Checkpoints September 1977

REAL ESTATE “PIKES PEAK REGION”

JON STAPLES Broker

Class of ’62

Offering:

• Complete personal service with integrity on all Real Estate matters in the Colorado Springs area.

Specializing in Homes, Homesites, and Income Property.

Full Responsibility for all business conducted in my name.

INBOUND, or OUTBOUND, call me collect at (303) 598-4600 or at Home: (303) 596-4687 or drop me a note.

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES MAGAZINE

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Vol. 6 No. 2

Editor Jim Wheeler, ’64

Administrative Assistants

Mrs. Freida Weber

Mrs. Kathy McCann

Mrs. Laura Timmerman

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

President David M. Goodrich, ’59

Vice President

Thomas J. Eller, ’61

Executive Secretary

James F. Wheeler, ’64

DIRECTORS

To Serve Until 1 May 1979

Donald R. Baucom, ’62

Jon R. Staples, ’62

James P. Tate, ’63

Alfred W. Grieshaber, Jr., ’65

Thomas L. Cunningham, ’67

Richard P. Ellis, ’68

Burton C. Andrus, III, ’69

John J. Warner, ’69

Kevin W. Krail, ’71

Vincent M. Parisi, II, ’73

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

J. Ford, ’76

Until 1 June

’77

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 endorsements by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised.

POSTMASTER: If this magazine is addressed to a member of the Military Service, no postage is necessary for forwarding (see Postal Manual, Section 158.4). If no forwarding address for this military member is available, send Form 3579 to Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

Lieutenant General

Kenneth L. Tallman

Superintendent

from the

SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK

It is a distinct pleasure for me to return to the Air Force Academy as the eighth Superintendent. Based upon the observations I have made over the last few months, numerous changes have been made since I served at the Academy as an AOC from 195659, not the least of which has been the change in size. I have been particularly impressed with the growth of the Airmanship Division, as well as with the addition of the SERE program. I never thought I would enjoy flying (gliding) an engineless aircraft, but I did; however, I plan to leave the parachuting to the young folks.

I am glad to have this opportunity to communicate directly with you, the Academy Graduates, because I feel it is vital to our mission to maintain an open and effective dialogue between the Academy and the thousands of Graduates. Accordingly, we intend to keep you informed of the activities of the Cadet Wing and the progress of future plans and programs. In turn, I heartily encourage you to support and assist the AOG and the Academy to insure our continued progress. Your professionalism and dedication will continue to provide a key element of motivation to Cadets.

Continuing the tradition of highly competitive selectivity, the 1,501 members of the Class of 1981 were drawn from a pool of 8,571 candidates. Minority representation in the new class includes 76 Blacks 60 Hispanos, 45 Orientals, and 6 American Indians.

One hundred fifty-eight members of the class attended the Preparatory School, and 73% of the entering Cadets are flight qualified. Of the 153 women Cadets, 41% are pilot qualified and 8% meet the criteria for navigator training.

The philosophy of positive leadership and strong personal motivation instituted last year by the Commandant of Cadets continues to be the training standard for the new class. Its success is reflected by the Class of 1980’s reduced attrition rate of 18.8% compared with 1979’s 26.8% rate during the same period, and 1978’s 25.1%. I am hopeful that future classes will continue this downward trend.

Of equal importance to all Cadets and Graduates is the fine reputation our academic program continues to enjoy. That reputation was recently enhanced by the promotion of Colonel Malham M. Wakin to Associate Dean of the Faculty and to become Head of the recently restructured Department of Philosophy and Fine Arts. The Department of Political Science is now headed by Colonel Ervin J. Rokke, Class of 1962, the first Graduate to become the Head of an academic department.

I am also proud to pass on to you the news of the selection of Major Robert 0. Heavner, ’63. of the Department of Economics, Geography, and Management to become a White House Fellow this fall; additionally, Lt Colonel Les Denend, ’63, of the same department was selected to join the National Security Council this June.

An advanced concept in the area of integrated fire and flight control systems has recently been validated through a two-year research project completed by faculty and students of the Department of Astronautics and Computer Science. This project has led to an industry contract to test the system in the F-106 next year.

Of special note is the fine record of Falcon athletes this past school year as they posted a 70.2% winning average. A challenging 1977 schedule is ahead for the Academy fotball team as they return with 36 lettermen, including nine who were freshmen. Top returnees include sophomores Dave Ziehart at quarterback and David Thomas at fullback, two players who sparked the Falcons to upsets in two of the final three games of last season.

I am acutely aware of the challenges 1 face as Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. With your help and encouragement I will insure that the Academy continues its traditions of excellence in the areas of academics, military training, athletic competition and personal integrity.

During the coming years I will be meeting and talking with as many of you as I possibly can. And. I particularly look forward to this year’s Homecoming as an ideal time for us to get together and discuss the many contributions you can make to the Academy and the United States Air Force.

General Tallman assumes command, 27 June

Service VI tilt Honor

LANCE SLEWS STORY

EDITOR’S NOTE

The June 1977 edition of AIRMAN Magazine contained an article that summarizes a story that all Gradnates will want to read. It is reproduced here with the permission of the author.

INTRODUCTION

An article in this issue of AIRMAN isn't specifically about them, but there’s an interesting, ironic thing about the Gruters brothers. Between them Guy and Terry, both captains then, both Air Force Academy graduates, both out of the service now —they were shot down in Southeast Asia a total of five times. Plus a crash-landing.

Terry Gruters, younger than Guy by three years, was luckier than his brother. Twice Terry’s 0-1 Bird Dog was downed by enemy ground fire, and both times he was rescued. Later, flying B-52s, he and his crew bailed out into Laos when their giant bomber was shot down. Another time, Terry’s B-52 crash-landed after taking crippling hits during a bombing mission.

Guy Gruters, who had also flown the 0-1 in an earlier tour of duty in Vietnam, transitioned into the F-100 and joined the Misty FAC outfit that flew highspeed forward air control missions over North Vietnam. No sweat the first time he was shot down. He was picked up.

Two missions later, though, Gruters was the backseater in an F-100 piloted by Maj. (now Col.) Bob Craner. the date was December 20, 1967. Hit by ground fire, they bailed out and spent more than five years as prisoners of war in North Vietnam.

Gruters laughs about some of it now. For example, he knew some

thing of his brother’s shootdown record, and during the long days in captivity, imagined what would happen if one day Terry, too, was brought into the Hanoi prison. Guy planned his course of action should he somehow be the first American to make contact with his newly captive brother.

With almost macabre humor, Guy told AIRMAN he would tap tap out the message, “Geez, Terry, you are really in for deep

now. Guy.”

As we said at the outset, however, the story beginning on page 8 is not about the Gruters brothers, although Guy is part of it. The story concerns another POW who did meet up with Gruters and Col. Bob Craner in North Vietnam.

He was Capt. Lance P. Sijan (pronounced sigh-john), also an Air Force Academy graduate, a year junior to Gruters- Shot down on November 9, 1967 Sijan was severely injured during bailout. For 45 days he crawled—no, he dragged himself backioards on his elbows and buttocks because his left leg was fractured through the jungle, evading capture.

A decimated remnant of a man after a month and a half of such physical abuse, with no food and little water, Sijan was finally captured. Still, in his weakened condition, he coldcocked a guard and painfully pulled himself back into the jungle. It was hopeless. The North Vietnamese found him and took him back into custody.

Eventually joined with Craner and Gruters, Sijan—horribly injured, emaciated, and near death —still resisted. Despite his mangled limbs being further abused, as witnessed by Craner, he gave no information except his name. He asked for no assistance. He thought only of escape.

“He was a tough sonofagun,” declared Gruters, who had known

Sijan at the Academy. ‘‘If you had an army of Sijans, you'd have an incredible fighting force.”

Lance Sijan, resisting to the end, died in a Hanoi prison. On March 4, 1976 President Ford awarded him the Medal of Honor posthumouslv.

Who, and what, was Lance Sijan? It is up to someone else now to tell his story, to reconstruct his personality and character. Numerous people did talk to AIRMAN about Sijan—Craner, Gruters, peopie who knew him at the Academy. And Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Sijan of Milwaukee.

Through their recollection, they tell what he did, what he suffered, and what made him tick. AIRMAN presents his moving story in “Sijan! My name is Lance Peter Sijan!”

my name is

LANCE PETER SIJAN

By Lt Col Fred A. Meurer Editor, AIRMAN Magazine

The colonel, recalling the tragic events of almost nine years earlier, had been talking for more than an hour about the heroic ordeal of Capt. Lance Sijan, his cellmate in North Vietnam. Reaching the point in his chronology when Capt. Sijan, calling out helplessly for his father, was taken away by his captors to die, Col. Bob Craner’s voice broke ever so slightly and tears glistened in his eyes. He agreed to a break in the interview.

“Okay, Mom, you can come back in now!”

The voice, coming from a tape recorder that day in early November 1967, gave immense pleasure to Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Sijan (pronounced sigh-john), just as is had so many times for more than 25 years. It was especially meaningful now, coming from Da Nang AB, Vietnam. Capt. Lance Sijan had done his Christmas shopping early and, separated by half a world, was having some mischievous fun with his family.

Sitting in the living room of the comfortable two-story house in Milwaukee this past January, Mrs. Jane Sijan tenderly related the tale of her son’s tape. Across the street, snow was crusted on the park that gently slopes into Lake Michigan. Flames danced in the fireplace as Sylvester Sijan busily prepared to show movies of Lance’s graduation from the Air Force Academy in 1965.

Everywhere was memorabilia of Lance and his brother, Marc, younger by five years, and his sister, Janine, 13 years Lance’s junior. An oil painting bathed in soft neon light on one wall showed Lance in his Academy uniform, smiling out into the room.

Along the staircase hung dozens of photos of the Sijans, their children, relatives, and friends. Football pictures of Lance and Marc abounded, for football is a tradition with the Sijans. Lance’s Bay View High School team won the city championship in 1959, the first time Bay View had turned the trick since 1936, when Lance’s father played on the team.

Family heirlooms, souvenirs from faraway places, and trophies dominated mantels and shelves. The most significant showpiece, however, was enshrined in a glass case. Resplendent with its accompanying baby-blue ribbon dotted with tiny white stars was Capt. Lance Sijan’s Medal of Honor.

It had been awarded posthumously.

Jane Sijan—attractive and darkhaired, her Irish heritage smiling through—continued her story of the tape from Vietnam:

“Lance made us individually leave the room as he described the Christmas presents he had gotten for us. He’d say, ‘Mom, leave the room,’ and then he’d tell everybody what he had for me. Then he’d yell for me to come back in and he’d send someone else out.

Those Christmas presents were not opened that year, nor for several years thereafter. On November 9, 1967 Capt. Lance Sijan was shot down over North VietnamFor years no one at home knew his fate. The box of Christmas presents was added to his personal effects, and not until his body was returned to Milwaukee some seven years later did his family sort through his belongings.

On March 4, 1976 President Gerald R. Ford awarded the Medal of Honor to Capt. Sijan for his “Extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life .”

R&R in Bangkok, Thailand, had been nostalgic for Lance Sijan. He told his family in a tape from the country once known as Siam that his drama teacher at Bay View High School where Sijan had been president of the Student Government Association and received the Gold Medal Award for outstanding leadership, achievement, and service—would have been impressed.

As a sophomore, according to his mother, Lance had competed against seniors for the lead singing role in the school production of “The King and I,” whose setting was Siam. Competition raged for

six weeks, consuming Lance’s energy and concern.

“One day,” said Mrs. Sijan, “he walked in and said, ‘Well, I’d like to speak to the Queen Mother.’ I knew he had the part.”

There were 21 children in the cast and Sijan needed one special little princess. He and Marc had always doted over their sister, Janine, even to the point of arguing who would feed her, as an infant, in the middle of the night. Lance asked Janine, then not quite four years old, to be his daughter in the play.

Occasionally, the family listens to a recording of the play, Lance’s rich voice sing-talking the role of the Siamese king that Yul Brynner made famous.

Sijan flew his first post-R&R mission on November 9, 1967 in the back seat of an F-4 piloted by Col. John W. Armstrong, Commander of the 366th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On a bombing pass over North Vietnam near Laos, their aircraft was hit and exploded. Col. Armstrong was never heard from again. Capt. Sijan, plummeting to the ground after a low-level bailout, suffered a skull fracture, a mangled right hand with three fingers bent backwards to the wrist, and a compound fracture of his left leg, the bone protruding through the lacerated skin.

The ordeal of Lance Sijan—big, strong, tough, handsome, a football player at the Air Force Academy, remembered as a fierce competitor by those who knew him —had begun.

He would live in the North Vietnamese jungle with no food and little water for some 45 days. Virtually immobilized, he would propel himself backwards on his elbows and buttocks toward what he hoped was freedom. He was alone. He would be joined later with two other Americans, and in short, fading, in-and-out periods of consciousness and lucidity, would tell them his story.

Now, however there was hope for Sijan. Aircraft circled and darted overhead, part of a giganic search and rescue effort launched to recover him and Col. Arm-

strong. Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service histories state that 108 aircraft participated the first two days, and 14 more on the third when no additional contact was made with Sijan, known to those above as “AWOL 1.”

Contact had been made earlier, and the answer to the authenticating question, “Who is the greatest football team in the world?” came easily for the Wisconsin native“The Green Bay Packers,” Sijan replied. In continuing voice contacts, “the survivor was talking louder and faster,” the history notes. “AWOL did not know what happened to the frontseater.

The rescue force, meanwhile, was taking “ground fire from all directions” and was “worried about all the ( friendly) fire hitting the survivor.” Finally, Jolly Green 15, an HH-3E helicopter, picked up a transmission from the ground: “I see you, I see you. Stay where you are. I’m coming to you!”

For 33 minutes, Jolly Green 15 hovered over the jungle, eyes aboard searching the dense foliage below for movement. Bullets began piercing the fuselage, a few at first and then more and more. Getting no more voice contact from the ground and under a withering hail of fire, Jolly Green 15 finally left the area.

Rescue efforts the next day and electronic surveillance in the days

that followed turned up no more contacts, and the search for “AWOL” was called off.

One A-1E aircraft was shot down in the effort—the pilot was rescued and several helicopter crewmen were wounded.

“If AWOL,” said the report, “only had some kind of signaling device—mirror, flare, etc.—pickup would have been successful. The rescue of this survivor was not in the hands of man.”

Much later, a battered Sijan was to ask his American cellmates, “What did I do wrong? Why didn’t I get picked up?” He told them he had lost his survival kit.

On that November day, except for enemy forces all around, Sijan was alone again. Although desperately in need of food, water, and medical attention, he somehow evaded the enemy and capture as he painfully, day by day, dragged himself along the ground —toward, he hoped, freedom.

But it was not to be.

Former Capt. Guy Gruters, who was to be one of Sijan’s cellmates later, told AIRMAN:

“He said he’d go for two of three days and nights—as long as he possibly could—and then he’d be exhausted and sleep. As soon as he’d wake up he’d start again, always traveling east. You’re talking 45 days now without food, and it was a max effort!”

Col. Bob Craner, the older cellmate in Hanoi, picked up the story:

“When he couldn’t drag himself anymore and said, ‘This is the end,’ he saw he was on a dirt road. He lay there for a day, maybe, until a truck came along and they picked him up.

Incredibily, after a month and a half of clawing, clutching, dragging and hurting, Sijan was found three miles from where he had initially parachuted into the jungle.

Horribly emaciated and with the flesh on his buttocks worn to his hipbones, Lance Sijan still had some fight left.

“He said they took him to a place where they laid him on a mat and gave him some food,” Craner related. “He said he waited until he felt he was getting a little stronger. When there was just one guard there, Sijan beckoned him over. When the guy bent over to see what was the matter, Sijan told me, ‘I just let him have it. Wham!”’

With the guard unconscious from a well-placed karate chop from a weakened left arm and hand, Sijan pulled himself back into the jungle. Craner said, “but they found him after a couple of hours.”

Once again Sijan had been robbed of precious freedom. Once again he was down, but—as other North Vietnamese were to learn— by no means out.

Sijan's obsession with freedom had manifested itself much earlier, and rather uniquely, at the Air Force Academy. His arts instructor. Col. Carlin J. Kielcheski, remembers Sijan well.

“He had the crusty facade of a football player, yet he was very sensitive. I was particularly interested in those guys who broke the image of the typical artist.”

Col. Kielcheski still has the “Huinanities 499” paper Sijan submitted with his two-foot wooden sculpture of a female dancer. Sijan wrote:

“I feel that the female figure is one of nature’s purist forms. I want this statue to represent the quest for freedom by the lack of any restraining devices or objects. The theme of my sculpture is just that a quest for freedom, an escape from the complexities of the world around us.”

Lane? P. Sijan, Class of 1965

Col. Kielcheski chuckled. “Here was this bruiser of a football player coming up with these delicate kinds of things. He was not content to do what the other cadets did. He was very persistent and not satisfied with doing just any kind of job. He wanted to do it right and showed real tenacity to stick to a problem.”

Others remember other aspects of Sijan’s character. His roommate for three years, Mike Smith of Denver, said Sijan was “probably the toughest guy mentally I’ve ever met.”

Sijan was a substitute end on the football team, Smith said. Football, he thought, hindered Sijan’s academics, and his concern over grades conversely affected his performance and chances for stardom on the gridiron.

“He had a lot of things going and tried to keep them all going. He came in from football practice dead tired. He’d sleep for an hour or two after dinner and then study until 1 or 2 in the morning. He knew he had to give up a lot to play football, but he had the determination to do it.”

Sijan did give up football his senior year. But one thing he did not sacrifice for studies was the company of young women.

“They found him very attractive, and he had no trouble getting dates,” said Smith. “He was a big handsome guy with a good sense of humor.”

Maj. Joe Kolek, who roomed with Sijan one semester, agreed. In fact, he said, “it was pretty neat now and then to get Lance’s castoffs.”

Smith recalls that he and Sijan talked sometimes about the Code of Conduct, which was to test Sijan’s character so severely fewer than three years later.

“We found nothing wrong with the Code. We accepted the responsibility of action honorable to our country. It was strictly an extension of Lance’s personality. When he accepted something, he accepted it. He did nothing halfway.

“It seemed.” Smith said, “that there was always a reservoir of strength he got from his family.”

Sylvester Sijan, whose character and physique bear a striking resemblance to a middle-aged Jack Dempsey, owns the Barrel Head Grille in Milwaukee. Built into an inside wall is a mock four-footround beer barrel top, a splendid woodwork fashioned by the elder

Sijan from an oak table. A wooden shingle on the polished oak bears the engraved inscription, “Tradition.”

Sijan’s forefathers immigrated from Serbia, a separate country prior to World War I that later became part of Yugoslavia.

“Serbians have been noted for their heroic actions in circumstances where they were outnumbered,” Mr. Sijan said. “They were vicious fighters on a one-to-one or a one-to-fifty basis, so they have a history of instinct and drive.”

He thinks a mixture of that tradition, his son’s love for his home, and his competitive spirit spurred him through the painful odyssey in Vietnam.

“What made Lance do what he did? One thing, for sure. He always wanted to come home, no matter where he was. He was going to come home whether it was in pieces or as a hero.

“Lance’s competitive nature kind of grew with him.” said Mr. Sijan. “A person never knows how competitive he really is until he comes up against the ultimate situation. He could have been less couragous; he could have retreated into the ranks of the North Vietnamese and said, ‘Here I am. take care of me.’ But he chose to go the other way. He probably never doubted that somehow, somewhere he’d get out.”

Lance Sijan had wondered about his ultimate fate even before leaving for Vietnam, according to Mike Smith. In the Air Force at the time and stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB. Ohio, Smith enjoyed a visit from Sijan who was on leave prior to going overseas.

“I sensed a foreboding in him and he and I dealt with the issue of not coming back,” Smith said“I remember it distinctly because I talked with my wife about our conversation. I felt he had a premonition that he might not return.”

Mrs. Jane Sijan, too, sensed something. In Milwaukee prior to leaving, Lance asked her to sew two extra pockets into his flight suit, and he took great pains coating matches with wax.

“One night he was sitting on his bed,” she recalled. “He was sewing razor blades into his undershirts so he would have them if he was ever shot down.”

Sijan had been on the ground for 41 days when Col. Bob Craner

and Capt. Guy Gruters took off from Phu Cat AB in their F-100 on December 20, 1967. Col. Craner is now in Germany and Gruters is out of the service and living in Tampa.

Pinpointing targets in North Vietnam from the Misty forward air control jet fighter, they were hit by ground fire and ejected. Both were captured and brought to a holding point in Vinh, where they were thrust into bamboo cells and chained.

Reaching back into his memory, crowded with recollections of war, Craner told the story:

“As best as I can recall, it was New Year’s Day of 1968 when they brought this guy in at night. The Rodent came into the guy’s cell next to mine and began his interrogation. It was clearly audible.

Lance was a fine athlete while a Cadet and was a member of the Junior Varsity football squad.

