAFA and said “Hi!”.
Well, the show is over and so is this article. My thanks go to those of you who made this award article possible. Keep writing in or I’ll have to start making this stuff up. Have babies or something. Tomorrow I’m going over to DFIT’s self-help room and print some Yen.
John “Lou” Michels, Jr. 3508 Montrovia Blvd, # 117 Omaha NE 68123 AV 271-3298 Home (402) 292-2026
To all who read this, greetings and congratulations to the class as a whole on pinning on the silver bars. Speaking of bars, take it easy on the celebration, okay? You don’t have to put away the entire pay raise at one shot.
On Watch: This quarter’s TDY was to Athens, but a steady flood of mail kept me more than up to date. In addition, I was involved in a few “close encounters.” While flying the friendly skies of the Med, I ran into John KATONA, Steve OSBORNE, and Kevin O’SHAUGHNESSY. All were flying C-141’s into Yemen as part of our resupply effort there.
Before I left, I was able to attend the wedding of Pat and Cyndee McVAY, up in Sioux Falls. I think the affair emptied both the hometowns of the two. Pat is at Randolph in T-37 PIT Right now. Congratulations to both of them.
Wheel of Fortune: MPC has been keeping busy, so here are the latest winners in the “Needs of the AF” contest:
C-130 C. J. JONES (Yakota); Bruce BURDA, Andy KROTT, Tom DEBOALT, John STOW (Pope); Richard JENSEN, Ken LANDREE (Little Rock); DeJuan “Dip” CROMER, Craig ADAMS (Dyess); Zach BAILEY (Clark).
C-141 Dave BOYARSKI (Norton); John KATONA, Bruce McDERMOTT (McGuire); Rich THOMPSON (Charleston); John CHRIST (Travis).
KC-135 Mike BILLINGS (Beale); Ken HASENBEIN (Grand Forks); Greg MANGLICMOT (Wurtsmith); Frank MEYER (w/Candy and a baby girl) (Dyess); Wayne TERRY (Altus); Mike SMITH (w/Rhonda) (K.I. Sawyer); Mark STEGELMAN (w/Marie) (Griffiss).
B-52 Kevin BASSETT (Mather); Ed DAVIS (Dyess); Steve KEITH (K. I. Sawyer); Steve STOKES (w/ Karen) (Ellsworth); Doug BANKER (w/ Julie) (March); Samuel DICK (Barksdale); A1 MEZA, Steve RUNER, Kevin “Dog” KENKEL (Torrejon); Don BOHAC, Dan SCHMID (Spangdahlen), Rich SCHUTT (Moody); Mike CROSS (Clark): John ROLL (MacDill); John REED, Jim MOSCHGAT, Mark “Blue” WARD, Glen “Hormel”
KELLEY (Kunsan); Roger SMITH (Seymour-Johnson); Mark SIZEMORE, Steve MARSH (Hahn). Nicknames courtesy of Mark WARD.
T-38 Glen EVANS, Tony VILLALOBOS (Columbus); Bob MANSFIELD, Barney ROSS (Vance); Tom DOLLAHITE (Reese).
T-37 Dave McKENNEY, John CROMWELL (Vance); Mark NIXON (Columbus); Jim BATTON (w/Lisa) (Reese).
C-9 Steve HERR, Lee MONSON (Clark); Paul CRAIG (Scott).
C-2 Brian SUDDY (w/Valerie and baby girl) (Shaw).
A-10 Jeff SMITH (Myrtle Beach).
F-15 Jay JOINER (Luke); Mark MATTHEWS (w//Donna) (Langley); William PATTISON (Bitburg).
HH-55 Rich SEARLE, Don DOBIAS (Clark)
F-lll Bob GUILLORY (Lakenheath)
Redeployments: Matt DODDS is now in Seattle, while Scott HUTT has taken up residence at K. I. Sawyer. Stanton PETERSON reports from Shaw, and Jeff HARBER is at Pope. Ron KENNEDY is headed north to Fairchild. Kurt DITTMER, Gil OPP, Rick KUMPF, and Steve MUNGLE are all at Tyndall flying the venerable T-33. According to Kurt, the flying is a real test on emergency procedures, but that as the airplanes break down new ones are brought in from DM or local parks. Sounds like a real challenge, Kurt.
Spurious Returns: As mentioned above, I picked up quite a bit of mail this time around. Bob SOUCY says hello to all from Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Lee and Julie MONSON are getting along well with their boy, Jay. Bob GUILLORY reports that he is engaged and loves flying the 11 IF. Russ FINNEY is getting married sometime in April, after he finishes PIT at Randolph.
