THE MIA DEADLOCK
By Kay Bosiljevac
Kay Bosiljevac, wife of MIA Mike Bosiljevac, Class of 1967, is a member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. She is pictured here with their two children, Michael and Susan.
More than two and a half years ago. the American people wept with joy for the men who were being delivered from the hell of Communist prisons. Among those who were watching were people like myself—the other wives and the children and parents of the remaining Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. During the sequenced releases, and a long period of time after—the families of those POW/MIAs who were not returned were asked to remain silent. First, we were asked not to speak out about the incomplete lists of prisoners because it would jeopardize the men who were in the process of repatriation. Secondly, and very important to us was the promise of “delicate negotiations” in behalf of our men. We remained obediently silent in hopes that these secret talks would yield the answer to what happened to the 1367 POWs and MI As who were not stepping down from the gleaming C-141's to freedom.
The intense debriefings of 566 returned POWs wielded only small amounts of information, in contrast to the expectations of the DOD spokesmen. Only 80 men were declared dead based on the positive eyewitness information of the returnees. The concrete information on these deaths was accepted. It had long since been proven that the North Vietnamese could not be trusted to provide lists of the men they considered to be only “war criminals”. From the released prisoners we noticed that there was little or no discussion about the other prisoners and the missing, which was conspicuous because it is not the nature of American servicemen to forget their comrades. Most who were asked claimed that there was no official restriction in this regard, but, some surfaced documents that indicated clearly that they had been advised not to discuss the problem. Many of the returned POWs are now speaking out—some saying that they believe that other Americans were left behind in the prisons throughout Southeast Asia.
Shortly after the repatriation, the families of the remaining men were notified by then Chief of the POW/MIA
Task Force, General Russell Ogan. that the decision had been made to review all of the remaining POW/MIA cases and during the period of one year (1973) remove all of them from the official listing of POW/MIA by use of a procedure known as Presumptive Finding of Death. Presumptive Finding of Death (PFOD) very simply is an Administrative act by which a man who is missing or prisoner is declared dead based on "no new information” and “lapse of time.” The use PFOD has raged in controversy for the past two years, and it would no doubt make an interesting topic for another article.
The announcement of the decision to use “mass” PFOD's was a clear indication that something was wrong. I use the word “mass” because it was plain that when the DOD said that all cases would be reviewed and a PFOD issued, no real individual look would be given the cases.
Why was this going to happen? Why since no agreement had even been reached in Laos? Why, if “delicate negotiations" were continuing? Why relieve the Communist from responsibility? WHO WANTED THIS DONE? ? ?
Some of the POW/MIA families initiated a court injunction against the Services to stop this action. The court cases are still being argued on this matter of PFOD.
The answer to the why and who came later in retrospect when we looked back at the fact that the Watergate Scandal was just beginning to unfold at that time. There is little doubt that in the confusion and turmoil the decision to abandon the POW/MIAs was made.
Then President Nixon was frequently quoted in major addresses to say "All the POWs are home” and we have achieved "Peace with Honor.” The President persisted in this rhetoric, even in the face of hard evidence that 80 American Prisoners had not been released or accounted for. and among the missing certainly many of these men had been prisoners known only to their captors.
The Paris Peace Accords held provisions for the accounting of Americans living or dead. And the North Vietnamese had accepted the responsibility for accounting in all of Southeast Asia. Dr. Kissinger told us that the accounting was to "be achieved during the same time frame as the withdrawal of American troops.” The time passed, our troops were withdrawn, and we had been given no accounting.
The charges of flagrant violations of the Agreement were constantly exchanged. It took nearly a year for the bodies of 23 of the 56 men who died in Hanoi's jails to be released. The North Vietnamese persisted in bargaining with the bones of men who died in captivity. The other bodies were never released.
But, the number of the men who were officially listed as prisoners and missing was dropping at an extraordinary rate. And this was a peculiar phenomenon, since the North Vietnamese, Viet Cong, Khmer Rouge, and the Pathet Lao were not accounting for, or releasing, any American servicemen. The Presumptive Finding of Death was taking its toll. By September 28, 1974 the number of POW/MIAs had dropped to 960, even twenty of the known POWs had been declared dead. Now, the list falls short of 800 who have not yet been declared dead by PFOD. Many of the families had accepted or requested a PFOD to end the agony of waiting for an answer. The sad part about this is that to declare a person dead under these circumstances does not answer the
question of what happened to that man. Only a true accounting can bring about the kind of peace of mind that the POW/MIA families are looking for.
The Paris Peace Agreement did not specifically allow for American inspection teams. However, during the period following the Accords the U.S. government-formed the Joint Casualty Resolution Team which was located at Nakhon Phanom for two years. The purpose of this team of skilled and dedicated experts was to search in all areas of Indochina and recover the bodies of Americans. They were charged with the responsibility of recovering the 1100 bodies of combat casualties (which is a separat number from the POW/MIAs). Plus, they were to recover any POW/MIAs that they could. These teams were never allowed to do their jobs—only small areas of uncontested territory in South Vietnam and its shores were ever searched. The JCRT soon ran out of available sites to search. The vast majority of crash sites and last known locations were in areas they were not given access to. The teams are scaled down now and are located at Utapao, AFB Thailand, and are soon to leave Thailand altogether.
When the Indochina conflict came to an end this year many people expressed fears that the new Communist domination would lessen the chances for an accounting of U.S. Servicemen. However, U.S. Defense and State Department experts have indicated to our families that this event has provided for a lessening of tensions on the issue of the POW/MIAs.
North Vietnam has wasted no time in letting their demands be known. Vietnamese newspapers, RADIO broadcasts, a letter exchange between Senator Kennedy and Trinh, and the recent press statements of the new Vietnamese U.N. observers Mr. Luu and Mr. Thi have made it quite clear. If the United States will provide for the TOTAL reconstruction of the two Vietnams, they will be willing to give us information on our men. They point a sinister finger to the broken Paris Peace Accords and call on the U.S. to honor Article XX calling for reparations resulting from war damage to the DRV. In return they claim that they would honor Article VIII A&B that provided for the release of Americans living and dead. It is evident that the North Vietnamese withheld a complete release and accounting for bargaining power at a later date. Blackmail best describes the Vietnamese demands—a ransom for the lives of the Americans who remain at their mercy.
Two years ago in testimony on Dec. 5, 1973 before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on National Security and Scientific Development. Congressman G. V. Montgomery related an interesting conversation on this matter to the Committee:
“Mr. Chairman. The gravity of the problem was brought forcefully to my attention only last week during a consultation I had with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger concerning our MI As. He painted a rather gloomy picture for a speedy determination of the fate of the some 1300 U.S. servicemen still listed as missing in action in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Kissinger told me that it was his opinion that the North Vietnamese were not holding any additional servicemen as prisoners because he felt they would be using any such POWs as a bargaining point on other matters which has not been the case." (1973)
Perhaps the North Vietnamese suspected that the U.S. might not honor any portion of the Paris Agreement that would provide them with money for reconstruction, and simply decided to take out insurance for a later date. This entire scene is strangely reminiscent of that which
occurred in Korea where the U.S. left behind 389 prisoners. For the past twenty-three years, the United States and North Korea have met twice a year to negotiate for the answers on what happened to these individuals. In this case the North Koreans/Chinese demand that the U.S. give up the defense of Formosa in return for our U.S. Servicemen. It is apparent that this bartering with lives is nothing new to the Asian Communists.
So far. I've given you a brief look at the past two years and some of the problems the families are facing. Now I want you to look at an individual case, only one of many who arc prisoners or missing.
But, this to me is a special case; this is my husband’s case.
29 September 1972—2:00 p.m. It was a cool fall “football" day and in the nursery of our home I was dressing nine month old Mikic for a walk while his sister was out with Grandma. My mind was leisurely sorting out all of the things I would say in my letter to Mike that day. R&R in Hawaii had been less than a month before and there seemed to be so much to say. Meanwhile, a deep blue USAF car pulled into the driveway and two Air Force officers emerged. Our doorbell rang, and by force of habit I glanced out of the window before opening the door. I saw the car—the men, and I knew something has happened to Mike Dear God, Help Us! As I opened the door I heard one of the men say “She knows.” The message began. “It is with deep personal concern that I officially inform you that your husband, Captain Michael J. Bosiljevac is missing in action over North Vietnam.”
So began the weeks, months and now years in which I have sought answers to my husband’s fate. The initial information was sketchy, but with the help of a large number of people I was able to piece together as much as we know.
Mike had been the Electronic Warfare Officer in a F-105 lead aircraft on an operational mission over North Vietnam. The plane had been crippled by a Russian built SAMissile and both he and the pilot, Lt.Col. Jim O'Neil were forced to eject. The sequenced ejection was observed and other men followed the parachutes as they dropped through low clouds. While in parachute descent, Mike deployed his survival gear and cut the parachute risers. After they hit the ground, 23 miles South West of Hanoi Jim O'Neil gave a garbled radio transmission. Search and rescue was not possible and it was terminated. Just a few days later Jim O'Neil was declared a POW based on the release of a propaganda film showing him. with clenched fists—repeating calmly a memorized message about good treatment.
Family friends in other cities mailed me clippings from newspapers quoting Vietnamese sources to say that they had downed two U.S. aircraft on 29 Sept, and “all pilots were captured alive.” In querying the A.F. about this I was told that perhaps these came from Radio Hanoi, and they explained that in the record there was a Radio Hanoi Broadcast that said they had downed an aircraft near the western gates of the city. But they claimed no knowledge of the other report. Only after I insisted that the Associated Press told me it was monitored from Hanoi—would the Air Force admit that they had the other report. Very grudgingly the article was entered into the record.
After the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, the North Vietnamese allowed the partial release of prisoners. ColJim O'Neil was released in the final group of prisoners. He immediately related what he knew about my husband. After landing on the ground in North Vietnam he did not see Mike again. But, on the fifth day of his confinement he asked an (Continued on Page 18)
Major Arthur G. Elser
8702 Nero St. Annandale. VA 22003
Not a whole lot to write about this quarter since the only letter I got was from Jerry GARBER, and that a form letter with no news. 1 did find out from Jim BLACKWELL that he got married to Maureen Donnelly in July. Missie and Jim make their home in Alexandria, Virginia. Jim is with the JCS in J-5.
Joanie and I had dinner with Karen and Bob DELLIGATTI a few weeks ago. Del has been assigned here to the Puzzle Palace from NKP. Del was TDY from Naked Fanny to Saigon for the final US withdrawal and was one of the last Americans in government service to leave. He left Saigon by helicopter and SEA by ship. He operated the airlift command post and was responsible for the final evacuation of refugees and Americans from the area. Del has some interesting tales of the final chapter of our involvement in Vietnam.
Classes have changed at the National War College and Bob BLAKE, Hank CANTERBURY, and H. T. JOHNSON are students there under the tutelage of Wayne JEFFERSON who has a one year faculty tour there. Pete WINTERS is also at Fort McNair, but is attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Ed ROSANE left ASD/ISA for a tour with the grunts at the Army War College. I also have a change of address card that shows Larry FORTNER to be a student at Air War College.
Pete TODD moved across the river from McNair to the Pentagon to once again work for his old boss, Gen David C. JONES. Jim CONNALLY made the opposite move and went from the building to the Inter-American Defense College at McNair as an instructor. Fred WYNN is over at Andrews AFB doing something in the Systems Command mafia with C. V. MILLER and Jerry ELSBERND.
Dave ANDERSON has departed the area for a year at Stanford and a fellowship. He turned over duties as the bi-monthly 59er luncheon coordinator to Ed JOSEPHSON. If you are going to be in the area on the first Thursday of odd numbered months, give Ed a call at 0X5-3949 and join us for lunch. Once again duty kept me from attending the last luncheon, but I understand that everyone enjoyed it. Ed arranged for a film which showed the highlights of last year’s A FA football season—both of them.
That’s it gang. If YOU don't write, I can’t write. If the news seems to be slanted to events and people in the
D.C. area, that is because that is where I am and where I can find out some of the things that arc happening. If you don’t remember how to write, give me a call at 0X5-7200. (Autovon 225-7200).
'60
Maj. John Macartney
160 Arequa Ridge Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919
In the last issue, I asked for mail so that I would have some news to pass on. The response has been less than spectacular—good correspondents we are not. (By the way, my autovon number is 259-2864, and the next column will be prepared in early December.)
Bob ODENWELLER, who flies for TWA. wrote to say he is moving from Bermuda to New Jersey. Bob has been making a name for himself in the world of philately. His collections of Samoan and New Zealand stamps (both collections are presently the best in the world) have been winning gold medals in international competitions. Congratulations, Bob, and thanks for the letter.
Bits and Pieces: Two JOHNSONS, A1 and DK, were observed toiling in the Pentagon this summer. Tony BURSHNICK is a student at Air War College, Maxwell AFB. Gary SHEETS is flying B-52's at Kincheloe AFB. Dick CARTER is in Denver flying for Continental, and Cres SHIELDS reports Dick may be getting into the movie business. Sid NEWCOMB has just PCS’d to Chile where he’s an F-5E advisor.
Professional Students: Some people never seem to get enough education. Dick SEXTON recently earned a second master's degree (international relations) while serving as a Plans Officer with Third Air Force at RAF Mildenhall. PhD degrees were conferred on Dr. Roger LENT, Dr. Jock SCHWANK and Dr. Cres SHIELDS this summer. All three are stationed here at the Academy. My own dissertation has (believe it or not) been accepted by UCLA—so I will hold a PhD before long. Other 1960 grads who are still hanging around the schoolhouse include Bob HEIGES, who has checked into Wright-Patt for the AEIT resident school, and Bill CARNEGIE, whose New Jersey change-of-address card indicates “Mr.”.
Two of our number showed up at the Academy this summer to learn how to be Liaison Officers. Liaison Officers are reservists who help recruit cadets for incoming classes. Jon McC'LURE came from Atlanta where he flies for East-
ern, is a building contractor and now an Academy Liaison Officer. In his spare time, Jon is also a big wheel in Georgia youth athletic programs. Dale MAYO was also here learning how to provide Academy liaison to his Northern California stomping grounds. Dale flies with Pan American and says that he runs into fellow PanAmer’s George LESTER and Miles KASPAR from time to time. It seems all but inevitable now that the class of 1980, which enters next summer, will include a number of women cadets. When and if Congress completes action on that matter, Jon and Dale, plus other Liaison Officers such as Clem DOUGLAS out in Los Angeles, will be seeking young women who want an Air Force career.
