Checkpoints - September 2013

checkpoints September 2013

USAFA Alumni Magazine

District VI

GOLD

ARE YOU PREPARED? OUTBREAK FAMINE WILDFIRE HURRICANE TSUNAMI FLOOD EARTHQUAKE REVOLUTION

CHECKPOINTS

REUNION GUIDE MAKE THIS FALL A FOUR STAR VISIT A lot of new things are happening in Colorado Springs these days! Craft beers, farm-to-

table foods, new hiking trails and great outdoor experiences are just a few of the things waiting for you this reunion season. Our local community is rapidly expanding into a mecca of family friendly activities and your Association of Graduates has created a travel guide to bring you up to speed on all of our new cultural hot spots. Don’t miss out on the fun this fall! Watch our latest video and get in touch with the new Colorado Springs...

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EXTRAS

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checkpoints September 2013 FEATURES 16 Who’s the Boss On August 12th, 2013, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson ‘81 became the 19th Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Get to know the first female Supterintendent in USAFA history.

22 Walking With Enemies Past Jack Trimble ‘70 was shot down and captured during the Christmas Bombing of North Vietnam. Forty years later he traveled back to Hanoi in search of answers. Trimble found them—and more.

30 Off the Grid

On the Cover Archery instructor C1C Derek Richardson treks the wilderness area in south Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado Springs.

Image by Lewis Carlyle.

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It’s the ultimate escapist fantasy: start a new life on a deserted island, free from the concerns of the modern world. Few realize this romanticized dream of a more simplified existence. For one year, Charles Baird ’94 did.

38 Are You Prepared Wildfire, earthquake, flood ... disaster can strike at any moment, even outside the combat zone. Being prepared for the worst is your best chance for success against the unknown.

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DEPARTMENTS Columns

The Endowment

Opinion

4 CEO Update

46 Giving by the Numbers

88 Another View of the Code

6 Chairman’s Journal

Graduate Profile

Back of the Book

92 Gone But Not Forgotten 104 Class News 151 GX–Grad Exchange 152 Final Thought

10 Staff Directory 12 Letters 14 News

48 Scars 52 Lost and Found 56 A Falcon Ted Talk 60 Long Blue Ladle

Heritage 64 The Quest to Honor Heroes Continues 68 The Great Navy Goat Caper 69 Seeking Memories of Vietnam 72 AOG Alumni Achievement Award 72 Distinguished Graduates Nominations

Cadet Life 74 The Class of 2017 in Numbers 76 Doolies Fall In 80 Starting the Wonderful Journey

Checkpoints Online Bonus Content Make Your Reunion a Four Star Visit Things Were Always Tougher Long Blue Ladle: Off the Menu Ensuring Trust and Respect Prevail Cadets: A Poem Don’t Settle for Less More Reality of War

From the Terrazzo 82 Into the Hall 84 Gray Matter 86 Waldo 87 Happenings Checkpoints

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columns

Increasing the Value of Our Ring

By WIlliam “T” Thompson ’73, AOG President and CEO

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our AOG Board met in early August and our senior staff was pleased to brief them on the results of this past fiscal year, which ended on June 30, 2013.

I think it’s fair to say that we had one of the best years ever. Revenue was up almost 20 percent, membership continued to grow, the number of AOG Chapters reached 75 (our 2015 goal is 80) and our event staff continued to put together outstanding affairs which have given our graduates and members increased opportunities to connect with each other, build camaraderie and support our Academy and cadets.

We also got out on the road to see our grads across the country; from San Diego to New York, Las Vegas to Miami and Washington, D.C., just to name a few of the cities visited by your AOG staff this past year.

While in D.C., I had the opportunity to attend a great event hosted by the USAFA Endowment and to meet with several of our general officer grads including our Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark Welsh ’76. The Chief was very generous with his time and enthusiastically engaged in robust discussion concerning the Academy and our graduate community. The Chief is well aware and very appreciative of the progress made by your Association over the past few years.

From the proverbial “big picture” perspective, there are two questions that may come to mind concerning the great progress your AOG has made; how have we been able to make such headway and what are the benefits to the Academy and the graduate community thereof. Let me share my viewpoint as answers for your consideration.

The first factor in our success is an extremely competent, committed and hard-working Board of Directors who had the foresight and wisdom to adopt Dr. John Carver’s Strategic Governance

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model. Universally recognized as the standard for non-profit governance, it empowers the Board to focus on defining the strategic “Ends” for the AOG and charges the staff to develop the “Means” for moving your Association toward those “Ends.”

This model has allowed your staff the flexibility and incentive to be creative and imaginative in moving your AOG forward.

The second factor has been the agreement with the USAFA Endowment. Rather than being competitive organizations which foster confusion and misunderstanding, we are now working in concert to support both the Academy and the graduate community. Working very closely with my friend and classmate, General (Ret.) Steve Lorenz ’73, we are making great progress in providing the “extra margin of excellence” for our Academy and cadets while providing superior service to our graduate and member communities.

The third factor in our success is your talented, dedicated and professional AOG staff who collectively are one of our most valuable and treasured resources at USAFA. Motivated by a strong desire to serve, your staff consistently goes “above and beyond” in supporting the Academy, the cadets and our graduate and member community. We regularly receive letters and emails in praise of their skill and ability but just as important, their willingness to do what’s necessary to get the job done. Not only have they received professional accolades for their accomplishments, but the Academy Superintendent recently made a special trip to Doolittle Hall to present each AOG team member with the Commander’s Coin and to personally thank them for a job exceptionally well done.

Why then is our progress important? What is the advantage of having a strong and growing AOG? A vibrant Association provides a platform for our

graduates to stay connected to or reconnect with our Academy and to deliver strong support for the institution and our cadets. It also affords our grads the infrastructure to network in a professional or personal way, to socialize with each other and to help each other advance and succeed.

I’m sure most of you saw the recent college rankings in Forbes magazine. The Air Force Academy ranked 31 out of 650 colleges, which put us in the top 5 percent of the rankings, which is pretty good.

Yet, we were behind both Navy and Army, with West Point finishing in the top 10 at no. 7.

So why is it that schools with similar curriculums and military focus finished so far apart? It is interesting to note that the two most heavily weighted areas in the Forbes poll were student satisfaction and alumni success. One might assume then that West Point cadets have a higher degree of connection to and/or satisfaction with their school.

If the assumption is true, it is particularly informative given that West Point is generally considered to be more “military” than its counterparts and

that arguably, a young Army grad is more likely to be on the front lines of our county’s battles. One of our vital focus areas at the AOG is to help our grads build a stronger sense of connection and loyalty with the Academy and with each other.

We believe a key component of this strategy can be addressed with our cadets before they become grads. A robust Association which provides strong support to the Academy and cadets can better work with Air Force Academy leadership and the Cadet Wing to address these types of issues.

Other college ranking polls rate alumni engagement and giving, very highly in their criteria. It follows that a strong and engaged AOG with graduates who are stalwartly supportive of the Academy and dedicated to helping each other succeed at the highest levels, both in and out of the Air Force, serves to make our Academy an even more competitive institution. Moving our overall standings higher in these very public polls, enhances the worth of our brand and ultimately increases the value of the rings we wear. GO FALCONS!

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Checkpoints

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Chairman’s

Journal

By Brig. Gen. (ret.) Roger Carleton ’67

Fellow Graduates, The “Battle Rhythm” that characterizes the beginning of another year at our Air Force Academy is again in full operational mode.

The Class of 2017 began its four-year journey during Inprocessing at Doolittle Hall on June 27th. Last year, Inprocessing was performed at the Field House because of the devastating Waldo Canyon fire and the evacuation of the Academy’s housing areas. From my vantage point, it is important that the basic cadet appointees begin their journey here so they experience the Heritage Trail, the Distinguished Graduate pedestals, the replica of the Graduate War Memorial that resides on the Terrazzo and the Challenge Bridge where a ’59 graduate offers advice and encouragement before the cadet cadre takes over.

As in previous years, the Association of Graduates organized a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) program for those basic cadets who traveled to Colorado Springs by themselves.

Altogether, 128 families – comprised of graduates, faculty and coaches—hosted 170 basic cadets. Host families provide transportation, food and lodging for the incoming appointees.

This B&B program is fast becoming an Air Force Academy tradition that is unique among service academies and colleges.

Another area where graduates interact with the basic cadets is during discussions at Jacks Valley concerning our Honor Code. Thanks to Lt. Col. Rich Mandeville ’88, this program has grown over the years in importance.

Graduates are teamed up with a small group of basics to discuss what the Honor Code meant to them while at USAFA and in their careers post graduation. Having participated in these sessions the past few years, I can attest they do make a difference in convincing the soon-to-be four degrees that our Honor Code is most important to their development as cadets and officers.

The Acceptance Day parade for 2017 occurred August 6th. My class, 1967, is the legacy class for 2017. As such, eight of us participated in the 6

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event by handing out Contrails to the outstanding basic cadet in each of the summer squadrons. The Class of 2017 along with the three upper classes all raised their right hands and took the oath to live by our Honor Code. My classmates drafted me to give a short speech before we handed out Contrails. Rather than repeat my entire remarks, let me share that portion that dealt with our Honor Code: “Fourth and most important—embrace the honor code! It is the single most important aspect of academy life. Our honor code separates us from civilian institutions and rightly so. The consequences of not living up to the code can be disastrous. Yes, it is tough—especially the toleration clause that demands you to become involved if you suspect a fellow cadet has breached the code.

As but one example, when my class was in our second year, or as now called threedegree year, an honor scandal rocked this institution. One hundred and nine cadets left the Academy. Only four of the 109 were guilty of toleration; the rest had cheated.

I‘ll leave it to your imagination as to what might have happened if one brave cadet had come forward early on and reported what was going on.

The honor code does not, repeat does not, cease when you graduate from usafa. In fact, it is more important in our Air Force where an officer’s word is his or her bond with superiors and subordinates alike. The U.S. Air Force, as a potentially lethal force in executing our nation’s national security strategy, must be based on trust—absolute trust—that trust rests on honesty. Thus, I would unequivocally tell you that the honor code is absolutely critical to your time as a cadet as well as your performance upon graduation.”

Director Kathleen Rock ’98 led a task force to develop an Alumni Achievement Award. Of concern to the AOG Board was the limited number of awards, or recognition, given to

younger graduates. For example, the Distinguished Graduate award given at our Founder’s Day celebration in April focuses primarily on a lifetime of achievement that recognizes older graduates. In an effort to identify and honor a broader set of candidates, the Board of Directors in conjunction with the AOG created the Alumni Achievement Award.

The purpose of this award is to recognize graduates who are actively making a difference either in the military or in professional endeavors within the private sector. You can find expanded criteria and submission requirements for this award on page 72. Many graduates are making a difference in their respective careers and ought to be recognized for their accomplishments. Please take the time and effort to nominate a deserving graduate for this award.

Additionally, this is the time of the year when the call for nominations for graduates worthy of the Distinguished Graduate Award goes out. You can learn more about the specific criteria and how to submit a nomination on page 72.

As I mentioned in my first article, the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that defines the relationship between the AOG, the “friend-raisers,” and the USAFA Endowment, the “fundraisers,” expires on 31 December 2013 and is up for renewal. Both organizations have begun working on language for a new MOU that would be effective

January 1, 2014. The negotiations have been very cordial and characterized by both sides working together for their mutual benefit and that of the Academy. I foresee no major issues that would prevent ratification/approval by both Boards.

The change of command between Lt. Gen. Mike Gould ’76, and Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson ’81, occurred August 12th. Our Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh ’76, officiated at this time-honored ceremony that took place on the Terrazzo facing the Cadet Chapel. The Cadet Wing participated by forming up on the lawn facing the podium. All three speakers—the Chief and the outgoing and incoming Superintendents—highlighted the importance of the Air Force Academy producing the next generation of Airmen to lead our Air Force. The AOG bids a fond farewell to Lieutenant General Mike Gould and his wife, Paula, as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. At the same time, we look forward to working closely with Lieutenant General Johnson as she assumes the reins of command.

Finally, at our August board meeting William “T” Thompson ’73, the President and CEO, presented a synopsis of all the AOG staff has done this past year to connect with graduates around the country. Impressive is the single word I’d use to describe their efforts. GO FALCONS!

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Integrity. Service.

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ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

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Staff Directory 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475, (719) 472-0300 THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES To email a staff member, use the first and last name. Example: Gary Howe | gary.howe@aogusafa.org AOG Executive office President & CEO William “T” Thompson ’73, ext. 101 (t.thompson@aogusafa.org) Executive Vice President Gary Howe ’69, ext. 107 Sr. VP for Business Development Marty Marcolongo ’88, ext. 146 Sr. VP for Finance & Chief Financial Officer Alton Parrish, ext. 123 Executive Assistant Hadassa Muñoz, ext. 106 Finance Accountant Joyce Love, ext. 110 Senior Accounting Clerk Janice Baca, ext. 111 Sr. Data Integrity Specialist Kim Wilson, ext. 127 Sr. Data Integrity Specialist John Rice, ext. 132 Data Integrity Specialist Murlea Vance, ext. 130 Communications Sr. VP for Communications Bob McAllister, ext. 142 Senior Editor David Bergeman, ext. 143 Editor/Photographer Lewis Carlyle, ext. 140 Senior Designer Sarah Larrabee, ext. 144 Class News & Obituary Editor Tom Kroboth, ext. 133 Director of Web Communications Troy Surratt, ext. 125 Systems Administrator Jason Finkle, ext. 124 Programmer/Systems Analyst Gayatri Parepalli, ext. 118 Lead Programmer/Web Developer Toby Lortz, ext. 141 Director of Information Systems Jack Mueller ’70, ext. 122 Business Development Director of Programs Wayne Taylor, ext. 150 Director of Marketing Beth Wade, ext. 134

Alumni Affairs Vice President for Alumni Affairs Corrie Grubbs, ext. 105 Director of Constituent Relations Megan Mulligan, ext. 108 Membership Services Specialist Don McCarthy, ext. 139 Graduate Support Specialist Beth Szucs, ext .108 Alumni Affairs Event Coordinator Michele Bergeman, ext. 136 Alumni Affairs Event Coordinator Sara Dozier, ext. 138 Parent and Alumni Program Manager Stella Grayson, ext. 121 Doolittle Hall Events/Special Functions Director of Event Planning Ashlee Peterson, ext. 147 Special Functions Coordinator Jean Bickford, ext. 148 Customer Service and Facility Management Customer Service Supervisor Michele Cowan, ext. 151 Customer Service Representative Jan Howard, ext. 153 Customer Service Representative Amy Nisula, ext. 152 Customer Service Representative Brandi Gonzalez, ext. 154 Facilities Superintendent Dave Pfeil, ext. 155 Maintenance Specialist Jake Jacobs, ext. 155 The Association of Graduates Board of Directors Larry Fariss ’75 Board Chair Roger Carleton ’67 Kevin Chilton ’76 Vice Chair Vic Andrews ’66 Drew Miller ’80 Secretary Bebe O’Neil ’83 Steve Beasley ’93 Treasurer Jack Fry ’67 Kathleen Rock ’98 Mike Torreano ’70 Mark Rosenow ’03 Bob Munson ’73 CAS President Richard Sexton ’60 Bruce Wright ’73

The USAFA Endowment To email a staff member, use the first and last name. Example: Troy Danno | troy.danno@usafaendowment.org President & CEO Gen. (Ret.) Stephen R. Lorenz ’73 (steve.lorenz@usafaendowment.org) Vice President, Development Open position Executive Assistant Ruth Reichert ext. 206 Chief Financial Officer Dennis Scruggs, ext. 203 Associate Vice President for Development Greg Knedler, ext. 224 Director of Annual Giving Patricia O’Connor, ext. 221 Associate VP of Leadership Giving Jimmy Martello ’00, 719.229.4202

Director, Gift Planning Dale Zschoche, 719.238.7510 Major Gift Officer Troy Danno ‘12, 304.579.7999 Major Gift Officer Obura Tongoi ‘11, 719.375.9082 Class Giving Officer Razelle Doherty, ext. 222 Annual Giving Officer Amanda Brown, ext. 223 Manager of Donor Relations Gina Simler, ext. 200 Director of Development Communications Jayme McGuire, ext. 220 Staff Accountant Patricia DeSimone, ext. 204

Volume 42, number 2 Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719333-4194, E-mail: editor@aogusafa.org.) A portion of your dues pays for your magazine subscription. Additional copies may be purchased for $2.50 each, plus $4.60 for shipping. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. The Editorial Board serves the Checkpoints mission by providing a top quality magazine to the Air Force Academy’s broader community. Together, the editor, VP of Communications, Executive VP and the AOG CEO collaborate to ensure that all articles meet the standards of excellence readers have come to expect of Checkpoints. The AOG reserves the right to publish or omit submissions at its discretion. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the AOG, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the AOG of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, September, 2013.

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state of mind Feedback, insight and fun from Falcon Nation.

correction. The third letter contained a clipping titled roughly, “Come on Ms., he was so close, and that’s good enough for us.” I never did find out if Mr. Truman knew about this tempest in a teapot and what he thought about it, if anything.

Meeting Harry Truman Good article [“How I Met the President”] in the last Checkpoints. I wish I had known about it especially since no one mentioned meeting President Harry Truman. When I was home on leave in St. Joseph, Missouri after the U.S. field trip during third class summer (summer of 1961), I was contacted by an Academy Public Affairs Officer and asked if I would like to make a presentation to Harry Truman. Of course I said yes. Two other Missouri cadets (senior to me) and I met in Kansas City in uniform and were taken to Independence, Missouri for an appointment with Mr. Truman.

We presented him with an Academy flag and for some reason a Missouri flag. Mr. Truman was very interested in the Academy and our experiences. During the conversation he asked if any one of us knew the translation of the Missouri motto on the flag. Having suffered through two years of Latin in high school, I gave it a shot. Mr. Truman thanked us for our visit and we left. President Truman was very gracious and a true gentleman.

I thought the whole thing was interesting, but real life was continuing and I went back for the third class year. At the Academy, I received a letter from my mother with a newspaper clipping. The clipping, “Our Boy Came Through,” had details of our meeting and the translation story with my effort. The next letter had another clipping—a high school Latin teacher in St. Joseph countered that my translation wasn’t quite right and gave a 12

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Robert W. Coburn, Class of 1964 Questioning History 200Z I read the article, “American History Returns” in the June Checkpoints. I agree that a “substantial number [of cadets are] deficient in the areas of basic United States history.” Having removed American History from the curriculum in 1987 indicates USAFA has contributed to that deficiency.

Lt. Gen. Gould ’76 states that History 200Z will be “targeted at a group of 150 cadets who demonstrate deficient knowledge of American history.” How

TweetBack “@AirForceGrads Dropping for pushups because I laughed at something the cadre said ... just minutes after arriving at the BMM ramp” @PrestonSchlacht, Preston Schlachter ’94, on what he remembers most about USAFA Inprocessing.

Quarterly Query

What was your favorite social event at the Academy?

Graduation 29% Ring Dance 27% Parents Weekend 22% 100th Night 18% Other 4%

will this deficiency be demonstrated? By examination? By actions? By statements?

By thoughts? And why 150? Suppose that more cadets are deficient?

The purported emphasis of this course is “issues involving racial and ethnic minorities, gender equality” and it is meant to support USAFA’s desired outcome of “Respect for Human Dignity.” It starts to sound like potential for PC indoctrination, not an unbiased survey of U.S. history.

While I favor inclusion, the “devil is in the details” of determining who is “targeted” to take History 200Z and what is its content.

Will it be seen on a transcript as a “punishment” for “incorrect thinking?” Are there career implications?

Reference other history, perhaps the Chinese Cultural Revolution or post-war Vietnam.

Jeff Parrish, Class of 1968 On the Honor Code Lt. Col. Joel Witzel’s “cool” opening rhetorical question “telegraphed” an uneasiness that what was coming had little to do with the health of the Honor Code and more with his paean to the “Center for Character and Leadership Development”; portraying, as it does, the Code as merely a “symbol.”

His temerity to boast that, “There have been over 150 changes, large and small, to the System, since 1955” implies frequent tinkering with the Code and its administration in an effort to make it more compatible with American society—and yet failing to get it “right!” The Cadet Honor Code, fourteen words that extend far beyond their literal meaning, ought to be administered free of bureaucratic meddling.

As the Cadet Honor Committee Chairman, I briefed a retired NORAD commander on the Code and its cadet administration, stressing education and the positive correlation with a reduction in the number alleged violations.

Letters Guidelines Checkpoints welcomes the feedback of our readers. Letters should reference content published in the magazine and run 150 words in length or less. The editor reserves the right to determine the suitability of letters for publication and to edit them for length and accuracy. Please include your name and graduating year if you are an Academy graduate and email your submission to editor@aogusafa.org.

Check In with Checkpoints A

Fee li

Afterward, I asked the General if he had any questions. He said he had only a comment: “Mr. Fer, keep in mind that figures don’t lie but liars often use figures,” hastening to add that he did not mean to imply I was a liar just that one needs to be cautious about using figures to make a point.

Take a walk across the Terrazzo to Sijan Hall, reflecting on why it’s called Sijan Hall.

John Fer, Class of 1962

Green? g n

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Email editor@aogusafa.org and you can defer shipment of the print edition of the magazine.

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A: Tom McGrain ’69 and his wife, Lori, starting an amazing eight day safari at the entrance to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. B: Stephen Simko ’95, pictured with son, Lukas, celebrated his 40th birthday, by touring the canals in and around Birmingham, England on a 60-foot narrow boat. C: This past summer, Phill Kolbe ’70 served on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua helping treat over 600 patients. D: Mark D. Holmes ’75 traveled to Australia for three weeks to take in the land down under. Here, he poses in front of Uluru (Ayres Rock), the mammoth monolith located in the central outback.

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((((

The Transmission USAFA news from around the globe … and beyond.

Hague ’98 Selected as 2013 NASA Astronaut Candidate After an extensive year-and-a-half search, NASA has a new group of potential astronauts who will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. Eight candidates have been selected to be NASA’s newest astronaut trainees, including Lt. Col. Tyler Hague ’98.

The 2013 astronaut candidate class comes from the second largest number of applications NASA has ever received— more than 6,100. The group will receive a wide array of technical training at space centers around the globe to prepare for missions to low-Earth orbit, an asteroid and Mars.

’13 Grad is DoD’s Fastest Woman Triathlete Second Lt. Samantha Morrison ’13 recently competed in and won the Armed Forces National Championships in her first race as an active duty Air Force officer. She finished this race, which involved a 1k swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run in 2:07.39, making her the fastest woman triathlete in the DoD and the third fastest in the world.

According to her resume, Morrison is in her seventh year of competing in triathlons. She was recruited to run Division I cross country and track at the Academy. After only one season, she decided that triathlon racing was her true passion.

Klotz ’73 Chosen to Oversee Nuclear Weapons President Obama has nominated Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Frank Klotz ’73 to be undersecretary of energy for nuclear security. Klotz would also lead the National Nuclear Security Administration, which maintains the security, safety, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. Klotz retired in March of 2011. His final assignment was leading the Air Force Global Strike Command.

Grads Three-Peat as Wild Cow Milking Champions While thousands were watching the professional rodeo entertainers during the Colorado Springs Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, there was an amateur competition in the middle of each show where four person teams went to battle with a wild cow. The goal: to try to milk it! For the third year, the “Git ‘Er Milked” team featuring, Mike Kadlubowski ’81, Larry Commerford, Chad Clementz ’97 and Frank Mindrup ’99 took the trophy home. While three teammates struggle to hold the cow in place, the milker, Chad Clementz, dove under a 1,000-pound cow to procure a winning amount of milk to bring to the judge. The team has donated the $3,000 in award money to military charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project. However, they have retained their coveted championship belt buckles and a rotating trophy.

USAFA Grad to Lead Navy Seals Rear Admiral Brian L. Losey ’83 has been named the new commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command (Navy SEALs). During his career, Losey has commanded the ultraelite Naval Special Warfare Development Group, often called SEAL Team 6. He previously served under U.S. Africa Command as Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and Commander, Special Operations Command Africa.

Armacost Takes Over as Dean Brig. Gen. Andrew Armacost became the Academy’s 10th Dean of the Faculty in a transfer of command ceremony June 25 in the Arnold Hall Ballroom. As the Dean, Armacost will command the 700-member Dean of the Faculty mission element and oversee the annual design and instruction of more than 500 undergraduate courses for 4,000 cadets in 31 academic disciplines. He will also direct the operation of five support staff agencies and faculty resources involving more than $350 million.

Armacost’s educational background includes a doctorate in operations research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Northwestern University. Before taking over as the Dean, he was the head and permanent professor of the Academy’s Management Department. (Ray Bowden/Academy Spirit)

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Turpen ’66 Honored by Living Legends of Aviation Awards Often referred to as the Academy Awards of Aviation, the Living Legends of Aviation Awards is a prestigious awards gala held annually in Beverly Hills. The Legends of Aviation honor significant contributions to aviation. Louis A. Turpen ’66, who served as CEO of San Francisco International Airport from 1981-1995 and CEO of Toronto International Airport from 1995-2004 was inducted at the 2013 awards by the “Official Ambassador of Aviation,” John Travolta.

Turpen, the first airport executive to be honored, joins a small but illustrious group that includes astronauts Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan and Col. Frank Borman; business leaders including Sir Richard Branson, Edsel B. Ford, Paul Allen, Bruce McCaw and Barron Hilton; and actors including John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman and Kurt Russell.

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WHO’S THE BOSS

Meet the 19th Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy Lieutenant General Michelle Johnson ’81

It was as American as a young Iowa farm kid shooting baskets on a hoop attached to a barn … on August 12th, 2013, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson ’81 took command of the Air Force Academy, replacing retiring Lt. Gen. Michael Gould ’76 to become the first female Superintendent in USAFA history.

After the deftly orchestrated change of command ceremony, during which General Gould was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal, Johnson wasn’t keen to dwell on the shattering of glass ceilings. Her response on the topic of the historical significance of her appointment was simple and humble: the whole thing is just a very American experience.

“I am focused on being the best 19th Air Force Academy Superintendent that I can be for the USAF,” says Johnson. “Every chapter in an institution’s history brings its own opportunities and challenges.”

Taking advantage of opportunities and constantly challenging herself are hallmarks of the Spencer, Iowa native.

Johnson has lived a life both bucolic and beyond sophisti-

Written by David Bergeman | Images by Lewis Carlyle 16

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cated. She grew up driving tractors, baling hay and fishing in northern Iowa’s “Great Lakes.” In high school she was a sprinter and hurdler on a state championship track team, a star basketball player and straight-A student. Later in life she would serve as an aide to two presidents.

How often do you hear that a high school career day changed the course of a life? One did for Johnson after she heard a USAFA Admissions Liaison Officer give a presentation on the school. She instantly knew the Academy was the place for her and it was because of the values she learned growing up.

“My parents taught me about integrity, respect for others and hard work,” Johnson says, “not too much of a leap to the core values of the USAF.” Johnson would waste little time in writing new chapters in the Academy history. She was the first female Cadet Wing Commander, she was the first female USAFA Rhodes Scholar and she scored 1,706 points to become the second all-time leading scorer in Air Force women’s basketball history (she’s a 2007 USAFA Athletic Hall of Fame inductee).

At the University of Oxford, she earned a Master of Arts degree in politics and economics. It was a formative time for her that broadened her global perspective and sharpened her intellect.

“It increased my awareness of the points of view from the U.K., Europe and the world of international students—in a place where I was a foreign student,” Johnson explains. “And, importantly, it allowed me to reflect and polish my own views, especially through the tutorial system which demanded research, writing and oral defense of one’s positions.”

Johnson also had fun in England. She founded a women’s basketball club (she emphasizes that they beat Cambridge). Johnson also tried rowing in an eightperson boat, but admits that the endeavor ended with her covered more in Thames river water than glory.

After Oxford, Johnson went on to graduate pilot training with honors before conducting mobility operations around the world. She logged more than 3,600 flight hours in eight different aircraft. In 1989, she returned to the Academy for a three-year stint as an assistant professor of political science and instructor pilot. Presently, Johnson is eager to reacquaint herself with her alma mater.

“The danger for graduates like us is to let our memories trump the facts,” she says. “It’s important for me to remember this is not 1977 when I first stepped foot here, this is not 1981, and even my time on the faculty is now dated nearly twenty years, so I have a lot of listening to do and a lot of learning to do to understand how things are now.”

Johnson’s previous assignment was in Belgium where she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

There she was a planner for operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Johnson has served three consecutive years of joint tours and four total joint tours in her career—eight of her 32 years of commissioned service were in joint assignments. These experiences colored her comments during the change of command ceremony. w

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“At the end of the day our mission is to produce lieutenants who walk out the door with pride in their service, but not with hubris, with confidence in what they can do, but with enough humility to listen and to learn, to have the resilience to overcome adversity and grow stronger through it, and to have respect for the human dignity in ourselves and in others.”

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Lt. Gen. Johnson ’81 graciously accepts command as the Air Force Academy’s 19th Superintendent.

Johnson emphasized the unique capabilities that the Air Force can bring to bear in conflicts around the world. She noted that our allies marvel at America’s amazing NCO corps, and at the mutual respect and family atmosphere among American service members.

She encouraged the Cadet Wing to be prepared to lead 24/7 with core values as their charter.

The Academy faces countless challenges in the days and years ahead. The issue of sexual assault and misconduct has proven to be a service-wide epidemic that needs to be closely examined and resolved with expediency. The sequestration continues to diminish resources for the DoD and the Academy. There will be countless other obstacles to come—Johnson is ready to attack them head on.

“We’ll have to really pull together, understand our priorities and do the right thing for the Air Force because the end of this whole thing is the Air Force and our nation, not us,” Johnson told the Cadet Wing. “At the end of the day our mission is to produce lieutenants who walk out the door with pride in their service, but not with hubris, with confidence in what they can do, but with enough humility to listen and to learn, to have the resilience to overcome adversity and grow stronger through it, and to have respect for the human dignity in ourselves and in others. I can’t wait to get started.”

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Getting to Know You Q and A with Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson CP: What is the biggest change you’ve seen in the Air Force over the course of your career?

Johnson: I started my service as a worldwide C-141 airlift pilot during a Cold War with conventional and nuclear operations focus; after the Berlin Wall fell, our posture changed. In the 1990s, following Desert Shield/Desert Storm, I was deployed often to the Persian Gulf in KC-10s; and post 2001, airmen have been engaged in deployments to combat zones for over a decade. So, our junior officers and enlisted airmen are tremendously seasoned in deployments to engage asymmetric threats that were not at the forefront when I was a company grade officer.

CP: Tell us a little bit about your family?

Johnson: My husband, John Hargreaves, is a retired AF pilot, an ’82 VMI grad, Eagle Scout, Outward Bound, electrical engineer, flight test engineer, C-141 instructor pilot, USAFA T-41 instructor pilot, and former Airlift Liaison to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa. He’s proven that all these credentials make him a great stay-at-home dad for our ten-yearold twin sons, Mitchell and Preston.

CP: What was your go-to move on the basketball court?

Johnson: The driving pull-up baseline jump shot.

CP: What activities or hobbies keep you sane?

Johnson: We enjoy travel to historical, cultural and LEGOS themed sites(!), plus outdoor activities, reading and sports.

CP: What’s your favorite restaurant in the world?

Johnson: I’ve had the privilege to dine in some very fine establishments from the White House to European capitals; but the meal I appreciated most was the hard roll and broth that we savored during SERE. CP: Is there one military leader that you find most interesting or inspiring?

Johnson: There are actually two I’d like to mention: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, James M. McCoy. Currently in retirement in Nebraska, Chief McCoy still visits AF wings and inspires airmen of all ranks, civilian and military. A friend from USAFA ’78, Maj. Gen. Joe Reynes, recently sent me the 1980 Air Force Almanac. Chief McCoy’s insights therein still resonate today: “Society has changed over the years and so have the young people who are entering today’s Air Force. The ‘brown shoe’ days are gone. These airmen must be led— not pushed. Providing that leadership, by example, every hour, every day, is probably the single biggest challenge we face in keeping our force motivated. It’s not an easy thing to do. Sometimes we have to make decisions that may not be popular, but these airmen will accept them if they understand why it’s necessary. It takes time and effort and a great deal of patience. Unfortunately, some of us have gotten into the habit of not supervising, not leading—simply managing for eight hours a day, then forgetting about our Air Force and concentrating on other outside activities. Leadership in today’s Air Force is a twenty-four-hour-a-day job!”

Second, my CS-21 AOC, now Col. (Ret.) William S. Reeder, Jr., U.S. Army. Then Major, Reeder was a Cobra helicopter pilot who’d been shot down in Vietnam in the early ’70s, and taken POW. He always deferred to those who’d been held prisoner longer. He led us cadets with great insight and caring, but also with great dignity and professional distance that we would all do well to model.

Perhaps ironically, this Army aviator motivated me to pursue an Air Force flying career.

CP: What’s your favorite book?

Johnson: I’d like to cite three, and wish there were room for more: 1776 by David McCullough, Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose and Unbroken

by Laura Hillebrand.

CP: What is one piece of advice you wish you had received as a doolie?

Johnson: The best advice that I did receive was from my father, who strongly recommended not to lose my sense of humor. Of course, I would also have benefitted from a broader perspective and greater maturity; but those attributes I had to earn with experience.

So you want to be Superintendent?

In his comments at the change of command ceremony, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Mark Welsh III ’76, detailed Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson’s path to becoming Superintendent.

“Start by being the Cadet Wing Commander, a Rhodes Scholar and the second all-time leading scorer for the Falcon basketball team. Finish your master’s degree at Oxford and then finish pilot training with honors.

“Conduct mobility operations all over the world.

Upgrade early to instructor pilot. Come back to the Academy as a faculty member then follow someone like Mike Gould as the military aide to the president of the United States—then accompany two presidents on 100-plus trips overseas while you’re on the job.

“Do that job and every other job well enough that the Air Force promotes you early to major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. Have your boss write you a performance report that you are their number one commander at the squadron, the group and the wing level. Have the chairman of the joint chiefs say you are ‘professionally unrivaled.’

“Flawlessly run NATO air and ground operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo, counter terrorism operations in the Mediterranean and counter piracy operations off of the Horn of Africa.

“Be smart enough to marry someone like John Hargreaves, a guy with 4,000 mobility flying hours of his own, who set his own career aside to stay home and raise two great young men who love reading and Nintendo Wii … I think I can take them in Wii Bowling! We’ll test that out soon.

“Have the guts to take over the world’s largest mobility wing while you’re pregnant, deliver twins six months later, and still lead that wing to the number one ranking in the command. Do all that and I’ll see you at the ceremony.

“The Academy remains in good hands.”

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authors corner

Once a Fighter Pilot by Warren Trest When Lt. Gen. Cleveland (USMA ’49) saw two Marlin B-10 bombers land in a field near his home, he ran “up to the field and climbed all over the airplanes,” thus even as a young child, fueling his love with aviation. Cleveland went on to West Point and to a remarkable career in the Air Force, with decades as an Air Force fighter pilot and commander on the frontlines of defense in the Cold War, Korea and Vietnam Wars. Still today he is very involved in community and military affairs. But when he became the last person to be named a Fighter Ace, the fortieth Fighter Jet Ace of the Korean War, and that honor coming fifty-six years after the fact, Lt. Gen. Cleveland received an honor he never thought would come to fruition.

Available at www.amazon.com. ISBN: 978-1579660918. For a signed copy of Once a Fighter Pilot from “Chick,” email marketing@aogusafa.org.

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WALKING WITH The story of one airman’s journey back to Vietnam

December 27, 1972 | The Christmas Bombing of North Vietnam

The A-7s successfully struck their objective and the F-4 provided cover as the attack aircraft departed the target area. Spotty clouds dotted the sunny winter sky as weapon systems operator Jack Trimble ’70 and his pilot Carl Jefcoat directed their F-4 further into North Vietnamese territory to search for threats.

Trimble spotted it first, the incoming red stars on the wing of a low flying MiG-21. The Americans acted quickly to attempt an intercept of the North Vietnamese fighter, but a perfect storm of imperfect circumstances ensued. The Americans radioed Red Crown seeking clearance to fire but the MiG wasn’t visible on controlling agency’s radar. An instant later the MiG maneuvered and disappeared into a cloud. Sight was lost.

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The F-4 sliced back changing direction. Jefcoat was weaving the aircraft, when “Bandits attacking,” cracked over the radio. The pilot made a hard right turn, but it was too late. An explosion rocked the aircraft and the airmen ejected, beginning the slow egress to the hills southwest of Hanoi. Two days later, President Richard Nixon suspended aerial operations north of the 20th parallel.

ENEMIES PAST WRITTEN BY DAVID BERGEMAN | IMAGES BY JACK TRIMBLE ’70

Above: photo illustration by Lewis Carlyle. Original F4 Phantom photo by USAF Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker.

April 1, 2012 | Memphis, Tennessee “I was looking for a really nice cruise to go on with my wife, Rachel,” Jack Trimble says, “and I saw information for the Magnificent Mekong River Cruise.”

The Trimbles had been stationed in Germany and had seen much of Europe, where the river cruises travel serenely down the Rhine and the Danube. He wanted something different. The thought of going back to Vietnam wasn’t really on his radar until he saw that Mekong River Cruise link pop up on his web browser. Then there was the date, which stood out as if it were lit in neon: the cruise departed from Hanoi

on December 26th, almost exactly 40 years to the date of the retired FedEx pilot’s shoot-down, “the luckiest day of his life,” he calls it.

“Rachel asked me, ‘Are you sure you want to go back?’” Trimble recalls. “I told her I didn’t have a problem with going back. I didn’t have any terrible memories of being a prisoner. I was mostly making sure that everyone I was with, the group of 24, psychologically and physically made it to the end. They did.”

Flights were booked, cruise slots were secured, and one airman began his journey back to Vietnam. w

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December 27, 1972 | Drifting to the Ground

Another Search and Rescue mission was in progress almost directly under where Trimble and Jefcoat were hit. Years later, Trimble would discover that three of his close friends—Roger Riggs ’70, Bill Lincoln ’70 and John Penny ’70—were in Sandys (A-7s) only a mile or so from his parachute.

As he descended to earth, he could see planes circling the area and crowds gathering in a small village below, preparing a search party to follow his parachute. The images are seared in his mind. As the ground continued to rise up Trimble tucked his knees together and secured his mask in anticipation of a serious impact. When he came to a gentle stop as his parachute caught in the trees, Trimble was concerned.

He wondered how he was going to get down safely.

When he opened his eyes and put his feet down, his legs were two inches off the ground.

Knowing that a search party would soon be on him, Trimble quickly hid in some nearby underbrush instead of fleeing through a rice paddy where he would surely be spotted. After the initial wave of searchers found his chute, to his surprise they left posthaste. Trimble thought he might be in decent shape. He waited for what seemed like hours before making a quiet radio call. Then he heard people approaching. It was a farmer and an elderly woman. They stopped and Trimble heard a gasp; he had been discovered.

November 2, 2012 | Memphis, Tennessee

Months after the visit to Vietnam had been “finalized,” Trimble began to wonder if he could learn more about the events of that day four decades earlier. After some research, he found a book about MiG-21 units with a list of U.S./VPAF engagements during the war. The book had the name of a pilot connected with his shootdown—General Tran Viet. Trimble knew that in 2005, Brigadier General (Ret.) Dan Cherry ’64, a fellow 13th TFS member, had returned to Hanoi searching for the MiG-21 pilot that he had shot down in 1972. He found that man, Hong My, and an enduring friendship (the story is recounted in Cherry’s book, My Enemy, My Friend). Next, Trimble contacted Cherry to see if a meeting with Hong My could be arranged and both men sent letters to My explaining the situation. Then he waited. He didn’t hear a reply until after leaving for Vietnam. He was on a layover in Hong Kong when he received a message from General Cherry that Hong My would “take care of them.” They anxiously awaited whatever would happen next.

December 27, 1972 | Capture

Trimble was taken through several checkpoints before he was hogtied, blindfolded and thrown in the back of

a truck. It was through his blindfold that he caught a glimpse of Carl Jefcoat, whom he feared had perished in the shoot down. The knowledge that his front seater was alive provided a modicum of relief as the truck drove through the night. The next morning they arrived at Hoa Lo—the Hanoi Hilton. There, Trimble was dragged to a solitary cell by himself and interrogated over the course of the following three days.

On the third day, a North Vietnamese soldier came to his cell and asked if he wanted to let his family know that he was alive. Trimble was brought to the Hanoi Opera House where he and several other prisoners were paraded on to a stage and broadcast on a Christmas bombing special that was aired back in the States. His parents were watching and saw that he was OK. Over the course of the next few weeks he was moved twice to rooms with eight other men.

“I can honestly look at that day and say, because I wasn’t killed or seriously injured, it was one of the luckiest days of my life.”

There he shared information and helped the others as much as possible. He spent many hours standing on tippy toes, hoping to catch a glimpse of anything over the concrete prison walls. Then welcome news arrived after they were transferred to another prison: Cu Lac or “The Zoo.” “We were brought to an old, dilapidated auditorium with a bunch of other POWs,” Trimble remembers, “and a camp commander came out and read the news that the peace had been signed and we would all be released within three months. It would be in reverse order of shoot down with the exception of those who were sick or severely injured.”

On March 29th, 1973, Trimble was put on a bus with the last of the Americans to be released. It was a sunny day, but Hanoi was smoldering and gloomy. On his way to the Gia Lam Airport, Trimble took note of the derelict buildings, distinct for their 19th century French architecture; the upended locomotives and twisted rails.

Everywhere he looked there were signs of a country and people too long at war. He was ready to go home.

When Trimble returned to the States he tended to insulate himself in a quiet way. He didn’t want to talk about his experience or get too close to people. It was just easier to be solitary.

“I’m just now starting to realize that I was probably a lot more affected than I may have wanted to admit,” Trimble says. “I always considered that 90 days was not long enough to affect me and the incarceration really didn’t.

“I think I was much more affected by the one year of combat, because we were flying missions almost every day that we might not come back from.”

When reflecting on his life, Trimble sees December 27th as a stroke of good fortune for many reasons. “I can honestly look at that day and say, because I wasn’t killed or seriously injured, it was one of the luckiest days of my life.”

When Trimble returned to the States, he was allowed to go to pilot training and get his wings, which to him was like winning the lottery. He explains that he went on to have a successful Air Force career before spending 20 years as a commercial airline pilot. Without the shootdown, his life would have been dramatically different.

“I have my map here and I would like to locate the site where I was shot down 40 years ago,” Trimble says to his former adversary.

December 23, 2012 | Hanoi, Vietnam Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel

In a luxurious hotel lobby in Hanoi, Trimble’s wife, Rachel, spotted Hong My and the two pilots exchanged greetings. Despite the jet lag and what would be an early rise to start his tour, Trimble and My ventured out into the controlled chaos of the bustling Hanoi streets to visit Hong My’s nearby home. On the walk, Trimble found himself thinking that stepping out off the curb was at least equivalent to any Route Pack VI mission he could remember.

They arrived at Hong My’s residence and were quickly outfitted with a Tiger beer. My’s son translated their Top: Taken from a roster book on display at the Hanoi Hilton, these ten POWs were displayed to the world press on December 29, 1972. This was the first notice to their families that they had survived shoot-down. From top left: Carl Jefcoat; John Anderson; Jack Trimble ’70; Brian Ward and James Gough. From bottom left: Jim Condon; Frank Lewis; Bill Conlee; Bob Hudson and Duane Vavroch.

Bottom: Hero shot of Lt. Jack Trimble in the 13th TFS at Udorn RTAFB taken in the summer of 1972. Trimble’s son, Eric, is a 2003 Air Force Academy graduate.

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conversation, as they ruminated on the war and thumbed through photographs. Trimble began to fade as the 12-hour jet-lag hit and the two air warriors returned to the hotel. In a central roundabout just a few blocks away, a mangled B-52 rested in effigy as the two men said their farewells. It was decided that they would meet again on December 25th.

“Big surprise,” Hong My said before leaving. Then he was gone, enveloped by buzzing motorbikes and the bedlam of the Hanoi night.

December 25, 2012 | Hanoi, Vietnam Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel

Hong My greeted the Trimbles in the same hotel lobby two days later. They had just completed part one of their tour, visiting islands and enjoying Vietnam’s immense beauty. Trimble was fascinated by the transformation the country had seen in 40 years. High-rises dotted the sky and construction was omnipresent.

However, it was this encounter with Hong My that occupied many of Trimble’s thoughts. Little did he know that he would soon be one of the subjects of a Vietnamese military history television show.

The Trimbles were shown to an SUV where hidden cameras followed their every movement. As they were driven to a very charming Vietnamese restaurant, they glanced out the window furtively, wondering what was next. Upon arriving they were seated and a camera crew appeared. Trimble was now being interviewed.

“Do you like being in Hanoi,” they asked him.

“What did you do in the war? What were your memories of being shot down?”

In another section of the restaurant, General Tran Viet is undertaking a similar line of questioning. He is asked about a battle with the French and engagements in the Vietnam War—then the events of December 23rd, 1972.

“Do you know what happened to the men in the planes that were shot down,” the host asked. “Would you like to meet one of the men?”

Viet rose from his table to walk through the empty restaurant and meet the American. They shake hands and the Trimbles are presented with a purple bouquet of flowers. Then Trimble and Viet recount the events of the day that will link them forever.

Previous page: Standing in front of a MiG-21 at the Military Air Park and Museum in Hanoi on December 25th, 2012, are from left Lt. Nugyen Hong My; Rachel Trimble; Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jack Trimble and PNAF Brig. Gen. Tran Viet.

Above: Tran Viet and Jack Trimble in front of an American Phantom II. This Navy F-4B from CVA-63 (USS Kitty Hawk) belly landed in the Ma River after its crew ejected on May 12th, 1967. The crew members, Ev Southwick and Jack Rollins, were captured and later repatriated in 1973.

“I have my map here and I would like to locate the site where I was shot down 40 years ago,” Trimble says to his former adversary.

“I took off from Nhu Mon west of Ha Noi,” Viet says, pointing at the map. “Two hours later, your airplanes attack this point here.”

And so it went.

“There is an interesting aspect to this, in that my front seater would never admit that we had been shot down by a MiG. He claimed it was a mechanical problem related to jettisoning a centerline tank that blew up the airplane,” Trimble explains. “I asked Tran Viet, ‘When you fired your missile did you see it hit our airplane?’ He said, ‘No, because your wingman was turning hard into me and I had to react to him.’ He did see the plane going down. That answered the question—that he never saw the missile hit us. Now, I can still stand at Carl’s grave and say, ‘Carl, maybe you were right.’”

Trimble’s experience is something that most veterans will never know. What is it like to meet an adversary— one who tried to kill you four decades earlier?

“I hate to say it, but had we been able to shoot at him, it would probably have killed him.” Trimble says. “Because he was low and fast and our weapons were unforgiving. He shot us down and nobody died. There wasn’t this terrible sense of loss between the two of us. Now, had I lost friends to MiGs? Yes. Had he lost a lot of friends in MiGs? Yes. That is what war is about.”

Time can be a powerful elixir for the healing of wounds. Warriors who answer the call of duty often bear the scars of battle long after the peace treaties have been signed. While the Vietnam War will long endure in the memory of our nation, we can find solace in knowing that those who return to Southeast Asia can find resolution with the past.

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Serving our military personnel, and helping the Academy Bryan Zawikowski ’89 n

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Top Chemistry graduate – Class of 1989 All-American Collegiate Boxer on 1989 National Championship Team MS degree in Aeronautical Sciences, EmbryRiddle University Vice President and General Manger of Lucas Group’s Military Transition Division Joined Lucas Group in 1994 Matches American military talent with resultsdriven civilian companies, including USAFA

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Married to Andrea “Andi”

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Wisconsin native, now living in Dallas, Texas

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Polaris Society member since 2013

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Legacy gift will help USAFA priorities

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Past AOG Board Member

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Sabre Society donor

“The Air Force Academy experience forges outstanding leaders for our Air Force, who make significant contributions on AND off active duty. I am proud to give back to an institution that gave so much to me, so they can continue to provide a world-class education in addition to providing supplemental leadership development programs that make all the difference in the development of young leaders. This is especially important in a budget-challenged era,” says Bryan. He has named the USAFA Endowment as a beneficiary, to leave a lasting legacy at the Air Force Academy.

In addition to helping to secure an exceptional future for cadets who will join you on the long blue line, a bequest to the USAFA Endowment may also lessen the tax burden on your family and estate. For information and assistance, contact Dale Zschoche at 719.238.7510 or dale.zschoche@usafaendowment.org.

THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

ENDOWMENT Looking Forward – Giving Back

INTEGRITY l SERVICE

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THE SABRE SOCIETY Sabre Society level donors understand that the rich heritage of the Academy lies in the accomplishments of its graduates. They know the value of their leadership level gifts.

Sabre Society level gifts ($1,000 or more annually) to the Air Force Academy Fund help make a premier Academy experience possible.

These gifts help provide the best possible resources and opportunities for the Academy, its cadets, and the graduate community.

Sabre Society level gifts have a profound impact by supporting Academy projects, providing cadet support, and sustaining graduate services. These gifts make an impact in the following areas: • The Center for Character and Leadership Development • Cadet Clubs and Intramurals • International Immersion • Class Legacy Program • Chapter Programs … and many others Please give now – your support is needed and greatly appreciated.

Give online: giveafaf.org Give by phone: 719.472.0300 Give by mail: Checks payable to: USAFA Endowment 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 For additional information visit www.usafa.org/SabreSociety or email afaf@usafaendowment.org

EXCELLENCE

OFF THE GRID A

Homesteading in the Alaskan Wilderness At 1400 Alaskan time, a chartered boat arrived at the rocky shoreline of a desolate island. It swayed gently as a ramp lowered and a supply-laden amphibious vehicle drove off, traveling the remaining distance to the rocky beach. When it reached the arrival point, a well-groomed man with short red hair horseshoeing a shaved scalp hopped joyfully off and began unloading the first of five loads of supplies. For Charles Baird ’94, the moment was both exhilarating and anxious; for seventeen years he had awaited the challenge of homesteading his own piece of land and the opportunity to live a life free of the ulcer inducing stresses of work.

WRITTEN BY DAVID BERGEMAN | IMAGES BY CHARLES BAIRD

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“Have I gotten myself into something I can’t handle?” Baird wondered on that first day. “What if I lose communication and get seriously hurt? I could get into a situation where I could get killed out here!”

Baird contemplated this unsettling thought while he stood on the soil of Latouche Island, a 36 square mile rock located in Prince William Sound, some 30 miles from mainland Alaska. A century earlier the island was home to the state’s second largest settlement, a bustling mining community that helped extract 185 million pounds of copper from the earth. When the copper market dried up, Latouche became a veritable ghost

island. The only remaining signs of humanity are a few hunting shacks and a rundown house.

When Baird was stationed in North Dakota working with strategic missiles, he and a friend would frequently discuss the merits of homesteading in a remote part of the world.

The notion stuck. After separating from the Air Force, Baird traveled the world working in the oil industry. He regularly put in 80-100 hour weeks working on oil rigs—he hated the stress. Eventually, Baird settled in Alaska where he was a contracts specialist for British Petroleum. In June of 2012, he quit his job. He spent $8,500 on an acre and a half of land and began his yearlong experiment in solitude. w

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OFF THE GRID “It’s kind of funny because twenty years ago I would not have seen myself doing this.” Baird laughs, “I would have thought it was kind of flaky; poets and dreamers kind of stuff.”

According to Baird, leaving everything behind is a lot easier than you think.

“The cost is relatively inexpensive,” explains the enthusiastic homesteader. “You can get land for as little as $500 an acre in Alaska. The whole year cost me about $30,000, a third of that was transport, the house cost $5,000 and the rest went to supplies.

Beyond that it’s not that hard at all; you just quit your job and go for it.”

The Homesteading Begins

On June 30th, 2012, Baird was dropped off with some lumber, an axe, an e-reader, computers, cameras, a goat and 120 buckets filled with 5 to 50 gallons of food and sundry supplies. He spent the next five days building a Spartan 8’ by 12’ shelter. His home for the year had a few shelves (he and his dog each had a shelf to sleep on), a wood stove, one good chair, one window and a propane burner.

“It was kind of a shock to the system and I don’t mean shocked like surprised,” Baird explains while reflecting on his inauspicious start. “I really wasn’t surprised by anything; it was pretty much what I expected. It’s just a massive lifestyle change, which is very stressful. I was wet and cold the entire time. The toughest part of building a cabin was you don’t have a cabin to live in.”

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The snow kept coming.

We had up to 12 feet in the yard, probably eight feet on average in most places. I actually carved a staircase from the front entry of my cabin up to the yard. It was about four or five feet tall.

”

Baird worked 14 hours a day dragging supplies a half of a mile down a rocky beach, and 150 yards above sea level through a forest. He lost 30 pounds in the first 16 days.

Once the cabin was built, Baird and his dog, Wilson, spent their time enjoying the lack of responsibility and stress. “I’d wake up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, make some rice, sit by the window for four or five hours and kind of get myself together,” Baird says.

The one constant concern was the island’s extreme precipitation. Baird kept a daily journal documenting the weather. He said the temperature remained tolerable during the year, only getting below freezing a handful of times.

However, it rained 80 inches and snowed 275 inches. The

scariest moment of the year came when the snow piled on his roof shifted the foundation of his cabin.

“The snow kept coming,” Baird says. “We had up to 12 feet in the yard, probably eight feet on average in most places. I actually carved a staircase from the front entry of my cabin up to the yard. It was about four or five feet tall.”

Connectivity and Activity

Baird didn’t think he would have any digital connectivity with the outside world, but he ended up having sporadic cell phone reception, which allowed him to check news headlines and upload photos and videos to his Facebook page. Some of his Facebook fans thought he was cheating by not being completely cut-off.

Baird lost touch with the outside world for about two months in the dead of winter. He also went for a six-month stretch without seeing another human being which, he said, “was unusual.”

So what can you do when you have 8,760 hours of “free” time? If you’re Baird, a lot. He read over 200 books on his Kindle (he advises against reading Insomnia

by Stephen King in a secluded cabin during the heart of winter). He wrote two books, an autobiographical account of his year and an anthology of short fiction.

Additionally, he chronicled the adventure by shooting 950 gigabytes worth of photos and 40 hours of video.

Baird is proof that necessity is the mother of invention. A lack of modern conveniences inspired his ingenuity again and again. He used vice grips as clothespins.

He made torches out of tuna cans, Vaseline, rubbing alcohol and an old glove (it burns bright for 20 minutes). When he needed to punch a hole through wood or metal sheeting he’d shoot a hole through it with his .44 Magnum—all in a days work for a homesteader.

“You get creative,” Baird explained. “If you only have a saw and a hammer and you need a rocking chair, you’ll figure out a way to do it.”

One area where creativity was not an option was in the culinary arts. Baird ate rice every day. Eventually cravings for steak and pizza vanished as the reality of the situation settled in. He began waking up thoroughly excited to eat another helping of rice. The biggest treat for Baird was a good old fashioned can of meat, which he grew enormously fond of.

“Canned meat is really good,” he says in a sincere, serious tone. “It’s not what I would buy normally—it’s like $9 for a six-pound can of cubed beef—but in the middle of winter it was like a party. All that protein and fat at once was just wonderful.”

Baird regretted not having more seasoning for his rice.

He was especially disappointed he didn’t bring more powdered cheese. He ended up using about 60 percent of the food he brought; none of it went bad during the year. w

Left: afternoon fog rolls through the valley as Baird surveys the territory near his cottage.

Right: who needs a razor when there’s no one around?

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OFF THE GRID 34

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Reflections and Aspirations

You can learn a lot about yourself when you’re alone for a year. Baird discovered a thing or two. He was shocked by how he didn’t miss the “things” that fill our lives.

“It’s kind of sentimental, but I missed people … the people I care about.” he explains, after talking about his family (Baird’s two brothers and his sister attended USAFA). “As far as physical possessions, I didn’t miss anything.”

Upon returning to civilization, Baird has had some residual pain from the physical rigors of his homesteading lifestyle. He’s also found life back in the “real world” to be confounding in some ways.

“I keep running into the passage of time,” Baird says.

“On the island I would sometimes get word of certain weekly events taking place in the real world and marvel at how quickly a full week had passed. It seemed more like a day and a half. The reason is that in my life I had very little going on. One day was like the last so my mind blurred them and compressed them cognitively,

much like zipping a data file. After returning to society, I have busied myself with getting tags on my truck, buying clothes and food, doing laundry (with soap!), seeing people … I remember one Monday where at the end of the day I was thinking the next day was Thursday because clearly I’d done three days’ work. But obviously that wasn’t the case.”

Baird’s physical transformation has also caused some surreal moments. “I was and am surprised by the sense of disconnection between myself—whatever that means—and my situation and even body,” he says. “For example, I lost 41 pounds and have a beard. I don’t look like what I think I should look like in the mirror.”

Post-island, Baird has kept himself busy with his Renaissance man talents and broad array of interests. He’s currently shopping his year of video footage to production companies, possibly capitalizing on the cable television’s insatiable appetite for survival programming. He jokes that he’s upset he didn’t come up with the premise for Discovery Channel’s popular “Naked and Afraid” show. However, he asserts he didn’t go off the grid for a cash grab.

“Someone asked me if I did this for the money. I’m going to make $20 on the year,” Baird laughs. “I probably won’t make enough money on my book to earn what I made in a month at my last job.”

Baird just completed what he called the happiest year of his life. So how do you top that?

By planning an even greater escapade—Baird wants to swim across the English Channel. He also might create the art for an animated movie or write a book about extreme athletes because, when you’re Chuck Baird, you don’t need to go off the grid to have an adventure.

Episodes from Off the Grid Wilson!

Baird fed his four-year-old yellow lab, Wilson, three hot meals everyday.

He named the dog after the famous volleyball from the movie Cast Away (Tom Hanks’ character was named Chuck). Baird picked up the dog on his way to the dock the day he left for Latouche Island.

“That probably was very good for me to have interaction with another living being that likes me and cares that I’m alive,” he laughs. “She could do pretty much anything she wanted. She just had to stay off my good chair.”

It Bears Repeating While butchering the goat he brought to the island on the beach, Baird noticed a curious black bear swimming towards him to check out the action. Luckily, Wilson ended up chasing it away as if it were just a rabbit. During the year, Baird only had five sightings of land mammals; still, he rarely went outside without his trusted .44 magnum.

The Raven Baird read a lot of Edgar Allen Poe during the year. “I really like some of his stuff, but some of the works you’ve never heard of are unheard of for a reason—they’re terribly bad.”

Baird has no love lost for the titular bird of Poe’s most famous poem.

“Ravens, I really don’t like the ravens and the crows on the island. They’re loud and they just watched me. It was kind of ominous.”

Pain and Gain Baird suffered several minor injuries during the year, and he noticed that his pain threshold seemed to increase. “I cut the back of my hand with a knife and it didn’t bother me. I just kind of looked at it and thought, ‘That won’t stop me.’ Twice I stepped on nails, through both of my boots and into my feet. My only thought was is this going to stop me? It didn’t.

In everyday life you get a paper cut in the office and that might really bother you. Out there I’m putting nails in my feet and I was ok with it.”

No Heat Needed “One of the things that frustrated me early on was people telling me to get more firewood,” says Baird when talking about the advice of his Facebook friends. “So I decided to see how long I could go without using any firewood or heat, I went the whole winter without using the stove.”

Baird says the house was so small and well insulated that the collective body heat of Wilson and himself kept the cabin’s temperature about 15 degrees F warmer than the temperature outside—cold, but warm enough to be comfortable most days.

Charles Baird’s Secluded Island Reading List

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James Insomnia by Stephen King The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (series) by Stieg Larsson Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Learn more about Charles Baird’s year off the grid by visiting: facebook.com/AlaskanPioneer

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Tara Nolan Advisory Services, Ltd.

Owner, Tara Nolan ’94 | www.taraenolan.com | tara@taraenolan.com | 719.210.4242 In order for my clients to achieve the lifestyle of their dreams, I offer a comprehensive range of retirement planning services, savings options that permit both tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred earnings, and a dedicated and knowledgeable staff to help with planning your retirement. In addition, I can assist you in developing your overall financial plan to achieve specific goals through targeted tools including 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. I support businesses in their development of employee pension plans and educate plan managers and employees alike. Personal services adapted to individual needs. My services start with a Comprehensive Planning Review. My process has 5 steps to capture, analyze & update your financial plan as your life progresses. Visit www.taraenolan.com today to discover how you can “Plan for Your Dreams!”

Triton Roofing & Solar

www.tritonroofing.com | www.tritonsolarco.net 2 locations – Colorado Springs and Witchita, KS | 719.322.3673 Privately held and family-owned, Triton Roofing was created by Justin Baker and Todd Dorpinghaus. Friends for many years and business associates in the Home Inspection and maintenance fields they saw a disturbing trend in the roofing industry. Both having worked in the roofing business they noticed distinctive patterns in poor customer service and product support. Their high standards and attention to detail come from the years of military service in both the Canadian Forces–Navy and the United States Navy, for a combined total of 38 years. Triton Roofing, with its highly-qualified staff of employees, is equipped to fulfill the requirements of virtually any residential or commercial roofing and residential solar job. Call Todd and Justin today for your roofing needs or to discover how you can go green with a free solar assessment!

Southside Johnny’s

www.southsidejohnnys.net | 528 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs | 719.444.8487 Consistently named “Best of ” in the Colorado Springs Independent newspaper, Southside Johnny’s is known for live music, great atmosphere, and a friendly crowd. They were also home to the AOG’s official watch parties for the 2012 Falcon Football season! Over 100 grads at each watch party enjoyed amazing food and great service by the always-friendly SSJ staff, who cheered alongside. Son of an Air Force fighter pilot, owner Johnny Nolan is a proud supporter of the AOG and your Academy. Johnny’s family ended up in Colorado Springs as a result of his father’s final station and he has since become part of the fabric of the “neighborhood bar” scene in the community. Whether you go for the cover bands, car shows, game watches, or unmatched beer cheese soup, Southside Johnny’s will not disappoint. If you’re looking for a place a little further north, try Johnny’s other spot, Johnny’s Navajo Hogan (www.johnnyshogan.com). For football season and every other day of the year, stop by Johnny’s because “It’s better to eat at a great bar than to drink at a great restaurant!”

Gleneagle Golf Club

www.gleneaglegolfclub.com | 345 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs | 719.488.0900, ext.1 Located across from the North Gate of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Gleneagle Golf Club offers spectacular views of Pike Peak, the Front Range and the Academy. Our club is dedicated to providing a friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and a great place to enjoy a round of golf. From our back tees, our 18-hole layout and fantastic greens challenge the best of golfers, while our forward tees are friendly to women, juniors and less experienced golfers. We are open to the public and our rates are very competitive. We also offer golf and pool memberships where golfers, swimmers, and families can affordably enjoy the club and all its offerings. As many couples have experienced, our special location is also a beautiful setting for a wedding. We offer spectacular views, intimate outdoor/indoor settings, and a variety of wedding and reception packages. Our event coordinator is dedicated to making your wedding memorable. Visit our weddings website at weddingsatgleneagle.com to see what we can do for your special day. Whether you live in the area or are in town for a visit, stop by Gleneagle Golf Club for a round, a swim, or lunch at The Palms Restaurant!

