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ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
Editor
Jim Wheeler, ’64
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Freida Weber
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
David M. Goodrich, ’59 President
Thomas J. Eller, ’61 Vice President
James F. Wheeler, ’64 Executive Secretary
Directors
Brock T. Strom, ’59
John S. Brush, ’60
Ronald Deep, ’60
Arthur D. Kerr, ’61
Austin C. Wedemeyer, ’62
Thomas A. Fryer, ’63
Grover E. Musselwhite, ’63
James L. Cole, Jr., ’64
Paul R. Viotti, ’66
Jon M. Davis, ’69
Donald R. Baucom, ’62
James P. Tate, ’63
Richard P. Ellis, ’68
Alfred W. Grieshaber, ’65
Burton C. Andrus, ’69
Kevin W. Krail, ’71
Vincent W. Parisi, ’73
John J. Warner, ’69
Jon R. Staples, ’62
Thomas L. Cunningham, ’67
Randall W. Spetman, ’76
During the annual homecoming memorial ceremony, the graduate contingent and the cadet wing joined together to honor the deceased graduates of the previous year. This year the ceremony also included the dedication of the memorial tree grove located west of the Cadet Chapel; this is an Academy memorialization program administered by the AOG.
IN THIS ISSUE
expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff.
The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised.
POSTMASTER: If this magazine is addressed to a member of the Military Service, no postage is necessary for forwarding (see Postal Manual, Section 158.4). If no forwarding address for this military member is available, send Form 3579 to Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840.
Lieutenant General
James R. Allen
Superintendent
U. S. Air Force Academy
from the SUPERINTENDENT'S DESK
In previous letters I have discussed preparations which were being made to receive the Class of 1980. This class was not only the first coeducational class to enter Basic Cadet Training (BCT), it also was the first to be trained under our new philosophy of leadership “the positive approach.” This new concept was designed to create a mature atmosphere of professional training which emphasizes the dignity of the individual. This summer, the Class of 1980 was challenged to excel by an upperclass cadre which used positive reenforcement to meet training goals. In this environment, the men and women of’80 displayed a strong sense ofunity and team effort which encouraged each basic cadet to succeed. The result was a class which emerged from BCT as one of the most motivated in the Academy’s history.
The new Fourth Classmen entered with impressive scholastic credentials and, based on College Board Test Results, they rank as a group at the 93rd percentile of college freshmen. More than half of the men and three quarters of the women are National Honor Society members. A sizeable percentage held student council or student body offices in high school. Ten percent of the men and 14 percent of the women were valedictorians or salutatorians. Their excellence as a class has been proven by their performance in BCT and can be expected to further emerge as they continue the academic year.
This year the Academy will continue its Distinguished Visiting Professor Program which brings prominent educators from civilian universities to instruct in various departments for a full academic year. Dr. Lois B. DeFleur has joined the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. Dr. DeFleur is on a leave from Washington State University where she is Professor of Sociology and Director ofthe Criminal Justice Research Center. She is the author of a number of books and a wide range of professional articles, is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and maintains proficiency in her own aircraft a Piper Commanche 260.
Dr. David Kohlman is a member of the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Kansas and is a visiting professor in the Department ofAeronautics for the 1976-77 academic year. He has brought with him an experimental research aircraft, the Redhawk, which is the subject of a NASA-sponsored project being conducted at the University of Kansas. The Redhawk will be used in conjunction with several aeronautics courses and special cadet projects.
Dr. Thomas J. Muzik has joined the Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences for this academic year. A professor at Washington State University, he has spent five years as a research botanist in West Africa and six years as a plant physiologist for the USDA in Puerto Rico. His research projects have centered on the impact of pesticides on the environment.
The impressive credentials of these three educators promise to add an important dimension to the academic program and to the intellectual enrichment of the Cadet Wing.
President Ford recently announced the appointment of three Permanent Professors. They are Colonel John W. Williams, Jr., Head of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, and Lieutenant Colonels Lee D. Badgett and Ervin J. Rokke who are Assistant Deans ofthe Faculty.
This year the Faculty sponsored its first Summer Scientific Seminar. The seminar was held from 20-25 June and was conducted to enable high school seniors to perform laboratory experiments in the sciences. Thirty-seven students from as far a way as Utah attended and were given seven one-hour lectures by the participating academic departments. This session was followed by laboratory work in mathematical modeling, computer programming, and radio kit construction. Two groups studied the problems posed by solar energy at the Academy’s solar home. Evening activities included the Chemistry Department’s “magic show,” a planet program and a series of graphic physics demonstrations. Students received certificates at the close of the program. We plan to pursue this seminar in future years because it offers unusual opportunities for high school students and serves as a source of motivation for potential candidates with a strong interest in the sciences.
A continuing interest in the largest possible qualified candidate pool is also the concern of the Minority Affairs Division of the Admissions Office. This agency continues to work toward attaining a representative distribution of individuals from various minority backgrounds. The Minority Affairs Division of the Admission Liaison Office uses recent minority graduates in its effort to contact potential candidates. One hundred and ninety-two minority cadets entered with the Class of ’80 compared to 96 for the Class of ’76 and 46 for the Class of ’72.
On the football scene, this fall the Falcons are seeking to regenerate the winning formula which has insured such success in previous years. The Falcons were 2-9 in 1974 and 2-8-1 in 1975, but both records were deceptive, reflecting two of the most difficult schedules in our history.
Ben Martin, now in his 19th year as head coach of the Falcons, recently noted, “I believe the 1976 squad will be a better football team than we’ve had in the last couple years. Most of this optimism is based on the fact that we have better athletes in most ofthe positions and the ones who are returning have really learned their lesson well.”
Martin has a nucleus of25 lettermen and 10 starters back this fall.
Several of the key areas this year are at quarterback, linebacker and the kicking game. The regulars in all these areas are gone and the development of new players will be an important key to the season’s sucess.
The running game returns practically intact, there is good strength at the offensive tackles and the defensive perimeter is sound, both at the ends and in the secondary.
Many Graduates had the opportunity to participate in Homecoming 1976. For all of us who were able to be here, it was a memorable weekend. I urge you to start planning now to attend Homecoming 1977 which will occur on 14-1516 October and will feature a football encounter with Arizona State University. ^
Annual Report of the Association of Graduates of the USAF Academy 1975-1976
Editor’s Note: The following is based largely on a verbal report given to the Board of Directors on 15 Oct 1976.
1. Membership. Membership, which consists only of Graduates of the Air Force Academy, stands at 6529, which is over 65% of all living graduates. This includes 704 members of the Class of 1976. During the year 18 graduates have died.
2. Oldest Graduate: The oldest living Graduate continues to be (as it says in the 1959 Polaris) Arthur K. Shumate, Class of 1959.
3. Financial Status. The Association (AOG) is in good shape financially for the level of activity we have had in past years. A new Fund Raising Committee is working to enhance our position and thereby enable us to do more in support of the Academy and its Graduates.
a. Audit. A formal audit by Haskins & Sells of Colorado Springs was concluded in the Spring of 1976. The full report is available for inspection at the AOG Office. In addition to the above audit, the AOG had a tax audit by the IRS this year. The result was a confirmation of the tax-exempt status of the AOG and the deductible status of donations made to it.
b. Fiscal Year. Effective 1 July 1976 the Fiscal Year of the AOG has been changed from the calendar year to 1 July - 30 June.
c. Financial Management and Investments. Effective 1 October 1976 the investment of AOG funds is managed through an arrangement with the trust department of the Colorado Springs National Bank under the supervision of the Financial Committee and the Executive Secretary of the AOG.
d. Accounting. Effective 1 May 1976 the Association has its own bookkeeper and has retained the Haskins & Sells firm as accounting consultants.
e. Budget. The projected budget for the next fiscal year comes to almost $100,000, a significant increase over the previous year. A copy of the budget is available from the AOG Office upon request.
4. Publications. The Register of Graduates has a circulation of over 7000. The Association of Graduates Magazine goes to each member and is also available to nonmembers by subscription for $5.00 a year. The publications are supported primarily from dues revenue, with some help from advertising.
5. Sales of Memorabilia. During the year the Association has had for sale a Reed & Barton plate depicting the chapel, a commemorative plate by Franklin Mint depicting the Eagle and Fledglings, and a special edition of the “Gyrfalcon” color print by Charles Frace.
6. Chapters. A new Colorado Chapter of the Association of Graduates was formed this year. Other active chapters include those in Dayton, Washington, Kincheloe, and Omaha. The AOG is actively pursuing establishment of new chapters throughout the Air Force.
7. Awards.
a. The Outstanding Group Trophy which the AOG sponsors was awarded to Third Group of the Cadet Wing for the second consecutive year.
b. The Jabara Trophy was awarded to Lt Col Michael V Love, Class of 1960, posthumously.
8. Activities:
a. Sijan Hall: The new cadet dormitory was named for Captain Lance P Sijan, Class of 1965, the first Graduate to receive the Medal of Honor. This project included a permanent display of Sijan’s cadet and officer memorabilia, the Sijan portrait, and the establishment of a Sijan Collection in the Cadet Library.
b. Memorial Tree Grove: A grove of trees has been planted west of the Chapel and was dedicated during Homecoming.
c. Spaatz Memorial Overlook: An area on Academy Drive overlooking the athletic fields and the cadet area was landscaped and dedicated to the memory of General Carl A Spaatz.
d. Falcon Foundation Scholarship: The Association continues to sponsor one civilian prep school scholarship annually in memory of a deceased Graduate through the Falcon Foundation. Majors Eller and Wheeler attended the annual meeting of the Falcon Foundation Board of directors and reported on the AOG memorial scholarship program.
e. Air Force Academy Assembly: The AOG continued its financial support of the annual Air Force Academy Assembly. The Assembly, dealing with “The Role of Women in American Economy,” was held at the Academy in April 1976.
f. Military History Symposium: The AOG continued its co-sponsorship with the Department of History of the Military History Symposium. The Seventh Annual Military History Symposium on “The American Military on the Frontier” was held at the Academy 30 September -1 October 1976.
g. POW-MIA Sculpture: The AOG has accepted for permanent display the gift of a sculpture honoring the POW and MIA’s by John Snider and James Keith.
h. Committee of40: In cooperation with the Commandant of Cadets and the Colorado Chapter of the Association, the AOG plans to reestablish the Committee of 40 begun in 1969 to effect a liaison with each Cadet Squadron. 9. Status of Studies Directed by Colonel Goodrich. Ad hoc committees were formed to study the proposals made by Colonel Goodrich in his letter to the membership last Fall. (AOG Magazine, Fall 1975.)
a. Financial Independence: The Association is not yet financially independent. This remains a long term goal.
b. Establishment of permanent, separate offices and a larger staff for the Association: Until the Association is in a better financial position this is not a practical consideration; thus, no action can betaken on the establishment of permanent offices for the AOG. Since many Graduates feel that the AOG would suffer if isolated from the Academy, the possibility of someday building on Academy grounds is being investigated.
The Association donated $1000 to the Air Force Foundation towards the Education Center in 1966, and it was Continued on Page 4
thought that office space would be provided in the Center for the AOG. However, nothing was in writing and there is no space for the AOG in the current master plan. This matter will be investigated further.
c. Establishment of permanent AOG liaison with the Academy Supt, CW, DF and DA: No permanent liaison has been made except with the Commandant who invited an AOG Representative to attend the CW staff meetings. Col Rokke and Maj Thompson are the Association’s unofficial liaison with DF. Nothing can be institutionalized on this at this time; it is something that will have to be resold to each administration. The Executive Secretary is, of course, a member of the Superintendent’s staff in his capacity of Director, Graduate Affairs.
d. Re-establishment of personalized AOG contact with the Cadet Wing: Contact will have to be initiated by the Association. The “Committee of 40” will be a first step. A membership drive yielded tangible results. The program used with some success with the Class of 1976 will be modified and intensified for this and subsequent years.
e. Development and publication of AOG positions and views on key issues: One obstacle is the requirement for official review ofarticles published in professional journals imposed by AF regs. The Judge Advocate will be asked for a ruling to clarify under what conditions a review is required; no such conflict exists for civilian Graduates.
f. Establishment and maintenance of an effective voice for the AOG in memorialization and display of Air Force memorabilia at the Academy: Suggestions being staffed: (1) Request AOG be included in coordination of changes to applicable regulations; (2) the Executive Secretary, as a member of the Supt’s staff, could ask to be included in coordination on any proposed changes; (3) familiarize USAFA personnel with the AOG. An AOG Representative was appointed to the USAFA Memorial Board.
g. Changes to update the Bylaws ofthe AOG: A list of proposed changes has been submitted to the full Board of approval. If approved, proposals will be submitted to the full membership for a vote prior to the election in May. Additional changes are under consideration relating to membership criteria.
h. Initiate an aggressive AOG membership drive, and, i: Revitalize the AOG Chapter Program: These were combined and are now handled by a standing subcommittee. A new Chapter organization kit has been assembled; Colorado Chapter organized; New York and U)s Angeles Chapters may soon materialize.
10. Long Range Projects. The AOG is considering participating in a service project for the Cadet Wing to extensively refurbish the facilities at the Farish Memorial Recreation Area and hopes to participate in the improvement program for Arnold Hall facilities.
11. Grants Received. The Association of Graduates received a grant of $2000 from the Olmsted Foundation for use in accordance with our purposes as set forth in the Bylaws.
12. Summary. The AOG has in recent months made major steps towards establishing a firm business structure that will facilitate long term growth and enhance our ability to service the Graduate community and the USAF Academy. Internal operating procedures have been streamlined and communications with the Academy community opened up. As a result of the loyalty of the members of the Association to the Academy and of their enthusiastic support of the AOG, we are now in a position to increase our support of the Academy in the months and years ahead.
Secondary Zone Selectees for LT COL
A quick review of the 0-5 BTZ selectees revealed the following grads on the List:
ALSOBROOK, James E. Jr
Kenneth A.
James R.
Joe G. Jr
James L. Jr
CULBERSON, Bryant P.
EATON, James D. Jr
ESTES, Howell M. Ill
FOERSTER, Robert Y.
GIFFEN, Robert B.
JAYNE, Edward R. II
KEHOE, Nicholas B. Ill
LEMON, Robert J.
LORENZINI, Dino A.
James
Barry M.
Marvin L.
Orvin H. Jr
ROHATSCH, Ralph R. Jr
RUDD, William T.
SHIRLEY, Graham E.
THOMPSON, George M. Jr
TRIAL, Daniel S.
WILSON, Harry F. Jr
WISE, Sidney J. 66
Congratulations to all. The list will be updated next issue to catch anyone missed and to pass on appropriate Grad statistics.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Captain Francis L. Setterquist
On 16 September 1976, Captain Francis L. Setterquist, Class of 1966, was declared KIA after having been listed as MIA since 23 August 1968. Captain Setterquist was the pilot of an RF-4C aircraft and was reported MIA while on an operational mission in North Vietnam. He is survived by his wife Barbara, and son Scott, of 3570C North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80917; and by his parents, Mr and Mrs Leslie M. Setterquist, Rt 1 Box 2571, Wrenshall, MN 55797.
As a cadet, Captain Setterquist was a member of the Ski and Hockey Clubs; he lettered in Soccer. He participated in the Majors Program in Mathematics and was a member of the 17th Cadet Squadron.
Upon receiving his pilot’s wings at Vance AFB, Captain Setterquist was assigned to the 75th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Bergstrom AFB and the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Udorn AB, Thailand. A memorial fund has been established in Capt. Setterquest’s memory. All donations should be sent in care of the AOG.
Captain Richard N. Smithwick, Class of 1970, was killed in a KC-135 aircraft accident on 26 September 1976 near Alpena, MI. He is survived by his wife Pamela, a daughter Paula, and a son David, of 249 Explorer, KI Sawyer AFB, MI 49843; and by his parents, Mr and Mrs Richard C. Smithwick, 953 Oakdale Avenue, Depete, WI 54115.
As a cadet, Captain Smithwick was an Honor Rep, a member ofthe Skeet, Saddle, and Fishing Clubs, and was on the Superintendent’s List. He participated in the Majors Program in Econominics and Engineering Management and in the Masters Program in Engineering Management. Captain Smithwick was a member ofthe 20th Cadet Squadron. He lettered one year in Football and was chosen Most Valuable Baseball Player in 1970.
After receiving his MS from UCLA, Captain Smithwick attended navigation training at Mather AFB and was then assigned to the 644th Bomb Squadron, KI Sawyer AFB, as a navigator of the B-52H aircraft.
Captain Richard N. Smithwick
The Class of 1980 is off to a good start at USAFA as the first coed class in the history of this institution. Through mid-October the class strength was 1433,1286 men and 147 women. There were originally 157 women among the 1593 basic cadets that reported to the Academy on 28 June 1976. In the paragraphs below are some statistical facts about the Doolies.
The residential origins ofthe class members are 9 percent from rural, farm and ranch areas; 11 percent from populations of less than 2,500; 39 percent from populations between 2,500-50,000; 29 percent from populations of 50,000-1 million; and 10.6 percent from populations of more than 1 million.
The age, height and weight averages for men in the class are 18 years 4 months; 5 feet 10 1/2 inches and 155 pounds. The same averages for women are 18 years 5 months, 5 feet 5 1/2 inches and 128 pounds.
Teamwork, the key to success
Other statistical information includes:
—15 percent of the men had been high school class or study body presidents; 10 percent of the women held those offices.
—41.8 percent were Boy Scouts with 31.3 percent of them attaining Eagle rank; 25.4 percent of the women were Girl Scouts with 27.5 percent reaching First Class rank.
—18.5 percent had been Boys State or Boys Nations delegates; 10.7 percent had participated in Girls State or Girls Nation.
—7.7 of the men and 14 percent of the women were members of debate teams.
—79 percent of the men had earned athletic letters and 29.3 percent served as team captains; 55 percent of the women earned letters and 8.3 percent had been team captains.
—6.1 percent of the men and 5.7 percent of the women were Civil Air Patrol members.
—2.9 percent of the men and 1.2 percent of the women hold private pilot’s licenses.
“It’s a long way down!!”
New view for the Prof.