Second Hand: I’ve heard that Walt SWEENEY (who 1 erroneously assigned to the New Mexico ANG in an earlier column) has left the Arizona ANG to enter a theological seminary in the Dallas area. How about a letter, Walt?
Two of our fast-burners have recently taken command of fighter squadrons. Reb GUILLOT has the 354th TFS, an A-7D squadron at Davis-Monthan. and Dick HEAD is commanding the 909th TFS. an F-4 squadron at Clark AB, the Philippines. Congratulations are in order.
Guess who I found wandering among the tourists here this summer? Bob FISCHER, Lutzi and three little Fischers. Bob, who I last saw “preventing forests' at Bien Hoa, worked briefly for TWA and has, for the last five years, been living in Pennsylvania and flying C-14Fs out of McGuire as an Air Reserve Technician. He's just taken a new position with the FAA where his job will be to give what amounts to nonotice-stan-eval-checks to airline crews. You airline guys better keep a wary lookout for Bob!
Keep all those cards and letters coming.
Major Thomas L. Sutton 123 Mississippi Dyess AFB, TX 79607
Football season and yellow Aspens. That's what I like about the fall. I also like writing to the class when there is something to write. I received an enjoyable letter from William Twyman WILLIAMS, III a few weeks ago and was very happy to have received it. It had been some time since we had heard from Twy. He and his wife, Nancy are now living in Montgomery where Twy is attending Air War College. He is quite pleased to be there and to have this rather comfortable year to indoctrinate Nancy to Air Force life before he gets an expected remote assignment out of AWC. Having accrued a great amount of experience in Korea Twy, perhaps MPC would be inclined to send you back there for another visit. It should be noted for the benefit of the class that after finding life in DC as a bachelor rather unrewarding, Twy caught the brass ring as it whizzed by and managed to marry Nancy in time to let her do all of the moving to Montgomery I think that such excellent planning demonstrates the ultimate in having learned from the Pentagon experience.
Twy says that one of his AWC classmates is none other than Terry JORRIS of Systems Command fame. Terry, I hope that your light load at AWC will give you enough time to write a few lines to some of your classmates who have not heard from you since at least 1966 as I recall. I still remember you as Terry the Pirate, with a black patch over one eye and a crooked grin. Sure would like an update.
I have received correspondence frequently from Montgomery these last few weeks. Twy and Terry are not the
only residents of that fair city. Charlie THOMAS is an instructor in the non-resident seminar program of ACSC and in that capacity is required to tour about the world frequently. He has conducted seminar visits into the Panama Canal Zone, the Pacific, and throughout the ZI it seems. His travels have brought him in contact with several of you and he hopes to visit many more in the months to come. He might even eat supper with you if you invite him. Charlie learned while in the Pacific that Bob WAGNER has finished his tour at Udorn and has been very ably replaced by none other than Stu BOYD. Doug CAIRNS is at Clark AFB in the 1st Test Squadron there and Charlie CONOVER is Ops Officer of the 54WRS typhoon hunters on Guam. Meanwhile, basking in the tropical sun of the Canal Zone, Paul B. O'CONNER is serving as Chief of Plans and Intelligence in the Communications Group there.
I have talked with TWC WILSON up at the Academy recently. He is enjoying his tour there and is very happy to have been joined by Larry HOLLIE who has moved from ACSC to Headquarters ADC in the Chidlaw Building in Colorado Springs. Tom asked me to relay some sad news to the class. Many of us remember our friendship with Sue Stone during those dark and dreary winter days in the Zoo and are saddened to learn that Sue and her husband. Captain Bill WOODWARD who works for the Superintendent, were bereaved by the death of their seven year old son last April. Mike QUINLAN lost his father last July, and we certainly send our condolences to you and your family as well Mike.
I traveled to the west of Abilene a weekend or so ago and spent some time in Big Spring, Texas. Let's all give a cheer for that old water hole. Regardless of your feelings for the place, a prominent resident of that growing metropolis is Don BOX along with his family and dog. Don is a section leader in a student training squadron at Webb AFB and is busily engaged in teaching foreign students how to fly T-37's. Actually, Don docs very little teaching. He is spending most of his time as the base United Fund Drive project officer. In addition, he does supervise the training of several flights of foreign students. He indicates that the challenge is great as there are as many as 14 countries represented and at times of excitement as many as 20 different languages being shouted simultaneously.
Don is not the only instructor we have in the class. 1 understand that Jim AH MANN is established down at Moody AFB now. We would like to hear what you are doing Jim since 1 understand that all of your students were moved to Texas, at least your US ones.
I hear that Bob BEST has finally achieved his life long dream and is now his own boss. Bob owns a POL distributing company in Ripley, Tenn. and is loosely affiliated with the Union Oil Company. Pardon the use of the Air Force acronym Bob, but I thought that the troops would understand your business better if we said POL rather than gas. 1 must mention that Bob is now out of the Guard and has transitioned into its sister service, the Reserves. As a reservist. he is conscientiously helping the Academy and the young men of the nation as an Academy Liaison Officer. I know from experience that the LO's are doing a great deal for the Academy and its continued success. Doc ARNOLD, the leagel beagle of Grand Junction, is also an LO, and there are several others as well. We certainly appreciate their contribution to our class and to the Air Force.
I appreciate your help in this column. I am about to leave my wife and family for another three month trip, but this time 1 am not going to Europe. Instead I am going to be forced to spend the entire football season in Southern California where I will be attending the Flying Safety Of-
ficer School at Norton. It seems that I am always at the right place a little too late as the school has just recently moved from USC to Norton in a money saving and morale building move. 1 guess I'll enjoy the smog from the BOQ window. So keep the cards and letters coming folks. Laraine will forward them to me and 1 will give you a play by play from sunny Southern California in the next exciting issue.
Maj
Dave Holt 6636 Gordon Ave.
Falls Church, VA 22046
If you will recall, with my first newsletter 1 suggested each of us take a one year stint at this job. So with this column I'm three-fourths of the way through my tour as class secretary. As you can guess. I've been swamped with public spirited individuals who volunteered for the out-years. Will one of the few of you who haven't picked your year to be class sectretary, please volunteer for 1976? I'll be writing just one more column.
Careers: Trying to continue with reporting on folks according to the careers they've pursued, I thought we could look at the RTBs who went into the other services. Bob GIBSON, our contribution to the Marine Corps, found they were indeed looking for a few good men, and that he didn't meet USMC flight physical standards though he had met USAF's. His aeronautical background led him to ground controller work, and eventually to writing Marine Corps doctrine for air command and control. Bob picked up a Master's degree from Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey and paid the tab through a three year tour in the Pentagon in computer systems management. Gibber is presently at Quantico in the USMC Development Center, immersed in a computer combat simulation system but has plans for a “return to the^field and operating." August KEYES is also paying for his graduate degree with a tour in Washington. He has been here three years in the Directorate of Personnel, working in Automated Data Processing for force management. Gus gave me a short course in the Army system encouraging officers to remain in one career field; which was an explanation of how he had never returned to the infantry after his initial two years. He opted for a personnel career and during his two tours in Vietnam served as a personnel officer. Gus gave credit to accelerated Army promotions for his promotion to Major along with our USAF below-the-zone types. With Keyesian modesty he predicts that he will be a contemporary of the final 5 % promoted to L/C.
The remaining service received one of our classmates who was reportedly assigned to a patrol squadron at Brunswick NAS, Maine. The squadron believed our classmate to be at Defense Language Institute learning Spanish en route to an assignment as assistant Naval Attache. Lima, Peru. A call to Monterey revealed that, in the surreptitious style of a HUGHES, Mike had been neither seen nor heard of.
Who-What-Where: Dave BOCKELMAN, A-10 SPO, WPAEB; Gale PEC K, Dan DONOVAN, Walt W1CKLEIN. Don HUTCHINSON are all joining the Air Staff Pentagon; Chuck ALLPORT, setting new record for shortest Air Staff tour departs after seven months. Chuck, wife. 4 girls and dog were flying straight through to Teheran, Iran, where Chuck will have S&T responsibility in the new Defense Representative’s ottice. Dave ROE, as a White House Fellow, has moved to HEW. Mike SCHIEBER is at Lowry now but expects to join the Teheran contingent in December as
MAACi Chief of Flight Operations. Al HARWICK and Dick HODGKINSON. students at ACSC, Maxwell. Bill BROWNING, occasionally changing to clean socks between VIP flights out of Andrews. Dick KLASS is running a management evaluation team from Hq USAFF. and reports that Edd WHEELER is in USAFE Plans; John RAUSCH. AAFCE(NATO) Intelligence; Erv ROKKE and Warren ROBBINS. US NATO m Brussels. Harlan JOHNSTON is an engineer with Logicon Inc., managing software programs for F-4, Minuteman, MX. and is living in Rancho Palos Verdes, C'A. Bill HOLBROW is president and owner of a medical electronics manufacturing company in City of Industry, CA. Jim ANNIS is Associate Director, University of Tennessee Technical Assistance Center, flying with the ANG, living in Knoxville. Ed STANTON runs the Houston office of Turf Maintenance Supply Company. Lanny LANCASTER, Fighter Weapons Requirements, Pentagon, wants everyone to know he has a big townhouse and has a place for anyone passing through. And when you’re in town, attend our monthly RI B luncheon. Call Walt WICKLEIN (225-9933) for date and time.
P.S. I forgot Dick KLASS last time when 1 was listing those who already are L/C. Dick was too much of a gentleman to mention it, all you already knew it. and I feel a lot better now that I've corrected my oversight.
Maj. Skip Lee 3254 Nottingham Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Upon completion of the shortest tour in Thailand on record, Linda and I have settled down in our new assignment—-the same old job at Keesler (Camp Swampy) AFB, Ms and the 53 Weather Recon Sqdn. Once again, as promised, I pick up the pen and return to write the 1963 Class News. Many thanks go out to Fred METCALF for his fine effort last quarter. Despite his stated reluctance to get involved in the Class News or the Magazine, we all know Fred thoroughly enjoys anything to do with the Association of Graduates. He would return to the AOG at the drop of a hat, if asked. Thanks Freddie!
Dave JACKSON writes he has finally gone and done what a lot of us expected he would do a long time ago. That is, the “Deacon" is to begin attending the Melodyland School of Theology in Anaheim, California on 15 September. He is also head of the maintenance department for the Melodyland Christian Center. Dave has invited all those planning to visit Disney Land to stop by and pay a visit as his new address places him in the immediate vicinity of Fantasy Land; 1212 Apollo Ave., Anaheim, California 92806. We all wish you the best of luck in your new adventure Dave.
Here are a few “quick and dirties” or information on classmates glommed from change of address cards or Home Town News Releases with little in the way of specifics: Joe HICKS has returned to the Conus, Bill HEINLEIN and Warren (No-go) NOGAKI are at SAMSO, Al BEAUCHEMIN is also in California—San Berdoo, Dan RINGLER is at Wright-Patterson beginning an AFIT program and Gary VERFUSS has moved from Wright-Patterson to Chelmsford, Mass. (Hanscom?). Returning to the cockpit are Skip VARA KC-135 at Kadena. Tom FRYER—T-37 at Reese and George PASQUET—C-130 and Middleton. Virginia (Langley?).
When the time for awards and recognition for jobs well done rolls around '63 always seems to be in the fore. Re-
cently James Frederick WILSON was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for outstanding accomplishments as an SR-71 Aircraft Commander on November 11, 1973 during a mission to gather intelligence vital to the national interests. Maybe someday Jim will be able to enlighten us with the specific details of the mission. I’m sure there is a heck of a story hidden in there somewhere. Congratulations!
Curt PRESTON’s squadron, the 1958th Communications Squadron was recognized for their efforts during the recent Vietnamese refugee airlift to Guam. The unit not only handled the massive flow of air traffic and communications requirements of the airlift in spectacular fashion, they volunteered their off-duty time to assist in setting up beds, manning food lines, driving buses and acting as interpreters. Ed PICKENS is a Flight Commander of the 77TFS, winner of the USAFE Commander's Trophy for outstanding mission achievement during the past year. Ed’s outfit also played a significant role in helping its parent unit, the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, earn the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for increasing the defense effectiveness of North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces.
Our classmates in Mufit are no sluff-offs either. One of the most recent achievements of the M-Brigade was Bill RITCHIE's appointment as Controller for the Maintenance Operations Division of United Airlines with responsibilities for directing the financial programs at the company’s Maintenance Operations Center, San Francisco International Airport. “I left my heart in
NOTES IN PASSING: Hugh “Kenny” WEBB has been coordinating the Academy’s Operation Third Lieutenant Program this summer sorry we missed each other at KBIX Ken; a few Yellow Tags moved up in the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel this summer—I have official word on Colonel Coates and Fogleman although I know) there were more congratulations to all new Lt Colonels!
I would like to use this column to elaborate more on the duties of our classmates if you would only fill me in a little bit. If we knew more about each others activities, details, chores, etc., I'm sure some intra-class dialogue would develop thus making us better aware of the ever increasing spectrum of the Air Force mission. How about a few letters, or cards, or notes scribbled on change of address cards, along this line of discussion?
The other night while watching the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite the correspondent on one story turned out to be Roger SIMS. Too bad we didn’t see his face. Anyway a star is about to be born keep it up Rog!
Anyone for a 15th year reunion? More on that next time.
Capt Rod Wells
105 Fox Hill Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
After a summer of playing Assistant AOC and finding out about new things (new to ’64 grads) like Jack’s Valley, Aptitude Probation, “proceeding individually" to meals, optional chapel, and parasailing. I'm ready to settle down to a semester of old things like GR's, term papers, and sweaty palms during mid-terms and finals.