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Building a Strong Community Together

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C1C Derek Richardson

WORST CASE SCENARIO

WILDFIRE, EARTHQUAKE, HURRICANE, CIVIL COLLAPSE ARE YOU PREPARED? August 14, 2026 | Harm’s Way

You awake in the middle of the night to the sound of shouting in the streets. Glancing at your

alarm clock, you notice that the power is out. The lamps in your bedroom are unresponsive, though there is a soft orange light coming through the drapes from somewhere outside. Looking out the window you are confronted with a city scape engulfed in fire. Large black plumes of smoke rise into the night sky as bits of fluffy gray ash rain down and collect on the window sill like dark snow. Down the hill, a small riot erupts in the grocery store parking lot. Shattered glass litters the ground as looters emerge from the store, their arms filled with as much food as they can carry.

Gun fire pierces the air and several of the looters fall face down, their bounties clattering across the asphalt. Others descend upon the spilled items, gathering the cans of soup and bottles of water before fleeing into the darkness.

You turn to your wife, who sits on the bed, calmly lacing up a pair of hiking shoes. “It’s time,” you say.

She nods silently before disappearing into the walkin closet. You dress quickly, keeping an eye on the window. Fire now consumes the grocery store. The looters are crossing the parking lot and making their way into your neighborhood. Your wife returns carrying two backpacks which she places on the bed. Together you suit up, fasten your head lamps in place and pull out your walkie talkies for a frequency check.

Both radios fail to boot up. “Did you check the batteries?” you ask.

“I just replaced them yesterday,” she replies. “They should work.”

The head lamps also refuse to turn on, as does your taser gun. Between the power grid and the personal electronics, it would seem the unthinkable had finally happened.

“I guess you were right,” she says, pulling off her head lamp and tucking it into a pocket. “We should get going.”

You both eject the magazines from your 40 caliber pistols and press check the chambers. Each contains a round. Magazines slide back into place and the 40s are holstered. You move silently through the house and stop at the front door. Glancing through the peephole, your front yard is empty but long shadows

are beginning to traverse the street as the mob moves in on the neighborhood.

“Just a second,” your wife whispers. She reaches down and picks up her cat, placing a soft kiss on his furry head. “Take care of yourself little one,” she says, setting the animal back down.

Together you step out into the hot night air. Shouting from beyond the houses at the end of the street is getting closer every second. More shots ring out as you duck into your vehicle. The keys turn and nothing happens. Your suspicions are confirmed. All of the experts had speculated against the possibility of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack, but they were obviously mistaken. Thinking back to the decimated economy and crippling national debt-massive air defense cutbacks and recent fallout with China, it isn’t so hard to believe that one of the weapons had finally gotten through. Turning the tide on a nation full of sitting ducks was bound to happen sooner or later.

That’s why you began to prepare long ago.

You run a hand across your pocket, making sure the map is secure. Your wife takes your hand and together you set out on foot. It’s just over nine miles to the rendezvous shelter out beyond the lake. The night is dark, and anything could happen. w

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WORST CASE SCENARIO ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN C1C Derek Richardson has his sights set on pilot training after graduation. He’s determined to be prepared for anything that hostile territory could throw at him. Richardson explains, “Don’t be greedy and ration your food. No matter how hungry you are you must conserve your resources. You never know how long you’ll have to go without resupply. The Academy disciplines you, makes you capable of remaining calm under duress to cope with the worst conditions.”

Preparing for the Worst

No matter what part of the world we live in, disaster can strike at any time. Whether we are facing famine, disease outbreak or the colossal power of mother nature, it pays to be prepared for the unexpected. Graduates of the Air Force Academy are no strangers to the necessities of survival training. Having gone through the SERE program (now known as ESET), our community knows what hunger, pain and solitude feel like first hand. Even still, you might ask yourself a very important question: do my family and I have what it takes to cope with the unknown? With economic tensions, austerity measures and crippling debt consuming most of the world, the aforementioned scenario of civil unrest may not be such a grand stretch of the imagination.

Furthermore, let’s not rule out the natural equation. For two consecutive years, Colorado Springs has been ravaged by deadly wildfires. Thousands of people, including graduates, have been displaced from their homes. Many barely escaped the infernos with their lives and little more than the clothes they were wearing.

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From hurricanes and tsunamis to wildfires and earthquakes, graduates serving all across the globe face challenges of all shapes and sizes. For many Air Force personnel, danger extends well beyond the combat zone. With these circumstances in mind, Checkpoints has prepared a few tips and tricks that will help you stay one step ahead of harm’s way.

Always Have a Plan

Part of any good plan is having what you need to succeed.

We’ve put together a list of items that make up a well rounded 72-hour survival kit, but we’ll get to that later on.

The first part of any good plan is organization. If you face a situation that could potentially displace you from your home, such as a flood or a fire, you’ll need a safe place to go. It is imperative that everyone in your family knows how to get to your safe rendezvous, even if they are traveling from disparate locations.

Whether your safe spot is a police station or a remote cabin in the woods, your chances of getting everyone there

safely drastically improve if you have the right tools and know-how. Communication is essential, which is why paper maps and short wave radios are excellent backups to smart phones, which become little more than expensive paper weights when cell service goes down. Becoming too dependent on technology is a mistake we are all guilty of.

Matt Mogk is a survival expert who is best known for his appearances on the Talking Dead, a special commentary program discussing AMC’s hit show The Walking Dead. Mogk explains his favorite survival mantra, the Rule of Threes. “It’s a fairly lively set of general survival guidelines,” Mogk says. “In a worst case scenario, you’re dead in three minutes without air. You’re dead in three hours without shelter; you’re dead in three days without water and you’re dead in three weeks without food. If we put this into a practical context you can end up building all of your survival priorities around this model.”

Mogk provides a hypothetical scenario commonly experienced in Colorado. “Let’s say you become

The likelihood of the average person getting stranded on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is miniscule. In fact, the most probable disaster situations are much closer to home. stranded on the side of the road in the mountains.

Mixing up your priorities can quickly become a problem. You could easily freeze to death if you go out searching for food. In this case, prioritizing shelter is the smart thing to do first.”

It’s easy to formulate misconceptions about the field of personal survival. While most people tend to think of

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Grads on their Survival Setups Jason San Souci ’00 Mission Commander Task Force ODINBagram AB, Afghanistan

“There is no official term for our kits. We carry hot and cold weather gear, medical kits, signaling devices, extra ammo, lots of water, food, evasion charts and blood chits, but the most important thing that we carry is our PRC112 survival radio. The radio is our lifeline with personnel recovery and other surrounding air and ground forces.

“I am pictured with all of the equipment located in our aircrew bug-out bags in case of an off-field landing. We maintain enough supplies to survive and evade for days in hostile, austere environments. My personal survival philosophy is to have what you need most within arms reach.”

Travis Tucker ’93 Tucker explains that he recently moved to Hawaii and upon visiting the local commissary received recommendations on food and water rations in case of a hurricane. While hurricanes (commonly known in the Pacific Ocean as typhoons) are somewhat rare in Hawaii, it always pays to be prepared. “It’s good to have a minimum of three days food and water. Try to fit all that in your green duffel bag!”

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survival in terms of remote wilderness, the likelihood of the average person getting stranded on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific is very slim. In fact, the most probable disaster situations are much closer to home.

“I have a strong interest in urban survival,” Mogk explains. “Almost 90 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas. A massive earthquake in Los Angeles that cuts off water and power for weeks on end could very well happen. People need food, water and shelter. If they don’t have those things, they’re going to try and take yours. So one of the best things you can do is stay away from populated areas.”

Fueled by a wave of reality TV shows, the recent cultural phenomenon of doomsday prepping has swept across America. All over the country, people have begun stashing huge caches of supplies for the impending end of days. Many suspect a total collapse of society, in which case all supply chains will come to a halt, forcing people to once again subsist on whatever they can hunt or grow.

While many of these so called preppers may seem a bit unhinged, their ingenuity in self-reliance is admirable.

We’re not going to show you how to make your own clothes out of deer skins, but the following pages should hold a few insights into some practical steps you can take to prepare yourself for the unknown.

WHAT’S IN YOUR BUG-OUT BAG?

First of all, what is a bug-out bag and why is it important? Put simply, it’s a 72-hour survival kit filled with practical items to assist you should you become displaced from your home. When a tsunami is bearing down on your location, you’ll have only moments to get what you need from the house before running for higher ground. When seconds count, your bug-out bag is the one thing you grab before heading out the door.

We’ve done the research, and there is no such thing as a perfect survival kit to fit every conceivable scenario. Our world is filled with thousands of climate zones, and a bug-out bag that is suited for the Florida Everglades would not be practical in the Himalayas.

All the same, there are a few items that every kit should probably have no matter what. We’re going to cover the basics, and depending on where you live, it’s up to you to put the finishing touches on your bag.

Water: try to go more than three days without this necessity and you’re pretty much a goner. It’s important to carry water with you, but we don’t recommend more than one liter, because it’s heavy and it takes up valuable space. The second part of this equation is a good filter and a set of purification tablets. This way you can cleanse and replenish your supply on the move.

Knife: from food preparation to self-defense, a good blade has virtually endless uses. Enough said.

First-Aid: these kits come in all shapes and sizes and include the basics for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.

When you’re out on your own, it’s amazing how quickly a little scratch can become a very big problem if not properly treated.

Fire Starters: experts recommend that you have three unique ways to start a fire: lighter, matches, fire flint.

Nutrition: there are a number of high density, non-perishable food products on the market that are designed to deliver a high-calorie intake. Food can also be a powerful morale booster. Check out Coast Guard approved, 3,600 calorie Datrex parcels.

Shelter/Apparel: a tent, sleeping bag and climateappropriate clothing are essentials. You never know when you may have to spend the night under the stars.

For a complete guide to a well-rounded bug out bag, please refer to our full list on the following pages.

Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training

The Academy’s Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training (ESET) is designed to help second year cadets gain a glimpse of the real world military scenarios they will face when deployed in hostile territory. Every military air crew who straps into the cockpit faces the unsettling prospect of some day being shot down. As if surviving the bail out and landing isn’t enough, service members can find themselves in the heart of enemy territory with little more than their wits to keep them alive.

Without proper survival training, the chances of making it home in once piece are less than favorable. Fortunately for these future officers, the Air Force Academy’s new training program aims to change the odds.

USAFA has taken a careful approach to blend a multitude of combat operations into its latest generation of survival training. Cadets today go far beyond sleeping in the woods and living off the land. Convoy operations, weapons training, urban combat, tactical room-clearing and vehicle rollover evacuation are just a few of the challenges that await them. In the years to come, the training these cadets face will become more advanced.

Many cadets will carry these skills on well beyond their military service. The survival tactics taught at the Academy are easily transferable to civilian lifestyle.

Keeping a cache of ready-to-go supplies is only one small part of the overall preparedness equation. Knowledge is, and always will be, a survivor’s strongest asset when facing the unknown. w

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BEING PREPARED IS YOUR BEST CURRENCY DURING TIMES OF CRISIS NO MATTER 32 HOW MUCH GEAR YOU PACK YOUR STRONGEST ASSET IS ALWAYS YOUR KNOWLEDGE

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SELF DEFENSE 1. Machete 2. Knife 3A. .40cal Pistol. Sig P229 |12 Rounds + 1 3B. Magazine Holster 4. .40cal Ammo (50 Rounds) 5. Stun Gun 6. Pepper Spray TOOLS 7. Matches Always have three 8. Fire Flint ways to produce fire 9. Lighter 10. Multi Tool 11. Flashlight 12. Marker 13. Utensils 14. P-51 Can Opener 15. Duct Tape 16. Paracord Bracelet 17. Cutting Board

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NAVIGATION | COMMUNICATION 18. Binoculars 19. Compass 20. Walkie Talkie 21. Wind Up Radio/Lamp 22. Local Map 23. Survival Handbook SHELTER | CLOTHING 24-27. Shirt, Jacket, Pants, Socks 28. Tent/Compression Sack 29. Sleeping Bag/Compression Sack WATER | SUSTENANCE 30. Hydration Bladder 31. Water Filter 32. Iodine Purification Tablets 33. 3,600 Calorie Rations

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FIRST-AID | HYGIENE 34. First-Aid Kit 35. Suture Kit (for hard core survivors) 36. Latex Gloves 37. Hand Sanitizer 38. TP 39. Soap 40 Sunscreen 41. Toothbrush/Paste 42. Dental Floss 43. Chap-stick 44. Wash Cloth (Not shown)

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Reaching New Heights

Giving By The Numbers Graduate participation rates play an important role in the life of an institution. Participation rates are used by publications like US News, Princeton Review and others, to determine the level of support from an institution’s alumni population.

Recognition in the Sabre Society is offered to graduates who make an annual contribution of $1,000 or more to the Air Force Academy Fund.

Top Five classes Current Sabre Society Donors Class Number 1968…………………..54 1970…………………..52 1976…………………..46 1964…………………..41 1972…………………..39 Top Five classes Overall Cumulative Giving 1963………………$9,067,067 1965………………$9,042,562 1964………………$8,449,944 1970………………$7,548,165 1967………………$6,159,687

* The 2012 participation rates listed here (calculated as total graduate donors in 2012/total living graduates) represent gifts and commitments to the Academy through the USAFA Endowment or the Association of Graduates **As of August 15, 2013

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Current Overall 2012 Sabre Society Cumulative Participation Class Members ** Giving** Rate* Year 1959............ 28.38%................... 25..................... $1,657,770 1960............ 21.84%................... 19..................... $1,257,039 1961............ 24.12%................... 14..................... $1,932,407 1962............ 38.66%................... 14..................... $1,063,852 1963............ 35.20%................... 22..................... $9,067,067 1964............ 21.73%................... 41..................... $8,449,944 1965............ 20.44%................... 27..................... $9,042,562 1966............ 32.92%................... 32..................... $5,531,465 1967............ 33.79%................... 25..................... $6,159,687 1968............ 23.67%................... 54..................... $2,466,761 1969............ 21.23%................... 34..................... $5,960,693 1970............ 19.30%................... 52..................... $7,548,165 1971............ 19.40%................... 38..................... $1,895,569 1972............ 15.90%................... 39..................... $1,017,128 1973............ 21.23%................... 34..................... $2,659,420 1974............ 16.69%................... 32..................... $1,204,064 1975............ 12.07%................... 32..................... $1,949,937 1976............ 22.46%................... 46..................... $1,709,222 1977............ 12.84%................... 27..................... $967,929 1978............ 18.27%................... 30..................... $5,081,742 1979............ 17.94%................... 22..................... $4,539,457 1980............ 12.99%................... 35..................... $1,899,541 1981............ 13.63%................... 24..................... $1,539,161 1982............ 10.81%................... 26..................... $640,787 1983............ 12.09%................... 26..................... $995,108 1984............. 7.95%.................... 17..................... $669,508 1985............. 8.71%.................... 18..................... $524,577 1986............ 10.71%................... 15..................... $453,331 1987............ 11.46%................... 18..................... $1,416,503 1988............. 9.80%.................... 14..................... $523,047 1989............. 6.74%.................... 9....................... $862,896 1990............. 8.03%.................... 8....................... $248,464 1991............. 9.93%.................... 10..................... $619,335 1992............. 6.55%.................... 13..................... $373,525 1993............. 8.72%.................... 19..................... $323,476 1994............. 6.28%.................... 6....................... $321,409 1995............. 6.40%.................... 9....................... $323,779 1996............. 6.28%.................... 9....................... $170,881 1997............. 7.58%.................... 13..................... $194,611 1998............. 6.52%.................... 9....................... $378,847 1999............. 6.59%.................... 12..................... $196,717 2000............. 9.09%.................... 15..................... $217,642 2001............. 7.37%.................... 7....................... $135,032 2002............. 6.19%.................... 3....................... $78,920 2003............. 6.15%.................... 9....................... $80,363 2004............. 4.84%.................... 4....................... $55,160 2005............. 3.61%.................... 5....................... $57,572 2006............. 6.80%.................... 12..................... $101,943 2007............. 4.07%.................... 6....................... $58,266 2008............. 3.70%.................... 2....................... $29,042 2009............. 3.50%.................... 2....................... $20,016 2010............ 18.45%................... 1....................... $135,150 2011............. 6.43%.................... 1....................... $24,082 2012............ 11.65%................... 0....................... $109,958 2013............... NA...................... 0....................... $153,033

AIR FORCE ACADEMY FUND Reaching New Heights Your gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund help our cadets reach new heights by providing opportunities to participate in cadet “margin of excellence� programs.

Your gifts also support vital graduate programs and services, and help advance Academy strategic needs and capital projects.

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Class Legacy Program Class Reunions Parent Handbook and WebGuy Center for Character and Leadership Development

For more information, visit: www.usafaendowment.org Questions, email: afaf@usafaendowment.org Give online: giveafaf.org Give by phone: 719.472.0300 Give by mail: Checks payable to the USAFA Endowment 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

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SCARS Two warriors find that the past is never far behind

while seeking solace in the harshness of the Himalayas WRITTEN By Nolan Peterson ’04

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he final night before the climb, I was in the dining room of the lodge in Chukhung, eating a plate of Tibetan momos and enjoying an Everest beer. While talking to a Canadian climber about Afghanistan, I heard an American voice call out across the room: “Dude, were you in the U.S. military?”

Through the haze of burning yak dung fueling the stove in the middle of the room, I saw a young, bearded man. He had on a black beanie and his short sleeves revealed arms covered in tattoos. And there were scars beneath the ink. I’d seen arms like those before on my brothers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Before he said another word, I knew he was an American soldier, and I knew he was special ops.

His name was Kevin. Sitting next to him was his father. They were here to climb Island Peak with Adventure Consultants—the climbing company of ill-fated Everest guide Rob Hall (Hall was the New Zealand guide who famously telephoned his wife before his death on Everest to choose a name for their unborn daughter). I politely excused myself from the conversation with the Canadian and joined Kevin and his father at their table, where they introduced themselves.

I told them that I had been in the U.S. military, and had also served in Iraq and Afghanistan. A light flicked on in Kevin’s eyes, and conversation burst out of him

like he had been filled to the breaking point for years with the words, waiting to tell his story to someone who might understand.

Kevin served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Ranger and saw the worst kind of fighting in both places. He told me about a friend who was decapitated by an IED just yards outside the gates of a base in Afghanistan. “I had been talking to him just five minutes before that,” Kevin said. “His body was completely messed up, you couldn’t tell it was him.” And he told me about putting a tourniquet on the bloody stump of a friend’s leg that had blown off in battle.

Kevin was at a tough time in his life. The Army had recently medically discharged him against his will due to injuries he suffered from an IED blast. While being evacuated from combat following the IED, his mother committed suicide. And just months later, while recovering from his wounds back in the U.S., his wife divorced him, taking their daughter with her. So he was here in Nepal to start over and reconnect with his father after spending his years as a young man fighting for his country.

In Eiger Dreams, Jon Krakauer says, “Mountains make poor receptacles for dreams.” I suppose he was right, since I never found any answers in the mountains to the questions in my life. But sometimes there just wasn’t anywhere else to go when everything fell apart. w

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The mountains may not solve any problems, but the ones they created were simple and free from the complicated tragedies of the lives we left behind. For Kevin the mountains were the only place where the world still made sense.

Kevin’s dad said good night and went to get some muchneeded rest before the big day. We were going to climb a 20,305’ mountain the next night. Kevin and I kept drinking beer and sharing stories. I told him my old call sign, and he spat out his beer—“Are you kidding me?” he yelled.

He was in a firefight in Afghanistan, a bad one, when a plane with my call sign directed the air support that saved the lives of him and his men. He remembered hearing the call, just before death rained down on the Taliban insurgents assaulting his men.

It was probably one of my old squadron mates on the mission, since we all use the same call sign in combat. But it could have been me. He bought me another beer as a way of saying thanks— something he wanted to do for a long time, he told me.

My experience with war had been nothing like Kevin’s. I mostly spent it in the relative security of a cockpit, with the ugliness of combat reduced to amorphous infrared images on my displays. But after deploying and serving my country, I think I was there for the same reason as Kevin. I wanted to divorce myself as completely and cleanly from the life I had been living, with the hope that this experience could atone for what I thought I had lost, and inspire me to live in a way that was worthy of the second chance not all of my friends would get.

So here we were. Two men, who unknowingly depended on each other in combat, meeting for the first time on the eve of climbing a remote Himalayan peak.

Together at the end of the earth, we were trying to make sense out of the senselessness of war and the unrecoverable currency of youths spent fighting for our country.

We drank Everest beer long into the night, and told stories like we were old friends. There was an instant connection based on our military experiences and the attraction we felt to the mountains. Soon we were the last two in the dining room, and the slightly exasperated lodge owner told us that it was time for bed. Kevin would be setting out in the morning with his group a few hours after I was scheduled to leave, and we would not see each other again before the climb. I said goodbye, and we exchanged contact information, and that was it.

I saw Kevin two days later as I was descending from the summit; he was still on the way up with his father, and they both looked tired. But they were determined to keep going.

We stopped for a minute to shake hands, and I gave a brief account of my experience. Then we parted ways. I haven’t seen Kevin since, and I’ve lost touch with him over the years.

But meeting him on the eve of the climb was something I will never forget. The things I had so badly wanted to leave behind ended up being my greatest comfort. __________________________________________ Nolan Peterson is a former special ops pilot. He is currently a freelance journalist and adventurer. You can read more of his work at nolanwpeterson.com.

graduate profile

Lost and Found The Search for the Real Air Force

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By Chris Moede ’12

A new beginning, so it seemed … I was fresh off the boat, having just arrived to my first duty station after completing a relatively demanding training course in Texas; to say I was eager to start work almost compared to how badly we had hoped for snow days in the USAFA winter wonderland.

During the PCS to yet another hot, southern state, I had already established some pre-determined expectations regarding the type of work I’d be doing and was more than ready to jump into whatever tasks lay ahead. The world—and the “real” Air Force—was a glimmering pool of opportunity, a pool into which I was going to jump spread-eagle with arms wide open.

On the way over to my new squadron, a few of the undesirables I checked off the “USAFA-only” list included: wing-wide emails, SAMIs, the majority of customs and courtesies, morning formations, losing sleep for mandatory breakfast, permanent party members hounding us for some slight infraction of the rules and regulations, showing up to roll call, mandatory briefings in general, the entirety of Mitchell Hall, and many more.

Expectations vs. Reality Pulling into my new prime real estate parking space next to the squadron commander, I felt better than my last trip driving to the Denver airport for Christmas leave. I was on top of the world. But that lasted about as long as my only cadet relationship and ended just as poorly—in public and with a lot of upset expectations. I had been asked if I wanted to participate in unit PT, which was a few times each week. “How bad can it be?” I had pondered on the day of my arrival, before readily accepting the offer. It was all fine in theory, but then the practice arrived. Similar to expecting an actually passable result on an Astro GR without studying, I pleasantly had my expecta-

tions displaced when I not only had to participate in a morning reveille formation my first day on the job, but also stood at the front of the element and had to report in to the commander (as one of the highest-ranking members present)—three feats I had thoroughly and successfully avoided for the majority of my cadet career (to the disdain of my peers).

As an individual who prized the value of past achievement and success, failing to miss this formation, and worse—participating—was as bad as a loss to Army in the football season during a home game. But the real Air Force wasn’t done with me just yet.

Total Turnaround This displacement of expectations continued over the next few months—I not only willingly attended PT but also the formations preceding them; I talked to the comm section to ensure I received all the emails my limited Outlook account could manage; I cleaned my new office and ensured it was suitable for work and had a professional appearance; I went to the barbershop and got a “tool” haircut to ensure my hair met the same standards as the enlisted; I even showed up to the end-of-week and weekly staff meetings, without any attempts to subtly craft a convenient absence.

To say that learning had occurred was not encompassing of the total change I had to embrace.

But rather than hide from this change like a cadet hiding from the next parade on Stillman Field, I embraced it. The more I was exposed to the ways of the “real” Air Force (and don’t get me wrong, my unit is not a standard Air Force unit), the more I learned that USAFA really was a comparatively accurate representation of the typical Air Force way. Don’t get me wrong, we have an operational capability, we train daily to fulfill the requirements of our unit tasks, and we strive towards a state of constant mission-readiness in support of combat operations, but the underlying themes learned in USAFA are still present. w

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USAFA: An Alternate Reality There is a clear and delineated hierarchy of responsibility and authority in the squadron – just as they are defined in the cadet squadrons. No, we don’t live next to each other, but we train, work, and go outside the wire with each other. There is a clear and defined understanding of rules and regulations in the squadron – just as cadets are held to any and all guidance provided by the CSP and AFIs. No, we don’t have AMTs or permanent party correcting everybody but, guaranteed if you fail to follow the standards, your airmen will fail to follow or respect you as a leader. There are inspections, paperwork, random taskers, and other administrative requirements that we have to meet—just as you would find paperwork, inspections, and taskers in any cadet leadership position. There are punishments for DUIs and other alcohol-related incidents—just as you would face in the Cadet Wing. No, we don’t have to march tours, but we do have to march to the main gate to post the latest DUI announcement at the ECP as a squadron.

The Takeaway I could continue with the countless parallels that are present in both the USAFA experience and the “real” Air Force, but I know more aren’t needed. What is needed is an acceptance of this reality by current cadets. It’s not easy being stuck at USAFA for four years trying to balance the athletic, academic, and military requirements placed on you by the institution; but it is beneficial. In fact, it’s more than beneficial—it’s critical. Whether or not we choose to like it, the Academy provides cadets with a fundamental experience of what to expect once on active duty, living it large as a distinguished commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.

As a cadet, I could afford to miss formations in lieu of more personally favorable activities; as one of two officers currently present for morning PT, the former cadet in me can no longer

use excuses to miss the formation—the squadron needs my presence to solidify the leadership echelons of the unit. As a cadet, I could choose not to study for a GR or final and risk failing the exam; as an officer, the former cadet in me needs to ensure I’ve studied absolutely everything possible about my job in order to provide the troops with the latest intelligence on enemy activity they need to make it home alive. As a cadet, I could choose not to work out or maintain an appropriate level of fitness; as an officer, the former cadet in me needs to ensure I’m in better shape than the troops pushing outside the wire with me on a counter-IED patrol, because officers lead by example. As a cadet, I could choose to drink underage and make poor decisions; as an officer, the former cadet in me needs to ensure every single decision I make is in the benefit of the unit.

The key is to keep your eye on the prize, take advantage of all the opportunities the Academy affords, and use the experiences to your advantage to better lead the future airmen you will one day command. There are problems present in any major organization; none are perfect. But with those problems are reflections of the very same issues facing airmen in the “real” Air Force; use your time at the Academy to master these issues so that when your time comes, you will be more than prepared and ready to counter them. Thanks for listening. ________________________________________________ Editor’s note: Chris Moede is an intelligence officer supporting an airborne-capable ground unit. He is currently a USAFA AOG Young Alumni Representative. To learn more about the USAFA AOG Young Alumni program email chapter.support@aogusafa.org.

NOW AVAILABLE WITH YOUR CLASS CREST! Did you know that USAA has a credit card that gives back to AOG? Better yet, it’s now available with your class crest!

Go to: www.usaa.com/aog to learn more and apply for the AOG USAA Rewards™ World MasterCard ®.

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In 2011, the AOG and Blanchard Family Wines created the Long Blue Line Wines to pay tribute to the Academy and provide our graduates a product they can be proud to share with their family and friends. The wine’s inaugural release was a great success having been served at the USAFA Founders Day dinner, Air Force Balls, Parent’s Club events, and numerous classmate gatherings. Sold all across the country, including the USAFA Class VI store, the first vintage sold out in 9 months and we are now happy to release our third offering of collector bottles.

These top quality wines make great gifts for your graduation, promotion, retirement, or other celebration and once these custom labels are sold out, they will not be used again.

About Blanchard Family Wines Winery owner James Blanchard is a 1998 graduate of the Air Force Academy. After a career flying both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, James returned to USAFA to teach in the Department of Management and serve as Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 15. After starting his winery it was one of his desires to create a series of military tribute wines to give back, if even in a small way. This is the third military creation

by Blanchard Family Wines, following the Red Scarf Blend and the Air Commando Association wines with a portion of sales going to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Air Commando Association respectively. 20% of the sales of the Long Blue Line wines will be paid back to the Association of Graduates.

james@blanchardfamilywines.com www.blanchardfamilywines.com/USAFA

graduate profile

A Falcon

TED

Talk ANIdeaWorthSpreading

Captain Casey (Bayne) Whitson ’07 delivers a TED Talk on how to inspire and thrive on discipline.

Written by David Bergeman

TED

Talks are kind of a big deal. The online archive of “ideas worth spreading” is an extension of the renowned TED (technology, entertainment, design) conferences, where each year some of the world’s brightest minds gather to share groundbreaking ideas.

The material is eclectic and fascinating. TED Talk topics run the gamut, covering everything from the creative power of cloud appreciation to the non-bank future of currency.

The talks are free to watch and have been viewed online over a billion times. Last spring, Casey Whitson ’07 had the opportunity to deliver a speech at the TEDx program at Loyola Marymount University in California. Whitson is currently the Operations Flight Commander of AFROTC Detachment 060 at the University of Southern California. She is also completing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at USC’s Marshall School of Business.

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Whitson says the process to get selected was painstaking, but she was ultimately chosen to be one of nine presenters. Other speakers included NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks and “cultural evangelist” Jonathan Wolske.

“I had to submit multiple iterations of my proposed topic and actual script. Each time they would critique it,” Whitson explains. “They definitely don’t hold back during the preparation process. It’s quite humbling, but it helped me refine my topic so I could give it in 18 minutes and in the TED way.”

TED hired an executive speaking coach to help prepare the presenters and enhance their delivery. Whitson also found some counsel in General David Petraeus, who attended a private dinner with the 15 USC ROTC cadre, which included her, just prior to her talk. Some of Petraeus’ insight made it into Whitson’s presentation.

“During dinner he said we could ask him any question we’d like. That’s when I asked him for his take on my TED topic,” Whitson says.

It is apparent that, with all of the preparation and advice, the young captain was more than ready to turn some heads during her speech. Her entrance would have turned heads on the footsteps.

“TED extras, sit at attention,” she barks to a shellshocked auditorium. “What that means is you should have your hands cupped on your knees, you should be sitting on the front three fourths of your chair, your eyes should be caged forward, you should not be looking around or talking. You should be caged … sir, do you think this is a joke?”

Whitson’s opening monologue set the tone for her initial point: people often find discipline to be intimidating, scary, and potentially embarrassing—especially in the widely perceived “military” sense. Her talk, which was titled “Embracing Discipline,” encourages people to use discipline to gain self-respect and serve as an example to others. Whitson reflects on lessons learned at the Academy and her experiences training cadets to demonstrate how discipline, even in the smallest most mundane tasks, can positively affect your personal life and professional performance.

Whitson’s discipline epiphany occurred during her first assignment at Los Angeles Air Force Base. She says she actively pushed the limits of authority, until a supervisor said that her lack of discipline was wasting her talents. She took the advice to heart and hasn’t looked back.

“If I kept it up, I’d never achieve the goals I had set for myself,” she says, “I also realized that I didn’t want to be a poor example to my daughter or the cadets I led.”

Whitson is separating from the Air Force on September 29th to work as financial advisor for Wells Fargo. She’s excited for the future and the opportunities to bring the lessons learned from her time in the service to a new culture.

“A common misconception about discipline is that it’s hard. In my TED talk, I tried to show how simple it really is,” Whitson explains. “Leaders should start small but be specific when trying to build discipline into their organization. For example, don’t tolerate lateness, keep the office clean, and insure that employees are prepared for meetings. Then move onto bigger picture things like clearly defining processes and setting clear performance expectations. Repetition and accountability are the key.”

Next time you skip the gym or fail to return a phone call, remember the closing statement of Whitson’s TED Talk.

“How you do anything,” she says, with a wide smile, “is how you do everything. Embrace discipline!”

Five TED Talks Recommended by Bill Gates 1. Hans Rosling: Stats that reshape your worldview 2. Michael Specter: The danger of science denial 3. David Christian: The history of our world in 18 minutes 4. Melinda Gates: Let’s put birth control back on the agenda 5. Bruce Aylward: How we’ll stop polio for good

C

Instead of browsing Facebook at work, learn something new! Watch Whitson’s TEDx Talk by visiting http://youtu.be/JeMt5NUsFRo

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Mouth Watering Recipes by Grads, for Grads For our latest installment of recipes we went all the way across the pond to discover the taste of Italy. Thanks to everyone who sent in their favorite dishes from the land of olives and marinara.

These savory secret recipes are sure to please the entire family. That’s AmorÉ!

Spicy Sausage Lasagna Chef Tom Beckman, Father of Daniel Beckman ’13 Ingredients • 1 pound hot Italian sausage • 1 pound ground beef • 2 tablespoons oil • 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped fine • 4 medium to large cloves • 1 15-ounce can and one 6-ounce can tomato paste • 21 ounces water • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper • 1 teaspoon oregano • 1 teaspoon basil • 1 teaspoon rosemary • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley • 1 1/3 pounds mozzarella cheese • 1 1/3 pounds ricotta cheese • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Directions 1. Brown the meat in a medium skillet. Add onion and garlic and sauté 5 minutes.

2. Add water, tomato paste and all seasonings. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring to make sure it doesn’t burn.

3. Cook one 8-ounce box of noodles. (9 noodles will make three layers of lasagna.)

4. Layering: Spoon a small amount of sauce on bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Then place three noodles length-wise in pan. Top with 1/3 of mozzarella, 1/3 of ricotta, and 1/3 of meat.

Make three layers if the pan is deep enough or two layers if the pan is shallow. (If making two layers, the remainder of ingredients can be used to make an 8 x 8 in pan.)

5. Top with the Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake covered with foil at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. If refrigerated prior to cooking, it will take an additional 15 minutes to cook.

7. Uncover and let stand for 15-30 minutes so it sets up. Enjoy!

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PREPARED BY DAVID BERGEMAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEWIS CARLYLE

A Taste of Italy

A Taste of Italy

Tantalizing Tiramisu (Serves 5-6)

Risotto with Sausage and Spinach (Serves 4-6)

Ingredients • 1 pound (500 grams) Mascarpone cheese • 4 eggs • 4 tablespoons sugar • Savoiardi or Pavesini lady fingers • 1 cup strong coffee • Add brandy to taste • Grated bittersweet chocolate or cocoa powder • Dash salt with the egg whites

Ingredients • 6 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade • 1/2 pound fresh spinach • 1 teaspoon salt • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 small onion, finely minced • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed and finely chopped • 2 cups Italian Arborio rice • 1 cup dry white wine • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Chef Mike Torreano, Class of 1970

Directions 1. Mix the yolks with sugar and mix till fluffy (mixture will make a ribbon when lifted).

2. Gently fold in the cheese, then fold in the whites previously whipped.

3. Moisten (not soak) the ladyfingers with the coffee/ brandy mix.

4. Prepare in a bowl by forming layers, with each layer covered with the glop.

5. Top with grated chocolate.

6. Keep in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve cold.

FOod LovErs Unite Seafood Sensations

Whether it’s plump, juicy, pan-seared scallops or a fresh cut of ahi-tuna steak, we’re looking for the best of the ocean for our December issue of Checkpoints. Send your favorite seafood recipes to editor@aogusafa.org for a chance to have your dish showcased right here in Long Blue Ladle.

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Chef Christine McKone, Mother of Ryan McKone ’14

Directions 1. Heat the broth in a medium-size saucepan and keep warm over low heat.

2. Chop the spinach very fine and set aside.

3. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter foams, add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion begins to color. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a large spoon until it begins to lose its raw color.

4. Add the rice and stir it with the sausage for about 1 minute, then add the wine.

5. Cook, stirring, until the wine is almost all reduced. Add just enough chicken broth to barely cover the rice.

6. Cook, still over medium heat, until the broth has been absorbed almost completely. Continue cooking and stirring the rice in this manner, adding the broth a bit at a time, for 16 to 18 minutes.

7. Add the chopped spinach. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

8. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and 1/2 cup of the Parmigiano. Mix well and quickly to combine. At this point the rice should have a moist, creamy, and slightly loose consistency.

9. Serve at once with a sprinkling of additional Parmigiano.

Falcon gear for the

entire family

AOG Life Members Julie Mulloy ’97 (tie-back tee, full-zip warmup, 3-piece USAFA charm necklace, silver AF earrings), Brian Mulloy ’97 (mock turtleneck, AF writstwatch), and Keegan Mulloy, Future Cadet Class of 2031 (long-sleeved tee, folding sunglasses). The Mulloys are currently serving in the Air Force Reserves in Colorado Springs.

shop.usafa.org AOG members receive 15% off!

Not a member yet? Visit www.usafa.org/membership to sign up today!

heritage

The Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion

The Quest to Honor Heroes Continues Written by Darrel Whitcomb ’69

A

t their 35th homecoming, the USAFA class of 1970 made a commitment to build and dedicate a memorial to honor those graduates from the classes of 1959 through 1973 who served and died in the war in Southeast Asia.

Donations poured in from classmates, fellow graduates, families, and benefactors, and provided the $1.5 million needed for the project. Academy Architect Duane Boyle contributed his service, pro bono, to design the facility and insure that its form and function were in consonance with the overall design and ambiance

“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors … and remembers.”

–President John F. Kennedy

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of the Academy itself. The Pavilion was completed in time for its formal dedication at the class of 1970’s 40th reunion. Sitting on a rock outcropping and overlooking the Academy, it serves as the crown jewel of the Association of Graduates (AOG) Heritage Trail. Its main or “Blue” room is now being filled with computer displays and interactive programs which highlight the service of Academy graduates in the war. It also includes a huge threedimensional bronze sculpture map of Southeast Asia, which portrays the size and complexity of the theater. It was designed and sculpted by Jim Nance ’71, who remembers proudly, “I felt like sculpting this map was my destiny.”

The Pavilion also includes an “East Wall.” Its west face contains plaques honoring the classes of 1959 through 1972, and each includes a class crest and list of those members killed in the war. Its east face has been reserved for memorial plaques to be donated by various veteran groups from the war. Col. (Ret.) Gary Dahlen ’70, the SEA Pavilion Committee Chairman, and classmate Col. (Ret.) Dick Rauschkolb ’70 have been very active in recruiting the plaques from these groups and their efforts have begun to show success.

The first veterans plaque was presented on June 5th, 2013, by the RAVEN Forward Air Controllers (FACs). During the war, 201 men served in this covert program in Laos. They flew O-1s, U-17s, and T-28s and provided direct support to Laotian and Hmong forces as

“What a gorgeous place—the setting, the design, everything … it will be a lasting tribute to the graduates who have fallen in the Southeast Asia war.

And perhaps most important, it will be a reminder to our cadets of those who came before them, and why the cadets are here to serve in the future.”

–Former USAFA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Mike Gould ’76, at the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion dedication. they fought invading North Vietnamese elements and their Pathet Lao allies. Twenty-three RAVENs were killed in action, and none were taken prisoner. Forty-five USAFA graduates from the classes of ’62 through ’70 served as RAVENs and six were killed.

Col (Ret.) Ed Gunter ’67, the current president of the RAVENs’ Edgar Allen Poe Literary Society, served as the master of ceremonies, as members, families, and friends gathered to remember those who served and to witness the unveiling. Several RAVENs and family spoke about those lost in Laos and read the roll of departed RAVENs. The RAVENs were especially honored to have as one of their guests, C1C Ashley Flanagan, a recent recipient of one of their cadet flight training scholarships.

One month later, the larger Forward Air Controller’s Association gathered to present and dedicate the second plaque. To avoid the threat of afternoon thunderstorms, they met in Doolittle Hall, the home of the Academy Association of Graduates. Their ceremony was conducted by Col. (Ret.) Darrel Whitcomb ’69, and featured several speakers. Gary Dahlen provided overarching comments about the creation of the Pavilion as their class gift to the Academy.

Col. (Ret.) Al Matheson, the FAC Association Historian, followed with a narrative of FAC operations in SEA. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Phil Litts, the Association President, spoke about the more than 4,000 airmen who served as FACs, air liaison officers (ALOs), and support personnel in the FAC units. He and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gary

Howe ’69, the Executive Vice President of the AOG, then unveiled the FAC plaque. Howe followed with specific remarks about the more than 530 USAFA graduates from the classes of ’59 through ’73 who served as FACs, ALOs, and FAC support personnel, and honored the five graduates who were awarded the Air Force Cross, one of whom, Rhip Worrell ’68, was in the audience. Following his presentation, Col. (Ret.) Jimmy Butler ’63, read the roll of the 29 graduates killed as FACs in Southeast Asia, and Association Chaplain, Col. (Ret.) Dale Hill offered a concluding benediction. Sculptor Jim Nance then transported the plaque to the Pavilion East Wall where several dozen attendees witnessed its formal mounting on the wall next to the RAVEN plaque.

They are the only two plaques so far. Hopefully, the wall will fill with plaques dedicated by the brave airmen of the River Rats, the Jolly Greens, the Air Commandos—all of the organizations which identify the airmen who served in the long war in Southeast Asia.

The USAFA class of 1970 has performed a great service by creating this enduring and beautiful Pavilion. It is incumbent upon the rest of us graduates to help them bring this great memorial to its full fruition. In pursuing that goal, let us remember the immutable words of Winston Churchill who reminded us: “A nation that fails to honor its heroes soon will have no heroes to honor.” We will not make that mistake. To the USAFA class of 1970, a hearty well done!

C If you are interested in sponsoring a unit or organizational plaque at the SEA Memorial, contact Dick Rauschkolb ‘70 by emailing him at aog70@comcast.net.

From left: Gary Dahlen ’70, Darrel Whitcomb ’69, Gary Howe ’69, and Jim Nance ’71 at the dedication ceremony for the Forward Air Controllers plaque which was held at Doolittle Hall.

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Need help finding a job?

Looking to advance your career?

JSAJE is an exclusive web site specifically designed for service academy alumni. Whether you are looking for a new job or different career, JSAJE is the place for you to make it happen. Log on to JSAJE to browse job listings and contact employers.

Not actively looking for a job?

Sign up for Job Retriever and let it alert you when jobs according to your search criteria become available. JSAJE also contains a resume database through which companies can search for promising candidates.

www.jsaje.com

A service of your AOG

heritage

The Great Navy

G at

Caper

By Bob Muldrow ’67 Back in the fall of 1966, three enterprising cadets from 21st Squadron decided to go on the Spirit Mission of all Spirit Missions.

They decided to “liberate” the Navy goat before the annual service academy football game. But this was no ordinary neighborhood adventure, for the game was to be played in Colorado Springs.

Planning began a couple weeks before the game. As you can imagine, this caper generated some major tactical and logistics concerns. How does one get three cadets from Colorado to Maryland—and back— during the middle of the school year? How does one learn where the goats are kept?

Assuming one can find the right goat (Navy in those days had eight) and get it past any guards, how does one get the goat back to Colorado?

There were other complications, but you will soon learn that Morgan Donahue ’67, Deane Burbank ’67 and Buzz Glade ’68 were able to resolve all of them. Here is a short synopsis of what actually took place that fall.

Deane, who conceived the plot with his roommate, Bruce Freeman, wrangled a round-trip hop on a C-131 “Samaritan” courier between Peterson Field and Andrews AFB. While en route to Andrews, the trio learned that the pilot-incommand was a Naval Academy graduate!

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He was cool, however, and didn’t blow the whistle on them. Morgan’s dad was a senior colonel in the USAF Security Police organization for the D.C. area, so he was able to arrange for the loan of a sentry dog case and was able to provide “official” SP transportation between the Donahue home and nearby Andrews AFB. The three co-conspirators left on a Tuesday morning just after the reveillebreakfast formation report. Upon arriving at Morgan’s home, his parents conveniently left for the weekend— enabling them to “disavow all knowledge.” They conveniently left the family car for the cadets’ use.

On Wednesday the trio took an official tour of the Naval Academy acting like very interested civilian college students.

Somehow the conversation got directed to discussions about mascots and where the Navy goats might be located. They learned that the primary mascot was kept at a nearby LORAN station, but it wasn’t until they stealthily reconnoitered the compound later that night that they learned about the armed Marine guard. No chance for a “goat breakout” there considering their limited time and resources.

On Thursday, they visited the Naval Academy dairy farm in the nearby Maryland countryside, posing as agri-

culture students from Florida A&M. Fortunately, the Navy ensign who showed them around the dairy farm didn’t know that Florida A&M was a historically black university.

Much later that night, the cadets returned with wire cutters and were able to free the backup goat with the longest horns from the chain-linked security enclosure. Off they went in a rented U-Haul trailer.

Early Friday morning, they returned to Andrews for the hop back to Peterson Field. It was a little tricky getting the longhorned goat into the sentry dog case then loading both into the security police truck that had been arranged by the conveniently absent Colonel Donahue.

After presenting the hastily cleanedup goat to the Cadet Wing from the staff tower at breakfast in Mitchell Hall on Saturday morning, the captive was boarded at a nearby ranch. However, a major complication reared its head as the goat stopped eating and appeared to be getting sick. The veterinarian said the goat was indeed ailing, and notified the Academy chain of command of that fact. Not wanting to have a very sick, or dead, goat on their hands, the head shed returned the odoriferous POW to Annapolis before this spirit mission evolved into an inter-service

From L to R: Posing with the captive Navy goat are co-conspirators Buzz Glade ’68, Morgan Donahue ’67 and Deane Burbank ’67.

blood feud. As a result the Great Navy Goat Caper was never made public.

Our Air Officer Commanding, Captain Espenshied, was clandestinely in on this mission. Upon the conspirators’ return to Vandenberg Hall Friday evening, Deane soon heard a knock at his door as he was preparing for the next day’s SAMI. In

came the Commandant accompanied by a visibly nervous AOC. Deane’s soon-to-betruncated cadet career began to flash before his eyes, only to have General Seith take a relaxed seat on the valet unit and ask for a rundown on what had happened. Bottom line: no demerits, no tours—and congratulations for a good job well done!

Vietnam Memories Wanted The Class of 1970 completed Phase I of its gift of the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion in October 2010 and is now seeking additional graduate memories of their involvement in the conflict to augment Phase II. Phase II consists of an interactive computer presentation of the history of the war, the role of air operations, and the memories of graduates. If you served in or have memories of the war in Southeast Asia, IN ANY CAPACITY, please provide your stories in written or recorded form.

The Pavilion has already become a major point of interest on the Academy and the computer displays help highlight the significance of the conflict and graduate contributions in its execution.

The Class of 1970 needs your help!

The goal is to collect stories, memories, photos and videos capturing graduate involvement in the war itself and from all

graduates who served during the Vietnam era (1959-1975). Over time, more and more of this information will be added as the graduate community responds. Eventually, a separate website will be created that will hold even more detailed information.

The Class and the AOG have engaged the services of Post Modern Company, an acclaimed video and storytelling firm that has received numerous awards, including an Emmy, for its ability to

transform information into stories that explain complex situations while educating and entertaining viewers.

C

PLEASE TELL US YOUR STORIES. Visit usafa.org/Heritage/SEA2 for detailed information concerning the project and how to submit.

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ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

heritage

The AOG Establishes the Alumni Achievement Award

An important part of the AOG’s mission is to “promote the Academy’s heritage, our common traditions and the accomplishments of our graduates.” Toward this objective, the AOG has established the Distinguished Graduate Award given annually for a lifetime of service (see below). This past year, the AOG installed the Falcon Center Heritage Exhibit in

Fairchild Hall to educate and inspire cadets by profiling graduates worthy of emulation. A similar display was installed in Doolittle Hall in August. Honorees in both displays will be changed periodically as new graduates are identified. The AOG also sponsors the Jabara Award for Airmanship and has recently established the 50th Class Reunion Award. We continue to seek out graduates, young and old, who have significantly contributed to our heritage.

The AOG Board of Directors is now proud to announce the Alumni Achievement Award. This award will recognize graduates in the government, private (business), or non-profit sectors who have demonstrated singular selfless acts that exemplify leadership and the core

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.

To be considered for the 2013 award, nomination packages must be received no later than Friday, November 1, 2013. Nomination packages have been standardized and all will have the following elements: n n n

One page cover letter nominating the individual Limited administrative/contact information Two page typed narrative describing the nominee’s achievements

For more information, contact Customer Service at (719) 472-0300 or aog@aogusafa.org or visit the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org/Heritage/Distinguished_Graduates 72

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values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. The award will honor graduates who have demonstrated sustained performance in their chosen field within the ten-year window preceding nomination.

Award nominations will be solicited through Chapter Presidents, Class Officers, the Class Advisory Senate, and AOG board members who may nominate a graduate based on service to the local community and chapter, as well as their professional accomplishments.

Nominations may be submitted by any graduate, at any time, and they will be held for the next selection panel which will take place each year. Awards may be given to all nominees who meet the criteria. Our goal is to have a robust group of awardees.

The AOG looks forward to honoring their successes and continuing our mission of promoting and preserving the Academy’s traditions and heritage.

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Let us do the walking for you!

Job searches designed exclusively for service academy alumni SACC

A Service Academy Career Conference hosted four times annually and designed to match our alumni with employers interested in hiring service academy alumni.

JSAJE

JSAJE for Alumni - Joint Service Academy Jobs Electronically is an exclusive Web site designed to allow you to browse through job listings and contact employers. It contains a resume repository for graduates who are in an active transition mode, and a job retriever for those who prefer to remain in a passive mode.

JSAJE For the Employers - JSAJE is also an exclusive job Web site designed for companies in corporate America to advertise their career opportunities directly to service academy alumni. Companies may also purchase access to a repository of resumes of graduates in an active transition mode.

iSABRD

An online Service Academy Business Resource Directory with over 48,300 active profiles from USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, and USNA. An excellent resource for advertising, career networking, and building business connections.

Visit usafa.org for more information

cadet life

The Class of in Numbers

2017

Applicants and Nominees

Where They Came From

Applicants.................................. 9706 Candidate Pool...........................6967 Qualified Candidates..................2277 Offers of Admission...................1475

Geographical Distribution Cadets were admitted from every state in the nation. The Class of 2017 also admitted sixteen international students from Georgia, Iraq, Lithuania (2), Malaysia, Moldova, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines (2), Romania, Rwanda, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and The Gambia.

Admitted New U.S. Cadets........................1168 New International Students............16 Turnbacks Returning........................5 Reappointee.....................................1 Total...........................................1190 Sex Male............................... 917 (77.1%) Female............................ 273 (22.9%) Race Non-Minority................ 927 (77.9%) African American........... 124 (10.4%) Asian.................................. 86 (7.3%) Pacific Islander................... 20 (1.7%) Native American................ 17 (1.4%) High School GPA.......3.86

(excludes USAFA Prep graduates and turnbacks)

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Sons and Daughters of Alumni (excludes turnbacks and reappointees) The Class of 2017 includes 77 sons and 35 daughters of Service Academy graduates (9.6% of the class). Nine male cadets and five female had both parents attend the Air Force Academy. One male cadet and one female cadet had both parents attend West Point. One male cadet had both parents attend the Naval Academy.

Service Academy Sons Daughters U.S. Air Force Academy............ 58...............27 U.S. Military Academy............... 8.................5 U.S. Naval Academy.................. 9.................3 U.S. Coast Guard Academy........ 2.................0 Figures as of July 9, 2013

service academy

Career Conference

What is SACC? The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni. Go to sacc-jobfair. com for a list of companies attending, the complete schedule and the online registration form.

Where will the SACC be held?

The next SACC will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio, 123 Losoya Street, San Antonio, TX. Call (210) 222-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate.

SACC Schedule of Events Thursday, November 21 Candidate Walk-in Registration..........................................4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Challenges for the “Senior” (in rank or experience) Candidate....................................... 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

MBA Seminar–Hints/Tips/Incentives for Veterans..............4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

How to Work SACC Job Fair..............................................5:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m.

Refreshments and Snacks...................................................5:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Candidate Career Seminar..................................................6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

november 21-22, 2013 San antonio, tx.

Friday, November 22 Registration.................................. 8:30 a.m. - All day SACC ........................................... 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Lunch ......................................... 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

SACC........................................... 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 23 Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates.

Registration The Candidate registration fee is $40. Register and upload your resume at www.sacc-jobfair.com.

Resumes must be one page/one sided. Registration deadline is November 4, 2013.

Next Scheduled SACC Savannah Ga., March 6 & 7, 2014

For more information, contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300, ext. 150 or sacc-jobfair.com.

Doolies Fall In Words of Advice from the Long Blue Line

WHITLY ... but survived and prospered.

–Jerrod Mason, Class of 1961 Pick out an upperclassman you have little respect for—then remind yourself that if he/she can make it, then so can you!

–Tom Wilson, Class of 1961 Your job description: Excel at all you undertake, make bonds with your classmates, and shake hands with the next President in June 2017. –Gary Baughman, Class of 1962 If you find a career, a job, that you love, you never have to go to work. –Jerry Ahmann, Class of 1963 Make sure you know what your fundamental belief is; then base all your future decisions on that principle belief.

–Phil Roberts, Class of 1964 Anyone can do anything for two months. –Peter Bracci, Class of 1965 The Academy will ensure you survive; how you live is up to each of you. –George McKinney, Class of 1965

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Surviving Doolie Year requires the same state of mind as suffering through an illness: know that it will all end in due time and you will feel good again when it’s over. –Bill McCormick, Class of 1966

When the upperclassmen have lost their voices from yelling and you have not ... realize that you have won.

–Steve Baker, Class of 1981

Take BCT one day at a time, keep your sense of humor, help your classmates succeed in every endeavor and take the Academy’s Honor Code to heart. –Roger Carleton, Class of 1967

Perseverance, more than talent, athletic ability, or intelligence, will help you defeat any obstacle or trial you face at the Academy. – Tony Wolusky, Class of 1980

Run your chin in; listen and learn; and know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being the best.

–Art Leach, Class of 1967

You will have thoughts of quitting—keep driving on! –John Reinheimer, Class of 1981

Don’t worry about the next day, next week or next month, focus on one day at a time: today! –Michael B. Lumbard, Class of 1967 Develop a support network; use it; recognize that USAFA is only a four-year adventure (just like high school); be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. –William van Amerongen, Class of 1968 Carry one another through the tough times: Cooperate and graduate. –John W. Van de Kamp, Class of 1968 You win some and you lose some but you still have to suit up for every game. –Bob Havrilla, Class of 1969 Approach every experience and assignment with an attitude of “I have the best job in the Air Force”... and it will be (because you can make it so). –Ross Wieringa, Class of 1969 This ain’t the Real Air Force. –Hank Happ, Class of 1972 Take the Academy experience one day at a time.

–Don Rightmyer, Class of 1973 Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance, also known as the “Seven Ps.” –Frank Garland, Class of 1975 Don’t tell anyone you are there to be a pilot and are not too interested in all that officer stuff! –Dave White, Class of 1975

Effective time management will maximize your chance of success.

–Bob Guessferd, Class of 1982 It’s not about you. –Jerry Dungee, Class of 1983 Don’t count days. –Kevin Kriner, Class of 1983 Nothing good is ever easy; the adversity and obstacles typical of your doolie year will not only power you through your cadet career but will also sustain you throughout your professional life ... keep your eyes on the ultimate target.

–Mike Bartley, Class of 1983 The Academy is the beginning of a journey–it is not the destination–keep your perspective–enjoy all of the opportunities the Academy gives you.” –Brad Malone, Class of 1985 Make memories—get out of your room with your classmates and do things you will talk about 20 years from now. When you are an O-6, you won’t ever say, “Man, I wish I had spent one more hour on my I-pad, or friended one more person on Facebook.” But that Saturday morning that you grabbed your squad mates and hiked to Eagles Peak—that you will remember. Your doolie year is confining, but USAFA is 18,000 acres of the best memory making campus in the nation—don’t miss it.

–Gerald J. Parish, Class of 1985 Save, save, save! –George R. Pope, Class of 1985

Get involved in as many things as you can at the Academy, experience it all. Do things you never thought before about doing. –Terry Williams, Class of 1976

DOOLIE: Diligent, Optimistic, Orderly, Leader, Imaginative and Easy going. Attributes to consider during the first days of transition. –Elijah Jones, Class of 1987

One day at a time—it will pass—everything you are enduring now will aid you in your career and beyond. Simply put— embrace the experience! –Jeff Gowen, Class of 1979

Believe in the Code. –Daniel D. Wolfer Jr., Class of 1987

Today’s world is about change, so be mentally prepared to expect change in what you do and how it is done.

–Greg Smith, Class of 1979 “Remember, even when at your wits end, that this too shall pass, so don’t take it too seriously!”

–Joseph Accardo, Class of 1980

It doesn’t matter what you do when everyone is watching, it’s what you do when no one is watching that marks your true character. –Carolyn (Alexander) Wolfer, Class of 1989 Class of 2017, the journey you are about to embark on will at times erode your resolve and make you question why you are there. Focus on the reasons you enrolled and keep them at the forefront of your mind. Draw strength from your ambitions.

–Joel Burt, Class of 1991 w

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The upperclassmen may be making life miserable, but quitting or sticking with it is completely YOUR choice; you’ll be glad you stayed with it. –Laura D’Alfonso, Class of 1991

Don’t even consider quitting until you return from your first Christmas break; it’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

–Rob Barker, Class of 1993

Remember the good days and forget the bad ones.

–Dan Greene, Class of 1991

Keep your sense of humor and your friends close and remember, no matter how hard or crazy it gets, embrace it and remember the moments – they’ll all make great stories later!

–D.J. Vanas, Class of 1993

No matter how hard it gets, don’t quit; in the end you will be glad that you didn’t! –Esteban Ramirez, Class of 1991 Don’t fall asleep in the classroom; stand up in the back of the class if necessary and get some rest at night!

–Mona Wheeler, Class of 1991 Remember that the Academy experience is good for you— even though it doesn’t always feel good—and in the end, the character that emerges will be worth the struggle.

–Clint Hinote, Class of 1992 Embrace failure. It is the only way to learn. Just don’t make the same mistake twice. –Mike Rokaw, Class of 1992

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Put your whole being into everything you do regardless if you think it will matter or not.

–Kevin Curtin, Class of 1998 This too shall pass. –Michelle Nuñez, Class of 1999 Remember why you chose to serve. You are about to embark on an endless journey through an ever changing political and economic landscape. You will be responsible for the men and women under your command and responsible to your superiors. This is a life long commitment and not a 9-5 job.

Embrace it. Enjoy it. Continue to learn and always remember the greater good. God speed.

–Christine C. Hernandez, Class of 2005 Never turn down the opportunity to have your professor read your paper before turning it in.

–Bryce Johnson, Class of 2008 Pick a major that you love and find a hobby or a club to join! –Kelly Jo Junkins, Class of 2009

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cadet life

Starting the Wonderful Journey Written by Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Lorenz ’73

R

ecently I had the honor to attend the swearing in ceremony for the Class of 2017 here at the Air Force Academy.

That day, I was amazed how bright blue the cloudless sky was and looking east across the Cadet Area past Vandenberg Hall I was struck by the large size and beauty of the United States Garrison flag blowing in the slight breeze. Behind me, standing at the top of the Class Wall were thousands of proud, cheering parents, who just yesterday had dropped off their sons and daughters at Doolittle Hall to start their journey as cadets at the United States Air Force Academy. The scene brought back waves of memories of this very same day 44 years ago when I had the honor to join our Air Force and take the Oath of Office for the very first time.

The speaker at the swearing in was Brig.

Gen. Gregory J. Lengyel, the current Commandant of Cadets. He took his oath for the first time in 1981 as a Cadet at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas when he started his Air Force journey as a ROTC Cadet. You see, it does not matter where you take the Oath, It could be here at the Academy, at any one of our 144 ROTC detachments, at OTS at Maxwell AFB, Alabama or standing in the middle of the parade field at Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas. No matter the location, source of commission, officer or enlisted, we all start our journey of serving our nation by raising our right hand.

Gen. Lengyel began his remarks to the 1,190 members of the Class of 2017, who

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were standing at attention in their very first military formation by saying: “In a moment, you will be sworn-in as basic cadets in the United States Air Force.

In taking this oath you are making a public statement of your personal commitment of service, sacrifice and responsibility. You will become a self-bonded servant of the American people. It is a moral obligation to do right by and for the American people in defending their Constitution, nation and way of life.”

He went on to say, “I believe that the parents, family and friends behind me on the wall should be rightly proud of your accomplishments in reaching this event today. And to the proud parents standing on the class wall, I thank you for trusting the United States Air Force Academy with

your sons and daughters. However to the Class of 2017, I believe it is healthy for you personally and for this Academy to look at this day with a slightly different perspective. There were 9,700 applications for your 1,090 appointments. That means that about 8,500 people would love to be where you are now about to take the oath.

Also, the taxpayers of this nation will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to train and educate you. Thousands of staff, faculty and support personnel and billions of dollars in facilities and infrastructure exist to take you from being a “basic cadet” to becoming a 2nd lieutenant in our United States Air Force.” He added, “I want you to look down over your left chest pocket on your Airman Battle Uniform. Read the embroidery tape. It says U.S. Air Force.

You are now in the U.S. Air Force, and your rank is Basic Cadet. Your unit is your respective Basic Cadet Squadron in the Basic Cadet Training Group. Later this summer, most of you will be accepted into the Cadet Wing. In a year you will be a coach and mentor to members of the class of 2018. In two years you will be leading teams as a Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer.

In three years, one of you will be standing here as the Basic Cadet Training Group Commander leading the Class of 2020. In four years, most of you will be newly commissioned 2nd lieutenants in the USAF. It seems like a long time from now, but I assure you it will go by quickly. Look at your left chest pocket one more time. You joined us, the U.S. Air Force. This is a service academy, not simply a university where you put a blue uniform on every day. We are thrilled to have you, and we plan to make you better than you ever thought you could be … but we will not change our standards or our Core Values to accommodate you. The challenges will be great, but the rewards will even be greater.”

As the beautiful American flag fluttered back and forth, Gen. Lengyel asked the Class to raise their right hands and repeat after him. “I (state your name), having been appointed a Basic Cadet in the United States Air Force.”

Listening to the cadets as they repeated the words of the oath of office, I thought, how lucky these great young men and women areas they start their exciting military career. I also thought, I would trade places with them right now and do it all again!

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Into the Hall

By Troy Garnhart

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The 2013 class of the Athletic Hall of Fame is inducted as the Academy plans to expand the Hall to include teams for 2015 class. The Air Force Academy inducted its fourth class into the Athletic Hall of Fame this past spring. It was a spectacular night, as legendary football coach Fisher DeBerry highlighted the class of 2013.