—11.3 percent of the men and 19.7 percent of the women have fathers currently on active military duty; 7.7 percent of the men and 21.0 percent of the women are children of retired military parents.
The average scores for freshman men and women on College Board and Aptitude Achievement tests were: verbal aptitude, men 550, women 587; English composition, men 539, women 579; math aptitude, men 647, women 642; and math achievement, men 647, women 668. The latest national averages for all students on these tests available to the Academy are for the 1974-75 school year. They are verbal aptitude, 439; English composition, 517; math aptitude 472; and math achievement, 545.
—10.6 percent of the men and 6.3 percent of the women have prior military service; 85.9 percent of men with military backgrounds are Air Eorce Academy Preparatory School graduates, as are 60 percent of the women with military service.
—10 percent of the men and 8.2 percent of the women were in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.
High school was never like this
Air Force - NASA Agree on Astronaut Program
Secretary ofthe Air Force Thomas C. Reed has approved a memorandum of understanding between the Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to allow Air Force participation in the nationwide selection of potential astronauts. Selectees will join NASA in July 1978.
A minimum of 30 astronaut candidate positions will be available at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston. The positions offer a two-year training and evaluation assignment. Astronauts then will be selected from this group. Active-duty Air Force personnel will be allowed to compete for these unique assignments.
Shuttle Positions
Air Force officials said NASA will select candidates for possible assignment to one of two shuttle crew positions; astronaut pilot or astronaut mission specialist.
Air Force members who desire to become astronauts are encouraged to submit an application through their wing commanders or equivalent.
An Air Force central selection board will meet in April 1977 to identify approximately 45 nominees for each crew position. Best-qualified selection method will be used and final Air Force listing will be forwarded to NASA by June 30, 1977.
Pilot Qualifications
Astronaut pilot candidates must:
a. Be a U.S. citizen on active duty in the Air Force with 5 to 13 years’ service.
b. Have earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, physical science or mathematics or have completed all requirements for such a degree by Dec. 31, 1977.
c. Have acquired a minimum of 1,000 hours first-pilot time, with 2,000 or more being desirable, in any single or dual seat, single- or multi-engine jet-fighter type aircraft. However, the requirement for qualification in fighter aircraft can be waived for pilots possessing extensive operational experience in large, heavy aircraft or for pilots who have graduated from a test pilot course.
d. blight-test experience in any type of aircraft, ineluding helicopter, is desirable.
e. Combat experience is desirable.
f. Be able to pass a NASA Class-I space flight physical.
g. Must stand between 64 and 76 inches.
Mission Specialist
Astronaut mission specialist must:
a. Be a U.S. citizen on active duty in the Air Force with 5 to 13 years’ service.
b. Have earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological-physical science or mathematics or have completed all requirements for such a degree by Dec. 31, 1977.
c. Be able to pass NASA Class-II space flight physical.
d. Must stand between 60 and 74 inches.
Application details are available from local central base personnel offices. Personnel must submit applications between Jan. 1 and March 31, 1977.
Further information is available from the Air Force Military Personnel Center by Contacting Maj. Ron Jones, astronaut pilot, Autovon 487-5081 and Capt. Dennis Bernia, astronaut mission specialist Autovon 487-3405. ^
AFAAA: A Status Report
By Colonel John J. Clune, Director of Athletics
During the past several months I have received several letters and inquiries expressing concern over recent news articles dealing with the Air Force Academy Athletic Association investment program and financial status. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss both of these areas with you.
The Air Force Academy Athletic Association is a 1.7 million dollar a year business. As with any business the Association takes in money during the fiscal year and also expends this money in support of its programs. Income is derived from several sources. However, the most prominent is the football program. Our expenses are primarily in support of the 18 intercollegiate sports and 32 intercollegiate Academy teams. With the advent of women’s intercollegiates this year, the number of intercollegiate teams will approach 40 and in future years will exceed 40. During each of the past ten years the Athletic Association has shown a profit. Right now the Athletic Association has over two million dollars in either the Air Force Central Investment Program or long term government bonds. This past fiscal year the Athletic Association had a profit of approximately $6,000, despite the fact that there was no TV revenue as had been the case in the past several years. Recent audit reports have stated that the financial health of the Athletic Association is excellent.
Regarding the investment program, during the five year period from FY 1970 through 1974 the Air Force Academy Athletic Association had a deficit of about $437,000 on securities held by the Athletic Association if one considers the difference in purchase and sale price only. However, the Association did realize investment interest and dividend income of over $445,000 during the same period from the in vestment program. While any deficit is regrettable, many institutions were experiencing similar or greater losses in their investment programs. I should also point out that during these five fiscal years the AFAAA showed a net profit of over one million dollars and in fiscal year 1975 realized a net profit of over $24,000 despite investment loss due to a dispute with Merrill-Lynch. During FY 76 the AFAAA realized an income of over $170,000 from its total investment program of over 2.3 million dollars with no losses. The present investment program consists of approximately $700,000 in the Air Force Central Investment Program (this amount varies from month to month based upon income and expenses) as well as approximately 1.5 million dollars in four government bonds. This investment program is reviewed on a monthly basis by the Superintendent, and the only anticipated changes would be to liquidate the government bonds and place all the monies in the Air Force Central Investment Program.
In summary, the present financial status of the Athletic Association is good. Our investments are very secure. With expenses increasing and football fortunes fluctuating there is the possibility that the Association may have a slight loss ($30,000 to $50,000) in the next year or two. While I will
take every action to negate such a loss, I will not do so at the expense of our athletic program. I feel it is imperative that we continue to offer our men and women cadets the opportunity to represent their school locally and nationwide in as many sports as possible.
Col Clune is a 1954 Annapolis Graduate who has served as Athletic Director at USAFA since November 1975. Whileat Annapolis Colonel Clune received basketball All America honors and still holds the single season and career scoring records there.
Col Clune has completed SOS (1959), the Armed Forces Staff College (1969), the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1972), and holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California (1964). He has served extensively in the missile field and as an electrical engineer at various levels throughout the United States and overseas. Colonel Clune is rated a senior missileman. Among his military decorations are two Meritorious Service Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal. During a previous USAFA tour, 1965-1970, he served as an Air Officer Commanding and junior varsity basketball coach. ^
The Essence of Honor: Rowing Against The Tide
By Major John Fer, ’62, AOC CS37
There is an accelerating trend in the United States toward behavior that is often explained away as “changing morals.” Consequently, a movement away from fundamental, very basic principles which in a less materialistic era would prompt us to redress our relationships with other human beings, is occurring. In today’s American society, there is a reluctance to make individual decisions based upon fundamental considerations of what is right and just. On the contrary, one finds refuge in legalities; that is, resistance to the spirit while a search is made for solutions through the letter of things.
Laws are frequently passed to close loopholes that individuals exploit through the letter rather than adhering to a sense of spirit. Compliance with the spirit of law is much more difficult because one must eschew selfishness, whereas behavior with regard to the letter foregoes any thought of self-sacrifice and emphasizes only what will literally benefit the individual. Living by the spirit of laws or codes requires self-restraint for some greater good in which one believes. This self-restraint is difficult, hut is the only way to build within oneself a special mode of behavior which can be an example to others not possessing either the knowledge or will to choose the greater good over their own selfish desires. Predictably, there will he those in thegroup who will he unable to abide by the self-imposed restrictions and when having fallen from grace will endeavor to bend, warp, or dilute the spirit of the laws to which their former comrades still adhere. If the fallen are many, the selfless few may then find themselves persecuted because they maintain allegiance to a concept that transcends selfgratification and even friendship. Even as water seeks its own level, the fallen will attempt to justify their selfish behavior by attacking and tilting fundamental principles in order to force those individuals of higher standards to flow downward to a lower level. Contemporary society is rife with examples of dishonorable individuals trying to justify their dishonest behavior with claims of “unrealistic” honor codes and honor systems. Outside of the United States Air Force Academy there are protestations against short-weighted grain exports, false meat grading practices, sex-for-hire at taxpayer expense, “blackbagging,” and false travel vouchers; all of these misdeeds at a time when critics claim that honor codes are anachronistic or lack compassionate elements! Since when is honesty anachronistic? Since when is it unfair to ask public servants to tell the truth, do their own work, respect others’ property, and fightdishonesty? Our nation’s security must not depend upon self-serving cliques and cabals as in many of the world’s nations. The present attacks on honor codes by outside forces are based on the premises that “times have changed,” that “situational ethics” should determine one’s behavior and that blanket amnesty should he generously dispensed with the same thoughtlessness and frivolity that we show for automobile speed limits and the energy crisis.
“We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.”
Many people point to the current cheating scandal at West Point as proofthat the service academies must modify their honor codes. Specifically they call for more lenient punishment for violators and wider use of discretion. Significantly, the discretionary clause has been available at the United States Air Force Academy since 1961 before the first scandal took place. Since 1961, the clause has been more liberally applied but still there have been
violations. Unless the nation needs more dishonesty, further liberalization of the Code’s administration will not make it more responsive to the Nation’s needs. Strident voices have often called for the need to lessen sanctions to bring them more in line with the standards and sanctions imposed by civilian institutions. Most often the clamor for reduced sanctions comes during or just after an honor scandal has surfaced. The fact that a scandal surfaces at all is a healthy sign that there are still cadets who think more of the Honor Code and its far-reaching ramifications than they do of personal friendships, or even themselves. How many Honor scandals have surfaced at the nation’s civilian institutions? The lack of any perceptible scandal hardly means that there is no dishonesty. It probably means that those observing misbehavior think toleration is preferable to “ratting” or that assigning a failing grade to the violator is sufficient. One is entitled to ask why civilian institutions treat dishonesty so differently?
The Honor Code at the United States Air Force Academy is not short term. It is an essential part of the profession into which graduates step. The Code is not only a “letter” to follow. It is, rather, an academic and practical learning process of both letter and spirit—a daily process intended to engender a strong sense of Honor by graduation. Graduation should be the culmination of formal Honor training and graduates should have an inherent respect for their honor which no degree of temptation can steal. If the United States Air Force Academy were to adopt a freer, more loosely applied Code, would its graduates become better commanders? Is an Honor Code which demands resignation (when discretion is not recommended) such an unreasonable requirement when our country’s life may some day be at stake? The mind of man often retionalizes away reality if the perception ofdanger is not immediate. If persons far removed from the world of military reality are confronted with a question such as demanding the resignation of cadets, particularly many cadets, they quite often will see no harm in striking down compulsory resignation. Such an attitude ignores the purpose for which an Honor Code exists. One of the requirements levied upon professional military leaders is honesty in all modes of behavior. When a public servant is charged with defending his country, there can be no room for dishonesty. A professional defense force cannot tolerate anyone, cadet or commissioned officer, who quibbles or lies to protect his own selfish interests.
A commission awarded by the United States Air Force Academy is a privilege earned through the achievement of minimum acceptable standards. The use of more lenient sanctions for Honor violations than discretion would diminish the importance of a commission. Because a cadet’s undergraduate discipline record is not carried forward to active duty after commissioning, dishonest individuals could meet the new minimum acceptable standards. To draw a parallel between marginally proficient academic graduates and marginally honest graduates is fallacious. Honorable standards must be absolute because, unlike academic results which are recorded in transcripts, dishonorable behavior is not a matter of permanent record. Should not an employer have a firm idea of the employee’s Honor? An act of dishonesty, however trivial, diminishes the trust one can have for another and would hardly reinforce the confidence which is vital in those the military is to protect! Continued on Page 10
The United States Air Force Academy must be the laboratory where the culture of high ethical conduct, Honor, is grown. Then the culture can be spread by Academy graduates throughout the United States Air F’orce. General Curtis E. LeMay referred to this concept in remarks to his commanders:
I am counting heavily on the influence the graduates of the Air Force Academy will have in our concerted efforts to raise our standards. All of us have individually and collectively been working toward improvement over our years of service. I enjoin upon each of you your personal continuing efforts to insure that for no purpose do personnel or units ofyour commands pervert theprinciple that an officer’s word is his bond. The Code “We will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate among us those who do” is a hard and uncompromising one, but it is one all of us, down to the lowest grade, must attempt to live by and up to.
To understand this evangelical role and how Honor becomes a permanent personal virtue, one must understand the concept of essence.
p]ssence, as defined by the American College Dictionary is “that by which a thing is what it is; intrinsic nature; important elements or features of a thing.” Farther definition states that essence is “the inward nature, true substance, or constitution of anything.” A definition of honor refers to “highminded character or principles; fine sense of one’s obligation ...” These definitions show that the essence of Honor is a belief and behavior of the highest sense of one’s obligation....” These definitions show that the essence of Honor is a belief and behavior ofthe highest sense, an attitude toward characterization of the ultimate in an ethical life. The concept of essence may be an elusive one; however, the pursuit of an understanding ofjust what essence is should be attempted. Without the search for a clear grasp of the essence of Honor, little possibility exists that one will discover much of a meaningful level of virtuous behavior. This essence, or true substance, cannot be transmitted one to another solely through teaching. It must be acquired through both instruction and practice by those interested in seeking the ultimate in ethical conduct. Essence, therefore, cannot be forced one upon another. It must be a self-discipline imposed by each individual upon himself without coercion. F’urther, if one has the essence of Honor deeply imbued, Honorable behavior is most likely to be a habitual pattern. For those who understand the full consequences of dishonorable acts, the deeper more fundamental meaning of Honor becomes clear essence: correct behavior springing from a very deep understanding and commitment to an ideal. One who knows and holds this essence of honor rarely considers dishonest behavior.
A recent Wall Street Journal article on morality also described the problem: “morality itself is not an easily definable word, since it implies the distinctions individuals make between right and wrong, not only in a general sense but in specific circumstances.” These remarks emphasize a crucial dichotomy for the Air F’orce officer in general and the Air Force Academy cadet in particular: how to reconcile the fluid behavior which surrounds us. In addition, the Honor standards of the Air Force Academy are more rigid than those ofthe Air F’orce itself. How can we resolve this seeming dilemma? Only by calling back into perspective the fundamental of Honor-Essence! Reduce all questions to one question: Which is correct behavior? All other questions of situational ethics, expediency, exceptions, etc. are immaterial. F’or the professional military there can be no quibbling, no equivocating. Ours is a vital profession trained to do only one thing: win wars. As Douglas MacArthur said: Let civilian voices argue the merits or demerits of our
processes of government: Whether our strength is being sapped by deficitfinancing indulged in too long, by Federal paternalism grown too mighty, by power groups too corrupt, by crime grown too rampant, by morals grown too low, by taxes grown too high, by extremists grown too violent; whether our personal liberties are as thorough and complete as they should be. These great national problems are not for your professional participation or military solution. Yourguidepost stands out like a tenfold beacon in the night: Duty, Honor, Country.
A refined sense of Honor has been cherished for centuries. The ancients, without our sophisticated technology and materialism, placed great value upon virtuous behavior. Socrates died for it. Plainly, if one disects the word sophisticated one finds the word root “sophis”, and sophistry is “adroit and specious reasoning rather than soundness.” Further definition could include “artificial;” what is a dishonorable person by general standards if not artificial? Contemporary events strongly suggest the operation of unscrupulous forces in the nation today which, step by step, are undermining Honorable behavior. The momentary outcries of moral indignation and demands for reform are mere anomalies in what could be the inexorable decline of Honor. What must be accomplished is the reestablishment of basic principles, a spreading of understanding of just what essence is all about. One grasps essence only through daily immersion in the clear waters of high ethical standards so that they penetrate his very spirit. Flssence does not come automatically. It is gained through practice, repeating behavior that often demands sacrifice and hard work. As Brig Gen McDermott has said, “in the final analysis, how well the essence of Honor is internalized determines how effective it will be.” If one cannot behave in spirit as well as letter, in deed as well as word, Honorably in every instance regardless of the situation, then Honor is not internalized. Its essence has not been absorbed.
Is what is learned in terms of Honor at the United States Air F’orce Academy something that will be passed on to future generations? Will the essence of Honor not only survive, but prevail? Or will it succumb to neglect, abuse, and self-serving outsiders because its guardians failed to stand firm in the face of “changing moralists” who succeeded in dragging United States Air F’orce Academy Honor into their mire? To whom does the Code belong? There can be no doubting that the Code and System belong to the Wing, are protected by the Wing, are revised by the Wing, and can only be strengthened from within the Wing. If the Honor Code and Honor System do indeed belong to the Cadet Wing, the self-serving persons outside the Wing should learn what the United States Air F’orce Academy is attempting to accomplish as an institution before coercing changes to an important facet of cadet life which time and time again they insist belongs to the Cadet Wing. To make assuring statements and then act otherwise is worse than hypocrisy. It is hedging at best and at its worst is indulging in those very actions which the Air Force Cadet Wing in its community life repudiates. There are very few institutions in the United States today in which individual accomplishment on the basis of Honor is so highly cherished and protected in fact, not just in lip service.
The hour is slipping away, the wolves are at the gate. If the most fundamental and necessary tradition of the United States Air F’orce Academy is to not only survive but prevail, everyone, cadets and graduates alike, Air F’orce personnel active and retired, must throw off the human inertia of reluctance to speak out publicly and we must marshall our collective strength not only to preserve the Honor Code but to spread its gospel far and wide that honesty, integrity and individual accountability are not anachronistic, not fads of some bygone day, but lasting virtues upon which our nation can rely in peace or war.
The Academy Liaison Officers: 19 Years Young
BY: Captain Alvin E. Blumberg ’68
For those of us who are not aware of the fact, the AOG is not the first “Alumni Organization” the Academy has ever had. That honor belongs in essence to the Air Force Academy Liaison Officers (LOs).
Since the Air Force Academy had no alumni for the first few years after it was established in 1955, a proposal was made and accepted to enlist the support of Air Force Reserve officers to be trained as spokesmen or foster alumni for the Academy. Known originally in 1957 as “Operation Spokesman,” this plan developed and later received official recognition as the Air Force Academy Liaison Officer Program. In 1976 there is a need for Graduates to become involved in the LO Program. Read on and learn how you can assist in recruiting young men and women for the Academy.