Armando COSTALES is finishing up at Princeton, and is looking for an assignment to the 509 Airborne in Italy after basic training. Ken and Kathleen WOOD are at Whiteman, where Ken is a missile launch officer.
I also got a phone call from Joe and Monica FERRARA, who were on their way to New York. Joe is going to Spangdahlen as a Weasel backseater.
Kudos: Salutes go out to the following gentlemen Rich OSGOOD and Bill MOOSE for their work on the SCATHA (Spacecraft Charging at High Altitudes) Project, a $45 million dollar project of SAMSO.
Steve HOLLOWELL,. who was the subject of a recent “AF Times” article, for his work in becoming one of the leading authorities on unmanned A/C recovery systems. That’s great Steve, but don’t you have anything going on for those of us in the manned birds? Some of you might have caught a picture of Jim FUCILLO in AW&ST at the controls of one of the new simulators. Were you shooting down that F-15, Jim, or just letting him get away?
Volunteer Dept.: We need to start work on getting enough money together to put up our Class Crest on the Class Wall, and I need a project officer to handle the details. Any interested folks, let me know. And those of you who put off writing to Tom SLATTERY about the GI
Bill, shame, shame. Let’s get on that one, too.
Off Watch: That’s it from the slowly warming banks of the Missouri. My thanks to all those who wrote, keep those letters coming. See ya after the promotion parties!
Mark Zamzow
6055 Little Johnny Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
AV 259-3228
Home (303) 598-5394
Hi. Y’all missed another wild snow storm out here at the Academy. We got two feet of snow just before spring break which was enough to close school down and cancel classes for one afternoon. Of course that didn’t cancel hell week. I mean recognition week, which was 40 hours long this year over the first two days of spring break. They still had some morning runs outside, but P.T. was conducted in the field house and an obstacle course was set up in the gym.
Thanks for sending some letters. Now I have some good news to write about instead of trying to fill space with my usual junk. Well, let’s get on with it.
News Releases: ’78 finally has some grads with silver wings tacked on their uniforms. You guessed it: Nav school has finally sent some of our classmates out into the back seats of the real world! Here’s a list of those new navs and their first bases (these news releases didn’t have anything about what planes they got):
John SNYDER (Clark AB), Doug SCHRAG (Mather AFB for advanced training), Mark RICHARDS (Mather AFB for adv. tng.), William MAJOR (Mather AFB for adv. tng.), David MORTE (Mather AFB for adv. tng.), Ricky DRAKE (Hahn AB, Germany), Jason BAIRD (Mather AFB for adv. tng.), Vince WILCOX (Kunsan AB, Korea), Bob DIMMICK (Rickenbacker AFB).
I also have a few missile crew assignments: Greg INTOCCIA (McConnel AFB), Mike BRANTLEY (Minot AFB), Tom SELINKA (F.E. Warren AFB).
Signals Intelligence school also managed to graduate a couple of our classmates who received training in photointerpretation and radar analysis. Mike WRIGHT will be traveling to Kelly AFB while Bob CLARK goes to Elmendorf AFB and T.J. KOPF swims over to Chicksands RAF Station, England.
Letters: Doug LEJA writes that UPT class 79-08 at Reese has just started in T-38’s. Take a look at the type of people they actually let fly this plane: Steve ACTON, Scott BAKER, Jim GARN, Karl OLSEN, Steve UST, Brett VANCE, Ted ANKENBAUER, Paul BECK, Lee NUCKOLLS, Doug LEJA, Tim WOLTERS, Brian GOTTSACKER, Paul MEINHOLD, Keith HEISE, Wayne HERMANDORFER, Scott LAWRENCE, Pete TSERONIS, Dave GALLAGHER and William FIELDER. Yes, you too can learn how to fly this plane by sending your name and $7.95 to Class 79-08, Box 1978, Reese AFB.
Kevin FITZHARRIS wrote on behalf of the Guggenheim people out at Columbia University to fill me in on how “rough” life is at a “real civilian university.” It really sounds rough too as all they do is study, party and party out there in New York City. Here’s a list of those seven scholars along with where they’re going for their next assignment this summer: Kevin FITZHARRIS (UPT at Reese AFB), Barry BINGHAM (Kirtland AFB), Roger BURG (Missile Training at Vandenberg AFB), James CASHES (Kirtland AFB), Steve FIKAR (UPT at Vance AFB), Bo MARLIN (UNT at Mather AFB), and Steve WHITEHOUSE (Kirtland AFB). I wonder if any of these guys have had to pay any dry cleaning bills for their uniforms yet?!