He was joined by swimmers Karen (Reeder) Burton and Patty (Gillette) Martinez, four-sport (football, basketball, baseball, track and field) letterman Parke Hinman, Eric Mack (track and field) and Carlton McDonald (football).

The Athletic Hall of Fame honors former intercollegiate athletes for significant achievements and contributions to their sports as cadets, as well as their achievements as leaders of character for the

Air Force, the Department of Defense and the nation. Former athletic administrators, coaches and support staff may also be honored for extraordinary achievements. All of the inductees are honored with a plaque on the “Walk of Honor� in the Falcon Athletic Center Hall of Excellence.

With the next induction class in the spring of 2015, the Academy will begin to include teams. The criteria for a team is an exceptional accomplishment at the conference or national level, significant impact and/or brought special recognition to Falcon athletics, set school/regional/ national records, won conference/regional/ national championships or won an NCAA statistical championship.

USAFA Athletics Hall of Fame Committee Seeks Graduate Input for Future Classes The selection committee is comprised of the director of athletics, vice athletics director, senior woman administrator, deputy athletics director, senior associate athletic director, chief executive

officer of the Air Force Athletics Corporation, a team officer representative from the dean of faculty with more than five years experience, a senior officer representative from the commandant of cadets and the NCAA faculty representative. The President and CEO of the Association of Graduates (AOG) or his or her designated representative may serve as an advisor to the committee, but does not render a vote.

The athletic department and the Hall of Fame committee members welcome input from the graduate community as we move forward to the next induction. Graduates are welcome to send nominees and any supporting data or letters of support for individuals and teams to Troy Garnhart in the athletic communications office.

Selection Criteria for USAFA Athletic Hall of Fame (must meet one or more criteria) Athletes • General officer; astronaut who earned a varsity letter • All-American in their respective sport • National champion • Academic hall of fame recipient • Athletic achievement, varsity letter winner who played professionally • Olympian and members of the World Class Athlete Program • NCAA statistical champion • National academic honoree • Conference player of the year • Letter winner in four or more different sports • Academy, conference or national record holder Coaches • Career record, national titles, conference coach of the year • National top 20 rankings • National achievement such as coach of the year, president of national coaches association • Number of conference and/or national championship individuals • Number of Olympians and/or World, American or NCAA/AIAW record setters • Number of All-Americans • Length of distinguished service Athletic Administrators/Staff • Direction of the overall program during their time • Facility development; programs started and/or developed • National achievements and involvement and conference service • Length of distinguished service Teams • Exceptional accomplishment at the conference or national level • Significant impact and/or brought special recognition to Falcon athletics • School/regional/national records • Conference/regional/national championships • NCAA statistical champion

Air Force Academy Hall of Fame Classes 2013 • Karen (Reeder) Burton ’84, swimming, 16-time NCAA Division II All-American • Fisher DeBerry, coach, head football coach, 1984-06 • Parke Hinman ’64, basketball, football, baseball and track, first four-sport lettermen at the Academy • Eric Mack ’96, track, six-time conference champion and three-time All-American • Patty (Gillette) Martinez ’83, swimming, six-time NCAA Division II individual national champion • Carlton McDonald ’93, football, consensus All-American in 1992 and Thorpe Award runner-up 2011 • Jim Conboy, athletic administration, head athletic trainer, 1955-98 • Gail (Gray) Conway ’84, track, two-time national champion • Chuck Delich ’77, ice hockey, school’s all-time leading scorer • Bob Nieman ’70, swimming, two-time All-American • Scott Thomas ’86, football, consensus All-American in 1985 2009 • Jim Bowman, athletic administration, former coach and administrator, 1958-2007 • Callie (Molloy) Calhoun ’91, track, multiple All-American and national champion • Dee Dowis ’90, football, 1989 Heisman Trophy finalist • Ernie Jennings ’71, football, 1970 consensus football All-American • Terry Isaacson ’64, wrestling/football, three-time wrestling All-American • Ben Martin, coach, head football coach, 1958-77 2007 • Alonzo Babers ’83, track, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, All-American in track in 1983 • Bob Beckel ’59, men’s basketball, 1959 Helms All-American • John Clune, athletics administration, Director of Athletics, 1975-91 • Chad Hennings ’88, football, 1987 consensus football All-American and Outland Trophy winner • Michelle Johnson ’81, women’s basketball, 1995 CoSIDA Academic All-American • Brock Strom ’59, football, 1958 consensus All-American

Department of Athletics Athletic Information/Communications 2168 Field House Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840 719-333-9263 troy.garnhart@usafa.edu

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from the terrazzo

Gray Matter Can there be a Cyber 9-11?

Written by Maj. Michael Chiaramonte, Assistant Professor at DFCS, USAFA Threats through cyberspace are receiving increasing media attention. A simple internet query of “cyber threats” returns over 5,000 results from the last 24 hours. Almost every week there is a new report of a network intrusion to a company or nation. While there are many potential risks in cyberspace, attacks to critical infrastructure can be especially problematic and scary. As such, these critical infrastructures are receiving increased attention from security experts and governing officials.

The movie “Live Free or Die Hard” played off the concept of a cyber-attack against critical infrastructures with its “fire sale.” The “fire sale” was a coordinated attack designed to bring the nation to its knees by undermining power, financial, law enforcement, transportation and other critical systems. While sensationalized by Hollywood, the concept behind the “fire sale” is not without merit and attacking critical systems is a powerful tool that can be used by adversaries.

Industrial control systems (ICS) are the networks that control and monitor infrastructures such as power grids, transportation systems, and water systems. Unfortunately ICS networks are designed to be fast and simple; for older system designs, security was not a priority. Their importance and weaker security make ICS networks a prime target for adversarial actions in cyberspace.

In 2013 the US experienced state-sponsored attacks on ICS networks of U.S. energy companies where the aggressor was trying to gain information on how the networks operated. With opportunity and knowledge of how these systems run, an adversary could attempt to disrupt our energy supplies. Imagine the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy if a foreign actor subverted those parts of the electrical grid that were still operating around New York and New Jersey. The response from emergency services and National Guard members would have been significantly prolonged. This type of attack could be used to damage the US or keep our attention off an adversary’s actions elsewhere. Successful attacks on energy systems have already happened. STUXNET is a perfect example of a piece of malicious code that was designed to seek out and destroy a particular ICS. STUXNET attacked Iranian nuclear enrichment centrifuge controllers and managed to disrupt those systems without them even being connected to the internet.

Unfortunately our adversaries are not only interested in ICS networks. What if a nation or terrorist organization could arbitrarily alter the characteristics of or prevent banking transactions? If an adversary could undermine the faith we have in our banking system the impact to our economy would be devastating. In 2012 Iran sponsored denial of service attacks on the US banking sector which locked customers out of their accounts. The NASDAQ has already been hacked multiple times including acts of web defacement and information theft. In 2010 the stock market tanked 1,000 points in a “flash crash” due to a computer glitch. If a glitch can cause that much panic imagine what a planned attack could do.

The reliance of America on critical infrastructures cannot be overstated. This reliance provides our nation with many benefits but also opens up much vulnerability. Cyber has already been used in war by multiple countries and the sophistication of attacks has been increasing. With adversaries actively investigating and aggressing against our systems every day, our nation must commit the resources to stay ahead of our enemies if we want to prevent a cyber 9-11.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Department of Defense.

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A Chance to Connect and Give Back to Philmont Scout Ranch By John T. Moore ’78

D

id you have the good fortune to serve as a Cadet Ranger at Philmont during one of your summers at the Academy?

If so, I’m sure you share many of the same wonderful memories that I do of hiking and camping in the splendor of its environment.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Philmont and the 40th anniversary of the Philmont Staff Association (PSA). The Philmont Staff Association consists of around 2500 former staff members, like you, who have hiked Philmont’s rugged mountain trails and who care about the scout ranch’s future.

The PSA does great things for Philmont! It provided over $1.3 million to build the Staff Dining Hall and the Silver Sage Staff Activity Center. The PSA offers college tuition assistance to seasonal staffers who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, service and work ethic. It funds Rayado and ROCS scholarships to help deserving teens participate in these challenging adventures and it contributes thousands of volunteer hours and dollars to aid Philmont’s conservation efforts.

PSA Membership Benefits High Country The PSA’s award winning bimonthly magazine contains the latest news of the Ranch, activities of the PSA and its members, and news of northern New Mexico.

The Annual Philmont Reunion PSA members and their families are invited to return to Philmont and renew old friendships, make new ones and relive the greatest times of their lives.

The Annual PSA Trek & Service Project Return to the backcountry and the fragrance of the pine and sage for a weeklong backpacking trek with fellow former staffers. Or help give back to Philmont by being part of a special work project.

Regional Reunions PSA members live all over the world. While the Tooth of Time is an excellent backdrop for PSA reunions, many of us cannot get back to Philmont. With this in mind, members host gatherings in six to ten different locations across the United States annually.

The Membership Directory Connect with the best friends you’ve ever had with the aid of our Membership Directory.

The Website The PSA’s website, www.philstaff.com, is an excellent resource for PSA members. Updated information on member gatherings, Philmont events, and more is available at the click of a mouse. This is where you can find the Membership Directory. ____________________________________ It would be great to see more USAFA Philmont Rangers in the PSA! Won’t you please consider joining this wonderful organization? For more information, or to join, click the membership link at www.philstaff.com.

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from the terrazzo

The Secret Life of

Waldo F. Dumbsquat

by Don Hall ’76

C4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat and his roommates, Warren Heels and

Regs Buch, busily brushed their uniforms with issue wire brushes. No lint escaped their efforts. Then, proudly, Waldo clipped his newly earned doolie shoulder boards to his Summer Service Alpha blouse. The freshmen had whipped Beast … bring on the Dean!

“I’m sure glad the hard part is over,” sighed a clueless Waldo.

“Well, I don’t know about that,” said Regs, “but we have a home football game coming up on Parents’ Weekend.”

“So?” asked Warren as he shined his shoes with a chocolate bar.

“The team really counts on the Cadet Spirit. Sooo, we need to review our cheers!”

“They are pretty hard,” whined Waldo.

Regs pulled out his Contrails. “The pacing, alliteration, and phonetic nuances are a bit difficult. We just need to practice. Let’s start with the USAFA Pre-Game. All together now … ” U!S!A!F!A! U!S!A!F!A! Airrr Force!

Fight! Fight! Fight!

“I hate spelling in public,” said Waldo when the cheer echoed away.

“Let’s try a harder one—Air Force Cadets Go,” Regs urged.

Air Force Cadets Go! Air Force Cadets Go! Air Force Cadets— Go! “I think we need to pause longer before the last Go,” noted Warren. “It just doesn’t work if you don’t get that right.”

“My favorite cheers are Slash’m with a Beak and Slash’m with a Claw,” offered Waldo.

“The subtleties of those cheers can definitely disrupt the visiting team,” agreed Regs.

“I like them because they rhyme,” said Waldo.

“Okay, let’s try the most difficult cheer we have in our team spirit arsenal, Go Falcons!”

Go! Go! Go! Falcons!

Fight! Fight! Fight! Falcons!

Go Falcons! Fight Falcons!

Go Falcons Fight!

“That’s quite an elaborate cheer,” exclaimed an exhausted Warren.

“I think my brain is about to explode,” said Waldo. “Let’s take a break!”

“I agree that was a good workout for the ol’ vocal cords. But we have to practice one more thing … ” “What more could there be?” asked Warren Heels.

“End zone pushups!”

Waldo moaned.

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happenings September

october

november

13

4

2

Air Force at Boise State Football and AOG Tailgate at The Stonehouse, Boise

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Falcon Heritage Forum Begins 1973 & 1978 Class Reunion Weekend Kicks Off

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Air Force vs. Wyoming Football

USAFA Golf Classic Baltimore

5

Air Force at New Mexico Football

AOG Tailgate at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis

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10

28 AOG Tailgate at Lawlor Events Center Concourse, Reno

Air Force vs. UNLV Football

Air Force vs. San Diego State Football

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Air Force at Nevada Football

8

Air Force at Navy Football

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Food for Thought Lunch and Learn at Doolittle Hall

Air Force vs. Army Football

21-22

Service Academy Career Conference, San Antonio

1963 & 1983 Class Reunion Weekend Kicks Off

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Air Force vs. Notre Dame Football

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AOG Gift Shop Black Friday Sale— December 2 Cyber Monday Sale at shop.usafa.org

30

30

Air Force at Colorado State

1968 & 1988 Class Reunion Weekend Kicks Off

USAFA Master Calendar

The AOG has developed an Air Force Academy master calendar of events! Get up to speed on all the important AOG and Academy happenings with USAFA’s most comprehensive master schedule.

The easy to navigate search feature allows you to search event listings by specific categories, including interests and geographic region—all with the click of a mouse. usafa.org/calendar

AOG Ambassador Program

An Ambassador is a graduate who serves as a liaison or point of contact for other graduates coming into your geographic area—whether for business or leisure. You can help a fellow graduate answer questions that can improve their visit or relocation experience. Be their guide and share your knowledge about where to find housing, what school districts are best or what attractions are worth a visit. If you are interested in serving as an Ambassador in your area, please email us at chapter.support@aogusafa.org. usafa.org/group/ambassadors Checkpoints

September 2013

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opinion

Another View of the State of the Honor Code Written by Roy Miller ’67

In the June 2013

Checkpoints article “The Code” Lt. Col. Joel Witzel ’88, the Assistant Director, Honor, at the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD), paints a rosy picture of the state of the USAFA Honor Code. The article is a classic “puff piece” and demands a response. First, how can anyone claim to offer insight into the state of the Honor Code and never mention any of the recent scandals at USAFA while also failing to mention the only serious research that has ever been done on the results of the Honor Code—especially when that research is being done by a USAFA graduate? For much of that research, the researcher, Fred Malmstrom ’64, had offices at USAFA and at least some sanction by USAFA officials.

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Lt. Col. Witzel asks, rhetorically, in his opening sentence, “So how are things with the honor code?” Rather than immediately answering the question Witzel tells us why people are asking. According to Witzel the reason is that the Honor Code is a “symbol of all we envision for the Academy.” I don’t mean to split hairs but some of us remember when the Honor Code was a “standard” of behavior, not a “symbol,” not a training device. Witzel goes on to quote the Code and the Honor Oath, which was added to the Code in 1984. Witzel editorializes that the Oath “goes beyond the Code,” implying that the standards at USAFA have been raised even higher.

His comment is disingenuous because the facts are that the Oath was added in the wake of the 1980s cheating

scandal, potentially the largest in the history of USAFA. In point of fact, rather than raise the standards in response to this scandal, USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott actually suspended the Code.

Therefore, I would contend the addition of the Oath at this time in our history was a cynical obfuscation of the true problem at USAFA, the failure to enforce the Honor Code. Furthermore, this action had a devastating effect on the perception of the Code. Ever since then, most knowledgeable people have realized that there could never be another large scandal at USAFA because the Code would simply never again be enforced against a large number of cadets. This fact has been admitted to in public by at least one subsequent USAFA superintendent (Lt. Gen. John Rosa).

But there is even more dishonesty in the Witzel report. Witzel proudly states that,“Disenrollments due to honor cases have decreased to an average of 28 per year since 2004.” Meanwhile, Fred Malmstrom’s research shows that admitted honor violations by cadets while at the Academy have steadily increased over this same period to the point that the vast majority of recent graduates admit to having committed honor violations. This should not surprise anyone who sees that disenrollments for honor are steadily falling and that no large number of cadets will ever again be dismissed for honor. This allegation on my part was proven true less

than ten years after the Lt. Gen. Scott scandal when a large number of cadets were assumed to be using false IDs to buy liquor in downtown Colorado Springs.

Instead of bringing these cadets to an honor hearing, the Commandant at the time, Brig. Gen. Patrick Gamble, granted blanket amnesty to the whole Wing.

Is it any wonder that today no one seriously believes that any large number of cadets will ever be dismissed for honor?

Later in his article on the state of the Honor Code, Lt. Col. Witzel states that the Honor Oath’s meaning was that “USAFA leadership saw a need to promote a noble aspiration beyond adherence to the four prohibitions of the code.” This is cynicism at its height. Later in the article Witzel again makes this disingenuous comment when he says, “It’s increasingly clear, however, that we must not limit our cadets to an appreciation of only the four traditional prohibitions of the Code.” The fact is that those four prohibitions are actually a very high standard and that, if USAFA were actually enforcing those standards, there would be no need for the kind of obfuscating pabulum in the Honor Oath or for any of the 20 plus seminars, courses, round tables, etc. that are now part of the CCLD. It is important to note that the converse of this statement is also true: If we will not aggressively enforce those four prohibitions, there are not enough seminars, courses, round tables, or obfuscating pabulum like the Honor Oath that can save us.

Because my comments are quite critical I should remind the reader that I believe the Honor Code to be the most important part of my USAFA experience. I value it highly and I think we are losing it. I realize that my comments do not sound like the rosy picture painted by Lt. Col. Witzel but I will leave it for the reader to decide which one of us has the more accurate picture. _________________________________________ Editor’s note: the views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect a position of the USAFA Association of Graduates.

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It’s that time of year again. The summer winds are steadily being replaced

by the cool days of fall and reunion season is right around the corner. Whether you’re a Falcon football season ticket holder or you’re coming back to USAFA for the first time in years, we want to help make your experience a four star visit.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEWIS CARLYLE

usafa.org

Above: The view from atop Eagle’s Peak is still just as stunning as many of you may remember.

Colorado Springs is home to an absolute gold mine of fantastic activities for the whole family. What’s more, there are a number of great new businesses which have sprung up in the last year alone that you may have never even heard of. Places like the Ivy Wild community center just off of South Tejon Street combines a number of local venues which include farm-fresh Colorado foods and the new location for Bristol Brewery’s expanded production facility and tap room.

If you’re interested in getting in touch with USAFA history, look no farther than our very own Doolittle Hall for the new AOG-sponsored Food for Thought

Lunch and Learn Series. Enjoy a delicious lunch and listen to an enlightening lecture by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Malham M. Wakin. Wakin is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and will be discussing the storied heritage of the Academy’s early years. Visit the events page at USAFA.org for more information.

Also included in this activities guide are some of our favorite outdoor activities for hiking and sightseeing.

Take in some of the absolute best that Colorado has to offer during your next trip to the Academy. And as always, your Association of Graduates is here to help make your experience the best that it can be! w

Checkpoints

September 2013

Ivy Wild Sample some of the best beer in Colorado at Bristol Brewery’s new tap room. Or, choose from a variety of Colorado grown foods, fresh from farm to table. This turn of the century school house has been repurposed by local businesses to provide one of the best culinary experiences in town. 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO

Food for Thought Lecture Series Enjoy a fully catered meal while you get back in touch with USAFA’s roots during one of these AOG-sponsored events. For more on the next lecture by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Malham M. Wakin, visit the events page at USAFA.org.

Cottonwood Galleries The local art scene is alive and well in Colorado Springs and the Cottonwood Artist guild has a new showroom for their finest pieces. Enjoy a cross-section of photography, paintings and sculptures. cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com

Curbside Cuisine Food trucks are all the rage these days, and AF graduates Joanna Marini ’04 and Sara Crowell ’04 are proud owners of The Local, a vintage mobile eatery which specializes in crafting delicious foods sourced from local farms.

Check out all the trucks at Curbside Cuisine on the corner of Platte and Nevada in downtown Colorado Springs. curbsidecuisinecs.com usafa.org

Supernova Vintage Arcade and Pub Fans of vintage arcade games from the 1980s and ’90s be sure to put this little pub and grill on your to do list. Play classics such as Pac Man, Dig Doug, Frogger, Donkey Kong and Street Fighter all while sipping an ice cold beer. Conveniently located in downtown Colorado Springs. supernovabar.com

Mt. Cutler Trail If you’re looking for a great trail with epic views of Colorado Springs, look no further than the Mt. Cutler hike in Cheyenne Canyon. This trail is easy enough for the whole family and the surrounding vistas offer an epic pay off.

AOG Heritage Trail Take a walk down memory lane here at Doolittle Hall’s Heritage Trail. Visit the new Southeast Asia Pavilion and check out the brand new interactive Vietnam War history kiosk.

Wines of Colorado If you’re looking for a place to get away from city life for a few hours be sure to check out creek-side dining at Wines of Colorado. Enjoy the largest selection of wines made in Colorado while sinking your teeth into their famous buffalo burger. winesofcolorado.com

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September 2013

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Things Were Always

Tougher

In August, the Colorado Springs Gazette published an article about the new class of 2017 titled “Few quitters in Air Force Academy’s freshman class.” Upon completing basic training the class has the historic distinction of having the lowest dropout rate in Air Force Academy history. During their time at Jacks Valley the class lost only one basic cadet. The Gazette article detailed the new basic training philosophy. USAFA Commandant Brig.

Gen. Gregory Lengyel said that this BCT was as good as the training has ever gone. Lengyel was also paraphrased as saying that the training was accomplished with respect, a minimum of yelling and a maximum of expectations.

There were more than a few online responses to the article, one reader in particular questioned how tough the training was and claimed it doesn’t “test your limits” or compare to the training at West Point or Annapolis. I felt compelled to respond to this individual and I offered the following commentary:

Now They’re

Better Written by Mark D. Holmes ’75

You have a right to your opinion, however that doesn’t make your opinion right. I graduated from the Academy 38 years ago when it was supposed to be much “tougher” than today. During my time at the Academy, I thought the fourth class system, both as a basic and an upperclassman, was inefficient, operated on fear and not motivation, lacked simple respect for the individual, and most of all, lacked professionalism. This is my opinion, not necessarily the opinion of all my classmates. But I’m guessing those who deal with today’s cadets on a daily basis would agree with me.

I wrote several papers for classes at USAFA, and in them I hoped someday that training there would improve over the years and focus more on motivating professional young men and women to do their best, not because they are forced to but because they want to. The old ways laid a lot of groundwork for people to become disillusioned, rebellious and angry early in their career. The USAFA Class of 1975 ended up with the highest attrition rate in Academy history. We lost a lot of potentially good officers at a great cost to taxpayers.

When I saw and heard the changes that have evolved over the years since I graduated—and visited with cadets and officers in charge of them during each reunion year—I began to understand the enormous evolution that had been made in the intervening years. There was truly progress being made toward making a more professional Checkpoints

September 2013

officer corps. Goals and expectations haven’t changed, only the way the leadership evolved to expect and demand them without treating 18-year-olds like stupid children. They’re not. They were culled from some of the best of their generation, their limits were tested as well as ours were, and the result, from what I’ve seen, is an extremely motivated Cadet Wing and graduate community—as strong in character as we were. As a whole, they seemed to wholeheartedly believe in the training with “Fanatical Pride” they are currently receiving, not fighting it.

There is a quote by Major General John Schofield which all cadets were required to memorize, that continues today in Contrails. It was spoken in 1879 at West Point. I remember one evening being drilled into the wall by about seven upperclassmen for three hours for an infraction I probably deserved (doing my best to avoid them). I remember that the entire time the hazing was going on, I was being told to recite General Schofield’s quote over and over. I took nothing from that experience that furthered my career, my ability to handle stress or my job performance as a future pilot. As I earnestly recited General Schofield’s words, I could think of nothing except for how hypocritical it was to be trained using the exact brand of training that Schofield’s brilliant and prescient speech railed against.

That kind of discipline is slowly being dumped into the dustbin of history, replaced by an adult, motivational and efficient way to get future leaders to learn their duty. These kids now are tough as we were, whether or not you think their limits have been tested. The graduates over the last decade or two have been, for the most part, amazing officers, dedicated to their duty as much as any class; the result is an Air Force that is second to none.

Take note of the gentleman’s comment about trying out the assault course yourself, then tell of how our graduates aren’t as tough as West Point or Annapolis. Here is General Schofield’s quote.

“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.”

Major General John M. Schofield Address to the Corps of Cadets U.S. Military Academy August 11, 1879

usafa.org

Time has finally caught up to its brilliance and its relevance to making soldiers of a free country the best in the world. Of all the things I had to memorize in basic, despite it’s length, I held it in highest esteem and believed it to the core.

Several graduates, from more recent classes than mine, made comments that indicated that they were upset that the pressure “was off.” Graduates would suffer and be lesser for not going through PFT/AFT like they once did. In my reply to them, I pointed out that we’ve all talked about “back in the brown shoe days” and that the training for the Class of ‘59 was probably “tougher” than what the Class of ‘75 went through, and that what my class went through was probably “tougher” than what those two more recent graduates endured. This argument could go on ad infinitum, but the reality is that year to year the Academy leadership reviews training standards, observes what works and what doesn’t, and tries to end the latter and promote the former. That’s why USAFA continues to improve, evolve and provide the Air Force with the best, year after year, in an ever changing world.

In short, it’s easy to train cadets by being a jerk. It’s tougher to train them with motivation and encouragement as their prime reason to do their duty. Maybe that’s why it went on so long—that training was the easy way out. The Air Force Academy has evolved, and for the better. Upperclassmen work infinitely harder now than they did way back when. Firstclassmen are more involved in the training and not just “waiting to graduate.” It’s made for better doolies and better upperclassmen. Kudos to the change and kudos to the Class of 2017 for their accomplishment.

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH US! Do you long for sandy beaches, historic landmarks and exotic locales?

Leave the itinerary (and headaches) of travel planning behind!

Book your next ticket with AOG Travel today!

Experience the romance of Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome!

Explore the wonder of Asia in Hong Kong, Saigon, Bangkok and Singapore. Adventure awaits with a trip to the Tahitian Islands and the Galapagos. Or go down under to hang with the roos in Australia and the penguins in Antarctica-the choice is yours!

If you would rather tour the grand old USA we also have you covered! Relax on a Mississippi riverboat cruise or enjoy one of countless other destination options!

Withw the click of a mouse these vacations and many other itineraries are available through AOG Travel.

Visit http://www.usafa.org/Membership/Travel and secure your next vacation with the click of a mouse!

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Mouth Watering Recipes by Grads, for Grads For our latest installment of recipes we went all the way across the pond to discover the taste of Italy. Thanks to everyone who sent in their favorite dishes from the land of olives and marinara.

These savory secret recipes are sure to please the entire family. That’s AmorÉ!

Spaghetti alla Carbonara (Serves 5-6) Chef John Lipp, Class of 1970 Ingredients • 1 pound dry spaghetti • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 4 ounces pancetta or slab bacon, cubed or sliced into small strips • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 large eggs • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped Directions 1. Prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking to ensure that the spaghetti will be hot and ready when the sauce is finished; it is very important that the pasta is hot when adding the egg mixture, so that the heat of the pasta cooks the raw eggs in the sauce.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender yet firm (as they say in Italian “al dente”).

3. Drain the pasta well, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water to use in the sauce if you wish.

4. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium flame. Add the pancetta and saute for about 3 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the fat is rendered. Toss the garlic into the fat and saute for less than 1 minute to soften.

4. Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the pan and toss for 2 minutes to coat the strands in the bacon fat.

5. Beat the eggs and Parmesan together in a mixing bowl, stirring well to prevent lumps.

6. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the egg/cheese mixture into the pasta, whisking quickly until the eggs thicken, but do not scramble (this is done off the heat to ensure this does not happen). Thin out the sauce with a bit of the reserved pasta water, until it reaches desired consistency.

7. Season the carbonara with several turns of freshly ground black pepper and taste for salt. Mound the spaghetti carbonara into warm serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Pass more cheese around the table!

usafa.org

Off the Menu

Joe’s Tomato Sauce (Serves 4-5)

Coconut Macadamia Biscotti (Makes 3-Dozen)

Ingredients • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 med onion diced, yellow or white • 3-4 cloves garlic chopped • 1-2 cloves garlic whole, smashed • Pinch red pepper flakes • 2-3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes chopped, oil packed or dried • 2 28-ounce cans of whole Italian tomatoes • 1 6-ounce tomato paste • 1 1/2 cups red wine, whatever kind you’ve got on hand • 1/2 teaspoon basil, dry, and/or 1 tablespoon, fresh • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Ingredients • 1 whole egg • 1 egg white • 1/2 cup canola or other vegetable oil • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts • 1/2 cup flaked, sweetened coconut • 2 tablespoons anise seed • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Chef Joe Pasqualini, Class of 1994

Directions 1. If using dried tomatoes, boil a cup of water or chicken broth and remove from heat, add dried tomatoes, cover, and set aside for 5-10 minutes. Then chop.

2. Place canned tomatoes in blender and blend to your personal consistency.

3. Heat oil in deep pot under med-high heat. Add a piece of onion or garlic 4. As soon as the piece of onion/garlic starts sizzling add all of the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

5. Sauté onions and garlic, and red pepper flakes under med heat (until onions are transparent … they will stop “sweating”).

6. Add sun dried tomatoes and sauté for additional minute.

7. Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly so that everything is covered in paste (mixture will get quite thick).

8. Add tomatoes, wine, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil.

9. Simmer with lid partially on pot for at least 1 hour.

Chef Christine McKone, Mother of Ryan McKone ’14

Directions 1. Whisk together the egg, egg white and oil. Add the sugar, vanilla, salt, nuts, coconut and anise seeds. Mix well. Set aside.

2. Sift the flour with the baking powder, then add gradually to the wet mixture and mix until well blended. Cover and chill overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and place silicone baking mats or parchment paper onto 2 cookie sheets. Divide dough into 2 parts and roll each into a log long enough to fit lengthwise on the cookie sheet. (The dough is sticky—coat your hands with vegetable oil to do this.)

4. Place one roll on each baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven (logs will have flattened out) and, using a serrated knife, cut each log at a diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange each slice on its side on the baking sheets and bake until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes, turning them over about halfway through the cooking time. Cool on rack.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Bev Lloyd-Roberts LRPS

Ensuring Trust and Mutual Respect Prevail

Written by Jessica L. Wright Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness In Personnel and Readiness, the central tenant of our work is to oversee the health and readiness of America’s Total Force. It’s an incredibly important charge and a great place to work for many reasons, including opportunities to meet with and listen to our Armed Forces’ greatest asset: our people.

We’re a vast and far-reaching military of more than 4.2 million Total Force Service members and civilians working across the globe, engaged in full-spectrum operations on behalf of our nation’s defense. There is no doubt that the United States fields the greatest military on the face of the earth, and we produce talented leaders to command that force. These are truths we should take great pride in.

We’re also a force constantly looking to improve, and some of the greatest challenges we currently face across the Department of Defense have to do with how we treat one another.

Vital issues like Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and Suicide Prevention are top concerns for the Department, and for good reason: we must improve in these areas.

Our ability to remain the greatest military in the world is dependent on our health and readiness, and our health and readiness are highest when our people operate in a culture based on trust and mutual respect. We get there by demanding personal accountability and by always taking care of our teammates—in the barracks, in training, during war, and out on the town. If you see someone that needs help, no matter where you are, do something. Have the courage to act. Taking care of one another isn’t always easy, but foundational trust is an all or nothing proposition, demonstrated by deed, not promise.

Technology and tactics will continue to evolve, providing our nation’s leaders a staggering array of options in the

Image by Mike Kaplan (U.S. Air Force Photo) usafa.org

future security environment. What will not change is the fact that those advancements will only deliver their full potential in the hands of talented, safe, and ready Service members. In short, we cannot afford anything less than a culture bonded together by recognition of each person’s worth—a culture that empowers and encourages each and every one of us to directly intervene when that bond is at risk. To ensure the quality and effectiveness of our Total Force we need all of our Service members, civilians, alumni, and veteran communities to come together to reinforce the vital foundation of mutual respect for every member of our military family.

As USAFA graduates know well, be it in the classroom, on the athletic field, or training opportunities on land, air, or sea, providing diverse challenges and opportunities for cadets is critical to leadership and personal development.

However, in our drive for competitive environments we must ensure that trust and mutual respect prevail, always.

Recently, I had the great privilege of visiting the United States Air Force Academy. I came away very impressed with the cadets, the Academy leaders and staff, the facilities, and the clear organizational goal of produc-

ing well-rounded leaders of character. USAFA and her sister military academies are world-class institutions that have honorably served our armed forces and our nation for generations, in large part because these institutions demand the very best from our young men and women and train them to be accountable. It’s this accountability as leaders that our Armed Forces needs now more than ever—leaders that understand that we must care for each other, that we speak up when anyone is mistreated, that we take proactive steps to protect our people and create an environment of excellence.

It’s in this spirit that I encourage you to add your voice and example to the many already engaged in a renewed focus on trust and mutual respect across the Department of Defense. Our military communities and cherished institutions, like the Air Force Academy, will only grow stronger as we strive to improve each and every day.

As alumni of one of the world’s most prestigious institutions you can have a major impact toward our committed and on-going efforts at ensuring the health and readiness of our nation’s Armed Forces. Thank you for your service and Go AIR FORCE!

Checkpoints

September 2013

CADETS A POEM

By John E. Polliard (1916-1968) Composed circa 1964

John Earl Polliard Jr. was a civil servant at the Air Force Academy employed as an electrical lineman during the mid-1960s. “Johnny” was a hardworking man who observed the cadets as he went about his daily duties during the early years of the Academy’s history.

The young men who Johnny observed and proudly wrote about have gone on to do great things, giving themselves to our country in myriad ways. Johnny died on March 28, 1968 after a workplace accident on the Air Force Academy grounds leaving behind his two young children, ages two and five. This poem is just a small piece of legacy of a man who was proud to work at the United States Air Force Academy.

I stood on a hill—gazed out into space, My thoughts were only for me.

What sort of men—what manner of race, Are these in blue that I see.

I saw tall building in which they live, The classrooms where they learn.

I saw them put into practice, to take and give A code to live by and not spurn.

I saw them standing stiff and proud, And to march in a unit as one.

I heard their commands both clearly and loud, And the command once given was done.

The young and eager, physically strong too.

This then the manner of race, And so I give my thoughts to you, As I gazed out into space.

There lies the strength of your nation to be, They will make dreams come true.

And so I thank God on bended knee, For the Cadets decked out in Blue. ©2013 by Lois Jane Polliard

Falcon gear for the

entire family

AOG Life Members Julie Mulloy ’97 (tie-back tee, full-zip warmup, 3-piece USAFA charm necklace, silver AF earrings), Brian Mulloy ’97 (mock turtleneck, AF writstwatch), and Keegan Mulloy, Future Cadet Class of 2031 (long-sleeved tee, folding sunglasses). The Mulloys are currently serving in the Air Force Reserves in Colorado Springs.

shop.usafa.org AOG members receive 15% off!

Not a member yet? Visit www.usafa.org/membership to sign up today!

bonus content

Don’t Settle for Less

By Capt. Laura (Lammert) Chighizola ’06 USAFR

Leaving active duty at the end of June 2012 was one of the hardest decisions I made. My airfield ops flight was like family and I enjoyed taking care of them. I wanted my Airfield Management (AM) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) teams to go the distance (not settling for less).

usafa.org

F

From the “2006” starting block, I knew nothing of the airfield ops career field except I would be stationed wherever there was an airfield. It also increased my chances of being stationed with my spouse who sought the pilot track. Going through Keesler AFB for initial qual training in Fall 2006, I learned airfield ops was the career field that supervised the AM and ATC enlisted sections while overseeing base flying ops. The school house taught me about ATC and I applied the concepts in a simulated environment. The basics about airfield ops management and AM were also covered.

After finishing up the training at Keesler AFB in early 2007, I went to Altus AFB for the airfield ops officer training program. For several months, I completed the ATC live portion (controlling aircraft in the air via radar and the control tower).

It was a completely different animal. In the meantime, the OIC instructed classes on airfield ops and officership. Upon the ATC completion, the curriculum sent me on a two week stint at the AM counter/on-the-job training. It gave me a thirst for learning more.

In October 2007, I was stationed at Keesler AFB and learned that my desire to broaden my AM experience could be capped. Keesler AFB was an ATC tower-only location and had a contracted AM. The AM statement of work was like a bible. It prevented me from working behind the counter. My immediate supervisor was a great mentor though. He showed me through shadowing the airfield manager and her personnel I could learn plenty. For example, I experienced first hand re-opening an airfield after a hurricane blew thru the base. Furthermore, he worked out a creative way for an AM school house enlisted instructor who taught the 9-level course to teach me my 5 skill-level AM first duty location requirements. My mentor also put faith in me as a brand new First Lieutenant to be his Co-director of Keesler’s first Air Show/Open House since post-Hurricane Katrina.

Writing the Air Show Plan reminded me a lot of war-game/team planning senior year at USAFA for Military Strategic Studies (MSS) 400. The details from planning to execution were so crucial for success. Drawing on my Academy experience, I crafted an Air Show plan that left very few stones unturned. From there, we built the team from the ground up creating the overall committee and

subcommittees. Being in charge of the airfield, my mentor and I also oversaw and de-conflicted a major aircraft parking ramp and taxiway repair with the Air Show. Sadly, I left my “Keesler family” prior to Keesler’s two-day April 2009 Air Show and missed everything come full circle. However after 2 1/2 years of being stationed at different duty locations, my husband and I were finally co-located.

Close to a year later, my mentor notified me of Keesler’s winning the “Air Force Thunderbird’s Best Military Show Site for 2009.” This was quite a team feat.

Moving to Dyess AFB in January 2009, I knew it was a blessing to be there no matter what happened. Flight leadership manning soon dropped like flies in the spring and summer. In August 2009, I became the sole assigned officer of the flight as a First Lieutenant. Left with zero assigned/available AM SNCOs and barely any for ATC (tower-only location), we were not set-up for success. I leaned heavily on my AM Ops NCOIC who was a TSgt. She did a fantastic job simultaneously filling three roles: airfield manager (SMSgt position), deputy airfield manager (MSgt position) and NCOIC of AM Ops (MSgt position). Like AM, Tower soon fell to zero-assigned/ available SNCOs by the start of November 2009.

I placed our newly assigned tower TSgt to run things. Both of us didn’t get manning relief until the end of July 2010. I felt like I was running the Air Show prep again.

Some told me “work smarter not harder.” I had no choice though, but to work harder. Every section including mine was being led by younger leaders and we were poorly manned. Our assigned/ available tower supervisors (with the 7 skilllevel) were also crippled. At one point, we had two NCOs running 24/7 operations for several consecutive shifts with maybe 8-hour breaks in between shifts. No one could have predicted this, but it was the miserable perfect storm. And we overcame. In March 2010, Dyess Tower received word of their “Air Combat Command (ACC) ATC Facility of the Year 2009” team win. Their hard work was rewarded.

The Academy taught me the importance of team building and working with these teams to achieve goals. Prior to my new AM SNCO (a SMSgt) arriving at the end of November 2009, I met with both sections and we constructed short-term, Checkpoints

September 2013

Having made my recent exit was difficult, but when my people continued the success legacy it put the biggest smile on my face. I’m so proud of them. They didn’t settle for less. immediate-term and long-range goals. To unify the entire flight, I developed and instilled its foundation: “family, fitness and fortitude.” I wrote these words and Major General John M. Schofield’s West Point graduation address quote (we memorized this at the Academy) on my white board to remind us how to lead. I was also inspired by my classmate Roz Schulte’s leadership and ultimate sacrifice.

She was in my sisters’ (Jen ‘05 and Kelly ‘08) squadron at the Academy. All of us were reduced to tears losing our Academy “sister.” I had drawn two things (an eagle on a shield and her portrait) to honor her unfailing dedication to the Air Force family and kept them close by my desk.

We then started to take-off and soar with the AM section in 2010. From developing construction requests to the planning/execution of multimillion dollar airfield projects and continuing high tempo aircraft ops, we were succeeding with the new AM SNCO. Our team improved when we gained my AM school house sergeant as new the deputy airfield manager. He was a key contributor to our “ACC AM Facility of the Year 2010” win.

He took over for the AM section when my airfield manager was promoted to ACC’s AM Command Chief. Temporarily, we lost our talented female AM TSgt to a year-long remote tour. I knew, however, we could achieve similar command-level win results the next year. I challenged AM with being involved on the Air Force’s first-ever truckmounted Foreign Object Debris (FOD) radar test project. It was one of the vehicles that drove them to their success as the Air Force’s and ACC’s “Facility of the Year 2011.” They were the best that year (#1 of 71 bases). I couldn’t believe it. This team truly embraced their career field’s motto: “my airfield, my domain.”

Flight success was also found at the individual level. Both Dyess AM and ATC sections produced top quality Airmen. To recognize their accolades, I created the flight’s first-ever awards program operating instruction in December 2009. I took it to usafa.org

the next level by closely reviewing and adding final touches to their AF IMT 1206 form submissions.

In a 19-month period, the flight was awarded seven Senior Airman Below-the-Zone wins. Additionally, they swept both the Squadron’s Airman and NCO annual win categories from 2009 thru 2011. Of these years, at least one flight member competed at the wing level annual awards. To see them win at the various levels was priceless. They dubbed me “The Bullet Queen.”

By March 2012, our flight commander deployed and I was left as the sole officer available until the end of May 2012. This road was familiar though.

By this time, I was fulfilling other squadron functions (exec, Assistant Director of Ops and Director of Staff) as well as flight commander duties. We found out the person replacing my position was going to be a Second Lieutenant with no first-duty location experience. I saw this as an opportunity for him to lead, but this required planning on our part. I developed plans for the flight to be sustained under his leadership. Furthermore, I set forth preparation plans for the January 2013 airfield ops compliance inspections while the primary flight commander was deployed. We then welcomed the Second Lieutenant to our family. I knew he was going to do fine because of the leadership team we created and our goals we established.

He was not going to fail. I transferred the flight leadership position to him mid-June and gave my final active duty salute to one of my AM Airmen as I headed out the door.

In March 2013, I received an unexpected update from Dyess’ airfield manager. The text indicated that AM won the ACC title for the third consecutive year. I replied, “Fantastic! Triple crown for AMOPS!” Then it hit me; why am I texting them?

So I called. We stayed on the phone for a good half hour or more recalling how they succeeded the rest of 2012 and their excellent AM and ATC for January 2013’s inspection. The airfield manager reported the flight’s fourth consecutive Squadron Airman of the Year win which also won at the group level. He then put his deputy airfield manager (the one who had returned from her remote tour) on the line. She mentioned how she utilized some of the above unit-level award writing seminars I taught at the squadron to craft the winning ACC package. In a way, she said it was hard to fill the shoes. I responded, “What? Size 7, 7 1/2?

I have small feet. That’s easy … you had it in you all along.”

Having made my recent exit was difficult, but when my people continued the success legacy it put the biggest smile on my face. I’m so proud of them. They didn’t settle for less.

happenings September

october

november

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4

2

Air Force at Boise State Football and AOG Tailgate at The Stonehouse, Boise

18

Falcon Heritage Forum Begins 1973 & 1978 Class Reunion Weekend Kicks Off

21

Air Force vs. Wyoming Football

USAFA Golf Classic Baltimore

5

Air Force at New Mexico Football

AOG Tailgate at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis

21

10

28 AOG Tailgate at Lawlor Events Center Concourse, Reno

Air Force vs. UNLV Football

Air Force vs. San Diego State Football

23

Air Force at Nevada Football

8

Air Force at Navy Football

24

Food for Thought Lunch and Learn at Doolittle Hall

Air Force vs. Army Football

21-22

Service Academy Career Conference, San Antonio

1963 & 1983 Class Reunion Weekend Kicks Off

29

Air Force vs. Notre Dame Football

26

AOG Gift Shop Black Friday Sale— December 2 Cyber Monday Sale at shop.usafa.org

30

30

Air Force at Colorado State

1968 & 1988 Class Reunion Weekend Kicks Off

USAFA Master Calendar

The AOG has developed an Air Force Academy master calendar of events! Get up to speed on all the important AOG and Academy happenings with USAFA’s most comprehensive master schedule.

The easy to navigate search feature allows you to search event listings by specific categories, including interests and geographic region—all with the click of a mouse. usafa.org/calendar

AOG Ambassador Program

An Ambassador is a graduate who serves as a liaison or point of contact for other graduates coming into your geographic area—whether for business or leisure. You can help a fellow graduate answer questions that can improve their visit or relocation experience. Be their guide and share your knowledge about where to find housing, what school districts are best or what attractions are worth a visit. If you are interested in serving as an Ambassador in your area, please email us at chapter.support@aogusafa.org. usafa.org/group/ambassadors Checkpoints

September 2013

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Bonus content

There was more to the Reality of

War

Written by Bryan J. Funke ’81

I read “The Reality of War” (Checkpoints, March 2013) with great interest. Kudos to the CROs and PJs doing the Pedro Mission in Afghanistan! Mr. Branum, however, neglected an entire chapter in this story. The Army in 2006, claiming MEDEVAC assets in the AOR were stretched beyond operational limits, asked the USAF to assume this mission as an ILO tasking. When the RFF was coordinated by the Air Staff, I submitted as AFCENT Surgeon the following concerns to the AF/SG: 1. MEDEVAC is doctrinally an Army mission not an Air Force mission. The primary mission of Air Force CSAR assets per AFDD 2-1.6 is recovery of downed crewmembers and other isolated personnel.

2. PJs are not medical personnel but rather combatants with special medical skills. As such, they could be used for the CASEVAC mission defined by FM 8-10-6 as movement

of casualties to initial treatment at the MTF by non-medical personnel and vehicles. Note that this does not include inter-facility transfers to higher echelons of care, a vital part of the MEDEVAC mission in Afghanistan.

3. Air Force medics had no specialized training in MEDEVAC operations, hoist use or independent enroute care in the Air. USAF Aeromedical technicians are trained only in fixed wing aircraft and they function only under the supervision of a supervising AEROVAC nurse not independently.

4. CSAR forces and aircraft are combat assets while MEDEVAC assets are GENEVA protected noncombatant medical assets. Mixing these forces for the same mission on the battlefield could create potential legal and ethical problems.

The PJ community also voiced objections though their functional stating they were CSAR not MEDEVAC. At the

time, Air Force was not losing any aircrew in significant numbers and the CSAR assets were primarily on standby in case of such a scenario. The Army, however, was quite enamored with the MH-60’s superior capabilities when compared to its UH-60L, namely the FLIR and 50-cal gun.

The Air Force ultimately accepted the ILO MEDEVAC mission and tasked CSAR pilots and aircraft to fly with fixed wing AE medics in the back. Concerned that these AE medics were neither trained nor equipped for the MEDEVAC mission, AFCENT required them to get helicopter medic training at Fort Rucker, SERE training, water survival training and high risk of capture training prior to deploying.

The reality was that most of these medics deployed without this specialized training. Fortunately many of the medics were seasoned reservists who were also paramedics in their civilian careers and they performed admirably. Soon AF

medics built up an impressive record of saves as well as Air Medals.

Ultimately the PJ community asked to take back the ILO MEDEVAC mission. The tremendous combat rescue accomplishments of both Air Force medics and PJs shall never be forgotten.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 41st Rescue Squadron waits as pararescuemen from the 38th Rescue Squadron rescue a downed pilot during a combat search and rescue demonstration at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Feb. 7, 2013. National Geographic’s new television series, “Inside Combat Rescue,” provides a firsthand look at what rescue Airmen deal with in combat environments. (U.S. Air Force photo

by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bumpers/Released)

THE USAFA CLASS OF 1961 WEST POINT MULE RAID OF 1959 As told by BRICE CUTRER JONES to HECTOR ANDRÉS NEGRONI, Class Historian

Mule–Napping Team September 1959. l to r: kneeling: MacAulay, Pattie; standing: Cooper, Mason, Foster, B. Jones, Whalen.

PROLOGUE The first Army–Air Force Football Game took place in Yankee Stadium on Saturday, October 31, 1959. Before the game, a group of Air Force Academy Class of 1961 cadets under the leadership of Tom Pattie traveled to West Point and attempted to capture the Army mascot. Tom Pattie was able to infiltrate the Army defenses to gather mementos and trophies, but unfortunately, the mule-napping team was not successful. The team was captured by the Army Military Policemen and later released.

Here is the whole story.

THE (not–so) GREAT MULE RAID, O:DARK EARLY, 27 SEPTEMBER 1959 The progenitor of the raid was Tom Pattie, who enlisted Wayne Whalen and Brice Jones right after classes started after the 1959 summer interlude.

(By the way, upon graduation in 1961 from Checkpoints

September 2013

USAFA, Tom Pattie was commissioned in the US Army as a 2nd Lt., did Ranger training, and after some fairly debilitating injuries incurred in RVN as a special forces team leader, was medically retired as a Major.) As mission requirements became obvious, or not so obvious, raiders were added to fill the need—or just to have some good, right–thinking guys aboard. Eventually the group was expanded to 11, including a doolie who came to the Academy from Highland Falls, and whose family still lived there. Once deployed, that residence became the raiders’ field HQ, and all crashed on couches, floors, chairs, and whatnot. The doolie also provided G2 from his recollection about the WP grounds and location of the mules. None of the raiders had ever attended WP, nor even been on the grounds, save Brice Jones, as a teen–ager to attend one of his father’s reunions.

Mission requirements included two way radios, rental truck to haul the mule once captured, and in due course, a second truck to switch the mule into while still on post after capture, as it was assumed the MP in the stable would put out an all points alert for the truck he saw at the stables. Marty Fricks constructed in the EE lab, a battery–charged 400 volt “hot stick,” about the size of a couple phone books with a shoulder strap and a long wand with double prongs on the end. This was deemed necessary to encourage any mule with a resistant attitude about going up the gangplank to get aboard the first truck. Finally, the group needed transport for eleven raiders to WP, and same to get the raiders plus mule “home.” This photo shows Brice Jones with the Walkie-Talkie and Tom Pattie dressed in captured West Point garb.

Tony saluted back and yelled “ right face, forward march,” end of report.

Upon the raiders arrival at Stewart AFB, NY, the doolie’s family met the group with POV’s, the trucks were obtained, and all crashed at field HQ. All arose at midnight, and a task force, led by the fearless— “fearless” may have been an understatement—Tom Pattie, went out to WP to reconnoiter. After the general plan was scoped out, at about 0300 hrs, Tom said to wait for him while he went into the dorms.

The task force were aghast, but off he went.

In about an hour, Tom returned with a full khaki uniform, with shoes, belt, tie and overseas cap, a second uniform of gray tunic, white pants, and garrison cap; and a couple of guideons on their staffs.

Next morning, all went to the Saturday morning Parade. Jones reports the events of the morning, “The Corps finished the pass in review and marched into the dorm area, later to re-emerge in khakis to march into the mess hall for lunch. In that formation, passing within feet of some spectators, including several raiders, I for one almost dropped my load as within feet of me marching at the back of one of the platoons, was Tom Pattie in WP Cadet uniform. Tom had lunch with The Corps. He didn’t know whether he was a doolie, a firstie, or anything in between. He didn’t know the commands, the formations, the execution of the drills or anything else about the Cadet Corps.

He had no clue where to sit in the mess hall or any protocol he might have had to follow—but he pulled it off and met us at Field HQ later that afternoon.” This photo shows Tom Pattie dressed in captured West Point uniform, and Jerry Mason in civilian clothes.

One of the raiders went down to Fort Carson and somehow managed to requisition a half–dozen walkie–talkies and a couple pairs of crash clippers (to cut the locks off the stable doors). One truck was rented near WP, one was borrowed from somebody in Highland Falls. Brice Jones, a member of the fourth cadet squadron, called the squadron’s Real Air Force sponsoring unit, the Fourth Fighter Group in North Carolina, and requested of the commander, one Colonel Williams, round trip airlift. Colonel Williams requisitioned suitable transport from the 41st Tactical Airlift Squadron. at Pope AFB. At 0800 hrs., Friday, 25 September, two (one for backup) C–130’s arrived at Peterson Field for the mission.

A day prior to departure, Cadet Jones briefed the cadet wing commander, one Tony Burshnick, class of ’60, (also of Fourth Sqdn), who agreed to complicity. During the three–day absence, 11 cadets were duly reported absent at each formation, and usafa.org

Army played Boston College that Saturday, and stomped them into the Michie Stadium turf. That evening, The Corps, of course, celebrated exuberantly. The permanent staff of the grounds, including at least some of the MP’s, did also—some, apparently, to excess.

At about 0100 hrs or 0200 hrs, Sunday morning, the raiders descended on the mule stables. All, that is, except Ken MacAuley, who was assigned to drive the second truck, and who was to wait at some remote point on post to receive the mule once captured, to be transferred from the first truck which by then, it was assumed, would be the object of a big search—and thereby drive the mule in the second truck—with impunity through the un-manned, but raider–liberated, back gate, and on to Newburg.

Most of the rest of the group entered the stables.

OMG! There were some seven stalls. The raider with the crew clippers liberated the first mule (as it turned out, must have been the biggest), and several more in just moments. At the instant of the first stable door swinging open, alarms went off all over the place; really loud! Lights came on; really bright, some flashing, and maybe even a siren went off. Mules were running everywhere. A stable supervisor of some undetermined degree of sobriety (we were later told he was an MP) stuck his head out a door at the end of the stable, took one look, and fell back into his room and slammed the door. Chaos reigned.

Jones again, “As I recall what followed, I see Wayne Whalen—perhaps the slightest of build of the raiders, but by no means the least intrepid— “guiding” the largest of the mules (much taller than Wayne), by the halter (which he may have had to buckle on), to the gangplank at the back of the first truck. At that point, Fricks gooses the mule in the rump, and that animal took off like a rocket across the huge field in front of the stables—with Wayne “holding on” at the halter.”

With that, alarms seemingly sounding all over the post, mules running loose everywhere, the jig was up. The raiders somehow made their way back to Field HQ in Highland Falls. All, that is, except MacAuley, driver of truck #2. As he tells it, “I was sitting at the wheel, peering into the darkness, when all of a sudden something cold and hard [it was a .45], pressed against my right ear, and a voice said, ‘don’t move.’“ He promised not to.

At about 0300 or 0400, the first message came into Field HQ via a cab driver: “All surrender, and we’ll turn MacAulay loose and give you your truck back.” The “courier” (the same cab driver), was sent back with a counter proposal. In due course, the cabbie returned with, “either all surrender or we’re going to throw MacAulay down into one of our Checkpoints

September 2013

tunnels and leave him till game day.” It was close, but it wasn’t a cheap truck—the raiders caved.

Tom returned to USAFA with some trophies: the guidons and uniforms—one of which he wore on game–day. But it was George Luck, USAFA Class of 60, who had attended West Point with the Class of 1957, who famously marched on with the Corps and stripped off the uniform and ran to the USAFA side. Tom also marched on with the Corps, but not so dramatically. Here is Tom Pattie on Parade Day, ready to march into the mess hall with the Corps.

By the way, the first Air Force-Army Football Game ended in a 13-13 tie.

EPILOGUE The following year, Tom Pattie again went into action, enlisted Wayne Whalen and Brice Jones from the mule-napping mission, and the three deployed to the East Coast to bring home the Navy Goat. This time no radios, trucks, hot sticks, or mission–superfluous raiders. The grab was planned for August, before the fall semester got underway. Tom was from the Virginia area, and thereby the raiders were able to use his family car—a 4-door Dodge. Tom also developed some intelligence on the Navy dairy farm where the Academy produced their milk and housed the goat—at least in summer.

The heist was made late one summer evening.

Billy spent the night in the trunk of the Dodge, and next day a B–26 was requisitioned from Andrews AFB. Billy was put into a deep sleep by the base vet and made the trip strapped comatose into the bomb bay. The three raiders crammed in wherever space allowed Tom Pattie was friendly with MSgt William H. Coultrin, USAFA’s NCOIC Cadet Wing Command. MSgt Coltrin had garaged Tom’s Zundap motorcycle all five years of Tom’s matriculation at USAFA. MSgt Coultrin lived on a relatively remote

place in Colorado Springs that he called a farm.

MSgt Coultrin received the still comatose merchandise, and put Billy in a nice “pasture,” where he resided in bliss for three or four weeks, during which time—Raiders were subsequently informed—Navy “intelligence” at the Pentagon just about went ballistic and brought all they had to bear (including satellite imagery) on locating Billy.

In due course, Navy worked it out and Mr. Pattie was invited to meet with the Commandant.

A deal was brokered: the Raiders’ freedom in exchange for Billy’s. In a “hostage exchange ceremony,” chronicled in Life Magazine, Billy with his horns painted AF Blue, was marched around the terrazzo for an hour or so, and duly turned over to the Naval authorities.

While in “captivity,” the Navy Goat was featured in a video interview that was telecast during halftime at the Air Force-Navy Game. This photo shows Wayne Whalen (standing on the left), Brice Jones holding the goat (standing on the right) and Hector Negroni kneeling while interviewing the goat, following Billy’s participation in the noon meal formation.

However, that was not the end of the Navy Goat saga. When the Navy goat was delivered to Peterson Field for its return flight, a group of enlisted men substituted a squalid looking granny goat for Billy. When that goat arrived at Annapolis, all hell broke lose and USAFA was ordered to find the right goat and return it. With the help of MSgt Coltrin this was done.

And that is the rest of the story”!

–bcj; han 28 December 2012

usafa.org

Gone But Not Forgotten Douglas G. Grafflin, Jr., ’59 Douglas G. Grafflin Jr. died on June 21, 2013. He was born Oct. 2, 1936 in New York City, the first of five children and the only boy. His mother, Alice, was a librarian and his father a well-respected educator. Doug grew up in Chappaqua, N.Y. where the elementary school is named for his father. As a youth he learned about motors by working on the tractor at his uncle’s farm, an early indication of his life-long fascination with figuring out how things work. Doug attended Horace Greely High School and was Civil Air Patrol cadet before heading to the Air Force Academy.

At the Academy Doug joined the fencing team. One of his teammates said Doug was the star epee fencer.

He had an odd style, but it worked very well. In fencing as in academics (he was a good engineering student) Doug was focused, determined and stoic. When defective epee punctured his lung the doctor just put a bandage over the hole to stop air passage. Doug neither complained nor reduced his activities. The team did very well, going from nowhere as Fourth Classmen to capture first place in the Western Intercollegiate Fencing Conference their last year.

Doug’s first duty assignment as a navigator was at Bruntingthorpe, UK where he met his first wife, Cecilia Doug Grafflin Cavanagh. Subsequently he was stationed in France and then at Shaw AFB in South Carolina.

As a father Doug was patient, understanding and able to motivate.

When one of his daughters had early math problems he told her she could have as many M&Ms as she could count. Soon there was a shortage of M&Ms in the Grafflin household. At the same time, he was constant and dispassionate, hewing to logic and science in almost any situation. He was very good at describing problems in a clear, logical framework based on science or empirical evidence.

Doug had a wry sense of humor. Once he handed his five-year-old granddaughter a wrapped oblong shaped box. It looked like it might hold a nice piece of jewelry. When she opened it all she found was a small piece of paper that said “Boo.” Mother was upset with what seemed like a cruel joke but granddaughter was thrilled. That “Boo” box solidified their understanding of each other as people. While he liked pranks, his favorite type of humor was a good pun or just a silly non sequitur.

He left the Air Force in 1967 for an MBA at Columbia. Later he was hired by SIAC (Securities Industry Automation Corporation), a company established to automate the trading floors of the major stock exchanges.

Doug had responsibility for the evacuation/reconstitution plan and required actual practice. There was a lot of grumbling but the plan proved itself in both attacks on the World Trade Center. Lives were saved and the New York Stock Exchange was up and running in an amazingly short period. He retired in the ’90s.

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

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In 1986 he married Jo Anne Murphy who predeceased him on July 8th, 2012. They lived in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. and enjoyed traveling to Academy events and overseas. Their apartment building was a little U.N. with Doug serving several terms as the chairman of the building association. In recent years, Doug enjoyed model railroads and was building a model of the New York subway system.

Doug is survived by daughters Jill Grafflin Cerny and Victoria Grafflin Conway, two grandchildren, and sisters Sally Klingener, Susan Leete and Mary Ellen Chijioke. (Jill Grafflin Cerny and Victoria Grafflin Conway, Doug’s daughters; and Ed Josephson, ’59)

Alfred Kirkland Canterbury, Jr., ’60 Alfred Kirkland Canterbury, Jr., who went by Kirk, was a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 1960, and as the class motto, Nulli Secundus, means, he was truly Second to None.

After graduation, “Captain Kirk” continued to fly C-130s for the U.S. Air Force, and at one point, was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador in Canada where he met and later married Mildred Ann Kurkoski. Unfortunately, I do not know much about his Air Force career other than the odd story about flying supplies into Cambodia, and how he loved landing at U.S. Naval bases as he said, “All those guys thought that he was a naval Captain and they would roll out the red carpet” for him. What he was more known for was his swimming.

He actually swam for the U.S. Air Force Academy and it was a matter of great pride for me to actually see him in his team picture on the wall of the natatorium when I was out there during my own swimming career. It was also a great surprise to me to find that he actually held the pool record in the old pool at Southern Illinois University where I finished my collegiate swim“Kirk” Canterbury ming career. Since that pool is no longer used for competitions, he will forever hold the pool record in that pool for the men’s 200-yard backstroke.

In 1971, United States Masters Swimming was started in which Kirk was one of the pioneers. During the following years from 1975 through 2001, Captain Kirk amassed 179 Top Ten national rankings, including 24 #3 rankings, 30 #2 rankings, and 20 #1 rankings. Between the years of 1986 through 1989, he also amassed 12 Top 5 World Rankings in long course meters including 5 #1 rankings, and 11 Top 10 World Rankings in short course meters including 3 #1 rankings. In 1976, he set 2 National Records in the Men’s 40-44 400 Meter I.M. and the Men’s 40-44 200 Yard Fly and in both 1986 and 1987, he set National Records in the Men’s 5054 800 Meter Free. Finally, his top accomplishment came in 1987 when he set a World Record in the Men’s 50-54 800 Meter Free!

Captain Kirk also coached swimming as well. While coaching for a U.S. Swimming team from Gastonia, N.C. he coached numerous kids to national prominence. And after having both his knees replaced (at the same time because he didn’t want to have the additional time out of the water by having them done one at a time), he devoted most of his time coaching the Masters swim team at MAC in Charlotte, N.C. where he not only taught numerous adults the joy of swimming, but also coached several adults to their own national and world rankings and records!

After making remarkable recoveries from several strokes, Alfred Kirkland Canterbury finally succumbed to the last stroke on April 23. 2013. He is survived by his wife, Millie, and his two sons, Mark and John David.

Captain Kirk was truly Second to None! (Mark Kirkland Canterbury, Kirk’s eldest son)

Karl McMaster Jones, Jr., ’60 Col. Karl McMaster Jones, Jr., U.S. Air Force retired, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2013, after a short and courageous fight. He lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by those whose life he touched.

Karl was born in Glen Ridge, N. J. on Dec. 28, 1938. Upon graduation from high school, Karl entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in July 1956.

After graduation from USAFA with the Class of ’60, Karl attended pilot training with Class 62B at Bartow and Reese AFBs. Following a tour as an Instructor/StanEval Pilot at Reese AFB, Karl checked out in the F-4 prior to completing a combat tour in Southeast Asia. He returned to the University of Colorado, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Following graduation from the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Karl launched on a career in the test and evaluation field ranging from assignments in Edwards AFB, Korea, and Eglin AFB, and culminating in command of a classified test facility formerly known as Pittman Station.

