New!U5HFHWatches
The Falcon Carries the Sword around the face every 60 seconds
Unquestionably the most exciting watch ever to be in orbit.
Kirk Canterbury, class of ’60, has made arrangements with the factory to make these available for the reduced rate of only $54.50!
The watch has a blue face with silver trim and silver finished case. A silver falcon carrying a sword flies around the case each sixty seconds.
It is a swiss 21 jewel, fully automatic, full lever timepiece. Shock resistant, anti-magnetic and has a full year’s guarantee.
Make
The $54.50 price includes watch complete with suede leather strap in a leatherette gift box with satin interior.
There are no additional charges for taxes, postage or handling for all addresses in the Zl or to an APO address.*
So order your watch today. This will make a fine Christmas present for anyone - including yourself.
‘International address will receive an invoice for additional postage required.
Any Air Force officer who didn't get $60 from us*
We recently gave $60 to a lot of Air Force officers.
It was their share of the $2.34 million cash refund we gave to the eligible active duty members of the Armed Forces Relief and Benefit Association, the nonprofit association of more than 85,000 officers. And, every active duty member, regardless of age, rank, duty station, or location, has $30,000 of group term life insurance for the low basic monthly cost of just $9 ($3.50 additional for flyers). Of course, that's the cost before we declared the refund.
stop here.
pennies a day. This optional supplemental coverage is just $6 a month, regardless of age, rank, duty station, location, or type of duty.
And, if these officers need more lowcost insurance, they can take advantage of another AFRBA program which allows them up to $60,000 of additional coverage depending on their age for just
What About The $60? Making AFRBA an even better value for members is our record of paying annual refunds. Although we can’t guarantee them, we've been paying them for 30 consecutive years. This year’s refund, for example, is a return of $5 for each month of membership or more than half of our members’ basic cost for their basic coverage.
There's More. AFRBA members
also can take advantage of low-cost Coupon
CLIP THIS COUPON, FOLD ON THK DOTTED LINE, TAPE AROUND THE EDGES, AND MAIL TO US TODAY. NO POSTAGE NEEDED.
Mail me the facts about AFRBA and its low-cost life insurance program just for officers. I am an officer or cadet/midshipman on active duty. No obligation, of course.
BUSINESS
Education and Emergency loans, lowcost insurance for their dependents, and a separate insurance program when they leave the service.
Get The Facts. Clip and send the coupon to us today and we’ll mail you the facts about AFRBA’s membership and insurance programs for military officers. We think you’ll see why AFRBA is the choice of so many officers.
Armed Forces
REPLY MAIL NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY IF MAILED IN UNITED STATES, ITS TERRITORIES OR ITS OVERSEAS ARMED FORCES INSTALLATIONS. POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY
Armed Forces Relief and Benefit Association 1156 15th Street, N.W.
Stay with us the “rustic” Inn At Woodmoor closest to the Academy Campus
Spacious view rooms. Fine dining in our Point Of View Restaurant. The P.O.V. Pub— pour favorite drinks and great entertainment. Golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding, boating. Meeting facilities. Happy Hour Mondag thru Thursday with complimentary hot hors d oeuvres. Sunday brunch. Organized tours. Airport pick-up. Military rate.
Complete Personal Service With Integrity on all Real Estate Matters In the Pikes Peak Region
Land Owners!
Colorado Springs Area Market Improving. Now is the time to consider selling
Let me know what you own and I will give you my estimate of value.
or
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES MAGAZINE
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Vol. 6 No. 3
Editor Jim Wheeler, ’64
Administrative Assistants
Mrs. Freida Weber
Mrs. Kathy McCann
Mrs. Joann English
Ms. Lisa Flynn
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
President David M. Goodrich, ’59
Vice President
Thomas J. Eller, ’61
Executive Secretary James F. Wheeler, ’64
DIRECTORS
To Serve Until 1 May 1979
Donald R. Baucom, ’62
Jon R. Staples, '62
James P. Tate, ’63
Alfred W. Grieshaber, Jr., ’65
Thomas L. Cunningham, ’67
Richard P. Ellis, ’68
Burton C. Andrus, III, ’69
John J. Warner, ’69
Kevin W. Krail, ’71
Vincent M. Parisi, II, ’73
To Serve Until 1 May 1981
Gares Garber, Jr., ’59
Hector A. Negroni, ’61
Frederick L. Metcalf, ’63
Fletcher H. Wiley, ’65
Mark A. Torreano, ’68
Ronald E. Joy, ’71
Michael J. McCarthy, ’71
Leslie J. Haaf, ’72
Frederick S. Knowles, Jr., ’73
Douglas J. Ford, ’76
To Serve Until 1 June 1978
M. Scott, ’77
Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff.
The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised.
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.
from the SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
Congratulations to the AOG on a truly outstanding Homecoming. Mrs. Tallman and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at all of the functions and were able to meet and to talk with a large number of Graduates. The views and opinions they expressed to me represent a valuable input to the Academy’s policy-making process, and I deeply appreciate their candor.
On Friday afternoon of the Homecoming weekend, the AOG Board convened for the annual Homecoming business meeting. The session was well attended by several interested and involved Graduates who retain a deeprooted concern for the welfare of the Air Force Academy. I addressed the Board and wish to share with you some of the thoughts I expressed at that time.
In my view the Air Force Academy is turning out a quality product. However, as the Superintendent, I have an ongoing interest in refining our training techniques and methods to insure that we will continue to commission 2nd Lieutenants that are able to meet the increasingly complex requirements of the modern U.S. Air Force. Towards this end, shortly after assuming command I established several study groups to take an in-depth look at various aspect of the Air Force Academy. One particular area, the work of the Honor Review Committee, is worth some elaboration to insure that the Graduate Community is aware of the facts related to this subject.
It is important to understand that the charter of this committee did not call for or anticipate immediate changes in the Academy Honor Code. It is not my preconceived intent to make dramatic changes in the Honor Code; thus, the Honor Review Committee was charged with the responsibility of conducting an indepth evaluation and review of all aspects of the concept and administration of the Cadet Honor Code and to make appropriate recommendations.
As a result of the preliminary findings of the Honor Review Committee, I issued the following letter on 11 October 1977:
“To All Academy Personnel:
1. Shortly after assuming my role as the new Superintendent, in order to better assess the effectiveness of Academy programs, I directed that the USAF Academy Honor Review Committee convene to evaluate the administration of the cadet honor systern and related aspects of cadet life.
2. In its preliminary findings, the USAF Academy Honor Review Committee asserts its firm belief that the Cadet Honor Code remains the paramount feature of the cadet way of life. However, committee interviews with some 228 cadets and 77 staff personnel from a broad cross section of the Academy have resulted in recommendations for follow-on subcommittees to consider possible improvement actions in the following eight areas:
a. Academic procedures which may impact on the effectiveness of the Honor Code.
b. Cadet privileges.
c- Cadet sense of community and spirit.
d. Honor Code administration.
e. Honor Code education.
f. Management of the Cadet Wing.
g. Review of Cadet Wing regulations.
h. Sanctions for Honor Violations, and the Toleration Clause.
3. I concur with the preliminary findings of the Honor Review Committee and have directed that subcommittees be formed to begin work immediately. Each subcommittee will include members from appropriate agencies of the Academy and will have at least ten cadets (selected from all classes) assigned as consultants.
4. I expect to receive final recommendations from these subcommittees by 1 January 1978. Although I do not know whether these recommendations will lead to substantial changes, I am confident that our critical self-appraisal will better assist the United States Air Force Academy in discharging its responsibilities to the United States Air Force and the American public.”
The Honor Review Committee is chaired by Colonel E. J. Rokke, Class of 1962, and 5 of 9 members of the Committee are Graduates of this institution. In addition, there will be Graduate representation on all subcommittees. As this indicates, I feel the views and opinions of Graduates are important, and I fully expect responsible Graduate input in a significant undertaking such as this which will have a long term impact on our school and on our service.
The subcommittees will explore their areas of interest with the intent of identifying ways to improve the training of commissioned officers for service in the U. S. Air Force. As you can tell from my letter, the total study effort addresses a great deal more than just the Honor Code. This, it seems to me, is necessary if we are to coherently and comprehensively assess the total training environment of the Air Force Academy.
As the new Commander I feel a need—indeed, an obligation—to (a) understand the total situation at hand, and (b) to take any appropriate steps needed to insure that our mission will continue to be met and exceeded in every respect. Additionally, I hasten to point out that this internal review is not simply a reaction to any special committee or study group reports; it is instead motivated by genuine concern for the well being of the Air Force Academy and the Cadet Wing.
In a related development, I recently appeared with the Superintendents of the other major Service Academies before a subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the Honor Systerns of our academies. At that time I made the following statements:
“The preliminary findings of the Honor Review Committee affirm its belief that the Cadet Honor Code remains the paramount feature of the Cadet Way of Life and should be retained. In summary, I believe operation of the Cadet Honor Code at the Air Force Academy remains basically sound.”
There is little more to tell you at this time, but I shall be in touch later to insure that you are informed of future developments related to this important topic.
K. L. TALLMAN, Lt General, USAF Superintendent
Annual Report of the Association of Graduates
OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
1 July 1976 - 30 June 1977
The period of this report was a year of transition marked with notable progress and responsible development for the Association of Graduates. It was also a time of planning for continued growth in the years ahead. The following special subject summaries attempt only to highlight a small portion of the total AOG activity of the past year. Inquiries seeking additional or more detailed information should be directed to the Executive Secretary, c/o the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, Colorado 80840.
I. Membership. The membership of the Association exceeded 6,500 total members during the past year; this represents over 60 percent of all living Graduates. Included in the total are over 500 Graduates from the Class of 1977. During the year 19 Graduates died.
II. Financial Status. The Association of Graduates increased its net worth significantly during the past fiscal year- This was largely attributable to fund raising projects.
a. Fund Raising Projects. A limited edition of the “Gyrfalcon” print by Charles Frace, bearing the crest of the Association of Graduates, was sold exclusively to the AOG membership. In addition, a special commemorative silver plate sponsored by the Association of Graduates and offered exclusively to the members of the Association of Graduates by the Franklin Mint was sold during the fall of 1976.
b. Audit. During the summer of 1977, Haskins & Sells, Inc., conducted their second annual audit of the Association of Graduates. All bookkeeping practices and accounts were found to be in order and business practices were judged in keeping with sound nonprofit corporation management principles.
c. Investments. During the last year, the investments of the Association of Graduates were largely placed in high quality, long-term bonds. The earnings from the investments increased the net worth of the life membership fund to almost $300,000. During the year the Board of Directors reoriented the management of the investment program and placed primary responsibilities with the Executive Secretary and the Financial Subcommittee.
d. Budget The projected budget for the year which ended in June 1977 was essentially on target. All planned surpluses were accumulated and current income offset all current expenses during the year. The budget for the current fiscal year has been approved by the Board and reflects continued growth in the activities and scope of involvement of the Association.
e. Funds. During the year the Association of Graduates Board of Directors established two new funds which will be supplemented in the years ahead. They are the Air Force Academy Development Fund and the AOG Building Fund. There are plans to launch an annual fund raising campaign in the years ahead to support these funds and other projects adopted by the AOG Board.
III. Publications. The Association of Graduates continued to expand its publications to all members
during the past year. The quarterly AOG Magazine has grown in terms of pages, numbers of articles, expanded Class News coverage, and increased advertising. The 1976 Register of Graduates was the last one published prior to the establishment of a computerized AOG data base and the adoption of a new format and new computer printing techniques for all subsequent Registers.
IV. Sales of Memorabilia. During the past year the Association of Graduates has taken initial steps to establish a limited merchandise program which will offer a small number of quality items utilizing the AOG crest- Initial offerings will include jewelry items, glassware, pewter mugs, and desk accessories. In addition, in the past year the AOG offered the membership an opportunity to purchase selected pewter bar accessories. Also, during the year the AOG attempted to negotiate the purchase of Cadet sabres for resale to Graduates. This effort was abandoned for economic reasons, and the AOG Board has now decided to attempt to negotiate the right to purchase sabres and other Cadet items directly from the Cadet Store for resale to Graduates.
V. Chapters. The Chapter program continued to expand and is getting increased attention from the Board of Directors. Significant growth was witnessed in the Colorado Chapter of the AOG, and they suecessfully reestablished a tradition at the Academy by sponsoring a 100th Night Dining Out for the Class of 1977. In addition, groups of Graduates in Washington, DC, Texas, Oklahoma, California, New York, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Jersey, Florida and even Thule, Greenland, have conducted Graduate activities and or are active in establishing a Chapter of the Association. The Board of Directors has authorized the printing of a new Chapter Organizational Guide which will be made available to all interested Graduates who would like to foster an opportunity for all Graduates in their area to get together under the auspices of an organized AOG Chapter.
VI. Awards. In the past academic year the Association of Graduates was pleased to award the Outstanding Group Trophy to the First Cadet Group. Squadrons 1-10 were awarded a blue guidon streamer for their combined excellence. The Jabara Award for Airmanship was awarded in 1976 to Lt Col Michael V. Love, Class of I960. The 1977 recipient has been announced and he will receive the award at the 1977 Homecoming Banquet; the winner is Major Roger E. Carleton, Class of 1967.
VII. Committee Projects. The Standing and Ad hoc Committees of the Board of Directors of the AOG have in the last year undertaken various projects related to the establishment of new membership categories, revision of the Association Bylaws, Chapter expansion, preparation of a Chapter guide, fund raising and annual fund drive campaigns, the study of potential 25 year projects for the Academy to be sponsored by the AOG, and the development of a five year plan for the Association of Graduates.
(Continued on Page 43)
THEY TRIUMPH WHILE
LOSING
The following was printed in the Colorado Springs SUN on Monday, 24 October 1977. The article is reprinted with permission of the author.
More than 30,000 feet above that dusty tabletop called the Texas Panhandle the captain of the airliner was informing his cargo of his schedule. The jet would continue toward Abilene, then turn eastward and land at Waco on schedule. But few listened to the captain.
Halfway back a group of about 10 Air Force cadets huddled in the aisle, each holding mimeographed pages stapled together.
In the rear section of the plane another group was meeting and the officer in charge was making his points.
The offense was meeting here and the defense was meeting there- Right? This was, after all, the Air Force football team flying to Texas on a Friday morning, where the next day it would challenge Baylor of the Southwest Conference.
At the Waco airport, which does not remind anyone of Kennedy or O’Hare, two buses awaited the team’s arrival. The players folded their mimeographed papers, boarded the buses, rode to Baylor Stadium, removed their uniforms and their ties and put on their tee shirts, shorts and football helmets and trotted into the steamy heat that settles on the floor of any Texas fooball stadium that never knows when to knock off summer.
A man in tan work clothes wandered through one of the ramps. His hands showed years of hard work. The back of his wrinkled neck showed years of hard sun that had penetrated the skin.
“It is a pleasure just to see them boys up close,” he said. “I’d forgot what cleancut was. Damn hippies won’t never run this country with them boys still around.”
At halftime on Saturday afternoon the Academy’s Drum & Bugle Corps clicked onto the field. The choreographer is a computer. John Philip Sousa’s ghost conducts. Robots could not match the precision. Stereo cannot equal the sound.
A Baylor homecoming crowd of 30,000 sat there, awaiting to give judgment. Before the first number had been completed applause began rippling across the old concrete stadium. Then the crowd stood and cheered and members of the Baylor band, scattered along the sideline waiting their turn to show off for the grads, put down the horns and the drums and joined the applause-
The Academy obviously was enroute to winning its seventh consecutive halftime show. The Academy football team, behind by 17-0, obviously was enroute to losing its fifth game of what has become a most dismal season.
Last August this was the team destined to score points so fast the scoreboard lights would burn out. The backfield was set, the receivers were primed, the players were the heaviest Air Force scales had yet seen. The defense perhaps was questionable, but surely the offense would overcome any deficiency that might show up there.
All the above, the won-lost record shows, was an incorrect judgment.
In seven games the offense has scored a meager 60 points—only eight touchdowns in seven week-
By Frank Boggs, Sports Editor
ends. The defense played exceptionally well at times, but anybody’s defense has to have some rest sometimes. It’s tired now and gave up 38 points to a Baylor team that is going nowhere in particular. It yielded 37 points the week before to Arizona State, 30 points a couple of weeks earlier at Georgia Tech.
Now this 1977 team that was viewed optimistically so short a time ago must win every remaining game just to break even for the season. And not once the rest of the way will the Falcons enter a game as the favorites. Not here this week against Boston College. Not against Army. Not against Vanderbilt. Most assuredly not against Notre Dame in the final game of the season at South Bend.
There is unhappiness being heard because some of the telephone calls wind up here. Those callers don’t like Ben Martin anymore and say so. Probability, unless there is a sudden turnabout, they will become more numerous and also louder.
Martin is one of college football’s more respected gentlemen. He is in his 20th season here. He’s the president of the American Football Coaches Association. But his team is in trouble.
On most of these out-of-town Saturdays the Air Force team leaves the stadium beaten but respected. That’s better than leaving beaten and considered a bunch of bums.
The problems of an Academy football team are unlike those anywhere else. They are so numerous that we’ll probably never see any of them ranked high nationally, at least not for any extended period.
On that trip into Waco the group huddled in the middle of the jet was not the offense. Those were guys being lectured to by Capt. Brock, one of two tutors who made the trip. In the back of the plane the other instructor was reviewing a class in law.
Football would wait until later.
“The mid-term grade projections came out a few days ago,” said a member of the official party. “Mid-term exams were held the week before the Navy game.” (Navy 10, Air Force 7).
The middle-of-the-jet group was studying economics.
At the top of the front page was the topic of study: “Constrained Optimization,” it said. Whatever that is.
Oh, come now. We all know what that is. One of the first things the student is asked to do, in fact, is to identify the prediction function. Shucks. Anybody knows how to do that.
EP equals 3MA minus M square.
Sure it does.
So now another weekend of football is out of the way. The team is passing Constrained Optimization and failing football.
And when not doing that they can pick up a newspaper and read where Sen. Proxmire is checking to make sure only the right guys are making the trips.
It is a shame they can’t all make the trips because they remind people in other sections of the country, like Waco and Berkeley and Atlanta and like everywhere, that we still produce classy young menIt is only too bad they can’t win football games more than they do. They deserve some fun.
Homecoming 1077
During the weekend of 14, 15, 16, October 1977, almost 500 Graduates and their guests convened at the Air Force Academy to celebrate the Annual AFA Homecoming. Events spanning the weekend were participated in by a larger number of Graduates, Academy staff, and guests than any Homecoming of recent memory. It turned out to be an enjoyable, busy, and memorable weekend for all that were involved.
On Friday afternoon at the Annual AOG Board of Directors Meeting, General Tallman spent some time with the Board and discussed recent events at the Academy and his personal philosophies on where the institution will be headed in the years to come. That evening, the Graduates and the senior staff joined together at the Academy Officers Club for the Class of ’67 Ten Year Reunion and the All Class Gettogether which this year were combined for the purpose of honoring Mrs. Gail McComas. The AOG presented an oil portrait of Mrs. McComas to the Academy during the evenings festivities and General Tallman accepted the portrait from the AOG on behalf of the Academy for permanent display in Arnold Hall.
The Cadet Chorale entertained the assembled guests and Graduates after the buffet and Mr. Roger Boyd thoughtfully invited all the Graduates in the audience who are former members of the chorale to join in for a few songs. All in all, it was a great time and the joint activites helped everyone to capture the enthusiasm of the 10-year class.
On Saturday morning, the Graduate-Cadet Memorial Ceremony was conducted on the terrazzo. This was accompanied by a memorial wreath laying at the Graduate War Memorial. Then, after an informal business meeting at Arnold Hall, the Graduate contingent joined the Superintendent and his official guests at the Superintendent’s Homecoming Brunch at the Officers Club prior to the kickoff against Arizona State. It was a disappointing afternoon for the Falcon football team, but those in attendance cheered loudly for the Falcons and hoped for better days to come.
On Saturday evening the traditional Homecoming Graduate Reception and Banquet took place in Mitchell Hall. The banquet was followed by the presentattion of the Jabara Award for Airmanship to Roger Carleton, who by coincidence was a member of the 10-year class.
On Sunday, the tired and happy Graduates who had traveled from near and far to participate in Homecoming 1977, dispersed to the winds with a final parting vow to come again to enjoy another Homecoming.
Dear Graduates,
The only day that surpassed 14 October 1977 your Homecoming weekend, was my wedding day.
There will never be enough words to say “thank you” for the honor you have given me. I wish all of you could have been here.
If there is a woman roaming this beautiful free country (“thanks to you”) that has been given a greater tribute, I challenge her. Thank you for these past twenty-two years of beautiful memories, your devotion and friendship.
To the Class of 1967 thank you for sharing your Homecoming. Your class really made this past Homecoming the best ever, it was so great to see so many of you back.
May these coming years bring all of you and your loved ones, love, health and happiness. God bless,
I love you, Mrs. Mac
P.S. Call or come by anytime.
141S Imperial Road Colorado Springs, Colo. 80918
AC-303-S98-97S9
Maxine McCaffrey, the artist, also painted a small portrait which was presented to Mrs. Mac as a personal memento.
1977 Jabara Award for Airmanship
Major Roger E. Carleton is honored with this award for his outstanding contribution to the development and operational success of the A-10 tactical weapons system. Major Carleton was the primary pilot during the development testing and evaluation to determine operational suitability of the A-10. His role as a pilot during the acquisition cycle required unique and superior skills as an airman. The requirements he faced were varied and demanded not only the ultimate in airmanship but the highest standards of technical competence and knowledge of tactical fighter doctrine and tactics. During the testing program Major Carleton emerged as the key individual in determining the operational compatability of the A-10. His evaluations included weapons delivery, air refueling, defensive combat maneuvering and tactical employment under varied combat conditions. In fulfilling this role, he successfully addressed not only the difficult technical challenges of engineering but also the demands of precision flying and judgment needed in the evaluation of this advanced weapons system. He has greatly enhanced the effective-
1977 Jabara Award Finalists
The following Graduates were finalists for the 1977 Award:
NAME COMMAND CLASS
Herbert L. Bevelhymer
Robert: I. Boren
Charles R. Greer
Marc C. Johansen
Wayne F. Kendall, Jr.
William J. McGarvey
Jay W. Van Pelt
AFSC 1964
SAC 1971
TAC 1972
ADC 1974
AFSC 1960
MAC 1972
TAC 1971
Prior Jabara Award Winners'
1968 Captain Donald D. Stevens
1969 Major Terry R. Jorris
and Lieutenant Karl W. Richter
1970 Mr. (MedRet) Wayne A. Warner
1971 Captain Neil B. Crist
1972 Major Steve Ritchie
1973 Captain Dale E. Stovall
1974 Major Robert A. Lodge
1975 Captain Donald R. Backlund
and Captain Ronald T. Rand
1976 Lt Colonel Michael V. Love
ness of the tactical fighting arm of the nation; and, through his personal determination and the application of superior skills and professional competence, he has uniquely distinguished himself as an aviator.
Major Roger E. CARLETON Clans of 1967
1967 REUNION
The Class of 1967 endeavored to surpass all previous 10-Year Reunions in attendance and were able to roundup 115 Graduates and over 200 people ineluding Graduates and guests to celebrate their 10 years in the real Air Force. They found a great deal to reflect upon about the last 10 years while they were renewing friendships, exchanging family news, reliving Cadet days, and finding new friends and new interests in a rather familiar setting. All in all, the 10-Year Reunion was enjoyed a great deal and judged a success by all participants.
The new format utilized at Homecoming 1977 which called for a revised schedule of events on Friday night and a streamlined schedule for Saturday, was generally judged an improvement. It can also be said that the opportunity to formally pay tribute to Mrs. Gail McComas and to honor Roger Carleton as the Jabara Award winner, were fitting excuses for all in attendance to have such a good time.
BTZ Selectees for 0-5
A quick review of the the following names:
1963
Jerry D. Adinolfi, Jr.
Rufus D. Harris
Eldon D. Henderson
George A. Ward, Jr.
1964
Ralph T. Browning
James W. Evatt
Bruce L. Fister
Dennis O. Madl
Raymond E. Rodgers, Jr.
James W. Stewart
Arnold R. Thomas, Jr.
William M. Wittress, Jr.
CY77 BTZ list produced
1965
Michael E. Ryan
John A. Warden
1966
Fred W. Albertson, Jr.
William E. Dunne
Phillip D. Gardner
David Oakes
John R. Wormington
1967
James L. Bannwart
George P. Cole, Jr.