Speaking of our hallowed halls. I thought you might be interested in some info on '64 grads here at USAFA (espedaily if this issue gets to you before Homecoming), so here it is:
Gary Anderson (History) Qtrs 4408 B Marion 3230 0494
James Brown (Comm Sq) 5270 Redondo Cir Alexis 4044 598-2915
Daneil Busse (Elect Eng) Qtrs 6406 A Nancy 2475 0237
Glenn Coleman (Areo) Qtrs 6401 E Helen 3800 1758
Terrence L. Dillon (Math) Qtrs 6410 F Karen 2891 1137
Harald Doglinani (Physics) 6525 Turret Dr. Lois 2460 598-0831
Samuel Finch (Chemistry) 4855D El Camino Dr 3975 598-4485
Gregory Hildebrandt (Econ) Qtrs 4512 A Sandra 3067 0969
Willie Honea (Elect Eng) Qtrs 4307 G Ann 2023 0803
Terry Isaacson (Ath-Football) 4810 Alteza Dr Nancy 1897 597-6901
Douglas Jenkins (Math) 4861 Escapardo Way Lois 2070 597-2310
Allen Larson (Elect Eng) Qtrs 4210 C Nancy 2023 1623
John Lorber (Ath-Football 275 Dolomite Susan 3836 598-2267
Wiliam McKenney (Cadet Scheduling) Qtrs 4540 B Karen 4095 0706
Richard Porter (History) Qtrs 4517 A Sherry 3888 1523
Michael Robbins (For Lang) 1205 Woodmoor Dr Leslie 2830 481-2179
David B. Samuel (Info) 1 I Raven Hills Ct Karen 2990 598-4653
Leroy Stutz (Honor Exec) Qtrs 4413 F Karen 4275 0414
Robin Tornow (Eng Mech) Qtrs 4505 F Barbara 3859 0890
Richard Walsh (Astro) Qtrs 4305 J Beverly 4126 0740
Rod Wells (English) 105 Foxhill Lane Sabra 3439 599-7966
Richard Wolniewicz (Geog) 1 12 Del Ooro Circle Gretel 2328
Dennis Wiedemicr (557 FTS) Qtrs 4511 H Joan 3652 472-6120
New arrivals here include three grads finishing Ph.D. work: Dick WOLNIEWICZ in Geography (now Clark AB sees you, now it doesn't). Greg HILDEBRANDT in Economics, and Denny WIEDMEIER in Mechanics. Recent departures include these homesteaders: Bob BEVERLEY, Chuck HILL, and Tim KLINE all to AFCS; Don ALBERTS
to F-4’s in Okinawa (not Eglin, sorry); and Dave MUEH to C-141s at Charleston AFB. S.C.
So much for life cloistered here in the 17,000 acre petri dish, let's hear what's happening out there in the R.A.F.
Several of our members continue to move in academic circles (ever-decreasing concentric ones): Mr. Gordon SMITH finished his Ph.D. at Cal Tech in aero and is working with the Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee, Jeff BAKER is at North Carolina for a Ph.D. in Econ, and Carver SEARS, A1 HERZBERG, and Walt BECKER have all entered the AFIT gristmill.
On the Move Dept: A1 ROGERS has finished AFSC and is checking out in BUFs at Castle enroute to Ellsworth; Mr. Rip THOMAS is settled down at Med School in Lubbock; Don SMITH is at Holloman; Stu McCURDY in Fayetteville, N.C.; Les BAER to Luke as an F-4/F-15 simulator project officer; Clarence FUNG from overseas to Los Angeles; Jack COLE from AFSC to C-141s at Norton; Gary RYSER to SAC HQ in gaming (nothing to do with gams, it’s games); Curt BAYER from U-Tapao to L. G. Hanscom AFB, Mass.; Chuck CLIFTON to Nellis from Kunsan; and Bill DOUGLASS from AFSC to Luke.
As some of you may know, A1 McARTOR resigned on a hardship discharge. His daughter, Kelly, is undergoing cobalt treatments for cancer; while she is doing relatively well, the long term prognosis is still not good. I know you will join me in hopes and prayers for the McArtor family.
Short Bursts: Joe RODWELL is now District Manager for Northwestern Mutual Life here in C-Springs; Don HIEDE is in Minneapolis working for Target Stores, Inc.; Ben COLLINS is in Aspen real estate; Rog NEELAND, based at NKP in HH-53's, came close to the Mayaguez action; Bob THOMAS is at the Pentagon in Studies and Anal (?); and Dave La CROIX has joined with a '65 grad in a law firm in Gainesville, Fla.
That about does it folks; may I echo my plea for your epistles? If nothing else, squeeze in your new job/base on the side of the change of address forms—every little bit helps. Till next time, see you at Homecoming!!!
Capt. Joseph A. Koenig
7801 Harshmanville Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45424
I have an open invitation to anyone and everyone going to Florida. It may be too late for most vacations this year but it may interest you winter-time Florida tourists. The invitation is from Dick and Maxine ZUCKER. Dick is motivating Florida State students into AFROTC there in Tallahassee. Tom and Marti GORGES stopped in for a visit on their vacation from Wurtsmith to Disneyworld. Tom runs most of the CE squadron at Wurtsmith. Dick writes that Tom and Jeanne KOSS get over often from Tyndall. Tom is keeping busy on the ADWC Stan/Eval and Jeanne keeps herself going as the OWC president. Tom hopes to get out to USAFA (or, heaven-forbid, AFROTC) next year. Fred BOLI, another Evil Eight-er, should be in Moscow, caviar, and fine vodka now after finishing language school. Mike KRUSE is reported to be in the Baltimore area. “JAWS” has scared him away from his favorite water activities.
Dick passed on that Eight’s fearless ex-AOC “Fire-Can” Dan WALSH (now full colonel) is in the Pentagon heading up the Tact Division under the Dep for Ops, DCS/P&O. He says the job is usually a stepping stone to a star.
Nancy SCARBOROUGH wrote a nice note from Hollomon—Dennis, on that Saturday morning, was at school, MA in Guidance and Counseling. Nancy and Dennis hope to get to the reunion if his trip to Europe doesn't spoil things. Other 65ers in that same predicament at Holloman are Dave BENNETT, Bart RASPOTNIK and Bruce RUNEKE. Nancy writes that Steve and Lynn CALDWELL are homesteading in New Mexico-—I didn’t realize there was anything left to homestead in N.M. Other news I received from Holloman via a change of address is that J. C. EDWARDS is back out at SAMSO"
Other address changes shows that we have another (Asst) Air Attache—Paul WILKE has gone to Bonn. Howie ESTES is in D.C.—at the Pentagon, I suppose. Bill MALERBA is with 105 Weasels at George. Wayne ROGERS is flying A-7Ds at Myrtle Beach. Harry DOERER has exited the ZI to Ramstein and Carl LYDAY reentered from Europe to go to Edwards. Also new at Edwards is Howard ROSE who is supporting the B-l flight test program.
I was talking to Rocky SMITH the other day (Rocky is getting out here soon) and he told me Craig WATERSTRAAT had just arrived WPAFB. It turns out he was in the same organization I was just transferred to—the RPV SPO. Craig just finished his masters in industrial management at RPI. While out there in the civilian world he didn’t see many 65ers. He did visit with Jack HEWITT. He says Jack resembles Santa Claus in some ways now and has climbed to be a VP of the Chase Manhatten Bank—his hours sound as ridiculous as those at the Pentagon.
Dick DEWING recently received an AFCM for service at Luke in the training wing. Jack THOMPSON received an MSM for performance as a system program officer at Udorn. Jack is now at CU. Ted OLSON, on the other hand, just quit schooling after receiving an MA in industrial management from Central Michigan. Ted is at Wurtsmith now with SAC. A1 GRIESHABER is going back to Syracuse to get his Ph.D.—in English, I believe.
I almost thought I had A1 signed up as the class news secretary. It turns out that when Tom PILSCH wrote and told me A1 was interested in the job it was the demon rum (so A1 says) at the O-Club on 9 June 75 that made him hear that and pass it on. On that information I did not put out the call in the last newsletter for a new secretary. Al was good enough to look around at the Academy there and Tim McCONNELL has stepped forward to take the column after the reunion. In addition to teaching in the mech department I hear Tim is functioning as the department’s executive officer. He is also the organizer for the banquet on Saturday of the reunion weekend. If you make it to the reunion please take a moment to pass on any class news you have to him. I’m sure he’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and assistance. You will also probably see Al. He is the organizer for the 65er 10th year reunion on Friday night.
I have enjoyed my time as class news secretary. 1 appreciate the aid and news you were interested enough to send my way. I strongly recommend the job to any of you. As I told Tim though, it is a job that for everyone concerned, especially, the readers, it should be held only about two years at the most. I'm sure Tim will appreciate any news or suggestions you might have—Qtrs 4311, USAFA. Good Luck and Thanks to you all.
'66
In contrast to the last issue’s endeavor, the class secretary for the Class of 1966 has a warm, self-satisfied glow Capt. J. O. McFalls
110 Chandler Road Goldsboro, NC 27530
about him. Do you realize that at least four, count'em four people read this newsletter column.
Yep. 1 guess in response to my pleading, got newsy letters from all across the globe—and two of them were from wives of classmates. (At this rate, the 10 Year Reunion next year should be interesting!)
Sincere thanks to Kenny BOONE. Tom BRANDON, Conni TWAY, and Saudi GOODEN.
The formal migration of RTB's from F4's to 0-2’s seems to be in full swing. Tom BRANDON is an ALO at Fort Ford, Monterey, CA. Now, if you've got to get used to olive drab, that's not a bad place to do it. A1 KONTRICK. also known as "that gray-haired old man.” is equally roughing it in his 0-2 as an AI.O in Hawaii. Kenny BOONE reports that his ALO tour in Vicenza Italy is coming to an end. He won the Daedalion Foundation Fellowship and will be pursuing a Masters in Astro at Purdue starting next summer. Marty ANDRADE had already left and is flying 130’s in Little Rock. Kenny also sees Charlie SARFF on occasion at Aviano where he's stationed with the weapons detachment. Duane TWAY finally gave up his homestead in Bentwater, after five years and is flying O-2's out of Bergstrom with the 702nd TASS.
We also have a growing contingent of ROTC instructors. Tobe GOODEN is setting the Angel Flight straight at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA; while George FINAN has landed the same job at old rival, Norte Dame. Speaking of ROTC. Wayne MEYERS reports he’s keeping his perspective as an exchange officer at West Point. Let’s see how does it go? "Up the Hill .Down the Hill .Through the Hill!”
Latest additions to the Aluminum U. faculty—Don HAUSUM and Butch SCHRECKER.
Nowadays you're nothing unless your'e a professional. Donnie CULPEPPER made major the easy way he temporarily "moth-balled” his blue suit, because the Air Force wouldn't send him to Med School. After completing Texas Tech’s medical cirriculum, he qualified for the new AF Intern Program. As of 8 June '75 he's an intern and a major at Andrews AEB. Pete NASH is a resident at the Keesler Medical Center, and Andy BLUMBERG is a civilian resident at the University of New Mexico Affiliate Hospitals in Albuquerque. Bude LYLE is a lawyer in Kansas flying with the Kansas Guard (EB-57’s). New major, John McBROOME somehow managed to be nominated as a distinguished graduate at Command and Staff, while maintaining no lower than an "A” average at Auburn, earning his MBA. Where was 1 when they passed out the "smarts”?
I ran into Wayne SKORA in Spangdahlem this summer. He's the same as ever, holding down the Wing Scheduling job lor the FA’s. I also tracked down Andy “Wheels" FORNAL who was on alert when 1 finally got to Bittburg. 1 also missed Dick BETHUREM at USAFE HQ. You remember him as the ex-co-owner of "Boone’s and Throom's Drinking Emporium" in Phoenix.
Kevin McELVAIN sent word through mutual friends that he had completed (struggled through) Flight Weapons School and was back at MacDill as an FA IP. He undoubtediy ran into Lacy VEACH, the aide to the commander at Nellis.
Now, if that wasn't enoug random blithering Albee RICHARDSON and his wife are lucratively engagned in slimming down! They bought an Elaine Powers Figure Salon franchise in Albuquerque. Those of you who have seen me lately can attest that I would make an excellent customer Buzz RICH is a radar whizz at NORAD's
20th Air Division at Luke Bill BERRY and his bass guitar are happily located at Castle where he's a “rated supp,” maintenance officer Tom MUNCH is still at Davis-Monthan happily married, with a brand new baby (the second little Muncher) Stretch STRZEMIENCZNY was honored at an AFA convention in San Antonio as the Outstanding Air Force Association Member of the Year.
Well, that's it for another issue. Oh by the way, I’m still anxiously awaiting a 10-year reunion chairman volunteer! Take Special Note—you Rocky Mountain inhabitants.
Mr. Larry Wilson Stanford Manor Apt. 206 1110 Stanford Rd. Grand Forks, ND 58201
I would not have believed it possible, but this go-round my grad mail could be measured in negative units—I sent out more letters than I received. This was not extremely difficult, as I received none, and, catching up old correspondence that dated back to pre-Christmas, I sent out at least four. Well, you by your silence have condemned yourselves—here is another column of assorted disarticulated ramblings, all my very own, except for the who’s-gone-where poop from the AOG. And I shall dispense with that first.
It seems that John ZAJAC is now a major as well as an MD, and is presently located at Scott AFB as a resident in Family Practice; Dale STOVALL is in Montgomery, Alabama; Vic WILLIAMS, Glenn HOWERTON, Brian DELUCA, and Clint PRICE are in Denver; Ken SPROUL and John PLETCHER at Dayton, Ohio; John CARNEY, Kirtland AFB, NM; Ron ORTON, Colorado Springs; Roger HILL to a hardship tour at Ramstein, Germany; and last again is the old sleeper himself, Doug COOK, who has wandered to APO SF 96334. While I have no idea where that is, for Doug’s sake I hope that it is a country where siesta is a custom. He will be so much more at home. Also from Association came a wad of hometown news releases, summarized as follows: Ted LEGASEY, the ranking midget in the AF, is working on the B1 at Edwards AFB; Ron BOSTON spent an intensively stimulating stint at SOS before going to the AFA as an instructor; and Jim DAVIES has gone south for the winter, to the Canal Zone. As the cool weather inexorably settles in to the northland that seems like it would be a perfectly lovely place to be.
Saw a dandy flying movie this past summer—"Waldo Pepper.” Thought I could barely control my airsickness during the aerial scenes, it was a fun filek. Those of you who are still in or near the flying game should really enjoy it.