He retired as a colonel in 1988 and began his secondary career as an independent consultant with SAIC Corporation in Fairfax, Va. providing aviation safety Karl Jones and flight test technical assistance to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Associated Universities program, a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), and to the University of California/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. As a member of the faculty of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, he taught graduate courses in R&D Management and Aviation Human Factors as well as undergraduate mathematics, physics, and aviation sciences. He was on contract to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to provide tutorial services in college mathematics.

Adding to his accomplishments, Karl became an adjunct professor of Mathematics at Northwest Florida State College and Pensacola State College passing on his knowledge to the next generation of engineers.

With over 27 years’ experience in aviation research, development, test and evaluation as a program director, airport manager, test pilot, aviation safety consultant and educator, Karl was a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, the Mathematical Association of America, a civilian pilot with a FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, a USCG certified Vessel Operator, 100 ton class, and a PADI certified SCUBA Divemaster.

Karl was preceded in death by his father, Karl, and his mother, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Niceville, Fla.; his sons Karl, Kurt, and Lane; his stepsons Clay and Butch; and his stepdaughters Karla and Charlsie. (Andi Biancur, Class of ’60 and Mary Ann Kish Jones)

David L. Wiest, ’60 David (Slats) L. Wiest, Class of 1960, passed away on 25 May 2013 at his home in Silver City, N.M. following a long bout against prostate cancer. He was born in Nahant, Mass. on March 20, 1938 and came to the Academy from Lynchburg, Va. While at the Academy, he excelled at gymnastics, took part in the Professional Studies Group as Chairman, served on the class ring committee, and was also active in the Forum and member of the DODO staff.

Following graduation, Dave attended pilot training at Bartow Air Base, Fla. and Reese AFB, Texas. It was at Reese where he met his future wife, Laura Claybourn of Fort Worth, Texas. They were married in September 1961 prior to reporting to Stead AFB, Nev. where he trained as a helicopter pilot. Following assignments at Dover AFB, Del. and Incirlik AB, Turkey, Dave flew a combat tour in Vietnam in 1966 where he was known to his rescue helicopter crew as “The Old Dad” (turned 29 in Vietnam); he served as a Rescue Crew Commander, maintenance officer, test pilot, sometime-clerk (advantage of being in a small outfit), and always a mentor After Vietnam, he resigned in 1967, and Dave and Laura began an active, adventurous life in Taos, N.M. where he restarted life as a photographer, with additional work hosting at an art gallery, putting up the Taos County

booth at the New Mexico State Fair, moving a couple of businesses, matcutting for pictures, and repairing cameras for a store in Albuquerque.

He followed all that by becoming a Ski Bum at Taos Ski Valley, After a short sojourn in Maine, Dave and Laura returned to settle in New Mexico where he went to work with the U.S. Forest Service in the Cloudcroft Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest performing many diverse duties. His career with the Forest Service went from a fire tower lookout to a computer manager with many other interesting jobs along the way. To some he was known as “Gadget Man”.

He spent his off days from the Forest Service branding cattle. He retired in December 2000 from Gila National Forest in Silver City.

Throughout life he was a craftsman in wood, leather, and metals; he was a man of many interests; from astronomy to computers, construction to mule wrangling and much in between, he edDave Wiest ucated himself with piles of books and research; he loved to read, draw, play the banjo, and make things, and was always happiest working with his hands.

The wide variety of their interests, however, was always under shadowed by Dave’s passion for interesting automobiles. He avidly sought to experience ownership of everything, from his earliest vintage Morgan convertible to his most recent, a RoadTrek motor home.

Dave and Laura had a real passion for adventure, and the courage to follow a path that others only dream about. They were truly a modern renaissance couple who lived life to the fullest. For them 75 years flew by too fast and, after a long battle with cancer, at the end he was ready and eager to “slip the surly bonds ….” I imagine, as he approached his Maker: “Yes, Sir!”, “No, Sir!”, “No, Excuse, Sir!” were on his lips.

Dave recently chronicled much of that life in a piece posted on the Class of 1960 site, which he ended with the words: “I guess that was the adventure.” (Andi Biancur, President, Class of 1960).

Jack W. Bright, ’61 Jack Wesley Bright, Class of 1961, was born Nov. 16th 1938 and passed on May 16, 2013. As part of a large family, he did not have the financial resources to attend college, much less medical school. As a well-respected high school jock and avid football player, he gained the attention of two Air Force Academy recruiters passing through his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After meeting with the recruiters, he decided to apply and was accepted where he continued to play football and boxed.

Like many other graduates of the time, he quickly was thrown into the Vietnam War. As a pilot he flew the A26 out of Nakhon Phanom (NKP) out of Thailand. As part of the 602nd Air Commando Squadron he flew the Ho Chi Minh trail and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star.

Upon returning to the United States, Jack Bright continued his military career with stops in Frankfurt, Washington D.C., Hawaii, SHAPE and several others.

Jack Bright He completed his MBA at the University of Alabama while attending War College during the day.

He retired in San Antonio at the rank of Colonel from the Electronic Security Command located at Kelley AFB. He remained in San Antonio for awhile but left for a period of time to work for his brother in Noel, Mo. Following his move from Noel and Las Vegas, Jack returned to San Antonio to spend time with his good friends from the Academy.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in mid-to-late 2012 and after receiving treatment was given the prognosis that he had not been cured.

In May 2013 he entered a hospice and passed away on 16 May 2013.

Jack Bright, 74 years young, is survived by his former wife, Peggy Bright, who remained close friends; his son Steve Wesley Bright; his daughter-in-law Rachel Andre; and his seven grandkids: Bruni Bright, 93

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Jacob Bright, Noah Bright, Adam Brown, Serrah Brown, Madison Andre, and Zachary Andre.

His love for his family, friends, and the A-26 foundation will live with us as we carry on the tradition of excellence, forgiveness, and friendship.

I miss you my best friend and dad. (Steve Bright)

Gordon M. Clarke, ’61 In the early morning hours of Father’s Day, June 16, 2013, surrounded by his family, Gordon Mitchell Clarke, age 74, of College Station, Texas, went home to be with his Heavenly Father. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Margaret “Peggy” Ann Clarke, and their children, Dale Clarke and wife, Chaille, of College Station; Amy Brown and husband, Billy, of Bryan; and Cheryl Freeman and husband, Doc, of South Hill, Va. Five grandsons will cherish the memories of their “Poppy”: Turner and Hayden Clarke, age 9, of College Station; and Ashby Lundy, 26, Cameron Lundy, 24, and Hunter Lundy, 21, of South Hill, Va. Colonel Clarke also leaves behind two brothers and a sister: Bruce C. Clarke, Jr. and his wife, Didi, of Vienna, Austria; David A. Clarke, Sr. and his wife, Eileen, of The Villages, Fla.; Lisa Clark and her husband, Ludlow, of Leesburg, Va., and a host of nieces and nephews.

He will also be missed by his canine companion, Pepper.

Colonel Clarke was born April 16, Gordon Clarke 1939 in Galveston, Texas to Bruce and Bessie Clarke. He graduated from Stuttgart American High School in Germany in 1957 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1961. He married his high school sweetheart and together they enjoyed 27 years of active duty service in the United States and abroad. Colonel Clarke received two graduate degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University: his MS in 1968 and his PhD in 1995. He enjoyed swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, and time well spent with family and friends.

A celebration of life with full military honors was held June 20 at the Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan with interment to follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or to Hospice Brazos Valley.

The family wishes to thank those who cared for Gordon and his family during his journey with Parkinson’s Disease: Dr. Adil Nicolwala, Dr. Barbara Pierce, and Dr. Denise Turner; two special caretakers, Karen Nelson and Wanda Crawford; Pastor Justin Grace of Connecting Point Church; the medical and nursing staff of both The College Station Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Health System, the staff of Sherwood Health Care, and Hospice Brazos Valley.

Please share memories of and tributes to Colonel Clarke at www.hillierfuneralhome.com. (Cheryl Clarke Freeman, Gordon’s daughter)

Terry D. Norris, ’61 Terry D. Norris departed his earthly home for his final flight to his eternal home on April 10, 2013. He was born on April 14, 1938 in Darke County, Ohio. From 1957-1961, Terry attended the United States Air Force Academy graduating with a B.S. in Engineering. He was a fouryear starter in baseball, leading the team to the College World Series. At one point in his first-class year, he pitched three straight days – unheard of today. He was the leading scorer for the basketball team during his second-class year. It was the first USAFA team to play in the NCAA bas-

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

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ketball tournament. In his final year, he served as the team’s captain.

Nicknames were their badges of honor and commitment to each other and the team. Tex was Terry’s nickname because he was slightly bowlegged. Tex played an entire game with three or four overtimes in a win over Regis in Denver. He gave no quarter and took none in return! In a game with UCLA, everyone remembered the UCLA guard who came off the bench and hammered Tex when he was not looking. Tex simply got up off the floor and smiled. He had won!

Following graduation in 1961, Terry attended undergraduate pilot training at Vance AFB, Okla. He then checked out in C-130s at Sewart AFB, Tenn. and in 1963 was assigned to Dyess AFB, Texas as a C-130 pilot. In 1965, he was assigned for a year to the 19th Air Commando Squadron at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, Vietnam, flying C-123s. Following this combat tour, he was assigned to C-130s at McGuire AFB until 1967. During this time, Terry participated in worldwide missions including Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Japan, Central and South America, and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1967.

Terry then moved to Centerville, Ohio, where he was awarded an MS in Mathematics and Education Administration from the University of Miami of Ohio University while teaching high school mathematics and coaching basketball Terry Norris at Troy, National Trail, Centerville, Westland, and Grove City high schools. During this time, Terry also served as an Air Force Reserve Pilot, Chief of Standardization, and Chief of Plans and commander for Red Flag operations, a Panama rotation, and a deployment to Germany. In 1988, as a Colonel and command pilot, he was assigned to Air Force Headquarters in the Pentagon as Advisor to the Director of Plans for the Air Force Reserves in the first Iraq War. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, 16 Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Terry retired from the Reserves in 1991 to devote himself full time to golf.

Terry was a tough guy in a strong, confident, and leadership way. He had some setbacks in his life, but there wasn’t a moment that he didn’t bounce back. His arduous trip through numerous cancer treatments was indicative of his mettle.

Terry had four children: Jennifer, Molly, Michele, and Michael with his first wife, Jill Brandenburg, who in turn, blessed him with ten grandchildren. During his tenure at the Pentagon, he met and married Sandy Lewis, and after retirement, they moved to Fawn Lake in Spotsylvania, Va. At Fawn Lake, Terry was extremely active in golf. His love of golf, high standards, and willingness to help improve the game was recognized and honored in the community.

Overall, Terry had a blessed life with strong family ties and close friendships. He was a very competitive, strong, and committed team player regardless of the stakes, and his focus was on beating the odds and not letting his teammates down. (Sandy Lewis, loving widow; and classmates)

Robert Terry Woelfel, ’61 Robert Terry Woelfel, 75, died in Dayton, Ohio on June 4, 2013. He was born in Cincinnati Ohio, Dec. 5, 1937. His parents were Joseph C. and Catherine Woelfel. He was the brother of Joseph (Marcia), Dennis (Margaret Ann), and John (Carol Ann) Woelfel, and Lynne (Michael) Boone.

He is survived by his wife (high school sweetheart!), Kay Dale Woelfel, and three children: M. Scott (Maggie) Woelfel, Susan (Rob) Patten, and Sandra (Rick) LeBlanc. He was the proud grandpa to Rusty and Sydney Woelfel; Katy, Bob, and Danny Patten; and, Steve, Larry. T. J. and Josh LeBlanc.

Nelson (’61) and Teri O’Rear, longtime friends, shared: “The last time we were all together, the children (Scott, Sue, and Sandy) were all small and now they have become fine adults and parents. Kay and Terry succeeded in one of life’s most important and challenging jobs: parenting.”

Scott reflected: “Dad’s life was one of ‘pride and joy’ for his children and grandchildren; love for Kay; unwavering ‘conservative values’; and, dedication to ‘country, family, and friends’ especially when they needed him most.”

Terry studied aeronautical engineering at Purdue University (Indianapolis campus) prior to his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. After graduation in 1961, Terry (Callsign: DaddyO) completed pilot training at Reese Air Force Base. He considered it his greatest success. In October 2012 (San Antonio, Texas), he joined fellow Class 63A Reese AFB “throttle-jocks” in celebrating their 50th reunion.

He relished even the smallest success recalling that he got an extra T-Bird ride for best-in-squadron shooting the M1 Garand and won a bottle of Coke which he passed around to all his buddies.

He said, “USAFA never gave us ‘pop’ to drink, only ‘panther piss’ (Kool-Aid).”

Terry and his classmates marched in JFK’s inaugural parade on Jan. 20, 1961 on a freezing winter day with eight inches of snow cleared by U. S. Army flame throwers. After the parade, they darted into a hotel to thaw out. They found a room with no people but a great buffet of food…they took advantage of their Terry Woelfel find! Gray-tags rule!

He served nine years active duty, flying 157 combat missions in Vietnam primarily in KC-135s (Barksdale AFB) and DC-130s (Davis Monthan AFB). After military service, Terry (a.k.a. Robert [Bob] to his business colleagues) worked as an electro-mechanical engineer specializing in electrical circuits and product design/development including a patent awarded to him for a membrane keyboard assembly. He worked as the district/regional sales engineer for Singer Controls, Central Lab, Rogers Corporation, Sick Optik Electronik, and as the Vice President of Sales/Marketing—Helmold Company.

Family, friends, and colleagues celebrated his life during a Mass of Christian Burial with military honors on June 10, 2013 in the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Indianapolis Ind. “He was strong and brave; fighting hard to the end…he is loved and will be missed by all.” M. Scott Woelfel “Rest in peace, Terry.” Nelson O’Rear ’61 Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org. (Lovingly remembered—Kay Woelfel, Terry’s wife)

Danny L. Eckles, ’63 Danny Lloyd Eckles made his last takeoff on June 20, 2013 after losing a fight with double pneumonia in Albany, Ore. He will join in heaven his son Brance who died several months earlier with pancreatic cancer. Dan had been suffering several medical disorders over the last few years.

Dan was born on Nov. 17, 1940 in Pendleton, Ore., the oldest child of Raymond Henry Eckles and Madeline Martha Beilke. Dan was a talented football and basketball player for his high school, receiving Oregon All-State recognition in both sports. Entering the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1959, he played enthusiastically as linesman for the Falcons contributing significantly to several successful football seasons.

Dan was popular at the Academy and built many life-long relationships that he preserved throughout his Air Force career and retirement. He was jovial, supportive and always had a unique view he shared that delighted his friends. Dan was a leader, persuasive and uncannily commanded attention to his resourceful, creative and productive solutions. He gave great imporDan Eckles tance to the health and nurturing of his family and was ready to help others. He was a pleasure to work with… in peace and at war.

Danny married Waconda (Conda) Lee Hunt, his high school sweetheart, following graduation from the USAF Academy in 1963 and they immediately began the creation of a large and loving family including three boys and a girl: Bryce, Brance, Heather and Blaine. Conda, later in

life, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) which she fought under Danny’s loving care and which she continues to battle today. In his last days, Dan came home to Conda from the hospital to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family just days before his passing. Danny leaves Conda, three living children and eight grandchildren here as he begins his last flight.

Danny retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in June, 1987 and served as City Administrator of Harrisburg, Ore. for ten years. Dan and Conda settled in Albany where Dan purposely built home designed to accommodate Conda’s deteriorating MS medical condition.

Relighting his military accomplishments, Dan’s military service includes serving as aircraft commander in RF-4C and F-111 aircraft and completing 421 combat missions during two combat tours in the Vietnam War. He stood tall, when called, and so did his military family. Dan and his entourage moved as needed to numerous military installations in the U.S. and overseas, sometimes alone, sometimes accompanied.

Assignments included Ton Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam; RAF Alconbury and RAF Lakenheath, UK; Langley AFB, Va.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand; Naval War College, Norfolk, Va.; Camp Smith, Hawaii; Holliman AFB and Clovis AFB, N. M.; and Bergstrom AFB, Texas. He served in several significant command positions in operations and maintenance and attended the Air War College and other professional universities. He knew the loneliness of command and treasured the lives and families entrusted to his decisions. Dan earned a Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 19 Air Medals plus 25 other combat and foreign government medals, citations and ribbons.

Danny was to be buried at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore. on Sept. 27th. For donations, the family suggests the Albany, Oregon Veteran’s Association, American Legion Post 10 or the Albany Safe Haven Animal Shelter or other as you may choose in Dan’s name.

Danny Eckles will be greatly missed by his family, comrades, and many close friends.

Well done, Dan. (John Shmoldas, classmate and friend)

Jarrett B. “Butch” McGehee, ’64 Col. (Ret) Jarrett B. “Butch” McGehee, 71, passed away on Dec. 20, 2012 at his home in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by his family. Butch graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, a fitting degree capturing his artistry, his love of physics, and his passion for all things ethereal. His creativity left its mark on the Air Force Academy. Butch designed the 22nd Cadet Squadron patch (Raptors) which is still used today!

Butch furthered his education earning a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, attending Air Command and Staff College in 1972, and Army War College in 1982. He furthered his artistry by painting, exploring other worlds through scuba diving, teaching himself to play guitar, and dabbling in the writing of science fiction.

His 28 years of service included assignments at Hill AFB, Headquarters 7th Air Force at Ton Son Nhut Air Base/Republic of Vietnam, Headquarters Pacific “Butch” McGehee Air Force in Hawaii, Barksdale AFB, Pease AFB, Strategic Air Command Inspector General at Offutt AFB, Randolph AFB, and Air Force Logistics Command/Wright Patterson AFB. His most memorable and challenging assignment was as Base Commander of the 501st Combat Support Group, Royal Air Force Greenham Common, United Kingdom. The base supported the 501st Tactical Missile Wing, or GLCM, Ground Launched Cruise Missile Wing. On the way to base every day his car and the school bus that brought his son to school were bombarded by the “affections” of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. The Greenham protesters lived in squalor surrounding the base perimeter protesting the decision of the British government to allow cruise missiles to be based in England. A few times there were up to 50,000 women protesting. Butch’s many adventures here, including a picture of him with wire cutters used by the protesters trying to get on base, are highlighted at the Imperial War Museum’s Online Exhibition. Before leaving England, Butch was promoted to Vice Wing Commander of the 501st.

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GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Butch’s greatest legacy was his leadership, at work and in the home.

According to a dear friend, Col. (Ret) John C. Reynolds, Butch “demonstrated Gen. George Marshall’s definition of leadership. Leadership in its highest order is getting people to work with you and for you, who have no obligation to do so.” He developed and embodied McGehee’s Laws of Leadership, including his daughter’s favorite, “You cannot chrome plate a sewer pipe,” or “If you don’t want to hear the answer, don’t ask the question.”

After retirement, Butch worked with Tamsco, Sunset Resources, and CACI. His service to our country and his creativity continued late into his retirement. He volunteered his time with wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center while continuing work on his Sci-Fi novel.

He is survived by: his wife, Judy; his daughter Shannon, son Jarrett Todd, grandchildren Michael, Matthew and Sarah; brother the Very Reverend J. Pittman McGehee, D. D., and his loyal companion Paddy (the dog).

Butch faced many battles in his life and career. The soldier we are so proud of fought bravely till the very end. His artistry, his dry humor, wit and unprecedented wisdom will be dearly missed by all who have known him.

He was buried at Ft. Sam National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas with full military honors. (Shannon Largent, Butch’s daughter. Miss you Boo.)

Charles Anthony “Tony” Saletta, ’65 Lt. Col. (Ret) Tony Saletta entered eternal rest on May 11, 2013, after a multi-year battle with cancer. Tony was born in Evansville, Ind., Oct. 12, 1943, to Charles and Edith Saletta. He graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in 1961 and the United States Air Force Academy in 1965. Tony attended Navigator training at Mather AFB and then was assigned to K.I. Sawyer AFB where he was a navigator on B-52s. After an Arc Light tour in Vietnam, Tony served at 7th Air Force HQ in Vietnam as a planner. He met his wife, Anne, an Air Force nurse, at K.I. Sawyer and they were married in 1970. They have one daughter, Jessamyn. Tony left the Air Force shortly thereafter to attend Harvard University where he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Architecture. He also earned a Master’s degree in Business from Vanderbilt University.

After leaving active duty, Tony continued to serve his country as an Air Force Reservist. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 28 years of total service. As a Reserve officer, Tony worked as an architect for the military; he also worked as an architect in the civilian sector.

Tony was always willing to go out of “Tony” Saletta his way to help friends and family. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, his eclectic taste in music (especially opera), his famous lasagna, and his love of animals.

He also had a great sense of humor. During Navigator training he flew an orientation flight for several Boy Scouts. One was a know-it-all and finally Tony couldn’t take it anymore. He went to the cockpit, talked to the pilots and then sent the Boy Scout up for info gathering. The pilots showed him the controls then one asked the other, “Hey, I forgot to ask, but are you a landing pilot?” The other replied, “No, I thought you were.”

The scout ran to the back just sure they were in deep trouble.

On the professional side, Tony was a man of great integrity and didn’t believe in shortcuts. Either it was going to be done right or not at all. He persisted when some architectural designs showed up from HHQ that had some critical defects in them. He eventually persuaded the team to do it the right way.

He was always there for his family, regardless of own personal discomfort. At Jessamyn’s wedding in February 2012, despite his continuous, excruciating pain, he managed to walk her down the aisle and take the dance floor for the dad/daughter dance at the wedding reception.

Art Beamon ’65, Dennis Nagy ’65, and I were all there and we had a great mini-reunion. He will be sorely missed.

Tony is survived by his wife, Anne; daughter Jessamyn and son-inlaw Henry Lopez; sister Gaetana (Lt Col USAF (Ret)); and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. In accordance with Tony’s wishes, he will be interred with full military honors at the United States Air Force Academy on Sept.

30, 2013 at 10 a.m. (Tony’s Doolie year roommate, Bill Swick ’65) 96

Gary L. Dikkers, ’68 As spoken in his own words three days before his passing and as transcribed by his brother Steve Dikkers, Gary’s wry sense of humor remained a hallmark of his time with all of us.

“On June 5th, 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Gary Dikkers, USAFA Class of 1968, failed to depart the fix after busting a no-notice check ride with malignant brain cancer.

“Gary surprised himself in 1964 when he received an appointment to the Academy from future presidential candidate, John Anderson. He further surprised himself when four days before he graduated from the Academy the flight surgeon called in Gary, who had recently begun to wear eyeglasses, and informed him, ‘You’re not going to pilot training.’

Gary talked to Commandant of Cadets Robin Olds about his situation. Olds appealed on Gary’s behalf to the Air Force Chief of Staff who said, ‘Gary is going to pilot training!’

“Looking over his Air Force career, these are some of his most important asGary Dikkers signments that Gary remembers best…

•Chasing down North Vietnamese over the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

•The excitement of flying the supersonic F-4 Phantom II (the most fun).

•Rescuing Americans assigned to Special Ops in Southeast Asia.

•His time working with the 82nd Airborne All-American Division as Divisional ALO 82nd. (He was particularly pleased when the Commanding General of 82nd told him if he had been in the Army instead of Air Force he would have almost certainly become a general.)

•Getting sent to Purdue to get his MS in Geodesy and Cartography.

“Upon retirement Gary and his family moved to Madison, Wis. where he took a position with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as the State Air Space Safety Specialist. Gary worked closely with the airport managers throughout the state and prided himself in the many aerial photos of the state’s airports.

“Gary’s wife, Marlene, continues to live on Madison and his daughter Katrina lives and teaches in Kodaikanal, India. Gary was a native of Freeport, Ill. where his mother continues to live. Gary had three younger brothers.

“Gary decided to be buried in the Linda & Gene Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, Wisconsin’s only natural cemetery at 42 58.999 N and 89 36.412 W.” From the Class of 1968 to Gary’s wife, Marlene, and members of his family, we send our sincere condolences. (Tim Davidson, Class Scribe)

James E. Heffer, ’68 Our classmate and friend, Jim Heffer, passed on Sunday, May 12, 2013 after bravely battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer (with its many complications) for almost a year after the initial diagnosis. The way in which Jim and his wonderful wife, Sue, lived their lives after that diagnosis was absolutely inspirational. We are very happy to say that the quality of Jim’s life during his final year was far superior to what any of the “experts” predicted. Jim died in his Florida home with Sue at his side.

After separating from the Air Force in 1972, Jim eventually built a very successful distribution business in the Philadelphia area. Wanting to devote more time to his twin passions of golf and travel, Jim sold his business in 2007 and he and Sue took full advantage of their freedom to “see the USA.” Jim Heffer Anything Jim undertook was done with great zeal and vigor; he took Sue on quite a ride those final six years!

Jim was loyal to a fault; he took great pleasure in the “back and forth” banter on the golf course with his daughter, Kelly, and with his many

golf buddies and, most of all, Jim deeply loved Sue. Sue returned that love in full measure, evidenced especially by the way in which she totally immersed herself in helping Jim manage his condition during his final year.

Jim leaves behind two children, Kelly and Clint; one grandson, C. J.; his beloved Sue and a host of people who are proud to call him a friend.

We are missing him already! (Pat McBride and Gary Hebenstreit)

Donald G. Campbell, ’69 Donald Gene Campbell (’69) died on June 10, 2013, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. of pancreatic cancer.

Don was born on August 15, 1947 in Cascade, Idaho. He was raised in Boise, Idaho and also in San Jose, Calif. and moved around a lot during his early years. Although Don attended five different high schools in the space of three years, he still managed an appointment to USAFA, where he discovered that he really did want to be a pilot.

One of his most exciting moments at the Academy came when he rolled the former Commandant of Cadets’ car down a mountainside. This apparently involved a double date with the Commandant’s daughter, and resulted in his being unable to have a car on campus in his senior year.

After the Academy, Don went to Columbus, Miss. for pilot training, which is where he met his first wife, Janice Martin. Although his first marriage ended in divorce, he and Janice had five children together.

During his Air Force career, Don flew Don Campbell KC-135s, and flew refueling missions in Vietnam. He would get most animated when he recalled his time refueling the Thunderbirds, and especially the time he got to refuel the SR-71.

Eventually, Don traded in flying for computers. He did graduate work at San Diego State University, and managed to secure ten years’ worth of tours in the D.C. metro area. At the end of those ten years, he had three children in high school, and Don was offered a command position in Montgomery, Ala. Although Don knew this could mean a promotion to full colonel, he recalled his own time moving from high school to high school, and he didn’t want to do that to his own children. By then he’d put in his 20 years, so he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1989.

In 1992, Don married Madelyn Kelstein, and they had one biological child together. They then adopted two of their foster children, and had one permanent foster child, bringing Don’s grand total to nine (not including the dozen or so foster children who also spent time in the Campbell household).

Don was proud of his time at the Academy and his service to the Air Force. When his eldest daughter, Rachel, joined the Air National Guard in college, he was proud, and when she became an officer and he pinned her rank on and they saluted each other, he was beaming.

Don also served on Virginia Congressman Jim Moran’s Academy selection board for a number of years. He was always hopeful about the new class based on the packets that he reviewed.

After the military, Don worked in information technology in the D.C. area. Family was the most important thing but he was also committed to the Unitarian Universalist Church where he sang in the choir and discovered his love of acting. He was ever curious and continued to take classes.

He had been taking a refresher course in calculus when he died.

Don is survived by his wife, eight of his nine children, eight grandchildren, two brothers, and his father. His son, Sean, died in 2004, and is buried with his father at Arlington National Cemetery. (Madelyn Campbell, Don’s widow)

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

Charles L. Weinert, ’69 No words that I write can capture the dynamic person Charles Louis Weinert was! He was intelligent, complex, and driven. He was husband, father, friend, pilot, engineer, entrepreneur, musician, artist, writer, hunter, and fisherman. He made things happen when others would have given up long ago. Charlie would always tell it like he saw it, regardless of how many times it would get him into trouble! He could always be counted on to tell a great story to anyone that would listen, with him generally having a starring role.

His passion was flying and he owned a high-performance sailplane for many years. He loved to hunt, but never killed anything. Enjoyed going fishing and there’s a huge stuffed salmon in the garage. Charlie loved music, played the flute and his voice could always be heard above others at church! He was a true friend to others and would go out of his way to help a friend in need. He always believed in doing the right thing.

He used his own money to ship over 200 pairs of shoes to a unit in Iraq to be distributed to local families in need. Charlie was always involved with something.

Life was never dull living with Charlie!

Charlie Weinert He was the only child to the late George and Bea Weinert, born Nov. 6, 1946 in Cleburne, Texas. He always wanted to be a fighter pilot, so after graduating from Paschal High School, Fort Worth, there was no choice for him but the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated with a BA in Aeronautical Engineering and off to Webb AFB for pilot training. He was assigned the C-130 and was based at Forbes AFB. He left active duty after his commitment, but could not remain away for long. He eventually became a “weekend warrior” getting to fly the C-123, O-2, A-37, and F-4, for the Air Force Reserves and the Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Indiana Air National Guards. His time with the Pennsylvania ANG had the extra bonus of meeting his wife, Karen, which would lead to 31 years of marriage!

His civilian career kept him involved with planes, trains, and ships!

Charlie was very successful as a technical expert, designer, program manager, senior scientist, and senior engineer for General Dynamics (F-16), General Electric (trains), and finally Northrop Grumman (battleships). He was proud of starting his own business, Thresholds Unlimited, and obtaining a patent in Thermal Imaging. Charlie always felt fortunate to have flown for Braniff International Air Lines gaining the status of Captain. He flew for both the old and new Braniff, flying the DC-8 and Boeing 727. He flew to South America, throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Charlie was most proud of being a father to four amazing children.

The years have passed too quickly and three of the four have flown the coup! Jim lives in Houston, Chris is in Honolulu, and Brittany is in Austin. Katie will always be at home.

Charlie lost his final dogfight against heart disease on March 17th, 2013. He was only 66 years old and still had lots of plans for things to do in the future. It still doesn’t seem real that he is gone!

If you ever get a chance, watch “Always” or “A Guy Named Joe.” Charlie loved these movies as they told the story of a pilot whose life was cut short, but ended up mentoring young pilots in the afterlife. It’s what I like to think of Charlie doing now. It’s what his whole life was about: giving of himself to help others. (Karen Weinert, Charlie’s wife)

Robert J. Chambers, ’70 Robert “Bob” J. Chambers, 64, of Powder Springs, Ga. passed away April 26, 2013, from complications of a stroke caused by a reaction to prescription medication. He was born May 30, 1948, in New Jersey. Bob graduated from high school in West Orange, N.J. prior to graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1970.

While in pilot training at Craig AFB, Ala. we became “kitchen-mates” in the BOQ. Bob and I developed a lasting friendship due to the many similar interests we enjoyed, including aviation, shooting, model railroading, photography, Corvettes, and Scotch. Of note: Bob only missed one academic question throughout the entire year of pilot training, and 97

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN that was due to my incorrect answer during our study session. He still garnered the Academic Trophy for our class, and later forgave me for my transgression – but for the next 43 years he never let me forget that I had kept him from a PERFECT record.

After pilot training he served in flying squadrons in Germany for four years before attending the Air Force Institute of Technology at WrightPatterson AFB, Ohio, graduating with a master’s degree astronautical engineering in 1977.

Married to the former Toni Tononi of Fairborn, Ohio since 1978, Bob and Toni moved and lived across the U.S. with his flying and engineering assignments in California, North Carolina, Illinois, and Florida. Bob served as an aircraft commander of AC-130 gunships before retiring from the Air Force in 1990. One of his claims of distinction while flying the gunship was he became THE Air Force’s expert in heavy artillery (I mean… who else has a 105mm howitzer on board?)

After retiring, Bob became a flight test manager with ARINC Research, which moved him and his wife to Warner-RobBob Chambers ins, Ga. for nine years and finally to the Atlanta area in 2001. I moved to the Atlanta area at the same time, and Bob and I got to update and renew our friendship. Retiring from ARINC in 2009, he consulted on engineering projects until his wife retired from teaching in 2011.

In between following his hobbies of aviation, computers, photography, science-fiction, movie-going, model railroading, target shooting, avid reading, Corvettes, and motorcycles, Bob and his wife also made sure to enjoy many stateside and overseas trips, and a few cruises also. Our last cruise together was around the Black Sea, with a stop to see Stalin’s dacha in Sochi. When Bob studied Russian at USAFA, he never thought he would get such a chance to use it… but, alas, Stalin wasn’t home.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Toni; brother Thomas Chambers of Upland, Calif.; sister-in-law Candy Prystaloski of Beavercreek, Ohio; four nieces; two great-nieces and many loving and supportive friends.

(Jack Shaw, Bob’s UPT roommate, best friend, and fellow adventurer)

William H. Alderson III, ’71 I remember vividly the day my brother left for the Air Force Academy in June of 1967. My life changed that day and I never really fully recovered from that separation. I was a wreck. My brother, “Billy,” was my idol. He could do no wrong. I followed him everywhere and could never get enough of him. He always thought of me as the pesky little sister four years his junior but I knew how deeply he loved me.

One of the most heartfelt memories I have of him was when I was 13. A neighbor told him that some kid was picking on me. An older boy was slapping and taunting me. I was terrified. But then I saw my brother sprinting towards me. He took care of this kid, the same size as him, with one blow and then carried me home. How brave he was. I cried as I held him tightly around the neck. It is impossible to love some one more than I loved my brother at that moment in time. I find that this feeling continues to this day.

When Bill left the Air Force he worked at McDonald Douglas as a technical writer. He then worked for the Defense Audio Visual Agency as a writer/producer.

He loved making movies for the military Bill Alderson and very much enjoyed working with such celebrities as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Ronald Reagan.

In 1985 he went across country and was contracted by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Agency. He continued his writing but also became an entrepreneur opening Horizon Productions. He had owned and operated several stores and did well buying and selling properties.

He practiced at being a day trader but soon decided that was not for him. In the ’80s he was an active triathlete. He qualified and completed the Boston Marathon. He was an avid Chicago sports fan… Go Bears!

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Bill died on Easter, March 31, 2013, from complications of diabetes at his home on St. Simons Island, Ga. He is survived by two daughters, Jessica Block and Erin Robbins, and three grandchildren. His big sisters, Dawn Mendias and Lohahna Rzepczynski, and this little sister, Jan Porter, also survive him. His best friends Jim Hyde and Bernice Jones were there for him during his illness and he loved and considered them family.

Rest in peace my brother. You are in our hearts forever. (Jan Porter, little sister)

Robert E. Johnson, ’72 Robert (Bob) Eugene Johnson, Class of 1972, was born Nov. 9, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He was the middle child of three. Following his graduation, he served his country in various roles in South Korea, New Mexico and the Boston area. At the completion of his service, having achieved the rank of Captain, he moved to the business world, working in the technology field for several companies. Among them were SBC (computer applications via time share for small to medium sized businesses) in Philadelphia, then Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and Quorum Health Management in Nashville. He became the Chief Technology Officer at the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) of the United Methodist Church in 1995 and was set to retire this November.

Bob passed away suddenly on May 28, 2013. He is survived by wife of 27 years, Eileen; sons Kris Lott (Allison), Clint Lott, Paul Johnson, and Adam Johnson; mother, Billie Starks; sister Pam Dies (Bob); brother Dwain JohnBob Johnson son (Sheryl); grandchildren Clay, Jenny, Claire, and Grace Lott and Lea Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Eugene Johnson.

His sons never grew tired of his humorous stories about the Academy. Bob never removed his class ring. His pride in that ring reflected his love for the Air Force. Through Facebook he recently reunited with some of his Academy classmates and roommates – recalling many fond memories of college life and the friendships he cherished.

Bob made an impact on the life of everyone he knew. He will be remembered for his selflessness. Bob knew he was blessed and readily shared what he had with others. One of his favorite projects during his tenure at GBOD was his work with the United Methodist Church in Africa. He had hoped to travel there one day and meet the people he helped from so far away. Bob embodied what it means to be a man of faith and a man who cared for others above himself. He was an amazing witness of living in the moment.

His family, friends and co-workers will always remember Bob as a man of integrity and unconditional love. His children and grandchildren, especially, will remember their “Papa” for his constant reminders of “I love you the mostest”. (Kris Lott, Bob’s son)

Roger H. Youel, ’73 Former Air Force Captain Roger Howard Youel died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. Roger was born Oct. 21, 1950 in Gordon, Neb. Roger was part of the Air Force Academy’s graduating class of 1973 earning his pilot’s wings from Vance AFB at Enid, Okla. in 1974.

Following his military service, Roger earned a master’s degree in Architecture in 1990 from the University of Colorado at Denver earning a 4.0 GPA. Roger loved writing poetry, was a Master Gardener, enjoyed rock collecting and was an abstract painter.

Roger had an insatiable desire to learn until his last breath. To his family and friends he left behind a legacy built on integrity, loyalty, and love.

Captain Youel was preceded in death Roger Youel by his parents, Dale and Betty Youel.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Jean Thomsen-Youel; brother Jim Youel, and sister-in-law Norma, of Casper, Wyo.; sister Kathy Davis and brother-in-law Roger Davis of York, Pa.; son Scott Holland and daughter-in-law Dawn Holland of Arvada, Colo.; daughter Barbara YouelBendz and son-in-law Bryce Bendz of Northglenn, Colo.; grandchildren Brittany Bendz, Kenneth Lowe, Jasmine Holland, Bailey Holland, Jeydon Holland; and great-granddaughter Alicia Bendz; as well as several nieces and nephews and extended family members.

A celebration of Captain Youel’s life was held March 2, 2013 in Albuquerque N.M. (Barbara Youel-Bendz)

Donald J. Eastmead, ’74 Dr. Donald Joseph Eastmead passed away on April 27, 2013 in his home in Memphis, Tenn. He was 61.

“Dr. Don” graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1974 and then obtained his doctorate at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1978. He completed his pediatric internship and residency at David Grant (USAF) Medical Center in 1981. His first operational assignment was to Hahn Air Base in southwestern Germany, where he served as the chief of pediatrics.

He truly loved this time in his life, treating military families and traveling across Europe. He and four other Air Force families became close friends, as they all had their first children on the German air base in just 16 months — including me, his son, Drew. I was born at Hahn in 1981 and have cherished my childhood memories there as well as the many, many trips I have taken back to the area in the last 25 years.

Don is remembered by his USAF Hospital Hahn colleagues as a generDon Eastmead ous teacher with a quiet, professional expertise. He furthered the education of several newly-assigned family physicians, who came to share his love of pediatrics.

Following a car accident in Germany, Don was medically retired from the USAF. But his heroic effort to regain his health and return to pediatrics was an inspiration to many.

In 1985, he and his family moved to Memphis, where Don continued his passion for medicine. He completed a fellowship in pediatric neurology and joined Memphis Neurology, specializing in developmental pediatrics. He worked there for more than 25 years — until his passing — and helped countless children and adolescents with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and more.

Don had many interests, including astronomy, movies, animals, and gardening. He is also survived by his father, Joe; his siblings Joan, Lenore, and Jeff; and his beloved cats, Fric and Frac.

My dad spoke very fondly of both his time at the Academy and during his service in Germany. I only know of a few classmates of my father’s, so if you would like to reach out to me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, I would love to stay in touch. (Drew Eastmead, Donald’s son)

Samuel D. Hollins, Sr., ’75 Join as we raise a glass in Honor, and toast the passing of a legend.

“Schtick Slammin’ Sam” Hollins broke formation and pitched skyward March 3, 2013. Here’s to the man that blazed through life in full burner, yet never seemed to hit Bingo fuel. “One more!” Here’s to the legacy of a hard-charging passion for life reveled by many, and rivaled by few.

When Sammy got on a roll, the best we mortals could do was light the burners and try to keep Lead in sight.

Sam was a natural. F-4s at Osan and Clark. AT-38s at Holloman; Air Force Flight Safety School. F-5s at Nellis, Aggressor Instructor Pilot, Mis-

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

sion Commander of Red Flag. – F-4s/F-15s with the St. Louis Guard, and a 27-year career at Northwest, then Delta Air Lines. 747-400 Instructor, 757/767 Captain, Federal Flight Deck Officer.

“Sam was synonymous with camaraderie.... Sam never bragged, and never liked to talk about himself and his considerable talents. Instead he was a cheerleader for all of us. He pushed me to new heights, and motivated me to insane acts of stupidity -- for which I will always cherish.”

Bill Swiderek “Sam was a great wingman and the kind of guy you want in your foxhole.” Todd Zejdlik “God’s speed Sam. Thanks for being a true fighter pilot; loyal to your Air Force, your squadron, and always above all else, loyal to your comrades-in-arms.

Especially your fellow fighter pilots. You are one I would have been proud to go to war with. Later, Hop.” Hop Batten “Stick Slammin’ Sammy -- Best stick, best flight lead, best wing man, best friend. Always aggressive, always faithful to the mission. Light on the star when you needed him. Always about you, not him. See you on the other side Senor. God bless your family for their tremendous loss.” Alan Frazier “Slammin’ -- Friend, classmate, fellow aggressor. Your smile and afterburner personality lives on in all of us who knew you. You blessed many a brief, debrief, Sam Hollins and O’Club Friday with an unforgettable wit. No need to check six my friend -- you had our backs and we had yours, press on! You will be missed but not forgotten.” Bob Thompson Born May 21, 1952, Chattanooga, Tenn.; moved to Nashville age five.

Graduated from Battle Ground Academy High School as Eagle Scout, then off to the Rocky Mountain School for Wayward Boys. Son of the late Lt .Col. Samuel Fox Hollins, Jr. and the late Joyce Birmingham Hollins. Brother to the late Joy E. Hollins. Sam is survived by his wife, Carla Hollins; his son, Sam Jr.; Carla’s children, Kathryn and David; and his sister, Gay Hollins-Wiggins.

For all the wildness, craziness, hard charging, and sheer intensity of the life of Sam Hollins, there was a soft side. That was his love, devotion and protection of his son, Sam Jr.; his wife, Carla; her children, Kathryn and David, and his family.

September 28, 2012, Sam was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-smokers lung cancer. When the first team of doctors did not give him the answers he wanted to hear, he moved on, unwilling to accept their prognosis. He never gave up, never! Throughout his treatment at Vanderbilt-Ingram Center in Nashville, throughout the chemo, throughout it all, Slammin’ continued to fly Lead. Sam held his head high, and set an example for the rest of us to respect and admire. Sam fought an exemplary fight with the grace, dignity, and tenacity worthy of the fighter pilot he was known to be. (Carla Hollins, Lead; Gary “Whit” Whitfield, ’75, Wing)

Peter R. Livingston, ’82 The class of ’82 and our nation lost a good man on May 18, 2013 when Pete Livingston died in a rock climbing accident in Ohio. Pete truly embodied the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence. He also lived by the Boy Scout oath of service to God, country, and others.

Pete came from rural Foster, R. I., and was the first person from Ponaganset High School to attend the Air Force Academy. In his doolie and graduation squadrons (CS-32/CS-40), he was known as a gentle spirit, providing subtle leadership and encouragement.

In his senior year, he ran the Denver marathon, the first of many in his life, including Boston. After graduation, Pete completed Undergraduate Pilot Pete Livingston Training at Columbus AFB, Miss. and C-130 training at Little Rock AFB, Ark. His first flying assignment was with the 774th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas. He 99

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN later flew tactical airlift missions in support of Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama.

After flying the C-130 at Little Rock, he and his family moved to Charleston, S.C. where he led flight test activities for the C-17 Globemaster. During this time, he was instrumental in developing tactical airlift procedures for employing the C-17 with U.S. Army forces. An assignment to HQ Air Mobility Command at Scott AFB, Ill. was followed by a year at Air War College in Maxwell AFB, Ala. (class of 2001) where Pete wrote an award-winning paper on testing the C-17 in the strategic brigade airdrop mission. Pete’s penultimate assignment was at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio where he oversaw major modernization efforts to the C-17. He completed his Air Force career in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel at the Pentagon in the Air Force’s studies and analysis directorate. In his post-AF career, Pete became a teacher in the Dayton Ohio area, most recently mentoring and teaching math to inner-city students. In his free time, Pete loved outdoor adventures, especially climbing, and he was a master of geocaching, with over 2000 “finds.” He relished going to rock concerts, often waiting long hours to stand in the front row.

Many of us measure the worth of our lives by the positive effect we have on other people. By this measure, Pete’s life was lived to the maximum. Pete shared his passion for the outdoors with younger generations through scouting. He started a Cub Scout Pack in Charleston that grew to be 100 boys strong. After sons Sean and Brett completed their Eagle Scout awards, Pete continued to serve as a Scout leader, becoming a Scoutmaster and Venturing Crew Advisor after retiring to the Dayton, Ohio area. Pete led Scouts on high adventure trips all over the country, enjoying sea kayaking, white-water rafting, and rock climbing. The moving sight of more than 100 Boy Scouts and Venturing Scouts in their uniforms lining the entrance to Pete’s funeral was testament to the impact he had on the lives of these young men and women.

Pete Livingston’s legacy of service and teaching will carry on. His wife, Sandy, will continue to open her heart and home by hosting international exchange students, as she and Pete have done since 2001.

Lieutenant Sean Livingston is following in his father’s Air Force footsteps, recently completing training as an AWACS Air Battle Manager at Tinker AFB, Okla. Brett Livingston teaches in northwestern Ohio and is also involved in scouting.

His family and friends grieve the loss of Pete. He had so much more to give. The family would appreciate memories of Pete that you would like to share on legacy.com. (Harry Conley, ’83, friend and fellow Scout leader)

Gregory W. Wheeler, ’83 Major (Retired) Gregory Wayne Wheeler died of heart failure on March 15, 2013 at his home in Gaithersburg, Md. He was 52. A lifelong resident of suburban Maryland, Major Wheeler was born on Nov. 4, 1960 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda.

He earned Eagle Scout for his tree planting project in Seneca Creek State Park. In 1978, Greg was the Senior Class president of Rockville High School where he ran cross country and track, served in the National Honor Society, and was voted most likely to succeed by his classmates.

During his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin, he was the caregiver for a young man with a terminal condition. That year, Senator Charles McCurdy “Mac” Mathias nominated Wheeler for an appointment to the Greg Wheeler U.S. Air Force Academy.

At the Academy, Major Wheeler excelled, earning the rank of Cadet Colonel as a Cadet Group commander in charge of over 1,000 fellow

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

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cadets. Upon graduation in 1983 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Greg commemorated his academy experience by adopting a mile of Game Preserve Road in Maryland on behalf of “USAFA 83.”

In January of 1991, then Captain Wheeler, an instructor Electronic Warfare Officer, was amidst the first wave of aircraft that penetrated Iraqi airspace that commenced combat operations for Operation Desert Storm. During that operation, Wheeler earned multiple Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.

After 20 years of active duty, Major Wheeler retired in 2003 and returned to his home in Gaithersburg, Md. from where he traveled extensively. He loved animals (especially his Samoyed, “Beau Geste”) the music of Frank Sinatra, Oldsmobile Toronados and his Corvette.

Major Wheeler is survived by his mother, Grace Wyatt Wheeler; brother Joseph Scott Wheeler of Old Towne, Gaithersburg; sisters Jennifer Anne Wheeler of Davie, Fla. and Erin Wheeler Williams of Cornwall, England; and two nephews, Joseph Robert Williams and James Spencer Williams, also of Cornwall, England. He was predeceased by his brother Jeffery Wyatt Wheeler, paternal grandparents Edward Charles and Mary Parrish Wheeler, and maternal grandparents Jesse Hancock and Candace Lee Wyatt. His father, Joseph Martin Wheeler, died 28 April 2013.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at the Fort Myers Chapel followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery July 15, 2013. (Colonel Jeff Hood, Greg’s friend)

Kenneth S. Stauffer, ’85 Kenneth Scot Stauffer, 50, beloved husband, father, grandfather and son passed away suddenly on the 5th of May at his home in Roswell, Ga. Kenneth was known as “Stauff” to his classmates (Class of 1985). He was born July 31, 1962 in Bethlehem, Pa. While attending USAFA, he competed as a varsity wrestler and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. While serving in the Air Force, Stauff met and married the love of his life, Ellen, and together they raised three beautiful children: Kenneth Scot II, William, and Margaret. After completing his military service, he began a career in the food equipment industry with United Restaurant Supply, and was working as the Southern Region Sales Director for Hobart when he died.

During basic training and all through freshman year, I could tell our “training regimen” wasn’t new to him. He knew the rules of this game – he had attended the USAFA PrepSchool. He was one of the first basic cadets the upper classmen called on to carry someone else’s rifle when we went on a run, which he did without hesitation. He was one of the first to encourage someone else in our squadKen Stauffer ron during any activity. He helped us shell-shocked basics figure out how to survive training and get along without drawing too much negative attention. One day he did something really amazing. As I was having my face peeled off by this tiny female, Stauff purposefully did something to screw up, turning her attention onto him. I couldn’t believe it! He could have easily kept performing as he always did, but he “saved” me from another brutal, humiliating tongue-lashing.

That was Stauff! He was smart, loyal, funny, compassionate, tough, calm, focused, disciplined, very athletic, competitive, humble, and a great example to all. The great thing was he didn’t realize it. He didn’t say “come do what I’m doing.” He just quietly and competently did what needed to be done and led by example. Stauff soon became one of my closest friends within CS-27 (and later in CS-19). He taught us how to get the best spit-polish shoeshine. He showed how to clean our rooms for inspections – buffing the floor using melted clear shoe polish, shining the sinks with brass polish, and pinning our clothes onto cardboard squares in our dresser drawers to make them look neater.

Stauff was amazing to watch on the Obstacle Course and during our PT testing. He seemed to flow through the course effortlessly; when he finished, he would cheer the rest of us on as we struggled through. The PT testing was where he really stood out. Probably because of his many years of wrestling, he maxed the PT test score of 500 and his name is still

listed on the plaque at the AFA Field house along with the select few who have achieved the same excellence.

Stauff loved the outdoors. On his best days, he could be found in a river somewhere wading upstream with his fly rod. He was a man of deep faith, who was known for his wicked sense of humor, easy laugh, winsome smile and lasting friendships. He cared passionately about his children. He spent many of his nights and weekends at his younger son and daughter’s soccer games and was known for his emphatic pre-game pep talks and his post-game analysis. He was exceedingly proud that his oldest son followed in his footsteps with military service. He will be greatly missed. (Friend and Academy roommate, Jeff Peden)

Job W. Price, ’93 Job Price spent his entire adult life in service to his country. He was the epitome of the “silent professional,” giving all for the greater good and asking nothing for himself. After graduating from the Academy in 1993 with a degree in Human Behavior and Leadership, he was commissioned in the United States Navy and subsequently was graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, Class 193.

Commander Price’s assignments included numerous SEAL Team and Naval Command positions. At the time of his death he was the Commanding Officer of SEAL Team FOUR. Job’s personal decorations include three Bronze Star Medals, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon, among numerous others. He was also a graduate of United States Army Ranger School (Class 10-97).

Job Price Lt. Col. Paul Cover, USAFR, Job’s roommate at the Academy, shares his thoughts: “As I expected, the tribute to his life that occurred at Little Creek Amphibious Base was overwhelming. Job touched so many people. My folks even flew in from California; his life had impacted them as well.

While the memorial service overflowed with people, it was the powerful lyrics and melody of the High Kings’ song, ‘The Parting Glass,’ that penetrated me at the service and still does.

“Job was the most determined warrior I’ve ever met. On countless occasions I remember being awakened at 2 or 3 in the morning by a shivering, dripping wet roommate. He had just completed one of his midnight runs during a harsh Colorado winter. As if that wasn’t enough, he even found a bitter cold stream to dip in – all in an effort to physically and mentally prepare him for SEAL training.

“Although distance kept us from spending a lot of time together after graduation, we reconnected on several occasions. On these occasions it felt as though we had just eaten lunch in Mitchell Hall the previous afternoon. I remember talking to him shortly after 9/11. Back in our Academy days, Job was known for his patented one-liners, and he delivered another one as we discussed the impending war, ‘I’m going to make it to Afghanistan if I have to get a Pogo stick and hop over there!’ Little did we know at the time that Job would deploy numerous times to this conflict-prone part of the world.”

His sense of humor and wit was appreciated and enjoyed by all. He was graduated from Pottstown High School in 1989 where he excelled as a student and was an outstanding football player and championship wrestler. He is remembered by his friends for his self-discipline, focus, and kindness to others but, most importantly, as a role model to all with whom he came in contact.

His family has a tradition of Academy graduates, including his uncle, Col. Charles S. Price, USAF Retired, Class of 1962, and his cousin, Captain Charles A. Price, Class of 2007.

He leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, and daughter Jillian; his parents, Harry and Nancy Price; and sister Bronwyn. He was also loved and adored by his wife’s family, including parents, Joe and Peg Riske, and their children Neal, Glen, and Janeen. (Harry Price and John Armato, Job’s close friend and one of his high school wrestling coaches)

David C. Diehl, ’01 Major David Charles Diehl, a truly amazing husband, father, son, brother, pilot and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2013, in Summerville, S.C. David was born on March 23, 1979 in Rochester, N.Y. and grew up in Colorado, graduating from Mullen High School in 1997. He then headed to the United States Air Force Academy in the Class of 2001, where he was a pitcher on the baseball team and a quarterback for the Falcon’s football team, lettering all four years. While traveling with the baseball team to Las Vegas during his 3 Degree year, he met his future wife, Nicole.

They were married shortly after graduation at the Academy Chapel and spent their first year together at Ramstein AB in Germany.

Returning from overseas, David completed pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss. where he was a Distinguished Graduate and awarded the Air Education and Training Command Commander’s Trophy for flying excellence.

In addition to mastering pilot training, David and Nicole also welcomed their first child, Paige. Following pilot training, David was assigned to Travis AFB, Calif. flying the KC-10, where he was again recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of KC-10 Initial Qualification.

David Diehl In California, they also added to their growing family with their son, Luke. His next assignment took them back to Ramstein AB, Germany, flying the C-20H and they were blessed with a second daughter, Juliet. After their second overseas assignment, David was chosen for AMC’s prestigious Phoenix Reach cross-flow program and was assigned C-17As to Joint Base Charleston, S.C. He again earned Distinguished Graduate honors from the C-17 Aircraft Commander Initial Qualification course.

During the course of his short, 12-year career, David amassed over 3,400 flying hours and earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, six Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He was selected to attend Air Command and Staff College as a Political Affairs Specialist in the summer of 2013. David was recognized as a leader and mentor among his peers. From guiding underclass cadets on his sports teams at the Academy to teaching young copilots how to cross the Atlantic, David’s blend of kindness, skill and professionalism has touched so many.

In addition to excelling in his career, David was also a dedicated husband and father. One of David’s favorite past times was spending time with his children, encouraging and championing their successes in endeavors such as gymnastics, wrestling and baseball and even coaching the soccer team. Although shuttling the children between practices, meets, games and matches was often fast paced and even a bit exhausting, it was obvious there was no place David would rather be. His love for his family was unwavering; the joy they brought into his life was apparent from the signature smile that lit up his face each time he saw them or spoke about them. David always put his family first and lived life with the utmost integrity and respect. It is certain he is kept busy each and every day watching over them from above and his presence is felt constantly.

David was laid to rest at the USAF Academy Cemetery following a funeral attended by family and friends at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Summerville and a memorial service where he was honored by the men and women of the 437th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole; his children Paige, Luke and Juliet;

Class of 2003 Correction: In the last issue we published an obituary on Lucas Gruenther, Class of 2003. We listed his middle initial at the top of the article as E. His middle initial should be F. for Frederick. The obituary editor apologizes for the error and any inconvenience it may have caused the family.

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GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN his parents Charles and Patricia; and his brother Capt. Matthew Diehl, Class of 2005. (Submitted by David’s wife, Nicole Diehl, and his friend Chris Thackaberry, ’04)

James M. Steel, ’06 Beloved son to me, Dee, ’80, and my husband Robert, ’78, brother to five siblings, and uncle to nephew Elias James he missed meeting by six weeks, Capt. James Michael Steel lost his life April 3 in an aircraft accident in Afghanistan. We had just Skyped with him on Good Friday, five days before his death and talked about all the great things we would do when he was to return from the deployment in just three weeks. James was born on March 3, 1984 just 20 minutes before his twin brother Jonathan (’07) and two years before his younger brother Christopher (’08). He also has an older brother, Bobby, born two years before the twins and another set of twin siblings, Paul and Michelle, born in 1988.

James leaves behind three active duty siblings as even Paul joined the AF as a JTAC controller. He will deploy to Afghanistan in Jan 2014.

As we got through James’ Memorial Service at Shaw AFB, and then his James Steel Funeral Mass and internment at Arlington Cemetery on May 3, we learned a lot about how many people were affected by his enthusiasm and love for life and people. From the many letters sent by his fellow Gamblers of the 77th squadron at Shaw and their presence at Arlington, from the inspirational notes from his USAFA squadron 28 Blackbirds, from the numerous donations made in his name to the Yellow Ribbon Fund which supports wounded troops and their families, to the heartfelt eulogies his siblings bravely shared at his funeral – James made a difference.

Everyone mentioned his irrepressible smile. He found joy in everything around him, starting with people and extending to activities like sky diving, playing the piano and guitar, hiking, and getting in incredible athletic shape. He also found joy in simple things like discovering a perfect conch shell at the beach or catching a fish, or even being next to a brother who caught the fish.

James’ twin brother, Jonathan, expressed his outlook on life when he recounted going to him as he faced a particularly tough challenge. James asked him “Jonathan, why do we fall?” To which he replied “Huh?” He repeated, “Why do we fall?” Finally the twin telepathy kicked in and the rest of the quote from the movie Batman Begins popped back into his mind: “so we might learn to pick ourselves up.” We are all relying on this philosophy as we struggle through our loss. Christopher’s words were equally profound as he expressed the fact that we are all very much broken right now. He says “I do see hope, and James was a testament to the fact that you can still regain that vigor, passion and joy despite the hurdles.”

We can also be comforted knowing that James made a big difference in the theater during his deployment. The numerous medals he received were a testament to this fact along with accounts from his squadron mates, one of them telling me “there are a lot of people who will be celebrating Christmas with their families because of James.”

Again, the tremendous response from his ’06 CS 28 Blackbird family is another testament to their love and respect. “He was our leader and he will continue to be an inspiration to us all” writes Erik Anderson who compiled the condolence letters.

James, we all miss you. You are with us in spirit and in our hearts. We appreciate the gift of having you in our lives. Every day is Memorial Day for us and we will never forget. (His loving family)

Victoria “Tory” A. Pinckney, ’08 Victoria “Tory” A. Pinckney (Castro), born on Sept. 28, 1985, entered this world with her dreams amongst the stars and a determination to make the world a better place. Tory was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister.

Tory’s dreams for flying started at a very young age. Ever since taking a picture in an astronaut cutout while on a school fieldtrip, Tory was determined to be up in the sky. She covered her bedroom with glow-inthe-dark stars and planets so she could sleep under the heavens. She 102

later received a telescope, which led to countless nights looking up at the sky in wonder. Her dream finally took shape when she began flying lessons her senior year in high school. After her first flight, Tory told her mother, “Mama, this is what I want to do.”

Tory’s journey began at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School where she met her future husband, Richard Pinckney. She proceeded on to the U. S. Air Force Academy, graduating in 2008, with a B.S. in Systems Engineering, Space Systems. While there, she played on the Women’s Rugby Team and was a member of Cadet Squadron 15, the War Eagles. She was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on May 28, 2008.

Three days later, Tory married Richard at St. Francis of Assisi, Colorado Springs, Colo. She was a devoted and loving wife who was deeply cherished and admired by her husband. The two both attended pilot training at Vance AFB, Okla. There, Tory flew both the T-6 and T-1 aircrafts.

On May 28, 2010, she was promoted to First Lieutenant. Shortly after, she received her wings and her assignment as a KC-135 pilot at Fairchild AFB, Wash.

“Tory” Pinckney On May 28 2012, she earned the rank of Captain. Four months later, she completed her Master’s Degree in Psychology. The happiest day of her life occurred on Sept. 17, 2012 when Tory gave birth to a beautiful boy, Gabriel Pinckney. She was a loving and attentive mother who adored her son. He was the light of her life.

Tory shared a smile and a positive attitude with everyone. She was extremely proud of her military service and was always generous with her time and talents. She competed in the Academic Pentathlon and earned a black belt with a red stripe in karate. She also scrapbooked, snowboarded, and crocheted. She loved to bake for her friends and neighbors. She never stopped, even during pregnancy she spent weekends with organizations like “Street Wise,” a nonprofit which feeds the homeless.

Tragically, Capt. Victoria Pinckney passed away on May 3, 2013 near Chon-Aryk, Kyrgyzstan, in the crash of a KC-135 aircraft that involved two other Airmen; Capt. Mark “Tyler” Voss (also Academy Class of 2008) and TSgt Herman (Tre) Mackey III. The Airmen were assigned to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. Their home unit was the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Wash.

Victoria is survived by her husband, Richard Pinckney, and her son Gabriel. She leaves behind parents, Larry and Michelle Castro; two sisters, Nichol and Samantha Castro; grandparents, Lt. Col (Ret) Don and Terry Castro, and Josephine and Emil Grulkowski. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins.

On her headstone, Richard beautifully characterized Victoria’s legacy – “We believed our actions each day on Earth were like words in a book.

Though it was we who chose them, it was not us who carefully placed them together resulting in the great work left behind. If you read this book, do not be saddened. The story has not ended. You should feel comfort in knowing the Author is using us in a far better sequel.” (Nichol Castro, Victoria’s sister)

Mark T. “Tyler” Voss, ’08 Capt. Mark “Tyler” Voss went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 3rd near Chon-Aryk, Kyrgyzstan in the crash of a KC-135 aircraft. He was part of the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and was on a refueling mission for Afghanistan war operations at the time. (The accident also claimed the life of Victoria “Tory” A. Pinckney, also a member of the Class of 2008.)

Tyler was born Dec. 16, 1985 to Wayne and Marcy Voss. After attending Kindergarten in La Grange, Texas, his family moved to Kerrville, Tex-

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

as where he attended school through 8th grade. The family moved again to Boerne, Texas where Tyler graduated from high school in 2004.

Tyler developed a love of flying at an early age. As a young child, he often rode in the back seat of a PA-11 with his dad. When Dick Peck, a close family friend and former Air Force F-100 pilot, asked Tyler what he wanted to do when he grew up, Tyler said he wanted to fly. Dick Peck said that he should go to the Air Force Academy, and Tyler decided, while in elementary school, that was what he would do. Tyler had the honor and privilege of graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2008 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Tyler received his wings March 2010, having graduated from pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. At graduation, he received a training award for having the highest score in his class on flight check rides.

Tyler was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash. where he flew KC-135 Stratotankers. He was promoted to Captain on May 28, 2012 and became Aircraft Commander on March 14, 2013. He was working on a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Alabama at the time of his death.