Charles R. Heflebower
Eugene A. Lupia
Dale E. Stovall
Leonard R. Vernamonti
CONGRATULATIONS to all. Apologies to anyone overlooked; an updated list will be reviewed next time.
found a few of the
THANKS SEE YOU NEXT YEAR
Friday
All of the Homecoming activities, which were jointly sponsored this year by the Academy and the Association of Graduates, were the result of a lot of planning and work by volunteers from the Graduates assigned at the Academy. The list is simply too large to enumerate each name in this limited space, but to all of those who participated and helped, a very sincere “thank you” from the AOG Office. For those who took the time to come to the Academy for the Homecoming weekend, the AOG certainly appreciates their support; and we hope that it was time and money well spent by every one. In fact, it was the general consensus that those who missed it should start planning now for the Homecoming weekend next year when the Class of 1968 will have what promises to be an even bigger and more memorable weekend than the one we’ve all recently enjoyed.
F. Scott Jackson, ’67, was presented an award as a “Homecoming Fanatic” by Master of Ceremonies Ray Leopold, ’67. Scott has attended every Homecoming since his graduation.
Mrs. Mac
“old-timers” to pose during
evening festivities. From left to right: Curt Cook, Dean Wood, Jerry Garber, Max Miller, and Brock Strom.
DA TEEINE - VSAFA
Bob Shumway, ’68
This article is a condensed version of the Graduate Information Handout used at Homecoming ’77. It is a compilation of the changes that have occurred in recent years at USAFA.
Milestones Notable Firsts Jan 68—First T-41 sorties
16 Nov 68—First football Homecoming
14 Aug 69—First exchange of cadets with France
27 Aug 73—First “female waiters” in Mitchell Hall
6 Jul 75—T-29s replaced by T-43s
6 Oct 75—T-33s replaced by T-37s
7 Oct 75—President Ford signs bill authorizing women at academies
13 Jan 76—First woman enters USAFA Prep School
1 May 76—First USAFA Open House for public in 22 years
31 May 76—Sijan Hall dedicated
28 Jun 76—First women enter USAFA
28 Aug 76—Erwin Rokke (’62) is first grad to become a permanent professor
15 Oct 76—Richter Lounge in A-Hall dedicated
11 May 77—First joint meeting of service academy alumni administrators
Dean of Faculty
West Point Study Group Report
The faculty is currently involved in an intense review of this document, which was released in September. Preliminary review shows that while the group used a number of good ideas from the Air Force Academy, we anticipate that the AFA will also be able to benefit from the study.
20th Anniversary Study—As a result of this study, completed in 1975 by Vice Dean Colonel Philip J. Erdle, we now have semesters of equal length (42 lessons each). This necessitated starting academics a little earlier each year, but allows for a slightly shorter spring term. Graduation is now the first Wednesday after Memorial Day.
Graduate Programs—The AFA has the distinction of winning more NCAA scholarships than any other school .The Class of 1977 was the last to be able to attend civilian medical schools, because of the opening of the Uniformed Services School of Health Sciences in Washington, DC There are no more cooperatitve masters degree programs (right after graduation); now, the top 15% is assured selection and entry to AFIT between the 3rd and 8th year, if they perform at a high level.
Project Scenic FAST—This is an item of interest, Academy-wide. Scenic is the code word for USAFA projects. FAST is the pseudo-acronym for Falcon Space Test. USAFA has made a downpayment to NASA for a small payload on the earliest Space Shuttie available in 1980. This is an opportunity for all Academy people to input ideas for an Academy experiment to be carried in this package.
The Cadet Wing
Positive Motivation Program—The major change in CW in the last few years involves the shift from the old “squat-thrust” philosophy to a “Positive Motivation Program-” General Beck established the program on the basis of “leadership by example and devotion to high standards.” The old methods of “intimidation and humiliation” are replaced with “more flexible, more mature techniques.” Gen Beck felt that the “old way” not only focused on every imperfection, but also “did not make sense in terms of the real world life in the Air Force.” The old philosophy assumed that basic cadets were committed to Air Force careers when they arrived at USAFA, and had to “prove it.” The new program assumes that the basic cadets have not yet made that commitment, and tries to motivate them to select the AF as a career.
Air Training Officers—They are already a thing of the past! These women officers served admirably as “role models” for the Class of 80 women, and are now engaged in other USAFA functions.
Meal Formations—Cadets are again required to attend breakfast. (For a while they were allowed to skip it.) They are required to march to only the lunch meal, but must be in place for the other meals by “contact time.” Recitation of knowledge is limited to the time before “take seats” is given.
SERE—There is now an on-base survival demonstration area and a navigation trek that provides more training time in the field, and greatly enhances student learning. In 1977, the .38 caliber pistol training was moved from the field to the base range, thus saving time and money, and making the training much safer. During the past summer, 121 wornen complete SERE training. Many of these will serve as instructors and staff personnel next year.
Athletics
PFT—1° now run aerobics during both semesters.. 2° run aerobics in the fall, and take the PFT in the spring. Women take the same PFT, except that they do a timed flexed-arm hang instead of pullups as a measure of upper body strength.
Intramurals—The sports calendar looks like this for 1977-78. The women will participate in all sports, except those marked with an Fall—Flickerball, Cross Country, Tennis, Soccer, Football*.
Winter—Boxing*, Wrestling*, Squash, Volleyball, Water Polo, Handball.
Spring—-Basketball, Swimming, Rugby*, Team Handball, Flag Football.
PE Courses—In addition to expanding the number of electives available, the Life Sciences branch has developed four courses for upper classmen desiring the equivalent of a PE Major.
PE Courses—In addition to expanding the number of electives available, the Life Sciences branch has developed four courses for upper classmen desiring the equivalent of a PE Major.
Varsity Athletes—On the off-season, these athletes no longer have to play intramurals if they are on an approved training program.
NCAA Ruling—The service academies recently received permission from the NCAA to make “contacts during the summer preceding a prospect’s senior year of high school.’’ This is necessary to complete the appointment process, and gives the academies a slight edge over other colleges’ recruiting efforts.
Recruiting—YOU ARE ENCOURAGED to help in the recruiting process by sending names and addresses of promising athletes to Mr. Jim Bowman, Candidate Counseling, USAFA. Also you can write to any team coach at USAFA (AHP), USAFA, CO 80840.
Admission Liaison Officers
Over 35,000 young people expressed interest in the 1500 spaces available for the Class of 1981.
The most significant change in this area is the evolution of the Academy Liaison Officer Program from a 300-man group of “spokesmen” to a 1600man, world-wide group of professional admissions counselors.
This program now offers graduates a unique chance to assist these dedicated reservists. The Admissions Office will soon be sending out packages of materials to all grads who indicated an interest in this program. If you don’t want to wait, please contact USAFA/RRV by letter or phone (Autovon 2592640). You’ll be glad you did!!!
Women
The second class of women has entered USAFA. This year they are equally distributed among all squadrons, and they live in their squadron areas. (Last year they were isolated in Vandenberg.) The following statistics may help you see how well they are doing.
ATTRITION
(as of 17 Sep 77)
Women are members of the Drum and Bugle Corps, Honor Guard, Drill Team, Chorale, Choirs, and Cheerleaders. 3° women are also serving as flight guides, element sergeants, admin clerks, color bearers, etc. The women’s athletic teams won 58% of their contests last year, with the swimming team doing best with a 9-1 record. This year 123 women (out of 269 enrolled) are competing on athletic teams.
Honor and Ethics
According to Major John Fer (’62), Executive for Honor and Ethics, the most recent development concerning the Honor System has been General Tallman’s ad hoc Honor Review Committee convened to evaluate the administration of the Honor System and related aspects of cadet life. This group reported their findings to the Supt at the end of September, and he has asked for subcommittees of officers and cadets to present their recommendations to him by 1 Jan 78.
Honor Boards are now open to all members of the cadet wing and to Academy personnel assigned to work with the cadets (except in some special cases). During the 1975-76 school year, 130 hearings were held, 88 cadets were found guilty, and 23 of those received discretion.
Miscellaneous Topics
Arnold Hall—Now has or soon will have a selfservice ice cream parlor, a “frozen scratch” pizza parlor (no more frozen pizzas), a “Doolie Den” on the second floor, an electronic game room, and two more music listening rooms.
Aero Club—Nearly 270 members flew their 8 aircraft for 3950 hours in ’76.
Soaring Club—In ’76 they flew 13,457 sorties. Also all 4° got orientation flights during BCT.
Balloon Club—Nearly 50 members are now flying 3 balloons locally and in national competition.
Parachuting-—The team won 25 of 32 medals at the 1976 National Inter-collegiate Parachuting Championships. Over 10,000 jumps were made in ’76.
Bus service—Reestablished between A-Hall and downtown as well as the Citadel Mall area (about 10 trips each on Saturday and Sunday).
Calculators—The old “slip-stick” has been replaced by the Texas Instruments SR 51, as standard issue.
Cost of Education—In 1976 the cost of producing one graduate had risen to about $97,000.
Privileges—1° now get unlimited weekends, 2° (unlisted) have six, 3 have four, and 4° have one each “makelist” (three per year).
Graduate Statistics
Of the 10,959 graduates commissioned in the USAF (classes ’59 through ’77), 8,521 were still on active duty as of 30 Jun 77. In addition, we have sent 91 grads to other services, while gaining over 1000 grads from their schools.
We had 2819 grads as life members of the AOG and 3585 as annual members, as of 31 Aug 77. Other statistics
IMPRESSIONS i
By Richard G■ Head Lt Col USAF
Editor’s Note: Lt. Colonel Head is a recent graduate of the National War College where he had the opportunity to visit the Soviet Union in May 1977. A member of the Air Force Academy Class of 1960, Colonel Head has flown fighters most of his career, commanded an F-4 air superiority squadron in the Pacific, and has 325 combat missions. His academic background includes an MPA and PhD from Syracuse University and teaching experience in the USAFA Department of Political Science. He is currently the Air Force Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City.
Since the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the Soviet Union has both intrigued and puzzled Americans. Although there is a great amount of data available to scholars and government officials, answers to many basic questions continue to elude us. What are the Russians like? Are they really just like us, only more backward? Do the people really believe the turgid prose of the Marxist-Leninist ideology? Are the U.S. and Soviet social and economic systems converging? Why do they continue to develop and produce military forces which seem to be out of proportion to their defense needs? While not pretending to provide final answers to these important questions, the purpose of this article is to sketch some impressions gained during a oneweek visit to the Soviet Union in May 1977.
In early 1977 the Soviet Ministry of Defense extended an official invitation to the United States to send a delegation of military students from the National Defense University to visit Soviet military education institutions. Two previous groups of National War College students had visited Russia in 1960 and 1964, but their trips had been shorter and with a different purpose. The 1960 trip included six faculty members and 27 students on a three-day visit over a
weekend. They were permitted to visit one military institution, the Frunze Academy. The 1964 trip included approximately the same number of students and visited not only a military school, the Tank Academy, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade. Neither of these trips was fully funded by the Soviets. During the spring of 1977, as the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union appeared to deteriorate in the wake of the impasse over a SALT II agreement and Soviet sensitivities over President Carter’s human rights statements, we wondered what the motives of the Russians could be in inviting usWe did not discover their reasons until the last day of the trip.
The visit was initiated, spoilsored, and completely organized by the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Defense. We were permitted to bring only nine officers and no civilians. The U.S. delegation consisted of Lt. General Robert G. Gard (USA), President of the National Defense University, as Trip Director; Lt. Commander Steve Kime (USN) of the NWC faculty, six National War College students, and one student from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
We departed Washington the evening of 9 May, stopped in Copenhagen, and arrived at Sheremetyevo Airport, Moscow, on 11 May. We were greeted at the airport by Lieutenant-General* Ivan Braiko, Deputy Chief, Department of Military Education, Ministry of Defense, about a dozen Army officers, and twice that many soldiers to carry our few bags. The official host for our visit was ColonelGeneral V- A. Makarov, Chief of the Department of Military Edu
A Soviet Lieutenant-General wears two stars and is equivalent to a U.S. Major General; a Soviet three-star general is a ColonelGeneral, and four star is a Marshal.
cation. We were billeted at the official Ministry of Defense hotel on the outskirts of Moscow, and in the following seven days visited Leningrad and Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad).
The major attractions in Moscow were the tomb of Lenin in Red Square, the Malinovskiy Tank Academy, the Bolshoi theater, the G a r g a r i n Cosmonaut Training Center, and the Exhibition of Economic Achievement (a huge permanent fairground with 46 pavilions, displaying industrial and agricultural products from the U.S.S.R.’s republics). We took the Soviets’ best train, the Red Arrow Express, to Leningrad and visited the Piskaryouskoye Memorial C e m e t e r y, the Frunze Naval School, the Grechko Naval Academy, and the historic Hermitage (the scene of one of the first batties of the Revolution and now a famous art museum). We flew from Leningrad on a twin-engined Aeroflot airliner and landed in Volgograd, the historic industrial city on the banks of the Volgar River. There, we toured a hydroelectric power station and Mamayev Hill, a large park complex and mausoleum constructed as a World War II memorial.
The itinerary was a rigid one. We requested a visit to the Generai Staff Academy, the equivalent of the National War College, but it was refused for “lack of time to prepare.” Throughout the visit we were shepherded by at least three Soviet officers (one general and two colonels), two translators, and various aides- This and the tight schedule, of course, had the effect of limiting our contact with the Russian people; we got the distinct feeling that our escourts were deathly afraid that one of us would wander off and be unaccounted for. (Our Soviet escort officers did not, however, attempt to prevent any of us talking to Russian citizens. We spoke to ordinary citizens on several occasions through U.S. military attaches, Commander Kime, and the
two interpreters who were with us at all times.)
Our most general impression is that the Soviet Union is a strange mixture of modernization and backwardness, of an avowedly classless society with a rigid social hierarchy. The cities are clean, with wide streets and many parks. There is a widespread building program, mostly to construct new apartments. Although Muscovites talk of the congested traffic, their problem is miniscule compared to U.S. cities. (Moscow has only 3 million cars among 8 million peopie.) The people were better dressed than we had expected. The men tend to wear dark shirts under ill-fitting, dark suits. Many of the older men (and women) wore medals from their service in World War II. The old women wore plain clothes, but the younger ones were very stylish in both dress and make-up. Women were predom.inent among work crews tearing up old sections of pavement and laying new ones. As one of our group put it, the cities hustle, but they do not bustle. There is a widespread feeling of conformism, modesty and austerity; we saw no laughter.
Many people ask, are the peopie satisfied with their standard of living being behind the West? An old woman in Leningrad answered that for the group by relating her simple story. During World War II, she and her children survived the battle of Leningrad where the only place they had to stay was in a bombed-out tank. Now she has her own apartment.
Perhaps the most lasting impression on all of us was the continued emphasis on World War II and the impact it has on the Russian people. One truly has to see the profusion and extent of the monuments and military museums to believe the resources the government allocates to the memory of the Great Patriotic War, as the Soviets call it. Only this year Tula, a city of two million, south of Moscow, was declared a “Hero
City” for its collective efforts to repulse the Germans. One memorial cemetery we visited in Leningrad held the bodies of over 500,000 civilians who died during the siege of that city. While we were there, dozens of citizens and hundreds of school children in neat black and white uniforms placed flowers on the grass of the mass graves. As our Soviet escorts told us and we personally observed, many young couples come to these cemeteries as part of their wedding ceremonies, providing a link between the past and the future.
In Volgogard the government has just begun the construction of a gigantic project to enclose the shell of one of the two buildings that survived the 1942-43 battle. Throughout the city, the farthest German advance toward the Volga River is marked by a string of T-34 tank turrets on pedestals. The Soviets were espedally proud to show us their war memorial on Mamayev Hill, a piece of high ground that commands virtually the entire terrain on the Western approach to the Volga. Here, during the bloody battle for Stalingrad in 1942-43, German and Russian artillery observation posts changed hands as
Soviet Army honor guard at the Piskaryouskoye Memorial Cemetery in Leningrad.
Statue of a heroie defender of Stalingrad at the Mamayev Memoritd complex.
many as 20 times a day. Now the hill is the site of a complex of 17 different memorials, several with realistic sounds of battle emanating from tape recorders under the stone. The central feature of this complex is a 285-foot concrete statue of Mother Russia “calling her sons to battle.” This piece of heroic sculpture weighs 8,000 tons, the equivalent of standing a light cruiser on its end.
The emphasis on World War II is an important feature to understand the character of the Russian people as well as certain policies of the Communist Party. Although Stalin had enunciated a policy of “socialism in one country” in the 1920s, it was not until the surprise Nazi attack in June 1941 that the Communist Party in desperation embraced an all-out emotional appeal to historic Russian nationalism. From the dark days of July 1941 until the tide of battle changed at Stalingrad in early 1943, Stalin made almost no mention of the Communist Party and deliberately reduced exhortation of Marxist-Leninist ideology. After 1943 the role of the Communist Party was reemphasized, but the nationalistic theme never receded to pre-war levels. In current
times, as the population growth of the many non-Russian minorities threatens the “Russianness” of the Soviet Union, the theme of nationalist unity in the Great Patriotic War is useful to the Party.
Hedrick Smith, in his excellent book, The Russians, captured the essence of the Soviet emphasis when he titled one of his chapters, “World War II Was Only Yesterday.” The effect we observed on the people is one of constantly reliving old wounds, of enshrining military history. The effect on us was one of observing both genuine patriotism and the maniulation of emotions to reinforce the elite position of the Communist Party and the prominent role of the military. As we toured these monuments, we began to infer that the Soviets wanted to convince us that their suffering in World War II somehow justified their present force buildup.
Finally, on the last day, our Soviet hosts discussed their hopes for the outcome of the visit. It was apparent that they wanted to begin a series of military-to-military exchanges, free from discussions of foreign policy, SALT, force levels, and human rights.
AIR FORCE ICE HOCKEY 1977-78 Schedule
Nov. 11-12 Wisconsin-Stout A
Nov- 18-19 New Hampshire H
Nov. 25-27 St. Louis A
Dec. 2- 3 Hamline H
Dec. 9 Colorado College A
Dec. 10 Colorado College H
Dec. 27 Boston U. A
Dec. 28 Boston Coll- A
Jan. 6- 7 No. Michigan H
Jan. 10 Denver A
Jan. 13-14 Wisc-River Falls A
Jan. 20-21 Royal Mill Coll (Canada) H
Feb. 3- 4 Manitoba (Can.) H
Feb. 7 Denver H
Feb. 19-11 Gustavus Adolphus H
Feb. 17-18 Mankato State A
They are convinced that most, if not all, writing about the Soviet Union in the United States is biased and inaccurate. They emphasized the historical ties between our two countries that extend back to the time when John Paul Jones commanded Catherine the Great’s fleet- Finally, they wanted to stress that they desired peace; that our two countries must cooperate to arrest the arms race.
Our own conclusions were somewhat different. We did not challenge their sincerity, but we coneluded that the two countries approach the problem of defense with completely different frames of reference. These differing frameworks extend from fundamentally different social structures and unique historical experiences. To the Soviets the memory of World War II provides domestic capital to promote the fusion of Party and people. Our conclusion was that the veneration of that conflict, 32 years later, is also used as rationalization for the militarization of the Soviet society.
(Part II of this article, entitled “Soviet Military Officer Education,” will be published in the next issue.)
Gigantic statue of “Mother Russia" overlooking the city of Volgograd/Stalingrad from the Mamayev Hill complex.
THE MEN (AND WOMEN) FROM M.A.D.
Captain Ronald A. Ramirez Deputy Chief, Minority Affairs Division
The United States Air Force Academy has gone M.A.D.!! Now you are probably saying to yourself, “I could see it happening while I was there!” However, what you are thinking is not what I meant.
In August 1972, the Academy established a Minority Affairs Division (with expanded staff and full time secretary) as part of the Admissions Liaison Office, Directorate of Admissions and Registrar. Prior to that time, there was one Black officer assigned for the specific purpose of increasing minority enrollment.
During the academic year 19771978, the Division will be manned by two captains, one woman Black first lieutenant (who was formerly an ATO for the first woman cadets), five second lieutenants (1977 graduates), and (probably most important) a secretary who tries to keep track of everyone.
What do all these people do, you ask? The mission of the Minority Affairs Division is to identify, counsel, encourage, and assist minority students to seek admission to the Air Force Academy. This is sometimes harder than it may seem. There are many problems incurred in procuring minority students for the Academy, some of which are peculiar to the particular ethnic groups. Overcoming these problems can be an “overtime” job.
Probably the greatest problem encountered is “lack of information.” Very little, if any, information about the Academy reaches the minority community. High schools in ghetto or barrio areas, in general, do not encourage their students to apply for the Academy. Also, many minority students do not believe there are other minority students already attending the Academy.
Nearly as serious as the lack of information is the abundance of misinformation and misconceptions concerning the Academy which seem to spring up like mushrooms. Some examples of such misinformation are:
a. You must be a straight ‘A’ student and have lettered in a high school sport to be accepted at the Academy.
b. It is just like four years of basic training; you are locked up in the dormitories each night and never get to leave the campus.
c. You must have lots of money or be from a socially prominent family before you can apply.
d- Your parents must be personal friends of a senator or congressman before you can get a nomination.
Some of these ideas may sound ridiculous but you might be surprised to find out how often the staff of the Minority Affairs Division is confronted with these same statements.
Another problem encountered is that minority students, as a group, do not do as well as the national average on standardized college entrance tests such as the ACT and the SAT. On an average, 25% of nonminority high school graduating seniors will attain the minimum qualifying scores for entrance into the Academy. Only 3% of minority students are able to achieve the minimum scores.
This greatly decreases the poll of qualified minorities.
Low test scores can be attributed not only to a poor education but, in many cases, just to inadequate preparation and review prior to taking the college admissions tests. Many minority young peopie find they are the first generation of college bound students in their family. Their parents have never been exposed to college or college entrance procedures. No one is able to counsel the students on how to prepare for tests or complete application forms. This lack of exposure also decreases the encouragement and positive reenforcement which is so often needed by the students.
One last major problem is that a great many minority students fail to participate in extracurricular activities, especially in leadership roles. One reason for this is that many of these students work after school in order to contribute to the family income. Also, many societies do not encourage their youth to step forward and seek leadership roles. Therefore, someone is needed to encourage them.
Now that you are aware of all these problems, you can imagine the many challenging activities of
PAST MINORITY ENTERING ENROLLMENT
the Minority Affairs Division. These officers travel extensively throughout the country informing minority students and high school counselors of the opportunities available at the Air Force Academy. Through visits to schools, educational counseling centers, community action organizations, and any other groups that will listen, they attempt to identify interested students who can meet the Academy entrance requirements. They actively monitor all minority students who make application and follow up with telephone calls and letters to students who seem to have problems completing their applications. They encourage and counsel students who are not ready to make application, either because they are too young or are not fully qualified, concerning ways they can better prepare themselves for the Academy. They brief groups visiting the Academy concerning the present status of minority enrollment and efforts being made to increase enrollment.
The Minority Affairs Division also advises the Superintendent of queries from the minority community concerning admissions and/or problems of minority cadets. Each minority cadet’s progress is also monitored by members of the Division and counseling and assistance is provided to the cadets as needed. This is in addition to that provided by the Cadet Counseling Center.
Considering all that these officers are doing, there is still much which needs to be done. This is where AOG members can help. Many more contacts must be made with the civilian community in order to disseminate information about the Academy and discourage this misinformation which spreads. Young people need to be counseled and encouraged to prepare themselves for the Academy. The staff of the Minority Affairs Division cannot possibly identify all the qualified students. AOG members could help by identifying and referring qualified minority students to the Minority Affairs Division, USAFA/RRV, USAF Academy, CO 80840.
If anyone has questions, please feel free to call the Minority Affairs Division at (303) 472-2233 or Autovon 259-2233. We will be glad to help you become one of the “Men (or Women) from M.A.D-”
Financially Speaking: ShouldYouLiveonBase?
Capt. Stephen H. Russell Department of Economics, Geography and Management
The typical service family probably confronts the rent-buy decision five or more times during the course of a military career. The decision to live in government quarters (rent) or to invest in an owner-occupied home is among the major financial-planning judgments a service member will make. Yet, the rent-guy decision is seldom given the analytical treatment it merits.
The answer to the question of whether one should live on base or buy a house is not as intuitively obvious as real estate sales peopie would lead one to believeThis is especially true for military families who have the unique option of living on base at a comparatively low monthly cost. To be sure, an owner-occupied house is generally an excellent investment—even for servicemen who must buy and market their houses every few years. However, a careful economic analysis by individual circumstances sometimes shows that military families are better off financially by living in government quarters.
The purpose of this article is to consider factors which may help the serviceman determine whether the conditions he faces favor base housing or purchasing a house.
Let’s look at the facts. Home ownership has two financial advantages over base housing. First, the deductibility of mortgage interest and property taxes from income tax liabilities can mean substantial tax savings. The typical $4,000 or $5,000 annual deduction for interest and taxes can translate into an effective government subsidy of your monthly housing cost of $80 or more per month. Second, home owners can expect the market value of their property to rise over time. This means a handsome profit potential when the property is sold.