And speaking of the flying game. I learned this summer of what seems to me to be an absurdity of the first magnitude. That is. of course, the AF program to yank its excess pilots, of which there apparently are many, out of the cockpit, and to place them in such related fields as Commissary, Security Police. Missiles, and Family Housing. At full flight pay. With the stipulation that they may go near a cockpit lor some indetermined number of year.s After all the years of pointing every AFer toward pilot training as though it were the Holy Grail, it seems that someone at last took a look at the number of available aircraft and noted a discrepancy. The whole situation is incogruous enough to fit easily into a Woody Allen movie.
For 45 days this past summer I turned into the lowest ranking member of the Class of '67 donned my blues, pinned on my old brown bars, and worked at the local AFB hospital.
It was quite an experience. The first shocker came when I had to purchase new uniforms as the ones I occasionally wore from '67 to '71 fit me like the casing on a sausage. There was no doubt that 1 am no longer at my old wrestling weight. Anyhow, the tour reawakened some long dorment memories of the military—the professionals and the lifers, the workers and the loafers, the pleasant and the less—than, the sublime and the ridiculous. Examples: the CAFI inspection that disrupted schedules, cost thousands upon thousands of dollars, caused heat stroke among who were painting, etc, outdoors under the summer North Dakota sun—and lasted about ten minutes; the shortages of hospital equipment and supplies, due to some cost reduction program, while the bombers and tankers circled overhead, wasting fuel to lighten their landing loads; the grounded fliers on flight pay. The w'hole situation seemed at times absurd—yet I find myself planning, barring some unforseen problem, to stay in after I finish school, and eventually retire from the AF. That, too, seems a bit incongruous.
On a serious vein—I encourage all to read this Newsletter's articles, including my letter to the editor, on POW/ MIA. The issue is still very much open, and should be a matter of great concern to all of us. Camie Pugh, mother of Dennis PUGH who has been missing for about five years, summed it up eloquently in a note to me which in part reads I'm sure there are men alive over there and among them might be Dennis or Mike or Don or Charles or Morgan or Scotty There but fortune go you, or I.
Peace.
'68
Capt Mark A. Torreano Qtrs 4409G
CO 80840
Another summer has expired in the foothills of the Rockies, but not before Carl and Debbie JANSSEN organized the (Second) Annual Class Get Together, this year at the Lawrence Paul Picnic Area. Everyone brought a salad or dessert and Bill MARKHAM picked up some finger lickin' good eats for the approximately 20 couples that showed. New arrivals in the area included Jerry and Candy WYNGAARD (Math), Rob and Carol WILSON (Law), and Bill and Kathy BAZAR, who is a FAC at Fort Carson! Some guys will do anything to get back to Colorado.
Carl organized some swell games with the WYNGAARDS winning the balloon toss. Sue EVANOFF taking the ladies’ sack race and me somehow winning the men’s race (I think Carl and Jerry collided). Neal STARKEY discussed his plans to open a sporting goods store this March in the Springs. And the photo below (courtesy of Bob LUSH BAUGH) is an example of the productive way in which ’68ers do their jobs. Suggestion: Why don't other groups of classmates get together and send a description along with a photo?
Character assassination works. Henry JOHNSON wrote to defend his honor (but forgot to define “aegis"), opening with “Dear Turkey" a comment which I take in the good humor it was intended. Henry is returning from RF-4 recce time at Udorn after participating in the Mayaquez rescue and getting shot at. Also at Udorn were Bill GEORGE and Bob MIRABELLO (now at Shaw), Mike EVANS (now at Bergstrom), and Bill BOWMAN (enroute to Zweibrucken). Major Doug EVERETT, a former MACTHAI Flight Surgeon now at Wright-Pat doing his residency in family practice. After seeing Dick HALL at Reese, Henry reports he appears no worse the wear for his recent marriage. I think Henry, still a bachelor, said that a bit wistfully, so all you matchmakers out there pitch in and send information (with photos) on suitable partners to him at Lamplighter Apartments, No. K-4, Sumter (by the Sea), S.C. 29150 where he is an RF-4 RTU IP. Good to hear from you, Henry. Dave DELLWARDT wrote form Okinawa where he drives F-4's and helps Debby raise David (5) and Darci (3). This group is the 4 D’s. Dave graduated from Fighter Weapons School in May with the academic trophy and a world's record for the Butterfly Dart, with a hit in 31 seconds. Presently ;• Wing Weapons Officer with the 18th TFW, Dave will soon complete an MS in Systems Mgt thru USC. Dave also apologized for not writing since '72, which means about 500 of you are already two letters behind.
Glenn GILLETTE responded to seeing his name in print and dropped a note on a postcard (thereby saving 2c). Glenn is now a technical writer with a Dallas based international computer firm dealing in data-entry systems and minicomputers. He and Rita have a 13 month old daughter, Tanya. If any of you need some good writing done, let Glenn have a crack at it. He still does freelance work and even has a novel making the rounds. Good luck with getting it published, Glenn. Dick FAST jotted out a short note too, describing the rigorous academic requirements now being visited upon his head, but as we all konw, into each life a little rain must fall. And so do babies, as Sherrie had another girl, Ann Marie, on 3 Sept. Congrats to all involved. Jack FROST called me during a visit to USAFA from his TDY to the Procurement School at Lowry. In four (4) short weeks, the Air Force will transform a mild mannered pilot into a hard charging production engineer assigned to the B-l SPO in LA. He and Linda have two children, and are looking forward to living in S. Cal. Where Jack will probably be playing tennis 13 months a year. Jack mentioned that Benny VETETO is at Lowry, attending Intel School for a rated supplement job. Where to, Benny? He also says that DJ MROSLA is enroute to Korea to be Aide to General Stillwell, probably hoping he gets a bit part in M.A.S.H.
Pat RUSSELL phoned while he was in town visiting Nita’s parents. He has left a job with the AFLC IG team at Wright-Pat to take an Education with Industry position with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pat will be doing quality control work in heavy maintenance while Nita will be home with their two boys, six and 1 Vz years old. News of other 68ers provided by Pat include Brian O'HARA and Steve BORHA arriving and departing AFIT in residence
respectively. And Ron GIBBONS is in the Springs working with a surveying company as a civilian.
Change of address cards yielded a lew goodies. Boh NICE is a production manager for Charmin Paper in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where I imagine he is successfully resisting the urge to squeeze. Ralph BOWERS, fresh from an AFIT tour at the U of Oregon, is going to the F-5E SPO at Wright-Pat as a Country Manager, Foreign Military Sales. Would you buy a used airplane from this man? Chuck JONES is in sunny Champion AFS, Alaska, which sounds like a weapons controller job on the DEW Line? And a couple of troops are still in Thailand, with Dave KAPP at NKP and Ed SINGER is a special operations officer at U-Tapao. What's going on over there, guys?
Quickies: Russ WALKER and Dick PERRY have finished SOS, and Bob WILLIAMS is a recent AFIT grad. New AEIT-in-rcsidence entries include Rober SINDLE, Mike GILCHRIST, Bob LUTTER. Paul TAIBL, Jackie ROBERTS, Jack STRICKLAND, Paul COUSINS. George DEGOVANNI, Bil GRAIG and Dan BARKER. Attending civilian schools are Gerald BROWN at Texas Tech and Russ SCHWENGELS at the U of Alabama. Kudos to Joe HEDRICK. Tony EDEN and Jim JOHNSON (both now at AFITO who have received the Commendation Medal and Alan DUNKERLEY (also now at AFIT) and Virgil MONTI have received Meritorious Service Medals. Bob MAGUIRE was named JOC of the year at the Special Weapons Center and Henry HUNGERBEELER was OC of the month at HQ MAC.
Extraneous: I have recently transferred from my teaching job in Poly Sci to the Chief of Staff’s office in Harmon Hall, where I will be coordinating the various conferences held at USAEA. If any of your organizations need a good place to hold a conference, we can help. Give me a call at 259-2009. Major Selection Board results will be out soon and we will have our first line Majors. Pre-congrats to all who are among the elect.
If any of you have a little spare time, take a stroll thru the Polaris as I have been doing lately and relive old times. It reminds me of the new TV show "When Things Were Rotten". Finally, have you heard what the fourthclass wornen “cadcttes” will be called (Among other things)? Sugar Smacks, of course.
Capt. Gerald D. Luallin
10745 Beclan Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Ph. 916-635-7719
Some days you eat the bear, Some days the bear eats you.
It’s been an unusual summer here in the Sacramento area. We have had more than the usual rain and the ternperatures have been coler. Myself I have trouble feeling cool in the cooler 98° as opposed to hotter 104°.
Charlotte and I took some time away from home to visit some class mate friends. We journeyed down to Monterey Bay on the 4th of July weekend to visit Roy REED and his gracious wife Sharon. It was a whirlwind weekend filled with fog, daiquiris, beer, good food, good music, good friends and lots of sand. Roy is learning his Greek well, but is not sure where his air attache job will be.
After a long recovery at home Charlotte and I ventured down to Merced to welcome Chip and Laurie SUMMERS
to California. Chip is now an Instructor Nav at Castle (SAC). It was an enjoyable weekend and nice to see their daughters, Jenny and Tammy again.
Steve SOTEROPOULUS came back from SOS and has settled back into the routine here at Mather. Steve CARTER after reconditioning his corvette is again out at the race tracks. Jon BEAR was attending night classes with me this summer. Jon is presently stationed at McCleland AFB. Jon has finally decided to give the rest of the bachelors in the world a chance. Yes, Jon is going to make that small step for mankind and that great leap for Jon. Along with marriage, Jon has been selected for an AFIT slot.
I was not overwhelmed with correspondence this quarter. However. I received some letters. Dick DOWNES, his wife Naty and daughter Kathleen are back in the Canal Zone. Dick is on his second tour as information officer for the Southern Command. Dick would like to hear what Bill MILLER and Bill LEE are up to. Drop him a line. (To clarify the last sentence, for Bill Miller, it means write him a letter.) Dick and Naty have asked me to let our classmates know their doors are open to visitors.
Doug and Terese SCHOTT are still braving the winters of South Dakota. Doug is an Instructor Pilot in KC-135's. Soon, however, he will PCA as a missile maintenance officer. Doug will have some relief from the next winter. He is going to SOS in January.
Since I did not get much in the way of news from correspondence, I guess I'll have to resort to the AOG letters. Larry KUBICZ is going to be an l.P. at Williams AFB. Tom TOOPS, Ron MARCOTTE, Ray MALINOVSKY, Jim LEUTHAUSER, Steve KOLET, Rudy H ALLEN BECK, Tom SHUMWAY, and Jim ROBINSON have all entered AFIT to pursue a masters degree. With that group at AFIT I am sure there will be a lot of pursuit going on.
For all of you looking for a doctor, Randy KING has entered the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Bob ARN, a weather officer at Patrick AFB, participated in the launching and recovery of the recent American and Russian link-up in space.
Since it did not take at the Academy, Jerry BOESCHE, Dave ASTLE. and Leon WITTMER have been sent to SOS for retraining. Dave NELSON is an assistant professor of Mathematics at the Academy. Dave will be going to Penn State to pursue his Ph.D. Bob BENNETT is a W.S.O. at Nellis. Ed WEISE is going to Osan A.B. as a weapons control officer. Art WEYEMULLER is a F-4 pilot at Kunsan. Tom BOON and Ron DISOWSKI are stationed at Offut AFB, Neb. Ron recently received the meritorious service citation. Steve STOWE, an F-4 AC and flight examiner received the “TOP Gun” award at Bitburg AB. Germany. Donald CAIN, a computer tech instructor was named outstanding Junior Officer of the Quarter. Ron SCHRECK. who is stationed at Myrtle Beach. (I wonder how he takes the rough duty?) recently took part in the Atlantic Command Joint-Service Training exercise. Hugh FORSYTHE has been selected outstanding Pilot instructor of the month at Randolph AFB, Texas. And I’m out of Bananas. Love, Charlotte and Lou.
We are now five years out of school. If ever our lives were in turmoil, it is now. Some have felt the need to go Mr. Bill Manning RD #1 Lake Carey Tunkhannock, PA 18657
elsewhere for employment, and others have decided that their present situation affords sufficient satisfaction and security. I am reminded of a poem by Robert Frost. The Road Not Taken. It begins:
“Two Roads divided into a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both.”
it ends with:
“and I,
I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.”
If you care to read it, you might find that it says something for all of us. We are at a point in our lives where a decision should be made. To step in one direction or the other should be a decision, not a resignation. I talk with this spirit because I find it evident in many classmates. It is pleasing to see friends stay or go, because it is what they have decided, and a bit sad to see someone resign himself to one life or the other.
This has been another literary interlude in a continuing series.
There will be a large span of time between some of the letters that follow and the time they were written. They would have been in the last issue if we had had a last issue. Somehow, the Academy Bank received our article and held onto my newsy attempt. That about two issues ago? Well, for that one I was snowed-in at Goose Bay AB in Labrador (and SAC actually left us up there on “Vacation"). A great personal story made the stay most rewarding. I do hope we all get to read this issue!
Gordon MIDDLETON gets the award for most involved duty title: Systems Program Management Officer in Configuration Management for the A-10 Weapons System with Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Defense Nuclear Agency at Wright-Patterson AFB. (that really is worth relating.) Don WESTBROOK is still in the F-l 1 1 A now at Nellis, back from KORAT RTAFB. Scott HAWTHORN got his law degree and is now in the ”JAG” office at Hanscom. Sam WOOD has joined the Grissom ranks in the KC-135 after leaving ATC. Tim MOONEY (Hello to the War Chief) is now at Sheppard as commander of the Civil Engineering Squadron.
Len and Don MILLS wrotes that they were leaving KADENA coming to Ellsworth AFB, S.D., as a NAV in EC-135’s flying for the 4th ACCS. Soon they will have a second child to go along with their little girl.