“He was on this guy for military information, and the responses I heard indicated he was in very, very bad shape. His voice was very weak. It sounded to me as though he wasn’t going to make it.

“The Rodent would say, ‘Your arm, your arm, it is very bad. I am going to twist it unless you tell me.’ The guy would say, ‘I’m not going to tell you; it’s against the code.’ Then he would start screaming. The Rodent was obviously twisting his mangled arm.

“The whole affair went on for an hour and a half, over and over again, and the guy just wouldn’t give in. He’d say, ‘Wait till I get better, you S.O.B., you’re really

going to get it.’ He was giving the Rodent all kinds of lip, but no information.

‘‘The Rodent kept laying into him. Finally I heard this guy rasp, ‘Sijan! My name is Lance Peter Sijan!’ That’s all he told him.”

Guy Gruters, also an Air Force Academy graduate but a year senior to Sijan, was in a cell down the hall and did not know the identity of the third captive- He does recall that “the guy was apparently always trying to push his way out of the bamboo cell, and they’d beat him with a stick to get him back. We could hear the cracks.”

After several days, when the North Vietnamese were ready to transport the Americans to Hanoi, Gruters and Craner were taken to Sijan’s cell to help him to the truck.

“When I got a look at the poor devil, I retched,” said Craner. “He was so thin and every bone in his body was visible. Maybe 20 percent of his body wasn’t open sores or open flesh. Both hipbones were exposed where the flesh had been worn away.”

Gruters recalled that “he looked like a little guy. But then when we picked him up. I remember commenting to Bob, ‘This is one big sonofagun.’

While they were moving him, Craner related, “Sijan looked up and said, ‘You’re Guy Gruters, aren’t you?’ Gruters asked him how he knew, and Sijan replied, ‘We were at the Academy together. Don’t you know me? I’m Lance Sijan.’ Guy went into shock. He said, ‘My God, Lance, that’s not youV

“I have never had my heart broken like that,” said Gruters, who remembered Sijan as a 220pound football player at the Academy. “He had no muscle left and looked so helpless-”

Craner said Sijan never gave up on the idea of escape in all the days they were together. “In fact, that was one of the first things he mentioned when we first went into his cell at Vinh: ‘How the hell are we going to get out of here? Have you guys figured out how we’re going to take care of these people? Do you think we can steal one of their guns?’

“He had to struggle to get each word out,” Craner said. “It was very, very intense on his part that the only direction he was planning was escape. That’s all that was on his mind. Even later, he kept

dwelling on the fact that he’d made it once and he was going to make it again.”

Craner remembers the Rodent coming up to them and, in a mocking voice, he paraphrased the Rodent’s message:

“Sijan’s a very difficult man. He struck a guard and injured him. He ran away from us. You must not let him do that anymore.”

“I never questioned the fact that Lance would make it,” said Gruters. “Now that he had help, I thought he’d come back. He had passed his low.”

The grueling truck ride to Hanoi took several days. Sijan—“in and out of consciousness, lucid for 15 seconds sometimes and sometimes an hour, but garbled and incoherent a lot,” according to Craner —told the story of his 45-day ordeal in the jungle while the trio was kept under a canvas cover during the day.

The truck ride over rough roads at night, with the Americans constantly bouncing 18 inches up and down in the back, was torture itself. Craner and Gruters took turns struggling to keep an unsecured 55-gallon drum of gasoline from smashing them while the other cradled Sijan between his legs and cushioned his head against the stomach.

“I thought he had died at one point in the trip,” said Craner. “I looked at Guy and said, ‘He’s dead.’ Guy started massaging his face and neck trying to bring him around. Nothing. I sat there holding him for about two hours, and suddenly he just came around. I said, ‘Okay, buddy, my hat’s off to you.’

Finally reaching Hanoi, the three were put into a cell in “Little Vegas.” Craner described the conditions: “It was dank, with open air, and there was a pool of water on the worn cement floor. It was the first time I suffered from the cold. I was chilled to the bone, always shivering and shaking. Guy and I started getting respiratory problems right away, and I couldn’t imagine what it was doing to Lance. That, I think accounts ultimately for the fact that he didn’t make it.”

“Lance was always as little of a hindrance to us as he could be,” said Gruters. “He could have asked for help any one of a hundred thousand times, but he never asked for a damned thing! There was no way Bob and I could feel sorry for ourselves.”

Hall as a reminder and motivator to the members of the Cadet Wing.

Craner said a Vietnamese medic gave Sijan shots of yellow fluid, which he thought were antibiotics. The medic did nothing for Sijan’s open sores and wounds, and when he looked at Sijan’s mangled hand, “he just shook his head.”

The medic later inserted an intravenous tube into Sijan’s arm, but Sijan, fascinated with it in his subconscious haze, pulled it out several times. Thus, Craner and Gruters took turns staying awake with him at night-

“One night,” Craner said, “a guard opened the little plate on the door and looked in, and there was Lance beckoning to the guard. It was the same motion he told me he had made to the guy in the jungle, and I could just see what was going through the back reaches of his mind: ‘If I can just get that guy close enough .’

Craner remembers that Sijan once asked them to help him exercise so he could build up his strength for another escape attempt. “We got him propped up on his cot and waved his arms around a few times, and that satisfied him. Then he was exhausted.”

At another point, Sijan became lucid enough to ask Craner, “How about going out and getting me a burger and French fries?”

But Sijan’s injuries and now the respiratory problems sapped his

The original portrait of Lance is permanently on display in Sijan

strength. “First he could only whisper a word, and then it got down to blinking out letters with his eyes,” said Gruters. “Finally he couldn’t do that anymore, even a yes or no.”

With tears glistening, Bob Craner remembered when it all came to an end. They had been in Hanoi about eight days.

“One night Lance started making strangling sounds, and we got him to sit up. Then, for the first time since we’d been together, his voice came through loud and clear. He said, ‘Oh my God, it’s over,’ and then he started yelling for his father. He’d shout, ‘Dad, Dad where are you? Come here, I need you!’

“I knew he was sinking fast. I started beating on the walls, trying to call the guards, hoping they’d take him to a hospitalThey came in and took him out. As best as I could figure it was January 21.”

“He had never asked for his dad before,” said Gruters, “and that was the first time he’d talked in four or five days. It was the first time I saw him display any emotion. It was absolutely his last strength.

“It was the last time we saw him.”

A few days later, Craner met the camp commander in the courtyard while returning from a bathhouse and asked him where Sijan was.

“Sijan spend too long in the jungle,” came the reply. “Sijan die.”

Guy Gruters talked some more about Sijan:

“He was a tremendously strong, tough, physical human being. I never heard Lance complain. If you had an army of Sijans, you'd have an incredible fighting force.”

Said Craner:

“Lance never talked about pain. He’d yell out in pain sometimes, but he’d never dwell on it, like, ‘Damn, that hurts.’

“Lance was so full of drive whenever he was lucid. There was never any question of, “I hurt so much that I’d rather be dead.’ It was always positive for him, pointed mainly toward escape but always toward the future-”

Craner recommended Sijan for the Medal of Honor. Why?

“He survived a terrible ordeal, and he survived with the intent, sometime in the future, of picking up the fight. Finally he just succumbed.

“There is no way you can instill that kind of performance in an individual. I don’t know how many we’re turning out like Lance Sijan, but I can’t believe there are very many.”

In Milwaukee, Sylvester Sijan started to bring up the point, and then he hesitated. He finally did, though, and then he talked about it unabashedly.

“I remember one day in January, about the same time that year, driving down the expressway. I was feeling despondent, and I began screaming as loud as I could, things like, ‘Lance, where are you?’ I may have murmured such things to myself before, but I never yelled as loud as I did that day.

He wonders if maybe—just maybe—it may have been at the same time Lance was calling for him in Hanoi.

“The realization that Lance’s final thoughts were what they were makes me feel most humble, most penitent, and yet somehow profoundly honored,” he said.

Mr. Sijan still wears a POW bracelet with Lance’s name on it. “I just can’t take it off,” he said, adding that “not too many people realize its significance anymore.”

Though Lance was declared missing in action, and though one package they sent to him in Hanoi came back stamped “deceased”— “which jarred me terribly,” Mrs. Sijan said—the family never gave up hope.

“I’m such an optimist,” said Jane Sijan. “I even watched all the prisoners get off the planes on television (in 1973) hoping there had been some mistake.”

Lance’s body, along with the headstone used to mark his grave in North Vietnam, was returned to the United States in 1974 for interment in Milwaukee (23 other bodies were returned to the U.S. at the same time). At a memorial service in Bay View High School, the family announced the Captain Lance Peter Sijan Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“It is a $500 scholarship presented yearly to a graduate male student best exemplifying Lance’s example of the American boy,” said Mrs. Sijan. “It will be a lifetime effort on our behalf and will be carried on by our children.”

Lance Sijan, U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1965, would be 35 years old now. He is the first Academy graduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor. A dormitory at the Academy was recently named Sijan Hall in his honor.

“The man represented something,” Sylvester Sijan said of his son. “The old cliche that he was a hero and represented guts and determination is true. That’s what he really represented. How much of that was really Lance? What he is, what he did, the facts are there.”

“We'll never adjust to it,” Sijan said. “People say, ‘It’s been a long time ago and you should be okay now,’ but it stays with you and well it should.”

“Lance was always such a pleasure; he was an ideal son, but then all our children are a joy and blessing to us,” said Jane Sijan. ‘It still hurts to talk about it, but I have certainly accepted it. I’m a very patient woman, and I wait for the day our family will all be together again, that’s all.”

On March 4, 1976 three other former prisoners of war, all living, also received Medals of Honor from President Ford. One of them was Air Force Col. George E. “Bud” Day (“All Day’s Tomorrows,” AIRMAN, November 1976). Col. Day recently wrote to AIRMAN:

“Lance was the epitome of dedication, right to death! When peopie ask about what kind of kids we should start with, the answer is straight, honest kids like him. They will not all stay that way— but by God, that’s the minimum to start with.”

Lance Sijan was the first AFA Graduate to he awarded the Medal of Honor

1977 Football Pre-Season Outlook

Ben Martin, Head Football Coach

If momentum means anything in football, and most coaches swear that it does, then 1977 prospects for Air Force should be brighter than the past several seasons.

The 1976 Falcons ended the season on a decided “UP” note, scoring upsets in two of the final three games, 31-30 over Arizona St. and 41-21 over Western Athletic Conference Co-champion—Wyoming.

I am hoping the momentum generated in those upsets carries over to this fall, a season that will find the Falcons playing their first two games and three of their final four games on the road.

Despite that, however, the outlook has to be on a positive note after the young Falcons logged a productive Spring Practice. When practice resumes in August, we will have 36 returning lettermen, including 16 starters, nine of them on offense.

As in any season, there were some key losses, most notably in the defensive line, but returning are the key elements of an offensive attack that could see the passing game again a feared weapon.

We appear to have better over-all team potential than 1976. This is based primarily on the development of our young players and the fact that we lettered nine freshmen a year ago. Our offensive line is an experienced group with increased strength. We have good passing quarterbacks returning and the receivers are experienced. Our fullbacks are relatively strong and we do have more speed at tailback. Defensively—where the Falcons lost both starting tackles and the starting guard—the overall sitution is not as bright as is the attack. We lack real size and experience up front. We will have to build the interior where the anchor points are—nose guard and both tackles. The secondary has ample experience and we do have some young guys on the defensive line who are going to be more than adequate. Our end play is solid and both starting linebackers return.

When Air Force had its successful teams in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, offense was the name of the game with the Falcons always able to put points on the scoreboard.

With such offensive threats firmly ensconced in the skill positions, such as QB—Dave Ziebart, FB— David Thomas, TB Mark Bushell and split-end Paul Williams, the scoring potential seems to be there. Much will depend on the development of young players along the defensive front, an area that will get the coaches’ attention very quickly in fall practice.

A rundown of key areas is as follows:

QUARTERBACK—Rob Shaw, the starter in the first half of last season, has graduated but the position is in the capable hands of Dave Ziebart, the starter in the last half of the season. Ziebart is an exceptional thrower who is the starter entering fall drills.

TAILBACK—A spot blessed with more quickness than the last several seasons, Mark Bushell, a reserve fullback last season, takes over as the starter and had an excellent Spring. Good backup help comes from Dan Hoida, a reserve last season who also has good breakaway speed.

FULLBACK—Never before have the Falcons had a player the size of David Thomas, who stands 6'2" and weighs 235 at fullback. He was the leading scorer and second-leading rusher last season and his presence makes the position very strong. In addition, Mike Webb, who played linebacker last year, had a good Spring and is also a good prospect.

WIDE RECEIVERS—A talented group at both split end and flanker, the receivers should be a team strength this season. Both starters return with Paul Williams at split end and Steve Hoog at flanker and both have the ability to catch any type of pass thrown their way. There is also good backup help with Joe Bunecke at split end and Ken Dressel and Will Jones at flanker.

TIGHT END—Another strong position with both regulars from last season returning. Linden Torchia started in ’76 while Scott Jensen is moving into contention as he rounds out his pass catching ability with improved blocking.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE—Bigger and stronger than a season ago, one of the top players is Russ Glover, a returning starter, on the right side while Tim Furst, at 6'6" and 246 (the team’s biggest player) moves into the starting left side spot after lettering as a reserve last season.

OFFENSIVE GUARD The most experienced position on the team with two converted players starting—Mike Evers on the left side and Jim Weidmann on the right. Evers was shifted after starting at center while Weidmann is the team’s most experienced player, starting at offensive tackle the last two seasons. Backup help comes from Mike Coddington and Tom Ilase, both sophomores with little varsity playing time, but possessing excellent physical qualities.

BEN MARTIN Air Force Academy Head Football Coach

CLEAR FIELD AHEAD—Quarterback Dave Ziebart (11) on a keeper play in the 41-21 upset over Wyoming.

CENTER—Another experienced position headed by Gerry Smith, who returns as starter. Reserve strength is supplied by Jerry Coleman, a junior who saw JV action last season.

KICKERS—Both punting and place-kicking should be more experienced and more consistent this year with both regulars returning. Ken Dressel handled the punting a season ago and Mark Noonan the placekicking. Both were only freshmen in 1976 (and the inexperienced showed at times); however both displayed more consistency and stronger legs in Spring drills.

DEFENSIVE ENDS—One of the strongest positions on the team and the most skillful on an otherwise inexperienced defensive line with both starters returning. Dave Scott is one of the best in school history and an All-American candidate who uses his sprinter speed to advantage, while Linwood Mason also is a two-year veteran. Mike Bievenour, a letterman reserve, and Dale Marr offer promising backup strength.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE—A position that will be inexperienced and one of the keys next Fall. Both starters, Tom Albrecht on the left side and Ryan Williams on the right side, will be only sophomores this Fall as will reserve Jim Cathcart. However, another reserve, Arnie Douville, lettered last season and started several games. Both Albrecht and Williams show excellent promise and should get better with experience. They both weigh in at 235 and have superior quickness.

MIDDLE GUARD—A key loss was Mark Kenney, last year’s most valuable player, but Bill Travnick lettered as a reserve and shows the capability to move in quite well. He’s versatile, as is Tim Fyda, a reserve last season who is playing at number two.

LINEBACKERS Excellent front line strength prevails at this position with both starters returning but depth must be developed. Returning starters are Jack Kucera and Tom Foertsch, who combined for an amazing 333 tackles last season, including 170 by Kucera. Both Kevin Swanberg and Mark Cerise,

who saw only limited reserve action a season ago, had a good Spring, and should provide the vital depth-

CORNERBACKS—A relatively experienced area that has good potential, headed by L. C. Crowe, Ron Pointer and Mack McCollum. Crowe and Pointer starterd last season but McCollum came along very strong in Spring drills and has now moved past Pointer on the right side. As usual, it should be an aggressive unit.

ROVER—Robert Chandler became a starter as a freshman last Fall and developed rapidly. He should be even better this season and had an excellent Spring. Bruce Kugler, also a sophomore, will supply good backup help.

SAFETY—At 5'9" and 172—Tim Hoy isn’t very big, but he’s a hustler and started all last season. He has excellent speed and plays the game with a great deal of enthusiasm. Tim is a real ball hawk with keen sense of position in the secondary.

POSITION CHANGES

The key ones in the Spring were Mark Bushell from fullback to tailback, Mike Webb from linebacker to fullback and Mack McCollum from rover to cornerback. The shifts of Mike Evers from center to offensive guard and Jim Weidmann from offensive tackle to offensive guard were made late last season.

DEPTH ANALYSIS

Better than most seasons with 36 returning lettermen and 16 starters, but there are still several critical areas, primarily on defense. The receivers have the best depth while the interior defensive line is the unit with the least experience. Other than the strength, skill and experience of our own squad, the next most important factor bearing upon the chances for a successful campaign is the degree of difficulty of the schedule of opponents. The 1977 schedule undoubtedly is more difficult than the ones that the Falcons have faced in the past few years- We all hope that our improvement in team strength will more than make up for the increased power of the ’77 schedule. It is comprised of strong

TOUCHDOWN AHEAD—Air Force fullback David Thomas (40) breaks into the clear on his way to a touchdown.

opponents from all sectors of the country and is most challenging. The big “IF’S” are the development of depth and the avoidance of injuries to the key players if we are to be winners while facing this slate of games:

2:30

1:00

Wyoming (8-7-2) Laramie,Wy.

The coaching staff has been reorganized after the acquisition of two men prior to Spring drills and I was well-pleased with the smoothness and coordinated efforts of this lineup: FOOTBALL STAFF

Head Coach: Ben Martin (Navy ’46) 20th season at Air Force, AFA Record: 94-95-8

Offensive Assistants:

Coordinator:

Line

Backfield:

Receivers:

Defensive Assistants: Coordinator:

Backfield:

Linebackers:

Jack Braley (Nebraska ’56) 13th year.

Mike Crimmins (Ohio U ’72) 3rd year.

Johnny Burnett (Calif-Santa Barbara ’70) 1st year.

Jerry Davitch (Ariz. ’65) 5th year.

Varsity Reserve: Leland Kendall (Okla State ’55) 14th year.

Fred Manuel (Oregon ’73) 1st year.

Maj. John Lorber (AFA ’64) 2nd year.

Capt. Ed Hutt (UCLA ’68) 3rd year.

There is an evident increase in enthusiasm on the 1977 Falcon Squad and the leadership of our cocaptains, linebacker Jack Kucera and offensive guard, Jim Weidmann, is clearly felt. The team is anxiously awaiting the first kick off of what should prove to be a most exciting football season.

FALCON DOUBLE TEAM—Linebacker Tom Foertsch (64) and end Dave Scott (83) gang up on Andrew Johnson of the The Citadel in 1976 action. Foertsch was one of the Falcons’ top tackiers during the season with 163 while Scott had 21 sacks during the season.

New Military Science Curriculum

Captain Charles W. Walters Special Projects Officer, Deputy Commandant for Military Instruction

Another Ad Hoc Committee study curriculum!

The first thought was the old definition of a committee: A group of the uninterested, appointed by the unwilling to do the unnecessary. After all, study and analysis of military curriculum is an ongoing, continual process. Bits and pieces of the military instruction courses are constantly changing to fine tune and improve cadet offerings. I pondered on whether another committee action was really necessary.

Wrong. The character and determination of the select committee rapidly registered. The Superintendent, on 13 Dec 76, appointed six men as an Ad Hoc Committee of the Academy Board. General Allen charged what was to be known as THE AD HOC COMMITTEE to:

“Review the academic, military training, physical education, and the cadet way of life programs for the purpose of recommending changes should change be warranted. I specifically charged the committee to examine the requirements placed upon the fourth class cadets during the fall semester. I think that it was apparent to all that the requirements placed upon the fourth class cadets this past fall were excessive. Although I have made reference to the fourth class schedules, the review by the committee should not be limited to fourth class programs.”

I was to be fortunate enough to work with a team for the Deputy Commandant for Military Instruction, one of the numbers of the distinguished committee. That team attended committee meetings, conducted research, wrote briefings, developed advocacy papers and printed slides: all the typical duties of a staff officer. I must admit in retrospect it was a pleasure to be associated with the Ad Hoc Committee, for it was truly a cooperative effort by six men to improve the quality of Air Force Academy Graduates.

Committee recommendations were presented to the Academy Board and approved on 27 May 1977. The curriculum alterations were numerous: back to the seven period day, 50 minute class periods vice 60 minutes, modifications to the Schedule of Calls, minimum student loads, summer school, open options, a non-academic appointment period, and Saturday Academic Call to Quarters (ACQ) and Military Training. These are a few changes which will tickle your curiosity. Future articles may address the details. Stay tuned to this magazine.

One of the committee changes, a new military science curriculum, is the basis of this article. I would like to explain the new curriculum as we envision it will be for the class of 1982 and subsequent classes. Before doing so, I will conduct a brief historical sketch of the evolution of military science offerings, review the problems with the current course offerings, outline the new curriculum and generally discuss the advantages of the new program.