On the other hand, the monthly dollar outlay for housing is
considerably higher for the home owner than for the family living on base. When principal, interest, taxes, insurance, utilities and upkeep are all brought together, a monthly housing bill several hundred dollars above the quarters allowance is not at all unusual. This means that the family in base housing will have a substantially larger amount of available cash each month than will their counterparts who own a home.
Because this increase in available monthly cash, arising from the difference between the total monthly outlay for purchased housing and the total monthly cost of base quarters, is available to families who opt for government quarters, it can be viewed as a financial return analogous to the tax and property appreciation advantages of home ownership.
Consider the case of a Captain with a monthly quarters allowance of $243, who takes out a 9% loan on a $50,000 house, with 10% down. His monthly debt service (principal and interest) for a 30year loan is $362. The total monthly cost of housing (adding in property tax payment, insurance premiums, all utilities, and a small factor for upkeep and repairs) will probably average $550 to $600. The service member in this example will have a monthly cash outlay for purchased housing that is $307 to $357 a month greater than his quarters allowance.
Now, if this service member chose to live on base instead, he would have this additional cash each month to bank or invest. Over a four-year period, this difference in available monthly cash could aggregate to $20,000, with an 8% return.
Table I shows the aggregated return over a four-year period, using both the $307 and the $357 figures for a 6% return and 8% return. 1 By way of example, assume the larger figure is correct.
This service member, living on base, could save or invest $357 a month for four years. At an 8% compounded rate of return, he would have more than $20,000 in liquid assets at the end of a fouryear tour. Why is this a financial return for living on base? Because it is an option that home ownership forecloses. If the service member buys a house, the $357 is absorbed by the total monthly housing cost.
Table I.
Example of compounded cash over four years arising from a decision to occupy government instead of buying a hous. quarters
Difference between quarters allowance and total monthly outlay for home ownership
Rate of Return $307/ month $357/ month
6% $16,608 $19,313
8% $17,299 $20,117
But this isn’t the only investment return from living in base housing. In purchasing a house, the service member ties up cash in closing costs, impound accounts for payment of insurance and taxes, and, in this example, $5,000 in a down payment. Here, this initial cash outlay totals approximately $6,100. The compound return on this initial cash, if put into a savings or investment account instead of being applied to buying a house, would be $1,601 or $2,199, if compounded for four years at 6% or 8%, respectively.
This means that, in addition to the return in Table I, the family who chooses base housing over home ownership can earn growth on their original cash by not tying it up in a house. In this example, the potential total return for living on base ranges from $18,148 to $22,195 when these two returns are added together.
At the risk of oversimplifying a very difficult decision, we can say that, generally speaking, if the “cash accumulation” advantage of base housing is greater than the income tax and property appreciation advantages of buying a house, now is not the time to buy a house. Of course, making this determination is not easy. It relies critically on what property appreciation rate the service member uses
for the buy decision, as well as on other assumptions.
We can approach this problem more formally by using the worksheet provided later. By completing the three parts of this worksheet, we are able to obtain an approximate net return to the home buyer based upon the facts and assumptions the decisionmaker provides.
Part I of the worksheet yields the capital gain from selling the property Y years hence- It is the difference between the anticipated selling price and the purchase price. In this example, assuming a growth in property value of 8% per year, the capital gain is $18,024.
In Part II, we pull together the total net costs over four years for interest, taxes, property upkeep, insurance, and all utilities, plus the costs associated with buying and selling the house. Note that in line (a) of Part II, allowance is made for the income tax savings associated with deductibility of mortgage interest and taxes. For example, if one’s marginal tax rate (the rate at which one more dollar of income is taxed) is 20%, then by deducting property taxes and interest expense from your tax return, the true (net) cost for these items is only 80% of the stated value.
Part III reflects the difference between the capital gain and all net expenses over the entire period of ownership. This example, which assumes an annual growth in property value of 8% for four years of ownership, yields a negative total net return of $-9,278.
We would normally expect a negative return. Only if the rate of appreciation is substantially greater than the mortgage interest rate (9% in this case) will we get a positive return and thereby “live for free.” In this example, it would take an appreciation rate of 12% per year for the home buyer to “live for free.”
If we divide the $-9,278 return by the assumed 48 months of home ownership, we get a monthly net “cost” of homeownership of $193. But if this serviceman lived on base, his cost of housing would be $243 per month (the forfeited quarters allowance for the captain in this example). Therefore, in this example, the service member is better off financially if he buys a house. He is ahead $50 a month. Right? Wrong!
Occupying government quarters also has its investment return, as explained earlier. The .cash accumulation advantage will range between $18,148 and $22,195, according to our previous calculations in this example. Using the lesser figure, we get an average gross return for living on base (over the 48 months of occupancy) of $387 per monthFrom this we subtract the monthly cost of base housing (the forfeited quarters allowance of $243) and obtain a positive net return of $135 per month. Conceptually, this is the net “return” for living on base. This is $328 per month more favorable than the net “cost” of $193 per month for home ownership.
Now is not the time for this captain to buy a house if this analysis reflects his most realistic assumptions on property appreciation rates, utility costs in the civilian community, house selling expenses, etc.
We can summarize by saying the financial advantages accruing to the home owner arise from a reduced income tax liability and from appreciation in property value. On the other hand, the decision to live on base frees initial cash and makes available a monthly flow of cash, both of which can be invested on the open market. The optimal housing choice from a strict financial standpoint depends on which return is larger.
We have made some simplifying assumptions in this analysis which should be addressed. First, no allowance was made for changes in the quarters allowance over the assumed four years of occupancy. We thereby held the rental cost of base housing constant. Similarly, we have ignored rising rates to the homeowner for property taxes, insurance, and utilities. By ignoring both the rising cost of renting and the rising monthly cost of homeownership, we have tacitly assumed that changes in both of these costs will be the same over time.
Second, we have treated the monthly mortgage interest payment as a constant, whereas in reality the interest payment dedines very slightly each month as the loan principal is paid down. These and other assumptions were made to provide a simplified but approximately correct anal-
ysis mechanism. A more rigorous and thorough analysis of all factors impinging on this decision is available in The Rent-Buy Decision for Military Families (USAFA Technical Report, July 1977).
The compounded value of this monthly cash difference at return “r” after ‘n” periods may be obtained by using an annuity table,
or by direct computation as follows: where
V=the compounded value of the cash difference
D=the difference between the quarters allowance and the total
monthly dollar outlay for home ownership
r—the rate of return per period (expressed as a decimal fraction)
n=the number of periods of home ownership
The entries in Table I assume monthly compounding at the rates .06/12 and 08/12 per month for 48 months.
WORKSHEET TO DETERMINE NET RETURN FROM HOME OWNERSHIP
Symbols:
A=Assumed Anual Property Appreciation Rate, expressed as a decimal fraction
Cc =Closing Costs
Cip=Net Annual Cost of Interest and Property Taxes
CKNu=Estimated Annual Cost of Upkeep, Insurance, and Utilities
C s =Selling Expenses
D^Downpayment
E=Total Net Expenses of Home Ownership over Y years
F—Realtor Fee, expressed as a decimal fraction
G=Capital Gain from Sale of Property
^Mortgage Interest Rate
K=Estimated Monthly Cost of Upkeep
L=Loan Principal
M=Miscellaneous Selling Expenses (Owner’s Title Policy, etc.)
N=Estimated Monthly Cost of Insurance
NRH =Net Return from Home Ownership
P1=Cost of Points to Seller (sometimes applicable if buyer does not assume seller’s loan)
P.r^Prepayment Penalty to Seller (sometimes applicable if buyer refinances with a different mortgage lender)
S—Selling Price
t=Marginal Tax Rate
T=Annual Property Taxes
U=Estimated Monthly Cost of Utilities
Y=Expected Number of Years Property will be owned
PART I: Capital Gain from Sale of Property (a) S=(+A) Y X (L+D) (1+.08) 1 X (45,000+5,000) =$68,024 (b) G=S— (L+D) -68,024-(45,000+5,000) =$18,024
PART II: Total Net Expenses of Home Ownership (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Cip= (1 —t) X L X i+ (1—t)T Cknu=12 x (K+N+U) Cc C S=F X S+M+M+P.+P, E=Y X (Cip+Cknu) +Cc +Cs ( 1 .2 ) X 45,000 x .09+ (1 —.2) X 600=$3,768 =12 X ($15+$11+$115) =$1,692 =$400 =.07 (68,024) +300+0+0=$5,062 =4 X (3,768+1,692)+400+5,062=$27,302
PART III: Net Return from Home Ownership (a) NRh=G-E =18,024-27,302=$-9,278
fetters to the Editor...
The following appeared in the Airman Magazine in response to the article which was also printed in the summer AOG Magazine.
THE SIJAN STORY
SIR: In regards to the June 1977 AIRMAN artide on Capt Sijan I offer congratulations for a superb job. The article was very interesting and touching. I may never experience the torture and hardships which Capt Sijan encountered, but through the article I felt as if I were there. My hat is off to the Sijan family- God bless them and all those who came in contact with Capt Sijan. He was not here to accept his Medal of Honor, but his greatest medal will be received in heaven.
Amn. Joan Freeman Webb AFB, Tex.
SIR: I was deeply touched by the courage Capt Sijan displayed during his last days. I have never had a story engulf and capture me the way your article did.
You conveyed to the reader the trials and tribulations of a brave young man, and you allowed me to know him without ever meeting him. I believe one could not read his story and remain untouched. Thank you for sharing with me a great story about a great man.
1st Lt Regenia P. Wade March AFB, Calif-
SIR: In all the years I have been reading Airman, I have never been so touched by an article as I was by the one on Capt. Sijan. Lt Col Fred A. Meurer has done an excellent job of telling this important story, which should be required reading in every grade school in America.
How lucky the people were who had the chance to know Lance Sijan! I only wish I could have. His parents and comrades have a right to be proud of Him. Again, a great story!
TSgt. Pete Long Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
SIR: My heart filled pride and tears misted my eyes as I read of Capt Sijan’s single-minded resistance and courage in the face of trials most of us will never know.
While the story is tragic, the knowledge that here was a man of stature and determination is most refreshing. Too often we hear only of scandal associated with, or criticism leveled at, our Academy graduates. Thank God for the Lance Sijans in our ranks.
Lt Col Richard D. Georgeson Lowry AFB, Colo-
SIR: We received the copy of Airman (June 1977) the day before Father’s Day and were deeply touched by your beautifully sensitive portrayal of our dear son, Lance.
It does give us solace to be able to share with others a story filled with poignant acts of bravery from a young man so devoted to his God, his family, and his country. You have made this possible, and we thank you.
The Sylvester Sijan Family Milwaukee, Wis. ☆ ☆ ☆
LETTERS OF APPRECIATION
CSU/Major Wheeler
The Class of 1978 would like to thank the Association of Graduates for their part in our Ring Dining-Out during June Week ’77. The key chains were a most appropriate gift since we had just received our new cars. Please accept thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Class for the thoughtful gesture. Hopefully, this will begin a close association between the Class of ’78 and the AOG.
JAMES M- HUDSON,
C1C
Chairman, ’78 Ring Committee
CSU Major Wheeler
1. The 32CSq wishes to acknowledge the receipt of a check for $100.00 from the Association of Graduates for the purpose of completing a squadron project. Our project, that of completing an “Honor Wall” in the squadron, consists of the purchase of nine plaques commemorating the Classes of 1969 through 1977 that have graduated from 32. These plaques will be inscribed with each classes’ members and their class mottoes.
2. The total cost of this project is not to exceed $200. The cadets in CS32 have taken up a collection by donating $1.00 each to raise the $100.00 to be matched by the Association of Graduates by $100.00.
3. The cadets in CS32 would like to express a sincere thank you to the Association of Graduates for their help in the completion of this project. Our squadron sees it as a respectful tribute to our graduates and as something that both they, as well as the cadets presently in the squadron, can be proud of.
TIMOTHY F. GOSSFELD, 802660K C3C, USAF
AIR FORCE BASKETBALL
1977-78 Schedule NOV- JAN.
25 Pan American A 14 Maryland A
28 No. Illinois H 17 Wyoming H 30 Colorado H 19 Cleveland St. H 24 Denver U. A
DEC.
3 Texas Tech A 28 Utah State A 7 Regis
10 Colo. St. U. H A FEB.
2 Pan American H
15 St. Cloud St. H 4 Oklahoma City A
31 Pillsbury Classic A 7 No. Colorado A (Tulane, Florida St., 11 Marquette A Minnesota)
13 Valparaiso A
18 CREIGHTON H JAN.
22 DePaul H
3 Lewis U. (Ill.) H 25 Denver U. H
11 U of San Diego H 28 So. Colorado H
Attention in the Aren
Jim Wheeler, ’64 Editor/Executive Secretary
1978 AOG MEMBERSHIP To reflect a policy decision of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, this year all annual members of the AOG will be provided a convenient membership renewal form shortly after the first of the year. This will avoid the cumbersome filling out of a membership application form and will give members an opportunity to simply forward 1978 dues early in the year to insure that there is no disruption in the receipt of AOG publications and other mailings.
100TH NIGHT —The AOG, the Colorado Chapter of the AOG, and the Class Council of the Class of 1978, have inaugrated preliminary planning for 100th Night, 1978- The tentative date has been selected, 25 February 1978, and the various planning committees are now being formed to design an appropriate agenda and to invite a distinguished speaker for the occasion. All Graduates in the Colorado area will be extended an opportunity to participate in the 100th Night Dining Out in February 1978.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING In September the Superintendent and the Executive Secretary signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the AOG and USAFA to better define the relationship which has evolved between the two organizations. The MOU addresses mutual support to be provided including manpower and space and was executed to update a 1968 agreement that had become outdated with the passage of time and the rapid development of Association of Graduates programs impacting on the Air Force Academy. The new document is designed to legitimize the working relationships that have evolved and is flexible by design to facilitate and to nurture a closer and mutually beneficial association for the years ahead.
SABRE RENTAL From time to time Graduates call upon the AOG Office to provide Cadet sabres that can be utilized in wedding ceremonies. In fact, this has become a major service provided to Graduates by the AOG Office. The demand is greatly outstripping our ability to meet the many requests that are received, thus, those of you who will call upon the AOG to provide the sabres for the small rental fee that is charged must cooperate in returning all sabres promptly. This will enable others to have the opportunity to use one of our three revolving sets which are constantly on the move throughout the world.
CIVILIAN JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The AOG Office has recently been contacted by Mr. Jim Johnson of the Bridgestone Tire Company. He would like to hire a Graduate who is contemplating leaving the service. He is looking for an engineering background that would qualify the individual to be a field engineer/customer service agent for the Bridgestone Tire Company. If interested you should contact Mr. Jim Johnson, Bridgestone Tire Company of America, 2160 West 190th Street, Torrance, CA 90504.
AOG DUES TO INCREASE
The final decision by the Board of Directors on an increase in AOG dues, both annual and life memberships, is expected prior to the end of 1977. Rising costs related to mailing and printing of AOG publications will necessitate an increase in annual dues. At the time of the realignment of the annual dues, the Board will adopt a new life membership policy as well. It is anticipated that in the future the annual and life membership dues will be tied together through an appropriate formula that will allow for periodic adjustments to be consistent and equitable for all concerned. When the new ’78 dues structure is available, members will be advised. The anticipated increase in annual dues is $3; this will raise the annual rate to $15.
CLASS CRESTS
A proposal is being investigated to establish a permanent display of Class Crests for all graduating Classes. Preliminary thinking leans towards a display area on some exterior wall in the Cadet Area. It is contemplated that previously graduated Classes would use the occasion of their 10 or 20 Year Reunion to place their Class Crests in the display. Current Classes would have the opportunity to dedicate their Class Crest during Graduation Week. The Class of 1968 is considering this proposal as a 10-year gift that could be presented at Homecoming 1978 and will start a fund raising drive in the Spring of 1978. Any suggestions on the general topic of Class Gifts or on this specific proposal are solicited.
NEW ACADEMIC MAJOR This year the Academy has introduced a new academic major, it is in Operations Research. The OR Major is an interdisciplinary program administered jointly by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Economics, Geography, and Management. Cadets who graduate with this major will be qualiified for the scientific analyst AFSC, a career area in which the Air Force is currently experiencing shortages.
RINGS The AOG Office has forwarded ring dies for the Classes of 1961 and 1964 to the Balfour Company. (The Heriff Jones Company, which originally produced the Class Rings for '61 and ’64, went out of the ring business in recent years.) The AOG fell heir to the ring dies and now it appears that those members of ’61 and '64 wishing to purchase replacement rings or minatures should contact Balfour to negotiate the exact price to fit their personal specifications. The address for this purpose should be: Mr. Terry Fisher, P.O. Box 4816, Nob Hill Station, Colorado Springs, CO 80930. The AOG Office has asked the Judge Advocate at the Academy for a legal opinion on the application of the terms of the original ring guarantee. This opinion will be made available when the legal decision has been rendered.
USAFA JOBS—The Academy needs instructors in 10 fields, with reporting dates starting in 1979.
Applicants should possess an outstanding military record and should have at least a master’s degree in most fields.
Instructors are needed in military training, as air officers commanding, in the department of athletics and in the following academic departments: electrical engineering, aeronautics, English, mathematical sciences, foreign languages, behavioral sciences and leadership, and economics, geography and management.
Applicants must be volunteers and should have between three and nine years of total active federal commissioned service.
Interested people should contact their local consolidated base personnel offices for information.
Specific information can be obtained by contacting the Academv’s manning control unit at autovon 259-2216 or 259:2218.
1977 REGISTER OF GRADUATES—was mailed to all AOG members on 10 November 1977 from Dallas, Texas. Some membership symbols may be out of place but fundamentally the book is current and accurate based on the biographical updates supplied the AOG Office. If you find an error, please tell us so that corrections can be made.
LO PROGRAM On the 1977 Register of Graduates Biographical Survey Form, Graduates had an opportunity to indicate an interest in participating in the Liaison Officer program. Of the 5,000 biographical forms returned to the AOG Office, over 1,500 Graduates have indicated an interest in receiving further information on the L. O. program. The overwhelming response is being answered by the Director of Admissions Office. All Graduates who checked a “yes” on the biographical survey will be receiving an initial infomation package from the Candidate Admissions Office. Further inquiries should be directed to Cpt A1 Blumberg, ’68, RRV, USAF Academy, Colorado.
UNIFORM POLICY In a recent decision, General Tallman has made the wearing of uniforms optional for military personnel at Academy athletic events. The one exception is for those individuals who have official duties representing the Academy at AFA athletic contests.
CADET COMMANDERS The Fall Make List is headed by C1C Edward A. Rice, CS26, who will serve as the Cadet Wing Commander for the fall semester. Appointed as the Cadet Group Commanders for the first semester are Cadets First Class Roy R. Blumfield, Jr., First Squadron; Jeffrey R. Waldo, 19th Squadron; J. S. Ellis, Jr., 26th Squadron; and Larry D. James, 31st Sqquadron. The Vice-Wing Commander is C1C Joseph M. Reheiser of the 15th Squadron. The other Cadet Colonels are Cadets First Class Robert C. Adler, 14th Squadron and David M. Snider, 33rd Squadron, who were named Deputy Commanders for Operations and Resources, respectively.
AFSA AWARD At the 13th Annual Convention of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Lt Gen Kenneth L. Tallman, was presented the L. Mendel Rivers Award of Excellence. General Tallman was cited as Director of the Air Force Management Improvement Group during his tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel. The citation pointed out that General Tallman continually involved his interests and those of his staff toward the development and implementation of many policies and programs to enhance the lifestyle and career opportunities of enlisted Air Force personnel. AOG congratulations to General Tallman upon receipt of this award which has been awarded previously to USAF Chief of Staff, General David C. Jones, and Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona.
LSD and a Better Life
Joe Mandel, ’61
The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun shone strongly, and the wind was still as I gently glided down the road, each step leaving a fine imprint in last night’s new snow.
How good it felt and how beautiful it was, completely blending in harmony with the surroundings and wonders of life and nature. In moments such as these, I strain for the words and thoughts to explain the heaven and freedom I have found, the lifegiving therapy I have discovered through running.
Why does one start the journey to long slow distance (LSD) running? There are many reasons— or no reasons at all. Trying to get in shape, to hold the blood pressure and waist line down, setting certain goals, or perhaps a desperate attempt to escape alcohol or other demons. Whatever they are, few of us realize at the start what we will find.
Many say they should start running, but few if any do—because they really don’t understand what running is and does. Some who run only a mile or two a day complain they hate it and find it boring. A fellow with whom I fly was in that category and could not understand how one could tolerate what he thought was the agony, pain and boredom of five or more miles of running day after day. Recently he told me he’s now running more than six miles a day, and he now knows and understands this beautiful addiction.
Running for those of us who know is much more than a healthy body. It is not agony, pain and boredom. It is poetry, harmony, expression, imagination, blending and love. It is you, your life, your haven and a good place to be. It is the spirit of youth, a lifeblood, freedom, and a supreme form of therapy and relaxation.
For those of us who have traveled to this good place, as long as we have our lives and legs, we will stay there and run. And as long as we run, we will be ourselves and stay free. So some day come join us, and when you get there you will know and understand and will have found a better place.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Captain Stephen H. Reid, Class of 1968, was killed in an F-111F aircraft accident near Annweiler, Germany, 5 October 1977. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Edgar Reid, Box 210, Vienna, MD 21869.
Prior to his commissioning, Captain Reid served as a Flight Commander in the 18th Cadet Squadron. He was a member of the Squash and Civil Engineering Clubs, was on the Dean’s List two semesters, and majored in Civil Engineering.
Upon graduation from pilot training at Williams AFB, Captain Reid was assigned to the 3553rd Pilot Training Squadron at Moody AFB as a T-38 instructor pilot. At the time of his death, Captain Reid was assigned to the 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Lakenheath RAF Station, England.
Captain Richard
L. Cardenas, Class of 1973, was killed in an F-111D aircraft accident near Cannon AFB, New Mexico on 3 October 1977. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, 3713 Gene Littler Place, Clovis, NM 88101; and by his parents, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) and Mrs. Robert L. Cardenas, 6143 Madra Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120.
lLt Walter R. Johnson, Jr., Class of 1975, was killed in an F-4 crash near Gila Bend, Arizona, on 14 July 1977. He is survived by his wife, Sybil, of 6530 West Ocotillo Road, Apt- J314, Glendale, AZ 85301; and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Johnson, Sr., Box 72A, Lusby, MD 20657.
1LT
WALTER R. JOHNSON, JR. Lt. Johnson served in the 16th Cadet Squadron. He was on the Commandant’s List one semester, the Dean’s List three semesters, and the Superintendent’s List one semester; he majored in International Affairs. Lt. Johnson was a member of the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps and the History Club.
After receiving his pilot wings at Webb AFB, Lt. Johnson was assigned to the 426th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Luke AFB.
Funeral services for Lt. Johnson were held on 19 July 1977 in the Protestant Cadet Chapel, with interment at the Academy Cemetery.
As a member of the 14th Cadet Squadron, Captain Cardenas lettered in golf and was a member of the Ski Club and Forum. He was on the Dean’s List six semesters, on the Commandant’s List four semesters, and on the Superintendent’s List four semesters and majored in International Affairs.
Upon graduation from pilot training at Williams AFB, Captain Cardenas was assigned to the 524th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon AFB as a Weapons Systems Officer.
Funeral services for Captain Cardenas were held on 10 October 1977 at the Catholic Cadet Chapel, with interment following at the Academy Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in Captain Cardenas’ memory. Contributions may be sent to the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840.
CAPT. STEPHEN REID
CAPTAIN RICHARD L. CARDENAS
Major John D. Brown is gone but not forgotten by those who knew and loved him. J. D. was killed in an F-4C aircraft accident on 14 July 1977. Originally from Indiana, he graduated in the Class of 1964. After pilot training at Webb AFB, he completed two combat tours in Southeast Asia in F-4s; this was followed by assignments in Spain and England. For the past three years J. D. was stationed at Luke AFB, Arizona where he served as an instructor pilot and flight commander in the 426th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. For the past year he was the Chief of TAC’s F-4 instructional development team.
J. D.’s passing is mourned by the many people who knew him. He was admired and respected by every individual with which he came in contact. In addition to his many personal accomplishments, J. D.’s greatest legacy to the Air Force will be found in the students he trained during RTU. His calm, determined demeanor; his professional dedication; his desire for perfection; and his true love for his fellow-man are only some of the qualities he has left behind him J. D. always saw the good in every man and it was truly outside his nature to speak and think ill of any person. We will miss him.
John is survived by his wife, Louise, Qtrs 6770, USAF Academy CO 80840; and by his parents, of Bargersville, Indiana. A Memorial Fund has been established in his memory and all donations should be sent to the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840. (Written by Chuck Ogren, ’63)
On 29 August 1977, lLt Patrick H. Pondrom, Class of 1974, was killed in an F-4E crash in the North Sea. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 8651 NW 27th St., Coral Springs, FL 33065, and bv his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund J. Pondrom, 606 Birch Street, New Iberia, LA 70560.