Though Tyler lived a short life, he lived a full life, following his passions and his dreams. As his friend and Academy ’08 classmate Capt. Zach “Tyler” Voss Valdez said, “He loved life and made sure everybody around him was loving life, too. Tyler was probably able to pack more in his 27 years of life than most people do in a lifetime.”

One of Tyler’s early interests was soccer, which he started playing when he was three and a half years old. Tyler was on his high school’s team, which won 2nd in State his sophomore year, played club soccer from elementary through his years at USAFA, played on an adult league in Spokane, Wash., and played with natives while stationed in Kyrgyzstan.

Tyler also loved cars – especially fast cars. He spent his high school years modifying his Bronco and enhancing his 300ZX Twin Turbo. When he blew the engine his senior year, he took the car in a million pieces to the Air Force Academy to work on it in his “spare time.” His roommate said he is the only cadet he knew who had to hide car parts during room inspections!

But one of Tyler’s greatest loves was his RV-8, which he had hangared at Felts Field in Spokane where he was a member of the EAA, an international organization encouraging and supporting recreational aviation.

Tyler spent most of his free time before his accident at the hangar upgrading the instrument panel so that he could fly IFR (instrument flight rules) and take Young Eagles on flights. Flying the RV-8 allowed Tyler to focus on the fun and excitement of flying, his passion.

Tyler leaves behind his parents, his brother Forrest, a student at Texas A&M University and his sister Morgan, a student at M.I.T. (Marcy Voss, Tyler’s mother)

Cadet Fourth Class James L. Walsh Dies at the Academy Born May 6, 1990 in Jacksonville, N.C. in a small hospital right outside of Camp Lejeune where his father was serving in the US Marine Corps, James “Jimmy” Walsh had a contagious personality, the type that you may have met as strangers, but you left as friends.

Jim took great pride in his accomplishments, everything from climbing the incline in Colorado to working on the White House communication system. Jim, in 2006 was a sophomore at Victor J Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Ill. when he attended his cousin Sean Walsh’s graduation from the Air Force Academy. Jim was so impressed with the USAF Academy he made it his goal to attend.

After graduation from high school Jim attended DeVry University and enlisted into the U.S. Air Force serving as a cyber-transport systems apprentice at Joint Base Andrews AFB with the 744th Communications Squadron. During his service at this base he received the Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service. He was recognized

for his technical expertise which was crucial in an upgrade which improved the defensive posture for 25,000 base personnel. It states he was handpicked to troubleshoot a critical Department of Justice network outage and within one hour he identified and reconfigured faulty cryptographic material reestablishing secure communications for 200 field agents. The citation added that he also pinpointed and repaired a defect in the secure network system and restored another system, allowing four executive airlift missions to proceed unhindered. This is award was one of the many reasons he received his appointment to the Air Force Academy.

Jim lived a full life in his short years as he affected so may. He had wide shoulders when it came to family and friends. The letters that the family has received from all over the world expressed how Jim was more than a friend; he was a brother to many. Jim passed on February 9, 2013 but he lives on in many hearts and his name is Jim Walsh forever in the halls of the Academy.

James L. Walsh, age 22, Cadet 4th Class, U.S. Air Force Academy was taken sudden and unexpectedly from his loving family. Cherished son of Timothy and Maureen Walsh. Loving brother of Airman John P. Walsh and Daniel M. Walsh. Devoted grandson of Margaret and the late Daniel Walsh and the late Michael and Mary Lou Iovinelli. Also loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins. (Maureen Walsh, Jim’s mother)

(Editor’s note: The AOG does not always have all the information concerning the death of a graduate. We only publish the information we have available on each deceased graduate or cadet) At press time we learned of the deaths of the following graduates: Maj (Ret) Hubert G. “Giles” Wideman, Class of 1959, who died on Aug. 16, 2013 in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Thomas C. Meier, Class of 1963, who died on Aug. 3, 2013 in Oregon.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Alfred L. Freathy, Class of 1964, who died on Aug. 12, 2013 in Shalimar, Fla. Dr. Duane C. Tway, Class of 1966, who died on Aug. 9, 2013 in Tampa, Fla. Mr. Kenneth E. McKenna, Class of 1973, who died on Feb. 23, 2011 in Orem, Utah.

Mr. Lewis D. Chase IV, Class of 1976, who died on Aug. 15, 2013 in Federal Way, Wash.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Daniel T. Hinkin, MD, Class of 1977, who died on Aug. 5, 2013 in Manhattan, Kans.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Peter H. Liotta, Class of 1978, who died on Aug. 31, 2012 in an automobile accident in Newport, R.I. Lt. Col. (Ret) Robert J. Rehwaldt, Class of 1978, who died on June 21, 2013.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Sean V. Heatherman, Class of 1983, who died on July 30, 2012 in Yorktown, Va..

Ms. Robin L. Herklotz, Class of 1984, who died on June 13, 2013 in the Black Forest fire in Colorado Springs.

Lt. Col. (USAFR) Jeffrey W. Riddlebarger, Class of 1988, who died on Aug. 15, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mr. Danta L. Johnson, Class of 1996, who died on Aug. 16, 2013 in Torrance, Calif.

2nd Lt. Jason E. Black, Class of 2012, who died on March 16, 2013 in a motorcycle accident near Laughlin AFB, Texas.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

(Correction: 2nd Lt. Jason E. Black, Class of 2012, was listed in the last issue without a class year and with a date of death of March 16, 2012, which should have read 2013. Lieutenant Black died as a result of a motorcycle accident near Laughlin AFB, Texas.)

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Class News Ed Josephson 23 Old Gordon Road Brentwood, NH 03833 H: (603) 778-1495 Cell: (603) 770-6003 Josephson@comcast.net

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Members

First some “old” news that was left out of the previous edition because of space limitations.

Val Bourque’s daughter, Wendy Snider, and grandson Jake received an AOG-guided Academy tour on April 3rd. The highlight was seeing for the first time the statue of Val in the “Mall of Heroes.” That evening, Wendy and Jake were guests of the local ’59ers and ATOs at their monthly gathering. Present from the Class of ’60 were Andi and Carole Biancur and Bruce Mosier (who had participated in Val and Linda’s wedding) and wife, Caryl. Many memories, some embellished of course, were recalled and shared.

Ben Cassiday (now in his 90s), Pete Todd and son, Joe Todd, Betsy and Charlie Meier and their children shared a great time at the Hickam AFB former Officers’ Club two days before Christmas. Many “war stories” were shared, and everyone enjoyed great holiday spirits.

Ed Montgomery was the speaker at the AOG’s second “Food for Thought” lecture at Doolittle Hall on June 12th. Ed was asked to speak about the early days at Lowry as well as the first days at the “battleships in a sea of mud”. His presentation was in two parts: first anecdotes on topics as diverse as site selection, our first day, the opening ceremony and early cadet life and the second comprised three personal experiences involving General Harmon. I watched the video and learned some things I never knew, or knew but had long forgotten. What video you might ask? Go to the AOG web site (www.usafa.org/Videos/Movie/89). The video also comes in two parts. Part 1 is prominent on the web page; part 2 is identified by the picture of the Cadet Wing formed up at meal formation. Check it out. You Sabre Society will learn some interesting tidbits useful in asking trivia Donors questions next year at the 55th reunion. For example, what special role did “Lucky Lindy” play in making the final site selection?

The Challenge Bridge briefings were conducted on June 27th. This was the ninth year of briefing the new cadets before they proceeded across the Challenge Bridge into their new life. Classmates who participated were Don Brooks, Curt Cook, Art Elser, Jon Gallo, Ed Montgomery and Max Miller. Curt used a story from the life of General Harmon that was innovative, interesting and erudite. As usual, Ed gave a most polished and inspiring briefing to the incoming cadets as parents and friends watched from a short distance away.

Last year this traditional use of the Challenge Bridge was missed because the Waldo Canyon fire forced in-processing to be moved to the Cadet Area. However, this forced change did result in something positive.

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Later in the year individual squadrons approached Pete Todd and asked if it was possible to replicate the missed tradition. Of course Pete took on the project. He told me at the Army game last year that a lot of squadrons made the same request. As I understand it, the squadrons typically marched from the cadet area to the Bridge and marched back afterward.

Sounds like a tradition has taken hold.

We have suffered quite a few losses from the extended ’59 family in recent months. Another classmate, Doug Grafflin, has taken his last flight (See Gone But Not Forgotten). Our primary ATO coordinator, Dr. Herm Gilster, passed away on May 22nd. Gus Freyer has taken over Herm’s responsibilities as coordinator to keep the link between the class and ATOs as strong as ever. You should also have received an email notification of the sad passing of Sue Mantei and Karen Morgan. If you didn’t let me know and I’ll send it along (you might also update your email address with Jim).

The funeral for Herman Gilster was held on 15 July at the Academy. Bob Browning conducted the service from his wheelchair after his recent back surgery. Bob emphasized how much the ATOs meant to the Academy and especially to our class. The Cemetery Pavilion was filled with a standingroom-only crowd there to honor Herman.

With Helen Gilster’s prior permission, he led ATOs Al Hall, Bob Hess, Russ Thoburn, and ’59ers Curt Cook, Jon Gallo, Ed Montgomery, Jim Welch and Max Miller, plus Bruce Mosier from ’60 in a rendition of our song from 58 years ago: “We are great big, humpft, hairy chested men, humpft, hairy chested men, humpft, hairy chested men.

We are great big, humpft, hairy chested men.

We are the ATOs. We are the ATOs. We are the ATOs. We are great big, humpft, hairy chested men, We are the ATOs.” At the reception Helen asked that all ATOs and ’59ers drink from the ATO bottle, a request that all were happy to fulfill.

By the way, I’ve often wondered who wrote the words of this 58-yearold ditty. It may not be a great musical piece but it has a special meaning for both ATO and cadet. The author should be known as part of our legacy.

Does anyone remember?

We have a new Class Representative to the AOG’s Advisory Senate. Curt Cook has graciously accepted this job. This group meets bi-monthly to discuss issues of interest to all grads and was organized to ensure effective communications between and among graduates of all classes.

In the “to be envied” department is the RL and Eugenia Penn world odyssey. Here is the only email I’ve gotten from him describing their adventures: “How things going? We just came back from Canada and Alaska - had a grand time! Saw a lot of wild life. This was a segment of our Around the World trip. Next big one is in October: Japan, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Paris, Dubai, Maldives, Singapore.” Now don’t you think I should be able to expect more from a former class secretary? If anyone understands the difficulty of getting enough interesting info each quarter it should be RL. Hope to have more next time. (LOL RL) Not too long ago Max Miller sent out a reminder to all of you. I think the reminder is important enough to repeat here: “In the Checkpoints for March, in his last column as the ’59 class scribe, Pete discussed his options for the passing of the baton for the Challenge Bridge briefings for the new cadets each June. Due to the possible loss of inputs with the termination of Pete’s email account, please resend any comments to me. Or if you have some preference or ideas now, those are also welcome. We are currently preparing for our 10th year of issuing this challenge to the incoming cadets. My very biased opinion is that this ‘tradition’ has been an overwhelming success and must be carried over in the future.”

I agree with Max. We need to propose a solution to the AOG early enough to be able to make preparations for next year.

Thought for the Quarter: Confidence is the feeling you have just before you fully understand the problem. (Anonymous)

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A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr. Members 5423 Myrtle Wood Sarasota, FL 34235-4624 Phone: (941) 371-4843 E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960 This column was written by D.L. Walsh – Rosie will be back next quarter.

We had another wild fire event here in Colorado in early June. This was the worst fire, with property loss, in Colorado history, and it took place in the Black Forest area, right where many of our fellow Class of ’60 mem-

bers live. There were over 500 homes destroyed and two lives were lost.

It seems that this is becoming an annual event. Several classmates were affected; however no total losses occurred and the evacuations were the main problem for our folks, according to reports provided by Andi Biancur. Initially, Pupich had to evacuate but the fire missed his home. Next day, the burn reversed and burned north and northwest putting Biancur, Sexton, Glaza, Yates, McCullough and Kendall in the pre-evacuation areas. McCullough and Glaza were away but returned in time to react. Although Sextons and Biancurs were the closest to most of the action, they were only put into a pre-evacuation status. In the end, all our classmates were safe with no losses.

This from Wayne F. Kendall: “Our monthly luncheon on June 19 had 15 classmates (Biancur, Bilello, Bujalski, Glaza, Hodson, Kendall, Pupich, Porter, Roe, Savage, Schehr, Schwank, Sexton, Waddle, and Yates) present. We had a few war stories including Jim Glaza’s description of being with John McCullough in McCullough’s South Dakota farm house when the roof blew off. The next day. The main speaker was Andi Biancur who gave a very interesting presentation regarding the Antarctic resupply effort when Andi was there in the ’60 s as the MAC representative. For our July meeting, we decided to have a general discussion about VA benefits and share our individual experiences with the system.”

Latest stamp news from Bob Odenweller: “On Thursday 9 May, the A.I.E.P. (International Association of Philatelic Experts) had its annual meeting in Verona, Italy. I’m now one of the longest term members (since 1980) and served on the board for about 22 years and as vice president.

For that, along with the work on my two books and on behalf of expertizing worldwide, they awarded me the Hunziker Medal, their highest honor. The medal itself is quite something, created by world-renowned Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro, and is heavy enough to be considered a lethal weapon. Of the 15 ever awarded, this was a first for an American.

Best, Bob.” This from Dave Reed of Boulder and New Zealand: “I’m back early from New Zealand fighting a humongous kidney stone. Sold the house in NZ recently – Pat and I will be moving back aboard the boat on return in November. Loved the house, but just too much work and expense with both the house and the boat. Year or two left in NZ then probably pull the plug. Soaring here in Boulder. Dave.”

Jim Thomasson reports the following after attending the memorial service for Kirk Canterbury: “His memorial service was held in Matthews, North Carolina on Saturday 27 April 2013. The following classmates and spouses were present: Tom and Carole Seebode, Dale and Idee Mayo, Russ Currey, and Jim and Carolyn Thomasson. The Memorial Service was wonderful. A Scottish bagpiper led the family into the Chapel. Kirk played the bagpipe for some years. Kirk’s oldest son, Mark, spoke on his days of growing up in the Canterbury household. Thomasson spoke about rooming with Kirk for 3 years at the Academy. A family friend and fellow swimmer, Patty Huey, told about her swimming days with Kirk here in Charlotte. The Chapel was packed, and Kirk’s wife, Millie, spoke to every person after the service. Although it was a sad day for classmates, Kirk’s family, and his many friends, it was great to hear those stories and celebrate Kirk’s legacy. Shown are: Mark Canterbury, Millie Canterbury, Laura and John David (J.D.) Canterbury.

Gordy Flygare’s adventures. Flygare has been at it again on his motorcycle(s). He also reports the tornadoes continue to miss his domicile. Lots of good pictures on the Class web site. As we go to press, he is off on another grand tour. I quote: “Ann and I are off to Ireland for the month of July to beat the heat and quaff a few ‘nut brown ales’ to ward off the morning chill. Cameras at the ready, chargers in our carry-ons, we will be able to leaven the flood of Maya pictures that I normally send, with a lot of the Emerald Isle. We’ll be back Friday 26 July.”

Sabre Society On May 21, Nels Delisanti, George Luck, Jim Donors O’Rourke, Chuck Diver and Dennis O’Keefe gathered at Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing in Mukilteo, WA for a great luncheon. Vic Yoakum was at his time-share in Hawaii. Afterwards, George and Dennis toured Paul Allen’s outstanding war bird museum at Paine Field. On June 12, the same crew gathered in Kirkland, WA for a luncheon at Hector’s. This time, Vic was vacationing at Sun Mountain Resort in eastern Washington. Oh well, perhaps in July we’ll get all the crew together. Shown below is George Luck posing during the museum visit.

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Obits: Somber Subject. Andi, our president, sent out an email to all who are on record, with some very helpful hints to make it possible to continue providing quality obits in Checkpoints for our classmates as they are sent on their journey west. I implore all of you to read it in its entirety.

He strongly suggests that each of us write a draft of our own obit and send a copy to him. Alternatively you might designate a classmate whom you prefer to do it. Finally, please be forthcoming and volunteer to assist in writing one of these “Gone but not forgotten” tributes when the deceased is a close personal friend or whose life is well known to you. There is help available from the Checkpoints staff and from Andi, who is totally committed to getting these jobs done right.

Final Roll Call. David Lewis Wiest died 25 May 2013 in Silver City, NM. Funeral services were held 31 May 2013 at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery.

Karl McMaster Jones, Jr. died June 27, 2013. Funeral services were held July 3 at St. Simons on the Sound Episcopal Church in Ft. Walton Beach, FL (there are 56 deceased classmates, 171 living).

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“(Aside): Dale Mayo and Russ Currey arrived in Charlotte on Friday, April 26. On Friday and Saturday evening we had time to visit -- catching up on gossip, retelling some of the great stories of the past, and enjoying some good food and drink. It was great to be with my old 8th Squadron buddies On 10 May, JT and Diane Smith visited son Andy Hooper and his family in Brandon, FL. A day at Fort De Soto Park just south of St. Petersburg included some fun time bounding about in Tampa Bay and the Gulf on their Sea-Doo watercraft. Also enjoying the fun were Andy and his two children, Nicole and Cody (Andy’s wife, Shawn, was unable to join in). Everyone got appropriately wet and had a great time. Shown are J. T. and Diane Smith.

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear Members 50582 Stonington Drive Granger, IN 46530-8243 H: (574) 273-2597 E-mail: enoandtjo@gmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafa1961.org Jack Bright, Terry Woelfel, Gordon Clarke, and Jackie Dickson left our earthly midst this quarter. Jack passed on 16 May, with graveside services later at the Academy Cemetery on 11 June. John and Casey Goodley, Randy Cubero, Wayne and Erna Haring, Jim and Nancy Wilhelm, Worth and

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Class News Joanie McCue, Tom and Susan Conley, Frank Willis, Don and Peg Danborn, Sam Barazzone, Terry Storm, and Tom and Anne Eller attended his USAFA service. It concluded with the class coming to attention and Jim Wilhelm leading our contingent in singing “Here’s a Toast....” At the reception that followed at the Golf Club, many related numerous stories to the delight of Jack’s son Steve, his wife, and their seven children, plus one of Jack’s high school classmates who now resides in Denver.

Terry departed on 4 June, with a Mass of Christian Burial and military honors at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN, on 9 June. Afterwards, family and friends, including Nelson and Teri O’Rear, gathered to celebrate Terry’s life and share many stories with Kay, their three children, friends, and relatives. Although they moved to South Carolina after Terry retired, he and Kay grew up in Indiana and still have family there.

Gordon passed on 16 June, with a celebration of life with full military honors held 20 June at the Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, TX. Interment will be later at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which our DC contingent of classmates plans to attend.

Jackie Dickson, Jim’s widow, passed away on 19 July in Morristown, NJ. Jackie is survived by three sons: Sabre Society James Eric Dickson and his wife, Suzanne; Tyler Grey Donors Dickson and his wife, Rose; Stuart Garrett Dickson and his wife, Kris; and two sisters: Gloria Coogan and Dorothy Warren. Also surviving are her grandchildren Griffin, Elizabeth, Grey, Grant, and Brennan. Her Funeral Service was celebrated at the First Presbyterian Church, Stirling, NJ, on Wednesday, 24 July.

Gene Hopp’s wife, Annette Langille, was inurned at the USAFA Cemetery on 30 August. A reception followed at the Eisenhower Course Golf Club.

The AFA61 Grey Tag Red Neck Riveria Reunion will be held 21-23 October at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Ft Walton Beach, FL. Call 1800-874-8962 for your reservation. Tell them “Air Force Academy Class of 1961”. Rates for our class: Standard - $149; Courtyard - $159; Poolside - $169; Beachside - $189. (72-hour cancellation policy) Doug and Dee Cairns, Jimmy and Susan Poole, Bob and Winnie Wagner, and Neal and Gwen Westbrook invite you to join them. After making your reservation, let one of them know you will be attending.

Mark and Ginger Anderson enjoyed Big Bend National Park in May, but upon returning home found that a water pipe in the attic had sprung a leak and sprayed water for at least two days onto the ceiling of the family room and master bedroom. Within hours, USAA had a crew start cleaning up the mess. After two months, their house was repaired, but furniture was still being repaired/replaced. Mark recommends turning off the water in your house if you plan to be away for any length of time.

In May Pat and Marilyn Buckley hosted relatives at their Satellite Beach home. In July, they flew to Malaga, Spain, and enjoyed their Velez-Malaga home and returned home in August.

Judy and Jim Cassidy‘s oldest grandson began college this fall at William & Mary College in Williamsburg, VA. The Elkhart Central HS baseball team, whose players Tom Hill coached for the previous eight seasons through various levels, won the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 4A Championship, ending their season with a 32-1 record. Nine of the young men have accepted scholarships to play at the collegiate level.

On 4 July, Jerry Gill ran his 24th Peachtree Roadrace (10K) along with a daughter and two grandsons. Jerry said he is getting slower every year but still moving!

After visiting The Netherlands for tulip viewing, Peggy and Henry Howe enjoyed a two-week safari on the Serengeti of Tanzania. They slept in non-air-conditioned tents adjacent to a good share of the estimated 2 million wildebeests and their zebra cohorts migrating, day and night. Their guides positioned their Land Rover in the middle of elephant herds, and also to watch lions hunt and bring down a wildebeest no more than 30 yards away. They later visited Minnesota for Henry’s sister and brotherin-law’s 50th anniversary and the mountains of southern Colorado before returning to Texas in late August.

Dean and Wayne Jones, their wives, and 13 other family members met in Cabo San Lucas in “Land’s End” for a memorable R&R, 6-13 July. One special event during the week was a sunset dinner/party cruise on a big catamaran sailboat. They have shared some really good times over the years in this special little corner of Mexico.

Attendees at the ’61 DC-area luncheon on 25 June were: Charley Dixon, Bill Foster, Lowell and Sandy Jones, John Kohout, Jack McDonough, and Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse. Bill Foster said they expect a good turnout for the October Navy game and after-game party at the Foster’s. He attended the SEA C-123 reunion at Branson, MO, in May, which he said was great fun, along with meeting many whom he had not seen since then. Another is being planned for 2014 (same place), and he recommends more of us who flew C-123s in Vietnam attend. Charley Dixon’s torn-up arm is slowly mending.

Lowell and Sandy Jones enjoyed talking with USAFA Cadet Deborah Kim at a dinner hosted by HT and Ann Johnson at Falcons Landing. Quite 106

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a few things have changed since we were cadets. Former AOC Arnold Braswell and wife, Ione, plus Marjorie Seith, the widow of former Commandant Louis “Ted” Seith, also attended.

Terry Jorris thinks he is finally retired; sequestration curtailed the contract funding his work at Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), LA AFB. The California Jorrises went to Wyoming for the wedding of daughter Teresa, who is a mechanical engineer in a power plant near Casper. Her brothers and cousin were “bridesmen” (no bridesmaids).

Bob Kellock has settled into more routine retirement activity. His plane was trucked to the factory for repair by Jabiru USA at Shelbyville, TN, following his ground loop in March. As previously planned, Samantha bought her uncle’s red 1975 Mustang II, which they gently drove back to Arizona. Several who wanted to get a closer look at the car stopped them, and everyone gave it a thumbs-up. In June, Bob and Samantha drove back to Hobbs, NM, for her aunt’s wedding.

Pete and Patty Lane’s eldest son, Mark, was sworn in as a Federal Magistrate for the Austin, TX, district—a prestigious appointment with considerable responsibility. Phil Lane held a similar appointment in the San Angelo/Abiline area.

Lynda and Charlie Neel celebrated their 50th anniversary and Charlie’s 75th birthday in Oahu’s Waikiki with daughters, all of their grandchildren (ages 13-21), and Charlie’s brother and his wife.

Hector and Joan Negroni enjoyed three weeks in Spain with their youngest son, his wife, and three of their grandchildren. They ate their way through Spain while visiting Madrid, Toledo, Cordova, Sevilla, Ronda, Estepona, Malaga, and Gibraltar. The best part was to see the grandchildren try their Spanish and sample all the great Spanish cuisine. Hector and Joan will move to their winter quarters in Naples, FL in January and return to Virginia in May 2014.

PB and Mer O’Connor recently spent a great week with their four children and their families in Lincoln City, OR. Our own “Old Man and the Sea” and three of nine grandchildren caught and enjoyed eating fish from Devil’s Lake.

Paul Stephen said that this year’s Illinois weather is ideal for agriculture, just the opposite of last year. They are expecting a very good corn crop. Paul keeps busy as a commodity broker and as an officer in his local VFW but is planning to slow down and just chase grandchildren.

Carleen and Terry Storm were joined at Oahu’s Hale Koa for a week in April by their daughter Shari her husband and three children, plus her mother-in-law. Shari has pretty much healed from her back and staph infection difficulties. Carleen waited until their return for knee replacement, adding to her two hips; she is the bionic woman.

Jack Taylor said that Corky Cochrane, Art Kerr, and he, plus their wives, Pat, Holly and Linda, respectively, three charter members of Det ’61, Washington, held a two-day Potlatch at Pacific Beach, 26-28 June. They traded tall tales and enjoyed the company, food, and camaraderie of the occasion.

In May, Bob and Winnie Wagner spent two weeks in Italy, visiting Rome, Florence, Siena/Tuscany, and Venice. The wine, food, and weather were great. The USO-arranged tours in Rome and Florence were excellent. Bob and Winnie filled their art history square for at least two years.

Wayne Whalen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, presented this year’s Lincoln Leadership Prize to former President Bill Clinton on May 4th at the Chicago Hilton. Among the achievements cited were President Clinton’s efforts to convert the then-largest budget deficit in history to the largest surplus, as well as later establishing the William J. Clinton Foundation to work on improving global health, strengthening economies, promoting healthier childhoods, and protecting the environment.

Twy Williams said that their family continues to increase, with a granddaughter born in April. Twy has replaced his cruising sailboat with a 19foot outboard for fishing and beating around the creeks/rivers/bay and fishing (not to be confused with catching). He and Nancy continue to stay busy with their church and the Northern Neck Sail and Power Squadron.

Tom and Judy Wilson went on a “marathon” graduation journey, 25 May to 19 June. They began with a nostalgic trip to USAFA for the graduation festivities and events of two of their grandchildren: Mick (Powell – Tam’s son) and Haley (Wilson – their son Tom’s oldest daughter). They think they are one of only four to six families to have three generations of Academy graduates. After returning home to change their wardrobe, they were off to Dallas and then to Milwaukee for the high school graduations of two granddaughters. Collectively, they observed a total of ap-

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

proximately 1,961 graduate diploma presentations.

Nelson and Teri O’Rear enjoyed lunch with Tom and Liz Hill in June after finally being able to coordinate their schedules.

Thanks, once again, to all who contributed. Those who enjoy reading what others have shared but have not also contributed recently should genuinely make an effort to share at least a few sentences in the future.

The rest of us are truly interested.

from his job in Las Vegas and that he and Kay were returning to their house in Texas. I hope to get a photo of his farewell from the group in Las Vegas for the next issue.

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John W. “Jack” Jamba Members 4 Judy Court Satellite Beach, FL 32937 H: (321) 777-5520 O: (321) 861-6279 Cell: (321) 432-1370 E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Hi Redtags! First off, an email from EC Newman: “E.C. Newman’s into his third year of fighting multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer. Recently, a buddy announced to their Sunday School class that E.C. had a new, medicinal motorcycle. The announcement met with rolling eyes and head shakes of disapproval. But E.C. assured the class he had done a huge Internet study and found than no one has ever died of cancer while riding a motorcycle. And, the data show that the more one rides a motorcycle, the less the likelihood of dying from cancer.” Thanks for letting us know about your new cure for cancer, EC. And this note from Roger Smith. “Hi Jack, I always flinch when I say that. Must be my airline training. Good to see you at our 50th reunion.

I’m announcing my autobiography. “Just Getting By” by Roger T Smith has been published on amazon.com. It is not your typical hero’s bio, but what would you expect from an RTB? It will take you back to the days gone by and soar through to the present. It has humor and sadness, but it is definitely not boring. Please pass the info on to our illustrious classmates.

Thanks, Roger”

See the picture of some of the Dallas-Ft Worth groupies. Note Bob Staib’s original cadet cap with the red plastic cover on the table. Also got a followon email from Vern Wood: “Dear Jack, Hope you were able to celebrate our graduation 51 years ago with a toast held high! Enclosed is the group that celebrated at Brio’s Tuscan Grille. The highlight was Jerry Singleton describing the Fortieth Anniversary Reunion of the POW’s, hosted by the Richard Nixon Library on May 24th. Nearly 200 of the original 587 attended the banquet in which Ross Perot spoke and wreaths were laid at the graves of Patricia and Richard Nixon. The ‘POW Hymn’, composed by Col. Quincy Collins, on toilet paper with a fishbone, was sung by 16 of the original 35 POWs who sang in 1974. I believe John Fer and P.K.Robinson also attended that occasion. Although a terrible experience, it became a positive force for good in Jerry’s life. His own words are very powerful and emotional. Woody” Thanks, Sabre Society Woody. Rick Perlotto also sends his best to the group: Donors “You guys look like you did in the Kachina Lounge over 51 years ago!”

A month ago, I sent out a video showing President Ronald Reagan and members of his Cabinet and Congress enjoying a show in a Washington theatre with security all around the theater. A few days later I got this email from Roger Rhoades. “I enjoyed the video about the juggler. Thanks. The secret service man behind Reagan was my son’s wrestling coach and the primary guard for Reagan. Before that, he was Rockefeller’s guard who quite often had to loan Rockefeller some spending money because he never carried any.” Quite a coincidence. Thanks Roger.

The latest word out of Las Vegas was that Mike Butchko was retiring

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John Carroll’s Memorial Dedication. “For the past 26 years, the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association has dedicated a memorial in the Atlanta area to honor an SEA KIA. This year they chose John Carroll. The ceremony was on May 23 at Marist High School, John’s alma mater. There was an Army Band, a USAF color guard, a static display of a UH-1 and a fly-by of an O-1. John’s 93-year-old mother, Mary Carroll Hancock, his two brothers Jim and Billy and their families, John’s daughter Julie Zouzounis, her husband, Joe, and grandson John were there. The RTBs were represented by Steve and Kathy Mettler, Ed Martinelli, Stan and Mary Anne Patrie. Lt Gen Joseph Redden (’63) was the keynote speaker and Darrel Whitcomb (’69) who was in the same unit as John gave the student body an idea of what a Raven FAC did as well as a moving account of the day John was shot down. ‘Major Carroll was participating in the classified RAVEN program in Laos as a Forward Air Controller. His aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and he crash-landed his light plane on the Plain of Jars in Laos. With small arms and grenades, Major Carroll held off two enemy companies to allow aircraft to effect his rescue. Despite serious wounds, he fought with tenacity and bravery until he was killed. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross. Other decorations included the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His body was recovered and returned in 2007 and interred at the Academy alongside his wife.’ The title ‘AVVBA Memorial Dedication for John Carroll’ will get you to a one-hour You Tube video of the ceremony.” We will always remember you, John. God bless.

Got a letter from Dave Holt. “Jack, Hope your impromptu reunion went well. My suggestion in Checkpoints got zero response. So, we had an Alabama RTB reunion, with 100% attendance; picture attached. We met in Alex Harwick’s hangar in Tallassee, AL which Alex describes as decorated in ‘early fighter pilot’. While we reminisced, my wife, Linda, did an inventory and found the hangar contains 27 cars, 4 airplanes, 2 jet skis, and a boat. Tallassee is just a few miles from Auburn University so if anyone is headed there to visit children or grandchildren, let me or Alex know and we’ll have another reunion. Dave. P.S: Ben Franklin: ‘When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the Republic.’” Thanks, Dave.

By the way, I’ve complied a list of RTBs in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. I’m hoping we can come up with a drawing card that will bring all or most of us together soon in a convenient, central location.

Finally, enclosed is a picture of Pete and Pat Robinson that was taken on a recent trip to Cuba as part of a State Department-sponsored program. They are pushing what appears to be a stone millet crusher. Hope they didn’t strain their backs.

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Class News classmates laugh or shake their heads please share that fun fact with the Reunion Committee by sending it to denny63@sbcglobalnet (anonymity guaranteed, almost).” Finally, On Thursday, October 24th, in the Academy Chapel, the Men of The Class of ‘63, organized by Seagrams Seventh, will present a 45-minute musical “Tribute to The Wives” who have cheerfully anchored the family throughout our careers. Championed by Dr. Joseph Galema, Chapel organist for 30 years, the Cadet Chorale, The Aspen Strings, and additional performers will present. Don’t miss it.”

Pauline “Peeps” Bogaert sent the following photo of her and Jim celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary (June 6th), by taking a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Peeps said they hiked for two weeks on New Zealand’s South Island. The photo is on the second day of their hike on Queen Charlotte Track going to Mistletoe Bay.

An email to Frank Urban: “I plan on flying my RV-4 from Mesa to Oshkosh. I’ll camp with my airplane in the homebuilt area. What’s been the Red Tag response? Larry Jensen 1112K” Response: “Hi Larry -- Great to hear from you! I decided to go commercial (weather concerns) and stay with friends in Neenah. This is my first Oshkosh, so I have much to learn and experience! Rick Perlotto rents a lake house in Neenah and will attend with a group from pilot training.

Suggest we share cell phones and set up a RTB meet during the event. I promised Jack Jamba I would take some pics for the next Checkpoints.

Send me your cell number. See you there. Frank Urban 1325K” That’s it for now! Go Redtags!

Norman I. (Skip) Lee 63119 E. Cat Claw Lane Tucson, AZ 85739-2058 Home: (520) 825-7980 Cell: (520) 241-3498 54wrs63@gmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafa63.org

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The Association of Graduates recently learned of the death of Col. (Retired) Danny L. Eckles on 20 June 2013. Burial was in the Willamette National Cemetery. The family suggested that donations be made to the following charities: Albany Veteran’s Association – American Legion Post 10; 1215 Pacific Blvd SE; Albany, OR 97321. Please mark “Attn: Danny Eckles Memorial Fund” or the Albany Safe Haven Animal Shelter, 33071 Highway 34 SE; Albany, OR 97322. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Waconda Eckles; 3406 Lauren Ave N; Albany, OR 97321-7392.

From Diff: “By now you have made plans for the 50th.

Your planning team has a great one lined up; this will be the best ever. If you have been putting off your gift or pledge to the 50th Gift to the Academy, there’s still time to become a part of our lasting endowment benefiting Sabre Society the CCLD and COH projects that will directly affect the Donors cadet experience. And, the class history interview process continues; again; it’s not too late to do your recording [editor’s note: cameras will be at the reunion].”

To make a video, contact Lou Matjasko at usafa63historian@msn.com to work out a plan. If you have a digital camera, consider recording your own. Lou and/or Gil Merkle (merkleg@texas.net) can provide guidance.

Class Gift Status: according to Les Denend we are just over 40% participation in Class Gift amounting to three quarters of a million dollars. How about 100% participation? Give what you can but at least give.

Denny King and Bill Ball provided a reunion committee report: “The search for relatives of our 18 classmates killed in war has been concluded with great success. Thanks to the efforts of many classmates, contact has been made with relatives of each classmate and now we await the attendance numbers. More than a third of the next-of-kin have already booked hotel rooms and others have indicated that they will attend the tribute on Thursday of the reunion. Some are, of course, still weighing their desire to attend against the counter influences of schedules and cost.”

Breaking News: Twice as many classmates have booked hotel rooms as have registered for the reunion with the AOG. Thanks to the hotels we now know you’re coming, which is great, but it would really help to know the events you’ll be attending because much of our planning depends on attendance numbers. If you remember a story that will make your

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Jim and Peeps I would like to congratulate all our classmates and their wives who may be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. When asked how you made it happen, our answer was “we didn’t think about it.”

The Class of 2013 Commissioning Ceremonies went off with lots of emotion: joy, sadness, exhilaration, sighs of relief and, of course, considerable congratulations. Each ceremony recognized every new graduate on stage to take the oath followed by many handshakes and hugs from parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, fiancés and classmates. Both Bud Gilligan and I were very impressed with the graduates from the 15th Cadet Squadron with numerous pilot slots and many post-graduate studies to include medical school and law school.

Many of the ’63 participants at the 2013 Graduation Parade. Gazing off into the sun is none other than Wetterhahn.

The week’s events got started Monday evening, May 27th, with a gettogether and dinner at the Eisenhower Golf Course. Tuesday morning we enjoyed special seating at the Graduation Parade followed with lunch.

The Commissioning Ceremonies started at 1630 for twenty Cadet Squadrons with a second round at 1900. When the evening was over, some of us found our way to PF Changs for snacks and reflection. Wednesday morning was an early start at the Superintendent’s Brunch -- what a layout! - and then the Graduation Ceremony at 1000 hrs. The flyover by the War Birds was sensational as we all tried to recognize the many aircraft in the formations. The AAF contingent included B-17, B-25, P-40, P-47, and P51(2) aircraft and the USN contingent included one each FM-2, F6F, and a TBM. For us history buffs the fly-by was wondrous. That evening we gathered for a nostalgic, farewell event at the Villa in Palmer Lake (site of the old Roman Villa from our time). Thirty-nine classmates participated and as you can see in the photograph many wives were also there. See more photos on the Class Website version of this article.

Classmates who gave their all during the Southeast Asian War are highlighted below. Again, my thanks to Jimmie Butler for the photographs.

Capt. Clarence J. Hemmel was reported missing on 21 October 1967 while on an operational mission near the coast of South Vietnam. Shortly after the F-100 aircraft he was piloting pulled off the target the FAC reported seeing a fireball on the water surface. Attempts at radio contact with him were unsuccessful and no parachute was seen nor was a beeper

heard. KIA status was confirmed on 28 Oct. Joe was a member of the 37th TFW, 612th TFS, Phu Cat RVN. On December 20, 1965, 1st Lt. David J. Wax was co-pilot of a C130E aircraft attempting to land at Tuy Hoa AB under a very low cloud base when it was hit by ground fire five miles south of the base and crashed killing all the crew. The Hercules (the first C-130E model lost in the war) was based at Nha Trang and was bringing in a load of 13 tons of aviation fuel. David was assigned to the 345th TCS, Nha Trang AB, RVN. On 5 June 1967 Capt. Doug Butterfield, Rash FAC, was flying a visual reconnaissance mission in an O1-G Bird Dog when shot down by enemy ground fire 5 NM northeast of An Khe. Doug was assigned to the 21st TASS, Nha Trang AB RVN. He was detached to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) at An Khe. That’s it for this time. Remember to set the reunion dates on your calendars, upload your bio to the UCH while thinking about a video topic and consider making a pledge. See you in October!

Bob Hovde 206 Walker Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801 (H) (256) 532-3923 (M) (256) 348-9794 bob@hovde.us

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Reunion – Rod Wells asked me to relay that the 50th committee will meet in August and will get out a class notification about the date and hotel. It will be in conjunction with a football weekend. Also, we will have a mini-practice-reunion in May when we follow the tradition of the 50th “legacy” class giving 2Lt bars to 2014 grads. More to follow.

Brag Time – I get to do a little bragging of my own this time. My sonin-law, Andy Armacost, was just promoted to Brig General as the Dean of the Air Force Academy. Kathy and the girls (Ava and Audrey) are excited about Dad’s promotion, even though it means moving across the valley onto the Academy. Don’t forget, Andy. You may outrank me now, but your wife, mother and mother-in-law will always outrank you!

10th Sq Newsletter – Kris Mineau was nice enough to send me a copy of the annual 10th Sq newsletter. (I was in 10th Doolie Year.) It’s been sent out every year since 1965. I know there’s at least one other annual squadron newsletter, but I think the 10th version is the oldest. Anyway, the 10th con-

tingent seems to be doing well, running around the world and watching grandkids grow up too fast.

Practice-Practice Reunion – Fred Gregory (and several others who attended his annual “practice” reunion in Annapolis) sent pictures. I’m holding them until later due to publishing limits. Anyway, Fred said, “This is the last of the practice, practice reunions. Next year we will have the real practice reunion. The ’64 boys and their ladies appear just about ready for the gathering in Colorado Springs next year but they still need some minor adjustments around the edges. That will be accomplished at our next gathering, the 3rd Sunday of June 2014, starting at 1400. We had 50 guests this time.

Sabre Society Annette and I hope to exceed 75 next year.”

Donors ’64 Mini-Reunion Down Under – Jerry Budinoff, in his first-ever post to Checkpoints, reported that in April, he, Bill Hoilman and their wives “went to Tahiti, Bora Bora, the Marquises, and several other islands with unpronounceable names in French Polynesia. And, small world, Fred Gregory and his wife were on the cruise too (!), so we had a ’64 MiniReunion Down Under. It was also Candi and my 45th wedding anniversary. The attached picture is of all of us at our anniversary dinner in Nuku Hiva, Marquises

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Annette and Fred Gregory, Candi and Jerry Budinoff and Jan and Bill Hoilman in Nuku Hiva, Marquises.

Another Reunion – Don Spoon, in another first-time report, sent in the following: “Four ‘Air Pirates’ and ex-POWs from the USAFA Class of 1964 attended the Vietnam POW Reunion held in Newport Beach, CA from 22 - 25 May this year. Attending POWs were: Ed Mechenbier, Marty Neuens, Tom McNish, and Don Spoon. A major purpose of this reunion was to celebrate 40 Years of Freedom by having another formal dinner at the Nixon Library on the 40th anniversary of the dinner held for all the returning POWs at the White House by then President Nixon. The folks at the Nixon Library were outstanding hosts and treated us very well! While the formal dinner at the library was outstanding, the best part was being able to sit on our duffs, imbibe large quantities of liquid refreshments and tell ‘war fables’ to each other. The Navy ‘Ready Room’ concept has a lot going for it!

A great time was had by all!

“I invited Squadron and Classmate Clarence Fung to be my guest at the Farewell Dinner on 25 May, so there were a total of 5 of us running around loose at the same place and same time! Getting all together for a picture was like herding cats, so Mechenbier and Neuens are missing from the pic.”

Don Spoon, Clarence Fung and Tom McNish at Vietnam POW Reunion.

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Class News Dave’s Racing Woes – Not to be outdone by John Hoffman’s racing exploits (reported last article), Dave Neal went to Sears Point for a day of racing cars. (He has a few thousand miles of racing there on motorcycles.)

He said, “It was fun until something on the track cut a tire. Going into turn 2 at 60+, the tire, losing pressure, caused me to spin out, sliding off the track into the dirt. I was able to drive back to the pits before the tire went completely flat. No damage to the wheel, hooray!

“A tire shop at the track was able to plug the tire so I could drive home, but I deemed it unsafe to go back on the track with a plugged tire.”

Dave also reported that Carver Sears invited some classmates to meet for lunch in Sacramento on May 30. In attendance were, Carver Sears, Julio Echegaray, Dave Neal, Butch Schuering, Dave Ammerman, Bill Heinlein ‘63, and John Prenez. Dave reports that they had great fun telling tall tales. [I find that hard to believe!]

Denny’s Photos – Denny Montgomery reported that his mother passed away last summer and while they were going through her things, “we came across this old photo from our Southern European Field Trip. I thought [it was a good] reminder that we are approaching our 50th Reunion! (hard to believe) “As I remember, the photo was set up by the TWA publicity department and was taken on the Champs Elysees (you can see the Arc de Triomphe in the background) in the summer of 1963.”

Frank Packer, Marty Pesut, an unidentified TWA stewardess (that was what they were called in those ancient times), Denny Montgomery and Kevin McManus – who seems especially interested in the TWA person!

Denny continued, “Will McKenney came out for his annual trip to Utah to ski, along with his daughter Morgan. Mary Jo and I took them crosscountry skiing one day and even managed to find a moose for them to look at. [Denny attached a photo of Will and himself on cross-country skis.] That is what happens to us old skiers when we can no longer suffer thru the moguls – we don the cross-country gear.

“I have been shooting a lot of freelance sports for our local paper and one of my assignments was to cover the Air Force vs. Weber State basketball game that was part of the “College Insider.com” basketball tournament. (Weber State won and placed second in the tournament) One of my photos that was picked up by the AP and I believe was run in the Colorado Springs Gazette.”

Terry’s ‘Ace’ Book – Terry Isaacson sent out a note that his fifth book is available as an iTunes eBook – Teaching Kids Golf: An Interactive eBook for Children Six to Thirteen; For Parents and Grandparents, Too! – And it’s only available in Apple’s iBookstore, and only readable on an iPad. It showcases instruction by golf professionals teaching kids at a junior camp and contains multi-touch widgets such as videos, chapter review questions and pop-up tips from the golf pros. Terry says, “Yes, the book is about teaching kids golf, but the basics and fundamentals are appropriate for golfers of all ages and skill levels, from a six-year-old child to a 71-yearold grandparent – like me!”

Bruce Wood 7610 Sonatta Court Lincoln, NE 68516 Home and Cell: (402) 470-7152 brucewood1965@gmail.com http://usafa1965.org (official) https://usafa-1965.org (auxiliary)

Cruising with Tom, Tim and Chuck.

From Dave Bennett: “CS-17 began preparations for the 50th Reunion at the home of Jock and Jane Patterson (Niceville, FL) in May. Pictured in the photo (l-r) are Errol and Donna Reiner, Jock and Jane Patterson and Dave and Nancy Bennett. Jock and Errol got in a round of golf. We all enjoyed a trip to the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum and all shared great, fresh seafood and refreshments. Dave and Nancy saw Jock and Jane again at their summer place near Asheville, NC, after a swing thru Savannah, Ocracoke Island and Kitty Hawk. That visit included golf for both couples and a visit to the Biltmore Estate. I say, if you can’t see your friends often, see them twice, when you can.”

“The trouble with jogging is that by the time you realize you’re not in shape for it, it’s too far to walk back.”

-Franklin Jones Joe Koenig wrote: “My wife, Marlene, and I had dinner last week with Vic and Marsha Grazier and Chuck Sabre Society and Margitta Dahlberg with their teenage granddaughDonors ter Sophia. Chuck and family were in Dayton to visit the AF Museum for a day as part of a summer cross-country trip. They were headed to LA and then were flying onto Hawaii to join more of the family for the summer.

“Most of our visit was spent talking families and, of course, Academy and AF memories and stories. It turns out both Vic and Chuck first met their brides-to-be on the USAFA Northern European Field Trip. Chuck and Margitta were pen pals and met in Berlin on our stop there. Vic and Marsha were ‘blind’ dates at the cadet-dependent dance at Ramstein.

“With the recent ‘publication’ of the USAFA-65 website we talked about the original Niners of our Doolie year and those that had been lost in attrition from the Academy or lost since graduation. One of those in both categories is Don Senn who was with us into our second class year and just passed away in May. (Kudos to Tom Browder and his helpers for the

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Hello Silvertags!

Since the last issue, we have lost two classmates. The AOG recently learned of the death of Lt Col (Ret) Charles A. “Tony” Saletta, Jr., CS-21 class of 1965. Tony passed away on 11 May 2013 in Phoenix, AZ after a battle with cancer. Also, Bill Swick reported to our Class Website that Bill

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Bratly, CS-23, died 20 June 2013. Tony’s obituary appears in The “Gone But Not Forgotten” section.

I received the following from Chuck Coleman: “We agree with your suggestion in the June 2013 Checkpoints Class News about the rewards of cruising together with friends and classmates. Tom and Diane Plank and my wife, Mary, and I have been cruising together for three years, and this year we enjoyed an Alaska Cruise/Tour together. We contacted Tim McConnell ahead of time and arranged a visit with him where he lives and works in beautiful Ketchikan along the Inside Passage; he is manager of the Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU) Electric Division. Tim hasn’t changed much from when we were cadets -- only a bit wiser with the same keen, biting wit (see photo).” “If you look like your passport photo, you’re too ill to travel.” -Will Kommen

From left are Chuck and Margitta, Marlene and Joe, Marsha and Vic.

work on the website.) Thanks for attention to the news column.” “I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, ‘Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.’” -Jim Leyland Mark Johnson sent: “In mid-April we held a 6th Squadron reunion in New Orleans to celebrate all of us turning 70. The hard fought traditional bags tournament was won by the team of Blackmar and Cathey. Good food, good fun, and great stories. Even a new story as one of the attendees (who shall remain nameless only to protect his spouse) tried to get into a NOPD squad car thinking it was a taxi. They fortunately did not take them to their ‘hotel’”!

In the photo from left are Roy Kilgore, Mike Chorvat, Bob McCollough, Joe Britan, Bob Tindall, Mark Johnson, Bill Cathey, Bob Hanley, Dick Pool, Chuck Wood, and Neil Jacobs. [Scribe Note: That’s 11 names but by my head count in the photo, it looks like: “The Dirty Dozen”. Who’s the 12th man? Must be John Blackmar, but the white hair, mustaches, lack of hair, my eyesight, my four years in Forth Group (barely knew anyone but Trash Tindall in 6th), and the ravages of time combine to confound me as to which one is John. Sorry about the lengthy note, but I think it’s necessary to preclude a nasty phone call saying, “Hey Scribe, are you blind or just stupid?

You got 11 names but 12 in the picture!” Not that anyone would do that!]

“Pro and con are opposites, that fact is clearly seen. If progress means to move forward, then what does congress mean?” -Nipsey Russel

ers who consider the “Hun” one of the best fighters ever. Bob Dunham, Rusty Gideon, Al Kontrick, and Jim Tilley joined with Gary to uphold the honor of “RTB2”. The five of them are all 70 (plus or minus), and Gary says that “we were the youngsters – no doubt about it.” Interestingly, Jim, Al and Gary were all in the 306th TFS at Tuy Hoa AB, Vietnam. Even more interestingly, among the five of them, no one had a camera. I think you need to be older (or maybe younger) to remember the importance of carrying a camera -- or at least a cell phone -- with you whenever you go to one of those events. Gary is still working full time -- one of the mixed blessings of ownSabre Society ing your own company (Keystone International, Inc).

Donors He intends to switch to part-time self-employment next year. I guess that means he will give himself half days off once in a while.

Dennis Maier (who remembered his camera) sent this picture of the people who attended a16th Squadron reunion in San Antonio. The group enjoyed visiting with old friends, eating great food, touring the River Walk, the Alamo, and the many other great features of San Antonio. Thanks to Jess Cogley and his wife, Karen, for organizing and facilitating this get-together and for hosting the group for dinner at their home on Saturday night. The gang from 16th has not set a time or place for the next reunion but they certainly plan to continue this event.

Dirty 30 Tom Browder has sent Squadron Representatives a list of passwords and certification files for all Squadron members he has on his list. Squadron Representatives will phone each (or you can call them) and give the assigned password and certification file. Please go to the Class Website, https://usafa1965.org and use your password to activate your certification file. Tom has made video “how to” sections to guide you through the process. I strongly suggest you view the video which applies to your operating system. If you, like me, are not proficient in secure data base specifics, you might want to call Tom. (I called three times!) There is a plethora (sierra load) of information they have compiled available on the site. It is the most comprehensive of any USAFA Class and has received kudos from other classes.

“We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.”

-Carl Sagan Since I have a few words left in my quarterly quota, I’d like to mention something which has bothered me in recent years. When a classmate (or his wife) passes away, I find out about memorial services well after they have taken place. I would like the opportunity to attend memorial functions but I don’t know how to find out about them in advance. Perhaps if we send notifications to our Class Website as soon as we learn of a death in our ranks, we would have time to make travel arrangements to attend – just a thought – if you have any other ideas, please let me know. That’s “30” for this issue. Keep those cards, letters, phone calls, email coming.

Bruce. ’65 – Best Alive!

16th Squadron assembles to defend the Alamo, and other fun activities in San Antonio. The defenders are, from left, Bob Apgar, Drin Apgar, Dutch Berkley, Donna Maier, John Wright, Jess Cogley, Arlene Voll, Sandra Harris, Susan Carson, Jim Harris, Jim Carson, Maureen Kunz, Dennis Maier, Jack Kunz, Dick Voll, and Al Kontrick.

Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269 H: (618) 624-4255 E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

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Greetings, Redtags! It must be the right time of the year for reunions— or maybe it’s the right years of our lives for them. Everyone seems to be going to a reunion of some sort this season. Gary VanValin and four other classmates from ’66 attended the fourth biennial Super Sabre Society (SSS) reunion in Las Vegas. The SSS is composed of old F-100 driv-

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Another group that gets together on a regular basis is the Seagram’s Seven Redtags. Randy Jayne reports that they had another rousing success for their annual golf outing, this time back in Stillwater, OK, in honor of Larry Lundholm and the now fifteen-year-old golfing tradition. Their trusty photo scribe, Jim Simpson, took this great shot of the attendees.

Seagram’s Seven in Stillwater. From left are Bob Gravelle, Bill Eubank, and Jim Boney in front. Randy Jayne behind, Lou Turpin, Dick Wetzel, Jim Simpson, Don Steward, and Bill Dunne.

Dick Oliver reports from Colorado Springs that, when they are not fighting forest fires, they have discovered the adventures of hot air ballooning.

Dick says that “Geoff and Berni Egge, who also live in CS, are part owners of a hot air balloon, and have been ballooning for years. Recently, they invited all the interested local area ’66ers to join them for a ride. The “first wave” of ’66ers included Ross and Sue Gubser, Rick Parsons, the Egges, and myself (plus there were a few non-grads, as it takes at least 7-9 folks to launch and recover the balloon). Geoff is a former career pilot and safety officer, so both Geoff and Berni were extremely safety conscious -- which made everyone hugely comfortable -- you don’t want a loose cannon in a small gondola basket! We launched from the large open valley area of South Park, about an hour west of CS. Since launches are always at the crack of dawn, when the winds are typically lightest, it meant we all had

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Class News about a 0430 reveille formation! Geoff and Berni were also incredibly gracious hosts. After we had our celebratory champagne, and were inducted with a “secret” initiation ceremony, they brought out a delicious feast of food. Several more of our local classmates will be joining the Egges when everybody’s schedules permit.” I’ve got a feeling that Geoff is going to be a very popular classmate in the C Springs area.

Survivors of the ’66 Hot Air Balloon Adventure. From left are Geoff and Berni Egge, Rick Parsons, Ross and Sue Gubser, and Dick Oliver.

In addition to all the reunions and adventures, many of our classmates have been “giving back” to the Academy through their leadership of AOG activities. Terry O’Donnell was just appointed as the newest member of the Board of Directors for the USAFA Endowment. Terry, who is currently a partner in the law firm of Williams and Connolly in DC, has a long history of supporting the Academy. He was a member of the USAFA Board of Visitors from 1981-87, and was the Chairman of that Board from 1985-87. He also served as the General Counsel for the Defense Department from 1989-92.

Terry joins our other classmates on the Endowment Board: Keith Withycombe, Randy Jayne, and Dick McConn. In addition, Vic Andrews recently took over the job as Vice Chairman of the AOG Board of Directors. I know that there are a bunch more of you out there who are supporting the Academy in some way or the other. Please let us know what you are doing. Keep those emails and pictures coming! Until next time….Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson 13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 H: (505) 291-8949 E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

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Happy summer to all – in New Mexico some precipitation has finally arrived, too little and too late for many of the farmers and ranchers and the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow; and sometimes in brief but torrential downpours that result in flash floods. But there is at long last a blush of green in the prairie/desert, and rain falls somewhere in the area every day or two, and the heat is not so oppressive (though we now complain about the humidity…). Ah, summer in New Mexico. And – we know some have things much worse. Wherever you are – I hope you are tolerating it all OK. Input from several fronts this quarter – so awaaaaaay Sabre Society we go.

Donors First, from Bob Muldrow, a bit of good news, following the fires in and around the Black Forest: While a number of our classmates live in the Colorado Springs area, “… none … were impacted by the fires, other than being evacuated as a safety precaution… The fires did not get within three or four miles of (Steve McCulloch’s) home and he did have to spend four days on the Academy. A couple others were evacuated as a better-safethan-sorry measure, but I believe they are all back in their homes by now.

We missed a close one.”

Ken Sproul spent some time in the Holy Land in June and July – from him (via Facebook, and resent to many via email from Bruce McDonald): “…We flew into Tel Aviv... 11 hours from Philadelphia. There are about 250 folks on the trip with Joel Rosenberg; we will be here about 12 days!” His travels included Tiberias, Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, Caesarea Philippi, and more. They saw numerous camps of the Israeli Defense Force and at one time were only 1/2 mile from the Syrian border, and ate lunch at a beautiful Israeli kibbutz less than a mile from the Lebanese border. The last days of trip were spent in and around Jerusalem – especially moving to Ken. I could summarize

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more from Ken’s journal but I don’t think I do it justice. Contact him directly if you would like details, and/or he suggests Joel Rosenberg’s web site and blogs.

Thought-provoking input from Bob Selke, following some recent news reports: “…The US military services have become social labs instead of fighting forces. ‘Politically correct’ is morally, scientifically, and intellectually bankrupt… What distresses me is the scarcity of senior military officers falling on their swords about ill-considered military strategy and excessive military cuts. I empathize with the bright and shiny departures.

Who wants to run a current operation structured to fail? Who wants to be the Polish cavalry leader facing the next Blitzkrieg? “Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Three bags full, sir” may be the ticket to promotion, but all it creates is sheep in wolves’ clothing…”

Bob assembled the Bible by Bob at the request of his kids, including this piece on Leadership: “Don’t raise children; raise adults.

Most people avoid responsibility like the plague.

Everyone wants to paddle; few want to steer.

Most flocks are lucky to have a sheep dog, let alone a shepherd.

Organizations take on the characteristics of their leadership.

If an organization is failing, it is always the leadership.

Aim for 100%; accept 90%. The results are high enough to finish on top; the difference isn’t worth the cost. [Except nuclear surety which the Air Force discovered after the demise of SAC.] Leadership is easy. All you have to do is...

• add and subtract • say yes and no • smile and frown …at the right times.”

From Ralph Femrite: he and Tommi “…traveled down to Goodyear AZ, 23-27 Apr, to join Ed and Karen Stadjuhar for Ed’s annual Member-Guest golf tourney. Ed and Ralph were returning 3rd Flight winners, so they had to put on their best. It was not going to be an easy task… With their backs to the wall Ed and Ralph came up with a 6 to 3 win on their final match and pulled out a .5 point win in the 3rd Flight. Reining Champs succeeded…

Friday night was a great dinner dance by the golf club and with plenty of ’60s music; it was fun dancing the evening away...well we did stay until 9:30, anyway. After… returning to Stadj’s humble abode, the full moon was just rising so we all had to enjoy its beauty in the hot tub. Ed and Karen are just such wonderful hosts…”

This pic from Ralph is from a different gathering this spring. I think the group gathered to discuss the Prep School reunion.

Bob Muldrow, Gil Mook, Jack Fry, Roger Carleton, Ralph Femrite and Tom Griesser.

Another note from Bob Muldrow: “…Last evening Jeff and Anne Schofield hosted a lovely picnic at their home high over the Colorado Springs...

I am sad to report that besides having a good crowd of ’67ers and their wives in attendance, we were unsuccessful in solving the problems of the world… let’s see how many faces I can recall being there: Paul Henry, Ralph Femrite, Jeff of course, me, Jack Fry, Roger Carleton, John Pletcher, Jerry Corwin, Bill Mulcahy, Pete Knepell, and Chuck Denham… the ribs were so good, I may have slowed down some of the recall brain cells.

This is the first, that I can recall, get-together for a bunch of our class outside the reunions. I hope to do more of that before 2017…” See the

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

pic – remember that inspirational and politically incorrect sign? I wonder where the letters, from above the south portal, ended up?

The guys with the memorable, now-extinct sign overhead. Front row: Roger Carleton, Jeff Schofield, and Gerry Corwin. Back row: Ralph Femrite, Bill Mulcahy, Chuck Denham, John Pletcher, Paul Henry, Pete Knepell, Bob Muldrow, and Jack Fry. Hot off the press: “John Olive can still play golf. It looked like he got to the Pikes Peak Match Play semi-finals in the championship flight.” Well done, John!

In addition to this June’s having been the time we all came together for summer camp (AKA BCT) and began our journeys to adulthood, and the Real Air Force, etc. – before that came – ta da – graduation from high school. Yes, this is the year for the 50th high school class reunion for most of us. Some have already been to theirs, some are held a bit later (like mine, in Bismarck – go Demons!). I usually relate the Beach Boys’ song “Be True to Your School” to those high school years – before the Academy and “We Gotta Get Outa This Place...”

Special commendation to Bruce McDonald and Len Vernamonti: their Six-Word Novels were published in the previous Checkpoints -- 2 out of the 4 were from Class of ‘67, and from the Seagram’s Seven gang. Well done!

Wow – I have remaining in my allotment a few words, and one pic. This is not quite current, but a nice one of Jim and Cindy Shaw from last summer.

The Shaws And with that – I’m outa here. Best wishes to all. God bless the troops and their families.

Tim Davidson 9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094 Phone: (703) 255-5313 Mobile: (703) 772-6052 E-mail: timdav1968@verizon.net Class Website: www.usafa68.org

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HELLO ’68! For last-minute-planning classmates, this is Final Call for our 45th reunion. Our Webmaster, Pat Russell, has done a great job cueing our class website at www.usafa68.org to make reunion registration, football tickets, and class merchandise easily available by clicking on the appropriate links. Check it out to get the latest reunion news and updates!

Questions? Contact our reunion chairman, Al Blumberg, at 719-331-4343 or ablum68@hotmail.com.

REMEMBER WHEN: Reunions are golden opportunities to catch up with classmates and friends and to share embellished memories of special times together. Some 49 years ago, we were strapping young lads ready to take on the world. Today, our achievements and accolades aside, we have replaced that youthful vigor with “seasoning and reason.” But if, just for a moment, we could transport ourselves back in time, do you remember what we looked like in 1964? With thanks to the photographic collection of Joel Gordes, please review and do your best to recognize the members of our Doolie-Year Basketball Team. Number 23 is in the Academy’s Sports Hall of Fame and retired from the Air Force wearing four stars. I hope you can clear your dance cards to be with us as we muster in Colorado for our 45th Reunion and talk about what our Doolie-selves have become!

Class of 1968’s Freshman Basketball Team EAST COAST REUNION: The 2013 East Coast Reunion was held at Ed and Karen Eberhart’s beautiful home in Arlington, VA on June 22nd. It was a great success and one of the largest class gatherings we have had outside of our major class reunions in Colorado Springs. As always, the hospitality was magnificent and the conversations covered everything from fine wine to sports and politics. We extend special thanks to Ed and Karen for another wonderful evening of friendship and camaraderie. Those who partied long enough to be in the photo are shown in the photo.

East Coast Reunion. From left are Jim Seevers, Warren Lamont, John Morris, Tom McDaniel, Dennis McLain, Al Dunkerley (eyes and nose), Bob Johnston, Ed Eberhart, Bob Pauli, Scott Bohner, Roger Sorensen, Bill Hoge, Dick Ewers, Charlie Seifert, Lew Reed, Carl McPherson, Ken McElreath, and Ron Kerchner. Not pictured: Bob Durham.