“Professional Studies” That is the collective noun that was used when the Academy introduced its first curriculum at Lowry AFB in the fall of 1956. Our mission:

to provide instruction, experience and motivation to each cadet so that he will graduate with the qualities of leadership and the knowledge required of an officer in the United States Air Force, and with a basis for continued development throughout a lifetime of service to his country, leading to readiness for responsibilities as a future air commander.”

Sound familiar? In the early years, the total cadet life experience academic, military skills, leadership and pilot indoctrination—were combined and directed as an integrated program toward that end. Those were also the days when each Graduate was qualified as a rated aerial navigator. Professional training was a four-year curriculum administered by three main departments under the Commandant of Cadets: Military Training, Flying Training and Physical Training.

It was an intense program which required 2,660 hours of effort to earn 46 semester hours. Basic Cadet Training (which will be discussed in more detail later), seminars in the genesis, structure formation of DOD and the 3 military services: AF Commands; three 2-week trips to AF and sister service commands; leadership studies, and classes on personal affairs were the basis of that curriculum. Flying was also one of the foundation blocks. Each cadet took approximately ten courses during his four years. That represented over 50% of his professional training. Many changes occurred during those early years causing the number of semester hours to fluctuate.

Basically, the military training program had a distinct West Point flavor during the founding years, for we had used it as a model. During the following years, the Academy slowly departed from the West Point model as we improved our understanding of officer training. By 1966, an Academy Military Education and Training Curriculum had been developed that was tailored to meet Air Force needs.

Since that time, essentially the Military Training curriculum has remained unchanged. Each graduate for the past 11 years has taken eight periods of summer training, six or seven military studies courses, three introductory courses in aviation fundamentals, and, for those who volunteered for UPT and were physically qualified, a pilot indoctrination course. Figure A outlines the 1977 curriculum.

But during these past years, the Air Force was continuing to develop and the Cadet’s military program had to be modified to maintain pace with Air Force changes. The title “Professional Studies,” no longer in vogue, was changed along with course titles and numbers. However, the philosophy re-

mained steadfast. Our intent continues today as it did in the founding years: produce the best possible professional officer, dedicated to service and country —an officer who can and wants to meet the leadership challenges of tomorrow’s Air Force.

MILITARY CORE CURRICULUM—1977

One, 3-week TDY at active installation during a summer period

Aviation Core

Either: T-41 for UPT bound cadets

AV 460, Aviation Fundamentals, for all other cadets

AV Fundamentals

AV 101, Aviation Physiology

AM 101, Sailplane Orientation

AM 370. T-37 Jet Flight Laboratory

Military Studies

MS 121, The Military as a Profession

MS 122, Leadership in a Military Environment

MS 221, Basic Leadership Communication Skills

MS 222, Advanced Leadership Communication Skills

MS 321, Operational Leadership

MS 322, U.S. Air Force Operations Today

MS 420, Officer Transition

Military Training

MT 100, Basic Cadet Training (BCT)

MT 200, Third Class Summer Training

MT 210, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Training (SERE)

MT 300, Second Class Summer Training

MT 400, Summer Leadership Preparation

Figure A

The present curriculum presented a number of challenges. Earlier changes had created a situation where we were trying to place the proverbial five pounds of groceries in a three pound sack. For some Cadets, the Academy levied more graduation requirements upon Cadets than they could complete without overloading. In addition, steps were being taken to close out open options (free electives). This would probably lead to cancellation of all required flight orientation programs for 40% of the Cadet Wing plus all Cadets enrolled in nine different disciplinary science and engineering majors.

Over the years, military instruction, aviation, and navigation and aviation science offerings had increased from 22 courses in 1956 to 60 courses in 1977. For various reasons, this growth was accompanied by some fragmentation; each mission element exhibited a tendency to “do its own thing.” The curriculum was growing stiff, somewhat inflexible, and required constant adjustment, and cadets tended to proceed through the curriculum in a lock-step fashion. Quite frankly, we felt we could stand to apply some of our own preaching and improve the management of our program.

The Ad Hoc Committee provided an opportunity for introspection—an environment in which we could reflect on the original Academy mission. How could we improve our product? Our response was a new, flexible, four-year curriculum. One which will totally integrate all CW resources in conjunction with DF and AH to produce a motivated, career oriented Sec

ond Lieutenant capable of discharging his duties and assuming a position of leadership.

In the new military science core curriculum, each Cadet must satisfactorily complete 28 semester hours (SH) under the Commandant of Cadets. A Cadet will take 13 SH of military science and 15 SH of military training courses. Included in the 28 SH, all Cadets will complete a three SII flight core.

Each Cadet, then, completes a core curriculum of academics, athletics, military science and military training courses plus courses required for a chosen major and commissioning. Specifically, to complete his military requirements, a Cadet will normally take seven semesters of military science courses plus one semester in the flight core as well as seven summer periods of military training. Additionally, one period in the summer during the four years will be available for an academic course. Beyond that, the Cadet may take additional enrichment courses by overloading, voluntarily attending summer school, or substituting for courses taken early through advance placement or proficiency examinations.

MILITARY SCIENCE CORE CURRICULUM

Military Science

1 1/2 SH MS 121/122

!/2 SH AV 101

ll/2 SII MS 222

11/2 SH MS 321

1 SH MS 420

4 SH Military

Flight Core

Intro to AF

Aviation Physiology

Military communications

Practical leadership Officer Transition Science Options

3 SH Choose one of the following AM 441 T-41

AV 460 Aviation Fundamentals

AV 470 Applied AV and Nav

Military Training

11 SH 5 Core summer training periods

4 SH 2 Optional summer periods

One Academic Summer Period

Basic Cadet Training (BCT) continues to be the first course taken by new Cadets. Six weeks in length, the BCT program is a period of transition when young men and women from all walks of life are trained in the rudiments of military life, instilled with the character traits of responsibility and reliance, and equipped with the physical endurance required for them to take their places as Fourth classmen in the Cadet Wing.

FOURTH CLASS YEAR

A1

MT 100 a

MS 121 MS 122 Summer Fall Spring

In the fall, cadets start their four year military science curriculum with Military Studies (MS) 121, USAF and National Security. Here each Cadet will study the mission, organization and operation of the Air Force. It is structured to give the Cadet a basic understanding of the USAF’s present posture and provide a background essential to later military and academic studies.

T-41 instruction is required for all Cadets planning on UPT after Graduation.

The second semester, each Cadet will be enrolled into MS 122, Leadership in a Military Environment. This is a study of the current international role of the USAF in conjunction with an increased emphasis on leadership and the role of the USAF in society. The course objective is to expand the Cadets’ awareness by preparing them to meet future responsibilities as commissioned officers in the USAF.

Both MS 121 and MS 122 will be pass/fail. Their thrust is to introduce Cadets to their profession. We want to stimulate their interest and desire to pursue the four-year Academy education and training program leading to commissioning and an Air Force career.

Sometime duing the fourth class year. Cadets will complete Aviation Physiology Passenger Qualification, AV 101. Here cadets in classroom studies, will learn the responses of the human organism as it reacts to stresses of various environments. Physiology training is provided to prepare Cadets for hypobaric chamber flight(s) and subsequent aircraft flight exposure.

The pace does not diminish during the third class summer. Each Cadet will take Survival, Escape, Resistance, Evasion (SERE), entitled Military Training (MT) 210, and either MT 200 or a flight core course. Major Dave Purcell, in his AOG article, “Summer Training ’77” (Spring 77) explained the training programs. You may want to review his excellent explanation of the summer programs. Since Maj Purcell wrote his article, a flight core option was added to the summer training program.

THIRD CLASS

Core options are new to the military science curriculum. A Cadet’s first opportunity to take an “elective” occurs during the fall semester of his 3° year. Usually a Cadet will take a one-hour elective option choosing from among five different courses. The range of these elective offerings will be diverse. At one end of the continuum is Aviation Science (AV) 201, Aerospace Concepts and Operations, a survey of space related topics such as earth motion and time, solar systems concepts, etc. Along the continuum are courses in communication skills, current Air Force Operations and USAF staff management. The opposite end of the course continuum is Independent Study (MS 49901), a course which provides an opportunity to conduct individual research on a current USAF Academy problem. I say “usually cadets will take a one-hour elective,” for they will have two options during their four years: one onehour elective and one three-hour elective. They are free to fit the electives in their military science curriculum during any semester there is not a mandatory military course requirement.

Military science options were introduced because we wanted to offer Cadets an opportunity to pursue individual interests or to strengthen areas in which they have had little experience. From a curriculum view point, options will provide an opportunity to react to changing Air Force needs as well as use the expertise of individual instructors and staff.

During the spring semester of their 3° year, Cadets will take MS 222, Military and Leadership Communicative Skills. The English Department expanded their offering in oral communications, and simultaneously, we reduced and redesigned our core requirements. The English Department will teach theory and general communications; our thrust will be the development and application of communicative skills and techniques required in the military profession with particular emphasis on military briefing procedures and instructional methods.

The 2° year will look like this:

As Maj Purcell explained, a second classman will take six weeks of summer training, choosing two of 19 different courses. Or, a Cadet can opt to complete his flight core and one of the MT 300 courses.

Two courses will be completed during the second class academic year: MS 321 and one three-hour core option. Operational leadership, MS 321, is an introduction to the foundation of military leadership through an examination of command and staff authority and responsibility. It includes a study of the role of the staff officer to prepare the student for increased Cadet responsibility.

Ten different courses will be offered as threehour options. As with the one-hour options, a wide variety of courses will be offered. The Aviation Science Division will offer courses in applied aviation and navigation theory, avionics concepts and systems development, individual or small group re-

search and independent study, Cadet aviation instructor in the T-43 aircraft, descriptive astronomy, and applied astronomy. The Military Training Division will offer two courses to study in-depth selected military topics through individual study, problem solving and solution reporting as applied in the Air Force.

The first class summer will see the typical Cadet completing one three-week offering from MT 400 plus one academic course. Again, a Cadet can elect to complete his flight core.

I have alluded to the flight core throughout this article. Now for an explanation. The flight core provides a varied exposure to aviation throughout a Cadet’s years at the Academy. One of two courses mandatory; the remainder are electives available in the summer. Cadets going to pilot training after graduation complete a light plane program while Cadets not qualified for pilot training will take a course in aviation fundamentals. The following is a general discription of the two flight core options.

Airmanship 441. Pilot Indoctrination Program. Required course for all physically qualified First Classmen who volunteer to attend USAF undergraduate Pilot Training following graduation. Includes ground training for T-41 aircraft and FAA Private Pilot exam, dual flight instruction and solo flight training. Exam.

Aviation Science 460. Studies in Aviation Fundamentals. Required course for all cadets not volunteering for pilot training. Aviation instruction in the Air Force flying mission including classroom, trainer/simulator, and T-43 flight mission. Experience is gained in the aviation environment to demonstrate professional Air Force flight duties/responsibilities.

Normally, Cadets will take a flight core course during the academic year. But, in some circumstances they may take the flight core during the summer and take an additional academic course where the normal flight core was scheduled. In effect, a simple flip-flop.

During the 1° Academic year, the average Cadet will take a flight core and Military Studies 420. The catalog description for MS 420 will read:

Military Studies 420. Officer Transition. Preparation for the transition from Cadet to officer status. Instruction provides the cadet with personal and practical aspects of life and work in the Air Force, with particular emphasis on career planning and the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a second lieutenant entering active duty. No Final. Prereq: 1/C standing. Sem Hrs: 1 fall or spring.

In summary, the First Class year will appear like this:

Excitement surrounds the opportunity to offer the new curriculum to the class of 1981. I believe it reduces the 4° requirement without diluting commissioning requirements. Through application of management techniques, a Cadet’s overall SH graduation requirement was reduced by 9%. The change levied by the Superintendent has been fulfilled. Time is available for all Cadets to complete all their graduation reqquirements; the groceries now fit the bag.

The curriculum is simple, yet expresses graduation and commissioning requirements. It is flexible and eliminates competition for open options. Cadets can express their choice in selecting courses which will help develop their talents necessary for performance within the Wing and later as a Lieutenant. Perhaps, most important, Cadets will be insured the opportunity to complete an aviation background. It is a lasting solution, one which draws together our total resources to produce the best possible Lieutenant.

Is this the right move? Or, is the new curriculum simply change for the sake of change? We do not think so.

Graduates will be required to cope with new problems and new opportunities. Today the eyes of all people are upon the Academy. The public expects, no, they demand a large return on their expensive investment in Academy Graduates. A challenge has been issued. Air Force Academy Graduates will be expected to do more with fewer personnel and financial resources, and we must prepare them to be responsive. President Kennedy in his Inaugural Address on 20 January 1961 summarized our task:

“For those to whom much is given, much is required. And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgement on each of us, recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities to the state, our success or failure, in whatever office we held, will be measured by the answers to four questions: First, were we truly men of courage Second, were we truly men of judgement Third, were we truly men of integrity Finally, were we truly men of dedication?”

The future, I hope, will record that we at the Academy fulfilled our responsibilities as men of judgement. As I see it, The Ad Hoc Committee’s efforts to develop a new curriculum will, in fact, produce men and women who possess the knowledge, character, and motivation to become leaders in the Air Force and serve their country for 30 years with dedication and distinction. By President Kennedy’s measurement, history would document that Air Force Graduates have, indeed, fulfilled his prophecy.

United States Air Force Academy Mission:

To provide instruction and experience to each Cadet so that he graduates with the knowledge and character essential to leadership and the motivation to become a career officer in the United States Air Force.

ness, and, as a result, many college athletes’ education is put second to the football program. You are doing the highly-qualified, student-athlete a disservice by not identifying him and giving him one of the greatest opportunities offered today.

The football team for the ’77 season looks exciting; the schedule is as tough as any school in the nation will face, but we are optimistic about our chances of surprising a few people. The Falcons of ’77 are bigger, faster and more experienced than in the past three seasons; however, so are our opponents. We should have excellent leadership from the First Classmen on the team and everyone here has “had it” with losing.

So, let’s get those notes coming in. We will accept any type of correspondence, as long as it contains a name and a high school. Friday night at the Officer’s Club, there are plenty of cocktail napkins available that are large enough to contain the information required to get a prospect started toward an appointment. That prospect might be the key person needed to beat Army, Navy, UCLA or whomever. The "next year while you are reminiscing about what a great athlete you are (or were) you could also "throw into the conversation that your recruit at the Air Force Academy single - handedly beat Notre Dame. It is time we start a winning program so grab a ball (or in our case a cocktail napkin) and let’s get going.

Overseas Mail—In a recent decision, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates has decided that all AOG members residing outside the ZI will, in the future, receive all Magazines and other time critical correspondence from the AOG by first-class mail. This is a service that the Board extends to its members at no additional charge.

ONE GRAD S VIEW OF PME

Jack Swanson, ’62

Having just completed a fifth course in Professional Military Education (PME), I had the notion that other graduates might find it interesting and perhaps helpful to find out what one USAFA graduate thinks about these programs. It might also stimulate others, who have had different experiences and hold different views, to write about them for the benefit of our fellow officers. It is with these two purposes in mind that I present the following observations.

PME by Correspondence

While these courses often seem tedious and dry, I feel they are valuable in three ways. First, they do provide a good update on current Air Force doctrine, policies and programs, and familiarize you with organizations and activities that you might have not known about or lost track of since graduation. They help to rejuvenate your thinking on issues of leadership, management, doctrine, strategy, etc., which often tend to get lost in the whirl of day-to-day operations. Second, while we all deplore “square-filling exercises,” there is no question that completion of correspondence courses are favorably viewed by raters and promotion boards. It’s a clear indication of one’s willingness to devote free time to professional improvement, and it is naive to think that, come OER time, it’s not important to be able to say something more than, “He is an excellent (fill in the job title).”

Third, and in my view most important, is that these courses can help preserve one’s flexibility in career management. One of the few reasons an officer can turn down attendance in residence, once he is nominated for a PME school, is if he has enrolled in a comparable correspondence course and subsequently completed it (see AFR 53-8). The key requirement is that he was enrolled prior to nomination. Only then can the residence course be turned down without prejudice. As described below, there may be particular circumstances when you might

very much appreciate that option. It should be pointed out that generally a correspondence course can be initiated by officers holding rank one level below that required for attendance in residence. Since all BTZ selectees are automatically nominated to attend in residence, one should enroll in the correspondence course prior to entering the secondary zone to guarantee maintenance of such an option.

Squadron Officer School

My impression of SOS (I turned down attendance in residence) is that it is of greatest value to those officers who have had experience/ exposure in only a very limited career field, who have specialized in a narrow slice of Air Force operations. SOS opens up the panorama of military activities to such officers and allows them to meet and trade ideas with contemporaries from a wide array of career fields. I think most Academy Graduates, having completed numerous military training courses, field trips, special briefings, etc., will find much of the curriculum a review rather than new information. For the Grad who has pursued a relatively broad-based career field, maintained a reasonably active professional reading program, kept abreast of current affairs ( Aviation Week, Air Force Magazine, Foreign Affairs, etc.), and mixed with junior officers from other career fields, the value of SOS is questionable. Moreover, I got the distinct impression that a few commanders made it a “no win” situation. SOS is highly competitive, and making DG (distinguished graduate) is a difficult and commendable achievement. Yet in some organizations, if an Academy Graduate returned without making DG, it was assumed that he must have been goofing off for eleven weeks. These impressions are ten years old; however, hopefully such attitudes have changed. More recent Graduates should be able to shed brighter light on this.

Intermediate Service School

First let me say that attendance in residence at one of the PME

Gone But Not Forgotten

Mr. John R. Hoffman, Class of 1963, passed away on 13 June 1977 following his medical retirement on 15 March. He is survived by his wife, Judith, 2309 Meadowmont Drive, San Jose, CA 95133; and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Hoffman, 130 E 8th Street, Zumbreta, MN 55992.

As a Cadet, Mr. Hoffman was a member of the 13th Cadet Squadron. He was a member of the Contrails Staff; Cadet Choir; and the Audio, Water Skiing, Bridge, Gun, and Weight Lifting Clubs. Mr. Hoffman majored in Basic Science and Engineering Science, and was named to both the Dean’s List and the Superintendent’s List. Mr. Hoffman was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship, receiving his MS in Astro from the University of Michigan in 1965. Following his assignment as a Satellite Test Officer at the Air Force Satellite Control Facility at Sunnyvale, CA from 65-69, he served as Mission Director SAMSO at Buckley ANG Base and then again at Sunnyvale as the Chief of the Program Satellite Operations Detachment 1.

Mr. John R. Hoffman

The AOG has recently learned that Mr. Michael S. Clark, Class of 1964, died on 2 3 November 1976. He is survived by his wife, Linda, 4515 East 96th Street, Tacoma, WA 98446, and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Clark, RR 5, Box 141, Noblesville, IN 46060. No additional details are known at this time.

As a member of the 10th Cadet Squadron, Mike majored in Engineering Science. He was on the Dean’s List six semesters and participated in the Ski and Judo Clubs and the Professional Studies Group.

Upon receiving his pilot’s wings at Reese AFB, Mr. Clark was assigned to the 22nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at ToulRosieres AB, France and Mountain Home AFB. He later served with the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam as a Pilot Systems Operator. Following his assignment as an Aircraft Commander with the 913rd Air Refueling Squadron at Barksdale AFB. Mr. Clark attended AFIT in Residence. He subsequently served in the F-15 SPO and as an Aide at Wright-Patterson AFB. Mr. Clark resigned from the Air Force on 20 December 1974.

Captain Lawrence R. Fidler, Jr. Class of 1971, was killed in an F-4E crash near Eppingen, Germany, on 27 April 1977. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 321 East Woodruff, North Little Rock, AR 72116; and by his father, Mr. Lawrence R. Fidler, 652 West Market Street, York, PA 17404.

Prior to his com-

Captain Lawrence R. Fidler, Jr. missioning, Captain Fidler served in the 36th Cadet Squadron and held the positions of Element Leader and First Sergeant. He was a member of the Class Committee; Professional Studies Group; and the Ski, Archery, Math, and Saddle Clubs. Captain Fidler majored in Aeronautical Engineering and was on the Dean’s Commandant’s and Superintendent’s Lists several times as a Cadet.

Upon receiving his pilot wings at Laughlin AFB, Captain Fidler was assigned to the 58th Tactical Fighter Wing at Luke AFB and the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon AB, Thailand as a F-4 pilot. He was subsequently assigned to the 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Lakenheath RAF Station, England. At the time of his death, Captain Fidler was assigned to the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Hahn AB, Germany.

Captain Eddy P. Drake, Class of 1973, was killed in an OV10 crash at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho on 21 May 1977. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Drake, Box 138, Star Route #3, Thermopolis, WY 82443.

Captain Drake attended the USAFA

Captain Eddy P. Drake Prep School prior to being admitted to the Academy. As a Cadet, he was a member of the 8th Cadet Squadron and participated in track one year. He majored in Life Science and participated in the Ski Club, Fishing Club, Saddle Club, and the DeMolay and BSU Clubs.