1LT PATRICK H. PONDROM Lt. Pondrom held various positions as a member of the 22nd Cadet Squadron. He was on the Dean’s List one semester and on the Commandant’s List two semesters; he majored in Management. Upon graduation from navigator training, Lt. Pondrom served as a Flying Safety Officer with the 61st Flying Training Squadron at MacDill AFB. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Soesterburg AB, Netherlands as a Flying Safety Officer.
Mr. Mark H. Mutchler, Class of 1965, died of an illness on 9 September 1977. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of 4557 Lakewood St., Pleasanton, CA 94566; and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey B. Mutchcler, Gypsum, CO 81637. Mr. Mutchler was interred at the Academy Cemetery on 16 September 1977.
As a member of the 23rd Cadet Squadron, Mr. Mutchler held the position of Administrative Officer. He majored in Basic Sciences, was on the Dean’s List three semesters, and lettered in wrestling for three years.
Upon receiving his pilots wings at Randolph AFB, Mr. Mutchler was assigned to the 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron at DaNang AB, South Vietnam as a pilot and to the 3637th Flying Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB as an instructor pilot. Mr. Mutchler resigned his Air Force commission on 5 June 1970, and served in the California ANG as a helicopter pilot until his death.
Captain Kenneth *E. Seder, Class of 1973, was killed in an RF-4C crash near Hopsten, Germany, on 25 August 1977. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Seder, 548 Delaware St., Woodbury, NJ 08096.
As a member of the 35th Cadet Squadron, Captain Seder held the position of Academic
KENNETH E. SEDER Officer. He majored in Aeronautics and was a member of the Saddle Club. Captain Seder was on the Dean’s List for six semesters, on the Commandant’s List for two semesters, and on the Superintendent’s List for two semesters.
Upon receiving his commission, Captain Seder attended Purdue University, receiving an MS in Aero and Astro. Following graduation from pilot training at Columbus AFB, Captain Seder was assigned to the 33rd Tactical Reconnaissance Training Squadron at Shaw AFB. He was assigned to the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Alconbury RAF Station, England at the time of his death.
Funeral services for Captain Seder were held on 6 September 1977 in the Catholic Cadet Chapel, with interment at the Academy Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in Captain Seder’s name. Contributions may be sent to the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840.
MAJOR JOHN D. BROWN
MR. MARK H. MUTCHLER
CAPT.
'59
Lt Col Wayne Pittman
2000 S. Eads St., #927
Arlington, VA 22202 AV: 227-7116
This quarter's column is being written the morning after the Navy game—a very rainy day here in Washington. The real rain held off until today, though it did drizzle throughout the game and the tailgating. Despite the score, it was a good game and the team played well—especially the defense. It was a great day of activities here in Washington, enjoyed by 28 members of the class, their families, and friends.
It all began with a super brunch hosted by Jim and Brenda WYNN and Jim and Molly CONNOLLY, held at the Wynn's. The weather held long enough for some of the approximately 90 guests to spill over into the back yard. This was a good chance to visit and get reacquainted, especially with some of the out-of-town visitors. For the game. Joe DESANTIS' arrangements—together with the seniority of having been born earlier than all other classes from USAFA—made us practically members of the Chief's party, with outstanding midfield seats. For those who have attended a game at Navy’s stadium, you know that the carefully planned choke points that pass for egress routes from the parking lot make a tailgate affair essential. Ours was hosted by Jim and Brenda WELCH out of their new van and supported by contributions from several other wives. The rain had gotten a little more serious by this time, but so had the partying. Just as this gathering was breaking up. one of USAFA's newly acquired “real'' cheerleaders arrived to get away in the sports car we"d been using for a table. Hank CANTERBURY admitted she was prettier than Jack HOWELL and that there had been some improvements in the Wing morale-building business. The day was topped off with dinner at Andrews, attended by about half of those at the game. All-in-all, a long, but great, day.
Out-of-town classmates in for the day were Tom CHASE. Dick GOETZE (didn't make the game, but was at the brunch; in town for a brief visit and run around the Pentagon, then back to the Argentine), Jim GUNTER, Don LIVINGSTON. Bill McLAIN, Dick PENN, Craig SCHAUM and Ken SMITH.
The change of address/press release system provided my only out-of-town news this time. I learn for example, that Jim RHODES is the new ADO of the 363rd TRW at Shaw. Brian PARKER is at Lakenheath as Chief of Ops and Training in the 48 CSG. Ed MONTGOMERY is now at Nellis as the DO of the 4440th TFTG. DD ANDERSON has
moved to Offutt (I assume, from his address), though I don't know what job. Steel HOLMES is in Birkenfeld, Germany, working with the 2d Luftwaffe Division with responsibility for programming support of the computerized German air defense system. Ron LAN MAN has gone to Norfolk to be on the faculty of the AFSC. Dick TRAIL is back in the cockpit (of a KC-135) at K I Sawyer. Finally, Norm QUIGLEY has assumed command of the AF Electronic Warfare Center at Kelly.
A couple of brief notes: Ran into Bob CHEPOLIS on the concourse last week; he was in town from Wright-Patt for a series of briefings. Dick CARR is well established at ICAF for what he foolishly assumes will be a one-year Washington tour. Jack HUNDEMER has married—welcome to the class. Susan.
Jim GUNTER sent me a copy of Sport Aerobatics which included the accompanying picture of Casey KAY. The caption listed the following accolades: Advanced National Champion—1971; Unlimited Competitor—-1972, ’73. '74, '75; National Judge since 1973; elected International Judge— 1976; Assistant U.S. Judge, 8th World Aerobatic Championships—1976; and Contest Chairman 1976 National Aerobatic Championships. Now there's a classmate who takes the “I’d Rather Be Flying" slogan seriously.
Editor’s Note: It has been announced that Col Bob BECKEL will become the Commander of the / 00th Air Refueling Wing at Beale AFB on / December 1977. This is a Graduate "first” and a significant tribute to Col Beckel’s professional talents.
With great sadness it must also be reported that Steve and Patty HAMER buried their son, Danny, at the Academy on 25 October. He passed away suddenly following emergency medical treatment at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver.
Lt Col John D. Macartney
160 Arequa Ridge Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Home: (303) 599-7482
Office: Av: 259-2270
Seasons Greetings from Colorado!
In the "brown shoe days” cadets were able to take their very first off-base privilege after Third classmen got weekend leaves during the fall semester, and first classmen were allowed to own cars after I added the above as a bonus question to an International Relations quiz I gave this fall. Few of my students got the correct answers (recognition, zero, Christmas) even though
Mrs. Mac and friends: USA FA ’59 and ’60; USMA ’46
I had given them a lecture complete with slides on "the way it was.” Tales of the "brown shoe days” seem to fascinate cadets, but they have a hard time relating when today's doolies may take up to four or five weekend leaves a semester. Incidentally, none of the "sophomores” (a term in wide use among cadets) who took my quiz had been born when we all were doolies. How does that grab you?
Speaking of nostalgia, we just had Homecoming here: and except for a long, long afternoon in Falcon Staduim, it was great fun. Earl and Pat VanINWEGEN, Jack and Jean BRUSH, Denis and Liz HANEY, Roy and Barbara JOLLY, Wayne and Barbara KENDALL, Jock and Hope SCHWANK. Phil MEINHARDT, MaryLou PORTER, plus Anne and 1 took part. Earl is at ADCOM, Jack, Jock and I are at the Academy, Denis is Ops. Officer of one of the two AWACS squadrons at Tinker, Roy flies 707's for TWA and F-105‘s for the Reserves and lives in Oklahoma. Phil is at SAMSO. and Wayne is a flight surgeon at Wright-Patt. Fred PORTER, who teaches here, was tied up with an Aero Department function while MaryLou partied with us. We were especially glad to see Marge Mathews Briggs, widow of Dick MATHEWS, at Homecoming. Marge and her husband. Spike Briggs (USMA ’54) have recently moved to Monument, Colorado from Wright-Patt. after Spike's retirement from the Air Force. You'll remember Spike's father, the Academy's second Superintendent. As you can see from the Homecoming photo, we celebrated with some other old heads including several fifty-niners, Mrs. Mac and the guy we knew as Third Group AOC, General Tallman. Homecoming Reminder: It's less than three years until our 20th—mark your calendars, make plans and start saving your money. Let’s all be here for Homecoming 1980!
The BURSHNICKS had planned to come to Homecoming again this year, but had to cancel when Karen had an operation on her back. Hope you're all well now, Karen. Tony is DO of the 443rd MAW at Altus AFB. and he passed on some news by phone: Tome SEEBODE, Ron SANDHOLZER and Ted STUMM have been through Altus recently. Tom and Ron were checking out in the C-141; Tom will be ADO of the 437th MAW and Ron, who just finished a bootstrap program in San Antonio, is going to the 20th MAS at Charleston. Ted is flying C-5's out of Dover and was getting his air refueling qualification. Tony also mentioned that Tony LONG has just PCS'd to SAMSO from PACAF.
Ralph LALIME, good guy that he is. graciously kept the promise to write a guest column that I extracted from him
at the Ft. Meyer O'Club bar last summer. Take it away Ralph—and thanks.:
"Seasons Greetings from Air War College! The Georgia lech game was not a complete loss. Trucking from Maxwell to Atlanta in Les HOBGOOD's "walking Winnebago,” George ELSEA, Gary SHEETS. Mike LOH, Jerry DeLACRUZ, Don STEVENS, Al BACHE, the ladies, and I had a great time. Les's camper apparently had two tanks one for gas and one for beer. We had to stop twice to fill them both up!
Everyone is enjoying War College. Gary, coming from deputy base commander at Kincheloe, anticipates a Pentagon tour; Mike, coming from the Wright-Patt. F-16 world expects something that flies; Les was in DP at Fort Fumble and hopes for an ATC flying job; George, leaving Randolph and MPC is also seeking a flying assignment; Don, coming from MAC Headquarters at Scott has several job offers at the Potomac Palace. Al was squadron commander of the ATC squadron which produced the first standard woman pilot, and he says that they are going to be all right. As a reward for his efforts, he is also expecting a post near the purple water fountain. Hardy LEBEL is steadily recovering from an automobile accident, and his next assignment will be dependent on his recovery. Jerry and I just finished tours at the Pentagon and are ready to go show the kids how to really fly fighters. We have talked it over and decided that any fighter squadron commander or ADO JOB would be just fine. Of course, MPC hasn’t made up its mind about any of us, so why worry? Roger LENT and Jerry GAM MILL are also here at Maxwell working the base ops. T-39 business to pick up gate time.
All of us wish each of you and your families the full measure of the blessings of Christmas.”
As I reported in the last column, Denis WALSH is commander of the 528th Bombardment Squadron (FB-111) at Plattsburgh AFB.
Speaking of commanders, I know Dick HEAD had the 510th I FS (F-4) at Clark AB and Reb GUILLOT commands the 354th TFS (A-7) at Davis-Monthan. Also, a recent AF Times story said that the 356th TFS (A-10) at Myrtle Beach won the TAC 1977 weapons delivery competition. The story goes on to say that the winning gunnery team was lead by the squadron commander. Lt Col Robert SAPP. Congrat- illations Bob! Do we have any more commanders out there?
Quickies. Walt and Marti FUTCH passed through CSprings in August enroute PCS from McClellan to Scott AFB. Don WOLFSWINKEL has changed addresses from
Charleston to Summerville, South Carolina. Dr. Dave REED has done the same in Aukland, New Zealand. Boh FISCHER has moved from Fairfax, Virginia to Holicong. Pennsylvania. Bill GILLIS, who just earned an MA in psychology from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, is the ops. officer of the 48th FIS at Langley. Gary CREW, meanwhile, has PCS’d from Langley to Robins AFB where he is in charge of Presidential flight support for Georgia. He went on the Vice Presidential trip to Lisbon, Vienna and London last summer. Clem DOUGLAS is now a 727 first offcer for Western Airlines and has just moved from L. A. to Prior Lake, southwest of Minneapolis.
Lt Col Tom Sutton
123 Mississippi Dyess AFB, TX 79607
Office: AV: 461-2147
Home: (915) 698-8748
It is autumn again and the leaves are turning and falling (at least in those areas of the country where such things happen). Here in West Texas there are no leaves but the dust is aloft in greater abundance. I hope that many of you were able to get together at the various typical Falcon Football Fiascos. 1 had hoped to get a few words in about the activities surrounding the Navy debacle and the Homecoming, but my deadline prevented it. I did receive a couple lines from
some of you this go around and am pleased to be able to share them.
Had a warm note from business tycoon Sam HARDAGE of Wichita, Kansas. Sam has a lovely castle there and welcomes anyone passing through “Center City, USA" to stop and visit. He assures us that McConnell AFB is still there in spite of all the base closures and that the price of gas is reasonable. He also responded to our plea for help in locating lost souls. He reports that John BRUSKY is holed up in Laguna Beach, Cal. We hope to report more on John’s activities in the near future.
Thanks to Hanson SCOTT, we have a detailed report on the goings on in the Washington DC area. Since there are 43 classmates in the DC-Langley area with more on the way, a large share of the Class is very well informed on the happenings in the capitol, but those of us on the fringes of society like Lee BUTLER and Lou HABLAS way out in California enjoy hearing what the “in” folks are doing.
Many of the East Coast gang had a picnic at the JORRIS farm in late August. Hanson said that the company was so enjoyable that no one wanted to leave. Terry finally had to resort to letting loose the wild bulls to get people moved, or so I heard. The food was outstanding, there were lots of animals, chickies and duckies for the kids to chase, and volleyball and soccer for thsoc older types who wished to prove they were still as young as they used to be. No injuries were reported, but I suspect that the liniment flowed freely the next morning. The greatest thing was the visiting, visiting, and visiting.
Tom and Beth WILLIAMS were there along with Dick DAVIS, Vic and Dianne BOUQUET, Al BLAISDELL, Bill and Linda GRIFFIS, JC and Barbara WEAVER. Jack and Musa WOLCOTT. Charles and Sarah STEBBINS, Stu and Marnie BOYD, Charlie and Gina THOMAS as well as the SCOTTS. the STORMS and the JORRIS family.
Washington also attracts a few TDY types now and then. Ken MACAULAY visited recently from REDCOM down in Florida and Bill STACKHOUSE, expert in rescue facilities from headquarters MAC, showed up too. Dick FAIRLAMB, who is flying F-4s in Europe, somehow got a trip to DC too.
George BUCHNER is nearby at Langley as the Vice Commander of the Combat Support Group. Larry SHEWMAKER frequents the area and is reported to be a very successful tennis bum. Langley is also proud to boast the residence of PB OCONNER who finally got into jets. Paul flies T-39s out of the east.
Don McCARTER is going to school with Westinghouse in Baltimore in the Palace Executive program. It is nice to have a few diversified executives in the class.
Carl CRANBERRY recently graduated from ICAF and has moved to Langley as Asst Director of Operations for the 1st TFW. He also completed a Masters in Business Administration while in school.
Tom LAPLANTE called from Ft. Hood where he was an Air Liaison Officer. He enjoyed his Army tour but is now enrolled in ICAF and claims to have filed bankruptcy in preparation for his first DC tour.
Twy WILLIAMS has returned from Korea and is back in the academic environment as a faculty member with the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Charlie NEEL is also in the academic environment but in one that is quite special. He is a student at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. After his education is complete, Charlie will have a NATO assignment somewhere in Europe. Now that you are back in Europe, Charlie, I hope that your alarm clock works better than it did 18 years ago when we overslept in Wiesbaden and missed the boat trip to Bonn. We missed a lot of other things on that trip too as I recall.
United States Air Force Academy Mission:
To provide instruction and experience to all cadets so that they graduate with the knowledge and character essential to leadership and the motivation to become career officers in the United States Air Force.
Jack WOLCOTT has apparently taken over from Lee BUTLER as the resident job switcher. Jack is now the Asst Deputy Director for Joint and NSC Matters at the Pentagon. There are still some other centers of population from which we have not heard for a while. Southern California holds a number of 61ers as does Dayton, Ohio. Here at Dyess Air Patch there are only Darrell KOERNER and I
but we have a good time in our spare time which is as hard to come by as yours I suppose.
There was a time a few years ago when we heard from the wives periodically. There are lots of newsworthy events on that side of the house too. but I can't report them if I don’t know about them. Besides, sometimes those husbands of yours are much too humble to want anyone to know how great they are. So it is your task to spread the word. Let us hear from you.
We wish you all a productive and enjoyable holiday season and look forward to the new year with measured optimism. At least we in Texas have natural gas.
Maj. John W. (Jack) Jamba
Qtrs. 60-A
F. E. Warren AFB, WY 82001
Home: (307) 632-3834
Office: AV 481-2692, 3400
Hi RTBs. As 1 sit here in this magnificent old brick house, which was built around 1905, several thoughs occur to me. First of all. today is my birthday and 1 couldn't arrange my schedule to get the day off. As a matter of fact, I have a four-hour trainer at 1800 hours. Between now and then. I have to observe one of my crews in a two-hour trainer and also do some self-study. But things could be worse. I'm glad 1 didn't have to go on alert today. Sometime later today I will be finishing my packing, for tomorrow my family and 1 drive to Colorado Springs for the USAFA Home-, coming weekend. It's the first homecoming I'll be able to attend since graduation 15 years ago and I'm really looking forward to it.
Congratulations to Erv ROKKE who is now a Colonel and the newly appointed head of the Department of Political Science. Besides the academic achievements and various assignments listed in his biographical sketch in the Grads Register, he served as a consultant with the Department of State, and at European Command Headquarters during summer recesses as a USAFA instructor. He was in the 1972 edition of "Outstanding Young Men of America” and coeditor of "American Defense Policy,” 1973, a standard text for defense policy courses in many American and foreign universities. And finally, last year he became the first USAFA grad to be invested as a Permanent Professor on the USAFA faculty.
Now for some news on transfers and awards. Dave WHITMAN arrived at Pease for his new job as an FB-111 Acft Cmdr in the 715 Bombardment Sq. Shortly after his arrival, he received the DOD Joint Svcs Commendation Medal for meritorious service as Chief of the Nuclear Options Section with the Joint Strategic Target Planning staff at Offutt. Joe HINES is now at Andrews with Hq AFSC
as a Test and Evaluation Staff Officer. A1 HARWICK is the Chief of Standardization Evaluation for the 32 TFS at Camp New Amsterdam AB, Netherlands, after a previous assignment at Karup AS, Denmark. You just cau't seem to leave Europe can you. Al? Frenchy D ENTREMONT has left Scott and journeyed to Offutt where he is a systems analyst for war plans in the office of the JCS. Frenchy was cited for meritorious service as Chief of the Mission Branch of the Operations and Plans Support Division at Hq. MAC and received the Air Force Commendation Medal. Ronnie TAYLOR is now wearing the U.S.A.F. Outstanding Unit Award because of his current duties with the 3900 Computer Services Squadron. He is Chief of the User Assistance Team at Offutt. Fred FIEDLER is a member of the Air Force/ Industry team selected to receive the 1976 Robert J. Collier Trophy for successfully producing and demonstrating the B-l Strategic Bomber. Fred is a test pilot with the B-l Joint Test Force at Edwards. His organization is responsible for maintenance and flight testing of the three B-l prototype aircraft.
I also received a copy of a biographical data sheet put out by Van Schaack & Co. Realtors on Gary BAUGHMAN. Some interesting things are that Gary designs and builds model airplanes for international competition and is an accomplishcd artist who creates in watercolors and oils. In 1975, Gary was charter president of Castle Rock’s Optimist Club and was awarded that organization’s Presidential Citation. He taught Distributive Education classes, was a 4-H leader, and Castle Rock named him Business Man of the Year. In 1976, he was president of the Douglas-Elbert Board of Realtors.
I talked to Ralph SPORY who is holding down a C-130 Flight Commander’s job in the 62nd TAS at Little Rock. Ralph is an instructor pilot and his squadron is an RTU. As a matter of fact, Dick PARKER took his training there before going to the Phillippines and did indeed have that baby girl he was hoping for. Well done, Dick! Since Ralph’s unit is a MAC unit, he MAC IG visits them occasionally. On its last visit, the IG team had none other than Niels JENSEN along. So Ralph and Niels got together one day for some storytelling. Also seen at Little Rock was Dick MICKEL on a TDY from Pope. And Lefty ADAMS and his brother spent a weekend with Ralph after Lefty finished AWC. Ralph recently took a three ship formation to the west coast where he joined up with a three ship from McChord headed by Scott FISHER. They headed to Edwards for some kind of project and while there, had an evening reunion with George LARSON.
I got a call from Jim Eaton who's safely installed in JCS, J-5 in the Pentagon. He ran into quite a few Redtags there: John BROTHERS, Ed CONNER AT, Deac DINSMORE. Danny DONOVAN. Nick FRITZ, Dick HODGKINSON, Leo JOHNSON, Bunky REEVES, Dave ROE, Rick WHEELER, Walt WICKLEIN, Dick SCHOOF, Bob ANDERSON and Randy HERTZOG.
I talked to Ken NEEDHAM yesterday in Los Angeles. He said he was in Titans at Davis-Monthan and was looking forward to a good staff job in the Wing Command Post when lightening struck. A computer search of personnel records revealed that he had an R&D AFSC which was experiencing a critical shortage. So as soon as he had two years on station, he was sent to L.A. in the Plans Shop of the Advanced Space Programs Branch of the Plans & Technology Division. He says he is the SAMSO point of contact for work being done in his area by Air Force Labs and research companies. He's been there two months and is getting into his job much deeper. He has already seen Dino LORENZINI, Larry GOOCH and Paul PIRTLE.
Some late minute changes of address show Austin WEDEMEYER going to March AFB, Pete BOBKO going to Tokyo, and Dick PERLOTTIO going to Zaragoza, Spain.
Well that's all for now. We had one inch of snow three days ago followed hy an overnight low of 1 5 F. So I have to rake leaves and winterize my car and do other things around the house. Would appreciate a call or letter from any of you whenever anything happens.
Good friends, good limes
AMajor N. I. Lee
1021 Rota-Drive Anderson AFB, Guam APO San Francisco 96334 366-3106/363-2967
After reading a letter from Jerry DRISCOLL I got the distinct impression there is some confusion as to my whereabouts and status, etc. To set everyone straight and, hopefully, generate a larger volume of correspondence, the followare the vital stats on the LEES.
Duty Station: 54 Weather Recon Sqdn, Anderson AFB, Guam
Job Title: Operations Officer
Aircraft: WC-130/H (they let me fly once in a while)
Contacts: As you can obviously tell, I heard from Jerry DRISCOLL who is currently at the Army Command and General Staff College along with Jim and Polly WINZELL and Lynn and Heide WEBER. Jerry and Patti's big news is the birth of their first child, Donald Sean, on 22 August weighing in at 8 lbs IV2 oz. The Driscolls are planning a short vacation in Hawaii during the Christmas holidays.
While Linda and I were in Hawaii on a little leave of our own, Jim JOHNSTON gave us a call at the hotel and we had a nice chat. Jim is a Flight Commander flying “snatch and grab” C-130s for the 6594th Test Group at Hickam. Jim reports that Frank TAX has departed HQ PACAF for a cockpit job in the C-5. When General Jones made his recent swing through the Pacific Theater who should show up on the list of the party traveling with the Chief of Staff but Willie RUDD. We had a short chat over a cup of coffee at the flight line snack bar and then Willie took me on a short tour of the Chief's airplane—made me feel like I was flying WWII vintage machinery. Willie is still at the Pentagon in the Fighter Branch.
We also heard from Yynne and Dik FERENCY. our old neighbors from Charleston days. Dik is now a First Officer with American Air Lines flying out of the “Big Apple.” Lynne's latest project is moving into their new home in Newton, Conn.
Awards and Decs: Bill POVILUS has graduated with honors—distinguished grad—from the Air War College. Bill is operations officer with the 23rd Air Division, Duluth IAP, Minn. Norm WELLS, an Air Operations Officer with the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB was presented his third award of the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding duty performance as Chief of the Operations and Training Division of the 8th TFW at Kunsan. Last, but never least. Norm FAIRHURST's outfit, the Computer Systems Branch of the 4000th Aerospace Applications Group at Offutt. was presented with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Congratulations to all!
Change of address: Don NEFF has completed Armed Forces Staff College and moved out to Reese Air Patch and a T-38 assignment. Watch out for “The Blue” Max Hegler a former Weather Recce type, Don. What's this about the wings falling off the T-38? John DYER has departed the Air Force Military Personnel Center to join the Management Training and Assistance Team (Plans Division) in Singapore. Rod HIMELBERGER is now flying the C-5 from Dover after a tour on the Air Force IG at Norton. Phil PATTERSON is over here in WESTPAC flying the RF4 with the 15 TRS at Kadena and Grant BORNZIN has moved from Oakland. Ca., to Irvine. Ca. Finally, I noticed “Nasty” Neil SORENSEN's name on a TWX from HQ ARRS which means he is no longer flying the C-141 at Travis.