I also heard from Paul (Troll) MORELLI down at Vance. Enid sounds as exciting as I was afraid it was going to be. Anyway, Paul left these words of wisdom: “The Samurai Student Pilots in 79-07 at Vance have brought the Kashmir Shuffle into the real Air Force. All that have witnessed it are truly amazed!” I can’t figure out if this “shuffle” is a new dance or something you do on your way to the flight line. But I suppose I’ll see it when I get there in June.
Paul JEANES sent a letter out from Sacramento with info on what some more of the navs will be up to now. Here we go: Rick BENIK (Nav-Bomb tng. then B-52 at Anderson AFB), Herbie Jo CRISSMAN (EWO tng. then F-4), Wayne DAVIDSON (C-130 at Dyess AFB), Bob DIMMICK (KC-135), Paul JEANES (EWO tng. then RC-135 to Eielsen AFB, Alaska), J.P. KARSTENS (F-4 at Moody AFB), Blake LINDNER (EWO tng. then F-4), Miked McMILLIE (EWO tng. then F-4), John MILLER (Nav-Bomb tng. then B-52 at Griffis AFB), Deuce RICE (Nav-Bomb tng. then B-52 at Mather AFB), Rod SCHWARTZ (C-130 at Pope AFB). Bill SHAW (EWO tng. then RC-135 at Offutt AFB), Greg SLIGAR (EWO tng. then F-4), Neal SLOAN (EWO tng. then B-52 at Barksdale AFB), Tom THACKER (Top Nav School Grad, F-111 at Upper Heyford RAF Station, England), A1 TRUJILLO (F-4 at Torrejon AFB, Spain), Mark WRENN (C-130), Geri McCLELLEN (EWO tng. then F-4).
I also found out that Paul JEANES married a young lady named Annette back in December and Deuce RICE tied the knot with Donna. Congratulations to both couples!
Our classmates are also graduating from Communication-Electronics School down in Keesler. John Hayes sent a list of where these people are going next: Fuzz VAUGHN (Langley AFB), Barry CASTELLANO (Fairchild AFB), Rob HARRISON (Hanscom AFB), Greg HOLLISTER (Offutt AFB), Dana BRIGGS (Andrews AFB), John HAYES (Offutt AFB), Brian CALLEGARI (Griffiss AFB), Bob DOYLE (Lowry AFB), John SYKES (Los Angeles AFS), Rick COLEMAN (Fort Huachuca, Arizona), Mike KEELS (Eglin AFB), Jerry PELLETT (Dyess AFB), Bob JANGRAW (Andrews AFB), Andy ANDERSON (Tinker AFB), Scott MILLER (Los Angeles AFS), John GUTH (Bergstrom AFB), Russ CLEMONS (Los Angeles AFS).
The End: This is the last article I’ll be writing for our class column. I leave here on June 2nd for leave, and then start UPT at Vance on June 27th. Do you realize I’m far enough behind some of you that I could actually have you
for an IP in T-38’s?!! Anyway, the next article isn’t due to the publisher until mid-July, seeing as I’ll be quite busy, I asked Don AVERY to write the column for next year. He finishes flight school at Willy in early June, so he’ll have plenty of free time to write these things. Don doesn’t know his new address yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t write him and keep him up to date with what’s happening out there. Keep those cards and letters coming but address them as shown here:
2Lt. Don Avery ’78 Class Secretary Association of Graduates USAF Academy, CO 80840
I hope I didn’t make that too easy to understand! The AOG will forward all the letters and news releases to Don.
It’s been a lot of fun catching up on all of you with these articles. Thanks for all the calls and letters.
Sijan Memorial
Capt. Lance Sijan, the first Academy graduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor, is being honored in his home town of Milwaukee.
The Sijan Memorial Drive is being conducted there to construct a park in the neighborhood where he was raised. Also, a flag will be erected in his honor and will also honor those who served in Vietnam and Korea.
Ron Bucholz, vice president of the Wisconsin Air Force Academy Parents Association, has written the Superintendent of the Academy, requesting help.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Sijan Memorial should send donations to: Lance Sijan Memorial Fund, 4650 West Street, St. Francis Avenue, Greenfield, Wise., 53220.