OH, THAT HOLIDAY CORRESPONDENCE! Given the absence of very much correspondence from you guys for most of the year, I rely on my holiday mailbag to tide me over from one year to the next to keep you as up to date as possible on our classmates’ comings and goings. My first tidbit is from Bill and Jody Begert who provided me with news of two moves in 2012 (first to Maine and then to Santa Barbara, CA) and then notice of Bill’s retirement from Pratt & Whitney. Bill’s summer timetable before departing Maine, according to Jody, was as follows: 6:15AM – Tee off and complete 18 holes by 8:45; 9:15AM – Bait hooks with worms on the kids’ Sabre Society Donors fishing poles; and pull water-skiers by 10:30; rest of day -- optional activities. Life is good!

News from Tom and Pam O’Beirne spoke of both retiring from SAIC and taking full advantage of their new-found time off by traveling to Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. They also became grandparents for the second time with their son Scott’s second child, Madeleine. And then they were on the road again to Colorado Springs for a pilot training reunion and travel in 2013 to the Florida Keys, South America, and Canada. Can someone say “Jet Setters!”

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Class News I received two very upbeat Christmas newsletters from Rhip Worrell— one for 2011 and the other for 2012. You may remember that Rhip lost his house and all of his belongings in the Waldo Canyon fire in June 2012.

He and special friend Judy have weathered the tragedy with hope and optimism and have started all over with Chalet Worrell at 2011 Hamilton Creek Road, Silverthorne, CO 80498. The architects say it will be completed by December 2013. The last two years have involved a new job for Judy with Walmart in Bentonville, AR and lots of biking adventures for Rhip. He looks forward to seeing our gang at the 45th in C-Springs.

Ernie and Jo Houghton checked in to say they are both still working.

They sold the industrial (automotive) division of their company in 2012 so they can focus their efforts on developing their medical and bottled water divisions. They are both grateful for good health.

Brian and M.K. O’Hara sent a short note with an “Official Family Portrait” with Brian and M.K. seated next to his son and his son’s wife in the back row and his daughter, his daughter’s husband, and their two children in the front row. The photo shows all of them with their fingers on the side of their mouths like being reeled in on fish hooks. Oh, those O’Haras!

Jim and Sherry DeFazio wrote that they left Charlotte, NC and will be residing in Fort Collins. In 2012 they were blessed with their fifth grandchild (Annalina) and their 40th wedding anniversary. Jim is looking forward to enjoying the environs of Colorado, again, and the hiking, biking, and golfing that goes with it.

Bob and Marty Lutter were delighted to announce the birth of their daughter Christie’s girl #3 (Catherine “Cate” Elizabeth Smith) on 18 April 2012. Welcome news was also received on the 4th of July weekend in 2012 when their daughter Sarah announced her engagement to a guy named “Tim” who is a lawyer and lives in Seattle. Bob and Marty must have assumed everyone knows Tim’s last name, so just play along with them when you see them at the reunion and tell them congratulations for all their good news.

Mark and Mimi Torreano with son Mark.

ANOTHER TORREANO HAPPENING: I heard from Mark Torreano in June about his son, Mark’s retirement from the Navy. Mark writes, “Well, I feel officially old, now that Mark Jr (Class of ’94) has retired from the USAF and Navy after 20 years service, including P-School. The ceremony took place 3 May at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, VA where Mark was a Team Manager for National Reconnaissance Office support to the Combatant Commands. He is now job hunting in the DC area. Hope all is well in your world. Come see us for a mai tai!”

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Since the last edition of Checkpoints, we lost two classmates to cancer—Jim Heffer on May 12th and Gary Dikkers on June 5th. Please see the articles on both of our classmates in the Gone But Not Forgotten column. Thanks go out to Pat McBride and Gary Hebenstreit for writing the article on Jim and to Gary’s brother, Steve Dikkers, for transcribing Gary’s own words for the column just three days before he died. Our hearts are saddened by their loss and we pray for peace and fond memories for their families and friends.

THAT’S A WRAP: Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Sign up to attend our 45th! Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris 616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 836-3604 102177.1033@compuserve.com

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Greetings ’69! Writing near mid-summer with some catch-up news you’ll read in the early Fall, with the matriculation of a new class, the

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dawning of the 2013 Falcon football campaign, and time of golfing and get-togethers. Armed with less new information than usual to pass along this time, it shouldn’t be a grind to remain within the word limit!

Great news from Ron Schreck, who is still keeping some air under his derriere despite having been retired for 24 years. He has been flying with Team AeroDynamix for 7 years now, and is the flight lead for the team of eleven pilots (half retired AF jocks) who comprise the largest formation aerobatic air show team in the world. They use home-built RV-8s in about 15 air shows every season, both domestic and international. In April, they were Sabre Society able to fill in for the Thunderbirds as the headline event Donors when sequestration (yep, that sequestration) forced the latter to cancel its scheduled appearance at the Caribbean Air Show in the Dominican Republic. Ron notes that the schedule and links to videos are at TeamAeroDynamix.com and on Facebook. He’d love to synch up with any ’69ers at the show sites, and discuss the finer points of double four-ship diamonds performing side-by-side parallel loops at night. Ron also flies occasionally in the ’135 doing wildfire air attack missions for the US Forest Service and aerial survey missions tracking endangered Right Whales along the Atlantic Coast.

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Ron Schreck and his Team Aerodynamics Teammates.

On a melancholy note, Dan Thomas flew Mentor 441, his pristine T-34, for the last time in July, home to Palo Alto from Salinas. I was unable to download the terrific picture of Dan and his baby, all dressed up in her new USAF livery, but will try to have it for the next issue. The T-34’s new home will be in Australia and she’ll have wings and horizontal stabilizer removed for crating before her trip Down Under, where she will be the first T-34 to hit the continent. This bird was a pleasure to fly (Chip Ambrose and I, and others, had the pleasure of flying with Dan—the Monterey coastline cliffs never looked so enticing as from Mentor 441’s cockpit!), and Dan is pleased with the pleasure she brought him during 800 hours of flying. His many-year service as the President of the T-34 Association helped keep this venerable aircraft aloft and in the public’s eye.

Jim Downey and Rick Olafson did their nearly-annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado, and got together with Bob Schutt in Crested Butte on their off-day.

BTC stalwarts Jim Downey and Rick Olafson, with Bob Schutt in Crested Butte.

Bob and Vibeke Bell had the pleasure of a few weeks in the states, mostly along the East Coast, and Jean and I had the pleasure of golfing and dining with them in Washington. Bob will return to his NATO Ambassadorship, and their home in Brussels in August.

Randy and Judy Percy enjoyed a two-week getaway to Turkey, including most of the highpoints from Istanbul to Ephesus, with a balloon ride above the ancient landscape of Capadoccia.

The happy confluence in time of a 7th Squadron summer ritual in Colo-

rado and a member-guest golf tournament in Fort Collins (at John Buckner’s club) sparked a get-together that ushered long-absent Greg Taylor back into the ’69 orbit. Greg has been living in Saudi Arabia, where he was the long-time pilot for the Saudi royal family. Greg and family repatriated to the States and landed in Fort Collins, where he joined Ptarmigon, Buck’s club. Here are some usual suspects, and the new Fort Collins denizen. Note that no one is standing on tip-toe, given that neither Mike Thiessen nor Les Dyer was there.

Fort Collins after dinner, featuring John Buckner, Craig Collins, Greg Taylor, Brian Nelson, Tom Fleming, and Roy Coppinger.

Speaking of Les, he played his multi-role self in leading the Peachtree City Fire Department’s recent domination of the Fayette County, GA Public Safety Games. From softball to pool, from trapshooting to bowling, Les is the guy. He still acts as in the old days, when this shot was taken at the Washington DC Cherry Blossom rugby tournament. It would seem that he has accumulated enough injuries, and some age, to command a new contract with the Yankees. Expect to see him in pinstripes in some future Checkpoints!

Love those shorts: ’69ers Les Dyer, Milt Bennett, Mike Beezley, and Roy Coppinger.

As noted in the last issue, Glenn Schlabs and the C-Springs ’69ers are shepherding the development of an ops order for our 45th reunion a year hence. Your suggestions are welcome, and hopefully you can keep your schedule clear until Glenn, et al have ID’d the optimal date.

At the reunion, one planned event hopefully will be a tour of the Class of 1969 Cadet Wing Honor Board Room, and brief function within the Center for Character and Leadership Development in which the Honor Board Room is situated. Because of the summer doldrums, the Endowment has agreed with us that extending the period for donations in behalf of our Class Gift into the fall will offer better opportunities for contributing to this important gift that supports USAFA’s core-most value.

We are still short of our goal of $2 million, and many have yet to contribute. After Labor Day, you will be receiving an e-mail from David Wagner and me that updates our Gift status and gives particulars for last-chance contributions. Because apparently some of the Class are not yet aware of the Gift itself or the proximity of ’69’s meeting its long-agreed goal, please talk it up when you are with Classmates... David, myself, and any of the Class officers can fill you in if there are questions.

On a last and sad note, in June, we lost Don Campbell after his valiant battle with cancer. Please honor and remember Don, and our other

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departed Classmates, in your thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, Brother Campbell. Hand salute from all of us to you.

Until next time, best wishes, all.

Dick Rauschkolb 130 Luxur y Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 761-5764 Cell: (719) 310-6928 Email: AOG70@comcast.net

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Holy Falcon Feathers, by the time read you this; the Falcons will have played three or four games. Let’s hope they are at least 2-2. Beating Army and Navy will be a tough chore after the humiliating losses last year. For those of you out for the Army game, Rich and Nanci Downing will be hosting a mini-reunion after the game.

Contact Rich or me for details as time gets closer.

As I write this on 22 July, Colorado Springs has endured another major fire—this time in the Black Forest area. Unfortunately, Bill and Donna Porter lost their home. They were on vacation and lost everything. We saw them last week and they are committed to rebuildSabre Society Donors ing at their home’s original location.

Lots of news this quarter -- apologies if I do not include everyone.

On a very sad note, several classmates -- Cook Villareal, Bob McKinney, Larry Bush, Bill Porter, Roger Hill, Jack Shaw, Vic Bradford, Tony Marietta, Tooey Emery, Gary Dahlen, Rick Lesch and Mike Torreano -- attended Bob Chambers and/or Tim Karnowski’s funeral. Toni Chambers sent me a note thanking Gary Dahlen, Mike Lambert, and me for assistance and support after Bob’s passing. She was also deeply appreciative of the many cards from classmates.

Some short hitters: Dana Demand is splitting his retirement between Connecticut and Vermont while working on his golf game. Terry and Sharon Dessert continue to enjoy Florida. Got some good news that Sharon came through a serious illness and is doing great. Bill Benedict can be found riding his jeep around the desert outside of Phoenix. Chuck and Pam Gray are surviving the heat in Shreveport. Rick Lesch, Mike Torreano, Greg Gilles, and Bob Mack recently teed it up at Ike. Don’t know who won the money between these sandbaggers. Greg Gilles and I tied for first in the Annual Masters Tournament, but lost on a scorecard playoff. We stunk it up in the Member-Member though! Speaking of golfers, our resident pro, John Disosway, joined up with Ted Coulson and Clark Nicols for a 42-mile bike trek outside Seattle. John and Sylvia were also out here for a visit to honor Tim Bench’s father. We all enjoyed a spur-of-the-moment breakfast in Castle Rock.

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Seventy Men on the John Wayne Trail. From left are Ted Coulson, John Disosway, and Clark Nicols.

We again enjoyed a great dinner with Mike Kelley. At the time, we were confident that Gregg Popovich could win another NBA Championship against the Heat. Unfortunately, a traumatic loss in game six doomed the talented and class-act Spurs. Great season Pop! John Vanderpoel and family will be out for the Notre Dame game. Dana and Linda Arbaugh toured the Grand Tetons, Roger and Susan Radcliffe continue to see the country and Canada in their mobile home while doing lots of biking, Bill and Mary Kathryn Kelly visited Barcelona and other European hotspots. John and Sally Russ and family were in Paris and Italy. BJ Bjorklund hit the 130-140 MPH mark in a NASCAR at Texas Motor

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Speedway. Ken White sent me a great poem on Memorial Day. Saw Denny and Cliffa Hall during my annual visit to the cemetery on Memorial Day. Way too many classmates and memories cross one’s mind when strolling through the graves of those who have left us far too soon.

Gary Dahlen, Greg Gilles and Rick Lesch are into fly fishing—evidently they can cast real well, but results are mediocre. Dave Gaw is our new Class Senator. Many thanks to Tooey Emery for holding down this position the last several years. John Ballard is still a professor of management at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati. Cincy Magazine honored him as an Outstanding Educator for 2013. Congratulations to Joe Boyle on being ordained as an Episcopalian Minister. John and Marylyn Defillippo celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary with an enjoyable business/ pleasure trip to Bangkok and Singapore. He mentioned Gus Sorenson is in South Carolina and lives on a golf course and Rich Lotz just retired from the Colorado State Law Department in Denver.

Terry and Janet (Dick Christy’s sister) Silvester were here graduation week with Terry’s son Scott and his family to present the Outstanding Wrestling Award in Dick Christy’s honor.

The Buchans visit the SEA Memorial Pavilion. From left are Kathy Buchan, Daughter Olivia, Grandson Andrew, and Fran Buchan.

Time to gear up for Falcon football! Arriba Falcones!

Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80915 H: (719) 570-9162 E-mail: pk71knott@gmail.com

The Silvesters at the SEA Memorial Pavilion. From left in the top row are Terry Silvester, The Phantom, and Scott Silvester. Front Row: Janet Silvester, Zoe Silvester, and Becky Silvester John Verardo found a video of us on the ZI Field Trip and graduation.

Hard to believe, but we looked pretty sharp marching. The video is in YouTube under “AFA70zi-grad”. Speaking of movies, the film I have been consulting on—A Year in the Blue—premiered at the Broadmoor in June. It got good reviews, particularly from grads of all classes, and hopefully will be on a cable network in the fall. Jerry and Pam Bruni, Dave Gaw, and Larry Bush were at the premier. Many thanks to Boeing for funding this reality show which features the Class of 2014 Doolies in CS-10.

Work on your Southeast Memorial Pavilion is proceeding at a rapid pace. We just installed touchscreen monitors which bring to life the history of the conflict, graduate accomplishments, and recognizes graduate KIAS/POWs. We have received many great comments. A USMA graduate and retired two-star said, “This is the most significant gift any class at any academy has ever made.” Another visitor said, “While most people consider the Chapel the Academy’s most iconic building, this will soon replace it.” I want to thank all of you who have sent in material and stories for our potential use. We still need more! Tom Waskow, Speedy Martin, Phil Kolbe, Vic Bradford, Oker O’Connor, Joe Boyles, Steve MacIsaac, Ken White, and our only Army man, Steve Rasmussen, as well as some I am sure I am forgetting have sent in some great material. Check out: 70seapavilion.com and see the start of the web site we are planning. The Class Gift Committee is considering a fund-raising campaign for our 45th Reunion to enhance facilities at the Pavilion, refinish the War Memorial Wall along the Heritage Trail, and increase the content on the web site and touch screens in the SEA Memorial Pavilion. So keep those donations coming to the 1970 Class Gift account.

Several units/organizations are donating plaques to be placed on the outside East Wall of the Pavilion. It was an honor and privilege to attend the Raven and FAC Association plaque dedication ceremonies. Both groups flew the riskiest of missions in the slowest of movers. Many Academy graduates were assigned these dangerous missions and many lost their lives. Lew Hatch, Jim McKinley, Terry Pfaff and Jack Shaw were Raven FACSs. There should be an article in this Checkpoints about the plaques. If your unit/organization wants a plaque at the Pavilion, contact me.

I enjoyed showing Fran and Kathy Buchan and family the SEA Pavilion.

We also had a great dinner and closed down a local eatery! Hard to believe at our age!

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It’s kind of a “nothing” anniversary, not like turning 21 or 65, or being married for 25 or 50 years, but enough of us who entered the Academy on 26 June 1967 didn’t even get to graduation to make the ninth day of June each year pretty special. Thanks to all of you who shared their best wishes on our 42nd.

Vincent “Van” Landry shared on Facebook some photos he’d taken while supporting SAC’s “Young Tiger” mission in SEA. Little known fact: Van was the A/C of the official last KC-135 Young Tiger departure from Anderson AFB, Guam.

As you all know, Greg Popovich (’70) played a bit of Sabre Society basketball at the Academy. What you may not know is Donors that three of our classmates, Joe Kreimborg, Bill Purcell, and Charlie Brown (and their wives, of course), normally sit behind the Spurs’ bench during Dallas games.

The guys and Popo were teammates during their college careers; their enduring friendship received mention during NBA finals in the Dallas Morning News. Sean Riley was kind enough to send along the article for our edification. Earlier he had sent a nice note and photo from the Pilots for Kids golf tournament in May. Sean and Dave Brigman (retired from AA, as are Joe and Bill) won the team competition, and a good time was had by all. Of the Southwest crew, Charley is retired, Budge Wilson is still working in safety, and Sonny Childers will be hanging it up in September.

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Riley, Brown, Brigman, Wilson and Childers Randy Leavitt noticed that our class has one of the higher percentages of Sabre Society members. In fact, ten more members would put us at the top of this particular category.

And now for something completely different. Bob Peterman organized a seven-day trip down the Grand Canyon with Harry and Carolyn Steinke,

Art and Sarah (Cecil) Simms, and Bruce and Jan Crimin. While not on the river, they took side hikes to waterfalls, slot canyons, and the occasional abandoned mine. Art still flies for Delta. Bob and Bruce are enjoying retirement. Harry has a new career writing military science fiction.

Taking the express route to the Colorado River in May,’13.

Sam Clovis has taken the huge step of declaring his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Iowa. He won’t be the darling of the establishment, because he speaks his own mind. If you have friends or family in Iowa, help get the word out about him. He’ll appreciate any support that this class can give.

Geno Kraay’s middle son, Brad, won the Maricopa County, AZ Father of the Year system in June.

Three generations of the Kraay family: Gene, Brad and Xylia.

GBA

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Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Members

Hello all! Here is the latest news that you may use for entertainment purposes only! Included you will also find the next segment of Larry Sharrar’s ski accident story.

Gary Grant sends evidence of this year’s Graduation Day at USAFA’s Falcon Stadium with what may be the first photo of Dad and his newlyminted Second Lieutenant daughter Samantha. Weather started out looking like an issue, but turned out fine, allowing for the flyover of WWII vintage planes during ceremonies, replacing the absent USAF Thunderbirds, their absence due of course to circumstances beyond “our” control. Two

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

days later, Samantha and her classmate beau, Mike Duff, were joined in marriage as June Week festivities wrapped up.

2nd Lt. Samantha and Dad Gary Grant Joining Gary and Clarita at the wedding were fellow ’72 grads Don MacNiven, Dave and Sheila Kerber, Bobbie and Sandy Lewis, Doug and Cheryl Brower and Terry and Rita Schiessler. Additional guests included Jim and Julie Kelly (’74), Jeff Olinger and his wife, Nancy Prottengeier-Olinger (’77), and Joe Buenecke (’78).

Samantha next heads to Goodfellow AFB, TX for intelligence officer training, and Mike is on his way to grad school for a master’s in chemistry at UT-Dallas. Thank you for your news, Gary Grant (not the other Gary!).

Also writing with class information is Marty Jayne, reporting that he had just returned from a surprise 40th Anniversary Party for Jim and Kris Wessler. Their kids set it up, and Jim and Kris were certainly surprised.

In addition to their three kids and five grandchildren, there were about six couples in attendance, including four classmates. The photo included here is of some party guests, (the ’72 guys group plus one civilian friend).

Thank you, Marty.

From left are the friend, Pat Garvey, Jeff Hill, Jim Wessler, Ed Waitte, and Marty Jayne.

As I was back in Arlington, TX to do another 777 recurrent training simulator event with American last month, the Check Airman, Lynn Long (’74) advised me that he is the younger brother of our very own Bobbie Long, who is now with the FAA and deals with American Eagle after having earlier flown with Japan Airlines, some time with IASCO, and earlier still with America West, some corporate flying and USAF E-3As. We then had a good chuckle over the idea that having me and Lynn along with the First Officer I was paired with (’84 Scott Studer) in the new 777-300 simulator, it would be “critical mass” with three of us grads in there Sabre Society at the same time. All told, a great training experience, Donors and as I left the schoolhouse for the airport, who should I run into but Dave Whitney just coming in for his 777 recurrent from the Miami crew base.

Catching up on some loose items, I found a photo/ email showing Dave Newill and a few CS-07 Seagram’s and ladies that he had sent in from the 40th class reunion. Thank you, Dave. (See photo at the top of the next column.) {PHOTO 72-3 Now, the saga of Larry Sharrar’s Feb 2013 ski accident continues in his own words: “At the medical center they took off my ski boots and helmet, coat and gloves, and got me in for a CAT Scan. I am not stupid (or so I continue to tell myself), and so I knew I had busted a couple of ribs – no biggie, they weren’t the first I had broken. I would be fine, I thought. When I got back from the CAT Scan, they break the news (or the obvious); I had broken (actually they said something more like “pulverized”) four of my ribs in the back on my right side. Four was more than I expected, but not too bad.

But the doctor wasn’t done. He said that I had also collapsed my right

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News to Col (ret) Mike Arnett (j.mike.arnett@gmail.com), who will exceed all expectations. See you at the 40th! Joe Kahoe (Your Faithful Scribe one last time).

From left are the Newills (Dave, Sharon), Caltagirones (Andy, Charlotte), Neals (Tom, Charlene), Sorensons (Bob, Barbara), and Pete Harry.

Not shown here but present somewhere: Bob and Rosemary Marston. lung, and they were still reviewing the CAT Scan results for further damage. I was definitely going to be spending a couple of nights at the Vail Medical Center before I went home, and I would not be driving. Okay. So bad. I had never collapsed a lung before, and that definitely did not seem like a good thing. In the meantime, Timo (Sullivan) had now showed up at the clinic. He had a bag packed with my shaving kit and a change of clothes for when I can come home – friends like Timo are worth a million bucks. Time to call Vicki and read her in on my latest incident.

“Now Vicki is a strong person, and has always been tolerant of my need for speed, or more accurately my tendency to exceed my own limited bounds of coordination and or good judgment. However, after the recent Ducati incident last summer, I had been trying to be on good behavior – so I really hated making the phone call. But she is my soul mate, and I owed it to her to let her know how things stood at the moment. Besides I was suppose to be home for dinner that night – so I knew she would figure out something eventually anyway. The call went pretty much as expected; she was upset and worried at the same time, wanted to know if she should drive up, and yes, I would be selling my skis and taking up fishing or Canasta when I got home. I convinced her she didn’t need to come up, that I would be fine, and that I would call her in the morning when things were more stable (thank God for cell phones).

“Soon as I got off of the phone, they came in and started to work. First, they shoved a pain catheter down my back, to get some needed pain meds to my shattered ribs. I was in shock and didn’t feel a thing. Timo turned a little green. Then the fun really began. They cut a hole in the side off my chest, and shoved 12 to 18 inches of plastic tubing into my chest to relieve the pressure on my collapsed right lung. Again – really didn’t hurt much.

Timo left the room. What with everything else, it hardly added anything to the pain I was already in.

“Of course, nothing is as simple as it should be, because at this point the doctor comes back and tells me that further study of the CAT Scan revealed that I had lacerated both my liver and my adrenal gland, and shattered my scapula and possibly chipped a vertebra and bruised my lung (doesn’t that go along with collapsing?). And for all those reasons, I was being medevac’d to a Class 1 Trauma Center in Denver that very night – they had already called a Flight for Life Helicopter out to Vail and it would be there in 30 minutes or so. So cool, I had always wanted to take a helicopter ride in the dark around and through the mountains surrounding Vail – NOT. I immediately added that to my Bucket List, just so I could check it off.” (To be continued next issue.) FPA.

Joe Kahoe 4140 Saddle Rock Road Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Cell: (719) 210-5568 joekahoe@gmail.com http://73.texascomputerhelp.com

Joe and Debbie Kahoe with their 8 grandkids. P.S. Both sons, C-17 pilot and C-130 nav, are deployed “downrange.”

Bob Munson: “Classmates, I’ll be stepping down as Class President on 21 Sept. My big lesson: we have a wonderful class that values the friendships we forged and the lessons learned at the Academy. Our gratitude is in the measure of time, talent and treasure we are giving back. In the past five years, the Academy has benefited most obviously from classmates John Regni, T Thompson, Steve Lorenz, and Norty Schwartz. What is less obvious is the hard work of our class officers, the considerable time of our volunteers (including spouses), and the gifts of hundreds of our classmates. What Sabre Society is ‘73’s impact? To cadets, we are the most recognized Donors class, and they associate us with their character development and for ‘giving back’ to the Academy. To the two major organizations that support the Academy, the AOG and the USAFA Endowment, we have led and supported their work. Amongst the senior staff at the Academy, there is considerable recognition, gratitude, and respect for the Class of ‘73. To each of us, perhaps most importantly, is the strengthening of our friendships. I have had hundreds of phone calls and traded thousands of emails with all of you over the last five years; I’ve experienced the strengths of our bonds.

I continue to be amazed. I look forward to thanking all of you, in person, at our 40th reunion.”

Todd LaVigne, Chief, AMCOM Egypt Liaison Office: I’m writing from my home near Huntsville, AL. Diana and I evacuated from Cairo the morning of 3 July as demonstrations turned ugly and people on both sides were getting killed. (Read Todd’s “great escape” on our website.)

Dr. Micheal Smith: Amy and I are still in San Diego. I am working for Ashford University. We’ve traveled home to Colorado with some regularity. Two of my grandkids returned for a visit to San Diego, during which I was able to take my 3 1/2 year old grandson, Tristan, for his first flight in a small airplane, a Piper Arrow II. (Great pictures on website.)

Chuck Ambrose CS-24: My third novel in the Jeff Trask legal thriller series, “Ride the White Horse,” should be out this fall, following “Capital Kill,” and “Horns of the Devil.” The first two books are available in paperback and kindle forms from Amazon.com, written under the pen name “Marc Rainer.”

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Class of ‘73, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Scribe for nearly 7 years. It has been a labor of love, and I am even a bit sad to be passing the torch. However, the time has come to hand over the reigns

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org 118

Recent photo of Gina and Steve Evans (CS-07) at their home in Lake Tapps, WA. Don Rightmyer: I’m in the post-publication of final hardcopy edition of my quarterly publication, Kentucky Ancestors, at the Kentucky Histori-

cal Society. I am now in the “pre-publication” period for my long-awaited book on the history of the Civil War in Kentucky. (Links on website.)

Pat Dulin (Dirty 30): I am a government civilian deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq (OSC-I) until Dec. My Marine son is also deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Africa.

Jim Mateos: To celebrate retirement from 34 years with American Airlines, my wife and I cruised to Alaska with both my daughters, their husbands, and our first grandson (9 months old). We enjoyed being with our loving family and gave thanks to God for His blessings on us all.

Michael D. Griffith, CS-25; contact info on website: I’m a journalist and photographer for The Bay Beacon in Niceville, FL, and am writing a book “How to Spin the News and Manipulate the Media,” about how local business, civic, military and other organizations can work effectively with local news media to “tell their story.” Also part time school teacher, doing private tutoring, and pro-bono tutoring for disadvantaged elementary school students through my local church.

Alan Zeigler (Tiger 10): Nancy and I are well settled in our native “Sweet Home” Alabama. I practice law concentrating on elder care matters. Nancy is a project manager with CBRE. Our three (Emily, Zach and Mary) are close by. Emily is an auditor with PWC. Zach and Mary both graduated from the University of Alabama.

Nancy and Al Zeigler with Mary at her graduation from Alabama.

Kevin McHugh (Col, Ret) and Folsom High School Science Teacher): Son Ryan (35) is an F-16 flight surgeon (pediatrician and private pilot too) at Hill AFB, UT; his older brother Jesse (39) is an AF Reserve KC-10 pilot (at Travis) and Southwest Airlines first officer.

Gregg H. Reinecke, Esq. (USAF, Ret.): Gregg’s moved to Las Vegas and any and all classmates are welcome to stay at his hacienda! (Contact info on website.) Great job Joe! Paul Freund: I’m still in the Pentagon working for the Dep Asst SecAF (Installations). I want to thank you (Joe) for all you’ve done with keeping us up to date. Both you and Mike Nishimuta deserve a great deal of thanks. Dale and Linda Wrisley: Moved to: 3099 Finch Road; Bismarck, AR 71929.

Al Dunlap: Evil Eight gang update. Jim Iagulli retired to Alaska, the great sportsman paradise. Kenny Womack is playing the great host to his Gettysburg home as they celebrate its 150th anniversary. Dave Smith is holding down the windy city, Chicago, with all its turmoil. Ron Moran is head cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys from his home outside Jerry’s Cowboy Palace. I think I may be in the running for being in uniform the longest as I enter my 14th year teaching JROTC…anyone else still put on the AF blue every morning?

Mike Young (CS-23): Still married to my UPT sweetheart from Georgia, Moody AFB (coming up on 39 years). I’m still flying for American Airlines as a 777 Captain flying internationally (35 years with AA). Our oldest of 7 children (32) just stopped being an attorney after 7 years, wants to be a stay-at-home mom and support her engineer husband of 2 years. Next our son (30) finished Chiropractor school and nursing school and he and his new bride are choosing job opportunities. Our next daughter (28) is still in school. Next son (26) is at Texas Tech in the ROTC. Next daughter (22) just graduated from University of Texas and is seeking employment. Next daughter (20) is at Oklahoma State. Next daughter (18) will start University of Oklahoma this Fall. We have one grandchild (10 months) so far. Still living

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

in the Dallas area since 1978, when we left Williams AFB and the military.

Gone, But Not Forgotten: We have recently learned that Ken McKenna, CS-10, passed away in Feb 2011. If anyone has further information about Ken, please forward for our next Checkpoints article.

Joe Brezovic 288 Senior Circle Lompoc, CA 93437 (832) 285-4179 launchops74@gmail.com

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Greetings classmates. You all are deeply involved in your special areas this season. Keep those dreams alive – those keep us going from day to day, overcoming the challenges to achieve as we hope. A few of ’74 were able to share experiences at the Legacy Event…Ring Dining In for the 2014 Graduating Class. I have one short note that Don Berryman sent in. Four of his squadron CS-32 Roadrunners had a mini-reunion: Don, Rich Pettit, Mike Luby, and Jim “Zeke” Lillis. The picture below shows them in their civvies.

Mini Reunion: Rich, Don, Mike, and Zeke.

Rich Bowman wrote that 15 of us came out for the Legacy Event. Three of the same basic element were there: Bowman, Thomas Halseth, and Jim Lillis. Others were Donald Clement, James Donaldson, Edward J. Feeney, Andrew Galik, Scott Hamilton, Mace MacElhaney, Harold Murphree, William Van Horn, and Alan Williams. We have one Legacy Event remaining, 100th Night in Feb 2014. Possibly more of us can make that one?

To bring back a picture from yesteryear, here is a shot of Steve and Cindy Lunsford from a visit to Ireland. The first photo I had would not come out well enough to meet qual specs. They sent in another…here they are.

Steve and Cindy with Irish Collie.

The most damaging story ’74 shared within the last few months was a fire in the Back Forest area. Classmate Michael V. Cranford home was wiped out. Classmate D. Timothy Lane talked with Mike a bit and I pass on some some of his notes to Dirty Dozen and friends. “…Many of you know that Cran’s place was terminally affected by the Black Forest fire. He left home on a trip about 4 hours before the fire broke out Tuesday. He got back Friday afternoon… Cran reports that the house is a smoking hole. He also knows that the workshop is gone -- a difficult loss because of the irreplaceable airplane parts…By the way, the airport and hangar where his almost fully restored T-28 sits were unaffected by the fire.”

Cranny continues: “The authorities opened a portion of the forest up for “evacuees” this morning but a section containing Snowmass was still closed. I, um, kinda rolled through a checkpoint and kept on going. With two of our nation’s finest hollering at me, I felt a bit rebellious but went for it… Wandered around Redhawk Ranch for about 45 minutes or so and got

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some pix. They’re all pretty depressing…Boots on the ground confirmed the loss of the containers, vaporized pallets with parts, and melted airframes. I didn’t root around for surviving artifacts—was just putting eyes on the situation. In a fire-mitigation attempt when I built the house, I had had steel siding installed, and the mangled pieces are everywhere…I would like to report better news, but the fact remains that the fire consumed all of the structures on my property including the house. The insurance company, USAA, has been great and I highly recommend them... My point, in a roundabout way, is to offer advice for those who have not done so. Go buy a scanner. Buy it now. They don’t cost too much, and are as easy to operate as making a glass of chocolate milk. Get all of your important documents together -DD214, shot records, car titles, birth certificates, insurSabre Society ance papers, trusts/wills, etc., you know what I’m talkDonors ing about -- and scan them, burn them to a CD, and put them in a place far, far away from your domicile. In fact, make several copies and put them where you can retrieve at least one. Safety Deposit boxes come to mind here. If an unfortunate event happens to you, you can save yourself hours and hours of recovery time.” Mike closed a note with “Thank you all for your continued prayers and support—it’s what helps the feet moving.”

Other updates include Jay Baldwin from Alaska… he and Sandra are booked for flying time to include teaching students and flying a club to Wyoming. This is an interesting explanation for flying South. John Sweeney is well and still flying. I was looking for an album, and John wrote back. I asked if it was for airlines; he explained that he flies for Flight Options LLC. It used to be all fractional ownership corporate size jets, but the industry changed over time and now we fractional, time share, charter, and aircraft management clients. He is currently flying an Embraer Phenom 300. In the past it’s been Beechjets and Hawker 800XPs. John has flown with them for about 13 1/2 years now. “…Not sure how many more I’ll do, but probably 3 or 4 more years if everything works out OK.” Joe and Darlene Brezovic sharing happy events: Daughter Adrienne graduated from Loma Linda University as a Doctor in Physical Therapy.

What a relief and joy. Now she awaits results of medical board’s results… and look for employment. The picture shows Adrienne below on graduation day 19 June. Also shown is our first grandson, Joseph Ashford, celebrating 1 year on 22 July. His Mom, our daughter-in-law Lorissa, is a mechanical engineer/launch environment control for United Launch Alliance. She ferries between Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral for satellite launches. Joseph, our son, is a mechanical engineer/systems engineer in the THAAD system. As a contractor, he is up and down the California coast and Huntsville, AL evaluating rocket systems, and reporting to the Army. With the family living and working mostly on the West Coast, Darlene and I got to the point where we could move. We now live in Vandenberg Village, outside Vandenberg AFB, CA. We never did get a Texas mini reunion…sorry about that. I hope y’all are planning for the 2014?

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Ashford, Lorissa, Joseph, Adrienne, Darlene, Joe Late advertisement news. Some of you may be looking forward to this idea…swinging for the 2013 Commander’s Trophy Golf Tournament. The tournament was held at Heritage Hunt CC (by Washington D.C.) Friday, July 19th. Registration begins at 0730. Tee time is 0900 (shotgun start).

Lunch follows play and is included in the cost. Breakfast not included.

The format is a four-ball match play event over 18 holes with a USAFA team against either a USMA or USNA team. One point per match. The school with the most points is the winner of the trophy. Cost is $110 payable at registration. All proceeds will go back proportionally to the Alumni Athletic Departments. Winner comes out after I send this in. Next year?

On a quiet note, we have lost another classmate this quarter, Donald J. Eastmead, in Memphis, TN. The last two issues shown Gregory E. Durio, James H. Keaton, Richard C. Barlcay, and Robert Cripe. I learn of our losses right before issue release sometimes. Classmates have contributed

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to the Gone But Not Forgotten column over the years and I am thankful for your service and support to each. It helps the Blue Line stay strong.

May each of you live long and prosper.

Jeff Chappell 14729 Birken St. Herriman, UT 84096 (210) 488-6137 jtmjbda@sbcglobal.net

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The Lost Files: A huge apology to Mike McClendon, as I somehow overlooked this war story several months ago: “I haven’t contributed to any of our Checkpoints news, basically because I never thought I had anything worth sharing. Well, now I do.

After 42 years of flying and over 11,000 hours in everything from general aviation to gliders to helicopters to transports and fighters, including experimental test on active duty, I nearly met my Maker on 21 Aug 2012.

Brian Jones (‘73) and I were taking off when our Thorp T-18 experienced an engine rollback at 100’ over the end of a short east Texas runway with nothing but trees in front of us. We did as we had been taught: maintained aircraft control, ran the emergency checklist and prayed. About 6 seconds after the rollback I flew the aircraft into the shortest, softest trees I could find. After the crash, we egressed the aircraft and moved away for Sabre Society Donors fear of fire. It took a chopper about an hour to locate us in the woods (no fire), and then sheriffs and EMT personnel came crashing through the woods to our rescue. I was care-flighted to East Texas Medical Center where they put my face back together. I had about a dozen broken bones in my face, jaw, eye orbs, and some missing teeth. My jaws were wired together for about 2 months. Brian came out better with a broken eye orb and some bruises. Miraculously, our brains, eyes, balance, limbs are all 100%. I was released 4 days later and am making very fast progress back to normal (or at least what was normal for me). I have learned a great deal about love–love of my family and friends, and the love of God–during this humbling experience. I am grateful to be alive and have a whole new perspective on life.”

Seems to me that’s at least three classmates who are aircraft accident survivors, John Sims and Randy Barrett being the other two. Anyone else belong to that exclusive club?

Wayne WIllis reported the loss of Larry Fariss’ home in the Black Forest fire. He and Michele had about two hours to gather what valuables they could. We all wish you a good recovery, Larry–thank goodness for USAA! On a happier note, Mark Volcheff reported on the first annual Class of ’75 Graduation Day Reunion social held at Arnold Hall in Hap’s Place.

Nearly 50 classmates and spouses attended. Most were from the greater Colorado Springs–Denver area, but Spence Roberts came all the way from Memphis! We haven’t aged a bit. Mark your calendars now for next year!

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John Brooks: ’75 Baking Alive in Phoenix! I was in Ohio on business in April, and had the opportunity to spend the weekend with Eric and Tawnie Hoganson in Dayton. We visited the Air Force Museum and the Wright Brothers memorial nearby. It was great to catch up and touch airplanes! Eric looked right at home in the F-16 mock-up (his favorite ride after the B-1), and I gave the Wright Flyer sim a go.

A synopsis of the Doeppner doings: Susie and I live in Palm City FL where we have been for over 15 years. Our three daughters are all educated, married, and employed. We have four grandchildren. I’m still flying for Sikorsky Aircraft and will spend most of this summer in Colorado doing high altitude testing. Susie and I will spend a week in Germany this

summer with our daughter Sarah, researching my father’s ancestry in preparation for a book. Go to www.tomandmarjorie.com to follow along.

Dave White: There I was, standing around at O’Hare, hoping to get a jump seat ride home after a long flight from Narita. I see some guy walk by and think, “He looks familiar.” He turns around, comes back, and asks if I’m Dave White. Well, he’s got me dead to rights, so I can’t deny it, but I realize why he looks familiar: It’s Dave McDaniel and his wife, Libby!

We had a few minutes to visit before he had to run for his flight to Rome.

Tough life some of us have, hobnobbing with the international jet set; and it was good to catch up with a fellow Troll!

John Kearns submitted this Proud Dad photo of Capt Ben Kearns, C-17 Lewis-McChord; John, Delta B767 SLC; and 2Lt Jake Kearns, C-17 Travis.

Charlie Buck was in San Antonio recently and got together with Tom and Gail Finn: “We didn’t do anything really interesting or significant – too old for that. At least I am; Tom is so much younger. We did talk trash about all the rest of you guys. Even though Tomas still claims to be a technophobe he has a cell phone and says he checks his email every couple of weeks, so he might actually see this and tell the truth about what happened.”

The Time of Your Life: Fred Weems retired from AA. “Got my first AF retirement check at 60, then found out that an old friend from my days at Upper Heyford had recently committed suicide. Made an on-the-spot decision that life is too short to be spending so much time at work, so I bailed out. I’ve been very happy ever since. I’m composing the music for a new ballet. I get to work with dancers and choreographers and all kinds of weird characters. Kind of reminds me of the wing staff: Lots of pretty people trying to look important. My recording studio is called Music for Warthogs, a reflection of the decade I spent flying the A-10. I kinda miss getting shot at. I’d go back to that in a heartbeat if they’d take me. My wife of 37 years is enjoying her work as an ER physician. I am enjoying her rather large income. Life is good.”

Mark “Crocodile” Holmes spent three weeks in Australia with four buddies from his motorcycle club HawgsDawgs, started twenty years ago and now has over a hundred members from all over the States and two from Australia and England. “I made it to Sydney, Melbourne and Ayers Rock, Uluru to the Aboriginals who see it as the center of their universe.

A place of exceptional beauty, the Outback doesn’t get its due. Amazing landscape, prices were ridiculous, the flies ever present but the views were worth it all.”

Dan Beatty 12196 Stanley Canyon Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 488-1962 C: (719) 338-0276 E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com

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Fellow ’76ers, As you read this, the Class of 2013 should now be part of “The Long Blue Line”. Congrats to the newest USAFA grads. Lots of input this go classmates. Apologies for the editing, but am limited on space.

Sad News: Recently learned Lewis Chase died 15 September 2012. Greg Seely’s wife, Sally, died unexpectedly in June. Ernie Wollard lost his Dad in July, Mick Erdle, and Marc Felmen lost their Dads in June. Doug Knox lost his house and barn in the June Black Forest fire.

Please keep Lewis, Greg, Ernie, Mick, Marc, Doug, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Moving on/moving up: Mike Gould relinquishes USAFA command 12 Aug and will retire. Mike, thanks again to you and Paula for your great leadership of our Alma Mater.

Sabre Society General Class Stuff: Two first-timers rang in, Clyde Donors Ayer and Doug Loverro. Clyde is flying from Charlotte, NC for USAirways, sees Fred Philpot, Tom Fronk, Randy McPeak, Tom Auberry, Brian Russell, Jim Buck, Dave Sun, and Tom Holtz in the area and system, and has seen posts from fellow CS-13 Bulldogs Bobby DeBlanc, Bo Palandro, Edmundo Bellini, Pete Bollinger, Dave Evans, and Ray Fortner with encouragement to Tom Trainor who is battling lymphoma. (Tom tells me he is in remission, in a 2-year chemo maintenance program. Also saw John Burns, and Larry and Kristi Boyes recently). Clyde’s son Brad is a USAFR Major in C-130s and has flown for USAir for two years. Clyde and Brad flew together recently for the first time.

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Clyde Ayer and son Brad Doug Loverro retired from the USAF in 2006 and in March from an SES position, Executive Director, Space & Missile System Center. He now is Dep Asst SecDef for Space Policy at the Pentagon, runs triathlons with daughter Kan, who beat Doug in a half-ironman last Sept.

Small World: Your humble servant has run into several classmates in various situations lately, including Dave and Sally Young in New York City, Duke Duhachek in Anchorage, and Ray Lynn in Minneapolis. It’s always fun to see classmates; even if we do not have time to socialize, the fiveminute elevator or jetway conversations always remind me of Who We Are: Best Alive!

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org

Doug Loverro and daughter Kan Doug and Steph are grandparents once with #2 on the way. Thanks for the notes gents! Hope it isn’t 37 years before the next one. Marc Felman works WMD counterterrorism at Mitre and saw Bill Franklin on a recent flight. Lee Cuevas took 2nd with his ’86 Porsche in a Cinco De Mayo race.

Richey Felder forwarded an article about Bernie Goldbach; website is

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Class News http://www.insideview.ie/irisheyes/2013/03/civility-in-the-digital-agecoming-soon-to-ireland.html .

Steve Scheufler’s son is deployed as an Army maintainer. Gary Turnipseed sent a great Memorial Day note. Chuck McHenry’s daughter started BCT as Class of 2017. Roger Yauchzy was out for 2013 graduation to commission his nephew. Says he and Mark Baker had difficulty recalling specifics of our ’76 graduation. Greg Lewis also attended to watch son of a great friend walk. Cliff Smith requested I forward a clip to Jack Catton with footage of Jack’s dad. Jack says “the original Jack Catton sure was dapper!” Randy Schavrien’s son Scott recently married and PCS’s to Little Rock as C-130J IP. Drew Boyd launched a new book, website link is http://www.insidetheboxinnovation.com/. Jim Dolan was awarded the American Airlines Order of the Eagle Award for his service as founder and president of Heroes on the Water. The award is presented yearly to three or four American Airlines pilots out of 10,000 who exemplify Service above Self, Heroism in the Air, and Service to Company. Congrats Jim! Jim says Buddy Lott, AA Principal Operating Inspector, was at the ceremony. Monty Lee attended a Skysox game with me recently. Jeff Larsen had planned to attend but couldn’t; he might be spending a little time in Italy soon.

Ed Morley and family did a two-week road trip through Wales, England and Scotland. Tom Hancock is in Huntsville, AL nuclear industry, was with son and daughter-in-law and grandkids at recent wedding. Jimmie Benton retired as an US Immigration judge 31 May; now practicing law in Houston. Oldest son is a USAF Major Logistics Officer in Nairobi, Kenya; younger son is USAF Major-select, IP at Pensacola. Greg Boomgaard heard from Mike Duclos, Duker now in Alabama job hunting.

Ernie Woollard forwarded this YouTube video http://youtube.com/ watch?v=NAENdDuhrlM he got from Mike Fricano dealing with sequestration flying. Ernie became a 1st time grandpa in April with #2 due in December. Tim Lewis, with TSA, moving to Miami. Doug Fry now retired here in the southern front range, daughter up for LtCol and son now at San Antonio as an IP trainer. Bill Dunn has 33 years at Florida Retina Institute and hit 4300 flying hours, 1200 as PIC in his Cessna Citation. Eldest daughter finished a Master’s at Harvard, younger daughter completed two years at WH West Wing at ExecAsst to Domestic Policy advisor to POTUS, headed to Princeton for Masters/PhD. Ed and Julie Gallagher hosted about 300 folks at their house in Cameroon for July 4th, moving to Bosnia summer 2014.

US Ambassador Jackson, Nigerian Consul General, Mrs. Jackson, Ed and Julie (note the flag) Rob Crombie, working for SI Organization, lives in Huntington Beach, CA. Took family to China two years ago to meet oldest daughter’s foster family, then to Virgina this year to meet other daughter’s birth parents.

Mike Ponzani riding in the Pelotnia again this year, supporting cancer research in memory of his wife, Teri. Rich King saw several classmates at an AFA luncheon in Arlington, VA in June. Sorry I didn’t have room for the photo Rich.

Short notes/comments/address updates from Randy Zellner, Mark Evans, Luckey Dunn, Steve Stout, Win Macklin, Bruce Nelson, Marc Moore, Dave Ross, Tim Prater, Phil Vollelunga, John Hazen, Don Higgins, Craig Manson, Tim Brown, Stef Eisen, Randy Spetman, Charlie Morgan, Bill Clifford, Dave Nakayama, Dan Price, Gary Butdorf, Pete Kluck, Joe Birchman, Pete Mapes, Jim Crowe, Randy Muncy, Joe Wysocki, Rich Hanley, Dave Berg, Luckey Dunn, Scott Gough, Gary Montgomery, and Mike Byers. Thanks for all your kind words and inputs classmates.

Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. Lots of requests for contact info recently. If you haven’t updated your contact info with me or the AOG, please do so! If you have not received an email from me in the past 3-6 months, I do not have a current email address for you. Please send home and work email addresses to me at whrlybrd76@aol.com. Send me your notes, inputs, address updates, suggestion, junk mail, etc and I will do my best to keep all of you in the loop. As always, if you are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. Keep flying your flags

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and let our deployed troops know you have them in your thoughts and prayers. The Spirit of 76 is STILL alive and well! Until next time, Beatty.

John “Lou” Michels, Jr. 4107 Harvey Ave. Western Springs, IL 60558 (312) 463-3412 jmichels@lbbslaw.com loumichels55@gmail.com

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With any luck it will still be warm and cozy by the time you read this, although I’m writing it in the middle of the summer. Input for the class column slows down a lot after June as people get started on vacations, or in my case, on more litigation. In any event, if you would please send me the details of your excellent trips and adventures over the summer, I could certainly use it for the next column. Doing so will also allow me to live somewhat vicariously through people who are actually maintaining control of their lives.

FIRST-TIME CALLER: Jon Reilman started his first-ever communication with your humble scribe using this line: “Guess I should update at least once…” You are absolutely correct, Jon, and I appreciate your taking the time and effort. Jon has been flying for the last 26 years for American Airlines working his way through seven airplanes, and noting that he is anywhere between seven minutes and seven years from retiring. Yeah, I get it, once you hit the inner marker and you can see the runway, your decision making with respect to the value of prolonging the flight starts to change a little bit. Jon spent a total of 28 years active in Reserve service, including running the Liaison Officer program in nearby Austin, Texas.

His four kids run the gamut from film business to opera singer, and he was an RF-4 guy in one of his previous lives. But what really got my interest was the second part of Jon’s message -- he’s an officer of the FlagSabre Society ship Detroit Foundation, a group operated under the Donors coverage of American, that operates the oldest flying DC-3 in the world. The website on this aircraft, and the people who fly it and keep it flying is truly remarkable, and my hat’s off to Jon and the rest of these folks for keeping a key part of U.S. aviation heritage running and available for the public for viewing. Thanks for taking the time to let me know what’s happening, Jon, and shoot me a picture of that Gooney bird with you in it so I can run it in the column.

UPDATES: Doug Beason (Cindy) wrote to let me know that he will be leaving his position as Chief Scientist at SPACECOM, to more actively pursue his prolific science fiction writing career, and to take over as the Chair of the Auburn University Wireless Engineering graduate and research program. Doug has had one of the more interesting careers among our group – his scientific background placed him squarely in the development of a number of our weapons programs at Los Alamos, as well as other significant R&D work there. After he retired from the Air Force and Los Alamos National Lab, he moved over to Space Command, from where he now departs. He’s written and published 14 novels, and is working on more. He also dropped an interesting op-ed piece in the Journal on the loss of our nuclear weaponeering expertise, something that a lot of us old SAC types have thought about, as well. Doug and Cindy are still residing in Castle Rock – with any luck I’ll get a chance to touch base with them on one of my trips out there this year. Thanks Doug, and I will look forward to the next installment in your book series.

Paul Pirog (Mary), Dan Jarka (Pam), and Duff Muir (Mary) gave me a running update of the Black Forest fire that burned down a huge area just to the east of the Zoo. I’m amazed that there were only two fatalities given the density of the population there now. Paul also noted that he got a backseat ride in Fred Schwartz’s (Carmel) T-33 as Fred was practicing for his fly-by at the Organizational Awards parade at graduation. I put some pictures up of Fred’s aircraft on the Facebook page, and in the column – way to go, Fred. I know of three classmates working in the antique aviation world – Fred, Jon, and Chip Lamb (Trisha) – anybody else out there pushing old metal around the skies (and no comments about those of you who are still flying being part of that world because of your personal “antique” status)?

Several years ago, Jay Fawcett (Susan) ran for Congress in District 5 in Colorado, the area that encompasses Colorado Springs, as well as surrounding counties. Jay was unsuccessful, but Irv Halter (Judy) is going to make a run in 2014 for the same seat. Irv retired as a two-star from his job as vice supe at the Zoo and went to work with Computer Sciences in Colorado Springs. I guess the job simply wasn’t exciting enough, so he thought he’d step into elected politics. Best of luck, Irv, and we’ll be following closely from out here.

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Here are some notes from the Facebook page: Robert Massey (Andrea) continues his work as an airborne spotter working to combat forest fires in Arizona and the West. One thing for sure, he doesn’t have to look around the Springs area, it’s been very wet around my place up near Woodland Park. Tom Jones (Liz) will be speaking to World War II veterans of the 365th Fighter Group, the “Hell Hawks” at their reunion banquet this fall. Tom wrote a book on the unit, detailing their efforts in the P-47 in Europe towards the end of the war. Rick Sowers has graciously extended an invitation to meet to any classmates who are headed out for the Nevada game in Reno this fall; try to get some pictures for the old scribe, okay?. Pat Burke (Denise) reports significant progress on scaling down, and Roger Smith (Patricia) published a nice op-ed piece on the Founding Fathers in the Chattanooga paper. Bruce Burda (Stacy) is working for the USO in Dubai and bouncing between Kuwait and Afghanistan. Paul Dettmer (Cathy), who retired as a two-star, is living in my old neighborhood of Centreville, VA. Finally, through the good efforts of Jeff Lewis (Lyn) and some others, we added about 10 new members to the Facebook community. Among them, Michael Bushko (Mary Jo), Geoff Whisler, Pete Mohylsky (Denise) and some others. Again, if you haven’t, take a look at the Facebook page and the discussions that go on there; it’s worth a visit. You don’t need to participate on Facebook in any other way, but having that link will open up some doors, I’m certain.

CLOSE OUT: I had the privilege of addressing members of the Class of 2017 just before they entered the academy at a dinner here in Chicago.

My message was drawn from the Old Testament: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” It’s from Proverbs, and in the talk I discussed the fact that much of what we become as a result of our time at the Zoo is the result of our “sharpening” ourselves against each other as we moved through the place. The quality of the resulting edge is related to the nature of what we were sharpening against, and some of that was pretty highquality. Let’s keep the process going. Until next time, be seeing you.

Bob Kay 40411 Tesoro Lane Palmdale, CA 93551 Home:(661) 274-2201 Cell: (661) 974-1417 Email: Robert.kay78@gmail.com

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Greetings ’78ers…

Sadly, this quarter’s article starts with the loss of two of our classmates.

Pete Liotta who was tragically killed in an auto accident last year (31 Aug 2012) in Newport, RI. His memorial service was held at Salve Regina University in Newport last September on the 7th. Unfortunately, the AOG wasn’t informed of Pete’s death until this past June. Donna has asked that any donations for Pete be made to the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharmsala India (www.tcy.org.in). She also released her address at 56 N Pasture Ln, Wakefield RI 02879-7649. I’m sure she would appreciate a note or card if you have a minute.

Rob Rehwaldt passed on 21 June from a sudden heart attack. He was an A330 Captain and IP for Delta and had an extensive career with the Washington ANG. Delta truly paid respect to Rob the following Friday when the company arranged for an Honor Guard ceremony at an Atlanta International (where he had been on a trip) gate as he boarded a Delta airliner for his final flight home to Portland, OR. Rob was accompanied by his son Travis on the flight. Bill Hadaway (also a Delta Captain) shared how he had known Rob since Doolie summer Sabre Society and mentored him when he got to Delta and the Guard.

Donors Garry Dean (still on extended active duty and currently a two-star serving as the A-3 at AAFC in Naples Italy) mentioned that they had lived close to one another in Washington State for several years and were good friends. Rob was laid to rest in Portland as well. May you both rest in peace.

Faithful information stalwart Amy Keohane shared about her and Tom’s latest goings on. They are planning on attending the reunion in September (may have happened by the time this is published…not sure) which will be about the time Tom will be full up. They are hoping to stay with Mike and Sharon Catlin in the Springs during the reunion and are hoping that Ben and Tracy Troemel will also be attending. As you can see by the picture, Tom’s mobility options have been a bit limited as of late. That’s due to shattering his ankle playing hockey back in May with “2 plates, several screws and some buttons on his lower leg…broke the fibula, ripped the deltoid ligament” (don’t know what those terms really mean but they sure don’t sound good). He’ll be good to go in September hopefully but misses what little warm weather Minnesota has during golf season. Updates on their amazing daughters are: oldest Andrea graduated from med school and has started her anesthesiology residency at Vanderbilt. She will return to the

AF (currently an inactive captain) afterwards. Twin Jennie finishes up her PhD at UW Madison next May and the baby Michelle graduated from Kalamazoo magna cum laude with a history degree and a job in Chicago.

Tom also flies A330s with Delta and after buying a cabin on one of Minnesota’s many lakes plans on retiring in a few years. Thanks as always Amy!

Tom’s New Ride.

Steve Hendrix sent a great message and family picture. After his stint in the AF (separated in ’85 as a Tweet IP at Randolph), he’s been his own boss at Hx Engineering LLC (his embedded design firm). He started out in firmware (actually using his Comp Sci degree) but has gradually moved into hardware design. It’s paid the bills well for the past 20+ years and gives him time for other endeavors. He’s been in Cub and Boy Scout leadership (two of his sons are both Eagle Scouts) for much of that 20 years.

His daughter is a full time college student, works full time and is a part time Army medic (wow). He and Kathy were married in ’85 and besides their three kids mentioned above have cared for 26 foster babies and adopted two (currently a boy now 11 and a 9-year-old girl)! They have quite a bit of room for the kids with “…11 wooded acres about halfway between Akron and Cleveland, and 500+’ frontage on a public bike path, with national park on the other side of the bike path. And across the road from us is one of the largest cemeteries in the area.” So it’s very quiet. He still hears “… from Ken Schopper at Christmas, but that’s about all of the UPT gang except for Jack Britton. He and I shared a kitchen in the dorm at UPT, and we were best man at each others’ weddings. He has two beautiful daughters, now in their late 20s, and he’s a 767/777 captain for UPS, living in Louisville, KY, now cross-training to the 747 to be based out of Anchorage.

I hear from Doug Schrag now and then (CS-37, a fellow Comp Sci major).

He lives just southwest of the Mackinac Bridge.” Here is the latest family picture from their church directory…definitely a great looking family.

Great hearing from you Steve and well done with your foster children!

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The Hendrix Clan Quick update from Larry Krause. He’s still slugging it out in the Beltway as an Emergency Management Specialist (DoD civilian). Was recently married and had the pleasure of being on a Royal Caribbean cruise when the ship he was on caught fire last Memorial Day. He heard that there was actually a USAFA cadet on board but wasn’t able to get in touch with him.

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Class News Fellow Bulldawger Rick Dunham is still working for Big FAA and recently had a birthday bash with the two lovely women in his life and his son-in law.

They went to the Cattle Stockyards area in Oklahoma City which from the pix he sent looks like classic small town America. Rick reports that they all had a great time tasting some excellent wine. Below from left is “Old man” Rick (his words not mine), bride Vickie, daughter Ashleigh and Kenton.

The Dunham Family In some personnel retirements, Ed Rice will soon be retiring as the Commander of AETC after many years of faithful service. Ed did an amazing job dealing with the MTI issues for these past months and deserves some well-earned time off. No word yet what he and Theresa will be doing. Larry Wells gave up 9th AF back in May and retired as well. Thank you both for all the work you guys have done at the pinnacle of AF leadership.

Ran out of space for this quarter…hope to see many of you in September. It is promising to be a great time as our reunions always are. God Bless. ’78 is Great!

John Pardo 1843 Miller Drive DuPont, WA 98327 H: (253) 507-4889 C: (781) 439-2036 Pardo_john@hotmail.com

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It is time again for the summer updates—albeit, a fall arrival—so let’s get right to it. Steve Deaux sent word that last fall he and wife, Becky, were in NYC to see their son Tim and his band, The Whigs, play their third David Letterman show. Steve describes it so much better than I could when he says, “Yeah, I know, my son’s a rock star and I’m an international jet pilot...how do you like me so far!”

Brian Koechel (Holly) is doing his usual great job arranging tickets for the upcoming AF-Navy game on 5 Oct. Huge thanks to Brian, and to Dan Repasky (Jamie) for hosting the post-game “reunion” at his home in Annapolis. Brian also sent a note mentioning a coffee meeting a group of ’79ers have each Saturday in the DC area. Regulars include Rich Treadway (Rebecca), Bob Swain (Diane), Buddha Watkins (Misty), Jon Box (Lynn) and Brian.

Wes Miller (Kathy) sent a text from the annual River Sabre Society Rats (Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association) conDonors vention. He and Jammer Moore (Patty) represented ’79 well. They are both flying for UPS. Wes still lives in Louisville (smaller house, same email) and is still flying MD-11s.

There are plenty of updates from our “stars.” Congratulations all around for promotions and new positions. That includes soon-to-be General Frank Gorenc (Sharon) who was selected to be the next USAFE commander. Joining Frank with an added fourth star is Robin “Baba” Rand (Kim) who will take the reins of AETC. Also adding a star is Doug “Drugs” Robb (Gloria) who will be a Lt Gen come October and take over as the Di-

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JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

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rector, Defense Health Agency (DHA) which will be standing up that same month. Others filling slots at the Pentagon include Lt Gen CR Davis (Susan), the Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the AF for Acquisition, and Maj Gen Steve Lepper (Kathryn) the AF’s Deputy Judge Advocate General.

Here is a picture of Doug, CR and Steve.

From the Lone Star state, Maj Gen John “Nips” Nichols (Denise) checked in to let everyone know he is the Adjutant General of the Texas National Guard and that his family is doing great and trying to beat the hot days of summer.

I also received additional GO information and a great picture from Steve “Maggot” Mueller (Debbie). Maggot writes, “The picture is from the recent CORONA meeting held at WPAFB. There are still a few of us left on active duty. I think we continue to do our class proud. From left are Lt Gen Jan Marc Jouas (Marion)--7AF/CC, Lt Gen Steve Mueller--AF IG, Lt Gen Robin Rand--12AF/CC, Lt Gen Frank Gorenc--CVA and nominated as first ’79 four star!, Lt Gen Andy Busch (Tomi)--AFMC/CV, Lt Gen Steve Hoog (Cynthia)--11 AF/CC and confirmed as Gork’s backfill as CVA, Lt Gen Burt Field (Lisa)--AF A3, and Maj Gen Neal McCausland (Susan)--AFRL/CC. Missing but on Active Duty until 1 July: Lt Gen Bill Rew (Christy)--ACC/ CV. I am very proud to be their classmate.” So are we Steve!

Paul Schubert (Babette) sent a great update that included notes on a couple other ’79ers. He ran into Bob Desmond (Marjorie) in Scottsdale during a spring break trip his 10-year-old son and he took in March. Bob is heading up Honeywell’s Intellectual Property area as an attorney. He also saw George Bernhardt (Patricia) in Maine. Paul attempted to get George (PhD, Physics Prof) to help his son Tom decide between University of Maine and University of Rhode Island for engineering. Paul knew that if George could get him through all the physics and engineering he had to take at USAFA, he could certainly get Tom through. Given the proximity, Paul is hoping to see more of George. Paul is not only a retired Reservist but also a retired banker. His wife, also a banker, covers a lot of territory for Key Bank, allowing Paul and his younger son to move close to where he grew up in Illinois. His son Joe is a good hockey player and he’ll be playing for Team Illinois in the fall and attending Elgin Academy. Paul will be only 2 hours from his 84-year-old mother. Paul is looking to do more ALO work in between trips to the rink with the good students of Illinois.

I also received another great update and picture, this one from Paul Besson (Ann). The picture was of Paul and son, 2Lt David Besson, after Paul had the honor of commissioning him at USAFA in May. Unfortunately, the photo was too small to reproduce in the magazine. Paul mentions that while David chose to “legacy” into Bull Six, he fortunately did not follow in his father’s mediocre cadet footsteps—he was a DG, Academy Scholar, and grad school scholarship recipient.