One final note: I want to express our deepest regrets and sympathies to the family and loved ones of John HOFFMAN. The last issue of the AOG Magazine carried the sad news of his untimely death; however, due to the late notification, I was unable to include any comments in this column.
Hope everyone who attended the Homecoming festivities had a great time. Until next time then. Linda and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the most enjoyable holiday season ever.
Practicing for 15 Year reunion in '78
Maj Rod Wells
490 Allegheny
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Home: (303) 599-7966
Office: AV: 259-4510
Well folks, another Colorado fall is upon us complete with golden aspen, brisk days. Falcon Stadium, mid-terms, and Homecoming. Maybe I’m mellowing, because the Zoo really doesn't seem like such a bad place after all; in fact. I could see why a guy (or gal) might want to stay here for a while—maybe even retire here, who knows. Actually. I think all a person needs in order to appreciate this place is some time away from it. At least I found that true in the case of Truman YOUNG, now an attorney in Phoenix; J. J. WILLIAMS, with a manpower team at Ellsworth; and Phil CARDENAS, still flying for American out of Dallas, all of whom made it to Homecoming. As the picture shows, we Bluetags assigned here were able to outnumber the out-of towners—barely. Others in the photo include the Roger NEELANDS. the Glen COLEMANS, the Jim WHEELERS. Louise BROWN, and yourly TRULY. So much for nostalgic weekends, what is going on out there that's so important as to interfere with a chance to see your old cronies?
Well for openers. Jeff LEVY has moved to Ft. McNair and National War College. Gary SANDERSON has moved from Scott to AFIT to get a masters in computer science, Terry ISAACSON is at Armed Forces Staff College, and Bill FAIRHURST has made a quantum move from Ogden to Naples.
On the Move Dept: New Haven is the new home of John QUIGLEY; Leland CONNER has moved from Montgomery to Lakeside, Calif.; Gary RYSER has gone from AFSC to the sunny climes of K. I. Sawyer; Wright-Pat, Systems Command, is where Ted SAITO now calls home as an engineer; Tom WALSH is an ops officer at Bentwaters RAF Station; Ron DULLEN has temporarily deployed with his A-10 bunch to Germany and Denmark (stay away from those Eric cigars); and Tom BROWNING is now driving the F-15 at Luke after finishing at Norfolk—speaking of the school, Tom MAHAN has also just finished and is headed for the Puzzle Palace as an action officer.
KUDOS DEP: Fred TEDESCO’S Air Force/Industry team received the Collier Trophy for B-l development and procurement and Harry MANEKOFSKY has received the Meritorious Service Medal for civil engineering work at Maimstrom—Harvey's now flying with MAC out of Yakota. Would You Believe—that Tom RAUK is Chief of Wing Stan Eval at Little Rock, that Tom TIETENBURG has moved from Williams College to be Associate Professor of Economics at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, that Jim FLEMING is with a new San Francisco law office, that Campbell
Homecoming is FUN!!!
KIDD is with The Navigators and is going back for a masters in accounting, or that Marty BUSHNELL is an F-15 test pilot at Edwards? I don't believe any of it.
I’m very sorry to tell you of the deaths of two of our classmates—Michael CLARK and J. D. BROWN. J. D. was killed this summer in an F-4 accident, and perhaps you've heard by now that his widow, Louise, has become the new Cadet Wing Hostess.
Well, that was all the old mail bag (and my wind bag) held for this installment. Drop a line and pass some poop— have a nice holiday season too, ok?
Mike Ryan l 17 Lee Avenue
Poquoson. VA 23662
Home: (804) 868-8164
Office: AV: 432-2719/2939
A bunch of us from TAC HQ went to see the Air ForceNavy game. But there was no joy in Swampville—Navy kicked a field goal with about 2 minutes to go—AF lost 10-7. Que Lastima!! (That’s "SHUCKS" for you mono-linguists.) And speaking of articulation, some of us heard a new cheer when USAF ran on 4th and 5 inside Navy's 20 instead of booting a field goal. It went something like: “Give 'em Hell. Ben! Give ’em Hell, Ben! Oh Hell, Give 'em Ben!” I can't be positive that is what I heard ’cause I was slightly distracted by the fact that part of the cheer came from sopranos. (That's '‘ladies, several each; voices, high.” for you chauvanists.) YUP! The first time I had heard/seen ZOOMAE (that’s “Cadets, several each, female"). I have got to admit that they add a bit of class, couth and curve to what used to be the straight blue line. They also know some good cheers. And cheers to you guys for responding to my plea for publishable parables. Johnny PUSTER wrote from his remote in Saudi Arablia. After ACSC he checked out in F5Es at Willy and is now flying with #3 Squadron in Taif. He says the F5E is one heck of an airplane to camel around with. He only gets to fly twice a day but one can't have everything in a remote. Thanks for the letter, John.
Joe KOENIG wrote from his SPO at Wright Pat where he’s trying to make the case for mini-drones. He offered me a cockpit job but I couldn’t get released from TAC HQ. He’s going to try for John when he comes out of the desert next summer. Joe passed on that Jerry KEYSER was test piloting the Stretch C-141; Craig WATERSTRAAT was still in the RPV business but would probably leave next year; and John CONN was working ALCM in the Strategic SPO. The RPV/droners appear to be forming a '65 mafia. Joe passed on that Church RYERSON was going to the Tyndall range group to set up the Air Combat Manuevering Range in Florida. If you all get a chance to see an ACM I in operation, it’s certainly worth the vicarious thrill. Joe also passed on
an article about Vic GENEZ's wife, Beverly, who is joining the AF and going to medical school to get a DO degree. She already has a PhD in romance languages. Vic gave me a call saying it wasn’t going to be logistically simple. Bev will have to stay in Athens, Ohio, for classes and return to Dayton on weekends. That’ll be rough but they'll hack it. Vic also passed on that Jack HEWITT was working on the Presidential Commission on Military Pay and may move to a civilian position in DoD.
Jerry WILKOWSKI is still in Panama but looking for a stateside tour after being there 3 years. He said Bennie H. (Helicopter) CASTRO was instructing in the School of the Americas. (He got that nickname when some RTB asked him what the H. stood for.)
’Sixty-five had two members on the Air Force industry selected to receive the Collier Trophy for successful production and demonstration of the B-l. Leroy SCHROEDER performed test pilot duties and Howie ROSE worked on reliability evaluation. Good Show!
Other moves: Hank HAMBY and Marc SABIN escaped AFSC; Hank to Andrews AFB and Marc to attend the Defense Systems Management College at Ft. Belvoir. Wayne BROWN is commander of the 20th Air Defense Squadron at Ft. Lee. Va.: Don SHINAFELT to KC-135s at Grissom. Larry McCRACKEN from the Gon to Ramstein; Larry SANBORN to T-39s at Peterson: Tom BROWDER to Aardvarks at Leakenheath; and Spider McKINNEY to F-15s at Luke.
At the Air Force-Navy football game I saw Don BROWN who is at the Puzzle Palace working in RD. He got a gong (AFCM) for his work in Korea. Congrats.
That’s the core dump for this quarter. Keep them cards, letters, and cheers coming. Beat Army!
Brig. Gen Bond presents Don BROWN with 3rd AFCM.
Majors have more fun
'66
Eddy Shirley PSC Box 258
Plattsburgh, AFB, NY 12903
Office: AV 689-7694
Home: (518) 561-2764
J. O. has passed the baton to me, but I’m not really sure how it happened. I called to tell him 1 was finally going back to honest employment flying airplanes, and when I hung up the phone, 1 was the new Class News Secretary. We do owe “Silver Tongue" a vote of thanks for writing the column, but really, Johnny—5!/2 years!
Congratulations to the McFALLS on the new addition to the family—Kiersten Michelle, born on September 4th. Happy midnight feedings, J. O.!
After checking out in the SAC “Aardvark" (FB-111), I will join John GROZIER in the 509th Bomb Wing at Pease. John is the Chief of Stan/Eval during his three-year “vacalion” from TAC. Tom JAMROSY is here at Plattsburgh flying FB-lll’s. We’d like to see more ’66 types in the SAC FB-111 program.
The Class of '66 is well represented in the Washington area. Mike WHEELER is a Special Assistant to the AF Chief of Staff. Good show, Mike! John MARSHALL is in a special staff group working directly for General Creech, the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff. Rick NICHOLS is in the missile business for AF/RD. Ron MOREY is “protecting our interests” by working in the Air Force Academy group for the DCS Personnel. Chuck KENNEDY is a "flesh peddler” in Colonel’s Assignments. Jamie GOUGH is in AF/PR. Bill DUNNE, Bob RHAME, Jim BONEY, Pat O'BRIEN, are all in Studies and Analysis. Gary VAN VALIN has given up T-39s at Andrews for a job in OSD. Dick McCONN is the Vice President of Defense Logistics and is applying the lessons he learned in the Denver - Colorado Springs area to his Washington activities.
The Space Shuttle Candidate List contained several interesting names: Stan BOYD, Ed CANNON, John CASPER, Dale ELLIOT, Ron GRABE, Steve MONOGAN, Joe NARSAVAGE, Wayne RHYNARD and Jim TILLEY. We hope all you guys make it to the finals.
Awards and Decs: Ron DAVIS received the Commendation Medal for his tour in SAC at Eielson AFB, Alaska. He has since gone PCS to Alaskan Air Command HQ at Elmendorf. If you and Judi stay up there much longer, Ron, you'll lose your Florida citizenship. Tom KINCAID was awarded the Commendation Medal for his tour as an Instructor Nav at Mather. Tom is now a Flight Commander in the 447th Strategic Missile Squadron at Grand Forks AFB. Ken WETZEL has moved from McChord, where he earned the Commendation Medal, to Yokota as an Operations Staff Office. Joe SVOBODA has escaped HQ MAC with both a Commendation Medal and a C-141 flying job at McChord.
Address Changes: Chuck VOGEL from Mather to AFIT at Wright-Patterson. Kurt KRUG from Saginaw to Harrison, Michigan. Don SHULTIS from Nellis to Devon, Pennsylvania. Clay OLSCHNER from K I Sawyer to Army Command and Staff. Norm RATHJE from USAFA to KC-135’s at Fairchild (welcome to SAC, Norm). Don HAUSAM from USAFA to F-101’s at Tyndall. Don ROSS from Mountain Home to Lakenheath in the F-111F.
Tidbits: Ron BLAKE and Mike BLAIR are both in the 43rd TFS at Elmendorf. Ken HACKER and Bernie AMELS are in the 1st Combat Evaluation Group at Barksdale. Al STRZEMIECZMY is in Plans at HQ SAC as well as being the President of the Junior Officer Advisory Council for the Air Force Association. Rusty GIDEON tested the A-10 at Eielson AFB, Alaska last winter (poor judgment. Rusty). Buck LYLE is an attorney in Hutchinson, Kansas. He also flys EB-57's for the Air Guard. Reese NIELSEN works for Thiokol and flys “Thuds” for the AF Reresve at Hill AFB. Dave OAKES is the Commander of the radar site at Cape Romanzot AFS, Alaska. Duane TWAY is in Quality Control for D-Z's at Bergstrom; Connie is in the real estate business in Austin. Lacy VEACH leaves the Thunderbirds and goes to the Armed Forces Staff College in December. December is the magic month for Bill RILEY; he enters
Texas A & M for a PhD in math. John OLLILA is a PhD canidate in Political Science at UC Berkeley. Bob GRAVELLE and Bud KELLEY are our contributions to the Prep School.
J. O. was correct about the writing habits of '66. The spider in my mailbox has almost died of loneliness this time. Communication in any form will be appreciated. The lack of direct inputs forces me to use the “grapevine.” I realize that the “vine” may be twisted on occasion so I will gladly print apologies, retractions, corrections, etc. Until next time, good luck and Godspeed.
The ‘‘hard core” makes it for number 11
'67
Larry Wilson 1255 N. Parkview Drive Bismarck, ND 58501
Greetings and Happy Homecoming to all. I had hoped to pass pleasantries along personally but duty called and I had little choice but to respond. More about that later. Anyhow, I ended up not making it back to the Zoo. Disappointing—but I expect that once I finish my current educational phase I will have a bit more time and flexibility in terms of week ends and travel and such.
Actually I did do a bit of traveling in the late summer and early fall, part vacation and part search for an internship/ residency program. This led me, among other places, to Portland, Oregon, home of the world basketball champions and Lex and Jackie PAGE and their two kids. I visited them in their home, which is practically an estate, and was most impressed with the place and their life style. Also with the two Mercedes in the garage, older models which Lex is in the process of refurbishing. So we drank a brew or three, then he scooted off to Seattle in a friend's Porsche. Ah, the tough life of the corporate lawyer. Lex is most happy working as the legal staff for a trucking concern which operates in the Western U.S. Also, he has continued to eat well over the years.
Frank SLUSHER wrote from Las Vegas, where he was about to leave for Upper Heyford AFB, England, to fly an F-lll, after six months of skiing/training at Mountain Home AFB, ID. He is finishing up a tour as aide to Lt. General James Knight, who is slated to become ViceCommander of TAC. Other classmates at Nellis AFB include Bob MASS. Art LEECH, Bruce DON. Caz JASZCZAK, Bob MANN. Frank CHUBA. Bob DRABANT and Chris BAUER. Quite a contingent. I imagine that the casinos are getting a fair amount of their recent pay increase
While watching a bit of TV a while back a few of you may have been as surprised as 1 was to see the familiar face of Bill HURLEY, and wife, Patty, who were part of an earlier “60 Minutes” television segment that was apparently rerun. The old snake is as dashing as ever.
And I received a nice note from Ken SPROUL, who wrote from Springfield, IL, that he and, wife, Bobbie recently became proud parents of son Michael. Ken resigned his commission in '75 and is finishing up a three-year program in medicine at Sounthren Illionois University, plans to do a family practice residency, then to spend three years in the US Public Health Service which financed a part of his education. He commented that is seems he just can't live without owing (his) soul to Uncle Sam ,” and that he may eventually end up in Air Force Blue one day again. He also said that Obie ATKINSON received his MD at SIU in June of this year, and is now doing a family practice residency in Bakersfield, Ca.
It is probably just as well that I could not come home for Homecoming: I do not think that my saluting muscles could have stood the strain. You see, I am presently doing my active duty stint, and I do it as a second balloon (under the cruel and inhumane provisions of the program under which part of my education is being funded). That would have placed me at the absolute bottom, the lowest ranking member of the Class of '67, below even the Doolies of this year as far as prestige is concerned. A zero—dash—one again. Once was enough for anyone. Thank heaven it will soon (6 months or so) be over.
Hope that all enjoyed themselves at the reunion festivities, that many a mug was emptied and many a war story told and retold. Luckily the Honor System no longer applies.
Thomas F. Menza
3906 S. Midsummer Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Home Phone 597-6317
Autovon 259-3666
Homecoming: On Monday I was exhausted, missed my carpool to work, struggled through four sections of classes, had a headache best described as what one might expect from a close-up prop inspection while the engine is running, came home feeling even worse and went to bed at the early hour of seven as my body could no longer remain up. But I felt my aches were due to a good cause. The tenth year reunion of the Class of 1967 that weekend was a great gathering, and Classmates I have talked to since have reinforced the feeling of renewed comradeship, new friendships, a good memory, and a good time. As can be best determined, well over 100 members of the class turned up for Homecoming. A Friday night reception and buffet found the bulk of the class clinking glasses, exchanging greetings, laughter, jokes, old stories, new stories; while at the same time a slide and film show flashed on the wall showing scenes of cadet days from the years 1963-67.
Embarrassment from not recognizing the name of a familiar face quickly vanished to be replaced by phrases of “Oh yeah! Sure. How the hell are you? Say, you 'member when .” Some faces and names not espedally familiar ten years ago became new friends in '77. Wives were introduced to classmates, children's pictures were shown, old cliques gathered for renewal, and yet one big clique dominated the Homecoming after all it was the tenth year for ’67.
Some notable personalities contributed to the overall success of the Homecoming including the efforts of Skip PUMFREY who put together the slide and movie show and the collection of memorabilia for viewing during the Friday reception. Flic GUERRINA could be heard planning a conspiracy for the next day dealing with a class entrance to the football game in a dump truck. This plan could not be coordinated at such a late date, but the idea made for good cheer, a few extra toasts, and more subsequent cheer. Tom CUNNINGHAM, it can be assured, maintained all the proper decorum and image befitting a member of the Air Staff in spite of his two-day proximity to joviality and spirits.
There seemed to be several majors present in the class, the most noteworthy being Rog CARLETON, this year's recipient of the Jabara Award. Rog officially received the award at the Saturday night banquet at which time he
gave a simple, but very eloquent and humble acknowledgment of gratitude for being added to the list of others who preceded him in receipt of this award. All who witnessed the presentation and his reception shared in his triumph and felt just a little better for in some small way knowing him and claiming the credit of a “Classmate.” Ray LEOPOLD presided as Master of Ceremonies Saturday night and gave both a humorous and reflective monologue of “Do you remember ...” and proceeded to include such items as the Wing pep rally on the Commandant’s lawn after taps; the classmates who stole the Navy goat and were toasting themselves with alcholic beverages in their room when the Commandant walked in to congratulate them; the song “Teach Me Tiger;” the football trips by train to Chicago and Albuquerque, and the nonentity of thrid class year; and, of course, the banquet toast that closed Ray’s reading was presented to an unknowing banquet hall, the 100th night Class of '67 toast. “To Ralph Tarkington!”
An attendant photographer had a difficult time grouping us for the Class photo since there were so many of us. The frequent presentation of certain manual gestures further delayed the taking of a successful photo that was finally made with a little help from the subjects.
One item of note worth mentioning was the presence of former AOC, Colonel Bill Francke, especially known to those at the west end of Vandenberg in 20th Squadron. “Coach" and his lovely wife came at the request of Ric THORSON, who flew the Franckes out in his own plane. Ric, those of us that know the Franckes thank you for bringing him back with you.
All present seemed very healthy (construe this as you wish). Many had stylish hair indicating other than an Air Force barber. All the wives seemed every bit as lovely and vivacious, if not more so, than when they were dates from Denver, Colorado Springs, pilot training, or subsequent assignment or job since June ’67. Roy MILLER attended with his lovely bride of ten days. Roy took a big chance bringing a bride to a gathering of classmates lest she see what influences are imbedded in her new husband. Congratulations, Mary and Roy.
Another group of about a dozen or so (unnamed at this time but the sources are informed) decided to show the lethargic Cadet Wing what spirit was and could be. Suited up in old golden bathrobes with patches, baubles, and streamers of an earlier era, they commandeered Command Post (old Security Flight) assured the attendants and apprehensive cadets that they were in no danger and proceeded to make appropriate announcements of spirit and esprit on the PA system.
An attempt to play “Teach Me Tiger” on the PA was aborted when it was discovered that the turntable was no longer connected (or we couldn't figure it out) to the PA system. Bugle calls are now on cassette tapes. A worried OIC responded to no less than eight radio pleas from the Cadet in Charge to find old Air Force buddies about to jeopardize his career. He was summarily ignored and the remnant band from '67 proceeded to run up and down the lerrazzo and halls calling for a pep rally—the first truly spontaneous rally that the cadets had ever witnessed. The gold robed band escaped and adjourned to various local watering holes from the AFA O’Club to the Golden Bee.
This year, fortunately, no members of our class were among the deceased at the Saturday morning Cadet Wing Graduate Memorial Ceremony. Yet, we were also reminded at the banquet that five of our number are still on the MIA list.
By Saturday night I was exhausted. A lot of eating, drinking, laughing, and partying had taken a toll of my mature body. I had to quit. On the way out the door Tom BOETTCHER corralled Joe RYAN and myself and convinced us that the night must end, not at Arnold Hall but at the Golden Bee. “After all,” said Tom, “it may be ten years before we again have the chance to go to the Broadmoor together.” We went and remained until the Golden Bee janitor had run out of chairs to put on top of the tables, save those we sat on. (I understand for two nights in a row the Golden Bee was closed by members from ’67.)
I am truly sorry for those who could not attend due to work and distance problems. We all missed those who are deceased from the various causes of duty or illness, but the reunion was truly a great gathering and left good memories, and a good warm feeling inside. We all thank Jim Wheeler (64) for the Homecoming preparations that focused on his office.
For other classes who may read this blurb, I certainly encourage you to attend your Tenth. It is well worth the effort. And for the toiling monastics of the Cadet Wing, you deserve to be disrupted as you were on Friday the 14th, to be shocked out of your apathy and lethargy and to be reminded what comradeship can be.
It is Tuesday, I still have a headache, have a difficult time getting psyched up for work, and my bod still aches from sleep deprivation. Damn, we had a good time!
Capt. Mark A. Torreano Qtrs. 4409G
USAFA, CO 80840
Home: (303) 472-2008
Office: AV: 259-2008
“Rah rah ree, kick 'em in the knee; Rah rah rass, kick 'em in the other knee!” Kinda takes you back to those crisp autumn Saturday afternoons in Falcon Stadium, doesn't it? And I can report from personal observation that Falcon football is just as exciting now as it was when we were passing thru the Zoo. We will definitely not lose all our games this year, but that is as much as I can prognosticate. And concerning Falcon Football, there are some rumors that this year (or next) will be Ben Martin’s last. Remember you heard it first here (but only if it turns out to be true). By the way. did you know that standing at football games is optional? And so, apparently, is winning.
This is being written just after Homecoming, where we were humiliated by ASU 37-14. But other than that, the weekend was tremendous. Out-of-towners included Mike CRYER, F-5 sales at WPAFB; Bill BEEKMAN. who flies C-9s out of Scott: and Ken MADSEN, recently returned from Pakistan and now at the AF Avionics Lab at WPAFB. Local turnout included the BETTENCOURTS, Tony EDEN, MeCRAWS. MOXONS, NASHF.S, PASKOS, POLKS, SHUMWAYS and WOODS. Lots of guys from '67 were there, and the conversation was reminiscent. Friday night was spent at the Officers' Club where a beautiful portrait of Mrs. McComas was unveiled. General Tallman accepted the portrait and a kiss from Mrs. Mac. Saturday morning’s Memorial Ceremony was an emotional but impressive event. And the banquet and dance afterwards were nice and relaxed.
The weekend generated a lot of enthusiasm among our classmates for our 10-year reunion next year. We are putting together a lot of good ideas that will make it the best Homecoming yet. Among the plans are a 10-year yearbook with photos and bios on everyone, charter flights from the coasts, athletic team get-togethers, and the biggest class turnout yet. To do this, we need, badly, your help, i.e., any photos you have from the "old days,” stories of events that shaped our lives (humorous or serious), and ideas on what activities you would like. We have a bunch of guys here at the Zoo who are already working hard to insure you enjoy yourself next October. Please get involved and help out. We need more guys to volunteer to contact all their squadron mates and urge them to attend Homecoming next year. The squadrons who have spirit and are ready to go are 02. 03. 05, 08, 09, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22,' 23, 28 and 29. How about the rest of you sluggards and malingerers? Drop me a postcard now! We have some “lost souls” who need to be reunited with their owners. Anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts or do-abouts of Dave BRUMM, Ralph COOP ER. Donald DUNCAN, Steve FINDESS, Fred LEITNER. Bob NORTON, Bill PATTERSON, Macwain PHILLIPS or John WELSH please write me with the information.
The class fund-raising drive I have talked about previously is all ready to go. but has been postponed until spring when you guys will have more money (X-mas is a terrible time to try to raise funds). Bob SHUM WAY is going to take
over the reins of the project since I will probably depart this garden spot for the “real AF” next May or June. Plan now to give generously. The gift we arc planning is something really special, details in the next column. I Want to take a (belated) second to thank all of you who supported my election to the AOG Board of Directors last May. 1 am really pleased to be working with the AOG and for you. The AOG is fast becoming an organization we can all be proud of and one that will do much to assist the Academy in the future. Support its efforts as much as you can.
Hey, how about the good news that the “1. 2, 3 you’re out” OER system has been changed to the new 1 (prince). 2 (commoner), 3 (troll) system? Now. only ratings of 1 will he subject to controls (22%). 2’s may be given without controls. 3’s may be given to someone who should not be and will soon not be an officer. I’ll bet all you guys who got out because you didn’t like the old new system are really sorry now that we have this swell new new system, right? And all us Captains have another chance to excell with the delay of our Major's selection board until spring 1979 instead of fall 1978. Remember, Captains, you're not getting older, you're getting more time to be better (captains). On another subject, we had the Fourth Annual Class Picnic here in September. A good group attended, weather was better than last year, and there were a few more kids getting in the way. Debbie and Carl JANSSEN were there, to manys’ surprise. Carl has left his assignment in Saudi Arabia, resigned his commission, and is now job hunting, looking for a position in Texas somewhere. Bob and Missy WILLIAMS came down from Warren AFB where Bob is a civil engineer. Gary and Nancy VASEK were there, with Gary a recent arrival at NORAD Intelligence where he is a computer systems analyst. Bill and Jody BEGERT are now at USAFA. Bill is a Military Science instructor. Jerry and Candy WYNGAARD joined us and Jerry explained how he. as volunteer coach for the Prep School football team, and Dick ELLIS, as head coach, are going to beat the USAFA freshman team this year. Don PASKO has a new position in Boulder with Storage Technology, which is involved in computer memory units. He does not design closets! Don tells me Dave OBERG is now in Dallas flying for Braniff. Bill and Katey WOOD came down from Denevr. Recently, Bill has seen Howie TOWT, a management trainee with Midland Savings in Devner; Roger DEAN, who was visiting Martin Marietta on business; and Bob DENNY, who has just had his ROTC unit closed (not his fault). Bob is now assigned to the AV' ROTC staff at Maxwell and may enter ACSC next summer.