Bill LINCOLN (Sharon) sent word from the large contingent at D-M in Arizona. They should have had a little girl by now, to go with their two boys. The A-7 IP ranks are full of classmates: Bill, Mike SHIRA, Roger RIGGS, John PENNEY, Craig JOHNSON, Skip BENNETT, and Jack NORMAN. Dave GAW and Jim FLOYD came from Shaw and the OSCAR-DEUCE for A-7 initial checkout. Bob DRABANT went through DM for his A-7 checkout, and then on to England AFB. Pete FOX was still in A7’s and Paul ROSSETTI has now transferred to F-4's. Harry SANDS has gone from O-2's to OV-10's and now is flying F-4's at Nellis were Bill McGUIRE in F-4’s, Roger PETERSON in the F-l I 1 and Art MacDONALD and Scott SAUNDERS in the T-38 aggressor squadron. Mark ROBBINS (Debbie) is at Mt. Home flying the new and exciting F-l 1 IE. Tony DeSANTIS is at Dover in C-141’s; Doug KIRKPATRICK is at Washington, D.C. flying T-39's; Billy WEBER in T-29’s in Minnesota (is there a base there?); Cal BROWN in C-141's at Travis; Lin SMITH somewhere in Maine. Carroll HONEYCUTT flying H-C-130’s at KORAT;
and Mike LYGA (Hi Moog) was a traveling weapons controller in Europe.
Final note from LINC was that J. C. PENNEY and his wife Stephanie were the designers and co-producers of '70's first set of twins (girls)—any contenders? Thanks for the super contribution Bill.
Ron GRAIGIE finished SOS at Maxwell along with Bruce HARMON, and Tom MENARD; Tim SHARKEY is now and F-l 11 Nav at Plattsburgh; John REDMAN participated in the Air Force world-wide ski meet at Snow Basin in Utah (Dan McFADDEN must have been there too.); A1 SWAIM is in C-14Fs at McChord and was in the above SOS group; Denny HALL, who is a T-38 IP at Sheppard was chosen as Sheppard's Outstanding IP (the news release didn't say, but it must have been for “all time"); Dean KNIOLA and Bob WELBAUM received their M.S. degrees from AFIT—Congratulations.
Judy and Moses HERRARA wrote from Med School in Houston after 3 years of research at Wright-Patt. Mike LAMBERT (Jenney) is across from V.T. at Baylor; also in med school. Jenney is working on a degree in dietetics— sounds super. They added the following: Dave PERRON is back from Korea to the joy of Patty and their 2 chlidren; Steve GARBE (Penny) is in Hawaii; Bill HAMMIL (Shirley) is with Red Horse in Okinawa/Thailand; Tom GRAFF ((Debbie) is in Tempe, Arizona; Till HARP (Marilyn) is in C-5's at Travis; Bill CAVIN (Patti) is a procurement specialist in Albuquerque; Bob BAKER (Marilyn) is still at Vance in Enid, Oklahoma; and John LEN I HAN (Cindy) is practicing OB-GYN at Madigan Army Hospital near Seattle. Thanks.
Dave LOVE sent word from England and the 78th TFS—who, over the years, have consistently kept us informed (remember my award to Tim and Sue KINNAN?!). Duke ELLIS (Bonnie), Greg SCHWARTZ (Linda), the Kinnans and Dave's wife EV make up our representatives. Greg is a command post expert, Tim can tell all about SOS and Dave is following Tim into the IP ranks. It is always good to hear about the hardship tour in the V.K.
To mention another classmate no longer with us, Dick HAINES passed away on March 2nd of this year. Our sincere condolences.
Now that we are turning into numbers in the graduate records, let us collect ourselves, personally. Take the time (that you have always wanted to), arise, pick up thy pen and write. Your friends don't think you too insignificant.
in As a friend wrote, “may you find peace and fulfillment, your search.”
Bill
Lt. Robert B. Manning 1305 Books Enid, OK 73701
Hello class! Has it been another 3 months already? Time flys even if we're not. That was a little humor. I am writing this letter from my TDY station, which is the Puzzle Palace of Southwest Texas. Randolph AFB always has a special place in everyone’s heart as long as they hold the strings for promotion and assignments. I am undergoing a training school lor a month and consequently haven't had much time for the news, so please forgive my hurried approach. I would “go around” but then the column would he late and probably would not get printed. I think
you all would rather have the most current word so "here come de news.”
The first info comes by way of letters written in and continue to be appreciated. Quentin FUHS sends word that he is starting AFIT at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He will graduate from there as a dentist' so everyone who still has wisdom teeth will probably just be sending a card to say hi.
Rusty STILES writes from his hardship tour at Hickam AFB on the beach. He says he somehow coerced a California girl to switch beaches and his new wife, as of July, is named Liz. He is presently a helicopter IP and is stationed there with Jim O’DOY, Dave PORTER. atWl Curt K.EKOA. Curt recently married a girl named Patti and he is flying the JC130. The final letter was probably the most exciting to date and came by way of Mike LACKEY in NKP RTAFB. Mike sent word about the 21st Special Ops Sqdn and their work with the SS Mayaguez operation.
Included in the letter were notes about the following members of our class: Dick BRIMS, decorated with AF Cross for Mayaguez operation, going to Wiesbaden in CH53 Spec, operations; John SCHRAMM, decorated with the Silver Star, going to Hurlburt by way of SOS; Karl POULSEN, decorated with DFC going to Hurlburt by way of SOS; Ron VICKROY, going to Ft. Rucker. Ala. to be AF representative to Army helicopter school. Mike also received the Silver Star and is enroute to Hurlburt by way of SOS also mentioned was Don BACKLUND with the 440th ARRS at NKP; Don received the AF Cross and was joined by many other ’71 grads in his squadron. I apologize for not having all the names to send out.
The remainder of the news is by way of news releases and change of address cards and so for expediency I am going to run through alphabetically. It will also make it a little easier for you to find those you know. Barry BRUNS (Gerri) is the first and he is making camp at NKP. just where the previous news was from. Barry is a FAC but I am unsure of which aircraft. Gary BUTSON (Charlene) is at Robins AFB, GA working as an aeronautical engineer with the AFLC. Mums the word for Anoy CERON I who is an OSI Special Agent. Anoy has recently moved to Wiesbaden, Germany. Andy CORTY (Jean) is enroute across town by way of SOS. Andy is moving to LAAFS as a Procurement Officer. B-52 left seat is home for Jim DEMETRIO (Dorothy), stationed at Dyess AFB. TX. Paul DORAL is getting around with his F-4. He has recently moved from Bentwaters, England to Udorn RTAFB. Ed Edmondson (Joan) is an Executive Eupport Officer at Anderson AFB, Guam and is doing alot of work to help process Vietnamese refugees.
It seems we still have those who didn’t get enough education the first time. Trying his hand in AFIT at Wright-Patterson AFB is Mike FARAONE. In the potential education capital of the Air Force is Vern FRANCIS, who is a missile man stationed out of McConnell AFB. KS.
RALPH GETCHELL (Mary) is taking his rotary wing Jolly Green hither at yon. He is transferring from the Canal Zone to Osan AB, Korea where he will be a Div SAR Controller. Computers arc the handywork of Paul GILLMAN who is a Compter Systems Officer at Luke AFB. Aeronautical Engineer in that job is Paul GRIMES (Barbara) Oversaes on the second tour seems to be taking in a number of our class. Gary KALEN will be flying the AC-130 out of Korat. Electronics Engineer is the title for Jim KIELTYKA, (Eileen) who is working for the AFSC at Griffiss AFB, N.Y. Joining him in that job will be Bob KLIMEK who is at Wright-Pat in AFIT, School of Engineer
ing. The flying gas station is the pilot position for Vine LANDRY. He is working at Grand Forks AFB, N.D. Mark LEWONOWSKI has accepted student status again. He is in training at Goodfellow AFB, but I am not sure of the school. Backseat F-4 is not too bad, but being in Germany makes it better. Such is the life for Russ LOGAN (Roe) who is working out of Bitburg AB. A Commendation Medal was in order for Bob MOYER (Kelly) as he left personnel at Homestead AFB. He is now at MPC here at Randolph AFB. Trying to crosstrain for MA Bell is Dale PARNELL (Christine) who is a Communications Electronics Officer at Croughton RAF Stationed, England.
Aeronauttical Engineer is a big title for such a little fellow, but Felix SANCHEZ (Judy) is up for the task. Felix has just completed SOS at Maxwell and is returning to Tinker AFB, OK. The long hop over the pond is a piece of cake for Lee SHANNON, who is a Starlifter Jock out of Charleston. Jon STEVENS (Gale) is in the neighborhood working with the computer. He is presently a chief of computer programming for a system at MPC here at Randolph.
Computers must be the F-4 of the non-rated side because we have a few classmates into that activity. Viv SUMMERS (Carol) joins the crowd as a Computer System Officer at Luke AFB. I wonder if he knows Paul Gillman? The other big drawing card seems to be missiles at Grand Forks AFB. Also there is Jim SWEEDER. Duane TEHEE left Vance AFB 2 V2 years ago and seems to be circiling back. He is presently at Carswell AFB, TX in the Bongo. The SAC family has a hold on Frank WARD (Sharon) also. Frank is flying a gas machine for those Big Black Birds out of Beale AFB, CA. Just about the end of this quarter’s notes is somone doing a little heralded but highly important job as life support officer. I am referring to BOB WORTHINGTON (Patricia) who is moving to NKP to get in an overseas tour.
To finish up this column I would like to mention that Vance AFB is losing a good IP in the person of John STUBBLEFIELD (Bernadette). Stubby has decided to stop teaching the students and start teaching the teachers. He is begining a new job as T-38 PIT Instructor here at Randolph AFB. The rest of the Vance group is alive and well at Enid-by-the-Sea. So, class, that’s the word from the TDY forces out here in the trenches. If there are any other interesting facts that need to be rumored around, please send them through this office. My wife, Jan, and I send God’s love to all of you and wish you well. P.T.L.
1 Lt. Bob Bell 9307A Coolidge Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706 605-923-2231 /Autovon 747-2877
Well, Guys! Thanks for the positive feedback on that last newsletter. This one proves to be pretty extensive due to the nine personal letters you sent with good info on a lot of us. In case some of the items are a bit out of date, I think you can understand why with the leadtime required on a publication like this.
As I go through the Hometwon News Releases, I see that Mike PETERSON is remote to Kunsan, Korea as Chief of Personnel Utilization. Ed ORDZIE (Chris) is a recent grad of SAC’s Millile training program at Vandenberg, soon to beat the heat at Ellsworth in the Minuteman! Andy GESSNER (Joyce) was just TDY with his unit to Rheim-
Main in C-130's and is now back, at Little Rock. Jeff MONAGHAN ((Marilyn) switched from Osan to Bitburg as a WSO in F4's. Les ROSS and Bruce RASMUSSEN, both Cl 30 nav's at Dyess, were recent recipients of the JSCM for their role in "Operation King Grain” the airlift of food into W. Africa last year. Leaving MacDill for Udorn is Mark STUBBEN in the F4. John MOCKO (Suzanne) is getting his Master's in Astro with AF1T. Bill HALL now instructs in the T-37 at Laughlin. Mike ROMITO (Marilyn) has a hand in the research end of the B-l at Edwards as a Systems Program Management Officer. Back from a TDY to Mildenhall in C130's is Ed PAINTER, at Dyess. Mike BORYSEWICZ (Laraine) recently took part in an exercise with Atlantic Command in C-130's out of Pope. Harv SARSFIELD left Kunsan for Ramstein as an F4 WSO. A1 PANDOLFO is going for a Master's in Systems Management with AFIT, while out at Columbus, Bill LOONEY (Marilyn) is a T-38 IP.
New addresses include Tom O'RIORDAN at Beale in the B-52; Ralph ALLEN in the T-38 at Craig; Hank MASON in HH-53’s at NKP and Bruce KROEHL living in Las Vegas.
Still single and loving Ramstein is Jerry MARTIN who is an Intel Officer and recipient of a JSCM. Brad SHAFER writes from D-M after his TDY to NKP in H-3's with a report on 72’s chopper crowd over there. In the CH53 is Bob RAKITIS, Mark KUNO. With HH53's is Gary CRADLE. Hank MASON, Charlie BROWN and Chuck GREER. All of the above had a hand in the support and evac efforts surrounding the Mayaguez incident in one way or another. Also at NKP is Brett BERLIN, and out of UT we have Barry SMITH, in the C-130. Flying Young Tiger was Craig ANDERSON and Brian COLENDA. With Brad at D-M is Hank FEDDERN and Rol SCHANK is SAC Helo’s, and Scott STURMAN with Bill GIDEON in H-l’s —MAC Millile Support.
Ray HESTER BERG recently married Kathy and now lives in Dallas while he pursues his M.D. at U of T SW Med School, he says to drop by anytime. Writing from Seymour-Johnson was Pete MCCARTHY who had a nice bit of info to pass on. In addition to himself, Pete reports the group enlarging with Gary CONNER in B-52’s; Lee GARDNER and Frank CAUTHEN in KC-35’s. Frank recently gained a new dependent besides wife paula. Bill WALKER (Pat) flies the KC135 at Loring; Dave "Smokey” STOVER (Ann) is at McGuire in C-141’s. Recent returnee from Oxford after three years is our Rhodes scholar, Rick KOSKELLA, reporting to Defense Intelligence School at Alexandria, Va. Bernie CAREY has fun in the sun with the EC out of Patrick flying the Atlantic Missile Range. In KC’s at Grissom is Dave KINZER (Cathy) in Standboard. Kent BAYS (Virginia), and Steve “Oak” RANDOLPH (Suzie). Tom WEBB is a B-52er at Wurtsmith. Down at Vance in T-37's is Bob MANKE and in T-38's is Rick SABO and Pat ROONEY (Melody). Ed GRAF is a T-38 IP at Reese; “Vande” VanBASTELLAR (Sharon), also in the TALON, had a baby recently. Don MacNIVEN (Karen) with KC-135 maintenance at Altus also added a baby girl to his family. John GREENLAW is at USAFA in the T-41. Dave KERBER works in law at Lowry; Randy FITZHUGH (Jean) is at Holloman in the F4; Bob VEENSTRA at Norton in 14Fs along with Dee ERVIN (Linda) who has a new little one. Jerry PORTER went with the Buff’s from Wright-Pt to Beale. Bob BERG at Fairchild is in the KC135 while Pete VOGEL chops up air up there. Gary GRANT has his Cl 30 at Clark while Phil HUDSON ((Laurie) took his F4 to Korea. Wib ELLIOTT (Jo) joins
Steve MACHACEK (Shelley), and baby at Lakenheath in F4's—a nice place to stop over at, I might add!