The operating philosophy of the program is that motivation begins with information. If the Air Force Academy is to have a continuous flow ofhighly motivated, outstanding applicants year after year, there must be a continuous flow ofinformation to youth and their parents. Through the LOs the Academy is able to keep this information flowing to the prospective candidate population, and the past successes of the Academy’s information and counseling efforts are largely attributable to these highly motivated and dedicated LOs who represent the Academy in their own localities. These LOs are presently counseling prospective cadets in all 50 states and in many foreign countries which have sizable populations of U.S. citizens.
The first call in 1957 for LO volunteers met with immediate and enthusiastic response even though this was a job Reservists were asked to assume in addition to their Reserve duties. By early 1958, over 300 volunteers had been screened and assigned, and there was a steady flow of interest from others throughout the country. In July ’58 the Academy Cadet Registrar established a new staff agency called the Candiate Advisory Service (CAS) with the mission to train and organize these volunteers into a competent and effective group of admissions counselors, and the LO program was under way.
The LO organization, composed mostly of reserve officers, has undergone changes through the years just as dramatic as we have seen on active duty; however, the present set-up took shape in the early 70’s.
In 1971, the LO program was extended to overseas areas in Europe. In 1972, it was extended to the Far East, the Panama Canal Zone, and Puerto Rico to cover areas where large groups of U.S. personnel are assigned. In 1972, women Reserve officers were added to the LO program. After Congress approved the admission of women to the Service Academies in the fall of 1975, the number of women LOs was increased. In April 1975, the name of the Registrar’s directorate responsible for the LO program was changed from Candidate Advisory Service to the Admissions Liaison Office (RRV).
The structure of the LO organization is serviced by two separate areas of authority. From the operational standpoint, LOs are responsible to RRV at the Academy. For administrative purposes, most of the LOs are assigned to the Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC), Denver, Colorado. LOs who have additional duty assignments may he assigned to other Reserve units.
From both operational and administrative standpoints, the LOs are assigned to sub-organizations in 92 areas in the states and 7 overseas. Each area is under the supervision of a Liaison Officer Coordinator (LOC), who is assisted by a Deputy Liaison Officer Coordinator (DLOC). The LOC is often the senior Reserve officer in the group. He is responsible for recruiting and training LOs in the assigned area and for insuring a coordinated effort on the part of all LOs in representing the Academy. The DLOC assists in supervising and monitoring the counseling program and is responsible for preparing Officer Effectiveness Reports (OERs) or Letters of Evaluation (LOEs) on each LO in the area. LOCs are directly responsible to the Director, Admissions Liaison Office.
Generally an LOC area comprises one state, but some of the more heavily populated states have several LOC areas. For the supervision of LOC areas, RRV has assigned the 92 LOC groups to three geographic areas covering the 50 states. The areas are: Mid-Northwest region, Northeast region, and Southern region. Regular active duty officers assigned to RRV are Area Officers and have the responsibility for supervising the three geographic regions. In addition, the overseas LOC areas are supervised by the Reserve Affairs Advisor in RRV.
The Minority Affairs Division (MAD) of the Admissions Liaison Office was established in 1971 to provide information and counseling to racial minority groups on opportunities available at the Academy. The people assigned to this division are involved in locating, encouraging, and assisting non-caucasian young people to prepare and apply for the Academy. The MAD office has two officers serving four year tours and four lieutenants recently graduated from the Academy who are rotated each year. All six officers travel extensively to contact minority students and groups and to maintain coordination with local LOs in trying to find the most highly qualified minority candidates.
There are four categories of Liaison Officer. The first is the Active Liaison Officer, and the majority of our LOs must be in this category. These officers can report their LO activities for point credit toward retirement from the Air Force Reserve.
The second is the Active-Associate Liaison Officer. A retired officer (Regular or Reserve) or a civilian may serve as an LO without compensation. Normally, officers or civilians in this category must have had some prior
Continued on Page 12
experience on the Academy staff or have been affiliated with the program as an active LO. These LOs function as “independent agents” and not as employees of the Federal Government. They must volunteer their time and effort and are expected to fulfill all basic functions required of a Reserve LO.
The third is the Inactive-Associate Liaison Officer. People who want to contribute to the LO program, but who do not have time to perform the functions of active LOs, may be assigned in this category. Former active LOs may be assigned in this capacity. These LOs also function as “independent agents” and not as employees of the Federal Government.
The last is the Active Duty USAF Liaison Officer. USAFA graduates serving on active duty may serve as LOs on a voluntary basis as an additional duty. This category is where the members ofthe AOG may aid directly in the LO program. More than 50 active duty Academy graduates have served as Academy LOs. The work is challenging, and the rewards are high.
The LOs are now entering their twentieth year of service to the Academy, and if there is any one group whose support they crave, it is us, the graduates. More than any other group, Academy graduates have the power to improve the quality of the counseling rendered by the LOs. Contact your local liaison officer, you will be amazed by his enthusiasm and will soon be enjoying, as he does, working with the young men and women who aspire to blue suits and wings.
My office, Admissions Liaison (USAFA/RRV, USAF Academy CO 80840) has a complete list of all the LOs, so write or call (303) 472-2640 autovon 259-2640. Any of us will be glad to assist you. One of our prime responsibilities as graduates is to be concerned with those who follow us. There is no easier or better way than to aid a fellow officer in finding and counseling prospective cadets. Please contact your liaison officer. You won’t be sorry! ^
MIA Update
By Vince Parisi, ’73
Editor’s Note: The House Select Committee on missing persons in Southeast Asia was extendedfrom 11 Sep 76 to 3 Jan 77. Unfortunately no new initiatives have been started, nor are any currently planned.
Another homecoming has come and gone as we all continue to live in the comfort of our own separate existence. However, there are the families of our fellow graduates who cannot be so comfortable. These are the families of those men still listed as Missing in Action. Not another POW/MIA pitch you say, but this is exactly that. In an attempt to reemphasize an issue that all too many are forgetting, I mention it here again.
The North Vietnamese apparently have much more information than they care to let us believe. Recently they released reports on 12 men who were listed as MIA in hopes of bettering their opportunity for admittance to the United Nations. By releasing the information on these twelve men after previously denying any knowledge ofthem, the North Vietnamese again serve to demonstrate their rhetorical ways, It must be demanded that all information be released and that remains be allowed to be repatrioted. Then, and only then, can the North Vietnamese demonstrate their sincerity and interest in bettering world relations and be considered for the UN.
Could you remember your friends and classmates? Could you care a little bit? Take a moment right now to drop a note to your elected representative and let him know your feelings. Give just a little bit of your time for someone else and DON’T LET THEM BE FORGOTTEN. ^
Sports Fans
SPORTS FANS. For all of you that would like to attend an Academy sports event in your area, here is a list of the away basketball and hockey games for the ’76-’77 Falcon teams.
BASKETBALL
Date Opponent
27 Nov Arkansas
4 Dec Colorado
29-30 Dec Evansville Classic 21 Jan Portland State
22 Jan Gonzaga
29 Jan Army 15 Feb Wyoming 19 Feb Creighton
26 Feb Tulane
1 Mar Denver
HOCKEY
Site
Fayetteville, AR Boulder, CO Evansville, IN Portland, OR Spokane, WA West Point, NY Laramie, WY Omaha, NB New Orleans, LA Denver, CO
12-13 Nov 19 Nov 20 Nov 26-27 Nov 21-22 Jan 1 Feb Wisconsin-Stout St. John’s, Minn St. Cloud State, Minn Colgate Tourney Royal Military College Denver Eau Claire, WI Collegeville, MN St Cloud, MN Binghamton, NY Kingston, Ontario Denver, CO
Teaching Opportunities In Philosophy
By Paul Viotti, ’66
How would you like to teach philosophy at the Air Force Academy? To learn more, contact the USAFA Department of Political Science and Philosophy. Write to Colonel Malham M. Wakin, (Department Head, DFPSP, USAF Academy, Colorado 80840) or call Autovon 259-2270 and ask to speak either to Colonel Wakin or to the Personnel Officers (Major Desiderio or Captain Viotti). Formal application should also be made in accordance with AFR 36-20. The faculty prefers officers with between four and ten years of commissioned service who have excellent academic and military records. Applications are considered from all officers regardless of undergraduate field of study. An individual selected by the Department not already holding a master’s degree in philosophy will be sponsored under AFIT for graduate education at a civilian institution.
Homecoming 1976
The weekend of 15 -17 October 1976 was set aside on the Academy schedule for Homecoming 1976. The Class of 1966 was featured as the 10 Year Reunion Class, and a representation from the other seventeen Classes combined with the large ’66 turnout to make this one of the more enjoyable Homecomings in recent years. The weatherman cooperated, Mitch’s cooperated, and all in attendance had a great time despite the official AF policies that restricted the attendance by limiting use of aircraft once again and the disappointing result of the football game with Colorado State University.
The weekend was highlighted for the Class of 1966 by their Class Reunion at A-Hall on Friday evening; the number in attendance was impressive, the ladies attracfive, and the war stories generally unbelievable. For everyone the traditional Memorial Ceremony held jointly with the Cadet Wing on Saturday morning under clear skies and accented with a cool breeze to remind us of the time of year was a solemn and moving ceremony as it has become over the years. Colonel Tony Burshnick, ’60, the senior Graduate in attendance, served as the Graduate Commander.
Following the Memorial Ceremony, the Grads retreated to A-Hall for the Graduate Discussion Panel and a welcome from the Superintendent. This was followed by attendence at the Superintendent’s Homecoming Brunch and a brief ceremony to officially dedicate Richter Lounge in memory of Karl Richter, ’64.
On Saturday evening the Graduates enjoyed a fine banquet in Mitchell Hall and joined the Superintendent in honoring Mrs. Betty Love, widow ofJabara Award Winner Michael V. Love, as she accepted the award for her husband’s work in the X-24B Lifting Body Project. Also in attendance at the Banquet and seated at the head table was Captain Dick Borowski, ’66, who, along with Love, Major Roger Carleton, ’67, and Captain Don Heckert, ’67, was a finalist for this year’s Jabara Award for Airmanship.
Sunday morning the busy weekend came to a happy conclusion with the traditional “get away” breakfast at the Officers Club sponsored by the Air Academy National Bank and attended by Academy senior staff and the Graduates along with their kids.
The Homecoming activities were planned and coordinated by a volunteer commitee of Graduates assigned here at USAFA. The list was dominated by Committee Chairmen from ’66 with able assistance from Homecoming veterans and a sizeable number of’67 Grads busily taking notes on how to make next year even bigger and better. To all who helped, a sincere “thank you” from the AOG Office. To all that attended, our appreciation for your support. For those that did not/could not make it, please start planning now to attend next year when the 14-16 October weekend will be reserved for Homecoming 1977 and a football victory over Arizona State. Captain Bill Straw, will head next year’s planning committee and your suggestions should be directed to him.
’76 Homecoming Queen
We paused to dedicate Richter Lounge.
Dick Borowski, Jabara finalist, and wife, Darlene
General Allen presented the Jabara Plaque to Betty Love.
JABARA AWARD FOR AIRMANSHIP
LIEUTENANT COLONEL
MICHAEL V. LOVE
CLASS OE I960
lieutenant Colonel Michael V. Love, Class of 1960, is honored with this award for his unique and significant contribution to airmanship through his work in the X-24B lifting Body Project. Lieutenant Colonel Ixive was the Air Force pilot in this project created to develop and test an aerospace vehicle radically different from other manned aircraft. He thus was faced throughout the project with applications never before encountered, ranging from development of a realistic airborne simulator to test Hying the X-24B. He performed these assignments, including unpowered and powered flights, with complete success. In so doing he solved not only the complex intellectual problems of design and engineering, but also the airmanship problems of precise flying and coping with the unexpected, lie greatly advanced our knowledge of flight; and through the breadth of his skills and the distinctiveness of his performance, he truly became an aviation pioneer.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The following “Letters to the Editor” appeared in the 25 Oct 76 edition of the AF Times. They are reproduced here with permission of the AF Times.
Splitting Hairs
AF ACADEMY, Colo. I feel that the inconsistency between the hair regulations for female cadets and women officers here is unjustified. The regulation for female cadets states that the hair will not touch the collar or the eyebrows. The women officers’ regulations allow the hair to touch the bottom of the collar, but not the eyebrows. This is a major difference, in my opinion, which does not benefit the woman cadet in anyway.
Cadets are being trained to be professional officers and are supposed to look and act like officers while they are still at the Academy. This can’t be accomplished if the cadets are required to look different.”
As a woman cadet, I see no positive reason for the difference in hair regulations. I feel it only makes the women cadets look different from the women officers, which is not the purpose of the USA?" Academy.
CADET
Academy Discipline
AF ACADEMY, Colo. The exhibition of strict disciplinary procedures at the academy serves many specific purposes. Discipline, as proposed here, helps to develop in a cadet the character which should be displayed when commissioned a second lieutenant.
As a result ofthis strict training system, a cadet is taught to function as a professional. It also instills in a cadet, the philisophy to exert his maximum effort, thus accomplishing his mission in a minimum period with relatively little error. Probably the most important factor of all is that it teaches a sense of self-discipline. By following a strict code, one realizes all major aspects of leadership; hence, upon commissioning a cadet becomes what the AF is seeking a professional leader.
CADET
the Air Force’s first practically all graduate LO force, and one we can all be well proud of their accomplishments have been quite remarkable, including an average of twenty-seven appointments to each class the past several years.
For your information I am attaching a copy of our current LO roster and the graduate LOs are clearly indicated by their Class year.
Sincerly,
JOHN C. MAHAN, Colonel, USAFR Liaison Officer Coordinator, Europe
Editor’s Note: The list of graduate L.O.’s in Europe included the following:
Ken ARCHEY, 72; Dick BE RE IT, 70; Keith BETSCH, 71; Ray BROUSSARD, 68; Joe BURKE, 70; Howard CARROLL, 62; Joel CARROLL, 66; Larry COOPER, 72; Tom EGGERS, 64; Walt FEY, 70; John FLANAGAN, 62: Jim GAUDINO, 72; George JOHNSON, 70; Russ LOGAN, 71; Greg LOSER, 67; Greg LOWE, 70; Bill OLDENBURG, 70; Dave TAGGART, 69; A1 PHILLIPS, 73; John PUSTER, 65; Ron RICHARDS, 72; A1 ROWE, 65; Dick SEXTON, 61; Fred SINE, 70; Bill STANTON, 73; Tom STARKOVICH, 72; Dennis TIESFEN, 71; Bob TRACEY, 71; and John WIGINGTON, 73.
Dear Major Wheeler:
Georgia LO’s are pleased to have among our group three Academy graduates. Two are now Reserve Officers and one is still on AD. All are pilots two for Eastern, and one for SAC.
Each is very personable, an excellent speaker, and of exceptional value to the LO program. I am delighted to have them with us and expect to have several more Academy graduates soon. The officers are:
Major Jon W. McClure, USAFR 4455 Valley Brook Drive College Park, Georgia 30349
Dear Major Wheeler,
An article appeared in a recent LO Newsletter highlighting the interest of your Association in the activities of graduates and their contributions to the LO program.
In this area the all-out participation of graduates is quite unique. Their support and contributions to the LO program have been outstanding for a number of years. The LO program in Europe (Azores to Iran) has averaged 32 graduate LOs, practically all on active duty, and serving as LOs in an additional duty capacity. This program has been
Captain A. Michael Bernstein, USAFR 3642 Paddock Drive Decatur, Georgia 30034
AFA ’60
Pilot: Eastern Airlines
AFA ’66
Pilot: Eastern Airlines
Captain Michael F. Wellington, USAF AFA ’71 410 Vermont Avenue
Pilot: USAF Warner Robins, Georgia 31093
Sincerely,
FLOYD W. McRAE, JR., Colonel, USAFR LOC Georgia
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Jim
This is a letter for publication from two graduates (classes ’63 & ’69) who recently had a unique opportunity. We would like to share our general observations and feelings with other graduates and friends.
Recently, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force directed the USAF Inspector General to inspect high stress training programs. We were fortunate to be on the team which inspected high stress portions of USAFA third and fourth class summer training programs. The IG was not directed to evaluate the quality of these programs, only the risk. We will not include, in this letter, any matters within the scope of the official inspection.
Nevertheless, it would have been impossible for any two graduates, under similar circumstances, not to make comparisons and draw conclusions about the quality of these programs versus several years ago. By the way, neither of us has had any official contact with USAFA beyond attending a reunion since graduation. Before arrival at USAFA for our 10-day visit we agreed not to express our opinions to one another until after the inspection was complete. When we did compare, our reactions were identical.
We were very favorably impressed with the much wider range and higher quality of basic and advanced military training and leadership laboratory programs offered, both required and optional. True, it’s not as gut-level tough as it was back when but it’s every bit as tough as is needed to do the job. Most of the C.S. is gone, as are some ofthe valid, teeth gritting, gut-it-out routines that “make a man out of you” or “put hair on your chest.”
We were proud to observe that the Air Force Academy has not adopted a defensive stance in the face of pressures from a changing society. It has not backpedcUed and merely eliminated training measures and tools in the face of charges that “...might injure Johnny’s (or Judy’s)...” True, some have been dropped. But far more, and better, have been added. The net result is a composite training opportunity which is much more comprehensive, makes more sense, and is supported by better staff, equipment, and facilities than was ours. This is all reflected in the professionalism displayed by the upper-class cadets who are learning by doing and constantly improving our Academy. We each feel that we have more to be proud of today than the day we graduated.
Fred Beauchemin, ’63 Major, USAF Inspector, Directorate of Inspection
Denny McGuirk, ’69 Captain, USAF ASTRA Officer, Directorate of Safety
The following editorial by General Milton appeared in the Colorado Springs Sun on Sunday, 17 Oct 1976. It is reprinted with the permission of the author and the Sun. Members of the AOG will be pleased to know that the AOG administers an annual FALCON Foundation scholarship on behalf of deceased Graduates. Information on this program can be obtained from the AOG office.