Another recent arrival at USAFA is Vern McGRAW, who will be working with Dave ALLEN in the soaring program. I saw both Dan AHERN and Manuel BETTENCOURT at a meeting held here to discuss plans for our Homecoming. Dan is a NORAD computer staff officer and Manny is a newly ordained Methodist minister. He graduated from seminary in Denver and is now at the East United Methodist Church in the Springs. Manny returns to active duty in June and has already received an invitation from the USAFA chaplain to preach in the Cadet Chapel during our Homecoming, an event we will all look forward to. In other local happenings. Hartsel BACKETT has stopped looking for an airlines job. purchased a home near Academy Blvd.. and is comfortably settled in the local construction industry. Paul
GOSNELL dropped into my office while enroute to a TDY at Hill from his F-4 job at Bentwaters. Paul was here interviewing for a job in CW (Comm shop to all you out there who were issued boxer shorts) and says he has seen John COBB recently at Zaragoza, Spain where John commands a communications squadron. Goeff GORSUCH let me know he and wife Diane couldn't make the class picnic because he was deeply involved in his lay ministry for the Navigators at CU in Boulder.
I saw Carl McPHERSON for about 3 nanoseconds while he was here briefing General Tallman on the new rated supp policies before he went to brief the Air Staff. We were both in a big hurry so no time to talk, but 1 know Carl is T.H.E. Man at MPC on rated supp, so if you have a question, call him. Gary HOFFMAN also at Randolph wandered into my office last month. He was also interviewing for a job in the Comm Shop and probably will come here next summer. Rob L1NSMAYER came down from Denver for an afternoon with a friend and I took them on a "refresher" tour of the Academy. Rob is now a pilot for Western temorarily flying out of Denver but will transfer soon to Minneapolis to flv the 727. "Bean" BEAUREGARD. Mike HEM BROUGH. Bob L. UTTER and Ken MADSEN were here the week alter Homecoming for the Air-to-Air Fire Control Symposium. Bean. Bob and Ken are at the Avionics Lab, while Mike is with the B-l SPO, ail at WPAFB. Ken came out early and attended Homecoming. So if any of you have a conference that can be scheduled here next fall around Homecoming, give me a call.
Letters tails—Once again, my classmates came through. I was deluged with letters this time. But. alas, only one from a lass (Cindi BALAZS). Remember, wives, I want to hear from you. Any little thing about your “old man" that will embarrass him in front of his peers will do, as well as news of your activities.
Greg PAQUIN has been promoted well “below the zone" and moved to Kansas City to assume the position of branch manager for Lucas Associates, Inc. He invites anyone looking for civilian employment in the midwest to contact him for some expert job hunting assistance. Call (816) 421-4575. Russ FINLINSON writes from Bedford, Texas to say he left the Air Force in June, a bit disgruntled with MAC. and became a Braniff pilot. Rusty GREEN gave Russ his Simulator check while they reminisced about the Zoo and falling asleep in Geography class (hope you don't get lost in the great silver bird, Russ). Russ received the AF Commendation Medal on his departure and tells me that Steve EINDE1SS is at OU in Norman. OK, working on a masters in Aero and designing a twin engine jet. Steve even got married three years ago. One thing about Russ, when you need help, he responds quickly. I could swear I just asked where Steve w'as at the beginning of this column. Doug BARNARD is an F-4C Wild Weasel EWO with the 67TH TFS at Kadena. the only AF F-4 Squadron with a SAM-site killing mission. Doug has been thru SOS, ASTRA at Air Staff (Intelligence). EWO instructor at Mather, and EC-47 nav in SEA. Dale STEPHENS is also over in Kadena. Doug recommends skiing in Sapporo and a visit to the Sapporo Beer Factory. He closed with a note that Jerry RUNNION is now out of the AF and living in the Chicago area. Bob JOHNSTON writes from Maxwell, where he has been an SOS Section Commander and is now aide to Lt Gen Furlong, Commander, AU. He finds the shift in perspective extremely fascinating and expects to remain in the job about one year. Bob also had some different views on the utility of SOS to USAFA grads compared to those expressed by Jack Swanson in his article on PME in the last AOG Magazine. He and Thuy just returned from an elegant but surprisingly cheap cruise of the Bahamas (left the kids, Carolyn. 5'A and Michael, 2Vi at home). Jim BETTCHER has volunteered to contact 15 Sqdn classmates. He has just arrived at McGuire to fly C-141s and finds it a nice place so far. Jim served three years with the ROTC detachment at North Texas State in Denton, TX and is really enjoying flying again. Thanks for the help, Jim.
Dana DRENKOWSKI continues to surprise me. He not only has had a couple articles on Linebacker II published
recently and done some consulting work for Rep. Pat Schroeder, but I have received two postcards from him from South Africa. Flc arrived there in mid-August to check out the political situation and shoot in the S. African National Pistol Championship and the International Pistol Championship in Rhodesia. Dana says some of the bars look like they are straight out of “Star Wars." He has hunted some (shot two impalas and one kudu bull) and been on patrol with Rhodesian border police in a terrorist area. Tad "I'm not much of a letter writer" DRAPER sent a note from Offutt. He has just left a job as targets officer at the 497 RTGP at Wiesbaden, which he says is the place to be in Europe in terms of living conditions. Highlight of his tour was skiing in Europe, but he also played softball and volleyball with the base team and coached a girls volleyball team, squeezing the family (3 kids) in somewhere. Although he spent the day after he arrived in Nebraska in his basement during a tornado warning, he invites visitors to stay with him. Tad says he saw Pat RUSSELL in Aviano (see below), Charlie HOLLAND at Ramstein, Stu DRAPER (Plans at Ramstein), and Jim SI EVERS who is in the newly created AF Intelligence Mgmt Engineering Team at SAC. Pat RUSSELL sent this photo of himself with two "younger" grads at Bitburg. Seems they are all at the 36TH OMS Sqdn, with Pat as Maintenance Supervisor and the other two working for him as Flightline Section Chiefs. Pat has been in Europe 14 months after completing his Education With Industry (E'WI) tour with American Airlines. They have 73 F-15's at Bitburg. the largest TEW in Germany, and Pat says they sure get a lot of "command interest." He sees John SULLIVAN a lot. who is on a rated supp tour with the Security Police Squadron. Pat is adding #3 to the family soon. With Jimmy. 8, and Andy, 3. I am sure he looks forward to a "girl child." Dick SMITH graduated from dental school last December and is practicing general dentistry in Memphis. Dick also flvs C-130As for the Air Guard, after taking a Palace Chase position in 1973. Dick adds that Monte HART is a stockbroker in Memphis. Pat O’GRADY called from March ALB to say he was going to F-1 1 1 training at Mt. Home on Sep and then PCS to Upper Heyford next April. Pat and Kathy and children (girl 5, boy 3) have been at March for two years where Pat was a vehicle operations officer as a rated supp job.
Info Releases/Address Changes: Fred BASSETT is now a Flying Safety Officer at Bentwaters. Dick COE is on his way to attache duty in Rome with a Masters in national security affairs. Dale FRANZ is an emergency action officer at HQ MAC. Scott AFB John GRAHAM, Jr. is a flying safety officer at Bitburg. Mike GRAIL is a maintenance control officer at Incirlik. Turkey. John GURLEY is an evaluation pilot at Rheinmain. Charlie HOLLAND, now at Wright-Pat, received the Meritorious Service Medal for his duty at Ramstein. Charlie also picked up an MS in Mgt in 1976. Ernie HOUGHTON is with ATC at Randolph as an IP. Larry MAAHS received his 2nd Ol.C to the Commendation Medal for his work at Vance as Chief of Social Actions and is now chief of light operations at Palmdale. Calif. Steve REID has arrived at Lakenheath in F-l 1 Is. Wayne SCHOBER has been promoted to Manager of Satellite Survivability Technology at Aerojet Company. Azusa. Calif. Mike STEVENSON is now at Gunter AFS and received the MSM for his duty at Hanscom AFB as project manager of the automatic radar tracking system. Ralph TEMPLIN received the MSM at Hickam for his work as explosive ordinance disposal officer. Ralph is now at AEIT, pursuing a degree in Logistics Management.
Address changes were received on: Jim CUPELLO, now a Mr. and Manager of Research and Facilities for Nutrilitc Products, Inc., Coleman, Mich.; Jack FROST is also out now and works as a marketing representative for Electronic Data Systems in Dallas; Bob HILTON is in Manhatten Beach. CA; Chuck KAVCSAK is in Edison. NJ; Steve McPHAIl. is at McChord in E-106s.
I hope this has not bored you, but once I got my new electric pen going. I couldn't stop, until Mimi pulled the plug and told me to turn off the light. Send in your photos, stories and ideas now.
'69
CPT Gerald D. Luallin
PSC Box 979
Plattsburgh AFB, NY 12903
I’m still in the middle of moving from base to base, place to place. I now have a semi-permanent address. This address will last until spring of '78 and then I will proceed directly to Pease AFB in NH without interruption.
Well, Terry BRADY sent me a letter from a subway station somewhere between his home in Virginia and his job at the Pentagon (ASTRA), After writing a response to him, I promptly lost his letter in one of my many moves. Terry and his wife Karen were previously stationed at Little Rock where he was C-130 IP.
Ken NUSS, who is a civilian consultant to the Navy on the F-14 and teaches math and systems analysis to National University students, is presenting a paper to a conference in Denver on ethics in space. Ken also is raising two children as a single parent. As busy as he is. he has found time to write to me so that I may pass this information on to you:
Last winter, he met Geoff HAMLIN at Luke AFB, AZ. Geoff is now a legal officer at TAC Headquarters. While on a bus tour in Mexico, he came across Bob FRATT and Kris. They are stationed in Germany and Bob is flying F-4’s. Ken is an applicant for the Space Shuttle Program and occasionally hears from Guy GARDNER at Edwards, who is also an applicant for the program. Ken resides in San Diego, an extremely harsh environment to live in.
Well, that’s it. Those are the only two people I have heard from and because of the postal system I did not receive any info from the Academy.
Not really, I met Craig GOLART and his wife here at the Plattsburgh AFB Officers Club. Craig is a KC-135 pilot and a staff “weenie” of some sort. Now that I'm back on the crew and not sitting a desk I can say things like staff “weenie” and “they decided.”
Harry LAWS is roaming around here as an FB-1 11 pilot in an alert “posture.”
I have some relatively old stuff sitting around here that is pertinent to the class. Let’s see, oh, here are pictures.
DAVIS: Receiving AFCM or gettin “booked."
Standing on somebody else's feet.
Doing what he does best. Standing
“Posnerizing”
Winter Magazine: All Class news secretaries are reminded that news columns to be printed in the Winter Magazine should arrive in the AOG Office not later than 16 January 1978.
HOMECOMING 1978: The previously announced date and opponent for the 1978 Homecoming weekend has been changed. Mark your calendar for the weekend of 13-14-15 October 1978 and the Academy opponent on the fields of friendly strife will be Colorado State University.
I.OVE hiding his lunch from Stik TURNER. Don FENNO: Receiving an AFCM or getting ready to kiss his wife.
I hear Jeff MEECH is in the 99th MAS at Andrews. Tom LYKINS is a computer programmer at Randolph. Frank WOOD is a tanker pilot at Grand Forks. Jim WILLIAMS is at Beale.
HOPPER (Hopper-John) was selected as Outstanding Instructor of the Quarter (Nov. ’75) at Vance. Matt WALDRON is at AFIT, pursuing a masters in Computer Science. Jack HORACEK has “checked” in to Carswell AFB. Well, it's off to see the postal clerk. Please—I don’t want everybody to write me at once; '69 ain’t such fine pens. Set your beer cans down for a while and write me some war stories Send me some dirty pictures—anything! ‘Nuff said.
Stik TURNER:
on one foot. Jeff POSNER:
Only guys with vests can stand in the front row
Jack
Jim FOSTER:
Ron
Capt. Skip Penny
1018 N. Weber
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Ph. 303-632-3658
AV 692-3355
Well, gang, a little short on letters this time. If it weren’t for the wives we'd really be short.
Two really unbelievable events this go-round: First, on successive nights three classmates came to my house. Jake HOLMES was driving Deputy Secretary of Defense Duncan out here to NORAD. (More about Jake later.) Then Jim ANDREWS walks in the next night with his son, Cliff. Jim's at the Academy in the MT Department. Then Tony MARIETTA brings someone to look at my house (it was for sale). Tony said he'd been married a little over a year and was building a house on the street behind me—amazing! Then, a couple of weeks later, as I got out of my car at home, up drives Mike TORREANO. He’s in the English Department at the Zoo. The unbelievable part is that that makes four of us from the same element doolie summer. Can you believe it, me, Mike, Gerr McKee, and Ray MeKelvy? Mike and Ray sit across from each other in the English Department. Jim Andrews makes five from the same flight. Unbelievable!
Had a nice letter from Nancy McCOLLOUGH (B. J.). They have returned to the "real" world from Clark and are now at AFIT where Brian is studying Facilities Management. Nancy said Jamison BURGESS has gotten out to go to the airlines. (I heard from someone else that he's now flying for Braniff.) Bob and Sharron JULSONNET and sons are at AFIT with them. Nancy mentioned that Phil and Jeannie MEILINGER had gone to the Academy. (I ran into them at a local restaurant.) She also said Mike DUNN was doing fine and Clark and Jim and Sara SMITH were still in Florida (Hurlburt) and hoping to go overseas. She knew that Lucky SCHULTZ, Dick O'CONNOR and Denny LEUTHAUSER were at AFIT as students and Drew BECKLEY was there as an instructor. She also informs that Mike BALLINGER was at Ohio State studying to be a Vet. Brian added a little note at the end that he had run into "Hook" WATTERS and thought he was in the engineering school there. B. J. also said he thought Tom WESTMORELAND was nearby in the Ed with Industry program. Thanks to Nancy McCOLLOUGH for half the letter input this time. Nancy, I was TDY to Wright-Patterson and tried to call, but my schedule did not permit my reaching you when your phone wasn't busy! Plus, Dick O’CONNOR, you were never home! But I did have a nice visit with Stef and May WENSKA. Stef’s the same, still has a difficult time remembering the way things really were. He also forgot the neat thing he did in my sink after "trick or drink” night.
Had a note from Linda BADER (Bill) with the picture from Bob RIETDORF's wedding, as she had promised. She says Bill is playing lots of golf. By the time this is printed, she'll be very close to having their second. Bill says another boy. Had a card from Sid DUBOIS. He was on his way to England and with a new wife. Yes, he got married again. Maybe there is someone besides his mother who loves him (just kidding, Sid). Also, a card from Walt SEEDS from Okinawa. He's still at Beale in 135's. That's it for fan mail. Hope X-mas stirs more of you into writing.
How about that picture of Jimmy RIDDICK. If you don't recognize the uni, it's Delta. He's flying out of Atlanta as are Marv BERRY. Mel BLOWERS, and Jake HOLMES. Yes, Jake got out and was here going to the training school up in Denver. In the second week of that school. Delta called him to go to work. He will probably be based out of Boston.
There was a nice article in the Falconews about Dave SPRINKLE. He was the first pilot to fly the C-5 to Moscow. He was at Dover and is now headed to the Test Pilot School at Edwards.
Hometown News Releases: Jack NORMAN pulled a deployment to Germany in A-10's. He’s back at D-M; Louis PAPE is a deputy contract manager at SAMSO having just come from the Pentagon; Herb MILLER played in Reforger with his 141, as did Cec SNYDER; Kenny
- STORIES: The AOG Magazine is always looking for articles authored by AFA Graduates. If you have written something that fellow Grads should read, send it to the Editor. Current photos are needed for AOG files: next time you update your file send us a copy of the new picture.
New times Old friends Older stories
PHOTOS
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Rietdorf
GREENE, AFCM as IP at Sheppard now at MacDill in F-4’s; John BAILEY to McConnel from the Pentagon; Hank MITCHELL to Offutt in logistics from Kincheloe; Arnie BROWER played in Red Flag 77-9 from Loring; Larry RITCHARD. MSM from Gunter, now at Wright-Patterson; Craig NORTHRUP AFCM from Travis, now at AFIT; Mike POMPHREY, Red Flag F-4’s from Hill; Jim SPURGEON, AFCM from Mather, now at Naval Postgraduate School; Bill TENCH, graduated from AFIT now at MeClellan in Logistics Management; Bill HAM in 52's and AFND; Dar CLARK, arrived at Laughlin as an IO; Tim BENCH, the Collier Award for his (and his brother’s) work on the B-l; Ken ALBRIGHT, 52’s at Kincheloe.
Change of address cards: Rich WALTON to Orchard Lake Michigan, working for Sperry Vickers and in the Guard; Bill RATH BUN to Aurora, Co. in the guard trying to get on with the airlines; Roger RADCLIFF, M-H to Lakenheath; Joe CORSETT1 to Albany where he’s in med school; Geoff KAMMERER from Vance to Randolph, T-38 IP; Rich HARRINGTON from Eglin to Spang whatever, Germany; Mike SCHMIDTT to McConnell as the wing executive support officer; Rich DOWNING to Kalkar Kassarne FRG; Charlie STUMP a product engineer with Corning in Quakertown, PA; Bob SAUNDERS is recruiting (??) in Houston; Doug T-U-N-A NAVERSEN to Elmondorf where he’s a doctor and runs marathons.
Don WESTBROOK was in town and visited with Gary DAHLEN. Don's at M-H in Ill’s wishing he were here in almost anything. He said Doug BARON was up there too. He said Tim SHARKEY was in war plans at Offutt. He said Denny SMALLEY had gone to Lakenheath in 1 1 l’s. Bob MACK was working for Hughes in Vegas and Dave BATUSKI was at Kirtland in lasers and Chuck KENNEDY was a diving coach at the Zoo.
If any of you tried to call me while at Homecoming, the reason no one answered is because I moved. I bought one of those big, old houses downtown and am attempting to rejuvenate it. Take note of the new address and phone number.
As a closing note, don’t be afraid to put a note on change of address cards; I use those too. Look forward to hearing from groups of you at X-mas. Until, Skip
Capt. Ron Joy Qtrs 4213C
USAF Academy CO 80840 (303) 472-6325
Autovon: 259-3869
I had almost forgotten about the strong winds at USAFA until this past week—broken windows, cadets walking at 45 degree angles and being told to walk only across the center of the bridges. Here is another “remember" —how about the 1st and 2nd class stairwell? That was one of the new privileges you received as a 2 degree.
By the time you read this column. Homecoming will have come and gone. It promises to be the best one yet. 1 don’t see anything wrong with us starting to think about our ten-year “get-together" in '81. Patty and I plan on coming back no matter where we are—so start saving your coins.
The football team has not done well since our years here at USAFA with Bobby PARKER, Ernie JENNINGS, and a host of others. This year does not appear like it will change. Although the team started out looking good against Wyoming, it’s been tough going ever since. Oh well, we still have hopes. Speaking of Wyoming, Patty and I drove up to Laramie for the game and it sure brought back memories of when we took that trip as firsties in our caravan of new cars.
Well, I think I’ve rambled on enough here—so moving right along
Letters and Cards: I received a letter from Jon STEVENS (Gale) in late June telling me he had graduated from SOS. Class 77-B, along with a few other members of 71—namely: Ron "Rat” RAND, Richard VAN SAUN, Roger WILDERMUTH, Don BACKLUND, Cyd MAATTALA, Bill M1NO,
Next year we need more classmates
Chris ROHWER, Chris MOORE and Dan DALEY. Jon added that “Rat" excelled at SOS by running the aerobics in 8:10. partying and preparing 10-minute speeches in less than 10 minutes” and that "Don was his usual genius self by going to a Jolly Green reunion in Florida the weekend before the first big exam, partied all weekend, and came back Monday morning to max the test." Both Don and Richard VANSAUN made Distinguished Graduate while at SOS. Jake HUFFMAN (Cindy) wrote to tell us they are expecting a second child in January. He is busy flying 135s on passenger runs at Offutt AFB and wanted to pass along the following info. During a stopover at Mather AFB in late June he ran into Jim HOGAN and Bill EVANS. Jim is no longer a UPT instructor, but now flying tankers. Bill is with the bomb squadron there, Jake said he also saw Dave RENNEKAMP and Bob SLUSARZ there as UNT instructors. While at McGuire AFB Jake found Joe RIPPOLE flying 141s. Joe and his wife Betty have their first child, a girl, born in May. During his tour at Offutt. Jake has run into Rod JONES who had just finished up an ASTRA assignment and was getting ready to fly F-15s. Rod was with a group at Offutt studying the cruise missile. Also at Offutt are J. D. McBRIETY with the 55th OMS. Dan BOUCHARD with the J. A. Office, Tom WUERSLIN flying T-39s, Andy MELOY with a rated supplement job in procurement, John WOLF in Intelligence (after winning the Commandants’ trophy at SOS class 77A). and Jim LAKE. Received a letter from Mark McKENZIE who is flying with the 26th TFTS—he had the following news to pass alone. Mike HAMPSHIRE is at Williarns AFB as a T38 IP. John SEVERSKI (Barbara) at Griffiss AFB in FI06s with a new addition to the family, a boy. close to a year old now. Sam CLOVIS is also at Griffiss flying 106s. George HOULE was still ot Griffiss flying B52s. Ken YANNI got out of the Air Force and is in Montana somewhere. Bill KUB1DA also left the AF and is in law school in Massachusetts. Lee SHANNON is out and working for AT and T in Washington DC. Jim SANDSTROM is an F105 IP at Luke AFB. Jack SCHUNK is fying C-130s at Little Rock AFB. Rick PELLICORE with C-l 30s at Eglin AFB. Greg SWECKER is with the 21st AD fighter shop at Hancock Field. Sonny CHILDERS is at Nellis AFB flying F-5s. Gino KRAAY is flying F-106s at Griffiss AFB. Fred STRAUSS is also at Nellis AFB in a rated supplement position as a C. E. officer. Dave POWELL and Kerry MAY were at Nellis AFB in F-Ills but were due to leave soon. Bob LETOURNEAU is at Tyndall AFB with T-33s. Marty LEBOUITZ dropped us a few lines in late August to tell us he is getting married October 15th to a girl named Helen Repe who is a lawyer with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Marty is almost finished with the training portion of his program at Banker's Trust Co. in New York and should get his officership in the company in about eight months. Marty says that if anyone is interested in New York banking, to contact him and he’ll pass their resume on to the personnel
people. Marty said he had recently seen Pat PAGLEN and his wife Suzzanne in New York City—they were on their way back to Texas. Last but not least, we received two birth announcements. Wally K.OWITZ and wife, Evonne have a new baby girl born in August—that give'C them two children, a boy and a girl. Wally writes he is still working on a Blue Zoo assignment to the Foreign Language Department. He is presently a navigator in KC-135s. Bob and Jeanne CUTL1P welcomed their first child, a girl, born August 27th. Congratulations to you both! The letters this last quarter were greatly welcomed and full of news—it helped this columnist immensely. Thank you.
Phone Calls: I only received one call this time around and that was from Larry SCHAEFER. Larry and his wife Kathy have a two-year-old son named Jeff. He was flying Helos out of Fairchild AFB, but by the time you read this he should be at Ramstein flying UHI-Ns. Larry mentioned the following also—Mike LACKEY, Karl POULSON, and my old roomie John SCHRAMM are at Hurlburt Field. Dave McDOUGALL is transitioning to fixed wing (F-4s). Bernie POLIKOWSKY is a navigator on Buffs and Dick REYNOLDS is a Buff pilot. Larry also mentioned he got his master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Thanks, again, for the call Larry.
Visits: I saw Vern FRANCIS in the halls of Fairchild a while back. He was interviewing for a job here and I was getting some materials for a cadet so we didn't get a chance to talk long. Write and give us some info, Vern. John SCHRAMM also stopped by my office—he was interviewing for a job in DFACS. John finally dropped the title of bachelor and recently got married. Danny ALLEN dropped in while on a cross-country and promised to write and give me “lots of info on a lot of people.” Don't forget your promise, Danny. A little known but interesting fact, Danny and his wife have three children—I think that is the record for our class. Danny and Rod JONES are both at Holloman AFB flying F-15s.