Pat MOON has gone from Elmendorf to Ft. Meade, MD as a Signals Intelligence Officer and writes of some of the class he’s run across. Brad ELDREDGE is a weatherman at Mildenhall (married?) and Paul NIELSEN (married?) has gone to UPT at Williams. Skip MORGAN seeks his Law degree at Omaha, while John SUHAR goes for his at Miami University, doing it on extended leave. Mike VERZOLA and his Carol are both maintenance officers at Elmendorf, now going to SOS in muggy Alabama; Joe FROST is at Wurthsmith in B52’s; Bill LEECH is at McGuire in the 141, Jim WOESSNER is in Metro at Fairchild; Alex KAMPF is in the Buff at K.I. Sawyer. Rico FERRAIOLI pilots the Connies out of McClellen. As it stands right now the most traveled individual in our class has got to be Gary GRAPPO. Why? Let's just take a look at where he's been so far: Thailand, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, Germany, the Seychelles Islands (Indian Ocean), Guam, Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand. He also had time to drop by Arizona, California and Washington, D.C. Probably one of the most interesting careers to be had is that of Geodetic Survey Officer, which is what he has been. Now stationed at FE Warren, he recently received the JSCM for his accomplishments, specifically on the North American continent.
Got a letter from ex-roomie Dave PRAHLER who is TDY to Udorn as a Weapons Controller till December. He remarked that it was pretty difficult to go through a remote tour while wife Mary was pregnant; He will go to Tyndall upon return—hope things settle down at home with the little girl, Dave!
Roy HENDRICKSON has left SEA for F4 duty at MacDill. He met with Oakie HARGROVE and Doug HILL in the Cl41 at Norton, and the foursome of Lee RODGERS, Mike NEWLAND, Ron QUINTON and “Doc” METZ all entering their senior year at Tulane Med School.
Bob WALLER joins Bill SPINDLE and Keith PRANKE at Hanscom as the Administrative assistant to LGen. Greech. Bob was Hanscom's Junior Officer of the Year for 1974, and got his AFCM for that accomplishment.
Also heard from Scott MARKS (Sharman) having been an IP at Laughlin, he will go to Wiesbaden in December. He says Dave THOMAS (Lynda) recently greeted Megan as a family member. Dan MULDER (Mary) has returned to USAFA in the T-41. Bob RICE (Maggie) recently finished training at Wilford Hall and is back in Louisiana.
Paul GARDES dropped by my way during a visit to the Altitude Chamber from Minot, and Larry SOLHEIM (Nancy) reports from Whiteman that he may have an increase in family size hy the time you read this.
Well, up here at Ellsworth, Joe FURDA (Ellen) is with the 4th ACCS in the EC-135, and all the bomber crews have two copilots which makes it nice in things like alerts, but harder to get stick time. I'm sure the rest of you are noticing the effects of the money crunch, too, as AF tries to make do with what there is. So on that note. I'll close for this time around. Keep the chins up and let the word out on anything that you might have going on. I’ll always try to get it in this column when I can. F.P.A.
lLt. Vince M. Parisi, II 2765 El Capitan Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 303-599-18710
“Speak to me of sadness, and I will speak to you of the sorrow of a friend gone.” These words were spoken in
a eulogy at the funeral of another of our classmates who was killed this summer. He was Dean KINDER, stationed here at the Academy in the T-41 Squadron. Dean was in a civilian aircraft accident while helping some of his friends in a project. "Giving unselfishly of his time. Dean unselfishly gave his life.”
Let me take a moment to speak about the Association of Graduates. Being on the Board of Directors I am privileged to see the internal workings of the organization. I am also exposed to the distressing moments of trying to accomplish but unable to because of lack of funds, support, and various other reasons. However, the organization needs help. We need more members. Not all our classmates are members and to function properly, we need to strive for 100%. Remember, the Association is not the Academy. We are an Association of Graduates of the Academy. We strive to work for you in your best interest. But we have to know what you want, what your feelings are. The only way for this to happen is for you to give us your inputs. How? As a member of the board I am willing to help if you help me. Let me know what your thoughts on the function and role of the Association is. How can we function to serve you better? Do you have ideas, problems, or projects that apply to grads or the Academy that need some help? I’m asking for your help, spend a few minutes and drop me a line on the matter. Ask a friend if he is a member, if not. urge him to join!
Where are they?
T-38s: John HESSNEY is at Reese, as is Bill CARPENTER. Bill also received his M.A. from U. of Pitt in ’74.
Mike WETZEL is flying an HH-43 at Udorn.
Milt MILLER has an A-7D to England. He was in town recently and looked the same as ever.
In the B-52 is Vince and Jonalec NOTO at Loring and Bob and Teri HOOTEN at Mather, while Ken WOMACK is at Fairchild.
The RF-4C has Mike and Sharon STOLLINGS, at Elmendorf and John and Teresa O'CONNOR at Spangdahlem, Germany. Drew and Margaret SMITH are at Zweibrucken.
James and Kathy VITELLI are in San Antonio as Procur. Off. Roy HART is at Travis as an Admin Off., while Denny RENSEL is a Radar Off. at Hill. Dave and Cynthia SCHRUPP is a Maint. Off. at Klamath. Ore. and Hugh and Nancy DeLONG are at Eglin in CE. Jeff MEINTS is also in C.E. at Fairchild. Henry JOHNSON is at Thule as an Air Traffic Cont. Dave and Vicki SKALKO are now at UPT after a very successful assign, at Scott. He earned his Masters and was selected as the Outstanding J.O. of the Month while still finding time to have a daughter. Congrats Dave.
I would like to offer my congrats to all our classmates who have recently been married or become parents. I hardly ever find out things like this unless I get a personal note from from you; so the info is lacking. Keep the classes of 199? coming.
Missile Officers: Ray YAGHER is at Grand Forks. Lee GILMER and Rick CUADROS arc at Whiteman and F. E. Warren has: Conrado and Betsy BALWIN, Bob NEAL and Cortland and Rozan ANDERSON. Haden CHAMBERS is at Ellsworth.
C-130: John (Annette) WAUCHOP is at Little Rock now TDY to Frankfurt. Jack McCALMONT is also at Little Rock and Paul and Suzanne WEST are at Pope. Eric ANDERMAN and Bob DUNBAR are at Little Rock also. Gary BROBECK can be found at Dyess with Larry GREATHOUSE.
Gary and Candy BLOKLAND are at Eglin in the HC130 and he recently participated in the Apollo-Soyuz operation.
C-141: Bill and Susan WILSON are at Norton and Bob TICKNOR (nav) is at Charleston with Pete fnav) TREMONTE. Bill HARBECK is also at Charleston.
T-33: Castle has both Alan and Lauri HOOVER and Mike and Joyce WENGER while Joe and Deborah KAHOE are at K.l. Sawyer.
T-37: Steve and Kristin KUPREL are at Laughlin, Eric NICKERSON is at Webb. Greg and Sharon GEMPLER are at Vance where he received the Outstanding Graduate Award. Congrats. Bill and Pam FOX are at Reese while Steve MARINELLA is at Williams after receiving his MA at Purdue, Bill THOMPSON and Mike TRAMONTANA were to be at Moody but due to the closing they will be transferred shortly.
KC-135: Sam GRIER is at Loring, Tom and Kathy BUTLER are at Plattsburg, while Doug and Bev DICK are at Firchild. Both Larry and Janie BALASH and Kelly McCUETAR are at Barksdale, while Tom STRAITON is at Grand Forks. Mike SMITH and Dave STONEHOUSE are also up at Plattsburg and Dave FLOYD is at Grissom.
Steve and Maureen MULLVAIN are at Offutt in the EC-135.
Dick FICKES is a Maint. Off .at Holloman just participated in operation “Gallant Shield.”
John WIGINTON just married Susie here in C-Springs and took her off to Brendzie Italy where he is in Intel.
Gennaro AVVENTO picked up a remote as Law Enf. Off. to Turkey while Joel ALLEN is at Bergstrom as a Comm Off.
John and Pam ROLSEN are in Thailand where he is flying AC-130’s.
The FB I 1 1 has Steve and Peggy HARMAN up at Pease. Tim (Cindi) LONG came thru recently in his broken T-39. He flys out of Eglin.
Ron and Judy FARIS are at the L.A.A.F. Station working with the Viking Program and Pete and Ann BRECHBUHL is working on Comm Sat. there. Bill DRURY is now off to Med Sch at Creighton as is Jim THOMPSON.
That just about wraps it up for this issue, I hope I’ve added some insight to the whereabouts and whatevers of some of your friends. Thanks for taking the time to read it all and for sending me the information. Cards and letters are indeed welcome. Please take care and until next time—.
Lt. Ronald W. Watson 4512 Cedar Springs #205 Dallas, Texas 75219
It’s that time again! Greetings from Southwest Medical School (U of T) where the evenings are hotter than the days. 1 have not received many cards or letters from the masses namely you the members of ’74. To say the least, it’s rather difficult to write the “class” article without some input from you! Sure would appreciate the help.
This edition will anounce the graduation of “that chosen few” who will wear Silver Wings upon their chest or where ever else they can remember to put it.
From Craig AFB, Ala. Hobart BATES—T-37 to Craig; Michael BROZOVICH—F-4 to Homestead; Michael FU-
EYO—C-141 to McGuire; Rodney GIBSON—B-52 to Griffiss; Dan GOODRICH—KC-135 to Blytheville; Tom HENRICKS—F-4 to Homestead; Dave HOGLUND—T-37 to Craig; Verle JOHNSTON—KC-1 35 to Griffiss; Richard (Bernice) KIRKPATRICK—T-38 to Craig; Tom PYRCH—F-4 to Homestead; Michael ROBARDS—F-4 to Homestead; Paul ROGERS—T-33 to Minot; Robin SCOTT—F-4 to Homestead; Norman (Kathy) SEIP—RF-4 to Shaw; Michael (Catherine) SEDWAY—B-52 to Wurtsmith; Jack (Rose) HACKLETT—C-130 to Little Rock; Gregg STEINHILPERT—F-4 to Homestead; Riley STEVENS—C-130 to Little Rock; Robert (Nancy) SUTLEY—T-38 to Craig; Kenneth VECH1K—KC-135 to March; Steve WEISS—WC-130 to Keesler.
From Vance AFB (Thanks Jack): Bill BETTESWORTH— B-52 to Blytheville; Ben COTHARIN—T-33 to Hancock Field; Doug DIl.DY—T-38 to Vance; Denny FAY—KC-135 to Minot; Norm FRANK—F-4 to MacDill; Al GUARDINO —HC-130 to McClellan; Rich HEFFNER—T-37 ta Vance; Scott HOKE—C-141 to McGuire; Robert HOOD—B-52 to Dyess; James HORACEK—KC-135 to McConnell; Dan IKEN—T-37 to Sheppard; Don JAMES—C-141 to MeGuire; James KEATON—KC-135 to Rickenbacker; Charles LAMBERT—C-130 to Little Rock; Jack LEONARD—B-52 to Fairchild; Lynn LONG—F-l 11 to Mountain Home; Jeff MOORE —T-38 to Sheppard; Roger NEDDO—C-141 to Norton; James ORR—T-37 to Vance; Chris POREDA—F-4 to MacDill; Michael SACRIDER—F-4 to MacDill; Pete SCHOCKER—T-41 to USAFA; Sam SHUTT—B-52 to Carswell; Michael SNEDEKER—NKC-135 to Kirkland; John SWEENEY—F-4 to MacDill; Mike TERRY—KC-135 to PlattsBurg; Steve THURGOOD—C-l 30 to Pope; Ken TUPPER —KC-135 to Kinchelde; Michael WOLFERT—KC-135 to Travis.
From Columbus (Thanks Stewart): Rick BARKLAY— WC-130 to Anderson; Rich BLANCHET—T-37 to Columbus; Dick CASEY—C-130 to Pope; Stew MONTI—C-130 to Pope; Trace CHEATHAM—T-38 to Columbus; Dan CONROY—F-4 to Homestead; Bob CUTLER—T-37 to Columbus; Greg DYKES—T133 to Malmstrom; Jim FARUS—C-9 to Scott; Tom Green—RF-4 to Shaw; Ray HAILE—C-141 to McGuire; Larry KAMPA—Cl 30 to Little Rock; Don KERLEY—C-141 to McGuire; John EANSFORD—C-l 30 to Dyess; Bruce (Edna) LEVERSON—T-37 to Columbus; Don McMONAGLE—RF-4 to Homestead; Rich MENTEMEYER—C-130 to Little Rock; Denny MONACELL— C-141 to Norton; Doug (Diane) PELTON—T-38 to Columbus; Jim ROSSER—T-43 to Mather.
Will it ever end?!!
From Williams: Steve (Chris) BOZARTA—F-4 to Mac Dill; Frank (Steff) BREWER—F-4 to MacDill; Tom COLTON—T-38 to Williams; Don (Phyllis) HALLEY—F-4 Homestead; Tom (Donna) JANISSE—C-141 to Charleston; Gary (Maureen) GIRSTEATTER—T-39 to Offut; Craig (Heather) KITCHEN—C-130 to Little Rock; Barney (Suzanne) KNAUSS—F-4 to Homestead; Kent (Gretchen) LAMBERT—B-52 to Beal; Phil NARDECCHIA—T-37 to Williams; Jeff OVERTON—C-141 to Norton; Pete (Pam) PEDERSEN—F-4 to Homestead; Mike (Peggy) PEFLEY— F-4 to Homestead; Rich PETERS-—C-130 to Pope; Bob RIVAS—KC-135 to McConnell; Jim (Kim) SKAEKO—KC135 to Pease; Dave WILSON—F-4 to Homestead; Dave (Lynn MILLER—T-37 Williams; Rick (Nancy) BATES—T-37 Sheppard; Pat DALY—C-141, McGuire; Dave (Kim) DUNCAN—KC-135 to Plattsburg; Gary ELLIOT—F-4 to MacDill; Ed FEENEY—C-13cf to DYESS;
Mike GIESE—F-4 to MacDill; Hap HAIRSTON—C-l41 to Travis; Dave HERRMAN—B-52 to Ellisworth; Ray (Cheryl) HOOVER—C-130. Dyess; John (Stephanie) HOUSEHOLDER—B-52 to Minot: Mark (Jane) Johnson—T-38 to Williams; Lloyd KOCHER—KC-135 to K.I. Sawyer; Jeff (Jackie) LEE—T-38 to Shepphard; Bill PAILES—HC-130, McClellan; Tom McCANCE—KC-135. Seymore Johnson; Phil SPRY—C-141 to Norton; Mark (Linda) TAYLOR— C-141 to McChord; Phil WALKER KC-135 to Grissom. Yes. there's more to come!