Cadets: Air Force’s Future
Thirty-three years ago this past Thursday we reached a turning point in the war against Germany. On that Thursday long ago the U.S. Eighth Air Force bombed the Schweinfurt ball-bearing works. The bombing was excellent, but our casualties were extremely heavy, with some sixty-six bombers lost and 600 men missing. It was a victory of sorts for our side because ofthe damage done to a vital industry, but it was the sort of victory we could not afford very often. Out of this great air battle came the lesson that fighter protection was essential to the bomber formations. The application of that lesson spelled the end of the Luftwaffe as an effective force and made possible a landing in Normandy the following June, unopposed by enemy air. Thus Schweinfurt marked the real beginning of our emergence as a nation that understands air power.
Just a week short of those thirty-three years since Schweinfurt I attended an affair at the Air Force Academy that brought home in a most direct way the brevity of the history of air power, for there were, at that dinner, representatives of every generation that has fought in the air. World War I pilots like Reginald Sinclair of Colorado Springs and Percival Hart of Beverly Hills, aging but vigorous; World War II aircrewmen everywhere you looked, grey but a few still in uniform; Korean war pilots, Vietnam war pilots and finally, the military air leaders to be the cadets of the Air Force Academy. The occasion was a dinner given by the Falcon Foundation, an organization that deserves an explanatory note at this point.
The Falcon Foundation is dedicated, quite simply, to providing preparatory school scholarships for young peopie who want to attend the Air Force Academy but whose academics need a little polishing before they can qualify. Aha, you say, clearly a scheme to provide football players. Well, you are wrong. By far the greatest number of these scholars there are about forty each year have had no outstanding athletic skills. They are just young people who have evidenced a great desire to go to the Academy and who have survived some intensive screening as to motivation, future potential, and financial need. They are, in short, good bets for this nation’s future officer corps, and it is on that basis that the Falcon Foundation puts out the money to prepare them for the Academy’s stiff entrance qualifications. The results over the years have been
rewarding to the Academy and to the Air Force. Once the prep schools have done their work, the Falcon scholars have performed at the Air Force Academy, and after graduation on a par with their classmates. Without this Foundation’s help they could never have made it.
The dinner the other night brought together, and just incidentally, for that was not the purpose ofthe evening, all the air power generations. The old boys looked back, as is increasingly our custom, to airplanes and battles of days gone by. The young, the cadets, looked ahead, as they should, to what they would be flying, and doing, in the years to come. It is not an easy future to read.
Clearly, these cadets will never take part in mass air battles like those of World War II. We will never again see a war with air armadas such as we deployed against Germany and Japan. By the same token, we will never again need the numbers of pilots we had to have to man those aramadas.
Any war in the future is going to be fought, in the air, at least, pretty much with what we have on hand at the outset. And since the military airplanes coming along now are so costly and so complicated, their numbers will be necessarily limited. So, therefore, will be the numbers ofthe men who fly them. Never again the mass training programs, the aircrew replacement depots, they are gone with the fiftymission caps. Our future as the leader in air power will rest mainly with the professional military, although it is only fair to say that much of our Air National Guard and Air Reserve must be included in that professional category.
In the years to come an increasing percentage ofstudents in the Air Force flying training schools will come from the Air Force Academy. The whole idea, after all, ofhaving the taxpayers support that institution is to give us a source of career-minded Air Force officers with the best possible educational background. It will be a different Air Force, as indeed it is now, from the one that fought World Wars One, Two and even Korea. Those air Forces were made up mostly of citizens in for the duration. When talk in the squadrons, back in 1943, got around to post-war plans, those plans rarely included the military, or even airplanes. Next time, if there is a next time, will be different. The Air Force of the future will be founded on Graduates of that institution in Colorado Springs. It is thus a great comfort to know that the school is up to its job. The results thus far, in the 18 years since the first class graduated, are cause for great optimism about the Air Force’s future. And scattered through those graduating classes, remember, are some dedicated follows who, without the Falcon Foundation, would never have made it.
T. R. Milton is a retired Air Force general who resides in Colorado Springs.
Assistant Dean
On Saturday, 28 August 1976, Lt. Col. Ervin J. Rokke, Class of 1962, became the first Academy Graduate to be invested as a Permanent Professor on the Faculty of the United States Air Force Academy. To assure instructor and academic administrative continuity, Congress has established 22 permanent professor positions at the Academy. Officers so designated may serve on the faculty until retirement from active duty.
By becoming the first Grad to be so honored, Erv adds yet another kudo to an already distinguished career. His title for now is Assistant Dean of the Faculty. To Erv and Pam and the kids, too, the sincere congratulations of the Association of Graduates.
Erv Rokke, ’62
CHAPTERS On 9 October 1976 the Colorado Chapter of the AOG held its first social function of the season at the Sheraton Inn in Colorado Springs following the Navy football game. The turnout was enthusiastic and those in attendance enjoyed the comraderie while finding time to deal with the necessary business attendant to establishing an active Chapter. Upcoming events will include a dinner/dance in November, a function with the Class of 1977 to celebrate 100th night, and a get together with the Parents Club of Colorado in the Spring. For Grads in the area wishing to get involved and to be added to the mailing list, contact the AOG office and we’ll pass it along to the local Chapter.
For those Graduates in the Salt Lake City area interested in participating in an AOG Chapter, BOB BRICKEY is undertaking the task of getting the ball rolling. To get in touch with Bob write or call him; his current address is 2314 S. 22nd St. East, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84109.
Another new Chapter is also getting organized. This one will be in Oklahoma and will be headquartered at Tinker AFB. TOM HILL, ’64, is the man to get in touch with to volunteer your services and ideas. Tom is hanging his hat at 5351 Rawlings, Tinker AFB, OK 73145.
For those who might be inclined to start a Chapter but feel like there may not be enough activities to undertake to make it worthwhile read the following extract from the Annual Report of the Nebraska Chapter of the AOG:
1. The Nebraska Chapter of USAF Academy Alumni has participated in the following activities over the past year:
a. A mixer for members and their wives was held on 4 Sep 75. Captain Carl Janssen, now stationed at the Academy, discussed the preparations that were being made to accept female cadets into the Class of 1980.
b. Members and their wives attended the USAFA-Iowa State football game at Ames, Iowa on 20 Sep 75 and invaded Des Moines for dinner after the game.
c. The annual membership meeting was held on 16 Jan 76. Four new Board of Directors members were elected.
d. Due to the success of past Top Talk programs at Offutt AFB, the program was continued on the local level this year even though the Academy had dropped official sponsorship. Two groups of cadet candidates and their parents toured the SAC Airborne and Underground Command Posts and saw films about cadet life on 9 and 23 Apr 76. Graduates ate lunch with the groups and answered questions about the academic and military training programs. A total of 21 candidates and 27 parents attended the two sessions.
e. A cocktail party for members and their wives was held at a local country club on 15 May 76. The films shown to the Top Talk participants were also shown at this party. 2. In the near future the Chapter plans to hold a picnic and invite a graduate stationed at the Academy to attend and tell us how the new female cadets performed during summer training.
Many thanks to Lt. Col. Ransom Holmes, ’59, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer for sending the AOG office his annual report.
Attention In The Area
MEMORIAL - Col. Kelly F Cook, who will be remembered by members of ’65 and others as a former English prof and AOC of CS-19, was officially changed to KIA after having been MIA since 10 Nov 1967. Through a special action, the Academy Memorial Board approved Mrs Cook’s request for the placement of a marker in the Academy cemetery.
1976 RESISTER The 1976 version of the Graduate Register is in final preparation and will be mailed in early November. This year we have returned to white paper and have made a few changes to enhance readability and usage. We hope you will like the 1976 Register, and request that you read it closely and forward constructive suggestions to the AOG office. Don’t forget to read the “Explanation” section to facilitate understanding the standard format.
POSTAGE We try to keep our records current to insure that you receive all AOG correspondence. Of course this is only possible when you keep us advised ofyour movements. If this Magazine is sent to an old address, it is returned to the AOG office this costs 25<t each time. Needless to say, when we are mailing 7000 copies it can become expensive. New change of address cards will be included in the Register package. Please use these to keep us current and to help keep our postage costs down.
SIJAN COLLECTION The Academy Library has become depository for memorabelia related to the career of Lance P Siian, Class of 1965, the first Academy graduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Anyone wishing to contribute photos or the like to the Sijan Collection should contact the AFA Library.
PROMOTIONS As this issue goes to press the ternporary Lieutenant Colonel list is pending and the permanent Major Board is preparing to meet. To the Class of 61 and the Class of 64 these boards are of particular interest. Good Luck to all concerned; we shall print pertinent stats in the Winter issue.
BAY AREA GRADS The AOG needs a Chapter in the Bay Area; volunteers please get in touch ASAP. Also, MrT A Ross, President of the US Naval Academy Alumni Chapter in the Bay Area (408/253-8365) wishes to coordinate USNA and AFA graduate activities. Sounds like a natural; get in touch and let the AOG office assist you in getting started.
NAME One ambitious member took the request in the Summer issue serious and offered the name “Jagged Horizon” in tribute to the setting of our undergraduate school. In addition the AOG files contain the following suggested names for this publication: Prop and Wings Checkpoints Silver and Blue High Flight The Graduate Review
Comrades and Classmates Silver and Blue Review Pass in Review At the Ramparts
Do I hear any nominations from the field?
PLATES AND PRINTS In recent weeks all AOG members have received information on two merchandise items which are being offered by the AOG as a service to AFA Graduates. Both the “Gyrfalcon” print and the Franklin Mint silver plate can be ordered for delivery before Ghristmas. There was some initial thought given to offering only one item this year, but it was decided that we would be more likely to satisfy the diverse tastes of everyone with more than one item.
The AOG will receive royalities from both offerings. These royalities will be used to further AOG programs and projects. Please forward your print orders to the AOG and the plate orders to Franklin Mint as soon as possible.
JOBS Some Grads military and civilian now find themselves in a postion that requires them to recruit and hire people to work for their unit or corporation. Other grads are actively seeking opportunities and employment both in and out of the service.
In light of the above it seems that the AOG office may be in a unique position to be of service. Therefore, in an effort to get this program off the ground, we invite all grads currently filling a “hiring” position to use our quarterly magazine to advertise the positions they are attempting to fill. We will gladly sell you an ad or will run your information as a service to our members.
AOG SPONSORSHIP The 7th Military History Symposium was held at USAFA on 30 Sept 1 Oct. The Association of Graduates, through a grant from the Olmsted Foundation, was able to once again join the Department of History in cosponsoring the event. It was unquestionably an academic and social success in every respect. The AOG is indebted to the Olmsted Foundation for their grant and to the History Department for staging such a fine symposium.
CADET PUBS The first issue of Talon is already out; the ’77 Contrails Calendar can now be ordered; Polaris yearbooks are available too. Interested? Write to Cadet Wing Media, CWOM, USAFA, Co, 80841.
SABRES The AOG is in the process ofdeveloping a way to procure Cadet Sabres for resale to Graduates. The only source available is in W. Germany and the procedures will be a bit non-standard. Nonetheless, the AOG office will start a list of Grads who want a Sabre. The cost will be unknown until a firm contract is negotiated. Details will be provided when available; our apologies to the wives who wanted the Sabres for Christmas maybe next year.
PHOTOS fhe AOG office maintains a file on each Graduate; these files are updated annually as the biographical forms are received in the AOG office. Unfortunately we have no way to update our photo file; and, as you may have noticed, we sometimes do not have current photos to use in the Magazine. Thus, it is up to you to keep us supplied with a recent photo...why not send along a copy of your favorite?
Attention In The Area
LADIES Inquiries, Letters, Telephone Calls or the like from the Ladies of our Grads are always welcome at the AOG office. Also, since it is often you gals who read this publication in detail, it would be nice to hear what you think about the content, the format, and how we might improve the Magazine.
PREP SCHOOL fhe Prep School Grads in the audience will be pleased to know that 147 members of the 1976 Class entered the Academy with the Class of 1980. Included in the 147 were 6 young ladies. On 2 Aug 76, the Prep School entered 262 students who will compete for Cadet appointments to the Class of 1981.
FOOTBALL RECORDS When the Academy defeated the University of Pacific in the season opener, it was the 100th football victory in Academy history. The composite record on that date became 100 96 10.
Another milestone was achieved on opening day when Coach Ben Martin started his 19th year as head coach. This represents the longest tenure for any head coach in the history of Service Academy football.
EAGLES In response to a request for some details on the Full Colonels among our ranks, here are the facts: there are 28 Graduates who have been promoted to 0-6 to date. Seventeen from ’59, three from ’60, seven from ’61, and one from ’62. Fourteen of the ’59ers made it from the secondary zone and three from the primary; the others were all secondary zone promotees.
LAW SCHOOL Statistics show that 123 Graduates from ’59 '75 have attended Law School while still on active duty. In addition 150 Grads have attended Law School after leaving the USAF. Of this total 156 have become lawyers, 15 did not finish, and 102 are currently in Law School.
BAFFIN The “Gyrfalcon” print has rekindled interest in the 1972 “Baffin” print offered by the AOG. Unfortunately the AOG office has no “Baffin” prints to sell. Local dealers tell us tht the original with the AOG crest has appreciated over 300% but are extremely hard to find in the open market. The “Baffin” without the AOG crest has appreciated about one-half as much. Since the “Gyrfalcon” print is being offered under similar conditions 1000 AOG prints with crest and artist’s signature the investment potential seems obvious. In addition, most people at Homecoming who viewed the “Gyrfalcon” print agree that the new print is even more attractive than the 1972 offering.
As a service, the AOG office will compile a list of buyers and sellers for “Baffin.” Send us your name and the particulars and we will attempt to match the lists.
76 OLYMPICS - Bob NIEMAN, Class of 1970, was the only AFA Grad to complete in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Bob’s event was the Modern Penthalon; and, though he won no medal, Bob placed 1st in his speciality, the 300 meter swim, with a time of 3:13.61. The AOG extends hearty congratulations to Bob for his fine effort.
Editor’s Note: The Class Secretaries for ’67, ’69, and ’74 missed getting their columns in this time. Suggest Grads from these classes write the Class Secretaries so that ample material will be available in advance of the 10 Jan 77 deadline for submission of copy to the AOG office.
The photos heading each Class News were taken at Homecoming 1976.
FLt Col Wayne Pittman
2000 S. Eads, Apt 927
Arlington VA 22202
Autovon 227-7116
Fall and football are in the air as I write this. This year promises to be an interesting one for inter-service football after three games all three teams seem to have about the same potential. I didn’t learn about it in time for the last magazine, but I hope that many of you got to enjoy the hospitality that BUZZ OLSON was planning for the Army game. Buzz is with Base Ops at Plattsburg.
Those of us in Washington have been able to renew old friendships with a few new arrivals (why is it that whenever I get anywhere, the departures begin to outnumber the arrivals?): JOE DESANTIS came back from Turkey and is working with BOB JENNINGS in the General Purpose and Airlift area of Studies and Analysis. LARRY FORTNER is applying all that Air War College knowledge in the F-15 shop in Aero Systems, AFSC, at Andrews. ROBIN KOZELKA is at NWC with RON LANMAN, who was already here.
BRIAN PARKER, in my only letter from you guys, reported that Robin left Holloman holding the bird. Seems his 417 TFS came in last in a Turkey Shoot and was awarded a prize a live gobbler. Somebody has to be last right? ED MONTGOMERY’S move to Holloman was reported earlier, but Brian adds that his job there is Chief of Wing Training. Brian points out that he’s into his last year with the ROTCs at Texas A&M and would be open to good job offers (along with Exec of the Detachment, Lee McCleskey, ’61). The real motive for the letter suddenly dawns on me!
Here in the DC area, BOB OAKS is heading Europe/NATO in Plans and Policy and JIM BURTON went from the Pentagon to Development Plans in Systems Command at Andrews. MG LOBDELL has taken over as Commandant of the NWC and from now on it’s Seminar vs Seminar with the gloves on. MG ELLIS is up from the basement to be Deputy IG a chance to utilize those investigatory skills he acquired in SAMIs so long ago.
The schools took their toll from our local group: JIM RHODES and (I think) JIM CARPENTER will join DD ANDERSON at Air War College. NORM QUIGLEY went from DIA to the Naval War College.
JERRY GARBER, who seems to have finally settled on steady employment at Ellsworth as the Missile Wing Executive Officer, has received the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding job as our man on the Supt’s staff (and the Supt’s man on our staff). At the Academy, CHARLIE MEIER has been selected for tenure, so he’ll be staying on to unveil the mysteries of chemistry to the young ladies.
Miscellaneous transfers and assignments: AF Times reports that AL GAGLIARDI is going from Laughlin to Mather. Someone told me that MIKE CARNS is over at SHAPE with DAVE GOODRICH. BOB CHEPOLIS at
’59: “Senior” Class
Wright-Patterson is Chief of the Program Evaluation Division in the B-l SPO. The name of LOU KINSLAND popped up somewhere in connection with the Viking mission (Deputy Mission Director!). He is still with Jet Proplusion Labs.
FRED WYNN one of the travelingest guys I know brought back a report from Kirtland. Three classmates in AFTEC: JAY MITCHELL with the A-10, DAVE ARCHINO as Exec, and CLARK LOVERIN who is into Flight Simulators. And in AFWL, SHERWOOD RICHERS is with Project TRESTLE. (I guess that means something to you guys in the systems business.)
The more observing of you will notice that this column is somewhat shorter than most and a lot shorter than most of us would like. It is unfortunate reality that even here in the hub of the universe, the Pentagon where it’s all at I still can’t keep up on all those important deeds of daring and imagination that I know in my heart you are all performing out there not without help. Christmas is coming up. May I suggest that when you buy stamps for your cards, you also pick up a postcard. Jot some of the news, both family and professional, and drop it to me. Use abbreviations, anything, just give me hints.
LtCol John Macartney
160 Arequa Ridge Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Autovon: 259-2270
SEASON’S GREETINGS!
As this is being written it is late September, another football season is off to a bumpy start, the new “doilies” have just joined the Wing, the Aspen are starting to turn and the year’s first snowflakes are falling on HERMAN HILL, above the cadet area.
I really felt good recently when I received a nice letter from Elizabeth WALSH thanking me for the 20 year-old photo of Denny reporting to Lowry in his Naval cadet uniform. Thank you, Elizabeth.