Following graduation from pilot training at Vance AFB, Captain Drake was assigned to the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron at Nakhon Phanom AB, Thailand and later at Bergstrom AFB. At the time of his death. Captain Drake was on temporary duty to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Mountain Home AFB.

Mr. Michael S. Clark

HOMECOMING 77 14-16 OCTOBER

• JABARA AWARD

• MEMORIAL CEREMONY

• TRIBUTE TO MRS. MAC

• AFA vs. ARIZONA STATE

• CLASS OF '67 10-YEAR REUNION

Homecoming 1977 will incorporate a new format, several innovations, and will be the first Homecoming to be jointly sponsored by the Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy as an official Academy event. The schedule will be busy and there will be good times for all that are able to attend.

In addition to the printed schedule, the following "attractions" will help you decide to join us in Colorado on 14-16 October:

• The Cadet Chorale will entertain at the Homecoming Ball

• The AOG will present a unique gift to the Academy

• Meet the new Superintendent

• The Air Academy National Bank will co-host the Friday Night Buffet

• Class Photos will be available for purchase

• All attendees will receive an AOG souvenir

Fill out the attached registration card and forward it to the AOG office with your check at an early date. If you need more information, if you have suggestions get in touch. And, remember, the real fun of Homecoming is seeing your friends and classmates. Reading about it in the Fall Magazine will be a poor substitute for being a part of Homecoming 1977. Make arrangements now and plan on a memorable weekend in Colorado.

HOMECOMING 1977

14-16 October

ASU Football Game PROGRAM

FRIDAY:

Time Event Location

1400-2000 Registration “O” Club

1400-1600 AOG Annual Meeting Supt. Conf. Rm.

1800-2000 Class of 1967 10 Year Reunion AOG Cocktail Party “O” Club “O” Club

2000-2100 Buffet (AOG/Academy Bank)

SATURDAY:

0700-0900 Breakfast “O” Club

0900-1100 Registration “A” Hall

0930-1000 Graduate/Cadet Wing Memorial Ceremony Terrazzo

1015-1130 Discussion Panel/Coffee “A” Hall

1130-1230 Superintendent’s Brunch “O” Club

1330-1600 AF vs ASU Falcon Stadium

1830-2000 Alumni ReceptionClass Photos Mitchell Hall

2000-2130 Homecoming Banquet Mitchell Hall

2130-2145 Presentation of 1977 Jabara Award for Airmanship

2200-2400 Homecoming Ball “A” Hall

SUNDAY:

0900-1100 Chapel

1000 Graduate-Cadet Golf Tournament

REGISTRATION

Fill out and detach the registration card and mail it with a check to the Association of Graduates. You may register at the Registration Desk on 14 October; however, all checks must be received prior to 1 October to insure advanced registration. The registration fee is $18 per person for AOG members and their guests, and $20 for non-AOG members. Make all checks payable to the Association of Graduates. The fee covers Friday and Saturday night hors d’oeuvres and dinner, Saturday coffee and football brunch, a commemorative Homecoming mug, and administrative costs.

DRESS

Friday and Saturday Evening—suit or sport coat and tie for men; dress or pantsuit for ladies. Saturday Morning Activities and Football Game— Combination 1 for active duty Graduates.

FOOTBALL TICKETS

Tickets ($7 each) for the USAFA vs Arizona State football game may be purchased from the Association of Graduates. Closing date for orders is 1 October. After that date tickets must be ordered directly from the Athletic Association Ticket Office or purchased at the gate prior to the game.

Tickets will be held and distributed at the time of registration. If you want football tickets and do not plan to attend any other Homecoming activities, please order tickets through the Athletic Associa tion.

please order tickets through the Athletic Association to the Association of Graduates is on the west side of Falcon Stadium in Section U-6/7.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Limited VOQ facilities will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Contact the AOG office at 303-472-2067/AV 259-2067 to make your reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved at each of the following motels/hotels; please note that all reservations must be made directly with the facility of your choice. The deadline for a guaranteed reservation is 1 October 1977.

Inn at Woodmoor Woodmoor, CO 303/481-2213

Sheiaton Motor Inn 8110 N Academy Blvd 303/598-5770

Hilton Inn 505 Pope’s Bluff Trail 303/598-7656

Ramada Inn 1-25 and Garden of the Gods Rd 303/598-3951

Palmer House 1-25 and Fillmore 303/636-5201

Antlers Plaza Chase Stone Center 303/473-5600

Howard Johnson 1-25 and Garden of the Gods Rd 303/598-1700

Holiday Inn North 1-25 and Fillmore 303/633-5541

Four Seasons Motor Inn 2886 S Circle Drive 303/576-5900

CANCELLATIONS

To insure a refund of fees paid in advance, cancellation must be received by the AOG office before 1500, Monday, 11 October 1976. Cancellations received after this deadline cannot be guaranteed. Cancellations may be made by mail or phone—autovon 259-2067 or commercial 303-472-2067.

Attention in the Area

Jim Wheeler, ’64 Editor/Executive Secretary

Joint Meeting The Graduate / Alumni Directors of the four major Service Academies gathered at Annapolis on 11 and 12 May 1977 for an exchange of information on the administration of our respective Graduate Associations. Captain Bill Busik, Executive Director of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, hosted the get-together at the Alumni House in Annapolis, Maryland. Attendees included the Annapolis staff plus Colonel Mike Krisman, Director of Publications at West Point; Captain Bill Earle, Executive Director of the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association; and the Executive Secretary of the AFA AOG. All of the other gentlemen from our sister Academies are retired officers hired by their respective Associations to administer Alumni programs. This meeting was held in conjunction with the annual Service Academy Superintendent’s Conference, and it was the first-ever meeting among the Graduate/ Alumni Administrators of the four schools- A large portion of the agenda was devoted to the “show and tell’ agenda items in which each of the representatives outlined programs, problems, and procedures within his own organization. This was followed by detailed discussions on Alumni publications, membership development, membership services, various projects; and, particularly, possible joint endeavors in the future. Attendees were unanimous in their agreement that the conference provided valuable insights and ideas. Undoubtedly, some new programs and procedures will be exchanged between the Academies as a result of this initial meeting. The most immediate tangible outcome of the conference was an agreement by the Associations to jointly sponsor one or more joint Service Academy Alumni Association group tours. The Naval Academy, the only one of the four currently involved in group travel, will head up the initial planning effort. The information on the exact offering will be provided to AOG members in the fall.

Party in Atlanta Mr. Arthur Moore, a West Point Graduate residing in Atlanta, has contacted the AOG office to see if there is some joint activity that USAFA Graduates and West Point Society members might arrange in conjunction with the USAFAGeorgia Tech game on 1 October. Mr. Moore can be contacted at area code 404/658-5734 or you may write to him at 100 Peachtree Street N.W., Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. In addition, the Hyatt Regency of Atlanta, located in the Peachtree Center, has offered a special weekend package for USAFA Graduates wishing to attend the football game. They are offering on a double-occupancy basis a $49 per person package that includes 2 nights of lodging, transportation to and from the game, and brunches on both days of your stay. One night’s accommodations and the same package are available for $25 per person. You can contact the Reservations Director at the Hyatt Regency directly or use their toll-free number, 800-228-9000. Why not get a group and make a party out of it?

Graduate Update Of the 10,286 Graduates in the first 18 classes—1959 through 1976—7,822 Graduates are still on active duty in the Air Force. Three hundred and ten Graduates are listed as deceased. One hundred and nine were killed in Southeast Asia; 24 Graduates are still carried as MIA. To date, almost 600 below the zone promotions have been earned by Academy Graduates. Currently, there are 42 Graduates serving in the grade of Full Colonel. Eight Graduates have been selected as White House Fellows and 19 studied at Oxford as Rhodes Scholars following graduation. In the area of military decorations, there has been one Medal of Honor and 15 Air Force Crosses awarded to Graduates. And, currently, there are 258 Graduates assigned to the various staff agencies at the Air Force Academy.

Texas Chapter “Under the banner of ‘Zoomies Unite,’ the Graduates at Randolph AFB, Texas, are making an effort to form a local chapter. After two business meetings an organizational frame work appears to be emerging. The provisional goals of the chapter are (1) to inform Graduates of current Academy topics and (2) to promote Graduate camaraderie by letting everyone know who else is in the local area. Right now we plan on having speakers address the group at quarterly meetings. In the future we will try to arrange visits to the local area by Academy personnel, hopefully make a trip to this fall’s USAFA-Baylor football game, and possibly become the focal point for USAFA activities in the San Antonio area. We are not limiting participation to only those Graduates at Randolph and want to find contacts at Brooks, Kelly, Lackland, as well as “civvy” Graduates. If anyone is interested in attending our future meetings or wants any more information, please contact Gary Pointer, ’71, Autovon: 487-4407/ 4410.”

Class of 1977

The number of Air Force Academy Graduates increased to 11,137 with the graduation on 1 June 1977 of 851 members of the Class of 1977. The new Second Lieutenants will be reporting to a variety of assignments including 561 to Pilot Training, 24 to Helicopter Training, and 72 to Navigator School. In addition, 16 Graduates will go to Pilot Training after they complete their Master’s degrees. A total of 43 members of the Class of 1977 will attend Graduate School and 26 Graduates will attend Medical School as members of the last Academy Class to go directly into Medical School. Seventeen additional members of the Class of 1977 will be going to Graduate School in various national scholarship programsAmong the 851 Graduates, there are 13 young men who have chosen commissions in other Services—6 Army, 5 Navy, and 2 Marine Corps. One Graduate is from an allied country and one Graduate was not commissioned for medical reasons.

Merchandise Program The AOG Merchandise Program was originally scheduled to be announced in full color in the Summer Magazine. However, certain manufacturing difficulties with suppliers have delayed the official launching of the new program for a few weeks. The AOG office plans to mail appropriate literature to all AOG members at an early date in the fall.

Cadet Sabres—The AOG Board of Directors recently decided to not procure Cadet sabres under the terms offered by the West German manufacturing firm. The Board further decided that they will pursue other avenues for possible procurement of Cadet sabres and sabre plaques for resale to the AOG membership.

Class Officers

The AOG office is finding that as our corporation grows and our membership rolls expand, we have a need to get in touch with Class Officers on various class-oriented topics. Unfortunately, the list of Class Officers maintained by the Academy is not complete; thus, we need to have Class Officers get in touch with the AOG so that we may update records and establish the necessary correspondence on projects of class interest. Your cooperation in identifying the Class Officers through your Class Secretary or directly to the AOG office will be greatly appreciated.

Throttle Jockeys

“As you know, USAFA is one of the main tourist attractions in Colorado. Although most of the tourists arrive through the north and south gates, many Graduates have been arriving from every direction from 100 feet AGL to 5000 feet AGL. Although we do not want to discourage the Graduates from returning, we would like for you to arrive through the gates like the other visitors. Recent fly-bys over the Academy have interferred with flight activities at the Airstrip and presented a safety hazard to the soaring and parachuting activities. If any of you are flying near the alma mater, land at Buckley or Peterson AFB and drive over, instead of flying over the Academy, dodging sailplanes, parachutists and T-41s. That way, we can talk about old times at the club.” (A friendly bit of advice from the Academy DO shop)

Test Pilot School The Air Force has recently announced that Captains John P. Carson, III, Class of 1968; Gerard L. Riffenburg, Class of 1969; James W. Smolka, Class of 1972; David M. Sprinkel, Class of 1970; Thomas V. Tilden, Class of 1967; and Channing S- Morse, Class of 1970, have been selected for attendance at Test Pilot School. Morse will attend the Naval Test Pilot School. In addition, Captain J. D. Jolly, Class of 1974, has been selected to be a Flight Test Engineer student at Edwards AFB in a program that will start this summer. Congratulations to all for this outstanding endorsement of their professional skills.

AOG Decals Some new members may not know that the AOG office will supply window decals of the AOG crest to members upon request. Any member —new or old—wishing additional decals, please get in touch. A self-addressed envelope will speed up the process considerably.

Air Force Academy Duty—The Airmanship Division affords Captains an extremely challenging job that is both professionally and personally rewarding. Duty combines program management with challenging staff work. Experience in Soaring, Hot Air Ballooning, Free Fall Parachuting or light aircraft is desirable. Contact Captain Don Marsh, Autovon 259-2495.

Party in California In addition to the information provided elsewhere by Ron Gundy, the Association of Graduates has been contacted by a northern California Liaison Officer who has arranged an Air Force Association, Liaison Officer, and Parents’ Club get-together on the night of 16 September prior to the USAFA-California game; General Tallman will be the featured speaker. He is very much interested in including Academy Graduates in the get-together. Details will be provided to Graduates in the Califonia area in the near future. Circle the date on your calendar and plan for it now.

Bond Winners In the recent drawing that accompanied the 1977 Board of Directors election, George R. Durham, Class of 1968, was the winner of the $100 U. S. Savings Bond. The second place $50 Bond went to Harvey B. Cox, Class of 1965; and the third place $25 Bond went to Tom Oliver, Class of 1969. Congratulations to these gentlemen for their good fortune and the appreciation of the AOG for their ongoing support of our programs.

On behalf of the membership of the Association of Graduates,Major Tom Eller,’61, Vice-President of the AOG, presented General James R. Allen a copy of the Gyrfalcon print in recognition of his tenure as the 7th Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. General Allen departed in early July for his new assignment in Europe.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FAKISH REFURBISHMENT

Association of Graduates (Major Wheeler)

1. On behalf of the entire Air Force Academy Cadet Wing I want to express my appreciation for the interest the Association of Graduates has taken in refurbishing Farish Memorial. I know that cadets for years to come will appreciate the fact that the graduates were concerned enough about the morale of the Wing to help out in such a tangible manner. 2. Please pass on my most sincere thanks to the Association of Graduates for their help, not only in improving Farish, but also in the 100th Dining-In, Homecoming, and many other projects.

JAMES R. ALLEN, Lt General, USAF Superintendent

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

Dear Fellow Graduates:

I wish to thank all of you for the gratifying return regarding a California Chapter of USAFA Graduates. (It certainly cleaned the cobwebs out of my mailbox!)

I am including a summary of questionnaire results for your late night perusal.

My interpretation of the data indicates a definite desire for a USAFA Alumni Chapter of California (COCA).

It also would appear that most of the activities are desired on a local level with only an annual meeting at the state level.

As it would appear that there is a good chance of having about 100 California Grads turn out for the game at Berkeley, I have solicited volunteers to chair three (3) committees as follows:

California Weekend Organizing Committee

Chairman: David J. Phillips, ’59

Address: 24888 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hill, California 92653

Business Phone: (714) 837-2400

Residence Phone: (714) 494-5666

Constitution & By-Laws Committee

Chairman: Charles S. Rogers, ’59

Address: 9801 Mammoth Drive

Huntington Beach, California 92646

Business Phone: (213) 921-3443

Residence Phone: (714) 968-8390

Nominating Committee for B.O.D.

Chairman: F. Neal Hawkins, ’64

Address: 4370 Via Sorpresa San Diego, California 92124

Residence Phone: (714) 560-5298

The Academy and the AOG are also giving us a big hand with this.

Hope to see you all at the first annual meeting of COCA.

Sincerely,

Ronald L. Gundy, ’66 12221 Highway 94 Spring Valley, California 92078

QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS SUMMARY

General Information

Number of Mailings=l,167

Number of Responses=141

Summary

1. Name, Address, etc.—Most everyone got this right. Average Rating of Wives=l,000! (My wife Barbara helped to tabulate the results)

2. Opinion of Forming Chapter(s) For: 137 Against: 2 Confused: 2

3- Number of Chapters State: 25

Regional (Two) 46

Regional (Four) 46

4. Number of Meetings Combination: 54

(Quarterly at Region/Annual at State) Quarterly: 47 Annually: 17 All Other: 15

5. Number willing to serve: 69

6. Number who are members of AOG: 137

7. Number wanting 1st annual meeting at Berkeley for weekend of USAFA vs. California football game: 98!!!!!!

8. Priority of objectives

1. Provide feedback to Academy

2. Promote the Academy and the Air Force

3. Assist the Association of Graduates

4. Promote professionalism of USAFA/USAF

5. Assist with candidates/potential candidates

6. Provide information to California Graduates

7. Provide social functions

8. Assist in transition to civilian life.

Thanks to each of you who took the time to respond. We hope that all of you will give serious consideration to participation.

HONOR AND USAFA

According to a recent NEWSWEEK article, the amount of cheating and other scholastic offenses occurring on college campuses is rising at an alarming rate, and administrations tend to do little about it. A senior at California State University at Sacramento was caught forging an instructor’s signature to change a grade from “No Credit” to “A”. She was given “disciplinary probation,” during which she won an award as one of the school’s outstanding seniors! At prestigious Harvard, a biochemistry student composed his own letters of recommendation to medical schools and then was suspected of falsifying data in an experiment. He was suspended—for a year—then was allowed to return to finish school and receive his Harvard degree cum laude.

The basic standards of honor that we hold as bare minimums sadly are often overlooked at many “real colleges.” It is not uncommon for students to break into professor’s offices and alter their marks in the grade book. With the rising standards for admission to graduate schools, it may often be the best students who cheat the most. A recent survey at Stanford University revealed that 45 percent of the students there had committed at least one act of serious cheating, such as plagiarism.

College administrators admit that they will lean over backwards to avoid expelling a student—which in fact, encourages cheating. When colleges, especially public ones, do take action, they face horrendous legal obstacles. In the past, colleges could enforce their own rules pretty much as they pleased. During the late ’60s several court cases and governmental regulations challenged this traditional authority. Students, often caught red handed, constantly challenged the disciplinary actions imposed upon them as violating due process and their “civil rights-”

Is it any wonder that there is a continually rising crime rate when the administrations of our universities, much less the student bodies, will not—and often cannot—enforce and maintain certain minimum basic standards of decency and honor?

I think there are times when we fail to realize what a good thing our honor code is. We come to take it for granted. It’s easy to do. The amount of faith and trust that is put in us is unheard of on “civilian” campuses and out in our general American society. The idea that people will trust you at your word is uncommon nowadays. I recently paid for some things at a local store by check. As I reached for my wallet to show the salesgirl the usual required pile of identification she saw my class ring and said, “You’re a cadet. That’s good enoguh.” I was flabbergasted—even the Cadet Store makes us show our I. D. card when writing a check.

This trust in the members of the Cadet Wing, through the standards of honor, decency and fair play which we uphold, is something that has been built over the years. The Cadet Honor Code, and our support and enforcement of it, does the lion’s share of keeping our integrity high. If we want to maintain the trust that has been shown in us, we must not relax the vigilance with which we maintain the Code.

Our sister academy, West Point, is only now recovering from the most recent attack on its honor code. It is unfortunate that 152 cadets were found guilty of cheating and dismissed. However, their dismissal shows that the code still is taken seriously,

the standards are being maintained, and those who break it must pay the price for their actionsWe are in a profession where absolute honesty and trust are essential. The possibility that someone is not telling the truth is a luxury we cannot afford. The lives of many people can often depend on what we say, write or do. If the standards of integrity in society drop, then we must maintain higher standards. The results of doing otherwise are unthinkable.

WALT HERN, Class of 1977

AMNESTY AND THE AOG

To The Editor:

It was with some small degree of alarm that I read the letter from Mr. James P. Gunter in the Winter edition of the Association of Graduates Magazine. The subject addressed was President Carter’s amnesty program for Vietnam era draft evaders and the Association’s lack of effort in response to this program. Although I am not in the habit of doing so, I find that I must make some reply to the sentiments expressed in Mr. Gunter’s letter:

Mr. Gunter, as I interpretted your letter, you seemed to be saying that the Association as a whole should have taken some position in opposition to President Carter’s proposed program and urge both the members of the Association of Graduates and other Air Force officers to write in protest to the issue. Sir, I feel I must state that I find this a very dangerous and possibly unlawful proposal. The Air Force officer corps as a whole, and the Association of Graduates in particular, has not, should not, and by its very nature, cannot have a political position on this or any other issue in the national or international arena. Our duty as officers in the military of the United States of America is to serve as directed by the civilian government and to advise on only such matters as is requested by them. To attempt to use the officer corps to express a political sentiment is contrary to the entire concept of the United States military. As private citizens, we do have the right and the responsibility to make our individual feelings known on the amnesty issue, or any other issue which effects this country. We do not, however, have the right to attempt to organize our fellow officers to express an opinion as a body. In fact, as officers in the United States Air Force, we have a duty to resist any such attempt as it borders dangerously close upon an attempt to assert military control over the civilian government.

Mr. Gunter, I have not expressed my own views here concerning the Vietnam amnesty issue, nor shall I do so. They are not important to the subject of this letter. What is important is the idea of an organized campaign among the officer corps to express an opinion, either pro or con, on any political issue. I fully support your right as a citizen to express an individual opinion, but I must resist just as fully your attempt to organize others in a similar direction. The officer corps must not have a collective political belief or voice. To give it one could be the first step towards military control of the civilian government.