From Moody (Thanks Ron): Bob ATKINS—RC-135 Eilson, Alaska; George LAWRENCE—C-141 to McGuire; Larry BAKER—C-9 to Scott; Gren CHINN—T-43 to Mather; Charles MURPHY—F-4 to Homestead; Ron FLY —F-4 to Homestead; Eric NEWMAN—C-141 to Norton; Steve STERNE—T-37; John VOSS—T-37; Don STIFFLER —T-38; Chris VIEWEG—T-38; Sal ALFANO—T-38; Tom BALDY—C-130 to Keesler; Tom BAUGA—T-37; Tom COUDEA—C-141 to McCord; Steve DANIELS—KC-135 to Loring, Maine; John EPHLAND—C-141 to Travis; John GRELO—C-130 to Scott; John JACKSON—T-38; Jerry SCHULTZ—C-130 to Pope; Jack DURAN—C-130 to Little Rock.
And from the “Wild Bunch” at Reese: Neal BIERBAUM—C-130 to Pope; Bob BINICLEY—C-141 to Charleston; Chris CAMPBELL—F-4 to Homestead; Rudy DAVIS —KC-135 to Barksdale; Dave DiMARCHI—B-52G to Mather; Paul EMANUEL—HC-130 to Kcdena; Rich ESTES —KC-135 to Kedena; Jim MAPLES—T-37 to Reese; Don OUKROP—F-4 to Luke; Lloyd SAULS—T-38 to Reese; WIN—T-37 to Reese; Greg BROOKS—F-4 to Homestead; Louis APPELHANS—C-130 to Little Rock; C. J. BALDJim CANITZ—F-4 to Homestead; Mike CHASE—T-38 to Reese; Wes DODD—KC-135 to Beale; Jim GRANDCOLAS—SC-141 to Travis; Wayne HIGGINS—T-38 to Reese; Dave HOVRUD—C-130 to Pope; Dave JACKSON —KC-135 to March; Steve LUNSFORD—T-38 to Langley; Scott MURPHY—C-9 to Clark; Bill MURRAY—KC-135 to Loring; Randy NIERSTHEIMER—T-33 to McChord; Ron EARP—C-141 to Norton.
Keep on pressin' you guys. You've just begun the war! James LILLIS has been awarded the Missileman Badge. Out there in Rapid City, S.D. while Dominck PAPARELLA has been certified as a Missile Combat Crew Commander. Sounds impressive!
Tom HALSETH and Robert HOLLIWAY have both finished UHT at Ft. Ructer, Ala. Tom will spend most of his time flying the friendly skys of Whiteman, but Rob will be enjoying the sun and fun of Homestead.
Wade KNIGHT is now a certified NAV type. With a reserved seat at Travis. It is rumored also that James PAQUETTE is overjoyed as a Weapons Control Officer out there at Little old Malmstrom. Some people have all the luck!
Don EASTMEAD is about to do the dastardly deed. I wonder if Debbie knows what she's in for (probably life)? Deane (typical med student) HARIMOTO is alive and well in Dallas.
Scott KENKEAD is now a Rocket Propellant Chemist at Edwards. Larry DANFORTH is enjoying McChord (and other things) by faking it as a Comm Officer.
Keep those cards and 'whatevers" coming and remember:
“There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet"—Admiral W. F. Halsey
Until the next letter greets you. Here’s wishing you love, peace and happiness.
Lt. Willie J. Cosby, III BOQ USAFA. CO 80840
Class of '75 Joins The Real Air Force!
When Bruce FRITCHE had his glorious graduation ceremony in Falcon Stadium, complete with fly-by and guest speaker, everyone from our class was officially on active duty. However, from what I can gather, most of the guys at UPT aren't doing much of anything.
For those of you that reported to Moody and couldn't find any T-41s, T-37s, or T-38s, guess what? It's no longer a UPT base. Jack BARTON went to Craig. Chris COMMERFORD went to Columbus.
Rumor has it that some UPT classes will not be starting until next March and April. They have future pilots doing all types of busy work. Down at Williams: Randy ROBERTS was pressing out name plates; Chuck HOLLAND and Jeff HACKETT are watching a computer light blink. If it stops blinking, they go get the Sgt. in charge. How's that for an eight hour job?!
MIA—(Continued from Page 4)
English speaking turnkey about him by name. The guard took the name and returned a short time later to say that, “He is alive, well and uninjured—and luckier than you.”
After hearing that all the remaining POW/MIAs would be declared dead within the year, I traveled to Randolph AFB, Texas where the Casualty Branch is located. Carolyn Standerwick (another MIA wife) and I visited the Casualty Center together. We were startled at our reception, which turned out to be less than warm. The head of the Casualty branch met us in his office, and we were allowed to review the unclassified data in our respective husbands' records. We were soon aware that these records pertained not only to our husbands—but to us. Every contact with the Casualty people was logged and our conversations were paraphrased, and an analysis at the end gave an interpretation of our state of mind, tone of voice, etc.’ This was an accepted way of handling the cases.
The answers to questions about why the Air Force would enforce Presumptive Findings of Death was even more surprising. A colonel explained that they were working in Accordance with the law, and that they could only assume that all of these men were dead. He gave three reasons why my husband had to be declared dead: 1) he had not been repatriated with the other men 2) he had not sent a message out and 3) We believe North Vietnam. The third reason absolutely sent me reeling. How could a man wearing the uniform of my husband's service say “we believe North Vietnam?" When I questioned his authority to make such statements he pointed out that he had handled the missing in WWII, Korea and he would handle this now! My faith in the United States Air Force had been badly shaken—I knew that he meant what he said. Carolyn and I did manage to speak to the Commander of the Military Personnel Center who commands the Casualty Unit, and we expressed our horror at what we had been told. We were given reassurances by the General that he would not be responsible for our husbands’ being declared dead—unless he was given guidance from higher authority.
Other families had been telling stories about bad experiences with all branches of the service, and now we knew first first hand what they had meant. Some families initiated a law suit that enjoined the Services from changing statuses. This past summer I found an old document that had been
In case you folks at Mather are wondering what happened to Will CASON, he didn't get a waiver. He’s down in Mississippi studying Comm. Electronics. Some of the fellows who made it to Mather are Kent TRAYLOR, Mike ANDERSON, Ralph BURON, John MARLOW, Stan SCHOENER, Phil PIERCE, Tony TOICH, Steve REDMANN, Steve WATSON, Jerry BATAZZO, Danny SPEER. Dan MAHRER, and Phil GRONSETH.
Mike WISLOSKI will be coming out of the “Wild blue yonder” to walk through the “Halls of Montezuma.” He didn't get a waiver for UPT so he’s becoming one of a few good men.
Gerry MICHELETTI is our representative to the Executive Board at the AOG. He is stationed here as a hockey coach. Jeff GRAVES is a basketball coach. Rich MeALISTER stayed to dive. The five football coaches are Bobby THOMPSON, Terry YOUNG, Larry FARISS, Mike MARK, and Bill MURRAY. Minortiy recruiters are Phil BENJAMIN, Bill OSBORNE, Kip FONG, and myself.
I’ve seen various Officers, Misters, Mrs, and Miss who are waiting to hear from some of you guys. If you’re not doing anything, drop a line to your old friends in Colorado.
PRESS!
newly placed in my husband's records. It was the review of my husband's case that had been conducted in Sept. 1973 shortly after my visit.
Case # 461—it had been recommended that he be terminated in the status of Missing in Action and a Presumptive Finding of Death be given. However, due only to the fact that the services were held back by an injunction issued by the U.S. District Court in New York—Mike was not removed from the rolls of the Missing.
In October of 1973, I traveled by myself to Southeast Asia, and met with North Vietnamese Representatives in Vientianne, Laos. The North Vietnamese indicated at that time that “if Mike landed in Ha Tay Province alive, he will be released contingent on the fulfillment of these conditions.” They listed the conditions for me—everything they could think of—from the removal of Mr. Theiu from power to reconstruction of their country. Their demands have not appreciably changed from that time to today.
A lot of time has gone by since then, and our situation has not changed. Michael, Susan, and I want the answer to what happened to Mike, and we will continue to work toward finding out.
The level of cooperation of our government has increased somewhat. The White House even asked the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia and other Support groups to give input on this matter recently. And the House of Representatives will soon be hearing more from us, since they have just christened a Select Committee to investigate the POW/MIA problem. But. I am discouraged by the tremendous apathy of the American people about these men. Perhaps its because they do not know what I have been telling you. I am not sure what could leave our people with such a total lack of concern.
As graduates of the US Air Force Academy you should care. But it is a fact that I am disappointed and discouraged often because of you. there are POW organizations in every state and we could use your active participation. Please remember the POW/MIAs, and become a supporter in your area.
For more information contact; National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in SEA, 1608 K. Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
LETTERS
Col. David Goodrich AOG President
An Open Letter to the Graduates of the USAF Academy
First, may I express my appreciation to you for the honor afforded me through selection by you as President of the Association of Graduates. All of us elected to the Board of Directors of your Association have incurred a heavy responsibility to you for the growth of the Association in many important aspects.
I believe the next few years will be a momentous period for the Academy, its graduates, and the Association. The Academy has reached its twenty-fifth anniversary. The first general officers will probably be produced from the ranks of Air Force Academy graduates in the not-too-distant future. The graduate body now numbers in the thousands and is amassing collective professional experience which will be of continuing value to the Air Force and the Academy in terms of making that all important analytical comparison between the “operational Air Force” and the principles and concepts taught at the Academy. In this context, I believe that the Association of Graduates bears an obligation in duty and conscience to play an active role in influencing the future of the Academy, its “thin blue line", and hopefully thereby the Air Force. Accordingly, I have assumed at least tentative approval from you to pursue an activist role for the Association. At my initial meeting with the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors on 28 August 1975, I outlined a rather comprehensive program which I believe will move the Association in that direction.
I have asked Tom Eller, Vice President of the Association, and Jerry Garber, the Executive Secretary, to assign each of the projects of the AOG Program which I will discuss in subsequent paragraphs to committees or subcommittees of the AOG with sequential suspense dates for timely completion of the overall Program.
In expanded outline form, these arc the projects I believe the AOG should undertake:
a. Financial independence—Our most significant problem at present. We must find means for steady, significant financial growth. These methods should include responsible speculative investments, long term indebtedness and possible requests for periodic graduate contributions and endowments, as appropriate. To place the criticality of this problem in
perspective, 1 would point out that the AOG possesses over three hundred thousand dollars in assets (although mostly committed to other than operating expenses) and is currently operating at an annual deficit of almost four thousand dollars.
b. Establishment of permanent, spearate offices and a larger staff for the Association—Critical to a mature, independent advisory function for the AOG in Academy and Air Force Affairs. The AOG should undertake immediately a project to obtain land either on or adjacent to the Academy site for the purpose of constructing a Hotel/Student Center, to include offices for the AOG staff, dedicated as a memorial to Air Force POW/MIAs of all wars.
c. Establishment of permanent AOG liaison with the Academy Superintendent, Commandant of Cadets, Dean of Faculty and Director of Athletics—Initial steps have been taken to obtain continuing access for AOG officers to Academy Senior Officer staff meetings and for personal consultations with the four Academy senior officers for interchange of information and recommendations.
d. Re-establishment of personalized AOG contact with the Cadet Wing—If graduate experiences in the U. S. Air Force, particularly as junior officers, are to be of any value to the Academy, they must be communicated to the cadets. We must re-establish, on a continuing basis, informal career discussion sessions by graduates with Cadet Squadrons, particularly first classmen. For starters, how about “Honor, ethics and professionalism in the operational Air Force”; “The new OER System and you”; “On being a Second Lieutenant in today's Air Force”; etc., etc.?
e. Development and publication of AOG positions and views on key issues—Graduates should be given the opportunity to express responsible viewpoints on key issues facing the Air Force. This should take the form of published graduate survey results, editorials and letters in the AOG Magazine, and of equal importance, in articles written for professional journals such as the The Air Force Association Magazine and Daedalian Magazine. A standing committee of the AOG should actively solicit opportunities to make graduate views heard and to obtain professional commentaries from graduates for publication.
f. Establishment and maintenance of an effective voice for the AOG in memorialization and display of Air Force memorabilia at the Academy—As examples of our past lapses in attempting to exert influence, the following changes at USAFA were apparently implemented without graduate knowledge:
1. Wording of Cadet Prayer changed.
2. Wording of Cadet Honor Code changed.
3. USAFA seal changed twice.
4. Wording of USAFA mission changed.
Moreover, we have made limited progress in insuring that at least some elements of the Academy complex are preserved for naming in honor of USAFA graduates who render distinguished service to the Air Force and their country.
g. Changes to update the Bylaws of the Association of Graduates—The following changes should be immediately
recommended for approval by the AOG membership to make for more effective management of AOG affairs:
1. Provision for the President or Vice President to be chosen from those graduates stationed at the Academy in order to provide continuous Executive Committee leadership at the Academy.
2. Initiate requirement for a minimum of 10 members of the Board of Directors to be stationed at the Academy to insure continuous presence of a business quorum and to provide for representation of more diversity of views on the Executive Committee.
3. Provide for a minimum of one permanent voting seat on the Executive Committee for a civilian graduate to insure a voice for civilian graduates in AOG affairs.