Tony BURSHNICK called last month. He’s just finished War College at Maxwell and is now the Assistant D.O. of the 443rd MATW at Altus AFB. Tony passed on the following tidbits: Charlie WATERMAN is also at Altus in the Wing Inspector office; Don STEVENS is at Scott AFB in the operations research business; and Tom BURKE is in Brussels trying to sell AWAC’s to NATO.
Reserve Technician, Group D.O., and Thud-driver Roy JOLLY spent a night at my house two weeks ago. He and two wingmen from Tinker were taking part in a close support drill at Fort Carson. There’s much news from the JOLLY household. Barbara has given up her job as a 4-H
administrator, and she and Roy have just moved into a new home in Edmond, Oklahoma. In addition, it’s possible TWA may be recalling Roy shortly in which case he’ll fly for TWA out of San Francisco but probably continue living in Oklahoma and driving F-105’s with the Reserves at Tinker. Now are you ready for this? Pops has gotten religion! He and Barbara have both become Mormons. Roy also passed on the word that Denny HANEY is now at Tinker with the just-formed AWAC’s wing.
QUICKIES. Dick HEAD has returned from the Philippines where he commanded the 510th TFS. He’s now at NWC. Elaine and the kids are staying at their cabin in Breckenridge, Colorado, this fall and will join Dick in Washington in January. Cres SHIELDS, who teaches math here, is building a beautiful new home in a wooded area just south of the Academy. Yours trulv spent the summer as a sailplane IP and also took up a new sport— white water rafting. Earl VANINWEGEN and family (Ent AFB) spent a day on the Arkansas River with us in August. Dale THOMPSON has PCSd from AWC to the Pentagon, JCS (J-3). Dale, incidentally, was a Distinguished Graduate at Maxwell, as were classmates Tony BURSHNICK and Bill KORNITZER. Don WOLFSWINKEL has, I have heard, gone on a remote assignment, leaving a new bride behind in Charleston. Paul SULLIVAN has also joined the ranks of those assigned remote. Sully has PCS’d from Ent AFB to Shemya AFB in the Aleutians. Dr. Dave REED has, according to his cahnge-of-address card, moved from one street to another in Aukland, New Zealand. Bob FISCHER, an FAA check pilot, has recently moved from Pennsylvania to Fairfax, Virginia. An engraved message from Ned WHITMAN announces the opening of the law firm of Burke & Whitman with offices in Suffern, New York and NewYork City.
GUEST COMMENTS. Jock SCHWANK has kindly consented to pass on some news about folks he came across or heard about this summer. Take it away Jock:
During a 6 week TDY to Wright-Patterson I had a long visit with Ron and Carolyn DEEP in, of all places, the clothing sales store. After his stint in AFIT, Ron was apparently in need of some new uniforms so he could fill his luxurious role as a T-39 pilot with the MAC Det at WPAFB. Seems that Ron will be there for a couple of years finishing up on his flying gates before he officially puts his PhD to use.
Also spent some time with Dr. Wayne KENDALL who is back in a blue suit and working with the Aero Med Research Labs at WPAFB. Next time you see a news film on acceleration/deceleration or other tvnes of medical research, look for Wayne supervising in the background. Or, if you’re ever sick at Wright-Patterson, you just might run into him at the hospital where he pulls some duty in his spare time.
Also spent some time this summer with brother-in-law Neal REAVELY and family (including a new daughter, Becky Jo). Neal had flown back East to be the feature speaker at his Corunna, Michigan, high school 20 year reunion. He is still Hying for the Montana Guard as well as teaching and coaching in Harlowton, Montana. He says the fishing and hunting are really super out his way, including some unbelievably large trout (there must be some compensation for living in the plains of Montana.)
Also recently received a call from Ted STUMM. Ted is currently flying C-5’s out of Dover and apparently thoroughly enjoying it. Among the other enjoyable tidbits Ted passed on was the location of a long lost soul: Dr Jon DAY who is practicing his dental wizardry in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Since this is the last column before Christmas, we’ll close with a happy season’s greeting from all of us stationed at the Academy.
Class of 1961 Newsletter
Thomas L. Sutton, Major 123 Mississippi Dyess AFB, Tx 79607
Res: (915) 698-8748
Duty: 696-2147, Autovon: 416-2147
I’m almost as excited as a five year old on Christmas Eve when I receive a letter from one of our Classmates. In most instances, however, that event is almost as infrequent as Christmas. I was thrilled a few days ago when the postbox disgorged a note from Ed ZOMPA. Ed and Gayle are in the process of relocating their household from the Misty Isles to the windswept plains of Oklahoma. Ed is joining the AWACS team and will be flying out of Tinker AFB. He is very pleased with the assignment, especially since it came after he had already packed his household goods for a trip to Ellsworth AFB and SAC tankers. Ed is not the only classmate in the AWACS program as Art KERR still lives in Seattle with Boeing and I hear that Lee BUTLER is working AWACS at the Pentagon. If so, that must be Lee’s fifteenth Pentagon job.
Since Ed was the only letter writer this term, I resorted to the phone lines and was able to elicit a few newsworthy items about our friends throughout the world. I called Hector NEGRONI and realized as soon as his clerk answered the phone that I had made a mistake about his job in our last issue. I reported that Hector was in DOX, but I guess that last letter in the office symbol got skewed because Hector is really DOT. That, my friends, stands for training, not plans. Hector sees to it that all crewmembers at Pope have a nice simulator to practice their flying skills in. He suffers with training crews to transport nuclear weapons and participates in many other facets of the big game, like M-16 training for Aerial Port personnel. His only complaint is that he gets tired reinventing the wheel.
I was interested to learn that I am not the only Wing Safety guy among the 61ers. Charlie NEAL is the Chief of Safety at Seymour-Johnson AFB with the 4th TFW and Dick COPPOCK is the Chief of Flying Safety at Travis AFB for all those big mamas out there. Dick was the very first navigator to graduate from the University of Southern California’s Flying Safety Officers School and is the first navigator to be a Chief of Flying Safety. I don’t know whether there were any prior to Dick who tried and failed, but at least we can be proud of Dick. While reading the results of a Management Effectiveness Inspection given to Dick’s wing, I was impressed to see the great big laudatory comment affixed to his name. Clap, Clap, Clap, Dick.
Jerry LEFTON and Gene DAVIS are also at Travis. Jerry is the Wing Commander’s Executive Officer which always requires handling a bucket of snakes, and Gene is
’61: HalfWay to 30
found cruising through those footless halls of space in C-5 Galaxies, when they are allowed to fly.
On the other side of the continent, Charlie STEBBINS and Sarah still reside in the shadow of the towers of five sided Disneyland East. Charlie tells me that he and Sarah have risked their very reputation by inviting Bill and Linda GRIFFIS, Pete and Pattie LANE, and Lee and Dorene BUTLER to travel to the Army game with them in their Stebbinsmobile. The only point that I really question is that the whole group is going to reside at the home of Johnny KOlIOUT’s folks-in-law while in New York. Perhaps in the next issue we’ll be able to see pictorially the results of this escapade.
I hear that Jack WOLCOTT pinned on his birds a little early so that he could assume a more influential position on a very prestigious council. Jack has departed the cool climate of Maine and moved to a small mansion in Ft. Totten, New York. He was selected as an Air Force Associate in the Council of Foreign Relations. As I understand it, this is an independent study group on the order of Brookings Institute, and is made up of extremely intelligent individuals who put their heads together to come up with extremely intelligent recommendations. We continue to be proud of you Jack.
Meanwhile back at the womb, Tom ELLER, Vice President of the Association of Graduates, has purchased one of those beautiful old mansions on North Nevada, Colorado Springs, and is striving to rehabilitate it for modern living. I guess he was unable to rehabilitate Ann to the “little shack out back” concept.
Jim and Nancy WILHELM have returned to the Ramparts after many years in Germany. Jim is flying T-41s in the 557FTS at USAFA. He has purchased a home outside the south gate and offers all of us a free drink when we stop by. Larry HOLLY is also in the immediate vicinity as is Tom CONLEY. They are associated with that small command whose headquarters are scattered throughout the Springs.
Just to reacquaint you with some of the other members of the class and bring you up to date on their activities, I offer the following potpourri:
Charlie THOMAS has moved from the ACSC Associate Programs to a new Plans and Analysis Division in ACSC. He says it is a cat and dog division in which he has no primary duties, only additional duties.
Jim ULM left the Pentagon for a delightful tour with the Air Force Recruiting Service and now resides in Milwaukee, Wise.
Dale TABOR moved from Edwards to the 355TFG at Davis-Monthan recently. I was impressed to see his byline on an article in the AugustTAC Attack which described the greatness of the A-10 for all future fighter pilots. Dale accrued a lot of experience in both the A-7 and the A-10 while stationed at Edwards. He is an X-pert.
Larry FREEMAN has completed his schooling at Aggie U in Texas and has moved to Wright-Patterson where he is a cost analysis officer in the Aeronautical Systems Division of AFSC.
Norm CAMPBELL is now the Director of Operations in the 36TFW at Bitburg.
John KOHOUT is still at Loring and is struggling to align his computer product with his more accurate and timely wall charts. Johnny is the wing scheduler there. His command (SAC) has yet to determine that the most efficient bureaucratic method of transitioning from manual to computer record keeping procedures is to adopt the MAC practice of throwing away all wall charts before you even begin to develop the computer product. It is the only pure way of guaranteeing that the “garbage in, garbage out” principle continues without adulteration.
John and Sheila MAY moved to Hawaii to bask on the sunny beaches and to acquire a sizeable debt.
Tom BROPHY moved from Hawaii with a sizeable debt so that he can reside in I)C where his debt will continue to increase. I don’t know that for a fact, but I suspect that it’s true.
That suave PR man, Tom WILLIAMS, has landed a job on the staff of the Vice President of the United States. I don’t know how long it will last, but it is certainly a distinctive honor.
John SULLIVAN is in the ROTC in Lexington, Va but will soon be joining Charlie STEBBINS in his office at the Pentagon. I certainly hope John learned something this time through.
Finally, I think that it is appropriate to mention Paul FOLEY, the youngest looking 0-6 in the Air Force, is also in DC serving in the DCS for R&D. Skintop STEBBINS claims to have inside information that Paul’s wavy black locks are more a product of Grecian Formula 25 than of anything natural. And of course who can forget that 0-6 Lou HABLAS is going to be getting reassigned from his present job on the 0-6 assignment board. Lou insists that he will be taking pot luck with all the other 0-6s, but I have it from a very good source that the true word is “don’t you believe it.” Good luck on your assignment Lou.
Maj. Dick Schoof
1310 Mead Terrace
Woodbridge, Va 22191
Res: (703) 491-5326
Duty: (202) 69-51607
Atvn: 22-51607
Following the admonitions of the front office and your exceptional cooperation in not sending in too many details of your summer exploits this chaper in the chronicles ofthe Original Red Tags will be slightly abbreviated. Actually, the real culprit was the North Koreans who tried once again to keep things stirred up in the Pacific. When I should have been prodding you for information I was drawn into DIA’s Task Force and was madly running the halls of the Pentagon trying to keep up with developments around the 38th parallel. Since activity is returning to normal in the Pacific, I will make a valiant effort to contact more of you for the next issue. For those ofyou with the repressed desire to grab this limited public forum I am happy to note that my year on the desk is almost up and I will be looking forward to your expressions of interest in assuming this corresponding role.
Before getting into the reports that reached me the last quarter there is one subject that is near and dear to many of our pocketbooks which needs commenting on. As a diligent search in the Washington area was undertaken to uncover the names of the several new Lieutenant Colonels it became readily apparent that a concise consolidated list was not to be found. The new register scheduled for the printers in November should catch up on all those already promoted. For those of you who were selected on the most recent board it would help appreciably if you could let me know and if possible send me a copy of your list. I will also continue my search for a list. The point is that a sizeable number of the class has already passed the test in that significant point in their career. With another good percentage having opted for the civilian side of the population there are not too many of us left to face the comptition this next year. One might argue that it is too late to change the prospects we might have but there are some things to be done which may prove beneficial. First the keyword in talking with various career monitors at MPC is Professional Schools. If you don’t have Command and Staff completed a quick trip to your base education office is in order. The correspondence course does fill the block and with some diligent effort it could be completed by June 77. Don’t forget that new picture with ribbons et. al. placed strictly according to the book. In the final crunch search for that not to all elusive sympathic 0-6 or better who has been through the mill perhaps even sat on a board who will be willing to provide last minute guidance. Maybe there is time to get that one less than glowing OER removed from the records. It is not time to start worrying about the board next summer but it is time to polish the rough edges.
Now on to the important information. Ron TAYLOR has checked into Offutt after a journey from Tinker via Keesler AFB. Ron was in a rated supplement assignment as a procurement officer. He is still not back in the cockpit, however, but is one of those now writing computer programs for SIOP and contingency war plans. Through the magic of adoption Ron and Charlene lay claim to having the oldest teenager in the class-a 15V-i year old son who is a sopohmore in high school. Ron notes that teenagers, perhaps with the help of a 12 year old son and a 9 year old daughter, “. do age one faster than Doolie summer!!!” The Taylor’s abandoned Tinker to LeoJOHNSON who remains the lone Red Tag at that Oklahoma garden spot. Speaking of computer programmers, one of our allies who is a Red Tag II (Class of 66) provided information that Bill MANNION is doing brain work for Hughes Aircraft in Tucson. Bill can be reached by telephone at area code 602/294-5211. F.K. SMITH isalsoat Offutt doing the EWO thing for the 343rd SRS. Dick HODGKINSON has forsaken his FB-111 at Pease and gravitated to the Washington area in AFIN. George BIFOLCHI seems to have also escaped SAC moving from the Television Branch Detachment 35, HQ SAC at
Carswell to Norton AFB in sunny southern California. Dick PARKER is homesteading in Massachusetts giving up his residence in Billerica for an improved model in Waltham. Jim WHITTED, last reported with TWA at San Francisco, similarly exchanged places of abode from Tustin to Escondidio, California. John FER returned to the scene of many long distant runs and can now be found in the housing area of the Academy.
The overseas report this issue comes from Chuck ALLPORT of the Mideast Red Tag Chapter. As reported last time, Chuck is in Iran and describes the Persian panorama as being like the American Frontier 100 years ago. To illustrate the challange of airpower’s niche in the on going process of nation building Chuck writes that over half of the pilots graduating from Iran’s new helicopter school having “mastered” AHlUs (US Marine gunship) and Super Hueys are not High School graduates, have never driven a car, nor ridden a bicycle. Chuck invites anyone who wants to be where the action is to drop him a note, he is strongly recommending the Persian nights. Overseas returnees include Dick KLASS, who is presently at the National War College after a tour at HQ USAFE, and Edd WHEELER, who likewise departed the German countryside for the Puzzle Palace as an analyst/writer for the Air Staffs Studies and Analysis office. It is rumored that when Dave ROE our man in the White House completes his Fellowship experience he will rejoin the several of us who stalk the halls of the Pentagon. For those of you recently relocated or planning on it put me on your change ofaddress list since there is a significant lag time in receiving notification through regular or rumor channels.
Maj Skip Lee 3254 Nottingham Ocean Springs MS 39564
Duty: 8/868-2379
Home: (601)875-1667
News and information from Yellow Tags has been difficult to come by these past few months. The packet forwarded to me from the Association of Graduates was practically empty only four change of address cards and one Home Town News Release. As I see it, all this amounts to the following: (a) the Association gets more room for Homecoming coverage, (b) the other classes can go beyond the 750-word limitation, (c) I get a chance to philosophize or, (d) all the above. Here’s what has happened. I)r(Lt Col) Hollis THOMAS departed Fayetville, New York for somewhere in the Far East USAF Hospital, UMR 9651, APO Seattle 98742. If someone hears from “Doc” Thomas find out what and where. I’d appreciate same. Joe HICKS completed his MS Degree at UCLA and is
presently enroute to Homestead AFB, Florida. Back to the cockpit Joe? If so, enjoy it while you can. Joe CABUK has also completed studies at the Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, R.I. and should be in the vicinity of Nellis AFB, Nevada 422 FWS. Completing the cycle, A1 ADAMS, as per wife Lynda, departed George AFB, and a flying job, for Ft Leavenworth, Kansas. “Big Al” will be spending the next year exchanging information with the Army at Command and General Staff College.
I read where Dennis HAYCRAFT has done himself proud as Chief of Safety for the 319 Bombardment Wing at Grand Forks AFB, N. Dakota. Denny won the Fifteenth Air Force Nuclear Safety Achievement Award. The Award was presented for contributing the greatest single achievement to the Fifteenth Air Force accident prevention program. Congratulations to you Denny! By the way, when are you guys coming back to a more temperate climate?
PERSONAL CONTACTS: I bumped into Bryan CARY the other night at a cocktail party thrown by the USAF Reserve 920th Weather Recon Group. Bryan was visiting Keesler to attend a conference to determine (or better, define) the rules of engagement between the Reserve Weather Recon squadron and the USAF1 Weather Recon squadron based at Keesler. Bryan represented the Reserve position for Hqs. USAF Reserves during the conference. He reports working at AFRes Headquarters has been very challenging and rewarding.
Roger SIMS called me at home earlier in the month and we had a long chat about the Academy and life thereafter. Rog has been working as a producer for the Columbia Broadcasting System, specifically Walter Cronkite News, for some time now. Despite being a member of the “News Media”, Roger is an unabashed supporter of the Air Force Academy. He also stated that his name was in the book and all Golden Types visiting “Fun City USA” should make a point to look him up. Rog, your message is coming through loud and clear!
Finally, for those of us who will be unable to attend the reunion, Phil TATE has volunteered to act as the ’63 roving reporter getting the “true skinny” from the Yellow Tag on or in the street. Hopefully we will have a full unabridged report for the Winter issue of this sheet.
Linda and I plan to spend Thanksgiving plus a few days visiting my folks in Me Lean, Virginia. The telephone there is 356-2538. If any ofyou all out there in the Washington DC area find yourself with little to do around Turkey Day weekend we would love to hear from you maybe have a drink or two and swap a few war stories.
Hope everyone enjoys the reunion see you next time.