Mr. Gunter, I apologize to you if I have misinterpretted your words. I can only say that to me as a reader, your letter seemed to indicate a course of action that was very alarming.

BRIAN W- MCLEAN, Class of 1974

Lt Col Wayne Pittman

2000 S. Eads St., #927 Arlington, VA 22202

Office: AV: 225-6770

The final apology to Tom/Don CHASE: I wrote the item on him two columns ago from memory. After it was published, someone stuck, their head in and said that Tom's name was Don. I grabbed my ever present Alumni Register and—sure ’nuff—that's what it says. Hence the retraction in the last column. Now, at least ten people have pointed out that Don’s preferred name is Tom, which 1 knew in the beginning. And 1 guess this really does prove that I’m getting old. At least I know that ten of you are reading the column.

Received a letter from Bob BROWNING extolling Sembach (the best kept secret in the Air Force, he says) where he was Base Chaplain. By the time you read this, though, he and Roxann will probably have returned so Bob can enter Air War College this fall. His classmates will include Jon GALLO and Joe MORGAN, as reported last issue; Jim CARPENTER, according to a note on his change of address card; and Ted JOHNSON and Don MADONNA, listed in the AF Times. Subtract Bob JENNINGS from my AWC list last issue; he’s staying in Washington, but going to work for OSD in Planning and Evaluation. R. L. PENN was also picked up from the alternate list to go to the Naval War College.

Bob's note also passed the word that Wally SCHMIDT is at Sembach. Letters like this are really appreciated, but you can also write a little news on the bottom of your change of address card as Jim did—assuming of course, that you're not using a Government issue, franked card.

A couple of transfers to which I can add no detail: Pete WINTERS from Ramstein to the 3rd TFW at Bitburg and Roy INNESS to Tucson (Davis-Monthan?).

Karol BOBKO has been getting publicity lately. On a long weekend down at Norfolk, I stopped at the Langley NASA facility. The Visitors’ Center was running a short film on the Apollo-Soyuz mission and who appears in a good sequence as (apparently) a mission communicator? Our own astronaut! Then, in the 18 April issue of AW&ST, Karol again is featured taking a reporter through a couple of Space Shuttle simulator flights.

Publicity also noted (in AF Magazine): Don MADONNA on the speakers’ circuit talking to an AF Association Chapter at Vandenburg.

Gerry GARBER—who, by the way. was recently elected to the AOG Board—reports from Ellsworth that a local chapter is in the preliminary stages of organization there. It looks like some fifty or sixty Graduates may take part— that’s almost more than we can muster here in Washington for any given event.

From Wayne JEFFERSON I hear that old bachelor, Dan HARDAGE, out in Oklahoma got married in July. The JEFFERSON'S, by the way, threw a smashing Mexican buffet for classmates from all over the Mid-Atlantic back in May. The accompanying picture provides a taste. In July, the DeSANTIS' held the" farewell for R. L. PENN.

For those of you who call me up with class news all the time, my AV number is changed. It’s now 225-6770. The change is due to my moving down the hall to be Exec to the Director of Personnel Programs. We coudn’t let the the Academy totally out of the hands of the '59ers. though, and Pat MUSMAKER is taking my place. I tried to get him to take back the class news, also, but he wasn’t that easy.

I’m sure most of you catch it when our AOC's continue to shine. Gen ELLIS will be the new DCS/Ops at TAC; Gen GABRIEL will pin on a third star as Deputy CINC of U. S. Forces, Korea; and Gen TALLMAN, of course, is the new Superintendent (“Get your chin in, Mr. MEIER!”).

Still trying to find some lost souls of the Class: Jim BARTHOLOMEW, Bobby LOWE, and John STEVENS. Any

Boh JENNINGS attends to serious business while Jim WELCH frivolously holds forth on future force structures and World War III. Hostess Bonnie JEEFERSON behind Bob OAKS to left and assorted classmates making up the convivial group.

clues as to their location will be greatly appreciated. Also— anyone have a retirement address for Buzz OLSON?

Remember that the next edition will come out not much before Christmas. Why not drop me a line or give me a call with family news—what the kids are doing, etc. Let’s make it a big issue to catch everyone up!

Lt Col John D. Macartney

160 Arequa Ridge Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Home: (303) 599-7482

Office: Av: 259-2270

Attention in the area, attention in the area—it’s show and tell time. 1 spent the month of June TDY to Washington DC where I found and photographed a large contingent of classmates toiling in “the building.” the world's biggest sweat shop. A blue-tag beer call was held at the Ft. Meyer O’Club in early June where large quantities of suds were consumed in honor of those PCSing: Jerry DeLaCRUZ, Les HOBGOOD and Ralph LALIME are leaving, respectively, the Joint Staff, the Air Staff and the Air Force Council to attend Air War College; Dick HEAD is finishing a book on Crisis Management and a year at the National War College, he’ll spend next year as a fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City; Dean VIKAN is going from the Air Staff across the river to ICAF; Dick SCHEHR is also leaving the Air Staff and will be coming here to Colorado Springs (I believe) to help run ADCOM; Jim GLAZA had already departed the Air Reserve Office for nicer duty in Hawaii and D K. JOHNSON had gone from the Air Staff to the 474th 1 FW at Mt. Home AFB. Continuing to push paper in. around and through the Headquarters Air Force are Ken ALNWICK. Bill GOODYEAR. Charlie HART. Bill KORNITZER. George LUCK, Dick SEXTON and Ron YATES. Ron just graduated from ICAF and is the new F-16 PEM. Also serving in or near the nation's capitol are: Bob FISHER who is Flight Technical Supervisor for the FAA: Norm HALLER who is a civilian with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; A1 JOHNSON. Exec for Air Force Legislative Liaison (where 1 TDY’d this summer); Denny O'KEEFE. Chief of the Aircraft Test Branch (AFSC/DCST & E) at Andrews AFB; Doug REKENTHALER. Special Assistant to the Chief Scientist at the Defense Mapping Agency: and Johnny TOWNSEND with the National Guard Bureau. These pictures were taken at that Ft. Meyer beer call.

Meanwhile, back in Colorado. Lana and Cres SH1EDS gave a Class of ’60 party at their beautiful new home in Rockrimmon. Present were Pat and Van VanINWEGEN. Jean and Jack BRUSH. MaryLou and Fred l^ORTER, Bill and Ann HODSON. Carol and Roger LENT, plus Anne and me. Besides admiring the new house, we viewed slides of the "brown shoe days.” Pete BURTON, who wasn’t able to attend, sent word he is alive and well in Denver where he is a Management Consultant. The LENT’S are PSCing to Maxwell AFB, the VanINWEGEN’S are at

Notice to Class News Secretaries

The deadline for submission of Class News Columns for the Fall 1977 issue will be Monday, 10 October 1977. The AOG office will mail information packets in mid-September. If you need additional support or if you will be unable to meet the proposed schedule, please contact the Editor ASAP.

O'KEEFE, MACARTNEY, HEAD, KORNITZER

THOMPSON, ALNWICK, GOODYEAR

HART, HOBGOOD, LALIME

HEAD, KORNITZER, DeLaCRUZ

GOODYEAR, HART, LALIME, O’KEEFE

ADCOM, and the rest of us are still playing professor at the Academy.

REKENTHALER

MaryLou and Fred PORTER, Jean and Jack BRUSH

Change of Address: Howie BRONSON has left Headquarters TAC at Langley to attend the NATO Defense College in Rome where he and Rcb GU1LLOT will be classmates. Bob RAGER has moved from New York to Grapevine, Texas.

Lost Souls: The AOG is trying to trace “lost souls" Grads. If anyone has a clue on the whereabouts of these classmates, please contact me or the AOG office.

Robert BAKER, James BILELLO, George HINES, Lawrence JOHNSON, William LENINGER. David LUCE, Robert WEINAUG.

Twenty-year Reunion: It seems like every classmate I’ve talked to lately has been promoting a big turnout for our 20-year Homecoming, which will be in October of 1980. In all probability, that will be our last opportunity to get together as a class. Let's do it! Mark your calendars!

Class News Inputs: The next AOG Magazine will go to press in early October. Ralph LALIME (in an almost-sobcr moment) has agreed to write part of the next column from Maxwell. But we need help. Now is the time to contact Ralph or myself to pass on tidbits of news. In that regard, it would really be great if more of you guys could drop me a note and/or a snapshot now and then, especially when you are getting together with other classmates. Security flight out.

Maj Thomas L. Sutton

123 Mississippi Dyess AFB, TX 79607

Office: AV: 461-2147

Home: (915) 698-8748

It seems that summers are so filled with moves and work and vacations that few have time to drop a line in the mail or pick up the phone so there is little to relay to you this issue. Even I have taken ten days off as 1 write these few lines so that I could attend my 20th anniversary high school class reunion. The reunion was an enjoyable change of pace from CFI cocktail parties and ORLs. I visited with mailmen, firemen, casket salesmen, and basketball coaches. I even talked with a few satisfied housewives about gardening, canning, and kids. These things do still take place in the world today.

While I am on leave, I still enjoy taking time to think of my classmates and their wives. I wonder if any of you know the whereabouts of John BRUSKY, Tom HILL, Owen QUANTZ, Reid SCHAFFNER, and Gary THEILER? None of us have heard from them for lo these many years. If you do have any information concerning them, please notify me or Jim Wheeler. Thank you.

Missing men are important but so are missing letters. I guess with the cut back in promotions and moves, things have settled into monotony for many. If my words sound a little monotonous, I am sorry, but as other class secretaries have noted in past editions, it’s tough to try to write something exciting based on five change of address cards. It isn’t that bad. There is always the telephone, but I don’t even have one of those here in the backwoods. So here we go.

Darrell KOERNER has been seeing a lot of Europe during his two-month rotation to Mildenhall. I hope all of you USAFA classmates got to see him. He is tall and handsome with a distinguished greying at the temples. Reminds me a lot of Charlie STEBBINS.

Hector NEGRONI is still at Pope AFB but I hear that he is now a Mobile Aerial Port Squadron Commander, one of the least desired commander’s jobs in the business and of course one of the most challenging. We wish you luck there. Hector.

It appears that Ole KOMARNITSKY'S tour with the MAAG in Taiwan has come to an end. 1 imagine that you have regarded that change with mixed feelings. Ole. I certainly enjoyed my time in Taiwan. It would have been even better with an F-104 strapped on Ole is now heading to a coveted assignment with the Boeing Company in Denver, CO. He will be an Air Force Test Pilot in the AWACS program.

Looks like Don and Pat GRANT are following Hanson SCOTT from MAC HQTS to the Puzzle Palace. Don is now residing in Springfield. VA.

Fred BRADSTREET has moved to Warner. NH 1 presume you are still flying American. Fred. Keep it going.

Lou and Mary HABLAS are in California where Lou commands the 4017th CCTS at Castle AFB. How about letting us hear from you Lou/Mary?

Mike RAWLINS has departed Langley for a short tour at Kunsan AB in Korea, and Ed ZOMPA is established as Chief of Operations Training in the new AWACS Wing at Tinker.

If there is any other worthy news, I know not of it. We do appreciate hearing from you and I enjoy sharing these few moments with you. Have a good one.

AOG SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM

Subscriptions to the AOG Magazine are available for non-members of the AOG. If your parents, former staff members or other friends of the Academy would enjoy reading about the adventures and misadventures of your fellow Graduates, information may be obtained from the AOG office.

Cres SHIELDS and Roger LENT

Maj. John W. (Jack) Jamba

Qtrs. 60-A

F. E. Warren AFB, WY 82001

Home: (307) 632-3834

Duty: (307) 775-2692/3400

Office: AV: 481-2692

Hi RTB’s. By the time this column "hits the news stands”, the temporary L/C Board may have already met. However, we won't know the results for awhile. I've talked to many of you recently and know that I am not the only one sweating it out. Good luck to all of you Majors, and I hope we pin on silver leaves next year.

I talked to George LARSON on 11 May. He has been at Edwards for 10 years now (can you believe that?) and will probably stay there for another year. He expects to pin on his L/C leaves in the fall and hopes to go to AWC next year. He is currently Chief of Operations for SAC and for AFTEC in the B-l Test Flight. I don’t know how the B-l cancellation will affect George's plans, but I noticed his name on the list of nominees for the Space Shuttle Astronaut Program. Also, on the same list, was Fred FIEDLER who is working on the developmental side of the B-l program. A third red tag on the list was Tuck McATEE, who is currently a Test Pilot in the F-16 program at Edwards. I talked to Tuck a few weeks ago and he said he should start flying the F-16 in July.

Tuck provided some news about George LYDDANE. George is a Test Pilot for the FAA. His wife’s name is Nancy and they have a one-year-old girl named Molly Michelle. Tuck and Ann McATEE are Molly’s godparents. Now that brings up an interesting side story. Tuck and I were pursuing our Master’s degrees together in Tucson when I became engaged to Caroline and she became a Catholic and was baptized. Know what? Tuck and Ann are her godparents, too.

I talked to Jim EATON on 18 May. He was starting to outprocess for his PCS to the Pentagon. He expects to be a Plans and Programs man on the JCS, J-5. Dick KLASS just finished National War College in June. His next assignment was expected to be to OSD, International Security Affairs, which Dick calls the Pentagon’s State Dept. He has enjoyed his sabbatical leave at NWC after a hectic four years in Europe where he had six jobs, was assigned to two bases, and lived in three houses.

I took a short leave to Albuquerque in May and visited Norm RODERICK at Kirtland. He is the Computational Physics Section Chief in the Weapons Lab (I hadn't seen Norm since graduation and didn’t recognize him at first because of the mustache he is now sporting). He is doing research in the field of particle beam physics. One of his big projects is to build a lab x-ray source for his research. The recent story in Aviation Week about “beam weapons” has spurred more interest in his area of research.

Chico HEACOX is at Kirtland, finishing his stint as the Chief of the Manufacturing Support Division at AFCMD. He will enter the Defense Systems Management School on 25 July and then hopes to go to Hanscom Field for work on a new program.

Lew SVITENKO is also at Kirtland and is the Executive Officer for the AFTEC Commander. He landed that position after serving two years in AFTEC’s Strategic Division. Lew, Norm, and Chico say they have all enjoyed their jobs and the Albuquerque area. Ed MARTINELLI is also at Kirtland. I tried calling you, Ed, but you were not home.

The fourth red-tag on the Space Shuttle Astronaut nominee list was Bill HARVEY. I ran into Bill in San Antonio in the basement of Wilford Hall Hospital in 1975. Bill was doing his internship there. We both were getting a midnight snack. He was putting in hours on a very hectic schedule, and I was only a few hours away from seeing my Lisa born. Bill, since you’re now at Brooks, I bet you are still putting in many hours of hard work.

The latest change of address card from Logan BABIN had a note saying “BABIN moves to the country amongst

the cows, horses, and 120 acres of green grass and trees. Elevation is 10 feet M.S.L.” The new address also shows that Logan will be right next to his parents’ home.

A letter from Dick PARKER conveyed the news that he has left his E-4 SPO job at Hanscom and is going through C-130 school at Little Rock. He expects an August port call for a 2-year tour in the 21st TAS at Clark Air Base. His wife, Sonya, is happy because she's from the Philippines. Dick and Sonya were expecting a girl in June. A quote from Dick's letter: “Before leaving the Boston area, I fulfilled a Walter Mitty dream by running the Boston Marathon. I was an unofficial ‘jog-along’ entry—not very fast, but I did finish running. Eat your hearts out John FER and Joey MAN DEL!” Any red tags passing through Clark can tip a San Miguel with him at the O'Club.

Bob FELTS is newly arrived at Langley. He is assigned to Hq. TAC in the TAC Fighter Division. He is learning how to evaluate software plans and developments for future fighters. He just finished his MBA at Louisiana Tech with a specialty in computer applications. So, naturally, he is classified as a Computer Systems Analyst. Bob has gotten married again and has a new baby boy that arrived in May. His new wife has a boy from a previous marriage, so Bob thinks he’ll be pretty busy at home now with two boys.

I talked to Edd WHEELER at the Pentagon. He’s still at AF/SAY in the External Affairs Office for Studies and Analysis. He works with the Congress and the Air Staff. He analyzes issue papers that flow downhill to his office. He does very little computer work. Bunky REEVES was in Edd’s office, so I chatted with him until the SAC Command Post interrupted me with an exercise that required my immediate response. Anyway, Bunky is still alive and well in AF/SAGR doing computer modelling on the TAC side of the house.

Bill O’ROURKE and Warren ROBBINS are due at NWC in August. Some changes of address: Chuck ALLPORT to Clinton, MD; Dave LEE to Buffalo, NY; Walt WICKLEIN to Fairfax, VA, as Computer System Staff Officer in the Director of Data Automation at the Pentagon; Dick GILMARTIN to Englewood, CO; Mike HUGHES to FPO SF 96601; Otis DINNING to Las Vegas; NV; and Lanny HALL to Kadena.

When I called Sue HEACOX and asked for Chico, she knew right away that I was an Academy classmate because Chico doesn’t go by the name Chico any more. So if any of you have changed your nicknames since graduation, tell me when I talk to you. If you prefer another name, let me know, O.K. Chico? I mean Don.

We have five “Lost Souls” in the class. If you five “Lost Souls” (Sheridan DAVIS, Nels NIEMI, Gene PACINA, Troy TOMLIN, and Dick WILLIAMS) happen to read this column, give me a call or drop me a line. If any of you other red tags know how I can reach the “Lost Souls,” give me the necessary info. Goodbye until next issue.

Maj Skip Lee

54 WRS (MAC) PSC Box 1734 APO San Francisco 96334

Have you evei noticed how everything falls apart if you put a task, like writing this column, off until the last minute? Of course, waiting until the last minute for this article is pre-meditated in order to make sure all contributions are up-to-date; however, I always end up pushing the deadline because of a last minute crisis. This time it was a phantom storm west of the Philippines. Here’s hoping I can make the cut off at the AOG. By the way, I heard that a Major G. A. PASQUET is the Operations Officer for the 21 TAS at Clark AB, PI. If that is true, and I believe it, then the Ops Officer for the 21 TAS is our one and only George Arthur. Next time I get to Clark and have more than an absolute minimum ground time, I’ll call George and confirm

the rumor. George, if you ever get up here on the “Island Hopper” give me a call—just contact the 54 WRS/DO.

Cards and Letters: Linda ran into Bill BROWNING at the USAFA Golf Course last month and held him captive until he at least scribbled a note. The note was written on a sales slip for a $13.85 sweater. Hope I didn’t pay for it! Bill reports he is headed for the ADCOM Test Squadron at at Tyndall flying the F-101. He left Joe COX and Don CAREY behind to carry on the traditions of the Department of Engineering Mechanics. Mech—Aaarrgghh! A short note from Lloyd PROBST filled me in on ACSC follow-on assignments for Yellowtags: Jim ALLBURN—Nellis; Bob BRENCI —Hurlburt; Pat CARUANA—Wurtsmith; Bill EBERT— Columbus; Leo DONAHUE—Ft. Lee; Hank LAVENDER MacDill; Gene MUSSELWHITE—Saudi Arabia (already reported); Ted SCHROEDER—Osan (see below); and Barry WALRATH—Offutt. Lloyd will stay at Maxwell to fly the T-39. That was a funny looking Sabreliner on the letterhead, Lloyd.

Mrs. Ted SCHROEDER (Susie) sent a nice note letting me in on their post-ACSC plans. Ted will be pushing an HH-3 around Korean skies—welcome to the 41 RWRW (rah rah)—while Susie and the rest of the family reside in colorful Colorado. Susie will be resuming her education at Colorado State in Ft. Collins and skiing on the weekends. Thanks for the letter and information, Susie! Some of you other gals take note: I really enjoy hearing from you just as much as the guys. Actually, my files show that approximately 40% of my correspondence is from the “better half.” Keep up the good work.

A letter from Doug POWERS is indicative of what “stick-to-itivencss” can do for us. Doug and Marian have received their Doctorates from Syracuse University—Doug in Higher Education Administration and Marian in Reading Education. Doug will be the Director of Institutional Research and Planning for the Brooklyn Center of Long Island University and together Doug and Marian will form an Educational Management and Counseling Firm with Marian as President. Their new address is 5809 70th Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11227. Congratulations to you both and Good Luck!