News Releases: Ed BRADSHAW (Linda) has received his M. S. degree in logistics management from AF1T and is now at Carswell AFB as a maintenance officer. Bill EDMONDSON (Joan) is presently at AFIT working on his M. S. degree in logistics management. Ron MARUS1AK has graduated from USAF fighter lead-in training at Holloman AFB and is now at MacDill AFB for further trailing in the F-4 Phantom II. Tom RACKLEY (Christina) has completed training at MacDill AFB in the F-4 and is beinu assigned to Kadena AB. Bill VAN TWOUT and Alan ANDERSON have both finished training at Delta Air Lines, training school at Hartsfield Atlanta Int’l Airport and are being assigned to the airline's New Orleans and Miami pilot bases respectively as second officers. Jack MILLER (Lora) who is a navigator at McConnell AFB has been selected to participate in SAC’s 1977 munitions loading competition called “Giant Sword” at Ellsworth AFB. Rick SCHUMICK and Doug MILLER (Marcia) recently participated in “Vigilant Overview”—a 4-day test of Aerospace Warning and Defense Systems con-
ducted by NORAD. Rick is an aircraft commander in KC135s at March AFB and Doug, is a pilot at Langley AFB. Barry BRUNS and Larry O'REILLY recently participated in “Red Flag”—a TAC training exercise at Nellis AFB. Barry is a pilot at Hill AFB and Larry is an electronic warfare instructor at Minot AFB. John WAHLQUIST a B-52G navigator at Griffiss AFB; Ed NOLTE (Linda), chief of programs 379th C. E. squadron at Wurtsmith AFB; and Bob BOREN (Anne), a space systems analyst at Offutt AFB have all won distinctive servee ribbons. Bob also received his second AF Commendation Medal. Rich GAUSMANN has received an AF Commendation Medal and is presently at MacDill AFB as an F-4 pilot. Roland VANDENBERG (Christine) was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and is currently at MacDill AFB as a pilot. Darryl JOSEPH and Dave BROWDER (Sarah) are both members of the AF Industry Team selected to receive the 1976 Robert J. Collier trophy. Darryl is a technical manager with the B-l program office at Rockwell International in Los Angeles and Dave is a development officer with the B-l program office at WrightPatterson AFB. Congratulations, guys!
Change of Address Cards: Bob BLACK to Springfield, VA; Don BUSTELL to Duluth, MN (resigned his commission in July). Rick COX to Woomera Airport, South Australia; Paul GRIMES to Pittsburgh, PA (separated AF in Feb. and is now an engineer for Westinghouse); David HERRICK to Hickam AFB; Gordy KAGE to Goldsboro, NC; Kevin KRAIL to Cincinnati, OH (separted from service in July and is purchasing agent for Procter and Gamble); Steve LUCE to Torrejon AB; Rich McNEILLY to Nellis AFB; Jess CHALK at Hahn AB; Bill MINO to Altus AFB; Marty PERINA to Mountain Home, SD; Jon STEVENS to Austin, TX (student at University of Texas); and Mike WELLINGTON to Torrejon AB.
I was fortunate enough to represent the USAFA command at the Air Force Association convention in Washington DC last month, so I visited with Bob and Jeanne CUTLIP and their new baby, Lisa, for two nights. We had a great time renewing old friendships, as we hadn't seen each other for six years. I took some pictures one night after we'd had a few drinks together and plan on putting at least one in the next column-—they weren't developed in time for this one. Bob is trading in his blue suit for civilian attire in November.
Remember our class president, Frank “FM or R” MORGAN? I gave him a call while I was in DC and we decided to meet for lunch one day. Guess who never showed. I later found out that the reason he didn’t show was because he “wasn't allowed to go.” No EXCUSE SIR!—right, Frank? Seriously, Frank. I'm sorry we missed each other. I also tried calling Mike KONVALINKA a few times while I was there—but was unable to reach him. Sorry, Mike, I tried. It would have been good talking to you.
Last but definitely not least—John and Ann BROCK are back at USAFA in the Econ department. They are expecting their second child sometime in December and are having a house built if they ever get the plans finished. They tell us J. J. WITT (Mary) will be arriving at Lowry AFB in March for a new assignment—we look forward to seeing them.
Just as I got ready to turn this column into the AOG office I received a note from Mike DOWNIE. In the letter he included a picture of '71 ASTRAs at the Pentagon—it shows them (in typical Pentagon team work fashion—cut throat, back stabbing, etc.) helping Frank MORGAN get his paperwork coordinated. Along with the photo Mike mentioned that all of them will be gone from the ASTRA program as of December—Frank being the last to go if he ever gets his staff summary coordinated! Mike is now at Spangdahelm AB in aircraft maintainence (F-4s). He says he also ran into Joe TIEMANN over there—Joe's the headquarters squadron commander. Mike, Joe, and Frank are still single, although Frank's status is “precarious” at this point! Mike, thanks for your letter and the picture. It is just what this column needed.
Let Patty and I close by wishing all of you and your loved ones safe and very happy holidays. Till next time— keep the spirit.
Left to right: Boh Black, Danny Allen, Frank Morgan, Boh CutUp, and Mike Downie.
Capt Bob Bell Box 65
Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706 605—343-6897/Duty X2877
Greetings to '72ers worldwide from the heart of the Black Hills country. With a great deal more inputs than usual, it will begin right now Thanks to the following letter-writers who helped this time:
Greg JONES started off telling me (and the world now, Greg) about his recent marriage to Pat with accompanying Carribean cruise honeymoon. Upon completion of his computer course, he'll head for the Pentagon with SOS on the way. Congratulations to Greg and Pat. By the way, if anyone out there is PCS to Maxwell, Greg would like to get some words on the housing setup out there for SOS.
Pete MCCARTHY continues his fine assistance with updates on the East Coast area. By the time you read this, he should be moved in to his new assignment at the Pentagon as one of our seven ASTRA selectees. The others for FY78 are Jerry DRENNAN at AF Plans, Mike DUNN at Congressional Liaison, Doug FORKER at AF Plans, Andy GESSNER at AF Plans, Bill LOONEY at AF Plans, and Greg SMITH at AF Research and Development. Pete will be in the R & D area, too. Back at Seymour-Johnson, Mark OINESS has an F-4. Joost VANBASTELAAR went TDY from Shaw to S-J in his OV-10 during the early summer, joined there by wife, Sharon and two children. “Smokey” STOVER and Ann are now situated in the Lacrosse coaching assignment he recently got at USAFA. once again loving the C-Springs area. To the members of “Frat Five,” a cryptic message: “Short Man” made a BTZ to major while at ACSC —he’ll be at the Pentagon in AF Plans. A lot of our class went to SOS, and here's the list according to Pete: ‘"Barry SMITH—Cl30 at Clark; ‘‘Mark MAYER—KC135 at Rickenbacker; Mike SCHIMMER—F4 WSO; Fred KELLER— computers at Offutt; Jerry MARTIN, ‘‘Mark COSBY, Phil HUDSON, Cal KING— T37 at Randolph; Rick BARR— B52G at Mather; Ted THOMPSON—T37 at Reese; Todd JOHNSON, ‘‘Tom O'RIORDAN—B52H at Grand Forks; Bob WALLER. Bill SMITH—KC135; Terry SCHIESSLER, John TAYLOR, Ed PAINTER, Jim JANULIS—Missile officer; ‘‘Bill VINAL, Tom CARRIGAN, Mike BRANNICK, ""Dave WAG IE—KC135 at Plattsburgh; Brett BERLIN; *Mark SCHMIDT; ‘"Steve HOYLE; Doug HENDERSON. (Asterisks mark the D:G.'s) If anyone was left off that list, my apologies.
Another part of the world heard from is the Philippines in the form of a letter from Dan LOHMEYER who is prescntly jockeying around an F4 over there after a tough tour at RAF Lakenheath. He mentions running into a few of the guys along the way; Steve LAMOE out of Travis in C141's; Randy FITZHUGH at Nellis as an Aggressor pilot; Tom BRUMLIK out of Yokota in C130’s; Bill KASSON at Clark in C130's as a nav and loving it; Jack KIRSCH in either Supply or Procurement at Clark; Larry REYNOLDS at Kunsan remote after being at Hahn; Bob FEELEY at Clark in F4’s as a WSO; Doug HILL in C141’s possibly out of Norton; Aaron RASMUSSEN at Guam in WC130's; Jim LIVINGSTON at UPT (update—C-9 at Scott); Ned GRIFFITH at Indian Springs near Nellis as a Range Officer; Rod McDONALD at Hickam as a recently married C141 driver; Don MACNIVEN at Guam in SAC aircraft maintenance; Ray STETZLER at Clark in F4's as a WSO; Okie HARGRAVE in C141's at Norton; T. J. MORAN out of Clark in Intel to go to Law School in D.C. Dan, thanks much for the news—keep it coming whenever you have a chance.
The last letter for this issue comes from Jim SULLIVAN who is now at George Washington University on a full-time funded Law School hitch after two years part-time while at the Pentagon the last three. When Jim finishes, he’ll be one of three from '72 who have gone the same route—Jim GORMLEY and Larry SHARRAR at Marquette and U. of Washington respectively. His news is as follows: Exercising the OUT option arc Scott WEAVER and Joe MANOS; Mark STUBBEN from Hill to Williams in a T38; Steve
MINNIGERODE got married after his master’s work at George Washington U.; Frank JANSSEN stays at the job in computers after years in the Pentagon basement (why not missiles?). Warren HANSEN got married, Gary STERN was last seen as a General’s aide, and Scott MASTERS probably has his master's in Comp Sci by now. Appreciate the correspondence, Jim, so let it continue whenever you can.
Address changes for this period coming up: Mike VELOTAS—from K1 Sawyer, MI to Southfield, MI—Management Consultant. Harold JENSEN—Hickam, HI to Langley, VA. John JARECKI—Enid, OK to Victorville, CA. Gary PAYTON—Shemya, AK (finally) to Georgetown U., Washington, D.C. Galen McPHERSON—Kunsen to RAF Bentwaters. Note from Galen: Crewed on F4 (WSO) with Bob CHAPMAN, has new daughter, would like to hear from Steve CHIABOTTI and Randy FITZHUGH.
The good old hometown news releases take up the remainder of the column. Without further ado, let’s get into them.
Jeff CAMERON (Lisa) is in AFIT for logistics management. Gary GUNTHER (Sally) recently received the DoD JSCM while at Thule, for duty as aide-de-camp to the commander at Kirtland, NM Bob MARSTON is TDY to Mildenhall with his Cl30 unit from Little Rock, also a member of the 314th TAW which received the USAF OUA. Bill LEECH (Candi) in his C141 is taking part in Reforger ’77. John DILEO (Connie) was awarded the AFCM as an F4 pilot at Keflavik. Jim GAUDINO (Margaret) recently left Karamursel for a tour at Bitburg in the Info office. Larry SHARRAR (Vicki) is now at Hanscom with the legal office after earning his J. D. at Seattle. Karl ZICKRICK (Diane) just left England, LA for Myrtle Beach, SC in his A-10. John BUSH (Emilie) received the AFCM while at Williams. He is now a FAC at Sembach. Paul GARDES (Susan) took part in Giant Sword as part of a munitions loading team. He’s a B52H radar nav. Andy RIOLO recently got the AFCM for duty while at McConnell. He’s an instructor nav at Tinker. Jim LIVINGSTON (Beverly) received the Officer Leadership Award at UPT while at Vance. Bob NEDERGAARD (Jenness) just completed training at MacDill in the F4 to be assigned to Moody. Chris RUBACHA is a B52D A/C at Dyess. Mike SCHIMMER took part in Red Flag while at Nellis. He’s stationed at Hill. Vic SORLIE (Linda) is an F111F A/C at RAF Lakenheath previously assigned to Mountain Home. Gregg SMITH (Candace) is a members of a unit that received the AFOUA, where he is a mathematician, at Offutt. Dan MERCIER is presently in AFIT for a masters in astronautical engineering. His wife is Diane. Bill WALKER (Ruth) is going for an MS in computer systems. Bob DONOHUE (Marita) is in AFIT for operations research. Tom CRAWFORD (Kendra) recently received the DoD JSCM at McChord for his part in the relief effors in Guatamala. Dave BOWMAN has left Webb for a tour at Mountain Home. Lew ROMETT has
gained the title of Doctor as he starts his active duty assignment at Andrews in the Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center. Gerry BENFIELD (Katrina) is at Andrews having left Loring as a MAC pilot. Ed GIGAX (Rosie) was part of a team of AF/industry engineers who jointly received the Collier Trophy for 1976 as a result of their efforts in the research and development of the Bl. Ed is an armament integration engineer at Wright-Pat. Chuck YOUNGQUIST (Vera) is an F4 instructor at Homestead. Tom STITES (Vivian) is a B52 A/C at Dyess.
And so with that list I will end this input to the Grad magazine. If anyone with feedback either PRO or CON would let me hear about it, your comments would be appreciated. In other words, write anytime. Even if I don’t answer directly, you will see your letters mentioned in the column. So until next time, have a nice winter, Happy Holidays and so on. F.P.A.
Fred Knowles
1930 Mineola St. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915 8/875-2686
I have to start again with bad news. Ken SEDER was killed in an RF4-C accident on 25 Aug near Hopsten, West Germany. His death saddens us all and our thoughts are with his family in their time of sorrow.
This column could upset a few people out there and if it does I want to apologize right now. This is the Homecoming issue and as such should be bigger and better than ever. It would be, too, if I were at Homecoming. But I am in Alabama at (you guessed it) “SOS." My other thought was to talk to some of the few of our classmates who could be here and get all kinds of information from them. Well it seems as if about 40 or so of us are here and I have not had time to talk to many of them much less get a complete list of names to include here. Some of the guys I have seen and talked to already are: Steve WILLIS, Ken COMBS, Bill HARRIS, Jeff BLANCHETTE, Steve POPPER, Bill ROBERSON and Nordy SCHWARTZ. I will try to get a class list for a later issue.
I also want to include some news that means a lot to me. Pat and I had a son (Robert Michael) on 20 July he was 6 lbs and 10 ozs.
I did get some nice letters. Todd LAVIGNE writes from Tyndall where he is stationed with his wife Patti and daughter (born last Sep 29) Katie. He is headed for Korea on 1 Aug where he'll be a maintenance officer in the 8th OMS at Kunsan. He says Mike KAUFMAN is at Langley. Frank SANCHEZ is on his way to Torrejon with his new wife, Patty. Jon ELLER is an Intel officer at Yokota.
Denny BOYCE and Debi write from Kincheloe. Geno CUOMO is on his way to Ellsworth as a Buff EWO. Don McMILLAN is going to be a T-39 driver at Randolph. John HARR and Skip EVANS are moving to Castle. Jim AMOS is headed to Kirtland. Scott PARKER is going to Peterson AFB. Rick LEEMAN is headed for Castle. George RAMPULLA is now at Griffiss. And Steve FENTON is at McChord.
I recently saw Bill FOX and Pam and Ken VARGAS and Hermila. Bill is at Reese and Ken is in Canada.
B. J. and Donna STANTON write from RAF Woodbridge. With them are: Jerry and Phyllis OLIN, Jeff and Calleen KOHLER. Bill and Claudette ROTHWELL, Pete and Marilyn UNDERWOOD. They all contributed to the 78th TFS being selected the outstanding squadron in USAFE. B. J. and Donna also had a son, Spencer, on 6 June 77. Eric VOGEL was at SOS this spring and wrote to say HI to all.
I had some more stuff but it got lost or misplaced in the move and all. I really apologize for the column this time. If I missed you at SOS or any where, or if someone was at Homecoming and has news or pictures, write me a nastygram or call and tell me. I promise to get it in the next issue. Until then: Keep ’em flying.
1 Lt Dan Felix
7200 E. Evans Ave. #601
Denver, Colorado 80222
Home: (303) 759-9645
The Big Red '74 set records while at the Academy and we also set them after graduation. 1 Lt. Jim HAYHURST, a T-38 instructor at Columbus, jumped to first place in the National Parachuting Competition held in Oklahoma. He also broke a national and a world record. 1 Lt. John BENCH, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and his brother are recipients of the 1976 Robert J. Collier Trophy for their work with the B-l Bomber. Presented annually since 1912 by the National Aeronautic Association, the Collier Trophy is awarded for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America. 1 Lt. Larry DANFORTH (Ronda), McChord, WA, received the AFCM for his meritorious service as Chief of Maintenance with the 1905th Comm. Sqdn. 1 Lt Bruce McLANE (Terese), Kalkar, Germany, received the AFCM for his service as an Imagery Intelligence Officer. 1 Lt. Michael WELLS, Griffiss, NY, received the AFCM for his actions during a C-135 incident. 1 Lt. Stephen WALLINGFORD, Griffiss, NY, received the AFCM for his actions during a recent C-135 aircraft incident.
Many classmates have moved around so here are the latest changes: Bruce ANDERSON (Amy), AFIT, Wright-Patterson, OH: Hobart BATES, K. I. Sawyer, MI; Jim BEAM (Joyce), Red Flag, KC-135, Michael Army Air Field. UT; Don BERRYMAN (Vicky), C-130 Nav, Dyess, TX; Blair BOZEK, Keflavik, Iceland; James BRICKELL (Priscilla), T-37 IP, Reese, TX; Allen COLEMAN, C-142 Pit, Charleston, SC; Bill DILLARD (Connie), AFIT Wright-Patterson, OH; Mike DUNN. SAMSO, LA Air Station, CA; Jack DURAN, C-130, TDY to Mildenhall RAF Station, England; David EIBAND, AFIT, Univ. of Texas. TX; Doug FROST, MeClellan, CA; Jim FURFARI (Amy), Vance, OK; James GARRITY. McConnell. KA; Rodney GIBSON, B-52 Pit, Griffiss, NY: Floyd GLICK (Margaret), EWO, Minot, ND; Tony GUDECZAUSKAS, Comm. Off., Tinker, OK; William HALSEY, Barksdale, LA; Wesley HESTER, WSO-F4E, Elmendorf, AK; Dave HOGLAND, Craig, AL; Eric HOLCK, Grand Forks, ND; Robert HOOD (Susan), B-52 Pit., Dyess, TX; Phil INSCOE (Kathleen), AFIT, Wright-Patterson, OH; John JACKSON (Paula), Laughlin, TX; Ray JEFFS, Pease, NH; Jay JOLLY (Carolyn), Test Pilot School, Edwards, CA; James JUDKINS (Meri-lyn), AFIT, Wright-Patterson. OH; Chris KELLY (Kathy, Little Rock, AR; Scott KINKEAD (Martha), SOS, Maxwell, AL; Mark LEOPARDI, Kunsan, Korea; Lynn LONG (Patricia), WSO, Lakenheath RAF, England; James LUNTZEL, Elmendorf, AK; Michael
Did everyone have this much fun'/ /
James Hayliurst in jump gear.
LYONS (Pamela), Grand Forks, ND; Tom MAY, Hurlburt Field, FL; J. E. MOATS. Kunsan, Korea; Richard MORRIS (Barbara), Yokota. Japan; Franklin MURPHY. Altus, OK; John PENNETT, AFIT, Wright-Patterson, OH; Melvin REEVES (Robin), Little Rock.^AR; Earl RICHARDSON. Space Sys. Ops. Off., Offutt, NB; Tom SEGULIA, Nav.. Little Rock, AR; Bill SEXTON, EWO, Grand Forks, ND; Jack SHACKLETT (Rose), Pit., Little Rock, AR; Larry STANTON (Ellen), C-141 Pit., McGuire, NJ; Rick STEARMAN (Theresa), C-141 Nav., McGuire, NJ; James TIETJEN, WSO 614th TFW. Torrejon, Spain; Ken TUPPER, Kincheloe, MI; James WILLIAMS, Nav., 345th TAS, Yokota, Japan; Richard WOHLMAN, Weather Off., DavisMonthan, AZ; Michael WOLFERT (Diane), KC-135 Pit., Travis, CA.
It is with deep regret that I inform you of another fallen member of the Class of 1974. 1 Lt Patrick H. PONDROM was killed in an F-4E crash in the North Sea area on 29 August, 1977. He performed his duties as a Weapons System Operator for the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron. Se Opponere Ad Provocatem.
Please notify me of any address changes. Whenever you receive an award PSC, TDY, PCA or marry, be sure you notify your squadron information officer to insure a press release to your home town. Good Luck!
1 Lt. Willie J. Cosby
1 100 Heather St., Apt. A Jacksonville, AR 72076 Home: (501) 982-4219 Office: AV: 731-6822
First, I'd like to add my condolences as well as those of the entire class to the wife, Sybil, and family of Walter Ray JOHNSON who was killed in an F-4 accident at Luke AFB.
’75 class members have finally started making names for themselves in this person’s Air Force. I have not heard about the infamous triumphs, but several of the more noteworthy ones have been reported.
Jim DILL and Bob RYAN as members of the Air Force/ industry team that developed and produced the B-l bomber will receive the 1976 Robert J. Collier Trophy. The trophy is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in the U.S.
Dale MEYER ROSE has been selected Outstanding Junior Officer of the Quarter for the AF Comm Service. Stationed at Ramstein AB Germany, he serves as aide to BG John Randerson, Commander of the European Comm. Area.
Tom PROVOST and “Dink” YURKO now wear the Outstanding Unit Award as members of their respective units. Tom works with the 449th Bomb Wing at Kincheloe and “Dink” serves with the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing at Little Rock.
A long dreamed of goal has been attained by Bill HUGHES. He has been selected to attend law school under the Air Force Funded Legal Education Program. He will go to Marquette Law Schoof.
UPT graduates: From Reese: Steve ELSE, KC-135 to Rickenbacker; Jerry LEVESQUE, F-4 to MacDill; Dan MeCORRY, Bill O'KEEFE, Don SNEDGROVE, F-4 to George; and John STULTS. C-130 to Clark. From Williams: Jim McBRIDE, C-141 to McGuire; and Mike REESE, B-52 to Fairchild. From Vance: Bill K. DAVIS, T-37 to Mather. From Craig: Phil METEER, F-4 to Luke.
Don HENNEY graduated from nav school and will go to KC-135’s at Fairchild.
To Bill ROHDE—well, excuse me! To be perfectly correct, Bill. Barry ABBOTT and Dave STONE are flying the Combat Talon MC-130E. Bill is in the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena. Also at Kadena are Dave HAUGEN in HC-130's, Rick DOUGAS and Jeff HACKETT in F-4's, and Sam RYALS in KC-135’s.
Happenings at Luke: Mike and Gwenda ROSEBUSH are going to Nellis along with Pete and Katie STRUNK, Tom and Sheryl McCLAIN, Tom McKEE. and Gary CRAIG. Kevin. Jan and Shannon LANZIT are going to Torrejon, Spain as are Bentley and Debbi RAYBURN. All of the above see action from the F-4. Bran and Carolyn McALLlSTER. and Chris and Debbie GOETSCH go to Bitburg, Germany in F-15's. Going to Langley in F-15’s are Brian and Jan DUFFY and Steve BROWN.
Eric (Alice) LEWALLEN is flying Rescue choppers at Elmendorf. Don BYERS flys T-37's at Mather which is where E. ZERAMBO flies T-43’s. Phil PIONTEK and Rick DAHLSTROM are at MacDill in F-4's. Dick PARKS is at Myrtle Beach flying A-7's waiting for the A-10's to show up. Al GREEN and Steve GIBSON fly F-4’s at Nellis.
Not too much new is going on out here in Little Rock. This summer I saw quite a few guys over in Europe. One warm summer morning I ran into a Navy J. G. who looked extremely familiar. It turned out to be Lt. J. G. Jerry MANTHEI. The place happened to be Rota NAS, Spain where he is stationed flying AG’s.
It’s a little early, but happy holidays. Remember—no news means no news!
2Lt Craig Manson 26 East Signal Drive Rapid City" SD 57701
Home: (605) 343-2682
Office: AV: 747-2049/2039
CB: KOZ 5804, Ch 17
Name-Drop Journalism Lives on: Last time we got together I promised to cover the 818 of us who were left out. With UPT/UNT graduations, marriages, and moves, we may just do it this time!
First, the latest from the Showplace of SAC (Ellsworth?!), A mustachioed Bill MUSICK strolled into our office in DOT here one day in August to surrender after a year’s AWOL in Geneva, Switzerland. Bill claims he and Byron
Tim and Janis Murphy
HEPBURN were “studying" there. Bill's now learning the Minuteman business at Vandyland and Byron is in UPT at Columbus.
A rainy Friday evening a few weeks later, my phone rang and a familiar Oklahoma accent said, "Hey, this is Darrell MASTIN." Darrell and wife Diane (whoa!) had just driven in from Minuteman IQT at Vandenberg. Darrell's sponsor, Ken TH1ENEMAN, was on leave, so I met them that night and put them up at the plush semirural home owned by Ken, Bruce SMITH, and Andy FALLON. Bruce was also on leave, and Andy was at Vandenberg for a Minuteman test launch. Darrell is now a veteran missile officer, having pulled about 10 alerts.