REMINDER: ARTICLES, CLASS NEWS ITEMS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, AND ADVERTISEMENTS ARE DUE TO THE AOG OFFICE NLT 10 JAN 77 TO INSURE THEIR INCLUSION IN THE WINTER ISSUE.
COMMEMORATIVE PLATE - THE FRANKLIN MINT ORDERS MUST BE POSTMARKED BEFORE 1 DEC 76. REMEMBER THAT THE ORDER MUST BE RETURNE1) TO FRANKLIN MINT, NOT THE AOG OFTICE.
’63: Homecoming is Fun!!
Maj. Rod Wells
105 Fox Hill Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Res. (303) 599-7966
Office Autovon 259-3439
’64: Let’s have a party!
The advent of women at the Academy was received with all the calm detachment of the Second Coming. While the doolies were in-processed with the usual low-key treatment (no hup-two psyche-damaging these days, thank you), the “doilies” found it hard to look military amid all the grinding cameras and inane interviews. As an Assistant AOC this summer in Jack (’n Jill)’s Valley, I saw no respite for the poor gals; they were queried concerning everything from obstacles to obstetrics by local and national media. Now that much of the novelty has worn off, and the stultifying torpor of academics has worn on, things have returned to a modicum of normalcy. Somehow though, I still can't get used to hearing a soprano sound off with “Good morning, sir!” Well, so much for the Zoo; what’s happening these days to our Blue Boys?
Speaking of equal opportunity, Todd JAGERSON should be here when we need him; seems that his company is way into equal opportunity out in New York City. He urges all to give him a buzz next time through the Big Apple at (212) 725-0154. By the way, Todd, I’ll try to use more business jargon as you suggest but how often do I really get to use the phrases “expense account” and “business deduction”?
Attorney Ron BLISS wrote to correct me that his boss’s name is Jaworski with an “i,” not a “y” it’s OK Ron, I appreciate ANY letters, even errata.
Congratulations are in order for Bill HOILMAN who runs his own investment organization in Boston and who was recently recognized by The Putnam Companies for his outstanding service to the securities industry. Congrats also to Greg HILDEBRANDT who recently received his doctorate from Princeton in Econ (the 5th ’64 grad to do so). A big Attaboy also goes to our own Clark CRANE who recently finished his MD at U. of Miami and is presently an intern in neurobiology in San Diego. Several of our clan continue to move if not being upwardly mobile, at least they present a moving target. “Steve B” CROKER from Omaha to Pease (Pease? And I thought you did a good job at Omaha); Bruce FTSTER from Scott to AFSC (Armed Forces Staff College to you, Todd); “Gay” GREEN in the satellite business at Los Angeles Air Force Station; and Maurice “Antoine” UNDERWOOD from Norfolk to an obscure detachment in APONY. Bob CLARK is presently in the Pentagon’s Doctrine shop; Dick HACKFORD is in the A-10 SPO at Wright-Pat; “Nasty” Nick ARSHINKOFF in Cleveland, Missouri; John
SCHUMACHER is working for Protocol at Offutt; Tom HERBST is a Special Ed teacher in Cherokee, Iowa; and John QUIGLEY is an Assistant Prof of Econ at Yale. I recently saw some of our number in print Steve RITCHIE, now a special assistant to Joseph Coors here, instead of defending skies is now admirably defending free enterprise. And CYCLE WORLD magazine recently featured a lead article by a tobacco-spittin’ greasemonkey free-lance writer named Fred WALKER (just back from a tour at Hickam). I could tell Fred was happy about the article his teeth were full of bugs.
Bureau of Missing Persons: Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the following named individuals send me the info IAW BBR (Burn Before Reading) security: Dick BOURGEOIS, Marv HOPKINS, Dan KEARNS, Jim LYDON, and Bob SALAS.
Jim LEMON has escaped with only superficial injury from SAC and is safely in charge of Strategy & Doctrine at ACSC (Check the Air Force Dictionary, Todd). Jim reports the following graduates and their assignments: Lee DOWNER to the Pentagon, Ray LENNON to RF-4s in Germany, Willy SAKAHARA to F-4s at Osan (something inscrutable about that), Bobby “Tex” BEVERLY to F-4s at Bergstrom, Hugh WHATLEY to Kunsan, Tom HILL to AWACS at Tinker, Tim KLINE to F-4s at Kadena, Byron “Hoot” HOOTEN to Clark C-130s, and Terry DILLON to tankers at Rickenbacker.
Only a 50 minute drive from ACSC will bring you to the home of the General Manager of O’Neal Steel, “Sonny” WILLIAMSON. Sonny invites all wayward boys touring the Southland to sop up some of his hospitality when in Birmingham.
Well, let me close with the news that we are starting a Colorado chapter of the AOG here in the Springs, and it looks like it will be a very worthwhile and fun venture. If anyone is considering starting a chapter, write to Jim WHEELER; lots of info and help are available.
Thanks for those cards and calls; keep ’em cornin’.
Editors Note:
’64 football fans attending the UCLA/AFA Game in LA on 25 Sep 76 included John WILES, A1 TUCK, Ray RODGERS, and Jack COLE.
John is with ITT at Vandenberg, A1 is practicing law in Ontario, and Ray and Jack are still working diligently to get ahead in the AF.
Tim McConnell 1178 Inchon Rd.
Norfolk, Va. 23511
804 423-4702
First the good news. Business is picking up; I received one letter and one phone call from ’65ers this go! The bad news is the notes I took during Mike LYNCH’s call have vanished. I do remember however that Mike is at Eglin in the CE Squadron completing his rated supplement assignment. He will be coming to the Armed Forces Staff College for January’s class. With a wifeand two daughters I’m sure he’ll be identified as a fighter resource by MFC. Steve TALLEY wrote the letter; he’s after his masters in management at Florida State U. He’s pulling down a 3.89 GPAand plans to start studying if the football season is dull. If you are passing through Tallahassee, Steve would like you to give a call (904 877-7273) and ifyou catch him home plan on at least an RON. A1 GRIESH ABER tells me he will star in a full length motion picture this fall. It’s a hockey flick costarring Paul Newman. A1 is the goalie for the bad guysdon’t miss it. The movie will be in sense-arama, and A1 very modestly suggested he was chosen for the part because he was the only goalie screened whose eyebrow reached clear around the theatre in the close-ups. He emphatically denied, however, the rumor that he was not issued a mask because the casting director thought he looked more fiendish without one.
I hope you all got to read Bart HOLADAY’s very moving letter to the Sijan family. It was in the last issue of the AOG Magazine, and I recommend it to you.
Although my pleasant tour at the Academy has ended, I shall continue to keep you abeam of the progress the women cadets are making there. The co-educational leadership training environment seems to have inspired the decision-making ability of at least one member of the upperclass cadre. While marching an element of female ATO’s in “Doolie” training last spring, the young man noticed one of the trainees was carrying unauthorized baggage in her fatigue pockets. He halted the element. After reminding them all that “Contrails” was the only article authorized in their pockets, he asked the nature of the contraband. The reply precipitated a leadership dilemma. But he was up to it. Pausing only long enough to reassure himself that even the Commandant can’t fool Mother Nature, he declared that in addition to “Contrails”..er..a?cartridges of sorts’ would henceforth be legal baggage. After reminding them all that grimming in ranks was a serious breech of discipline, he marched them smartly off. AS reliable source told me it happened just about that way too.
I propose a toast, “To the service it represents, to the losses it entailed, to the rank of Major ’65.” Here, here!
’65: 11 years later
Capt. J. O. MeFalls
712 Galahad Drive
Newport News VA 23602
Home (804) 877-4228
Auto 432-2727/2955/3451/4356
The above information is submitted as change number five to this column since its inception. Yes, folks, we’ve done it again the McFalls clan has relocated; this time in the vicinity of Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. One of these years I’m going to be able to hold down a job. Now, it’s TAG Headquarters, as Chief, Fighter Manning in the Personnel Section. I’ve only been there a month, and I’m amazed at all the friends I have! You’ll notice I listed a hunch of Autovon numbers. Guarantee you’ll need them all if you should want to call. Now for the business at hand 17 October 1976, USAFA, Colorado.
It’s Sunday morning following the social event of the century. After two “plop-plop-fizz-fizz’s,” I think I’ll make it on to the Air Academy Bank-sponsored breakfast. Fot those of you who weren’t able to partake you really missed the Big One. The Red Tags put on a show they won’t soon forget here at Aluminum U.
As you can see by the number of shining faces in the Class photos above, we had quite a turn out. Attendance varied at each function; however, all tolled, there had to be 120 66’ers plus wives, dates, and kids scattered around the area. Super kudos must be extended to the organizing committee, in particular: Ed PETERSEN, Norm RATHJE, Butch SCHRECKER, Bud KELLEY, Mike KENNEDY, Bill BEFIT, Charlie KOSTER, and Hans MUEH. Under the expert guidance of Major Jim WHEELER, the new Director of Graduate Affairs, our 10 year reunion couldn’t have been better. Oh yeah, there also was a football game. More about that later.
The big wing-ding started Thursday afternoon, as the original prep-schoolers found their way back to the Home of the Huskies. Although our actual attendance was light, it was agreed by all parties involved that this should become an annual function with all ex-preppies attending.
Probably the most fun of all was the special cocktail party for 66’ers at Arnold Hall on Friday night. There certainly was an abundance of back slapping and hugging going on. I got a chance to see about everyone, and, because I couldn’t find any sucker, tipsy enough to “volunteer” to take over this column (as was my original mission) I will Continued on Page 29
The Honored Class: 1966
0 'IIXHl Jt t /i.
The Honored Class: 1966
now unveil the proud recipients of the Johnie Mac Gong of Distinction Awards for 1976:
Least Changed Grad Bud KELLEY (Honorable Mention Mrs Mac)
Most Improved Grad Luke CLOSSON (Honorable Mention Bo SAUNDERS/Jim FEGAN)
Oldest (Most Grey Hair) Grad Jim HIGHAM
Baldest Grad - Albee RICHARDSON (not in attendance to receive award)
Largest Grad Dorcey PRICE (not in attendance to received award)
Richest Civilian Grad Reese NIELSON
Poorest Military Grad J. O. MCFALLS
Fastest Burner Grad Eddy SHIRLEY
Best Looking Wife
One-hundred way tie (Class Editor’s comment; Clas of ’66 has got to have the most exquisite collection of wives It was a pleasure to see and meet them all. They are absolutely outstanding!)
Best Grad Hairdo Dick LEE (for his Alex Karas style)
The evening was highlighted with Wayne Myer’s own archive rendition of April Stevens’ Teach Me Tiger. P. S. Those of you who took along the Dodos or display as souvenirs, please “burn” me a copy. Some ofthose were my last issues. Thanks.
'lime to get serious. The Class of 1966 was honored to have one of its members selected as runner-up for this year’s Jabara Award. Our own Dick BOROWSKI was one of four finalists this year for his work as a project aeronautical engineer at the Boeing plant working on modification of the B-52D. His work directly resulted in the savings of five million dollars to the U. S. Government. Well done, Dick.
Saturday night was concluded with drinks and dancing at Arnold Hall. In case many of you wondered where half the crowd departed to midway through the evening the 4th Class Louge has a swinging disco right upstairs. If doing the Hustle on the dance floor with (yes) female Doolies isn’t enough to blow your mind, then go on over and order your own pitcher of beer right here in Arnold Hall!
It seemed like everything had changed with, of course, the possible exception of the football game. At this time I would like to exercise my tenure as a columnist in this distinguished periodical and combine it with my three year experience as a USA FA cheerleader in suggesting the following new Graduate cheer:
“Give ’em hell, Ben.”
“Give ’em hell, Ben.”
“Oh hell, give ’em Ben.” That’s all folks. More later.
Capt. Mark A. Torreano
CSEC
USAF Academy, CO 80840
res. (303) 472-0713
Ofc. Atvn. 259-2008
Well, I went out and bought more Coors, so here I go again. The scrub oaks are beginning to change colors on the hillsides around the Academy, a beautiful sight I can’t recall as a cadet. Last week I drove up to Cripple Creek and viewed the golden aspen against a backdrop ofnewly fallen snow on Pikes Peak, another thing I had missed as a cadet. This really is “God’s Country” and I wish I had seen more of it before. The weather did not, however, cooperate for the Third Annual Class Get Together and the few hardy souls who showed were greeted by a cold, cloudy, drizzly, dark Colorado fall day. New faces included Don and Hallie PASKO. Don is out, working for Rockwell and living in Boulder. To the fainthearted who didn’t show, you missed a great day of camaraderie, fun and good food, and when I get over this cold, I’m going to plan another one real soon.
The women are doing well as Cadets so far, although reviews are mixed from some quarters, (Vandenberg and Sijan Halls). 157 entered and as of now (1 October) about 146 remain. Approximately 120 are involved in intercollegiate sports (swimming, gymnastics, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, track, rifle, pistol, football
managers). The rest participate in intramurals. Former Second Squadron types should know that that is the area now used to house “them.” Tuff Two has moved into the 11th Squadron area and 11th is now on the fifth and sixth floors between Sqdns 13, 17, 15 and 19. It is now called “Condominium 11.”
Homecoming promises to be bigger than ever this year, with the Class of’66 turning out in force for their 10th. And we all should begin planning for our 10th, too. Mark 13-15 October 1978 on your calendar and be there when the 10th graduating class has its 10th year reunion. So that we have a great reunion with the biggest turnout yet, a committee headed by Class President Phil PIGNATARO is being set up to organize events and make plans. Part ofthe effort will include contacting all classmates personally. To do this, we need a volunteer from each squadron who will write all his squadron mates and encourage them to attend. Please let me know if you are interested in doing this or if you have any suggestions for Homecoming ’78.
One idea that has been put forward is that we conduct a class fund raising drive and present the Academy with a gift on our Ten th. Most of us realize, perhaps grudgingly at times, that we have gained a great deal from our Academy experiences and there is no reason we should not do for USAFA what other alumni do for their alma mater. No proposal for a specific gift has yet been made, but I’m sure all of us can come up with several good ideas from our cadet experience (renovate Arnold Hall or Farish, create a Cadet Wing Heritage room, send the Comm on a month’s vacation, etc.). Please let me know your thoughts on this suggestion. Hopefully, we could raise $5,000 - $10,000 (if some of the “wealthy civilians” in the class chip in). More on this later.
In other local news, a movement is under way to establish a Colorado Chapter of the AOG, and it looks like it will fly. Social events, Falcon sports booster activities, involvement with Parents’ Clubs and assisting liaison officers with candidate counseling are among the programs planned. Chapters can be formed anywhere, and are encouraged. Write to Jim Wheeler for more information.
Bill RADASKY was here in July for a conference, doing well with his own consulting business in the LA area. Chuck JONES has arrived to teach Comp Sci. Larry E VANOFF departed the T-41 squadron here to fly T-39s at Eglin. Steve MISH came thru to give a Thunderbird demo for the NATO Military Committee, which held a meeting here in September. That was quite a group, including Chiefs of Staff of all NATO countries, lots of 3 stars, Generals Brown and Haig and Admiral Kidd. And as icing on the cake, General of the Army Omar Bradley joined this group for lunch on the Staff Tower. You should have seen the hat rack! Finally, Karl WHITTENBERG stopped thru from Nellis where he completed the F-5 aggressor upgrade course and will rejoin the aggressor squadron at RAF Alconbury, UK.
LETTERS: You guys are really putting out. Nine letters this time. Barb FLYNN sent a postcard from Hawaii where Denny is now assigned to PACAF Civil Engineers. This is their second tour in Hawaii, having been assigned there immediately following graduation. Barb says they are courageously struggling to regain their lost tans while settling in. Well, you only go around once Jim TERRY writes from lovely Dayton, Ohio to tell us he is now studying for an MS in Astro at AFIT. Jim was medically grounded last November due to an irregular heartbeat, but doctors at Brooks looked inside his heart (fun) and said it was ok, so he can go back to flying Thuds in the future. Coming to teach Astro, Jim? Bill WOOD, in Denver with Hughes Aircraft at their Buckley Field satellite tracking installation, has been promoted to Staff Engineer, where he will finally have an opportunity to be a supervisor of men and apply all the management theory we got at the 30
zoo. He adds that Bill SASZ has finished law school and will he a prosecutor for the JAG in Wichita Falls. Bill, one of only a few rated JAGs in the AF, is celebrating his graduation by leaving the kids with Grandma and taking his bride on a five (5) week vacation in Europe. “Woody” also says Dave KRENEK and Cary TACEY are now civilians. Dave is an Engineer Instructor for Lockheed at Sunnyvale AS, while Gary’s activities were unknown. Jay FERRON also wrote with news of Bill SASZ as well as Mike MORRISON, also a recent law school grad, with the Nevada Supreme Court. Jay has gone to law school at night for 4 Years (worse than the PFT, he says) and will take the Virginia Bar exam soon. Best of luck, Jay. Jay added that he saw Joe ROBERTS who was trying to ship his car to England where he is in F-4s. Joe apparently went to the wrong AF base to ship his car before he found out he had to go to Norfolk. But Jay promised he wouldn’t tell anyone, so don’t bring that up with Joe. Jay invites all 68ers passing thru DC to stop by.
Pat PATTERSON left a note on my desk as he passed thru on his way to the 4754th Radar Evaluation Squadron at Hill AFB. Pat just completed the 3051 AFSC course at Keesler and is looking forward to his first long tour anywhere. Rusty and Suzanne GREEN are in Dallas where Rusty is a check airman in Braniffs Flight Training Department at Love Field. Rusty tells us that Jim HAZEN and Dave OBERG are with Braniffin New York, while Rob LINSMAYER and Howie KYLE have talked to Rusty recently about going with Braniff. Bill HOGE must have seen his name in the last column and felt guilty cause I got a letter. Bill is in F-lll’s in England (Upper Heyford) working in Wing Stan/E val and looking for a Comm Shop job when he leaves next summer. Chuck ATWOOD is there with Bill, having just returned for SOS. Bill, write to Maj Burnham, CWP, regarding the Comm Shop assignment. Vern MCGRAW wrote from Barksdale where he drives a B52 and Hal HIGLEY passes out Article 15’s as a headquarters squadron commander (do you get to wear a sabre?). Vern says the work is hard, the hours long, the plaudits few, and the frustrations many. Sounds like a great assignment. He also mentions Bob PAVELKO (punched out of an F-lll last Xmas Eve, no injuries) and Ken STEWART (Pentagon) and welcomes houseguests. Finally, Cort DUROCHER is now pursuing an MS in Astro at MIT, while Tom JONPIS is a PhD candidate in Aero. Both invite all Boston bound grads to give them a call.