Change of Assignment/Address: A! BEAUCHEMIN— San Bernadino to APO SF 96366, 51 CSG/DE, Osan; Roy MARSHALL—Armed Forces Staff College to 68 TFS Asst Operations Officer, Moody AFB; Norm BAKER—Maintenance Staff Officer (MAAG), Djakarta, Indonesia; Anthony HOSKINS—APO NY 09108 to Palo Alto, CA; John HEIDE—US MIL GP AF SEC Bolivia, La Paz; John HEIM BURGER—Aurora, CO, Captain Frontier AL, Flying Safety Officer 14 TFW, Buckley ANGB, and owner of Design 2000 (interior design) of Aurora; Jim EGGERS— 715 Bomb Sq, FB-111A, Pease AFB; Roger ROY—Pilot Continental AL, Carmichael, CA; Garret NENNINGER— Shreveport, LA; Roy ARNOLD Memphis TN; Dick VOORHEES—Corpus Christi, TX, to Wilmington, DE; and Jim WEAVER (LTC) is a T-38 Section Commander for the 86 FTS, Laughlin AFB. Jim added to his change of address card that Bob DESANTO is also a Section Commander for the 86th and Bill FLANAGAN is Chief of the Check Section. A final note, Mike LLOYD was married to Dottie in May of ’76—he is just getting around to telling us now?—and is working for Wainwright Employer as a Research Analyst at 46 Park Avenue, NY. Mike had some good words for the AF-Army festivities arranged by A1 FULLERTON. Our best to Mike and Dottie and welcome to you, Dottie! That is about it for this time. Linda will join me in August and we hope to have a little respite at the Hale Koa on Waikiki starting 27 August—ALOHA.

Lost Souls: The AOG could use help in locating the following Yellowtags: Mr. John C. BURWELL, III, Mr. Richard H. HUBBARD. Mr. Robert B. MacFARLANE, Mr. Robert J. MELONE, Maj Jerome C. THIES. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the above individuals are asked to pass the information on to the AOG or to me.

Maj Rod Wells 490 Allegheny

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Home: (303) 599-7966

Office: AV: 259-4510

Gosh, has a year really gone by since first these un-ivied halls heard the Soprano Sound-Off? By contrast this year, the admission of women was met here with a collective yawn. About the most interest newsmen could lather up was a howgozit article on last year’s women as they now move into such different summer training programs as the Survival Compound. Whodathunkit—women seem to be able to hack this place. So much for tepid poop—what’s in the mailbag? I see—well. I'll think of something

A1 McARTOR and Gracie report that they have recently returned from a European junket, that Nels RUNNING is alive and well in D.C., and that France is now out of wine. Cary SANDSTRUM is now at HQ USAFE at Ramstein working in DOOT (don't ask me, Tod, I think it's for potting plants). Mike ROBBINS is still at Hickam, sopping up the surf, and Harvey MANEKOFSKY is navigating C-130’s out of Yokota AB, Japan.

Rob TORNOW is flying F-4’s in Controversial Korea (this is not a drill, Rob); John HOFFMAN has returned to Edwards for a second tour after completing AFSC—he’s on the Test Pilot staff, driving A-7’s and T-38's (Rog HEAD is also there, he reports). Bob WOODS is presently in Plans at the Head Shead; Nick LACEY passed through the other day long enough to advise caution in applying for Pentagon duty (’nuf said).

Do You Know/Care That Claude BILLINGS in Richmond and Guy GRUTERS in Tampa, both are with IBM and that Hap BURNHAM has a law firm in Golden, Colorado. Finally, Tom MUMMERT reports that he is in DOOOC at Offutt (careful, Tom, that stuff is messier than DOOT).

Sorry that this must be short, but I calls ’em as I manufacture ’em.

SEE YOU AT HOMECOMING!

Mike Ryan 1 17 Lee Avenue

Poquoson, VA 23662

Home: (804) 868-8164

Office: AV: 432-2719/2939

Summer in Virginia has arrived along with temperatures and electric bills in the hundreds. Where was summer when we needed it last winter? Contemplation of which reminds me of the (you pick the alma mater/aero rating) “astronaught” who while in flight to the moon changed his course and destination to the sun. When informed by mission control that he would be incinerated, he replied that he had it all figured out. He was going to land at night! Enough solar sidelights. I do have one burning request. Please put pen to paper and post me ponderous (or pithy) parables pertining to ’65 people. I need libelous information for this slander sheet. Without your inputs I have to rely on rumors instead of your straight forward fabrications.

TAC HQ has sucked up a few more of our class. Frank McCANN is going to Requirements. He and Maureen and three daughters are building near where Jane and I live in Poquoson (official town bird is the mosquito). Ken KRAUSE and Tad OELSTROM are inbound to Requirements and Safety, respectively. They both purchased houses in Hampton. Pretty soon our class is going to own Virginia.

I got a letter from Ross ROBERTS who escaped 22nd Air Force Headquarters in a record 18 months. He and Sandy plus two are heading for the Philippines. They will play bridge at a penny a point with any of us who pass through Clark.

Flash WILEY, one of our lawyers, was elected to the AOG Board of Directors in addition to his recent appoint-

ment to Massachusetts’ Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. He's got credentials to get us all into or out of trouble.

Rumor has it that Bruce and Pat HUNEKE are heading for Hawaii. They have been stationed at Holloman AFB, NM, where there is a lot of beach but no water. Should get plenty of both at Hickam.

Seems like our civilian classmates move around as much as the active duty troops. Dave HOLDREN is a Manager for Winchester Arms Division in New Haven, CT. Jim LIPHAM is an Operations Manager for Proctor and Gamble in Dowden, GA. Bob WATERMAN is General Manager of Namretaw Mfg., Inc. in Algodones, NM. Willie BRANDT is driving aluminum overcasts for Eastern out of JFK while living in Norristown, PA. Charlie SALETTA just finished a masters degree in Architecture at Harvard and is employed in Evansville, IN. He’ll also be flying C-123K’s with the Air National Guard. Ed JORDAN is working in OPS Analysis for General Dynamics in Ft. Worth.

Don NEIREITER is in the 23rd TAS at Bergstrom. Jim BEAVER came back from Kunsan by the sea to become an F-15 Stanley Eviler out of 12th AF Hq. Skip COX moved to Mt. Home. I assume to fly Aardvarks. Mike LYNCH stopped by on his way from a Civ. Eng. job at Hurlburt back to F-4’s at Nellis.

John TALLEY is going to school at Lowry, probably out by now. Lorenzo CROWELL wangled an AFIT sabbatical at Duke University. The CROWELL'S had their first child, Anna, back in November.

The AOG asked that the following be listed as “Lost Souls”: Henry ARMSTRONG, Gene KOROTKY, John METZ, Jim OLIVER—I think they want to get current info on their whereabouts.

That's the extent of my class news for this issue. I’ve run out of crayons, change of address cards, and rumors. Keep me posted and I'll do the same for you.

Capt J. O. McFalls

712 Galahad Drive

Newport News, VA 23602

Home: (804) 877-4228

Office: AV: 432-4682/3738

It was your typical spring day on the Virginia Peninsula. A day like all days in the TAC Fighter Assignments Shop. By ten o'clock, I had my third cup of coffee about half gone, had added six more names to the Hill F-16 sign-up list, and picked a “luck number” from the four phone lines ringing on my desk. “TAC Rated Assignments, Capt. McFALLS.” “Johnnie” (Immediately, I knew it was a classmate). What transpired next prompted me to accidently knock over the Assignment Dartboard as I leaped from my chair!

Yes, to my wonderful surprise, none other than our own Eddy SHIRLEY, Lt Col Select SHIRLEY, proceeded to volunteer to interrupt five and one-half years of McFALLS' blitherings in this excellent publication. I am happy to announce that next issue will be written by Eddy from his new location—the 4007 Combat Crew Training Squadron, Plattsburgh AFB, NY. The FB-111 will never know what hit it. I told him not to bother with a large mailbox, as I was familiar with the writing habits of the readers. However, I hope “new blood” will increase interest. You can contact Eddy from now until December 1977 at: Major (LTC Sel) Graham E. SHIRLEY, PSC Box 258, Plattsburgh AFB. NY 12903. After December, he's off to Pease. So, for the last time (at least for now)

We had a couple of famous people go “civvie” this spring. Randy JAYNE has assumed the position of Associate Director for National Security and International Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget Whew! Best of luck, Randy, with your new uniform. The USAF's loss is President Carter’s gain. If you’ve been at Randolph recently and noticed everyone there leaning towards AFMPC in a quiet, intently listening stance, word was merely spreading fast that Jess COGLEY was getting out to work for

E. F. HUTTON! One of those Randolph folks undoubtedly was Mike BULKELEY, who is a Training Officer in Det 2, 1400 MAS. Speaking of ATC, Ray MILBERG called with news that he's going to be a T-37 IP at Vance, where his sponsor is Joe FAIX. One final ATC story involves Jerry CALLAHAN, who is loking for a job now that Webb AFB is officially closing up. Let us know where you go, Jerry. Some other “Red Tags” on the move are: Ron DASKEVICH to F-15’s at Holloman. Soon to join him will be Dan CECIL—but, on the other side of the ramp in the AT-38. Don ROSS will set up camp at Eglin on the Systems Command side with Jim TILLEY and Bob DUNSHEE. Fritz McDOUGALL will soon be one of my neighbors, as he settles in the TAC staff. Kent CARLSON has what I’m sure is an interesting job as Commander of the AFLC Contract Maintenance Detachment at Ben Guiron Airport, Israel. Tony ZAMBELLI, who I hope is still my friend, is on his way to Luke as an F-4 IP. He had his assignment changed no less than three times. Love those personnel pukes! Here’s a plug for one of our guys who's in business for himself. If you’re in Portland, Oregon, look up the SIMCOTEXACO I & II owned by none other than Bob SUTHERLAND.

Well, that was the extent of this quarter’s change of addresses. Let me close with a sincere thanks to you all for helping with the column. Eddy is going to need our full support. So, to stir up some interest—let him hear from you if you know the whereabouts of any of the following “Lost Souls”: Mr. Gary M. JOHNSON, Mr. Daniel K. PATRICK, Mr. Damon W. RICKARD, Jr., Capt Leonard D. SALSBURY, Mr. Byron J. STUART, Mr. Tommy G. THOMPSON, Mr. William C. WALLACE, Mr. William R. WHITE, Jr.

It was my pleasure. Sawadee.

Larry Wilson 1255 N. Parkview Drive Bismarck, ND 58501

Greetings again to one and all, from the Best - Defended State in the Nation, where the Siren call of the Great Plains lured me again—and the Dean of my school directed. Ah— it is swell to be home, where the deer and the antelope play. And, the floor is pretty messy.

It was also swell to have a month’s vacation, part of which I wasted by attending friends’ weddings—the remainder of which was put to good use by fishing, and visiting, and resting, and fishing, and playing a little tennis. And fishing a bit. And with whom did I have the pleasure of drowning a few worms, and downing a few Coors, but my old friend from the Kachina days, Terry “WEATHERMAN” KELLY. Most enjoyable. We recalled the good old days, reviewed the interim, and discussed the good new days. Terry and wife Karen live in Boulder, CO, where he works for NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The headquarters itself is most impressive—a futuristic structure, used as one of the locations for Woody Allen’s “Sleeper.” Terry there occupies a closet littered with reams of computer printouts and 189 computer tapes, contained in which is the Secret Life of the Hailstone. Any day now The Weatherman will crack the code. Meanwhile, Karen is a libriarian at CU, and they recently moved into a beautiful, self-designed home on the mountain side of the city. About the fishing: it seems that Terry has not yet had time to master the art of trout fishing, was skunked on our foray, and emerged a poor second in our two-man fishing derby, as 1 caught a True Lunker—what a fight! It was all over the lake, time and again, until at last I prevailed. But I was so impressed by its valiant effort that I released it, to the depths from whence it came, to grow stronger still and fight again another day. Also to grow up a bit .the ‘lunker” description is not quite accurate. “Minnow,” no; “guppy,” perhaps. But what a fighter.

Earlier, when I was still in the Twin Cities, I one evening received a call from Terry BROADWAY, who is now settled

in Austin, TX, doing graduate work in Environmental Health and Safety. He plans to eventually open a private consuiting firm in that field, which is very much a comer these days. He and wife and kids are doing well, though he yearns to one day return home to North Dakota where he lived as a little tyke, and which he dearly loves. We had a nice chat, and it was nice to hear from him again after these many years.

I also heard from Steve LANDERS, who wrote from Homestead AFB, FL, where he was spending some time getting reacquainted with the F4-E before heading to Osan AB, Korea. It seems that he has spent two years at the AFA in the Chem Department and had been selected to go to grad school for his PhD, then to return to the AFA for another four years. He relates, however, that “Everyone bought that except for MPC who decided he needed to see the Real AF again. At any rate, he was at Homestead, where Tom TILDEN and Paul SELLERS are IP’s and Stu WOOD is OIC Aircrew Management. He said that Tom is preparing for Test Pilot School which he enters soon and that Brenda SELLERS is soon to produce a future member of the Class of ’99.

A few notes from the AOG: Royce WOODDELL is now at Hickam AFB, as Air Staff Officer; Greg BAILEY is going to Mexico City as an Olmsted Scholar at the University of Mexico; Ric SCHMITT has moved to Mehrabad AP, Tehran, Iran; Clarence HOWERTON is, among other things, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor at Kadena AB, Okinawa; and John BOOSE is working with Hewlett- Packard in Loveland, CO. Quite a bunch of interesting moves.

As a final note—I spent a little time in Colorado Springs in late June, remin'scing and such. Ent AFB is now a ghost town—literally: the base is defunct, with tumbleweeds blowing where NORAD stars once wandered, and the military operation is now entirely at Peterson Field which is all new and really impressive, an AF showpiece. Giuseppe's has new locations. Suburbia is encroaching upon the Academy grounds on all sides except the west. And—my old home, the Castle in Manitou Springs, has been taken over by the State Historical Society and is being renovated to its original 1890’s grandeur. Those of you who visited there in ’67-’68 may recall it as really a pit. Well, beneath all the grime was a true jewel. As a matter of fact, my own apartment with its octagonal living room and twelve-foot ceiling was originally the mansion’s chapel, and has been refurbished accordingly. It was not often used as such when I was there

Everyone with whom I have had contact in the past months, plans or at least hopes to return for Homecoming ’77. Let's try for 100%, so we don’t miss a single war story. Take care—

Capt. Mark A. Torreano

Qtrs. 4409G

USAFA, CO 80840

Home: (303) 472-0713

Office: AY: 259-2008

And now for the local weather report. Colorado in the summer is clear in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon and dark at night, much as you remember it. Doolies are everywhere, learning to march, do rifle manual (still the old thumb-crusher M-l) and be/think/sleep military. From my window office in Harmon Hall, I have a great view of the waves after waves of tourists flocking to the honor court to watch these military marvels. And diggers and fillers are all over in this good weather ripping up and fixing various things at USAFA. The news from Denver is that CWC has weathered (temporarily) its financial crisis of last winter, but could still use help from generous and grateful Grads (and their spouses). The new Supt, General Tallman, is ensconced and keeping things on an even keel (Naval terms may even become popuar in the AF with our new Pres). Enough chit, now to the chat.

LOCAL: Bob DURHAM has arrived for his AOC assignment (CS-26) but perhaps Jocko HAYDEN was deterred by

the strong (but said-in-jest) words in my last column, since Bob said he is not coming as originally scheduled. Both Bruce GERRITY and John SWANSON stopped by recently to see me, but I was on leave and missed them. John and Amy (did anyone know he was married?) are now at Beale where John flys U-2's with Jim MADSEN. Last time, I neglected to mention the following classmates who were departing USAFA: Bill MARKHAM leaves the Lacrosse Team for C-135’s at Wurtsmith while Don MOTZ leaves the Fencing Team for C-134’s at Griffiss. Mike O’BRIEN is being sent to the University of Illinois to study for a PhD in EE. Skip BALAZS has left the Math Dept, and will fly F-4’s at MacDill AFB. Charlie COOLIDGE has moved from Physics to Chief of the Academy Parachute Program and Dave ALLEN is now Chief of the Soaring Program. Pretty good show, guys!

LETTERS: Very sparse effort, this time, troops. I want to make sure all the gals (wives) out there know that they are welcome to write directly to me, without clearing it with the old man. In fact, I like to receive letters from women; it keeps Mimi on her toes. Just don’t overdo the perfume. And let us know about your activities. I am really sick of writing about AF jobs and assignments.

But thanks to the following people, we did have a Letters section this time. Bob SHUMAY finally finished his “one year” writing project and sent a letter (he’s a weak speller and looks up every wurd). He is coming to USAFA to teach Military Science and perhaps later take an AOC job. Ralph TEMPLIN writes from Hawaii where he has been in Logistics. He spent 3 years as the staff Explosive Ordinance Disposal Officer. The last year he was exec to the LG, a major general, and says it’s a great way to learn a lot in a hurry but 12-14 hour days made a year in the job sufficient. Ralph also finished the ACSC correspondence course and said it is faster but more difficult than the seminar, which has no tests. Ralph confessed that his wife had been in a “kiddie” carpool for a year with Bob DURHAM’S wife and he didn’t know it. So the moral here is: check out your wife's carpool for classmates. Finally, Ralph says “hi” to Phil PIGNATARO, who he says is dangerously close to terminal baldness, judging from the photo in the last column. Buck McCANTS writes from Founex, Switzerland (rubbing it in) to protest that I left his name and Bob MAGUIRE’S off the list of BTZ majors I put in the last column. I do apologize; it was a line left out at the printers, but it is a good way to get letters. Buck says the academic work at the Graduate Institure of International Affairs in Geneva is interesting and challenging. He is studying French, travelling with Linda to France, Italy, Austria and Germany, and plans to “ski Europe” this winter (he has summer vacation 16 July-24 October). Bobby and Anne FLOYD are planning to visit in August and Buck says the “velcome mat” is open to all who are in the area until July 1978.

AIR FORCE TIMES: The 11 July 77 issue had an article on Page 24 listing the names of 133 AF people nominated to NASA for selection as Space Shuttle Program Astronauts. NASA will announce its 30 choices in December after reviewing lists submitted from all services and civilian applicants. Of the 133 AF nominees, 56 were USAFA Grads and 7 were classmates, including Frank BIRK (just finished Test Pilot School (TPS) at Edwards); Dick COVEY (TPS Grad now at Eglin); Bill CRIMMEL (Engineer at Edwards); George HOERTER (Wright-Pat); Kerry KILLEBREW (TPS Grad at Edwards); Roger MOSELEY (TPS Grad at Eglin); and Mike PHILLIPS (just assigned to TPS). Congratulations and good luck to you all.

ADDRESS

CHANGES/NEWS RELEASES; Cort DUROCHER is now at SAMSO; Maurice EDLUND is a Planning Specialist with Pan Am in the Seattle area; John GURLEY has rotated from Greenland to a AFCS unit at RheinMain, Germany; Mike PEARSON works in Dallas for the Collins Gov't. Telecommunications Division of Rockwell International; Don SCHENK is Assisitant Industrial Relations Director for Owens Illinois Glass Container Co. in Tracy, CA, and received a MS in Systems Mgt. from USC in Sep 76; Paul COUSINS is in Moore, OK, possibly at

Tinker. Dave MOORE is in Levittown, PA, working with an airline; Ralph ROSS is now in St. Louis with Transnational Computer; Henry HUNGERBEELER is a C-141 pilot at the 76MAS, Charleston AFB; Chad SWEDBERG has what must be his 50th local address change at Hurlburt (the only thing that will get him to leave is if he runs out of people willing to rent to him); and R. L. PETERSEN is employed by the R. M. Parsons Co. in Pasadena, CA.

News releases were few this time. Both Sam BOLE and John GONDA deployed from the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB to take part in the joint US-Republic of Korea exercise “Team Spirit” held recently in the Western Pacific. Jocko HAYDEN was named the Outstanding IP of the year at Vance AFB and Paul TAIBL has been assigned to Wright-Pat as an Operations Research Analyst.

SHORT BURSTS: We will need people to volunteer to act as points of contact for their squadrons for our 10-year reunion. Only Rob LINSMAYER (CS-29), Bob SHUMWAY (CS-19), Cort DUROCHER (CS-29), and Dave BARR (CS-21) have stepped forward, so sit down now and send me a postcard if you are interested; we need your help to have a great Homecoming. Fund raising for a class gift will start this fall. If we get behind this effort and all give modest amounts ($10-$25), we can have a gift and tradition to be proud of. Budget now for your donation. The article on Lance Sijan which is included in this magazine is a story of heroism we can all be proud of and, I hope, identify with. Reading the story sure blurred my vision a little but also sharpened my appreciation of what professionalism and dedication can and should be. Read it and pass it around to others. A few personal notes. I have just hurdled over another obstacle and finished SOS by correspondence, an act to which the phrase “better late than never” surely applies. Mimi and I and the two “wee ones” spent two weeks on a trip to the San Diego/LA area and visited Sea World, the SD Zoo. Disneyland, etc. That was my first time at Disneyland and after two hectic, ride-filled days with the kids it struck me how nice it would have been to see Disneyland without them. I also spent a few days with my parents in Cincinnati before they left for Greece where my dad will be working for General Electric. The stay was short, but very happy for us all. It made me stop and consider the great debt (and affection) we owe parents and how much they enjoy hearing from or seeing their children. It is something that should be done now before the opportunity is gone.