One more note from our generals. Burt Field sent the following picture from Bill Rew’s retirement. From left are Brian Kelly (Susan), Burt, Bill Rew, Jeff Walter (Pat), Steve Mueller and Steve Hoog.

Steve Sosa (Sunisa) sent a short note mentioning his recent return from Kuwait (Steve is an oilman!) and looking forward to our 35th next year. Ditto Steve Wheeless (Vicki) who is still practicing law in Phoenix.

Heard from Geoff Mulligan (Jessica) just in time to include the following news. Geoff has taken a new job in the government as a Presidential Innovation Fellow. He is on assignment for the next year working for the White House Office of Science Technology and Policy on a program called Cyber Physical Systems—basically bringing a government vision to the Internet of Things. As a result he is going to spend a lot of time in DC. He had his “swearing in” at the White House on June 21st. His wife and two daughters also attended. In his words, “it was kinda cool (ok it was very cool) and my daughters now think that nerdy dad is OK.” In between visits to the White House, he managed to have coffee with Brian Koechel, Mike Roller, Jon Box and Jim Arrington (Colleen). He also had dinner with Rich Treadway who is still commuting between New Orleans and DC. After DC, Geoff was heading back to COS to have lunch with Miles Trumble (Robbin), Rod McNeil (Jeannie), Bob Kronebush (Jennifer) and Thom McCarthy (Jody). He also mentioned that Mark Reid (Cindi) is still in Hawaii working for Mitre.

Also just in time, received a quick update from Guy Walsh (Ann) who has been working Strategic Initiatives with US CYBER Command at Fort Meade for the past 2.5 years. Guy’s son Daniel is beginning his 2 degree year in CS 13 Bulldawgs. Classmate Mark Pimentel and wife, Betsy, are playing host family there in C-Springs.

Rich Hall (Tessa) sent news that he is doing well having finished radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer. There are some manageable issues with his right kidney, but he is getting around with much more energy. He can’t wait to get back flying for United.

In news from the great northwest, Mark Hargrove (Sandy) is serving his 2nd term as a Washington state representative while also working for Boeing as an instructor pilot. Also working for Boeing—in their KC-46 program—is Glenn Hanbey (Shari) who I see 2-3 times a year when he helps me out with my JROTC advisory board. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to have dinner and catch up with Steve Graf while he was RONing in Seattle.

That’s it for this edition. Next up is Bud Vazquez (Molly) at budvazquez@ msn.com.

Don Myers 401 Chambray Hill Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247 (770) 631-1429 E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com ZoomieNation.usafa.org FB group: “USAFA Class of 1980”

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Well, folks, we had a dearth (as in scarcity or lack) of info this time around. That means most of you haven’t been collecting any info on the rest of us—and forwarding it this way—or that you’ve not had anything significant happen in your own lives to tell us. I’m not buying either reason for not hearing from you, so please help me fill my quota of words.

The cycle begins again. John Green related, “We just dropped our youngest at USAFA (2017) to start her journey. Fun, but you do forget the stress of basic and joining the military. We’ve been catching photos of her Sabre Society Donors on Webguy.”

Honored and celebrated. I remembered, incorrectly, that Dave and Marianne (Owens) LaRivee were in Black Forrest—where the terrible fire took its toll, including a grad. After my inquiry, I was assured they live west of the highway. They were, however, involved in the evacuation process for friends and others. Also in the reply were two photos. The first is when several

of our ladies met to remember Dorothy (Mahaffy) Steel’s son, James (’06), who, as you know, was killed in an aircraft accident in April. Dorothy, far left, was joined by: Julie (Richards) Apfel, Allene (Dowden) Saleck, Marianne, Peggy (Davis) Hillebrandt, Tanya (Senz) Regan, Mary Jane (VanValkenburg) Kellenbence, and Karen (Cole) Selva. They walked the Overlook, visited CS-28, and ate lunch on the Staff Tower, where James was recognized and remembered.

’06 Grad Remembered.

The second photo was taken on the circular steps inside Arnold Hall after the 2013 swearing in ceremonies. It features the very Air Force (Owens) LaRivee and (Pompili) Agee families: Dave, Marianne, Jamie (’11) and Will (’13) (a DG) with Jim (’81), Michele, Chelsea (’11) and Mitch (’13) (UPT at Sheppard).

True Blue!

Another newly minted grad. From Russ Hodgkins: “I just got back from the USAFA Class of 2013 Graduation and turned my son Greg loose onto the Air Force. He’s starting UPT at Vance in January. He’s my second son to graduate from Mach 1, as his older brother, Gordon, graduated in 2008. While there, we climbed Eagle Peak. Curiously, what I remember as an hour-long hike turned out to be a grueling two-hour ordeal to get to the top. My only explanation is Eagle Peak must have gotten at least 2,000 feet higher since we graduated! This is probably due to global climate change or continental drift or something. Where is Al Gore when you need him?

I am still married to Donni, my wife of 28 years. She climbed Eagle Peak

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Russ and Greg at the top.

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with us, too. I retired to New Hampshire in 2009, worked as a defense contractor at Hanscom for a while, but got tired of sitting in a cubical and pecking on a computer, getting stuck in traffic on Rte 3, and paying Massachusetts income tax. So I went back to flying and got a job flying the Pilatus PC-12 for PlaneSense, a fractional Part 91K/135 outfit based in Portsmouth. I’ve been there about two years and am now the Director of Safety. The PC-12 is great fun to fly. Our erstwhile classmate, Ray Torres (who graduated in ’81), is also here as the Director of Operations. I’m enjoying life here in New Hampshire; had a great maple syrup crop this year.” While at USAFA, the Hodgkins met-up with the Agees (fellow Mach 1 squadron-mates) and the LaRivees—so it was quite a party!

[Midlife shuffles, moves, transitions. Bob (Susan) Allardice will be promoted from Air Mobility Command’s vice commander to Civilian by the time you read this. Not to be outdone, Doug Owens, Air Education and Training Command vice commander, will have earned the same “retired” title after his name. Not a bad run, Bob and Doug! Dean Eisberg finally decided to stop playing soldier . . . actually, he was a soldier! He retired a second time from the Army and is now “Working for Customs (again) seizing counterfeit junk from China; putting siding on the old house; trying to build a new house.” Matt Neuenswander has moved into the Director slot at the USAF LeMay Center Joint Integration Directorate at Ft. Leavenworth. Saw Bob Holmes trying to avoid me (and everyone else) on the Atlanta Plane Train. Maybe he was simply deep in thought.

Regardless, all is well. He still commutes to ATL from Chattanooga; moving to one of Delta’s wide body aircraft. Daughter is in Alabama (teacher).

He was actually on his way to a layover in Chattanooga—too late for dinner with his bride, however.

Let ’em know. We had a Whose ring is this? hunt recently when a good Samaritan forwarded one of our class rings to the AOG. Recovered class rings often end up at the AOG. If you ever lose one, immediately let the AOG know—it could save time and a lot of detective work.

We’re chipping away: Regarding comms reps for each squadron, we now have the following squadrons covered (60%): 1, 2, 4, 6 thru 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 30, 31, 33, 34, 37, 40. Thanks! Again, if you don’t see your cadet squadron listed, please step forward for this very easy-but-important position. Let’s knock this out soon.

Summer vacations and diversions are over. We’re back into whatever is routine for us. I look forward to hearing about some of your adventures.

Take care, my friends. Don Rich Trentman 11102 Asbee St. Falcon, CO 80831-8170 Work: (719) 452--7708 Cell: (719) 640-9586 USAFA Class of 1981 (Facebook) rptrentman@usafa-grads.com Class Website: www.usafa81.com

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Another challenging Summer in Colorado with the Black Forest fire. It is quite overwhelming to drive down Black Forest Road and see the devastation. On the good news front, Lauri Cross’s home and property avoided the fire. I did get a call from Mike Schilz asking how I fared with the fire.

Always great to chat with Mike! Also heard from my Eglin AFB buddy, John Marlin, asking how things went with the fire. The Class of 2017 is in Jack’s Valley as I write this article.

Class News: Tom Maloof was honored to fly home LtCol Ed Saylor, one of four surviving Doolittle Raiders. He was flying LtCol Saylor home from the 71st (and final) Doolittle Raiders reunion. Ironically, Tom met Gen Doolittle while we were cadets. Tom is still flying 767s for Delta. Lots of our classmates are having roommate get-togethers.

Tom Maloof with Doolittle Raider, LtCol Ed Saylor.

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Tim Minish and Chris Campbell got together while Tim was passing through Richmond and Chris sent me a picture. (And Chris assures me that they haven’t changed a lick in 30+ years, well maybe a tiny bit.)

Chris Campbell and Tim Minish Also, in being a Facebook creepster on our 1981 Facebook group to scrape more news, I saw Joe Lepanto posted a lunch picture with Doolie roommate, Ty Macchia. Danny Crews ran into Al and Starr Gregory at the Atlanta airport in July enroute to the Normal, Illinois Metroplex. Al and Starr’s son is married to a young lady in Normal – small world. Danny is still doing the Europe routes for Delta. Danny and Karen’s son Ben are off to Loyola in Chicago this Fall. Danny actually called me “Rich” (vs Trench) which is very odd. There is a nice link to an ABC video segment and story about Kathi Durst (Sky’s the Limit for Female Pilot Pioneer) on our Facebook page. Also, Ken Smith sent in a picture with his son Grant (USNA 06) visiting on a cross country out of Pensacola.

Ken Smith and son Grant

Randy and D’Andrea Worrall went camping in beautiful Montana this Summer working their way eventually to Glacier National Park. After ten years with Boeing, and spending the last 3.5 years moving from Boise to St Louis to Miami and then to Seattle, Tom Schulter is finally coming full circle and returning to Mountain Home AFB as an F-15E MTC (simulator) instructor. Tom and his wife, Tanya, plan to stay there through retirement. Tom’s son Daniel is currently serving in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman at Naval Station Great Lakes. John Marlin and gang is slowly approaching empty nester status with their oldest son graduated from college and 2 of 4 Sabre Society for daughters away at college. Debbie and I did volunDonors teer to meet and greet 2017 parents on in-processing day in June. It is always fun!

Of course the big news is Michelle Johnson’s change of command ceremony on 12 August that will be long passed by the time you are reading this article. I’m banking on her having a quality photo sent to me for the next article. If not, maybe my time (and powers) as your scribe will truly have passed. Congrats, Michelle!

The ’81 Endowment Committee has been busy doing phone calls to our classmates about the endowment and soliciting commitments and buyin. Randy Worrall says they have had good interest to date.

I would thank you for your help, but…I do need more emails, pictures, and calls. You wouldn’t think a Quarterly article is much to do (and by the look of this one, maybe not), but they seem to come around so quickly!

You are a great group of men and women! As an fyi, the Checkpoints staff is investigating a reduction in article length and picture numbers to account for the ever growing number of graduating classes, so once again, ’81 is leading the way with this cutting edge, abridged article. ’81 Second to None! I am getting a bit excited for Falcon football, too. Go Air Force!

naissance) at the Pentagon. Lazer is striving hard to help our military as he works with the Senate Armed Services Committee. Bob Ranck enjoys life in the civilian world—soon to be cleared to do “business”. Kirk works for Northrop Grumman near Ft Meade, and Steve works for a defense contractor supporting the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Mike Sinisi says he’s enjoying his new job at ManTech, working DoD IT support.

Eddie McAllister also had some impromptu reunions in Florida recently.

The first was when Jim “JB” Brown was TDY to Eglin for a couple weeks and Art “Pee Wee” Crain and his wife Sally (Jackson ‘83) were down from Virginia renting a huge beach house in Destin. So, Eddie and his wife, Jeannette, effected a rejoin with Steve “Chief” Wills, his wife, Bonnie, and the Crains.

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Jim Ratti 2860 Arbor Pointe Drive Middletown, OH 45042 (937) 760-2333 rattijm@mindspring.com

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Greetings Redtags!

Bunches of news this time, so let’s dive right in. Heather Wilson has an interesting new job. Effective June 17th, she took over as president of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, the first woman to do so in the school’s 128-year history. SDSMT offers bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in science and engineering, and has a student body of about 2,400 students, 250 of whom are veterans or active-duty. Heather accepted the challenges of increasing research, building/expanding facilities, and expanding the student body. The good news is that the SDSMT football team is not in the Mountain West, so she won’t have to divide her loyalties! Congrats, Heather, I’m sure you’ll do well.

In other news, Mike Sinisi hosted another of his aperiodic ’82 luncheons at Sine’s Pub in June. He sent a picture of those who were able to break away from their high-powered D.C. jobs long enough to grab some lunch and reminisce.

Mike Sinisi and the D.C. Gang.

Here is the line-up from left: Tony “Lazer” Lazarski, Michael Kempton, Bob Ranck, Kirk Hunigan, Mike Sinisi, Bob Sneath, Rocky Reiners, Steve Jarvis, Art Crain and Doc Kimminau. Some updates I received following that gathering are that Art and Sally Crain’s daughter Erin graduated in the USAFA Class of ’13 and is on her way to being a missilier. Their son is on an AFROTC scholarship at Virginia Tech. More on Art and Sally below. Bob Sneath flies for Southwest, and Doc is working with Lt Gen Bob Otto, now the head of AF/A2 (Intelligence, Surveillance and Recon-

Florida Reunion Part One From left are Steve Wills, Art Crain, Eddie McAllister, and JB Brown.

Art and Sally are apparently living large in Virginia with Generals Meyers and Jumper as neighbors. Sally flies with United, Art with Jet Blue, and he’s a part time beltway bandit at the Pentagon. JB lives in C-Springs, working for Lockheed Martin. JB’s oldest is a rising senior at Air Academy High and is gearing up for the whole college application/financial aid experience. Steve Wills continues to be “Mr. Niceville,” working Business Development for Raytheon and appearing in just about every Chamber of Commerce-sponsored golf tournament. He’s a ‘78 grad of Niceville HS and as Sabre Society Donors Bonnie let slip, a member of the Niceville HS Hall of Fame. Their oldest is attending U of Florida and they have a rising junior at Niceville HS. Eddie says he finally got a job, working in the AFRL Munitions Directorate (aka the Weapons Lab) as a support contractor doing Strategic Planning.

His oldest just graduated from Niceville HS and plans to attend Northeastern in Boston, while his second daughter will graduate next year. Both are participating in a State Dept-sponsored Study Abroad program this summer, one to Morocco and one to Turkey. Eddie and Jeanette also have an 8-year-old, so won’t be empty nesters anytime soon.

Eddie’s next reunion was in July when Brendan Clare and his wife, Cheri, came into town to visit Steve and Bonnie Wills. Dan and Carrie Pike joined them for dinner, where Eddie gleaned the following tidbits.

Brendan works as the DoD IG in Tampa after retiring as the Joint Personnel Rescue Agency commander. He has a son (Paul) at University of Tampa and a daughter (Katie) in community college there. Dan Pike works for Jacobs Engineering at Eglin doing Small Diameter Bomb II testing. The last of Dan’s four daughters (Rebecca) just graduated from Niceville HS and will attend college this fall. He still has two daughters at University of Central Florida (UCF), and an FSU grad working in the Eglin area.

Martha and Daryl Jones sent some news, along with couple pictures I couldn’t run due to space limitations. They met up with Steve Kieffer and Donnell Smith at a conference in Chicago regarding investing in Uganda.

Kieff is a FedEx pilot and was in town for the conference where Donnell received an award for his work with “Shades of Blue”, an educational organization which prepares students for aviation careers. They’re apparently expanding into Uganda, and this is a big deal for Donnell.

The winner of the “What I Did This Summer” competition clearly goes to Gail Tarlton, who endured a “grueling” two-week Officer Basic course at a Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg, MD. Here’s her new official photo!

After 22 years of civilian life and two years of federal service, she was commissioned again as a Lieutenant (O-3) in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. It was actually a two-year process which was capped off with the course mentioned above. Gail was the class “SRO” and learned the basics of the uniformed service as well as details of the PHS deployment role/mission regarding public health emergencies and disaster relief. She’ll continue working at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at NIH in the Neurological Consult Service, but will wear a uniform daily. For her next assignment, she may consider

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News endure the agony and the ecstasy of BCT. Instead of calling the cops, John inexplicably snapped a photo of the two and sent it our way. Joe’s been a long-serving ALO in the Dallas/Fort Worth area while Dan is a charter member of the “Prop & Wings” program, an organization of grads who help out with ALO activities.

LT Gail F Tarlton, MS, FNP-BC a tour within the DOD system but will be in her current job for at least the next three years to complete her contract. Gail says that if any of you have medical professionals (nurses, doctors, NPs, PAs, therapists, dietitians, or pharmacists), scientists or engineers in your broods, the USPHS is certainly a worthwhile opportunity to consider.

And finally, Neil Fossum wrote that he met up with classmate Dave Bowie (no, not the rock star) in Frankenmuth, MI during a long layover. They went to pilot training together at Vance but haven’t seen much of each other since. Dave still lives in Oscoda, MI although Wurtsmith AFB is long gone.

If you’re guessing he stayed for a girl -- you are correct -- Dave married a local girl and settled right in. He now flies for American and is an expert on Rome and Paris -- the lucky dog! Neil also said that Scott Schlapkohl lives in Illinois, near St Louis. He’s the head of the science department at a local high school and also spins out some incredible woodwork on his free time.

Check out his website, www.scottschlapkohlcreations.com.

So that’s about it this time. Keep in touch! Your humble scribe, Ratman.

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Stu Pope 520 Ramona Ave. Sierra Madre, CA 91024 stu_pope@yahoo.com

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I hope you’ve made your arrangements for the 30-year reunion, coming up in just a few weeks. Every Bohican I’ve talked to or corresponded with has claimed they’ll be there, so it could be the greatest gathering of the mustard-yellow-clad tribe since we were dispersed to the four winds on the 1st of June, 1983.

Of course, many of us have been back to The Zoo for one reason or another since then. Gayle (Johnson) Denny sent a photo of her son, Wes, graduating this past June. Gale’s husband (and Wes’ dad, coincidentally) John Denny (’84) swore Wes in; weirdly enough, both father and son spent their final years in 13th Squadron. Gale reports there were no less than ten cadets graduating this year who had zoomsters as both parents. I’m assuming they were all post-’79 grads.

The Dark Legacy of Squadron 13: Starring Wes and John Denny.

John Visser (’77) spotted both Joe Barkate and Dan McMillan at the “Summer Send-Off” picnic for unwitting high school students about to

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Joe Barkate and Dan McMillan Intrepid catnapper Brian Harriett is in the process of completely reinventing himself – and he’s got a freshly minted degree from Rutgers and a new wife and stepdaughters to prove it. The Bri-Man and his bride, Suzanne, were recently married in a small ceremony at Brian’s mom’s cabin in New Hampshire and will be making their home in the vicinity of Medford Lakes, NJ. Making the rounds of major cities (as he’s wont to do), Charlie Garcia was wheeling and dealing in downtown L.A. earlier this year. Naturally, we got together for Sabre Society a couple righteous California IPAs at the Yard House, Donors where Charlie outlined his plan for global media domination. It’s bold. It’s paradigm shattering. And it’s far beyond my ability to translate.

Colin Moffat also made his way to L.A. over the summer, en route from Tokyo to Salt Lake City. We were functioning on completely different time zones, of course, but still managed to reminisce about all the great times we’ve shared over the years. I almost got to see my fellow OTS DG Wade Lujan (yeah, we were both secret strivers) over the summer as well. Wade was here in Pasadena for his daughter’s diving event at the Rose Bowl aquatic center, but by the time he finally stopped taping the dives, I was beating the heat with my own dives into the pool at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.

Thirty years since graduation means there are a few hardy souls out there who have been married that long as well – including Robert and Ralinda (Bozelli) Gregor, shown here celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in some sort of vast, unpopulated, palatial space.

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Robert and Ralinda Gregor in one of their summer homes.

Sticking with the 30-year theme, we had a few Bohicans who stuck it out for the full term, retiring this year with 75% of their base pay for life (so I guess we know who will be buying the drinks at the reunion). Billy Walker retired in June as an O-6, leaving his job as Deputy Director of Athletics at USAFA to take on his new role as Director of Athletics (and Recreation!) at American University in DC. Colonel Jeff Fiebig also stayed in till the bitter end (and by bitter I mean bitter in a good way, like seriously hopped beers). Major General Darryl Robeson (Jeff’s former Thunderbird flockmate, incidentally) officiated at the retirement ceremony at Warner-Robins AFB, where many stories were related – including one about Jeff and Darryl’s joint TDYs while stationed

at Ramstein that is too incriminating to publish here. Ask Jeff or Darryl about it at the reunion.

Actually, I guess you can stay in longer than 30 years if you get a totally studly job like, oh, Commander of the SEALs or something, which is what Admiral Brian Losey is reportedly doing. Find him on Facebook for all the details.

Finally, I received a lengthy missive from my old 40th Squadron roommate, Rob Huguley, who reports Ted Zwijacz has been badgering him (via LinkedIn) to join the AOG (yeah, Ted!). Still with American, Rob’s living in Louisiana but is currently flying a regular route to Heathrow out of Miami and recently ran into Mark Reinecke at the AA Pilot Ops Lounge there. Despite the secret court order stipulating Messrs Reinecke, Volker, and Manney never again join forces to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting, Mark reports he still hangs out with Bill Volker on a regular basis as they’re practically neighbors in the DFW suburbs. Bill’s son recently graduated from med school and is now supposedly working on a cure for – you guessed it – the scourge of mange.

Rob also notes his daughter Nicole is halfway through her undergrad degree at Rhodes College in Memphis, double majoring in English and Spanish. She’s currently at a summer school program at Oxford University, taking the kind of cool classes we were sadly never offered at The Zoo (in this case, explorations of the works of J. R. R. Tolkien [!] and Charles Dickens).

Okay, that’s enough. Let’s save it for October and the Embassy Suites. I hear there’s going to be a legendary party in Wade Wheeler’s room. And oh, yeah, he also writes the next article. Send him scandalous stuff to gossip about at wwade83@verizon.net.

Mike Jensen 12035 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (719) 338-3570 www.usafa84.com usafahomes@gmail.com Twitter: @USAFA84

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expect that we will have a great turnout and look forward to making sure it is worth the trip! Please let me know what we can do to get a commitment from you to come out next year.

Sad news: As most of you are aware, this year’s Black Forest Fire engulfed almost 25,000 acres. To put that in perspective, USAFA is 18,500.

Over 500 homes were lost, and unfortunately so was one of our own. Robin Herklotz (Johnson) and her husband, Marc, were killed in the tragedy.

Our prayers go out to their family, friends, and all affected by the fire.

It is never easy to put out news like this. It is difficult and sad to lose a friend and classmate. I know it makes each of us reflect on the wonderful blessings daily in our lives, and hope we can make other people’s lives just a little bit better every day. Please take care of yourselves and your family.

Hope to hear from you soon. Jens

Frank “Q.” Williams 13209 Topsfield Court Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 657-3227 USAFA1985@aol.com

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Hi everyone!

On April 26th I received an e-mail from Richard “Doc” Klodnicki. Doc sent a picture depicting roommates from CS-11, Scott Gregory and Richard Klodnicki, who met during the 29th Annual National Space Symposium at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO at the Air Force Academy Space Research Center exhibit. Scott works for OceanIT in Hawaii as the Senior Program Manager and Doc works at Parsons as the Program Director for Space Programs. Others from 1985 were also present to include Dewey Parker.

A chip off the “old” block? Here we have a photo of 2Lt Forrest Lampela (Class of ‘11) and proud dad, Kyle, shortly after he pinned on his son’s pilot wings. While Kyle thought earning his wings was cool, he realized pinning those exact same wings on his oldest child was a great honor. As one of the Air Force’s newest pilots, Lt Lampela is headed to McChord AFB to fly the C-17.

Kyle and son Forrest Lampela The years have passed since 20 Sep 1985 when I was there with Kyle at a now-closed Reese AFB, but there is now a new echelon to carry on. Kyle is now retired from active duty but still works for the DoD at Ft Belvoir, VA as the Chief of Staff for Research and Development at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Russ “Huey” Barker checks in from Kandahar, and reports that “Pickle” McGillicuddy was at Al Dhafra when he saw him a couple of months ago and he thinks he PCSing to Edwards, Huey has cleared his calenSabre Society dar to make sure the big RV will be at our 30th, and we Donors hope to recreate the fun enjoyed on our 25th. Huey also states Mike Manning is the CV for the Vipers at Shaw and Jeff Lofgren is the Wing King for the Weapons school at Nellis. Joey Arata is a GS-15 at Wright Pat working B-2 and Ken Arteaga is the Comm of the new ALO school in New Jersey. Being the only guy at Kandahar, he is trying to put together a mini-chapter there. I look forward to seeing that announcement from the AOG soon! Thanks Huey for the update!

Speaking of the BIG 3-0: Word on the street is that most want to have it take place for the Navy Game and we are trying to make that happen. I

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Scott and Doc On May 14th I received news that Mr. Kenneth S. Stauffer passed away.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ken’s wife, Ellen, and their entire family. I checked with Tom Kroboth on the AOG Staff and he confirmed that they had received the obituary, a notice was posted on the AOG web site, and Ken’s story should be included in the “Gone But Not Forgotten” section of the this magazine.

In mid-June Brig. Gen. Richard A. Klumpp, Jr. e-mailed and said he and his wife, Mary, are ready to put down some roots for their younger son Adam and daughter Meghan. Rich said they’re very proud of their son Derek who is a first-term Airman in the Network Operations career field at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Rich said Adam was scheduled to PCS to Whiteman AFB, MO in August. In October, Rich said he would retire after 28 years of service and he will have started terminal leave in July. Then Rich said they’ll move back to their home in Colorado Springs, CO. He said he verified that Sabre Society their home is still there, which he said was a huge reDonors lief considering how close it was to the fire evacuation zone for the Black Forest fire that made national news.

Rich said their hearts go out, as do ours, to the 500+ families who lost their homes.

Rich said they’ve had an amazing journey, including a tour at the United Nations, during which he met Mary who had left her days in musical theater and was in law school at Fordham. They followed that up with a tour at the White House where Rich was a Military Aide to Vice Presidents Gore and Cheney. Rich said it’s been a whirlwind since then, with seven moves in the last nine years, including a 365-day deployment last year in Kabul, where Rich worked in the Embassy as the liaison between Gen John Allen and Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

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Brig. Gen. Richard Klumpp at his oldest son Derek’s BMT graduation, where Rich got to be the Reviewing Official.

Lastly, Rich said they hope to finally make it to a reunion after all these years...the 30-year in 2015! Congratulations to Rich and the entire Klumpp family!

Colonel Jim Lovell retired since the last Checkpoints but I do not have any pictures. Jim had a beautiful ceremony in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes with a standing-room-only crowd. His immediate retirement plans are to focus on his family for the remainder of the summer, including helping Holly open a store near their new home in the Midwest. Lisa Mazur, Mark Alotbelli, Scott Patnode, and Quintel Williams were all there from our class. Congratulations Jim! I was delighted to hear from Randi “Rae” (Noyes) Dotter via e-mail and I also received a card by traditional U.S. Postal mail in July. Rae said she, her husband, and their two teenage sons have lived in rural Colorado since May 2006 in a small town named Howard, along Highway 50 in the beautiful Arkansas River Valley. She said you have to turn off of paved roads to get to their mountain home about 15 miles east of Salida and 45 miles west of Canon City. A retired KC-135 pilot, Rae said she decided to become a high school science teacher (and Spanish teacher) for Cotopaxi School in 2007. She said she began incorporating Aerospace and Space Science into her curriculum, working with the Challenger Learning Center (NASA) in Colorado Springs, CO. In April 2012 Rae learned that the Challenger Learning Center in Colorado Springs selected her as their Colorado “Teacher of the Year” for 2012. Rae said even more stunning was that the National organization, Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Alexandria, VA, selected her as one of four “Teacher of the Year” honorees for 2012. This honor, among other things, bestowed upon her a “coin to top all coins”—the Turner N. Wiley Apollo 8 medallion! This is a limited-edition Apollo medallion produced by NASA that contains small amounts of pure aluminum carried into space by astronaut Frank Borman on the historic mission of man’s first orbit around the moon. Rae said she doesn’t think she’ll ever have to buy another drink in an Air Force bar ever!

Rae said she was totally shocked and she’ll be eternally grateful to the Challenger Learning Center staff who’ve taken her students on exciting (simulated) voyages to the International Space Station, Moon, Mars, and beyond. Rae said she’s also grateful to two USAF Academy supervisors and mentors in the Chemistry Department (DFC) who got her started in her teaching career: Dr. (Brig Gen) Hans Meuh, now Athletic Director, but formerly Head of DFC when she taught at USAFA from 1993 - 1997, and Dr. (Lt Col) Ron Furstenau, now a Permanent Professor.

Photo 3: Jay Stutz, flight director with Challenger Learning Center of Colorado, presenting Cotopaxi High School science and Spanish teacher Randi Dotter with Teacher of the Year award on May 17, 2012 at a special assembly at Cotopaxi Schools.

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Links to press releases about Randi “Rae” (Noyes) Dotter’s awards are http://clccs.org/Awards.aspx and http://challenger.org/science-educators-honored-as-teacher-of-the-year/. Congratulations Rae! Keep up the great work.  This is my last Checkpoints as scribe for the Class of 1985. I’ve lost track but I’m pretty sure I’ve been doing this for about 20 or more years. Every now and then I ask if anyone else wants a turn at this. Usually no one asks.

Thanks again to Jackie Charsagua who got us started off for about the first five years or so after graduation; then I took over. At one point along the way, Tom Kroboth received an extra input which caused confusion so we had to make sure that everyone knew we can only have one official scribe for a class at a time. The scribe is a volunteer position. I am officially passing the baton to William Scott Carney who sent me an e-mail in April based on a request from 2008 to see if anyone else wanted to be class scribe. I tried to make sure Scott knew what he was getting into and wished him luck. Scott’s e-mail address, postal address, and telephone numbers are william.scott.carney@gmail.com. P.O Box 210, Princeton, ME. 04668. (207)796-5143 or (207)853-0689.

Class of ’85 it’s been my honor to be your scribe. Please give Scott the same great support you gave me. Thanks. So long everyone! Q

Bob Colella 9247 Northedge Drive Springfield, VA 22153 (703) 455-3176 rkascolella@verizon.net

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Members

Greetings Classmates, I was in Boston in the spring visiting my Mom who was having some surgery (all worked out fine), and had a chance to go visit with an my old Scoutmaster who is now a parish priest in my old hometown, actually my old parish and the parish where our Scout Troop met back in the day. He sits on the board of directors for a retirement home for priests in Boston.

I went with him during my visit to a function at the home -- The Regina Cleri.

It turned out that it was a very large celebration for all the workers and folks who support the residence throughout the year as either part of their own ministry or as stewards of their own talents caring for the retired priests who live there as they get older and start to have medical issues.

For these men, the church is the only family they have.

As I chatted up a bunch of them I found many of them had spent time on active/reserve duty serving our troops and in some cases all of us. It was a “small world” moment when one of the older priests there asked me if I knew Fr. Bill Campbell when I was a Cadet at the Air Force Academy -- well we all know the answer Sabre Society to that question.

Donors I headed up to his room with my friend to say hello and found Fr. Campbell much as we left him in May of 1986 with a full stock of white hair and an Irish lilt to his voice. He was in high spirits and insisted that he did indeed remember me -- he did caveat that by saying that he remembers each and every one of us as “we all looked exactly the same to him.”

I was able to get a photo with him, and have included it here and would hope that if you have a fond memory to share or perhaps found yourself at a low point in life during your cadet career, or more likely at several times, you might think to drop Fr. Bill a line. The address is: Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114.

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honestly do most of my “keeping up” via Facebook, and would encourage all of you do so as well.

Keep in touch, and by the time you read this our Falcon Season will be in full swing -- so “Go Air Force! Beat the other teams in whatever conference it is you are now in.” Bob Colella John & Carolyn Sammartino 3107 Woods Cove Lane Woodbridge, VA 22192 H: (703) 492-5492 W: (703) 808-6234 jsammar@verizon.net

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Members

Greetings ’87! Hope everyone is enjoying another great summer wherever you may be. Had a few inputs this quarter, although ZERO responses to my cold-call email that I send randomly to 20 or so classmates every quarter—so please, don’t know how long they will keep the print edition of this publication going, but keep the inputs coming, whether via e-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn, or whatever method of communication you prefer; we love to hear from everyone! That said, we did have several inputs, so as Casey Kasum used to say, “on with the countdown!”

Sabre Society Steve Temple sent an email and photo stating that Donors “Thought you might be able to put this in the AOG magazine. This is Tom Gervais, Ed Venner and Steve Temple after flying a local at WPAFB with the Reserve Squadron, 89AS. Pretty cool having just us three old goats up there in the cockpit still getting it done. Tom is an ART flying the C-17 full time, Ed is a B-777 First Officer for UAL out of Chicago and I’m a B-747 First Officer out of San Francisco with UAL. Hope you are well.

Sure was great seeing everyone at the reunion, never enough time to catch up on everything, just means I’ll have to come to the next one...Teepee!”

Great points Steve, only 4 more years until our 30th—wow, really, 30 years since graduation! I don’t even want to think about it just yet!

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Bob Colella with Fr. Bill Campbell.

On another note, it is fascinating to look on our Class of ’86 Facebook page and see how many “legacy” cadets are following in their parents footsteps.

The most recent rendition is from Bob and Juli (Dahnke) Mansfield (’86). Their son Keith entered in June as part of the Class of 2017. I have included a photo of Julie (’86) and Keith (’17) here for you to see that Julie has not aged a bit, but as Fr. Bill Campbell notes, the Cadets have a timeless look as well. The photo was taken during the break between BCT sessions where the Cadets head to a home nearby for the day. Since Juli and Bob live just up the road in Parker CO, Keith was able to spend the day with his mom and dad. I imagine the Mansfield house will need to get an industrial-sized washer, dryer, and refrigerator for the years ahead and all the memories they are going to hold for them.

Especially with the following update from Tom Miller, who along with Stacy (Wilson) Miller have their second child at USAFA now! In the photo we have Tom Miller, Mitch Miller, Stacey [Wilson] Miller, April [Sullivan] Fitzgerald, Kate Fitzgerald, Mark Fitzgerald, with Lisa Fitzgerald in the front row, at the Parents Club of the National Capital Area 2017 Appointee Luncheon. 2017, hard to believe. The Millers oldest son, Nathan, is a 2011 grad, currently flying C-17s out of Charleston AFB, SC. Congratulations to the Miller and Fitzgerald families and good luck Mitch and Kate!

Juli and Keith Mansfield It is hard to imagine that with the Class of 2014, there will have been more classes that graduated after ours -- 28, than before ours -- 26. It is hard to think that the class that will graduate in 2017 looks at our Class of 1986 in the same way we looked at the Class of ’59. (Fossils!) (Feel free to check and grade all my math.)

I don’t have much more to report -- the lines are pretty cold lately, and I

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Class News April also wrote via Facebook that “It was wonderful to see you all at the reunion last fall! I’m writing, because my oldest is heading to the academy in two weeks as part of the class of 2017, and I was thinking it might be really helpful if there is a female grad in the COS area with whom she might be able to talk to at times. Sorry, I don’t remember who lives where, but if anyone is in the Colorado Springs area and might be willing to get to know Kate sometime in the next 4 years, I’d love to hear from you. We’re in the DC area, so if anyone lives around here or plans to visit this area, it’d be nice to stay in touch.”

Doug Woodbury, one of my doolie squadron buds, checked in via Facebook: “Quick update on the Woodburys: Enjoying retirement (June 2011) from flying the gliders at USAFA (15 years of it was long enough!). Still enjoying flying for Frontier Airlines -- just wish the drama of the airlines would calm down a bit. Had to evacuate recently for the Black Forest fire but thankfully the fire didn’t cross Hwy 83 so our property, alpacas, chickens and so forth were fine. It was very spooky though watching the smoke billow towards us as we were packing to leave! Summer is kind of weird this year as Julie is back in school studying American Sign Language to further her interpreting career, daughter Ellie is a flight attendant w/ Frontier (go figure the odds of that), oldest son Wade is in Austria at a Bible school and hiking the Alps, and middle son Jack is off to San Diego on a missions trip leaving me and my youngest, Rew, to mind the farm. In my spare time I’ve been coaching a high school boys rugby club -- Pikes Peak Stormers -- during the spring which has been a hoot and having fun with the boys in Boy Scouts hiking mountains and doing whatever else they want me to do. All in all, having fun, living the good life here in Colorado -- come visit anytime!” I’d agree Doug, 15 years of flying gliders is a bit much! Glad you didn’t lose your house during that fire, had to be pretty scary I bet!

That’s it for now, keep those inputs coming and get ready for some Falcon Football which will be underway as you read this! Fly safe…

Craig McCurdy 46992 Smithwood Court Potomac Falls, VA 20165 Cell: (202) 570-3058 ccicdjmccurdy@yahoo.com

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Members

The following email and article is from Joe Mazur about his BCT roommate Shak Hill.

Joe writes: “I received the attached e-mail from Shak Hill, who was my BCT roommate in CS-25. I ran into him at Chantilly Days where he was the MC for the event and managed to get the attached photo. According to the attached newsletter from his neighbor, Shak is very active in volunteering in the community. I’m sure he wouldn’t send this stuff to you directly – but it could be worth at least a few lines in Checkpoints.”

Doug Woodbury and his wife, Julie.

Frank Amsler also posted on Facebook a hearty Congrats to Brig Gen Pat Mordente who we talked about a little bit last quarter, including a classic photo on 27 May, exactly 26 years after our graduation day, go back and check it out!

Vicki (Rojas) Rispoli commented on Facebook about an interview on C-Span of Robert Levinson regarding classified and intelligence spending—of course since I am part of the Intelligence Community I have no comment on it, but if you want to check it out, it was on May 26, 2013!

Patti (Michalcik) Stuart also checked in via Facebook that she had “Been asked to repost from my wall. This is a pic of Cholene Espinoza, and her latest humanitarian mission. She and her partner have started a nonprofit to deliver goats and goods to people in poverty around the globe.

Here is their website: http://shop.goatsfortheoldgoat.com/. The picture was taken and emailed to us so we could see the goat we purchased. I think it’s very cool! We were at our photo limit this month, so we will publish this photo next month. Seems to be a “goat” theme this month I just realized!

Sueling Cho noted that “A Year in the Blue” -- a movie about our little zoo... Just got this link today and sounds like a must see! It is in post production so should be released soon: http://vimeo.com/49349568. Look for it, I haven’t seen it out yet.

Talked about Tim Applegate’s retirement last month, here is a photo of his wife Melissa (’86), Tim, and the scribes at the Andrews AFB club. We ran into a few grads at the ceremony, and had dinner with Jim Andersen (’86) that evening as the Boston police captured the Marathon bomber.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

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Shak Hill, his wife, Robin, and the rest of the family were awarded the 2013 Governor’s award for Outstanding Family Volunteers.

There is a baby crib permanently set up in the master bedroom despite the fact that Shak and Robin have no infants of their own in the house.

This crib is a symbol of the family’s dedication to serving others. Since 1997, Shak and Robin have been foster parents to 46 children through the Department of Social Services. Along with their six children, they regularly welcome one foster child into their home at a time and, occasionally, as many as three to keep families together. Not only do they serve as foster parents, but they also volunteer throughout the community in a Sabre Society Donors wide variety of activities and organizations.

Shak serves with various organizations, including as Trustee, Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) [a position appointed by the Governor], Congressman Wolf’s Service Academy Advisory Board, and as a youth soccer coach and referee. He has been recognized for his leadership and elected by his fellow trustees as Vice Chairman of FACT, allowing him to directly impact the lives of domestic violence survivors in the Commonwealth.

Robin volunteers as soccer coordinator with Families in Support of Home Education (FISHE), and instructs an after-school Lego Club. She works closely with Social Services to improve the placement process of the foster child and continues to work with social workers and the new permanent families during the transition period.

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Their son Jake is a medic and volunteers at Fire Station 417, Centreville Volunteer where, in 2010 and 2011, he volunteered more than 1,000 hours.

Jake has even delivered two babies -- the first when he was just 16 years old! For the entire family, serving their community is about more than giving back and being good citizens -- it is about love and caring. With each foster child, they give their whole hearts knowing that, ultimately, the children will themselves learn to love and learn to trust.

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 102 Ira Eaker Drive Barksdale AFB, LA 71110 (318) 742-1505 E-mail: p2a2tibbets@gmail.com or p2a2me.com Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/

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were too tired by the end of the day to start any trouble! Will says for him it was well worth the trip and the experience truly was once in a lifetime.

Great to hear from you!

Many thanks to Jeff Cashman for sharing this photo, documenting what he refers to as a quirk in military history. Four members of our class were simultaneously serving as senior military assistants to several of the senior-most DoD leaders (aka: Horseholders: so named for the historical allusion to the guy that holds the reigns of the General’s horse when he dismounts).

Members

Class Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid= 4310135698/.

Greetings ’89ers! Hard to believe, but we are only one year out from our 25-year class reunion. Our class president, Don Simpson, has the latest details on Facebook. Check it out at the link above. Additionally, the Tibbets Family just completed our 13th move in 24 years. I am now working for AF Global Strike Command as the Deputy A3. It is fantastic to be back in the bomber/nuclear community after nearly six years apart. Both Angelle and I have our families in the state…great to be home!

How many of you following the racing industry? We have a classmate doing some pretty remarkable stuff – Kelly (KC) Jones. Here is a link to a recent article from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ Sabre Society Donors indycar/2013/05/21/modern-indycar-simulators-dallara-hunter-reay-desilvestro/2349141/.

KC has an amazing story. He flew F-16s; then after separating from the AF, started racing motorcycles and cars/go-carts. He had an accident that almost killed him, then after years of rehab, starts a really cool business. Thanks to Richard Lewis for sharing!

Next, we received an update from Will Smith on an interesting vacation he took to North Korea for his birthday back in May. No, Will says it wasn’t a mid-life crisis, although most of his friends and family thought he was crazy – to include his wife (who didn’t tag along!). After retirement from the Air Force Will came across someone who works for the Young Pioneers Tour Company, and found out Americans are allowed to visit North Korea via China, but South Koreans are not. And being a Korean-American (his mom’s from Seoul), Will grabbed this unique opportunity, spending 5 days in Beijing, 5 Days in DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), then 5 days in Seoul.

Will had been to Russia and China, and said he had to check the DPRK square. In his words: “I must say it was... interesting. I never felt threatened or unwelcomed once. I could take pictures of most anything -- all we had to do was ask. I took over 700 pictures I think. (No military installations, of course... but I’m on vacation, why would I?). But even then... a DPRK Lieutenant allowed me to take a picture of him. Less than a week later I was taking a picture with a ROK soldier on the other side of the DMZ -- crazy.”

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From left are Brig Gen Stephen Whiting, who was serving as the senior military assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and is now at Nellis AFB as the vice commander of the US Air Force Warfare Center; Col Kirk Smith, serving as the director of the Commander’s Action Group for the Commander, SOCOM (not officially a “horseholder” but judged to meet the criteria for the purposes of this funny photo); Brig Gen Jeff Taliaferro, who was serving as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, and is now at Headquarters Air Combat Command as the Director, Plans and Programs; and Jeff, who is the Executive Assistant to the Chief, National Guard Bureau.

Jeff added that there is a kid in his hometown thinking about attending the Air Force Academy. He offered this advice: “If you’re serious about a military career, consider that the people you meet at USAFA when you’re 19 years old will be the same ones you rely on to get things done at work 27 years later.” In my case, I’ve been lucky that these guys saw past the 19year-old me in favor of the 46-year-old version. Thanks Jeff!

That’s a wrap for this quarter. Keep those cards and letters coming.

Take care and God bless!

42% Mike Shepherd Members 3801 Derby Circle Quartz Hill, CA 93536 (661) 266-2133 michael.j.shepherd@hotmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafa90.com Greetings MGC! Well, I feel like it is the summer of 1986 and I’m reaching deep into PO Box 1209 USAF Academy Colorado Springs CO 80840— few letters and no care packages!

So I was very thankful that a few of you were able to break away from a hectic summer and drop me a line and I didn’t have to resort to self-addressed stamped envelopes. Carl Brenner let me know how things were back at one of my old stompin’ grounds at Wright Patterson AFB. “Group commander is great, especially with a terrific team doing air and cyberspace intelligence. Toni (Desonia, ’89) and I have 4 kids who are all pretty busy with sports, music, Scouts and more. I have the pleasure of working with a couple other great red tags daily: Aaron Prupas is the Commander, National Air and Space Intelligence Center and the best boss I’ve got! Brian Niswander is NASIC’s all-purpose strategist, communicator, and go-to guy as a civilian Sabre Society and Air Force Reservist. It is a great team!” CongratulaDonors tions Carl on Group Command—quite a long way from

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Will poses with a member of the North Korean military.

Throughout the visit Will said they had two local guides and two Western guides, and were only able to see what they wanted them to see. They stayed in a nice hotel on an island and couldn’t leave on their own volition. Additionally, they had a packed schedule from 0730 to 2100 and

when the two of us were trading sea stories with the Coast Guard as exchange cadets!

For better or for worse I’ve turned to Facebook for much of our communication with the class—if you join our 1990 group I’ll probably hit you up asking for a Checkpoints update. Lynn George Davis joined a few months back and was kind enough to oblige with my request: “I am married with 2 sons age 18 and 15. My oldest son, Philip, received an appointment to the USAFA Class of 2017 and will be in-processing on 27 June. Yikes! I separated from the AF after my five years, and my husband retired in 2009 after 21 years in the AF. Thanks for letting me join ‘The group’!” Thanks Lynn, and the price is right at absolutely free. Good luck to Philip! Together with Terry Bradley’s son C3C Josh Bradley (who has been beating the dean with a perfect 4.0 GPA) that brings my count of second generation ’90ers up to 2—do we have any more out there?

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Class News ground-breaking book entitled Killing without Heart: Limits on Robotic Warfare in an Age of Persistent Conflict.

So some of you may know I working as a deputy chief engineer at an aerospace company—I found one of our classmates occupies a similar (but probably much more important!) position on the civil side at Boeing. Paul Lambertson is the Chief Engineer, Systems Engineering, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) and recently sent me this update. “Things for the Lambertson family have been pretty awesome. My bride (Michelle) of 10 years and I have two kids (5 and 7) and our 8-year-old dog.

Writer, speaker, warrior and philosopher Shane Riza.

Shane told me a little about the book and his thoughts on the X-47. “I saw the news. As an engineer I applaud the feat. As a warrior I see only catastrophe for the deep meaning of warfare… it’s an interesting world we live in. I was once dismissive of the fuzzy studies. Now I’m both a fan of the expanding realm of science and engineering and a deep thinking amateur philosopher and ethicist… Cool to see it in print… and, hey, I’m in the Library of Congress!” I was impressed, and in fact I purchased the hardcover book from Amazon (although I’m supposed to embrace the latest technology I still can’t get comfortable reading a Kindle).

Shane joins Tim Kane and Rob “Waldo” Waldman as published authors who have all contributed very important works! When he is not putting pen to paper, Shane still moonlights as a USAF fighter pilot—“I’m on the move from Alaska where I just handed the guidon of the 354th Operations Group over to Stephen “Curse” Platt. He’s there at Eielson with Jay “Hoser” Aanrud who is the vice commander of the 354th Fighter Wing and Blake “Musher” Matray who is about to retire this fall. I’m going to Langley to work in the ACC/IG.” Thanks to our classmates this month who made sure I had enough material to write about—although you don’t have to be an ops group commander, raise a 2nd generation cadet, design the next airliner or author a best-seller to get in these pages—all you have to do is send me a note and save me from having those empty PO Box BCT flashbacks! Mighty ’90! – Flash

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Carson Tavenner 7216 W. Country Club Drive Arlington, WA 98223 (301) 367-8969 Tavenner@hotmail.com

The Lambertson Family “Getting to serve this great nation in the many meaningful opportunities I had was truly an honor. Flying Boeing airplanes for much of my career and the opportunity of living in Puget Sound again made it clear that we should retire and go for Boeing. So, luck and timing intervened and I’ve now been with BCA for 3 years. I’m currently transitioning from the BCA Systems Engineering Chief Engineer to the 777X Airplane Integration Leader. Leading BCA SE was a lot of fun and now it’s time to put that functional excellence to work developing Boeing’s next commercial airplane.

Boeing’s a terrific company and the past 3 years have been great. We have a pretty good grad population, but I don’t get to see many ’90 guys – if you’re out here, please drop me a line anytime!”

So I bring up the engineer angle because I was pretty proud of a feat that some colleagues of mine achieved recently — landing the X-47B on the deck of the George H.W. Bush, the first-ever arrested landing of a UAV on an aircraft carrier at sea. I was corresponding with Shane “SPAM” Riza about the feat. You see, Shane has just authored a very well-reviewed and

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Members

Correction: Some others of you may have noticed in my last column I mistook Jeff Philippart for a Bold Golder when, in fact, he is Class of ’90.

I think I (and sometimes others) make the mistake of remembering Jeff as ’91 because he is such a great guy! ’91 keeps taking lead at USAFA’s institutions! Now Stacey Hawkins is the 10th Air Base Wing Commander at USAFA. I have to share the outgoing commander’s (Col. Tim Gibson) words for this occasion, “with all sincerity, I have never been more comfortable with relinquishing command and turning it over than I am today because of the caliber of Colonel Stacey Hawkins… you all are in for a real treat.”

Wow, Stacey! That is great stuff; congratulations and thanks for making us all proud!

Also, James Hodges is now Commander, 87th Air Base Wing at Joint Base mcGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Jon Watson is flying C-130s with the Reserve, John SchaeSabre Society fer is Commander, 612th Air and Space Operations CenDonors ter, Dirk Armbrust is the Operations Director at Barrier Advisors in the Dallas area, Mark Grotelueschen has become the USAFA History Department’s Deputy for International History, and Scott Thatcher is the US Transportation Command Liaison Officer to US Southern Command.

Holy cow, this is an amazing group. Congratulations on all the exciting new changes, fellas!

A further thanks to Scott Thatcher for his ‘shout-out’ on FB on behalf of Cory Linden, our latest great story! Cory has moved on from the ranks of the military to embrace a musical career, and it looks like he is really mak-

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ing some waves! His FB page has already attracted over 5,000 Likes and I look forward to hearing him play at some nearby venue in the future. But the Seattle area doesn’t seem to be on his list right now. Here’s what he had to share with me about his album, “Based On a True Story.” “[It] took 18 months of blood, sweat and tears to put together in my free time (or rather, sleep time). It was made with a group of top-shelf session musicians in LA (a complete album played by musicians -- a novelty these days!). I wrote, produced and sang all the album’s 10 tracks. Having put so much into it, I’ve been thrilled by the response and awesome reviews (to include a 5/5 stars!). I think for our class that a lot of people will relate to the album because it has an undertone of ’70s-’80s light rock spliced with a contemporary twist. I think that’s what surprised the critics -- there’s a bit of timelessness there that doesn’t sound contrived (at least that’s my take on it).” Hey, folks, check him out!

Cory’s got an album cover – pretty wild stuff!

Many congratulations on such a neat transition, Cory! Clearly you are showing your Bold Gold talent.

Leon Dockery retired 31 May – fellow classmate and friend Stacey Hawkins officiated! Leon is now teaching JROTC at Rocky Mount High School in North Carolina. (Makes me think of a favorite bluegrass tune, “Rocky Top”!) Several grads joined Leon at his ceremony. “Pictured from left are Steve Martin (‘92), Steven Bleymeier (‘91), Sherry Teague (‘90), Michael “Brad” Tannehill (‘92), Stacey Hawkins (‘91), Leon Dockery (‘91), Rahn Butler (‘91), Joel Milton (‘90), Bryan Bobeck (‘97), David Thompson (‘03). It was great to have so many grads there!”

Leon Dockery retired at the KC-135’s depot maintenance hangar. Sweet place to finish out!

And there’s another great story submitted by Robb “Leif” Erickson. It’s a pretty amazing story about another classmate, Dave “Magnum” Drichta, and his battle against cancer (visit http://www.carigngbridge.org/visit/daviddrichta/journal) and the fini-flight prior to leaving Randolph (in June) for Air War College. In Robb’s words: “I would encourage you to read the Caring Bridge link. A year ago, I had the distinct privilege of escorting Dave to and from his radiation and chemo treatments every Friday morning for six weeks as he battled Stage IV throat cancer. In the conversations that we had together during his arduous treatments, we always maintained faith and hope that he would get to fly again and that I would be with him on that flight.”

Against all odds, Robb and Dave were able to take that flight together this past June! Robb reported “It was a nearly perfect sortie yesterday.

Would have been perfect had it involved some dogfighting and not so much of pointing at the ground dropping make-believe bombs....”

Thank you, Robb, for sharing and caring enough to bring all of us along for “the ride.” Robb further shared that Steve “Willard” Burgh is “here serving with me on the A2/3/10 staff. He is the Division Chief for Graduate Flying here at AETC and we get to see and work with each other nearly every day. Mike Wollet is also here on the AETC staff working in the IG shop. Jim “Shredder” Sears is doing great as the Wing Commander at Columbus.” Thanks, Robb!

Way back in April, Ken D’Alfonso wrote how “a bunch of us were looking at the spring blizzards in the Mid-west and started to think we should do something about it...so we went to brunch on the lanai at the Hickam O-Club. Got to tell you, if you have to do staff work, this is the place to be. Out of respect to our classmates in Minot and Grand Forks I went with the formal look and tucked in my shirt for the first time in 9 months.

Of course no one has socks on… don’t want to go too crazy with formalities. Pictured from left are Chris Cortez, Mike Winkler, Laura (Williams) D’Alfonso, Ken D’Alfonso, Keith Felter, John Vaughn, Lance Cook, and Butch Hatch.

Hawaii brunch: Oahu Bold Golders showing solidarity with the snowbound. Yeah, thanks.

And, in closing folks: we really need help with our class gift campaign!

The committee has recently decided to pull back from sponsoring the foyer and to focus on a break-out room instead. The glass wall partition will have our crest etched on it, I’m told. But we can’t see it come to fruition without giving support! We must encourage one another… I know we are all living busy lives… yet we need some squadron reps to help make a few phone calls around. Please contact me if you want to help us knock this out.

Sorry for the brevity, my friends! It’s been a good summer to be proud of ’91. Now let’s return the favor to our alma mater and sponsor that breakout room in true Bold Gold fashion! Until next time, Carson

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Class News

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James S. Mehta 3802 Elbert Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 james.mehta@us.af.mil jamesmehta@earthlink.net

Members

Wow!! My pleas were heeded and I heard from many of you… some for the first time. Now I have the tough job of squeezing so many updates into one column. Thanks to all who sent me updates!

No words to waste… let’s jump right in. Jim Dryjanski is leaving the faculty at NWC and is going to command the AEG in Kuwait. He sent me two updates while at the pre-command course at Maxwell. Tom Dobbs is going to command one of the four ISR groups at NASIC at Wright-Patterson; Dave Mott finished up as a Chief of Naval Operations Fellow at Naval War College and going to command at Travis; Jeremy Sloane will be the vice at Luke; Lance Landrum will be the 388 FW/CC at Hill; and Clarence Lukes will be the vice at Yokota.

From left are Jeremy Sloan, Lance Landrum, Clarence Lukes, and Jim Dryjanski.

Another ’92 Wing King. Dave Kumashiro just took command at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Kumo took over the 62d Airlift Wing (C-17 unit) on 17 July. There was a great AF News article covering the change of command: http://www.62aw.af.mil/news/story. asp?id=123356393. I know his whole family made it out to Washington for the ceremony.

First timers! My first new writer was Danielle Bernard. Danielle must have felt sorry for me when I wrote last quarter that I was short on news.

She provided me a quick update. She just retired from Schriever AFB, but had her ceremony at Doolittle Hall. It was a fitting place to end to her active duty career. Not just because it was at the Academy, but because her squadron (CS-31) actually held their commissioning there! According to Danielle, “The retirement ceremony was fabulous (in my humble opinion), but in addition, fellow classmates Al Bloir (now an First Command Representative), his wife, Tina, and Sean Londrigan (current USAFA Instructor) attended.” Danielle is now in Raleigh, NC to attend UNC School of Law in the Fall.

Manny Saenz also wrote for the first time. I’ll have Sabre Society to summarize to save space. Manny retired in SeptemDonors ber 2012 from WPAFB as the Chief, Strategic Sourcing

And, last but not least. Chris Hays wrote saying that he had not been mentioned in Checkpoints in 21 years, so he took matters into his own hands and wrote me a note. Chris, Joel Brewer, and Mike Connolly recently flew a C-40 mission together flying CENTCOM/CC around the AOR. They are all from the 1 AS, which is a part of 89 AW at Andrews.

While at Al Udeid, they ran into John Lamontagne who is the OG/CC at Al Udeid. Chris mentioned how “rough” it was there with beer and free pizza! Another night they shared dinner at the DFAC with John Nichols who just started his year as the chief of combat ops. Other ’92ers at 1 AS include Mike Cummings, Mike Kitching, and Dave Beaver who just got back from a year in Iraq. Chris actually re-qualified Dave in the C-40 simulator in Miami recently. Mike Kitching just recently returned from Kabul. And, Chris just recently saw Tim Parker retire from the squadron and he is back flying for Delta. Thanks for the update Chris! Now you know the secret how to get into Checkpoints.

From left are Joel Brewer, Mike Connolly, Chris Hays, and John Lamontagne.

AWC Graduates. Nate Allerheiligen finished Air War College and is “in the corn fields of Illinois at Scott AFB doing a planning job.” In the first two days in town, he ran into Perry Long and Jim Dittus -- Perry is at AMC and Jim is working at TACC. Aaron Stephens, Suzanne Streeter, Greg Green, and Brian Carr all graduated with Nate and Suzy and Aaron earned several awards for their writing and leadership. “Aaron is headed to Afghanistan for a year -- he finally gets to learn how to fly a prop! And Suzy and Brian are headed to DC for positions, as is Greg as I recall. Just before I left I ran into Clarence Lukes doing some of his pre-command course work at Maxwell.” Nate passed along a fun anecdote from his AWC field studies trip to Tanzania. During the trip Brian “Gecko” Carr, and another AWC Classmate, Spencer “Trash” Thomas were told of their promotion to O-6 by the Chief of Staff, Tanzania Air Forces! We were the first American military contingent to be granted an office call with the Tanzanian Air Forces Chief of Staff, so we were doubly honored (and surprised) to have him announce their promotions!

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Analysis Branch, for AFMC/A7K, Directorate of Contracting. While there he deployed to Iraq for a second time to command the Regional Contracting Centers in Mosul and Balad under CENTCOM Joint Theater Support Contracting Command. Before Ohio, he commanded the 30th Contracting Squadron at Vandenberg. After retirement, he took his family on a month-long trip around the country ultimately ending at their new home in San Antonio.

In San Antonio, he started as a civilian GS-15 in contracting for the US Army as the Deputy to the Commander of the 410th Contracting Support Brigade at Fort Sam Houston providing contingency contracting support to USSOUTHCOM, US Army South, and SOCSOUTH. I laughed when I read this part of his note: “This is a very interesting job and I am enjoying it very much even though it is with the Army. The way I see it is that Army needed a little help from an ex-USAF contracting officer.” Manny, his wife, Hilda, and children, Briana (9) and Manuel (5), are happily settled in San Antonio and look forward to seeing other ’92 classmates. If you’re in town make sure to look him up. Finally, Manny mentioned that Kelly Kimsey is at Nellis AFB flying UAVs.

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Proud parents Nate and his wife with their son Jim who became an Eagle Scout.

My final email came from Kip Wilkowski’s dad who is a 1965 grad. He was excited that his grandson, potentially part of the class of 2032 or so, “met” England’s Prince Harry who was attending the welcoming ceremonies of the Warrior Games being held in Colorado Springs. When Prince Harry paused to say hello to young Sebastian (about 10 months old), Sebastian grabbed his nose. Apparently this was “newsworthy.” The Fox News article states, “Prince accepted the gesture good-naturedly and extended Master Wilkowski an invitation to join him for a pint in the Golden Bee English Pub at the Broadmoor Hotel later that evening. However, upon being informed of Master Wilkowski’s age by his adoring mother, Julia Wilkowski, the Prince extended the invitation until Master Sebas-

tian reaches his majority.” Kip, who currently lives in Lynchburg, VA with his family, has been a volunteer at the Warrior Games for the past several years. When I contacted Kip for more details, he laughed and told me he’d get back to me on it…

Finally, as I joined the Joint Staff and showed up for my mandatory oneweek training, I was happy to see classmates Ken Ohlson and Mike Mote in my class. Ken is in J-34 with me and Mike is down the hall in J-37. I’ll be relying on my classmates once again to get me through the grind…

I’m out of space, so I’ll sign off simply. True Blue ’92! James Michael D. Sundsted 1805 Macadams Place Alexandria, VA 22308 202-757-0080 Michael.Sundsted@whmo.mil Class Website: www.zoomienation .org–”Class of 1993”

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Greetings and Happy 20 Years since our graduation from USAFA! I hope this finds that everyone has had a great summer! By the time you read this letter, we will likely be enjoying our reunion at the Antlers Double Tree in Colorado Springs and witnessed a great Falcon win at Saturday’s football team. You might read this afterwards and think I need to send in my update of the great time I had at the reunion. Thanks to the reunion committee (in advance) for the exceptional job they have done at putting the best reunion together for our class. Not much to report in this letter other than we are hoping that our 20-year reunion reinvigorates those who haven’t touched base with the class in a while! On to the news…

Had a quick email to say hello from Col Kieren Denehan who is stationed in Korea. He works at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, Korea following a RAND fellowship in Santa Monica, CA. I bet you miss Santa Monica!

Denny is sorry he will miss the 20th reunion due to duty, but promises to make the 25th.

Kieren and Scott at the DMZ at the South/North Korea border.

Also had a quick hello from Jeff Kubik and Jerry Benson. My goal was to have a cup of coffee before the reunion with Jerry because he is only out in Chantilly, VA. If not—I owe him several tasty beverages!

Rich Benda checked in from beautiful Kathleen, GA. Rich recently retired from active duty from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base where he was an instructor at the A-10 school house. He got a call from United Airlines on his first day of terminal leave and was hired three weeks later—perfect timing! He was able to take in some great fly fishing, the North Georgia mountains, and St Simons Island with his wife and 4 kids before he entered training at the United Flight Training Center in Houston. He finishes up his training in August where he will start out as a First Officer on the Boeing 737 out Sabre Society of Houston Donors Rich updates us on several of our classmates. “John ‘Stitchy’ Briner arrived at Davis-Monthan in March and is one of the DOGs. I got a chance to see him the last couple months before I retired. He is planning to retire next year. I also keep in touch with Mike ‘Flapwel’ Meyer who retired as a T-38 IP at CBM. He is actively pursuing an airline job as well. Pat Smith retired as well and lives in Augusta, GA not all that far from me. Look forward to catching up at the reunion—thanks for the great update! (See photo at the top of the next column.)