ADDRESS CHANGES: Dave HENSEN, RAF Leucars (RAP 1 PIxchange Officer); Seth JENSEN, T-41 IP at Hondo, San Antonio; Dick NPILSON, P’airfax, VA; Roger SINDLE, Warner-Robins AP’B; Ken WILHELM, Denver; Tom ZYROLL, State College, PA.
LITTLE ONES: Its diapers and midnight feeding time for Charlie and Bonnie COOLIDGE (girl); Skip and Candy BALAZS (Larissa); Charlie and Nancy HOLLAND (Charles, their first); and Jim and Trish BUSSELLE (Christopher, their first). Chris BUSSPILLE is off to an auspicious start, born on 2 August (my birthday), a strong Leo. Congratulations to all.
MISC: Walt YAMAMOTO has completed training as a professional rep of Pfizer Labs, a pharmaceutical company. He is probably in Hawaii, although the news release was not specific. Mike SHARP has left the AP1 for a computer analyst job with Sandia Labs in Albuquerque. And Dick COE called with news that Toby SULLIVAN has arrived in Monterey as a student in the area specialist program. If you know the whereabouts of any of the following, please inform me or the AOG. They are out of touch: BRUMM, COBB, COOPER, DUNCAN, DON, HUNTER, IVERSON, LEITNER, MOBLEY. PATTERSON (William), PHILLIPS (MacWain), STOCKTON, WELSH. Thanks for the help.
’69: Good friends, good times
’70: Never looked better
A special “hello” to Glennie BURGESS and Nancy MCCULLOUGH at Clark. Jamieson and “B.J.” are flying 130’s there, and I ran into them on my way home from Thailand. Anyway Glennie and Nancy cajoled me into seeing if I could take over writing the articles for the AUG mag. So here we go with the first from beautiful downtown Colorado Springs.
I got here in April and I immediately ran into Ef GONZALEZ and Gary DAHLEN. We are all three still in the space business (or is that spaced out?) and are now in the same office at NORAI) Headquarters downtown. Bob COLLIGAN and Dean KNIOI.A are programmers working at Ent. Gerry MCKEE and Dallas LITTLE are instructors in Mech and C.E. respectively. I understand Greg POPVICH is thinking ofjoining the Air Force after he finishes coaching at the Prep School. Don SHAFER was working for Boeing, but now has his own company in
Denver. I guess Dino DINARDO is still playing real estate tycoon somewhere in Denver, hut I haven’t heard from him lately.
Had a nice letter from “wild Bill” STEALEY up at Dover, Delaware. He’s trying his hand in the “world of banking and high finance,” as he put it. Hopes to graduate from a business school and go to Texas (Texas?). He said he’s following in the footsteps of Tony DESANTIS (Judy) who went to work for Bank of America but is now flying for American Airlines. Bill also said he’d seen Steve MACISAAC who was headed for Wright-Pat to the C-5 program office. Terry DESSERT is flying C-5’s at Dover also. Bill also said Terry LINDHOLM is headed to Altus as a C-5 IP, and Tom BUTT had recently returned to Dover from Thailand. Steve GWYNN, Dave SPRINKLE, and Charlie SMISSON are all at Dover too. Bill also reported that Brad HANSON has gotten tired ofbeing a C-5 nav and gone to Las Vegas to be a dealer (cards?). Bruce MCELRATH was seen escorting “biggies” around in a T39. He wants to get to the 89th where Jack HOLMES is flying 142’s, I think. Bill PORTER is flying RF-4’s at Shaw. Boh CHAMBERS is up at McChord flying 141’s and keeping “his options open.” Don SEESE has left T-37’s at Reese for 130’s at Dyess (Texas?). Rich TAYLOR is an OSI person in Spain (Torrejon). At this point in Bill’s letter he says “I didn’t realize that I knew where so many of my classmates were until I started writing!” Thanks Bill and good luck to you. Remember, if Tony can do it, so can you.
The other letter I got was from Ellen BENNET, although she signed it “Skip and Ellen.” They are at Ramstein and I guess Skip is in rated sup, flying T-39’s on the side. They are in touch with several of our classmates. Ellen says that Roger PETERSON is flying Ill’s at Nellis and he and Sheila just had their first, a girl, last fall. Darrel MASSEY is “outstanding in his field” at Charleston, flying 141’s. Ellen also says that Rich PUSEMAN is at George and Harry ARNOLD is at Scott. Tommy THOMPSON is flying Ill’s and conserving water at Upper Heyford. Craig JOHNSON is at D-M flying A-lO’s. Ellen says she and Skip are expecting their first this month. Good work, Ellen, thanks for the letter.
As for my contribution, John ALLEN (Cindy) is studying Environmental things at U.C., Riverside. Bill and linda BADER had their first child, a boy, at Luke where Bill is in F-15’s. Bob RIETDORF is there also. Sidney DUBOIS is flying 135’s at Minot. Jim FERGUSON is flying F-4’s in England somewhere. Don RUSHING is studying Law on the west coast and Rick LESCH is studying Law at D.U. Jeff SHAVER is at MIT getting a PHD in something. (Jane wants to hear from you Jeff).
Got some “hometown news releases” that may be interesting. Kurt SCHI^AEFER (Joan) is flying Ill’s at Upper Heyford. Denny NEWHOUSE is at Zaragoza, Spain flying something. Mike LYGA is at Keesler as an Airborne Weapons Control Officer. Carl BANG is flying 52’s at Griffis (Dave HIGGINS is still there too). Dave ANTOON is at Kelley as a procurement type.
Well, the Navy game wasn’t too exciting but at least the falcon didn’t fly away. It was good to go to a game again, tho’. I ran into Dickie JOHNSTON (Mary) who is up at Warren. He was waiting for Karno KARNOWSKI, who hadn’t arrived by the time I left. Dick didn’t mention where Karno was stationed.
Thanks again to Bill STEALEY and Ellen BENNET for the letters that provided most of this edition’s inputs. If you guys want big articles you’ll have to get on the stick and write some letters. I’d like to hear from any or all ofyou who have the inclination to write or call, even those of you who don’t know me very well (Ellen did it). Jane and I have a big house and welcome all who might be passing thru. You’ve got my address and my autovon number is 692-3355. Until the next edition, ....Skip
f Capt. Ron Joy
Qtrs. 4213C
USAF Academy, CO 80840
(303) 472-6325
Autovon 259-3869
Banquet Attendees
Greetings from Colorado! Patty and I would like to welcome all the readers of this column to a new and hopefully still interesting writing style. Bob MANNING did a terrific job and his is a hard act to follow. Patty will be helping me write the column and that way we hope to add a little of the wives touch to it.
Anyone interested in changes at the Zoo? First and probably the most noticeable (as if you didn’t know) is that women are here. I worked first BCT this summer as an assistant AOC so that I could get a first hand view of the women entering the Academy. The BCT program made a change in the right direction this year. There was to be no “squat thrust” leadership and there was none. I feel this helped train the upperclassmen a great deal more than it did the basic cadets. For those of you who don’t remember what first BCT was like; do you remember the coke break in Arnold Hall with a live band and dancing? If you don’t remember that, how about the sack lunches passed out during call-to-quarters ifyou had lost too much weight. Yes things have changed, but for the most part I feel that the changes are good changes and needed. I hope to talk about other changes in the future columns.
PHONE CALLS: John BROCK (Ann) called from Hanscom to report that he, Ann, and J.J. (their son) will be coming to USAFA to join a host of other ’71 grads next summer. John also passed on the following information: Jim BROWN and A1 FISCHER are attending Harvard Business School. J.J. WITT is at George. Mary is helping him with his MBA. Bob PETERMAN is at Randolph. Bill MAGGIO and Phil SPIKER bought a house somewhere above San Bernadino, Calif. Bill KIRBY is out of med school and is a baby doctor at Travis.
Paul (Sid) GILLMAN called when he was in Denver for a short stay. He got out in June and is working for Prime Computer, Inc. in Phoenix. It sounds like he has a really good job and has nowhere to go but up.
Marty (the lech) LEBOUITZ called from DC. He, also, has gotten out and is our class’s first banker. He works for Bankers Trust in New York. Marty says he had nothing to do with New York’s financial problems. Do you believe that?
Vic SUMMERS (Carol) keeps in close touch. They are enjoying life in the Phoenix area, but will be leaving the Air Force behind in February. Chances are good they may move someplace near San Diego. Vic reports that Jon STEVENS and Gale are expecting their second child in the next few months. They are still at MPC.
CHANGE
OF ADDRESS CARDS: Bob BORKOWSKI has moved to Grand Forks; Barry BOST to Mac Dill; Wayne BROTHERS to a new address, but still at Kirtland; Hello to Bob BROWN (Cindy) at McConnell; Dan DALEY to Zaragosa AB, Spain: Lindsay FENWICK and wife Sharyn are now in Denver - let us know what you are doing in the Mile High City. Mike GEBHARDT to Pineville, La; Ron HERRE to Carswell; Dave HERRICK to Port Huron, Mich. It looks as if Dave may have gotten out, if so let us know, Dave. A1 KRAMER to Rhein Main; John KRAMER to San Antonio; Gerry LEMKE to Plattsburg; Jeff MCBRIETY to Chanute; Dolan MCKELVY is in the local area; Ken MORRIS to Luke; Rich PELLICORE to Ft Walton Beach, Fla. Get this one: Steve PRAIRIE (civilian) now works for the Xerox Corporation in New York as a “Financial Analyst.” I remember Steve telling me to buy “Buckeye Uranium” anyone else? Joe RIPPOLE to Willingbore, N.J.; Dennis ROBINSON to McClellan; Hal SAUER, Reed SHAFER, and Louis SIMKINS have left the AF (write and let us know what you are doing); Steve TILLER to Wright-Patterson; and, last but not least, Reavis TURK to Dyess.
NEWS RELEASES: Jim HOOPER and Dale PARNELL have received AF Commendation Medals. Craig SHERMAN was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal. Bob BLACK was named Outstanding Junior Officer of the Month at Charleston AFB. John SABALA placed first (again) in the 1976 Air Force ski meet. Four of our classmates participated in Bold Eagle ’76, a joint Army, Navy, and Air Force training exercise held in Nevada and the Southern California desert - Wally KOWITZ, Ivory MORRIS, George SUTTLER, and Tom VRANISH. Alva BENDURE participated in the disaster relief operations following the earthquakes in Guatemala. Russ LOGAN participated in “Atlas Express,” a NATO training exercise held in the Troms area of northern Norway.
More moves to report: Larry BLAMEUSER to Reese; Gehl HAMMOND to Wright-Patterson; Ryan PARADIS to Loring; and Mike ROBINSON to Kunsan, Korea. Ray THOMAS was certified as a missile combat crew commander and was a member of the Outstanding Missile Crew of the Month at Malmstrom. The following received the AF Outstanding Unit award: Gerry LEMKE and Mike UECKER at Plattsburg, and Randy SMITH at Castle.
VISITS: Ken (Barney) MILLS stopped by not so long ago. He told us that he and Mike KONVALINKA (remember Mike’s nickname?) were still enjoying the single life. Barney is at Grissom and owns his own private plane. Mike has a super job in the DC area, teaches part-time at the University of Maryland, and owns a beach house. It was great reminiscing over a plate of spaghetti at G’s.
We also had a visit from Paul HAMILTON’S wife, Charlotte, and Darrell SINGLETON’s wife, Libby, while the guys were TDY to England. Paul and Darrell are still stationed at Pope getting lots of flying time.
The column is getting long, but I would like to mention the names of the ’71 grads stationed here at the Academy: Gary BUTSON, Richard COTE, Larry CASADA, Bruce FISHER, Gregg GINN, Bob HAWLEY, Tom JOHNSON, Kevin KRAIL, A1 PETERSON, Dan ULMER, Jon WROBLEWSKI, Curt MARTIN, and Dave PATTON. I plan on talking more about these individuals next column.
In closing, let Patty and I encourage both the grads and their wives to write. Pictures would really be nice. If anyone out there has the picture of Paul HAMILTON with the sombrero and the special holder that belonged to J.J. WITT, send it and I’ll see if we can get it in the next issue. FAT CHANCE!!! Any gossip or old stories are also welcome.
Till next time
’71:
Capt. Bob Bell Box 65
Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
Autovon: 747-2877/2052
Home: 605-923-2231
Well, here it is again. Seems like only yesterday that the last newsletter actually got completed. As usual, let’s start off with address changes, not too many ofthem this time...
George POLLARI)—Laughlin AFB—T-37 IP
Bill PORTER—Sacramento, CA
Phil SHARP-APO NY 09009
Mark STUBBEN—Hill AFB
Greg JONES-Voorhees, NJ-AFIT at U. of PA. Next is the hometown news release listing, some ofwhich make note of the fact of our recent promotions including Rich BARRat Ramstein, Neal COYLE at Kincheloein B-52 as copilot, Chuck KOLESAR at Beale in KC-135 as A/C, and Karl ZICKRICK at England AFB in A-7. I can just imagine the list if all the hometown news releases had been sent. Jack SMITH (Patricia) was one of the competitors during the Olympic Arena 1976 exercise at Vandenberg AFB. He also recently earned an M.S. degree at U.S.C. Gary GRAPPO, world-wide traveler, sent a postcard to bring us up to date on what he was doing since the big writeup on him earlier this year, actually last fall. Anyway, the card finally got here with the following: leaving the Solomon Islands for Australia and New Zealand, having already been to Turkey, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and New Guinea just before the Solomons. Some TDY Add one more (make that two) Air Force doctors for ’72. Pete HOLM completed at U. of Nebraska Medical Center, Ken RUGH (Vicki) graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO to head for Malcolm-Grow Air Force Medical Center in D.C.
Several phone calls from whomever could find me while on Alert or flying helped fill in some more this go-around. Gary GUNTER down at Kirtland with Bill BECK is also a General’s Aide, works for Gen. Lacy, Bill is with Gen. Rushworth. Mike NEULAND is a pediatrician at Keesler AFB.
George WARGO reports the unfortunate unexpected death of his wife Carole while still at Reese AFB in T-38’s. He has since left for new assignment at Elmendorf AFB with a T-33 unit. Our sympathies go to you, George, what more can one say?
Jim PUTNAM (Linda) called from Moody to relay his best to all, having just gotten back from a remote to Eskischir, Turkey, and now a Weapons Loading Officer with the F4E’s, he’s just glad to be back and see Linda again. Also, Fritz RADEMAKER is at Moody with the F4E (A/C) and his wife El.
Got word from Gregg SMITH on the birth of a son, Adam. He’s working somewhat closely with Len MORRIS (’67) and Ron ALLEN (’70) on computer-related aspects of the SIOP planning process. Fred KELLER (Nancy) is in the Offutt world along with Dick BAIRD and probably others who are not yet heard from above ground.
Mike NELSON seems to have a point of contact down around Reese judging by his letter. Andy and Barb LAFRENIERE have a girl—Jackie. Mike and Andy are T37 IP’s and Stan/Eval types. Ted THOMPSON joins George WARGO in T-33’s. Sandy LEWIS goes to Panama in an 0-2. Ralph BROWN and Juli have a new arrival, and the Joost (Sharon) VANBASTELAARS just had their second. He also has an OV-10 to Shaw. Marty AMELUNG is going to Charleston in the C-141, while Benny SLADE took the marital plunge last May. Mike reports seeing Pat GARVEY out Nellis way last spring, flying Lead F-4 in the Red Flag exercise. Richard RAY is now an SOS grad and
Nav school at Mather looked like the next best thing so he took it. Mike LOOMIS has two young ’uns, as does Rainer ULLRICH and Hugh PARKER. Tom UNDERWOOD will know in November Also Charlie BROWN is at Eglin in HH-53’s. Thanks much for the news, Mike!
And most recently, the last one received in fact, is the letter from Mike GREBB. He left Ramasun Station, Thailand only to return to Yokota, Japan to serve under (would you believe it?) General Walter T. Galligan, Commander 5AF/USFJ, thus proving as Mike says “the small world theory.” He has also run into Jim TOMPKINS, Brian BREAM, Roger PARSONS, and Butch STALL while at Yokota the number there is 56561 if you want to call next time you happen to be passing through.
Have you noticed how many USAFA grads make up the crew force (SAC, anyway) especially when four or five out of the six on a Buff crew were all at the “Blue Zoo” during the same period? Let it continue and the proofof our worth, if nothing other than tax-payers dollars, will be selfevident. Till next time, F.P.A.
Happy Winter from the foothills of the Rockies! By the time this gets out the slopes should be getting good and my driveway should be, too. But I will try to hack it. Vince PARISI decided to go to Mather and fly T-37’s (or maybe MPC decided for him),so I’vegot this job all by myself now. But it is not easy without some help from you. All I get from the AOG office is hometown news releases and change of address cards. Neither of which are usually too exciting, except to the post office, maybe. And with my literary skills being what they are, I need you to send me the real story on what is going on out there.
We only had one big event to print this time. Bruce and Janet MEYER had an 8 lb. 6 oz. baby boy on the third of June. His name is John Michael. Bruce is going to Williams in a T-38 after Christmas.
Bernie and Martha BULLOCK left for England this summer where he will be flying F-4’s. They were at George AFB for Bernie’s RTU and both are looking forward to seeing Europe.
William C MACDONALD recieved a Master’s Degree from Xavier University in May ’76. Albert PHILLIPS sent a letter to say he is in F-4’s atTorrejon, Spain. He is married to Brenda and has a daughter, Crystal.