Hope you are happy and healthy, and wealthy and wise and

Capt. Gerald D. Luallin

10745 Beclan Drive

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Home: (916) 635-7719

Everything occurs at once; I am supposed to PCS in December, now they tell me that I will report to Plattsburgh, New York, by 26 July 1976. So many things have transspired since my notification of PCS that this letter will have to be short or Jim Wheeler won’t publish it—talk about a hard nose. Anyone that desires to write me will be able to contact me at my current address until the next issue.

Speaking of writing, I received one letter and one postcard since the last newsletter. It is really hard to be the “Town Gossip” when nobobdy wants to communicate with you—I have been taking showers regularly and use mouthwash once a day—must be something else.

From France I received a postcard from Garry DEWEESE; since he medically retired from the Air Force, he has been to Dallas Theological Seminary. He is now on the Faculty of Institut Biblique Europeen and is learning French with his wife, Barbi, at the Sorbonne. Garry, Barbi, their three children—Geoff, 6; Gini, 4; Greg, 2—are living on Eastern Suburb of Paris. Their address is 57 Bis Rue Carnot, 94130 Nogent-Sur-Marne, France. Stop by and visit if you are in the neighborhood.

Received a note from Bob SCHUTT. After a stint as an F-4 pilot, he has retired to attend Medical School. He should have graduated on 5 June 1977 and will be moving to Oklahoma City where he will begin residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma.

Jim Wheeler, the Executive Secretary, would like the following “Lost Souls” to report in: Capt. Donald G. CAMPBELL, Mr. Charles CLEMMENSEN, Capt. Kevin DOLAN. Capt. James E. LOVE, Capt. Stanley E. MARS, Mr. John C. MERRELL, Mr. Thomas W. MOSLEY, Mr. Robert K. OGG, Capt. James N. ROBINSON, Mr. Joseph K. SNEAD, Mr. Gregory F. TAYLOR, Capt. Carl O. WAL1NSKI.

The Academy did not send me any newsletters and I could not find any “nasty notes” on the change of address cards.

I did talk to Guy MELLOR, who is stat : oned at Randolph; we had a great discussion about a Regulation that no longer exists.

I guess it's the “Dull Decade.” Happiness, Louie.

Capt Skip Penny 6010 Del Rey

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Office: AV: 692-3355

Hello again from sunny Colorado where the mailman has been feeding my spider. I think you guys set a record for letters. No filler this time.

Went TDY to Hanscom in April. Ran into Tom MENARD at Stapleton. He's teaching Physics (I think) at the Academy. Then I ran into Greg MARTIN in the passenger terminal at Andrews (he promised to and did write a letter that I'll tell you about later). And on the way back, I ran into Tony DeSANTIS at Logan. He was based in NY but had spent the night there. Had a real nice chat; he and Judy are fine. Had a visit from Walter SEEDS. He is still at Beale in 135's. Also had a visit from Paul and Karen SCHAFFENBERGER. They were on leave from the EWE-PEE (Upper Peninsula). They still have their dog Snickers, and a Studebaker. Had a birth announcement from John and Cindy ALLEN—a boy, Robert Bennett. Also heard from Bill and Linda BADER. She’s expecting their second, a girl, in December. They had gone to Bob RIETDORF'S wedding; maybe we'll have a picture for next issue. Had lunch with John MONAHAN. He’s been accepted to the University of Maine (Maine?) Law School. He’ll be moving this summer. As you probably noticed, Gary, Ef, and I are still NORAD Space Weenies.

Greg MARTIN wrote from the Pentagon (ASTRA). He, his wife Wendy, and daughter Tracy should be leaving this

summer for Luke and F-15’s. He mentioned that Bob JENNEY was there and headed to Offutt. Mike UPSON in ASTRA, also. He said that Tom PRATT (Kathy) was there and headed to F-4’s but didn’t say when or where. He said that Doug CARLSON was there as was John BAILEY (Karen) who was headed to 1 35's at FoAes. Greg also said that Scott BARKER was at the Puzzle Palace on a full tour. He was working in Concepts having been active in AWACS/NATO and budget matters during congressional hearings. Doug NORTON was in the area in DIA. Box DIETZ also in the area working in the Command and Control Technical Center or something like that. Greg apologized for his “stream of consciousness” style of writing not necessary, Greg.

Had a nice note from Sheila (Roger) PETERSON. They are in Ill’s at Nellis but not moving to MH. Rog is getting out this fall but will stay in Vegas. She said they love visitors and to call them if you're in the area. She mentioned that Jeff SLETTEN and Harry ARNOLD were both flying the Golden Tails. Bill and Suzy MOCKOVAK are in Pennsylvania where Bill is getting a PhD in Psych. Dan and Jean McFADDEN are in SF where Dan is in Law School. As I've said before, wives are just as welcome to write as husbands. Thanx, Sheila.

Had a note from Mike WHITE. He's out and working for Formica in Sacramento.

Also a note from Tim KINNAN, our “foreign corresspondent.” He’s at Clark in F-4's. He had run into Gary ADKISSON also in F-4’s there, as was Curt EMERY and Charlie BISBEE. Floyd SHIRLEY was “supping” in Security Police. Chuck KENNEDY was leaving backseat F-4's and coming here to be a Diving Coach.

A big treat this time was hearing from Jim RIDDICK. He’s out and flying with Delta out of Atlanta as was Mel BLOWERS. Jim says stewardesses are a lot nicer than boom operators. He said he had heard John DISOSWAY was flying for Delta, too. Jim said he had heard that Rex LEVOY was at Griffiss in 135’s. He said he knew that Mike SCHMIDT and Steve BANG were at McConnell. Jim also said he had talked to Ernie LEIGH and he was planning on trying to hire on with the airlines, too. He had been in 135's at Rickenbacker. He also reported that Harry and Susie STRITTMATTER were in Ft. Polk, LA. where Harry is a “liaison” type with the Army. They have a son and Susie should have had a second child by now. Hope you do make it out for Homecoming, Jim.

Rex JONES dropped a card from Spain where he is studying at the University of Madrid on an Olmstead scholarship. He and Terry really love it. He said that Brian SPITZER was downtown in the MAG.

Another highlight was hearing from Tom RAYL; you knows, the one who looks like George. They're both at Ellsworth in Buff’s. George and Mary are expecting their third in October and Tom and Sandy have three girls. Tom says Bob BASKETT (Kathy) lives next door to George, also in 52's. Don MILLS is a Navigator there, also. Mike FAIR (Judy) is in missiles there. Tom said he knew Mark EWIG (Christy) is at Offutt in Intelligence; Terry PETRZELKA was working for Control Data in Seal Beach; and Dave ANTOON is at Clark in 130’s. Hope you make it out for Homecoming, too, Tom.

The Editor asked to include these “Lost Souls” this issue. If you know where any of them are, let me know.

Mr. John R. BRIER. Mr. Michael P. Cannon. Mr. Paul CHEPOLIS. 1 Lt Albert F. FAHY. Ill, Mr. Robert W. GERMER, 1 Lt Eric F. MANN. Mr. Robert E. McCOWEN, Mr. John P. McCULLOUGH, Mr. William SUNDERLAND, 1 Lt Robert WAGNER.

Change of Address Cards: Dwight ELLIS from Valdosta (F-4's); Mike BRISTOW at Griffiss; Mike DUNN at Clark (130's); Tom PAINTER from Chicago, American Airlines; Ashby TAYLOR from Hahn W. G.; Phil CROUTHAMEL from TAC HQ; Robbie ROBSON from Fairchild; Marv BARRY from Lehighton, PA; Jim McCANDLESS from Hill UT (130’s); Ric BEREIT at Upper Heyford; Bob (J.) CHAMBERS from SAMSO; Bob HILB from Springfield, VA; Don SEESE from Dyess; Steve MINNEMAN from Tor-

rejon; Carroll HUNEYCUTT from Deatsville, AL; and Steve GUENARD from Miami (named his son Zackary, too).

Hometown news releases: George RAYL, Best Crew Award in SAC’s Busy Razorback VI; Bob CHAMBERS graduated from AFIT; Jim HAAS upgraded in 1 35's. back to Plattsburgh; John REMAN in “Red Flag 77-76,” 1 35’s; Jim McKINLEY, a Commendation Medal; and Fred McGREGOR involved in a new, more reliable radio.

Well, that about does it. This job is easy and fun when you guys write like you did this time. Look forward to seeing some of you at Homecoming.

'71Capt. Ron Joy Qtrs 4213C

USAF Academy CO 80840 (303) 472-6325

Autovon: 259-3869

Summer is upon us at USAFA. All the summer programs are in full swing—SERE, free fall parachuting, BCT, recondo, 3rd Lt, Operation Non-Com, R-flight, etc. I’m teaching R-flight this year and then going fishing in Canada.

June week '77 has come and gone and probably the most exciting thing for Patty and I was being able to attend the Ring Dining Out. Second classmen get their cars after their last final (didn't we try for something like that?). So they had their cars and got their rings that night. Remember when we got our rings. The ring christening has changed a little, I remember some of the guys getting their rings christened at the Playpen. Good memories! !

I’m sorry to report that Lawrence R. FIDLER, Jr., was killed in an F-4E crash near Eppingen, Germany. This is all the information 1 have at this time.

LETTERS AND CARDS: Chuck BRASHER writes that he is a Stan/Eval Flight Examiner OV-IO at Osan AFB and his wife Marlene is staying in Austin, Tx. Chuck also mentioned that Charlie SYLLING is an F4 flight examiner in the same office. Dave “Jan” JANKOWSKI (Mary) wrote a nice note passing on the following information: He has been overseas for awhile, almost four years at RAF Bentwaters, Eng and now “remote” at Keflavik, Iceland. A1 BRYANT (Paula), Sam SNIDER (Sherry) and Jan are all F4 AC’s in the 57 FIS, Black Knights. A1 runs Quality Control, while Sam and Jan run Stan/Eval. All three of these guys have their wives with them, that’s why I put the word remote in quotes. Chris JENSEN says he graduated from S.O.S. in Dec '75 and from Academic Instructor School in Apr ’77. Rich MARTENSON says he is in a rated supp job—living on the beaches of Oregon and working at a space surveillance radar site as an operations officer. Eddie ROBINSON and Julie sent us an announcement that they are the proud parents of Eric Christopher, born on May 26—7 lbs. 10 oz.

Congratulations!

PHONE CALLS: Chuck DALEY (Becky) called from S.O.S. They have a six-month-old son named Andy. Chuck and Becky are still in Spain. He passed on the following: Stu BIGGAR is at Fairchild; Dick BRIMS is in helicopters in Germany; Rick MARLEY is a civilian working in an electronic firm (didn't remember where); Dick NASH is in KC-135's at Barksdale; Chris ROHWER is at the Pentagon; and Rob SPITZNAGEL is out and working in an electronics firm somewhere. Thanks for all the information, Chuck. I have talked with Bob CUTLIP a couple of times. The “Cuts”—Bob, Jeanne and a new baby that hasn’t arrived yet, will be visiting us soon. Bob said Mike KONVALINKA is getting out the 1 3th of Jun (already happened by the time you read this). Jon TORBLAA called from Williams. He was trying to tell me how bad he has had it because he has been stationed at Willie since graduation. Wish I had it so

bad, Jon. Jon will be moving to Scott for training in C-9’s then off to Germany.

LOCATOR: We have five “lost souls” in our class. If you have any information concerning these guys please contact me or Jim Wheeler, the AOG’s Executive Secretary.

Mr. Marshall BRIDGES (CRANDELL)

1 Lt. George F. FARSCHMANN, Jr.

Mr. Ernest R. JENNINGS

1 Lt. Lloyd W. MANSFIELD

Mr. James A. SMITH

NEWS RELEASES: Mike GROMAN (Judy) is participating in a U.S. Readiness Command joint forces training exercise being conducted in the Ft Hood, Tx area. Mark HEILMANN (Gail) is a member of the Outstanding Crew (B-52) of the Quarter at Wurtsmith AFB. Mark is the AC. Dave ICENHOUR (Aria) got an AFCM at Kapaun Barlacks, Germany. Lynn WILLADSEN got his second AFCM at Wright-Patterson AFB. Our three S.O.S. graduates this quarter are: Jim KOTORA (Katherine) going back to Dyess AFB; Bill PURCELL going to Little Rock AFB; and Mike REICH going to Kelly AFB. Jerry LUNDQUIST has been named Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year at Dover AFB. Tom PERROT has been assigned to Holloman AFB. Donnie RUTH (Sandra) has completed weapon systems officer training at Mac Dill AFB. Don is in the back seat of an F4. Jim SWEEDER (Cynthia) has been selected to represent his wing (Grand Forks AFB) in the 1977 Strategic Air Command missile combat competition at Vandenberg AFB.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS CARDS: Richard AGNEW to Woodbridge. Va; Dave BAUMANN to Savannah, Mo; Chuck BRASHER to Osan AFB, Korea; Andrew CORTY to Brea, Ca; Rich COTE to Tucson, Az; Harry DAVIS to Shaw AFB. SC; Derek DAWSON to Big Springs, Tx; Bill DEWALT to Shaw AFB; Bob FRETZS to Dayton, Oh; John GORMAN to Tempe, Az; Ron HILL to Edwards AFB, Ca; Chris JENSEN to Travis AFB. Ca; Paul KNOTT to Goldsboro. NC; Rich MARTENSON to Mt Hebo AFS, Or; Mark McKENZIE to Clark AB; Tom M1RCZAK to Sacramento, Ca; Bill MUNSON to Santa Clara Law School as a civilian; Jerry OSULLIVAN to Bronx, NY; Dave POWELL to Las Vegas; Rich PREWITT to Homestead AFB; Greg ROCCO to Luke AFB: Casey SCOTT to Aurora, Co as a civilian; Randy SMITH to Colorado Springs (call and let us know what you are doing); Lorren STILES to Webb AFB as a fixed wing conversion student; Pete TULLY to Kadena AB. If you w'ant the exact address of anyone mentioned above, drop me a line.

Just as I was ready to send the column off to be printed I received a letter from Bob CULBERTSON. Bob has been at HQ Air University since Jan 1975. In that time he has picked up an M.S. degree in Computer Science and two AFCM's. Bob is married and has a 1-year old girl named Tracy Anne. He sees at lot of 71ers go through SOS. EDMONSON and Chuck DAVIS were found leading “Whop 'em upside the head” at the O'Club. LIVINGSTON, HETHERINGTON. and Bob were in 76-d with Chuck and Ed. Don BACKLUND. Ron “Rat” RAND, and Bill MINO just graduated in 77-b. Bob said to tell 71ers to give him a call when you are in the area.

I'll see you all next quarter.

FUTURE HOMECOMING DATES

1978 20-22 Oct Notre Dame

1979 12-14 Oct Notre Dame

1980 24-26 Oct Oregon

Capt Bob Bell

Box 65

Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Home: (605) 923-2231

Office: AV: 747-7119/2877/2052

Happy Summer 'll from beautiful Black Hills country to all of you worldwide. Now that my temporary rated supplement duty is about to be curtailed, time is more critical, so must get this newsletter done early. Here goes The good old hometown news releases keep coming in with the new awards and reassignments. It seems that everyone has been hit once with a change or two since I've been writing the newsletter.

Bobbie LONG (Brenda) has left Grissom with the E-3A for Tinker. Rick BUSCHMANN (Susan) at Malmstrom; Craig BARRY and Chuck SIMPSON (Christine) at SeymourJohnson all took part in a Joint Forces exercise with Republic of Korea units called “Team Spirit.” Rick pilots the EB-57 and both Craig and Chuck pilot F-4's. A group of '72ers completed SOS recently. Among them were Pete McCarthy (Susan), Mike BRANNICK. Mark MAYER (Rebecca) and Steve HOYLE (Claudia) who now are back at their bases of S-J, Robins. Grissom and Sheppard, respectively. We also had two additions to the pilot force in Hugh PARKER (Linda) and John JARECKI (Claudia). Hugh is at McChord in the C-141; and John, who graduated from Vance with honors, is at George in the F-4. Steve ALDERMAN (Joan) is now at Randolph as a Pilot Instructor, recently having left Reese. Eric IANACONE has been assigned to McClellan from Columbus, where he also was able to complete an M.A. at Mississippi State University. Craig GHELBER (Ann) is now at Castle in the F-106 coming from Hancock Field, NY. Ed LAFOUNTAINE (Judy) instructs in HH-3's up at Elmendorf, and Bill FAUCHER (Kathryn) is a new T-33 pilot in the same area, having given up Laughlin for the North country. Chuck RICHARDSON recently left Patrick for Osan, Korea, to be a FAC. On the other side of the world. Wib ELLIOTT (Jo) is a WSO in F-4’s at Lakenheath. but recently came back to Hill in the "Ready Switch” redeployment. Rick JACKSON (Nancy) has been reassigned to Mildenhall, in the EC135's of USAFE. as a result of his duty here at Ellsworth in the PACCS unit. Rick mentioned on the address change card that he had already run into Terry SLAWINSKI and Steve MACHACHEK down the road at Lakenheath, while Ray BANDI dropped by on a short TDY soon after Rick’s arrival.

Right after the last issue came out, I got a letter from Rob STONE, who is joined by Felix DUPRE, Scott MARKS, Steve ALDERMAN, Dave STUBBS, and Rick MORGENSTERN in the T-38 PIT outfit. He mentioned Jim REED was TDY from Patrick in OV-lO’s along with Doug FORKER from Langley in F-106's and Andy CALTAGIRONE in KC-135's at Griffiss. A request for an answer or info on Ed MARSHALL is included, so Ed, get in touch with Rob. OK?

Next letter to come my way from Gary PAYTON up at lovely Shemya, Alaska. He had managed a Master’s Degree, a JSCM, and acceptance into an AFIT-sponsored MA upon return from “the Rock,” all geared to unite him with his physician-wife Nancy as well as complete the program in Russian Area Studies. While on a hop into Hickam. he spotted George WAGASKY (Joanie) who is an F-4 GIB in Okinawa. Back at Shemya, Gary ran into Booker HARRISON and his C-141 from McChord on a routine supply run. Thanks and keep up the inputs, Gary.

And once again from Pete VOORHEES and the Sembach fliers come words of news on the European connection. What with Buck BUCHANAN, Steve JACKSON, Jerry BURG. Harley MORGAN. John BUSH, and Terry O'DAY all out of ATC IP slots and flying Broncos as well and Jim PUTNAM in CE, Mark KUNO in CH-53's, Bob WALLER and John MIGYANKO all at Sembach, maybe we ought to get a reunion together out there. They claim the beer and wine can’t be beat. And, of course, anyone at all is welcome to look up the guys if ever the duty puts us nearby.

Mike McNERNEY wrote to pass on the fact that he’s undergoing study in Architectural Engineering at University of Texas which will land him in Tyndall next year with AFSC. Quite a change from Tweets at Laughlin, right, Mike? Got a couple of Autovon calls in the past months, too. These do help as well as letters; so if you can’t write, then just call anytime you have something to pass on. Ed BISHOP (Pam+ 3) is going for a PhD at Berkeley after having put in tour at Robins with the Base Bioenvironmental Engineers. He also knew of Don PARKER, Mike BRANNICK, Buddy YATES, Harry KLEPKO, Terry BENCH and Dale CARTER up at Robins in various positions.

Mike McNABB (Melba) called from Keesler where he is assigned as Airborne Intelligence Officer with the 7th ACCS (TAC). Mike mentioned Barry BARKSDALE and Gary HOOKER begin at Eglin in Ov-10's from the A-7 in Korea.

News from the Address Change Cards: Rick CARSON— from Vacaville, CA to Colorado Springs, CO; Larry REYNOLDS—from 09169 to Kunsan, Korea; Rick KRAPF— from Edwards to Langley, VA; Dean FOX—from Gila Bend AFAF, AZ to Senoia, GA to 96366; Terry SLAWINSKI— from RAF Lakenheath to MacDill, FL; Ted THOMPSON —from Lubbock, TX to Elmendorf, AK; Bill EMMER— Manitou Springs, CO; Craig WESTON from Eglin to Kirtland, NM; Sandy LEWIS—from Reese, TX to Howard AFB, CZ; Joe GELINGER—Nellis, NV; Les SHRUM— Hahn AB, Germany; Eric NEDERGAARD—MacDill, FL; Dave ECKARD—from Fairchild, WA to Langley, VA; Rich STORER—from Nellis to RAF Lakenheath; Paul LOHMEYER—Clark AB, Philippines; Terry SCHIESSLER— Hahn AB, Germany; Bob HAMPSON—-Charles, SC; and Bill BUSS—England, LA.

Three of our classmates notified by address change of their return to civilian life—Herb GARDNER, who is now in Shaker Heights, OH; Ed MARSHALL in Kirkland, WA; and Rich WITTERS in Arlington, VA. Just because you guys are out, don’t lose track completely of the rest of us, OK?