With the arrival of our 20th year post graduation from the finest collegiate institution in the land, most academy classes take on a five-year financial project for the betterment of the Academy and the AOG. The Air Force Academy has a long to-do request list for classes should they decide to help. Our class will be working with the Association of Graduates to determine where we as a class can help out. No doubt this will mean raising capital—we are relying on some of our savvy classmates who are good

Rich Benda and his wife at his final A-10 flight. at fund-raising to help in this class project. Please let me know if you are interested in spearheading our class project or being on the class project committee. There is no need to be geographically present in Colorado Springs to participate. If you are not interested in volunteering, please realize that over the course of the year following the reunion that someone from our class will be contacting you regarding potential contributions.

Please play an active part in giving back to the USAFA! See you at the reunion! Mike Craig Allen 85 Quail Creek Drive Del Rio, TX 78840 H: 830-313-7089 C: 660-864-5374 kegsdoolittle@yahoo.com

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Fall Sequester Edition. The end is nearly in sight for DoD civilians being furloughed. Hopefully we see a return to normalcy with the new fiscal year on 1 Oct because right now, as Ted “Theodore” Logan once said, “Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.” People are dealing with a 20% pay cut, flying squadrons are grounded and there was an Academy graduation minus the Thunderbirds. It’s like some kind of anti-1980s, un-awesome, alternate universe... a Bizarro World, like where Elaine assembled that group of friends who were eerily similar to Jerry, Kramer and George, but just not quite right. For example, I was told the other day that a Lt in my squadron had volunteered for that proposed mission to Mars, which I’m pretty sure is a one-way trip. Some mentorship and counseling were in order for that young officer. It’s not all bad news though. While writing this, the Sabre Society Red Sox are still in first place and I just saw American Donors Phil Mickelson play some incredible golf to win the British Open... and one of the last marriage holdouts from ‘94 just got hitched.

Bill “Sully” Sullivan wrote me to describe recent events from New Orleans, where Chris Eden’s wedding took place. Sully said Jack Aalborg, Noah Hardie and Dane Nielsen were also there in the Big Easy for the historic occasion. Chris, Dane and Sully traveled in from the D.C. area, Jack from Florida and Noah all the way from Helsinki. “As in Helsinki, Sweden. Finland.” It was reportedly an amazing time, complete with Chris, his new bride, Kathryn, and a brass jazz band leading all 220 wedding guests dancing through the streets of the French Quarter.

Sully also sent this pic of the ‘94 supporters in attendance. I hadn’t seen

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Chris Eden’s entourage: Noah, Bill, Chris, Dane and Jack. Does Chris look nervous?

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Class News Noah in a long time and it appears he finally gave up on that early-’90’s, Will Smith/Fresh Prince hairdo. It’s an unabashed, straight-up bald look now, Kojak style. Looking good fellas. Congrats to newlyweds Chris and Kathryn!

Jen (Allen) Gresham checked in from jolly old England, where she lives with her husband, Kyle Gresham (‘91) and their daughter Ingrid. Kyle is stationed there as Commander of the European Office of Research and Development. Jen told me that she made the rare decision to separate from the Air Force at the 16-year point, back in 2010. At the time, she said she was the Assistant Chief Scientist of the Human Performance Wing at the Air Force Research Lab, but that she got so tired of having to repeat that long duty title that she decided to get out and go for a new one -- CEO. Jen founded the No Regrets Career Academy, where she helps people make career transitions with, in her words, “more structure and scientific rigor.” Though its sounds like some weird science, Jen says applying the scientific method to career searches has been very successful.

So far, she has worked with over 200 clients from more than 20 countries and says she’s never been happier. If you’re thinking of a career move, get in touch with her. Jen sent this picture with her daughter and a nice view in the background.

Jen and Ingrid. “And look kids, there’s Big Ben, Parliament...”

Chris “Forrest” Sage sent me an email from Mountain Home, ID. Apparently, ‘94 is well represented in the Operations Group up there in Gunfighter Country. Forrest said he is there with Dave “Fumes” Brynteson and Joel “UHaul” Meyers. Forrest reported that Fumes just finished up as the Commander of the 391st Fighter Squadron (Tigers) and is on his way to the SAMS O-6 Fellowship at Fort Leavenworth with the Army. UHaul is the Commander of the 389th Fighter Squadron (T-Bolts) and deployed with his squadron to an undisclosed location shortly after the photo was taken. Forrest said he is finishing up a tour as the Commander of the 366th Ops Group and on his way the Weatherhead Center Fellowship at Harvard. Thanks for the update Forrest and congrats! Hope you get a break from your busy studies this fall and find time to get out to Fenway, Foxborough and maybe a “Hahvahd Bah” for a pint.

should be. Anyway, drop me a line and if you know the five movies quoted in this article, email or text me the answers and you’ll receive a “major award”... your name in the next article. Kegger.

R. Travis Koch 2406 Pretty Bayou Island Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32405 W:(850) 282-43-1 DSN 742Cell: (840) 499-8242 richard.koch@us.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com

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Fast and Furious: Most of you might not realize this but I’m about to be fired from being the scribe. I pretty much turn in these articles about a month late so if you’d like to write one on time, I and the AOG hero who edits this drool would both appreciate it. So, here’s some stream of consciousness …

Curt Green the “Dance Machine” is an ANG CAT Director but all that responsibility did not keep him from losing his phone in Vegas. Since Curt’s mom still gets his copy of Checkpoints, Mrs. Green, you need to know, he was at the library when he lost it. Since Curt was still rocking the Miami Vice brick phone, he did not have the cloud back up so if you haven’t heard from him in a while, it is not personal. Steve Walker’s brother Terry (’91) retired and is on his way back to coach football in Missouri. Anybody know where Steve is? Mark Sotallaro just finished being the munitions division Chief at ACC and is at Air War College with his great looking family:

Mama Sot and her Mighty Men. AK Trip: I snuck up to Alaska for a few days last month to speak at a 43TFS reunion. Long haul but great time. Ate a Juicy Lucy in Minneapolis on my layover with Mike Pugh. If you don’t know what a Juicy Lucy is, I highly recommend them. Keep an eye out for one on Triple-D or stop by 35th and Bernard for a bite. Pugh is doing great. Romer and Carter are in sports camp all day and Laurel is holding court every night with her three boys (Pugh is included in that group). Pugh mentioned to me that Chel Lingren is on his way to the ISS in May of 2015 but I could not find his name on the NASA website. I’m guessing he is going to be on Expedition 44 but, “Ground Control to Chel”… let us know when you can and CONGRATS! Sabre Society Donors Once I got to Anchorage, I had some Moose’s Tooth pizza and turned in for the night. I am a fan of the midnight sun. The next day I saw Brian Baldwin who is doing great. He’s in the Reserves with a beautiful wife and child.

Later, I got to attend the Change of Command for the 525FS where Chris Kretsinger (’97?) took command. Many a Bulldog and Diceman in the house and K-9 delivered his speech in 95 seconds. Well played. I ran into Jen and Dave Piffarerio (’94 and that’s Col Piff now) and his new son (Bryce Andrew) during the ceremony. A gorgeous family and a great time. That night at the reunion, Amanda and Derrick France (’92) attended and they are on their way to Korea for a few years with their three beautiful daughters.

Random Updates: Have you ever seen a better looking group? How about this picture Scott Arbogast! Scott’s kids (Jake 12, Dylan 10, Palmer 4 and John 1) are doing well. They are still living in Crofton, MD and have

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Gunfighters UHaul, Forrest and Fumes.

Chris Ouellette sent me an update from STRATCOM, where he works in J2. Chris is married to Rachel (Rabeni) Ouellette (‘96) and they have two boys, Jack and Gabriel. Chris said they are about to move to Ramstein, Germany where he will be an OSI squadron commander. Congrats Chris!

I also heard from Jeff “Dally” Dalrymple, who is on yet another flying deployment in the AOR. He said that Cristian “Oz” Smith is also in his squadron at their deployed location. Dally already set a retirement date for next year and is looking forward to starting terminal leave soon. I imagine there are a lot of ‘94 grads with AF retirement plans in the works, which will coincide with our 20-year reunion. I haven’t heard anything about the reunion schedule yet, but put it in your crosscheck for next fall.

I hope this edition finds you in good health and happiness. Hopefully, we’ll emerge from the Sequester blues and have a lot of loud Air Force jets flying over football stadiums across America this season. Like things 138

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300 X200.

of Management and Budget. He married his wife, Marianne, in 2002, and they have two kids, Parker and Avery. Parker Wright is back in D.C. after a year-long stint in Qatar. He and his wife, Lori, have two sons. Matt Russell is a Reserve Instructor Pilot at Columbus AFB, MS; is married with a daughter. Rodney “Luck” Luckett just graduated from SMU Business School with an MBA and moved from Muskogee, OK (Trey’s hometown) to Dallas, TX working logistics and supply chain management for the 7-11 Corporate Offices. David Henshaw and his family relocated from D.C. to Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD. He is an OSS/DO and his wife, Kristi, and their two girls seem to be enjoying all that South Dakota has to offer. Chuck and I ran into Gerhard Hahn while watching AF Football in Eagle River, Sabre Society AK last season. Keith Derbenwick and his family are Donors in the D.C. area to learn Turkish. They will be heading to Turkey as an attaché -- exciting times are ahead as they transition.

Speaking of Turkey, Parks Hughes and I were supposed to travel there as part of our field studies for National War College… thanks to sequestration that did not happen so we tried to absorb as much as about Turkey as possible in D.C. Parks headed to the Joint Staff after graduation and I’m working for the Air Force Surgeon General. Another classmate, Andre’ McMillan, was at the Eisenhower School. He’s a Reservist going to HAF/A4I (Weapons Systems Integration); on the civilian side he is the General Manager of the Pratt & Whitney operations in Dayton, OH. Mike Drowley was at Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA and we saw him during field trips to NDU.

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America’s Next Top Modeling Family a 28-foot Sea Ray Sundancer that they use all over the Chesapeake Bay. Arbo took Command of 121FS last month and says they are loving life.

They run into the Cotters all the time (and Sean usually has his shirt on), especially during football season. Who’s going to AF/Navy this year?

Jim “Toast” Stumbo is flying T-38s down here at Tyndall but is a full time Reservist at Warner Robbins. Harmon Lewis relinquished command of the 8th Airlift Squadron this May and is at Naval War College in Rhode Island. I got a picture of Balettie, G-Lowe, Sang Park and Benji Glazer but I think you guys are tired of hearing and seeing those Korean maniacs. Rick and Kathy Bolander have a mess of kids and are enjoying the clean California living.

Varun Puri is running the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, FL.

Gretch, Bone, and all their ankle-biters.

The Jon Hamby Section of the Update: Bone is doing great. The picture is of him and Gretchen Bronson and their kids. How awesome. I get to play in a member-guest golf tourney with him next month so I will pass a better update next quarter. Till then, keep the Faith. T.Koch Melissa S. Cunningham 9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181 (C) 719-332-4912 (W) 703-697-9121 Melissas.s.cunningham.mil@ mail.mil fmcunningham@me.com

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And a continuation of the John Hamby update: Bone was instrumental in our move back to D.C. last summer with a recommendation of a general contractor. Gotta love crowdsourcing on Facebook!

It’s Andi Vinyard filling in for Mel; you would think she is busy or something working for the Chairman, getting Fred ready to deploy, and taking care of two little cuties.

I love being in D.C. Every street is an opportunity to run into someone you know. It seems to happen frequently and it is fun to catch up with classmates I haven’t seen in a while. As Parks Hughes and I were going into a meeting downtown, we found Trey Treadwell waiting outside the same building. He gave me an update on several CS-36 folks. Trey moved to D.C. from Denver in 2003; left the AF for the private sector in 2007, and even played golf full-time professionally in 2009. He came back as a government civilian in 2010 with ODNI (Office of the Director of National Intelligence), and is now on a one-year detail to the White House Office

Parks Hughes, Andre McMillan, and Andi Vinyard in front of Roosevelt Hall, National War College.

Kristi Lowenthal just finished teaching history at USAFA after getting her PhD. She was paroled a little early so she could take command, working for DCMA (Defense Contract Mgt Agency) at the Northrop-Grumman plant, which does JSTARS maintenance, in Melbourne FL. Also back at the Academy (among others) are Anthony Barrett and John Christ in the CE Department, Meg Martin is back as the airfield DO after finishing up her PhD at North Carolina, and Jake Campbell is coaching football. Kristi is looking forward to Christian Lyon’s August wedding in D.C. He’s currently the Medical Operations Squadron Commander at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC. Blair Kaiser was honored to share his Airlift Squadron Assumption of Command with TABs Kurt Kremser, DO of Gulfstream Sq at MacDill.

The Kaiser Family: Blair, Girl Blair, Evan, Alex, and Carter.

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Chris Dougherty, C-130J pilot with Channel Island Guard and moving to United First Officer, attended with Leann and they are expecting their first child. Also attending were JP Sicotte, who is a C-130 instructor nav in WYANG, sommelier and all around renaissance man and Chris Sims, and Ty Little ‘95, Rick Wells ‘91, Vince Wild ‘89, Ian Laughrey ‘98, Morgan Moon ‘98, and Melissa (Feyereisen) Laughrey ‘97... And yes, we floated a full keg. The Kaiser family has graciously offered up 2 spare bedrooms at Cheyenne AFB, WY for anyone heading for Yellowstone or Black Hills. If you find yourself at Bagram, Sept 13-Jan 14 look him up.

I caught up with Hall Sebren before he escaped A8 and became the Misawa AFB Deputy, Maintenance Group/CC. Tony Babcock replaced Hall in the Engine Room. Julian Stevens is working in J8. Darren Paladino recently started working in AF/REXP (working the Reserve input to the POM). Jonathan Downing is in town working in SAF IE. Last fall we shared beer, wings, and an ugly AF-Army football game with Jeff Skinner. He is currently on staff at Walter Reed as a radiation oncologist. Living a few blocks away from us in D.C. is Rob Lee; after a year of trying we were finally able to have lunch. He left the AF in 2001 and then switched over to working inside the Intel community. Rob finished his MBA in 2009 and started his own company in the D.C. area with Chad Tilbury. They are busy of late as they train FBI, DoD, and commercial incident responders to deal with advanced cyber attacks in their organization. They respond to large-scale data breaches and track advanced hackers, mainly from China, that target government, military, and now commercial entities stealing our data. By the way, Rob’s also married and has 20-month-old twins! Rob, Chad and Tony Giustino (all out of the Air Force), are headed to the Grand Canyon in August for a week of rafting the Colorado River. Chad lives in Park City UT, and Tony lives in Austin TX. Rob also reports in that Tom “Steamer” Ste Marie, BJ Fry, Mike Thomas, and Jake Zochert are present or accounted for.

Also ran into Marco “Ivan” Parzych and Eric “Buster” Hoffman in Colorado this spring. Marco and his family are in the Fort Worth area working JSF issues. Buster and his family (Jennifer and two boys) are stationed at Eielson AFB, AK. Chuck and I visited Tom and Jenny (Spindle) Caballero in January and were greeted with four full days of rain in San Diego. Tom McElhinney went to a Washington Capitols game with us and I got a chance to spend a weekend with him and Esther (Obert) McElhinney. I can’t believe they have been in Columbus, MS for 10 years. They are both doing Reserves, Tom flies with United and Esther is teaching and leading a robotics club.

I’ve also caught up with Gwen DeFlippi (Army SES), Melissa (Baumann) Phillips, Rose (Dominquez) Hoffman, and Tia McDonald over breakfast throughout the past year. Kerre’ (Ellis) Meffre and Jenny (Spindle) Caballero are spending a long weekend in D.C. in late July. Kerre’, her husband, Ludo, and two boys are living in southern France where she recently started teaching English. If you ever run into French folks with a Texas twang, I bet they know Kerre’.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr. PSC 2, Box 10931 APO AE 09012 mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com melvin.maxwell@us.af.mil

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Greetings ‘97!

As always, hope this update finds you well. First update comes from Ryan Aerni. I passed word that Ryan would be taking command of the 60 OSS back in the March addition of Checkpoints. Turns out it did not happen. Ryan was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Nov 2012. His treatments were progressing well and Ryan had the 60 AMW/CC’s support to take command. However, after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, he still showed PET/CT activity in Sabre Society the area of the tumor and was expected to reloDonors cate to Stanford for more aggressive treatment for several months. Given this information, the 60 AMW/CC and Ryan agreed timing was not right for command. Fortunately, a couple weeks after that decision, Stanford recommended a repeat biopsy resulting in negative results for malignant cells and he’s been in remission for 4 months in July. Here is a picture of Ryan and his beautiful family (15-year-old daughter, 13-year-old son, and –year- old daughter adopted from China along with wife of 16 years, Kristine) from this past Easter, 2 weeks after Ryan’s last chemotherapy session.

Ryan Aerni and family Next update comes from Sean Monteiro who took command of the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron at Ft Riley, KS on July 10th. Sean’s unit provides combat-ready Tactical Air Control Party assets in support of the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). Sean and his wife, Erika, have a 4year-old daughter Skylar and are expecting a new son in November. Sean passed on some other updates: Dave ‘D-Ray’ Rayman took command of the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody and is prepping the unit, the Sharks, for a fall deployment. Sean was previously the DO of the 75 FS working with classmates Dan ‘Flac’ Clayton and Ryan ‘Frag’ Hayden, along with other grads such as Mike ‘Scud’ Curley (’95), Dave ‘Seymour’ Hayworth (’95), Ed ‘BLOG’ Burke (’98), Josh ‘Taz’ Hughes (’98), and Andrew ‘LOBO’ Quinn (’99). Dan Clayton took command of the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis which trains AF and Army personnel about close air support integration and execution.

Quick hits on the way out: Christine (Callahan) Mau and family moved to Seymour Johnson in June where she took command of the 4th Operations Support Squadron. Her husband, Steve, is going to coach volleyball for the North Carolina Elite club and a local high school. Christine’s got a son entering high school and two girls into totally girly things (and she’s fine with that!). Working on a regular basis with Chad Annunziata who took command of the 726th Air Mobility Squadron at Spangdahlem this summer. Also, ran into Ben Busch who is also at Spangdahlem as the 52 OSS/CC. Keith Ensor and family are moving from Baltimore to Atlanta, GA. Keith flies for Southwest Airlines. That’s all I have for this round. Until next time. Mel

Pat Fox 1260 Bragg St. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 837-6356 pfox@hannonarmstrong.com

Greetings fellow Dominators! We (Roy Recker and his wife, Felecia (Thompson) Recker, ’98) are ghost-writing for Pat Fox who is taking a few well-deserved quarters off from writing updates. (He mentioned that he needed to tie-up some “loose ends” which we interpret as needing to finish marching off his most recent 100/100/3.) In any event, in no particular order, here are a couple of updates from some of our fellow ‘98ers.

Sam Lopez-Torres writes: “I saw a bunch of people at the ten-year re-

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Sam and Christina Lopez-Torres

union, though I didn’t get to spend as much time as I would have liked with the class. I was stationed at Altus at the time, and was there from ‘07-’11. Then I went to ACSC, volunteered to stay on and did one year of instructing and am now starting my year as a DO. Loving life in Alabama; had a great time at what ended up being a 13-year reunion (the ACSC year). Got married March 25, 2012 to Christina Hong who was just finishing up her active duty time at Altus AFB. Our daughter, Madeline Grace was born Jan 7, 2013. Recap of the places I’ve been: USAFA as admissions advisor: Del Rio Sabre Society for UPT, Grand Forks, Robins then Altus. Here’s a picDonors ture from the wedding.”

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Great work, Sam. I can personally attest that he “married up” in life! Felicia (Thompson) Recker and I were able to rejoin with Sam and many other ’98ers at ACSC during AY12. Folks may find it surprising that our contingent of red-taggers were often “shushed” during lectures as we broke out into war cries of “DOMINATE” and “HUAH.” Like Sam, Felicia and I stuck around ACSC for an extra year to teach, but we left Maxwell this summer for another tour flying the F-15E at RAF Lakenheath. If you are in Alabama, swing by ACSC and say hello to Sam and a couple of other ’98ers stationed there: Cory Bulris, Meghan (Scott) Doherty and Mike Doherty.

Speaking of the Dohertys, we happened to run into them while visiting family in Denver. Mike Doherty was on R&R from Kabul, half-way done with a 365 there. (Mike mentioned that he ran into Rick Vasquez there, who is also “relaxing” in the warm summer sun of Afghanistan.) Mike and Meghan have 4 kids now and are allegedly considering a minivan purchase. Meghan is holding the fort down at home while Mike is deployed.

Like Sam, she is also a DO at ACSC.

This picture includes me with my 3 children and wife, Heidi Merete, my sister Lois (Baird) True ‘91, her husband Mark True ‘91 with their 3 kids, my eldest brother Leemon Baird ‘89, and my parents. I was visiting for Christmas having spent the last 10 years in Norway working as a Senior Data Analyst in the Norwegian Oil Services industry. We missed my other brother Charles Baird ‘94 since he was doing a 1-year island adventure in a cabin in Alaska after having finished several working contracts for BP in Alaska.”

While soliciting for Checkpoints updates on Facebook, I received ten “likes” and this update from Danny Smith, which actually made us laugh out-loud: “Roy, I wish I had a cool update... but not so much. I am the CFO at a technology company in Atlanta and just run spreadsheets all day to figure out how much money we don’t have. I do have a great family with 2 daughters (8 and 10) and just celebrated my 15th Anniversary to my beautiful wife, Marcy. I am not too fat yet, but working on it. Hope all the ’98ers are doing well.”

That about does it for this quarter. Please send your updates to me at reckerrp98@hotmail.com or find me (Roy P. Recker) on Facebook until Pat “shakes to take” the helm again.

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Mary Stewart Arlington, VA marybeth1999@hotmail.com mary.stewart@pentagon.af.mil

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Happy 14th, ’99, and congrats to all our newly minted O-5 selects out there! We are now officially almost as old as a Group AOC. To drive that point home, Matt Beverly sent me a photo of some of our finest classmates representing as Cadet Squadron AOCs at the Class of 2014 Ring Dance.

Mike, Meghan, Felicia, and Roy hanging out together in Denver.

In other news, Beth (Zeman) Stohlman sent a quick update, after confessing that they are “pleasantly bored” with life right now. She writes: “Andy and I are living in Bozeman, MT where Andy is enjoying a break from the C-17 world. He’s on a 3-year tour teaching AFROTC at Montana State University. It’s been a great assignment and Bozeman is a fantastic location. Our three kids (Chase - 10, Maiya - 8 and Wade - 5) love skiing, camping, hiking, fishing and kayaking. We recently had a visit from Steenbergen who just completed her PhD in Computational Physics at the University of Wellington, New Zealand. She is now working in a postdoctoral position in Berlin.”

Chris Baird squawked IDENT this quarter too. (I had no idea how many Bairds have A-Jackets in their closets!) He sent a family reunion picture along with this update: “Here is a photo taken this last Christmas during our family reunion at the WestGate River Ranch Resort in Lake Wales, FL.

From left are DeAnna (Haylett) Franks, Jason Kirkland, Bob Bryant, Ben Heslin, Matt Beverly, Jeremiah Stahr, and Jefferson DeBerry. ’99 AOCs not shown: Ben Cox, Geoff Fukumoto, Ed Guevara, Hans Larsen, George Crowley, and Paul Jeffords.

Not to be outdone, the Washington DC-based Shiners held a mini-reunion over Memorial Day Weekend. Spearheaded by Bobby Farina (a New Yorker, ironically), approximately 25 classmates and our families tried to relive the glory days, sharing cocktails, memories and coloring books. Having learned from my time calling minutes that the best way to remember something is to tape a miniaturized list to the inside cover of Contrails, I attempted to keep track of what everyone has been doing for the past 14 or so years via tiny note-taking, but I fear my penchant for sweet-tea vodka impeded my abilities. So thanks to those who left me some specifics: Erica (Andren) Reyes is recently married and working at BAE Systems.

Raja Chari is working as a Project Manager and flying Sabre Society Donors F-15Es in his spare time. Joe Whitehead is married and working as an attorney at a local D.C. firm. A few of us are working in that five-sided building, including Polly (Van Ess) Sandness for AF/JA and Roger Buckner in SAF/AQ. At least three of our classmates (Natasha (Ziegler) Tickner, Bill Roschewski, and Mike Foster) are working for agencies and activities that really can’t be discussed at this clearance level, or so they tell me. James and Allison (Maupin) Dentice also made the D.C.-trek from McGuire AFB with their gorgeous little girls. The D.C. crew is likely to get together again

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Visit the AOG Web Site.

Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org Christmas 2013 Baird Family Reunion

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for the AF/Navy game in October, so those who are local, send me your contact information if you didn’t already get harangued by Farina, and I will make sure you get the information if interested.

USAFA ’99ers shining in the National Capital Region.

Terrazzo Talk: Ryan Kappedal sent me a quick update as well. (Thank you, thank you, thank you!—see how easy it can be folks?) He is starting his 3rd year in the PhD program in statistics at the University of Washington, Seattle in the AFIT faculty prep program, sponsored by the NGA and becoming an expert on gravimetric detection (mapping underground tunnels). He and his wife, Elisa, have a 2-year-old son, Rigel. Dale Donckels is an officer in the LAPD now, and his daughter, Talia was just born (his third child; he also has two boys, Sam and Charlie). His wife, Jessica, is a professor at Pomona College. Jeff Vail is a private practice lawyer in Denver. With his wife, Julie (an accountant), he has two girls, Ella and Marley.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to FaceBook and “The Global” for ensuring I spelled names correctly. If you find any errors in my reporting, please place the blame squarely in cyberspace. Until the Winter issue, here’s hoping for a whole lotta ‘nother Falcon First Downs!

Jason Simmons 110 Mara Court Prattville, AL 36066 Jason.Simmons@Outlook.com

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Members

Classmates, Wow, the summer is cruising by! It seems like I just returned from my 1-year in Suckistan and then in June I had to pack up for my PCS to Maxwell AFB for ACSC. I’m going back and forth to the Ft Walton area to see the family while I’m at school, and considering I like to work fast, my wife and I are already expecting a new addition to the family! Princess #2 will emerge ready for fun (or at least sleeping anywhere, just like we could as cadets) in January 2014. It’s really our trick to get some family time, so Melissa will come up to Maxwell for her maternity leave and at least we’ll get to see each other more. God willing, we’ll get a Join Assignment after this year.

Recently my family and I caught up with Bryan Trinkle and his wife, April. Bryan and April became parents in June, welcoming Brooklyn. Then in typical Air Force fashion, she endured a PCS to Travis AFB 10 days later.

Sabre Society Donors For the next few years, he’s at Travis AFB, working as an Air Advisor focused on SOUTHCOM. They report that TrinkCasa is open for grad visitors!

Bessie (Fontenot) Granier writes from St Louis; she starts her new job teaching at St Louis Community College. To celebrate her return to work, she had a fellow 36 Proud Pink Panther Kristina (Welde) Pina help her through a Lia Sophia Party. The only other 2000 classmate in attendance was Jennifer (Stehwien) Lewis, but a fun time was had by all.

Bessie reports that St Louis recently said goodbye to Casey (Tinianow) Parini and on a recent trip to North Carolina she ran into Jadee (Bell) Purdy who has moved to Goldsboro and is working at Seymour-Johnson. They had a great time chatting and comparing notes on the area.

Keeping with the near Saint Louis theme, Mike Lewis and Jenny (Stehwien) Lewis have been at Scott AFB for two years now. Mike is on AMC staff and Jenny crossed out of the blue about 8 years ago. They have four kids ranging from nearly 8 years old to 16 months. Some updates from the cornfields of Illinois: Zach Jiron and Mike recently did an Olympic distance triathlon in St Louis. Zach is currently an AO in TRANSCOM and still has another year or so there before he moves on. Aaron Torczynski just showed up for the Joint Mobility Fellowship Program here at Scott, and he’s getting geared up for a grueling year. Ty Tollman is also here at Scott, and has made his mark on base by hosting some crazy karaoke parties. Ty

does a mean Johnny Cash. Other 2000 grads cruising Scott AFB are Chesley Dycus, Brian Nicosia, Brant Dixon, Scott Davis, and Kevin Justice.

In June, Jenny and Mike joined a handful of other grads to celebrate with Dorothy De Luz as she married William Liggett in Seward, AK. Terri (Hunter) Bolden, Lindsey Adami, and Bridget (Blanco) Graham were in the audience as Matt Graham officiated the outdoor wedding on a beautiful Alaska summer day (see photo). Terri mixed the tunes at the reception. Matt and Bridget’s daughter Kristen served as the flower girl. After the wedding Terri returned home to Houston, TX. Lindsey headed back to Dubai, U.A.E. and then turned around and moved to Zurich, Switzerland!

From left are Lindsey Adami ‘00, Matt Graham ‘00, Bridget (Blanco) Graham ‘00, William Liggett, Dorothy (DeLuz) Liggett ‘00, Jenny (Stehwien) Lewis ‘00, Mike Lewis ‘00, Terri (Hunter) Bolden ‘00.

In early July, Mark and Mary (Long, ’99) Sletten joined the Lewis family for a camping trip on a circuitous PCS from Alabama to Texas (for F-16 requal) and finally Eielsen AFB, AK later this fall. To join the Lewis family in Illinois, one camper “disintegrated” on Mark and the second camper had a broken slider that nearly derailed the trip. As the Sletten clan pulled into the campground, they had approximately 0.6 gallons of fuel left in the tank. Their truck gets about 8 mi/gal pulling the trailer... I’ll let you do the math on how close they came to running out of gas! The Lewis and Sletten crew were joined by Garrett (’01) and Carlin (Bevan, ’01) Fisher; they spent lots of time catching up around the fire. They also had their fair share of rain, not unlike 1st period CST in summer ’97. However, no rabbits were killed and they had far better food, didn’t have to walk through thunderstorms, and had 10 kids amongst the three couples to corral.

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From left are Mark Sletten ‘00, Mary (Long) Sletten ‘99, Jenny (Stehwien) Lewis ‘00, and Mike Lewis ‘00. The kids from left are Anna, Naomi, Rebekah, and Sarah Sletten; Brenna, Meghan, Zach, and Josh Lewis.

Thomas Hutton and family recently PCSed to Suffolk, VA. He’s working at the old JFCOM HQ, now Joint Staff (JS) J7; kicking with him in J7 is classmate, Larry Gabe.

Kirk Olson and also recently PCSed to Wright Pat. His wife, Courtney, and daughter went out to Newport, RI for Naval College graduation. Kirk reports that they will soon join him shortly in Ohio and that Courtney pins on major in a few months, but somehow she still outranks him at home though. As for work, Kirk is on the AFMC staff (A-8) doing wargaming!

Just think, all those years (approximately 23 years) of playing Risk, World of Warcraft, and Doom in his mom’s basement are finally paying off … his 75-sided die is also back in action!

Prosperous bunch they are, with a kid (or two or three) for each of them (one even photo bombed the pic!). Mackey is currently buzzing folks in Africa with his mad helo skills, Matt Corrigan is the RPA guru of the Air

Eric Ballew World Cell: +1.850.543.9936 ericballew86@yahoo.com eric.ballew@us.af.mil Class Facebook: USAFA Class of 2002 Class Website: www.usafa02.org

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Class of 2002, I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer!

Matt Miller, Matt Corrigan, Sarah (McGuane) Schwennesen, Paul Schwennesen and Adam Oliver get together for drinks at the Arizona Inn, Tucson AZ to celebrate 13 years of being released from the zoo.

Force and currently assisting 12th Air Force, Sarah is still working as a Public Affairs Officer IMA at Davis-Monthan, in addition to raising three little ones. Paul continues to ride herd on the family business of Grassfed Beef, in addition to branching out to intellectual pursuits including the Cato Institute and the Huffington Post. Adam Oliver is PCSing to Rapid City by way of Alamogordo for some training in the new and exciting world of RPAs. That’s it for now, I’ll be volun-telling classmates for a gathering that will include a picture while I’m here at ACSC and in our next edition will have some outstanding updates from them, unless I get too caught up in writing massive papers for the grueling courses. Meanwhile, we’ll represent anytime 2000 is said in Wood Auditorium, with a thunderous, “Balls!” … okay, we might get in trouble for that one. Later. Jason “JW” “Cueball” Simmons

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Faith (Hitchcock) Dunn 6423 NW 94th Court Johnson, IA 50131 Faithd03@hotmail.com

Members

Hi all! Here are the updates I have received for the article this quarter.

Please keep sending them my way!

Many of you have probably been following this already but I wanted to share the culmination of something pretty cool. Rob Marshall has been working on the USAF 7 Summits project for the last 8 years. In late May of this year, they finished the project by taking an AF and American flag to the summit of Mt. Everest! Rob climbed with USAFA Grads: Capt Kyle Martin ‘05, Capt Marshall Klitzke ‘05, Capt Colin Merrin ‘06, Maj Malcolm Schongalla, ‘01, and Megan Harkin ‘08. They also took three wounded Airmen up to base camp, including Capt Gus Viani ‘07. Malcolm climbed to 20,000ft on a training climb and Megan made it to Everest Base Camp.

Next up for Rob is heading to Mt. Rainier this summer in a new plan to take more wounded or troubled Airmen into the mountains. Dawn Golding ‘00, a VA Sabre Society physical therapist, is climbing with him, as is an Iraq Donors vet who lost his leg to an IED. I don’t know how he does it, but outside of climbing, Rob is still in Amarillo, TX doing acceptance test flights on CV-22 and MV-22s.

Brent Greer and Jason Feuring and their families have recently moved to Ft Leavenworth, KS and will be there for the next year or so. Brent Bak and his wife, Tricia, also just relocated to Newport, RI, and Jesse Goolsby and his family are on their way to Tallahassee, FL for their next assignment.

I also heard through the grapevine that a few of our classmates made Lt Col two years below the zone! Congrats to Rich Ganske, Jesse Goolsby, JP Mintz, Angela Ochoa, Michael Power, Tim Spaulding, Luke Teel, Brandon Tellez and Brent Bak! If I missed anyone else, please let me know.

As for Mike and me, we haven’t been up to much but work and the kids.

This is Grant’s first summer off from school so we took a mini-vacation up to Minneapolis to the Mall of America and our hotel had a big waterpark in it as well. The kids had a great time and definitely want to go back soon!

Mike and I also enjoyed a short trip to see a couple Dave Matthews Band shows at Alpine Valley in July. I head to Nashville for a conference for work next week and will be visiting Holly’s family for a couple days while down there. School starts here in a few weeks and Grant will be a big first grader!

Where does the time go!

That is all I have this time, please keep the updates coming! Faith

Jeremy Simmons’ B-2 Rose Bowl Flyover NO LIMIT UPDATE: On New Year’s Day, Jeremy Simmons flew the Rose Bowl flyby from the B-2 and John Chapman flew the Rose Bowl Parade earlier that day. On his return home from a mini-deployment Jeremy broke in Hawaii, so fellow classmate Andy Beckett had to come to his rescue with a 6-pack of beer of course. Brent Feldt and Maggie (Breun) Feldt are going to Travis AFB with their 3 kids. Brent will be an ENT at David Grant Medical Center. Andy Rohrer is headed to Keesler as a Pathologist.

Brandy (Ransom) and husband, Dustin Lybeck (’01) will be moving to Eglin with their 2 kids where Brandy will be an Internal Medicine Physician and Dustin is doing orthopedic surgery.

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Brent, Maggie, Norah, Griffin and Mary Kate Feldt at Keystone.

Chris Vojta and wife, Leslie (USNA ’02), are at Wright-Patterson with their 2 kids. Chris is in the middle of a radiology residency in Cincinnati.

Courtney (Johnson) Murphy and Barry Murphy (’01) are doing well with their three kids. Courtney is in Oregon while Barry is deployed to Afghanistan. Brian Stiles and wife, Sherri, are doing well at Whiteman AFB where Brian flies the B-2 and they stay busy with their 4 kids. Grey Shelfer got the opportunity to speak at the USAFA Parents Club of Southwest Florida with retired Major General Richard Carr (’59) for their appointee send off dinner.

Sabre Society Matt Armstrong is flying C-17s at McChord AFB. He Donors and his wife, Meri, have two boys. He was supposed to fly down to Las Vegas to watch the Silva vs. Weidman fight, but ditched me at the last minute. I was forced to watch the biggest UFC fight ever without a fellow classmate… you missed a good one buddy! See you in December for the rematch.

WEDDING NEWS: David Morales and Leslie (Bennett) got married in Oahu with lots of ’02 classmates in attendance. Thomas Parker (’03), John

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Class News Courtney, Max Christopherson, Tony Straw, Dave Morales, Tim Chapman, Geno Salazar (’05), Jason Shemchuk, Scott Beusch, and Al Partridge (’01) all had a great time celebrating with the new bride and groom.

continue as a captain, declined. Now separating, resigning commission, resigning citizenship and moving to Canada.”

Please register for our upcoming 10-year reunion! The last day to register is August 30, 2013. There is a $50.00 late fee charged after August 23, 2013.

Register here: https://www1.usafa.org/Events/Register.aspx?id=393.

Hope you’re having a great summer! Susan

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Breezy Long 120 Sunfest Drive Deatsville, AL 36022 windyshort82@gmail.com

David and Leslie Morales Wedding BABY NEWS: Way back in January, Jared Paslay and his wife, Aly, had a giant 11-pound baby boy named Kyle. Patrick McGarry and his wife, Lauren, also delivered a healthy baby boy named Tristan. Chris Bartley and wife, Bekah, recently welcomed their first baby girl, Gracie, and celebrated by moving to a new home in Northern Virginia.

DEPLOYMENT SIGHTINGS: Carlos Jayme got to catch up with a bunch of classmates during his deployment to Afghanistan. Passing through or deployed with him are James Rodriguez, Ryan Walinski and Dan Lindley.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Sarah (Gray) Lynch (’05) contacted me about a charity 5K honoring Garrett Knowlan. The event took place all over the world with participants uploading their pictures to Facebook.

The most recent update put the donation total at $4,350 in honor of Garrett. It’s a very touching tribute to a member of our class and very inspiring to see that our friends and loved ones can still having a lasting impact after they are gone. If you are interested in doing one of their future events check out the Filter’s Fund Facebook page.

KEEP ME UPDATED: If you run into any classmates send me a message and a pic so I can keep everyone in the loop with the RTB sightings around the world. Hope all is well!

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Susan (Doyle) Maly Linked In: USAFA 03 USAFA2003@gmail.com Class Facebook Page: Usafa Zerothree

(9 Sabre Society Donors)

Members

Hope everyone had a safe and comfortable summer, despite the rolling heat waves and excessive rain that have baffled weathermen across the U.S. Luckily, we have FOUR updates to share!

On 10 July 2013, Jonathan Lord—one of our most enthusiastic and dedicated classmates, and one of my squadmates!—realized his dream and earned his wings after what he described as eight years of Army “grunt work” and a year of Army flight school. Jon joked that he was probably the last person in our class to get his wings, but I can think of few folks who would cherish them more. Congrats, J-Lo!

Three 2004 Grads Making History!

Speaking of living the dream of manned flight, Matt McCants shared a photo of some Ready for Warriors launching the first operational deployment of the HC-130J Combat King -- the Air Force’s newest Combat Search and Rescue/Personnel Recovery platform. At the end of June 2013, Jay Capper, Jennifer (Wolf) Pruitt, and Matt McCants, rocked a front-rowseat photo to commemorate their part in this historic moment. Being modern-day pioneers looks pretty fun, if you ask me! Though I can imagine what hard work it is, too. You guys are awesome!

Hey Bongers, Only one update this time around: Kenneth Garcia: “U-28 Combat Systems officer previous C-130 Navigator, passed over twice, asked to

Reunited for a Kuhle Union.

From the off-duty realm, AJ Kuhle tied the knot with his sweetheart this summer—congrats and best wishes! Ty Pina shared a 2004 photo from

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Gone But Not Forgotten, Merchandise and more! www.usafa.org

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the festive occasion. From left in the photo are Ben Sims, AJ Kuhle, Joel Gerlach, Scott Butler, Ty Pina, and Monty Coleman.

classmate Gary D’Orazio. She is now a staff Physician and Medical Director for the Family Health Clinic at Eglin. Kattie is married to 2003 graduate, Neil Hoy, who has been off active duty for a year and is working hard on his golf game and flipping houses. They just recently welcomed their second child, Lucy, into the world this past Easter. Kattie and Neil also have a 2year-old son, Moxy, who is filling his new role as big brother very nicely.

The Delapasse family of ’04 becomes five—Welcome, Little One! Last, but not least, we have a family update and an invite to visit USAFA friends in Vegas! Jacob Delapasse and his wife, Paula (Maffey) (’05), PCSed to Las Vegas in the summer of 2012 and have really enjoyed being there. In the past year, they have been renovating their house and growing their family.

Anthony Paul Delapasse was born on 5 July 2013; he joins big sister Lilith (4 years old) and big brother Jacob Wayne (2 years old). Paula is enjoying living near her big family and returning “home.” Jacob is working Sabre Society in the Las Vegas area and should be there for anothDonors er four years. The Delapasses have said they’d love to see people passing through Vegas for school or for fun -- look them up if you are in town!

Thanks so much for sharing all these great moments in your lives. Can’t wait to see you all in person again at the reunion!

Should be about a year from this edition of Checkpoints. We won’t have dates until the 2014 football schedule is released, but it’ll be Homecoming Weekend. Until then, take care, and keep the news coming!

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John Tamasitis 801 King St., Apt. K Columbia, SC 29205 Tamasiti@email.sc.edu Cell: 610-850-3352

Kattie Hoy, her husband, Neil, big brother Moxy, and their newest edition, Lucy.

Cameron Sanders also reached out for an update of his own. Cameron was conducting sensitive operations for the last 5 years after forceshaping out of the Air Force in 2006. He is now a Program Manager at a company north of Nashville, TN that provides ISR software. Cameron is married and has 2 little ones of his own. If anyone wants to catch up with Cameron, who has been off the radar for quite awhile, he wanted me to let you know to email him at txtrain220@yahoo.com.

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(5 Sabre Society Donors) Classmates, I hope everyone has had a great summer and are excited for fall and football season. We have several updates to get to, but I wanted to start out with an update and photo that I forgot to include in the Winter Issue. ’05ers Ryan Young, Brent Cox, Brian Jarratt, Luke Hayway, and Kevin Fleming were all deployed together to Bagram Airfield during last holiday season. All were assigned to the 354th EFS. Brian was a maintenance officer and all the rest are A-10 pilots.

Cameron Sanders Brent McCall also took time out of his crazy schedule to check in with everyone. He and his wife, 2002 graduate Tara (Heintz) McCall, competed at the CrossFit games in July as part of a 6-man team representing the Asia Region. They found the time to train for this event all while raising 3 beautiful children. Brent is currently stationed in Okinawa at the 31st Rescue Squadron and was in the process of heading back out the door for his 5th deployment, 4th one to Afghanistan, at the time of submission. I think I speak for everyone when I wish him all the best and a safe trip.

Finally, it is almost time to start thinking about our 10-year reunion that is coming up quicker than all of us ever believed it would. If there is anyone out there that would like to head up this project, please contact me and let me know.

Best of luck to everyone and their seemingly ever-growing families.

God Bless, stay safe, and if you are ever down around the Carolinas, please give me a shout. John Dayle (Morell) Hartung 12918 50th Ave. Court NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332 daylehartung@gmail.com Facebook page: USAFA Class of 2006

From left are Young, Cox, Jarratt, Hayway and Fleming.

Now on to the most current updates. Kattie (Slagle) Hoy wrote in to let us know that if you need a doctor to give her a call. Kattie graduated from her medical residency at Eglin AFB in the summer of 2012 with fellow

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Members

I had the pleasure of attending SOS (finally?) this summer at Maxwell— we can all agree the best part of that was running into so many of our classmates again. I saw Andrew Gray, who after SOS will be continuing his tour in the F-22 and opening a combat squadron at Tyndall AFB next year.

I was joined in my flight by fellow grads Caleb Pickard and Patrick “Meat” Chapman. Patrick recently returned home from Afghanistan flying A-10s,

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Class News Lt. Roslyn Schulte Cadet Character and Leadership Award during graduation week and it was wonderful to not only see Roz’s family and friends at the ceremony, but also to see her outstanding spirit living on through the nominees from the Class of 2013. In June, Erin’s husband attended Eric Broyles wedding to his sweetheart, Liz Brossett, in Pensacola Beach where the couple first met. It was a mini-Shadow Seven reunion with Nate Arneson, Edward Montgomery and Julia Mahaffey flying in from all corners of the world to celebrate with the happy couple! Here is an updated family photo from Erin.

and Caleb, along with Richard Harr are on their way back for the 1000th time to the AOR. There were too many grads at SOS to list them all, but I was glad to see them and hope we continue to cross paths in the future.

Andy Gray and his wife also welcomed a new baby girl, Madison, to the family for a total of three daughters in his growing family. Congrats on all of the good news Andy! Speaking of the growing long blue line, congrats are in order for Megan Moran, who with her husband, Ben, welcomed their first child, Emily Grace into the world on 15 May 13. Also, Anthony Stinton and his wife, Katie, live in Colorado Springs. Anthony is teaching management Sabre Society department at USAFA. Katie gave birth to their first Donors child, a daughter named Julia, on 21 May this year.

Michael Chua sent us a long-range update from Kabul—he should be home by the time this issue is published. He is serving with fellow classmate Chris Goshorn out there, who has a long way to go still but is looking forward to his R&R. Dan Moss is counting down the days of his deployment, and he has a lot to look forward to! He recently got engaged to Sofi Miles when he proposed at the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio at 2006 local time (see photo). They plan to married next spring, and both will be living at Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina. Dan is currently flying C-130 H2s there. Hurry home Dan!

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Erin (Frazier) Boone wrote from back on the hill where she has been teaching English for almost two years now. She absolutely adores teaching, but somewhere along the line since graduation we’ve apparently hit that age where the current cadets think that we are ancient! This was especially true this past semester when she taught through the end of her pregnancy and her students continually commented that they were shocked by “how pregnant” she was! She’s heard a similar tale from my old roommate, Rachel (DenHoed) Grant, when they met up here in the Springs before her recent move to Delaware—she is out of the Air Force now. Erin was also able to meet Rachel and Yuba Grant’s adorable second son, who arrived this past spring. Erin’s second daughter, Anelle Linnea, was born on March 26th, 2013. Erin’s older daughter, Aoife, turned eighteen months that week and even though she is still little herself she is really taking to her baby sister very well! Right after maternity leave Erin emceed the 1st

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Another reunion is happening in a tropical place -- Hawaii! Jenny (Evans) Miller and her husband Jesse Miller (’05) are in Hawaii flying as instructor pilots in the C-17. She joins fellow classmates Justin Taylor and Kimo Yamashiro flying around and living in paradise. By the time you read this, I will be settling in (freezing?) in Anchorage as I start my second assignment as a JAG at Elmendorf. I hope if you are ever in the area you look me up—and always please keep the updates coming!

Casey (Bayne) Whitson 32741 Pointe Stirling, Apt. F Dana Point, CA 92629 (310) 343-5969 email@caseywhitson.com

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(6 Sabre Society Donors) Hi Class of 2007!

I hope you are all having a great summer. I received a lot of wonderful updates this quarter, thank you everyone for sending them in. Please keep the updates coming!

Weddings: Nick Burton married his partner Marc Galbraith on July 4, 2013 in Provence Town, MA. They met in 2011 while Nick was stationed in L.A. and two years later tied the knot. Nick separated from the Air Force in Dec 2012; he and Marc received job offers in Salt Lake City and decided to start their lives together there. Congrats Nick and Marc, we wish you many years of happiness!

Nick and Marc Daniel “DT” Taylor married his beautiful bride, Emily Carter, on May 3, 2013 in Cancun, Mexico. ’07ers in attendance were Pall Dan Green, Kim

Brady and Kyle Vaughn. Thanks for the great photo DT; wishing you and Emily an amazing future together.

The Taylor Wedding Monica (Wu) Pickenpaugh wrote in about her recent wedding, “On 21 July, I married Joseph Pickenpaugh (VMI ‘08 grad) in Palmer Lake, CO. He is also an active duty Air Force Civil Engineer. I am currently teaching Civil and Environmental Engineering at USAFA and he is doing base level Civil Engineering at Peterson AFB. Included in our wedding party were Vinny Grossman, Stephanie Rice, Debra Koenigsberger and Will Clemmer.” Thank you for the update Monica; we are so happy for you both and look forward to more updates as you build your lives together!

Babies: Jordan (Wilhelm) Smith and her husband, Dustin Smith (’06) gave birth to Callen Wilhelm (4 lbs 12 oz) and Wilder Cole (5 lbs 5 oz) on May 17, 2013, at 34 weeks. Both Callen and Wilder are doing great and over 10 lbs each now! Jordan was to the bar exam after which the family was moving to Destin, FL, where they will be stationed at Hurlburt Field. Jordan and Dustin are hoping that Callen and Wilder will be future Falcons!

Congrats Smith Family and good luck on the bar exam Jordan!

ficially separated from active duty on 1 Feb. Erin is currently an ALO in the Reserves and Danny is a T-1 FAIP. Erin is hoping to go back to school once they PCS in the fall. Erin and Danny, we have one question for you: is Grady a future USAFA class of 2035 lacrosse or soccer player?

New Assignments: Stephen Greenwade sent in a great update on his new assignment, “My wife (Melissa) and daughter (Rael, just turned 1) are with me at Randolph AFB for T-6 Pilot Instructor Training. We are en route to Pensacola NAS for our next assignment. We are moving from Cheyenne, WY where we just finished an assignment flying C-130s. We love the warmer weather down here in Texas and are celebrating the 4th of July here with family.” Pensacola will be an awesome assignment Steve, safe travels and enjoy the Florida beaches!

Other News: Lanie (Scott) Wolf wrote in to tell us about her and husband, Nolan Wolf’s, new business venture. After Nolan separated from the AF, he and Lanie decided to open a beer store in Savannah, GA. It’s going great and they’ve only been open for 2 weeks. Please check them out at www.thebeergrowler.net or they have a Facebook page The Beer Growler Savannah. Also several articles were written recently about their business, take a look http://businessinsavannah.com/bis/2013-07-16/ svannahs-drayton-tower-beer-growler-opens-45-tap-system-providesbeer-jugs-go#.UeVlh9LVCSo. If you are visiting Savannah, stop in and visit Nolan and Lanie and taste some great beer at The Beer Growler.

Daniel Henney officially separated from the Air Force on 23 July 2013 and is headed to the University of Texas at Austin. He will become a member of the full-time MBA program class of 2015. UT Austin agreed to cover the remainder of his tuition after using the 60% of the GI Bill he is eligible for. He’s essentially got a full ride. Great job Dan! Dan plans to go into management consulting after he graduates but he is also in the middle of trying out for Army special forces/green berets. If he’s selected then he’ll go to training for a couple years. If he goes down this route then he wants to enter the guard after his Special Forces time and finish his last 1.5 years of business school then. Good luck with everything Dan, let us know how everything pans out!

I am also separating from the Air Force on 29 Sept 2013. I applied for voluntary early separation and was approved. I’ll be starting at Wells Fargo as a Financial Advisor in Mission Viejo, CA on 19 Aug. My husband, Dave, was recently assigned to Coast Guard Station San Diego and we are moving to Dana Point, CA. I’m extremely grateful for my time in the Air Force and for all of the amazing friends I’ve made. Looking forward to this next chapter.

Have a great summer every one and when you get a second drop me a note on Facebook or an email with a quick update.

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Christin Brodie christin.brodie@ramstein.af.mil cbrodie2@icloud.com

Members

(2 Sabre Society Donors)

The Smith Family Erin (Fitzpatrick) Bellissimo and Danny Bellissimo wrote in about the birth of their son Grady James Bellissimo. Grady was born on May 20, 2013. His first name is after Danny’s mom’s maiden name, McGrady, and his middle name is Erin’s dad’s first name. Erin left the Athletic Department at USAFA and moved to Enid, OK at the end of December and of-

Class of ’08, We have a couple of good news stories from this quarter. I heard from Kasey (Wilson) and Stewart Hawkins who have both recently graduated from graduate school. Kasey just spent the last three years at the University of San Francisco School of Law through the Air Force FLEP (Funded

The Bellissimo Family

Kasey and Stewart Hawkins at Kasey’s Law School graduation.

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Class News Legal Education Program), which enabled her to stay active duty and get her law degree paid for by the Air Force. She graduated with her Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude. Stewart got his master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and completed the French program at the Defense Language Institute. Now, the two of them are at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Please congratulate Seth Horner who married Katy Lutrell (’07) in San Diego in August. Congrats Seth! Jethro Sadorra and his wife, Ashley, are enjoying married life in the UK. Jet completed SOS and is now on group staff with the 352 SOG while Ashley is the Environmental Section Chief at RAF Lakenheath. Jet offered their place for any fellow ’08ers, so you have about 2 years left to visit England and take him up on it!

Jake Petro, Sean Callahan, and Lukas J. Kaspari are now proud dads as well!

MARRIED:

Jason “CHICKEN” Pallo took a break from coaching football and parttime male modeling to get hitched!

Jet and Ashley Sadorra at their favorite local restaurant.

I’m sure we have all heard about the ill fate of Shell77 and our classmates Tyler Voss and Tory (Castro) Pinckney. There are coins, shirts and even a book available via Facebook and members of the tanker community. On Sept. 6, 2013 at 1630 there was a ceremony to add their names to the Graduate Memorial Wall in the Air Gardens.

If you have anything you would like to share with our class, please contact me! Send a Facebook message, an email (cbrodie2@icloud.com) or even find me on the Global. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your news.

Until our paths cross again, Brodie.

Forrest Underwood PSC 2, Box 9538 APO AE 0012 forrestunderwood@gmail.com Facebook: Forrest J. Underwood

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Members

Thank you to all of our classmates and family members who have sent in updates to our Class of 2009, Air Force Academy Facebook Page! We’re up to 254 Likes now! We still have a ways to go, so when you’ve finished this article, get online and go to our page. In the future, as people send me info, I’ll post it to the page or feel free to post yourself. Now you guys have another means of sharing your baby pictures with the world!

If anyone reading this knows any social media gurus, please give me their information. We need help taking our Class to the next level! BABIES:

Rooney Conley and Scott Adamson Rooney Conley and Scott Adamson are keeping the ’09 bloodline strong now that they’ve tied the knot.

Nate Smith, Brooklyn Mauss, Alycia Clore, Big Nick Kennedy, and power couple Mark Pratt & Jess Stewart all got married as well! JEFF Randolph is still single.

OTHER SPOOGE: Brooks Crane finished an Ironman proving that he is, in fact, THE Ironman.

Dr. Joe Migs, father of 2, finished medical school without even breaking a sweat challenging Kanye West and Brad Dewees for the spot as #1 Human.

Sabre Society Capt. Jack Munson is the acting Sq/CC of the 700 Donors CONS in Germany as the most senior unrated officer in the Squadron.

The MC-12 survived Cody Sweat, I’m not sure the student pilots of Columbus AFB will be able to say the same upon his return.

Mike Knapp is now the SAPR POC in his squadron. If you have any questions, please call DSN 480-7272.

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Members Todd Gamiles 2010checkpoints@gmail.com (503) 367-0717

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) Robbie Glenn. Fighter pilot by day, baby daddy by night.

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(Editor’s note: We did not get a column from Todd for this issue due to a PCS. Please send him your inputs and photos for the next magazine.)

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Elizabeth Borroni 8149 A Johnson St. Del Rio, TX 78840 (979) 571-1180 elizabeth.borroni@gmail.com

Members

Greetings 2011ers!

First and foremost, I hope everyone is doing great. Fall is always my favorite time of the year because that means FALCON FOOTBALL! I love watching the games and I’m hoping this year we can bring back the Commander’s-in-Chief Trophy to its rightful place! Big game dates this year include: @ Navy on 10/05/12 and we play Army at home on 11/02/13. I plan on going to the Army game and if you are too, let me know and we can set up a tailgate for the Class of 2011! Hope to see y’all there!

We have a few updates since last quarter, so thank Sabre Society Donors you to all who submitted!

Assignments: Harrison Paull recently arrived at None Yet Little Rock AFB to learn how to fly the mighty C-130H Hercules! He will be stationed here in Arkansas and I know he must be excited since he is back in his home state! Clay Adair will begin his next assignment at Hickam AFB to fly the C-17; how lucky is he?

What a great assignment! And finally, Paul Driggers has recently moved to Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE to fly the RC-135 with his wife, Andrea, and their son Oliver. I hope you will be able to catch some games at the College World Series next summer!

David and Kim Finally, over 4th of July weekend I was able to attend the wedding of Kaylyn Arvidson and 2010 graduate, David Leibrand. The wedding was held in Parkers Prairie, MN and fellow 2011 classmates that were in attendance were Lamin Jackson, Kim (Burghardt) Jackson, Carrie Tengelsen, Marie Gaudreault and Jessi (Hildebrand) Pitts. The wedding was a great time!

Congratulations to all of y’all!

Kaylyn and David

Paul, Andrea and baby Oliver Weddings/Engagements: Congratulations to Robert Lloyd on his engagement to Victoria Reeves. Rob proposed in February while in Dayton, OH and they have set their ceremony date for 28 Sept 13!

More exciting news: Congratulations to Katie (Barber) Bronson! Not only are she and her husband, Jordan, expecting their first child in December, but she has also been selected as Maintenance Support Professional of the Year (2012) for USAFE. Keep up the great work Katie! Katie will also be moving back to the United States in August to work at Ft. Meade and be with her husband who will be stationed at Dover to fly C-17s.

Thanks again for all the updates Class of Olds! Please keep the good news coming! You can always reach me via email, phone or Facebook! I would love to hear from you! Until next time – Liz

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LeRoi Edwards leroi.edwards@gmail.com

Robert and Victoria Congrats to Justin Mitnaul and Bethany Rossoll! They were married on April 6, 2013 in Denver, CO. Classmates in attendance were Trent Melcher, Nate Miller, Daniel Liu, and Sam Hill. David Asche and Kim Baguez were married on Dec 8, 2012 in San Antonio, TX. David is currently stationed at Canon AFB in Clovis, NM where he and Kim reside with their two dogs Whiskey and Bailey.

Members

Hap! As always it is a pleasure to reflect on the awesomeness of 2012.

Unfortunately, there were not many people sending updates my way. Luckily, I am the only “EDWARDS, LEROI G” on the global and a few people were able to scrape together some sentiments for the class. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail, phone, snapchat, and/or facebook with any news. I will even present news that your buddies might not appreciate.

Sabre Society In lieu of incriminating stories and photos, we have Donors news from Kaylee Hay. Together with their friends and family, Kaylee Hay, Class of 2012 from Liberty, MO and Benjamin Ausbun, Class of 2010 from Puyallup, WA were married at the University Club in Denver, CO May 26, 2013. Hay is the Chief of Public Affairs at Vandenberg AFB, CA and

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Class

News

Ausbun will fly F-16s at Hill AFB, UT. The couple hopes to be stationed together in the Spring of 2014.

An Angelic Anderson baptism.

Kaylee and Ben on their wedding day.

Though the air is rare, Colorado seemed to be the place for weddings this Spring. Reed Fleming, Class of 2012, and the exquisite Jennifer Bremser, Class of 2013, tied their knot in the chapel on June 29, 2013. Many of us watched this relationship through its entirety as Jennifer and Reed are proud members of the coveted 2% club. Congratulations you two!

Similar to babies, the Class of 2012 will be experiencing more of another thing in the coming months of our careers. Deployments are the name of the game, and right now I believe Colton Floyd is winning. A Security Forces Officer, Colton is in a fast-paced high-tempo career field and is already toughing it out in the desert. Once he is back stateside, I’ll be sure to collect photos and stories. Until then, keep all of our classmates in your minds and hearts.

Class of the one-and-only General Henry Harley “Hap” Arnold, I salute you. I hope you all enjoyed seeing Cadets on Ops AF this Summer and I hope that you reached out. Like the Wu-Tang Clan, Class of 2012 ain’t nothing to mess with. Cheers Comrades! Sincerely, LeRoi. PS – Don’t forget to get involved with the Class of 2012’s Five Star Commitment Program: http://www.usafa.org/endowment/classgiving2012.

Congratulations USAFA Class of:

Reed and Jennifer living the dream.

Besides weddings, there are more and more Hap-tastic infants running around these days. Shauna and Jim Anderson are enjoying tireless love for their new baby girl Fiona Margaret Anderson born on June 21, 2013 at 1234 Zulu.

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The Association of Graduates congratulates the Curtis E. LeMay Class on their recent graduation. Beginning with the next magazine, the Class of 2013 will have a Class News column in this book.

Any volunteer class scribes and/or the class president please contact class news editor, Tom Kroboth, at Tom. Kroboth@aogusafa.org.

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Final Thought Service Before Self

By David Bergeman

For the second summer in a row the Pikes Peak Region has been devastated by fire, this time in Black Forest. Sadly, the disaster claimed a member of the Air Force Academy family; Robin (Johnson) Herklotz ’84 and her husband perished after being caught in the heart of the blaze. The fire proved to be the most destructive in Colorado history, as it claimed over 500 homes and caused an estimated $300 million in damage. Hundreds of graduates were evacuated and several lost their homes.

AOG Board member, Col. (Ret.) Larry Fariss ’75, lost his home within five hours of the fire’s ignition. Led by head coach Joel Sharratt, 24 members of the Air Force Academy wrestling team spent the afternoon of August 25th helping clear Fariss’ five-acre property in Black Forest.

The enthusiastic group of cadets dug ditches and staked logs into the hillside to help prevent erosion. The grapplers also pulled several tons of metal out of the debris from Fariss’ home so it could be recycled.

“It’s an amazing amount of work to clear this property. My wife and I are humbled and touched because of all of the effort. I played sports and had numerous jobs at the Academy, and I paid it forward, and it’s come back in spades. I am so grateful for the work they did,” said Fariss, who is a former wrestler and football team captain.

“Colonel Fariss is a good person and he has always been involved with the wrestling team, so getting to help him was great,” said wrestling team captain C1C Devin Hightower. “Getting out in the community and especially helping out with these fires we’ve had, is very important.”

“The theme of the day was Service Before Self,” Fariss explained, “It’s one of our core values at the Academy and these cadets really demonstrated that principle. This makes me proud to have been a Falcon and it makes me proud of our current Falcons.”

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

www.RusinakRealEstate.com Vince Rusinak, ’68 Vince@Rusinak.com

Nancy Rusinak Brother, R. Berthiaume, ’73

Nancy@Rusinak.com

Rusinak Real Estate, Inc. 7150 North Academy Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719.590.6110 Toll Free: 1.800.789.6650