Robert and Rosalind MEYERS and daughter Lavon are at Pope AFB. He is an aid to the Commander of the 317th
The ’73 Bunch
TAW and is Hying C-130’s. Ernest MARAVILLA, a navigator with the 463rd TAW, is TDY to Mildenhall RAF Station England. John DEASON is a missile launch officer at Ellsworth AFB with the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, where he lives with his wife Shirley. He has recently participated in the 1976 SAC missile combat competition, “Olympic Arena” at Vandenberg.
Thomas and Kathleen BUTLER are at Plattsburgh where Thomas is a KC-135 co-pilot with the 380th Bomb Wing. They were just awarded the Outstanding Unit Award.
Now for those interesting change of address cards: Steve and Leslie LORENZ are at Ellsworth AFB. A1 KINBACK is back in the Springs. Fran LOVE is overseas somewhere but all we got was an APO address! Dave MITCHELL is with SAMSO at LAAFS. Rodney WICKERS is at Hamilton AFB. And Larry RADOV is a C-130 pilot with the 7th Airborne Command & Control Squadron at Keesler AFB.
I saw Don WALKER not too long ago. He and Jan and child are on their way to Japan. He will be flying C-130’s.
Sam and Linda BLANCHARD will be leaving Colorado not too long from now for Sheppard where Sam will be a T38 IP. Chris and Claire FLYNN will also be departing the T-41 squadron for Columbus where Chris will fly a T-37. Another departee will be A1 STREIB and his wife Debbie, they are also headed for Columbus in a T-38.
I received some hearsay info on a few other people. If it’s wrong or you have any changes let me know. Charlie and Debbie STALWORTH are at Cannon where he flies F-lll’s with Rich and Theresa FAZIO and Willie and Billie CULBERTSON. Mike KOZER is in Grad school at WrightPat and will be going to SAMSO in January. Persons in F4’s include Nick and Karen PALLAS at Okinawa; John and Sue NOSS at Lakenheath England (They had a baby son John). In F-lll’s are Gene OGILVIE at Nellis and Mike and Callie HUB at Mountain Home. Greg REINECKE is in Law school at BYU and Don SUTULAis at Eglin in R & R. Eric VOGEL is at Dyess in a C-130 and word has it he is corresponding with a woman. Watch it, Eric! Also in 130’s is Steve BURKE at Okinawa. In KC135’s we have Dennis BOYCE at Kincheloe and Dave STONEHOUSE at Plattsburgh. Jack HUDSON is at Sheppard in a T-38; Dennis GEESAMAN is training in F106’s at Tyndall; and Eddie DRAKE is in OV-lO’s at Bergstrom. Skip Sanders is flying a T-33 at Minot but hopes to go to 106’s soon; and C. J. and Rosie ANDERSON had a baby girl at F. E. Warren where he flies missiles.
To close: we reported last time that Tom KROESSIG was going to marry Jane. Well, he did it!
Lt. Ronald W. Watson 4512 Cedar Springs, 205 Dallas, TX 75219 (214) 528-3319
’74: and “friend”
2Lt Willie J Cosby III
PSC Box 55855
Mather AFB, CA 95655
The first half of this article is dedicated to the new navs and nav students.
Four of the nav fighter jock types should be operational by now. Kent TRAYLOR, Dave FLEMING, and Curt OSTERHELD have their RF-4’s at Shaw AFB, SC; and John OSSIFF has one to Germany.
All the other navs I can think of have their assignments as follows: Mark NOBLES-EWO school, Mather AFB; Joe STEIN, Tom GARRETT, and Brad MANDEVILLE stayed at Mather also. The fighter jocks: Dave BEATTY, F-4, George AFB; A1 GREEN, F-4, George AFB; Mike DELONEY, F-4, MacDill AFB; and “Tino” BARENTINE, F-4, Holloman AFB. Steve MARINO, Ed SIENKIEWICZ, and Steve KENT all got Tankers. Bob EATON and Rich WILSON end up with RC-135’s to Offutt and Eielson respectively. Scott HENTE has an EC-135 to Ellsworth.
Speaking of Ellsworth, some of the Nav-Bombers and EWOs have their assignments. Ken WHITLEY and Mike ANDERSON have B-52’s to Ellsworth, SD. Phil PEARCE and Rich RUTH got lucky and will be in “Buffs” at Barksdale. Greg BERI.AN goes to KI Sawyer; Fred WHITICAN to Griffis; John GRONSETH to Grand Forks, Steve REDMON to Blytheville, and Jim CARLSON (and Jacqui) go to Fairchild, all in B-52’s.
The MAC guys are out there taking in the world: Danny SPEER, C-130, Little Rock; Gary PACZOSA, C-130, Dyess along with Tom FRALEY. Stan SCHOENER has a C-141 somewhere.
In the world of pilot training a lot of interesting things are going on. F-15’s went to A1 PECK, Doug FRASER, Mike STRAIGHT, Dave LIVINGSTON, Jim MAHONEY and Chris GOETCH. They’ll all be heading to Luke. Other fighters are: Steve BARACH, F-4, George AFB: Duane LODRIGE, RF-4, Alconbury, England; Jack BARTON, Joe MAY, Randy CHAPMAN, and Rick TOWNSEND have T33’s which are lead-ins for F-106’s. Rich TAKACS got an A7 to Davis-Monthan. Jim ARTHURS, Stan JONES, Bill LADD, Jim R. MARSHALL, Mark MASTERS, and Mike McKIM got T-38’s to various locations. ATC also picked up
Jim Mahoney and Bride
Ed ZERAMBO with a T-43 at Mather. Mark BERTZ and Craig SCOTT have KC-135’s to Beale and Fairchild. Paul KILLINGSWORTH, Barry ABBOTT, and Dennis FORINASH go to MAC with 130’s to Dyess, Eglin, and McChord. Jim FELLOWS, Frank DRESSEL, and Ed STRIEGEL went to MAC, also, with C-141’s to Norton, McChord, and McGuire.
Some of the other action: Bill CORSETTI is in EE at Vandenberg, Kevin BURNS is at Williams, and Wayne DARCHUK came to Mather after Grad school at Berkeley. Marti JAEGER and Bill BUCHTA are playing Psych games down at Lackland. Phil METEER is at Craig for UPT and Kurt NELSON has a B-52 to Wurtsmith. Rulo ECHAURREN is working in a bank in Santiago, Chile. He plans on going to MIT next fall. Ed MALLO just got here to start Nav school.
Bill LYERLY says he’s started his own scandal out in DC at Walter Reed Hospital. He is the sole representative for all the service academies. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.
Last but not least: Thanks to Kent TRAYLOR, Bill BUCHTA, Jim CARLSON, Kevin BURNS, Rich WILSON, Jack BARTON, Bill LYERLY, A1 PECK, Dave FLEMING, and, most importantly, to Emily MARSHALL for the news on you guys from Vance. KEEP ON DOING IT!
2Lt Randall W. Spetman Qtrs 6301J
USAF Academy, Colorado 80840
Office: 303/472-3836
Home: 303/472-0534
Well, fellows since we have become the rookies of the RAF, a lot of changes have taken place in our lives. I need help from all of you to let me know what is happening in each of your lives. You wives feel free to write in if your husband is just too darned busy. In case you did not know, I am your representative to the Executive Committee for the AOG and also the Class Secretary for the Magazine. For those of you who sent me information, thanks a million, and keep those cards and letters coming.
The men at Reese can thank Harrison FREER for information, They are: Class 77-06: Jon BAUSCHLICHER, Brad BUCHANAN, John ERRIGO, James FAGAN, Marc FRITH, Daniel HIGGINS, Randall
JOHNSON, Kevin KOZLOWSKI, Terrance BORSARE, Michael ERDLE, Robert FABER, Mark FELLOWS, Steven HALL, Casey HENKEL, Budd JONES, Stephen KIRKORIAN, Robert LIVINGSTON, Douglas MUMM, Robert OWENS, Lin RILEY, Hugh SMITH, Jonathan SUBIK, Douglas WADDELOW, James WILLIAMS, John KURTZ, David MERRILL, Mark OLSON, Donald PICKETT, Duncan SHIELDS, Jay STEINMETZ, Glenn VERA, Richard WALDBUSSER.
Class 77-07: Thomas AUBERRY, Larry BOYES, John BURNES, Raymond CASEY, Laurence ENGLESON, Edward GALLAGHER, John HAZEN, Jack JACKSON, Martin BISCHOFF, Kenneth BRADLEY, Michael BYERS, Randolph ELSON, David FARMER, Jeffery HARRISON, Kevin HEISE, Roger KONTAK, Mathew MARTORANO, David NABER, Terry NEW, Anthony NUNEZ, Allen PATRIQUIN, Wayne PERRON, Bruce KUELZ, Charles MCHENRY, Larry NEW, Carl NORDGREN, Anthony OWENS, Richard PAULY, Patrick PETERSON, Alan RAY, Jeffery STEIG, Lauren TROTTIER, Ray WORDEN, James ROBINSON, Brian SUTTER.
Class 77-08: Ronald BARAN, William BATTIG, Thomas BURGIE, Ricardo CABALLERO, Michael DELPINTO, Robert GROSVENOR, Kevin HENABRAY, David JACKSON, Daniel KAISER, Kim KRUPSAW, Norman MARTEL, Joseph METS, Garald BARBER, John BUDELLIER, Michael BYERS, Harry DEBRUHL, Harrison FREER, David HATFIELD, Robert HUDSON, Robert JOHNSON, Robert KLEIN HANS, Richard LONG, John MOSHL, Stephen MURDOCH, Michael NICHOLS, David RAMSEY, Victor SIMON, Jeffery TODD, David VANDAGRIFF, Tony YOUNT, Daniel NORMAN, Michael SACKLEY, Stephen STARKS, Thomas TRAINER, Daniel WOODBURY.
Class 78-01: Peter BAILEY, Jamie BOSWORTH, James FOERTSCH, Kevin LONERGAN, Michael MCGINNIS, Randall MCPEAK, John RHOADES, William DEA, Randall KEHL, Stephan MCCARTY, Michael MCGINTY, Thomas PERARO, Richard RICHE, Michael ROSANBALM, David SEARCY, Shawn SIMPON, Mark WHALEN, Daniel SCHERER, Bradley SHARPE, Edward STEVENS, William WILEY.
Walt HEIDMOUS let me know what was happening with the Chopper Jocks. Tom APPOLLONI was the first to “solo” at Fort RUCKER.
Class 77-07: Thomas APPOLLONI, Michael DUCLOS, Bradley GERDES, Peter OHLER, Ahart POWERS.
Class 77-08: Robert CASSELLA, David DINGLEY, John FROZENA, Craig JENSEN, Ronald SUMMERS.
Class 77-09: Daniel BEATTY, Walter HEIDMOUS, Leray LEBER, David PYSHORA, Douglas STEWART.
Dave MCKENZIE reports that the fellows at Craig love being close to the coast where they can go water skiing and watch the bikinis? At Craig:
Class 77-07: Jay KENNON, Kyle ST. GEORGE, Charles FELLOWS, Steven DUNDORE, Daniel FIRESTONE, Charles LINDSAY, Orval PORRITT, Jay BARNES, David CASLICK, Gerald HATT, Robert VAUGHN, David MCKENZIE, Terry NEWTON, Aaron GOLD, David EVANS, Edward MORLEY, John WHITEHEAD, David GARTEN, Steven ROMANO, Daniel JORDAN, Lance CHRISTIAN, Peter MAPES, John TWIDDY, Richard GUSTAFSON, Richard CASEY, Edward LEVELL, Kerry KEITHCART, Truman HEDDING.
Class 78-01: Armas JASKEY, Donald OLYNICK, James STANLEY, Roger CLEMENTS, Gary HUFFMAN, Clyde AYER, Jimmy CAMDEN, Jerry MORRISON, Dale OSTROWSKI, J. D. DEAUX, Michael ELY, William LANNING, Craig MOSER, Donovan NYLUND, Gregory VITALIS, John WAITES, Stephen WEBB, Robert ARNETT.
Ralph and Jordy Gardner
Class 78-02: Michael NAVE, Elison CUEVAS, David MAY, John BRUNS, Christopher CURRY, Robert DEBLANC, Byron DODGEN, Dean FLOWER, Larry WEAVER, John BOWEN, Donald CLEMENTS, William Craig, Garrison FLEMINGS, Ralph GIBSON, Bernard GOLDBACK, Norman WEINBERG, Robert SATRE.
Some of the guys from Columbus include: Chuck MCGEE, Peter KLUCK, Cliff SIMMONS, Thomas HANCOCK, Jack MCGEE, Lindsay BUTLER, Jay WINZENARED, Michael HENCHEY, Steven SHEPART, Scott FLOOD, Wilfred PALMS, Edward FAIRBROTHER, T. E. YERK, Mark ROBARDEK, Doug CLARK, Gregg HOLM, David KRISTENSEN, William CARROLL, Charles VONO, Ken SCHLEHUBER, Bill FRANKLIN, David MCNEIL, William CLIFFORD, Carl WHATLEY, Jim FISHER, Mike PAYNE, Stuart YOUNG, William SWARTZ, Scott THURNER, Steven LOERAKKER, Jim TURNER, and Mike SCOTT.
The buckaroos in Cheyenne, Wyoming, are doing well. Rick BARFIELD says he really enjoys the western atmosphere. Sharing the same feelings are: Pete DARNALL, Craig PUZ, Steve PRUSS, Bob OLEKY, Brian ECHOLS, Drew BOYD, Tom WYMAN, Dave KUNKEL and Steve SACONE.
Mike EYOLSSON has been accepted to CU Med School, so he will find out what a civilian school is like.
There are also a lot of guys still here at the Academy waiting for UPT or NAV. They include, Chuck OLTMAN, Mark STODA, Doug KUPERSMITH, Ed AGIS, Tim CANTWELL, Mike GOULD, Greg MILLER, Mark MUEHL, Carlos GARZA, Art GEORGE, Randy CHANG, Dave MAYER, Lloyd NISSING, Bert MATSON, Jim HOGUE, Mike MADELINE and others. Sorry others!
Ray WILD, Darrell MASTIN, John COVINGTON, Kevin PEDERSON, Mike RENNER, Rickie RCHOENLEIN, Stanley CORREA, George GUTIERREZ, David NAKAYAMA, Dave ROSS, and Mark WILLIAMS are all PCS here and working hard.
Sorry about all you guys I left out. Please let me know what’s happening. Until later, take care and good spirits.
AOG MEMBERSHIP FOR 1977
The AOG needs the support and assistance of each Graduate. It is imperative that this association take on a greater and more farreaching role at the Academy and throughout the Air Force. This objective will only be realized if we continue to expand the membership roles while increasing our revenues and enlarging our services to Graduates and the Air Force Academy. Join the AOG and encourage the other Graduates in your area to do the same.
Lost Souls
The AOG office would like to update our records on all Graduates. We do not have current addresses on the Grads listed below. Please notify the AOG if you know the whereabouts of these Lost Souls.
Class of 1959
J. O. Bartholomew
H. D. Davis
R. E. Lowe
J. R. Stevens
Class of 1960
R. L. Baker
J. A. Bilello
G. H. Hines
L. M. Johnson
W. H. Leninger
1). B. Luce
R. P. Weinaug
Class of 1961
T. S. Hill
O. L. Quantz
R. A. Schaffher
G. A. Theiler
Class of 1962
S. Davis
N. N. Niemi
G. C. Pacina
T. N. Tomlin
Class of 1963
R. L. Arnold, III
J. C. Burwell, III
R. H. Hubbard
R. B. MacFarlane
R. J. Melone
Class of 1964
R. A. Bourgeois
M. B. Hopkins
1). L. Kearns
J. J. Lydon
R. L. Salas
Class of 1965
H. M. Armstrong
L. C. Hollingsworth
J. H. Metz
J. R. Oliver
C. P. Wood, Jr.
Class of 1966
G. M. Johnson
I). W. Rickard, Jr.
L. D. Salsbury
T. G. Thompson
W. C. Wallace
W. R. White, Jr
Class of 1967
S. S. Cain
T. E. Dellafiora
W. G. Edgerly
I). A. Imler
G. M. May
R. M. Seiwert
G. F. Smith
L. N. Vanhoy
A. G. Zangri
Class of 1968
I). N. Brumm
J. S. Cobb
R. C. Cooper
D. W. Duncan
C. I). Hunter
F. Leitner
C. L. Mobley
W. N. Patterson, III
MacWain Phillips
J. R. Welsh, Jr.
Class of 1969
I). G. Campbell
K. Dolan
J. E. Love
S. E. Mars
J. C. Merrell
R. K. Ogg
B. F. Starr, III
G. F. Taylor
Class of 1970
J. R. Brier
M. P. Cannon
Paul T. Chepolis
A. F. Fahy, III
R. W. Germer
K. T. Hutchinson
R. J. Lesch
E. F. Mann
R. E. McCowen
J. P. McCullough
R. E. McKnight
W. Sunderland
M. E. Shelkofsky, Jr.
R. D. Wagner
Class of 1971
M. I). Bridges
G. E. Farschman, Jr.
E. R. Jennings
J. A. Smith
Class of 1972
W. Chambless
A. N. Chin
S. G. Coker
R. D. Doerr
C. L. Horton
A. D. Hunter
S. M. Peterson
M. R. Pitzler
Class of 1973
R. Hodges
S. D. Nelson
R. V. Robbins
Class of 1974
D. D. Chenault
W. T. Motley
R. E. Ryan
This 26”x22” color print by well known wildlife artist Charles Frace is being offered for sale exclusively by the Association of Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy. The ltXH) prints in the Association of Graduates Issue will be signed by the artist, imprinted with the AOG crest and stamped “Association of Graduates, commemorative issue, United States Air Force Academy 1976.” An unframed print will sell for $60.00. A framed version is available for $160.00. The frame will be of solid wood; the* print will be double matted and hacked with ragboard.
This limited Edition, published by Frame House Gallery Inc., will be in great demand. Order yours today and have it in time for Christmas.
ORDER BLANK
“GYRFALCON” - ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES ISSUE
Please enter my order (subject to availability) for Graduates Issue. Enclosed is my check for $
“GYRFALCON” prints
“GYRFALCON” prints, Association of made payable to Association of Graduates. ($ 60/each) 2.50 TOTAL Framed “GYRFALCON” prints ($160/each)