And to close this column, I’ll put out another request for any info on the following “Lost Souls,” since the last time did find us a few: Mr. Bill CHAMBLESS. Steve PETERSON, Mike PITZLER, Klaus SCHAFER.

One last thought for any interested parties It is a good time to plan ahead now for the Homecoming '77 at USAFA as a possible opportunity to get any of us together as a class group that could or would like to make it. So, for your information, anyone interested in doing so, please give me a call over the next few months at either X7119, X2877, or X2502 on duty or at home. Until next time, have a good, safe summer and FPA.

Capt Fred S. Knowles, Jr. Qtrs 4405B USAF Academy CO 80840 Home; 472-6165 Autovon; 259-3653

This edition brings some bad news. Eddy DRAKE was killed in an aircraft accident at Mt. Home AFB. We are all saddened by this news and our thoughts are with his family.

Hello to all you new Captains out there. At last I’m starting to get some letters and calls from you guys, now I don't have to rely on change of address cards. So if you want to see your name in print, address cards don’t cut it; send me a letter or call.

I received a letter back in February from Mark STUCKLEY who is living in Philadelphia where he works as an underwriter for an insurance company. He was married last May to Linda. Neil JOHNSON wrote from Waldorf, Maryland, where he now lives. He flys CH-3E’s at Andrews. His wife, Agnes, and son, Brian (18 Nov 75), are doing fine. The final letter I received came from Dave SHANAHAN

Bill THORN, '73, was chosen Outstanding Flight Instructor of the month at Craig. out at Castle where he is upgrading to A/C in KC-135’s. Dave and Elaine recently had a son, #2, Matthew David, on 5 May 1977. Dave reports on the following guys still at Travis: Vic SINGLETON, Terry WILMERT, and Joe WALKER. Also, Dave HANNAN is on his way to Trippier Army Hospital in Hawaii; he is now a doctor.

I also got a few phone calls. First off was Vance LINEBERGER from Webb where he is a T-38 check pilot, but is now on his way to the Academy to fly T-41’s. Vance also reports on Eric LENZ and wife, Helen; he is a 141 A/C, but Vance didn’t say where (where are you, Eric?). The second call was from Bob FRAZIER who was in town for a few days. He is on his way to MIT to work on his PhD in Astro. He says Clyde AUTREY is in Cheyenne Mountain and doing well; Jim BOYLE is in 141 ’s at Travis; Jack HUDSON is still at Sheppard teaching folks how to fly the T-38; and Bill WILSON is on his way to SOS from Norton.

I saw Steve LORENZ the other day; he and his wife were down from Ellsworth where Steve flies EC-135’s.

Now for some of those news releases we sometimes get. Warren SMITH is learning Persian at the DLL In Decernher of 1977 he leaves for two years in Tehran, Iran. Randy SAGE earned the Commendation Medal for service at Kadena. Bill THORN is the Outstanding Flight Instructor of the month at Craig (see picture). Jim VOGLER has been awarded a house officer appointment for 1977-78 at Wilford Hall where he will train in internal medicine. And, Dominic MAZZA graduated from the Milton Hershey Medical Center of Penn State on 21 May 1977. He will also be going to Wilford Hall in Psychiatry.

I now intend to indulge in a little news on myself if anyone is interested. I was the Instructor Pilot of the Quarter for the past quarter; I am now a F. E. in the squadron and expecting word on my next assignment any day. Pat and I are expecting a child in August. Chris and Nina YOUNG are also expecting a child later on this year.

We have a list of people who have lost contact with us. If anyone knows their whereabouts, let us know: COMTOIS, CROPPER, HODGES, LAUDERDALE, NELSON. RASMUSSEN, and ROBBINS.

I am now on the Board of Directors for the AOG, so if you have anything that you would like to see us doing, please let me know and I’ll get on it.

And, lastly, all you old 27th Squadron people let me know how you would feel about a reunion next year sometime. If we want to do it, I’ll get started on setting it up.

lLt Dan Felix 2963 Laramie Road Riverside, CA 92506

Hello ’74. It’s been six months since we last occupied this space and a great deal has happened, so hold on as we go through the list: Dick ALCORN (Diane) and Peter BECHTEL (Nancy) are at Pope AFB. NC; Todd BEJSOVEC, Nav KC-135, Travis AFB, CA; Lowell BOYD, WSO F-4E, Seymour-Johnson, NC; Stephen BOZARTH, Pit F-4, Nellis AFB, NV; Michael BRATLIEN, CPlt B-52, Fairchild AFB, WA; Charles BRYANT, Sr. Standardization DMCC, 44SMS, Ellsworth, SD; Chris CAMPBELL, Nellis, NV; Pat CARLTON, So. Bend. IN; Dean CARROLL, Wpns. Cont., 51st Comp. Wg., Osan, Korea; Jim COLLINS (Denise), Pope, NC; David DALEY, McConnell, KS; William DIEMAND, Pit F-4, Holloman, NM; Gordon DUEY, Nav F-4, Nellis, NV; Fred DUNN, Pit F-4, Lakenheath, England; Paul EMANUEL, Kadena, Okinawa; Dan FELIX, AFIT, Denver University; Antonio FERRARO, Maint. Off., 63 MAW, Norton, CA; Robert FINNEGAN, CPU KC-135, Ellsworth, SD; Mike GIERSCH (Sandy), Pit C-135, Beale, CA (brand new father); Floyd GLICK, EWO, Minot, ND; Tom GREEN, Pit RF-4, Shaw, SC; Mark HALSOR (Vicki), Pope, NC; Charles HAND, Pit F-4, Torrejon, Spain; Gary HOROWITZ (Kari), Pope, NC; Scott HUDDLESON, DMCC Inst., F. E. Warren, WY; A1 JENSEN, Colorado Springs, CO; Larry KAMPA, CPlt, Little Rock, AR; T. KANE (Renee), T-37 Inst., Columbus, MS; Scott KINKEAD, R&D, Edwards, CA; Ken KLIMES, Nellis, NV; Sung-Whan KIM, Pit, 105th FTR Sq, Kwang-Ju, Korea (by the way, Kim is a Capt. and it must be nice); William MACELHANEY, Nav. Inst., Grand Forks, ND; John MASTROIANNI (Donna), Pit RF-4, Shaw AFB, SC; Jim MATLOCK (Kathy), Pit (MAC), Anderson, Guam; Charles MURPHY (Barb), Pit F-4, Holloman, NM; Bill MURRAY, EWO, Spec. Ops. Sq, Kadena, Okinawa; Don OUKROP, Pit, Moody, GA; Chris POREDA, Pit 4430 TFS, Nellis, NV; Rich PETERS, Pope, NC; Mark RABINOWTZ, Pit RF-4, Shaw, SC, David REILY, Enid, OK; Dave REINHOLZ (Julie) Pope, NC (they are expecting in December); Michael ROBARDS, Pit F-4, Lakenheath, England and waiting; Robert SCHRAEDER, Pit F-4, Kunsan, Korea; Gerry SCHULTZ, Pope, NC; Randy SHOCKLEY (Karen), Aide-de-Camp, 552 AWACW, Tinker, OK; D. R. STIFFLER, Columbus, MS; Mike SUMIDA, 1st Spec. Ops. Sq, Kadena, Japan; Ralph TATE, Dep. Mis. Combat Crew Comm., F. E. Warren, WY; Edward TIEGELER (Joanne), Dep. Mis. Combat Crew Comm., Minot, ND; Steve THURGOOD, Pope, NC; Robert TRAUTMAN, Munitions Off., Minot, ND; Bill VANHORN, Anderson, Guam; Laurence VLIET, Nav KC-135, Blytheville, AR; Stephen WALLINGFORD, CPlt KC-135, Griffiss, NY; Ron WALKER, 2006 Comm Gp. Adana, Turkey; Michael WELLS, KC-135, Griffiss, NY; and William YUCUIS (Rebecca), Pit F-4, Lakenheath, England.

The following people must have gotten A’s in SERE because their whereabouts is unknown; please help update their location: Terry CLEMENS, Ron CRENSHAW, Wesley DODD, Terence GILBERT, Kent HILL, William SEXTON, Christian VIEWEG.

When you send info for publication, please insure that you indicate your job, your wife, and your base. Send it to the Association of Graduates address until I can give you a better address. Good luck to all of you on your Captain’s board.

The AOG still has a number of the Gyrfalcon prints by Charles Frace available for purchase by AOG Members. The unframed print sells for $62.50 and a double matted, framed version sells for $167. Each of the 1000 print issue is signed by the artist and contains the crest of the Association of Graduates. Order through the AOG office.

Willie J. Cosby, III 1100 Heather St., Apt. A Jacksonville, AR 72076

Home: (501) 982-4219

Office: AV: 731-6822

Congratulations to all you new silver bars. I’ll bet you can fill the burden of all that responsibility. I can! Anyway, not too much new is happening at the Rock. Danny and Gracie SPEER had a promotion party with the guys from my squadron, 61 TAS (MAC), contributing. The other ’75 Grads in the 61st are: Dick YURKO, Chuck DEMOISY, Eric BUHYOFF, Steve VREELAND, Scott SMITH, and Wayne NELSON.

A new member of the Little Rock crew is Jeff CHAPPELL. He and his family, Theresa and Matty, have been here for about 2 months. Larry FARISS is here for upgrade to C-130’s, but I don’t know where he’s going.

Other assignments: Jerry LEVESQUE, Don SNELGROVE, Dan McCORRY, and Bill O’KEEFE, F-14’s (LEVESQUE to MacDill, the remainder to George); Tom CALHOUN, RF-4 to Kadena; Sam HOLLINS, F-4 to Osan; Duane JONES, OIC Aircrew Training Devices at Altus; Mike MARK, F-15 to Luke; Don LEWIS, T-33 to KI Sawyer; Brad LOGAN, F-4 to George; and Marv COX, F-4 to MacDill.

Duke DUHACHEK took the big step and married Nanci Bernhart on April 30th.

I’m taking off to Europe for the summer to get away from the hot, muggy Arkansas weather. The Air Force has afforded me this golden opportunity. In the meantime, if you hear any spectacular news, drop me a line or just drop me a line for the heck of it.

Have a coooool summer!!

2Lt Craig Manson 26 East Signal Drive

Rapid City, SD 57701

Home: (605) 343-2682

Office: AV: 747-2049/2039

CB: KOZ 5804, Ch 17

Break for ’76! You got that one Watchdog with class news!

Randy SPETMAN has headed for UPT at Williams and I’ve inherited his collection of information. Good luck, Spet!

First, in local headlines, Bruce SMITH and I have just moved to our Wing Training Division as Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Instructors. This is sort of like being an IP or Instructor-Nav except on the ground!

Greg and Sally SEELY are also staked out here in the Black Hills. Squeak is in CE at Ellsworth and has just returned from an AFIT course at Wright-Pat.

The Watchdog’s Travelog: Headed for California in midJune and made some contacts along the way. I stopped first at F. E. Warren to chat with Bryan ECHOLS who was on alert at the time. Add his name to the list of new missile instructors. Naturally, I couldn’t resist stopping at U-knowwhere next. The first day I was there, I ran into “parttime” officer Mike EYOLFSON at the BOQ. He’s a CU med student spending the summer TDY at the U-knowwhere (uh, that’s USAFA) Hospital. Mike’s onetime coconspirator, Steve PRUSS, had just married “Elaine-thecashier-at-the-USAFA-O’Club’s-daughter-Kathy.” I left USAFA thinking, “This is a nice place to visit ...”

The next stop on my odyssey was Albuquerque where I discovered Greg SCHNEIDER doing magic with lasers at Kirtland’s Air Force Weapons Lab. He told me that Ahart POWERS was also on base. Ahart, having been through Fort Rucker, is now learning to fly helicopters the AF way. By the way, Bob LIVINGSTON, I had a long conversation with Mary W. in Albuquerque who said she hardly recognized your new face in New Orleans a while ago (Bob’s at Tulane Med).

On 1-40 in the hundred degree Arizona desert, I modulated with an ex-Air Force type eighteen wheel jockey. Did

you know that your basic trucker makes about $10,000 more per year than your basic second lieutenant? Truth. 1 passed by Edwards AFB the day they tested the Space Shuttle. John ANDREW is there working in the advanced cargo aircraft program.

Jesse HUERTA gave me the lowdown on Mather and Nav training happenings when 1 stopped in Sacramento. He shares a place with Kent ESBENSHADE in Rancho Cordova. Both will be B-52 EWO’s; Jesse at Carswell and Kent at March. A1 NUYTTEN, Jesse’s old roomo, has just turned up at Mather as a Comm Officer with the 320th Bomb Wing. Got in touch with Rick BOZZUTO (Connie) and Garland PANNELL when I came through the Salt Lake City area. Rick works for his old Double-E advisor on RPV’s at Hill AFB. G. P. is a Munitions Officer with Hill's 388th Tac Fighter Wing. He said although he had not yet “fallen by the wayside,” (gotten married), Mike MILLER, who’s at Willy, probably will do so very soon. G. P. will probably take a remote after two years at Hill.

Finally, on the way back to Rapid City, 1 stopped at Warren again and ECHOLS was on alert again (or may be still!). So, I got in touch with the Chief of the Base Hellraising Division, Drew “Dead Bug” BOYD. Drew fascinated the club's bar crowd with unique explanation of general officer rank insignia to a “bartenderess” (her term). It was so unique that it cannot be reproduced here in print. Also, saw Mike BLYTHE at Warren. He's a Missile Flight Security Officer with the SP Group. Warren is a fun place and I’m sorry I didn’t get to see more of the seemingly several hundred Grads there. Drop by and you're sure to find someone you know.

The Watchdog’s Mailbag: When I started sorting the AOG mail, the piece on top was a card from me. Oh, well! But I got several nice long letters. Ray VIZZONE, now a C-141 Nav at Travis, supplied a list of new Navs (see “Wings” below). Ray said that John HOPE has just won Navy Nav wings and “will be in E-6's somewhere in Washington state.” I won't touch that line! Thanks, Ray. Marc FRITH also sent a list of UPT Grads from Reese (see “Wings below). Marc married Wanda the day after Christmas and he got the first '76 A-10 assignment to Myrtle Beach. Congrats, Marc! Bob WAGNER. Chief of Planning and Programming with the Comm Squadron at Warren, also wrote. By the time you read this, Bob will be married to a Lieutenant named Lesa, also stationed at Warren. Former Wing Boondoggle Officer Denny SHUPE reports that he is the “Center Operations Analysis Officer” at the USAF Tac Fighter Weapons Center, Nellis AFB. I think the only operations he analyzes are in the center of Las Vegas. Bob GARDNER is a missile guy at Whiteman and has an apartment in town (Warrensburg, MO) to which a frequent visitor is that female account type from Baylor or Rice or one of them thar places. Jerry McFARLANE, also a Whiteman missile crewbear, writes that he’s just married Susan. Marv VANEVERY sent in one of those AOG change of address cards and under "Remarks for class news rep” wrote “none.” So, I won’t tell you that Marv’s living the good but hard life at USC Med School.

Gossip: Heard from another “civilian,” Mike ELLEN, that he, Bill DUNN, John TONETTI, and Dwight LANDMANN, all at Georgetown Med, are moving into what Mike claims is a “mansion.” Mike also said that Dean KIRKHAM just got married. There will soon be (if not already) a new addition to the Dave and Lisa MERRILL household in Lubbock. Dave will stay on as a T-37 IP. Next-door neighbor Mark OLSON is heading west for an F-4 at George. Also expecting are Danny and Barb ACOCK at Vance, though I didn’t hear what it is they’re expecting. (See, Danny, first you gotta ). Somebody told Marc MOORE that he’s a Lieutenant and not a Lieutenant Colonel, so he left the AF Budget Shop at the Pentagon and headed for UPT at Reese. Of course, after four months in Washington, Marc just may be an 0-5!

Address Changes: Ben DILLA (Sharon) is a Maintenance Officer at Castle. Mike MANTZ is at Tyndall. Mark ROGERS sent a card from Vandyland. Mark PENLEY is a maintenance type at Reese. Mike BUTLER keeps ’em

flying at Bitburg. Chris REAMY is at Pease. Dave NAKAYAMA is a student at Chanute. Mark SLOWN tinkers with avionics at Elmendorf. Bill HOBART is in Tinker’s Comm Maintenance Shop. Joe McLAUGHLIN is in the Army at Fort Bragg, NC. And one of our “few good men,” Les GARRISON, is commanding a mortor platoon (you heard right) in downtown Okinawa.

Film at Eleven: Bruce GUINDON represented the Warren Security Police during Olympic Arena, SAC's annual missile competition at Vandenberg. He’s a Missile Flight Security Officer. From our You-Learn-Something-NewEveryday-Dept., Andy FALLON, who’s here at Ellsworth, was a member of our Wing's Crew of the Month last March. The AF’s news release said Andy was “cited for extraordinary performance during operational training missions.” First I heard of it, Andy! For those who missed the Air Force Times story and photo, at least one member of ’76 has achieved a measure of immortality. Seems the Bicentennial Committee at Vance wanted to create a bronze statue depicting a 1776 Minuteman along side a modern day pilot. To model for the 18th Century type, they picked Old Stoneface himself—Gary TURNIPSEED! Seed wore his best Honor Committee look for the occasion. And if you thought you spotted a classmate's name on the latest MAJORS’ list, you were right—almost. Jim HOGUE is still a Lieutenant in UPT at Willy; but wife Micki King HOGUE, completing an MA at ASU. is a field-grade selectee. Congrats, Jim and Micki (uh, Micki and Jim)!

Wings: NewFlyingMenGuardingOurNationsBorders inelude: Jon BAUSCHLICHER, T-37, Reese; Clark HINKEL, KC-135, Grand Forks; Budd JONES, T-37, Reese; John KURTZ. B-52, Robbins; Jay STEINMETZ, C-141, Norton; Terry BORSARE. T-38, Laughlin; Mark FELLOWS, F-4, George; Steve KIRKORIAN, F-4, Homestead; Brad BUCHANAN, KC-135; Kadena; Duncan SHIELDS. KC-135, Minot; Jim FAGAN, T-33, K. I. Sawyer; Jim WILLIAMS, T-38. Reese; Phil ERDLE, T-38, Sheppard; Bob FABER, B-52, Griffiss; Dan HIGGINS. T-38, Sheppard; and Kevin KOZLOWSKI. KC-135, Plattsburg.

New Navs include: Vince ORTIZ, C-141, McGuire; “Easy” ESTRADA, C-141, Norton; Steve RIEWERTS, C-141. McChord; Steve CARPENTER, C-141, Charleston; Tony BAIR, RF-4, Mildenhall; Marty CLEMENT, KC-135. McConnell; Kevin KANESHIRO, C-130, Norton; Brad MOFFETT. FB-111, Plattsburg; Johnny NORRIS, WC-130, McClellan: Terry TRIPP, C-130. Dyess; Dave TUTTLE. KC-135, Pease; and John WILLIAMS RF-4, Kadena. The following are remaining at Mather for EWO training: Brent GLINES, Don KOCIAN, Jim MARTIN, Brad SIMPSON, and Roc WHITE. These guys are at Mather for NBT: Tom BOWIE, Charlie MORGAN, Ric PERRY, Tom SEFCIK, Charlie DEANO, im WALTERS and Ric TOBIN. No aircraft info was available at presstime for these new Navs: Kevin MARTIN, Grand Forks, Steve STOCKDALE, Carswell; and Frank LASSUS, Kadena. They’re probably all tankers.

Pocket Rockets: Dave BERG, Halmstrom. Bill KNELLINGER, Doug FRY, Russ LANEY, Terry WILLIAMS, all Davis-Monthan. Mike FRICANO, Malmstrom. Craig PUZ, Brian DIEFFENBACH. Tom WYMAN, Richie FELDER, and Mike GAUGHAN, all F. E. Warren. This column contains names of 102 of us, so we’ll have to hit the other 818 next time. Thanks to all who wrote. We can use almost anything, including pictures, so please write, call or give a shout on the two-way if your wanderings bring you along 1-90. 1010 till we do it again!

Lt Lynn M Scott

4319 N. Chestnut, Apt. 13 Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Autovon: 259-2233

Home: 303/599-8917

Lynn will launch the 'll New Column in the Fall Maga- zine. Help him out by getting in touch with all the latest news on your Class.

GENTLEMEN,

YOU ARE DISMISSED! !

GRADUATION 1977

On 1 June 1977 the 19th Graduating Class of the United States Air Force Academy was honored in Commencement / Commissioning ceremonies at Falcon Stadium. The 831 Graduates, their families, their friends, and numerous visitors were addressed by Secretary of Defense Harold Brown. Following tbce awarding of Diplomas and Commissions, the famed USAF aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, performed in honor of the occasion.

On behalf of the prior 10,286 Graduates, the Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates welcomes the new Class to the Graduate community and to the AOG.

Over 330 men of the Class of 1977 joined the Association of Graduates prior to Graduation and are now full members of the AOG■ $830 for Charlie

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