The deadline for submission of materials for inclusion in the SUMMER issue of the AOG Magazine is 10 July 1979.
|
REALTOR
If
Sterling Silver CHARMS and TIETACKS
The AOG Coat of Arms has been converted into an attractive piece of jewelry by JOSTENS for exclusive sale to Association of Graduate members. The 3/4 inch charm/tietack is made of sterling silver and features an attractive antique finish.
The Charm and/or Tietack will be an appreciated gift for any Graduate or Graduate’s Lady. Order yours from the AOG office for $10 postpaid.
or
Ken Barber
Tony Marietta Class of ’70
The great commanders of the past have been students of history. Join the Air Force Historical Foundation and get four issues free each year of the award-winning aviation historical journal AEROSPACE HISTORIAN.
The Air Force Historical Foundation was founded by the U.S. Air Force in 1953 with the purpose of preserving and publishing the history of the USAF.
AEROSPACE HISTORIAN, with its mixture of authentic first-person accounts, illuminating and illustrated articles, and serious pieces does just that. It is published in March, June, September, and December by Kansas State University for the AFHF. Along with articles it features book reviews, museum news, and current events and happenings in the air world.
Some recent articles:
JFK and LBJ Consider Aerospace Defense, by Gen. Laurence S. Kuter; Flying the North American 0-47 and the Curtiss-Wright 0-52, by Rich Glasebrook; The USAF's Korean War Recruiting Rush, by Larry Benson; The P-40, by Gen. Mark Bradley.
Support the AFHF with your membership
Junior Officers, Enlisted Men, and Students, $7.50 per year (Canada, $8.10)
Individuals, $15.00 (Canada, 16.00)
Institutions or Organizations, $20.00 (Canada, $22 00)
Life Membership (only to individuals), $200.00 (Canada, $220.00)
Overseas members and subscribers add $4.00 postage. All funds except Canadian must be in U.S. dollars.
Allow 8-12 weeks for receipt of first issue. Free sample copy upon request.
Mail to:
AEROSPACE HISTORIAN
Eisenhower Hall Manhattan. KS 66506. U.S.A
The Air Force Historical Foundation
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY
COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE
GYRFALCON
CHARLES FRACE
A limited number of prints from the AOG Commemorative Issue of GYRFALCON by Charles Frace are available to AOG Members at the original price of $60.00 per print. The total issue of 3,000 prints signed by the artist was first offered in the Summer of 1976. The 2,000 prints in the Regular Edition sold out and have since resold at substantially escalated prices.
In August 1978, the AOG arranged to purchase the remaining AOG Commemorative prints for resale directly to Graduates and friends of the Air Force Academy. Each print has the AOG Coat-of-Arms printed in the lower left corner to identify this unique, attractive print.
This special offer is an opportunity to purchase a limited edition fine art print which has already become a collector’s item at a price below the resale market value. Orders will be filled on an “as received” basis as long as the supply lasts.
GyRFALCONS are the most magnificent of all falcons. These handsome circumpolar birds of prey may be any color from clear white with a few dark marks to almost completely black. Usually the lightest birds occur in the far north and the darkest further south. They can be seen in the wild, isolated parts of the world, often among dramatic scenery, such as I have shown in my painting.
They are the largest of the Falconidae, big and powerful and very fast.
Their range is North America, Arctic Europe, Asia, Iceland and Greenland. Residing mainly in the arctic, some do migrate, but not south of the northern part of the United States. They are capable of performing marvelous stoops and in a full stoop, may well be the fastest of all the falcons.
We know that a peregrine can reach over 80 mph, so it is possible that a Gyr, because of its great size and weight might reach 100 mph.
—Charles Frace
ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
The AOG Commemorative Issue of GYRFALCON may be purchased for $60.00 per print.
Charles Frace was born in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and is currently a resident of Mattituck, New York. His work includes paintings for the National Wildlife Federation; features in publications of such well-known publishers as American Heritage, Audubon, McGraw Hill, and Reader’s Digest; beautiful illustrations in a book on North American Mammals; and drawings of endangered species for “Last Chance on Earth.”
Payment may be by check, money order, or credit card (VISA/Mastercharge); forward the complete credit card number and expiration date.
Postage is $3.25 per print within the CONUS; $5.50 per print overseas.
Please forward your complete name, return mailing address, and the appropriate amount to:
AOG Gyrfalcon Print P.O. Box 160 USAF Academy, CO 80840