Dreams End, Dreams Begin: “I’ve got some for you,” wrote Kevin LONERGAN. “I'm the first one in the Class of 1976 to get out of the Air Force.” Kevin was found to have a severe case of diabetes just before he was scheduled to begin UPT, and as a result, he has been temporarily retired. His permanent status, either medical retirement or discharge, has not been finalized. But Kevin is now happily enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Law School. In a later letter, Kevin told me his life is pretty normal. “Don’t let anyone worry about me,” he said, adding that he even runs several miles a day. Drop Kevin a line at 302 Kent Lane, Apt. 101, Madison, Wisconsin 53713.
The Watchdog’s Mailbag: “Dear Lt Manson: I do wish you would do some research for your gossip column before printing some of your material. Bob GARDNER is a missile jock at Whiteman AFB; however, ‘that female accountant type from Rice’ is not nor ever has been a frequent visitor to his apartment. As his fiancee, 1 am demanding a public retraction of your statement. If Bob hadn’t previously told me about (name deleted), you could have ruined a lovely engagement. Sincerely, LeAnn Dietz, 2Lt, USAF, NC, Whiteman AFB, MO.”
Dear Lt Dietz: Well, excuuuuuse me!!
(Bob and LeAnn’s wedding was scheduled for November 5 at Whiteman and a good laugh over this was had by all.)
Calls and Letters: Bryan ECHOLS called to say he had moved in with Brian DIEFFENBACH and Tom WYMAN. Dief and Tom got in on this conversation to tell me how much they love being at F. E. Warren. I had a nice long conversation about a number of topics with Bob GARDNER when he called to make sure I was not too shaken over LeAnn’s letter above. Del CORNELL dropped a line from McChord where he is Chief of Data Automation. His wife, Cheryl says hello to all the "Bulldog” wives (nothing personal, girls).
Marriages: John ARMOR. Larry AUSTIN (Jackie), Bob ADAMS (Freddi), Dave CASLICK (Nancy), Jack CATTON (Jan). Lance CHRISTIAN (unconfirmed rumor), H. C. CROSLEY (Diana). Rob FISHER (Marie), Brad JONES. Tom JOHNSTONE, Ron KIRCHOFF (Sherry), Dave KRISTENSEN, Mike LAYMAN, Tom MALLARY (Vicki),
Mike McGINTY, Bob NORMAN, Fred PHILPOT, Pat ROSENOW, Willie PALMS, Paul SOWADA, Mike SEMENUK (Sandy), Rick WEIDNER (Carol), Jeff WHATLEY (Ute), Roger WTDHOLM, and Dave YAUCH (Nancy).
Pilot Assignments: I received so many of these that it took a while to figure out the best way to list them. Finally, I settled on listing them by aircraft. Let me know if you’d like to see a different method for future listings. Without further ado, here are the Spirit of ’76 pilots:
T-37: Mike HENCHEY, Dave KRISTENSEN, Jeff BECKER, “Dutch” DUTCHSHYN, Jim Leo RICHARDSON, George SHERWOOD, Bob NORMAN, Wes NEELY (all Columbus). Dave MERRILL, Dave EVANS, Chuck LLINDSAY, Rick ALIS (all Mather). John ANDRICHAK, Dave LIPPERT (both Vance). Danny Joe ACOCK (Sheppard).
T-38: Randy SCHAVRIEN, Jay W1NZENRIED, Dave McNEILL, Greg HOLM, Brian MEENAN, Bob WOODS, Chuck McGEE (all Columbus). Howie THOMPSON, Steve ROMANO, Rich CASEY, Ron KIRCHOFF, Terry NEWTON, Tom HOLTZ. Bill MORRIE (all Laughlin). Tim BALL, Dave ROBINSON, Bob ASHENFELTER, Wes STOWERS (all Vance).
F-4: John ARMOR, Grady BARNETT, Dan MeKENZIE, Steve McNAMARA, Roger WIDHOLM, Mike SEMENUK, Tony OWENS, Jay BARNES, Steve DUNDORE, Chico LEVELL, Joe BYERLY (all Luke). Bob CHASE, Rory CHILDRESS, Roger TURCOTTE, Marty BISCHOFF, John TWIDDY, Rich GUSTAFSON, Bob VAUGHN, Pete HOOK, Chase JOHNSON (all MacDill). John BURNS, Ricky MANTEI, Carl NUZZO, Mark SAUNDERS, Jack McGEE, Mike SCOTT (all Homestead).
B-52: Bob ADAMS, Mike BELCHER (both Carswell). Scott INGERSOLL (Dyess). Barry GAMBLIN, Bill STARNES (both Ellsworth). Lothar DEIL (Fairchild). Mark SHANKS (Loring). Bill HANSON (Barksdale). Dave WILSON (K. I. Sawyer). Pete MAPES (Wurtsmith). Kyle ST GEORGE (Seymour Johnson). Tony PRZYBYSLAWSKI (March).
KC-135: J. J. HEPPNER (Wurtsmith), Jim McNAMARA (Beale), Phil VOLLELUNGA (Fairchild), Tom YERKE (March), Marc FELMAN (Kadena), Joe DREW (Plattsburgh), Karl LARSON (Dyess), Tom MUCKENTHALLER (Travis), John WHITEHEAD (McConnell), Pat McCAFFRY (Griffiss), Brett McINTIRE (Mather), Rob FISHER (Minot), Ray BRUNNELLE (Pease).
C-130: Lance CHRISTIAN, Dave CASLICK, Kent KYSAR, Greg BRICKER, Dan CUDA, Charlie ISAACS (all Little Rock). Nolan BERG, Eric WIGAND, Bruce WITHERS, Mike LEE (all McChord). Jay KENNON, Jim ROONEY (both Yakota). Mike McLAUGHLIN (Dyess), G. Roy HATT (Pope), Keith FARMER.
C-141: Fred PHILPOT, T. J. HEDDING (both Norton). Jay BLISH, Ed MORLEY (both Travis). Rick SINCLAIR, Kerry KEITHCART, Bob HINGER, Scott WOLFMEYER (all McGuire). Tom MILLICAN, Rick WEIDNER (both Charleston). Joe GALAVOTTI (McChord).
RF-4: Dave McKENZIE (Kadena), Jim KOGLER (Shaw), Bruce LAMBERT (Zweibrucken, West Germany). Frank GREEN, Jim FISHER (both Alconbury, UK).
A-7: John BRANDT, Steve CAMPBELL, Dan JORDAN, Miles McCORMACK, Clif TAYLOR (all Davis-Monthan).
A-10: Scott FLOOD (Davis-Monthon).
C-9: Mike COKER, Dave GARTEN (both Clark).
T-33: Joe AMARA (K. I. Sawyer), Larry AUSTIN (Griffiss).
RC-135: Keith FRANCIS (Offutt).
QC-135: Joe SMITH (Beale).
AC-130: Dave THOMIN (Hurlburt).
HC-130: Steve SKIDMORE (Eglin).
WC-130: Keith FEIGH (Keesler).
F-15: Jack CATTON, Dave McALISTER, Bill ROEGE (all Luke).
Gators: These are listed by aircraft also.
KC-135: Mike SMITH (Barksdale), Marty CLEMENT (McConnell), Pat ROSENOW (Fairchild), Dave TUTTLE (Pease), Mike DELVENTHAL (Rickenbacker), Win MAC-
KLIN (Beale), Jay KLEVEN (Travis), Paul SOWADA (Altus), Dave CROUSER (Loring), Marc SOUTIERE (Plattsburgh). Rod WILLIAMS (Grissom), Ted REICHERT (Warner-Robins), Gary BUTDORF (Rickenbacker).
F-4 WSO: Tim MARTIN. M. P. (Henry) GEGG, Brad SIMPSON (all George). Mannie LOPEZ, Rich KING, Dave YAUCH (all Luke). Bill RAEDY, Steve DAVIS (both Homestead). Charlie DEANO (MacDill), Brent GLINES.
RF-4 WSO: John WILLIAMS (Kadena), Tony BAIR (Alconbury).
B-52 (Nav-Bomb and EWO): Doyle FREEMAN (Blytheville), Rick PERRY (Andersen), Rex ARMSTRONG, Gary LORENZ (Dyess). Ric TOBIN (Warner-Robins), Lenny SUMMERS (Grand Forks), Tom BOWIE (Fairchild), Jim MARTIN (Griffiss), Don KOCIAN (Ellsworth), Charlie MORGAN (Barksdale), Tom SEFCIK, Bill METZLER (both Minot).
C-130: Scott VANTONNINGEN, Fred DEARMOND, Eric FEDER, K. C. STEIN BAUGH (all Little Rock). Steve STOUT (Clark), Terry TRIPP (Dyess), Kevin KANESHIRO (McChord), Tim PRATER (Kadena).
C-141: Steve CARPENTER (Charleston).
F-111: Bob GRAY, Tom MALLARY (both Cannon).
EC-135: Randy ZELLNER (Ellsworth).
FB-111: Brad MOFFETT (Plattsburgh).
WC-135: Johnnie NORRIS (McClellan).
Other Things: Danny MOORE is a missile security convoy commander at Grand Forks. Sean KELLY keeps 'em flying at Mountain Home. Mark WILLIAMS deals with computers at Eglin. Steve GUNDERSON and Tom HANCOCK are Titan launch officers; Steve’s at D-M, Tom’s at McConnell. Dave KUNKEL has joined the ranks of Minuteman crewbears at Warren. Jim CROCCO, Chris INGLIS, and Kevin CHILTON have finished their Engineering Mechanics degrees at Columbia and are now in UPT. Horse RENNER just can't seem to get out of Colorado— he’s now learning intell at Lowry.
Squadron Newsletter of the Quarter: This new award goes to the Dirty Dozen scandal sheet—“a few rumors, some gossip, and some cruel innuendo’’—published by Marc SOUTIERE for “12ers.” Marc, a KC-135 nav at Plattsburg, sent me a copy. Among other things, Marc reports that back problems have kept Mike CUNNINGHAM out of flying so far. Wedding bells and intell may be in Mike’s future. Other squadron newsletters are welcome and will be judged solely on my whim.
Thanks to the following for contributing to this column: Dennis REA (via the “Baron Newsletter”), Howard MeCARTHY (T-37, Columbus), Tom HOLTZ (T-38, Laughlin), Jeff SOGARD (F-lll, Upped Heyford, UK), George GUTIERREZ (UNT, Mather), Tom GREENE (Sand and Surf OIC, Hickam), and Kurt KLINGENBERGER (F-lll nav, Mountain Home/Upper Heyford).
Whew! 211 new names! Till next time, May the Force be with you.
Late Bulletin! Just as I was about to mail this to meet the AOG deadline, the mailman handed me an envelope with the return address “The Camel, Willy AFB.” Enclosed were two full page spreads from the Willy “Jet Gazette” and a hand-written note with news of Willy classes 77-07 through 78-01. Since I’m in a frantic rush to get this mailed, I present these UPT grads as listed by the Willy Paper and “The Camel’:
Class 77-07 (“LCWB”): Cal ALLEN, C-9, Scott; Mike BYRON, F-l5, Luke; Jack CAMPBELL, T-38, Williams; Charlie COMBS, B-52, Grand Forks; Tony DONISI, T-38, Willy; John Mark FAUVER, T-37, Willy; Doug FRENCH, F-lll, Lakenheath; Don HIEBERT, B-52, Robins; Harty HOLLAND, A-7, Davis-Monthan; Hal HOLT, KC-135, Robins; Bill JONES, C-141, McGuire; Phil JULIEN, T-38, Willy; Ron McELROY, C-141, Norton; Dale MILLER, A-7, D-M-; Mike MILLER, T-37, Willy; D. P. L. MITCHELL, C-141, Travis; Gary MONTGOMERY, T-33, Malmstrom; Steve ODIORNE. T-33, Hancock Field, NY; Stew PATTERSON, F-lll, Mountain Home; Bruce RASMUSSEN, T-37, Mather; Ray SANTEE, KC-135, Kadena; Mike SEVIER, WC-130, Keesler; John SNEDDON, T-38, Willy; Bill TRO-
EGNER, EC-135, Offutt; Bob VAUGHN, C-130, Little Rock; J. J. VOSBURG, A-7, D-M; Kim WEBER, C-130, Pope; Mark WELSH, T-37, Mather; Jim CADY, C-141, MeChord; John SEADER and Kevin STEPKO, bdth 135's destination unknown.
Class 77-08 (and you know what comes after “LCWB”!): Bruce DEANE, F-4, George; John DELPHENICH, B-52, Seymour Johnson; John DUNSTAN, B-52, Dyess; Jerry FREE, T-38, Willy; Bruce FREUND, A-10, D-M; Tom FRONK, KC-135, Grand Forks; Tony GAJESKI, C-130, Little Rock; Don GRESHAM, F-4, Homstead; Curt GRONEWALD, KC-135, March; Rich HANLEY, F-4, George; Mark JACOBS, HC-130, McClellan; Geoff JUMPER, C-130, Little Rock; Craig KINNEY, T-37, Willy; Tom LANGE, KC-135, Wurtsmith; Jeff MAIN, B-52, Andersen; Jeff LARSEN, KC-135, Loring; Jeff MILLER, C-141, Charleston; Dave McELWEE, F-4, Luke; Ralph NEVERS, C-141, MeGuire; Hugh PENDERGRASS, T-37, Willy; J. D. PORTER, F-4, George; Willy STRELL, F-4, Luke; Randy ROTH, KC-135, Blytheville; Jon TENSFELDT, T-38. Sheppard; Jon TREE, F-4, Luke; Dirk WERHANE, KC-135, Plattsburgh; Ernie WOLLARD, C-130, Pope; Mike WOODMAN, F-4, Luke; Bill VISNOVSKY, B-52, Grand Forks.
Class 77-06: Mark HUGHES, RF-4, Kadena; Greg SANDERS, T-37, Willy; Scott DAVIS, KC-135, Mather; Case McGINLEY, C-141, McChord; Ed PERME, F-4, MacDill; Mike HAUSER and Ray REED, both F-4, Homestead.
Class 78-01: Carl ARMSTRONG, F-4, George; Bob BYCH, T-38, Willy; Roger CLEMENTS, KC-135, Pease; Tom DANKENBRINK, C-9, Scott; Ted DETRICKS, C-141, McChord; Karl DITTMER, F-4, MacDill; Bob DOBSON, C-141, Norton; Rob PARKER, T-37, Willy; Jim SHANLEY, B-52, Fairchild; Rob SPENCE, F-4, MacDill; Dave TERIFAY, T-41, USAFA (OK, Dave!); Mike WALSH, C-130, McChord; Phil WILDEROTTER, KC-135, Mather.
Other Willy Products: Kevin BARLEY, T-37, Willy; Tom BLAIKIE F-4, MacDill; Mike ELY, T-37, Willy; John JASKEY, KC-135, Plattsburgh; Mark MEYERS, KC-135, Wurtsmith; Craig MOSER, F-4, George; Jimmy DEAUX, F-4. MacDill; Steve NICKEL. T-38, Willy; Don OLYNICK. B-52, Minot; Jim PHILLIPS, A-7, D-M; Mike REINERT, EC-135 Offutt; Mike UNDERWOOD, C-130, Little Rock; Ron ZAPKA, C-141, McGuire.
That’s all.
ATTENTION 76ers Those of you who joined on the Graduation membership special are reminded that your membership renewal notice will be mailed in the near future. Prompt action to renew your AOG affiliation will insure no break in the receipt of AOG publications.
From left to right: ’76'ers at Cal Tech: Rob Crombie, Chuck Pinney, Rich Miutz, Al Herb, and Ron Zimmerman.
Lt Lynn M Scott
4319 N. Chestnut, Apt. 13
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Office 303/472-2233
Home: 303/599-8917
Is Everybody Happy? I feel safe in assuming that all of 'll is in good spirits. Much of our happiness can be attributed to our new uniforms they aren’t as confining as the ones we had worn for the past four years.
Pride Riders will be showered with a lot of changes in the coming months (no not the changes we’ve been used to). Things like assignments, marriages, births, adventures, and misadventures will be appearing before all of us very soon. I hope that everyone will want to share those things with their “ole college buddies” via this class column.
Speaking of sharing I've received some news from a few guys who seem to represent quite a few different areas of the Air Force. Starting at home base reveals a large numher of our classmates assigned to USAFA awaiting pilot training. The number has been decreasing as the months pass, but the USAFA staff is still shocked at seeing large numbers of 2Lts in the Fairchild Hall Cafeteria. In addition, there are a few 'll grads stationed PCS at the Academy for one year. Assigned to the Athletic Department are Chuck DELICH, hockey coaching staff and Craig ADAMS, Mark FRITZSCHE, T. G. PARKER, Rod STAPONSKI, and Ken WOOD who are employed as football coaches. Assigned to the Minority Affairs Division are Charlie CHUNG, Mike CROSS, Mario GARZA, A. J. GIPSON, and myself.
Anyone thinking about partying in Las Vegas should give Don TUROS a call. He's working as an applications programmer at Nellis. Mather seems to have a lot of guys from 'll. According to John (LouJ MICHELS (Lou isn’t John’s spouse's name, it's his nickname) the program has really gotten interesting now that most of their work is out of the classroom. I received a letter from Mark WEBSTER who with Brian SMITH Joe FURY (Vicki), Frank CASSERINO, Jeff DETROYE, and Stew ADDINGTON, are flying satellites for the Air Force Satellite Control Facility at Sunnyvale AFS California. It seems that living near San Jose places quite a dent in the old wallet (1 bedroom unfurnished apartment is approximately $220). I think that it would be nice to start a Satellite Pilot’s Relief Fund for these guys. Just send your checks to SPRF c/o Lynn Scott and I’ll fly out to survey their impoverished situation.
Jack CASEY has sent word that he’s at Willy and is awaiting classes with the 82nd Student Squadron. I also know that the “HAWKS” are slowly assembling at Williams to start training in November. Take it Hawks. Mike WEINSTEIN (Bonnie) sent word that Keesler AFB is 10,000% better than his last assignment (I’m sure we have a unanimous agreement of that opinion). He and Bill LORD (Cindy) are attending Communications-Electronics School and seem to be experiencing EE 331-332 all over again. Mike and Bill may also feel secure because Vic NUTT Gary SHEPHERD, Ben GOODMAN, and Stan HILL are on the Security Police Force awaiting UPT in November.
Wright Patterson AFB has sent word that Randy LIEFER is working as a development engineer. I wonder if he knows anything about how the B-l’s engines will be put on the stretch F-111? Mondo COSTALES likes being an Army Officer more and more each day since he started grad school at Princeton. John BUCKLEY (Sandy) writes that Vance AFB is the best kept secret in the Air Force. Enjoying the 15 kt crosswinds with him are Steve HANLON, John O’NEILL, Mike PAQUETTE, Paul HIGGENS, Emmett TULLIO, Jim SHEDDEN, Geno REDMAN, Vince SHARP, Bill ELLIOTT, Mark SCHWENDEMAN, Joe KAISER, Chip ERESMAN, Steve CAMERON, Joe BAKER, Don JOHNSTON. Bill KETTLE, and Irv HALTER (Judy). Well, that just about wraps it up sports fans. I'd like to conclude by saying that both the AOG Register and the USAFA 'll Yearbook should soon be in your hands. So, if you can’t quite remember where the guy that owes you a pair of corfams or some records is stationed, just be patient. P.S. Keep those cards and letters coming.
Annual
Report of the Association of
(Continued From Page 5)
Graduates
Other ongoing projects have involved philanthropic activities, Cadet Wing Liaison, heritage and tradition of the Academy, and MIA matters.
VIII. Activities.
a. Academy Assembly. The Association of Graduates co-sponsored with the Department of Political Science and Philosophy, the 19th Assembly which was entitled “Nuclear Energy: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?”
b. Graduate Scholarship. During the year the AOG sponsored, in the name of Captain Francis B. Midnight ’64, a Graduate Memorial Scholarship under the auspicious of the Falcon Foundation.
c. Memorial Programs■ In the fall of 1976 the AOG was given a voting membership on the Air Force Academy Memorial Board. The AOG has continued to work closely with the Air Force Academy to establish new memorial programs for the Academy. The AOG currently administers many Academy memorial projects and has been proposed as the recipient for all monies that will be given to the Academy for memorialization purposes.
d. Homecoming. The Association of Graduates sponsored Homecomings independent of the Academy prior to 1977. Homecoming 1977 will inaugurate a new co-sponsorship relationship between the Association of Graduates and the United States Air Force Academy.
e. Liaison with the Cadet Wing. During the year the Association of Graduates and the Colorado Chapter of the AOG have continued to pursue discussion programs with the Cadet Wing, membership awareness and recruiting within the First Class, and a closer liaison with the Class Committee of the First Class to insure that Graduate and Cadet interests are mutually served.
f. Farish Memorial. The AOG donated $3,000 during the last year to an improvements program at Farish Memorial.
g. Arnold Hall Renovation. The Association of Graduates is working with the Arnold Hall Renovation Committee and has pledged funding for an appropriate project to help enhance the attractiveness of Arnold Hall for the Cadet Wing.
h. AOG Elections. In the spring of 1977 elections for 10 members of the Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates were conducted; the 10 directors elected will serve until May of 1981.
IX. 1977-1978 Programs. The Association of Graduates has outlined several programs which will be pursued during the current year. Corporate efforts will be directed towards continuing and improving current services to the Graduate Community and new programs will be initiated as financial and staff limitations will allow.
X. Summary. While the Association of Graduates has made significant progress in the last year to become a legitimate and viable organization serving the Air Force Academy, the United States Air Force, and the Graduate Community, it has by no means come of age in every dimension. The AOG is suffering from acute growing pains and needs expanded office space and a larger executive and administrative staff if orderly growth is to continue. It is the sincere hope of the officers and the Board of Directors that the AOG will continue to grow through the support, ideas, and hard work of its membership.
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Combination: JIGGER and ASH TRAY—$25.00
Mail Orders To:
Association of Graduates
P.O. Box 160 USAF Academy, CO 80840
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P. O. Box 8 U. S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840
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The Honored Guests: THE CLASS OF 1967
W. D. Abraham
T. F. Adams
H. J. Arnold
G. P. Bailey
J. L. Bannwart
J. H. Barhaugh
R. P. Barnes
T. D. Barnett
C. W. Beattie
R. C. Bebee
S. P. Bettinger
T. D. Boettcher
W. W. Boisture, Jr.
J. A. Boose
R. G Boston
D. L. Brazil
D. R. Burns
T. J. Calvanelli
R. E. Carleton
J. M. Carney
A. W. Carpenter
J. E. Caudle
H. D. Chace
G. L. Cockrell
G. C. Cormany
G. W. Corwin
B. D. Crane
C. S. Crawford, Jr.
E. E. Cunningham
T. L. Cunningham
A. R. Daines
C. A. Denham
R. A. Deturk
B. J. Donovan
R. A. Draper
T. P. Duross
C. J. Dysart
G D. Elliott
R. E. Englebretson, II
E. W. Ennis
G. A. Fedel
J. W. Fee
P. W. Finnegan
H. C. Gable, Jr.
J. G. George
W J. Gerber
G. C. Gibson
R. W. Gilmore
G. J. Green
T. W. Griesser
F. B. Guerrina
W. R. Hall
D. A. Lawrence R. M. Murray F. B. Slusher
M. S. Hayner J. R. Leonard P. M. Nesbitt J. R. Snow
D. E. Hickman
J. L. Hicks
D. H. Hill
J. C. Holbrook
R. J. Leopold J. F. Olive
K. B. Sprout
A. B. Lundberg D. H. Owen B. P. Stansbury
G. M. May
T. F. Menza
R. E. Parris, Jr.
R. R. Pastusek
J. A. Hollstein J. Messinger J. H. Pletcher, Jr.
H. C. Hudson
R. L. Hughes
J. 0. Icenhour, Jr.
F. S. Jackson
L. C. Jensen
H. S. Jordan, Jr.
T. J. Kelly
W. J. Kozma
R. C. Kramer
J. R. Kreer
R. M. Midkiff
D. A. Miller
J. P. Miller
R. B. Miller, Jr.
R. P. Miller
G. P. Milne
P. P. Moix
G. D. Mook
G. L. Mulch
R. Muldrow
M. A. Pumfrey
W. J. Regan
R. A. Resling
J. P. Retelle
D. G. Robinson
J. E. Ryan
W. E. Savage
G. L. Scheimer
J. E. Schofield
M. T. Scott
E. A. Stickler
J. B. Streets
M. J. Szczepanek, Jr.
L. S. Thai
E. M. Thorsen
D. 1. Twomey
L. R. Vernamonti
R. E. Weizenegger
G. M. Wenner, Jr.
A. 0. Williams
V. M. Williams, Jr.
J. A. Wright
D. L. Yates