4. Institutionalize permanent representation for recently graduated Academy classes on the Executive Committee to maintain young graduate interest and participation in the AOG and to insure a continuous flow of new ideas and contemporary viewpoints.
h. Initiate an aggressive AOG membership drive—It is worth noting that only 65% of the total graduate body are members of the AOG. A membership drive could readily be conducted by local AOG Chapters or volunteer AOG members stationed worldwide.
i. Revitalize the AOG Chapter program—There are innumerable mutual benefits attainable from active AOG Chapters functioning throughout the Air Force. As examples, Academy AOG/Facutly/Athletic Department recruitment. AOG fund raising, and interchange of ideas and recornmendations between the Board of Directors and graduates in the field.
It is obvious that the program 1 have outlined above is well beyond the capabilities of the Executive Secretary, the Officers of the AOG or the Board of Directors. If the AOG is to grow in size and influence to a stature comparable to other institutions and one of which we can all be proud, the collective efforts of all graduates are required. AOG committees tasked with implementation of specific portions of this program will have to be formed, particularly from those graduates stationed at the Academy not currently on the Board of Directors. We, your Board of Directors, will also need your ideas, recommendations, criticisms, and active assistance out there in the operational Air Force to make your Association and its external programs go and grow.
I believe the Executive Committee should take aggressive action now to implement the initial planning stages of the foregoing program so as to be able to report substantive initial progress to you at the Annual Reunion in October of this year. Further, I recommend that all graduates evaluate our collective interest in AOG growth and development approximately one year from now by objectively measuring our progress in implementing our program at that point. If we must admit to ourselves then that progress has been minimal or non-existent. I recommend an immediate reduction of AOG activities back to the level of holding an Annual Reunion, supervising graduate memorialization and publishing the AOG Magazine and Register. In sum, I believe we must think and act big to be big. We is the operative word. Without your active involvement, AOG plans will never be more than items for discussion. Are you interested?
Sincerely,
David M. Goodrich, Colonel, USAF President, Association of Graduates
(The following letter to Dave Goodrich is printed at his request.)
Dear Dave,
Congratulations to you and the new members of your Board of Directors. I look forward to working with all of you in helping to make our Association grow and progress in the years ahead. I also encourage you to make good use of those candidates who, although not elected, demonstrated in their willingness to run a strong interest in the affairs of our organization. Many of the races were quite close (including yours), so I hope you will fully exploit the talents of all those listed on the ballot, and not just of those elected.
As I remarked in our phone conversation, this letter will serve as a vehicle for the final report of the 1975 Nominating Committee. With that in mind, I would like to cover the following points: (1) some personal observations about the character of your Board, based on a review of the statements expressed by its new members in the Candidate Information Sheet attached to the ballot; (2) a summary of the mail received by the Nominating Committee in the course of its work, to include prospective candidates and opinions about the criteria established to govern selection of this year’s nominees; and (3) in accordance with my promise in my letter to the membership, some recommendations in regard to the Bylaws which would render permanent procedure certain of those options exercised by the Nominating Committee.
With respect to the first point above, it is my impression that, based on your own “platform” statement and those of each of the ten new Board members, you have received a fairly clear mandate from the membership to forge ahead in a number of areas heretofore only tentatively explored by the Board. I use the qualifier “fairly” only because, as I noted earlier, several races were close. Consequently, I interpret the results not as a license to steal, but rather to borrow heavily. As a suggestion, you might well consider organizing your thoughts about the future direction of the Association into survey form and pulse the members on specific issues. Then we would be in a better position to determine whether you received a mandate or were just damned lucky to nose out Tony Burshnick, who expressed a somewhat more conservative view in his own statement as a candidate.
Attached you will find copies of all of the correspondence received by the Nominating Committee. Two of the letters concern recommendations for candidates to the Board: Barry L. Barnes (’64) and Fletcher H. Wiley (’65). To this list I will add Alfred M. Wurglitz (’70), whose petition for placement on the ballot failed to meet the conditions specilied in the Bylaws.
The remaining letters (6) arc from graduates who felt strongly enough about the criteria established by my Committee to write and register either strong support (2), general agreement but some reservations (2), and strong protest (2). The bulk of the comments centered on two issues: the propriety (and wisdom) of limiting candidacy to graduates living in the Colorado Springs area, and our insistence upon working toward more balanced class representation. With respect to those who raised the point of propriety, I would urge them to undertake a more careful reading of the Bylaws. The Nominating Committee in no way exceeded its authority with respect to these rules, which simply establish minimum conditions in most instances, as in the case of required representation from the more recent classes. Having participated in the framing of these Bylaws, I feel quite competent to interpret them, in regard to both their spirit and their letter. As for the Committee's authority to determine who may be placed on the ballot, this discretion is
limited only by a provision stating the conditions under which a nomination must he inscribed.
Propriety satisfied, then, let us turn to the matter of wisdom. Most of those objecting to the fact that candidacy was limited to graduates in the Colorado Springs area seem to feel that somehow this restricts participation and representation on the part of the rest of the membership. Some even advanced the curious view that graduates who served at the Academy were somehow “different,” presumably to their detriment, and therefore, of questionable qualification to serve on the Board. To those of this persuasion, let me expand briefly upon the rationale recorded in my letter of 15 March 1975. My own experience as a Director, of which three years were at the Academy and one in another assignment, convinced me that no matter how devoted and well intentioned one might be, it is nigh impossible to follow the affairs of the Association in absentia with the same sense of responsibility and detail sparked by day-to-day involvement at the Academy. 1 believe that present and past Secretaries who have had to do business by mail with Directors scattered around the world will confirm this. We tried to anticipate this problem in the Bylaws by specifying that at the time of the election, at least six Directors be stationed at the Academy. I think we were on the right track, but simply underestimated. Consequently, 1 firmly believe this figure should be upped to ten in order to improve the odds of having a competent Executive Committee at all times. By “competent” 1 mean, of course, one composed of officers duly elected by the membership. This is in no way intended to malign the abilities of those who have served as interim Directors. Quite the contrary, we are indebted to them for answering the call, often urgent, of harrassed Executive Secretaries trying to muster a quorum and attend to the business of the Association. On the other hand, the provision for interim Directors was never intended to be resorted to routinely; rather, it was something of an emergency procedure to ensure smooth conduct of business until new elections were held.
Further, it is obvious that graduates stationed in the Springs come there from and return to a myriad of operational and staff assignments. 1 think they represent a remarkable pool of talent (and diverse opinion), and see no problem in specifying that half of the twenty Directors at the time of election be stationed in the Colorado Springs area. I might echo one caution sounded by Bill Sanzenbacher in a long, thoughtful letter. He noted the potential difficulty of Academy-based Directors remaining independent in thought and action from their duty chain of command. However, experience to date has proven it can be done, although pressures do exist.
I think it equally important to give renewed attention to the question of ensuring equitable representation on the Board among various year groups. While a relatively simple matter now, it will become more and more complex as succeeding classes graduate. In this year's election, my Committee simply established voting categories which ensured that, after the balloting, there would be somewhat better distribution of representation on the Board with reference to the sixteen classes having graduated up to that time. We definitely need to get a bettter handle on this one, and I think the members should be encouraged to express their opinions on whether and how to do it.
Finally, there is the question of civilian representation on the Board. The Bylaws are silent on this score, and a numher of people feel that the growing contingent of civilians in our midst merit an official voice through virtue of one or more “dedicated” Directors. As you know, both civilian
candidates on this year's ballot were elected, which indicates strong sentiment on this point. Again. I suggest that we go to the members on this one.
In closing, Dave, let me again offer my congratulations and best wishes to you and those who shared your good fortune in being selected to serve the Association of Graduates. The “Blue Line" is growing steadily longer; many of its ranks have already been privileged to serve their country in war as well as in peace—and the list of those who have died in her service is itself disturbingly long. As the years pass and the bonds of friendship increase in richness and number, so do the responsibilities and goals of our organization. On behalf of the Nominating Committee. I wish you good fortune and Godspeed in their pursuit.
Sincerely,
George L. Butler, Lt. Col. USAF Chairman, Nominating Committee
Dear Sir,
Remember back a few years when the POW issue was open, almost popular; when nearly everyone supported efforts to get the POWs back and the MIAs accounted for? Bracelets, and advertisements, and bumper stickers, and media displays, and politicians' speeches, and military rescue efforts abounded. Then some hundred or so of the prisoners w'ere released to highly publicized homecoming ceremonies, the US withdrawal from SEA with “honor”, and the rest of the story is history. Almost.
It is not history to family members of the 900-1500 (figures vary, depending upon the source) persons who are not yet accounted for. But the fad has long since passed. Seldom does one hear of the POW/MIA question—and with public clamor subsided, apparently action has, too. What efforts are being made today to determine whether American servicemen remain as prisoners in SEA? Or at least the circumstances of their death? Other than that by family members of some of them—very little that I know of.
So far as I can discern, all that is being done officially is to give up, to categorize those still missing as “PFOD,” for "Presumptive Finding of Death,” so that no further efforts on their behalf need be exerted. What a beauty of definition that is: after a time the individual is defined to be PFOD and then, because by the stroke of a pen he is “dead,” he is accounted for; he is no longer POW or MIA; he is no loner a problem. How grossly, brutally simplistic.
Yes, I am aware that some of the PFOD determinations are made at the request of the next of kin, who have come to accept that their family member is not going to return and who feel that they can best build new lives with the old ones sealed off. I can understand that, and I can sympathize. But it should be stressed that PFOD is an administrative procedure—the individual is no less missing, no less a prisoner; he may be alive in Viet Nam or Laos or wherever, relying for his sanity and life on the fact that he has not been forgotten or ignored. Should not every effort continue to be made to find out the actual status of every POW/MIA who is still not actually accounted for? And I emphasize actuality as opposed to officiality as they sometimes seem to differ. It seems to me that too few are willing to acknowledge the fact that the unpleasant situation exists: there are literally hundreds of our friends and comrads who may be alive somewhere or dead somewhere—but no one appears to know, or to be willing to say, or to try to find out.
What is the AOG position concerning POW/MIA/ PFOD? And to the situation as a whole? I have been as-
sured that it is support, for the missing and their families. But where may this support be observed? And what has it entailed? And what have been the results? I do not know— and I would like to. There does exist within the AOG an MIA subcommittee of the Executive Committee, and there is an AF Chief of Personnel Services for MIA. Fine—but what do they do, and what have they done? From what I can glean, from three POW/MIA families and the Newsletter —not much. I hope that I am wrong, I hope that I am very wrong. But with each of the previous issues of the Newsletter I have become increasingly discouraged. Recent conversations with Major Garber have indicated that this issue will contain an article by Kay Bosiljevac. wife of a missing '67 grad and an active member of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in South East Asia, along with other information. To the best of my recollection, that wiil be the first time the subject has ever appeared in Newsletter print.
I have requested that, after this magazine with its focus on the situation as it exists today, the Newsletter allot space for a regular column so that all of us may observe on a continning basis what is (not?) being done by our elected officials, the military, and the AOG. Considering the facts that 1) regular copy is now given to rehashing Academy sports 2) nearly every one of us had ties with someone who is still missing, and might but for fate be among them and 3) the Newsletter is the publication of the Association of Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy considering these facts, is my request out of line?
While I am not in the military, and I am not in the least measure a ring knocker, 1 do feel ties to both the Air Force and the Academy; thus I am very disturbed by my nagging thought that the Association may develop into a bunch of Good Old Boys. It can be so very much more. And one way to insure that is becomes more is to not ignore our comrads who are not so fortunate as are we.
Larry Wilson, ’67
Former Commandant of Cadets Promoted
At the conclusion of his three-year tour at the Academy as Commandant of Cadets, Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Jr., was promoted to the rank of major general and assigned as Chief, Military Assistance Advisory Group. Iran.
“The assignment to the Academy has been both challenging and rewarding,” General Vandenberg said. “It has been challenging in the sense that all programs here must be geared to provide the basics of the profession and at the same time, meet the perceptions of a questioning and intelligent group of young men. The satisfaction is present when the pride inherent in excellence and the dedication to public service is obvious at graduation.”
During his tenure General Vandenberg instituted changes in the total cadet environment which resulted in a reduced attrition rate and increased pride among cadets. The classes trained under General Vandenberg's guidance will be graduated with a projected attrition between 35 and 38 percent, down from a high of 46 percent. General Vandenberg's enthusiasm, loyalty and professional leadership were cited as critical elements in making the changes a reality.
General Vandenberg's innovations were designed to give cadets more responsibilities in operating the Cadet Wing, and to improve communications between cadets and Academy officials. Cadet training was altered to serve definite objectives.
General Vandenberg, a 1951 graduate of West Point, came to the Academy from Randolph Air Force Base, Tex., where he commanded the 12th Flying Training Wing from Jan. 1971-Aug. 1972.
He earned his pilot's wings after completing West Point and in 1953 was assigned as a fighter pilot to Germany. Then followed operational and command assignments to California, North Carolina and again to Germany.
In 1966 General Vandenberg assumed command of the 390th “Blue Boars" Tactical Fighter Squadron. Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam. During nine months at Da Nang he flew 100 missions over North Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and 13 Air Medals.
Returning to the U. S. he was assigned as a plans and programs officer in the office of the Director of Plans, Headquarters U. S. Air Force in Washington. D.C. Gen
eral Vandenberg entered the National War College in August 1968, where he earned a master of science degree in international affairs. A year later he returned to the Pentagon for duty with the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
When he came to the Academy he served as Vice Commandant of Cadets before becoming Commandant. He was promoted to brigadier general on 1 Feb. 1973.
In addition to the military decorations from Southeast Asia, General Vandenberg also holds two Legions of Merit and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
He is the son of General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, who was the second Air Force Chief of Staff from April 1948 to June 1953. General Vandenberg is married to the former Sue Johnson of McLean, Va., daughter of General Leon W. Johnson, holder of the Medal of Honor. The Vandenbergs, who call San Antonio home, have two sons, Hoyt S., Ill, and David J., both currently college students.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
—The first twelve trees of the Memorial Tree Grove were planted in July. The grove is located next to the Cadet Chapel parking lot and is sponsored by the Association of Graduates.
—Graduates stationed overseas are requested to use APO numbers rather than base locations for address when corresponding with the AOG. Faster service can be realized using APO numbers.
—AOG chapters are requested to keep the AOG Office advised of names and addresses of chapter officers and members.
—A number of Listen, The War poetry books, sponsored by the AOG, are still available at the AOG office for $2.00 per copy. Interested graduates may order copies from the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, Colorado 80840.
